Mardo is based in New South Wales, Australia and is our correspondent for both codes of rugby.  He has represented two nations in different sports, playing Rugby League for Japan and wrestling for Australia.  He has also played Rugby Union in Japan, Guam, Australia and Hong Kong.  He is now a rugby union referee.  Among the other sports he has played at amateur level are hockey, gridiron, basketball, indoor cricket, indoor soccer and squash.

Mardo says: “I love the challenge, and self discipline of sport, but most of all I love how easy it is to find something in common with someone even if you have only just met them.”

Most admired current player in rugby union and league: Union, Phil Waugh, Because he leads from the front and does his job VERY well.  League: Steve Menzies, Retired from NRL a champion, no Scandals, well known family man, and is now facing new challenges in European League.

Best rugby moment witnessed: The Kiwi's defeating the Kangaroos in the Rugby League World Cup final last year. A very exciting and entertaining game, and the best result possible for league as an international game.

Best personal sporting moment:  In Rugby League in Japan, winning the North Pacific Club Challenge for the Kagoshima Broncos defeating the New York Knights.

Best sporting event attended:  2000 Sydney Olympics, as a volunteer, 2 weeks of sport as it should be.

What to look forward to in 2010:  2010 will be another strong year for Australian Rugby League with the Four Nations being played in the Southern Hemsiphere.

Who will win the Tri-Nations:  I expect the All Blacks to go all out in their efforts to win a World Cup on home soil in 2011 and keep the South Africans out of the number one spot.