Inside the Sheds

I'M hearing Queesland Origin star Karmichael Hunt had a wild night out last month when his drink was spiked and he ended up in an Brisbane hospital emergency ward. Hunt, who is a superstar wherever he goes in Queensland, was apparently rattled by the incident. There's no suggestions the NSW Blues had anything to do with it, although we'd love to see someone poison the cane toads bananas before kickoff in Origin II.

WHAT about the debut from Parramatta winger Tony Williams. Some people were comparing him to Jonah Lomu. And the Eels let him sign for Manly after offering him a pittance. We can guarantee you Parramatta tried to get him to backflip at the last minute, only the Eels left their run too late. Manly will play him in the backrow next year.

WESTS Tigers decision to let inspirational captain Brett Hodgson go dumbfounds me. He's in the best touch of his career, adds vital experience and stability to their team and will leave a huge hole next year. Look for Shannon McDonnell, whose father Warren is the Tigers recruitment officer, to get first crack at the fullback role. We're tipping McDonnell won't be the right link, with young gun Tim Moltzen to finish up in the Wests custodian role.

ROOSTERS coach Brad Fittler cracked a mean whip after the Chooks loss to Manly last Sunday. Come Monday morning, the team went through a hardcore defensive session, just what they would have felt like after tackling themselves stupid less than 24 hours earlier. We like Fittler's style. Tough but fair.

STILL in Bondi Junction, Anthony Minichiello might have returned from his chronic back injury but we can tell you his career is well and truly at the crossroads. We hope Mini kicks on, but don't be surprised if struggles to stay on the field because of his condition.

HOPEFULLY the Money Bill Williams saga should finally get settled this week. My mail is Money's not happy about having to pay the manager he punted, Gavin Orr, $28,000 in management fees each year for the next five years. That's $140,000 over five years, minus tax. Apparently Orr also gets a big slice of Money's outside sponsorship deals. Please, end the circus. The man in the street chokes on his spuds every time Money starts whining about how tough he's got it and how there's no love at Belmore.

MARK Gasnier's call for a meeting with David Gallop surprised plenty of people. The players only met with Gallop last year after Willie blew up and threatened a strike. According to the NRL there's no pot of gold but I find that very hard to believe. I can tell you Darren Lockyer went to the NRL offices before Origin I for a meeting about how representative players can earn a greater slice of the pie from Origin and Test matches.