Wallace ready to leave: agent

Peter Wallace leading the Brisbane Broncos. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

THE manager of ex-NSW halfback Peter Wallace has revealed his client's frustration over becoming one of the big-name casualties of the tug-of-war over NRL superstar Ben Barba.

Allan Gainey says Wallace is "prepared to go anywhere" after claiming an about-face from his NRL club the Broncos cost him a Penrith contract believed to be worth $1.5 million.

Despite denials from Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin, Gainey said Wallace sought a release almost two months ago when the Penrith offer lobbed but was knocked back by the Broncos.

However, Gainey said weeks later the Broncos told Wallace he could seek a release as they joined the hunt for Barba but by then the Penrith offer was off the table.

Wallace - once the Blues' Origin No.7 - has since been demoted from the Brisbane starting side and comes off the bench as the back-up hooker.

"A release was sought seven weeks ago but the coach refused to consider it," Gainey said.

"But now they are chasing Barba they want to create room (under the salary cap).

"I asked at St George but they got Sam Williams from Canberra.

"Newcastle didn't have much money to spend at all after signing Michael Dobson from (English) Super League and Penrith have re-signed Isaac John.

"He is prepared to go anywhere in the NRL if something came up but at the moment there's no options."

Parramatta looms as the only option left for Wallace while cashed-up halfback Chris Sandow remains on the outer.

But Gainey said at this stage Wallace was prepared to see out his Broncos contract which expires at the end of next season even if it meant languishing in the second-tier Queensland Cup.

"It's a shame when coaches chop and change but he's not going to do his bum - he will stay at the Broncos so he can get paid," Gainey said.

"He could go to Super League but he's not ready to go for family reasons.

"He believes he has two or three good years of NRL still left in him."

The Broncos are desperate for a marquee signing but may be sweating on Barba's availability for some time.

Barba was set to ask the Bulldogs for a release once his former partner took up an option to move to the Gold Coast with their two young children.

But Barba's manager Gavin Orr said there was still a chance the livewire fullback would stay in Sydney and see out his Bulldogs contract until the end of 2015.

"It will be hard for Ben to stay here if that does happen (family leaves for Queensland) but it's a week to week thing with his partner during their reconciliation," Orr said.

"Things might change again but at the moment it is a personal thing between them."

Orr said at the moment Barba was just concentrating on an early return from an ankle syndesmosis injury suffered in last Friday night's 40-12 win over the Eels.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Video: who are the EPL wonderkids?

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

These are some of the starlets set to light up the Barclays Premier League this season. Source:AP

With the Barclays Premier League season just two weeks away, we take a look at some of the league's best young prospects.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Fellow England youngster Oxlade-Chamberlain will be hoping cement his place in Arsene Wenger's starting line-up. The 19-year-old was handed 11 starts and 15 substitute appearances last season, netting once and setting up an additional five. Having already scored three senior goals for his country, the attacking midfielder has certainly shown the potential to be the real deal, but whether he will get an extended run in the team remains to be seen.

Wilfried Zaha

Like Redmond, Zaha is likely to be an entertaining watch as he looks to make his mark in the Premier League after signing for Manchester United. The 20-year-old has impressed in pre-season but whether he is able to earn a regular first-team place remains to be seen. Eight goals in promotion-winning Crystal Palace's side hardly implies prolific potential, but his decisive brace in the play-off second leg at Brighton showed a taste for the big occasion.

Phil Jones

If Sir Alex Ferguson's opinion is anything to go one (which it obviously is) then Jones is en route to being a key player for Manchester United. Anyone getting regular starts in United's defence is likely to pick up points even amid the post-Ferguson transitional period with David Moyes proven at putting together solid backlines. However, goals look less likely to come by with the 21-year-old only netting one senior goal to date.

Philippe Coutinho

The Brazilian attacking midfielder has already caught the eye on numerous occasions since arriving in the January transfer window, with three goals, five assists and two Sky Sports man-of-the-match awards. Expectations at Liverpool have been cranked up further by a string of impressive displays in pre-season, somewhat sating fears of who will produce the magic if Luis Suarez does depart.

Romelu Lukaku

Like most of the aforementioned players, Lukaku's influence is likely to heavily depend on his exposure to first-team action. The powerful frontman proved he is plenty capable of delivering in the Premier League as he netted 17 times during his loan spell with West Brom last season. That impressive campaign has suitably convinced Jose Mourinho to keep him at Stamford Bridge rather than allowing another spell away. If the Belgium striker can move ahead of Demba Ba and Fernando Torres in the picking order then he has the potential to be one of the league's top marksmen.

Nathan Redmond

The 19-year-old winger has been part of an exciting summer of signings for Norwich and the Carrow Road faithful will hope he can provide the ammunition for new strike duo Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Gary Hooper. While assists might be plentiful, goals look less likely from a player who netted just twice in 45 appearances for Birmingham last season. With pace aplenty and a bag of tricks, Redmond can certainly make an impression this year but it would be somewhat of a surprise if he was to be a huge points hauler.

Luke Shaw

The Southampton left-back enjoyed a solid debut campaign in the Premier League and looks set to continue his impressive development in a developing side. As with any defender, Shaw's points tally will largely depend on his team's ability to keep clean sheets, something that should improve with the addition of a year's experience in the Premier League and the acquisition of defensive midfielder Victor Wanyama. Shaw's pace and technical ability should also see him start to contribute going forward as well.

Ross Barkley

This could well be a breakthrough campaign for the 19-year-old midfielder following loan spells last season. Barkley's widely appreciated potential, which was clear to see as he impressed during loan spells with Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds, was reportedly one of the key reasons behind the decision to let Jack Rodwell depart. The England Under-21 international possesses an eye for goal as well, having netted four times in 12 appearances for Wednesday, while he is happy to step up to the spot when required.

Gerard Deulofeu

Everton fans are getting excited by the loan signing of Barcelona B star Deulofeu and so they should, judging by his displays for Spain in the Under-20s World Cup in Turkey. He is, however, only 19-years-old, so to expect a teenager to take the Premier League by storm is a big ask, though there's no doubt he'll be a useful addition to Roberto Martinez's squad. Although he lacks a little pace, Deulofeu is very much a modern product of Spain with his flawless technical ability and threat from dead ball situations.

Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11662/8848764/the-wonderkids

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Live: Super Rugby final chat #AskKafe

Rod Kafer will be on deck to answer all your questions from 5.30pm (EST) Thursday. Source: AAP

THE Chiefs and Brumbies will meet in Hamilton on Saturday night to decide the 2013 Super Rugby champions in a match that is sure to produce one of the competition's most memorable finals.

Both teams went into their respective semi-finals as underdogs but emerged victorious thanks to some individual brilliance and gutsy defensive efforts.

Fox Sports is the only place you'll see the final Live and in stunning HD and with all of Australia getting behind the Brumbies, we're offering up a Live Chat with club legend Rod Kafer to whet your appetite.

Join us from 5:30pm (EST) Thursday to chat live with Kafer, where the 2001 premiership player will be on deck to answer your questions and offer up his thoughts on the Brumbies' chances.

Get your questions in now by leaving a comment below or via Twitter using #AskKafe

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Friend makes most of last chance

Nathan Friend will be crucial to the Roosters' premiership chances. Source: Tony Feder / Getty Images

FOUR years after finding himself washing vegetables in a Sydney kitchen with his NRL career looking dead and buried Jake Friend is now a key player in the Sydney Roosters' quest for a first premiership in 11 years.

After one too many alcohol-fuelled incidents Friend had his contract torn up by the club in 2009 only to be given a second-chance six months later thanks to the support of a long-time sponsor of the club who gave him a job in his cafe.

And it's there where it dawned on the Queenslander that he was in danger of throwing away a golden opportunity to make a living out of playing rugby league.

"It's good to be in this position, in a winning team. I'd rather be here than on a work site digging holes or something like that," Friend said.

"I'm just glad to be playing footy and that everything worked out.

"When I was down at Jimmy's cafe, out the back chopping carrots and all sorts of stuff, it was a bit of an eye-opener.

"It really woke me up to the fact that I want footy and I miss footy."

The Roosters sit in second spot on the ladder and have the chance on Friday to climb above South Sydney, who play on Saturday in Townsville against North Queensland, with a win over Penrith.

Friend was named man of the match in last Sunday's bruising win over Newcastle and said his improvement this year is largely down to the coaching of Trent Robinson.

Under the guidance of Robinson, the burly hooker has added an attacking dimension to his game that was often lacking and now rotates the role with Daniel Mortimer which has kept him fresher.

"Having Morts on the bench has helped me a lot," he said.

"I'm only playing 55-60 minutes. I think that's helped with my workload. I feel a lot fresher in attack sets.

"The area that I wanted to work most on was my attack, I want to keep improving but I've been happy the way I've been going."

The Roosters will be without Sonny Bill Williams due to suspension in a game that will see Michael Jennings return to Centrebet Stadium since for the first time since his departure at the end of last season.

The NSW centre scored twice when the sides met earlier this season with the Roosters running out 30-6 winners.

Penrith have no fresh injury concerns but must win the game to keep alive any genuine hope of reaching the finals and are without winger Brad Tighe and key forwards Matt Robinson and Nigel Plum due to injury.
 

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sell-out crowd Chiefs-Brumbies final

Full house ... Chiefs players run on to the field at Waikato Stadium, which has been declared a sell-out for the Super Rugby final against the Brumbies. Source: Sandra Mu / Getty Images

THE Chiefs will play their Super Rugby final against the Brumbies on Saturday to a full house at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.

The fixture officially sold out on Wednesday afternoon after 25,000 tickets went on sale at 8am local time.

Chiefs fans camped out and queued from the early hours of Wednesday to secure their tickets after season members bought more than 12,000 tickets during the priority purchase period.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie will name his side to face the Brumbies late on Thursday afternoon.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Desperate days for Sharks

The lawyer for Isaac Gordon (pictured) has threatened legal action alleging he has suffered a range of problems due to the supplements programme at the Sharks in 2011. Source: DailyTelegraph

How the hell can Cronulla survive what appears to lay ahead?

Cheers of joy rang loud throughout the Shire on Monday when the current board lived up to their pre-election promise to overturn the previous board's decision to sack four staff members.

Head trainer Mark Noakes was returned to his old job and for him and the three other sacked staff it was their first step to having their reputation restored.

But things change quickly at Cronulla.

New Sharks' Chairman Damien Keogh said of their decision: "On conclusion of the review, the board has determined that the actions which we have taken in respect of these staff are in the best interests of the club and we believe we have the support of our members in doing so."

But is this decision really in the best interests of the club? Why did they not wait until the ASADA investigation is complete?

Less than 24 hours after the board's "feel good"  decision  interim CEO Bruno Cullen walked out in disgust.

"I haven't seen any of the documentation that was made in the reinstatement process so it would be difficult for me to comment on that other than to say they've got the right to do it.

"From the documentation that I've seen that was around the original decision, it just makes absolute sense in a professional and corporate governance sense.

From what Bruno has seen the original board got it right and the new board horribly wrong.

Cullen was sent in by the NRL to guide Cronulla through this sorry mess, he had no other agenda other than to help the Sharks get on the right track.

Clearly the current Sharks board think they know better than this very experienced and respected football administrator.

Then no sooner had  Cullen left the building than the first lawyer was knocking on Cronulla's door threatening to sue the club on behalf of former player Isaac Gordon.

Gordon claims he suffered a range of problems that were a direct result of the 2011 supplements program.

"He feels very let down by the club and particularly the coaching staff," says Gordon's lawyer James Chrara.

The timing of this new legal action is no coincidence. Cronulla's decision to reinstate the staff members  is a green light to the lawyers who are hearing the  club effectively saying "we are ok about  whatever went on in 2011".

The previous board under Damian Irvine made the decision to sack the four men and stand down coach Shane Flanagan because they were advised  that if they didn't take that action then  the club would be seriously exposed to mass legal action from players.

The internal reviews that were done by Irvine's board earlier this year showed enough evidence to suggest to them that a "serious breach of duty of care may have occurred during the 2011 supplements program."

It's  becoming more and more  apparent that the original board under Damian Irvine perhaps know things that went on in 2011 that the rest of us may not. 

Irvine has been cast out by the club and seen as someone who overreacted and caused great heartache to staff much loved by Sharks members and fans.

But  Irvine was also a fan before he was their chairman and headed the Cronulla supporters' club. He will tell you he made the decision to protect the club he's loved all my life.

Many believe he and his board panicked and overreacted. But did they?

Of course it needs to be said that the coaching staff and all related parties totally deny any wrong doing or knowledge of any banned substances being used during the 2011 supplements program.

So now what?  Next week the second round of player interviews begin and Gordon's legal action could be a snowball that turns into an avalanche.

The united stand by the current playing group may begin to crack if it appears the ship is going down.
 

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Wallabies seek Bledisloe redemption

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Compensation ... lifting the Bledisloe Cup would compensate for losing Lions series. Source: Paul Miller / AAP

WALLABIES stalwart Adam Ashley-Cooper says finally winning back the Bledisloe Cup would be ample compensation for losing a once-in-a-lifetime series against the British and Irish Lions.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

New coach Ewen McKenzie will assemble his 40-man training squad in Sydney on Monday ahead of Australia's Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship opener against the world champion All Blacks at ANZ Stadium on August 17.

Not one member of the squad has experienced trans-Tasman series success, with Australia last holding the coveted Cup in 2002, and Ashley-Cooper says it's an enticing opportunity to bounce back from the deflating third-Test loss to the Lions.

"The guys were a little flat post (Lions) campaign but it was easy to put it behind you and move on with what's coming up next,'' he said.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"It would be ample compensation and it all would be forgotten once you claim that Bledisloe.

"Most of the guys in the squad won't have ever held a Bledisloe Cup, so that's pretty exciting for the guys to look forward to.''

Even before entering camp, Ashley-Cooper says McKenzie already has the Wallabies on their toes, with no-one guaranteed a Test jumper in a new era for Australian rugby after five years with New Zealander Robbie Deans at the helm.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

McKenzie made it clear when he named his preliminary squad, which will be cut to 30 on August 9, that he was "not fixed on who will start'' against the All Blacks.

Ashley-Cooper, a veteran of 80 Tests and the only player from any team to play seven full matches at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand, believes such uncertainty and competition for spots is healthy.

"Change in general keeps everybody on their toes,'' said the backline utility.

"It's a little bit unpredictable at the moment. No one knows what to expect from Ewen so we'll find out once we get into camp and get a little bit of familiarity with the program and his coaching concepts.

"But change is always good. From what I've heard, Ewen will do a great job.

"I like the idea of an Australian coach coaching an Australian team and I think that will bring a lot of familiarity and comfort amongst the squad.

"So I'm looking forward to the changes he brings, and obviously the atmosphere.''

McKenzie last week said he was unlikely to make too many changes too soon, but he is almost certain to reinstate Queensland Reds playmaker Quade Cooper at five-eighth.

Winger Israel Folau is confident of being 100 per cent recovered from the hamstring injury he sustained in the third Test against the Lions and says he's relishing the chance to play outside Cooper.

"Obviously he's a great player. I'd love to get the opportunity to play alongside Quade,'' Folau said.

"We'll see as we go down the track, but hopefully we get the chance to do that.''

The Wallabies lost 14 of their 18 Tests against the All Blacks under Deans from 2008 to 2012, including the World Cup semi-final in Auckland two years ago.

Deans' only successes against his countrymen came in his first Test in charge in Sydney in 2008, a Bledisloe Cup dead rubber in Hong Kong in 2010 and the Tri Nations decider in Brisbane in 2011, with the Wallabies and All Blacks drawing 18-18 last time they met last year in Brisbane.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Live: NRL teams round 21

Albert Kelly is set to miss the Titans' clash with the Tigers. Source: Adam Head / News Limited

We bring you all the teams for NRL round 21 as they're announced on Tuesday.

Knights v Broncos, Hunter Stadium, 7.35pm (EST) Friday

Knights: 1 Darius Boyd, 2 James McManus, 3 Dane Gagai, 4 Joey Leilua, 5 Akuila Uate, 6 Jarrod Mullen (c), 7 Tyrone Roberts, 8 David Fa'alogo, 9 Danny Buderus, 10 Zane Tetevano, 11 Robbie Rochow, 12 Beau Scott, 13 Jeremy Smith. Interchange: 14 Craig Gower, 15 Chris Houston, 16 Neville Costigan, 17 Adam Cuthbertson, 18 Korbin Sims.

Broncos: 1 Josh Hoffman, 2 Corey Oates, 3 David Stagg, 4 Justin Hodges, 5 Lachlan Maranta, 6 Scott Prince, 7 Ben Hunt, 8 Mitchell Dodds, 9 Andrew McCullough, 10 Josh McGuire, 11 Sam Thaiday (c), 12 Matt Gillett, 13 Corey Parker. Interchange: 14 Peter Wallace, 15 Dunamis Lui, 16 Lama Tasi, 17 Nick Slyney.

Panthers v Roosters, Centrebet Stadium, 7.35pm (EST) Friday

Panthers: 1 Matt Moylan, 2 James Roberts, 3 Lewis Brown, 4 Dean Whare, 5 David Simmons, 6 Isaac John, 7 Luke Walsh, 8 Jeremy Latimore, 9 Kevin Kingston (c), 10 Tim Grant, 11 Clint Newton, 12 Sika Manu, 13 Adam Docker. Interchange: 14 James Segeyaro, 15 Cameron Ciraldo, 16 Mose Masoe, 17 Ryan Simpkins, 18 Josh Mansour.

Roosters: Coming soon

Warriors v Sharks, Mt Smart Stadium, 3pm (EST) Saturday

Warriors: 1 Kevin Locke, 2 Ngani Laumape, 3 Dane Nielsen, 4 Konrad Hurrell, 5 Manu Vatuvei, 6 Thomas Leuluai, 7 Shaun Johnson, 8 Sam Rapira, 9 Nathan Friend, 10 Ben Matulino, 11 Feleti Mateo, 12 Simon Mannering (c), 13 Elijah Taylor. Interchange: 14 Suaia Matagi, 15 Jacob Lillyman, 16 Todd Lowrie, 17 Dominique Peyroux.

Sharks: Coming soon

Eels v Sea Eagles, Parramatta Stadium, 5.30pm (EST) Saturday

Eels: Coming soon

Sea Eagles: 1 Brett Stewart, 2 Jorge Taufua, 3 Jamie Lyon (c), 4 Steve Matai, 5 David Williams, 6 Kieran Foran, 7 Daly Cherry-Evans, 8 Brenton Lawrence, 9 Matt Ballin, 10 Brent Kite, 11 Anthony Watmough, 12 Justin Horo, 13 Glenn Stewart. Interchange: 14 Richie Fa'aoso, 15 Jamie Buhrer, 16 David Gower, 17 George Rose, 18 James Hasson, 19 Peta Hiku.

Cowboys v Rabbitohs, 1300SMILES Stadium, 7.30pm (EST) Saturday

Cowboys: Matthew Bowen, Kyle Feldt, Brent Tate, Kane Linnett, Antonio Winterstein, Johnathan Thurston (c), Michael Morgan, Matthew Scott (c), Ray Thompson, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Glenn Hall, Joel Riethmuller. Interchange: Scott Moore, Tariq Sims, Jason Taumalolo, Ashton Sims, Scott Bolton, Rory Kostjasyn.

Rabbitohs: 1 Nathan Merritt, 2 Dylan Farrell, 3 Bryson Goodwin, 4 Dylan Walker, 5 Matt King, 6 John Sutton (c), 7 Adam Reynolds, 8 Sam Burgess, 9 Issac Luke, 10 George Burgess, 11 Chris McQueen, 12 Ben Te'o, 13 Ben Lowe. Interchange: 14 Luke Keary, 15 Roy Asotasi, 16 Jeff Lima, 17 Thomas Burgess, 18 Dave Tyrrell, 19 Justin Hunt.

Raiders v Storm, Canberra Stadium, 2pm (EST) Sunday

Raiders: 1 Anthony Milford, 2 Reece Robinson, 3 Jarrod Croker, 4 Joel Thompson, 5 Sandor Earl, 6 Terry Campese (c), 7 Josh McCrone, 8 David Shillington, 9 Glen Buttriss, 10 Dane Tilse, 11 Josh Papalii, 12 Joel Edwards, 13 Shaun Fensom. Interchange: 14 Shaun Berrigan, 15 Jarrad Kennedy, 16 Brett White, 17 Paul Vaughan.

Storm: Coming soon

Titans v Tigers, Skilled Park, 3pm (EST) Sunday

Titans: David Mead, Kevin Gordon, Brad Takairangi, Jamie Dowling, Anthony Don, Ashley Harrison, Aidan Sezer, Luke Douglas, Beau Falloon, Nate Myles (c), Ben Ridge, Mark Minichiello, Greg Bird (c). Interchange: David Taylor, Ryan James, Luke O'Dwyer, Sam Irwin.

Tigers: Coming soon

Dragons v Bulldogs, WIN Jubilee Oval, 7pm (EST) Monday

Dragons: 1 Josh Dugan, 2 Brett Morris, 3 Chase Stanley, 4 Daniel Vidot, 5 Jason Nightingale, 6 Adam Quinlan, 7 Nathan Fien, 8 Jack de Belin, 9 Mitch Rein, 10 Michael Weyman, 11 Bronson Harrison, 12 Ben Creagh (c), 13 Trent Merrin. Interchange: 14 Matt Prior, 15 Leeson Ah Mau, 16 Tyson Frizell, 17 Jack Stockwell.

Bulldogs: Coming soon

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

If you don't mind, umpire

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Geelong forward Steven Motlop celebrates a goal against St Kilda. Source: Michael Dodge / Getty Images

WE PICK the biggest umpiring eyebrow-raisers of the weekend.

Each week we'll nominate the most controversial, baffling and unusual umpiring calls - all the interests of raising issues of rule interpretation so important to our game.

If you've seen an incident we missed, let us know. And if we get an explanation from AFL House, we'll put that up here as well.

DID MOTLOP PLAY ON?

Geelong forward Steve Motlop was at his electric best on Saturday night, but should he have been credited with one extra kick on the stats sheet?

Motlop was lining up for a set at goal late in the first term when he bizarrely kicked the ball to himself at the top of his run-up.

The umpire didn't react and the players went on as if nothing unusual had happened, but surely if you kick the ball that's play on - even if it is to yourself.

The call would have been a lot more interesting if Motlop was kicking to win the game after the siren.
CATS MAKE MOST OF UMPIRE FALCON

Two other incidents at Skilled Stadium tested the umpires' memory of rules that only come into force once or twice a season.

Late in the third term James Podsiadly kicked the ball straight into an umpire's head, gathered it on the rebound and delivered to Steve Johnson for a goal.

That makes it even after Stevie J was dudded by the same rule - that it's play on if the ball rebounds off an ump - against Brisbane in Round 13. On that occasion a Johnson kick out of defence rebounded off an umpire's foot straight to Dayne Zorko, who turned around and kicked a goal.

There was another eyebrow-raiser on Saturday night when Tom Hawkins sprayed a set shot at goal from behond the boundary line out on the full - and the umpire called for a throw-in where Tomahawk too his kick.

The rule says if the ball doesn't re-enter the field of play it's deemed out of bounds, but that does seem very generous. If a player can't manage to kick the ball back into the field, surely he doesn't deserve another crack.

TIGERS' VIDEO REPLAY

Richmond fans are very familiar with the rules around the video goal review system after a controversial late non-goal against Fremantle early in the season.

At least they thought they were until yesterday.

The AFL explained the reason the umpires did not go to the video in Round 5 was because Matt White's shot bounced off the umpire (see rule above) and back into play - so it was still live.

But yesterday the umps at the SCG ignored that when they called for a review after a Jesse White bomb was touched right on the line by Ivan Maric.

Maric tapped the ball back into play, where it was scooped up by Daniel Jackson. Jacko was stopped in his tracks when the AFL ran in to go to the replay.

The video ruled the ball had crossed the line - just - before Maric got a hand to it, but what would have happened if he touched it a couple of millimetres earlier? It clearly wouldn't have been a goal, but it couldn't be a behind either - a ball-up at the top of the goalsquare perhaps? That would be tough on Jackson.

The difference this time was the goal ump's original call was a goal, but it's lucky he was right. And it didn't happen in a tight final quarter in a Grand Final.
PIES GET AWAY WITH ONE

Jeremy Cameron set the MCG alight on Saturday with seven goals, but he could make a strong case it should have been eight.

Jezza was mauled by Collingwood defender Nathan Brown 25m out directly in front early in the final term, but the umpire waved "play on".

Making the call even more baffling was the fact Dane Swan had just kicked a goal after winning a holding free for what can generously be termed minimal contact at the other end.

Dermott Brereton was stumped on Fox Footy: "(It was) over the shoulder, tugging the jumper, the only thing he didn't do was trip him."
 

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Was the East Asian Cup worth it?

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Holger Osieck made some questionable selection choices for the Socceroos at the East Asian Cup. Source: Takuya Yoshino / AP

THE emergence of Mitchell Duke and Tomi Juric as Brazil 2014 bolters has perhaps made the pain of the Socceroos' ordinary East Asian Cup finals campaign worth it.

Throw in the continued development of young general Ryan McGowan and the near certainty that he will also go to Brazil, plus the great form of ever-reliable goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic, and the Australians have at least something to show from the South Korean wreckage.

But questions must be asked about the overall purpose of the Socceroos' campaign in Seoul and Hwaseong.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

National coach Holger Osieck suggested last week that he wanted to find a balance between giving all the fringe players in his experimental squad an adequate opportunity to show their wares and attempting to win the tournament.

It could be argued that he achieved neither.

After the Socceroos were totally outclassed in their first-up 0-0 draw with South Korea, it was obvious to almost everybody that the Australians were not going to lift the Cup.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

So why did Osieck name exactly the same starting side for the next game against Japan?

By doing that, Osieck put himself under pressure heading into Australia's last match against China in his bid to give every member of his 23-man squad a decent chance show him what they could do.

As a result, he failed to deliver on his intent to give each player game time.

We can perhaps excuse third goalkeeper Nathan Coe not spending any time between the sticks, particularly as he temporarily left camp to play for Melbourne Victory against Liverpool last Wednesday.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

But it was almost criminal for Osieck not to give Central Coast Mariners defender Trent Sainsbury a run.

Surely Sainsbury, who had a great 2012-13 A-League season, deserved at the very least 45 minutes at the tournament, particularly in a defensive line that was torn apart during Australia'* three matches.

Did Osieck not see enough of centre-back Robbie Cornthwaite in the opening half against China on Sunday to know how poorly he was playing?

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The second half of Australia's 4-3 loss to the Chinese was the perfect opportunity to use Sainsbury. Instead the Mariners star was left to warm up for most of the second stanza.

Perhaps his only consolation was that Osieck did not bring him on for a token couple of minutes at the end. That would have been even harder to stomach.

Instead, Osieck opted for veteran attacker Archie Thompson in the dying stages.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Maybe the coach felt he was forced to because of a foot injury suffered by forward Tomi Juric.

But what the introduction of Thompson – in the end fruitless considering China won - showed was that Osieck wanted to salvage something from the game, and tournament, in terms of results.

However, with Australia already out of contention before the game against China, it should not have mattered which minor place the Socceroos filled in the four-nation tournament.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

SBW on report in win over Knights

Rooster's Sonny Bill Williams hits Knight's Willie Mason during the Knights and Roosters at Hunter Stadium , Newcastle Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

SYDNEY Roosters backrower Sonny Bill Williams was placed on report for a shoulder charge on Knights prop Willie Mason and is almost certain to face suspension as the Roosters stormed home to beat the Knights 28-12 in a brutal clash at Hunter Stadium.

2 Tries 5
Darius Boyd 22'	Shaun Kenny-Dowall 19'
James McManus 59'	Michael Jennings 31'
	Sam Moa 49'
	Boyd Cordner 73'
	Sonny Bill Williams 77'
1 Conversions 4
Tyrone Roberts 23'	James Maloney 20'
	James Maloney 32'
	James Maloney 50'
	James Maloney 78'
1 Penalties 0
Tyrone Roberts 68'

Two late Roosters' tries to Boyd Cordner and Williams in the final eight minutes wrapped up a 16 point win.

Cordner was outstanding for the winners along with props Luke O'Donnell and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and hooker Jake Friend while fullback Darius Boyd was close to the Knights best.

Newcastle mounted a serious challenge for 70 minutes but were over-powered in the end by the premiership favourites, who extended their winning run to five matches.

But they are almost certainly going to be without Williams, whose shoulder charge on Mason 15 minutes into the game will be a huge talking point.

Mason was left dazed by the hit and it only got worse for the Knights prop when he limped from the field before halftime with a suspected calf tear.

The Knights had an opportunity to get within striking distance of the Roosters with 13 minutes left trailing 18-10 when they attacked the opponent's line on the back of three straight penalties.

But in a mystifying decision, the Knights opted to take the penalty goal to reduce the margin to 18-12.

They never got a look in after that.

Leading 12-6 at halftime, the Roosters extended the advantage to 18-6 nine minutes into the second half via their bench.

A great off-load from Isaac Liu close to the Knights line to Daniel Mortimer produced a try for Sam Moa.

But with the penalty count mounting up against the Roosters and armed with plenty of possession, the Knights refused to lie down.

Midway through the half, playmakers Danny Buderus, Craig Gower, Tyrone Roberts and Darius Boyd combined to put James McManus over in the corner to narrow the gap to 18-10.

But it was as close as the home side would get.

Earlier, an 85 metre intercept try to Roosters centre Michael Jennings nine minutes from halftime gave the Roosters a 12-6 lead at the break after an absorbing opening 40 minutes .

After both sides had some early opportunities, they traded tries midway through the half just three minutes apart.

In the 19th minute, Roosters centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall out-jumped James McManus to score off a Mitchell Pearce bomb.

James Maloney converted for a 6-0 lead.

But just three minutes later the Knights equalised through some Darius Boyd brilliance.

The Knights fullback fielded a Pearce bomb 25 metres from his own line and cut through the Roosters defence and set sail for the try line.

Roosters winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck gave chase and was reeling Boyd in but the Knights star had enough in reserve to cross in the corner.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sheedy dismisses Magpies

Dismissive ... GWS coach Kevin Sheedy not impressed by the Magpies. Source: LUKAS COCH / AAP

VETERAN AFL coach Kevin Sheedy has dismissed Collingwood's premiership chances, also warning some parts of their list are becoming too old.

Sheedy's Greater Western Sydney was only two points behind Collingwood at three-quarter time on Saturday at the MCG, before the Magpies kicked clear. 

The Magpies are struggling to build momentum with the finals only five weeks away.

Asked about Collingwood as potential premiers, Sheedy told Channel Nine's Sunday Footy Show: "I don't think so - I think Hawthorn and I think the Swans are going to get to them again.

''(Saturday) is the only time I've seen them and (coached against) them and we're not exactly in the top eight ourselves.''

Sheedy said if Collingwood were to contend, they must have a flawless campaign for the rest of the season.

"They're going to have to improve a lot to win a flag,'' he said.

"It's not to say they couldn't, but you need everything going for you and they won't want to get any injuries to their major players.

''(Dayne) Beams coming back has been good.

"They probably have to watch they're getting a little bit too old in the wrong spots.''

Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert said he understood Sheedy's point, but disagreed.

"It's a fair view from him watching us last night,'' Pert told Nine.

"We had the ball in the forward line a lot and we weren't able to convert.

"If we can get our best team out there, build some momentum and actually start to get that scoring happening, at our best we can beat any team.''

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More