Watch list: Phoenix make their play for the Plate
5 NFL draft, from today 11am — Sky
Pure Americana . . . no country does sport like this.
In New Zealand, you would be lucky to get an email if a player joins a rugby team.
In the US of A, they turn the NFL’s hoovering up of the best college talent into a glamorous show.
It is preceded by media mock drafts, predictions and profiles, in a land that loves a good story.
The potential draftees this time include young Aussie giant Jotham Russell, a former Brisbane Broncos academy prospect.
This year’s draft will be quarterback top-heavy led by 22-year-old Caleb Williams, who comes from the Patrick Mahomes’ school of Houdini playmakers.
The Chicago Bears have also scrambled well.
They did a deal last year with Carolina, who, by finishing last, handed the Bears the No 1 draft pick.
On such matters professional sporting fortunes turn, and Williams is heading Chicago’s way.
Catch the draft at viewer-friendly times today and tomorrow, and early on Sunday morning.
4 Crusaders v Rebels, tonight 7.05pm — Sky
For so long, the Crusaders represented rugby excellence, even in years when they fell short of the Super Rugby title.
Now they make compelling viewing to see how bad the team has become.
And a game that would once have been seen as a foregone conclusion could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back in terms of Rob Penney’s future, even though Crusaders boss Colin Mansbridge has dismissed the midseason sacking idea.
The Rebels organisation is broke, but Andrew Kellaway and company are strong on the field.
The return of Scott Barrett will embolden the Crusaders, but a shock Melbourne victory can’t be ruled out given the form they are showing this year.
3 Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal, Monday 1am — Sky
English Premier League rivalries hold a special place in world sport, and the North London derby is among the best of them. Arsenal are chasing the title and have just obliterated Chelsea.
Spurs are chasing Champions League football but were recently crushed in Newcastle, a result that has taken some of the shine away from Ange Postecoglou’s impressive first season as an EPL manager.
Postecoglou isn’t the only Aussie with a big part to play in this match. Queenslander Jarred Gillett will be the Video Assistant Referee, an increasingly controversial spot in world football.
And Gillett has a history of upsetting Arsenal fans. I smell trouble.
2 IndyCar Alabama, Monday 5am — Sky
Scott Dixon won last week. Scott McLaughlin won this road course race last year.
1 Wellington Phoenix v Macarthur, tomorrow 7.15pm — Sky
After 16 often drab seasons, the Phoenix are on the cusp of winning their first trophy going into the final game of the regular A-League season. If the table-topping Phoenix beat fourth-placed Macarthur, and Central Coast lose to Newcastle, the Premiers Plate goes to Wellington.
Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano says he won’t keep an eye on Central Coast’s game, but you can. The matches are on at the same time, covered on separate Sky channels.
Central Coast have a game in hand against Adelaide to be played on Wednesday, a match that could turn into the Premiers Plate decider if things don’t go the way of the Phoenix tomorrow night.