Relieved Tigers escape with a win

THE Suns leave Cairns with broken hearts and more broken bodies after falling to Richmond by nine points at Cazaly's Stadium.

Defender Rory Thompson was  taken to hospital with internal injuries after a crunching collision with Matthew Arnot midway through the third term of the 6.7 (53) to 6.9 (44) loss. 

He had kept his opponent, Richmond superstar Jack Riewoldt goalless in a superb performance to that point.

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	15	13	0	2	141.97	52
2	Geelong	15	13	0	2	132.74	52
3	Essendon	14	11	0	3	129.86	44
4	Sydney	14	10	1	3	131.58	42
5	Fremantle	14	10	1	3	125.89	42
6	Richmond	15	10	0	5	116.69	40
7	Collingwood	15	10	0	5	109.40	40
8	Port Adelaide	15	8	0	7	108.89	32
9	West Coast	14	7	0	7	109.95	28
10	North Melbourne	14	6	0	8	118.60	24
11	Carlton	14	6	0	8	109.19	24
12	Adelaide	15	6	0	9	102.46	24
13	Gold Coast	15	5	0	10	89.02	20
14	Brisbane	14	5	0	9	78.08	20
15	Bulldogs	14	4	0	10	76.90	16
16	St Kilda	14	3	0	11	84.44	12
17	Melbourne	15	2	0	13	53.98	8
18	Greater Western Sydney	14	0	0	14	52.21	0

The Suns' injury list has reached a critical mass. It is unclear just who will play on Collingwood spearhead Travis Cloke next week.

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Vice captain Nathan Bock kicked nine goals in the reserves earlier in the day but Suns officials say he is still only playing at 50 per cent fitness and could not be considered for Saturday's game against the Pies at Metricon Stadium.

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Richmond scored through Daniel Jackson moments after Thompson left the field on a stretcher and then the rain came.

At that was it. 

Richmond led by a goal at the time and the Suns never got closer.

It was a superb performance by Jackson who won an engrossing battle with Suns skipper Gary  Ablett.

It was the complete taggers game, restricting Ablett to 26 possessions and breaking free to kick two crucial goals himself. 

"I'll never be a flashy, star player but if I can grind out the contest and work hard then I can get myself a happy career,'' Jackson told reporters.

Ablett dispelled any fears his injured calf was still troubling him when he burst out of the centre from the opening bounce of the game and sent a long bomb spiralling toward goal.

It hit the post leaving the fans to ponder what might have been – a familiar sentiment by the end iof the evening.

Once again the Suns lost the game in their attacking fifty – the area of the ground where games should be won.

Nothing separated the two sides in the inside fifty entries –Richmond were just able to make more of the their chances.

However, unlike previous weeks there was no glaring difference between the two sides in marks taken inside fifty which was largely due to a superb performance by the Suns defence.

The inclusion of North Queensland product Josh Hall look like it was going to pay dividends in the opening moments. 

The former Olympic high jump hopeful, was brought into the side to provide a badly needed marking option in the forward fifty and he clunked the first high ball that came his way which led to the opening goal of the game to Harley Bennell.

He took another late in the third quarter which led to a shot on goal after the siren but they were his only real moments and he finished the game nursing an injured shoulder.

Fears ran high the game would be a slog when sideways rain swept across the ground 30 minutes before bouncedown but by the time the siren blew there was perfect sunshine.

However there was a strong breeze favouring the Northern end, or as some locals have dubbed it the "Karmichael" end after Hunt's heroics here last year.

The Suns entered the first break with a two goal lead but coach Guy McKenna would not have been entirely comfortable with the amount of opportunities his side squandered kicking with the breeze.

Bennell, Aaron Hall and Steven May all lost their opponents on the lead only to see the delivery sail wide or over their heads.

After kicking just one goal in the opening quarter, to Arnot, the Tigers managed three in the second through Jackson, Nathan Foley and Brandon Ellis to lead by a straight kick at half time. 

A goal apiece in the second, Jackson's second for the Tigers and a superb right-footed effort from Trent McKenzie gave the Tigers a seven point lead and the benefit of the breeze in the final quarter.

The Suns needed some magic to pull this one off.

But there was to be no repeat of the stunning finish to last year's  match when Hunt delivered the season's most memorable moment with an after the siren shot on goal that handed the Suns a stunning victory.

"I knew there was a couple of minutes to go and we wanted to make sure the same thing didn't happen as last season,'' Tigers ruckman Ivan Maric told the Seven Network.

"This game is about how far this group has grown. There's a perception with Gold Coast that they can beat us and we had to change that today.

"We're going in the right direction to change that perception.''

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Panthers survive scare from Eels

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David Simmonds scores for the Panthers during the Parramatta Eels v Penrith Panthers. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

PENRITH survived a scare on Saturday night to claw their way back into the top-eight with the Panthers fending off a desperate challenge from the Eels to avoid a shock loss to the last placed side.

2 Tries 3
Brayden Wiliame 33'	David Simmons 7'
Luke Kelly 40'	Kevin Kingston 23'
	David Simmons 49'
1 Conversions 2
Jake Mullaney 40'	Luke Walsh 9'
	Luke Walsh 24'
0 Field Goals 1
	Luke Walsh 78'

Facing a team in the midst of a crisis and without stars Jarryd Hayne and Chris Sandow, the Panthers found themselves in an unexpected arm wrestle with the match only sealed in the dying stages when Luke Walsh belted over a field goal to secure a 17-10 win.

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David Simmons bagged a double for the Panthers with his final try proving the difference as Penrith were able to repel a last-ditch attack from the fired up Eels.

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Following a trouncing at Brookvale, it was a much improved effort from the Eels who ultimately did not have the firepower to cause an upset. 

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Following a week of controversy with their $500,000-a-year halfback Chris Sandow dumped after a heavy loss to Manly, the Eels began with a mistake and narrowly avoided conceding points in the second minute when Brad Tighe crashed over only to be held up. 

They survived the first onslaught but were quickly put under pressure again when Walsh nailed a 40-20 to put the Panthers on the attack. 

On the first play of the fresh set, Dean Whare stood up Willie Tonga to find Simmons, who dived over in the corner to make it 6-0 following Walsh's conversion in the 7th minute. 

The Panthers threatened to extend the lead when debutant Parramatta winger Semi Radradra made an error in the play the ball. 

Deep on the attack, Walsh looked for James Roberts with a cross-field kick into the in goal but was was unable to find his mark. 

The Eels continued their struggle with errors and penalties ruining their attempts to get back into the contest. 

With a penalty putting them within striking range, the Panthers opened the Eels up in the 24th minute when Kevin Kingston stepped through four defenders to score the second try of the night. 

The Eels' attempts to tackle the hooker were pathetic and the soft try sent them 12-0 down with Walsh nailing the conversion. 

Ben Roberts provided the first sign of hope for the Eels when he gave Radradra a shot at points with a neat grubber kick. 

The Fijian was unable to beat Simmons to the ball but he helped earn a repeat set for his side by forcing the winger in goal. 

The Eels finally executed a play in the 32nd minute and Brayden Willame crashed over on the wing following a shift to put the Eels back into the game at 12-4. 

The Eels got another chance minutes later following a rare penalty and only desperate Panthers defence denied them more points. 

Willie Tonga went close first before Kingston was forced to scoop the ball dead to deny Radradra. 

Another mistake ended their raid following the drop out but Luke Kelly intercepted a Walsh pass before running 60m to make it 12-10 at half-time.

A Panthers mistake put the Eels on the attack as the game resumed with James Roberts dropping the ball to gift Parramatta possession just 15m out. 

The Eels went for the long shift immediately and were only denied the lead with Roberts making up for his mistake with a bone-jarring try-saver on Williame. 

The Panthers survived and forced a mistake from Ben Roberts moments later to go on the attack. 

And once again Luke Walsh proved his mastery with the boot, launching a cross-field kick that Simmons plucked from the air to land his second try of the night and make the score 16-10 in the 50th minute. 

The see-sawing match continued with the Eels threatening to bridge the gap with Williame again going close. The winger was again denied and the Panthers rolled their way out of trouble.

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LIVE: Tour de France, Stage 14

Chris Froome will be hoping to avoid more time losses in tonight's Tour de France stage. Source: Bryn Lennon / Getty Images

CAN Alberto Contador continue to loosen Tour de France leader Chris Froome's stranglehold on this year's race?

Find out as the peloton embarks on the 14th stage of this year's race.

CLICK ON THE WINDOW BELOW TO JOIN IN OUR COVERAGE.

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LIVE: First Ashes Test, day four

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Australia's James Pattinson appeals in vain for a wicket during day three. Source:AFP

AUSTRALIA are up against it heading into day four of the first Ashes Test at Trent Bridge.

All the talk heading into play is about Aleem Dar's umpiring howler, but the Aussies will need to move on from that as they seek to pull off what would be a win against all the odds.

Get all the reaction from the ground and around the world via social media in our blog, and don't forget to get the latest scores, videos and pitch maps in our Match Centre.

JOIN US FOR LIVE COVERAGE OF EVERY MOMENT OF THE ASHES SERIES FROM THE FIRST BALL, INCLUDING A LIVE MATCH CENTRE WITH SCORES, STATS, HAWKEYE DISPLAY OF EVERY DELIVERY AND VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS THROUGHOUT EACH SESSION

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Crusaders down spirited Hurricanes

Tom Marshall of The Crusaders beats Alapati Leiua of The Hurricanes to score a try. Source: Simon Watts / Getty Images

The Crusaders secured home advantage for the first elimination round of Super Rugby play-offs in wrapping up a 25-17 win over the Hurricanes at AMI Stadium in Christchurch on Friday.

The seven-times champions were hunting a bonus-point win to put pressure on the Chiefs at the top of the New Zealand conference.

That would have left the defending champions needing at least one point from Saturday's final game against the Blues.

3 Tries 3
Zac Guildford 3'	Victor Vito 7'
Andrew Ellis 52'	Brad Shields 44'
Tom Marshall 79'	Julian Savea 64'
2 Conversions 1
Daniel Carter 5'	Andre Taylor 65'
Daniel Carter 80'
2 Penalties 0
Daniel Carter 24'
Daniel Carter 39'

As it was, the win means the Crusaders finish on 60 points to the Chiefs' 61 with their last game still in hand.

The southerners had to battle to overcome a high-octane start from a Hurricanes outfit that pushed them right to the last minute.

Both teams ran at high tempo early on, but the Hurricanes' problems with accuracy continued as they gifted the Crusaders a try, coughing up possession while hot on attack after just four minutes.

Winger Zac Guildford toed the turnover ahead twice, then had little trouble outpacing Canes prop Ben May for the try.

The Hurricanes took barely two minutes to reply, winger Matt Proctor sparking a counterattack 60 metres out which ended when Brad Shields popped the inside pass for No.8 Victor Vito to dive across.

Two Dan Carter penalties extended the Crusaders' lead to 13-8 halftime, with some outstanding Hurricanes defence keeping them in the match.

But although the Hurricanes had a distinct advantage in terms of territory and possession, they couldn't convert that into points until four minutes after the restart.

Halfback TJ Perenara rifled the ball across the field for Shields to touch down, but the Crusaders re-established their lead 10 minutes later when Andy Ellis scored after Perenara's clearing kick from a defensive lineout was charged down.

The Hurricanes continued to play with uncharacteristic patience, and were rewarded on 63 minutes when All Blacks winger Julian Savea dived across and Andre Taylor added the extras for the Crusaders to lead 18-17 with 15 minutes remaining.

But with two minutes to go, Israel Dagg latched onto a Hurricanes' chip kick and the Crusaders moved the ball quickly with Tom Marshall winning the race to the line from his kick ahead to put the result beyond doubt.

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Super-light bat behind Agar heroics

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A super-lightweight bat emerges as one of the secrets behind Agar's incredible knock. Source: Jon Super / Getty Images

Man of the moment Ashton Agar has already phoned to thank the guru bat makers behind the super-light home made willow that powered his stunning debut knock against England at Trent Bridge.

Bourgening bat label Tails Never Fails (TNF) was started by Chris and Michael Sheedy- long-time Richmond club mates of Agar.

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Michael Sheedy - also Port Adelaide Power's football analyst - told The Advertiser that Test spinner Agar was on the blower with gratitude after his incredible 98 against England.

"We spoke to Ashton early morning our time, he was really happy with the gear and how the bat went," said Sheedy

"98 runs on debut was great, we just wanted him to get off the mark."

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Agar used his favourite "oldie but a goodie" TNF bat in the 101-ball, 98 that set the cricket world alight.

"He likes the fact we have been with him from the start and he hand picks them, prefers a lighter bat. He has a big back swing so likes to be able to swing it quickly with a meaty middle," said Sheedy.

"It is getting balance between the weight and actual rebound which is important as strokeplayer.

"As you can see by the bat he used, it was pretty old and weathered but it was one of his favourites."

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Sheedy and Agar are family friends with the rising Test star a loyal supporter of the products that are designed in Melbourne and operated from the Power football staffer's house.

"My brother and I been looking after him since Ashton was 16 years old. We are based in Melbourne but I have been running the company from my spare bedroom in Adelaide," Sheedy said.

"We expecting an increase in orders but will remain a boutique company."

Agar's younger brothers Will and Wes have already been locked in by TNF.

"The boys play at Richmond as use the gear as well," Sheedy said.

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Pep lashes 'distasteful' Barcelona

New Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola has lashed his old Barcelona bosses. Source: AP

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola whipped up a media storm in Spain on Friday by accusing his former bosses at Barcelona of trying to use coach Tito Vilanova's cancer illness to criticise him.

The 42-year-old, who won 14 titles between 2008 and 2012 at Barcelona and took a year off in New York before joining the German side, exposed a deep rift between him and Barca president Sandro Rosell's management team.

"This year there have been too many things that crossed the line," Guardiola told a news conference on Thursday at Lake Garda in Italy, where the German team were in pre-season training.

"But using Tito's illness to damage me is something I will never forget," he said in Catalan, denying he had failed to see Vilanova while he was treated in New York for salivary gland cancer

"I saw Tito in New York and if we did not see each other on other occasions it is because it was not possible, but not on my part."

He did not say who exactly had made the accusation.

Barcelona vice-president Jordi Cardoner said he was surprised when he heard Guardiola's outburst and he denied the club had made any such claim.

"We have not used Tito's illness to go against him and whoever does such a thing is a bad person," he told Barcelona-based sports daily Mundo Deportivo in an interview published on Friday, adding that he hoped there would be an explanation because he believed Guardiola's relations with himself and Rosell had always been "cordial".

In the same news conference, Guardiola also denied a claim that he had told Brazilian star Neymar's father that Vilanova would not know how to use both Neymar and Lionel Messi in the same squad.

In fact, Guardiola said he had met with Neymar's father and repeatedly told him that his son was doing the right thing by signing with Barcelona. Vilanova's name was not mentioned in the conversation, he said.

Vilanova had been Guardiola's assistant at Barcelona for five years and he led the Catalan team to their most successful league win in history last season, Guardiola said.

"Do I have to excuse myself for wanting things to go badly for someone who has been a colleague for so long?" he asked. "It is very bad taste and I was not expecting it."

The new Bayern coach said he had asked Barcelona's management to leave him in peace when he left the club.

"The only thing I asked Rosell was to leave me in peace and they have not left me in peace even from 6,000 kilometres away," Guardiola said. "They have not done it, they have not lived up to their word."

Guardiola's quotes were splashed across the pages of Spain's sporting press.

"Guardiola dynamites Barca," ran the front page of leading sports daily As.

"Guardiola on the attack!" said Mundo Deportivo.

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Carney stars as Sharks hold on

Michael Gordon tries to bust through a Scott Prince tackle. Source: Bradley Kanaris / Getty Images

Todd Carney has starred in a thrilling one-point victory for Cronulla as they held off a fast-finishing Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium.

3 Tries 3
Josh Hoffman 53'	Michael Gordon 58'
Corey Oates 76'	Jayson Bukuya 64'
Jordan Kahu 79'	Sosaia Feki 73'
3 Conversions 3
Scott Prince 55'	Todd Carney 60'
Scott Prince 77'	Todd Carney 66'
Scott Prince 80'	Todd Carney 75'
0 Field Goals 1
	Todd Carney 76'

The Sharks looked to have the game iced when Carney kicked a field goal to extend his side's lead to 13 points, with less than 10 minutes to go, but a desperate situation seemed to breathe new life into the Broncos, who scored two late tries.

In the end, it just wasn't quite enough, with the Broncos paying for a first half which they dominated without scoring - as the two sides went into the sheds locked up at 0-0.

More to follow...

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Paranoia over Watson breakdown

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Shane Watson of Australia pulls up short while bowling during day one of the first Ashes Test. Source: Ryan Pierse / Getty Images

PARANOIA and confusion surround Shane Watson's latest breakdown, which may force Cricket Australia to reconsider sending David Warner on the Australia A tour of southern Africa.

Australia's cricket hierarchy are refusing to release any details of the injury-plagued all-rounder's latest problem.

If Watson is unable to play the second Test at Lord's next week he will be replaced in the side by Usman Khawaja, leaving Australia without a reserve batsman to cover for the possibility of further injury or illness.

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Following a month without cricket because of suspension Warner is due to fly to Africa on the weekend for Australia A matches against a Zimbabwe XI and South Africa A before returning ahead of the third Test at Old Trafford.

Watson, 32, pulled up gingerly during his fourth over shortly after lunch on the opening day and left the field.

He returned later and did not bowl again but was able to open the batting.

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Following a dramatic first day's play, when 14 wickets fell, coach Darren Lehmann said that Watson had a leg "niggle" but there was hope he may be able to bowl in England's second innings.

However News Limited understands that Watson bowling again during this match is unlikely because of a problem with his lower left leg.

He did not warm up with his team mates before the second day's play but instead walked laps with team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris. Even walking Watson did not look comfortable.

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Niggles have kept Watson out for long periods in the past and the latest injury raises the question of whether he can be chosen for a Test if he is not fit enough to bowl.

The alternate argue is given Australia's fragile batting line-up should Watson be bowling at all?

Despite his failure in the first innings, driving hard at a moving ball to be caught in the slips for 13, Watson is a key batsman for Australia.

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Restored to the top of the order where he has played his best cricket, Watson must have a good series opening the batting if Australia is to have any hope of regaining the Ashes.

Watson's career has been so hampered by injury that he has missed 51 Tests since his debut in January 2005. Currently he is playing his 42nd Test.

Most frustrating has been Watson's failure to play so few Tests in Australia during the past two seasons.

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He missed the whole of the 2011-12 Test summer against New Zealand and India then managed just three Tests last season, the last against South Africa in Perth and then the first two against Sri Lanka before breaking down in Melbourne and failing to play in Sydney.

During a recent interview Watson admitted the past year or so had been the most difficult period of his cricketing life.

Not only did he suffer more injury problems, he was shuffled around in the batting order, became one of four players suspended in India for not doing their homework, stepped down as vice-captain and saw coach Mickey Arthur replaced by Darren Lehmann.

"It is definitely the most challenging period I've had in my cricket career," Watson told News Limited.

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Watch every ball of the 2013 Ashes series, starting with the first Test from Trent Bridge on July 10, LIVE and in HIGH DEFINITION on Fox Sports.

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Ono to catch up with old mate RVP

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Shinji Ono is keen to meet up with old Dutch buddy Robin van Persie in Sydney. Source: Dean Lewins / AAP

SHINJI Ono may not be lining up against Manchester United star Robin van Persie next weekend, but he plans to catch up with his old mate off the pitch.

Western Sydney Wanderers' marquee man spent four seasons playing alongside van Persie at Feyenoord, before the Dutchman made his big move to Arsenal in 2004.

He hasn't yet contacted van Persie, but hopes to see him next week.

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Ono was voted into the A-League All Stars team to take on the Barclays Premier League champions at ANZ Stadium, but after consulting his coaching staff the 33-year-old decided he couldn't risk playing while he's not fully match fit.

"Of course I was looking forward to playing against Manchester United, but for me the most important thing is the regular season," Ono told The Daily Telegraph.

"(My) age is not still young. I needed to think about playing during the season and also the Asian Champions League."

Ono has only played against United once, but he remembers the match fondly.

"I played against them in 2007 when they were travelling Asia and I was playing for Urawa Red Diamonds," he said.

"We played against Wayne Rooney and Christiano Ronaldo. The game ended 2-all and I scored one of the goals.

"The A-League All Stars will get good experience playing against Manchester United because they are really high-quality players."

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Ono enjoyed the off-season at home with his family in Tokyo but he did manage to get to Saitama to watch Japan's World Cup qualifying match against Australia and he was pleased to see both teams secure places at Brazil 2014.

"I'm Japanese, but I play in Australia and both countries are going to the World Cup, which is very good."

He admits he didn't do much more than play football with his two daughters in the park, but his teammates have warned him to expect a tough pre-season under Tony Popovic.

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"I didn't know how hard they trained before last season because I came here one week before the season started," Ono said.

"But everyone said to me, 'Shinji you are lucky you missed the pre-season, you are very lucky'.

"I'm not scared. I like hard work. If I do hard work during pre-season maybe I'll stay fit enough during the season with less injuries. I think it's better for the body."

The Wanderers won the Premier's Plate and contested the grand final last season and Ono believes there will pressure on them to repeat that success this season.

But the Wanderers' import can't wait to get started.

"There is pressure on us, but we are really tough people and we are really hungry," he said.

"Of course I want to get one more title, both titles.

"But other clubs want to catch us now - everyone is motivated to beat us."

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Yorke: United here for business

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Manchester United Manager David Moyes has massive shoes to fill. Source: Sakchai Lalit / AP

DAILY Telegraph football writer Carly Adno talks to former Red Devil Dwight Yorke ahead of Manchester United's historic visit to Australia.

Does Manchester United's game against the A-League All Stars have added significance now that David Moyes is the new man in charge?

"All our pre-season games are significant.

They give the team the best possible preparation for the season ahead. I think this year will be different as it's the first time the club has had a new manager in over 25 years, but I believe that David Moyes will want to keep it as business as usual. The team will be playing to win, no matter who the manager is. Of course, with it being one of David's first games there will be an element of pressure on him, but similarly the players will be under the same pressure. They are the current champions and everyone will be willing them to keep going with that winning mentality. Obviously Sydney is a destination we haven't been to for some time, so I am sure that all our fans will be excited to see the team play and I know that it's both a game and a destination the lads are looking forward to.

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Will there be more interest in the game from the UK?

"Again, with it being one of the new management team's first games there will be heightened interest. Also, going into the new season as the title winners, there will be some wanting to see us knocked off our perch, so they will be keeping a close eye on the team's first few matches. As well as that, the club is fortunate enough to have over 650 million followers all over the world, so there is interest in all United games, no matter where they are played. Sydney will be a special one though, as it's such a great city and backdrop to the game."

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Is Moyes the right man for the job?

"I think following on from Sir Alex was going to be a tough job for anyone, and I think that David, although maybe not the big name people linked to the job, is a very good choice for his successor. He has a lot of experience and I think he has a lot of the same characteristics of Sir Alex.

He respects the work ethic that Sir Alex has instilled in everyone at the club most importantly he respects the history of Manchester United. And they're both Scottish!

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What will United be looking to get out of the game?

"They'll be looking to get a win, because we play every game to win. And like I have said it's an important part of the team's pre-season preparation. They will be looking to gel together again after a few weeks off, increase their fitness and have the chance to see how new players fit into the squad.

How do you think they'll benefit from a week-long camp in Sydney?

"They'll benefit greatly. The good weather will be a bonus for one thing! Being together in one place for a whole week will develop good team spirit, as well as give the players a structured training schedule. They'll be able to achieve more and allow the new management team and players some bonding time. Sydney is a great city and I loved the time I spent here. Although they'll be working hard I am sure the club will have some down time arranged for the players and they'll be able to see some of the city.

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Do you expect United to go through a 'transition phase' now that Sir Alex has gone?

"I think David has inherited a strong squad. He is has been handed the league winners and United has some world-class players. The team will be hungry to prove themselves to a new manager as well as retain the title, which I think they have a good chance of doing.

Will you be coming out to Sydney for the game?

"I will be there. I am really looking forward to being back in Sydney. I was there for the tour launch at the beginning of the year and it's a place I always look forward to visiting.

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Warne set for Hall of Fame induction

Shane Warne ... the Spin King will accept his crown. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

AUSTRALIA leg-spinning great Shane Warne is to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame during the second Ashes Test.

Warne, credited with reviving interest in leg-spin outside Asia, was the first bowler to take 700 Test wickets and represented Australia in 145 Tests between 1992 and 2007. In all he took 708 Test wickets at an average of 25.41.

The ceremony will take place during the tea interval of the second day of the second Ashes Test between England and Australia at Lord's on July 19.

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Re-live every Ashes moment with Match Centre, featuring video highlights.

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Warne also took 293 wickets in 194 one-day internationals at an average of 25.73 and was a member of the Australia side that beat Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup final at Lord's where his teammates included fellow Hall of Famers Glenn McGrath and Steve Waugh.

His return in the final of 4-33 in nine overs saw Warne named man-of-the-match.

"I'm very honoured and proud to be announced as an inductee into the ICC Hall of Fame later this month and I'd like to thank the voting academy very much for even considering me,'' said Warne, currently in England working as a TV commentator during the ongoing Ashes series.

"I'm looking forward to celebrating my induction with my friends and family in front of the crowd at Lord's during the second Ashes Test.''

His tally of 3,154 Test runs is the most by any player without making a hundred.

Warne is the 69th male member of the Hall of Fame and the 18th from Australia.

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Mason questions Raiders leadership

Blake Ferguson leaves the police station. Source: AAP

NEWCASTLE veteran Willie Mason has questioned Canberra's leadership in the wake of the latest disciplinary drama involving one of the clubs stars.

Speaking candidly about the latest drama surrounding Blake Ferguson, Mason asked whether the Raiders senior players were strong enough to come down hard on players who were tarnishing the clubs name.

Undated pic taken from the social networking site 'Twitter'. Source: Twitter

"I'm not sure Canberra have that whole system," Mason said on NRL360 after explaining how his Newcastle teammates would come down hard on a player who had misbehaved.

"I don't know if the senior players down there like David Shillington as strong enough people to say 'hey mate you're letting down the whole club and yourself personally'.

"I put it down to that club and the lack of leadership down there."

Ferguson was axed from the NSW squad ahead of game two of the State of Origin series and stood down from club football by the NRL after being formally charged with indecent assault of a female at a Cronulla nightclub.

This is not the first time the 23-year-old has been in the headlines for the wrong reason, earlier in the year he was dropped to reserve grade after breaking team protocol and drinking on a rooftop with fullback Josh Dugan.

Dugan was axed from the Raiders as a result of the incident and according to Mason, sends off alarm bells that there is a serious issue at the club. 

"There is obviously a lack of respect for that club," Mason said. 

"Dugan (and) Ferguson, they have pretty much done whatever they wanted to for the last couple of years and got away with it.

"…You don't put your whole club underneath all that pressure."

Ferguson will contest the charges laid against him in Waverley Local Court on July 16.

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Sack O'Connor immediately: Jones

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Sack JOC ... Eddie Jones call for O'Connor to be dump from the Wallabies sqaud. Source: Cameron Spencer / Getty Images

FORMER Test coach Eddie Jones has called for wayward star James O'Connor to be dumped from the Wallabies' Bledisloe Cup squad to teach him a lesson about off-field behaviour.

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Jones' view came as O'Connor's swift fall from grace continued yesterday, with Melbourne following up their decision to cut the no.10 next season by naming him on the bench behind rookies for  the Rebels' final game, and more Test teammates questioning his discipline.

Following comments from Rebels skipper Scott Higginbotham on Tuesday backing the club's call to release O'Connor because he didn't fit into the "team dynamic", Force no.8 Ben McCalman said his club would  be wary of picking him back up unless he behaved.

"He's a great player to have on the field, very skilful, a lot of natural talent, " McCalman said.

"In saying that, we've worked very hard in the last year to set values and standards through Matty Hodgson and down through the senior players.

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"We'd love to have him here but not at the cost of compromising what we've already set.

"He has a few things that he can sort out and we'll see how things turn out."

The fact the Rebels axed him, and Test players are openly criticising O'Connor's behaviour, is an indication of how fed up many Wallabies have grown with the 22-year-old's discipline and impact on team cultures.

O'Connor was out with Kurtley Beale until 4am in the week of the second Lions Test and then missed the team bus two days before the third Test.

While Jones said he would leave Beale on the bench for Bledisloe I on August 17, the former Wallaby coach said he felt McKenzie should leave O'Connor out.

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"I wouldn't have O'Connor in the squad for the next period of time. Guys like him have to understand it is special playing for Australia, and he hasn't treated it as special, " Jones told ruggamatrix podcast.

"I am sure Ewen is going to make the point somewhere along the line with one of those boys to make sure they understand it is special playing for Australia."

Jones said O'Connor and Beale's decision to stay out late in Melbourne was not acceptable but he also fired a salvo at the ARU for again failing to crack down on the pair.

"It's inexcusable what they did in the second Test (week), to be up at four o'clock in the morning, obviously around carousing at a hamburger place, " Jones said.

"But the worst thing was the ARU defending it. The ARU should have said straight away they should have been in bed, and they should have been in recovery. They shouldn't have been out. I am sure Ewen is going to sort out those issues.

"No team is perfect and every team has its characters, but you have to draw a line. There are 14 Tests in a year, and for that period of time the players need to be completely devoted to winning those Test  matches."

Jones said Quade Cooper should return into the no.10 jersey given to O'Connor unwisely by Robbie Deans for the Lions series.

"It's a bit like Shane Warne leaving and picking up a part-time leg spinner who bowls ten overs every so often in club cricket. It's just beyond comprehension.

"He was way out of his depth. He's a brilliant individual, we know that, but he can't play Test stand-off."

Meanwhile, Will Genia has said he'll look forward to re-uniting with Cooper at Test level under their Reds coach.

"When you're going into big games, you want to be able to trust the guys inside and outside you.

"Combinations play a big part in that. Myself and Quade obviously go back a long way and we do have that good relationship.

"You can't hide the fact that Ewen's always been a big fan of Quade's but, just like every other player in Australia, we're going to have to prove ourselves."

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History on debutant Agar's side

Australia captain Michael Clarke congratulates Ashton Agar after he receives his first Baggy Green. Source: Gareth Copley / Getty Images

ASHES bolter Ashton Agar is debuting against England with the weight of history at Trent Bridge and new coach Darren Lehmann behind him.

Agar, the 19-year-old left-arm spinner is rated ''the total package'' by Western Australian and Test great Mike Hussey. The Australian hierarchy agreed with pace king Glenn McGrath presenting the baggy green that confirmed Agar as Australia's 12th-youngest debutant.

Premier England off-spinners from Jim Laker to Graeme Swann have been blunted in Nottingham, yielding a combined 17 wickets in six Tests. It is the ball turning away from the bat that does the damage at Trent Bridge.

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The leg-spin of Shane Warne, Clarrie Grimmett and Bill 'Tiger' O'Reilly collected 61 wickets in eight Nottingham Tests. It is a roll call of success at Trent Bridge that suggests new Australian citizen, legspinner Fawad Ahmed would also have enjoyed a debut. 

Super intelligent law student Agar has 31 first-class wickets at 29.38 in 10 first-class games for Western Australia. And the former Victorian rookie has a bucketload of X-factor that has been noticed in the Australia camp since being a project player on the February Test tour of India.

Agar had been been tracking along well under Lehmann's watch with Australia A in warm up games before he replaced axed predecessor Arthur.

Accuracy and loop delivered from a 187cm height, brilliant fielding and capable batting have already raised comparisons with his key influence, former New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori. 

''His leftarm orthodox is his No.1 craft but he gives a lot with the bat and is a brilliant fieldsman, a great package,'' Hussey told your paper.

''He is a very good attacking bowler but can tie up an end for the fast bowlers.

''He is a great kid, loves the game, working hard and a great temperament to hold him in good stead.'' 

The top 10 wicket-takers at Trent Bridge are predominantly men who move the ball including Alec Bedser, accurate Brian Statham, James Anderson, Ian Botham and Richard Hadlee. Ashes specialist Terry Alderman helped himself to 16 wickets in two Tests in Nottingham.

Swann has just three Test scalps at 65 on his home Nottingham patch. Even Laker, the brilliant off-spinner in a glorious 1950s period for England toiled for 14 wickets at 30 in the backyard of Robin Hood.

It is a tough call on offspinner Nathan Lyon, the team songmaster who claimed nine wickets in the final Test against India. Lyon, had worshipped axed coach Arthur as a father figure, but has been leapfrogged by Agar.

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Follow all the action on day one with our LIVE online coverage, or watch all the best action in our Test Match Centre.

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Holger backs Schwarzer at Chelsea

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Socceroos boss Holger Osieck has no problems with Mark Schwarzer's move to Chelsea. Source: Craig Greenhill / Getty Images

SOCCEROOS coach Holger Osieck has endorsed Mark Schwarzer's move to English Premier League giants Chelsea and is confident he will remain in good shape for next year's World Cup.

Schwarzer, who turns 41 in October, signed a one-year deal with the Blues after leaving Fulham on a free transfer at the end of last season.

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It's an upward move on paper, but in reality it's also a risky one. Schwarzer will play second fiddle to Petr Cech and certainly won't be guaranteed weekly game time under new manager Jose Mourinho.

It's the kind of move Osieck has previously warned against making, but the German revealed he discussed the option with Schwarzer before it was announced and supports his decision.

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"I think it's a very good move for him," Osieck told The Daily Telegraph.

"It's a great club and I wish him all the best of course because he needs to play in order to stay fit for our team and I'm pretty sure with his professional attitude he can manage it.

"I'm pretty sure he will (play). Knowing him and his ambitions he definitely will, because otherwise why did he sign in the first place."

Before moving to Fulham, Schwarzer played 366 league matches for Middlesbrough. After transferring to Craven Cottage he became the first overseas player to make more than 500 Premier League appearances.

He'll be hoping to add to that number, but getting the gloves off Cech is going to take some doing.

Chelsea played a total of 69 matches last season the Czech International appeared in 59 of them.

Schwarzer told Chelsea's official website that there were other clubs interested in getting his signature, but the opportunity to work under Mourinho was too good to refuse.

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"It's a phenomenal club," he said.

"It's one of the biggest and best clubs in the world and it's an honour to sign for Chelsea. I didn't take much convincing to come here.

"I still have a lot of aspirations to play for my country. I want to play another World Cup. We've just qualified for Brazil and I want to continue to play at the highest level for as long as possible."

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Watch former Socceroos shot-stopper Mark Bosnich offer his view on Schwarzer's move the Chelsea just 12 months out from the World Cup.

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A-League Transfer Centre

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Ins and outs ... keep on top of your club's signing news. Source:FOX SPORTS

A-League teams have commenced their long and torturous pre-seasons as they look to topple Central Coast Mariners at the top of the pack.

Alessandro Del Piero, Shinji Ono and Emile Heskey have been joined by Harry Kewell in the headline stakes, but there has already been plenty of movement in rosters across the country as clubs strengthen ahead of a highly anticipated A-League season.

Return regularly over the next three months for your one-stop-shop for A-League signings, which we'll update throughout the pre-season. 

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ADELAIDE UNITED

Losses: Tomi Juric (Western Sydney Wanderers), Iain Ramsay (Melbourne Heart), Fabian Barbiero and Evan Kostopoulos are both out of contract.

BRISBANE ROAR

Gains: Corey Brown, George Lambadardis (both signed senior contracts), Liam Miller (Perth Glory), Diogo Ferreira (Victory), Dimitri Petratos (Kelantan, Malaysia). 

Losses: Matt Jurman (Sydney FC), James Meyer (released), Stefan Nijland (loan expired), Massimo Murdocca (Heart), Mitch Nichols (Victory), Ben Halloran (Fortuna Dusseldorf)

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS

Losses: Pedj Bojic (Sydney FC), Patrick Zwaanswijk (retired - transitioning to coaching role with club), Oliver Bozanic (FC Luzern), Mat Ryan (Club Brugge), Bernie Ibini (Shanghai Dongya F.C), Daniel McBreen (loan at Shanghai Dongya F.C until 30/10/2013)

MELBOURNE HEART 

Gains: Harry Kewell, Massimo Murdocca (Brisbane Roar), Iain Ramsey (Adelaide United), Rob Wielaert (Roda JC, Holland), Stefan Mauk (promoted from youth team)

Losses: Clint Bolton, Simon Colosimo, Matt Thompson, Fred, Marcel Meeuwis, Jamie Coyne (released), Josip Tadic (HNK Rijeka), Eli Babalj (AZ Alkmaar)

MELBOURNE VICTORY

Gains: Mitch Nichols (Brisbane Roar)

Losses: Marcos Flores (released), Marco Rojas (Stuttgart, Germany), Daniel Mullen (Dalian Aerbin, China)

NEWCASTLE JETS

Gains: Joeys Gibbs (Western Sydney Wanderers), Zenon Caravella (mid-season to Adelaide United), Andrew Hoole (mid-season promoted from youth team to first-team contract)

Losses: Bernardo Ribeiro (contract not renewed), Dominik Ritter (contract not renewed), Marko Jesic (contract not renewed), Jack Duncan (Perth Glory), Tiago Calvano (released mid-season to Sydney FC), Jobe Wheelhosue (parted ways mid-season), Ryan Griffiths (mid-season transfer to Beijing Baxy)

PERTH GLORY

Gains: Isaka Cernak (Wellington Phoenix), Cameron Edwards (Melbourne Heart), Jack Duncan (Newcastle Jets), Matthew Davies, Riley Woodcock, Daniel De Silva (all from youth squad)

Losses: Dean Heffernan, Storm Roux, Nick Ward, Evan Berger, Billy Mehmet (mid-season), Sebastian Van Den Brink (mid-season), Jesse Makarounas (mid-season), Liam Miller (Brisbane Roar), Neil Young (part of coaching staff)  

SYDNEY FC

Gains: Matt Jurman (Brisbane Roar), Nick Carle (Bani Yas – returns from loan), Pedj Bojic (Central Coast), Tiago Calvano, Corey Gameiro (Fulham) 

Losses: Fabio Alves (released), Nathan Sherlock (released), Adam Griffiths (released), Paul Reid (released), Trent McCLenahan (released), Kruno Lovrek (released), Yairo Yau (released), Terry Antonis (Parma) 

WELLINGTON PHOENIX 

Gains: 

Losses: Tony Lochhead, Alex Smith, Dani Sanchez, Jimmy Downey and Lucas Pantelis (all released), Mark Paston (retired), Isaka Cernak (Perth)

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS

Gains: Tomi Juric (Adelaide United)

Losses: Joey Gibbs (Newcastle Jets), Tarek Elrich, Dino Kresinger and Rocky Visconte (all released)

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Swans forward Reid in doubt for finals

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Sam Reid sits on the bench injured during the match between the Demons and Swans. Source: Scott Barbour / Getty Images

SYDNEY Swans' injury crisis has hit a new low with power forward Sam Reid now in doubt to be back in time to play finals football.

The Swans will now be without nine players from their 2012 premiership side, including superstar Adam Goodes, when they face cross town rivals GWS at the SCG on Sunday after scans revealed Reid will be out for at least six weeks with a torn quadriceps that places his finals campaign in jeopardy.

The 21-year-old will not be back until at least round 22, giving him just two rounds to return to form before the start of the 2013 finals series.

It is one almighty headache for Swans coach John Longmire, just one week after Goodes was ruled out until at least round 21 with a knee injury.

Reid was substituted out of the game and red-vested in the first quarter of the Swans' win over Melbourne on Sunday after re-tearing the same quadriceps muscle that he tore in round nine against Collingwood, forcing him to miss five matches over six weeks.

Longmire said the club would not take any risks with their promising centre half forward.

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"The new tear is a lower grade to what Sam initially suffered against Collingwood five weeks ago, however, given he has reinjured it, we will need to be very conservative with his rehabilitation," Longmire said.

"Sam has worked so hard to get himself right over the past month, so it's certainly disappointing for him that he is going to spend another extended period on the sidelines.

"He is a fantastic young player and all going well, we look forward to having him available for selection later in the year," he said.

The Swans will now be missing Reid, Goodes, Alex Johnson (knee), Rhyce Shaw (abomen), Mitch Morton (quad), Gary Rohan (leg), Martin Mattner (retirement), Lewis-Roberts-Thomson and Lewis Jetta (shin) from their top 22 players when the face the Giants.

Longmire said Jetta is a chance of returning this weekend.

Swans midfielder Craig Bird said his club are desperate to get Reid back into the team.

"It's disappointing. He's had a bit of a quad issue and I think it flared up again on the weekend," Bird said.

Hopefully he's not out for too long, because he's such a crucial part of the team and we really want to get him back before finals.''

Bird will celebrate his 100th AFL game when the Swans face the Giants in the fourth Sydney Derby - an achievement that Bird once believed he may never reach.

The Swans could not split Bird and Kieren Jack for the club's rising star award in 2008 and it is only now with Bird in career-best form that Sydney fans are starting to see what Paul Roos and John Longmire could five years ago.

Bird revealed a string of injuries, highlighted by a stress fracture in his foot restricting him to four games in 2010, once saw him doubt if he would ever make it to 100 games.

The Swans' Mr fix-it is was best on ground with 33 disposals in the Swans' win over Carlton in the wet two weeks ago and was again one of the most effective players in the Swans' win over Melbourne on Sunday.

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Manly win marred by Allgood punch

Brain explosion ... Parramatta's Mitchell Allgood punches Manly's Steve Matai. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

MANLY Sea Eagles' big 50-10 win over Parramatta Eels was marred by a Mitchell Allgood brain explosion as the prop put the NRL's strict punching ban to the test as he laid a right hand on Sea Eagles enforcer Steve Matai.

9 Tries 2
David Williams 3'	Peni Terepo 35'
Brett Stewart 9'	Brayden Wiliame 57'
Jorge Taufua 18'
Jorge Taufua 28'
Tom Symonds 51'
Jamie Buhrer 69'
Jorge Taufua 74'
Jamie Lyon 77'
Kieran Foran 80'
7 Conversions 1
Jamie Lyon 10'	Chris Sandow 37'
Jamie Lyon 29'
Jamie Lyon 52'
Jamie Lyon 70'
Jamie Lyon 76'
Jamie Lyon 79'
Jamie Lyon 80'

Manly fullback Brett Stewart enjoyed a strong return to Brookvale Oval as the Sea Eagles' back three starred in their rout of Parramatta on Monday night.

		W	L	D	B	PD	Pts
1	Rabbitohs	14	2	0	1	194	30
2	Roosters	12	4	0	1	181	26
3	Storm	11	4	1	1	127	25
4	Sea Eagles	8	6	1	2	107	21
5	Sharks	8	7	0	2	-2	20
6	Knights	8	8	0	1	77	18
7	Panthers	7	8	0	2	58	18
8	Titans	8	8	0	1	-5	18
9	Bulldogs	8	8	0	1	-29	18
10	Raiders	8	8	0	1	-58	18
11	Warriors	7	9	0	1	-81	16
12	Cowboys	6	10	0	1	-25	14
13	Broncos	6	10	0	1	-37	14
14	Tigers	6	10	0	1	-171	14
15	Dragons	5	11	0	1	-115	12
16	Eels	3	12	0	2	-221	10

The Sea Eagles climbed above Cronulla into fourth spot by scoring nine tries to two, with Manly winger Jorge Taufua crossing three times.

But a fairly routine game exploded into action with seven minutes to go when Eels prop Allgood threw a flurry of punches at Sea Eagles centre Matai and was sin-binned and placed on report.

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Just seconds earlier, Allgood threw a swinging arm as he went in to make a tackle on Jamie Buhrer.

Cynics might suggest Allgood showed more fight than his team, who were effectively out of the game by the 30-minute mark.

Searching for a first win in four games, the Sea Eagles were 20-0 up by that point and Parramatta were heading for a sixth straight loss.

Stewart, playing his first game at Brookvale Oval since round seven, scored one try and was heavily involved in at least four more, including two in the last five minutes to Jamie Lyon and Kieran Foran.

He ran for almost 150 metres while wingers Taufua and David Williams both racked up more than 200 metres.

With their forwards dominant and playmakers Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans always probing, Manly had too many weapons for the tackle-shy Eels.

Manly could have won by an even bigger margin but bombed two tries with knock-ons and had two more rubbed out by the video referee.peWilliams crossed in the third minute and Taufua got his first try in the ninth.

Taufua powered over for his second try off a Stewart pass and the fullback then crossed for one of his own.

Parramatta showed some fight in the final five minutes of the first half despite losing centre Jacob Loko to a patella injury.

Peni Terepo scored a try and Pat O'Hanlon was held up.

Manly lost lock Glenn Stewart after he was inadvertently poked in the eye by a teammate.

Even that setback had a silver lining for the Sea Eagles.

Stewart's replacement Tom Symonds scored a try within a minute of taking the field, though the latter appeared to suffer a thumb injury.

Parramatta winger Brayden Wiliame capitalised on a pass from halfback Chris Sandow for the Eels' second try.

It was one-way traffic after that with a try to Jamie Buhrer triggering a final-quarter flurry by the home team.

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'Not scared, we're savouring it'

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Michael Clarke insists Australia aren't daunted heading into the first Ashes Test at Trent Bridge. Source:AP

We are all chomping at the bit to rip into old enemy.

Of all the emotions we're experiencing leading into the first Test at Trent Bridge, the overriding one is excitement.

On other tours some players have been scared, fearing what lies ahead, but the feeling around this group is a great sense of anticipation.

Everyone is looking forward to the atmosphere and the energy it will generate, which is very pleasing.

The players who have been involved in Ashes series here before have spoken openly to the rest of the squad about what it's like.

We've embraced the whole sense of occasion on and off the field and we're soaking it up. We're enjoying every single part of it.

An Ashes series in England is one of the best tours an Australian cricketer will experience. It is to be savoured.

During our practice games the crowds were giving us a bit of stick and the boys were all having a laugh.

We know the Barmy Army is going to be into us but all that sort of stuff doesn't faze us. We're here to enjoy it. The boys can't wait to be part of it.

Friendly banter is a central part of cricket's most traditional rivalry, as it should be. I think it's great for the game when the crowd gets involved.

We also know there will be strong pockets of Australian support and we always appreciate that on overseas tours. It shows how much fans love the game if they're prepared to travel halfway around the world to cheer on Australia.

We know we're underdogs but we're up for the challenge.

In my mind our preparation is done. There's only a little fine-tuning heading into tomorrow's match.

I couldn't be happier with the way we played during our four-day matches against Somerset and Worcestershire. It has been an ideal preparation. There was a lot of good batting and some good bowling in unhelpful conditions.

Everyone on tour has played in English conditions during this trip, whether it be one-day cricket or the four-day format.

We have 18 in our touring squad and just about everyone made runs or took wickets in at least one game.

But more than that we took the game on, we played with real intent. That is how I want us to play our cricket, to really take it up to England.

Intent does not mean trying to score at a run a ball. It's about assessing conditions and playing accordingly in a positive manner.

There are going to be times when we have to grind and times when we have to put our foot to the floor. We're going in with our eyes wide open about how difficult this contest will be and we're excited by that.

We're going to enjoy every minute of it. We'll enjoy the tough times, and there will be plenty of those, and we'll enjoy bowling to a strong batting line-up and facing a good attack.

There have been some major upheavals in recent weeks but to suggest we're a team in disarray could not be further from the truth.

Anyone who has seen us playing so positively and with such purpose in our lead-up games would see we're fully focused on this campaign. Inside the camp we're in a good place. We can't wait for the first Test to begin.

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Watch every ball of the 2013 Ashes series, starting with the first Test from Trent Bridge on July 10, LIVE and in HIGH DEFINITION on Fox Sports.

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