Wally feels Sam's King-sized blow

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WALLY Lewis, the first Broncos captain sacked, says Sam Thaiday's leadership was not to blame for the club's worst ever season.

Thaiday was relieved of the Brisbane captaincy on Friday, 24 years after the King was dethroned by Wayne Bennett.

Lewis, Queensland's greatest ever player, was dumped as Broncos skipper in October of 1989 despite being the incumbent Origin and Test captain, replaced by Gene Miles. It remains the biggest shock in the club's history.

Fast-forward nearly a quarter of a century and Thaiday's axing, while nowhere near as seismic as that of Lewis, has again rattled the club.

Lewis feels for Thaiday, knowing as few others would how gutted Big Sam would be.

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And while he has a high opinion of Anthony Griffin as a person and coach, the King of Queensland football admits he was left bemused that the Broncos hope to arrest their form slump by having a different player leading them down the tunnel.

"I don't think Thaiday's leadership last year was the problem for the Broncos," Lewis told The Sunday Mail.

"His individual form wasn't helped by what was going on at the Broncos.

"They were changing things around and I don't think playing in the front row helped him, but that is the coach's decision.

"People start looking for excuses and blame in times like that and it is unfortunate Sam has to deal with that because he had a fairly handy year.

"Whenever he played for Queensland or Australia he was sensational.

"I find it difficult to see a reason why Sam (is no longer the captain), I mean surely he couldn't be blamed.

"However, when you are steering the ship you are often questioned when you don't pull into the right port.

"I'm sure Sam, while he won't like it … this will give him a direct challenge to make him play better."

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Griffin used hard evidence in the form of statistics to show Thaiday that he performed best when he was not captain of the team.

Similarly, Bennett stood before the club's board 24 years ago and used a series of graphs to show how Lewis's form fell away after the representative season.

Lewis broke his arm before the '89 season while playing for Australia, and it affected his form which ultimately led to Bennett's decision.

Thaiday was forced to play in the front row for 14 of his 21 club games last year and it severely affected his form.

Lewis was initially reluctant to revisit one of the most painful periods of his life when contacted by The Sunday Mail about his axing as Broncos captain.

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While he has alluded to the incident previously, he refused to discuss it directly until now.

"I have broken the rule. This is the first time I have spoken about it since that time," Lewis said.

"As soon as you called I knew what you would ask.

"Mate, it wasn't the best time.

"It is certainly not the favourite day of your life.

"I broke my arm that year. So when I had a bad season it was an extremely bad season.

"If this is the coach's decision - as it was Bennett's decision - then Hook (Griffin) will hang his hat on this.

"One way or another, the change in leadership will get marked.

"If there is success, then a lot of people will question whether it could have happened without changing captains.

"It is a massive challenge for Hook. He is one of the game's great gentleman though, and he will hang his hat on this and be prepared to blame himself if it doesn't work."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Del Potro hammers Tomic in final

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AS if a horror Australian Open draw wasn't enough, now Bernard Tomic has been stripped of his Sydney International crown as well.

Clubbing winner after winner, a merciless Juan Martin del Potro added to Tomic's woes with a 6-3 6-1 shellacking in Saturday night's final at Sydney Olympic Park.

Tomic's heavy defeat ended his nine-match winning streak at the venue and can't have filled the 21-year-old with much confidence ahead of his dreaded first-round Open showdown with world No. 1 Rafael Nadal on Tuesday.

All business, Del Potro didn't give the defending champion a sniff, dropping six points on serve all match.

Bernard Tomic was outclassed by Juan Martin del Potro. Source: Getty Images

He raced through the first set in 26 minutes, breaking Tomic in the seventh and ninth games as the Australian struggled to cope with the world No. 5's ferocious forehand.

Any hopes of a fightback like in his plucky semi-final win over Sergiy Stakhovsky were scuppered when Tomic dropped serve for a third time to fall behind 3-1 in the second set.

The former US Open champion thundered down his fifth and sixth aces the following game to consolidate the break for a 4-1 lead and there was no way back for Tomic.

Completely dispirited, Tomic dropped his next service game to love before Del Potro served out the match after just 53 minutes.

Juan Martin del Potro was merciless in his win against Bernard Tomic. Source: AFP

Del Potro's victory was his 23rd straight as a top seed, the big Argentine adding the Sydney trophy to titles accrued in Basel, Tokyo, Washington and Vienna as the tournament favourite.

It was the South American's 18th title of his career and completes a perfect Open preparation for the only player outside Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray to have won a grand slam in the past nine years.

Del Potro, who beat each of the so-called Big Four in 2013, launches his Australian Open campaign against a qualifier on Tuesday.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Coote finds feet after bitter exit

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LACHLAN Coote says North Queensland officials made him feel "wanted" for the first time in a long while, after the club he hoped to spend his career with rejected him.

The Cowboys recruit has opened up about the tumultuous end to his Penrith Panthers career, a stint he envisioned would span his footballing life.

The major addition to the Cowboys' roster this season has already bought a house in Townsville, and despite brutal training sessions in the midday sun, has fallen in love with his new club.

An outstanding talent long predicted for State of Origin honours, Coote is far more than just a replacement for Matt Bowen.

Finally injury free, the Panthers' rejection last August looms as the catalyst for his best football.

Coote revealed the key advice that made him realise leaving Penrith would be a positive came from former Panthers teammates who were now starring elsewhere.

Coote was one of several local juniors given early releases from the foot of the mountains in recent seasons, with the cash freed used to sign Jamal Idris this week.

Lachlan Coote at pre-season training with the Cowboys. Source: News Limited

"I spoke to guys like Michael Jennings, Wade Graham and Luke Lewis and they all told me how good their moves had been for them," Coote said.

"They said it would be the best thing for me, to have a fresh start.

"Penrith were my team. I always wanted to be a Panther and I wanted to stay there.

"I'm really happy with the Cowboys and especially how they approached me. It made me feel wanted.

"At first I was a bit nervous about coming up here but it has been awesome so far.

"I'm 100 per cent fit. I have been given an opportunity at fullback and now I have to take it."

Lachlan Coote at pre-season training with the Cowboys. Source: News Limited

Coote, who burst onto the NRL scene as a teenager in 2008, did not see the Panthers' release coming.

"I didn't sense it at all," Coote said. "I tore my pec (pectoral muscle) in round two last year and I was sceptical about stuff because people were being signed in my position, so I hit (coach) Ivan (Cleary) up and asked him 'Do you see me here in the future' and he basically told me 'yes'.

"Next thing you know the Cowboys are after me and Penrith want to release me.

"It was an overnight thing really.

"They (Penrith) said 'nah you should pretty much take it (the Cowboys deal)'.

"It was disappointing but that's football. I'm not looking back now ... It is all a business.

"That's their job. If they are not happy with you then you can't really question their plans for you.

"I just moved on and I couldn't be happier now."

Lachlan Coote at pre-season training with the Cowboys. Source: News Limited

Coote was so intent on making a name for himself at the Cowboys he withdrew from Scotland's World Cup squad last October.

Despite being based in Townsville for more than two months, Coote has yet to meet superstar playmaker and Cowboys co-captain Johnathan Thurston.

"He was one of the biggest attractions of agreeing to come up here," Coote said.

"I still haven't met him yet but I'm sure when he gets back from his holidays we will strike up a good combination."

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Opener holds no fears for Stosur

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WHATEVER else has stopped Sam Stosur from producing her best at Melbourne Park, the Queenslander will not lack on the score of research when she faces Klara Zakopalova at the Australian Open.

Stosur not only played - and lost - to the Czech at the Hobart International on Friday, but will be facing Zakopalova for the third time in an Open first-rounder this week.

US Open winner Stosur has won both, triumphing in straight sets in 2007 and '09.

"A bit strange, this will be the third time we've played in the first round of the Aussie Open," Stosur said.

"A little bit weird."

Stosur said the Hobart loss, while disappointing, was irrelevant.

"I don't think it will mean too much," she said. "Won't mean too much for me anyway.

"Obviously yesterday would have been nice if it went my way.

"But it gives me a chance to really think about what happened and try and work on things and go into Monday with a clear mind.

"I certainly won't be thinking about that last match a couple days ago."

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The 10 games that could sink Griffin

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BRONCOS coach Anthony Griffin must be sacked if Brisbane take a losing record into State of Origin time.

During the off-season, the Broncos let three key staff members go, the club's halves were moved on and Sam Thaiday was told he was no longer captaincy material.

Griffin has shaped the team he wants. If he succeeds, he will deservedly take all the credit.

But if Brisbane's slump continues, he must be held accountable and axed by Round 10.

Griffin has just coached the worst season in Broncos history: nine wins and the largest drop in Broncos crowds since the Super League era.

He is contracted until the end of 2015, but understands that mediocrity will not be accepted again.

He has changed all he can. The buck at the Broncos now stops with him.

Broncos coach Anthony Griffin with new co-captains Corey Parker and Justin Hodges. Source: News Limited

He deserves time to prove installing Corey Parker and Justin Hodges as co-captains works, but Michael Maguire is off contract for 2015.

Former Queensland assistant coach Neil Henry is at the Titans, but only on a one-year deal.

If Griffin can't get the job done, the Broncos can't afford to sit back and let coaches of that calibre slip by.

The Broncos are a proud club where a top-four finish is an expectation; a promise to fans that was inherited from their 18 straight finals appearances.

From those lofty heights, the club is now in danger of being content with ninth.

Broncos officials have immense faith in Griffin, and genuinely believe he will be a coaching great. They are adamant this tumultuous past 12 months will ultimately see his potential fulfilled.

The Gold Coast are still waiting for John Cartwright to fulfil his coaching potential.

They have missed the finals for three straight years.

The Broncos have more resources than any other NRL team, but so many questions remain unanswered about the NRL's former flagship club.

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Why are they going into such a crucial season with an unknown and untried halves combination?

Why does their missed tackle category swell each year to be ranked among the highest in the NRL?

Griffin is not solely responsible for the Broncos' deficiencies, and the new co-captaincy regime has potential.

Parker and Hodges both give their all for the club, while Thaiday played his best football in the representative arena last season when unburdened by captaincy.

Griffin, whose coaching style is often described as "military like", did once set a club record for the most wins in a single season. That was three years ago.

In the past two seasons, the Broncos have suffered fade-outs. Of the final 12 games in seasons 2012 and 2013, they won a combined eight from 24.

As a result, they sacked head strength and conditioning trainer Tony Guilfoyle.

Media manager James Hinchey was also axed, while recruitment manager Brendan Barlow left Red Hill soon after.

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The Broncos were on Friday at pains to state Thaiday was not sacked.

However, his own comments suggest otherwise. "I sat down with the coach and reviewed the year that was 2013," he wrote on Facebook.

"After a lengthy chat, 'Hook' thought it was in both my and the team's best interests that I play better football without the added responsibility of being captain."

Having the boss ask you to resign is the same as having him say "you're fired".

This is a Band-Aid fix, just like when the Broncos signed 33-year-old Scott Prince. The club finished 12th.

Everyone who knows Griffin describes him as a gentleman, and to his credit he makes tough calls and his players respect him for it.

But if the first 10 rounds are brutal for the Broncos, they must make some tough calls about Griffin as well.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sixers scorched in super over

Yasir Arafat (centre) celebrates with teammates after the Scorchers' win over the Sixers. Source: Matt King / Getty Images

IF it's possible to run away with a victory in a super over, the Perth Scorchers did it against the Sydney Sixers in a dramatic finish at the SCG.

Adam Voges hit a boundary off Brett Lee's first ball to give the visitors the win after the Sixers managed just one run in their super over.

The scores were tied on 153, meaning the match had to be decided by a super over, where each team nominates three batsmen and faces one over.

The Sixers wasted their over, only managing to use four balls of it. Steve Smith departed first ball attempting a premeditated lap sweep, but he was deceived by an excellent slower ball from Yasir Arafat that clipped the stumps.

Moises Henriques then sliced one straight to Craig Simmons and it was all over, with Voges stepping up for the Scorchers to claim the win.

After being set 154 to win the Sixers promoted Stephen O'Keefe up the order to open with Nic Maddinson. He made a quick-fire 10, which included two boundaries, before he was bowled by Jason Behrendorff.

Adam Voges celebrates hitting the winning runs for the Scorchers. Source: Getty Images

Behrendorff claimed two more quick wickets, Moises Henriques and Marcus North, and had the Sixers struggling on 4/20 in the fourth over.

It was left to Steve Smith and Jordan Silk to claw the Sixers back into the contest and they did just that until Silk was caught and bowled by Adam Voges for 23.

Smith was lucky to survive shortly after that when he was dropped by Yasir Arafat on the boundary. The Scorchers were made to pay with Smith going on to make 65.

With the Sixers going well Dan Smith attempted a risky reverse sweep off Brad Hogg, but he didn't get the reward when Alfonso Thomas took an easy catch. He didn't need to play that shot and walked off the field with his skipper filthy at the other end.

Arafat made amends for his earlier dropped catch by picking up Steve Smith's wicket. The Sixers captain looked to swing, but found the outside edge and was caught by Voges.

After starring with the ball, Lee's cameo of 13 runs with the bat put the Sixers within touching distance of a win, but he was bowled by Arafat (4/24).

That left Hazlewood on strike needing two to win off the last ball. He managed just one and the scores were tied.

Earlier, Simon Katich (71) and Sam Whiteman (53) overcame a disastrous start to help the Perth Scorchers reach 5/153.

Sixers paceman Brett Lee bowls Craig Simmons of the Scorchers. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited

Brett Lee struck twice in the first over to leave the Scorchers reeling on 2/0. With his second delivery Lee clean bowled Craig Simmons and two balls later had Mitch Marsh caught brilliantly behind by Dan Smith.

But Katich relieved the pressure in the second over by hitting 14 runs off Josh Hazlewood to begin the recovery.

Katich and Whiteman then added 129 runs, a partnership record for the Scorchers.

Whiteman, just 21-years-old, supported his skipper perfectly as the two batsmen punished the Sixers bowlers. English seamer Chris Tremlett, fresh from England's forgettable Ashes campaign, had a disappointing start to his Sixers stint. His only over went for nine runs with Sixers captain Steve Smith opting not to give him another go.

It took until the 18th over for the Sixers to break the partnership, and it was Lee who struck again.

Simon Katich top-scored for the Scorchers with 71. Source: Getty Images

Whiteman hit three boundaries and a six for his 53, before a perfect yorker from the former Test quick clean bowled him.

The only criticism of Katich's knock was that, with so many wickets in hand, he left it too late to accelerate the Scorchers innings. He was eventually caught by Smith off Hazlewood for 71 in the 19th over.

Lee was the pick of the Sixers bowlers with outstanding figures of 4/28.

"I felt good tonight," Lee said.

"It's one of those things where you just come in and bowl and if it happens it happens. I thought I'd try crank a couple up tonight."

Relive all the action from the SCG with our match blog below.

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22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Broncos great slams captaincy call

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BRONCOS great Chris Johns has slammed the club's captaincy switch as a sad indictment on the youth brigade, insisting not even the poaching of Cameron Smith will solve their problems.

Johns says the shock change shines a light on the club's lack of long-term planning.

"It's not an ideal preparation to be replacing your captain in January," he said.

"It has to be an interim thing. 'Hodgo' and Corey are great players, but they're in their 30s.

"To me it says that they're lacking leaders at the club in that next generation.

"Whether they get Cameron Smith at the club next year or not, that will only be a short-term option as well. He will only give them a couple of years too.

"They need a succession plan to bring some of these young kids through."

Fellow Broncos great Steve Renouf though said replacing Test forward Sam Thaiday with veteran duo Justin Hodges and Corey Parker for the 2014 season could spark the revival required.

While not sold on the "schoolboy" ploy of co-captains, Renouf believes the move could help Thaiday return to his blockbusting best now he is free from the shackles of the leadership.

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"Sam played his best footy at the World Cup, when he wasn't a captain,'' Renouf said.

"It is a big call but perhaps his best form for the Broncos will come without being captain. There is logic in the decision there."

On the back of Brisbane's worst NRL season, Renouf says the captaincy change has only turned the blowtorch on the man in charge.

"Ultimately the buck stops with Anthony Griffin because he's the coach and in the NRL system, the coaches are the ones making the key decisions," Renouf said.

"I like Anthony as a coach and person and think he has a lot to offer, but he will be under pressure because of these decisions. I hope they work."

Johns remains pessimistic about the club's hopes of returning as an NRL heavyweight.

"Of the 16 teams, only about four are being honest with themselves in thinking they could win (a premiership). The Broncos are in the other 12 kidding themselves," Johns said.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Smeltz strikes, Heart reach new low

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SHANE Smeltz scored a brace in the space of three minutes in a dream return from injury as Perth Glory defeated a 10-man Melbourne Heart 3-0 at nib Stadium on Friday night.

Glory continued to gather momentum under interim coach Kenny Lowe, surging into the top six while at the same time condemning hapless Heart to its 19th consecutive game without a win.

Heart has now equalled the New Zealand Knights' record for longest stretch without a win in the A-League.

Re-live the action, including video highlights and stats, at our A-League Match Centre.

Glory was forced to be patient against the competition's battlers, eventually finding the lead through a spectacular solo effort from Adrian Zahra in the 64th minute.

Zahra weaved across the top of the penalty area before firing low into the right hand corner of the net, with his sweet strike leaving Heart goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne with little chance.

The 23-year-old celebrated the goal against his former side with trademark somersaults.

The goal came just minutes after Glory had almost conceded through a terrible defensive mix-up.

David Williams almost capitalised on the embarrassing mix-up between Danny Vukovic and Jack Clisby.

A general view of play during the round 14 A-League match between Perth Glory and Melbourne Heart. Source: Getty Images

Smeltz, returning from his ankle injury as a second-half substitute, found himself one-on-one with Heart goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne in the 86th minute and made no mistake.

Three minutes later he was in the right spot after Redmayne had parried the ball away and the A-League's all-time leading scorer smashed home his second.

They were his first two goals of an injury-interrupted season.

Heart striker Dylan Macallister replaced Harry Kewell in the 70th minute and Macallister was sent off just 11 minutes later after receiving his second yellow card.

It was 0-0 at half-time, with both teams having spurned good chances to open the scoring.

Glory dominated possession early before the visitors created several significant chances on the counter attack.

Brazilian winger Sidnei blasted wide in the 25th minute in Perth's best opportunity of the half, before Iain Ramsey was denied only by the crossbar after beating Vukovic in the 38th minute.

Marquee striker Shane Smeltz made his return from his ankle injury as a second-half substitute for Glory

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Stars shine to shoot down Strikers

James Faulkner celebrates a wicket with his Melbourne Stars teammates. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

IF the Adelaide Strikers were a UFC fighter, they'd have tapped out.

So fierce was the stranglehold the Melbourne Stars applied that Adelaide coach Darren Berry joked while interviewed on TV that he wanted commentators Ricky Ponting and Darren Lehmann to "put the pads on".

The Strikers, mooted by some as the team most likely to challenge the rampant Stars, were restricted to just 9-90 - the lowest completed first-innings Big Bash League score on the MCG.

The Stars duly ran down the fifth lowest BBL score ever in just 7.3 overs with eight wickets to spare to extend their winning streak to five, booking a finals berth.

"It's been a nightmare - they've bowled beautifully," lamented Berry who'd earlier opted to take an extra bowler into the match when ultimately he could have used another three batsmen.

In reply, Luke Wright survived a ferocious blow to the head by a Shaun Tait thunderbolt to post 49 off just 20 deliveries before holing out to mid-off on the first ball of the sixth over.

The only hiccup came next ball when captain Cameron White put Michael Neser on a hat-trick when he somehow reached a wide ball only to scoop it to third man the next delivery.

Luke Wright hits out for the Stars against the Strikers at the MCG. Picture Wayne Ludbey Source: News Limited

But Glenn Maxwell (25 not out) and Matt Wade (3 not out) made light work of the remaining chase.

Wright, who showed no ill-effects of the ball that smashed into his visor on a misjudged hook shot against the 150km/h bouncer, said the Stars' intention had been not to let the small target become problematic.

"I wanted to come out and put the bowlers under pressure," the Englishman said with great understatement.

But it was the bowlers who deservedly got the plaudits.

The Strikers had been cruising behind Michael Klinger (42 off 49) with only Alex Hales's loss of any note after 5.1 overs had yielded 37.

But extraordinarily, the Strikers could only manage three more fours and just one six after that as they limped along at a rate akin to Australia's in the fifth Test in Sydney.

In that time, there were 55 dot balls to highlight the Stars' bowlers total domination.

Kane Richardson (21 off 24) was the only other batsman to reach double-figures - and he also wore a James Faulkner bouncer to his helmet for his trouble.

James Faulkner celebrates a wicket at the MCG. Picture Wayne Ludbey Source: News Limited

The Tasmanian all-rounder has come of age and was exemplary in returning 3-9 from four intense overs with four routine play-and-misses among his 17 dot balls.

John Hastings was frugal, James Muirhead turned the ball a long way at times in his two overs - including for the stumping of Michael Neser - and Jackson Bird fought back well after the early onslaught.

And to cap it all off, Lasith Malinga returned to his near unplayable best in recording 2-8 off four mesmerising overs.

The win leaves the Stars two games and a huge run rate clear on top of the ladder, with a home semi-final seemingly a formality.

The Strikers stayed fourth, but their run rate took a hammering.

Capping their bad night, the visitors didn't have Klinger on the field for much of the run chase after he suffered back spasms after batting.

Relive all the action from the MCG in our match blog below.

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22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Genia 'must be Wallabies captain'

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WALLABIES coaching greats are united: Will Genia must captain Australia, not James Horwill or Quade Cooper.

Vice-captain Cooper told The Courier-Mail that Ben Mowen's decision to quit the Wallabies and relinquish his captaincy duties was a major blow to the national side, but stopped short of putting his hand up for the main job.

Mowen dropped a bombshell on the ARU on Thursday, revealing he would quit Australian rugby at the end of the 2014 season to spend more time with his young family.

It is understood he will sign a lucrative deal with a French rugby club in coming weeks.

Quade Cooper and Will Genia talk tactics at a Wallabies training session. Picture: Jono Searle. Source: News Limited

Now the Wallabies must find their fifth captain in 18 months ahead of the home series against France in June.

Eddie Jones and John Connolly said scrum-half Genia must have the (C) beside his name through to the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Genia is vice captain at the Reds to James Horwill, while Cooper goes from Wallabies vice-captain to just being a five-eighth in Super Rugby.

Jones said Genia was the best leader at Ewen McKenzie's disposal as Horwill had not done enough to guarantee selection for Australia and Cooper was already burdened with play-making duties.

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"The captain has to be Will Genia. When he captains Australia or Queensland he plays better and the team plays better," Jones said.

"He's got a good head on him, Will, and should always be picked in the team.

"His performance against Wales was out of this world.

"Quade is a fantastic player but you just want him to get out there and play and not be worried about other stuff.

"It is remarkable that Ben left.

"It shows there are some major issues in Australian rugby.

"If you can't keep a player as committed to Australia as Ben Mowen - something is wrong."

Ben Mowen is leaving Australian rugby to play in France. Source: News Limited

It is understood Cooper is considered legitimate captaincy material by McKenzie and Australian Rugby Union officials expect he will one day be a full-time captain.

McKenzie is on record stating Cooper is the best player he has coached in terms of delivering a game plan.

Cooper refused to be drawn on whether the captaincy interested him yesterday afternoon but was gutted that Mowen's talent and leadership would be missing from the Wallabies.

This time last year Cooper was close to signing for a French rugby team after becoming disillusioned with the Australian Rugby Union.

He is now more in love with the sport than ever and it hurts him to see the Wallabies lose one of their best forwards.

"It is unfortunate he's left Australian rugby because he's a class player and quality bloke," Cooper said.

"It is a massive loss.

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"He really grew into his role as captain on tour. We will really miss him.

"Each person has to make tough decisions in their life and we will all support him.

"When I was in that position it was tough to weigh it all up.

"I think we have the depth to cope. Jake Schatz lost his Test debut to a knee injury but he is training brilliantly now."

Connolly said pitching Genia, who has captained the Wallabies on several occasions when Horwill has been injured, as leader was Australia's greatest hope of World Cup success next year.

"Will Genia is the obvious captain. I am not being critical of James Horwill but it is uncertain if he will be picked," Connolly said.

"Will is one of the best players in the world. If we are to win the World Cup we need him to be at his best and when he's captain he plays better."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Top form months away: Federer

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ROGER Federer feels a return to top form could be months away, although he's not ruling out something special at the Australian Open.

By the 17-time grand slam title winner's freakishly high standards, last year was poor.

For the first time in 11 years he did not reach the final of any of the four majors and he fell out of the top five in the world rankings for the first time in more than a decade.

But rather than contemplate retirement, the 32-year-old's response has been to train harder in the off-season, hire boyhood idol Stefan Edberg as his new coach and experiment with a new, larger racquet.

He's confident he can revive his career fortunes, even if it doesn't happen immediately.

"I trained probably harder than all the guys ranked ahead of me in the off-season, because they went off to play exhibitions, like I did last year," Federer said on Wednesday, after a charity event at Melbourne Park for his foundation which supports education for educating underprivileged children in southern Africa.

"So that goes with me. I did full-on months, which I haven't done in a long time and my body held up for that.

"Then I played singles and doubles in Brisbane (last week) ... I really feel I'm on my way back.

"Who knows? Maybe I'm playing my very best in March or April is my feeling. But I still feel there's a lot possible right now."

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Strikers 'humiliated' by Stars: Berry

Adelaide Strikers coach Darren Berry says he was embarrassed by his team's performance against Melbourne Stars. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

COACH Darren Berry launched a scathing attack on his Adelaide Strikers on Thursday night, saying they'd been "humiliated".

After an eight-wicket drubbing at the hands of the Melbourne Stars with 12.3 overs to spare, Berry said he'd rarely been more embarrassed after a match.

MATCH REPORT: STARS SHINE TO SHOOT DOWN STRIKERS

"I've been around cricket for a long, long time and rarely have I walked from the field humiliated," Berry said after his team was held to a ground record low 9/90.

"But our group tonight, we were humiliated on the MCG - we had our arses hanging out.

"We were just humiliated on international television.

Melbourne Stars batsman Glenn Maxwell plays another big shot on his way to a quick 25 runs. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images.

"We came here tonight with an expectation that we could knock them off, so I'm a little bit gobsmacked.

"From a coach's point of view, I'm now looking for a response from our playing group.

"I haven't for a minute lost faith in our playing group.

"We assembled this list and I think we've got a really good list, but what we displayed tonight was pitiful, humiliating and now, in elite sport, you're looking for a response."

Berry said he'd given the Strikers three days away from cricket before next week's match against the Perth Scorchers.

Adelaide Strikers fast bowler Shaun Tait was unable to make much impression defending such a low total. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images.

"We've got a lot of good players (but) we've had a shocking night," he said.

"But purely and simply we've got three matches remaining.

"If we win two we play in the finals and I think we're good enough to play in the finals."

Berry took in an extra bowler to face the Stars, resting Callum Ferguson in a plan that backfired spectacularly in the face of some extraordinarily tight bowling by the league leaders who took five top-order wickets in quick order.

"Clearly it killed the plan but I'm not looking for excuses. I'm not looking for scapegoats," Berry said.

"It's better in life to have a plan than not to have one.

"We felt we needed an extra bowler against the Melbourne Stars and we thought the plan was sound.

"(But) with 90 runs on the board, you can have all the plans you like, it ain't gonna work."

Berry said the brief history of Twenty20 cricket was full of aberrations and that he hoped Adelaide's collapse was temporary.

"My experience tells me that it can change really quickly.

"From my point of view, whilst I'm really disappointed tonight - and we've been humiliated tonight, absolutely smacked to the bottom of the barrel - we've got three or four days to freshen up and we'll come again."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Kokkinakis set for Aus Open debut

Thanasi Kokkinakis in action. Source: Dylan Coker / News Limited

THANASI Kokkinakis' summer of dreams just keeps getting better, with the Adelaide 17-year-old set to make his grand slam tennis debut at the Australian Open next week.

The Seacombe Heights teenager got word Tennis Australia had offered him an Open wildcard on Tuesday, continuing a whirlwind week which has seen him thrill local crowds at the World Tennis Challenge.

GALLERY: STARS SHINE AT WORLD TENNIS CHALLENGE

"It's amazing, I felt like I had a good chance but to actually be offered a wildcard into a senior grand slam is unreal,'' Kokkinakis said.

"I can't wait to play now. I might draw someone in the top four, top 10, the top 100, it doesn't matter all of them can seriously play at that level.

"I'll continue to go out there and adopt the same mindset and do my best to compete."

Kokkinakis continues to amaze tennis experts with how quickly he is adapting to playing top 100 world ranked players.

The world's No. 570th ranked player stole the show on night one of the WTC at Memorial Drive when he beat world No. 29, Frenchman, Jeremy Chardy - 7-6 (8-6) 3-6 7-6 (10-6).

It followed a breakout Brisbane International where Kokkinakis beat World No. 82 Andrey Golubev en route to qualifying for the main draw.

He then served the second set before losing to eventual champion Lleyton Hewett in the opening round.

"I'm definitely taking confidence from all of these results,'' he says.

"They're all little steps but I know that it's going to be tough.

"I'm just trying to respect everyone I play but not give anyone too much respect."

Thanasi Kokkinakis in action. Source: News Limited

The 195cm right-hander has had 1987 Wimbledon Champion Pat Cash courtside with him during the World Tennis Challenge and the pair have done some work on the practice court.

Cash said Kokkinakis was as likely as any current player - Bernard Tomic included - to become Australia's first top 10 player since Lleyton Hewett.

Cash believed Kokkinakis could reach the world's top 30 within about two years.

"He's going to be a very good player, there's no doubt about that,'' Cash said.

"I've known Thanasi for a long time. The thing about him is he's got a good attitude and he's willing to work hard.

"If you do that you have a chance … There's a lot that can happen with injury going forward but if all goes to plan he's as likely as any of the current (Australian) guys to make the top 10."

Cash said the most exciting thing about Kokkinakis was the size of his game.

"Thanasi's got massive weapons,'' Cash said.

"He's got good height, he's got good technique and he gets good power.

"By and large, he's already got a game that can compete against men.

"It's just about the consistency now and the day-to-day grind of getting the body tough."

WORLD TENNIS CHALLENGE THURSDAY NIGHT SCHEDULE

Court One

Pat Cash v Yannick Noah

Thanasi Kokkinakis v Feliciano Lopez

Tracey Austin v Martina Navratilova

Court Two

Henri Leconte v Mats Wilander

Jeremy Chardy vs Ivan Dodig

Nicole Bradtke/ Pat Cash v Martina Hingis/ Mansour Bahrami

Followed by 21 Point tie-break involving all players.

The World Tennis Challenge will be broadcast on FOXSPORTS 3HD and FOXSPORTS 3 at 6.30pm.

LIVE AND EXCLUSIVE

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Patto has an appetite for wickets

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AFTER injury cost him a spot in the Ashes series, Victorian cricketer James Pattinson is ready to pounce like a tiger at the MCG on Sunday.

With Australia's five-game one-day international series against England about to begin, the star paceman on Wednesday went to great lengths to encourage fans to get into the spirit and dress up.

GALLEY: NEW COSSIE FOR AUSSIE PACEMAN

The bowler spent more than two hours being transformed into part tiger, part ODI star in an exclusive ­Herald Sun photo shoot.

James Pattinson spent more than two hours being transformed into a tiger. Picture: David Caird Source: News Limited

And he encouraged fans on Sunday to follow his lead.

"Last year it was fantastic seeing people dressed up as an animal like I am, or a super hero or cartoon character," he said.

"From a players point of view there is quite a lot of talk in the dressing rooms about the different costumes that people are wearing in the crowd. It doesn't go unnoticed."

Body Art expert Eva Rinaldi puts the finishing touches on James Pattinson. Picture: David Caird Source: News Limited

Pattison said the costumes of Aussie fans in the stands could even be a secret weapon for the home team as it hopes to crush the old enemy in the short format of the game in the wake of its 5-0 Ashes win.

"If I saw someone dressed up like this in the crowd I would get an extra couple of yards in my bowling," he said.

Body Art expert Lynne Jamieson works on Victorian paceman James Pattinson. Picture: David Caird Source: News Limited

"I think a lot of the boys would be spurred on by it.

"Obviously it's a bit of fun. It's a long day at the cricket so you've got to jazz it up every now and then.

"A few beers and a little bit of tiger outfit would do the trick I think."

New-look tiger James Pattinson is ready to pounce the Poms. Pic: David Caird Source: News Limited

While Super Mario, Colonel Sanders and Richie Benaud are popular dress-up choices, Pattinson suggested fans try channelling Australian coach Darren Lehmann.

"I reckon if there was a few Boof's in the crowd that would get a few laughs," he said.

peter.rolfe@news.com.au

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Benny re-hires Kevvy for Knights

Master Wayen Bennett and apprentice Kevin Walters are back together again. Source: News Limited

IT HAS taken almost nine years but master coach Wayne Bennett has re-hired the Brisbane Broncos legend he once sacked.

Bennett and Kevin Walters will reunite as a coaching team this season with the play-making great to be Newcastle Knights' halves coach.

"Well he's unemployed and I figured I didn't want him running amok on the streets so I better offer him a job," Bennett said.

Walters' debut coaching session at the Knights this Thursday will mark the first time the two have teamed up at club level since 2005, when Bennett dropped one of the biggest bombshells in Broncos' history.

On the morning of the club's annual ball, the Broncos fired men thought to be unsackable in assistant coaches Walters, Glenn Lazarus and Gary Belcher.

It prompted Walters to claim, "It was either Wayne or us, and clearly it was us".

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The next season the Broncos won the premiership, a feat they have not repeated since.

Bennett yesterday said he never thought Walters was a poor coach even when he reccomended he be let go.

In fact, that same month Bennett told the Queensland Rugby League that Walters should be part of the Maroons' State of Origin coaching staff.

"Kev just needed to get away from me," Bennett told The Courier-Mail.

"He needed to work under other coaches and gain experience at other clubs.

"He's done all that now.

"Kevin is a winner. He was wonderful at the Broncos.

"He brings a lot of enthusiasm. He will be great for the whole group here and not just the halves.

"His work ethic and experience will be great for us."

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Bennett and Walters, who have been linked to the Broncos as a coaching package in 2015,

have worked together in recent years through the Queensland Academy of Sport's Emerging Origin camp.

However, this is their first partnership at an NRL level since 2005.

The experience Walters gained since he departed Red Hill has been immense.

He coached the Ipswich Jets to a Queensland Cup grand final, was head coach of the Catalans Dragons in France before becoming the Melbourne Storm assistant coach.

Walters left the Storm late last season to return to his home in Brisbane and was close to securing the North Queensland Cowboys head coach role that eventually went to Paul Green.

Walters, who played 241 first-grade games for the Broncos and won five premierships under Bennett, will spend two days a week in Newcastle.

"He will fly down during the week for just a couple days where possible but won't be there for game day or anything because he has doing quite a bit of media this year," Bennett said.

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Rodman serenades Kim Jong Un

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DENNIS Rodman sang "Happy Birthday" to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un before leading a squad of former NBA stars onto the court Wednesday at a Pyongyang stadium for a game Rodman said is part of his "basketball diplomacy" with the North that has been heavily criticized in the United States.

Rodman dedicated the game to his "best friend" Kim, who along with his wife and other senior officials and their wives watched from a special seating area. The capacity crowd of about 14,000 at the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium clapped loudly as Rodman sang a verse from the birthday song.

Along with Rodman, the former NBA players included ex-All Stars Kenny Anderson, Cliff Robinson and Vin Baker. Also on the roster were Craig Hodges, Doug Christie, Charles D. Smith and four streetballers.

Rodman said he was honored to be able to play the game in the North Korean capital, and called the event "historic." To keep it friendly, the Americans played against the North Koreans in the first half, but split up and merged teams for the second half.

Rodman sings "Happy Birthday" to Kim Jong Un, seated above in the stands. Source: AP

The game is a new milestone in Rodman's unusual relationship with Kim, who rarely meets with foreigners and remains a mystery to much of the outside world. Kim, who inherited power after the death of his father in late 2011, is believed to be in his early thirties, but his age has not been officially confirmed. Until recently, his birthday was also not widely known - though it was quietly observed elsewhere around the capital Wednesday.

Members of Rodman's team, who average in their late 40s, said they came because they believed the game would be a good opportunity to create a human connection with the people of the isolated country. But some said they have been concerned by the negative reaction they have seen from the media and critics back home.

"This was a test of faith. We stepped out into the unknown," said former New York Knicks player Charles D. Smith, who has played similar games in other countries and has acted as the team's articulate spokesman to balance Rodman's famously outspoken character.

Rodman waves to Kim Jong Un after serenading him and receives a round of applause. Source: AP

Smith said he was gratified to see the North Korean crowd enjoy the game, but he added that he had mixed emotions about the two-hour event.

"Emotionally, I don't know what to feel," he told The Associated Press afterward. "I'm indifferent. I'm not totally overjoyed."

Smith said he and the other players did not join Rodman in singing the birthday song.

"We always tell Dennis that he can't sing. He is tone deaf," Smith said. "He did it alone."

Rodman is the highest-profile American to meet Kim. He has carefully avoided getting involved in overtly political activities, saying that he is not a statesman and instead is seeking only to build cultural connections with the North through basketball that may help improve relations between Pyongyang and Washington.

That has not stopped many in the United States - including members of Congress, the NBA and human rights groups - from calling his visits to North Korea ill-advised and naive.

Rodman then bowed and it was time to shoot some hoops. Source: AP

In particular, Rodman has been slammed for not using his influence with Kim to help free Kenneth Bae, an American missionary in poor health who is being confined in the North for "anti-state" crimes.

Earlier Wednesday, Rodman lost it during an interview with CNN's Chris Cuomo.

The eccentric Rodman lashed out at the CNN anchorman who quizzed him about visiting North Korea so soon after the execution of Kim's uncle.

When quizzed further about the status of detained US citizen Kenneth Bae Rodman really let loose, struggling to contain his anger.

"I don't give a rat's a*** what the hell you think," he said.

"Look at the guys right here.

"You are the guy behind the mic ... and we are the guys here doing our thing."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Messi cleared for return

Dynamic duo ... Barcelona's Neymar (right) and Lionel Messi will be back together on the pitch soon. Source: Manu Fernandez / AP

LIONEL Messi is set to return from a two-month injury lay-off after being cleared by Barcelona team doctors and included in the squad for the Copa del Rey match against Getafe tomorrow

Messi hasn't played since tearing his left hamstring in November, his fourth leg injury last year.

He returned to training with Barcelona last week after recovering in Argentina.

Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino said Messi "feels fine" but didn't reveal if the club's all-time leading scorer will start or stay on the bench.

"Messi rehabbed well and has trained like the rest of the team," Martino said. "Maybe he lacks some playing time, but with Leo I don't think that will be a problem.

"Messi gives us all a boost of confidence. With him at our side, we all feel more secure."

Martino said that if Messi plays he hopes he can repeat his remarkable goal against Getafe in 2007, when he dribbled from his own half, slaloming by a series of defenders, to net arguably his greatest goal.

Barcelona lost its only two games of the season without Messi, but it has managed to hold onto a share of the Spanish league lead with Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona hosts Getafe in the first leg of the round of 16 before travelling to Atletico on Saturday in one of the most highly anticipated league matches of the season.

In Messi's absence, Pedro Rodriguez, Neymar and, most recently, Alexis Sanchez have picked up the scoring slack. Pedro leads the team with 15 goals in all competitions this season, one more than Messi.

Martino left Xavi Hernandez, Dani Alves and Marc Bartra off his squad for the Getafe match. He also confirmed that backup goalkeeper Jose Pinto will continue to start in the Copa del Rey, as he had under prior coaches Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tomic turns on as fans turn away

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BERNARD Tomic, it could be argued, performed for a bigger crowd at Schoolies.

Despite completely dominating his first outing at the 2014 Sydney International - destroying Spaniard Marcel Granollers 6-3, 6-0 at the Sydney Olympic Tennis Centre yesterday - the controversial Aussie played before a Ken Rosewall Arena that, at best, was half full.

While his father John, who is banned from the upcoming Australian Open, made a surprise appearance courtside, the low crowd numbers suggest the Australian public is far from sold on the 21-year-old defending champion who has endured a raft of negative headlines, including his Gold Coast nightclub lap dance from two school leavers in November.

Yet on the opening day his 2014 Sydney tilt, Tomic insisted not only was he ready to defend the trophy, his sole ATP win of last year, but had "a very good feeling" thanks to the old man being courtside.

"Obviously my dad is still there,'' Tomic said last night.

"He's the one that me taught me to play like this.

"I've spent hours with him that I probably won't spend with no one else in my life. He knows me the best and is one of the reasons I am who I am today.

Bernard Tomic supporters in the stand , John Tomic ( ID by Will Swanton /front row blue shirt and black cap ) at the Apia International Tennis Tournament , Homebush .Picture Gregg Porteous Source: News Limited

"My new coach is helping me out in a new way but I've still got my dad on my side, which is very important to me. I know his ban will finish very soon, in a few months, and he'll be back to helping me. I'm happy. Today I played very good, felt very good . . . I've always got two open minds and they're helping me, I'm positive with it and thankful for that."

John Tomic has been banned from ATP events for a year after assaulting Bernard's practice partner Thomas Drouet in May last year, for which he received a suspended sentence.

Yet while the old man won't be seen at Melbourne Park - even as a spectator after Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley said he was barred from the grounds - he is able to enter other venues as a paying fan at the discretion of individual tournament directors.

When asked if he had a contingency plan for the Australian Open, Tomic, who has employed a new coach in Velimir Zovko, continued: "Yeah, well I've moved down to Melbourne, so Melbourne is home for me now.

Bernard Tomic hits a return of sreve off Marcel Granollers at the Apia International Tennis Tournament , Homebush .Picture Gregg Porteous Source: News Limited

"Obviously he (dad) can't come in, but that's fine. I'll see him at home. If there is anything I need to hear, he'll tell me."

Tomic will meet Blaz Kavcic in the second round, the Slovenian qualifier having downed Finland's Jarkko Nieminen 6-4, 6-3.

And it's expected Tomic senior will again by present, with tournament boss Craig Watson confirming permission had been granted to attend the Australian Open tune-up, although he is strictly prohibited from entering the players' area.

"The ATP has banned John Tomic - as is public knowledge - which excludes him from getting credentials and being in other accreditable areas," Watson said.

"There is nothing that prohibits the events agreeing to John being in public areas of the ground and I've agreed to allow that to happen."

Tomic also insisted he was disappointed despite having failed to make his goal of reaching the top 10 in 2013.

"You know, if I'm 25 years old, 26 years old I would probably feel like that,'' he said. "But I've just turned 21, so I think I'm at the right age."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Nine ticks off ODI rotation policy

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BROADCASTER Channel Nine has wholeheartedly endorsed the resting of Ashes hero Mitchell Johnson and other Aussie stars from some matches of the upcoming one-day series.

While Nine wants bang for its buck after last year forking out over $400million for the international cricket rights, it has no issue with some big names being on the sidelines at times during the ODIs against the Poms.

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Nine has in the past been heavily critical of Cricket Australia over the rotation of players, especially last summer when skipper Michael Clarke, Dave Warner and Matthew Wade were given the first two ODI games off.

The Courier-Mail understands fast bowling superstar Johnson will be rested during some of the early ODIS against England, possibly as soon as the series opener at the MCG on Sunday.

Clarke, Warner and 'keeper Brad Haddin are other players likely to have breaks during the five-match ODI series.

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Nine boss of sport Steve Crawley says he understands the need for some players to put their feet up after Australia fielded an unchanged team for five heavy-duty Ashes Tests.

"I wasn't a supporter of the rotation system but Australia have now played five Tests in a row with the same players. I totally get that some of them need to have a rest," Crawley told The Courier-Mail.

"They are men, not machines. I could not be happier for them to have a break.

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"Mitchell Johnson is such a tough bloke but his body would be feeling it after bowling 150km/h throughout the five Tests.

"These players have done the whole country a favour and I understand if they are rested for some (ODI) games."

Given Johnson was stiff and sore when he climbed the presentation dais at the SCG on Sunday to collect his Ashes man-of-the-series award, you can hardly quibble about him being rested.

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However Cricket Australia still needs to walk a tightrope over the resting of players.

For instance, fans who forked out their hard-earned for an ODI ticket will not be deliriously excited watching someone like Clint McKay rather than England's chief tormentor Johnson.

The Australian public is also crying out to chomp on more cricket success and to rub more salt into the Poms' gaping wounds, and the one-day side will be considerably weakened when Johnson does not play.

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Johnson was Australia's leading wicket-taker in the ODI series in India last October and it was no surprise the Aussies lost the deciding one-dayer when he was sent home early to prepare for the Ashes.

Even though Test cricket and the looming series in South Africa must take precedence, this one-day series marks the serious start of Australia's preparation for the 50-over World Cup in Australasia next February.

There is no easy answer or one-size-fits-all approach to Australia's management of its Ashes stars because the cluttered international cricket schedule allows few breaks.

Should Australia rotate their stars in the upcoming ODI series?

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Heat takes toll on tired Hewitt

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LLEYTON Hewitt's single-minded preparation for the Australian Open prompted him to pull out of this week's eight-man event at Kooyong.

Hewitt wants to rest his 32-year-old body after five matches in sapping heat to win last singles title in week's Brisbane International.

"Obviously this week is all about preparation for the Australian Open and getting yourself in as good a nick as possible,'' Hewitt said.

"At the moment, iIt's all about recovery for me. When you get older, it gets a bit tougher. It's tougher than when you were 16, but I still enjoy being out there and having some success.

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"Saturday and Sunday were brutal conditions up in Brisbane. Very little breeze and very hot and humid in Pat Rafter Arena. We're going into the first major and you have to do absolutely everything that's right for you.''

Hewitt will still play a match at Kooyong, against Scot Andy Murray, as an extra match to the Classic's schedule on Friday. Australian Open defending champion Novak Djokovic has also asked for a warm-up at Kooyong and will play Argentine Juan Monaco on Thursdaytomorrow.

Hewitt's withdrawal gives Sydney teenager Jordan Thompson an opportunity to test himself in three matches against top-20 players at Kooyong this week.

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Thompson, ranked 315, won a spot in the Open field in the wildcard playoff before Christmas and the 19-year-old earned the Kooyong call-up with the rest of Australia's higher ranked players in Sydney this week.

Hewitt, who will base his schedule around the four Grand Slams championshipsand Davis Cup ties, is not fazed at being Australia's top-ranked player again after his final triumph over Roger Federer.

"It's just a number. I couldn't care less,'' he said. If I go out and win a title, obviously, I'm playing well enough to still compete against the best guys in the world,'' he said.

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"We still have some young guys on the way up led by Bernie (Tomic). Hopefully, I'm not 35 and still the No. 1, but we'll wait and see.''

On his Open chances, Hewitt said: "Every match is tough. Being not seeded, you come into any of the seeded guys in the first couple of rounds.

"It has been a dream since I was eight, nine years old. For me to still be out there competing, this is my 18th Australian Open in a row, so I'm thrilled just to be out there.

"As long as I'm still enjoying tennis, training and doing all the hard things, I'll keep playing. Over the last four or five years, I missed a lot of tennis through surgery and that freshens you up mentally and physically.

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"I've made no secret that I'm not going to play every week. I don't want to and I don't need to. I try to prepare as best as possible for the majors and Davis Cup and work my schedule around that.''

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Explosive start for Dellacqua

Casey Dellacqua is through in Hobart. Source: WILLIAM WEST / AFP

A GAS explosion shook Australia's Casey Dellacqua before she was able to refocus on take out her opening match in the Hobart International yesterday.

Dellacqua was in control 6-4, 5-2 when the loud explosion in the nearby club house shook the Domain Tennis Centre in her match with Belgian qualifier Alison van Uytvanck.

The 125th world ranked left-hander from Perth then dropped the next two games before finally serving out the match to win in an hour and 11 minutes 6-4, 6-4.

``The explosion actually shook me to be honest with you,'' Dellacqua said.

``I kept thinking `I hope everyone is OK' and I know that is probably bad but it just really threw for me for a few games and I was worrying, I just wanted to ask the umpire if everyone is all right.

``I just had to refocus at 5-4.

``I put myself in a good position to win the match, I just had to realise I put myself in that position to serve out the match and to refocus and to get more clarity on what I needed to do in that last game and that was to hit some first serves in and make her play a few extra balls, which I had been doing the whole match.

``I saw smoke obviously coming out and I just kept worrying. I didn't feel like we should keep playing if something had happened.

``I felt like we should stop. I didn't know what happened but it seems like everything is good.''

After a nearly two-hour rain delay and a shaky start, where a number of service breaks were traded freely, Dellacqua took control through her serve (winning 68 per cent on serve) and powerful forehand.

In 2013, the 28-year-old rose to the top 10 in doubles as her singles rankings slid, but this year is all about her own one-woman show.

``I thought it (yesterday) was good, obviously playing qualifiers is never easy because they've had three matches and you never know what conditions you are going to get,'' she said.

``I felt pretty good up until those last few games.

``This summer was about focusing on my singles to really try and get back into the top 100 so the French Open and Wimbledon I'm playing main draw and I'm not playing qualifying and I can put a proper schedule together for singles and doubles.''

Wildcard Dellacqua downed Van Uytvanck 6-4 6-4 after play was delayed for two hours by rain.

The 28-year-old, who made three grand slam doubles finals with Ashleigh Barty in 2013, made the crucial first set break in the ninth game to lead 5-4.

The left-hander converted her first set point with a blistering forehand down the line.

Dellacqua led 5-2 in the second but, serving for the match, was broken by her 19-year-old opponent.

Leading 5-4 she served out the match, converting her first match point when Van Uytvanck hit wide.

The West Australian will play either fourth seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or American Alison Riske in the second round.

The Hobart tournament suffered a second blow in as many days on Monday when fifth seed Flavia Pennetta joined Venus Williams in withdrawing.

Pennetta cited a wrist injury.

Her place has been filled by Belgian lucky loser An-Sophie Mestach.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ballin wants to be one club man

Matt Ballin in training with the Sea Eagles. Source: Martin Lange / News Limited

IN the countdown to his eighth season in the NRL, Matt Ballin revealed his goal of being a one club man by playing his entire career with the Sea Eagles.

The Manly ironman who turned 30 on Sunday got stuck back into training at Narrabeen yesterday with the rest of the top squad following their Christmas break.

"All my first grade games have been here at Manly," Ballin said.

"It's a very strong club and has a very proud history.

"I want to make sure when I look back on my time here I am very proud of it and can say I have been a Manly Sea Eagles player for my whole career."

In the modern era long-serving one team players are becoming an endangered species.

"Obviously the salary cap affects certain players but a lot of players want to stay here for less money," Ballin said.

"It is a good indication that the club and it's community is very close."

The workaholic hooker is under contract to the Sea Eagles for two more seasons until the end of 2015.

He hopes that doesn't take bring down the curtain on his career and he can then secure another deal with the club.

"I'd really love to keep playing," Ballin said.

"A lot of things can happen in those two years- whether the club wants me and whether I'm offer the club anything on the field is another matter."

And Ballin is ready to continue his amazing defensive feats in 2014 that have become such a crucial element in the club's success.

"You'd rather have the ball in your hands and not do so much if it," he said.

"But when it comes down to it I am in the middle of the field there and most weeks I play 80 minutes.

"And I have always enjoyed tackling ever since I was a young bloke."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

'I've never seen anything like it'

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ENGLAND'S miserable Ashes tour was summed up in one memorable moment at the SCG on Sunday.

They had long given up the fight for the urn but a single Ryan Harris delivery, as he marched toward match-winning figures of 5/25, broke their spirit.

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It was nothing more than a defensive shot from England opener Michael Carberry, but the ball split his Kookaburra bat in half. Only the bat's sticker kept the two pieces of willow together.

Australian allrounder Shane Watson was astounded. He's broken bats while playing before, but never with a defensive shot.

"Normally if the bat breaks like that it's from a big pull shot or cut shot, so I'm surprised it didn't go earlier," he said.

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"I'm surprised he did actually have his stickers on as well because that might have flicked back on the stumps. He found some pretty random ways to get out at times throughout the series and that might have topped things off for him."

It was Carberry's first Ashes tour, but it could very well be his last despite ending the series as England's second highest run scorer behind Kevin Pietersen.

Ironically, at the start of the season Carberry appeared in a video promoting his new bat, which is called the Recoil.

"This is what I'll be using this summer," he says.

"Hopefully there will be some runs in it."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Day final out, hello prime time

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BRISBANE International organisers will consider switching the men's final to a prime time evening slot for 2015 following Sunday's star clash between Lleyton Hewitt and Roger Federer.

Tournament director Cameron Pearson will talk to broadcaster Channel Seven about showing the 2015 men's title decider at either 6pm or 7pm Queeensland time

"We'll look at our schedule and what matches were played when and we will review each day's play and the sessions and certainly that's one that I'm going to look at for sure, to look to move towards a night final for the men," Pearson said.

"It's obviously a better time from an audience perspective but also you're showcasing your best match at night, under the lights.

"Keeping away from when the sun comes in on the side of the court would make it a better spectator experience as well."

The setting sun streamed on to the Pat Rafter Arena court through a gap between the top of the stands and the roof as Hewitt took on the 17-times Grand Slam winner.

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Their match, played over two hours and eight minutes, spilled into prime time by chance after the curtain-raiser men's doubles final starting at 2pm went to three sets and lasted 96 minutes.

The Hewitt-Federer match averaged 1.12 million viewers on 7Two and peaked at 1.56 million.

It was the most watched program in its timeslot in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

Federer and Hewitt flew out of Brisbane yesterday to continue their Australian Open preparations.

Hewitt, who will contest the AAMI Classic starting at Kooyong tomorrow, will go into the first Grand Slam of the year with increased confidence following his 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 upset of Federer but he said that was incidental to winning in Brisbane, his first title since 2010.

"Playing the best players in the world and finals of tournaments, always it's exciting, that's why you still play the game," said the 32-year-old Australian.

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"For me, it was motivation enough just to try to get the win out there and obviously win another title. It's been a couple years. So I was just ready for the challenge."

The win pushed Hewitt's world ranking from No.60 to 43 but, again, that was just a bonus after beating Federer and world No.17 Kei Nishikori on the way to the title.

"The pleasing thing is how I backed up," Hewitt said.

"I had my first match on Tuesday night, and then after that had one day off and after that had to play four matches in a row.

"At my age and then to come through and do that, the last two wins have been big, quality players as well."

Federer branded Hewitt "the best player I played this week".

"He made it toughest on me," Federer said.

"So I have a clear idea what I need to work on, and I have a clear idea where my mind and body is at.

"I'm very hungry and eager to attack the Australian Open next week."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Why Bailey doesn't deserve the axe

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GEORGE Bailey flung himself backwards and took a brilliant, one-handed catch over his shoulder to dismiss Kevin Pietersen.

It was a wonderful piece of fielding and came soon after his knock of 46 in Australia's second innings. On the surface it may not be enough for him to keep his place in the Test team, but Bailey's contribution shouldn't be overlooked.

IN PICTURES: SCG TURNS PINK FOR JANE MCGRATH DAY

A settled team is a winning team, and a winning team is a settled one.

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Not since the 1989 Ashes tour of England has Australia been able to field the same XI in five consecutive Test matches in the same series.

It wasn't quite a whitewash, but Allan Border's inexperienced men won that six-Test series 4-0.

England's batsmen have been as poor as Australia's bowlers have been brilliant this series, and it has allowed Michael Clarke to lead an unchanged team throughout the five-match series.

It's an achievement Clarke described as being "extremely special".

"The same XI is obviously a fantastic achievement and a lot of credit has to go to the support stuff and the medical staff," he said.

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"A lot of people think it's just the bowlers that need the medical attention to get back on the park, but I can guarantee you every single one of the batters needs a lot of work to be able to play as much cricket as we have and get onto the field.

"It's very special, a lot of hard work has gone in to it."

Every player has contributed on the field, but Bailey's future as a Test player has been called into question simply because he has only managed second-innings runs without much pressure.

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The writing was on the wall for him when Alex Doolan was asked to remain in Sydney for the Test, but Bailey should still be on the plane to South Africa, and not just to captain the Twenty20 side.

Australia have just won the Ashes 5-0. Not just won, but thumped, dominated and annihilated England. Bailey has been very much a part of the team effort and it would be unwise to mess with a winning team.

Bailey leads with a smile, he even sledges with a smile, and because he's a captain he clearly has a strong presence in the Australian dressing room.

Australia has never fielded the same XI for six consecutive Tests. On the back of such a triumphant Ashes series, they could do worse than leave Bailey right where he is for next month's huge series in South Africa.

Should George Bailey retain his place in the Test team?

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This time it feels right to gloat

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I KNOW the rules. No cheering in the press box. As if that would have been heard above the rapturous ovation in which the Australians bathed when the historic 100th wicket fell.

But a few quiet words in appreciation of this wonderfully surprising Australian team before they reach for the Panadol and catch theirs flight back to families and states and franchises.

For beating England? Well, between us, there is that.

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Having left The Oval with the strains of "Stand Up If You're Three Nil Up" ringing in the ears, it is impossible for anyone who has spread Vegemite not to revel in this unimagined feat.

Once the English might have cocked a monocled eye at Australia's jubilation and sneered: "You Australians take sport too seriously because you don't have anything else."

Now, after Great Britain's indulgent celebration of magnificent achievements on pitches, courts, in Olympic stadiums and across French Alps, the Old Enemy can no longer pretend they take sport less seriously. Which in turn makes this victory sweeter.

IN PICTURES: SCG TURNS PINK FOR JANE MCGRATH DAY

That said, our appreciation of this Australian team is not motivated by spite. Well, not completely.

As much as we traded on England's image as a team replete with dark-hearted villains, their only offence was to successfully replicate the methods and mannerisms of the Australians who once tormented them.

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Stuart Broad a cheat? Laughable given most Australian batsmen would sooner walk bare foot across the Simpson Desert than away from the crease before an umpire's finger was raised.

Oh, alright. It has been just a bit satisfying to see the sneers and snarls wiped from the faces of Australia's recent conquerors.

How humbling for Broad that he left the field to pitying applause after a few late innings swipes, not the reflexive boos that acknowledged the threat he posed in Brisbane.

But mostly we applaud this Australian team because, amid the bombardment of marketing concepts and carnival cricket designed to make the game "popular", it has done so the old-fashioned way.

Australia has shone in both the bold and entertaining way it is has played and, as often, through the characters who have played it. Accomplished performers at the peak of their powers; rehabilitated stars seizing a second chance or relishing newfound fitness; veterans who can scarcely believe their luck. And, in Steve Smith, an endearingly fidgety young man finding his feet.

Veteran Chris Rogers celebrating a century at one of his many home grounds was just the latest heartwarming moment from a team that has provided more feel-good stories than Disney, complete with routine happy ending.

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Strolling from the nets to the sheds before play, Rogers would have been mistaken for a suburban accountant if not for his team uniform. There is a touch of normality, even humanity, about this Australian team.

Mitchell Johnson's snarling menace is despite a fragile nature, not because of a malevolent heart. Who would have thought he would be man of the series, and get to describe the taunts of the Barmeys as "water off a duck's back".

Ryan Harris thrives despite his boilermaker's body. Peter Siddle has, quite literally, gone bananas and contradicts the carnivorous fast-bowling stereotype.

Nathan Lyon seems every bit the diffident shy country lad. But by first enduring the considerable doubts of an impatient nation and steadily imposing himself throughout the series, Lyon has shown tremendous heart.

David Warner? Bad Boy or just a loved-up scallywag? Keep an eye on your Twitter feed.

What was more surprising about Brad Haddin? His immense batting average or that endearing photograph with daughter Mia that, against all previous scientific evidence, proved wicketkeepers have hearts.

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Statistically George Bailey might prove the theory great teams are measured by their weakest link. But as we have ventured before, the Tasmanian's contribution to the team's chemistry seems greater than his modest average.

Which leaves the odd couple Michael Clarke and Shane Watson. Is there a mutual respect? Mere tolerance? Whatever it is, as Clarke and Watson have lived together, Australians have appreciated them both more.

The sledging and intimidatory bowling that made some squeamish? If there was an English player reluctant to share a beer with the Australians he had forgotten the ribald sound track that accompanied his own team's success.

Is this a great Australian team? The South African tour will provide a tough, perhaps sobering test. For now, it is a team that has performed great deeds with tremendous spirit and that is more than enough.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Federer identifies areas to improve

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ROGER Federer says he emerged from his unnerving Brisbane International final loss with a clear idea of what he needs to improve to challenge for Grand Slam honours this year.

Federer said he considers his Brisbane campaign to be a "great start to the season'' even though Lleyton Hewitt, who he famously beat 15 times in a row between 2004-10, had been steadier and also more assertive in holding onto the 3-1 advantage he grabbed in the third set.

The Australian Open might be a few months too early as a realistic title chance for Federer, who crumpled to a 45-17 record for 2013 when a back injury prevented him from training properly from mid-year.

His coaching consultant Stefan Edberg starts working with the former world No.1 at the Australian Open and Federer's use of a new, bigger racquet frane in Australia is, judging by his rate of groundstroke errors against Hewitt, is a work in progress.

"It was a match which got away from me and I hope I do a better job next time,'' Federer said after a 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 loss.

"He (Edberg) watched the match against (Jeremy) Chardy in the semi-final, so I'll give him a call before he gets to Melbourne.

"I'm pretty pleased my body is holding up from the first week and I have a clear idea what I need to work on and I have a clear idea where my mind and body is that.

"I'm very hungry and eager to attack the Australian Open.''

Federer stayed in the match through the second set with his serve, even though after 32 straight "holds'' at Pat Rafter Arena a red-hot Hewitt broke his service games three times in the first set.

Federer's 20 aces in his semi-final win was more than any match he played in 2013 and he found 13 more in the final, so any effect of the new racquet on his serve is evidently good.

"I would have loved to win the title, but I missed too many first serves in the third set,'' the world No.6 said.

Lleyton Hewitt of Australia holds the winners trophy while Roger Federer of Swizerland holds the runner up after winning the mens final match. Source: Getty Images

"Lleyton was better than me today.''

Federer said he hoped to be able to play Brisbane a second time (see report, P3) next summer.

Brisbane tournament director Cameron Pearson will seek feedback from Federer's manager Tony Godsick, who negotiates an appearance fee and other terms with tournaments, but knows the Federer family have been well charmed by Australia's native animals.

Federer's wife Mirka has been shopping in Brisbane and she and their four-year-old twin daughters have been to theme parks at the Gold Coast, as well as Australia Zoo and Lone Pine Sanctuary.

"I speak to Tony a lot. If Roger comes back, it's up to him and his team,'' Pearson said.

"I was focussed on making sure he and his family enjoyed Brisbane and the tournament while Roger was plying his trade,''

The week at the Queensland Tennis Centre drew tournament record attendance of 105,730, 13,000 more than the 2012 record.

"I will move on with great memories of a wonderful place. I couldn't have been happier here this week,'' Federer said.

Brisbane joins esteemed company in tournaments other than the Grand Slams to draw 100,000 or more. These are topped by major cities Rome, Madrid, Toronto and Beijing, as well as established US events at Indian Wells, Miami and Cincinnati.

"This crowd shows what the tournament is capable of really,'' Pearson said.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mundine's next 'no name' opponent

Anthony Mundine talks to media at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Pic Peter Wallis Source: Peter Wallis / News Limited

SO HAVE you heard the latest on Anthony Mundine's next opponent?

You know, the guy Choc promised us all would be top 15. Maybe top 10. A fighter with the type of reputation who, The Man has shouted in one proclamation after another, would inch him closer to that megafight with Floyd 'Money' Mayweather.

A genuine contender by the name of ... err, Carson Jones.

Unranked by the four major divisions - which, even with our Maths in Society background, would seem to be outside the best 15 on the planet - Jones is the American boxer handpicked by Team Mundine to fight in Brisbane on a date later this month we refuse to mention here.

And it's because, put bluntly, this fight is less appealing than Aussie Joe Bugner in bike pants.

Call it a truth confirmed by no less than Mundine who, while no shrinking violet, is yet to hold a press conference announcing his rival.

Kell Brook in action with Carson Jones. Source: Getty Images

Same deal Main Event, the Pay-Per-View broadcaster already seeking your $50 in TV commercials that mention where and when the fight is on - but not against who.

"I never put too much thought into it," Mundine told World Boxing News. "I just line em' up and knock them down."

As the punter whose cash they crave, you have the right to ask 'why?'

Could you imagine, for example, Choc not holding a media extravaganza all lights, camera action had he secured one those superstars he covets - and indeed Australian boxing needs - like Saul Alvarez or Miguel Cotto?

And, yes, Team Mundine disciples, we understand the concept of 'stay busy' bouts. Aware too that Jones is a fair fighter who, despite having won just once in his past four outings, was twice defeated by rising British prospect Kell Brook.

But after beating an uninspired Shane Mosley, who has since retired aged 42 and with one win from his final six outings, Mundine promised to go all out. Would have Mayweather within the year, he said.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. in action. Source: Getty Images

But Jones? Two years ago he was held to a draw by Dean Byrne, the former Australian light-welterweight champ and, in his past four outings, has only tasted victory against a rival boasting 12 wins in 30 fights.

Hardly the type of rival who pushes you toward the highest-paid athlete on planet earth.

Indeed, in his last fight, Mayweather made in excess of $80 million. Mundine, meanwhile, lost upwards of $500,000.

So you tell me if Carson Jones closes that gap.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More