'It must be some sort of record'

Courtney was one of many to spin on Friday. Source: Robert Cianflone / Getty Images

IF Friday's stop-start V8 Supercars practice sessions are any indication, we are in for an action-packed weekend of racing at the Winton 360.

Bogged V8 Supercars brought out the red flags 10 times across the day's two 75-minute practice sessions, while the 'drapeau rouge' also copped a workout from spinners in the support classes.

It was no fun for the teams, some having to extract kilos of mud from their expensive machines, some left to repair accident damage. All were left short on time as they try to develop a race-winning car setup for the weekend's three races.

But some of the drivers were still able to put on a smile at the end of the day; some even had their sense of humour intact.

Here's a selection of what they had to say:

JAMES MOFFAT
No.360 Nissan Altima - Norton Hornets
"I'm not getting too carried away at the moment. It's only Friday, but this is very positive for the whole team. There were some very changeable conditions, so you had to be on your game. There were plenty of red flags, but I'm happy with how things of gone, so we'll see if that can continue tomorrow."

JAMES COURTNEY
No.22 Holden Commodore - Holden Racing Team

LEE HOLDSWORTH
No.4 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 - IRWIN Racing
The positive, if there is one, is that there's no mechanical damage. In these conditions it's always difficult. You drop a wheel (just) 20 centimetres off the line and things turn pretty bad.

TONY D'ALBERTO
No.3 Holden Commodore - Tony D'Alberto Racing

CRAIG LOWNDES
No.888 Holden Commodore - Red Bull Racing Australia
"We put our best tyres on at the end there and got three corners in. But as funny as it sounds, those three corners felt really good and it was actually really encouraging for tomorrow. Let's just hope we can get more than five laps in at once."

ANDREW JONES
No.20 Holden Commodore - Brad Jones Racing (Dunlop Series)

WILL DAVISON
No.6 Ford Falcon - Pepsi Max Crew FPR

RICK KELLY
No.15 Nissan Altima - Jack Daniel's Racing
"It was really hard to stick to any sort of plan with not only the weather, but people spearing off everywhere. As soon as you go off the track, which we knew heading into the weekend, you're going to cause a red flag. I'm not sure how many we had out there, but I'm pretty sure it must be some sort of record."

SCOTT PYE
No.80 Holden Commodore - Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport

---

Watch all the V8 action from the Winton 360 in stunning HD, Sat-Sun at 7:30pm EST on SPEED (512).

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Wallabies want to rattle rookie

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

OPERATION "Target Tom" is the cornerstone of the Wallabies' plans to end their Bledisloe Cup misery on Saturday, with rookie All Blacks playmaker Tom Taylor a marked man.

Australia's halfback Will Genia declared his side would heap severe pressure on the 24-year-old debutant at Westpac Stadium, hoping he wilts under the heat and sabotages the All Blacks' attacking plans.

Taylor has been named to start in the crucial No.10 jersey for New Zealand after injuries to their first three five-eighths; Dan Carter, Aaron Cruden and Beauden Barrett.

Given Taylor has played just one Super Rugby match at five-eighth, spending most of his time at inside centre or fullback for the Crusaders, he will be required to produce one of the great debuts to keep the brilliant All Blacks backline humming.

Bledisloe II preview: All Blacks v Wallabies - all you need to know

Genia said the Wallabies had to pressure Taylor if they are to win.

"There's no doubt about it; we have to,'' Genia said.

Tom Taylor practises his goalkicking at Westpac Stadium. Source: Getty Images

"He has only played 12 so from our point of view we want to put as much pressure on him as we can and see how he deals with it.

"We'll see how he copes with the decision-making and with controlling their game."

Wallabies skipper James Horwill added: "A guy on debut, in a playmaking position, you always have to test out but he wouldn't be there if he wasn't good enough."

Taylor becomes the 18th father-son pairing to represent the All Blacks, with his father Warwick Taylor representing the side in the 1980s and starting at inside centre when they won the inaugural World Cup in 1987..

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cheerleaders don lingerie for charity

The career of Casey Stoner

Thu Dec 13 10:52:09 EST 2012 27 images

Casey Stoner wraps up his motorcycle racing career in Valencia as one of Australia's most successful sportsmen. We take a look back at a career that led to two dominant world championships in one of the sport's most competitive eras.

Sport Does Movember

Fri Nov 30 13:03:02 EST 2012 11 images

It's Movember - the only time of year moustaches become socially acceptable, and no one gets behind the cause better than sportspeople. See the best... and worst .... sports taches of 2012 in our gallery.

Farewell to Australia Great Ricky Ponting

Thu Nov 29 15:22:29 EST 2012 17 images

Re-live the key moments of Ricky Ponting's memorable international career, which ends after the third Test against South Africa in Perth.

The Hollywood Years at South Sydney

Mon Nov 19 11:19:39 EST 2012 9 images

Relive Russell Crowe's time in charge of South Sydney.

Controversial Career Of Sonny Bill

Tue Nov 13 12:28:57 EST 2012 9 images

As Sonny Bill Williams joins Sydney Roosters, we look back at a career that has never been far from the headlines.

2012 Melbourne Cup Day

Tue Nov 06 10:39:15 EST 2012 26 images

All the colour, fashion and fervour from Flemington on Melbourne Cup day in 2012.

Summer Slog NRL pre-season

Mon Nov 05 13:57:44 EST 2012 12 images

The Folau Experiment

Thu Nov 01 15:09:23 EST 2012 6 images

Israel Folau's two-year AFL experiment has come to an end, and we're taking a look back at the highlights of his brief career in the code.

Nissan launches its V8 Supercar

Tue Oct 30 11:00:00 EST 2012 23 images

WAGs of the Aussie summer

Wed Oct 24 12:03:36 EST 2012 10 images

WAGs of Australia vs South Africa Test series

2012 Bathurst 1000

Sun Oct 07 13:20:30 EST 2012 13 images

Colour from the 2012 Bathurst 1000

Your club's defining moment

Wed Oct 03 11:55:35 EST 2012 16 images

Moments that shaped the season for your NRL club in 2012

Your Club's Defining Moment

Mon Oct 01 18:45:33 EST 2012 18 images

2012 NRL Grand Final

Sun Sep 30 14:59:50 EST 2012 29 images

All the colour and action, from the pre-game atmosphere to the on-field action, of the 2012 NRL grand final between the Bulldogs and the Storm.

2012 AFL Grand Final

Sat Sep 29 13:55:17 EST 2012 66 images

2012 AFL Grand Final Parade

Fri Sep 28 11:57:04 EST 2012 9 images

Fans in Melbourne turn up in droves to the AFL grand final parade to show their support for Hawthorn and Sydney Swans before Saturday's decider.

Peter Brock's most famous liveries

Fri Sep 28 10:59:04 EST 2012 7 images

With Craig Lowndes' V8 Supercar set to wear a Peter Brock tribute livery at Bathurst this year, we go through a selection of the mountain master's paint schemes.

Geelong's Wacky Wednesday

Wed Sep 26 14:35:13 EST 2012 12 images

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tom's Taylor made for All Blacks

Tom Taylor will make his All Blacks debut. Source: Phil Walter / Getty Images

ROOKIE playmaker Tom Taylor grew up with All Blacks in his house, now he is about to become one.

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

The son of World Cup-winning All Blacks centre Warwick Taylor will also follow in the footsteps of greats like Grant Fox and Dan Carter to wear the No.10 jersey for his country against Australia this weekend after a spate of injuries led to his unexpected call-up.

"It's pretty surreal, I never thought I'd be here a week ago," Taylor said.

"It's my chance to prove to myself and everyone else that I can do it."

Reflecting on his childhood, the 24-year-old Taylor said: "I suppose it is a little bit different, but to me it was normal to have ex-All Blacks and current All Blacks coming into my house and mucking around with dad.

"It wasn't very different for me. I was lucky to have those people around me to help me or make me feel comfortable, I'll just use it to my advantage."

SHARPE FOCUS: Wallabies must get physical to win

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen was reluctant to compare father and son.

"Warwick was his own man and played his own style, obviously Tom is his own man as well," Hansen said.

"There will be idiosyncrasies they have that will be similar, but I think he's got to be judged on his own merits.

"Both of them are just quiet blokes who get on with the job, that's one thing I've noticed they have in common.

"He's got more humour than Warwick. He's very funny, Warwick was only just funny."

Taylor, who steps in after injuries to duo Aaron Cruden and Beauden Barrett, said he would be confidently calling the shots on Saturday night.

"As a No.10 I need to talk, get on top of people and tell them what to do," he said.

"But I also like to lead by my actions.

"I'm trying no to focus on too much to be honest, because you can have a tendency to overload and play the game in your head a lot.

"I've just been trying to learn as much as I can, but then relax as much as I can as well, so I don't get too into it.

"I'm sure come game time I can be really clear and just pretend like it's a normal game and relax into it."

Taylor is taking his remarkable rise in stride.

"That's the way rugby goes sometimes, I've had a few shocks in the past where I've been thrust into situations that I probably haven't been ready at times," he said.

"I feel like this time, it was still a shock, but I can do the job."

New Zealand: Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea, Tom Taylor, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Steven Luatua, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Jeremy Thrush, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Colin Slade, Charles Piutau.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Folau 'wasted' on Wallabies wing

Israel Folau needs to get more involved. Source: Mark Nolan / Getty Images

ISRAEL Folau was 'wasted' on the wing in the Bledisloe Cup opener and needs to get more involved to help conjure a Wellington upset, according to Wallabies great Tim Horan.

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

Folau was rarely sighted in Australia's thumping 47-29 loss to the All Blacks last Saturday night and Horan said Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie could ill afford another below-par performance from one of his attacking aces when the two sides meet again this weekend.

"He's obviously got to get involved very early. He struggled last week to look for the ball, actually rove for the ball and I think that's what Ewen McKenzie was looking for him to do,'' Horan told Fox Sports News.

"He did that in the second Test match against the British and Irish Lions in Melbourne brilliantly and ran off Will Genia. I think that's what he needs to do.

"He was wasted out on the wing, he looked like he didn't even want to try and get involved in the game. He's a wonderful player and the Wallabies need him involved.

"He only had a couple of touches on the ball late in the second half.

"He's a talent that the Wallabies really need to start running off Matt Toomua and also off Will Genia as well.''

The Wallabies need to win at Westpac Stadium on Saturday night to keep their slim Bledisloe Cup hopes alive. Despite the margin of their defeat last weekend, Horan said he expected McKenzie to stick with a similar line-up.

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

The All Blacks, meanwhile, have been forced into a key change following injuries to flyhalves Aaron Cruden and Beauden Barrett who have joined star No.10 Dan Carter on the sidelines.

New Zealand oach Steve Hansen on Tuesday called up Colin Slade and Tom Taylor but has yet to reveal who will start in the No.10 jersey. Slade, with 11 Tests, has the edge in experiece but Horan said rookie Taylor could be in line for his first Test cap.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Tom Taylor gets the nod because he's a very good goalkicker and he's very good around the park,'' Horan said.

"All the All Blacks need is someone to just fire the backline up. You've got Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith who've played I think about 140 Test matches between them, they're a wonderful centre pairing.

"That's all they need, they need a player just to orchestrate between the forwards and the backs and Taylor is a good option.''

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Essendon fires back at AFL

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

ESSENDON has vowed to vigorously defend charges laid against the club and four of its most senior officials.

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

AFL chief Andrew Demetriou says details of the charges had to be released to end speculation.

But Demetriou was adamant the charges were purely alleged, and that the Essendon Football Club and its officials, James Hird, Danny Corcoran, Dr Bruce Reid and Mark Thompson, had "every opportunity" to defend themselves.

Dons chairman Paul Little and Hird responded with an extraordinary attack.

Hird claimed: "Throughout the course of this exercise I have been denied natural justice and today's ambush is another example of that."

Little added: "We do not consider the statement of grounds supporting the charge is justified by the evidence gathered during the investigation.

"It makes assertions that are simply not supported by the evidence. 

"The time of the release is no coincidence. 

"The release follows last night's revelation that the AFL has known since February of this year that one of the substances at the very heart of this, AOD-9604, was not banned and is not a banned substance. 

"That the AFL has known this for six months but let questions hang over the heads of the club and most unforgivably our players is reprehensible. 

"This being exposed by the AFL insider has promoted this latest PR attack on the club and the individuals concerned. 

"The club had sought to prevent these charges being released for one very good reason: we believe a number of the allegations to be outrageous, without foundation or substantiation."

THE LETTER: DOC REID WARNED BOMBERS ABOUT CLUB'S SUPPLEMENTS PROGRAM

Demetriou said: "The AFL highlights that the Statement of Grounds contains the charges only and their correctness or otherwise remains to be determined.

"The Essendon Football Club and other parties will be given every reasonable opportunity to answer these charges.

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

"There has been no predetermination of this matter by the AFL Commission.

"The AFL Commission has an open mind about whether Essendon has breached the AFL rules and regulations.

"I have decided that for the sake of everyone involved in the game – supporters, players, clubs and other key partners – that there must be transparency and clarity around this issue given the widespread speculation since the charges were announced on August 13."

Copies of the State of Grounds and ASADA report has been made available to the AFL Players' Association to distribute to Essendon players and their families.

AFL Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick has also called a special meeting of the 18 club presidents for tomorrow.

The Herald Sun last Friday exclusively revealed details from the charge sheets.

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

The charge sheets include revelations that:

ESSENDON players were to receive 1500 injections of AOD-9604 and Thymosin and more than 16,500 doses of Colostrum and 8000 doses of Tribulus.

THE program was to push the legal limits.

THE program involved the use of allegedly "beneficial'' and 'exotic'' compounds.

THE program's fitness strategy and use of supplements varied sharply to previous practices at Essendon.

IT involved injecting players with abnormal frequency.

THAT club figures were aware that the implementation of the program was determined without meaningful input from appropriately qualified people.

Which type of Thymosin – banned Beta 4 or permitted Thymosin Alpha is not specified in the charge sheets.

On Tuesday night, a former member of the AFL's Anti-Doping Tribunal claims he was told in February that AOD-9604 was safe and not prohibited. 

Essendon champion Tim Watson called on AFL chief Andrew Demetriou to explain why the AFL did not reveal the information earlier.

Dr Andrew Garnham, currently working as a consultant for the Essendon Football Club, said scientific evidence showed AOD-9604, the substance at the centre of the Bombers' supplements saga, had minimal side effects.

"Like all drugs, there are some side effects, but we know that those side effects are minimal," Garnham told AFL 360.

"The advice that I had at that time was that AOD-9604 was considered under section S2 of the anti-doping code and was regarded as not prohibited."

Garnham said "preliminary laboratory work" suggested that AOD-9604 could repair injured cartilage, muscle and bone.

"(AOD-9604) may assist in the recovery of footballers where they obviously get fairly heavily knocked around in the course of the game, so it may just bring them up a day or two quicker," he said.

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

"I understand it was on the basis of that possibility that it may have been used by football clubs, but at this stage, from scientific perspective we could really say that evidence is way way too early to give it any credence."

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

Speaking on SEN radio, Garnham could not say if the drug was legal in 2012 when it was a key part of the Bombers' controversial supplement program.

It is believed Essendon players and partners were given the same information last night at an information session at Windy Hill as the Bombers prepare to take on the AFL over the supplements scandal.

"This parents meeting is the fifth in a series of meetings we've had with parents. The club takes the task of briefing parents very seriously," Bombers chairman Paul Little said.

When asked before the meeting whether the club would inform parents of the type of supplements administered to players, Mr Little replied, "We will wait to see what questions they ask about the supplements."

Meanwhile, the AFL is running out of time to decide Essendon's fate before the finals after the Bombers requested an adjournment.

Just hours after AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said he expected the case against the Bombers to go ahead as scheduled at Monday's AFL commission meeting, the club issued a brief statement saying it was not ready.

"Essendon Football Club has requested an adjournment of the hearing on 26 August," the statement said.

"Lawyers for the club requested the AFL advise which witnesses it would be calling, the evidence it expected those witnesses would give and specified procedural matters.

"As the AFL has not provided that information, the club is not in a position to proceed next week and that is why the matter needs to be adjourned."

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

Demetriou said earlier if the Bombers did request a delay, it would likely be granted.

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

The four individuals facing charges - coach James Hird, assistant Mark Thompson, football manager Danny Corcoran and club Dr Bruce Reid - had already been given more time to prepare their defences.

If the issue is not settled on Monday, it leaves only 10 more days before the start of the finals.

"If the AFL gives us the time we need to prepare for this, there is little chance it will be finished before the finals," Little said.

Talks are continuing between representatives of Essendon and the AFL in a bid to reach a settlement.

"The commission meeting is still going ahead next Monday because as I stand here we believe that Essendon Football Club will appear next Monday," Demetriou said.

"If there is an extension sought and granted, then we'll have to look at our options as the AFL Commission, but our assumption is that it's going ahead next Monday and I have no reason to believe that it won't."

If the club is found guilty, possible penalties include a fine, loss of future draft picks and being wiped of premiership points that would rule the club out of this year's finals - if the penalty is handed down in time.

Demetriou said he had no intention of bowing to Essendon demands he step aside from hearing the case, and repeated his preference for an open hearing, although that is yet to be confirmed.

He also said details of the charges against the Bombers were likely to be released "in coming days".

"It's important to make those public to answer lots of questions and put to bed some of the misinformation that's out there. I couldn't give you an exact day but it's our intention."

Demetriou said it wasn't unusual for extensions to be granted for accused parties to prepare their defence - as happened last year in the Kurt Tippett saga.

"It's not unusual and it's appropriate if people want more time ... there are thousands of pages of documents and people need to prepare.

"It would be preferable to have the matter heard next Monday, particularly to provide certainty for not just the football industry but all our supporters but the supporters of the Essendon Football Club and the Essendon Football Club itself."

Last Tuesday, AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon said: "The parties have been informed of the charges and that a hearing of the charges is scheduled to be held on Monday 26 August at AFL House.''

But all parties were informed by the league's lawyers that they would be granted extra time "to prepare adequately'' if required.

Charges of bringing the game into disrepute were laid by the AFL last Tuesday against the club, Hird, assistant coach Mark Thompson, football boss Danny Corcoran and club doctor Bruce Reid over Essendon's 2012 supplements program.

AFL deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan said last month the league wanted the saga resolved before September.

"We're committed to bringing it to a head in August to ensure that we have a resolution of the issue prior to the finals series,'' McLachlan said.

"I think it goes to the heart of the integrity of our finals series.''

But the AFL and Essendon have been unable to strike a mutually acceptable deal.

- with Gilbert Gardiner, Al Paton and Angus Thompson

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Furner sacked after Raiders mutiny

David Furner's job is on the line. Source: Ray Strange / DailyTelegraph

DAVID Furner has been sacked as Raiders coach after the club's board held a crisis meeting on Tuesday.

Relations between the coach and leading players at the club, including much of the senior leader group, have deteriorated in recent weeks, coming to a head following the Raiders' disappointing loss to Canterbury on Saturday afternoon.

It is understood the players held a private meeting on Monday night where it was decided they could no longer work with Furner.

It was the second gathering of players in days.

The first came following the Canterbury loss when Furner heard whispers there was dissatisfaction among the playing group.

He called a meeting and asked players to air their grievances but, despite concerns they could no longer work with the coach, no complaints were made.

Furner then organised a short stay away for the players and himself in a bid to rebuild relations.

Ironically, Furner was on Tuesday away with the players in Bateman's Bay as the board met over his future.

Furner phoned The Daily Telegraph not long after he was told by his brother, CEO Don Furner, that his services were no longer required.

He finishes immediately and will not coach the Raiders side this weekend.

Furner said he was shattered by the decision and the fact he has become the first coach in Raiders history to be sacked.

"It's obviously a results driven game and we have lost our last three game," he said.

"It's still terribly disappointing after all the work I've point in."

Furner said his unwaivering support for centre Blake Ferguson could have contributed to the board's decision.

The crisis board meeting came after a second players meeting on Monday night, involving nine senior players, was organised by the leader group.

It is understood they told the board on Tuesday they were struggling to work with the coach, prompting the board meeting.

Following the board's decision, a statement was released by the Raiders stating the decision had been made because "the team's inconsistent performances were not reflective of the talent within the squad".

Andrew Dunemann, an assistant coach under Furner, will take over as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

"The board will take the time necessary to appoint the best head coach for the club," the club's official statement said.

Furner is the first coach in Canberra's history to be sacked mid-contract..

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cat McItosh runs out of time

Injured ruckman Hamish McIntosh walks laps during Geelong training. Picture: Mike Dugdale Source: Geelong Advertiser

GEELONG has officially ruled a line through Hamish McIntosh for the season, but the pressure for the high-profile recruit to deliver remains.

The former North Melbourne ruckman has simply run out of time to get enough fitness to be able to play a role for the Cats this season, in a year dogged by knee, Achilles tendon and ankle injuries.

McIntosh, who turns 29 next month, signed a three-year deal to join Geelong during the trade period at the end of the last season.

Cats coach Chris Scott said today that after a horror year, McIntosh still had it in front of him to repay the faith shown in him.

"The club's made a big investment in him, we still stand by that investment, but through no fault of his own Hamish has got to come back and do something extraordinary for the next couple of seasons,'' Scott said.

TOMAHAWK SET TO FACE SWANS

"This year's done for Hamish unfortunately, it's just one that we've got to write off as one of those years.

"Not much that's happened to Hamish has been within his control and we feel desperately sorry for him because we brought him in thinking that he could have a big impact in improving our team this season.

"But whether it's fair or not, Hamish now has a responsibility to do everything he possibly can to get himself right so he can contribute through the pre-season and next year.''

McIntosh hasn't played since Round 7 last year when he suffered a knee injury which eventually required surgery.

His latest setback this year was an ankle injury, which he had operated on in July.

The Cats said at the time that the ruckman was expected be back running within three or four weeks.

''It was just a situation where he ran out of time,'' Scott said yesterday.

"He hasn't recovered as quickly as he could have from that surgery, he's just not going to get the game time in now so the decision was made to put all our energy into making sure he's right to start the pre-season on day one."

Geelong's ruck problems were compunded by a season-ending knee injury to in-form big man Dawson Simpson, while premiership ruckman Trent West has fallen out of favour, dropped after the Round 19 match against the Kangaroos.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

If you don't mind, umpire

Docker Aaron Sandilands comes off the ground with a cut to his head. Source: Quinn Rooney / 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.

SANDI LANDS HARD

You could perhaps forgive all three umpires missing a player getting smacked in the face resulting in him leaving the field covered in blood, being subbed out and sent to hospital for scans on a possible fractured cheekbone - if he wasn't 211cm tall.

Aaron Sandilands didn't get a free kick after he copped an elbow from Jake Spencer that split open his face early in the clash against Melbourne yesterday. There were a lot of players flying for the ball but Spencer hit the pack front on and surely someone should have seen it.

SWAN FLIES UNDER RADAR

This one didn't create too much anger since it was late in the game and didn't affect the result, but it could go down as one of the most baffling missed free kicks of the season.

As the sun set over the SCG yesterday, St Kilda midfielder David Armitage was waiting for a pass on the wing when Ben McGlynn cleaned him up, somehow ending up upside-down as he crashed into Armitage's arms and face from front-on, sending him sprawling over the boundary line.

The umpire must have been caught up in the sheer athleticism of McGlynn's effort because he didn't pay a free kick despite having at least three to choose from.

DOG OF A DECISION

Not all the eyebrow-raisers of the weekend were missed frees. Bulldog Tory Dickson was awarded a free kick he clearly shouldn't have been in the tight last quarter at Etihad Stadium yesterday.

Dickson was poised to mark when Adelaide defender Daniel Talia got a last-minute fist on the ball - something that last time we checked, wasn't against the rules. Talia's arm might have brushed a hair on Dickson's earlobe in the act of spoiling and the Dog made sure the umpire didn't miss it by going to ground, almost grabbing Talia's hand in the process.

The guys doing the live match feed for the AFL website and SuperFooty didn't hide their feelings, describing the decision as "shocking" and "pathetic".

Dickson won the free and converted from 15m to give the Dogs a seven-point lead, and the Bulldogs kicked the next three goals to put the game out of Adelaide's reach.

COTCHIN CAN'T TAKE A TRICK

Trent Cotchin had a dirty day at the MCG on Saturday, held to just 14 disposals by Carlton's Ed Curnow.

And Curnow scored another win courtesy of the umpires late in the third term, when the ball rebounded off a tangle of legs over the boundary line on the Blues half-forward line.

The umpire paid out on the full against Cotchin and the Tigers skipper was still arguing the point when Marc Murphy played on and kicked long to the goalsquare, where Levi Casboult marked and converted from point-blank range.

Replays showed Cotchin had a case - the ball appeared to come off Curnow's boot. Cotchin may have also mentioned to the umps that the tagger was holding him by the arm as the pair chased the loose ball.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Titans make bid for Henry

Neil Henry is on the Titans radar. Source: COLIN WHELAN / AAP

GOLD Coast are targeting sacked Cowboys mentor Neil Henry to help foundation coach John Cartwright rebuild the Titans as a premiership force next season.

News Limited can reveal Henry has been sounded out by the Titans to operate as Cartwright's assistant as the Gold Coast look to beef-up their coaching resources in 2014.

It is understood the parties have held preliminary discussions, although any deal will not be finalised until the Titans complete an on-going review of their internal structures.

Interim Titans CEO Darryl Kelly declined to comment today, but Gold Coast players are aware of the interest in Henry after he was contacted by the Titans following his axing three weeks ago.

Critically, Henry has the support of senior Titans Nate Myles and Ashley Harrison. Henry worked with the Origin duo during a four-year stint as Queensland's assistant coach and impressed Myles and Harrison with his work ethic and tactical acumen.

The 52-year-old would be a valuable addition to the Titans but is not rushing his decision, especially with Mick Potter fighting to save his job at the Wests Tigers.

Cartwright met with Kelly three weeks ago to discuss ways to bolster his coaching unit, mindful other NRL clubs are spending millions more on resources in the pursuit of a premiership.

The Titans' coaching set-up is in urgent need of reinvigoration, with assistants Steve Murphy and Trevor Gillmeister joining the club in its foundation season in 2007.

Henry told News Limited on Friday he had received approaches from two NRL rivals and was happy to work as an assistant next season.

"There's a couple of clubs showing a bit of interest but I haven't looked too hard yet because I want to get on with the rest of this season," he said.

"Hopefully I will get a start somewhere in the NRL. I would certainly look at it (an assistant's role).

"I've been an assistant before and I'd look at that as a challenge too ... to work in conjunction with someone."

As head coach, Cartwright would have to agree to Henry coming on board.

Rather than jettison Cartwright and face a $1 million termination payout, the Titans believe they can get more bang for their buck by investing in a high-calibre coach like Henry to provide support.

Kelly said recently the Titans needed to improve their coaching brigade in a prudent manner.

"The way our football department is managed, we are one of the smaller spending clubs and we have to be smart in how to spend that money," he said.

"We are looking at how the football department has worked in the past and how we think it should work in the future.

"John (Cartwright) will be involved next year but coaching now is not about one person.

"We have to get the best value we can because we don't have the budgets other clubs have."

Cowboys centre Brent Tate said he would be shocked if Henry isn't employed by another NRL club next season.

"I know for a fact he will get another job," he said.

"He's too good a coach and too smart ... I'd be very surprised if we don't see him coaching again sooner rather than later."
 

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Freakish wingers do it for Penrith

Penrith Panthers winger David Simmons and team mates celebrate. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

WINGERS Dave Simmons and Josh Mansour produced some clinical finishing as Penrith kept their NRL play-off ambitions alive with a come-from-behind 28-24 victory over the Warriors on Sunday.

4 Tries 5
Thomas Leuluai 6'	Josh Mansour 21'
Elijah Taylor 10'	David Simmons 32'
Suaia Matagi 61'	David Simmons 37'
Konrad Hurrell 72'	Josh Mansour 58'
	Sika Manu 67'
4 Conversions 4
Shaun Johnson 7'	Luke Walsh 22'
Shaun Johnson 11'	Luke Walsh 38'
Shaun Johnson 62'	Luke Walsh 59'
Shaun Johnson 73'	Luke Walsh 69'

Both men bagged a double, with Simmons taking his try tally for the season to 19.

The result ended a four-match losing streak for Penrith, who move level with the Warriors on 22 points, two points outside the top eight with three rounds to go.

But the defeat in Auckland was a big disappointment for the home side, who held an early 12-0 lead and have now lost three in a row.

They threatened their own comeback midway through the second half when bench prop Suaia Matagi produced a typical charging run from 20 metres out to dot down for a converted try that closed the margin to 22-18.

But Sika Manu's reply after a big break by former Warriors player Isaac John restored Penrith's 10-point margin.

The Warriors did manage to set up a grandstand finish for the 11,596 fans when centre Konrad Hurrell scored with eight minutes to go and Shaun Johnson converted from wide out.

But that was as close as they got and Simmons almost had the last say, but was held-up in his attempt to complete a try hat-trick.

For the Warriors, the loss was compounded by injury to centre Dane Nielsen, who limped off early in the opening spell after a tackle on opposite Dean Whare.

Before he went off, the Warriors had jumped out to 12-0 lead with tries to Thomas Leuluai and Penrith-bound Elijah Taylor.

Leuluai's touchdown was created by Nathan Friend's deft kick into the in-goal, while a Johnson pass put Taylor into a big hole.

But the Panthers picked up their game and dominated the rest of the half, forcing the Warriors into plenty of defence.

With prop Tim Grant leading the way up the middle, they caused problems with their width on attack and profited with tries to their wingers.

Mansour forced his way over for the first, although John's final pass looked forward.

Simmons then produced a superb one-handed diving put-down in the other corner for the second.

Three minutes from half-time, Simmons got his second, and the second of Luke Walsh's sideline conversion pushed Penrith out to a 16-12 advantage.

The Panthers went further ahead midway through the second spell when Mansour pounced to a Lachlan Coote kick just inches inside the in-goal.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Storm thunder into finals form

Melbourne Storm team mates celebrate. Source: Tony Feder / Getty Images

MELBOURNE have blown sides away this season with their blistering attack.

2 Tries 4
Joseph Leilua 25'	Jordan McLean 40'
Akuila Uate 32'	Cameron Smith 48'
	Billy Slater 62'
	Bryan Norrie 80'
0 Conversions 3
	Cameron Smith 49'
	Cameron Smith 63'
	Cameron Smith 80'
1 Penalties 0
Kurt Gidley 55'
0 Field Goals 1
	Cooper Cronk 72'

Their win over Newcastle was all about their suffocating defence.

Caned in the penalties and under the pump for much of the contest, Melbourne showed their championship qualities to firstly subdue a relentless Knights side before putting them to the sword late in the game.

And it was their big three, Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater, who proved the difference in the end.

Down 8-4 at halftime, Smith put his side in front for the first time in the game with a try after catching the Knights defence napping close to the line.

Then, after the Knights had levelled at 10-all via the boot of Kurt Gidley, Cronk and Slater combined for the try that proved to be the turning point.

A pin-point Cronk cross kick meant for Slater found its mark as it has so often done with the Storm fullback planting the ball down under the posts before Cronk added a field goal for a 17-10 lead with eight minutes left to take the game away from the home side.

Cronk's involvement in the money plays rubbed salt into the Knights wounds.

It was the Melbourne halfback who conceded the penalty that saw the Knights draw level at 10-all midway through the second half.

He took Newcastle fullback Darius Boyd out after he was following through a Jarrod Mullen chip kick after a scrum win.

Knights players were adamant Cronk should have gone to the sin-bin for his deliberate interference and there appeared to be some justification.    

Newcastle five-eighth Jarrod Mullen was a central figure as the Knights led Melbourne 8-4 at halftime.

But the two point margin at the break was hardly indicative of the home side's dominance.

Despite going into the game without influencial forward Jeremy Smith, the Knights looked confident from the outset and for much of the opening 40 minutes, the Storm were on the back foot.

It was only outstanding defence from Melbourne which denied Newcastle on several occasions.

Winger Akuila Uate was narrowly denied a try early in the game and centre Dane Gagai went close after 11 minutes following a Mullen kick into the Storm in-goal.

Melbourne's moments were few and far between with Mullen coming up with a try-saver on Maurice Blair on one of the few occasions the Storm found themselves within striking distance.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 21st minute when the Knights found Melbourne short on their right edge on the back of two straight penalties.

Backrower Robbie Rochow did his part before centre Joey Leilua crossed out wide for a 4-0 lead.

It was 8-0 eight minutes from halftime when Mullen produced some outstanding vision and execution to gift his winger Uate a try.

Noticing the Storm defence compressed on the left edge, he kicked cross-field for Uate to catch it on the full and evade Billy Slater's desperate attempt to prevent the try.

But as Melbourne is renowned for doing, they found a way, albeit, controversially, to turn a opportunity into a try.

On the back of their first penalty of the half and after an apparent Cooper Cronk knock-on, interchange forward Jordan McLean forced his way over.

Cameron Smith's conversion from close range hit the upright leaving the score at 8-4.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More