A manager who looks after his client’s welfare. Keeps him/her on the straight and narrow.

Negotiates lucrative sponsorships. Negotiate terms with his club/ Write speeches, remembering never to use ”this point in time” inthe speech!!! Handle all investments to provide for a cushy post-career life. Fields all media requests.  Fend off potential parasites. Warn of the perils of drugs and alcohol and don’t engage in “groupie” entrapments..

Goes on and on.

In the mid-seventies I became the first ever manager of an Australian sportsman.

My “stable’ included four of Rugby League’s greatest players, Arthur Beetson, Tom Raudonikis,   Bobby Fulton and  Bob McCarthy, the South Sydney Rabbitohs express second rower.

However, my life as a manager was short-lived.

I was a close friend of David Prince, a former Commonwealth Games gold medalist over the hurdles. He became the national sales manager for the iconic footwear company, Adidas.

Over a beer at the notorious Clock Hotel in Redfern, David told me he would like to sponsor my Rugby League clients.

He offered serious money for my players to wear Adidas football boots for the next two years.

This all happened on a Thursday evening. The boots, with the players’ blessing, were delivered to each of them on the Friday for them to wear on the Saturday ( no Sunday football back then.)

Much to my dismay I saw three of my players run out onto the SCG wearing Puma boots.

I was left speechless. I then got a phone call from a colleague covering a game at Belmore. He told me one of my other clients was wearing Puma, Adidas’, competitor..

After the game a the SCG I stormed into the players’ dressing room, demanding an explanation.

Said Fulton: “We found the Adidas boot a little uncomfortable so decided to stick with Puma.”

Yes, spot on. We lost the Adidas contract!

That left me with one client-the ever-so-attractive golfer Jan Stephenson.

I later wrote an article for the game’s official program predicting that in a few years time managers would be a dime a dozen.

Some are parasites, others the real deal.

But if you are a youngster with a goal of making as much money as you can through your sporting skills, by all means appoint a manager and then, take his advice, even if  the boot doesn’t fit.

For the Love of Tennis:

The Bowral Tennis Club is looking for members.

For a mere $72 you can become a member of one of the best run clubs in the highlands.

“We have about 300 members on our books but need an influx of new blood,” said. President Amanda Dening.

“We have eight courts and welcome new members by organising all their requirements. Young people seem to be steering away from the game. We offer juniors a reduced joining fee of $44.

Problem is, Amanda, young players no longer have a hero to motivate them. Kyrgios and Tomic just don’t fit the bill.

For enquiries about joining, phone: 4861 4529

Valentine Holmes:

With a handle like Valentine Holmes,you could be excused for thinking he was a Rugby player.

Not yet, but…

Valentine Holmes scored five tries, yes, five, playing for Australia against Samoa in the Rugby League World Cup on the weekend.

He is the hottest property on the football market.’

Pace, acceleration, swerve, side-step..the complete attacking package. He played with No.5 on his back but he could excel in any position in a backline.

History tells us that few Rugby League players cut the mustard when they switch codes. Israel Folau is an exception but there are not too many others.

However, there are a score of Rugby players who have earned big dollars when signing up to the “greatest game of all.”,

Second-rower,Dick Thornett, centre John Brass, five-eighth Phil Hawthorne, half-back Ricky Stuart, fullback/centre Tony Paskins to name a handful.

Valentine would be a natural/ The NRL want to make sure he isn’t tempted to walk. He has become Rugby League’s veritable meal ticket.

Nasty Observation of the Week:

The headline in the Sun-Herald this week read: “Pearce Feels Roosters Betrayed Him.”

Mitchell Pearce, once again, spitting the dummy.

He feels unwanted since the Roosters signed five-star half-back Cooper Cronk as their first choice No.7 for next season..

Mitchell you have a President at the Roosters in Nick Politis. I have known Nick for nigh on 50-years.

I am yet to meet a more loyal sporting administrator.

You know what he has done for you through thick and thin.

You would be well advised to start running the ball instead of taking pot-shots at people who have nurtured you for so long.