Bombers rally to deny plucky Crows

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ESSENDON'S leaders made a couple of telling statements at Etihad Stadium.

The club may have been banned from last year's finals series, but it let the footy world know that it can still be a player in this year's September show.

If the game wasn't a classic "eight pointer" already, then Gold Coast's win over Geelong just minutes before the clash ensured that Essendon and Adelaide would be playing in a mini-final at Etihad Stadium.

The winner would go level, for the night at least, with North Melbourne, while the loser risked being two games and percentage out of the eight by weekend's end.

Bombers coach Mark Thompson said last week he wanted more leadership from his players.

He got it.

Early on it came largely from those in his official leadership group.

TO GET LIVE STATS AND SUPERCOACH POINTS CLICK ON THE GAME IN THE SCORE CENTRE ABOVE OR HERE IF YOU'RE ON A MOBILE DEVICE

Later on it was the club's middle tier who stepped up.

But through it all there was one constant, Brendon Goddard, who, as acting captain, has stood up massively in the absence of the injured Jobe Watson.

Bomber Michael Hurley is mobbed after kicking the sealer. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

The former Saint got the first clearance of the night and found Heath Hocking, who belied his stature to take a big pack mark 45m from goal.

Hocking goaled to give the Bombers the perfect start.

Brent Stanton kicked his first goal on the run from 45m then outmarked Patrick Dangerfield a short time later which resulted in him kicking his second and his team's sixth.

Dyson Heppell and Jason Winderlich had seven possessions each by quarter time as the Bombers got off to a flyer to lead by four goals at the first break.

At 36 points up 15 minutes in to the third quarter it seemed as if Essendon was home.

But when the Crows kicked the last three goals of the quarter to get within 15 points at the final change there was a strange sense of deja vu — the Melbourne game last Sunday all over again.

We can only assume that in that three-quarter time huddle Thompson asked for another statement from his leaders.

He got it, again, but this time it was the likes of emerging leader Ben Howlett — with his controversial goal of the year contender from the pocket — and Jake Melksham — with seven fourth quarter possessions to cap off a solid night all-round — who were standing up to be counted.

Howlett was awarded the goal despite replays suggesting the ball had brushed the post in transition.

While the umpires chose not to review the goal, Winderlich, in a post match radio interview, conceded it "touched the post".

The Bombers celebrate Howlett's last quarter goal. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

Michael Hibberd, clumsy at best last week, was immense with his run off half back all night and emerged as one of his side's best.

Travis Colyer, 22, kicked a goal which almost lifted the roof off of the Docklands stadium midway through the term while Michael Hurley — a presence no matter where he is on the field — sneaked forward to kick the sealer four minutes from the finish to rebuff yet another Adelaide charge.

But it was Goddard, who doubled his possession count with a staggering 16 possessions in the last quarter alone, who the coach would have been most proud of last night.

If the midfielder's acquisition wasn't already worth it before, it surely is now, and it is he who the club will rely on most to further propel its finals charge.

The Crows, for their part, were largely disappointing but for a spurt here and there in quarters three and four.

They too, like Essendon, are capable of the exquisite but too often, particularly in Melbourne, don't produce.

Dangerfield looked hampered by a thigh problem. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

Dangerfield was relatively quiet with just the 21 touches, but his output shouldn't have to be the barometer for Adelaide's performance.

Only Scott Thompson, (41 possessions) Sam Jacobs (35 hit-outs) and Matthew Wright (26 touches) would have walked off totally satisfied with their own games.

Josh Jenkins too, against his old side, threatened to be the matchwinner with four goals.

Questions will come again about Essendon's third quarter fade-outs.

But this time, at least, its players and coaches can answer them having still managed to win the game.

At times last night the Dons' footy was as good as it was in the first three rounds of the season when wins against North Melbourne and Carlton had pundits tipping the team for the top four.

The task now is to put four quarters together against a wounded Cats outfit to really give its finals charge momentum.

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Bennett is worst ever Knights coach

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WAYNE Bennett now has the worst record of any Newcastle coach. Ever.

Bet you never saw that coming? Unthinkable only 12 months ago, The Sunday Telegraph can reveal how Bennett — an ageing sage with seven premierships, five Origin series, even a shock world title with New Zealand — is, statistically, the least successful coach in 27 years of Knights football.

Worse, it's a result costing $3 million to facilitate.

Knights coach Wayne Bennett addresses his side at training. Source: News Corp Australia

"That surprises me, obviously,'' Knights CEO Matt Gidley said last night. "But you know, as we all do, there are circumstances surrounding this situation.

"And the way Wayne has stabilised this club throughout an extremely turbulent period, the care he's shown ... it's been remarkable."

So exactly what does one make of this rare Bennett blemish? With his future in the Hunter unknown, and his team languishing in last place, it is hardly the position expected of a man who arrived on the cusp of winning premierships at three separate NRL clubs.

Certainly it doesn't take Mr Peabody to understand Newcastle were always going to struggle following, first, the tragedy surrounding forward Alex McKinnon; then, second, the saga that is departing owner Nathan 'IOU' Tinkler.

NRL TAKES CONTROL OF THE KNIGHTS

The NRL has took control of the Knights after Nathan Tinkler moved on from the club. Source: News Corp Australia

Throw in the jailing of prop Russell Packer and you've got the NRL equivalent of a Bermuda Triangle.

Yet through it all, insiders will whisper, Bennett has held strong.

Such a rock for players, staffers, even the McKinnon family, Knights great Paul Harragon wondered aloud recently if, maybe, the coach was here purely because no one else could keep the joint together.

Indeed, if ever you needed proof of what sets Bennett apart from the pack — why a bloke like Darius Boyd would follow Bennett into Hades or, worse, a media scrum —
re-read that moving column he wrote for McKinnon on these pages back in March.

Marvelling at how this grandfather, who has moulded hundreds, if not thousands, of young lives, can still talk so emotionally, so intimately, about one.

Tough times ... Newcastle Knight's coach Wayne Bennett at training. Source: News Corp Australia

But this is rugby league. A code where sentiment carries less weight than even Bennett during his days as a winger in Brisbane.

And, right now, the Knights are stumbling through their second worst start to a season ever — with only 2005, when they opened with 13 straight losses, uglier than their current 2-11 record.

In attack, Newcastle average fewer tries and points per game than all but Cronulla. In defence, they have missed the second most tackles with 31. All up, giving Bennett a success rate of 40.6 per cent.

And this number, you should know, is worse than Allan McMahon (40.7). Worse than David Waite (44.7). Worse even than Brian Smith, who had fans burning his effigy — or something like that — until he departed with a strike rate of 45.6 per cent. And so, we ask: Are the problems that have befallen Newcastle responsible for Bennett's coaching blemish, or simply masking it?

Winning percentage of former Newcastle coaches. Source: Supplied

Certainly, you can still see the super coach's fingerprints on this mob.

For a start, Newcastle are making the second least errors — with 10.6 per game. Elsewhere, they own the third best completion rate, have breathed life into Willie Mason and, only last winter, went within one game of a shock grand final appearance.

"Ask people around here,'' Gidley said, "and the thing they'll remember most about Wayne during all this turbulence is how he's
cared."

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Bomber: Our players needed the win

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ESSENDON coach Mark Thompson says the club's thrilling win over Adelaide helped deliver some much-needed joy into the lives of his suffering players.

The Bombers produced a gritty last quarter to hold off a fast-finishing Adelaide by nine points and avoid a repeat of last weekend when Essendon blew a commanding five goal lead against Melbourne.

While the victory has come at a cost, with dashing defender Michael Hibberd in doubt for next week's game against Geelong with a corked leg, Thompson said the performance was a significant one given the ongoing toll the supplement scandal was taking on the club.

Thompson agreed with Brendon Goddard's post-game assessment that the players felt it was them against the football world, as the club ramps up its legal battle against the ASADA probe into its 2012 supplement program.

When asked to explain what Goddard meant by describing last night's win as a "line in the sand" moment, Thompson said: "Line in the sand would be that we're feeling lonely, isolated and feel like it's just us."

"We feel like everyone's against us and we've just got to go out and have fun. And have some success and have some joy in our life.

"There's not much joy around."

Asked if the supplement mess was weighing on the players, Thompson said: "It sure is."

But last night's win helped buoy the mood, as Essendon produced a seven-goal opening to lead at one stage by 36 points before Adelaide's comeback.

"We were pleased with the victory, it would have been disastrous if we had have gone down and lost again with a big lead two weeks in a row," Thompson said.

"We've got to have some fun in the week and this is the fun time for them.

Thompson said he took the rare step of reminding his players about last week's fade-out with his team up by 15 points at three quarter time last night.

"I did (remind the players) which I rarely do, but I thought it (winning) meant that much," Thompson said.

"I wanted them to be, not shaken, but be aware. Be present in their mind and conscious mind that there was a chance they could feel like they did last week, and maybe be worse, and sometimes that can just drive people.

"I hope it did and I thought we handled the pressure of the last quarter reasonably well."

Former Cat Paul Chapman will definitely take on his old side on Friday night but Thompson confirmed Hibberd was doubtful to play the Cats.

Jake Carlisle would also have a fitness test to prove he is over a knee problem.

Thompson lauded the leadership of stand-in captain Goddard, who lifted magnificently racking up 16 last term possessions to help hold-off the Crows.

Thompson said working with Goddard at Essendon has changed his perception of the former Saint.

"He has actually set standards in terms of on ground talk and delivering feedback and setting things up and what he has added here is that he is getting the group together now, not just working individuals," Thompson said.

"He's done really well, I'm really pleased for him.

"Coming from another club not knowing him at all, you get this impression and perception of who he was and he's completely different. He really cares and he's a real pro and he's been good for the football club."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

‘I’m improving every week’: Morabito

Anthony Morabito continues to impress at WAFL level. Source: Daniel Wilkins / News Corp Australia

ANTHONY Morabito may have answered the million dollar question in AFL circles with a best-afield effort for Peel Thunder.

After being denied another chance to return to AFL level with the Dockers, the long-term injured midfielder ripped it up.

After a week in which his return had been the talk of the town, Morabito was hopeful a return to the elite level would be sooner rather than later.

"It's the million dollar question," Morabito said.

"I've just got to keep performing at this level and keep doing the stuff that the coaches and the match committee ask of me consistently at this level and once I can demonstrate that I can do that then it's up to them.

"When I'm selected, I'm selected. I'm not really too concerned with that. That's out of my control and I'm really pleased just to be playing footy consistently and to be healthy."

Morabito had a more attacking role in Peel's second win of the season and clocked up 28 disposals and kicked two goals. The 22-year-old said he is putting in the effort to get the AFL call up but he is enjoying playing week to week without any injuries.

"I feel like I'm improving every week, it's definitely now just a matter of executing my role down here and keep putting pressure on myself to perform," he said.

"I've still got a fair bit of stuff to work on, on my game.

"Obviously missing a fair bit of footy and our game plan is quite strict, so there's a lot of stuff that I can improve on, but definitely getting my hands on the footy is a good starting point."

After three knee reconstructions, Morabito has not played for Fremantle since 2010 and with his contract with the club up at the end of 2014 he said his future was out of his control.

"Over the last couple of years it's just been a matter of wanting to play footy so I haven't even crossed that path yet, to tell you the truth I'm just really happy to play footy,' he said.

"Whatever happens in the next six months, a year, whatever happens, happens. That's another thing that's out of my control. I've just got to work hard every day and see what happens from there."

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Mercedes fastest in GP practice

Nico Rosberg of Mercedes GP signs autographs for fans ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix. Source: Dom Romney / Getty Images

THE Mercedes duo Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg finished one-two in Friday's second practice session for Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix.

Hamilton was quickest on the Red Bull Ring with a time of 1 minute 9.542 seconds while the world championship leader Rosberg — currently 22 points ahead of Hamilton in the standings — was 0.377 seconds behind his teammate.

Rosberg was fastest in Friday's first practice ahead of Hamilton.

The Mercedes team is hoping to bounce back after the Canadian Grand Prix — the first race they did not win, as Rosberg was second and Hamilton failed to finish due to technical problems.

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso was third in the second practice, 0.551 seconds behind Rosberg, followed by the Williams duo of Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa.

Red Bull were unable to take advantage of the home track as reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel was sixth — 0.888 seconds behind Rosberg — and Canadian GP winner Daniel Ricciardo was eighth.

Light rain and wind caused problems during both practice sessions, especially the first practice when Vettel had a double spin after getting on the wet grass.

Formula One is returning to Austria for the first time in 11 years.

Qualifying takes place Saturday before the race on Sunday.

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Down the middle is the way to go, says Sanderson

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CROWS coach Brenton Sanderson says he will continue to encourage his defence to attack through the corridor despite statistics showing Adelaide has been more successful this season when it plays safe.

There's a clear trend emerging in the Crows' inconsistent year — in their wins they move the ball around the boundary more often but when they gamble and take the ball through the corridor they lose.

Sanderson wants his team to keep choosing the "high risk, high reward" option of carrying the ball through the middle of the ground because it's what the AFL's elite do.

Five of the teams who use the corridor the most - Geelong, Fremantle, Collingwood, Port and Sydney - sit inside the top six on the ladder.

The Crows are ranked third in centre corridor use but enter Saturday night's game against Essendon at Etihad Stadium in 10th spot because they've been badly punished by opposition sides when they turn the ball over in this part of the ground.

"We've turned the ball over in our defensive half almost more than any other side this year," Sanderson said.

"When we've played poorly and lost the opposition has turned the ball over in our defensive half ...

"(And) it's a short distance to go back to the opposition's goal to score."

So as Adelaide prepares for what could be a season-defining clash against the Bombers, Sanderson faces a classic "development v results" coaching decision.

Adelaide Crows coach Brenton Sanderson believes in the "high-risk, high-reward" approach. Picture: Sarah Reed.

Does he cop the short-term turnover pain to fast track his team's development into a genuine top four threat?

Young defenders like Luke Brown and Rory Laird aren't going to develop into reliable long kicks if they never try them on game day.

Or does the desire to return to the top eight after a disappointing 2013 season take precedence and result in a more risk-averse game style?

"We still promote corridor. That for us is where we can create some better attacking play," Sanderson said.

"We would love a lot better ball use out of our D50.

"Smith, Reilly, Jaensch are good kicks, Laird and Brown are neat kicks (and) Otten, Talia - we're still working with those guys to ensure we're getting good ball use out of D50.

"It's an area we have to keep improving on for sure but we'll always still promote corridor ball use."

Staying aggressive when the pressure is on is a theme Sanderson - and his players - have promoted all season.

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The Crows coach repeated the message yesterday, saying it was even more important this week against Bombers side which restricts forward entries better than any other team.

"When we're not going well we can't afford to go back into our shells," Sanderson said.

"We have to keep taking the game on, be bold, be brave, that's when we're playing our best footy ...

"Essendon's pressure is very good. They're the number one side in preventing inside 50s in the competition - they only give up 42 a week.

"We're going to have to be really on top of our game if we're going to beat this side."

PLAYING SAFE

Adelaide's use of the corridor from defence this season

Wins - 19.9%

Losses - 28.4%

R13 v Kangaroos - 17.2%

CORRIDOR KINGS

The AFL sides who play through the middle the most

Geelong - 38.5%

Fremantle - 35.7%

Adelaide - 33.1%

Collingwood - 32.9%

Port Adelaide - 31.5%

Sydney - 31.1%

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

World Cup blows up on Facebook

Trending ... Facebook has introduced a special World Cup feature. Source: Uncredited / AP

THROUGH one week of the World Cup, Facebook has already seen more people having more interactions about the tournament on the social media site than it had for the Sochi Olympics, Super Bowl and Academy Awards combined.

A total of 141 million people have commented about, "liked" or shared posts on Facebook about the World Cup, the company said on Friday. There have been 459 million different interactions on it.

Much of the action is international: 85 per cent of the people talking about the World Cup on Facebook are from outside of the United States. There are 1.28 billion people on Facebook worldwide, 80 per cent of them living outside the US.

"We always see a large level of conversation on Facebook around big sporting events," said Justin Osofsky, the company's vice president of global operations and media partnerships. "But what we're witnessing around the World Cup has been extraordinary."

By contrast, America's Super Bowl engaged some 50 million people on Facebook, the Sochi games 45 million people and the Oscars 11.3 million people, the social media site said.

World game ... Facebook's interactive map for the World Cup. Source: AP

Facebook has targeted the World Cup as part of its effort to become a site with more real-time conversation and news distribution around big events, functions where many people think of Twitter first. Facebook is promoting World Cup-related hashtags, has a special World Cup-related section and heavily promotes celebrity-related posts.

A photo posted by Pitbull, who performed at the opening ceremonies, has received more than 1.2 million interactions, as has a photo posted by Brazilian soccer star Neymar, Facebook said.

Facebook is also working with other media outlets to increase its exposure. One of the most prominent is Univision, the broadcaster with the Spanish-language rights to telecast the World Cup in the United States, which is featuring details about Facebook postings on its telecast. For CNN International, Facebook is constantly measuring what topics surrounding the World Cup are getting the most attention.

"In a fundamental sense, we're just getting started," Mr Osofsky said.

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Ronaldo trains ahead of vital USA game

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PORTUGAL captain Cristiano Ronaldo trained on Friday ahead of the vital World Cup group match with USA as speculation swirled over his injured left knee.

The world player of the year, who is suffering from tendonitis, had the knee taped as he took part in light drills at the team's training camp near Sao Paulo.

Ronaldo, 29, caused further concern over his fitness when he stopped training early and had ice applied to his knee at a public session on Wednesday.

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On Friday, the Real Madrid forward showed no signs of discomfort as he took part in a warm-up passing exercise with teammates Nani, Miguel Veloso, Helder Postiga and Ruben Amorim.

Watching media were ushered away after 15 minutes but Ronaldo's appearance raises the likelihood he will play Sunday's game, which has great significance after Portugal's 4-0 loss to Germany.

Reports have been circulating questioning the fitness of Ronaldo, who is considered critical to Portugal's chances of success at the World Cup.

After Real Madrid's win in last month's Champions League final, Ronaldo missed two Portugal friendlies before returning to action in their final warm-up against Ireland.

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England captain lashes out at Warne

Fed up ... Alastair Cook (right) is sick of being criticised by Shane Warne. Picture: AFP Source: IAN KINGTON / AFP

ALASTAIR Cook says "something needs to be done" about the barrage of criticism he has received over his captaincy of the England cricket team from the likes of Australia great Shane Warne.

During England's 5-0 Ashes series loss 'Down Under', Cook's generally conservative approach came under fire from legendary leg-spinner Warne.

Regarded as one of the best tacticians of his era, Warne, who previously called for Cook to be replaced as captain, wrote ahead of the present series between England and Sri Lanka in his June 11 column in Britain's Daily Telegraph: "If Cook wants to stay boring and be the same old England by bowling wide of off stump and trying to build up pressure slowly then he has chosen the wrong path."

Cook, however, was inventive in the field during a thrilling drawn first Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's where his side finished on Monday just one wicket away from a stunning win.

The 29-year-old Cook, speaking to BBC Radio on Thursday ahead of the second and final Test against Sri Lanka at Headingley, was asked how he felt about comments from various pundits in general and the "voluble" Warne in particular.

"Well something needs to be done because in three years I've been England captain I have just, in my eyes, been criticised for a hell of a lot of that," said Cook.

"Yes, when we lose games of cricket as a captain you get criticised but I've also won a lot of cricket games for England, won more one-day games than anyone as England captain, won an Ashes, won in India away and that's what I'm proud of as well," the Essex left-handed opener insisted.

"So to be criticised for three years, totally, with those results, I find quite hard to take to be honest with you.

He added: "Support and positivity is what this England team needs.

"The crowd at Lord's were brilliant, the public there were fantastic behind the lads and they really drove off it and a bit more support like that will hold everyone in good stead."

Asked if he felt the criticism was "personal", Cook replied: "Yeah, I think it is."

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Sport Confidential: Hoffman the hero

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NSW captain Paul Gallen may have been named the official man-of-the-match for State of Origin II but it was champion Blues backrower Ryan Hoffman who was awarded the game ball for best on ground, as voted by his teammates.

To a man in the Blues 17, almost every player chose Hoffman as NSW's most influential, whereas the Australian Kangaroos selectors Bob McCarthy, Bob Fulton, Des Morris and Allan Smith went with Gallen.

Paul Gallen was the official Man-of-the-Match. Source: News Corp Australia

On raw numbers alone, it's impossible to argue against Gallen's influence on the Maroons, with the Blues skipper making 24 hit-ups, 200m and 33 tackles.

Which raises the question, is Origin greatness about more than just impressive statistics? Of course it is.

Hoffman was, in our view, the best player involved in State of Origin II, running at Queensland's Daly Cherry-Evans at every opportunity and looking most likely to break the

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Maroons defensive wall when the Blues were trailing 4-0.

Halfback Trent Hodkinson was a shandy behind him, producing the game-breaking try and goal to finally end the Maroons dynasty, while Blues hooker Robbie Farah was also relentless the way he targeted DCE and Johnathan Thurston on the Maroons last tackle options.

No question Gallen has been one of the cornerstones of the NSW forward pack for the past five years, but there's a view the Blues skipper can overplay his hand and demand too much possession, making the attack too one-dimensional.

Trent Hodkinson celebrates scoring a try with teammates. Source: News Corp Australia

Phil Gould, the most successful NSW Origin coach in history, made this very point during Channel Nine's record-breaking TV coverage, with the Blues trailing 4-0 and camped on the Maroons tryline.

"If I've got a criticism of the NSW players it's that Gallen and Bird are getting the ball too much in attacking zones. You want it with Hayne and Jennings, you don't want it with Gallen and Bird, they've done their job. Get the ball to the attacking players," Gould said.

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Gallen's statistical numbers from the last five seasons in Origin make for phenomenal reading, with the Blues captain averaging 165m per game, 19.6 runs, 33.9 tackles and 24.7 possessions.

In terms of statistical output, that's at least 25 per cent better than every other forward who has been on the field at the same time.

NSW's Jarryd Hayne and Robbie Farah in tears after winning the Origin series. Source: News Corp Australia

The next best forward by the numbers is NSW teammate Greg Bird, who averaged 116m, 13.8 runs, 24.9 tackles and 17.2 possessions, while from Queensland Petero Civoniceva leads the charge with 116m, 13.5 runs, 19.3 tackles and 13.09 possessions per game.

NSW coach Laurie Daley presented Hoffman with the game ball inside the Blues victory celebrations of a private function room at the Pullman Hotel at Homebush after the game.

■ ■ ■

FULL credit to Queensland, the Maroons were magnificent in the way they handled defeat. Coach Mal Meninga went into the NSW dressing rooms to shake hands with great mate Laurie Daley, who also deserves huge plaudits for the way he opened-up the Blues inner-sanctum for Channel Nine's highest rating Origin match in history.

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The record-breaking TV numbers are no surprise considering Blues assistant coach Brad Fittler was allowed access all areas before the game and during halftime, when Daley was talking to the players. The NBA and the NFL get plenty of raps in the US for allowing brilliant media access, this was one occasion when the NRL got it spot on. You can't buy that kind of advertising, especially when it comes to casual rugby league fans.

FORGET ORIGIN, DALY'S GOT BIGGER FISH TO FRY

CONGRATULATIONS to Manly rising Manly superstar Daly Cherry-Evans, whose partner Vessa Rockliff is pregnant with the couple's second child. Cherry-Evans recently purchased a new family home in Freshwater on the northern beaches, throwing up plenty of questions about a mooted return home to the Brisbane Broncos in 2016. Sure, Cherry-Evans father, Troy, is close to current Broncos coach Anthony Griffin.

Sea Eagles player Daly Cherry Evans and girlfriend Vessa Rockliff are expecting their second child. Source: News Limited

But with Griffin needing a top four finish to ensure his own future, DCE is looking increasingly comfortable on the northern beaches. The Sea Eagles view him as a future leader of the club and intend to upgrade his contract for next season, even though he is signed until the end of 2015.

■ ■ ■

CHANNEL Ten's commentary team for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games is going from strength-to-strength, with Olympic Gold Medallists Steve Hooker and Liesel Jones signing on as part of the team. The Games will kick-off off on July 23, with Ian Thorpe also expected to feature as part of Ten's coverage.

■ ■ ■

THE Wests Tigers have made the hardline call to rule concussion victim Liam Fulton out for the rest of the season.

Tiger's Liam Fulton leaves the field with concussion during the game against the Rabbitohs. Source: News Corp Australia

You won't catch anyone at the Tigers officially confirming as much but we've been told after four concussions in seven weeks, the decision has been made in the best interests of Fulton's welfare. Fulton was in Melbourne earlier this week for brain scans.

GEALE LIGHTS A RING OF FIRE

AUSTRLALIA'S favourite boxer, Daniel Geale, has wasted no time getting straight down to business in preparation for his WBA middleweight world title fight against Gennady Golovkin in New York next month.

Daniel Geale puts in a gruelling training session in the lead up to his fight against Gennady Golovkin at Madison Square Garden on July 26th for the Middleweight title. Source: News Corp Australia

As our photographer Adam Taylor discovered, Geale has already begun a gruelling eight-week program out of Grange Old School Boxing's Smeaton Grange headquarters in Sydney. The former IBF and WBA champion intends to use the dangerous Jarrod Fletcher and Sakio Bika as sparring partners in preparation for his latest title shot against knockout merchant Golovkin.

TIME FOR SOME FANCY FOOTWORK

THE Wallabies are definitely in need of a dose of "Ooh La La" after last weekend's snooze-fest 6-0 victory over France in Melbourne.

Let's hope giant 140kg debutant Will Skelton and inside centre Matt Toomua can provide the 40,000-plus expected crowd at the SCG this Saturday afternoon with the necessary x-factor in the third Test against France.

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If the rugby turns too boring, there'll also be a group of Moulin Rouge dancers performing around the SCG precinct.

POST CARDS FROM BRAZIL

THERE have been plenty of hardluck stories among Socceroos fans in Brazil, with local pickpockets not afraid to plunge their grubby paws into Australian pouches. A heap of phones and wallets have been pinched from FIFA live sites in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

According to several victims, the modus operandi is always the same. "They push forward to create a crowd surge, which makes you take your hands out of your pockets to regain balance," one unlucky fan said. "The next thing either your phone or wallet is gone."

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■ ■ ■

THE best tale of supporter woe belongs to a fan from Ireland, who had two tickets to last Saturday's Holland-Spain fixture in Salvador confiscated after being sprung trying to scalp them before kick-off. A few hours later, he walked into the stadium to find the two police officers responsible sitting in the adjacent seats.

■ ■ ■

THOUSANDS of Aussie fans in Brazil faithfully tuned into Wednesday night's Origin match, which was broadcast live on Sport Plus. But what they didn't bargain for was full commentary in the local tongue, Portuguese, courtesy of a chap named Rafael Spinelli. NRL matches are also shown live in Brasil, on the same channel.

Fanatics watch state of origin in Port Alegra Brazil before the Socceroos match v Netherlands. Source: News Corp Australia

■ ■ ■

ENGLAND'S World Cup campaign could be over by the time most people read this. If so, it was nice while it lasted. They trained on the grounds of a military fort in Rio's most exclusive neighbourhood, Urca, which sits between the Atlantic Ocean and Sugarloaf Mountain, the city's most iconic volcanic outcrop.

WINNING

It's impossible to go past NSW coach Laurie Daley and the almighty Blues ending eight years of Cane Toad vitriol from north of the Tweed. Daley is an ornament to rugby league who poured his heart and soul into the NSW campaign. Onya Loz.

NSW's coach Laurie Daley celebrates victory with NSW's Robbie Farah after Game 2 of the 2014 State of Origin series at ANZ Stadium, Sydney. Pic Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia

DUNCE CAP

Poor old rugby union just can't take a trick. Even the rah-rah purists would have almost needed No-Doz to suffer through the no- tries-two-penalty-goals slugfest between the Wallabies and France in Melbourne last Saturday.

SPOTTED

AUSTRALIAN cricket coach Darren Lehmann and master blaster opening batsman Dave Warner cheering the mighty Blues home in the ANZ Stadium corporate suite on Wednesday night.

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SOME of the most influential figures in rugby league converged on Beppi's Italian restaurant in East Sydney yesterday to thrash out all the latest goings on.

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SHOOSH

WHICH fringe-NRL player at one of the NRL's strongest clubs was sent home and fined his match fee of $3000 after turning up to training extremely under-the-weather?

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WHICH rookie tipped to turn into a superstar is putting massive pressure on an established NRL player who is struggling through the twilight of his career?

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