Titans pocket cheque book - for now

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Shifting focus ... Gold Coast search for Scott Prince's replacement. Source: Ribb Cox / AAP

The search for a halfback is about to begin in earnest at the Gold Coast Titans.

But they reckon they have put away the cheque book after their ill-fated swoop on Jamie Lyon.

Coach John Cartwright says the recent $3 million-plus play for Manly matchwinner Lyon showed they had the money to sign the NRL's elite.

However, coming trial matches would decide who would replace halfback Scott Prince (gone to the Broncos) and centre Beau Champion (South Sydney) after giving up on signing any more players ahead of the 2013 season.

"It (luring Lyon) was a business decision. If the right guy is on the market we are ready to talk,'' Cartwright said on Monday.

"We've got money in the bank to make an offer but it is not just going to be to anyone.

"Jamie is one of the best in the game so if he was available we would be silly not to have a go.''

Asked if the Titans had given up on him Cartwright said: "I would say so - if it was going to happen it would have been last week.

"It shows the club is deadly serious about putting the best side on the paddock but we will not go out willy nilly.''

Cartwright conceded the Titans were "a bit thin'' in the centres after both Lyon and Michael Jennings knocked back lucrative offers.

But he was confident they had the depth to cover the gaping hole left by ex-captain Prince.

He said Beau Henry, Albert Kelly and Jordan Rankin would vie for his No.7 jersey in the pre-season trials, starting against the New Zealand Warriors on February 9.

"They have worked as hard as each other at training but it's out on the field when it is competitive, that's when you get a better grasp, the trials will be very important for these guys,'' said Cartwright who is set to name his new captain this week.

"We have built a very good side around them (halves). If I was a young halfback I would love to be playing in this side.

"Now it is about someone going out there and grabbing that spot.''

Rankin believes the next Titans halfback has the chance to follow Rabbitohs sensation Adam Reynolds and become the next NRL success story.

"It's probably the elephant in the room at the moment - who is going to fill Scott Prince's spot?'' Rankin said.

"It was important that the club showed confidence in us young guys coming through and didn't shop around (for a halfback).

"The spot is now there to be taken. Adam Reynolds showed last year if you take your chance you can be anything.''

Cartwright did not believe the failure to replace Champion put added pressure on Jamal Idris to step up in the centres this season.

"We haven't kicked a ball yet,'' he said.

"But he is where we want him to be.

"He hasn't put a foot wrong. He will start fitter than he ever has.''

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Glock, Marussia F1 team part ways

Mutual ... Timo Glock (R) and Mark Webber in Spain. Source: Jan Woitas / AAP

German driver Timo Glock has left the Marussia Formula One team with immediate effect, the team said on Monday.

Glock, 30, had a contract with the team until 2014, but Marussia cited economic reasons for a decision it said was reached "by mutual consent.''

It is believed Marussia is looking for a driver who will bring more sponsorship revenue to the team.

The racing future of Glock, who has been with Marussia since it was formed in 2009, is now uncertain.

It is thought the former Jordan, Toyota and Virgin driver could be eyeing a start in Germany's DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen-Meisterschaft) race series.

Marussia team principal John Booth praised Glock's "very significant contribution'' to the team's development.

"The ongoing challenges facing the industry mean that we have had to take steps to secure our long-term future,'' he said in a statement posted on the team's website.

"Tough economic conditions prevail and the commercial landscape is difficult for everyone, Formula 1 teams included.

"We would like to thank Timo for working with us to reach this decision, especially as he had a valid contract, and also for the contribution he has made to our team.''

Marussia has not yet named a replacement for Glock.

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Watch & vote: best catches of BBL

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Screamer ... Kane Richardson won't forget this catch in a while. Source:Fox Sports

There were plenty of spectacular catches during this season's KFC T20 Big Bash League, but which was the best?

Which catch was the best of BBL|02?

The team at Inside Cricket have trawled through a myriad of impressive fielding feats and come up with their top six grabs from BBL|02.

Kane Richardson's one-handed effort on the boundary during Adelaide Strikers' win over Hobart Hurricanes scored plenty of headlines, and rightfully so, but was it better than Joe Burns's balancing act for Brisbane Heat?

Unfortunately for Hurricanes batsman Travis Birt, he was the unlucky batsman on both occasions.

While the catches off Birt's batting are high on the list, there's also room for a couple of great grabs from earlier in the season.

Adelaide Strikers wicketkeeper Tim Ludeman's amazing one-handed catch during the thrilling win over Brisbane Heat sent Fox Sports commentator Allan Border into raptures, while Cameron Borgas and Scott Coyte's team effort for Sydney Thunder certainly deserves a mention.

Let's not forget big West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard, who followed up his impressive catch against Melbourne Renegades with an even more impressive celebration.

And while he may have grabbed more attention for his efforts with the ball in Test cricket this summer, seamer Jackson Bird showed he's more than just a one trick pony with a nice diving catch for Melbourne Stars.

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Fed express rolls Raonic

Juggernaut rolls on ... Roger Federer dismantles Milos Raonic. Source: Paul Crock / AAP

It was everything everyone's come to expect from Roger Federer - relentless, error-free tennis to bemuse, break down and eventually beat another Grand Slam opponent.

Big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic found himself kicked to the Australian Open fourth round kerb by Federer despite doing little wrong on Monday night.

Australian Open: Mens Singles

Round 4, 21/01/13

Rao (13)	4	6	2
Fed (2)	6	7	6

But the barest of openings offered by the 13th seed were enough for Federer to pierce his defences, and win 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 to book a quarter-final showdown with Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

How a match which barely moved off serve became the Swiss master's in straight sets in under two hours was classic Federer.

Raonic's serve faltered just once in a 10-game opening set - in the last game as Federer increased the pressure exponentially, then took full advantage of his only set point.

In the second set, the Canadian then held his nerve and his serve through to roll into a tie-break.

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The early signs were good, until the No.2 seed uncorked a couple of huge winners to take an advantage, then whipped in a superb forehand winner backed by a guttural roar to seal it.

Raonic's spirit was broken along with his serve in the opening game of the third set, and Federer backed the truck over him again for a second service break soon after.

The highlight of the set - and perhaps of the match - was Federer's deft drop shot return on Raonic's serve which fell dead just over the net cord in the fifth game.

Federer's match against Tsonga will be his 35th consecutive appearance in a Grand Slam quarter-final.

Federer was particularly thrilled with his opening to the third set and his ability to deal with Raonic's huge serve - clocked at one point at more than 230km/h.

"You try to anticipate it a little bit, try to get a feel for it,'' Federer said.

"I'm so happy with the way I played.''

The 31-year-old also did not face a single break point on his own serve, and produced just 12 unforced errors in the match.

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Hodge in last-gasp Ashes bid

Grand ambitions ... Brad Hodge is eyeing an Ashes spot at the ripe age of 38. Source: AAP

Brad Hodge hasn't quite given up hope of a trip to England this winter, and may play for Victoria in a late bid to make the Ashes squad.

Speaking to the Cricinfo website, Hodge - who represented his country in six Tests - said he should have played more for Australia in his prime, but didn't enjoy the benefit of a rotation policy at the time.

"Would I like to play for Australia? Of course, everyone would," Hodge said.

"I probably deserved to play a little bit more when I had the opportunity. It seems that there seems to be a lot more rotating players then when I was in my prime.

"I am still playing good enough to represent Australia I think. But I do believe that my opportunity is passed. Having said that I am considering after this tournament, to go back to four-day cricket and have a quick shot at trying to make the Ashes team."

Victoria's selectors have reportedly discussed the possibility of Hodge playing in the final three Sheffield Shield matches of the summer, against Queensland, New South Wales and Tasmania.

Hodge, 38, is currently plying his trade in the Bangladesh Premier League after impressing for Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League. 

Despite his form, national selector John Inverarity described the prospect of Hodge being selected for Australia's T20 team as "unlikely".

Hodge has not played Test cricket for Australia since 2008.

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Gilbert resigns as Cricket NSW CEO

Happier times ... Cricket NSW chief executive David Gilbert (right) with Dean Jones.

David Gilbert has resigned as chief executive of Cricket NSW after 11 years in the role.

Gilbert fronted a board meeting on Monday night where it is understood he faced serious pressure to fall on his sword - or risk being sacked.

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His position had come under the spotlight following the shock sacking of NSW coach Anthony Stuart midway through December, which led to a scathing outburst from champion fast bowler Brett Lee.

Cricket NSW announced on Monday night Gilbert had resigned and would leave the organisation at the end of the month.

The former Australia quick claimed it was his decision to step down and said he had not been influenced by outside pressures.

"I am now at the point where I am ready to take on a new challenge," Gilbert said in the statement.

"This is not a sudden decision. It is something I have been contemplating over the past 12 months.

"As far as recent commentary is concerned, it comes with the job and I've never shied away from it.

"The simple truth is that I've been in the role for much longer than most sports administrators could ever dream of.

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"Now that the busiest period of the season has passed, I feel it is right to give the board ample time and opportunity to search for my replacement."

Lee called for Gilbert's sacking, rather than that of Stuart, at the time - leading to Lee being issued with several notices for breaching Cricket Australia's code of conduct.

But those charges were thrown out during a marathon three-hour hearing, which was attended by both Lee and Gilbert.

It was seen as a slap in the face for the veteran administrator, with Lee then invited by Cricket NSW to join a sub-committee of its board to help with "the future direction of cricket in NSW".

Gilbert has come under fire for a series of decisions which have led to the state side falling out of finals contention in the one day format and to fourth in the Sheffield Shield.

Promising young batsmen Phillip Hughes and Usman Khawaja fled NSW to join rival states where they have reignited their international careers while the dismal performances of the two Sydney Big Bash sides have also drawn scrutiny.

The reigning champions the Sydney Sixers were unable to reach the finals despite coming off a triumphant Champions League tournament, while the hapless Thunder failed to win a game all summer.

Earlier this month Lee declared his desire to bring Cricket NSW back to its halcyon days - describing Gilbert's tenure as "tough times" for the sport.

Cricket NSW chairman Harry Harinath paid tribute to Gilbert's contribution.

"David has overseen a period of tremendous growth and development for cricket throughout NSW," he said.

"... He is responsible for a number of important achievements that have benefited both those who play the game and those who watch."

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Arnold banned for one match

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Outburst ... Arnold has paid the price for some out-of-character comments. Source:News Limited

Central Coast coach Graham Arnold has been handed a one-match touchline ban for comments directed at match officials in the A-League draw with Melbourne Victory.

The penalty means Arnold will have to watch on from the stands when his side hosts local rivals Newcastle Jets on Saturday night.

Arnold was ordered away from the field midway through Saturday's 1-1 draw in Launceston after saying something which caused offence to the fourth official, linesman and referee Jarred Gillett.

Arnold later apologised for the outburst, admitting he was frustrated at watching his side being totally outplayed by the Victory in the first half.

The ban means Arnold cannot have any contact with his team from two hours before the game until an hour after it finishes.

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Rough day for Aussies at Open

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Long day ... Ebden was one of a number of Aussies to crumble on day one. Source:News Limited

The local support cast found any number of ways to fluff their lines as leading lady Samantha Stosur made a welcome winning start to the Australian Open on Monday.

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The local support cast found any number of ways to fluff their lines as leading lady Samantha Stosur made a welcome winning start to the Australian Open on Monday.

The ninth-seeded Stosur survived an opening-set scare before downing Taiwan's Kai-Chen Chang 7-6 (7-3) 6-3.

It was Stosur's maiden victory of 2013 after first-up losses in Brisbane and Sydney.

But for the lesser lights of the Australian tennis scene, day one was pretty much all doom and gloom - although Matthew Ebden was determined to look on the bright side despite letting slip a two-set lead for the second straight year at Melbourne Park.

The South African-born Ebden looked on course for an upset victory over No.23 seed Mikhail Youzhny when he raced through the second-set tiebreak.

But the Russian veteran refused to yield, fighting off a match point in the 10th game of the fourth set before going on to win 4-6 6-7 (0-7) 6-2 7-6 (7-4) 6-3.

"I've had a lot of improvements out there," said Ebden.

"My return of service, my backhand, all that has improved a lot.

"It obviously got me to match point. Big deal.

"That's how tennis goes some days - he won the point and I didn't.

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"... he hit some great shots and he's a quality player who's been to the semis of slams.

"I gave the best I could and it was a tiny bit short."

Ebden - who has never won a five-set match - also crashed out in the second round of last year's Open to Japan's Kei Nishikori after winning the first two sets.

Teen star Ashleigh Barty said she was "destroyed" and countrywoman Olivia Rogowska felt "heartbroken" after they lost contrasting three-setters.

Barty started brightly against women's No.15 seed Dominika Cibulkova.

But after dropping the first set, the Slovakian lifted to reel off 12 of the next 13 games and win 3-6 6-0 6-1.

"That was nerves," said Barty.

"She was able to pounce on me pretty quickly. That's why she's ranked 15 in the world.

"Once she got the momentum I wasn't able to stop her."

Rogowska got into a winning position before bowing out 5-7 7-5 8-6 to Serbian qualifier Vesna Dolonc.

Rogowska led 3-0 and 4-1 in the deciding set but couldn't close the deal.

Red-hot Agnieszka Radwanska started slowly before over-running West Australian Bojana Bobusic.

The No.4 seed from Poland won the last nine games on the trot in her 7-5 6-0 victory.

Radwanska has been the form player in women's tennis in the opening month of 2013, winning back-to-back tournaments in Auckland and Sydney.

Casey Dellacqua failed to convert two set points in the 12th game and then fell apart in the tiebreaker of a 6-4 7-6 (7-0) loss to American slugger Madison Keys.

Kiwi-turned-Australian Sacha Jones lost 6-3 6-2 to Kristyna Pliskova from the Czech Republic.

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Opening is my preferred spot: Watto

I'm only a lightweight ... Shane Watson says he can't compete in the Weet-Bix stakes. Source: Eranga Jayawardena / AP

Shane Watson has revealed everything from his preferred batting position to how many Weet-Bix he does of a morning in an exclusive live chat with foxsports.com.au users.

Australia vice-captain Shane Watson will appear on Inside Cricket this Monday night.

The dynamic all-rounder joins Brendon Julian, Allan Border, Greg Blewett and Stuart MacGill on the panel, as he opens up about his injury-marred summer.

In an exclusive interview with Fox Sports, Watson will set the record straight about his plans for the future and his role in the national side moving forward.

Watch Inside Cricket – 8:30pm (EDT), January 14 on Fox Sports 2HD.

Watson, the most talked-about cricketer of the season, appeared on Inside Cricket on Monday before joining foxsports.com.au users to answer all your questions.

Re-live the intriguing chat below.

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Tipsarevic ends Hewitt's hot summer

Brave ... Hewitt pushed Tipsarevic but didn't have the firepower to worry the Serb. Source: News Limited

Lleyton Hewitt's heart proved no match for Janko Tipsarevic's heat as the Aussie warrior bowed out of the Australian Open at the first hurdle on Monday night.

Hewitt fell to the white-hot No.8 seed 7-6 (7-4) 7-5 6-3 - Tipsarevic producing some amazing tennis from the middle of the second set to sink the 31-year-old Australian on Rod Laver Arena.

After losing a tight first set in a tiebreak, Hewitt raced to a 3-0 second set lead with two service breaks.
But the Serb cranked up several gears from then on.

With some punishing winners and after solidifying his service game, Tipsarevic won seven of the next nine games - breaking Hewitt's serve to secure the second set.

Tipsarevic then raced to an early 3-0 lead in the third.

Hewitt's trademark fight then came to the fore, breaking back with the slightest of opportunities to put the set on serve.

But Tipsarevic broke back again mid-set and served out the match in just over three hours.

In his record 17th successive Australian Open, Hewitt's defeat means he has only ever once got beyond the fourth round at Melbourne Park - when he made and lost the final in 2005.
 

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