Inglis is the one for Pearl

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

MAROONS great Steve Renouf has called for Greg Inglis to be named Queensland fullback as Billy Slater comes under fierce pressure to retain his No. 1 jumper.

Australia's side for Friday night's Test is named today and Slater is expected to stave off Inglis at fullback despite struggling for form following off-season knee surgery.

But at Origin level, Slater's tenure at fullback is under serious threat after Inglis scored one of the great tries in Souths' 28-26 defeat of the Broncos on Friday night.

The Rabbitohs custodian beat six Broncos in an extraordinary 89m dash, sounding alarm bells for Slater.

Greg Inglis runs into the referee on his way to scoring a brilliant individual try. Source: News Corp Australia

Just two hours earlier, the Storm fullback produced a mixed bag, running for 202m but making four errors in Melbourne's 16-10 loss to the New Zealand Warriors.

Renouf, known as the Pearl for his attacking brilliance, has enormous respect for Slater's achievements, but he says Inglis is Queensland's form fullback ahead of the series opener on May 28.

"Why not move Greg Inglis to fullback?" said Renouf, the Broncos legend who played 11 Origin matches between 1991-98.

"Knowing Mal (Meninga, coach) and the selectors, they won't want to change too much, but I would love to see GI at fullback.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"If NSW pick Josh Dugan, it would be good to have someone like GI to counter with his power and running at the back.

"There's nothing wrong with Billy going on to the wing or playing in the centres, he can also play several positions. On form, you would probably go for GI (at fullback). The Big Three in Melbourne (Slater, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith) have been a bit light on form, they haven't hit their straps and hopefully they lift for Origin."

Statistics support Renouf's critique, with Inglis blowing Slater off the park in several key categories.

Billy Slater puts the ball down just short of the line. Source: News Corp Australia

Inglis has twice as many line breaks as Slater (9-4), nearly twice as many tackle busts (49-26) and averages 147m per game compared to the Storm ace's mark of 125m.

Former Queensland centre Tony Currie believes Inglis has a legitimate claim to unseat Slater.

"I watched Melbourne and Billy looks off the pace," Currie said. "They say age shall not weary them, but unfortunately it looks like age is ­wearying Billy.

"My concern is who plays left centre if Greg goes to fullback? Billy and Greg have 26 Origin tries between them and Queensland are better with both of them there."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sore Buddy may need rest

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

SYDNEY Swans could be forced to give superstar forward Lance Franklin some rest to heal a recurring knee problem.

After crashing his girlfriend's Jeep on Wednesday, the marquee forward's nightmare week got even worse last night when his sore right knee flared up again in the Swans' 31-point win over Melbourne at the MCG.

Franklin, who was also involved in several off-the-ball skirmishes that will attract the attention of the match review panel, was substituted off the ground in the third term with seven possessions and one goal.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Coach John Longmire said it was an ongoing knee issue, rather than the car accident and constant niggling from his Melbourne opponents last night, that was the reason for another below-par outing for the star recruit.

While the club remains hopeful the star recruit will be fit to play Brisbane next weekend, Longmire admitted the knee issue was preventing Franklin from doing much training throughout the week.

Buddy on the bench after being subbed from the game in the third quarter. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

Longmire said Franklin had been struggling to brush off the problem since he jarred his right knee against Adelaide three weeks ago.

"He hasn't done much training since that Adelaide game because his knee has been a bit sore and that's what he has jarred again tonight," Longmire said.

"It has been settling down OK, that's one thing that we hope this week — that it settles down OK after it gets sore again at the weekends.

"He's working really hard off-legs but he's not doing a heap of training for us at the moment so we need to get him right at some point, but how long that will last I'm not too sure."

Franklin with ice on his knee immediately after leaving the ground. Photo by Scott Barbour Source: Getty Images

Longmire conceded Franklin's mysterious car crash — where he ploughed into four parked cars, sparkling more widespread media attention — was not an ideal preparation for the match

But Longmire said if Franklin appeared distracted by something last night, it was "probably because he has been a little bit sore".

"In the end it was not an ideal week for him, let's not shy away from that," he said.

"But that (on and off field attention) is what you deal with and you've just got to be able to make sure you switch on to the footy."

John Longmire and Paul Roos before the game. Photo by Scott Barbour Source: Getty Images

Longmire was adamant Franklin's knee problem was unrelated to the hyperextension he suffered playing for Hawthorn in the 2011 finals series.

After a poor start to the season, back-to-back wins over the Demons and Dockers has helped restore the Swans season at 3-3.

"It is important to get back to 3-3 and we've been up and down week to week," he said.

"So it was good to get a little bit more consistency and we can still play better than what we did tonight and well need to but it was good to get the two wins in a row."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Aussie Smith leads Indo Masters

Cameron Smith at the Greg Norman Junior Masters Golf Tournament. Source: News Limited

AUSTRALIA'S Cameron Smith gave his fledgling professional golf career a huge boost at the Indonesian Masters as he took the third round lead with a five-under-par 67.

But two big names at the tournament, rising French star Victor Dubuisson and former major winner Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa, withdrew with shoulder and back injuries respectively.

Smith, 20, notched up a three-day total of 14-under-par 202 at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club on Saturday to head into the final round with a one-stroke lead in what is only his second professional event on the Asian Tour.

"I'm feeling good, pretty ecstatic right now. I am actually leading a professional tournament for the first time," said Smith, who traded five birdies, an eagle and two bogeys, according to an Asian Tour press release.

"I'll keep to the same game plan tomorrow which is to hit as many fairways and greens as I can and continue to putt well."

India's Anirban Lahiri, a three-time Asian Tour winner, displayed the qualities that made him a Eurasia Cup hero when he shot a flawless 64 to trail Smith by one in second place while compatriot Rashid Khan also matched Lahiri's effort with a 64 to take third place.

Meanwhile Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand signed for a 65 to take fourth place on 205 total in the $US750,000 ($809,000) Asian Tour event.

Smith took up golf professionally after a shining amateur career in which he won a series of events including the 2013 Australian Amateur, Australian Junior Championship and Australian Stroke Play Championship in 2011.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Buddy bashes knee in Swans win

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

MELBOURNE'S banner read "Let's make excellence'', but the question was whether the Demons would "make Lance excel''.

Lance "Buddy'' Franklin was stepping onto the MCG turf for the first time since stepping down from the premiership dais seven months ago. And after a week in which he had made headlines for demolishing five cars in a leafy inner- suburban street, there was a suspicion he might take out his frustrations by demolishing the Demons.

Jay Kennedy-Harris of the Demons is tackled by Daniel Hannebery. Photo by Scott Barbour Source: Getty Images

Instead, Franklin was largely a passenger in this match, spending the first quarter grappling and wrestling with opponents (one of whom, Alex Georgiou, sat him on his backside) and looking for free kicks (one of which provided his only goal, four minutes into the match). He went without a touch in the second term.

Jeremy Howe takes a hanger on Ben McGlynn. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

The former Hawk too often attempted to take the ball on his chest and looks to have completely lost the ability to take a strong overhead mark. When he attempted to do so midway through the third quarter he, ahem, crashed heavily and limped off with a sore knee.

His replacement was handy enough: Adam Goodes charged onto the ground and drew an enormous cheer when he ran onto a handball and launched a 55-metre shot at goal that was marked by a Melbourne defender next to the point post. Goodes brought with him a spark and some energy.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"It's what I get paid to do, so it was nice to come out here after a long spell and get a few kicks and prepare for next week by getting a half and improve as we go," Goodes said after the game.

"Yeah it's awesome, he (Goodes) is the heart and soul of the footy team and he's been driving all the boys after some poor footy at the start of the year and it's great to have him back and we are hoping he can keep building and be a vital part for the rest of the year," added Dan Hannebery.

Lance Franklin sits on the bench injured with ice on his knee Photo by Scott Barbour. Source: Getty Images

The match could certainly have done with some Buddy magic, because it was an otherwise fairly dour affair.

The two teams slugged it out in the midfield, where the likes of Nathan Jones, Daniel Cross, Jack Viney and Matt Jones matched Sydney's renowned hardness at the ball, if not its polish and composure. And with the game struggling to break free of being a series of congested, high-pressure scrambles, that Swans midfield polish was decisive.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Dan Hannebery, Kieren Jack, Luke Parker and Josh Kennedy all found ways to use their disposal to put a teammate into space, but more importantly they all contributed goals. In a low-scoring match, in which both teams struggled to take marks inside their forward 50, those goals were crucial.

Stacks on Melbourne's Neville Jetta. Photo by Scott Barbour Source: Getty Images

The run of Nick Malcevski and Rhyce Shaw off half back was also significant.

Melbourne went into this match averaging the fewest points of any team (57), but never looked close to reaching that figure in perfect conditions, struggling to kick one goal a quarter.

The Demons tried their utmost to apply defensive pressure in their attacking half and to clog up the space when Sydney went into its forward 50. But in the end they looked more like a team intent on minimising the damage than capable of winning the match.

"To their credit they went one and one at us and unfortunately in the first half they had us in those tough one on ones, so to get away with the four points tonight — not playing great footy — is a good effort," Goodes said.

Adam Goodes started the game in the unusual position of the substitute. Photo by Scott Barbour Source: Getty Images

Lynden Dunn, Cam Pedersen and Tom McDonald all battled bravely in the back half, but in James Frawley and Chris Dawes had relatively quiet games, and none of the crumbers at their feet could make an impact.

The most exciting memory Melbourne fans will take away from the match were the exciting glimpses of debutant Christian Salem, whose reputation for precise ball use and clean handling looks well founded.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The 18-year-old substitute came on late in the third term for Neville Jetta and made an immediate impression. His first touch drew a massive cheer from Melbourne fans, matched only when he slotted a left-foot snap midway through the final quarter.

The only thing that remains to be seen is whether Salem, unlike Buddy, is a good driver in heavy traffic.

MELBOURNE: 5.8 (38)

SYDNEY: 9.15 (69)

WARWICK GREEN'S BEST

SYD: Hannebery, Jack, Parker, Rampe, Kennedy, Malceski, Shaw.

MELB: N Jones, Dunn, Pedersen, Vince, M. Jones, Grimes.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Leapai heavier than Klitschko

Ukrainian heavyweight world champion Wladimir Klitschko (left) faces Australian challenger Alex Leapai. Picture: Patrik Stollarz Source: PATRIK STOLLARZ / AFP

AUSTRALIAN challenger Alex Leapai has weighed in marginally heavier than champion Wladimir Klitschko for their heavyweight title fight to be staged in Germany early Sunday, Australian time.

Leapai scaled 112.5kg to Klitschko's 112.2kg in the eve of fight formality, which took place at a shopping centre in Oberhausen.

Although Klitschko enjoys massive height and reach advantages, the fact he was slightly lighter didn't surprise Leapai's trainer Noel Thornberry, who predicted earlier in the week that would be the case.

Wladimir Klitschko and Alex Leapai during the official weigh-in on the eve of their title fight. Picture: Patrik Stollarz Source: AFP

And, as happened at the press conference last Tuesday, the event was hijacked to some extent by American former WBO heavyweight champion, Shannon Briggs.

"You're looking fat around the sides," Briggs shouted at Klitschko when the quadruple champion was on the scales.

He offered Klitschko's trainer James Ali Bashir a million dollars and then a million Euros to switch camps and train him.

Briggs then turned his attention to Leapai, whom he described as a bum at the press conference.

"Good luck Alex, be strong tomorrow, stay strong," Briggs yelled.

"Get inside and bang hard to the body."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Locky: Cherry our next Test leader

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

I DON'T expect too many changes to the Australian team when it is named tomorrow for Friday night's Anzac Test.

But make no mistake, there are winds of generational change about to sweep the Kangaroos.

Coach Tim Sheens has already spoken of the importance of injecting more youth to revitalise an ageing Australian team in time for their World Cup defence in 2017.

Over the next few years Australian hierarchy must begin succession planning, which will entail grooming a leader for Generation Next.

I believe Australian rugby league's next leader is Daly Cherry-Evans.

Daly Cherry-Evans (left). Source: News Limited

That does not mean it's time to start pensioning off our veteran skipper Cameron Smith. He has just signed a new deal at Melbourne and I believe he has at least another three years left in him.

It's possible Smith could be there for the next World Cup – he will be 34 in 2017 – but if he decides to pass the leadership baton by then, Cherry-Evans is our future leader.

I toured with Cherry-Evans during Australia's Four Nations campaign in 2011. I was the captain embarking on my career swan song. He was the squad's young gun, given his first taste of representative football after steering Manly to that year's premiership.

I took an instant shine to him. What impresses me goes beyond his talent, which is so natural and obvious. It is his temperament, toughness as a player and attitude to just get the job done. As captain of your country, there is more to the job, the honour, than on-field performance.

There are off-field ambassadorial duties which provide ancillary pressures and you need to be a certain type of character to not only handle it, but embrace it.

Smith is a brilliant statesman and spokesman.

Cherry-Evans, at 25, is in the same mould. He presents well, has a team-first ethos which players respect and a maturity that shows he can take on responsibility.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Before that happens, he must establish himself as a member of the starting side.

While I don't see him unseating Johnathan Thurston or Cooper Cronk in the immediate future, it is only a matter of time before Cherry-Evans is promoted from the bench.

I don't expect to see any bolters tomorrow night but the national selectors need to be mindful of the growing number of 30-somethings in the Kangaroos line-up.

Paul Gallen is 32. Thurston turned 31 yesterday. Justin Hodges and Corey Parker are both 32 next month, while Melbourne's Big Three – Smith, Billy Slater and Cronk – are 31 this year.

It is time to begin identify and cultivating a leadership group for the next World Cup. Cherry-Evans is the standout, and he would be well supported by men like Jarryd Hayne, Greg Inglis, Josh Papalii and Matt Gillett.

I think Hayne and Gillett will be handed green-and-gold jumpers to face the Kiwis.

Hayne is Australia's incumbent right centre and while Hodges is making a late run, Hayne's performances at Parramatta and his form in that position for the Kangaroos warrants his retention.

Gillett thoroughly deserves his maiden Test jumper. He was 18th man in 2012 but is a better player now. He is ready for the ultimate honour.

LOCKY'S TEST TEAM: Billy Slater, Brett Morris, Greg Inglis, Jarryd Hayne, Darius Boyd, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Matt Scott, Cameron Smith (c), James Tamou, Greg Bird, Sam Thaiday, Paul Gallen. Bench: Daly Cherry-Evans, Corey Parker, Andrew Fifita, Matt Gillett

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Vickery kicks three goals in VFL draw

Tigers ruckman Ty Vickery in action at Frankston Oval. Source: Chris Eastman / News Limited

IT was a draw between Richmond and Frankston in the VFL yesterday, but a number of key Tigers are knocking on the door.

The Dolphins, who trailed by 28 points at three-quarter time, fought back admirably in the 15.9 (99) to 14.15 (99) clash.

It was the fourth-straight week the Dolphins have been competitive late yet unable to snatch their first victory of the season.

Out-of-favour Tigers forward Tyrone Vickery improved from last week's quiet performance with 17 disposals, seven marks and three goals.

Two majors came late in the fourth quarter to halt the Dolphins' charge.

"He (Vickery) was much better," Richmond VFL coach Tim Clarke said.

"He competed really well. His attitude has been terrific since he's been down here (and) is a thing that'll get him back in the seniors (and) make him a good player."

Recruit Anthony Miles, who Clarke said has been one of the team's "best players all year", was a standout for the Tigers with 30 disposals and 13 clearances.

Tyrone Vickery gets a kick away against Frankston on Good Friday. Source: News Limited

He gelled well with VFL-listed Nathan Batsanis and Ross Young, who were particularly effective in the first half.

Miles claimed the Tigers' Anzac Day medal.

Aaron Edwards also had 26 touches and kicked two goals.

Clarke said youngster Ben Lennon (18 disposals) also impressed in his three quarters of game time, but still had some work to do.

"We view him as a really exciting player," Clarke said.

"He's just learning the tricks of the trade as a defender at the moment. It's only matter of time before he plays senior footy."

Lennon was taken off at three-quarter time as an emergency for the AFL game on Sunday.

Forward Liam McBean continued to excite after snagging three first-half goals, despite a quieter second half.

Tigers forward Todd Elton in action. Source: News Limited

Todd Elton (three goals) and Ryan Bathie (three) were dangerous forward for the Tigers.

Richmond looked comfortable at the final break before the Dolphins came charging.

Led by Shane Hockey in the midfield, Frankston ran down Richmond with crunch goals from Michael Lourey, Shannon Taylor and Khan Haretuku cutting the margin to six points.

Tim Harper's dribble goal for the Dolphins in the 31st minute levelled the scores before the siren blew.

Ruckman Russell Gabriel fought admirably for Frankston, alongside Nicholas Newman.

Livewire forward Ziggy Alwan hobbled off the ground in the dying stages.

In the other Anzac Day fixture Footscray rebounded strongly from last week's loss with a dominant 166-point win over Bendigo last night.

While Footscray boasted 13 goalkickers, young Western Bulldog Clay Smith stood tallest.

Smith gathered 35 disposals and kicked three goals to put his hand up for an AFL recall.

The 20-year-old is returning from a knee reconstruction after rupturing his ACL in Round 16 last season.

Jason Johannisen was also impressive for Footscray with five goals, while Fletcher Roberts showed strong poise in defence.

Meanwhile, North Melbourne skipper Andrew Swallow has been listed for VFL-affiliate North Ballarat in Sunday's clash with Geelong.

Swallow hasn't played since Round 18 last season after battling an achilles injury.

Saints forward Beau Maister is also set to play for Sandringham against Casey on Sunday after missing last week, and could line up on Demons defender Colin Garland who continues to push for a recall.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Boomer’s Roos pinch victory

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

BRENT Harvey had the last laugh over nemesis Ryan Crowley as a gutsy North Melbourne recorded a stunning upset win over Fremantle last night.

Having conceded the first four goals of the game, Harvey helped orchestrate a superb comeback as the Kangaroos got home by 13 points in the Len Hall Game at Patersons Stadium.

Relishing the Friday night spotlight the club craves, the Roos inflicted the Dockers' first home loss in more than in a year in Drew Petrie's 250th game.

The triumph enabled North Melbourne to improve its record to 4-2 ahead of a home game against Gold Coast at Etihad Stadium next Sunday.

Brent Harvey and Ryan Crowley reunited at the first bounce. Photo by Paul Kane Source: Getty Images

Harvey raised his arms triumphantly on the final siren, shaking Crowley's hand without bitterness after his excellent 29-possession performance.

Most of them were greeted with a chorus of boos, after the Kangaroos champion told the tribunal Crowley had pinched him "about 300 times'' the last time the teams met.

Crowley was fined $1200 for misconduct despite telling the tribunal he never pinched Harvey.

Restricted to just 11 touches by Crowley in Round 13 last season, Harvey bounced out of the blocks with 11 by quarter time as the competition's most effective stopper went to him again.

The Roos had trailed by 26 points after Fremantle's early salvo, but had closed to within six points when Majak Daw kicked a running goal in the opening minute of the second stanza.

Drew Petrie kicked two goals in game 250. Source: News Corp Australia

Daw had little influence in his first senior game since Round 9 last season.

The home side had regained the ascendancy when star midfielder Nat Fyfe kicked his second goal midway through the second term, but North continued to hang tough to remain within eight points at the major break.

Sam Gibson, who finished with 31 possessions and two goals, capped his fine run-with job on Stephen Hill with a goal before Aaron Black got his first as the Kangaroos kicked three goals to two for the term.

Majak Daw marks strongly in front of Zac Dawson Source: News Corp Australia

Nick Dal Santo, who with Harvey spearheaded the visitors' on-ball brigade as North Melbourne levelled the first-half contested ball count, levelled the scores early in the third term when he snapped truly.

Fremantle steadied with goals to Matthew Pavlich and Chris Mayne, and Harvey's long-range poster looked to be a heartbreaker for the Roos until Aaron Mullett nailed his own running effort from the 50m arc moments later.

It left North Melbourne within a kick at the final change and when Gibson kicked his second to become his team's first multiple goalscorer early in the last quarter the Kangaroos had taken the lead.

Brent Harvey scoots away from Ryan Crowley. Source: News Corp Australia

The Roos were favourites when milestone man Petrie kicked his second at the 10-minute mark and finally killed off the disappointing Dockers when Lindsay Thomas snapped a goal at the 23-minute mark of the final term to put them 15 points clear.

Black and Michael Firrito both returned to the field promptly after coming off with injuries in the opening term.

Black was cradling his right shoulder after a solid bump, while Firrito escaped serious injury after feeling the full force of ruckman Aaron Sandilands' knee in the middle of his back in a marking contest.

FREMANTLE: 8.13 (61)

NORTH MELBOURNE: 10.14 (74)

BRADEN QUARTERMAINE'S BEST

Dockers: Fyfe, Mundy, Johnson, McPharlin, Pavlich, Spurr.

Kangaroos: Gibson, Harvey, Dal Santo, Ziebell, Cunnington, Goldstein.

VOTES

3- Gibson

2- Fyfe

1- Harvey

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hinds: Easter shows NRL can see the light

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

AS the queues grew at the ANZ Stadium entrances on Good Friday and Easter Monday, there it was as plain as day. The solution to the NRL's early-season crowd problems: the day.

Turns out in an era when we have been conditioned by ratings-obsessed executives that sport is bigger, better and brighter under lights, people don't mind watching a decent game of footy in the afternoon. Hell, they might even bring the kids.

If you browsed this season's schedule you could have been forgiven for thinking NRL HQ was pitching the game exclusively to expat Transylvanians.

There were just seven games played before 5pm in Sydney in the first six rounds. There was only day game at the NRL's two least inadequate venues ANZ Stadium and Allianz Stadium.

RD HIGHS, LOWS AND BIG BLOWS

Fans were out on force for the early games over the Easter weekend. Source: News Corp Australia

You thought NRL fans looked depressed because of the video-refereeing debacles? They're actually suffering chronic serotonin deficiency after spending so much time in the dark.

Then came the Easter weekend and a welcome decree: Let there be (natural) light!

And lo, the crowds flocked to ANZ Stadium. Some 43,255 for the Bulldogs-Souths and an even more impressive 50,668 for Wests Tigers-Parramatta.

They were attendances that the games and, most particularly, the peerless battalion of modern gladiators who played them, richly deserved. That was obvious from the excited comments of players who clearly appreciated not having to play Origin or finals to perform before more than stalwarts and diehards.

Should the NRL play more daytime games?

Who knows, these same players might now work harder themselves to promote games realising what they have to gain. Excited fans, electric atmosphere, a real sense of occasion.

TIGERS AND EELS WANT EASTER MONDAY SLOT

Yes these were games between in-form teams and both were played on public holidays. But given a lot of people leave town or make other plans on long weekends, this can be a double-edged sword.

The obvious reason for the stellar turnouts was that both games had extremely convenient 4pm kick-offs — late enough to enjoy the earlier part of the day, early enough to take the family. And, to their credit, the NRL and ANZ Stadium seized upon the fortuitous scheduling.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Both games were heavily promoted and both offered discounted ticketing for families. For those who mocked NRL chief executive Dave Smith when he talked about "jumping castles'' at games early in his tenure, there were also some kid-friendly activities. Turns out you might not need to know what Cam Smith looks like to get a crowd to watch him.

The brilliant afternoon crowds shone a harsh light on night sport — at least for the family demographic. They put into context the problems of getting children in and out of stadiums late at night, the cost of feeding them — essential at night, less so during the day. Especially if they are already full of Easter eggs.

Night matches also emphasise the inadequacies of poor or unsuitable stadiums more than afternoon games. Who wants to fight the traffic to be cold, uncomfortable and — with a family — and feel unsafe, when you can be home in front of the TV?

The big crowd gave the Easter Monday game an electric atmosphere. Source: Getty Images

That, of course, is where you are supposed to be if sports administrations are to yield their multi-million media rights deals. Yet, this season, the NRL and AFL have both found falling attendances aren't necessarily because more people are watching on TV.

Not coincidentally, the AFL also had its best attendance on Monday — 80,222 for the Geelong-Hawthorn game. Held during the day.

The NRL can build on its daytime momentum with the St George-Roosters Good Friday clash at 4pm at ANZ Stadium. Even allowing for the fact many Roosters fans don't travel out of their own shadows without rewriting their wills and getting a full set of vaccinations, that should draw at least 35,000.

Hopefully this will set off a few light bulbs in the heads of NRL administrators. Which in turns leads to a few less light bulbs being used at games.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Benji’s $2 million bungle

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

BENJI Marshall's failed rugby union experiment is likely to cost him $2 million, with the former Kiwi international set to return to Australia as soon as tomorrow to finalise a budget NRL comeback.

Marshall is weighing up interest from Cronulla and Melbourne, but any deal for 2014-15 requires a clearance from his former club. It's understood the Tigers are eyeing a share of gate takings from their round 10 match against Cronulla at Remondis Stadium as compensation, should Marshall accept a three-year offer from the Sharks.

MARSHALL AND ENNIS IN SHARKS' SIGHTS

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Marshall turned his back on a three-year extension worth $2.1 million — on top of a lucrative television deal with Channel Nine — when he quit Wests Tigers last season.

HUMILITY, HONESTY FOR BENJI SUCCESS

Benji Marshall farewells the crowd after his last home game for the Tigers. Source: News Limited

Whatever deal Marshall settles on will not come remotely close to what he would have earned by sticking with the Tigers or rugby union.

His Super Rugby contract at the Auckland Blues was worth about $1 million over two years, with commercial endorsements delivering another $1 million over the same period.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

With just over two months left until the June 30 transfer deadline, Marshall will be forced to return on minimal pay — perhaps as low as $60,000 — for the remainder of this year.

Future years in an extended contract will be far more valuable, but is still unlikely to rival the average $700,000 salary he was offered at Wests Tigers.

Marshall's agent, Martin Tauber, is understood to have shopped the ex-Kiwi international to the Bulldogs, who have $400,000 to spend on this year's cap thanks to Ben Barba's release.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

WHAT POSITION SHOULD BENJI PLAY?

Canterbury are also on the look-out for a fullback to replace Barba, and Tauber has talked up the 29-year-old's ability to switch from his customary halves role.

But sources close to the Bulldogs have suggested coach Des Hasler is not interested.

Benji Marshall in action for the Blues. Source: Getty Images

Announcing his departure from the Blues yesterday, Marshall maintained he'd not commenced official negotiations with any NRL club.

He did, however, make contact with Sharks winger Beau Ryan, a close friend from the Tigers, several weeks ago. That phone call triggered Cronulla's interest in signing Marshall.

Will Benji Marshall's NRL return be a success?

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Why Anzac Day clash is a celebration

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

BILL Collier is why you get the goosebumps.

He doesn't see it that way, of course. Never has.

The humble World War II Digger not even sure why they're letting him into Friday's game for free.

"But they will,'' he grins of the Anzac Day blockbuster. "Give me a feed too."

So isn't it about time somebody told Billy the truth?

For just like Muhammad Ali in satin trunks, so rugby league will emerge puffing its chest come Friday afternoon — once again proclaiming to be the greatest.

Bill Collier and Greg Ashton speak to the media ahead of the Dragons-Roosters clash. Source: Getty Images

Pointing to an estimated Anzac Day crowd of 40,000 — as it did this time last year — as proof the NRL, the Commission, even that famed "E Squared" entertainment blueprint are all coming together just as promised.

Truth is, though, this crowd has almost nothing to do with footy — and everything to do with Bill.

Every spinning turnstile testament to a Sydney public who, while notoriously blase about live sport, care plenty about the blokes whose best years were spent on Gallipoli sand, or deep in the jungles of Vietnam.

While modern sport is undoubtedly about megastars, April 25 remains the one day where we turn out not for Sonny Bill Williams or Josh Dugan, but the old bloke with the dodgy hearing aid whose entire top grade career comprised 28 games.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

One week Collier running out with the Red V emblazoned on his chest, the next listening to Dragons games via radio — in New Guinea.

"But that's just how it was in those days,'' shrugs the veteran who turns 93 in June. "We could never train because blokes were all over the place.

"Every Saturday I'd travel down from the barracks in Maitland. Others came from elsewhere.

"Like in '43, I started the year playing footy but come finals, I was in the war."

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

As the last surviving member of St George's inaugural 1941 premiership team, Collier is also league's "go to" man for Anzac Day press conferences each year.

A grandfather to 11, great-grandfather to 14 who, should you be lucky enough to share a cuppa, will recall gunship battles off New Guinea, a bout of dengue fever in Borneo and one endless night stationed on the island of Morotai, when his unit was bombed by the Japanese.

"We were positioned right between the wharves and the end of an airstrip," the former army mechanic will tell you. "And I'm still not sure which one they were trying to hit ... I only know they were missing both."

This is why you get the goosebumps.

Anzac Day football is a chance for Australians to show their respect and gratitude. Source: Getty Images

Why more than a game of rugby league, the Anzac Day clash has become part of the celebration. A chance for ordinary Australians to show respect simply by their presence.

Certainly the players get it.

Dragons forward Trent Merrin conceding that, while professional athletes should never be caught up in emotion, Anzac Day was the one notable exception. "Those last few minutes before the game,'' he says. "When you see the Diggers, hear the last post ... it's impossible not to get emotional."

BATTERED BUNNIES FIGHTING TO BE FIT

So who wants to tell Bill?

That anonymous Digger who, with a media scrum forming around Roosters stars Boyd Cordner and Shaun Kenny-Dowall, is off to the side. Sitting on the cushioned seat of his walking frame while tuning that hearing aid that "won't stop playing up lately",

"But it's good to let the young blokes do the talking,'' he laughs. "At this thing last year, they had us all behind a big desk, lots of microphones. But, you know, I'm not really keen on that fuss."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sterlo: Where can Benji fit in?

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

WITH 201 first grade games, a premiership title, 27 Test matches and a World Cup victory under his belt Benji Marshall has nothing to prove.

Except maybe to himself.

When the Kiwi star announced that he was switching codes at the end of last season, there was a feeling it wouldn't be the last we saw of him in the NRL. But we never thought it would only be a matter of months before he returned.

Obviously, rugby union wasn't a great fit for him.

The million dollar question now is where the best fit for him will be in rugby league.

BENJI: I HAVEN'T TALKED TO ANY CLUBS

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Now it's much more about opportunity than it is finances.

The moment Marshall said he was keen to return to Sydney, immediately his options halved. Of the remaining clubs, Manly, the Roosters and his old club Wests Tigers were never a realistic option.

And so the field became smaller again. Reports that Cronulla are favourites were not surprising. But the other question apart from which club he plays for is what position is he going to play?

While the Sharks have struggled this season, they have played their best football when halfback Jeff Robson is in the side. It is also when Todd Carney plays his best.

Benji Marshall needs to find a club — and a position to make the best of his talents. Source: News Limited

So I don't see him joining the halves there. And given I have a big wrap on fullback Michael Gordon, I wouldn't put him into the No. 1 jersey either.

It may seem strange but Benji may look at coming out of dummy-half in a similar utility fashion to Kurt Gidley.

Plenty of people will say he's not a strong defender but if you put him between a couple of big men it's not as difficult in the middle as it sounds.

WHAT POSITION SHOULD BENJI PLAY?

Elsewhere, fullback may be an option at the Bulldogs although Sam Perrett is making a good fist of things there.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

I'm excited that Benji is coming back to the NRL. Wherever he ends up I think he will be a different individual to the one who left.

Coming off a failed rugby venture, I'm not saying he will be chastened or humbled. But he comes back after a failure and is almost starting over again.

Personally, I thought a couple of seasons under Craig Bellamy at Melbourne would be a wonderful opportunity. His game would thrive under the Storm system.

Will Benji Marshall's NRL return be a success?

Pat Richards kicked Wests Tigers to victory over Parramatta. Source: News Corp Australia

FINISH OFF YOUR PREY

BENJI'S old club Wests Tigers have got off to a strong start although I'm confident if faced with a situation like in the Easter Monday game against Parramatta, when they led by a point, they will choose to finish differently.

With one minute 46 seconds left on the clock, the Tigers opted for a conversion thinking it would play out the game. But with the clock stopped before and after the kick, only 30 seconds elapsed — giving the Eels one more crack to win it.

Don't send invites to those you don't want at your party.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Muscat angry at non-decision on penalty

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

A CONTROVERSIAL non-decision during injury time denied Melbourne Victory what coach Kevin Muscat labelled a "certain penalty" and a spot in the Asian Champions League knockout stages on Tuesday night.

Kosta Barbarouses was played in behind the defence of Jeonbuk Motors in the 92nd minute and was brought down by Lee Jae-Myung — who also appeared to handle the ball as he clattered to the turf — but Victory's penalty shouts were waved away.

Instead Bahraini referee Nawaf Shukralla inexplicably awarded a free kick against Barbarouses for a perceived foul on Jae-Myung.

The score ended 0-0, which saw Group G rivals Jeonbuk and Victory tied in second on eight points, but Jeonbuk advanced on goal difference (+1 to Victory's 0)

Victory midfielder Rashid Mahazi vies for the ball with Jeonbuk midfielder Leonardo. Source: AFP

"From our perspective we are obviously just very disappointed," coach Kevin Muscat said.

"We miss out on goal difference. We had an appeal for a penalty that was definitely a penalty. (That) decision didn't go our way, but I think it was obvious to everybody that it was a certain penalty.

"Unfortunately that's how it goes."

Former Socceroo Andy Harper, in commentary for Fox Sports last night, was in no doubt that the wrong call was made.

"It's a foul on Kosta Barbarouses, it's a penalty for Melbourne Victory," Harper said.

"The referee has blown it — or he didn't have the courage.

"It's a clear foul and that moment for which they've probed ... a minute in to injury time and Melbourne Victory, with the contentious moment in the game, should have been awarded a penalty in my opinion."

'Victory defender Nicholas Ansell competes for the ball against a couple of Jeonbuk defenders. Source: AFP

A gutsy Victory defied travel, injury and its more fancied opponents for much of last night's match at the Jeonju World Cup Stadium in South Korea.

Mark Milligan (suspension), Tom Rogic (groin) and Gui Finkler (ineligible) were unavailable for the clash while James Troisi and Pablo Contreras were left at home.

And things were made worse when Jesse Makarounas (hip) and Scott Galloway (hamstring) fell victim to injury in the 10 minutes before half time.

They were replaced by Barbarouses and Jason Geria respectively, but another substitution had to be made in the 68th minute when central defender Adrian Leijer suffered a reoccurrence of the left foot injury sustained against Guangzhou Evergrande last week.

Dylan Murnane came on in his place.

Jeonbuk defender Alex Wilkinson jumps higher for the ball than Victory defender Adrian Leijer. Source: AFP

Victory must now lick its wounds as it makes the arduous 10-hour flight back to Melbourne via Sydney — which follows a three-hour bus trip to Seoul airport — on Wednesday afternoon.

Sunday's A-League elimination final against Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium also looms large.

Victory's acting captain Leigh Broxham said everyone at Victory "should be proud of themselves".

"Both teams gave everything today," Broxham said.

"They came out with a game plan to counter attack and almost caught as a couple of times. We could have pinched the game at the end there and had a penalty shout as well.

"It was a tough group."

Guangzhou topped Group G on 10 points after defeating Yokohama F. Marinos 2-1 in a match played simultaneously in China.

Re-live the action from the match

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Marshall and Ennis in Sharks’ sights

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

CRONULLA has expressed interest for Bulldogs skipper Michael Ennis, as Benji Marshall weighs-up a three-year offer to join the Sharks this week.

While St George Illawarra and Melbourne are in negotiations with Marshall for the rest of this season, Cronulla have firmed as clear favourites to snap-up the failed rugby convert.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Marshall first made contact with the Sharks several weeks ago, reaching-out to close friend and former Wests Tigers team mate Beau Ryan about the possibility of returning to the NRL.

BENJI PLEADS, FIND ME AN NRL HOME

BEAU SAYS BENJI WILL BE A SUCCESS

Benji Marshall of the Blues makes a break. Source: Getty Images

WE ASK EVERY CLUB: WHO WANTS BENJI

It's believed an offer for the final five months of this year, plus the next two seasons, is currently being drawn up, with Sharks powerbrokers confident that Marshall can reignite the team's stagnant attack.

And there's also been recent contact with Ennis's management, who have been attempting to strike a new deal with Canterbury for months.

Ironically, the Ennis stalemate owes to Canterbury's recruitment of rookie Sharks rake Michael Lichaa, who last month agreed to a three-year deal worth in excess of $1 million.

The Daily Telegraph understands Lichaa signed with Canterbury after being told he would only have to play second fiddle to Ennis for one season.

Bulldogs skipper Michael Ennis passes the ball. Source: News Corp Australia

Ennis, however, has publicly stated that he wants a longer term deal to see-out his career.

With Lichaa gone and veteran hooker John Morris expected to retire, Cronulla shapes a perfect fit given Ennis would prefer to remain in Sydney.

Expecting their fourth child, the family has also been searching for a new home in the Sutherland Shire of late.

After losing his NSW Origin jersey to rival hooker Robbie Farah two years ago, Ennis has embarked on a form renaissance that peaked with his tremendous tackle on rampant Rabbitohs hardman Sam Burgess last Friday.

He is also considered the favourite to replace Farah in the NSW side, would the Blues incumbent not overcome an elbow injury in time for Origin I.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

CODE FLOPPERS: WHEN CAREER CHANGES GO BAD

MARSHALL ASKS BLUES FOR RELEASE

Cronulla insiders said on Tuesday they were hopeful of a decision from Marshall by Friday, clearing the way for the ex-Kiwi International to acclimatise himself in the Shire during next weekend's bye.

Tauber has stressed Marshall's desire to return to Sydney, where he can resume his lucrative television career on Channel Nine's Footy Show.

Marshall and his wife Zoe recently bought a house in Auckland, but Tauber said the new purchase would be no barrier to the couple moving back to Sin City.

Marshall has a host of former Tigers team mates now in the Sharks side, including Bryce Gibbs, Chris Heighington, Andrew Fifita, Blake Ayshford and Ryan.

His manager Martin Tauber is also close to Sharks officials Steve Noyce and Darren Mooney, who also worked at Wests while Marshall starred at Concord.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

BENJI'S NOT A GREAT ATHLETE

The Sharks also hope Marshall's arrival might inspire Todd Carney to greater heights.

Skipper Paul Gallen has publicly aired his concerns about the five-eighth's off-field behaviour in recent weeks, and officials addressed Carney about being sent home from training in poor physical condition two weeks ago.

Should Marshall partner Carney in the halves, regular No. 7 Jeff Robson would be most likely be pushed to hooker and be possibly re-signed as a dummy half option for next year.

Marshall could also line-up in the centres, an area Cronulla has traditionally struggled for impact.

Marshall could also play fullback, making him a candidate to solve Canterbury's fullback dilemma.

It's understood the Bulldogs have discussed Marshall internally, but an offer is not expected to be forthcoming.

Which club would fit Benji Marshall best?

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Humility, honesty for Benji success

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

MUCH is at stake when Benji Marshall returns to the NRL.

Except for the hopeless romantics and the odd Maori princess, of which admittedly there are a few, few expect Marshall to return anywhere near the calibre of player he was some years back when he lit up the schoolyards with an attitude to his football that could be learned only on those same school playgrounds.

Instead of that man, though, most of us are expecting more of the player who left the Tigers less than a year ago.

BLOG WITH KENT FROM 1PM ON WEDNESDAY

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

His pride was such he refused to give up the No 6 jersey, the old lion still marking his territory. He demanded the role of chief playmaker, even though his football was played mostly sideways.

He remained the driving force behind the club's culture, even though that culture was poor.

In turn the club was unable to be honest with itself because Marshall had long stopped being honest with himself, and so each year seemed to end in disappointment.

Then the players farewelled him last year in rightful fashion, respectfully, but once he was gone those same players got together during the pre-season and decided to finally get honest with each other, and make each other accountable, declaring that all the little lies that passed as excuses were no longer permissible.

Now the Tigers' football is as direct as any in the competition and their reward is equal first place on the ladder. They are a completely different team.

Marshall was diminished when he left the Tigers.

Benji Marshall walks from the field. Source: Getty Images

Never a physical player, his appetite for contact had reduced considerably in his later years, proving an old truth an old jockey once lived by: the older you get the harder the ground gets.

Sick of falling, the jockey also retired by it.

Marshall, instead, is coming back.

Yet this is no requiem.

It is a hope.

An understanding that the greatness of sport is not always the victory, but the song of redemption.

——————————————————————————————————

It's Player's Night on NRL 360 with Willie Mason and Robbie Farah joining Ben Ikin and Paul Kent tonight at 7.30pm on FOX SPORTS 1HD & 1.

——————————————————————————————————

Steve Waugh's last ball century, against the backdrop of his form being questioned.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Danny Green nearly blew it all with an ill-fated decision to fight Paul Briggs, on top of several other soft choices, and with the legacy of his magnificent win against Roy Jones Jr in growing jeopardy Green made the fateful decision to fight Antonio Tarver and Krzysztof Wlodarczyk.

Both men knocked him out, revealing a deeper truth. Green went down fighting, and in the way he lost we finally got to see what some had doubted was there while he was tallying up easy wins.

That is an important less for Marshall.

Green showed you don't have to always be a winner to be a winner, just brave and honest. Sports fans are forgiving in the face of both.

That's what the Sharks are gambling on Marshall having. They know his talent hasn't abandoned him.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

We already know there will be glimpses of that talent all season long, as there was in his final season at the Tigers, and that at times he will light up the field.

It's the other moments that will determine his success.

Watching Marshall climbing off the deck, or playing tough in defence.

Playing with a little gravel in his guts.

Fortunately for the Sharks the job is already half done.

The humiliation of being sacked by Auckland, his rugby venture a failure, plus the unwillingness of Wests, his former club, to even consider taking him back even while describing him as a club legend, gives him no choice to buy into whatever system he goes to.

Benji Marshall in action for the Auckland Blues. Source: News Limited

It is the shake up he needs.

Fit in or perish.

Marshall is no longer a five-eighth. He is incapable of defending in the front line, and will almost certainly head to Cronulla as a fullback.

That gives him a chance. It plays to his strength; his speed and unpredictability as a ballrunner.

And fuelled by a legacy now under threat, he is in a similar position to Green.

Rather than pure performance, it will be the honesty of his performance that will be judged.

Is Benji Marshall a good fit for Cronulla?

Crowd at the game between the Parramatta and Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium. Source: News Corp Australia

LATE START DIDN'T FAZE FANS

DID the NRL's scheduling of Monday's Parramatta-Wests Tigers game throw up a question, or provide the answer, for one of the great frustrations in the game?

Ever since the billion dollar TV deal was announced one of its failings was just one live game on free-to-air each week (Channel 9, Friday 7.30pm).

Some pointed out that by shifting the 3pm Sunday game to 4pm the NRL would have a second live game on Nine, but the NRL dismissed the chances of that ever happening.

Too late, they claim, given the darkening sky, plus the kids have school the next day, and when you cut to it the fans like it that little bit earlier in the day, and so on and so on.

There's a thousand of them.

Yet it didn't seem to worry the 50,668 who turned up Monday, when the Eels took on the Tigers at, you guessed it, 4pm.

It doesn't seem that hard.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

NRL needs management shake-up

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Let's get straight to the point. The game of rugby league is in turmoil and only one man can fix it.

Former NSW minister for sport Graham Annesley should be appointed Dave Smith's right-hand man as part of management shake-up at the NRL.

Annesley is the former referee who knows the business back to front from his days as a deputy to David Gallop.

Graham Annesley, the chief executive of the Titans. Source: News Limited

AXE LOOMS OVER VIDEO REF BLOOPER

COWBOYS DEMAND APOLOGY FROM NRL

For almost a decade he was the code's head of football, in charge of the schedule, referees, rules and the salary cap.

He was an honest, hard-working, grassroots man who would often turn up for work each day at 5am to deal with the day-to-day issues.

Now he has the political connections and experience to do an even better job.

It emerged on Tuesday that even the free football passes for junior participants hadn't been sent out yet.

That's right, seven rounds into the competition, and the kids are still waiting.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

NRL TO HOLD CRISIS MEETING WITH COWBOYS

No wonder crowds are down because these youngsters more often than not drag along mum and dad, who in turn pay at the turnstiles.

Attendances are still down by 11 percent, despite the bumper crowds at ANZ Stadium over the Easter weekend.

The standard of refereeing is at an all-time low with terrible blunders effecting the weekly results.

Even the lifting tackle crackdown is a joke. Three players were charged last weekend but will plead guilty and not miss a week.

Who cares that game now has $49 million in the bank?

So it should after striking a new $1 billion TV deal than came from the fact the pre-commission administration lifted the game to unparalleled heights.

NRL CEO, Dave Smith and Chief Operating Officer, Jim Doyle. Source: News Corp Australia

Massive increases in State of Origin ticket prices might contribute to the annual profit but also put the showpiece game of the season beyond reach of the average footy fan.

Apart from hiring Annesley, the independent commission needs a revamp too with an injection of footy experience and knowledge.

They don't understand why people aren't going to the football because they've spent their lives in corporate boxes where there's no queues for a beer or the bathroom.

They don't recognise the pain supporters are feeling from the weekly refereeing blunders.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

They don't appreciate that 65 percent of Sydney and Brisbane don't have pay TV and get only one live game on free-to-air.

Had they gone with Lachlan Murdoch's Channel TEN bid we would be watching five live free to air matches instead of one on Friday night.

They don't understand that a game should have been played last Thursday evening at the beginning of the Easter holiday.

Instead they signed off on a draw with two out-of-town games competing against each other 24 hours later in Newcastle and Gosford on Friday night.

NRL CEO, Dave Smith at NRL HQ. Source: News Corp Australia

The whole draw is a sham. As the weekend ANZ Stadium crowds showed, we need two conferences, one with all Sydney teams.

Former NRL chief executive and businessman John Quayle should have been on the commission in the first place.

He would make a great chairman.

Ben Ikin should replace Wayne Pearce. Who cares if he works for Fox Sports?

He can abstain from broadcast deal negotiations.

Fox Sports commentator Ben Ikin. Source: Getty Images

He is the smartest and most impressive former player in decades.

Harvey Norman boss Katie Page should replace Catherine Harris. A rugby league tragic, she should have been on the commission in the first place.

Katie knows the retail market better than most. She knows how to sell her product, even in the toughest economic climate.

She knows what the punters and fans want.

They are the lifeblood of the game and deserve a better administration that what we have right now.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hinds: It’s Storm, rock, scissors

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

MEMO Warriors. Don't bother turning up at AAMI Park to play the Storm on Friday. If you do, expect to leave with your gruntle well and truly dissed.

Melbourne is the big ticketholder in this season's Ref-lotto. This is how their lucky numbers have come out.

Round 4: Lose 26-28 to a last minute Gold Coast penalty after the referee ruled the ball had been stripped from the Titans' Luke Douglas, when a shortsighted wombat in an obstructed viewing seat in Helsinki could see Douglas dropped it cold.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Round 5: Beat St George-Illawarra 28-24 with a try scored from a play the ball after time had elapsed, proving the old adage that the team that plays for the full 80 minutes and six-tenths of a second will prevail.

Round 6: Lose 22-24 to a last minute Canberra try after a clear-cut potentially game-winning Storm try in the 70th minute was disallowed because ... ummm, the referee went rock and the video referee went scissors?

See the pattern Warriors? Whether it's a routine blunder or a touch judge accidentally tripping a rampaging winger as he dashes for the line, destiny is against you in Melbourne. The game demands it.

Cameron Smith disputes a no try decision with referee Gerard Sutton. Source: Getty Images

That the Storm remain both victim AND beneficiary of a series of officiating cock-ups that have blighted this season remains the NRL's tissue thin line of defence against accusations of, at best, serial incompetency and at worst utter buffoonery.

Think of it like this. The NRL refereeing is now like a sort of mid-career U2 with some fairly ordinary work usually followed by something more to your liking. If you're on the receiving end of a "Rattle and Hum'' decision one day week, you could soon be the beneficiary of an "Achtung Baby.''

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Last year Manly coach Geoff Toovey made his amusingly shrill call for an investigation into the refereeing at Brookvale. On Friday night you didn't hear any Sea Eagles calling for CSI Moore Park to pick apart the decision that cost North Queensland victory.

Yin and yang. The referees giveth, the referees taketh away. Are you buying it?

Me neither. And don't get the coaches started.

Craig Bellamy starts a game apoplectic then gets worked up.

That Bellamy's head didn't explode when the "no try'' message went up at Canberra Stadium on Sunday was the only thing more surprising than the decision.

Modern coaching — for better or worse — is the art of reducing uncertainty. Of leaving a team less exposed to human foibles and fallibility.

Cameron Smith ask's referee Gerard Sutton why no try was ruled. Source: News Corp Australia

You can defend refereeing mistakes on the grounds that players make them too.

But, in the current context, only if players were completing one set in 25, converting goal attempts at two per cent and attempting to catch high balls on their noses.

Referees, we know, are also only as good as the rules they enforce.

But what happens when they contradict themselves so often no one can remember what the rules are?

If in one game you can't obstruct with a stray toenail and in another you can build a brick wall?

There has been talk of the NRL establishing a central video refereeing "bunker'' staffed by the best analysts to which all decisions would be referred.

Cue the memes of the 'Last Days of the Third Reich' with an agitated video refereeing Fuhrer in his bunker raging about the incompetence of his generals: "Check the grounding? Check the GROUNDING!!!! Why do these traitorous fools disappoint me so?''

Cameron Smith ask's referee Gerard Sutton why a no try decision was ruled. Source: News Corp Australia

Unfortunately the refereeing fiasco obscured a weekend when the NRL found the defibrillators and gave a flatlining season a much needed jolt.

The pulsating Bulldogs-Souths game — marred, naturally, by its own obstruction controversy — had both the big crowd and the electricity we'd missed.

The only thing we should have been complaining about was that the flat-Earthers at Nine would not let us watch the Canberra-Melbourne game live.

Instead we hung around like racetrack ghouls to see for ourselves if the refereeing blunder was as bad as the social media flap suggested.

It was. Which might provide another unlikely source of consolation for the NRL.

Even on delay the refereeing is so routinely awful you can't keep your eyes off it.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Benji pleads, find me a NRL home

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

When Benji Marshall left the Wests Tigers six months ago the star playmaker said he would never play for another NRL club — today the 29-year-old has issued a public plea to all clubs to give him one last shot at rugby league.

After being told he had no future in Super Rugby with the Auckland Blues, Marshall yesterday instructed his long-time manager Martin Tauber to find him a new home.

BENJI REQUESTS RELEASE TO MAKE NRL RETURN

With Marshall and his wife Zoe having purchased a home in Auckland this month, the Warriors shape as the most logical destination. New Zealand recruitment manager Dean Bell also chased Marshall hard when the playmaker's relationship with the Tigers began to sour after being dropped to the bench.

Benji Marshall runs the ball for the Auckland Blues against the Brumbies Source: Getty Images

But it's believed interim coach Andrew McFadden is reluctant to turn to Marshall as a solution to his side's woes. However, McFadden could be overruled by Warriors owner Eric Watson.

Tauber last night claimed Marshall's preference was to return to Sydney, despite the fact he's making big money via endorsements across the Tasman. Tauber also stressed that no deal had been done with a rival club.

BENJI'S NOT A GREAT ATHLETE

BRENDAN CANNON: GIVE IT UP, BENJI

"He wants to come back to Sydney," Tauber said.

"He will come back, no question, so we have got to find a home."

Tauber said Marshall sat down with Auckland coach Sir John Kirwan on Sunday morning and was told he was no longer wanted at the Blues.

Benji Marshall farewells the crowd after his last home game for the Wests Tigers. Source: News Limited

Tauber explained: "He spoke to Sir John Kirwan yesterday morning and (Kirwan) said: 'Look, it is just not working. There are some choices'.

"You can go back and play club rugby in Auckland. It was highly unlikely he would play in their Super 15 squad again this year. He said otherwise we could probably release you to go back to the NRL."

And Tauber was adamant that the former New Zealand captain had not done a deal with any NRL club.

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

"We have got nothing," Tauber said. "We have not spoken to anybody. This all only took place yesterday morning and we weren't anticipating or planning anything."

CODE FLOPPERS: WHEN CAREER CHANGES GO BAD

Reminded of Marshall's parting comment that he would never play against the West Tigers, Tauber said: "Well, he has given me the instruction to try and find him an NRL club. That comment he made was probably made at the wrong time. It won't exist."

Asked if he had spoken to any NRL clubs, Tauber added: "None whatsoever. The piece about Salford, I have never spoken to them. There has been speculation about Cronulla, I have never spoken to Steve Noyce or Darren Mooney or any of them."

Benji Marshall makes a break during for the Tigers against the Dragons. Source: News Limited

It's believed Marshall, however, has reached out to the Sharks via some of his former Tigers teammates who are now playing in the Shire, including Beau Ryan.

Marshall makes no secret about the fact he wants to call Sydney home. And he wants to make his NRL comeback sooner rather than later.

"We have got some personal things to deal with because he has just bought a beautiful new home (in Auckland).

"He could play by the middle of May and remember the deadline is the end of June for transfer."

What do you think of Benji's decision to quit rugby?

WHERE WILL BENJI GO?

Each club's first-choice halves combination and whether they
are interested in signing Marshall

BRONCOS - Five-eighth: Josh Hoffman, Halfback: Ben Hunt, CEO Paul White: "No."

BULLDOGS - Five-eighth: Josh Reynolds, Halfback: Trent Hodkinson, CEO Raelene Castle: "I don't think so. Not something we've discussed."

RAIDERS - Five-eighth: Jack Wighton, Halfback: Terry Campese, Coach Ricky Stuart: "Not us."

COWBOYS - Five-eighth: Johnathan Thurston, Halfback: Robert Lui, CEO Peter Jourdain: "No."

TITANS - Five-eighth: Aidan Sezer, Halfback: Albert Kelly, CEO Graham Annesley: "No."

SEA EAGLES - Five-eighth: Kieran Foran, Halfback: Daly Cherry-Evans, CEO David Perry: "No interest."

STORM - Five-eighth: Ben Hampton/Ben Roberts, Halfback: Cooper Cronk, Football director Frank Ponissi: "Benji would be a great addition but there is one problem — $$."

KNIGHTS - Five-eighth: Jarrod Mullen, Halfback: Tyrone Roberts, CEO Matt Gidley: "No. He is not in our recruitment plans."

EELS - Five-eighth: Corey Norman, Halfback: Chris Sandow/Luke Kelly, CEO Scott Seward: "No."

PANTHERS - Five-eighth: Jamie Soward, Halfback: Peter Wallace, CEO Phil Moss: "No interest."

RABBITOHS - Five-eighth: Luke Keary/John Sutton, Halfback: Adam Reynolds, CEO Shane Richardson: "Absolutely no interest whatsoever."

SHARKS - Five-eighth: Todd Carney, Halfback: Jeff Robson, CEO Steve Noyce: "We haven't had any discussions with Benji or his management."

DRAGONS - Five-eighth: Gareth Widdop, Halfback: Michael Witt/Sam Williams, CEO Peter Doust: "We have no interest in Benji."

ROOSTERS - Five-eighth: James Maloney, Halfback: Mitchell Pearce, COO Brian Canavan: "We're very happy with our halves and have both locked in to long-term arrangements with the club."

WARRIORS - Five-eighth: Chad Townsend/Thomas Leuluai, Halfback: Shaun Johnson, Unavailable for comment

TIGERS - Five-eighth: Curtis Sironen, Halfback: Luke Brooks, CEO Grant Mayer: "There's no room in our top 25 for Benji Marshall next year."

Which club will Benji Marshall most likely end up at?

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Axe looms over video ref blooper

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

THE video referee who blundered by awarding Manly a dubious try on Friday night is expected to be dumped on Tuesday.

The Daily Telegraph understands Paul Mellor will be dropped when the round eight appointments for this weekend are released on Tuesday afternoon.

And the development comes as Newcastle coach Wayne Bennett added some balance by declaring: "It's easy to criticise and find fault but it's always harder to come up with the right answers."

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

North Queensland remain filthy the final, match-winning try to Sea Eagles star Kieran Foran was allowed despite an obvious obstruction by team-mate Jamie Buhrer on Cowboys' Ray Thompson.

The drama was part of a horror weekend for referees and video referees. At least four incidents were contentious, Melbourne copping a rough call when they had what appeared a legitimate try disallowed against Canberra on Sunday.

The video referee for that match, Luke Phillips, will survive though for this weekend.

NRL referee's boss, Tony Archer, was not commenting on Monday until after the full round had been completed.

"If he (Mellor) does get dropped it is of no consolation to us," said North Queensland general manager, football, Peter Parr. "We would prefer he gets the decisions right and not to get dropped.

Johnathan Thurston speaks with Referee, Gavin Badger after the Kieran Foran try. Source: Getty Images

"I haven't met one person yet that thought it was a try. It's hard to fathom.

"We can't understand how the video referee thought it was a try when, in our opinion, it was clear cut.

"That is something we are struggling to come to terms with. How does he come up with a try when everybody in the game said it was no try?

"How he came up with a different interpretation is hard to comprehend. It would be possible to handle if it was one-off.

"But, for us, clearly that's not the case, not withstanding we still had chances to win the game. But it was a massive call."

Ex players turned referees Paul Mellor (right), Luke Phillips (middle) and Henry Perenara (left). Source: Supplied

Bennett entered the refereeing debate on Monday when asked whether he favoured the system where a referee will offer his opinion on a try before then opting to use the video referee.

"I think they smoke-screened it a lot last year," Bennett said.

"They made out they had found the perfect system when they got rid of the benefit of the doubt but there is no perfect system.

"Maybe we do need to look at it in the sense of the referee, in some cases, not making a decision. Maybe just some of them should just go straight up to the video referee and with all the evidence before them and make a decision. Just go straight to the video bloke and say try or no try and we have to live with that."

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Asked was he in favour of a centralised video referee system, Bennett said: "I am down the track, yeah. I think it will happen. I hope it will happen.

"We'll still have those moments of controversy. There is no perfect system. We have made things more perfect but nothings perfect.

"It's sport, it's all the unknown. That's why we love it."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Moyes facing the sack at Man United

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

MANCHESTER United looks set to fire manager David Moyes after his disastrous first season at Old Trafford in which the club has failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 1995.

The British press were reporting that a decision to sack Moyes was imminent late Monday night, a day after the Red Devils lost 2-0 at Everton for their 11th Premier League defeat of the season.

Under Moyes, United will finish the season with its lowest ever Premier League points total following the club's worst form at home for over a decade. First home losses to Newcastle since 1972, West Bromwich Albion since 1978, Stoke since 1984, plus home and away defeats by Liverpool, Manchester City and Everton currently places the club in seventh spot and out of the Europa League berths.

A plane flies overhead with a banner criticising Moyes in the match between United and Aston Villa. Source: Getty Images

Tottenham is six points ahead of United in the last spot for European football's second-tier competition. The last time United fail to qualify for Europe was in the 1981-82 season.

"We need to end the season on a high," Moyes told MUTV, United's in-house television station, on Monday.

"We want to finish by winning all of our games. We'll do everything we possibly can to make that happen."

The Red Devils face Norwich, Sunderland, Hull and Southampton in its final four matches of the season.

There was no comment from United but the Guardian reported that the Glazer family owners and vice-president Ed Woodward were in discussions about whether they should continue with the Scot.

Moyes shakes hands with Everton manager Roberto Martinez at the end of Sunday's match. Source: AFP

Moyes signed a six-year contract with United at the end of last season when he was hand-picked by Sir Alex Ferguson after the 71-year-old Scot's trophy-laden 26-year career at the club.

But the continual poor run of results and the absence of any improvement on the pitch has given the owners pause for thought about entrusting Moyes with significant sums for the much-needed overhaul of the squad.

There was fresh uncertainty at United after reports emerged that forward Danny Welbeck is considering his future at the club following a lack of game time this season.

Leading British bookmakers stopped taking bets on David Moyes being sacked as Manchester United manager.

Moyes chats to Ryan Giggs, who has played sparingly under him amid reports they don't get along. Source: Getty Images

Sky Bet cut their odds on Moyes leaving United before the end of May to 1/4 from 9/4 before suspending betting.

Ladbrokes installed United great Ryan Giggs, currently a player/coach at Old Trafford, as the 5/1 favourite to replace Moyes before they too suspended betting on their "next manager to leave" market.

Atletico Madrid's Diego Simone, Borussia Dortmund's Jurgen Klopp and the Netherlands' Louis van Gaal have also been linked with the United job.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More