Glory to blood 15-year-old

Debut ... Young gun Danny de Silva with Glory coach Alistair Edwards. Source: Perth Glory / PerthNow

Perth Glory is set to blood 15-year-old midfielder Danny De Silva against a Sydney FC team boasting some of the A-League's biggest names on Saturday night.

Glory coach Alistair Edwards this morning confirmed the teenager would start on the bench for the crucial clash, which features two sides desperate for points to keep their finals ambitions on track.

De Silva, who turns 16 next week, will have the chance to become the youngest player to take to the field for Glory.

The Stirling Lions product joined the A-League club on a youth contract last month, having previously played under Edwards with the Australian Joeys.

Edwards described the attacking midfielder as one of the most talented young players to come through the WA pathway.

"I've been coaching Danny for the last couple of years with the Joeys, and he's an exciting talent coming through," Edwards said.
Access all Areas. $1 for the first 28 days. Only $2.95 a week thereafter. Learn more.

"It's a wonderful opportunity not only for him, but for the club.

"It just sends a clear message to people within the state that if you're good enough, and you're talented enough, you're going to be given an opportunity."

If given an opportunity, De Silva will be sharing the nib Stadium turf with superstar Alessandro Del Piero and Australian greats Lucas Neill and Brett Emerton.

But Edwards said his young charge would not be overawed by the situation.

"He'll fit seamlessly, and he's trained really well during the week," Edwards said.

"But in saying that, he knows he's got a lot to do in terms of where he wants to be as a football player.

"He's turned back opportunities to go overseas to a number of big clubs, and that's another massive sign for the club moving forward - a player of that ability has decided to stay and continue his football education in Western Australia."

De Silva said he was "buzzing" ahead of his senior debut.

"I'll definitely give it my best shot - that's all I can do. Hopefully I can help the team out," he said.

"(Sydney FC) have quality players, and it's going to be amazing to play against a World Cup winner in Del Piero and the captain of the Socceroos.

"Perth Glory have given me an amazing opportunity and I definitely think it's going to help me in my football career."

De Silva was presented with his No.28 playing shirt by club great Bobby Despotovski after training this morning.

Edwards said the gesture was part of a push to build the culture of club and embrace its 17-year history.

"I know the tradition of the club has been lost over the years," he said.

"I'm not going to mask that.

"The simple fact is there are some fantastic people who have played for the club, and while Gareth Naven and myself are here, they're going to be fully embraced by the club moving forward."

In another boost for the club, Edwards said defender Michael Thwaite had rejected some "very big money offers" from a number of Asian clubs to remain in Perth.

Glory skipper Jacob Burns featured at training this morning but is still at least a week away from returning.

Perth sits in ninth spot on the A-League table but remains just five points shy of sixth place, while the Sky Blues sit outside the top six on goal difference.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Giggs to play on with Red Devils

Winger ... Ryan Giggs will play a 23rd EPL season with Manchester United. Source: Jon Super / AP

Ryan Giggs, who is set to make his 1,000th appearance in senior football this weekend, has signed a new one-year contract at Manchester United, the club announced on Friday.

The Barclays Premier League leaders said the deal keeps the 39-year-old Wales winger at Old Trafford until June 2014 and sees him complete a 23rd season as a first-team player.

Coach Alex Ferguson told manutd.com: "What can I say about Ryan that hasn't already been said? He is a marvellous player and an exceptional human being. Ryan is an example to us all, the way in which he has, and continues to, look after himself.

"He has fantastic energy for the game and it is wonderful to see. Ryan seems to reach a new milestone every week and to think that he now has 23 unbroken years of league goals behind him is truly amazing in the modern-day game.

"His form this year shows his ability and his enjoyment of the game are as strong as ever and I am absolutely delighted that he has signed a new contract.''

Giggs signed professional forms with United in 1990 and made his debut on March 2, 1991. He has made 931 appearances for the club -- a Manchester United record -- and scored 168 goals.

He has been capped 64 times for Wales and played four times for the British Olympic men's football team at last year's London Games.

During his impressive, storied career, he has won 12 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, two Champions Leagues, one Super Cup, an Intercontinental Cup and a FIFA Club World Cup.

Giggs said he was "delighted'' to have signed a new contract and despite his advancing years said he was "feeling good, enjoying my football more than ever and, most importantly, I feel I am making a contribution to the team''.

He added: "This is an exciting team to be part of, with great team spirit, and we are again pushing for trophies as we head towards the business end of the season.''

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tahs snap losing run against Rebels

Substitute Ben Volavola has sparked a second-half revival from the Waratahs, who powered home to beat the Rebels 31-26 in their Super Rugby clash in Sydney.

3 Tries 2
Bernard Foley 58'	Ged Robinson 25'
Michael Hooper 65'	Kurtley Beale 80'
Paddy Ryan 75'
2 Conversions 2
Brendan McKibbin 60'	James O'Connor 27'
Brendan McKibbin 66'	James O'Connor 80'
4 Penalties 4
Brendan McKibbin 3'	James O'Connor 8'
Brendan McKibbin 29'	James O'Connor 19'
Brendan McKibbin 52'	James O'Connor 38'
Brendan McKibbin 72'	James O'Connor 69'

Volavola's injection into the match a few minutes after halftime resulted in the 22-year-old shifting to fullback with star recruit Israel Folau moving to the right wing and Tom Kingston replaced.

Coach Michael Cheika's much-vaunted running rugby didn't eventuate in the first half on Friday night with the Waratahs trailing 16-6 at the break.

The only five-pointer came from Rebels hooker Ged Robinson from a short lineout in the 26th minute in slippery conditions.

But Cheika's call to send Volavola on brought the side to life and also put the lethal Folau into the game.

With Rebels prop Laurie Weeks in the sin bin, the Waratahs made the visitors pay with a nice exchange of passes.

---

Relive the action at our interactive Super Rugby Match Centre, featuring video highlights of key moments.

---

Folau drew in a couple of defenders before finding Kane Douglas, who popped a ball to five-eighth Bernard Foley to score on 58 minutes.

The home side scored again seven minutes later through openside flanker Michael Hooper on the back of mounting pressure from close range.

Replacement prop Paddy Ryan then barged over to score and seal the game with five minutes remaining, with Kurtley Beale scoring a consolation try in the dying seconds.

Waratahs halfback Brendan McKibbin racked up 16 points from four penalty goals and two conversions, as did Rebels fullback James O'Connor.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bulldogs pip Hawks in thriller

Winners ... Bulldogs' Luke Dahlhaus evades a Hawthorn tackle. Source: Michael Klein / News Limited

The fight the Western Bulldogs were missing for much of last AFL season has been rediscovered in a valiant one-point comeback NAB Cup win over Hawthorn.

The Bulldogs trailed by as many as 14 points midway through the last quarter before charging home to win 1.10.6 (75) to 2.8.8 (74) despite a fine five-goal performance from Hawk superstar Lance Franklin at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.

The Hawks, winless so far in the pre-season, had their night further soured by having David Hale and Luke Breust limp off injured in the second half, while Dogs draftee Jake Stringer also hobbled off in the last term.

0.3.3 (21)	Q1	0.1.3 (9)
0.5.3 (33)	Q2	1.3.5 (32)
0.8.4 (52)	Q3	1.6.6 (51)
1.10.6 (75)	Q4	2.8.8 (74)

Ryan Griffen 2	Lance Franklin 4
Luke Dahlhaus 1	David Hale 2
Tory Dickson 1	Jarryd Roughead 1
Brett Goodes 1	Shane Savage 1
Jason Johannissen 1	Isaac Smith 1
Liam Jones 1
Robert Murphy 1
Clay Smith 1
Koby Stevens 1
Jake Stringer 1

Skipper Matthew Boyd (31 disposals) was excellent for the Bulldogs while youngster Clay Smith had a fine game and kicked a nine-point super goal to put his side in front in the last quarter.

But after Hawthorn's Jordan Lewis kicked a behind from what should have been a straightforward set shot, to level the scores, it was a poster from young tall forward Liam Jones that ended up deciding the game.

It was the Dogs' first win since midway through last season, with the club having lost their last 11 games last year.

They kicked the first three goals of the night, the first to Robert Murphy, who is expected to play mostly in attack this year and showed he will add spark.

Franklin kept the Hawks in touch with his side's only goal of the first term.

He also kicked the first of the second quarter then gave the Hawks the lead with a nine-pointer midway through the term, after shrugging off a tackle and taking a bounce.

---

Who will you pick in your FOX FOOTY Supercoach team? Join Australia's biggest fantasy sports game and have a shot at $50,000.

---

The Dogs edged back in front by halftime before Hawthorn looked set to blow them away with the first three goals of the second half.

A one-armed mark and goal from Bulldogs tall forward Liam Jones, who showed brighter signs in attack than he did for most of last year, narrowed the margin.

Stringer, playing his first game, then snapped cleverly to put the Dogs in front at the last change.

The Hawks again looked set to kill the contest when Jarryd Roughead booted a nine-pointer to start the last quarter and Franklin kicked two goals in two minutes soon after to push the lead to 16 points before the Dogs' decisive charge.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Video: Re-live best one-day finishes

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Heartstopping ... Re-live some of the best one-day finishes in our video. Source:FOX SPORTS

After spending an entire day watching high-class players slog it out for their club, state or country, there can be nothing more exhilarating for cricket fans than watching a one-day match that comes down to the last over.

Purists complain that the 50-over game has become too formulaic, but it's hard to argue with the entertainment value provided by a last-over thriller.

The case was put forward again on Wednesday night, as Queensland seemingly came from nowhere to claim a stunning win over Victoria in the Ryobi Cup final courtesy of a great final over from Ryan Harris.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

But you don't have to cast your mind back too far to conjure up similar scenes on the cricket field.

In fact, last year's Ryobi Cup final had just as much theatre, memorably ending in a tie and with Ricky Ponting throwing his pads off so he could run faster for the last ball.

On the international scene, few will ever forget Australia's famous win over South Africa in the 1999 World Cup semi-final, when Lance Klusener smashed two boundaries in the last over before calamitous running with Allan Donald saw the Aussies snare a remarkable tie that put them through to the final.

Seven years later those two sides were at it again, with Mark Boucher hitting the winning runs in a match that is better remembered for both teams setting the world record for most runs in an ODI.

From the immortal image of Michael Bevan hitting a four off the last ball against West Indies at the SCG in 1996 to Ryan McLaren hitting a six off the final delivery of the match against New Zealand just a month ago, we've compiled a video of one-day cricket's great last-over finishes.

---

Watch the video at the top of the page to see some classic one-day finishes and let us know the most exciting by leaving a comment below.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Smith: I'd consider Wallabies return

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Interested ... Smith says he'd have to consider a return to the Wallabies if approached. Source:AAP

Wallabies great George Smith is open to a return to the national team for the British and Irish Lions series but says his main focus is contributing to the Brumbies' Super Rugby title charge.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The 110-Test veteran this week signed a short-term deal with the Canberra-based franchise, sparking a string of comments from the likes of Eddie Jones and George Gregan that he should be in the mix for the three-Test series in June.

Speaking exclusively to Rugby HQ's Sean Maloney, Smith said he'd have to consider a shock return to the gold jersey for what would be his second Lions series.

"These are two people that I respect hugely, George Gregan's done it all and Eddie Jones is a mentor of mine," Smith told Rugby HQ.

"Their opinion I do take on board, and if I was considered for the Wallabies I'd definitely think about it because it is such a huge occasion.

"But first and foremost I have to earn my spot within the Brumbies."

Smith will serve as cover for likely Wallabies captain David Pocock in Canberra, although there has been speculation Brumbies coach Jake White may look to play the two in tandem.

Whatever the case, the Brumbies now boast a backrow contingent the envy of many other Super Rugby franchises especially with skipper Ben Mowen also in impressive early-season form.

Smith said he wanted to "test" himself again, after playing in the less-intensive Japanese competition over the past few seasons.

"It was presented to me a little while ago, a few weeks back," Smith said of contract talks.

"I obviously had time to think about it and I thought it would be a good way to test myself in the Super Rugby arena, and I'm excited about the challenge.

"I've had two good seasons at Suntory Sungoliath and I think this will definitely test me."

Smith said he was keen to renew hostilities with New South Wales Waratahs in the Brumbies' Centenary match at Canberra Stadium in round four.

"I'd love to play within that game but first and foremost I have to earn my spot in the Brumbies side," he said.

"And that's why I'm turning up tomorrow (Friday) in Canberra and training well and meeting the guys."

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bird ruled out for six weeks

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

No return ... Bird will remain in Australia to undergo further tests. Source: William West / AAP

While Australia's selectors agonise over whether to play two spinners or one in the second Test against India on Saturday, their fast-bowling ranks have thinned overnight.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Reserve paceman Jackson Bird has had a second round of scans in Melbourne which are believed to have ruled the pace bowler out of action for at least six weeks with a back injury.

The tall Tasmania quick, who took 11 wickets in two matches in his debut Test series against Sri Lanka in January, was sent back to Melbourne from Chennai earlier this week after suffering back soreness.

Selectors were hopeful scans would clear the 26-year-old to return to India for the remainder of the four-match series, however those plans have been shelved.

"Initial tests performed in Melbourne have confirmed that Jackson Bird has a bone-stress injury of the low back," Australia team doctor Peter Brukner said.

"He will not be re-joining the team in India."

Bird's absence leaves 50-Test veteran Mitchell Johnson as the only back-up paceman in the 16-man squad.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

A team spokesman said no decision had been made on a possible replacement player.

Australia captain Michael Clarke has turned to close mate and legspin great Shane Warne for advice on how to knock over India's batting lineup cheaply in Hyderabad.

Many would argue playing only one spinner compared to India's three in Chennai was a blunder, as India captain MS Dhoni suggested.

However, the tourists have hinted off-spinner Nathan Lyon (3-215 and 1-29) is not guaranteed a place in the side as yet for the second Test, while back-up spinner Xavier Doherty has been praised by Clarke for his three-wicket performance in the warm-up match against India A.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Coach Mickey Arthur says ideally he'd like to have left-arm spinner Doherty and right-arm offspinner Lyon in the side for Saturday's second Test.

Left-arm spinner Monty Panesar and offspinner Graeme Swann claimed 37 wickets in England's 2-1 series win in India in December.

Arthur says England's ploy was to use Panesar early and turn to the Swann late in the match.

"Ideally you want both," Arthur says.

Arthur says Warne provided Lyon and Doherty and some batsmen with some valuable tips on Tuesday on how to play spin and bowl it in Indian conditions.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Legal threat looms for The Giz

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

About-face ... Shane van Gisbergen faces legal threats around his return to V8 Supercars. Source: Mark Horsburgh / AAP

If Kiwi star Shane van Gisbergen was spooked by the threat of legal action blocking his controversial V8 Supercars return in Adelaide, he hid it well on Thursday.

The budding champion arrived in South Australia appearing unfazed by reports his former Ford team Stone Brothers Racing (SBR) - now owned by Mercedes' Erebus Motorsport - would stop him hitting the infamous Adelaide street circuit in this weekend's V8 season opener.

The 23-year-old driver sensationally broke a recently renewed three-season deal and "retired" from V8s late in 2012 citing lack of motivation, only to again shock the touring car community by signing up for family-run Holden team Tekno Autosports in 2013, much to SBR's dismay.

SBR claimed van Gisbergen's Tekno Autosports deal contravened the terms of his release and it appears the young gun is now bracing for an injunction seeking to enforce a one-year, non-compete clause.

When van Gisbergen's Tekno Autosports deal was announced, SBR team boss Ross Stone said: ``SBR is considering its legal position and whether it is worthwhile holding (van Gisbergen) to his promises.''

In a potential worry for the Kiwi star, since his defection SBR has been taken over by the cashed-up Erebus Motorsport owned by extrovert billionaire Betty Klimenko who is believed to be unhappy with van Gisbergen's about-face.

And Klimenko has made a habit of getting what she wants, as indicated by her team's remarkable achievement of producing a three-car V8 team in barely six months.

Erebus Motorsport has made no official comment.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Penalty miss costs Mariners in ACL

Tussle ... Zac Anderson and Mariners teammate Daniel McBreen take on Eddy Bosnar. Source: William West / AAP

Central Coast Mariners squandered a glorious late opportunity and lost their scoring touch as they started their Asian Champions League campaign with a 0-0 draw against South Korea's Suwon Bluewings at Bluetongue Stadium on Wednesday.

After 87 minutes of frustration, the Mariners were literally handed a golden chance for victory when defender Kwangsun Kwak clearly handled the ball.

Midfielder Nick Montgomery spurned the chance, as goalkeeper Sungryong Jong dived to his right to push the spot kick away.

It was the third straight penalty the Mariners have missed in games with Daniel McBreen wasting the previous two.

The A-League's highest scoring team Central Coast failed to find the net for the first time in six games, having notched 17 in their last five.

The Mariners, who were coming off a six-goal haul against Melbourne, made most of the running, but created just a handful of decent on target attempts.

Suwon, who don't play their first domestic league game till this weekend, defended well.

Australian-born centre back Eddy Bosnar performed well in front of Socceroos coach Holger Osieck.

Mariners central defender Zac Anderson had the best chance of the first half, but his tame header from four metres went straight to the goalkeeper.

Pedj Bojic, Nick Fitzgerald and Michael McGlinchey all toiled hard as the Mariners pressed forward more as the half progressed.

Substitute Mitchell Duke had an almost instantaneous impact, having two chances within 60 seconds of coming on in the 63rd minute.

Duke's close range shot was pushed away by Sungryong and the youngster ballooned his follow-up attempt over the bar.

The South Korean side created some chances in the last third of the game.

Kyung Dae Kim had a shot pushed away by Mariners' goalkeeper Matt Ryan and Montgomery almost scored an own goal a few seconds later.

Controversy surrounded the selection of Suwon's star striker Tese Chong, the North Korean international.

With Suwon fielding their full complement of overseas born players, Tese reportedly only registered to play as a South Korean shortly before the game.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Another gaffe from NRL CEO

David Smith ... confuses Ben Barba with Benji Marshall at NRL season launch. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

David Smith's NRL identity crisis continues.

Rugby league's supremo embarrassingly referred to troubled Bulldogs star Ben Barba as 'Benji' during his speech to open the rugby league season Wednesday night.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Smith's gaffe was the talk of the NRL's season launch at The Star.

He famously admitted to not knowing the identity of Kangaroos captain Cameron Smith when he accepted the job as NRL chief executive.

Barba may no longer be the face of the game, Smith said the code would not turn its back on fallen Dally M medal winner.

Smith said the game would continue to support Barba - who was to be the face of the NRL in 2013 and launch the season before he was sensationally suspended by the Bulldogs over behavioural issues.

Barba is dealing with a host of personal problems stemming from a messy break-up with his longtime partner Ainslie Currie - the mother of his two children.

North Queensland co-captain Johnathan Thurston stepped in to replace Barba for Wednesday night's formalities, but Smith, who at one stage made a gaffe in referring to Barba as "Benji" (Marshall), said the game was not abandoning the star.

"Ben remains a key part of our promotion, and so he should be," Smith said during his official speech.

"The rugby league family is proud of him and he has earned that right.

"If we are to grow the game, we must stand by and help stars like Ben when they need it most.

"It's not only the rugby league way - it's the right way."

Thurston said he had no apprehension about filling in for Barba in a role that has been somewhat of a poisoned chalice over the years.

Manly's Brett Stewart and West Tigers' Marshall both found themselves involved in ugly off-field incidents just days after being given the 'face of the game' label in the past.

"Definitely not - it's a huge honour to be here to launch the season," Thurston said of any apprehension.

"No doubt I'll bunker down for a few months and make sure nothing happens," he added with his trademark smirk.

Thurston praised Barba -a teammate when the latter scored a hattrick of tries in the All Stars game earlier this month - and the Bulldogs for their handling of a situation that went well beyond rugby league.

"This is Benny Barba we're talking about as a person not as as a rugby league player," Thurston said.

"He needs to get himself right.

"This could have been a downward spiral - you know what happens with downward spirals - people harm themselves.

"We need to make sure Benny gets his head right - hopefully he can be back on the field soon."

With a host of the game's biggest stars in his presence, Thurston completed his duty of opening the season while Jessica Mauboy belted out the anthem for the game, a re-mix of the classic Etta James track Something's Got a Hold On Me.

During his speech Thurston said there was high anticipation across the board for every club.

"Every fan, every player, every team right now is dreaming of being there on grand final day and winning the NRL premiership, myself included," he said.

"I can't wait for the season to start."

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More