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Dragons upset Sharks in first win

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 30 Maret 2013 | 18.48

St George Illawarra shocked little brother Cronulla 25-12 to open their 2013 NRL account, the Sharks night made worse with star playmaker Todd Carney helped from the field with a foot injury.

Without a win from the opening three games, the Dragons were given little chance before a bumper 20,130 fans at Sharks Stadium, but they bucked the trend with their most enterprising effort of the campaign.

The Sharks will be keeping their fingers crossed the loss isn't compounded by a serious injury to Carney, who had to be carried from the field late in the first half with what was diagnosed as a sprained foot.

Sydney Sharks coach Shane Flanagan refused to blame the strain the club has been under thanks to the drugs cloud surrounding the club for the letdown.

"I could toss that one up and that might be the case but I'm not going to throw it out there as an excuse," Flanagan said.

"The Dragons were good and they played with some attitude and we didn't have that."

On Carney, Flanagan was hoping for the best.

"He thought he heard something snap but it was his orthotic, that's how much power went through his foot," he said.

"They think it's a mid-foot sprain so it's nothing to do with his achilles or anything like that."

Asked about the relief in the Dragons dressing room, coach Steve Price said:

"I think there is (a feeling of relief) in the dressing room.

"It's not as if the boys haven't been trying, they've worked their backsides off over those losses and we fine-tuned a couple of things and we went out there and replicated that tonight."

Much-maligned five-eighth Jamie Soward was brilliant for the Dragons, scoring one try, nailing a couple of pressure-cooker sideline conversions and a late field goal, but it was the acrobatic genius of Jason Nightingale that had everybody talking.

The Kiwi winger contorted his body sensationally to nab two second half tries, the first with his entire body over the sideline and the second only millimetres inside the dead ball line as he chased a Nathan Fien kick to secure the win.

Having scored 11 first half points in total in their opening three games, the Dragons had 12 on the board inside the first 16 minutes to stun the Sharks Stadium full house.

Aside from coach Steve Price, no-one had copped more of the brunt than the much-maligned Soward, who put together his best performance in a long time to help secure the win.

"One win doesn't make your season but it definitely helps," Soward said.

"We've been under the pump for a month, everyone's been saying what they want to say, we don't really care about it honestly.

"You're never going to keep everyone quiet, you (the media) have to do your jobs and sell papers and we have to do our jobs and play footy."

Asked if he thought some of the criticism, which had mainly been levelled at a struggling Dragons attack, had been fair, Soward said:

"When you're not winning you're going to get more criticism then when you're winning.

"We've put in some good efforts, we've just been unlucky I think.

"It's easy when we're losing for people to come out and write bad stuff about the team and the coach.

"But morale's good in the team, we're not really worried about everyone else.

"We know the job we've got ahead of us, we've put ourselves in a tough position, tonight hopefully is the start of something good."

As for the rubber ball which was thrown from the crowd as he lined up for a crucial sideline conversion, Soward said:

"It didn't hit me, but when stuff like that happens, it's unwarranted.

"What are they going to gain out of it?

"It didn't put me off, I still kicked it. I love kicking them from the sidelines."

Proving far more adventurous with the ball, a Trent Merrin offload sent Fien under the posts and five minutes later Luke Lewis was made to pay for a dropped ball when Soward picked up the dregs and ran 85 metres to double the lead.

The sight of Carney being carried off could have knocked the stuffing out of the Sharks, but Ben Pomeroy came up with his own magic trick, tapping back a ball heading over the dead ball line for Jeff Robson to halve the deficit.

There was no let-up from the Dragons after the break as Nightingale took the visitors back out by two converted tries - Sharks fans revealing their ugly side as some threw what appeared to be tennis balls onto the field as Soward lined up the sideline conversion.

He nailed it to rub further salt into the wounds - as he did again when Nightingale scored his second out wide on 64 minutes after Andrew Fifita had dragged the Sharks back into the contest with a short-range four-pointer.


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Brumbies sink Bulls after siren

Nerves of steel ... Christian Lealiifano nails a penalty goal after the siren to defeat the Bulls. Source: Kym Smith / News Limited

An after-the-siren 45-metre penalty goal to inside centre Christian Lealiifano snatched the Brumbies a dramatic 23-20 Super Rugby win over the Bulls in Canberra on Saturday night.

The Bulls locked the scores up with one minute to go when outside centre Johannes Engelbrecht scored in the corner from a turnover and Morne Steyn converted.

1

Tries

2

Robbie Coleman 40' Jurgen Visser 49'
JJ Engelbrecht 79'

0

Conversions

2

Morne Steyn 50'
Morne Steyn 80'

6

Penalties

2

Christian Lealiifano 19' Morne Steyn 21'
Christian Lealiifano 33' Morne Steyn 54'
Christian Lealiifano 37'
Christian Lealiifano 70'
Christian Lealiifano 74'
Christian Lealiifano 80'

But the South Africans pushed for the win after the hooter and were penalised directly in front of their own posts.

Lealiifano, who had only missed one shot at goal in six attempts all night, stepped up and nailed it in front of 13,735 fans.

The Bulls finished strong for the second week running, working back an 11-point halftime deficit, but once again fell just short of snatching a last-minute Super Rugby result.

Australia Conference W L D PD BP Pts
1 Brumbies 5 1 0 73 3 27
2 Reds 5 2 0 5 2 22
3 Waratahs 2 3 0 -30 1 13
4 Western Force 1 4 0 -31 1 9
5 Melbourne Rebels 1 4 0 -82 1 9
New Zealand Conference W L D PD BP Pts
1 Chiefs 5 1 0 84 5 25
2 Hurricanes 3 2 0 1 2 18
3 Blues 2 3 0 16 5 17
4 Crusaders 2 2 0 37 4 16
5 Highlanders 0 5 0 -48 2 6
South Africa Conference W L D PD BP Pts
1 Sharks 4 1 0 60 1 21
2 Bulls 3 3 0 -5 3 15
3 Stormers 2 2 0 1 2 14
4 Cheetahs 3 2 0 -22 1 13
5 Southern Kings 1 4 0 -59 0 8

The Brumbies scrum dominated the Bulls throughout the match, culminating in a yellow card to loosehead prop Morne Mellet in the 65th minute for repeated scrum infringements.

With the Bulls scrum one man down, the Brumbies pressed home their advantage and nine minutes later Lealiifano kicked his fifth penalty goal of the night after another scrum infringement.

Both sides began the match playing a very conservative style of rugby, choosing to minimise the risk of being penalised in their own half by kicking it immediately rather than running.

A 9-3 lead to the Brumbies late in the first half gave them the confidence to run the ball more, retaining possession for over a dozen phases before fullback Robbie Coleman scrambled over the tryline after the halftime siren.


Re-live all the action from the Brumbies' last-gasp win over the Bulls, with video of the dying stages, at our Super Rugby Match Centre.


A rejuvenated Bulls declined a penalty shot directly after halftime and after several phases winger Lionel Mapoe crashed over the line only to lose the ball in a last ditch tackle by Brumbies winger Henry Speight.

However fellow winger Petrus Visser made amends in the 49th minute when he finished off a well worked passage of play from the Bulls.


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Video: livid Aloisi slams referees

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Fuming ... John Aloisi was livid with what he deemed another poor refereeing performance. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

John Aloisi has let fly at A-League officials after what he deemed another sub-par performance from the men in the middle in Melbourne Heart's loss to Central Coast Mariners.

Goals to golden boot contender Daniel McBreen and youngster Mitchell Duke helped the Mariners on their way at Bluetongue Stadium, but the home side were helped by a dubious decision in the first half that saw them open the scoring from the penalty spot.

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Heart defender Patrick Gerhardt was harshly sent off for a deliberate handball in the box, and Aloisi soon found himself sitting next to his player in the stands after voicing his disapproval to referee Jarred Gillett during the half-time interval.

Rookie coach Aloisi wasn't pulling the punches when he spoke with Fox Sports' Matchday Saturday team after the Mariners game.

"Most of the people in the stadium saw it wasn't a handball. How did he get it completely wrong," a livid Aloisi asked.

"Clearly he didn't handball it and it changed the game."

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Aloisi - whose side now face the prospect of the dreaded A-League wooden spoon - says it wasn't an isolated incident in a disappointing season for the Heart.

"Every week we're getting decisions against us," he said.

"I feel that referees are not up to standard.

"When you get opposition players thinking the referee made a bad decision, then you know something's wrong."


Watch John Aloisi's blow-up at the performance of A-League referees in our video at the top of this page.


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Gillett also took charge last week and awarded Brisbane Roar a contentious penalty in their win over the Heart, a result that ended Aloisi's hopes of making the A-League finals.

A passionate Aloisi said he held no regrets over the confrontation with Gillett about Gerhardt's send-off that saw him sent to the stands.

"If my players see me accept a decision like that they would be upset. It probably fired them up a bit," Aloisi said.

"He (Gillett) didn't give me an explanation.

"It changes the game. How can I be happy? I'm not going to be happy about it."


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Ablett leads stunning Suns

Stunner ... four goals from Gary Ablett inspired the Suns to a round one upset over the Saints. Source: DAVE HUNT / AAP

A Gary Ablett masterclass on Saturday night secured Gold Coast a 13-point win over St Kilda in their AFL season opener at Metricon Stadium.

The Suns' captain kicked four goals, including three in the final term, to guide the home team to a shock 13.12 (90) to 10.17 (77) win.

3.6 (24) Q1 1.7 (13)
3.8 (26) Q2 6.9 (45)
6.11 (47) Q3 7.14 (56)
13.12 (90) Q4 10.17 (77)

Gary Ablett

4

Terry Milera

3

Charlie Dixon

2

Nick Riewoldt

2

Luke Russell

2

David Armitage

1

Harley Bennell

1

Beau Maister

1

Sam Day

1

Stephen Milne

1

Aaron Hall

1

Arryn Siposs

1

Jaeger O'Meara

1

Jack Steven

1

Matt Shaw

1

Ablett sent the home fans into raptures when his second goal of the quarter put the Suns ahead but his best was yet to come.

The dual-premiership player stepped and fended his way through the Saints' defence, before sending a right-foot snap curling through the goal for his fourth major and a game-defining moment.

It was part of a remarkable best-on-ground display by the midfielder, who picked up a game-high 34 disposals; the 77th time he has eclipsed 30 disposals in his illustrious career.

Charlie Dixon and Luke Russell were the other multiple goal-kickers for the Suns, with Russell's second late in the fourth quarter a crucial settler after Steven Milne had closed the margin for St Kilda.

The Suns' victory, their third in as many matches at their home ground after defeating Greater Western Sydney and Carlton at the end of last season, was secured through a gutsy second-half display as they made the most of a scrappy performance by an undermanned St Kilda line-up.

The Saints, led by captain Nick Riewoldt's two goals, had looked to have settled when they booted five-goals to none in the second-quarter to turn an 11-point first-quarter deficit into a  19-point halftime lead.

But the Suns bounced back with Ablett, Matt Shaw and teenage debutant Jaeger O'Meara kicking three third-term goals to move within two kicks of the lead at the last change.

From there the home team took control of the match through Ablett's inspiration and some St Kilda ill-discipline, the visitors conceding three 50m penalties and handing the Suns' their first two goals of the final term through free-kicks.

Late goals by Milne and Terry Milera gave the Saints hope of snatching a win but Aaron Hall's late breakaway major sealed the win and sparked celebrations.

Click here to re-live the action in the FOX FOOTY Match Centre.


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Former NRL star Wicks out of jail

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 29 Maret 2013 | 18.48

Free man ... Former NRL star Danny Wicks is out of prison after 18 months. Source: News Limited

Catching up with family and friends and getting a job are the priorities of former NRL star Danny Wicks who was released from jail this morning.

Wicks played 69 NRL games before he was arrested and charged with eight drug related offences, including six counts of supplying a prohibited drug and two counts of possessing a prohibited drug.

Now 20 kilograms lighter than the heavyweight enforcer he was for the Knights and the Dragons, Wicks said he hadn't even considered whether he would play footy again.

"I'm fitter now than I've ever been because I trained hard every day while inside. It kept me focused and helped me get through the days," Wicks said.

"But I'm certainly not about to put up my hand and say I want to play again. There are so many more important things awaiting me like catching up with my family and friends, getting a job and kick-starting my life."


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Cowan's county stint causes a stir

Cowan ... will play County cricket leading in to the Ashes. Source: Greg Wood / AFP

English county side Nottinghamshire has defended its decision to sign Australian Test batsman Ed Cowan in the lead-up to the Ashes.

Cowan, 30, will link up with Nottinghamshire next month to play in their first seven County Championship matches and eight limited-overs games.

The stint should allow the Test opener valuable time to acclimatise to English conditions before the Ashes starts at Trent Bridge, Nottinghamshire's home ground, on July 10.

Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell admitted Cowan's recruitment may not be ideal from England's perspective but said the batsman would likely have toured with Australia A in June anyway.

"I can totally understand if they are not that thrilled about it but my point of view was that I was looking for a good quality opening batsman, the IPL is on and a lot of good quality opening batsmen are in the IPL," Newell told the UK's Daily Telegraph.


Former England captain Michael Vaughan will join Fox Sports for our coverage of the Ashes. Watch the whole series, starting with the first Test on July 10, LIVE and in HIGH DEFINITION on Fox Sports.


"... Although I understand why England would be unhappy with a bloke getting some pre-Ashes warm-up, I just pick the right bloke for Notts and he's a good bloke and he wants to play.

"I'm not sure playing for Notts against Middlesex on April 10 will be anything like playing for England on (July 10).

"You would think it wouldn't do him any harm but Australia A are coming over in mid-June for three matches anyway, so if he wasn't playing for Notts he would be playing for Australia A."

Cowan averages 32.90 across 17 Tests and scored 265 runs at 33.12 in the recent Test series in India.


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Storm holds off brave Broncos

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Billy Slater ... dives over to score a try during the NRL match between Brisbane and Melbourne at Suncorp Stadium. Source: Darren England / News Limited

Melbourne have maintained their undefeated streak, holding off a Brisbane fight back to steal victory 32-26 in their Good Friday clash at Suncorp Stadium.

Rumours that Brisbane centre Justin Hodges would be a last minute withdrawal against the Storm proved correct.

But speculation that the Broncos are a spent force in 2013 appear premature after they went down by six points to the reigning premiers in front of 40,071 fans.

The Broncos suffered a major blow when Hodges (hamstring) was a last minute withdrawal, gifting Jordan Kahu an NRL debut.

Hodges had been seen as the key to reigniting the Broncos' trademark flair following a dour last round 8-0 loss to the Sydney Roosters.

But someone forgot to tell Brisbane.

Trailing 14-0 after 15 minutes and 20-6 at halftime, Brisbane fought back to lead 22-20 by the 53rd thanks to winger Josh Hoffman's hat-trick to ensure a barnstorming finish.

In the end, Billy Slater grabbed three tries of his own as Melbourne stormed home to seal their 13th straight win and remain unbeaten since last July.peBut the Broncos will gain much needed heart after being written off before kick-off.

It was easy to see why.

Melbourne had won six of their past seven games at Suncorp Stadium - and Brisbane just two of their past 13 against the Storm at all venues.

Still, even diehard Melbourne fans would have been surprised by the Storm's whirlwind start.

Hulking centre Junior Sa'u drew first blood in the fourth minute before Slater got into the act.

The flying fullback pounced on an inside pass - and gaping hole - and raced over to score in the ninth minute despite Broncos captain Sam Thaiday's complaints that he had been held up in the preceding scrum.

Six minutes later Slater pounced on a Cameron Smith grubber.

Brisbane counterpunched through Hoffman in the 27th minute despite Cooper Cronk and Will Chambers' best efforts to hold the winger up.

However, Melbourne went into halftime up 20-6 after Slater ran onto a clever Cronk chip, spun the ball right and winger Matt Duffie did the rest in the 35th minute.

Whatever Broncos coach Anthony Griffin said at halftime worked as the Broncos came out swinging after the break.

Hoffman and centre Jack Reed terrorised the Storm's left edge, combining to score a total of three tries in 11 minutes and suddenly the Broncos led 22-20.

However, Slater grabbed a hat-trick of his own off a Cronk bomb (62nd) before winger Duffie (67th) crashed over after the ball went through six sets of hands.

The Broncos lost Hoffman and David Stagg to injury late in the second half but still kept Melbourne honest when their left edge was again sliced up, this time by backrower Alex Glenn (72nd).


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Inu could face ban over Inglis spear

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South Sydney ... star Greg Inglis is spear tackled by Krisnan Inu. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

Canterbury coach Des Hasler is expecting Krisnan Inu to find himself in hot water following his spear tackle on South Sydney fullback Greg Inglis.

Inu was lucky to stay on the field after the incident in the second half of his side's 17-12 defeat after dumping Inglis on his head. 

However, referee Shayne Hayne opted to place the Kiwi centre on report.

No player has been sent from the field for a spear tackle since Peter O'Driscoll received his marching orders for Souths in 1995.

Hasler refused to defend his player but said it was out of character for the enigmatic centre to deliberately try and hurt an opponent.

"It went wrong that tackle. Let's not kid ourselves," Hasler said.

"It didn't look too good. Krisnan's got an impeccable record.

"He's not that kind of player. We'll wait and see just how it's graded.

"The way the gradings are going we might get off lightly."

Inglis was suffering from a sore neck after the game and was checked out by doctors, but is not expected to miss any games.

That is unlikely to be the case for Inu, whose challenge was labelled "one of the worst I've seen for some time," by commentator and former Penrith halfback Greg Alexander.

Inu's teammate Tony Williams was hit with a seven-game following a similar incident on Cronulla Isaac De Gois when he was playing for Manly last year.

Williams was slugged with a grade four charge and was facing potentially 10 games on the sidelines before taking the early guilty plea.

Souths coach Michael Maguire said he couldn't discuss the incident because it had been put on report.

Asked what was going through his mind when the incident occurred, Maguire said: "Greggy get up. Do your job."

"We can't really comment. At the end of the day, it's sorted out over the next couple of days."

Souths prop Roy Asotasi admitted he was concerned for Inglis' when he saw the Queensland superstar land on the back of his neck.

"It was a pretty bad-looking tackle," Asotasi said.

"It is probably the worst way to land. It was pretty much head first and he still had his arms.

"I am sure it will get sorted out. The welfare of players is the most important thing in the game."


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Rampant Roar run over Sydney

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 28 Maret 2013 | 18.48

Brisbane Roar ... book their place in the A-League play-offs. Source: Dave Hunt / AAP

Whatever nerves Frank Farina felt ahead of his Suncorp Stadium homecoming will be nothing compared to what awaits this weekend after Sydney FC lost 3-1 to Brisbane Roar on Thursday night.

Two-time A-League champions the Roar can launch a title defence after locking up a finals spot with the vital win in their regular-season finale - but it remains to be seen whether Farina's Sky Blues will join them.

Farina would have been riding an emotional rollercoaster ahead of his first game back at Suncorp since he was sacked as Roar coach for drink-driving in 2009.

P W D L GD Pts
1 Western Sydney 26 17 3 6 17 54
2 Central Coast 26 15 6 5 25 51
3 Victory 26 12 5 9 2 41
4 Adelaide 26 12 4 10 1 40
5 Brisbane 27 10 5 12 4 35
6 Sydney 27 9 5 13 -10 32
7 Perth 26 9 4 13 -2 31
8 Newcastle 26 8 7 11 -12 31
9 Heart 26 8 3 15 -8 27
10 Wellington 26 7 6 13 -17 27

However, there is no let up in sight for the Roar's former favourite son as he sweats on Sydney FC's finals fate over the Easter weekend.

The Roar thrilled the 19,010-strong crowd by locking up fifth spot, leaving just one finals berth left.

Sixth-placed Sydney FC (32 points) face a white-knuckle ride as they look to hold out Perth (31) and Newcastle (31), who finish their regular season against No.4 Adelaide United and leaders Western Sydney Wanderers respectively.

A simple finals formula faced both sides in Brisbane on Thursday night - win and you're in.

But a more complex equation now awaits the Sky Blues if they are to scrape into the finals.

Ideally, Sydney FC would want Perth and Newcastle to lose but can still seal sixth if the Glory lose and the Jets draw.

Winning at Suncorp was always going to be a tough ask for Sydney FC.

They had savoured victory just three times in their past 18 games at the venue and last won way back in 2007.

In contrast, the Roar have won their past eight home games against Sydney FC.

German import Thomas Broich looked dangerous early for the Roar but it was teammate Besart Berisha who drew first blood in the 29th minute.

Proving that he is human after all, Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero's clumsy pass caused a turnover and Broich pounced, providing a perfect pass for Berisha to knock in his 14th season goal and 27th in as many games at the venue.


Re-live the action with our A-League Match Centre.


Whatever Farina said at halftime initially seemed to work as they came out with intent but it was the Roar who scored again off another Sydney FC turnover.

The Roar made Sebastian Ryall pay for his gaffe as Steven Lustica combined with Berisha to score in the 51st minute.

Ivan Franjic's wonderful 79th-minute curling strike into the far corner made it 3-0 before Del Piero's 84th-minute penalty shot finally put the visitors on the board.


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'I've got better without Barba'

Reynolds ... is hoping to push his case for an Origin jersey in 2013. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

Josh Reynolds is not the kind of guy to wish bad fortune on a teammate but if anyone found a silver lining in the absence of star fullback Ben Barba, it was the Canterbury-Bankstown No.6.

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With State of Origin just around the corner, Reynolds admits to having selection "in the back of my head" and he believes he's taken a step in the right direction while filling the Barba hole as the Bulldogs' go-to man.

"I have enjoyed it and like you said, last week (against the Storm) was a big test for us," Reynolds told Sterlo as a special guest on Thursday night.

"I'll learn from that. I shouldn't have put that kick in at the end - there was only a couple of sets to go.

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"But we can't rely on Benny to just pull us up all the time. Me and Kris (Keating), we really have to step up."

While Barba's absence may have been the trigger for Reynolds to take on new responsibility, he takes inspiration from Melbourne's ultra-consistent "big three".

The 23-year-old has played some spectacular games over the past 12 months, but stringing them together has not come easy.

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"Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater and Cameron Smith, you never hear of them having a bad game, you know," Reynolds said.

"And for me as a player, I just want to bring that consistency to my game.

"Origin's getting tossed up a bit. It's in the back of my head because it's obviously what you want to do growing up, because who doesn't want to play the pinnacle of our sport.

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"Last year I felt at stages when things were going wrong, I didn't really step up. That's what I want to do, when things are on the line I want the boys to be looking for me."

Matthew Johns, for one, is looking at him, potentially as a key building block in a new-look NSW side under Laurie Daley.

"If you keep going like you are at the moment, I know you're only a young player, but I don't know how they're going to keep you out of the side," Johns said.

"I watched you last week against Melbourne, and when the Melbourne Storm side ran on you stood there at the halfway and you were like 'I'm ready for this'."

But will his newfound responsibility as the player the Bulldogs look to when things get tough continue now that Barba's back?

Reynolds hopes so, but for now he's just glad to see his mate happy and healthy again.

"Things have changed in his life but as a bloke towards the boys and as a person he's still the same guy; he's still the same funny guy to have around training and he's come back really positive, which has given the team a boost," Reynolds said.

"I think he came back and the boys didn't know what to say to him but he's came back and said: 'look, everything's the same boys, let's get on with our footy', and it's really helped us." 


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Richmond survives scare

Party Time ... Dustin martni celebrates a wonder-goal as the Tigers start with a win. Source: JOE CASTRO / AAP

A nervy Richmond survived a spirited Carlton fightback despite holding a six-goal lead at the final change.

The Blues came storming home and closed to within 12 points before the Tigers steadied and ran out winners 14.22 (106) to 14.17 (101).

3.3 (21) Q1 2.9 (21)
4.6 (30) Q2 9.14 (68)
9.12 (66) Q3 14.18 (102)
14.17 (101) Q4 14.22 (106)

Eddie Betts

2

Brett Deledio

3

Jefferey Garlett

2

Tyrone Vickery

3

Bryce Gibbs

2

Jake King

2

Chris Judd

2

Luke McGuane

2

Matthew Kreuzer

2

Reece Conca

1

Marc Murphy

2

Bachar Houli

1

Shaun Hampson

1

Daniel Jackson

1

Chris Yarran

1

Dustin Martin

1

Carlton kicked the first three goals of the night and looked to be continuing their dominance in this famous fixture, but a seven-goal second term broke the game apart, the Tigers leading by as many as 42 points 11 minutes into the third quarter.

The Blues charged home in the final quarter and had the chance to snatch an unlikely victory but Chris Yarran pushed his shot to the left from 30-metres on the run.

Tyrone Vickery and Brett Deledio had three goals each for the victors while Trent Cotchin accumulated 33 disposals in his first game as Richmond captain.

Carlton's woes extend beyond the loss with Chris Yarran on report for striking and a concussion that forced Mitch Robinson out of the game.

Click here to view all of the stats and scores in the FOX FOOTY Match Centre.

More to come.


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Thurston v Sterlo: a champ tells all

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North Queensland ... Cowboys skipper Johnathan Thurston in action. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

North Queensland skipper Johnathan Thurston has revealed some of the deepest secrets that have made him arguably the best player in the NRL right now.

In a wide-ranging interview with Sterlo host, Peter Sterling, Thurston explained how he looks for dents in opposition defensive lines, what he does to prepare for a game and reveals in which game he's most felt 'in the zone".

We give you a taste of the interview, with Thurston's take on:

Pre-game prep: Pretty relaxed, calm. I've been around for a while now, so I know how to prepare for a game and get my body right and get my mind right mentally and physically.

Superstitions: Playing for the Cowboys I always have to have my socks the one colour. I've been doing that since I was at the Bulldogs, and I've just followed that through, so that's probably about it.

Targeting opposition defenders: Obviously as a team we do plenty of video on the opposition's defence and we look out for the weaknesses there and we target them.

The Cowboys' gameplan: Most of it's structured, but I've always been a player who likes to play what's in front of me. If I see something that's not to the structure we're playing, I'm certainly going to play that. I always have my eyes forward, I'm always scanning across the line to make sure I know if there's any holes across the defence, you know, if someone's lagging behind or a little bit injured. And I just try to expose them.

The show and go: If there's a big man in front of me, I try to expose them a little bit. Probably the show and go is my strength. It's about standing up the big man in front of me, exposing him a little bit on his inside shoulder or his outside shoulder. If he's not square. If his hips or his shoulders are turned out a little bit, well then I know I've got him.

Exposing the Storm on the edges, setting up two tries in their round two encounter: The first one was a turnover. Bowen passed the ball to me and we had a bit of an overlap. I could see their winger, his shoulders were turned in and he came straight in for our centre. So that made my job easier. I could see Tones (Antonio Winterstein) there on the wing, so I hit him there and put him through and I think Kane (Linnett) scored on that one. And the second one we just had a block shape off me and I could see the centre, Will Chambers, and the winger Matt Duffie, turned in on Mango (Matt Bowen). And I could see Antonio on the wing by himself. So both times I hit him on the chest, which is alright.

Goal kicking: I make sure I'm comfortable. I'll wear a headgear and a shoulder brace and do my routine: I take my steps back and my steps to the side and I focus on a target on the ball. I count my steps in when I'm going in to kick and I just imagine that. I need to aim a fair bit right (of the posts) on both sides. I can take it if I miss to the right of the posts but I can't stand missing to the left because that means I haven't given enough room for my hook.

Being in 'the zone': Probably game three of State of Origin last year. I can remember being camped down, I think they put a good kick in and we were battling to get off our line. I went from the left side over to the right and told Sammy T (Thaiday) to run a block off Cooper (Cronk) and that got Mitchell Pearce in a little bit. I threw a dummy and he fell for that and I ran 40m and handed the ball inside to Brent Tate and I think two or three plays later I ended up scoring beside the sticks.
 


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'Toomua, Lealiifano up for Lions'

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 27 Maret 2013 | 18.48

Up to the task ... Larkham backs the Brumbies pairing for the Wallabies. Source: News Limited

Australia's greatest modern flyhalf Stephen Larkham believes both Matt Toomua and Christian Lealiifano would be up for making their Wallabies Test debut against the British and Irish Lions in June.

Granted Larkham is their backs coach at the Brumbies, but the 1999 World Cup-winning playmaker knows what it takes to compete at international level with 102 caps in the green and gold - including two against the Lions in the Wallabies' 2001 series win.

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The door for the flyhalf role is ajar with wayward incumbent Kurtley Beale sent home from the Rebels tour of South Africa, an injured Berrick Barnes out for up to five weeks, Quade Cooper trying to work himself back into form and James O'Connor having played the majority of his rugby this year at fullback.

Larkham said the combination between Toomua - who played for the Wallabies in a tour match against the Cardiff Blues in 2009 - and Lealiifano had been a perfect fit for the competition-leading Brumbies this year.

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Lealiifano largely now plays at No.12 while Toomua has been a standout at flyhalf for the Brumbies, though both are capable of slotting into the other's role.

"They both bring different attributes to the game ... and if the Wallabies want to take some of our game into the Lions tour, then they would be the best candidates," Larkham said.

While Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has expressed reluctance to blood debutants against the Lions, Larkham assured that both players would be up to the task.

"They are part of the leadership group and they know how to run the team around," he said.

"I'm sure they would be able to step up provided they had some familiar faces around on the field."

Toomua was more reserved about the prospect on Wednesday, saying there was no reason to get carried away after five weeks of Super Rugby and almost three months out from the first Lions Test.

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The 23-year-old missed much of last season with a knee injury while he struggled to get consistent starting time in 2011 at the Brumbies.

"I'm lying if I say I don't want to play for the Wallabies," he said.

"But I played three (Super Rugby) games last year and not many the year before and, for me personally, it's just about getting back-to-back games and trying to develop as a player."

Another Brumby banging on the door for Wallabies selection is fullback Jesse Mogg, who is equal first on the Super Rugby tryscorers board with four.

Larkham, who started his career at fullback, said Mogg had matured over the past 12 months into a player capable of Test rugby.

"There's been lots of talk about Moggie, whether he's consistent enough to play for the Wallabies," he said.

"I'd like to think so. He's had four outstanding games for us this year.


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Fa'aoso charge downgraded

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Escape ... Richie Fa'aoso will miss just one week for his hit on Ash Harrison. Source: COLIN WHELAN / AAP

Manly coach Geoff Toovey has called for an overhaul of the NRL judiciary's grading system after Richie Fa'aoso's grade three dangerous contact charge was reduced on Wednesday.

The former Melbourne and Newcastle forward was facing a four-game ban if he lost his appeal following his challenge on Gold Coast back-rower Ashley Harrison last Sunday.

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Fa'aoso caught Harrison with his shoulder, but the Queensland State of Origin star was knocked out following a clash of heads between the pair after contact had been made.

The 28-year-old is the latest in a long line of players who have secured a victory at the judiciary after fighting the grading of a dangerous contact charge, including Ben Te'o and Greg Inglis last year.

It prompted Toovey to call for more transparency from the match review committee when grading offences.

"I said last year that the grading system needs an overhaul," he said.

"I think that we need to protect the players and we have laws about contact to players' heads.

"You can ban the tackle altogether if you really want. That is the way to get around it.

"We accept the decision by the people that make the rules. Any contact to the head is unacceptable.

"But there needs to be a better system. But we think the panel did a great job, and we got a very fair hearing."

Fa'aoso's counsel, Nicholas Ghabar, conceded the hit on Harrison was illegal but successfully argued it was comparable to an incident involving Billy Slater in round two, and he'll now only miss Thursday's clash with the Wests Tigers.

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Storm star Slater was slugged with a grade one charge when he raced crossfield and used his shoulder to knock over North Queensland winger Antonio Winterstein in the lead up to a try for the Cowboys but escaped a ban by taking an early guilty plea.

NRL prosecutor Peter Kite argued that Fa'aoso made a deliberate choice to instigate the illegal action and by doing so created the possibility of a head clash.

Kite also claimed the incident wasn't comparable to Slater's as the fullback was coming across the field to chase down an opponent and Fa'aoso raced out of the line and had time to pull out of the challenge.

Toovey said the challenge was worthwhile but acknowledged the welfare of players was the most important thing in the game.

"Richie made the tackle now which is illegal and we accept that," Toovey said.

"We hope Ashley Harrison is OK to play this weekend. Players' welfare is at the forefront of everyone's mind.

"Richie was very remorseful during and after the game and worried about his fellow player."

The three-man panel of Don McKinnon, Michael Vella and Sean Garlick took 20 minutes to make the decision.

Fa'aoso will be free to return for the match against Canterbury next Friday at ANZ Stadium.


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I can still play with Beale: Delve

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Gareth Delve ... says he can still play alongside Beale despite the punch. Source: David Crosling / AAP

Melbourne Rebels skipper Gareth Delve says he would have no trouble playing alongside wayward Wallaby Kurtley Beale despite being punched by his teammate while on tour.

Beale's future at the Super Rugby franchise is in doubt after he and Test winger Cooper Vuna were sent home from South Africa in disgrace.

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Following their 64-7 loss to the Sharks in Durban and a team outing to a nightclub, Beale punched captain Gareth Delve and when Vuna intervened they traded blows.

Vuna then tweeted about the incident, calling Beale a "grub" in another breach of team protocol.

The Rebels announced on Wednesday night after a hearing that Vuna would be available for their game against the Western Force in 10 days time, taking into account his previous good behaviour and community work.

Vuna has been banned from using social media.

The club and Australian Rugby Union inquiry into Beale's actions is continuing with a resolution likely on Thursday.

He may face a lengthy suspension or even have his contract terminated.

After the hearing, Vuna apologised for the embarrassment he caused the club.

"During my time with the Melbourne Rebels I have turned my life around," he said in a statement.

"The outcome of this incident in Durban is not consistent with the values of my family, my church and my football club."

Vuna, a father of two, has been on a self-imposed alcohol ban for the last six months and dropped 10kg in the process.

The rugby league convert is trying to add to his two Test caps earned last year.

Meanwhile, Delve says he would have no trouble playing alongside wayward Wallaby star Beale despite the punch.

"I'm a professional rugby player. For the most part, my relationship with Kurtley has been excellent," Delve said.

"It's not something I can't get past.''

Beale and Vuna apologised for their antics before starting their trip back to Australia.

The Rebels are attempting to put the crisis behind them as they prepare to face the in-form Cheetahs in Bloemfontein this weekend.

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The Cheetahs are returning from their most successful Australasian tour after victories over the NSW Waratahs, Highlanders and Western Force.

Delve said the players would be out to try to repair some of the damage from both the crashing defeat and the brawl.

He said they needed to make it up to the coaching staff and Melbourne fans.

"We've got a great opportunity to come out this week to turn things around and to put things right," Delve said.

"We owe everyone a big performance this week."

Coach Damien Hill is set to ring the changes following the Durban game, where the Rebels finished with the sorry tally of 19 turnovers and 31 missed tackles.

Richard Kingi is set to start on the wing in place of Vuna while prop Paul Alo-Emile will start ahead of Laurie Weeks.

Rookie flanker Jordy Reid will also get his first start replacing Scott Fuglistaller.

Wallabies back-rower Scott Higginbotham has been cleared of any shoulder damage while centre Mitch Inman is on the mend after a stomach bug.

Hill said the players were aware of the importance of the game.

"Everyone was embarrassed and angry post-game but they've had a good look at themselves and, as a result, the team's even more focused.

"I've been pleased with the way they've stuck together."


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Maguire backs shoulder charge

Greg Inglis' ... infamous shoulder charge on former St George Illawarra Dragon Dean Young. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

South Sydney coach Michael Maguire has backed the reinstatement of the shoulder charge to the game of Rugby League.

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Despite being rubbed out of the game, the controversial tackle is back dividing opinion.

On NRL 360 on Wednesday night, Maguire said he believes there should be strict penalties for those players who make contact with a player's head with the current system too hard to police. 

"I think it's going to still continually create controversy on what is and what isn't a shoulder charge," Maguire said on NRL360. 

"As a rugby league lover I love those clashes.

"I would say if it got contact with the head then obviously ramifications have got to come.

"To watch last year when Greg Inglis picks up the ball on a kick return and Chrissy Sandow comes down and bounces off him, we all probably had a chuckle. It was actually great contact, you miss those sorts of parts of the game."

However Australian coach Tim Sheens disagreed, stating the modern game has no room for such risky practice. 

"Old scrums are gone and getting stomped on the ground is gone and getting hit behind the ear is gone," Sheens said. 

"Today the game is about a certain amount of safety and the shoulder charge it's alright to say (penalise him) if he hits him in the head but if he does (hit his head) it can kill him."

On Wednesday night, Manly forward Richie Fa'aoso was successful in downgrading a dangerous contact charge which threatened to wipe him out for four matches.

Instead he will miss one as a result of an off-the-ball tackle which concussed Gold Coast back-rower Ashley Harrison and forced him from the field in a neck brace.

The NRL's crackdown is seemingly struggling to get through to many players, Sheens and Maguire agreeing that it is an instinct for players to use the shoulder in certain situations.

"It's actually a very ineffective tackle," Maguire said. 

"They get a quick play the ball out of it. No coach is going out there and saying we're doing it. It's just a reaction.

Sheens added; "Sonny Bill Williams who everybody was waiting for the shoulder charge. He's gone to Rugby for a period a time when you weren't allowed to do it, he's come back and not missed a tackle and I don't think anyone has missed seeing Sonny do a shoulder charge. He's playing good football with just good defence." 


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Punter wants to play on with Tassie

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 26 Maret 2013 | 18.48

Not done yet ... Ricky Ponting won't be joining the departing Tim Coyle. Source: News Limited

Ricky Ponting has told Tasmania he wants to play on next season, even after completing his illustrious CV in a first Sheffield Shield victory with his state.

Ponting finally won some silverware with the Tigers, two decades after his debut, as the home side played out a draw with Queensland on Tuesday in the Shield final at Bellerive.

SHEF - Blundstone Arena

22 March 2013 - Day 5, Session 3

Queensland 2nd Innings

C. Hartley 23 96 1 0 23.96
M. Neser 18 27 3 0 66.67
B. Hilfenhaus 22 6 58 2 2.64

The 38-year-old former Test captain, who retired from international cricket last December and went on to top the Shield run-scorers' list, tasted success in his third decider.

He is unlikely to be lost entirely to Australian cricket after telling Cricket Tasmania he intends to play on if stints in the the Indian Premier League, the English county competition and a Caribbean Twenty20 tournament go well.

"I've told Tasmanian cricket this week that I'm really keen to play on again next year," he told reporters.

"But in the same breath, I've also told them not to contract me.

"I don't want to take a contract spot and pull out at the last minute.

"If I get through the winter really well and I'm still keen to play again next year, then I'll obviously go round again."

Tasmania required only a draw after finishing the regular season top of the table to earn hosting rights.

The Tigers' most successful coach, Tim Coyle, will depart having taken the state to all three of its Shield titles and two one-day cups.

Ponting, who made 35 and one in the match, said it was too early to rate the victory with his numerous international achievements, but his time back in the Shield had been special.

"I love the culture and I wanted to give as much back as I could to Tassie cricket," Ponting said.

"They've been so good to me over the years and I haven't been able to play the amount of cricket that I would have liked to have played.

"It's been a special time in my career, the last few months, to come back around these boys and feel like you're having a bit of an influence over the way they're playing their cricket."


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Cats lose Johnson for more weeks

Steve Johnson ... is expected to miss the first three weeks of the season. Source: JULIAN SMITH / AAP

Knee surgery means Geelong star Steve Johnson's delayed start to the AFL season is out to three weeks.

The three-time premiership player was already sidelined for Monday's Easter Monday blockbuster against Hawthorn because of suspension.

But Johnson hurt his left knee in a VFL practice match, which he was playing in because of his round-one ban.

"He just fell on the knee a little bit awkwardly and thought he'd be fine," Cats coach Chris Scott told Fox Footy's AFL 360 program.

"But it hasn't pulled up all that well at training this week.

"Only a minor procedure was required, so we decided to do that straight away.

"The likelihood is he'll only miss three weeks."

Scott said Johnson had enjoyed a strong pre-season before the injury.

Johnson suffered a dislocated kneecap and damaged ligaments to the same knee in the 2011 preliminary final.

He needed several painkilling injections to play in the following week's grand final win over Collingwood.

While the surgery is a blow, Scott said it was important to fix the problem now.

"It softens the blow a little bit that he's unavailable for round one anyway," the Cats coach said.

"We'd obviously prefer it was done a month ago or even longer.

"But it was really an acute issue ... if he's back and at his best from round four onwards, for example, it's a much better result than having him play the early rounds and be limited for the rest of the season."

Meanwhile, the Cats' No.1 ruckman Trent West might return from a similar injury to play in Monday's clash.

West also needed knee surgery in the pre-season and has recovered well enough to be available to face the Hawks.

But the Cats are weighing up whether they want to select him without having played a pre-season game.

"He's some chance but we haven't made up our minds," football manager Neil Balme said.

Geelong on Tuesday upgraded ruck options Mark Blicavs and Josh Walker from their rookie list.

They are in selection contention, given West is the club's only other recognised ruckman in the frame to face the Hawks.

Nathan Vardy (hip), Dawson Simpson (back) and Hamish McIntosh (knee) are all weeks from returning.

Scott said Blicavs was in their squad of 25, only a year after trying to make the Australian athletics team for the London Olympics as a steeplechase runner.

"To have said that ... 12 months ago on this night at our season launch would have sounded ridiculous," Scott said.

"His work ethic and his thirst for knowledge has inspired all of us."


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Socceroos' hopes shaky after draw

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Crucial ... The Socceroos can only manage a draw against a spirited Oman side. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

The Socceroos' World Cup hopes hang in the balance after being held to a 2-2 draw by Oman in their qualifying match at ANZ Stadium on Tuesday.

Staring down the barrel of a 2-0 loss after the first 50 minutes, deadly aerialist Tim Cahill brought the game to life for Australia with his goal in the 51st minute while a Brett Holman missile levelled the score in the 85th.

The 105-ranked Oman stunned the Socceroos early with a goal through Abdul Aziz seven minutes in, while disaster struck right after the break with Mile Jedinak netting an own goal.

The world No.37 Australia remain in second spot in their group but level on points with Oman and seven points behind runaway leaders Japan, with only the top two teams securing an automatic berth to next year's showpiece.

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With three matches left on the road to Brazil, including an away clash against runway group leaders Japan, Australia can ill afford to draw another match.

The Socceroos had a sloppy start to the game, not creating many chances and being too easily dispossessed, perhaps missing the leadership and vocal presence of suspended skipper Lucas Neill.

In contrast it was a well organised Oman side who took to the field not letting the Australians make any real inroads with their wayward crosses doing them no favours.

Aziz broke the deadlock early, outpacing Michael Thwaite to put his strike into the back of the net in the seventh minute, silencing the 34,600-strong crowd.

Holman had one of the few opportunities of the half and looked like levelling just before the break, forcing a save from Oman's Wigan 'keeper Ali Al Habsi after Cahill headed the ball back to him for the shot.

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Jedinak continued his woeful night in the second half, sticking his foot out to stop a strike from Omani midfielder Raed Saleh only to send it into the net just after the break.

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Cahill got one back for the hosts, heading home off a Wilkshire corner, seemingly sparking the Socceroos into action.
Cahill struck again with a header moments later, drawing a superb save from Al Habsi.

Group B P W D L GD Pts
1 Japan 5 4 1 0 11 13
2 Australia 5 1 3 1 0 6
3 Oman 6 1 3 2 -3 6
4 Iraq 5 1 2 2 -1 5
5 Jordan 5 1 1 3 -7 4

Wlkshire continued the assault on Oman's goal and looked like levelling in the 59th minute with his long range strike.

But it deflected off a defender to hit the crossbar then the post with Cahill just unable to direct the ball into the net.

Cahill threatened yet again with another header in the dying minutes but despite peppering the Omani goal with several dangerous headers it was Holman who found the equaliser with a sensational shot from about 25 yards out.


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As it happened: Socceroos v Oman

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As it happened ... Re-live all the drama with our blog of the Socceroo's match against Oman. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

Re-live all the action from what could be a costly draw for the Socceroos against Oman in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier.


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Hamstrung Sandilands out until June

Written By Unknown on Senin, 25 Maret 2013 | 18.48

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Hamstring ... Fremantle will miss Aaron Sandilands for at least two months. Source: TONY MCDONOUGH / AAP

Fremantle have received mixed news on star ruckman Aaron Sandilands - he will need hamstring surgery, but should return midway through this AFL season.

The three-time All-Australian consulted with surgeon Julian Feller in Melbourne on Monday after aggravating the injury to his left hamstring.

The Dockers announced on Monday night that Sandilands will be out of action for eight to 12 weeks.

"It's very disappointing for Aaron and the club but with the appropriate period of recovery and a structured rehabilitation program, it is possible he will be available for selection mid-way through the season," Fremantle football manager Chris Bond said.


Check out the full 2013 AFL premiership season fixture


"But at this stage we will have to wait until after his surgery and the recovery phase before we can be more specific about when Aaron will be available for selection."

Sandilands originally tore the muscle during the pre-season and was expected to return in round two.
But he aggravated the injury last week and that forced the Melbourne visit.


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Sheedy urges Giants to buy Buddy

Go get him ... Sheedy wants Franklin to turn orange. Source: Chris Scott / News Limited

Greater Western Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy has urged the Giants to up the ante in their pursuit of Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin in a bid to boost the fledgling club and AFL in the region.

Franklin has put off contract negotiations until the end of the year, leaving the door ajar for the cashed-up Giants to make a huge play for the brilliant forward.

Hawthorn have publicly stated that they expect to retain Franklin, but there is an expectation that either the 26-year-old or a couple of key teammates will be squeezed out.

Sheedy, speaking on AFL 360, has told the Giants to be ready to pounce if Franklin looks to continue his career elsewhere.

"I would think it would be a great opportunity if Franklin is thinking of leaving Hawthorn," Sheedy said.

"It would be enormous, absolutely enormous."

Asked by AFL 360 co-host Mark Robinson if Franklin commanded $1.2-$1.3 million per season, Sheedy said: "If that's what it takes to get him to Sydney I believe this team would blossom with another great player in it."

Sheedy was excited by the prospect of possibly adding Franklin to a forward line containing young guns Jonathon Patton and Jeremy Cameron.

The salary cap space cleared by Israel Folau's defection to Super Rugby will be spent, Sheedy declared, and Franklin would be the top ticket item.

"If it was my advice and it was on the table, I would say go after him.

"He's kicked over 500 (529) goals in about a 150-160-game (161) career.

"Kurt Tippett has played just over 100 (104) games and kicked maybe 180 (188) goals.

"I think Franklin is a better player than Tippett.

"Therefore, if you've got a package of money there left after (Israel) Folau then you get it right and you might have a (Tony) Lockett.

"And that injection into Sydney would be fantastic."


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Ablett pours cold water on Cats return

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Open and honest ... Gary Ablett chats with Mike Sheahan. Source:FOX SPORTS

Gold Coast skipper Gary Ablett has downplayed speculation that he will seek a return to Geelong when his lucrative Suns contract expires at the end of 2015.

Cats fans - and some former teammates - hold out hope that the brilliant midfielder will pull on the blue and white hoops again before his stellar AFL career ends.

"It's hard to say because I don't know where I'll be," Ablett told Open Mike on FOX FOOTY.

"I'm loving it at the Gold Coast at the moment and I really want to win a premiership up there."

Ablett, 28, was relaxed and refreshing in his 30-minute chat with Mike Sheahan.

He went into detail about his father's career - and battle with depression - and said he gave up footy as a teenager due to the pressure of carrying the famous Ablett name.

Ablett confirmed reports that after the 2006 season senior Geelong players, led by Cameron Ling, sat the Brownlow medallist down and had a frank discussion about his lack of training intensity.

He admitted "it was hard to take", but reflected on the moment as a turning point.

"When I first got to the club I just used to go through the motions a bit," he said.

"I didn't realise how hard you had to train to make it. I thought I was going to make it off the talent I had and I kind of went along like that for three or four years."

The Cats' leaders told Ablett: "Look mate, you're not training hard enough, you're not working hard enough, it's just not acceptable."

One year later Ablett led the Cats to a drought-breaking flag, won his first of four AFLPA MVP awards, and the first of four club best-and-fairests.

In the interview, Ablett also:

-Admitted he was homesick for his first year at the Gold Coast, but adamant he made the right decision to walk away from Geelong.

-Tried to talk brother Nathan Ablett out of quitting Geelong.

-Rated his father as the best to ever play the game.

-Revealed he had enjoyed a laugh with Mark Thompson since their feud in 2010.


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Boss admits regret on 'phys-edders'

Dropped the ball ... Demetriou says AFL should have acted earlier. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou admits the league should have acted much earlier on concerns about the growing influence of sports scientists at some clubs.

Demetriou said that was one issue he was referring to at last week's season launch when he confessed to "some recent errors of judgment".

"One specific example, definitely ... (was) talking about the influence sports scientists were having at football clubs," he told FOX FOOTY's On The Couch.

"We should have intervened a lot earlier.

"When I came out and talked about that, there was outrage from some quarters about sports scientists (having) a place.

"They may well have a place and there are some very fine ones.

"But there were certain things going on, certain practices, particularly with marginalising our club doctors, which was unacceptable."

A year ago, Demetriou said the league would issue heavy fines if it could prove club medical staff were being overruled on player health.

"Phys-edders don't overrule doctors," was Demetriou's blunt warning at the time.

Sports science is now a massive issue not only in the AFL, but Australian sport in general.

Essendon are now under a joint Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority and AFL investigation for supplement use last season.

The Bombers have also commissioned an independent investigation to look into "irregular practices" at the club.

The Australian Crime Commission has released a report expressing concerns about performance enhancing drugs and organised crime in sport.

Meanwhile, Demetriou also said on Monday night that he could understand why the league's findings against Melbourne Demons had confused fans.

The league suspended Dean Bailey and Chris Connolly, as well as hitting the Demons with a $500,000 fine, but cleared the club of tanking.

"I can give you lots and lots of cases where there's insufficient evidence and insufficient proof, people do get frustrated by the outcome," Demetriou said.

"All I will say to you is based on the evidence that could be sustained ... that was all that could be supported.

"I tell you what, if you don't have evidence, then you don't go down that track and pinging guilt on people.

"You know where you'll end up? You'll end up in the High Court or somewhere else."


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Mariners sail past Reds

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 24 Maret 2013 | 18.48

Daniel McBreen ... scores for the Mariners. Source: Ben MacMahon / AAP

Central Coast kept alive their hopes of pinching the A-League's premier's plate with a commanding 2-0 away triumph against Adelaide United on Sunday night.

Daniel McBreen netted in the fourth minute and Mile Sterjovski scored two minutes from time at Hindmarsh Stadium as the second-placed Mariners closed the gap on table-toppers Western Sydney.

P W D L GD Pts
1 Western Sydney 26 17 3 6 17 54
2 Central Coast 26 15 6 5 25 51
3 Victory 26 12 5 9 2 41
4 Adelaide 26 12 4 10 1 40
5 Brisbane 26 9 5 12 2 32
6 Sydney 26 9 5 12 -8 32
7 Perth 26 9 4 13 -2 31
8 Newcastle 26 8 7 11 -12 31
9 Heart 26 8 3 15 -8 27
10 Wellington 26 7 6 13 -17 27

Central Coast (51 points, plus-25 goal difference) will steal the plate with a win next week - if the Wanderers (54 points, plus-17 goal difference) lose to Newcastle.

McBreen's early strike stunned Adelaide, who remain fourth, one point shy of third-placed Melbourne Victory.

McBreen firmed as favourite to win the Golden Boot with his 15th goal this season, two more than Victory star Marco Rojas, after combining with Mitchell Duke to slice open Adelaide's defence.

The duo's neat one-two played McBreen into space and an angled run at goal from five metres out. As Adelaide goalkkeeper Paul Izzo charged, McBreen slotted a low shot to silence Adelaide's 8069-strong home crowd.

The early blow set a dominant tone for the well-drilled Mariners, who repeatedly forced the Reds backwards and sideways.

But Adelaide rallied in the second half with Jeronimo Neumann and Iain Ramsay both narrowly missing equalisers.

Neumann dribbled a sliding right footer from less than a metre out into 'keeper Justin Pasfield, who tipped it centimetres wide, before an audacious 15-metre volley from Ramsay five minutes later cracked into the cross bar.

But the Reds were made to rue their missed chances when Sterjovski blasted a goal from near the penalty spot in the final minutes as the Mariners extended their winning streak against Adelaide to eight matches.

Central Coast coach Graham Arnold hailed the win, given it came with a back-drop of his players and staff not being paid on time by the club.

"It has been an extremely tough week,'' Arnold said.

He then took a swipe at critics for failing to respect the achievements of the Mariners, who have banked more than 50 points in the past three seasons.

"You get disappointed at times when we don't get the recognition we deserve as a team,'' he said.

"It motivates the players and it motivates me enormously because I'm a fighter and I like being put down because I like to fight back.''

Adelaide United coach Michael Valkanis said despite the Reds' recent lean trot it wasn't "all doom and gloom''.

"We huffed and we puffed but didn't blow Central Coast down,'' Valkanis said.

"We lost and we're disappointed but we didn't deserve to lost 2-0.''


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Vettel wins controversial F1 GP

Podium ... Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton after the race. Source: Vincent Thian / AP

Has Formula 1's Pandora box on team orders just been dramatically reopened?

In a ferocious wheel-to-wheel battle in the Malaysian GP, World Champion Sebastian Vettel defied Red Bull team orders to hold position behind Mark Webber to overtake his team-mate to claim his first victory of 2013 while at Mercedes Nico Rosberg became embroiled in a prolonged radio argument with team boss Ross Brawn in wake of instructions to hold station behind Lewis Hamilton.

Driver Team Pts
1 Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) Lotus 25
2 Fernando Alonso (ESP) Ferrari 18
3 Sebastian Vettel (GER) Red Bull 15
4 Felipe Massa (BRA) Ferrari 12
5 Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes 10
6 Mark Webber (AUS) Red Bull 8
7 Adrian Sutil (GER) Force India 6
8 Paul di Resta (GBR) Force India 4
9 Jenson Button (GBR) McLaren 2
10 Romain Grosjean (FRA) Lotus 1
11 Sergio Perez (MEX) McLaren 0
12 Jean Eric Vergne (FRA) Toro Rosso 0
13 Esteban Gutierrez (MEX) Sauber 0
14 Valtteri Bottas (FIN) Williams 0
15 Jules Bianchi (FRA) Marussia F1 0
16 Charles Pic (FRA) Carterham 0
17 Chris McNealy (USA) Marussia F1 0
18 Giedo van der Garde (NED) Carterham 0
19 Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) Toro Rosso 0
20 Nico Rosberg (GER) Mercedes 0
21 Pastor Maldonado (VEN) Williams 0
22 Nico Hulkenburg (GER) Sauber 0

The intra-team Red Bull and Mercedes fireworks came at the end of what had already been a massively entertaining, and incident-packed, 56 laps around an initially drying Sepang as Fernando Alonso crashed out after astonishingly failing to pit for repairs to a broken front wing while Hamilton forget which team he was driving for and pulled into McLaren's pitbox.

From there, and once onto slicks, the battle for victory initially distilled into what Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft described as a "high-speed game of chess" between the Red Bull and Mercedes drivers.

However, the chess pieces were sent flying in both dramatic - and highly contentious - fashion over the closing stint as the four-way battle broke up into separate intra-team ones between Red Bull's Webber and Vettel for the win and Mercedes' Hamilton and Rosberg over third.

Webber, having assumed the lead through the first round of stops to dry tyres following a rare strong start from fifth, had led until the final stops but was then overtaken by his World Champion team-mate as the pair went wheel-to-wheel for over a lap.

That, however, was not in Red Bull's plan. Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after his drivers had experienced the most frosty of podium ceremonies, Christian Horner confirmed the drivers had been told to hold station with Webber in the lead.

"We let the drivers race until the final pit-stop. At that point, the drivers' interest became bigger than the team's and they started racing each other," Horner said.

"We told the drivers to maintain position. Sebastian took it into his own hands..."

Vettel, for his, part apologised to his long-time teammate in the post-race press conference but the rivalry between them - which first spilled over as long ago as Turkey 2010 - may not recover from this latest incident.

Mercedes, simultaneously, had their own disgruntled drivers on their hands after Rosberg was told to hold station between new team-mate Hamilton over the closing laps, as the Briton focused on saving fuel after setting a ferocious pace in the middle stint.

While Rosberg ultimately heeded the message, ensuring Hamilton claimed his first podium for Mercedes in just his second start, it didn't stop him repeatedly pressing his case to Brawn in the closing laps, complaints which were met with increasingly stern responses from his team boss.

The Red Bull and Mercedes rows almost immediately took the shine off what had been massively encouraging performances from both teams, on the day Ferrari's challenge badly faded.

From third on the grid Fernando Alonso had been many pundits' favourite for the race but was careering into the gravel by the second corner after damaging his front wing on the first lap when he tagged the back of Vettel's RB9.

Although the left-front side of the wing was sparking against the track surface for the remainder of the lap, Alonso manfully fought to hold back the fast-starting Webber and then amazingly opted not to pit for repairs, seemingly trying to delay the stop until the track dried.

However, the gamble almost immediately backfired as coming down the main straight the broken part tucked itself under his chassis and the Spaniard was helpless to avoid going straight on into the gravel.

With one Ferrari down, Felipe Massa could only come home fifth as the F138 failed to repeat its race pace from Australia with Lotus duo Romain Grosjean and Kimi Raikkonen sixth and seventh respectively after difficult afternoons for the Melbourne race winners.

Jenson Button was enjoying an unexpectedly strong afternoon in the McLaren, but after an incorrectly fitted tyre left him stranded in the middle of the pitlane, the Briton ultimately retired as team-mate Sergio Perez took only ninth.

Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/formula1/report/12433/8594035/2013-malaysian-gp--sebastian-vettel-beats-team-mate-mark-webber-as-rosberg-told-to-hold


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Siddle first No.9 to top-score twice

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Handy ... Peter Siddle showed up Australia's top-order batsmen. Source: Julian Smith / AAP

Peter Siddle is the proud owner of two unique Test records after what can only be described as a unique match between India and Australia in Delhi.

4th Test - Feroz Shah Kotla

22 March 2013 - Day 3, Session 3

India 2nd Innings

C. Pujara 82 92 11 0 89.13
M. Dhoni 12 14 2 0 85.71
N. Lyon 15.2 0 71 2 4.63

Siddle backed up his career-best knock of 51 in the first innings with 50 in the second, as Australia crashed to 164 all out on day three of the fourth Test.

In the process, the pace bowler set two new all-time Test records - the first No.9 to top-score for his team twice in one match, and the first No.9 to pass 50 in both innings of a match.

Unfortunately, as proud as Siddle might be of these records in years to come, at the moment it's more of a sad reflection on the state of Australia's batting on this tour.

After the earlier success of his fellow bowlers with the willow, Siddle's effort was the fourth time in the series that Australia's highest score came from a batsman at No.7 or below.

The powers that be won't need that statistic to know the batting across the board was sub-par, but it may be alarming enough to provoke serious discussions about the Test future of several players.

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The fact the bowlers were able to show up their more accomplished teammates, coupled with the success just about every Indian batsman had in the series, proves that while the pitches weren't easy to bat on, they didn't warrant the sort of scores posted by Australia on many occasions.

It remains to be seen what changes, if any, will be made to the batting line-up ahead of the Ashes series.

But given the troubles the Aussies had adjusting to the foreign conditions in India, one has to wonder how they will fare as they seek to turn their fortunes around in England.  

There were light-hearted suggestions Australia should reverse their batting order to allow the likes of Siddle and Mitchell Starc to really shine with the bat, and after Glenn Maxwell was elevated to opener in the second innings in Delhi, perhaps this isn't as far-fetched as most think.


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Beale, Vuna in alleged dust-up

Tarnished jersey ... The Rebels are treating the matter seriously. Source: AFP

Wallabies Kurtley Beale and Cooper Vuna have been sent home from South Africa following a fracas hours after the Melbourne Rebels slumped to a franchise record 64-7 Super Rugby defeat in Durban.

Beale is alleged to have punched Vuna on the Rebels' team bus following a visit to a local nightspot.

An investigation was conducted the morning after the incident with coach Damien Hill saying they had both broken team protocol.

They will miss the Rebels' clash with the Cheetahs next weekend in Bloemfontein with further disciplinary action a possibility.

"The club will no longer tolerate this type of behaviour and I am embarrassed for everyone associated with building this club,'' Hill said in a statement.

Rebels chief executive Steven Boland said as both Beale and Vuna were contracted Wallabies it was also a matter for the Australian Rugby Union.

"There can be no excuses for the disrespect shown to the Melbourne Rebels Rugby Club by these players,'' Boland said.

The incident is understood to have followed an argument between Beale and Rebels captain Gareth Delve after Delve ordered Beale to put his shirt back on before the bus reached the hotel.

Hours after the Rebels' humiliating record 10-try defeat by the Sharks in Durban on Saturday night (early Sunday AEDT), Vuna tweeted that Beale had punched him.

"I need to leave right now, this ain't for me! I tried to help someone but got punched so instead of putting him in hospital il leave!'' Vuna posted at 1.27am local time (11.27am EDT).

The tweet was deleted about half an hour later but later published on fan website Green and Gold Rugby.

When a Twitter user, named heart_Madrid, asked Vuna if his alleged assailant "was drunk'', the Rebels winger replied: "Hmmmmm his name is kurtley_beale bloody grub!''

Beale didn't play in the match as he continues his recovery from hand surgery but was expected to be available next week while the Sharks game was Vuna's first competition match this season after a shoulder injury.

Vuna, who played two Tests last year, has been on a self-imposed alcohol ban.

Beale is facing assault allegations arising from an incident at a Brisbane night spot last year, in which he was alleged to have hit a bouncer.

The case was sent to mediation late last month, with the first session to take place next month.

Following the embarrassing loss Hill had questioned his players' pride in their jersey following their heavy loss to the Sharks which surpassed their previous biggest defeat of 53-3 by the Queensland Reds in their first year in the competition in 2011.

"Our guys just didn't show up and it's quite embarrassing to be honest,'' said Hill, with his team 13th on the ladder with one win for the season.

"It's probably the worst defeat I've ever been associated with through the club and I'm really questioning the pride these guys have in the jersey.


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