Gollan gobbles up more silverware

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THE rich carnival for Tony Gollan shows no signs of slowing down, with the stable landing the Ipswich feature double on Saturday.

Tegan Harrison returns aboard Brave Ali. Picture: Mark Cranitch Source: News Corp Australia

Both the Eye Liner (Alma's Fury) and Ipswich Cup (Brave Ali) came with horses Gollan had only inherited for their current campaigns.

It was also a welcome win for leading apprentice Tegan Harrison, who came oh so close to winning last week's Stradbroke on Gollan's Temple Of Boom.

"This time I was on the River Lad horse," Harrison said.

"When they put pressure on this horse, he just keeps fighting.

"If something attacks him, he will keep fighting as long as he's got his head in front.

"It was on a long way from home and fortunately they (Larry Cassidy and Grey Assignment) ended up second best."

Jim Byrne gives the win of Alma's Fury the thumbs up. Picture: Mark Cranitch Source: News Corp Australia

Gollan took great satisfaction in the wins of both horses, as Alma's Fury was only second up with 59kg and Brave Ali was coming off a five-week break, in which time he'd spent a week freshening up at Washpool Lodge.

"It's unbelievable to think we could win the two features," Gollan's wife Jane said.

Brave Ali was set for this race and the Caloundra and Grafton Cups immediately after he finished third to Pretty Pins in the Chairman's Handicap in early May.

"We did plan it, I just wasn't sure if I had the planning right," Gollan said.

Just to be sure, Gollan gave Brave Ali a short spin doing even time at Eagle Farm yesterday morning before heading to Ipswich.

"You never get a real line on him with his trackwork, but looking at him, he'd dappled up and looked super. I'm so proud of him," Gollan said.

"I can't wait to get to the Sunshine Coast Cup and I certainly can't wait to get to the Grafton Cup."

Tegan Harrison captures the Ipswich Cup aboard Brave Ali for trainer Tony Gollan. Picture: Mark Cranitch Source: News Corp Australia

Alma's Fury had finished a close-up seventh in the QTC Cup two weeks earlier and the stable was confident he would be hard to toss yesterday.

"I was shooting blind going into the QTC Cup, but I knew he had improved nicely coming into this race," Gollan said.

Chris Munce felt missing last week's Stradbroke may have told on Masthead as he went to the line with the winner.

"I got a magnificent cart into the race and I was in the best spot ever," Munce said. "I ran up to win, but missing that run last week may have told."

It turned out to be a frustrating end to the day for Munce, who won on Jack 'N' Me early in the day.

He was beaten on Architect in the final event in similar style to Masthead, with the slight swing in the weights just helping tilt the scales in favour of Olympic Anthem.

Jimmy Byrne and Alma's Fury (rails) go to the line with Chris Munce and Masthead in the Eye Liner Stakes. Picture: Mark Cranitch Source: News Corp Australia

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

LIVE: Eagles v Suns, Swans hold on

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SYDNEY has held off a fast-finishing Port Adelaide by four points thanks to a three-goal blitz from boom recruit Lance Franklin.

Port Adelaide trailed by 15 points at three-quarter time but when Chad Wingared kicked the opening game of the final term and Robbie Gray continued to win clearances, the Power looked like they might run over the top of Sydney.

Enter Franklin, who dropped three long bombs to give the Swans a sufficient buffer to keep the best final-term side in the competition at bay.

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

Port Adelaide had a chance to win the game with 20 seconds on the clock when Jay Schulz narrowed the margin to five points, but Travis Boak's inside 50 from the resulting centre clearance was punched through for a rushed behind.

FOLLOW ALL THE LIVE ACTION WITH THE SUPERFOOTY TEAM BELOW …

At the MCG, Fremantle dominated for most of the game and withstood late charge from the Tigers to notch the win.

AFL - West Coast Eagles vs Gold Coast Suns, Patersons Stadium, Perth. Photo by Daniel Wilkins. PICTURED- Retired skipper Darren Glass leads the side out onto the field. Source: News Corp Australia

Later today, Brisbane aims for its third straight win when it takes on GWS and North Melbourne travels to South Australia's cauldron to face Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.

Gold Coast leads West Coast by seven points midway through the first term at Paterson's Stadium.

West Coast's bid to reverse it's form slump took a hit before the first bounce when Luke Shuey was a late withdrawal.

Sam Butler was a late inclusion and he is the Eagles substitute, while Alex Sexton is in green for Gold Coast.

Saturday AFL matches:

Richmond v Fremantle at MCG (1.45pm EST)

Sydney v Port Adelaide at SCG (2.10pm EST)

West Coast Eagles v Gold Coast Suns at Subiaco Oval (4.40pm EST)

Brisbane Lions v GWS Giants at Gabba (7.40pm EST)

Adelaide v North Melbourne at Adelaide Oval (7.40pm EST)

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Alonso ready for ‘kung fu’ re-match

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TWO teams famous for beautiful football met in the 2010 and this is the iconic image. Not a shot, or a feat of majesty but a kick. A kung-fu kick smack in the chest.

And the two players will meet again on Saturday….

Spain v Netherlands kicks off our World Cup group – a crucial clash not just because of the box office appeal, but the consequence of finishing second in the group: a likely date with Brazil in the round of 16.

And everyone will be watching the first time Holland's Nigel de Jong meets Xabi Alonso in midfield, the victim of his infamous "kung fu" style challenge (although, staggeringly, he wasn't sent off for it).

De Jong is ready for another round and will not take a backward step.

"You should not just get carried away that Spain is better than the Dutch team," De Jong said.

"You need to look at how best you can fight against them and how best you can comply with the Dutch school of football."

Xabi Alonso: prepared to put his body on the line again for Spain. Source: Supplied

But what is that style of football?

The Dutch raised eyebrows with their physical style of play in 2010, and in a bid to thwart Spain, don't be surprised if we see it again.

Van Gaal said this week: "Physicality is part of the game of football.

"Four years ago the Dutch team didn't go over the top."

Interesting.

An iconic, infamous moment. Source: AFP

"What is very important is that when the opponent has possession we need to be compact," van Gaal said, adding that the Dutch have to "bypass stations" when they have the ball — hinting at a long-ball game unfamiliar to Dutch fans.

Previously the fluid, interchangeable 4-3-3, it now appears that there will be a huge reliance on Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneijder on the break, cashing in on a pragmatic, well organised defensive unit with five men at the back.

There's a big burden on van Persie. Source: AFP

But that's not something Spain aren't prepared for.

"The greatest danger from the Netherlands comes from the three players up front; Robben, (Robin) Van Persie and (Wesley) Sneijder," Spain's Javi Martinez said on Wednesday.

"Not only with the national team, but at Bayern as well Robben is very strong on the counter-attack. He moves very well into space and we will have to control him."

Arjen Robben is relaxed ahead of the Cup opener. Source: Getty Images

What about revenge?

Netherlands don't even have time to consider it.

"It's history. It doesn't matter any longer," winger Arjen Robben said, referring to the 2010 defeat in Johannesburg, thanks to Andreas Iniesta's stoppage time winner. "I don't believe in revenge — 2010 was a final, this is a group match. You can't compare it."

But that's not to say the result hasn't haunted the Bayern Munich winger.

Spanish club teammate Javi Martinez said this week: "We have spoken about (Robben's missed opportunities in the 2010 final) it during our two years as teammates.

"It was a big blow for the Netherlands and for him, we have spoken a lot about those chances and Iker's saves.

"I said to him before the Champions League final in 2013 that if he got the chance again he wouldn't fail and he didn't."

Head coach Vicente Del Bosque of Spain has a few decisions to make. Source: Getty Images

Meanwhile, the biggest question mark over Spain is are they a fading force, particularly given Barcelona's campaign? You'd hardly suggest so, with Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid making it to the UEFA Champions League final, and Spain boss Vicente del Bosque scoffs at suggestions his side is past its best as it begins an unprecedented quest to hold back-to-back World Cup and European Cup final trophies.

"These players have made history with the national team," Del Bosque said. "Some were youth champions back in 1999 in Nigeria [Casillas and Xavi]. But this is not a veteran side, it is mature with some younger players. We have only about five who are over 30. So we have no fear of anything like that. We hope we are at the level to defend this star we wear."

While there's a shroud of mystery over Holland's style, we all know what Spain will do. The only conundrum for del Bosque is who to leave out.

Xavi and Iker Casillas - two veterans ready for another title tilt. Source: AFP

Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba will take his place at left-back; Cezar Apilicueta is battling Atletico Madrid's Juanfran for the right-back spot; will Sergio Busquets hold off a late charge from Koke for the midfield fulcrum role and will del Bosque persist with the false No.9 player, like Cesc Fabregas, or unleash Diego Costa, Atletico's brilliant marksman, up front?

There might be the backdrop of 2010, but there's also a mutual respect between these two countries, with Xavi and van Gaal taking turns to gush praise on each other.

"I always find that if you are nice to others they are usually nice to you in return," Van Gaal said. "I have excellent memories of my period in Spain, it was one of the best times of my career. Spanish football may well be the best football in the world at the moment, they have the tactics, the technique and the physical workrate to make them number one, and that's what they are."

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Impressive Neymar lays down early marker

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IT wasn't convincing but Brazil's 3-1 win over Croatia had the hallmarks of a champion team.

Selecao and its latest global phenomenon, Neymar, sounded a warning to their 31 World Cup rivals with a 3-1 win over an opponent that would have given any team a run for its money.

HOW IT HAPPENED: our live blog of the action.

OPENING CEREMONY: all the pics and colour

MORE WORLD CUP NEWS

REFFIN HELL!! Where does that shocker rate in history?

MORE WORLD CUP NEWS

BLOW UP: Croatia coach isn't happy

Neymar gave the home-town fans a real treat. Source: AFP

The refereeing turned out to be the opening game's biggest talking point after Yuichi Nishimura awarded a soft penalty when Fred went down under a Dejan Lovren challenge, which Neymar converted for his second.

Oscar then put the result beyond doubt with a stoppage time toe-poke after Croatia committed numbers forward in search of an equaliser.

But while Brazil only displayed its best in patches, their attitude in front of 62,103 fans at Arena Corinthians was workmanlike.

When Neymar equalised in the 29th minute, 10 players sprinted to celebrate with the Brazilian bench.

Only Thiago Silva - who, along with defensive partner David Luiz, was described by Croatian coach Niko Kovac as "concrete" - stayed in the centre circle preventing a quick kick-off.

Oscar put the game beyond doubt. Source: AFP

As the players slowly returned to position, Thiago gestured to his teammates to settle down and focus.

And after a nervy start, Brazil was away, and with 2002 World Cup winner Felipe Scolari in charge, they have the right man leading this team that's young in terms of age but has ample caps under their collective belts.

There were no surprises in the respective XI's, but both coaches reshuffled their attacking thirds.

Neymar, who usually starts on the left, played through the centre with Oscar moving right and Hulk starting wide left in a 4-2-3-1.

With Bayern Munich's Mario Mandzukic suspended, Hull City's Nikica Jelavic led the Croatia line with Ivica Olic and Ivan Perisic switching flanks.

And it was Kovac's move that paid first dividends when Olic took advantage of his adventurous opponent Dani Alves to burst down the left.

Luka Modric did a great job in the Crotia midfield. Source: AFP

His low cross was met by Jelavic, who got a faint touch and with little time to react, left-back Marcelo turned the ball into his own net.

Brazil was rattled. But they rolled their sleeves up and kept working.

Scolari's Neymar switch was paying off, as his roaming license caused Croatia problems all over the park.

Croatia was too slow to close the brilliant striekr for his first goal - a 20-metre strike - but thereafter his ability to skip players and beat them with sheer speed left their opponents frustrated and led to a Vedran Corluka booking for a cynical foul.

But as the tempo slowed in the second half, Real Madrid's Luka Modric began dictating the play in midfield.

And just like Brazil's first goal when Jelavic had a header saved moments earlier, Croatia had a chance moments before the counter that led to Oscar's sealer.

Kovac said the World Cup could descend into farce if such officiating continues "I think we deserved a point, I'm proud of the boys,'' Kovac said.

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"Two billion people could see it was not a penalty. This was ridiculous today and if we continue this way we will have a circus.

"If that's a penalty, we don't need to play football anymore. We better give it up now and go home. Let's play basketball instead."

Davutovic's man of the match

Neymar (Brazil)

A constant threat for the Croats, playing in the No.10 position, and this display will give him confidence to spearhead Brazil for the rest of the tournament.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

NRL Late Mail: Rabbitoh re-shuffle

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A RABBITOH re-shuffle, doubts over Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and a potential crisis at the Titans. All this and much more in Late Mail.

Friday, Jun 13, Rabbitohs v Tigers, ANZ Stadium, 7:45pm

Bryson Goodwin (elbow) and Joel Reddy (quad) are in serious doubt for the Rabbitohs. Alex Johnston (quad) has been cleared to return from injury and may shift to centre, with Lote Tuqiri coming onto the wing. Luke Keary (pectoral) will return from a long-term injury for Norths in NSW Cup.

Tigers centre Tim Simona (knee) has a fitness test on Friday morning, although he is expected to play. Keith Lulia is on standby. Curtis Sironen (concussion) has been cleared. He will start in place of Liam Fulton (concussion), who has been stood down indefinitely.

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Saturday, Jun 14, Panthers v Dragons, Sportingbet Stadium, FOX, 5:30pm

The Panthers have doubts over young gun Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, who faces the NSW Cup judiciary on Thursday night on an eye gouging charge. The man he is set to replace – David Simmons – is out for six to eight weeks with a torn medial ligament. The Panthers expect no other changes, with club captain Kevin Kingston (foot) to return in NSW Cup and Adam Docker (concussion) rested.

The Dragons have one more training session and are expected to be unchanged, with Charly Runciman to play centre in place of Josh Dugan (NSW) and Bronson Harrison joining the squad for Trent Merrin (NSW).

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Saturday, Jun 14, Roosters v Knights, Allianz Stadium, FOX, 7:30pm

The Roosters will confirm a final 17 after Friday morning's captain's run, but report no injury concerns. Willis Meehan or Daniel Mortimer will drop off the bench.

The Knights have their final session on Friday and are expected to be 1-17. Jake Mamo (back) was close to a return last week and has been cleared for this round, taking the fullback spot of Darius Boyd (Queensland). The Knights are yet to put a timeframe on the return of Joey Leulia (throat, indefinite).

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Sunday, Jun 15, Bulldogs v Eels, ANZ Stadium, NINE, 3:00pm

Sam Perrett (ankle) has trained all week and will play, but Aiden Tolman (hamstring, round 15) is no chance of an early return. With Trent Hodkinson and Aiden Tolman on Origin duty, coach Des Hasler has named the new-look halves pairing of Damien Cook and Reni Maitua, while Josh Jackson has been named centre in place of Chase Stanley (knee, round 18)

The Eels expect to know on Friday whether Queensland representative Willie Tonga will be available for club duty. If released, he would complete Saturday's captain's run before taking the field on Sunday. The Eels have no other concerns.

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Monday, Jun 16, Titans v Storm, Robina Stadium, FOX, 7:00pm

Paul Carter has been stood down indefinitely after being charged with high-range drink driving, with Mark Ioane or Caleb Binge to come into the 17. The Titans have doubts over Albert Kelly (leg) and Brad Takairangi (corked bicep), but both are expected to play given the nine-day turnaround. Beau Falloon (back) will need to get through the remainder of training to prove his fitness, but is likely to return from injury at this early stage. The Titans are sweating on a decision on Queensland squad member Dave Taylor, who was called into the Origin squad on Wednesday due the injury to Corey Parker (fractured eye socket).

It's anyone's guess how the Storm will actually line-up given the Monday match and Craig Bellamy's huge 21-man squad. A final 17 won't be finalised until Sunday because an injury crisis has created second tier salary cap issues. The drama means Bellamy is not yet sure which players he can use under NRL laws. He is also sweating on whether Queensland retain Will Chambers in their squad.

BYES: Broncos, Cowboys, Raiders, Sea Eagles, Sharks, Warriors

14.24 | 0 komentar | Read More

Australia’s iconic World Cup moments

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ON Saturday, the latest chapter in Australia's World Cup finals history will be written.

Minnows, we might be, but for all the doom and gloom about Australia's prospects against Chile, Netherlands and Spain, Socceroos fans should know a place on the greatest show on earth is not something to take for granted.

And as these iconic memories remind us - anything can happen at a World Cup. Maybe, maybe, another special chapter will be written over the next fortnight.

SOCCEROOS TEAM SELECTOR: PICK YOUR XI HERE

MORE WORLD CUP NEWS

PLAN YOUR TOURNAMENT

This group has a proud history to uphold. Source: Getty Images

THE MAIDEN WIN

SPECIAL FEATURE: THAT PERFECT DAY

The Socceroos returned to the world stage for the first time in 32 years but after so much build-up, it felt like it was going to end before it began at Kaiserslautern against Japan. It looked like Mark Schwarzer was nudged when Shunske Nakamura floated a 26th minute free-kick in; but it sailed over the custodian's head and Japan took the lead.

Guus Hiddink celebrates an historic victory. Source: Getty Images

Tension was palpable on the Australian bench but 'Aussie' Guus Hiddink was renowned for working magic and on 53 minutes turned to his substitutes, bringing on Tim Cahill in a move that would have Japan coach Zico slumped by game's end.

Tim Cahill comes on for Marco Bresciano. Source: News Corp Australia

But by 75 minutes, there was still no equaliser in the crucial group opener. On came John Aloisi, the national hero whose spot-kick qualified the side against Uruguay in November 2005, and Josh Kennedy.

Tim Cahill and Lucas Neill celebrate. Source: News Limited

After a wave of pressure, Lucas Neill lined up a throw from the left touchline. There was a mad scramble in the box after 'keeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi flapped at the long-throw; Harry Kewell had a stab, before it fell to Cahill, who calmly prodded it home through a clustered box for an 84th minute equaliser and Australia's first ever World Cup finals goal.

There was more drama, thanks to Cahill again. Source: Getty Images

But there was more drama to come.

Five minutes later, Japan backed off the Everton star and he caressed the winner from outside the box in a rare long-range strike, sparking frenzied celebrations from those in green and gold across the globe. A moment replayed time and time again to the same amount of shiver up the spine, no matter how many times you've seen it.

What a moment. Source: Getty Images

With Japan on its haunches, Aloisi sealed the three points and the extraordinary comeback with a stoppage time solo goal, picking the ball just inside Japan's half before driving towards goal.

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TOE TO TOE WITH GREATNESS

No one expected Australia to beat Brazil, but few would have expected the accomplished performance submitted by Mark Viduka and his men in Munich.

Ronaldinho taking on the Socceroos. Source: AP

It took the World Champions 49 minutes to open the scoring via Adriano; Mark Bresciano and Kewell had tough chances to equalise; while the second Brazilian goal only came in the 90th minute.

Mark Bresciano tries his luck. Source: AP

Kewell found himself in trouble for a heated post-match exchange with referee Markus Merk, but the performance earned the Socceroos respect on the world stage for a performance that thrashed stereotypes of Australian football.

Harry Kewell (l) arguing with referee Markus Merk. Source: News Limited

CROATIA CRACKER

A match with all the twists and turns of a Hollywood thriller as Australia stunned the World Cup by progressing from group F via a pulsating 2-2 draw with Croatia in Stuttgart.

Darijo Srna put the green and gold immediately on the back-foot with a second minute free-kick, before Craig Moore slotted home from the penalty spot after an inexplicable handball from Stjepan Tomas.

Pure delight. Source: News Corp Australia

But the second-half exploded: Zjelko Kalac's howler gave Croatia the lead, Kewell calmly buried a clutch chance at the back-post to equalise with 11 minutes to go; two players see red in a crazy final 10 before Josip Simunic – an Australia-born defender playing for Croatia – infamously stayed on the pitch despite referee Graham Poll dishing out two yellow cards.

Player Lucas Neill and Harry Kewell and team doing lap of honour after match Source: News Limited

An extraordinary game. A golden defining moment for our golden generation.

The moment Harry Kewell put Australia through to the second phase. Source: AP

PENALTY MADNESS

The moment that broke the hearts of Australia's sporting public: Neill, sliding in the box in stoppage time in the round of 16 tie against Italy, before Fabio Grosso tumbled over him.

Neill, who had enjoyed a marvellous tournament, looks up crestfallen, pleading his innocence. But referee Luis Medina Cantelajo had already pointed to the spot, where Francesco Totti slotted home with the final kick of the game.

The iconic reaction. Source: News Limited

Italy would go on to win the tournament, but Australia would wonder whether it could have done more, having played for 40 minutes with 10 men after Marco Matterazzi's red card.

Italian midfielder Gennaro Gattuso against a rare talent, Mark Viduka. Source: Supplied

PONDEROUS PIM

So much expectation. Such a letdown. The 2010 World Cup opener all but killed off Australia's dreams of progressing past Germany, Ghana and Serbia with a 4-0 shellacking at the hands of Joachim Loew's side.

An awful moment in an awful game. Source: News Limited

Pim Verbeek put out a side focused on containment, without a recognised striker, and it was a disaster. Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose blew the Australians out of the water, before Thomas Muller and Cacau added insult to injury.

To make matters worse, Tim Cahill would miss the next match after a harsh red card for a lunge on Bastian Schweinsteiger.

GHANA DRAMA

It was the moment Brett Holman announced himself on the world stage, but sadly, also Harry Kewell's exit from it.

The Socceroos started magnificently against the African outfit, with Holman capitalising on a mishandled free-kick. But it all changed so suddenly – when the ball thundered into Kewell on the goalline and referee Roberto Rosetti marched him for a handball. Asamoah Gyan levelled at 1-1 from the spot.

More drama. Source: News Limited

Australia was gallant for the rest of the match and even had a guilt-edged chance via Luke Wilkshire late on.

The Kewell moment joined Cahill and Neill's incidents as dramatic, polarising moments in Australian football history.

SUPER AGAINST SERBIA

The Socceroos left South Africa with a four-point haul but the 2-1 win over Serbia just wasn't enough to sneak into the next round.

Australia's Lucas Neill, right, Australia's Tim Cahill, left. Source: AAP

A gripping night in Nelspruit saw Cahill rise above the pack yet again with a 70th minute opener, before Holman left jaws dropped with a stunning solo run and strike four minutes later.

Another World Cup goal and another corner flag to punish! Source: News Limited

While Socceroos fans momentarily dared to dream, the Germany-Ghana match was doing us no favours, and then Australia's exit was confirmed with Marko Pantelic's late goal.

What a goal! Source: News Limited

Still, a second World Cup victory against an esteemed European nation.

A proud exit after a poor start.

These two won't be appearing in Brazil. Source: AFP

BRAVE NEW WORLD

40 years ago – 14 June 1974 – Rale Rasic's pioneers, captained by Peter Wilson, ventured to pastures unknown when an amateur Australia side took part in the 16-team World Cup in West Germany. A battling, brave display against East Germany in the tournament opener dispelled notions of the Australians being cannon fodder. Indeed, it was 0-0 at the break and a scrappy goal – adjudged an own goal to Col Curran – broke the deadlock in the 2-0 loss.

Adrian Alston vs East Germany. Source: News Limited

TAKING ON THE ELITE

"It certainly wasn't a result to write home about but the West Germans had been expecting to beat us by six or seven goals, so our team was still proud of its efforts," wrote Johnny Warren, who was injured in the opening match, in his books Sheilas, Wogs and poofters of the 3-0 loss to eventual champions West Germany. Facing a team including Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Muller, and who had been roundly criticised for their opening game performance, the Australian were always up against it in Hamburg. The amateurs from down under, on debut, against the eventual world champions. A seminal moment for football in this country.

The Socceroos lined up with Chile before the two sides drew 0-0. Source: News Corp Australia

THE FIRST POINT

And the country emerged from the first World CUP foray with a gallant point against, ironically, Chile, with a 0-0 draw to round out the tournament. Gallant, particularly given Ray Richards's controversial 38th minute red card, in a game played against the backdrop of Chilean political unrest and student demonstrations. READ MORE HERE.

Write your own history, fellas. Source: Getty Images

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Tatt delayed broken neck treatment 6 weeks

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FOR six weeks, retiring Titans lock Ashley Harrison knew he had a broken neck, but was unable to have the injury properly assessed because of a new tattoo of his son's name.

Harrison suffered a fracture to the C6 vertebrae in his spine when he was collected in a high tackle by Rabbitohs forward Luke Burgess in his club's 40-18 loss on May 10.

He needed an MRI scan to check the damage but it could not be done because he had his second son's name, William, tattooed on his chest during the bye before the NRL Round 9 game.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans cannot be done for six weeks after a new tattoo because they may cause swelling or burning because of metallic ingredients in the ink.

Ashley Harrison with his family, and (inset) the tattoo that prevented him getting proper treatment for a broken neck. Source: Supplied

"It's a weird one but that's what they tell me," Harrison said.

"It doesn't really matter. It hasn't changed anything but I'll get an idea if there's any other damage to the disc or around that break.

"They seem to think because the symptoms have gone down pretty quick I should be right.

"The break will heal, that's no drama, it's just the matter of how the disc has ended up through it all.

"We'll have a bit more of an accurate idea of time frames."

Ashley Harrison injures his neck. Picture: Adam Head Source: News Corp Australia

Harrison had the scan yesterday and will be given the results in the next 48 hours.

"I got it (tattoo) done in the week off because you need a week for it to heal," he said last night.

"Without a crystal ball, there was no way I thought I'd be getting an MRI any time soon."

The 33-year-old veteran originally thought he was just suffering from a stiff neck and concussion, returning to training only a few days later.

When the neck pain and weakness in his left arm did not abate, Harrison was sent for a CAT scan which showed a crack.

Harrison was told he would miss at least six week of the season.

"The doctor assured me it will heal fine but I just can't think about playing for six-eight weeks," he said.

In the worst case scenario he could be forced into an early retirement given there is only a few months left in the regular season.

Ashley Harrison with an injured neck. Picture: Adam Head Source: News Corp Australia

"To be honest with you, I've got no idea. I'd be guessing," he said when asked how long he could be facing on the sidelines.

"It feels like it's improving but I'll know more after this MRI.

"In years gone by I'd get pretty (annoyed) about the situation but I'm used to these things happening throughout the year."

Harrison made his NRL debut in 2000 and has gone on to play 275 games as well as 15 Origins for Queensland.

He has suffered several serious injuries, including an horrific knee injury, throughout his career and said his neck problem was not like the others.

"It's just there the whole time," he said.

"It'll heal but I have to wait the time out.

"The doctor said it was a stable break."

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

No medal for Clarko: Whitecross

Brendan Whitecross before hurting his knee in the preliminary final. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

INJURED Hawthorn midfielder Brendan Whitecross doesn't believe Alastair Clarkson should be awarded a medal if he isn't coaching on grand final day.

The Hawks mentor has missed the last two matches with the rare illness Guillian-Barre Syndrome and assistant Brendan Bolton has been in charge.

Whitecross knows the pain of missing a grand final due to injury after missing both the 2012 and 2013 deciders after having knee reconstructions.

The Hawk ruptured his knee in the final moments of the 2013 preliminary final against Geelong and watched from the grandstand as his teammates beat Fremantle to claim the flag.

Whitecross didn't receive a medal.

Jonathan Simpkin thanks Brendan Whitecross after the 2014 grand final. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Limited

A guest on Triple M's The Rush Hour, Whitecross was asked by Billy Brownless who should be recognised as premiership coach if Clarkson wasn't in the box.

Without hesitation, Whitecross answered "Brendan Bolton".

"The AFL has always been and always will be, if you play on the day you get a medal," he said.

James Brayshaw suggested Clarkson deserved a medal for his work building the team and in the first 10 rounds of the season.

"He'd certainly get the recognition but on game day if Bolts (Bolton) is in the box - I think it's the same as players," Whitecross said.

"I didn't get a medal and Clarko shouldn't either."

Whitecross spoke about missing out on the last day in September.

"It's hard to stomach sometimes," he said.

"The first one I just through 'that's a bit unlucky' but the second one happening five minutes short of a grand final, it just couldn't get any worse.

"For me, it hit home a week later while everyone else was out celebrating I was at home on the couch with my knee up."

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Kangaroo Firrito no SuperCoach spud

Kangaroos defender Michael Firrito had a lot on his mind lining up against Tiger Dustin Martin. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Michael Klein / News Corp Australia

IT'S tough at the top of SuperCoach rankings but North Melbourne defender Michael Firrito is basking in the glory, even if it's just for the week.

Firrito's team, Woogie Simmonds, scored a whopping 2,624 points on the back of standout performances from Jarryd Roughead (184), Todd Goldstein (166) and Aaron Sandilands (154).

"I'm the no. 1 SuperCoach in Australia at the moment so I'm walking pretty tall ... in the world I tell a few people because we're the only people that do it," Firrito said.

Firrito, ranked 1929th overall, went into Round 12 unchanged — with 13 trades up his sleeve — and a star-studded midfield including Gary Ablett (captain), Scott Pendlebury, Dayne Beams, Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfield.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE SPUD FIRRITO'S FULL SQUAD

Even Luke Parker and Luke Hodge were named on the ground for added "flexibility".

But it was up forward where Firrito cashed in, Richmond star Dustin Martin's 108 his lowest scorer behind the likes of Roughead, Robbie Gray (140), Matthew Pavlich (117) and Jarman Impey (117).

"I was going to sack Jarman a few weeks ago and I stuck within him and he looked after me."

While rapt with Impey's points explosion, Firrito is very glad Martin, who he lined up on in the second half, scored just 18 points after the main break.

"I was actually fortunate that he didn't kick on because if he had have got 160-170 and I did win it (SuperCoach $1000 weekly prize) it would have come out and been pretty embarrassing for me," he said.

"I probably cost myself a few supers because I did play on him."

SuperCoach is serious business at Arden St so it didn't take long for the Kangaroos to work out Firrito was on the verge fantasy immortality.

"I was out for dinner with friends and I was starting to get a few messages, I thought the boys were taking the mickey out of me," he said.

"I told my wife (Bonnie) who obviously she's not really into footy or SuperCoach, she thinks it's a bit of a waste of time but when she heard about that money all of a sudden she was interested."

But Firrito's rise has come at a personal cost with Kangaroos young gun Luke McDonald "flat" about his teammate's list management.

Firrito was poised to "sack" McDonald recently but held back and instead put him on the bench.

"I told him (I was going to sack him) and he said 'stick with me' I'm starting to build, I'm starting to get a bit of confidence," Firrito said.

"I stuck with Lukey but he's just a role player in my team and he just comes on when I need him — a bit of back up."

Goldstein is another who Firrito has had to mend bridges with.

"I actually delisted Goldy and then traded him back because of the break even so I wasted a couple of trades on him but he's just paid dividends for me."

Not wanting to give away too many secrets, especially after "touching up" Kangaroos' self-confessed SuperCoach guru Nathan Grima to the tune of 400-500 points in their league match this week, Firrito said he treats the game like a business.

"A bit of break even and a bit of gut feel so that's what I run with," he said.

"Cameron Joyce is our list manager here so he might be a bit nervous, I could slip straight into that role."

WOOGIE SIMMONDS

DEFENCE

Andrew Swallow (GC) 59

Jarrad McVeigh (Syd) 109

Jimmy Bartel (Geel) 80

Grant Birchall (Haw) 82

Matt Suckling (Haw) 77

Tom Langdon (Coll) 74

—

Luke McDonald (NM) 60

Alexis Georgiou (Melb) 0

MIDFIELD

Gary Ablett (GC) 298 (c)

Scott Pendlebury (Coll) 112

Dayne Beams (Coll) 106

Joel Selwood (Geel) 122

Tom Liberatore (WB) 112

Patrick Dangerfield (Adel) 72

Luke Parker (Syd) 102

Luke Hodge (Haw) 123

—

Cam Shenton (StK) 63

Sam Gray (PA) 80

RUCK

Aaron Sandilands (Frem) 154

Todd Goldstein (NM) 166

—

Daniel Currie (NM) 0

Fraser Thurlow (Ess) 0

FORWARDS

Robbie Gray (PA) 140

Dustin Martin (Rich) 108

Dayne Zorko (BL) 110

Matthew Pavlich (Frem) 117

Jarryd Roughead (Haw) 184

Jarman Impey (PA) 117

—

Ben Lennon (Rich) 13

Charlie Cameron (Adel) 78

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Football fans: plan your Cup here

Our World Cup interactive. Source: FoxSports

FOOTBALL fans, it's time to plan your next month.

Introducing our special World Cup draw – where you can plan your tournament via group, date, venue or team.

It's time to stop thinking in Mondays and Tuesdays and to start talking Group A, Group B ...

Click here to explore.

Enjoy our World Cup interactive draw. Source: FoxSports

Want to look into your World Cup crystal ball?

Try our WORLD CUP TOURNAMENT PREDICTOR , and once you're confident, sign up for FOX SPORTS TIPPING and FANTASY.

For more World Cup news, features and products, visit our hub here.

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Pietersen says Aussie media affected Poms

Kevin Pietersen Source: AAP

CONTROVERSIAL English batsman Kevin Pietersen has admitted England's Ashes dressing room was "not a pleasant place to be", but says it wasn't his fault.

Pietersen says he has no regrets and is happier now he's out of the national team, after his controversial axing despite being England's leading run-scorer on the ill-fated Australian tour.

The former South African lifted the lid on the atmosphere in the England camp in a column for London's Telegraph newspaper but denied his relationship with his teammates was strained.

"It has been a relief to be out of the dressing room because it was not a pleasant place in Australia," Pietersen wrote.

"We were losing and in my opinion the environment was poor, and I was not alone in thinking that. It is a view shared by a number of the players who have spoken their minds since coming back from the tour."

Kevin Pietersen and Mitchell Johnson exchange words during the Boxing Day Test. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Limited

Pietersen said the team wilted under the intense media scrutiny and Australia's home pressure, though he said he dealt with it better than his teammates.

"As soon as we arrived, the Australian media turned the heat up on us. I have had that for years so it did not bother me. It was fun. But for other players you could sense it was a problem.

"The senior players were tired and it soon became a really long grind against an Australian side who had their backs up in their own country."

Pietersen wrote that his fate was sealed once now-sacked coach Andy Flower had decided he wanted the flamboyant strokemaker out of the team at the end of the series.

"By then I thought that Andy Flower wanted me out. After the Sydney Test, a headline came out claiming Flower had said to the ECB it was either 'him or me'. He denied saying that but the damage was done," Pietersen said.

"But my relationship with the other players was fine. We had an incredible tour on and off the field.

Kevin Pietersen ends up on the floor during the Boxing Day Test. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Limited

"I was helping all the bowlers out with their batting, and the night we lost 5-0 we were all having a drink in the bar together with our wives and girlfriends, which proves all was OK between us and still is."

"I speak to Stuart Broad and I even organised for Graeme Swann to go on holiday to one of my friend's hotels after he retired."

Pietersen went on to list his dismissals in Australia and insist that he would not have done things any differently.

"I did not score the runs I would have liked in Australia, but I have played a certain way throughout my career and will continue to do so. There is method to my batting but I play on instinct as well, and I would absolutely play that way again if we could go back in time.

"What I have done during my career is ignore the ridiculous praise and the ridiculous criticism. I have stayed even and been mentally strong enough to keep believing in my methods and what I think is the best way for me to be successful."

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Who is the AFL’s best clutch player

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OPEN the Oxford dictionary and find the word 'clutch'- a footballer that engages and disengages the power transmission of his side, especially when the game is the line — next to it should be a photo of Geelong captain Joel Selwood.

On Friday night, with the Cats trailing by one-point and 1:20 on the clock, Selwood plucked the ball from the stoppage and jailed a goal from 45m out on a tight angle.

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Brooks brilliance sparks Tigers comeback

A Luke Brooks 40-20 swung the game for the Tigers. Source: Mark Evans / News Corp Australia

A KURT Gidley brain explosion that left his side a man short for a crucial period in the second half may have sounded Newcastle's finals death-knell at Hunter Stadium.

Wests Tigers won a thriller 23-20 over the desperate Knights after Gidley was marched for 10 minutes late in the second half for a professional foul on his rival skipper Robbie Farah.

Farah was just about to take a quick tap 10 metres from the Knights' tryline after a Luke Brooks 40-20 with the home side's defence in disarray when Gidley deliberately bowled him over 15 minutes from fulltime.

It was a game changer.

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Newcastle led 16-14 at the time but it was 16-all when Tigers winger Pat Richards landed the penalty goal and 17-16 just two minutes later when Richards nailed a remarkable 32 metre field goal after the Tigers had kept the ball alive on the last tackle.

Before Gidley got back on the field, Tigers centre Chris Lawrence took advantage of the extra man to cross wide out and suddenly, it was 23-16 with time running out for the home side.

A Luke Brooks 40-20 swung the game for the Tigers. Source: News Corp Australia

Newcastle winger Akuila Uate gave his side a glimmer of hope with just over two minutes left with his third try for the match but it was too little too late.

The Tigers got off to a flier in the first half, regaining possession from their own kick-off to start the game to have the home side on the back foot early.

The Knights defended the first set on their own line but couldn't hold out fullback James Tedesco when he picked up a loose ball and crossed six minutes in.

Akuila Uate broke the Knights try-scoring record in their loss to the Tigers. Source: Getty Images

Pat Richard's conversion made it 6-0 and it was 8-0 after 12 minutes when Richards landed a penalty goal with the Tigers right on top.

But the Knights worked themselves back into the contest with a try of their own after 16 minutes.

They worked a second man play with fullback Darius Boyd providing a great pass to put Uate over in the corner.

Enjoying a run of possession, the Knights grabbed the lead 14 minutes from half-time in controversial fashion through a Tyrone Roberts try.

Tigers five-eighth Braith Anasta landed awkwardly after fielding a Jarrod Mullen bomb in his own in-goal and was ruled to have not grounded the ball before losing it.

Braith Anasta went off concussed after landing on his head after climbing high to catch a bomb. Source: News Corp Australia

Anasta left the field as Roberts converted his own try to hand the Knights a 10-8 lead.

In the final 10 minutes of the first half, Tigers forward Martin Taupau was placed on report for a swinging arm and Knights prop Kade Snowden suffered a similar fate after a tackle that left Curtis Sironen in Disneyland.

The Tigers were back in front just four minutes after the half-time break when Brooks drifted across field close to the Knights tryline and beautifully put Richards over.

Richards converted for a 14-10 lead.

The Tigers celebrate a Pat Richards try that helped them towards victory against the Knights. Source: News Corp Australia

But the home side righted the ship briefly when Boyd turned a routine kick-return into a 60 metre movement that ultimately led to Uate's second try.

It was the Knights winger's 92nd try for the club, breaking the record previously held by Timana Tahu and gave the home side a 16-14 advantage.

But their joy was to be short-lived.

WESTS TIGERS 23 (C Lawrence P Richards J Tedesco tries P Richards 5 goals P Richards field goal) bt NEWCASTLE 20 (A Uate 3 T Roberts tries T Roberts 2 goals) at Hunter Stadium. Referee: Alan Shortall, Ashley Klein. Crowd: 22,173.

Re-live all the action with our blog below!

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Live: Swans on top, Crows start well

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THE Gold Coast Suns' hopes of leapfrogging the Sydney Swans on the AFL ladder are looking shaky after the visitors drew clear in the first half.

The Suns were beaten in Adelaide last week and are looking to bounce back against the red-hot Swans, who are riding a form surge on the back of their Kurt Tippett-Lance Franklin forward line.

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

But at the main break the Swans, coming off a 110-point thumping of Geelong, lead the Suns by 25 points - even without their star forward pairing having had much of the ball.

WATCH: WINGARD'S HANGER

SUPERCOACH STUDS AND DUDS

Meanwhile in Perth, Adelaide made the perfect start to its trip west, leading Fremantle by 10 points at quarter-time.

Young livewire Charlie Cameron opened the scoring for the Crows and added another thanks to an assist from Patrick Dangerfield, who has Ryan Crowley for company.

It has been an end-to-end affair at Patersons Stadium with Adelaide moving the ball with pace into its forward line and should have converted more chances.

Eddie Betts and Lee Spurr are locked in a physical battle and Hayden Ballantyne limped from the ground early looking sore, but returned after a short rest.

Matthew Pavlich booted Fremantle's only goal.

SUNDAY'S MATCHES: (all times EST)

3.20pm — Gold Coast v Sydney (Metricon)

4.10pm — Fremantle v Adelaide (Patersons)

7.10pm — North Melbourne v Richmond (Etihad)

FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION AND JOIN IN THE CHAT IN OUR CHAT BELOW:

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