Bombers' night of crisis

Doping ... ASADA's investigation into Essendon is ongoing. Source: Matt Roberts / Getty Images

ANTI-doping investigators have been told of a phone call made by AFL boss Andrew Demetriou to Essendon president David Evans the night before the club self-reported for the potential use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Differing accounts of the call from Demetriou to Evans on Monday, February 4 have been detailed to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.

Demetriou has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

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According to one witness testimony given to ASADA, Demetriou discussed with Evans whether his club's players had used banned performance-enhancing drugs.

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AFL spokesman James Tonkin said on Wednesday night: "We understand this claim was made by a particular witness in an interview with ASADA.

"The allegations, which were disputed and discredited by other witnesses, were examined by ASADA. They are completely untrue."

ASADA has been told the Demetriou call was made during an emergency meeting at Evans' Hawthorn home attended by Essendon coach James Hird, club doctor Bruce Reid, football boss Danny Corcoran and former chief executive Ian Robson.

ASADA was told Evans ordered the 8.30pm meeting after receiving earlier information.

A second source, also interviewed by ASADA, backed the first witness's claim.

It is understood Evans was recalled by ASADA and backed the AFL's version of events.

On Wednesday, Evans said: "I went to the AFL and ASADA when serious questions were raised about our supplements program and when the club could not adequately provide me with adequate answers.

"The serious questions coming from the media and information from previous players brought issues to light that strongly warranted my actions."

The AFL has always maintained Essendon "self-reported" and asked to be investigated by ASADA and the AFL on February 5 based on its own information.

The Australian Crime Commission went public with its report into organised crime and drugs in sport two days later on February 7.

Demetriou was first briefed by the ACC about its report on Thursday, January 31, at a confidential meeting in Canberra. AFL sources said Demetriou was not told at this briefing that Essendon was the subject of concerns.

On the morning of February 5 - the day after the meeting at Evans' home - Evans, Hird, Robson and two club media staffers met AFL deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan and league integrity boss Brett Clothier at AFL House.

Demetriou was absent because he was attending another briefing with the ACC, ASADA and other sports chiefs at Melbourne Airport.

At a 2pm press conference called by Essendon at AFL House, Evans said he had received "information" during the previous 48 hours which prompted the club's decision to come forward.

News Limited has previously investigated the circumstances leading to Essendon's self-reporting.

On April 16, News Limited asked Evans at his Jolimont offices whether he was tipped off about the club's issues with drugs.

"No, that did not happen," Evans said.

He said he had "snooped" around his club all weekend before deciding to go to the AFL.

Late on April 17, Demetriou, after being told about inquiries from the Herald Sun, contacted the newspaper and emphatically denied the AFL played a role in the lead-up to Essendon self-reporting.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sterlos' finals charge x-factors

Canterbury Bulldogs star James Graham in action. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

YOU don't need to be Nostradamus to predict that Souths, the Roosters, Melbourne and Manly are all going to play finals football this season. They will.

However, with time running out, the seer would be of some assistance in helping determine which other clubs will join them in finishing in the top half of the ladder.

It seems that seven is the operative number in that we have that many rounds left until the playoffs and there are that many "live" chances to join the current top four.

Those on 16 points or less will win games between now and the end of the season but not enough to bridge the leeway that has been established.

That leaves Newcastle, Canterbury, Cronulla, Canberra, Penrith, the Gold Coast and the Warriors to scrap it out for the remaining spots and while I didn't excel when it came to maths at school, I did learn that seven into four doesn't go.

Each side is close enough if good enough and contains any number of players capable of making the difference.

With that in mind I thought I'd run my rule over the line-ups and make my own prediction as to which individuals will go a long way in influencing their team's prospects. They are not necessarily the most obvious.

With Danny Buderus, Willie Mason, Jeremy Smith and Craig Gower in their line-up, the Knights boast a wealth of experience and players who know what it takes to win a premiership.

Their young players would be receiving valuable tuition from this quartet but in the run home I think it will be tough back-rower Jeremy Smith who provides the greatest direction.

Every successful team needs an uncompromising and rugged individual whose style of play leads by example and in Smith they have the ideal character who knows how to get the job done. His record shows he is a winner, with ultimate success at Melbourne in 2007 and St George Illawarra in 2010.

He is a noted defender but underrated when in possession and capable of playing big minutes. I see a bit of Ray Price in Jeremy Smith, which is some compliment.

At the Bulldogs, James Graham fits a similar mould but with a little more finesse.

After missing the first seven weeks through suspension, the big Englishman is fresh and ready to help his side make a mark in the finals.

Canterbury have maintained a similar structure to that which was so successful last year and Graham is a central figure in how the front wave links with the second sweep, allowing Josh Reynolds and Ben Barba to impose themselves.

What is a little different is that he is now being used as a starting player instead of sitting on the bench for the opening 20 minutes and coming on to play the duration.

The more minutes the better as he is a workaholic with a touch of class, which is a rare combination.

In what shapes as the toughest season on record for the Sharks, they will need to be as mentally tough as they are physically.

It is a matter of putting the head down and concentrating on the task at hand and that will suit the unassuming Jeff Robson.

The halfback has never sought headlines and has certainly never carried the high profile of fellow teammates.

However, you can bet if Todd Carney, Luke Lewis and even Paul Gallen have had big games it's because their No.7 has made it easy for them.

The Canberra Raiders can lose their way at times but are still seen as one of the competition's most potent "momentum" teams.

We have become used to the Green Machine storming home late and while that roll hasn't started as yet, it may coincide with the reinstatement of problem child Blake Ferguson.

While comparisons to Greg Inglis are extremely premature and optimistic, that they have been aired is an indication of his raw talent.

His rise to Origin was on the back of blockbusting, athletic performances and if he can address a lack of off-field discipline he has the ability to be the catalyst for a Canberra surge. He also has the ability to take pressure off chief playmaker Terry Campese.

The Raiders have a shortage of outside backs and have lost their aerial advantage that provided plenty of tries.

The return of Ferguson helps in both departments.

The surprise packets continue to be the Panthers despite a host of new personnel and a bad injury run.

One thing that hasn't changed is the importance of Luke Walsh to the team's overall success.

I don't know if it is coincidence but he has played with more energy and freedom since deciding to head overseas next year and the side is definitely benefiting.

Conversely the Titans have hit a wall having won just one of their last five games.

A tiring campaign looks to be taking its toll on young halves Aidan Sezer and Albert Kelly, who would no doubt love to see man mountain Dave Taylor provide some explosive input.

The Queensland rep has been a gross disappointment since moving back north, especially when everyone knows how powerful and unstoppable he can be.

Finally, the real smokies of the competition are the Warriors, who appear to have saved their best for last.

They shape as true contenders with their mixture of awesome size and silky skills but getting those to mix has been a constant source of frustration.

New coach Matt Elliott seems to have found the right recipe and has at his disposal any number of world class players.

While Shaun Johnson carries much expectation, I believe it is Feleti Mateo who troubles the opposition most.

He has always been ridiculously good with ball in hand but that was diminished by poor selection as to when to offload.

Not anymore. He has curbed a desire to pass at all costs and is a far tougher proposition to deal with for even the best of defences.

With him leading the way I have no doubt they will grab one of the four remaining spots.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Family pulling Barba up north

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Bulldogs Ben Barba makes a break to score a try. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

BEN Barba is facing a potential showdown with Canterbury management with family ties set to deliver the Bulldogs ace to the Broncos next season.

The Courier-Mail understands Barba has privately told teammates he will not be at Belmore in 2014 as Ainslie Currie, the mother of their two young children, steps up plans to move north.

Currie has spent recent weeks looking at real estate in Brisbane, underlining her desire to reunite with family as she undergoes counselling with Barba to repair their relationship.

Three weeks ago, Barba told The Courier-Mail he would follow his heart and return to Brisbane if Currie went ahead with plans to relocate daughters Bronte and Bodhi.

The family's impending move now opens the door for the Broncos, although Barba's arrival at Red Hill is contingent upon Canterbury officialdom formally rescinding a deal which expires at the end of 2015.

The Bulldogs could play hardball and demand Barba honour his contract, but would also need to consider the effect on the 24-year-old if he is unable to live near his children, given his off-field troubles in February.

Barba could not guarantee he would finish his career at the Bulldogs when pressed on his commitment by Canterbury fans in a News Limited online blog Wednesday night.

"That is a tough one because I said I want to finish my career off somewhere in Queensland. I think it would be quite difficult with the salary cap these days," he said.

"I am still contracted to the Dogs for two years ... it all depends on my ex-partner and two little girls and where they want to be and where they feel comfortable.

"It is a tough decision and if my family decided to relocate it would be hard for me to stay here.

"If anything a decision would be made at the end of the year, but at the moment my focus is getting the Dogs into another finals series."

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It is understood if Barba seeks and is granted a release by the Bulldogs, his club-of-choice is the Broncos.

Aiding Brisbane's bargaining power is the comforting presence of Broncos boss Paul White, who has strong connections with the Barba family.

Barba's manager Gavin Orr said he had not held formal talks with the Broncos, but confirmed the Queensland Origin hopeful would put family first.

"Ainslie is certainly looking at property now," he said.

"Whether she moves now or in the next few months I don't know. Ben has eight or so games to go and she is trying not to put anymore pressure on him at this point in time.

"They are having counselling and she has expressed she wants to move (to Brisbane).

"We're not dealing with a single person here, we are dealing with a family unit.

"If his kids are up in Brisbane, it will be hard on Ben and the travelling (from Sydney) to see them could make it hard for him to concentrate at the Bulldogs.

"We need to have a plan. If Ainslie moves, then we have to be honest with Canterbury and let them know what Ben is feeling."

Broncos coach Anthony Griffin said Wednesday night: "He's got a two-year deal with Canterbury, but if he becomes available we would be interested.

"I'm hearing a lot of the same things but at this stage we have no control over it."

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Ange `super proud' of Victory

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Melbourne Victory coach Ange Postecoglou speaks with Liverpool manager Brendan Rogers after the match. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: George Salpigtidis / HeraldSun

MELBOURNE Victory coach Ange Postecoglou said he could not be prouder of his team's efforts against English giant Liverpool at the MCG.

Postecoglou was undeterred by the 2-0 defeat, saying he was "super proud" of the effort his team put in.

"We had a ridiculously young team out there but we played some really good football and played the game in the right manner," Postecoglou said.

"It was a massive occasion and I think more experienced heads would have lost their nerve, but the young boys -- and the older boys that we had in the team -- were all fantastic."

Youngsters Connor Pain and Andrew Nabbout were standouts for the hosts, providing a constant menace for Liverpool's wide defenders.

Pain will Thursday fly to South Korea where, along with goalkeeper Nathan Coe, he will rejoin the Socceroos' East Asian Cup squad.

A year ago he was playing state league second division for Malvern City and Wednesday night he had Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers singling him out for praise after the game.

Pain said the whole situation was surreal.

"Brendan just said, 'Well done', and that the team played well. He seemed like a nice guy," Pain said.

"The whole game was unbelievable, 95,000 people at the MCG. I couldn't ask for anything more, the boys are all buzzing."

Victory has 79 days until its A-League season-opener against Melbourne Heart.

Postecoglou said his players had to channel the enthusiasm and experience generated from Wednesday night's game in to the remainder of their pre-season.

"You have to," Postecoglou said.

"The boys will now understand that they can do it, that they can do it on the big stage and that's what we want, we want to keep developing as a football club.

"And when the first round comes around it'll be a sold out crowd at Etihad Stadium and big expectations again. They'll grow from tonight."

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Hook admits Broncos want Barba

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Ben Barba of the Bulldogs looks to pass the ball. Source: Matt Roberts / Getty Images

JOSH Hoffman will this week finally don the Broncos No.1 jersey he has craved all year but coach Anthony Griffin admits he still wants Ben Barba and Karmichael Hunt.

Griffin on Tuesday unveiled the biggest shake up of his starting team since he began coaching the club in 2011, axing Corey Norman and demoting Peter Wallace to the bench for Friday's must-win battle against North Queensland in Townsville.

Broncos players admitted to being shocked when Griffin read the team list out to them at training, with Norman relegated to Intrust Super Cup duty for Wynnum Manly Seagulls' clash with Tweed Heads.

Instead of taking the field in front of more than 20,000 for a crunch NRL game in Townsville, Norman will be the Wynnum lynchpin in front of a rowdy chookpen on Sunday at Kougari Oval.

The other major winner in Griffin's gamble is Ben Hunt, who has been preferred at halfback to Wallace, who is now an interchange hooker.

Hoffman wants to be the Broncos' full-time custodian but Griffin said on record for the first time Tuesday that they would chase Canterbury star Barba if he becomes available.

"If a player of his quality came on to the market we would be interested,'' Griffin said.

"Ben Barba is under contract to the Bulldogs and that is something you have to ask him about.

"On form, Josh Hoffman can do a better job for us at fullback (than Norman). Putting Josh back there gives us a little more out of that position both in attack and defence.

"He doesn't have the skill set of Corey as a ball player but he's a lot more direct as a runner and defensively he's proven back there.''

Barba, contracted until 2015, is considering asking for a release to move to Queensland so he can be near his two children, who are travelling north with his ex-partner.

The Bulldogs were thought to be happy to release Barba on compassionate grounds if they secured Israel Folau's signature.

It is near certain Folau will stay with the NSW Waratahs now, further complicating the Barba issue.

Bulldogs coach Des Hasler said he would not stand in the way of Barba leaving.

Hasler said Barba's welfare was his only concern as the reigning Dally M medallist continued to deal with several off-field issues.

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"It's not my call,'' Hasler said of Barba's complex circumstance.

"I imagine that would be (a decision for) the board and the administration.

"I'm quite sure Ben wants to stay at the club, it's just the circumstances that are involved and that are personal and I would ask you to appreciate that.''

Questioned by Broncos members via an online blog last night, Griffin was asked if Gold Coast Suns player Hunt, a 2006 NRL grand final winner, could be a recruiting target.

Hunt is signed for one more year by the Gold Coast AFL club, but has had hamstring tendonitis in recent weeks and and was not selected for their breakthrough win over Collingwood.

"If Karmichael Hunt made a decision that he wanted to come back to rugby league we would obviously show some interest in his future," Griffin said.

Griffin rightly pointed out he had been loyal to this Broncos playing group who have managed six wins from 17 games this season.

This team shake up is a role reversal of last August's, when Hoffman was axed and Norman moved to fullback.

Brisbane must win six of their last seven matches to make the finals but have lost six of their past seven games.

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Rabbitohs splurge on grand final

South Sydney Rabbitohs prop Sam Burgess thanks the Souths fans. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

SOUTH Sydney fans reckon their famous team will be there this year to contest the club's first grand final in 42 years.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal that Rabbitohs supporters snapped up a 54.6 per cent of tickets sold on Tuesday for the October 6 grand final. 

More than 12,000 seats were sold to NRL members yesterday, Souths fans dominating the sales. 

Rabbitohs supporters bought just 23.1 per cent of tickets on the corresponding day last year. 

Fans of the neighbouring Sydney Roosters purchased 11 per cent of tickets sold. 

That means Souths and the Roosters - fierce rivals - were the two most supported sides during day one of grand final ticket sales. 

And with 65 per cent of the tickets shared between the two clubs, fans in Sydney's south and east believe this year could see the Rabbitohs and Roosters contest their first grand final against each other in 82 years. 

Easts and Souths last met in an official grand final in 1931 at the old Sydney Sports Ground, the Rabbitohs winning 12-7 before 27,104 fans. 

The last time the two teams met in a semi-final was 1938, Easts winning 19-10 before a modest SCG crowd of 14,161. 

"It has been a long wait for our fans," said Souths legend Mario Fenech, who played games 181 for the club. 

"It doesn't surprise me that the fans are excited and optimistic and they are snapping up grand final tickets. 

"There is still a long way to go but it was 1971 when we last made a grand final, so the fans are buying up in big numbers."

Could you imagine a Souths-Roosters grand final? 

Wow, you couldn't get a ticket. Foundation clubs and local rivals. 

It would be unbelievable. I've got my fingers crossed we can get there." 

NRL general manager of commercial and marketing, Paul Kind, said: "There has been a great response from members (on Tuesday) and the Rabbitohs have certainly led the charge. 

"It is encouraging to see such excitement for the grand final at this point in the season and that will only drive support for the event over the weeks." 

Canterbury fans bought nearly six per cent of the grand final tickets sold on Tuesday. 

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Austrian Grand Prix to return

Formula One will return to Austria next year. Source: AFP

FORMULA One will return to Austria next July after an 11-year break, F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone and Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz have announced.

The two men "have reached an agreement that Formula One will return to the (Austria region) Styria already next year, to the Red Bull Ring at Spielberg," a joint statement said.

The last time a Formula One race was held in Austria was in 2003, when Ferrari's Michael Schumacher took the chequered flag at the A1 Ring, as the since-modernised Spielberg track was then called.

The exact schedule for 2014 is due to be finalised by governing body the International Automobile Federation (FIA) in September, with Winter Olympics host city Sochi in Russia another new venue to be included.

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Man United humbled again in Japan

Manchester United forward Shinji Kagawa shoots the ball against Yokohama Marinos defender Yuta Narawa during United's 3-2 loss in Japan. Source: TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA / AFP

MANCHESTER United stumbled to a 3-2 defeat against Japan's Yokohama Marinos in their second loss in three games under new manager David Moyes.

The English champions fell behind after only a minute but they recovered to lead 2-1 heading into the second half thanks to Jesse Lindgard's strike and a Yokohama own goal.

But Fabio Aguiar headed the scores level before Yoshihito Fujita's winner three minutes from time removed further gloss from United's pre-season Asian tour.

"We had a chance to finish off the game at 2-1 and had a great chance to make it 3-1, and we thought we had chances after that as well but we didn't take them. So it was a tough game," said Moyes.

"It was the first time that I got a chance to see Shinji (Kagawa) playing. He had a great chance to score, but overall I was pleased to get him," added the Scot.

So far under Moyes, United have lost 1-0 in Bangkok and won 5-1 in Melbourne, and they got off to a horror start in hot and humid conditions in Yokohama.

The game was just a minute old when Brazilian striker Marquinhos latched on to a poor clearance from United custodian David de Gea to fire the hosts in front from inside the box.

The setback stung the Premier League champions and talented Belgian teen Adnan Januzaj nearly put them level with a crisp strike which was just off-target.

Januzaj, 18, then got back to head a chance off the line but it was new signing Wilfried Zaha who orchestrated United's opener when he drifted past his man into the box.

The ex-Crystal Palace man's low cross caused mayhem and it was Lindgard on hand to net his third goal in two games, after Saturday's brace against the A-League All-Stars.

Yokohama handed United the lead when Januzaj, United's reserve team player of last season, fired a free-kick which came off the unfortunate Masakazu Tashiro and over the line.

But the hosts were back on terms after the break when de Gea failed to deal with a corner and Brazilian defender Fabio Aguiar's header moved the score to 2-2.

Kagawa drew a huge cheer when he came on just after the hour-mark, and United's Japanese playmaker nearly raised the roof when he got clear -- but his shot failed to beat the 'keeper.

Ashley Young hit one into the side-netting but it was Yokohama who had the final word when Fujita swept home the winning goal in the 87th minute.

Moyes, facing the stiff challenge of following Alex Ferguson's 27-year, trophy-laden reign, now leads his team west for a game against Japan's Cerezo Osaka on Friday.

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Ex-partners in badminton brawl

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Badminton is back in the news for all the wrong reasons. Source:AAP

The Badminton World Federation has launched an investigation after a fight broke out between two former partners at the Canada Open doubles final on Sunday.

During a change of ends, Bodin Issara lunged at Thailand compatriot Maneepong Jongjit, chasing him onto a neighbouring court before punching him several times.

Issara was dragged away and held down by coaches and tournament staff, while his partner, Thai Pakkawat Vilailak, escorted a now shirtless Jongjit off court.

Issara, who needed two stitches, claims Jongjit hit him with a badminton racquet. The pair had already received a warning from the referee following a verbal exchange.

Jongit and his partner Nipitphon Puangpuapech, also of Thailand, were awarded the victory after Issara was shown a black card.

"The events surrounding the conclusion of this match will be thoroughly investigated by the BWF," the federation said in a statement on Monday.

"The world-governing body has procedures in place to deal with such situations and this matter will be referred to the disciplinary committee."

Jongjit and Issara were among the top-ranked badminton pairings and reached the quarterfinals at the 2012 Olympics.

They split in January, when Issara retired to take care of his ailing mother, but was soon competing again with another partner.

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Smith carries $1.5m price tag

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Cameron Smith ... will attract a $1.5 million a season price tag. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

THE Broncos will need to offer $1.5 million a year to lure home the game's greatest hooker, Cameron Smith.

With the NRL salary cap increasing to $6.55 million for the 2015 season, an $800,000 increase on this year, and likely cap exemptions for marquee talent, Smith could become the country's highest paid footballer.

Several player managers told The Courier-Mail on Monday that Smith would earn as much as $1.5 million a season in his next deal due to his match-winning talent and marketability.

That figure would be 22 per cent of the NRL's 2015 salary cap, leaving the club that signs Smith $5 million dollars to spend on the remaining 24 players in their squad.

Melbourne Storm officials recently began informal talks with Smith about his next contract, expiring at the end of 2014.

Melbourne have proven that a team made of play-making stars propped up by journeyman and rookies wins premierships, as opposed to an even spread of the salary cap.

Kerrod Walters, recently named as hooker in the Broncos' greatest grand final team, rated Smith as a "must buy" for his former club.

Walters said if the Broncos could not secure Smith's signature they should plonk current No.9 Andrew McCullough in front of re-runs of Storm and Maroons matches so he can study how Smith plays.

Walters backed the comments of former Broncos skipper Darren Lockyer, who said the club must make Smith their priority.

"Andrew is a good player, but if Cameron Smith is on the market you do all you can to get him," Walters, who won two premierships with the Broncos, said.

"It would be silly not to go after him.

"In the modern game he's the best there is. My brother (Steve) was very good but in the modern game Smith is something else.

"Andrew is going OK this year, but Smith is the guy he needs to study. It is difficult for Andrew because his team is not going well but I would be getting him to study a lot of Smith's games to take his performance to that next level."

Fellow Storm stars Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk are contracted until the end of 2015 and 2016 respectively.

Coach Craig Bellamy just signed a new five-year deal.

NRL chief operating officer Jim Doyle recently revealed the governing body was considering introducing cap changes to keep superstars of interest to rivals codes in the NRL.

The game's administration are reviewing the A-League's marquee player system.

Adopting that system would help the Broncos secure Smith, as they are one of very few profitable NRL clubs and have cash outside the NRL's annual grant to offer.

The best paid NRL players in Robbie Farah, Johnathan Thurston and Greg Inglis currently earn near $1 million a year.

Smith said before Origin I that his next contract could be his last.

"I'm 30 this year so if I sign a lengthy deal, it's more than likely going to be my last one ... so it won't just come down to someone throwing an offer and me accepting it," Smith told The Courier-Mail.

"When I first started playing, I always said I wanted to be a one-club man but as we've all seen with 'JT' (Thurston) and his last negotiation, it is a pretty important contract for me."

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