2
Big Theo’s
opinion
Lawn mowing & Garden Maintenance • AFFORDABLE PRICES • RELIABLE • FRIENDLY SERVICE Also: General & yard cleanups Gutter cleaning General & yard cleanups Rubbish removal FOR A PROFESSIONAL JOB CALL 0412 246 682
EDITOR'S DESK
troy.dodds@innercityweekender.com.au
The footy’s back: Romantic Friday night movies on hold until October I took my girlfriend out for a lovely dinner in the city last week, as I do every year at this time. No, it wasn’t her birthday. Not an anniversary either. A bit late for Valentine’s Day, too. No, this annual occasion is all about the return of something that dominates the next 30 weeks: the footy season. Romantic Friday nights in are replaced with Ray Warren, Phil Gould and the boys delivering live footy from somewhere in the country. Saturday night outings become all about a visit to the Blue Mountains (followed by Penrith Stadium), a lovely dinner in Leichhardt (followed by 80 minutes at Leichhardt Oval) or a nice drive over to the north shore (via Brookvale Oval). Sunday drives are still in but the radio must be on either the 2GB Continuous Call Team or David Morrow over at the ABC. Monday nights? Who cares about ‘The Block’ anyway? You get the picture. So with the season kicking off this weekend, I thought I’d make a few predictions about what 2014 will bring. The Roosters will go back to back Not since Brisbane in 1992-1993 has a team gone back to back to win the premiership, but I honestly believe the Roosters will emerge as the
2014 premiers come October. They’ve barely had a change in their roster, have speed and strength all over the park and to me, just appear to be a complete footy side. I do expect they’ll start slowly but ultimately will be too strong for what other sides have to offer. Improvements in the west I really think you’ll see two western Sydney teams do better this year – the Panthers and Eels. Penrith have recruited better than any other side in the competition and with Jamal Idris, Jamie Soward and Elijah Taylor now calling the foot of the Mountains home, they have something special. Under new coach Brad Arthur, I can’t see the Eels winning their third wooden spoon and I reckon they’ll improve this season. I don’t think they can make the eight, but the blue and gold army will have plenty to smile about.
TROY DODDS @troydodds
The boys up north have one year left to run
Queensland will win again I hate to say it, but Queensland will win the 2014 State of Origin series, and win it 3-0. The dominance of the Queenslanders has, in my view, one year left to run. This is such an awesome team, and while the tide will turn once again at some point, it won’t be this year. So Blues fans, get ready to hear that Queensland victory song just one more time.
177ICDCON
T S O M R FO
and ility Care b a Dis nity are, ommu C d Nurse in as Age e and C little as 5 WEEKS Hom
FREE
Train on the wards practically Your own NURSE COACH Job opportunities with our agency We offer: First Aid Cert III Aged Care, Disability and Health and Community Care Cert IV Aged Care Stepping stone to EN/RN/UNI Award winning college
Established Since 1990 Terms & Conditions
9576 7282
www.austnursingandtraining.com.au RTO Partner No: 0812
Man fatally shot on busy street in Petersham BASIL NAIMET
A
@ICWJournalist
man has been fatally shot on Railway Street, Petersham this week, leaving police with a serious investigation to complete. On Tuesday night at around 11pm, police and emergency services were called to Railway Street where it is believed they found a 44-year-old man on the footpath suffering a gunshot wound.
Police established a crime scene on Railway Street. Although paramedics tried to revive the man, he died at the scene. A neighbour who did not want to be named told the Weekender they heard a number of shots fired. “We heard around half a dozen shots. We thought they were fireworks,” the witness said. They said they didn’t go outside because they did not think it was anything more sinister than fireworks being let off.
Acting Superintendent Alf Sergi from Marrickville Police said a number of police units were involved with the investigation and search for those responsible including Polair, police rescue for lighting, forensics, ballistics and imagery. He said it was too early to say what the victim from Ashfield was doing in the area, however lines of enquiry were being pursued. When asked if he was surprised the shooting took place near a busy road [close to Parramatta Road] the Superintendent admitted he was. “It is surprising it’s a pretty peaceful sought of neighbourhood generally,” Mr Sergi said. Police are urging anyone who saw or heard any suspicious activity in the street to contact Crime Stoppers.
177ICD3890
Friday 7 March 2014 the inner city weekender
Stories, suggestions & comments: Basil Naimet (02) 9549 1196 basil.naimet@innercityweekender.com.au Advertising Toni Porter (02) 9549 1190 toni.porter@innercityweekender.com.au Booking deadline Tuesday 5pm Material deadline Wednesday 5pm The Inner City Weekender provides cost effective, targeted advertising for your business. Printed by: Spotpress Pty Ltd 24-26 Lilian Fowler Place Marrickville NSW 2204 177ICDFIL
(02) 9549 1190 Distribution: 30,000 (Publisher's Claim)