Socceroos cool on samba party

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SOCCEROOS' coach Holger Osieck has revealed plans to isolate the team from Brazil's hedonistic temptations during next year's World Cup.

Speaking on the eve of Australia's clash with Brazil at the Mane Garrincha stadium on Sunday morning (EST), Osieck said a shortlist of coastal cities had identified preferred bases for the June 12-July 13 tournament.

Vitoria, the capital of Espirito Santo state in Brazil's southeast, is understood to have been already nominated by Football Federation Australia (FFA) to the game's governing body FIFA.

Osieck said the Socceroos would further assess their options in the coming days.

"After this game we will stay two more days and together with (Socceroos' team manager) Gary Moretti we will be on an inspection tour to look out at potential base camps," Osieck said.

"We have a list already set up and so we'll go there to have a look and find out which will be the most suitable location."

When asked what those cities were, Osieck replied:

"I don't recall all of them. It's more to the coastline. Vitoria is one of the options."

Vitoria, renowned by Brazilians for its chocolate factory and sports fishing - but not for its tourism - is located about 500km northeast of Rio and has a population of 380,000.

The choice marks a stark contrast from England, which has already booked a luxurious five-star hotel on Rio's iconic Copacabana beach, despite not having yet qualified.

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"I don't like big cities when it comes to a major tournament because we need to keep focused and don't want too many distractions," Osieck said.

"Brazil is a very lively country and full of distractions. I must make sure that we keep our focus and that we are a bit isolated from the major traffic. I have a very clear idea of where we want to go and what we want to do."

Vitoria has impressed the FFA due to its modern infrastructure and airport in close proximity. The city will also not stage any World Cup games, meaning hordes of fans are unlikely to disturb the Socceroos' peace.

One negative factor could be its average temperature of 27C during the World Cup period.

The FFA will make a final choice on the location in the days following the tournament draw on December 6.

The decision promises to be more complex than at other World Cups, owing to the country's size, varied climate and logistical limitations.

Brazil has 12 World Cup host cities. Crisp winters in the southern cities of Curitiba and Porto Alegre offer a stark contrast in climate to the steamy northern outpost of Manaus, more than 4000km away.

"First of all we need to have decent conditions to train," Osieck said. "When you have a camp in a climatically difficult area you have to reduce training time and even skip training because of conditions that are not ideal.

"I would prefer to have decent conditions for a good quality preparation. We have to travel to venues anyway. Why should we overload ourselves in preparation already and kill ourselves?"

The Socceroos will take a 23-man squad to the South American nation and and expected support crew of 22.

Among them will be medical staff, coaches, a communications team, administration employees and a cook.

Osieck said he was still not sure when the team would arrive, but guaranteed it would be more than a week before the tournament begins.

"The next step is to wait for the draw so that we get clarification of our venues," Osieck said.

"I think we should go a bit earlier to Brazil - not one week before. That would be not enough.

"I can see it (the effects) now. The long trip and the time it has taken to adapt has been quite significant. It concerns the entire group because according to tradition we are going to have a farewell game in Australia so the entire squad will be assembled there and travel together. "

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Parting shots: Cats v Dockers

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HAWKS must kill the curse, Zac's dirty day and umps side with Cats. The big talking points from Fremantle's shock win.

THE CURSE RETURNS

Fremantle's upset win throws the draw for the next three weeks of finals upside-down - and the biggest losers (apart from the Cats) are Richmond and Hawthorn. If the Tigers can overcome Carlton tomorrow, they must head to Sydney next weekend and then potentially to Perth for a preliminary final. But it's worse for Hawthorn, with the Cats now thrown in the same half of the draw as the Hawks - that means if favourites salute it will be a Hawks v Cats preliminary final. So Hawthorn suddenly needs to beat the side it hasn't overcome since the 2008 Grand Final just to get to the playoff this year. Where's Jeff Kennett?

Fremantle's Zac Dawson gives away a free kick for a hit on Geelong's James Podsiadly. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: HeraldSun

ZAC ATTACK

Zac Dawson had a bizarre day, starting when he was reported before the opening bounce after a scuffle with James Podsiadly. That charge is likely to be thrown out by the match review panel but he might not be so lucky with a hit on Joel Selwood later in the game that resulted in a down-field free kick. In between he gave away a free off the ball for a jab to Podsiadly's stomach and chose to spoil instead of marking when in the clear - both resulting in Geelong goals.

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HOME-GROUND ADVANTAGE?

Geelong gladly took the opportunity to stage a final at Simonds Stadium and the atmosphere was incredible, the roar for the Cats matched by the eerie silence when the Dockers hit the front. The decision may have had an added benefit - at one stage early in the match the Cats led the free kick count 8-2, with a couple leading to goals. Geelong won the final tally 25-19, with Joel Selwood (five frees for), Allen Christensen (three) and James Podsiadly (three) the greatest beneficiaries. Michael Barlow, Stephen Hill, Nat Fyfe and Zac Dawson combined for two frees for and 12 against.

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SBW in doubt for blockbuster

Sonny Bill Williams is in doubt for the Roosters with a calf injury. Source: Cameron Spencer / Getty Images

THE biggest match of the year could lose its biggest drawcard.

Sydney Roosters superstar Sonny Bill Williams is in doubt for Friday's match against South Sydney at ANZ Stadium.

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Williams has a calf injury and will decide on the morning of the match whether to take his place in the Roosters second-row.

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It is understood Roosters coach Trent Robinson has absolutely no desire to risk Williams before the upcoming NRL semi-finals.

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Williams trained with the Roosters Thursday afternoon and tentatively completed the session.

But if Williams wakes Friday morning feeling tight in the calf, he will immediately withdraw.

A source close to Williams said: "This match is big but it won't have a huge impact on the season for us.

"The Roosters will finish either first or second. The result isn't vital.

"The new season starts next week and we need Sonny Bill there for the big games.

"It would be foolish to risk him in a round 26 game. If he is in the slightest of doubt, he will pull out.

"There's no way Trent (Robinson coach) will risk him."

A crowd of between 40,000 to 45,000 is expected at ANZ Stadium Friday night for the foundation club battle for rugby league's minor premiership.

That crowd figure could take a small hit should Williams withdraw.

"It would certainly be a big loss for the Roosters - and the game itself," said NSW coach Laurie Daley.

"But it will still be a massive match. They have probably been the two most consistent two teams in the NRL this year.

"Sonny Bill does pull fans through the gates but there will be still be a huge crowd.

"But it would be a shame if he did pull out."

The big crowd - and the hundreds of thousands of viewers on Channel Nine - will be keen for Williams to take on South Sydney's powerhouse Sam Burgess again.

Burgess put Williams on his backside during round one at Allianz Stadium.

It is unknown just yet who would replace Williams, with Luke O'Donnell and Boyd Cordner unavailable.

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NRL Late Mail for round 26

Anthony Watmough scores. Picture: Smith Kym Source: Kym Smith / DailyTelegraph

ALL the late team changes including news on Sonny Bill Williams, Ben Barba, Greg Inglis and Anthony Watmough.

BRONCOS V BULLDOGS
The Broncos are expected to be 1-17. The Bulldogs welcome back Ben Barba (ankle). Josh Morris moves to centre, with Tim Lafai likely to miss out.

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RABBIOTHS V ROOSTERS
Sonny Bill Williams will be assessed Friday morning after he trained on Thursday with a calf complaint. The Roosters are already without rising star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (ankle), who is hoping to be back next week. The Rabbitohs have cleared Greg Inglis, whose knee injury is a week-to-week proposition.

DRAGONS V WARRIORS
The Warriors will attempt to keep their slim finals hopes alive by recording their first win at WIN Stadium in 17 years. Jerome Ropati (hamstring) and Dane Nielsen (ankle) are in doubt, with Ngani Laumape and Sio Siua Taukeiaho named on an extended bench. The Dragons have added Will Matthews to the squad that were embarrassed by the Eels on Monday night.

STORM V TITANS
Titans coach John Cartwright is sweating on the fitness of Nate Myles, who is battling a badly swollen ankle heading into the must-win game. Myles will be given until game day to prove his fitness, with rookie forward Mark Ioane on stand-by. Melbourne's Gareth Widdop (dislocated hip) will make his comeback from injury in the Queensland Cup.

COWBOYS V TIGERS
Scott Bolton will start in the front-row for the Cowboys for only the second time this season, with co-captain Matt Scott ruled out (broken finger). The Cowboys, who are chasing a sixth straight victory, need to win to qualify for the top eight. The match will mark Cowboys fullback Matt Bowen's final home game and Wests Tigers five-eighth Benji Marshall's last NRL match.

SEA EAGLES V PANTHERS
Brett Stewart (hamstring) and Anthony Watmough (knee) won't play, with the star duo set to be fit for next week's finals. Coach Geoff Toovey isn't ruling out Jamie Buhrer playing despite him being rushed to hospital with rib damage last Saturday night. Brent Kite will play his final game at Brookvale Oval before joining Penrith next season.

KNIGHTS V EELS
Jeremy Smith returns from a sternum injury after missing three games, however the Knights are without Kurt Gidley, who injured his foot in last Friday night's win over the Broncos. Tyrone Roberts returns to halfback, while Alex McKinnon moves from lock to a utility role on the bench. The Knights will also be celebrating Danny Buderus, who is set to play his final game at Hunter Stadium.

RAIDERS V SHARKS
No Paul Gallen (suspension), Wade Graham (shoulder) or Jayson Bukuya (ankle) for the Sharks, with the club's focus on all three being fit for next week's finals. Todd Carney has been named, but could be a late withdrawal due to a hamstring injury. The Raiders will debut 20's halfback Mitch Cornish, with Josh McCrone shifting to hooker, replacing Glen Buttriss (shoulder).

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Besieged Barba set to play

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BULLDOGS fullback Ben Barba is set to cap the most turbulent week of his life by running out against his future employer, the Broncos, at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday.

Barba is keen to play and is ready to confront more than 30,000 Brisbane fans _ just 72 hours after the NRL's integrity unit launched a probe into claims he assaulted the mother of his children.

Canterbury coach Des Hasler today refused to confirm Barba would take on his future club, saying he has yet to pass a fitness test on the ankle he injured against Parramatta last month.

Barba has not been named in the Bulldogs' 17-man squad, but Canterbury sources claim only a game-day setback will prevent him waging a fullback duel with Josh Hoffman.

Bulldogs players expect the Queensland Origin hopeful to play after he trained at fullback in recent days.

Josh Morris, originally named in the No.1 jumper, is expected to return to centre, with Krisnan Inu likely to make way to accommodate Barba.

Barba arrived with the team at Sydney airport and ambitiously attempted to avoid detection as Hasler spoke to the media.

Barba's appearance at Suncorp would be his first public outing since explosive reports that Canterbury hierarchy covered-up an alleged incident involving his ex-partner Ainslie Currie.

His ankle injury aside, many will question whether Barba is mentally fit to face the Broncos after the firestorm that pushed him to "breaking point" when assault allegations surfaced last Sunday.

"He hasn't been named, but we'll continue treatment with him," Hasler said today.

"He hasn't passed a fitness test."

Asked about the NRL's probe into the Barba affair, Hasler said: "I'm very comfortable with the procedure that the club has taken.

"Obviously the alleged photo (of Currie's bloodied lip) is disturbing but at the same stage the club never has received any complaint or any plaintiff in relation to that allegation."

Former Broncos Test centre Tony Currie said Brisbane had a duty of care to Barba in the wake of his signing and has offered to personally mentor the troubled recruit.

"I want to help give Ben advice if he is willing to take it," he said. 

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"I will get in touch with Paul White on behalf of the Arthur Beetson Foundation and I would like to spend time together talking.

"It is pretty important we help Ben, I'm here if he needs me.

"The allegations are pretty serious, but the Broncos must stick by him.

"It looks like between the two clubs (Brisbane and the Bulldogs) they have worked out something beneficial for Ben and he needs to surround himself with some good people.

"Hopefully I am one of those and I'll be there on the phone for him anytime.

"I live near the Broncos club, I'm a local boy and I understand the issues Indigenous guys face.

"It is probably the last-chance saloon for him and as a game we need to help young men with issues like Ben."

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Watts 'penis bite' goes global

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ALLEGED penis biter Anthony Watts is set to be an international star after becoming the subject of Taiwan's world-famous animation news service.

The bizarre segment titled "Penis-biting Aussie footballer gets tongues wagging" was uploaded to their highly popular YouTube channel today and already has thousands of views.

It features Watts eating sausages among other suggestive images and recalls the John Hopoate poking scandal.

Taiwanese firm Next Media Animation has become internationally renowned for their kitsch news stories told via Sims-like animations.

Watts, who has ties to the Finks bikie gang, is facing a life ban from the Queensland Rugby League for his alleged penis bite in a local Gold Coast rugby league game last Sunday.

QRL officials have since received media enquiries from countries including Canada. 

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Actions speak louder than words: JOC

O'Connor has a lot to make up for from the last few seasons. Source: AAP

JAMES O'Connor has had a tough job winning back respect from Wallabies teammates and no amount of apologies or sincere statements are going to cut it.

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For the wayward star, still battling to clean up his tarnished "brand'', actions now speak louder than words.

O'Connor went from the hottest property in Australian rugby to an unwanted problem after a turbulent past two years that sunk to its nadir after the Wallabies' 2-1 Lions series loss two months ago.

Rather than his inability to thrive as a Test playmaker, his continued misdemeanours off the field and poor team attitude saw him axed by Melbourne Rebels.

Wallabies stalwarts had also run out of patience with O'Connor.

Hanging out with Kurtley Beale at a Melbourne burger bar at 4am four days before a Test match, missing team meetings and busses to training, the 23-year-old showed he still had plenty of growing up to do.

Then coach Robbie Deans had deflected disciplinary procedures onto the disgruntled senior players at the end of the Lions series.

Deans's swift axing and the appointment of Ewen McKenzie put a stop to that.

Instead, McKenzie has let O'Connor know with clarity what standards are expected and now he's showing signs he's back on the right track.

"Link has been very up front with me, straight from the first conversation just after the Lions series," the 42-Test utility said.

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"He put faith in me and, I can't say exactly what he said, but he said produce what you do best and we'll go from there.

"Communication is a massive key."

So did O'Connor, who also missed the Wallabies squad announcement for the 2011 World Cup following a big night out, feel like he needed to seek forgiveness from his teammates?

"I think with the situation and where I was at words weren't enough - it was actions," he said.

"That's what it's been about. Doing the little things right and moving forward.

"It had only been four weeks at that point but it's a long process and it's a mindset shift.

"It's been a tough year. I've definitely learned a lot on and off the field.

"In the past I haven't dealt with (the attention) as well as I should have."

Stalwart hooker Stephen Moore this week said Wallabies players were prepared to forgive Quade Cooper for his "toxic" complaints of last year once he showed more maturity this season.

O'Connor wants to prove the same. He stressed the squad has stayed tight despite just one win from five 2013 Tests as they approach Saturday night's clash with South Africa at Suncorp Stadium.

"There's a good vibe among the team," he said. "Everyone just wants to win.

"One from five just isn't good enough, especially when we consider ourselves to be the best players in Australia.

"That's not a record you want to be having."

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Emotional night for Bowen, Benji

Matt Bowen in action against the Sharks on the weekend. Source: Brett Costello / DailyTelegraph

THE stage is set for an emotional night in Townsville on Saturday with 13-season veteran Matt Bowen playing his final home game in North Queensland colours and rugby convert Benji Marshall ending his sometimes tumultuous time at Wests Tigers.

One way or another it's a game that looks set to end in tears - but Cowboys coach Neil Henry is hoping they will be of joy for Cowboys fans as North Queensland look to seal an unlikely finals berth.

"It's a massive game as far as the club is concerned but I am sure Matthew's focus is on the team result rather than his individual night,'' Henry said.

"It is a celebration ... of a one-team man who is synonymous with north Queensland.

"He's a small man in a big man's game. There's a lot of courage and bravery there in that position but also to come back from the setbacks of the double operation to his knee.

"He has proved that through hard work in conjunction with our medical team he could come back and play good footy.''

The Cowboys can pull off what seemed an improbable top eight finish with victory - a result that will no doubt prompt blushes from board members who decided Henry's services would not be required at season's end just five weeks ago.

While Henry said the night would toast Bowen, who is yet to decide whether he will play one more year in England, they hoped to also be popping champagne over a finals berth with their sixth straight win.

"It (Bowen's milestone) can be an added incentive,'' Henry said of the 31-year-old, who last week was told by North Queensland his contract would not be renewed.

"And we are a bit emotional at the moment in the way that we have had to win games (to stay alive in the finals race).

"But you need to focus and not think too far ahead.''

Henry knows the Wests Tigers want to send out Marshall a winner after 10 years in the black and gold - especially after seeing the Tigers jump to a big lead against ladder leaders South Sydney last round only to lose.

"It's a dangerous game for us,'' Henry said.

"They showed what they could do last week.

"And there's no next week for them. I am sure their young squad will be out to back up Benji in his last game in Tigers colours.''

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Ablett puts Giants to sword

Gary Ablett celebrates one his four goals against GWS. Source: Chris Hyde / Getty Images

KEVIN Sheedy's 679th and final game as a senior coach in the VFL-AFL ended with the 283rd loss of his illustrious career after the Gold Coast inflicted a 83-point thrashing of GWS at Metricon Stadium today.

The four-time premiership coach wrapped-up his 29th campaign in the hot seat after the Suns torched the Giants from the opening bounce to ensure GWS collected its second wooden spoon in two seasons and lost its past four matches of the year by a combined total of
377 points.

The final winning margin was the biggest in the Gold Coast's short history, surpassing the 60-point victory over Melbourne in Round 7. It was also a club record for most Suns goals in a match with 22 majors.

Both teams formed a guard of honour for Sheedy after the match when a handover ceremony was also performed with Sheedy passing on the baton to Leon Cameron who will succeed him as GWS senior coach.

Any hope of Sheedy's swansong being a fairytale finish ended in the first three minutes of the second quarter when Gold Coast kicked three rapid-fire goals to open a commanding 39-point lead.

The Suns led by 41 at the main break and by 53 points at three-quarter time when Sheedy gave the final address of his glittering coaching career.

It had some impact with the Giants providing more of a contest in the opening salvos of the final term but both sides went through the motions in their final hitout of 2013 as the closing minutes resembled a training drill with all intensity out of the contest.

While one icon of the game rode off into the sunset, a future Hall of Famer reminded the AFL community why he is red-hot favourite for the Brownlow Medal.

Suns skipper Gary Ablett produced a timely best-on-ground performance with 33 disposals, 13 contested possessions, four goals and six clearances to return to his best after a sluggish month by the superstar's lofty standards.

Unbackable Rising Star favourite Jaeger O'Meara underlined why he is a certainty to win the gong for the best first-year player in the competition in Melbourne this Wednesday with another classy 25-disposal display.

Giants spearhead Jeremy Cameron needed nine goals to overhaul Hawthorn star Jarryd Roughead for the Coleman Medal but had an indifferent day to finish a stellar season with two goals and three behinds.

GOLD COAST 6.1 12.3 16.7 22.14 (146)
GWS GIANTS 2.4 5.4 7.8 9.9 (63)

Goals
Gold Coast: A Boston 4 G Ablett 4 D Stanley 3 H Bennell 2 J Harbrow 2 M Rischitelli 2 A Hall C Dixon D Prestia J Gillbee K Hunt.
GWS Giants: J Cameron 2 A Kennedy A Tomlinson C Hampton J Giles L Sumner S Coniglio T Adams.

Best
Gold Coast: G Ablett D Prestia A Boston M Rischitelli D Stanley M Weller.
GWS Giants: A Tomlinson T Adams S Coniglio J Giles.

Umpires: Robert Findlay, Andrew Mitchell, Matthew Leppard.
Official Crowd: 13,080 at Gold Coast Stadium.
 

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Brave Titans upset Roosters

Beau Falloon of the Titans is congratulated after scoring. Source: Cameron Spencer / Getty Images

THE Sydney Roosters' indifferent form at the back end of the season has continued when an injury-hit Gold Coast side sealed one the best results in their short history with a 30-22 win at Allianz Stadium.

4 Tries 5
Mitchell Aubusson 12'	Steve Michaels 2'
Mitchell Pearce 37'	Beau Falloon 8'
Daniel Tupou 59'	Anthony Don 50'
Sam Moa 63'	Brad Takairangi 73'
	Dave Taylor 80'
3 Conversions 5
James Maloney 38'	Aidan Sezer 4'
James Maloney 60'	Aidan Sezer 9'
James Maloney 65'	Aidan Sezer 51'
	Aidan Sezer 74'
	Aidan Sezer 80'

Brad Takairangi, released by the Roosters earlier this season to make way for Michael Jennings and Sonny Bill Williams, scored the decisive try seven minutes from time to put his side in front before Dave Taylor iced the result with an effort under the posts in dying seconds.

Having lost to Cronulla last week, Trent Robinson's side go into next Friday's minor premiership decider against bitter rivals South Sydney in wretched form.

The Titans showed great spirit and desire to win the game and keep alive their slender hopes of reaching the finals in front of a crowd of 17,542.

John Cartwright's men stunned the home crowd with a third minute try from veteran centre Steve Michaels who touched down in the left corner following a smart pass from Greg Bird.

Hooker Beau Falloon extended the lead with a try under the posts five minutes later with Aidan Sezer adding the extras to put his side 12-0 in front.

The Roosters hit back through Mitch Aubusson and on the stroke of halftime Mitchell Pearce's effort was given the green light by the video referee after his initial effort had been ruled out by the on-field officials.

But the expected second half onslaught never materialised after the break when young winger Anthony Don raced 60 metres following a Takairangi offload and increased the Titans' advantage.

That setback did kick the Roosters into life and Jennings had an effort ruled out by the video referee before Daniel Tupou demonstrated some great athleticism to haul in a James Maloney kick and jink his way to the line.

Prop Sam Moa then put the hosts in front for the first time in the game when he rumbled over from close range after being teed up by Williams.

However, Takairangi and Taylor had the last laugh to keep Cartwright's's side in the hunt for a top-eight spot going into the final round of the season.

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