Broncos to table Barba offer

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BRISBANE are prepared to pay compensation to the Bulldogs as part of a severance package that will deliver Ben Barba to the Broncos until the end of 2017.

The Sunday Mail can reveal the Broncos will table a four-year deal for Barba, who is awaiting a formal clearance from Canterbury hierarchy after his management requested a release a fortnight ago.

Des Hasler stands as the final impediment to Barba's contract being rescinded, but it is understood the Bulldogs coach will not stop the Dally M Medallist joining the Broncos next season.

While Hasler was hopeful of securing a Plan B signing such as Israel Folau, Bulldogs sources said the coach will put Barba's family needs ahead of the club's recruitment pursuits.

Broncos boss Paul White and Canterbury counterpart Raelene Castle have had informal discussions about Barba. The Bulldogs have yet to formally ask for a transfer fee, but the Broncos expect that to occur and will duly compensate Canterbury for Barba's early release.

The fight for Barba's services intensified Saturrday, with his manager Gavin Orr confirming Brisbane's Queensland rivals - the Titans and Cowboys - had expressed interest in the 24-year-old.

But, privately, the Broncos are confident they will get their man.

Barba has officially ruled out a move to North Queensland. And while the Gold Coast is a consideration for Barba, whose ex-partner Ainslie Currie is moving to Brisbane with their two daughters, his signing with the Broncos appears a fait accompli.

Orr said Saturday night he had spoken to the Broncos about Barba's situation and outlined his preference to play for Brisbane.

The Sunday Mail can also reveal the Broncos plan to deploy Barba at fullback in 2014, despite the magnificent form of Josh Hoffman, who was man-of-the-match in Brisbane's 22-12 defeat of the Eels on Friday night.

"My gut feel is the Bulldogs will release him," Orr said.

"When Ben sat out earlier this season (due to personal issues), Todd Greenberg (recently-departed Bulldogs CEO) stood up and talked about the person's welfare being bigger than the club.

"Based on that, I would hope they sympathise with Ben's circumstances and let him go.

"I don't know how long it will take (to obtain a release), but hopefully I will hear something next week.

"I don't need to know whether there will be a compensation component. That's for the Broncos and Bulldogs to work out but it won't affect Ben's personal situation."

Brisbane's impending signing of Barba is a huge coup for the club. The Broncos have been pilloried for their recruitment methodology, but they have snared Maroons front-row hopeful Martin Kennedy from the Roosters and are likely to have Barba and Canberra sensation Anthony Milford on their books next season.

Orr said the Broncos would face competition from rival clubs for Barba's signature.

"Everyone says Ben will join the Broncos because they are closest to where Ainslie wants to settle, but the Titans are not far away," he said.

"Ben first needs to get a release from the Bulldogs and then we will talk to all interested parties.

"I've had a chat with the Broncos about the prospect of Ben getting a release. I've also spoken to the Titans and both suggested they would be interested once that happens.

"The Cowboys have also expressed an interest but Ben doesn't want to move that far ... his preference is Brisbane."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Milford prepared to boycott season

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ANTHONY Milford's manager says the Canberra sensation is prepared to emulate Gorden Tallis and sit out a full season if Raiders hierarchy try to block his return home.

And Milford, speaking for the first time since asking for a release, appealed for Canberra boss Don Furner to "understand my feelings" as the teenager seeks a return to his sick father in Brisbane.

That scenario would put the Broncos in the box seat to snare the hottest emerging talent in the NRL.

But the Milford saga is turning messy, with the Rugby League Players' Association watching events closely after receiving correspondence following the rookie's request for a release a fortnight ago.

Raiders boss Don Furner is playing hardball with Milford, insisting the club won't be mutually agreeing to a release by invoking a welfare clause relating to family illness.

But Milford's agent Sam Ayoub says the Raiders are powerless to stop the 19-year-old, who faces playing for affiliate club Souths Logan in the Queensland Cup if he returns home next season.

Former Queensland and Australia captain Gorden Tallis famously sat out the 1996 season when St George refused to rescind the final year of his contract for him to join the Broncos.

Sitting out the 2014 campaign is a last-resort option for Milford, but a course of action Ayoub says the boom rookie will take if the Raiders won't sign off on a release.

"I'm sick to death of Canberra trying to bully and intimidate Anthony," Ayoub said.

"It's ridiculous. Canberra really have no leg to stand on, it's a bit of grandstanding.

Anthony Milford in action for the Raiders.

"Anthony will sit out the season if he has to. I hope it won't come to that because he is entitled to have the clause terminated and I'm confident he will, simple as that.

"The reality is they can't stop him going.

"We have a legitimate clause based on circumstances, there was a lot of correspondence between us and Canberra and that correspondence will support our position.

"They told Anthony if you sign with us, your welfare is the most important thing, if you need to be with your family that's something we will certainly look to do for you.

"Now that he has become a top footballer, the welfare side of it goes out the window."

Furner says he has contacted the NRL but Ayoub says he has no intention of dealing with the code's hierarchy because the terms of Milford's contract are "black and white".

"I won't go to the NRL - I don't need to waste my time," he said.

"Canberra are going to the NRL because they know they have no leg to stand on.

"The truth is they talked Anthony out of going home last year. They sent him home for 10 days last year because Anthony was homesick.

"Why did they agree to have the clause put in there if they aren't prepared to accept there is a possibility Anthony could act on it?

"It is unfortunate for them that Anthony wants to go home, but they were aware of his circumstances and they agreed to the clause.

"If they were confident in their position, they wouldn't need to go to the NRL."

Speaking before Canberra's clash against Canterbury on Saturday night, Milford said he would put family before football.

"I have spoken to my manager about it and I am sticking to how I feel - I am putting my family first," he said.

"We had the clause put in my contract. I want to go home to look after my old man.

"I'm not sure when I'll move back to Inala, I don't know too much about what is going on. I am focusing on football and leaving the negotiations to Sam. I've told them what I need.

"I'm always for my family and I will set them up first before I do anything else. I talk to them on a daily basis to ask what they want. They can't see themselves living in Canberra. I have a big family in Brisbane and if I move them down it distances them from the rest of our family.

"I'm not sure what the Raiders will do. All I can say is that I have a clause and it's for my old man. The club knew how I felt. Fair enough if I didn't have the clause but I do have it.

"I hope they understand my feelings."

RLPA boss David Garnsey said the organisation will get involved if a resolution cannot be reached.

"I've been copied in on a couple of pieces of correspondence but I haven't seen the contract or specifically the term within it," he said.

"It's my understanding the matter is between his management and the club.

"No doubt if it comes to the point where there is no resolution, we are asked to get involved, but that has not happened as yet.

"I'm not aware of the extent of the NRL's involvement but I'm fairly certain if the matter can't be resolved, Anthony's management will be in touch with us."

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Wallabies v ABs: Bledisloe breakdown

Michael Hooper was superb for the Wallabies. Source: Mark Nolan / Getty Images

THE Wallabies' quest to end an 11-year Bledisloe Cup drought hit a major hurdle in Sydney as the All Blacks out-muscled and outclassed the hosts.

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The Wallabies lacked cohesion in defence, failing to shut down New Zealand's clinical broken-field play.

We review all the talking points from the opening Bledisloe Cup match!

THE MATCH

New coach. New team. Same result. The pressure proved too much for a Wallabies side desperate to right the wrongs of past Bledisloe disappointments.

The new-look Wallabies - highlighted by the inclusion of debutant Matt Toomua at five-eighth - consistently failed to organise themselves in attack and defence, leaking points through fundamental mistakes.

Despite the All Blacks scoring three first-half tries, Wallabies centre Christian Lealiifano kept his team in the match with pinpoint goal kicking.

But it was another incredible long-range Will Genia try that gave the Wallabies hope heading into the break. But hope was all the Wallabies could do as the All Blacks capitalised on every turnover, culminating in a hat-trick to winger Ben Smith.

WALLABIES BEST

He was forced to the bench for the last British and Irish Lions Test for Wallaby legend George Smith, but Michael Hooper proved he is the best openside flanker in Australia with a sublime performance that matched the lofty heights of his opposite number, Richie McCaw.

Hooper was a constant threat at the breakdown, forcing penalties and pilfering like a man possessed.

But it was his support play and openfield running that threatened the All Blacks defence, highlighted by Hooper scooping up a loose ball from a line-out, busting through two tackles and offloading to Will Genia who scored the Wallabies solitary first-half try. An incredible performance in a beaten side.

ALL BLACKS BEST

Here come the men in black. Aaron Cruden was the deserved man of the match, slipping into Dan Carter's enormous boots to control the tempo of the All Blacks' attack and produced an immaculate goal-kicking display.

But it was the return of the king, Richie McCaw, who proved he is the most valuable player in world rugby. Beware Wallabies; Richie's sabbatical has turned a beast into a god.

The All Blacks captain could be sighted at every ruck, maul, tackle contest and loomed up after every break. The man is simply the best. Here's hoping Carter's sabbatical doesn't go as well.

WHERE TO NOW?

Luckily, the Wallabies have an immediate opportunity to redeem themselves. Unluckily, it's against the All Blacks again. And this time it's on their turf. Australia hasn't won in New Zealand since 2001, and on their ANZ Stadium efforts a drought-breaking victory in Wellington doesn't look likely.

Ewen McKenzie is keeping the faith, however.

The rookie Wallabies coach insists his side won't be throwing in the towel, insisting at the post-match media conference that his side bouncing back wasn't out of the question.

"I've been around the rugby scene for a long time. If you look at a lot of results, you'll see 70-point turnarounds in seven days,'' McKenzie said.

McKenzie has plenty to ponder. Aside from figuring out how to limit the mistakes his players make, he might also consider some changes to his line-up.

Jesse Mogg didn't set the world on fire in his starting debut at fullback, while Tevita Kuridrani looked lively when he came off the bench to inject some punch into the Wallabies backline.

THE TRC PICTURE

The Bledisloe Cup looks like staying in New Zealand for (yet) another year, but what about the Wallabies' Rugby Championship hopes? There's a way to go, but the All Blacks are already looking good to hold on to that piece of silverware as well.

Of course, it's only early days and the Springboks and even Argentina - who played early on Sunday morning - could have something to say about that as well.

But the bottom line is a first-up loss at home - no matter how good the opposition - is far from the ideal start for Australia and McKenzie.

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Reds score first win of EPL season

Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge stars in win over Stoke. Source: Andrew Yates / AAP

DANIEL Sturridge showed Liverpool can flourish without Luis Suarez as the striker's superb finish clinched a 1-0 victory over Stoke on the opening day of the new English Premier League season.

Sturridge's first-half winner at Anfield was the highlight of an enterprising display from Brendan Rodgers' team, who showed no signs of being affected by the absence of controversial striker Suarez.

Liverpool needed a last-minute penalty save from debutant Simon Mignolet, who kept out Jon Walters's spot-kick, to seal the points but a draw would have been harsh on the hosts after a dominant performance.

It was exactly the kind of afternoon Liverpool required after a summer spent dealing with Suarez's attempts to move to Arsenal.

MUG'S GUIDE TO THE EPL

Suarez, watching from the stands as he serves a suspension, was briefly banished to train on his own after claiming Rodgers had gone back on an agreement to sell him when the Reds failed to qualify for this season's Champions League.

He was welcomed back to the fold on Friday after reportedly apologising to Rodgers for his behaviour.

But England forward Sturridge picked up where he left off last season to show Liverpool can still progress, even if Suarez eventually gets his wish to leave.

Stoke's new boss Mark Hughes wasn't even born when his club last won at Anfield in 1959, but City should have been ahead in the opening minutes when Mignolet, the Belgian goalkeeper signed from Sunderland to replace Pepe Reina, made a hash of punching clear and Stoke defender Robert Huth volleyed against the bar from 12 metres.

That sparked Liverpool into life and Sturridge, back from an ankle injury, headed home from Steven Gerrard's free-kick, only to have the goal correctly ruled out for a tight offside decision.

Rodgers' men threatened again through debutant Kolo Toure when the former Manchester City defender powered a header against the bar.

Another quick-fire exchange of passes between Philippe Coutinho and Jordan Henderson gave Jose Enrique a clear sight of goal, but the left-back's shot was saved by Asmir Begovic.

Begovic came to Stoke's rescue again when he denied Henderson and then Sturridge in quick succession.

But Liverpool's incessant pressure paid off in the 37th minute when Iago Aspas fed Sturridge on the edge of the area and the former Chelsea striker drove a low strike through Huth's legs and beyond Begovic into the far corner for the first goal of the new season.

The Reds almost doubled their lead early in the second half when Henderson's shot forced a full-stretch stop from Begovic.

Stoke were given a dramatic chance to snatch an undeserved point in the 89th minute when Liverpool defender Daniel Agger handled as he tried to clear a Charlie Adam free-kick.

But Mignolet came to the rescue as he plunged to his right to keep out Walters' spot-kick and denied Kenwyne Jones from the rebound.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Poms have always played dirty

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WHY were we all that surprised when South Sydney forward Sam Burgess put a squirrel grip on Melbourne Storm centre Will Chambers last Friday night?

After all, he is an English rugby league player.

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Remember last year's grand final when Bulldogs forward James Graham took a chunk out of Billy Slater's ear?

He was a Pom, too.

League's lowest acts

And before them, Adrian Morley.

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Remember him? He played six seasons for the Roosters between 2001 and 2006 for 11 foul-play offences and 26 weeks of suspensions.

The biggest was his last, a seven-week ban for a striking charge in 2006.

Colleague Dean Ritchie was on the sideline for 2GB that day at ANZ Stadium.

"He kneed Corey Hughes at the play-the ball - it was one of the most reckless and dirtiest acts I've seen on a football field," Ritchie recalled.

"That was the last we saw of him."

Headbutting, grabbing testicles, biting, kneeing, kicking and king hits - you name it, the Poms have been doing it for more than 50 years.

Former Manly forward Peter Peters tells a fabulous story about Malcolm Reilly's debut for the Sea Eagles in 1971 against Souths at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

He'd been in the country only two days.

When they arrive at the SCG, Reilly starts asking about their opponents and according to Peters, the conversation went like this:

Reilly: Who's their best player?

Peters: Where do you want me to start? Coote, McCarthy, Sait, Pittard, Simms, Branighan …

Reilly: Cmon, who's their best?

Peters: Probably McCarthy.

Reilly: What's his number?

Peters: 10

Reilly: Who kicks off for us?

Peters: Denis Ward.

Reilly: Make sure he kicks it into touch on the full.

And so he did. In those days it meant at scrum back at halfway and Peters takes up the story.

"The touch judges and the refs were watching the ball sail into touch," Peters said.

"As it was happening, Malcolm has elbowed Macca in the head.

"He's face down in the Bulli soil on the cricket pitch and got carted off.

"And that was Malcolm's Reilly's first 30 seconds in the Sydney premiership."

Reilly's fight with South Sydney's George Piggins on the same ground a few years later is often spoken about as the most brutal one-on-one exchange in rugby league history.

Even decades later the Poms were still getting up to their old tricks.

In a story that's never been told from a Test match in 1992 at the Sydney Football Stadium, Australia's champion lock Bradely Clyde copped a "John Hopoate finger" in the backside from Great Britain centre Garry Schofield.

"Yes, it happened," Clyde confirmed Thursday. "I don't know if he was trying to put me off my game or get me to react and draw a penalty.

"I didn't bother retaliating. I was one of those players that if my mind wandered off the actual footy, my game suffered.

"But I'll never forget Bozo (coach Bob Fulton) flagged the incident at a team video session before the next Test."

Cliff Watson was one of the original English hard heads to come to these shores.

He announced himself in the "Battle of Brisbane" Test in 1970, when he and Jim Morgan infamously engaged in a headbutting competition that left the Kangaroos prop with a nose so badly broken his son didn't recognise him in the dressing room after the game.

He is credited for bringing the "Liverpool kiss" to Australia.

The giant prop joined Cronulla and was a central figure in the most brutal grand final ever played in 1973, when the Sharks narrowly went down to Manly.

In a chat with current Sharks captain Paul Gallen this year, Watson gave a blunt assessment of his playing style in relation to the modern game.

"I wouldn't be on the field with my style of play," he said.

The NRL has revealed Burgess came within a just a centimetre of getting a six-week dangerous contact charge rather than two weeks for contrary conduct.

"It was minor contact," said Greg McCallum, the head of the match review panel.

"If he'd got a handful and squeezed, it would have been grade-three dangerous contact.

"We looked at extra angles from Channel Nine and it was more the image of what he did - it looked terrible."

Burgess has apologised to his South Sydney teammates over the incident.

But there's been no word of an apology to the player who really deserved one … Will Chambers.

Typical bloody Pommy.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Kahu from homeless to hero

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HE is the NRL young gun who once lived in a car. But Jordan Kahu's rugby league future has hit top gear with the boom utility signing an upgraded deal with the Broncos.

The courage of Kahu, who has fought back from two knee reconstructions, cannot be questioned.

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On Friday night, he returns to the Broncos line-up at Suncorp Stadium, where he will take on the Eels with a metal plate and five screws in the left hand he broke against Cronulla five weeks ago.

But the Broncos have rewarded Kahu for his persistence, delivering a two-year contract that will keep the 22-year-old at Red Hill until the end of 2015.

For Kahu, who was being pursued by the Sharks, the deal also represents security - a far cry from the days when his family slept in a car as he chased his NRL dream.

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In 2008, unable to break into New Zealand's rugby ranks, Kahu, his older brother Jared and father Dave bought a one-way ticket to Australia.

Without a home, Dave purchased a light-blue Mitsubishi Magna. For a week, it doubled as a roof over their heads, a period Kahu fondly recalls for instilling the toughness that has underpinned his rise at the Broncos.

"It didn't bother us sleeping in a car, as long as we were together we were happy," Kahu said.

"When we got here, we had nowhere to stay, so we would crash by the beach and wake up and go for a swim.

"It wasn't as bad as it sounds. It was quite fun. When we flew here, we didn't know anyone, so we didn't care where we stayed.

"What I've gone through the past few years, especially with my knees, has taught me a lot about patience, dedication and hard work.

"That hard work has paid off now. I guess what doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

And calmer. For most of the season, Kahu has been in limbo as a free agent for 2014, but has managed to hold his nerve.

Last month, the talented fullback, winger or centre signed off on a two-year deal after making his NRL debut against the Storm in March.

"I have a lot to repay the Broncos for looking after me the last three or four years," said Kahu, who plays his ninth NRL game Friday night.

"They have done a lot for me and my family and I was keen to stay. I didn't want to go anywhere else.

"I did have a bit of interest, but I didn't talk much with any other clubs, I just waited until the Broncos offered me something.

"I didn't want to quit, I love it here and seeing as I'm playing at the moment I didn't have any excuse to leave.

"I'm happy to be a Bronco and happy to be one for the next few years."

With Justin Hodges sidelined for an extended period, Kahu believes he can be an important backline contributor on Brisbane's right side.

"It is a loss with 'Hodgie' out and the rest of the team will have to step up and make up for him being injured," he said.

"I don't mind the wing because you score more tries. Confidence-wise I am fine. The hand feels good again and I'm ready to go."

Broncos coach Anthony Griffin lauded Kahu's development amid adversity.

"He's a good kid," he said.

"He's done a great job for us, it's just great to see him back. Every time he has pulled on a jersey whether it would be wing or centre, he's done a really good job for us."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hawks backing a Roughy

Jarryd Roughead continues to grow in importance. Source: JOE CASTRO / AAP

LANCE Franklin may be the million-dollar man, but Jarryd Roughead is the most precious piece of Hawthorn's forward puzzle, according to former goalkicking coach Ben Dixon.

As Franklin continues to weigh up the biggest contract offer in Hawthorn's history, Roughead has produced the form of his life, kicking 59 goals while adding another big-bodied weapon to Alastair Clarkson's midfield.

Going in to tonight's blockbuster against Collingwood at the MCG, Roughead sits second in the Coleman Medal race behind West Coast's Josh Kennedy.

But it has been his stints in the midfield that have helped the No.2 draft pick show his full armoury and become one of the most versatile and complete players in the game.

He has averaged 3.1 goals and 16 possessions a match, up from three and 12 in his 2008 premiership campaign.

"It's definitely my most consistent year," Roughead told the Herald Sun.

"In 2008, I might only have eight or nine touches and kick a couple (of goals) a game."

He said he was enjoying his time in the midfield because "I can go get the nut rather than just having it delivered it to me all the time".

Dixon, the 203-game forward who helped mentor Roughead on the field and later as forwards coach, said the 26-year-old's year so far was a "9 1/2 out of 10".

Dixon said Roughead, who re-signed this year for two more seasons, was more important to the Hawks on-field than Franklin.

"I love 'Franko', but Roughead has been more consistent and the reward he is getting in front of goal now is enormous," he said.

"He doesn't miss his shots and the versatility he has shown playing inside the centre square and not as a ruckman - he just has an uncanny ability for a big man below his knees.

"He is so clean it's amazing and he has learnt how to use that big body as a weapon. He is a beast.

"And he has a lot of presence on and off the field."

Dixon said Roughead was a strong candidate to take over from Luke Hodge as Hawthorn's next captain, such was the respect teammates had for him.

"He is so level-headed and extremely well respected," Dixon said.

"Part of that is the way he holds himself on the field and away from the footy club.

"But you talk to (fitness coach) Andrew Russell and go through the figures over the last five years.

"Of the key-position players he rates in 90th percentile for workrate.

"He doesn't miss a session, he does everything to a tee and, aside from that achilles injury, his body never breaks down. That's because he ticks every box. His preparation is flawless."

Franklin, who is seventh in this year's Coleman Medal race with 47 goals, paid tribute to his teammate this week, saying Roughead's impact on games was still underrated.

"Roughy is in terrific form. He has had an unbelievable season," Franklin said on SEN. "I reckon Roughy would be winning the best-and-fairest by a long way.

"Every week he is kicking goals and getting a lot of touches, and the best thing about him is he is a team player."

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Why is Sticky so untouchable?

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AS Ricky Stuart returns to his Suncorp Stadium graveyard Friday night with one hand on the NRL wooden spoon it is hard to believe the Parramatta coach is not a dead man walking.

This is despite failing to find any improvement in a Parramatta side almost certain to become the first club since South Sydney in 2003-2004 to claim back-to-back wooden spoon.

In fact, if not for last week's 26-22 win over the equally inept Wests Tigers, Stuart would have created unwanted rugby league history by becoming the first coach ever to lose 11 consecutive matches at two different clubs.

Talk about spreading the Midas touch.

Former coach Stephen Kearney copped the blame of Parramatta's woes in 2012 but as we have seen this year - with five 30-plus floggings - the Eels are no better off with Stuart at the helm and are still two wins shy of the six victories they produced last year and in 2011.

His overall NRL record is now 120 wins, 120 losses and 1 draw from 241 games.

But since 2009 Stuart-coached football teams have won just 14 of their past 61 games.

To stop the slide and buy time from a dysfunctional board, Stuart plans to sack half the roster and start again.

But his biggest name signing next year is Bronco Corey Norman, who is now struggling in Queensland Cup, while the likes of Gareth Hock, Josh Papalii and Israel Folau all agreed to joint the Eels but subsequently changed their minds.

Two years ago he was labelled NSW's messiah, but he never delivered a trophy and returned back to the NRL where his coaching record now stands at just one finals appearance in his last seven seasons.

In four years at Cronulla, Stuart got the Sharks to the finals just once, flogged by Melbourne in the 2008 preliminary final.

A decade ago Stuart was considered a coaching genius.

He took the Sydney Roosters to the premiership in his debut season after inheriting a star-studded team that had made six successive finals and were runners-up under Graham Murray two years earlier.

He won a 2005 Origin series with NSW but it all fell apart when sacked as Kangaroos Test coach for presiding over Australia's shock 2008 World Cup final loss here at Lang Park.

It was the first time since 1972 Australia had not won the World Cup, but it was his verbal abuse of referee Ashley Klein that made his job untenable.

It proved what Queensland fans have long known, that Stuart is the biggest whinger in the game.

That reputation only grew with an expletive-laden spray of referees on the Gold Coast in round six and after a repeat outburst in round 15 his coaching career fines total almost $100,000.

The game's deepest thinker might have deep pockets but success has been shallow pickings in Queensland, his last trip to Suncorp ending in tears thanks to Cooper Cronk's miracle field goal in the 2012 Origin decider.

It was the seventh straight loss Stuart had suffered coaching in Brisbane, his last victory coming as Test coach in 2007.

He might have missed the Origin pain with NSW four weeks ago, but on Friday night the Broncos can hand Stuart his own eight straight Lang Park defeats.

    RICKY'S RECORD

    Roosters

    02 Premiers

    03 Lost grand final to Penrith

    04 Lost grand final to Bulldogs

    05 11 wins, 13 losses (46%, finished 9th)

    06 8 wins, 16 losses (33%, 14th)

    Sharks

    07 10 wins, 14 losses (42%, 11th)

    08 Prelim finalists

    09 5 wins, 19 losses (21%, 15th)

    Eels

    13 4 wins, 16 losses (20%, currently 16th)

    NRL career: 120 wins, 120 losses, 1 draw (50%)

    NSW

    05, 11-12 4 wins, 5 losses (44%)

    AUSTRALIA

    06-08 10 wins, 1 loss (08 World Cup final)

    1 finals appearance last 7 years

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Sterlo: Bunnies still in the hunt

George Burgess and Ben Te'o celebrate a try against the Storm. Source: Scott Barbour / Getty Images

The one thing that never crossed my mind when I left AAMI Park last Friday night was to put a line through the chances of South Sydney in relation to this season's title.

In fact despite the 26-8 score-line on the back of four tries to one, I left the Storm's home ground almost as impressed by the vanquished as I was the victors.

Melbourne did what Melbourne do, especially south of the border.

Gain the early ascendency, turn that into points and then defend that lead better than anyone else.

However to my eye there were large periods in the second half when the Rabbits were coming to get them. Unfortunately those periods were soured by some tough calls and a degree of misfortune.

There's no doubt the better side won but I certainly wasn't disappointed in Souths' effort and despite having now lost three of their last four games, I haven't abandoned the bandwagon.

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Tune into Sterlo LIVE on Fox Sports 1HD from 7.30pm Thursday, as rugby league's best analyst previews all the big games in round 23 and gets inside the world of Johnathan Thurston.

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The visitors couldn't have gotten away to a worse start, conceding two "soft" tries in the opening eight minutes.

Especially soft in that the hard work had been done and should never have led to opposition points.

Cooper Cronk exploring on the 5th tackle only to fling the ball blindly back when his run ended, should have led to Melbourne being closed down after a rare, poor last tackle decision.

Instead the laziness of inside defenders allowed Will Chambers to waltz through almost untouched to open proceedings.

No excuse at all for Souths but a reinforcement that you can never tune out, even when you see the ball is going the other way. In the NRL it will invariably come back and find you out.

The second try was just as poor in that the Rabbits had defended Melbourne's attack and kick only to have Dylan Farrell gang-tackled back into his own in-goal and forced into error.

Kudos to the Storm defence but both of these tries should have been prevented.

At this stage things looked particularly ominous for Souths and a big defeat stared them squarely in the face.

This was a test of character and in my opinion they passed.

Ten minutes into the second half the Storm led 14-8 but the Rabbits were physically on top.

Sam Burgess was then penalised for tackling Billy Slater in the air. He wasn't.

Six tackles later, after a sublime Cronk pass, Sisa Waqa was ruled to have scored. He didn't.

Again Souths should have been able to defend disappointment but even at 18-8 the run of general play indicated that they were still very much alive in the contest.

That was until they were dealt a double blow with an injury to Dylan Farrell.

Not only was the young winger eventually carried from the field but the time it took for extended medical assistance definitely helped Melbourne's cause.

While they maintained a 10-point lead going into the final quarter of the game they were looking particularly fatigued and a substantial punctuation in play was extremely beneficial.

Again Melbourne reacted better to the situation to regather and soon after ice the game with a try to Justin O'Neill.

Now much of this might sound like a litany of excuses for the South Sydney performance but I just felt that the final margin wasn't a true reflection of the contest I witnessed.

There are definitely a number of areas that need to be addressed as a result of their trip to the southern capital but I do think they would have returned to Sydney more encouraged than discouraged.

Their credentials will get another significant test tomorrow night against a Manly team gathering good momentum as the play-offs approach.

The Eagles may be positioned back in third spot but they are already playing a finals style of football and come off a comfortable victory over the Warriors.

Souths' chances are obviously enhanced with the return of big guns Greg Inglis and John Sutton but the absence of Sam Burgess is a blow.

There's no defence for the big Englishman whose frustration would have been better vented by a defensive shoulder to an attacker's rib cage than an indiscretion lower down.

What is hard to fathom is the thought that a silly action like that would not be picked up by the numerous camera angles that are focussed in on every aspect of play.

Twenty-four hours before that game I'm delighted and excited to continue an inside look into the inner sanctum of the NRL.

On my show on Fox Sports on Thursday night at 7.30pm you will see and hear the game's best player Johnathan Thurston wearing a microphone as he produces another five-star, man-of-the-match performance against the Panthers.

Two weeks ago with Kevin Kingston we dipped our toe into the unknown. This week we dive right in.  

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Stats aren't pretty in Carter absence

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THE All Blacks arrive in Sydney on Thursday night for another Bledisloe Cup campaign and the fact Dan Carter is at home injured majorly improves the Wallabies' chances of victory, right? Surely?

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Sorry, but wrong.

Brace yourself long-suffering Wallaby fans, but statistics suggest the All Blacks are harder to beat in trans-Tasman clashes without Carter than when the Kiwi superstar plays against Australia.

Of the six clashes against Australia that Carter has missed since his debut in 2003, the Kiwis have only lost one: the Rugby World Cup semi-final later that year.

The no-Carter winning percentage is 83%, but overall, when the brilliant All Blacks star is playing, the percentage drops to 75%.

Of his 24 Bledisloe Cup clashes with the Wallabies, Carter has won 18, lost five and drawn one.

The figures aren't hugely complimentary for the Wallabies on other score but the evidence of New Zealand's ability to cope without their star playmaker is still not the encouraging material Australian rugby would have hoped for this week.

Carter was ruled out for a month with a calf injury on Tuesday, meaning he'll miss the opening Bledisloe Cup clash on Saturday night and the return clash in Wellington next weekend.

Given Carter's knack for driving a stake through Wallaby hearts over the last decade, it's only logical to assume his absence would have been quietly welcomed by Ewen McKenzie and his players.

But as with the 2011 Rugby World Cup, when Carter was lost before the finals after tearing a groin, the All Blacks camp has remained confident they have sufficient depth.

The Wallabies were unable to beat the Carter-less Kiwis in the semi-final of that tournament and the ability of his replacement, Aaron Cruden, has skyrocketed in the two years since.

Cruden led the Chiefs to back-to-back Super Rugby titles just two weeks ago, and has been in superb form in the back half of 2013.

So impressive has he been, in fact, the first seeds of an unthinkable debate began in New Zealand: has Cruden passed Carter?

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The Wallabies said Cruden was enviable cover and All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said with usual bluster that Carter's injury was "no big deal to me".

"We are really fortunate that we have more than one world-class five-eighth," Hansen said.

"Aaron has been on top of his game all season and has just going through two major (Super Rugby) matches with a lot of intensity and pressure.

"He's ready to rumble and he's also played a couple of Tests this year so he understands what we're trying to do. He's part of the leadership group so it's business as usual."

So does this all point to the Bledisloe Cup drought stretching to an 11th year? Not necessarily.

Statistics also show Carter is not a man you simply replace, particularly against Australia.

His prolific pointscoring – mostly through deadly accurate goalkicking – has repeatedly sunk the Wallabies, including at Homebush. In 2009 he kicked a 77th minute penalty for a 19-18 victory.

Of 18 wins over Australia, Carter's boot accounted for the All Blacks' winning margin 10 times, and either equalled or beat the Wallabies' entire points tally on his own nine times. He has averaged 13.4 points per game against Australia.

Despite losing only once without him, the All Blacks' average winning margin over the Wallabies dropped from 14 with Carter to just seven points without him.

This could suggest that despite Cruden's competence, the All Blacks are not as efficient in scoring points with Carter. If there is one worry in New Zealand about Cruden, it's his goalkicking.

It can be fairly described as ordinary so far in 2013, with an average success rate of just 69.4% in Super Rugby a long way off Carter's 86.4%, and behind the 78.5% of Wallabies kicker Christian Lealiifano too.

Cruden has generally got the job done with the boot when needed, including in the final, but his tendency to have off-nights would be a "big deal" to Hansen.

In nine games with kicking duties for the Chiefs this year, Cruden kicked less than 60% of his goals. In the round 20 showdown with the Blues, Cruden couldn't hit a barndoor with a cowbell, kicking one from five.

With no other recognised kickers in the All Blacks side, Cruden will have the job on Saturday night.

All Blacks v Wallabies

When Carter is MISSING: W:5, D:0, L:1. %: 83.3. Avg For: 21.7. Avg Aga:17.8

When Carter is PLAYING W: 18, D:1, L:5. %:75. Avg For: 26.4. Avg Aga: 17.

All Blacks Overall

When Carter is MISSING: W: 32, D: 0, L: 6. %: 84.2. Avg For: 35.2. Avg Aga: 14.9.

When Carter is PLAYING: W: 83, D: 1, L: 11. %: 87.4. Avg For: 35.7. Avg Aga: 14.5

Courtesy of Fox Sports Stats

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hope Fergo's move not about cash

Blake Ferguson on the field for the Canberra Raiders. Source: Renee McKay / AAP

ALAN Tongue is sick and tired of seeing Canberra losing one superstar after another and he hopes the hunt for more money is not the real reason behind Blake Ferguson's wish to move closer to his uncle Anthony Mundine.

Talk this week that Ferguson wants to follow Josh Dugan to Sydney has left everyone at Canberra disappointed and angry.

It's been speculated Ferguson could earn more than $500,000 a season if he becomes a free agent, with Cronulla one club said to be interested. 

"He was signed up before State of Origin so straight away his value would have increased," Tongue reasoned.

"Now he is being talked about in an Australian jersey at the end of the year. 

"I just hope that is not the case (that this is about money) but things are certainly pointing in that direction.

"I understand he wants to go back to the city to be closer to Anthony Mundine and family different things but for me if you are a guy that gets distracted in those situations would you rather be living in the middle of Sydney or in Canberra? 

"I'd think there are a lot less distractions down here.

"I know he wants to be closer to Anthony Mundine but he is only two hours up the road, it is not that far. That's just my opinion." 

Raiders boss Don Furner was in no mood for talking yesterday but said Ferguson still had two years to run on his contract and he would not be released. 

Club chairman John McIntyre confirmed the matter would be discussed at a board meeting before the Bulldogs game on Saturday.

McIntyre said: "It's not the sort of build-up you'd want going into a very crucial game this weekend.

"It's disappointing.

"I come from the old school where a handshake is good enough for me."

Tongue said the club should move "heaven and earth" to keep Ferguson in Raiders colours but there would be no point making him stay if he didn't want to be there. 

That is where Tongue believes the NRL should to step in with a transfer system similar to what is used in the English Premier League. 

"If he wants to get out of a two-year deal and Anthony Milford wants to get out as well the club should be compensated," Tongue said. 

"There might be family reasons or different reasons why they want to move but if you are signed and committed to a two-year deal and another club wants to take him on, well, the Raiders need to be compensated. 

"Don't get me wrong. I want Blake Ferguson in a Raiders jersey and I Tony Milford as well.

"But at the end of the day you want guys at the club who want to play for the club and play for their mates.

"When you are forking out such huge dollars for these players is it worthwhile having a guy that doesn't want to be there?

"I know it is hard to swallow when you are going to lose them to another club but I know as a player you want players who want to pull on that jersey and give their heart and soul for the joint and the people they are playing alongside. 

"If you are not playing with people like that you know they are not giving their best.

"Like I said, I'd be ticking off every box I could to try and keep him, don't worry about that. 

"I'd be moving heaven and earth to try and keep them both but at the end of the day how much of your salary cap can you fork out for a couple of players who don't want to be there? 

"We have all seen over the last few months what the club has done for (Ferguson) but the club has also been working with him for the last three or four years. 

"If he wants it he could be amazing. He knows it too. It is just a matter of him making those wise choices off the field.

"The club will dig their heels in because they have put in a lot of work behind the scenes on these guys.

"I think this breaks a lot of people's hearts."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Milford, Barba could end my dream

Josh Hoffman in action for the Brisbane Broncos. Source: Bradley Kanaris / Getty Images

REBORN No.1 Josh Hoffman has revealed he'd be "disappointed" if the Broncos sign Ben Barba or Anthony Milford, and admitted any deal could shatter his dream of being a one-club man.

Signed until the end of 2015, the 25-year-old said while the prize capture of either of the dynamic fullbacks may drive his game to new heights, it could also deliver the same gut-wrenching low he experienced earlier this season. 

The New Zealand Test star is back in his favourite custodian role for Friday night's Suncorp Stadium clash with Parramatta.

But he spent the first 18 rounds at wing or centre after Eels-bound Corey Norman was preferred at the back pre-season.

Hoffman may again play second fiddle if, as expected, the Bulldogs and Raiders ultimately let the talented Queensland duo return to Brisbane for personal reasons in 2014. 

"I'd be a bit disappointed, but I was disappointed this year when Corey got the fullback spot," he said.

"It would leave me in the same position as the start of the year. But I'm trying not to think too far ahead.

"It just shows that you have to take your chances with two hands. We'll see what happens in the years to come.

"Hopefully I can finish my season off consistently and come pre-season I'll let my actions do the talking and we'll get to see who wears that jersey. 

"If they do come and get that No.1 jersey I'll have to do the same thing I did this year and put my head down and get the work done. 

"When great players like those two challenge for your spot it makes you hungry to want to keep the jersey."

Hoffman has recently been linked with the Queensland Reds, a move that could appear more appealing if he feels he's destined for a life on the flank. 

"I've got a couple of years left (on my contract) and hopefully I can be a one-club player," he said.

"But it's a long career and you can only wait and see what happens."

Hoffman's manager Paul Hogan would not rule out his client signing with an NRL rival after his current deal should Barba or Milford arrive at Red Hill. 

"He's very happy with how things are going and is very settled in Brisbane," he said.

"But if circumstances change and we'll wait and see how that impacts Josh, all things under the sun are possible."

Much will be expected of the vastly-improved Hoffman against the Eels.

He leads the Broncos' try-scoring with 14 — twice the tally of Matt Gillett — and will take on added burden in the absence of match-winner Justin Hodges, who had been used in a lethal fullback combo with Hoffman before his achilles injury. 

"Hodgo was at top form this year and he brought that X-factor," he said.

"It's only been the last few rounds that Hook gave him license to roam around and show what he could do from the back. We're going to be missing that now. 

"The boys now have to take that on board and I'll be trying to do my part to bring that X-factor.

"Hook has given me that license to roam around and try to add different things to my game."

This week's Close the Gap round will have added meaning for Mackay-born Hoffman, whose father is from New Zealand and late mother was of Torres Strait Islander background. 

For the first time the Broncos will wear a commemorative Indigenous jersey tomorrow night.

"I'm honoured and privileged to be able to wear the jersey of our people," he said.

"It means a lot for guys like Sam Thaiday and Scotty Prince as well." 

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Toomua to trump Quade for No.10

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McKenzie (L) is set to throw Toomua a shock debut against the All Blacks. Source:Getty Images

EWEN McKenzie is set to make a shock selection in his first Test by handing Brumbies rookie Matt Toomua a Test debut in the Wallabies No.10 jersey against the All Blacks on Saturday.

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Keen to use the element of surprise against New Zealand, the Daily Telegraph understands McKenzie has overlooked Queensland Reds playmaker Quade Cooper for a comeback, the scenario most predicted based on their provincial history.

Instead the new coach has plumped for Toomua, 23, whose impressive form this year helped the Brumbies to the Super Rugby final two weeks ago. Cooper is likely to be injected into the game from the bench and James O'Connor, who filled the five-eighth's role against the Lions, is set to be moved back to the wing.

The opening Bledisloe Cup clash at ANZ Stadium will be Toomua's first taste of Test football, after injury last season robbed him of a probable call-up and ex-coach Robbie Deans ignored his claims for the Wallabies' squad against the Lions.

Toomua displayed his capacity to shine in big games, in any case, when he guided the Brumbies to an historic victory over the midweek Lions in Canberra.  His defensive prowess, particularly, stood out in that game and charging, hard hits were a feature of his strong Super Rugby form as well.

McKenzie's selection will likely see the young playmakers of the Super Rugby final – Toomua and Chiefs star Aaron Cruden – matched up again, and that defensive starch is no doubt an asset that appeals to the new Wallabies coach.

Cruden is the man tipped to wear the All Blacks No.10 after Dan Carter was ruled out with a calf injury on Tuesday. Toomua belted Cruden with a trademark shooter in the final, and his defensive pressure has the ability to not only rattle Cruden, but contain hard-running No.12 Ma'a Nonu as well.

It could also throw All Black planning to target Cooper out the window.

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Toomua is no greenhorn at the professional level, having accrued 37 Super Rugby caps since debuting as an 18-year-old in 2008.

His Brumbeis mentor Stephen Larkham said earlier this year Toomua should have worn the Wallaby No.10 against the Lions.

"Defensively he is outstanding, his attack is coming on and his kicking has certainly improved, and he is understanding the game way better," Larkham said.

"He has definitely got that ability to rise to the next level. Having a look at him two years ago to now, it's chalk and cheese. He has got smarts, control, "nd understanding."

Toomua said last week he would love to play against the All Blacks:  "They're the best team in the world at the moment. You kind of what to pit yourself against that. It would be really cool playing against them."

McKenzie has gone to great lengths to keep his first team under wraps, restricting media access to training and giving little away in public discussions.

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Centre Adam Ashley-Cooper, who is expected to retain his No.13 jersey, said players were still shifting around in training. The unknown factor of McKenzie's first team is hoped to work in their favour against the All Blacks.

"Delaying the selection, which they probably will too, doesn't give them too much certainty and gives us that little element of unpredictability," Ashley-Cooper said.

"We haven't had much time together and we are going up against the number one team in the world first up so maybe that competition (for spots) will prove the turning point.

"I feel off the back of Super 15 campaigns this year, we have had some success there in terms of a lot of individuals growing as footballers. The squad we have here is really exciting. I am really liking the look of the new faces that have been included, and over the last couple of weeks at training there is a real buzz and a real excitement."

The Wallabies under McKenzie would look to use plenty of width in their game, said Ashley-Cooper.

"We have more working on creating a lot more opportunities. Depending on who we got with, you can just expect a more expansive game, but with us making good decisions," he said.

"With the distributors we've got in the team, Matt Toomua, Bernard Foley, Quade Cooper, James O'Connor, the likes of those guys can play with an expansive game. We have a lot of quality out wide and it would be rude not to use it."

There's still plenty of tickets left for the Bledisloe Cup opener in Sydney - check them out here ticketek.com.au

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Don't give players a breather: Kent

Souths prop Sam Burgess gestures to the referee during the Rabbitoh's match against the Storm on Friday night. Source: Getty Images

LIKE most reasonable thinking men, I spent yesterday hiding from Noel Kelly just in case he got frustrated.

That was us brave souls over there, cowering in the corner, legs crossed. Kelly is probably the most loveable bloke in the game now, quick with a story matched only by his wit.

His assessment that Sam Burgess's squirrel grip on Melbourne's Will Chambers was nothing more than frustration borne out of the game no longer tolerating a player being able to punch someone had many of wondering what he is capable of if things got really bad.

What if you accidentally picked up his drink in a bar? Or stepped on his shoe while lined up at the bank?

If you remember rightly, the NRL came out strongly after Origin I and declared that punching was not acceptable and anyone challenging this belief would be immediately sin-binned.

Some lamented the softening of the game, even if it wasn't exactly right. The game has never tolerated punching.

And Kelly should know. He was sent off 17 times in his career, including twice in one game on the 1963 Kangaroo Tour.

He was sent off so many times, he once said, that when he's out front gardening and the postman goes past and blows his whistle he gets up and goes in for a shower.

In other words, it has never been in the rules that you are allowed to punch someone.

Even if you are getting a little frustrated, or things aren't going right, or the guy opposite is laughing at your missing teeth.

Oh, most did it at one time or another, and it was accepted that sometimes it just happened.

But nothing has really changed.

What else hasn't changed is that squirrel grips have never been accepted as fair play on the paddock. Nobody can justify it, or really attempt to, like they might a fight.

But Kelly isn't altogether wrong about increasing frustrations in the game, and the NRL would be wise to hear him out before dismissing him as the ramblings of a sentimental old man.

Noel Kelly after being sent off playing for the Kangaroos against Widnes. Source:

Burgess was clearly frustrated throughout the game. Melbourne's wrestling tactics were strangling the life out of Souths last weekend and, with it, any chance of winning.

Last week on NRL360 we showed how much slower the game is today than it was 20 years ago, running split frames of scrum and penalty restarts and an entire set of six. Despite the players being slower, less fit and less athletic 20 years ago than today, they got to the last tackle six seconds quicker than they do today.

Over 60-70 sets in an average game, that's an extra 360-420 seconds, or an extra six to seven minutes football we had back then that we don't get now.

Then you've got the time wasting at scrums and penalties, where most players have time to roll a cigarette before play restarts.

Poor vigilance has allowed all these bad habits to creep into the game and, slowly, change its fabric.

The wrestling slows it down mostly, though.

So why don't we outlaw it?

Wrestling is like a complicated tax law, too hard to understand, too entangled in the system to simply remove. Best get on with it and hope everybody learns to live with it.

Every club is doing it, not just Melbourne. The Storm just happen to do it best. While it can never be completely eradicated anymore, the NRL needs to find ways to lessen the wrestle's impact. Quite simply now, the best teams are the best wrestlers, as it allows them to dominate defensively and keep fresher for when they have the ball.

The easiest and cleanest way to lessen the wrestle's impact is to cut down on all that rest time before scrums and around penalties and on kick restarts. Countless seconds are burned while players hold committee meetings and referees get their breaths back.

Shortened rest periods would increase fatigue and impact on teams' abilities to get so many players into each tackle to wrestle. It would give us more football in our 80 minutes.

Of course, coaches will then search for other ways to slow the game to reduce the impact a shortened rest was having, particularly if they are about to defend a set, but that again falls back on the lawmakers.

A couple of quick penalties would soon fix that.

The modern player should have no trouble understanding that, and if they do they can ask Kelly what that sound is.

It sounds like the postman riding past while you're out front gardening.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ferguson wants out of Raiders

Blake Ferguson of the Raiders runs with the ball. Source: Mark Metcalfe / Getty Images

BLAKE Ferguson is torn between his loyalty to the Canberra Raiders and a craving to return to Sydney to be with his uncle, Anthony Mundine.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal the blockbusting centre wants out from the final two years of his Raiders contract, which he signed less than 12 months ago. 

He will approach Raiders coach Dave Furner before the end of the season to formally ask for a release.

Every club in Sydney would want the NSW State of Origin star, who could ask for upwards of $500,000-a-season.

Only St George Illawarra have been ruled out, because his minders understandably don't want him at the same club as his old partner in crime Josh Dugan. 

Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan and CEO Steve Noyce are aware of the situation and are desperate to get him back into a Sharks jersey. 

Parramatta Eels coach Ricky Stuart is also close to Ferguson from their days in the Shire.

Their relationship was so tight that there was a clause in Ferguson's contract that should the coach leave, he would become a free agent. He activated it and joined the Raiders. 

The Ferguson situation is almost identical to Dally M champion Ben Barba and boom rookie Anthony Milford, who want out from the Bulldogs and Raiders, respectively, on compassionate grounds. 

They are both expected to join the Broncos at the end of the season.

Ferguson has a great relationship with Furner, who has resolutely stood by him despite a number of serious issues at the Raiders.

He is also tight with the Canberra players, who have been just as solid in their support.

The long and lonely hours away from football are the problem. 

He desperately misses Sydney, having recently spent a month under the care of Mundine at his home in Sydney's south.

The Blues star is still undergoing counselling and feels his best chance of moving forward is by having the boxing champ permanently in his corner. 

Mundine recently told The Daily Telegraph about how he was caring for Ferguson and getting his life back on the rails. 

"My focus has been to get him right mentally," Mundine said. 

"To get his head strong. 

"I've been teaching him my philosophies on mental strength so that, when the time comes, he is going to make the right choices.

"And believe me when I say he will; that he's turned the corner ... I'm expecting nothing but greatness from now on.

"With a strong mind, Blake will be the best centre on the planet. Not a good centre, not a great centre, but the best centre anywhere."

Ferguson is rated as rugby league's next big thing, potentially another Mal Meninga, Gene Miles or Justin Hodges. 

He recently missed six weeks of football after being stood down by the NRL when he was charged with indecent assault following a night out with Dugan. 

He has pleaded not guilty and the matter has been adjourned until September 3, days before the final round of the regular NRL competition. 

Despite the lay-off, Ferguson made a barnstorming comeback to the NRL for the Raiders against the Sydney Roosters last Saturday night. 

It was as though he hadn't missed a game.

The performance didn't go unnoticed by Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens and his selectors, who will soon finalise their World Cup squad for England in October. 

On the same weekend Test centre Justin Hodges broke down with a season-ending achilles injury, Ferguson proved he is the ideal replacement. 

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Benji eying World Cup berth for NZ

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Benji Marshall of the Tigers runs with the ball. Source: Matt King / Getty Images

AMBITIOUS? Driven? Or just delusional?

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Wests Tigers star Benji Marshall revealed his football plans to represent New Zealand at the rugby league World Cup and then become a rugby union All Black. 

Despite his career sliding, Marshall, it appears, still wants it all.

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Marshall, who has signed with the Auckland Blues Super Rugby franchise, wants to represent Steve Kearney's Kiwis in England later this year before then pulling on an All Blacks jumper ahead of Dan Carter and Aaron Cruden. 

During a press conference at Concord Oval yesterday, Marshall also refused to apologise for wearing a Blues jumper in a You Tube announcement while still contracted with Wests Tigers. 

Despite defecting to rugby union, Marshall still wants to play in the rugby league World Cup.

"Absolutely," he said.

"It's something that I have always done proudly throughout my career. That is to represent New Zealand.

"One of the proudest moments of my life was being captain of New Zealand. Yeah, absolutely."

Pressed on whether he could then become an All Black, Marshall said: "Absolutely.

"I know it is going to be a tough ask and a tough switch but that is what it's about.

"You've to have challenges in your life to strive for.

"If I don't look to make it to the top I don't think it would be a success.

"I've got a lot of hard work to do, no doubt. If I can achieve what I want to achieve with the Blues then it will go a long way to achieving the All Blacks."

Marshall wore a Blues jumper to announce his shift to rugby union, angering Tigers officials and fans.

Asked did he regret his decision, Marshall said: "What's been done has been done.

"At the end of the day that's where my job is going to lie next year and they wanted to put that out and release. That's over. 

"As far as I'm concerned, I don't need to comment on that.

"I am happy to talk about the Tigers but I won't be talking about that."

Marshall though was pressed on the issue.

Asked how Tigers fans would have felt, Marshall said: "Like I said, what's been done is done.

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and if people feel that, they feel that way.

"At the end of the day I had to put out what I put out for the Blues sake.

"We're not in finals contention so it was the time to do it."

Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter attacked Marshall on Sydney radio.

"Yeah I see it a little bit like that but I think it's more just in bad taste," Potter told Sky Sports Radio. 

"I wouldn't say it's naivety because I think Benji probably knows better."

Marshall strangely dismissed Potter's criticism.

"He actually didn't rip me hard. He actually called me last night to me it was quite the opposite,'' Marshall said.

"The relationship between myself and the coach is great. No dramas there.''

Marshall will leave rugby league under a black cloud.

Tigers CEO Grant Mayer admitted yesterday it would be a "sad" departure.

Asked would his legacy be tarnished, Marshall said: "I don't think it should to be honest.

"As far as I am concerned, what I have done for the game on a personal level — not only on the field but also off the field — has been quite positive. 

"There has been a number of negative stories about me throughout my time in rugby league that I haven't had a lot to do with.

"I have made quite a positive impact on rugby league and that was my goal, to be leave the best legacy possible and be a great role-model for children. 

"I am proud of what I have done."

Wests Tigers centre Blake Ayshford said players were trying to ignore the dramas at Concord.

"I don't know what is going on with a lot of the stuff," he said. 

"I don't really know most of the stuff that goes on.

"I am not going to judge or criticise anyone in this club for what has happened."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Starc for next Test is a no-brainer'

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Mitchell Starc has been dropped twice so far in this Ashes series. Source:AP

THE sustained brilliance of Ryan Harris in the fourth Test has contrasted with the struggle of his fellow fast bowlers at Chester-le-Street.

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Harris has overtaken Peter Siddle as Australia's leading bowler in the series with 20 wickets at just 19 apiece.

It has been an exceptional performance from a fast bowler who, for much of his first-class career, never looked a chance of representing his country.

That Harris took most of the wickets in England's second innings as it amassed a lead of 298 on the fourth day raised questions about those who did not.

Australia has chased more only once to win in England, 3-404 in 1948 when Don Bradman made almost half of the score.

On a pitch which traditionally aids seam bowlers Nathan Lyon (seven wickets) claimed more in the match than Siddle (one) and Jackson Bird (two) combined.

Bird and Siddle failed to take a wicket between them in the second innings.

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Siddle looked cooked after busting a gut in back to back Tests for the second time in the series. He and Harris are co-captains of the 110 percent club.

With eight days to recover for the fifth and final Test at The Oval Siddle deserves the opportunity to finish the series as Australia's senior bowler given all he has done over the past two years.

Bird is a different story. He was chosen specifically for this match because he was regarded as a seamer not a swing bowler, yet failed to make an impact.

Accurate and unlucky at times, he still did not look threatening for long periods.

Bird should have had a wicket on day four when Tim Bresnan padded up and the ball cut back appearing to trap him in front of the stumps.

Umpire Aleem Dar gave it not out so the Australians reviewed it and lost again on umpire's call, losing a referral in the process.

As a fundamental philosophy of a bat and ball game, anyone who pads up should lose the benefit of the doubt and hence the right to be saved by umpire's call.

Australia's conundrum on what to do for selection is further complicated by Shane Watson's groin injury, which prevents him from bowling.

The first selection decision should be the reinstatement of Mitchell Starc.

While he may spray the new ball at times he also bowls wicket-taking deliveries in his early spells, something Bird has struggled to do in tour matches and this Test.

And it is a myth that Starc leaks runs. His economy rate in this series of 2.71 runs per over is better than any of the other four fast bowlers.

Starc can also bat, which is something Australia has not managed to do well for much of this year.

He has a highest score of 66 not out in the series and his average of 26 is virtually as good or better than most of Australia's batsmen on tour.

Most significantly Starc has taken eight wickets in his two Tests at 27. Anyone who can average four wickets a Test is making a significant contribution.

Just who replaces Watson will be the biggest issue but Starc playing at The Oval should be a no-brainer.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Roosters favourites to keep SBW

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The Roosters are confident of re-signing Sonny Bill Williams. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

SONNY Bill Williams has promised the Roosters that he will not make any announcement about his future until after the grand final on October 6.

But despite receiving a new three-year offer to defect back to Super Rugby champions the Waikato Chiefs in 2014, Williams is still expected to remain at Bondi Junction for another season at least.

The Daily Telegraph understands the Roosters are manouvering to replicate their current arrangement with the dual international, which was only announced last November and registered on the eve of round one.

Sources close to Williams have confirmed he is keen on resuming professional boxing during the off-season, with one or two more fights in the pipeline.

As they did earlier this year, when Williams scored a controversial victory over South African heavyweight Francois Botha, the Roosters have given the move their blessing.

It also appears the NRL will be more accommodating, with the wholesale salary cap review striving for means to keep marquee players such as Williams in rugby league.

Between November 2012 and March this year, salary cap auditor Ian Schubert subjected the eight-month contract of Williams to intense scrutiny. Schubert challenged the Roosters about the Botha fight, as well as the fact the player's agent — Khoder Nasser — was not NRL accredited.

Williams was even frogmarched into League Central to be grilled as part of the probe — an undignifying experience that hardly endeared him to the code he grew up playing.

While they allowed Williams to play, the NRL vowed to punish the Roosters for not adhering to their rules and directives.

As yet, no sanction has been announced. But a number of new forces are combining to produce better spirited negotiations this time around, despite the fact Nasser is yet to be accredited.

Most crucially, the NRL is patently aware of how much promotional value Williams has single-handedly delivered to rugby league this year.

While there are concerns about the competition becoming lopsided, the drawing power of players such as Williams is too compelling to ignore. One proposal being considered as part of the review is a centralised marquee player fund that can used to subsidise salaries on application to the NRL.

Marquee player payments will also rise to $600,000 per club next year. It's believed Williams stands to earn around $1 million-a-season, meaning more than half his contract could be quarantined from the basic salary cap itself.

Described by Roosters CEO Brian Canavan as "vanilla", the deal is also unlikely to include third party sponsorships because Williams and Nasser avoid corporate backing.

Preparing to make his comeback from a two-week suspension, the 28-year-old is sure to be quizzed about his intentions over the final two months of the season after the NZRU entered the fray last weekend.

Accepting a three-year deal would fly in the face of recent commercial dealings, with Williams backing himself on minimum term contracts since he quit the Bulldogs in 2008.

And at present he's supremely relaxed about the future, telling Roosters officials that he wants to concentrate on the present task of winning a premiership before entertaining all offers.  

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Legends say bring back the biff

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Sam Burgess allegedly performs a "squirrel grip" on Will Chambers. Source: Scott Barbour / Getty Images

THIS is what you get for banning the biff.

That was verdict from some of the toughest men to ever play rugby league after South Sydney enforcer Sam Burgess was hit with a grade one contrary conduct charge for his "squirrel grip" that left Melbourne's Will Chambers in agony.

While the grade one charge carries a base penalty of one week, Burgess has loading from four previous offences which means he will miss two matches even if he enters an early guilty plea.

Souths are yet to decide if they will head to the judiciary tomorrow night to fight the charge to try and make Burgess free to play in Friday night's blockbuster against Manly in Gosford.

Neither the club management or Burgess would make any comment about the incident on Monday night and it was the same story at Melbourne where they said they hadn't even asked Chambers about the incident and they maintain they had no contact with the NRL.

But the "squirrel grip" controversy has sure caused plenty of debate among league fans and plenty of former greats were quick to defend Burgess's apparent action as a momentary brain-snap.

Rugby League Hooker of the Century Noel "Ned" Kelly summed up the general feeling among former tough guys perfectly when he roared with laughter: "The old Pommy get square.

"It's just frustration. It's the first time I've seen him spit the dummy."

But Kelly said he could understand how it could happen in the modern game with the banning of the biff.

"Mate, you've got to remember the old punch in the nose has been driven out of the game," Kelly reasoned.

"When you get yourself that angry you've just got to do something.

"They've driven it all underground, you can't get away with anything now.

"I mean, the sooner they bring back the punch in the nose the better. You'll get rid of all this other stuff."

Souths legendary hard man George Piggins was of a similar opinion.

Although he said he hadn't seen the incident, Piggins said it was understandable.

"What I mean if you are playing in a football side you have to put the whole thing in perspective," he explained.

"Souths were the favourites and they are getting beat and the frustration comes out.

"You know what I mean, unless he is a repeat offender.

"You put your hand on the inside of his legs and if it slides up and his nuts are at the end of it, well, what do you do?

"God strike me dead. There is no common sense with the bastards.

"The point is they are out there in battle and when you are pushed into a situation where you are getting a belting and you think 'shit, I've got to do something'. What are you supposed to do?

"Like fair dinkum. Did they read the paper the other day with that piece in The Telegraph about how much the crowds are down?

"They will want to take a bit of a look at it and start worrying about the game being good to watch.

"Isn't frustration a good defence. There has to be a bit of give and take in the game and that's not just because he is a Souths players.

"(Burgess) is an enforcer and Watmough is the same. He is an enforcer and he does enforce and he is good at it.

"Do you pull him up every time he goes a little bit over the top? You can't have it both ways."

John Sattler wouldn't buy into it, saying "Sam's a good bloke" and Mario Fenech said he totally understood how frustration can lead to moments like this.

"I know myself there were times in my career where I pulled a bit of mongrel out, too," Fenech said.

"If you don't have mongrel you are not a good rugby league player, trust me.

"As a forward you have to have an element of mongrel in you.

"We all make errors and obviously Sam has made an error. But I'll tell you, I'm a fan of Sam's and he is a very good man. I'd put my reputation on that."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Don't make Dons a scapegoat: Matthews

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Pressure ... James Hird admits the saga is taking a toll on players. Source: Michael Dodge / Getty Images

AFL legend Leigh Matthews has questioned whether Essendon has done anything to bring the game into disrepute and is at risk of being made a scapegoat.

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Charges of disrepute or conduct prejudicial to the interests of the AFL could be laid against the club and officials as soon as 9am Tuesday in the long-running doping saga.

But Matthews said it appeared that the Bombers had not broken any specific rules.

"We've had this leak and that leak and now we, as in the grapevine, seem to believe there'll be no specific rule breaches but the AFL will go back to its catch-all of bringing the game into disrepute to make a scapegoat of somebody," Matthews said on Brisbane radio yesterday.

"The somebody is the Essendon management, whether it's James Hird the coach or the club itself.

"But I am yet to see any evidence of what they have actually done to bring the game into disrepute, as opposed to innuendo that we read about in the paper day after day."

Hird sent a message to club members after a day of meetings at Windy Hill that included football department staff, lawyers and the club board. The club's front office was closed for half an hour from 4pm.

The coach maintained the club was still planning for finals.

"All I will say on the matter to you is that I am looking forward to dealing with the facts," Hird told members in relation to the drugs investigation.

"As a coaching and playing group we will be doing everything we can to turn around our form slump over the next three rounds to ensure we go into September primed and ready to play finals football," Hird said.

Matthews said the mooted charge of bringing the game into disrepute suggested the AFL's rules "aren't good enough".

"In other words they haven't broken any specific rule but we don't like what they've done so we'll slam them with bringing the game into disrepute," he said.

"Yes, they may have been sloppy in their governance, sloppy in their management, they might have delegated to some people that they wish they hadn't delegated to potentially. But that isn't bringing the game into disrepute in my view.

"I just think the AFL now unfortunately - and I hope the commission can look through it - it's one thing to look after your brand and your game but you've got to make sure there's an element of fairness in what you eventually do."

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou will sit on any commission hearing of charges against Essendon and its officials.

Commissioner Bill Kelty has removed himself from any hearing because of his close ties to former Essendon chairman David Evans and friendship with coach James Hird.

But it is understood Demetriou is unmoved by a call from Hird's legal team to have Demetriou recuse himself.

Demetriou has made it clear league general counsel Andrew Dillon would be solely responsible for deciding if Essendon and any of its officials should face charges.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cordner out, SBW's future in doubt

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Sydney Rooster's Sonny Bill Williams looks on. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

BOYD Cordner is likely gone for the season, while Sonny Bill Williams is in fresh talks to quit the club as the Sydney Roosters' premiership campaign faces its first real test.

Only weeks after debuting for NSW, Cordner last night underwent ankle surgery that is expected to sideline the gun 21-year-old forward for between six to 10 weeks.

The grand final is eight weeks away, leaving Cordner with little time to recover.

The back-rower's absence is set to have a huge impact on the Bondi Junction club and comes as Williams again heads into talks with rugby union with hopes across the ditch that he will be playing with the Waikato Chiefs as early as next season.

The New Zealand Rugby Union, with a three-year deal on the table for Williams, wants the code-hopper back after rugby league's World Cup to join the Chiefs' for the next Super Rugby campaign.

When quizzed on the fresh contract discussions late yesterday, Roosters chief operating officer Brian Canavan insisted: "There have been no new discussions anywhere, at any level."

It's understood that while the NZRU is willing to let Williams have his second season at Bondi Junction, the Rooster is also concerned his ambitions to represent the All Blacks at the next Rugby World Cup could be at risk if he leaves himself only one season to push for selection.

"We have made Sonny and Khoder (Williams' agent Khoder Nasser) an offer," NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said in New Zealand. 

"We have been talking to them and the dialogue has been positive but we don't have any ink on paper. We would obviously love Sonny to come back and play rugby here and we have made that clear. It is up to Sonny and Khoder now."

Williams will return from a two-match suspension for Monday week's clash against Wests Tigers.

Cordner, meanwhile, went under the knife after injuring his ankle in Saturday night's 28-22 win against the Canberra Raiders. 

The forward visited a specialist yesterday where the news, despite him being booked in for more scans today, was serious enough to take immediate action.

Initially, it was feared he may be suffering syndesmosis, the same ankle problem currently sidelining reigning Dally M medallist Ben Barba.

The recovery rate for that is four to six weeks.

"He's got the syndesmosis disease, which every player seems to get these days, a high ankle sprain and something to do with ligaments tearing apart," Brad Fittler said on the Nine Network's Footy Show.

"(It is) eight weeks, so I think it's grand final at best.

"He'll be a great healer. He's so dedicated to what he's got to do."

The Roosters' victory over Canberra - their seventh in a row - lifted them two points clear of South Sydney at the top of the ladder.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Dons reject AFL demands

Essendon coach James Hird's day of reckoning in fast approaching as the AFL prepares to hand down its sanctions. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: George Salpigtidis / HeraldSun

THE complex nature of the Essendon drugs saga may become slightly clearer today or tomorrow when the AFL announces its charges against the club and individuals, including coach James Hird.

We say "slightly" because after several days of talks with AFL representatives, the Bombers have yet to yield on the league's demands.

The AFL, the Herald Sun has been told, wants the Big Mac: premiership points, personnel, draft picks and a fine.

But there's also a belief the AFL would forsake premiership points if Hird resigned. The AFL has denied this.

If it's true, that means it's a choice for Essendon between Hird and the players.

The Bombers won't sell Hird down the river because they are hellbent on protecting their points and their personnel.

Hird is almost certain to be charged, as will club doctor Bruce Reid and head of football Danny Corcoran, with conduct unbecoming or prejudicial to the interests of the AFL, in that they failed properly to govern and administer the club's supplements program in 2012.

Hird will fight any charge.

Essendon insiders say the only way one of the club's favourite sons will leave Windy Hill is in a body bag.

There's no evidence the AFL visited the city morgue in recent days but, make no mistake, the AFL is playing for keeps on this one.

Bombers chairman Paul Little has spoken to Hird and senior assistant Mark Thompson in recent days and his support for them is absolute. He said as much in his pre-match speech yesterday.

The Bombers board might accept that its governance and management-level diligence was poor, but there's a strong undertaking that if the club accepts premiership points being stripped, it also accepts it is pleading guilty to cheating on drugs.

The Bombers have argued that after seven months of investigation, the players have not been found guilty of taking performance-enhancing drugs.

That the AFL is acting on an interim report is also of concern for the Bombers, and individuals, who are speaking to their lawyers as much as they are talking to their players.

More to the point, how can the AFL take premiership points if the players are yet to be found guilty of anything?

A fine and loss of draft picks for its governance issues would be more to the club's liking.

The difficulty is the need for the AFL and Essendon to find penalties that will satisfy both parties.

At the moment it's a face-off. And if it continues over the next fortnight, the possibility of court action is real.

The Bombers are open to the suggestion. They could then tell their side of the saga, as they have been promising, and that would probably include league heavyweights Andrew Demetriou and Gillon McLachlan being called to give testimony, as well as former Dons chairman David Evans, Hird, Reid, Corcoran and others.

Some at Essendon stand by their belief - which has been denied by Demetriou and Evans - that Demetriou warned Evans his club was under investigation for use of performance enhancing drugs.

We know of conversations Demetriou had with Evans on the eve of the club reporting itself on February 5, and claims were reported in The Weekend Australian about conversations held between Demetriou, McLachlan and Evans on Sunday, February 3, the day before the infamous meeting of Essendon figures at Evans' home.

Demetriou has stated he did not have information that Essendon was being investigated on February 3 and 4.

The Weekend Australian report said Evans had passed on the Demetriou information to a club official.

That official is Reid, who was asked by Evans: Did the players take performance enhancing drugs? Reid said no.

Despite the AFL denials, just why the Bombers self-reported remains an issue.

Indeed, there are issues galore.

Among many, one has intrigued the Bombers.

It's understood the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority's 400-page interim report does not detail what correspondence was had between Essendon and ASADA about the status of AOD-9604, the drug central to the investigation.

Chief investigator Paul Simonsson has been quoted as telling the players it would be very unlikely they would be charged for taking the anti-obesity drug, despite the World Anti-Doping Agency announcing in April the drug was banned under its S.0 category.

Former Essendon sports scientist Stephen Dank says he has documentation that allowed the drug's use, although the documentation has not seen the light of day.

As it stands, today or tomorrow will be about the club and Hird. If he does go for being irresponsible in his duties, and Corcoran and Reid are the same, Thompson would also walk from the club.

That would mean Hird, Reid, Corcoran, Thompson, Evans, chief executive Ian Robson, football manager Paul Hamilton, Dank and high performance manager Dean Robinson would be the casualties.

That's what you'd call a Big Mac - with fries and a bucket of blood.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Barba pays the Gold Coast a visit

Bulldogs Ben Barba leaves the field with an injury. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

BEN Barba's manager says the Dally M medallist was only visiting family and the Gold Coast's theme parks when he was spotted on the Glitter Strip this weekend.

Barba set tongues wagging at Piggabeen Oval on Sunday when he made a surprise appearance to watch younger brother Marmin play for Tweed Heads in the Intrust Super Cup.

The Bulldogs fullback's future has been the talking point of the NRL for the past two months and many believe he will leave Canterbury at season's end to link with a Queensland-based club.

Barba, who's out of action because of an ankle injury, is contemplating leaving the Bulldogs because the mother of his two daughters, Ainslie Currie, is reportedly keen to move closer to family in Brisbane.

But he did not meet with Gold Coast Titans, or any other club, according to his manager Gavin Orr.

"They had the week off and he only just got out of the moon boot," Orr said.

"He wasn't allowed to go anywhere until he got out of the boot.

"He was happy to go and watch his brother play.

"There was nothing more than that. He wasn't up there meeting anyone.

"He has gone on a break with his family to meet up with his brother. They went to the theme parks yesterday."

Titans coach John Cartwright said in June the club would not be pursuing Barba.

The Broncos are favoured to snare his signature if he seeks a release from Canterbury.

Broncos CEO Paul White told ABC Radio on Sunday the club would not enter negotiations with Barba or Raiders star Anthony Milford unless they were formally released by their clubs.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Southern Stars 3/170 at tea

Meg Lanning has been named to make her Test debut. Picture: Cricket Australia

UPDATE: Veteran Sarah Elliott played a crucial role in the Southern Stars batting attack, making 54 not out as Australia progressed to 3-170 off 67 overs at tea on day one of the women's Ashes Test.

Opener Meg Lanning was run out on 48 just after lunch, while Jess Cameron played an entertaining innings to be out LBW the ball after she brought up her 50.

Cameron brought up her 50 , which included 10 fours from 96 balls, with a pull shot to the boundary in the 66th over just before the tea break, but was out LBW to Laura Marsh the next ball

Elliott, who made 81 in a six-hour stand to help deliver the 2011 Ashes, was happy to leave first-change bowler Jenny Gunn early on, handing the Englishwoman five maidens in the first stage of her innings.

The 31-year-old, who came to the crease half way through the tenth over,  was patient, but later started to play her shots.

She made her 50, which included eight fours, off 149 balls.

She survived a big LBW shout on 27.

Cameron was tentative early but quickly found her stride.

Lanning was facing the second ball of the second over after lunch and hit a solid shot through cover point.

Lanning and batting partner Elliott took two runs as Katherine Brunt fielded the ball out near the boundary.

When Lanning turned to take a third, Elliott sent her back, but she failed to make her ground as wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor took off the bails.

It brought Victorian Jess Cameron to the crease with Australia 2-87.

Lanning, in her Test debut, was 45 not out at lunch alongside Elliott (24) as Australia reached 1-84 from 33 overs.

Lanning, who made 104 off 124 balls in a tour match against England A last week, was watchful early before unleashing with nine fours, including a powerful back-foot pull shot. 

She was dropped by England keeper Sarah Taylor when she was on 13 and appeared to edge another ball which Taylor couldn't reach, but the umpire didn't think Lanning had hit it.

She survived an lbw shout in the 30th over, appearing to be a fair way down the track.

Pace bowler Anya Shrubsole snared the wicket of opener Rachel Haynes (10), bowled, in the 10th over.

Shrubsole and fellow English opening bowler Katherine Brunt troubled the Aussies early with their pace and movement.

Australia took four Test rookies into the game as they began their quest to retain the Ashes.

Lanning, Erin Osborne, Megan Schutt and 17-year-old speedster Holly Ferling were named alongside six veterans from the team that won the last Ashes Test, in 2011.

Captain Jodie Fields, who won the toss and elected to bat, was named despite injuring her finger during a tour game last week.

Swing bowler Julie Hunter, who had a slight side strain and missed the tour match, failed to make the XI.

Australia: Meg Lanning Rachel Haynes Sarah Elliott Jess Cameron Alex Blackwell Jodie Fields Erin Osborne Ellyse Perry Sarah Coyte Megan Schutt Holly Ferling Julie Hunter (12th)

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More