Live NRL: Roosters v Raiders

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SATURDAY night NRL: The Roosters host the Raiders, and later the Cowboys take on the Storm. Follow it live!

With both teams enjoying positive results last weekend, the Raiders will head to Sydney with a little more confidence — but also just a fair bit of caution as they take on the reigning premiers on home turf. CLICK HERE FOR THE MATCH CENTRE.

After that, the Cowboys will be looking to bounce back from a loss in Canberra — the only problem being taking on a well-rested Storm side, albeit without some well-known names wiped out by Origin. CLICK HERE FOR THE MATCH CENTRE.

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Tahs trump Chiefs 33-17 to roll on

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A THREE-year hoodoo broken, a try-scoring record broken, Michael Hooper's ribs nearly broken, and a premiership tilt now looking as solid as ever for the Waratahs after their victory over the Chiefs.

NSW finally won a game in New Zealand after three years, and it could not have been more monumental, against the back-to-back defending champions the Chiefs.

MATCH CENTRE: Full scores, stats and video highlights

Two tries in the final seven minutes sealed the deal for the Tahs, who remain in the top two of the Super Rugby competition and will be challenging the Sharks for first place on the ladder when play resumes after the June Test break.

Israel Folau scored his customary opening try of the game, making him the new Waratahs' record-holder for most individual tries in one season, passing Peter Hewat's mark of 10 set in 2005.

Israel Folau on the charge for the Waratahs against the Chiefs at Yarrow Stadium. Source: Getty Images

It took only 15 minutes for Folau to score his 11th try in 10 games this season.

Folau had declared earlier in the week that breaking the record against the defending champions in their backyard would be the "perfect scenario" and as he has for most of his football career, the fullback delivered.

And his teammates delivered their biggest win of 2014 at the picturesque Yarrow Stadium, flanked by a snowy-topped Mount Taranaki.

The Chiefs had clawed back from 13-3 down at half-time to lead 17-16 with less than a quarter of the match remaining.

But a late try from captain Dave Dennis, who shoved off a defender and raced 20 metres to score, gave NSW a 26-17 buffer.

Bernard Foley capped off a fine, composed display with a final-minute try and sideline conversion to finish with six goals from six attempts and a personal haul of 20 points.

Chiefs prop Ben Tameifuna runs at Waratahs' Paddy Ryan. Source: Getty Images

NSW staved off near disaster when, having dominated the game, they allowed the Chiefs to take the lead in the 63rd minute.

Super-sub Bundee Aki scored two tries in seven minutes, moments after entering the field in the second half, with Aaron Cruden's second sideline conversion giving the Chiefs the lead for the first time in the game, with just 16 minutes remaining.

It took the Chiefs 55 minutes to score their first try, and it was not without controversy.

Seconds after taking the field off the bench, centre Aki swooped on an Cruden grubber into the in-goal.

While Aki appeared to have been off-side and dived on the ball, it did not look as though he had any control. Television match official Ben Skeen ruled that Aki had forced downward pressure on the ball before it popped out from under his torso, pulling the Chiefs back into the contest.

Kurtley Beale nailed a 45-metre penalty goal soon after to push the Tahs ahead 16-10, but following a Chiefs break upfield Aki was in position to pounce on another grubber into the corner in the 63rd minute.

The Tahs regained their lead in the 69th when a Chiefs ruck infringement allowed Foley to kick another penalty goal, making it 19-17.

Waratahs skipper Dave Dennis is congratulated on his try by teammates Stephen Hoiles and Nick Phipps. Source: Getty Images

NSW had not won a game in New Zealand since May 2010 — coincidentally against the Chiefs — and will take enormous confidence into the three-week break.

A sublime performance from Adam Ashley-Cooper and robust display from prop Benn Robinson highlighted the Tahs' efforts.

The 10-point lead at half-time came via plenty of starch in defence which forced numerous handling errors and turnovers from the Chiefs.

The reigning premiers looked a mere shell of the fine-tuned attacking machine that has torn most defences to shreds over the past two seasons, with NSW's rushing defence and thumping tackles rattling the home side.

It was as physical as expected, with flanker Michael Hooper on the receiving end of the biggest hit of the season from Chiefs giant Ben Tameifuna, and was lucky to escape without a serious rib injury, while Tatafu Polota-Nau produced a number of bellringers.

Alofa Alofa was denied the first try of the game after crossing in the corner, when replays showed Folau had held the leg of Chiefs centre Andrew Horrell, allowing Nick Phipps to break clear and feed his winger.

But Folau soon made up for his foul by crossing in the opposite corner in the 15th minute, benefiting from a break by Ashley-Cooper.

NSW WARATAHS 33 (Dave Dennis, Israel Folau, Bernard Foley tries Foley 3 cons Foley 3, Kurtley Beale pens) bt CHIEFS 17 (Bundee Aki 2 tries Aaron Cruden 2 cons pen) at Yarrow Stadium. Referee: Chris Pollock. Crowd: 10,740.

Relive all the Chiefs v Waratahs action in our match blog below.

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Live Super Rugby: Crusaders v Force

Nick Cummins will be on the hunt for some "meat" in Christchurch. Source: Justin Benson-Cooper / News Corp Australia

THE final round of Super Rugby before the international break kicks off with the Crusaders hosting the Force in Christchurch in a match that has a huge bearing on both the Australian and New Zealand conferences.

Riding the wave of an amazing season, the Force will be looking to add the Crusaders to a list of high-profile scalps that already includes the Chiefs, Highlanders and Waratahs.

It won't be easy however with the Crusaders finding form at exactly the right time.

Following that match in Christchurch, we're off to Brisbane where the Reds will welcome the Highlanders to Suncorp Stadium.

Will Genia will play his 100th match for the Reds while the Highlanders need a win to ensure they don't lose touch with New Zealand pacesetters, the Crusaders and Hurricanes.

Follow both matches in our Live Blog below and check out Match Centre for stats and video!

Crusaders v Force

Reds v Highlanders

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Updated Late Mail: Morris breaks shoulder

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BRETT Morris is out indefinitely with a fractured shoulder and ligament damage, Josh Morris will miss two months, Daly Cherry-Evans is out, Beau Scott is in doubt and a young gun is set to debut at the Panthers.

Check out our updated Late Mail.

Friday, May 30, Panthers v Eels, Sportingbet Stadium, NINE, 7:45pm

Kevin Kingston (foot) and Nigel Plum (concussion) are likely to return despite not being named, while Lewis Brown (pectoral) and Elijah Taylor (knee) have trained all week and been cleared for comebacks.

UPDATE 2pm: Jamal Idris has been stood down to deal with personal issues, with Isaah Yeo coming into the side. Bryce Cartwright will make his NRL debut in place of Tim Grant, who has been dropped to NSW Cup.

Jarryd Hayne escaped Origin without injury, with coach Brad Arthur to make a final decision after a medical assessment on Friday. However, Arthur on Thursday suggested it would be a tough ask to expect his "fatigued" fullback to back up following such a gruelling match and said Hayne may be rested. The Eels would not speculate on a replacement when contacted, but Willie Tonga (ribs) hasn't trained and won't come into the side. 18th man Lee Mossop will drop back to NSW Cup as he continues his comeback from a serious shoulder injury.

UPDATE 2pm: The Eels have confirmed Jarryd Hayne will be rested. He will be replaced at fullback by Justin Hunt.

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Saturday, May 31, Roosters v Raiders, Allianz Stadium, FOX, 5:30pm

Origin stars Daniel Tupou, Michael Jennings and Aidan Guerra have been cleared of serious injury and will play if they get through Friday's captain's run. The Roosters are reporting no other injuries.

Josh Papalii pulled up well from Origin and will play. But Joel Edwards (fractured cheekbone) is a late withdrawal, with Shannon Boyd expected to come into the 17.

Saturday, May 31, Cowboys v Storm, Townsville Stadium, FOX, 7:30pm

Johnathan Thurston, Matthew Scott, James Tamou and Brent Tate came through Origin with just bumps and bruises and are expected to play.

The Storm's worst nightmare was confirmed on Thursday, with the Big Three ruled out. Cooper Cronk will miss up to three months with a fractured ulna and dislocated radioulnar joint in his right arm. Billy Slater suffered a grade two AC joint sprain to his right shoulder and is expected to miss two-three weeks. Cameron Smith has a low grade high ankle sprain and will miss one-two weeks. The Storm are yet to confirm or even speculate on replacements. Ryan Hinchcliffe has filled in at hooker for Smith in the past, while young guns Kurt Mann and Cameron Munster are candidates for Slater's fullback spot. But filling Cronk's halves spot is problematic given the unavailability of back-ups Cody Walker (hamstring, round 13), Joel Romelo (ankle, round 20) and Ben Hampton (suspension, round 13). Ben Roberts has been named to take one playmaking spot, with contenders for the other position including Munster, Mann, Tohu Harris and Will Chambers. If Mann is forced to move from centre, expect Mahu Fonua to come into the backline. Ryan Hoffman pulled up fine an is expected to play.

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Sunday, Jun 1, Warriors v Knights, Mt Smart Stadium, FOX, 2:00pm AEST, 4:00pm local

Star Warrior Shaun Johnson (ankle, groin) has trained and is likely to play. Tuimoala Lolohea is on standby.

Darius Boyd and Beau Scott got through Origin without major injury and will be assessed by Newcastle medical staff on Friday before the team travels to New Zealand. Scott took the early guilty plea to a dangerous throw charge and is available provided he passes a medical, although he battled a groin injury in the lead-up to Origin. Jeremy Smith (knee) has been cleared to return.

UPDATE 2pm: Beau Scott is likely to be ruled out due to a groin issue, with Davd Fa'alogo to come onto the bench.

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Sunday, Jun 1, Broncos v Sea Eagles, Suncorp Stadium, NINE, 3:00pm

Origin trio Corey Parker, Justin Hodges and Matt Gillett avoided serious injury on Wednesday night. However, Hodges carried an ankle issue into the game and coach Anthony Griffin may decide not to risk him. Sam Thaiday (calf) has been cleared to return.

Daly Cherry-Evans (knee, hip) and Anthony Watmough (torn bicep) are in serious doubt, despite declaring their desire to play in post-Origin interviews. They arrived back in Sydney late Thursday and will be assessed on Friday. Both would have to make it through Saturday's captain's run to be available, with the team travelling on Saturday afternoon. Jack Littlejohn is on standby for Cherry-Evans, while James Hasson is Watmough's likely replacement.

2.45pm UPDATE: Daly Cherry-Evans has been ruled out. Anthony Watmough will be given until kick-off to prove his fitness.

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Monday, Jun 2, Rabbitohs v Dragons, ANZ Stadium, FOX, 7:00pm

Greg Inglis, Ben Te'o and Chris McQueen pulled up well from Origin and are expected to play. Issac Luke (shoulder) is again pushing for an early return, which could see Cameron McInnes drop out of the side.

Brett Morris (dislocated shoulder) has not officially been ruled out, pending scans, but is highly unlikely to play. Trent Merrin will be assessed on Friday, but escaped serious injury for NSW. Jason Nightingale (knee) has trained this week and is expected to return from injury.

UPDATE 5pm: Brett Morris has been diagnosed with a fractured shoulder and ligament damage, ruling him out indefinitely, with his Origin series over. Peter Mata'utia moves to the wing, with Nathan Green coming into the side at centre.

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BYES: Bulldogs, Sharks, Tigers, Titans

A host of Origin players will be grateful to have the bye this week. Josh Morris (ruptured PCL) is facing a long stint on the sidelines, but Trent Hodkinson (nose) will be fit for Canterbury's next game. Josh Reynolds is also free to play round 13 - and Origin II - after having his dangerous throw charge downgraded at the judiciary. Paul Gallen (neck) will have scans after aggravating an existing injury. Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah and Luke Lewis came through Origin unscathed and will enjoy a hard-earned rest this weekend.

UPDATE 2pm: The Bulldogs have confirmed Josh Morris is out for six-eight weeks. Nate Myles (fractured hand) also picked up an injury in Origin and is likely to miss two weeks.

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Ronaldo named football’s most marketable

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HAVING helped Real Madrid finally achieve La Decima this season, star man Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the world's most marketable footballer by global sports market research experts 'Repucom'.

Lionel Messi, often labelled the world's best player along with Ronaldo, is second in the list while his Barcelona teammate Gerard Pique makes a surprise entry in the top three.

Perhaps the biggest eyebrow-raiser in the list, however, is Fernando Torres' ranking of fourth in the table. The Chelsea frontman has struggled for form at Stamford Bridge following his £50 million transfer from Liverpool in January 2011.

Celebrity couples on covers ... Cristiano Ronaldo and Irina Shakk on the cover of Vogue. Source: Supplied

Wayne Rooney makes the top five on the list - the Manchester United star has 20 million Facebook fans and will be England's best-known player at this summer's World Cup.

Ronaldo, who has a staggering 82 million fans on Facebook and 26 million followers on Twitter, won his second FIFA Ballon d'Or earlier this year and is also seen as the best 'trendsetter' with 82.5 per cent of those asked saying the Portugal international reflects trends in today's society. The 29-year-old, who recently posed with girlfriend Irina Shayk, is also known by 83.9 per cent of people globally.

People ride a bus painted with the face of Argentina icon Lionel Messi. Source: AFP

The Argentine, who has won the Ballon d'Or four times, has been Barcelona's talisman during their dominance in recent years and is the world's best-paid star earning around £16 million a year.

Pique, meanwhile, has been equally as impressive at the back for the Spanish giants having signed for the club back in 2008.

The Spain international has won everything in the game, including three Champions League trophies and the FIFA World Cup in 2010.

Pique's marketability is enhanced by his relationship with pop singer Shakira. Source: AFP

However, Pique's fame is heightened further to due to the fact he is married to Colombian pop star Shakira having met the singer while filming a music video for her song: ''Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)', which was the official song of the World Cup held four years ago.

Over 58 per cent of people around the globe have heard of the centre back while 97 per cent of the population in his home country are aware of who Pique is.

The top 10 of the world's most marketable footballers. Source: Supplied

The top 10 is made up of Barcelona pair Andres Iniesta and Neymar, Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, PSG striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and former Arsenal star Thierry Henry, now plying his trade in America with the New York Red Bulls.

Paul Smith, Founder and CEO of Repucom said: 'With just over two weeks to go before the 2014 FIFA World Cup kicks off, the world's gaze is firmly on the competing teams and players. The World Cup is the most watched sporting event in the world and as such, big brands, official partners or otherwise, will and are using its global appeal to drive sales.

Spain forward Fernando Torres was a surprise inclusion on in the list. Source: AFP

'Endorsements of celebrities and in this case footballers have an incredibly powerful way of doing just

that creating an emotional connection with a brand. The star can raise awareness and create a buzz

for brands and products at a time when breaking through the marketing clutter that surrounds such

huge events is critical for commercial success.

'Ronaldo is an endorser's dream. His value is as important to the teams he plays for as they are for the companies that endorse him.'

England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney came in at fifth. Source: AFP

HOW IT WORKS

Repucom's Celebrity DBI measures the perceptions of 16-69 year olds in 13 markets including Argentina, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Russia, Spain, Turkey, the UK and the US, representing the views of more than 1.5 billion people.

In June 2014, the figure will increase as Repucom's Celebrity DBI launches into Japan and Australia.

Repucom's Celebrity DBI defines marketability by evaluating eight contributing attributes

including the awareness, appeal, breakthrough, trendsetter influence, trust, endorsement and

aspiration of and for the celebrity.

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Ahmed Saad’s AFL dream alive

Ahmed Saad has played 29 games. Photo by Chris Hyde Source: Chris Hyde / Getty Images

AHMED Saad is eligible to play AFL football in 2015 after ASADA failed to increase his 18-month ban for using a banned energy drink.

Saad was handed an 18-month ban in December 2013 — backdated to August 2013 — for testing positive to methylsynephrine, contained in the pre-workout drink "Before Battle".

The 24-year-old expressed his relief his ban would not be increased and hopes to add to his 29-game career.

"I am relieved that this is all over, it has been a very long and hard 10 months on myself and everyone around me.

"I would like to thank my family, friends, my management group, lawyers and the St. Kilda Football Club for their support over the last 10 months and a special thank you to my wife. "I'll continue training hard to give myself the best opportunity to come back next season."

Paul Koutoufides of Blue Rock Sports has expressed his delight at the outcome.

"I am really pleased with the outcome considering the initial suspension of 18 months was harsh in my view," he said.

"The ongoing process has been tough for everyone and Ahmed has endured a lot. He is an extremely resilient young man. I can't wait to see Ahmed get another go and get back into the AFL."

Saad last played for St Kilda in the Round 19, 2013 clash against Brisbane and has not been allowed to train or play at any level under the condition of his ban.

He is eligible to be selected in the 2014 draft period and his ban will expire in time for the first game of the 2015 season.

More to come ...

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Live coverage: Round 12 NRL teams

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CHECK out our live coverage of the round 12 team announcements, including live NRL SuperCoach blog.

Join our live chat from 3.30pm and get the teams as they lob below.

Friday, May 30, Panthers v Eels, Centrebet Stadium, NINE, 7:45pm

Panthers: Matt Moylan, Josh Mansour, Dean Whare, Jamal Idris, David Simmons, Jamie Soward, Peter Wallace, Sam McKendry, James Segeyaro, Brent Kite, Sika Manu, Elijah Taylor, Adam Docker. Interchange: Tim Grant, Jeremy Latimore, Tyrone Peachey, Lewis Brown, Matt Robinson

Elijah Taylor (knee) and Lewis Brown (pectoral) return from injury, with Matt Robinson relegated to 18th man and Isaah Yeo dropping out.

Eels: TBA

Saturday, May 31, Roosters v Raiders, Allianz Stadium, FOX, 5:30pm

Roosters: TBA

Raiders: Anthony Milford, Reece Robinson, Jarrod Croker, Jack Wighton, Sami Sauiluma, Terry Campese (c), Josh McCrone, David Shillington, Glen Buttriss, Brett White, Josh Papalii, Jarrad Kennedy, Shaun Fensom. Interchange: Mitch Cornish, Joel Edwards, Paul Vaughan, Dane Tilse, Shannon Boyd

Josh Papalii returns from Origin duty in the starting pack, with Joel Edwards dropping to the bench and Shannon Boyd relegated to 18th man. Young gun Mitch Cornish has been retained on the bench following an impressive cameo on debut.

Saturday, May 31, Cowboys v Storm, Townsville Stadium, FOX, 7:30pm

Cowboys: TBA

Storm: Billy Slater, Sisa Waqa, Will Chambers, Kurt Mann, Young Tonumaipea, Ben Roberts, Cooper Cronk, Jesse Bromwich, Cameron Smith, Bryan Norrie, Kevin Proctor, Ryan Hoffman, Ryan Hinchcliffe. Interchange: Kenneath Bromwich, Tohu Harris, Dayne Weston, George Rose, Mitch Garbutt

Origin stars Billy Slater, Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Ryan Hoffman have been named to back up. Ben Roberts replaces Joel Romelo (ankle) in the halves.

Sunday, Jun 1, Warriors v Knights, Mt Smart Stadium, FOX, 2:00pm AEST, 4:00pm local

Warriors: Sam Tomkins, David Fusitua, Konrad Hurrell, Ngani Laumape, Manu Vatuvei, Chad Townsend, Shaun Johnson, Jacob Lillyman, Nathan Friend, Suaia Matagi, Jayson Bukuya, Ben Matulino, Simon Mannering. Interchange: Siliva Havili, Sam Rapira, Feleti Mateo, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Tuimoala Lolohea, Agnatius Paasi

Sam Rapira (back) returns after three weeks out, with Ben Henry (knee, round 13) making way. Shaun Johnson (ankle) has been named despite picking up an injury on the weekend, with Tuimoala Lolohea on an extended bench as cover.

Knights: TBA

Sunday, Jun 1, Broncos v Sea Eagles, Suncorp Stadium, NINE, 3:00pm

Broncos: Ben Barba, Daniel Vidot, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges (c), Dale Copley, Josh Hoffman, Ben Hunt, Josh McGuire, Andrew McCullough, Corey Parker (c), Alex Glenn, Sam Thaiday, Matt Gillett. Interchange: Lachlan Maranta, Todd Lowrie, Corey Oates, Ben Hannant, Jarrod Wallace, David Hala, David Stagg, Frank Molo

Origin trio Corey Parker, Justin Hodges and Matt Gillett have all been named along with international Sam Thaiday, who returns from a calf issue. No players drop out of the team, with a 21-man squad named to cover rep stars.

Sea Eagles: Brett Stewart, Jorge Taufua, Jamie Lyon, Steve Matai, Peta Hiku, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Josh Starling, Matt Ballin, Brenton Lawrence, Anthony Watmough, Justin Horo, Jamie Buhrer. Interchange: Jesse Sene-Lefao, Dunamis Lui, Tom Symonds, Jason King, Jack Littlejohn

Star players Jamie Lyon and Kieran Foran (both knee) return, with David Williams dropping out and Jack Littlejohn pushing to an extended bench.

Monday, Jun 2, Rabbitohs v Dragons, ANZ Stadium, FOX, 7:00pm

Rabbitohs: Greg Inglis, Alex Johnston, Dylan Walker, Kirisome Auva'a, Joel Reddy, John Sutton, Adam Reynolds, George Burgess, Apisai Koroisau, David Tyrrell, Kyle Turner, Ben Te'o, Sam Burgess. Interchange: Cameron McInnes, Jason Clark, Chris McQueen, Thomas Burgess

Origin stars Greg Inglis, Ben Te'o and Chris McQueen return, with Nathan Merritt, Ben Lowe and Joe Picker dropping out. Issac Luke (shoulder) hasn't been named, but is edging closer to a return.

Dragons: Josh Dugan, Brett Morris, Peter Mata'utia, Gerard Beale, Jason Nightingale, Gareth Widdop, Benji Marshall, Ben Creagh, Mitch Rein, Dan Hunt, Leeson Ah Mau, Joel Thompson, Trent Merrin. Interchange: Tyson Frizell, Jack de Belin, Mike Cooper, Bronson Harrison, Shane Pumipi, Will Matthews

Jason Nightingale (knee) returns from injury, while Brett Morris and Trent Merrin have been named to back up from Origin. New caoch Paul McGregor has also pulled some positional changes, with Peter Mata'utia moving from wing to centre, Joel Thompson moving from centre to back row and Ben Creagh switching to prop.

BYES: Bulldogs, Sharks, Tigers, Titans

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Health scare sidelines Hawthorn coach

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson to sit out indefinitely after health scare. Source: Morne de Klerk / Getty Images

HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson has been sidelined indefinitely after being admitted to hospital with Gullain-Barré syndrome.

Clarkson went to hospital last night with acute back pain after several weeks of discomfort.

He was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, an inflammation of the nerves from the spinal cord.

Assistant coach Brendon Bolton will step in for Clarkson, set to spend at least a week in hospital, during his recuperation.

Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge said the players' thoughts were with Clarkson.

"We got all the boys in this afternoon and told them. Our first reaction is that we hope he's ok," Hodge said.

"(Assistant) Bolts (Bolton) spends a lot of time with Clarko. All the coaches will help him out in the next few weeks."

Hawthorn chief Stuart Fox said the club will not take any risks with Clarkson's health.

"We're fortunate that Alastair's condition has been detected early, and we're confident he is in the best possible hands under the care of very experienced specialists," Fox said.

"Our primary concern is for Alastair's health and a timeline for his return to coaching is not a consideration at this stage.

Hawthorn has put no timeline on Clarkson's return.

"The club will provide support for Alastair and his family for as long as it takes him to recover," Fox said.

Alastair Clarkson and Luke Hodge with the 2013 premiership cup. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Limited

WHAT IS GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME?

Guillain-Barrè syndrome is a form of inflammation in which nerves are effectively attacked by the body's own immune defence system, resulting in a spreading paralysis.

The disorder can be mild, moderate or severe, with life support needed in the worst cases. There is no cure.

Most people recover, but it can take anything from six months to two years or more and some can be left with permanent disabilities.

Estimates vary, but around nine out of 10 people who develop the syndrome survive and approximately 75 to 90 per cent recover completely.

The cause is unknown, but the trigger seems to be certain acute viral or bacterial infections.

The illness strikes between two and eight people in every 100,000 irrespective of gender or age, although it is more common in the 30 to 50 years age group.

Symptoms usually start in the feet or legs and progress up the body and can take a few days or weeks to progress. They can include:

- Muscle weakness and paralysis affecting both sides of the body;

- Jerky, uncoordinated movements;

- Numbness;

- Muscle aches, pains or cramps;

- Odd sensations such as vibrations, buzzing or 'crawling' under the skin;

- Blurred vision;

- Dizziness;

- Breathing problems.

Potentially fatal complications of Guillain-Barrè syndrome include pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis and respiratory failure.

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‘Roos injury curse strikes Spiranovic

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DEFENDER Matthew Spiranovic is the latest player to be struck by the Socceroos injury curse, ruled out of Monday night's South Africa game with an ankle injury.

His omission comes in the wake of the Herald Sun revealing that fellow stopper Curtis Good has been ruled out of the World Cup due to a hip flexor injury and will require surgery.

However Western Sydney's Spiranovic's injury is less serious and he will travel with the squad to Brazil on Wednesday, with Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou erring on the side of caution.

Jeonbuk defender Alex Wilkinson will start in place Spiranovic, partnering China-based stopper Ryan McGowan in central defence.

Fellow Socceroos defender Curtis Good is out of the World Cup. Source: Getty Images

The only other recognised defender in the squad is uncapped Bailey Wright, who is expected to come on at some stage against Bafana Bafana.

Otherwise it's an inexperienced defence that will take the field at ANZ Stadium, with Club Brugge keeper Mat Ryan in goals and Ivan Franjic and Jason Davidson in the full-back positions.

Captain Tim Cahill will lead the attack with Germany-based Matthew Leckie and FC Utrecht's Tommy Oar flanking him in a 4-3-3.

Austria Vienna midfielder James Holland is expected to start in place of injured skipper Mile Jedinak, joined by Mark Bresciano and Mark Milligan.

The match kicks off at 7.30pm.

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Not guilty: Ablett clear to claim Brownlow

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GARY Ablett is clear to win a third Brownlow Medal after the AFL match review panel ruled he did not elbow Liam Picken hard enough to justify a suspension.

Ablett sweated until late Monday to learn his fate after striking the Western Bulldogs tagger with his right elbow while both men were on the ground during Gold Coast's win at Metricon Stadium on Sunday.

THE BAROMETER — ROUND 11

The 30-year-old dual Brownlow medallist is a raging favourite to win his third medal and could have accumulated as many as 18 votes already this season.

"After viewing all available footage and with the MRP conducting an investigation into the matter, it was the view of the panel the contact made to the body was below that required to constitute a reportable offence," the league said in a statement.

Bulldog Adam Cooney was also cleared for his high bump on Ablett in the same game and Picken was cleared for an open-hand slap on Ablett.

In other cases Port Adelaide's Hamish Hartlett and Bulldog Clay Smith have been offered one-match bans.

Hartlett was charged with striking Hawk Brad Hill while Smith faces a rough conduct charge.

Hawk Luke Hodge was cleared over a hit on Port's Chad Wingard.

Magpie Jarryd Blair can accept a reprimand for a stomach punch to West Coast defender Mitch Brown.

The strike was judged as intentional but an early guilty plea will get Blair under the 100-point threshold.

GWS forward Jeremy Cameron can accept a reprimand for striking Richmond's Dylan Grimes and Gold Coast forward Tom Lynch was fined $900 for making contact with an umpire.

THE SUPERFOOTY PODCAST BOYS DEBATED THE ABLETT INCIDENT IN THE LATEST EPISODE. LISTEN BELOW OR SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE IN ITUNES

As Gold Coast soared, Gary Ablett struggled against the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Adam Head Source: News Corp Australia

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Live: Suns in Dogfight, Blues face Crows

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LIAM Picken is making life hell for Gary Ablett on the Gold Coast as Carlton battles Adelaide at the MCG.

Ablett has complained to the umpires about Picken's negative tactics as he battled to just eight first-half disposals — his lowest tally since joining the Suns.

Adam Cooney has also been reported for a high bump on Ablett in the second quarter.

SUPERCOACH STUDS AND DUDS

Meanwhile, Carlton is facing Adelaide in the Crows' first trip to the MCG this year.

FOR LIVE HQ COVERAGE AND SUPERCOACH SCORES CLICK ON THE SCORE CENTRE ABOVE OR HERE IF YOU ARE ON A MOBILE DEVICE

Both sides need to win if they are to stay in the hunt for September.

SUNDAY MATCHES:

Gold Coast v Western Bulldogs (Metricon Stadium) — 3.20pm

Carlton v Adelaide (MCG) — 4.40pm

JOIN IN THE DISCUSSION IN OUR CHAT WINDOW BELOW:

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Renewed Raiders lift for Sticky

Jack Wighton celebrates one of his two tries against the Cowboys. Source: Ray Strange / News Corp Australia

WEARING yellow jerseys and with Josh McCrone restored to the starting line-up the Raiders had a new look about them on Sunday afternoon and the changes worked.

McCrone had an excellent game as Canberra put on a dazzling second half display to thump a toothless Cowboys outfit 42-12.

The Cowboys clearly struggled to overcome the losses to Origin of Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott and James Tamou, and were clunky in attack.

The Raiders weren't much better to start the game but as they started to make inroads, their confidence grew.

Jack Wighton, back in his favoured centre position scored an early double before party time started in the second half - Jarrad Kennedy, Reece Robinson, man of the match Jarrod Croker and Anthony Milford all getting over the line as the Raiders thrilled their home crowd for the first time in over a month.

More to follow...

To see how the game unfolded, relive the action with our live blog!

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