Strange but true: things to ponder

The true consequences of Ryan Hoffman's concussion may only be felt in 20 years. Photo / Getty Images

A few surprising things in sport:

1. Ryan Hoffman

The State of Origin selection's concussion should be more of an issue. Once again, the language being used is misleading and outdated. The idea that medics know whether a person is okay is ridiculous. The true consequences may only be felt in 20 years. This is what could be said by a player such as Hoffman, who has been concussed twice in the past month. "I know there is a huge risk and I might be drooling at the mouth and wondering what my wife's name is when I'm 60. But it's a risk we are prepared to take. It's a freedom of choice issue." Hoffman claimed he was fine, having been cleared by New South Wales and Warriors' medical staff. He blamed bad luck. This is standard issue stuff, and a situation for sport overall to come to grips with. So I'm not pinning this on Hoffman, a great professional who reflects the era he was brought up in. But kids deserve better guidance from those who should - and do - know better.

2. Footy referees

It's surprising anyone wants to be a referee, a job that attracts the sort of accolades traditionally reserved for parking wardens. The humiliation is so public, and is made worse because it occurs while the refs run around ruining everything for a load of revered superstars. It's a bit like making the head of Inland Revenue play the bagpipes on stage with the Rolling Stones. Each ref must go into the job thinking, "I'll be the one that breaks the mould, who is so good that I'll be adored by fans and universally respected by coaches and players." Then that first famous howler comes along.

3. Vinny Munro

Normally on the mark so how did he get that late Chiefs-Hurricanes decision so wrong. It would be interesting to hear Munro's explanation, and how he views it now.

4. Hurricanes and Super Rugby favouritism

They were decidedly vulnerable at home against the Chiefs, who played half the game without locks. The Hurricanes - with a history of being bridesmaids at best - didn't look like the No1 contenders. Yet the TAB has them at strong $2.50 favourites, well ahead of the Waratahs.

5. The England cricket team and favouritism

... against New Zealand. Stereotypes die hard.

6. New Zealand Rugby

Still can't get over that Charles Piutau business, rubbing out a key player and drawcard of playing a swag of games for the Blues next year because he was off to Ulster before Super Rugby concludes. No wonder Eden Park is near-empty. It reminded a colleague of the days when any rugby person seen within two blocks of a league scout was immediately put in leg irons.

7. Lydia Ko

Ko has fallen off the radar when she should still be big news. Whatever the reasons, Ko fever - even a mild one - is proving hard to sustain.

8. The All Blacks' injury toll

Significant, and yet the lack of panic is palpable. The buildup to this World Cup is far less intense than in 2011, when an alleged four million demented fans demanded an All Black victory on home soil to right the wrongs.

9. England rugby's tough stance on Manu Tuilagi

Tuilagi was critical to England's World Cup hopes. He's been scratched because of an assault case, and good on England for taking such an unusually strong stand. This move has promoted the selection case for Sam Burgess - the ex-league star has a lot of learning to do and won't be a finished article by World Cup time. He would be exposed by good teams, but could also do some damage.