Tackle 1: A huge ratings win for rugby league

After the NRL's total domination of the AFL in the head-to-head Grand Final ratings battle, the independent commission should be lambasted if they fail to strike a new television deal worth well over $1 billion with a promise of complete live coverage around Australia for every match. The NRL decider - with a match that lacked a marquee match-up - was watched by 3.97 million viewers on Sunday while the AFL - in a battle between its last two champions and also including its most popular club - was watched by 3.42 million. This, despite the NRL Grand Final not being shown live into either Adelaide or Perth, while the AFL decider was shown live across the country. In regional areas, the NRL won out - 1.15 million to 788,000. The NRL also attracted more viewers in Melbourne (362,000) than the AFL, who have invested so heavily in Sydney, received in the home of rugby league (258,000). It is imperative that the NRL realises its position in the market now and starts getting aggressive with broadcasters in terms of money and coverage. No longer can the NRL afford to be emasculated by the likes of Nine and Fox Sports.

Tackle 2: Sulking Stewarts out of order

Brett and Glenn Stewart embarrassed themselves and the game with their public display of spite directed towards David Gallop in the post-game presentations. The Stewarts have harboured resentment towards Gallop for what they perceive as an unfair four-week suspension of Brett at the start of the 2009 season for what the NRL says was drinking-related and what Manly believe was a result of the sexual misconduct charge laid against him. There is no doubt the suspension was unfair: Stewart was not given a presumption of innocence and subsequent misbehaviour has not resulted in similarly weighted suspensions. But to use the Grand Final presentation to publicly humiliate Gallop when he had no chance to respond was the behaviour of weak bullies. It was gutless and it was stupid. Both should be embarrassed by their behaviour, particularly after both played so well in the Grand Final win.

Tackle 3: The rise and rise of Daly Cherry-Evans

The astonishing rise of Manly halfback Daly Cherry-Evans was capped on Sunday with a remarkable Grand Final performance and inclusion in Australia's Four Nations squad. Cherry-Evans has had a remarkable rookie season, rising from unwanted Queensland Cup player in 2010 to the Dally M Rookie of the Year and the premiership winning halfback in 2011. He was arguably the best afield on Sunday, scoring a try and setting up another while laying the foundation for the win with an outstanding kicking game. He could easily have been awarded the Clive Churchill Medal. He got the added bonus of being named in the Four Nations squad, a deserved call-up as a back-up half. He is such a smart, skilful, composed talent and one that has a huge future ahead of him.

Tackle 4: Terrible T-Rex decision

The decision to select Manly substitute second-rower Tony Williams in the 24-man Kangaroos team is as absurd as it is stupid and it completely devalues the Australian jersey. Just as the Australian cricket team did for so many years, selectors of the national rugby league team are absurdly picking players on potential and marketability over the best available players. Williams has been no better than fair this year: in 17 regular season game he managed six tries and a try assist but more tellingly only 9 tackles a game while missing two to go with 72 metres, 4 tackle breaks and 0.33 offloads a match. In Sunday's decider, he managed 47 minutes of action with only seven runs for 40 metres and just 12 tackles with one missed and a further five ineffective. Williams has potential but there is no way he is in Australia's best 24 available players and no way he deserved to be selected ahead of players like Chris Houston, Beau Scott, Dallas Johnson, Matt Gillett, David Stagg, Nathan Hindmarsh, Michael Crocker and Luke Douglas.

Tackle 5: Des to the Dogs

Despite Des Hasler's denials, a move to Canterbury in 2012 is very much on the cards. Hasler has said he hopes to stay at Manly, intends on being at Manly next year but he has not categorically denied that he won't entertain outside interest. Canterbury have offered Hasler a huge deal and the two-time premiership winning coach is unhappy with a number of things at Manly including the value of his contract and the new front office regime that outed long-time friend Peter Peters. If Hasler leaves, there is every chance recruitment manager Noel Cleal will also go while a number of players have get-out clauses should Hasler move on. There is no doubt Manly will be scrambling to keep their premiership winning coach and it would seem Hasler's preference is to stay at the Sea Eagles but it would come as no surprise at all if Hasler was in charge at Belmore in 2012. As the Ross Lyon defection in the AFL showed, any move is possible.

Tackle 6: Hoppa heads west

There is no doubt the Manly faithful will be devastated that they have lost one of the most exciting prospects in rugby league in Will Hopoate. An outstanding three-quarter with a wonderful set of tools that include speed, skill, composure and flair, combined with a good attitude and a strong work ethic, is reportedly off to Parramatta after he completes his two-year Mormon mission. It is a highly risky play for the Eels, however, who can hardly afford to burn money on risky prospects. Hopoate will be out of the game and professional sport for two seasons, a lifetime in rugby league, and Parramatta were one win away from the wooden spoon this year. The Eels would be better off spending money on sure-fire bets rather than risky propositions like Hopoate after a two-year absence.