Banned Beale still in Lions frame

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Running out of chances ... Rebels star Kurtley Beale. Source: Mark Dadswell / AAP

Kurtley Beale's sheer talent is set to buy him a further chance despite the troubled Wallabies and Melbourne Rebels playmaker copping a new alcohol-related suspension.

Beale remains a chance to face the touring British and Irish Lions for the Wallabies next month with the Rebels describing his latest indiscretion as a "hiccup".

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Beale is likely to miss only Saturday's Super Rugby clash with the Blues after being stood down for breaking a condition of his return from suspension by drinking alcohol.

If he comes back next week, Beale will still have four Super Rugby games to ensure he has the confidence of Wallabies coach Robbie Deans before he names his final 31-man squad on June 11 for the Lions series.

It was just three weeks ago that Brisbane police dropped an assault charge against Beale after he reached a mediation agreement with his alleged victim, a hotel bouncer, over an incident last year.

And it was only last Friday night that the 24-year-old returned to the Rebels team from a month-long suspension for an alcohol-fuelled incident in South Africa in which he struck two teammates.

Beale reinforced his immense value to the Rebels and Wallabies with a dynamite showing off the bench, scoring a try as his side almost upset the defending champion Chiefs.

But he is understood to have gone to a Melbourne Storm NRL game last Saturday afternoon and on to a bar, drinking alcohol.

He also missed a mid-week appointment with a psychologist which was part of his treatment program.

Rebels interim chief executive Rob Clarke was adamant on Thursday that Beale's on-going treatment program was working and was supportive of him continuing at the Super Rugby franchise.

"I think it's been a pretty comprehensive program and Kurtley acknowledges that he's seeing benefits," said Clarke.

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"The key thing is that he honours the details of that program and sticks to it because it's in everybody's interest to get him in a better place.

"Unfortunately there's been a small hiccup on that process and that's why we've taken the action we have."

The Rebels made clear that Beale hadn't been involved in an public incident but had breached the behavioural guidelines he signed to return to play.

Before that he appeared to have won back Deans' trust.

Deans even helped Beale maintain his fitness, personally training with him in Sydney during his lengthy ban.

"The light's gone on so to speak for him,'' Deans told AAP last week.

"He's much better for the processes he's gone through and continues to go through."

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Rebels coach Damien Hill said on Thursday the latest indiscretion was disappointing for everyone.

Hill had previously indicated Beale may be on his last chance, but now believed it was too early to make that call.

"You can't shy away from the fact that he is one of the best footballers in the country," Hill said.

"It's just unfortunate that the behavioural side is interfering with that at the moment.

"It's really disappointing."

Hill said Beale was very remorseful and felt he'd let his teammates and himself down again.

Rebels skipper Scott Higginbotham said the side would manage in his absence.

Bryce Hegarty, the 20-year-old son of former Manly league player Stephen, is in line for his Super debut after being named on the bench.

"Kurtley's obviously a great player and he proved that last game but we're used to playing without him," Higginbotham said.

"Bryce is a great young player and he's got a lot to prove."

Japanese international Shota Horie will be make his run-on debut for the Rebels, relegating usual starting hooker Ged Robinson to the bench.

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Carney confirms new Sharks deal

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Staying ... Todd Carney looks set to re-sign with Cronulla. Source: Peter Lorimer / News Limited

Todd Carney will remain at Cronulla after knocking back a rich five-year deal from Penrith on Thursday.

The Panthers were informed about Carney's decision around lunchtime.

It's believed Penrith had offered Carney a five-year deal worth about $4.5 million.

The Sharks had been struggling to match the money, with their last offer understood to be around the $750,000-a-season mark, also over five years.

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Tune into Sterlo LIVE on Fox Sports 1HD tonight from 7.30pm (EST) to catch an exclusive interview with the Sharks No.6!

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Carney's decision is a huge boost for the Sharks, who have not re-signed a single player since the ASADA scandal erupted in February.

The Warriors were also after Carney and had made the biggest offer, worth over $1 million a season.

But Carney was loath to leave his new home in the Sutherland Shire.

"I'm happy to have made the decision to be staying at the Sharks and to be settled for the next five years," Carney said.

"We have a strong playing group here and I'm excited to have the chance of working with them."

Coach Shane Flanagan said: "I was always confident Todd would stay but he was offered big money contracts
at other clubs so we had to let the negotiation process run its course.

"His decision is a great show of loyalty towards the club and is also an expression of faith in the long term future of the Sharks."

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Rohrer can't stop Royals romp

High scorer ... Ben Rohrer burst to life for Dehli Daredevils in the IPL. Source: Michael Klein / News Limited

Melbourne Renegades star Ben Rohrer enjoyed his most productive innings in the Indian Premier League but it wasn't enough to save Delhi Daredevils from a heavy defeat to Rajasthan Royals.

The 32-year-old, who had only scored 37 in three previous IPL innings, blasted 64 not out off 40 balls as Delhi reached 154 from their 20 overs.

But Ajinkya Rahane and Rahul Dravid struck half-centuries and Shane Watson 28 off just 14 balls as Rajasthan past the total for the loss of just one wicket and with more than two overs to spare.

The Royals opening pair put on 108 in 13.4 overs before skipper Dravid departed for 53. Rahane went on to finish on 63 not out.

Watson backed up his batting heroics with 1-21 off three overs while James Faulkner took 1-38 from four overs for the victors.

Meanwhile, Mitchell Johnson continued his great form with the ball, taking 1-13 from four overs as Mumbai Indians thrashed Kolkata Knight Riders by 65 runs.

The Indians made a total of 6-170 after opting to bat first, openers Dwayne Smith (47) and Sachin Tendulkar (48) leading the charge with a 93-run stand.

In reply, the Knight Riders folded to 105 all out in 18.2 overs with Jacques Kallis' 24 the top score.

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Habana backs Folau for Wallabies

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Convert ... Israel Folau gets Wallabies support from Bryan Habana. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

Former World Player of the Year Bryan Habana has joined the growing Israel Folau fan club, tipping the Super Rugby revelation to become a dual international next month

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Habana will lock horns with Folau on Saturday night when his visiting Stormers take on the NSW Waratahs at Allianz Stadium and South Africa's 2007 World Cup hero suspects it won't be the last time this season.

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The wing king fully expects Folau to break into the Wallabies line-up for the showpiece series against the British and Irish Lions and then also feature in the Four Nations tournament later in the year.

Habana disagrees with South Africa's World Cup-winning coach and now Brumbies mentor Jake White, who says it would be an "indictment on the Wallabies jumper'' if Folau was picked after playing just a dozen or so Super Rugby games and before committing long-term to the code.

"For me, if you're playing well enough, I can't see Robbie Deans not picking him,'' Habana said on Wednesday.

"He's got another three or four weeks to prove himself but, as a first-season debutant in Super Rugby, he's definitely put his hand up.

"Being called into that Wallaby set-up for that first training camp for what is going to be a pretty special Lions series says a lot.

"It was a big decision for Israel to come over after seeing the opportunities he had in the AFL and then coming over to union from league, but he's really making a difference.

"The Waratahs are benefiting from his individual skills at the moment. Their backline is playing really well and Israel's playing a big part in that, not only in terms of his broken-field running but also his ability to work off the ball and find himself in space.''

Habana is tipping Kurtley Beale to make a strong late push for the Wallabies' fullback role after only returning from injury and suspension last week, but is backing Folau to earn his Test stripes in another position if not in the No.15 jersey.

"The challenge to take up union is not an easy one,'' he said.

"Guys like Sonny Bill have done it well and now Israel will put his hand up (for Test honours).

"He's young not only in terms of the game but also age as well and so I definitely think not only the Waratahs but also the Australian side could benefit from his skills over the next couple of years.''

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Ball gives Bucks selection headache

Return ... Luke Ball has shown strong form in the VFL. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

Collingwood is weighing up the tantalising prospect of giving experienced midfielder Luke Ball the chance to start his AFL comeback this weekend.

Coach Nathan Buckley said Ball was one of several selection posers for the team he takes to Perth to play Fremantle on Saturday night.

"Whether the time's right to pull the trigger on Bally ... From a football sense, it makes sense because he has played very good footy, but we need to be absolutely sure that he has had enough match-day conditioning to be right to go,'' Buckley said at recovery at the St Kilda sea baths today.

"Look, he has been sensational. He's a very professional footballer and a great role model for our players around the club.

"We really held him back to give him the best opportunity when he came back. And he has come back in fantastic nick.

"We'll sit down with the medicos as we do at the beginning of every week and see where our players are at. We won't just be looking at who's available for selection this week, we'll be looking what sort of progressions our players need to get back up to full fitness and to be playing their best football.''

Ball has played two VFL games in his return from a knee injury that ruined his 2012 season.

Buckley said neither the big, firm Subiaco oval nor the cross-continent flight would be factors in any Ball decision.

"No, jumping on a plane is not going to hurt his knee,'' he said.

Alan Didak is also in the mix after strong VFL form and the Magpies will fight a charge against forward Alex Fasolo at the VFL Tribunal tonight to provide further selection options.

"We've had some really strong performances down there. Along with Dids whose form has been very consistent. He's very damaging with the ball and his running power is building week to week. So, this week is very interesting on the selection table,'' Buckley said.

Best-and-fairest winner Dayne Beams will resume light training next week after recovery from an aggravated thigh injury that has delayed his start to the season.

"It has obviously been disappointing for him and disappointing for us. Six games in and he hasn't played any football in the home-and-away (season),'' the coach said.

"But his leg is coming fine and he's getting a lot of work in. He'll start doing some ball work next week and we're looking forward to welcoming him back in the side sooner rather than later."

On confronting Fremantle's renowned defensive systems, Buckley said: "Every game is an opportunity to practice the way you want to go about it. And we're still looking for that balance.

"Fremantle has obviously got a very heavy defensive focus, but they have been a very dangerous attacking side towards the end of last season in particular.

"We know we're going to go across and face a very tough opponent, same win-loss ratio,, same aspirations to be a top-four club.

"These sort of games show either you're heading in the right direction or you've got a bit of work to do.''

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Pacquiao set for ring return

Return ... Manny Pacqiuao will make his return to boxing in Macau. Source: Damian Dovarganes / AP

Manny Pacquiao will return to the ring on November 24 to meet Brandon Rios in a welterweight bout in Macau, the eight-division world champion's promoter said on Monday.

Bob Arum told The Associated Press that Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38 KOs) has been focused exclusively on his political career in the Philippines since the congressman's stunning sixth-round knockout loss to Juan Manuel Marquez last December.

Pacquiao has lost two straight fights after a 15-bout winning streak, also dropping a much-disputed decision to Timothy Bradley last summer.

"We want to get the people a really good, exciting action fight,'' Arum said.

"(Rios) is an exciting fighter, so it's a good matchup.''

Although Marquez left him face-down on the canvas in his last bout, the 34-year-old Pacquiao chose Rios (31-1-1, 23 KOs) to be his next opponent because of the former lightweight champion's hard-hitting, crowd-pleasing style.

Pacquiao's camp has also claimed Marquez and Bradley both turned down potential rematches with Pacquiao to fight each other on September 14 in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao's choice for his fight's location is just as intriguing as his choice of opponent.

Pacquiao, who hasn't fought outside the United States since July 2006, will fight in the CotaiArena at Macau's Venetian Resort Hotel in an attempt to appeal to the nascent Chinese pay-per-view market.

Arum said Pacquiao hopes to improve the overall popularity of boxing in Asia - while also reaping the significant tax benefits of fighting outside the US.

His fight will be held on a Sunday morning in Macau to keep the Saturday night pay-per-view audience in North America.

US-born Rios' unbeaten record was blemished on March 30 when he lost a unanimous decision in his rematch with fellow brawler Mike Alvarado, but his popularity only increased in a compelling bout filled with wild exchanges and headfirst fighting.

Rios also is promoted by Arum's Top Rank, putting him in prime position to land the biggest fight of his career when Marquez and Bradley didn't bite.

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Graham: Reds will retain players

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Prime target ... Graham is hopeful James Slipper will follow Horwill's lead. Source:News Limited

James Horwill's new two-year deal starts the ball rolling on a string of Queensland Reds re-signings with coach-in-waiting Richard Graham confidently tipping the Super Rugby franchise will retain 90 per cent of its players for 2014.

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Official announcements on fellow Wallabies forwards James Slipper and Rob Simmons are also expected in the coming weeks as well as a number of key youngsters and Reds stalwarts.

Graham, to take over from Ewen McKenzie as Queensland's coaching chief after this Super Rugby season, has been busy re-signing a string of off-contract players in a positive signs about what Horwill described as a "seamless transition".

"Ninety per cent of the group will remain together," Graham told AAP.

Such a result would mean no other losses on top of the departures of backline trio Digby Ioane, Luke Morahan and Jono Lance, plus an end to veteran Radike Samo's fairytale four-year Queensland stint.

Wallabies skipper Horwill's re-signing was good timing for the Reds on Monday after Ioane last week snapped up a $2 million-plus contract in France and utility back Lance signed with New South Wales Waratahs.

With Test backrower Scott Higginbotham the only big name Queensland lost last year, there had been fears the 2011 title-winning team had started dismantling with McKenzie's decision to stand down and chase an international appointment.

But Graham dismissed such concerns at Horwill's contract announcement at Ballymore.

"It's a really good vote of confidence for the organisation and a real start of what you will see over a number of weeks where we'll announce a number of players," Graham said.

"Digby is a big loss for Queensland rugby. (But) the one thing about Queensland is that over a number of years we've been very good at bringing young kids through."

Boom three-quarter Chris Feauai-Sautia is set to remain at Ballymore in a key retention while the Reds are supporting outstanding 20-year-old flanker Liam Gill as he negotiates with the Australian Rugby Union for a top-up contract.

Graham, who coached at Western Force in 2011-12, also denied the Reds were looking to bolster their backline by chasing off-contract stars James O'Connor or Israel Folau.

The Australian conference winners last season, Queensland face the Sharks at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night looking to keep on the tail of the table-topping Brumbies who hold a two-point advantage going into their bye.

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Freak accident kills star colt

Freak accident ... Crack A Roadie (pink front left) the Inglis Banner on Cox Plate Day.

Potential superstar colt Crack A Roadie has been killed when hit by a truck at Cranbourne this morning.

Trainer Stephen Theodore was on his way to Bairnsdale races when he received the phone call that "ripped my heart out".

"He had been on the water walker and I understand he was having a pick (of grass) to dry off when he broke loose. He ran out a gate and was cleaned up by a passing truck," a sombre Theodore said.

"It was a freak accident. The colt was killed instantly."

Theodore considered the two-year-old, by Charge Forward, the best galloper he had trained and the pathway to racing glory.

"He was my No 1 horse. We had just gelded him and he was getting ready to show every one exactly how dynamic he is.

"This has ripped my heart out," the young Cranbourne trainer said.

Crack A Roadie made a stunning debut by winning the Inglis Banner Stakes at Moonee Valley last October before an unlucky second in the Group 2 Maribyrnong Plate at Flemington the following month.

He returned from a spell but ran last in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield in February, showing Theodore that he needed to be gelded to show his best.

He won only once, for prizemoney of $177,000, but was considered one of the brightest young gallopers in the state.

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Jennings brace helps sink Penrith

Sydney Roosters Michael Jennings scores against Penrith. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

Michael Jennings came back to haunt Penrith on Sunday with two tries as the Sydney Roosters eased to a routine 30-6 NRL win over his former club at Allianz Stadium.

5 Tries 1
Jake Friend 5'	Matthew Moylan 11'
Sonny Bill Williams 34'
Michael Jennings 51'
Michael Jennings 63'
Mitchell Pearce 70'
4 Conversions 1
James Maloney 6'	Luke Walsh 12'
James Maloney 52'
James Maloney 65'
James Maloney 72'
1 Penalties 0
James Maloney 57'

The NSW centre left the Panthers in the summer in what was an acrimonious departure from the club he'd been associated with since a schoolboy.

After a slow start to his career with the Roosters, the 25-year-old has really found form in recent weeks - scoring a brace for the second successive game.

In a match that never really caught fire, the Panthers more than held their own in the opening period after Jake Friend had opened the scoring in the fifth minute with James Maloney adding the extras.

That early setback kick-started Ivan Cleary's side and they grabbed a deserved leveller when rookie fullback Matt Moylan got the final touch to a Luke Walsh bomb.

The Panthers continued to press but were let down by some poor handling and allowed the Roosters to score somewhat against the run of play from Sonny Bill Williams.

Williams showed unbelievable strength and power to push back five Penrith defenders and get the ball over the line one-handed on the stroke of halftime.

The Roosters were much improved after the break and Mitchell Pearce and Maloney took full control in the halves.

Five-eighth Maloney enhanced his case for NSW spot with a brilliant 40-20 10 minutes after the restart and then produced a fine pass to release Jennings for his first four-pointer.

That try knocked the stuffing out of the visitors and Maloney kicked a penalty to stretch the advantage before Jennings added his second.

Using his pace to great advantage Jennings pressured David Simmons into misjudging a teasing kick and touched down.

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Gay throws down gauntlet to Bolt

Speed demon ... Tyson Gay sets fastest 100m time of the year. Source: Ricardo Makyn / AAP

US sprinter Tyson Gay laid down an impressive early-season marker on Saturday, winning the 100m at the Jamaica Invitational athletics meeting in 9.86 sec.

Gay, winner of the 100m, 200m and 4x100m world titles in 2007, recovered from a poor start to roar past Jamaican Nesta Carter, who finished second 17-hundredths of a second back. American Darvis Patton was third, 21-hundredths of a second behind the winner.

Gay became the first sprinter to run under 10 seconds in the 100m this season, which will be highlighted by the world championships in Moscow in August.

Gay, 30, is the second-fastest performer of all time in the 100m behind Jamaican world record-holder Usain Bolt, who was slated to run the 200m at Kingston but pulled out with a hamstring strain.

Gay, hindered by injuries in recent years, said he feels better than he has in some time.

"I'm getting back to full fitness, but I am being very patient with it," he said. "I am feeling good, the best I have been in a long while, and I am looking forward to Moscow and will give it all I've got."

In the women's 100m, Jamaican Veronica Campbell-Brown - the 2012 Olympic bronze medallist - won in 11.01sec. American Allyson Felix, Olympic champion in the 200m in London last year, settled for fifth place (11.13).

Jamaican Nickel Ashmeade won the men's 200m in a season-leading 20.00sec, beating compatriot and 2012 Olympic bronze medallist Warren Weir (20.14) and American Wallace Spearmon (20.32).

Jamaica's Stephanie McPherson won the women's 400m, lowering the world-leading mark for the third time this season with a time of 50.43sec. Britain's Christine Ohuruogu was second in 50.58.

Americans Dawn Harper in the 100m hurdles and Antwon Hicks in the 110m hurdles notched season-leading times.

Harper clocked 12.62sec to beat compatriot Queen Harrison while Hicks triumphed in 13.25sec.

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