Black belts fight for footy glory

Black belt opponents Renee Noble and Jake Crimmins, both 10, of Success Martial Arts in South Lismore.DAVID NIELSEN

HOW many black belts does it take to win a tipping comp?

Well, in the case of the Northern Star advertisers’ tipping competition, the answer is 26.

At least that is the view of Richard Marlin from Success Martial Arts Dojo in Lismore.

Marlin has enlisted 26 of his martial arts masters to take turns at tipping a round of winners each, with an eye on the big prize – a package for two to attend the NRL Grand Final in Sydney.

And that is where the next question is raised.

How do you split a prize for two between 26 black belts, each of which have equal claims to the booty? Marlin has the answer.

“You hold a martial arts tournament between all 26 black belts, who are aged eight to 55, with the winner scoring the prize pack,” Mr Marlin said.

Meanwhile, readers will also be able to get in on the action as The Northern Star and Harvey Norman join forces for a tipping competition in which the three overall top tippers from APN newspapers will win a home theatre package valued at almost $5000.

You can play by going online to www.thenorthernstar.com.au/sport/ and entering the code published in each Wednesday’s Northern Star.

Results will be published each Friday.

There are some other great prizes on offer. Get your copy of today's Northern Star and turn to the advertisement on page 7 or go to www.thenorthernstar.com.au/footytips for more competition details.