Bulldogs scrape past Storm in thriller

The Melbourne Storm were unable to break the Bulldogs defence. Source: Scott Barbour / Getty Images

A SUPERB defensive effort by the Canterbury Bulldogs has helped them to a thrilling two point win over the Melbourne Storm.

The Storm had the bulk of the opportunities on their home ground but were unable to crack the Bulldogs brick wall defence in the second half.

In a gripping affair, each side scored only one try each with a Trent Hodkinson conversion proving the difference.
The Storm had a chance to lock the game up at 6-6 when Cameron Smith opted to take a penalty shot from the sideline with only a few minutes remaining but pushed it wide.

Kevin Proctor scored the only try of the first half when he crashed over after some great lead up work by Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk.

James Graham popped a miracle ball to Sam Kasiano who crashed over to level the scores in the second half before Hodkinson added the extras.

Earlier, the Warriors thrashed the Eels 48-0 at Mt Smart Stadium, scoring eight unanswered tries.

CANTERBURY 6 (S Kasiano try T Hodkinson goal) bt MELBOURNE 4 (K Proctor try) at AAMI Park. Referee: Gerard Sutton, Grant Atkins. Crowd: 13,149

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WARRIORS V EELS MATCH CENTRE

STORM V BULLDOGS MATCH CENTRE

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Live: Super Tahs lead Reds

Kurtley Beale makes a break for the Waratahs against the Reds at Suncorp Stadium. Source: Darren England / News Corp Australia

KURTLEY Beale bagged two tries to help the NSW Waratahs thump the Queensland Reds 34-3 at Suncorp Stadium.

For the full Match Centre experience including videos and stats click here

NSW WARATAHS 34 (Kurtley Beale 2, Jono Lance, Nick Phipps tries Bernard Foley 4 cons 2 pens) bt QUEENSLAND REDS 3 (Michael Harris pen) at Suncorp Stadium. Referee: Mike Fraser. Crowd: 36,205.

Relive all the action from Suncorp Stadium in our match blog below

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Exum signs $4m contract with Jazz

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Dante Exum has received an early 19th birthday present with the Utah Jazz signing him to a $US3.6 million ($3.91 million) first-year contract.

The contract came on the eve of his first game for the Jazz in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas and ahead of Sunday's birthday.

"Officially a member of the Jazz," Exum wrote in a tweet accompanied by a photo of him signing the contract.

Exum, who less than a year ago was a high school student in Canberra, has also signed major contracts with adidas and Red Bull.

After skipping US college basketball and months of hype ahead of the NBA Draft where he was selected fifth by the Jazz, the man dubbed the "International Man of Mystery" will don a Jazz singlet against the Philadelphia 76ers in Las Vegas on Saturday (Sunday AEST) for his first professional game.

It was a big day for Australians in the NBA, with Matthew Dellavedova's Cleveland Cavaliers becoming the instant favourites to win the 2014/15 NBA Championship when LeBron James announced he would return to the club that drafted him in 2003.

Dante Exum's post on his Twitter account

But, James returning to the Cavs could mean the exit door for Dellavedova.

Cavs management is also in pursuit of Minnesota power forward Kevin Love and may package Dellavedova and other players to trade for Love or create salary space to secure the All-Star.

Dellavedova will earn a relatively small $US816,000 ($883,000) the coming season, but starred on Friday for the Cavs in their first Summer League game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Victorian point guard had 13 points, nine rebounds and six assists from a game high 36 minutes on the court and dropped two high pressure free throws in the final seconds to secure a 70-68 win.

The Cavs would love to keep Dellavedova, but the team's priority is to create salary space to surround James with Love and other veterans who have NBA Championship experience.

Melbourne United sharpshooter Chris Goulding did not have a great debut for the Dallas Mavericks in their 76-64 loss to the New York Knicks in Las Vegas.

Goulding, who is hoping to score a contract with the Mavericks or other NBA teams, started for the Mavericks but was off target, hitting just two of eight shots to finish with six points and two turnovers.

Another Aussie, 217cm centre Jordan Vandenberg, is on the Knicks' Vegas squad but did not leave the bench.

Summer League allows NBA teams to play their recent draftees, reserves and free agents in the off-season before the 2014/15 season tips off in October

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Bucks spray helps Witts graduate

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JARROD Witts wants to be a big man playing "big and tall and tough" football.

He wishes his fierce internal drive was reflected on the football field so he wasn't accused of a laconic, laid-back air.

Above all, he is frustrated it has taken him so long to get fit and strong enough to compete against the AFL's best ruckman.

WE'RE NOWHERE NEAR TOP 4: BUCKS

About the only thing this 209cm Collingwood ruckman doesn't care about is the fallout from his boundary-line interaction with Nathan Buckley.

That incident was raw and public and confronting, as coach Buckley grabbed Witts by the jumper to demand more during Round 14's loss to Hawthorn.

Explaining that episode for the first time, Witts says it was his failure to defend two Hawthorn long bombs into Collingwood's defence that cause Buckley's "overt" reaction.

Nathan Buckley gives Jarrod Witts some direct feedback in the loss to Hawthorn. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

"It was some of my aerial efforts. It's something I have been working on since I got drafted. I came from a rugby background and wasn't exposed to the high ball as much, but he knew and I knew those efforts weren't up to standard and I was happy to wear it,'' Witts told the Sunday Herald Sun.

"I let one aerial ball go over the top and they scored a goal from it. It is something I am working on really hard with Anthony Rocca.

"(Buckley) does what is best for the person, and not just the footy player. It is a real strength of his, but footy is a passionate sport, so sometimes those emotions bubble over."

But as Buckley grabbed him, exhorting more from the 21-year-old, what was going through Witts' mind?

"I understood it. Emotions can be raw. I would prefer Bucks to do it than let it go.

"He showed that he cares. I am pretty intrinsically motivated but for Bucks to show that care in me and interest in my game, it was fine. It didn't really phase me. We spoke about it on the phone after the game and in the rooms briefly. We have always been on good terms. He is a really empathetic coach."

Levi Casboult and Jarrod Witts contest. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

If Buckley would apologise for the manner of his feedback, Witts has been working on its actual content for his entire career and 20 senior games at Collingwood.

As Buckley said, of his big men: "We want them to play big and tall and tough and have blokes stand up taller around them".

Former NSW scholarship rookie Witts, who mixed cricket and rugby before the Pies swooped with a stroke of recruiting genius, says he wants to throw his weight around.

"Big men being big is something I am working on. I would say that I don't come across like that overtly, but deep down I go out to play hard.

"I reckon that overtly I don't come across as a huff-and-puff ruckman, but deep down I am trying to play as hard as I can.

"People say big guys take longer, but I want to be that player and it's frustrating to not be there now. I can't let myself off the hook. I took a couple of big marks against Carlton and it gives you belief that all the work you are doing is paying off."

Witts might be a work in progress, but just for the moment he has seen off a dual premiership player in Darren Jolly and another much-hyped ruckman in Brodie Grundy.

Jarrod Witts and Dane Swan clown around at training. Pic Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

Part of it is physical — learning how to carry the extra 15kg of muscle on his frame — but much of it has come through being taught how to mentally cope with the rigours of professional sport.

A handful of VFL games before being elevated to the senior list saw Next Big Thing status attached to Witts: "I played a couple of good VFL games and there was this massive hype".

But when the criticism and uncertainty came, he turned to what he dubs a mental performance coach.

"You come into footy and get told things or told you are not good enough, and sometimes you think, "Maybe I am not".

"I am at the stage where through that training and dealing with outside perceptions, I have got a lot better. I take it in my stride and don't worry so much about what's been written on the outside. Before I probably let that build up inside.

"We talk about different strategies and keeping positive. Sometimes I lose concentration so it's about switching on for longer periods of time.

"Just because I don't have a good first quarter, I don't have to have a bad game."

Buckley and the club have already shown their faith in Witts, signing him until the end of 2016 before he played a game.

His Sydney-based girlfriend has just moved into a house he shares with Paul Seedsman, Dayne Beams and his girlfriend.

He isn't yet 22, but if he takes a moment he will concede he has come so far in the blink of an eye.

"Yeah, it's a pretty special opportunity I have been given. I just have to make the most of it. I guess I have to take a step back and look at how far I have come. I am happy with where I am at, but now I have to go to the next level and put my foot down as a player."

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Eddie’s mother of all mysteries

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire at the Westpac Centre. Picture: Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Corp Australia

IT'S difficult to know what and who to believe in the Essendon saga.

Take "the Essendon mother'', also known as Sarah.

The famously distraught woman remains a mystery almost 12 months after she became a "game-changer'' in this whole debacle.

Triple M host Eddie McGuire, who interviewed the "mother" in August last year, conceded last Saturday he did not know who she was when he put her on air, nor does he know who she is now.

Essendon is none the wiser. Despite their extensive investigations, they have no idea who she is.

The Bombers spoke to every mother and father of a player on their list, and they all denied their involvement.

It seems implausible her identity remains unknown.

In a saga of mistruths, accusations, inducements and deals, it's not misguided to ask: Was she a phony?

If she was a fake, and it would appear increasingly likely she was, what a masterstroke.

It's important to know her identity because the episode dramatically swung public opinion against the Bombers and now exiled coach James Hird.

"It's all right for James and the board of Essendon to say they have not cheated," said Sarah.

"The whole question is not about cheating. The whole question is about morals, it's about ethics and it's about the trust that the parents put on the club.

"For him to be used and to be injected with substances that may not be illegal but could be banned for substances that are labelled not for human consumption or not for human use and for the club to completely disregard it and to inject my son, I find appalling.

One senior AFL figure described it as a "game-changer" in a vicious PR war between the Bombers and the AFL.

In the days leading up to Essendon answering charges at AFL House last August, the relationship between Essendon and the AFL had broken down.

Essendon chairman Paul Little and coach James Hird held a press conference at a hotel in South Yarra on Wednesday, August 21, where Little announced he had lost all faith in the AFL executive.

That same morning, the AFL had sensationally released the ASADA interim report charge sheet.

The night before, sports medicine expert Dr Andrew Garnham said on Fox Footy's AFL360 program he had sought and received information from the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority in February 2013 that AOD-9604 wasn't a banned supplement.

Remember, AOD-9604 was the drug which had everyone hanging Essendon players as drug cheats, namely the skipper Jobe Watson who admitted he believed he was given it.

Remember, too, that now not a single player is being prosecuted by ASADA for using AOD-9604.

So, after 24 hours of tit-for-tat between Essendon and the AFL, up pops "the Essendon mother" on Triple M on Thursday, August 22.

"I spoke to her before she came on air extensively," McGuire told SEN on Saturday.

"And while she would absolutely not give me any information who she was, and I don't know who she is, I was convinced enough to put her on air at a very volatile time.

"If she was an actress, she was the best actress in Australia."

Challenged as to why he put her on air without knowing her identity, McGuire likened her to being a newspaper source, although it was pointed out reporters usually knew the names of their sources.

"You're going my journalistic integrity," McGuire said.

McGuire said he "interviewed'' her for a half-hour, and spoke to her three times, and then stressed it was himself and his producer who spoke to her.

McGuire said he spoke to the woman for 30 minutes, including input from a producer, and he insists he did not know what she was going to say on air.

"I didn't know she was going to go the way she did,'' he said. "It was a good interview."

Asked if it changed the landscape for Essendon, McGuire said: "I think it did."

That is not in dispute. Whether she was a genuine caller is another story.

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Live coverage: Round 16 NRL teams

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CHECK out our live coverage of the round 16 team announcements, including live NRL SuperCoach blog from 3.30pm.

Friday, Jun 27, Sea Eagles v Roosters, Brookvale Oval, NINE, 7:40pm

Sea Eagles: Brett Stewart, Jorge Taufua, Jamie Lyon, Steve Matai, Peta Hiku, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Josh Starling, Matt Ballin, Brenton Lawrence, Jamie Buhrer, Justin Horo, Dunamis Lui. Interchange: Jesse Sene-Lefao, James Hasson, Tom Symonds, Jason King

No changes, with Anthony Watmough (suspension, round 19) and Glenn Stewart (ankle, indefinite) still sidelined.

Roosters: Anthony Minichiello (c), Daniel Tupou, Mitchell Aubusson, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, James Maloney, Mitchell Pearce, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (vc), Jake Friend, Sam Moa, Aidan Guerra, Sonny Bill Williams, Frank-Paul Nuuausala. Interchange: Dylan Napa, Isaac Liu, Boyd Cordner, Remi Casty, Heath L'Estrange

Origin stars Daniel Tupou and Aidan Guerra return, while Boyd Cordner (ankle) is set to make an early injury comeback from the bench. Michael Jennings (lat, round 21) is replaced at centre by Mitchell Aubusson. Willis Meehan and Nene MacDonald both drop out.

Friday, Jun 27, Broncos v Sharks, Suncorp Stadium, NINE, 7:40pm

Broncos: Ben Barba, Daniel Vidot, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges (c), Dale Copley, Josh Hoffman, Ben Hunt, Josh McGuire, Jake Granville, Ben Hannant, Alex Glenn, Corey Oates, Sam Thaiday. Interchange: Todd Lowrie, David Stagg, Dave Hala, Jarrod Wallace

Justin Hodges (rested) returns after failing to back up from Origin, with Lachlan Maranta dropping out. Corey Oates replaces Matt Gillett (shoulder, Origin III) in the starting side, with Jarrod Wallace added to the bench.

Sharks: Michael Gordon, Sosaia Feki, Jonathan Wright, Ricky Leutele, Jacob Gagan, Todd Carney, Jeff Robson, Sam Tagataese, Michael Lichaa, Bryce Gibbs, Luke Lewis, Wade Graham, Paul Gallen. Interchange: Fa'amanu Brown, Tinirau Arona, Anthony Tupou, Siosaia Vave, Chris Heighington

Michael Gordon reverts to his favoured fullback position, while Jonathan Wright and Jacob Gagan have been added to the backline at the expense of Nathan Gardner and Blake Ayshford. Jeff Robson (hamstring) returns from injury, with Fa'amanu Brown dropping to the bench. Chris Heighington (leg) returns after being a late withdrawal last week, while Tupou Sopoaga and Sam Tagataese drop out.

Saturday, Jun 28, Tigers v Raiders, Campbelltown Stadium, FOX, 5:30pm

Tigers: James Tedesco, David Nofoaluma, Tim Simona, Chris Lawrence, Pat Richards, Braith Anasta, Luke Brooks, Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah (c), Keith Galloway, Curtis Sironen, Bodene Thompson, Adam Blair. Interchange: Sauaso Sue, Martin Taupau, Blake Austin, Ava Seumanufagai

Origin stars Aaron Woods and Robbie Farah return, with Dene Halatau and Joel Luani dropping out of the 17.

Raiders: Anthony Milford, Matt Allwood, Jarrod Croker, Jack Wighton, Brenko Lee, Terry Campese (C), Josh McCrone, David Shillington, Glen Buttriss, Brett White, Joel Edwards, Jarrad Kennedy, Shaun Fensom. Interchange: Kyle O'Donnell, Paul Vaughan, Dane Tilse, Shannon Boyd

Anthony Milford returns to the starting side. Paul Vaughan (suspension) returns on the bench, while Reece Robinson drops out of the 17.

Saturday, Jun 28, Cowboys v Rabbitohs, Townsville Stadium, FOX, 7:30pm

Cowboys: Michael Morgan, Curtis Rona, Matthew Wright, Kane Linnett, Antonio Winterstein, Robert Lui, Johnathan Thurston, Scott Bolton, Rory Kostjasyn, James Tamou, Ethan Lowe, Jason Taumalolo, Tariq Sims. Interchange: Anthony Mitchell, Glenn Hall, Ashton Sims, John Asiata

With Ray Thompson (hamstring, round 19) out, Johnathan Thurston moves to halfback, while Robert Lui has been promoted from the bench to five-eighth. Anthony Mitchell joins the interchange as relief for hooker Rory Kostjasyn (ribs), who is in doubt. Jason Taumalolo starts in place of Scott Bolton.

Rabbitohs: Greg Inglis, Nathan Merritt, Kyle Turner, Kirisome Auva'a, Alex Johnston, John Sutton (c), Adam Reynolds, George Burgess, Issac Luke, Dave Tyrrell, Chris McQueen, Ben Te'o, Sam Burgess. Interchange: Apisai Koroisau, Jason Clark, Ben Lowe, Thomas Burgess

Greg Inglis, Chris McQueen and Ben Te'o return from Origin duty, with Lote Tuqiri, Joe Picker and Luke Burgess dropping out. George Burgess (ankle) has been named despite picking up an injury last match.

Sunday, Jun 29, Warriors v Panthers, Mt Smart Stadium, FOX, 2:00pm (AEST), 4:00pm (local)

Warriors: Sam Tomkins, David Fusitua, Konrad Hurrell, Dane Nielsen, Manu Vatuvei, Chad Townsend, Shaun Johnson, Jacob Lillyman, Nathan Friend, Sam Rapira, Jayson Bukuya, Simon Mannering, Sebastine Ikahihifo. Interchange: Feleti Mateo, Suaia Matagi, Ben Henry, Charlie Gubb

Dane Nielsen returns to the top grade, replacing Ngani Laumape (likely suspension) at centre in the only change.

Panthers: Matt Moylan, Josh Mansour, Dean Whare, Isaah Yeo, Kevin Naiqama, Jamie Soward, Peter Wallace, Sam McKendry, James Segeyaro, Brent Kite, Sika Manu, Elijah Taylor, Adam Docker. Interchange: Tyrone Peachey, Jeremy Latimore, Nigel Plum, Lewis Brown, Bryce Cartwright

Adam Docker (concussion) returns at lock in the only change, pushing Tyrone Peachey to the bench and Bryce Cartwright to 18th man. Jamal Idris (personal leave) has not been named, despite having a run in NSW Cup on the weekend.

Sunday, Jun 29, Eels v Knights, Pirtek Stadium, NINE, 3:00pm

Eels: Jarryd Hayne (c), Semi Radradra, Ryan Morgan, Willie Tonga, Vai Toutai, Corey Norman, Chris Sandow, Tim Mannah (c), Isaac De Gois, Junior Paulo, Kenny Edwards, Pauli Pauli, Joseph Paulo, Interchange: David Gower, Mitch Allgood, Peni Terepo, Darcy Lussick, Kelepi Tanginoa

Mitch Allgood (suspension) and Darcy Lussick (knee) return, although Lee Mossop (shoulder) drops out. Will Hopoate (shoulder) remains sidelined.

Knights: Darius Boyd, James McManus, Dane Gagai, Joseph Leilua, Akuila Uate, Jarrod Mullen, Kurt Gidley, David Fa'alogo, Adam Clydsdale, Willie Mason, Beau Scott, Robbie Rochow, Jeremy Smith. Interchange: Tyrone Roberts, Korbin Sims, Kade Snowden, Chris Houston, Joseph Tapine

Kade Snowden (suspension) and David Fa'alogo (back) return. Fa'alogo and hooker Adam Clydesdale (knee) will have medical assessments later in the week. Joseph Tapine drops to 18th man, while Clint Newton has been relegated to NSW Cup.

Monday, Jun 30, Dragons v Storm, WIN Stadium, FOX, 7:00pm

Dragons: Adam Quinlan, Charly Runciman, Josh Dugan, Gerard Beale, Jason Nightingale, Gareth Widdop, Benji Marshall, Ben Creagh, Mitch Rein, Michael Cooper, Leeson Ah Mau, Joel Thompson, Jack de Belin. Interchange: Dan Hunt, Shane Pumipi, Will Matthews, Bronson Harrison, Jack Stockwell

Trent Merrin (ankle, Origin III) has not been named, with Dan Hunt (groin) and Jack Stockwell (foot) returning.

Storm: Billy Slater, Sisa Waqa, Kurt Mann, Mahe Fonua, Young Tonumaipea, Ben Hampton, Ben Roberts, Jesse Bromwich, Cameron Smith (c), Bryan Norrie, Kevin Proctor, Ryan Hoffman, Ryan Hinchcliffe. Interchange: Kenny Bromwich, Tohu Harris, Junior Moors, Jordan McLean, Tim Glasby, Joel Romelo

Tim Glasby and Joel Romelo have been added to an extended bench in the only changes.

BYES: Bulldogs, Titans

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Dons still waiting for ASADA evidence

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PLAYERS issued show cause notices by ASADA are still waiting to see the anti-doping body's evidence so they can best respond to the allegations of possible use of a banned drug.

Essendon on Monday made an application to the Federal Court for ASADA's investigation to be halted while the club and coach James Hird test the legality of ASADA's joint investigation with the AFL.

DONS MOVE TO STOP ACTION AGAINST PLAYERS

EVANS ASSURED PLAYERS WOULDN'T BE BANNED

That application will be heard on Friday, but if it is unsuccessful the players' response to the show-cause notices will be due next month.

Asked yesterday if it would show players the evidence against them, ASADA told the Herald Sun: "It would be inappropriate for ASADA to comment on matters related to discussions, or possible discussions, between ASADA and other parties."

Earlier this month, 34 current and former Bombers players were hit with show cause letters, formally alleging they had been administered banned peptide thymosin beta 4 during the club's 2012 supplements program.

Essendon included a supporting affidavit from acting chief executive Xavier Campbell to its injunction application.

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Campbell's statement sets out the club's reasons for seeking the injunction and the effects to be felt by the club if it is unsuccessful — at its most extreme degree, that the Bombers would be unable to field a team if all the players were banned.

Essendon and Hird's bid to have the ASADA investigation thrown out also begins on Friday, with all parties asked by the court to file and serve by 4pm today any further evidence; an indication of any agreed or disputed facts; and outline from both the applicant and respondent if the substantive legal issues that will be raised.

It is at Justice John Middleton's discretion whether any, part or all of the material filed today is made public before Friday's 10.15am hearing, which will be shown on ABC TV.

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Boak: Confidence drives Power to the finish line

Power captain Travis Boak and Crows co-captain Rory Sloane. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: Sarah Reed / News Limited

PORT Adelaide captain Travis Boak has credited the Power's strong finishes as much to a wave of confidence as the fitness regime instituted by internationally regarded high performance manager Darren Burgess as the Power prepare for their first AFL away game at Adelaide Oval. Port, undefeated at the rebuilt ground, will face being outnumbered on the terraces against the Crows on Sunday.

But Boak spoke of the self-assurance from repeatedly running out games rather than being overly concerned with a few slow starts, one of which came against the Western Bulldogs last week before the Power ran over the top of them.

"There's certainly the belief there and I think in footy confidence is a huge thing,'' Boak said. "And we've certainly got that confidence that we're able to run out games really well.

"It does show that our training during the week, our training in the pre-season is really standing up to that.

"But it certainly has a lot to do with confidence and we back ourselves in at three-quarter time no matter the position (we are in).''

Book was not overly concerned about the slow stars against the Western Bulldogs last week.

It had been an issue last year which was widely addressed, but Boak had seen an improvement this season.

"I don't think it's been too often this year; I think it's only been a couple of games,'' Boak said. "It all depends on the opposition as well. I think the Bulldogs came out really strong and were up and about.

"For us it's all about holding the momentum but there are going to be momentum swings; sometimes it's in the first quarter and on the weekend it was.

"But we were able to withstand that pressure and go on from there. We're not always going to have perfect starts and we're not always going to have perfect last quarters.''

Port Adelaide's leaders have urged their teammates to embrace the buildup to Showdown XXXVII rather than trying to hide from the spotlight and treat it like any other game.

It comes as the Power enter the Adelaide Oval clash on Sunday as heavily-backed favourites — Port was $1.36 to the Crows' $3.15 by TattsBet on Tuesday — and Boak said there was no way to hide from the hype as it builds up during the week.

It is why he has told his teammates to soak it up and use it as a learning tool; there is no match more similar to a finals match than Showdowns and it should be used as a learning tool to prepare for the finals.

"I think you've got to embrace it,'' Boak said.

"We definitely speak to our young guys who have just to take it all in and embrace it.

"It is sort of like a final and you can't really hide away from it. It's in the papers and it's on the news.

"But once it comes to game day, you just go out and play footy and that's what we do.

"But you can't hide away from it.''

Adelaide co-captain Rory Sloane acknowledged the importance of the game as the Crows attempt to even their win-loss ledger at 7-7, but doesn't believe its season over if his team loses.

"It will certainly be hard (to play finals) if we lose this week but I don't think it's out of the question," Sloane said.

"We know if we can string a few games together than jumping into the eight is a possibility and obviously that's where we want to be."

The key to winning for Adelaide could be as simple as naming Sloane as captain on its teamsheet.

The Crows are 5-1 when Sloane is the official captain this season and 1-6 under Patrick Dangerfield.

"That's just on the teamsheet. We share the load during games," Sloane said.

"Maybe if we just write it down there every week, there might be a little bit in that."

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Live: Mexico v Croatia Group A

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Mexico faces Croatia in a must-win Group A clash for both teams. Picture: Yuri Cortez. Source: YURI CORTEZ / AFP

MEXICO will seal a spot in the final 16 of the World Cup with a win over Croatia in Recife.

If Croatia can secure a victory or draw - and Brazil loses to Cameroon - Group A will be decided by goal difference.

Follow the explosive final Group A fixtures in our Match Centre.

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NRL SuperCoach: Weekend winners, losers

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WE reveal the winners, losers, injuries and key talking points from the weekend NRL round.

Stay glued to this page for the latest NRL SuperCoach developments, plus have your say as the round progresses in the comment section below.

Darius Boyd helped to make Newcastle's night a good one, finally. Source: News Corp Australia

KNIGHTS 36 DEF. COWBOYS 28

Knights Studs: Darius Boyd (81), the man rugby league fans universally love, was at least at the heart of the good things Newcastle did on Monday night, with 116m run, six tackle busts, a linebreak, two try assists and a try. Kurt Gidley (89) wasn't bad either, with a try, four conversions, two tackle busts and more.

Knights Duds: James McManus (15) didn't see much action and even less scoring, while Adam Clydsdale (26) made 25 tackles but little else.

Cowboys Studs: Robert Lui (90) made the most of some very sloppy Newcastle defending to bag a couple of tries and make the scorelines a little less insulti

ng for North Queensland. Tariq Sims (85) was also involved, scoring a try, making 37 tackles and gaining 118m.

Cowboys Duds: Was Ray Thompson (10) at Hunter Stadium? Not sure we heard his name all night. Meanwhile, Scott Bolton (26) summed up the Cowboys bad night, with 17 tackles and just 62m made.

Billy Slater was in explosive form for the Storm. Source: News Corp Australia

STORM 46 DEF. EELS 20

Storm Studs: Putting Queensland's State of Origin loss well and truly behind him, Billy Slater (106) was back on top form for Melbourne, with two tries and 151 metres run. Lock Ryan Hinchcliffe (88) was also in good form with 25 tackles, three linebreaks and 106 metres.

Storm Duds: Mahe Fonua (18) failed to make an impact, with just seven tackles and 75 metres. Somehow, winger Young Tonumaipea (13) did even less than that, running a measly 68 metres.

Eels Studs: Morgan Ryan (96) was effective in the centres, with 19 tackles, two linebreaks and 81m run. Pretty slim pickings in an otherwise ordinary Eels performance, but Jarryd Hayne (65) backed up OK with 191m, two linebreaks and nine tackles.

Eels Duds: Halfback Chris Sandow (11) was at his very worst in this one. Seven metres run, nine tackles ... never mind the mouthy sin bin incident. Junior Paulo (28) was also underwhelming, with 60m and 32 tackles.

Injuries: Lee Mossop - shoulder

Trent Merrin was the Dragons' SuperCoach pick of the week. Source: News Corp Australia

DRAGONS 19 DEF. TITANS 18

Dragons Studs: Trent Merrin is firing for the Dragons, with 151m run, one linebreak and 19 tackles. Josh Dugan also put in a good shift, running 108m, one linebreak and generally looking dangerous.

Dragons Duds: Fullback Adam Quinlan (22) didn't do much SuperCoach wise, making just 87 metres and one tackle. Jason Nightingale (23) was just as anonymous on the wing, with 87 metres, six tackles and little else.

Titans Studs: Mark Minichiello (83) was the Titans' star SuperCoach man, scoring a try, making 138 metres and 28 tackles. And midweek recruit Daniel Mortimer (62) surprised everyone, making 31 tackles at the heart of most things the Titans did right.

Titans Duds: Will Zillman (18) - where were you? Just 87 metres and four tackles ... And David Mead (21) was just as quiet, making 124m on the wing and seven tackles.

Injuries: Trent Merrin - ankle

Ben Ridge - concussion

SEA EAGLES 26 DEF. SHARKS 0

Sea Eagles Studs: Centre Steve Matai (90) was on fire, making 139 metres from 13 runs. He made a whopping six tackle busts, three line breaks and scored a try. Tom Symonds (72) had a field day in his limited time on the field, scoring two tries in the space of three minutes. He also made three tackle busts and a line break.

Sea Eagles Duds: Winger Jorge Taufua (10) had a far from memorable night. With a price tag of $244,100, Taufua only managed 95 metres from 11 runs and wasted two try scoring opportunities. His fellow winger wasn't much better. Peta Hiku (22) was limited in what he could do on Saturday but did manage 107 metres and a tackle bust.

Sharks Studs: Paul Gallen (76) not only backed up from Origin but was Cronulla's top scorer of the night. The skipper made 39 tackles, three tackle busts and two offloads. Backrower Wade Graham (62) also impressed with 37 tackles and two tackle busts.

Paul Gallen of the Sharks talks with referee Gavin Morris. Source: Getty Images

Sharks Duds: Tupou Sopoaga (8) was limited in game time and that reflected in his SuperCoach score. He made just one tackle with 47 metres from six runs. Michael Gordon (20) is failing to fire on the wing since making way for Nathan Gardner at fullback, making 70 metres for the night.

Injuries:

Kieran Foran - on report for a high tackle on Nathan Gardner

WARRIORS 19 DEF. BRONCOS 10

Warriors Studs: Backrower Ben Henry (66) had plenty of impact off the bench, with one try, one offload and 29 tackles in defence. Five-eighth Chad Townsend (61) also crossed the line for a four-pointer, he also had 16 possessions and made seven kicks in play. Skipper Simon Mannering (60) made 103 metres from 11 runs, 31 tackles, two offloads.

Chad Townsend celebrates a try with Shaun Johnson and Ngani Laumape. Source: Getty Images

Warriors Duds: Utility Charlie Gubb (14) made 10 tackles and three runs. Another Warrior who was M.I.A starting winger David Fusitua (14) who only managed 109 metres from 14 runs in 80 minutes and missed one of his three tackles.

Broncos Studs: Prop Josh McGuire (67) was effective in attack and defence, he made 39 tackles and from 14 hit-ups churned out 128 metres. Rake Jake Granville's (78) impressive SuperCoach showing was thanks to a try, 29 tackles, a linebreak and seven runs for 67 metres.

Broncos Duds: We'll cut Matt Gillett (8) some slack, his dismal showing can be blamed on an AC joint injury he suffered early in the game. But we can't be as easy on Lachlan Maranta (12) who only handled the ball six time in 80 minutes.

Injuries:

Matt Gillett - shoulder

Dale Copley - concussion

Friend - concussion

Laumape - on report for a tackle on McGuire

BULLDOGS 22 DEF. RAIDERS 14

Raiders Studs: Prop David Shillington (73) was one of the more productive Raiders, with two tackle busts, five offloads and 17 tackle, with 180 metres made. Jarrod Croker (92) was the other man in green to deliver, scoring Canberra's only try of the night, as well as busting six tackles, making 14, two linebreaks and running 127m.

David Shillington of the Raiders and Dale Finucane of the Bulldogs come together. Source: Getty Images

Raiders Duds: Was winger Matt Allwood (17) on the field? If he was, he was hiding for most of it, running a paltry 69m. With almost an hour on the field, you would have thought Shannon Boyd (21) could have made an impact – but with just 10 tackles made and 57m run, you wouldn't be a very super coach if you'd picked him this weekend.

Bulldogs Studs: Big Sam Kasiano (90) was again a driving force for the Dogs, with 101m, 14 tackles and one linebreak. On the wing, anyone who'd picked cheapie Drury Low (95) for just $138,900 would be smiling, after the youngster bagged two tries and ran a game-high of 135m.

Bulldogs Duds: We could be easy on Reni Matua (6) given he only had 20 minutes on the field – but this is SuperCoach and we demand value for money! Two tackles and 25m is not VFM. We might be a little easier on Josh Reynolds (25). Backing up after a triumphant State of Origin is a decent excuse but just 12 tackles and 37m shows what a quiet game he had. (His halves partner Trent Hodkinson, wasn't much better, with only 27 points.)

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