Buzz: Bennett blasts ‘drama queens’

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WAYNE Bennett doesn't often pick up the telephone and ring this newspaper.

But the supercoach is seriously annoyed about the recent coverage of concussion and brain injuries in rugby league.

Anyone who knows Bennett will tell that he has always regarded player welfare more importantly than two competition points.

Recently he has been accused in certain sections of the media of ignoring the dangers of head injuries.

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"Duty of care is something I really value and care about," he said.

"Some of the stuff that has been written about one of my players, Robbie Rochow, is factually wrong and an insult to our doctor and physio.

"No-one takes this stuff more seriously than I do. The drama queens are in play now. You've got to wait and listen to the experts."

Greg Inglis concussed on Friday. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

So over the weekend he put me in touch with one of the country's most prominent medical specialists.

Professor Chris Levi is a neurologist and director of the Hunter Medical Research Institute and the brain and mental health program.

This is the email he sent me.

"A responsible medical scientist would be shouted down for claiming 'proof' of a cause for a medical condition based on anecdote, case report and low level evidence," he says.

"Claiming a 'cause and effect' relationship between concussion and neurological illness in rugby league players is not justified.

"High quality, reliable scientific evidence is currently lacking. Naïve media reporting scientific data can, at times, unintentionally mislead or sensationalise.

"The work highlighted by Peter Fitzsimons recently is preliminary and has serious flaws.

"In contrast, Wayne Bennett's recent comments in the media recently were balanced and appropriate based on the current level of understanding of any potential long-term impact of concussion.

"Where there is concern but a lack of scientific evidence, it is appropriate to adopt caution and undertake rigorous research.

Greg Inglis concussed on Friday. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

"The NRL has done the former and medical researchers in Australia are doing the latter.

"In medical science there are standards of proof required before pronouncements are made about causes of disease.

"I do not expect journalists to be expert in critical appraisal of scientific studies and evidence.

"However, the non-medical expert members of the public should expect a balanced reporting and should expect not to be misled."

Another senior neurologist Dr Sam Sorrenti supported by what Professor Levi is saying.

Two years ago your columnist proudly led the campaign to get rid of the shoulder charge.

It was for one reason only – that medical experts, far more qualified than coaches and officials, wanted it banned.

Again we should be listening to them.

Three former players, out of the tens of thousands that have played the game, have gone public with claims of brain damage.

It a tiny percentage of all those who have played the game.

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WING COMMANDERS

WINGERS have become the most skilful players in rugby league. Every week there's an acrobatic try that defies belief.

Brett Morris's effort on half-time against the Sharks was as spectacular as you'll ever see.

In the old days wingers had speed but that was about it.

Now they play as an extra forward, take marks like AFL players and have the body control of gymnasts.

Throw in the defensive work covering overlaps, quick turnarounds to chase, stopping 40-20s and defusing bombs.

It shows why they're among the most valuable players in any salary cap.

As for Morris, he's the best of the lot and is loving playing outside men as skilful as ­Gareth Widdop and Gerard Beale. At Penrith, Dean Whare scored a screamer on Saturday as well.

The best flanker I've seen was Parramatta's Eric Grothe in the early to mid-80s.

I rang him yesterday to have a rave about today's wingers.

"In my day if you had a couple if runs you'd be happy with that," he said.

"Now it's such a hard position to play. They're skilled in all areas and really impressive in everything they do."

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JAMIE'S CLASS PASS

Speaking of special skill, Jamie Soward's match-­winning pass against the Bulldogs on Saturday would have made King Wally Lewis proud.

It was a moment of class, brilliance and football genius.

The Panthers were gone. A minute and a half on the clock. Down by four. They work play to the left.

The much-­maligned Soward gets the footy near the centre of the field, just to the left of the uprights.

He shoots a bullet-like pass, cutting out two players. It lands straight on Kevin Naiqama's chest. Try time.

Matt Moylan converts from the sideline and the Panthers get the cash. Soward also set up the first try with a kick for Whare.

Maybe Phillip Ronald was right. Maybe Jamie Soward is a marquee player after all.

GUESSING REFEREES

Referees should be stopped from having to guess on doubtful tries before they go upstairs to the video box.

The number of calls that they are getting wrong this season is an unnecessary ­embarrassment.

Under Tony Archer's leadership there have been twice as many video referrals this year. That's fine — if the technology is there they should use it. But why make a call when there is enough doubt to go upstairs.

Within the space of three minutes at Penrith on Saturday, the refs got two calls wrong with Tyrone Peachey and Tim Lafai.

They also got a Brett Morris call wrong at Shark Park and another one later in the match. They should either award a try or go upstairs and leave it to the officials who can study the video.

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HIGHLIGHT

Nice to see good sportsmanship on social media. Wests Tigers centre Tim Simona accidently knocked out superstar Greg Inglis in a nasty collision on Friday night.

Straight after the game he contacted the Rabbitohs fullback via Twitter: "@greg_inglis hope your well bro''

To which Inglis replied: "@timsimona all good bro.. Cheers for the tweet man.. Just one of those things man.. All good.''

LOWLIGHT

There is not a more unpopular player in rugby league than the once admired Sam Burgess.

He continues to behave like a lunatic and is doing his team no favours with his undisciplined actions.

ENNIS FEELS HEAT

Michael Ennis is a man under huge pressure at the Bulldogs.

You could see it when he argued and exchanged heated words with team mate Josh Reynolds in the game against the Panthers.

Ennis knows the Dogs haven't paid $900,000 and provided Michael Lichaa with a car to play NSW Cup.

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Minto leaves family to chase dream

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ASK Matt Minto about the inspirations behind his desire to make it in the NRL and he'll tell you they are almost 1300 kms away in Rockhampton.

His little three year old daughter Lila and partner Carolyn have stayed behind in his north Queensland hometown while Minto chases his dream at the Newcastle Knights.

"It's been tough being away from them but it's the sacrifice we've had to make," the rookie Knights fullback says.

"Carolyn's studying fashion design at TAFE and I'm down here trying to make a go of footy.

"I'm on a minimal contract and only signed for one year and with all of Carolyn's family in Rockhampton, we just thought this was the best way.

"Put my head down for six months, give it everything and see where it takes us.

"Hopefully, if things get a bit more secure, I'll be able to bring them down here."

Matt Minto on debut. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

In the meantime, Minto has to settle for monthly visits and plenty of phone calls.

But even he couldn't have envisaged his sacrifice beginning to pay off so quickly.

Signed as a back-up half or five-eighth from Queensland Cup premiership-winning side Mackay Cutters by Knights recruitment guru Peter Mulholland, Minto debuted as a fullback against the Canberra Raiders last Sunday after Darius Boyd tore his hamstring in the opening round.

He did well enough for coach Wayne Bennett to want to give him another shot.

Tonight, he will go head to head with Melbourne Storm's Kangaroo fullback Billy Slater in Melbourne as the injury-hit Knights chase their first win of the season.

"I can't wait to be honest," he says.

"You never want to waste opportunities like this so I'll just go out and do my best.

"Melbourne in Melbourne is still the yardstick I reckon and knocking them over down there would be massive for us."

Matt Minto at training. Picture: Peter Lorimer Source: News Corp Australia

Under different circumstances, the 23 year old may well have already left his mark in the NRL.

He was signed to a scholarship at Penrith when he was 15 but when he finally came down to Sydney after finishing high school, he got home-sick and returned north.

A year later, he was back in Sydney playing Under 20's with the Bulldogs but in his second year, he found out Carolyn was pregnant.

"Two days after she told me, I packed up and went back home," he said.

"I probably went off the rails a bit there for a time after that.

"It was my old school coach from St Brendan's College in Yeppoon, Terry Hansen, who told me it was not too late to give footy a real go and to have another crack.

"So far, it's worked out pretty good."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Brooks-Teddy combo set for greatness

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ANDREW Johns has called on the Wests Tigers to make sure Luke Brooks and James Tedesco play out their careers together, with the rugby league Immortal declaring "it is like watching Langer and Walters".

Despite playing only four games together, the Brooks-Tedesco combination has everyone in the game talking them up as the game's next superstar combination after another starring performance in Friday night's upset win over premiership heavyweights South Sydney.

Tedesco is off contract at the end of the season and there is growing speculation that the Roosters are on the verge of announcing that they have won the race to sign the NRL's most exciting young fullback.

The Bulldogs are also in the market for a top quality fullback and they have big money to spend.

Wests Tigers chief executive Grant Mayer said yesterday his information was that Tedesco has not committed to a rival club.

James Tedesco. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

Tedesco is managed by Sam Ayoub, who also looks after Wests Tigers skipper Robbie Farah.

"He is hot property, I get that," Mayer told The Daily Telegraph.

"But these things don't take three seconds to fix. Negotiations are ongoing so there is nothing to confirm one way or another.

"There is much speculation but at this stage we are not even close to announcing anything."

But asked directly if he was certain that Tedesco hadn't signed elsewhere, Mayer added: "I am not going to play it out in the press.

"We have had ongoing dialogue with his management and we are confident that the Wests Tigers are still in the game to retain James Tedesco."

Matthew Johns yesterday likened the Brooks-Tedesco combination to "Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater" on Triple M — while Andrew Johns added they could make an impact at club and representative level like Allan Langer and Kevin Walters did for Brisbane and Queensland.

James Tedesco of the Wests Tigers. Source: Getty Images

Andrew Johns gave Tedesco three Dally M votes for his man of the match effort on Friday night while Brooks finished with one vote after another dynamic game where both players were targeted heavily.

Johns said on Channel Nine's Sunday Footy Show: "You know what, this is only the fourth game they have played together. It is like watching Langer and Walters together and some of the great combinations, they are on the same wave length, they know what each other is going to do.

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"I just hope they play their whole career out together.

"I'd love to see them playing, without getting ahead of themselves, at this level, club level, and maybe representative level together.

"They have got to stay together and I hope the Wests Tigers do that.

"I hope their fans get on board and buys memberships that brings money into the club."

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Aussies crumble to opening defeat

The "Big Show" Glenn Maxwell turned it on but it wasn't enough to help the Australians to chase down Pakistan's huge total. Picture: Getty Images Source: Scott Barbour / Getty Images

VICTORIAN Glenn Maxwell produced a big bang to match his big bucks but it wasn't enough for sloppy Australia to beat Pakistan in their opening World T20 clash.

The Aussies now face a trio of must-win matches to qualify for the semi-finals as they fell short of Pakistan's 5-191 despite Maxwell's breathtaking 74 off 33 balls.

Australia was exhilarating with the bat but woeful in the field, with three dropped catches and ordinary ground-fielding allowing Pakistan to set a big total.

They looked no chance when they lost Dave Warner and Shane Watson in the first over of the chase to spinner Zulfiqar Babar, with more tricky Pakistan spinners yet to be produced.

Enter Maxwell, nicknamed "The Big Show'' by his teammates.

He whacked his fifty in an Australian record-equalling 18 balls and no bowler, not even the in-form mystery spinner Saaed Ajmal, could contain him.

There was a bit of everything in Maxwell's innings, even forced to duck a nasty beamer from paceman Bilawal Bhatti, which would have taken the batsman's head off had he not taken evasive action.

Glenn Maxwell smashes another boundary during his breathtaking 74 off 33 balls. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Maxwell got his own back, helping to smash Bhatti for 30 off the over.

Australia looked on track even when Maxwell was caught in the deep off Afridi but a brace of late wickets got Pakistan home.

Aaron Finch (65 off 54 balls) was terrific but Pakistan roared when he was bowled by Ajmal and the Aussies were bowled out for 175 in a 16-run loss.

Australia only had itself to blame for the loss, as it was butter-fingered in the field and blasted off the park by two controversial brothers.

The Australian fieldsmen could not have caught a cold as they dropped three catches including two simple ones from each of the Akmal brothers.

Australian opener Aaron Finch didn't miss out, thumping 65 off 54 balls. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

Older brother Kamran Akmal (31) departed to end a 96-run sibling partnership, but Umar Akmal (94 off 54 balls) went ballistic and belted the Australian bowlers to the fence and over it with regularity.

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Veteran Brad Hogg wasn't a happy camper after putting down Umar in the outfield when he had made just 22, while comeback quick Doug Bollinger also spilt a dolly at short fine-leg off Kamran Akmal.

To rub salt into Australian wounds, Umar wasn't even meant to play this match after straining his hamstring in Pakistan's opening game.

The Akmal brothers got revenge last night after both were figures of major controversy in Australia in the summer of 2009-10.

Pakistan cricketer Zulfiqar Babar (centre) celebrates with his teammate Umar Akmal (left) as Shane Watson departs for just four runs. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

Kamran was investigated for match-fixing after dropping four catches behind the stumps in the SCG Test, while Umar threatened to withdraw from the Hobart Test in protest at his brother's sacking.

Nathan Coulter-Nile (2-36) was the best of the Australian bowlers last night and Bollinger (1-28), playing his first match for Australia since 2011, was also good with plenty of pace and an early caught-and-bowled wicket.

Spinner Hogg (0-29 off three overs) was not effective and the Aussies may now look to young leggie James Muirhead for their next match.

With the rapid-fire nature of the tournament, Australia will probably have to beat all of the West Indies, India and Bangladesh to qualify for the finals.

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‘Bale will shine against Barca’

Real's Gareth Bale, left, in action against FC Schalke 04 at the Bernabeu. Picture: Andres Kudacki/AP Source: Andres Kudacki / AP

REAL MADRID manager Carlo Ancelotti believes Gareth Bale is in prime condition to make his mark on El Clasico when his side host Barcelona this weekend.

The Welshman failed to make an impact in an unusual position as a false number nine and was substituted after an hour in his first experience of the biggest game in European football as Real lost 2-1 to Barca at the Camp Nou back in October.

However, Bale has since recovered from the injury problems that blighted his first few months in the Spanish capital after his huge summer move from Tottenham Hotspur and has gone on to score 14 goals and provide 17 assists in just 31 appearances.

"In the first game he was switching positions with (Angel) Di Maria at times, but now he is used to playing on the wing and the team is balanced so we won't change that,'' Ancelotti told his pre-match press conference on Saturday.

"He is in good shape. His physical condition is very important for him and I am sure he will play a great game.

"We haven't done any special work with him to improve his fitness or speed. He just has great genes and has done the same work as everyone else.

"He is in really good condition and we are very happy with him. He had some problems at the start of the season but now he is looking good and we hope that will continue until the end of the season.''

Real go into the game full of confidence as they haven't been beaten since that defeat at the Camp Nou nearly five months ago.

A run of 31 games unbeaten in all competitions has seen them open up a four-point lead over Barca at the top of the table, but Ancelotti claimed that that advantage doesn't ease the pressure on his side to win at home. "A Clasico is always important and always brings pressure. The game is very important for the league and a Clasico is always distinct to the other games.

"Our idea is to be able to show our quality. We are desperate to play this game. We need to do what we have done well up until now which is attacking and defending well as a group.''

Ancelotti confirmed that French striker Karim Benzema had recovered from the thigh injury that kept him out of Wendesday's 3-1 win over Schalke meaning he will be fit to start alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Bale in attack.

The trio have managed 76 goals between them this season, but Barca can boast a frightening strike pairing of their own as Brazilian star Neymar looks set to partner Lionel Messi up front for the Catalans. And Ancelotti said Real's midfield and defence will have to work together to deny the South American duo space.

"It is normal that we have to be very careful with them. It is not an individual's job, but about working together. We have to be very compact.''

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Buzz: Top Dog invests in Sharks future

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BOOM hooker Michael Lichaa has invested in the Sharks' future, despite his defection to the Canterbury Bulldogs.

The Cronulla local junior recently purchased a unit at the club's new Woolooware Bay development site.

Ironically it was at the same time he agreed to terms for a $900,000 three-year deal plus a car with the Bulldogs.

Michael Lichaa recently purchased a unit at the club's new Woolooware Bay development site. Source: Supplied

"I've grown up in the Shire and I really like the look of the place," Lichaa told me.

"Even though I've signed with the Bulldogs, I'd like to live there myself but I may have to use it as an investment property and rent it out.

"I'm just really excited to have a place there."

The Sharks development project includes 600 apartments with prices starting from $450,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to $860,000 for three bedrooms.

Club chairman Damian Keogh has also purchased an apartment and skipper Paul Gallen has lodged an expression of interest.

Michael Lichaa recently purchased a unit at the club's new Woolooware Bay development site. Source: Supplied

The Sharks have been given a huge financial boost from early sales.

The property boom has lifted the club's projected earnings from $30m to $43m from unit purchases, the extra $13m ensuring the club's survival in the competition.

On top of that, the Sharks will get a steady income from retail rental in the shopping centre complex.

Building work is expected to start next month

Yet to sign off on Barba

They are slow to move with the times at the Sydney Olympic Park Authority.

We were out visiting the GWS Giants at their impressive new site this week and drove past this slightly outdated billboard.

Ben Barba still appears on a billboard at Sydney Olympic Park in a Bulldogs jersey. Source: Supplied

Giants star Callan Ward is pictured with Rabbitohs superstar Greg Inglis, Swifts netballer Susan Pratley … and a guy called Ben Barba.

Last time we checked he was playing for Brisbane Broncos

Old Sharkie's tip to land more birdies

IT'S not every day golfing legend Greg Norman is handing out free tips.

When he saw a tweet and photo from stylish Fox Sports presenter Louise Ransome about getting a golf lesson, he was only too happy to jump in.

"Need to work on right elbow position & your shoulder and hip turn will be insync. #easymove," he tweeted.

Golfing legend Greg Norman tweeted some helpful tips to Fox Sports reporter Louise Ransome. Source: Twitter

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Farah plucks Ryan's wings

WE loved the Twitter exchange between ex-Tigers teammates Beau Ryan and Robbie Farah this week.

Ryan: "@robbiefarah Good luck this year rob. Hopefully you can force a few more blokes out of the club #sevenandcounting"

Farah: "@therealbeauryan I didn't force you out champ. Nofoaluma and Koroibete did #theyhaveyoucovered" Ouch.

Hot topic for rev-head Dave

THE NRL's ridiculous scheduling of a day game on the Gold Coast last Sunday in 40-degree heat saw a number of fans treated for heat exhaustion.

Not that it was a problem for NRL chief executive Dave Smith. He was in Melbourne at the Grand Prix, enjoying the hospitality from an air-conditioned corporate suite.

David Taylor tries to cool down during the Gold Coast Titans v Wests Tigers game. Source: News Corp Australia

I can understand he needs to experience big events but not after one round when crowds and TV ratings slumped so alarmingly.

Gal talent scout

HE might be out injured for six weeks but Origin skipper Paul Gallen is not just sitting around doing nothing.

Instead he's taking an active role in the Sharks' recruitment planning, helping out coach Peter Sharp and CEO Steve Noyce in identifying talent for 2015.

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The trio met during the week to draw up a hit list of possible recruits. They have good money available with the departures of Andrew Fifita and Michael Lichaa plus the salary-cap increase.

Bedsy gets country call up

TRENT Barrett has signed up Newcastle Knights legend Danny Buderus as his assistant Country coach for the annual clash with City in Dubbo on May 4.

The players will love having the former Origin skipper in camp. Peter Sharp helped out last year but is obviously too busy at the Sharks.

Danny Buderus during a Newcastle Knights training session. Source: News Limited

Gallop raids NRL bunker

FOOTBALL Federation Australia boss David Gallop has signed up one of his gun operators from his days as NRL chief executive.

Trish Crews, the woman who launched the game's outstanding One Community division, has joined FFA.

She has tremendous contacts at the grassroots level where soccer continues to make big inroads.

Erin's wrecking-ball romance

CHANNEL Nine's glamorous rugby league personality Erin Molan has fallen in love with a footy player after meeting via Twitter.

The 30-year-old recently began dating Brisbane Lions vice captain Tom Rockliff.

Rugby League reporter Erin Molan is dating AFL star Tom Rockliff. Source: Supplied

It all started when the AFL star tweeted a screen shot of Molan from the Footy Show's wrecking ball ad. Some cyber banter followed and the pair eventually caught up.

Although Molan is reluctant to discuss the relationship, "it's early days" we're told, the long-distance separation has not been a problem. She has been spotted flying to Brisbane on Sunday nights to spend her days off in the Sunshine State.

SAINT

He might have played his last game of footy but Jharal Yow Yeh should never, ever be lost to rugby league. The youngster handled his injury-forced retirement announcement with unbelievable class during the week.

Broncos fans hold up a sign showing support for recently retired player Jharal Yow Yeh who was forced to retire due to a serious leg injury. Source: Getty Images

SINNER

Having to watch the Roosters and Broncos on delay with a thousand advertisements. It's the same with old rivals Parramatta and Manly this afternoon. The TV deal is a disgrace.

SPOTTED

Israel Folau, Jason Stevens, Tim Mannah and J oseph Paulo having dinner at the flash Rockpool Bar and Grill on Wednesday night.

SHOOSH I

Which big name NRL star has been sending photos of his privates to women on his mobile phone? In this day and age, you would think the Origin and test star would know better ... he is dicing with danger ...

SHOOSH II

We mentioned last week how the Bulldogs salary cap miracle workers were chasing Wests Tigers star fullback James Tedesco. The Roosters have beaten them to the punch and will announce his signing in the very near future.

James Tedesco breaks free from a tackle by Rabbitohs players. Source: Getty Images

SHOOSH III

If there was a betting market on the first coach sacked in 2014, the Warriors' Matthew Elliott would be a long odds-on favourite. Some are even suggesting he won't last until round five.

PAID ON TIME

Coach Wayne Bennett has confirmed he has been paid his monthly salary on time by the Newcastle Knights and is not concerned about their future, knowing the NRL will step in with a rescue package if Nathan Tinkler's ownership falls over.

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DREAM DEBUT

Channel Nine sports director Steve Crawley is raving about the performances of Brett Finch in his debut year as a footy commentator. And we agree. He knows the modern game and delivers his thoughts and analysis like a real pro.

HANDBAG GOES WELL

It was wonderful to see Channel 7 sports personality Jim 'handbag' Wilson on the netball court this week in a session with the NSW Swifts. It followed a challenge from wife Chris Bath on Twitter to test himself against the girls. "It certainly gave me a greater appreciation of how tough and physically demanding netball is," he told me afterwards.

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Bedsy hooks Country Origin role

Danny Buderus will coach the Country side this year. Picture Gregg Porteous. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

FORMER Newcastle Knights star Danny Buderus was never going to drift too far away from rugby league in retirement.

So it was no surprise when Buderus landed a jack-of-all-trades job with the Knights that includes player welfare, sponsorship liaison and a part-time coaching position mentoring the club's hookers.

But it's his latest gig that has the former NSW and Australian Test hooker excited.Buderus has been appointed assistant coach of the Country Origin squad and will be Trent Barrett's right-hand man in Dubbo when they take on Brad Fittler's City side in early May.

"Yeah, it's a great honour," Buderus said. "I must admit, since retiring I've picked up the coaching bug and I'm really interested in pursuing it. "I can't wait to get into camp with Baz (Barrett) and all the boys.

"Country won the game last season so we want to keep that going."

Buderus was chosen by Barrett with his assistants last season Peter Sharp (interim coach at the Cronulla Sharks) and Craig Fitzgibbon (promoted to the Kangaroos' support staff) unavailable.

MUDGEE may have missed out on staging Country-City or an NRL game this season but don't think for one minute their progressive local council is sitting on its hands.

We have been told council officials are currently negotiating with four NRL clubs in a bid to have an NRL match played at Glen Willow Stadium in 2015.

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Force stun Chiefs, Badger strikes again

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THE Western Force can dare to dream of landing a maiden finals berth in Super Rugby after a brace of tries from skipper Matt Hodgson lifted them to a 18-15 victory over the Chiefs in Saturday night's clash in Perth.

Hodgson scored the only two tries of the match to secure the Force's third-straight win, the result lifting the Perth-based franchise into the top six.

Relive the action at Match Centre — scores, stats and video highlights

The Force now have the chance to stretch their winning run to a franchise-record four games when they take on the Reds at Suncorp Stadium on April 5.

In a match filled with bruising tackles, the Force's defence was unrelenting, keeping the Chiefs' prolific backline at bay for the entire 80 minutes.

Chiefs winger Tim Nanai-Williams is stopped in his tracks by Nick Cummins. Source: Getty Images

The win was soured by a suspected shoulder injury to Wallabies forward Hugh McMeniman, who was playing his first game since hurting his neck three weeks ago.

Prop Kieran Longbottom was carried off in the 69th minute after copping a knee to the head while making a try-saving tackle.

The Force endured a few nervous moments after the final siren as the Chiefs advanced down the wing.

But a knock-on ended the hopes of the defending champions, with the 16,380-strong crowd cheering for joy as the Force players celebrated another deserved victory.

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The Chiefs struggled to create clear-cut attacking forays throughout the match, but three penalties from flyhalf Aaron Cruden gave them a 9-8 lead at half-time.

The Force created a number of good chances early in the match, with a powerful rolling maul sending Hodgson over in the 13th minute.

Matt Hodgson celebrates a try with his Force teammates. Source: News Corp Australia

Force flyhalf Sias Ebersohn nailed a 47m penalty to give his side an 8-3 lead after 26 minutes.

The Chiefs should have been on the back foot when prop Jamie Mackintosh was shown a yellow card for repeat infringements in the 36th minute.

Instead, two penalties either side of half-time gave the Chiefs a 12-8 advantage.

The Force grabbed back the lead when Hodgson barged over for his second try in the 46th minute, before Ebersohn's 58th minute penalty extended the lead to six points.

"I'm absolutely thrilled for the blokes,'' Force coach Michael Foley said.

"The amount of character shown out there tonight against a champion side was outstanding.

"You could see the amount of heart the boys put into that performance.''

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie was disappointed with his team's effort.

"I thought we were poor,'' Rennie said.

"We just made far too many errors. It's hard to believe we led at half-time because we hardly fired a shot. We're a better side than that.

"Even mentally we didn't look that sharp.''

WESTERN FORCE 18 (Matt Hodgson 2 tries Sias Ebersohn con 2 pens) bt CHIEFS 15 (Aaron Cruden 4, Gareth Anscombe pens) at nib Stadium. Referee: Lourens van der Merwe. Crowd: 16,380.

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Scott shocked with “horrific” loss

Lindsay Thomas was one of few positives for North with four goals. Photo by Michael Dodge Source: Michael Dodge / Getty Images

NORTH Melbourne's much-talked about midfield produced one of its worst performances during Brad Scott's reign as coach in last night's 39-point loss to Essendon.

The Roos were widely tipped to be one of the big improvers this season but were smashed around the contested ball in a season-opening reality check from the besieged Bombers.

And it could yet get worse for the Roos with ruckman Todd Goldstein set to undergo scans on a suspected serious shoulder injury that could sideline the big man for weeks if not months.

Scott described the loss as "horrific" and said he was shocked that his hardened ball-winners were obliterated in contested possessions 156 to 109 last night.

CHAPPY IGNITES BOMBERS

"In four or five years I can't recall us being that badly beaten in the contests," Scott said.

"When the opposition is hungrier than you and are more up for the contest and they just smash you around the ball — I can't think of a time ever in my time (as coach) that we have been beaten by almost 50 in contested possessions.

"And that is just so unlike the group we have got."

Aaron Mullett's body language says it all. Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

It was Essendon which entered the game amid a shroud of controversy but Scott did not think external factors impacted the team's performance.

"I genuinely thought we were up for the contest, but we definitely weren't," he said.

The coach forecast a heavy focus on winning contested possession on the training track ahead of their Round 2 clash against Western Bulldogs next Sunday.

Goldstein will be closely monitored amid fears the top-flight ruckman injured his left shoulder tendon — something that could out him for up to three months, according to sports medicine expert Dr Peter Larkins.

Goldstein rucked manfully using mainly his right arm after hurting his left shoulder in the first quarter.

Scott said he hoped the injury wasn't serious but was adamant back-up big man Dan Carrie was ready to step up if called upon.

"The fact that he played on (is positive)," Scott said.

"There were certainly concerns about his rotator cuff, but we will have to get that scanned, I think it was difficult to tell.

"I wanted confirmation from Goldy himself that he was right to go (keep playing) and he felt he was, so the docs cleared him and Goldy felt he was right.

" Hopefully that means it's not too bad. If it is, Dan Currie is absolutely dying for his opportunity and if he gets his opportunity I expect him to take it."

Scott said he tried without success to clamp down on Bombers captain Jobe Watson, who starred with 39 possessions in the Bombers' rousing win.

Roos' midfielders Jack Ziebell had 12 possessions and Daniel Wells 11.

Scott said it was a "miracle" that the team remained in the hunt on the scoreboard and took a one-point lead momentarily in the second term.

"If there is a positive to come out of tonight for us it's that we were horrific, and yet I felt we were in the game the whole night right up until half way through the last quarter," he said.

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Chappy ignites Bombers

Paul Chapman set the first quarter alight with two goals and a hand in another. Picture Michael Klein. Source: Michael Klein / News Corp Australia

NOT for the first time, it was the Essendon players who last night lifted the club above another day of off-field turmoil.

Right when the Bombers seemed on the brink of collapse, amid another stomach-turning chapter of the ASADA saga, captain Jobe Watson and his men made a powerful stand, launching the new season with an emphatic win over North Melbourne.

ELEMENTARY FOR WATSON

PLENTY OF LIFE IN OLD CAT

BOMBER: PLAYERS BOUGHT IN

SCOTT: MIDFIELD FAILED TO FIRE

Forgetting the cloud that hung over some players' careers, and the latest storm that concerned James Hird, Essendon united at Etihad Stadium to pulverise the much-hyped Roos by 39 points.

It again reiterated that the Bombers, supposedly at their most vulnerable mental state, have enormous heart and skill to execute a short-kicking game plan — that as we have seen in the first half of the past two seasons — can still trouble anyone.

The victory also eased the unquestionable knots in the fans stomachs about the coaching situation.

First-gamer Luke McDonald has his hands full with a rampaging Paul Chapman. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

For, even if Hird does not return, amid increased scrutiny on his position, they have a good one in Mark Thompson.

Last night, the boys clearly played for him. Especially ex-Cat Paul Chapman, who in his first game in red and black kicked four goals to spearhead the win for his former coach Thompson, showing there was plenty of gas left in the tank.

Finally, it celebrated Dustin Fletcher's record-breaking 379th game in the manner it deserved, after being overshadowed in the past 48 hours by the Hird fiasco.

North Melbourne looked anything but the big bolter this year, smashed in particular in the midfield and led comfortably at every change.

For all the preseason hype, North Melbourne's form was one of the biggest disappointments in the NAB series and throughout the first half last night, it seemed little had changed.

The Bombers again went with a short-chipping plan and looked as if they were almost waltzing upfield at times, racking up 60 more uncontested marks than North by the main change.

The Roos' defensive pressure was severely lacking, prompting Melbourne champion and special commentator Garry Lyon to claim the Roos were too "comfortable" with themselves.

What didn't help was the shoulder injury Todd Goldstein was forced to carry after hurting it in the first term.

Essendon captain Jobe Watson finished with 38 possessions. Picture by Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

But most surprising though was North's inability to close down — or even look like wanting to contain — Watson. With his club again under siege, the Brownlow Medallist was superb, mustering 20 possessions by midway through the second term. So precise was Watson's haul by hand and foot that by midway through the last term he was still operating above 90 per cent efficiency.

Given the publicity storm of the past 24 hours, the timing of Watson's onball annihilation could not have been more important for a club severely questioning the motivations of its own coach (for 2015) James Hird.

Showing trademark leadership, Watson coolly slotted a 35m goal on a tight angle to put the Bombers up by 27 points midway through the third term.

The new-look Essendon forward line was functioning much more fluently than you would expect of a team which had farewelled key forwards Stewart Crameri and Scott Gumbleton and lost ruckman Tom Bellchambers over summer.

Colt Joe Daniher took several impressive marks including this stretch. Picture Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

Paul Chapman, looking anything but a washed-up veteran, provided the spark in attack. He booted two of the Bombers first three goals, one a long bomb and the other a signature snap. Unselfishly, Chapman also fed out a bullet handpass to teammate Ben Howlett at point blank range to play a central role in building the early buffer. More than anything his strength, finishing and sense of space has injected a weapon that will take some curtailing this season.

When second-year colt Joe Daniher reeled in courageous pack marks running blindly into a pack in the second, and then fourth quarters, Essendon fans saw shades of a young Wayne Carey, and rejoiced in the making of a special spearhead. At the other end, Essendon stopper Cale Hooker demolished North danger man and acting captain Drew Petrie.

North's only hope was small forward Lindsay Thomas. With the club's improved midfield well-beaten, Thomas filled the highlight reel, twice launching himself high on the backs of opponents to take an old-fashioned screamer.

He kept the Roos within 21 points nearing the last change when he bagged his fourth goal of the night, threading the tightest of angles under heavy pressure 40m out on the boundary.

But whenever one of his midfielders had the ball, there was nowhere to turn. The collection of Kangaroos' runners who fuelled the club's reputation as one of the most damaging and exciting offensive teams in the competition were hemmed in all night.

NORTH MELBOURNE: 9.6 (60)

ESSENDON: 15.9 (99)

JAY CLARK'S BEST

NORTH MELBOURNE BEST Thomas, Cunnington, MacMillan, Goldstein

ESSENDON BEST Watson, Chapman, Goddard, Hooker, Howlett, Heppell, Ryder

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