Ellyse Perry joins Fox Sports team

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SHE'S a dual international, a national role model and was recently voted more marketable than Real Madrid's $145 million man Gareth Bale.

Meet Ellyse Perry, Fox Sports' latest recruit.

Perry has signed with Australia's sports leader as a specialist commentator across the two sports in which she continues to excel – football and cricket.

Having recently returned from the women's Ashes, and now in training with Sydney FC, Perry said she was looking forward to sharing her sporting knowledge with Fox Sports' passionate national audience.

"It's a huge honour to be part of a wonderful network," Perry said. "I love listening to (Mark Bosnich's) commentary and analysis on different parts of the game. I heard him talking about cricket the other day on The Back Page. I was very impressed with his level of knowledge and understanding of the game."

Perry has been a regular feature in the mainstream media since her prodigious sporting talents first came to light. Still just 22, she has starred for both the Matildas and the Southern Stars on some of women's sports biggest stages and will bring a unique perspective to Australia's television screens.

"It will be different, definitely," she said. "It will be a different way of seeing things. The majority of sport I've been involved in I've been playing, so it will be nice to take a step back and see it from a different perspective. 

"I wouldn't mind betting that it might be beneficial from my own playing in terms of viewing things a different way or maybe learning things that you don't necessarily see when you're playing."

Perry made international headlines in May when the influential ProSport magazine released their list of the world's most marketable sporting stars. The Sydneysider ranked 36th on the list – the only Australian athlete to feature in the top 50 – and was 12 places clear of the latest Galactico, Bale. La Liga stars Neymar and Lionel Messi topped the list.

Neymar is the world's most marketable sportsman, Ellyse Perry the most marketable Australian athlete

"That list certainly shocked me and wasn't something I was aware of," she said. "Gareth Bale is probably a lot higher now given recent events. (His world record transfer fee) would have solved the GFC a few years ago."

The greatest challenge confronting Perry these days is balancing her hectic schedule. With professional cricket and football commitments, university studies, sponsor endorsements and now a commentary role with Fox Sports, Perry's diary-keeping ability will need to be on a par with her sporting prowess. 

"Sometimes it can be quite tight," she said. "I just got home from the Ashes and our domestic season starts fairly soon with the W-League and the WNCL. It's a tight turnaround but the same thing happened last year coming home from the World Cup and starting the W-League so quickly.

"You haven't seen my car. I've got most things in my car that I need for both trainings. I don't need to pack too much. (My laundromat) is called mum and dad and I'm very fortunate to have that."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Senior Socceroos on notice: Slater

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EVERY senior Socceroos player should do one thing this morning: look in the mirror and ask is the Australian shirt about them or what's best for the country?

Everyone has been blaming coach Holger Osieck for the debacle against Brazil, but fingers need to be pointed at the veteran players holding back the development of the Australian game. The same players who tell us the Australian shirt means so much to them.

We were embarrassed by Brazil and are facing more of the same at next year's World Cup. Osieck's career is on the line against France on October 11. He shouldn't be the only one on notice.

The game in Paris is massively important and could prove to be a watershed moment for Australian football. Or it should be.

Attitudes have to change or Australian football will fall into a massive hole and it could take years to dig ourselves out of it. The first step is removing the "me" culture that has pervaded the team.

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It's a privilege to wear the Australian shirt. However, there is a responsibility that comes with it — and that is passing it on.

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I can hear the (g)olden generation saying it's up to the young blokes to step up and take their spot. And this where Osieck is culpable because he hasn't given them much of a chance.

Instead, we keep hearing how we don't have the depth of young talent.

The reality is we know what Mark Bresciano can do, we know what Mark Schwarzer can do, we know what Lucas Neill can do. Friendlies are designed to blood new talent, create progression pathway to ensure you team is strong five years from now.

I'm not saying the veteran guys don't have a role to play at the World Cup next year, I simply don't see what is gained by letting them all play every match along the way.

In a football sense, we have a coach who never lifts his eyes to have a look around the field. There is no vision and no legacy.

This is the team I would pick to play France next month.

The first player I would leave out is Schwarzer and give Mitch Langerak and Mat Ryan 45 minutes each to stake a claim as the country's No.2 keeper.

Luke Wilkshire would be right back and I'd give Millwall's Shane Lowry a crack at left back. Ryan McGowan and Rhys Williams would be the central defence, with Jason Davidson, who plays in the Dutch league for Heracles Almelo, getting half a game.

Mark Milligan and Mile Jedinak would be the holding midfielders to provide some stability and experience, with Matt McKay getting half a game. That ensures the young guys aren't left totally exposed.

Tommy Rogic would play behind Tim Cahill up front, with Tommy Oar and Robbie Kruse out wide.

Guys like Mathew Leckie, Josh Brillante, Connor Chapman, Connor Pain, Trent Sainsbury, Oli Bozanjic and Aston Villa's Chris Herd would also be looked at in an extended squad.

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If the old guard don't like it, bad luck.

Crucially, Rogic, as the Australian team's next playmaker, should play every minute of every game in the lead up to Brazil next year.

These guys can't do any worse than we did against Brazil. We were devoid of ideas, slow, predictable, there was no structure, we lacked organisation at the back; the only positive was we only conceded six goals.

Look, I can accept losing 6-0 to Brazil with a young team looking to the future but not with a team going nowhere.

Two games against the same opponent show how we have lost our way.

When Australia lost 2-0 to Brazil at the 2006 World Cup, Neill, Cahill, Schwarzer and Mark Bresciano all played. Wilkshere and Josh Kennedy were in the squad. Then take a look at the Brazil team from 2006 and compare it the team that flogged us in Brasilia. It's full of new blood.

Is it any wonder we're struggling?

Pim Verbeek created this situation and now Osieck is carrying it on, where sneaking through Asia is the yardstick for our game. That should never be enough.

We have the Asian Cup on home soil in 2015 and if we're not careful we'll be a laughing stock in our own backyard. Football operates in such a competitive environment here with other codes that David Gallop and his team at FFA headquarters can't let that happen.

Then we launch back into World Cup qualifying for 2018. International football is an unforgiving arena and if you don't move with the times you get left behind.

That's what we are seeing now.

One of the problems I see is the incentive contracts offered to Verbeek and Osieck, where getting through World Cup qualifying is enough. That's why I advocate a return to Australian coaches and appointing someone strong enough to tap the senior players on the shoulder.

Our game is ready for an Australian coach to lead the Australian team.

It's ready to let go of the golden generation and not live on the glory of 2006.

These players need to understand that legacies can be tarnished.

Perhaps, that's another question the old Socceroos can ask when they look in the mirror this morning: How do I want to be remembered?

Robbie Slater's Socceroos team to play France:

Mitch Langerak (Mat Ryan)*, Shane Lowry (Jason Davidson)*, Ryan McGowan, Rhys Williams, Luke Wilkshire, Mark Milligan, Mile Jedinak (Matt McKay)*, Tommy Rogic, Tommy Oar, Robbie Kruse, Tim Cahill

Substitutes: Mathew Leckie, Mitchell Duke, Josh Brillante, Chris Herd, Trent Sainsbury, Oli Bozanjic

* Players to get 45 minutes each

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Broncos want Million Dollar Smithy

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MELBOURNE face a major battle to retain Cameron Smith as the Broncos build a war chest capable of bringing the Queensland and Test skipper home to Brisbane.

Brisbane legend Steve Renouf has urged the club to pay a club-record $1 million a season to entice Smith into Bronco colours by 2015.

The Storm are facing salary cap pressures, with Smith headlining a number of several off-contract players next season, including Ryan Hoffman, Jesse Bromwich, Kevin Proctor and Tohu Harris.

Smith is the obvious priority, but Melbourne's desire to retain the likes of Hoffman and their emerging stars will influence their ability to compete in a bidding war with NRL suitors. 

That opens the door for the Broncos. 

No NRL rival can formally approach Smith until November 1, but The Sunday Mail understands the Broncos have the funds to make a legitimate play for the jewel in Melbourne's crown.

The Broncos allowed rising prop Dunamis Lui to join Manly last week, clearing $150,000 under the salary cap.

Veteran halves Peter Wallace and Scott Prince will not be on Brisbane's books next year, freeing up significant cap space. 

Prop Ben Hannant faces a six-figure pay cut to secure a new deal with the Broncos in 2015.

With the NRL payment ceiling rising from $5.8 million this year to $6.55 million in 2015, including a $600,000 marquee player allowance, Brisbane are positioned to be serious players on the open market.

Smith has strong ties to Melbourne, but he exclusively told The Sunday Mail in June he would weigh up all offers as he prepares to sign the last contract of his illustrious career.

Renouf launched a stinging attack on Brisbane last week, saying the club's heart had been ripped out, and says signing Smith would instantly transform the Broncos.

"If we can afford $1 million a season, why not pay that for Cam? He would be worth every cent," he said. 

"Someone like Cam Smith is a guy the Broncos need and would benefit from. 

"Having a leader like him around would be amazing, he is such a great player. He has shown all those qualities down there in Melbourne and they will be doing their darnedest to keep him. 

"The Broncos need more leaders. Sam Thaiday and Cozza (Corey Parker) are there, but Cam Smith would be a great captain of the Broncos.

"He has star quality, the corporates would love him, he has a young family and he carries himself really professionally. 

"He's exactly what the club needs."

Mindful of poaching threats, Storm football manager Frank Ponissi said the club would start talks with its off-contract players next month. 

"All negotiations for all players for season 2015 will be held from October onwards, including Cameron Smith," Ponissi said. 

"There are a number of guys we have off-contract, including Ryan Hoffman, Jesse Bromwich, Kevin Proctor and Tohu Harris.

"As soon as our finals commitments are over, we will try and get as much done. It will be a big month for all those players, not just Cameron."

Former Broncos and Storm chief executive John Ribot hopes Smith stays in Melbourne, but concedes the club faces a fight to retain him.

"I'm a bit torn there but Cam is a one-club man and has been great for the Storm," he said. 

"It's a tough one for them, but hopefully the Storm come up with the right package to keep him in Melbourne.

"If you are the Broncos or any club trying to put your club back on the map, Cam Smith is the best starting point. 

"Cam has done so much for the place, so it would be a sad day if he left."

Smith, who turned 30 in June, said during this year's Origin series he was weighing up a number of several factors.

"Throughout my whole career, I have stayed loyal to the Storm and I have never come off-contract at Melbourne," he said.

"I have always been tied up, but they understand I have a young family now. 

"We'll have to work through it. It will be a lengthy thing ... I will weigh up other offers as well."

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McKay claims one-day hat-trick

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Clint McKay became just the fifth Australian to claim a one-day international hat-trick as the tourists sought to round out a largely underwhelming tour of the UK on a high note.

McKay removed Pietersen lbw for five from the first delivery of his second over with a full, angling delivery.

He followed with the scalps of Jonathan Trott and Joe Root, caught Aaron Finch and Shane Watson at second and first slip respectively.

McKay's devastating over left England reeling at 3-8 in pursuit of Australia's 227 in the fourth one-day international at Cardiff.

Bruce Reid, Anthony Stuart, Brett Lee and Dan Christian are the only other Australians to have claimed an ODI hat-trick.

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FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION AND BIG MOMENTS BY CLICKING HERE ON THE MATCH CENTRE

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After a shaky start George Bailey's 87 steered Australia to a competitive first-innings total against England in the fourth one-day international at Cardiff.

The Aussies were bowled out for 227 in the 49th over which was a reasonable result given they lost in-form opener Aaron Finch on the first legitimate ball of the match and Shane Watson a few overs later for just six.

But it could have been a lot better for the tourists who'd fought back to be 5-209 with almost 10 overs to play.

A late collapse, however, saw the Australians lose their last five wickets for just 18 runs in the space of 37 balls.

Off-spinner James Tredwell was carted during his first spell of 0-48 but hit back in his second spell taking 3-5.

Bailey's sterling innings of 87 off 91 balls means Australia could wrap up the series with a solid effort in the field.

The tourists lead the five-match series 1-0 with one game to come in Southampton on Monday.

Bailey smashed five fours and three sixes when recording his highest ODI score against England.

The 31-year-old brought up his 1000th ODI run during his 27th innings.

Australia made one change from Wednesday's washed out match in Birmingham with Nathan Coulter-Nile making his debut at the expense of fast bowler Josh Hazlewood.

Coulter-Nile, 25, is a right-arm quick from Perth who can also bat.

England kept the same team.

- With AAP.

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Cummins's inspiration starts at home

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BEING beaten never burdens Wallaby winger Nick Cummins for long when the spirit to bounce back is in every inspiring thought he has for his father standing up to cancer.

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"Doing it for dad" is a potent theme to everything the mop-haired finisher does, including the thundering rally of strong runs he hopes to inject into a drought-breaking Wallabies win over Argentina in Perth on Saturday night.

Cummins's single dad Mark was honoured as Queensland's Father of the Year in 2012 for his herculean parenting effort with eight kids.

He has made sure that kids Joe, 16, and Lizzy, 21, have more than the right care to deal with cystic fibrosis. He has given them a sunny outlook on life which is something knockabout brother Nick radiates in every conversation and every rugby challenge.

Coughing up two early balls and slipping when he did cut through the line against South Africa last weekend is a ragged last start that Cummins is intent on remedying against the Pumas.

"Yes, there's pressure on the Wallabies to win but diamonds are formed under pressure," Cummins said with typical flourish.

For the first time, Cummins spoke about the jolt to his Logan family's tight-knit equilibrium when his father was diagnosed with incurable prostate cancer earlier this year. He is fighting to extend the five years he was initially given to live.

"Anyone who can stand up, keep facing life and stay positive with that sort of info...that's inspiring," Cummins said.
"Dad's had a pretty tough ride but he always picks up my spirits if I'm a bit down rugby-wise with an injury or whatever. 'What are you worried about' he says. 'Look at me'.

"I'm really keen for that good performance for him. He's truly backed me and the family all the way."

The pride flows both ways with Mark and a brood that would fill a sevens team...Bernadette, 33, Northern Territory five-eighth Luke, 31, Nathan, 30, Alicia, 24, Lizzy, Jake, 20, and Joe.

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"You can have a lot of speed bumps in life but the main mantra I live by is that the sun comes up tomorrow morning. Things get better," Mr Cummins, 54, said.

"I'm determined to bat on a lot longer. You gotta live. We still have a lot of good family parties. I still surf with the boys. I play touch.

"Nick is made of good stuff. He knows life is more than just footy.

"I'm proud of his rugby but more so who he is. He's not a player who'll ever dog it and there's nothing fake to him.

"He's on the phone to the kids when they are in hospital and he feels it is his mission in life to find a cure."

If there is one footy jersey that Cummins yearns to wear as much as the gold Wallabies jumper, it is that of the Quokkas beside his father.

He has played once for the family-based team at the Bali 10s and Mark has long-range plans to play with his sons again.

"We'll get another team together for Bali or Darwin one year. I'll put down the clipboard and still be good for few minutes with the boys," Mr Cummins said.

Cummins senior was on a plane to Rosario to watch his son's Wallaby debut live against Argentina 11 months ago. Then-coach Robbie Deans invited him to the team's private jersey presentation ceremony.

"It was a pleasure to be in that dressing room, in the ring of players with Nick singing Waltzing Matilda after a great win," he recalled.

There is winning in rugby and in life. The Cummins family are savouring every drop.

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I've been assassinated: Stuart

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OUTGOING Eels coach Ricky Stuart on Thursday night accepted "small-minded" critics would continue to "assassinate" him over his decision to quit the club in favour of a three-year contract with Canberra.

In a dramatic finale to a season of complete woe, Stuart candidly addressed 500 players, staff, members and sponsors at the club's annual presentation night at Rosehill Racecourse.

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Many were stunned that Stuart had gumption to turn up, given the aggravation and distress embattled Parramatta have suffered as a result of his departure.

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Stuart was even forced to contend with the heckles from the audience as he spoke, but completed his three-minute speech to moderate yet respectful applause.

"I've been assassinated over the last day and I'll be assassinated tomorrow," Stuart said.

"But they are small-minded people. They don't understand the decision I've made.

"It's a big decision that I've made and I've had a lot of criticism today.

"I've had my character judged. I've been called a lot of things and there's been a lot of things said in regards to Ricky Stuart.

"I made a decision that's best for me and my family and I'll wear all types of criticism."

With most of the NRL squad present, Stuart then opened up on his decision to tell 12 players they were unwanted for next year.

As he spoke, a former board member taunted: "And now you're leaving!"

Stuart continued: "There's not a player in that group that I can't look in the eye and still say hello and be friends with.

"It's very hard, but that's my profession. I don't stand back from that. I'm proud I had the courage to do it.

"I'll continue to get criticism and I'll stay strong. I'll cop the criticism and I'll cop the punishment while ever I know it's the best decision for myself and my family."

Stuart paid special tribute to chairman Steve Sharp for his support over the past 10 days, and appealed to the club's factions to allow the former premiership-winning forward to "show his passion and do his job".

Once seen as the club's saviour, Stuart arrived at the Parramatta presentation Thursday night to the boos of Eels fans angered by his resignation as coach just one season into a three-year contract.

The departing coach turned up just after 7pm as fans, players and club officials were filing into the grand pavilion - after an hour of cocktails and nibbles - for their awards night.

Despite being on the receiving end of boos, Stuart managed to avoid a more awkward situation with the Eels faithful by leaving his arrival until the last minute.

"I was wondering if he was going to show up," angry lifelong supporter Colin Maclean said.

"It feels like unfinished business, this was supposed to be a five-year plan and he's left after a season.

"I understand if it was for family reasons, I just hope that was the case."

Stuart was seated on a table with his agent John Fordham - a lifetime friend and the manager of some of Australia's most recognisable sports and television stars.

Stuart had few words to say as he walked through the crowd to his seat near the lectern.

"I've already spoken to your blokes," he said.

Sharp was less reserved, saying Stuart's decision had left club officials shaken.

"I'm disappointed," he said. "We're looking for a new coach.

"Ricky's made that decision on a number of things and one of those is personal. Today's raining but the sun comes up tomorrow and dries it all up and away we go again."

Sharp would not comment on the specific personal reasons behind Stuart's departure but said he was satisfied his coach was leaving for valid reasons.

"I understand probably more so than most about Ricky's situation and I wish him all the best for the future."

Sharp said the playing roster Stuart had decided on for season 2014 would remain unchanged.

Eels cult hero Fuifui Moimoi - a man notoriously of few words - did not break from character Thursday night when asked about the hole left by Stuart's decision.

"It'll be alright," he said.

Stuart leaves the club after their second wooden spoon in as many seasons and their fourth bottom five finish in a row.

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Hayne sensed something was up

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EELS co-captain Jarryd Hayne declared on Wednesday night coach Ricky Stuart left his teammates with a sense of abandonment after walking out on Parramatta.

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On a tense evening that saw Stuart front 500 Eels players, officials, members and sponsors at the club's presentation night, Hayne also revealed that he felt Stuart had decided to quit three weeks ago and described the defection as a "huge thing" in the wake of the coach's decision to tell a dozen players they were unwanted in June. 

Stuart gathered the entire team for a meeting at a Parramatta hotel immediately before Thursday night's function at Rosehill Racecourse to justify his decision. 

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The coach explained how family issues had dictated a need for him to return to Canberra, as well as the increasing difficulties he's had operating under Parramatta's dysfunctional regime. 

Most of the NRL squad arrived as a group around 6;30, but Stuart did not enter the racecourse until moments before the function began. 

Asked the team felt abandoned, Hayne replied: "I guess there's a sense of that. There's obviously a lot of things happening. You look at Canberra, their board seems to be getting on well and the player roster is going OK. If you have an opportunity ... from his point of view I can see why he did it." 

But Hayne was clearly not pleased with the prospect of the club being forced to search for its sixth coach since he debuted in 2006. 

"Personally, I saw it coming. The way Ricky was acting over the last two or three weeks, I felt something was up," he continued. 

"A decision like that - I always knew it was on his mind. He's made it, it's on his shoulders I guess."

Refusing to offer a firm commitment to the club after signing a two-year extension this season, Hayne said his immediate focus was now on next month's World Cup. 

He felt most for long-suffering Eels fans, as well as the 12 players who had been told to move on mid-season.

Eels chairman Steve Sharp on Thursday confirmed Stuart's exit would have no impact on the situation facing those players.

"That's going to be huge because of the big decisions that were made and the people he did let go," Hayne said.

"I need to worry about what I'm doing with the World Cup coming up. It's such a big thing for me, I would be disappointed if I let things like this get me down and not focus my full attention on that. 

"The fans are the ones that are going to be hurting the most. They've stuck by their side and had a hard season and now their coach leaves. They are going to be very disappointed."

Fellow co-captain Tim Mannah was more understanding of Stuart's predicament.

"We had a bit of a chat with Ricky and the boys. He told us his side of the story. I've got a lot of respect for him. He's done what he needs to do," Mannah said. 

"Obviously as a player you know what Ricky is like as a coach and want him around. He's got personal reasons we don't need to go into. As a human being you can't get too worked up about that. I understand it." 

Wearing a worn-out expression as he arrived, Sharp was still in shock believing Stuart would see out his contract until late Wednesday. 

"It did come as a bit of a shock to me even though there was a bit of speculation around," Sharp said. 

"I got a call from Ricky. We have a good relationship and I am very compassionate about his situation. There are some personal things there. I understand it."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

AFL reality show to kick off in 2014

Fox 8 will try to uncover the next Isaac Smith. Source: MARTIN PHILBEY / AAP

THE AFL Commission has made unprecedented league rule changes to allow the winner of a reality TV show a spot on an AFL club's list.

The Recruit, which will be broadcast on Foxtel's Fox 8 channel next year, is pitched as a talent search that will make a footballer's dream a reality.

The show will run during the 2014 season and hundreds of potential AFL players will be whittled down to 12 for a September mini-draft.

AFL chief Andrew Demetriou said the radical the proposal had been endorsed by the commission.

A bidding system for clubs will be revealed on the show, but as many as three players could make their way on to rookie lists.

Contenders must be over 20, have never played AFL, and have not played VFL, SANFL and WAFL seniors in 2012 or 2013.

The likes of Hawthorn wingman Isaac Smith played for country club Redan in halfway through 2011 before a handful of games in the VFL led to him being drafted.

Find ... Isaac Smith was playing country football before being drafted. Source: News Limited

Foxtel hopes to unearth a mature-aged star in country or suburban football.

News Limited raised the prospect of the Football Idol-type program in January.

Demetriou said on Thursday the competition could unearth new stars, so the commission was happy to change its procedures.

"We have changed our regulations so it's gone to the commission already," Demetriou said.

"In essence we are going to have a mini-draft in September to allow clubs to take what at this stage looks like three players, but depending on the sort of talent unearthed you never know.

"It stands to reason we will find players who have never contemplated AFL football. They might be playing other sports, and because of the national nature of this (show), that's the exciting nature of it."

Demetriou said the show would not compromise the draft or salary cap.

Mature ... James Podsiadly is a story of perseverance. Source: News Limited

"We have done this before with international rookies, so what is happening is that these people are enriching our game.

"(Geelong's James) Podsiadly would never have played unless we changed the mature-aged rookie rules. We have made these changes before and they have been successful. This is just another variation to give another category of rookies a chance who aren't playing AFL football at all.''

The winner will be categorised as an official "pre-selected rookie" and the club that takes him will forfeit its last rookie-list spot.

Foxtel executive sports director Ben Buckley said there was enough talent to sustain the show sceptics who did not believe there was enough talent for the show would be surprised.

"All of us can think of players who have played with amateur clubs, country clubs, suburban clubs, and we were just in awe of their skills and talent and can't believe why they haven't made it. This is a world-first program. We hope we can promote the AFL to people who may not have otherwise seen it before,'' he said.

"I am absolutely convinced there is," he said.

National selection trials will take place in February for the show, which will air in the second half of the year.

A coach and football club will effectively be created for a series of challenges, training sessions and games to whittle down the talent to a final list of 12.

Registrations are now open. Go to www.fox8.tv National selection trials will be held in February.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Benji flogged, jeered and dumped

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FLOGGED in his final Wests Tigers game, jeered by fans for wearing an Auckland Rugby Union jumper and now dumped by New Zealand.

Brisbane Broncos: Alex Glenn, Josh Hoffman

St George Illawarra: Dragons: Bronson Harrison, Jason Nightingale

Penrith Panthers: Lewis Brown, Sam McKendry, Dean Whare

New Zealand Warriors: Shaun Johnson, Thomas Leuluai, Kevin Locke, Simon Mannering, Ben Matulino, Sam Rapira, Elijah Taylor, Manu Vatuvei
Wests Tigers: Adam Blair, Tim Simona 

The Benji Marshall era in rugby league has come to a sad and forgettable end.

On Wednesday, Marshall was overlooked for New Zealand's 17-man train-on squad to contest this year's World Cup in England.

His axing comes a week after Wests Tigers' limp 50-22 final round loss to North Queensland in Townsville - Marshall's last NRL game. 

Marshall walked out of Concord in controversial circumstances after inexplicably donning an Auckland Blues jumper to promote the Super Rugby franchise. 

"It is a sad end to his rugby league career," said Tigers legend Garry Jack.

"It is disappointing but Benji has to take some responsibility. He did the Auckland Blues video and walked out on his Tigers contract. 

"I have no sympathy, no. He has been a great clubman for the Tigers but when your heart's not in it, that reflects in your performances."

The NZRL claimed Marshall was unavailable for the World Cup.

Yet, less than a month ago, Marshall claimed he wanted played 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."

On form, Marshall — a former New Zealand skipper with 27 Test caps — was always going to struggle for selection, particularly with Manly five-eighth Kieran Foran in such sparkling form. 

But to miss the train-on squad is embarrassing.

"I think the writing was on the wall earlier this year when Benji wasn't picked in the Kiwi's 17-man squad," said former Tigers and New Zealand halfback Gary Freeman. 

"It was always going to be tough for him to get back in. You always want to go out on a high and when you don't it's tough."

Wests Tigers CEO Grant Mayer was also surprised of Marshall's omission.

"It is disappointing for Benji," he said. 

"He has been an outstanding player for his team and country. I'm sure he will bitterly disappointed."

A NZRL press release stated Marshall "informed the selectors that his impending move to rugby union would rule him out of the tournament."

"We're naturally disappointed to not have Benji available for World Cup selection," said New Zealand convener of selectors, Tony Iro. 

"But we understand the circumstances and wish him well. He'll always be a Kiwi brother and he has done wonders not only for rugby league in New Zealand, but the game in general. 

"Benji stood proud as a New Zealander at a time when there was plenty of interest in convincing him to commit elsewhere.

"His dedication to his country set an example to those coming through. He was a key part of the Kiwis team that won New Zealand's first ever rugby league World Cup in 2008 and he followed that up with a starring role, as captain, in our 2010 Four Nations win. 

"He'll be missed, but we believe we have players in the halves that are ready to deliver in this World Cup tournament."

The train-on squad comes from players in clubs who missed the NRL semi-finals. 

The Kiwi selectors - Richie Barnett, Ivan Cleary, Stephen Kearney and Tawera Nikau - will add to the squad in coming weeks as teams are eliminated from the finals. Iro will also contribute.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Come clean or get caught: Johnson

Former Olympic sprinter Ben Johnson talks drugs in sport at the Sofitel Wentworth hotel in Sydney. Picture: Brett Costello Source: Brett Costello / DailyTelegraph

BEN Johnson's message to any guilty NRL stars is simple: "If you took drugs and you are under investigation, it's probably too late my friend."

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The sprinter, whose 100m gold at the Seoul Olympics was stripped after he tested positive to steroids, has turned anti-drugs campaigner and believes today's cheats will get caught as he did.

"Somebody is going to squeal. It's just a matter of time before it catches up with you,'' he said.

"They would be best off to talk now."

Johnson, in Australia as part of a tour to promote a "Pure Sport" anti-doping initiative, has watched the ASADA probe into the NRL and AFL with much interest from his home in Canada.

"I thought, 'Wow, this is huge, this is going to be really big.'"

He also revealed he'd been contacted by Commonwealth authorities to provide information about Australian athletes who may have doped during his steroid-riddled heyday.

"They wanted to know whether they were involved with my doctor," he said.

His doctor was Jamie Astaphan, who has since admitted his athletes used steroids to compete on a level playing field.

Johnson only recalls one meeting that involved Australian athletes, which took place in Seoul.

He declined to name the athletes, and does not know what transpired between them and Francis.

"I was in a room talking to Charlie and I heard him say that he's got a meeting with some Australian athletes," Johnson recalled.

"I'm not going to name any names.

"Athletes don't come out and say what they are doing. It's not spoken about.

"A little later I got contacted by an Australian authority and they asked me certain things about Australian athletes."

After testing positive, Johnson spent a year in denial before confessing in 1989, a moment he recalled as liberating.

"I felt like 100 pounds had been lifted off my head," he said.

"I finally felt like I could move on with my life again."

The Canadian intends to meet NRL boss Dave Smith while in Sydney, where he will headline an anti-doping roundtable discussion at the SCG on Thursday morning.

To mark the 25th anniversary of arguably the most shameful event in Olympic history - six of the eight runners eventually tested positive - Johnson has agreed to speak out in six cities across four continents.

Although Johnson maintains his sample was spiked in Seoul, he's now advocating for WADA to be better funded by the IOC.

"My dad always told me, 'To catch a thief you've got to be a thief,'" he said.

"What happened to me was a conspiracy and I would take the blame for a lot of other people. It wasn't right.

"But this is an opportunity to try and make a difference to my life and sport in general."

The timing of his message could not be more poignant, with ASADA believed to be just a month away from finalising its investigation into possible substance abuse among 31 current NRL stars.

Raiders winger Sandor Earl is already attempting to win a reduced ban after confessing to trafficking and use two weeks ago, while AFL powerhouse Essendon remain under investigation after being disqualified from the finals and fined $2 million for their edgy 2012 supplement program.

Sportswear company SKINS convinced Johnson to embark on the tour, but are only meeting his expenses.

SKINS chairman Jamie Fuller was hopeful of meeting Smith before they depart to Tokyo on Tuesday, having already been knocked back by the AFL.

"I said to the AFL, We are here to advocate for WADA to have more funding,'" Fuller said.

"They told me, 'That's your agenda, that's not our agenda.'

"I can only interpret that they don't want to see a strong and independent WADA."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

I was trying to escape: Milford

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ANTHONY Milford has admitted his boozy night out in Auckland was an "escape" from the pressures of a turbulent rookie season at the Raiders.

Milford and Josh Papalii may face disciplinary action from the Raiders after they confessed to drinking alcohol 48 hours before Canberra's 50-16 loss to the Warriors two weeks ago.

Milford, who will turn out for Samoa at the World Cup in October, on Wednesday expressed regret over the incident and vowed never to make the same mistake again.

The 19-year-old concedes he has felt the stress of recent months, including his contract dispute with the Raiders over plans to invoke a get-out clause to return to his sick father in Brisbane.

"I'm getting a lot of pressure at the moment," Milford said. "I didn't deal with it well.

"Whatever happened is behind me now, but it was a learning curve for me, especially being young and seeing what's going on at the club (in relation to Blake Ferguson's sacking last week).

"With the off-field stuff, I guess I was looking to escape. I've tried to focus on footy as much as I can, and rugby league has helped me in that way.

"I'm sorry to the Raiders fans. It's something I will learn from and it's a mistake I won't make again."

Interim Raiders coach Andrew Dunemann believes Milford's indiscretion was a symptom of deeper issues affecting the teenager.

The Queensland under-20 sensation has battled homesickness in Canberra, prompting him to ask for a release to return to his family.

Dunemann hopes Milford will remain at the Raiders next year, but the NRL rookie-of-the year contender probably will be wearing Broncos colours.

Milford hopes his disciplinary breach is not viewed by the Canberra board as a sign Dunemann lacks the respect of Raiders players.

A decision on the Raiders' coaching job is expected in the next 48 hours, with Eels coach Ricky Stuart or the Cowboys' Neil Henry tipped to edge out Dunemann.

"I really hope 'Duney' gets the job," Milford said of his under-20s mentor.

"All the boys want him as coach, but it's in the hands of our board and moving forward they know what is right.

"I just hope that what we did doesn't jeopardise his chances of becoming the head coach.

"When I came through the juniors, Duney was always there to help me out. He's done a lot for my game, so hopefully I haven't let him down.''

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Team who dares wins big games

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So is the finals series really a new competition?

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Obviously the pressure of making the play-offs has now been dispelled and each club can tick off their first objective as having been achieved, as they now prepare for a different challenge.

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However there will be no profound changes as to how the eight go about chasing their ultimate aim.

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There'll be no revolutionary new moves or tactics that have been secreted away, only to be unveiled during this last month of competition.

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In fact our finalists will, by and large, persevere with the type of football that has got them this far, but just looking to do it better with the stakes now higher.

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That said, everyone is looking for an edge, something that just might make the difference. It doesn't have to be much because the little things invariably all add up to be significant.

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With that in mind I thought I'd throw up a few suggestions based on what I've seen in recent times.

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Don't fixate on completion rates 

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When asked about the secret to success, every player's stock standard answer is that it will be based on "completing their sets". There is no doubt that by controlling the football and getting to the end of each set of six, a team goes a long way towards maximising their chance of winning.

However against the better teams it should also be as much about what you are doing with the ball when in possession.

Hitting it up without error, but not asking any real questions of the opposition defence, is going to be well handled by quality outfits who've made it this far.

If a team is confident they will understand when a pass should not be thrown but also not be afraid to try something when they sense an opportunity is on.

At this time of year fortune will favour the brave.

I was always coached that if you are going to make an error, at least do so when you are trying to do something positive.

Don't waste time

This especially applies when you are behind in the contest.

I have been both bemused and confused in watching teams that are trailing race to set a scrum in the final two minutes of a contest to force time out.

Yet behind by the same margin with 10 minutes to go, there is a complete lack of urgency as players saunter their way to the set piece before the referee eventually blows his whistle.

Surely time is as precious in both of these situations in giving the side behind on the scoreboard as much time as possible in their quest for victory.

Teams shouldn't complain that they ran out of time when really they just didn't best utilise what they had available.

Unless deliberate, don't kick the ball dead

There are times in a game when a kicker will drive the ball dead in-goal for a specific reason. It may be to nullify the attacking prowess of a Greg Inglis or a Billy Slater, or to give his team a much needed rest and an opportunity to present a set defensive line.

However in most cases a 20 metre restart is an easy "out" for the opposition, one that almost ensures that by the end of their next set they will be in position for an attacking kick.

Obviously forcing a line drop-out is a huge tactic in today's game but when a kicker gets it wrong and puts one too long, the difference is huge.

To not only release pressure and possibly change momentum, giving up an easy 20 metres takes any wind out of the sails.

It is a much more favourable outcome to err on the side of conservatism and have the opposition pick up the ball a metre short of their try-line rather than a metre over the dead-ball line.

It might not be the best result but at least you have maintained field position and your opponents have 99 metres to travel.

Stand deeper from kick re-starts

This has been an area of real missed opportunity in recent weeks.

So many times I have seen place kicks from halfway caught by players moving back towards their own deadball line and almost carrying the ball into touch themselves.

Catchers should be moving forward and by doing so they are in the best position to judge where the ball is going to land.

If it is sailing close to going out on the full then by coming from a deeper position they know exactly what the best course of action is to be.

So many times in recent rounds that action could easily have been the catcher straddling the line when receiving, thus making the ball out on the full and a penalty awarded their way.

There are not many times that you are taken up the field 50 metres without having to expend any energy.

Don't die wondering: This is a time for no "what ifs" or "if onlys".

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blake goes on a Bali holiday

Sacked Canberra Raiders star Blake Ferguson in Perth en route to Bali.

HE no longer has an NRL club, but that hasn't stopped Blake Ferguson from enjoying a Balinese-style Mad Monday.

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Fresh from his sacking from Canberra last Friday, Ferguson is spending this week on the Indonesian party isle with mates, including Grayson Goodwin.

The Daily Telegraph can also reveal he stopped over in Perth last weekend to catch up with friends playing in the Western Australia Rugby League.

Ferguson was spotted at a local oval to watch the preliminary final between Fremantle Roosters and South Perth Lions, before posing for photographs in the club house.

Ferguson's new agent, Sam Ayoub, said the 23-year-old's holiday was pre-planned and that he would return on Sunday.

Ayoub has also indicated his desire for Ferguson to take time out from rugby league, with discussions already taking place to secure him employment over the off-season.

Not likely to register any contract until the wayward NSW Origin star gets his life in order, the NRL would be supportive of such a plan.

Sources close to Ferguson believe he would benefit from joining a club with a powerful figurehead, such as the Roosters or Panthers.

But any meaningful negotiations are a long way down the track, given Ferguson still faces a sexual assault charge in relation to an alleged incident at a Cronulla nightspot in June.

The Sharks have been heavily linked to him, but The Daily Telegraph understands Cronulla's board is unlikely to green light the move.
 

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Brisbane Lions 2013 report card

DO THE Lions get a pass for the 2013 season? See our verdict and have your say.

SNAPSHOT

Wins: 10 
Losses: 12
Draws: 0
Ladder position: 12
%: 89.6

WHAT WENT RIGHT

What could have been another year from hell quickly became the start of something special at Lion land. Brisbane started the season where they left off last year, losing eight of their first 11 games, but stormed home to win seven of their last 10 - beating Geelong along the way - and almost snare a finals berth. The emergence of Irish import Pearce Hanley as a future AFL star added further depth to the Lions' growing midfield stocks.

WHAT WENT WRONG

Struggled to get their best team out on the park with anything approaching regularity. Simon Black missed most of the season, Jonathan Brown managed just 15 games and has again gone under the knife, Brent Moloney almost played only 15 games and Daniel Merrett went down in Round 22, when finals were still possible.

BEST-AND-FAIREST

1 - Joel Patfull
2 - Pearce Hanley
3 - Jarrad Redden
4 - Tom Rockliff, Dayne Zorko

PREMIERSHIP CLOCK

There were promising signs towards the end of the season, but the Lions are still well and truly locked out of their next premiership window. Too often the load has been shared between the team's ageing gang of veterans, with a lack of consistency the disappointing trademark of the rest in 2013.

ROBBO'S VERDICT

A calamitous year where the coach was sacked and the chairman will go. On the field, won the same amount of games as last year (10) but signs in the second half pointed to real improvement. The new coach will have something to work with, although if anyone knows a key forward ring reception.

THE LIST
Elite: Pearce Hanley
Big improvers: Matthew Leuenberger
Going, going: Jonathan Brown, Aaron Cornelius, Simon Black
Gone: TBA
Trade bait: Billy Longer, Sam Docherty, Patrick Karnezis

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 27: Stewart Crameri of the Bombers runs down the wing during the round 14 AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and the Essendon Bombers at Patersons Stadium on June 27, 2013 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images) Source:

WHAT THEY NEED

A big man up front to replace the ailing Jonathan Brown. The Lions have reportedly entered the race for Essendon's Stewart Crameri, who would provide some relief even if Brown manages to drag his battered body around for another season.

STATS THAT MATTER

Club leaders

Kicks: Pearce Hanley 296
Handballs: Tom Rockliff 284
Contested possessions: Tom Rockliff 233
Marks: Joel Patfull 114
Contested marks: Jonathan Brown    26
Clearances: Tom Rockliff 97
Inside-50s: Pearce Hanley 96
Rebound-50s: Jed Adcock 107
Frees for: Matthew Leuenberger 35
Frees against: Matthew Leuenberger 33
Goals: Jonathan Brown 28
Goal assists: Dayne Zorko 17
Time on ground: Joel Patfull 2505
Players used: 38
       
TEAM STATS: (total/percentage + AFL rank)

Disposals: 342.7 (15th)
Contested possession differential: -7.2    (16th)
Tackles: 63.5 (10th)
Clearance differential: -3.4 (16th)
Inside-50 differential: -3.5 (13th)
Scoring % inside 50: 48.5% (14th)
Av points for: 87.4 (14th)
Av points against: 97.5    (15th)
Av winning margin: 20   
Av losing margin: 35   
       
DID YOU KNOW?   
Joel Patfull lost 15.5% of his defensive one-on-one contests this season - the fifth-best percentage of the top-50 players in the AFL to be involved in a defensive contest.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Troubled Papalii's cry for help

Raiders and Queensland star Josh Papalii. Source: Adam Head / CourierMail

CANBERRA are worried about Josh Papalii's mental well-being after his boozy night out in Auckland.

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The Courier-Mail can reveal Canberra players are scheduled to receive six weeks of mental health training after a slew of alcohol-related incidents at the club this season.

Interim Canberra coach Andrew Dunemann, who has a background in welfare, believes it is a necessary step for a youthful squad largely coming to terms with the demands of life in the NRL.

Papalii and Milford are of particular concern after confessing to drinking alcohol 48 hours before Canberra's 50-16 loss to the Warriors last Saturday night.

While conceding the pair were out of line, Dunemann said there were "underlying issues'' for the two Samoans. He was mindful of the pressures on Polynesian players after the deaths of Mosese Fotuaika and Alex Elisala this year.

It is understood Papalii has been battling off-field stresses for months. The 21-year-old has come under increasing pressure since his Origin breakthrough in June and has relayed his issues to Canberra management.

Milford has been homesick for more than a year, prompting the 19-year-old to ask for a release last month to return to his sick father Halo in Brisbane.

"The thing I want to get across is the welfare aspect,'' Dunemann said. "If you look at what has happened in the game this year, two Islander boys have taken their lives and it's imperative we deal with them the right way.

"There are different pressures within the Polynesian culture. They are very family-oriented and have close bonds.

"I sat down with Josh Papalii and we had a talk about what is going on in his life. We got to the bottom of it. The best thing is we've identified the issues and we can fix it.

"I won't go into it publicly, but we need to look at why they were drinking. I believe it was an escape from their problems and they have not developed over the past three weeks.

"Josh and Anthony aren't repeat offenders. What they did was wrong, no doubt, but there is a welfare issue and we need to get to the bottom of it, why they were in that situation and what they are trying to get away from.''

The Raiders have sacked Josh Dugan and Blake Ferguson over alcohol-induced misbehaviour this season. Dunemann has asked for approval to enlist the help of Sportslife IQ to work on the mental health of Canberra's squad.

"We've already planned our pre-season to include three days of mental training for the first six weeks,'' Dunemann said.

"It's a massive area this club needs because we have a young squad.

"For us to go forward we need to get the boys' heads right. We want to bring in some mental health experts and teach the boys about things like resilience and upskill them so they can handle the everyday pressures of football and life.''

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Your club's path to glory

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PLAYERS and coaches talk about taking things a week at a time, but fans are always gazing ahead and thinking about the "what ifs''. MATT WINDLEY takes a look in to the crystal ball to determine just who your team might come up against throughout September.

HAWTHORN
Week off

To play winner of this week's Geelong v Port Adelaide semi-final in preliminary final next Friday night.

SCROLL DOWN AND JOIN THE LIVE CHAT WITH MATT WINDLEY FROM 12pm

Hawthorn players would undoubtedly welcome a Port Adelaide victory against Geelong this week. Hawk defender Josh Gibson insists the club isn't thinking about a possible preliminary final against the Cats next Friday night, but everyone knows the blockbuster is on the cards. Gibson's right, you can't disrespect Port Adelaide - especially a Port Adelaide side that so comprehensively defeated Collingwood last week.

But if lightning were to strike twice and Port did defeat the Cats then the following week Ken Hinkley's men would have to make a third consecutive trip to Melbourne, beat two top-two teams in a row and also reverse a five-match losing streak against the Hawks.

The match-up that almost everyone wanted to see in the Grand Final, Hawthorn and Geelong, can now only occur in the prelim. Surely, with a week's break, the Hawks would be in as good a position as ever to snap an 11-game losing streak against their arch rivals.

FREMANTLE
Week off

To play winner of this week's Sydney v Carlton semi-final in preliminary final next Saturday afternoon.
Fremantle is in the box seat to make its first ever Grand Final now. The Dockers have won 16 of their past 17 games at Patersons Stadium - including 10 in a row dating back to Round 3 this year - and so will fear neither Sydney nor Carlton in next Saturday's preliminary final. For the record, Fremantle and Sydney played out a 70-all draw at the SCG in Round 8 this year, while the Dockers smashed the Blues by six goals at Etihad Stadium in Round 19.

GEELONG
Semi-final v Port Adelaide, MCG, Friday 7.50pm

WIN: MCG preliminary final against Hawthorn.
Geelong's record against Port Adelaide is formidable. It has won the past nine games between the two sides dating back to Round 21, 2007. Interestingly the two teams have played just once at the MCG and that was the Cats' record-breaking 2007 Grand Final victory. Geelong will hold no fears of a potential preliminary final against Hawthorn considering it has won its last 11 games against the Hawks.

LAST FIVE v PORT ADELAIDE
R20 2013, Simonds Stadium, Geel 20.9 (129) def PA 16.8 (104)
R9 2013, AAMI Stadium, Geel 18.8 (116) def PA 9.14 (68)
R14 2012, Simonds Stadium, Geel 14.15 (99) def PA 8.13 (61)
R3 2011, Simonds Stadium, Geel 17.20 (122) def PA 6.7 (43)
R4 2010, Simonds Stadium, Geel 23.21 (159) def PA 10.4 (64)

SYDNEY
Semi-final v Carlton, ANZ Stadium, Saturday 7.45pm

WIN: Patersons Stadium preliminary final against Fremantle.
Recent history points to a Sydney win against Carlton this week. Outside of the fact that qualifying final losers traditionally bounce back to defeat elimination final winners, Sydney has won the three games that it has played against the Blues at ANZ Stadium.

It has also won the past two games between the two sides, including a 22-point win at the SCG in Round 14 this year. The form line against Fremantle, should Sydney advance, however is less clear because the Dockers and Swans rarely meet at Patersons Stadium. Only twice since 2005 have these teams met in Perth - Fremantle won by 21 points on Anzac Day in 2009, but Sydney won the most recent encounter, by nine points, in 2010.

LAST FIVE v CARLTON
R14 2013, SCG, Syd 8.17 (65) def Carl 5.13 (43)
R19 2012, Etihad Stadium, Syd 14.9 (93) def Carl 10.11 (71)
R13 2011, Etihad Stadium, Carl 15.10 (100) def Syd 10.6 (66)
R6 2011, SCG, Carl 12.15 (87) def Syd 10.11 (71)
EF 2010, ANZ Stadium, Syd 14.15 (99) def Carl 13.16 (94)

PORT ADELAIDE
Semi-final v Geelong, MCG, Friday 7.50pm

WIN: MCG preliminary final against Hawthorn.
Port Adelaide, as gutsy as it as been this year, is really up against it this week against a Geelong side it has not beaten since 2007.

That said, the experts - this column included - tipped similar gloom for Ken Hinkley's men last week. Should the Power get through, then it will face another mammoth task against Hawthorn next week - the Hawks have won the past five games between the two sides dating back to Round 7, 2011.

LAST FIVE v GEELONG
R20 2013, Simonds Stadium, Geel 20.9 (129) def PA 16.8 (104)
R9 2013, AAMI Stadium, Geel 18.8 (116) def PA 9.14 (68)
R14 2012, Simonds Stadium, Geel 14.15 (99) def PA 8.13 (61)
R3 2011, Simonds Stadium, Geel 17.20 (122) def PA 6.7 (43)
R4 2010, Simonds Stadium, Geel 23.21 (159) def PA 10.4 (64)

CARLTON
Semi-final v Sydney, ANZ Stadium, Saturday 7.45pm

WIN: Patersons Stadium preliminary final against Fremantle.
Carlton defied history in so many ways last week, clearly becoming the first side in AFL/VFL history to win an elimination final after technically only doing enough during the home and away season to finish ninth.

And while the Blues are in to semi-final week, they will have to create history again this week by winning at a ground - ANZ Stadium - they have never won at before. Tantalising for Blues fans, however, is the fact that their side has won its last two games against Fremantle at Subiaco, so a preliminary final at that ground next week won't necessarily hold any fears should it come to that.

LAST FIVE v SYDNEY
R14 2013, SCG, Syd 8.17 (65) def Carl 5.13 (43)
R19 2012, Etihad Stadium, Syd 14.9 (93) def Carl 10.11 (71)
R13 2011, Etihad Stadium, Carl 15.10 (100) def Syd 10.6 (66)
R6 2011, SCG, Carl 12.15 (87) def Syd 10.11 (71)
EF 2010, ANZ Stadium, Syd 14.15 (99) def Carl 13.16 (94)

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

No fear as Port prepares for Cats

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PORT Adelaide's new slogan is "No Fear" - and Power captain Travis Boak is sure his players will live up to the theme as they confront their club's greatest demons from Geelong at the MCG on Friday night.

A week after successfully taking on the finals-hardened Collingwood with a "No Limits" campaign, Boak on Monday delivered the "bold and brave" approach demanded by coach Ken Hinkley by reflecting no fear of the smarting Cats.

This is despite the Power having lost its past nine games against Geelong, starting with the record 119-point thrashing from the Cats in the 2007 grand final at the MCG when Boak was playing his 14th AFL game.

"We've got no fears," said Boak on Monday.

"We go into the game with nothing to lose. That is the style we had against Collingwood - and we will have the same attitude this week."

Asked if Geelong still has the Power players spooked from 2007 and the nine-game winning run, Boak insisted: "No, not at all."

Geelong's rise as an AFL powerhouse coincided - or triggered in the 2007 grand final horror show - the collapse of the Port Adelaide Football Club.

In the past nine meetings, Geelong has won by an average margin of 56 points.

"But we are a completely different side now ... and they are a different side," said Boak suggesting a swing in dominance between the two teams is underway. Port did outscore the Cats by 26 points in the second half of their last clash, on August 10 at Kardinia Park.

"We are going into the game with a lot of confidence. We are confident we can get the job done. We can take them on with our run and braveness."

Port's campaign to rebuild respect - for a club that on Monday was described nationally as having held the image of "the village idiot of SA football" - is far from finished with the players.

"We're in the top six of the competition now and that deserves a little bit of respect," said Boak. "We're also playing some pretty respectful footy. But we don't want to stop now. We just want to keep going."

Port's drive to succeed was further emphasised at Alberton yesterday as the players not only had to deal with the mental scars of repeat losses to Geelong but again the loss of team-mate John McCarthy.

Monday marked a year since the Port squad, in particular the 10 on the trip, learned of McCarthy's death during an end-of-season holiday in Las Vegas.

"We've spoken about J-Mac all year and obviously it is a pretty big moment today," said Boak. "It is good we are around each other today because it is a hard moment.

"All year we have played with J-Mac and we will continue to play with J-Mac."

Port again has no injury concern leading to selection on Thursday. Teenager Sam Colquhoun trained at Alberton on Monday easing concerns about his sore right hamstring.

Travis Boak says Port don't fear the Cats.

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Midget-free but not a good look

Panthers prop Sam McKendry during Mad Monday celebrations. Source: NO BYLINE - Bradley Hunter / DailyTelegraph

IS this a good look for rugby league?

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Penrith enjoyed their traditional Mad Monday celebrations on Sydney Harbour where bikini-clad waitresses served players drinks throughout a three-hour cruise.

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Eels players drank at the Royal Oak in north Parramatta where co-skipper Reni Maitua walked the streets without a shirt.

Wests Tigers and Dragons players also enjoyed an end-of-season drink.

Panthers officials defended a decision to have a Mad Monday celebration with ladies in swimwear.

The merits of Mad Monday were again questioned last week after St Kilda player Clinton Jones set alight dwarf Blake Johnston.

It was a big day for Penrith prop Sam McKendry. He was spotted outside the Vibe Hotel, on Goulburn Street, just after 9am attempting to help a man being interviewed by police.

Penrith officials on Monday night denied the man being interviewed by police was one of the club's players.

Hours later, and wearing the same basketball singlet, McKendry was spotted relaxing on Sydney Harbour in a Party Time Cruise boat. Utility player Lewis Brown was also spotted on board by The Daily Telegraph.

Asked about McKendry being photographed with police Monday morning, Panthers group chief executive Warren Wilson said: ''I have had no contact from anyone in relation to any incident.

''No one has rung us. A picture can look different in half a dozen ways to half a dozen people.

''I won't be commenting until I see a full report from this morning.''

A police spokesperson said there were no reports of any disturbances.

Pressed on bikini waitresses being on board, Wilson said: ''If the girls want to serve the players….my major issue is whether the players acted like gentlemen and my information is that they were all impeccably behaved. Exemplary.''

Eels players looked to have enjoyed their time inside the Royal Oak, their traditional Mad Monday pub on Church Street.

"The NRL season is a long one so today is a day for the players to unwind and bond in a controlled environment,'' said interim Eels CEO Matt Phelan.

"There is nothing wrong with the boys enjoying themselves but no matter what day of the year it is, the players are expected to abide by the NRL and club's code of conduct."

Wests Tigers chief executive Grant Mayer said a few of his players remained in north Queensland after the weekend's loss to the Cowboys in Townsville.

They were also accompanied by a serving police officer as security.

''There was no official club celebrations but some of our team stayed in north Queensland while other returned home to be with their families,'' Mayer said.

"They will all have to be back on deck on Monday and train for the three weeks leading up to the grand final. From all reports they are enjoying and all have been well-behaved.''

St George Illawarra reported no dramas with some players enjoying drinks at a pub in Wollongong.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Unstoppable: Storm wary of GI

Greg Inglis goes over against the Roosters. Picture: Brett Costello Source: Brett Costello / DailyTelegraph

HE'S the man who can single-handedly blow any team off the park - now Greg Inglis faces his biggest challenge.

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Reigning premiers Melbourne are more experienced than any other team in the finals race and if there's one thing they know how to do it is shut down an opposition superstar.

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But even Cameron Smith admits it's impossible to completely take the Rabbitohs fullback out of a game.

As the Storm skipper said at Monday's NRL finals launch at Garden Island about Queensland and Test teammate: "I don't think you can contain him. You can't take him out of a game.

"You just have to try and minimise the impact he has on the match really.

"I have been fortunate enough to play many games alongside him with Melbourne, Queensland and Australia and when Greg Inglis is in one of those moods where he wants to take a team apart he can do it single-handedly really."

We all saw it in last Friday night's minor premiership showdown against the Roosters when Inglis brushed off Sonny Bill Williams for the Rabbitohs' opening try.

And in Souths' big win over Manly in Gosford in round 22 the superstar fullback was again the difference, saving two tries and scoring the match winner.

But the concern among Souths fans is the lingering question over his fitness, and whether GI has fully recovered from the knee injury he suffered in the State of Origin decider.

The game against the Sea Eagles was his return from injury and even though he proved the inspiration for Souths on several occasions during the match he couldn't mask the pain.

But he has played on week after week and with every game you get the feeling his confidence is growing.

And Souths will need him at his absolute best if they are going to take down the Storm, who not only have an outstanding record against the Rabbitohs but also the most experience of any team in the finals race.

But Inglis could be the man to stop their charge if he plays to his breathtaking best.

He's already won a Golden Boot and a Clive Churchill Medal while he was playing for Melbourne and if Inglis hadn't missed those games through injury this year many believe he was a shoe-in for his first Dally M Medal.

But while he might struggle to reel in the leaders for the game's most prestigious individual prize, you get the feeling Inglis would happily hand that over if it meant helping Souths continue their charge through the finals.

In recent weeks some experts have been wondering why coach Michael Maguire didn't give him a rest leading into the play-offs - but Maguire said all along it was Inglis' decision to play through the pain because he wants to do everything in his power to make sure the Rabbitohs give it their best shot in 2013.

As tough as last Friday night was against the Roosters, this week's showdown with the Storm is going to be another step up for the Rabbitohs.

But Inglis is the man who can lift them to glory.

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Jared claiming self defence

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has a case to answer for this hit on Chris McQueen. Source: Matt King / Getty Images

THE qualifying final fate of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves hangs on the Roosters being able to convince the NRL judiciary that he accidentally elbowed Rabbitohs defender Chris McQueen in self defence last Friday night.

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The qualifying final fate of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves hangs on the Roosters being able to convince the NRL judiciary that he accidentally elbowed Rabbitohs defender Chris McQueen in self defence last Friday night.

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As the NRL on Monday sent a written warning to South Sydney over Sam Burgess's behaviour in the same match, Waerea-Hargreaves was hit with a grade one dangerous contact charge that's left his place in Saturday night's second qualifying final against Manly on a knife's edge.

Facing a one-week ban of regardless of his plea, the firebrand Kiwi elected to fight the charge in a hastened hearing at League Central on Tuesday evening.

Risking just 30 additional carry-over points should he be found guilty, Waerea-Hargreaves will not be able to rely on previous cases that could demonstrate inconsistency on behalf of the match review committee.

The most glaring was Sharks centre Ben Pomeroy using a forearm to fend-off Kurt Gidley in round 22, which was reported by on-field officials.

The match review committee did not charge Pomeroy, however Cronulla did receive a written warning about the incident.

It's understood the difference between the Pomeroy and Waerea-Hargreaves was the point of initial contact.

The committee determined Gidley was originally struck in the chest, whereas Waerea-Hargreaves made initial contact with the throat of McQueen.

Melbourne prop Bryan Norrie was the most recent player to be charged with making dangerous contact with the forearm, pleading guilty to the offence on Brisbane's Sam Thaiday in round 24 last year.

The Roosters won't be able to rely on that incident either, because precedents are only admissible when players contest the grading of offences.

Roosters CEO Brian Canavan last said the defence would most likely contest that Waerea-Hargreaves was acting in self defence, and therefore did not intend to strike McQueen in a dangerous fashion.

It's understood the Roosters could also present a video file of the player's propensity to fend-off tacklers in self defence.

They've engaged lawyer James McLeod, who beat the odds to have Boyd Cordner defeat a striking charge in June following a punch to the head of Parramatta's Matt Ryan.

The committee also considered charging Burgess for tampering with the face of Roosters pivot James Maloney late in the encounter.

Footage of the incident created an uproar among Roosters fans, who felt their five-eighth had been eye gouged.

Maloney has since declared no ill-feeling toward Burgess, but the committee was concerned enough to send Souths a warning note Monday.

"It was concerning action," committee boss Greg McCallum said.

"We've said to Souths that those sorts of incidents could result in charges."

Waerea-Hargreaves has already missed five matches through suspension this year, after being sent-off for a high tackle on Manly opposite George Rose in May.

Should he be outed Tuesday night, the Roosters will rely on the return of Luke O'Donnell from a dangerous throw ban to bolster their front row.

O'Donnell, however, has played just one match in the past six weeks after also missing a fortnight due to a virus in August.

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