Crowley pinched me 300 times: Harvey

Pinched ... Ryan Crowley found guilty of pinching Brent Harvey. Source: Herald Sun

Fremantle tagger Ryan Crowley has been found guilty of pinching North Melbourne star Brent Harvey.

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Crowley denied pinching Harvey but the Kangaroos veteran maintained the Dockers tagger had done so repeatedly.

Harvey twice told umpires during the game about the pinching and repeated the accusation to an AFL investigator on Monday, before giving evidence to the tribunal.

Crowley's advocate Seamus Rafferty put it to Harvey that the reason there was no footage of any pinching was that it didn't happen even once.

"You're right. It didn't happen once. It happened about 300 times,'' Harvey replied.

In the night's other case, Geelong's Steve Johnson had his two-match AFL ban upheld at the tribunal and the Cats star will have extra demerit points hanging over his head for the rest of the season.

Johnson will miss crucial games against the Dockers and Hawthorn, and will carry 79.04 points, rather than 9.28 had he pleaded guilty.

The midfielder-forward instead unsuccessfully argued his high bump on Brisbane's Pearce Hanley during the Cats' shock fade-out loss to the Lions at the Gabba on Sunday was unavoidable.

Coach Chris Scott had earlier admitted earlier on Tuesday it was a big risk by the club to challenge the rough conduct charge, even though the suspension would have been two games either way.

"It's a huge risk, to take that many carryover points into the late part of the season,'' Scott told reporters.

"But we feel really strongly about it that we have an obligation to defend our player.''

It's the second time this season the Cats have gone to the tribunal over a bump and lost, after James Kelly copped a two-match ban for an incident with Essendon's Brendon Goddard in round seven.

Johnson argued that his initial aim was to tackle Hanley, but after teammate Joel Corey reached him first and laid a tackle he changed his mind and braced for contact instead.

His advocate Peter Murdoch QC argued Johnson couldn't have reasonably foreseen that Corey would tackle Hanley before he got there.

But Johnson himself admitted under cross-examination there was nothing unexpected in what happened.

Earlier on Tuesday, West Coast's Andrew Embley (one match), Melbourne's Jake Spencer (three games) and St Kilda's Tom Simpkin (two) all accepted suspensions for various offences.

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Lions boost momentum with Rebels win

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Mauling ... The Lions get revenge on provincial side the Rebels. Source: Mark Dadswell / AAP

The British and Irish Lions' build-up to their crunch Test against the Wallabies got a boost with a convincing 35-0 win over the Melbourne Rebels.

0 Tries 4
	Conor Murray 16'
	Sean Maitland 28'
	Sean O'Brien 50'
	Ben Youngs 73'
0 Penalty Tries 1
	Penalty Try 63'
0 Conversions 5
	Owen Farrell 17'
	Owen Farrell 29'
	Owen Farrell 51'
	Stuart Hogg 63'
	Stuart Hogg 74'

The touring side are looking to wrap up their three-match series on Saturday night in Melbourne after taking game one 23-21 in Brisbane.

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While their first choice Test players watched from the stands, the Lions had too much class for the Rebels, who were without their Test players James O'Connor, Nick Phipps, Kurtley Beale and injured skipper Scott Higginbotham.

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Without those players Melbourne lacked strike-power in attack, compounded by the Lions' focus on the breakdown that starved the home side of quick ball.

Rebels coach Damien Hill said he knew his team couldn't beat the Lions at their own game.

"Playing orthodox rugby against a representative team like the Lions, you're playing to their strengths really,'' said Hill.

"We put a few things in there to change things up; they didn't all come off.''

He said his players told him post-match that the game was a step up from anything they'd ever experienced.

"The great thing was that they never gave up.

"I felt their defence at times was outstanding; it's just a shame we couldn't finish a few things off.''

The Lions led 14-0 at halftime, with their second try one of the best of the tour.

Centre Manu Tuilagi, in his first match back after injuring his shoulder two weeks ago against Queensland, proved a handful for the Rebels defence and was key to that try.

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The English tackle-buster broke through the Melbourne defence and got a one-handed pass away to winger Sean Maitland.

He found No.8 Toby Faletau, who looked certain to score before slipping just short of the tryline.

Faletau, who was among the Lions' best and pushing Jamie Heaslip for the Test role, was able to play the ball back to centre Brad Barritt and he sent the ball on to winger Simon Zebo before Maitland finished off the move.

Their other first half try was scored by halfback Connor Murray, who scooped the ball up as they attempted a pushover try and dived across the line.

Lions coach Warren Gatland may have vacancies for the second Test with prop Alex Corbisiero (calf) and centre Jamie Roberts (hamstring) rated very doubtful.

"I think they will be right for the third Test but they're unlikely to be right for Saturday,'' Gatland said.

Gatland said the win was a good response to the disappointment of losing to the Brumbies last week and he was particularly pleased with the spirit shown by his players.

"That really came out,'' Gatland said.

"It showed how good these guys have been both on and off the field and I think that was demonstrated tonight with the spirit that was displayed, not conceding any points.

"We were really pleased with that performance.''

The Rebels toiled hard but were unable to build enough pressure on the Lions with a lack of possession.

In front of a sell-out crowd of 28,658, they were attempting to replicate the Brumbies, who delivered the Lions' first defeat by an Australian provincial side since 1971 with a 14-12 victory.

"It's disappointing when you look at that scoreline,'' said Rebels skipper Gareth Delve.

"The boys went out there and tried to do a few things and it was always going to be a bit hit and miss.''

The Lions' other points came in the second half through flanker Sean O'Brien after a set move off a line-out, while referee Glen Jackson awarded the side a penalty try and yellow-carded Rebels No.7 Jordy Reid, who came in cynically from the side with a try beckoning.

Impressive reserve halfback Ben Youngs also touched down after a dashing solo run off a line-out late in the half.

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Real confirm Ancelotti as coach

Appointed ... Carlo Ancelotti confirmed as Real Madrid coach. Source: Michel Euler / AP

Carlo Ancelotti has been appointed the new coach of Real Madrid on a three-year deal.

"Carlos Michelangelo Ancelotti will be the coach of Real Madrid next season,'' a statement on the club's website read.

"Experience, success and reliability in all the countries in which the Italian has worked, he arrives in the Spanish capital after being chosen as coach of the year in France.''

Ancelotti will be formally presented to the media on Thursday morning, the Spanish club confirmed.

The 54-year-old Italian's protracted move from Paris Saint-Germain was finally confirmed after the French champions appointed Laurent Blanc to be their coach on Tuesday.

That cleared the path for Madrid to end a five-week wait to announce their new boss after it was announced Jose Mourinho would not be continuing at the club last month.

The former Juventus, AC Milan and Chelsea boss has always been Real president Florentino Perez first choice to replace Mourinho and arrives with a impressive CV, having won league titles in Italy, England and France.

Ancelotti's proven track record in the Champions League was key attraction for Perez as winning a 10th European Cup remains Madrid's primary objective.

After falling short at the semi-final stage under Mourinho for the past three seasons, Perez has now entrusted Ancelotti to take what is currently the most expensive squad ever assembled in the history of the game to land Madrid's first Champions League trophy since 2002.

The arrival of Ancelotti is also likely to signal the beginning of major moves in the transfer market from the Spanish giants who have so far just exercised their right to buy-back Spanish under-21 international Dani Carvajal from Bayer Leverkusen and converted 21-year-old Brazilian Casemiro's loan deal from Sao Paulo into a permanent move.

The purchase of Malaga midfielder Isco for a price in the region of 30 million euros (A$42.5 million) is also expected to be completed this week as Real look set to beat off strong competition from Manchester City for the highly rated Spanish international.

Real have also been strongly linked with a move for Tottenham Hotspur's Gareth Bale and Liverpool's Luis Suarez, however one of Ancelotti's first jobs may be to sanction a few transfers out of the club to create the funds for future moves.

Striker Gonzalo Higuain has spoken of his desire to leave the club and his father admitted on Sunday that the player was close to reaching an agreement with either Arsenal or Juventus.

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Stosur blasts into second round

Through ... Samantha Stosur blasts into the second round. Source: AAP

Samantha Stosur blasted her way into the second round at Wimbledon with a dominant win over Slovakian teenager Anna Schmiedlova on Tuesday.

NMData: FS Tennis NMdata Sto v Sch

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The 14th seed made an ideal start to her 11th straight Wimbledon campaign, needing little more than an hour to secure a 6-1 6-3 win.

Stosur has set up a second-round clash with Russian Olga Puchkova.

The 29-year-old Australian is targeting a breakthrough result at the grass-court grand slam, having never made it past the third round.

While her best results have come on clay and hard courts, Stosur looked every bit the grass-court player on Tuesday.

Lucky loser Schmiedlova, ranked 119th in the world, lost in qualifying but earned a spot in the main draw because of a withdrawal.

But her reward was a daunting opening encounter against Stosur, the highest-ranked player she's faced.

Despite serving and striking the ball well, the 18-year-old was blown off the court as Stosur blended ferocious power with deft touch to wrap up the first set in 27 minutes.

Stosur wasn't quite as clinical in the second set but she wrapped up a professional performance with minimal fuss.

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Stosur is the sole Australian woman playing in singles at Wimbledon, the first time the nation has only one female representative since 1950.

Wimbledon: Mens Singles

Round 1, 25/06/13

Nis (12)	6	6	6
Ebd (W)	2	4	3

It wasn't such good news for Stosur's compatriots Matt Ebden and James Duckworth.

Wild card Ebden was knocked out in straight sets by Japanese 12th seed Kei Nishikori, 6-2 6-4 6-3.

Ebden, ranked 110th, earned a wild card entry into the main draw after winning a Challenger event on grass in Nottingham earlier this month.

It was his second appearance at the grass-court grand slam.

Wimbledon: Mens Singles

Round 1, 25/06/13

Duc (Q)	4	2	6	6	1
Kud (Q)	6	6	3	4	6

While a gutsy fightback proved in vain as qualifier Duckworth was eliminated 6-4 6-2 3-6 4-6 6-1 by American Denis Kudla.

The 21-year-old Australian, ranked 174th, was competing in the main draw at Wimbledon for the first time.

He also qualified for last month's French Open, where he also lost in the first round.

Duckworth fought back strongly from two sets down to level the match and broke serve to take a 1-0 lead in the fifth and deciding set.

However, 105th-ranked Kudla came home much too strong to reach the second round.

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NRL wins its first fight hands down

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Fight breaks out ... between Canberra Raiders v Wests Tigers in Holden Cup. Source: RENEE MCKAY / AAP

It was only a matter of time before the NRL's "one punch and you're off" edict got its first test case.

Less than a week after this newspaper splashed the story across the front page, rugby league had its first punch-up at Campbelltown last night.

And to the NRL's credit, four players from the Wests Tigers-Canberra Raiders Holden Cup match got their marching orders - two players were sent off and two to the sin bin.

The referees were outstanding. No questions asked - they just did their job and got rid of the offenders and then put the entire brawl on report.

It sends a clear message to every rugby league player at every level of the game.

If you want to fight, take up boxing.

If you want to play rugby league, you play by the rules. It's a tough enough game without the violence we witnessed on Saturday night.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tigers outclass Western Bulldogs

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Routine ... Bachar Houli fires a handball in Richmond's comprehensive win over Western Bulldogs. Source: DAVID CROSLING / AAP

Richmond's bid for a long-awaited finals berth is gathering pace, after smashing the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night.

The 17.19 (121) to 8.13 (61) victory was the Tigers' third straight and the second time this season they have made light work of the Dogs, having also belted them by 67 points in round three.

3.3 (21)	Q1	4.8 (32)
5.9 (39)	Q2	8.13 (61)
5.11 (41)	Q3	13.16 (94)
8.13 (61)	Q4	17.19 (121)

Jake Stringer 2	Jack Riewoldt 3
Matthew Boyd 1	Reece Conca 2
Adam Cooney 1	Shaun Grigg 2
Daniel Giansiracusa 1	Tyrone Vickery 2
Lachlan Hunter 1	Trent Cotchin 1
Liam Jones 1	Aaron Edwards 1
Robert Murphy 1	Nathan Foley 1
	Bachar Houli 1
	Daniel Jackson 1
	Dustin Martin 1
	Nick Vlastuin 1
	Matt White 1

Bachar Houli and Brett Deledio again gave Richmond strong drive off halfback, despite the close attention of Bulldog taggers Nick Lower and Liam Picken respectively.

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Midfielder Dustin Martin gathered 23 disposals, kicked a classy goal in the second quarter and set up several others with penetrating passes.

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Former Port Adelaide key defender Troy Chaplin again showed his worth as a recruit for the Tigers, keeping Bulldog spearhead Liam Jones quiet to lead a tight Richmond defence, while hard man Steven Morris blanketed Dogs livewire Luke Dahlhaus.

Jack Riewoldt kicked three goals.

The win lifts Richmond to sixth spot, above Collingwood on percentage and two games clear of ninth-placed Carlton, with the Tigers on an 8-4 record.

Only twice in the past three decades have Richmond been as well or better-placed 12 games into a season, in 1995 and 2001 - also the only two years they've played finals in that stretch.

Despite being on top throughout, the Tigers took time to put the Bulldogs away.

They kicked three of the first four goals, but followed that with a string of five consecutive behinds, allowing the Dogs to stay within 11 points at the first change.

Richmond opened the second quarter with four quick goals, but the Bulldogs steadied late in the half and an after-the-siren goal to Jake Stringer from a 50m penalty kept the halftime margin to 22.

But the Tigers blasted 53 points clear with 5.3 to two behinds in the decisive third quarter.

Big man Ty Vickery kicked two goals for the term, including one from a clever pack mark with the flight of the ball.

The last quarter became Tiger party time, with Daniel Jackson snapping a banana goal he could barely believe himself.

But the mood soured slightly when Chaplin went off with a leg injury late in the game, while fellow Tigers defender David Astbury was icing his left hamstring after being subbed off in the third term.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said Chaplin's knee injury wasn't believed to be serious.

"Structurally we think he's fine, we just have to work our way through it, whether he twisted his knee we're not too sure,'' he said.

"He seems to think he'll be fine but we'll get some tests.''

Hardwick said he was disappointed Richmond wasted chances in the first half but was pleased to finish off with a 60-point win.

Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney said his young side was simply outclassed.

"We got beaten by a team that's better than us, quite clearly better than us,'' he said.

"They're a good team, they broke our tackles, tackled us, kicked the ball better, got the ball into space and set up some nice goals.''

Captain Matthew Boyd was the Dogs' best, gathering 34 touches and keeping opposing skipper Trent Cotchin quiet, while fellow midfielder Ryan Griffen (38 disposals) was also prolific.

Click here to see all of the stats and scores in the FOX FOOTY Match Centre.

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Lions hold off wounded Wallabies

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Thriller ... the Lions celebrate after Kurtley Beale misses the match-winning kick. Source: Dave Hunt / AAP

A brilliant two-try debut from Israel Folau wasn't enough for the battered Wallabies who fell 23-21 to the British and Irish Lions in an epic first Test battle on Saturday night.

2 Tries 2
Israel Folau 13'	George North 26'
Israel Folau 35'	Alex Cuthbert 49'
1 Conversions 2
James O'Connor 15'	Leigh Halfpenny 28'
	Leigh Halfpenny 50'
3 Penalties 3
James O'Connor 52'	Leigh Halfpenny 25'
Kurtley Beale 62'	Leigh Halfpenny 32'
Kurtley Beale 68'	Leigh Halfpenny 66'

In a gripping contest, a courageous Australia almost fought back from an eight-point second-half deficit but Kurtley Beale missed two penalty goal attempts in the final five minutes that would have stolen the win.

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Beale had edged the Wallabies to within two points with 13 minutes left in front of a record Suncorp Stadium crowd of 52,499, but he skewed his first match-winning attempt and then slipped as he fired off a last-minute shot from 45m.

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The reserve fullback, in his first-class return following his second suspension for alcohol issues, shouldn't shoulder all the blame as poor goalkicking severely cost the home side throughout.

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With first-choice kicker Christian Lealiifano taken off on a stretcher in the first minute, five-eighth James O'Connor stepped up but missed two attempts in the opening eight minutes.

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O'Connor also missed a kickable conversion from Folau's second try, meaning the Wallabies left 14 points in total out on the field.

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In contrast, Lions' radar boot Leigh Halfpenny slotted five from six.

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There was little in the invigorating contest as momentum swung back and forward and Folau produced one of the best Test debuts by crossing twice in the first half and also saving a try.

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The Australian scrum also stepped up when required, spoiling the Lions ball five metres out late in the game and also forcing the late penalty for Beale's failed shot at glory.

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The Lions seemed to be in control as they jumped to a 20-12 lead in the 50th minute when winger Alex Cuthbert brushed off Michael Hooper and then Beale to score a try which had a hint of obstruction with Brian O'Driscoll running into O'Connor.

The carnage for the home side didn't end with Lealiifano, who was knocked out in tackling opposite number Jonathan Davies.

Berrick Barnes (jaw) and Pat McCabe (neck) were also replaced, forcing flanker Hooper to play in the midfield for the last 35 minutes.

In a magnificent first half, the superstar wingers of both sides shone with Folau's double plus Welsh giant George North scoring a sensational 60m solo try.

It was stand-out halfback Will Genia who sparked Folau's opening try with a superb 80m counter-attack by taking a quick tap and bamboozling the Lions' thin defence, before grubber kicking to the former league international and AFL flop.

But the home side's 7-0 lead didn't last long as the tourists gained the ascendancy in the set pieces and North punished a poor high kick by Barnes by blitzing two chasers and then stepping around Barnes to score.

The Welsh 21-year-old almost had a second five-pointer four minutes later but was denied by Folau who held him up in the left corner and his elbow landed on the sideline.

Genia, again, started Folau's second try by wrapping around Kane Douglas and quick hands had the lanky Waratah in space and he burnt Jonny Sexton and Alex Corbisiero to cross.

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Wallabies v Lions: Brissy breakdown

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Review ... Wallabies star Kurtley Beale after missing the match-winning penalty. Source: Dave Hunt / AAP

There was no better advertisement for rugby union than the incredible exhibition of skill, heart and determination on display in the British and Irish Lions win over the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium.

Rarely has there been so much hype surrounding a three Test series and the contest in Brisbane lived up to all expectations.

Foxsports.com.au reviews the thrilling first Test.

THE MATCH

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Both teams showed how desperate they were to secure the crucial first win of the three-match series. It was a physical contest from the first collision with Wallabies debutant Christian Lealiifano colliding with the hip of opposition number Jonathan Davies. The impact of the Brumbies sharpshooter being stretchered off was immediate as James O'Connor took over the kicking duties. O'Connor missed two early penalties, but the misses were soon forgotten when Will Genia chanced his hand with a quick tap, travelling 80 meters downfield to send another Wallabies debutant, Israel Folau, over his first Test try. Two penalties from Lions' hitman Leigh Halfpenny and a brilliant solo try from his Welsh teammate George North put the tourist back in front. The Wallabies had their chance to take the halftime lead after Folau scored his second incredible try, but O'Connor missed his third kick of the night. After the break, Alex Cuthbert sliced through the Wallabies defensive line, brushing off several players on his way to the try-line. The Wallabies were always chasing from here, but kept in touch with penalties. Kurtley Beale had the chance to win the match twice. On the second occasion the Wallabies' scrum earn a tight-head penalty, but as the fulltime siren went Beale slipped as he connected with the ball. What a game!

TURNING POINT

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The Wallabies had three backline stars stretchered from the field and another leave it late in the game. At one stage in the game Michael Hooper was playing inside centre and replacement halfback Nick Phibbs was grazing on the wing. But it was debutant Lealiifano's absence that really hurt the Wallabies. O'Connor and Beale missed a combined total of 14 points from penalties and a conversion which ultimately cost the Wallabies victory in Brisbane. Lealiifano was selected by Deans for his ability to read the game, his solid defence and his place-kicking prowess.

LIONS STANDOUT

Jonathan Sexton. The Irish five-eighth was simply outstanding. He has an uncanny but effective style, with the ability to control the tempo of the game. Sexton stood so flat when taking on the Wallabies' defensive line that it attracted two or three defenders, creating acres of space for his support players. His pinpoint open-field kicking put a massive amount of pressure on the Wallabies' back-three and forced the homeside's forwards backwards. His variety constantly had the Wallabies' defence in two minds.

WALLABIES STANDOUT(S)

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How do you separate Genia and Folau? The Wallabies' little general was in everything; covering tackles, creating tries and controlling a breakdown that was constantly under pressure from the Lions. Without Genia the Wallabies could have been facing a much bigger scoreline at the final siren. Was Folau's Wallabies' debut the greatest of all-time? That is a debate best decided in the pub. He is such an incredible athlete. All of Folau's attributes were on display when he scored his two first half tries; power, skill, speed and balance.

WHERE TO NOW?

There are no beds left in the Wallabies' casualty ward. Lealiifano, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Pat McCabe and Berrick Barnes will all undergo scans. The Wallabies found a nice balance to their side in the first Test and need to reassess their team for the do-or-die battle in Melbourne. Will Quade Cooper come into the side? O'Connor didn't set the world on fire and was completely out-played by his opposite number. Beale showed glimpses of why he is considered one of the most dangerous players in world rugby. Does he start at fullback or switch with O'Connor? There will no doubt be a number of backline changes for the second Test. The Wallabies pack held their own against a monster pack and should stay unchanged. The Lions team should be one to 15 for the Melbourne Test, resting several frontline players for the Rebels game.

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Gutsy Tigers claw away Raiders

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David Nofoaluma ... scores for the Tigers during the NRL round 15 game between Wests Tigers and Canberra Raiders. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

Acting Wests Tigers captain Benji Marshall delivered a couple of big plays as his eventful week ended with a 17-12 NRL win over travel-sick Canberra at Campbelltown Stadium.

3 Tries 2
David Nofoaluma 13'	Sandor Earl 27'
Joel Reddy 65'	Anthony Milford 58'
Tim Simona 75'
1 Conversions 2
Benji Marshall 67'	Jarrod Croker 28'
	Jarrod Croker 59'
1 Penalties 0
Benji Marshall 48'
1 Field Goals 0
Benji Marshall 72'

Marshall kicked a match-tying sideline conversion and edged the Tigers ahead 13-12 with a 73rd minute field goal on Saturday night.

Marshall said he was happy to end a difficult week on a high.

"I just wanted to do my job today and that was to lead by example and control the game," Marshall said.

"I thought last week I let the control get away from me in the game, so I just wanted to get that back."

Tigers coach Mick Potter described Marshall's effort as ``a great captain's knock".

"I said to him after the game that he really led by example,'' Potter said.

"He's been trying, it's not lack of trying, and I think it just came together tonight."

Potter said he thought the report on Lawrence was the wrong call and suggested he felt the same way about the Milford try.

Canberra coach David Furner lamented opportunities missed by his side, especially in the first half when Brett White and David Shillington both lost the ball trying to get over the Tigers line.

"What we've been very good at is just being patient and I didn't think we were," Furner said.

"A couple of times there forcing offloads, not getting to the areas where we needed to.

"The more the game went on, the more we gave them an opportunity to win it."

Winger Tim Simona sealed the Tigers' win two minutes later when he twisted his body and planted the ball over the line for a try.

The Tigers scored three tries to two in a mistake-marred game, which was played in heavy rain in the second half.

It was a seventh loss in eight away games for Canberra this season and thwarted their bid to win three straight for the first time this year.

Over the past week Marshall had come under criticism for missing several tackles in the Tigers' last game, while the latter part of his week was dominated by more headlines about his ongoing contractual negotiations.

Canberra led 6-4 at halftime.

The Tigers were first to strike, with winger David Nofoaluma crossing in the 13th minute after some slick passing.

Elusive fullback Reece Robinson set up both Canberra tries.

He combined with Josh McCrone and Jack Wighton to send Sandor Earl over in the first half.

There was a tinge of controversy about the try Robinson set up for Anthony Milford in the 58th minute.

Tigers centre Blake Ayshford appeared to have grounded Robinson in a legitimate tackle, but the Raiders fullback quickly bounced back up and continued his run.

Marshall and halfback Curtis Sironen set up Joel Reddy for the Tigers' second try.

Marshall landed a tough sideline conversion to again level the score.

Hit by a crippling injury list, the Tigers lost hooker Masada Iosefa in the 33rd minute with a broken forearm.

Tigers centre Chris Lawrence came off the bench and returned to action after being sidelined with a hamstring injury since round seven, but was placed on report for a shoulder charge.

Joel Thompson was also put on report for a shoulder charge on Marshall in the last few minutes.

That was tame compared to the end of the Holden Cup match, which featured an old fashioned all-in brawl.

Mitchell Barnett (Raiders) and Nathan Brown (Tigers) were sent off, Kyle Lovett (Tigers) and Tahakilu Pangai (Raiders) were sin-binned and Brenden Santi (Tigers) was placed on report.

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NRL wins its first fight hands down

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Fight breaks out ... between Canberra Raiders v Wests Tigers in Holden Cup. Source: RENEE MCKAY / AAP

It was only a matter of time before the NRL's "one punch and you're off" edict got its first test case.

Less than a week after this newspaper splashed the story across the front page, rugby league had its first punch-up at Campbelltown last night.

And to the NRL's credit, four players from the Wests Tigers-Canberra Raiders Holden Cup match got their marching orders - two players were sent off and two to the sin bin.

The referees were outstanding. No questions asked - they just did their job and got rid of the offenders and then put the entire brawl on report.

It sends a clear message to every rugby league player at every level of the game.

If you want to fight, take up boxing.

If you want to play rugby league, you play by the rules. It's a tough enough game without the violence we witnessed on Saturday night.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More