Suns’ Lynch aims to out Roo, Roo

Suns young gun Tom Lynch is touted as the next Nick Riewoldt. Picture: Adam Head Source: Adam Head / News Corp Australia

NICK Riewoldt has given opponents headaches for more than a decade but he may have created one for the Saints at Etihad Stadium.

Suns forward Tom Lynch has been described as a mix between the Saints skipper and Brisbane powerhouse Jonathan Brown, and can point to up-close and personal encounters with the two champion centre half-forwards of their generation as pivotal moments in his development.

He possesses the elite workrate and peerless courage of the two greats and you can also throw a fair slice of Brown's aggression.

The 21-year-old is beginning to capture the broader public's attention after kicking nine goals in the past three weeks.

But the coaching staff at the Suns have known his blue-collar credentials from the day he arrived as pick 11 in the 2010 draft.

Nick Riewoldt kicks a goal against Carlton. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

The difference this year, aside from an increased emphasis on his finishing, is the longest injury free run of his career.

Lynch has always followed the centre half-forward's creed that performances are measured on the amount of contests you get to.

He booted five goals against the Giants in Round 6, bettering his previous best of four in a three Brownlow vote-winning performance against Carlton in 2012.

That was the day the doubters realised he was going to be a good player but it may have been three-quarters spent at the other end of the ground as a 19-year-old, when he was shifted to defence to run with Riewoldt, that stays with Lynch.

"I definitely took a lot out of that game, I just got to see how hard he works,'' he said.

"It is how I have always wanted to play, I'm not a bad runner and I've tried to carry that..''

Brown also can lay claim to helping shape the man who is tipped as a future captain.

Former Lion and now Suns conditioner Matthew "Max" Kennedy arranged a meeting between the two after Lynch's second season that Brown, a proud office bearer of the centre-half-forward's guild, was happy to attend.

"It was pretty basic and things I'd heard before but it was just great coming from him,'' Lynch said.

"He talked to me about always training hard and always working hard.

"One thing that stuck with me was that he said to always imagine someone is watching you when you train or do a gym session, if you do that you will know your opponent is not doing what you are doing.''

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Scott delivers for Swede merchants

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SCOTT McLaughlin made history yesterday with the Kiwi young-gun landing Volvo their first victory since 1986 on a landmark day for V8 Supercars and the Swedish invader.

As six time champion hopeful Jamie Whincup took another battering, McLaughlin recovered from a poor start to hold of Holden's Fabian Coulthard in a blitzing win that handed Volvo their first win since Robbie Francevic's took out the championship in 1986.

In rubber burning 42 lap around Perth's demanding Barbagallo Raceway, McLaughlin hunted down Craig Lowndes to take the lead on lap 18 before a pistop relegated him to 3rd behind Will Davison and Markwinterbottom.

With only Coulthard's Brad Jones Racing Commodore a match for the S60's blistering speed, McLaughlin rounded up the front runners to easily win in the victory that saw Volvo join new makes Mercedes and Nissan as race winners.

Having won two races with Holden last year, McLaughlin calmly excited the S60 after scoring Volvo's first championship winning race in 28 years and saluted his team in a subdued celebration.

Despite the first up win for the manufacturer in their return year, their were no wild scenes as witnessed in Perth at the year opening Clipsall 500 when the Garry Roger's driver stormed past Whincup on the final corner to pinch a first event podium.

"It is a great feeling and a lot of people have worked very hard for this,'' McLaughlin said.

"It was a bit nerve racking in the end because they were telling me I may have a problem and it looked like I was running on seven cylinders for a while. It put me off put we did not have a problem and the car was great.''

McLaughlin, 20, again showed maturity beyond his year in an inch perfect race that saw him pass Holden legend Lowndes and Bathurst winners Winterbottom and Will Davison.

"My Mum and Dad keep me pretty focused and grounded,'' McLaughlin said.

"They have been massive supporters, my sister too, and they keep my feet on the ground. I would cop a little slap if I was doing anything silly. I have an awesome family, team and boss behind me and I can't thank them all enough for helping me get Volvo Polestar's first win.''

Ford Performance Racing star Winterbottom was also celebrating with the championship leader extending his lead by finishing in front of Lowndes and reigning champion Whincup.

Coming off three wins in the last four races, Winterbottom was only denied 3rd place by his teammate Chaz Mostert as Lowndes held on to 5th and Whincup limped his way to 17th.

"Chaz was trying to win the race and he was clearly quicker,'' Winterbottom said.

"I was not going to make it difficult because we are team mates and I wanted him to get up there and have a crack at the win. He is a great young bloke and a future champion and we work together as a team here and we will both help each other when ever we can. I think third and fourth is a pretty good result for the team.''

Whincup was again liking his wounds with the record breaker now 199 points behind championship leader Winterbottom, while Red Bull teammate Lowndes also dropped a spot on the ladder with Coulthard moving to second.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tinkler should go now

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NATHAN Tinkler has been issued with an ultimatum to walk away from the Newcastle Knights or risk the club's ownership battle being destined for the courts.

After eight weeks of failed peace talks with the NRL, the Knights Members Club has lost patience with the Hunter Sports Group.

The back page of The Daily Telegraph in April of 2011 after Nathan Tinkler assumes ownership of the Knights. Source: DailyTelegraph

Tinkler has been given until the end of this week to sign a $10.52 million bank guarantee which allows the Members Club to start the process of buying the club back for $1.

If Tinkler fails to do so, then the Knights are headed for the courts in an ownership battle guaranteed to be very ugly and very public.

"We're calling on the Hunter Sports Group to honour their obligations to the club and community by transferring the assets, including the bank guarantee," Members Club chairman Nick Dan said.

Newcastle Knights coach Wayne Bennett talks to Knights owner Nathan Tinkler. Source: News Limited

"We want it to be easy for the players and staff to simply worry about their jobs. It would also be easier for the NRL if they could just worry about running the game rather than worrying about an individual club."

The tipping point for the NRL came last Friday when it emerged super coach Wayne Bennett was among a group of 20 staff and players who have not been paid monthly wages.

Two days earlier, Tinkler supposedly spent $150 million to purchase a mine in Queensland. It makes the failure to pay Bennett, other staff and players astounding.

Nathan Tinkler has been told to walk away from the Newcastle Knights. Source: DailyTelegraph

The future of Bennett at Newcastle is now a work in progress, with his four-year contract signed with HSG rather than the Knights. So if Tinkler is forced out, the supercoach will have to re-negotiate the terms of the final 18 months of his contract under the club's new structure.

The Sunday Telegraph has spoken to a number of Newcastle insiders who are fuming with Tinkler, but under the HSG regime every employee at the club is effectively forbidden from speaking out against the ownership publicly.

Thankfully, former Newcastle premiership winner and media personality Matty Johns isn't gagged by the same sort of instructions.

Matthew Johns and Tony Butterfield embrace after playing their last game in front of their home crowd in Newcastle. Source: News Corp Australia

Johns told The Sunday Telegraph: "It's something that has got to be addressed because there have been rumours going on for the entire season about late payments and players not being paid.

"That affects performance. These latest developments have clearly proven there are players not being paid. That being the case, is it any wonder the team is not performing?"

We asked Johns specifically about the form of Queensland player Darius Boyd, the fullback who is owed a $200,000 third-party sponsorship.

"I've heard all the stories about Darius being owed money," Johns said.

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"I've heard all the stories about third-party payments, but I don't know what the facts of the matter are because people won't speak.

"People are afraid to talk about it.

Players and staff at the Newcastle Knights were not paid this week. Source: News Corp Australia

"The other night on Peter Sterling's 'Sterlo' program there was a package of Darius' play that indicated to me something is very, very wrong. They weren't the actions of a world-class player."

Luckily for the Knights, the Westpac bank has guaranteed it will honour the $10.52 million bank cheque which is currently sitting in a joint account between HSG and the Knights Members Club.

Questions have been raised about Darius Boyd's form in recent weeks. Source: News Limited

The issue for the Knights Members and the club's legion of supporters is that the cheque needs to signed by Tinkler's right-hand man Troy Palmer in order for the members to be able to draw on the funds.

There has been talk over the past two months the Newcastle Knights debt could be as high as $18 or even $20 million.

Under the terms of the private ownership contract Tinkler signed when HSG took over in 2011, if the Members Club exercises its right to buy the club back for $1, it comes debt-free.

Will Tinkler be prepared to walk away with an $18 million bill? It's unlikely.

Wayne Bennett's relationship with Nathan Tinkler is said to be at breaking point. Source: DailyTelegraph

Which means the Knights could be headed for an ugly legal battle for control of the club, especially when you consider HSG chief executive Palmer's comments about the latest crisis on Friday night.

"We requested short-term assistance from the NRL for the outstanding wages, however this wasn't forthcoming.

"HSG will ensure any outstanding wages are paid next week and hope the ownership dispute can be resolved immediately so the club can be adequately funded again."

The Knights Members club has retained strong ties with the powerful Wests Newcastle Leagues club organisation, with the pair already in talks about the future of the club.

Perhaps the people who have been hit the hardest by HSG's business antics over the past three years are the loyal Novocastrian fans.

They are tried and true rugby league people. All they want is a football team to be proud of.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Pressure for ‘sexist’ EPL chief to quit

'Sexist' ... English Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore is under pressure to resign. Picture: Getty Images Source: Jan Kruger / Getty Images

THE English Premier League chief at the centre of a sexism row has come under fresh pressure to quit his post.

Last week Britain's Sunday Mirror newspaper published leaked private emails sent by Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore in which he made crude references to a woman colleague and also included jokes about "female irrationality".

Now Scudamore has been urged to consider his position by Heather Rabbatts, an independent board member of the Football Association and one of the most prominent women in English football, in light of "growing evidence of a closed culture of sexism" at the Premier League.

"No one can doubt the tremendous achievements of the Premier League in creating one of the world's great footballing competitions," Rabbatts said in a statement.

"But with that success and the massive public interest it generates comes the obligation to behave responsibly and have in place proper lines of accountability and good governance.

"Sadly recent events appear to show that these things are currently lacking in the administration of the Premier League and indeed there is growing evidence of a closed culture of sexism, symbolised in the email exchanges which have been made public.

"These challenges go beyond the current situation of chief executive Richard Scudamore, however if the League are to move forward in a positive way then he and they should give serious consideration to his position in the coming days."

FA chairman Greg Dyke, while calling Scudamore's comments "totally inappropriate", has said the governing body will not be taking action as "our policy has always been that we do not consider something stated in a private email communication to amount to professional misconduct".

But, with title sponsors Barclays Bank voicing their concerns, the Premier League has announced its audit and remuneration committee of Bruce Buck, the Chelsea chairman, David Gill, the former Manchester United chief executive, Peter Coates, the Stoke City chairman, and John Williams, the former Blackburn Rovers chairman, will meet on Monday to discuss whether Scudamore should face disciplinary proceedings.

If they agree he should, they would make a recommendation to all 20 English top-flight clubs, who would have the final say over Scudamore's position at the Premier League's annual general meeting on June 5.

Former England captain Casey Stoney added to the criticism of Scudamore by telling Britain's Daily Telegraph: "We are trying to get to a world without discrimination and to have somebody in such a high position in football making derogatory comments about females is not acceptable."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Uphill finish? Bling it on

Australian Michael Matthews has no plans to surrender the pink jersey in the Giro d'Italia. Picture: AFP AFP Source: LUK BENIES / AFP

HE has such a penchant for designer jewellery that he happily answers to the nickname "Bling".

That's what's on the personalised number plates of the $160,000 Porsche sports car in which he cruises around the French Riviera, where he lives in a rented apartment worth about $5 million.

Needless to say, Canberra cyclist Michael Matthews stands out in a crowd — as he has done in Ireland and Italy this week.

Matthews, 24, has led the Giro d'Italia, the second biggest bike race in the world, at the end of stages two, three and four, having helped Orica-GreenEDGE win the opening team time-trial.

And there were no plans to surrender the leader's pink jersey, the maglia rose, with last night's and tonight's stages featuring uphill finishes that suit Matthews, who can climb as well as sprint.

"I'm probably in my best climbing form, so these two stages are my main goal," he said yesterday after holding his ground in a tricky fourth stage, the first in Italy after three days in Ireland.

With the roads made slippery by rain, a rider protest convinced officials to neutralise the final 8km. Several crashed anyway but Matthews, who had fallen in stage two, escaped unscathed and leads the tour by eight8seconds.

He has joined elite company — Cadel Evans, Brad McGee, Richie Porte, Robbie McEwen and Brett Lancaster — as the only Australians to wear the pink, and was poised to pass Porte's 2010 record of three days in it in 2010.

Australia's Michael Matthews, at center of the pack with the pink jersey of leader of the race, pedals during the fourth stage of the Giro d'Italia, Tour of Italy cycling race, from Giovinazzo to Bari, Italy, Tuesday May 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Gian Mattia D'Alberto) Source: AP

Adding to an impressive couple of weeks for Australian cycling — Orica-GreenEDGE won six races in eight days leading into the Giro — another young gun, Rohan Dennis, won yesterday's stage three of the Tour of California, riding for US outfit Garmin-Sharp. He trails 2012 Tour de France champion Brad Wiggins by 24sec.

Matthews is one of a number of GreenEDGE riders with big futures. Although the team for the Tour de France has not been named yet, he is pencilled in to make his debut, possibly at the expense of highly paid designated sprinter Matt Goss, whose future is on shaky ground after a long run of disappointing results.

That will be "a dream come true" for Matthews, who shot to prominence with two stage wins in last year's Tour of Spain, having won the under-23 title at the 2010 road race world championships in Geelong.

He joined GreenEDGE after two underwhelming years with Dutch outfit Rabobank, where he admitted he lost his "way a little bit".

It was culture shock to some extent.

"Being an Australian in a Dutch team was always going to be difficult," he said.

"GreenEDGE suits me a lot better. We have a lot more fun and I get much more help in races. The atmosphere in the team is the best I've ever seen.

"This is home now and I don't think I'll be changing to anywhere else in the future."

Despite his glitzy image, Matthews is a well-grounded, politely spoken hard worker whose favourite phrases seem to be "giving it 110 per cent" and "doing everything right".

But he's more than happy with the "Bling" thing, which started when he was competing in motocross as a teenager and "everybody was trying to look the coolest".

"Bringing that style into cycling, it's a bit different," he said. "Hopefully I can make a name out of it with some sort of fashion line or something like that.''

"If I can keep winning and keep the image going it should be fun."

He is also a car freak, and the Porsche is destined to make way for a Ferrari in due course. This is a sportsman looking to go places — fast.

ron.reed@news.com.au

Twitter: @Reedrw

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Taking a turn for the better

Stable foreman Johanne Taylor with Sydney gallopers Junoob (left) and Moriarty. Picture: Tim Marsden Source: Tim Marsden / News Corp Australia

THE tight track and the weather are the only concerns for Nash Rawiller as he prepares to pilot emerging import Junoob in Saturday's Kirks Doomben Cup.

Rawiller rode Junoob, who joins Moriarty in giving trainer Chris Waller a shot at a third Doomben Cup in five years, to fourth in the Hollindale Stakes a fortnight ago.

"Every corner he lost three lengths," Rawiller said.

"He didn't appreciate the tight turning track. He will also be better when he can get traction on a dry track."

Doomben managed to dodge the deluge that wiped out the second half of yesterday's Sunshine Coast meeting and course manager Jim Roberts will even consider irrigating today.

"They are predicting a few showers between now and Saturday, but that happened last week and it didn't arrive so I'm a bit between a rock and a hard place at the moment," he said.

"We could get a few showers between now and Saturday and it won't affect the track."

There is a prediction for showers today, tomorrow and Saturday, but Roberts said Doomben had the capacity to dry out quickly because it had not had any serious rainfall for a fortnight.

The drying track was music to Rawiller's ears, so his lone concern is how Junoob will handle Doomben.

"I'm reasonably confident,'' he said. "I would just like him to get on a better surface and be able to balance a bit better around the turns.

"My only concern on Saturday would be the small track again. He's a big striding horse (but) he's become a bit more adaptable, you can ride him on pace.

"He's got really good ability, which takes him a long way."

While not regarded as a vintage edition of the cup, it promises to be a spirited betting race.

Up-and-comers Leebaz and Junoob will take on the proven weight-for-age mare Streama and the rejuvenated Akzar.

Darren Weir reported Akzar touched down without incident in Brisbane yesterday and went straight to his feed bin after being stabled. TattsBet has him only a touch behind Streama and Leebaz.

Gerald Ryan made the decision to pay the late entry fee for Angel Of Mercy, who, like Junoob, is far superior on a firmer track.

Waller won last year's Doomben Cup with Beaten Up and also the 2010 renewal with Metal Bender.

Junoob has similarities to Rawiller's previous Doomben Cup winner Mawingo, being a first-season import coming off races below the top level. Mawingo ran third in the Hollindale but took benefit from his first Australian weight-for-age start to topple more fancied rivals at Doomben.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ex-Jet could fly in to rescue Reds

Hayden Smith in action for the New York Jets. Picture: Getty Images Source: Jim McIsaac / News Corp Australia

THE Queensland Reds are considering making a play for former New York Jets tight end Hayden Smith as they look to rebuild after a demoralising Super Rugby season.

Australian-born Smith, 29, who made an amazing transition from Sydney's Blue Mountains to US college basketball, then on to international rugby and the NFL, is playing for UK rugby heavyweights Saracens.

A 201cm, 116kg lock who played for the US Eagles against the Wallabies at the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, Smith played seven games for the Jets last year before being cut in the final round of squad selection for the upcoming season.

He first came to the attention of Reds coach Richard Graham when he first signed with Saracens in 2008.

Graham, an assistant coach with the London club, was impressed by Smith's work ethic and athleticism. He is looking into the possibility of bringing him to Ballymore.

"The Queensland Reds are currently in the market for a big, athletic forward who carries strongly at the line,'' Graham said. "Hayden is one of the players we will be considering when we make that decision over the next few months.

"I spent a season with Hayden at Saracens when he first transitioned to rugby.

"The level of professionalism he conducted himself with was matched by his strong desire to succeed.

Hayden Smith wins a lineout for Saracens. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

"I am not surprised by what he has achieved in rugby, nor that he managed to beat thousands of other seasoned NFL players to secure a contract with the New York Jets.''

Should the Reds be able to lure Smith away from Saracens he would be their designated "marquee player" due to his 19 caps for the US.

It would be shrewd manoeuvring, because the Reds have been able to gain a dispensation so lock Ed O'Donoghue can play as a local again next year rather than be classified as an import for three Ireland A games in 2009.

That he has managed to reach such heights in rugby despite having never played the game before the age of 23 is testament to his outstanding athletic ability.

Born and raised in Penrith, he was expected to sign a contract with basketball's Sydney Kings before the club struck financial difficulties.

Instead he took up a college scholarship in Denver, Colorado, and in 2007 began playing rugby for a local team.

Within a year he was playing Test rugby for the US and was offered an academy spot with Saracens in London.

Before the season was out, he was in the first-grade squad. After 43 games, Smith decided to try out for the NFL.

Signed by the Jets in December 2012, he became only the second Australian to play in the NFL in a position other than punter. Cut by the Jets, Smith accepted an offer to return to Saracens.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bolter Bailey made of Wright stuff

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A HEART-TO-HEART chat over coffee and mineral water at Knox Shopping Centre last June paved the way for defender Bailey Wright's breakthrough season and World Cup selection.

The former Langwarrin defender, who signed for English club Preston North End five years ago after being overlooked for the AIS, was the surprise inclusion in the 30-man World Cup squad.

Wright, 21, will be assessed at next week's training camp in Gosford before Ange Postecoglou decides which defender he will cut before submitting his official 23-man squad to FIFA.

Wright's former VIS coach and mentor Ian Greener recalled their chat during Wright's last return to Melbourne and said the professionalism he had witnessed in Wright as a teenager had not waned.

Now Greener has no doubt Wright can make the jump from England's third tier to marking the likes of Robin van Persie (Manchester United) and Barcelona duo Xavi and Cesc Fabregas.

"I sat down with him when he was home last year at Knox and we discussed the next 12 months,'' Greener said.

"He was always keen to make it as pro, always had a water bottle, always ate the right food instead of McDonald's and other junk food and it was on display again," Greener said. " I had a coffee but he had mineral water.

"I said, 'If you play to your ability anything's possible, right down to inclusion in the World Cup squad'.

"He couldn't think of selection then. He had to think about a consistent season with Preston first and I said if he did that opportunities could present themselves. Now he's reaping the benefits.I think he's ready to play for his country at that level.''

Wright's father Andy was delighted yesterday and recalled his son's hard road to the top.

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The Tyabb-based family rated Wright's World Cup chances as only slim only months ago.

"Before Christmas I thought no way this would happen. It's quite surreal, numbing to be honest,'' Andy said.

Postecoglou said Wright was close to making the squad to play Ecuador in March, but ultimately 52 games in England's take-no-prisoners third-tier had him battle hardened.

It's a far cry from July 2009 — age 16 — when he was forced to train with Langwarrin's seniors after FFA blocked his clearance to Preston North End in what became a four-month saga.

He soon won his first pro contract with Darren Ferguson — son of Sir Alex — and now is a regular in a team hoping to win promotion to the second tier.

But there have been more setbacks.

"FFA wouldn't release him, it was a four-month saga but then it happened out of the blue,'' he said.

"He went straight to the under 18s, then reserves and by the end of the 2009-10 season he was on the bench for the first team," Greener said.

"Then 18 months ago when Graham Westley took over and the new manager wanted to build a winning team and let him and every player bar the keeper go.

"The club owner heard, was irate and demanded Bailey be kept on and he ended up winning young player of the year and has gone on to captain the team.''

Greener signed him for the VIS after a season at Dandenong Thunder's reserves age 14. He described Wright as an old-school defender who always had been hungry to learn.

"He was always a defender, one on one you couldn't find a better player, he was never caught out,'' Greener said.

"Some people said he wouldn't make it because he never had pace but he had speed of thought, he took up great positions.

"He's very coachable, he's shown incredible leadership qualities, at the VIS it was one of his outstanding attributes and Preston's picked up on that.

"He's very coachable and has been for all his career. Where some take stuff for granted, he was always soaking things up and thanking us for advice.''

Now that thirst for knowledge and his determination to improve may hold him in good stead in the Postecoglou regime.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mitch no longer the Favourite Son

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MITCHELL Pearce had been nominated for the NRL Favourite Son award prior to his Kings Cross incident, an award that — among other things — goes to "a player whose integrity and reputation makes the game more appealing to women."

Pearce was named as the Sydney Roosters' Favourite Son nominee ahead of this weekend's NRL Women in League round.

The nomination came only days before he was arrested by police for a boozy night out on Saturday night.

Mitchell Pearce talking to police in the Beach Haus nightclub. Source: Channel 9

Each club nominated a player "whose attitude and character has an outstanding influence on the game. The recipient is a player whose integrity and reputation makes the game more appealing to women."

The nominees have been cut back to just four — Pearce was not announced as a finalist — with the winner to be announced at a Women in League lunch in Sydney.

PEARCE STOOD DOWN, WOMAN REVEALED

The 16 Favourite Sons are: Pearce (Roosters), Corey Parker (Brisbane), Sam Perrett (Bulldogs), Brent Tate (Cowboys), Brett Morris (Dragons), Ben Smith (Parramatta), Jarrod Mullen (Knights), Kevin Kingston (Penrith), Brett White (Canberra), Matt Ballin (Manly), Michael Gordon (Cronulla), Ryan Hoffman (Storm), Ashley Harrison (Titans), Manu Vatuvei (Warriors) and Aaron Woods (Wests Tigers). Souths didn't wish to nominate a player.

Manly's Matt Ballin is a finalist for the NRL's Favourite Son award. Source: News Corp Australia

Pearce was nominated for his on-field ability and credentials.

An NRL release also said he earned a nomination for being "a key contributor within the community, regularly visiting locals schools to deliver the club's 'Roosters Against Racism' program and can also be regularly sighted at local junior leagues clubs and community groups like Nippers."

His efforts though have now been tarnished after being kicked-out of two Sydney establishments last weekend.

The four finalists are Kingston, Ballin, Vatuvei and Smith.

NRL chief executive Dave Smith will launch the Women In League round at the Museum of Contemporary Arts in The Rocks. Former Test prop Petero Civoniceva will be the MC.

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About 230 guests will attend the lunch. Others to attend include Canterbury chief executive Raelene Castle, Men of League CEO Corene Strauss and Broncos director Katie Bickford.

The annual Women in League round celebrates the enormous contribute women make to all levels of rugby league each year.

Just a fortnight ago, Mark Deweerd, NRL Interim general manager, community, culture and diversity, spoke glowingly about the nominees.

"Congratulations to all the Harvey Norman Favourite Son nominees whose integrity and leadership make us proud of the men they are off the field as much what they do on the field," he said.

"Their efforts and attitude inspire women to be part of the rugby league family at all levels."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Outed, fined but free to play Origin

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MTCHELL Pearce has been sensationally stood down from the NRL this weekend — but will be free to play State of Origin I after avoiding further action from police over a boozy night out.

The Sydney Roosters on Tuesday night suspended Pearce for one match, meaning he will miss Saturday's trip to North Queensland after he was arrested early Sunday morning.

Police will take no action against Pearce, who twice attempted to grab nightclub patron Melissa Arroja at the Beach Haus in Kings Cross. Pearce and Roosters teammate Boyd Cordner had earlier been ejected from the Clovelly Hotel.

ANOTHER BAD DAY ENGULFS THE NRL

PEARCE STOOD DOWN, WOMAN REVEALED

Mitchell Pearce at Roosters HQ (left), the woman in yellow Melissa Arroja (right). Source: Supplied

The Roosters however took stern action, suspending Pearce for one game and fining him $20,000, which will go to charity.

Pearce, however, will be back and available for Origin I in Brisbane on May 28, his selection guaranteed. He will have to attend a counselling program.

Cordner was fined $5000, with half that amount to be suspended.

The Roosters' investigation was completed on Tuesday and endorsed by the NRL integrity unit.

Roosters management took the action after they found Pearce and Cordner "breached club and NRL standards."

Sydney Roosters CEO Brian Canavan pictured at the SFS. Source: DailyTelegraph

"The club is most disappointed with the events of the weekend. The club and NRL have strong policies in place and there is a process that has had to run its course" Roosters chief operating officer of football Brian Canavan said.

"Mitchell and Boyd have accepted the club sanctions and shown genuine remorse for the negative spotlight both have attracted to the Roosters and the game by breaching the club's and NRL's standards."

Melissa Arroja hits social media. Source: Supplied

Arroja, the woman at the centre of Pearce's dance floor drama, made contact with police on Monday night but declined to give a statement after deciding not want to pursue the matter.

She did take to Facebook to post: "Stressful day wahhh," before adding another reply to a friend who made reference to the fluro yellow dress she was wearing on the night in question.

"That dress is shooo hot but attracts nothing but drama . . . And footy players farkkk".

CCTV footage from the club has shown the halfback reaching out to get her attention, before being spoken to and ejected by police. Pearce was later fined $500 for refusing to obey an order to leave licensed premises.

NSW police revealed on Tuesday Pearce would not face any action over his nightclub behaviour.

"Police have concluded their investigation into an alleged incident inside a nightclub at Potts Point over the weekend," said a police statement.

"About 10pm last night (Monday), a woman made contact with police and spoke to investigators. The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, declined to make a statement to police and did not wish to proceed with any further action. No further police action will be taken regarding the incident."

Mitchell Pearce at Sydney Roosters HQ. Source: News Corp Australia

Pearce received support from fellow NRL players, including Manly back-rower Anthony Watmough on Tuesday.

"First and foremost I hope he is all right mentally," Watmough said.

"I know he is under the pump. I hope he has good support around him and that he can keep positive and get through this with the support of his peers, friends and teammates. It is a tough time and he will tackle it head-on.

"He wellbeing is first and foremost at the front of my mind. He is good mate of mine and I just hope he is all right and hopefully he will come out of this a better person on the other side."

Mitchell Pearce makes a break for the Blues. Source: News Limited

Former Sydney Roosters forward Tom Symonds, now with Manly, denied the Bondi club had a party culture.

"I don't know about that. I think anyone who knows Mitchell knows he's a legend bloke and I'm sure he wouldn't have meant harm by what's happened," Symonds said.

"I can't speak on his behalf about the incident but I'm supporting him and hope he gets through it well. There is a lot of spotlight and being in the city there's always cameras and what not but at the end of the day every team is going to have those kind of pressures and just got to deal with it as best as you can."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bulldogs coach Hasler’s deal revealed

New details of Des Hasler's switch to the Bulldogs have emerged. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Corp Australia

PRIVATE communiqués of Canterbury's secret bid to steal Des Hasler from Manly in 2011 have emerged, conflicting with public statements from ex-Bulldogs CEO Todd Greenberg later that year.

Despite Greenberg maintaining all negotiations were focused on appointing Hasler for 2013, The Daily Telegraph has sighted correspondence that betrays Canterbury's desire to install the premiership-winning coach at Belmore 12 months earlier.

The correspondence also reveals the Bulldogs were prepared to consider indemnifying Hasler against any legal action from Manly, which claimed the former Sea Eagles star had a binding contract to remain at Brookvale in 2012. After Manly terminated Hasler in November 2011, Greenberg publicly dismissed suggestions of coercion.

Des Hasler with former CEO Todd Greenberg as he starts the first day on the job at Belmore Oval. Source: News Limited

The latest revelations come as Greenberg, now NRL head of football operations, faces an Integrity Unit probe over his recollection of being shown a betting ledger detailing football wagers of late prop Ryan Tandy at a meeting in August 2010.

Greenberg has categorically denied being presented with the ledger by former racing reporter John Schell, who swore otherwise in a police statement and court testimony that were tendered into evidence during Tandy's NSW Local Court trial in September 2011.

GREENBERG'S TANDY CLAIM UNDER A CLOUD

Then in charge of the Bulldogs, Greenberg started to pursue Hasler a month earlier, according to correspondence contained in a documentary time line assembled by Sea Eagles.

The correspondence asserts Hasler received a letter of offer from Canterbury on August 15 2011, which detailed a four-year deal worth $3.5 million. The nominated start date at the Bulldogs was 1 November 2011.

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On 26 August, Hasler again received a letter of offer. This time, however, the correspondence included three additional assurances from the Bulldogs.

Hasler was told they read:

"1. Letter of Offer is valid and binding assuming exist (sic) from Manly at end of 2011 season is achieved.

"2. Bulldogs may elect to indemnify you should the option matter reach litigious position, at their discretion.

"3. Should the Bulldogs decide not to indemnify if they feel risk factors are too great, then the Letter of Offer will automatically revert to a start date of season 2013 to 2016 inclusive.

"Todd would like to have the letter of offer with the above variation signed on Saturday (27 August) this weekend."

Hasler's success with Manly made him a target for the Bulldogs. Source: News Limited

Although it detailed Greenberg's position, the correspondence quoted from above was sent to Hasler by a third party who was acting on Hasler's behalf at the time.

However, the correspondence clearly indicates Canterbury's desire to bring Hasler on board for the 2012 pre-season. It also suggests the club's willingness to consider indemnifying the prized coach in the event of Manly taking legal action, with Sea Eagles officials adamant that Hasler has previously exercised an option to remain on the Northern Beaches in 2012.

Furthermore, on the very same day he received notice of the second letter of offer, Hasler told Manly chairman Scott Penn of his intention to quit the club at the end of 2011.

Correspondence from Hasler to Penn on 26 August states: "Whilst it would be easy for us to be emotional given my long playing and coaching days at the club, I would rather that all move forward from our discussion and enjoy the successes that we have had. In this respect I formally advise you that I will conclude my employment at the end of this 2011 season."

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But when Manly terminated Hasler's contract in November, clearing the way for Hasler to join Canterbury straight away, Greenberg gave several public assurances that the Bulldogs were always working toward the following season.

On 15 November, he told The Daily Telegraph: "No, to be fair, every discussion we've had was about 2013 ... Our plans were well and truly in place."

On 22 March 2012 he participated in an interview with Daily Telegraph reporter Dean Ritchie on Channel Ten's Game Plan show, which focused heavily on the Hasler negotiations.

When asked if he commenced negotiations while Hasler was still under contract at Manly, Greenberg replied: "I have answered this question before but I am happy to answer it again. The answer is no. All our plans were for 2013 and beyond."

Greenberg also addressed speculation of Hasler being induced or coerced to breach his contract with Manly. On 12 November he told Triple M: "We are not in the business of coercing people out of their contracts or out of their arrangements."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Aussies will get wild in France

Nick Kyrgios is among the crop of top young Aussie tennis players. AFP PHOTO/WILLIAM WEST Source: WILLIAM WEST / AFP

TEENAGERS Ashleigh Barty and Nick Kyrgios have been rewarded for making the most of their French Open chances by earning wildcards to this year's tournament.

Barty and Kyrgios, who turned 18 and 19 respectively last month, broke through at Roland Garros last year.

Wildcard Barty upset Lucie Hradecka, a player ranked 96 places higher, to secure her maiden Grand Slam singles victory before falling to then-world No. 12 Maria Kirilenko in the second round.

It was part of a big year for Barty, who went on to win her first-round match at the US Open and was also runner-up with Casey Dellacqua in three of the year's four majors.

"I've played a lot more in big matches," Barty said of the past 12 months.

"The experience accumulates and it's just finally coming together, I think, and hopefully I can be ready for a big year."

Barty is learning to like clay, which has not been her favourite surface.

"It's a part of the season that we have to play on and in the end you have to learn to love it otherwise you're never going to have success on it," Barty said.

"Hopefully I can recreate the success I had at the French Open last year and get another win."

Kyrgios only secured his wildcard opportunity last year when original choice John Millman was injured.

The youngster from Canberra, who was then ranked No. 262 in the world, shocked veteran Radek Stepanek in his opening match before bowing out to Croatia's Marin Cilic.

Since then Kyrgios has raised his ranking 100 places.

He impressed fans at home at the Australian Open, where he suffered a gallant second-round defeat to Frenchman Beniot Paire.

He overcame a six-week absence with an elbow injury to win back-to-back Challenger titles on green clay in the US last month.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Greenberg’s Tandy claim under cloud

Former Bulldogs boss Todd Greenberg. Source: News Corp Australia

THE contents of a sworn police statement have emerged which contradict NRL football boss Todd Greenberg's claims that he was not informed about Ryan Tandy's gambling on rugby league matches at a meeting with the late prop's betting agent in August 2010.

The NRL Integrity Unit has approached the two witnesses — Bulldogs football manager Alan Thompson and former racing reporter John Schell — who hold the key to Greenberg's survival, which hangs on an internal investigation into whether he lied about having knowledge of Tandy's bets on 2010 NRL games.

The latest probe into Greenberg's former role as Canterbury CEO focuses on an August 17, 2010 meeting with Thompson and Schell, who was placing bets on Tandy's behalf at the time.

Police witness statements and other documents relating to the Ryan Tandy match fixing investigation Source: Supplied

In both a sworn police statement and evidence before the NSW Local Court, Schell has testified that during that meeting he showed Greenberg and Thompson a betting ledger that recorded four separate wagers on NRL fixtures played in June 2010.

Over the next two months, Schell pursued Tandy for $30,370 worth of gambling debts, and met the Bulldogs pair at an Olympic Park cafe to personally express his grievance.

Tendered into evidence as part of the DPP case against Tandy, who was charged with four counts of lying to the NSW Crime Commission, Schell's hand-written ledger reveals $21,000 worth of rugby league bets.

Police witness statements and other documents relating to the Ryan Tandy match fixing investigation Source: Supplied

The issue was revisited in the wake of Tandy's recent death, with the ABC's 7:30 program last week approaching Greenberg and Thompson for response over why Canterbury never escalated Schell's allegations.

While Thompson declined to comment, Greenberg issued the program a categorical denial of being told about Tandy's NRL bets at the meeting.

''Mr Greenberg says at no stage during the meeting was there any suggestion or allegation of betting on rugby league matches,'' the spokesperson said.

''Mr Greenberg categorically dismisses any suggestion otherwise.''

Ex football player Ryan Tandy leaves the Sydney Police Centre. Source: News Limited

In Schell's police statement, sworn to detective senior constable Matthew Gibson on December 10, 2010, Schell contradicts Greenberg.

In Schell's police statement, sworn to detective senior constable Matthew Gibson on December 10, 2010, Schell recounts the meeting he had with the-then Bulldogs boss and Thompson at Raw café, adjacent to the team's former Sydney Olympic Park training base.

"I expressed my concerns over the debt that Tandy had to me and showed Greenberg and Thompson the betting ledger that I had kept and also my phone records which showed calls etc," Schell's police statement read.

Thompson's police statement, sworn to Gibson on 17 January 2011, also recalls the meeting, but is silent about the production of Schell's ledger.

"At this meeting Schell detailed the amount of money that Tandy owed him and also a number of bets that Tandy had been placing," Thompson's statement read.

Police witness statements and other documents relating to the Ryan Tandy match fixing investigation Source: Supplied

The two police statements concur that Schell did not wish to make a formal complaint at the time.

Instead it was agreed that he contact Tandy's agent, Sam Ayoub.

Concerned that he might jeopardise his chances of recouping the debt, Schell did not do so.

Schell's first contact with the Bulldogs came via Thompson, whom he had known socially for a year beforehand. The pair is still close and catch up frequently.

On Saturday the NRL announced it would pose questions in relation to the ABC report, which challenged Canterbury over its failure to properly escalate Schell's claims at the meeting.

It's understood the NRL administration at the time did not become aware of Tandy's bets on rugby league matches until some weeks later, when it hired veteran NSW Racing steward Ray Murrihy to investigate suspicious betting around the infamous Cowboys-Bulldogs match.

Former Bulldogs boss Todd Greenberg. Source: News Corp Australia

The Daily Telegraph can reveal both Thompson and Schell have received calls from the head of the NRL's Integrity Unit, commercial lawyer Nick Weeks.

Thompson refused to comment on Monday, while Schell said his ongoing co-operation would be determined by his initial meeting with Weeks.

Greenberg did not comment, while an NRL spokesperson said "the NRL takes such issues seriously and is making inquiries into the matter''.

Greenberg has already survived one internal probe since his appointment to League Central last August, with the Integrity Unit approving his handling of the Ben Barba drama over 12 months ago.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Daniel Garb’s EPL team of the season

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WITH the EPL season run and won, it's time to look at the best performing stars of 2013-2014.

Fox Sports' Daniel Garb has picked his star performers from the year that was, and despite winning the title, just one Manchester City player makes his starting team.

Team of the year

Lloris

Coleman Terry Lovren Azipilicueta

Gerrard Toure

Lallana

Suarez Hazard

Sturridge

Bench: De Gea, Cahill, Jedinak, Henderson, Ramsey, Silva, Aguero

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Defence

Lloris is the best keeper in the league, pure and simple. And he performed in that fashion this season with little assistance from a very poor team. It's hard to oust the brilliant Pablo Zabaleta from the side but Coleman has become the best attacking full-back in the league, as his six goals have proven. John Terry was the best centre-back this season by the length of his rap sheet but picking his partner was the hardest task of all in this side. I've gone for Dejan Lovren over Gary Cahill as he didn't have the assistance of a great defender next to him.

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Southampton plays a risky, high defensive line and Lovren marshalled that superbly, especially early in the season. There may be some raised eyebrows at Leighton Baines's omission but having watched Chelsea on numerous occasions this season Cesar 'Dave' Azipilicueta did not get beaten. Ever. He has an incredible engine, amazing anticipation and he utilised those attributes on his less favoured left side. You have to be of the very highest class to keep Ashley Cole on the bench and he's now firming for a starting spot with Spain. A pure defender.

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Midfield

Let's be honest, it's a pretty easy central midfield pair to pick. Stevie G ran the show for the Reds, adapting to his new position, a super important role in Brendan Rodgers system. Add 13 goals to that including some high-pressure penalties and it's been a masterful season from the maestro in a role he is likely to excel in for a couple more years. Yaya Toure - 20 goals - only the second midfielder to hit that mark after Frank Lampard. The boss of all bosses bossed them to the title. Enough said, really. We all love Lallana, he's developed into England's best technical midfielder. My only concern is putting him in a central, free role, which means it puts to bed the superb Saints chant "He plays on the left, he plays on the riggghhhttt…Adam Lallana, makes Ronaldo look shite." But I'll live with it. Nine goals and ran the stylish Saints show.

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Attack

Eden Hazard faded a touch late, but when Chelsea launched their title challenge mid-season he was the catalyst. Fourteen goals is an excellent return for any winger and in a team bereft of dynamism in the final third on too many occasions, he carried them. If he worked a little harder he'd join the absolute elite of the game in pretty quick time. Suarez doesn't need any explaining, 31 goals for the season, only the seventh player to do so in EPL history. PFA and FWA player of the year. Sturridge makes my team off the back of his 21 goals but also because of his work with Suarez that elevated the Reds to title challengers. Premier League defences haven't seen a combination like it, and that's a fact. They are the first duo to finish first and second on the goalscoring charts from the same club in Premier League history.

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Bench

David De Gea's selection is similar to Lloris, he was flawless without much assistance from his teammates. Well deserved winner of United's player of the season. Cahill was super consistent this season and unlucky not to make the team. Ahh, it feels good to put an Aussie in there, but we all know Mile Jedinak deserves it. Led the league in interceptions and was the best pure defensive midfielder in the premiership.I always thought Jordan Henderson would come good, but not this good this quickly. Second only to Yaya Toure for chances created from central midfield, while his energy was the driving force for the Reds excellent season.

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It's a long season so it's easy to forget at times what happened in the first few months, but Aaron Ramsey was the best player in the league in that period and he gets in off the back of that. And finally the slick little City duo - David Silva is the ultimate linkman between midfield and attack, and while we expect so much from him now, he delivered again, perhaps more consistently than ever before. Seventeen goals from Sergio Aguero is a superb return in an injury-interrupted season. He'd have nudged the 30 mark without his troubles and much like Ramsey, lit the league up early to get City going under Manuel Pellegrini.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sterling finally sorry for ‘mistake’

One mistake ... Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling says he was baited to make racist comments. Source: Mark J. Terrill / AP

LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling, desperate to cling to his team, has finally apologised for racist comments he made to his girlfriend, saying he made "a terrible mistake."

"If I said anything wrong, I'm sorry,'' Sterling told CNN's Anderson Coope. "I'm a good [NBA] member who made a mistake, and I'm apologising and I'm asking for forgiveness.

"Am I entitled to one mistake, am I, after 35 years?'' Sterling, 80, asked said during the interview at his Beverly Hills home — his first since the scandal broke.

"I mean, I love my league, I love my partners. Am I entitled to one mistake? It's a terrible mistake, and I'll never do it again.

"When I listen to that tape, I don't even know how I can say words like that ... I don't know why the girl had me say those things," insisted the billionaire real-estate investor, who was caught on tape telling his then-gal pal, V. Stiviano, not to bring black people — including hoops great Magic Johnson — to Clippers games.

Hasn't done enough ... Donald Sterling says Earvin "Magic" Johnson, pictured with wife, Cookie, says the NBA legend hasn't done enough to help minorities. Source: Getty Images

Cooper then pressed Sterling: "You're saying you were set up?"

"Well, yes, I was baited," Sterling said. "I mean, that's not the way I talk ... I don't talk about people."

He said he didn't know who leaked the tape.

"I thought she liked me and really cared for me. I guess being 51 years older than her, I was deluding myself," he said.

"I just wish I could ask her why — and if she was just setting me up.

"I'm not a racist. I made a terrible, terrible mistake. And I'm here with you today to apologise and to ask for forgiveness for all the people that I've hurt."

Despite his alleged contrition, Sterling still blasted Johnson as a bad role model for kids.

"He's a good person. I mean, what am I going to say?'' Stirling told Cooper, before adding, "Has he done everything he can do to help minorities? I don't think so. But I'll say it, he's great.

But I don't think he's a good example for the children of Los Angeles."

In a separate interview, Sterling's estranged wife, Shelly, told ABC's Barbara Walters that she believes her husband suffers from the "onset of dementia."

Dementia ... Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald T. Sterling, right, sits with his wife Rochelle, who says her husband has early onset dementia. Source: AP

She said he told her after the tape surfaced, "I don't remember saying that. I don't remember ever saying those things.

"I said, 'Well, this is the tape,' " Shelly Sterling said.

"And he says, 'Hmm. I don't remember it.' That's when I thought he had dementia.

"I don't love him. I pity him and I feel sorry for him," she said.

Shelly Sterling said she backs NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's push to force her husband to sell the team — but insists that she should have the right to buy it.

"I don't know why I should be punished for what his actions were," she said.

Last week, a new tape surfaced in which Sterling told a pal that he made the racist comments because he was trying to get Stiviano into bed.

"I'm talking to a girl. I'm trying to have sex with her," Sterling said in the recent conversation, a tape of which was obtained by Radar Online.

"I'm trying to play with her. If you were trying to have sex with a girl and you're talking to her privately and you don't think anybody's there, you may say anything in the world!"

The NBA disagreed. It said in a statement that her interest in the team would be "terminated'' under the league's constitution if it forces her husband to sell.

Her lawyer, Pierce O'Donell, replied, "We do not agree with the league's self-serving interpretation of its constitution.''

And in any case, he added, "California law and the United States Constitution trump any such interpretation.''

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Eels win but Daley’s Blues lose Fifita

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HE must have laughed in between the tears on Monday night.

Jarryd Hayne's miracle try for Parramatta on Monday brought some rare joy to a terribly disrupted preparation for NSW coach Laurie Daley.

Parramatta's Jarryd Hayne on his way to scoring a great try. Source: News Corp Australia

The smile though disappeared when Daley realised he would be without giant Cronulla and Blues prop Andrew Fifita for six to eight weeks.

Fifita left the field in the 18th minute during last night's game at Pirtek Stadium with grade two syndesmosis.

He was at Westmead Hospital having an MRI scan before the match had even ended.

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Fifita will now miss the entire State of Origin series.

James Tamou, Paul Gallen, Trent Merrin and Aaron Woods would now be NSW's front-row contenders.

"I thought he (Fifita) rolled his ankle and hoped it wasn't too bad. I remember seeing him at halftime and he was on crutches. It wasn't a good sight," Hayne said.

Andrew Fifita leaves the field with an injured ankle. Source: News Corp Australia

In the end, Parramatta won the Johnny Mannah Cup 42-24 win over a disappointing Sharks side. Victory was special for Eels skipper Tim Mannah.

Parramatta looked a dangerous team at times. Good times lie ahead.

Andrew Fifita in the dressing sheds. Source: FoxSports

The night was lit-up by Hayne's dazzling first half try, where he beat four defenders in a scortching run to the tryline.

"The first one (try) was awesome. I have been doing a bit on my own to top up my speed," Hayne said.

Parramatta's Jarryd Hayne celebrates his try. Source: News Corp Australia

Hayne is a dead-set freak. After the try, Hayne, returning on Monday night from a shoulder injury, blessed himself, looked skyward and then did the Hayne Plane.

"It was a great try," said Eels coach Brad Arthur. "I was happy with his attack and his leadership qualities.

"He got the football and ran. Tonight's effort was the best I have seen from him in a long time because he played through an injury and played tough.

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"If we can complete our sets then we can put him in a position to do that more often."

Mannah added: "He (Hayne) is really putting his body on the line and doing the dirty stuff which his team-mates appreciate.

"He has really taken his game to another level this year. He is playing with a lot more urgency and energy."

Cronulla skipper Paul Gallen after copping an elbow to his throat. Source: News Corp Australia

It was Hayne's eighth try in his last nine matches against Cronulla. He scored a second run-away try last night nearing fulltime.

NSW desperately need Hayne at his attacking finest to beat Queensland. He did though finish the game in the sin-bin for a professional foul and missed a few one-on-one tackles.

Jarryd Hayne tries to make a break. Source: News Corp Australia

Hayne was bold, as was halfback Chris Sandow and centre Will Hopoate.

Rather than a minute's silence, fans before the game were asked to stand and applaud for a minute to honour Mannah, who passed away at the start of last season.

Parramatta's Chris Sandow dives over for a try. Source: News Corp Australia

The Sharks actually led 12-4 before Parramatta scored the next 24 points. Arthur was pleased with the win - but not with his team's defence.

"It wasn't good enough," he said. "Moving forward, if we want to be taken seriously then we have to improve our defence.

"We did some good things with the ball but we have to play for the 80 minutes."

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Sharks coach Peter Sharp lamented another loss, saying: "We made way too many errors to compete at this level."

Gallen added: "Individually we were poor tonight. There were some missed one-on-one tackles that werent good enough for first grade."

PARRAMATTA 42 (J Hayne 2 K Sio 2 W Hopoate S Radradra C Sandow W Tonga tries C Sandow 5 goals) bt CRONULLA 24 (I De Gois S Feki M Gordon W Graham tries M Gordon 4 goals) at Pirtek Stadium. Referee: Alan Shortall, Adam Devcich. Crowd: 12,541

Re-live the action in our blog below:

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Raiders unhappy at Ferguson quick return

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CANBERRA Raiders are adamant Blake Ferguson will be playing with the Sydney Roosters next season — but Ferguson's former club would also be stunned and disappointed if the NRL welcomed the troubled centre back in 2014.

And the Raiders received support from Channel 9 commentator Peter Sterling who spoke of his concerns in granting Ferguson an early return.

Blake Ferguson is currently recovering from a broken ankle. Source: News Corp Australia

The Sunday Telegraph revealed that the Roosters had approached the NRL in a bid to get Ferguson on their books before the June 30 deadline.

Ferguson was deregistered after the Raiders sacked him last September following a series of off-field indiscretions.

ROOSTERS READY TO REBUILD FERGUSON

Ferguson was also charged and found guilty of indecent assault in Cronulla last year for which he was handed a two-year good behaviour bond in February.

Ferguson is currently recovering from a broken ankle and a split bone in his left leg.

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But the Roosters want to register a contract so they can begin his rehabilitation through the club's medical staff ahead of a likely return later this year.

"I have mixed feelings about this," Sterling told The Sunday Footy Show.

"I would like to see Blake Ferguson back in the game but I do think some penance has to be served and I don't think that has been achieved as yet."

The Daily Telegraph can also reveal the Raiders are adamant Ferguson has told friends in Canberra that he will be playing for the Roosters next year.

But while Canberra were never given any assurances from the NRL as to how long Ferguson would be stood down, the Raiders would be filthy if Ferguson was allowed back so soon given the trouble he caused them last year.

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It is understood the Roosters have met with the NRL and the Bondi club believes that in the right environment and with strong discipline they can help rehabilitate Ferguson.

The Raiders are yet to be contacted by the NRL about the Roosters' latest advances.

Canberra could not be accused of not giving Ferguson every chance to change his attitude.

But they were eventually forced to sake him after he went AWOL last year and embarrassed the club by turning his absence into a social media circus.

The Raiders are privately sick and tired of seeing their club take a hardline approach to poor player behaviour only to see other clubs take advantage of the situation.

They believe it would be the ultimate insult to Canberra fans and sponsors in Ferguson was allowed to sign with another club this year.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ricciardo claims first podium finish

Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo finished third at the Spanish GP behind winner Lewis Hamilton. Source: Mark Thompson / Getty Images

AUSTRALIAN driver Daniel Ricciardo claimed his first podium finish in Formula One as the Mercedes team dominated the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday.

Lewis Hamilton took over the championship lead by winning his fourth straight race ahead of Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg.

Ricciardo was third in his Red Bull, followed by his four-time world champion teammate Sebastian Vettel.

Ricciardo finished the season-opening Australian GP in third place but had the result taken away by a technical infringement by his Red Bull team.

Hamilton's 26th career win gave him 100 points after five races, three more than Rosberg, who closed to within one second of his teammate late but again couldn't find his way past his main rival.

Hamilton hasn't led the championship since June 2012 after winning the Canadian GP with McLaren.

Ricciardo leads Lotus' French driver Romain Grosjean at the Circuit de Catalunya. Source: AFP

The race began in balmy, but slightly more humid conditions after overnight rain. The track temperature was 37 degrees Celsius and the air 24 shortly before the lights went out.

At the start, the two Mercedes made a clean joint departure while behind them Finn Valtteri Bottas moved forward to claim third ahead of Ricciardo on the run to the first corner, the longest start straight of the season.

Hamilton opened up a 1.1 sec lead on the first lap as the two Mercedes pulled clear of the field by around a second a lap. By the end of lap two, his lead over Rosberg was 1.9 sec, a gap that he struggled to increase.

Rosberg remained determinedly on Hamilton's tail through the early laps as Vettel, from 15th at the start, worked his way to 13th before making an early pit-stop on lap 13, emerging at the back of the field to start a renewed charge.

As this unfolded, Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado added to the Lotus team's repair bill and frustrations by colliding with Swedish rookie Marcus Ericsson's Caterham. He damaged the car and collected a five-second penalty.

Nice Rosberg sprays champagne all over winner and Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton. Source: AP

Ricciardo, in the second Red Bull, pitted after 15 laps and had to wait until Bottas came in six laps later to take third place, by which time Hamilton, on lap 19, and most of the rest, had also been in.

That gave Rosberg the lead from lap 19 to 22 when the original order was restored, but with the Briton, on the harder tyres offered by Pirelli, and the German continuing on the softer option.

Rosberg's first pit stop, in 2.9 sec, was a full second faster than Hamilton's, but once the chase resumed, he found it difficult to prevent the Englishman from opening up a lead that reached 4.5 sec by lap 30.

Hamilton had complained of oversteer. "My rear end is everywhere," he radioed to the team on lap 29 — but it appeared to have little effect.

By lap 32, when Rosberg produced a fastest lap to cut the gap to 4.1 sec, the front pair were nearly 25 sec clear of third-placed Ricciardo and Hamilton's lead seemed stabilised at more than four seconds.

Hamilton leads from the start of the race with the burning tyres causing a smoky beginning. Source: AFP

In the 'others' race for third place and beyond, Vettel reached the top 10 by half-distance and maintained a consistent and aggressive pace as he worked his way into the top six.

After their respective second stops after laps 43 and 45, in which Rosberg again 1.3 sec in the pits, Hamilton emerged with a lead of 4.6 sec. Rosberg cut into it rapidly and as the laps counted down, with just a handful to go, it was cut to less than two seconds.

A dramatic conclusion was inevitable when, with six laps remaining, the gap was only 1.2 sec and Vettel was closing, from fifth, on Bottas while Alonso was attacking Ferrari teammate Raikkonen for sixth.

"Think about your overtaking strategy," his race engineer told Rosberg as Hamilton remained ahead by 1.2 sec. Almost immediately, Alonso schemed a passage past Raikkonen in a thrilling multi-move overtake.

As they began the final lap, Hamilton led by just four-tenths. Rosberg cut that to just four car lengths and threatened a thrilling victory over the line, but the Briton hung on to triumph by just half a second.

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Mannah heads for altar without best man

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TIM Mannah is a fortnight out from his wedding and still short a best man.

Or more precisely, the best man.

Missing that mate whose clothes still hang in the home they shared. Whose countless gadgets — a toy helicopter here, steel robot there — are also strewn about, many in the last place they were dropped.

And photographs? Mannah's mobile is full of them.

Tim Mannah (L) with his brother and former Cronulla Sharks player Jon. Source: News Limited

Countless pictures of the inseparable brothers, hulking arms slung over one another, as they smile their way through Texas, Las Vegas, Trinidad, New Zealand, even that time as teenagers when they found each other in France, on separate schoolboy footy tours.

"Have kept his last text messages, too,'' the Parramatta captain says. "Don't think I'll ever have the guts to delete them."

This is why the Jon Mannah Cup matters.

Why in age where footballers are almost weekly contesting another piece of silverware dreamed up by the marketing department, you could touch this new gong and not only feel warmth, but a heartbeat.

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It has now been 16 months since Jonny Mannah, 23, lost his battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Life so cruelly taken from the missionary who toured Vanuatu twice. A Youth Leader who went abseiling within hours of chemotherapy because, well, he'd promised the kids.

A best man who, a fortnight from now, should be handing brother Tim that ring picked for his beautiful South African bride.

"But, yeah ... he won't be there,'' the Eels prop deadpans. "And that's what I miss most, his presence.

"Wether it was school, footy, church, our lives were intertwined. I could go for a coffee and it never mattered if no one else was there but Jonny, just the pair of us joking.

Tim Mannah with the Johnny Mannah Cup, named after his brother/ Source: News Corp Australia

"Even now, I'll see something on TV, maybe hear someone make a remark — a little thing that means absolutely nothing to anyone else, but would've kept us laughing for hours.

"And Jonny, he just had that laugh, that personality which touched people. I'm so glad we now have something to keep it alive."

And by something, he means The Mannah Foundation.

Launched only last week, the new charity will use fundraisers like Monday night's Cup match between Parramatta and Cronulla — the two clubs Jon played for — to support the youth groups for which the late forward gave so much of his time.

Raising money for children like Tim Jelacic, the tiny Eels fan who, still only eight, has already endured more than 60 radiation treatments.

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Who only recently learned, despite his fight, there will be no cure. Surgeons softly explaining how, little Timmy, you will keep getting brain tumours until that one which finally takes you to heaven.

"But he wants to keep fighting,'' Mannah explains. "And we want to get him and his family to Disneyland."

So now you know where every gold coin donated at Pirtek Stadium will go. And why this Mannah Cup, it matters.

"Jonny had a real heart for helping others,'' his older brother continues. "Even his sickness, he saw it as an opportunity, a chance to free up his time from football and shine more light on those in darkness.

"I guess, as footballers, so many of us feel like we do our bit for community through the club. But for Jon, it was 24/7.

"You didn't clock on, clock off ... it was a lifestyle."

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And still, there isn't a day he wishes his brother back.

"No, because that would be selfish,'' Mannah insists. "I haven't told many people this, but during one of our hospital chats early on, we were going through all the different scenarios he faced.

"And I'll never forget Jonny saying, 'give me a choice to go slow or quick — I choose quick every time'.

"Which is how it happened, too. God was real gentle with him.

"So, no, he won't be here for my wedding. But because of the way he lived, because of his legacy ... it means Jonny will be helping others for a long time yet."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Struggling Saints need Benji - urgently

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CAN Benji Marshall save the disgraceful Dragons?

Marshall is almost certain to be rushed directly into St George Illawarra's side for Saturday's match against Parramatta after the Dragons were walloped 38-6 by Canterbury.

"It was a soft performance," lamented Saints coach Steve Price.

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Under pressure yet again, Price will find it difficult to resist pushing Marshall straight into his starting side in the halves.

Before Sunday, Price had reservations about exactly when to play Marshall, who hasn't played rugby league for nearly nine months.

Can Benji Marshall save the Dragons' season?

But Sunday's result will no doubt prompt Price to give the former Wests Tigers star a crack at the Eels. And it may just save Saints' stumbling season.

Asked whether he would name Marshall this week, Price said: "That's irrelevant. I will worry about that on Tuesday."

Is it too soon for Benji Marshall to play in the NRL? Source: News Corp Australia

Marshall might be able to attack — but he won't help St George Illawarra's flimsy defence.

"No excuses — it was a soft," Price said. "We are about being brutally honest. I'm not a bloke who minces his words.

"This is a proud football club and we know we are better than what we dished up.

"I'd like to think today was a one-off. We had a lot to play for, they are a quality football team.

'We will have to keep working hard, stick by your mates and pull through tough times."

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St George Illawarra were horrible on Sunday. They had nothing.

The Dragons have now lost five of their past six games as their season of promise quickly evaporates. It was an insipid effort.

They just couldn't match or overcome the giant Bulldogs pack. It was a mismatch.

Missed tackles, kicking dead from a kick-off, dropped ball, forward passes — Saints did everything wrong.

"There is no point sugar coating things," said Saints skipper Ben Creagh. "We dug a hole in the first half and kept digging."

Ben Creagh sits dejected after another try by Tim Lafai. Source: News Corp Australia

Canterbury has won six straight games and look headed directly for a top four finish. It will take one hell of a forward pack to dominate the Dogs.

The Bulldogs scored four first half tries to lead 22-0 at half-time.

Centre Tim Lafai, who wrote 'MUM' on the wrist strapping, celebrated Mother's Day with three tries.

The Dragons' chances were all but over after 40 minutes, some of their disappointed fans left ANZ Stadium with still 20 minutes remaining.

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Saints' kicking game in the first half was particularly poor, while Sunday's winning margin was a new record between the two clubs.

"I was very pleased with the first 40 minutes," said Canterbury coach Des Hasler. "It was pretty solid but we lost our way a little toward the back-end.

"They are a good footy side and we knew we had to come here with plenty of energy."

Hasler though is refusing to talk-up his side's performances.

Tim Lafai — with 'Mum' on his wristband — bagged three tries as the Bulldogs went top. Source: Getty Images

"We can't get ahead of ourselves," Hasler said. "We aren't through the rep period yet.

"Souths are coming good, so are the Roosters and Melbourne. There is still a long way to go."

With Manly and Gold Coast losing, Canterbury are now outright competition leaders. They look strong, big and organised.

"We have been fortunate to have the majority of the side on the field for the opening two months," said Bulldogs skipper Michael Ennis.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More