Singo lures O’Keeffe back to radio

Kerry O'Keefe, here with former co-commentators Jim Maxwell and Danny Morrison, will return to the airwaves with 2GB. Source: News Limited

LESS than six months after quitting the ABC, popular broadcaster Kerry O'Keeffe is making a comeback on commercial radio.

The cricket commentator with the crazy laugh and huge cult following has agreed to join Radio 2GB.

O'Keeffe's manager James Erskine agreed to terms with 2GB boss Russell Tate following talks that were initiated by the Skull's biggest fan, John Singleton.

"At my age you can't wait too long to make a comeback," said O'Keeffe, in a text message to confirm his return to radio.

The former NSW and Test leg-spinner quit the ABC after last summer's Ashes series, much to the disappointment of his fans.

But 2GB was quick to step in.

"I have always had a huge rap on Kerry and so does everyone I know," Tate said.

"I think he's a talent beyond his cricket commentary that was so popular on the ABC.

"He's very bright and a very funny man."

Tate and his programming staff will have talks with O'Keeffe in the next fortnight to define his role at the station.

"Sport is his heritage but he's talented and very different in other areas," Tate said.

"In the next couple of weeks we will get together to finalise some program concepts."

It's expected O'Keeffe will become the face of 2GB's weekend summer of sport program among other duties.

His signing should not affect the future of other 2GB broadcasters.

The Big Marn Darryl Brohman is off contract at the end of the football season but Tate is about to open negotiations for a new deal.

Bronte Halligan who has been chosen to play water polo for Australia, with her father former NRL goal kicking great Daryl Halligan at Manly Swim Centre, Sydney. Pic Brett Costello Source: News Limited

WATER POLO WINS BATTLE FOR BRONTE'S HEART

If Australia is to win gold in women's water polo at the Rio or Tokyo Olympics the Aussie Stingers may just be thankful for the choices made by rising star Bronte Halligan.

Bronte, the 18-year-old daughter of former Kiwi and Canterbury Bulldogs sharpshooter Daryl Halligan, had to make the choice a few years ago between surf life saving, a sport where her older sister Devon is a champion ironwoman, or water polo.

The pool won out and Bronte had to make the next big decision to follow her father and sister in representing New Zealand or declare her allegiance to Australia.

Thankfully for the Aussie Stingers, Halligan chose Australia and this week she was named to make her debut for the senior Australian team at the prestigious FINA World League finals in Shanghai next month.

"I wasn't as good in the surf and I did have a good base of swimming and netball so mum and dad just chucked me in the water polo pool and I loved it," Halligan said.

But while the schoolgirl at Stella Maris in Manly says her dad gives her plenty of helpful tips on what it takes to be a professional athlete, she doesn't think he'd cut it in the water.

"I was quite young when dad finished so I don't have many memories of him playing but I look up to him a lot. He has given me a lot of advice, pushing me through and helping me become the best athlete I can. It's really helpful having him there.

"He understands the rules of water polo and he likes the aggressiveness of it. He calls it footy in the water but I don't think he'd be too good at it himself."

Halligan's selection continues the strong connection between water polo and rugby league with Blocker Roach's son Aidan, a London Olympian, set to represent Australia in the corresponding men's World League finals this year.

The Socceroos outrated the NRL on Monday night. Source: Getty Images

SOCCEROOS CLAIM THE RATINGS BY A SHORT HALF-HEADER

Soccer has scored another significant victory over the NRL in head to head television ratings.

Last Monday night, the Socceroos out-rated the Cronulla v South Sydney match on Fox Sports. It was close 194,000 to 192,000.

State of Origin obviously effected the NRL audience for a game that was missing Greg Inglis, Paul Gallen and three other rep players.

Monday night footy normally attracts an audience of around the 250,000 mark.

NO BREATHING IRE FROM PRICE

Steve Price is a good man who would never criticise the Dragons for over his dismissal.

I chased him for an interview last week but got the following text message.

"Hey Buzz, appreciate your message, hope u can understand that at this time, I'm just focusing on spending quality time with my family after a tough few weeks. Regards SP."

STICKY FINE WITH PROCTOR BACKFLIP

It's true that Ricky Stuart actually shook hands with Storm front-rower Kevin Proctor to confirm a four-year deal with the Raiders last Monday in Melbourne.

Next morning, after a sleepless night, Proctor rang the Raiders coach to say he had changed his mind.

Stuart sportingly accepted the backflip, saying he didn't want a player who wasn't 100 per cent committed to his club.

Glenn Stewart has already signed with the Rabbitohs. Are Steve Matai and Anthony Watmough also on the way out the door? Source: News Limited

SEA EAGLES DUO MAY FLY OFF IN DISGUST

Anthony Watmough is not the only big name player at Manly thinking about quitting over the shabby treatment of Glenn Stewart.

We're hearing centre Steve Matai is in the same boat. Don't be surprised to see Watmough at Parramatta and Matai at the Warriors.

BLUES BEAMED DIRECT TO BRAZIL

many of Australia's Socceroos are keen rugby league fans, including the great Timmy Cahill. They will all be watching the return State of Origin game at ANZ Stadium on June 19 because the match is being shown live in Brazil on the Direct TV network. Amazingly, Rabs, Gus and co will broadcast into 90 countries.

SOCCEROOS ARE MASSIVE NEWS

The Socceroos were the first team to arrive in Brazil and that has set off a frenzy. Even an open training session is big news.

The local TV station in Vitoria went live to air during the training and everyone from the Governor to the local mayor wants to be part of the show.

When the Socceroos had a gentle stroll to walk off some jet lag, 40 local media turned up as word spread.

SAINT

THE 24 hours of spectacular NSW footy dominance with the Blues beating Qld in Origin and the Swans flogging Geelong in the AFL.

Screen gab of Paul Gallen being tackled by Josh Papalii Source: Supplied

SINNER

THE Josh Papalii dog shot on Paul Gallen in Origin. Crash-tackling a player without the ball and unexpectedly from behind creates whiplash and neck injuries. It's a coward tackle that needs to be outlawed.

FENECH, LEWIS BESTIES NO MORE

THERE was no sign of trainer Johnny Lewis at Jeff Fenech's 50th's birthday party on Wednesday night, just as there was no sign of Fenech at Lewis's 70th birthday party last month. It's the official proof that one of the tightest partnerships in Australian sport has been broken beyond repair.

SHOOSH

WHO were the two Origin players from the same club who don't like each other and didn't shake hands after the game.

BENNETT FREE TO ROAM

DESPITE what Knights CEO Matt Gidley is saying, supercoach Wayne Bennett is definitely a free agent once Hunter Sports Group hands the Knights over to new owners.

COP THAT GORDY

SPARE a thought for outspoken Maroons legend Gorden Tallis, who was looking for somewhere to hide after losing Origin. Instead he found himself seated smack bang in the middle of the NSW team players and coaching staff on the flight from Brisbane to Sydney. And didn't they rub it in.

SOUTHERN RETREATS

RETIRED footy players are taking over the south coast of NSW. Mick Cronin owns a pub in Gerringong and former salary cap boss Ian Schubert has just purchased the Bomaderry Hotel. The great Ronny Coote has the McDonald's franchise in Nowra and his mate George Piggins a farm nearby.

Tim Cahill sent his thanks to Phil Hillyard for this shot. Source: News Corp Australia

CREDIT WHERE IT'S DUE

TIMMY Cahill knows a great picture when he sees one. The veteran Socceroos star was straight on the email to our man Phil Hillyard the day after he took this sensational shot at ANZ Stadium. "Top man, Phil, really appreciate that shot, definitely caught a magic moment for me. Quality shot."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cheika praises Tahs after brutal win

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

TATAFU Polota-Nau will have to make an emergency trip to the dentist after having his front teeth knocked out, Dave Dennis sustained a cut so bad that his leg tissue was exposed, and numerous Waratahs players required stitches after their brutal victory over the Chiefs.

The remarkable efforts of the Waratahs in New Plymouth was summed up by key players battling through immense pain and injury, none more so than captain Dennis who scored the decisive try with seven minutes remaining despite team staff wanting him to come off the field after a stray boot sliced open his thigh.

"He's got the worst cut I've ever seen, you can see the muscles and things, it is just horrific," said NSW coach Michael Cheika, who recoiled on the sideline when Dennis showed him the gash after the match.

MATCH CENTRE: Full scores, stats and video highlights

"He didn't want to come off, and then he raced away to score a try.

"He is developing into a very good captain, leads by example, he's starting to understand what it is to be a leader, and he showed that tonight.

"I'd say Dave is going to need to go to hospital.

"Tatafu had two front teeth knocked out completely, from the first 10 minutes.

"One is half broken, the other one is out completely, in his mouthguard.

"He was in pain because that nerve is there, and he played the whole game. That's what it's about."

VIDEO: Watch all the highlights from a see-sawing encounter

Israel Folau on the charge for the Waratahs against the Chiefs at Yarrow Stadium. Source: Getty Images

Fighting beyond the pain threshold, NSW finally broke a three-year hoodoo with their first win in New Zealand since 2010, and it could not have been more monumental, against the back-to-back defending champions the Chiefs.

Two tries in the final seven minutes sealed the deal for the Tahs, who remain in the top two of the Super Rugby competition and will be challenging the Sharks for first place on the ladder when play resumes after the June Test break.

"We've tried to become a team that is getting known for hard work, probably the antithesis of maybe what we were known for before," Cheika said.

"To come up against a team like them, for us it was almost like a final around hard work, not as much football.

"There is a lot of satisfaction there, I am very proud, that's for sure, because it was a really hard-working performance, and there are guys in a lot of pain.

"They were comfortable playing in a discomfort-zone, which is a good sign for us.

"But there's still so much for us to do yet.

"The top two is decided in the last round, you can slip from anywhere, it's just so tight.

"I suppose the more rounds where you put other teams behind you, you're still a chance.

"We're in there, we've got a chance for it, we've got three big games coming, two against competitors for the top six, and one against our old enemy away from home.

"So it's going to be a great three weeks when we get back."

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

Israel Folau scored his customary opening try of the game, making him the new Waratahs' record-holder for most individual tries in one season, passing Peter Hewat's mark of 10 set in 2005.

It took only 15 minutes for Folau to score his 11th try in 10 games this season.

Folau had declared earlier in the week that breaking the record against the defending champions in their backyard would be the "perfect scenario" and as he has for most of his football career, the fullback delivered.

And his teammates delivered their biggest win of 2014 at the picturesque Yarrow Stadium, flanked by a snowy-topped Mount Taranaki.

The Chiefs had clawed back from 13-3 down at half-time to lead 17-16 with less than a quarter of the match remaining.

But a late try from Dennis, who shoved off a defender and raced 20 metres to score, gave NSW a 26-17 buffer.

Bernard Foley capped off a fine, composed display with a final-minute try and sideline conversion to finish with six goals from six attempts and a personal haul of 20 points.

NSW staved off near disaster when, having dominated the game, they allowed the Chiefs to take the lead in the 63rd minute.

Super-sub Bundee Aki scored two tries in seven minutes, moments after entering the field in the second half, with Aaron Cruden's second sideline conversion giving the Chiefs the lead for the first time in the game, with just 16 minutes remaining.

Chiefs prop Ben Tameifuna runs at Waratahs' Paddy Ryan. Source: Getty Images

It took the Chiefs 55 minutes to score their first try, and it was not without controversy.

Seconds after taking the field off the bench, centre Aki swooped on an Cruden grubber into the in-goal.

While Aki appeared to have been off-side and dived on the ball, it did not look as though he had any control. Television match official Ben Skeen ruled that Aki had forced downward pressure on the ball before it popped out from under his torso, pulling the Chiefs back into the contest.

Kurtley Beale nailed a 45-metre penalty goal soon after to push the Tahs ahead 16-10, but following a Chiefs break upfield Aki was in position to pounce on another grubber into the corner in the 63rd minute.

The Tahs regained their lead in the 69th when a Chiefs ruck infringement allowed Foley to kick another penalty goal, making it 19-17.

NSW had not won a game in New Zealand since May 2010 — coincidentally against the Chiefs — and will take enormous confidence into the three-week break.

A sublime performance from Nick Phipps and Adam Ashley-Cooper, and a robust display from prop Benn Robinson highlighted the Tahs' efforts.

Waratahs skipper Dave Dennis is congratulated on his try by teammates Stephen Hoiles and Nick Phipps. Source: Getty Images

The 10-point lead at half-time came via plenty of starch in defence which forced numerous handling errors and turnovers from the Chiefs.

The reigning premiers looked a mere shell of the fine-tuned attacking machine that has torn most defences to shreds over the past two seasons, with NSW's rushing defence and thumping tackles rattling the home side.

It was as physical as expected, with flanker Michael Hooper on the receiving end of the biggest of the season from Chiefs giant Ben Tameifuna, and was lucky to escape without a serious rib injury, while Polota-Nau produced a number of bellringers.

Alofa Alofa was denied the first try of the game after crossing in the corner, when replays showed Folau had held the leg of Chiefs centre Andrew Horrell, allowing Nick Phipps to break clear and feed his winger.

But Folau soon made up for his foul by crossing in the opposite corner in the 15th minute, benefiting from a break by Ashley-Cooper.

NSW WARATAHS 33 (Dave Dennis, Israel Folau, Bernard Foley tries Foley 3 cons Foley 3, Kurtley Beale pens) bt CHIEFS 17 (Bundee Aki 2 tries Aaron Cruden 2 cons pen) at Yarrow Stadium. Referee: Chris Pollock. Crowd: 10,740.

Relive all the Chiefs v Waratahs action in our match blog below.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

George Burgess: ‘They thought I should leave NRL to Sam’

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

GEORGE Burgess is only here because of his brother.

Remember thinking that? Back four years when big Sammy was taking the NRL by storm and, seemingly to appease him, Souths shipped the first of three little siblings across the pond for company.

And in unison, the league world cooed.

Thinking it wonderful a young Burgess might get himself a Bunnies tracksuit. Maybe some minutes in NSW Cup. Hell, give them all bit parts in the next Russell Crowe flick if it keeps the marquee Englishman happy.

"And I remember those perceptions, yeah,'' George grins, sitting outside Coogee surf club.

Sam, Luke and George Burgess during warm up for South Sydney training. Source: News Corp Australia

"Even back in England, when my signing was announced, plenty said I wouldn't do any good. Thought I should stay home, leave the NRL to my brother. But it's always been my goal to prove them wrong."

Call it the Ballad of Gorgeous George Burgess.

The driving force behind these 120kg of Yorkshire muscle who, for as long as anyone can remember, has not only been the younger Burgess, but the worst Burgess. See, while Slammin' Sam was a footballing colossus from the moment he first lifted a footy, young George took longer. Developed later.

"Still for years," he shrugs, "everyone compared me to Sam."

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

And you can guess what happened then, right?

"Growing up, I always told myself, 'Well, Sam, he's just your brother','' the 22-year-old continues.

"I thought that if he could do something, so could I.

"Even now, that remains my mindset. I believe I can achieve what Sam has ... even more."

George Burgess is ready to tackle preconceptions he can't stand up to Sam. Source: News Corp Australia

And here, folks, is that moment in a yarn where you pause momentarily to digest what was just said. Specifically, that Slammin' Sammy Burgess — he of the headlines, the X-Factor girlfriends and epic World Cup performances — may not finish up the best Burgess brother to play Down Under.

Indeed, with the 25-year-old switching to English rugby from 2015, George suddenly looms as not only the new figurehead of Burgess Inc, but one of the true heavyweight enforcers of the NRL.

STATS EXPOSE TACKLE CRACKDOWN AS A FARCE

According to Fox Sports Statistics, George has stormed past big brother over the past month. Since round 8, the worst Burgess has averaged a staggering 177m per game — up 31m on Sam — while also making twice the tackle busts (18) and linebreaks (2).

In the same period, he has also earned eight Dally M points, while conceding fewer penalties and making fewer errors than Sam.

Sam Burgess's switch to rugby is a loss for South Sydney, the NRL — and his brothers. Source: News Corp Australia

It is a remarkable rise for the fella who, only last year, was the Dally M Rookie. A footballer who, far from just boasting the most hyped selfie in league history, is now the scalp every enforcer worth his neck tattoo is gunning for.

Unthinkable at the start of the year, taking on Burgess Inc is quickly becoming a sports fad to rival Tae Bo or hula hoops. Manly, Wests Tigers, even Gold Coast, made clear their intentions to bring down the brothers Grimm.

"But I don't read into that,'' George shrugs of the target on his chest.

"Clubs don't try to single out one or two players. That's just media talk."

George Burgess says he's ready to step out of big brother Sam's shadow. Source: News Corp Australia

But George, it isn't. And you know it.

"I don't think they're targeting us individually,'' he says.

"Well, not really". So not really or not at all? "Ah,'' he laughs, "I dunno."

Which in translation means this: you know they're targeting us and I know they're targeting us.

But if you think a rugby league enforcer is going to whinge, whine or even give the slightest indication he gives a red fire truck — pal, you're kidding yourself. What George will talk about, however, is the rugby defection of big brother Sam. A move, he concedes, which hurt him.

"Oh, for sure,'' he says. "Because that bond we have as brothers — especially after Dad passed — we probably thought we'd play together forever.

The tight-knit Burgess brothers with mum Julie. Source: News Limited

"I remember we were still in England, just after the World Cup, when Sam told me he was going.

"I always knew rugby was his goal and, while it would've been nice to play together forever, we are still four individuals."

And this, remember, is the Ballad of Gorgeous George. The youngster who, back in 2010, was watching on from England while big brother, aged only 21, tore the Aussies apart.

"And his efforts weren't just an inspiration for me, but all English players,'' George says.

"Sam broke down the perception about NRL footy being too hard for younger Pommies. He proved it's not only about the Aussies. That we don't have to stay home. I'm only here because of my brother."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Boomers score big win over China

Boomer Mark Worthington in action against China on Saturday night. Source: Paul Kane / Getty Images

WEST Australian Mark Worthington took another significant step in sealing his place in Australia's squad for September's World Cup after leading the Boomers to an 85-64 win at Challenge Stadium on Saturday night.

The dual Olympian scored 11 of his team-high 14 points in the first half and provided plenty of trademark hustle to prove his importance to the side and help establish a 2-0 lead in the Sino-Australia Challenge.

In a series featuring an understrength Boomers squad due to commitments in other leagues, Worthington - who turns 31 next week - looks to have secured his place on the flight to Spain.

Luke Nevill again showed off his outside touch and punctuated the night with two huge dunks to finish with 12 points, while Brock Motum added 10 and six rebounds in limited court time.

The match almost descended into farce just minutes from the end when China coach Gong Luming refused to leave the arena after being ejected for a second technical foul.

Play was held up for several minutes as officials implored Luming to leave, but the game's final 2:46 eventually resumed despite the coach remaining courtside.

Australia coach Andrej Lemanis refused to comment on the behaviour of his counterpart ahead of the series shifting to China this week for the remaining two games.

"It was good for our guys to go through that experience and have to deal with that and not react emotionally," Lemanis said.

"In China, we're going to have the same sort of challenge put in front of us.

"I'll concentrate on my group. China will do what China does."

When asked if he would leave the arena if ejected in China, Lemanis replied: "I play by the rules, so yeah, absolutely."

The Boomers' local contingent made its presence felt early, with former Wildcat Luke Nevill and Bunbury duo Worthington and Cam Gliddon combining for the side's first five baskets.

The home side simply suffocated China defensively, with a full-court press triggering four first-quarter turnovers and preventing any sort of offensive rhythm.

The most Lemanis had to exert himself in the first half was to walk on the court to pick up point guard Hugh Greenwood's displaced headband during play.

After operating at an electric 64 per cent clip in the first half of Thursday's game, China's shooters went cold in the corresponding half last night, registering just 26 per cent.

To make matters worse, the side was unable to get practice shots up at half time because the notoriously fickle Challenge Stadium baskets were being repaired.

Things briefly became heated when Xu Zhong-Hao caught Tom Jervis with an elbow midcourt, resulting in a baffling unsportsmanlike foul for the Wildcats centre after shoving in retaliation.

Tempers flared at regular intervals afterward, but the Boomers were never seriously threatened where it counted – on the scoreboard – as they backed up Thursday's 97-95 win.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cocky roaches shoot from the lip

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

BRENT Tate has cruelly been told to harden up after his heartfelt admission of being frightened when he was cartwheeled into the turf during Origin One.

Former NSW enforcer Steve Roach delivered the outrageous comments, while his partner in crime Benny Elias nominated the QRL as Australia's biggest whingers.

Roach claimed a "little headbutt" was more dangerous than flipping a player at full speed and the Tate incident was "one of those things that happens in rugby league".

Josh Reynolds and Beau Scott are free to play in Origin two after this tackle on Brent Tate. Source: Getty Images

State of Origin II promises to be nasty after the provocative statements.

The Blues took only 30 minutes after their deserved Origin I victory before they began whingeing about the referees and now they are even trying to have Shayne Hayne sacked for Origin II.

New South Wales are apparently outraged that Queensland dared to protest about Josh Reynolds escaping suspension for his lifting tackle on Tate, who has a long history of neck injuries and is one of the great servants of the code.

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

Only weeks after Alex McKinnon's tragic spine injury, rugby league stakeholders are still failing to grasp the fact that dangerous throws must be eradicated before another serious incident.

"I saw where Tatey came out saying he had never been in a more frightening place or whatever. Please," Roach says in today's The Daily Telegraph.

"Yes, he was put in an awkward position. But in no way was it intentional, anyone could see that. In fact, I'd go as far as to say there were a lot more dangerous things in that game.

"Some of the stuff around the ruck, knees, elbows, little headbutts ... but this is a game of Origin football, it's supposed to be hard.

Josh Reynolds' tackle on Brent Tate is placed on report. Source: News Corp Australia

"Why try to rub young Josh Reynolds out of the next game for something that was quite obviously one of those things that happens in rugby league?''

Elias claimed the Queensland Rugby League's measured reaction to the bizarre downgrading of Reynolds dangerous throw, was embarrassing.

"It's like these Queenslanders, they just don't know how to be graceful in defeat," Elias said. "I've been around rugby league, around sport, a long, long time now and I've never known anyone to whinge in defeat quite like the QRL. It's embarrassing.

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

"Truly, there is no one worse in Australian sport.''

Queensland State of Origin enforcer Greg Dowling blasted Elias for being a persistent whinger himself.

"Benny should just shut up," Dowling said. "He whinges every year, usually about Origin eligibility or something.

"NSW are the ones who started the eligibility nonsense. They started all the drama.''

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Colgan likes the look of Sancerre

Vin Colgan rides Sancerre to a win at Ipswich. Source: Supplied

VIN Colgan has won the New Zealand Derby five times, so there's not many riders as well equipped to identify a Classic winner and he thinks Sancerre fits the bill for Saturday's Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm.

Colgan, who still rates Zonda as the best of his Derby winners, moved to Queensland last September, but in a three-month return to New Zealand earlier this year managed to pick off another Group 1 with Silent Achiever at Ellerslie.

He has returned in time for the Queensland carnival and has linked with shrewd trainer Tony Pike to plot an Oaks upset with Sancerre.

"She has taken an easy route to the race, but she's very promising," Colgan said.

"She has been given a couple of easy kills, but she won easily both times against older horses.

"She's definitely on the right track and she worked super on Tuesday.

"She made big improvement from the Sunshine Coast to Ipswich. She's just thriving here in Queensland. She's dappled up and her coat is shining."

Sancerre's mum Vouvray won the Oaks 10 years ago and Colgan says that heritage will stand her in good stead today.

"It is a big step up, but it's not easy beating older horses over ground for a three-year-old filly like this girl has," he said.

"She is smart enough to be put in this situation.

"She's by (Silent Achiever's sire) O'Reilly and her mum won this race, so she's bred to run the trip and I've got no doubt she will stay all day.

"This distance will see a lot of the others out and she will be there right to the end.

"She can position up close if she wants to and she's a tremendous chance."

Pike yesterday rated Sancerre marginally in front of his other Oaks runner Rock Diva, owing to the better draw, which means the former can position up closer.

Pike, who originally prepared Sacred Falls and did all the pre-training with the dual Doncaster winner this autumn, holds a strong hand at Eagle Farm.

Sacred Star, who runs in the same colours as Sacred Falls, is a firming favourite for the QTC Cup.

The Pike-trained son of Flying Spur was an impressive trial winner at Doomben earlier this month and Tim Bell was thrilled to be given the call up to replace the injured Leith Innes today.

"I'm not sure how it came about that I got on this horse, but I'm very glad it did come about," Bell said.

"My manager just called and said 'we're on this exciting horse.'

"I haven't graced his back yet, but speaking to the trackwork riders, he's a very promising horse that could really stamp himself a top liner."

Bell has top hopes in all three majors today. He rides Tinto in the Oaks and is tipping Sir Moments to shine in the Queensland Guineas.

"It was a very nice run in what was a sit and sprint race on a track that played towards leaders last time," he said.

"His best work was in the last 100m and from the great barrier, I'm very confident he can run a place here, if not win."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

They lose one day, whinge the next

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

POOR Queensland, they lose one game and demand an entire overhaul of rugby league.

In a worrying indictment on Fourex beer's affect on the brain, Maroons officials were last night demanding mass changes to the judiciary process after NSW playmaker Josh Reynolds was freed to play Origin II in Sydney.

Speaking with The Daily Telegraph, Queensland Rugby League boss Peter Betros revealed he was "very disappointed" that Reynolds' lifting tackle on Brent Tate — which cartwheeled the Maroon — was downgraded from grade two to one.

Bulldogs CEO Raelene Castle walking out to speak to media with Josh Reynolds after he is cleared to play in the second game of Origin. Source: News Corp Australia

"I would hate to think there is one set of rules for Origin and one for everything else," Betros said.

And after that ... well, to be honest we stopped listening.

After eight years dominating all things Origin, it has taken just 80 minutes for the Bananabenders to be transformed into a whingeing, whining, whimpering mess.

Truly, think Mal Meninga with maroon snot bubbles.

According to our sister publication, The Courier Mail, the Reynolds decision was a "shocking failure" by the NRL and has not only "outraged every level of the code" but ensured "change to the game's judiciary process".

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

And then, we assume, they cracked another beer.

Elsewhere, suspended Blue Greg Bird said, like everyone south of the Tweed, he was a little surprised by Tate's comments about never having been more frightened in his life.

"I thought it was a bit disappointing," Bird said. "I thought the words that were spoken after the game were a little bit out of line — but oh well, each to their own."

Not content to simply concentrate on, say, winning the series, QRL officialdom is now calling for Origin's judiciary system to be overhauled.

Josh Reynolds faces the judiciary at NRL Headquarters with his coach at the Bulldogs Des Hasler, for his dangerous throw tackle in the first State of Origin match. Source: News Corp Australia

Maroons officials contacted the NRL yesterday morning to express their frustration and will argue for new judiciary protocols to include a lengthier sentencing period. In the space of 22 hours, Reynolds was charged, he then appealed and won at the judiciary.

The Cowboys have also filed a formal complaint about the decision involving Tate.

"The player was issued with a grading immediately after the game,'' Betros said. "The player appealed the next day.

"I feel the whole process appears rushed. When a process is rushed the possibility for error is too great." On judiciary consistency, he said: "It should be consistent through NRL, Origin and Tests.

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

"I'm confused as to how the charge was downgraded ... a lay person watching must be extremely confused as to what constitutes a grading. There is a different process for Origin games."

Dangerous throw charges have skyrocketed from 10 in 2012 to 17 already this season. Yet the judiciary has wiped 10 weeks from the suspensions of South Sydney hooker Apisai Koroisau, Bird and Reynolds.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Four-quarter Pies thump helpless Saints

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

SMASHED by Fremantle in Round 1, there was a worry that by the time Collingwood next played at Etihad Stadium — against St Kilda in Round 11 — its season would be over.

Dale Thomas, Heath Shaw, Darren Jolly and Alan Didak were gone and the new-look team looked fundamentally flawed against Ross Lyon's Docker machine.

BOTH GUYS WERE GOING FOR FOOTY: RICHO

INJURIES, REPORT STAINS CLINICAL PIES WIN

PHANTOM CLOKE EMERGES FROM SHADOWS

Sydney, Geelong, Richmond, North Melbourne, Essendon and Carlton — all from last year's top 10 — lay in wait between rounds two and seven and it was hard to see how Nathan Buckley's men would be favoured to win any of those games.

Then, having emerged from its first nine outings with a 6-3 record, a different worry: that Collingwood's comparatively easy run of St Kilda, Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs from rounds 11 to 13 could lull its players in to a false sense of security.

Dayne Beams finished with 33 disposals. Source: News Corp Australia

The unavailability of Nathan Brown (shoulder) and Luke Ball (calf) and late withdrawals of Dane Swan (heel) and Brodie Grundy (back) did little to ease concerns that the Pies could be a little vulnerable last night.

The sight of Nick Maxwell trudging off with a right calf injury inside the first 15 minutes didn't help either, nor did Steele Sidebottom's nonsensical jump in to Maverick Weller which resulted in what could be the quickest-ever report in AFL history — seven seconds.

Despite close attention from Jack Frost, Nick Riewoldt kicked three goals. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

It was an unattractive start by any measure.

The Pies had seven clearances to two and 15 inside 50s to five, yet when Farren Ray snapped a goal in the 20th minute the plucky rather than classy Saints led by 11 points.

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

But then the unbackable favourites finally started to get some reward.

Jesse White marked on the lead from a Sidebottom pass and kicked truly from 55m. Within seven minutes Collingwood had three more through small forwards Josh Thomas (twice), Jarryd Blair and Alex Fasolo (twice) and suddenly the scoreboard was starting to reflect its overall dominance.

Cloke took 12 marks. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

After scoring one goal from their first 15 inside 50s the Magpies kicked six straight from their next seven going in to quarter time.

Then, having added another two with the first two entries after the break — this time to keys Travis Cloke and White — the margin was 36 points and the game as good as over.

As strange as it sounds, Collingwood is flying under the radar in the race for the premiership.

Port Adelaide and Gold Coast are the fairytale stories, Hawthorn has its injuries, Sydney has Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett, Fremantle is intent on redemption and Geelong can never be counted out.

Scott Pendlebury finished with a classy 29 disposals. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

Importantly for Buckley, it is his lesser lights — many of whom did not play in the 2013 finals loss to Port — who continue to shine.

Fasolo — wasn't he meant to be a defender? — kicked four goals in another impressive forward role.

White, with two, played the perfect foil for a vastly-improved Cloke who kicked a season-high five majors.

Tom Langdon added another 22 possessions to his standout debut season, Paul Seedsman,

Paul Seedsman was a late inclusion for Dane Swan. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

Marley Williams and Clinton Young provided real dash from half back, Jack Frost didn't shirk his duties when confronted with Saints champ Nick Riewoldt, Taylor Adams was busy with 18 midfield touches and Josh Thomas (29 possessions and three goals) showed he could do the biz both in the middle and forward.

Maxwell is facing weeks on the sidelines with his calf injury, likewise Sidebottom who, considering Weller was subbed out of the game with concussion, will probably fall foul of the Match Review Panel given his tucked in elbow collected the Saint on the jaw.

Those two worries aside, Buckley would have left Docklands in a far better frame of mind than he did last time.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Maria or Ana? Djokovic can’t decide

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

NOVAK Djokovic's head says Maria Sharapova, but his heart says Ana Ivanovic.

With top seed Serena Williams knocked out of the French Open in the second round a day after world No. 2 Li Na made her shock first-round exit, the tag as favourite for the women's title is up for grabs.

Asked his opinion, Djokovic — who is the subject of debate over whether he or Rafael Nadal should be regarded as the men's favourite — tipped No. 7 seed and 2012 champion Sharapova to win a second Roland Garros crown.

"I just saw that Serena also lost, it's definitely a surprise to see the big favourites coming out," Djokovic said.

"I would love Serbian players win, Ana and Jelena (Jankovic). But it's a long ways, still only the beginning of the tournament.

"The next seeds, Sharapova is probably the favourite to win it because she has won this tournament in the past and played finals. I think she's in a good form."

Serbia's Ana Ivanovic celebrates her victory over France's Caroline Garcia at the end of their French tennis Open first round match. Source: AFP

But he would not be surprised to see Ivanovic challenge, having also won the title, in 2008.

"Ana has been playing really, really well," he said.

"Who knows? The experience of having in the past the title here can help mentally. Now that you see that the top two seeds are out, it can mentally give you that push that you need."

Sharapova came back from a break down early to defeat Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova 7-5 6-2 in her second-round match.

Williams, meanwhile, was bundled out by world No. 35 Garbine Muguruza of Spain 6-2 6-2.

"It was one of those days," Williams said.

"You can't be on every day, and, gosh, I hate to be off during a grand slam."

Muguruza said Williams told her as they shook hands at the net that if she continued to play the same way, she could win the tournament.

"I said, 'I will try, I will try,'" Muguruza said.

"It's my biggest win so far. So amazing."

In another upset, American wildcard Taylor Townsend, ranked No. 205 it the world, defeated French No. 20 seed Alize Cornet 6-4 4-6 6-4.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Son of a gun takes on Waller army

Trainer Aleacia Bennett with Star of Octagonal. Source: Waide Maguire / News Corp Australia

ALEACIA Bennett has had fewer starters in her training career than Chris Waller has runners in the Octagonal Handicap at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

Waller is saddling up eight in the race — Coup Ay Tee, Bagman, Tromso, Tougher Than Ever, Hoylonny, Said Com, Fulgur and Masthead — which is yet another record for Sydney's all-conquering trainer.

Bennett, the 28-year-old from Singleton who is taking on the "Waller Army'' with Star Of Octagonal, can only marvel at the sheer stable size and extraordinary success of her rival trainer.

"When I had a look at the entries I said 'man, that is a lot of horses','' Bennett said of Waller's eight runners.

"He (Chris Waller) would be amazing to sit down with and have a chat about the way he gets around and manages such a big stable. How does he remember and program all his horses?''

Waller is at the peak of his training career and is dominating Sydney racing in a manner not seen since Tommy Smith in his heyday. It is not uncommon for the reigning premier trainer to have multiple runners in a race but eight is a new standard even for him.

In the 2013-14 season, Waller has had more than 1250 starters nationally for 180 wins and prizemoney of $19.6 million. The only other trainers to have at least 1000 runners this season are Melbourne's Darren Weir (1158) and Peter Snowden (1073).

By comparison, Bennett has only been training for five months, she has two horses in work and they have started in five races with the trainer's only winner a Gunnedah Maiden with Seebourn earlier this month.

Her stable earnings come to a princely sum of $13,200.

Bennett may have limited experience as a licensed trainer but she knows plenty about horses.

She grew up with them, riding show horses and playing polo cross.

"I've even done some camp drafting - I've had a go at just about everything,'' Bennett said.

"My Mum, who has never been on a horse, used to drive me miles and miles around the countryside taking me to shows and things. I still ride when I get time.''

She maintains there are certain principles that apply to all ``sporting'' horses.

"Basically, a horse's conformation is the same no matter what sport you are doing,' she said.

"Fitness is the main key. With show horses you have to have them muscled up and looking correct.

"The racehorse is the same but you are working them differently. As a trainer, you learn what to look for in your horses.

"I'm trying to learn what I can from these two and Star Of Octagonal has beray en good for me to learn from.

"He's an experienced racehorse and I think he's teaching me more than I'm teaching him.''

Despite having only Star Of Octagonal and Seebourn in her care, Bennett admits to being "time poor'' — but with good reason.

Bennett is also a qualified accountant and works full-time in the mining industry.

"My friends are always into me about never having any (spare) time,'' Bennett said.

"But I don't know what I would do if I had time, I'm just so busy.

"I always say racing is like a disease - once it is in your veins you can't get away from it.''

So, why has Bennett decided to juggle a full-time accountancy career with such a costly and time-consuming hobby as racehorse training?

She says her natural affinity with horses combined with a growing interest and understanding of racing has fuelled her ambitions.

"My husband James's grandfather, Kevin Hewitt, used to train at Singleton,'' she revealed.

"Before he passed away, I used to love going to the races with him. It has sort of grown from there.''

The trainer's day starts well before sunrise and usually includes a 40-minute drive to Cessnock racetrack where she puts Star Of Octagonal and Seebourn through their paces at trackwork.

Bennett then returns to her Singleton property where her two gallopers are placed in spacious paddocks before she leaves to start her ``day job'' at 8am.

"They are in a big yard, not in stables every day, they are out on the grass and get to be 'horses' — they love it,'' she added.

Star Of Octagonal, a rising eight-year-old with a race career punctuated by injury, also has a remarkable story.

The trainer's mother, Leanne Moore had a dream that she raced a son of 10-time Group 1 winner, champion Octagonal.

Moore's dream also provided her with a name for the horse — Star Of Octagonal.

At the 2008 Scone Yearling sales, Leanne Moore watched an Octagonal yearling walk into the ring and excitedly turned to her husband, Phil, and said: "That's the one.''

The Moore's secured the yearling they would name Star Of Octagonal for just $22,000

In a 27-start career so far, Star Of Octagonal has won five races (with eight placings) and earned more than $800,000 prizemoney.

Bennett was given Star Of Octagonal to train earlier this year and the gelding has had two starts for her, finishing last of seven behind Hot Snitzel in the Hall Mark Stakes at Randwick last month before another seventh placing in the 10-horse Luskin Star Stakes at the Scone stand-alone meeting two weeks ago.

Star Of Octagonal showed signs of ``ring rust'' in his first two starts back after a long break from racing but the veteran sprinter, winner of the 2010 Scone Guineas and 2012 Rowley Mile, is slowly regaining form and fitness.

"The track was too wet for him at Randwick but he had to have a start,'' Bennett said.

"I thought he hit the line quite well at Scone when obviously it was not his ideal distance.

"We are happy with him at home and he's working well on the track.

"We just don't want a wet track (tomorrow) because he doesn't handle those conditions.

"I always say to Dad we should charge an appearance fee to send him out west when we need rain.''

Bennett said Star Of Octagonal retains all the zest and enthusiasm for racing and training that you would find in a two-year-old.

"For a trainer, Star Of Octagonal is easy to do anything with because he loves what he does,'' Bennett said.

"He is part of the family now, he is s such a sweet `boy', he has the kindest nature.

"His eyes light up when you take him to the track and when I go to get him from the paddock every day, he is waiting at the gate for you.''

The trainer said the racing industry fosters a spirit of goodwill and appreciation from her colleagues.

When Seebourn, a three-year-old gelding by Sebring, scored in his maiden at Gunnedah on May 11, Bennett was swamped by well-wishers.

"There were jockeys and people I didn't even know coming up and congratulating me, saying well done,'' she said.

"I don't think you would get that in every sport.

"Everyone in this industry wants to help you, it is such a good environment — racing is like a little family.''

Bennett knows she is up against it tomorrow with Star Of Octagonal. The odds are against her.

But she is just starting her training career and success doesn't happen overnight. It took Chris Waller a decade of hard work to be in the position he is today as Australia's champion trainer.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Stosur confident before Cibulkova clash

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

SAMANTHA Stosur has every right to feel confident going into her French Open clash with Dominika Cibulkova.

A 4-0 win-loss record, including a straight-sets win in Madrid earlier this month, says a lot in the Australian's favour.

That's before you even look at Stosur's kick-serve and heavy topspin forehand that work beautifully on clay and have troubled the diminutive Slovakian so much in the past.

Then there's Stosur's two clinical performances in the first two rounds in Paris.

The No. 19 seed, who also beat 161cm Cibulkova at Roland Garros in 2012, was aware she would be the hunted rather than the hunter in tonight's third-round match, so she plans to make her opponent squirm.

"For sure I'm going to be confident going into that match, and I know what's worked in the past and what I will have to do," Stosur said.

"But I know when I've never beaten somebody you certainly go out there wanting to win. If you have lost, what, four matches or whatever, maybe it's time to try something different.

"So I will certainly have to be aware of what she's going to come out and try and do and really be smart at the start. I'm going to go out there and think about my tennis and do what I know she feels uncomfortable with."

The equation is not as simple as it sounds.

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

Cibulkova sits at a career-high ranking of 10th in a breakthrough year.

She followed her runner-up performance at the Australian Open with a title in Acapulco, quarter-final at Indian Wells, semi-final in Miami and final in Kuala Lumpur — all on hard courts.

She failed to make the second round in her two clay court warm-ups but has been untroubled in her two matches at Roland Garros so far.

"She's having a good year," Stosur said.

"I know what she's capable of. It's matter of me not allowing her to play the way she likes to."

Cibulkova said she was a more confident player than the one who met Stosur in Paris two years ago and it was "a little bit different story this year".

"After getting into the top 10 this year, having such a good result, feeling that if I'm playing my best tennis I can beat anybody," Cibulkova said.

"She's a tough opponent for me but I think one day I feel like I have to beat her.

"I'll decide with my coach what I have to do now. Obviously I have to do something new because what I was doing wasn't working."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Betts: My enormous debt to footy

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

ADELAIDE forward Eddie Betts has told how he would never have held cherished son Lewis or escaped life in trouble town without the power of love, AFL and idol Andrew McLeod.

Quiet contemplation ahead of AFL's indigenous round and 200-game milestone saw Betts recall his rise from illiterate, wayward youngster to champion for a people he will never give up on.

Betts, 27, will confront Gold Coast Suns this Sunday as respected role model - a poignant and unforeseen feat when trashing his talent as wild child 15-year-old in Port Lincoln.

SCROLL DOWN: EDDIE WANTS TO STAMP OUT RACISM

"If I didn't play AFL I don't know what I would be doing. To tell the truth I wouldn't have my beautiful son, fiance and a house that is almost paid off in Melbourne," said Betts, engaged to partner Anna Scullie and devoted father to 19-month old Lewis.

"I am so lucky to have to have had the career and opportunities that I have had."

Betts and his band of brothers would skirt around a tuna town with more tycoons per capita than anywhere in Australia with drink, drugs and junk food ever present. Education was a distant thought.

Eddie Betts celebrates a goal against former club Carlton. Picture: Michael Dodge.

Betts was closer to skid row than the millionaire variety in Port Lincoln. There was a fine line between AFL stardom and collision course with the law.

Cut to the core when he visits communities ravaged by alcohol and drug abuse, Betts instantly relives the danger and emptiness felt as a teenager on a road to nowhere.

"It does sadden me and to be completely honest I was one of those kids. Growing up I was into that stuff and Mum shifted me away. That was the step I made, shifted away from all that," said Betts whose childhood was split between Eyre Peninsula and Kalgoorlie

It is well documented that a 'mother' of all interventions from Cindy Sambo saw her son Eddie uprooted to Melbourne - joining Phil Krakouer's indigenous AFL TAFE academy in 2003.

"Every week, every day I thank what she did for me, got away from that environment," said 193-game veteran Betts.

Sanctuary was famously found in Krakouer's landmark program that fast tracked talented juniors from across the nation into Victoria's under-18 competition - leaving them AFL draft ready.

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

It took real gumption to shake homesickness in Melbourne for Betts.

Even in the darkest days, ambition to emulate dual Adelaide premiership midfielder McLeod motivated Betts. Dual Norm Smith medallist McLeod's influence continues to this day.

"I grew up as a Crows supporter in Port Lincoln and looked up to Andrew McLeod, he was my role model and still my idol," said Betts, who joined Adelaide this season from Carlton in a $2 million, four-year deal.

"He gave me that drive to play footy, make my dreams come true.

"Now I am getting into the APY lands initiative which Andy runs to mentor young leaders there. I will be proud to wear his guernsey design in the indigenous round which is probably the best one around."

Breaking the chain of poor life choices in remote communities is complicated further by family bonds that typically mean staying together for better or worse.

"I was born in Port Lincoln but my parents broke up when I was little. I shifted back to Western Australia with my Mum, we were living in a three-bedroom house with 18 children," recalled Betts.

"You get that tight bond with all your first cousins, they are like brothers.

"So many of them could play AFL but it is hard to leave that environment."

Crucially, Betts also puts the onus on indigenous youth to be brave in the fight to beat disadvantage.

"When I got drafted I didn't know how to read or write, what I was doing. You have to get out of your comfort zone, go to school then chase your dreams," said Betts, now a part time primary school teacher who has pursued years of self-driven study.

Success does require ongoing vigilance as Betts was reminded after an end of season player function at Carlton in 2009.

"We had trained all year, weren't allowed to drink. The boys put on a little thing and it got a bit out of hand. From then onwards I had to switch on a little better, turn my life around," said Betts who redoubled his approach to fitness in a bid for career longevity.

"I am glad it happened as it made me a stronger person."

The inaugural member of his family to own a house, Betts has now new goals on the horizon.

"It is always someone's dream to play one AFL game let along as much as I have," said Betts.

"It is a great achievement from where I came from. Hopefully I can continue on and get a premiership before I finish my footy.

"I would love to get into coaching when I retire as well."

Eddie Betts has become a mentor for first-year Crows player Charlie Cameron. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: News Corp Australia

EDDIE'S LEADING THE WAY FOR INDIGENOUS TEAMMATES

FOR every indigenous footballer that makes it - more are spat out of the AFL system - unable to adjust culturally or deal with the heartache of leaving close family and spiritual environments.

Adelaide star Eddie Betts is attempting to make a difference and keep Aboriginal AFL representation at 10 per cent - becoming a father figure to young stars from Carlton gun Chris Yarran to Crows rookie sensation Charlie Cameron.

"I try to go out of my way to make sure they don't get homesick, look after them," said Betts, who like Cameron, cut his teeth playing football in Kalgoorlie.

"It is fantastic, I love doing it, gives guys a longer opportunity to stay in the AFL system.

"It has been great taking Charlie into our house, we are always there to talk to."

Betts, 27, concedes he was saved from himself when Carlton offered salvage from AFL's last chance saloon through the 2005 pre-season draft.

However Melbourne's Liam Jurrah was a fish out of water away from his clan before finishing on the wrong side of the law in Alice Springs.

Dale Garlett, 20, would quit premier Hawthorn in March - simply disliking the routine of AFL and tyranny of distance from family in WA.

"It is a bit sad about Liam," lamented 193-game goal-sneak Betts.

"He had Aaron Davey at Melbourne who was a great role model but English was his third language, he came from a remote environment. He was a very shy kid. Things didn't turn out, it can go either way.

"Dale got homesick, went back to family. It's about making that next step of training hard, playing good footy and living away from home.

"It is that hard choice."

"There are still people out there who are racist," Eddie Betts says. Picture: Michael Dodge. Source: Getty Images

EDDIE WANTS TO STAMP OUT RACISM

EDDIE Betts has spoken of his remarkable u-turn from troubled youth to 200-game indigenous hero - now determined to smash the scourge of racism and disadvantage in our time.

The indigenous round is synonymous with several flashpoints. St Kilda half-forward Nicky Winmar's pointed to his skin after being racially vilified by Collingwood cheer squad members in 1993.

Adelaide forward Betts, 27, faithfully hoped racist incidents at AFL venues were dead and buried - a relic of the past by his retirement.

Yet, Sydney champion and Australian of the year Adam Goodes has been the victim of two racial slurs inside a year by Collingwood and Essendon fans.

"We have to close the gap on racism," said Betts, noting the hurt caused to Goodes after being labelled an ape by spectators.

"There's still people out there that are racist. We thought it stopped last year with the Goodes incident and it is still occurring.

"Goodesy says racism must be stamped out to the end, we have to educate. All we want to do is cut out racism from the game."

Betts cites AFL and its indigenous round as a healing agent - unique on the sporting and political landscape.

"The Michael Long walk for the traditional Richmond v Essendon clash is getting bigger every year. It gives more insight on our culture and background," said Betts, engaged to partner Anna Scullie and devoted father to 19-month old Lewis.

"It's strange as I never experienced racism in nine years at Carlton and played against Collingwood twice a year but it just takes one person to paint a whole section."

Betts also put the onus on indigenous youth to be brave in the fight to beat disadvantage. Betts urges children to finish schooling in his visits to remote APY lands communities with Adelaide great and idol Andrew McLeod.

"I think you have to get out of your comfort zone, go to school then chase your dreams," said Betts, who mentors rising Carlton duo Chris Yarran, Jeff Garlett and Crows rookie revelation Charlie Cameron.

Betts notes he faced the curse of alcohol and drugs aged 15 in Port Lincoln if his mother hadn't moved him to former North Melbourne rover Phil Krakouer's TAFE footy program in Melbourne during 2003.

"To tell the truth I wouldn't have my beautiful son, fiance and a house. If I didn't play AFL I don't know what I would be doing," he said.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Wounded Morris makes miracle try-saver

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

BRETT Morris entered State of Origin folklore on Wednesday night, pulling-off a match-saving tackle on Darius Boyd with a dislocated shoulder that he'd carried for almost an hour.

Morris's heroic effort to hold-up Boyd in the 74th minute was the epitome of what coach Laurie Daley described as the most courageous display he'd been associated with.

HEROIC BLUES CLAIM GAME 1 VICTORY

Brett Morris of the Blues tackles Darius Boyd of the Maroons on the try line. Source: Getty Images

With no outside backs on the bench, Morris was forced to soldier on in agony after dislocating the joint while touching down for NSW's opening try in the 19th minute.

But that was only the start of the carnage.

The Blues also lost back rower Anthony Watmough to a torn bicep and centre Josh Morris to a posterior ligament tear in his knee, with both players now in grave doubt to be fit for Origin II in Sydney.

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

Paul Gallen of NSW down injured. Source: News Corp Australia

Skipper Paul Gallen will also require scans after aggravating a long-standing neck injury, after being struck unsighted by nemesis Josh Papalii early in the second half.

But the brave heart award belonged to Brett Morris, who was already hurting mentally after Boyd beat him on the outside to open Queensland's account in just the fourth minute.

GET ALL THE MATCH STATS IN THE ORIGIN MATCH CENTRE

Brett Morris injures his shoulder while scoring his try. Source: News Corp Australia

His own try and a pain-killing injection at halftime helped numb the pain, but there more agony when Boyd scored his 14th Origin try - taking him to just one behind Greg Inglis in the record books - with 23 minutes left.

With Queensland rattling home, the Maroons again looked for their trusty left hand edge to snatch the game as the clock ticked down.

RE-LIVE ALL THE ACTION IN OUR LIVE BLOG

Brett Morris of the Blues is taken from the field injured. Source: Getty Images

Deja vu beckoned when Boyd charged for the corner. But despite his obvious agony, Morris someone got his body between Boyd and the turf to give NSW some desperately needed breathing space.

"It didn't feel the greatest but you've just got top put your body on the line," Morris said.

"He got on the outside of me and he wasn't going to do that again.

STATE OF ORIGIN GALLERY

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

"You just don't want to let your team mates down. We don't carry a winger on the bench and the adrenalin carried me through.

"I was filthy about Darius scoring those tries, so it was good to get him and a great way to finish the match."

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

Luke Lewis completed the game on Morris's inside shoulder, after his twin brother limped off midway through the second half.

Watmough was also forced to leave, and later revealed he'd been carrying a partially torn left bicep for most of the season.

An injured Anthony Watmough of the Blues holds his arm. Source: Getty Images

Despite fully tearing the muscle, Watmough was still bullish about his chances of being fit for Origin II - and perhaps even making it on to the same field for Manly's clash against Brisbane on Sunday.

"Hopefully I'll be right for this weekend," he said.

"We'll let the swelling go down and see what happens.

"I'd been playing with it partially torn all year and we were waiting for her to go and she went tonight.

"It's just about getting the strength back into it.

"I can deal with the pain."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

‘I’ve never been more frightened’

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

BRENT Tate says he feared he would become the next Alex McKinnon after he was hurled upside down into the Suncorp Stadium turf.

In a stinging attack, Tate called for the NRL to crack down on lifting tackles.

QUEENSLAND BLUE AS CRONK BREAKS ARM

Brent Tate is picked up in the tackle by Josh Reynolds and Beau Scott. Source: Getty Images

Josh Reynolds is set to miss Game Two for the ugly incident that cartwheeled Tate in the first half of Wednesday night's 100th Origin.

Reynolds was late last night charged with a grade two dangerous throw, which carries a two-week ban even with an early guilty plea.

CRACKS APPEAR AS MAROONS DROWNED IN EPIC

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

It will be three weeks on the sidelines if he contests and loses. Beau Scott, who dragged down on Tate's upper body, was charged with a grade one dangerous throw.

He will not miss a game if he takes an early plea.

"I have never been more frightened in all my life," Tate said.

"My legs were shaking for the next 10 minutes after that.

RE-LIVE ALL THE ACTION FROM GAME ONE IN OUR BLOG

Brent Tate gets treatment. Source: News Corp Australia

"If we are serious about trying to stamp this out they will crack down on it.

"I was legitimately shaken up about it. I didn't know where I was.

"I had my family here. The last thing they want to be doing is sitting next to a hospital bed like an Alex McKinnon situation.

"You can't have it in our game. It has to stop."

Josh Reynolds tackles Brent Tate and gets put on report. Source: News Corp Australia

The Blues are already protesting, with Paul Gallen adamant it was a penalty only because Tate landed on his back. "He landed on flat on his back," Gallen said in the press conference before the charge was revealed.

"He got him in a dangerous position so it was a penalty but he landed on his back."

The tackle thankfully ended with Tate only being dazed but it could have been damaging as the winger flew upside down.

MATCH CENTRE: GAME DETAILS AND STATS

Josh Reynolds tackles Brent Tate and gets put on report. Source: News Corp Australia

The incident threatened to provoke an all-in brawl with the Maroons filthy at the tackle putting Tate's safety in danger.

"I think that's the case whenever your teammate gets tipped up and put in that position," Smith said of the melee.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Maroon blow as Cronk breaks arm

Cooper Cronk watches from the sidelines Source: Supplied

THERE was no perfect whole for Cooper Cronk, only a hole in Queensland's playmaking ranks.

There was no pristine outer body experience, when every sinew of his body aligned like jackpot symbols on a Vegas poker machine.

Instead the fibres, tissue and bones in his left forearm went bust in a moment of terrifying inner conflict.

And so too did Queensland's extraordinary run of keeping their brains trust intact.

Only the most deluded Blues fan would dare to seriously argue that luck with injury has played a role in their eight-year drought.

ROTHFIELD: PAPALII SHOT A COWARD ACT

LIVE MATCH CENTRE: GAME DETAILS AND STATS

PLAYER RATINGS: STUDS AND DUDS

Cooper Cronk goes for assessment in the sheds. Source: News Corp Australia

But then again, Queensland has never been presented with such an emergency since the shield became permanently entrenched in Brisbane from 2006 onwards.

That finally changed in the 10th minute of Wednesday night's breathtaking series opener, when Cronk reeled from a three-man tackle on NSW back-rower Ryan Hoffman.

What appeared to be a regulation play quickly changed into something that could disrupt nearly a decade's worth of standard transmission.

Phil Rothfield and Paul Crawley discuss players, tactics and controversy following NSW 12-8 win over QLD.

Cronk immediately looked to the bench; the snapped arm curled in agony around his mid-rift. Within a minute he was rushed up the tunnel and in to the home sheds, the doors slammed shut to prevent Channel Nine cameras from capturing the raw emotion that would have greeted the low point of Cronk's career.

Cooper Cronk has his arm assessed by medical staff. Source: Supplied

Less than two years earlier, he straddled the other end of the spectrum after booting a 40-metre field goal to claim the 2012 series in its final minute of normal play.

It took nearly 12 months for Cronk to explain how he felt, but his extraordinary summation was worth the wait.

"I was in a state of grace that particular moment," he said. "Every sinew of my body came together in a perfect whole."

On Wednesday night it was the opposite. For Cronk, and for Queensland.

Replacement Maroons half Daly Cherry-Evans has been strongly pushed to immediately succeed The Australian No. 7 at all levels of representative football.

Wednesday night's evidence exposed that campaign for not putting enough currency of the strength of Queensland's key combinations.

Cooper Cronk reels in pain. Source: News Corp Australia

Since Cronk took over from Darren Lockyer in 2012, he had played every minute of the ensuing six Origin games. So too has hooker Cameron Smith. So too has five eighth Johnathan Thurston.

Billy Slater missed the decider that forged Cronk's legacy, but has completed all of the other five matches.

Coaches all agree that continuity is vital to controlling Origin matches, let alone dynasties. As NSW desperately chopped and changed their most vital personnel in search of a break through, Queensland have reclined in their banana chairs and rolled out teams by rote.

The peel finally dropped in their path, condemning Cronk to the coach's box before full time. Although Queensland staged their customary comeback, his fellow occupants could not quite engineer another miracle escape.

Cooper Cronk nurses his injured arm on the sideline. Source: News Corp Australia

Cherry-Evans didn't appear to come to grips with his responsibility until late in the match, leaving Queensland to rely over and over again on their money play — the left-hand sweep to Inglis. The fact Smith battled on through an ankle injury suffered early in the second half, didn't make his task any easier.

He finished the match limping in the final minute, a fitting image of the sudden turn for the worse that Queensland's fortunes had struck on Wednesday night.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cracks appear as Maroons downed in epic

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

QUEENSLAND's record dynasty is one loss away from crumbling after halfback Cooper Cronk's broken arm personified the cracks in the Maroons' Origin campaign.

In a superb interstate heart-stopper at Suncorp Stadium, the brave Blues stunned a pro-Maroons crowd of 52,111 with an epic 12-8 boilover in Origin's 100th match.

If NSW coach Laurie Daley's troops can clinch victory in the return bout in Sydney on June 18, Queensland's remarkable eight-year reign will be officially over.

ORIGIN PLAYER RATINGS

MATCH CENTRE: GAME DETAILS AND STATS

Brent Tate caught in a dangerous tackle. Picture: Josh Woning Source: News Corp Australia

Greg Inglis fumes. Source: Getty Images

Thousands of Queenslanders flocked to Suncorp on a night where the Maroons were expected to pay homage to their late, great pioneer Arthur Beetson.

But not even the spirit of Artie could inspire the Maroons as the loss of Cronk in the 10th minute underscored Queensland's night of misery.

Down 4-0 early, the Blues bolted to a 12-4 half-time lead and withstood a ferocious Queensland fightback in the dying minutes to stun the Maroons.

Jarryd Hayne and Anthony Watmough celebrate. Source: Getty Images

Without Cronk, coach Mal Meninga turned to Daly Cherry-Evans, but the Maroons lacked the cohesion and execution that has been a trademark of their ruthless reign.

When the full-time siren sounded, Blues players embraced like they had won the grand final. The Maroons must now regroup quickly as Cherry-Evans prepares to give Queensland a view of the future when he wears the No.7 jumper in game two.

Darius Boyd (R) scores one of two tries. Picture: Darren England Source: News Corp Australia

Darius Boyd scores. Picture: Darren England Source: News Corp Australia

Maroons fullback Billy Slater was easily Queensland's best player, but not even a double from Darius Boyd could get his side home.

"That was tough, it was very disappointing," Slater said.

"To go down by four points was tough but that's Origin."

Paul Gallen down injured. Picture: Darren England Source: News Corp Australia

Queensland's pre-match preparation is certain to be put under the microscope following the performance.

There was a school of thought Meninga's troops were too relaxed in Camp Maroon. While the Blues applied a forensic edge with sleep monitors and saliva testing, the Maroons trained just once in a 72-hour period between Thursday and Saturday.

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

When Queensland embarked on a tour of Dreamworld on Monday night, NSW were entitled to think the cocky Maroons were treating Origin like a fun-park joyride.

On match eve, Meninga spoke about the perils of a poor start after Queensland were beaten to the punch in game one last year.

Brett Morris down injured. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: News Corp Australia

Brett Morris crosses for a try. Source: Getty Images

The Maroons played up tempo from the outset, needing just three minutes to penetrate the Blues when Chris McQueen brushed off a feeble Beau Scott attempt.

It seemed a familiar Origin theme for the best part of the past decade. The Blues vulnerable. The Queensland juggernaut full of verve. And when Boyd slithered over in the corner for his 13th Origin try from a scrum win, it felt like Groundhog Day at Suncorp.

Then something strange happened. For once, the Maroons machine needed a mid-match grease-and-oil change.

For the past eight campaigns, the Thurston, Cronk and Cameron Smith troika has been impervious to injury. But when Cronk collided with Ryan Hoffman, shattering his arm, Cherry-Evans was pitchforked into halfback in a forced reshuffle.

It was a glimpse of Queensland's future. But in the present, NSW held their nerve and slowly, almost imperceptibly, turned the Maroon tide, finding an X-factor in Hayne.

Jarryd Hayne was the NSW x-factor. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

The second half was classic Origin. It was blow-for-blow, high-octane football built on courage and effort. In the end, it came down to belief ... and finally NSW appear to have it.

NSW BLUES 12 (Brett Morris, Jarryd Hayne tries, Trent Hodkinson 2/4 goals), QUEENSLAND MAROONS 8 (Darius Boyd 2 tries, Johnathan Thurston 0/2 goals)

See how we covered the game live.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Jumps industry facing more scrutiny

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

THE troubled jumps industry has hit another obstacle with four planned hurdles races at Moe in July and August being replaced with flat races.

Problems with the Moe track which was deemed unsuitable for jumps races, led to two jumps races being moved from the country track to last week's midweek Sandown meeting when steeplechaser Show Dancer was involved in a fatal fall.

Two jumps races scheduled for Moe on September 6 will be run at Warrnambool's September 8 meeting and two jumps races at Moe on September 20 will now on Bendigo's September 24 meeting.

Racing Victoria said there were no suitable venues for the July and August jumps races, but said it would divide extra jumps races during that period if there was enough demand.

***

LEADING Hong Kong trainer, the Australian born John Moore has mapped out an ambitious travelling and quarantine plan for his last start Singapore Airlines International Cup winner Dan Excel who will contest the Cox Plate.

He plans to fly the gelding to Sydney in the next few weeks to acclimatise to the Australian conditions.

Martin Kelly riding Show Dancer crashes through the steeple jump and falls to the ground. Source: Getty Images

THE odds-on favourite for Saturday's Group 1 $400,000 Queensland Oaks _ Arabian Gold _ is in doubt for the race after suffering a hoof injury.

Trainer David Vandyke said he wouldn't know for the next 24 to 48 hours whether she would run after a trodding on a shoe which she twisted in track work.

The shoe was removed and although she lost a bit of the wall of the hoof, she wasn't lame.

Vandyke bandaged the hoof and sent her out to work without any problems.

He is confident she will be okay.

***

THREE meetings programmed for Ballarat in July, August and October will be transferred to ensure the newly resurfaced track is not overused when racing returns to the track on Sunday.

In order to reduce the workload on the Ballarat track, the July 3 and August 28 meetings have been transferred to Cranbourne and the October 1 meeting to Sale.

Work at Ballarat included the resurfacing and reshaping the track and the removal of the dip.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Unruffled Ange sticking to plan

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

AFTER a brief but thorough preparation and a routine skirmish, the Socceroos board the plane today.

To go to the World Cup in Brazil. Not, as you might assume from the air of gloom that has settled over the team, to fly a combat mission over Pyongyang. Before the Socceroos' bags had hit the luggage carousel, even the game's most ebullient character Mark Bosnich — a man who can see the good side to amoebic dysentery — was hoping they "don't get scarred'' in Brazil.

That is the measure of how greatly one substandard hour against a ­second-string South African team had damaged the already fragile confidence of sceptical critics and a nervous public in an untested line-up.

Since the Socceroos' Serena Williams defeats to Brazil and France — 6-0 6-0 — prompted the sacking of coach Holger Osieck, the appointment of the savvy Ange Postecoglou and the overdue regeneration of the Socceroos has provided reassurance.

Now, however, stark reality. Chile, The Netherlands, Spain. Suddenly Socceroos fans are waking up from nightmares in which they turn up to a stadium in Curitiba or Porto Alegre wearing only their green and gold scarves.

The tone of the media's questions after Monday night's game and at yesterday's final team announcement left Postecoglou in no doubt about the air of trepidation, even sudden mistrust, surrounding his team. He was entitled to bristle when one reporter challenged him about his promise that the Socceroos would excite after the discordant performance against South Africa.

"I didn't say after one game,'' Postecoglou replied evenly. "I said after the World Cup.''

To his credit he has neither raised expectations nor shirked the challenge in Brazil. He has maintained he would strive to maintain high standards and have his team play attractive football from the very start of a devilishly difficult rebuild. But even this causes sleepless nights for some experts. Aren't the Socceroos courting disaster by trying to take the game to the world's best? Should they not park a fleet of buses like the heroically undefeated New Zealanders in South Africa?

Postecoglou, however, is not in the business of reassuring the doubters. If you did not accept his word that the Socceroos were tired after an arduous training block on Monday night and would learn from their moments of over-exuberance and ill-discipline, that's your problem.

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

"We'll stick the course,'' he said with reassuring bluntness.

What Postecoglou — or no one else — can provide is a realistic expectation for this newly assembled and partly experimental Socceroos team. Untold glory? Face-saving respectability? A win? A point? A goal?

Inevitably it could we be the emergence of a few promising individuals rather than the team performance that is the highlight. A confident ­second-half cameo by Ben Halloran on Monday was something to excite the purists, but not necessarily energise the once-every-four-year fan.

"The only time that is important to me is when we play Chile,'' Postecoglou said when asked for a progress report. ''That will give me an assessment of where we are at.''

The upside? If 2006 was a dream fulfilled and 2010 was a rude awakening, the doomsday forecasts for 2014 will make any accomplishment small or great the more precious.

The Socceroos have, at least, packed their lucky charm. The most pessimistic cite the enduring presence of the 34-year-old Tim Cahill as Australia's main strike weapon as a cause for concern. Surely the next Cahill should have emerged. But, yet again, Cahill's boundless energy and defiance were evident in the first 20 minutes against South Africa. He jumped, he scored, he celebrated with passion.

"I'm buzzing,'' he said. "I can't wait. Maybe the fans are used to it (Australian being in the World Cup). Maybe the media are used to it. You probably need to blow it up a bit more for us.''

Even if Cahill is mistaking the press for publicists, you can see his point. Enthusiasm cannot be faked, but it can be created with the type of effort he puts into the game. It can also be infectious. Then there is the leadership of new captain Mile Jedinak, and the calm organisational skills of Mark Bresciano. Both tested at the highest level. And, for those who can't be shaken from their gloom, the Socceroos will at least have lulled Chile, The Netherlands and Spain into a sense of security. Real or false? That's why they play the games.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Stradbroke the target for Waller’s mare

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

HISTORY will be against Red Tracer when she tries to win the Stradbroke Handicap after nearly a two-month lay-off.

It will be exactly seven weeks between runs when Red Tracer lines up at Eagle Farm for the $1 million Brisbane winter showpiece.

Trainer Chris Waller watched Red Tracer win a Rosehill trial yesterday and nominated Saturday week's Stradbroke as her target, provided the track was ''dead to heavy''. Red Tracer was last spotted finishing behind Diamond Drille in a three-way finish in the Queen Of The Turf Stakes during The Championships.

In the past 30 years, only Crawl went longer between runs when he won the 2001 Stradbroke — he finished fourth in the Doncaster, then tuned up with a Hawkesbury trial. The 1988 winner, Campaign King, had a six-week let-up.

Waller and jockey Nash Rawiller were hardly daunted by the time away from the track for Red Tracer, who remains an $11 Stradbroke chance with TAB Fixed Odds.

Rawiller said the freshen-up had worked wonders for the mare, who wasn't her usual brilliant self after she received a bad check not long after the start in the Canterbury Stakes.

"She seems in a really good frame of mind again,'' said Ra­willer, who piloted Red Tracer to an easy trial win over 1030m.

"The whole time I've been riding her, she's always been one of the most competitive mares you'd ride, but she didn't quite seem herself for a couple of runs in the autumn.

"Whether that had something to do with a bad check in (the Canterbury Stakes), I'm not sure. Judging by the past two trials, I think she's back from the brink.

"She's in quite well at the weights (with 56kg in the Stradbroke), she's still got that residual fitness, so the 1400m will be no problem for her.''

Waller said Red Tracer would only ditch the Stradbroke if Eagle Farm was likely to be a dry track.

If that was the case, Red Tracer would unfortunately clash with stablemate Catkins in the Dane Ripper Stakes on the same day, the feature she won last year.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

You picked them: Maroons’ Team of the ‘Century’

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

QUEENSLAND'S team for Wednesday's 100th State of Origin game features four men who have been named among The Courier-Mail's all-time Maroon greats.

Hooker Cameron Smith, halfback Johnathan Thurston, centre Greg Inglis and Billy Slater, named on the wing, earned the honour after more than 5000 readers voted in the couriermail.com.au poll.

With Inglis on one side and Mal Meninga on the other, playmakers Wally Lewis, at five-eighth, Smith and Thurston would have plenty of options if this side could actually run out.

CHECK OUT OUR 100 GREATEST MOMENTS

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

Our state's Origin devotees mixed a blend of modern champions and past greats.

The big calls included were:

■ ARTHUR Beetson did not make the 17 on the basis of his one game, but The Courier-Mail readers named him as coach.

■ THURSTON won almost three times the votes as Allan Langer for halfback (3604 to 1350).

■ MENINGA, Inglis, Slater and Dale Shearer are the three-quarters. Darren Lockyer was named fullback by 4325 entrants, with Slater attracting 2756 votes.

■ THE four guns from this year's side are joined by Lockyer, Petero Civoniceva and Steve Price, so the teams from 2006 onwards are well represented. Seven players who featured in the 1980s, Queensland's second most productive era in terms of wins, also make the cut.

■ THE 1980s warhorses Greg Dowling and Martin Bella were overlooked as props in favour of starters Shane Webcke and Civoniceva and interchange forward Price.

■ EIGHT of the 17 played at least some of their careers at the Broncos.

Most votes went to Lewis with 5230, proving he remains the King in the fans' eyes 23 years after his farewell from Origin. A total of 4599 voted for Lewis at No.6, with 578 at lock and a surprising 53 on the bench.

Queensland State of Origin team training. Source: News Corp Australia

The second most wanted Maroon was Inglis, with 4522 votes as a centre.

Lockyer was in the 17-man squad with 5078 votes, with Meninga next at 5069. The most popular forward was Tallis, with 4778 despite having played the fewest games, 17, of any of the men chosen in the team. Tallis did not play Origin in any of the three years after his 1994 debut.

Those who voted for Langer might reflect that it is not the first time the Queensland electorate has seemingly got something badly wrong.

BLUES NOT READY FOR CAULDRON: THURSTON

Queensland's greatest ever Origin squad. Source: News Corp Australia

The champion halfback who won Origin man of the match awards 15 years apart, is named on the bench, just as Bob Fulton used to do on Kangaroo tours.

Mark Murray told The Courier-Mail that Langer was his clear choice.

ButMany voters put more value on Thurston's total package of skills, as exhibited in his remarkable streak of 27 Origins games over nine series.

In two different positions and a bench spot, Bob Lindner attracted 2769 votes, with Trevor Gillmeister's total of 3606 comfortably making them starting backrowers alongside Tallis. Bench spots went to Gary Larson (2429) and Paul Vautin (1881). Shearer held the record of 12 Origin tries for many years and was preferred to names such as Kerry Boustead (six games) and Israel Folau (eight).

SLATER IN HOLE LOT OF PAIN

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

On the basis that captain-coaches went out with body shirts and button-up flies, we went away from the idea of Meninga as coach, a role for which we did not call for your votes. But Beetson, the Godfather of Origin, had to be involved somewhere and his win-loss record was better than Wayne Bennett's.

Beetson's 11 wins and five losses came from 1981-84 and 1989-90, taking in five full series.

Bennett teams won 11, lost 10 and drew one.

Unselected players include nine men who played 20 or more games for the Maroons: Bella, Greg Conescu, Gene Miles, Matt Sing, Brent Tate, Darren Smith, Kevin Walters, Sam Thaiday and Nate Myles.

Stars from the 1980s with shorter careers who missed out included Dowling, Boustead and Chris Close, man of the match in the first two Origin games.

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

The Mightiest Maroons

1. Darren Lockyer

2. Billy Slater

3. Mal Meninga

4. Greg Inglis

5. Dale Shearer

6. Wally Lewis

7. Johnathan Thurston

8. Shane Webcke

9. Cameron Smith

10. Petero Civoniceva

11. Gorden Tallis

12. Trevor Gillmeister

13. Bob Lindner

Reserves:

14. Allan Langer

15. Gary Larson

16. Paul Vautin

17. Steve Price

Coach: Arthur Beetson.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More