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Biting allegation sours Tigers win

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 17 Mei 2014 | 18.48

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THE NRL match review committee could be forced to rely on video replays of a biting allegation against Wests Tigers winger David Nofoaluma after Cronulla forward Wade Graham rejected the opportunity to make a formal complaint to match officials.

The ugly incident — which overshadowed the Tigers gutsy victory and inspired return from injury of captain and NSW Origin hooker Robbie Farah — could still see Nofoaluma cited.

Tigers winger David Nofoaluma has been accused by Cronulla's Wade Graham of biting. Source: FoxSports

The first-half altercation occurred as Graham was penalised for pushing Nofoaluma in the face during a tackle. The Cronulla vice-captain got up blowing up at the referees and Tigers players.

Replays of the incident show Nofaluma's face comes into contact with the Sharks forward, before Graham rises to his feet mouthing the words: 'He bit me.''

The issue will be looked at by the match review committee on Monday and if guilty, Nofoaluma could potentially face a long stint on the sidelines.

Wade Graham reacts after tackling David Nofoaluma. Graham complained to the referee, saying Nofoaluma bit his ear. Source: FoxSports

Canterbury prop James Graham was suspended for 12 weeks for biting Melbourne fullback Billy Slater's ear in the 2012 NRL grand final.

Farah said after the match that he had questioned the young Tigers winger if he had bitten Graham, of which he denied doing so.

"Wade Graham shoved Nofoaluma in the head and we got a penalty and Wadeo was saying that he got bit,'' Farah said.

"I asked Dave and he said he didn't, he was wearing a mouthguard, again I didn't see it so you guys will have to look at that.

"I don't think he (Graham) made an official report, did he?

James Graham bites Billy Slater. Source: Supplied

"There was nothing in it, as far as I was concerned.''

With both Graham and Nofoaluma shielded from the media after the match, Cronulla captain Paul Gallen said he was of the opinion what happened on the field, should stay on the field.

"Wade didn't make a complaint, so there's nothing it as far as I'm concerned,'' Gallen said.

"I thought the penalty was a bit tough on him, it probably shouldn't have been a penalty, but yeah there was nothing in it.''

Given the spiteful manner of which the match was played, there was always the prospect of a drama spilling over from the match as no less than five ex-Tigers players in the Cronulla line-up took on their former club.

Robbie Farah hand a hand in Chris Lawrence's try. Source: News Limited

In the end, the Sharks will spend today wondering how they let slip a 20-10 second-half advantage to allow the Tigers to break a two-game losing run.

The catalyst to the Tigers comeback was Farah, who despite being his first match in a month after suffering an elbow injury was at his scheming best, to enforce two shocking defensive lapses on Cronulla's right-edge which led to two simple tries to Cory Paterson and Chris Lawrence.

"Its satisfying for the players to that grit and other teams might panic, but I thought our players kept composure and knew there was plenty of time on the board,'' Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter said.

Beau Ryan runs the ball for the Sharks Source: News Limited

"Its pleasing that our senior players bound us together. Robbie came up with a couple of real good plays and got us on the front foot with a play that got us back into the game.''

For the Sharks, there season is now on life support, having now recorded just two wins this season and after fielding close to a full-strength side.

Gallen was by far Cronulla's greatest threat, but an all too heavy reliance on their captain was obvious.

Paul Gallen looks on after the Tigers score a try. Source: News Limited

"It's always disappointing to lose, but its tough to take leading by ten with not too long to go,'' Sharp said.

"Defensive errors, you can't dress it up more than that, it was defensive errors and we need to do better.''

WESTS TIGERS 22 (C Lawrence D Nofoaluma C Paterson P Richards tries P Richards 3 goals) bt CRONULLA 20 (P Gallen M Gordon S Tagataese tries M Gordon 4 goals) at Remondis Stadium. Referee: Gavin Morris, Henry Perenara. Crowd: 15,869


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Hannant to push through injury

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VETERAN prop Ben Hannant says his latest injury setback is not serious as he prepares to spearhead Brisbane's depleted pack through the State of Origin campaign.

Hannant's tumultuous fortnight at the Broncos took another twist on Friday night when he was a last-minute withdrawal for Brisbane's 22-8 defeat of the Titans.

Recalled after his week in exile at Ipswich, Hannant was primed for a bumper display, only to tweak his groin at training on Thursday.

Scans cleared Hannant of major damage and while he told Anthony Griffin he was fit to face the Titans, the Broncos coach made a conservative call as the Origin season looms.

"We'll lose a few guys now to Origin so whatever the team requires, I will do it," Hannant said in the wake of Brisbane's 14-point disposal of the Coast.

"I've had an ultrasound on the groin and it showed there was some aggravation, but nothing serious.

"I was probably over-excited at training during the week, I was pushing myself so hard and that's maybe why I tweaked it (his groin)."


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Late withdrawals no excuse: Leppitsch

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BRISBANE coach Justin Leppitsch refused to make any excuses for an undermanned Lions outfit that was smashed by 87 points by North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

The Lions, already missing half a dozen players from their best starting line-up, were hit by the late withdrawals of vice-captain Tom Rockliff and best-and-fairest awards, Joel Patfull due to a bout of gastro.

RUTHLESS ROOS SHOW LIONS NO MERCY

SCOTT'S KANGAS AVOID COMPLACENCY

Leppitsch said while the loss of those players ''didn't help'', the players had to learn to "soldier on''.

"It's probably too many games where we've been manhandled and outrun now,'' he said.

"Sometimes it's leadership, sometimes it's desire.''

Majak Daw takes a strong pack mark deep in attack. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

He likened the loss to the 113-point drubbing from Port Adelaide in Round 4.

'We're lacking leadership and a little bit of fitness on our list as it is, so it doesn't help when you lose two of your better players before the game. But you've got to soldier on, and that's a lesson for our guys.

"The footy gods are going to do these things to you at times, but you've just got to keep persisting and we didn't do that. We didn't throw a counter punch all day. We waited for them to pick up the ball before we reacted and that's just a lesson for our guys.''

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The Lions conceded the opening 35 points of the match and lost the contested-possession count by 55 and the uncontested-possession count by 75. "That's just an absolute obliteration,'' Leppitsch said. "You just don't own the ball at all."

He also defended the performance of club champion Jonathan Brown, who managed a game-low two disposals, looked frustrated throughout and conceded a game-high three free kicks.

"Browny was probably a little underdone coming into the game,'' Leppitsch said. "We knew that. We had to use all of our emergencies this week. It wasn't ideal.

"For a big part of the game we played a spare behind the ball, which means (Michael) Close and Brown had and extra defender to deal with.

A disappointed Brisbane outfit trudge off Etihad Stadium. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

"So you know when you do that you're just going to make life tough for them. The best-case scenario for them is just to bring the ball to the ground and allow (Josh) Green and Lewy Taylor to get into the game, because it's really difficult for them to out-mark a spare, particularly when it's Lachy Hansen, who is a good chop-out mark.''

Asked about Brown's evident frustration, he replied: "We're all frustrated. I don't think there was a player in a Brisbane Lions shirt who wasn't frustrated.

"I hope our competitiveness will improve each week, and we'll have more games like last week and more like Wellington where we're in games for longer.

"I think with more experienced personnel that will come back in over the next six weeks, we'll get more of that. And when you keep bringing that, you'll always get close to wins.

"The days like this where you just get completely blown out of the park, hopefully they're limited.''

Brisbane now has the bye before hosting Carlton in a Saturday twilight match at the Gabba in Round 11.


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Four is fine for maturing Warner

David Warner in action for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. Source: AAP

THE Matraville Mauler has matured.

Or so it seems.

Currently playing in the Indian Premier League, Dave Warner has been batting at number four for the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Only a few years ago, Warner would have treated the news of batting down the order, instead of opening, with lip service and a few stiff ­lemonades.

But instead, Warner's renewed outlook coincides with his head held high, focused on delivering in the IPL, but with one eye also on the intense calendar of cricket and career-defining trophies that lie ahead for Australia.

The art of successfully batting at four is something Warner is treating as a challenge, warming to the role for his own personal development and maturity as a cricketer. His most recent outing, against Mumbai saw Warner crunch 55 runs off 31 balls.

The ability to bat patiently through the middle period at the crease before pressing his famous go button, is a challenge Warner believes will only be beneficial for his own game, ahead of a nine-month period that includes a Twenty20 and one-day internationals in Abu Dhabi and a World Cup early next year.

"I love opening and that's exactly what I want to do for my country, but at the moment, my role for the Sunrisers is in the middle,'' Warner said.

David Warner with fiancee Candice Falzon. Source: News Limited

"Where I'm batting at the moment (at four), I'm trying to steady the ship and bat until the last couple of overs and then go for it.

"That obviously changes my role and obviously it's different to opening. But I think it's always good to change what you do.

"I'm enjoying that role and I think it helps me as well when I'm changing gears.

"Much like Test cricket you open the batting and get off to a good start and then come overs 20 to 90, you need to knuckle down and have a little bit of patience.

"We've got a World Cup coming up from Australia, so to open the batting there you've got to bat through the middle period as well while taking that odd risk at the beginning of the overs.

"It's good to get that eye in now.''

With a baby on the way with fiancee Candice Falzon in September, Warner admitted his ability to continue to play in all three forms of the game was a question he would soon be forced to ponder.

"You've got to make sure you're enjoying cricket, make sure you've got a balanced lifestyle on and off the field,'' Warner said.

"I think the test for me is when the baby is born and travelling away from the baby especially over the next 2½ years, we've got an Ashes, a Caribbean tour, we've got a tour at home against New Zealand, then we go away to New Zealand and then we have the IPL.

"So it's going to be the challenge for me, but for a cricketer coming through its an amazing experience to be able to play in all three forms and develop as a cricket and test your skills along those lines of international cricket.''


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Live NRL: Friday Night Football

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 16 Mei 2014 | 18.48

The Rabbitohs host the Storm, while the Broncos face the Titans in our live NRL blog. Source: News Corp Australia

IT'S a massive night of football as the Rabbitohs host the Storm and the Broncos face the Titans.

With both games kicking off at 7.30pm, we'll bring you all the action from ANZ Stadium and Suncorp Stadium.

Our Rabbitohs-Storm and Broncos-Titans match centres have all the important stats and big plays, while you can have your say and join in the social media discussion in our live blog below.


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LIVE: Buddy dominating Bombers

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HE might be playing at a different club, but Lance Franklin's love affair with Essendon has continued, inspiring Sydney to a 42-point half-time lead over the Bombers.

Franklin, who made a habit of kicking big bags of goals against Essendon when he played for Hawthorn, has dominated the Bombers' backline, booting 4.1 from 10 disposals and five marks in the first half.

The Swans' midfield has shown clean skills around the stoppages, led by Josh Kennedy (19 disposals), Craig Bird (18), Kieran Jack (18) and Luke Parker (11 and two goals).

FOR FULL LIVE HQ COVERAGE WITH SUPERCOACH SCORES, CLICK ON THE SCORE CENTRE ABOVE OR HERE IF YOU ARE ON A MOBILE DEVICE

Bombers defender Cale Hooker is doing a fine job on Kurt Tippett, who has been held to three possessions and no goals so far, while veterans Brendon Goddard (18 touches) and Jobe Watson (20) have led from the front.

Before the opening bounce, Bombers coach Mark Thompson made the perplexing decision to start utility Jake Carlisle as the team's substitute.

Essendon (4-4) sits ninth on the AFL ladder, however its unconvincing and inconsistent recent form has AFL pundits wondering if players are entirely focused on footy.

FOLLOW ALL THE LIVE ACTION WITH BEN WATERWORTH BELOW. GAME KICKS OFF AT 7.50PM (EST) …

SWANS' SURGE STARTS AT GROUND LEVEL

BOMBERS PLAYING BIZARRE FOOTY: ROBBO

DONS EMOTIONALLY SPENT: SPORTS PSYCH


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Matthew Pavlich is ‘Superdocker’

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IT'S moments before the first bounce as Fremantle lines up against the reigning premier at Subiaco Oval.

Captain Matthew Pavlich calls the Dockers into a huddle and addresses the players, who have linked arms in a circle. "Enjoy the moment. Enjoy winning the hard ball. Hey! Put on your Superman capes, boys. It's wharfie time. Let's go!''

To the wider football community, that speech during a Round 8, 2009, match against Hawthorn is an eccentric, almost humorous glimpse of on-field machinations.

THE DEFINITIVE MATTHEW PAVLICH

But to those in the football club's inner sanctum, these are well-chosen and inspirational words.

Dockers people would tell you that they also neatly sum up the characteristics of the finest footballer to have pulled on a boot for Fremantle.

On the one hand, they see "Super Pav'' as a man of steel who possesses rare skills and a total dedication to truth and the Purple Haze way.

On the other, they are proud to have a leader who is prepared to get his hands dirty and whose gritty work ethic resonates with the West Australian port city's working-class origins.

But Superman capes and wharfie time? What's it all about?

Pavlich leads the Dockers onto the field in Round 8 against Port Adelaide. Photo by Morne de Klerk/ Source: Getty Images

SUPER PAV

FORMER Dockers midfielder Paul Hasleby is one of Pavlich's closest mates and played 208 games alongside him.

"The story actually comes from Shaun McManus, who always spoke with great passion about his footy,'' Hasleby explains.

"Shaun spoke (in a team meeting the night before a game in Melbourne) about how whenever we play football we get to pull on the Superman cape and turn into this character that allows us to go out and do anything on the football field.''

McManus, a former Dockers skipper who retired in 2008, takes up the story: "I was of the opinion that when you get to pull on an AFL club jumper, when you are in the changerooms before a game with that nervous energy while you're warming up, once you put that jumper on it is like putting on a Superman cape.

"It's like getting the opportunity to be a superhero for a day. It's an honour. You put that jumper on and you feel like a million bucks because you're representing a whole tribe of people. And you feel indestructible.''

Pavlich's Superman reference came almost two seasons after the McManus analogy.

Defender Luke McPharlin, who was in the huddle, says the players "found it very impressive at the time''.

"Pav had obviously put it in the memory bank and used it on that occasion,'' McPharlin says. "For him to use that a couple of years later was equally powerful, and Pav has always been good at saying what needs to be said in the huddles and during the breaks. He keeps it fresh and a bit different.''

Matt de Boer was playing only his third game, having made his debut a fortnight earlier in a winning derby, which also happened to be Pavlich's 200th game.

"I'm a bit of a comic book man myself, so at the time I think the speech resounded pretty strongly with me,'' de Boer says.

Hasleby agrees: "As a captain, having to come up with speeches at every game is not an easy thing to do, and he just threw that in. But the thing was it was a game when he was being taped (by Channel 7). He got ridiculed a bit for it, but knowing the back story I thought it was a very motivating speech.''

Words are one thing, but all agreed the great aspect of Pavlich's game was that he followed up his words with heroic deeds. "As a leader, it's amazing the number of times he's just willed himself into games and it's changed the fortunes of Fremantle's day,'' McManus says.

"He has the ability to mentally and physically change the state of games. It's 'jump on my shoulders and I'll get you going' sort of stuff. And very few guys can do that."

De Boer agrees Pavlich, a six-time best-and-fairest winner, has a commanding presence. "His playing ability speaks for itself, but I would say his leadership skills rank equal,'' De Boer says.

"Just knowing when to get a temperature check of the boys and knowing how to get the best from the group, there's no doubt that we stand taller with him being out there with us.''

Pavlich celebrates a goal in Round 4 against Essendon. Photo by Daniel Wilkins. PICTURED — Source: News Corp Australia

THE DOCKERS' DOCKER

WHILE Pavlich's talent and athleticism are universally recognised, his teammates say his tenacity and industriousness are underestimated.

He epitomises the "wharfie spirit'' of his 2009 speech.

"So you had the Bloods at the Sydney Swans and we had the wharfie,'' Hasleby explains.

"It was all about our values and standards of behaviour.

"At the time the thinking was that wharfies and how they were hard workers, that was worth adopting into our values.

"To everybody else it probably didn't mean much, but to the players who were kicking around in that environment it meant a hell of a lot.''

McManus says it was "about getting down and getting dirty, let's get into it. It's about recognising our heritage''.

De Boer says the phrase is still relevant in 2014.

"We know we have some significant talent, but that alone doesn't get it done at the end of the day,'' he says.

"So we've really bought into that wharfie terminology and just look to bring that wharfie ethic to games and put the work boots on. And we're quite proud of it.''

All agree Pavlich sets a lofty standard with his work ethic, on and off the ground. They speak of the meticulous detail of his training, preparation and recovery.

"You see him in the ice bins when others have gone home,'' McPharlin says.

De Boer recalls doing a really solid running session on a 40C day during his first pre-season.

"It would have been fair enough for everyone to just pack up and go home to collapse, but then you see Pav pick up a few balls and jog over to the goals and start practising his goalkicking routine and, sure enough, at the next session there were a few more boys joined in, and then a few more the week after that.

"Just seeing what his expectations are and how he's prepared to make the hard decisions to take it to the next level. We're developing a culture where we demand excellence from each other and he really sets the trend for that.''

But his teammates say Pavlich's wharfie spirit is most evident on game day.

Pavlich in action in the Second Qualifying Final against Geelong. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Limited

McPharlin and de Boer speak about a case in point during last year's memorable qualifying final at Geelong.

"It was an enormous effort deep in the last quarter where he ran the length of the field and ended up executing a spoil in our defence,'' McPharlin says.

"It was a crucial contest — probably doesn't get the plaudits of kicking a goal or taking a big mark — but it was a really important play deep in the last quarter when the game was on the line.

"Internally, we recognised it as an outstanding instance of the team ethic that he has exemplified for so long. He's not just one for the flashy things. He also gets to work for the team as well.''

De Boer describes it as "the one act that stands out in my mind from that game''.

"It starts at the top in terms of doing what the team requires and he certainly delivers on that,'' de Boer says.

McManus says the fierce intensity and ability to make an impact has been there since Pavlich's first season, and he pays tribute to how it still shines bright 15 seasons later.

"In probably every game this year, I don't reckon I've seen him in a situation where he's led out from full-forward and someone's just dropped the ball on his chest,'' McManus says.

"He's had to fight, scrap, bite, contest, spoil, tackle. It's just been full-on and he's not the sort of player who just goes up for a grab and that's it, or just kicks the goal and thinks he's the hero. He's there doing the bust and grind like everybody else and that's what makes him such a great leader.

"And as he's got older I reckon he's done even more of that hard work.''

Pavlich at the WACA in 2000. Source: News Limited

PART-Superman, part-wharfie. A six-time All-Australian good enough to be selected in seasons when he played in defence, midfield and up forward.

"There have been some great forwards over his career — Nick and Jack Riewoldt, Brendan Fevola, Jonathan Brown — but none of them have had the ability to go into the midfield and impact games like he did over four or five seasons,'' Hasleby says.

"He could find the football, and every time he got it and had space to kick he could make something happen.

"He had a high goal-assist percentage when he was in the midfield, and we were just instructed to get the ball to him and he would do the rest.''

In that 2009 match against Hawthorn, Pavlich finished with 30 possessions and a goal.

But the Dockers lost. And therein lies the one thing people hold against him.

"I think the only thing holding Pav back, and probably the only reason he's not seen as the greatest player over the past decade, is the inability to get a premiership,'' Hasleby says.

"And, particularly early on in his career when he was perhaps at his best, he didn't get to regularly showcase those skills on the big stage.''

Tonight, against Geelong at Subiaco Oval, he certainly gets the chance to perform on centre stage. Win, and Pavlich and the Dockers might yet be back in the hunt for that elusive premiership.

Pavlich dives for the ball in Round 8 at the Adelaide Oval. Picture Simon Cross Source: News Corp Australia

10 THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT PAV

BEFORE he was drafted at the end of 1999, he was not keen on going to the Dockers, so his mother, Jan, wrote out a list of alternative players Fremantle should take ahead of her son (including Darren Glass and Aaron Sandilands).

RUNNING the last of six 1km time-trials at his first Dockers training session, Pavluch collapsed and was carted off in the property van. "He was absolutely fried,'' Shaun McManus recalled. "And he ended up spending a couple of days in intensive care. I thought, 'Great, we've been looking for a key forward for years and now we've killed one in his first session'.''

FOR seven years Pavlich and teammate Paul Hasleby had the Seaview Hotel in South Fremantle. "We got behind the bar a few times," Hasleby said. "He was mainly used as a bit of a marketing tool, although he did get down and dirty and do a bit of cooking from time to time, although he was pretty average.''

PAVLICH crashed his car three or four times in his first two years at Fremantle, including rear-ending teammate Troy Cook.

ACCORDING to Hasleby: "He loves belting out Pearl Jam's Better Man at every opportunity he gets in front of the karaoke machine. He's horrendous.''

PAVLICH does individual yoga sessions with an instructor.

FOOTBALL duties have caused him to fly about 800,000km during his career. Hasleby said: ''For the first 200 games he used to sit in cattle class, but I have no doubt he's up the front in seat 1A these days.''

PAVLICH has a Bachelor of Sports Science and is completing a Master of Business Administration.

HE mentors Chris Mayne and pays special attention to the club's South Australian recruits.

HE is a horse racing fan and was in an ownership syndicate with Carlton's Chris Judd and commentator Dennis Cometti. Their stayer, Cefalu, won a listed race at Moonee Valley the night before the 2008 AFL Grand Final — at odds of $101.


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Flynn From Kildare to Port Adelaide

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PORT Adelaide's Irish rookie Daniel Flynn says he still feels lost on the football field but more importantly he is finally at home off it.

In March Flynn said goodbye to Power coach Ken Hinkley and flew back to Ireland for what he thought would be for good — just five months into his Australian Rules adventure.

Moving to Australia was the first time the 20-year-old had left home, his grandfather with whom he was very close was ill and he was homesick.

"My father and my brother came out (to Adelaide) two or three weeks before I went home and that helped a little bit, but I was always very close to my grandfather and being so far away was hard," Flynn said.

ALIPATE CARLILE SLAYING THE GIANTS

"I went home and saw him and that probably didn't help and it felt like I wasn't 100 per cent committed (to Australian Rules).

"The best thing for me at the time was to go home and I was fully convinced that I was going home for good."

But about a week after being back in Kildare, less than an hour's drive southwest of Dublin, Flynn realised that for now he belonged back at Alberton.

A GREAT START, BUT BETTER FUTURE

"I thought 'what am I doing? There's nothing for me here at the moment' and gradually it got bigger and bigger.

"I guess I wanted the best of both worlds but eventually you've just got to grow up, it's not always nice but sometimes you just have to."

Flynn returned to Adelaide last month with a fresh perspective and a new hunger to have a crack at Australian Rules — a game he had played only once before being drafted by Port Adelaide as an international rookie last year.

Daniel Flynn has travelled a journey from Kildare to Port Adelaide. Source: News Limited

So far he has impressed in both outings for the Magpies in the SANFL, first against the Crows in Clare and last week against Sturt at Alberton and tomorrow he's been named in the back pocket for the top-of-the-table clash against South Adelaide.

Described by Magpies coach Garry Hocking as like an elastic band, "you pull it back and let it go", Flynn goes from 0 to 20m in 2.83 secs — considered well above average for a draftee — and when he gets the footy he knows how to move.

His skills are as good as his pace, but it's as if his brain is still trying to catch up.

"I can't play the game instinctively just yet, I have to put a little bit of thought into what I'm trying to do," he said.

"I'm still fairly lost but the boys are good, they tell me where to go and what to do.

"They might sugar coat it at times because I know what to do on paper but when you get out there you get sucked in to a contest that you're not meant to be in.

"But it just comes with time, learning where to lead up and where to run and stuff like that."

Flynn, who lives with Power teammates Ollie Wines and Chad Wingard, said the gaping difference between Gaelic footy and Aussie Rules was the physicality of the contest.

"Last weekend they (coaches) told me to get a bit more physical so I'm kind of working on that now," he said.

Irishman Daniel Flynn at Alberton Oval before training. Source: News Limited

"Gaelic is a bit more stand off-ish and not using your body as much, so the tackling is completely new but the kicking, handballing and marking is all fairly normal — it's just with a different ball.

"But I find the oval ball a lot easier to handball.

"If we were to try to hit a target from 30 yards out, I'd pick the oval ball any day because you have more control over it, but I suppose you can predict the round ball more."

Flynn's journey to Australia can be traced to 2012 when his school made the All-Ireland Gaelic final.

He later met former Sydney Swan Tadhg Kennelly — the only man to win an AFL and All-Ireland premiership — who was scouting for Irish AFL recruits.

Flynn impressed in testing which included a 20m sprint, beep test and vertical jump and was flown to London to play his first game of Australian Rules against the AFL-AIS Academy side.

From there he was invited to the AFL's draft camp in October and met with the Western Bulldogs and Essendon before Alan Richardson flew him to Port Adelaide who liked what they saw.

As big a names as Jim Stynes and Kennelly were in the Australian game, Flynn had barely heard of them until just before he was drafted which made his adventure Down Under seem even more obscure.

But his mates said 'go for it' and his parents were happy as long as he was.

"My friends thought I was mad if I didn't do it and my family just wanted what was best for me and wanted me to be happy," he said.

Now having effectively moved to Adelaide twice — with a trip home to Ireland in between — Flynn says coming back to Alberton was the best decision he made.

"I've been back for three weeks now and I'm not homesick at all but I feel like I'm better equipped to deal with it and I'm enjoying myself."


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Teen Checker set for Asian Cup debut

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 15 Mei 2014 | 18.48

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ADELAIDE-BORN Emma Checker a little more than a week ago was pondering how she could be part of the Matildas after missing the initial cut for the AFC Asian Cup.

But Checker is now destined to make her big tournament debut at left-back when the Matildas face Jordan at Thong Nhat Stadium on Friday.

Checker, 18, was rushed into the squad last Friday, meeting the team a day after they arrived in Ho Chi Minh City.

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Checker was grateful when Asian Football Confederation officials allowed all eight teams to add two players to the originally named 23 due to the heavy demands of playing a potential five matches in 11 days.

"I didn't know what to think at the start, it all came down to the fact that tough decisions had been made and I had just missed out,'' Checker said after training at Ho Chi Minh's Army Stadium on Thursday.

"I was looking forward to working hard and finding my spot eventually and that call came. I just have to make the most of it."

Emma Checker (L) in action for Melbourne Victory in the W-League. Picture: Gregg Porteous. Source: News Limited

Checker had planned to rejoin training at Birkalla with the men's reserves side and playing for the under 18s in the Football Federation SA's National Premier League before the Matildas call.

But her rise to the top has come as no surprise.

After completing year 12 at Immanuel College last year Checker had a fantastic second W-League season with Melbourne Victory, where the club claimed a 2-0 grand final win over Brisbane Roar at Lakeside Stadium.

When Checker was just 14 she was deemed good enough to play for the Lady Reds, but a ruling declared she was too young to participate before becoming a squad member in 2011 after she had turned 15.

But after making her Matildas debut in a clash against Hong Kong in a 4-0 win in 2012, Checker will be capped for the third time on Friday.

At 17, Emma Checker became the first ever woman to play in a Seniors Men's U18 competition at the West Torrens Birkalla Soccer Club. Source: News Limited

She could face Jordan's best midfielder, winger Shahnaz who was outstanding in her side's 3-1 opening round loss to hosts Vietnam on Wednesday.

"I guess there's always going to be nerves but I have to treat it like any other game and treat it like any other player coming at me," Checker said..

"I have to work her (Shahnaz) out quickly, see how quick she is and what foot she uses and take it from there.

"It's come around pretty quickly and I'm still very stunned by it all.

"I just have to soak it up, it's something I've dreamed of and now I've just got to take it in."


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Wallabies in Waiting: halves

Do Quade Cooper (L) and Will Genia deserve to be the Wallabies halves? Source: Jonathon Searle / News Limited

THE Wallabies' Test series against France is now just a month away, and time is running out for players to put forward their claims for a Test jersey.

Coach Ewen McKenzie will name a 30-man squad next week and he's already been busy taking in as much Super Rugby action as possible.

But who deserves to make the cut?

The team from Rugby HQ is breaking down the likely squad position by position, before giving you — the fans — the chance to make the final calls on selection.

Each week our team of rugby experts will nominate the players they think deserve to be in the running for a certain position before turning the vote over to you at foxsports.com.au

This week it's the halves, and we're giving you the chance to vote for your halfback and fly half.

Who should play halfback for the Wallabies?

Who should play fly half for the Wallabies?


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LIVE: Pies can’t shake dogged Crows

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COLLINGWOOD is struggling to shrug off a determined Adelaide outfit, leading the Crows by only six points at half-time at Adelaide Oval.

After booting three of the first four goals of the game, the Pies have failed to put Brenton Sanderson's men away, with Crows forward Josh Jenkins leading the charge with three goals.

Pies trio Dayne Beams (20 disposals), Scott Pendlebury (19) and Tom Langdon (17) have been influential, while Patrick Dangerfield (14) is coping well with Brent Macaffer's tag.

FOR FULL LIVE HQ COVERAGE WITH SUPERCOACH SCORES, CLICK ON THE SCORE CENTRE ABOVE OR HERE IF YOU ARE ON A MOBILE DEVICE

Taylor Walker is covering the ground well in his return match, however Jack Frost has kept him goal-less in the first half.

ADELAIDE V COLLINGWOOD

The Crows (3-4) are seeking to repay the faith of their beloved home fans, following a disappointing three-point loss to Melbourne at Adelaide Oval in Round 7.

However the Pies (5-2), who are ranked equal first in the AFL for creating turnovers this season, will be no pushovers as they pursue a top-four ladder spot.

FOLLOW ALL THE LIVE ACTION WITH BEN WATERWORTH BELOW. GAME KICKS OFF AT 7.50PM (EST) …

REILLY DUMPED FOR COLLINGWOOD CLASH

DANGER HOLDS NO FEARS OF MAGPIE'S TAG

OVAL LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT FOR PIES


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Foord motors on after wonder strike

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CAITLIN Foord described her goal against Japan as the best in her young career.

That strike is already a 'goal of the AFC Asian Cup' contender when Foord left Thong Nhat Stadium's fans breathless with a world-class strike in a 2-2 draw with Japan in the opening night of Group A on Wednesday.

It's little wonder that FIFA awarded Foord the 2011 World Cup young player of the tournament and the Asian Football Confederation's young player of the year.

Caitlin stunned Japan — the current FIFA world champion — when she took control of the ball inside her own half in the 21st minute.

MATILDAS DRAW WITH JAPAN IN ASIAN CUP OPENER

Caitlin Foord (second right) rates the goal against Japan as her best for Australia. Source: Getty Images

"I was just dribbling the ball and runs from Lisa (De Vanna) and Michelle (Heyman) definitely opened it up for me,'' Foord said.

"I just took a touch in and it was an open shot, it was a nice feeling."

It was Foord's second international goal in 18 A-class appearances for the Matildas.

She was Australia's youngest ever World Cup player at 16 just six weeks after making her international debut against New Zealand in May 2011 as a defender.

She has since played in various roles for the national team, but goal scoring hasn't been regularity on her CV.

"I don't score many goals,'' she said.

"It's definitely one of the ones up there, one of the best goals I have scored.

"I'll have to watch the replay. I don't really remember it that well to be honest.

"I was just looking to go forward I made the decision and it paid off."

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But Foord was a little disappointed that Australia couldn't hold onto a 2-0 lead after De Vanna scored before Japan made up lost ground in the second half.

Australia's pressing game, its combination play and its willingness to win the ball back as high up the park as possible forced Japan to rethink its strategy.

"I feel like the girls will be disappointed with just the draw,'' she said.

"But we're happy to have a point and we'll definitely take a lot out of it and they (Japan) are the world champs and to come out with any kind of points is awesome."

But after Foord ended her shift in the 75th minute she was already thinking about Friday's clash.

Australia faces Jordan in their second group game.

"I'm still feeling fresh,'' Foord said.

"By the time the next game comes I think I'll feel good but that was the first 90 minutes for a lot of the girls in a long while and I think we did extremely well.''


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Bird’s dangerous tackle downgraded

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 14 Mei 2014 | 18.49

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GREG Bird will play for NSW in this year's State of Origin series.

That's the good news for Blues fans. The bad news is he will still miss for the opening game against Queensland in Brisbane on May 28.

Bird was successful on Wednesday night in having a dangerous throw charge downgraded at an NRL judiciary hearing at League Central.

Pick Your Greatest Origin Team - does Greg Bird make the cut?

Greg Bird tackles Bryson Goodwin. Source: FoxSports

No doubt Queensland will start bleating about a conspiracy once again.

Bird pleaded guilty but sought to have a grade three charge lowered to grade two.

NSW coach Laurie Daley said it was a victory for common sense.

"It's still disappointing he will miss a game but most people would agree it wasn't a grade three,'' Daley said.

"Greg's a big part of our team and we're looking forward to having him back for Sydney.''

Bird, the firebrand Gold Coast forward, will now miss two NRL matches and also Origin I, which falls during his suspension period.

"It's a massive relief to only miss the first Origin game," Bird said.

"I would have been heartbroken to miss the whole series."

Greg Bird arrives at the NRL judiciary at NRL headquarters. Source: News Corp Australia

The tackle occurred on South Sydney's Bryson Goodwin in last weekend's match at Cbus Stadium, Robina.

Had Bird, who has played 14 Origin games, been unsuccessful last night, he would have missed six games and the entire State of Origin series.

"Everyone in rugby league knows six weeks was too much," Bird said.

"I am very happy to have it taken back to two (games)."

Asked did he feel he may be a scapegoat due to the NRL's beefed-up rules on lifting tackles, Bird said: "I was concerned."

Greg Bird tackle on Bryson Goodwin. Source: News Corp Australia

The three-man judiciary panel — comprising Royce Ayliffe, Chris McKenna and Don McKinnon — ruled in favour of Bird, no doubt delighting Blues coach Laurie Daley.

Wednesday night was a massive gamble for Bird. He could have been suspended for an extra four games had he lost.

In evidence, Bird said: "It was a regulation hit and drive tackle. Hit around the hips and put him on his back.

"You get your arm around his knee, put him off balance and put him on his back.

"(When) I saw his feet come up, I realised his leg was getting high and I let him go.

"The impact pushed us both up. He was running forward, I was running forward, the force had to go somewhere."

Greg Bird of the Gold Coast Titans at the NRL judiciary. Source: News Corp Australia

Bird said the incident happened in a "split second".

NRL counsel Peter Kite: "They all do."

Bird: "That's rugby league."

Kite told the panel why he felt the grading was correct.

"He (Bird) gets the player to a dangerous position and throws player Goodwin to the ground and player Goodwin's head makes forceful contact with the ground," Kite said.

Kite stressed the amount of dangerous throws had increased this year. He said there were 10 in 2012, eight in 2013 yet already 13 this season.

Greg Bird in action for the Titans. Source: News Corp Australia

"Dangerous throws are completely unacceptable," Kite said.

Jim Hall, representing Bird, said Goodwin was not injured in the tackle.

"Player Bird releases his grip and dropped the player," Hall said. "It is our submission that he (Goodwin) landed on his back and shoulder — not his head.

"He wasn't injured. There wasn't a hand between the legs."

Greg Bird is put on report for a lifting tackle. Source: News Corp Australia

Hall showed the panel three similar grade two tackles committed by former Manly player Richie Fa'aoso, Wests Tigers' Tim Simona and Gold Coast's Matt White.

The panel took just eight minutes to reach their verdict.

Bird has played a role in the past seven Origin series, which NSW has lost. He will be considered as a lock for the final two games.

Re-live the hearing in our blog:


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Jockey Angland back in town

Jockey Tye Angland during a Hong Kong International Trackwork Session at Sha Tin racecourse. Photo: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images Source: Vince Caligiuri / Getty Images

THE Sydney riding ranks are about to receive a surprise boost with the immediate return of Tye Angland from Hong Kong.

Angland has spent the past four years in the Asian racing mecca, but was last night granted a release by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

"While it was my intention to see out the remainder of my contract in Hong Kong, I've decided to return home for the sake of my family in relation to a deeply personal manner,'' Angland told The Daily Telegraph.

"I missed Sydney racing and I was always going to return. Sydney's very competitive and there are a bunch of great jockeys at the moment. If I can come back with a bang it will help, but it won't be easy.

"I just hope people realise I've matured, and the fact I was fourth in the Hong Kong premiership behind Zac Purton, Joao Moreira and Douglas Whyte _ three of the best jockeys in the world.''

Angland, 24, has already been snapped up for a ride by premier trainer Chris Waller at next Wednesday's Kensington meeting. He's also scored the plum gig on Glorious Lad in Brisbane next Saturday, with the Kiwi gelding turning in an eye-catching Queensland Derby trial in the Rough Habit Plate.

One of the most gifted horseman in Australia _ Angland could have easily joined his brothers on the pro rodeo circuit in the US _ he is sure to be in hot demand, especially with Tommy Berry and Hugh Bowman in Hong Kong, and some of the key players making hit-and-run trips to Brisbane for the winter carnival.

Angland, who will be based at Hawkesbury, can't commence trackwork until his riding gear returns from Hong Kong.

Angland had been back in the country for a couple of weeks, but only received an official release from Hong Kong last night. To book him for rides, call his manager Paul Joice on 0410529809.


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Danger holds no fears of Magpie’s tag

Patrick Dangerfield looks down field for an option. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Michael Klein / News Corp Australia

PATRICK Dangerfield is expecting Brent Macaffer as his opponent tonight, but doesn't know what to expect because he hasn't played on him before.

But Dangerfield does know he's dealing with taggers far better than what he was in the first four weeks of the season.

"I think I will get him," he said of Macaffer.

"Maybe Macaffer goes to Sloane and maybe (Dayne) Beams sort of runs-with in attack and runs off when they get the ball.

"If it wasn't Macaffer, maybe Beams because Beams and I played opposite each other last year, but I did my shoulder early in that match and played predominantly forward."

If it is Macaffer — and surely it will be — then the Magpies stopper has an enormous task.

Magpies tagger brent Macaffer in action. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

In the first four weeks of the season, Dangerfield was matched up by Geelong's Cam Guthrie, against Port Adelaide it was combination of John Butcher, Brad Ebert and Tim Jonas, against Sydney it was mainly Ben McGlynn and against St Kilda mainly Tom Curren.

He was let go by GWS in Round 5 and carved them up, he punished Lin Jong from the Western Bulldogs in Round 6, and was almost the matchwinner against the Demons in Round 7 playing mainly against former teammate Bernie Vince.

While he was a contested ball monster in the first four weeks — 47 contested possessions to 34 uncontested possessions — he has found a better balance in the past three weeks.

In that time, the ledger is 58 uncontested to 29 contested.

"The real key is being on the move more around stoppages, rather than standing still and being an easy target," Dangerfield told the Herald Sun yesterday.

"They'd prefer you just to stand still and blanket you that way. I've been a bit more smarter, getting on the move a bit more.

"If you don't win the ball inside that 5m-10m radius, then you can actually move and have the speed to get to that 20-30m area, the next play.

"That's helped a lot and I've played predominantly more in midfield in the past three weeks."

As one of the premier midfielders in the competition, he is rarely without a run-with player, yet you don't hear him complaining.

"If you start to whinge after the game and say, "Gee, I've been hard done by' ... well it doesn't work that way," he said.

Dangerfield hunts the ball during the Crows' match against St Kilda. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

"At the end of the day you've got to almost make it a personal battle between you and him and you can't look to rely on other people to help you out."

Dangerfield called tonight's game "massive" and says the Crows, who are 11th with three wins from seven games, have to improve their consistency from quarter to quarter.

Clearly, the Magpies are in good form and to stop them, you must curtail their star-laden midfield.

"They are pretty even up forward and pretty even down back and I think where it's going to be won is through the midfield,'' Dangerfield said.

"They have a potent midfield with well-established stars and our challenge is to nullify the impact of their guns and try to get an even performance from our end."

He said that Daniel Talia would likely get first crack at Travis Cloke, they had to be aware of Steele Sidebottom rolling back to play the plus-one in defence.

Dangerfield asked that Crows fans show Tex Walker patience as he returns after a year on the sidelines with a knee injury.

"It's a massive game for us," Dangerfield said.

"We've played some teams that I believe we have competed well against and beaten sides we should have.

"We haven't played really good footy against a really good side, and they (Collingwood) are a top-four side.''


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Live: Wanderers seal famous ACL victory

Departing star Shinji Ono of the Wanderers thanks the fans. Source: Ryan Pierse / Getty Images

THE Wanderers' fairy tale is still alive after second-half wonder strikes from Shannon Cole and Brendon Santalab against Sanfrecce Hiroshima at Pirtek Stadium gave Western Sydney a night to remember.

Needing a 2-0 victory to overturn last week's 3-1 defeat to the same opposition, the Wanderers managed to manufacture exactly that. They may still be hurting from losing the grand final to Brisbane Roar, but the Wanderers showed admirable resilience to progress to the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League in their first ever campaign.

And Shinji Ono couldn't have asked for a better finale to his two-year stint at Western Sydney - named player of the match for his excellent performance.

More to come...

Re-live the drama in our blog below.


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Retrogram: Footy’s most iconic photos

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 13 Mei 2014 | 18.49

Alex Jesaulenko soars over Graeme 'Jerker' Jenkin in the 1970 Grand Final. Picture: Bruce Howard Source: News Limited

WITH NEWSPAPER photographers making headlines — Fairfax media plans to make 75 per cent of its exceptional shooters redundant and outsource much of its photography — it is worth considering the significance of the sporting photograph.

Many of the greatest athletic moments live on in our memories because they were captured by a photographer patiently crouching on the boundary.

Consider the only two tied Test cricket matches to have occurred in the more than 2000 matches played since 1877.

The 1960 tied Test at the Gabba lives large in my mind, largely because of the superb shot of the West Indies celebrating Joe Solomon's brilliant run-out of Australian tailender Ian Meckiff off the scheduled second-last ball of the match. The photograph was taken by The Age's Ron Lovitt — with the last negative left in his camera.

Twenty-six years later Australia was involved in another tied Test, against India in Chennai (formerly Madras). The result was sealed when Australian spinner Greg Matthews trapped tailender Maninder Singh lbw, again, off the scheduled second-last ball of the match.

But because there is no enduring photograph of the moment, that match takes on a more hazy, nebulous existence.

In sport, a picture captures a thousand commentator's superlatives.

So this week Retrogram takes a different tack. Rather than finding 10 obscure or bizarre football photographs, we've decided to list 10 of the most iconic images in the history of the Australian game.

There is one rider: because spectacular marks dominate Australian football's imagery, we've chosen just one specky to represent the dozens of grabs captured on film over the years. It is the first photograph mentioned on this list. So apologies to the likes of Michael Roach, Warwick Capper, Gary Ablett, Jeff Farmer and Gary Moorcroft — and to those who captured their screamers.

Other than their absence, if you have any feedback about other iconic images not listed here, leave a comment below or post a tweet at @_warwickgreen and we'll publish a selection next week.

Veteran sports photographer Clive Mackinnon with his most famous picture. Source: News Limited

1. ALEX JESAULENKO (Carlton) 1970

"Jezza'' took his screamer over Collingwood ruckman Graeme "Jerker'' Jenkin on the biggest stage of all — before a record crowd of 121,696 at the 1970 Grand Final.

The graceful and elegant athleticism of the mark makes it the defining image of the game.

A couple of years ago, the Herald Sun's Matt Stewart spoke to Sun photographer Clive Mackinnon about the moment. Mackinnon, Bruce Howard (The Herald) and Dennis Bull (The Age) sat in their usual position in the Members Stand at the MCG, while Allan Funnell (The Australian) fired off shots from just inside the boundary.

During the second quarter Bull pulled out a bag of Minties and offered them to his colleagues. "Then I looked up and yelled out, 'Look out, the ball's coming back!','' McKinnon recalled.

With no rapid-fire shutters in those days, the photographers clicked just one frame each. "Can you believe it? If I hadn't yelled out I'd have had the picture all on my own,'' Mackinnon chuckled. "As it was, we all got this amazing picture.'' Mackinnon captured Jezza with his hands outstretched about to pluck the ball. In Funnell's frame, taken a split second later, the ball is clasped to the Blues' forward's chest.

Nicky Winmar lifts his jumper and points to the colour of his skin at Victoria Park. Picture: John Feder Source: News Corp Australia

2. NICKY WINMAR (St Kilda) 1993

The image of St Kilda star Nicky Winmar lifting his jumper and pointing proudly to his skin is a seminal moment in the history of race relations in Australia.

Winmar made the gesture in response to racist taunts from the Collingwood crowd at Victoria Park in 1993, but were it not for some outstanding photojournalism, the significance of moment might well have been lost.

Herald Sun photographer Wayne Ludbey, who at the time was working for the Sunday Age, heard Winmar defiantly telling the fans "I'm black and I'm proud of it'' and knew the significance of both the photograph and the story. He lobbied for the image and the story to appear on the front page.

His colleague John Feder also captured the moment, which was used as the main image on the front of the Sunday Herald Sun, although in the context of St Kilda recording a "gutsy win''.

Peter Crimmins is surrounded by Hawthorn premiership stars Bernie Jones, Brian Douge, Ian Bremner, Alan Martello, Peter Knights, Barry Rowlings and John Hendrie. Source: News Limited

3. PETER CRIMMINS (Hawthorn) 1976

Hawthorn captain Peter Crimmins had surgery and chemotherapy for testicular cancer after the 1974 season, and had narrowly missed selection in the 1975 Grand Final, despite desperately wanting to play.

In the rooms before the 1976 Grand Final, coach John Kennedy read the Hawks players a telegram from Crimmo: "Good luck to you and all the boys. It will be a long, hard, 100 minutes but I am sure you will be there at the end. Regards, Peter Crimmins''.

The Hawks were determined to "do it for the little fella" and went on to defeat North Melbourne by 30 points. That night several of the players took the premiership trophy, christened "Crimmo's Cup", to his home in Croydon, where they posed for a photograph with their gravely ill mate.

"Crimmo was sick and dying and the boys took the cup out to him so that he could lay his hand on it because he was very much a part (of winning it),'' former Hawthorn captain David Parkin recalled in 2009. "He hung on for that. To see the joy on his face when the boys came out to see him — that picture is etched in my memory for life."

Crimmins, a father of two, died three days later. He was just 28.

Ted Whitten does a lap of honour with his son at the MCG. Source: News Limited

4. EJ WHITTEN (Footscray) 1995

A MUCH more public celebration of the life of one of football's greats came at the 1995 State-of-Origin match between Victoria and South Australia at the MCG.

Before the bounce, a crowd of 64,186 watched Footscray premiership star Ted Whitten, who had come to be known as Mr Football, do a lap of the ground in an open-topped car with his son, Ted Jr.

While Mariah's Carey "Hero" played over the loudspeakers, Whitten blew kisses to and saluted the fans. When he reached the commentary boxes, Whitten, who was so ill he could barely see, offered his famous "stick it up 'em'' gesture.

Ted Whitten Jr later recalled: "Whatever everybody thought of him over the years, whether they loved him or hated him, I think they appreciated the fact that he wasn't well and it was their opportunity to say goodbye.''

Exactly two months later, E.J. Whitten died of prostate cancer, aged 62.

Roy Cazaly flies for the footy. Source: News Limited

5. ROY CAZALY (South Melbourne) 1922

The former St Kilda and South Melbourne ruckman's aerial feats were so renowned that the cry of "Up There Cazaly'' was apparently used by some diggers as they headed into action on the battlefields during World War 2. It also became name of Australian football's greatest anthem.

The photograph that has come to epitomise the catchphrase shows Cazaly leaping for a hitout in a ruck contest against Essendon's Norman Beckton.

Melbourne coach John Northey and Jim Stynes after the 1987 preliminary final. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Supplied

6. JIM STYNES (Melbourne) 1988

MELBOURNE coach John Northey was clearly unimpressed that ruckman Jim Stynes had given away the 15m penalty that helped Hawk Gary Buckenara kick the matchwinning goal after the siren in the 1987 preliminary final.

Northey was waiting in the rooms and when the 13-gamer appeared the coach launched into him.

Photographer Wayne Ludbey, who had walked off the field with the Melbourne players, captured the moment superbly. It was only years later, when Stynes met and married Ludbey's sister Sam, that it dawned on the Irishman who had taken the photo.

"It was not until years later that Jim bailed me up on the fourth green on Kyneton golf course and demanded, 'Did you take that photo?' He said it was the worst day of his life and he thought of that moment every day," Ludbey remembered.

Stynes embraced the 1988 moment and used it to drive him on to get more out of his football career and life in general.

Michael O'Loughlin kicks the winning goal in the 2006 qualifying final. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: News Corp Australia

7. MICHAEL O'LOUGHLIN (Sydney) 2006

THERE have been some great images of football fans interacting with the crowd, but none better than this image of Swans forward Michael O'Loughlin roaring at West Coast cheer squad members after kicking the goal that delivered a qualifying final win over arch-rival West Coast at Subiaco Oval.

The passionate moment was captured beautifully by News Limited photographer Phil Hillyard, earning him the Australian Football Media Association award for the most outstanding action photo, a rarity for a shot that does not have a football in the frame.

Jack Dyer on the prowl. Source: News Limited

8. JACK DYER (Richmond) 1944

THERE are numerous photographs of footballers that have become so synonymous with the player that they have been replicated in statues.

Think of Ron Barassi and Ted Whitten launching into their distinctive kicking actions. Then there is Bob Davis and Haydn Bunton Sr leaping though the air.

But for mine, one of the best is the image of Richmond captain-coach Jack Dyer breaking clear during the 1944 preliminary final against Essendon at the Junction Oval.

"Captain Blood'', whose vigorous playing style had probably started to catch up with him by the age of 30, is pictured with a bandage on his left hand and another on his knee. Normally a ruckman, Dyer lined up at full-forward that day and booted nine goals in the Tigers' 21-point win.

The powerful image was the inspiration for a statue at Punt Rd Oval, a painting commissioned by the AFL in its centenary year, and the logo used by Channel 9's The Footy Show.

Essendon full-forward John Coleman leaves Harrison House in 1951. Source: Supplied

9. JOHN COLEMAN (Essendon) 1951

FOOTBALL heartbreak has always lent itself to some dramatic photographs: Mick Malthouse consoling Paul Licuria after the 2002 Grand Final; devastated Saints Nick Riewoldt and Justin Koschitzke after the 2009 premiership decider; Tony Liberatore celebrating what he thought was the goal that put the Dogs through to the 1997 Grand Final.

But for emotion at its rawest, look at this image Essendon champion John Coleman leaving Harrison House in Spring St on the eve of the 1951 finals series.

The 22-year-old spearhead, a premiership player the previous two seasons, is pictured weeping freely on the shoulder of committeeman Ted Waterford. Coleman had just been suspended for four matches for striking Carlton's Harry Caspar, who was jeered by the crowd as he left the tribunal.

Goal umpire Roy Allen had testified that Coleman acted under extreme provocation, saying: "If I'd been in the same position, I probably would have done the same thing myself."

Essendon would go on to lose the Grand Final to Geelong by 11 points.

Leigh Matthews and Terry Daniher clash at halftime of the 1990 Grand Final. Picture: Craig Borrow Source: News Limited

10. LEIGH MATTHEWS (Collingwood) and TERRY DANIHER (Essendon), 1990

COUNTLESS footy scuffles have lent themselves to timeless photographs, notably the 1974 Windy Hill brawl and the 1985 Grand Final stoush. But rarely is the photographer in the midst of the action.

The Herald Sun's Craig Borrow was in the thick of it at halftime of the 1990 Grand Final when the two teams came of the MCG, having punched on at quarter-time, with Bombers skipper Terry Daniher knocking out Collingwood's Gavin Brown with a square-up punch.

Borrow was right behind TD's left shoulder at halftime as he engaged in a verbal altercation with Pies coach "Lethal'' Leigh Matthews, who reportedly told him in no uncertain terms that Brown would be back.

Essendon's Tim Watson later recalled that Matthews came at Daniher "like a madman''.

The image was so strong that Rupert Murdoch, in town for the Monday launch of the Herald Sun, insisted that the front page be remade with the photograph splashed prominently, above the headline "Lethal's Weapon''.

The first edition of the Herald Sun after the merger of the Herald and the Sun in 1990. Source: Supplied

RETROGRAM RECALL

Last week Retrogram featured 10 classic music videos featuring footy players showcasing their singing skills (or lack thereof) .

From Warwick Capper via Twitter: "There's none better (than I Only Take What's Mine). Hit #1 and hung the mic up ! I almost choked on my cornflakes when I saw Jacko in top 10 this morning !''

Retrogram says: If only you had "hung the mic up". I seem to recall you and Jacko combining in the late 1990s for an attempt at a techno track called Rippin' Undies. Fortunately no version of that particular musical travesty seems to exist on the world wide web.


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Port ‘determined to go places’

TOP dog Port Adelaide is realising Ken Hinkley's get-what-you-deserve mantra in a full blown premiership assault faces the ultimate test against premier Hawthorn, says Jackson Trengove.

Port — basking in its best start to a season with a 7-1 win-loss record — hosts second-ranked Hawthorn in a red letter clash on May 24 at Adelaide Oval.

The move from 13th to fifth last year jump-started the club, but Trengove, 23, says the playing group and expectations are maturing rapidly.

WE CAN GO UNDEFEATED: WESTHOFF

PORT'S ANSWER TO BIG SMALL PROBLEM

"The boys are a lot stronger and fitter than last year. This group is determined to go places," said 197cm Trengove, who outjumped 211cm Fremantle giant Aaron Sandilands to trigger Port's 18-point win on Saturday at Adelaide Oval.

"Making the finals was great for us, coming from a long way back but we have our eyes on bigger things.

Trengove competed in the ruck against Fremantle pair Zac Clarke and Aaron Sandilands. Source: Getty Images

"The boys are really working hard at getting better and winning games of footy. You get that feeling around a football club where something is starting to build."

Port has taken Hinkley's hard road to its lofty standing, says 86-game utility Trengove, and won't take the foot off the pedal.

"We feel confident that if we keep working to the game plan and doing what Ken asks we are going to challenge sides," said Trengove, also noting the evolution of "special' five-goal forward Chad Wingard.

"Ken's philosophy 'you get what you deserve' is something he has driven from day one since he came to the football club and we have jumped on board.

#SaidNoFootyFanEver — ROUND 8

SUPERCOACH MARKET WATCH: DAN'S THE MAN

"It has been two to three years worth of work and it is just starting now to tick over."

Victory against Hawthorn after the bye this weekend would catapult the Power to flag favouritism no-one envisaged before Hinkley arrived at Alberton.

Punters have backed Port from $1.95 into $1.75 favourites against the Hawks — now a $2.05 chance with tab.com.au.

"We have a big challenge after the bye with Hawthorn who we have looked up to as a powerhouse. In the back of the boys' minds the Hawks will be sitting there," said Trengove.

Trengove saves the day. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

However Trengove says it's a case of don't talk just do when it comes to winning Port's first flag in a decade.

There's a 2014 body count of premiership contenders including Geelong and Fremantle underscoring the Power's ruthless quest.

"Everyone plays football to win premierships and we are no different," Trengove said.

"Each week we have had a challenge, round two we had the Showdown, Geelong over here, West Coast away, Fremantle.

"Hawthorn after the bye will be a big challenge for us as they are such a big club."

Conquering a six-game losing streak in battle with the Dockers was evidence of genuine mental and physical progress.

"We couldn't play how we wanted to because of how good Fremantle were but we were finally able to break them down. We took our opportunities," Trengove said.


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Ange to pick Wright, Halloran for Brazil

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UNCAPPED youngsters Bailey Wright and Ben Halloran loom as Australia's World Cup bolters in the 30-man preliminary World Cup squad to be announced on Wednesday.

Wright, a Melbourne-born defender, was among the many youngsters scouted by Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou in February.

This would be a first call-up for the former Joey, who plays for Preston North End in ­England's League One.

Halloran, 22, was due to make his Socceroos debut in March against Ecuador, before pulling out with a hip problem.

The lightning winger has since gone on a rampage with Bundesliga 2 outfit Fortuna Dusseldorf, scoring five goals in his past six games.

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Robbie Kruse, whose A-League to Fortuna career path has been followed by Halloran, has been ruled out despite undertaking a militant rehabilitation program that should have him close to full fitness by June 13, when the Socceroos open their World Cup campaign against Chile.

Middlesbrough's Rhys Williams' late hopes of making the squad didn't come to fruition with his achilles responding slower than hoped, while assessments are still being made on Dutch-based defender Trent Sainsbury (knee).

New York Red Bulls attacker Tim Cahill and Crystal Palace captain Mile Jedinak are the favourites to skipper the Socceroos after Lucas Neill's omission, while Brett Holman's retirement means Dynamo Moscow defender Luke Wilkshire is another of the older guard likely to be ­selected.

Superb form in Germany is set to win Ben Halloran a place in the squad. Source: Getty Images

Postecoglou will take 27 players to Brazil, after trimming three following the May 26 send-off game against South Africa at Sydney's ANZ Stadium.

The final 23 must be named by the June 2 FIFA deadline.

Striker Josh Kennedy has been included after overcoming a thigh injury that has ruled him out of club football in Japan for almost a month.

Kennedy is expected to play for his J-League side Nagoya Grampus this weekend so may be a late arrival into the Socceroos camp due to the minimum week's rest that FIFA mandate for players chosen for the World Cup.

Crystal Palace skipper Mile Jedinak is battling injury but should recover in time for the World Cup. Source: AP

Wright, who has played 44 games this season, is among those still in action.

Preston will play in the League One promotion playoff final on May 25 if it can overcome Rotherham United on Friday morning.

Defender Curtis Good, who is recovering from a hip flexor injury, has Scottish Cup final commitments with Dundee United this weekend.

A-League pair Adam Taggart and James Troisi will be rewarded for their stellar A-League form.

Four goalkeepers are expected to be chosen for the camp in Sydney — Mathew Ryan, Mitch Langerak, Adelaide veteran Eugene Galekovic and young Newcastle stopper Mark Birighitti, with one to be omitted from the party that travels to Brazil.

Socceroos veteran Mark Bresciano has returned to action in the Middle East. Source: News Corp Australia

Having played four 90-minute games for his club Qatar club Al-Gharafa since his return from a FIFA-imposed suspension, all of them 90 minutes, Mark Bresciano has dispelled doubts about his fitness and is a certain inclusion.

FSV Frankfurt attacker Nikita Rukavystya and Millwall's Shane Lowry are among the few overseas first-team regulars who won't be selected while 2010 World Cup midfielder Carl Valeri has only managed six games this season.

BRAZIL BOUND?

POSSIBLE 30-MAN SOCCEROOS SQUAD

Keepers

Mat Ryan (Club Brugge, BEL), Mitch Langerak (Borussia Dortmund, GER), Eugene Galekovic (Adelaide Utd), Mark Birighitti (Newcastle Jets)

Defenders

Ivan Franjic (Brisbane Roar), Matthew Spiranovic (Western Sydney), Curtis Good (Dundee Utd, SCO), Trent Sainsbury (PEC Zwolle, NETH), Bailey Wright (Preston North End), Jason Davidson (Heracles, NETH), Luke Wilkshire (Dynamo Moscow, RUS), Alex Wilkinson (Jeonbuk Motors, KOR), Ryan McGowan (Shandong Luneng, CHI)

Midfielders

Mile Jedinak (Crystal Palace), Mark Milligan (Melbourne Victory), James Holland (Austria Vienna), Massimo Luongo (Swindon Town), Adam Sarota (FC Utrecht, NETH), Oliver Bozanic (Luzern, SWI), Matt McKay (Brisbane Roar), Mark Bresciano (Al-Gharafa, QAT)

Attackers

Tim Cahill (New York Red Bulls), Josh Kennedy (Nagoya Grampus, JAP), Tom Rogic (Melbourne Victory), Dario Vidosic (Sion, SWI), Tommy Oar (FC Utrecht, NETH), James Troisi (Melbourne Victory), Ben Halloran (Fortuna Dusseldorf, GER), Adam Taggart (Newcastle Jets), Matthew Leckie (FSV Frankfurt, GER)

KEY DATES

Thursday: World Cup camp starts in Gosford

May 26: Friendly vs. South Africa

May 28: 27-man squad departs for Brazil

June 2: Official 23-man squad submitted to FIFA


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Who is Socceroos bolter Bailey Wright?

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BAILEY who? Not many people know about Bailey Wright — Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou's bolter for Brazil. We're here to help.

Postecoglou will name his preliminary 30-man squad for the World Cup on Wednesday, with untried youngsters Wright and Ben Halloran expected to get the nod.

Here's five things you need to know about Bailey Wright.

1 — Wright is a 22-year-old centre-back who plays for Preston North End in England's third tier, League One. He has run out for his club side 44 times this season, scoring an impressive four goals, leading to Postecoglou scouting him personally in February.

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2 — After being overlooked for the Australian Institute of Sport, Wright moved to England in 2009 after being offered a scholarship at Preston. His impressive rise up the club ranks saw him named PNE's young player of the season in 2013. The uncompromising defender has modelled his game on former Manchester United powerhouse Nemanja Vidic.

3 — Wright was one of six Preston players arrested, and subsequently bailed, in relation to spot-fixing in April this year. The Socceroos hopeful and his five teammates have all claimed their innocence over the matter.

Preston North End's Bailey Wright tackles Coventry City's Leon Clarke. Source: AAP

4 -The defender's club side is currently in the middle of a two-leg semi-final playoff tie against Rotheram for a spot in the Championship next season. The tie is poised at 1-1 after the first leg, with the second to be played at New York Stadium on Friday morning (AEST). Should PNE advance, the playoff final takes place in England on May 25 — a day before the Socceroos' friendly against South Africa in Sydney. Wright would in all likelihood choose his club side and would have to rely on his form in England this season to earn him a spot in Postecoglou's final 23-man squad, which will has to be finalised by June 2.

5 — Wright has worn the green and old before. He was a member of the Australia Under 17 squad that reached the quarter-finals of the Asian Under 16 World Cup Qualifiers, narrowly missing a place at the 2009 FIFA Under 17 World Cup.


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Bresciano’s ban appeal dismissed

Written By Unknown on Senin, 12 Mei 2014 | 18.48

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SOCCEROOS midfielder Mark Bresciano has had his appeal against a four-month ban dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The 34-year-old has already served the ban imposed by FIFA over an illegal transfer between Dubai club Al Nasr and Qatari club Al Gharafa.

The appeal was jointly filed by Al Gharafa and Bresciano however the CAS panel in charge of the matter confirmed the FIFA decision in full.

As part of the punishment Al Gharafa was ordered to pay $2 million in compensation to Al Nasr and was banned from registering new players during the next two registration periods.

The ban did not affect Bresciano's eligibility for the upcoming World Cup.


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Tom Hafey loses cancer battle

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RICHMOND has lost its greatest coach after Tom Hafey died today, aged 82.

Hafey, who coached Richmond to four premierships and also coached Collingwood, Geelong and Sydney, passed away after a short battle with cancer.

"This is an extremely sad day in Richmond's history, to have lost a giant of the club in Tommy Hafey," Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said.

PICTURES: REMEMBERING TOM HAFEY

"Tommy means so much to the Richmond Football Club. He has had an enormous influence on so many people connected with the club.

"His coaching achievements at Tigerland are legendary, and he was a constant source of inspiration to the yellow and black.

"Tommy was a fine example of how to get the most out of life — his mantra of hard work, discipline, dedication, persistence, honesty, loyalty, integrity, good health and vitality, was not only the recipe for success on the football field, but success in his wonderful life.

"At this time, our thoughts are with Tommy's wife Maureen, their children Rhonda, Karen and Jo, and the extended family."

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE TRIBUTES TO HAFEY AND LEAVE YOUR MEMORIES

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou described Hafey as an inspiration.

"Australian Football is mourning Tom Hafey, who numbers among just 14 individuals recognised in our history for service to the game as one of our great coaches. Tom Hafey built teams and clubs to be successful, guided young men to be successful both on the ground and off their ground in their lives and, above all, simply loved our game," Demetriou said.

"Through each of his stints at four clubs, Tom championed fitness, teamwork, morale and dedication, and lived those ideals to the fullest with his personal creed of five Ds that 'Desire plus Dedication plus Discipline plus Determination equals your Destination'."

Tom Hafey played 67 matches for Richmond in the 1950s. Source: Supplied

Hafey was inducted as an Original Member of the Hall of Fame in 1996, as well as being an AFL Life Member.

"Tom's record of 522 games as a senior VFL-AFL coach is exceeded by just four men in history and he was a loyal and trusted friend to thousands across our game, who are feeling his loss deeply today."

Hafey was an average footballer, great coach and father figure to many of the players he mentored from 1966-88.

Hafey was happy to describe himself as a battler in his 67 games for Richmond in the back pocket between 1954 and 1958 (10 goals) after being recruited from Malvern.

And he was too modest to ever speak of his glittering coaching career, but the facts clearly point out he was born for the caper.

Lacking the necessary profile to secure a VFL coaching job on retirement, he coached Shepparton to four grand finals from 1962-65, winning the last three.

The fitness of his players and their desire to play for Hafey had caught the eye of Tiger secretary Graeme Richmond, who appointed him in 1966.

After just missing that year's finals Hafey took Richmond to premierships in 1967, 69, 73 and 74. He resigned after the 1976 season when he believed he had lost the support of powerbroker Graeme Richmond.

Collingwood, which had finished last for the first time in 1976, snapped up Hafey and he took the Magpies to within a point of going from first to last, drawing the 1977 Grand Final before losing the replay to North Melbourne.

Tom Hafey is chaired off the MCG after winning the 1969 Grand Final. Source: News Limited

Losing Grand Finals followed in 1979, 80 and 81 with what some considered a side lacking the quality of some opponents, before Hafey was sacked by Collingwood during the 1982 season.

He then spent three muddling years with Geelong before taking Sydney to the finals in 1986-87, then being sacked at the end of 1988.

He never coached again, finishing with a record of 336 wins from 521 games at a very healthy winning percentage of 64 per cent.

In terms of games coached, Hafey has the equal-best winning percentage of the top 10 with only Jock McHale, Mick Malthouse, Kevin Sheedy and Allan Jeans having sat in charge of more matches.

Hafey with Richmond champion Royce Hart. Source: News Limited

After coaching, he dedicated himself to motivation and fitness, travelling the country where he would put local teams through their paces or speak to schoolchildren about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

His approach to life was highlighted by a positive outlook, beginning with the way he answered his phone. After a caller inquired how he was, Hafey would reply "good and getting better".

He still cut a remarkable physical figure in his 80s, complete with trademark T-shirt and bulging biceps. For almost his entire adult life his day would begin with a run, swim and push-ups at St Kilda beach.

TOM HAFEY

Player:

67 games for Richmond, 1953-58, 10 goals.

Played Richmond Amateurs 1959.

Played Shepparton 1960-65.

Coach:

Richmond coach 1966-76. 248 games for 173 wins, 73 losses, two draws. 20 finals for 15 wins, four losses, one draw.

Collingwood coach 1977-82. 138 games for 89 wins, 47 losses, two draws. 18 finals for nine wins, eight losses, one draw.

Geelong coach 1983-85. 66 games for 31 wins, 35 losses.

Sydney Swans coach 1986-88. 70 games for 43 wins, 27 losses. Four finals for four losses.

Coached Shepparton 1960-65.

Overall Coaching Record:

522 games (fifth most ever) for 336 wins, 182 losses, four draws.

42 finals games (fourth most ever) for 24 wins, 16 losses, two draws.

Richmond premiership coach 1967, 1969, 1973, 1974.

Richmond Team of the Century Coach (1998).

Richmond Hall of Fame Inductee (2002).

Richmond Immortal (2003).

All Australian Coach 1980.

AFL Hall of Fame Inductee 1996 (coach).

Shepparton premiership coach 1963, 1964, 1965.


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Bitter-sweet match for Daley’s Blues

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HE must have laughed in between the tears on Monday night.

Jarryd Hayne's miracle try brought some rare joy to a terribly disrupted preparation for NSW coach Laurie Daley.

The smile though disappeared with Daley realising he may now be without giant Cronulla prop Andrew Fifita.

Parramatta's Jarryd Hayne on his way to score a great try. Source: News Corp Australia

Fifita left the field in the 18th minute during Monday night's game at Pirtek Stadium with syndesmosis.

He was at Westmead Hospital having scans before the match had even ended.

Fifita could miss several weeks, all but ending his chances of playing State of Origin I on May 28.

He left Pirtek Stadium on crutches.

James Tamou, Paul Gallen, Trent Merrin and Aaron Woods would now be NSW's front-row row contenders.

Andrew Fifita leaves the field with an injured ankle. Source: News Corp Australia

In the end, Parramatta won the Johnny Mannah Cup with a dominating 42-24 win over a disappointing Sharks side. Victory was special for Eels skipper Tim Mannah.

Parramatta looked a dangerous team at times last night. Good times lie ahead.

The night was lit-up by Hayne's dazzling try, where he beat four defenders in a scorching run to the try-line.

He is a dead-set freak. After the try, Hayne blessed himself, looked skyward and then did the Hayne Plane.

Parramatta's Jarryd Hayne celebrates try. Source: News Corp Australia

It was Hayne's eighth try in his last nine matches against Cronulla. Hayne scored a second run-away try last night nearing fulltime. He finished the game in the sin-bin.

NSW desperately need Hayne at his attacking finest to beat Queensland.

Rather than a minute's silence, fans before the game were asked to stand and applaud for a minute to honour Mannah, who passed away at the start of last season.

Moments later, the crowd was asked to remain silent for a minute in honour of Immortal Reg Gasnier, who passed away on Sunday night.

Cronulla's night couldn't have started worse after halfback Jeff Robson dropped the kick-off, resulting in a goal-line drop-out.

Cronulla skipper Paul Gallen after copping elbow to throat. Source: News Corp Australia

The Sharks couldn't get out of their own end after another fumble and minutes later the semi-trailer, winger Semi Radradra, stormed over out wide.

It was his 11th try in nine games this year. The big bloke is virtually unstoppable.

Cronulla did not have possession inside the Parramatta half for the opening eight minutes. And then, within seconds of that happening, Cronulla stunned Parramatta with a try.

It came after fullback Michael Gordon threw a beautiful long ball to unmarked winger Sosaia Feki, who did well to zip over in the corner. Gordon's sideline conversion gave Cronulla a 6-4 lead.

Jarryd Hayne makes a break. Source: News Corp Australia

Robson's unhappy start continued in the 15th minute when he failed to find touch from a penalty.

Midway through the first half, Robson made amends when he grubbered through for Wade Graham, who kicked again to score.

It was an amazing try. Gordon's simple conversion gave the visitors a 12-4 lead.

The bad news though was Fifita limped from the field the tackle before Graham's try.

Just as Cronulla looked to dominate, Hayne produced his moment of magic.

Hayne initiated a break down Parramatta's left side and then backed up to beat no less than four players to score a remarkable try.

Parramatta's Chris Sandow dives over for a try. Source: News Corp Australia

Halfback Chris Sandow converted to reduce Cronulla's lead to just two points.

Sandow then pushed his team ahead late in the first half when he chip-kicked ahead to score a fine solo try.

The little bloke loved it.

Sandow then converted to give Parramatta a 16-12 lead. That lead was extended minutes later when winger Ken Sio scored.

A second try to Hopoate just after the break gave the Eels a massive lead.

PARRAMATTA 42 (J Hayne 2 K Sio 2 W Hopoate S Radradra C Sandow W Tonga tries C Sandow 5 goals) bt CRONULLA 24 (I De Gois S Feki M Gordon W Graham tries M Gordon 4 goals) at Pirtek Stadium. Referee: Alan Shortall, Adam Devcich. Crowd: 12,541

Re-live the action in our blog below:


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World Cup squads as they’re named

(L-R) Nigeria's John Obi Mikel, Brazilian star Neymar, Germany's Mesut Ozil. Source: AFP

THE culmination of four years' hard work is about to arrive for about 700 of the world's best footballers.

With the FIFA World Cup kicking off on June 12, footballers from around the world are waiting anxiously by their phones as they wait for the call letting them know whether they're in or out of their country's squad.

Some coaches, including Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, have taken the plunge by naming their final 23-man squad already. Others, including Australia's Ange Postecoglou, will name a preliminary 30-man group before cutting that down to 23 before the final deadline on June 2.

We'll bring you every squad as it is announced — scroll down to see the players that have been named so far.

SOCCEROOS POWER RANKINGS

MILLIGAN SAYS TROISI A MUST FOR BRAZIL

OGNENOVSKI SLAMS 'DISRESPECTFUL' ANGE

WORLD CUP SCOUT: HODGSON'S HINT

UP FOR CUP: ANGE'S 0.1% NO-HOPERS

GROUP A

BRAZIL

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Toronto FC), Jefferson (Botafogo), Victor (Atletico Mineiro)

Defenders: David Luiz (Chelsea), Dante (Bayern Munich), Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain), Henrique (Napoli), Maicon (Roma), Dani Alves (Barcelona), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Maxwell (Paris Saint-Germain)

Midfielders: Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg), Paulinho (Tottenham), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Ramires (Chelsea), Oscar (Chelsea), Willian (Chelsea), Hernanes (Inter Milan)

Forwards: Hulk (Zenit St. Petersburg), Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk), Neymar (Barcelona), Jo (Atletico Mineiro), Fred (Fluminense)

REACTION: NO RONALDINHO, KAKA IN BRAZIL 23

Neymar will lead the line for Brazil. Source: AFP

CAMEROON

TBC

CROATIA

TBC

MEXICO

TBC

GROUP B

AUSTRALIA

TBC

CHILE

TBC

NETHERLANDS

TBC

SPAIN

TBC

GROUP C

COLOMBIA

TBC

GREECE

TBC

IVORY COAST

TBC

JAPAN

Goalkeepers: Eiji Kawashima (Standard Liege), Shusaku Nishikawa (Urawa Red Diamonds), Shuichi Gonda (FC Tokyo)

Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo (Inter Milan), Maya Yoshida (Southampton), Yasuyuki Konno (Gamba Osaka), Masahiko Inoha (Jubilo Iwata), Masato Morishige (FC Tokyo), Atsuto Uchida (Schalke 04), Hiroki Sakai (Hannover 96), Gotoku Sakai (Stuttgart)

Midfielders:

Makoto Hasebe (Nuremberg), Hotaru Yamaguchi (Cerezo Osaka), Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka), Toshihiro Aoyama (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Hiroshi Kiyotake (Nuremberg), Keisuke Honda (AC Milan)

Forwards: Shinji Kagawa (Manchester United), Shinji Okazaki (Mainz 05), Yuya Osako (1860 Munich), Yoichiro Kakitani (Cerezo Osaka), Yoshito Okubo (Kawasaki Frontale), Manabu Saito (Yokohama Marinos)

GROUP D

COSTA RICA

TBC

ENGLAND

TBC

ITALY

TBC

URUGUAY

TBC

GROUP E

ECUADOR

TBC

FRANCE

TBC

HONDURAS

Goalkeepers: Noel Valladares, Donis Escober (both Olimpia), Luis Lopez (Real Espana).

Defenders: Brayan Beckeles (Olimpia), Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic), Juan Carlos Garcia (Wigan), Maynor Figueroa (Hull), Victor Bernardez (San Jose Earthquakes), Osman Chavez (Qingdao Janoon), Juan Pablo Montes (Motagua).

Midfielders: Arnold Peralta (Rangers), Luis Garrido (Olimpia), Roger Espinoza (Wigan), Jorge Claros (Motagua), Wilson Palacios (Stoke), Oscar Garcia (Houston Dynamo), Andy Najar (Anderlecht), Mario Martinez (Real Espana), Marvin Chavez (Colorado Rapids).

Forwards: Jerry Bengtson (New England Revolution), Jerry Palacios (Alajuelense), Carlo Costly (Real Espana), Rony Martinez (Real Sociedad).

SWITZERLAND

TBC

GROUP F

ARGENTINA

TBC

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Goalkeepers: Asmir Begovic (Stoke City), Asmir Avdukic (Borac Banja Luka), Jasmin Fejzic (VFR Aalen).

Defenders: Emir Spahic (Bayer Leverkusen), Toni Sunjic (Zorya Lugansk), Sead Kolasinac (Schalke), Ognjen Vranjes (Elazigspor), Ervin Zukanovic (Gent), Ermin Bicakcic (Eintracht Braunschweig), Muhamed Besic (Ferencvaros).

Midfielders: Miralem Pjanic (Roma), Izet Hajrovic (Galatasaray), Mensur Mujdza (Freiburg), Haris Medunjanin (Gaziantepspor), Senad Lulic (Lazio), Anel Hadzic (Sturm), Tino Susic (Hajduk), Sejad Salihovic (Hoffenheim), Zvjezdan Misimovic (Guizhour Renhe), Senijad Ibricic (Erciyesspor), Avdija Vrsaljevic (Hajduk).

Forwards: Vedad Ibisevic (VfB Stuttgart), Edin Dzeko (Manchester City), Edin Visca (Istanbul BB).

Bosnia & Herzegovina's Edin Dzeko has been on fire for Manchester City. Source: Getty Images

IRAN (preliminary squad)

Goalkeepers: Daniel Davari (Eintracht Braunschweig), Alireza Haghighi (Sporting Covilha, on loan from Rubin Kazan), Rahman Ahmadi (Sepahan), Sousha Makani (Foolad Khuzestan) Defenders: Khosro Heidari (Esteghlal), Hossein Mahini (Persepolis), Steven "Mehrdad" Beitashour (Vancouver Whitecaps), Pejman Montazeri (Umm Salal), Jalal Hosseini (Persepolis), Amir Sadeghi (Esteghlal), Mohammad Reza Khanzadeh (Zob Ahan), Ahmad Alenemeh (Naft), Hashem Beikzadeh (Esteghlal), Ehsan Hajsafi (Sepahan), Mehrdad Pooladi (Persepolis).

Midfielders: Javad Nekounam (Al Kuwait), Andranik Teymourian (Esteghlal), Reza Haghighi (Persepolis), Ghasem Hadadifar (Zob Ahan), Bakhtiyar Rahmani (Foolad), Alireza Jahanbakhsh (NEC Nijmegen), Ashkan Dejagah (Fulham).

Forwards: Masoud Shojaei (Las Palmas), Mohammad Reza Khalatbari (Persepolis), Mehdi Sharifi (Sepahan), Reza Ghoochannejhad (Charlton), Karim Ansarifard (Persepolis, on loan at Tractor Sazi), Sardar Azmoun (Rubin Kazan).

NIGERIA (preliminary squad)

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille FC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Israel), Daniel Akpeyi (Warri Wolves), Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United)

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France); Efe Ambrose (Celtic, Scotland); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough, England); Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel); Joseph Yobo (Norwich City, England); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars).

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England); Ramon Azeez (Almeria FC, Spain); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Joel Obi (Parma, Italy); Nnamdi Oduamadi (Varese, Italy); Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers), Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain), Sunday Mba (CA Bastia, France), Reuben Gabriel (Waasland-Beveren, Belgium), Michael Babatunde (Volyn Lutsk, Ukraine).

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce, Turkey); Obinna Nsofor (Chievo Verona, Italy); Peter Odemwingie (Stoke City, England), Michael Uchebo (Cercle Brugge, Belgium); Victor Moses (Liverpool, England), Uche Nwofor (Heerenveen, Holland).

Chelsea's John Obi Mikel (R) is part of Nigeria's squad. Source: AFP

GROUP G

GERMANY (preliminary squad)

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Roman Weidenfeller (Borussia Dortmund), Ron-Robert Zieler (Hanover)

Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Erik Durm (Borussia Dortmund), Kevin Grosskreutz (Borussia Dortmund), Benedikt Hoewedes (Schalke), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Marcell Jansen (Hamburg), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Arsenal), Shkodran Mustafi (Sampdoria), Marcel Schmelzer (Borussia Dortmund).

Midfielders: Lars Bender (Bayer Leverkusen), Julian Draxler (Schalke), Matthias Ginter (Freiburg), Leon Goretzka (Schalke), Mario Goetze (Bayern Munich), Andre Hahn (Augsburg), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid), Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich), Max Meyer (Schalke), Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Lukas Podolski (Arsenal), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), Andre Schurrle (Chelsea), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich)

Forwards: Miroslav Klose (Lazio), Kevin Volland (Hoffenheim)

REACTION: VETERAN GOMEZ LEFT OUT OF GERMANY SQUAD

Mesut Ozil is hoping for a big tournament with Germany. Source: AP

GHANA

TBC

PORTUGAL

TBC

USA

TBC

GROUP H

ALGERIA

TBC

BELGIUM

TBC

RUSSIA

TBC

SOUTH KOREA

Goalkeepers: Jung Sung-ryong (Suwon Bluewings), Kim Seung-gyu (Ulsan Hyundai), Lee Bum-young (Busan IPark)

Defenders: Kim Jin-su (Albirex Niigata), Kim Young-gwon (Guangzhou Evergrande), Yoon Suk-young (QPR), Hwang Seok-ho (Hiroshima Sanfrecce), Hong Jeong-ho (Augsburg) Kwak Tae-hwi (Al Hilal), Lee Yong (Ulsan Hyundai), Kim Chang-su (Kashiwa Reysol)

Midfielders: Ki Sung-yueng (Sunderland), Ha Dae-sung (Beijing Guoan), Han Kook-young (Kashiwa Reysol), Park Jong-woo (Guangzhou R&F), Kim Bo-kyung (Cardiff City), Lee Chung-yong (Bolton Wanderers), Ji Dong-won (Augsburg), Son Heung-min (Bayer Leverkusen)

Forwards: Koo Ja-cheol (FSV Mainz 05), Lee Keun-ho (Sangju Sangmu), Park Chu-young (Watford), Kim Shin-wook (Ulsan Hyundai)

South Korea's Heung-Min Son has been a revelation for Bayer Leverkusen. Source: AFP


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