Harris spearheads Bulls big win

Ryan Harris is in strong for in the Ryobi Cup. Source: Mark Metcalfe / Getty Images

AUSTRALIAN Test fast bowling spearhead Ryan Harris turned in a strong performance as Queensland moved to the top of the one-day cup ladder with a dominant 90-run win over South Australia at North Sydney Oval.

Queensland scored 8-273 before a confident all-round bowling effort saw South Australia routed for just 183, with the Bulls also picking up a bonus point.

ODD - North Sydney Oval

19 October 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

South Australia 1st Innings

A. Zampa	66	50	8	4	132
P. George	4	16	0	0	25
N. Hauritz	5.4	1	31	3	5.47

Only an unlikely half-century from No.10 batsman Adam Zampa (66) saved the Redbacks from complete embarrassment as he and Peter George put on a tenth-wicket stand of 57.

The Queenslanders shared the spoils among five wicket-takers with off-spinner Nathan Hauritz claiming the best figures (3-31).

However, it was Harris, featuring in just his second match since a two-month break, whose performance was under the most scrutiny ahead of next month's first Ashes Test against England in Brisbane.

Despite a modest return of 1-36 off eight overs, Harris bowled with good speed and bounce under the watchful eye of Australia coach Darren Lehmann.

Harris picked up the early wicket of Michael Klinger, the competition's highest run-scorer helping to kick-start a steady flow of wickets.

Earlier, some late-innings big-hitting from Queensland captain James Hopes (49no) and Ben Cutting (39) helped the Bulls set a target of 274, with 65 runs peeled off during the final five overs.

Cutting, having played a stunning knock of 98 not out off 48 balls at the same venue last weekend, seemed set to repeat the dose before skying into the deep after striking four sixes and facing just 30 balls.

Hopes also batted intelligently, scoring at nearly a run-a-ball while opener James Peirson top-scored with 85 off 102 deliveries.

Despite the small ground it was spin that made the difference for South Australia in the middle part of the Queensland innings.

Redbacks skipper Johan Botha claimed three quick top-order wickets with his off-spin before finishing with 3-42 off ten overs.

The immediate playing future of the South African all-rounder is set to be determined this week after he was recently reported for a suspect bowling action.

Former NSW leg-spinner Zampa took 2 for 28 off eight overs.

QUEENSLAND
U KHAWAJA c Cooper b Botha 31 (41)
J PEIRSON c Weaver b Mennie 85 (102)
G MOLLER c Klinger b Botha 7 (8)
N REARDON c Ross b Botha 7 (16)
C LYNN c Richardson b Zampa 10 (19)
J FLOROS c Ludeman b Zampa 20 (27)
J HOPES not out 49 (52)
B CUTTING c Zampa b Richardson 39 (30)
M NESER c Klinger b Mennie 12 (5)
Sundries (4lb 9w) 13
TOTAL: Eight wickets for 273
Fall: 71 (Khawaja), 80 (Moller), 90 (Reardon), 138 (Lynn), 153 (Peirson), 183 (Floros), 254 (Cutting), 273 (Neser)
Bowling: J Mennie 10-1-71-2 (3w), K Richardson 9-0-65-1 (1w), P George 10-1-43-0 (3w), S Miller 3-0-19-0 (1w), J Botha 8-0-36-3, A Zampa 10-0-35-2 (1w)

SOUTH AUSTRALIA
M KLINGER c Khawaja b Harris 23 (20)
M WEAVER c Cutting b Neser 10 (11)
T COOPER c & b Neser 4 (9)
S MILLER c Khawaja b Hauritz 12 (17)
A ROSS c Hauritz b Cutting 5 (17)
J BOTHA c Cutting b Hauritz 18 (29)
T LUDEMAN c Floros b Cutting 0 (1)
J MENNIE c Neser b Floros 23 (22)
K RICHARDSON c & b Floros 8 (17)
A ZAMPA c (sub) b Hauritz 66 (50)
P GEORGE not out 4 (16)
Sundries (2lb 7w 1nb) 10
TOTAL: all out 183
Fall: 34 (Klinger), 36 (Weaver), 44 (Cooper), 52 (Miller), 74 (Ross), 74 (Ludeman), 83 (Botha), 102 (Richardson), 126 (Mennie), 183 (Zampa)
Bowling: R Harris 8-0-38-1 (1w), M Neser 8-0-62-2 (1w), N Hauritz 5.4-1-31-3 (1w), B Cutting 6-0-27-2 (2w 1nb), J Floros 5-0-13-2 (1w), C Lynn 2-0-10-0 (1w)

Umpires: Gerard Abood, M Graham-Smith.
Match Referee: Peter Marshall.
Third Umpire: John Ward.
Result: Queensland won by 90 runs
Man of the Match: Jimmy Peirson
Points: Qld 5 SA 0

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Fawkner captures the Caulfield Cup

Jockey Nicholas Hall and Fawkner rally late to claim the 2013 Caulfield Cup. Picture: Mark Dadswell Source: Mark Dadswell / HeraldSun

THE 2013 Caulfield Cup proved to be a triumph for the Macedon Lodge racing operation run by Lloyd Williams when his galloper Fawkner took out the race.

The Williams' had six horses in the Caulfield Cup last week but took out five leaving Fawkner as their only runner.

Nick Williams said the win had been 11 months in the planning.

He said almost a year ago they had an offer to sell Fawkner but it wasn't followed through.

"Dad decided he would win the Caulfield Cup and he was right," Williams said.

Fawkner was ridden by Nick Hall. He defeated Dandino and Dear Demi.

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White: Why I walked out on Brumbies

White has returned to South Africa and taken up a position with the Sharks. Source: AAP

JAKE White has admitted his disappointment over missing out on the Wallabies' head coaching position was a factor in his decision to quit the Brumbies.

White told The Canberra Times he felt no guilt about signing a three-year contract with the Sharks in his native South Africa and said he would continue to pursue his dream of coaching another international team.

"I told (the Brumbies) I was feeling disillusioned with where my career was going in Australia," White said.

"And who says I can't coach Australia after the World Cup? I've not turned my back on Australia.

"I don't feel guilty at all about wanting to chase an international dream, players do it all the time.''

White said his primary motivation for walking out on the Brumbies with two years remaining on his contract was to be closer to his family in South Africa.

"I genuinely felt heartsore when I left, both my wife and I felt like that,'' he said.

''I know that in my heart I did my bit and I gave my 100 per cent and there was no malice or skulduggery.

"The bottom line is I just wanted to move on. Families allow family members to move on. It happens. A lot of the guys I've spoken to, they all understand why it had to happen."

White said either Laurie Fisher or Stephen Larkham would have no troubles leading the Brumbies in 2014.

"Laurie has been a head coach and understands the Brumbies," he said. "He's senior, that's in his favour. But there's no doubt that Bernie will become a Brumbies coach now or in the future. He will coach the club eventually.

"I don't think it makes a difference who they pick, there's no negatives. It's all positives between those two guys.''

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Dal Santo joins Kangaroos

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NICK DAL Santo will play for North Melbourne next season after leaving St Kilda as a free agent.

Paperwork for Dal Santo's move has been lodged with the AFL and he will join the Kangaroos on a three-year deal.

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The decorated Saint, a veteran of 260 games in 12 seasons at the Saints, has been weighing up his future as the club embarks on a rebuild under coach Scott Watters.

CHAPMAN CHOOSES BOMBERS

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He was also courted by Essendon but has chosen to be a North Melbourne player after meeting with the Roos leadership group two weeks ago.

"Nick has been a valuable part of St Kilda for a long time and will always be remembered fondly for his contribution to the club," Watters said.

"While we are disappointed to let go of a person of Nick's calibre, he moves to a new team that presents a new opportunity to him and I would personally like to wish him well for his future."

St Kilda will now receive a compensation pick later today from the AFL.

A bid to get Kangaroos defender Luke Delaney to Seaford will have to be completed as a separate trade.

"We identified Nick as a player we wanted and we are thrilled to have finally landed him," North Melbourne list manager Cameron Joyce said.

"He will be a valuable addition to our team for many years to come. Nick is an experienced, elite midfielder who will bring some more class to our list.

"I'd like to thank St Kilda's List Manager Ameet Bains and Nick's Manager Tom Petroro for their efforts throughout this process."

Meanwhile, St Kilda and Essendon have emerged as possible suitors for Brisbane ruckman Billy Longer.

But the Saints are not prepared to swap pick 17 for Longer, the selection they received from Hawthorn as part of the Ben McEvoy deal.

Any deal to bring the 202cm Longer to Seaford would hinge on the Lions accepting a pick in the 20s.

Longer has also met with Essendon who come into play with pick 22, which it is likely to acquire from the Western Bulldogs for Stewart Crameri.

St Kilda believes Longer, the 20-year-old taken at pick 8 in the 2011 national draft, would prefer to come home to Melbourne than stay at the Gabba under new coach Justin Leppitsch.

Longer and his manager Paul Connors are expected to announce a decision on the ruckman's club of choice over the weekend.

Former Geelong defender Josh Hunt is waiting on an answer from GWS after undergoing a medical at the expansion club.

Hunt, who is also interested in exploring a punting career in the US, is desperate for a second chance at the Giants.

Western Bulldogs forward Jarrad Grant has confirmed a two-year contract extension with the Dogs.

Grant, taken at No.5 in the 2007 national draft, was playing for Williamstown reserves early last season before returning the Dogs in round 16 and kicking 12 goals in the next five games.

Bernie Vince and Paul Chapman are expected to seal moves to Melbourne and Essendon respectively, in the coming days.

A deal that sends out-of-favour Bombers forward Scott Gumbleton to Fremantle is also expected to be struck soon, while the Eagles say they have made progress with the Lions over securing Elliot Yeo.

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Ins and outs: A-League round two

Brett Emerton chases the ball during Sydney FC training. Source: Gregg Porteous / DailyTelegraph

WITH a large contingent of internationals returning for A-League round two, it shapes as a high quality weekend of football.

Adelaide United v Melbourne Victory, Coopers Stadium, Friday 7.30pm (EDT)

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Adelaide United squad: 1. Eugene GALEKOVIC (GK) (c), 4. Jon McKAIN, 5. Osama MALIK, 7. JERONIMO, 9. Sergio CIRIO, 10. Marcelo CARRUSCA, 12. Antony GOLEC, 13. Steven LUSTICA, 14. Cameron WATSON, 16. Daniel BOWLES, 17. Awer MABIL, 18. Michael ZULLO, 19. Jake BARKER-DAISH, 21. Tarek ELRICH, 22. Fabio FERREIRA, 23. Jordan ELSEY, 24. Brent McGRATH, 30. John HALL (GK) (two to be omitted)

Ins: 12. Antony GOLEC, 14. Cameron WATSON, 19. Jake BARKER-DAISH, 23. Jordan ELSEY, 30. John HALL (GK) (all promoted)

Outs: 3. Nigel BOOGAARD (suspended, 1 week), 8. ISAIAS (suspended, 1 week), 20. Paul IZZO (GK) (omitted)

Unavailable: CASSIO (quad - 3-4 weeks), Bruce DJITE (ankle - 4-5 weeks)

Melbourne Victory Squad: 1. Nathan COE (GK), 3. Adama TRAORE, 4.Nick ANSELL, 5. Mark MILLIGAN (c) 6. Leigh BROXHAM, 7. Gui FINKLER, 9. Kosta BARBAROUSES, 10. Archie THOMPSON, 11. Connor PAIN, 13. Andrew NABBOUT, 14. James TROISI, 15. Mitch NICHOLS, 16. Rashid MAHAZI, 17. Jimmy JEGGO, 20. Lawrence THOMAS, 23. Adrian LEIJER, 24, Scott GALLOWAY. 25, Jason GERIA (two to be omitted)

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Ins: 5. Mark MILLIGAN, 9. Kosta BARBAROUSES (return from international duty)

Outs: 2. Pablo CONTRERAS (suspended - 2 games)

Unavailable: 2. Pablo CONTRERAS (suspended - 2 games)

Melbourne Heart v Central Coast Mariners, AAMI Park, Saturday 5.30pm (EDT)

Melbourne Heart Squad: 1. Andrew REDMAYNE (GK), 3. Robbie WIELAERT, 6. Patrick GERHARDT, 7. Iain RAMSAY, 8. Massimo MURDOCCA, 10. Harry KEWELL (Captain), 14. Golgol MEBRAHTU, 15. David WILLIAMS, 16. Aziz BEHICH, 17. Jason HOFFMAN, 18. David VRANKOVIC, 19. Benjamin GARUCCIO, 20. Tando VELAPHI (GK), 21. Stefan MAUK , 22. Nick KALMAR, 23. Mate DUGANDZIC, 24. Patrick KISNORBO, 25. Andrea MIGLIORINI (Two to be omitted)

Ins: 19. Benjamin GARUCCIO (returns from international duty), 21. Stefan MAUK (returns from international duty)

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: 2. Jeremy WALKER, 4. Orlando ENGELAAR (Fractured tibia - long-term), 5. Sam MITCHINSON, 9. Dylan MACALLISTER (Hamstring - 3-6 weeks), 11. Michael MIFSUD, 13. Jonatan GERMANO (Hamstring - two weeks)

Central Coast Mariners Squad: 1. Justin PASFIELD (GK), 3. Joshua ROSE, 4. Marcel SEIP, 5. Zachary ANDERSON, 6. Brent GRIFFITHS, 7. John HUTCHINSON (C), 8. Nick MONTGOMERY, 9. Mitchell DUKE, 10. Marcos FLORES, 11. Nick FITZGERALD, 12. Liam REDDY (GK), 13. Hayden MORTON, 15. Storm ROUX, 16. Trent SAINSBURY, 17. Anthony CACERES, 18. Michael NEILL, 19. Matt SIMON, 21. Mile STERJOVSKI (two to be omitted)

Ins: 13. Hayden MORTON, 18. Michael NEILL

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: 2. Daniel MCBREEN (On loan at Shanghai SIPG until October 31), 14. Michael MCGLINCHEY (International Duty, New Zealand All Whites), 23. Adam KWASNIK (Groin - 1 week)

Brisbane Roar v Sydney FC, Suncorp Stadium, Saturday 7.45pm (EDT)

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Brisbane Roar Squad: 1. Michael THEO (gk), 2. Matthew SMITH (c), 3. Shane STEFANUTTO, 5. Ivan FRANJIC, 7. Besart BERISHA, 10. HENRIQUE, 11. Liam MILLER, 13. Jade NORTH, 14. Diogo FERREIRA, 15. James DONACHIE, 18. Luke BRATTAN, 19. Jack HINGERT, 29. Matthew ACTON (gk), 22. Thomas BROICH, 23. Dimitri PETRATOS, 26. Corey BROWN, 28. Brandon BORRELLO, 29. Kwame YEBOAH (two to be omitted)

Ins: 14. Diogo FERREIRA, 23. Dimitri PETRATOS

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: George LAMBADARDIS (knee - season)

Sydney FC Squad: 1. Ivan NECEVSKI (GK), 2. Seb RYALL, 3. Mark WARREN, 5. Matt JURMAN, 6. Nikola PETKOVIC, 7. Brett EMERTON, 8. Predrag BOJIC, 10. Alessandro DEL PIERO, 11. Richard GARCIA, 14. Mitchell MALLIA, 16. Joel CHIANESE, 19. Nicky CARLE, 20. Vedran JANJETOVIC (GK), 22. Ali ABBAS, 23. Rhyan GRANT, 27. Chris NAUMOFF 28. Matt THOMPSON (one to be omitted)

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Ins: 7. Brett EMERTON (return from injury).

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: Terry MCFLYNN (Groin - 2 weeks), Peter TRIANTIS (groin - long term), Terry ANTONIS (thigh - long term), Pascal BOSSCHAART (ankle - long term), Corey GAMEIRO (knee - 3 weeks), (Yairo YAU - international duty), Blake POWELL (youth team duty), Josh MACDONALD (youth team duty)

Newcastle Jets v Perth Glory, Hunter Stadium, Sunday 3pm (EDT)

Newcastle Jets Squad: 1. Mark BIRIGHITTI (GK), 2. Scott NEVILLE, 4. Kew JALIENS, 6. Zenon CARAVELLA, 7. Andrew HOOLE, 8. Ruben ZADKOVICH, 10. Nathan BURNS, 11. Craig GOODWIN, 12. Connor CHAPMAN, 13. Joey GIBBS, 15. Josh BRILLANTE, 16. Jacob PEPPER, 17. James VIRGILI 18. James BROWN, 19. Michael BRIDGES, 20. Ben KENNEDY, 21. Sam GALLAWAY, 22. Adam TAGGART (two to be omitted)

Ins: Joey GIBBS (returns from illness), Michael BRIDGES (returns from injury)

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: Emile HESKEY (knee - 3 to 4 weeks), Mitch COOPER (knee - long term).

Perth Glory Squad: 1. Daniel VUKOVIC (GK), 2. Jack CLISBY, 3. Brandon O'NEILL, 4. Ryan EDWARDS, 5. Steve PANTELIDIS, 6. Cameron EDWARDS, 7. Jacob BURNS, 8. Ryo NAGAI, 10. Jamie MACLAREN, 11. Adrian ZAHRA, 14. Steven MCGARRY, 16. Sidnei SCIOLA MORAES, 17. Chris HAROLD, 19. Joshua RISDON, 20. Daniel DE SILVA, 21. Scott JAMIESON, 23. Michael THWAITE, 30. Devon SPENCE (GK) (two to be omitted)

Ins: 19. Joshua RISDON, 23. Michael THWAITE,

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: 9. Shane SMELTZ (hip - 3 weeks), 13. Travis DODD (knee - ongoing), 18. Jack DUNCAN (quad - 1 week), 15. Isaka CERNAK (hip - 3 weeks), 22. Ndumba MAKECHE (knee - 1 week)

Western Sydney Wanderers v Wellington Phoenix, Pirtek Stadium, Sunday 5pm (EDT)

Western Sydney Wanderers Squad: 1. Ante COVIC (GK), 2. Shannon COLE, 3. Adam D'APUZZO, 4. Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY, 5. Michael BEAUCHAMP, 6. Jerome POLENZ, 7. Labinot HALITI, 8. Mateo POLJAK, 9. Tomi JURIC, 10. Aaron MOOY, 11. Brendon SANTALAB, 12. Tahj MINNIECON, 13. Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 17. Youssouf HERSI, 18. Iacopo LA ROCCA, 19. Mark BRIDGE, 20. Jerrad TYSON (GK), 21. Shinji ONO, 22. Dean HEFFERNAN, 23. Jason TRIFIRO (four to be omitted)

Ins: 2. Shannon COLE, 12. Tahj MINNIECON, 13. Matthew SPIRANOVIC, 23. Jason TRIFIRO

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: 15. Yianni Perkatis (knee – 1 week), 16. Josh Barresi (leg – 1 week), 14. Kwabena Appiah (leg – 2 weeks)

Wellington Phoenix Squad: 1. Glen MOSS (GK), 2. Manny MUSCAT, 3. Reece CAIRA, 5. Michael BOXALL, 6. Josh BRINDELL-SOUTH, 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Paul IFILL, 9. Kenny CUNNINGHAM, 10. Stein HUYSEGEMS, 11. Jeremy BROCKIE, 13. Albert RIERA, 17. Vince LIA, 18. Ben SIGMUND, 21. Carlos HERNANDEZ, 22. Andrew DURANTE, 25. Jason HICKS, 30. Jacob SPOONLEY (GK). One to be omitted.

Ins: 1. Glen MOSS (returns from international duty), Josh BRINDELL-SOUTH (promoted), 7. Leo BERTOS (returns from international duty), 11. Jeremy BROCKIE (returns from international duty), 22. Andrew DURANTE (returns from international duty).

Outs: 4. Luke ADAMS (omitted), 12. Tyler BOYD (omitted), 24. Hamish WATSON (released from international replacement duties).

Unavailable: 14. Alex RUFER (under-17 international duty), 16. Louis FENTON (shoulder injury 1-2 weeks), 20. Lewis ITALIANO (GK, ankle injury 4-6 weeks). 

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Hoffman 'not right' for fullback

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HE may be World Cup defending champion New Zealand's first choice fullback, but Josh Hoffman "is not the right guy" to wear the Broncos No.1 jersey, Brisbane teammate Justin Hodges says.

Hoffman has been named fullback for the Kiwis' warm-up clash with the Cook Islands in England this weekend and is considered a key to their title defence.

However, a question mark looms over Hoffman's place in the Broncos backline next year after the signings of Dally M Medallist Ben Barba, Canberra's Daniel Vidot and Cronulla's Stewart Mills.

Hoffman was a shining light at fullback in the final seven NRL rounds in an otherwise dismal season for Brisbane.

But Hodges said the Kiwi speedster must work on his passing game if he is to become a world class No.1.

"Hoffy is a great player, but at the moment I don't think he is the right guy for fullback," he said.

"He's one of the best runners I have seen with the football, but he just has to work on his passing game. That's where I think he falls down.

"You look at guys like Greggy (Inglis) and Billy (Slater), all the great fullbacks we have in our game, they have those real fast hands.

"And Hoffy just hasn't learned that yet."

Hoffman was reportedly upset when told of Barba's three-year deal in August and contemplated a release from his contract, which expires at the end of 2015, before backing down.

However, Hodges - battling back from an Achilles injury - believed being kept honest by Barba would only benefit Hoffman's game.

"I think Barba's arrival will be good for him,'' he said.

"It will be good competition.

"It (picking fullback) will be a real tough choice for Hook (Broncos coach Anthony Griffin).

"But it will be good for the Broncos having those two guys firing.''

However, Hodges said Griffin may already possess the blueprint to best utilise Hoffman after Barba's arrival.

Hodges and Hoffman successfully rotated between right centre and fullback this season before serious injury again struck down the Broncos veteran.

The recovering Hodges believed swapping first choice fullback Barba with Hoffman on either the wing or centres would prove a masterstroke for Brisbane.

"Maybe that same role Hoffy and I played towards the end of the year, swapping over, I think they can still do that,'' Hodges said.

"There's no word that Hoff has to stay on the wing forever.

"Him and Benny swapping all the time will put the defence in two minds.''

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Guelph does as she pleases

Kerrin McEvoy gives super filly Guelph a well-deserved pat after her comfortable Thousand Guineas win. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Wayne Ludbey / HeraldSun

CHAMPION three-year-old filly Guelph led throughout to take out the Thousand Guineas (1600m) to continue the winning streak of the Darley and the Peter Snowden team - giving them their third Group 1 win for the week.

In a change of tactics Guelph, ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, took the front early in the race and controlled the three-year-old fillies race from there.

Snowden said they decided to go to the front as they knew she could run out a strong mile.

Guelph has won seven of her 10 starts. Snowden said they would make a decision as to whether she will contest the Cox Plate, The Myer Classic or go for a spell in the next two days.

Guelph ($1.40 fav) held off a late challenge to defeat May's Dream and with the David Hayes-trained Gregers finishing third. 

Guelph makes it look easy as she records an all-the-way win in the Thousand Guineas. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HeraldSun

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Wallabies set for pay cuts to help code

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THE Wallabies are poised to accept pay cuts to help stop the cash-strapped code going broke.

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A new Collective Bargaining Agreement is set to end the days of Australian players earning a guaranteed $14,000 per Test - win, lose or draw.

The Australian Rugby Union's survival is at stake as it sits in a perilous financial position after recording a $19 million deficit in the past two years and a worrying slump in support for the 15-man game.

In eight months since replacing John O'Neill as ARU chief executive, Bill Pulver, in his own words, has "brutally attacked the cost base" by making cuts across the board.

Even a welcome windfall from the British and Irish Lions tour in winter won't get the ARU out of the hole dug by years of over-expenditure, largely with executive salaries.

Pulver has already slashed employee numbers at the ARU and also made significant cutbacks to the high-performance unit and shelved the national academies in Brisbane and Sydney.

"My first six months at the ARU a lot of my time has been spent ripping costs out of the place basically," Pulver told AAP. "It's not been a lot of fun but it's been a very important cleansing experience.

"From a financial perspective we're going to be skating on thin ice for the next couple of years.

"Can we get through? Yes, we can. Is it going to be bloody hard? Yes, it is."

Warnings of cuts to club rugby have made Pulver, looking to develop a new third-tier national competition, unpopular in club circles but he's making no apologies for taking drastic measures for the good of the game.

A reduction of player salaries has firmly been on the agenda and should be revealed in the next two months when a new CBA, the first since 2005, is expected to be finalised.

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The ARU board meets on Monday to discuss ongoing negotiations with the Rugby Union Players Association.

Both Pulver and RUPA boss Greg Harris confirmed Test match payments - which would currently see a Wallaby earn $196,000 if he played all 15 Tests this year on top of his salary - were among issues being addressed.

Former World Cup-winning skipper Nick Farr-Jones has led calls for incentive-based pay, claiming Wallabies should be paid far less for defeats.

Harris said the players union were taking a conciliatory approach to ensure the game didn't go under.

"Player directors (RUPA) have been united in their commitment in trying to assist the game in trying to confront the financial issues," Harris told AAP.

The last time a new CBA was drafted, in 2005, the code was in rude health with $35 million in the ARU war chest and crowd numbers which had it challenging rugby league as the nation's No.2 code.

Harris hinted top players benefited from a generous deal in the prosperous times.

"My predecessor (Tony Dempsey) did a very good job of negotiating for the players when the dams were full and there was plenty of water around but we have a drought at the moment so we all have to drink a little bit less," he said.

"The players are being very responsible."

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Bombers could be on the move

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MANAGER Colin Young says David Myers and Leroy Jetta could be traded despite Essendon insisting the pair are required players.

Young told Trade Week radio today that while Essendon would have to agree to a deal, Myers was open to the possibility of moving to a club that could offer him more time in the midfield.

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Young said several clubs had spoken to the Bombers about Myers and a deal, which would not happen until next week, could involve multiple clubs.

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Jetta has a year to run on his contract but could also be traded next week.

Young said another client, Lion Elliot Yeo, was close to a deal with West Coast.

Fremantle has also shown interest in the talented forward but Young said a deal with the Eagles could be announced in the next 24 hours.

In other trade moves:

HEATH Shaw is set to sign a five-year deal with Greater Western Sydney, paving the way for Giants youngster Taylor Adams to become a Magpie.

MELBOURNE and Adelaide are negotiating over the future of Bernie Vince and Jarryd Lyons, but the Demons say pick two won't be part of those deals.

NICK Dal Santo is expected to announce a decision on his future as early as today, with Essendon emerging as a late contender if he becomes a free agent.

CARLTON is poised to land a "bargain" in Lions defender Sam Docherty.

Meanwhile, Crows midfielder Matthew Wright holds the key to Adelaide's trade strategy this week that is designed to score Jared Polec from Brisbane and a second-round draft pick from a Melbourne-based rival

Wright, 23, is the potential deal-maker in the slow-moving Polec saga that has - for the first time - Adelaide and Port Adelaide eagerly competing for the same player in a come-home trade.

Brisbane steadfastly wants a player - rather than a second-round draft pick - in return for Polec as the Lions deal with the damage of having too many young players seek exits.

Port has no player at Alberton prepared to move and will struggle to find a candidate at a rival club.

Adelaide, by contrast, has several players prepared to be part of a trade - but to a Victorian-based club and not Brisbane. The list is Shaun McKernan, Ricky Henderson, 2009 club champion Bernie Vince and perhaps Victorian draftee Jarryd Lyons.

Wright - who played 17 games this season, the least in his three years at Adelaide - faces a career-defining decision this week when Polec wants to nominate either the Crows or Power as his club of choice.

If Wright accepts the chance to sign a long-term deal with the Lions gives him security that is unlikely to unfold at West Lakes, the Polec trade to Adelaide would be virtually secured.

The Crows would then focus on finding the second-round draft pick coach Brenton Sanderson has demanded from his recruiting staff all year. Adelaide has no early call in next month's draft - its first pick is currently at No. 42 - as a result of the Kurt Tippett sanctions.

Finding that second-round draft pick could come by:

VINCE accepting a long-term deal at a Victorian-based club. He is contracted to Adelaide for next season when the 28-year-old midfielder becomes a free agent - and could leave the Crows without compensation.

LYONS also is under contract for next season but is being tempted by a long-term deal from Melbourne, where his father Marty played 27 games from 1975-77. The 21-year-old midfielder was a fourth-round draft pick in 2010.

HENDERSON is on contract for the next two seasons. And despite keen interest in the Victorian, the Crows are increasingly reluctant to trade the 25-year-old utility.

But McKERNAN is drawing little, almost no, interest from Victorian-based clubs. He is destined to have to return to Adelaide where the Crows are willing to persist with the ruckman-forward.

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Hird won't work for Storm

James Hird denies rumours he'll join Melbourne Storm. Source: News Limited

EXILED Essendon coach James Hird will not be at Melbourne Storm in an official capacity next year.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy has been approached by AFL Coaches Association president Danny Frawley to see if he would be open to the idea of mentoring Hird.

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The two men have not yet spoken and sources close to Storm suggested the yet-to-be defined arrangement may not go beyond a one-off meeting over a cup of coffee.

Any continuing mentoring - if it does eventuate - is set to be a personal arrangement between Bellamy and Hird separate to the NRL club.

The Bombers legend will not be a Storm employee next year, nor will he be paid by the club.

Not because of any concerns about Hird's character, but simply because no role exists for him.

There are also fears that Hird's presence at Storm would create an unnecessary distraction and spark a media circus.

If Hird visits the club it will be for observational purposes, which could extend to watching training or sitting in the coaches' box during a game.

Speculation has swirled for some time that Hird will be at Storm next year with the club repeatedly denying the talk.

Bellamy himself was bemused when the rumour first got back to him given Hird has no rugby league background.

But when it became clear Hird might be looking for a mentor, Bellamy was open to the idea.

Bellamy is seen as a perfect for Hird given he has experience rebuilding a club that has been brought to its knees.

Storm was stripped of the 2007 and 2009 NRL premierships and forced to play for no points in 2010 after it was found guilty of salary cap breaches.

With Bellamy in charge, Storm won the premiership just two years later.

While the circumstances are different, Hird will be charged with rebuilding the Bombers when his suspension is served.

Hird and Bellamy are set to meet for the first time in the coming weeks.

It will happen before November 9, when Bellamy and Storm football manager Frank Ponissi head to the United States.

The pair will visit a number of sporting franchises, including the NFL's Miami Dolphins, for an insight into how they operate.
 

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AFL stars' holiday snaps

Richmond skipper Trent Cotchin relaxes by the pool in Bali with fiancee Brooke Kennedy. Source: Twitter

FROM Bali beaches to Rio, Las Vegas and Disneyland, AFL players are letting their hair down away from home.

In August players won a long-running battle to extend their end-of-season leave, and after a gruelling season they are taking full advantage.

And they are sharing the highlights with the world on Twitter and Instagram.

SEE THE BEST OF AFL PLAYERS' HAPPY SNAPS BELOW

Bali is the destination of choice for footy stars, with players from Geelong, Fremantle, Hawthorn and Richmond among those hitting the tropical holiday spot.

The old footy team end-of-season trip seems to be a thing of the past, with clubs splitting up and players hanging out with rivals from other teams.

While Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin relax by the pool in Bali, a crew of Richmond players are in Brazil on an inter-cultural exchange, while injured teammate Liam McBean represents the tougher face of footy - his holiday is being spent on the couch with his leg in a cast after late-season surgery.

Players including Joel Selwood, David Zaharakis and Dane Swan are in the US, along with Demon Jeremy Howe, who continues to defy gravity - this time on the Disneyworld rollercoaster.

Bomber Brendon Goddard is in New York, tweeting a series of photos as he played a round at the famed Winged Foot golf course in New York - where Geoff Ogilvy won the 2006 US Open.

Days after joining Sydney on a mega nine-year contract, Lance Franklin jetted out to London to join the Indigenous All-Stars in Ireland, and former Hawk teammate Isaac Smith is seeing the sights in Prague.

But some players are happy to stay closer to home. Crows star Patrick Dangerfield is in Darwin and Nic Naitanui is building his pre-season fitness on WA's Bibbulmun Track. If he's taking it seriously he will be very fit - the full track is almost 1000km long.

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Force yet to commit to O'Connor

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Dumped Wallaby James O'Connor has been living the high life in recent years, but he'll need to eat some humble pie if he is to continue his rugby career in Australia.

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O'Connor's playing future has been in limbo since being dumped by the Melbourne Rebels in July.

The Force seemed set to snap up the 23-year-old, but negotiations stalled following a recent airport incident in which O'Connor was escorted out of the terminal by Australian Federal Police.

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O'Connor's lucrative Australian Rugby Union contract was torn up shortly after, and he also won't be offered an ARU top-up for next year.

Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie is keen to play a role in rehabilitating O'Connor, while skipper James Horwill says he and his teammates won't abandon the troubled playmaker.

O'Connor is currently taking time out with his family on the Gold Coast as he maps out the future direction for his career.

It's understood O'Connor's preference is to continue his career with the Force, which would allow him to return to the Wallabies' set-up next year on a match payment scheme.

If he's after an alternative, time is running out for him to secure an overseas rugby union deal or land a gig with an NRL club.

O'Connor's manager David Shand refused to comment about those two options when contacted on Monday.
The Force were slightly spooked by the airport incident, but still appear keen to throw O'Connor a lifeline.

Melbourne Rebels and James O'Connor parted ways this season. Source: News Limited

O'Connor met the Force's leadership group last month, and coach Michael Foley is confident the franchise's strong culture would help O'Connor turn his career - and life - around.

"It needs to me made really clear to everybody that we're not bringing in James and merely hoping things work out,'' Foley said.

"There's a plan to get the best out of him both on and off the field.

"We're very keen to work towards the humility side of things and also the generosity of spirit that James displays in some of the other areas of his life, particularly with some of the charities he's involved in.

James O'Connor shot to fame with Western Force. Source: News Limited

"If we can draw on that and create a program which allows him to spend time in that frame of mind, you start to move people towards more positive ways of seeing themselves.pe``But whether James joins us or not, it's yet to be seen.''

McKenzie urged O'Connor to stay in touch.

"We've had some contact. He's obviously working on his end of things,'' McKenzie said ahead of the Wallabies' Test against the All Blacks in Dunedin this weekend.

"I'll continue to have contact but contact's a two-way thing.

"I'm interested in improving him as a person so I'm happy to help in that process.''

Foley is confident of retaining star winger Nick Cummins, who is keen to stay in Perth but is waiting to see what sort of Wallabies' top-up he is offered before making a final call.

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Franjic late show saves Roar

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A STOPPAGE-time goal from Ivan Franjic has secured Brisbane Roar a 2-1 come-from-behind A-League win over a depleted Wellington Phoenix at Westpac Stadium.

The Phoenix seemed to have done enough to earn a point before Franjic sealed his man-of-the-match display with his late winner after pouncing on a Thomas Broich shot that rebounded off the post. 

Without a handful of All White internationals, including skipper Andrew Durante and goalkeeper Glen Moss, the Phoenix had been expected to struggle against a Roar side that had enjoyed a sizzling pre-season campaign.

But under new coach Ernie Merrick, the Phoenix were unlucky to get nothing out of the match against a Brisbane team that seemed rattled and off the pace at various times during the 90 minutes.

Wellington started the better in the windy conditions, constantly harassing Brisbane and rarely allowing the visitors out of their own half in the opening 10 minutes.

The Phoenix took the lead in the 22nd through their Belgian striker Stein Huysegems.

A lethargic-looking Brisbane backline failed to deal with high ball delivered by Phoenix defender Ben Sigmund.

His central defensive partner Michael Boxall was first to it, heading the ball into the path of Huysegems, who pounced to put the hosts ahead.

Costa Rican attacker Kenny Cunningham should have doubled Wellington's lead in the 40th minute after knocking  indecisive Brisbane fullback Shane Stefanutto off the ball.

But with only Roar keeper Michael Theo to beat, Cunningham couldn't beat the Brisbane custodian from point-blank range.

Star Roar striker Besart Berisha thought he had equalised in first-half stoppage time, but the goal was disallowed when the assistant referee rightly flagged him offside after he got on the end of a precise Franjic cross.

However, the pair combined in the first minute of the second half to put Brisbane back on level terms.

Finding himself in acres of space on the left wing, Franjic stormed down the flank before finding an unmarked Berisha, who finished with precision to open his account for the season.

Both sides had chances to win the game in the second half, with Theo denying Huysegems in the 64th minute, and Franjic being foiled by the crossbar 11 minutes later after getting his head to a Broich cross.

But Franjic eventually got the winner to break Phoenix hearts.

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Thrilling win sends Aussies into final

Nick Malouf makes a break for Australia during the Gold Coast Sevens quarter-finals clash with Kenya at Skilled Stadium. Source: Bradley Kanaris / Getty Images

AUSTRALIA will play New Zealand in the final of the Gold Coast Sevens after clinching a thrilling golden-point win over South Africa.

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Jesse Parahi's golden point try in the corner in the dying stages sealed a sensational victory for Australia, who won 24-19.

South Africa had earlier surged back from 19-7 down to level at 19-all and send the game into extra-time.

Australia will play New Zealand in the final after the Kiwis downed England 14-5 in Sunday's other semi-final.

The final will be played at 8.04pm AEDT (7.04pm Qld time).

Earlier, skipper Ed Jenkins and his young Australian side toppled bogey team Kenya today to surge into a semi-final showdown with South Africa at the Gold Coast Sevens.

The Kenyans upset the Aussies at the same Cup quarter-final stage last year so the hurt of that crash was fresh for Jenkins, who had a pivotal role in setting the record straight with a 24-12 win.

LIVE SCORES, RESULTS: All the Gold Coast Sevens fixtures

Livewire Shannon Walker got the Australians off to a perfect start at Robina's Skilled Park when he took a quick tap and looped around Tom Lucas for the return pass. A player with less acceleration might have been gathered in but Walker glided between two defenders for the 7-0 lead.

The Australians still found themselves behind 12-7 at half-time with a rush of errors. When Cam Clark failed to kick the ball 10m from a kick-off, it backfired into Kenyan Biko Adema shedding four tacklers to score his own try.

A Con Foley knock-on from another kick-off sapped more momentum but the Australians regrouped strongly.

Standout forward Sean McMahon ignited the game-changer from his own quarter with a strong gallop and the one-handed off-load that ultimately saw Jenkins streak away for a try and 14-12.

McMahon crashed over shortly after to make it 19-12. Jenkins winning a kick-off was more like it and Clark making a fine tackle to shut down the Kenyans completed the win.

"There were some uncharacteristic mistakes there but we held our nerve. I was very pleased with the way we rallied," Australian coach Michael O'Connor said.

"That tackle by Cam was a big moment because at 24-12 the Kenyans were still in it."

South Africa's 28-21 victory over Wales in a pulsating quarter-final set them up as Australia's semi-final rivals.

Defending Gold Coast Sevens champions Fiji were dumped out of the tournament 26-12 by a superior England side which tackled them out of their free-running stride.

HSBC Sevens World Series champions New Zealand flattened Samoa 40-0 so England's reward was a semi-final against the hot Kiwis.

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