The Giz takes out race three

The Giz ... Shane van Gisbergen wins race three of the V8 Supercars event in Melbourne. Source: Tim Carrafa / News Limited

They say if you don't like Melbourne's weather, just wait five minutes.

The same could have been said about the race leader in the wet and wild third V8 Supercars exhibition event at the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park on Saturday.

In the end, Shane van Gisbergen emerged triumphant from a rollercoaster 12-lap ride at Albert Park as the miserable conditions played havoc with the 27-strong field.

The Kiwi incredibly finished almost 13 seconds ahead of Craig Lowndes with van Gisbergen's Holden teammate Jonathan Webb third.

Van Gisbergen still lives day to day with the threat of legal action stopping him from competing after a messy departure from his former team.

If the Kiwi was distracted by it, he hid it well on Saturday.

"I expected to be sitting at home doing nothing," van Gisbergen said of his initial V8 season plans.

"But I knew with a good team and great car, I was a good chance of getting results.

"There is a nice atmosphere and environment in our team and I feel I am driving really well."

The day started under grey clouds yet at one stage the Melbourne street circuit was bathed in sunshine.

However, pelting rain greeted the nervous V8 drivers when they emerged for Saturday's half-hour blitz.
And the race lead changed almost as much as Mother Nature.

Keen to seal a third straight win in Melbourne, Fabian Coulthard tried to stay out of trouble as pole sitter and luck appeared to be on his side when Lowndes' first-lap challenge failed.

Lowndes reeled in Coulthard by the first lap and appeared to have the Kiwi's measure, only to lock up and spear off the track losing precious time.

Then van Gisbergen had a crack at Coulthard, only for him to find the gravel by the second lap just as he had taken the lead and dropped back to fifth.

It was then Coulthard to find grief as race leader.

The Holden driver came off the greasy track on the third lap and dropped to third, opening the door once again for van Gisbergen and Lowndes to vie for the lead.

Somehow, van Gisbergen avoided more drama in conditions that were so bleak that most competitors had their headlights on.

It might be an Australian Grand Prix support category but the win continued New Zealand's dominance of the V8 exhibition event.

Coulthard had claimed the first two races before van Gisbergen made it a three-peat for the drivers across the ditch.

Coulthard was joined on the front row of the starting grid on Saturday by teammate Jason Bright after race two's runner-up Lowndes copped a one-grid penalty for a pit-lane infringement on Friday.

Lowndes was knocked back a spot on the grid for his pit-lane tangle with Bright in race two.

"I am happy that common sense prevailed. I am surprised that the penalty was not more though," Bright said of Lowndes' punishment.

No championship points are on offer in Melbourne.

The exhibition is completed by a 12-lap event on Sunday from 1.20pm (AEDT).

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LIVE: F1 practice and qualifying

Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel controls his car on turn three during practice for tomorrow's Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park. Source: Rob Griffith / AFP

GET live trackside updates from Saturday's practice and qualifying sessions at Albert Park below.

On a mobile device? Click here for a better viewing experience

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Watson softens on retirement talk

Change of heart ... Watson might return to India in a few days. Source: Stephen Cooper / News Limited

Shane Watson has cooled on retirement threats, with the all-rounder to make himself available for the Ashes and most likely the fourth Test against India starting next Friday.

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On Monday, an emotional Watson made the surprise claim he would consider quitting Test cricket as he came to terms with his gut-wrenching suspension for failing to take part in a peer review of Australia's performance in India.

But News Limited understands Watson will not walk away before the Ashes - and will take the first steps towards atonement by considering a return to India next week to prepare for the final Test in Delhi.

Watson was taken aback by CA high-performance chief Pat Howard's suggestion he is only a team player "sometimes".

But the 31-year-old's professional relationship with Howard, and his views on Australia's new cultural regime, have not degenerated to the point where he would seriously pull the pin on his international career.

Sources close to Watson say he is leaning towards playing in the fourth Test. He is likely to stay with wife Lee and their newborn son, Will, for three or four days, which would still give him time to be on deck for the final Test in Delhi.

While Michael Clarke has been forced to deny a rift exists with Watson, the Australian skipper has guaranteed his deputy will reclaim his spot for the fourth Test if he decides to play as expected.

Such is Clarke's hope Watson will return, the tourists have not formally named a vice-captain for the third Test at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium.

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Follow the third Test LIVE with our Match Centre, or watch it LIVE, EXCLUSIVE and in HIGH DEFINITION on Fox Sports 2.

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Watson is set to have a two-week break for the IPL before steeling his body and mind for Australia's Ashes campaign, which begins in July.

Just before arriving in India, Watson told News Limited he was hoping to play international cricket into his mid-30s. That seems more consistent with his thoughts than the emotional comments that followed his shock dumping from the Test side on Monday.

"I have no idea how long I will last, but one thing I do know is with the injuries I've had I've missed a lot of cricket in the last 10 years. As long as I play cricket well I will continue to do it," Watson said.

"Physically my body hasn't had the load of what I would have had, mentally as well. I've had periods of time to freshen up and work on different aspects of my game, my batting and bowling.

"I realise life isn't meant to be easy. There are always things to challenge you and keep you developing as a person ... I'm not putting a timeline on how long I will play for because I love what I do."

Watson admitted it was important he had some downtime between tournaments, especially with the Champions Trophy to follow the IPL before an Ashes campaign.

"One part of it is trying to get the balance in my life really," he said.

"The mental aspect of things, being busy all the time, I have to find ways to mentally wind down and over the last few months with everything that has been going on, I was getting overworked and I've had to scale things down a bit.

"At this point in time in my career, I've missed a lot of cricket through injury so I feel I have some catching up to do with playing the cricket I want to play.

"When I'm fit I want to play because (with) my history, as well, you don't know how long you are going to be fit for so I want to play the games when I am fit and make the most of it.

"That's what I love most, is playing the game, so if there is a game on and I am fit I don't want to miss out."

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Podcast: There's always next week

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Neither Josh Dugan nor Damian Irvine escape the microscope in this week's podcast. Source:News Limited

In his weekly podcast, broadcasting legend and rugby league fanatic Mike Gibson discusses rugby league's biggest issues with Matt Russell and Jeremy Hartcher.

This week they delve into the off-field problems in Cronulla and Canberra, as well as look ahead to the big story lines of round two and help you with your tips with some expert insight.

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Check out the podcast in the video at the top of the page, or download it from iTunes here.

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Free parking in Cat's Cloke parody

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Larrikin ... Serial prankster Matthew Stokes has some parking tips for Travis Cloke. Source: DAVE HUNT / AAP

Watch Geelong forward Mathew Stokes' take on Travis Cloke's parking problem.

The Magpies forward was fined $1000 for repeatedly parking in the car space of club CEO Gary Pert.

The fine was later waived and replaced with volunteer night shifts with the Salvation Army.

Geelong players saw the funny side of the story and have filmed a cheeky video for the club's website.

In the video, Stokes risks the wrath of Cats CEO Brian Cook in the Simonds Stadium car park.

Stokes and Cloke can discuss their parking techniques on Friday, with both named to play in a Collingwood v Geelong practice match at the Cattery.

Perhaps Stokes could offer the Magpies forward his spot for the day.

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A-League round 25 ins and outs

Coming back ... Djite looks set to return from injury on Friday night. Source: Sarah Reed / News Limited

The 2012-2013 A-League season is creeping towards the business end and we have all the squads for the 25th round of action.

Adelaide United v Newcastle Jets, Hindmarsh Stadium, Friday 7.30pm (EDT), Fox Sports 3HD

Adelaide United squad: 1.Eugene Galekovic (gk) (c), 3.Nigel Boogaard, 4.Jon McKain, 5.Iain Fyfe, 6.Cassio, 8.Marcelo Carrusca, 10.Dario Vidosic, 11.Bruce Djite, 14.Cameron Watson, 17.Iain Ramsay, 18.Fabian Barbiero, 19.Jake Barker-Daish, 20.Paul Izzo (gk), 21.Jeronimo Neumann, 22.Fabio Ferreira, 25.Tomi Juric (One to be omitted)

Ins: Bruce Djite (returns from injury)

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: Osama Malik (ankle)

Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Ben Kennedy (gk), 2. Scott Neville, 3. Zenon Caravella, 5. Dominik Ritter, 7. James Brown, 8. Ruben Zadkovich, 10. Bernardo Ribeiro, 11. Connor Chapman, 12. Josh Brillante, 14. Taylor Regan, 15. Craig Goodwin, 17. James Virgili, 18. Jacob Pepper, 19. Michael Bridges, 20. Mark Birighitti (gk), 21. Marko Jesic, 22. Adam Taggart, 25. Mitch Cooper, 26. Andrew Hoole (Four to be omitted)
 
Ins: Zenon Caravella (returns from injury), Taylor Regan (returns from suspension)

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: Ben Kantarovski (knee), Emile Heskey (calf), Sam Gallaway (knee)

Referee: Lucien Laverdure

Melbourne Heart v Western Sydney Wanderers, AAMI Park, Saturday 5.30pm (EDT), Fox Sports 3HD

Melbourne Heart Squad: 1. Clint Bolton, 3. Cameron Edwards, 4. Simon Colosimo, 5. Fred, 6. Patrick Gerhardt, 8. Matt Thompson, 9. Dylan Macallister, 10. Josip Tadic, 11. Richard Garcia, 13. Jonatan Germano, 14. Golgol Mebrathu, 15. David Williams, 16. Marcel Meeuwis, 17. Jason Hoffman, 18. David Vrankovic, 19. Ben Garuccio, 20. Andrew Redmayne, 21. Jamie Coyne, 22. Nick Kalmar, 25. Jeremy Walker, 36. Eli Babalj (Six to be omitted)

Ins: 3. Cameron Edwards, 6. Patrick Gerhardt, 9. Dylan Macallister, 13. Jonatan Germano, 17. Jason Hoffman, 19. Ben Garuccio

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: 23. Mate Dugandzic (broken foot – season)

Western Sydney Wanderers squad: 1. Ante Covic (GK), 2. Shannon Cole, 3. Adam D'Apuzzo, 4. Nikolai Topor-Stanley, 5. Michael Beauchamp, 6. Jerome Polenz, 7. Labinot Haliti, 8. Mateo Poljak, 9. Dino Kresinger, 10. Aaron Mooy, 11. Tarek Elrich, 13. Joey Gibbs, 14. Kwabena Appiah-Kubi, 15. Reece Caira, 16. Rocky Visconte, 17. Youssouf Hersi, 18. Iacopo La Rocca, 19.Mark Bridge, 20. Jerrad Tyson (GK), 21. Shinji Ono, 23. Jason Trifiro, 25. Josh Barresi (Seven to be omitted)

Ins: 2. Shannon Cole, 13. Joey Gibbs, 15. Reece Caira, 16. Rocky Visconte, 23. Jason Trifiro, 25. Josh Barresi (all promoted)

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: 12. Tahj Minniecon (foot, season)

Referee: Ben Williams

Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory, Allianz Stadium, Saturday 7.30pm (EDT), Fox Sports 3HD

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Sydney FC squad: 1. Ivan Necevski (gk), 2. Sebastian Ryall, 3. Fabio, 7. Brett Emerton, 8. Adam Griffiths, 10. Alessandro Del Piero, 12. Blake Powell, 13. Tiago Calvano, 15. Terry McFlynn, 16. Joel Chianese, 17. Terry Antonis, 20. Vedran Janjetovic (gk), 21. Yairo Yau, 22. Ali Abbas, 23. Rhyan Grant, 26. Peter Triantis, 29. Joel Griffiths, 32. Lucas Neill (Three to be omitted)

Ins: Blake Powell (promoted), Lucas Neill (returns from injury), Fabio (returns from suspension)

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: Pascal Bosschaart (heel, season), Kruno Lovrek (knee, 2 weeks)

Melbourne Victory squad: 1. Tando Velaphi (gk), 5. Mark Milligan, 6. Leigh Broxham, 8. Jonathan Bru, 9. Marcos Flores, 10. Archie Thompson, 11. Marco Rojas, 13. Diogo Ferreira, 14. Billy Celeski, 17. Jimmy Jeggo, 18. Francesco Stella, 21. Spase Dilevski, 22. Jesse Makarounas, 26. Andrew Nabbout, 31. Scott Galloway, 32. Connor Pain, 33. Daniel Mullen, 34. Dylan Murnane, 39. Nathan Coe (gk) (Four to be omitted)

Ins: Marcos Flores (returns from injury), Dylan Murnane (promoted)

Outs: Adrian Leijer (suspended), Adama Traore (injured)

Unavailable: 7. Gui Finkler (knee) 24.Nick Ansell (groin)

Referee: Strebre Delovski

Central Coast Mariners v Brisbane Roar, Bluetongue Stadium, Sunday 5pm (EDT), Fox Sports 3HD

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Western Sydney	24	16	2	6	15	50
2	Central Coast	24	13	6	5	22	45
3	Victory	24	12	4	8	3	40
4	Adelaide	24	12	3	9	3	39
5	Sydney	24	9	3	12	-8	30
6	Newcastle	25	8	6	11	-12	30
7	Brisbane	24	8	5	11	1	29
8	Perth	24	8	4	12	-2	28
9	Heart	24	8	3	13	-4	27
10	Wellington	25	6	6	13	-18	24

Central Coast Mariners squad: 1. Mathew Ryan (gk), 2. Daniel McBreen, 3. Joshua Rose, 4. Pedj Bojic, 5. Zachary Anderson, 6. Patrick Zwaanswijk, 7. John Hutchinson (c), 8. Adriano Pellegrino, 9. Bernie Ibini, 11. Oliver Bozanic, 13. Brent Griffiths, 14. Michael McGlinchey, 15. Brad McDonald, 16. Trent Sainsbury, 17. Anthony Caceres, 18. Nick Montgomery, 19. Mitchell Duke, 20. Justin Pasfield (gk), 21. Mile Sterjovski, 29. Nick Fitzgerald (Five to be omitted)

Ins: 8. Adriano Pellegrino, 13. Brent Griffiths, 15. Brad McDonald, 17. Anthony Caceres, 29. Nick Fitzgerald (all promoted)

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: 23. Adam Kwasnik (knee – season)

Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Michael Theo (gk), 3. Shane Stefanutto, 4. Matt Jurman, 5. Ivan Franjic, 7. Besart Berisha, 8. Massimo Murdocca, 9. Stef Nijland, 10. Henrique, 11. Ben Halloran, 13. Jade North, 14. Steven Lustica, 15. James Donachie, 17. Mitch Nichols, 18. Luke Brattan, 19. Jack Hingert, 20. Matt Acton (gk), 22. Thomas Broich (c), 25. George Lambadaridis, 26. Corey Brown (Four to be omitted)

Ins: 8. Massimo Murdocca (returns from injury), 4. Matt Jurman (promoted), 25. George Lambadaridis (promoted), 26. Corey Brown (promoted)

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: 2. Matt Smith (hip – season)

Referee: Alan Milliner

Perth Glory v Wellington Phoenix, nib Stadium, Sunday 7pm (EDT), Fox Sports 3HD

Perth Glory squad:  1.Danny Vukovic (gk), 2.Jack Clisby, 5.Steve Pantelidis, 6.Nick Ward, 7.Jacob Burns, 8.Dean Heffernan, 9.Shane Smeltz, 10.Liam Miller, 11.Adrian Zahra, 12.Ryo Nagai, 13.Travis Dodd, 14.Steven McGarry, 15.Brandon O'Neill, 16.Evan Berger, 17.Chris Harold, 18.Matias Cordoba, 19.Josh Risdon, 21.Scott Jamison, 22.Ndumba Makeche, 23.Michael Thwaite, 28.Daniel De Silva, 30 Lewis Italiano (gk) (Seven to be omitted)

Ins: 5.Steve Pantelidis (returns from injury), 6.Nick Ward, 11.Adrian Zahra, 15.Brandon O'Neill, 16.Evan Berger, 22.Ndumba Makeche 28.Daniel De Silva

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: 24. Storm Roux (international duty – New Zealand U-20), 26.Riley Woodcock (Young Socceroos camp), 27.Matthew Davies (Young Socceroos camp)

Wellington Phoenix squad: 1. Mark Paston (gk), 2. Manny Muscat,  3.Tony Lochhead; 4. Isaka Cernak, 7. Leo Bertos, 8. Paul Ifill, 10. Stein Huysegems, 11. Jeremy Brockie, 14. Ian Hogg, 17. Vince Lia, 18. Ben Sigmund, 20. Glen Moss (gk), 21. Dani Sanchez, 22. Andrew Durante (c), 23. Corey Gameiro

Ins: 10. Stein Huysegems (returns from suspension), 14. Ian Hogg (promoted)

Outs: 12. Tyler Boyd (international duty), 16. Louis Fenton (international duty) 
                                                                    
Unavailable: 12. Tyler Boyd (international duty), 16, Louis Fenton (international duty), 19. Jimmy Downey (knee – indefinite)

Referee: Jarred Gillett

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Galekovic surprised by call-up

Custodian ... Eugene Galekovic admits he was surprised by his call-up. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

Adelaide United skipper Eugene Galekovic said he was surprised when Socceroos coach Holger Osieck named him alongside Australia's best gloveman Mark Schwarzer.

Mark Bresciano

Alex Brosque

Tim Cahill

Robbie Cornthwaite

Dino Djulbic

Eugene Galekovic

James Holland

Brett Holman

Mile Jedinak

Robbie Kruse

Ryan McGowan

Matt McKay

Mark Milligan

Jade North

Tommy Oar

Tomas Rogic

Mat Ryan

Mark Schwarzer

Archie Thompson

Michael Thwaite

Luke Wilkshire

Rhys Williams

Michael Zullo

On Wednesday, Osieck unveiled a 23-man Socceroos FIFA 2014 World Cup qualifying squad for the clash against Oman at Stadium Australia on March 26.

Galekovic, Schwarzer and Central Coast's Mat Ryan made the keepers' cut.

Right on cue, Galekovic put on a great show when Osieck was a keen observer during Adelaide's 2-0 win over Melbourne Heart at AAMI Park on Monday.

"Yeah a little bit (surprised) considering all the players from Europe were coming back and the Middle East," Galekovic said after Adelaide training at Hindmarsh this morning.

"Yeah surprised but happy to be going to Sydney and meeting up with the boys,"

"In the future Mark Schwarzer has got his hand on the job but if something does pop up in the near future maybe in Holger's mind you might be a chance."

Osieck said Galekovic, 31, and Ryan, 20, will be given every chance to prove whether they are good enough to keep 40-year-old Schwarzer on his toes until Fulham's shot stopper decides to hang up his gloves.

"We have an opportunity to look at potential candidates for the future," Osieck said.

"And that is what I'm doing and although Eugene is not the youngest anymore but his A-League season so far has been outstanding.

"I saw a couple of games that he played and I had him in that (East Asian Cup) Hong Kong tournament in December and he did very well.

"Mat Ryan is really one of the upcoming keepers that could be in the Socceroos for the next couple of years."

Although Osieck admitted he hasn't named the strongest available squad for the Oman clash the German was confident with his selection before bunkering down to a Sydney camp from Tuesday.

"We're actually not really (the strongest)," Osieck said.

"I wished I had Matthew Spiranovic, unfortunately he is injured and Nikita Rukavytsya is injured and other than that it's a strong group.

"But there's also Lucas Neill with suspension and Carl Valeri due to both injury and suspension."

Osieck also said he hasn't written off Qatar-based former Adelaide United stopper Sasa Ognenovski for the remainder of the 2014 World Cup campaign.

Ognenovski hasn't been named for international duty since October.

"In football, you should never say never," he said.

"But right now I think the guys that are on my list they could do a good job for us so I decided to put them up."

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New Vic premier retains racing brief

THE challenge of growing one of Victoria's biggest industries, and of maintaining its integrity, has been retained by the state's new premier.

Denis Napthine announced on Tuesday he would balance the racing portfolio along with that of regional cities and the state's top job.

Dr Napthine said the $2 billion racing industry and its 70,000 jobs made it an economic portfolio.

"If we can grow jobs and opportunities in racing, that is good for the economy," he said.

Dr Napthine has also taken a leading role in enforcing integrity in the racing industry, an issue that has come under the microscope due to a number of high-profile issues in the past 12 months.

The decision has been welcomed by industry figures.

Racing Victoria Chief Executive, Bernard Saundry, said Dr Napthine was a passionate racing fan who shared with him the vision of a vibrant and successful thoroughbred racing industry.

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Video: Potter with plenty to fix

Dreams don't often come true but not in Mick Potter's wildest nightmares would he have expected a debut like this.

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With the long shadow of premiership mentor Tim Sheens hanging over him, Potter would have prayed for a decent start to the season to take the eyeballs of the rugby league world away from Wests Tigers until he had time to bed in his gameplan.

Those hopes and plans, best-laid as they may have been, are now out the window as Tigers fans come to grips with one of the most embarrassing round one performances in recent memory.

The first game of the season is no time for condemnation or wild doomsayer predictions.

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Every team has a right to an abberation or the chance to blow out the cobwebs.

And give Newcastle credit where credit's due. As you'd expect of a team in their second season under Wayne Bennett, they looked organised, sharp and on the job.

Their new recruits, bought to add some extra bite to the forward pack, also had the desired effect of straightening up the Knights in attack.

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It was an impressive performance and would have been enough to put much better sides than Monday night's opponents under pressure.

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Click on the video at the top of the page to watch as the Tigers' edge defence unravels time and time again in their round one defeat to Newcastle.

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But the nature of the Tigers' defeat, lacking in energy, organisation, and most alarmingly, defensive structure, can't completely be consigned to history.

In round one no side can be excused for being flat or lacking desperation and after scoring the first try of the game through a hungry looking Adam Blair, you would have expected to see a lift in self belief from a Tigers side searching for a new identity after 10 years during which little had changed.

But the enthusiasm that usually comes from a fresh approach was lacking, or at least it seemed to be as the Tigers struggled to get in step with each other.

For years the Tigers have survived off an attacking blueprint light-on in structure, mainly due to the ability of Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah to attack off the cuff and create linebreaks.

An unstructured attacking game is one thing. A lack of structure and organisation in defence is suicide.

If Potter has a method in mind for keeping opposing sides below 30 on the scoreboard, either he forgot to tell his players or it went in one ear and out the other.

Particularly on the edges, too often the decision making in defence fell somewhere between lacking cohesion and completely disconnected.

If the centre came up and in, the winger would slide. If the centre was sliding, the winger would shoot out of the line.

These basic errors were repeated over and over again and it didn't take long for the Knights to work out what was happening and start to exploit it.

In the end all seven tries scored by the Knights were shared by their two wingers and a centre as James McManus got two, Akuila Uate got a hat-trick and Dane Gagai finished with a double.

It tells its own story and if the Tigers don't get it fixed soon, their fanbase will start to wonder if giving Sheens his marching orders was the right move after all. 

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Live: NRL round two teams

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Sonny Bill ... high-profile recruit gets a start against the Warriors. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

Sydney Roosters star recruit Sonny Bill Williams has won a starting berth in the Roosters team to play the Warriors at Eden Park on Saturday.

SBW came on from the interchange bench in the first round loss to South Sydney and had a mixed start, capped by his first try.

The Warriors have made two changes to their starting line-up for the game, with Manu Vatuvei ruled out with an ankle injury and Feleti Mateo named on the bench. Vatuvei was forced off the field after just 18 minutes in Saturday's 40-10 loss to Parramatta and is expected to be miss two to three weeks.

He will be replaced on the wing by Bill Tupou, while Steve Rapira will start in place of Mateo in the Warriors' back row.

Wests Tigers reacted to a 42-10 defeat by Newcastle by making no changes to their starting side.

Coach Mick Potter said: "We're looking to rectify what we did on Monday. The season is not over in round one."

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Parramatta v Canterbury-Bankstown, ANZ Stadium, 8.05pm (EDT), Thursday

Eels: Jarryd Hayne, Ken Sio, Ryan Morgan, Jacob Loko, Cheyse Blair, Joseph Paulo, Chris Sandow, Mitch Allgood, Matt Keating, Tim Mannah, Reni Maitua, Ben Smith, Matt Ryan. Interchange: Ben Roberts, Darcy Lussick, Fuifui Moimoi,Kelepi Tanginoa

Bulldogs: Steve Turner ,Drury Low, Josh Morris, Krisnan Inu, Sam Perrett, Josh Reynolds, Kris Keating, Aiden Tolman, Michael Ennis (c), Martin Taupau, Tony Williams, Josh Jackson, Greg Eastwood. Interchange: Dene Halatau Dale Finucane David Klemmer Tim Browne Mitch Brown

St George Illawarra v Brisbane Broncos, WIN Stadium, 8.05pm, Friday

Dragons: Gerard Beale, Brett Morris, Chase Stanley, Matt Cooper, Jason Nightingale, Jamie Soward, Nathan Fien, Dan Hunt, Mitch Rein, Michael Weyman, Tyson Frizell, Ben Creagh (c), Trent Merrin. Interchange: Bronson Harrison, Leeson Ah Mau, Matt Prior, Cameron King, Jack Stockwell

Broncos: Corey Norman, Josh Hoffman, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Lachlan Maranta, Scott Prince, Peter Wallace, Josh McGuire, Andrew McCullough, Sam Thaiday (c), Alex Glenn, Matt Gillett, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Ben Hannant, Mitchell Dodds, David Stagg, Scott Anderson

Warriors v Sydney Roosters, Eden Park, 5.30pm (EDT), Saturday

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Warriors:  Kevin Locke, Glen Fisiiahi, Dane Nielsen, Konrad Hurrell, Bill Tupou, Thomas Leuluai, Shaun Johnson, Sam Rapira, Elijah Taylor, Ben Matulino, Steve Rapira, Simon Mannering, Todd Lowrie. Interchange: Jacob lillyman, Feleti Mateo, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Pita Godinet, Ben Henry. 

Roosters: Anthony Minichiello (c), Daniel Tupou, Michael Jennings, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, James Maloney, Mitchell Pearce, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Jake Friend, Sam Moa, Aidan Guerra, Sonny Bill Williams, Frank-Paul Nuuausala. Interchange: Daniel Mortimer, Martin Kennedy, Mitchell Aubusson, Luke O'Donnell, Boyd Cordner, Dylan Napa.

North Queensland v Melbourne, 1300Smiles Stadium, 7.30pm (EDT), Saturday 

Cowboys: Matthew Bowen,  Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Kane Linnett, Antonio Winterstein, Johnathan Thurston (c), Ray Thompson, Matthew Scott (c), Scott Moore, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson. Interchange (one to be omitted): Rory Kostjasyn, Ashton Sims, Tariq Sims, Jason Taumalolo, Clint Greenshields

Storm: Billy Slater, Matt Duffie, Will Chambers, Justin O'Neill, Mahe Fonua, Gareth Widdop, Cooper Cronk, Jesse Bromwich, Cameron Smith (c), Bryan Norrie, Tohu Harris, Ryan Hoffman, Ryan Hinchcliffe. Interchange: Jason Ryles, Lagi Setu, Siosaia Vave, Junior Moors, Slade Griffin

Gold Coast v Canberra, Skilled Park, 2pm (EDT), Sunday

Titans: William Zillman, Kevin Gordon, Brad Takairangi, Jamal Idris, David Mead, Aidan Sezer, Albert Kelly, Luke Douglas, Matt Srama, Nate Myles, Greg Bird, Ben Ridge, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Dave Taylor, Luke Bailey, Ryan James, Beau Falloon, Luke O'Dwyer

Raiders: Reece Robinson, Sandor Earl, Jarrod Croker, Jack Wighton, Edrick Lee, Josh McCrone (c), Sam Williams, David Shillington (c), Shaun Berrigan, Dane Tilse, Josh Papalii, Joel Thompson, Shaun Fensom. Interchange: Matt McIlwrick, Joel Edwards, Brett White, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Mark Nicholls

Wests Tigers v Penrith, Campbelltown Sports Centre, 3pm (EDT), Sunday

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Tigers: Tim Moltzen, Matt Utai, Blake Ayshford, Chris Lawrence, Marika Koroibete, Benji Marshall, Jacob Miller, Jack Buchanan, Robbie Farah, Keith Galloway, Braith Anasta, Liam Fulton, Adam Blair. Interchange: Matt Bell, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Aaron Woods, Eddy Pettybourne, Joel Reddy.

Panthers: Dean Whare, Josh Mansour, Wes Naiqama, Brad Tighe, David Simmons, Lachlan Coote, Luke Walsh, Sam McKendry, Kevin Kingston (c), Tim Grant, Sika Manu, Lewis Brown, Nathan Smith. interchange: James Segeyaro, Nigel Plum, Clint Newton, Jeremy Latimore, Adam Docker

Manly v Newcastle, Brookvale Oval, 6.30pm (EDT), Sunday

Sea Eagles: Brett Stewart, Jorge Taufua, Jamie Lyon (c), Steve Matai, David Williams, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Brenton Lawrence, Matt Ballin, Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough, Justin Horo, Jamie Buhrer. Interchange: Richie Fa'aoso, Joe Galuvao, David Gower, Jesse Sene-Lafao, Tom Symonds

Knights: Darius Boyd, James McManus, Dane Gagai, Anthony Quinn, Akuila Uate, Jarrod Mullen,. Kurt Gidley (c), Kade Snowden, Travis Waddell, Willie Mason, Beau Scott, Chris Houston, Jeremy Smith. Interchange: Tyrone Roberts, Neville Costigan, Robbie Rochow, Alex McKinnon, David Fa'alogo

South Sydney v Cronulla, ANZ Stadium, 7pm (EDT), Monday

Rabbitohs: Greg Inglis, Nathan Merritt, Dylan Farrell, Bryson Goodwin, Andrew Everingham, John Sutton, Adam Reynolds, Jeff Lima, Issac Luke, Roy Asotasi, Chris McQueen, Ben Te'o, Ben Lowe. Interchange: Nathan Peats, Michael Crocker (c), David Tyrrell, George Burgess, Jason Clark, Justin Hunt

Sharks: Michael Gordon, Jonathan Wright, Ricky Leutele, Matthew Wright, Beau Ryan, Todd Carney, Jeff Robson, Andrew Fifita, Isaac De Gois, Ben Ross, Luke Lewis, Wade Graham, Paul Gallen. Interchange: Chris Heighington, Jon Green, John Morris, Anthony Tupou, Jayson Bukuya, Sam Tagataese, Chad Townsend

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Reds ban Ioane for Force clash

Banned ... Digby Ioane will sit out the Reds next game. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

Wallabies winger Digby Ioane has been stood down from Saturday night's Super Rugby clash between Queensland and the Western Force.

The Queensland Rugby Union and Ioane have agreed the 27-year-old should be suspended for the match at Suncorp Stadium following his involvement in an alleged assault at a Melbourne pub.

"Discussions between the QRU and Digby were held on Monday morning and all parties have agreed that Digby failed to demonstrate the necessary behaviours expected of a senior player within the the Reds squad," the QRU said in a statement.

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Victorian police are currently investigating an alleged assault that occurred between Ioane's older brother and another patron at a Prahran hotel on Saturday afternoon.

The 55-Test winger has reportedly been questioned about the incident, a day after the Reds beat the Melbourne Rebels 23-13 at AAMI Park.

Reds coach Ewen McKenzie said the decision to axe him for the one match related to the expectations of his behaviour as a senior player and not to the police investigation.

"As an organisation and as a team we're not happy about some of these things that are going on and the headlines ... that goes around with that," McKenzie said.

"We're taking a stand at this point in time that this type of behaviour is not what we're about.

"I've spent a lot of time speaking to Digby this morning about his role and responsibility in the team and he gets that.

"We had a long discussion around where he sits as a role model and out of that discussion we have to send a message.

"This isn't just a message to Digby but to all our players about what we think is acceptable and what isn't.

"It's irrelevant of what's going in terms to the police investigation. It's how we want to be seen in the rugby community."

McKenzie now needs to find two new wingers for this weekend with fellow Wallabies flyer Dom Shipperley sidelined by a back injury.

Ioane was free to train with the Reds on Monday afternoon and will be available to return against the Bulls on Saturday week at Suncorp Stadium.

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Broncos fadeout 'unacceptable'

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Fadeout ... Alex Glenn speaks out about Brisbane's effort on Friday. Source: Annette Dew / News Limited

Kiwi international Alex Glenn has branded Brisbane's NRL effort against Manly last Friday as totally unacceptable.

After some eye-catching football in the opening 40 minutes to hold a 14-6 lead, the Broncos had no answer to an energised Sea Eagles outfit who stormed home to win 22-14.

"I know it was only round one but that's a standard we're not going to accept at this club,'' said Glenn, who steps out for his 100th NRL game against St George Illawarra on Friday night.

Glenn said Brisbane needed to develop a much harder edge after Manly exposed their smaller forwards up the middle and also found some defensive deficiencies out wide.

"That standard is something we don't want in our system,'' he said.

"We want to play tough footy, stay in the grind and complete our sets.''

Glenn revealed the players struggled to cop the defeat after blowing a good lead.

"All us boys couldn't really look each other in the eye. We knew we didn't do our job on the field in the second half,'' he said''

Coach Anthony Griffin didn't have to rip into his players in the dressing rooms - they all knew they'd let him and themselves down.

"When the coach doesn't blow up (after a loss like that) you know he's very disappointed,'' said Glenn.

"You like to come off the field feeling proud of what you did with nothing left in the tank, that's what hurts when you turn in a performance like that.

"The club is celebrating 25 years and with so many legends, we really want to honour those players this year.''

Glenn said he was proud to be playing his 100th game against the Dragons after making his NRL debut against North Queensland in 2009.

"It's something I am pretty proud to have achieved,'' he said.\

"I want to keep going and hopefully double that tally in my career,'' he said.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

WA tailenders pinch Shield win

Rising star ... Teenager Agar showed nerves of steel to secure the win. Source: News Limited

Western Australia's tailenders Michael Hogan and Ashton Agar put on a last-gasp 68-run stand to pinch a one-wicket win against South Australia on Sunday.

SHEF - Adelaide Oval

7 March 2013 - Day 4, Session 2

Western Australia 2nd Innings

A. Agar	22	92	2	0	23.91
M. Hogan	47	63	4	1	74.6

The Warriors moved to equal second on the Sheffield Shield table with the Redbacks after a dramatic final day run chase at Adelaide Oval.

Victoria remain ladder leaders, two points ahead of WA and SA, with all states having one match to play in the regular season.

Chasing 207 runs, WA appeared doomed when 9-143 but Agar and No.11 Hogan stunned SA with their partnership,

The pair denied SA a victory which would have put the Redbacks in pole position to reach their first Shield final since 1995/96.

The 19-year-old Agar survived 92 deliveries in his unbeaten 22 while Hogan smacked four boundaries and cracked a six to win the match. Hogan finished 47 not out.

With four runs needed to win, SA captain Johan Botha dropped a difficult caught and bowled chance from Hogan's bat, unable to grasp a powerful head-high drive.

And with three runs to win, SA newcomer Carl Tietjens fumbled a possible run out chance from a Hogan drive and the batsmen snuck a single.

In the next over, Hogan smacked a six over mid-on from Botha's spin bowling to spectacularly seal the win.

The Warriors had started Sunday in strife at 4-50 but opener Marcus Harris and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh raised their victory hopes with a 63-run stand.

The partnership ended in controversy when Marsh, on 28, was given run out when he appeared to make his ground after Harris pushed for a single to Callum Ferguson at cover.

Harris made a superb 74 but was one of two wickets to fall just before lunch, denting WA's winning ambitions.

Harris fell to a spectacular one-handed diving catch by wicketkeeper Tim Ludeman from paceman Joe Mennie's bowling.

Just three overs later, Sam Whiteman was trapped lbw by Botha and the Warriors staggered to lunch with seven wickets down and still needing 69 runs to win.

After the break, WA's Nathan Coulter-Nile and Burt Cockley fell to leave the visitors 9-143 and SA seemingly set for victory.

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Ioane caught up in alleged assault

Incident ... The Reds have confirmed Ioane is assisting police with investigations. Source: AAP

Queensland Reds officials have launched their own inquiries into a pub incident in Melbourne where winger Digby Ioane has been interviewed by police to assist in an alleged assault case

The incident unfolded late on Saturday afternoon at the Mt Erica Hotel in High Street, Prahran where Ioane was with a 30-year-old Melbourne-based relative.

It is believed the 30-year-old was involved in a verbal altercation with a Prahran man of the same age.

Police confirmed they were investigating an alleged assault on a 30-year-old Prahran man, who sustained a minor leg injury.

A Queensland Rugby Union spokesman said the QRU was aware there was an incident involving Ioane in Melbourne on Saturday night.

"It's currently a matter for the Victorian Police and we are therefore unable to make further comment at this time,'' the QRU spokesman said.

"The QRU can confirm no other Queensland Reds players were in attendance and that it is also undertaking its own enquiries while working alongside the Australian Rugby Union and Police."

Ioane and Reds fly half Quade Cooper had stayed on in Melbourne after last Friday night's 23-13 victory over Melbourne Rebels.

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