RICHIE Benaud should be honoured at Manuka Oval.

He played for the PM’s XI four times and hit a massive 113 on one occasion in 1954.

The relationship between a sports commentator and an audience can be a turbulent one. A commentator treads a fine line between descriptive narrative and opinion.

This is why the late journalist and broadcaster was so popular among people who didn’t even like cricket.

He did more for the promotion of cricket than any other, apart from Sir Donald Bradman, who did it through his dominance as a player and as an administrator.

Like Bradman, Benaud promoted cricket without any self grandeur. He was an Australian captain; a journalist; a vital cog in the establishment of World Series Cricket, which revolutionised the game and, of course, a commentator.

I believe he could be recognised at Manuka in several ways. Given his relationship with the PM’s XI, why don’t the teams play for the Richie Benaud Trophy or the player of the match be awarded the Benaud Trophy?

With the redevelopment of Manuka Oval continuing, there is always the possibility of a stand being named in his honour, but the AFL would be more than justified in staking a claim for recognition for the likes of Alex Jesaulenko.

However, an award in his honour would provide a way for Canberra to highlight his role in the promotion of cricket.

Tough Kayla

WE talk in the media about the toughness of footballers: they suffer broken bones and we hail them for their courage.

However, they pale in comparison to the dangers faced by jockeys.

Twenty-year-old Canberra jockey Kayla Nisbet is a case in point. She is currently recovering from a broken leg suffered when her horse fell on her after rearing in the mounting yard.

Last year she suffered breaks in her wrist and foot, but still she keeps going.

Signing stars

IT would appear the Raiders, frustrated with rival teams signing their players after years of development, are heading in a different direction.

This season there are five new players; next season there is likely to be another five as the club continues to sign players from rival teams and the UK Super League.

If the NRL or other teams are upset by the Raiders’ tactics, they have only themselves to blame. The NRL should be compensating the Raiders for their development and not simply say it’s part of the game.