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Report: LeBron opts for free agency

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 24 Juni 2014 | 22.07

LeBron James has reportedly opted out of the last two years of his Miami Heat contract. Source: Alan Diaz / AP

NBA superstar LeBron James has informed the Miami Heat that he will exercise an early termination option in his contract and become a free agent next week, ESPN reported Tuesday.

Richie Paul, James' agent, told the team of his client's decision, which came ahead of a deadline next Monday to decide whether or not to opt out of the last two years of his Miami contract.

James, who was set to make $20 million next season, won his first career NBA titles with the Heat in 2012 and 2013. He also led Miami to the NBA Finals in 2011, when Dallas beat the Heat, and this year, when Miami lost to San Antonio.

After the Heat's last loss in the NBA Finals, James said he wanted time on vacation with his family before considering his future plans.

James said he welcomed the chance for the same free agency freedom he had in 2010, when he signed with the Heat after spending his first seven NBA seasons in Cleveland.

James, a high school star near Akron just south of Cleveland, could attract other talented players alongside him after his stellar stint in Miami.


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Robben goes from Cup villain to hero

Netherlands' forward Arjen Robben. Source: MARTIN BERNETTI / AFP

FOUR years after the worst night of Arjen Robben's career, a new and much happier World Cup chapter is being written by the Dutch superstar.

The 30-year-old Bayern Munich attacker has been unstoppable in Brazil, playing the leading role in his Netherlands team's charge to Group B dominance.

Three goals in three games and a man-of-the-match performance in the Oranje's group-clinching 2-0 win over the previously undefeated Chile at the Arena de Sao Paulo has Robben being lauded alike by teammates and experts.

It's a far cry from 2010 in Johannesburg, where Robben had two golden opportunities to deliver the Dutch their first World Cup crown.

He blew both chances, with Spain taking full advantage, scoring the game's only goal in extra-time through their midfield maestro Andres Iniesta to win the World Cup for the first time.

But four years on, a different story is evolving.

Netherlands' forward Memphis Depay (L) celebrates scoring with Netherlands' forward Arjen Robben. Source: AFP

Netherlands exacted revenge for the defeat in the final, smashing Spain 5-1 in Salvador in a breathtaking performance that set the tone for what has thus far been a wonderful tournament.

Not surprisingly, the Spaniards never recovered and are already back home.

The infighting that has previously plagued the Dutch seems to have infiltrated the Spanish camp.

It's amazing what winning can do. The Oranje are united and suddenly have a real chance to go one better than 2010 and in the process become the first European team to win a World Cup on South American soil.

"If you told me that we'd win our three games to finish top of the group two months ago I'd have been delighted," Robben said after his scintillating effort against the Chileans.

"We want to go on."

Robben is pivotal to Netherlands' chances of going all the way.

His pace and energy is vital to his team's counterattacking system that despite having already earned them three wins and 10 goals has attracted criticism for being an unattractive way to play football.

Not that Dutch coach Louis van Gaal cares what other people think.

Arjen Robben of the Netherlands. Source: Getty Images

With Robben in this type of form and the likes of Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneijder also benefiting from the 5-3-2 system, van Gaal isn't about to be swayed by the opinions of football purists.

"It's all about winning so I use the system I think will let me win," van Gaal said.

"You have to evaluate a strategy that will help you win, and this is the proof in the pudding.

"We're not giving away games and we're winning."

And while the Dutch are far from a one-man team, they are winning with the considerable help of Robben.

Former England striker Gary Lineker has been among the ex-Chelsea man's biggest fans.

"The best player of the World Cup group stage is Arjen Robben. He's been utterly outstanding," Lineker tweeted.

Dutch defender Ron Vlaar is in awe of his teammate.

"He's unbelievable," Vlaar said.

"He's so strong, he's quick (and) he can score goals."

Robben is so quick in fact that he has claimed the title of fastest footballer in the world after a 37km per hour sprint in his side's thrashing of Spain.

But it's an accolade he would gladly swap for one of the few things he's yet to achieve during his career — winning the World Cup.

Robben and his Dutch teammates aren't getting too far ahead of themselves, knowing that the hard work has only just started as they must now navigate the cutthroat knockout stages.

"Although we want to enjoy the moment, we'll soon need to start to work hard in training to improve even more … I don't want it to end here," said Robben, who is perhaps on the verge of burying the demons of 2010.


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Vidot wants Mal’s tick to flick Samoa

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BRONCOS winger Daniel Vidot is desperate to play for Queensland but wants to know he is a certain Maroons selection before switching his allegiance from Samoa.

Vidot is one of several Maroons wingers who could come under consideration by Queensland selectors this weekend as they search for a replacement for injured star Brent Tate.

As much as Vidot is a proud and passionate Queenslander, committing his international allegiance to Australia and the Maroons would rule him out of Samoa's team for the end of year Four Nations tournament.

COPLEY THE MAN TO REVIVE MAROONS

Daniel Vidot shows his Samoan pride on his Instagram page.

"I'd want to know first before I get that changed because if I wasn't to get picked then I would obviously miss out on the Four Nations," Vidot told the Courier Mail.

"That is a once in a lifetime thing for Samoa, we've done the hard yards and to miss that would be heartbreaking.

"But if I got the opportunity to play Origin I would definitely grab it with two hands. I reckon it's the biggest thing in rugby league, it's bigger than international footy to be honest.

MAROONS WERE ROBBED, SAYS HARRIGAN

Will Queensland select Daniel Vidot for Origin III?

Broncos winger Daniel Vidot in action. Source: News Corp Australia

"I used to go to all the (Emerging) Queensland camps when I was younger, I know what it's all about and heard from lots of the greats and know lots of them as well.

"If I was to get selected I can change to Queensland but I won't be eligible for the Four Nations. Queensland has always been my goal, ever since I was young.

Daniel Vidot at Brisbane Broncos training. Source: News Limited

"Big Mal (Meninga) knows I'm a massive Maroons fan. I'm very passionate about it, you can see that on Instagram and Facebook.

"I just want to focus on my footy now and keep playing the best I can and let everything else take care of itself."

Daniel Vidot at Brisbane Broncos training. Source: News Corp Australia

The 24-year-old Souths Acacia Ridge junior is vying for Tate's wing spot with Broncos teammate Dale Copley, Melbourne's Will Chambers and Newcastle's Dane Gagai.

Vidot is ranked second in the NRL for metres gained this year, averaging 172m per game, and is living up to his reputation in the early years of his career as a damaging ball runner and finisher.

Daniel Vidot pictured with Wally Lewis from his Instagram page.

Vidot revealed he'd told Broncos coach Anthony Griffin at the start of this year playing Origin for the Maroons was on his list of 2014 goals, along with securing a permanent first grade spot at Brisbane and winning the NRL premiership.

"(Origin) was one of my goals at the start of this year," he said.

Daniel Vidot at training. Source: News Corp Australia

"I told Hook (coach Anthony Griffin) that firstly I want to cement a spot in the Broncos team and hopefully win a premiership and also to play for Queensland, that's my dream mate."

It is no coincidence Vidot has rediscovered his best form since returning to Brisbane after some leans years in Canberra and Wollongong.

Daniel Vidotplaying for the Canberra Raiders. Source: Supplied

Surrounded by family and his childhood friends, Vidot is able to escape the footy bubble almost daily to enjoy life with his mates who exist outside of the NRL club.

Among those pastimes is his love of music and acting, posting several videos on Instagram singing and playing around with his cousins.

Daniel Vidot playing for St George Illawarra. Source: News Limited

"I don't mind a bit of singing and mucking around. That is the kind of character I am and the boys know that," Vidot said.

"I just felt like everything was footy when I was at other teams. It was just too much for me.

Daniel Vidot poses on his Instagram page.

"I'm a bit of a chilled out kind of guy, I like my time away. Hanging out with family and friends and not always having footy on my mind is a big help.

"So I'm finding when the game day comes I'm ready and I'm not mentally drained with football and the thoughts of footy."


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Spain’s plane struck by lightning

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AS if their defence of the World Cup wasn't bad enough, Spain's plane was reportedly struck by lightning on the team's arrival back in Madrid.

The Vicente del Bosque-coached squad left Brazil after immediately after recording their only win of the tournament — a 3-0 victory over Australia in Curitiba.

While the three points ensured they were spared the embarrassment of finishing bottom of Group B, the Spaniards still left the World Cup shattered about their failure to reach the knockout stages after forgettable performance in losses to Netherlands and Chile.

And then it got worse for del Bosque's men, with La Marca reporting that their plane was hit by lightning just before they touched down at the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport.

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Everyone emerged unscathed, but the mood remains dim in the Spanish camp.

Defender Jordi Alba reportedly threatened a member of the Spanish press after the win over the Socceroos.

"Next time I'll rip your head off … I'm warning you," Alba said to AS sports newspaper journalist Javier Gómez Matallanas according to a host of reports.

Del Bosque also upset decorated striker David Villa by replacing the Melbourne City-bound striker in just the 57th minute of what was his first appearance of the tournament and his last game for Spain before retiring from international football.

Villa, the national team's all-time leading scorer, had earlier given Spain the lead with his 59th goal in 97 appearances.

Fernando Torres celebrates with Jordi Alba, who allegedly threatened a member of the Spanish press. Source: AP

"He seemed annoyed," said del Bosque, who claimed he wasn't aware it was Villa's international swan song.

"He said it was his last game but I didn't know. I'm sure he was upset.

"I was thinking (that) it was time to kill off the game and we did that."

Villa, 32, has signed with American Major League Soccer newcomers New York City from the start of the 2015 season.

Before that he will feature in 10 matches as a guest player for A-League outfit Melbourne City, who like New York City are owned by English Premier League giants Manchester City.

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"I've always said that I love the national side and I've always dreamed about them," Villa told reporters after Spain's win over the Socceroos.

"I'd play (for Spain) until I'm 55 but it's impossible and you have to be realistic.

"I've taken the decision to go to MLS (via the A-League) and, as such … (it) makes it difficult to continue.

"If the coach wants to call me up, I would be delighted, but it's difficult and you need to be realistic. It would be normal that it all finishes here."


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

What you missed on TV last night

Written By Unknown on Senin, 23 Juni 2014 | 22.10

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CATCH up on all the big news after Monday night's review of Round 14 and Jonathan Brown's retirement.

AFL360

MONDAY night kicked off with Herald Sun chief football writer Mark Robinson paying up $100.

Last week, Robbo dared GWS young gun Adam Treloar to give his childhood hero Chris Judd a bum tap after the game and offered the cameraman who caught it the cash.

Treloar followed through on Sunday and Robbo was happy to cough up the dough.

LISTEN TO THE LATEST EPISODE OF THE SUPERFOOTY PODCAST BELOW OR CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE IN ITUNES

■ OBVIOUSLY, the retirement of Brisbane Lions great Jonathan Brown was at the top of the agenda.

Host Gerard Whateley said it was a bitter sweet day.

"Typically, these things are dreaded but for Jonathan Brown is was truly hoped for," he said.

Brisbane Lions coach Justin Leppitsch then joined the boys.

Leppitsch said Brown's departure was a tough day at the club.

"It was a difficult one. At the end of the day I think it was the right decision and we can look back at a great career," he said.

Leppitsch said Brown would be remembered as a great player but an even better bloke off the field.

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"They call him the people's champ. He really engaged the public and was genuinely interested in people," he said.

"No doubt (he was a great player but even better person). It's a real credit to him.

"(We'll miss him) in a lot of areas. His marketability in Brisbane and what he's done for the code. In the changerooms, he going to be missed in a lot of ways, especially his leadership."

Robinson said Brown's Mark of the Year against Hawthorn in 2002 will be forever.

"I think that mark against Hawthorn sums up Browny," he said.

"He played on the border of recklessness, that was how he played his best football and got the best out of himself.

"When players like Jonathan Brown go, it makes you feel a little bit older because you lose a link to the past."

Whateley said he would remember the big goals.

"I will remember Jonathan Brown kicking goals from 50m, wide out at the Gabba," he said.

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■ THE conversation then shifted to the goal review system after two controversial decisions in Round 14.

The review has been a bug bear of Whateleys but he was happy with one but staggered by the second.

AFL football operations manager Mark Evans said he was happy with the Essendon decision but conceded the North Melbourne decision was incorrect.

"I fully understand why the Essendon one was cleared ... there was no definitive evidence to turn it around ... but the same logic should have been applied to the North Melbourne goal and we don't think it was," he said.

Whateley said the system was faulty and instead of erasing incorrect decisions, it was creating them.

"What we learnt today is that every goal is being reviewed before the bounce in the middle," he said.

"We are using a faulty system to review every goal. (Instead of stopping howlers) we are inserting the howler.

"Does it serve the game well? No. It doesn't because it isn't set up properly."

Robinson agreed: "That was a staggering decision. You ask of yourself, I'm a stupid for missing it?".

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■ ROUND 14 saw two defeats that may be indicative of where Collingwood and Geelong sit in the scheme of things.

Whateley said the Magpies and Cats losses almost ruled them out of top four contention.

"The question of the top four was all but answered with the illuminating failures of Collingwood and Geelong," he said.

"Possession is nine-tenths of the law and the top four now belongs to Port Adelaide, Sydney, Hawthorn and Fremantle."

Robinson wrote about the Cats and said the club's golden period may have finally come to an end.

"They've had a knack of responding to critic, in their era (Geelong). They were scorched by Gold Coast," he said.

"There were elements in the Geelong game that made me think.

"Things can change - we've got 10 games to go - but at the moment they are below the top four.

"I think realistically, they are looking at a transition.

"You can't just trust in your development and expect these young guys are going to come in and replace the champs that have dominated for eight or nine years."

Whatelely said Geelong had proved critics wrong year after year and didn't rule them out of premiership contention.

"Geelong have had a happy knack of evolving when people have written them off but it just hasn't happened yet," he said.

"They've defied expectations by evolving and making it happen."

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■ AFTER the break senior coaches Mark Thompson and Paul Roos joined the panel.

Bomber and Roosy were asked about Nathan Buckley's dressing down of Jarrod Witts during the loss to Hawthorn.

"I'd like to see more of it," said Thompson.

"I think he was trying to get a response and he did."

Roos said the level of scrutiny during games was so intense coaches were no longer able to fire up without the media making a story of it.

"I think that's just coaching," he said.

"Are we're making too much of it? There's cameras on the field, on the box and now they're in the changerooms at half-time.

"He handled it well afterwards."

Thompson was then asked about Essendon's win over Adelaide and how important it was for the club on and off the field.

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"It was really important," he said.

"We really didn't want to lose that one after being in a good position last week and losing it.

Robinson then asked about the players feelings of isolation and loneliness as the ASADA saga drags on.

"Easily (I can understand) ... because I've got it to," he said.

"I think there's a certain percentage of the community that think they've been harshly treated and others that think they cheated.

"They're amazing in the way they've been able to handle everything during the week and then go out and play. They did it last year and they've done it again this year."

The Bombers play Thompson's former club, Geelong, this week and the coach was feeling the nerves but said Paul Chapman was probably feeling worse.

"A little bit, not much more than other weeks," he said.

"I think he'd (Chapman) be pretty toey. Chappy's a different type of guy, I hope he doesn't do anything silly.

"I still barrack for Geelong, the wife barracks for Geelong."

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ON THE COUCH

JONATHAN Brown once again dominated the conversation after bringing his decorated career to an end on Monday.

"You had to admire the way he played and he was a good bloke," Mike Sheahan said.

"I'll remember his Round 6 game in 2005. It was his first game for the season and Brisbane were last ... he came out and kicked 8.2."

Jason Dunstall said Brown's courageous Mark of the Year in 2002 would be his lasting memory of Brown while Gerard Healy said it would be the clutch goals that won the Lions so many games.

Brisbane will miss his leadership and ability but I think we can all tell it was time," Dunstall said.

Harley Bennell put in a match-winning performance against Geelong. Picture: Richard Gosling Source: News Corp Australia

■ IN contrast to the discussion on AFL360, the boys looked more at the Gold Coast Suns after their big win over Geelong.

Sheahan said he didn't expect Geelong to win the premiership at the beginning of the season and were burned by the Suns leg speed.

"They got torched for speed across the ground," he said.

Healy said it was the Suns biggest win of their short history.

"It's their biggest scalp for mine, bigger than Collingwood last year," he said.

Dunstall believed the win could see the Suns lock up their maiden finals appearance.

"This is a team on the move," he said.

"I know they lost three in a row but they'll have a crack at the Hawks. Imagine if they went back to back against Geelong and Hawthorn."

An incident between Jaeger O'Meara and Alan Christensen was also discussed after the Cats midfielder was left dazed.

"I know it doesn't look great but I don't think Jaeger O'Meara is that type of player in the first place and he is pushing his player under the ball, so he can run onto it," Dunstall said.

However, Healy reminded him it wasn't the first time.

"This isn't the first time he's done it.

"He pushed Dan Hannebery into contact and he's got to cut that out. It's careless and Christensen could have been hurt."

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■ GREATER Western Sydney won two games in a row for the first time in their history and received plenty of praise.

"GWS have won two in a row ... a month ago people were saying GWS were a basket case," Dunstall said.

"I think the Giants can take a lot of heart from what the Suns are doing with Harley Bennell. Last year, he was homesick he didn't want to be there and look at him now.

"I think GWS will take great heart from that and the young players will see the progress and buy in."

Sheahan said the Giants turnaround was down to the return of one player.

"All of a sudden they are now playing with belief and passion," he said.

"Mummy has a great influence on that group. He is a great onfield leader."

Rhys Palmer's turnaround has also been a big boost to the Giants after a switch to the forward flank he has kicked 12 goals this season and provided a tough edge to the young forward line.

"You have to admire the way he's adapted to the new role," Sheahan said.

"I admire the fightback and I think he has done remarkable well," Dunstall said.

The discussion the turned to the weekend's losers.

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■ RICHMOND and Carlton are 0-4 in past month and sit second and third last on the form ladder with St Kilda in last place with a percentage of just 43.

"Do you coach for the now or coach for the future?" asked Dunstall.

"I think now, once you get to a certain point in the season, you have to err to a certain path. Now is the time to find out if the young players can play."

Healy wondered whether Richmond could go to the draft or needed to continue their Moneyball experiment.

"The draft can't help him," Sheahan said.

"Is there a premiership in this group right now? If there's not he's got some tough decisions to make," Dunstall said.

Tigers captain Trent Cotchin was also criticised after collecting more than 30 touches but seemingly doing little with them.

"Cotchin, he's got a lot of class ... he has the most kicks of all the midfielders in the comp but has the worst kicking efficiency," Dunstall said.

Sheahan said Cotchin may be trying to cover for his teammates defensively.

"It's disappointing he's getting the criticism. He may not be attacking but he has a great work rate," he said.

"There's a lot of talk about Cotchin and Dustin Martin. My feeling is, Martin plays a lot of the game forward of centre and Cotchin is working back to cover for him."

Carlton had been playing some good football without winning until falling to the Giants and the future of Mick Malthouse continues to hang over the Blues.

"I'd be very disappointed in Mick Malthouse if he isn't taking a future view right now," Dunstall said.

New AFL boss Gillon Mclachlan at AFL house. Picture: David Caird. Source: News Corp Australia

■ NEWLY appointed AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan was the special guest. His first time on the couch since taking over the top job.

"I don't think a CEO has come into the job shrouded in so much controversy, controversy perhaps outside of your control," Healy said.

McLachlan said the Essendon supplements saga was a major issue but he had no answers at this stage.

"I don't know (what will happen) because there are so many variables," he said.

"We don't know how this legal case is going to play out. We have no visibility of the discuss between ASADA and the players managements.

"We don't know what the evidence is. There's been a lot of evidence gathered after the interim report and we don't know what that is."

McLachlan said there were plans in place if a doomsday scenario did occur and Essendon players were banned for two years.

"There are contingency plans - there a multitude of scenarios," he said.

"We have workshopped every scenario and I sit here confident we can get through if there is a doomsday scenario."

Essendon players huddle after their win over Adelaide. Source: Getty Images

He cleared up the situation around the use of AOD-964.

"I think (ASADA CE) Ben McDevitt was pretty unequivocal about that because there was confusion in and around the advice given regarding AOD-964," he said.

"There was confusing messaging to the club and there was sufficient confusion to not issue (show cause notices)."

Brownlow Medallist, Healy has been a harsh critic of the "rolling mauls" this season and hammered McLachlan.

"I think there was a general consensus in the industry that Friday night (Richmond v Sydney) wasn't the greatest of games," McLachlan conceded.

"But there were some great games of football on the weekend.

Healy countered, saying "the bad side of football has never been worse".

"The great side has never been better, there will always be bad games of footy," McLachlan said.

"I'm not going to buy into all this doom and gloom. Yes, there are bad games, our supporters know there are bad games.

"The scrutiny is extraordinary. We all want Friday night to be a showcase event."

Ben Howlett celebrates his controversial goal. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

The goal review system is also in the news after the weekend and McLachlan admitted the Jack Ziebell goal decision was incorrect.

"What they do, every goal is reviewed by the time they get back to the centre," he said.

"I'm happy with (the Essendon) one. I reckon that's the right call.

"The Kangaroos one, that was wrong. I sit there as a fan and I don't like the delay and I don't like the fact it was a wrong decision."

Finally, the boys asked about Good Friday football and whether it would be on the calendar in 2015.

"Everyone has taken that it's a given for next year. I don't think it is a given," he said.

"Given the sensibilities, you want to make it a winner and I don't know if we can make that work given next year will probably be Round 1.

"I'm a believer that you need a good game with top four to six style teams, I don't think it has been be a big powerhouse team.

"If it is Sydney-Port Adelaide in Sydney, then that's a great contest. I don't think we need to be locked into a Bulldogs-Kangaroos or Essendon-whoever."

Jonathan Brown with daughter Olivia, wife Kylie and son Jack. Picture: Jono Searle. Source: News Corp Australia

TALKING FOOTY (7Mate)

JONATHAN Brown's retirement continued to dominance the airwaves on Monday night.

One of the greatest centre half-forwards of the modern era, Wayne Carey, believed Brown was right up there when talking about the best in the position.

"He was a sensation," he said.

"I rate him right up there with the very best I saw at centre half-forward - obviously Kernahan, Loewe, Tredrea, Riewoldt.

"The way I'd sum up Jonathan Brown, he got to ball and contests that others didn't and I think that's what sets him apart from the rest.

"He's a remarkable player ... we talk about courage, he took courage as a key position player to a whole new level.

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■ AFTER Sydney notched up their ninth straight victory, Swans coach John Longmire joined the panel.

Longmire was asked about Lance Franklin's improvement and importance to the Swans.

"We know he's talented, everyone knows that, but what we've been pleased with is his ability to go back and kick clutch goals at important times," he said.

"He started the season off not training too much and as a result his form wasn't up to the standards that he sets but he's been able to train more and more as the season has progressed."

Longmire also provided an update on injured stars Kieren Jack and Rhyce Shaw.

"We expect Keiren Jack to be fine but Rhyce Shaw has a similar injury to Daniel Hannebery but not as bad," he said.

"It's probably only two or three weeks and he was actually concerned after the game that it was worse than that, so to come away with a 2-3 week injury is not too bad."

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FOOTY CLASSIFIED (Channel 9)

AFTER discussing the retirement of Jonathan Brown, it was revealed the AFL is looking into the treatment of Alan Christensen after he copped a head knock.

Damian Barrett reported the AFL was investigating Geelong's testing of Christensen after he returned to the field three minutes after being left dazed.

"We're not second guessing the Geelong medical team because they are the top of tree but we are asking the question - and so is the AFL - how does a player with concussion come back on after just three minutes?" he said.

"If Geelong did do a concussion test, it was done in three minutes."

Caroline Wilson agreed, saying concussion was now a major talking point.

"In fairness, this issue has had massive international attention and the AFL and its doctors are saying its an issue they are completely vigilant of," he said.

"On a day when concussion claimed one of the biggest names in the game with Jonathan Brown retiring," Garry Lyon said.

Barrett was also critical of the part Jaeger O'Meara played in the incident.

"The circumstances around it are also a concern," he said.

"The shove from Jaeger O'Meara has been looked at. He's got form Jaeger O'Meara. It would be something that Guy McKenna would be concerned about that."

Chris Scott talks to Darcy Lang during a recent game. Source: Getty Images

■ AFTER their loss to Gold Coast, Geelong coach Chris Scott was in the hot seat.

Garry Lyon said the Cats now found themselves in slightly unfamiliar territory after a bad month.

Barrett asked Scott about the Christensen incident and his quick return to the field.

"From my perspective it's pretty simple, he came off the ground and the coaches have nothing to do with it. The doctors tell us whether he's right to go or not," he said.

"The doctors have their integrity at stake with these issues.

"It's good that we're talking about this. If there's anything we can learn, then that's great. Given his history, our doctors are even more cautious with him."

The Cats have had some big losses this season, which hasn't happened since the start of their dominance in 2007.

However, Scott was adamant the team would continue to go for wins even if that meant copping big losses.

"Our philosophy is to lose by a little bit more to win," he said.

"When you do that you risk getting scored against heavily but we're willing to do that to win.

"When we are better around the contest, we tend to play better, and our record in Melbourne is exceptional but our record on the road against good teams is poor.

"With so many interstate teams high on the ladder, chances are you're going to have to travel to play them in a final.

"When you've got a pattern over a couple of years, it's something you've got to look at."

Finally, Scott was asked about his Brisbane Lions premiership teammate Jonathan Brown.

"I suspect he only really played on to help the younger players through," he said.

"He's been an absolutely ornament to the game.

"I heard Wayne Carey - who's arguably the greatest player of the modern era - say he was his favourite player and the accolades don't come much bigger than that."


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NRL needs to crackdown on dissent

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IF THE sin-binning of two players for dissent on the one afternoon had been a planned response to the way some NRL players talk to referees, then it was a reaction a long time coming.

Parramatta halfback Chris Sandow's silly, unoriginal "how much are they paying you?" snipe at referee Ben Cummins in Melbourne led to his sin-binning.

Shortly afterwards at Robina, Nate Myles's continual talking as Gold Coast captain to referee Gerard Sutton went too far when he swore at the official and he had 10 minutes to cool off.

NRL head of football Todd Greenberg denied that the two decisions had been due to a crackdown ordered from the league.

Nate Myles was sinbinned for dissent against the Dragons. Source: Getty Images

"There was no specific edict. I have continued to try to empower our match officials to show leadership and strength of character in their decision-making," Greenberg told The Courier-Mail.

"I will be right behind them with my full support. I think the sin-binnings should send a strong message and I am sure the players will react accordingly."

Sin-binnings are a good deterrent against abuse of referees and touch judges.

The absence of punching in NRL and Origin matches since last year's edict proves that players will toe the line if the referees, backed by the NRL, hold their nerve.

Some of the game's best players don't speak to referees correctly, NSW captain Paul Gallen and Cowboys co-skipper Johnathan Thurston among them.

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On the night before the two sin-binnings, Gallen, in his usual bear with a sore head routine with referees, told an official that a decision in the Cronulla-Manly game was "f---ing ridiculous".

Later, when a Sharks try was disallowed by a video referee, Gallen marched up to referee Gavin Morris.

"Be appropriate," Morris warned Gallen.

"That's one of the most embarrassing ...," Gallen railed.

"Be careful," interjected Morris, before the conversation broke up.

The leadership in this also needs to come from coaches. Instead, Parramatta's first-season coach Brad Arthur reckoned what Sandow had to say was "pretty trivial — we need to grow up a bit".

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Titans coach John Cartwright told Triple M radio: "The referees have let it get to this stage where players talk to them the way they do."

In February, Greenberg asked club captains to shake hands with match officials as they leave the field at the end of all premiership games.

It was designed to show spectators that players respect referees and touch judges.

"It was hoped spectators will show more tolerance to match officials," Greenberg said.

"We can do much more in this area and I agree the coaches have a big influence."


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Dante Exum stars in new US ads

Dante Exum features in a series of new ads in the US. Source: Supplied

AUSTRALIAN teenager Dante Exum is yet to bounce or shoot a ball in the NBA, but he is the star of a major new ad campaign in the US.

The 18-year-old basketballer appears in four comedic ads by global athletic retailer Foot Locker and shoe giant Adidas.

The ads, titled Life Changes After the Draft, poke fun at Exum's Australian accent and lack of celebrity status in the US.

While Exum will still have his Australian accent, on Thursday (Friday 9am AEST), his celebrity profile in the US will skyrocket when he's expected to be a top three pick in the NBA Draft held in Brooklyn, New York.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have the top selection, but if they pass on the 198cm tall Melbourne-born point guard the Milwaukee Bucks or the Philadelphia 76ers, with the second and third picks respectively, are expected to snap up Exum.

"Hey, what do they call sneakers in England?" an American guy, who bumps into Exum on a residential Los Angeles street asks in one of the ads.

"I'm actually Australian," Exum replies.

"So, what do they call sneakers in Australia?" the guy asks.

"Runners," Exum says.

"So you're a runner. Me too," the guy says before running off, leaving a dejected Exum alone on the street.

"No, I play basketball. I'm a point guard," the Australian Institute of Sport graduate says with a bowed head.

NBA hopeful Dante Exum playing in the National High School championships for Lake Ginninderra College. Source: News Limited

In the other ads: Exum is caught by a friend practising his autograph; is mocked by two mates when he tells them he can't go to a Foot Locker store because he fears the paparazzi will be there; and struggles with his Aussie accent to make a restaurant reservation over the phone.

Exum is expected to sign a two-year contract with his NBA team worth about $A4 million a year, with the team holding options for third and fourth years, but it's off the court with his Adidas and other endorsement deals where he'll hit pay dirt.

"The NBA Draft will certainly be a life-changing moment, and it was fun to be featured in these commercials that are going to help people see my personality," Exum said.

The ads can be viewed on YouTube.


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Vidal to miss Chile’s crunch game

Arturo Vidal will miss Chile's game against the Netherlands. Source: Wong Maye-E / AP

JUVENTUS star Arturo Vidal will miss Chile's group-deciding clash with Netherlands today after finally succumbing to a knee injury.

Vidal had surgery only last month but still managed to play in Chile's World Cup Group B wins over Australia and Spain.

But with the Chileans already having secured a spot in the second round regardless of today's result, La Roja coach Jorge Sampaoli decided to not again risk his key midfielder ahead of the knockout stages.

Vidal has been replaced by Felipe Gutierrez in Chile's starting XI for the clash at Arena de Sao Paulo.

Arturo Vidal of Chile runs out against Australia. Source: News Corp Australia

Gutierrez perhaps brings some inside knowledge with him as he plies his trade in the Dutch first division with FC Twente.

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has made three changes to the Dutch team that started in the 3-2 win over Australia.

Suspended captain Robin van Persie, injured defender Bruno Martins Indi and midfielder Jonathan de Guzman are out.

Replacing them are Dirk Kuyt, Georginio Wijnaldum and Jeremain Lens.

A draw will be enough for Netherlands to top the group due to their superior goal difference.

Chile must win to finish ahead of the Dutch and avoid a likely round of 16 clash with hosts Brazil.


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Only away win will silence Cowboys critics

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 22 Juni 2014 | 22.07

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IT HAS been 295 days since North Queensland won a game outside of Townsville and coach Paul Green says tonight is their opportunity to "shut everyone up" about their away record.

The Cowboys will not get a better chance to break their seven-game losing streak away from home when they face the last-placed Newcastle Knights at Hunter Stadium.

North Queensland have not won an away game since they defeated the Sharks in Cronulla on September 1 last year.

Cowboys board member Ben Ikin even admitted recently that North Queensland were "mentally fragile" away from Townsville.

The Cowboys are left dejected after another away loss to Parramatta in round 13. Source: News Corp Australia

While the Knights have been poor this year, only winning two games in a season dogged by off-field drama, they will fancy their chances against an Origin-hit North Queensland.

The Cowboys will be missing prop Matt Scott and centre Brent Tate, who both suffered long-term injuries in Origin II.

Curtis Rona comes on to the wing, with Matthew Wright shifting to centre, while prop John Asiata comes on to the bench.

James Tamou and Johnathan Thurston will back up despite Thurston suffering a corked thigh in Queensland's loss to NSW.

COWBOYS WARY OF REF AND REPUTATION

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The Cowboys are sitting just two points outside the top eight and this is an opportunity they can't afford to let slip as the Knights have lost their last seven games.

"They will be desperate. They have had a horrible season so far, for different reasons," Green said.

"Every game away is an opportunity to shut everyone up regarding our away record.

"It is a big blow for the club (to be) missing the guys we have lost. We have prepared without those guys for the last two weeks though.

"Emotionally, State of Origin is such a massive game. When they lose in such a game like Wednesday it is going to take its toll but I'm sure they will be ready to go."

ORIGIN CARNAGE: SCOTT OUT FOR SIX WEEKS

Cowboys coach Paul Green has challenged his players to prove they are mentally strong. Source: News Corp Australia

Green challenged his players that have a mid-range level of experience to stand up and fill the 400 games plus of NRL experience they will miss through the absence of Scott and Tate.

Green was referencing the likes of Tariq Sims, Kane Linnett, Ray Thompson and Scott Bolton, who have been regulars for several seasons now.

"There are quite a few guys who have played 60-plus games there. It is time for those guys to stand up," Green said.

"Tariq is in that category. They need to stand up."

Cowboy's Tariq Sims says he's looking forward to returning from suspension. Source: News Corp Australia

Sims returns from suspension against the Knights, the club his younger brother Korbin pays for.

"I'm sick of being refreshed. I'm ready to get in the grind again," he said.

"I'm better than ready to go. It has been a long time. This is the time when we need to rely on our depth. People need to step up.

"We want to be a solid team in the back end of this season.

"I'm sure the Knights will come out firing. They have had their back against the wall for seven weeks now. It is dangerous playing a team that desperate."


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Copley the man to revive Maroons

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THE Queensland way to do things will be to bring Will Chambers on to the wing for Origin III.

Bring a fit-again Corey Parker in as a starting forward in the middle of the park and then sort through the best available pack men for the bench.

Queensland need to select a new winger and a new forward, hopefully a prop, for the July 9 clash with NSW in response to the series-ending injuries of Brent Tate and Matt Scott.

Injuries could see Will Chambers featuring in Origin III. Source: News Corp Australia

Chambers was 18th man for Origin I and a member of an extended 22-man team for the second Origin game.

And that's the path Queensland under Mal Meninga have liked to give players a grounding in the Maroons' way before they are given a debut match.

But a better way might also be to throw 22-year-old Bronco Dale Copley in at right wing.

Copley has been impressive for the Broncos so far this season. Source: News Corp Australia

Copley has had an impressive past month, as good as any outside back available to Queensland, with his willingness to fight his way through a tackle prominent.

His defensive chops were there for all to see when he repeatedly hit hard to shut down the gnarly Steve Matai in Brisbane's win over Manly on June 1.

What Copley, with nine games this season at right centre and five at right wing, would also bring to an Origin match is a good understanding with clubmate Justin Hodges.

MAROONS WERE ROBBED, SAYS HARRIGAN

CHERRY-EVANS TAILOR-MADE FOR ORIGIN

The Queensland way is to say Chambers, 26, is more ready because he has more experience and has had some time in the Maroons system.

Chambers has played 96 first grade games for the Storm and well as his two-year stint with the Reds in rugby union in 2011 and 2012.

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The Storm centre scored two tries before cutting a knee tendon in Melbourne's win over Gold Coast last Monday. The cut put him out of the Storm's win over Parramatta on Sunday.

Steve Renouf is not inclined to say who he could pick as Tate's replacement, but says he has been struck by Copley's improvement this year.

"When Dale first came to the seniors, I was looking for what everyone else was talking about, but now I see it. I've watched him play some good football and he was very good in a losing side (when Brisbane lost to the Warriors),'' Renouf told The Courier-Mail.

PETERO CALLS FOR FRESH ORIGIN BLOOD

INJURY EXIT CRUEL ON TATE

"I'm a fan of Will's. Will gives you something different too and he's been 18th man.

"Dale is such a big, strong thing _ a bloody handful for everyone with his size and speed. I think if he was picked he'd do the job.''

Dale Copley and Jacob Lillyman could be teammates come Origin III. Source: Getty Images

In the frontrow stakes on Saturday, Brenton Lawrence was good without catching the eye much with his hit-ups in Manly's demolition of Cronulla, managing 94m from 13 carries and tackling 30 times.

Jacob Lillyman backed up well for the Warriors from his busy Origin II display with 102m from 14 touches against Brisbane.

Broncos opponents Josh McGuire (128m and 43 tackles) and Ben Hannant (125m and 38 tackles) saw more minutes on the field in Auckland.


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Origin II the worst I’ve seen: Buzz

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It's interesting to watch a replay of State of Origin without the emotion when you know the score and there is none of that edge-of-your-seat exhilaration.

It's probably the best way to judge last Wednesday night's game purely as a rugby league spectacle.

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Your columnist is just back from 10 days in Brazil and has finally caught up with a replay of the Blues' victory.

The fact NSW won and ended eight years of pain and misery made it one of those extra special occasions.

Greg Bird lets out all that pent-up emotion for NSW players and fans. Source: News Corp Australia

We will forever be talking about the night that NSW won and the emotional scenes that followed as Jarryd Hayne ran the football into Blatchy's Blues.

The mental toughness and courage was absolutely incredible.

But, still, we should pause for a moment to examine the game at ANZ Stadium for what it produced in sporting skill and entertainment. We should also stop to think about a different audience in Melbourne next year and how it stacks up against their game, AFL.

Because, quite frankly, I thought Wednesday night's contest was one of the worst games of rugby league I've ever seen.

Just 80 brutal minutes of niggle, rubbish and cheap shots.

MAROONS WERE ROBBED, SAYS HARRIGAN

CLEAN SWEEP'S OUR PAYBACK, SAYS FULTON

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An event in which fans were charged up to $265 a seat to watch the best, toughest and most skilful 34 footballers in the game.

Freakishly skilled men like Thurston, Hayne, Inglis, Slater, Smith, Cherry-Evans, Jennings and Farah. And all we got was a UFC-style bash-up with everything but the punches.

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Full marks to NSW coach Laurie Daley, who came up with the tactics to nullify the Maroons' obvious skill advantage.

If you can't beat them, bash them.

Josh Reynolds gets some special attention from Johnathan Thurston. Source: News Corp Australia

From exactly one minute and 54 seconds when Paul Gallen kneed Matt Scott in the head without penalty, this game became a war.

Eight minutes later the Blues captain dropped a forearm into Billy Slater's head. Again no penalty.

Then Thurston slapped Beau Scott in the face. Farah produced a high swinging arm on Cherry-Evans.

James Tamou drops a forearm on Nate Myles, responding to the Queensland forward's facials and biff in almost every tackle.

As Wally Lewis observed: "It's not much fun to be a ball carrier tonight."

GALLEN A TRUE BRONZED AUSSIE

BLUE WAVE TO ENGULF BRISBANE

Beau Scott gets ready to put the hard word on Aidan Guerra. Source: Getty Images

We saw no real skill until Justin Hodges finally broke the line 39 minutes into the game.

The great Ray Warren observed at half-time: "This crowd has had little to get excited about."

The second half was more of the same, highlighted by the Anthony Watmough lifting tackle, the Thurston headbutt.

Hayne's try-saver on Sam Thaiday was a series-saver and Trent Hodkinson's show-and-go try was a beauty.

But that was about it. The rest was bash, barge, hit-up, bash, barge, hit-up, bash, barge, hit-up.

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So why did what should have been one of the greatest events in Origin history degenerate into this?

It's easy. The referees were just appalling. They had absolutely no control over the game.

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Had the sin bin been used early on, I'm convinced we would have seen some football.

There were at least 10 first-half opportunities to put players in the bin. They would have got the message after the first one.

The Blues put Queensland's Nate Myles down hard. Source: News Corp Australia

I complained before this game about the appointments of Shayne Hayne and Ben Cummins. They might be the most experienced referees in the NRL but they are no longer the best.

They should be held responsible as much as the players that because it was such a poor spectacle, a first-time observer would not watch again.

Yes, the television ratings were fantastic and we filled the stadium.

But I'm just back from Brazil, where I've seen some of the most amazing skills.

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Timmy Cahill's boom left-foot volley to score against the Dutch. The great Argentinian Lionel Messi and his goal against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

That remarkable Mexican goalkeeper producing those spectacular saves against the might of Brazil.

I'm still a hardened, rusted-on rugby league tragic. Always have been, always will be. It's just that I didn't miss a lot while I was away.

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LOWS TAKES SWIPE AT GOVERNMENT'S LACK OF SUPPORT

Billionaire Frank Lowy has slammed the federal government for abandoning the Socceroos on the world's biggest sporting stage here in Brazil.

The Westfield tycoon is upset that not one member of the government has made an appearance to watch Australia at the World Cup.

And this comes after prime minister Tony Abbott embarrassingly referred to Socceroos skipper Mile Jedinak as 'Mike' on the eve of the tournament.

PICK ME: LECKIE READY FOR TOP SPOT

FFA boss Frank Lowy has criticised the Australian government for not supporting the Socceroos. Source: News Corp Australia

Former sports minister Kate Ellis attended the last World Cup in South Africa on behalf of the Labor government.

I spoke to Lowy during the half-time break in Australia's gripping 3-2 loss to The Netherlands, who were represented by the King and Queen of their country.

British prime minister David Cameron is in Brazil among other world leaders who are mixing with and lobbying the most powerful figures in FIFA, the Olympic movement and other sporting officials.

"Today we had the King and Queen of Germany, last week I saw the German chancellor and the US vice-president," Lowy said.

'WE'VE CAPTIVATED A NATION. LET'S KICK ON'

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"We need our guys with us too.

"The prime minister or a senior minister should be here to show they really believe in Australia on a very important exercise.

"They should be here to showcase our great country and support the team.

"They should be here sitting in a bloody seat.

"I don't want to start World War III between football and the prime minister but they have to get behind us at the biggest sporting event in the world."

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Blatchy’s Blues up for sale

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THE greatest fan club in rugby league, Blatchy's Blues, is on the verge of being sold to NSW league bosses.

Founder Dan Blatch, a Bondi financial planner and Blues tragic, is close to striking a six-figure deal with the NSW Rugby League, sources say.

The confidential negotiations were discussed among league identities in the Legends room at ANZ Stadium during the State of Origin match last week.

One rugby league source said the sale price could be "less than $700,000", while another said it would be "more than $300,000".

Dan Blatch, founder of Blatchy's Blues, looks set to benefit from selling the fan club to NSWRL. Source: News Limited

As many as 15,000 blue-wigged Blatchy's Blues inspired Paul Gallen's men to dig deep last Wednesday night.

They received the greatest reward when the team wore blue wigs and paraded before their section at the northern end of the Stadium to celebrate the famous victory.

Jarryd Hayne took the football over the dead ball line as the siren sounded on the Blues' 6-4 win and led a charge of players straight towards their most passionate supporters.

MAROONS WERE ROBBED, SAYS HARRIGAN

CLEAN SWEEP'S OUR TIME FOR PAYBACK

In a sign of how appreciative the players were for their unrelenting support during the past eight years, the after-match team photos were taken in front of Blatchy's Blues, whose chants of "New South Wales! New South Wales!" echoed around the stadium.

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The group was founded in 1999 when Blatch and two dozen friends wore blue wigs on his 18th birthday at Origin II that year.

The "club" uses Facebook to mobilise its fans, who buy tickets for Origin in seats specially reserved for Blatchy's Blues.

They pick up the famous wigs and T-shirts — which Blatchy's Blues supplies to the NRL — when they arrive at the ground.

Well-placed sources said Blatch's representatives had been in negotiations with NSWRL chief executive David Trodden since late last year.

Josh Reynolds crowd-surfs the Blatchy Blues crowd to celebrate winning Origin. Source: News Corp Australia

"A fan group can only go so far outside the nest,'' one source said.

"To offer fans more experiences you have work with the game.''

Under the deal being finalised, Blatch would become an employee of the NSWRL to try and ensure the club remains true to its original values.

It is believed the NSWRL would like to use Blatchy's Blues, which has 13,000 Facebook "likes", as a foundation to create Blues membership fan packages.

A spokesman for Mr Trodden declined to comment, while Mr Blatch could not be contacted.


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