Howard heading to Houston

Dwight Howard ready to take career to Houston Rockets. Source: Harry How / News Limited

DWIGHT Howard, the most coveted player in the NBA's 2013 free agent class, will depart the Los Angeles Lakers for the Houston Rockets, the former Defensive Player of the Year says.

"I've decided to become a member of the Houston Rockets. I feel its the best place for me and I am excited about joining the Rockets and I'm looking forward to a great season. I want to thank the fans in Los Angeles and wish them the best,'' Howard said via Twitter, after US media reported his impending move.

The seven-time All-Star posted a picture of himself wearing a red Rockets jersey.

USA Today reported Howard's deal is worth $88 million over four years.

Prior to taking to social media, Howard informed the Lakers that he would not return to the club.

"We have been informed of Dwight's decision to not return to the Lakers. Naturally we're disappointed,'' Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said.

"However, we will now move forward in a different direction with the future of the franchise and, as always, will do our best to build the best team possible, one our great Lakers fans will be proud to support.

"To Dwight, we thank him for his time and consideration, and for his efforts with us last season. We wish him the best of luck on the remainder of his NBA career.''

"Welcome to Houston Dwight Howard!!!'' tweeted Rockets general manager Daryl Morey -- who earlier in the day had tried to tamp down expectations by saying on Twitter that no deal was in place.

With Howard confirming his plans, Morey was less circumspect.

"This team is going to be special,'' he tweeted.

The Lakers acquired Howard from the Orlando Magic in a 12-player, four-team deal in August of 2012.

Howard was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year three times (2009-2011) with Orlando and had helped the club reach the 2009 NBA finals, where they lost to the Lakers.

He had become disenchanted with the Magic and asked to be traded.

He arrived in Los Angeles having spent the off-season recovering from back surgery, and was further slowed by a torn labrum in his right shoulder.

In Houston, Howard will team up with All-Star guard James Harden, along with guard Jeremy Lin and forwards Chandler Parson and Omer Asik.

The Rockets were eliminated in the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs in six games by the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.

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Gritty Dogs keep GWS winless

Giants' Taylor Adams and Bulldogs' Tom Liberatore see who can win a ripping competition. Source: Stefan Postles / News Limited

Western Bulldogs have escaped with a narrow four-point victory over Greater Western Sydney in Canberra after trailing at each quarter.

Standouts Michael Talia and Adam Cooney had 32 and 26 possessions respectively, the Bulldogs finishing on top in a see-sawing battle to win 13.9 (87) to 12.11 (83) in front of a crowd of 7132 fans at Manuka Oval.

Meanwhile, Daniel Giansiracusa held his nerve in front of the sticks in the final quarter by kicking two clutch goals, taking his tally to three for the game.

The Prime Minister's Cup win improves the Bulldogs win-loss record to 4-10, while the Giants remain without a victory having posted their 14th straight defeat.

The Bulldogs finished strong for the second consecutive week, the Giants leading them by less than two points at each break in a game where the lead changed seven times.

Controversy almost erupted at the first break when the siren at Manuka Oval sounded three minutes late due to a technical issue.

Bulldogs forward Liam Jones leaped on top of the shoulders of Lachie Whitfield to take a sensational grab in front of goal on the delayed siren, but the second umpire over-ruled the mark and the two teams entered the second quarter scoreless during the extra period.

A low scoring second quarter saw the Giants cling onto their deserved one-point lead, the teams delayed heading into the break for a second time when a large scuffle was ignited by Taylor Adams and Cooney.

It was just the third time the Giants have led at half-time this season.

Bulldogs star Jason Johannisen was then carried off on a stretcher early in the third quarter after he collided hard with Jeremy Cameron while both had their heads over the ball.

The Giants gave themselves a chance to win the match late in the game courtesy of Cameron's third goal of the match and a late effort by Will Hoskin-Elliot, but it wasn't enough to post a maiden victory in 2013.

The Bulldogs play Essendon at Etihad Stadium on July 14, while the Giants clash against hometown rivals Sydney at the SCG earlier the same day.

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Plunge on Suarez to join Arsenal

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A betting plunge sees Luis Suarez's price to join Arsenal plummet. Source: Peter Byrne / AAP

LIVERPOOL striker Luis Suarez has been subject of some surprise backing to join Arsenal this (northern) summer, with various bookmakers reporting significant stakes.

England's Sky Bet are refraining from making the Gunners favourites to sign the striker as they attempt to make sense of the industry-wide run of bets, which prompted one major bookmaker to suspend betting on Wednesday evening.

The Reds star is 3/1 to remain at Anfield this summer after declaring his interest in leaving the Premier League, with Real Madrid the favourites to sign the Uruguay international, who has stated his desire to join the Spanish giants.

However, the Bernabeu-based outfit have drifted out from odds-on to 6/4 with Arsenal being backed in from 20/1 to 7/4.

The development comes out of the blue with the Gunners expected to complete the signing of Gonzalo Higuain in the next few days, while it seems unlikely that Liverpool would sell to fellow Premier League club, especially considering Suarez's reasons for wanting to leave.

Sky Bet Football Trader Chris Spicer said: "We initially actually saw very little money for Suarez to join Arsenal and did not even consider them in the betting until requested on Wednesday evening.

"However, some significant stakes have been seen across the industry, reportedly starting with some big bets from Spain, prompting us to move in line with other bookmakers.

"The bets have now started to come in but we are refraining from making Arsenal favourites though as it simply makes no sense given Suarez's desire to leave England, while we recently suspended betting on Higuain arriving at the Emirates."

Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12040/8805302/Transfer-news-Luis-Suarez-gets-surprise-backing-to-join-Arsenal-from-Liverpool

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Pearce facing last Origin chance

A bloodied Mitchell Pearce after a brawl during State of Origin 2 Queensland v NSW at Suncorp Stadium. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

THE State of Origin decider represents the last chance saloon for a batch of NSW regulars, with an eighth straight series loss likely to kick-start yet another Blues makeover.

That is the opinion of former Test and NSW hard man Peter Tunks, who claimed the likes of under-fire halfback Mitchell Pearce and back-rower Anthony Watmough had just one more shot at bringing down the Maroons dynasty.

The NSW side for game three to be named on Sunday is expected to closely resemble the side which was victorious in the series opener, with Jarryd Hayne and James Tamou set to return from injury and suspension respectively.

"If Laurie (NSW coach Laurie Daley) isn't successful in game three, he's going to have to bring some changes in (next year) and the most important is obviously the halfback," Tunks said.

"But it's not just Mitchell Pearce that's going to be under the microscope, there will be a few others."

Pearce, however, is the one on which the blowtorch will be well and truly focused.

Should the Maroons beat NSW in Origin III at ANZ Stadium on July 17, Pearce would become the first NSW halfback to be a part of five series losses.

The pressure on Pearce is not simply a result of his own performances at Origin level - where he has struggled to dominate games - but also the form of South Sydney playmaker Adam Reynolds.

Backing up from a 2012 campaign in which he was crowned rookie of the year, Reynolds has been among the form halfbacks this season, with his Rabbitohs a long way ahead at the top of the NRL ladder.

As the incumbent in a side which went within a point of beating Queensland to last year's title, Pearce was anointed by Daley as the Blues first-choice No.7 well before this year's series began.

Tunks agreed Pearce deserved to hold his place for the series finale, but admitted his chances were running out.

"Laurie made a decision earlier in the year that Mitchell Pearce was going to be his halfback - he's not going to change from that," Tunks said.

"If you spoke to 100 people in the game, I think 80 of them would think that Reynolds was a better halfback than Mitchell Pearce.

"Just about everybody would agree that Adam Reynolds moved to a new level with his game this year.

"People were talking about replacing Pearce with him for game three, which I think would be unfair - to parachute a guy in for his first Origin game in the most intense game in eight years."

Tunks however denied Pearce was the reason the Blues went down in game two, instead pointing to the brilliant game plan of the Queensland coaching staff which targeted halves partner James Maloney in defence.

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Jones backs White to replace Deans

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Right man ... Jones believes White can bring the discipline back to the Wallabies squad. Source:AAP

Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones believes continued disciplinary problems in the Australia side will be the ultimate downfall of current Test mentor Robbie Deans.

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While he didn't believe the result of Saturday night's series decider against the British and Irish Lions would determine Deans's fate, Jones on Thursday tipped the New Zealander's days were numbered.

The current Japan national coach indicated his close friend and former Rugby World Cup-winning South African coach Jake White was positioned to get the job ahead of Queensland Reds mentor Ewen McKenzie.

Jones said Deans had done a "pretty fair job" over six seasons, reaping one Tri Nations title in 2011 without any Bledisloe Cup success, but his inability to take a firm stance against discipline problems had placed him in a dire position.

Continued misbehaviour by exciting backs James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale, two players Deans has resolutely stood by, has upset senior Wallabies players and rugby fans alike.

"There's continuing problems off the field of ill-discipline and I think that's something that needs to get sorted out and it's obviously not going to happen under Robbie's regime," Jones told ABC Grandstand.

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"The thing the Australian side is missing is not ability but probably the discipline and consistency of preparation.

"I think if they get those two areas right for the World Cup in 2015 they're a great chance to win it.''

Australian Rugby Union boss Bill Pulver has said Deans's immediate future did not hinge on series success against the Lions but he has also failed to offer any guarantees if the Wallabies lose at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.

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Catch the deciding Test between the Wallabies and Lions LIVE and in HD from 7pm (EST) Saturday on Fox Sports 2HD!

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Jones felt the ARU had already made up their minds on Deans and his exit timing would determine whether Brumbies coach White or McKenzie was given the post.

"I think they will either go for Ewen to take over immediately (before The Rugby Championship) or go for Jake to take it for two years and then probably groom Ewen to take it over in 2016 and in the next two years try and sort out the (Melbourne) Rebels," he said.

"I think that's almost a done deal if Jake gets the Wallabies job."

Jones, who acted as a consultant to the Springboks coach at the 2007 World Cup after being sacked by the ARU in 2005, said White's record a strict disciplinarian as well as his international experience made him the strongest option.

"I think Ewen would be better to have a four-year preparation rather than two years and that's why Jake, I think, it tips the scale for him," he said.

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Moylan can't understand NRL ruling

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Matt Moylan ... celebrates his first NRL try during the round 8 match between the Sydney Roosters and Penrith. Source: RENEE MCKAY / AAP

Penrith fullback Matt Moylan, the man in the middle of the ongoing NRL salary cap debate, can't comprehend the issue and doesn't want to.

The injury-ravaged Panthers were forced to drop Moylan for the round 13 clash with Wests Tigers last month due to the strident second-tier salary cup rules.

Moylan has since returned to the team, but the 22-year-old earning less than half the NRL minimum wage of $75,000 faces an uncertain future this season as his rival for the No.1 jersey, Wes Naiqama, continues his recovery from injury.

The cap dictates that Naiqama and Moylan essentially can't be in the same team.

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary planned to meet the league this week to put Moylan's case forward again, but the ongoing salary-cap review was not fast-tracked at Wednesday's NRL chief executives meeting.

The review will be finalised before the end of this season, but changes won't be implemented until next year which is too late for Moylan.

Four weeks on after the NRL first acted, the rookie No.1 admitted he still couldn't understand why he's in such a precarious position.

"I don't really understand it. I just hope I can play week to week, and I've just got to see what happens (each week)," Moylan said.

"I haven't really thought too much about it, the week I had to go back (to NSW Cup) was pretty frustrating.

"But it's gone - there's nothing I can do about that.

"There's nothing I can do about it (if Naiqama returns and he's banned again), I've just got to play footy.

"I'd rather just concentrate on playing footy, and I think they (the Panthers) want me to do that as well."

Moylan, who re-signed with Penrith in May, said nobody from the NRL had contacted him to express remorse or explain the rule.

"I haven't heard anything, I just leave that to the people upstairs and Ivan. We'll see what happens," he added.

The custodian has attracted plenty of plaudits in his maiden season, including man-of-the-match honours on debut, but Moylan still doesn't feel comfortable in the NRL.

"I've got a lot to work on and I can't get complacent now, because I've only played a few games," he said.

"I've got to get a bit stronger, make better contact in tackles and bring the ball back a lot better."

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Ashes No.9: Slater's century

No.9 ... Michael Slater celebrates a century. Source: News Limited

Michael Slater has faced some dark days since, but few Ashes images burn as bright as the moment he scored his maiden century at Lord's.

• No.9: Nichael Slater's century, Lord's 1993
• No.10: Warne, McGrath, Langer retire, 2006-07
• No.11: Gilchrist's majestic 152, 2001
• No.12: England end 24-year drought, 2010-2011
• No.13: Tugga's twin centuries, 1997
• No.14: Boonie's huge beer haul, 1989
• No.15: KP makes a big statement, 2005
• No.16: Mark Waugh's ton on debut, 1990-91
• No.17: Reid destroys England, 1990-91
• No.18: Siddle's birthday bonanza, 2010-11
• No.19: Gough's hat-trick, 1998-99 
• No.20: Tubby's century under fire, 1997
• No.21: Alderman's crash tackle, 1982-83
• No.22: Pigeon takes flight, 2002-03
• No.23: Nasser's toss woes, 2002-03
• No.24: Punter the match-saver, 2005
• No.25: Panesar's batting heroics, 2009
• No.26: Alderman's English mastery, 1981 & 1989
• No.27: Warne's 700th wicket, 2006-07
• No.28: Peter Who? Come in spinner, 1986-87
• No.29: McGrath's magic milestone, 2005
• No.30: Flintoff's fond farewell, 2009
• No.31: David Gower's joyride, 1990-91
• No.32: Flintoff's maiden Ashes ton, 2005
• No.33: Botham's match-winning hundred, 1986-87
• No.34: Gary Pratt's run out, 2005
• No.35: Hussey's Adelaide heroics, 2006-07

He wasn't to know it at the time, but Slater's jubilant celebration would become part of Australian cricketing folklore.

Up until the start of the first Ashes Test on July 10, we'll count down the remaining moments in the order that our foxsports.com.au panel placed them, and let you know where our users voted them in.

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Michael Slater's century, Lord's 1993

We say: No.9

You say: No. 5

Michael Slater has faced some dark days since, but few Ashes images burn as bright as the moment he scored his maiden century at Lord's.

Then 23 and so far unaffected by arthritis and depression, his face was flush with unrestrained joy.

Slater pulled off his helmet and kissed the Australia badge. It was a massive goosebump moment and one which others imitated.

"After that it became my thing - the emotion I always played with," Slater said. "I'm glad I did it. If I started a trend it is a good one."

Michael Clarke had a poster of the kiss on his wall as a child, and when he got a Test century of his own he gave his cap a kiss as well.

"People have said, 'Were you always going to do that if you got 100?' And it was 'no'. It was very instinctual," Slater said.

"It was the only way I could express what it meant to me at the time.  

"I got badly drunk that night with Boonie, and he helped me through the night."

Slater's 152 came in his third innings and was the first of his 14 Test centuries.

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Brown tips Q Clash fireworks

Jonathan Brown is expecting a physical encounter in the latest Q Clash. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

Brisbane co-captain Jonathan Brown says the Q Clash rivalry with the Gold Coast is about to heat up.

Brown says previous Sunshine Stoushes have been competitive but expects the latest edition of the Queensland derby to go to a whole new level with the young Suns coming of age in 2013.

"We very much respect them and I think it's going to be probably the toughest battle we've had," Brown said.

"It's still a big rivalry for us and it's important we do get bragging rights.

"This is the probably first year where people externally have thought this is a competitive battle and any side can win."

The Suns sit one win ahead of Brisbane on the AFL ladder after 14 rounds to add extra spice to the encounter.

Brown said the Gold Coast had earned the right to be in the position they are in.

"The Gold Coast, even though they're reasonably young, has an elite midfield," he said.

"By rights they're matching it with everyone in the competition now.

"They've got a young list and they're maturing and physically developing and obviously getting more confidence at senior level.

"They've still got a sprinkling of experienced players who have been fantastic players and given them good leadership."

The Lions have won the last four Q Clash matches after the Suns claimed the inaugural game in 2011.

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Eels seek clarity over comments

Outspoken ... Ricky Stuart finds himself in strife again for comments about referees. Source: ROBB COX / AAP

Parramatta will sit down with the NRL to clarify the rules over coaches' comments after Eels' mentor Ricky Stuart was slugged with another five-figure fine.

Stuart was hit with a $10,000 penalty following his remarks after Parramatta's loss to Gold Coast in round six, when he questioned the impartiality of referees.

He incurred a $15,000 fine after his comments at another post-match media conference following the Eels' last match against South Sydney.

On that occasion, he said other teams weren't being penalised for the same actions as his club and he queried the work of referees' boss Daniel Anderson.

Parramatta CEO Ken Edwards told AAP he had spoken to Stuart a couple of times about his post-match outbursts and had also held talks with the ARL Commission.

"We expect everyone to operate within the rules,'' Edwards said.

"The independent commission of the NRL have told us that they don't think Ricky acted within the rules on this occasion, so we're having a discussion with them about that.

"Rugby league is a competitive sport and you are judged on how much you win.

"Ricky is a passionate man - he wears his heart on his sleeve.

"He believes in his players, but there is a fine line that we don't want anyone to step over.

"It's not the right thing for the game. We need to respect authority and the referees and we do.

"But the rules are a little bit grey at best and we're just working on clarifying those rules a little bit, so it doesn't happen anymore in the future.

"I was talking about it to the NRL today and I expect that later this week or early next week, we'll sit down and have a chat about it.''

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Live: NRL round 17 teams

Josh Dugan ... will miss the Roosters clash after taking the early guilty plea. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

We bring you all the NRL round 17 teams as the line-ups are announced.

Melbourne Storm v Brisbane Broncos, AAMI Park, 7.35pm (EST) Friday

Storm: Billy Slater, Sisa Waqa, Will Chamber, Maurice Blair, Justin O'Neill, Brett Finch, Cooper Cronk, Jesse Bromwich, Cameron Smith (c), Bryan Norrie, Kevin Proctor, Ryan Hoffman, Ryan Hinchcliffe. Interchange: Jordan McLean, Tohu Harris, Siosia Vave, Slade Griffin, Junior Moors, Tim Glasby, Ben Hampton.

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

Cronulla Sharks v Wests Tigers, Sharks Stadium, 7.35pm (EST) Friday

Sharks: Michael Gordon, Sosaia Feki, Luke Lewis, Jonathan Wright, Beau Ryan, Todd Carney, Jeff Robson, Andrew Fifita, John Morris, Sam Tagataese, Anthony Tupou, Wade Graham, Chris Heighington. Interchange: Isaac De Gois, Jayson Bukuya, Bryce Gibbs, Ben Ross, Stewart Mills.

Tigers: Coming soon

St George Illawarra Dragons v Sydney Roosters, WIN Stadium, 5.30 (EST) Saturday

Dragons: Adam Quinlan, Brett Morris, Nathan Green, Charly Runciman, Jason Nightingale, Chase Stanley, Nathan Fien, Jack de Belin, Mitch Rein, Jack Stockwell, Tyson Frizell, Ben Creagh (c), Trent Merrin. Interchange: Cameron King, Leeson Ah Mau, Matt Prior, Michael Weyman, Will Matthews, Atelea Vea.

Roosters: Coming soon

Gold Coast Titans v Penrith Panthers, TIO Stadium, 7pm (EST) Saturday

Titans: Jahrome Hughes, Kevin Gordon, Luke O'Dwyer, Hymel Hunt, David Mead, Aidan Sezer, Albert Kelly, Luke Bailey, Matt Srama, Nate Myles, Greg Bird, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Mark Ioane, Luke Douglas, Ryan James, Sam Irwin, Ben Ridge, Anthony Don.

Panthers: Matt Moylan, James Roberts, Brad Tighe, Dean Whare, David Simmons, Isaac John, Luke Walsh, Nigel Plum, Kevin Kingston (c), Tim Grant, Matt Robinson, Lewis Brown, Ryan Simpkins. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Cameron Ciraldo, Mose Masoe, Clint Newton.

Canberra Raiders v North Queensland Cowboys, Canberra Stadium, 2pm (EST) Sunday

Raiders: Reece Robinson, Jack Wighton, Jarrod Croker, Joel Thompson, Sami Sauiluma, Terry Campese (c), Josh McCrone, David Shillington, Glen Buttriss, Dane Tilse, Josh Papalii, Joel Edwards, Shaun Fensom. Interchange: Anthony Milford, Jarrad Kennedy, Sam Mataora, Paul Vaughan, Shaun Berrigan, Jake Foster, Dimitri Pelo.

Cowboys: Clint Greenshields, Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Kane Linnett, Antonio Winterstein, Johnathan Thurston (c), Robert Lui, Matthew Scott (c), Ray Thompson, James Tamou, Tariq Sims, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: Rory Kostjasyn, Gavin Cooper, Scott Bolton, Ricky Thorby, Jason Taumalolo.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Newcastle Knights, Mackay Stadium, 3pm (EST) Sunday

Bulldogs: Coming soon

Knights: Darius Boyd, James McManus, Dane Gagai, Joey Leilua, Akuila Uate, Jarrod Mullen (c), Tyrone Roberts, Kade Snowden, Danny Buderus, Willie Mason, Robbie Rochow, Beau Scott, Jeremy Smith. Interchange: Craig Gower, Chris Houston, Zane Tetevano, Neville Costigan, Korbin Sims.

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Warriors, NiB Stadium, 6.30pm (EST) Sunday

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

Warriors: Kevin Locke, Glen Fisiiahi, Dane Nielsen, Konrad Hurrell, Manu Vatuvei, Thomas Leuluai, Shaun Johnson, Sam Rapira, Nathan Friend, Ben Matulino, Feleti Mateo, Simon Mannering (c), Elijah Taylor. Interchange: Russell Packer, Jacob Lillyman, Todd Lowrie, Dominique Peyroux, Ngani Laumape, Suaia Matagi, Charlie Gubb.

Manly Sea Eagles v Parramatta Eels, Brookvale Oval, 7pm (EST) Monday

Sea Eagles: Coming soon

Eels: Coming soon

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Sims, Dugan face bans

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Ashton Sims ... faces the NRL judiciary after a kneeing incident. Source: Robb Cox / AAP

North Queensland forward Ashton Sims faces a three-week suspension after being charged by the NRL for kneeing Nathan Stapleton in the Cowboys' win over the Sharks on Sunday.

If he pleads guilty Sims will be ruled out for two weeks but if he contests the grade two charge and loses he will face a further week on the sideline.

If ruled out Sims will miss this weekend's clash against the Raiders, a crucial game for both teams who are sitting two points outside the eight on 16 points.

State of Origin fullback Josh Dugan will also miss a week if he pleads guilty to a shoulder charge on opposite number Matt Moylan in the Dragons' loss to the Panthers on Saturday night.

He also risks a further week on the sideline if he contests the charge and then loses.

Dugan's teammate Nathan Fien will be free to play with an early guilty plea to a dangerous contact charge following an incident with Lewis Brown.

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Hamstrung Warburton out of decider

Blow ... Lions skipper Sam Warburton will play no part in the series decider. Source: William West / AAP

Shattered Lions skipper Sam Warburton is out of the series-deciding Test against the Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday night after scans confirmed a significant hamstring tear.

Flanker Warburton limped of late in the British and Irish Lions' 16-15 loss to the Wallabies in Melbourne last Saturday night but any chance for him to be part of a bounce-back has been cruelling ripped from him.

Warburton remained in Melbourne on Sunday when his squad-mates headed to Noosa on Queensland's Sunshine Coast  for their final test camp.

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Lions team doctor Eanna Falvey was with Warburton when a full assessment revealed what the Lions camp today announced as "a significant tear in his left hamstring" which means "no further part in the tour."

Welshman Warburton played one of his finest Tests last weekend when his breakdown work earned several penalties and pilfers.

He will be sorely missed. It opens the door for Ireland's Sean O'Brien or Welsh countryman Justin Tipuric to wear the No.7 in the deciding Test.

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It also casts centre Brian O'Driscoll as captain-elect because the tourists have now lost two players who have captained the Lions...Warburton and lock Paul O'Connell (broken arm).

"It is incredibly disappointing to be ruled out of the tour through injury as we head to Sydney for the deciding match," Warburton said.

"I wish the team all the best and hope I can play some part in the build-up this week.

"I am confident the boys can finish the job off and secure the series win."

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Rampant Knights thump Titans

Newcastle's James McManus ... scores one of his three first half tries. Source: Philip Hillyard / News Limited

Newcastle winger James McManus scored a club-record four tries as the Knights reclaimed eighth spot on the NRL ladder with a crushing 46-16 home win over Gold Coast on Sunday.

8 Tries 3
Tyrone Roberts 10'	Kevin Gordon 68'
Darius Boyd (pen) 14'	Greg Bird 74'
James McManus 19'	David Mead 80'
James McManus 23'
Joseph Leilua 26'
James McManus 30'
James McManus 42'
Jarrod Mullen 62'
6 Conversions 2
Tyrone Roberts 11'	Aidan Sezer 75'
Tyrone Roberts 15'	Aidan Sezer 80'
Tyrone Roberts 20'
Tyrone Roberts 26'
Tyrone Roberts 31'
Tyrone Roberts 43'
1 Penalties 0
Tyrone Roberts 24'

The Titans' season of promise hit its lowest note at Hunter Stadium, with star centre Jamal Idris suffering a suspect broken ankle in the fifth minute and Ash Harrison limping off the park early in the second half.

Queensland enforcer Nate Myles was unable to back up from State of Origin, and fellow co-captain Greg Bird might've wished he did the same as Newcastle snapped a four-game losing streak in style.

The visitors struggled to complete sets and knocked-on at will in slippery conditions and their misery was compounded by the Knights' ability to swing the ball left to McManus with devastating effect.

Titans winger Anthony Don fumbled Jarrod Mullen's kick after the game's opening set of six and it proved a telling omen of what was to come.

Halfback Tyron Roberts opened the scoring when he sold a dummy and ducked over himself in the 10th minute, and the Knights poured on five more tries in the opening half.

On three occasions it was McManus who slid over the try-line, terrorising Don and capping off some stellar ball movement to give Newcastle a 36-0 half-time lead.

Roberts helped set up another four-pointer for the 27-year-old just two minutes into the second stanza, meaning the Scottish-born winger joined Andrew Johns and four others as the only men to score four tries in a match for Newcastle.

From there, the procession slowed.

Mullen scored the Knights' eighth try before the Titans finally got on the scoreboard in sensational style in the 68th minute when Kevin Gordon sprinted over 80m after intercepting a kick.

Bird and David Mead crossed in the dying stages, but even that failed to add a modicum of respect to the scoreboard.

The only sour note for the crowd of 9,208 was Newcastle veteran Willie Mason being put on report for a high shot on Titans youngster Sam Irwin.

Roberts slotted six conversions in the wet, and also added another goal after Albert Kelly clattered into McManus with his knees during the former NSW representative's second try.

McManus has 15 tries for the season and is the competition's leading try-scorer.

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Warriors down Broncos in nail-biter

Shaun Johnson ... looks to pass the ball during Warriors v Broncos match. Source: WAYNE DROUGHT / AAP

The Warriors' winning run has stretched to five games after Konrad Hurrell's late 90-metre intercept try helped them down Brisbane 18-16 in an NRL nail-biter in Auckland on Sunday.

3 Tries 3
Manu Vatuvei 11'	Lachlan Maranta 17'
Elijah Taylor 38'	Peter Wallace 32'
Konrad Hurrell 71'	Josh Hoffman 46'
3 Conversions 2
Shaun Johnson 12'	Scott Prince 33'
Shaun Johnson 40'	Scott Prince 48'
Shaun Johnson 73'

With the clock showing nine minutes to go, Brisbane looked certain to extend their 16-12 lead.

But Hurrell intercepted Scott Prince's cut-out pass that was intended for unmarked winger Lachlan Maranta.

Hurrell then sprinted 90m, evading hard-chasing Brisbane skipper Sam Thaiday to dot down under the posts and give Shaun Johnson a simple conversion.

With seconds remaining, Brisbane had the chance to send the encounter into extra time, but Corey Parker pushed a 48-metre penalty attempt wide.

The win came at a cost for the Warriors, with winger Manu Vatuvei, the match's opening try-scorer, hobbling off with a knee injury 13 minutes into the second half.

Four weeks ago, the Warriors overwhelmed an understrength Brisbane line-up 56-18.

A similar result was never likely with the Broncos welcoming back their Queensland Origin quartet, including Thaiday, who was one of their best in an intense, physical contest.

The opening half was a seesawing one, but Brisbane controlled proceedings in the second.

They came out after the break with plenty of energy and they hit the front in the 47th minute via a slick passing move that create space for winger Josh Hoffman to score his 13th try of the season.

The Kiwi look to have grabbed a double 15 minutes later through a similar move, but Corey Norman's final pass was called forward.

The Broncos still looked the more likely, until Hurrell intervened.

Both teams had late scratchings, with Warriors prop Russell Packer and Broncos counterpart Ben Hannant withdrawn because of injury.

The Warriors dominated the opening exchanges and were rewarded in the 10th minute.

The Broncos couldn't hold out a third repeat set as the ball was worked to an unmarked Vatuvei, who ran around to dot down by the posts.

But Brisbane replied seven minutes later when Prince's pinpoint grubber gave Maranta a simple touchdown.

They hit the front after producing some tremendous goal-line defence.

Again, the Warriors had repeat sets, but the fourth of them ended with Maranta defusing Johnson's in-goal bomb.

The visitors then went downfield and when the home side couldn't clean up a Norman bomb, halfback Peter Wallace toed ahead and scored himself.

Prince's conversion made it 10-6, but the ebb and flow before 15,515 fans continued with the Warriors scoring in the shadow of halftime.

This time, Vatuvei provided the assist, batting back a Johnson cross-kick for lock Elijah Taylor to dot down.

Johnson's second conversion put the Warriors up 12-10 at the break. 

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