Aussies crumble late on day three

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

Dale Steyn ... celebrates after picking up the big wicket of Ricky Ponting. Source: Sarah Reed / News Limited

South Africa cricketers will likely need a record fourth-innings chase at the Adelaide Oval if they're to perform a miracle in the second Test.

Australia suffered an extraordinary final-session collapse on day three but at stumps were still favourites to win at 5-111 in their second dig, holding a lead of 273 with five wickets in hand.

2nd Test - Adelaide Oval

22 November 2012 - Day 3, Session 3

Australia 2nd Innings

M. Clarke	9	25	1	0	36
M. Hussey	5	8	1	0	62.5
M. Morkel	9	2	24	1	2.67

The final session carnage provided good and bad news for the never-say-die South Africans.

There's certainly going to be time for them to shatter the all-time record books in Adelaide, but the pitch is gradually turning into a minefield.

In a further boost to the Proteas' chances, Australia have likely lost pace weapon James Pattinson (side strain) for the match.

Unmovable skipper Michael Clarke (9no) is unbeaten at the crease with Mike Hussey (5no) after the Proteas were bowled out at tea for 388 - 162 runs shy of Australia's first innings 550.

More than a century of history and a crumbling Adelaide Oval wicket is on Australia's side with two days left in the match.

The highest successful fourth-innings chase at Adelaide Oval was 315 by Australia against England back in 1901-02.

Australia are still a chance to pass that mark before sending the Proteas back in at some stage on Sunday.

Even if they declared immediately, Australia's lead would require the second biggest chase ever seen at the ground.

However there's no doubt Australia missed a chance to completely hammer home their advantage - and individuals may pay the price.

Ricky Ponting (16) and Rob Quiney (0) are under intense pressure after failing again in the second innings.

Proteas rookie Rory Kleinveldt (3-14) caused carnage in the final session on Saturday, getting rid of David Warner (41), Quiney and Ed Cowan (29).

Dale Steyn (1-28) continued Ponting's misery against South Africa and Morne Morkel (1-24) had nightwatchman Peter Siddle (1).

---

Follow day four of the second Test from Adelaide Oval with our live and interactive blog from 10.45am (EDT) on Sunday.

---

Quiney will almost certainly be axed for the third Test after making a pair in Adelaide, while Ponting will need runs urgently in Perth.

Pattinson was forced to abandon his bowling of the 83rd over of the innings when he experienced pain in his side.

He was rushed for scans but the results aren't expected to be known until at least Sunday.

Pattinson (0-41) would also have to be in severe doubt for the third Test in Perth, a surface where the firebrand quick would be desperately missed.

The embarrassment continued for Proteas spinner Imran Tahir (0-38).

He thought he had Cowan caught for his first wicket and celebrated exuberantly, only to have it pinched off him for an unforgivable front-foot no-ball.

Earlier, Clarke (1-27) came up with the crucial wicket to break South Africa's back, when he had a heroic Jacques kallis (58) caught down the leg-side to break a 93-run ninth-wicket partnership with debutant Faf du Plessis (78).

Siddle (2-130) claimed key men Graeme Smith (122) and AB de Villiers (1) and was well supported by Nathan Lyon (2-91) and under-pressure quick Ben Hilfenhaus (3-49) who dismissed du Plessis and the tail.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hughes hits ton against Victoria

Top score ... Cameron White hit 88 but lost his wicket to the first ball of day two. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

Former Test opener Phil Hughes jumped to the top of the Sheffield Shield runscoring table with an unbeaten 127 for South Australia on day two of the clash with Victoria.

SHEF - Melbourne Cricket Ground

23 November 2012 - Day 2, Session 3

South Australia 1st Innings

P. Hughes	127	197	18	0	64.47
C. Ferguson	48	110	5	0	43.64

The Redbacks reached 2-244 at stumps at the MCG on Saturday in reply to Victoria's first innings of 346 as the visitors chipped away at the Bushrangers' formidable total on a pitch that was a little two-paced.

Hughes hit 18 fours from 197 deliveries and was in superb touch through the cover region, sharing an unbroken partnership of 127 with fellow Test hopeful Callum Ferguson (48 not out).

Ex-NSW star Hughes has scored 479 runs in five matches for his new team this season.

The 23-year-old ripped off his helmet and waved his bat to the dressing room to celebrate his first Shield hundred for the Redbacks, which came off 157 balls.

Hughes was dropped from the Test side in December 2011 but has been a consistent runscorer for the Redbacks this summer to keep his name in front of national selectors.

Ferguson has also scored over 400 runs this season.

Hughes added 80 for South Australia's first wicket with Sam Raphael (38) and Michael Klinger (18) fell at 2-117 in the third over after tea.

Earlier, Victoria posted a total of 346 thanks to some big hitting from No.8 John Hastings after resuming on 6-259.

Skipper Cameron White top-scored with 88, losing his wicket to Gary Putland (7-64) from the first delivery of the day.

Hastings, who had been on 14 overnight, smashed 80 off 98 balls including 11 fours and two sixes.

Left-arm swing bowler Putland sent down 36 overs, constantly beating the bat and claiming a five-wicket haul for the fifth time in just 15 first-class games.

The 26-year-old has taken 14 wickets at 20.85 in three Shield appearances this season.

Hughes said reaching his 20th first-class century was a special feeling, especially after missing out three times already this season with scores of 92, 95 and 83.

"I was delighted when I got to three figures, my first one for South Australia in this format so I'm really rapt about that,'' he said.

"I continue to work on my game and it's a really sweet moment.''

And he knows the only way to add to his 17 Tests is to score lots of runs.

"That's how you get your name put up there in front of selectors and I want to continue that,'' he said.

Hughes said he'd batted at No.3 during the winter in English domestic cricket.

"I'm not sure what position is my right position, to be fair. It could be one to six,'' he said.

"Batting at the top of the order, it can be quite difficult. If slots come up anywhere in any team, I feel like I'm ready.''

Victoria's new-ball attack included 20-year-old second-gamer Louis Cameron (0-43) as the Bushrangers struggled to get breakthroughs on a wicket that had flattened out on day two.

Earlier, Victoria posted a total of 346 thanks to some big hitting from No.8 John Hastings (80 off 98 balls) after resuming on 6-259.

Cameron White top-scored with 88, losing his wicket to Gary Putland (7-64) from the first delivery of the day.

Hastings said Hughes was looking very solid at the crease.

"He's pulling the ball well and I've never seen him pull like that before,'' Hastings said.

"He's got his game pretty well sorted out.''

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Jets come from behind against Heart

Opener ... Richard Garcia (2nd L) celebrates his first-minute goal. Source: Salpigtidis George / News Limited

Newcastle Jets pinched a late 3-3 draw with Melbourne Heart in the most drama-charged of A-League games at AAMI Park on Saturday night.

The Jets fought back from both 2-0 and 3-2 down, eventually taking a share of the points with an 87th minute Ryan Griffiths penalty.

Referee Jarred Gillett had no hesitation awarding a late spot-kick when Newcastle winger James Virgili went to ground under a combined challenge from Simon Colosimo and Matt Thompson.

Griffiths made no mistake with his coolly-taken spot-kick.

The Heart had led 2-0 at halftime and dominated the opening 45 minutes after being gifted two goals in the first five minutes by the Jets.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Adelaide	8	6	1	1	7	19
2	Central Coast	7	4	2	1	7	14
3	Newcastle	8	4	1	3	-2	13
4	Perth	7	3	1	3	1	10
5	Western Sydney	7	3	1	3	0	10
6	Victory	7	3	1	3	-4	10
7	Wellington	7	2	2	3	1	8
8	Heart	8	2	2	4	-1	8
9	Brisbane	7	2	1	4	1	7
10	Sydney	8	2	0	6	-10	6

With star striker Emile Heskey a virtually unused marquee at one end, the Jets flapped like a tent in the breeze at the other.

A goal after 33 seconds came from Heart's Richard Garcia when Scott Neville steered the ball into his path for the simplest of finishes.

Then Garcia completed the Jets' defensive implosion just a few minutes later when defender Connor Chapman brought him down in the box with a clumsy challenge.

Josip Tadic slotted home the penalty in the fifth minute, and the Heart spent the rest of the half playing champagne football.

Only goalkeeper Matthew Nash kept the Jets in the match, making three important saves - the pick a superb diving save from a Simon Colosimo header on 39 minutes.

The game turned around completely with the introduction of ex-Heart wide man Craig Goodwin on 55 minutes.

Within 45 seconds he had a goal, curling his leg around Heart defender Michael Marrone to make it 2-1.

Jets midfielder Ruben Zadkovich levelled things up in the 63rd minute with a long-range drive.

But the Heart seemed to regain the ascendancy when Garcia grabbed his second in the 72nd minute, finishing off a sweet move from Tadic and Thompson to make it 3-2.

After the match reached a late flashpoint when Heart defender Aziz Behich grabbed Virgili by the throat following a questionable challenge, Virgili then darted into the box and went to ground, forcing the spot-kick which levelled the scores.

Disappointed Heart coach John Aloisi admitted losing the lead twice and missing out on all three points was hard to take.

And he believed the heat, with the temperature in the 30s during the match, took a toll on his players by the second half.

"The first half was working so well, the way we were playing we could have had a few more,'' Aloisi said.

"The second half ... we lost our shape. We lost our way and they started to play around us a lot.''

Jets coach Gary van Egmond believes his men must defend better if they are to be championship threats.

"There's no way known we're going to be serious title challengers while we concede the amount of goals that we're conceding,'' he said.

"That's something we've definitely got to rectify.

"You come away against a team like Melbourne Heart, you score three goals and you still don't win the game. It's never going to be sustainable.''

---

Relive the match, including highlights of all six goals, in our A-League Match Centre.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Your biggest draw whinges

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

All smiles? ... the Broncos have got a slew of Friday night games yet again. Source: Darren England / News Limited

The ARL Commission made some major announcements on Friday with a new CEO unveiled and the 2013 NRL draw released.

Both announcements have split opinion but the NRL draw will have a direct impact on the fans so that's what we'll focus on.

With any season-long list of fixtures, it is impossible to please everyone. Once again there are fans of certain teams who think they are getting a raw deal.

We run the rule over the top three whinges from foxsports.com.au users following the 2013 NRL draw's announcement and try to stand in the shoes of the Commission to explain the reason behind each.

Everyone loves a good whinge, so if there's something that bothers you about next season's draw, or something that you're delighted by, enlighten us by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.

---

1. Friday night Broncos
Channel Nine boss David Gyngell told us when the billion dollar broadcast deal was signed earlier this year that the Broncos would continue to dominate on Friday nights, given their power to attract Queensland viewers. So the fact that they've been slotted in for 11 games from the first 20 rounds in that slot shouldn't come as a major surprise. Regardless, it clearly irritates the fans of other clubs, and in some cases, Broncos fans who would like to be able to go to a game in a more family friendly timeslot. Redman of Sunshine Coast is an example of this: "Broncos Draw is insane. My little bloke would love to go to the footy but friday nights DON'T WORK! It is so frustrating if you want to take your kids to games that it becomes a painful exercise of tired/cranky children who want to go home. I don't know how ratings now hold up against turning off your product next generation."

2. No Sunday arvos at Leichhardt
It's a famous Gus Gould line in commentary that "everyone loves Sunday afternoon football at Leichhardt Oval", yet for some strange reason this has been ignored by the game's administrators. The Tigers are scheduled to play just two games at Leichhardt in the first 20 rounds of the season - a Friday night and a Saturday 5.30pm fixture - and have to wait til round 11 to get their first one. Whether this is an attempt by the Tigers to extract more revenue out of home games or a gentle prod to get them out of a suburban ground and in to the stadiums (Allianz is the main benefactor) by the ARLC is unclear. But fans aren't happy. Tell us what you had to say Tigers supporters... "Not one Sunday Leichardt oval game. Nobody goes to Leichardt games at night," says Jimbo of Robbo. " Ha..! Love it. Not ONE single Sunday arvo game at Liechhardt. The best place to be on a winter Sunday afternoon..." says Barry.

3. Manly Monday madness
Judging by the draw, the Sea Eagles have been given the mantle of Monday night specialists by the NRL but their fans didn't get the memo. One of the most successful sides in recent years will be forced to cool their heels over the weekend seven times in the first 20 rounds, before running out for Monday Night Football. There could be any number of reasons for this but it's more than likely just a quirk in the draw. Not everything can be perfectly planned! What do you say to that Matty of Sydney? "There are too many Monday night games for Manly especially against arch rivals Parramatta & Melbourne. They should be Friday or Sunday afternoon!! There should be a even spread of Monday games for ALL clubs..."

16.42 | 0 komentar | Read More

Steffo 'ready to rumble' with Quade

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

Ready to rumble ... John Steffensen is up for a fight with Quade Cooper. Source: Will Russell / News Limited

Australian track athlete John Steffensen has fired a warning shot to potential boxing opponent Quade Cooper, saying he's "ready to rumble".

Steffensen is one of the latest in a recent trend of sports stars, including Cooper, expressing a desire to jump into the ring, and the rugby union troublemaker is being widely reported as his first adversary.

The Commonwealth Games gold medallist has said that the match up is certainly a possibility.

"If that pans out and it's something that Quade wants then I'm ready to rumble," Steffensen said in an exclusive interview with Fox Sports News.

"If that happens then it happens. (But) it's not my game to call out people."

Steffensen also said he has a lot of admiration for Cooper, who has recently rejected an offer from the Australian Rugby Union, especially for the way he spoke his mind about problems in Australian rugby.

"I've got nothing but respect for Quade and obviously his management," said Steffensen.

"Quade's done great things for the sport of rugby union.

"I was quite proud of him that he stood up for himself with the things he's gone through with the ARU."

---

See Steffensen's whole interview with Fox Sports News at the top of the page.

16.42 | 0 komentar | Read More

White steers Vics out of trouble

Leader ... Cameron White leads by example in their Sheffield Shield clash. Source: Michael Dodge / News Limited

Victoria captain Cameron White ensured his side claimed first-day honours with an unbeaten 88 in a total of 6-259 on Friday in their Sheffield Shield clash with South Australia.

SHEF - Melbourne Cricket Ground

23 November 2012 - Day 1, Session 3

Victoria 1st Innings

C. White	88	179	7	2	49.16
J. Hastings	14	34	2	0	41.18

White's display of determination on a difficult batting wicket at the MCG follows his 72 against NSW in the previous round, also at No.7 after being shifted down the order from No.3.

No.6 Peter Handscomb (69) and White shared a sixth-wicket partnership of 131 after Victoria had been struggling at 5-83 after losing the toss.

The home side had recovered from 2-14 to reach 2-82 before left-armer Gary Putland triggered a dramatic middle-order collapse of 3-1 in the sixth over after lunch.

Putland was threatening all day for the last-placed Redbacks and finished with 4-48 off 26 overs.

Chadd Sayers (2-61) struck in the second over to remove Ryan Carters caught behind for a duck.

Aaron Finch followed for nine at 2-18, caught at first slip by Michael Klinger off Sayers' bowling.

Putland ended the 64-run partnership between David Hussey (29) and Chris Rogers (39) as Rogers edged a ball onto his stumps.

Glenn Maxwell was lbw to an inswinger for a third-ball duck and Hussey was Putland's third victim, caught at second slip by Phil Hughes two deliveries later.

Handscomb hit eight fours in his three-hour knock before falling to Putland in the third over with the second new ball at 6-214.

John Hastings is unbeaten on 14.

White, who hit seven fours and two sixes from 179 deliveries, admits he'd prefer to be batting at No.5.

"It's been quite hard work on the wickets this year so I've made the move to go back down," said White, who has lifted his season's tally to 208 at 41.60 following his two successive half-centuries.

White said the move to No.7 came after the national selection panel discussed giving Maxwell more opportunities up the order at state level.

"As soon as I went back there I said to (Victoria coach Greg Shipperd) 'I don't want to stay there, I want to go back up'," White said.

"He said I'd have to make some runs.

"Number five is the position I've played for a long time and I feel as though that's where I'm suited to."

White said he would have had no hesitation in sending the Redbacks in if he'd won the toss.

"It was quite overcast for the first hour or so, so I'm pretty comfortable with the position we're in," White said.

Putland's three-wicket over after lunch put the Redbacks back in the game, although their advantage faded late in the day.

"It was a good feeling," Putland said of his triple-breakthrough.

"It was coming out well all day and I felt pretty confident."

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

SBW's Chooks to kick off NRL 2013

Opener ... The Roosters will face South Sydney in round one of 2013. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

Sonny Bill Williams's Sydney Roosters will open the season and fans will have to wait just a few rounds for a grand-final rematch when the NRL unveils its long-awaited 2013 draw on Friday.

Premiers Melbourne will host Canterbury in an NRL match which will take centre stage in round three when they clash at AAMI Park on Thursday March 21, two weeks after the Roosters host traditional rivals South Sydney at Allianz Stadium to kick off the season.

"We're pleased to be hosting the Bulldogs early. It will be interesting to have rugby league in Victoria on a Thursday night," Storm chief executive Ron Gauci told AAP.

"We're looking forward to it and very excited about the prospect of having the grand-final rematch at AAMI Park that early in the season."

Asked about the prospects of putting up the 'house full' sign, Gauci said: "We would hope so, but again Thursday night is an experiment. We would hope Melburnians would like to come and see that game."

A massive crowd will also be expected for the season-opener on March 7, which will no doubt be double-billed as Williams' return to rugby league, almost five years after walking out on the code.

Fans and clubs have been sweating on the draw for some weeks, with the 2013 edition to be the first featuring fixed scheduling for the majority of the season.

Ricky Stuart's life as Parramatta coach will kick off with a home encounter against the Warriors in a Saturday night encounter, while Manly will host rivals Newcastle in round two in another 2013 innovation - a Sunday twilight encounter.

Other notable fixtures include Cronulla's Friday night away game against Wests Tigers, when a plethora of Sharks' players will face up to their former teammates, while St George Illawarra's 12-year hoodoo in the nation's capital will go on the line in round three when they take on Canberra.

16.42 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bradman-like Clarke destroys Proteas

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

On fire ... Clarke and Hussey put South Africa to the sword in Adelaide. Source:AFP

Michael Clarke continued his Bradman-like form and became the first Test batsman in history to pass 200 four times in a calendar year, as Australia destroyed an injury-hit South Africa on the first day of the second Test in Adelaide.

The home side reached an overwhelming 5-482 at stumps on Thursday against the world's No.1-ranked Test nation, the equal most runs by an Australian team in a day.

2nd Test - Adelaide Oval

22 November 2012 - Day 1, Session 3

Australia 1st Innings

M. Clarke	224	243	39	1	92.18
M. Hussey	103	137	9	4	75.18
D. Steyn	17.1	1	62	1	3.61

It was far from a one-man show.

David Warner returned to his swashbuckling best with 119 from 112 balls and Mike Hussey brought up his second consecutive ton before being dismissed at the death for 103.

Clarke has already posted scores of 329 not out, 210 and 259 not out in 2012 and added another compelling unbeaten 224 from 243 balls on Thursday.

The 31-year-old is yet to be dismissed this series for a total of 488 runs.

The Australian skipper and opener Warner combined for a lightning 155-run partnership, before Hussey and Clarke put on 272.

It was a record team total for a day's play at the Adelaide Oval and there's the prospect of much more with South Africa walking wounded.

Proteas' pace weapon Vernon Philander was ruled out before play with a back problem, while stars Jacques Kallis and Dale Steyn were forced off the field during the day with hamstring problems.

Clarke smashed 39 boundaries and a six (including five fours off a Morne Morkel over to bring up his 150) and his 1265 runs this year at 140.55 are the 10th most in a year by an Australian.

Warner, under pressure coming into the match, clobbered 16 boundaries and four sixes.

He was in a venomous mood from the outset but, inspired by Kallis, South Africa pinned Australia back to 3-55 after Ed Cowan (10), Rob Quiney (0) and Ricky Ponting (4) fell within 15 balls.

When Kallis (2-19) hobbled off during his fourth over, Clarke and Warner took that as a licence to thrill.

Late in the day, Steyn (1-62) also left for the stands but, in encouraging signs, he did return to the field before the close.

Philander and Kallis went for scans on Thursday, and the Proteas will be desperate their champion allrounder can return to help the batting effort at least.

Compounding the disastrous day for South Africa were two unsuccessful challenges on Clarke, and an overturned decision for Morne Morkel on Hussey, when umpire Billy Bowden was proven to have incorrectly given him out caught behind.

At lunch, Australia were 3-102 but, by tea, they had reached 4-280 - thanks to 178 runs in 26 overs scored in the middle session at seven an over. The scoring reached 10 runs an over at one point.

Morkel was dangerous at times but went for 2-128, Rory Kleinveldt 0-70 and spinner Imran Tahir was pasted for 0-159.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

'No morals' claim over dodgy goal

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

Poor sportsmanship ... Nordsjaelland hit out at the actions of Shakhtar Donetsk's Luiz Adriano. Source: Andreas Hillergren / AFP

The Champions League has erupted into bitter claims of unsportsmanlike conduct with a Ukranian club accused of being "without morals".

Nordsjaelland were furious over a Luiz Adriano goal for Shakhtar Donetsk in the Ukrainians' 5-2 win in Copenhagen.

Shakhtar's football victory sealed their progression to the Champions League last 16 from Group E .

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

Shakhtar was a goal down in the first half, when striker Luiz Adriano pounced on a pass intended to return the ball to the Danish champions following an injury, before rounding the Nordsjaelland goalkeeper and finishing into an empty net.

The goal was allowed to stand even though Adriano was issued a yellow card.

Adriano since has been charged by UEFA for a "violation of the principles of conduct."

His case will be heard on November 27.

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

Nordsjaelland coach Kasper Hjulmand said that instead of the goal being allowed to stand, Adriano should have been sent off instead of going on to score a hat-trick.

"I don't know if Shakhtar are bandits, but some of their players, bosses and coaches are without morals," told Danish television station TV3+.

"First and foremost it's the player's choice. As coaches, we are forever on about respect for the game, the opponent and the rules," he fumed.

"In my world it's unsportsmanlike conduct and a red card for Luiz Adriano would have been quite appropriate."

Despite Adriano's mistake, Shakhtar declined the chance to allow Nordsjaelland to score unopposed as compensation.

Some of the visiting players appeared content to let Nordsjaelland's Nicolai Stokholm score straight from the kickoff but when midfielder Taras Stepanenko tackled him, Danish tempers flared.

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

"(Darijo) Srna looked like he wanted to let him score and others agreed. Some players looked out towards the bench but no one knew what would happen," said Hjulmand.

Incensed by what they perceived as a lack of fair play, Nordsjaelland took the lead again moments later when Kasper Lorentzen rifled home, prompting Hjulmand to celebrate in front of his opposite number Mircea Lucescu.

The Shakhtar coach said he had instructed his side to let Nordsjaelland score and blamed the situation on a misunderstanding in his team. He thought justice was done as the Danes scored soon anyway before Shakhtar ran away with the game.

"I asked what happened. Adriano said: 'It was instinct, I see the ball and I dribbled and I scored a goal'," Lucescu said.

Hjulmand said if his side had scored such a goal, he would have told them to stand aside and concede a goal unopposed.

"I would have called the team to the side and told them to give away a goal. I would have done that, 100 percent," he said.

Despite his side being out of the competition, Hjulmand would like to see the Ukrainian champions and 2009 UEFA Cup winners punished.

"I don't know what a fair punishment would be, but if we want to work with fair play in football we have to crack down on it," he said.

---

Watch the video at the top of the page to see what all the commotion is about.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Surgery to sideline Eagles' Nic Nat

Sidelined ... Nic Naitanui will undergo surgery on a niggling groin injury. Source: Justin Benson-Cooper / News Limited

Star West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui will miss the start of the club's AFL pre-season campaign after deciding to undergo surgery to fix a niggling groin complaint.

Naitanui, who was bothered by the injury during the latter stages of his 2012 All-Australian campaign, hoped an eight-week rest period during the off-season would fix the problem.

But after feeling discomfort this week, Naitanui consulted a specialist, who advised him surgery would be the best option.

Naitanui will have the procedure next week, but West Coast Eagles expect him to be at full fitness by the start of the AFL season.

"We expect Nic to begin running early in the New Year and progress his recovery to be ready for the start of the season," West Coast football operations manager Neale Daniher said.

Naitanui took his game to another level in 2012, with the 22-year-old's sublime rucking skills earning him a maiden All-Australian jersey.

The 201cm Fijian, who was snared with pick No.2 in the 2008 national draft, booted 24 goals in 22 games to form a formidable ruck combination with Dean Cox.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Dywer: ARU must fight for Cooper

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

Support ... Bob Dywer urges ARU to fight for Cooper. Source: Dave Hunt / AAP

Many rugby fans would like to wash their hands of controversial playmaker Quade Cooper, according to Bob Dwyer.

But the World Cup-winning ex-Wallabies coach hopes the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) does not throw Cooper "out with the dishwater'' as the Queensland Reds scrambled to retain their prized five-eighth.

Cooper will reportedly hold a press conference to announce he is leaving Australian rugby after being offered a downgraded, incentive-based contract by the ARU.

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

That has not stopped Reds boss Rod McCall planning talks with ARU chairman Michael Hawker who will return from London.

"All I can do is ask for them to reconsider it (the ARU contract offer),'' said McCall.

Dwyer said offering Cooper a rookie-level contract after fining him for describing the Wallabies as "a toxic environment'' was a bad look for the ARU.

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

"There is a perception that he has been punished twice for one crime which is not right,'' .

Dwyer conceded Cooper polarised fans but hopes the ARU would fight to retain a player "with qualities that rarely come around''.

"There are a lot of rugby fans that are so disappointed with what Quade said that they would think he is better off going,'' he said.

"I didn't like what he did either.

"But I would like us to do all we can to help him not do it again, not throw him out with the dishwater.''

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

Dwyer - whose record of 67 Tests as Wallabies coach was surpassed by Robbie Deans recently - said Cooper should prove a point to the ARU rather than walk away.

"I would be thinking 'I will prove to these blokes I am worth much more than that','' he said.

"You don't want him to go. But the game is bigger than any one player - we will get over it.''

Cooper was reportedly outraged by the ARU's contract offer which was supposed to top up a three-year Reds deal he signed off on in June.

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

Ex-Wallabies hooker Brendan Cannon said Cooper's scenario highlighted the frailties of the ARU's revamped contract regime.

ARU top-up offers are made after players negotiate a deal with a province but in the past it was the reverse.

"There's got to be a trigger point that once you sign with the state you've got a seven-day or 14-day pause to reach an ultimate conclusion with the ARU,'' Cannon told Fox Sports TV.

"This situation is a reflection of how much it (current system) doesn't work.''

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

McCall said it would be an "overwhelming feeling'' if Cooper left.

"You can cope with it at the end of July because you have time to rectify the situation - if you have a hole in your list at the end of November you are usually in a bit of trouble,'' he said.

Cooper has been linked with rugby league but time appears to have run out for the 2013 NRL season.

The Dragons are one of the few clubs able to accommodate Cooper under the salary cap but CEO Peter Doust dismissed the notion, even if the NRL came to the party.

"I don't see the NRL being in a position to do that sort of thing,'' he told AAP.

"I wouldn't think it's in the interests of all 16 clubs for that to be the case.

"It's just not something that's on my horizon.''

Cooper is most likely to dabble in boxing before a lucrative French rugby stint next year.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blues boss Di Matteo sacked

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

Under the pump ... will Roberto di Matteo survive the month? Source: Giuseppe Cacace / AFP

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has been sacked following a run of poor form.

The Italian won 24 of his 42 games in charge of the club but after their 3-0 defeat to Juventus left them in danger of missing out on the knockout stages of the Champions League, Chelsea have decided to end his tenure.

• Group E
  
• Juventus 3 (Quagliarella 38, Vidal 61, Giovinco 90+1) Chelsea 0
• Nordsjaelland 2 (Nordstrand 24, Lorentzen 29) Shakhtar Donetsk 5 (Luiz Adriano 26, 53, 81, Willian 44, 50)
   
• Group F
   
• Valencia 1 (Feghouli 77) Bayern Munich 1 (Muller 82) Send-offs: (Barragan 34 - Valencia)
• BATE Borisov 0 Lille 2 (Sidibe 14, Bruno 31) Send-offs: (Sidibe 74 - Lille)
   
• Group G
   
• Benfica 2 (O John 7, Garay 71) Glasgow Celtic 1 (Samaras 32)
• Spartak Moscow 0 Barcelona 3 (Dani Alves 16, Messi 27, 39)
   
• Group H
   
• Cluj 3 (Pedro 7, 15, 33) Sporting Braga 1 (Alan 17) Send-offs: (Douglas 46 - Sporting Braga)
• Galatasaray 1 (Yilmaz 53) Manchester United 0

"The team's recent performances and results have not been good enough and the owner and the Board felt that a change was necessary now to keep the club moving in the right direction as we head into a vitally important part of the season," read a statement on the club website.

The club faces a difficult task ahead in qualifying for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League as well as maintaining a strong challenge for the top of the Barclays Premier League while competing in three other cup competitions.

"Our aim is to remain as competitive as possible and challenge strongly on all fronts.

"The owner and the Board would like to thank Roberto for all he has done for the club since taking over in March.

"Roberto helped guide us to an historic Champions League victory and a seventh FA Cup. We will never forget the huge contribution he has made to this club's history and he will always be welcome at Stamford Bridge.

"The club will be making an announcement shortly regarding a new first team manager."

Pep Guardiola remains Chelsea's No.1 target, but if he continues to demand a year out of the sport, The Daily Mail reports that Benitez has been targeted as a replacement on a "highly lucrative" short-term deal.

Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11668/8264374/Chelsea-sack-manager-Roberto-Di-Matteo-after-poor-run-of-form

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Oliver: the worst period of my life

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

Sentenced ... Jockey Damien Oliver outside Racing Victoria Headquarters. Source: David Crosling / AAP

An emotional Damien Oliver has vowed to return to the saddle after he serves a 10-month ban for making a "spur-of-the-moment decision", when he backed a rival horse at Moonee Valley.

Oliver made an emotional plea to stewards saying the bet was made during "the worst period of my life''.

However, stewards disqualified Oliver for eight months and added another two month suspension on the betting charge after the champion hoop made a $10,000 bet on rival horse Miss Octopussy at Moonee Valley in 2010.

They also suspended him for one month for using a mobile phone from inside the Moonee Valley jockeys' room to place the bet with that penalty to be served concurrently.

Oliver revealed during a hearing his life was in turmoil and his marriage on the rocks when he made the bet.

He said he had developed a drinking problem and was battling a variety of psychological issues at the time.

"It was a spur-of-the-moment decision that I will regret for the rest of my life and beyond,'' Oliver said in a statement released after the hearing.

"There are no excuses for the fact that I breached the trust of many people in the industry and I broke a fundamental rule in racing.

Oliver has support in VJA Executive Officer Des O'Keeffe who said the jockey will pay a heavy price for his actions but the VJA will continue to support him.

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

"For his mistake Damien Oliver will pay a heavy price, both personally and professionally," Mr. O'Keeffe said.

"There's no doubt Damien Oliver will be his own harshest critic in the days and months ahead and we will continue to offer him support."

O'Keeffe also called on ruling bodies to revamp the information and education provided to all jockeys so that riders absolutely understand and adhere to their obligations under the Rules.

Former jockey and Sky Racing expert Alf Matthews echoes O'Keefe's sentiments but believes Oliver should face the consequences.

"Do the crime, do the time, and people will forgive. And so they should," Matthews said.

"He didn't murder anybody, remember that, he broke a rule. He broke a long-standing rule that has been broken many times before but gone unnoticed."

16.42 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ferrari: title still possible

Possible ... Ferrari believe Alonso can still beat Vettel to the drivers' title. Source: Luca Bruno / AP

Ferrari continue to believe that "everything is still possible" in the title race having achieved their target of taking their fight with Sebastian Vettel down to the wire at Interlagos.

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

The US Grand Prix had presented Vettel with his first opportunity to clinch his third successive Drivers' title and the qualifying results on Saturday appeared to increase the Red Bull driver's chances after he claimed pole while Fernando Alonso only managed eighth.

However, aided by Ferrari's tactical decision to invoke a penalty with the sister car to move him over to the clean side of the grid, a typically feisty race drive from Alonso saw him finish only one place behind Vettel in third place after the German was overhauled for the win late on by McLaren's Lewis Hamilton, meaning the Spaniard left Austin only three further points worse off in the championship.

And while Vettel's advantage now stands at 13 points and means he only needs to finish fourth in Brazil this weekend to wrap up the crown, both Ferrari's management and star driver continue to stress that the battle is far from over yet.

Team Principal Stefano Domenicali said: "Sure, Fernando has lost a few points to the championship leader, but the important thing was to limit the damage so as to arrive at the last race with everything to play for and that is now the case.

"Now we go to Brazil, knowing that everything is still possible. We get there in a completely opposite situation to the one we were in on arrival in Abu Dhabi two years ago...! When you end up fighting for the title at the last race, you have already achieved something important: it has happened to Ferrari many times before - with only three exceptions - since 1997 and no other team can boast of a similar regularity at the top of Formula 1.

"Today, we congratulate Red Bull on winning the Constructors' title. Now we will try and stop them doing the double in a week's time in Interlagos!"

Alonso himself, who will be taking part in the fourth last-race title showdown of his career and the third in Brazil, agreed that while Vettel will undoubtedly again be driving the faster car in normal conditions, unknowns over the weather and concerns over Red Bull's reliability will only aid his own chances.

"Maybe on paper that chance [of the title] is not so big, maybe 25%, but deep down, I feel it's much more than that," the two-time champion said.

"Anything can happen at Interlagos and we saw again how important reliability can be, didn't we?

"Then, there's the chance of rain and a race in the wet can be very risky and we definitely have nothing to lose. Clearly, if it's dry and we have a normal race, one can expect Red Bull to be in front of everyone and us on the third or fourth row, so the more unknown factors there are, the better it is for us."

Although Ferrari have consistently failed to challenge for pole in dry conditions in qualifying all season, their struggles over a single lap at the Circuit of the Americas were particularly pronounced due to problems getting Pirelli's tyres up to operating temperature, something that also affected them after both their drivers' pit stops in the race.

Technical Director Pat Fry concedes the fact the same two compounds will be used at Interlagos means Ferrari have work to do over the coming days, even if temperatures are likely to be warmer and the track not so slippery.

"The main problem this weekend was definitely managing the tyre temperatures: once again today we suffered in the early laps after the pit stop much more than our competitors," he explained.

"We must study the data carefully to understand exactly what are the reasons for this, also because in Brazil, in less than a week, we will once again be running these compounds.

"It's true the Interlagos circuit is very different and that so too will be the ambient temperatures, but we must arrive in Sao Paolo as well prepared as possible. The Drivers' title and second place in the Constructors' classification will be fought out to the very last corner that's for sure."

Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/formula-1/news/12474/8259756/Stefano-Domenicali-and-Fernando-Alonso-still-confident-Ferrari-have-chance-in-Brazil

16.42 | 0 komentar | Read More

Shoulder charge ban shocks Gallen

Dangerous ... The ARLC is set to ban the shoulder charge from the 2013 season. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

Cronulla Sharks skipper Paul Gallen says the ARLC is "taking something out of the game" after the Commission accepted a recommendation to outlaw the shoulder charge from all competitions from 2013.

The ARLC announcement was made through a press release on Tuesday evening.

"The Commission has reviewed a detailed report into the shoulder charge and accepted a management recommendation that the increased size of athletes was creating a situation where the shoulder charge could, if maintained, lead to an unacceptable injury risk," the statement read.

Should the shoulder charge be outlawed in the NRL?

Gallen, speaking on Triple M on Tuesday evening, said he was shocked at the news and that, if approved, it would deprive fans of one of their favourite parts of the game.

"I was shocked it has really surprised me they've banned it," the uncompromising forward said.

"We don't want players getting hurt, but it's taking some of the toughness of the game.

"Like it or not, the fans do appreciate it when it comes off."

Gallen, a bruising lock, suggested that limiting the number of the interchanges could help reduce the amount of injuries from shoulder charges.

"I'd like to see them take a look at interchange before they take away the shoulder charge but I don't think it will be too hard for players to adjust," Gallen said.

In the ARLC's statement, NRL Interim Chief Executive, Shane Mattiske said player welfare was at the centre of the decision.

"This is about reducing a potential risk of serious injury to our players," Mattiske said.

"The Commission has gone through a thorough review process and been public in warning players about the risks of illegal play.

"The report shows that the shoulder charge is not a significant part of the game and its removal is not likely to impact on the way the game is played.

"With the increase in size and strength of the players, we believe this is the time to eliminate a potential risk."

Wests Tigers captain Robbie Farah on Tuesday joined the chorus of NRL players to express their disappointment at the decision.

"When executed correctly I think it's a great part of our game," Farah said.

"It's been there for years and it's unfortunate that it won't be any more.

"Your own teammates get a lift from a shoulder charge, from a big hit."

Several players were controversially banned over shoulder charges in 2012, including Greg Inglis, Frank Pritchard and Ben Te'o.

NRL general manager of football operations Nathan McGuirk will consult with the game's Competition Committee to finalise proposed rule amendments in relation to the shoulder charge.

The proposed rule amendments will be put before the commission at December's meeting.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

India wrap up emphatic victory

Standout performer ... Cheteshwar Pujara scored a superb double hundred in the first innings. Source: AAP

India have drawn first blood in the Test series with England after wrapping up an emphatic nine-wicket victory on day five in Ahmedabad.

1st Test - Sardar Patel Stadium

15 November 2012 - Day 5, Session 2

India 2nd Innings

C. Pujara	41	51	8	0	80.39
V. Kohli	14	21	3	0	66.67
G. Swann	7.3	1	46	1	6.13

England had gone into the final day on 5-340 in their second innings, full of confidence after captain Alastair Cook and wicketkeeper Matt Prior had steered them into a 10-run lead after batting together throughout the second half of day four.

However Prior and Cook both departed to India's destroyer-in-chief Pragyan Ojha (4-120) in the opening hour of the final day, prompting a speedy collapse from the tourists - who had been asked to follow-on late in day two after being bowled out for 191 first time around - to 406 all out.

Prior had made 91 before he tamely offered up a return catch to the left-arm spinner, who also got a delivery to keep low and crash into Cook's middle stump.

Cook had faced 374 balls for his heroic 176, however his dismissal signalled the end of England's hopes of saving the match as Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann and Tim Bresnan all folded to leave India needing just 77 to win.

First-innings double-centurion Cheteshwar Pujara then picked up where he left off with an unbeaten knock of 41 to help India, who lost Virender Sehwag to Swann for 25, chase down their meagre target in just 15.3 overs.

The dogged resistance of Prior and Cook was finally brought to an end after a stand of 157, with the England wicketkeeper spooning a return catch to Ojha nine short of his century.

Cook followed just nine runs later when Ojha got a ball to stay low and sneak through his defences. And the end appeared nigh for England as Umesh Yadav held on to a return catch from Broad (3).

Swann attempted to turn the tide with a 28-run stand for the ninth wicket with Bresnan. However Swann's knock of 17 was brought to an end when he was bowled attempting to reverse sweep Ravichandran Ashwin.

The England innings came to an end when Bresnan was caught by sub fielder Ajinkya Rahane off Zaheer Khan (2-59) for 20.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tippett hearing rescheduled

Delayed ... The AFL Commission hearing is pushed back to November 30. Source: Darren England / News Limited

The AFL Commission will now meet on November 30 to hear 11 charges relating to Kurt Tippett's expired contract with Adelaide.

The hearing was due to start on Monday afternoon, but was adjourned after the Crows and their football manager Phil Harper sought more time to prepare their submissions.

The Crows, Tippett, Harper, club chief executive Steven Trigg and their former football manager John Reid will all front the commission hearing.

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

Adelaide also started pre-season training on Monday and coach Brenton Sanderson said all other AFL clubs will be nervous in the wake of the Tippett controversy.

The Crows and Tippett have been charged by the AFL with salary cap cheating and draft tampering in relation to the key forward's expired contract with the club.

"I probably shouldn't comment on other clubs but I'm sure this is going to make a lot of other clubs nervous, too," Sanderson told reporters on Monday.

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

"There is a lot of greyness surrounding ASAs (additional services agreements) and how players are paid so probably the other 17 clubs are just double-checking and ensuring that everything is above board.

"But as far as I know ... Adelaide has been squeaky clean for 22 years and this has been something that they are going to have to work through and we will certainly get through it."

If found guilty, Tippett could be deregistered as a player and the Crows banned from up to four national drafts, as well as fined any amount the AFL determines.

"It's a bit out of my hands, to be honest," Sanderson said of likely future draft penalties.

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

"As we stand today, really happy to be involved in this year's draft and we'll bring some good young talent in and, until the investigation is completed, I guess we have just got to wait and see."

Tippett became the Crows' highest-paid player on signing a multi-million dollar, three-year contract extension in 2009.

But Adelaide admitted last month they had a once-secret deal, outside the contract, with the ruckman-forward who walked out on the club at the end of last season.

The investigation prevented Adelaide trading Tippett, who remains on the club's list until he likely nominates for December's pre-season draft.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

I won't change style: Warner

Determined ... Warner walks off after losing his wicket cheaply in the first Test. Source: Adam Head / News Limited

Australia opener David Warner has no intention of changing his boom-or-bust approach to Test cricket.

Warner says he will continue his aggressive method in the second Test against South Africa starting in Adelaide on Thursday despite a failure in the drawn series-opener.

Warner made just four in the first Test in Brisbane and has passed 30 runs just five times in 17 Test innings.

"The way I play, I'm going to be hit and miss here and there,'' Warner told reporters on Monday.

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

"But I have got to try and learn to be a bit more consistent too. If I get myself in, I have to try and be there and get those big hundreds.

"But my job is to try and get us off to a good start.

"If I show intent and try and build pressure on them by getting a couple away, then I am winning the battle.''

The powerful left-hander said he was "raring to go'' on an Adelaide pitch expected to offer true batting conditions.

"Play hard, hit the ball into the gaps - that is my game and that is what I'm going to try and do,'' he said.

"My game is trying to hit the ball ... if the ball is there, I'm still going to hit it because that is my game - that is how I score my runs for the team.''

Warner expected South Africa's vaunted bowling attack to respond to their disappointing Brisbane Test where only five Australia batsman were dismissed - with one, Ed Cowan, run out.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bushrangers pull off record chase

Smashing ... Hussey treated the Blues bowlers with little respect at North Sydney Oval. Source: News Limited

Aaron Finch and David Hussey hit blistering hundreds as Victoria pulled off the greatest run chase in domestic limited overs history, overhauling 350 for victory against NSW at North Sydney Oval on Sunday.

ODD - North Sydney Oval

18 November 2012 - Day 1, Session 2

Victoria 1st Innings

D. Hussey	140	84	11	8	166.67
P. Handscomb	22	23	2	1	95.65
S. Abbott	8.4	0	67	0	7.73

In reply to the Blues' 350 all out, Victoria cruised to 4-352 with 20 balls remaining at the picturesque but small ground on a wicket tailor-made for batting, with both Finch and Hussey scoring 140.

Finch, faced 124 balls, smashing the hapless NSW attack all over the ground in a knock that included 10 sixes and eight fours.

He was joined by Hussey, who faced just 82 balls and smashed the winning runs off Sean Abbott over the mid-wicket boundary after an undefeated innings including eight sixes and 10 fours.

Despite the magnitude of the target, Victoria always looked a chance of bettering the record run chase of 318 achieved by NSW against them at the same venue last season.

And the 156-run third wicket stand between Finch and Hussey ensured they did.

Any chance NSW might have had after Finch was dismissed by Moises Henriques (2-66 off 11) in the 38th over was blasted away by Hussey.

"I was lucky enough to hit a few in the middle," Hussey told Fox Sports.

"I was very happy but probably more happy with what Aaron Finch did up top.

"It's a small ground and if you can get a bit of a roll on you can build a big score and the start we had with Chris Rogers (26 off 29) and Aaron Finch was sensational."

NSW's innings was anchored by Steve Smith (92 off 68) after pinch hitter Sean Abbott got the Blues kick-started, hitting 40 off 16 balls.

But just when a target of 400 looked likely NSW lost 6-68 as they struggled in the final overs.

Scott Boland was the pick of Victoria's bowlers with 4-85 off 13 overs.

16.42 | 0 komentar | Read More

Neill nominated for top AFC gong

Recognition ... Neill could become the second Australian to win the AFC award. Source: News Limited

Socceroos captain Lucas Neill has made the final shortlist for the Asian Football Confederation's player of the year award.

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

Neill was one of five nominees named on Sunday for the award, last won by an Australian when Sasa Ognenovski took it out in 2010.

Neill, 34, is currently plying his trade with United Arab Emirates Pro League side Al Wasl, and spent last season with Al Jazira in the same competition.

The former Blackburn and West Ham United player joins Ali Karimi (Iran), Lee Keun-ho (Korea Republic), Mohsen Bengar (Iran) and Zheng Zhi (China) on the nominee list for the top individual gong.

Fellow Socceroos veteran Mark Schwarzer has also earned a nomination, for the newly-created international player of the year award.

The Fulham shopstopper is up against Manchester United star Shinji Kagawa and Inter Milan's Yuto Nagatomo for the award.

The winners will be announced at the AFC Annual Awards gala to be held in Kuala Lumpur on November 29.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Piggins's fears realised in Crowe exit

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

Told you so ... Piggins (R) has been an opponent of private ownership from the beginning. Source:News Limited

George Piggins says his worst fears about private ownership of South Sydney could be realised with Russell Crowe reportedly keen to sell his share of the NRL club.

The Nine Network reported on Sunday that Crowe wanted out of the club at the end of the 2013 season after a difficult year both professionally and personally.

Piggins was a fierce opponent of Crowe's and businessman Peter Holmes a Court's successful takeover bid in 2006 and has been an outspoken critic ever since.

The former club patriarch said he was not surprised at the uncertain predicament Souths now found themselves in.

"Before the vote I went and visited Russell and he said if he won the vote it was his club to do whatever he wanted to do with and that has proven to be the case," Piggins told AAP on Sunday.

"I think the fans must be very concerned about where the club goes now, and those who voted for the takeover must be very concerned too.

"This is exactly what worried me most about the whole thing ... the fans will be feeling cheated."

Amid much fanfare Crowe and Holmes a Court gained ownership of the struggling club after 75 per cent of Leagues Club members voted in favour of their $3 million takeover bid.

South Sydney have called a press conference for Monday morning when club officials are expected to address the issue.

But where exactly Souths go from here if Crowe wants out is the big question.

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

Crowe and Holmes a Court have publicly fallen out since buying into the club and Holmes a Court, who once enjoyed a very hands-on role, is far removed from the day-to-day goings on at Redfern.

It is unknown if Holmes a Court would continue as an owner or follow Crowe out, with the club forced to begin a search for a new owner.

Given the struggles of the Rabbitohs' leagues club and the unwillingness of the cash-rich South Juniors to give money to the senior football club, the continuity of a private ownership model seems the most likely possibility.

But just who would be interested in the club, which has drained millions from Crowe and Holmes a Court, is a big question despite the club's resurgent on-field success.

Piggins resisted the opportunity to claim 'I told you so', instead wondering what was the next step for the famous club.

"There's no fun in being right," he said.

"You have to ask where do Souths go from here?

"Where will the money come from considering the struggles leagues clubs are having these days? Will the club still be based in Sydney or might they have to move it somewhere like Perth?

"This brings so much uncertainty, and it was always what troubled me about it.

"But I can't see anyway they can go back to the old model. They will have to find another billionaire who wants to take over and I'm not sure there are too many of them out there."

A member of Souths' last premiership-winning side in 1971, Piggins hasn't attended a Rabbitohs game since the takeover.

He wouldn't be drawn on whether any possible exit of Crowe and Holmes a Court would open the door for his return to Redfern, insisting that at 70-years-old he would leave the running of the club to others and would continue to watch matches on television.

16.41 | 0 komentar | Read More