Championships betting surge

James McDonald wins the Queen Elizabeth Stakes on It's a Dundeel. Source: Simon Bullard / Supplied

RACING NSW must sell the economic benefits of The Championships to the Baird Government — and the inaugural series held at Royal Randwick last month provides a compelling case.

NSW TAB betting turnover, which the state government receives a sizeable chunk, soared during The Championships.

Betting on the feature race, the Queen Elizabeth Stakes was up an extraordinary 303% on 2013 TAB results, the Sydney Cup increased 41%, and The Championships races had a 39% betting surge on last year.

Initial estimates suggest the week-long The Championships injected at least $65 million into the NSW economy. A study of the race series economic impact has not yet been completed but it is likely that figure could soar to $80 million.

``The Championships were an immediate success this year,'' Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'landys said. ``A whole slice of the betting increases and the boost to the economy goes to the state government.

``If The Championships goes under the government loses money.''

After just one year, Sydney's autumn racing carnival is under threat as the NSW Government has so far refused to again provide $10 million to help fund prizemoney for The Championships.

But Racing NSW isn't after a government grant, rather a bigger share of wagering money which the racing industry generates.

The crux of the issue is the disparity between states and their share of wagering revenues. In NSW, the Baird Government takes $3.22 out of every $100 bet on the TAB, compared to just $1.28 in Victoria.

``The inequity for the NSW racing industry is manifestly unfair,'' V'landys said. ``We need to be put on a level playing field with our main competitor, Victoria.

``If the Victorian Government took out the same share of bets as in NSW then they could not conduct the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

``If the rules for NSW are the same as Victoria, then the racing industry would receive another $85 million.''

It is understood urgent meetings between Racing NSW heavyweights with Premier Mike Baird and senior government officials will be held in the next two weeks to thrash out The Championships funding issue.

The Racing NSW mantra is if racing is revitalised, it will stimulate betting turnover and as a result state government revenues will actually increase.

V'landys said successive governments in NSW in recent years have failed to heed the warnings about the changing wagering landscape while other state governments have acted to protect racing industry income by lowering their share from wagering.

``What has happened in the last decade is that many NSW punters are migrating to corporate bookmakers in the Northern Territory,'' he explained.

``In 10 years, the corporates size of the betting market has gone from $1 billion to nearly $8 billion and NSW punters are betting $4 million of that amount.

``The NSW racing industry doesn't get anything on that money being invested with the corporates by NSW punters on interstate races.

``If this migration of the wagering dollar is allowed to continue, then revenues for the NSW Government and the racing industry will go into decline.

``Unless we can reinvigorate NSW racing with concepts like The Championships, then we are going to lose the goose that laid the golden egg.''

V'landys said Racing NSW's argument isn't a case of taking money from more essential services like hospitals, schools and roads.

``All we are asking for is to use punters money to give punters a product,'' he continued.

``The punters `voted' with their money in The Championships — betting on the Queen Elizabeth Stakes was up more than 300 per cent.''

NSW TAB BETTING INCREASES DURING THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

#Queen Elizabeth Stakes increased by 303% .

#Sydney Cup increased by 41%

#The Championships races increased 39% against 2013.

#International turnover on The Championships increased by over 330%.

#Interstate turnover on The Championships increased by 30%.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Reynolds fighting to keep sky blue six

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IT'S the Josh Reynolds we've come to know and love.

The Canterbury Bulldogs scrapper has chased, bled and battled his entire life just to wear the NSW Blues no. 6 jumper.

So now that he's here, good luck trying to pry the sky-blue jumper from his back.

CHOOSE YOUR GREATEST ORIGIN TEAM

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While others have been quick to assume Reynolds is a short-term fix for NSW, promoted by coach Laurie Daley only on the basis of replacing Roosters five-eighth James Maloney, as halves partner Mitchell Pearce serves his behavioural penance, the Bulldogs livewire has admitted he has no plans of going anywhere.

Asked if he was out to prove he was more than just a one-hit wonder, Reynolds replied: "Definitely.

"Many things have happened over the last couple of years and there's been a few different combinations and for myself and Trent (Hodkinson), it's about playing our own game and hopefully we can do the job.

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NSW duo Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson. Source: News Corp Australia

"I take a lot of confidence out of them putting belief in us and people can have their own sayings, but I know I'm not the silkiest player going around and Trent could probably tell you the same.

"We're just guys that I know he's got my back and he knows I've got his.

"I think that goes a long way, you can be the most talented player in the world, but not trust the guys inside you and I think that's one area where we're never going to let each other down and that definitely the culture that we're trying to build.''

HODKINSON'S A $500 A WEEK MIRACLE

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In just 48-hours of Blues camp there is a noticeable shift in mindset ahead of Wednesday night's Origin opener.

Where once the Blues privately would have feared facing the lethal Maroons artillery, Daley's 2014 squad have gathered yearning for the challenge of ending Queensland's eight-year reign.

Even Reynolds, facing-off in a personal duel that usually only occurs in boyhood dreams, is salivating at the prospect of taking on Maroons pivot Johnathan Thurston.

DALEY ADDS BITE TO NSW SIDE

NSW coach Laurie Daley talks to Josh Reynolds. Source: News Corp Australia

"It's awesome, he's obviously one of the best if not the best player in the world and it really excites me that I get to go up against him on the big stage,'' Reynolds said.

"They're the guys that you chase.

"They're the guys who have set the benchmark for years now and I really can't wait to challenge myself.

"People say, are you nervous? I'm not nervous, I'm just really excited to challenge myself against someone who has done so many things in the game."

KENT: ARE THE CHAMPS OVER THE HILL?

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Reynolds appeared in just one match for the Blues in last year's series, going unused in Origin I before providing a brief cameo in Origin II.

The 25-year-old says the increased responsibility of directing the Blues was a discussion he had already had with the NSW coaching staff.

"Its definitely different in the fact that I know what my role, obviously I'm in the halves and that's what I've got to do,'' Reynolds said.

GALLEN CALLS MAROONS FANS 'TWO-HEADS'

NSW State of Origin half Josh Reynolds. Source: News Corp Australia

"Laurie and a few of the boys have already spoken to me saying me and Trent need to control the team, even though it is a bit of a daunting thing.

"You've got guys like Gal, Lewie, Haynsey that have played so many Origin games already.

"You've got to come in here and sort of try and put your stamp on things and try and run the boys around the park.''

And while his overall experience at the Origin level may still be in its infancy, there's no denying his passion to beat Queensland is ingrained.

PEARCE A NSW ORIGIN SCAPEGOAT: THURSTON

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"I definitely don't like them (Queenslanders), I'm not going to lie,'' Reynolds said.

"I know for a fact they're saying the same thing. I don't hate the players, its just that I'm proud of where I'm from and if there's someone else whose putting it against us, its just like week to week footy, I don't like any other team I play.

"But this another step up because its just such a big stage and I just can't wait because it means so much to me.

"I'll never forget playing that game last year, warming up on the sidelines because obviously they're very close at Suncorp, there were some good calls.

"Lucky I've got thick skin, lets just say that.''

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Freddy to mentor troubled Fergo

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ROOSTERS great Brad Fittler has agreed to personally oversee Blake Ferguson's journey back to NRL stardom, which begins in earnest at 9am on Thursday.

After the NRL on Wednesday cleared the Roosters to employ him as a community and development officer for the rest of the season, Ferguson will front for his new job at Moore Park on Thursday morning.

FERGUSON SECURES EMPLOYMENT WITH THE ROOSTERS

Blake Ferguson after meeting with the Roosters. Source: News Corp Australia

Mentoring indigenous youth and coaching junior footy teams will be Ferguson's two primary tasks in a full-time role designed to bridge the gap between his current exile and playing return at Bondi Junction next season.

Wednesday's development came nearly 12 months after the incident that sent Ferguson's promising career into turmoil: his arrest for indecently assaulting a woman at a Cronulla nightspot on 17 June last year.

Subsequently found guilty of the charges and sacked by his club at the time, Canberra, Ferguson has been deregistered since last September.

Blake Ferguson watches Manly play South Sydney in Gosford from the crowd. Source: News Corp Australia

Ferguson has challenged the court verdict, with his appeal to be heard on 25 June.

Roosters CEO Brian Canavan on Wednesday night revealed discussions with Ferguson had been ongoing for several months, and has accepted the NRL will not register the 24-year-old before the mid-season deadline at the end of June.

The Roosters have now set their sights on Ferguson joining their 2015 playing ranks, where he will either replace retiring skipper Anthony Minichiello at fullback or move into a reshuffled three quarter line that will see Roger Tuivasa-Sheck assume the No. 1 jersey.

Blake Ferguson fights Luke Turner on the undercard of the WBA International super welterweight title bout between Anthony Mundine and Shane Mosley. Source: Getty Images

Ferguson is not the first high profile redemption job the Roosters have undertaken. They had spectacular, but unsustained, success with Todd Carney in 2010.

Canavan said the club had learned from its experience with Carney, which is one of the reasons why Fittler and NRL welfare manager, Dean Widders, have been engaged to mentor Ferguson as of Thursday.

Former Canberra star Blake Ferguson in action. Source: News Limited

"Education and welfare has to be continuous. You can never be complacent," Canavan said.

"Freddy knows Blake from Origin last year, and he was one of the people who was concerned when Blake stepped out of the crease last year.

"We spoke with Freddy and he was really keen to help Blake through this. The best thing about Freddy, apart from his stature in the game, is that he speaks a language that young footballers understand."

Blake Ferguson runs into Sydney Roosters Mitchell Pearce inside Allianz Stadium. Source: News Limited

Ferguson is currently living in Sydney's south, but will soon move to the eastern suburbs with new girlfriend, Bianca.

The relationship has been credited for Ferguson's attitude reversal, which was evident at League Central on Wednesday, when he accepted responsibility for allowing his career to slide.

"I've been impressed with his remorse," Canavan said.

"It's genuine, as is his desire to reach his potential as a rugby league player. He's admitted he will never reach his potential if he doesn't change his ways."

Is Blake Ferguson a good signing for the Roosters?

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Happy Tye back on home turf

Tye Angland wins race 7 on The Alfonso, his first win back in Sydney after four years in Hong Kong. Source: Mark Evans / News Corp Australia

HE HAD no idea where the jockey's room was, but Tye Angland still definitely knew how to find the winning post on his first day back riding in Sydney.

Angland waited until the final event at Randwick to boot home The Alfonso for loyal supporter Chris Waller.

It was the 24-year-old's first ride back in town since he cut short his contract in Hong Kong, and he could not have been happier.

"It was good to get a winner for Chris, he's a person I've worked with before - before he became as big as he is today - and the year I won the apprenticeship he really helped me out,'' said Angland, who spent four years in Honkers, and had not popped up at Randwick in three years.

"It's different. I came here (Randwick) about six months ago during the off-season, I went to trackwork and it took me half an hour to find the tunnel. And today I had to wait and follow another jockey so I could find the jockey's room.

"There are a lot of new faces, and there was a lot more talking here than there is in Hong Kong.''

Angand, widely regarded as one of the most gifted horseman in the racing game - he's a former rodeo champion _ has received overwhelming support already, and hopes to become a regular rider for Team Waller.

Meanwhile, Australian Turf Club track boss Lindsay Murphy said 22mls of rain fell not long after the Randwick course proper was aerated, which explained the surprise 'slow seven' rating posted for the weekend.

Eyebrows were raised when the track was put up as slow, despite unseasonal warm weather through May in Sydney.

"We aerated the track, which is normal when we have a break, but we did cop 22mls of rain last Tuesday. The only other track to receive rain was Canterbury, who had one mil,'' Murphy said.

"I'm hopeful (of a track upgrade), but I'm not confident because it doesn't change greatly on a day-to-day basis.''

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

United divides basketball family

Melbourne United coach Chris Anstey (centre) with current and former players Mark Worthington and Darryl McDonald at the announcement of the club's new name. Source: Nathan Dyer / News Limited

MELBOURNE'S only elite men's basketball team walked into a fan-based firestorm when it dumped its identity yesterday.

By rebranding the Melbourne Tigers as Melbourne United, chairman Larry Kestleman and partner Michael Slepoy tampered with some crucial ingredients of the passion that underpins any successful sports outfit _ tradition, history, image and perhaps most importantly the sense of belonging to something of their own that most fans crave.

You do that at your extreme peril.

So the overwhelmingly hostile response on radio and social media was predictable _ except, perhaps, for one thing. Who knew there were enough committed hoops fans out there to make so much noise?

When Kestleman and Slepoy took over the NBL licence they say they inherited a membership of just 400, the club was potentially on death row and the game in general was in a "shameful" state.

That all rings true enough. Basketball's struggle for relevance since its halcyon days in the eighties has been well documented, and although the Tigers have survived many ups and downs the reality is every other Melbourne club that has graced the national league has crashed and burned.

If the Tigers were to follow, leaving many thousands of kids with no stairway to the stars, that would be a dreadful indictment on the proudest sporting city.

So while the demise of the Tigers brand is regrettable, especially to the iconic Gaze family and the many superb players who have worn the red and gold singlets over several decades, the current owners are entitled to some applause for their determination to find a way to keep the flame burning rather than walking away and leaving no club at all.

Essentially, that means creating a "one big happy family" concept that will appeal to the fans of all the clubs that have gone before, but who cannot bring themselves to commit to the Tigers _ a bit like asking old Fitzroy footy fans to start barracking for Collingwood.

They seem to have already got a few things wrong.

Melbourne United sounds like a soccer team, and the new colours, the traditional Victorian dark blue, will even make them look like Melbourne Victory.

Although they claim to have done their research and been convinced there is plenty of support for the one-in, all-in, Melbourne against the rest concept, that had a distinct whiff of whistling in the dark.

Certainly, it wasn't hard to find Tigers fans disgruntled because they believed this had been sprung on them without warning or consultation.

Kestleman could not dispute that. Of the negative feedback, he said: "It's not unexpected when it's a surprise to people. Until they understand the full vision, we don't expect them to believe us at first glance. We have to earn their support."

He's not wrong there. As always, the fans will vote with their feet.

Much is at stake but if nothing else the game emerged yesterday from its mainstream media hibernation and some emotion and a pulse have been detected. That's a welcome start.

ron.reed@news.com.au

Twitter: @Reedrw

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Two heads? No, but eight Origins in a row

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NINE years after their last State of Origin series win, and NSW still have not mastered the art of showing Queensland respect.

Within minutes of going into camp with the Blues, NSW captain Paul Gallen went straight to the bottom of the barrel again, labelling Queenslanders "two-heads".

Presumably, that is one for punching and the other to rake out our stitches.

Paul Gallen has reaffirmed his status as Queensland's public enemy No.1. Source: News Limited

We wait anxiously for the follow-up jokes about banjoes and red necks in the following days as the Blues captain adds the role of joker to his previous starring parts as a thug, grub and sore loser.

Gallen has played almost every role in the pantomime of rugby league except that he covets most — champion.

GALLEN CALLS MAROONS FANS 'TWO-HEADS'

Gallen has never won an Origin series.

In fact, you can count Gallen's total wins in the Origin arena on one hand — which should at least make that arithmetic easy for him.

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Is it any coincidence that the exact moment Queensland turned the Origin tide, when they won the very first series of this stunning eight-year streak in 2006, was the night Paul Gallen made his debut.

In his 16 Origin game career, the Blues have won just five games. Only four were live matches.

SLATER UNFAZED BY INGLIS FULLBACK CLAIM

Since becoming captain in 2011, Gallen has led his team to just three wins in eight games.

You would think that after getting his pants pulled down 11 times in Origin Gallen would learn a little bit about respect.

Paul Gallen is witness to yet another Maroons victory. Source: News Limited

Gallen's "two-heads" reference may have been a jovial quip at a corporate event, but Mal Meninga and Cameron Smith never deliver derogatory one-liners about Blues fans.

The Maroons possess too much class and intelligence to stoop to the level where the likes of Gallen, or the previous human headline before him Willie Mason, like to drag the game for a cheap laugh.

WALLY AND MAL SLAM ORIGIN TICKET PRICES

The problem with trying to wage mental battles is that you need some ammunition.

Gallen is obviously a man with a short fuse and even shorter memory.

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Like last year when he launched an unprovoked attack on Nate Myles and then whinged about being punished for punching.

Or how he went to a sportsman's luncheon last year and, according to our southern spies, raved about the fact he grew up idolising Gorden Tallis but then called him an expletive to the audience because the Raging Bull dared to criticise him.

Can this NSW team end QLD's dominance?

Gallen is desperately trying to play the role of the villain, to develop a personality beyond a football field so he can join the media gravy train he is clearly angling his career towards in case his football days reach a very abrupt conclusion.

Maybe he simply wants to feed the Maroon frenzy that is waiting for him when he crosses the border, because it's a strategy that has worked so well for him in the past.

Gallen takes a pot-shot at Nate Myles during game one last year. Source: Getty Images

Unless I'm confusing Gallen for someone else — my other head sometimes does get confused — he's never actually won a live Origin game at Suncorp Stadium.

That's six straight defeats Gallen has experienced at The Cauldron wearing the Blues jersey.

This mathematics involves large numbers, so we'll do the honours for him: Gallen's overall scoreboard in live Origin matches at the Cauldron reads Queensland 161, NSW 68.

Gallen might think Queenslanders have two heads, but he may just be seeing double because of the tears in his eyes.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hodkinson’s a $500 a week miracle

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TRENT Hodkinson remembers the days when he would rise at 5am just to beat the morning traffic before slogging out another day of fixing fire sprinklers.

He remembers the feeling too, of those Friday afternoon's only a few years ago when a week's worth of elbow grease resulted in $500 arriving into his bank account.

If NSW are looking for a leader, someone to prepared to overcome eight-years of adversity, the Blues halfback might just be their man.

Trent Hodkinson during the 2014 NSW State of Origin team announcement. Source: News Corp Australia

NEW SOUTH WALES NAME THEIR ORIGIN SQUAD

PICK YOUR GREATEST EVER ORIGIN TEAM

Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds during the NSW State of Origin team announcement. Source: News Corp Australia

Chosen to make his Origin debut by NSW coach Laurie Daley, the Canterbury Bulldogs halfback has revealed how he never gave up after almost quitting the game altogether to instead complete the final year of an apprenticeship he now hopes he will never have to confront.

Hodkinson was on Tuesday named alongside club teammate Josh Reynolds as the Blues new-look halves pairing.

Renowned for his ability to remain calm and collected under pressure, Hodkinson spoke with deserving self-pride when asked at Tuesday's NSW team announcement in Sydney to recall his remarkable rise from obscurity.

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PEARCE A NSW ORIGIN SCAPEGOAT: THURSTON

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It was on the back of chronic knee and shoulder injuries which forced the 25-year-old to ply his trade with the Bulldogs NSW Cup side in 2012.

The same year at Canterbury, Reynolds and former half Kris Keating guided the Dogs towards the grand final.

Unable to see any light at the end of the tunnel, Hodkinson recalled how he almost threw in the towel and return to the only other employment option he had — fitting sprinklers.

Bulldogs Trent Hodkinson celebrates victory after he kicked the winning field goal. Source: News Corp Australia

"It was very tough. I questioned whether I would get back to first grade, or whether or not anything more,'' Hodkinson said.

"It was very dark times.

"I've got a sprinkler fitting trade. I've got maybe a year left on that, so I probably would've went back to that.

"When I was playing Jersey Flegg, back then I worked a full day and then going back to Parramatta (to train) of an afternoon.

BLUES TO TURN ORIGIN INTO DOGS OF WAR

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"I was getting up about five o'clock to beat the traffic, I'd get there at six and try and have a half-hour snooze in the car and start 6.30- seven o'clock, have a full day there and finish about three and then get to training at Parramatta.

"I'd finish by seven and then go home.

"But I hung in there, obviously those thoughts (of quitting) did come into mind and here I am today.''

Bulldogs half Trent Hodkinson lines up a shot at goal. Source: News Corp Australia

Robbie Farah, Josh Reynolds, Josh Morris, Michael Jennings and Trent Hodkinson. Source: News Corp Australia

A tattoo of a Phoenix inked across Hodkinson's chest is a constant reminder of where he's come from, how close he came to losing it all and the turning point in his career.

"I got the phoenix on my chest and that represents a new beginning when I was going through all the tough injuries," he said.

"That's the time I got the tattoo on my chest, rising from the ashes. A new start, a new beginning.

"That meaning was all about the injuries, starting from fresh and starting again.''

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Asked what it was that got him to be standing among the likes of Blues veterans Luke Lewis, Paul Gallen and Anthony Watmough, Hodkinson paid tribute to his support network of friends and family.

"I had a lot of help from the staff at the Bulldogs, my parents and my partner [Chantelle] has to put up with my when I'm down in the dumps every day,'' Hodkinson said.

"She'd keep me motivated and positive. Combined with mum and dad and the staff at the Bulldogs, they all kept me positive."

Trent Hodkinson relaxes at North Cronulla Beach. Source: News Limited

Hodkinson will spend the next week in Blues camp attempting to instil the same level of confidence and composure he has displayed this season for the league-leading Dogs.

He admits his ying-yang combination alongside the effervescent Reynolds has proven crucial to his own form this season.

"He's a very energetic player, he's built for State of Origin and that's why we love him,'' Hodkinson said.

"He plays with his heart on his sleeve and you need someone like that on your team.

"I'm sort of the calm one and I guess our combination works well.

"Hopefully we can take our combination and our form from the Bulldogs, to the next level. I'm obviously excited.''

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sydney’s autumn of discontent

Tommy Berry on his way to winning the Queen of the Turf Stakes during The Championships at Royal Randwick. Source: Simon Bullard / News Corp Australia

TOMMY Berry — the jockey who became the feel-good story of The Championships — genuinely believes the inaugural cashed-up carnival can rival the popularity of Melbourne's spring.

But like so many others in the local racing industry, Berry was stunned yesterday after he learned the Mike Baird government would not deliver $10 million worth of funding for next year's The Championships.

The government stumped up with the grant this autumn, but was only prepared to loan that amount in 2015.

Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'landys snubbed the loan, and reiterated last night: "The whole future of NSW racing depends on these negotiations.''

Should the government not change its mind by June 30, The Championships will be dumped next year.

Berry starred at Royal Randwick when he scored an emotional Group 1 double on Diamond Drille and The Offer, just a week after he buried his twin brother, fellow jockey Nathan.

Now in the middle of a hugely successful second riding stint in Hong Kong, Berry said the revamped Sydney autumn had proven a real talking point in Asia.

Tommy Berry celebrates winning the Queen of the Turf Stakes during The Championships at Royal Randwick. Source: News Corp Australia

"It's a big shame. I thought The Championships was one of the best things they've brought in for a long time,'' Berry said. "It was exciting, and I thought in the next few years if we could keep it going, we could almost match the Melbourne spring.

"We had it for one year, and if that's all we have it for, that's a bit of a tease.''

Jockey Jimmy Cassidy said: "We had a horse from Japan and Ireland winning, it looked like it was destined to get better every year.''

The Championships' outgoing chief executive Ian Mackay said: "We always knew it (the funding) was a one-year commitment, but by the same token, we always believed if we had put he runs on the board, we'd have that commitment the following year, and I think we got the runs on the board.''

However, leading trainers Gai Waterhouse and Mick Price, who won three majors between them during the two Saturdays of The Championships, said while it would be a huge blow if the big stakes weren't up for grabs again, the government had an obligation to the taxpayer, not the punter.

"Of course it's a great shame if the money isn't going to be there, but the government has to make it so the taxpayers don't pay more taxes,'' Waterhouse said.

As a spokesman for the Premier said last night: "It should be remembered that NSW continues to face intense pressure on revenues, particularly following the Federal Budget. Our priorities remain frontline services such as schools, hospitals and transport.''

V'landys said he wanted a "level playing field''. For every $100 wagered with the NSW TAB, the state government collected $3.22, compared to the Victorian government's $1.28.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Van Gaal named Man United manager

New gig ... Dutch national football team coach Louis van Gaal has been appointed Manchester United manager. Source: Koen van Weel / AFP

NETHERLANDS boss Louis van Gaal will take over as the new manager of Manchester United, with Ryan Giggs as his assistant, the club has announced.

Van Gaal, 62, has signed a three-year contract to succeed David Moyes who was sacked in April after a disastrous run of results.

His contract with the Dutch national side means van Gaal will not be able to join up with United until after the World Cup in Brazil, which would not be until mid-July if the Netherlands reach the latter stages of the tournament.

Van Gaal, a disciplinarian who has won domestic titles and cups with Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich as well as the Champions League, will become the first manager from outside the British Isles to take charge of United.

Staying on ... Manchester United's interim manager Ryan Giggs has been appointed Louis van Gaal's assistant. Source: AP

He quickly emerged as the favourite to take over at Old Trafford after Moyes was dismissed.

Giggs, United's record-appearance holder and a player-coach under Moyes, was placed in caretaker charge of the team after the Scot left Old Trafford.

Moyes was the hand-picked successor of former United manager Alex Ferguson after his compatriot retired as British football's most successful boss at the end of last season.

But the former Everton manager struggled to adjust to life at Old Trafford and was dismissed just months into a six-year contract after United failed to qualify for next season's Champions League.

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Mal sees Maroon over ticket prices

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MAROONS coach Mal Meninga has slammed Queensland Rugby League's State of Origin price hike, demanding officials apologise for their errors.

In a major embarrassment for the code almost 8,000 tickets remain unsold for the landmark 100th State of Origin game next week at Suncorp Stadium.

This is despite a minor reduction in the cost of select tickets last week.

The game should have been sold out in days as it is a truly historic moment for the code.

GUERRA SET TO DEBUT FOR INJURED THAIDAY

Queensland Maroons coach Mal Meninga. Source: News Corp Australia

However, rugby league's working class fans have baulked at ridiculous price hikes which have seen some tickets nearly double in cost from last year.

Officials could even have to give tickets away to junior clubs so empty seats don't ruin the spectacle.

Meninga said the QRL, which employs him, must swallow their pride and slash prices.

"Extremely disappointing," Meninga said of the slow sales.

"I guess the league has to make some tough decisions and say they're sorry and admit they're wrong and make it more available to our core supporters.

"Our blue collar workers, our mums and dads who love the game so much and want to come to Origin.

"We learn our lessons and hopefully we're strong enough to put our hands up and say we were wrong and make it a bit more accessible to our audience for game one and for game three as well."

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Last year's lone Origin at Suncorp Stadium attracted just over 51,690 fans.

It was the poorest crowd since the old Lang Park was redeveloped in 2003.

The QRL now has eight days to sell 7,500 seats.

For the first time ever, the governing body is running an advertising campaign to try and convince people to buy tickets for a State of Origin Game One.

Late last week the ARL Commission and the QRL released a limited number of silver category seats for $125, a third off the original price.

Queensland Maroons team. Source: News Corp Australia

Still, take up has been slow.

The QRL simply got their price point for State of Origin demand dramatically wrong.

Their membership special cost an outlandish $695.

The Maroons Membership gave supporters a ticket to the first and third Origin games plus other bonuses such as an $80 membership pack, a maroon wig and a tour of the Fourex Brewery.

Though some seats are as cheap as $80 for adults, prices spiral up to $370 for category one tickets and $250 for a seat in the upper tier of the western stand.

If Queensland head into Game Three with the series wrapped up, ticket prices will have to be halved.

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