Live NRL: Rabbitohs v Warriors

Panthers tear sloppy Titans apart

PENRITH have gone top of the NRL ladder, smashing the sloppy Titans with an impressive 36-14 victory on the Gold Coast. +

7:31 PM (AEST)

Cherry-Evans likely to be fit for Origin

MANLY playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans is likely to be fit for Origin II despite re-injuring his left knee in Manly's 32-10 win over Canterbury. +

2:08 PM (AEST)

Nervous McLean returns to the field

JORDAN McLean admits he has never felt more nervous after returning for his first match since his involvement in the Alex McKinnon tackle.

4:13 PM (AEST)

Live NRL: Rabbitohs v Warriors

THE Panthers are on top of the NRL ladder after smashing the Titans, Benji leads the Dragons to victory, next Rabbitohs v Warriors. +

9:13 PM (AEST)

Tamou joins calls for stand-alone Origin

NORTH Queensland and NSW prop James Tamou has added his voice to calls for State of Origin to played as stand-alone fixtures. +

2:08 PM (AEST)

Slippery Eels too good for Cowboys

PARRAMATTA have sealed their premiership potential with a four-try victory over the North Queensland Cowboys at Pirtek Stadium.

06 Jun

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Live: Lions lead Dogs, Giants challenging Dons

Robert Murphy's Western Bulldogs host the Brisbane Lions. Picture: Jono Searle Source: Jonathon Searle / News Limited

A DOMINANT seven-goal second term from the Brisbane Lions have helped them to a 27-point half-time lead over Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

The Lions have ran and moved the ball with great pace, with Rohan Bewick (19 disposals) leading the way in his return game.

The Bulldogs' defensive work has been below par, while they also seem flat-footed when the Lions break from stoppages.

In tonight's other game, Essendon leads GWS Giants by 10 points at half-time in greasy conditions at Spotless Stadium.

FOLLOW THE ACTION IN OUR MATCH CENTRE WITH LIVE SUPERCOACH SCORES ABOVE OR CLICK HERE IF YOU'RE ON A MOBILE DEVICE .

Essendon kicked the first goal of the game through late inclusion Corey Dell'OIio, but it was GWS who controlled the game for the remainder of the opening term.

The Giants had more inside 50s than Essendon in the first quarter and looked hungrier around the ground.

Essendon developed greater fluency in its game towards the end of the first half and Dell'Olio's second major — after a 50m penalty — gave it a narrow buffer.

Earlier, Port Adelaide responded to a St Kilda second-quarter challenge to run out comfortable 70-point winners at the Adelaide Oval.

Chad Wingard punctuated the victory, taking a huge mark over Sean Dempster in the third term. Wingard finished with three goals and a mortgage on Mark of the Year honours.

Port Adelaide star Chad Wingard clunks Mark of the Year? Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

Robbie Gray was among Port's best with four goals while Jay Schulz slotted three of his own. St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt played a lone hand up forward with four goals.

In Launceston, a seven-goal third quarter saw Hawthorn demolish West Coast at Aurora Stadium.

Jarryd Roughead was the star with eight goals as the Hawks shrugged off any injury concerns, to win 19.9 (123) to 12.7 (79).

Hawthorn debutant Luke Lowden kicked three goals in an impressive display while Andrew Gaff and Luke Shuey were among the best for the Eagles.

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In footy’s elite club, life begins at 44

Corey Enright has worn No.44 with distinction for the Cats. Source: News Limited

IN THE AFL era, it has usually worked this way: if you are not one of the gun draft picks, you spend your first few games dragging around a cricket score on your back.

Then, eventually, a lower jumper number becomes available for you to snap up.

That's how it worked with Wayne Carey (No.40 in 1989), Tony Lockett (37 in 1983), James Hird (49 in 1992), Michael Voss (56 in 1992), Robert Harvey (52 in 1988) and Brad Johnson (33 in 1994).

Kieren Jack wore 48 in his first two matches, Robert Murphy spent three games in No.22, while Jack Steven made his debut in No.34.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE JUMPER NUMBER? JOIN THE DEBATE ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM #FANSNUMBER

But there are some players who are part of the countermovement: those who were handed a high number and kept it throughout a storied career.

And of that phenomenon, there is no greater example than the No.44.

Consider a centre square combination of Justin Madden, Nigel Lappin, John Platten and Andrew Carrazzo. Premiership players Corey Enright, David Wirrpanda, Peter Caven and Shane Kerrison to mop up in the backline, and sharpshooters Stephen Milne and Richard Osborne (each with 574 career goals) slotting them through up forward.

With scope to include handy footballers such as Tom Bellchambers, Shannon Motlop and Tom Logan in the team.

It is the highest number to have saluted on Brownlow night, and has been worn in 111 of the past 200 premiership teams.

John Platten was a star for Hawthorn in No.44. Source: News Limited

Perhaps the most curious moment involving the No.44 came in North Melbourne's breakthrough premiership in 1975.

Champion rover Barry Cable, who had worn the No.9 in his previous 64 appearances for the Kangaroos, suddenly ran out on Grand Final day sporting the No.44.

"For some reason the club gave us our jumpers to take home,'' Cable recalled. "I can't remember why, it might have been for us to wash them and save a bit of money (it was actually a "duty of care'' initiative which demanded that the North players be responsible for their own gear).

"I was very particular about packing my gear. I put in my shorts, my socks. My boots were polished. When I got to the ground I unzipped the bag and started to get into my gear. No jumper.''

Stephen Milne wore No.44 for 275 games with St Kilda. Source: News Limited

Cable said he tried to contact friends to bring the jumper from his Coburg home to the MCG, and contemplated sending a taxi to fetch it, but in the end he ran out of time.

"I said to the property steward, 'What else have you got?'. He handed me a No.44 and I said, 'That'll do'. It fitted OK.''

Cable said his teammates looked at him with puzzled faces, while the Hawthorn players thought it was part of some elaborate subterfuge dreamt up by supercoach Ron Barassi.

The bottom line is that Cable had a game-high 21 disposals and kicked two goals … and the No.44 was part of a historic premiership.

Brisbane's No.44 Nigel Lappin was a key part of the "fab four" triple-premiership midfield. Source: News Limited

Richard Osborne wore No.44 at Fitzroy, Footscray and Collingwood. Source: News Corp Australia

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Dugan takes the centre stage

Josh Dugan celebrates the Dragons win with Benji Marshall. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

BENJI Marshall landed his first NRL win in 10 months and Josh Dugan quite possibly grabbed a sky blue jersey.

The high-profile St George Illawarra duo were instrumental in the Dragons' crushing local derby victory over an injury-ravaged Cronulla.

Marshall, who sealed his first NRL win since August, had a hand in five of the Dragons' six tries.

Benji Marshall finds space with Josh Dugan in support. Source: News Limited

Dugan bagged a hat-trick of four-pointers that suggested he is the man to solve NSW coach Laurie Daley's right centre vacancy.

Enjoying a glut of possession against a Sharks side missing 13 regular first-graders, Marshall reached into his old bag of tricks to pull out the gold he had been searching for over the past month.

josh Dugan celebrates try number three. Source: News Limited

While the Sharks resembled nothing more than shadows at times, Marshall's kicking game, no-look passes and confidence in directing the Dragons around the paddock was the performance that warranted his $1.1 million price tag.

The key for the Kiwi international is to back it up against better opposition than he came up against last night.

The Dragons' victory, coming after four straight losses, also marked Paul McGregor's first success as head coach of the club.

Josh Dugan celebrates scoring one of his three tries for the Dragons. Source: News Limited

Dugan, playing in the unfamiliar role of right centre, could do nothing more to impress Daley.

His first two tries were all strength and power, muscling his frame past defenders. His third came when he climbed high above his rivals to pull down a pinpoint Marshall kick.

The Sharks were valiant in defeat, their debutants Fa'amanu Brown and Jacob Gagan offered promise, but in reality this was a match that they were never going to win.

They couldn't have got off to a worse start when veteran half-back Daniel Holdsworth knocked on from the kick-off. From that point, they were on the back foot for the opening 25 minutes.

Adam Quinlan is tackled by Blake Ayshford. Source: Getty Images

The Dragons dominated territory and possession before winger Peter Mata'utia went charging over in the eastern corner to open the scoring.

The Sharks continued to make errors and Saints capitalised. Dugan charged on to a Marshall pass for his first.

Marshall looked far more enthusiastic and effective. He ran the ball hard and straight and gave his outside men plenty of options.

Nathan Stapleton is tackled by the Dragons defence. Source: News Limited

In the opening 30 minutes, the Sharks had only two play-the-balls inside St George Illawarra's 20m zone.

And when they got there they lost the football.

Marshall's kicking game was also a huge improvement on his first two outings. Three times in the first half the Sharks were forced to take line-dropouts.

Nathan Gardner added some energy from fullback, but, because of his size, lacked penetration.

Josh Dugan makes a break. Source: Getty Images

Dugan grabbed his second try in the 32nd minute, again off Marshall. It was the sort of combination the Dragons have been desperate to find.

Fulltime ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA 30 (J Dugan 3 G Beale 2 P Mata'utia tries G Widdop 3 goals) bt CRONULLA 0 at WIN Stadium. Referee: Gavin Badger, Chris James. Crowd: 12,079

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NRL slams Knights Members Club

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THE NRL has taken aim at the Newcastle Knights Members Club claiming it is standing in the way of an agreement that will secure the long term financial future of the Knights.

In a statement released on Friday night, the NRL said it had agreed on a handover package with departing owner Nathan Tinkler and his Hunter Sports Group.

But an agreement that would "make the club financially secure" was being held up by the Members Club.

"The deal we have put forward will secure the future of the Newcastle Knights and set them up as one of the financially strongest clubs in the NRL," Crawford said.

"The agreement would ensure the Knights jersey and logo is retained and that the team would continue to play in Newcastle.

Knights fans are enduring testing times for the club. Source: News Limited

"It's a great outcome for the club, the players and the fans — but it is being held up by the Members Club.

"The sooner we can finalise this deal the better it will be for everyone associated with the Newcastle Knights.

"So it is disappointing that the Members Club continues to hold up the process."

Mr Crawford said the NRL would continue to keep discussions open with the parties.

Knights members club chairman Nick Dan said he was in talks with the NRL right up until 7pm on Friday night, not long before the release was put out and suggested it was pre-mediated.

"The position of the Members Club is we are going to continue to push our views for the good of the Knights," he said.

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Keep calm and carry on, Hawks

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KEEP it together. Keep it together. Keep it together.

Under Eddie Murphy's spoof religious group Mindhead it was a mantra to impose calm and find purpose.

For Hawthorn it's the reality forced upon it by a confluence of extraordinary events that have imposed a state of unnatural disruption.

With its coach out of the picture and a debilitating injury list, the grind of winter has a more pointed edge for the Hawks.

The understudies are left to keep the campaign afloat until reinforcements arrive.

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Given the compaction at the top of the ladder, any misstep could prompt a snakes-and-ladders effect. Had they fallen to the Giants last Sunday, the Hawks would be sixth rather than second and the prophets of doom circling.

The shock of Alastair Clarkson's illness has given way to the certainty of his prolonged absence.

While he's a believer that there's a degree of theatre in the importance associated with the role of senior coach, the presence and influence of a figurehead is vital and reassuring in virtually every walk of life.

In the practicalities of the football preparation, the messages and practices were immediately maintained but the sense of strangeness was undeniable.

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That will likely dissipate but in a matter of weeks Hawthorn has moved from the model premiership defence to a study of where the tipping point lies.

Interruption is now guaranteed to be a constant companion immeasurably increasing the degree of difficulty in what's being attempted.

A month ago Hawthorn seemed again destined to march through the season occupying the mantle of the best team in the competition.

The Hawks had refined ball movement to a near art form under the edict, not of defending the title, but the more tangible aspiration of mastering their craft.

The combination of sophistication and elegance pulverised Gold Coast, garotted Fremantle and surgically dissected St Kilda in inclement conditions.

Sam Mitchell will be missed for several more weeks through injury. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

The Hawks had it all. Style and substance complemented by an insatiable appetite for repeat success. Motivation to forge a place alongside the great Hawthorn teams of the past.

The terms have inexorably altered.

Last week the Hawks were only vaguely recognisable. Some examined the team sheet and saw the reigning VFL premier rather than the AFL version.

The coach was a rookie. Only two members of the leadership group were on the field. And they were under relentless siege from the despised Giants.

As the Hawks casualties had been mounting the willingness held firm. Shaun Burgoyne stirred a ravaged line-up to meritorious defeat against the Swans in Sydney.

Jordan Lewis was epic as he channelled the warrior spirit to nag and trouble Port Adelaide.

Young gun Billy Hartung talks to interim coach Brendan Bolton at training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

But there's a point when the absence of a critical mass of first choice players finally undermines method, predictability and trust.

On a grubby day at the MCG the slog was grim. Perhaps they weren't adequately switched on. Or maybe it was all they were capable of but Hawthorn spent the afternoon a whisker from disaster.

It's a view it might be forced to endure regardless of perceptions about the opposition.

Hawthorn's predicament is double edged. There's the imperative of winning to hold and fortify a position from which to launch.

Then there are the potential gains and fillips.

The Hawks couldn't have emerged with the points last week without the intervention of fourth gamer Angus Litherland.

Billy Hartung is forging a path. Jonathon Ceglar is learning his craft. The ever-popular Matt Spangher will get a sustained crack.

And Luke Lowden's phone call to his mum telling her of his long-awaited debut might have prompted smiles from the outside world, but imagine the joy felt by his teammates.

There isn't a guide to navigate such trying times even for the most accomplished team. How do you find sustainable normality in a most irregular scenario?

Such moments might lighten the burden and lift the spirit in what has become the most formidable challenge for a defending premier in decades.

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AFL wary despite drugs drop

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ONLY 15 AFL players recorded positive illicit drug tests in 2013, but four players are now on two strikes.

The AFL released the results of its illicit drugs program on Friday, which showed a dramatic decrease in positive tests, down from 26 in 2012.

All 15 failed tests were for stimulants, such as cocaine and amphetamines, and one positive was the second strike for one player, whose other strike was in a prior year.

The league conducted 1998 tests in 2013, in what AFL football operations boss Mark Evans said was a "smarter" and more targeted approach.

Fewer than 15 players self-reported last year, also down on 2012 figures which the league will not detail explicitly.

In June last year, the league tightened self-reporting rules to allow players only one instance of self-reporting drugs use in his career, a move that came after widespread industry concern about players' behaviour, particularly in the off-season.

The AFL's chief medical officer Dr Peter Harcourt said holidays, the Christmas break and bye periods showed spikes in drug use.

Mark Evans says the AFL are taking a smarter approach to drug testing. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Limited

"The problems we are confronting are players socialising, and illicit drug use in the community is going up — so I don't take any comfort in these numbers," Harcourt said.

"Usually it is when guys go home, catch up with friends and have a few drinks (that drug use occurs).

"We even get the stories that they are resistant (to drug use) at first but then have a few more drinks, they use an illicit drug when their judgment is impaired."

In addition to more targeted testing, Evans said other changes to the code implemented last year were also having a positive effect.

"We also built in the ability for us to have conversations with clubs and provide de-identified data to their CEO and key people in the football departments and their boards.

Harcourt said the league had worked hard to make sure players understood how changes to the policy would affect them.

"There is a lot more target testing going on — monitoring individuals making sure they understand their accountability and vulnerability with the testing changes has probably been the big thing in the past 12 months," he said.

But Evans said the AFL took a realistic outlook on the downward trend shown in 2013 numbers.

"We know that over time this will go up and down and we will need to respond by changing our strategies," he said.

"I don't think focusing on any number — good or bad — is the way to go.

Harcourt said there had never been the reported wave of self-reporting, as was widely speculated last year.

"It is less than our detections — no one has notified more than once; we have never actually seen gaining in the notifications — in the press there was discussions around it, but we didn't see it.

Players volunteer to be subject to AFL's three-strikes illicit drugs policy, which is totally separate from the anti-doping code. and players who test positive for an illicit drug on matchday that is also banned under the WADA code would be subject to anti-doping rules.

AFL DRUG TESTING

YEAR TESTS FAILS

2005 472 19

2006 486 9

2007 1152 14

2008 1220 12

2009 1568 14

2010 1654 6

2011 1489 6

2012 1979 26

2013 1998 15

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LIVE: Hawkins helps Cats to thin lead

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TOM Hawkins has been the difference between Geelong and Carlton in the first half at Etihad Stadium, helping the Cats to a 19-point lead at half-time.

The Cats' big forward has dominated opponent Sam Rowe, booting four goals — all in the second quarter — from nine kicks and eight marks.

However it has not been all smooth sailing for Hawkins' Cats, who struggled to contain a dangerous and confident Carlton outfit early in the game.

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

Bryce Gibbs has been the Blues' most prolific ball-winner so far, kicking a goal from 16 first-half disposals, while Corey Enright and James Kelly have accumulated 13 touches each for the Cats.

Coach Mick Malthouse and Carlton's match committee resisted the temptation to rush back dual Brownlow medallist Chris Judd, who will play for VFL-affiliate Northern Blues in his comeback from a hamstring injury.

Geelong has had a distinct advantage over Carlton at Etihad Stadium in recent years, winning all 11 encounters at the venue.

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

AFL TEAMS: ROUND 12

SUPERCOACH FORMGUIDE

SUPERTIPPING: ROUND 12

GEELONG v CARLTON

Friday, June 7 at Etihad Stadium, 7.50pm (EST)

CATS

B: J.Rivers, T.Lonergan, A.Mackie

HB: C.Enright, H.Taylor, M.Blicavs

C: G.Horlin-Smith, J.Selwood, M.Duncan

HF: S.Johnson, H.McIntosh, J.Stringer

F: J.Murdoch, T.Hawkins, J.Bartel

Foll: D.Simpson, J.Kelly, C.Guthrie

I/C: S.Motlop, B.Smedts, M.Stokes, J.Bews

Emerg: J.Walker, B.Hartman, J.Sheringham

INS: C.Enright, T.Lonergan

OUTS: T.Varcoe (personal), J.Sheringham

BLUES

B: A.Everitt, M.Jamison, S.White

HB: C.Yarran, S.Rowe, Z.Tuohy

C: K.Simpson, M.Murphy, S.Docherty

HF: J.Garlett, J.Waite, T.Menzel

F: L.Casboult, L.Henderson, M.Robinson

Foll: R.Warnock, B.Gibbs, D.Thomas

I/C: A.Carrazzo, A.Walker, B.McLean, D.Armfield

Emerg: D.Buckley, N.Graham, J.Cachia

INS: A.Walker, D.Armfield

OUTS: D.Ellard (calf), D.Buckley

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Milligan discovers perfect balance

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SOCCEROO Mark Milligan has revealed how career-best form has coincided with stability on and off the pitch.

One of just three players to make a third straight World Cup, Milligan is yet to play a minute but that hoodoo is set to be broken against Chile on June 14 (AEST).

In fact, Milligan now is among the Socceroos' most important and most experienced players, with all of 29 caps.

Now 28, Milligan, 28, admitted he may not have been in Brazil if not for the Australian he met in London just after Beijing 2008.

Milligan said he was far less disciplined before meeting straight-shooting Rhia, now his wife and mother of their two kids.

"It happens to people when they're young and free,'' said the Sydney-raised Melbourne Victory midfielder.

"Rhia was never afraid to point out my faults and she didn't mince her words and that was one of the things that drew me to her.

"It was about life choices, she pointed out to me in any line of work, if you're not focused, driven and well-drilled you won't be successful."

"More in terms of just where my head was at. You could get caught up in, playing at Sydney I had a lot of mates I went to school with and maybe instead of that extra session at training you would go to the movies with a friend.

"Everything was very easy when I was at home.

"Japan and Asia had a lot to do with that too, it's a real job over there.

"There's a difference between the first few years of the A-League and now the way I go about things.''

And the two newest additionsyoungest additions to the Milligan family have helped him strike a balance.

In a season when Milligan dealt with a knee operation and overseas interest, daughters Maya, four, and Audrey, 17 months, helped him move on.

"They're a massive reality check. They help through the good times but especially through the tough times because they bring things into perspective,'' he said.

"You think you've had a crappy game or session and you come home to smiling kids and you think, I've just been running around a pitch, what do I have to whinge about?

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"I give everything I have to football while I'm at training and when I come home it's family time.

"Separating the two but using the positives from both has helped me a lot.''

The other form of stability has come on the pitch, specifically his shift from central defence to midfield at the start of the 2012-13 A-League season, though he revealed that wasn't the plan when signing from Japanese side JEF United.

Now with suggestions Milligan should again be deployed at stopper amid a Socceroos injury crisis in defence, he said he would have to rewire himself.

"The plan on coming home was always to play centre back,'' Milligan said. "I was trying extremely hard to change the minds of Ange and Musky (Kevin Muscat) before I came back. The way things went the first couple of rounds, I ended up in midfield.

"I've worked so hard to make my name as a midfielder, as a 6. My physical attributes are changing, I'm a lot lighter than I used to be.

"Centre-backs make shorter, sharper runs, I have more of a constant pace.

"A lot of things in my game have changed and it would take me time to adapt, because I've worked hard to get my body to a point where I can play midfield."

"I feel I'm playing the best football of my career and firmly believe it's because I've been left in one position.''

Milligan, the first bona fide A-League Socceroo, Western Sydney's Matthew Spiranovic and Brisbane' Ivan Franjic have followed.And he said it was a completely different feeling heading into a World Cup knowing he was set for game-time to play after being on the periphery2006 and 2010.

"The 2006 World Cup was a massive surprise for myself, I hadn't been involved at all,'' he said.

"A lot of players were at the peak of their career and had big reputations. To go into that environment as a young player was an incredible experience, plus the results _ it was surreal.

"In 2010 I thought I would be in the original squad but to make the final 23 was a bit of a shock just because I'd fallen out of the frame during qualifiers.

"Then I felt I had a much better chance of game-time there. I felt more complete as a player, one thing that still worked against me was that I'd been playing a few different positions.

"The difference with this (Brazil) is I've been involved more in the lead-up and played a heavier role than I ever have so that gives me confidence in being and feeling more a part of the team.''

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Geitz sounds Firebirds warning

Queensland Firebirds captain Laura Geitz (left) in action against the Vixens in April. Source: Marc Robertson / News Corp Australia

QUEENSLAND Firebirds captain Laura Geitz has issued a chilling warning to Melbourne Vixens before Monday's major semi-final at Hisense Arena.

The Firebirds enter the clash between the league's top two teams after six straight wins and was the only team in the top four to win in the final round.

But Geitz, who is also the Diamonds captain, said the Firebirds, last year's runner-up, had not yet hit top form this season.

"I think we have hit some great form, I think we have got a great confidence about ourselves,'' Geitz said yesterday.

"We are definitely happy with the six wins on the trot but, in saying that, I think we have also got another level to get to.

"I think we all realise that we haven't been playing our best netball and that's exciting. I truly believe that we have got another level to reach.

"Hopefully the excitement of finals and the challenge of a finals series brings that out in the team.''

The Firebirds suffered a two-goal loss to Adelaide Thunderbirds in last year's trans-Tasman decider after ousting the Vixens in the preliminary final.

While Geitz said the Firebirds had not wanted to reflect on their grand final loss until now, she said it would be used as motivation for this series.

``I think we have to reflect on that now,'' she said.

``We haven't really wanted to reflect too much on what happened last season. It was a new playing group.

``You have to revisit that Grand Final as a playing group and ... just remind yourself of how disappointing it was to be the bridesmaids and to go down by two goals," she said.

"I think that is definitely something that's in the back of our minds and that we will remind ourselves of moving forward and hopefully into this finals series.''

Despite Melbourne's final-round stumble in New Zealand, Geitz said the Vixens were the competition's benchmark team this season.

``I think Vixens have been the in-form team of the ANZ Champs this year,'' Geitz said.

"(Vixens coach) Simone (McKinnis) has done a fantastic job with that playing group," she said.

"They have got great leadership in Bianca (Chatfield) and Madi (Robinson) and I think Tegan Caldwell has just stepped up this year.

"I definitely think they are the in-form team. I think we match up both very well against each other, so it should make for a very interesting major semi on Monday night.''

The star goal keeper said the Firebirds would have to draw on their tough one-on-one defence to combat the Vixens' swift ball movement.

``The pace that they move the ball with is extremely quick,'' she said.

``The thing we need to do is our one-on-one hard defence, "That's what we've prided ourselves on this year and that's where we try to suffocate teams," she said.

"That's hard work, but that's what we need to do to put ourselves in the best position to win the game against the Vixens.''

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Tigers swing changes, Swan, Rioli back

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RICHMOND has named seven possible inclusions as it tries to save its season against North Melbourne.

The ins include Ty Vickery, Nick Vlastuin, Jake Batchelor, Ricky Petterd and promoted rookie Anthony Miles, who will make his Richmond debut if he makes the final 22-man squad on Friday.

FORMGUIDE: THE SUPERCOACH PLAYERS YOU CAN'T MISS

TRADES: TOP BLOKES CAN BE TOP SUPERCOACH PICKS

VERDICT: HERALD SUN EXPERT TIPS

There are four confirmed outs with Daniel Jackson (hip), Reece Conca (groin), Shaun Grigg (hamstring) and Dylan Grimes (toe) succumbing to injury.

In other key changes for Round 12 matches:

REPLAY THE TEAMS AND SUPERCOACH CHAT BELOW.

CARLTON has resisted the temptation to rush back Chris Judd for its clash against Geelong. The two-time Brownlow Medallist will play for the Northern Blues in the VFL in his comeback from a hamstring injury .

The Blues regain Andrew Walker and Dennis Armfield, with David Ellard (calf) and Dylan Buckley out.

Andrew Walker returns to the Carlton line-up on Friday night. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

GEELONG has named defenders Corey Enright and Tom Lonergan.

HAWTHORN has recalled Cyril Rioli and Jordan Lewis among four changes to face West Coast, with David Hale (quad) out and Will Langford, Jonathan Simpkin and Mitch Hallahan dropped.

ST KILDA has also swung the axe, with Rhys Stanley, Arryn Siposs and Tom Curren all dropped. Adam Schneider will miss the clash against Port Adelaide with a foot injury. Forward Tom Lee will play his first game for the year.

PORT ADELAIDE has strengthened its line-up with the return of Hamish Hartlett, Dom Cassisi and Tom Jonas.

WESTERN BULLDOGS forward Jarrad Grant returns from a broken foot at the expense of Fletcher Roberts.

GOLD COAST has named Karmichael Hunt in its squad to face Sydney, which has regained Mike Pyke and Gary Rohan.

COLLINGWOOD stars Dane Swan, Luke Ball and Brodie Grundy are in the side to face Melbourne on Queen's Birthday while the Pies also named Sam Dwyer and Tim Broomhead.

Karmichael Hunt is recalled to bolster the Suns midfield. Picture: JERAD WILLIAMS Source: News Corp Australia

ROUND 12 TEAMS

GEELONG v CARLTON

Friday, June 7 at Etihad Stadium, 7.50pm (EST)

CATS

B: J.Rivers, T.Lonergan, A.Mackie

HB: C.Enright, H.Taylor, M.Blicavs

C: G.Horlin-Smith, J.Selwood, M.Duncan

HF: S.Johnson, H.McIntosh, J.Stringer

F: J.Murdoch, T.Hawkins, J.Bartel

Foll: D.Simpson, J.Kelly, C.Guthrie

I/C: S.Motlop, B.Smedts, M.Stokes, J.Bews

Emerg: J.Walker, B.Hartman, J.Sheringham

INS: C.Enright, T.Lonergan

OUTS: T.Varcoe (personal), J.Sheringham

BLUES

B: A.Everitt, M.Jamison, S.White

HB: C.Yarran, S.Rowe, Z.Tuohy

C: K.Simpson, M.Murphy, S.Docherty

HF: J.Garlett, J.Waite, T.Menzel

F: L.Casboult, L.Henderson, M.Robinson

Foll: R.Warnock, B.Gibbs, D.Thomas

I/C: A.Carrazzo, A.Walker, B.McLean, D.Armfield

Emerg: D.Buckley, N.Graham, J.Cachia

INS: A.Walker, D.Armfield

OUTS: D.Ellard (calf), D.Buckley

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HAWTHORN v WEST COAST EAGLES

Saturday, June 8 at Aurora Stadium, 1.40pm (EST)

HAWKS

B: S.Burgoyne, R.Schoenmakers, T.Duryea

HB: L.Hodge, A.Litherland, G.Birchall

C: I.Smith, B.Sewell, B.Hill

HF: P.Puopolo, J.Gunston, C.Rioli

F: L.Breust, J.Roughead, M.Spangher

Foll: J.Ceglar, J.Lewis, L.Shiels

I/C: M.Suckling, B.Hartung, L.Lowden, K.Cheney

Emerg: W.Langford, M.Hallahan, T.O'Brien

INS: J.Lewis, M.Spangher, C.Rioli, L.Lowden

OUTS: D.Hale (quad), J.Simpkin, W.Langford, M.Hallahan

EAGLES

B: D.Glass, M.Brown, S.Hurn

HB: X.Ellis, E.Mackenzie, W.Schofield

C: C.Masten, M.Priddis, A.Gaff

HF: M.Hutchings, J.Darling, E.Yeo

F: J.Bennell, D.Cox, M.LeCras

Foll: N.Naitanui, S.Selwood, L.Shuey

I/C: S.Wellingham, M.Rosa, J.Cripps, J.McGovern

Emerg: J.Hill, S.Butler, P.McGinnity

INS: D.Glass, M.Hutchings, J.McGovern

OUTS: JJ.Kennedy (cheek), J.Hill, B.Sheppard (buttock)

Cyril Rioli is a key in for Hawthorn against West Coast. Picture: DAMIAN SHAW Source: News Corp Australia

PORT ADELAIDE v ST KILDA

Saturday, June 8 at Adelaide Oval, 4.10pm (CST)

POWER

B: J.Hombsch, A.Carlile, J.Impey

HB: M.Broadbent, J.Trengove, J.Pittard

C: J.Polec, T.Boak, K.Cornes

HF: H.Hartlett, J.Westhoff, M.White

F: R.Gray, J.Schulz, C.Wingard

Foll: M.Lobbe, O.Wines, B.Ebert

I/C: A.Young, T.Jonas, D.Cassisi, K.Mitchell

Emerg: B.Newton, J.Neade, S.Gray

INS: D.Cassisi, H.Hartlett, T.Jonas

OUTS: P.Stewart, A.Moore, J.Neade

SAINTS

B: J.Newnes, L.Delaney, C.Shenton

HB: S.Dempster, J.Bruce, S.Dunell

C: F.Ray, L.Hayes, L.Montagna

HF: J.Steven, N.Riewoldt, J.Billings

F: T.Milera, T.Lee, B.Murdoch

Foll: B.Longer, S.Ross, L.Dunstan

I/C: C.Jones, M.Weller, T.Simpkin, J.Saunders

Emerg: R.Stanley, A.Siposs, T.Curren

INS; T.Simpkin, T.Lee, J.Saunders, S.Dunell

OUTS: A.Schneider (foot), R.Stanley, T.Curren, A.Siposs

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WESTERN BULLDOGS v BRISBANE LIONS

Saturday, June 8 at Etihad Stadium, 7.40pm (EST)

BULLDOGS

B: L.Picken, J.Roughead, E.Wood

HB: S.Higgins, D.Morris, R.Murphy

C: M.Bontempelli, R.Griffen, C.Howard

HF: K.Stevens, T.Williams, N.Hrovat

F: L.Dahlhaus, S.Crameri, D.Giansiracusa

Foll: W.Minson, A.Cooney, T.Liberatore

I/C: J.Macrae, J.Grant, M.Wallis, J.Tutt

Emerg: L.Jones, J.Johannisen, M.Honeychurch

INS: J.Grant

OUTS: F.Roberts

LIONS

B: D.Gardiner, M.Maguire, J.Clarke

HB: J.Adcock, J.Patfull, R.Harwood

C: C.Beams, T.Rockliff, J.Aish

HF: L.Taylor, J.Brown, D.Zorko

F: J.Green, D.Merrett, R.Bewick

Foll: S.Martin, J.Redden, P.Hanley

I/C: M.Golby, S.Mayes, Z.O'Brien, M.Paparone

Emerg: B.Moloney, A.Raines, J.Polkinghorne

INS: S.Martin, R.Bewick

OUTS: T.West, J.Paine

Stefan Martin will carry the Lions ruck duties. Picture: Jono Searle. Source: News Corp Australia

GWS GIANTS v ESSENDON

Saturday, June 8 at Spotless Stadium, 7.40pm (EST)

GIANTS

B: H.Shaw, A.Corr, A.Kennedy

HB: S.Frost, T.Mohr, C.Hampton

C: R.Palmer, J.Townsend, W.Hoskin-Elliott

HF: J.Lamb, J.Patton, T.Scully

F: L.Whitfield, A.Tomlinson, D.Smith

Foll: S.Mumford, C.Ward, D.Shiel

I/C: K.Jaksch, A.Treloar, S.Coniglio, R.Lobb

Emerg: N.Wilson, J.Kelly, D.Addison

INS: S.Coniglio, R.Lobb

OUTS: D.Addison, J.Cameron

BOMBERS

B: D.Fletcher, J.Carlisle, M.Baguley

HB: D.Heppell, C.Hooker, M.Hibberd

C: C.Dempsey, J.Watson, B.Stanton

HF: P.Chapman, J.Daniher, P.Ambrose

F: Z.Merrett, T.Bellchambers, J.Winderlich

Foll: P.Ryder, H.Hocking, D.Zaharakis

I/C: B.Howlett, B.Goddard, D.Myers, J.Melksham

Emerg: Kavanagh, T.Colyer, C.Dell'Olio

NO C

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HANGE

FREMANTLE v ADELAIDE CROWS

Sunday, June 9 at Patersons Stadium, 2.10 (WST)

DOCKERS

B: L.Spurr, L.McPharlin, Z.Dawson

HB: T.Mzungu, M.Johnson, D.Pearce

C: C.Sutcliffe, R.Crowley, P.Duffield

HF: M.Barlow, C.Mayne, N.Fyfe

F: H.Ballantyne, M.Pavlich, Z.Clarke

Foll: A.Sandilands, D.Mundy, S.Hill

I/C: (from) N.Suban, L.Neale, G.Ibbotson, T.Sheridan, B.Grey, A.Silvagni, M.Taberner

INS: A.Silvagni, M.Taberner, B.Grey

OUTS: -

CROWS

B: R.Laird, B.Rutten, L.Brown

HB: B.Smith, D.Talia, A.Otten

C: R.Sloane, S.Thompson, D.Mackay

HF: S.Kerridge, J.Jenkins, C.Cameron

F: J.Podsiadly, T.Walker, E.Betts

Foll: S.Jacobs, P.Dangerfield, R.Douglas

I/C: (from) C.Ellis-Yolmen, L.Thompson, J.Lyons, M.Jaensch, B.Martin, S.McKernan, M.Wright

INS: S.McKernan, L.Thompson, C.Ellis-Yolmen

OUTS: -

Gary Rohan is a surprise inclusion for the Swans' clash against Gold Coast. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia

GOLD COAST SUNS v SYDNEY SWANS

Sunday, June 9 at Metricon Stadium, 3.20pm (EST)

SUNS

B: K.Kolodjashnij, S.May, G.Broughton

HB: C.Cameron, R.Thompson, T.McKenzie

C: J.Harbrow, G.Ablett, M.Rischitelli

HF: D.Stanley, TJ.Lynch, L.Russell

F: C.Dixon, S.Day, B.Matera

Foll: Z.Smith, J.O'Meara, D.Prestia

I/C: (from) H.Bennell, K.Hunt, D.Swallow, A.Sexton, M.Shaw, S.Lemmens, A.Hall

INS: R.Thompson, H.Bennell, K.Hunt

OUTS: -

SWANS

B: D.Rampe, T.Richards, N.Smith

HB: R.Shaw, H.Grundy, J.Laidler

C: N.Malceski, JP.Kennedy, J.McVeigh

HF: B.McGlynn, L.Franklin, K.Jack

F: A.Goodes, K.Tippett, S.Reid

Foll: T.Derickx, D.Hannebery, L.Parker

I/C: (from) L.Jetta, H.Cunningham, B.Jack, C.Bird, M.Pyke, G.Rohan, J.Lloyd

INS: M.Pyke, G.Rohan, B.Jack

OUTS: -

NORTH MELBOURNE v RICHMOND

Sunday, June 9 at Etihad Stadium, 7.10pm (EST)

KANGAROOS

B: L.McDonald, S.Thompson, L.Hansen

HB: N.Dal Santo, M.Firrito, A.Mullett

C: S.Gibson, A.Swallow, L.Greenwood

HF: R.Bastinac, A.Black, L.Adams

F: L.Thomas, D.Petrie, B.Harvey

Foll: T.Goldstein, J.Ziebell, B.Cunnington

I/C (from): B.McKenzie, L.Anthony, B.Jacobs, S.Atley, S.Wright, R.Nahas, M.Daw

INS: S.Wright, B.Jacobs, B.McKenzie

OUTS: -

TIGERS

B: T.Chaplin, J.Batchelor, S.Morris

HB: B.Houli, A.Rance, M.Dea

C: B.Lennon, S.Edwards, R.Petterd

HF: D.Martin, B.Griffiths, B.Deledio

F: M.Thomas, J.Riewoldt, I.Maric

Foll: S.Hampson, B.Ellis, T.Cotchin

I/C (from): T.Vickery, N.Foley, A.Miles, M.McDonough, N.Vlastuin, B.Helbig, B.O'Hanlon

INS: R.Petterd, T.Vickery, A.Miles, J.Batchelor, B.Helbig, N.Vlastuin, B.O'Hanlon

OUTS: D.Jackson (hip), S.Grigg (hamstring), D.Grimes (toe), R.Conca (groin)

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MELBOURNE v COLLINGWOOD

Monday, June 10 at MCG, 3.20pm (EST)

DEMONS

B: C.Garland, L.Dunn, N.Jetta

HB: J.Grimes, T.McDonald, J.Howe

C: D.Cross, D.Tyson, B.Vince

HF: R.Bail, J.Frawley, M.Jones

F: C.Pedersen, C.Dawes, J.Watts

Foll: M.Jamar, N.Jones, J.Viney

I/C: (from) D.Terlich, A.Riley, J.Kennedy-Harris, M.Gawn, J.Toumpas, J.McKenzie, C.Salem

INS: C.Dawes, J.McKenzie, A.Riley

OUTS: -

MAGPIES

B: T.Langdon, J.Frost, A.Toovey

HB: M.Williams, L.Keeffe, T.Goldsack

C: D.Swan, B.Macaffer, H.Lumumba

HF: A.Fasolo, J.White, J.Blair

F: L.Ball, T.Cloke, J.Elliott

Foll: J.Witts, D.Beams, S.Pendlebury

I/C: (from) T.Adams, B.Grundy, S.Dwyer, C.Young, T.Broomhead, P.Seedsman, J.Thomas

INS: L.Ball, D.Swan, S.Dwyer, T.Broomhead, B.Grundy

OUTS: N.Maxwell, S.Sidebottom

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Beau Ryan retires due to neck injury

Shark's winger Beau Ryan retires from rugby league. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

CRONULLA winger Beau Ryan appears set to announce his retirement from rugby league after succumbing to a serious neck injury.

The 29-year-old is expected to announce he is going to hang up the boots on the Footy Show on Thursday night.

Beau Ryan of the Sharks looks dejected. Source: Getty Images

Ryan last played in round 10, against his former club the Wests Tigers when the injury to his C-6 and C-7 vertebrae, which required off-season surgery resurfaced.

Ryan made his NRL debut for the Tigers back in 2007 where he spent six seasons before joining the Sharks in 2013.

The Illawarra product is now expected to focus on his television career with Channel 9 where he is a regular pannelist on the NRL Footy Show.

More to come ...

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Pies, Hawks take $1.3 million equalisation hit

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CLUBS will be able to bank salary cap money and use it to lure stars in future seasons under new equalisation measures unveiled by the AFL.

About 10 clubs will be effectively taxed a maximum of $500,000 based on their revenue over the next two years, while some clubs could be slugged further if they choose to exceed a soft cap on football spending in 2015-16.

Also confirmed was the abolition over the next two years of the Cost of Living Allowance for Sydney, although it came as a surprise that GWS will have that allowance replaced by a rental assistance scheme aimed at lower-earning players.

The veterans' list allowance will be phased out over 2015-16.

Collingwood, West Coast and Hawthorn will have their distribution from the AFL cut by $500,000 and must also fund increases in total player payments to players of $150,000 a year over the next two seasons.

That pay rise for players is on top of the 3 per cent increase that had been written into their current Collective Bargaining Agreement as a baseline, and means their pay will go up by about 5 per cent a season overall, sitting at $10.7 million next year.

A further seven clubs — including Carlton, Richmond, Geelong and Fremantle — are also likely to have their funding reduced by the AFL.

The salary cap banking measure, which will come into effect immediately, will mean a club that is spending $600,000 under the cap this year could spend an extra $1.2 million next year, or in 2016.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou, commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick and CEO-elect Gillon McLachlan announce the changes. Source: Getty Images

New AFL boss Gillon McLachlan said the mechanism gave poorer clubs a better chance to retain or attract players when the new equalisation measures kicked in, and their businesses improved.

"When six of our clubs are spending 95 per cent of our salary cap, that is a challenge, so what the banking mechanism says is even if one year (a) club can't spend 100 per cent (of the TPP) … if they can turn their business around (it gives) them the opportunity to retain players and pay them what they should have been paying by paying overs for a period of time," McLachlan said.

The AFL is yet to finalise the soft cap in football spending, but it will be the projected 2015 industry average spend plus $500,000.

As a guide, the average football spending excluding player payments in 2013 was about $10.3 million.

Clubs that spend above the cap will be taxed 37.5 cents in the dollar in 2015 and 75c in 2016.

Club figures have told the Herald Sun that the caps to the effective revenue and football spending taxes have severely limited the amount of money that will be redistributed from the rich clubs to the poor, but the AFL will increase funding to disadvantaged clubs from the Club Future Fund.

To qualify for extra funding clubs must satisfy the league they are hampered by structural inequities and have fewer growth opportunities but are being well managed. They will have their financials scrutinised and will not be eligible for funding unless their revenue is below the competition average and they are not spending above the footy spending cap.

AFL chairman Mike Fitzpatrick said: "the AFL's strengthened competitive balance measures have been introduced because the financial gap between our big and small clubs continues to grow and the capacity of many clubs to invest in their football departments and to grow other elements of their respective businesses is challenged".

Hawthorn president Andrew Newbold said the equalisation working party had fulfilled its aims — despite criticism from various quarters.

"I have said this to our people, from a Hawthorn point of view it's not a truly desirable result, but from a whole-of-competition mindset it's exactly the right thing to do.

"The thing to bear in mind is we will also fund the $150,000 uplift in the salary cap, so the net result for Hawthorn is we are $1.3 million worse off over two years.

"I heard the view of people in middle and lower-ranking clubs that they would like more. But it is costing Collingwood, West Coast and Hawthorn $1.3 million over two years. We have had our tough times ourselves. So it's a good result for the industry and it wasn't easy because it took a lot of robust discussions."

Collingwood president (and Millionaire Hot Seat host) Eddie McGuire and the Magpies will have to part with a percentage of the club's earnings to help poorer clubs under new AFL rules. Source: News Corp Australia

St Kilda chief executive Matt Finnis said the steps taken by the league "indicate the game is moving in the right direction".

It's understood some clubs still believe they are unfairly taxed, although Richmond was mystified about suggestions it had been shocked by some of the measures, given CEO Brendon Gale is a member of the working party.

The AFL is yet to sign off on exemptions from the football department cap, which could include welfare staff, travel and some recruiting budgets.

Fremantle chief executive Steve Rosich said the Dockers would continue to lobby on excluding travel from the cap.

"We understand and agree in principle with what the AFL is seeking to implement. We are continuing our conversations on what some of the exclusions from non-player footy costs which includes travel. We also have concern over the relativities in financial costs between some clubs."

West Coast Eagles chief executive Trevor Nisbett said there were still many details to finalise: "The working party are still working through it. It is what it is. We've agreed to the principles but there are some details to come and that will happen down the track."

And Port Adelaide chief Keith Thomas forecast further changes as the effects of the measures became apparent.

"We agree with the principles and need for competitive balance. A lot of hard work has gone into this important project and we think the outcomes are fair. No doubt the industry will continue to refine them as we develop more insight as to how effective these measures will be,'' he said.

AFL Players' Association boss Ian Prendergast said he was pleased the players had been recognised with what will be a greater share of football spending.

"We welcome the announcement of the key principles today and hope that they continue to underpin what the AFL are doing to achieve competitive balance, together with the notion that every team has the chance to win on any given day," Prendergast said.

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AFL honours loyal Blues skipper

ERN Henfry played 84 games for Carlton. The measure of the footballer he was, and the character he exuded, was such that he captained the Blues in all but two of them.

Henfry, who was posthumously inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame last night, was a dominant figure across two football states — his home state of Western Australia, where he was a teenage star and later a successful coach, and in Victoria, where he led the Blues through a successful period.

MERE NUMBERS DON'T DO KOUTA JUSTICE

VERSATILE JOHNSON FLAGLESS YET RELENTLESS

The outstanding centreman and premiership captain, who died in 2007, aged 85, was considered a "gentleman footballer", who played the game hard yet scrupulously fair, and whose loyalty was such that coaching offers at rival VFL clubs amounted to nothing because he never wanted to coach against Carlton.

"For him, loyalty was a very important thing," Henfry's son, Ken, said. "He loved the football clubs he played for.

"Even when he went back to Perth after leaving Carlton, he had three different coaching offers over the years (from Richmond, Footscray and South Melbourne).

"But they weren't from Carlton. He would not have anything to do with any other VFL team than Carlton."

Henfry captained Carlton in 82 of his 84 games. Source: News Limited

Henfry's playing career came in two cycles, divided by the Second World War.

Firstly, he was a football prodigy, considered one of the best young footballers in Western Australia in the lead-up to and the early stages of the war. He represented his state at 17 and was runner-up to the legendary Haydn Bunton Sr. in the 1941 Sandover Medal, in his third season with Perth.

In that year he joined the RAAF, and would fly long-range flying boats in the Pacific when the war against the Japanese brought the theatres closer to home.

It was while Henfry was briefly stationed in Melbourne in 1944 that he turned out for Carlton in two games. Such was his form that the Blues were hell bent on getting him to commit to the club.

And when the war concluded in late 1945, Henfry was able to secure a bank job transfer to Melbourne.

Yet the West Australian National Football League blocked his transfer and he was forced to sit out of football for a season.

"It was frustrating for him, but he went to every game (as a spectator) and analysed it as best as he could," his son said.

"He knew that the VFL was the highest level you could play at, and being a competitive person, he was keen to test himself at that level."

By the time his clearance was granted for the 1947 season, Carlton knew it had the right man to lead the team and surprised many in the football world by appointing the two-game player as captain.

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It would prove to be an inspired choice.

Henfry not only dominated from the moment he donned the Navy Blue, he also provided outstanding leadership, combining with coach Perc Bentley to help lift Carlton to the 1947 premiership.

"His style of leadership was to go out and do what he had to do," Ken Henfry said. "He would encourage others but never demand things."

That first full season of VFL football saw him finish joint winner of Carlton's best-and-fairest award with his great mate Bert Deacon.

The premiership skipper was listed as Carlton's best player in that 1947 Grand Final, a game in which forward Fred Stafford kicked the winning goal with less than a minute to go.

Henfry's leadership skills were such that Victorian selectors broke with tradition to make him captain of his adopted state against his old one, in 1949.

In that year he won the best-and-fairest outright, and also led the Blues into another Grand Final, against Essendon.

Henfry in 1952. Source: News Limited

Despite being listed as among his team's best players, he could not prevent an Essendon landslide, spearheaded by the great John Coleman.

"That game was a bit of a tragedy," Ken Henfry said.

"Ern lost his two front teeth and played on with concussion. He was going for the ball on the wing and two Essendon players gave him an old-fashioned sandwich.

"My mum had a dislike of Essendon after that. And it made Ern always concerned about players playing with concussion after that."

Henfry would play on until late in the 1952 season when a series of injuries brought an end to his career just after his 31st birthday.

He would return to Perth as captain-coach and coach, breaking a 48-year flag drought for the club, in 1955. He was also Barry Cable's first senior coach.

"I never saw him play football, but it really struck me when I went to a Carlton function a few years ago and John Nicholls told me he used to love going to the football to Ern play," Ken Henfry said.

"It made me think he might have been an even better player than I thought he was."

FACT FILE — ERN HENFRY

Perth Football Club from 1937-1941, 1953-1954 as well as the Carlton Football Club in 1944, 1947-1952.

Carlton premiership captain, 1947, Victorian captain, 1949

Won club best and fairest awards with Perth in 1941 and Carlton, 1947 and 1949.

Captain-Coach of Perth in 1953-1954, then two further periods as coach of the club from 1953-1959 and 1962-1964.

WAFL premiership coach in 1955.

Inaugural inductee into the WAFL Hall of Fame in 2004.

Inducted into the Carlton Football Club Hall of Fame in 1992.

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Tedesco’s $500,000 Canberra backflip

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FULLBACK James Tedesco has dropped a contract bombshell on the Canberra Raiders by sacrificing nearly $500,000 to backflip and remain with the Wests Tigers beyond this season.

In a 11th hour snubbing just seven days after announcing he was moving to Canberra, the Tigers local junior has opted to renege on a $1.8 million three-year deal with the Green Machine.

TEDESCO TO CANBERRA, PROCTOR BACKFLIPS

Tiger's James Tedesco during Wests Tigers training. Source: News Corp Australia

Tedesco personally called Raiders coach Ricky Stuart on Wednesday afternoon to break the news that he would not be joining the team as a replacement for Brisbane-bound fullback Anthony Milford.

Under NRL rules, Tedesco had until round 13 to back away from the Raiders deal.

The Tigers stressed they did not increase their original offer, which was about $150,000 a season less than that from Canberra.

That was of little comfort to the Raiders on Wednesday night

"We are bitterly disappointed at the way it was handled," Raiders chief executive Don Furner said.

"We thought he was the ideal replacement for Anthony Milford.

"It's back to the drawing board."

DECISION LOOMS FOR TEDESCO

James Tedesco during Wests Tigers training. Source: News Corp Australia

The decision comes as a crushing blow to the Canberra Raiders recruitment drive, with Tedesco touted as the Green Machine's marquee signing to counter the loss of Milford to the Broncos.

Raiders coach Stuart also had a handshake deal with Melbourne Storm backrower Kevin Proctor also collapse at the last-minute, with the Raiders coach personally flying to Melbourne to have dinner with the Kiwi Test backrower.

Rubbing further salt into the wound, Penrith winger Josh Mansour also rejected the Raiders to remain at the Panthers last Tuesday.

The pain is unlikely to end there for the Raiders, with Canterbury captain and hooker Michael Ennis likely to choose Cronulla over Canberra as his future destination.

James Tedesco arriving from Canberra at Sydney Airport. Source: News Corp Australia

In a statement, Tedesco said: "I firstly need to apologise to the Canberra Raiders for my change of heart. They have been great throughout the whole process.

"That said, I never felt totally comfortable with my decision and after thinking it through I realised it would be too hard to leave my best mates. I understand that the Raiders and their fans will be disappointed and I apologise to all of them for making this decision and I only hope they will understand."

"Obviously it would have been a big decision for James to make," said Wests Tigers CEO Grant Mayer.

"I am sure he spent many hours talking to his parents and friends about this.

"From Wests Tigers' point of view, we are thrilled that he has decided to stay.

"It is a sign of great faith in what we are building at this club."

Tiger's fullback James Tedesco scores a try. Source: News Corp Australia

Wests Tigers have re-signed a cluster of rising stars and can now add Tedesco to that group.

Others include Luke Brooks, Aaron Woods, Mitchell Moses and Curtis Sironen.

"Wow, what great news," said Tigers legend Ben Elias.

"James is a great player and I can tell you he never wanted to leave.

"He has great ties with young Brooks, Sironen and Moses.

"Wests Tigers future looks fantastic and that will only be enhanced by having Tedesco at the back.

"It is exciting news for Wests Tigers."

Only a week ago, Tedesco told the Canberra media of his desire to impress at the Raiders.

"Coming down there as a marquee player and someone Ricky expects a lot of, it's definitely going to be a lot of pressure to perform week to week," he said.

Tiger's James Tedesco tackled by South Sydney's John Sutton. Source: News Corp Australia

At the time of signing Tedesco, Furner said: "James is an outstanding young talent who we see as a big signing for the Raiders and we look forward to him joining the club at the beginning of the 2015 season.

"The Raiders have followed James' progress from his days at St Gregory's College Campbelltown and we know being from Camden, James will fit into the lifestyle and culture here in Canberra."

One of the driving reasons behind the backflip was Tedesco's extremely strong bond with Tigers playing roster, particularly stars Luke Brooks, Aaron Woods and captain Robbie Farah, who was in talks with the fullback for the past 48 hours.

James Tedesco arriving from Canberra at Sydney Airport with his manager and Josh Mansour. Source: News Corp Australia

The Daily Telegraph can reveal the Tigers fullback reported for training on Tuesday in a visibly distressed state before talking to a number of his fellow Tigers players and the club's coaching staff to convey his confusion.

Tedesco then went for a coffee with Tigers captain Farah to further discuss his desire to turn his back on the Raiders next season before again meeting the Tigers skipper for further crisis talks on Wednesday.

Once Tedesco had made the call to exercise his right to pull out of the three-year Canberra contract, it was decided he needed to personally telephone Stuart to convey his reasoning.

Tedesco then rang Stuart, where the pair discussed the surprise decision.

Did James Tedesco make the right decision in not joining Canberra?

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Teammate bond behind Tedesco backflip

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JAMES Tedesco's strong bond with the Wests Tigers playing roster, particularly stars Luke Brooks, Aaron Woods and Robbie Farah, was one of the driving reasons behind his backflip to stay with the club.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Tedesco reported for training on Tuesday visibly distressed before talking to players and the club's coaching staff to convey his confusion.

TEDESCO'S $500,000 CANBERRA BACKFLIP

James Tedesco and Luke Brooks during Wests Tigers training. Source: News Corp Australia

Tedesco, who has played just 25 NRL games, then went for a coffee with Farah to further discuss his desire to turn his back on the lucrative Canberra deal he had signed for next season, before again meeting the Tigers skipper for further talks on Wednesday.

Once Tedesco had decided to exercise his right to pull out of the three-year Canberra contract, it was decided he needed to personally call Raiders coach Ricky Stuart to explain his reasoning.

On Fox Sports' NRL360, Farah confirmed he had advised a worried Tedesco about his future.

James Tedesco celebrates scoring a try. Source: News Corp Australia

"I spoke to the kid. I noticed at training that's he's been down the last few days," Farah said.

"I had a chat to him yesterday (Tuesday) and he confided in me and I told him to go away and think about things.

"He was finding it difficult to leave and as a mate and club captain I gave him my opinion and some advice.

"I told him if he was serious about changing his mind we'd obviously support him.

"It's a big decision and something he has to live by. At the end of the day he has followed his heart."

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Stop laying the blame, Richmond

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THE question is: Who's to blame at Richmond? The coach or the players?

It's always the question because the Tigers, in and outside of the club, are masters at laying blame.

The fans blame the coach. The club blames the players. Last week the players blamed the coach for not being hard enough on them.

THE TACKLE: FORK IN THE ROAD TIME

THERE WILL BE CHANGES: HARDWICK

Meanwhile, most of the rest of the football world looks at Richmond and shake their heads.

The club wants respect, but have done little to command it.

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Off the field, the club has rebuilt Punt Rd, wiped out a $5 million debt and has record membership and sponsorship. Mighty congratulations.

But the core business of any football club is winning and the Tigers have been found wanting yet again.

The players should be ashamed of their effort on Saturday night.

Big game. Big occasion. Big nothing from the yellow and black.

The blame is with everyone and everything - the coach, the players and the current culture.

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It's typical of Richmond fans to blame the coach. They have inundated radio talk back with calls for Hardwick to be sacked. It's is ridiculous. Richmond's directors used to react when the smell of blood was in the air. But not anymore.

Still, Hardwick has tough decisions to make.

He has coached for four years and 10 games. He won six games in first season in 2010, and followed with eight, 10, 15 but only three wins this season.

Who is to blame for Richmond's woes?

He is a baby in terms of coaching. He is infinitely better than when he started and he will be infinitely better in another four years' time.

But if fans believed Hardwick was going to improve, and improve this team and then win the premiership - in a span of five years - they are deluded.

What's happened is Hardwick and his players have hit a hurdle and it's up to them to climb over it.

Nathan Foley leads a despondent Richmond off the field after losing to Essendon. Source: Getty Images

Clearly, there is a culture issue in terms of setting standards and playing to them and not accepting anything less.

Seriously, what does Richmond stand for? Don't say ''ruthless Tigers'' because you're living in the '70s.

The Tigers aren't ruthless. They're pedestrian.

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley was asked last week on AFL360 what's his No. 1 unconditional as coach. He said: "Win your own ball."

If the Tigers were ruthless, they would not play Shaun Grigg and Bachar Houli. Both are skilled, but both are not unconditional.

Reece Conca is young but seems to pick and choose his efforts. Troy Chaplin has fallen away.

Ben Griffiths plays on his terms. He is known as a brilliant kick, he should be known as a pack splitter as well.

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Why can't Cotchin be as demanding on-field as Jarryd McVeigh? Why can't Deledio impose his will? And Rance more often?

They made the call on Ty Vickery, but maybe more are needed.

How, in 120 minutes of football in an era demanding defensive pressure, can 13 Tigers players have two or less tackles like they did against the Bombers.

Richmond's performance on Saturday night, and for much of the season, reflects the culture of the club.

One week - against GWS - they'll come out snarling because their backs are against the wall. The next week - against Essendon - they drink their own bath water and think it's simply going to happen again.

The great teams, such as Sydney, Fremantle, Hawthorn, Geelong aside from Friday night, now Port Adelaide, and a growing Collingwood, play every week as if their backs are against the wall.

Robbo says Ben Griffiths plays on his own terms. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Corp Australia

That's their culture. That's their standard. It's not the be all and end all in life for those players, but it's damn close.

The Tigers are a reactionary team. They play North Melbourne on Sunday night and bet your last dollar the Tigers will run through brick walls. They should do it every week.

For that, Hardwick has to accept responsibility for the collective competitive spirit.

That comes under every coach's leadership umbrella, which includes team personnel and the environment he creates within the club.

The players are at fault, too. Surely there's an expectation they come with a certain level of self-motivation because, after all, they are professional sportsmen.

Hardwick's test, similar to every coach, is to set standards on acceptable effort and commitment, and that's effort and commitment to not only defend but to attack.

The players this season have let him down.

Perhaps, he has allowed them to let him down.

Perhaps Hardwick needs a new rule: Win your own ball. And if you can't, or won't, you don't play.

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England’s love-hate affair with the Cup

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AT Queens Park Rangers' modest Loftus Road ground former England goalkeeper Robert Green has no sooner taken his place between the sticks when the chants rise from the small band of visiting Ipswich Town supporters.

''USA! USA! USA!'' they scream, faces red and arms outstretched toward the target of their vitriolic chants.

It is almost four years since Green took his place in England's lavishly stocked Hall of World Cup Shame. The custodian's sin was to allow the ball to dribble from his arms and into the back of the net gifting the United States an equaliser in a group game. Safe to say, as long as Green pulls on a pair of goalkeeping gloves, he will never be allowed to forget.

It is not merely the consequence of Green's blunder – the lost points meant England was eventually consigned to a knock-out match against rampant Germany – that rankles.

In a country where sports fans now teeter emotionally between the nouveau triumphalism of the Olympics and the Ashes, and more traditional scepticism and self-loathing, the goalkeeper's howler was just all too predictable.

England goalkeeper Robert Green's moment of madness against USA. Source: AP

It is this sense of foreboding doom, interspersed with fleeting moments of cruel hope, which makes England's World Cup expeditions so compelling. Even more so given the fierce spotlight of a carnivorous media and, in recent years, the amusing sideshow created by the camera-seeking WAGS whose raids on local retail outlets are generally more devastating than their partner's raids on goal.

It is not a tale of endless futility. England's quest for the World Cup was, of course, achieved. The 4-2 triumph at the old Wembley Stadium against Germany in 1966 allowed a generation of thugs to scream ''Two World Wars and one World Cup'' from the terraces and immortalised the words of commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme's line as Geoff Hurst scored the winner: ''They think it's all over. It is now, it's four!''

That the final went into agonising extra-time and England's third goal was disputed – there was none of the goal-line technology we will see in Brazil back then – was apt. Even in victory England and its renowned sense of ''fair play'' was tortured and tantalised by the nagging, guilt-inducing thought of an ill-gotten goal.

Geoff Hurst scores for England in the 1966 World Cup final. Source: AP

Now? Forty eight years later, the knowledge that World Cup victory can be achieved only serves to frustrate and infuriate those who have never seen it done, or who can barely remember. England is like Sir Edmund Hilary finding he has left his keys and wallet on top of Mt Everest, but never able to clamber back to the summit.

It is a psychology that took hold slowly, almost nefariously. England did not enter the first three World Cups having abandoned FIFA because of the perceived dominance of ''foreign'' elements, and lingering animosity from World War 1. Back then the FA Cup was still more prestigious than the World Cup, not only in English eyes.

When England finally made its World Cup debut in 1950 there was a hint of the pain to come when they lost 1-0 to the USA. Such an unlikely result, the story goes, most assumed the ''1'' was missing from England's score on the cabled report and that England had won 10-1.

In the following editions defeats by the South American powerhouses Brazil and Uruguay would force England to confront an awkward truth – it had invented football, but the rest of the world was perfecting it. So victory in 1966 was vastly reassuring. England was – quite literally in this case – still the game's home.

Diego Maradona's famous 'hand of God' goal against England at the 1986 World Cup. Source: News Limited

Since then? A semi-final in 1990 and four quarter-finals. Not abject failure given the tournament has grown in size, stature and – most obviously – depth. But often it has been the nature of England's elimination, exaggerated by the outsized expectations of fans and the poisonous reviews of a forensic media, which makes England the World Cup's most compelling soap opera.

Although, as soap operas go, you might say this one jumped the shark in 1986 when England had its 'Who Shot JR?', 'Scott and Kylie's Wedding' and 'Molly dies on A Country Practice' moment all rolled into one.

Maradona, hero of England's Falklands War enemy Argentina, leaps to push the ball into the net in the quarter-final. Then, after the match, shamelessly transforms his blatant cheating into an article of religious faith: ''A little with the head of Maradona, a little with the hand of God,'' he would say.

WAGS is a dirty word for England. Source: News Limited

The moment has a different context in Argentina where the goal was considered reprisal for everything from Argentina's own poor treatment by the referees in the 1966 World Cup in England to the sinking of the General Belgrano by the British navy.

Whatever the sporting and geo-political ramifications, it says something about England's cursed World Cup fate that the outrage about Maradona's first ''goal'' had barely subsided when he beat five defenders and scored what was later voted FIFA's goal of the century. Thus England was beaten by both the hand of God and the boot of a master.

After that it could hardly get worse. But, in the very next World Cup, it did. A penalty-shootout defeat in the 1990 semi-finals to Germany that deprived England of its best chance to reach a second final.

Paul Gascoigne's famous tears at the 1990 World Cup. Source: AP

Paul Gascoigne was in tears before the final whistle knowing he would miss the final should England prevail. Although it might have been an early sign of Gascoigne's questionable intellect that he could even entertain the possibility of England beating Germany in a penalty shoot-out.

After Chris Waddle and Stuart Pearce had missed their penalties, Gascoigne was consoled on the pitch by manager Bobby Robson. ''Don't worry, you've been one of the best players of the tournament. You've been magnificent. You've got your life ahead of you. This is your first.''

And then? Naturally, England failed to qualify for the finals 1994, Gascoigne became a shambolic drunk and the World Cup continued to treat England as its personal whoopee cushion.

Will it be different this time round for Roy Hodgson's England? Source: AFP

More penalty shoot-out heartache against Argentina in 1998. A tantalising 1-0 lead in the 2002 quarter-final against Brazil becomes a noble 1-2 defeat. Penalties against Portugul in 2006 – again! Green's howler and humiliation against Germany in 2010.

Never quite awful, England. But oh-so agonising.

This time? The usual mixture of anticipation and dread deadened slightly by unusually low expectation.

England's best club teams are now stocked with rich imported talent unavailable to manager Roy Hodgson. Maddeningly, when a ''local'' superstar emerges he turns out to be Welsh. How England would love to be full of Bale instead of baleful.

Wayne Rooney will be in Brazil as some sort of beacon. So too will wife Colleen – reportedly under 24 hour guard as protection against potential Wag-napping. Perhaps Raheem Sterling will prosper in the World Cup furnace as another Liverpool tyro Michael Owen once did.

But seldom has the prospect of another England World Cup triumph seemed so unlikely. Which would make another tantalising run to the latter stages amusing and the chants waiting back home for the inevitable scapegoat even more vitriolic.

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Final World Cup 23-man squads

Steven Gerrard lead England's final 23. Source: - / AFP

DREAMS are sealed and hopes shattered as 32 World Cup coaches announce their final 23-man squads for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Here's your one-stop-shop for all your World Cup squad news - and we'll update this piece from preliminary squads to final 23-man lists when they're announced.

MORE WORLD CUP NEWS

SOCCEROOS SQUAD SELECTOR

GROUP A

BRAZIL

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (QPR), 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)

HEADLINE: all eyes will be on Neymar with veterans Ronaldinho, Kaka and Robino left out of Luis Felipe Scolari's squad, which also had no room for Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho.

REACTION: NO RONALDINHO, KAKA IN BRAZIL 23

Brazil's superstars Neymar, left, Daniel Alves, center, and Fred joke around at training. Source: AP

CAMEROON - PRELIMINARY

Goalkeepers: Charles Itandje (Konyaspor), Ndy Assembe (Guingamp), Sammy Ndjock (Fetihespor), Loic Feudjou (Coton Sport)

Defenders: Allan Nyom (Granada), Dany Nounkeu (Besiktas), Cedric Djeugoue (Coton Sport), Aurelien Chedjou (Galatasaray), Nicolas Nkoulou (Marseille), Armel Kana-Biyik (Rennes), Henri Bedimo (Lyon), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (Tottenham), Gaetang Bong (Olympiakos)

Midfielders: Eyong Enoh (Antalyaspor), Jean II Makoun (Rennes), Joel Matip (Schalke 04), Stephane Mbia (Sevilla), Landry Nguemo (Bordeaux), Alexandre Song (Barcelona), Cedric Loe (Osasuna), Edgar Sally (Lens)

Strikers: Samuel Eto'o (Chelsea), Eric Choupo Moting (Mainz), Benjamin Moukandjo (Nancy), Vincent Aboubakar (Lorient), Achille Webo (Fenerbahce), Mohamadou Idrissou (Kaiserslautern), Fabrice Olinga (Zulte-Waregem)

HEADLINE: Chelsea veteran Samuel Eto'o and Barcelona's Alex Song headline a predominantly European based squad.

Age won't stop Cameroon forward Samuel Eto'o going to the World Cup. Source: AFP

CROATIA

Goalkeepers: Stipe Pletikosa (Rostov/RUS), Danijel Subasic (Monaco/FRA), Oliver Zelenika (Lokomotiva Zagreb)

Defenders: Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk/UKR), Domagoj Vida (Dynamo Kiev/UKR), Sime Vrsaljko (Genoa/ITA), Danijel Pranjic (Panathinaikos/GRE), Vedran Corluka (Lokomotiv Moscow/RUS), Dejan Lovren (Southampton/ENG), Gordon Schindelfeld (Panathinaikos/GRE) Midfielders: Luka Modric (Real Madrid/ESP), Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla/ESP), Mateo Kovacic (Inter Milan/ITA), Marcelo Brozovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Ognjen Vukojevic (Dynamo Kiev/UKR), Ivan Mocinic (Rijeka), Sammir (Getafe/ESP)

Forwards: Mario Mandzukic (Bayern Munich/GER), Nikica Jelavic (Hull City/ENG), Ivica Olic (VfL Wolfsburg/GER), Eduardo Da Silva (Shakhtar Donetsk/UKR), Ivan Perisic (VfL Wolfsburg/GER), Ante Rebic (Fiorentina/ITA)

HEADLINE: Plenty of stars for the Croats, mainly Bayern's Mario Mandzukic, Luka Modric, Nikica Jelavic and Ivan Rakitic

Real Madrid's Champions League winner Luka Modric is Croatia's go-to guy. Source: AP

MEXICO

Goalkeepers: Jesus Corona (Cruz Azul), Guillermo Ochoa (Ajaccio), Alfredo Talavera (Toluca)

Defenders: Paul Aguilar (Club America), Andres Guardado (Bayer Leverkusen), Miguel Layun (Club America), Rafael Marquez (Leon), Hector Moreno (Espanyol), Diego Reyes (Porto), Francisco Javier Rodriguez (Club America), Carlos Salcido (Tigres)

Midfielders: Isaac Brizuela (Toluca), Marco Fabian (Cruz Azul), Hector Herrera (Porto), Juan Carlos Medina (Club America), Luis Montes (Leon), Carlos Pena (Leon), Jose Juan Vazquez (Leon)

Forwards: Giovani Dos Santos (Villarreal), Javier Hernandez (Manchester United), Raul Jimenez (Club America), Oribe Peralta (Santos), Alan Pulido (Tigres)

HEADLINE: Marquee veteran Rafa Marquez leads Mexico's contingent, who needed a play-off against New Zealand to qualify. Defender Carlos Salcido is a surprise in, getting his first call-up under boss Miguel Herrera, while Giovani Dos Santos and Javier Hernandez will be the stars up front.

GROUP B

AUSTRALIA

Goalkeepers: Mat Ryan (Club Brugge), Mitchell Langerak (Borussia Dortmund), Eugene Galekovic (Adelaide United), Mark Birighitti (Newcastle Jets)

Defenders: Ivan Franjic (Brisbane Roar), Jason Davidson (Heracles Almelo), Matthew Spiranovic (Western Sydney Wanderers), Bailey Wright (Preston North End), Luke Wilkshire (Dynamo Moscow), Alex Wilkinson (Jeonbuk Motors), Ryan McGowan (Shandong Luneng)

Midfielders: Mile Jedinak (Crystal Palace), Mark Milligan (Melbourne Victory), James Holland (Austria Vienna), Massimo Luongo (Swindon Town), Oliver Bozanic (Luzern), Matt McKay (Brisbane Roar), Mark Bresciano (Al-Gharafa)

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

HEADLINE: Josh Brilliante, Adam Sarota and Curtis Good missed the first cut, now we wait to see who Ange Postecoglou chooses in his final 23 on Wednesday.

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou will drop one final player on Wednesday. Source: AFP

CHILE

Goalkeepers: Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad/ESP), Johnny Herrera (Universidad de Chile), Cristopher Toselli (Universidad Catolica)

Defenders: Gary Medel (Cardiff City/ENG), Jose Rojas (Universidad de Chile), Eugenio Mena (Santos/BRA), Gonzalo Jara (Nottingham Forest/ENG)

Midfielders: Arturo Vidal (Juventus/ITA), Mauricio Isla (Juventus/ITA), Marcelo Diaz (Basel/SUI), Francisco Silva (Osasuna/ESP), Felipe Gutierrez (FC Twente/NED), Jose Pedro Fuenzalida (Colo Colo), Carlos Carmona (Atalanta/ITA), Jean Beausejour (Wigan/ENG), Charles Aranguiz (Internacional/BRA), Miiko Albornoz (Malmo/SWE).

Forwards: Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona/ESP), Eduardo Vargas (Valencia/ESP), Jorge Valdivia (Palmeiras/BRA), Mauricio Pinilla (Cagliari/ITA), Esteban Paredes (Colo Colo), Fabian Orellana (Celta Vigo/ESP)

HEADLINE: Injured Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal has made the cut for the final 23 despite injury. Midfielders David Pizarro of Italy's Fiorentina and Humberto Suazo, who plays in Monterrey, Mexico. Barcelona's Alexis Sanchez leads the line.

Chilean footballer Arturo Vidal is recovering form surgery but is in Chile's 23-man squad. Source: AFP

NETHERLANDS

Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Tim Krul (Newcaste United), Michel Vorm (Swansea City)
Defenders: Daley Blind (Ajax), Daryl Janmaat (Feyenoord), Terence Kongolo (Feyenoord), Bruno Martins Indi (Feyenoord), Joel Veltman (Ajax), Paul Verhaegh (FC Augsburg), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa), Stefan de Vrij (Feyenoord)

Midfielders: Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord), Leroy Fer (Norwich City), Jonathan De Guzman (Swansea City), Nigel de Jong (AC Milan), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV Eindhoven)

Forwards: Memphis Depay (PSV Eindhoven), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04), Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahce), Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kiev), Robin van Persie (Manchester United, Arjen Robben (Bayern Mnich)

HEADLINE: The loss of key midfielder Kevin Strootman has forced Louis Van Gaal into a reshuffle and he is contemplating playing five defenders. The squad is a mix of Eredivse rookies and 2010 veterans.

Dutch forward Robin van Persie chats with coach Louis van Gaal. Source: AFP

SPAIN

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Napoli), David de Gea (Manchester United)

Defenders: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Juanfran Torres (Atletico Madrid).

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Koke Resurreccion (Atletico Madrid), David Silva (Manchester City), Juan Mata (Manchester United), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal).

Forwards: Pedro Rodriguez (Barcelona), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), David Villa (Atletico Madrid), Fernando Torres (Chelsea).

HEADLINE: Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo miss out; Fernando Torres and Diego Costa are in.

Spain forward Fernando Torres was a surprise inclusion in Vicente Del Bosque's squad. Source: AFP

GROUP C

COLOMBIA (preliminary squad)

Goalkeepers: David Ospina, Faryd Mondragon, Camilo Vargas

Defenders: Eder Alvarez Balanta, Santiago Arias, Pablo Armero, Mario Yepes, Camilo Zuñiga, Cristian Zapata, Luis Amaranto Perea Carlos Valdes, Aquivaldo Mosquera.

Midfielders: James Rodriguez, Juan Fernando Quintero, Fredy Guarin, Alexander Mejia, Aldo Leão Ramirez, Carlos Sanchez, Elkin Soto, Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, Abel Aguilar, Macnelly Torres

Strikers: Radamel Falcao, Carlos Bacca, Adrian Ramos, Luis Muriel, Jackson Martinez, Teofilo Gutierrez, Victor Ibarbo

HEADLINE: Star striker Radamel Falcao could make the World Cup finals yet despite a serious injury while playing for Monaco back in January. The 28-year-old has repeatedly said he still hopes to be in Brazil and manager Jose Pekerman is confident he will be leading the line.

Colombia striker Radamel Falcao is racing the clock to be fit in time for the World Cup. Source: AFP

GREECE

Goalkeepers: Orestis Karnezis (Granada), Panagiotis Glykos (PAOK), Stefanos Kapino (Panathinaikos).

D efenders: Vassilis Torosidis (Roma), Loukas Vyntra (Levante), Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Borussia Dortmund), Costas Manolas (Olympiakos), Vangelis Moras (Hellas Verona), Jose Holebas (Olympiakos), Giorgos Tzavellas (PAOK), Yiannis Maniatis (Olympiakos).

Midfielders: Alexandros Tziolis (Kayserispor), Kostas Katsouranis (PAOK), Giorgos Karagounis (Fulham), Andreas Samaris (Olympiakos), Panagiotis Tachtsidis (Torino), Panagiotis Kone (Bologna), Yiannis Fetfatzidis (Genoa), Lazaros Christodoulopoulos (Bologna).

Forwards: Georgios Samaras (Celtic), Kostas Mitroglou (Fulham), Theofanis Gekas (Konyaspor), Dimitris Salpingidis (PAOK).

HEADLINE: 132-cap veteran Giorgos Karagounis leads the side, despite a sub-par season at Fulham, while club teammate Kostas Mitroglou will also be there.

IVORY COAST

TOURE IN SQUAD DESPITE BEING DIAGNOSED WITH MALARIA

Goalkeepers: Boubacar Barry (Lokeren), Sylvain Gbohouo (Sewe Sport), Mande Sayouba (Stabaek).

Defenders: Serge Aurier (Toulouse), Jean-Daniel Akpa-Akpro (Toulouse), Didier Zokora (Trabzonspor), Kolo Toure (Liverpool), Souleman Bamba (Trabzonspor), Arthur Boka (Stuttgart), Constant Djakpa (Eintracht Frankfurt), Ousmane Viera (Caykur Rizespor).

Midfielders: Cheick Tiote (Newcastle), Serey Die (Basel), Ismael Diomande (Saint-Etienne), Didier Ya Konan (Hannover), Yaya Toure (Manchester City), Max Gradel (Saint-Etienne).

Forwards: Didier Drogba (Galatasaray), Wilfried Bony (Swansea), Gervinho (Roma), Salomon Kalou (Lille), Giovanni Sio (Basel), Mathis Bolly (Fortuna Dusseldorf).

HEADLINE: Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure headline a squad that sees the latter's brother Kolo Toure included, despite being diagnosed with malaria.

Didier Drogba in action for Ivory Coast. Source: AFP

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)

HEADLINE: Australia's Asian rivals Japan boast European stars Shingi Kagawa from Manchester United, Mainz forward Shinji Okazaki and AC Milan marksman Keisuke Honda. Surprisingly, veteran striker Yoshito Okubo also got the nod.

Japan star Shinji Kagawa will look to put a poor club season behind him at the World Cup. Source: AFP

GROUP D

COSTA RICA

Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas (Levante), Patrick Pemberton (Alajuelense), Daniel Cambronero (Herediano)

Defenders: Giancarlo González (Columbus Crew), Jhonny Acosta (Alajuelense), Michael Umaña, (Saprissa), Roy Miller (New York Red Bull), Óscar Duarte (Club Brugge), Junior Díaz (Mainz 05), Cristian Gamboa (Rosenborg), Heiner Mora (Saprissa), Waylon Francis (Columbus Crew)

Midfielders: Yeltsin Tejeda (Saprissa), José Miguel Cubero (Herediano), Óscar Esteban Granados (Herediano), Celso Borges (AIK), Michael Barrantes (Aalesund), Christian Bolaños (FC Copenhague), Diego Calvo (Valerenga)

Forwards: Bryan Ruiz (PSV), Joel Campbell (Olympiacos), Randall "Chiqui" Brenes (Cartaginés), Marco Ureña (Kuban Krasnodar)

HEADLINE: Joel Campbell, on loan at Olympiakos from Arsenal, and Bryan Ruiz, at PSV Eindhoven on loan from Fulham, are the two notable inclusions for Costa Rica. Carlos Hernandez misses out.

ENGLAND

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Manchester City), Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion), Fraser Forster (Celtic).

Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Southampton), Chris Smalling (Manchester United).

Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).

Forwards: Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Daniel Welbeck (Manchester United).

HEADLINE: Veterans Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are in, but Ashley Cole isn't, with Everton sensation Ross Barkley headlining an England squad with a sprinkling of the EPL's brightest young talent.

Roy Hodgson's England squad is full of young talent. Source: AFP

ITALY

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint-GermainG/FRA), Mattia Perin (Genoa)

Defenders: Ignazio Abate (AC Milan), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Matteo Darmian (Torino), Mattia De Sciglio (AC Milan), Gabriel Paletta (Parma)

Midfielders: Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina), Antonio Candreva (Lazio), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Thiago Motta (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Marco Parolo (Parma), Andrea Pirlo (Juventus), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA)

Forwards: Mario Balotelli (AC Milan), Antonio Cassano (Parma), Alessio Cerci (Torino), Ciro Immobile (Torino), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli)

HEADLINE: Key defender Giorgio Chiellini is in despite a Juventus club ethics ban for elbowing Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic while striker Antonio Cassano was somewhat of a shock choice to go to Brazil.

Italy forward Mario Balotelliwill bring the fun to the World Cup. Source: AP

URUGUAY

Goalkeepers: Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray), Martin Silva (Vasco da Gama), Rodrigo Munoz (Libertad)

Defenders: Maximiliano Pereira (Benfica), Diego Lugano (West Bromwich Albion), Diego Godin, Jose Maria Gimenez (both Atletico Madrid), Sebastian Coates (Liverpool), Martin Caceres (Juventus), Jorge Fucile (Porto)

Midfielders: lvaro Gonzalez (Lazio), Alvaro Pereira (Sao Paulo), Walter Gargano (Parma), Egidio Arevalo Rios (Morelia), Diego Perez (Bologna), Cristian Rodriguez (Atletico Madrid), Gaston Ramirez (Southampton), Nicolas Lodeiro (Botafogo)

Forwards: Luis Suarez (Liverpool), Edinson Cavani (Paris St Germain), Abel Hernandez (Palermo), Diego Forlan (Cerezo Osaka), Christian Stuani (Espanyol).

HEADLINE: All eyes will be on Uruguay's strikeforce, boasting Liverpool's Luis Suarez and Paris Saint-Germain's Edinson Cavani.

Uruguay striker player Edinson Cavani is expected to lead the line with Luis Suarez. Source: AP

GROUP E

ECUADOR (provisional squad)

Goalkeepers: Maximo Banguera, Adrian Bone, Alexander Dominguez

D efenders: Gabriel Achilier, Walter Ayovi, Oscar Bagui, Frickson Erazo, Jorge Guagua, John Narvaez, Juan Carlos Paredes, Cristian Ramirez

Midfielders: Michael Arroyo, Segundo Castillo, Carlos Gruezo, Renato Ibarra, Fidel Martinez, Edison Mendez, Oswaldo Minda, Christian Noboa, Pedro Quinonez, Luis Saritama, Antonio Valencia.

Forwards: Jaime Ayovi, Felipe Caicedo, Angel Mena, Jefferson Montero, Cristian Penilla, Joao Rojas, Enner Valencia, Armando Wila.

HEADLINE: It's all about the Valencia boys- Enner and Manchester United winger Antonio.

FRANCE

Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Mickael Landreau (Bastia)

Defenders: Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid), Eliaquim Mangala (Porto), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Lucas Digne (PSG)

Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye (PSG), Clement Grenier (Lyon), Blaise Matuidi (PSG), Rio Mavuba (Lille), Paul Pogba (Juventus), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille)

Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (Arsenal), Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Loic Remy (QPR)

HEADLINE: Mancehster City star Samir Nasri was left out of the France squad, but they still have plenty of attacking firepower through the likes of Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.

Packed full of talent, France will be dangerous in Brazil. Source: AFP

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).

HEADLINE: There are six British based players in the squad, headlined by Hull defender Maynor Figueroa and Stoke midfielder Wilson Palacios.

SWITZERLAND

Goalkeepers: Diego Benaglio (Wolfsburg), Roman Buerki (Grasshopper), Yann Sommer (Basel)

Defenders: Johan Djourou (Hamburg), Michael Lang (Grasshopper), Stephan Lichtsteiner (Juventus), Ricardo Rodriguez (Wolfsburg), Fabian Schaer (Basel), Philippe Senderos (Valencia), Steve von Bergen (Young Boys), Reto Ziegler (Sassuolo)

Midfielders: Tranquillo Barnetta (Eintracht Frankfurt), Valon Behrami (Napoli), Blerim Dzemaili (Napoli), Gelson Fernandes (Freiburg), Goekhan Inler (Napoli), Xherdan Shaqiri (Bayern Munich), Valentin Stocker (Basel)

Forwards: Josip Drmic (Nurnberg), Mario Gavranovic (Zurich), Admir Mehmedi (Freiburg), Haris Seferovic (Real Sociedad), Granit Xhaka (Borussia Moenchengladbach)

HEADLINE: Xherdan Shaqiri and Goekhan Inler headline a very strong midfield named in Ottmar Hitzfeld's Swiss squad, while there was also a place for veteran defender Philippe Senderos.

A good World Cup could see Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri make a big club transfer. Source: AP

GROUP F

ARGENTINA (preliminary squad)

Goalkeepers: Mariano Andujar (Catania/ITA), Sergio Romero (Monaco/FRA), Agustin Orion (Boca Juniors)

Defenders: Hugo Campagnaro (Inter Milan/ITA), Federico Fernandez (Napoli/ITA), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City/ENG), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica/POR), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon/POR), Jose Basanta (Monterrey/MEX), Nicolas Otamendi (Atletico Mineiro/BRA), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City/ENG)

Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (FC Barcelona/ESP), Jose Sosa (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Augusto Fernandez (Celta Vigo/ESP), Ricky Alvarez (Inter Milan/ITA), Lucas Biglia (Lazio/ITA), Ever Banega (Newell's Old Boys), Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors), Maxi Rodriguez (Newell's Old Boys), Enzo Perez (Benfica/POR)

Forward: Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona/ESP), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid/ESP), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter Milan/ITA), Gonzalo Higuaín (Napoli/ITA), Sergio Agüero (Manchester City/ENG), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA)

HEADLINE: Juventus superstar Carlos Tevez didn't make the cut, while winger Erik Lamela's recent injuries counted against him. However, with Lionel Messi weaving his magic and Sergio Aguero firing, Argentina isn't exactly short of attacking options.

Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi make up Argentina's deadly strikforce. Source: AFP

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).

HEADLINE: an underrated line-up with two of the EPL's best - Asmir Begovic and Edin Dzeko - bookending the line-up at either end.

Edin Dzeko is Bosnia's big-name player. Source: AFP

IRAN

Goalkeepers: Daniel Davari, Alireza Haghighi, Rahman Ahmadi

Defenders: Hossein Mahini, Steven Beitashour, Pejman Montazeri, Jalal Hosseini, Amir-Hossein Sadeghi, Ahmad Alenemeh, Hashem Beikzadeh, Mehrdad Pouladi

Midfielders: Javad Nekounam, Andranik Teymourian, Reza Haghighi, Ghasem Hadadifar, Bakhtiar Rahmani, Ehsan Hajsafi

Forwards: Ashkan Dejagah, Masoud Shojaei, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Reza Ghoochannejhad, Karim Ansarifard, Khosro Heydari.

HEADLINE: former Manchester United assistant Carlos Queiroz helms the Middle East outfit, which includes Fulham midfielder Ashkan Dejagah.

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).

HEADLINE: EPL strikers Peter Odemwingie, Victor Moses and Shola Ameobi have got the nod for Stephen Keshi's squad but Ikechukwu Uche, who scored 12 La Liga goals for Villareal this term, has not.

Nigeria striker Peter Odemwingie will lead the line for his country. 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), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Arsenal), Shkodran Mustafi (Sampdoria), Marcel Schmelzer (Borussia Dortmund).

Midfielders: Julian Draxler (Schalke), Matthias Ginter (Freiburg), Mario Goetze (Bayern Munich), Andre Hahn (Augsburg), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid), Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich), 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)

HEADLINE: Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira has been included despite being out all year with a knee injury. He features in a star-studded squad, although Joachim Loew will be relying heavily on goals from midfield. Veteran Miroslav Klose has 14 World Cup finals goals and he has been handed the chance to surpass Ronaldo as the greatest World Cup finals scorer of all time after selection in his fourth tournament.

REACTION: VETERAN GOMEZ LEFT OUT OF GERMANY SQUAD

Germany coach Joachim Loew has plenty of talent at his disposal. Source: AFP

GHANA

Goalkeepers: Fatau Dauda (Orlando Pirates), Adam Kwarasey (Stromsgodset), Stephen Adams (Aduana Stars)

Defenders: Samuel Inkoom (Platanias), Daniel Opare (Standard Liege), Harrison Afful (Esperance), John Boye (Rennes), Jonathan Mensah (Evian), Rashid Sumalia (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Midfielders: Michael Essien (AC Milan), Sulley Muntari (AC Milan), Mohammed Rabiu (Kuban Krasnodar), Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus), Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (Udinese), Afriyie Acquah (Parma), Christian Atsu (Vitesse Arnhem), Albert Adomah (Middlesbrough), Andre Ayew (Marseille), Mubarak Wakaso (Rubin Kazan)

Forwards: Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain), Kevin-Prince Boateng (Schalke), Abdul Majeed Waris (Valenciennes), Jordan Ayew (Sochaux).

HEADLINE: Veterans Michael Essien - who missed 2010 with injury, Asamoah Gyan and Sulley Muntari all get another World Cup finals, but big names John Mensah and Isaac Vorsah have been left out.

PORTUGAL

Goalkeepers: Rui Patricio (Sporting), Beto (Sevilla/ESP), Eduardo (Braga)

Defenders: Andre Almeida (Benfica), Bruno Alves (Fenerbahce/TUR), Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid/ESP), Joao Pereira (Valencia/ESP), Neto (Zenith St-Petersburg/RUS), Pepe (Real Madrid/ESP), Ricardo Costa (Valencia/ESP)

Midfielders: Joao Moutinho (Monaco/FRA), Miguel Veloso (Dynamo Kiev/UKR), Raul Meireles (Fenerbahce/TUR), Ruben Amorim (Benfica), William Carvalho (Sporting)

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid/ESP), Eder (Braga), Helder Postiga (Lazio/ITA), Hugo Almeida (Besiktas/TUR), Nani (Manchester United/ENG), Rafa (Braga), Varela (FC Porto), Vieirinha (Wolfsburg/GER)

HEADLINE: Portugal will rely heavily on Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, although he'll be supported by the likes of Joao Moutinho and William Cravalho. Ricardo Quaresma was overlooked.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo is Portugal's great hope at the World Cup. Source: AP

USA

Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)

Defenders: DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), John Brooks (Hertha Berlin), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Timmy Chandler (Nürnberg), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Fabian Johnson (Borussia Mönchengladbach), DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders FC)

Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Julian Green (Bayern Munich), Jermaine Jones (Besiktas), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)

Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Sunderland), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC), Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)

HEADLINE: Record goalscorer Landon Donovan is axed, but Everton No.1 Tim Howard, Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan, Sunderland striker Jozy Alitdore and Stoke defender Geoff Cameron headline USA's EPL contingent, while Jurgen Klinsmann will rely heavily on MLS-based legends Clint Dempsey.

Clint Dempseyof the United States is congratulated by teammate Timmy Chandler. Source: AFP

GROUP H

ALGERIA - (preliminary squad)

Goalkeepers: Azzedine Doukha (USM El Harrach), Rais Mbolhi (CSKA Sofia), Cedric Si Mohamed (CS Constantine), Mohamed Lamine Zemmamouche (USM Alger)

Defenders: Essaid Belkalem (Watford), Madjid Bougherra (Al Lekhwiya), Liassine Cadamuro (Mallorca), Faouzi Ghoulam (Naples), Rafik Halliche (Academica Coimbra), Nacereddine Khoualed (USM Alger), Aissa Mandi (Stade Reims), Carl Medjani (Valenciennes), Djamel Mesbah (Livorno), Mehdi Mostefa (Ajaccio)

Midfielders: Nabil Bentaleb (Tottenham Hotspur), Ryad Boudebouz (Bastia), Yacine Brahimi (Granada), Abdelmoumene Djabou (Club Africain), Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia), Adlene Guedioura (Crystal Palace), Foued Kadir (Stade Rennes), Amir Karaoui (Entente Setif), Mehdi Lacen (Getafe), Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City), Saphir Taider (Inter Milan), Hassan Yebda (Udinese)

Forwards: Rafik Djebbour (Nottingham Forest), Nabil Ghilas (Porto), Islam Slimani (Sporting), El Arabi Soudani (Dinamo Zagreb).

HEADLINE: Tottenham's Nabil Bentaleb is included in a squad that boasts just three locally based players, amongst midfielders and strikers coming from the EPL, La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and Russia.

BELGIUM

Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Madrid, on loan from Chelsea), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool), Koen Casteels (Hoffenheim), Silvio Proto (Anderlecht).

Defenders: Toby Alderweireld (Atletico Madrid), Laurent Ciman (Standard Liege), Nicolas Lombaerts (Zenit St Petersburg), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City), Daniel Van Buyten (Bayern Munich), Anthony Vanden Borre (Anderlecht), Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham).

Midfielders: Nacer Chadli, Mousa Dembele (both Tottenham), Steven Defour (Porto), Kevin De Bruyne (Wolfsburg), Marouane Fellaini, Adnan Januzaj (both Manchester United), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Kevin Mirallas (Everton), Divock Origi (Lille), Axel Witsel (Zenit St Petersburg)

Attackers: Romelu Lukaku (Everton, on loan from Chelsea), Dries Mertens (Napoli)

Belgium rookie Adnan Januzaj training with his new teammates. Source: AP

HEADLINE: Manchester United prodigy Adnan Januzaj is IN, as is maligned club teammate Marouane Fellaini. Plenty of firepower for the Red Devils, with Eden Hazard, Kevin Mirallas and Romelu Lukaku also named.

RUSSIA

Goalkeepers: Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow), Yuri Lodygin (Zenit St. Petersburg), Sergei Ryzhikov (Rubin Kazan).

Defenders: Vasily Berezutsky (CSKA Moscow), Sergei Ignashevich (CSKA Moscow), Georgy Shchennikov (CSKA Moscow), Vladimir Granat (Dynamo Moscow), Alexei Kozlov (Dynamo Moscow), Andrei Yeshchenko (Anzhi Makhachkala), Dmitry Kombarov (Spartak Moscow), Andrei Semyonov (Terek Grozny).

Midfielders: Igor Denisov (Dynamo Moscow), Alan Dzagoev (CSKA Moscow), Roman Shirokov (Zenit St. Petersburg), Denis Glushakov (Spartak Moscow), Viktor Faizulin (Zenit St. Petersburg), Oleg Shatov (Zenit St. Petersburg), Yuri Zhirkov (Dynamo Moscow), Alexander Samedov (Lokomotiv Moscow)

Forwards: Alexei Ionov (Dynamo Moscow), Alexander Kokorin (Dynamo Moscow), Maxim Kanunnikov (Amkar Perm), Alexander Kerzhakov (Zenit St. Petersburg).

HEADLINE: Fabio Capello has chosen only domestic-based players in his 23-man squad, so there's no room for Pavel Pogrebnyak,Andrey Arshavin, Roman Pavlyuchenko or Dinyar Bilyaletdinov.

SOUTH KOREA

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

Defenders: Hong Jeong-ho (Augsburg), Hwang Seo-ho (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Kim Chang-soo (Kashiwa Reysol), Kim Young-gwon (Guangzhou Evergrande), Kwak Tae-hwi (Al Hilal), Lee Yong (Ulsan Hyundai), Yun Suk-young (QPR), Park Joo-ho (Mainz).

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

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

HEADLINE: Hong Myung-bo has selected a mix of European and Asian based players, with Bayer Leverkusen star Son Heung-min headlining the group. Five players, including Sunderland's Ki Sung-yueng, are from England's top two tiers.

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