Hawthorn edge past Adelaide

Character ... Bradley Hill celebrates a goal during Hawthorn's important win over the Crows. Source: REGI VARGHESE / AAP

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson hailed a gritty 11-point away win against Adelaide as proof his side can prevail without the influence of megastar Lance Franklin.

1.4 (10)	Q1	5.2 (32)
5.9 (39)	Q2	6.5 (41)
8.9 (57)	Q3	9.8 (62)
11.12 (78)	Q4	13.11 (89)

Patrick Dangerfield 2	Jack Gunston 3
Josh Jenkins 2	Luke Breust 2
Sam Kerridge 2	Bradley Hill 2
Scott Thompson 2	Luke Hodge 1
Richard Douglas 1	Jordan Lewis 1
Sam Jacobs 1	Michael Osborne 1
Bernie Vince 1	Paul Puopolo 1
	Jarryd Roughead 1
	Isaac Smith 1

Franklin was held goalless for consecutive matches, but the Hawks still emerged with a gutsy 13.11 (89) to 11.12 (78) victory on Saturday.

It's only the second time in Franklin's career that he has failed to kick a goal in successive games - the last time was in games six and seven of his now-167 match career.

Franklin was blanketed on Saturday by Crow backman Daniel Talia, a fact which perversely pleased coach Clarkson.

"We're pleased in a sense that we have been able to win a couple of close games without him contributing,'' Clarkson said of his superstar forward.

"We would obviously like him to be playing a little bit better but he's been such a formidable contributor for us in our front half for such a long period of time, for him to have up and down days isn't such a bad thing for either him or us.''

Clarkson's Hawks jumped the Crows and held a five-goal lead by early in the second quarter at AAMI Stadium.

But Adelaide, propelled by Patrick Dangerfield's brilliant two-goal 35-disposal performance, hit back to take a one-point advantage some two minutes into the last term.

The Hawks responded as flag fancies would: booting four rapid goals to bank a fifth consecutive win ahead of their grand final re-match against Sydney at the MCG next Saturday night.

"They are tough to beat in Adelaide ... to win in those circumstances, no matter what the margin is, is an outstanding result for our club,'' Clarkson said.

"We have had a really tough start so we are pleased to be winning these games.''

The Hawks were inspired by their captain Luke Hodge, who collected 29 disposals and launched his side inside their attacking 50m arc seven times.

His predecessor Sam Mitchell (29 possessions) was instrumental across half-back and in the midfield in the last quarter, while ex-Crow Jack Gunston kicked three goals to help cover for the ineffectual Franklin.

Adelaide's tenacity earnt praise from their coach Brenton Sanderson but the Crows slumped to a precarious 2-4 win-loss record.

"We're coming from a long way back,'' Sanderson said of Adelaide's finals hopes.

"But that is fine. These boys, they won't be shying away from any future challenges.

"We certainly won't roll over and die, not this footy club, not these young boys, they're full of fight.''

The Hawks take on Sydney Swans next weekend, but luckless Hawk ruckman Max Bailey is in doubt for the clash, having been a late withdrawal against the Crows.

Clarkson said Bailey, who has overcome three knee reconstructions, was suffering swelling in a knee.

Midfielder Jordan Lewis said that playing the team that beat them in last year's grand final shouldn't drive Hawthorn this week.

"We have got to motivate ourselves every week, whether it be the side we lost to in the grand final or not,'' Lewis said.

"Every week is different and we will set little goals this week.

"I don't think last year's grand final will come into our calculations at all.''

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

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Ferguson stars in Storm upset

Canberra Raiders ... Blake Ferguson celebrates scoring his try. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Melbourne Storm's unbeaten run has come to a crashing halt with Canberra upsetting the NRL champions 24-20 at AAMI Park.

4 Tries 4
Jesse Bromwich 16'	Blake Ferguson 10'
Billy Slater 34'	Blake Ferguson 40'
Justin O'Neill 58'	Jack Wighton 46'
Mahe Fonua 62'	Reece Robinson 53'
2 Conversions 4
Cameron Smith 17'	Blake Ferguson 12'
Cameron Smith 35'	Blake Ferguson 40'
	Blake Ferguson 48'
	Blake Ferguson 55'

With live-wire centre Blake Ferguson leading the charge through two first half tries, the Raiders survived a late Storm revival for a well-deserved victory.

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The loss ended the Storm's winning streak at 15 straight and continued the Raiders' superb recent record at AAMI Park.

Canberra joined the Bulldogs as the only sides to have ever won three times in succession at the Storm's fortress.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy said their "luck" had run out.

"They were a lot more committed and determined than us," Bellamy said of Canberra, who have now won their past three in succession at the Storm's fortress.

"This has been coming; our past three home games have been like this and we've only really started playing when we've got into trouble.

"We were probably a little bit lucky against the Tigers and the Warriors and perhaps our luck ran out."

Ferguson scored all of the his side's 12 first half points before centre Jack Wighton and electric fullback Reece Robinson chimed in to open up a 24-12 lead.

The Storm hit back when halfback Cooper Cronk put a flat kick across field that Mahe Fonua fed back to Justin O'Neill, with the centre managing to get the ball across the line in the 58th minute.

It was one of only a few bright notes for O'Neill and Fonua, with the Storm's right flank repeatedly exposed.

Ferguson and fellow speedster Edrick Lee were a constant danger, with the winger unlucky not to score in the first half when video referees over-ruled an on-field call.

Fonua also got in on the action four minutes later when Ryan Hoffman batted another Cronk kick back in-field for the winger to touch down.

That closed the gap to four-points but despite the best efforts of Cronk, the Storm weren't able to find the try they desperately needed.

While Ferguson starred in the first half for the visitors, Jesse Bromwich and Billy Slater were the tryscorers for the Storm with the teams locked at 12-12 at halftime.

Wighton pushed aside some flimsy defence from his opposite Will Chambers, and then Robinson made a 70 metre dash to touch down and extend the lead to 12 points.

The Storm were never out of it but their attack lacked its usual precision and their defence was uncharacteristically poor as the Raiders celebrated their fourth win of the season.

The effort was all the more special with Canberra missing a swag of injured regulars and then losing forwards Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (foot) and Joe Picker (concussion) early in the match while hooker Glen Buttriss played with a fractured finger.

Picker returned late in the game when they were out on their feet.

"It was definitely up there with one of the best I've been involved with," Campese said.

"We've got to learn now that we can match it with the best sides.

"We just knocked Melbourne off their perch and we've got to take confidence from that."

Learoyd-Lahrs will undergo further testing on nerve damage in his foot, which coach David Furner described as "drop foot".

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Highlanders finally end drought

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Relief ... The Highlanders end their Super Rugby losing streak after downing the Sharks. Source:AAP

Nearly a year of Super Rugby heartache is over for the Highlanders, who notched their first win of the season with a courageous 25-22 defeat of the Sharks in Dunedin.

3 Tries 3
Shaun Treeby 11'	Meyer Bosman 14'
Aaron Smith 43'	Lwazi Mvovo 35'
Colin Slade 55'	Meyer Bosman 62'
2 Conversions 2
Colin Slade 11'	Patrick Lambie 15'
Colin Slade 44'	Patrick Lambie 63'
2 Penalties 1
Colin Slade 48'	Patrick Lambie 29'
Colin Slade 52'

The Highlanders ended an eight-game losing streak to start the season on Saturday and tasted their first win in 12 games dating back to May 26 last year - the longest losing streak by any New Zealand franchise.

Australia Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Brumbies	7	1	2	118	4	40
2	Reds	7	2	2	14	3	39
3	Waratahs	4	5	0	-44	1	25
4	Melbourne Rebels	2	8	0	-106	6	22
5	Western Force	2	8	1	-80	4	18
New Zealand Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Chiefs	7	3	0	85	8	40
2	Blues	5	4	0	49	8	36
3	Crusaders	5	4	0	56	6	30
4	Hurricanes	5	4	0	-5	4	28
5	Highlanders	1	8	0	-83	2	14
South Africa Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Cheetahs	7	3	0	12	3	35
2	Bulls	6	3	0	46	4	32
3	Sharks	5	5	0	40	5	29
4	Stormers	4	5	0	2	5	29
5	Southern Kings	2	6	1	-104	1	15

The 100th Super Rugby game for Brad Thorn ended on a dramatic note when the talismanic Highlanders lock was sent to the sin bin in the 80th minute. He could only watch on as the South Africans hammered away on the hosts' line for three minutes after the final hooter.

The defence held firm and exhausted teammates embraced at the end of a fast-moving game which featured few stoppages under the covered roof of Forsyth Barr Stadium.

The remarkable Thorn, 37, said he was "proud to play in front of my people'' at an award ceremony in his honour after fulltime.

"I've got to say, I haven't been that excited for just a round-robin game in my whole career. It was a massive moment,'' he said.

Both teams scored three tries but Highlanders five-eighth Colin Slade - who had a mixed night with boot - landed two penalties to the one of Sharks counterpart Patrick Lambie.

The Sharks' fourth straight loss could have been a draw if they elected to kick an easy penalty shot in the final minute.

---

Video: re-live all the action in our Super Rugby Match Centre, featuring video highlights.

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They opted to push for a try but couldn't add to the double scored by inside centre Meyer Bosman and a brilliant try to winger Lwazi Mvovo which put the visitors 15-7 up at halftime.

Last year's beaten finalists have seen their record reduced to 5-5 after opening their campaign with five wins from six matches.

The Highlanders are still last with a trip to South Africa now looming but they can reflect on their best performance of a forgettable season for an All Blacks-laden team who haven't met expectations.

They scored tries to No.12 Shaun Treeby, halfback Aaron Smith and Slade, the latter a contender for team try of the season after brilliant fullback Ben Smith sparked a counter attack from 70m out.

The Sharks' response from the kick-off was to hold the ball for nearly five intense minutes before Bosman scored his second try.

A scoreless 18 minutes followed, which the Highlanders spent mostly on defence.

Aaron Smith showed signs of a return to his best form with a commanding display while No.8 TJ Ioane made huge gains with ball in hand for the Highlanders.

There was also an encouraging return for centre Tamati Ellison in his first game of any sort since injuring his shoulder in the All Blacks-Scotland Test at Edinburgh seven months ago.

Lock Pieter-Steph du Toit, flanker Marcell Coetzee and Bosman were exceptional for the Sharks, whose injury list looks set to grow after centre Francois Steyn limped off after halftime.

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Cowboys pip Eels in seesaw clash

Cowboys ... Jonathan Thurston with ball in hand against the Eels. Source: Sam Ruttyn / News Limited

2 Tries 3
Ryan Morgan 2'	Ashley Graham 10'
Fuifui Moimoi 51'	Antonio Winterstein 35'
	Brent Tate 68'
1 Conversions 1
Chris Sandow 52'	Johnathan Thurston 69'

Ryan Morgan crossed after two minutes, capitalising on a Matt Bowen error.

Chris Sandow was unable to convert the try and the lead was just four. 

Ashley Graham levelled the scores and when Antonio Winterstein scored the Cowboys extended the lead by four points at the break.

Fuifui Moimoi barged over the line at close range to level and Sandow converted. 

Brent Tate scored from a scrum play and the visitors took back the lead. 

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Bogut books Boomers showdown

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Showdown ... Bogut will play Boomers teamates Patty Mills and Aron Baynes. Source: Marcio Jose Sanchez / AAP

Andrew Bogut played what he described as his best game in a Golden State uniform to lead the Warriors into the second round of the NBA playoffs.

Bogut finished with 14 points and 21 rebounds in game six against Denver as the Warriors held on to win 92-88 and secure the series 4-2.

Golden State guard Stephen Curry, who the Warriors felt was the target of deliberate injury attempts in game five, poured in 22 points, while Nuggets star Andre Iguodala led all scorers with 24.

Bogut said the performance was his finest for his new club, which stuck with the Aussie giant despite missing half the season through injury.

"For sure (it's his best win). Saved the best for last. It's a great day for us," Bogut said.

"It's always about the team."

Bogut said the win should silence some of the Warriors doubters who said they couldn't make a dent in the finals.

"We're in the second round of the playoffs. No.1 - no one thought we'd make the playoffs. No.2 - no one gave us a chance to get through the first round."

"We almost let it slip away but we fought hard and it's a huge win."

Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets kept their playoff hopes alive with a 95-92 victory over the short-handed Chicago Bulls to force a deciding game seven in their Eastern Conference first-round series.

Deron Williams scored 17 points, handed out 11 assists and won a jump ball against Chicago's Joakim Noah in the closing seconds to seal the victory.

Brook Lopez and Joe Johnson chipped in another 17 points each and Gerald Wallace added 15 for the Nets, who will host the series decider in Brooklyn on Saturday.

The winner of the series will face reigning NBA champions Miami in the second round. The Heat, led by LeBron James, swept Milwaukee out of the playoffs in four games.

The Nets shot just 28 per cent from the field in the second half, but they held on against a Bulls team playing without starting point guard Kirk Hinrich for the second straight game because of a calf injury.

Chicago were also without Britain's Luol Deng, who was sidelined by the flu.

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Brave Blues survive wild Stomers

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Sharp-shooter ... Chris Noakes lands six penalties, a Blues record. Source: Michael Bradley / AAP

Chris Noakes landed a record six penalties to carry the Blues to a grinding 18-17 Super Rugby win over the frustrated Stormers in Auckland.

0 Tries 2
	Jean De Villiers 65'
	Jean De Villiers 76'
0 Conversions 2
	Joe Pietersen 66'
	Joe Pietersen 77'
6 Penalties 1
Chris Noakes 9'	Joe Pietersen 21'
Chris Noakes 16'
Chris Noakes 34'
Chris Noakes 43'
Chris Noakes 51'
Chris Noakes 74'

The South Africans scored the only two tries on Friday but were undone by ill discipline and bad luck in a result that is a body blow for their playoff hopes.

Australia Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Brumbies	7	1	2	118	4	40
2	Reds	7	2	1	14	3	37
3	Waratahs	4	5	0	-44	1	25
4	Melbourne Rebels	2	8	0	-106	6	22
5	Western Force	2	8	0	-80	4	16
New Zealand Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Chiefs	7	3	0	85	8	40
2	Blues	5	4	0	49	8	36
3	Crusaders	5	4	0	56	6	30
4	Hurricanes	5	4	0	-5	4	28
5	Highlanders	0	8	0	-86	2	10
South Africa Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Cheetahs	7	3	0	12	3	35
2	Bulls	6	3	0	46	4	32
3	Stormers	4	5	0	2	5	29
4	Sharks	5	4	0	43	4	28
5	Southern Kings	2	6	1	-104	1	15

Replacement five-eighth Elton Jantjes missed a drop goal attempt in the 84th minute from 35m out after the Stormers had hammered away at resilient Blues defence well after the final hooter had sounded at North Harbour Stadium.

Stormers captain Jean de Villiers crossed for tries in the 65th and 76th minutes to give his team hope after they had trailed 15-3 but they couldn't repeat their audacious comeback from two years ago at Eden Park when they fought back to win from 16 points down.

The Blues were shaded up front by the visitors and never came close to scoring a try but Noakes' six goals from seven attempts proved the difference. It was the most penalties landed by a Blues player in a Super Rugby match.

It lifts them to the top of the New Zealand conference and third overall in the standings with six games still to follow in round 12.

---

Re-live all the action in our Super Rugby Match Centre, featuring video highlights!

---

Both teams came into the game with a four win-four loss record although the Blues were ranked five places higher in fifth place due to their competition-high eight bonus points.

They were fortunate to be 9-3 up at halftime, with the Stormers producing the more effective rugby, coming within centimetres of a try when lock Andries Bekker stretched his long arm out.

However, the visitors were undone by simple turnovers and some loose kicking in general play.

The Blues had their best period in the third quarter, reducing their error count in greasy conditions to push clear before veteran inside centre de Villiers struck twice off the back of strong work from his pack. Both were converted by fullback Joe Pietersen, who landed seven points.

The Blues will be concerned about an apparent calf injury which forced veteran All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu off in the 25th minute.

The Stormers lost lock De Kock Steenkamp to injury at halftime, allowing Springbok Eben Etzebeth to come off the bench for his first competition appearance this year.

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McKendry won't need neck surgery

Penrith Panthers prop ... Sam McKendry won't need neck surgery. Source: Angelo Soulas / News Limited

Penrith front-rower Sam McKendry will not require surgery after fracturing his neck on Monday night but a return date to the NRL is still uncertain.

McKendry, who has played seven Tests for New Zealand, sustained a stable C6 vertebrae fracture during the Panthers' round seven win over Parramatta.

The 23-year-old on Friday saw a specialist who confirmed McKendry did not need an operation on the injury.

But the Panthers said they were unable to speculate when he will return to the field, "with forthcoming results to indicate how long he will be unable to play".

McKendry has played all seven games so far this season but lasted just 30 minutes before leaving the field against the Eels.

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Dogs thrash toothless Tigers

Canterbury-Bankstown Bullodgs ... Tony Williams celebrates his try. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have walloped the struggling Wests Tigers 40-4 at ANZ Stadium on Friday night.

The home side got off to a flying start with Tony Williams scoring the first try of the match and Trent Hodkinson converted the goal.

7 Tries 1
Tony Williams 8'	James Tedesco 69'
Michael Ennis 22'
Sam Perrett 24'
Tim Lafai 40'
Josh Reynolds 52'
Sam Perrett 65'
Mitch Brown 77'
6 Conversions 0
Trent Hodkinson 9'
Trent Hodkinson 23'
Trent Hodkinson 26'
Trent Hodkinson 53'
Trent Hodkinson 66'
Trent Hodkinson 78'

Michael Ennis then crossed and Hodkinson's conversion put the home side ahead by 12 points. 

Sam Perrett crossed for his fifth of the season just minutes later and Tim Lafai scored on the stroke of halftime for a 22-0 lead. 

Josh Reyolds opened the second half scoring and Perrett crossed for a double to extend their lead by 34. 

James Tedesco got the visitors on the board thanks to some great play by his skipper Robbie Farah.

Mitch Brown crossed for the Bulldogs to blow the score out of the water and Hodkinson converted. 

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Bold bid to takeover Heart

Huge offer ... Melbourne Heart coach John Aloisi with CEO Scott Munn. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

South Melbourne FC has confirmed an offer of more than $3.5 million to buy Melbourne Heart A-League club, and raised the prospect of Brazilian ex-international Emerson as coach.

South Melbourne responded via its Facebook account to reports that they had approached Heart with the offer, only to be rejected.

The statement read in full: "Following yesterday's (Wednesday) media reports … and statements made by the CEO of the Melbourne Heart (Scott Munn) South Melbourne FC wishes to confirm the following:

• South Melbourne FC that it made an offer to acquire 100% of the Melbourne Heart Licence.
• The offer was in excess of 3.5 million
• The offer was made after several discussions between Heart & SMFC Directors.
• South Melbourne FC has received an expression of interest from Emerson (Brazilian Legend) to coach and has already secured Major Sponsors for its A-League ambitions."

Munn said on Wednesday that Heart's owners had no intention of selling.

South Melbourne, which currently competes in the Victorian Premier League – and was also in recent discussions with cash-strapped Central Coast Mariners – reportedly offered a combination of cash and shares and included relocation to Lakeside Stadium, a facility it currently shares with Athletics Victoria.

Munn confirmed the offer and revealed that two offers from overseas investors had also been received in recent months but the club's owners weren't interested in selling a controlling stake.

While Heart's crowds have stagnated, the club will turn a small profit this season and Munn said this made the model enticing to potential investors.

"We've made it very clear we have no interest in taking their offer any further," Munn said.

"We've been approached this year a couple of times, from the Middle East and a European consortium.

"Those conversations were quite open and transparent but we made it very clear that there were some non-negotiables and one of them is that the founding owners always want to retain control.

"We'd love to invest more in areas such as marketing, advertising and most importantly the footy department.

"We can sustain a club, we can post a small profit and that puts us in an enviable position for investors, knowing they won't have to reach into their pocket each year."

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Ioane off to Stade Francais: report

Au revoir ... Ioane has reportedly decided to join Stade Francais. Source: AAP

Wallabies winger Digby Ioane will leave the Queensland Reds and Australian rugby later this year after signing a massive two-year contract with French glamour club Stade Francais.

It's understood Ioane will reap almost $2.5 million but the deal will severely endanger his chances of playing in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Queensland Rugby Union chief executive Jim Carmichael on Thursday night confirmed French radio reports the world-class back would link with the Parisian club at the end of the year.

Ioane is regarded among the best wingers in the game and his loss is a major blow to both the Wallabies and the Reds.

One of the country's highest-paid rugby players, earning a reported $800,00 per season, the 34-Test flyer had another year to run on his Reds contract but his ARU deal expired at the end of 2013.

Despite a stand-off between the Reds and Ioane's management last week over alleged third-party payments he felt were owed to him, Carmichael stressed it was an amicable departure.

The pair met face-to-face this week and Carmichael said there were no hard feelings about Ioane taking the chance to provide long-term financial security for his family.

"He goes with our absolute blessing,'' Carmichael told AAP.

"I'm reassured about his feelings toward the Reds and his teammates and he'll always be a part of the Reds family.

"If he chooses to come back to Australian rugby after a couple of years I hope he picks up the phone and we'll welcome him back with open arms.''

While the French season starts in September, the ARU would be unlikely to release him from his current contract until after the spring tour of Europe in late November.

Ioane would still be regarded among the half-dozen certain selections in Robbie Deans' Wallabies starting 15 to play the British and Irish Lions next month.

Ioane's deal looks set to end his chances of playing a second World Cup, kicking off in September 2015 in England, as ARU guidelines stipulate that players must be involved in Super Rugby to be eligible.

The addition of the New Zealand-born, Melbourne-raised 27-year-old is a huge coup for Stade Francais - formerly coached by Australians Michael Cheika, Ewen McKenzie and John Connolly - as they are currently struggling in ninth on the Top 14 ladder.

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Is Inglis to blame for spear?

Target ... South Sydney star fullback Greg Inglis. Source: Renee McKay / AAP

Matt Russell, Christian Jantzen and Topher Sutton discuss the week's big issues heading into round eight in the NRL.

Is Greg Inglis to blame for being spear tackled? Are Melbourne unbeatable? Can anyone stop Sonny Bill Williams?

Matt Russell helps you out with a few pronunciations and the boys give some tips for your tipping.

Plus how good can Jesse Williams be in the NFL?

To hear the full discussion, subscribe free to the weekly rugby league podcast – There's Always Next Week – which you'll find on iTunes: http://bit.ly/11QaDoE 

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All the ins and outs for round six

In ... Andrew Krakouer has been named for his first game of the season. Source: Herald Sun

Check out all the ins and outs for round six of the AFL season.

Updated line-ups for Sunday's games will be announced on Friday afternoon, so check back in to get the latest teams before finalising your FOX FOOTY SuperCoach side.

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Collingwood v St Kilda, Etihad Stadium, Friday 7.50pm (EST)

Collingwood

B: Nathan Brown. Ben Reid, Brent Macaffer
HB: Marty Clarke, Heath Shaw, Harry O'Brien
C: Steele Sidebottom, Dane Swan, Dale Thomas
HF: Jamie Elliott, Travis Cloke, Quinten Lynch
F: Ben Kennedy, Tyson Goldsack, Sam Dwyer
Foll: Darren Jolly, Scott Pendlebury, Jarryd Blair
Int: Andrew Krakouer, Jarrod Witts, Josh Thomas, Paul Seedsman
Emg: Alex Fasolo, Jordan Russell, Marley Williams

In: Krakouer, Jolly, J. Thomas, Witts, Kennedy
Out: Toovey (Knee), Hudson (Leg soreness), Russell (Omitted), Fasolo (Omitted), Sinclair (Omitted)

New: B.Kennedy, Witts

St Kilda

B: Nathan Wright, Sam Fisher, Sam Gilbert
HB: Sean Dempster, Dylan Roberton, Jarryn Geary
C: Nick Dal Santo, Lenny Hayes, Brodie Murdoch
HF: David Armitage, Rhys Stanley, Leigh Montagna
F: Josh Saunders, Nick Riewoldt, Justin Koschitzke
Foll: Ben McEvoy, Clinton Jones, Jack Steven
Int: Arryn Siposs, Sebastian Ross, Ahmed Saad, Stephen Milne
Emerg: Jimmy Webster, Jack Newnes, Tom Hickey

In: Milne, Siposs
Out: Dennis-Lane (Omitted) , Lee (Achilles)

Essendon v GWS Giants, Etihad Stadium, Saturday 1:45pm (EST)

Essendon

B: Michael Hibberd, Tayte Pears, Courtenay Dempsey
HB: Brendon Goddard, Cale Hooker, Kyle Hardingham
C: Mark Baguley, Jobe Watson, Nick Kommer
HF: Brent Stanton, Stewart Crameri, Leroy Jetta
F: Jackson Merrett, Scott Gumbleton, Alwyn Davey
Foll: Tom Bellchambers, Ben Howlett, David Zaharakis
Int: Jake Melksham, David Myers, David Hille, Heath Hocking
Emerg: Nathan Lovett-Murray, Nick O'Brien, Elliott Kavanagh

In: Jetta, Pears, Melksham, Kommer
Out: Winderlich (Rested), Colyer (Omitted), Heppell (Groin), Carlisle (Ankle)

GWS Giants

B: Adam Kennedy, Tim Mohr, Josh Bruce
HB: Aidan Corr, Stephen Gilham, Toby Greene
C: Tom Scully, Callan Ward, Jacob Townsend
HF: Rhys Palmer, Jeremy Cameron, Adam Tomlinson
F: Devon Smith, Samuel Frost, Taylor Adams
Foll: Jonathan Giles, Adam Treloar, Dylan Shiel
Int: Zachary Williams, Curtly Hampton, Sam Reid, Stephen Coniglio
Emerg: Thomas Downie, Shaun Edwards, Tomas Bugg

In: Gilham, Hampton, Bruce, Adams, Townsend, Frost, Corr
Out: Thornton (Omitted), O'hAilpin (Calf), Davis (Back), Bugg (Omitted), Whitfield (Soreness), Plowman (Omitted), Haynes (Omitted)

New: Corr 

North Melbourne v Port Adelaide, Blundstone Arena, Saturday 2:30pm (EST)

North Melbourne

B: Scott McMahon, Scott Thompson, Michael Firrito
HB: Aaron Mullett, Nathan Grima, Jamie Macmillan
C: Daniel Wells, Shaun Atley, Sam Wright
HF: Aaron Black, Majak Daw, Taylor Hine
F: Lindsay Thomas, Drew Petrie, Leigh Adams
Foll: Todd Goldstein, Andrew Swallow, Jack Ziebell
Int: Ryan Bastinac, Ben Cunnington, Sam Gibson, Will Sierakowski
Emerg: Daniel Currie, Liam Anthony, Lachlan Hansen

In: Sierakowski
Out: Anthony (Omitted)

New: Sierakowski

Port Adelaide

B: Campbell Heath, Alipate Carlile, Lewis Stevenson
HB: Cameron O'Shea, Tom Jonas, Dom Cassisi
C: Brad Ebert, Travis Boak, Hamish Hartlett
HF: Chad Wingard, Justin Westhoff, Paul Stewart
F: Jake Neade, Jay Schulz, Robbie Gray
Foll: Matthew Lobbe, Oliver Wines, Kane Cornes
Int: Brent Renouf, Matthew Broadbent, Angus Monfries, Kane Mitchell
Emerg: John Butcher, Andrew Moore, Sam Colquhoun

In: Mitchell
Out: Trengove (Foot)

Adelaide v Hawthorn, AAMI Stadium, Saturday 4:10pm (CST)

Adelaide

B: Ben Rutten, Daniel Talia, Andy Otten
HB: Luke Brown, Brent Reilly, David Mackay
C: Sam Kerridge, Scott Thompson, Brodie Smith
HF: Richard Douglas, Shaun McKernan, Jarryd Lyons
F: Jason Porplyzia, Tom, Lynch, Josh Jenkins
Foll: Sam Jacobs, Patrick Dangerfield, Rory Sloane
Int: Ricky Henderson, Bernie Vince, Matthew Jaensch, Matthew Wright
Emerg: Lewis Johnston, Jared Petrenko, Richard Tambling

In: Porplyzia, McKernan, Lyons
Out: Petrenko (Omitted), Walker (Knee), Laird (Thigh)

Milestone: Rutten - 200 games

Hawthorn

B: Josh Gibson, Brian Lake, Luke Hodge
HB: Grant Birchall, Ben Stratton, Brent Guerra
C: Isaac Smith, Sam Mitchell, Brad Hill
HF: Shaun Burgoyne, Lance Franklin, Paul Puopolo
F: Luke Breust, Jarryd Roughead, Jack Gunston
Foll: Max Bailey, Jordan Lewis, Brad Sewell
Int: Liam Shiels, David Hale, Jonathan Simpkin, Michael Osborne
Emerg: Taylor Duryea, Kyle Cheney, Matt Spangher

In: Sewell, Simpkin
Out: Rioli (Hamstring), Savage (Omitted)

Richmond v Geelong, MCG, Saturday 7:40pm (EST)

Richmond

B: Steven Morris, Alex Rance, Troy Chaplin
HB: Dylan Grimes, Ricky Petterd, Bachar Houli
C: Chris Newman, Trent Cotchin, Matt White
HF: Brett Deledio, Shane Edwards, Dan Jackson
F: Luke McGuane, Jack Riewoldt, Ty Vickery
Foll: Ivan Maric, Dustin Martin, Nick Vlastuin
Int: Brandon Ellis, Jake King, Shaun Grigg, Chris Knights
Emerg: Jake Batchelor, Shane Tuck, Robin Nahas

In: Chaplin, Morris, King
Out: Nahas (Omitted), Batchelor (Omitted), Helbig (Hamstring)

Milestone: Knights - 100 games

Geelong

B: Andrew Mackie, Tom Lonergan, Corey Enright
HB: Joel Corey, Harry Taylor, Taylor Hunt
C: Mitch Duncan, Jimmy Bartel, Steven Motlop
HF: Allen Christensen, Steve Johnson, Billie Smedts
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Hawkins, James Podsiadly
Foll: Mark Blicavs, Joel Selwood, James Kelly
Int: Cameron Guthrie, George Horlin-Smith, Trent West, Mathew Stokes
Emerg: Jackson Thurlow, Jordan Murdoch, Mitch Brown

In: Chapman, Hawkins
Out: Rivers (Knee), Caddy (Omitted)

Milestone: Enright - 250 games, Johnson - 200 games

Gold Coast v Fremantle, Metricon Stadium, Saturday 7:40pm (EST)

Gold Coast

B: Trent McKenzie, Tom Murphy, Dion Prestia
HB: Danny Stanley, Rory Thompson, Greg Broughton
C: Michael Rischitelli, Gary Ablett, Jarrod Harbrow
HF: Harley Bennell, Tom Lynch, Aaron Hall
F: Zac Smith, Sam Day, Brandon Matera
Foll: Charlie Dixon, Karmichael Hunt, David Swallow
Int: Matt Shaw, Jared Brennan, Jesse Lonergan, Jaeger O'Meara
Emerg: Jack Hutchins, Timmy Sumner, Daniel Gorringe

In: Bennell, Lonergan
Out: May (Hamstring), Hutchins (Omitted)

New: Lonergan

Milestone: Murphy - 100 games

Fremantle

B: Lee Spurr, Zac Dawson, Michael Johnson
HB: Garrick Ibbotson, Luke McPharlin, Clancee Pearce
C: Tendai Mzungu, Ryan Crowley, Nick Suban
HF: Michael Barlow, Chris Mayne, Hayden Ballantyne
F: Hayden Crozier, Jack Hannath, Michael Walters
Foll: Jonathon Griffin, Matt De Boer, David Mundy
Int: Danyle Pearce, Paul Duffield, Cameron Sutcliffe, Alex Silvagni
Emerg: Lachie Neale, Tom Sheridan, Tanner Smith

In: Duffield, Silvagni, Sutcliffe, Crozier
Out: Bradley (Knee), Hill (Quad), Fyfe (Suspension), Neale (Omitted)

Sydney Swans v Brisbane Lions, SCG, Sunday 1:10pm (EST)

Sydney Swans

B: Nick Malceski, Heath Grundy, Nick Smith
HB: Marty Mattner, Ted Richards, Jarrad McVeigh
C: Lewis Jetta, Ryan O'Keefe, Ben McGlynn
HF: Dan Hannebery, Sam Reid, Kieren Jack
F: Adam Goodes, Mike Pyke, Jude Bolton
Foll: Shane Mumford, Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker
Int: Tony Armstrong, Craig Bird, Jed Lamb, Mitch Morton, Dane Rampe, Tommy Walsh, Jesse White

In: Morton, White, Lamb, Walsh
Out: Everitt (Omitted)

New: Lamb

Milestone: McVeigh - 200 games

Brisbane Lions

B: Joel Patfull, Daniel Merrett, Ashley McGrath
HB: Elliot Yeo, Justin Clarke, Jed Adcock
C: Pearce Hanley, Tom Rockliff, Mitchell Golby
HF: James Polkinghorne, Jonathan Brown, Dayne Zorko
F: Sam Mayes, Matthew Leuenberger, Aaron Cornelius
Foll: Billy Longer, Brent Moloney, Jack Redden
Int: Josh Green, Rohan Bewick, Marco Paparone, Jordan Lisle, Andrew Raines, Ryan Lester, Jack Crisp

In: Hanley, Lisle, Lester, Crisp
Out: Docherty (Omitted)

Carlton v Melbourne, MCG, Sunday 3:20pm (EST)

Carlton

B: Chris Yarran, Michael Jamison, Lachie Henderson
HB: Zach Tuohy, Dennis Armfield, Simon White
C: Kane Lucas, Mitch Robinson, Kade Simpson
HF: Chris Judd, Andrew Walker, Jeff Garlett
F: Ed Curnow, Shaun Hampson, Jarrad Waite
Foll: Robert Warnock, Marc Murphy, Brock McLean
Int: David Ellard, Andrew Carrazzo, Eddie Betts, Tom Bell, Sam Rowe, Heath Scotland, Jaryd Cachia

In: Waite, Ellard, Cachia, Bell
Out: Gibbs (Hamstring)

Melbourne

B: Lynden Dunn, James Frawley, Dean Terlich
HB: Jack Grimes, Tom McDonald, Colin Garland
C: Jack Trengove, Jack Viney, Matt Jones
HF: Jeremy Howe, Colin Sylvia, Dean Kent
F: Rohan Bail, Max Gawn, Shannon Byrnes
Foll: Jake Spencer, Jordie McKenzie, Nathan Jones
Int: Sam Blease, James Strauss, Cameron Pedersen, Daniel Nicholson, Michael Evans, Luke Tapscott, Aaron Davey

In: Dunn, Strauss, Spencer, Viney, Kent, Nicholson
Out: Jamar (Groin), Rodan (Omitted), Watts (Hamstring)

New: Kent

West Coast v Western Bulldogs, Sunday 2:40pm (WST)

West Coast

B: Mitchell Brown, Darren Glass, Shannon Hurn
HB: Beau Waters, Eric Mackenzie, Sharrod Wellingham
C: Andrew Gaff, Matt Priddis, Bradd Dalziell
HF: Josh Hill, Jack Darling, Chris Masten
F: Nic Naitanui, Josh Kennedy, Mark LeCras
Foll: Dean Cox, Scott Selwood, Luke Shuey
Int: Will Schofield, Daniel Kerr, Ashton Hams, Ashley Smith, Jacob Brennan, Matt Rosa, Callum Sinclair

In: Rosa, Schofield, Wellingham, As.Smith, Naitanui
Out: Butler (Calf), Cripps (Omitted)

Western Bulldogs

B: Dale Morris, Jordan Roughead, Liam Picken
HB: Jason Johannisen, Mark Austin, Tom Young
C: Jack Macrae, Matthew Boyd, Adam Cooney
HF: Jake Stringer, Dylan Addison, Koby Stevens
F: Luke Dahlhaus, Liam Jones, Jason Tutt
Foll: Will Minson, Nick Lower, Tom Liberatore
Int: Lukas Markovic, Daniel Pearce, Patrick Veszpremi, Mitch Wallis, Clay Smith, Christian Howard, Daniel Cross

In: Addison, Markovic, Howard, Pearce
Out: Goodes (Suspension)

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Aussie cricket's leadership vacuum

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Challenge ... Australian cricket has a leadership vacuum. Source: Dan Peled / AAP

With no obvious successor to Michael Clarke in sight, Australian cricket's young guns have been urged to strive high to be the next Test captain.

• Michael Clarke (c)
• George Bailey (vc)
• David Warner
• Shane Watson
• Phillip Hughes
• Adam Voges
• James Faulkner
• Mitchell Johnson
• Clint McKay
• Xavier Doherty
• Matthew Wade
• Mitchell Starc
• Nathan Coulter-Nile
• Glenn Maxwell
• Mitch Marsh

Chief selector John Inverarity has admitted it's a wide open field to replace Clarke when his tenure ends - and he wants emerging players to put their hands up.

Ever since the Test captaincy was forced on Allan Border following Kim Hughes' tearful resignation in 1984, there's been an obvious successor groomed as the next skipper.

But allrounder Shane Watson's decision to stand down as Clarke's vice-captain following the so-called 'homework-gate' controversy has highlighted the current leadership vacuum in Australian cricket.

Veteran wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, 35, was last week appointed as Clarke's Test deputy for the Ashes, while 30-year-old George Bailey was named official vice-captain of the one-day team on Wednesday.

The country's Twenty20 skipper, Bailey is highly regarded and also captained Australia to two wins from three one-dayers last summer but has never played a Test and is just two years younger than Clarke.

Inverarity admitted the five-man selection panel seriously considered giving deposed Test gloveman Matthew Wade, 25, a leadership position before opting for Bailey's experience.

David Warner, 26, has often been mentioned as a future leader but the selectors did not even consider the explosive opener.

Inverarity admitted succession planning was a ``challenge'' for his panel, who made fringe Test batsman Steve Smith, 24, vice-captain of the upcoming Australia A tour of the UK.

He acknowledged the stark contrast to previous years when the Test side usually had a number of Sheffield Shield captains in their ranks.

"It's an open field so it's a great opportunity for a lot of young players,'' he said.

"That particular age group they need to look at that and look at the opportunities there.

"It is a fantastic opportunity for some young men.''

Inverarity's statement took top-order batsman Phil Hughes, 24, by surprise.

He admitted leadership aspirations would only be on the radar of rising players once they cement themselves in the Australian side through consistent performances, and that took the prime focus.

"Leadership - number one foremost is performing and staying there for a few years,'' Hughes said.

Tasmanian skipper Bailey agreed and didn't believe his one-day appointment would help move him any closer at all to Test selection.

"The best way of getting into the Test team is scoring runs in long-form cricket,'' he said.

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Lowndes dodges Perth traffic in style

IT'S one way of beating Perth's increasingly notorious congestion.

V8 supercar superstar Craig Lowndes, along with local Olympic javelin star Kim Mickle, have hopped into a Red Bull Racing car and blasted through the CBD ahead of this weekend's championship round.

Perth drivers are increasingly faced with growing queues of traffic as the roadworks transforming the WA capital continue to pile-up.

But Lowndes had no such worries, with two police outriders carving him a route down St George's Terrace on Wednesday, leaving pedestrians, shoppers and fellow motorists wide-eyed at the pace and power of his 888 car.

In a move even more likely to leave Perth motorists agog, Lowndes was then due to hand out free fuel for 30 minutes at a nearby petrol station.

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Dragons to throw Dugan lifeline

Josh Dugan ... set to return to the NRL with St George Illawarra. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

Controversial fullback Josh Dugan has been pulled from the NRL wilderness and thrown a one-year life line by St George Illawarra.

Dugan's manager, Paul Sutton, held talks with Dragons chief executive Peter Doust and recruitment manager Craig Young on Wednesday afternoon to finalise the details of the deal. 

NRL 360 host Paul Kent revealed the former Origin star is likely to announce the deal on Friday which will include a clause that he stays off social media.

Behavioural issues cost the 22-year-old his $700,000 a year contract at Canberra where he was in his third season of first grade in the nation's capital.

A social media outburst on instagram where Dugan sensationally told a Canberra fan to 'end themselves' saw Brisbane back out of a 2 million dollar deal but having apologised for the brain snap, attending counselling sessions and meetings with the NRL, he looks to have saved his career.

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Robbo horrified over fallout

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Allan Robinson ... is the former hoop at the forefront of the More Joyous scandal. Source: Carlos Furtado / News Limited

Retired jockey Allan Robinson says he is horrified by the public falling out of John Singleton and trainer Gai Waterhouse that followed a phone call he made to the millionaire businessman over the condition of his horse More Joyous.

Singleton has accused Waterhouse's son, the bookmaker Tom Waterhouse, of telling people the champion mare could not win the All Aged Stakes at Randwick last Saturday.

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He has since withdrawn his stable of horses from Gai Waterhouse.

"I'm horrified," Robinson told Today Tonight on the Seven Network, referring to the fallout following the race when More Joyous finished seventh in a field of eight.

He defended Gai Waterhouse saying she would not let a horse run if it was not 100 per cent, but then pointed out that something must have been wrong, because More Joyous finished seventh.

When asked if he would do the same thing again, Robinson made a lengthy pause, before saying: "Should you let it lie? Don't know."

At a trackside inquiry on Saturday, Singleton refused to divulge the names of "trusted friends" who had told him Tom Waterhouse was saying there was a problem with More Joyous.

On Tuesday Singleton's friend and rugby league legend Andrew Johns released a statement dismissing claims Tom Waterhouse had tipped him off about the condition of More Joyous.

But on Wednesday night, Singleton broke his silence.

"Names have already been named so my reluctance to name names has been taken away by the names naming themselves," he told the Nine Network.

When asked if Johns and Robinson were those people, Singleton replied: "Yeah, they're both the people who rang me, yes."

Tom Waterhouse has denied the accusations and will front the reconvened inquiry next Monday.

It was revealed during Saturday's preliminary inquiry that More Joyous had been treated with antibiotics leading up to the All Aged but she had been cleared to run by two vets, including the one employed by Singleton.

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Cowboys junior passes away

North Queensland Cowboys NRL squad member Alex Elisala died in Mackay late on Monday afternoon after his family made the heart-breaking decision to turn his life-support off.

Elisala, 20, was a very promising hooker who many tipped to crack the NRL this season.

He played for the Mackay Cutters in the Intrust Super Cup on Saturday and represented Samoa in a Test match earlier this month.

Alex played 69 games in the Toyota Cup under-20s competition - the second most by any Cowboy and also played for Queensland in the under 20's State of Origin game last year.

Cowboys' staff and players have begun receiving counselling to cope with the devastating news.

Numerous NRL players had taken to Twitter throughout the day to pass their prayers and wishes to the gifted talent.

"This is an extremely sad time for our club, particularly for our players who trained and played alongside Alex in both our NYC and NRL teams," Cowboys CEO Peter Jourdain said.

"Alex joined our club four years ago, had a distinguished career in our NYC squad and was already excelling in his first year as a full-time member of the NRL squad.

"He was undoubtedly one of the brightest young talents at the Cowboys.

"Alex was extremely well liked by everyone at the club and his jovial but dedicated presence in and away from football will be deeply missed by all.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Alex's family and his friends.

"Our players and staff have met this morning to support each other and with the help of the NRL, we have begun to provide professional counselling as they try to come to terms with Alex's passing.

"We request everyone to respect the sensitive nature of this situation and the privacy of all concerned."

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For help with emotional difficulties, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au

For help with depression, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 or at www.beyondblue.org.au

The SANE Helpline is 1800 18 SANE (7263) or at www.sane.org

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Meet the new Mrs Air Jordan

Slam dunk ... Michael Jordan and his new bride, Yvette Prieto after getting married in Florida. Source: AAP

Retired NBA legend Michael Jordan married model Yvette Prieto at a ceremony in Florida on Saturday with a lavish reception at a luxury golf community, People magazine reported on Sunday.

Jordan, 50, led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA titles during his playing days and his name remains one of the top brands in sports marketing. He now owns the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats.

Prieto, 35, met Jordan at a Miami club in 2008 and they have dated for five years. The couple became engaged in 2011 and applied for a marriage license last month at the county courthouse in Palm Beach, Florida.

People reported that about 500 people attended the wedding ceremony in an Episcopal church and another 1,500 joined the couple for a reception at the Bear's Club, a golf course community in nearby Jupiter.

ESPN.com reported Tiger Woods, Spike Lee and Patrick Ewing were among those to attend the NBA Hall of Famer's wedding.

Entertainment included DJ MC Lyte, singers K'Jon, Robin Thicke and Grammy Award winner Usher and The Source, an 18-piece band.

People reported that Jordan recently purchased a home in the Bear's Club development, named for the designer of the course, 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus, whose nickname was the "Golden Bear".

It was the second marriage for Jordan, who divorced his first wife Juanita in 2006 after 17 years of marriage. They had three children together.

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Panthers down Eels in battle of west

Luke Walsh ... steered the Panthers to a commanding victory over derby rivals the Eels. Source: ROB COXX / AAP

Two players not good enough to make the NRL media guide and a playmaker recycled from the NSW Cup starred as Penrith's patch-up outfit crushed Parramatta 44-12 on Monday night.

8 Tries 2
Travis Robinson 2'	Jarryd Hayne 13'
David Simmons 25'	Vai Toutai 32'
James Segeyaro 29'
Travis Robinson 37'
James Segeyaro 53'
Dean Whare 63'
Lewis Brown 77'
David Simmons 80'
6 Conversions 2
Luke Walsh 4'	Chris Sandow 14'
Luke Walsh 30'	Chris Sandow 33'
Luke Walsh 55'
Luke Walsh 64'
Luke Walsh 78'
Matthew Moylan 80'

Winger Travis Robinson scored a double including one with his first touch of the ball and 21-year-old debutant fullback Matt Moylan provided the crucial pass for three of his side's eight tries as Penrith ended a five-match losing streak in style.

They were brilliantly steered around the paddock by Luke Walsh, his pinpoint kicking game leaving onlookers baffled as to just how he could have been dumped to the NSW Cup just a few weeks ago.

He only got a reprieve thanks to the injury crisis engulfing the club, but on this performance it's clear coach Ivan Cleary has plenty of talent to work with.

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Re-live all the drama from the Panthers' big win at our NRL Match Centre, with key statistics.

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The Eels gave little hope for their fans or coach Ricky Stuart, a busy performance from Chris Sandow and a powerful Vai Tautai try which rekindled memories of Eric Grothe as he ran through eight defenders, brief bright spots for the visitors.

To complete a poor night for the Eels, co-captain Tim Mannah was carried from the field with what appeared a serious ankle injury.

Robinson, the twin of Canberra fullback Reece, could not have dreamed of a better return to the top grade when with his first touch he took a quick tap after defusing a bomb and racing 80 metres untouched to score.

Some Sandow brilliance engineered the Eels' reply via Jarryd Hayne, but a Walsh 40-20 turned the game back the home side's way, Moylan showing little first-game nerves with the money ball for David Simmons and then James Segeyaro to make it 16-6.

Robinson and Segeyaro finished off their doubles either side of halftime, the Panthers turning the final quarter into a training run as they punished the visitors for their second biggest win over the Eels.

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German heavyweights eyeing Kruse

Big move ... Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen are eyeing Socceroos star Robbie Kruse. Source: Damian Shaw / News Limited

Socceroos star Robbie Kruse is reportedly set for a switch to Champions League-bound German heavyweights Bayer Leverkusen.

The 24-year-old has caught the eye of several clubs after an impressive season with Fortuna Dusseldorf, who are battling to avoid relegation from the Bundesliga.

German newspaper the Rheinische Post reports third-placed Leverkusen are set to announce the signing of Kruse on a 1.5 million euros ($A1.92 million) transfer.

The 24-year-old former Melbourne Victory player is apparently being signed on a three-year deal as a replacement for Chelsea target Andre Schurrle.

Kruse has been hugely impressive since joining the German club from the Victory in 2011.

He has four goals and nine assists in 30 appearances this season, with Dusseldorf sitting above the relegation zone only on goal difference.

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