All Blacks centre Ma'a Nonu tries to break the tackle of Wallabies rival Christian Lealiifano. Source: Mark Nolan / Getty Images
LIVE BLOG: THE Rugby Championship kicks off tonight, and you can follow it all here as the Wallabies take on the All Blacks at ANZ Staidum.
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Join in the Bledisloe Cup I discussion in our live blog below.
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| 4 Tries 2 | |
|---|---|
| Gavin Cooper 4' | David Mead 8' |
| Kyle Feldt 28' | Kevin Gordon 50' |
| Kyle Feldt 59' | |
| Glenn Hall 73' | |
| 3 Conversions1 | |
| Johnathan Thurston 5' | Aidan Sezer 52' |
| Johnathan Thurston 30' | |
| Johnathan Thurston 60' | |
In a spirited Queensland derby, the Cowboys overcame the brief loss of Matt Scott (corked shin) to move within striking distance of the top eight with their third consecutive victory.
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In the process, they delivered a major jolt to the Coast, whose finals hopes weren't aided by second-half injuries to utility Luke O'Dwyer (knee) and NSW enforcer Bird (lower back).
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The Titans could still finish the weekend eighth on 24 competition points, but Canberra (24), the Broncos (23) and Cowboys (22) are lurking and the Warriors (22) will join them if they beat Penrith on Sunday.
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Compounding their plight, the Titans face a nightmare final fortnight with road trips to face the Roosters and Storm after this Saturday's home clash against the Warriors.
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But the one certainty is the Cowboys are still breathing after partners-in-crime Johnathan Thurston and Matt Bowen combined to orchestrate a four-tries-to-two triumph.
The hosts led from start to finish, with Thurston and Bowen creating two tries apiece as the Cowboys staved off the Titans after leading 12-4 at half-time.
Maroons prop Scott left the field in the 54th minute but eventually returned as winger Kyle Feldt (59th) and Glenn Hall (73rd) scored second-half tries to sink the Coast.
The Cowboys are now just one win adrift of eighth spot and could charge into the playoffs by winning their final three games against the Knights (h), Sharks (a) and Wests Tigers (h).
Entering the clash clinging to eighth spot, the Titans received a boost on match eve when in-form fullback William Zillman was cleared of a groin injury, pushing David Mead to the wing.
But it was the Cowboys who started with greater verve. Buoyed by his masterclass in last week's 36-4 thumping of Penrith, Thurston maintained the rage and orchestrated the first points in the fifth minute.
Attacking the Titans' right edge, Thurston went to the line and linked with Gavin Cooper, who charged through a gaping hole to give the Cowboys a 6-0 lead.
But the Titans hit back quickly, narrowing the deficit to 6-4 after eight minutes when Mead touched down in the corner after good lead-up work by centre Brad Takairangi.
The hosts had something the Titans lacked - match-winning class. First it was Thurston. Exhibit B came in the 28th minute. With field position see-sawing as both sides coughed up the ball, Bowen delivered brilliance amid the blunders.
Playing for his career, the former Maroons ace chimed into the attack and threw a superb cut-out ball for winger Feldt, who crashed over for a 12-4 half-time lead.
The second half became a battle of wills. But when Bird was carried off in the 45th minute, the Cowboys went for the jugular.
NORTH QUEENSLAND 22 (K Feldt 2 G Cooper G Hall tries J Thurston 3 goals) bt GOLD COAST 10 (K Gordon D Mead tries A Sezer goal) at 1300SMILES Stadium. Referee: Matt Cecchin, Alan Shortall. Crowd: 12,003.
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YOU would swear North Melbourne and Essendon had traded places on the AFL ladder.
The Kangaroos honing their skills and drills in preparations for the finals series while the tired Bombers strived to keep their season alive.
| 1.3 (9) | Q1 | 2.3 (15) |
| 4.8 (32) | Q2 | 7.6 (48) |
| 6.12 (48) | Q3 | 13.10 (88) |
| 9.16 (70) | Q4 | 17.13 (115) |
| Jake Melksham 3 | Daniel Wells 4 |
| Tom Bellchambers 2 | Drew Petrie 3 |
| Alwyn Davey 2 | Robbie Tarrant 3 |
| Kyle Hardingham 1 | Ryan Bastinac 1 |
| Nick Kommer 1 | Ben Cunnington 1 |
| Sam Gibson 1 | |
| Nathan Grima 1 | |
| Jamie MacMillan 1 | |
| Lindsay Thomas 1 | |
| Sam Wright 1 |
While practically, the situation is the opposite, the brutal reality is that right now the Kangaroos would make a far better fist of Essendon's guaranteed finals spot.
Only briefly early in the second quarter was North Melbourne headed at Etihad Stadium tbefore gradually pulling away to a 45-point win to maintain that faint hope of September participation.
The manner in which Essendon succumbed to a fourth consecutive loss was emphatic and painful. Killed by turnovers, lacking dare and dash and with no spark and energy.
What seemed to point to a total team breakdown after a season of off-field distractions was the fact that these players tried their darndest. But the intensity was false and the negative mindset very real.
Brendon Goddard tried hard to impose his hand and foot efficiency, captain Jobe Watson as usual ran himself to the point of exhaustion and others, like Jake Melksham never stopped fighting for the ball. But the Bombers' collective work was disjointed and a stark contrast to the Kangaroos' class.
This contest was crying out for someone to light the way. And up stepped experienced Roos Daniel Wells and Drew Petrie.
The second half was only 20 seconds old when Wells burst from the middle and ripped a team-lifting goal on the run.
Petrie, who had worked tirelessly up and down the ground, added two goals in three minutes with those deadly set shots and the pair had split the game wide-open.
Then Wells made it worthwhile for the Kangaroos' supporters to venture out late on a Saturday afternoon.
The gifted on-baller ran hard on the city wing to accept a handpass and took four bounces in a 100m dash to spear through his fourth goal.
Essendon lacked energy and intensity. But those hesitant Bombers finally did display imagination with a coast-to-coast goal from a kickout that was finished off by Alwyn Davey in the third quarter.
And there were glimpses of the future with young forward Joe Daniher's marking prowess. Alas, the teenager's polish reflected his team's demise he tarnished the strong work with four misses from set shots inside the forward 50.
It was a ugly contest littered with errors, as evidenced by a subdued crowd in the first half. For far too long, no player seemed eager or even capable of imposing himself on the contest.
Wells, for instance, was lively in the opening term with one of his trademark snapshots on the run to get the Kangaroos rolling on the scoreboard.
But even the brilliant Roo disappeared for long patches until he bobbed up to spear through a long shot from right on 50 midway through the second quarter.
Essendon just couldn't take a trick. Onballer Dyson Heppell, the Bombers most prolific with nine disposals in the first term, limped to the boundary line with a right foot injury late in the quarter.
After treatment in the rooms and testing the foot by jogging along the boundary line, Heppell was subbed out of the game just two minutes after the resumption.
North Melbourne finally found space and range with goals from Sam Gibson, Petrie and Wells in the second quarter to skip to set up the first scoreboard buffer of the game.
But the mistakes continued even as the Roos edged ahead by 15 points. This time Levi Greenwood was overanxious to return to the action and the resultant interchange infringement gifted a momentum-halting goal to Bombers ruckman Tom Bellchambers.
The Bombers strangled themselves by coughing up the ball, those damning turnovers playing a part in each of the Kangaroos' seven goals in the scrappy first half.
Andrew Fifita celebrates a Sharks try. Source: Matt Blyth / Getty Images
IN his remarkable breakout season, Andrew Fifita beat Dragons fullback Jason Nightingale in a photo finish to become the hero of a thrilling southern derby.
Fifita showed his pace to chase a kick and touch down in the final minute to pinch a game the Sharks needed in the quest for a high finals finish.
It was a cruel end for the brave Dragons who dominated from the start.
A simple dropped ball from Sharks prop Sam Tagataese triggered a remarkable start from the Dragons who jumped out to a shock 12-0 lead following a double dose of brilliance from Jason Nightingale.
Standing in for injured fullback Josh Dugan, Nightingale pounced on Tagataese's mistake and raced 80m before scoring under the posts two plays later. He backed that up just two minutes later with a sublime pass that put winger Brett Morris over untouched.
Cronulla needed to steady the ship and not surprisingly it was Todd Carney who took control by producing a second-man play that allowed Ben Pomeroy to score untouched in the 15th minute.
Carney's sideline conversion into a stiff wind reduced the deficit to six points.
The Sharks were denied a try to Paul Gallen by the video referee in the 22nd minute when it was ruled the Cronulla captain had benefited from an illegal obstruction.
The Dragons positioned themselves for a nomination for the most unconventional try of the season, when Morris came up with his second.
Adam Quinlan's pass ricocheted off Beau Ryan, into Charly Runciman's head and into the hands of Morris who happily planted the footy inside the corner post.
The Sharks' shocking completion rate - it was just 50 per cent at halftime - told the story with their inability to build pressure. Not surprisingly the Dragons led 18-6 led at the break.
The Dragons refused to go into their shell after the break and with their tails in the air, they continued to pepper the Sharks.
After defending stoutly, the Sharks took advantage a Dragons error.
It was experienced halfback Jeff Robson who showed some classic footwork close to the line before finding hooker Isaac De Gois in support and he crashing over to bring the gap back to six points with just over 20 minutes left.
CRONULLA 22 (I De Gois A Fifita B Pomeroy B Ryan tries T Carney 3 goals) bt ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA 18 (B Morris 2 J Nightingale tries C Stanley 3 goals) at WIN Stadium. Referee: Ben Cummins, Luke Phillips. Crowd: 11,853.
Gary Rohan set for a long-awaited return. Source: Philip Hillyard / News Limited
GARY Rohan is set to return to the Swans' line-up after almost 18 months out with a broken leg, while the Hawks regain three stars for their clash against the Pies.
Hawthorn v Collingwood, Friday 7:50pm (AEST), MCG
Hawthorn
B: B.Stratton, B.Lake, B.Guerra
HB: S.Burgoyne, J.Gibson, T.Duryea
C: I.Smith, S.Mitchell, B.Whitecross
HF: L.Hodge, L.Franklin, J.Gunston
F: L.Breust, J.Roughead, C.Rioli
Foll: D.Hale, B.Sewell, J.Lewis
Int: G.Birchall, B.Hill, S.Savage, P.Puopolo
Emg: K.Cheney, M.Bailey, J.Simpkin
In: L.Hodge, G.Birchall, L.Franklin
Out: J.Simpkin (Omitted), M.Spangher (Omitted), S.Grimley (Omitted)
Collingwood
B: N.Brown, N.Maxwell, H.Shaw
HB: B.Macaffer, L.Keeffe, T.Goldsack
C: H.O'Brien, L.Ball, J.Thomas
HF: S.Sidebottom, Q.Lynch, J.Elliott
F: D.Beams, T.Cloke, B.Reid
Foll: B.Grundy, S.Pendlebury, D.Swan
Int: J.Blair, B.Sinclair, S.Dwyer, M.Williams
Emg: B.Hudson, B.Kennedy, P.Seedsman
Unchanged
Richmond v Carlton, Saturday 1:45pm (AEST), MCG
Richmond
B: S.Morris, A.Rance, D.Astbury
HB: B.Houli, T.Chaplin, R.Petterd
C: S.Grigg, T.Cotchin, D.Jackson
HF: M.White, D.Martin, B.Ellis
F: L.McGuane, J.Riewoldt, T.Vickery
Foll: I.Maric, B.Deledio, N.Foley
Int: S.Tuck, R.Conca, N.Vlastuin, D.Grimes
Emg: M.McDonough, B.Helbig, L.McBean
In: R.Petterd, D.Grimes
Out: C.Newman (Ankle), R.Nahas (Omitted)
Carlton
B: J.Bootsma, M.Jamison, L.Henderson
HB: Z.Tuohy, A.McInnes, B.Gibbs
C: C.Yarran, M.Robinson, K.Simpson
HF: E.Curnow, A.Walker, T.Bell
F: B.McLean, L.Casboult, H.Scotland
Foll: R.Warnock, E.Betts, M.Murphy
Int: D.Armfield, N.Graham, T.Menzel, J.Waite
Emg: J.Cachia, K.Lucas, S.Rowe
In: L.Casboult, M.Robinson, A.McInnes, T.Bell, N.Graham
Out: C.Judd (Knee), S.Rowe (Omitted), J.Garlett (Glute), J.Cachia (Omitted), M.Watson (Foot)
Port Adelaide v Gold Coast, Saturday 1:40pm (ACST), AAMI Stadium
Port Adelaide
B: C.O'Shea, A.Carlile, C.Heath
HB: M.Broadbent, J.Trengove, T.Jonas
C: Bra.Ebert, T.Boak, K.Cornes
HF: R.Gray, J.Westhoff, A.Monfries
F: C.Hitchcock, J.Schulz, C.Wingard
Foll: M.Lobbe, A.Moore, H.Hartlett
Int: N.Blee, S.Colquhoun, J.Pittard, O.Wines
Emg: T.Logan, J.Neade, A.Young
In: C.Hitchcock, C.Heath, T.Jonas
Out: D.Cassisi (Hamstring), K.Mitchell (Omitted), J.Butcher (Hip)
Gold Coast
B: T.McKenzie, S.May, S.Tape
HB: G.Broughton, R.Thompson, T.Murphy
C: H.Bennell, G.Ablett, J.Harbrow
HF: D.Prestia, J.Hall, A.Boston
F: T.Sumner, C.Dixon, A.Hall
Foll: D.Gorringe, D.Stanley, D.Swallow
Int: J.O'Meara, J.Hutchins, J.Allen, L.Russell
Emg: K.Hunt, M.Rischitelli, L.Patrick
In: J.Hutchins, J.Allen, A.Boston, J.Hall
Out: N.Bock (Leg), C.Brown (Suspension), S.Day (Hamstring), A.Sexton (Shoulder)
Essendon v North Melbourne, Saturday 4:40pm (AEST), Etihad Stadium
Essendon
B: M.Hibberd, T.Pears, K.Hardingham
HB: M.Baguley, C.Hooker, B.Goddard
C: H.Hocking, J.Watson, L.Dalgleish
HF: J.Daniher, S.Crameri, D.Heppell
F: N.Kommer, J.Carlisle, A.Davey
Foll: T.Bellchambers, J.Melksham, B.Stanton
Int: L.Jetta, D.Zaharakis, B.Howlett, N.O'Brien
Emg: N.Lovett-Murray, E.Kavanagh, D.Hille
In: L.Jetta, N.O'Brien, S.Crameri, J.Daniher, L.Dalgleish
Out: J.Winderlich (Hamstring), P.Ryder (Suspension), S.Gumbleton (Soreness), D.Myers (Rested), D.Fletcher (Suspension)
North Melbourne
B: L.Hansen, S.Thompson, A.Mullett
HB: J.Macmillan, N.Grima, S.Atley
C: R.Bastinac, D.Wells, S.Gibson
HF: L.Adams, R.Tarrant, B.Harvey
F: L.Thomas, D.Petrie, A.Black
Foll: T.Goldstein, B.Cunnington, J.Ziebell
Int: B.McKenzie, B.Jacobs, L.Delaney, S.Wright
Emg: M.Firrito, L.Greenwood, T.Garner
In: N.Grima, B.McKenzie
Out: T.Hine (Omitted), T.Garner (Omitted)
West Coast v Geelong, Saturday 5:40pm (AWST), Patersons Stadium
West Coast
B: M.Brown, D.Glass, P.McGinnity
HB: S.Butler, E.Mackenzie, As.Smith
C: A.Gaff, S.Wellingham, B.Dalziell
HF: J.Cripps, JJ.Kennedy, J.Hill
F: L.Shuey, S.Lycett, J.Darling
Foll: D.Cox, S.Selwood, M.Priddis
Int: W.Schofield, B.Sheppard, C.Masten, A.Carter
Emg: A.Embley, A.Hams, M.Rosa
In: L.Shuey, A.Carter
Out: M.LeCras (ribs), B.Wilson (Omitted)
Geelong
B: J.Rivers, T.Lonergan, C.Enright
HB: C.Guthrie, H.Taylor, J.Bartel
C: A.Christensen, J.Selwood, J.Kelly
HF: M.Stokes, M.Blicavs, S.Johnson
F: S.Motlop, J.Podsiadly, T.Varcoe
Foll: N.Vardy, J.Caddy, M.Duncan
Int: J.Corey, A.Mackie, J.Murdoch, A.Walker
Emg: J.Hunt, J.Schroder, J.Stringer
In: J.Murdoch, M.Blicavs
Out: T.Hawkins (Back), J.Stringer (Omitted)
Brisbane Lions v GWS Giants, Saturday 7:40pm (AEST), The Gabba
Brisbane Lions
B: M.Maguire, J.Patfull, M.Golby
HB: R.Harwood, E.Yeo, J.Adcock
C: S.Mayes, S.Black, D.Rich
HF: P.Hanley, B.Staker, D.Zorko
F: A.McGrath, D.Merrett, J.Green
Foll: M.Leuenberger, J.Redden, T.Rockliff
Int: S.Docherty, R.Bewick, A.Raines, R.Lester
Emg: J.Lisle, M.Paparone, J.O'Brien
In: A.McGrath, R.Bewick, M.Golby, S.Black
Out: B.Moloney (Hamstring), J.O'Brien (Omitted), S.Martin (Hamstring), J.Clarke (Shoulder)
GWS Giants
B: Z.Williams, S.Gilham, P.Davis
HB: T.Bugg, T.Mohr, A.Kennedy
C: D.Shiel, T.Scully, L.Whitfield
HF: C.Ward, J.Cameron, C.Hampton
F: A.Tomlinson, D.Brogan, N.Wilson
Foll: J.Giles, M.Whiley, S.Coniglio
Int: T.Greene, N.Haynes, L.Sumner, A.Treloar
Emg: J.Bruce, M.Buntine, S.Darley
In: D.Brogan, S.Gilham, D.Shiel, L.Sumner, N.Haynes
Out: S.Darley (Omitted), J.Bruce (Omitted), D.Smith (Hip), T.Adams (Back), T.Downie (Omitted)
Melbourne v Fremantle, Sunday 1:10pm (AEST), MCG
Melbourne
B: L.Dunn, C.Garland, D.Terlich
HB: M.Jones, T.McDonald, J.Strauss
C: J.McKenzie, J.Trengove, J.Howe
HF: J.Viney, J.Watts, S.Byrnes
F: C.Sylvia, J.Fitzpatrick, T.Davis
Foll: J.Spencer, J.Grimes, N.Jones
Int: S.Blease, D.Kent, L.Tapscott, A.Davey
Emg: D Rodan, C Pedersen, M Gawn
In: S.Blease, J.Howe
Out: M.Clisby (Suspension), D.Nicholson (Omitted)
Fremantle
B: A.Silvagni, Z.Dawson, P.Duffield
HB: T.Mzungu, M.Johnson, L.Spurr
C: N.Suban, R.Crowley, D.Pearce
HF: D.Mundy, C.Mayne, M.Walters
F: A.Sandilands, M.Pavlich, H.Ballantyne
Foll: Z.Clarke, N.Fyfe, M.de Boer
Int: T.Sheridan, L.Neale, M.Barlow, S.Hill
Emer: C. Sutcliffe, H.Crozier, M.Taberner
In: Stephen Hill
Out: Cam Sutcliffe
Sydney v St Kilda, Sunday 3.20pm (EST), SCG
Sydney
B: D.Rampe, H.Grundy, N.Smith
HB: R.Shaw, T.Richards, A.Everitt
C: J.McVeigh, R.O'Keefe, N.Malceski
HF: D.Hannebery, J.White, L.Parker
F: M.Pyke, K.Tippett, J.Bolton
Foll: S.Mumford, J.Kennedy, K.Jack
Int: C.Bird, J.Lamb, B.McGlynn, G.Rohan
Emg: H. Cunningham, T Mitchell, B Jack
IN: G.Rohan, J.Lamb
OUT: T. Mitchell, B. Jack
St Kilda
B: J.Newnes, J.Blake, S.Dempster
HB: J.Geary, D.Roberton, F.Ray
C: A.Schneider, N.Dal Santo, L.Montagna
HF: D.Armitage, N.Riewoldt, C.Jones
F: T.Curren, T.Lee, S.Milne
Foll: B.McEvoy, J.Saunders, J.Steven
Int: T.Hickey, S.Ross, S.Gilbert, D.Minchington
Emg: J. Webster, B. Murdoch, C. Shenton
In: S.Milne, S.Gilbert, S.Ross, T.Hickey
Out: J.Gwilt (Soreness), L.Hayes (Soreness), J Webster, B Murdoch
Western Bulldogs v Adelaide, Sunday 4.40pm (EST), Etihad Stadium
Western Bulldogs
B: L.Picken, J.Roughead, D.Morris
HB: T.Young, M.Austin, R.Murphy
C: M.Boyd, T.Liberatore, D.Cross
HF: R.Griffen, J.Grant, D.Giansiracusa
F: L.Dahlhaus, T.Campbell, K.Stevens
Foll: W.Minson, M.Wallis, A.Cooney
Int: E.Wood, L.Hunter, D.Addison, T.Dickson
Emg: J Macrae, J Tutt, L Jones
In: M.Boyd, L.Hunter
Out: J Tutt, L Jones
Adelaide
B: R.Laird, B.Rutten, A.Otten
HB: L.Brown, D.Talia, B.Smith
C: R.Sloane, P.Dangerfield, N.van Berlo
HF: B.Vince, T.Lynch, B.Crouch
F: J.Petrenko, L.Johnston, I.Callinan
Foll: S.Jacobs, R.Douglas, S.Thompson
Int: D.Mackay, S.Kerridge, S.Shaw, M.Grigg
Emg: M Jaensch, M Wright, S McKernan
In: I.Callinan, S.Kerridge
Out: R.Henderson (Knee), M Wright
Earthquake damage in Wellington. Source: AFP
SEVERAL earthquakes in Wellington forced the temporary closure of Westpac Stadium on Friday, leaving next week's sold-out second Bledisloe Cup Test in some doubt.
Inspectors are investigating any possible damage to the venue, and a planned event for Saturday was cancelled.
Though it remains unlikely the fixture will have to be moved, the frequency and size of the quakes and aftershocks that rocked New Zealand's capital, ranging from 5.3 to 6.9 on the Richter scale, also make the situation unpredictable.
SANZAR boss Greg Peters told News Corp Australia that his organisation would monitor the situation and work with the NZRU should there be a need to move the match.
"At this stage it's probably nothing to worry about until they have conducted an inspection," Peters said from South Africa.
"They should do everything to ensure the safety of the spectators.
"It is way too early to be speculating on alternative venues."
Auckland's Eden Park would be the most likely venue if the game had to be moved, considering its ground capacity.
Westpac Stadium released a Twitter statement following the fifth successive large quake on Friday, saying: "Following this afternoon's earthquake, the Stadium has been closed until engineering checks can be completed over the weekend and Monday.
"This is the same process we undertook after the July earthquake. It unfortunately means that tomorrow night's paint party has been cancelled.
"However, there is nothing to suggest that next weekend's Bledisloe Cup match will be impacted at this stage. We'll keep you posted."
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FEARS over the "prying eyes" of Australian spies saw the All Blacks spurn ANZ Stadium for their final training session on Friday and hire a nearby gymnasium to practice sensitive moves.
The extreme measures of the Kiwis came as skipper Richie McCaw played down the All Blacks' vast superiority in Test experience over the new-look Wallabies, and admitted they would be wary of Ewen McKenzie having "tricks up his sleeve" tonight.
After stirring up mind games with McKenzie during the week, edgy All Blacks coach Steve Hansen went into anti-espionage mode yesterday for his side's final preparations for the opening Bledisloe Cup clash.
The All Blacks were booked to use ANZ Stadium from 12.30pm to 2.30pm for their captains' run, but arrived 90 minutes late after training first in a hall adjacent to the stadium at Olympic Park.
"We did a few lineouts in a gym nearby. We thought we would do it away from prying eyes," McCaw explained.
It is customary for teams to run through final moves at the venue a day before, and media are kicked out to ensure privacy.
Hansen has displayed plenty of paranoia about Australian spies in the past, however, accusing a television network of passing training footage to the Wallabies in Brisbane in 2008.
Asked if Hansen _ who himself was accused of spying on New Zealand when coaching Wales in 2002 _ had been concerned about spies in the rafters of ANZ Stadium, McCaw said: "Nah, we always do a lineout session the day before and it happened to be there was a gym right beside, so that's where we did it."
The Kiwis engaged in light kicking and some sponsor's duties for 25 minutes before hurriedly vacating ANZ Stadium to make way for the Wallabies. The two teams even crossed paths in the tunnel, and the mood was said to be friendly.
McCaw said the change of coach from Robbie Deans to McKenzie would benefit the Wallabies.
"There's no doubt that coming off a Lions (series), having a change of voice, no matter what it is, can add a bit of a zing to it," McCaw said.
"But they're the same players at the end of the day that we've played against through Super Rugby and before. From our point of view, it doesn't change things a whole lot."
With the All Blacks fielding a seasoned team and the Wallabies a new-look squad with five debutants — and five in the starting side playing their first Bledisloe Cup game — the Kiwis have an edge in experience.
The Kiwis, who have an average age of 27, have a combined 874 Test caps (average 38 per man), and Australia have an average age of 25, with 529 caps (23 per man).
But McCaw is wary of the statistic.
"The experience thing, if you go out and expect it's going to happen just because you've been here before that's when you come unstuck," McCaw said.
"You have to first of all prepare well and bring the energy and have to deal with each moment as it comes. I think one thing I have learned over time is as soon as you don't prepare as you should, you will come second, whether its individually or as a team."
McKenzie's reputation for injecting the element of surprise into his gameplans could be a factor tonight, McCaw says.
"They always tried to have something up their sleeve I suppose. In the last couple of years playing the Reds they bring something new each week, so you have to be ready for all that," he said.
"I think they're prepared to use the ball if they get ball on the front foot. That's what we have got to deny I suppose."
McCaw said he'd been impressed with debutant five-eighth Matt Toomua's form for the Brumbies, but still half-bit when asked if the new man was a potential point of vulnerability for the Wallabies.
"It's up to us to deny him time and good ball and put him under pressure. I guess that's one of our jobs," he said.
"Test rugby is different. But you look across the skills of those guys and there's no reason why they can't do a job if its put on a plate for them."
Though he's only played a club game and 20 minutes of Super Rugby since returning from a sabbatical, McCaw said he felt in good shape to play a Bledisloe Cup clash.
The decade-long dominance of the Kiwis would not play any part in tonight's game, the skipper said.
"You look at our point of view - the last time we played the Wallabies it was a draw and we were probably pretty lucky that we ended up with a draw," McCaw said. "That's the memory I've got. History doesn't actually matter."
Josh McGuire (10) of the Broncos celebrates a try with team mates. Source: Bradley Kanaris / Getty Images
THE Brisbane Broncos kept their faint finals hopes alive with a 22-12 win over the last-placed Parramatta Eels, who lost Jarryd Hayne to injury.
Hayne limped from the field in the 66th minute with a leg injury.
The win moved the Broncos into 10th place on the NRL ladder.
More to come.
Match centre: Game details and stats
BRISBANE 22 (J Hoffman J McGuire C Oates J Reed tries S Prince 3 goals) bt PARRAMATTA 12 (R Maitua R Morgan tries J Mullaney J Paulo goals) at Suncorp Stadium. Referee: Gavin Badger, Adam Devcich. Crowd: 24,060.
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HUGH McMeniman has been attempting to temper fearless instincts that earned him the nickname of "Madness" and numerous surgical appointments.
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But after being named in the Wallabies side for a Bledisloe Cup battle on Thursday, let's just say it might pay to have an ambulance on speed dial.
Location: ANZ Stadium, Homebush.
The patient could be dressed in either a black or gold jersey.
"Test match rugby is a different story. Maybe around Super Rugby I might temper it, and everyone says to calm down a bit," McMeniman said.
"I guess I have learned a lot. Foles (Force coach Michael Foley) has shown me the way in terms of not putting myself in bad positions as much.
"But I guess you always have to go in there 110%, you can't go in 90%. I would rather go in there harder and get injured than go in soft and be seen like that.
"I don't mind a bit of pain."
Ladies and gentlemen, re-introducing Hugh McMeniman.
After playing the last of his 21 Tests in 2008, McMeniman was Thursday recalled to Wallabies at blindside flanker to take on the All Blacks on Saturday night.
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It caps a remarkable return to the top for the 29-year-old, who played in the 2007 Rugby World Cup and in Robbie Deans's first season, but left Australian rugby in 2009 to play in Japan, with no real ambition to return.
"At the time I wasn't really thinking about returning," McMeniman said.
"When it did come up was when the Reds won the Championship (in 2011).
"A lot of my mates were in that time, and watching it gave me a bit of an itch to come back. Obviously Foles gave me the chance to play over at the Force and it rolled on from there. I didn't expect to be here. I am pretty stoked."
Impressive form for the Force this season had McMeniman on the radar of Robbie Deans for the Lions series, and the abrasive flanker was called into the Wallabies squad for June after playing just one game following a shoulder injury.
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Then? Nothing. McMeniman's trademark aggression was overlooked by Deans, who didn't pick him and didn't explain why.
Asked why he had missed out, McMeniman said: "I am not sure. Maybe you can tell me."
The All Blacks' loss of rival No.6 Liam Messam will leave the Kiwis without a leader, believes the Queenslander, but Steven Luatua will be a like-for-like flanker.
The fact McMeniman and Scott Fardy, both 29, have won call-ups gives hope to old footballers everywhere, laughed McMeniman.
"There are always options and Ewen is picking form players. Guys our age is pretty exciting I guess. It's not always the young guys." he said.
Asked if he felt a responsible to bring some intimidation against the All Blacks, McMeniman bashfully replied: "I don't know if I am that intimidating. I have shoulders like a brown snake. They're not really that impressive."
For the record, the brown snake is one of the world's deadliest snakes.
Gary Rohan set for a long-awaited return. Source: Philip Hillyard / News Limited
GARY Rohan is set to return to the Swans' line-up after almost 18 months out with a broken leg, while the Hawks regain three stars for their clash against the Pies.
Hawthorn v Collingwood, Friday 7:50pm (AEST), MCG
Hawthorn
B: B.Stratton, B.Lake, B.Guerra
HB: S.Burgoyne, J.Gibson, T.Duryea
C: I.Smith, S.Mitchell, B.Whitecross
HF: L.Hodge, L.Franklin, J.Gunston
F: L.Breust, J.Roughead, C.Rioli
Foll: D.Hale, B.Sewell, J.Lewis
Int: G.Birchall, B.Hill, S.Savage, P.Puopolo
Emg: K.Cheney, M.Bailey, J.Simpkin
In: L.Hodge, G.Birchall, L.Franklin
Out: J.Simpkin (Omitted), M.Spangher (Omitted), S.Grimley (Omitted)
Collingwood
B: N.Brown, N.Maxwell, H.Shaw
HB: B.Macaffer, L.Keeffe, T.Goldsack
C: H.O'Brien, L.Ball, J.Thomas
HF: S.Sidebottom, Q.Lynch, J.Elliott
F: D.Beams, T.Cloke, B.Reid
Foll: B.Grundy, S.Pendlebury, D.Swan
Int: J.Blair, B.Sinclair, S.Dwyer, M.Williams
Emg: B.Hudson, B.Kennedy, P.Seedsman
Unchanged
Richmond v Carlton, Saturday 1:45pm (AEST), MCG
Richmond
B: S.Morris, A.Rance, D.Astbury
HB: B.Houli, T.Chaplin, R.Petterd
C: S.Grigg, T.Cotchin, D.Jackson
HF: M.White, D.Martin, B.Ellis
F: L.McGuane, J.Riewoldt, T.Vickery
Foll: I.Maric, B.Deledio, N.Foley
Int: S.Tuck, R.Conca, N.Vlastuin, D.Grimes
Emg: M.McDonough, B.Helbig, L.McBean
In: R.Petterd, D.Grimes
Out: C.Newman (Ankle), R.Nahas (Omitted)
Carlton
B: J.Bootsma, M.Jamison, L.Henderson
HB: Z.Tuohy, A.McInnes, B.Gibbs
C: C.Yarran, M.Robinson, K.Simpson
HF: E.Curnow, A.Walker, T.Bell
F: B.McLean, L.Casboult, H.Scotland
Foll: R.Warnock, E.Betts, M.Murphy
Int: D.Armfield, N.Graham, T.Menzel, J.Waite
Emg: J.Cachia, K.Lucas, S.Rowe
In: L.Casboult, M.Robinson, A.McInnes, T.Bell, N.Graham
Out: C.Judd (Knee), S.Rowe (Omitted), J.Garlett (Glute), J.Cachia (Omitted), M.Watson (Foot)
Port Adelaide v Gold Coast, Saturday 1:40pm (ACST), AAMI Stadium
Port Adelaide
B: C.O'Shea, A.Carlile, C.Heath
HB: M.Broadbent, J.Trengove, T.Jonas
C: Bra.Ebert, T.Boak, K.Cornes
HF: R.Gray, J.Westhoff, A.Monfries
F: C.Hitchcock, J.Schulz, C.Wingard
Foll: M.Lobbe, A.Moore, H.Hartlett
Int: N.Blee, S.Colquhoun, J.Pittard, O.Wines
Emg: T.Logan, J.Neade, A.Young
In: C.Hitchcock, C.Heath, T.Jonas
Out: D.Cassisi (Hamstring), K.Mitchell (Omitted), J.Butcher (Hip)
Gold Coast
B: T.McKenzie, S.May, S.Tape
HB: G.Broughton, R.Thompson, T.Murphy
C: H.Bennell, G.Ablett, J.Harbrow
HF: D.Prestia, J.Hall, A.Boston
F: T.Sumner, C.Dixon, A.Hall
Foll: D.Gorringe, D.Stanley, D.Swallow
Int: J.O'Meara, J.Hutchins, J.Allen, L.Russell
Emg: K.Hunt, M.Rischitelli, L.Patrick
In: J.Hutchins, J.Allen, A.Boston, J.Hall
Out: N.Bock (Leg), C.Brown (Suspension), S.Day (Hamstring), A.Sexton (Shoulder)
Essendon v North Melbourne, Saturday 4:40pm (AEST), Etihad Stadium
Essendon
B: M.Hibberd, T.Pears, K.Hardingham
HB: M.Baguley, C.Hooker, B.Goddard
C: H.Hocking, J.Watson, L.Dalgleish
HF: J.Daniher, S.Crameri, D.Heppell
F: N.Kommer, J.Carlisle, A.Davey
Foll: T.Bellchambers, J.Melksham, B.Stanton
Int: L.Jetta, D.Zaharakis, B.Howlett, N.O'Brien
Emg: N.Lovett-Murray, E.Kavanagh, D.Hille
In: L.Jetta, N.O'Brien, S.Crameri, J.Daniher, L.Dalgleish
Out: J.Winderlich (Hamstring), P.Ryder (Suspension), S.Gumbleton (Soreness), D.Myers (Rested), D.Fletcher (Suspension)
North Melbourne
B: L.Hansen, S.Thompson, A.Mullett
HB: J.Macmillan, N.Grima, S.Atley
C: R.Bastinac, D.Wells, S.Gibson
HF: L.Adams, R.Tarrant, B.Harvey
F: L.Thomas, D.Petrie, A.Black
Foll: T.Goldstein, B.Cunnington, J.Ziebell
Int: B.McKenzie, B.Jacobs, L.Delaney, S.Wright
Emg: M.Firrito, L.Greenwood, T.Garner
In: N.Grima, B.McKenzie
Out: T.Hine (Omitted), T.Garner (Omitted)
West Coast v Geelong, Saturday 5:40pm (AWST), Patersons Stadium
West Coast
B: M.Brown, D.Glass, P.McGinnity
HB: S.Butler, E.Mackenzie, As.Smith
C: A.Gaff, S.Wellingham, B.Dalziell
HF: J.Cripps, JJ.Kennedy, J.Hill
F: L.Shuey, S.Lycett, J.Darling
Foll: D.Cox, S.Selwood, M.Priddis
Int: W.Schofield, B.Sheppard, C.Masten, A.Carter
Emg: A.Embley, A.Hams, M.Rosa
In: L.Shuey, A.Carter
Out: M.LeCras (ribs), B.Wilson (Omitted)
Geelong
B: J.Rivers, T.Lonergan, C.Enright
HB: C.Guthrie, H.Taylor, J.Bartel
C: A.Christensen, J.Selwood, J.Kelly
HF: M.Stokes, M.Blicavs, S.Johnson
F: S.Motlop, J.Podsiadly, T.Varcoe
Foll: N.Vardy, J.Caddy, M.Duncan
Int: J.Corey, A.Mackie, J.Murdoch, A.Walker
Emg: J.Hunt, J.Schroder, J.Stringer
In: J.Murdoch, M.Blicavs
Out: T.Hawkins (Back), J.Stringer (Omitted)
Brisbane Lions v GWS Giants, Saturday 7:40pm (AEST), The Gabba
Brisbane Lions
B: M.Maguire, J.Patfull, M.Golby
HB: R.Harwood, E.Yeo, J.Adcock
C: S.Mayes, S.Black, D.Rich
HF: P.Hanley, B.Staker, D.Zorko
F: A.McGrath, D.Merrett, J.Green
Foll: M.Leuenberger, J.Redden, T.Rockliff
Int: S.Docherty, R.Bewick, A.Raines, R.Lester
Emg: J.Lisle, M.Paparone, J.O'Brien
In: A.McGrath, R.Bewick, M.Golby, S.Black
Out: B.Moloney (Hamstring), J.O'Brien (Omitted), S.Martin (Hamstring), J.Clarke (Shoulder)
GWS Giants
B: Z.Williams, S.Gilham, P.Davis
HB: T.Bugg, T.Mohr, A.Kennedy
C: D.Shiel, T.Scully, L.Whitfield
HF: C.Ward, J.Cameron, C.Hampton
F: A.Tomlinson, D.Brogan, N.Wilson
Foll: J.Giles, M.Whiley, S.Coniglio
Int: T.Greene, N.Haynes, L.Sumner, A.Treloar
Emg: J.Bruce, M.Buntine, S.Darley
In: D.Brogan, S.Gilham, D.Shiel, L.Sumner, N.Haynes
Out: S.Darley (Omitted), J.Bruce (Omitted), D.Smith (Hip), T.Adams (Back), T.Downie (Omitted)
Melbourne v Fremantle, Sunday 1:10pm (AEST), MCG
Melbourne
B: L.Dunn, C.Garland, D.Terlich
HB: M.Jones, T.McDonald, J.Strauss
C: J.McKenzie, J.Trengove, J.Howe
HF: J.Viney, J.Watts, S.Byrnes
F: C.Sylvia, J.Fitzpatrick, T.Davis
Foll: J.Spencer, J.Grimes, N.Jones
Int from: D.Rodan, S.Blease, C.Pedersen, D.Kent, L.Tapscott, A.Davey, M.Gawn
In: D.Rodan, S.Blease, M.Gawn, J.Howe, C.Pedersen
Out: M.Clisby (Suspension), D.Nicholson (Omitted)
Fremantle
B: A.Silvagni, Z.Dawson, P.Duffield
HB: T.Mzungu, M.Johnson, L.Spurr
C: N.Suban, R.Crowley, D.Pearce
HF: D.Mundy, C.Mayne, M.Walters
F: A.Sandilands, M.Pavlich, H.Ballantyne
Foll: Z.Clarke, N.Fyfe, M.de Boer
Int from: T.Sheridan, L.Neale, M.Barlow, C.Sutcliffe, H.Crozier, S.Hill, M.Taberner
In: S.Hill, H.Crozier, M.Taberner
Sydney Swans v St Kilda, Sunday 3:20pm (AEST), SCG
Sydney Swans
B: D.Rampe, H.Grundy, N.Smith
HB: R.Shaw, T.Richards, A.Everitt
C: J.McVeigh, R.O'Keefe, N.Malceski
HF: D.Hannebery, J.White, L.Parker
F: M.Pyke, K.Tippett, J.Bolton
Foll: S.Mumford, J.Kennedy, K.Jack
Int from: C.Bird, H.Cunningham, B.Jack, J.Lamb, B.McGlynn, T.Mitchell, G.Rohan
In: G.Rohan, J.Lamb, H.Cunningham
St Kilda
B: J.Newnes, J.Blake, S.Dempster
HB: J.Geary, D.Roberton, F.Ray
C: A.Schneider, N.Dal Santo, L.Montagna
HF: D.Armitage, N.Riewoldt, C.Jones
F: T.Curren, T.Lee, S.Milne
Foll: B.McEvoy, J.Saunders, J.Steven
Int from: T.Hickey, S.Ross, S.Gilbert, J.Webster, B.Murdoch, C.Shenton, D.Minchington
In: S.Milne, S.Gilbert, C.Shenton, S.Ross, T.Hickey
Out: J.Gwilt (Rested), L.Hayes (Soreness)
Western Bulldogs v Adelaide, Sunday 4:40pm (AEST), Etihad Stadium
Western Bulldogs
B: L.Picken, J.Roughead, D.Morris
HB: T.Young, M.Austin, R.Murphy
C: M.Boyd, T.Liberatore, D.Cross
HF: R.Griffen, J.Grant, D.Giansiracusa
F: L.Dahlhaus, T.Campbell, K.Stevens
Foll: W.Minson, M.Wallis, A.Cooney
Int from: E.Wood, J.Macrae, J.Tutt, L.Jones, L.Hunter, D.Addison, T.Dickson
In: M.Boyd, L.Hunter, J.Macrae
Adelaide
B: R.Laird, B.Rutten, A.Otten
HB: L.Brown, D.Talia, B.Smith
C: R.Sloane, P.Dangerfield, N.van Berlo
HF: B.Vince, T.Lynch, B.Crouch
F: J.Petrenko, L.Johnston, I.Callinan
Foll: S.Jacobs, R.Douglas, S.Thompson
Int from: M.Jaensch, M.Wright, D.Mackay, S.Kerridge, S.Shaw, S.McKernan, M.Grigg
In: M.Jaensch, I.Callinan, S.McKernan, S.Kerridge
Out: R.Henderson (Knee)
Technical director John van't Schip wants the Heart playing 'total football'. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited
MELBOURNE Heart wants to play like Barcelona and new technical manager John van't Schip says the club's dedication to a "total football" methodology can be a consistent championship-winning formula.
Heart is aiming to launch its youth academy, in conjunction with Cruyff Football, next year.
Its creation will eventually see its current youth team scrapped in favour of the senior-most academy team that the club wants to have playing all-year round - in both the National Youth League and a Victorian competition.
Van 't Schip has spent the week in Melbourne with the international director of Cruyff Football, Todd Beane.
The pair, along with Heart chief executive Scott Munn, have held talks with a Melbourne facility that will be able to accommodate both the schooling and sporting needs of the academy's attendees from year 7-12.
Beane said the academy's "total football" vision would ultimately flow through to the club's senior side.
The Cruyff Football academy at European powerhouse Barcelona has helped to produce players such as Lionel Messi, Xavi and Iniesta.
"If you're talking in general terms about total football, you're talking about players who have a high skill level to be able to play the game at a quick intellectual pace, but also that the ball is in your possession and moves quickly and circulates quickly," Beane said.
"You want to dominate the ball quite simply and I think that's what the great Ajax and Dutch teams in the early 1970s did. They changed the game.
"Players were interchanging, the ball was moving quickly, all players had the talent to execute short and long passes in combination play. I think that set the stage for the modern game, the modern teams that play the game that way, that want the ball at their feet.
"Total football is about pressing, attacking, possessing and circulating the ball quickly to look for that opportunity and make it a spectacular game - that's the idea behind it, to score goals, because people are there to see goals scored and moments made."
Van 't Schip, who coached Heart in the club's first two seasons, said it is a style of play that can win championships in Australia despite the physical nature of the A-League.
"Of course, because you've seen the results in other parts of the world with the same kind of style," van 't Schip said.
"But it's not going to be happening overnight in terms of the process. That's why it's important that you can build the academy and you can work on the young boys getting through that pipeline to the first team and in the meantime continue to work with the first team on that kind of way of playing.
"There are going to be years when you won't win championships, but you're going to produce players and producing good players is also one of the most important visions of the club.
"When we started we wanted to give the young boys a chance, a pathway to bigger competitions in the world and that will also reflect well on the national team because they will play abroad, get stronger and that will help both (teams)."
Beane said Cruyff Football academies across the world emphasize youth development as a means for sustained success.
The Dutchman said it would be a realistic aim to have two or three of Heart's academy players pressing for selection in the senior team at all times.
But he also admitted not every graduate will go on to have a fruitful professional career.
"It's just a commitment to recognising that talent needs to be developed, that young talent needs to be given an opportunity to play at the highest level and those that succeed should be rewarded and given opportunities," Beane said.
"We just follow the way that Johan Cruyff would have liked young players to be trained. And, as he would say himself, you modernise (the approach) a little bit because sports science has come a long way, but the game has remained pretty much the same in terms of putting 11 boys on the pitch and following the same rules.
"So we just modernise that vision in to a practical sense with other specialties _ mindset, preparation, sleep, study, movement, nutrition, bio-mechanics _ but the fundamental principles of how the game is played come straight from Johan Cruyff."
As revealed by the Herald Sun on Wednesday, van 't Schip will start his role as technical manager in September.
Part of his role will be to help establish the academy as well as, in the meantime, making sure the youth and seniors teams are on the same page in a game plan and training sense.
"And of course I'll be there to be complementary to the coaches of the senior team and the youth team to help them out where they want, to give my advice," van 't Schip said.
"I'm not going to interfere in, let's say, in the players that (coach) John (Aloisi) is going to pick in the team for the game, but I think it's good for everybody - and John as well - to have an extra person to talk to about issues that I've dealt with for a long time. It's all in the benefit of the club."
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ROBBIE Farah's $3.5 million contract extension with Wests Tigers was finally finalised Thursday night after months of delays.
Announced on March 21, Farah's four-year extension was yet to be lodged with the NRL - but the Tigers skipper has put any concerns to bed, tweeting a picture of the signed contract.
The delay was yet another symptom of unease at the joint venture, which is verging on implosion over the future of head coach Mick Potter.
The Daily Telegraph revealed on Saturday that Farah was still owed sponsorship money when he agreed to play out his career at Concord earlier this season.
He ignored inquiries from Souths, Newcastle and Parramatta in the expectation that the outstanding amounts would be made.
Farah's manager Sam Ayoub refused to comment on the reasons for the delay when contacted last week, but confirmed the contract had remained unsigned on his desk for "some time".
According to Tigers CEO Grant Mayer, negotiations had revolved around what component of the deal would be classed as marquee payments and therefore quarantined from the base salary cap.
But according to others at the Tigers, the real reason was because the announcement was rushed in desperation to secure the club's most valuable player for life.
Charges ... ASADA says Essendon players are not safe yet. Source: Michael Dodge / Getty Images
THE Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority says statements from the AFL regarding possible doping charges against individual players should not be taken to mean the case is closed.
AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon said on Tuesday night: "The AFL advised that in relation to Essendon players, although WADA has declared AOD-9604 is a banned substance, on the information before the AFL there is no specific anti-doping rule violation attributed to any individual player for use of AOD-9604 or any other prohibited substance.
"As such, at the present time, no infraction notices will be issued under the AFL anti-doping code."
Essendon captain Jobe Watson has said he and his fellow players felt "vindicated" by that statement.
But ASADA said the investigation was ongoing and the possibility of charges remains.
"As we have previously noted, it is a complex investigation and ASADA has a duty of care to be both thorough and accurate in every step of the process," an ASADA spokesman said.
"Should ASADA form the view at the conclusion of its investigation that a person may have committed an anti-doping rule violation, ASADA will follow its established process."
In her last public comments on the matter when handing over the interim report, ASADA boss Aurora Andruska made it clear investigations were far from complete.
"It is essential for the integrity of sport that ASADA comprehensively analyses the information it has now obtained," she said.
"ASADA's enhanced powers, which came into effect on August 1, 2013, are now available to be used to ensure all possible anti-doping violations are fully investigated and to finalise these matters as quickly and efficiently as possible."
It is not up to the AFL to initiate doping charges against players and the it was revealed last month ASADA had not started the complicated process that could lead to the issuing of doping infraction notices.
As ASADA is now interviewing Cronulla NRL players in its investigation of the use of performance-enhancing drugs, it is possible any infraction process may not begin until that is complete.
Sources close to the investigation have said poor record-keeping in the Bombers' sports science program in 2012 could make charges unlikely.
Watson said: "As we've said all along, none of us believed we'd done anything wrong in relation to the 2012 supplements program.
"We feel vindicated by this announcement and hope this helps confirm the faith of our supporters and the broader football public that, as professional sportsmen, we would never do anything to compromise the integrity of the game, our team, or our own values."
News Limited has established there is no move by the AFL to review Watson's 2012 Brownlow Medal win.
Coach ... Michael Voss talks after being sacked by Brisbane. Source: Chris Hyde / Getty Images
THE Brisbane Lions have designed a left-field succession model where their next senior coach will be appointed for one fixed term to develop the best senior assistant coach in the country.
Paul Roos remains the Lions No.1 target to replace Michael Voss but, if he cannot be recruited, the likes of caretaker coach Mark Harvey could be promoted on a short-term deal to groom the next long-term appointment.
The Lions say they have not received AFL funding to recruit Roos, who would command $1.5 million a season and has successfully groomed John Longmire at Sydney.
Whoever takes over as senior coach must embrace the succession model and will have a say in the appointment of his successor.
Lions premiership player Justin Leppitsch, now at Richmond, and Kangaroos star Adam Simpson, who is understudy to Alastair Clarkson at Hawthorn, are the leading candidates to be appointed on the guarantee they will take over as head coach in two years.
The Lions say they have not settled on Harvey as the No.1 alternative to Roos and have made overtures to other candidates.
Former senior coaches Rodney Eade and Mark Williams have not been approached and triple Brisbane premiership coach Leigh Matthews has declared he would not be tempted to return.
It is understood Harvey had been looking for employment opportunities for next year in Perth where his family still live but was tipped off several weeks ago by a well-connected player manager that he would be coaching Brisbane for the final rounds of the season.
Lions chairman Angus Johnson insisted the board had undertaken an exhaustive process in identifying the succession plan as its preferred model and said the successful applicant would have previous senior coaching experience.
However, he did not believe the club needed a coach with a high profile to boost the sport's sagging popularity and said he would be in charge of coaching the team and not just a figurehead.
"We are looking for a senior coach that embraces the concept of succession, passing on his experience and wisdom and developing the senior assistant coach to be our next senior coach," he said.
"We believe in the succession model."
Johnson confirmed Roos was the priority target but admitted he was not overly confident the 2005 Swans premiership coach wanted the job.
He said the decision to sack Voss was not rushed in order to enter the auction for Roos.
Battle ... James Hird has his own legal team. Source: Scott Barbour / Getty Images
ESSENDON will be forced to increase its $5 million debt to pay for skyrocketing legal costs as it fights a charge of bringing the game into disrepute.
The real winners from the legal battle are the lawyers working for the AFL and the Bombers, with some estimates suggesting the eventual combined legal cost could reach $4 million.
The AFL has retained Minter Ellison, while Essendon and James Hird are using separate representatives.
The cost of the fight would escalate if Essendon takes its battle to the Supreme Court, where barristers and senior counsel who charge as much as $10,000 a day would be needed.
If the club is found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute, it could also face a multi-million-dollar fine from the AFL.
The Bombers are also protecting lucrative sponsorships with Kia Motors and True Value Solar, with large companies increasingly demanding get-out clauses for controversies.
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou this year called Kia to give it what he called "code perspective" and assure it the Dons were complying with the AFL-ASADA investigation.
The Bombers had already warned their fans the club could take on some debt to bridge a funding shortfall for its high-performance centre at Melbourne Airport.
Essendon said in its annual report last year it had secured $19 million of $25.5 million funding for the centre.
But "as a result of the likely capital shortfall the club will take on a manageable amount of debt to complete construction by the middle of 2013".
The club reported a $401,429 profit last year and at that time forecast it would pay down its debt by 2015.
For the first time in many years Essendon finds itself owing a significant sum - about $5 million - due almost exclusively to the Melbourne Airport development.
Hird has hired Ashurst industrial law expert Steven Amendola, human rights lawyer and QC Julian Burnside, veteran spin doctor Ian Hanke and has been advised by barrister friend Nick Harrington.
Linked to Essendon are QC Jack Rush, leading criminal lawyer Tony Hargraves, and communications firm The Shannon Company.
Essendon and the AFL will be using their legal representatives to potentially broker a deal and run the case before the AFL Commission, but lawyers will hit pay dirt if the case goes to court.
Legal experts said a standard pay structure meant if a barrister or senior counsel charged $10,000 a day, their hourly rate would be $1000.
One of Essendon's coterie groups is the Law Dons, a legal group of Bomber supporters formed by judge Tony Howard in 1999, so it has no shortage of legal experts among supporter ranks.
The Bombers recently projected a profit in a series of figures provided to AFL chief executives at a two-day conference in Creswick - one of a minority of clubs to be able to do so - but acknowledged potential fines and legal costs were yet to be factored in.
Players ... Essendon could be liable of the health of players was overlooked. Source: Michael Dodge / Getty Images
ESSENDON and key officials could face legal action from the club's own players, according to the lawyer representing former Cronulla Sharks player Isaac Gordon.
James Chrara, of Shine Lawyers, said the health and well-being of players would become a focus as the supplements saga dragged on.
He said it was possible the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigation, which was continuing, could turn up evidence that showed the club or club officials had failed in their duty of care to players.
It is understood there is effectively no time limit on when a player could bring action. It is possible that ill-effects from supplements could emerge at a much later date.
Some Essendon players are known to have expressed concern about the possibility of future health problems since the supplements program was brought to light in February.
Essendon coach James Hird on Tuesday maintained "none of our players have (been) shown to take performance-enhancing drugs, none of our players have shown that they've been harmed by anything that's been given".
The AFL on Tuesday night laid disrepute charges against the club, Hird, senior assistant Mark Thompson, club doctor Bruce Reid and football manager Danny Corcoran.
The charges will be heard at an AFL Commission hearing on August 26.
The league could also lay future charges under its rules against former Essendon high performance staff Dean Robinson and Stephen Dank, although any sanction would be moot as neither is now working in the AFL.
Dank has maintained that no Essendon player was given a performance-enhancing or harmful drug.
The AFL said that on the evidence it had, no doping charges would be brought against individual players.
Future infraction notices may be issued as ASADA continues to investigate.
It is understood that a lack of clarity around which players were given what could make charges unlikely - but would not mean they were not exposed to potentially harmful supplements.
Gordon was at the Sharks in 2011 - the period which is under ASADA investigation - and claims that as a result of the supplements program there, he suffered a blood-thinning disorder, severe bruising and was told by doctors that a blow to the head could have been fatal.
Chrara said each player's case had to be weighed on merit.
"We're focused on the outcomes for the players - our view is there may be multiple causes of action available to the Essendon players against their club, coaching staff and players," he said.
"It would depend on the players' individual circumstances in the program.
"I understand there was some tailoring of supplement programs for individual players, what they were exposed to, so you need to assess every case on its merits.
"It is pretty clear that Essendon's management and coaches and trainers have got a legal duty to the players - this is to do all they responsibly can to prevent the players being injured or exposed to harm."
Chrara would not say if Shine was representing any Essendon players.
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John Hopoate has taken to You Tube to have his say on modern rugby league. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited
JOHN Hopoate has got his finger, err, on the pulse.
Or so he says, anyway.
The disgraced former NRL star this week released a bizarre You Tube video blasting NRL boss Dave Smith for turning the game soft.
Famous for sticking his fingers in a part of the male anatomy that even Sam Burgess would regard as sacred, Hopoate is concerned for the future of rugby league.
Banning the shoulder charge was one thing, but the recent crackdown on flying fists was the last straw for the man whose last act in the NRL was a horrific tackle on then Cronulla front-rower Keith Galloway, which incurred a 17-week suspension.
So what's so bad about the modern game? Take it away Hoppa...
"Fighting. How can we take fighting out of rugby league? It's a man's sport. You should be getting charged for not throwing a punch.
"And yet we give players two weeks for throwing a little jab. How embarrassing. Bring it back!"
In an odd attempt at irony, Hopoate chooses a game of croquet with an elderly lady named Roseanne as the setting for his soapbox.
And while he concedes, today's players are fitter, faster, better athletes, he believes the men of steel who dominated the 70s and 80s were a more worthwhile asset to the sport.
"Players have gone soft ... they're sitting out because of a cork. I don't think it's the players' fault, I think it's the heirarchy that has made these guys into a bunch of pansies.
"If you asked blokes back in the 70s and 80s if these players would make it on the field, none of the calibre of players these days would even lace a boot to run the same field as these guys back in the 70s and 80s.
"Better athletes, just not as tough."
It's unclear whether or not Hoppa includes his son Will, who will return to the NRL for Parramatta next year, or Jamil, who is contracted with Manly, in the 'soft' category.
Foxsports.com.au was curious to know more about Hopoate's vision for the future of rugby league, but when contacted for comment on the You Tube video, Hopoate hung up.
While he was unwilling to elaborate on his views in an interview, Hopoate is not the only former player agitating to have the NRL review their ban the biff policy.
On Monday, Rugby League Hooker of the Century Noel Kelly blamed the politically correct stance on fighting for the Sam Burgess 'squirrel grip', saying the players need to take their frustration out somehow.
South Sydney legend George Piggins was of the same view.
"Like fair dinkum. Did they read the paper the other day with that piece in The Telegraph about how much the crowds are down? Piggins told The Daily Telegraph.
"They will want to take a bit of a look at it and start worrying about the game being good to watch.
"Isn't frustration a good defence. There has to be a bit of give and take in the game and that's not just because he is a Souths players."
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Defiant ... James Hird finds it "hard to believe" that he would be charged. Source: Michael Dodge / Getty Images
ESSENDON and James Hird have two weeks to mount a defence to charges of bringing the game into disrepute.
The AFL announced tonight that Hird, assistant Mark Thompson, football manager Danny Corcoran and club doctor Bruce Reid had been charged over the club's 2011-12 supplements program.
The club itself is also charged with conduct likely to prejudice the reputation of the AFL.
But Essendon players have been cleared of taking performance-enhancing drugs.
After a day of marathon talks, AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon read a short statement at AFL House tonight, announcing charges against Hird, Thompson, Corcoran and Reid.
"The club and each person are all charged with engaging in conduct that is unbecoming or likely to prejudice the interests or reputation of the Australian Football League or to bring the game of football into disrepute, contrary to rule 1.6.
"I have reviewed the information collected during the course of the joint AFL-ASADA investigation, considered the matter carefully and have come to the view the parties charged have a case to answer," Dillon said.
The hearing of the charges is schedules for Monday, August 26 at AFL House.
"The AFL has also advised that in relation to Essendon players, although WADA has declared AOD-9604 a banned substance, on the information before the AFL there is no specific anti-doping violation attributed to any individual player for use of AOD-9604 or any other prohibited substance," Dillon said.
"As such, at the present time no infraction notices will be issued under the AFL anti-doping code."
Dillon said the ASADA investigation remained open, leaving open the possibility of anti-doping infractions in future if new evidence support them.
Essendon immediately issued a statement in response, acknowledging it had made mistakes but declaring its intention to fight the charges.
It also revealed Hird, Thompson, Corcoran and Reid will continue to work in their jobs until the charges are heard at what will be an extraordinary commission meeting in the final week of the home-and-away season.
"Essendon takes these matters very seriously. They are based on assertions contained in an interim report from ASADA and will be vigorously defended," chairman Paul Little said.
"Essendon welcomes the news that no infraction notices have been issued against any of its players and the AFL's statement that, on current evidence, no notices will be issued.
"Throughout this process, our prime consideration has been the welfare of our players. We have maintained that no player has taken a performance enhancing substance and that there was no breach of the AFL's anti-doping code. We stand by this and thank our players and their families for the way they have conducted themselves during what have been emotionally taxing times."
Arriving at Windy Hill early this afternoon, Hird said nothing had changed since he left his Toorak home this morning, despite reports the club and the league are locked away in secret talks regarding potential charges and sanctions for the Bombers and key figures including Hird.
Earlier Tuesday, Hird said outside his Toorak mansion that he still found the possibility of charges "hard to believe".
Hird again denied Bombers players have taken performance enhancing drugs or have been harmed by any substances.
"I think we all find it hard to believe that charges can be laid on individuals or the club when none of our players have shown to take performance enhancing drugs, none of our players have been shown that they've been harmed by anything that's been given and that we're dealing with an interim report," Hird told Channel Seven.
"The report's not finalised so we're all probably sitting back staggered and shocked that any charges could possibly be laid on those points."
Hird also indicated that Essendon would strongly fight the charges.
"Our football club is the greatest football club in Australia and we're going to protect its name," he said.
It comes as senior assistant coach Mark Thompson told Fox Footy he feared he would be targeted in the penalties, that his reputation was on the line.
"I don't think anyone can really understand the pressure. I don't want my reputation tarnished by this," he said.
"It's your whole life. And not just your life, it's your kids, your family, it's going to be remembered forever."
Meanwhile, Dank said it would be "ludicrous" if Hird, Dr Reid and Corcoran were charged.
Dank claims the coach, the club doctor and the head of football did everything to ensure the health and safety of the players throughout a supplements program Dank admitted was "cutting edge".
"They've done nothing disreputable, they've done nothing contrary to the WADA prohibited list, they only endeavoured to take Essendon on a cutting-edge program, a program I might add that wasn't pharmacologically experimental, might I add was far from exotic and might I say at all times had the players' welfare and wellbeing as its first and foremost consideration."
He described as "bullcrap" any suggestion Hird, Reid or Corcoran failed in their duty of care.
"The care of Reid and Hird on the players was paramount and always at the foremost of their consideration ," Dank said.
Asked if they should be charged, he said: "No. It's ludicrous."
Dank stressed, despite his sudden departure from the club last year and the ensuing scandal, that he loved working with the Bombers.
On Monday night he offered to help any individual charged by the AFL.
The man central to the drugs scandal is yet to speak to anti-doping authorities, and likely won't as he prepares promised legal action against ASADA and the AFL.
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Essendon will support Hird and the other men charged at the hearing on August 26. Source:Getty Images
ESSENDON says it will "vigorously defend" AFL charges against the club and senior coach James Hird.
The Bombers on Tuesday issued a statement declaring it would stand behind Hird, assistant coach Mark Thompson, club doctor Bruce Reid and football manager Danny Corcoran.
"The quartet were individually charged by the AFL for bringing the game into disrepute, along with the club.
"I have reviewed the information collected during the course of the joint AFL-ASADA investigation, considered the matter carefully and have come to the view the parties charged have a case to answer," AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon said tonight.
The Bombers have 13 days to prepare their defence ahead of the August 26 AFL Commission meeting.
Read Essendon's statement in full below.
Essendon Chairman Paul Little has released the following statement:
Essendon Football Club confirms it and four Club employees – James Hird, Mark Thompson, Danny Corcoran and Dr Bruce Reid – have received notice from the AFL that they have been charged under AFL Rule 1.6.
Now that charges have been laid, the Club and individuals involved are in a far better position to focus on understanding the specific nature of the allegations and the evidence upon which the AFL has relied to lay the charges.
Essendon takes these matters very seriously. They are based on assertions contained in an interim report from ASADA and will be vigorously defended.
These are very complex matters and whilst the Essendon Football Club is determined to resolve them expeditiously, that cannot be at the expense of thoroughness and due process that affords all parties natural justice to ensure a fair outcome.
Essendon welcomes the news that no infraction notices have been issued against any of its players and the AFL's statement that, on current evidence, no notices will be issued.
Throughout this process, our prime consideration has been the welfare of our players. We have maintained that no player has taken a performance enhancing substance and that there was no breach of the AFL's anti-doping code. We stand by this and thank our players and their families for the way they have conducted themselves during what have been emotionally taxing times.
Since the Club first raised its concerns with the AFL and proactively invited ASADA to investigate these matters, we have co-operated fully with all enquiries.
It is also important to be very clear that there is no doubt the Club and individuals have made mistakes and that our governance and people management had significant gaps.
Over recent months, we have also implemented fundamental reforms of our internal governance practices and procedures, including reform of our HR and employee recruitment policies, medical protocols and lines of responsibility and accountability. The Club has been assisted in this task by appropriate independent experts.
Given the Club's assessment of the charges it is appropriate that the four individuals continue to perform their roles within our reformed governance structure. To do otherwise before these matters are finalised would be to effectively impose a penalty in advance of a fair hearing and represent a denial of natural justice.
The Club notes that the AFL does not intend to make further comment at this time and neither will the Essendon Football Club or the charged individuals.
Campbell Brown lost his appeal at the Match Review Panel. Source: Chris Hyde / Getty Images
GOLD Coast Suns hard man Campbell Brown will miss the rest of this season and Round 1 next year after losing his tribunal appeal.
Brown tonight failed to convince the tribunal jury that his kick to the face of Demon James Strauss was an accident.
The hearing heard Strauss was treated for a 20mm laceration that required four stitches, suffered a broken nose and vomiting after the incident at Metricon Stadium.
The 2008 Hawks premiership backman's three-match penalty was increased to four games after he lost his discount for a guilty plea.
Yesterday the AFL match review panel saw the incident as "a secondary action", reckless conduct with medium impact that forced Strauss to the interchange bench for treatment.
"We believe because he's on his back and does see Strauss there, he does have some knowledge of what he's doing. We don't think he intentionally tried to get him in the face, but he should know by throwing that leg around like that, that it does contact him, then he could be charged," panel chairman Mark Fraser said.
Demons defender Mitch Clisby accepted his three-match ban for rough conduct against Sun Alex Sexton following an AFL investigation.
Clisby had originally indicated his intention to challenge the ban but decided a short time later to accept the saction, which prematurely ends his season.
The youngster and Sexton were involved in an incident that resulted in the Suns rookie suffering a dislocated shoulder and sparked a melee.
Earlier, Essendon pair Dustin Fletcher and Paddy Ryder accepted their two and one-match bans respectively.
Ryder made high contact with a seemingly innocuous bump after Cripps had handballed to teammate Dean Cox. The low-grade offence would normally draw a reprimand, but the Bomber had 68 carryover points from a three-matches rough conduct offence in round 3 this season.
Fletcher - tied with Simon Madden on 378 games - should get to break the Bombers games record but it won't come until at least the last home-and-away round.
Earlier this season it was thought the AFL's oldest active player would almost certainly go on next year.
But the durable defender is now weighing up whether to continue in to his 21st season, with some Bombers watchers unsure.
North Melbourne forward Aaron Black and St Kilda forward Adam Schneider escaped with reprimands for rough conduct, while Hawthorn ace Cyril Rioli was let off for what Fraser described as a potentially dangerous sling tackle on Saint Jarryn Geary.
Rioli's effort drew comparisons to a similar incident which resulted in a three-match suspension for Melbourne co-captain Jack Trengove in 2011 when he took Adelaide's Patrick Dangerfield to ground dangerously.
But Fraser said the fact Geary was not concussed like Dangerfield was a significant difference.
"Geary gets up and runs off, so close but not enough force for a report," the MRP chairman said.
Ian Bell had his stumps dismantled by Ryan Harris early on day four. Source: Getty Images
IAN Bell's third hundred of the series has put England in charge of this fourth Ashes Test, but will day four see a comeback mounted by Australia?
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Liz Hurley (L) and partner Shane Warne, Jason Dufner (R) and wife Amanda. Source: AAP
AMERICAN Jason Dufner may have captured his maiden major title but it's his gorgeous wife, Amanda, who's set tongues wagging.
Let's be honest, Dufner is your classic golfer – a man blessed with superb skill who looks anything but an athlete.
Nevertheless, he's jagged himself a genuine stunner. Bravo, Jason. Bravo.
So in keeping with this theme we've cobbled together a list of 10 sporting stars who, how should we put this, are batting well above their average.
Vote for sport's most unlikely looking couple now!
Kevin Gordon of the Titans is congratulated after scoring. Source: Mark Nolan / Getty Images
THE intricacies of the video referee have halted Canterbury's bid for the NRL top four as Gold Coast moved into finals reckoning with a 26-16 upset at ANZ Stadium.
| 3 Tries 4 | |
|---|---|
| Sam Perrett 26' | Kevin Gordon 5' |
| Trent Hodkinson 48' | Kevin Gordon 20' |
| Josh Reynolds 73' | David Mead 56' |
| Kevin Gordon 77' | |
| 2 Conversions3 | |
| Trent Hodkinson 27' | Aidan Sezer 21' |
| Trent Hodkinson 73' | Aidan Sezer 58' |
| Aidan Sezer 79' | |
| 0 Penalties2 | |
| Aidan Sezer 38' | |
| Aidan Sezer 80' | |
A Kevin Gordon hat-trick helped the Titans secure just their second win from the past six games to leap ahead of Canberra into eighth spot on the ladder, the Bulldogs now trailing fourth-placed Melbourne by five points with four rounds remaining.
The home side was left to rue a controversial video referee ruling when Josh Reynolds was denied a try in the 52nd minute which would have given the Bulldogs their first lead.
The on-field officials ruled no-try as they sent it upstairs, and despite replays indicating the ball hitting Jamie Dowling's head and not Josh Jackson's hand, the original decision was upheld due to insufficient evidence.
The impact of the call was exacerbated when David Mead crossed off a delicate inside ball from Luke O'Dwyer four minutes later to give the Titans an 18-10 lead.
Reynolds did eventually get his try off a Krisnan Inu offload seven minutes from fulltime to set up a thrilling finish but the comeback was over when Greg Bird managed to get a pass away with four defenders on him to set up Gordon's third in the dying stages.
Gordon scored his first two tries inside the opening 20 minutes, the second an acrobatic effort around the corner post, with Sam Perrett's reply the Bulldogs' only joy of a half littered with 16 penalties.
Man mountain Tony Williams was cut down just short of the line when a try seemed certain, while Trent Hodkinson did what his much bigger opponent could not as he weaved his way over from close range.
The Bulldogs could have tied it up at 12-all only for Krisnan Inu to miss a simple conversion, with Hodkinson inexplicably relieved of his kicking duties.
Tom Hawkins is safe. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images
GEELONG forward Tom Hawkins' place in the Cats side is secure despite coach Chris Scott saying no player had a "golden ticket''.
Medical experts and the Cats say even a month-long mid-season break would not have fixed Hawkins' troublesome back.
Hawkins has what is believed to be a lumbar disc problem that flares up despite cortisone injections to soothe the painful area.
He is expected to make a full recovery in the off-season but seems no chance to regain his explosive power or flexibility for the finals.
Apart from a five-goal haul against a St Kilda side missing its key defenders, he has just one goal-haul above two goals in the past ten weeks.
But his accurate 45.14 means he has kept his spot, despite what former St Kilda doctor Rohan White said would be an extremely painful condition.
"Given the problem could be a lumbar disc which requires some epidural injections, the ultimate treatment will be some medium-term rest of the pre-season with a return and full recovery for 2014,'' he said.
Cats football manager Neil Balme said the Cats were backing Hawkins in.
"We think he is going OK. He didn't play all that well last weekend. The truth is if you have that amount (four weeks) off in the middle of the season it doens't necessarily fix it and it's not the best for it.''
Players with back injuries lose all explosiveness in their running, and are unable to make short, sharp movements to react quickly to the ball in flight.
While Hawkins would be getting extensive treatment and working to strengthen his core, back injuries are notoriously slow to heal.
An off-season with plenty of treatment yet none of the rigours of training and playing should allow the problem to heal.
Scott was furious with Cats supporters on the weekend after Hawkins received bronx cheers for a late possession.
"It's embarrassing. It's embarrassing for all of Geelong. We've got some pretty ugly supporters, if that's the case. They've been well looked after for a long period of time, and we expect better,'' he said.
Paul Chapman was excellent in the VFL on Sunday, but a six-day break and flight to Perth to take on West Coast at Patersons Stadium would make a senior return unlikely.
The Cats have always planned for him to have another VFL hit-out, but have not discussed whether his return to AFL will be fast-tracked given his form.
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Outhouse ... Carlton's terrible season was compounded by a loss to the Bulldogs. Source: Scott Barbour / Getty Images
FOX FOOTY expert Julian de Stoop takes a look at round 20 with the Pies back in flag contention and Carlton have the blues.
IN THE PENTHOUSE
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Jarrad Grant
The Bulldog forward may just have saved his career over the past month.
The former No.5 pick has failed to justify such a lofty draft position in just 55 games with the Dogs in six seasons, but his lively four-goal effort in the Bullies' upset win against Carlton capped a solid return to senior action.
He played his first AFL game of the season in round 16 and has hit the scoreboard in every game since with bags of three against West Coast and Sydney before Saturday night's eye-catching effort.
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Collingwood
The Pies looked to have faded as a genuine premiership contender, but their impressive win against the Swans in Sydney brings them right back into flag calculations.
With Dayne Beams throwing off a major quad injury to join Scott Pendlebury and Dane Swan in an A-grade midfield and the possibility of Dale Thomas returning as well, Collingwood's flag chance can't be discounted.
Regular centre half-back Ben Reid has added real potency to Collingwood's attack with the return of Lachie Keeffe to the key defensive post a major boost to Nathan Buckley's structure.
Steven Motlop
Motlop is fast catching up to teammate Steve Johnson as a dangerous forward with a mesmerising bag of tricks.
He can bamboozle quality defenders inside attacking 50, but coach Chris Scott believes he has also become a more complete player this season.
He kicked two goals in the win against Port Adelaide with one of them an absolute piece of wizardry.
Angus Monfries
He may not be at Essendon anymore but Angus Monfries would have had plenty on his mind as the ASADA investigation drags on.
But Monfries is enjoying a fine season and in particular he has been in great form in the past 6 weeks.
A career best 7 goals against Geelong a fitting reward.
IN THE OUTHOUSE
Carlton
The Blues first season under Mick Malthouse hasn't come close to meeting expectations.
A season-ending injury to Chris Judd and a shock loss to the Western Bulldogs on Saturday compounded the misery at Visy Park.
Instead of tweaking a strong list for a quick flag tilt Malthouse finds himself overseeing a major overhaul.
Umpire on the Gold Coast
The free kick to Jack Watts on Saturday night when Rory Thompson gave the Demon the slightest little elbow in the back was a shocker.
Generally don't like to bag out umpires, but that was one of the worst decisions you will ever see.
Tom Hawkins
Chris Scott says rest won't help his back, which is a real concern as he is the shadow of the player he used to be.
The sight of the big Cat unable to even attempt to pick up a ground ball down at Simonds Stadium was a sad one.
But while Hawkins is struggling, it's the sections of the Geelong crowd that booed him that belong in the outhouse – some have short memories down at the Cattery.
Justin Koschitzke
It's not great to hear a player say he hasn't enjoyed playing for years.
In a year in which the cut throat nature of footy has been in the spotlight more than ever due to the Essendon situation it's another example of how you could argue the game has become too professional.
Thankfully the AFL is giving players a longer break at seasons end.
We suspected last week the drugs scandal has caught up with Essendon on field and this weekend's performance against West Coast only reaffirms that view.
Quite simply the Bombers are shot, Jason Winderlich has done another hamstring and Dustin Fletcher will be scrutinised by the MRP ahead of what should be his record breaking game for the club.
And there is more pain to come with the AFL expected to charge the club with bringing the game into disrepute early this week
James Tamou of the Cowboys is tackled. Source: Matt King / Getty Images
IT was a win that kept their season alive, but in reality North Queensland's 36-4 pummeling of Penrith will likely end up another frustrating reminder of what might have been for the Cowboys in 2013.
| 1 Tries 6 | |
|---|---|
| David Simmons 30' | Antonio Winterstein 6' |
| Brent Tate 38' | |
| Kyle Feldt 48' | |
| Ray Thompson 57' | |
| Ray Thompson 62' | |
| Ray Thompson 69' | |
| 0 Conversions6 | |
| Johnathan Thurston 8' | |
| Johnathan Thurston 39' | |
| Johnathan Thurston 49' | |
| Johnathan Thurston 58' | |
| Johnathan Thurston 63' | |
| Johnathan Thurston 70' | |
The Cowboys backed up last week's impressive win over South Sydney with another convincing display, co-captain Johnathan Thurston at his mesmerising best with a hand in five of his side's six tries.
Three of those four-pointers were scored by hooker Ray Thompson - the back-to-back victories coming in the wake of coach Neil Henry being told he is unwanted at the end of the season.
But he may yet have a farewell to remember, with the Cowboys now on 20 competition points, four points behind eighth-paced Canberra.
The Cowboys have a relatively friendly run home with three of their remaining four games in Townsville, but they would need a stack of results to go their way in what would be a Steven Bradbury-like charge should they make the top eight.
It looked like being a good night for the Panthers as they welcomed back Lachlan Coote for the first time since tearing his pectoral muscle in round two, while Sam McKendry also made his return from a broken neck against Parramatta in round seven.
But it was the Cowboys who started strongest with Antonio Winterstein doing well to crash over out wide, before Coote made an immediate impact with the pass to set up David Simmons' reply.
A Brent Tate try off a Thurston long ball just before the halftime and winger Kyle Feldt's first NRL try eight minutes after the restart sunk the home side.
Thompson scored his hat-trick in the space of 11 minutes starting just before the hour mark, Penrith having now lost four games in a row as they remain marooned on 20 competition points.
Luke Keary of the Rabbitohs celebrates a try with team mates. Source: Matt Roberts / Getty Images
IN his weekly column, Fox Sports expert and Canberra assistant coach Brett Kimmorley offers his thoughts on round 22 of the 2013 NRL Premiership season.
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Storm v Rabbitohs at AAMI Park
South Sydney fans should walk away from Friday's game knowing they can get into the fight with Melbourne. You put John Sutton and Greg Inglis back in the side, the Rabbitohs not only gain match winning players but most importantly they get confidence. Luke Keary was outstanding and may throw a twist into how the side looks when Sutton returns from injury. Perhaps we will see Sutton in the back row earlier than we thought which is a huge advantage to have come finals if a half goes down injured. Playing against a side like the Storm, you need to make sure you capitalise on your opportunities because when they sniff out a chance to poll points they will take it. Cooper Cronk produced some beautiful passes to catch his old teammate Matt King out on a number of occasions. The Storm have set a statement over the last few weeks that they are still contenders and you should write them off at your own peril.
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Eels v Tigers at Parramatta Stadium
Jarryd Hayne's return to the Parramatta side was the difference. He is the calming influence that the Eels can play off the back of. The players would have had confidence with Hayne back in the side and their forwards have been performing well. They have a big strong pack but lack a genuine ball player which is why they struggle. Fortunately for the Eels they end a 10 game losing streak while Tigers fans have nothing to be excited about. The club is filled with drama from Benji Marshall leaving to Mick Potter's coaching career under a lot of doubt. Who knows when the dramas will stop at the Tigers but one thing we know is that a loss is the last thing they needed.
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Roosters v Raiders at Allianz Stadium
Trent Robinson wouldn't be overly happy with the way the Roosters played. Canberra applied plenty of pressure after responding well from what was a 60-point thrashing the week before. The Raiders played with plenty of pride but probably gifted the Roosters 18 points with some soft tries and you can't gift points to quality sides. The Roosters were very controlled and patient led by two halves who have a great kicking game. Roger Tuivasa-sheck showed why he will be the Roosters long-term fullback while the Raiders will be pleased by Blake Ferguson's return. Ultimately poor execution and inability to come up with the right plays at the right time hurt the visitors.
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Sharks v Knights at Remondis Stadium
It was the battle of two in-form halves with Todd Carney and Jarrod Mullen coming head-to-head. It was the sneaky victory Newcastle needed to keep their season alive. The lead changed throughout the game but with the Knights playing for Danny Buderus' record breaking 250th game probably gave them the motivation to get them home in the end. Andrew Fifita was good for the Sharks while the return for Luke Lewis and Paul Gallen playing his second game back from injury would have brought confidence to their side. But there are still a lot of dramas in Cronulla. They wouldn't have liked that loss at this time of the year but for the Knights they stay alive and in the top eight. The emergence of Jarrod Mullen over the last few weeks shows he can steer around the side and kick them to a victory on the back of a big forward pack and some exciting outside backs.
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Sea Eagles v Warriors at Blue Tongue Stadium
In 2011 the Stewart brothers stared for Manly in the grand final against the Warriors and the same happened again on Sunday. Glenn Stewart has returned to form after an injury troubled him for a large part of the season while his brother Brett Stewart has been terrific over the last five weeks. Manly continue to remind us that we can't write them off. They are a fit and aggressive side. There were a lot of errors in that game but the sea Eagles were never frustrated and while points didn't come early, they were able to run away with it in the end. Being a Warriors fan, player or coach must be a frustrating job. They can be absolutely brilliant or they can switch off and come up with something horrible.
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Broncos v Dragons at Suncorp Stadium
It was a very important game for Brisbane to keep their semi-finals hopes alive. The Broncos were very good while the Dragons had plenty to play for. The Broncos showed they had more class and depth than the opposition to get the win. Justin Hodges received some dreadful news for that he will be sidelined for 10 months with a snapped Achilles but they covered the loss well by moving Matt Gillett into the centres. With Josh Hoffman pushing back to fullback and Ben Hunt leading the attack at half, the Broncos were very classy. Sam Thaiday showed his gamesmanship, trying to milk a penalty and scoring off the next play. The Dragons can hold their heads high. They had their chances led by their young gun Adam Quinlan. The Dragons fans now look forward to next year to an improved roster but what they have unearthed are some match winners in Quinlan and Josh Dugan who were not in their plans at the start of the season.
VIDEO TO COME
Panthers v Cowboys
Two weeks in a row they have scored more than 30 points. Neil Henry's future was decided before the South Sydney game and with that came a return to form. The Cowboys were a little patch against Penrith but the more Johnathan Thurston was involved, the better the rest of the team played. Thurston capped his night off by becoming the 22nd player in history to break 1300 points.He is the key to the Cowboys playing well. Ray Thompson scored his first try of the season and finished with a hat trick while Kyle Feldt scored his first try in the NRL. The game was a little scrappy at times but it was nice to see Sam McKendry return for Penrith after breaking his neck in round seven. In the end the Panthers were blown away. With 25 minutes to go they had lost interest in the game and waved the white flag. The Cowboys now play three of their next four games in North Queensland. It would be amazing to think they could finish on 28 points and make it into the semi-finals. They certainly have a talented roster and look to have their defensive attitude back.
