No Benji v Izzy for Sydney fans

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Benji Marshall has announced a two-year deal with Super Rugby's Auckland Blues. Source: Matt King / Getty Images

RUGBY fans will not see Benji Marshall clash with Israel Folau live in Sydney next year unless the Waratahs strike a deal to play a pre-season trial against the Blues, or he makes the All Blacks.

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The 2014 Super Rugby schedule has not been released yet but it is all-but certain a blockbuster competition game featuring Marshall against the Waratahs in Sydney won't happen, given the yearly home-away rotation in Super Rugby.

The Waratahs played the Auckland side at Allianz Stadium this year, and as such, will have to travel to New Zealand to play the Blues in 2014.

Fans will miss the sight of Marshall back in Sydney and the Waratahs will lose out equally as much, with a potentially huge attendance and lucrative gate also out the window.

Waratahs CEO Jason Allen said he's due to meet with SANZAR boss Greg Peters at a meeting on Monday and will raise the idea of swapping the Blues' home game to a Sydney fixture, but he holds slim hopes.

"We would love to play that game at home obviously, but if I was them I probably wouldn't agree," Allen said.

"But I have a few things to request of Greg, and that's one of them for sure."

Peters agreed having Marshall return to Sydney as a rugby player would be a "wonderful idea" but said it would be highly unlikely, with the 2014 fixture list almost complete.

"It would be great to see him play in Sydney but it would be challenging," Peters said.

"It's the knock-on effect. That's one of the problems with our draw, it's very complex with travel planning and so on.

"If you take a home game off the Blues, who do you give them for another home game? And how does that impact that team, and so on. If you move one piece, the knock-on effect is quite significant. So unfortunately, the Blues playing in Sydney is probably unlikely without the agreement of a very large number of people."

Short of Marshall winning selection for the All Blacks in the opening Bledisloe Cup game in Sydney, the only chance of bringing Marshall back to Sydney next year would be a trial in February and the Waratahs are set to pursue an agreement with the Blues to make it happen.

NSW played the Blues in a trial in New Zealand this season, and Allen said the intention was to strike a deal to play next year in Sydney. A Benji-fest trial would bring a huge crowd and very welcome revenue, said Allen.

"We're in the process of trying to finalise our trial opponents, and the Blues are definitely one of the teams we would like to play against," Allen said.

"I am waiting for the coach and the team to get back from Argentina this week to talk it all through and finalise our plans."

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White ready for Wallabies call

Nic White is ready to step up to the plate for the Wallabies. Picture: Kym Smith Source: DailyTelegraph

FROM being five metres from a Test debut to seemingly miles within the space of a year, halfback Nic White is taking confidence from Brumbies teammates he'll be able to step up to the plate for the Wallabies if the call comes.

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White appears on track to finally earn his first Test cap in the Rugby Championship after a torturous run of Wallaby-related fortunes since mid-way through last year.

As only one of two halfbacks in the Wallabies squad, White will sit on the bench behind Will Genia against the All Blacks in Sydney next week.

It's the same set-up as last year's June Test series against Wales, when White sat on the bench for the Wallabies for three matches but didn't play a minute, and therefore didn't earn a first cap.

A problematic shoulder injury then haunted the 23-year-old, but after agreeing with the ARU to undergo surgery in August last year, Genia went down with a season-ending knee injury and Nick Phipps leapfrogged up three spots to starting halfback.

This year, after a second straight Super Rugby season where he positioned himself as Genia's deputy, Robbie Deans overlooked White for the British and Irish Lions series in June, with Phipps preferred under Genia.

A broken shoulder in early June robbed him of any chance of a late call-up, or playing in the ACT's historic win over the Lions.

But now, having beaten Phipps to a halfback spot under Ewen McKenzie, White is hoping his patience and hard training will stand him in good stead for a possible debut in coming weeks.

"I remember (saying) after that series (against Wales in 2012) that it had given me a little taste and I just wanted to play and train as hard as I could in Canberra to better myself and give myself every chance of getting that cap, and it seems like forever ago now," White said.

"I'll do the same again now, each day is a chance to become a better player and put my best foot forward at training and in meetings and hopefully impress Ewen enough to get out there in that first Bledisloe and get a cap and get a win and bring that trophy home where it belongs."

Comfort shouldn't be an issue, with 11 Brumbies in the 30-man TRC squad. Of 13 backs, six are Brumbies but only Joe Tomane, Christian Lealiifano and Jesse Mogg are capped.

White said seeing Lealiifano and Mogg given debuts against the Lions - and then performing well - was a source of confidence for he and his fellow Brumby greenhorns.

"Christian's waited so long to take that opportunity and to see him take it and Moggy as well, to be thrown in there and grab the opportunity with two hands," White said.

"They just showed the younger boys down there that when the opportunity comes you are good enough to take it with two hands if you have the balls to do it it's there to be taken. Moggy came back with a few ideas and so did Christian."

It would be hard to inject much more confidence into White, however.

The feisty halfback says success at Super Rugby level with the Brumbies has endorsed his preference for "backing yourself and the game plan".

Daily interaction with Genia - seen by many as the world's best halfback - is valuable but White won't simply seek to become a clone of the Queenslander.

"He's the benchmark ... for the last couple of years I watched and emulated and tried to copy a lot of it and now I know I'm a different halfback to Will and probably want to strive in my own areas, where I think I can be better than Will," White said.

"And then the areas I know he's really good at, like his running game, when I come up here I talk to Will .. he's pretty good at pushing me."

White's long kicking game is superior to Genia, and helped the Brumbies dominate field position in 2013. Along with a sharp passing and defensive game, it's a trait that'll give McKenzie confidence about playing White in Genia's absence, whether by choice or bad luck.

"I guess they say Test rugby is a little different and Super Rugby is more about the running game and Test rugby there's not as many holes and gaps so you fall back on your kicking a little bit more. So if that's a place I can excel at then I'll put my hand up, I'm happy to do those jobs," White said.

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Live: fourth Ashes Test, day two

David Warner was elevated to opener for Australia in Durham. Source: Getty Images

AFTER a brilliant day in the field, can Australia's batsmen keep the momentum going as the fourth Ashes Test heads into day two?

Find out, and get all the best reaction, analysis and social media chat in our live and interactive blog.

Join the conversation by leaving a comment in the blog below, or let us know what you think by getting in touch on Twitter, @FoxCricketLive.

If using the comment box in the blog, you can just enter a name where it says 'Display Name', or you can log in using one of your social media accounts. Get involved now!

GET THE ULTIMATE MATCH COMPANION, FEATURING VIDEO OF EVERY WICKET AND BOUNDARY, BALL-BY-BALL COMMENTARY AND HAWKEYE, IN OUR ASHES MATCH CENTRE!

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Gagai the thief for the Knights

Aku Uate had a great game for the Knights. Photo by Matt Blyth/Getty Images Source: Matt Blyth / Getty Images

THE Knights stormed home to a shock victory over the Sharks last night with a last ditch kick from Jarrod Mullen finding Dane Gagai for a miracle match winning try.

2 Tries 3
Andrew Fifita 10'	Dane Gagai 28'
Wade Graham 46'	Tyrone Roberts 49'
	Dane Gagai 78'
2 Conversions 2
Todd Carney 11'	Kurt Gidley 29'
Todd Carney 47'	Kurt Gidley 80'
1 Penalties 1
Todd Carney 73'	Kurt Gidley 39'

With the clock counting down and the Sharks seemingly on their way to a third straight victory with a 14-12 lead, the Knights came from the clouds to steal the match with Gagai pulling the kick from the air and slamming the ball down with just two minutes left in the match.

With their backs to the wall for much of the night, Newcastle refused to let the Sharks kill them off and the thrilling finale has kept their finals hopes well and truly alive as the Sharks bombed all hope of a top four finish.

The Knights came out of the sheds full of running and Chris Houston slid through two Sharks defenders and attempted to find Neville Costigan with a reach around off-load.

The pass missed the mark but the Sharks were soon under pressure again when Paul Gallen was ruled to have dropped the ball.

Tempers overflowed again with some more push and shove after Kade Snowden went inches from scoring against his former club.

Denied by the video referee, the Knights were made to pay for a mistake when Wade Graham pounced on a Mullen error to score under the posts.

Deep on the attack, Carney kicked the ball back in-field and Mullen made a mess of it, allowing Graham to swoop and plant the loose ball and make it 12-8.

The lead was quickly erased with a Sharks error gifting the Tyrone Roberts the easiest of tries.

Neville Costigan forced the mistake with a big hit on Stapleton sending the ball into Snowden's hands, who in turn found Roberts.

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Live: fourth Ashes Test, day one

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Jackson Bird made a solid start in his first Ashes outing. Source:Getty Images

CAN Australia, buoyed by their performance in Manchester, finally pull off a victory when the Ashes series travels to Durham for the fourth Test?

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The Aussies have shown their hand, by selecting Tasmania paceman Jackson Bird to play his first match of the series in place of the unlucky Mitchell Starc.

Stick with us throughout the night as we bring you live and interactive coverage in our Ashes blog.

Join the conversation by leaving a comment in the blog below, or let us know what you think by getting in touch on Twitter, @FoxCricketLive.

If using the comment box in the blog, you can just enter a name where it says 'Display Name', or you can log in using one of your social media accounts. Get involved now!

GET THE ULTIMATE MATCH COMPANION, FEATURING VIDEO OF EVERY WICKET AND BOUNDARY, BALL-BY-BALL COMMENTARY AND HAWKEYE, IN OUR ASHES MATCH CENTRE!

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Beale keen to head 'home'

Beale's confident his mooted Waratahs return would spark a return to form. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

KURTLEY Beale is on his way "home", and is confident a return to the Waratahs next year can help him re-discover the world-class form he enjoyed when last in Sydney.

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Beale confirmed yesterday a deal was almost finalised for him to wear the sky blue jersey again in 2014, which he wore from 2007 to 2011 before a two-season stint in Melbourne.

With Israel Folau also indicating this week he is also nearing a new deal with the Waratahs, the potential for a Beale-Folau double-act at NSW next year will be mouth-watering for Tahs fans.

"I have had a couple of yarns with 'Cheik' (coach Michael Cheika), he seems pretty keen to get me involved, and I would love to add to the Tahs next year," Beale said.

"Hopefully, if all goes well, that's my intention. My manager is just working on that and we're just waiting on the paperwork to sort a few things out."

Beale became one of the best players in the world in his last years at the Waratahs, nominated for IRB player of the year in 2010 and winning the 2011 John Eales medal in 2011.

His two seasons in Melbourne were not nearly as happy, with injuries and off-field drama; including his recent entry into rehabilitation for alcohol issues.

A return to Sydney is seen by many as a positive step for Beale to get life in order on and off the field. Including Beale.

"It's just home mate. I have been fortunate to be able to be around family and close friends over the last month or so, and that's been special," Beale said.

"I have realised there is no other place than home. I guess you really appreciate that fact you have that support around you, and in life you can tend to get lost when you don't have that support.

"I am happy here, and speaking to the Tahs boys, I have played there before and its always a good feeling there. They're a good bunch of blokes in the squad."

Beale is currently recuperating from shoulder surgery, which has ruled him out of any rugby for the rest of 2013.

"I'll forget the Spring Tour, and just get the body in good condition," Beale said. "I'll get the shoulder nice and strong and hopefully come January I will be ready to train full contact and play first game next year."

Beale, who said he was "still hurting" from the Lions series defeat, said he saw his future playing at five-eighth but would be comfortable at fullback as well. The problem is, adds Beale, is the Waratahs have two Wallaby squad members in those spots:  Bernard Foley and Folau.

"I have been saying 10, I would like to play 10," Beale said.

"But if everything pans out with the Tahs, Bernard (Foley) is playing well there for them at the moment. We'll see how it goes.

"Izzy on the wing? Maybe. There are a lot of options, which is great. It definitely keeps me on my toes, competition like that. I am just very eager to get back and mix it among some of the best."

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Drugs report hidden from fans

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Still standing ... James Hird is the face of Essendon's drugs saga. Source: Michael Dodge / Getty Images

FOOTY fans will never see the full report on the Essendon doping scandal that has the club in line for heavy punishment from the AFL.

A spokesman for Federal Sports Minister Don Farrell has told the Herald Sun regulations under the Privacy Act and the National Anti-Doping Scheme don't authorise the release of the report.

The AFL is considering whether to charge the Bombers under AFL rules over governance issues highlighted in the 400-page interim report given to the league by the Australian Anti-Doping Authority last Friday night.

If charged by AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon, the extraordinary powers wielded by the AFL Commission could see Essendon fined, be stripped of premiership points and draft picks.

There could also be sanctions - such as bans - against club officials including coach James Hird.

Representatives of the AFL and Essendon met on Thursday night, while Bombers board members were updated on the process.

Essendon has indicated it will fight to play in this year's finals series. The threat of Supreme Court action remains, but the club concedes it will be punished for what happened in 2012.

It is believed Essendon talks included questions about whether the AFL had the right to stand down officials.

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said he would like as much of the ASADA report as possible to be made public.

"We hold a view that it is very important that we get all the facts out there publicly, which includes aspects of the report that don't hinder privacy," he said.

But the Sports Minister's office has told the Herald Sun the report cannot be released.

"I'm advised that ASADA is entitled to disclose information to a sporting administration body (such as the AFL) in connection with an investigation under clause 4.21 of the National Anti-Doping (NAD) Scheme," a spokesman for the minister said.

"The AFL is covered by the Privacy Act 1988, so use and disclosure of information by the AFL is subject to the National Privacy Principles. I'm advised that there (is) nothing in either clause 4.21 of the NAD or in the NPPs that would authorise the report being made public."

It is possible that edited excerpts of the report that do not put individuals' privacy at risk may be released in the future.

Privacy restrictions could also play a part in whether any AFL Commission hearing - if and when charges against Essendon are laid - could be made open.

Demetriou said yesterday he was, in principle, in favour of open hearings.

"If there is to be a charge laid, that will be a discussion between the various legal parties, taking into account privacy issues," he said.

"But there is a lot of merit in a public hearing, absolutely."

The minister's office also warned that although there was no recommendation of doping charges against individual players in the ASADA report, it did not mean to say charges couldn't be brought in the future.

The minister also backed ASADA's handling of the "unprecedented" investigation.

"ASADA's investigation is ongoing should it form the view at the conclusion of its investigation that a person may have committed an anti-doping rule violation, the person will be given the required notice under the NAD Scheme and the opportunity to respond at that point in time," the sports minister's office said.

WADA has also backed the move to release to the AFL an incomplete brief.

The world body has oversight of all ASADA processes and decisions and told the Herald Sun it had "no current concerns" in relation to ASADA's decision.

Asked on what basis it could hand down an unfinished report, ASADA cited clause 4.21 of the National Anti-Doping scheme.

It is unclear if recommendations for infractions were left out of the interim report so the information could be shared with the AFL and other parties without breaking ASADA protocols.

The ASADA report has now been seen on a confidential basis by AFL lawyers and commissioners; lawyers acting for Essendon; lawyers acting for Hird and lawyers representing the AFLPA.

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Eels snatch win in seesaw battle

Ken Sio of the Eels dives over in the corner to score a try. Source: Matt King / Getty Images

PARRAMATTA have beaten Wests Tigers 26-22 in a seesawing battle for pride at Parramatta Stadium.

5 Tries 4
Ken Sio 14'	David Nofoaluma 7'
Jake Mullaney 18'	Marika Koroibete 29'
Vai Toutai 37'	Marika Koroibete 56'
Junior Paulo 67'	Tim Simona 71'
Vai Toutai 77'
3 Conversions 3
Jake Mullaney 38'	Benji Marshall 9'
Joseph Paulo 67'	Benji Marshall 57'
Joseph Paulo 79'	Benji Marshall 72'

David Nofoaluma crossed for an early Tigers lead but with Jake Mullaney unable to convert a Ken Sio try which was set up by Mullaney, the home side still trailed.

Moments later Jarryd Hayne sent a great ball out to Mullaney who crossed the white line.

Leading by two points, the Eels were unable to stop Benji Marshall who created an overlap which resulted in Marika Koroibete putting the visitors back in the lead.

Vai Toutai crossed for the Eels just short of half time with Mullaney's goal giving the Eels a four-point lead.

Koroibete crossed to level the game and Marshall converted from touch to hit the lead.

A determined Junior Paulo then fought his way over the line to get the Eels back in front.

Tim Simona beat Sio one-on-one to level the scores with nine minutes left on the clock and Marshall's kick from the sideline put his side back in the lead. 

With three minutes left on the clock Reni Maitua turned the ball inside for Ben Roberts who passed out wide to Toutai who claimed his second.

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Round 20 AFL teams

James Podsiadly's inclusion is one of five changes for the Cats. Source: Colleen Petch / AAP

ALL the team line-ups for round 20 of the AFL season.

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	18	15	0	3	136.74	60
2	Sydney	18	14	1	3	143.28	58
3	Geelong	18	14	0	4	133.76	56
4	Fremantle	18	13	1	4	124.21	54
5	Essendon	18	13	0	5	117.41	52
6	Collingwood	18	12	0	6	115.52	48
7	Richmond	18	12	0	6	115.47	48
8	Port Adelaide	18	11	0	7	108.58	44
9	Carlton	18	9	0	9	109.79	36
10	North Melbourne	18	8	0	10	122.19	32
11	West Coast	18	8	0	10	103.46	32
12	Brisbane	18	8	0	10	85.10	32
13	Adelaide	18	7	0	11	100.56	28
14	Gold Coast	18	6	0	12	88.04	24
15	Bulldogs	18	5	0	13	78.95	20
16	St Kilda	18	3	0	15	78.70	12
17	Melbourne	18	2	0	16	53.59	8
18	Greater Western Sydney	18	1	0	17	54.64	4

St Kilda v Hawthorn, Friday 7:50pm (AEST), Etihad Stadium

ST KILDA
B: D.Roberton, J.Blake, S.Dempster
HB: J.Geary, J.Gwilt, B.Murdoch
C: F.Ray, L.Hayes, L.Montagna
HF: D.Armitage, N.Riewoldt, C.Jones
F: S.Milne, T.Lee, J.Newnes
R: B.McEvoy, N.Dal Santo, J.Steven
I/C: J.Webster, J.Saunders, D.Minchington, T.Curren
EMG: T.Hickey, S.Ross, A.Schneider
In: J.Blake, J.Gwilt, J.Newnes, B.Murdoch,D.Minchington
Out: T.Simpkin (Leg) , R.Stanley (Shoulder) , A.Siposs (Shoulder) , A.Saad (Leg) , S.Dunell (Omitted)

HAWTHORN
B: B.Stratton, B.Lake, B.Guerra
HB: B.Sewell, J.Gibson, T.Duryea
C: I.Smith, S.Mitchell, B.Hill
HF: B.Whitecross, J.Gunston, S.Savage
F: S.Burgoyne, J.Roughead, C.Rioli
R: D.Hale, J.Lewis, P.Puopolo
I/C: L.Breust, M.Spangher, S.Grimley, J.Simpkin
EMG: J.Ceglar, K.Cheney, J.Anderson
In: J.Simpkin , M.Spangher , S.Grimley
Out: L.Hodge (Thumb) , L.Franklin (Hamstring soreness), J.Ceglar (Omitted)

Richmond v Brisbane Lions, Saturday 1:45pm (AEST), MCG

RICHMOND
B: S.Morris, A.Rance, D.Astbury
HB: C.Newman, T.Chaplin, N.Vlastuin
C: S.Grigg, T.Cotchin, D.Jackson
HF: M.White, S.Edwards, B.Ellis
F: L.McGuane, J.Riewoldt, D.Martin
R: I.Maric, B.Deledio, N.Foley
I/C: B.Houli, R.Conca, T.Vickery, S.Tuck
EMG: J.Batchelor, M.McDonough, O.Stephenson
In: T.Vickery
Out: O.Stephenson (Omitted)

BRISBANE LIONS
B: J.Clarke, M.Maguire, J.Patfull
HB: R.Harwood, B.Staker, E.Yeo
C: J.Adcock, J.Redden, S.Mayes
HF: P.Hanley, S.Martin, D.Zorko
F: J.O'Brien, D.Merrett, J.Green
R: M.Leuenberger, D.Rich, T.Rockliff
I/C: S.Docherty, B.Moloney, A.Raines, R.Lester
EMG: R.Bewick, A.McGrath, J.Lisle
In: B.Moloney, S.Martin, R.Lester
Out: J.Brown (Foot) , R.Bewick (Omitted) , M.Golby (Suspension)

Geelong v Port Adelaide, Saturday 2:10pm (AEST), Simonds Stadium

GEELONG
B: J.Rivers, T.Lonergan, C.Enright
HB: J.Corey, H.Taylor, J.Bartel
C: A.Christensen, J.Selwood, J.Stringer
HF: J.Caddy, J.Podsiadly, S.Johnson
F: S.Motlop, T.Hawkins, T.Varcoe
R: N.Vardy, J.Kelly, M.Duncan
I/C: C.Guthrie, J.Walker, A.Mackie, M.Stokes
EMG: M.Blicavs, J.Hunt, T.Hunt
In: J.Podsiadly, J.Rivers, A.Christensen, J.Stringer, J.Walker
Out: J.Hunt (Omitted), T.West (Omitted), T.Hunt (Omitted), B.Smedts (Omitted), M.Blicavs (Omitted)

PORT ADELAIDE
B: C.O'Shea, A.Carlile, D.Cassisi
HB: M.Broadbent, J.Trengove, J.Pittard
C: C.Wingard, T.Boak, S.Colquhoun
HF: R.Gray, J.Butcher, A.Monfries
F: J.Westhoff, J.Schulz, H.Hartlett
R: M.Lobbe, Bra.Ebert, K.Cornes
I/C: K.Mitchell, O.Wines, A.Moore, N.Blee
EMG: C.Hitchcock, L.Stevenson, T.Logan
In: N.Blee
Out: P.Stewart (Broken Wrist)

Carlton v Western Bulldogs, Saturday 4:40pm (AEST), Etihad Stadium

CARLTON
B: J.Bootsma, M.Jamison, L.Henderson
HB: Z.Tuohy, M.Watson, B.Gibbs
C: C.Yarran, C.Judd, K.Simpson
HF: E.Curnow, A.Walker, J.Garlett
F: B.McLean, S.Rowe, H.Scotland
R: R.Warnock, E.Betts, M.Murphy
I/C: D.Armfield, J.Cachia, T.Menzel, J.Waite
EMG: N.Graham, A.McInnes, M.Robinson
In: J.Waite, R.Warnock, T.Menzel, J.Bootsma
Out: A.Carrazzo (Calf), M.Kreuzer (Calf), K.Lucas (Omitted), M.Robinson (Omitted)

WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: D.Morris, M.Austin, L.Picken
HB: R.Murphy, J.Roughead, T.Young
C: D.Cross, M.Wallis, A.Cooney
HF: T.Dickson, D.Addison, D.Giansiracusa
F: L.Dahlhaus, T.Campbell, J.Grant
R: W.Minson, R.Griffen, T.Liberatore
I/C: E.Wood, L.Jones, K.Stevens, J.Tutt
EMG: D.Pearce, L.Hunter, C.Howard
In: M.Austin , L.Jones , E.Wood
Out: M.Talia (Soreness) , L.Hunter (Rested) , J.Macrae (Soreness)

Sydney Swans v Collingwood, Saturday 7:40pm (AEST), ANZ Stadium

SYDNEY
B: D.Rampe, H.Grundy, N.Smith
HB: N.Malceski, T.Richards, R.Shaw
C: A.Everitt, R.O'Keefe, J.McVeigh
HF: D.Hannebery, J.White, J.Bolton
F: C.Bird, K.Tippett, M.Pyke
R: S.Mumford, J.Kennedy, K.Jack
I/C: B.Jack, B.McGlynn, T.Mitchell, L.Parker
EMG: S.Biggs, J.Lamb, X.Richard
In: B.McGlynn
Out: J.Lamb (Omitted)

COLLINGWOOD
B: N.Brown, N.Maxwell, H.Shaw
HB: H.O'Brien, L.Keeffe, B.Sinclair
C: S.Sidebottom, L.Ball, S.Dwyer
HF: B.Macaffer, Q.Lynch, J.Blair
F: D.Beams, T.Cloke, B.Reid
R: B.Grundy, S.Pendlebury, D.Swan
I/C: T.Goldsack, J.Elliott, J.Thomas, M.Williams
EMG: J.Witts, B.Kennedy, P.Seedsman

Gold Coast v Melbourne, Saturday 7:40pm (AEST), Metricon Stadium

GOLD COAST
B: T.McKenzie S.May S.Tape
HB: G.Broughton R.Thompson L.Russell
C: H.Bennell G.Ablett J.Harbrow
HF: J.O'Meara S.Day A.Hall
F: C.Brown C.Dixon N.Bock
R: D.Gorringe D.Stanley D.Swallow
I/C: A.Sexton D.Prestia M.Shaw T.Sumner
EMG: T.Murphy J.Allen A.Boston

NO CHANGE

MELBOURNE
B: L.Dunn C.Pedersen D.Terlich
HB: C.Garland T.McDonald M.Clisby
C: J.Grimes J.Viney J.McKenzie
HF: M.Jones J.Watts J.Trengove
F: D.Kent J.Fitzpatrick J.Howe
F: J.Spencer C.Sylvia N.Jones
I/C: S.Byrnes L.Tapscott A.Davey .Davis
EMG: S.Blease J.Strauss D.Nicholson

In: J.McKenzie , T.Davis
Out: M.Gawn (Omitted) , J.Toumpas (Omitted)

Essendon v West Coast, Sunday 1:10pm (AEST), Etihad Stadium

ESSENDON
B: M.Baguley J.Carlisle M.Hibberd
HB: T.Pears C.Hooker D.Fletcher
C: J.Winderlich J.Watson D.Heppell
HF: A.Davey S.Gumbleton N.Kommer
F: B.Stanton P.Ryder J.Melksham
R: T.Bellchambers H.Hocking K.Hardingham
I/C: D.Hille D.Myers B.Howlett D.Zaharakis L.Jetta T.Colyer B.Goddard

In: D.Hille , A.Davey , J.Winderlich , B.Howlett , T.Pears
Out: C.Dempsey (Hamstring) , C.Dell'Olio (Omitted)

WEST COAST
B: M.Brown D.Glass B.Wilson
HB: S.Butler E.Mackenzie As.Smith
C: A.Gaff S.Wellingham B.Dalziell
HF: J.Cripps JJ.Kennedy J.Hill
F: W.Schofield S.Lycett J.Darling
R: D.Cox S.Selwood B.Sheppard
I/C: A.Embley A.Hams M.Hutchings C.Masten M.LeCras P.McGinnity M.Priddis

In: M.LeCras , M.Priddis , C.Masten , P.McGinnity
Out: A.Carter (Rested)

Adelaide v North Melbourne, Sunday 2:50 (ACST), AAMI Stadium

ADELAIDE
B: L.Brown B.Rutten A.Otten
HB: R.Laird D.Talia B.Smith
C: D.Mackay P.Dangerfield N.van Berlo
HF: B.Vince L.Johnston J.Petrenko
F: M.Grigg T.Lynch R.Douglas
R: S.Jacobs B.Crouch S.Thompson
I/C: R.Sloane M.Jaensch M.Wright S.Shaw S.McKernan J.Porplyzia R.Henderson

In: J.Porplyzia , M.Jaensch , R.Sloane , S.Shaw
Out: J.Lyons (Omitted)

NORTH MELBOURNE
B: L.Hansen S.Thompson A.Mullett
HB: J.Macmillan L.Delaney S.Atley
C: R.Bastinac D.Wells S.Gibson
HF: L.Thomas D.Petrie B.Harvey
F: L.Adams R.Tarrant A.Black
R: T.Goldstein B.Cunnington J.Ziebell
I/C: B.Jacobs S.Wright K.Harper L.Greenwood T.Hine T.Garner W.Sierakowski

In: L.Greenwood , W.Sierakowski , K.Harper , T.Garner
Out: B.McKenzie (Omitted)

Fremantle v GWS Giants, Sunday 2:40pm (AWST), Patersons Stadium

FREMANTLE
B: L.Spurr Z.Dawson P.Duffield
HB: T.Mzungu M.Johnson C.Sutcliffe
C: N.Fyfe R.Crowley S.Hill
HF: D.Mundy C.Mayne M.Walters
F: Z.Clarke M.Pavlich H.Ballantyne
R: A.Sandilands M.Barlow L.Neale
I/C: D.Pearce N.Suban M.de Boer T.Sheridan G.Ibbotson J.Crichton H.Crozier

In: M.Pavlich , G.Ibbotson , J.Crichton , H.Crozier
Out: C.Pearce (Calf)

GWS GIANTS
B: T.Mohr P.Davis S.Darley
HB: C.Hampton .Bruce N.Haynes
C: S.Coniglio L.Whitfield T.Scully
HF: A.Tomlinson J.Cameron C.Ward
F: D.Smith J.Giles T.Bugg
R: T.Downie M.Whiley A.Treloar
I/C: T.Adams D.Brogan T.Greene A.Kennedy D.Tyson Z.Williams N.Wilson

In: S.Darley , D.Tyson , N.Wilson , T.Downie
Out: D.Shiel (Omitted)

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Best left-footers of past 50 years

Date/Time: 2013:08:05 14:08:39 Source: HeraldSun

FARMER to Skilton to Buddy.

If Franklin is being double-teamed, there's always Matthew Lloyd on the lead, or Royce Hart in the goalsquare. With Barry Cable to pick up the crumbs.

The star-studded line-up is the product of a tough selection process to pick a team of the best left-footers of the past 50 years to mark Lefty Round this week.

Chat live with lefty Ben Dixon from noon Friday below

The team features champions from the past five decades, from Polly Farmer in the ruck to Maurice Rioli on the wing, Mark "Bomber" Thompson in the back pocket and Simon Black on the ball.

It boasts seven Brownlows (including three each to Bob Skilton and Ian Stewart), six North Smith Medallists and winners of eight of the past 11 Coleman Medals.

Evidence of the team's star power is that selectors couldn't find room for Brownlow winners Paul Couch or Tony Liberatore, Norm Smith winners Michael Long or Ryan O'Keefe or modern era stars Nick Dal Santo and Nathan Brown.

An intiative of Fox Footy, Lefty Round coincides with International Left-Handers day on August 13 - read more about Lefty Round here.

The selectors were: Tony Shaw, Jon Anderson, Mike Sheahan and David Parkin.

LEFTY TEAM OF CHAMPIONS

Backs: Mark Thompson (Ess), Ash McGrath (WC), Ken Hunter (Carl)

Half-backs: Mark Browning (Syd), Mark Bayes (Syd), Luke Hodge (Carl)

Centres: Maurice Rioli (Rich), Ian Stewart (Stk/Rich), Wayne Schwass (NM/Syd)

Half-forwards: Wayne Johnston (Carl), Royce Hart (Rich), Lance Franklin (Haw)

Forwards: Simon Madden (Ess), Matthew Lloyd (Ess), Barry Cable (NM)

Rucks: Polly Farmer (Geel), Simon Black (BL), Bob Skilton (South Melb)

Inter: Tony Shaw (Coll), Fraser Gehrig (WC/StK), Scott West (WB), Scott Pendlebury (Coll)

On a mobile device? Click here for a better chat experience

Join the action of Lefty Round by using the #LeftyRound hashtag on Twitter all weekend.

Sportsbet is is running markets on the left-footers who will kick the most goals and pick up the most disposals this weekend.

"Four of the top six hopes for the Coleman Medal are left footed, so punters are tipping there will be no shortage of goals this round," sportsbet.com.au's Shaun Anderson said.

MOST GOALS BY A LEFT-FOOTER
$3.25 Jarryd Roughead (Haw)
$4.50 Jeremy Cameron (GWS)
$5.50 Travis Cloke (Coll)
$7 Michael Walters (Frem)
$9 Lindsay Thomas (NM)

MOST DISPOSALS BY A LEFT-FOOTER (HANDICAPPED)
$9 Scott Pendlebury - scratch
$11 Tom Liberatore +1.5
$11 Dyson Heppell +3.5
$11 Bachar Houli +5
$11 Nick Malceski +5.5

Full odds at sportsbet.com.au

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Izzy excited to face 'real' haka

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Folau is almost certain to start on the wing against the All Blacks in Sydney. Source:AAP

ADVICE from All Blacks great Jonah Lomu to back his instincts in rugby could not only see Israel Folau help snap the All Blacks' Bledisloe dominance this year, but the Wallaby star stick around and defend the Cup for a few years as well.

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Folau revealed Lomu's status as a mentor as he joined NSW Waratahs teammate Michael Hooper in picking up a major Super Rugby player award.

Hooper was voted Australia's Super Rugby player of the year, beating out George Smith and Will Genia, while Folau won the rookie of the year trophy for a superb first season in the 15-man game.

Folau's form for the Waratahs saw him play a star role in the Wallabies' Test series against the Lions, and after recovering from a hamstring tear in game III, the triple-code convert is pumped about another potential first: attending his first Bledisloe Cup game. Oh, and playing in it as well.

"I would probably look at the Bledisloe as being a similar thing to playing Origin in league," Folau said.

"In rugby it's the ultimate, it doesn't get any bigger playing the All Blacks. I have always watched rugby since I was a kid with my old man but I never been to a Bledisloe Cup game live.

"I always enjoyed watching the haka as they do it. Standing there in the line facing them would be very exciting."

Reminded he'd fronted the Kiwi league team's haka, Folau added: "Yeah, I faced the league haka but the real one you have to face is obviously against the All Blacks.

As he showed in the Lions series, Folau's x-factor could be the missing ingredient for the Wallabies in their bid to snap a 10-year Bledisloe Cup drought.

Folau revealed one of the keys to his rapid progress in rugby was a friendship with Lomu.

"He was one of my heroes growing up so I talk to him every now and then," Folau said.

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"I met him a couple of years ago just through a friend, just through a friend and since then I have been keeping in contact with him. When he's in Sydney he always come down to visit. He's been very supportive since my transition from AFL to rugby. He's been great.

"He just says to go out there and play to your instincts, and the way you see the game pan out. He's a perfect example of playing to your instincts, he was one of the greats of rugby."

Folau's instincts are more to run around people than over them, as Jonah did, and while he contemplated adding more bulk, Folau said he is happy with the agility of his current 101kg.

But Folau's instincts also appear to have guided him to stay in rugby, and not returning to league as speculated. Paperwork is yet to be finalised but Folau has made up his mind.

"I know personally want I want to do, so soon hopefully the public can find out," Folau said.

"I am really enjoying my time at the moment. I know what I want to do, it's just a few things we have to sort out. The discussions are really positive at the moment, and things are looking really good. We will just have to sort a few things out and then get a signature on paper."

Asked to sum up why he was content in rugby, Folau said: "The main thing is I am enjoying playing the game, that's the main attraction. Every other thing that's on the side, travelling and playing around the world in different countries is a big bonus. But for me it's I really enjoy playing the game and that's what it comes down to."

Folau admitted it was more enjoyable than he'd predicted after switching from AFL.

"It did (surprise me) in the start. I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I did," Folau said.

"But with Michael (Cheika) coaching the side at the Tahs and that different style of rugby we play, lucky enough it suited me, obviously, running with the ball and attacking.

"We played a bit like that in the Lions series and hopefully we can try and do that through this Championship and Bledisloe."

Hooper said he was "stoked" to be honoured as Australia's Super Rugby player of the season.

Though the Brumbies and Reds went further than NSW, more form players from those sides shared the 3-2-1 votes throughout the season than NSW; allowing the consistent Hooper to rattle up a lead. He attracted votes in nine matches, including four three-point hauls.

The Brumbies were team of the season, and Jake White won coach of the year. Queensland's Rod Davies won try of the season for a pearler against the Sharks in round 10.

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The haunting: Watson's spooky past

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Is Watto thinking about his next delivery or Lily's ghost? Source:FoxSports

THE first time Shane Watson went to Chester-le-Street to play for Australia against England he was spooked by ghostly goings-on at a supposedly haunted 700-year-old castle turned hotel.

So much so, that the all-rounder vacated his own room in preference for some floor space in Brett Lee's room.

Watson at Lumley Castle in 2005. Source: FoxSports

That was in 2005, when a Hot Spot-defying apparition destroyed the macho image of Aussie cricket and prompted some ghoulish sledging by Darren Gough in the day-night match that week.

"Don't worry, you can sleep in my bed tonight," the England fast bowler said tauntingly and, with accompanying ghostly pose, suggested that Watson could only play with the lights on.

Watson, the story went, was spooked by tales of the murdered Lily Lumley stalking the creaky floorboards of Lumley Castle Hotel, an imposing medieval pile standing on a hill overlooking the Riverside Cricket Ground.

I was rather hoping for an appearance from Joanna Lumley as I closed the door of Room 43, just a few yards along the corridor from the bedroom where poor Lily met her fate at the hands of a couple of priests.

Lily the ghost. Source: FoxSports

The walk from reception would have tested the resolve of Dan Ackroyd, complete with Ghostbuster backpack: out of the main door, along the courtyard, back into the ancient building, past the well down which Lily's body was thrown, along a badly lit dungeon corridor lined with busts of the likes of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra (eh!), up a grand staircase to another maze of corridors. No wonder a young Watson, wound up by the teasing of his elders, got into a state.

"We get quite a few guests who think they see or feel something"' said duty manager Nathan Cook. "Things that go bump in the night, hairs on the back of the neck, bright lights, orbs, silhouettes, double takes and someone or something pulling duvets from the bed. We do not actively discourage all the haunted talk."

My room, he said with some relish, was on the corridor where Lily dragged her chains, so to speak. I put the 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the door, a request not so much to the staff as to a certain long-term resident.

I fell asleep thinking of Casper, Nearly Headless Nick, Banquo and Marley - Jacob, not Bob.

I woke with a start. A figure stood at the end of the bed. All I could make out clearly was a green cap, though he (or she) seemed to be bending over as if taking guard.

"I am the ghost of Australian Cricket Past," a voice intoned.

"You're Steve Waugh," I replied. "You used to wear your baggy cap in bed. What do you want? I am not in any way related to Angus Fraser."

"Rise and walk with me," he commanded. "I have something to show you."

"I don't want to get out of bed. Do you not have a DVD?"

The modern ghost comes well-equipped. He fed the disc into the machine and there was Sir Don Bradman scoring 254 at Lords in 1930; Michael Slater hitting England for 176 at the Gabba in 1994 and Terry Alderman taking six wickets at Lord's in 1989. I fell asleep to Bill Lawry compiling 130, also at Lord's, in 1961.

Suddenly, I was awake. A stocky little figure stood at the side of the bed within touching distance. Again the green baggy. "I am the ghost of Australian Cricket Present," a voice declared.

"You're David Warner," I replied. "I have nothing to fear from you. You've already lost the Ashes. You are punching below your weight and that's saying something."

I must have fallen asleep because I was aware of waking up again. This wraith was small, just a child.

"You'll be the ghost of Australia Cricket Teams Yet To Come, I suppose," I said confidently.

Not a word. But I thought I detected the cheeky smile of a young Shane Warne. Better not to be too cocky, I thought.

You never know what the future might bring. Australia cricket teams to come might be nearer those of the past than the present.

I rolled over and gave a thought to the Total Abstinence Principle adopted by Ebenezer Scrooge. But only the briefest of passing thoughts. No need to get carried away, unlike Shane Watson.

So what did or did not happen in Lumley Castle Hotel eight years ago? "Shane got himself in a terrible state," said business development manager Samantha Buchanan-Robinson.

"He was in a courtyard room, well away from where Lily walks. After a couple of nights on Brett Lee's floor he asked for another room. All I had available was Room 46, where Lily was murdered.

"I did not mention that at the time. Only after he thanked me on their departure and said he had slept brilliantly for two nights did I reveal that I had put him in the haunted room."

And like Jimmy Anderson's reverse swing, he never saw that coming.

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All Black battle: Cruden v Carter

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Playmakers ... will Aaron Cruden oust Dan Carter for the All Blacks five-eighth jersey. Source:AAP

AARON Cruden ousting Dan Carter for the All Blacks no.10 jersey would not be a great shock given the form of the Chiefs star in Super Rugby, according to Australian rival Quade Cooper.

But while such a statement could create waves in New Zealand, Cooper was quick to qualify his view by saying Carter's incredible record for the Kiwis over the last decade was equally as compelling a reason for selection.

Carter v Cruden. Source: Getty Images

"I'd hate to be the coach trying to pick that position," Cooper said.

Carter has been an institution in the All Black no.10 for so long many Kiwis consider it heresy to contemplate any other option, but Cruden's form in leading the Chiefs to back-to-back Super Rugby titles has some poking dissenters poking their heads above the parapets.

There is a school of thought Cruden could play no.10 against the Wallabies next week, with Carter considered at no.12.

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"Just like our (five-eighth) position, it's hotly contested. Aaron Cruden has done a great job. He has shown he is a class player, and Dan Carter is as well," Cooper said.

Asked if it would be a shock if Cruden got the nod, Cooper said: "It wouldn't be so much of a shock because they're both great players, and it's all about form and who is in the best possible position to contribute to the team."

"Both of those players would do a great job," Cooper continued.

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"Dan has shown over the past 10-12 years he's been doing a great job for the All Blacks, and the amount of trophies they've won as a team, you can't go past that.

"But again, Cruden is coming up as a great player. The way he has been controlling his team is great as well. It is a good headache for the coach to have but I'm glad I'm not in that position."

Cooper diplomatically dead-batted a follow-up question asking if Carter was still better than Cruden.

"It's hard to tell. Both have different skillsets, they're playing for different teams. When I have come up against them for the All Blacks they've both done a great job so whoever you come up against it's going to be a tough night at the office," he said.

"But in saying that, I still have to compete for my position. Hopefully I will be in the line-up to play against them, if I am lucky enough to be selected."

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Latest Ashes allegations no surprise

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Kevin Pietersen was controversially given out despite Hot Spot showing no mark. Source:Channel 9

We had become accustomed to the idea Hot Spot was so sensitive that a tip-toeing mosquito would leave a mark on a flailing bat.

So when meaty edges at Old Trafford that were discernible to hard of hearing Martians – let alone Snicko – left no mark on the blade, there was a strong suspicion something was afoot.

The unsubstantiated allegation whispered in the press room was that some kind of liquid solution had been applied to edges – a reasonable assumption given the number of creams and lotions present in the change rooms of the modern metrosexual cricketer.

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If, as alleged, an adhesive tape had been used instead? The only shock would be that a "I use Anti Hot Spot Tape" advertisement was not also applied by players who use their equipment as expensive billboards.

Relieved to hear of the allegations of Hot Spot skullduggery will be the beleaguered third umpires. Having apparently turned umpires' mistakes into raging howlers through misuse of the DRS, the men in the box had - at least seemingly - made Mr Magoo look like an Olympic archer.

Now, with an investigation expected to take place, it will be the players who find themselves in a very hot spot.

But, other than proving that hearing really is believing, the allegations of Hot Spot fraud are unsurprising on two fronts.

Cricket has a long history of cheating – or, at the very least, of players pushing the margins beyond the so-called 'spirit of cricket' to get the best possible advantage.

Despite no Hot Spot mark, Snicko clearly picked up sound as Pietersen swung at the ball. Source: Channel 9

Ball tampering, match-fixing, catches falsely claimed, batsmen standing their ground when they knew the catch had been taken. It has been going on for more than a century, the only difference being modern technology identifies, and shames, more cheats.

Now, perhaps even those cheating the technology itself.

You only have to go back to the wonderful 2005 Ashes series, and recall how sweet England's victory was. Well, actually 'sweets', given the hosts later admitting using a "magic mint" to get the ball swinging and reversing.

The Hot Spot allegations also come as relations between the teams in this Ashes series grow tense. Stuart Broad's decision to stand his ground at Trent Bridge was not a legitimate cause of ill-feeling, given most Australian batsman only walk if the hotel lift is broken.

But England's stalling tactics in the field at Old Trafford, their use of a referral against David Warner to waste time with rain looming on the fourth day and the smug manner in which they rain-danced their way to a series clinching draw has clearly grated on the tourists.

Shane Warne, once a member of a brilliant, but not always deeply admired Australian team, wrote of the English in the United Kingdom's Daily Telegraph: "There were a few moments at Old Trafford when I thought, 'Hang on, who do you think you are?'"

The inevitable finger-pointing over the Hot Spot investigation will, no doubt, cause more resentment and division.

By the Australian summer, when a not particularly well-loved England team arrive for the return bout, they will need all the silicon tape on the planet to absorb the heat.

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No more growing pains for Cooper

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Spending time away from the Wallabies helped Quade Cooper to 'grow up'. Source: Mark Metcalfe / Getty Images

MUCH has changed in the Wallabies since Quade Cooper loosed a "toxic" arrow in the general direction of Robbie Deans last September.

The coach has changed, half the players have changed and most importantly, admits Cooper, he has changed too.

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It's been less than 12 months but Australian rugby most controversial, love-him or hate-him figure feels more than just a year older. He's done a lot of growing up.

"Growing up is right there in forefront, but it's an accumulation of things. You just have to learn. If you are too ignorant to not learn from your mistakes, you are never going to improve as a player or a person," Cooper said on Wednesday.

"For me, I learned a lot from having my time out, from being injured and not being part of the team, having time away. I am 25 now, I'm not getting any younger. You have to make the most of it."

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When Cooper followed up his toxic culture barb last year with deer-in-headlights TV quotes about turning down Wallaby jerseys, teammates were understandably less than impressed.

The dynamic of Cooper's return to the Wallabies fold, then, was always due to be interesting. After the first layers of ice were broken earlier in the year at a logistics camp, Cooper said walking into his first Wallabies camp for some time this week had contained nothing but good vibes.

"When you haven't seen a bunch of mates for a long time, for a gathering or a bite to eat, it's like old times, like you never left. You tell old stories when you get together, just a bunch of mates. It's just great times. This is one of the most exciting times for me of my career, moving forward," Cooper said.

"It's just a great feeling being back in the team environment, getting on the bus, going to your seat. Those small little things I hadn't done in a long time."

What of the culture? Has it changed from the supposedly unpalatable environment of 2012?

"There are different people, there are different people running it," Cooper said.

"It is something I wasn't a part of the last year, so I have been away from it a bit and it's really refreshing. New players, new coaching staff. Anybody can see it's going to be different. We just have to get out there, have energy and have focus on the job in front of us, and that's beating the All Blacks."

Talk to Queensland insiders and they'll tell you Cooper has matured a lot since the "toxic" episode, which co-incided with surgery: his second operation in a year after blowing his knee at the World Cup.

Part of the growing up process for Cooper is now not publically bagging Deans, who contentiously left the no.10 out of the Lions Test series that cost him his job. The past is left there.

"It's always pretty painful missing out but the most painful thing was seeing the boys go down," Cooper said of his omission.

Cooper, whose only time in gold since 2011 was a three-game stint last year against New Zealand, the Boks and Argentina, said he'd learned a lot from his time in the wilderness; mostly about the importance of a strong work ethic, even when the rewards don't come.

From an individual point of view, I have relied heavily on talent and when you get to this level, talent will (only) get you so far. You have to got to make sure you've got your work ethic, your attitude and all those small things that you think may not matter too much, you make sure they're all the right spot," he said.

"That's something over the past 6-12 months, I have really worked hard on. Not knowing if you're going to be involved in the team is something, when you are away from the team, you have to work hard on so if you're lucky enough to be called up, you're ready to go. I am just here to do a good job, work as hard as possible, contribute to the team."

Cooper is competing with impressive Brumby pivot Matt Toomua and NSW's rising star Bernard Foley for the Wallaby no.10, although he played down talk his connections to McKenzie and Will Genia would give him a leg-up. He said the focus was on improving each other as players, and contributing to the greater goal: beating New Zealand.

"It's great, especially for competition. The best way for you to improve is to have guys competing, so I am sure we are going to push each other," Cooper said.

With a new generation of Wallaby kids already coming through, Cooper said he hopes to share the lessons learned on his at-times bumpy journey.

"There are a lot of young guys coming through who are in my position … hopefully I have something that I can give to them and teach them, so they don't make the same mistakes," Cooper said.

"Work ethic is something you learn over time. Some people have it, and some people don't. But if you can work at it, it is something that will put you in a better position to better yourself as a player on the footy field, and as a person away from rugby."

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Pietersen vehemently denies claims

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England's Kevin Pietersen (R) reacts after being given out by umpire Tony Hill (L). Source:AFP

ENGLAND batsman Kevin Pietersen has reacted angrily to accusations he has been cheating the system to evade Hot Spot dismissals.

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Pietersen has found himself at the centre of a fresh Ashes controversy with, reports surfacing that he may have coated his bat with silicon-based adhesive tape, with the intended effect of leaving no trace when the ball is nicked.

The South African-born run-machine was controversially given out at OId Trafford during the third Test, and left the field fuming after an unsuccessful review, despite Hot Spot showing no signs of an edge.

However Snicko, which is unavailable to the umpires, clearly showed sound as the ball passed Pietersen's bat, leading some to believe the ball did in fact glance his bat and that Hot Spot, and the DRS umpire, had been fooled.

Pietersen has now taken to Twitter to proclaim his innocence and denounce what he is calling "horrible journalism".

"I am never afraid of getting out! If I nick it, I'll walk.. To suggest I cheat by covering my bat with silicon infuriates me," wrote Pietersen.

"Horrible journalism yet again! My name brought up in hotspot crisis suggesting I use silicon to prevent nicks showing! Such hurtful lies.

"How stupid would I be to try & hide a nick when it could save me on an LBW appeal, like in 1st innings where hotspot showed I nicked it."

Australia captain Michael Clarke has spoken up to defend his side, saying "I tell you there is not one person in the Australian changerooms who is a cheat", and adding that he was surprised to learn the technology even existed.

Channel 9 has reported that the International Cricket Council's general manager of cricket, Geoff Allardice, is travelling to Durham ahead of the fourth Test to discuss the issue with both teams.

However as yet there is no official word whether charges will be made against Pietersen or any other player from either camp.

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Ferguson back for Raiders

Blake Ferguson will make his return to the Canberra Raiders line-up for the clash against the Roosters. Source: DailyTelegraph

BLAKE Ferguson will make his first top grade appearance since being stood down by the NRL following a controversial drinking session with former teammate Josh Dugan.

Ferguson will line up in the centres in the only personnel change for the Raiders, who suffered the biggest defeat in the club's existence last weekend in a 68-4 mauling by Melbourne.

His return results in Jack Wighton moving out to the wing, with Reece Robinson named as 18th man.

Ferguson has not played in the NRL since June 15 against Penrith, a breakout season ruined by a late-night drinking session with Dugan as the pair celebrated their selection in the NSW team for State of Origin II.

The Raiders star was charged with assault as a result of an incident involving a female patron at the Cronulla nightspot, with the matter still before the courts.

The NRL cleared Ferguson to resume playing two weeks ago, but Canberra coach David Furner resisted the temptation to tinker with a winning side with Ferguson sent to play with feeder club Mounties in the NSW Cup.

But the record-breaking loss left Furner with little choice but to recall his strike weapon for Saturday night's meeting with the Sydney Roosters, with the Raiders' clinging to seventh spot on the ladder.

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NRL teams: Keary in the deep end

Luke Keary has been thrown in the deep end by Souths. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

HE'S never played a game in the NRL without him, but South Sydney's Adam Reynolds says he won't be affected by the absence of halves partner John Sutton against Melbourne on Friday.

The 23-year-old is widely tipped to become the NSW halfback in 2014 and will get the opportunity to show he can shine on the big stage when Souths take on the premiers at AAMI Park.

Sutton will be replaced at five-eighth by former Australian schoolboys rugby international Luke Keary and Reynolds believes the 21-year-old, who has played five games off the bench this year, is tailor-made for the NRL.

"I don't think there is any extra on me at all with 'Sutto' being out," Reynolds said.

"It comes down to doing my job and sticking to the game plan for 80 minutes.

"Luke's a very confident young player and he's shown he has the quality to be a NRL half," Reynolds said.

"He just needs to turn up and back himself and he'll go alright."

Wests Tigers have named Benji Marshall in their side to face fellow strugglers Parramatta on Friday but their torturous run with injuries has continued with representative pair Chris Lawrence and Aaron Woods ruled out for the season.

Former Test centre Lawrence will undergo surgery on an ankle injury and NSW prop Woods will remain on the sidelines until the start of next year due to a knee problem.

The pair join an already lengthy injury list that includes skipper Robbie Farah (hand), hooker Masada Iosefa (arm) in addition to long-term absentees Joel Reddy (groin) and Tim Moltzen (knee).

That poor run has also handed Joel Luani a debut at hooker in place of Farah.

"Joel has done enough to be the number one contender for the hooking role seeing as Robbie is out," said Tigers coach Mick Potter.

"He's been playing a lot of minutes in NSW Cup and doing a good job for the team. Joel deserves a chance with Masada Iosefa out."

Parramatta co-captain Jarryd Hayne will play for the first time since round 13, when he tore his hamstring playing for the Eels less than 48 hours after NSW's Origin I win.

Blake Ferguson will return to the NRL for the first time since June 15 when he lines up in the centres in the Raiders' match against ladder-leaders Sydney Roosters on Saturday night.

He was stood down by the league after a late night drinking session with former teammate Josh Dugan as the pair celebrated their inclusion in the NSW team for Origin II.

Ferguson was charged with assault following an incident with a female patron at a Cronulla nightspot on the night in question, with the matter still before the courts.

He is the only change to a Canberra side still smarting from the record-breaking 68-4 loss to Melbourne last Sunday, with winger Reece Robinson relegated to 18th man duties.

Sydney Roosters skipper Anthony Minichiello has been ruled out for the clash with Canberra after hyper-extending his knee against Penrith last Friday.

Roger Tuivasa-Shek will shift to the fullback with Shaun Kenny-Dowall moving to the wing and Mitch Aubusson into the centres.

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Matt back under McKenzie microscope

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Matt Toomua is coming off his best ever Super Rugby season. Source:Getty Images

OVER coffee in mid-2010, Matt Toomua gave Ewen McKenzie a "thanks, but no thanks" on an offer to join Queensland, and then a lift home as well.

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Three years after dropping McKenzie at his front step, however, Toomua is this week hoping to impress the now-Wallabies coach enough that he's not the one on the end of a "sorry mate".

"Hopefully there is no revenge planned, to get back for that," Toomua joked on Tuesday.

Toomua should be pretty safe on that front but there may still be some nervous glances around the training paddock for the 23-year-old as he vies to step up from Super Rugby and make the cut in McKenzie's Bledisloe Cup squad.

After a stellar season with the Brumbies, Toomua is one of three nominated five-eighths in the Wallabies 40-man squad – along with Quade Cooper and Bernard Foley.

Given all three were not even in the Wallabies' squad for the Lions series, the No.10 jersey is wide open and many believe Toomua has shown with his form in Super Rugby he is up to a Test debut against the All Blacks.

Cooper's history with the coach at Reds days may have his nose in front, but McKenzie admitted on Monday he thought so highly of Toomua he attempted to poach him in 2010.

"Yeah, a few years ago I had a chat to Ewen about going up there," Toomua said.

"It didn't work out to go up to Queensland, but that's probably the last time I chatted to him. All I remember is we met in Coogee, and we actually gave Ewen a ride home afterwards, which I thought was really cool. It showed how down to earth he was."

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Knowing Matt Giteau planned to move on in 2011, Toomua elected to stay in Canberra and wait for his chance to inherit the No.10. The chance to be mentored by one of the Wallabies' finest ever fly-halves, Stephen Larkham, was also a huge lure and saw the stocky pivot re-sign with the Brumbies again last year.

"When Jake re-signed Stephen a couple of years ago I knew that was huge for me and I knew I would do everything I could to stay in that environment," he said.

"Steve has been massive. We work through a game every week, the good things, what he's seeing, what I'm seeing. He was a different player that what I am, but you couldn't really ask for someone better to mentoring you, could you? Jake actually has a lot of hands on stuff as well, so it's a great environment for me."

Following a debut as an 18-year-old in 2008, Toomua battled a string of injury-plagued seasons but credits a consistent run of games in 2013 behind his upsurge in form.

His strength in defence is a key asset, but Toomua said he'd been attempting to strike a balance between Jake White's preference for a "Butch James"-style pivot, and a more Australian ball-player.

"(James) is probably the classic example as a confrontational 10, and Jake likes to mould things around that, but Stephen will always remind me you're a five-eighth," Toomua said.

"Something we have in Australia about our playmakers is a lot different. It has been a strength of ours in the past, and to not lose that and just remember we like to play that innovative style in Australia, so don't get too caught up in being a ninth forward."

With 10 players to be culled after Friday's session, Toomua admitted competition for spots and a genuine sense of optimism about selection chances under McKenzie's new regime would help all players improve.

"When you know there is people there vying for spots, it ultimately motivates you," Toomua said.

"It's a weird kind of dynamic in the sense that us three weren't involved in the previous camp, so I think we've all come here with a bit of a jump in our step, knowing we can reach for that spot.

"You are lying if you say you haven't thought about, every person here has looked past and seen who they're up against. That's only natural, but we don't know yet. He could pick four five-eighths going into the squad. It's up to Ewen."

Toomua's experience at No.12 and No.15 could prove to be an asset for a potential bench spot, although Foley can also play fullback.

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Old Trafford a momentum changer

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Momentum shift ... Australia have all the momentum leading into the fourth Test. Source: Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP

AT Trent Bridge and Lord's the English were baying for Australian blood. At Old Trafford, the few hearty Barmys still braving the rain chanted: "Call it off, call it off, call it off ..." Yes, after two deserved victories, England only needed a draw to retain the Ashes.

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But given the lopsided encounters of the past four years, the thought of England not wanting to take the field against Australia, for any reason, was heartening. Could the Test match in which England retained the Ashes be the one in which, finally, the momentum turned Australia's way?

In professional sport, there are no moral victories and no winning draws, although those swaggering Barmys might beg to differ. However, on a day when the English batsmen were content to put their feet up in the sheds, and instead squirmed for the 93 rain-free minutes, Australian cricket lifted its chin.

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Five days ago, it was taken for granted that England's retention of the Ashes at Old Trafford would leave Australia a bone fide contender for the title of worst team ever to tour England. Instead, Australia performed with enough vigour and skill to earn the home team's respect. Which, in modern cricket, is reflected by the stalling tactics, cynical DRS reviews and general acts of petulance required to maintain a foothold on the summit.

We had expected to see England perform cartwheels and wave stumps when they retained the Ashes. Instead, at 3-27 upon Kevin Pietersen's reluctant departure, the enduring image of the Test will be England players looking to the heavens with the hopeful gaze of the dedicated plane-spotter.

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Yes, Australia's performance at Old Trafford was based on the givens. Michael Clarke's batting; although the fact he scored his 187 at four, rather than five, was significant given the need to lead from the front.

Then there was the great heart of the Australian pace attack. Although, can anyone remember a time when Peter Siddle and Ryan Harris were snookered by rampant batsmen and put their cues in the rack?

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So, with two dead rubbers to play before preparations begin for next summer's return bout at home, what's new? David Warner's attitude ... maybe?

It has been a long couple of months, hasn't it? Warner's nightclub victim Joe Root reminded the batsman sent to cricketing Coventry when they crossed paths on the field.

But a couple of light-hearted, and self-deprecating, remarks by Warner, as well as some fluent strokes in the second innings, had the whiff of successful rehabilitation.

Most obviously, Warner must open the batting. Steve Smith is justifying his place at five or six. Clarke at four. Then, given Chris Rogers is rising 36, Shane Watson is struggling and Usman Khawaja is cricket's great enigma, the batting order remains a case of fill the blanks.

But if cricket is a team sport played individually, it is amazing how much easier it is for players to enter a team with a winning - or even drawing - mentality. In that regard, while Warner is often considered Australia's X-factor, perhaps that could be coach Darren Lehmann. Australia's competitive performance at Trent Bridge, followed by dramatic decline at Lord's, made you wonder if the appearance of the drinkin', smokin' Lehmann had been merely a placebo.

But a good performance here, and the fact Lehmann hasn't had a chance to put his technical and tactical stamp on the team, is encouraging. So too Lehmann's combative words after the match.

"We're not going to lose 5-0 are we?" he scowled. "Some of their players wanted us to lose 5-0, didn't they?"

Cold comfort, perhaps. But the chance to land a few more psychological blows before the return bout should keep the Australians interested.

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Wallabies camp off to rocky start

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The Brumbies' Tevita Kuridrani will be taking part in his first Wallabies camp. Source:AP

EWEN McKenzie's reputation as an unflappable character was put to the test of day one as Wallabies coach on Monday, with travel problems forcing the cancellation of his very first training session.

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With less than two weeks to prepare for the opening Bledisloe Cup game at ANZ Stadium, McKenzie had intended to get down to action with a light run on Monday afternoon.

But plans had to be altered on the run at the weekend after the Brumbies' post-final flight home from New Zealand on Sunday was taken off the runway and cancelled, and the players and staff were stuck in Auckland another night.

The Brumbies only arrived home in Canberra at lunchtime Monday, and their 12 Wallabies players were back on planes to Sydney a few hours later to join up with other arriving squad members, who also flew in Monday night.

The squad will still only be fully completed this morning, however, with six NSW players - Dave Dennis, Peter Betham, Bernard Foley, Paddy Ryan, Tatafu Polota-Nau and Sekope Kepu - returning from Argentina, where they played the Pumas at the weekend.

"It's been complicated. (The Brumbies) got caught in Auckland, their plane broke down so they had to stay overnight," McKenzie said.

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"That's something we're in constant communications about. I have just got off the phone to Jake (White). That's the way the calendar is. It's complicated. The reward for being in the final is you don't have much of a break, and that's what happened.

"We have tweaked today a bit around the fact they were there. We recognise and reward them. We don't want to penalise them for being in the final but at the same time we have business to attend to."

McKenzie said he'd spoken with NSW coach Michael Cheika about taking away the Waratahs players, and in spirit of co-operation, agreed to let several Wallabies squad members tour in order to get game-time and develop skills.

The Wallabies coach said he would assess all players at the camp this week before finalising a 30-man squad for The Rugby Championship on Friday.

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Live: third Ashes Test, day five

Ryan Harris got Australia off to the perfect start on day five. Source: Getty Images

AUSTRALIA'S hopes of victory in the third Ashes Test appear slim thanks to England's weather but they've been given a glimmer of hope, with the rain stopping and play getting underway.

The visitors have declared overnight, setting England a target of 332 runs to win at Old Trafford.

However, the forecast from the Met Office makes for gloomy reading.

Bookies this afternoon rated the draw a $1.03 chance, with an Australian win paying $13.00 and an English triumph $67.00

But there's one thing that the English weather can't stop, and that's our live Ashes blog. Read below for all the best discussions going on in social media, along with live updates of what's happening at Old Trafford.

Join the conversation by leaving a comment in the blog below, or let us know what you think by getting in touch on Twitter, @FoxCricketLive.

If using the comment box in the blog, you can just enter a name where it says 'Display Name', or you can log in using one of your social media accounts. Get involved now!

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Big men steamroll Dogs to victory

Frank Pritchard was instrumental in the Bulldogs' win. Source: Mark Nolan / Getty Images

CANTERBURY survived some Josh Dugan magic to maintain their charge towards the NRL finals with a 39-20 come from behind win over St George Illawarra on Monday night.

4 Tries 7
Josh Dugan 26'	Trent Hodkinson 5'
Josh Dugan 39'	Josh Jackson 12'
Jason Nightingale 43'	Tony Williams 51'
Daniel Vidot 48'	Sam Kasiano 63'
	Josh Morris 65'
	Sam Kasiano 69'
	Tony Williams 78'
2 Conversions 5
Josh Dugan 40'	Trent Hodkinson 52'
Josh Dugan 49'	Trent Hodkinson 64'
	Trent Hodkinson 67'
	Trent Hodkinson 71'
	Trent Hodkinson 79'
0 Field Goals 1
	Trent Hodkinson 75'

Trailing by 12 points with half an hour remaining, the Bulldogs scored five unanswered tries - including a double to man mountain Sam Kasiano - to solidify fifth spot on the ladder.

For much of the night it looked like being the Josh Dugan show after the recently re-signed Dragons fullback scored a first half double and set-up another for Jason Nightingale during a withering burst by the home side.

Four straight tries gave the Dragons a 48th minute 20-8 lead, but when they botched a kick-off for the second time in the game, the momentum shifted violently in the Bulldogs' favour.

The much-maligned Tony Williams did what 'Dogs fans have been asking him to do all year when he rumbled over off a short Trent Hodkinson pass to start the rot, the halfback again the orchestrator when Kasiano locked it up just after the hour mark.

Two minutes later the Bulldogs were in the lead when Tim Lafai sliced through to set up Josh Morris before Kasiano and Williams secured their doubles to complete the ambush.

It looked like being a comfortable night at the office when the Bulldogs scored two tries in the opening 12 minutes, before the Dragons turned to Dugan - who on Friday agreed to terms for another four years in the 'red v'.

With little else working for the home side, Dugan scored two brilliant individual tries, the first with two big right foot steps before a chip and chase on the stroke of halftime to give his side an unlikely lead.

He played the crucial role in Nightingale's try just after the restart and when Sam Perrett's missed intercept attempt gifted Daniel Vidot a four-pointer, the home side appeared in control.

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Saad likely to play out season

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Play on ... Ahmed Saad could be banned for two years. Source: Chris Hyde / Getty Images

AHMED Saad's chances of a negative B sample on his irregular drugs test are considered close to zero, but he seems certain to play out the season.

Saad was a late inclusion against Brisbane on Saturday night amid confusion about his legal status, but he is allowed to play until an AFL anti-doping hearing.

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The B sample is likely to be tested this week, with Saad allowed to be present with a legal representative and even his own lab expert to ensure the integrity of the test.

But while the substances in some drug tests can degrade _ and tests for human growth hormones can be subject to interpretation _ stimulants like the one Saad took almost never come up with a false positive.

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The AFL's anti-doping code specifically allows for players like Saad who test positive to a `specified substance' to play until a hearing.

That AFL hearing would likely be after the season given Saad can request time to investigate where the failed test came from.

Unlike `prohibited' substances like anabolic steroids, `specified substances' are those which a player could have inadvertently taken via medicine and over-the-counter drugs.

These drugs are banned only on match days, as opposed to most steroids.

While Saad has tested positive to only a specified substance - believed to be from an energy drink - legal and drug experts say he will be lucky to escape a heavy suspension.

They point to the case of Frankston player VFL player Matt Clark as a direct precedent which ASADA and the court of arbitration would consider.

Clark was suspended by a VFL anti-doping tribunal for nine months, which ASADA successfully appealed at the Court of Abritration for the full two-year sentence.

Saad will have to explain where the positive test came from, so will need to scientifically test the energy drink he is believed to have taken.

If he could prove he bought conventional medicine which should not have contained a banned substance but was tainted or contaminated he could access a significant discount.

But if the energy drink he took had a banned substance on the label and Saad failed to exercise due care, experts believe he is set for a two-year ban.

A player's level of drug education and ability to have a supplement ticked off by doctors would also be taken into account by ASADA, which works against Saad.

ASADA rules have changed since rugby player Wendell Sailor was immediately stood down after testing positive for cocaine, then suspended for two years.

Given a player who took a contaminated `specified substance' might be able to access a penalty as small as three months, it was felt it would be unfair for them to wait as long as a year for a hearing while provisionally suspended.

St Kilda and his management refused to comment last night, but there is an expectation the player's B sample is tested within 14 days of the A sample proving positive.

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