Miller to miss up to a month

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THE Roar are set to lose playmaker Liam Miller for up to a month after he tore his calf in Brisbane's 1-0 loss to Melbourne Victory.

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But in better news for the Roar, Luke Brattan's leg injury is less serious than first feared, with the midfielder expected to be fit for Sunday week's home clash against Melbourne Heart.

Both Miller and Brattan were forced off in the second half of the Roar's defeat on Friday night at Etihad Stadium.

It seemed Brattan's injury was the worse of the two after he copped the full force of Victory defender Adrian Leijer's boot just below his knee.

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However, it was former Ireland international Miller who was worse for wear on Saturday.

"Liam's a little bit more of a problem," Roar physiotherapist Tim Oostenbroek said.

"He felt a ping in his calf. We're going to have scans on that on Monday but we're expecting the worst.

"I'd expect that it would probably keep him sidelined for a month."

Oostenbroek predicted Brattan would be back at training in a few days.

"It doesn't look like there's any significant structural damage to the knee," he said.

But Oostenbroek confirmed star striker Besart Berisha, whose presence was sorely missed against the Victory, would be sidelined for at least another week with a hamstring injury.

"He won't be available (next Sunday)," he said.

"We need to make sure that when Bes comes back he's in the best possible shape."  

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Fifth one-dayer washed out

Australia's Glenn Maxwell starred in the last one-dayer. Source: ANDREW YATES / AFP

THE fifth one-day match between India and Australia has been abandoned without a ball bowled in Cuttack.

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It took only a brief inspection under relatively sunny skies from umpires Nigel Long and S Ravi as well as match referee Roshan Mahanama on Saturday to confirm the ground was unfit for play.

Both teams inspected the ground on Friday and found the outfield to be waterlogged and unlikely fit for action.

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However under ICC law, the ground must be inspected on game day before it can be officially called off.

But the decision had unofficially been made 24 hours earlier, with neither team arriving at the ground on Saturday.

The pitch itself remains in fine condition, having lived underneath protective covers for the past week, but the outfit is muddy, unstable and unplayable.

It is a repeat of the last time Cuttack attempted to host a clash between the two nations - back in 1996 play was also cancelled due to rain without a ball bowled.

It follows the washout in Ranchi, where play was abandoned just four overs into India's chase of a victory target of 296.

It means the best-of-seven series essentially becomes a best-of-five, with Australia leading 2-1 and India requiring victory in the remaining two matches to win the series.

Both teams will now travel to Nagpur for the penultimate ODI, to be played on Wednesday, before the series ends in Bangalore the following Saturday.

Victory in either match would ensure Australia maintains a recent dominance on Indian soil in the one-day format, having won three of their previous four series.

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Vettel fast as records tumble

Vettel reset his own lap record at the circuit in opening practice. Source: Saurabh Das / AP

SEBASTIAN Vettel continued his dominance in India by edging out Red Bull teammate Mark Webber for the quickest time Friday in the opening practice session for the Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix.

Vettel began his quest to seal a fourth successive F1 title by scorching a new lap record at 1min 26.68secs, surpassing his own record of 1:27.24 set at the inaugural race at the Buddh International Circuit in 2011.

The 26-year-old, enjoying a 90-point lead over his nearest challenger Fernando Alonso, only needs to finish in the top five in his Red Bull on Sunday to seal the title.

Vettel's Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber, who leaves F1 at the end of the season, was only narrowly slower as he came in second at 1:26.87.

Nico Rosberg of Mercedes was third at 1:26.89, followed by Romain Grosjean and Lewis Hamilton - all under the previous lap record - with McLaren's Jenson Button sixth and Felipe Massa seventh.

Vettel, who has won the last five races this season, romped home easily in India in 2011 and 2012 and is strong favourite to triumph again on Sunday. Anything higher than a sixth-place finish and Vettel will join compatriot Michael Schumacher and Juan Manuel Fangio of Argentina as the only drivers to win four consecutive F1 titles.

The only way Vettel can be denied is if he fails to score a point in the remaining four races - provided Ferrari's Alonso wins at least three of them and finishes second in the other.

Victories in the last four races in India, Abu Dhabi, America and Brazil would also put Vettel level with Schumacher's 2004 record of 13 wins in a single season.

Meantime, Alonso had a frustrating start to his weekend, completing just six laps before being forced into the pits with a gearbox issue and ending the morning with the 12th-fastest time.

The drivers had trouble gripping the smooth Noida surface, with Williams driver Pastor Maldonado and McLaren's

Sergio Perez both spinning out onto the grass at turn six before returning to the track without serious damage to their cars.

Hamilton found himself briefly in the gravel after failing to take turn one on his 12th lap of the session, while Marussia's Jules Bianchi and Paul Di Resta also spun off.

Tire supplier Pirelli has dropped the more durable hard compound tires for the Indian surface, instead opting for soft and medium options.

RESULTS - Free Practice 1, Indian Formula 1 Grand Prix (90 min)

Pos	Driver	Team	Time/Gap
1	Sebastian Vettel	Red Bull	1m26.683s
2	Mark Webber	Red Bull	1m26.871s
3	Nico Rosberg	Mercedes	1m26.899s
4	Romain Grosjean	Lotus	1m26.990s
5	Lewis Hamilton	Mercedes	1m27.227s
6	Jenson Button	McLaren	1m27.335s
7	Sergio Perez	McLaren	1m27.416s
8	Felipe Massa	Ferrari	1m27.692s
9	Nico Hulkenberg	Sauber	1m27.770s
10	Valtteri Bottas	Williams	1m27.800s
11	Jean-Eric Vergne	Toro Rosso	1m28.035s
12	Fernando Alonso	Ferrari	1m28.214s
13	Daniel Ricciardo	Toro Rosso	1m28.336s
14	Pastor Maldonado	Williams	1m28.342s
15	Adrian Sutil	Force India	1m28.468s
16	Esteban Gutierrez	Sauber	1m28.538s
17	Kimi Raikkonen	Lotus	1m28.730s
18	James Calado	Force India	1m29.197s
19	Giedo van der Garde	Caterham	1m29.413s
20	Jules Bianchi	Marussia	1m29.560s
21	Charles Pic	Caterham	1m30.026s
22	Max Chilton	Marussia	1m30.471s

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League tougher than union: Sonny

Sonny Bill Williams before the World Cup warm-up game between New Zealand and the Cook Islands at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster, England. Source: Paul Thomas / Getty Images

SONNY Bill Williams has declared rugby league a tougher code than rugby union.

Sonny Bill Williams says rugby league is a tougher sport than rugby union. Do you agree?

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A week after committing to return to the Roosters in 2014, Williams told The Telegraph in the UK that while rugby is a bigger sport, league exacts a harsher physical toll.

"Obviously rugby [union] is a bigger sport globally but I believe rugby league is a lot tougher," Williams said.

"In rugby I played in the backs with the pretty boys kicking stones out wide, doing our hair, and in rugby league I'm in the middle doing the hard yards."

Williams added that he was not interested in another European stint following his two years with French rugby club Toulon.

"I'm getting a bit too old for that and I'm pretty content with my home at the Roosters and, if I go back to rugby, my home at the Chiefs," he said.

"I'm a pretty simple man and although this weather is pretty tempting, I think I'll plan my future where it is a little bit warmer."

Williams missed the Kiwis' league World Cup triumph in 2008 after walking out on the Bulldogs to join Toulon.

He seemed destined to miss their title defence this year until an eleventh hour change of heart prompted New Zealand selectors to rush him into the squad after the original 24-man had been named.

Williams was approached to represent Samoa at the tournament, but said he was more than happy to represent the Kiwis.

"I'm proud of being half Samoan, my father is a pretty staunch Samoan but I grew up in New Zealand and I'm very proud to represent my country," he said.

With his immediate playing future settled, Williams said he was a content man away from the field.

"I think one of the biggest things I learned from the way I left rugby league in the first place was that life is not all about sport," he said.

"You finish at 32, 33 and you've still got your whole life to live. It was a big learning experience and it was really humbling as well. Now I'm very content with the man that I see in the mirror and the way I carry myself."

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Warner crashes record 197

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DAVID Warner has broken the record for the highest innings in an Australian domestic one day cricket match, continuing his amazing start to the Ashes summer in the Ryobi Cup on Thursday.

ODD - North Sydney Oval

24 October 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

New South Wales 1st Innings

S. Abbott	12	26	1	0	46.15
G. Sandhu	5	5	1	0	100
F. Ahmed	9.3	0	64	2	6.74

Warner once again carved up the North Sydney Oval, playing for New South Wales against Victoria, to score 197 and pass the previous record of 187 set by Jimmy Maher for Queensland against Western Australia at the Gabba in 2004.

Warner was out caught in the shadows on the boundary when a four would have sealed the win for NSW and taken him past the magical 200 mark.

The Vics set a target of 322 and Warner set off rapidly in chase. The hosts were two down when he reached his century off just 75 balls. He kept going and after being dropped on 184,  passed Maher  by  hitting a four to go to 191 not out with the Blues needing 13 from 18 to win.

The Blues struggled home in the final over to reach the final against Queensland on Sunday.

Warner was left out of Australia's team for the India tour and seems to be enjoying the relaxed surroundings of a small group in his home town and a flourishing romance with ironwoman Candice Falzon, who was teaching him to ride a paddleboard between Cup games this week.

It was his third century in four innings.

"I thought I had to play out the 50 overs for us to have a chance so it was a case of clearing my mind to do that," said Warner.

Earlier, Victorian openers Dan Christian (117) and Rob Quiney (89) put on a 202-run opening stand, equalling the season-high set by  Warner and Peter Nevill in a match between the same two teams last Sunday.

Christian was in particularly devastating form scoring his runs off just 90 deliveries and hitting seven sixes in the process.

Quiney was the first to fall and his exit brought about a slowing of the run-rate which at one stage was well in excess of seven runs an over.

Victoria's three top-order batsman went for the addition of only 25 runs, while the in-form David Hussey then fell to a stunning one-handed catch from paceman Gurinder Singh.

Victorian danger-man Cameron White was dropped early and was eventually caught on the boundary within sight of a sixth successive half-century, having made a typically robust 42 off 37 balls.

All-rounder Sean Abbott was the best of the NSW bowlers taking 3 for 53 to back up his man-of- the-match performance on Tuesday.

VICTORIA
R QUINEY c Rohrer b Hazlewood 89 (100)
D CHRISTIAN c Abbott b Bollinger 117 (90)
M WADE c Smith b Abbott 16 (20)
C WHITE c Warner b Sandhu 42 (37)
D HUSSEY c Sandhu b Abbott 9 (10)
P HANDSCOMB lbw Abbott 6 (12)
J HASTINGS c Patterson b Sandhu 14 (12)
W SHERIDAN b Hazlewood 1 (3)
P SIDDLE lbw Hazlewood 1 (4)
J HOLLAND not out 8 (8)
F AHMED not out 4 (6)
Sundries (2lb 10w 2nb) 14
TOTAL: Nine wickets for 321
Fall: 202 (Quiney), 223 (Christian), 227 (Wade), 249 (Hussey), 267 (Handscomb), 290 (Hastings), 293 (Sheridan), 299 (White), 306 (Siddle)
Bowling: D Bollinger 10-0-73-1, J Hazlewood 10-0-62-3 (5w/9), N Lyon 9-0-60-0, G Sandhu 10-0-55-2 (2nb), N Maddinson 1-0-16-0 (1w), S Abbott 10-0-53-3

NSW
P NEVILL c White b Ahmed 46 (57)
D WARNER c Holland b Hastings 197 (141)
S SMITH c & b Holland 0 (1)
N MADDINSON c & b Sheridan 28 (37)
K PATTERSON c Hastings b Christian 10 (16)
B ROHRER c Hussey b Ahmed 11 (15)
S ABBOTT not out 12 (26)
G SANDHU not out 5 (5)
Sundries (5b 3lb 6w 1nb) 15
TOTAL: Six wickets for 324
Fall: 149 (Nevill), 150 (Smith), 219 (Maddinson), 242 (Patterson), 290 (Rohrer), 319 (Warner)
Bowling: P Siddle 10-2-48-0 (1w), W Sheridan 7-0-73-1 (3w 1nb), J Hastings 7-0-41-1 (2w), J Holland 9-0-52-1, F Ahmed 9.3-0-64-2, D Christian 7-0-38-1

Umpires: Gerard Abood, Geoff Joshua.
Match Referee: Peter Marshall.
Third Umpire: Simon Fry.
Result: New South Wales won by 4 wickets

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LIVE: John Eales Medal night

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IT is Australian rugby union's big night, capped with the crowning of the best Wallaby player from the past 12 months.

Who will join the likes of past winners George Smith, Chris Latham, Matt Giteau and Nathan Sharpe and claim the coveted John Eales Medal?

Join us to follow all the action - we'll be blogging live from 7.30pm AEDT. And tune in to watch the telecast on Fox Sports 1 from 8.30pm AEDT.

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Bozza speaks: Keane right about loyalty

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I'm honoured to be mentioned in Sir Alex Ferguson's autobiography.

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I was the only player Sir Alex signed twice while he was at Manchester United. We won the title by a record 18 points during that time and also became the first British team to become world club champions against Palmeiras in Tokyo in 1999. It will always be one of the most special - and interesting - periods of my life.

I wouldn't be sat here now, I wouldn't be who I am today, if Sir Alex didn't have faith in me. I will always be grateful for that.

I suggest everyone should go out and buy Sir Alex's book and form their own opinion. At an appropriate time, I will give my full version of events.

He referenced a period of my career when I returned to training overweight. That's true. I usually returned two kilograms overweight and on this occasion I was two-and-a-half.

There was also mention of a meeting at which I supposedly showed up late at The Cliff training ground in Salford.

Let me clear this up. I was at the training ground at 10am for a 1pm or 2pm meeting. Sir Alex knows that. I said hello to him and that was the time he mentioned my wait. I might have been a couple of minutes late getting to the dressing room, but I was at the ground hours ahead of time.

All that said, I dearly hope that Sir Alex comes down to Australia at some stage – there's some suggestion he might attend the Melbourne Cup - because it would be nice to see him again.

Roy Keane has obviously had his say about Sir Alex's book. Roy is and always will be one of the best players that I had the pleasure of playing with. What he said about loyalty is right.

So far as Roy's character is concerned, although he can upset people easily, it is as solid as they come. But, when you are selling books, it's important to cause as much conjecture and controversy as possible to drive sales.

Everyone knows that.

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Pies swap Shaw for Adams

Heath Shaw's move to GWS is confirmed. Source: News Limited

HEATH Shaw will play for GWS next year after the Giants agreed to a straight swap for Taylor Adams.

Five weeks after Shaw's preliminary final meltdown, he joins the Giants on a lucrative five-year contract.

SCROLL DOWN TO RECAP ALL TODAY'S TRADE ACTION

In exchange for the 28-year-old premiership defender, the Magpies receive Adams, a highly-rated 20-year-old midfielder.

Adams was taken at pick 13 in the 2011 draft and has been one of the Giants' shining lights in its first two AFL seasons.

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The Pies have now landed Adams, Jesse White and secured two picks in the top 10 in next month's national draft in a busy trade period that has seen Shaw and Dale Thomas (free agent) leave the club.

"Taylor is a player a lot of clubs thought highly of when GWS picked him initially, and a player a lot of clubs were interested in when it became apparent this year that, for family reasons, he wanted to return to Victoria," Collingwood recruiting manager Derek Hine said.

"He comes to us with a deserved reputation for being strong in the contest, a talented stoppage player who has great endurance. Importantly, we feel there is a lot of development in his game still to emerge.

"All things being equal, Taylor should have a long and distinguished career in black and white."

Adams said he was "absolutely stoked" to get to Collingwood.

"The word was that it would happen but the clock was counting down and until it is done there is always doubt," Adams said.

"The Giants put two years into me and helped me enormously and with some really close friends at the club there will always be a part of me that wishes the club well.

"It was really a decision based on a desire to be closer to my family and friends and the idea of playing for a big club in Melbourne. I met the coaches and saw the facilities and knew then I wanted to be a part of it. I couldn't be happier."

After missing out Lance Franklin, the Giants have snared established stars Shaw and Shane Mumford and they will also secure Swans forward Jed Lamb - as well as having the top two draft picks.

GWS football manager Graeme Allan said Shaw's class and experience would be a huge benefit to the AFL's newest club.

"We see Heath as having plenty of good football ahead of him and he'll be able to provide leadership and support for our exciting young group and they will benefit enormously from his presence," Allan said.

"He has been a great Collingwood favourite for a number of years and we think somebody of his undoubted quality will be a tremendous asset for the club.

"We've now secured two premiership players, with almost 300 games experience during the trade period, while also holding the top two picks in next month's draft."

Magpies coach Nathan Buckley wished Shaw well at his new home.

"Heath brought passion and heart to everything he did at Collingwood. I hope he's proud of what he achieved here. He should be," Buckley said.

"Heath will always be a Collingwood premiership player and hopefully the opportunity to build something almost from the ground up with the Giants will see him recapture his best."

Earlier, Carlton best-and-fairest winner Heath Scotland has committed to playing on into his 16th season.

Carlton The Blues had given Scotland their approval to play next year but he had spend the past few weeks pondering retirement.

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The Herald Sun understands he will play in 2014, although the club is still working out the finer details of a one-year contract.

The 33-year-old battled with an ankle injury yet still played 20 games after missing Rounds 1 and 2 after a club-based suspension after a summer assault conviction.

DEPARTMENT OF TRADES

But despite a quieter 2013 season after winning the Blues' best-and-fairest the previous season, he believes he has plenty to contribute.

The Blues are expected to secure Brisbane half-back Sam Docherty before Friday's trade deadline after offering the Lion pick 33.

Essendon yesterday lured a pair of unknown Greater Western Sydney teens for pick 48 but is destined to lose Scott Gumbleton for selection 58.

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The Dons lured highly-rated Giants half back Shaun Edwards and NSW zone selection Kurt Aylett, winning Edward's services despite interest from Adelaide.

But while the Dons have been able to bring two exciting kids onto their list, the lack of suitors for Scott Gumbleton is hurting them.

Ross sealed Tyson move

Giants poach another Swan

It means they might have to accept just pick 58 from Fremantle for a player once taken with the draft's second overall selection.

The Dockers are pushing Essendon to accept that pick, aware that with just mild interest from Port Adelaide they could get him in the November 27 pre-season draft.

The Dogs are holding firm on a straight swap of pick 26 for Stewart Crameri and believe they will get the deal done.

Essendon offered up Crameri and pick 66 to the Dogs in exchange for their picks 26 and 42, but if the Dons get pick 58 for Gumbleton might offer to swap that, rather than pick 66.

Meanwhile, the AFL finally ticked off on the last remnants of the Shane Savage-Ben McEvoy deal, meaning St Kilda has picks 3, 18, 19 and 25 after swapping pick 24 and 59 for Hawthorn's pick 19.

They still hope to hand over pick 25 for Brisbane's Billy Longer.

West Coast finally secured Brisbane's Elliot Yeo for pick 28, and are hoping to acquire Carlton's Josh Bootsma for pick 31.

GWS will acquire Sydney's Jed Lamb on a three-year deal, and should get ex-Cat Josh Hunt.

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In pics: History of the World Cup

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THE Rugby League World Cup has a richer history than most Aussies give it credit for, having included 17 teams over 60 years (33 years longer than the Rugby World Cup).

Three countries have taken out the greatest prize in international rugby league - Australia (nine), Great Britain (three) and New Zealand (one).

***

Year	Host nation	Teams	Winner	Runner-up
1954	France	4	Great Britain	France
1957	Australia	4	Australia	Great Britain
1960	UK	4	Great Britain	Australia
1968	Australia, NZ	4	Australia	France
1970	UK	4	Australia	Great Britain
1972	France	4	Great Britain	Australia
1975	Worldwide	5	Australia	England
1977	Australia, NZ	4	Australia	Great Britain
1985-1988	Worldwide	5	Australia	New Zealand
1989-1992	Worldwide	5	Australia	Great Britain
1995	UK	10	Australia	England
2000	UK, France	16	Australia	New Zealand
2008	Australia	10	New Zealand	Australia
2013	UK, Ireland, France	14	TBA	TBA

1954 - Hosted by France, won by Great Britain, four teams

THE Rugby League World Cup was an initiative of the French, who had lobbied for the tournament since the mid-1930s.

They eventually got their wish in 1954, with four teams taking part - Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain and France (the next five World Cups, through until 1972, featured the same four nations).

Great Britain took out the title with a 16-12 win over the hosts in the final at the Parc des Princes.

***

1957 - Hosted by Australia, won by Australia, four teams

GREAT Britain, under Alan Prescott, were expected to win.

But Australia, led by player of the tournament Brian Carlson, went through undefeated to notch the first of nine World Cup wins.

***

1960 - Hosted by Great Britain, won by Great Britain, four teams

GREAT Britain went through the tournament undefeated, scoring a bruising 10-3 victory over Australia in the decider at Odsal, Bradford.

There were brawls galore in the brutal final, with the press questioning how no player was sent off.

1960 : Vines holds teammate Rhodes after a fracus with opponents including captain Keith Barnes (R) with bleeding eye, as his teammates (L-R) Rex Mossop, Elton Rasmussen, Dud Beattie and Gary Purcell stand by during the Great Britain v Australia World Cup final at Odsal Stadium in England. Source: DailyTelegraph

1968 – Hosted by Australia/NZ, won by Australia, four teams

THIS was the year the Rugby League World Cup took off. 62,000 attended the group match between Australia and Great Britain.

54,000 attended the the final between Australia and France at the SCG, with Australia claiming a second World Cup courtesy of a 20-2 win.

Captain Johnny Raper, back rower Ron Coote and sharpshooter Eric Simms were the stars in a tournament that catapulted the Rugby League World Cup to prominence, in Australia at least.

1968 Rugby League World Cup, Australia v Great Britain. Source:

1970 – Hosted by Great Britain, won by Australia, four teams

BRITAIN went into the tournament as hot favourites, fresh from retaining the Ashes.

But the Aussies stood up to be counted in the final, which became known as the "Battle of Headingly".

Despite being dominated in possession, the Aussies prevailed 12-7 in a brutal encounter that saw Australia's Billy Smith and Great Britain's Syd Hynes sent off.

Bob Fulton was named Player of the Tournament.

The Australia squad included such names as Billy Smith, Bob Fulton, Ron Turner, Eric Simms, Bob McCarthy, Ron Coote, and Ray Brannighan.

Captain Ron Coote kisses the World Cup trophy after Australia defeated England in the 1970 final in Leeds. Source:

Billy Smith (ball) tries to get away from Cliff Watson during the 1970 England v Australia World Cup game in Leeds. Source: DailyTelegraph

1972 – Hosted by France, won by Great Britain, four teams

GREAT Britain scored their third World Cup win in a thrilling final in Lyon - Australia and the Mother Country played out an epic draw, with Great Britain awarded the title on performances in the lead-up games.

Graeme Langlands captained a side that also included Arthur Beetson, Ray Branighan, Bob Fulton, future ARLC chairman John Grant, Bob McCarthy, Bob O'Reilly and Tommy Raudonikis.

***

1975 - Hosted worldwide, won by Australia, five teams

1975 signaled a radical change to the World Cup format. Five teams contested the tournament for the first time, with Great Britain split into Wales and England.

No one nation hosted the tournament, with the matches played on a home and away basis over eight months.

There was no final contested, with Australia deemed the winner after winning six of eight games.

The Australian side included Graeme Langlands, Chris Anderson, Arthur Beetson, Ray Branighan, Ron Coote, Mick Cronin, Graham Eadie, Denis Fitzgerald, Bob Fulton, John Lang, George Piggins, John Quayle, Terry Randall, Tommy Raudonikis, Steve Rogers and Ian Schubert.

The 1975 series began an incredible era of dominance by Australia, who won six Cups in a row over the next 25 years.

Captain Arthur Beetson lifts the trophy after victory in 1975. Source: DailyTelegraph

Graeme Langlands scores during the 1975 Rugby League World Cup. Picture: Barry McKinnon Source: DailyTelegraph

1977 - Hosted by Australia/NZ, won by Australia, four teams

THE Cup returned to a tournament format and was cut to four teams, with Wales absorbed into the Great Britain side.

A final-gasp try to Australian halfback John Kolc secured a thrilling 13-12 win for Australia in the final.

Australia's team for the final: Graham Eadie, Allan McMahon, Mick Cronin, Russel Gartner, Mark Harris, John Peard, John Kolc, Greg Veivers, Nick Geiger, Terry Randall, Arthur Beetson (c), Ray Higgs, Greg Pierce. Reserve: Denis Fitzgerald

***

1985-1988 - Hosted worldwide, won by Australia, five teams

YET another change to the format saw five nations (with Papua New Guinea added) play home and away fixtures over a period of three years.

The star-studded Australians, led by Wally Lewis, won the final 25-12 against New Zealand at Eden Park.

Australian side for final: Garry Jack, Dale Shearer, Andrew Farrar, Mark McGaw, Michael O'Connor, Wally Lewis (c), Allan Langer, Paul Dunn, Ben Elias, Steve Roach, Paul Sironen, Gavin Miller, Wayne Pearce. Reserves: David Gillespie, Terry Lamb    

NZ side for final: Gary Mercer, Tony Iro, Kevin Iro, Dean Bell (c), Mark Elia, Gary Freeman, Clayton Friend, Peter Brown, Wayne Wallace, Adrian Shelford, Mark Graham, Kurt Sorenson, Mark Horo. Reserves: Shane Cooper, Sam Stewart

***

1989-1992 - Hosted worldwide, won by Australia, five teams

THE tournament continued with the three-year, five-team format, with the powerful Australian side going through its eight games undefeated.

Even so, the final was an incredibly tight affair.

In front of a World Cup record 73,000 fans at Wembley, the Kangaroos prevailed 10-6 courtesy of a late try to centre Steve Renouf and clutch sideline conversion by centre Mal Meninga.

Australian side for final: Tim Brasher, Willie Carne, Steve Renouf, Mal Meninga (c), Michael Hancock, Brad Fittler, Allan Langer, Glenn Lazarus, Steve Walters, Mark Sargent, Paul Sironen, Bob Lindner, Bradley Clyde. Interchange: David Gillespie, Kevin Walters, John Cartwright, Chris Johns

Great Britain side for final: Joe Lydon, Alan Hunte, Gary Connolly, Garry Schofield (c), Martin Offiah, Shaun Edwards, Deryck Fox, Kevin Ward, Martin Dermott, Andy Platt, Denis Betts, Phil Clarke, Ellery Hanley. Interchange: John Devereux, Alan Tait, Kelvin Skerrett, Richard Eyres

***

1995 - Hosted by Great Britain, won by Australia, 10 teams

THE World Cup expanded greatly for the 1995 incarnation, with 10 countries taking part.

With the ARL refusing to name Super League-aligned players, a young Andrew Johns produced a master class in the final.

Named at hooker, but playing halfback in general play, Johns won man-of-the-match as Australia surged to a 16-8 win over England in the final at Wembley.

Australian starting side for final: Tim Brasher, Rod Wishart, Mark Coyne, Terry Hill, Brett Dallas, Brad Fittler (c), Geoff Toovey, Dean Pay, Andrew Johns, Mark Carroll, Steve Menzies, Gary Larson, Jim Dymock.    

Captain Brad Fittler (C) following victory in 1995. Source: DailyTelegraph

Andrew Johns won man-of-the-match in the 1995 final. Source: DailyTelegraph

Mark Carroll (L) and Terry Hill celebrate victory in 1995. Source: DailyTelegraph

Gary Larson on the charge in front of a packed house at Wembley for the 1995 final. Source: DailyTelegraph

Tim Brasher scores the winning try in the 1995 final. Source: DailyTelegraph

2000 - Hosted by Great Britain, won by Australia, 16 teams

THE 2000 World Cup expanded considerably once again, featuring 16 teams. Among the new entrants were Lebanon, Russia, Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand Maori and the Cook Islands.

An all-star Australian side romped to a 40-12 win in the final at Old Trafford to notch a sixth successive World Cup win, with Wendell Sailor scoring a double.

Australian team for final: Darren Lockyer, Mat Rogers, Adam MacDougall, Matt Gidley, Wendell Sailor, Brad Fittler (c), Brett Kimmorley, Shane Webcke, Andrew Johns, Robbie Kearns, Gorden Tallis, Bryan Fletcher, Scott Hill. Interchange: Trent Barrett, Nathan Hindmarsh, Darren Britt, Jason Stevens        

NZ team for final: Richie Barnett, Nigel Vagana, Tonie Carroll, Willie Talau, Lesley Vainikolo, Henry Paul, Stacey Jones, Craig Smith, Richard Swain, Quentin Pongia, Matt Rua, Stephen Kearney (c), Ruben Wiki. Interchange: Robbie Paul, Joe Vagana, Nathan Cayless, Logan Swann

Mat Rogers holds the trophy aloft in 2000. Source: DailyTelegraph

Brad Fittler (trophy) and the victorious team of 2000. Source: DailyTelegraph

Nathan Hindmarsh scored a try in the 2000 final. Source: DailyTelegraph

Andrew Johns played hooker. Source: DailyTelegraph

Wendell Sailor scored two tries in the 2000 final. Source: DailyTelegraph

2008 - Hosted by Australia, won by NZ, 10 teams

THE tournament, hosted in Australia, dropped back to 10 teams following criticism over pool-game drubbings in the previous edition.

Australia went into the final as overwhelming favourites to claim a seventh consecutive title.

But their title defence was undone in the 61st minute when star fullback Billy Slater threw a suicidal pass that landed in the hands of Benji Marshall, who crossed for the series-defining try.

New Zealand eventually won 34-20, with the score blown out by a late try to Kiwi forward Adam Blair.

Billy Slater's suicidal pass that cost Australia the 2008 World Cup. Source: DailyTelegraph

New Zealand celebrate victory in 2008. Source: DailyTelegraph

New Zealand's Lance Hohaia (C) is congratulated after scoring in the final. Source: DailyTelegraph

New Zealand performs the haka. Source: DailyTelegraph

Paul Gallen after hit by Steve Matai. Picture: Brett Costello Source: DailyTelegraph

2013 - To be hosted by Great Britain

THE upcoming World Cup features 14 teams and will take place in Great Britain and France.

Australia go into the tournament as overwhelming favourites.

There will be a distinctively Australian flavour at the Cup, with over 120 Australian-based players to take part. Australian-based players feature in all of the 14 teams.

The Australian Kangaroos' team for the 2013 World Cup. Source: DailyTelegraph

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Maddinson shows way for NSW

NSW batsman David Warner about to be caught. Source: Mark Kolbe / Getty Images

NIC Maddinson's solid knock of 75 has laid the foundations for NSW in a rain-interrupted Ryobi Cup match against South Australia at Drummoyne Oval.

Blues captain Steve Smith won the toss and chose to bat first.

Explosive opener David Warner got off to flying start, smashing six boundaries before he skied a Joe Mennie delivery and was caught by Johan Botha for 32.

Smith was then bowled for one Peter George.

Maddinson and young Kurtis Patterson combined for a 100-run partnership, before Redbacks skipper Botha brought himself on and had Maddinson caught by Alex Ross at extra cover.

The wicket sparked a mini collapse, with Ben Rohrer out stumped the very next ball.

Patterson didn't get a chance to build on his well played 33 when he was run out by Adam Zampa's direct hit. The run was never on and it was a poor call from Sean Abbott at the other end.

NSW were 6/173 after 33 overs at the rain break with the match being reduced to 42 overs.
 

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Mundine tipped to shock Mosley

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ANTHONY Mundine's sparring partner believes the Australian will beat Shane Mosley on Wednesday if he sticks to a plan devised by his camp to exploit flaws in the former three-time world champion's style.

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American David Estrada, who lost on points to Mosley in Las Vegas in 2005, has been working with Mundine since early October and the 34-year-old believes the former NRL star has the size and the speed to cause real problems.

Mundine will face his toughest opponent since losing to the outstanding Danish super-middleweight Mikkel Kessler eight years ago when he climbs into the ring for the WBA light-middleweight contest at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

Mosley has held world titles in the lightweight, welterweight and super-welterweight divisions across a glittering 20-year career.

In the 42-year-old's 56 professional fights he's won 47, lost eight and drawn one and faced some of the best boxers in a golden generation, including Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto and Ronald 'Winky' Wright.

That quartet all outpointed the Californian and Estrada said Mundine, who at 180cm will have a six centimetre height advantage, should take encouragement from some of those losses.

"Anthony is a tall fighter and Mosley has struggled against tall guys in the past," Estrada said.

"Winky Wright was similar in size and style and like Anthony had a very strong jab.

"He overpowered Mosley in their first fight and again in the rematch.

"Vernon Forrest was the same at around six foot, he also beat him twice by getting over the top of him and dominating."

Estrada concedes Mosley also has the class and the pedigree to win but said with the home crowd behind him, Mundine has a huge opportunity to cause an upset and finally earn some recognition in the US.

"The most important thing he needs to do is follow the game plan," he said.

"Do what we have worked on, keep focused and don't deviate from from that and I really believe he can win."

Estrada claims his own fight with Mosley ended in controversial circumstances.

"I was told it was 12 rounds going into the fight, but after 10 the judges made a decision in his favour," he said.

"I have watched the fight again and although I think it should have been closer on the scorecards, I am not sure I did enough to win.

"But I was the stronger fighter in the closing rounds and had it gone to 12, who knows?"

After inflicting a first defeat of classy Mexican Orlando Lora's career in 2010 with a brutal eighth-round stoppage, his progress stalled after becoming embroiled in a bitter dispute with his management team.

"I was in line for a shot at the world welterweight title, but was ill-advised and told to skip a certain fight ... they said I'd make more money if I waited," he said.

"So I waited and waited but the fights never happened. I tried I to get out of my contract but they wouldn't let me.

"It was a horrible time for me, and I had to make ends meet by working as a sparring partner as I wasn't able to fight.

"But I'm free from my contract now, won my comeback fight and excited about the future."

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Video: Matildas outclassed by USA

Australia's Danielle Brogan kicks the ball long during their international friendly soccer match against New Zealand in Wollongong, Wednesday, June 27, 2012. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins) NO ARCHIVING Source: DEAN LEWINS / AFP

THE Matildas have been outclassed 4-0 by the United States in a women's football friendly international in Texas.

Reigning FIFA women's world player of the year Abby Wambach was among four goalscorers for the world No.1-ranked US outfit in the match at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

Australia's best player was striker Lisa De Vanna, who forced American goalkeeper Hope Solo into several saves.

"Our forward line was very dangerous in the first half and we created opportunities through our build-up which is a good thing," Australian coach Hesterine De Reus said.

"The defending part of our game was not good enough. Conceding four goals is way too much."

The Matildas return to Australia for two friendlies against China in Wollongong on November 24 and Sydney on November 27.

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