Can Pup remain a successful tosser?

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

CAN Australia take advantage of a WACA pitch that looks greener than Kermit the Frog's selfies and go to Melbourne with the series tied at 3-3?

Yes, 3-3. Because, incredibly, we might soon have to visit our psychoanalysts and exhume the repressed memories of that other Ashes series to keep this summer interesting.

You vaguely recall that series don't you? The one where England played the moustachioed villain tying their helpless victims to the railway tracks and Australia couldn't untie the ropes before the express streamed through?

Back home Australians were curled up in the foetal position in front of the fire barely able to watch Stuart Broad put the top order to the sword. Manly, Collingwood, Robert Mugabe and whoever wrote that annoying Coles jingle were then ahead of England in the sympathy queue.

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

Now, entering the Perth Test, Australia is expected to do to England what a five year old with a new magnifying glass does to an ant. Which leaves those holding tickets for the Boxing Day and New Year's Tests with a tough choice.

Do you want Mitchell Johnson to finish the job in Perth? (I'll leave the psephology to Antony Green, but I'm guessing the 'yes' response is about 99.72 per cent.) Alternatively, do you hope England can somehow sneak out of Perth with a draw - hell, even a win - and thus ensure the MCG and SCG witness more than a ritual burial? (Unless the Barmy Army have Clive Palmer's resources, I doubt they're getting the numbers here.) Personally? Paul Keating famously told John Hewson he had not yet called an election because ''I want to do you slowly''. Australia's defeat in England is still too raw to entertain the notion Michael Clarke's men can pick and choose where and when they reclaim the urn.

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

With Broad and Graeme Swann's feats with the ball, and even the flagging Kevin Pietersen's pyrotechnics still in mind, Australia - and Australians - will want to do England right now. Before they get off the spit and take the apples from their mouths.

Is there any prospect England could turn the heat back on Australia? Clarke has proven to be quite a tosser in this series, and not in the way some unfairly imagined in his sports car driving, model dating days.

But should Australia be forced to bat first in Perth there is still some chance they will be hoist on their own very green petard. Stuart Broad showed what he could with the new ball in Brisbane. He doesn't have Mitchell Johnson's pace but he has more guile.

Joe Root's stubborn innings and Matt Prior's half century were small things salvaged by England from the Adelaide rubble. Ryan Harris has a sore knee, which might provide some respite for the English batsmen, at least at one end.

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

But the level of defeatism in the England camp is measured by their laments about Perth temperatures forecast to be in the high 30s. Should the tourists spend more than a day in the field, it might be one of the few times the term ''well done'' has applied to them this series.

Which brings us back to the bright prospects of another Australian victory, and the idea of a home and away Ashes score. Something given some credence by Ian Botham who boasted England would win 10-0.

How satisfying then, if Australia can climb back to level things at 3-3. And go to Melbourne and perhaps Sydney looking for the winner.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Penn pours $1m into Manly juniors

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

THE Penn family has confirmed its commitment to the Manly Sea Eagles with a $1 million pledge to fund junior rugby league on the northern peninsula.

Majority shareholder Rick Penn yesterday scuttled rumours his family wanted out in light of the bitter battle for control of the district football club.

"We are here for the long term, and to prove that, we will provide a $1 million propagation to junior rugby league on the peninsular over a 10-year period," Penn said.

Penn is one of Australia's wealthiest men and is determined to ensure the Sea Eagles survive at Brookvale Oval, despite the NRL's move to play at bigger stadiums.

He has challenged the NRL to match his offer dollar for dollar to fund the juniors over the next decade.

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

"We would expect the NRL to match our propagation and give an assurance that the Sea Eagles remain at Brookie," Penn said.

"Our juniors should be run by a committee with representatives of the District Football Club and the Leagues Club.

"We would ask someone of Bobby Fulton's legendary standing and passion for junior development to chair the committee and use the Leagues Club as headquarters for meetings.

"This way the Leagues Club is reunited to the heart of the Sea Eagles. It's 16,000 members deserve nothing less.

"I'd also like to see junior matches played at a redeveloped 'Brookie', in addition to the Sea Eagles home games.

"There are some outstanding possibilities for our future growth."

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

Penn is one of Australia's most successful businessman who has enjoyed enormous success in the seven years since becoming involved as an owner at Manly.

The club has reached the finals every year, made four grand finals, won two premierships and a world club championship.

In the hope stability among warring factions on the Manly board, Penn has offered to get behind the appointment of an independent chairman.

The position is currently held by his son Scott, who is having to spend increasing time on overseas business.

He also wants prime minister Tony Abbott on board as the club's No. 1 ticket holder.

"Once we feel that we have a stable Sea Eagles board working to good governance principles we would be very happy to have an independent chairman and we would be very proud and honoured to have the prime minister as our No. 1 ticket holder," Penn said.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Passion pit: Can England fire up?

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

IT IS not the Perth heat or WACA pitch bounce which shape as England's greatest hurdles but a lack of fire in the belly to comeback from 2-0 down.

With Australia raging hot favourites to continue its clear sweep in Perth during the third Test, beginning today (Friday), Ashes winning captains Mark Taylor and Mike Gatting are the latest big names to question England's passion.

Taylor singled out England's batting trump Kevin Pietersen after some soft dismissals in this series, which Australia lead 2-0 after thumping wins in Brisbane and Perth.

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

"They're playing with more passion," Taylor said of Australia. "They've had enough of losing.

"They've lost the last three series and four of the last five and want to turn it around and they have.

"England can turn it around but they've got to find the passion.

"It's difficult. Kevin Pietersen has played more than 100 Tests. I sense watching him play that passion may have gone but during the second innings in Adelaide he played much better.

"Hopefully if he can turn it around so can the rest of the England side. "

Gatting dismissed the notion that England should be comfortable with its success in recent years.

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

"I didn't see the great Australian team of the `90s get tired of winning and didn't see the brilliant West Indies teams of the `80s and `90s get tired of winning," he said.

"When you're winning you've got to keep momentum because it's a very precious commodity. Winning is a habit."

Not surprisingly England captain Alastair Cook denied that passion was a problem with his team.

"I don't think it's about lifting the players," Cook said before training. "The hunger and desire which everyone has talked about has always been there with this side. We have got another chance to try and show it this week.

"It is about making sure we are clear with our plans with bat and ball and how we are going to operate."

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

One of just two England captains to win a series in Australia over more than 30 years, Gatting believes passion is central to the success and failure of the current sides.

"At the moment Australia are certainly playing with a huge amount of passion. It's there for all to see," he said.

Gatting congratulated Cricket Australia for making the "brave" decision to replace Mickey Arthur with Darren Lehmann as coach.

"It wasn't a leap of faith, we all know what Boof (Lehmann) is like, he a tremendous character, good with people and he's been able to instil something different in the Australian team.

"We knew it would be quite difficult.

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

"Mitchell Johnson's come in, his radar's been good, and we haven't played with the passion the Australians have.

"Everyone worries when we come down here and start dropping catches and things don't go right for you. It's a long way back.

"It's going to be like Custer's last stand in Perth. Let's hope history doesn't repeat itself and our lads can come back.

"They've got to dig deep and find that bit of passion. They've all got pride and dedication but they have to find the passion that is going to hopefully get them out of a tight spot."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

O'Donnell exit robs Chooks of record

Luke O'Donnell (L) during the grand final. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: Philip Hillyard / News Limited

THE Roosters were so close to creating another small piece of history - until yesterday.

With Anthony Minichiello re-signing, the Roosters were on the verge of becoming the first premiership winners in 30 years to retain their entire grand final squad. Then forward Luke O'Donnell decided to retire yesterday.

"I've had some time to reflect and think about my future since the grand final, and this definitely hasn't been an easy decision but it's the right one," O'Donnell said.

"I'm so grateful for everything rugby league has given me. Each of the clubs I've played at have made me a better man and I've made so many friends along the way.

"I've had a great career. I count myself incredibly lucky to have represented my state and my country and it was a dream come true to return to the NRL with a proud club like the Roosters, and to cap the year off with a premiership."

Luke O'Donnell has announced his retirement. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Limited

O'Donnell represented Balmain, Wests ­Tigers, North Queensland, Huddersfield and then the Roosters. He played 215 first grade matches - 188 of them in the NRL.

"Popular with his teammates, staff and supporters, Luke did a fantastic job in buying into our goals at the start of the season,'' Roosters coach Trent Robinson said.

"He had an overwhelming impact on and off the field in mentoring our young forwards in such a short time.''

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Soliman books rematch with Sturm

Sam Soliman vs Les Sherrington fight at the Melbourne Pavilion Picture Norm Oorloff Source: Norm Oorloff / News Limited

BOXER Sam Soliman's dream of a late-life world title remains alive with German star Felix Sturm squarely in his sights for the second time this year.

The popular Melbourne veteran knocked out Queenslander Les Sherrington _ just as he promised he would _ in the ninth of 12 scheduled rounds at The Pavilion in Flemington last night in his first fight for almost a year.

The International Boxing Federation had confirmed Soliman as the No 1 contender for its middleweight title provided he won last night and now he is on the brink of his first shot at a world crown, which he has craved throughout a 16 year professional career.

Sturm reclaimed the title when he knocked out England's Darren Barker in Germany last weekend, but was surprisingly outpointed by Soliman in Germany in February, which was later declared a no-contest after a disputed drug test positive.

Soliman's manager David Stanley says theyhave a written guarantee, signed by IBF president Daryl Peoples and Sturm, that the confrontation must now take place, althoug boxing policits can be unpredictable.

"I want to let Felix Sturm know that he has tried to take me politically and failed and tired to take me in the ring and failed and now I''m coming after him," Soliman told his fans, who brough the rooof down with three cheers.

"Now I'm going to smash him _ put a hole in him."

Soliman turned 40 last month and knows his next loss will be his last fight but that never looked like happening last night, even though he was giving away nine years and several cenitmetres to his opponent..

After a scrappy start. Soliman took control in the second round with slippery, aggressive ringcraft with which Sherrington simply could not cope.

Soliman knocked him down in the eighth and ahgain two minutes and 12 seconds into the ninth, at which point Sherrington's trainer Brendon Smith told the breferrr Charlie Lucas: "Enough is enough."

"I was beaten by a way better fighter _ I tried but I had no answer," Sherrington said.

"He's No 1 in the world and showed that."

The win was Soliman's ninth in a row _ counting the one over Sturm_ dating back to August, 2005, when Sydney's Anthony Mundine beat him for the second time in Melbourne. He has now 43 of 54 fights, 17 of them by knockout.

Last night's victory earned him the WBA Pan Asia Boxing Association's interim title and a top-10 ranking with that sanctioning body, but that was of little importance compared to at last having a world title within reach.

The IBF title has changed hands three times in little more than a year, with Australian Danial Geale taking it off Sturm, England's Darren Barker relieving Geale of it earlier this year, and Sturm knocking out Barker in Germany last weekend.

Having come from behind _ he was knocked down early _ to emphatically upset Sturm last time, Soliman is supremely confident he can do it again.

Sherrington, who had won his last six and 14 of his last 15 for an overall record of 33-6, looked to be a dangerous opponent given his age and height advantages, but had never fought anyone of Soliman's class and experience _ and it showed.

Soliman earned the TKO of Sherrington after keeping his tempo high and staying busy inside. This allowed "King" Soliman to dictate the pace of the fight for the opening rounds.

Soliman then flicked the switch, landing a huge left hand that rocked Sherrington in round seven. Sherrington's corner threw in the towel mid-way through after Soliman dropped the Queenslander for the second time.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Inside Manly's dysfunctional board

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

MANLY icon Peter 'Zorba' Peters has lifted the lid on Australian sport's most dysfunctional board.

In a remarkable interview with The Daily Telegraph, Peters told of the in-fighting, the spite, name-calling and bitterness inside the Sea Eagles boardroom.

''It's toxic, aggressive and horrible,'' Peters said. ''There have been threats made.''

Bulldog: Just how volatile is it inside those infamous Manly board meetings?

Zorba: It's as volatile as you could imagine. I have grown-up in a tough school - I give as much as I get - but it is toxic and dysfunctional. It's aggressive, it's horrible.

Peter Peters, veteran Manly official, inside the Sea Eagles' boardroom. Source: News Limited

Bulldog: How personal does it get?

Zorba: There are plenty of people that have been called liars in that boardroom.

Bulldog: Sounds utterly spiteful.

Zorba: Absolutely. I am happy that we have a female representative (Kerry Chrysiliou) on the board who is also a lawyer. I think her presence has probably kept it from spilling over. But there has been walk-outs and threats made in the boardroom. It has become bitter and shouldn't be like that. We were always a club that was together.

Bulldog: Is it true the Sea Eagles board is split on most decisions?

Zorba: It is a 4-3 vote on almost every issue. That is sad and shouldn't happen. That is where the problem lies. There is no sensible decisions being made, they are being made on party lines. We need more independence.

Peter Peters, veteran Manly official, inside the Sea Eagles' boardroom. Source: News Limited

Bulldog: To be fair, you are aligned to the Penn faction.

Zorba: I am. I have always been up-front, I declared that a long time ago. They are a wonderful family but they didn't save my job (as former Manly media manager).

Bulldog: Have you ever thought of walking away to secure peace?

Zorba: I did walk away and then a lot of people phoned me and said come back because they didn't like what was happening. A lot of ex-players.

Bulldog: How has the club survived all this with such wonderful on-field success?

Zorba: This an amazing and fabulous club. I have just come back from the World Cup and Petero Civoncieva, who I think is one of the greats of our game in any era, told me off his own bat that whenever he played Manly he hurt for three or fours days after. He said what we have at this club, no other club has. It's gratifying that we are so good on the field, but so bad off it.

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

Bulldog: Do you think fans are fed-up with the bickering at board level?

Zorba: Absolutely. And I don't blame them. I am too.

Bulldog: Do players come to you also expressing their dismay?

Zorba: They are sick and tired of it. They hate it.

Bulldog: You are 68-years old. What keeps driving you?

Zorba: It is what this club has done for me. To see the guys that dug the well we could all drink from. We are sitting in Manly Leagues Club which used to be an old house. I owe to the people who built it to keep up the fight. This meeting (on December 19) coming up is probably the most important in the club's history and less than 600 people are going to decide the future of the club.

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

Bulldog: The meeting you talk of is a District Club election and there is a strong rival ticket challenging the board. Are you prepared to support that rival ticket publicly?

Zorba: I most definitely am. There have to be changes.

Bulldog: Where will this all end?

Zorba: A volcano is about to erupt.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

ASADA closes net on Kennedy

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

MARTIN Kennedy is poised to become the next NRL player to receive an infraction notice as ASADA considers evidence against the Broncos prop that is more advanced than its case file against 14 past and present Sharks players.

After the ARLC board yesterday received a detailed briefing of the NRL's internal report into Cronulla's 2011 supplement program, The Daily Telegraph learned that ASADA is preparing to swoop on Kennedy for alleged possession of banned substances.

When contacted earlier this week, Kennedy promised to vigorously defend any possible charges, maintaining that he had never possessed or attempted to procure banned substances.

Martin Kennedy suffers a serious knee injury last year. Source: News Limited

Text messages between Kennedy and other figures central to the inquiry - including banned winger Sandor Earl - are believed to be key to ASADA's case against the former Rooster and Queensland State of Origin 18th man.

The messages include correspondence with long-time friend Ben Darcy, who is also close to Earl and formerly lived in the same Bondi apartment block as Kennedy.

The trio attended top league nursery Matraville High together, and were briefly united in the Roosters junior ranks.

Martin Kennedy on the attack for the Roosters. Source: News Limited

ASADA interviewed Kennedy a week after the grand final, shortly before he moved to Brisbane to begin a new two-year deal with the Broncos.

Sources close to the investigation have confirmed Kennedy was questioned about a series of text exchanges with Darcy.

The 24-year-old expressed deep shock when The Daily Telegraph informed him about ASADA's latest movements, stating that he believed the interview had gone smoothly and the matter was now closed.

Martin Kennedy against the Titans. Source: News Limited

A source familiar with the file said the text messages contributed to a compelling case for possession-related charges, which carry a potential maximum two-year ban.

It's understood the texts were taken from mobile phones seized at Sydney Airport, while their owners were returning from Thailand earlier this year.

It's believed that any possible charges against Kennedy will not include use or trafficking, which were both levelled against Earl in late August.

Sandor Earl is the only player to receive an infraction notice so far. Source: News Limited

The ex-Raiders winger has admitted guilt to both charges, which carry a maximum four year ban. Earl is attempting to have his suspension reduced to 12 months by providing ASADA with substantial assistance, but his co-operation is aimed at supplying damning evidence against the man who allegedly organised the prohibited treatments - sports scientist Stephen Dank - rather than fellow players. Dank has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

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

Kennedy's fate is set to be announced before that of the 14 players who participated in Cronulla's controversial 2011 supplement program: Paul Gallen, John Morris, Ben Pomeroy, Wade Graham, Nathan Gardner, Nathan Stapleton, Stewart Mills, Jayson Bukuya, Anthony Tupou, Matt Wright, Jeremy Smith, Kade Snowden, Luke Douglas and Albert Kelly.

The NRL sanctions against Cronulla purely relate to code of conduct breaches, with no infraction notices to be handed to any former or current Sharks player this week.

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

NRL boss Dave Smith yesterday briefed the eight commissioners on his Intergrity Unit report, which has canvassed supplement programs at all 16 clubs. The Sharks board was sweating on an announcement last night, but the NRL said its investigation was continuing.

The latest information suggests a decision will be made on whether to issue infraction notices against Cronulla players early in the New Year.

ASADA has made enormous headway in recent weeks because of new coercive powers that compel persons of interest to attend interviews and submit documents.

As revealed by The Daily Telegraph on Saturday, an information sheet discussing two banned peptides - CJC-1295 and GHRP-6 - that ASADA believes was distributed to players has been obtained.

The sheet carries the nickname and contact details of the supplement salesman, Darren 'The Gazelle' Hibbert, whom an independent club report found injected Sharks players at training sessions in 2011. Hibbert received a notice to appear before ASADA almost a month ago and is expected to speak with investigators this week.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

I'm mates with Brown: May

Steven May returns to training after surgery for a broken jaw. Picture: Richard Gosling Source: Richard Gosling / News Limited

APART from the slight bump jutting out from the left side of his jaw Steven May does not have much to show for being on the receiving end of a punch that ended the 205-game career of Gold Coast Suns teammate Campbell Brown.

And even with two plates and eight screws keeping his rebuilt jaw together, the contrite 21-year-old May expressed compassion for Brown who was officially sacked from the AFL club last week.

While Brown fronted teammates and the media to take blame for the incident outside of Los Angeles nightclub Bootsy Bellows - an incident which left May with a broken jaw - May himself apologised for his role in the heated argument.

An argument that had nothing to do with pop princess Rihanna but more to do with two blokes at the end of a long pre-season football trip having a bust up more out of fatigue and boredom.

Because of the settlement between Brown and the Suns, in which Brown is expected to receive 75 per cent of his salary for 2014, May was prevented from legally discussing the finer details of the incident which happened at the end of the club's pre-season training at Arizona.

But he did confess to being surprised by the altercation.

"There is no history between us, we are good mates . . . and the day after it happened we flew home together,'' May said.

Brown's stint a success: McKenna

"I'm still surprised by the fight. After it happened we both were still texting each other and checking in to see how each other was going. I know he's moving away from the Gold Coast soon, and he'll be moving on to the next stage of his life, but we've had a good chat and we're good.

"We were both shocked to find out I had broken my jaw - I didn't know until the next day.

We were drinking but alcohol didn't play a massive part.

"It was a dry camp and for 17 days we worked super hard. And because everyone had trained so well we were given one night to enjoy a few drinks.

Campbell Brown leaves the Gold Coast Suns. Source: Getty Images

"Everyone was well behaved. We were given a bit of leeway - the club gave us a bit of trust and I suppose that trust won't be given by the club again.

"But alcohol didn't play a massive part.

"It's a tough pre-season camp. All you do is train and eat - and you spend the entire time with the same people.

"Mentally and physically it's extremely tiring.''

The one matter May does want to clarify is the exaggerated reports that pop princess Rihanna was somehow involved in the altercation.

"I'm a fan - who isn't a fan of Rihanna? She was at the club but you could only see glimpses of her because of her entourage,'' he said.

"But I wasn't chasing her autograph and there wasn't an argument about going back in and chatting to her . . . those reports were ridiculous.

"That said I want to apologise for the part I did play. Campbell took responsibility for what he did, and I have to as well.

"There was no king hit . . . there was a fight . . . and unfortunately my jaw was broken. The club has been incredibly supportive to both Campbell and myself.

"He (Campbell) had an amazing career and what happened was a shock for all of us - not just me.

"It is not how anyone of us would have expected his career to end and I'm glad the club supported him as well.

"No matter who it is, you can't have blokes going around and punching each other and this shows a standard for our club moving forward.

"We know what will and won't be tolerated.''

When May was drafted to the club in 2011 from the Northern Territory, he formed a solid friendship with Brown to the point where he considered him a good mate.

With Brown, 30, expected to move back to Melbourne May expects the pair to remain in contact with each other.

"He actually wanted to come and see me in hospital but the media was camped outside his front door. He's moving away but we've wished each other luck,'' May said.

"He also called me up after his press conference . . . it's just unfortunate that it had to happen.''

Moving forward May doesn't want to be remembered as the bloke that was on the receiving end of "the punch that ended Campbell Brown's career".

Instead he wants to help shape a winning culture at the Suns.

"More than anything I have been surprised by the support of my teammates and the club . . . and I want to repay the club's faith and support.

"In the short term I need to put back on the six kilograms I've lost since surgery and then hopefully, all going to plan, I can start contact work maybe late next month.

"But I do apologise for the role I played in this incident. Hopefully now it is in the past and we can go back to focusing on footy.''

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Pom pom war as more cheergirls axed

Canberra Raiders Cheerleaders - The Raiderettes. Source: Supplied

A DAY after Canterbury demoted their cheerleaders, the Canberra Raiders are poised to sack their cheer squad altogether.

In an historic move, Raiders chief executive Don Furner told The Daily Telegraph that his club was "reviewing the club's game-day entertainment.''

"We have always had them but research among our fans indicates it might be time for a change,'' Furner said. "It's not definite but we are reviewing our game day entertainment.''

Furner denied the move was based around any female exploitation.

"There are a couple of reasons,'' he said. "One, it is quite cold and a big ask for the woman, particularly during night games. And, two, cost. This decision has nothing to do with the Bulldogs.''

Canberra's stance comes as Canterbury's cheerleaders had a simple message for Bulldogs management: Just let us dance.

Support for The Belles was growing yesterday after the club abandoned their pre-game and half-time routines to focus on off-field work as Bulldogs ambassadors.

Bulldogs cheerleaders at ANZ Stadium. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

An online petition calling for the cheerleaders' reinstatement to the sidelines has attracted nearly 550 signatures over the past three days.

The cheerleaders were reluctant to talk with The Daily Telegraph yesterday for fears of being chastised by Canterbury management.

One did say though: "We are happy to do what the club wants and even change our uniforms. "But all we want to do is dance on the sidelines before the match and at half-time.''

Petition founder Rachel Lawson, who was in contact with the women throughout yesterday, had a message for Canterbury CEO Raelene Castle.

Canterbury cheerleader Caterina. Source: Supplied

"They are professional dancers who practice six days a week - they just want to dance on the sidelines,'' Lawson said.

"They have been part of the club since day one. On game day they arrive at the ground a couple of hours early to practice. They are there before the players.

"This is a family club and lot of them have been here for six, seven, eight years. It just wouldn't be a home game without them.

"They're not just cheerleaders. They are great with kids, have photos taken, sign autographs and do charity work with Camp Quality and the Children's Hospital.''

Canterbury's cheerleaders will now be managed internally in an "ambassadorial role.'' They will have new contemporary outfits, which are yet to be made.

The online Twitter petition, called Save The Belles, stated: "We ask that you reconsider your decision and welcome our Belles back to the sidelines in 2014.

"Please restore our pride. Embrace our excellence. Save our tradition. All Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs players, staff, cheerleaders and fans are one family.''

A Bulldogs cheerleader at ANZ Stadium. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

Castle and Lawson are due to meet today to discuss the drama. Reaction online was mixed.

One blogger wrote: "Put a woman in charge (Castle) and there is almost always change for the better.''

Another disagreed, saying: "Great to see Castle hitting the big issues.''

Other clubs contacted by The Daily Telegraph had no plans to end cheerleading.

"We had auditions on the weekend,'' said Sharks CEO Steve Noyce.

Wests Tigers CEO Grant Mayer added: "We believe our cheer squad should have a greater role on game day including on-field entertainment, corporate engagement and fan engagement.''

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

England ruined by giants' failure

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

ENGLAND'S plans to take down Australia with giant fast bowlers lie in ruins.

Chris Tremlett, Steven Finn and Boyd Rankin were all included to attack Australia, and particularly captain Michael Clarke, with short bowling on hard Australian pitches.

However, at most only one of the trio is likely to play in Perth on one of the most fast bowler friendly pitches in the world, where Australia has an outstanding record and is strongly favoured to regain the Ashes.

England felt that the best way to unsettle Clarke was with short bowling and that worked on the opening day of the series in Brisbane when he fended a Stuart Broad bouncer to short leg for just one.

But Clarke has since smashed two centuries as Australia has crushed England in both Tests with Mitchell Johnson the thunderbolt who has destroyed the tourists.

Chris Tremlett prepares to bowl at the Gabba. Source: Getty Images

Tremlett played in the first Test at the Gabba and claimed four wickets for the match but his bowling was generally modest and lacked venom.

He looked a very different bowler to the one who was included for the Perth Test three years ago and claimed eight wickets.

There were times in Brisbane when Tremlett's pace dropped below 130kph, a worrying marker that England's backroom strategists know only too well.

Their detailed research has found that a fast bowler's ability take wickets at Test level reduces once their pace falls below 135kph and plunges below 130kph.

Contrast that with Australia, where Johnson is bowling around 150kph and Ryan Harris 140kph.

Tremlett is now 32 and has played just 12 Tests in a career marred by injury. Brisbane was his first Test in almost two years.

England's struggling paceman Steven Finn. Source: AFP

Most worrying for England is the continuing struggles of Finn, their fastest bowler.

Aged just 24 he has already taken 90 wickets at 29 with a strike rate of just 48 balls per wicket, which is better than any of the modern day greats.

However, he concedes almost four runs an over and currently his rhythm and run-up are a mess.

His bowling in tour matches since England arrived in late October has been dreadful, with his length too consistently short.

Rankin, 29, is raw at international level given he has spent most of his career playing for Ireland and has also bowled too short in tour matches.

While Australia has named an unchanged squad for a third successive Test England have a multitude of concerns.

Playing two spinners in Adelaide was a bold move which may have paid dividends if England had not dropped vital catches on the opening day.

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

But there is every chance that neither Graeme Swann nor Monty Panesar will play in Perth given the poor record spinners have at the ground.

Tim Bresnan, who has recovered from a back injury, appears a logical inclusion to bowl into the prevailing Fremantle Doctor.

Then comes the hard decisions. All-rounder Ben Stokes, 22, appears to have the makings of a solid cricketer and bowled with good pace but does not look a number six batsman.

Does he in stay in the side as one of four fast bowlers alongside Jimmy Anderson, Broad and Tremlett while Gary Ballance comes in at six to make his debut?

England have more questions than answers.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More