Burns farewelled on winning note

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TWO early penalties and an own goal given with an attacking player offside were eventful but what mattered was that Perth Glory won to get off the bottom of the A-League table and the Central Coast Mariners missed a chance to go second.

The Glory beat the Mariners 3-1 at nib Stadium on Saturday night to climb ahead of the Melbourne Heart at the foot of the table and Central Coast ended the night below Western Sydney in third spot, but equal on points.

Re-live the match online in our A-League Match Centre, with videos, stats, line-ups and play-by-play updates.

It was an eventful evening from the outset with retiring Glory captain Jacob Burns earning a penalty that Steve McGarry converted in the eighth minute, but Burns gave one away with the Mariners scoring through Nick Fitzgerald 10 minutes later.

The 1-1 deadlock was broken in the 71st minute with a Glory goal to Sidnei and then the home side wrapped up the 3-1 win with an own goal awarded to Zach Anderson despite Sidnei coming from an offside position to force him into a mistake.peThe Glory dominated the opening minutes and then drew a mistake out of Mariners captain John Hutchinson in his 200th appearance in the A-League.

After a cross from Chris Harold that ended up on target and needing a good save from Liam Reddy, Burns was brought down by Hutchinson and, even though it was soft, debutant referee Stephen Lucas awarded the penalty.

McGarry had no trouble scoring to put the Glory one-goal up after just eight minutes.

Ten minutes later there was almost a carbon copy down the other end.

Burns was the recipient of the penalty for the Glory and then he was the one penalised for giving one away on Kim Seung-Yong.

Again it was soft and minimal contact, but at least it was a consistent call and Nick Fitzgerald levelled the scores.

It was the home team who continued to look the most dangerous and that eventually led to a go-ahead goal in the 71st minute.

Brazilian Sidnei was the man to score for the Glory and put the home side 2-1 up and that became 3-1 in the 85th minute with a moment of controversy.

Mariners defender Anderson was challenged by Sidnei who came from an offside position, but Anderson's attempted clearance ended up in the back of the net and wasn't called back.

The home fans got into the spirit. Source: FoxSports

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Swan’s dive continues

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COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley predicted during the week that fans would get to see the best of Dane Swan after his sluggish start to the season.

Magpie football director Rodney Eade said during a pre-game interview that there was nothing wrong with Swan.

TOMAHAWK HOLDS OFF FAST-FINISHING PIES

Perhaps if it was a case of wishful thinking from both of them.

Swan, a virtually running machine in past seasons, just couldn't get near the ball in the first half. He just looked rusty.

It took him 10 minutes to get his first touch and he went into the half-time break with nine kicks and three handballs in a display which was very unlike the work rate expected of the 2011 Brownlow Medallist. Normally dangerous around goal, he even looked rusty when he gathered the ball in attack in the second quarter in an effort which only brought a behind when the Magpies were in need of something much more significant.

Swan lifted his work rate in the third quarter, but still had little impact on a tight contest.

His wayward kick late in the fourth quarter when Jamie Elliott's fifth goal put the Magpies within five points, stopped Collingwood's forward thrust and was again a rusty effort.

Round 3: Collingwood v Geelong. Picture -Wayne Ludbey. Dane Swan tackles Andrew Mackie. Source: News Corp Australia

The Magpies were missing key defenders Ben Reid, Nathan Brown, as well as Ben Kennedy, Paul Seedsman, Ben Sinclair, Josh Thomas and Marley Williams who are all considered in the best starting line-up.

And early in the first quarter it looked as though key defender Nick Maxwell was going to join the injury list when he limped from the MCG with an injury to his lower left leg. Collingwood's sub Taylor Adams warmed up on the boundary as Maxwell made his way down to the rooms for treatment but he re-emerged nine minutes later to continue his prominent role as a floating defender.

Travis Varcoe wraps up Tom Langdon. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

The busy Heritier Lumumba, Dayne Beams and Sam Dwyer all limped off with injuries in the first seven minutes of the second quarter. While Lumumba was soon to return, both Beams and Dwyer were downstairs in the medical room when their teammates staged a spirited comeback, kicking the first three goals of the term.

Dwyer was subbed out of the game 10 minutes into the third quarter as the Magpies came under enormous pressure.

Alex Fasolo dashes out of defence. Picture: Wayne Ludbey.

And while Swan battled through the night, Alex Fasolo who missed the last 17 games of the 2013 season with a foot injury, was back for his first game of the year and showed in glimpses the class Collingwood has missed from him.

Known for his class around goal, Fasolo, who only played three games last season, started on the bench but was used in defence on the slick Travis Varcoe. He was moved back to his usual role as forward pocket/goal sneak late in the last quarter.

Collingwood's Adams could come under video review for his high contact in the last quarter on Geelong captain Joel Selwood after he had disposed of the ball.

There were plenty of questions for the Magpies to answer last night, including why was Travis Cloke missing his glove. If he was looking for change, it didn't help as he didn't kick a goal.

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India, Sri Lanka set for T20 final

Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (left) and Sri Lanka team captain Lasith Malinga with the ICC World Twenty20 cricket tournament trophy. Picture: Punit Paranjpe Source: PUNIT PARANJPE / AFP

SRI Lanka face a daunting test of nerves by a dominant India in today's all-Asian World Twenty20 final in Dhaka that is rich with incentives for both teams.

If Mahendra Singh Dhoni's Indians win, they will become the first team to hold all three major limited-overs titles, having won the 50-over World Cup in 2011 and the Champions Trophy last year.

Sri Lanka will seek an end to an inexplicable losing streak in title matches, after being beaten twice in the World Cup finals in 2007 and 2011 and the World Twenty20 finals in 2009 and 2012.

A fitting farewell to veterans Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene in their last T20 international game and a million-dollar winning bonus offered by officials back home will further inspire the Sri Lankans.

Sri Lanka reached today's final with a 27-run win over defending champions West Indies through the Duckworth-Lewis calculations in a rain-hit semi-final on Thursday.

The West Indies, chasing Sri Lanka's 6-160, were 4-80 in 13.5 overs when a heavy downpour forced the match to be abandoned at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium in Dhaka.

India's captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, left, and teammate Shikhar Dhawan chase a ball during a friendly game of soccer ahead of their ICC Twenty20 Cricket World Cup final. Picture: Aijaz Rahi Source: AP

Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal is again expected to sit it out, as he did on Thursday, to allow the winning combination to stay with pace bowler Lasith Malinga at the helm.

"Its a special day tomorrow and we have to do something special for Mahela and Sanga," Malinga told reporters on Saturday.

"They are great cricketers and deserve a good farewell."

India have enjoyed an amazing run in the tournament, winning all four Super-10 league matches before beating South Africa by six wickets with five deliveries to spare in Friday's semi-final.

Virat Kohli smashed an unbeaten 72 off 44 balls as India chased down South Africa's challenging 4-172, making the prolific right-hander the tournament's leading scorer with 242 runs from five games.

India have also been served well by opener Rohit Sharma, whose 171 runs are far ahead of the 134 runs compiled by Sri Lanka's top-scorer Jayawardene.

India also have the bowling edge with off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's 10 wickets and leg-spinner Amit Mishra's nine outshining Sri Lankan seamer Nuwan Kulasekara (seven) and left-arm spinner Rangana Herath (five).

Dhoni said the prospect of holding all three titles was not on his, or the team's, mind.

"We can think of that only after we have won," the Indian captain said. "For now, it is all about doing what will make us successful. We need to play good cricket, and not focus on statistics.

"Its a big game tomorrow. Sri Lanka are a fantastic side with a good mix of experienced and young players. We will have to be on top of our game."

Meanwhile, defending champions Australia will take on England in the women's final at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium a few hours before the men take the field on Sunday.

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City keeps title defence alive

Stevan Jovetic of Manchester City is congratulated by teammate Sami Nasri after scoring his team's fourth goal. Source: Shaun Botterill / Getty Images

MANCHESTER City kept up the pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool with a 4-1 win at home to Southampton in Saturday's early kick-of match.

Victory saw City close to within a point of Liverpool with a game in hand and leapfrog Chelsea into second place.

But Chelsea, who've also played one game more than City, will go a point clear at the top if they beat Stoke at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool are away to West Ham later today.

The opening four goals at Eastlands all came in the first half with City's Yaya Toure and Saints' Rickie Lambert both scoring from the penalty spot before Samir Nasri and Edin Dzeko scored in stoppage-time to make it 3-1 to Manuel Pellegrini's men.

City substitute Stevan Jovetic completed the scoring nine minutes from time.

Toure gave City a third minute lead from the penalty spot after Jose Fonte brought down Dzeko.

Worse followed for Southampton when their England striker Jay Rodriguez, with national manager Roy Hodgson watching from the stands, landed badly after jumping to control the ball and clutched his knee in agony before being carried off on a stretcher.

Rodriguez's injury placed a huge question mark over whether he would be fit in time to be included in Hodgson's squad for this year's World Cup finals in Brazil, which starts in June.

Despite losing Rodriguez, Southampton equalised when they too scored a penalty, in the 37th minute, when Lambert, another of the south coast side's England forwards, struck from the spot after Jack Cork went down between Toure and Pablo Zabaleta.

But two City goals in first-half stoppage time put the result beyond doubt.

Nasri rounded off a neat passing move although Southampton were convinced David Silva, who played in the French midfielder, was off-side when he received the ball. But referee Chris Foy let the goal stand.

Minutes later City were 3-1 ahead when Dzeko headed in an Aleksandar Kolarov cross missed by Saints goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.

Jovetic made it 4-1 in the 81st minute when, after both City's Alvaro Negredo and Gazzaniga, in for the injured Artur Boruc, had missed Jesus Navas's low cross, he tapped in from close range.

Saturday's other matches see Manchester United, buoyed by their midweek Champions League draw with Bayern Munich, away to struggling Newcastle while bottom of the table Fulham travel to Aston Villa.

Everton and Arsenal, fifth and fourth respectively before the weekend, clash at Goodison Park on Sunday.

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Lyon: No winners when whips cracking

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Fremantle coach Ross Lyon said he and his staff will review only the first half of last night's embarrassing loss to Hawthorn.

Lyon offered no excuses as the Dockers confront more injuries to key players in a bid to regroup at home to Essendon next round.

CLINICAL HAWKS SMASH DOCKERS

"Clearly, we have to go away and review, but it won't be a long review. We'll just look at the first 30 minutes and a bit of the second (quarter) just to show the areas we got well beaten,'' Lyon said.

The Hill brothers tangle. Picture Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

"When the whips were cracking, there wasn't too many winners in their positions. I thought they dominated us all over the ground.

"In the second (quarter) we kicked 1.6, we tried to hit the scoreboard, but again all credit to them (the Hawks). We were really disappointed in nearly all positions and facets.

"It's not something we're proud of and we're disappointed for our fans and members, we're pretty keen to rectify it.

"At the end of the day the review is too late, you've got to try to get it done on the night. There's precious few opportunities to win games of football.

"We're really disappointed. We're licking our wounds at the minute. All credit to the opposition, Hawthorn really won the ball incredibly well, they spread and we couldn't find them.

"But I thought we found a way to have some resistance and resilience, but that honourable stuff late doesn't really thrill us too much.''

Garrick Ibbotson's bad luck continued when he dislocated his shoulder in the first quarter. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

Fremantle will assess the damage with defender Garrick Ibbotson subbed out early with a dislocated shoulder and Chris Mayne and Michael Walters hobbling off with ankle injuries.

"It's not ideal, but that's life in the AFL jungle,'' Lyon said.

"I've been in bigger holes than this. I don't like the I, it's about me. I'm coach of Fremantle, certainly I never forget 2007 people coming over the fence then. It was a pretty difficult time.

"I learned a lot of lessons about a lot of things and what doesn't kill you makes you strong. I've certainly been in much bigger holes than this, more people coming over the fence than this one.

"Round 15 last year (loss to Geelong) was very similar to this. Conditions, attitude, effort, coaching performance, certainly as a coaching group it starts and stops with us. So we don't separate ourselves, we win and lose together.

"How do you leave losses behind like that? We did it last year and improved and keep going forward.''

Fremantle players walk off after the loss. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

Lyon didn't use the loss of Michael Barlow to injury and Nathan Fyfe to suspension as principle reasons why Hawthorn dominated the midfield duels and contested ball stats.

"We're a no-excuse football team. We won without those guys last year. Their midfield was way on top of ours,'' he said.

"Look, Mick (Barlow) is not going to be there for five or six weeks and Nathan still has another week to serve. But they're not irreplaceable, there's plenty of people with opportunities.

"You've got to be strong at the clearances which we really struggled with and we couldn't find them to cause turnovers. It's pretty simple.''

On whether he marvelled at the magic of Hawk Cyril Rioli's skills show, Lyon said: "He's a great player, but I don't sit there with my popcorn ... we're not 20 and zero, if we were I might get the popcorn out and enjoy his mark a little bit more.''

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Clinical Hawks smash Dockers

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Match. "A GAME or a contest in which two or more contestants or teams oppose each other".

This was no match and certainly no contest.

Hawthorn last night obliterated the Dockers with such unmerciful power and precision it will scare the living daylights out of the rest of the competition.

This is a side which has scaled football's summit, and yet it applies frenzied pressure, runs to space with such undying desire and is so clean by foot you'd swear they were striving to break a premiership drought.

Sam Mitchell shrugged off a calf injury to finish with 36 possessions. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

That is what Fremantle is trying to do, and yet if last night is any indication it could be another 50 years away.

Hawthorn lead by 75 points early in the last quarter before finally taking the foot off the Dockers' throat to win by 58 — 21.11 (137) to 11.13 (79).

At the end of it all, it was hard to believe these were the two sides locked in a ferocious arm wrestle only six months ago on the same ground in the biggest game of the year.

Luke Breust was at his creative best with four goals. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

This was a journey back in time to the old Freo; the purple mob who would go into their shell away from home and put in insipid performances outside WA.

Records were broken everywhere.

Hawthorn's score was the biggest the Dockers have conceded in the Ross Lyon era and the Hawks' 492 disposals the seventh-most ever recorded.

The home side won the ball inside and shared it on the outside with such mesmeric efficiency Fremantle literally couldn't get its hands on the ball.

Isaac Smith kicked two goals in a minute in the second quarter to blow the game apart. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

The uncontested possession count stood 31-0 after 15 minutes and Fremantle didn't take a mark of any kind until the 16 minute mark of first quarter.

Will Lanford got into the act, kicking his first career goal, much to the delight of the faithful. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

At half-time it was the worst disposal differential (-133) ever under Lyon. The Dockers' 128 possessions at the main break was also the lowest of the Lyon era.

Yes, Michael Barlow (injured) and Nat Fyfe and Zac Dawson (both suspended) provide an asterisk. But if that's the case what does Luke Hodge, Brian Lake, Ben Stratton and Brad Sewell provide?

No, absentees are a cop-out.

Brad Hill had a career-high 30 disposals. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

There were periods last night where you could have argued the Dockers had thrown in the towel. It is a harsh accusation, especially at the Grand Finallist, but there was a distinct 'It's all too hard' stink about them for much of the game.

So out of their depth were they that it was like watching Melbourne in its darkest hour or Greater Western Sydney or Gold Coast shortly after birth.

David Mundy was muzzled by Will Langford, Ryan Crowley was given a hiding from Sam Mitchell, Michael Walters Chris Mayne and Hayden Ballantyne combined for two goals.

Ryan Crowley is chased and tackled by Cyril Rioli. Picture Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

And yet again, Aaron Sandilands' ruck dominance (33 hit-outs) didn't translate to clearance ascendancy.

As bad as Fremantle were, Hawthorn was super impressive. It's Round 3, but if the Hawks don't win this year's premiership, it won't be complacency that brings them unstuck.

Last night they outworked, out-hassled and out-skilled the so-called second-best side in the country. They got extra numbers to the contest and after winning possession, simply didn't give it back.

Matt Spangher filled a key defensive post admirably. Picture Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

Cyril Rioli provided the highlights; Jordan Lewis and Mitchell the drive. Six Hawks had 30 disposals or more.

Goals don't get more exciting that Luke Breust's in the first quarter after Rioli and Paul Puopolo combined majestically on the wing to slice open the Dockers. Fremantle's famed full-ground defence was made to look like witches hats.

This wasn't a Grand Final rematch.

It was a statement.

HAWTHORN:

FREMANTLE:

SAM EDMUND'S BEST PLAYERS

HAWTHORN: Mitchell, Lewis, Smith, Suckling, Roughead, Breust, Rioli, Birchall

FREMANTLE: Pavlich, Pearce, Hill

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Hawks tighten grip around Dockers

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HAWTHORN has increased its stunning psychological hold over Fremantle with a 58-point hiding that will weigh down the Dockers' flag aspirations all season.

The Hawks' shot to outright premiership favouritism ($3.70) in devastating fashion last night, again exposing the team they beat in last year's grand final as their 'bunny side', with a ninth win from their past ten meetings.

CLINICAL HAWKS SMASH DOCKERS

The MCG hammering reaffirmed the Hawks' view they can be better despite the departure of superstar forward Lance Franklin and overcome the key match day absences of captain Luke Hodge (groin), Ben McEvoy (calf), Ben Stratton (hamstring), Brad Sewell (hamstring) and Brian Lake (calf) last night.

Fremantle players walk off after the loss. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

Worryingly for the Dockers, their injury toll grew with backman Garrick Ibbotson substituted out early with a dislocated shoulder and gun forward Michael Walters forced off the ground with an injured ankle.

Dockers' trio Hayden Ballantyne, Chris Mayne and Luke McPharlin also looked to be carrying injuries last night and will be under a fitness cloud for next Sunday's redemption bid against Essendon in Perth.

Chris Mayne rolls his ankle Picture Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

Only a late rally saved Fremantle from the embarrassment of eclipsing last year's 71-point loss to St Kilda in Rd 23 as Ross Lyon's worst loss as senior coach.

The Hawks blew Fremantle away leading by 30 points in the first quarter and had doubled the Dockers' possession tally by half time, putting the Hawks in the box seat to carry out their back-to-back premiership bid.

The Hawks next meet the Dockers in Rd 21 in Perth.

Melbourne champion and respected commentator Garry Lyon branded Fremantle's performance a "monumental failure" after starting the night $4 equal premiership favourites with Hawthorn.

"They have not turned up, Fremantle. This is disgraceful," Lyon said on Triple M.

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Hawk feeding frenzy

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THIS really had the potential for disaster. You lose your main ruckman even before the contest against the competition's most daunting and damaging big man.

No wonder Hawthorn fans feared the worse when Ben McEvoy's late withdrawal with a calf injury thrust third-gamer Jonathon Ceglar to stare down Fremantle kingpin Aaron Sandilands across the centre circle.

Ceglar's call-up did provide an experienced campaigner as a back-up, big David Hale who celebrated his 200th game in style.

CLINICAL HAWKS SMASH DOCKERS

While Sandilands' work by hand and foot might look impressive on the stats sheet, it's what happened even when the 211 cms Docker won the tap.

Simply, the voracious Hawks midfielders fed off anything and everything. It mattered little to

Jordon Lewis, Cyril Rioli and Cameron Sutcliffe compete for a ground ball. Picture Wayne Ludbey.. Source: News Corp Australia

Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Liam Shiels, Brad Hill and improving Will Langford, who won first touch at those bounces and stoppages.

They smashed the Dockers for the contested ball with a lethal mix of hunger and skill that set up what became the Grand Final mismatch rather than the rematch.

No Nat Fyfe and Michael Barlow for the Dockers in those onball scraps spelt a whipping as Hawthorn hammered out a warning to the rest of the contenders on the night it put on show the 2013 premiership flag.

Jack Gunston snaps the ball across his body. Picture Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

Hawthorn started Hale face-to-face with Sandilands at the opening bounce, with Ceglar as another tall forward option.

And that Hawk combination of vast experience and youngful zest tick-tacked on the giant Docker to at least make him accountable at the bounces, throw-ins and stoppages.

It worked a dream almost from that first contest in which Sandilands seemed preoccupied with blocking Hale rather than laying one of those big paws on the ball.

David Hale, in game 200, spoils Hayden Ballantyne. Picture Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

It was as if Sandilands was expecting a full frontal Hawks physical assault on him from the start and he took his eye off the task of setting free his on-ballers.

The contest was only three minutes old when Roughead speared a pass to Hale who marked on the lead in front of Sandilands to goal. And six minutes later Jarryd Roughead took his turn to get on the scoresheet with a quick kick from a milling group of players. Two to the Hawk big men, none to big Sandy.

Rivals reunited. Picture Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

The first quarter hit-outs told the tale of Hawthorn's successful plan — Sandilands 11, Hale 5, Ceglar 3 and Jordan Lewis 2. Yes, the 185 cms Lewis had two hit-outs.

Clearly, the Hawthorn on-ballers were instructed to commit to being the third man up where possible. Not a new tactic, but an effective one to neutralise Docker takeaways.

A textbook Sandilands palm to release Stephen Hill at a centre bounce three minutes in the second term allowed Matthew Pavlich to outbody Kyle Cheney to mark and goal.

The rare centre clearance only illustrated the danger that lurked when Fremantle had possession. Instead, it was the Dockers' last scoreboard success of the pitiful and barren first half.

So comprehensively overwhelmed was last season's runner-up that it was damning to state that a Lyon-coached team could be labelled non-competitive, conceding the largest scoreboard tally under his watch.

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All Black wannabe to Slipper jockey

Jockey James McDonald will have to settle for being a Group 1-winning jockey after his All Blacks dreams didn't pan out.. Picture: Brett Costello Source: Brett Costello / News Corp Australia

JAMES McDonald wanted two things when he was growing up.

"To play for the All Blacks and be a dairy farmer,'' McDonald said.

The young Kiwi never dreamt of being a jockey and riding a serious horse like Mossfun in the seriously-expensive race like the Golden Slipper on Saturday.

One of the reasons he became a hoop was because top New Zealand jockey Lance O'Sullivan had made enough dough to buy not one but three dairy farms.

Slipper week always tosses up fascinating stories on trainers, horses and jockeys alike. McDonald is no exception.

One of the coolest yarns is the day McDonald's father, New Zealand trainer Brett McDonald, realised his young bloke would make it in the saddle.

"James always had the talent to be a jockey, but he didn't have that s..t in him to survive,'' McDonald told The Daily Telegraph from New Zealand.

"But one day, he was playing rugby against a Maori side at Tokoroa, and I remember this big fella saying, 'I'm going to run straight at the little white fella'.

Jockey James McDonald could be in for a big afternoon at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia

"He was trying to intimidate James, but James buried him. The kid got up, then decided he was going to run at James again. James tackled him again, only this time he held his head in the dirt. He did it, got up and carried on like nothing had happened. That's when I realised he had that (killer instinct) needed to be a jockey.''

McDonald, 22, proved that day he never backed away from a challenge.

It wasn't the only time. He recalled a day he picked a fight in primary school with a bigger kid who had thrown his younger brother off a trampoline.

"My fifth day at the races I was also thrown against the locker by another jockey after an incident on the track,'' McDonald said.

"I think it was at Taupo. I laughed at the jockey, but I had a go at him and held my ground.

"I have so much respect for everyone I ride against but when it comes to the battlefield, I like to think I more than hold me own.''

Those battlefields don't get any more brutal than a race like the Golden Slipper.

Sixteen two-year-olds in a mad scramble for a whopping $3.5 million in prizemoney - not to mention the extra millions on the line for any colt first across the line - makes it anything but a race for the faint-hearted jockey.

Mossfun, to be ridden by James McDonnald, will revel if it's a wet Golden Slipper at Rosehill. Picture: Simon Bullard Source: News Corp Australia

McDonald is not a thug. He looks so innocent and young he could pass as a sixth member of popular boy band One Direction.

But he doesn't give an inch on the track, which might explain why he's had so much success so quickly, and is in such hot demand with the likes of Mossfun's trainer John Hawkes, soon-to-be Darley's top dog John O'Shea, and Gai Waterhouse.

Hawkes speaks with McDonald after most meetings to discuss their horses, and praised the jockey for his "soft hands''.

Mossfun is the second favourite behind Earthquake, and will firm again with bookies should the forecast rain prevail.

Earthquake could become Mcdonald's latest Group 1 scalp. He's already got Proisir in the 2012 Spring Champion Stakes and Atlantic Jewel in last spring's Underwood Stakes as prized notches in his belt.

"I think Mossfun has every chance on Saturday, she's trained by (Team) Hawkes, John is an incredible trainer, and he said she's right on song,'' McDonald said.

McDonald could be in for a big afternoon should Mossfun win the Slipper, and It's A Dundeel bounce back with victory in The BMW (2400m). He also praised Rising Romance, the Kiwi filly who revs up her ATC Oaks campaign via the Vinery Stud Stakes.

Come Saturday night, McDonald could be well on his way to buying that first dairy farm.

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Racing mourns jockey Nathan Berry

Jockey Nathan Berry has died in a Sydney hospital hours after he was flown home to Sydney from Singapore.

SYDNEY'S racing fraternity is in mourning following the death yesterday of popular jockey Nathan Berry. He was 23.

What is supposed to be one of the most exciting weeks on the Sydney calendar — with the running of tomorrow's Golden Slipper — has suddenly become one of the saddest.

GALLERY - NATHAN BERRY'S LIFE IN PICTURES

TRIBUTES FLOW FOR NATHAN, GONE TOO SOON

Tragic: Jockey Nathan Berry with Whitney on their wedding day. Source: Supplied

Nathan Berry and then fiancee Whitney Schofield enjoy a day at the beach. Picture: Adam Head Source: News Limited

Nathan Berry in the jockeys' room at Warwick Farm. Source: News Limited

Berry was struck down with viral encephalitis a fortnight ago in Singapore, only to be later diagnosed with the much more serious Norse syndrome, which relates to epilepsy.

Tommy and Nathan Berry / Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Limited

Grief-stricken family members, including his wife of just two months Whitney Schofield and identical twin brother, jockey Tommy Berry, had made arrangements to have Berry brought home to Sydney on a charter flight after it became clear his condition would not improve.

He touched down yesterday and was taken straight to Royal North Shore Hospital, where he died just after 2pm.

Age: 23 Career: 351 wins Prizemoney: $14.6m Career highlight: Unencumbered's win in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast in January First stakes winner: Va Pensiero in the San Domenico Stakes Personal life: - Twin brother and fellow jockey Tommy Berry is a Group 1 winner who won the Golden Slipper on Overreach almost a year ago. - Married Whitney Schofield, daughter of South African-born Sydney based jockey Glyn Schofield in Sydney in February. - Father Kevin Berry is a trainer at Warwick Farm 2013-14 premiership season Wins: 51 Prizemoney: $3.6m

Berry's father-in-law, fellow jockey Glyn Schofield, late yesterday posted a wedding photo of Nathan and his daughter Whitney on Twitter, with the words: "The man we love so much and will miss even more. Losing you cuts so deep buddy. R.I.P."

The pair wed in February. Just weeks earlier Berry rode Unencumbered to victory in the $2 million Magic Millions Stakes on the Gold Coast — his biggest win. Berry was due to ride the same horse in tomorrow's Golden Slipper. Unencumbered is now sure to become a sentimental favourite among casual punters.

The horse's trainer, Bjorn Baker, was overcome with emotion when asked about Berry at an official Slipper function early yesterday, hours before the jockey died.

"It's been tough actually. We're good friends, he's good friends with my staff, and he's an absolute gentleman. He's mature beyond his years, and we miss him,'' he said.

Jockeys riding at yesterday's Wyong meeting were told the tragic news just before the final race. Many cried.

"You could have heard a pin drop when we told them,'' steward Greg Rudolph said.

"The mood was very sombre. We gave the jockeys the option of not riding in the last but they were all very professional and we ran the last race.''

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Jockey Nathan Berry with then-fiance Whitney Schofield / Picture: Adam Head Source: News Limited

Nathan met his wife Whitney through racing, and their relationship grew as he forged a strong friendship with her father and fellow jockey Glyn Schofield. Rivals on the course, they quickly became friends, and then family, away from the racetrack as Nathan and Whitney married in Sydney in February. Their marriage brought two of modern racing's most popular and formidable families together. Whitney's father Glyn is a regular rider in the Sydney ranks, coming head-to-head with both Tommy and Nathan almost every weekend. Glyn's son Chad Schofield is regarded as one of the finest young jockeys of the past decade. He won his first Group 1 race during last year's Melbourne spring carnival when Shamus Award became the first maiden to win the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley. Tommy Berry has emerged as the No.1 rider for the powerful Gai Waterhouse stable. He won last year's Group 1 Golden Slipper aboard impressive filly Overreach in the highlight of his short career. Almost 12 months to the day, he is mourning the loss of his twin brother and best friend. On Twitter, Glyn Schofield revealed the pain his family was going through at Nathan's loss. "The man we love so much and will miss even more. Losing you cuts so deep buddy. R.I.P," Schofield tweeted. While fellow jockey Kerrin McEvoy, who is to ride race favourite Earthquake in Saturday's $3.5 million Group 1 Golden Slipper  (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens. "Gone too young, a ripping young guy #NathanBerry RIP we will all miss you," McEvoy wrote. Before they left for their honeymoon and Nathan's four-month riding stint in Singapore, Whitney ran the Whitney Schofield Dance Academy in Sydney.

Jockey Nathan Berry on Ecostanati at Warwick Farm. Source: News Limited

Jockey Nathan Berry rides Unencumbered to the win in the Magic Millions / Picture: Adam Head Source: News Limited

It is not known if Tommy Berry, Schofield or fellow jockey Christian Reith — who rushed to Singapore to be by Nathan's bedside — will ride at Rosehill. Stewards have organised for counselling on-track.

Jockey Nathan Berry / Picture: Adam Head Source: News Limited

Nathan Berry at his wedding two months ago. Source: Supplied

Berry recently took up a four-month riding stint in Singapore and became ill late last month.

He was placed in an induced coma. Once diagnosed with Norse syndrome last Tuesday, there were grave concerns about the extent of damage to his brain caused by the sudden illness.

Nathan Berry winning race 2 on Hot Commodity during Randwick midweek races on the Kensington track. Source: News Limited

It is with great sadness that the Berry and Schofield families have requested that we advise of the passing of Mr Nathan Berry. Nathan was on a four-month riding contract in Singapore when he collapsed at trackwork on March 18, with doctors later diagnosing the young rider with Norse syndrome, an acute form of epilepsy. Nathan, 23, along with twin brother Tommy, was apprenticed to his father Kevin who trained at Warwick Farm and the pair quickly established themselves as top class jockeys. Nathan rode more than 350 winners with his biggest win coming only months ago when successful aboard Unencumbered in the $2 million Magic Millions on the Gold Coast. He rode three winners in the short time he was in Singapore. Brother Tommy dedicated his win in the opening race at Rosehill Gardens last Saturday to his ill brother and emotionally punched the air as he passed the post on The Offer. Nathan married Whitney Schofield, daughter of top jockey Glyn Schofield, on February 2 and she kept a bedside vigil throughout his illness. "The entire racing industry is extremely distraught with the news of Nathan's passing," said Mr Peter V'landys, Racing NSW's Chief Executive. "Sadness is not a sufficient word to describe this tragedy. We are all very distressed and could not imagine the grief the family must be going through. "This was a young man that had the world at his feet. He won the Magic Millions in January and rose to the top of the ranks so quickly that he was offered a contract to ride in Singapore. "You would not meet a family more grounded and genuine than the Berry family. They are the most diligent and hard-working people I know. "Our sincere condolences go out to the Berry and Schofield families and Nathan's wife Whitney."

Jockey Nathan Berry, on his wedding day to Whitney, just two months ago. Source: Supplied

Jockey Nathan Berry with then-fiance Whitney Schofield / Picture: Adam Head Source: News Limited

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Glasgow’s bang-up opening ceremony

What one of the Glasgow derelict buildings may look like prior to their starring role in the ceremony. Source: News Limited

THE Glasgow Commonwealth Games will literally begin with a bang when a group of longstanding high rise buildings are blown up as part of the opening ceremony.

The unique plan's been announced today with Glasgow officials aiming to wow the world and make a statement about the Scottish city's focus on regeneration.

Organisers say the "blow-down" of five of the city's six remaining Red Road flats using explosives will take just 15 seconds and be the biggest demolition of its kind seen in Europe.

The demolition will be shown live on a big screen at the Celtic Park ceremony on July 23 and to a worldwide television audience.

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Ennis denies throwing trophy in Yarra

James Ennis in action for the Wildcats. Source: Brett Hemmings / Getty Images

PERTH's NBA-bound superstar James Ennis has denied throwing his NBL All Star Five trophy off a Melbourne pier on Wednesday night in a fit when Rotnei Clarke was named MVP.

Speaking after landing back in Perth this afternoon, Ennis did admit to throwing something off the Docklands pier, but not the trophy.

"My trophy's in my bag. I threw a water bottle into the water," he said.

"I have the trophy in my bag and I'm going to give it to my mum when I get home."

However, when asked to produce the trophy Ennis declined.

The American said he was happy for Clarke.

"Clarke deserved it," he said.

"I'm a little disappointed, but it's all good. I'm here to win a championship.

"I think (Grand Final) MVP is more important than MVP of the regular season, and I'm just thankful I get to play in a Grand Final."

One NBL club chairman and another guest of the league at the awards presentation dinner witnessed the alleged incident which quickly became the talk of the function room.

Wildcats chief executive officer Nick Marvin said he could not address the allegations because he had not yet had the chance to speak with Ennis.

"Yes, I heard the story but at this point it's hearsay until I can get back to Perth and speak with James," Marvin said.

Ennis arrives at the NBL MVP Awards Night at Sketch at Docklands. Source: Getty Images

Marvin remained in Melbourne for today's announcement of the NBL's Summer League launch in Las Vegas from July13-16 in conjunction with the NBA.

Ennis has had a huge impact on the NBL since being released by the NBA champion Miami Heat to develop his game overseas.

He won the Ray Borner Medal at the Pre-Season Blitz as Perth won the inaugural Loggins-Bruton Cup and has helped steer the Wildcats into the grand final series against Adelaide with a stellar regular season.

Interviewed last night he said he wanted to show his talents in Australia and looked pleased when named in the All Star Five alongside Wollongong's Clarke, Chris Goulding (Melbourne), Daniel Johnson (Adelaide) and AJ Ogilvy (Sydney).

He led the early going at the MVP count but the unassuming Clarke motored to victory, pipping Goulding and knocking Ennis to third.

Tigers dual-Olympian Mark Worthington said Ennis' actions showed disrespect for the NBL, Clarke and Goulding.

"I only heard about it at the dinner and it's extremely disrespectful," Worthington said.

"It probably shows he doesn't respect the league, Rotnei Clarke or Chris Goulding and gives an insight into the guy."

The NBL's most recent Hall of Fame inductee Mark Bradtke said he believed Ennis' frustrations had gotten the better of him.

"We can all have a moment like that when we do something in the heat of the moment we may later regret," Bradtke said.

"The dinner is right there at the pier. If he had to go out and walk 100 metres to throw it (the award) away, would he have bothered?

"He had a great year and I think it shows he's passionate. His goal was probably to win everything this year and go to the NBA.

"Does he regret it? Probably.

"But we can't complain athletes don't show enough passion, then react when they do show some."

The Wildcats host Adelaide in Game One in the best-of-three grand final series at Perth Arena on Monday.

"Individual awards are great but this is a team game," 36ers general manager Dean Parker said.

"His actions seem to show where his priorities are."

Game Two will be at Adelaide Arena tomorrow-week, the 36ers 15-1 at The Fortress.

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Beautiful game has a ‘dark side’

England legend Paul Gascoigne has spoken openly about his battle with alcoholism. Source: News Limited

ONE in four professional footballers said they suffer symptoms of anxiety and depression in a new study into the sport's largely unexplored "dark side" of mental illness.

The mental health of recently retired professional footballers was even more worrisome, with one in three reporting signs of anxiety and depression.

Some 300 current and former professionals — from the Netherlands, Major League Soccer, Scotland, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand — took part in the study for the players' union, FIFPro.

While football can draw on reams of scientific study about players' physical injuries, little research has previously been done into their mental health, and mental health problems have remained very much taboo in the sport, FIFPro chief medical officer Vincent Gouttebarge said.

"There is definitely some dark side of professional football,'' he said in an interview.

"We don't talk about mental health issues in football, or we didn't talk about this issue," he added. "It's quite a macho culture so people do not talk about it."

Gouttebarge said the study's findings suggest that professional footballers are no less prone to mental illness than other younger people in the general population. He said that might surprise fans who believe footballers live comfortable, worry-free lives, with media attention often focusing on the wealth of the most successful players.

"Contrary to what people think, professional footballers experience psychological problems just like other groups in the population," Gouttebarge said.

Among the 180 active footballers who responded to the lengthy questionnaire, 10 per cent reported symptoms of distress, 5 per cent reported signs of burnout and 3 per cent said they suffered from low self-esteem. Nearly 20 per cent reported problems with alcohol, which Gouttebarge said could include binge drinking and regularly drinking too much, and 7 per cent said they smoked.

The 121 former professionals who responded on average had 12-year playing careers and have been retired for five years. Fifteen per cent showed signs of burnout and 18 per cent signs of distress. One in three reported drinking problems, 12 per cent smoked, and 39 per cent reported suffering from depression and anxiety. Gouttebarge said that could include worrying, mood swings, difficulties sleeping, feeling stressed, not being sociable or a combination of symptoms.

"Mental illness seems to occur among former professional footballers more often than in current players, and more often than in other populations. Consequently, mental illness among former professional footballers cannot be underestimated and should be a subject of interest for all stakeholders in football," the study said.

Retirement was "really a critical period," with players abruptly losing the structure of regular training and the support of being in a club, Gouttebarge said.

"You have to find a new life," he said. "It can put you under a lot of stress."

Long-term injuries and surgeries that take players out of the game and away from close, regular contact with teammates can also be factors in mental health problems. Being forced to stop playing professionally because of injury or because clubs won't offer another contract can be particularly hard to cope with, Gouttebarge noted.

"This has been recognised in other sports as a huge cause of mental health issues," he said. "The guy who is willing to retire or to stop his career is really (in) a different kind of situation to the one who is forced to retire."

He called the study "a good first step" toward identifying the scope of mental health issues in football. The survey is expanding to players in France and from French-speaking nations in Africa, with plans to also study players in Spanish-speaking countries and Japan, Gouttebarge said.

Readers seeking support and information about depression can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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Youthful Victory falls short in Japan

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MELBOURNE Victory was left to rue two costly defensive mistakes on Wednesday night as it went down 3-2 to Yokohama F. Marinos in its Asian Champions League clash in Japan.

For the fourth time in this campaign Victory took an early lead, this time thanks to a James Troisi penalty in the seventh minute.

But hopes of recording a first win in Japan were short lived as Sho Ito and Kosuke Nakamuchi struck within six first half minutes to take back the lead.

In search of an equaliser, Archie Thompson caused late havoc in his attacking penalty box before Shingo Hyoto scored from the resultant counter attack.

Jimmy Jeggo scored an injury time consolation goal.

It was a long ball that caught out Victory's acting captain, Leigh Broxham, which led to Yokohama's first, while Lawrence Thomas coughed up what should have been a routine catch to gift the hosts the second.

Yokohama F. Marinos' Kosuke Nakamachi scores past Melbourne Victory. Source: AP

An undermanned Victory should be proud of its efforts against a full strength Yokohama side.

The underdogs didn't take a backwards step and, although Yokohama had the majority of the goal scoring chances, in general play Kevin Muscat's men held their own.

But that will be cold comfort to them as their hopes of getting out of the group took a serious hit.

In the other Group G match last night Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors moved joint-top with Guangzhou Evergrande on seven points after defeating its Chinese opponents 1-0.

That means Victory and Yokohama, tied on four points, are now up against it with two games to play.

Melbourne Victory celebrates opening the scoring in Japan from the penalty spot. Source: AFP

With seven A-League regulars ruled out, Muscat had no choice to field an line-up containing no visa players and seven guys aged 22 or under.

The inclusions of Japanese legends Shunsuke Nakamura and Yuji Nakazawa were two of six changes made to the Yokohama team that lost 1-0 at AAMI Park a fortnight ago.

But their presence didn't help early on as Victory played as if it was the home team, bossing possession until they got their reward via the penalty to Troisi.

A sustained run of possession ended with Jeggo playing through Jason Geria with a clever dink before the right back was dragged down in the box by Hyodo and a penalty was awarded.

Japanese teams are so renowned for their technical abilities, but Yokohama's first goal came in the most simple of fashions.

Yokohama F. Marinos' Yuzo Kobayashi and Melbourne Victory's Connor Pain vie for the ball. Source: AP

A route one effort from defence caught Victory's back four unawares.

The ball hit a backtracking Broxham in the back of the head and then fell to Ito, who cleverly dinked over a stranded Thomas.

Thomas wasn't to blame for that effort, but he would want his time over after playing a part in Yokohama's go ahead goal six minutes later.

Hyodo played a slick ball in from the left, the Victory keeper didn't catch it and with Broxham caught unawares Nakamuchi capitalised on a duffed clearance by drilling the ball in to the net.

To Victory's credit it gained back the ascendancy in the 10 minutes before the break.

Starting the second half from behind for the first time in this year's ACL, Victory still pressed, but Yokohama had the better of the half's early chances, including a penalty shout to Nakamura.

As the rain started to fall Andrew Nabbout had some promising moments after coming on in the 70th minute, but in truth Yokohama - inspired by the brilliance of Nakamura - were the more likely to add to the score and did so via Hyoto.

Jeggo, who will miss the next game through suspension, gave his team late hope by tapping in two minutes later, but it wasn't to be.

Re-live the action in our blog below.

Don't forget to get free tickets to the Fox Football live podcast in Sydney on April 17.

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Toulouse dealt blow for crunch game

Toulouse's Samoan prop Census Johnston has been ruled out for Saturday's quarter-final. Source: THOMAS SAMSON / AFP

TOULOUSE were dealt a blow ahead of Saturday's European Cup quarter-final against Munster with news that giant Samoan prop Census Johnston was ruled out because of a neck injury.

Noves said Johnston was completely out of the running to make the match-day 23 for what promises to be a tough match at Munster's Thomond Park in Limerick.

Johnston sustained the injury during the 32-28 defeat by Toulon on Saturday, and was eventually stretchered off the pitch.

Toulouse coach Guy Noves said a decision on the fitness of injured trio Louis Picamoles, Luke McAlister and Yannick Nyanga would be made at the last minute.

Fijian flanker Akapusi Qera is ruled out because he's Cup-tied, having played one match for Gloucester in the pool phase before joining the French club mid-season.

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Mercedes is its own biggest threat

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MERCEDES is enjoying a terrific start to the Formula One season but at the same time it is already taking measures to ensure a possible world title battle between drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg doesn't turn sour.

On one hand teammates fighting for the title shows that an outfit has done everything right and is dominating the sport.

But things can also turn ugly if the drivers fight each other without mercy in a sport where egotism is a key ingredient for success.

Many remember Hamilton's ill-fated partnership with Fernando Alonso at McLaren in 2007, and world champion Sebastian Vettel famously collided with then Red Bull partner Mark Webber in Turkey a few years ago and overtook him against team orders last year in Malaysia.

Much has been said about the potential danger of ex-champions Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen, now partnered at Ferrari, who can't afford a clear team order under these circumstances.

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, left, is congratulated by teammate Nico Rosberg in Malaysia. Source: AP

But the Hamilton v Rosberg duel is already gaining momentum after two 2014 races as well, according to observers, and could be a stern test of their good relationship which started 14 years ago in kart-racing.

Rosberg won the opening race as Hamilton went out early, but the Briton turned matters around on Sunday in Malaysia by winning a whopping 17 seconds ahead of his teammate.

The German Rosberg, whose Swedish father Keke Rosberg won the 1982 world title, leads the championship with 43 points to Hamilton's 25, but the Briton can further close the gap on Sunday in Bahrain.

Winner Lewis Hamilton cops a spray from Nico Rosberg. Source: AFP

"I am sure that is strike one," London's The Daily Telegraph quoted Jenson Button, who drove with Hamilton for years at McLaren, as saying.

"Looking at what Lewis did is going to hurt (Rosberg) a little bit.

"He was super-fast here. Seventeen seconds is a lot to put between you and your teammate when you have both had a clear race."

Mercedes, for their part, were prompted to dismiss reports Hamilton said he "blew away" Rosberg, and although they did it in a lighthearted way on Twitter it does show that the issue exists.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Socceroos unveil navy away jersey

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DONNING an away strip that the Socceroos will wear at the World Cup in just two months makes the dream feel all the more real for Tom Rogic.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder - currently on loan with the Melbourne Victory from Scottish champions Celtic - has the carrot of a World Cup berth ahead, but must first concentrate on Victory's trip to Japan to play Yokohama F. Marinos on Wednesday.

"It's hard not to have one eye on the World Cup," Rogic said.

The colour is similar to the away strips worn at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups. Source: News Corp Australia

"But I think for me, and the other Victory boys, it's most important just to focus on the games coming up in the A-League and the Asian Cham­pions League and not get too caught up in what's going to happen in a couple of months.

"You have to ensure firstly that you're playing well and that you're fit and ready to go, then the rest will take care of itself."

Rogic has battled an ankle injury that kept him out of one match and a groin complaint that ruled him out of Saturday's draw against Sydney FC.

Victory physio Travis Maude keeps in almost weekly contact with his counterpart at Celtic to update his parent club on his progress.

Socceroos Tom Rogic and Mark Milligan model the away strip. Source: News Corp Australia

While returning to Scotland and forcing his way into Celtic's starting line-up next season is a priority for Rogic, his first task is to finish a successful loan spell and slip from the Victory's blue jersey into the Socceroos' alternative strip.

These exclusive pictures reveal that, as in the previous two World Cups in Germany and South Africa, Australia's alternate strip will be predominantly dark obsidian blue.

But like the home kit that was worn for the first time in a friendly against Ecuador last month, the design has also been inspired by the 1974 strip worn by the Socceroos when they qualified for the first time.

Michael Zullo and Mark Bresciano model the Socceroos home kit in Sydney. Source: News Corp Australia

Australia wore their blue away outfit in the 2006 World Cup against Brazil and in 2010 against Germany.

By the end of the month FIFA is expected to have decided what kits teams will wear in each of their group games, but it would be logical for the Socceroos to wear blue against the Netherlands given the Dutch home strip is orange.

Nike, in conjunction with Football Federation Australia, will officially launch the new strip on Wednesday morning.

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Australia finally wins a T20 match

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AUSTRALIA finally had a win at the World T20 and its players could not wait to get on the first plane out of Bangladesh.

After at last registering a victory at what could rank as their worst performance in a global limited overs tournament, several of Australia's players jetted out of Dhaka only hours after a thumping win over hosts Bangladesh.

You probably couldn't blame some of them after a long Ashes and South African summer and with the Indian Premier League kicking off in a fortnight.

Australia's batsmen were keen to get the game against Bangladesh over in quick time and they chased down the host side's 5-153 with 15 balls to spare.

Aaron Finch plays a backfoot drive as wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim watches on. Source: Getty Images

Dave Warner (48 off 35 balls) was at his punishing best and fellow opener Aaron Finch (71 off 45 balls) joined in the run-flurry to ensure Australia coasted to an easy win in the dead-rubber match.

Warner produced his full range of shots, with a switch-hit off spinner Sohag Gazi sailing to the boundary before another attempted switch hit over didn't come up trumps.

And later he blasted consecutive sixes over mid-wicket off local hero and poster boy Shakib Al Hasan, with the monster blows sailing way back in the Dhaka stands.

It made you wonder where this batting blast-off was earlier in the tournament as Australia's batsmen have struggled against spin for the last fortnight and were bowled out for 86 against India.

Australian captain George Bailey has to slide to fields the ball during Bangladesh's innings. Source: Getty Images

Finch did have plenty of luck, smashing a ball into the 'keeper's gloves off Gazi only to have the umpire somehow rule the giant deflection was not out.

But by that stage Australia had the chase well in hand.

Paceman Al-Amin Hossain didn't miss Warner when he bowled the Australian, almost chasing him off the field and giving him a few choice verbals as he celebrated in his face.

Umpires got together after the send-off of Warner and appeared to give the big Bangladesh paceman a dressing down.

Cameron White (18 not out off 15 balls) helped get the Aussies home.

... but his stumps were then rattled by Bangladeshi bowler Al-Amin Hossain. Source: AFP

While Bangladesh got spanked, teenage paceman Taskin Ahmed, 18, playing his first match for his country, looks a promising prospect after hurrying Australia's openers up with plenty of sharp pace and bounce.

The match could hardly have started better for Australia when recalled paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile (2-17) had Bangladesh opener Anamul Haque caught at slip in the second over.

Not long after Coulter-Nile struck again and when other opener Tamim Iqbal sliced a drive straight to mid-off and the home side fell to 2-12.

But some good batting from Shakib Al Hasan (66 off 52 balls), combined with some more shoddy fielding from the Australians, allowed Bangladesh off the hook.

Mushfiqur Rahim belts one ball on his way to making 47 runs off 36 balls. Source: Getty Images

Shakib blasted past 50 with a huge straight six off Glenn Maxwell which only came about as the spinner inexplicably gifted a free-hit by overstepping with a no-ball.

At one stage when Shakib and Mushfiqur Rahim (47 off 36) were in full flight, it looked as if Bangladesh was on target to post a score of 175 plus.

But Australia's death bowlers Mitchell Starc (1-25) and Shane Watson (1-25) contained things well at the end and put a stop on what should have been a much bigger target.

Australia made the decision to go with no frontline spinners, dropping young leggie James Muirhead and again leaving out veteran spinner Brad Hogg.

It meant Hogg, 43, has almost certainly played his last match for Australia in what has been a long and colourful career.

Spin great Shane Warne could not understand the logic of not playing Muirhead on a pitch which was predicted to take turn,

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sixers storm into NBL grand final

How sweet it is: Adelaide 36ers celebrate after their 39-point semi-final win over Melbourne Tigers. Picture: Morne de Klerk. Source: Morne de Klerk / Getty Images

ADELAIDE has stormed into its first NBL grand final series in 12 years with an emphatic Game Three 102-63 rout of Melbourne at a raucous and relentlessly loud Adelaide Arena.

From tip-off, the 4024 sounded more like 10,000, creating the most hostile environment seen at the venue since the nonstop 1993 avalanche heaped on another Melbourne Tiger, Mark Bradtke.

But this time all the ire, hostility and venom was aimed at Tigers star scorer Chris Goulding, identified by the crowd as the villain in Game Two's incident which cost Gary Ervin a one-game suspension and $7500 fine.

Completely rattled and unable to cope with the constant jeering, Goulding, Melbourne's 37-point hero of Game Two, was kept to six points on 1-of-5 shooting and three turnovers until coach Chris Anstey mercifully subbed him out with 7:36 left.

Sixers captain Adam Gibson led superbly against Melbourne Tigers. Picture: Morne de Klerk.

By then, Adelaide was ahead 85-48 and into its first grand final since winning the championship in 2002.

The 36ers will play Game One against the Perth Wildcats at The Jungle on Monday before the best-of-three championship returns to Adelaide Arena for Friday-week's Game Two.

"That crowd was unbelievable," said Sixers coach Joey Wright, who became the second coach in league history to drag a club from last into a grand final.

Coach Joey Wright talks to his players during the commanding performance against Melbourne. Picture: Morne de Klerk.

The 36ers simply were magnificent, captain Adam Gibson leading with outstanding defensive hustle and pressure on Goulding and pairing nine points with eight rebounds.

Daniel Johnson led all scorers with 23 points, Jason Cadee with 19 and a 13-point third period which tore the heart from the already beaten Tigers.

BJ Anthony relished his 14 minutes with seven boards and eight points as the 36ers found winners everywhere and were given a standing ovation to close each quarter.

The triumphant Adelaide 36ers, including captain Adam Gibson, thank the crowd after the big win. Picture: Morne de Klerk.

Adelaide broke away late in the first quarter on a Rhys Carter three, then never relented as Melbourne's big men sank deeper into foul trouble, trailing 27-49 by halftime.

"You get conditioned to drown out the crowd but I could hear them tonight," Wright said, the fans unquestionably dismantling Goulding and with him, Melbourne.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Reddy helps Mariners go top in ACL

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UNLIKELY hero Marcel Seip has handed the Central Coast a 1-0 win over Beijing Guoan, putting them well within reach of the Asian Champions League knockout phase.

Seip's first goal for the club ensured victory but man of the match Liam Reddy kept the Mariners in the game, his second-half penalty save swinging the balance of the clash at Central Coast Stadium.

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The Mariners now go a point above Beijing and are well-placed in what is a tight group, with their next match also at home against FC Seoul before travelling to play their last group match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

With the Mariners having to juggle the demands of fighting for a top-two spot in the A-League while trying to qualify for the knockout stages of the ACL, coach Phil Moss made six changes from the side that beat Western Sydney on Saturday.

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The move paid off with the hosts having the better of the match against a difficult Chinese Super League side.

Beijing came under fire early after conceding a free-kick just centimetres outside the box, scrambling to block Kim Seung-Yong's strike with John Hutchinson leaping on the rebound to also test their defence.

Then Beijing defender Hejing Zhao almost gifted the Mariners the opening goal in the 23rd minute, hitting the post trying to clear a Josh Rose cross into the box.

Bernie Ibini continued the Mariners' assault, getting on the end of a cheeky backheel from Mitchell Duke to put keeper Zhi Yang to work with a powerful shot.

Beijing Guoan player Joffre Guerron is brought down in the penalty box by Brent Griffiths. Source: AFP

Beijing started to find their rhythm late in the half with Ecuadorian Joffre Guerron creating the visitors' first real chance and Shao Jiayi drawing a brilliant save from Reddy with a strike just before the break.

Xizhe Zhang stepped up to the mark but Reddy came to the Mariners' rescue again with a sensational save to keep the game deadlocked.

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With momentum well and truly with the Mariners the hosts struck in the 73rd minute with Dutch defender Seip netting in style with an impressive volley.

The Mariners came out on the attack in the second half and looked the stronger side.

But the game was almost turned on its head when Brent Griffiths conceded a penalty for bringing down Guerron in the box.

Don't forget to get tickets to the Fox Football live podcast on April 17th.

Re-live the action in our blog below.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

NRL shattered by McKinnon diagnosis

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FORMER Newcastle great Matthew Johns said on Monday night that all of sport and not just rugby league will be in total shock today at the news young Knights forward Alex McKinnon is facing life as a quadriplegic.

The 22 year backrower, still in a critical condition in a Melbourne hospital, has only limited feeling in his left arm and faces the heartbreaking likelihood of never being able to walk again.

Alex McKinnon is tackled by Trent Merrin, Beau Scott and Nathan Fien. Source: News Limited

Johns told Fox Sports last night the tragic news, reported on Channel Nine last night, will reverberate through all sport in Australia.

BENNETT: ALEX IS LIKE A SON TO ME

A CITY STOPS FOR WOUNDED HERO

"Everyone in sport, not just rugby league are in total shock," Johns said.

"It was always a chance it was going to be this type of terrible news but everyone was praying that it wouldn't be.

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"Then you get the news come through of this young boy who is so universally liked and respected in rugby league may not walk again."

The NRL, caught by complete surprise by the report, responded cautiously in a statement:

"I understand this has been reported on Channel 9 but we've not received this advice by the Knights or Alex's family in regards to these reports," NRL spokeperson Sandy Olsen said.

"Out of regard for Alex and his family, it is not appropriate to comment at this time.

"Our thoughts continue to be with Alex for his recovery. The NRL and the Knights are providing all the support we possibly can at this time."

The Newcastle team in a huddle before the clash with the Sharks in a tribute to Alex McKinnon. Source: Getty Images

Newcastle fans show their support for Alex McKinnon. Source: News Corp Australia

The Newcastle Knights were also left largely in the dark by the news.

"The club will continue to liaise with Alex's family and issue the appropriate update. At this stage, we have no further update," their spokesperson said.

McKinnon was brought out of an induced coma on Sunday and hopes of a recovery were raised when it was revealed he was breathing on his own without the assistance of a ventilator and communicating with his family.

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But according to Channel Nine, the prognosis for McKinnon is grim.

"McKinnon and his family have been told he is a quadriplegic," the report stated.

"He is in rehab and care and will hopefully recover. His spinal cord is not severed.

"Not surprisingly, he is struggling with the news."

McKinnon was due to get a visit today by Knights teammates including captain Kurt Gidley but only coach Wayne Bennett made the trip down to Melbourne.

Alex McKinnon has touched plenty of hearts at the Knights. Source: News Corp Australia

Bennett did not want to comment on the report when asked by The Daily Telegraph.

Director of St Vincents Hospital Emergency Department Professor Gordian Fulde would not comment on the McKinnon case last night but described the diagnosis of quadriplegia as "a life sentence".

He said the injury would renew the tackle debate.

"I think this is going to stimulate the whole matter of how people are tackled because the neck vertebrae in a human are very fragile, "he said.

He said the outlook for McKinnon wouldn't be able to be known for at least a year.

"You don't give the final ability until at least twelve months because of the ability of a young body to compensate and there are also a whole lot of scientific advances," he said.

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Will ‘kill’ Manly boss to lose Stewart

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MANLY's majority shareholder, Rick Penn, claimed on Monday he would be "gutted" if the Sea Eagles lost star back rower Glenn Stewart.

And, Penn added: "It would kill me."

Manly officials and Stewart's manager, Mike Newton, are due to hold a crucial meeting today with the club yet to make an offer to the NSW and Australian back-rower after seven months of negotiation.

Stewart fears he will be shifted out of Brookvale.

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Loyal fans continue to email The Daily Telegraph offering their own money to retain Stewart.

Manly general manager David Perry is under growing pressure to re-sign Stewart.

Penn said his club must do its "very best" to retain Stewart, a favourite among the senior playing group.

A number of clubs — including Souths, St George Illawarra and Parramatta — have been linked to Stewart.

Manly is struggling to find room for Stewart in the salary cap due to back-ended deals and contract upgrades.

"It killed me to lose 'Kitey' (Brent Kite), it would also kill me to lose Glenn," Penn told The Daily Telegraph.

"I really was gutted when 'Kitey' had to leave, but I would be more gutted to lose Glenn.

"He is the glue at our club. The club must do their best to keep him.

"I am a huge supporter of Glenn. It's up to the coach (Geoff Toovey) and his staff to work out the team and salary cap.

"We will support Geoff any way we can."

Manly's Glenn Stewart at Narrabeen Sports Centre. Source: News Corp Australia

Penn spoke passionately yesterday about how the NRL should alter its rules and allow ten-year player to have some salary cap exemptions.

Stewart is currently in his 12th season as a Sea Eagle.

"After 10 years at one club there should be some special recognition," Penn said. "Clubs shouldn't be disadvantaged for goodness sake.

"We should be honouring these players and acknowledging them. They (NRL) have got it all wrong.

"The NRL should treat their senior players better because they are the mentors of the game.

"We have to play by the rules and we do. It's about good governance.

"Glenn is the glue at Manly, so is Jamie Lyon. You don't get better people. Anthony Watmough, Brett Stewart, Jason King.

"They play for each other and have taken lighter salaries over the years to keep the club together They are outstanding people, upstanding role models.

"You shouldn't lose players like this because of the salary cap."

Generous fans are trying to help Manly.

"I'm one of those members and fans who would be more than happy to contribute financially if it would help keep one of our all-time favourite players," wrote Mike Beach.

"Glenn is not only a great player but is also a great team member."

Stewart was concussed in the win over Sydney Roosters and may not be cleared to play Sunday's match against Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval until Saturday's captain's run.

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Buzz: Let’s start a revolution

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An expanded 18-team competition with two new teams and two new conferences would bring back tribalism and blockbusters to the NRL almost every weekend of the footy season.

It would also allow the NRL to produce a fairer and more equitable season draw, replacing the current lopsided schedule with 25 rounds of football and stand alone Origin weekends.

New clubs from Brisbane and Perth would not only provide an extra game and more television revenue but allow all nine Sydney teams to go into their own conference.

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BUZZ: DRAW DEBACLE ROBS TOP TEAMS

Almost every week would become a heritage round with more derbies and traditional-rival showdowns.

It would give Sydney clubs the chance to attract more away-team fans, unlike now when they host the Titans, Cowboys, Warriors or any of the out-of-town teams in front of 10,000 to 12,000 fans.

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Clubs in each conference would play each other twice for 16 games before meeting clubs from the out-of-town conference once for nine games.

The top four clubs from each conference make up the top eight.

The Penrith Panthers are a good example of why the game needs to revamp the schedule.

Here's a club trying to fight off the AFL threat and desperately working to build on sluggish crowds from recent years.

The Storm warm up at nib Stadium in Perth. Source: Getty Images

Yet they host only five Sydney teams this season at Sportingbet Stadium.

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Glamour clubs the Roosters and Sea Eagles plus the exciting young Wests Tigers don't play at Penrith at all.

The conference idea has the support of influential figures including super coach Wayne Bennett and the game's longest serving CEO, Shane Richardson.

It saves all the Sydney clubs, maintains tradition and guarantees four Sydney clubs make the finals each year.

State of Origin should be given a stand-alone weekend, writes Phil Rothfield. Source: News Limited

It ensures national and regional exposure from four out-of-town clubs in the finals every year.

The other benefits are less travel and accommodation costs for Sydney clubs.

The Perth team would open up new timeslot for TV broadcasters.

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The second Brisbane team ensures we don't have to watch the Broncos every Friday night and also stops the Broncos from having such a huge commercial monopoly.

Stand-alone Origin weekends could be used to play the Nines and City-Country to keep the broadcasters happy.

The NRL's head of football Todd Greenberg says expansion will be discussed in the off-season.

Todd Greenberg says possibly the NRL will be discussed but queries whether the depth is strong enough. Source: News Limited

"I get where you are going," he said, "The problem is whether we can sustain two new clubs in those markets.

"Is there enough talent to go around for another two teams? But you're right to be exploring it.

"As for conferences, it's important to maximise the attendances by having our big Sydney clubs playing against each other.

"We're still trying to find the right balance. Everyone at the NRL is working very hard and we're open to all suggestions."

Embattled owner of the Newcastle Knights Nathan Tinkler. Source: News Limited

Premier coach Trent Robinson argues there is enough players to support two new teams.

"This is a good debate to have," he said, " I think Brisbane having a second team and Perth is vital for the future of our game.

"We've got to back ourselves to produce more players.

"I disagree we don't have enough. In Australia and New Zealand, there is enough talent there.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson supports a second team in Brisbane and a side based in Perth. Source: News Corp Australia

"We've got enough good coaches out there to put good systems in place at two new clubs."

Souths boss Shane Richardson supports the idea of a Sydney conference.

"It would certainly build sustained rivalries in the Sydney market and enable the NRL to build marquee events such as our Heritage round at the SCG and Good Friday at ANZ stadium on an annual basis with more of the clubs," he said.

"The artificial way we conduct the draw at the moment needs a revamp at the very least."

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Spain goalie to miss World Cup

Barcelona's goalkeeper Victor Valdes reacts after being injured against Celta Vigo. Source: Manu Fernandez / AP

BARCELONA goalkeeper Victor Valdes will miss the rest of the season and Spain's defence of the World Cup having been sidelined for seven months after knee surgery.

"Victor Valdes underwent surgery on his torn anterior cruciate ligament on Monday morning with doctors Ulrich Boenish and Ricard Pruna in Augsburg, Germany," Barcelona said in a statement on Monday.

"They made an incision in the internal meniscus of the right knee and the surgery was completed in a satisfactory manner.

"The estimated time out will be seven months."

The 32-year-old had been primed to push Spain captain Iker Casillas for his place in goal at the World Cup in Brazil later this year given the Real Madrid man's lack of first team action this season.

Instead, Manchester United's David de Gea is likely to go as back up to Casillas and Napoli's Pepe Reina.

It is expected that Valdes has also played his last game for Barcelona when picking up the injury in a 3-0 win against Celta Vigo last week after declaring his intention to leave the club when his contract expires in June.

Valdes has been linked with a number of clubs including Monaco and Manchester City, but has made no official announcement on where he will play next season.

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NZ outclass England in Sevens final

New Zealand's Sherwin Stowers, left, side steps England's Tom Mitchell. Picture: Philippe Lopez/AFP Source: PHILIPPE LOPEZ / AFP

NEW Zealand defeated England 26-7 in a drenched cup final in Hong Kong, surging to the top of the points table after the seventh tournament of the IRB Sevens World Series.

Leap-frogging South Africa, whose disappointing final day saw them knocked out of the Cup quarter-finals by England, New Zealand now boast 136 points after their third tournament win of this year's series.

South Africa is in second place with 129 points, Fiji in third with 112 points, and England in fourth with 104 points.

"It's a great, great victory in real challenging conditions,'' said coach Gordon Tietjens, who like his players was caught in a deluge in the dying moments of the game on Sunday.

Describing England as a "quick side'' and a "dangerous team'', he nevertheless showered praise on his players — one in particular.

"Our captain DJ Forbes was just, simply, simply outstanding... You know, without singling out individuals, he was just quite amazing, I just can't say enough about the guy.''

Forbes — fresh from a team performance of the Maori "haka" dance to celebrate their victory under the pouring rain — downplayed his role.

"That's what I am there for — all the horse work," he said.

"There's a couple of us out there putting our heads in dark places. There's a place for that and I am glad I am still able to do my job. We've got all the flair and the fast guys out wide. But it was definitely a 12-man performance.

The New Zealand team celebrate their win over England. Picture: Philippe Lopez/AFP Source: AFP

"Every time the heavens open up we've been successful so maybe it adds an element to our game,'' he added. "We're happy to do the contact stuff so maybe the conditions fell into our hands a little bit.''

Tietjens praised his team for picking themselves up after a fourth-place finish in Tokyo last week, but insisted the New Zealanders would not be resting on their laurels despite leading the table.

"Yeah it's great, seven ahead, but that's nothing, we led after Wellington then the lead changed again... You've got to just keep playing well.''

Fiji, whose attempt to take a hat-trick of titles in Hong Kong was blocked in the semi-finals by England, took on Australia for third-place honours, winning 21-12. The win netted the Pacific islanders an all-important 17 points as they close in on South Africa in the table.

"We definitely looked a little bit tired there in that game,'' said Fiji coach Ben Ryan, who was until last year the head coach of the England sevens team. "It was just too much in the end.

"Fair play to England, they're a full-time professional side, their set piece was good against us, moved us around.''

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Buzz: Draw debacle robs top teams

Roosters Origin stars James Maloney, Michael Jennings, Boyd Cordner and Mitchell Pearce. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

A DETAILED analysis of the NRL draw has uncovered alarming discrepancies which have turned the race for the finals into a raffle.

There is no guarantee the best sides will be there in September because some clubs will get a rails run from the lopsided draw.

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The Roosters will be without Mitchell Pearce, James Maloney, Boyd Cordner and Michael Jennings for all three games before Origin because the NRL didn't give them a bye.

Roosters Origin stars Mitchell Pearce (L) and James Maloney (C). Source: News Limited

It's the same with South Sydney, who will be left without Greg Inglis, Ben Te'o and Chris McQueen for three vital games.

At the same time, the Warriors inexplicably get two byes during Origin, yet won't provide a player to NSW or Queensland.

So too wooden-spooners Parramatta, who will probably only provide one player, and the Canberra Raiders, who will be flat out having anyone ­selected.

The Warriors also get the benefit of an incredible draw anomaly by having to play the competition's top three clubs — the Roosters, Sea ­Eagles and Storm — only once in 26 rounds. It's almost like the New Zealand team is getting a six competition-point advantage over its rivals.

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Also, Penrith and the Raiders have to play last year's grand finalists the Sea Eagles and Roosters only once.

The Wests Tigers get to play the Broncos and Souths without their Origin stars, while others have to play them at full strength.

Canterbury play the Sea Eagles and Roosters without their Origin players, again while other clubs have to play them at full strength.

It makes you wonder why we bother to have a salary cap to keep clubs on a level playing field when the draw does exactly the opposite.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson says it's not fair on his club during Origin.

"To have the incumbent State of Origin halves and miss them for all three games, I think it could have been better planned," he said.

"They could have given us at least one game where he had use of them. Missing them for all three is too much. Origin is our biggest product but we also want to protect the clubs that offer the players."

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The draw during Origin has also robbed fans of at least two blockbuster games.

The Bulldogs play glamour clubs the Roosters and Sea Eagles before Origin matches, ruining the showpiece events.

No Pearce, no Maloney, no Jennings, no Cordner, no Cherry-Evans, no Watmough, no Stewart — and maybe no fans.

Sadly, Bulldogs CEO Raelene Castle is not concerned about losing the gate takings.

Showing the typical self-interest club mentality, she says the Bulldogs have a better chance of getting ­competition points against weakened outfits.

"It affects our bottom line for those two games but you have to balance the commercial return and the football return," Castle said.

"Because of the number of Kiwi boys we have, we're unlikely to have half our team missing like some others. When you play the tough teams when they've got a lot of stars in Origin, you get a better crack at winning the game."

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The Bulldogs can afford to be blasé about gate takings because they get an open cheque from their thriving Leagues Club at the end of each ­season.

But it's hardly a good look for the game or fair on the fans who buy season tickets hoping to watch the best against the best.

Outside of Origin, the Knights aren't happy either.

Their biggest home crowds are traditionally against the Rabbitohs and the Sea Eagles.

Yet for the second year in a row, the Knights don't get to host either club. Their one game against Souths is in Cairns.

Channel 9's television coverage is the other big issue.

All but six of the Broncos' games are in prime time on Friday nights, allowing them to sell jersey and ground sponsorship at a much higher rate than the other clubs. Plus they get the seven-day turnaround.

Incredibly, the Tigers get 11 Channel 9 games, while the Dragons get only one. The Warriors don't get any.

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The NRL's head of football Todd Greenberg concedes: "It's very difficult to have a perfect draw.

"There are limitations with the broadcast deal and stadium availability. Still, this year's draw is an improvement on what we did in 2013.

"But there's certainly more room for improvement.

"We'll continue to try to tweak it as best we can. We are working very hard on it."

The situation would be almost understandable if we were talking about an amateur sport but in a ­billion-dollar business that is the NRL it's unsatisfactory and unacceptable.

HOW YOUR CLUB IS AFFECTED

Broncos

Only have to play the premiers Sydney Roosters once.

Get two byes before Origin games while the Roosters don't get any.

All but six of their games on Friday night free-to-air gives them seven-day back-ups and prime time exposure for their sponsors.

Bulldogs

Two of their biggest games at ANZ - against the Roosters and Sea Eagles – will be missing the Origin players.

Potential blockbusters become second rate matches.

Get no byes during Origin. Have to play all the top sides twice.

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Raiders

Only have to play the Roosters and Sea Eagles once.

Get two byes during Origin while they'll be flat out getting anyone selected.

Get only one Friday night game in the prime time television slot.

Cowboys

Only have to play the Storm and Roosters once.

Only get one bye during the Origin series.

Titans

Only have to play the Roosters and the Sea Eagles once – and not before round 22.

No byes before Origin games means they'll be missing Greg Bird and Nate Myles for key matches.

Get five Monday night games which is more than any other club.

Sea Eagles

Have to play all the top clubs twice.

Get two byes during the Origin series.

Get good exposure from seven Friday night games.

Storm

Get two byes during Origin series while the Roosters don't get any.

Five of last seven games away from home.

Despite being a successful side, they get have only four free-to-air matches and only two Friday night games.

Knights

Get two byes during the Origin series.

Miss out on huge dollars by not hosting biggest rivals Rabbitohs and Manly at home.

Only play the Sea Eagles once - Cairns.

Get only two Friday night games.

Eels

Get two byes during Origin series even though Jarryd Hayne is the only certain selection.

Only have to play Melbourne Storm once.

Panthers

Only have to play last year's grand finalists the Roosters and Manly once.

Get a bye before Origin I but unlikely to have a player selected.

Who said Phil Gould had influence at Channel Nine? Get only three free-to-air games, the second lowest in the competition.

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Sharks

Have to play last year's grand finalists Roosters and Manly twice.

Lose Luke Lewis, Andrew Fifita and Paul Gallen for two games during Origin.

Just two Friday night matches.

Rabbitohs

Don't get a bye before any of the three Origin games, meaning they'll be without Greg Inglis, Chris McQueen and Ben T'eo for three games.

Only have to play Melbourne Storm once.

Dragons

Only have to play the Sea Eagles once – and not at Brookvale Oval.

Get one bye before Origin. Get terrible free-to-air coverage with only one Friday night match.

Roosters

Could provide up to five NSW and Queensland players but don't get a bye before Origin matches.

Have to play all the strong clubs twice.

Warriors

Only have to play Storm, Sea Eagles and Roosters once.

Won't provide one NSW or Queensland player but still get two byes before Origin matches.

Only club that doesn't get a free-to-air game.

Wests Tigers

Only have to play Melbourne Storm once – and that's a home game.

Get to play the Broncos and the Rabbitohs without their Origin players.

Get 11 free-to-air games which is more than Souths and Roosters.

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