Thompson strikes late to break Perth

Archie Thompson's late goal saw Victory leapfrog Western Sydney into second place. Source: Darrian Traynor / Getty Images

MELBOURNE Victory striker Archie Thompson scored a late winner in his side's 2-1 A-League triumph over Perth at nib Stadium on Saturday night.

The game appeared headed for a draw after Victory skipper Mark Milligan cancelled out his 27th-minute own goal with a 39th-minute penalty.

But Thompson secured all three points when he pounced on James Troisi's well-weighted pass to slot home the winner in the 90th minute.

WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS AND GET THE STATS IN THE MATCH CENTRE.

Michael Thwaite gets his groove on to celebrate his opener for Perth. Source: News Corp Australia

The triumph lifted Victory into second spot on the table, giving them a one-point buffer over third-placed Western Sydney with just four rounds remaining.

Perth Glory remain bottom of the table after their winless run stretched to nine games.peThe Victory, who were playing their third game in the space of nine days, now have to back up for Tuesday's Asian Champions League clash with Japanese outfit Yokohama F. Marinos in Melbourne.

There was drama during the warm-up when Glory young gun Danny De Silva was knocked unconscious after being struck in the side of the head by a wayward ball.

Jacob Burns gets to grip with James Troisi. Source: News Corp Australia

De Silva was replaced on the bench by Adrian Zahra, and Glory took a surprise lead in the 27th minute when Michael Thwaite's header deflected off Milligan and into the back of the net.

Glory goalkeeper Jack Duncan pulled off a brilliant fingertip save to deny Tom Rogic three minutes later.

But Victory were back on level terms before half-time when Milligan converted a penalty after Troisi was pulled down by Glory defender Matt Davies.

Clear-cut chances on goal were few and far between in the second half.

But Thompson made no mistake when a golden opportunity finally fell his way, with the fringe Socceroo slicing his way behind Glory's defence before nailing the late winner in front of 7068 fans.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Kane wins prestigious award in Sochi

Australia's Toby Kane in action in the giant slalom at the men's Paralympic Games. Picture: Getty Images Source: Tom Pennington / Getty Images

AUSTRALIA'S only medallist at this week's Sochi Paralympics, Toby Kane, has become the first from his country to win the prestigious Whang Youn Dai Achievement Award in recognition of his service to sport and humanity.

Just hours after closing the book on his alpine skiing career which took him to three Paralympic Games for two bronze medals, the 27-year-old was honoured at a special ceremony in Rosa Khutor.

One male and female athlete is chosen for the award at every games and the female winner in Russia is Dutch snowboarder Bibian Mentel-Spee.

Kane, a single leg amputee who won bronze medal in the standing super-combined on Friday, is considered the heartbeat of the Australian team on the snow and is just as respected off it as he prepares to finish his medical degree in Melbourne.

He said he was "honoured and humbled" to have been nominated and then chosen from 17 other male athletes to receive the award.

Australian Paralympic Committee chief executive Jason Hellwig said Kane had always been a leader but most recently he played a crucial role in helping his teammates deal with the death of snowboarding teammate Matthew Robinson just a month before the Games.

"He is an outstanding person not just an outstanding athlete and when you think about the words that define the Paralympic movement - courage, determination, quality, there is no athlete that I think embodies that better than Toby," Hellwig said.

"In this particular campaign he's become the leader in a really difficult month for the whole team.

"He was the guy we all looked to to help bring everyone together and to focus. Absolutely after Matt passed away we needed someone in the athlete group with the leadership ability and character to help get everyone through it."

Australia's Toby Kane celebrates winning bronze at Sochi. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

The Whang Youn Dai Achievement Award honours athletes who most exemplify the spirit of the Paralympic Games and excite and inspire the world.

Meanwhile on day eight of competition in Sochi, Victorian Mitchell Gourley crashed out of the giant slalom after going into the race as the world number one, but said he was satisfied he at least went down with a fight.

He was fourth after the first run and attempting to break onto the podium, lost control just metres from the finish of his second.

"We came here saying we'd rather go down fighting than ski conservative and come eighth," Gourley said.

"I'm gutted but in saying that I think I can hold my head high, I went down swinging and I had to.

"You look at the three guys on the podium and they've all won a bunch of medals this week and are incredible skiers.

"I was one one-hundredth of a second out off there going in and I had to to put it down, I did everything I could to do that and unfortunately came up short four gates from the bottom.

"It's been a tough games, 0.2 off a medal yesterday, a good ski in the downhill then some battles with three DNFs but it is what it is."

Gourley said he was undecided about whether he would ski on to 2018.

"I'm not 100 per cent sure what I'm doing with my future and I've said that all along," he said.

"I need a little bit of time away from the sport and have a bit of reflection then cross that bridge when we come to it."

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Foul on Fabio robs Reds of momentum

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ADELAIDE United and Western Sydney Wanderers' 0-0 draw was marred when Fabio Ferreira was forced off the park with concussion but the aggressor was allowed to stay.

The game swung Wanderers way when star Reds winger Ferreira was smacked off the ball by Wanderers Adam D'Apuzzo at Pirtek Stadium on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: REDS EXTEND WANDERERS' WINLESS RUN

Before the incident Adelaide was in control.

D'Apuzzo shoulder charged Ferreira in the 20th minute with the ball 10m away when the left back was already on a yellow card for a crude foul on the Portuguese winger just 10 minutes earlier.

Delovski allowed the second cynical foul to pass without another caution leaving D'Apuzzo with a lucky pass to stay on the park before Ferreira looked dazed and lasted until the 31st minute before he left for treatment.

When Jeronimo Neumann was unloaded off the bench to replace Ferreira Wanderers took control of the clash until the half-time break.

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Adelaide for all of its possession and movement off the ball troubled Wanderers gloveman Ante Covic into making just one routine save from Bruce Djite's 20m effort before the break as Marcelo Carrusca and Ferreira missed the target despite sublime Reds attacking build ups.

With Wanderers only fielding three starting players that made the midweek AFC Champions League trek to face China's Guizhou Renhe (1-0), the reigning A-League premier struggled to find any consistent rhythm but still managed to trouble the Reds with direct football.

But Carrusca created the game's best chance in the second half.

His brilliant pass inside the box allowed Neumann to open the score but the Argentine sliced his shot wide from 7m with only Covic to beat five minutes after the break.

Right back Jerome Polenz then gave the home side much needed width in the second half as the German made space to pump crosses inside the box but Adelaide dealt with the danger comfortably.

Shannon Cole was then cautioned in the 55th minute for up-ending Carrusca who was on a goalbound run on the flank but Adelaide drew a blank from the angled set piece.

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Carrusca had a another opportunity on the hour to force at least a save from Covic but his volley from 7m after Neumann sped past D'Apuzzo to cross the ball inside the box was wide.

With tiring legs changing the pattern of the game Aaron Mooy then forced captain Eugene Galekovic into an easy save with a 25 effort with the Reds stretched in the 65th minute.

But with the game heading for a draw fringe FIFA World Cup Socceroo Michael Zullo was unloaded off the bench to replace Djite as coach Josep Gombau reshuffled his XI to find a winner.

Neumann was shifted to central striker as Zullo became the Reds third right winger in 70 minutes.

But it was Wanderers threatening to score when Mooy had Galekovic scrambling to make a save after 77 minutes after former Red Tomi Juric was thrown into the fray to search for a winner four minutes earlier.

Juric forced Galekovic with a spectacular save in the 90th minute in the last shot on target in the clash.

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Shaun’s trade to pay off for Port

Former Port Adelaide player Shaun Burgoyne celebrates the 2013 premiership with Hawthorn. The players Power gained for his trade are about to come of age. Picture: George Salpigtidis. Source: Salpigtidis George / News Limited

SHAUN Burgoyne's parting gift to Port Adelaide is ready to be unwrapped.

Five years after the premiership midfielder became a trade target for Hawthorn, then Power recruiting manager Blair Hartley's equally strategic use of the three top-20 draft picks - two delivered by Burgoyne - is ready to pay off.

In a game with no quick fixes, Port Adelaide on Sunday opens the 2014 AFL premiership season with all three 2009 draftees carrying important roles in coach Ken Hinkley's on-field program. Key forward John Butcher (call No. 8) has to answer the Power's need for a tall forward to work alongside Jay Schulz and the versatile Justin Westhoff.

MORE: POWER TO RISK FOUR NEW PLAYERS AGAINST BLUES

Andrew Moore may be externally undervalued in a league that has the critics rate midfielders on statistics.

But within the inner circle at Alberton no-one underestimates the 22-year-old's toughness or appetite for the contested footy - and standing up in brutal clinches.

And defender Jasper Pittard has finally made it through a pre-season physically - and with a form line that makes him a critical part of the Power's defensive game ... and allows Hinkley to rely on Pittard while committing Matthew Broadbent and Brad Ebert to the important midfield rotations.

It may have taken five years for Hartley's investment in youth to pay-off, but the return could make his 2009 draft plan a critical cornerstone of Port's next premiership challenge.

Pittard is 22, as are Butcher and Moore.

He has played 31 games. And he has learned plenty in his demanding apprenticeship.

"From the day I got to the club to now, I've certainly learned a lot," Pittard said.

Port Adelaide's class of 2009, from left, Jasper Pittard, then coach Mark Williams, Andrew Moore and John Butcher.

"I was probably immature when I got here.

"I loved my football, but I did not really know the kind of work you have to put in 100 per cent of the time to be a great player.

"There is a difference between wanting to be a good player - and then wanting to be a great player in a winning team.

"Once you appreciate how much work it takes to make that leap, the path becomes easier.

"Managing my body has been a huge lesson for me.

"But really it is hard work that gets you through. From year one to now, my workload has increased each year. I've now found a level that I need to do all the time."

Butcher, Moore and Pittard all arrived at Alberton in the summer of 2009-10 with one common bond - they were Victorians drafted to a football club they hardly knew.

"We also all had slower starts with injury - and with the team (struggling), it was going to be hard for us to find our feet (in the AFL)," Pittard recalls.

"But those initial tough years brought us together. All three of us have been under pressure - at times - to produce.

"We were all high draft picks and supporters expect much when you carry that tag ... but sometimes it takes time."

The Hinkley influence - in particular the faith the senior coach shows in young talent - has ensured Pittard, Butcher and Moore are now primed for their time in the toughest football competition in the land.

"We've learned what Ken wants from us individually - and we know what he expects from us," Pittard said. "But his faith also makes you want to work hard.

"Knowing what is expected from us makes us more comfortable.

"Some guys will come into the AFL and pick it up quickly - but others will take longer because of injury or opportunity or needing that time to adapt.

But once you learn what to do - on and off the field - that is when you start to find the form you want and the consistency you need in the AFL."

Hinkley arrived at Alberton 17 months ago inheriting a young playing group needing not only a coach with a vision - but a father figure with strong principles.

He made the difference between Parker picking great talent and the Power developing sound AFL players.

"Ken is hard on me, he keeps me on my toes and honest but he always backs me in,' Pittard said.

"There were times last year when I had a couple of poor games and he brought me in the office and he instilled confidence in me.

"In the past I've been prone to getting down in the dumps.

"Ken has taught me to brush the mistakes aside and worry about the next contest and the next game and how I can get better."

Pittard's cunning read of the play has made him such a promising part of the Port defensive system for this season.

The more often Hinkley can rely on Pittard to cut opposition plays, the more often the Power can get use Brad Ebert and Matthew Broadbent in midfield rotations.

But there is the risk factor with Pittard who will never die guessing by taking chances, some that work against him.

"You are always going to make mistakes," Pittard says.

"It is about limiting those mistakes - and with more experience you learn when and when not to pull the trigger.

"I'm still learning that, but Ken wants to me continue with that but be smarter."

Pittard last week was part of the four-man roll-out - along with Ollie Wines, Justin Westhoff and Cam O'Shea - of Power players committing to new deals at Alberton.

"It was pretty simple," Pittard says of his decision to sign a three-year extension.

"In the past 18 months there have been so many important changes made around the club that it is easy to get the sense of direction we are taking.

"Those three years before the changes were still a valuable learning experience for me - and the rest of the group. Why would you leave when the club is building momentum? You don't want to miss out on that.

"I don't want to be back in Victoria looking across the border and wondering did I make the right decision to leave?"

CLASS OF 2009

PORT Adelaide recruiting manager Blair Hartley went to the 2009 AFL national draft loaded with the No. 8 draft pick after the Power's collapse from grand finalist in 2007 to 10th in 2009 - and picks Nos. 9 and 16 traded by Hawthorn for premiership midfielder Shaun Burgoyne.

The players called by Parker are now primed to shine in coach Ken Hinkley's plan to build a premiership squad at Alberton.

No. 8 JOHN BUTCHER

KEY forward who already commands some of the game's best defenders - and the seemingly never-ending script about his dodgy kicking from set shots in front of goal. Dubbed "The Future", Butcher is now aged 22, has made it through his longest pre-season program and this season is capable of doubling his 20-game count.

No. 9 ANDREW MOORE

MIDFIELDER who lives up to the theme of being "tough as teak". Of the three 2009 draftees, Moore has played the most AFL games - 41. The 22-year-old lives up to coach Ken Hinkley's vision for midfielders carrying insatiable appetites for tacking and contested football.

No. 16 JASPER PITTARD

SWEEPING defender who signed three-year contract extension last week. Has finally made it through a pre-season without injury setbacks - and that strong grounding has allowed Pittard to cement himself as a critical part of Port Adelaide's defensive patterns. Also aged 22, Pittard has played 31 AFL games.

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Benji lands his make or break chance

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JUST how well Israel Folau is mastering rugby at fullback will be measured in a new light this weekend with Benji Marshall stepping into the unknown.

Fellow code-hopper Marshall has earned his first start for the Auckland Blues against the Lions in Johannesburg late Saturday night (Qld time).

It will be a tricky initiation on many levels, not the least being his first taste of kicks sailing prodigious distances in the thinner high-altitude air.

Benji Marshall in action for the Blues. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

You can so easily be caught out of position. The former Kiwi rugby league star had time at fly half during the pre-season but just 15 minutes of airtime during the opening three rounds of Super Rugby.

Coach John Kirwan has wisely elected to let him learn with the major burden of playmaking responsibilities elsewhere.

We are about to find out if Marshall, at 29, is up to it. There'll be mistakes and hesitation as Folau, Wendell Sailor, Sonny Bill Williams and co all found initially in their code switches.

Show some patience and we'll get the true measure of Marshall in May or June.

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The Western Force and Queensland Reds both flopped with their tactics to limit Folau's ball-running and kick-return dynamism earlier this season.

Now, the brains trust at the ACT Brumbies have their chance in Canberra on Saturday night in a must-see clash against the NSW Waratahs.

The Brumbies will pose questions too, especially if they find ways to get Fro Bro Henry Speight into explosive stride from the wing.

The Fijian-born Speight plays his 50th game for the Brumbies on Saturday night and becomes eligible for Wallabies selection on September 11.

The extra feeling to any Brumbies-Waratahs and Reds-Waratahs clash is all-important when Australian rugby needs such feisty drawcards.

***

SPECULATION that the expanded Super Rugby format from 2016 will actually reduce the number of derby games is a bad joke.

Played home-and-away, there is a great square-up appeal to the second spectacle of every series.

To contemplate going back to just one Reds-Waratahs match a year must be fought at every turn. Forget how the Kiwis and South Africans want to reorganise Super Rugby in their interests.

How about the Australian Rugby Union fighting for Australia's best interests?

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A fresh twist in ASADA drama for Dank

Stephen Dank will reportedly have to respond to a disclosure notice from ASADA. Source: News Limited

STEPHEN Dank's moment of truth has finally arrived, with ASADA potentially preparing to issue charges against him over Essendon's 2012 supplement program.

The sports scientist last night confirmed he'd recently received a show cause notice, an official signal of ASADA's intent to take action against him.

The Daily Telegraph understands the potential infractions relate only to the supplement program Dank devised at Essendon two season ago. It's believed the show cause letter makes no mention of his involvement at Cronulla in 2011, when players were allegedly subjected to an 11-week program of peptide injections, creams and tablets. Dank has denied giving any players banned substances.

Stephen Dank was often doorstopped outside his home, as on this occasion. Source: News Limited

It's presumed ASADA intend to charge Dank on the basis that he was a support person at Essendon, who hired him on a full-time basis in late 2011. Dank's status as a support person at Cronulla is less certain because the Sharks neither employed nor paid him.

The notice's link to Essendon is likely to make the AFL club and its players extremely nervous. For the length of the yearlong ASADA investigation, Bombers officials have lived in hope that the grey nature of the peptide used in 2012 — AOD-9604 — might see their players escape charges. The fact Dank's show cause letter relates to Essendon carries the natural imputation that ASADA believes banned substances were used at Windy Hill.

But the absence of any mention of Cronulla in the show cause notice does not necessarily mean Sharks players can breathe easily. The Daily Telegraph this week revealed ASADA is preparing to issue four members of the 2011 squad with show cause notices. Evidence unearthed by an independent Sharks report a year ago indicates that while Dank was key to devising the program, he had little or no role in actually treating players.

The fate of the lone player to be suspended thus far, ex-Raiders winger Sandor Earl, also hangs largely on Dank. Earl is attempting to earn a substantial assistance discount on his four-year ban for use and trafficking of CJC-1295 by providing ASADA with information about Dank. Claims the show cause notice only relates to Dank's activities at Essendon would make Earl less confident about his chances of winning a reduced ban.

James Hird has been suspended as Essendon coach for 12 months due to the peptides scandal. Source: News Corp Australia

Dank last night he would not "respond or react" to the show-cause notice. He's instead ordered his legal team to take the fight to ASADA in court. ASADA rules permit him to challenge the show cause notice in both the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) and Federal Court.

"We will also write to the attorney general and ask for an explanation about how this information — and information about four Cronulla players — has been leaked," Dank said.

ASADA opted not to interview Dank as part of its investigations into Essendon and the NRL.

An ASADA spokesperson said: "ASADA is unable to discuss an ongoing investigation or operational matters associated with an investigation until such time as its legislation permits".

Meanwhile, the NRL yesterday gave the Sharks and their suspended coach Shane Flanagan an extra 24 hours to indicate whether they would appeal punishments over the 2011 supplements program. Both parties have until 5pm today.

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Bayern boss sentenced to prison

Uli Hoeness, president of Bayern Munich stands in the courtroom during his trial for tax evasion. Source: Pool / Getty Images

BAYERN Munich president Uli Hoeness has been found guilty of tax evasion and sentenced to three years, six months in prison.

The 62-year-old Hoeness, one of the most powerful figures in German soccer, was charged with dodging 3.5 million euros ($5.4 million) in taxes through an undeclared Swiss bank account.

When his trial opened on Monday he admitted to avoiding 15 million euros more.

Then it came out through an examination of documents he provided to investigators shortly before the trial that he owed 27.2 million euros in total — a number Hoeness did not dispute.

Hoeness had faced up to 10 years in prison, and the sentence came between the 5 years suggested by the prosecution and the defence's plea for probation, based on the fact that he had turned himself in for tax evasion and provided details to the court, the dpa news agency reported.

Following the verdict, defence attorney Hanns Feigen said he would appeal the decision to see how a higher court would value Hoeness' "not ideal" confession. He added that he was convinced the appeals court would come to a "better result" than the Munich state court did.

Hoeness will remain free on bail pending the outcome of the appeal.

German authorities have been cracking down on tax evaders in recent years, and have recovered hundreds of millions of euros. Their widely-publicised purchase of leaked account information on thousands of investors, as well as high-profile cases such as that against Hoeness and former Deutsche Post AG CEO Klaus Zumwinkel, has led to thousands of people turning themselves in.

Hoeness, who also is part owner of a Nuremberg sausage factory, reported himself to the tax authorities last April — around the same time that German media were investigating reports of high-profile tax evaders.

News of the case against the national icon prompted even Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman to weigh in and say the country's leader was disappointed in him.

As a player, Hoeness was a Bayern star who won the 1972 European Championship and the 1974 World Cup with West Germany and three straight European Cups — the predecessor of the Champions League — before retiring in 1979 with chronic knee problems.

He became the Bundesliga's youngest coach when he was 27.

Bayern has been enjoying unprecedented success under Hoeness' presidency. The club stood by him during the investigation, and its supervisory board was expected to meet following the verdict to see what steps to take next.

Bayern Munich said it would issue a statement later Thursday.

In three decades as manager and president of Bayern, Hoeness conducted a prudent financial policy that left the club not only without debts but with a fat bank account.

Hoeness refused to spend lavishly on foreign superstars but brought in the best of German talent. In recent years, Bayern started spending more on players and the result was its first treble last season, when it won the Champions League, the Bundesliga and the German Cup.

The club is on course to win the Bundesliga again — perhaps even undefeated — and could become the first team to defend the Champions League title. Bayern could accomplish the treble again.

Hoeness was also instrumental in signing coach Pep Guardiola.

With three "strategic partners" — Adidas, Audi and Allianz, which each have an 8.33-per cent stake in the club — Bayern has some of Germany's best known companies behind it. The club has also paid off its stadium.

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Eric Cantona arrested for assault

French actor and former football player Eric Cantona (R) and British director Ken Loach (L). Source: FRANCOIS GUILLOT / News Limited

FORMER Manchester United star Eric Cantona has been arrested and cautioned for assaulting a man in London.

It is not known if the unidentified victim, who did not require medical attention, will press charges against the 47-year-old, the Telegraph reports.

"Officers from Camden Borough attended and a man in his mid-40s was arrested on suspicion of common assault," police said in a statement. "He was taken into custody and subsequently cautioned for common assault."

They did not say what occurred before the alleged assault.

Cantona already has an assault conviction to his name after attacking Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons in January 1995. He was sentenced to two weeks in prison, before that was reduced to 120 hours community service.

Manchester United's Eric Cantona kicks a Crystal Palace fan at Selhurst Park. Source: News Corp Australia

He was also banned for eight months and fined 10,000 pounds ($18,500) by the Football Association, which extended a four-month suspension and 20,000-pound fine imposed by United.

Cantona said after his successful appeal against a jail term, "When the seagulls follow the trawler, it's because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea."

The Frenchman has gone on to become an actor after hanging up his soccer boots, appeared alongside Cate Blanchett in Elizabeth in 1998 and Looking for Eric, in which he plays himself.

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Sterlo's five things we learnt: Rd 1

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THE NRL is back - but round one was chock full of drama and controversy.

There was no shortage of talking points.

NO EXCUSES

I am sure there are fans out there irate that Sonny Bill Williams and Andrew Fifita have been suspended for shoulder charges last weekend. They are out for a total of five games.

The apologists will suggest rugby league has lost its spectacular collision and banning the shoulder charge will take away some of the game's toughness.

Whether we like it or not, the rules are now in place. Players cannot shoulder charge, it's that simple.

They know the rules and have to abide by them otherwise they will be on the sidelines for a few games, like Williams and Fifita.

Williams and Fifita placed their clubs in difficult positions. The shoulder charge lives in the past. It has no place in the future.

Players rubbed out for shoulder charging only have themselves to blame.

TAKE PART IN OUR SUPERCOACH CHALLENGE!

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FIFITA

The question has to be asked…why did Andrew Fifita leave Cronulla?

Sharks fans will be shattered he has decided to join Canterbury on a rich four year deal.

The Sharks did a lot for Fifita - they really turned around his flagging career. The money difference between the two offers apparently wasn't that much so I can only assume the Bulldogs offered more stability and you have to wonder if he felt he had a better chance to win a premiership.

I am just happy Fifita decided against joining rugby union. We didn't want to lose another player after Sonny Bill and Sam Burgess decided to leave rugby league.

But I am disappointed Fifita left the Sharks. He owes them a huge debt of gratitude.

Catch the full replay from the North Queensland Cowboys' clash with the Canberra Raiders at 1300SMILES Stadium

EXPERIENCE

Round one showed me, yet again, the value of having experienced halves in your side.

I always thought Peter Wallace and Jamie Soward would be a successful combination for Penrith, and that was proven on Saturday afternoon against Newcastle.

I thought their experience and kicking game was the key factor late in the match. They will play a huge role in Penrith moving up the competition ladder this year.

Gareth Widdop was exceptional in his first game for St George Illawarra. I noticed Saints skipper Ben Creagh said Widdop brought a calmness and coolness to the Dragons side.

That's what great halves do.

And what more can be said about Johnathan Thurston? He didn't panic when his Cowboys fell 16 points behind Canberra. He doesn't play, North Queensland don't win.

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PENALTIES

I see there were an extra two penalties per game over the eight matches in round one compared to last year. Were the refs knit-picking?

Generally speaking there are always a few additional penalties in round one with refs trying to assert their authority, especially under new interpretations.

I noted too the blocks of penalties awarded to one side in some games. It gives that side so much momentum.

Three or four penalties in a row can change a match in minutes - like we saw when Melbourne took control in the second half at Brookvale.

Personally I don't think the refs were knit-picking. I really enjoyed the decline of the wrestle in the play-the-ball.

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PARRA POWER

I cannot write a column without mentioning the early success of my Parramatta Eels.

I know they won in round one last year and went on to collect the wooden spoon but I think things are different this year.

I saw some really positive signs under new coach Brad Arthur.

The most outstanding aspect of their win over New Zealand was their defensive line speed. At times last year that was virtually non-existent.

Will Hopoate was impressive in his first NRL game in two years. You can't imagine how difficult it must have been returning to the NRL after that time away.

Parramatta's enthusiasm was wonderful, as it should be in round one. But the signs are there that Parramatta are ready to make a significant move under the competition ladder.

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Keep Glenn at all costs, urge teammates

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EMOTIONAL Manly players have upped the ante on club officials to keep stalwart Glenn Stewart, using last month's season launch to personally campaign for the 30-year-old to be retained.

The Daily Telegraph has learned at least two players made their feelings known to a high-ranking club official during the 27 February event at Le Kiosk on Shelley Beach.

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Multiple sources close to the players have confirmed they approached the official to warn him of the damage Stewart's release would inflict on the NRL's tightest playing group.

Stewart was hoping to secure his future prior to last weekend's opening round, but has been left waiting for word from the Sea Eagles.

The long-running saga has the potential to alienate the senior playing group, sparking emotions similar to those witnessed at Newcastle when favourite son Matthew Johns was forced-out in 2000.

Heavy backloading of Stewart's current contract has created much of the angst, with all salary cap increase bonuses for the past four seasons falling due this year.

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That means Stewart is on the 2014 books for around $800,000.

It's understood NRL permission was granted to back-end the contracts of Anthony Watmough and Kieran Foran via a similar formula, meaning they will both absorb a huge proportion of Manly's salary cap next year.

The players have been willing to postpone their biggest paydays in order to keep the nucleus of a side that's contested four of the past seven grand finals together.

Their sacrifice not only illustrates the tight bond at Brookavle, but has deepened it.

Watmough and Foran, along with fellow stalwarts Steve Matai and Brett Stewart, know they would be opposing forces if not for such unselfish accounting measures. Hence their fierce loyalty to Stewart.

Glenn Stewart jumps the bars during training. Source: Getty Images

Speaking to reporters less than a week after the season launch, Foran said the club "needs to do whatever they need to do" to keep the 30-year-old.

''I think everyone wants Glenn to stay,'' Foran said.

"He is great for the club not only on [the field] but off it as well. He and his brother have been a huge part of the success over the years. I think the club needs to do what they need to do to keep them here.''

Stewart is realistic about his value going forward.

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There's been interest from Canberra, but he's loathe to leave and would be willing to accept less to finish-up on the Northern Beaches.

With the back-ended deals of Foran and Watmough creating another cap headache next year, Manly are struggling to formulate a deal that reflects his standing as a NSW Origin and Australian Test representative.

The Sea Eagles also need to warehouse cash to restock their depleted front row, and co-captain Jason King is also off contract at the end of this year.

Manly's Glenn Stewart looks to pass during Manly Sea Eagles training. Picture Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

Stewart's manager Mike Newton was unaware of players fronting officials on his client's behalf when contacted Thursday night.

He also denied any talks had taken place with St George Illawarra.

"I had a productive meeting with Manly two weeks ago and we're now waiting to hear back," Newton said.

"We were hopeful of working something out before the start of the season, but it hasn't happened. There's no doubt Glenn wants to stay, so we'll keep working with the club to try and sort something out."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Shackles off stars a win for fans

Rabbitohs star Sam Burgess has slapped a media ban on himself so far this season. Picture: Getty Images Source: Mark Nolan / Getty Images

NRL CHIEF executive Dave Smith will lead a complete review of the code's media protocol to ensure all 16 clubs and rugby league's biggest names do more to promote the game.

Reacting to a torrent of debate directed at the NRL in the wake of disappointing round one crowd figures, Smith said he would call on key stakeholders across the code including clubs, players, sponsors, club members and the media to participate in the review.

The review, to be conducted throughout the season, is similar to what the NRL has already conducted following major changes to the salary cap and rule changes.

"The media access guidelines are ready to be reviewed,'' Smith said yesterday.

"But they need to be reviewed as part of all the activities that support the NRL and clubs' shared objective of growing the game and reaching new fans and members.''

"The NRL will lead clubs, players, sponsors and media through a process that allows everybody to put their views on the table, test their interests and, ultimately, we will make a decision on a set of promotional guidelines.''

Both South Sydney and the Sydney Roosters have felt the brunt of the criticism after only 27,000 people turned up to ANZ Stadium last Thursday, a match that was billed as a blockbuster clash between Sonny Bill Williams and Sam Burgess, both of whom failed to promote the game through the media, in the days prior to the match.

As a result, what was supposed to be a bumper kick-off for the opening match of the season turned into a public relations disaster after an alarming drop-off in attendances and a dip in TV ratings.

Fans haven't heard from Roosters champion Sonny Bill Williams this year. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Smith said he was aware what the fans wanted - to hear from their favourite stars - and that now it was about ensuring the player's follow what is expected to be a new strict set of guidelines.

"Fans are important to us and want to see our stars talking about upcoming games,'' Smith said.

"We know how much our fans, especially children, look up to the marquee players and we want the players to continue to help us draw more people to our game.''

Two clubs aware of their responsibility to promote the game, the Wests Tigers and Parramatta, supported Smith's promise to ensure rugby league is the most popular football code in the country.

"It's sport, its entertainment, lets promote it,'' Wests Tigers chief executive Grant Mayer said.

"We are very clear in regards to what our obligations are under the NRL's guidelines and it is a very rare day indeed that we won't fulfil those obligations.

"We understand the importance of the media and the promotion of our games and the game as a whole.''

Eels CEO Scott Seward added: "This pre-season our players have done an especially good job promoting the club and our Membership growth is a clear product of that."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bridge scores, Wanderers win in China

Mark Bridge's goal proved the difference as the Western Sydney Wanderers won in China. Source: Liam Driver / News Limited

MARK Bridge scored the only goal in the eighth minute as Western Sydney Wanderers claimed their first Asian Champions League points with a 1-0 win over Guizhou Renhe in Guiyang.

Daniel Mullen, on debut as part of a revamped back four, had a shot saved from a corner and Bridge was on hand to poke the ball home.

The Wanderers should have gone to the break leading 2-0. Labinot Haliti headed in just before half-time but was wrongly adjudged off-side.

The hosts were poor and jeered by their own fans but got into better attacking positions in the second period.

The Wanderers defence, including Michael Beauchamp, Dean Heffernan and Shannon Cole, held firm and the win moved it second in its group after an opening round loss to Ulsan. Ulsan earlier beat third-placed Kawaski, whom the Wanderers host next week.

Coach Tony Popovic made several big changes after the derby loss to Sydney FC, leaving Ante Covic, Shinji Ono and Brendon Santalab out of the match day squad and Jerome Polenz, Aaron Mooy and Youssouf Hersi on the subs bench.

All three subs played a role as the Wanderers ground out a win in only their second ACL contest.

Relive the action in our blow-by-blow blog below.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Perrine DQed for using illegal gear

Melissa Perrine with the illegal visor taped to her helmot over her goggles to help deal with the glare. Source: Ian Walton / Getty Images

AUSTRALIAN skier Melissa Perrine has been sensationally disqualified from a medal-winning position in the women's super combined event at the Sochi Paralympics after using illegal equipment in her race on Tuesday.

The visually impaired skier had a visor taped to her helmet and over the top of her goggles to help her see amid the glare of bright lights in heavy fog which delayed the start of their slalom run by two hours at Rosa Khutor.

Perrine was second overall at the halfway mark of the event which concludes with a Super-G run on Friday when she was expected to push for Australia's first medal of the Games.

But soon after her run, judges advised the Australian team that the device on her helmet was illegal and she was disqualified.

"It was a piece of a visor across her goggles to stop the light shining in her eyes, she did it a month ago in one of the world cups because the sun was really bright and nothing was said then," Australian coach Steve Graham said.

"But the rule is you can't attach anything to (the) helmet.

"(Guide) Andy (Bor) and Mel made the decision, I didn't know until they got to the finish line that they were using it and yeah, that's the rule.

"I was fairly sure of the rule and when they discussed it about a month ago I said 'make sure you know what the rule is' so it's a shared responsibility for sure.

"I don't think they looked into it, obviously they didn't because if they would have (they would have known) and I should have probably looked into it a bit more thoroughly."

Perrine and guide Andrew Bor compete in the women's visually impaired super combined. Source: Getty Images

Perrine, from the NSW Southern Highlands, has been legally blind since birth and anything more than one metre in front of her face becomes a blur.

Standing at the start of a run at the top of a mountain, Perrine cannot see the first gate 15m ahead of her.

Graham said he and chef de mission Chris Nunn tried to appeal the ban but it was a "futile attempt" and the decision stood.

"I'm pretty sure it was unofficially pointed out to the jury that she was wearing it, and brought to (their) attention," Graham said.

"Then the jury probably saw it. They had someone monitoring equipment when they finish, they saw it and said that it wasn't legal obviously."

Speaking after the race but before she knew she had been disqualified, Perrine said conditions were so bad it was "pot luck" whether she could navigate her way to the bottom safely.

"Skiing slalom in the rain is just not fun, you get to a point on the course where you just can't see anything because there's rain all over your goggles," she said.

"Due to the nature of my visual impairment I can't actually control where my eyes focus. So sometimes they were focusing on Andrew, sometimes on the droplets on my goggles and sometimes they were focusing in some unknown direction.

"So it's really just pot luck whether I can see and that's when Andy becomes really important to whether I can make it down a course or not.

Perrine is legally blind and anything more than one metre in front of her face becomes a blur. Source: Getty Images

"Andy's calls (today) were really great ... and I'm really happy with putting a solid run down.

"We went out there and achieved what we wanted to and the result is what that reflects so we're happy."

It has been a tough week for Perrine who missed a gate and was eliminated from the Super-G and was fourth in the downhill the day before.

In the men's standing class yesterday, Toby Kane (fifth) and Mitch Gourley (sixth) are also in the medal hunt at the halfway mark of their super combined event.

But Kane is not easily pleased and said he regretted leaving a second or two out on the course.

"This is probably the first run here (in Sochi) where I'm not happy with, and that may sound interesting considering I didn't finish the Super-G, but it was not my best run by any means," he said.

"The thing I'm disappointed with is I really wanted to approach the run as a one-run race, and I wanted to put down as good a run as I possibly can and deal with the next run as a one-run race.

"I said from the outset that I'd prefer to ski well and go out, than I would to ski conservatively and poorly.

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"That's the mindset I came here with and some people might not understand that because seeing fifth up on the board probably looks pretty good, but I'm here to ski to my potential and that probably wasn't it."

Gourley said it was difficult dealing with the weather conditions and unpredictability prior to the race starting.

"It's a tough one and your head is in and out of the game on a day like today, one minute it's on, one minute it's off then we're running slalom, so it's just about adapting," Gourley said.

"And the conditions all week but particularly today is about who adapts the best because everyone has to deal with it.

"No one is going to feel good today, even the guy who was miles in front probably thought it was awful and hated every minute of it.

"But Toby and I are right in there and can certainly throw one in there if we have a good Super-G run."

Wednesday was supposed to be a rest day for the alpine skiers in Sochi but weather conditions have forced organisers to bring forward the slalom from Friday. Jess Gallagher is among Australia's leading medal hopes today.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

NRL advertising campaign a lie: Kent

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THIS is for you, in seat 17B ... For you in 36, 37 and 38J.

For the ones who make them feel stronger when you march into the stadium. Who make them hurt less after a defeat, because they know you share it with them.

This is for you ... for you ... for you ...

Because the clubs are really about me, me, me.

A week in and the NRL's advertising campaign is in tatters.

Not just a failure, but revealed as a lie.

Despite a concerted campaign to drive membership figures and make it about the fans, NRL fans stayed away to record the worst opening round figures since 2004.

Dragons fans show their support during the round one match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium. Source: Getty Images

The question is, why?

Why did the South Sydney-Sydney Roosters game draw just 27,000, when pre-game estimates had the crowd somewhere between 35,000 and 50,000?

The game's two biggest names were Sonny Bill Williams and Sam Burgess, in a photo finish from Greg Inglis.

Yet I can't remember seeing them promoting the game.

What did they do to make us aware that two heavyweights were coming together?

Burgess spoke to South Sydney's website. The Rabbitohs knocked back a Channel Nine request for a Burgess interview on his behalf, even though Nine wanted to promote the game around Burgess v Williams.

And Williams did no interviews.

Not one.

This is despite his massively broad appeal, one of less than a dozen NRL players who can be recognised by non-NRL fans.

There are people all around the world famous for being famous. Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, the Real Housewives living next door to the Big Brothers.

The game's two biggest names were Sonny Bill Williams and Sam Burgess did not promote the round one clash between their rival sides. Source: News Corp Australia

They flourish because we live in a celebrity driven culture, which bows to one absolute truth: fans want stars.

Sport and entertainment are competing for the same consumer. Sport's advantage is the tremendous achievements of their athletes. At least they've done something.

So give us the names, like those on the NRL ad, asking for our money.

But no, the clubs treat us with contempt. They all say they're happy to promote the game ... just so long as it's someone else promoting it.

It didn't get any better for the Rabbitohs after the game.

Inglis, scorer of three tries, emerged as the story of the night. But he declined to be interviewed. Sam played brilliantly, and happily walked out the front. But he did not stop for interviews.

So fans don't know what Sam thought of the game, or Inglis or even SBW.

The following night, Bulldogs against Brisbane, the Bulldogs refused to let media in the dressing room after the game, a direct contravention of NRL media rules, so no players were interviewed.

The Bulldogs refused to let media in the dressing room after their game against the Broncos. Source: Getty Images

Finally, under club protest, Trent Hodkinson was brought out of the dressing room - at the same time Ben Barba was gladly facing the press conference. So all but a few media was there, anyway.

They're too clever, the Dogs.

Clubs still behave as if they are talking to the media, when they are really talking to you.

Their fans.

But what sort of relationship is it, really, if it only ever goes one way?

The following night Brett Stewart failed to return from half-time and dressing room cameras showed him icing his hamstring.

Fox Sports asked Sea Eagles assistant Steve Georgallis for an update on Stewart.

"He'll be back,." Georgallis said.

He wasn't.

Don't you deserve the truth?

What was Georgallis trying to achieve by concealing the injury when the game was half over?

This weekend's blockbuster is South Sydney against Manly on Friday night.

Manly's Brett Stewart was injured during the clash against the Storm. Source: Getty Images

On Monday an email from the Telegraph's director of sport Tim Morrissey to Rabbitohs media manager Jeremy Monaghan said: "Can we get an interview with George Burgess and set up photo for our League Central cover story."

Monaghan's response, the following day: "Doesn't really work for us this week. We'd prefer to look at something like this down the track when we have a home game."

In other words, we have nothing to sell fans this week. We'll take their money when it goes into our pocket, not Manly.

By the way, this weekend is billed as Member's Round. Promise to dig deep, the clubs would be hurt if you didn't.

ROOSTERS UPSET OVER SBW

ANYBODY who bothered to compare Sonny Bill Williams' hit on George Burgess with his shot on Willie Mason last year can see why the Rosters are upset.

There is hardly a difference, yet Williams faces a 350-point grading for shoulder charge against the 175 points he faced last year for dangerous contact.

The NRL has subtly changed its interpretation, so the Roosters have a reason to be upset.

For different reasons, we should be happy.

Sonny Bill Williams will miss three weeks for this shoulder charge on George Burgess. Source: Supplied

On Sunday I said Williams should have been put out for longer, which you can imagine ruffled a few at the Roosters.

This was based on the fact he shoulder charged Ben Lowe earlier in the game despite clear warnings from the NRL to all players that, starting last year, the shoulder charge was banned.

As we fight to save concussions, players will begin to take notice only when their coach taps them on the shoulder and says "We can't afford you sidelined for that long".

It's Players Night on NRL 360 tonight with Knights prop Willie Mason and Wests Tigers captain Robbie Farah joining Ben Ikin and Paul Kent to dissect all the big issues from Round 1 - from 7.30pm on Fox 1.

BLOG WITH PAUL KENT BELOW FROM 1PM TODAY

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

EPL ‘not ready for gay player’

(Sol Campbell says subjected to abuse from sections of the crowd suggesting he was gay. Source: PAUL BARKER / AFP

FORMER England defender Sol Campbell believes British football is not ready for an openly gay player.

Campbell, who played for both Tottenham and Arsenal, was subjected to abuse from sections of the crowd suggesting he was gay.

"I don't think the system is ready for (players to come out)," Campbell told BBC 5 Live.

"I don't think football is ready. Thomas Hitzlsperger, who recently came out as gay, is retired and in a different country.

"He chose to say it now. He is not playing every week and going to stadiums — sometimes fans can be really vile."

Germany's Michael Ballack (L) celebrates scoring at Euro 2008 with Thomas Hitzlsperger. Source: AP

Campbell said he believed the abuse he received was down to ignorance.

"Football is such a bubble and if you do not fit into that bubble there will always be people saying things," he said.

"I was very shy as a boy, I didn't want to tell people what I was doing. Most clubs are gossip pits, as I call it, and I just wanted to concentrate on football.

"It is just bizarre. It really is. One minute you move from Tottenham to Arsenal and the next minute people are singing things on the terraces.

"It is quite scary that people take as gospel what is said on the terraces."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Vettel says best defence is attack

On the attack ... Red Bull Racing drivers Sebastian Vettel of Germany, left, and Daniel Ricciardo of Australia, right, plan some attacking driving at the Australian Grand Prix. Source: Miguel Angel Morenatti / AP

FOUR-TIME Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel has said he plans to go on the attack in Sunday's season-opening Australian Grand Prix, despite problems with his Red Bull car.

"We have been very successful in the last few years, but now things are a bit more difficult, we will start the season at a bit of a disadvantage,'' Vettel told broadcaster Servus TV.

"That means we have to fight, charge forward and take everything we can get.''

Vettel endured a frustrating four days of testing in Bahrain 10 days ago due to electrical issues and problems with the car's new Renault engine.

Vettel said the problems were caused partly by the car's new drivetrain, the components which supply power to the wheels.

"It's down to the changes in the regulations. We have a completely new drivetrain that has given us a lot of worry so far,'' he said.

"It's very complex and we are having difficulties even to understand everything.

"When a small part doesn't fit properly, then the car just won't go.''

Vettel predicts the introduction of new turbo engines will have a major impact on all teams, making the cars more unreliable and prone to breaking down, when the season starts in Melbourne.

"In the 90s and 80s, it was quite normal,'' said Vettel.

"We have seen there were problems in testing, not only for us.

"In races, that would just mean the cars stop and I estimate that only half of them will finish.''

The 26-year-old German is bidding for a fifth consecutive world title, but fumed "just getting to the finish would be a success'' in the wake of the Bahrain testing.

Williams' Felipe Massa posted the fastest time in Bahrain, clocking 1min 33.258 secs, while Vettel came in 18th-fastest overall with Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo 10th.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

League money talks so Fifita’s in Dog house

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ANDREW Fifita will become the richest prop in rugby league's 108-year history after deciding to accept an $850,000-a-season offer from Canterbury, which has exploited Ben Barba's departure to steal the Sharks superstar.

Barba's exit to Brisbane means Canterbury are operating $400,000 below the salary cap for the next two years, enabling them to slot the Kangaroos bookend into a star-studded front row that already includes International pair James Graham and Sam Kasiano.

Cronulla's Andrew Fifita during the Cronulla Sharks and Gold Coast Titans round 1. Pic Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia

NRL rules enable clubs with current cap space to front load future salaries, which is how the Roosters managed to recruit Sonny Bill Williams, James Maloney and Michael Jennings in a single swoop last year.

An announcement on Fifita's four-year deal is expected this week, along with news that Graham has inked an extension to remain at Belmore.

The Daily Telegraph was yesterday told Kasiano might be considering a shock defection to European rugby, but Bulldogs CEO Raelene Castle denied any knowledge and the Kiwi prop's manager, Mario Tartak, did not return calls.

TAKE PART IN OUR SUPERCOACH CHALLENGE!

Cronulla's Andrew Fifita during the Cronulla Sharks and Gold Coast Titans round 1. Pic Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia

Castle said Fifita had not put pen to paper as of Monday night, when he was preparing to break the news to Sharks team mates in the wake of their opening round clash against Gold Coast at Remondis Stadium.

"We have a couple of things to announce this week," she said.

When pressed on how the Bulldogs could afford to invest such a large proportion of their cap into the front row, Castle replied: "We have some significant money to spend because we don't have a fullback. The salary cap can be difficult to manage, but there are mechanisms in place to do certain things."

Cronulla Sharks NRL player Andrew Fifita watches from the crowd during the Super Rugby match between the NSW Waratahs and Western Force at Allianz Stadium, Sydney. Pic Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia

Fifita spent the weekend in torment over leaving the Sharks, who put together an offer just $50,000-a-season shy of what Canterbury tabled.

The Daily Telegraph understands Cronulla were prepared to make Fifita their highest earning player, offering him $750,000-a-year - plus a car - to remain in the Shire.

Fifita spoke with several Sharks team mates before making up his mind to switch clubs late on Sunday.

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He also spoke with the Rabbitohs, Roosters, Sea Eagles and ARU, but, from those suitors, only South Sydney were initially prepared to match the money on offer from Canterbury and Cronulla.

Fifita's defection is a huge blow for the Sharks, who have also lost promising hooker Michael Lichaa to Canterbury.

Bulldogs coach Des Hasler has long viewed the 21-year-old rake as a successor to co-captain Michael Ennis, who is expected to hand-over the hooking reins in 2016.

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Sharks skipper Paul Gallen was desperately hoping that Fifita might display loyalty in return for Cronulla plucking him out of reserve grade at Wests Tigers two years ago.

Now Gallen is more than likely to finish his career in the front row, with Cronulla desperately short on big men in 2015.

Doubts over Bryce Gibbs's ability to continue another year leaves Sam Tagataese as the only recognised prop, meaning Cronulla will most likely have to enter a bidding war for off-contract Melbourne bookend Jesse Bromwich.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ange gets no-Good Socceroos news

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SOCCEROOS defender Curtis Good may have played his last club game of the season after he was on Monday ruled out for up to six weeks with hip flexor strain, sustained in last week's friendly.

While coach Ange Postecoglou has declared that regular soccer is a must to be considered for the 2014 World Cup, Good's star turn against Ecuador could secure him a Brazil berth as he faces the prospect of no club soccer between now and June.

Dundee United, where he is on loan until the end of the season, plays its final league game against Celtic on April 5 before facing Rangers or Albion Rovers in the Scottish Cup semi final on April 12/13.

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After that Dundee would only play the Scottish Cup final on May 17 if it wins its semi-final, by which stage the Socceroos will have started their World Cup camp in Gosford.

The Good blow comes in the wake of long-term injuries to Robbie Kruse (knee reconstruction) and Rhys Williams (achilles), who are both clinging onto the slimmest of hopes that they will be fit for June's World Cup.

Good, 20, was impressive in his Socceroos debut before limping off in the 68th minute of the 4-3 defeat to Ecuador in London last week while still leading.

He had scans over the weekend which confirmed a grade 2 iliopsaos (hip flexor) strain and Newcastle United medical staff have ruled him out for 4-6 weeks.

Ecuador's Luis Antonio Valencia, left, dribbles past Australia's Curtis Good. Source: AP

He has returned to parent club Newcastle United for medical treatment.

Postecoglou urged Good to seek a loan move to get regular minutes after he was impressed with his performances for the Olyroos in January's AFC U22 Championships.

Meanwhile Williams is holding out hope of being fit for Brazil although his Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka warned him not to become "obsessed" about making the squad.

Williams is in Perth continuing rehab on the Achilles he damaged in January, but having missed the last World Cup Karanka said the next fortnight is vital for him.

"The most important thing for Rhys is that he concentrates on his rehab and what he needs to do in the next few weeks," Karanka said.

"If he starts thinking about the World Cup in the summer, there is a risk he could suffer a new problem that would wreck everything for him.

"It is better for him to concentrate on the work that he has to do, and then if the World Cup becomes a possibility, that will be great. He needs to focus on the next couple of weeks, and then one or two weeks before the end of the season, we can all look at where his recovery is.

"It is better for us all to be very careful with him. But if his rehab goes well, then he can play the last few games here and possibly play in the World Cup too. That would be very good for everybody."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Proof Ferguson’s back on the booze

Former Origin star Blake Ferguson leaves Sutherland Court. Picture: John Appleyard Source: John Appleyard / News Limited

EXILED rugby league star Blake Ferguson is back on the grog again, spending Sunday afternoon knocking over schooners instead of opponents.

Just four months after converting to Islam and vowing to give up alcohol, the former Canberra Raiders star is now drinking regularly.

This is the same man who also recently told a magistrate in Sutherland court, when found guilty of indecent assault, that he was no longer drinking.

Ferguson is appealing the verdict in a higher court.

From midday on Sunday afternoon, the State of Origin star was spotted drinking in the beer garden at the Caringbah hotel.

The image shows Blake Ferguson with a friend drinking from a full schooner of beer with another schooner in front in the beer garden. Source: Supplied

Our photo shows him with an unidentified male friend. Witnesses said he was there for several hours.

Only two weeks ago he was also spotted having a late session at a King Cross nightclub.

In fairness Ferguson is not misbehaving and just minding his own business.

He originally converted to Islam because his life was spiralling out of control on alcohol-fuelled benders.

"Alcohol has been my problem for the last five years," he said, "It's brought me down to where I am now. I've had enough. From here on I'm not drinking."

That was in November. He has since been spotted at the Clovelly Hotel, Kings Cross and now Caringbah.

Disgraced Origin star Blake Ferguson leaves Sutherland Court. Source: News Limited

His mate and mentor Anthony Mundine continues to stick by him, despite all the broken promises.

Mundine himself is too busy to keep a 24/7 watch on Ferguson while preparing for his next fight against former world champion Joshua Clottey in Newcastle on April 2.

He stands by the troubled footballer because "he's family."

"Blake's just looking forward to changing his direction in life," Mundine said recently, "No drinking, no drugs, no parties."

At this stage there is no indication if or when the 23-year-old centre will play football again.

Despite interest from a number of clubs, it's highly unlikely the NRL will register a playing contract this year unless he wins an appeal against the indecent assault conviction.

His best hope would be a 2015 comeback.

Ferguson did not return phone calls or text messages on Monday.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

‘Enabled’ Amy dancing her way to the top

An Instagram photo of Amy Purdy. Source: Supplied

AMY Purdy lost both her legs at the age of 19 but in Sochi this week she's snowboarding by day and dancing by night.

American TV series 'Dancing With The Stars' has sent a crew to Sochi so Purdy can practice for her debut on the show in Los Angeles next week.

The 34-year-old from Las Vegas is competing in snowboard cross on Friday as the only double amputee in the field, courageously taking on single amputees and those with both their legs but another physical impairment.

After competition she flies straight to the US for the series premiere which will be shown nationwide.

The snowboarder, motivational speaker, actor and model this week Tweeted a photo of her dance partner Derek Hough:

"Just finished snowboard training for the day and looking forward to meeting this hunk on the dancefloor."

Purdy is one of the most marketable athletes in the US and has inspired thousands of people to overcome their own obstacles.

At the age of 19 she graduated from high school and became a massage therapist when she went home one day with what she thought was the flu.

Within 24 hours she was on life support in hospital and given a two per cent chance of surviving when diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.

In the next two months Purdy lost her spleen, kidneys, hearing in her left ear and both legs below the knee.

"When my parents wheeled me out of the hospital I felt like I had been pieced back together like a patchwork doll," she says in a speech titled 'Living Beyond Limits' which has been viewed more than 625,000 times on YouTube.

"I thought the worst was over until weeks later when I saw my legs for the first time.

"The calves were bulky blocks of metal with pipes bolted together for ankles and the yellow rubber foot with the raised rubber line from the toe to the ankle to look like a vein."

Purdy, who has been snowboarding since she was 15, said her biggest fear at the time was how she would travel the world and ever snowboard again.

After weeks of struggling to get out of bed, she eventually "let go of the old Amy and embraced the new Amy".

She found feet that she could snowboard in, received a new kidney from her father, got back on the snow and in 2005 co-founded an organisation to help young people with disabilities get involved with action sports.

Purdy said she wouldn't change a thing about her journey.

"Because my legs haven't disabled me, if anything they've enabled me.

"They've forced me to rely on my imagination and to believe in the possibilities.

"In our minds we can do anything, we can be anything, it's believing in those dreams and facing those fears head on that allows us to live our lives beyond our limits."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Opening Twenty20 washed out

The St Georges Park pitch is covered as rain continues to fall. Picture: Michael Sheehan. Source: Michael Sheehan / AFP

AUSTRALIA'S Twenty20 clash with South Africa in Port Elizabeth has been washed out without a single ball being bowled.

The three-match T20 series was set to start at 2.30pm on Sunday (11.30pm AEDT).

Heavy rain soaked St George's Park overnight, but it eased for around half an hour and umpires made an optimistic pitch inspection at 3pm (midnight AEDT).

Within minutes of the centre-wicket covers coming off, showers returned and the game was finally abandoned at 3.45pm.

Both sides had hoped to use the match as an ideal tune-up for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.

MATCH CENTRE: VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS, FULL SCOREBOARD, LIVE STATS

"As competitive as these three games will be, I know both teams will have one eye on Bangladesh and starting to get some things nutted out for that tournament,'' Australia T20 captain George Bailey told AAP.

"They'll be hard fought games of cricket, but the results won't be as vital.''

The side's quest to win the only major piece of cricket silverware to elude Australia begins on March 23 against Pakistan in Dhaka.

The Proteas and Australia travel to Durban on Monday, with the next clash of the T20 series to be held at Kingsmead on Wednesday.

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22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Smith: ‘I quit for my family’

Family man... Graeme Smith with wife Morgan Deane and children Cadence and Carter. Picture: Morne de Klerk/Getty Images Source: Morne de Klerk / Getty Images

SOUTH Africa captain Graeme Smith, who last week announced his retirement from international cricket, was influenced by his family in taking the decision, media reported today.

Smith, 33, told the Sunday Times newspaper that he knew he had made the right decision while at the hospital bedside of his 18-month-old daughter, who had suffered burns from hot water.

He says the toddler reached out to him and touched his Proteas badge.

"That's all she's known of me really.''

"She sees me on the TV and that was a moment where I realised I'm pretty happy with the decision I've made,'' he said.

The Proteas captain stunned the cricketing world on Monday when he announced he would quit international cricket at the end of the Test series against Australia.

"I'll have more time to see my children grow and I'll be mentally more there.''

Smith is the most capped Test captain in the history of the game with 9,262 Test runs at an average of 48.49 with 27 hundreds and 38 half-centuries.

He has captained the Proteas for 12 years since the age of 22.

"As a captain, even when you are at home your brain is still elsewhere a lot of the time,'' he said.

The batsman, who married Irish pop singer Morgan Deane in 2011 also has an Irish citizenship, but says he has no plans of playing for his second country.

"I won't be picking up a bat for that country. I won't be playing for Ireland.''

"If am going to play for anyone, it would be the Proteas,'' he said.

He said breaking the news of his decision to his team was difficult, and he struggled to get his words out.

"After I'd said my piece, I had to get out and get some fresh air because I was a bit of a wreck.''

The skipper said his wife has carrying the load of raising their two young children while he played cricket.

"I think of her with the two kids travelling to wherever I am in the world, and making it work. She is a strong woman.''

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sit skiing taking heavy toll

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THEY'VE been described as the craziest athletes at the Sochi Paralympics.

All it takes is one slight bump to start in motion a fall that quickly descends into out-of-control chaos for sit skiers who are locked into a chair attached to a ski and are hurtling down the mountain at over 100km/h.

The downhill race - where competitors start at the top of a steep, winding mountain and it's fastest to the bottom wins - was marred by repeated carnage on Saturday when 11 of the 27 competitors in their mono-skis failed to finish.

Some were lucky and skid off course before sliding sideways into a fence.

The picture of himself that Kyle Walker posted on social media after his crash. Source: Supplied

Others like American Tyler Walker, Briton Anna Turney, Mexican Arly Velasquez and German Franz Hanfstingl fell violently, bounced repeatedly off the ground and catapulted high into the air before finally coming to rest hundreds of metres from where the drama started.

In some cases the ski snapped from their chair and equipment worth thousands of dollars was sprawled across the snow like a train wreck.

Walker cartwheeled several times before coming to a stop where he lay motionless before medical staff arrived and he was airlifted from the mountain in a helicopter.

The US team later announced the 27-year-old, who was born with lumbar sacral agenesis and had both legs amputated at the knee at the age of four, was stable and conscious.

He later tweeted:

Great Britain's Anna Turney, who is paralysed from the waist down, remarkably emerged from her high-speed crash at Rosa Khutor with little more than a swollen lip.

"This is an extreme downhill damn it and I really wanted to win it," Turney said.

"I really wanted it and at the end of the day I got my line slightly wrong, then it was so bumpy and I just popped out," Turney said.

"It's challenging and certainly where I crashed that was bumpy, but I think the course guys have worked really hard and made it as safe as they could.

"I don't think it was unsafe, it was challenging.

"There's a knuckle you bounce over and then it's quite like undulating snow, ice really, and everyone is like 'oh, it's so dangerous' but it's a downhill at the end of the day."

Mexico's Arly Velasquez falls during the men's downhill. Source: AFP

Turney barely had time to think when her sit ski kicked into the air and she was tumbling downward.

"I was just thinking 'go straight, go straight, go straight' and trying to be on a flat ski.

"I came over that jump, I landed on one edge and bounced onto the other edge, I felt like I was thrown around a bit and suddenly I was falling because it's very quick - it's so annoying."

Some sit-skiers have no legs while others have little or no function in them and they are strapped into a large seat that sits inches off the snow with only their arms free to hold out-riggers in the hope they can stay on course.

Matthias Lanzinger: "For me in disabled sport, all the guys are heroes." Source: AFP

Austrian Matthias Lanzinger was a world class able-bodied skier before losing his left leg in a racing crash and is now at the Sochi Paralympics where he competes in the standing class with a prosthetic.

Days before competition began Lanzinger said he was in awe of the sit skiers.

"For me in disabled sport, all the guys are heroes," Lanzinger said.

"But the sitting category are all absolutely crazy and heroes."

Australia has one sit skier in its team in Sochi, Victoria Pendergast, who will compete in the slower but more technical slalom event this week.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sheffield Utd reach FA Cup semis

Sheffield United's John Brayford scores their second goal. Picture: Nick Potts/AP Source: Nick Potts / AP

THIRD division Sheffield United continued their remarkable journey in the FA Cup by upsetting second-division Charlton Athletic 2-0 to reach the semi-finals.

Managed by Nigel Clough, son of legendary former Nottingham Forest manager Brian, United became the first team from the third tier to reach the last four since Wycombe Wanderers in 2001.

Having previously accounted for Premier League sides Fulham and Aston Villa, as well as second-tier Forest, the Blades prevailed thanks to quick-fire goals from Ryan Flynn and John Brayford midway through the second-half at Bramall Lane.

United's Jamie Murphy, right, battles with Charlton Athletic's Callum Harriott. Picture: Nick Potts/AP Source: AP

Charlton winger Callum Harriott had just poked the ball wide of an open goal from a Marcus Tudgay cross when Flynn put the hosts in front in the 65th minute.

Former Everton trainee Jose Baxter swept an inviting cross into the penalty area from wide on the left and Flynn stole in at the back post to prod the ball home with the studs of his right boot.

Brayford's deflected shot made it 2-0 to the League One club just two minutes later, leaving United's fans to savour the prospect of a semi-final date at Wembley Stadium.

Clough's side join Arsenal — 4-1 victors over Everton on Saturday — in the draw for the semi-finals and will learn the identity of their last-four opponents later today.

Sunderland visit Hull City later, before Manchester City bid to avenge their shock 1-0 defeat in last season's final when they welcome second-tier Wigan Athletic to the Etihad Stadium.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More