Ellyse Perry joins Fox Sports team

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SHE'S a dual international, a national role model and was recently voted more marketable than Real Madrid's $145 million man Gareth Bale.

Meet Ellyse Perry, Fox Sports' latest recruit.

Perry has signed with Australia's sports leader as a specialist commentator across the two sports in which she continues to excel – football and cricket.

Having recently returned from the women's Ashes, and now in training with Sydney FC, Perry said she was looking forward to sharing her sporting knowledge with Fox Sports' passionate national audience.

"It's a huge honour to be part of a wonderful network," Perry said. "I love listening to (Mark Bosnich's) commentary and analysis on different parts of the game. I heard him talking about cricket the other day on The Back Page. I was very impressed with his level of knowledge and understanding of the game."

Perry has been a regular feature in the mainstream media since her prodigious sporting talents first came to light. Still just 22, she has starred for both the Matildas and the Southern Stars on some of women's sports biggest stages and will bring a unique perspective to Australia's television screens.

"It will be different, definitely," she said. "It will be a different way of seeing things. The majority of sport I've been involved in I've been playing, so it will be nice to take a step back and see it from a different perspective. 

"I wouldn't mind betting that it might be beneficial from my own playing in terms of viewing things a different way or maybe learning things that you don't necessarily see when you're playing."

Perry made international headlines in May when the influential ProSport magazine released their list of the world's most marketable sporting stars. The Sydneysider ranked 36th on the list – the only Australian athlete to feature in the top 50 – and was 12 places clear of the latest Galactico, Bale. La Liga stars Neymar and Lionel Messi topped the list.

Neymar is the world's most marketable sportsman, Ellyse Perry the most marketable Australian athlete

"That list certainly shocked me and wasn't something I was aware of," she said. "Gareth Bale is probably a lot higher now given recent events. (His world record transfer fee) would have solved the GFC a few years ago."

The greatest challenge confronting Perry these days is balancing her hectic schedule. With professional cricket and football commitments, university studies, sponsor endorsements and now a commentary role with Fox Sports, Perry's diary-keeping ability will need to be on a par with her sporting prowess. 

"Sometimes it can be quite tight," she said. "I just got home from the Ashes and our domestic season starts fairly soon with the W-League and the WNCL. It's a tight turnaround but the same thing happened last year coming home from the World Cup and starting the W-League so quickly.

"You haven't seen my car. I've got most things in my car that I need for both trainings. I don't need to pack too much. (My laundromat) is called mum and dad and I'm very fortunate to have that."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Senior Socceroos on notice: Slater

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EVERY senior Socceroos player should do one thing this morning: look in the mirror and ask is the Australian shirt about them or what's best for the country?

Everyone has been blaming coach Holger Osieck for the debacle against Brazil, but fingers need to be pointed at the veteran players holding back the development of the Australian game. The same players who tell us the Australian shirt means so much to them.

We were embarrassed by Brazil and are facing more of the same at next year's World Cup. Osieck's career is on the line against France on October 11. He shouldn't be the only one on notice.

The game in Paris is massively important and could prove to be a watershed moment for Australian football. Or it should be.

Attitudes have to change or Australian football will fall into a massive hole and it could take years to dig ourselves out of it. The first step is removing the "me" culture that has pervaded the team.

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It's a privilege to wear the Australian shirt. However, there is a responsibility that comes with it — and that is passing it on.

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I can hear the (g)olden generation saying it's up to the young blokes to step up and take their spot. And this where Osieck is culpable because he hasn't given them much of a chance.

Instead, we keep hearing how we don't have the depth of young talent.

The reality is we know what Mark Bresciano can do, we know what Mark Schwarzer can do, we know what Lucas Neill can do. Friendlies are designed to blood new talent, create progression pathway to ensure you team is strong five years from now.

I'm not saying the veteran guys don't have a role to play at the World Cup next year, I simply don't see what is gained by letting them all play every match along the way.

In a football sense, we have a coach who never lifts his eyes to have a look around the field. There is no vision and no legacy.

This is the team I would pick to play France next month.

The first player I would leave out is Schwarzer and give Mitch Langerak and Mat Ryan 45 minutes each to stake a claim as the country's No.2 keeper.

Luke Wilkshire would be right back and I'd give Millwall's Shane Lowry a crack at left back. Ryan McGowan and Rhys Williams would be the central defence, with Jason Davidson, who plays in the Dutch league for Heracles Almelo, getting half a game.

Mark Milligan and Mile Jedinak would be the holding midfielders to provide some stability and experience, with Matt McKay getting half a game. That ensures the young guys aren't left totally exposed.

Tommy Rogic would play behind Tim Cahill up front, with Tommy Oar and Robbie Kruse out wide.

Guys like Mathew Leckie, Josh Brillante, Connor Chapman, Connor Pain, Trent Sainsbury, Oli Bozanjic and Aston Villa's Chris Herd would also be looked at in an extended squad.

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If the old guard don't like it, bad luck.

Crucially, Rogic, as the Australian team's next playmaker, should play every minute of every game in the lead up to Brazil next year.

These guys can't do any worse than we did against Brazil. We were devoid of ideas, slow, predictable, there was no structure, we lacked organisation at the back; the only positive was we only conceded six goals.

Look, I can accept losing 6-0 to Brazil with a young team looking to the future but not with a team going nowhere.

Two games against the same opponent show how we have lost our way.

When Australia lost 2-0 to Brazil at the 2006 World Cup, Neill, Cahill, Schwarzer and Mark Bresciano all played. Wilkshere and Josh Kennedy were in the squad. Then take a look at the Brazil team from 2006 and compare it the team that flogged us in Brasilia. It's full of new blood.

Is it any wonder we're struggling?

Pim Verbeek created this situation and now Osieck is carrying it on, where sneaking through Asia is the yardstick for our game. That should never be enough.

We have the Asian Cup on home soil in 2015 and if we're not careful we'll be a laughing stock in our own backyard. Football operates in such a competitive environment here with other codes that David Gallop and his team at FFA headquarters can't let that happen.

Then we launch back into World Cup qualifying for 2018. International football is an unforgiving arena and if you don't move with the times you get left behind.

That's what we are seeing now.

One of the problems I see is the incentive contracts offered to Verbeek and Osieck, where getting through World Cup qualifying is enough. That's why I advocate a return to Australian coaches and appointing someone strong enough to tap the senior players on the shoulder.

Our game is ready for an Australian coach to lead the Australian team.

It's ready to let go of the golden generation and not live on the glory of 2006.

These players need to understand that legacies can be tarnished.

Perhaps, that's another question the old Socceroos can ask when they look in the mirror this morning: How do I want to be remembered?

Robbie Slater's Socceroos team to play France:

Mitch Langerak (Mat Ryan)*, Shane Lowry (Jason Davidson)*, Ryan McGowan, Rhys Williams, Luke Wilkshire, Mark Milligan, Mile Jedinak (Matt McKay)*, Tommy Rogic, Tommy Oar, Robbie Kruse, Tim Cahill

Substitutes: Mathew Leckie, Mitchell Duke, Josh Brillante, Chris Herd, Trent Sainsbury, Oli Bozanjic

* Players to get 45 minutes each

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Broncos want Million Dollar Smithy

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MELBOURNE face a major battle to retain Cameron Smith as the Broncos build a war chest capable of bringing the Queensland and Test skipper home to Brisbane.

Brisbane legend Steve Renouf has urged the club to pay a club-record $1 million a season to entice Smith into Bronco colours by 2015.

The Storm are facing salary cap pressures, with Smith headlining a number of several off-contract players next season, including Ryan Hoffman, Jesse Bromwich, Kevin Proctor and Tohu Harris.

Smith is the obvious priority, but Melbourne's desire to retain the likes of Hoffman and their emerging stars will influence their ability to compete in a bidding war with NRL suitors. 

That opens the door for the Broncos. 

No NRL rival can formally approach Smith until November 1, but The Sunday Mail understands the Broncos have the funds to make a legitimate play for the jewel in Melbourne's crown.

The Broncos allowed rising prop Dunamis Lui to join Manly last week, clearing $150,000 under the salary cap.

Veteran halves Peter Wallace and Scott Prince will not be on Brisbane's books next year, freeing up significant cap space. 

Prop Ben Hannant faces a six-figure pay cut to secure a new deal with the Broncos in 2015.

With the NRL payment ceiling rising from $5.8 million this year to $6.55 million in 2015, including a $600,000 marquee player allowance, Brisbane are positioned to be serious players on the open market.

Smith has strong ties to Melbourne, but he exclusively told The Sunday Mail in June he would weigh up all offers as he prepares to sign the last contract of his illustrious career.

Renouf launched a stinging attack on Brisbane last week, saying the club's heart had been ripped out, and says signing Smith would instantly transform the Broncos.

"If we can afford $1 million a season, why not pay that for Cam? He would be worth every cent," he said. 

"Someone like Cam Smith is a guy the Broncos need and would benefit from. 

"Having a leader like him around would be amazing, he is such a great player. He has shown all those qualities down there in Melbourne and they will be doing their darnedest to keep him. 

"The Broncos need more leaders. Sam Thaiday and Cozza (Corey Parker) are there, but Cam Smith would be a great captain of the Broncos.

"He has star quality, the corporates would love him, he has a young family and he carries himself really professionally. 

"He's exactly what the club needs."

Mindful of poaching threats, Storm football manager Frank Ponissi said the club would start talks with its off-contract players next month. 

"All negotiations for all players for season 2015 will be held from October onwards, including Cameron Smith," Ponissi said. 

"There are a number of guys we have off-contract, including Ryan Hoffman, Jesse Bromwich, Kevin Proctor and Tohu Harris.

"As soon as our finals commitments are over, we will try and get as much done. It will be a big month for all those players, not just Cameron."

Former Broncos and Storm chief executive John Ribot hopes Smith stays in Melbourne, but concedes the club faces a fight to retain him.

"I'm a bit torn there but Cam is a one-club man and has been great for the Storm," he said. 

"It's a tough one for them, but hopefully the Storm come up with the right package to keep him in Melbourne.

"If you are the Broncos or any club trying to put your club back on the map, Cam Smith is the best starting point. 

"Cam has done so much for the place, so it would be a sad day if he left."

Smith, who turned 30 in June, said during this year's Origin series he was weighing up a number of several factors.

"Throughout my whole career, I have stayed loyal to the Storm and I have never come off-contract at Melbourne," he said.

"I have always been tied up, but they understand I have a young family now. 

"We'll have to work through it. It will be a lengthy thing ... I will weigh up other offers as well."

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McKay claims one-day hat-trick

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Clint McKay became just the fifth Australian to claim a one-day international hat-trick as the tourists sought to round out a largely underwhelming tour of the UK on a high note.

McKay removed Pietersen lbw for five from the first delivery of his second over with a full, angling delivery.

He followed with the scalps of Jonathan Trott and Joe Root, caught Aaron Finch and Shane Watson at second and first slip respectively.

McKay's devastating over left England reeling at 3-8 in pursuit of Australia's 227 in the fourth one-day international at Cardiff.

Bruce Reid, Anthony Stuart, Brett Lee and Dan Christian are the only other Australians to have claimed an ODI hat-trick.

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FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION AND BIG MOMENTS BY CLICKING HERE ON THE MATCH CENTRE

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After a shaky start George Bailey's 87 steered Australia to a competitive first-innings total against England in the fourth one-day international at Cardiff.

The Aussies were bowled out for 227 in the 49th over which was a reasonable result given they lost in-form opener Aaron Finch on the first legitimate ball of the match and Shane Watson a few overs later for just six.

But it could have been a lot better for the tourists who'd fought back to be 5-209 with almost 10 overs to play.

A late collapse, however, saw the Australians lose their last five wickets for just 18 runs in the space of 37 balls.

Off-spinner James Tredwell was carted during his first spell of 0-48 but hit back in his second spell taking 3-5.

Bailey's sterling innings of 87 off 91 balls means Australia could wrap up the series with a solid effort in the field.

The tourists lead the five-match series 1-0 with one game to come in Southampton on Monday.

Bailey smashed five fours and three sixes when recording his highest ODI score against England.

The 31-year-old brought up his 1000th ODI run during his 27th innings.

Australia made one change from Wednesday's washed out match in Birmingham with Nathan Coulter-Nile making his debut at the expense of fast bowler Josh Hazlewood.

Coulter-Nile, 25, is a right-arm quick from Perth who can also bat.

England kept the same team.

- With AAP.

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Cummins's inspiration starts at home

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BEING beaten never burdens Wallaby winger Nick Cummins for long when the spirit to bounce back is in every inspiring thought he has for his father standing up to cancer.

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"Doing it for dad" is a potent theme to everything the mop-haired finisher does, including the thundering rally of strong runs he hopes to inject into a drought-breaking Wallabies win over Argentina in Perth on Saturday night.

Cummins's single dad Mark was honoured as Queensland's Father of the Year in 2012 for his herculean parenting effort with eight kids.

He has made sure that kids Joe, 16, and Lizzy, 21, have more than the right care to deal with cystic fibrosis. He has given them a sunny outlook on life which is something knockabout brother Nick radiates in every conversation and every rugby challenge.

Coughing up two early balls and slipping when he did cut through the line against South Africa last weekend is a ragged last start that Cummins is intent on remedying against the Pumas.

"Yes, there's pressure on the Wallabies to win but diamonds are formed under pressure," Cummins said with typical flourish.

For the first time, Cummins spoke about the jolt to his Logan family's tight-knit equilibrium when his father was diagnosed with incurable prostate cancer earlier this year. He is fighting to extend the five years he was initially given to live.

"Anyone who can stand up, keep facing life and stay positive with that sort of info...that's inspiring," Cummins said.
"Dad's had a pretty tough ride but he always picks up my spirits if I'm a bit down rugby-wise with an injury or whatever. 'What are you worried about' he says. 'Look at me'.

"I'm really keen for that good performance for him. He's truly backed me and the family all the way."

The pride flows both ways with Mark and a brood that would fill a sevens team...Bernadette, 33, Northern Territory five-eighth Luke, 31, Nathan, 30, Alicia, 24, Lizzy, Jake, 20, and Joe.

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"You can have a lot of speed bumps in life but the main mantra I live by is that the sun comes up tomorrow morning. Things get better," Mr Cummins, 54, said.

"I'm determined to bat on a lot longer. You gotta live. We still have a lot of good family parties. I still surf with the boys. I play touch.

"Nick is made of good stuff. He knows life is more than just footy.

"I'm proud of his rugby but more so who he is. He's not a player who'll ever dog it and there's nothing fake to him.

"He's on the phone to the kids when they are in hospital and he feels it is his mission in life to find a cure."

If there is one footy jersey that Cummins yearns to wear as much as the gold Wallabies jumper, it is that of the Quokkas beside his father.

He has played once for the family-based team at the Bali 10s and Mark has long-range plans to play with his sons again.

"We'll get another team together for Bali or Darwin one year. I'll put down the clipboard and still be good for few minutes with the boys," Mr Cummins said.

Cummins senior was on a plane to Rosario to watch his son's Wallaby debut live against Argentina 11 months ago. Then-coach Robbie Deans invited him to the team's private jersey presentation ceremony.

"It was a pleasure to be in that dressing room, in the ring of players with Nick singing Waltzing Matilda after a great win," he recalled.

There is winning in rugby and in life. The Cummins family are savouring every drop.

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I've been assassinated: Stuart

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OUTGOING Eels coach Ricky Stuart on Thursday night accepted "small-minded" critics would continue to "assassinate" him over his decision to quit the club in favour of a three-year contract with Canberra.

In a dramatic finale to a season of complete woe, Stuart candidly addressed 500 players, staff, members and sponsors at the club's annual presentation night at Rosehill Racecourse.

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Many were stunned that Stuart had gumption to turn up, given the aggravation and distress embattled Parramatta have suffered as a result of his departure.

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Stuart was even forced to contend with the heckles from the audience as he spoke, but completed his three-minute speech to moderate yet respectful applause.

"I've been assassinated over the last day and I'll be assassinated tomorrow," Stuart said.

"But they are small-minded people. They don't understand the decision I've made.

"It's a big decision that I've made and I've had a lot of criticism today.

"I've had my character judged. I've been called a lot of things and there's been a lot of things said in regards to Ricky Stuart.

"I made a decision that's best for me and my family and I'll wear all types of criticism."

With most of the NRL squad present, Stuart then opened up on his decision to tell 12 players they were unwanted for next year.

As he spoke, a former board member taunted: "And now you're leaving!"

Stuart continued: "There's not a player in that group that I can't look in the eye and still say hello and be friends with.

"It's very hard, but that's my profession. I don't stand back from that. I'm proud I had the courage to do it.

"I'll continue to get criticism and I'll stay strong. I'll cop the criticism and I'll cop the punishment while ever I know it's the best decision for myself and my family."

Stuart paid special tribute to chairman Steve Sharp for his support over the past 10 days, and appealed to the club's factions to allow the former premiership-winning forward to "show his passion and do his job".

Once seen as the club's saviour, Stuart arrived at the Parramatta presentation Thursday night to the boos of Eels fans angered by his resignation as coach just one season into a three-year contract.

The departing coach turned up just after 7pm as fans, players and club officials were filing into the grand pavilion - after an hour of cocktails and nibbles - for their awards night.

Despite being on the receiving end of boos, Stuart managed to avoid a more awkward situation with the Eels faithful by leaving his arrival until the last minute.

"I was wondering if he was going to show up," angry lifelong supporter Colin Maclean said.

"It feels like unfinished business, this was supposed to be a five-year plan and he's left after a season.

"I understand if it was for family reasons, I just hope that was the case."

Stuart was seated on a table with his agent John Fordham - a lifetime friend and the manager of some of Australia's most recognisable sports and television stars.

Stuart had few words to say as he walked through the crowd to his seat near the lectern.

"I've already spoken to your blokes," he said.

Sharp was less reserved, saying Stuart's decision had left club officials shaken.

"I'm disappointed," he said. "We're looking for a new coach.

"Ricky's made that decision on a number of things and one of those is personal. Today's raining but the sun comes up tomorrow and dries it all up and away we go again."

Sharp would not comment on the specific personal reasons behind Stuart's departure but said he was satisfied his coach was leaving for valid reasons.

"I understand probably more so than most about Ricky's situation and I wish him all the best for the future."

Sharp said the playing roster Stuart had decided on for season 2014 would remain unchanged.

Eels cult hero Fuifui Moimoi - a man notoriously of few words - did not break from character Thursday night when asked about the hole left by Stuart's decision.

"It'll be alright," he said.

Stuart leaves the club after their second wooden spoon in as many seasons and their fourth bottom five finish in a row.

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Hayne sensed something was up

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EELS co-captain Jarryd Hayne declared on Wednesday night coach Ricky Stuart left his teammates with a sense of abandonment after walking out on Parramatta.

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On a tense evening that saw Stuart front 500 Eels players, officials, members and sponsors at the club's presentation night, Hayne also revealed that he felt Stuart had decided to quit three weeks ago and described the defection as a "huge thing" in the wake of the coach's decision to tell a dozen players they were unwanted in June. 

Stuart gathered the entire team for a meeting at a Parramatta hotel immediately before Thursday night's function at Rosehill Racecourse to justify his decision. 

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The coach explained how family issues had dictated a need for him to return to Canberra, as well as the increasing difficulties he's had operating under Parramatta's dysfunctional regime. 

Most of the NRL squad arrived as a group around 6;30, but Stuart did not enter the racecourse until moments before the function began. 

Asked the team felt abandoned, Hayne replied: "I guess there's a sense of that. There's obviously a lot of things happening. You look at Canberra, their board seems to be getting on well and the player roster is going OK. If you have an opportunity ... from his point of view I can see why he did it." 

But Hayne was clearly not pleased with the prospect of the club being forced to search for its sixth coach since he debuted in 2006. 

"Personally, I saw it coming. The way Ricky was acting over the last two or three weeks, I felt something was up," he continued. 

"A decision like that - I always knew it was on his mind. He's made it, it's on his shoulders I guess."

Refusing to offer a firm commitment to the club after signing a two-year extension this season, Hayne said his immediate focus was now on next month's World Cup. 

He felt most for long-suffering Eels fans, as well as the 12 players who had been told to move on mid-season.

Eels chairman Steve Sharp on Thursday confirmed Stuart's exit would have no impact on the situation facing those players.

"That's going to be huge because of the big decisions that were made and the people he did let go," Hayne said.

"I need to worry about what I'm doing with the World Cup coming up. It's such a big thing for me, I would be disappointed if I let things like this get me down and not focus my full attention on that. 

"The fans are the ones that are going to be hurting the most. They've stuck by their side and had a hard season and now their coach leaves. They are going to be very disappointed."

Fellow co-captain Tim Mannah was more understanding of Stuart's predicament.

"We had a bit of a chat with Ricky and the boys. He told us his side of the story. I've got a lot of respect for him. He's done what he needs to do," Mannah said. 

"Obviously as a player you know what Ricky is like as a coach and want him around. He's got personal reasons we don't need to go into. As a human being you can't get too worked up about that. I understand it." 

Wearing a worn-out expression as he arrived, Sharp was still in shock believing Stuart would see out his contract until late Wednesday. 

"It did come as a bit of a shock to me even though there was a bit of speculation around," Sharp said. 

"I got a call from Ricky. We have a good relationship and I am very compassionate about his situation. There are some personal things there. I understand it."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

AFL reality show to kick off in 2014

Fox 8 will try to uncover the next Isaac Smith. Source: MARTIN PHILBEY / AAP

THE AFL Commission has made unprecedented league rule changes to allow the winner of a reality TV show a spot on an AFL club's list.

The Recruit, which will be broadcast on Foxtel's Fox 8 channel next year, is pitched as a talent search that will make a footballer's dream a reality.

The show will run during the 2014 season and hundreds of potential AFL players will be whittled down to 12 for a September mini-draft.

AFL chief Andrew Demetriou said the radical the proposal had been endorsed by the commission.

A bidding system for clubs will be revealed on the show, but as many as three players could make their way on to rookie lists.

Contenders must be over 20, have never played AFL, and have not played VFL, SANFL and WAFL seniors in 2012 or 2013.

The likes of Hawthorn wingman Isaac Smith played for country club Redan in halfway through 2011 before a handful of games in the VFL led to him being drafted.

Find ... Isaac Smith was playing country football before being drafted. Source: News Limited

Foxtel hopes to unearth a mature-aged star in country or suburban football.

News Limited raised the prospect of the Football Idol-type program in January.

Demetriou said on Thursday the competition could unearth new stars, so the commission was happy to change its procedures.

"We have changed our regulations so it's gone to the commission already," Demetriou said.

"In essence we are going to have a mini-draft in September to allow clubs to take what at this stage looks like three players, but depending on the sort of talent unearthed you never know.

"It stands to reason we will find players who have never contemplated AFL football. They might be playing other sports, and because of the national nature of this (show), that's the exciting nature of it."

Demetriou said the show would not compromise the draft or salary cap.

Mature ... James Podsiadly is a story of perseverance. Source: News Limited

"We have done this before with international rookies, so what is happening is that these people are enriching our game.

"(Geelong's James) Podsiadly would never have played unless we changed the mature-aged rookie rules. We have made these changes before and they have been successful. This is just another variation to give another category of rookies a chance who aren't playing AFL football at all.''

The winner will be categorised as an official "pre-selected rookie" and the club that takes him will forfeit its last rookie-list spot.

Foxtel executive sports director Ben Buckley said there was enough talent to sustain the show sceptics who did not believe there was enough talent for the show would be surprised.

"All of us can think of players who have played with amateur clubs, country clubs, suburban clubs, and we were just in awe of their skills and talent and can't believe why they haven't made it. This is a world-first program. We hope we can promote the AFL to people who may not have otherwise seen it before,'' he said.

"I am absolutely convinced there is," he said.

National selection trials will take place in February for the show, which will air in the second half of the year.

A coach and football club will effectively be created for a series of challenges, training sessions and games to whittle down the talent to a final list of 12.

Registrations are now open. Go to www.fox8.tv National selection trials will be held in February.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Benji flogged, jeered and dumped

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FLOGGED in his final Wests Tigers game, jeered by fans for wearing an Auckland Rugby Union jumper and now dumped by New Zealand.

Brisbane Broncos: Alex Glenn, Josh Hoffman

St George Illawarra: Dragons: Bronson Harrison, Jason Nightingale

Penrith Panthers: Lewis Brown, Sam McKendry, Dean Whare

New Zealand Warriors: Shaun Johnson, Thomas Leuluai, Kevin Locke, Simon Mannering, Ben Matulino, Sam Rapira, Elijah Taylor, Manu Vatuvei
Wests Tigers: Adam Blair, Tim Simona 

The Benji Marshall era in rugby league has come to a sad and forgettable end.

On Wednesday, Marshall was overlooked for New Zealand's 17-man train-on squad to contest this year's World Cup in England.

His axing comes a week after Wests Tigers' limp 50-22 final round loss to North Queensland in Townsville - Marshall's last NRL game. 

Marshall walked out of Concord in controversial circumstances after inexplicably donning an Auckland Blues jumper to promote the Super Rugby franchise. 

"It is a sad end to his rugby league career," said Tigers legend Garry Jack.

"It is disappointing but Benji has to take some responsibility. He did the Auckland Blues video and walked out on his Tigers contract. 

"I have no sympathy, no. He has been a great clubman for the Tigers but when your heart's not in it, that reflects in your performances."

The NZRL claimed Marshall was unavailable for the World Cup.

Yet, less than a month ago, Marshall claimed he wanted played in the rugby league World Cup.

"Absolutely," he said. 

"It's something that I have always done proudly throughout my career. That is to represent New Zealand.

"One of the proudest moments of my life was being captain of New Zealand. Yeah, absolutely."

On form, Marshall — a former New Zealand skipper with 27 Test caps — was always going to struggle for selection, particularly with Manly five-eighth Kieran Foran in such sparkling form. 

But to miss the train-on squad is embarrassing.

"I think the writing was on the wall earlier this year when Benji wasn't picked in the Kiwi's 17-man squad," said former Tigers and New Zealand halfback Gary Freeman. 

"It was always going to be tough for him to get back in. You always want to go out on a high and when you don't it's tough."

Wests Tigers CEO Grant Mayer was also surprised of Marshall's omission.

"It is disappointing for Benji," he said. 

"He has been an outstanding player for his team and country. I'm sure he will bitterly disappointed."

A NZRL press release stated Marshall "informed the selectors that his impending move to rugby union would rule him out of the tournament."

"We're naturally disappointed to not have Benji available for World Cup selection," said New Zealand convener of selectors, Tony Iro. 

"But we understand the circumstances and wish him well. He'll always be a Kiwi brother and he has done wonders not only for rugby league in New Zealand, but the game in general. 

"Benji stood proud as a New Zealander at a time when there was plenty of interest in convincing him to commit elsewhere.

"His dedication to his country set an example to those coming through. He was a key part of the Kiwis team that won New Zealand's first ever rugby league World Cup in 2008 and he followed that up with a starring role, as captain, in our 2010 Four Nations win. 

"He'll be missed, but we believe we have players in the halves that are ready to deliver in this World Cup tournament."

The train-on squad comes from players in clubs who missed the NRL semi-finals. 

The Kiwi selectors - Richie Barnett, Ivan Cleary, Stephen Kearney and Tawera Nikau - will add to the squad in coming weeks as teams are eliminated from the finals. Iro will also contribute.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Come clean or get caught: Johnson

Former Olympic sprinter Ben Johnson talks drugs in sport at the Sofitel Wentworth hotel in Sydney. Picture: Brett Costello Source: Brett Costello / DailyTelegraph

BEN Johnson's message to any guilty NRL stars is simple: "If you took drugs and you are under investigation, it's probably too late my friend."

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The sprinter, whose 100m gold at the Seoul Olympics was stripped after he tested positive to steroids, has turned anti-drugs campaigner and believes today's cheats will get caught as he did.

"Somebody is going to squeal. It's just a matter of time before it catches up with you,'' he said.

"They would be best off to talk now."

Johnson, in Australia as part of a tour to promote a "Pure Sport" anti-doping initiative, has watched the ASADA probe into the NRL and AFL with much interest from his home in Canada.

"I thought, 'Wow, this is huge, this is going to be really big.'"

He also revealed he'd been contacted by Commonwealth authorities to provide information about Australian athletes who may have doped during his steroid-riddled heyday.

"They wanted to know whether they were involved with my doctor," he said.

His doctor was Jamie Astaphan, who has since admitted his athletes used steroids to compete on a level playing field.

Johnson only recalls one meeting that involved Australian athletes, which took place in Seoul.

He declined to name the athletes, and does not know what transpired between them and Francis.

"I was in a room talking to Charlie and I heard him say that he's got a meeting with some Australian athletes," Johnson recalled.

"I'm not going to name any names.

"Athletes don't come out and say what they are doing. It's not spoken about.

"A little later I got contacted by an Australian authority and they asked me certain things about Australian athletes."

After testing positive, Johnson spent a year in denial before confessing in 1989, a moment he recalled as liberating.

"I felt like 100 pounds had been lifted off my head," he said.

"I finally felt like I could move on with my life again."

The Canadian intends to meet NRL boss Dave Smith while in Sydney, where he will headline an anti-doping roundtable discussion at the SCG on Thursday morning.

To mark the 25th anniversary of arguably the most shameful event in Olympic history - six of the eight runners eventually tested positive - Johnson has agreed to speak out in six cities across four continents.

Although Johnson maintains his sample was spiked in Seoul, he's now advocating for WADA to be better funded by the IOC.

"My dad always told me, 'To catch a thief you've got to be a thief,'" he said.

"What happened to me was a conspiracy and I would take the blame for a lot of other people. It wasn't right.

"But this is an opportunity to try and make a difference to my life and sport in general."

The timing of his message could not be more poignant, with ASADA believed to be just a month away from finalising its investigation into possible substance abuse among 31 current NRL stars.

Raiders winger Sandor Earl is already attempting to win a reduced ban after confessing to trafficking and use two weeks ago, while AFL powerhouse Essendon remain under investigation after being disqualified from the finals and fined $2 million for their edgy 2012 supplement program.

Sportswear company SKINS convinced Johnson to embark on the tour, but are only meeting his expenses.

SKINS chairman Jamie Fuller was hopeful of meeting Smith before they depart to Tokyo on Tuesday, having already been knocked back by the AFL.

"I said to the AFL, We are here to advocate for WADA to have more funding,'" Fuller said.

"They told me, 'That's your agenda, that's not our agenda.'

"I can only interpret that they don't want to see a strong and independent WADA."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More