AFL season could grow from 2014

Change ... Carlton v Richmond has traditionally been the AFL season opener. Source: Joe Castro / AAP

The AFL will consider breaking a long-standing tradition and extending the season as soon as next year in a bold bid to attack the "free hits" it gives rival codes which start earlier.

Chief executive Andrew Demetriou said the league had looked at a number of options which would allow it to bring round one forward, including starting the season overseas.

He also said clubs could play more than 22 games in an extended season with extra byes and had canvassed the possible changes with club captains.

"(We could) start the season up north earlier, use Etihad Stadium earlier – because it's not a cricket ground – use Subiaco earlier, (and) I can't rule out the possibility of playing overseas," he told SEN.

"It could possibly include a variation of the length of the season."

The mooted dramatic change would almost certainly spell an end to the NAB Cup in its current form, with Demetriou confirming the pre-season competition could be massively downgraded next year.

"Whether you need four hit-outs or two against other teams and maybe they play an intra-club, I think that's got some merit," he said.

The NRL, Super 15s and A-League are all in full swing by the first week of March, dominating media attention in the two northern states.

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Fox Footy is the only place to see every game of the 2013 AFL regular season live in high definition and uninterrupted siren-to-siren.

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The MCG is currently off-limits to the AFL until the end of the Sheffield Shield cricket season.

Demetriou revealed the first game in South Australia next year would be a Showdown at the refurbished 50,000-seat Adelaide Oval but said it would not open the season.

A Saturday twilight opener is preferred by local officials to ensure a smooth opener.

- with Michelangelo Rucci

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Gilmore knocked out by Wright

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Stephanie Gilmore ... beaten by Tyler Wright in Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach. Source: Steve Robertson / AAP

Five-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore has been knocked out of the Rip Curl Pro in the quarter-finals by current world No 1 and fellow Aussie Tyler Wright.

Surfing with a broken bone in her foot, Gilmore missed by just 0.04 points with her last ride of the event to overcome Wright after a huge effort to surf four heats today following two losses during the competition.

Northern NSW surfer Wright had a nervous wait before claiming victory, with three-time Bells champion Gilmore turning in a quality last ride.

But as the judges' scores came in and the siren to end the heat sounded, Gilmore's score was a 9.1 when she needed a 9.14 to win.

It is the first time Gilmore has been eliminated at the quarter-final stage at Bells.

Gilmore had lost in both the first round on Thursday, and the third round earlier today despite a perfect 10 ride in that heat.

That forced the 25-year-old into a fourth round sudden-death heat in which she beat Hawaiian Malia Manuel to make the last eight.

Wright, who turns 19 on Sunday, was thrilled to continue her stunning start to the tour after winning the season-opening Roxy Pro on the Gold Coast and being runner-up in the second event in Western Australia.

But on a quality day of women's surfing as organisers attempt to get the semi-finals finished in excellent, consistent surf, Wright had to pull out all stops to see off Gilmore and was wondering what she had left.

"I don't know how I'm going to surf the semis - I'm fricken exhausted," Wright said.

"That was a great quarter. I was lucky (Gilmore's score) wasn't enough but either way I was happy with my performance."

Gilmore was competing with an undisplaced foot fracture - her left foot taped up after she was injured during her surprise first round loss earlier in the week.

"It's not the sort of injury that gets any worse surfing on it. It's just a case of push through the pain, grit the teeth and get through it," Gilmore said.

It made her performance in scoring a 10 and a 9.9 in her fourth round heat even more noteworthy.

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Jones accepts Socceroos exile

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Catch 22 ... being second-choice has hurt Brad Jones's Socceroos aspirations. Source: Chris Ison / AAP

Liverpool's Australian goalkeeper Brad Jones accepts his international chances may have been hampered by remaining at the prominent English Premier League club.

However, the sometime Socceroo admits he would rather stay at Anfield and provide competition for first-choice Jose Reina than leave and play more matches elsewhere.

The Reds' Melwood training ground has been a quiet place for the past week with many of the squad away at World Cup qualifiers.

But Jones was one of those left behind as the most recent of his three appearances for the Socceroos coming in January 2011, although he was called into the squad in September last year as a replacement for injured Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici.

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The 31-year-old knows his role as Reina's deputy is counting against him, although injury to the Spaniard has seen Jones make 15 appearances this season - more than in his previous two seasons combined - and start the last two Premier League matches.

"I have kind of been in and out (of the international team) recently but there is not a lot I can do really, it is up to the manager to pick me," Jones, who signed a new contract at Anfield in December, told Press Association Sport.

"The manager (Holger Osieck) wants people who are playing fairly regularly, which is obviously going to be difficult for me here.

"I have probably played more games than I thought I might have this year but just the way it has worked out it is going to be difficult.

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"But on the other side for me it is a tough one because I would probably rather play 15 games for Liverpool than 30 for someone else.

"It is Catch 22 but I think if I am playing for Liverpool and performing then I should be in contention."

The goalkeeper could lose his place in the starting line-up for Sunday's trip to Aston Villa as Reina has been declared fit after joining up with Spain for their World Cup qualifiers, although he was on the bench for both matches.

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Rabbitohs spoil Barba's return

Canterbury Bulldogs ... fullback Ben Barba can't stop South Sydney forward George Burgess from scoring. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

South Sydney have spoiled the return of troubled Canterbury-Bankstown star Ben Barba by winning a physical Good Friday clash 17-12 at ANZ Stadium.

2 Tries 3
Mitch Brown 14'	George Burgess 34'
Ben Barba 80'	Nathan Merritt 56'
	Bryson Goodwin 69'
2 Conversions 2
Krisnan Inu 16'	Adam Reynolds 36'
Krisnan Inu 80'	Adam Reynolds 71'
0 Field Goals 1
	Adam Reynolds 79'

The Bulldogs got things off to a flying start courtesy of a try to Mitch Brown.

The visitors returned serve when George Burgess crashed over on the brink of half time and leveled the scores.

Six all at the break, a perfectly weighted kick from Adam Reynolds to the wing of Nathan Merritt caught the Bulldogs napping and the visitors hit the lead by four. 

Bulldogs centre Krisnan Inu was placed on report in the 67th minute after dropping Greg Inglis on the point of his head in a dumping tackle.

Two minutes later former Bulldog Bryson Goodwin crossed following some great set up from Merritt. 

Some fancy footwork from Barba saw the fullback send a long ball to Josh Morris who looked to have scored but the referee ruled Barba's pass to be forward.  

Reynolds sealed the game with a field goal in the 78th minute but Barba wasn't finished.

In his return to the NRL as part of strict of a 12-month rehabilitation program after being stood down in the pre-season, the fullback pounced on a kick in the 79th minute to score a try of his own.

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Bulls beat the Heat to end streak

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Dwyane Wade ... feels the Heat as the Bulls end their streak. Source: Nam Y. Huh / AP

The Chicago Bulls have ended the Miami Heat's epic 27-game winning streak with a 101-97 triumph over the reigning NBA champions.

The Heat's streak was the second-best winning run in major North American professional sport, trailing only the 33-game NBA winning streak of the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers. The Heat hadn't lost since February 1 at Indiana.

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Chicago's Luol Deng scored 28 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter, and made four three-pointers.

Carlos Boozer added 21 points and 17 rebounds for a Bulls team playing without injured All-Star center Joakim Noah of France, as well as guards Richard Hamilton and Marco Belinelli - and with star guard Derrick Rose yet to play a game this season since he is recovering from a knee injury.

"We didn't play perfect, but we fought hard the whole game,'' Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich said.

Jimmy Butler added 17 points for the Bulls, who limited the Heat's formidable offense to 44.4 percent, shooting from the field in the second half.

Heat superstar LeBron James scored 32 points on 11-of-17 shooting with seven rebounds.

Dwyane Wade returned from a two-game absence to score 18 points and grab seven rebounds, while Chris Bosh scored 21 points in the setback.

As they had more than once during the streak, the Heat fell behind by double digits, trailing by as many as 13 in the first half.

They were behind 55-46 at halftime, but once again found another gear after the interval.

James scored four points on dunks to open the third quarter as for the eighth time in the streak the Heat launched a rally from a double-digit deficit.

The Heat took the lead for the first time, 59-58, with 4:30 left in the third quarter on Shane Battier's three-pointer.

Butler's dunk on an alley-oop pass from Deng saw the Bulls rebuild their lead to 64-61 with 2:25 left in the third, Butler rising over Miami's Chris Bosh to grab the pass.

The Heat responded with another three-pointer by Battier, and had knotted the score at 69-69 in the opening minute of the fourth quarter.

The Bulls again pulled ahead with a 6-0 scoring run. After Wade made two baskets to narrow the deficit, Deng sank a crucial three-pointer - then added another almost a minute later that gave Chicago an 83-75 lead with six minutes to play.

Boozer's rebound and putback layup was followed by a a turnover by James -- leading to a layup for the Bulls' Nate Robinson that put Chicago's lead at 98-89 with 30.2 seconds remaining, and the Bulls added three free throws from there.

The Heat kept pushing, with Wade's steal and basket followed by a three-pointer by Bosh narrowing the gap with 5.5 seconds on the clock - but then to the joy of chanting Bulls fans the Heat and their streak were done.

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Jurrah detained in Alice Springs

Not Guilty ... outside Alice Springs Magistrates Court at his recent hearing. Source: Xavier La Canna / AAP

Former AFL player Liam Jurrah has again been arrested in Alice Springs.

The troubled former Melbourne player was arrested by police on Wednesday night in central Alice Springs after allegedly taking part in a disturbance.

Police sources say no charges have been laid against Jurrah yet.

Jurrah failed to appear in an Adelaide court on Thursday, where he was facing aggravated assault charge.

His lawyer Joanna Caracoussis said he was still in the Northern Territory where he is to attend his grandfather's upcoming funeral.

Jurrah was last week acquitted in the Alice Springs Supreme Court of assaulting his cousin in a brawl last year.

The footballer is an initiated Warlpiri man from Yuendumu, and the court heard the brawl related to ongoing problems between rival families in the outback town.

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Hayne signs new deal with Eels

Star ... Jarryd Hayne will remain in the blue and yellow until the end of 2015. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

Parramatta Eels captain and star fullback Jarryd Hayne has re-signed with the club until the end of the 2015 season.

Hayne debuted with the Eels as an 18-year-old in the 2006 season and  has gone on to play 143 matches for Parramatta - his only NRL club.

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"We are thrilled our recently appointed co-captain has extended his contract with us for another two seasons, and are excited he will be a part of our new beginning at Parramatta," the team said in a statement.

The news came on the same day Eels great Nathan Hindmarsh called for Hayne to learn how to better deal with the pressure that comes with being an NRL skipper.

Hayne's ascendancy to the Eels' captaincy was hailed as a coming of age for the superstar No. 1 but since Parramatta's opening-round win over the Warriors, he has struggled with the high-profile role.

This was most noticeable in the loss to Wests Tigers on Friday during which the representative custodian engaged in a running battle with the referees.

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Former captain Hindmarsh knows only too well the demands that come with being the figurehead at one of rugby league's proudest clubs and says Hayne needs to take a more even-tempered approach.

"Jarryd is under a lot of pressure and some of it is a bit unfair," Hindmarsh said on Wednesday.

"But sometimes he brings that upon himself and you saw that in the game against the Tigers last week in regards to the way he spoke to the referees. But he is still learning."

Hindmarsh said Hayne needed to lean on senior Eels players for support in handling such a demanding role.

"There are a lot of other experienced guys in the side that are probably sitting under Jarryd's criticism when a lot of them, I think, could also help him out a fair bit as well," Hindmarsh said.

"It is a bit unfair but hopefully we can see the Jarryd Hayne of 2009 again. It would be nice. It would be very nice.

"I spoke to a lot of people and I was willing to get help and ask for help from my peers and other people around. And I think Jarryd could benefit from that.

"At the end of the day, I wasn't a big talker. I had lots of other people to do that for me who were quite comfortable doing that and I just tried to lead from example. And that's how I tried to be as good a captain as I could.''

Hindmarsh also had a message for critics and fans who have started to doubt the Eels' chances after three rounds of the season under new coach Ricky Stuart.

"Give them time - they will get it together," Hindmarsh said.

"It is very early in the season to be writing anyone off. Wait until we are halfway through the season and see how things are going then."

- with AAP

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'Grading is unfair for Richie'

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Trouble ... Richie Fa'aoso is put on report for his hit on Ashley Harrison. Source: COLIN WHELAN / AAP

Manly coach Geoff Toovey launched a stinging attack on the NRL match review committee in the hours before forward Richie Fa'aoso faced the judiciary over a dangerous contact charge.

Fa'aoso will fight for a reduction to the grade-three charge, which resulted in Gold Coast back-rower Ashley Harrison being carried from the field in a neck brace on Saturday night.

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If unsuccessful at the judiciary on Wednesday night, Fa'aoso faces a four-week suspension - a punishment Toovey feels is excessive.

Toovey implored the judiciary not to make an example of his prop as the NRL cracks down on shoulder charges, which have been outlawed.

"I hope they don't make an example because there is no example to be made,'' Toovey said.

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"He's come in contact with Ashley Harrison's head accidentally and he's been punished for it but we just believe that it's probably a bit too severe.

''... We think that Richie's been particularly hard done by with the grading, so we think it's way too high and we've got a good case, we believe.''

The Sea Eagles appear set to claim Harrison's injuries were the result of an accidental head clash rather than a shoulder hit.

It is understood they are miffed at the lesser charge dealt to Melbourne fullback Billy Slater, who was slapped with a grade-one dangerous contact charge which left North Queensland's Antonio Winterstein concussed.

Slater's shoulder made contact with Winterstein's head and left the winger dazed for two days afterwards - but didn't draw a penalty at the time, and the former Golden Boot winner escaped suspension with an early guilty plea.

Toovey would not be drawn on specific examples, but he lashed the match review panel for perceived inconsistencies.

"I can't comment on other cases but that's the problem with the consistency of the judiciary,'' he said.

"All I can say is we believe the grading is unfair for Richie, (it was) accidental contact and that's the case we'll be presenting.''

Toovey says he is in favour of measures which protect players but feels Fa'aoso's proposed punishment is not in line with his crime.

"I understand that they have a duty to protect players and the health of players, which I think is the number one priority. It's just the consistency of the whole thing,'' he said.

"We need to protect the players and that means from all sorts of incidents, not just accidents, and players need to be taught that that's not acceptable.

"But there's certain degrees of culpability and we believe this one's of a lesser extent.''

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'You can build a team around Mullen'

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Jarrod Mullen ... had a blinder for the Knights against the Cowboys. Source:FOX SPORTS

Former St George Illawarra superstar Mark Gasnier looks back on the third round of NRL action in 2013 and singles out his player of the week to be awarded The Gaz Man.

And the award, for his starring role in Newcastle Knights' big win over North Queensland Cowboys goes to...

JARROD MULLEN

On top of the couple of bits of individual brilliance, especially his pass to Alex McKinnon, I was really impressed with the way Jarrod Mullen controlled the game, particularly when the Knights got 24 in front. He still chose his passes very well and kicked at the right time.

The perfect thing about him - and it reminded me a little bit of the Dragons in 2010 with Jamie Soward - was he really nailed where he was on the field and what he had to do with the ball.

If it was long he kicked early and found space; if he was close enough he'd put the ball up and put a hell of a lot of pressure on; his cross-field kicks to Akuila Uate were outstanding; plus putting pressure on through a repeat set of six.

Obviously Tyrone Roberts had a couple of good touches too, but Mullen defended well and I think you can really build a team around that. If a person has that composure week in, week out, Wayne Bennett would be ecstatic with a performance like that.

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Now he's given himself a standard to play at and Wayne would be holding him accountable to really try and reach that each week.

Obviously it's dependant on what the forwards do around him.

I think in general up there this year, everyone knows their role so much better than last year and they've got confidence in what they do. They know what Darius Boyd does a bit more, Jeremy Smith and Beau Scott have stiffened up their defence, but everyone just knows what they're doing and it just seems to flow.

You can just tell there's a bit more confidence around the place. When someone makes a break or half-break there now, there's two or three people there now. Last year there wasn't one.

You look when Tyrone Roberts ran through once, they had three or four people around him. That wasn't there last year.

I think there's a lot more belief in one another's ability and they know what each other's strengths and weaknesses are.

And I do think they genuinely know how to take Wayne Bennett now. I think sometimes he can be a bit intimidating with his presence to a lot of guys who don't know him. 

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Live: NRL round four teams

He's back ... Ben Barba is named to make his return for the Bulldogs. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

We bring you all the round four NRL team news as the squads for all eight games are announced on Tuesday.

Manly Sea Eagles v Wests Tigers, Bluetongue Stadium, 8.05pm (EDT) Thursday

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: Jesse Sene-Lefao, Joe Galuvao, David Gower, Tom Symonds

Tigers: Tim Moltzen, Joel Reddy, Blake Ayshford, Chris Lawrence, Matt Utai, Benji Marshall, Jacob Miller, Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah (c), Jack Buchanan, Braith Anasta, Liam Fulton, Adam Blair. Interchange: Ben Murdoch-Masila, Ava Seumanufagai, Matt Bell, Eddy Pettybourne, Masada Iosefa

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v South Sydney Rabbitohs, ANZ Stadium, 4pm (EDT) Friday

Bulldogs: Ben Barba, Mitch Brown, 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, Frank Pritchard, Tim Browne, Tim Lafai

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

Brisbane Broncos v Melbourne Storm, Suncorp Stadium, 8.05pm (EDT) Friday 

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

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

Cronulla Sharks v St George Illawarra Dragons, Sharks Stadium, 7.30pm (EDT) Saturday

Sharks: Michael Gordon, Jonathan Wright, Ben Pomeroy, Matthew Wright, Beau Ryan, Todd Carney, Jeff Robson, Andrew Fifita, John Morris, Ben Ross, Luke Lewis, Wade Graham, Paul Gallen (c). Interchange: Chris Heighington, Jayson Bukuya, Isaac De Gois, Anthony Tupou, Sam Tagataese

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

Penrith Panthers v Gold Coast Titans, Centrebet Stadium, 3pm (EDT) Sunday

Panthers: Dean Whare, Josh Mansour, Wes Naiqama, Brad Tighe, David Simmons, Tom Humble, Luke Walsh, Sam McKendry, Kevin Kingston (c), Tim Grant, Sika Manu, Lewis Brown, Cameron Ciraldo. Interchange: Adam Docker, Nigel Plum, James Segeyaro, Clint Newton, Nathan Smith, Matt Robinson

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, Steve Michaels

Newcastle Knights v Canberra Raiders, Hunter Stadium, 6.30pm (EDT) Sunday

Knights: Darius Boyd, James McManus, Anthony Quinn, Alex McKinnon, Akuila Uate, Jarrod Mullen, Tyrone Roberts, Kade Snowden, Danny Buderus, David Fa'alogo, Robbie Rochow, Chris Houston (c), Jeremy Smith. Interchange: Timana Tahu, Neville Costigan, Adam Cuthbertson, Korbin Sims

Raiders: Reece Robinson, Sandor Earl, Jarrod Croker, Blake Ferguson, Jack Wighton, Josh McCrone (c), Sam Williams, David Shillington (c), Glen Buttriss, Brett White, Josh Papalii, Joel Edwards, Shaun Fensom. Interchange: Shaun Berrigan, Joe Picker, Dane Tilse, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Matt McIlwrick

Warriors v North Queensland Cowboys, Mt Smart Stadium, 4pm (EDT) Monday

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

Cowboys: Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Kane Linnett, Antonio Winterstein, Johnathan Thurston (c), Michael Morgan, Matthew Scott (c), Scott Moore, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: Anthony Mitchell, Ashton Sims, Scott Bolton, Jason Taumalolo, Blake Leary.

Sydney Roosters v Parramatta Eels, Allianz Stadium, 7pm (EDT) Monday

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, Boyd Cordner, Sonny Bill Williams, Frank-Paul Nuuausala. Interchange: Daniel Mortimer, Martin Kennedy, Mitchell Aubusson, Aidan Guerra, Kane Evans

Eels: Jarryd Hayne (c), Ken Sio, Ryan Morgan, Jacob Loko, Vai Toutai, Luke Kelly, Chris Sandow, Mitchell Allgood, Matt Keating, Tim Mannah, Reni Maitua (c), Ben Smith, Joseph Paulo. Interchange: Ben Roberts, Darcy Lussick, Fuifui Moimoi, Kelepi Tanginoa

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Late wickets give Black Caps edge

Wicket ... Tim Southee celebrates with teammates after taking a catch. Source: Ross Setford / AP

A late double strike by part-time spinner Kane Williamson has New Zealand firmly in the driving seat heading into the last day of the third and final cricket Test against England.

3rd Test - Eden Park

22 March 2013 - Day 4, Session 3

England 2nd Innings

I. Bell	8	89	1	0	8.99
S. Finn	0	10	0	0	0
K. Williamson	6.1	4	5	2	0.81

Set 481 for victory, the tourists were reduced to 4-90 at the close of play on day four in Auckland.

Williamson claimed the prized wicket of England skipper Alastair Cook for 43, with Dean Brownlie taking a slick catch at second slip.

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In his next over, with what was to be the last ball of the day, he dismissed nightwatchman Steven Finn for a duck, gully fieldsman Tim Southee juggling the ball before hanging on.

Williamson finished the day with figures of 2-5 from 6.1 overs.

The Black Caps, with opener Peter Fulton scoring 110 for his second century of the match, declared their second innings at 6-241.

After the first two Tests were hit by rain and ended in draws, the weather is unlikely to be a factor this time around, with further sunshine forecast for Tuesday.

England made a bad start to their second innings, losing Nick Compton for 2 after he edged a Southee delivery to keeper BJ Watling.

Jonathan Trott joined Cook and the pair steadied the ship, although Cook did have a life when on 1.

Paceman Southee again found the edge but this time a diving Watling couldn't hold a difficult chance.

Cook and Trott put on a 58-run partnership before Trott, on 37, chased a ball from Neil Wagner and gave Watling his second catch to leave England at 2-60.

Earlier, Fulton became the fourth New Zealander to score a century in both innings of a Test.

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Watch the exciting conclusion to the Black Caps series against England, Live and in High Definition, on Fox Sports 1HD from 8.30am on Tuesday.

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The 34-year-old Cantabrian's achievement put him in the company of Glenn Turner, Geoff Howarth and Andrew Jones.

His 136 in the first innings was his maiden Test ton.

He brought up his second hundred with a flourish, slamming a six back over the head of seamer Stuart Broad.

Fulton fell in the next over, mistiming a pull shot from a Finn delivery to Joe Root at mid-on.

After putting his head down in the first innings and also late on Sunday when New Zealand were reduced to 3-8, Fulton opened out on Monday.

In all, he hit 19 boundaries, including five sixes, and shared in partnerships of 74 with Brownlie (28) and 117 with skipper Brendon McCullum.

After Fulton's departure, McCullum continued the attack and finished unbeaten on 67, having faced just 53 balls and hit five fours and three sixes.

He made the declaration after Watling holed out to spinner Monty Panesar for 18.

Panesar, despite taking some stick, finished with 2-53, while Broad took 2-54.

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Brent Kite flies to Panthers

Switch ... Brent Kite will be playing at Penrith in 2014. Source: Brent Kite / News Limited

Former NSW prop Brent Kite has agreed a two-year deal to join Penrith at the start of the 2014 NRL season.

The 2008 Clive Churchill medallist joined the Sea Eagles from St George Illawarra in 2005 and has been a mainstay of the club's recent success, playing in two winning grand final sides.

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Kite, 32, admitted he would have loved to have seen out his career on the northern beaches, but was looking forward to being part of Penrith's rebuilding under coach Ivan Cleary and Phil Gould.

But salary cap issues appear to have forced his hand.

"I would have loved to finish my career at Manly, the club that I've given a great deal to, and the club that's given a great deal to me,'' Kite said.

"Unfortunately, successful teams can never hang on to everyone, but at Manly we've managed to do this better than anyone else in recent times.

"We don't have a 'Big Three', we have a `Big Team', and I'm proud to be part of all the success we've had.

"We have so many guys who have shown true loyalty to their mates, and I'll miss them all.

"Thanks to the fans who have always been kind to me and my family, and to everyone at the club, even old Dessie (Hasler) for getting me here,'' Kite quipped.

Manly coach Geoff Toovey was full of praise for Kite's contribution.

"The platform he has given this club since debuting here in 2005 cannot be understated,'' Toovey said.

"His work rate and commitment are a lesson for any young forward coming through.

"You only have to look at the strong fashion in which he's started 2013, especially with co-captain Jason King sidelined in the early rounds, to understand what Brent's about.''

Kite made his NRL first grade debut in 2002 for the Dragons, represented Australia 14 times and made 10 State of Origin appearances.

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Bernie pushed Red Bull dream team

Dream team ... Hamilton was close to signing with Red Bull. Source: James Moy / AAP

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone attempted to broker a move last year for Lewis Hamilton to join the Red Bull team.

Ecclestone held talks with Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz with regard to the prospect of Hamilton joining forces with triple-world champion Sebastian Vettel and forming a super team.

The deal, however, foundered as the Austrian opted to remain loyal to Australian driver Mark Webber.

Although Webber confirmed discussing with Ferrari the prospect of a move last season, he ultimately decided to sign another one-year contract with Red Bull, so closing the door for Hamilton.

"Dietrich is a very honest, straightforward guy and told Mark the door was open for him to stay. That was good of him,'' said 82-year-old Ecclestone, speaking to the Mail on Sunday.

"Had Mark gone, Dietrich would have signed Lewis. Sebastian wouldn't have cared if Lewis had signed for the team.''

Ecclestone also revealed Hamilton was initially dismissive of a switch to current team Mercedes.

The Briton eventually signed a three-year deal with the marque at the end of September, ending his 13-year association with McLaren.

Recalling the conversation he held with 28-year-old Hamilton at the time, Ecclestone initially suggested: "Why not talk to Mercedes, Lewis?''

As for Hamilton's response, Ecclestone claimed: "Lewis rolled his eyes, but I told him he had nothing to lose as he wanted out of McLaren.''

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Foley the hero as Tahs beat Blues

Hero ... Foley kicked a penalty after the final siren to steal the three-point win. Source: News Limited

An after-the-siren penalty goal to five-eighth and man-of-the-match Bernard Foley has earned New South Wales Waratahs a thrilling 30-27 Super Rugby win over the Blues at Allianz Stadium.

3 Tries 3
Drew Mitchell 7'	James Parsons 11'
Israel Folau 47'	Chris Noakes 28'
Bernard Foley 64'	Charles Piutau 31'
3 Conversions 3
Brendan McKibbin 8'	Chris Noakes 12'
Bernard Foley 48'	Chris Noakes 29'
Bernard Foley 66'	Chris Noakes 32'
3 Penalties 2
Brendan McKibbin 23'	Chris Noakes 3'
Bernard Foley 70'	Chris Noakes 72'
Bernard Foley 80'

The Waratahs trailed 24-10 at the break, their biggest half-time deficit at home since 2007, but fought back to notch their much-needed second win of the season - and just their second from 14 matches stretching back to last year.

Foley was the undoubted hero for the Tahs, not only landing the pressure penalty but also scoring a try and slotting three other second-half goals.

The victory in front of 16,429 faithful fans on a sapping Sunday afternoon revived NSW's 2013 campaign after three worrying defeats.

After an early penalty goal from Blues five-eighth Chris Noakes, the Waratahs crossed for the opening try from a crisp backline move in the seventh minute.

Fullback Israel Folau put winger Drew Mitchell over in the corner and halfback Brendan McKibbin converted to give NSW a 7-3 advantage.

A Mitchell fumble at the back of a lineout allowed Blues hooker James Parsons to pounce and run away to score in the 11th minute, with Noakes's conversion making it 10-7 to the visitors.

McKibbin levelled the scores with a penalty in the 22nd minute but was then forced off the field with a shoulder injury sustained in a heavy tackle from rugged Blues centre Rene Ranger.

Against the wishes of NSW captain Dave Dennis, doctors ordered the players to take a water break as the temperature hit 30 degrees.

The stoppage seemed to hurt the Tahs, who promptly conceded two soft tries in five minutes to gift the New Zealanders their 14-point half-time buffer.

First, Noakes strolled through between Adam Ashley-Cooper and a weary-looking Sitaleki Timani to score under the posts and then replacement halfback Matt Lucas made a meal of an attempted clean-up from a Blues kick to allow fullback Charles Piutau to cross.

Converted tries to Folau, from a blatant forward pass from Lucas, in the 48th minute and Foley in the 65th drew the Waratahs level.

The hosts briefly claimed a three-point lead with a 70th-minute Foley penalty, but Noakes replied two minutes later after a Waratahs blunder from the re-start.

The Tahs looked to have missed their big chance of breaking their losing run until the Blues were pinged for offside in the final seconds of the match.

To rapturous applause the ice-cool Foley nailed the match-winning goal from 35 metres out.

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