How mum's text brought Jamal to tears

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

A TEXT message from his mum on Saturday night left Jamal Idris in tears and reminded him he made the right move to return to Sydney and join the Panthers.

The larger-than-life Idris met his Penrith teammates for the first time yesterday, then opened up about why being with his mother, Alana, left him with no option but to quit the Gold Coast two years into a $1.8 million, five-year deal.

Not only is Idris's signing a boost to the new-look Panthers, the dreadlocked giant's popularity is also sure to be used by the NRL in its on-going turf war with the AFL out west.

Idris quipped about the rival code: "AFL? I've read books about that game.''

Jamal Idris does his first media session with Penrith. Source: News Limited

The 23-year-old said he struggled with being isolated on the Gold Coast, so much so he couldn't bare another winter away from his mother. He has since moved into her home at Regents Park.

"Mum has been sick, and it was hard up there by myself,'' Idris said. "I had an awkward moment on Saturday. I'd been to the races earlier, and she sent me a message out of nowhere which said, 'My boy, I'm just listening to (Helen Reddy's 1973 No.1 classic) Delta Dawn, and it reminded me of you'. I used to sing that song to her when she dropped me off at school. I had a couple of tears.

"I tried flying mum up to the Gold Coast, but it was too much for her.''

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

Idris said he made good friends on the holiday strip, but was disappointed injury prevented him from reaching the heights that earned him Blues and Kangaroos jumpers at the start of his career.

As for this season, Idris said his goals were simple.

"As long as I'm injury-free, I'll be happy, because that will mean I'm on the field every week,'' Idris said.

"It's funny because the majority of people ask me about (representative footy), but I don't think about that.

"I'm not thinking about the Blues, I'm not thinking about Australia, I'm not thinking about anything other than playing for this club.

"I was even thinking about the Auckland Nines today, but I don't know if I'll be playing.

"At the moment I'm 120kg. I was playing at that weight in 2012 when I was injured. I started last year around 116kg and 117kg, and it usually rolls down to around 113kg. I'm happy here. I smiled today. I've been smiling all day.''

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

You have to wonder how much Idris's former club Canterbury could have done with his services in the centres, especially with the pending move of Josh Morris to fullback.

It was left to Panthers general manager Phil Gould to play a crucial role in securing Idris's move.

As Idris said: "Gus is the kind of bloke who talks to you and makes you feel like a school kid again. He has that sort of influence over you.''

23.40 | 0 komentar | Read More

Fittler comeback moves a step closer

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

BRAD Fittler's shock return to rugby league moved a step closer to reality yesterday as the Sydney Roosters and the NRL met to discuss his involvement in the Auckland Nines next month.

Fittler has signalled his intention to emerge from a 10-year hiatus to play in the inaugural tournament at Eden Park and the Roosters are quietly confident the game's governing body will help pave the way for the former Kangaroos skipper's return.

Roosters football boss Brian Canavan met with the NRL's chief operating officer Jim Doyle to discuss the issue at Rugby League Central at Moore Park as the NRL returned from its summer break.

"It was a formal discussion with the NRL seeking permission for Brad to return and covering topics such as contracts and insurance as is the convention," Canavan said.

"We are hopeful that by the end of the week we will have done everything required and Brad's comeback can be officially confirmed."

Fittler has begun training with the NRL premiers whose full squad returned to the paddock for the first time yesterday since their grand final triumph over Manly in October.

Sonny Bill Williams, whose involvement in the short-form tournament on the weekend of February 15-16 is up in the air, began his pre-season for what could be his final year in the NRL after he committed to New Zealand Rugby Union from 2015.

Each NRL team is required to submit their squad for the Nines by 5pm February 10.

Under tournament regulations each side is required to field one of their top five paid players and 12 of their top 25 players.

23.40 | 0 komentar | Read More

SA youngster's dream Roos debut

Ryan Kitto of Australia during the AFC U-22 Championship match against Kuwait. Source: Francois Nel / Getty Images

COACH Aurelio Vidmar's 1-0 Olyroos win over Kuwait had a distinctive SA flavour when Ryan Kitto jagged the winner on Monday.

The South Australian-born former Reds boss blooded Adelaide- products, Adelaide United's Kitto, reserve keeper John Hall and Melbourne Heart's Stefan Mauk in the starting XI to help get the Olyroos off to a perfect Group C start at the AFC under-22 championship in Oman.

Jake Barker-Daish made up Adelaide United's starting contingent.

Kitto scored his debut Olyroos international goal midway through the second half when he put the ball past Kuwait keeper Sulaiman Abdulghafoorn after a perfect assist from Mauk.

Ryan Ryan Kitto of Australia. Source: Getty Images

Vidmar was pleased with Kitto's performance declaring the West Torrens Birkalla product had a blinder after scoring.

"Ryan Kitto was a different player after the goal,'' Vidmar said.

"There were a lot of good performances all over the park.

"Our defence was very good and the goalkeeper and central midfielders worked very hard."

Vidmar was pleased with the Australian's opening to the clash but declared the side needed some fine tuning.

A 10th minute save from Hall and Oman hitting the woodwork twice ensured the Olyroos kept a clean sheet.

Ryan Kitto (L) of Australia competes for the ball with Ahmad Rashed (R) of Kuwait. Source: Getty Images

"I'm very happy with the win,'' Vidmar said.

"Although we started the game quite strongly in the first 15 minutes, we lost our way for much of the first half.

"In the second half we controlled the game for long periods and dominated possession.

"The players were nervous at the beginning, but once that period was over their confidence grew."

Vidmar is using the tournament as a warm up to next year's Asian Football Confederation's Olympic Games qualifiers which will have the same groups format.

With a 2016 Rio Olympic Games berth at stake Vidmar has stated that he needed to test players in an international environment before the qualifiers after the Olympic team failed to qualify for the 2012 London Games.

Australia now heads the group after the opening round when Japan and Iran drew 3-3.

The Olyroos face Iran tonight at the Royal Oman Police Stadium, Muscat before meeting Japan on Thursday night to complete its group stage commitments.

23.40 | 0 komentar | Read More

Earthquake alert for Slipper

Trainer Peter Snowden has warned punter's over Earthquake's short Golden Slipper odds. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

PETER Snowden has a big opinion of Earthquake but he has warned punters not to dive into the short quote about the filly for the Golden Slipper.

The TAB will on Tuesday morning release its first Slipper market, with Darley speedster Earthquake listed the $5 favourite for the $3.5 million two-year-old showdown on April 5.

Gai Waterhouse's Fighting Sun will be installed $8 second favourite, and Magic Millions Classic winner Unencumbered is the third elect at $11.

Earthquake won her only start in sizzling time in November, but Snowden said he wanted to see his youngster ­repeat the explosive performance before getting too carried away about her.

The filly will have a jump-out in Melbourne on January 30 before being aimed at the Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) on February 8, en route to the $1 million Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) a fortnight later.

Gai Waterhouse's Fighting Sun is second favourite for the Golden Slipper. Source: No Source

Earthquake is also the $3.50 TAB favourite ahead of Fighting Sun ($6.50), the Waterhouse colt who won't be seen until next month.

"There was a lot to like about her first win but I've said from day one, one win doesn't make a good horse,'' Snowden said. "You'd like to see her do it again.

"Her win was dynamic, her time was great, and the way she did it was fantastic. But I'd wait until you see her again in Melbourne before (punters) go crazy. Quite often they get trapped quickly on them, but I'm a great believer in seeing them do it again before you lock them in (at short prices).

"She does have class, I'll say that much.''

Only two horses have completed the Blue Diamond-Golden Slipper double in the past 35 years. One of those horses was Snowden's Sepoy, who ruled in 2011.

As for Earthquake winning the double, Snowden said: "It's very hard to do the double, but the reason I aimed this filly at the Blue Diamond is because she's so precocious and she's had the perfect preparation.

"It can be done, you've got five or six weeks between races. On paper the Diamond will only be her second run (this preparation). If her form warrants it, I'll talk to the team and get their thoughts, but she won't be over-taxed by the Blue Diamond.''

Snowden said all of his Slipper hopes had either trialled or raced. He also liked Memorial and Kumaon.

Five-time Slipper winner Waterhouse has Echo Gal and Cyclone to bounce back after the Magic Millions, as well as Fighting Sun and Law, while she also listed the likes of Important - one of two Darley horses at Tulloch Lodge - and unraced Redoute's Choice colt Hampton Court as contenders.

"I'm aware of my Golden Slipper horses in June, they expose themselves early in their preparation,'' Waterhouse said.

23.40 | 0 komentar | Read More

Nasri out for eight weeks

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

MANCHESTER City midfielder Samir Nasri will be out for eight weeks with a left knee injury, robbing the team of one of its most consistent performers for a crucial period of the season.

Nasri wrote on his Twitter page on Monday that he partially ruptured ligaments in his knee when he was fouled by Newcastle defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa in the second half of City's 2-0 win in the Premier League on Sunday. He added that there was also excess swelling on the knee.

``Thank you everyone for your kind words and overwhelming support,'' Nasri wrote, ``I suppose its kind of good news that I will be out around 8 weeks.''

Nasri's prognosis allays fears that the France international could miss the World Cup in Brazil.

The City games he is likely to miss include both legs of the last-16 match with Barcelona in the Champions League as well as the League Cup final at Wembley Stadium on March 2, provided that City comes through its semi-final against West Ham. City is ahead 6-0 after the first leg.

The Manchester derby, currently scheduled for March 1, would have to be moved should one or either of the teams reach the League Cup final.

Nasri has been one of City's best players this season, finding his top form under new manager Manuel Pellegrini after struggling at times under previous coach Roberto Mancini last year.

Down and out ... Samir Nasri is fouled before being stretchered off during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St James' Park on January 12, 2014. Picture: Stu Forster

23.40 | 0 komentar | Read More

Day final out, hello prime time

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

BRISBANE International organisers will consider switching the men's final to a prime time evening slot for 2015 following Sunday's star clash between Lleyton Hewitt and Roger Federer.

Tournament director Cameron Pearson will talk to broadcaster Channel Seven about showing the 2015 men's title decider at either 6pm or 7pm Queeensland time

"We'll look at our schedule and what matches were played when and we will review each day's play and the sessions and certainly that's one that I'm going to look at for sure, to look to move towards a night final for the men," Pearson said.

"It's obviously a better time from an audience perspective but also you're showcasing your best match at night, under the lights.

"Keeping away from when the sun comes in on the side of the court would make it a better spectator experience as well."

The setting sun streamed on to the Pat Rafter Arena court through a gap between the top of the stands and the roof as Hewitt took on the 17-times Grand Slam winner.

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

Their match, played over two hours and eight minutes, spilled into prime time by chance after the curtain-raiser men's doubles final starting at 2pm went to three sets and lasted 96 minutes.

The Hewitt-Federer match averaged 1.12 million viewers on 7Two and peaked at 1.56 million.

It was the most watched program in its timeslot in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

Federer and Hewitt flew out of Brisbane yesterday to continue their Australian Open preparations.

Hewitt, who will contest the AAMI Classic starting at Kooyong tomorrow, will go into the first Grand Slam of the year with increased confidence following his 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 upset of Federer but he said that was incidental to winning in Brisbane, his first title since 2010.

"Playing the best players in the world and finals of tournaments, always it's exciting, that's why you still play the game," said the 32-year-old Australian.

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

"For me, it was motivation enough just to try to get the win out there and obviously win another title. It's been a couple years. So I was just ready for the challenge."

The win pushed Hewitt's world ranking from No.60 to 43 but, again, that was just a bonus after beating Federer and world No.17 Kei Nishikori on the way to the title.

"The pleasing thing is how I backed up," Hewitt said.

"I had my first match on Tuesday night, and then after that had one day off and after that had to play four matches in a row.

"At my age and then to come through and do that, the last two wins have been big, quality players as well."

Federer branded Hewitt "the best player I played this week".

"He made it toughest on me," Federer said.

"So I have a clear idea what I need to work on, and I have a clear idea where my mind and body is at.

"I'm very hungry and eager to attack the Australian Open next week."

23.40 | 0 komentar | Read More

Johnson rises cricket's rich list

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

PACE sensation Mitchell Johnson is set to become Australian cricket's latest $2 million man on the strength of his Ashes ambush this summer.

Johnson will vault from close to the bottom to the top echelon of Cricket Australia's contract list if he can maintain the form which reaped him 37 wickets at just under 14 runs apiece during the Ashes.

He only just made the last 17-man contract list in April when he was out of favour and not selected for the Ashes tour but he is now the talk of world cricket.

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

The top handful of Australian players receive about $2 million including bonuses from CA and Johnson's high rankings in all forms of the game could see him ranked as high as number two on the list behind captain Michael Clarke if he closes the summer with a strong Test tour of South Africa.

No matter what his form in South Africa Johnson is poised to at least treble his earnings in the Indian Premier League.

The tournament winning Mumbai Indians paid just $US300,000 (around $330,000) for Johnson when he was injured and out of form in his last IPL deal but he could earn a $1 million deal this time, essentially because of his exceptional bowling form but also because of his considerable batting and fielding talents.

Johnson's dramatic Ashes form surge will make him a headline act at next month's IPL auction if Mumbai cannot secure him on a new contract beforehand.

23.40 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ballin wants to be one club man

Matt Ballin in training with the Sea Eagles. Source: Martin Lange / News Limited

IN the countdown to his eighth season in the NRL, Matt Ballin revealed his goal of being a one club man by playing his entire career with the Sea Eagles.

The Manly ironman who turned 30 on Sunday got stuck back into training at Narrabeen yesterday with the rest of the top squad following their Christmas break.

"All my first grade games have been here at Manly," Ballin said.

"It's a very strong club and has a very proud history.

"I want to make sure when I look back on my time here I am very proud of it and can say I have been a Manly Sea Eagles player for my whole career."

In the modern era long-serving one team players are becoming an endangered species.

"Obviously the salary cap affects certain players but a lot of players want to stay here for less money," Ballin said.

"It is a good indication that the club and it's community is very close."

The workaholic hooker is under contract to the Sea Eagles for two more seasons until the end of 2015.

He hopes that doesn't take bring down the curtain on his career and he can then secure another deal with the club.

"I'd really love to keep playing," Ballin said.

"A lot of things can happen in those two years- whether the club wants me and whether I'm offer the club anything on the field is another matter."

And Ballin is ready to continue his amazing defensive feats in 2014 that have become such a crucial element in the club's success.

"You'd rather have the ball in your hands and not do so much if it," he said.

"But when it comes down to it I am in the middle of the field there and most weeks I play 80 minutes.

"And I have always enjoyed tackling ever since I was a young bloke."

23.40 | 0 komentar | Read More

Explosive start for Dellacqua

Casey Dellacqua is through in Hobart. Source: WILLIAM WEST / AFP

A GAS explosion shook Australia's Casey Dellacqua before she was able to refocus on take out her opening match in the Hobart International yesterday.

Dellacqua was in control 6-4, 5-2 when the loud explosion in the nearby club house shook the Domain Tennis Centre in her match with Belgian qualifier Alison van Uytvanck.

The 125th world ranked left-hander from Perth then dropped the next two games before finally serving out the match to win in an hour and 11 minutes 6-4, 6-4.

``The explosion actually shook me to be honest with you,'' Dellacqua said.

``I kept thinking `I hope everyone is OK' and I know that is probably bad but it just really threw for me for a few games and I was worrying, I just wanted to ask the umpire if everyone is all right.

``I just had to refocus at 5-4.

``I put myself in a good position to win the match, I just had to realise I put myself in that position to serve out the match and to refocus and to get more clarity on what I needed to do in that last game and that was to hit some first serves in and make her play a few extra balls, which I had been doing the whole match.

``I saw smoke obviously coming out and I just kept worrying. I didn't feel like we should keep playing if something had happened.

``I felt like we should stop. I didn't know what happened but it seems like everything is good.''

After a nearly two-hour rain delay and a shaky start, where a number of service breaks were traded freely, Dellacqua took control through her serve (winning 68 per cent on serve) and powerful forehand.

In 2013, the 28-year-old rose to the top 10 in doubles as her singles rankings slid, but this year is all about her own one-woman show.

``I thought it (yesterday) was good, obviously playing qualifiers is never easy because they've had three matches and you never know what conditions you are going to get,'' she said.

``I felt pretty good up until those last few games.

``This summer was about focusing on my singles to really try and get back into the top 100 so the French Open and Wimbledon I'm playing main draw and I'm not playing qualifying and I can put a proper schedule together for singles and doubles.''

Wildcard Dellacqua downed Van Uytvanck 6-4 6-4 after play was delayed for two hours by rain.

The 28-year-old, who made three grand slam doubles finals with Ashleigh Barty in 2013, made the crucial first set break in the ninth game to lead 5-4.

The left-hander converted her first set point with a blistering forehand down the line.

Dellacqua led 5-2 in the second but, serving for the match, was broken by her 19-year-old opponent.

Leading 5-4 she served out the match, converting her first match point when Van Uytvanck hit wide.

The West Australian will play either fourth seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or American Alison Riske in the second round.

The Hobart tournament suffered a second blow in as many days on Monday when fifth seed Flavia Pennetta joined Venus Williams in withdrawing.

Pennetta cited a wrist injury.

Her place has been filled by Belgian lucky loser An-Sophie Mestach.

23.40 | 0 komentar | Read More

'I've never seen anything like it'

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

ENGLAND'S miserable Ashes tour was summed up in one memorable moment at the SCG on Sunday.

They had long given up the fight for the urn but a single Ryan Harris delivery, as he marched toward match-winning figures of 5/25, broke their spirit.

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

It was nothing more than a defensive shot from England opener Michael Carberry, but the ball split his Kookaburra bat in half. Only the bat's sticker kept the two pieces of willow together.

Australian allrounder Shane Watson was astounded. He's broken bats while playing before, but never with a defensive shot.

"Normally if the bat breaks like that it's from a big pull shot or cut shot, so I'm surprised it didn't go earlier," he said.

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

"I'm surprised he did actually have his stickers on as well because that might have flicked back on the stumps. He found some pretty random ways to get out at times throughout the series and that might have topped things off for him."

It was Carberry's first Ashes tour, but it could very well be his last despite ending the series as England's second highest run scorer behind Kevin Pietersen.

Ironically, at the start of the season Carberry appeared in a video promoting his new bat, which is called the Recoil.

"This is what I'll be using this summer," he says.

"Hopefully there will be some runs in it."

23.40 | 0 komentar | Read More