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Pierro studs for $30 million

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 27 April 2013 | 14.23

Pierro ... sold to breeding conglomerate Coolmore in a deal believed to worth tens of millions of dollars. Source: Damian Shaw / News Limited

It was the handshake that ended the most fierce bidding war for a stallion prospect in many years.

In a deal rumoured to be worth up to $30 million, champion colt Pierro was sold to stand at Coolmore Stud in the Hunter Valley.

At Coolmore's plush Double Bay office board room where the walls are covered with photographs of the stud's greatest stallions like Nijinksky, Sadler's Wells, Danehill, Galileo, Encosta De Lago, Fastnet Rock and High Chaparral, Tom Magnier negotiated the sale with Pierro's owner, Greg Kolivos.

After a week of racing industry speculation and rumour, both men were relieved to finally complete the sale.

Kolivos, the Sydney financier who says he has been "living the dream" racing Pierro with his wife, Donna, and their son, Alex, has retained a small interest in the champion three-year-old.

"We could not let him go," Kolivos said. "We wanted to say involved with the horse in some capacity.

"Until we decided Pierro was retired - and that wasn't done until Gai (Waterhouse) made the call last Sunday - we had not formally commenced any negotiations to sell the horse.

"But once we had made the decision that Pierro had run his last race, we started the process of finding him a new home. Coolmore seemed the perfect fit as they are one of the most successful breeding organisations in the world, they have a fabulous track record, and we can still go and visit the horse at the farm.

"If Pierro stands outside Australia, then if we go on a family trip, we can visit him there, too."

Magnier said details of the Pierro deal are "commercially sensitive" and neither he or Kolivos would comment when asked about the sale price.

However, Magner said the Coolmore organisation, which is a worldwide thoroughbred leader with major stud operations in Ireland and the United States, had been particularly keen to secure Pierro for stud duties.

"Everyone has been watching Pierro after what he did as a two-year-old," Magnier said.

"He is one of the best two-year-old's we have seen in over 30 years and he trained on to win Group 1 races as a three-year-old.

"His race record is unbelievable and a lot of the reasons for that is because this horse was so well managed by Greg and Donna, and their trainer, Gai Waterhouse.

"Listen, Coolmore is lucky to be standing this horse - it is very exciting for all of us involved."

Magnier said a stud fee for Pierro is likely to be announced on Monday and Coolmore is expecting the sire will serve at least 150 broodmares in his debut season later this year. There is also every chance Pierro could stand in Ireland or the US in the northern hemisphere breeding season from next January, according to Magnier.

"This horse has fantastic appeal," Magnier said. "He is a great out-cross for Danehill mares. Everyone in Europe knows about Pierro - he would not be a hard horse to 'fill' wherever he stands.

"To have Pierro and So You Think standing at Coolmore is amazing as they are the two best Australian stallions prospects we have seen in a long, long time."

The feel-good story of how Kolivos came to own Pierro began a decade earlier when he used to go to the races just to watch champion Lonhro.

"I was a big Lonhro fan," Kolivos said.

Kolivos had raced a few horses with mixed success, including a share in The Metropolitan winner Herculian Prince but he really hit the jackpot at the Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearlings sales two years ago.

Donna reminded her husband how he had always wanted to own a horse by Lonhro. Kolivos then selected a Lonhro colt out of Miss Right Note sight unseen and paid $230,000 for the yearling.

"I picked him out on pedigree. He was by Lonhro out of a Daylami mare from a good European family. He was the most expensive Lonhro in the sale," he said.

Pierro was a champion from the moment he hit the racetrack. He won all six starts as a two-year-old, including the coveted Sydney triple crown of the Golden Slipper, ATC Sires Produce Stakes and Champagne Stakes.

He had another eight starts this season, winning five, including Group 1 successes against older horses in the Canterbury Stakes and George Ryder Stakes.

Pierro was placed in his three defeats - second in the Caulfield Guineas and third in the Cox Plate last spring, before his close second in the Doncaster Mile when attempting to carry a record weight for a three-year-old of 57kg.

His total earnings were more than $4.5 million from just 14 starts.

"We know how privileged we are to have owned and raced a horse as good as Pierro," Kolivos said.

"We pinch ourselves every single day. Donna and I got involved in racing because I've always loved being around horses and I love the sport. When we started racing some of our own, we had no great aspirations.

"We just wanted to have some fun and then Pierro lands in front of us.

"Over the last two years, look at the wild and fabulous journey he has taken us on. Gai Waterhouse did a marvellous job training and developing this colt and we could never have dreamt of this.

"For most people horses like Pierro don't come along in a lifetime in racing."

Meanwhile triple crown-winning colt It's A Dundeel was found wanting against the more seasoned older horses beaten fair and square by highly regarded import Reliable Man in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m).

Trained by Chris Waller, Reliable Man was having only his second Australian start after an encouraging effort behind Pierro in the George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill this month.

The grey coloured 5YO simply exploded away from his rivals inside the last 200m leaving chaser It's A Dundeel - who settled last - which proved too big and ask at the end of a long and lucrative autumn.

"Welcome to A-grade, this horse is a serious horse," Waller declared.

"He's already done it in Europe and now he's done it in Australia."


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Six of the best inspires Suns

Dominant ... Charlie Dixon takes a towering mark in his side's impressive win over the Giants. Source: LUKAS COCH / AAP

The people of Canberra came to see another Gary Ablett masterclass, but it was Charlie Dixon who came of age and stole the show as Gold Coast eclipsed Greater Western Sydney by 44 points at Manuka Oval.

Dixon, spending time both in the ruck and up forward, booted 6.2 on Saturday as the Suns won a shootout between the AFL's expansion sides, 21.22 (148) to 16.8 (104).

3.3 (21) Q1 3.3 (21)
7.4 (46) Q2 10.11 (71)
12.6 (78) Q3 13.18 (96)
16.8 (104) Q4 21.22 (148)

Jeremy Cameron

3

Charlie Dixon

6

Setanta O'hAilpin

3

Gary Ablett

3

Devon Smith

3

Zac Smith

3

Rhys Palmer

2

Thomas Lynch

2

Tomas Bugg

1

Jaeger O'Meara

2

Stephen Coniglio

1

Jared Brennan

1

Tom Scully

1

Brandon Matera

1

Dylan Shiel

1

Steven May

1

Adam Tomlinson

1

Dion Prestia

1

Danny Stanley

1

The 22-year-old's haul was the greatest individual effort by a Gold Coast player, bettering Nathan Krakouer's 5.1 in their inaugural clash with Brisbane.

More importantly, the Queensland product popped through his sixth goal halfway through the final quarter from a difficult position to extend the visitors' lead to 25 points and finally snuff out GWS's resistance.

Dixon's haul was one of four records to fall for the Suns, who recorded their second win of the year.

The visitors booted their highest score and posted their greatest winning margin, while the 7.8 (second quarter) and 8.4 (fourth quarter) represented their two best terms ever.

Ablett was no slouch and finished with 32 possessions and three goals, despite tallying just two disposals in the third quarter when he spent most of the time in the forward line.

Jaeger O'Meara (14 contested possessions and a game-high 11 clearances) was also outstanding for Gold Coast, while Dylan Shiel, Devon Smith and Callan Ward worked tirelessly in the middle for the Giants.

The match was locked up at 21 points apiece at quarter-time, but Gold Coast took control after the first break.

The Suns led by 37 points midway through the second term, only for the Giants to fight back and reduce their buffer to 25 points at halftime.

GWS trailed by only seven points early in the third quarter, but couldn't continue their resurgence in the decisive final quarter.

GWS embarrassed the Suns in the corresponding fixture last year, the first AFL clash between the expansion sides resulting in the Giants' maiden AFL win after a terrible final-quarter fadeout from Gold Coast.

This time around, fast-finishing Gold Coast looked too strong up forward and too smart with the ball in hand and it was only inaccurate kicking that prevented a genuine thumping.

Click here to view all of the stats and scores in the FOX FOOTY Match Centre.


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Hodgson to skipper Exiles team

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 25 April 2013 | 14.23

Brett Hodgson ... to captain the Exiles International Origin team. Source: AAP

Australia's Brett Hodgson will captain the Exiles in the International Origin match against England on his home ground at Warrington's Halliwell Jones Stadium on June 14.

The 35-year-old former NSW fullback led the Exiles to a 32-20 victory in the last Origin fixture at Huddersfield last July and was the first name included by coach Brian McClennan in a 27-man squad.

McClennan, the former New Zealand and Leeds grand final-winning coach who has retaken charge of the overseas side from Daniel Anderson, said: "Brett Hodgson brings a lot to the side on and off the field.

"His leadership and experience is going to be crucial for us. It's a one-off match and we're going to give it our best shot."

Hodgson said at a get-together at the Halliwell Jones Stadium: "We have an exciting squad and it's a great honour to be chosen as captain - especially in front of my home supporters.

"There is no second game this year, so everything is riding on the one match.

"For players on either side it's their only representative opportunity before the Rugby League World Cup, so I expect a very intense battle.

"I really hope the Warrington public come out and support the match in huge numbers. It's important that England are at their best at the World Cup and they are going to have to be that to beat us."

Exiles' 27-man squad: Louis Anderson, Daryl Millard, Zeb Taia (all Catalan Dragons), Chris Bailey, Antonio Kaufusi (both London Broncos), Michael Dobson, Mickey Paea, Cory Paterson (all Hull KR), David Faiumu (Huddersfield), Blake Green, Pat Richards (both Wigan), Rhys Hanbury (Widnes), Brett Hodgson (capt), Joel Monaghan, Michael Monaghan, Trent Waterhouse (all Warrington), Lance Hohaia, Willie Manu, Tony Puletua, Iosia Soliola (all St Helens), Kylie Leuluai, Joel Moon (both Leeds), Heath L'Estrange, Manase Manuokafoa, Jarrod Sammut (all Bradford), Mark O'Meley (Hull), Justin Poore (Wakefield). 


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Hungry sides going hammer and tong'

Running free ... Genia has looked dangerous since his return from injury. Source: AAP

And so to round 11 of this tasty Super Rugby competition and things are hotting up for those on the cusp of conference qualification. And that's just about everyone bar the Highlanders, Kings, Rebels and Force. Good times.

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Hurricanes v Stormers, FMG Stadium, 5:30pm (EST) Friday FS1HD

The Big Bus, Julian Savea, is parked for this one after some naughty jiggy-pokery that's seen a court appearance for common assault. (What would be an uncommon assault? Poking someone with a yabby pump? Hitting them with a parrot? Biting them with someone's false teeth? Important questions for another time.)

Anyway – he's out, the Bus, and the Hurricanes will miss one of the competition's genuine weapons. His wing spot is taken by debutant Matt Proctor who can expect a bombardment from Stormers bombadiers Joe Pietersen and Gary van Aswegen.

Not helping the Hurricanes is the return of running-man Bryan Habana. He goes like a stampede of 10,000 impala, Bryan Habana.

The Stormers are fresh off a bye; the Canes were run close and annoyed by the annoying Western Force. The bookies have the Hurricanes slight favourites on the back of home ground advantage, this game played deep in Canes Country, Palmerston North.

Who's going to win? Dunno. But on the back of fresh Stormers and no Bus we'll tip the Stormers. Because they are good.

Tip: Stormers by 5.

Reds v Blues, Suncorp Stadium, 7:20pm (EST) Friday FS1HD

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Many years ago there was a very fine and weird Norwegian clay animation cartoon show "The Red and The Blue", which saw two bits of plasticine re-animating and killing each other in various creative ways. And you should check it out on YouTube if you are of a mind, it is funny.

This fixture will not be funny, but rather feature two hungry rugby sides going nail-gun hammer and titanium tongs at a superb rugby stadium on Friday night, and you should sit down with some Doritos and watch it if you're able.

Apart from losing to Western Force in Brisbane – a result which made bookmakers happier than Christians in rapture – the Reds have been hot like the buns. Beaten Chiefs, beaten Bulls. Their draw with the Brums clearly underscored the dominant Australian team – read: one of them.

Star halfback Will Genia has returned to throw beautiful flat passes at his mate Quade Cooper, while making backrowers worry about going out to batter the five-eighth lest Genia run like Genia can. It's best when backrowers aren't thinking too much. And Genia knows it.

James Horwill's return in the second row has staunched the middle of the park for the Reds and won them much ball. After a long lay-off the captain is hungry, and with Rob Simmons, the Reds lineout is the testing material.

The Blues? Top of the Kiwi conference, four-and-three. Piri Weepu's again laid claim as the best No.9 in New Zealand, Rene Ranger has had his pinball moments, while fearsome Frank Halai has stormed down many wings.

Their backrow features Test-class fetcher Luke Braid and a couple of hard-heads in No.6 Steven Luatua and No.8 Peter Saili. But the Reds' six, seven and eight have been brilliant this season, and arguably the competition's best.

And it's but one part of the field where the Reds should win it.

Tip: Reds by 12.

Chiefs v Sharks, Waikato Stadium, 5:30pm (EST) Saturday FS2HD

The Chiefs have been the most interesting and exciting team to watch in Super rugby, and should account for the visitors here.

The Sharks are a fine team, if a little … South African, if one can say that, in terms of head-down, pick-and-drive, field-position-and-points rugby union.

But it's been brutally effective for the most part and though they're third in the SA conference, the Sharks are a mean enough outfit. And five-eighth Pat Lambie can land them like Dan Carter in a Christchurch nightclub.

But the Chiefs, though they went down to hot Waratahs last week, are still favoured by one Kiwi rugby expert (my mate Henry) as the competition's favoured XV.

I like 'em.

Tip: Chiefs by 12.


Watch every match of round 11, starting with the Hurricanes' match against the Stormers from 5.30pm (EST) Friday, Live and in HD on Fox Sports!


Brumbies v Force, Canberra Stadium, 7:30pm (EST) Saturday FS2HD

The Canberra kids drew with the Kings at home, beat up on the Highlanders away, and drew with the Reds in Brisbane. And remain top of the Australian conference and still, arguably, the country of Australia's best Super Rugby XV.

But Western Force are tough-enough hombres. Their backrow is a three-prong SWAT team, ably lead by skipper Matt Hodgson, while No.12 Kyle "Adonis" Godwin has shown some fine feet and signs of skill.

The Force will not be out-muscled and nor will they go away. You can't just up and leave a game when you feel like it, you have to play it out until the final whistle.

The Brums? Jesse Mogg runs long-legged and free, and has a left boot capable of prodigious thumping punts.

Christian Lealiifano continues to do little things well and if Israel Folau is picked in the Wallabies squad before him expect the howls of a thousand banshees from the capital.

But it's been their work at the breakdown and in defence that sees the ACT boys atop the table. Ben Mowen and Stephen Moore are driving plenty that's good in the darker places, while it's like George Smith has never been away.

Tip: Brumbies by 9.

Bulls v Waratahs, Loftus Versfeld, 1am (EST) Sunday FS2HD

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The Tahs' strong win over champion Chiefs last week will help their confidence, a thing that's been building this season for the New South Welshmen.

But the Bulls at Loftus? At altitude? With Bulls fullback Morne Steyn able to kick the ball like a man part-mortar? The Tahs will do it tough at Loftus.

The Tahs' best has been Michael Hooper; the dynamic fetching pocket-rocket-man has annoyed the best in 2013, and looks the Wallabies openside most-likely. But he'll need all his ferretting mongrel to stop being bashed off the ball by the Bulls, a typical South African pack in that uber-human kind of way.

Hopefully the Waratahs continue their edict to run and pass and try to step their way past opponents, even if the Bulls tactics go largely the other way, trying to kick and pressure the back three.

Five-eighth Bernard Foley's been a standout and is pressing for Wallabies gold. Adam Ashley-Cooper showed some nice slice-and-dice against the Chiefs. And Israel Folau is beginning to hurl his considerable – and considerably talented – weight about.

They could sneak a win. But they probably won't.

Tip: Bulls by 10.

Cheetahs vs Kings, Vodacom Park, 3am (EST) Sunday FS2HD

If the gods of rugby are kind – and as David Campese would tell you they are, most of the time – this game will finish 55 to 47, with the Cheetahs running like acrobats from Cirque du Soleil making haste from a bank, and the Kings following suit like copycats who've seen the light. Hallelujah, rugby gods.

The Cheetahs are unchanged from the team that conjured two tries in the slop to beat the Stormers in Durban. They're a fine outfit, and could easily top the SA rankings.

The Kings? Are doing their best. They knocked over Western Force and Melbourne Rebels, and drew with the Brumbies, and have a couple of good players notably backrower and tall running man Jacques Engelbrecht.

But the Cheetahs are going to torch them like a bonfire on cracker night.

Tip: Cheetahs by 18.

Crusaders v Rebels, AMI Stadium, 2pm (EST) Sunday FS2HD

It would be something of a turn-up in the annals of world rugby but … they may as not even play this game. Just have everyone meet for the post-match function, cue the speeches and what-not, give the suit-and-tie crowd their carafes and warm bread rolls, and award the Crusaders four points and a bonus. Thank you linesmen, ballboys, gods of rugby, etc.

Because there's more chance of Ned Kelly, the Tamil Tigers and that plucky band of rebels who took on Darth Vader's imperial forces combining than Melbourne Rebels beating the Crusaders this evening.

And while that's a fairly ordinary and not a little weird analogy or metaphor or something, the Crusaders are $1.04 with most bookmakers, which means they're expected to win about 19 games in 20 between these two teams.

Sounds about right.

Tip: Crusaders by 26.


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Magpies won't risk Jolly

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 24 April 2013 | 14.23

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VFL ... Darren Jolly will miss the Anzac Day blockbuster. Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

Collingwood's first choice ruckman Darren Jolly will miss the Anzac Day clash, instead being eased back through the VFL after a rib injury.

Jolly will join comeback midfielder Luke Ball in the VFL team in Bendigo on Friday night.

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"If you look at his last seven weeks he has missed a lot of footy and training. He had his kidney issue about six weeks ago and he has missed a large chunk of training. So we're just giving him the opportunity to get up to speed and trust the incumbents at the moment,'' coach Nathan Buckley said after training today.

"If you take a step away and look at the reality of the situation, it's clear that Darren needs the solid training and the football. It won't take long for him to get back to speed, but it's pretty important for him to get that.''

While Buckley said experienced ruckman Ben Hudson has recovered well, the Magpies do have the option of bringing in young big man Jarrod Witts for what would be a dream debut on one of football's biggest days at the MCG.

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"We'll have a discussion to decide whether we go with Ben or Jarrod. I'm pretty confident they both bring something to the table,'' Buckley said.

"Obviously, Jarrod hasn't played a (senior AFL) game yet and that comes into consideration. It's all about balancing up whether Huddo has recovered well enough, we feel that he's thereabouts, or whether we go with youth.

P W D L % Pts
1 Essendon 4 4 0 0 180.87 16
2 Port Adelaide 4 4 0 0 159.28 16
3 Geelong 4 4 0 0 112.00 16
4 Hawthorn 4 3 0 1 139.22 12
5 Sydney 4 3 0 1 124.38 12
6 Richmond 4 3 0 1 115.11 12
7 Collingwood 4 3 0 1 102.92 12
8 Adelaide 4 2 0 2 107.94 8
9 Fremantle 4 2 0 2 102.87 8
10 St Kilda 4 1 0 3 101.30 4
11 North Melbourne 4 1 0 3 100.98 4
12 West Coast 4 1 0 3 98.13 4
13 Carlton 4 1 0 3 96.56 4
14 Gold Coast 4 1 0 3 82.52 4
15 Bulldogs 4 1 0 3 79.21 4
16 Brisbane 4 1 0 3 66.36 4
17 Melbourne 4 1 0 3 53.10 4
18 Greater Western Sydney 4 0 0 4 62.02 0

"We pick players to play their roles within the side regardless of what round it is. We're pretty confident we prepare our young players with that ability, so we wouldn't be considering the occasion.''

On the prospect of playing both Hudson and Witts to combat Essendon's talls, Buckley said: "It's probably unlikely. It's not the policy we've continued through the NAB Cup and into the early home-and-away (rounds).

"We believe Quinten Lynch is giving us really good cover in that regard. His minutes in the ruck have been damaging, he has been able to contest really strongly in the ruck contests.

"And around the ground, he has been able to get into dangerous positions and defended particularly well. So, we're pretty confident he provides a bit of structure for us in that regard.''

Defender Nathan Brown (groin) and versatile Ben Johnson (calf) are ready to play as the Magpies staff eased the players through an ultra-short preparation.

"Players have recovered really well and we're all set to go. It's just another opportunity for us to play our type of footy for four quarters and test ourselves against pretty good opposition,'' Buckley said.

"It's something I've been fortunate enough to be a part of for a number of years. But you can't forget why we're playing on this day and that's the thing you try to get across to new people in your club.

"We're blessed to represent Collingwood, the AFL and the wider community and we educate our new players and staff around the reality of Anzac Day and why it exists. And that's an important part of bringing people into our culture.''

On Essendon's unbeaten start to the season, Buckley said: "They're four and zip, they're playing irresistible footy both in offense and defence. Their contested ball is up very high and we expect a team full of confidence and with a bit of an us-against-the-world mentality at the moment and playing accordingly.''


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'Aussie golfers help halt charge'

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 23 April 2013 | 14.23

Zurich Classic ... who will take out this year's title in New Orleans? Source: Gerald Herbert / AP

After winning the first 14 straight tournaments on the PGA Tour in this year, the Americans have all of a sudden taken a back seat to the internationals, who have strung together three in a row.

Firstly Scotland's Martin Laird won the Texas Open, Adam Scott took the Masters and now Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell dons the tartan jacket for winning the RBC Heritage.

For McDowell, it ended a frustrating last couple of seasons on the PGA Tour since his heroic win at the US Open at Pebble Beach in June of 2010. He had posted eight top-five results in America in that time but just wasn't able to close one out. Sure there were his two wins at Tiger's World Challenge but those fields were only 18 players. The win at Hilton Head meant so much more and kind of got the monkey of his back a bit by winning his second full field event on U.S soil.

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A week after finishing in the top five at Augusta, Marc Leishman put together another consistent showing with yet another top 10. It should have been a whole lot better though. At one stage during Sunday's final round, the Victorian got it to - 8 and just one behind the lead but late stumbling saw him make five bogeys and a double bogey in his last eight holes. Still, it was another good showing and these past two events have certainly given him some confidence.

The PGA Tour heads to the "House of Blues" New Orleans, this week for the Zurich Classic. This event has a long history and dates back to 1922 when legend Gene Sarazen took home the first trophy. Since then names like Nelson, Casper, Player, Nicklaus, Trevino, Ballesteros and Watson have etched their names in the history books as well.  Lately though, this event has been all about first time winners with eight of the last 10 claiming maiden tour wins, including last season when Jason Dufner took down Ernie Els in a three-hole playoff. Dufner again will be one of the favourites heading into this week with a fine track record at the TPC Loiusiana course, on top of his win last year he has also posted three other top tens as well. 

This year all eyes will be focused on Chinese schoolboy Guan Tianglang who was given a sponsors invite into the event. The 14-year-old defied many at Augusta a fortnight ago, making four rounds and no doubt he will be once again tested on the long TPC Louisiana course.  Of the 10 Aussies that are teeing it up this week, I think Sydneysider Matt Jones will come out on top. He likes the TPC Louisiana layout recording two top tens the past three years. He is coming off a steady week at Hilton Head where he finished in a tie for 30th.

Apart from Dufner, I reckon Rickie Fowler will be hard to beat around here. He has been showing us a little bit of form of late with a third place finish behind Tiger at Bay Hill and then posted a couple of good rounds at Augusta but just wasn't consistent enough. He posted a top ten in Louisiana last year before going on to win his maiden title in Charlotte at the Wells Fargo a week later. A few dark horses to look out for, and firstly Cameron Tringale has posted two top-20 results in the past two years in Louisiana, including a tie for seventh in 2012.He has been pretty solid of late and came third at the Tampa Bay Championship just over a month ago.

Jeff Overton, runner-up in 2010 and a top 20 last year, plays well here. The last tournament he played he finished seventh at the Texas Open. Jerry Kelly won here in 2009 and coming off a top-10 result at the RBC Heritage last week.


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Inglis struggles with hip injury

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Greg Inglis ... will battle a hip injury throughout the 2013 NRL season. Source: Colin Whelan / AAP

South Sydney's star fullback Greg Inglis says he is carrying a hip injury which he will have to manage for the rest of the season, but he won't let it stop him from taking the field in Friday night's showdown with fellow NRL heavyweights Manly.

Inglis aggravated the injury in Friday's Test victory over New Zealand, and sat out the Rabbitohs' Monday training session. He hasn't attempted running this week - but remained confident that he could still be a force against the Sea Eagles.

Inglis says the unwelcome injury is something he has to deal with on a weekly basis throughout the season, and limiting the effect it has on his training schedule is the biggest part of his weekly preparation.

7:00 PM

Centrebet Stadium

All times are listed in EST

"Yeah, on days off you've got to come in and get ice and get treatment and keep right on top of it," Inglis said on Tuesday.

"Because these days if you have a few days off training you just fall behind the team's structural game.

"Long term you've just got to keep on top of it and just keep going at it."

Inglis said scans of the injury over the weekend had revealed no unexpected damage, and felt that with a few training sessions, the hip would be ``loose'' enough to not bother him for the Brookvale Oval clash.

"Obviously I had scans but nothing really too negative came back, I've just got to loosen the hip up and be right to play on Friday night," he said.

"There's no major concerns there, we've got great medical staff here and they're just monitoring my load so they put me out of training.

"But (I'm confident I'll) get through training today and Thursday's captain's run and then Friday is the big game.

"I haven't even tried (running) yet. I'm positive that I'll get through training today, fitness wise I feel terrific, I just finished doing weights so I'll get through today and it shouldn't be a problem whatsoever."


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Hale pens new deal with Hawks

Written By Unknown on Senin, 22 April 2013 | 14.23

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Signed ... David Hale will be a Hawk until at least the end of 2014. Source:Herald Sun

Veteran ruckman David Hale has signed a new one-year deal to remain with Hawthorn until the end of the 2014 AFL season.

It will be the 28-year-old's fourth year with the Hawks after moving from North Melbourne for the 2011 season.

"I'm getting a little bit older, so it was good to tie in another year,'' Hale said.

"Hopefully I can keep playing good footy and have some success here in the coming years.''

Hale will come up against his old side in round five on Sunday at the MCG.

The last time the sides met Hawks forward Buddy Franklin slotted 13 goals in a 115-point flogging.

Hale said he was still motivated to perform well against his former teammates.

"You want to do well and perform well against your old mates,'' he said.

"I spent a long time there, so I've got some good memories, but I've been at the Hawks for a few years now so it would be good to knock them off again.''

Hale's signature follows those of Sam Mitchell, Luke Hodge, Luke Breust and Ben Stratton, who have all inked new deals in recent weeks.


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Video: Horwill puts boot into Brumbies

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Borderline ... was James Horwill lucky to escape punishment? Source: Dave Hunt / AAP

Wallabies captain James Horwill may be counting himself a little lucky after an apparent stomp went unnoticed in Queensland Reds' 19-all draw with the Brumbies.

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Dan Palmer was on the receiving end of Horwill's errant boot, the Brumbies prop finding himself at the bottom of a Reds maul as they drove up field following a lineout win.

With the Reds rolling forward up front Horwill appeared to collect Palmer with his right boot in plain sight of the assistant referee, just 11 minutes into the match.

But with the Brumbies frontrower springing straight back to his feet and none of his teammates appealing, the officials saw no need to stop play or call for the TMO – as has been the case on several occasions this season.

Horwill wasn't cited following the match either, clearly showing the officials either missed the action or were happy there were no signs of foul play.

Did Horwill have a case to answer? Watch the video at the top of the page and make your own mind up!


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Shaky Demons survive Giants scare

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 21 April 2013 | 14.23

High flyer ... Jeremy Howe soars above two Giants opponents to take the mark. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

Melbourne has survived a massive scare for Greater Western Sydney, winning by 41 points, but only after a final-quarter comeback.

The Demons were down by 19 points at the final change but kicked 12 goals in the fourth quarter to storm home, 12.12 (144) to 15.13 (103).

4.5 (29) Q1 3.3 (21)
7.7 (49) Q2 8.8 (56)
10.10 (70) Q3 13.11 (89)
22.12 (144) Q4 15.13 (103)

Jeremy Howe

4

Setanta O'hAilpin

5

Shannon Byrnes

3

Rhys Palmer

2

Michael Evans

3

Jeremy Cameron

1

Aaron Davey

2

Jonathan Giles

1

Max Gawn

2

Toby Greene

1

Cameron Pedersen

2

Tom Scully

1

Rohan Bail

1

Dylan Shiel

1

Mitchell Clark

1

Liam Sumner

1

Mark Jamar

1

Adam Treloar

1

Nathan Jones

1

Callan Ward

1

Colin Sylvia

1

Jack Trengove

1

Nathan Jones was inspirational for the Demons while Michael Evans kicked three vital goals in the final term.

The Giants were arguably the better team for much of the day but couldn't halt the Demons surge.

Before the remarkable turnaround, it looked like being Melbourne's darkest day, but coach Mark Neeld's three-quarter time speech must have had a profound impact on his players.

The Giants will take a lot of confidence from the game but will need to find consistency over four quarters before they register their first win.

Setanta O'hAilpin kicked five goals for the Giants in a dominant performance in attack, one that bodes well for GWS after they lost Jon Patton to a knee injury last week.

More to come. ...


Relive the Demons thrilling final quarter goal blitz with our FOX FOOTY Match Centre, featuring play-by-play commentary and all the important stats.


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Aubusson to stay at Roosters

Staying ... Mitch Aubusson is set to snub a move to the Dragons. Source: By Colin Whelan / AAP

Mitchell Aubusson is set to turn his back on a $350,000-a-year offer from St George Illawarra and sign a four-year deal with the Roosters this week.

Aubusson had been tipped to be the next big name to follow Gareth Widdop and Joel Thompson to the Dragons.

W L D B PD Pts
1 Storm 6 0 0 0 73 12
2 Sea Eagles 5 1 0 0 85 10
3 Rabbitohs 5 1 0 0 32 10
4 Roosters 4 2 0 0 78 8
5 Knights 4 2 0 0 43 8
6 Titans 4 2 0 0 40 8
7 Broncos 3 3 0 0 16 6
8 Dragons 3 3 0 0 -32 6
9 Raiders 3 3 0 0 -55 6
10 Sharks 2 4 0 0 -3 4
11 Cowboys 2 4 0 0 -12 4
12 Eels 2 4 0 0 -36 4
13 Tigers 2 4 0 0 -50 4
14 Panthers 1 5 0 0 -50 2
15 Warriors 1 5 0 0 -60 2
16 Bulldogs 1 5 0 0 -69 2

It is understood the new deal at the Roosters is worth about $300,000 a season and will keep him at the club until 2018.

Roosters CEO Brian Canavan confirmed Aubusson, 25, was close to signing an extended deal.

"Our discussions with Mitch are well down the track," Canavan said.

"We want Mitchell here and he has indicated he wants to stay at the club. We are well advanced in keeping him here for a long period."

A second-rower who plays on the edge, Aubusson has been a regular since making his debut for the club in 2007.

"He has been with the club for several years now and is a valuable part of this organisation," Canavan said.

"He came to us on a scholarship program and played junior reps with us before making his first-grade debut in 2007. He is part of the fabric of our club and we definitely want him around for a long time."

Canavan described Aubusson as a born leader who contributes to the club both on and off the field.

"He is one of those rare role model-type players," Canavan said.

"He is a great trainer and a very intelligent guy. Off the field, he is just a great advertisement for a leader of a footy club.

"He is part of our extended leadership group and plays an important role."

The Ballina junior was being courted by the Dragons, who are now expected to ramp up negotiations with off-contract Warriors back-rower Feleti Mateo.  


Catch Monday Night with Matty Johns at 8.50pm on Fox Sports 1HD, straight after Monday Night Football.


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