Rabbitohs overcome depleted Sharks

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

SOUTH Sydney fans will be cheering today after the Bunnies pushed their way into the NRL top eight _ but make no mistake Michael Maguire's men still have some work to do before they can be rated a serious premiership force.

In a scrappy and lacklustre Monday night clash in Cronulla the Rabbitohs were never seriously under threat as they closed out a 18-0 shutout of the NRL's bottom placed team — the first time Souths had held an opponent scoreless since 1999.

South Sydney's Sam Burgess on his way to scoring a try. Source: News Corp Australia

But given the Sharks were without seven of their best including Origin stars Paul Gallen and Luke Lewis along with Andrew Fifita and Todd Carney and then lost another three before and during Monday night's encounter, the three tries to nil win won't go down as the Bunnies' most impressive performance of the season.

"We knew it was going to be a tough old game. Every time you come down here on a Monday night you end up in an arm wrestle and that is what it was tonight," Maguire said.

"They made it hard for themselves at times. I think we didn't complete five sets in a row there and we had to fight hard on our line.

South Sydney's Adam Reynolds opt for a grubber kick on the 5th tackle. Source: News Corp Australia

"But they are working really hard for each other and we know we need to be better than that from an attacking point of view but our defence held us up strong."

The Rabbitohs managed just one first half try to Sam Burgess to lead 8-0 at halftime before Kirisome Auva'a and Cameron McInnes added two more within six minutes midway through the second half to finally put the Sharks out of their misery — at least for another week.

"I think we are trying really hard," Cronulla coach Peter Sharp said.

"We are working hard at training. We just weren't good enough tonight and we are terribly busted as well.

A Sharks fan cheer for John Morris who played his 300th NRL game. Source: Getty Images

"And in conjunction with that we can't buy a trick off the ref so it just goes hand in hand."

But coming off last round's disappointing loss to Melbourne, Souths' fans can at least be thankful that the win pushes them to seventh on the table ahead of next Monday night's game against the under siege St George Illawarra.

For that match they should have Issac Luke back and the decision now for Maguire is what to do with Luke's two capable replacement's in Apisai Koroisau and McInnes who crossed for his first NRL try.

Koroisau also had another good game and produced a ripper of a shot on Sosaia Feki in the first half that led to Sam Burgess' opening try.

Cronulla's David Fifita leaves the field with an injury during warm up. Source: News Corp Australia

"I have got to make some tough decisions and the two young kids have been doing such a great job through that period when you lose such a good player like Issac," Maguire said.

"You want to make sure you have got some cover and we have shown that with these two young kids coming through."

The Sharks were far from disgraced but for all their effort they just didn't have the quality to match their star-studded opposition.

Cronulla had won their previous three games at home against the Bunnies but Souths were always going to be a massive assignment in veteran John Morris' 300th NRL game."

Cronulla's Sosaia Feki is wrapped up in a tackle by Souths' Sam Burgess. Source: News Corp Australia

Stand-in skipper Wade Graham summed up the feeling in the Sharks' camp in one word: "Frustrated. That's the word that sums it up.

The Sharks have the bye next and Sharp said Fifita was a good chance of returning for the following round against the Dragons.

Cronulla lost David Fifita during warm up while Siosaia Vave copped a knee injury from friendly fire when Koroisau whacked Feki and Ricky Leutele was another casualty.

Luke Burgess also had another strong game for the Rabbitohs up front but the major concern relates to their spluttering attack.

Jeff Robson is tackled by Sam Burgess. Source: Getty Images

With Greg Inglis, Chris McQueen and Ben Te'o missing due to Origin, Monday night's performance was still a long way short of where most expected Souths to be right now.

While Souths' scrambling defence saved them on numerous occasions the fact the severely depleted Sharks were still in the contest midway through the second half told the story of how the Bunnies' attack is still missing the creativity that is going to worry the best teams.

South Sydney's Kirisome Auva'a celebrates after scoring a try. Source: News Corp Australia

SOUTH SYDNEY 18 (K Auva'a S Burgess C McInnes tries A Reynolds 3 goals) bt CRONULLA 0 at Remondis Stadium. Referee: Matt Cecchin, Grant Atkins. Crowd: 8,137

23.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blues not ready for Cauldon: Thurston

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

JOHNATHAN Thurston has warned NSW scrumbase rivals Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson no amount of club football can prepare them for an Origin baptism at Suncorp Stadium.

Queensland skipper Cameron Smith revealed on Monday how pressuring the Blues' debutant halves would be a key plank in their blueprint for success in Origin I.

Reynolds and Hodkinson have been outstanding for the Bulldogs, but their nerves will be tested confronting the hostility of 50,000 Maroons fans in the code's toughest arena.

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

Maroons playmaking great Darren Lockyer says Origin debuts are all about "survival''.

GALLEN LAUGHS OFF WALLY'S OUTRAGE

While acknowledging the pair's club form and self-belief, Thurston insists Reynolds and Hodkinson will not understand the intensity of Origin until they are in the thick of it.

"It's going to be tough for them, no doubt about that,'' said Thurston, who will play his 28th consecutive Origin game on Wednesday.

Thurston has warned the Blues that club form doesn't equate to Origin quality. Source: Getty Images

"They are playing some really good football at the Dogs, but in saying that, State of Origin is a whole new ball game.

"We need to pressure them. They are confident in their ability so they probably won't be nervous, they will be looking forward to the challenge.

"But Origin ... it's a different level and they will come to see on Wednesday night what it's like.''

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

Since Queensland's winning streak began in 2006, the Blues have experimented with 17 playmakers to break the Maroons' Origin stranglehold.

ORIGIN HATRED LIVES ON: SMITH

Five players — Mark Gasnier, Jarrod Mullen, Craig Gower, Jamie Lyon and Terry Campese — played just one game at the NSW scrumbase.

Reynolds and Hodkinson plan to avert becoming one-hit wonders, but Smith says the duo will not get a minute's respite.

The Blues are hoping to capture Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds's Bulldogs form. Source: News Corp Australia

"It's a big jump (from club football) — it's faster,'' he said.

"It's more physical for the entire 80 minutes, it's not a case of sort each other out the first 20 (minutes) and then it dies off a bit.

"It's flat out from the first whistle to the last whistle.''

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

Smith said Queensland's experienced halves pairing of Thurston and Cooper Cronk gave the Maroons an edge over the rookie Blues shot-callers.

"It could be a difference but at the end of the day, it's up to us to try and minimise what they (Reynolds and Hodkinson) do in the game,'' Smith said.

"Hodkinson is coming to his first match so that's an opportunity for us to test him out and see how he handles it.

"Reynolds is quite an X-factor, he plays with a lot of energy and Hodkinson is a guy that steadies the ship.

"He doesn't get flustered at all, so we need to try and apply pressure to them as a team.''

23.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Socceroos draw 1-1 with South Africa

Tim Cahill of Australia celebtrates scoring a goal during the International Friendly match between the Australian Socceroos and South Africa at ANZ Stadium. Source: Mark Nolan / Getty Images

AUSTRLIA heads off to Brazil after a 1-1 draw with South Africa in the international friendly at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.

The Socceroos got off to a blistering start but conceded a goal against the run of play, with Ayanda Patosi curling an effort past Mat Ryan.

Tim Cahill returned serve immediately for the hosts, who marched down the other end via Tommy Oar, the country's best on the night. Cahill lept, has he has so often before, to prod the ball home.

An anti-climactic and disjointed second-half will raise a few concerns for Ange Postecoglou, who will have plenty to digest from this display before trimming his squad to 23.

Re-live all the action from the game in our blog below.

23.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cipriani named in England side

Back in ... Danny Cipriani has got his first call-up to the English Rugby union team in six years. Source: News Limited

DANNY Cipriani has received his first England call-up in six years when coach Stuart Lancaster named his initial 30-man squad on Monday for next month's three-Test tour of New Zealand.

Meanwhile Worcester full-back Chris Pennell, the son of the late England cricketer Graham Dilley, was one of seven uncapped players selected by Lancaster.

Gloucester centre Henry Trinder, Leicester lock Ed Slater and the front-row quartet of Kieran Brookes, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Joe Gray and Dave Ward complete the uncapped group.

An additional group of players for the tour will be announced following the Premiership final between Saracens and Northampton at Twickenham on Saturday.

The much-criticised timing of that fixture means players from those clubs will be unavailable for the first Test against the world champion All Blacks in Auckland on June 7 as they will have insufficient time to recover for the series opener.

Cipriani, once the golden boy of English rugby, won the last of his seven caps in 2008 but has been included in the back of a fine season at Sale, where he helped the northwest side to a sixth-placed finish in the Premiership.

Saracens' Owen Farrell is England's current fly-half. Already ruled out of the first Test because of the Premiership final, doubts about his availability for the rest of the tour were raised when he damaged an ankle tripping over TV wires while warming up for the London club's European Cup final defeat by Toulon in Cardiff on Saturday.

English boy ... Danny Cipriani of England is tackled by Shane Horgan of Ireland during the RBS 6 Nations Championship match between England and Ireland at Twickenham on March 15, 2008. Source: Getty Images

And George Ford, Farrell's England deputy, has also been sidelined as he is due to undergo shoulder surgery following Bath's 30-16 European Challenge Cup final defeat by Northampton at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday.

Meanwhile Saracens and England prop Mako Vunipola left the Millennium Stadium on crutches following star-studded French side Toulon's 23-6 victory.

Lancaster is also sweating on the fitness of first-choice hooker Dylan Hartley, with the New Zealand-born forward struggling to be fit following a shoulder problem for the Premiership final.

Wasps back-row James Haskell has also been included for the first time since the 2013 Six Nations.

"We are excited about the squad we are taking to New Zealand and, while there continues to be challenges in selection, we will be well and truly ready for the first Test," said Lancaster.

"It has been a good few days' training and great to be able to work with a larger group of players in the lead up to the Barbarians game and the tour.

"As is often the case there are some players unavailable through injury and it is a shame that recently both George Ford (Bath Rugby) and Anthony Allen (Leicester Tigers) have had to withdraw due to shoulder and knee injuries sustained towards the end of the season."

Done the rounds ... Danny Cipriani during his stint with the Melbourne Rebels. Source: News Limited

Even with a full squad, England faced a daunting task in trying to add to a total of just two wins in 12 Tests in New Zealand, their rare successes coming in 1973 and their World Cup-winning year of 2003.

"I think it's ridiculous," Northampton and England flanker Tom Wood has said of the fixture clash.

"You should be doing the best you can for your club and playing yourself into contention for your country. The two should never be in conflict."

England's last two trips to New Zealand both created unsavoury headlines, with several England players caught up in a sex scandal in 2008.

And three years later a poor World Cup on the field was compounded by pictures of an alcohol-fuelled night out involving dwarf-tossing games in a Queenstown bar while, following the team's quarter-final exit, Manu Tuilagi was sanctioned after diving off a ferry into an Auckland harbour.

But England, the hosts of next year's World Cup, have competed strongly against New Zealand in their two most recent Tests with the All Blacks.

They beat the world champions 38-21 at Twickenham in 2012 before pushing them hard in a 30-22 loss at 'headquarters' a year later.

Prior to the tour, an England XV will play the invitational Barbarians in a non-cap international at Twickenham on Sunday.

23.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Djokovic blitzes French first round

Competitive ... Serbia's Novak Djokovic (pictured) hits a return to Portugal's Joao Sousa during their French tennis Open first round match. Picture: AFP Source: MIGUEL MEDINA / AFP

SECOND seed Novak Djokovic has opened his bid for a maiden French Open title with a 6-1 6-2 6-4 first round win over Joao Sousa.

The six-time Grand Slam winner is only missing the Roland Garros title to complete his set of all four majors and began in style with a confident showing on the Philippe Chatrier centre court.

During a match interrupted by rain, the 27-year-old Serb was at his charismatic best on and off the court as he even had time to chat extensively with a ball boy during a brief rain delay.

He offered the young lad a drink and clinked bottles with him as the crowd roared their approval.

On the court, Portugal's Sousa, ranked 42 in the world and a French Open best of reaching the second round last year, was outclassed on Monday by Djokovic's all around game.

The Belgrade native, who is coming off a stellar showing in Rome where he defeated Rafael Nadal, following earlier victories in 2014 at Indian Wells and Miami, converted eight of 15 break points.

He also rained down eight aces behind a first serve percentage of just under 70 per cent in a match that lasted 1hr 46 minutes.

The former world number one now faces French hope Jeremy Chardy for a place in the last 32.

23.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mal sees Maroon over ticket prices

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

MAROONS coach Mal Meninga has slammed Queensland Rugby League's State of Origin price hike, demanding officials apologise for their errors.

In a major embarrassment for the code almost 8,000 tickets remain unsold for the landmark 100th State of Origin game next week at Suncorp Stadium.

This is despite a minor reduction in the cost of select tickets last week.

The game should have been sold out in days as it is a truly historic moment for the code.

GUERRA SET TO DEBUT FOR INJURED THAIDAY

Queensland Maroons coach Mal Meninga. Source: News Corp Australia

However, rugby league's working class fans have baulked at ridiculous price hikes which have seen some tickets nearly double in cost from last year.

Officials could even have to give tickets away to junior clubs so empty seats don't ruin the spectacle.

Meninga said the QRL, which employs him, must swallow their pride and slash prices.

"Extremely disappointing," Meninga said of the slow sales.

"I guess the league has to make some tough decisions and say they're sorry and admit they're wrong and make it more available to our core supporters.

"Our blue collar workers, our mums and dads who love the game so much and want to come to Origin.

"We learn our lessons and hopefully we're strong enough to put our hands up and say we were wrong and make it a bit more accessible to our audience for game one and for game three as well."

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

Last year's lone Origin at Suncorp Stadium attracted just over 51,690 fans.

It was the poorest crowd since the old Lang Park was redeveloped in 2003.

The QRL now has eight days to sell 7,500 seats.

For the first time ever, the governing body is running an advertising campaign to try and convince people to buy tickets for a State of Origin Game One.

Late last week the ARL Commission and the QRL released a limited number of silver category seats for $125, a third off the original price.

Queensland Maroons team. Source: News Corp Australia

Still, take up has been slow.

The QRL simply got their price point for State of Origin demand dramatically wrong.

Their membership special cost an outlandish $695.

The Maroons Membership gave supporters a ticket to the first and third Origin games plus other bonuses such as an $80 membership pack, a maroon wig and a tour of the Fourex Brewery.

Though some seats are as cheap as $80 for adults, prices spiral up to $370 for category one tickets and $250 for a seat in the upper tier of the western stand.

If Queensland head into Game Three with the series wrapped up, ticket prices will have to be halved.

23.40 | 0 komentar | Read More

What you missed on TV last night

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

AFTER the match review panel's findings earlier in the day, host Gerard Whateley and Mark Robinson gave their analysis on Sydney's Dan Hannebery being cleared.

Both were surprised.

"My gut feel is that he would be suspended only because of the rules," Gerard said.

"This is making forceful contact to an opponent from front on when an opponent has his head over the ball which is a reportable offence, so that's what I deferred to right across the weekend

Robbo believed Hannebery did have an alternative.

STEVIE J'S BROWNLOW HOPES LOOK BLOWN

"I just can't believe that people say 'well what alternative did he have?'

"I don't like them stopping and I know we don't like them doing that but he could have pulled up ... I didn't like it when I saw it."

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

STEVE Johnson's head-butting charge on Ryan Crowley was shown and Robbo didn't hold back.

"This is the biggest joke I have seen this year," he said.

"Are you telling me this is worth missing one game of football?

"I enjoyed that contest (between Johnson and Crowley on the night) so much, because they're going each other ... for the MRP to come out and say you're missing a game of football for that, that is not on."

THE under-fire Tigers didn't take long to be brought up and the lads agreed Richmond simply aren't good enough.

WE BELIEVE IN OUR DIRECTION: TIGERS BOSS

Robbo suggested the Tigers needed to strip the game plan right back and "pick a theme" for the week.

"The stunning bit is the fall," he said.

"If you think we're having a big discussion on Richmond this week, if they get beaten by GWS next week, there will be carnage."

Gerard agreed with Robbo but said "you have to know where you are", and the Tigers may have drastically over-estimated their place on the premiership clock.

"I'm partially amazed ... (but) to me it looks real," Gerard said.

"I think this is probably a real reflection of where it is ... they're a poor team.

"They thought they were top-four material, and they're a long way from that."

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

THE coaches, Melbourne's Paul Roos and Essendon's Mark Thompson, joined the panel and after a short highlights reel of Gary Ablett's weekend exploits, Gerard asked them about the 30-year-old's standing in the game.

Roos said he believed he was the best player he had seen and he was amazed by the Gold Coast skipper's consistency.

"We talked about him today (with the coaching group), and we talked about 'Is he an eight-goal player? Is he a 10-goal player?' It makes so much difference to the team.

"I'm taking nothing away from the other guys but he's an absolutely extraordinary player."

Thompson said Gazza's ability to continue performing at his level since joining the Suns had surprised him.

"I didn't think he could be playing as well in a poor(er) side," Thompson said.

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

ROBBO asked Mark Thompson how the Bombers were tracking, and whether the continuing ASADA investigation was taking its toll on his men and whether he asked them if it was.

"I think we deal with it from a club point of view but I don't deal with it, it's not my job to deal with it," Thompson said.

"I just talk to them about football."

The Bombers coach said he didn't want to talk about the saga and was confident his team, 4-5 after nine rounds, could turn its form around.

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

ON THE COUCH — FOX FOOTY

THE Gazza love-in continued on On The Couch, with Mike Sheahan — along with fellow panellists Gerard Healy and Jason Dunstall — marvelling at the Suns skipper.

Mike said he now rated Ablett alongside the player he believes the greatest to have played the game.

"I have him the equal of Wayne Carey," Mike said.

"Of all the great players that I've seen over the journey and Matthews has been one and Carey and Voss of their day, no-one has been clearly superior to the rest of the field like this bloke."

Jason agreed, saying Ablett did it every single week.

Stats show that in his 69 matches in a Suns jumper, Ablett has collected fewer than 20 disposals just twice.

THE THREE discuss the Dan Hannebery bump and Gerard thinks while still a "grey area", the right outcome was reached.

"I think at one stage both players had their eyes on the ball and one decides to use poor technique and one decides to use the correct technique and sadly we're in a position where if somebody elects to use poor technique we may have a savage injury.

"But I don't think Dan Hannebery can be held responsible for that ... The rule is in to stop blokes deliberately bumping blokes in the head," Gerard said.

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

ATTENTION soon turned to Richmond and the panel agreed things have gone horribly wrong for the Tigers.

"I don't think anyone can understand what's gone wrong with this footy team," Mike said.

The panel says there was a boldness about the Tigers of 2013, but something has gone wrong and coach Damien Hardwick and the footy world doesn't know what.

"Maybe 2013 gave them a false sense of security about where they were and how good they were," Jason said.

ROBBO: TIME FOR HARDWICK TO GET RUTHLESS

Stats show the Tigers have dropped right off in every area.

Mike wondered if the Tigers were crippled by fear in matches, while Gerard said he believed the coach will stand by his players this week ahead of the clash with GWS.

"I get the feeling he (Hardwick) is giving them one more chance," Gerard said.

Jason thinks that would be the wrong move.

"To give them one more chance against a team languishing at the bottom, to me that doesn't achieve anything," Jason said.

Mike says Melbourne players want to impress coach Paul Roos. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: News Corp Australia

MELBOURNE won praise for its rejuvenation, with Jason saying he's pleased Jack Watts is reaping the rewards of his hard work.

"That last quarter, this is when he stood up (against Richmond) ... he had 10 possessions, kicked a couple of goals," Jason said.

Mike said he believes one man deserves the bulk of the credit for the Dees' upward curve.

"You know why (Melbourne players are improving)? Because of the coach. They want to please Roosy."

Matthew Pavlich had a happy 300th game, but how good were the Dockers? Source: News Corp Australia

THE panel paid tribute to Matthew Pavlich and said Freo's intensity was back.

However Mike was cautious in rating the Dockers' win over Geelong at the weekend.

"As good as Freo were, there are cracks at Geelong," he said.

Gerard, while reminding Mike he had history of going early in writing off the Cats, agreed some big-name Cats struggled at Patersons Stadium on Saturday night.

Gerard said Corey Enright, Jimmy Bartel early in the piece, Harry Taylor and Steve Johnson had all battled against Freo.

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

SYDNEY Swans defender Ted Richards was the special guest, and the panel quizzed him on his side's turnaround from early in the season — especially the shock Round 1 loss to GWS.

"There's effort and there's absolute effort," Richards said.

"Unless you produce the absolute effort every week, you can get found out."

Asked his thoughts on teammate Dan Hannebery's clash with Bomber Michael Hurley, Richards said he had mixed thoughts.

"No free kick was paid so I thought it wasn't that bad but when I saw Hurley on the ground I thought maybe it was bad," he said.

"And then we kicked a goal and I saw a couple of replays and thought maybe he might be in a bit of trouble, and certainly the Essendon fans seemed to have a view on it."

SWAN MITCHELL SENDS STATS MEN SILLY

Richards admitted after being dropped in 2010 he contemplated moving to Sweden.

But two years later he was playing on Franklin in a winning grand final side.

Richards admitted he played on pain-killing injections in the 2012 grand final, having jabs in every quarter to get through the game.

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

JASON got on his high horse and said AFL umpires were not rewarding the tackler.

A number of clips were showed from weekend matches where players with prior opportunity were not pinged.

BALL! NOPE. IF YOU DON'T MIND UMPIRE

Gerard argued that prior opportunity should also relate to teams and not only individuals.

"Prior opportunity was brought in for the bloke winning the ball, not for the bloke receiving the ball," he said.

Gerard Healy says Nick Riewoldt could have suffered a serious injuryagainst the Suns. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

THE panel ended the show on a serious note, saying they believed the AFL's match review panel failed in its duty by not citing Gold Coast midfielder Danny Stanley after he slid into the lower leg of St Kilda champ Nick Riewoldt on Sunday.

"That may have ended his (Riewoldt's) career in that collision," Mike said.

"This is not a go at Danny Stanley because he was attacking the footy but there was a rule brought in to eliminate exactly that incident

"Not only was there no free kick, I think the match review panel abdicated its responsibility ... I reckon they should have cited him on a reckless conduct charge."

Gerard agreed, saying Mark Evans needed to write to AFL clubs saying incidents such as the Stanley-Riewoldt clash should not be tolerated.

"It's a free kick yes, but if you're going that recklessly at the ball you can end somebody's career ... stay on your bloody feet."

LISTEN TO THE LATEST EPISODE OF THE SUPERFOOTY PODCAST BELOW OR CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE IN ITUNES

FOOTY CLASSIFIED — NINE NETWORK

NOT surprisingly, Richmond was first cab off the rank as the panel tried to address what was wrong at Punt Road.

Matthew Lloyd, Garry Lyon, Craig Hutchison and Caroline Wilson agreed the 16th-placed Tigers were battling.

"They have GWS this week so they're not at rock bottom yet," Lloyd said.

"If they lose that one there'll be big decisions made down at Punt Road."

Wilson questioned the "football direction" of the club, saying Damien Hardwick had lost support — such as key assistant Justin Leppitsch — while football director on the board Tony Free had to be questioned.

Richmond president Peggy O'Neal. Source: News Limited

Hutchison asked if we would hear from Richmond president Peggy O'Neal, while Lloyd went a step further.

"What does Peggy bring to the table as president that makes her a great president, or what can she bring?" he asked.

Wilson highlighted that O'Neal, the first female president in VFL/AFL history, had only been in the job six months.

ESSENDON'S decision to leave Jake Carlisle in the green vest was discussed.

Lyon said he couldn't understand Essendon's decision to leave Carlisle sitting on the bench when Lance Franklin was carving up the Bombers with four first-half goals at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.

CARLISLE SAGA TAKES GREEN TURN

Lloyd said he hopes Michael Hurley — who played on Franklin — can develop into an all-time great of the Bombers and wonders if he needs to shed some weight.

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

FREMANTLE'S good recent record over the Cats is discussed, with Steve Johnson's report cited.

Ross Lyon's men have beaten Geelong in four of their past five, with a Cat being reported in each of those matches.

The Dockers' good run home is highlighted. Freo, now 5-4, appear headed for an assault on the top four.

Nathan Jones and Jack Watts are firing for the Dees. Source: Getty Images

TALKING FOOTY — 7MATE

MELBOURNE co-captain and fan favourite Nathan Jones was the special guest.

Watts, who booted three goals in the Demons' 17-point win over Richmond, is finally blossoming as a player but Jones believes his club could have better handled the no.1 draft pick's introduction to AFL football.

"From my opinion I don't think it was managed well at all," he said.

"I think one thing Roosy's addressed this year is there's not going to be a saviour or that the young players aren't going to come in with great expectation — they're going to learn their role and play their role ... they'll be ready to play footy without the expectation and pressure of them having to lift the club to where we all want it to get to and I think Wattsy found himself in that position.

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

23.40 | 0 komentar | Read More

Van Gaal named Man United manager

New gig ... Dutch national football team coach Louis van Gaal has been appointed Manchester United manager. Source: Koen van Weel / AFP

NETHERLANDS boss Louis van Gaal will take over as the new manager of Manchester United, with Ryan Giggs as his assistant, the club has announced.

Van Gaal, 62, has signed a three-year contract to succeed David Moyes who was sacked in April after a disastrous run of results.

His contract with the Dutch national side means van Gaal will not be able to join up with United until after the World Cup in Brazil, which would not be until mid-July if the Netherlands reach the latter stages of the tournament.

Van Gaal, a disciplinarian who has won domestic titles and cups with Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich as well as the Champions League, will become the first manager from outside the British Isles to take charge of United.

Staying on ... Manchester United's interim manager Ryan Giggs has been appointed Louis van Gaal's assistant. Source: AP

He quickly emerged as the favourite to take over at Old Trafford after Moyes was dismissed.

Giggs, United's record-appearance holder and a player-coach under Moyes, was placed in caretaker charge of the team after the Scot left Old Trafford.

Moyes was the hand-picked successor of former United manager Alex Ferguson after his compatriot retired as British football's most successful boss at the end of last season.

But the former Everton manager struggled to adjust to life at Old Trafford and was dismissed just months into a six-year contract after United failed to qualify for next season's Champions League.

23.40 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hodkinson can end Blues’ misery

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

TRENT Hodkinson might just be the lucky omen NSW have been searching for to end eight long years of Origin pain.

Blues coach Laurie Daley will name his team on Tuesday and the Bulldogs halves combination of Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds is tipped to take over from the out-of-favour Roosters pairing of Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney.

WHO'S THE GREATEST? PICK YOUR BEST ORIGIN TEAM NOW

After just three wins from 12 Origin starts, Pearce's drunken bender is now set to cost him his Blues jumper, while Maloney has struggled for form and will end up as collateral damage from Pearce's axing.

It opens the door for the Bulldogs' table-topping duo to take over.

Reynolds and Hodkinson could take their Canterbury partnership to Origin football. Source: News Corp Australia

Reynolds has been one of the NRL's form players this year — and if Hodkinson gets the call-up it would make him the seventh player to wear the Blues' No.7 jumper since Andrew Johns inspired NSW's last series victory in 2005.

Our lucky No.7?

"No disrespect to Mitchell Pearce but if we do the same thing all the time we get the same result," said Steve Mortimer, the proud Bulldog who famously inspired the Blues' first series win in 1985.

Who would be the better pairing for NSW?

"Trent has a great attitude. He is tough. He can kick. He can goal-kick and he is now taking the ball to the line.

"I think Trent can do equally what (Pearce) did and probably even a little bit more. I think the change would be good."

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

And a NSW jumper would also be the ultimate reward for Hodkinson's perseverance after he fought his way back from career-threatening knee and shoulder injuries.

Early last year Hodkinson was stuck in NSW Cup after playing just six NRL games in two years.

CONFIRMED: HAYNE WILL BE NSW FULLBACK

Since Johns's incredible ­series in 2005 the Blues have used a total of nine five-eighths and six halfbacks, including Craig Gower, Jarrod Mullen, Brett Kimmorley, Peter Wallace, Brett Finch and Pearce.

NSW will go into the series opener on May 28 at their longest TAB odds for an Origin at Suncorp — and the Blues are pretty much friendless.

Trent Hodkinson looks set to capitalise on Mitchell Pearce's off-field behaviour. Source: News Corp Australia

In NSW the TAB has taken 482 bets on the Maroons and just 115 on the Blues.

And it's no wonder given the recent history up north.

SIMS SET FOR ORIGIN CALL-UP

The Blues' last game one win in Queensland was in 2003 and since then they have only won three of 14 games at Suncorp — and two of those were dead rubbers (game three in 2009 and game three in 2007).

The series decider in 2005 was the last live game NSW won in Queensland. But Mortimer reckons the halves — and belief — are the keys this year.

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

"Trent to me is like Cooper Cronk," Mortimer said.

"He might not be the most talented but he makes the most of his talent. The difference between NRL and State of Origin is mentality.

"You have to be strong in your thinking. You have to care for each other and look after each other.

"We have the talent in the backs and the depth in the ­forwards. Now all we need is a catalyst to steer them in the right area and that is a six and seven.

"And the way Josh and Trent are playing I would love to see them get the opportunity to wear the Blue jersey."

23.40 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blues to turn Origin into a Dog fight

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

NEW South Wales will turn to the Dogs of war to end Queensland's eight-year dominance with up to five players from table-topping Canterbury poised to dominate selection when the Origin I side is announced on Tuesday morning.

The Daily Telegraph understands Josh Reynolds, Trent Hodkinson, Josh Morris and Tony Williams are ready to be named for Origin I with Josh Jackson also being discussed as a bench player.

How the two teams will likely line-up. Source: News Corp Australia

Sydney Roosters star James Maloney will be dumped from the side and halfback teammate Mitchell Pearce is also expected to be axed.

Reynolds and Hodkinson are set to become NSW's new halves combination, while Morris will be picked at centre with Jackson and Williams looking at bench spots.

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

MAROONS: GUERRA TO DEBUT FOR INJURED THAIDAY

NSW coach Laurie Daley wanted a club combination in his halves and couldn't ignore the claims of Hodkinson and Reynolds, two form players in a rampant Bulldogs side that has won its past seven matches.

Debutant Hodkinson will have the added pressure of the goalkicking duties, a role Maloney had last year. The Bulldogs' No. 7 has kicked 35 goals from 42 attempts this year for a robust 83 per cent strike rate.

Josh Morris will likely join four Canterbury teammates in the NSW side for Origin I. Source: Getty Images

The NSW side will be formally announced at a Sydney hotel at 11.40am on Tuesday.

On Monday night Queensland named just one change to the side that secured a historic eighth successive Origin series win last year, with Roosters backrower Aidan Guerra replacing Sam Thaiday. Superstars Billy Slater, Cam Smith, Matt Scott, Greg Inglis, Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston will all be back to torment the Blues.

WHO'S THE GREATEST? PICK YOUR BEST ORIGIN TEAM NOW

As revealed in The Daily Telegraph last month, Maloney has been in modest form and been fighting to keep his NSW position from the start of this season.

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

Conversely, Josh Reynolds has been in stellar form for Des Hasler's side. His aggression and energy will no doubt lift the NSW team.

Even as late as Monday, the NSW camp still hadn't nailed down several positions.

One wing spot was still open with Jorge Taufua, Will Hopoate and Daniel Tupou all in contention, with Tupou a strong favourite to debut at Suncorp Stadium next Wednesday.

'T-Rex' Tony Williams has done enough to join the Bulldogs' Origin contingent. Source: Getty Images

The pack has been knocked around with the suspension of Greg Bird and injuries to Andrew Fifita, Glenn Stewart and Boyd Cordner.

Versatile Skipper Paul Gallen is likely to start in the back row but is expected to spend some time up front.

Manly's Anthony Watmough is expected to be in the 17-man squad, probably off the bench. Another candidate is North Queensland's Tariq Sims.

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

Watmough is tough, durable and has State of Origin experience, something Daley will need in the Suncorp Stadium cauldron.

Melbourne's New Zealand Warriors-bound backrower Ryan Hoffman is another certainty.

As expected, Brett Morris will claim one wing position with Josh Morris and Michael Jennings to be named in the centres.

Jarryd Hayne's form for Parramatta has made him impossible to ignore. Source: News Corp Australia

St George Illawarra's Josh Dugan was discussed as a fullback option but Daley has always been a massive fan of Hayne.

And Hayne has been in supreme form during his past two games for Parramatta.

NSW enter camp in Coffs Harbour on Tuesday night before then flying further north to Brisbane on Sunday to prepare for the big game.

23.40 | 0 komentar | Read More