I believe Armstrong: Schleck

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That was then ... (L-R) Shleck, Contador and Armstrong after the 2009 Tour. Source: Bernard Papon / AAP

Cycling star Andy Schleck is confident Lance Armstrong is telling the truth about his drug-free comeback - because he was able to beat the Texan.

The US Anti-Doping Agency said Armstrong's test samples in the 2009-10 Tours de France strongly suggest evidence of doping.

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But one of the features of Armstrong's televised confessional was an adamant denial that he doped at all during his comeback.

After retiring in 2005, Armstrong started his high-profile professional cycling comeback at the 2009 Tour Down Under in Adelaide.

He went on to finish third that year at the Tour de France behind winner Alberto Contador of Spain, with Schleck the runner-up.

Armstrong was not a contender at the 2010 Tour de France and retired for good after the 2011 Adelaide race.

Schleck said he did not defend Armstrong for his doping but also believes him about the comeback being clean.

"He made his comeback and he was beaten in the first year by Alberto and me," the Luxembourg rider said of the 2009 Tour de France.

"So in my eyes, I was clean, I know I was always a clean rider and I keep on riding clean.

"So why should he be doped and be behind me?

"I believe in his comeback that he was clean."

Tour Down Under race director Mike Turtur said he could not comment on whether Armstrong rode clean during his three visits to the Australian race.

"I can't say, because I don't know," Turtur said.

"I can't answer a question that is based on speculation - I don't know.

"It's hard to answer that sort of question."

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The Adelaide Tour paid Armstrong millions of dollars to race there in 2009-11.

Schleck, defending Tour Down Under champion Simon Gerrans and Belgian world road champion Philippe Gilbert all defended the current generation of riders.

"We're just looking ... to start the season and to finally speak about sport," Gilbert said.

"This is part of the story of cycling, of course, but this is the past and we just want to see something different now."

Gerrans turned pro in 2005 - the year Armstrong won his last Tour de France.

"I've never been exposed to doping in any of the teams I've been involved with, I've never doped," Gerrans said of the sport now.

"In saying that, the fight against doping is an ongoing battle, I don't think the sport will ever be 100 per cent clean.

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"I don't think any professional sport will be 100 per cent clean because people cheat - that's human nature."

Indeed, Schleck's brother Frank is currently fighting a doping charge.

Andy Schleck also "won" the 2010 Tour de France retrospectively after Contador lost a long fight against his controversial doping case.

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ADP puts Sydney in seventh heaven

Seventh heaven ... Del Piero was on fire at Allianz Stadium. Source: Dean Lewins / AAP

Alessandro Del Piero's four-goal masterclass inspired Sydney FC to their biggest ever A-League win, a spectacular 7-1 thrashing of Wellington Phoenix at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

Marquee star Del Piero delighted 12,691 home fans with one of the finest individual performances seen in the A-League, netting the competition's second-fastest hat-trick in the first half and adding another goal after halftime.

While the 38-year-old Italian stole the show, he had a strong supporting cast, with new signing Joel Griffiths delivering the opening goal and a fine all-round display on debut.

The performance moved Sydney to the cusp of the top six as they registered back-to-back wins for only the second time in a turbulent season.

The defeat equalled the Phoenix's worst losing streak of four, and they remain rooted to the foot of the ladder with pressure mounting on coach Ricki Herbert.

Sydney coach Frank Farina handed starting debuts to both Griffiths and fellow new recruit Tiago, and would surely have been hoping the fresh faces could provide a lift.

But even he could not have predicted the Sky Blues' explosive start as they raced to a five-goal lead inside 39 minutes.

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Former Newcastle striker Griffiths, returning to the A-League after more than four years spent in China, oozed class from the beginning and opened the scoring in the 11th minute when he combined brilliantly with new strike partner Del Piero.

The Italian delivered a superb, lofted-through ball from almost halfway, and Griffiths read it perfectly before latching onto it from a tight angle to score.

From there, Del Piero stole the show.

He was allowed too much time and space in the box in the 21st minute when he cooly steered the ball past Mark Paston and had his brace two minutes later.

There was more than a touch of fortune as Andrew Durante was harshly adjudged to have fouled Jason Culina inside the box and Del Piero made no mistake with the penalty.

Culina continued his remarkable return from injury with a goal of his own in the 26th minute, driving home from a tight angle after Ali Abbas' cross.

Del Piero then wrapped a hat-trick inside 18 minutes, unleashing a powerful, curling shot from the top of the box after again being allowed room to move.

The Phoenix were not without their chances, but headed into the sheds stunned.

There was more pain to come in the second half.

Griffiths earned a standing ovation as he was replaced by Yairo Yau in the 65th minute before Del Piero secured the first four-goal performance of his career five minutes later.

The Italy and Juventus great tormented Durante with some fancy footwork before unleashing another pin-point finish off the underside of the crossbar.

Wellington's Ben Sigmund bagged a consolation goal in the 79th minute but it could not prevent their worst ever loss.

Yau ensured that when he played a brilliant one-two with Blake Powell to score in the 84th minute, moments after Del Piero had been substituted off to an enormous ovation.

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Heart's Fred to miss four weeks

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Sidelined ... Fred will miss the Heart's next four A-League clashes. Source:AAP

Melbourne Heart's superb win over Adelaide United has been tempered by confirmation on their captain Fred is facing one month on the sidelines after scans confirmed he has a strained quadriceps muscle.

Brazilian playmaker Fred injured his left quad just 10 minutes into the second half of Friday's clash at AAMI Park.

The Heart remain the A-League's red-and-white shirted riddle - and a great 2-0 win over high-flying Adelaide did little to change it.

The home side controlled the match against a good side from kick-off at AAMI Park on Friday night, and showed no sign of the capitulations which have dogged them this season.

They now sit inside the top six, and at their best look serious finals players.

But it made even more perplexing their worst as seen the previous week - leading and outplaying bottom side Sydney FC before conceding twice in the last five minutes and losing.

If A-League matches were 45 minutes long, the Heart would lead the competition - statistics showing they are the best-performed first half side in the league.

Yet they are also the worst second half team in the competition, as shown by their alarming fadeouts at key moments this season.

Coach John Aloisi paid tribute to his team's ability to learn from the Sydney FC defeat, the importance of coaching each other on-field, and maintaining focus for the full 90 minutes.

And Aloisi believes the quality of the performance against Adelaide - especially how rock-solid they were late on unlike other games this season - showed just how good his side can be.

"When you're controlling a game like we are for 80 minutes, it's important the players don't change the style of play, and coach each other ... make sure players don't start doing their own thing," Aloisi said.

"The players did that (against Adelaide). You could hear them out there coaching each other, organising and helping each other.

"It was a good performance, considering what happened last week. A lot of questions were asked about fitness, about concentration, about are we good enough.

"But the boys showed against a team that's second-top, we can beat anyone in this league.

"We have to now, for the next 10 games, show that we can keep playing like that."

The Heart have now won three of their past four matches and have a platform to build serious momentum towards the finals.

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Sri Lanka embarass Aussie batsmen

Long walk ... Michael Clarke couldn't save his fellow batsmen this time. Source: Peter Wallis / News Limited

Australia's frailty against swing bowling and their selection inconsistencies combined for an humiliating Gabba defeat on Friday.

3rd ODI - Gabba

18 January 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

Sri Lanka 1st Innings

K. Janith Per...	22	28	4	0	78.57
T. Perera	4	2	1	0	200
M. Starc	7	0	25	2	3.57

Sri Lanka's pace attack completely embarrassed the hosts by routing Michael Clarke's full-strength team for a paltry 74 before chasing down the meagre target inside 20 overs with four wickets left.

The day-night match was finished at 6pm local time as a crowd of 20,271 traipsed home in broad daylight.

It would have been over much earlier, well before the scheduled tea break, if not for a rearguard last-wicket stand of 34 by tailenders Mitchell Starc and Xavier Doherty.

They were the only Australians to make double figures as the hosts were dismissed for their third worst total in 42 years of one-day cricket.

Australia's inability to cope with quality swing and seam bowling was sadly exposed by Nuwan Kulasekara (5-22) and Lasith Malinga (3-14) who reduced them to 9-40 in the 19th over.

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In scenes reminiscent of the carnage in Cape Town 15 months ago when Australia's Test team were bowled out for 47 by South Africa, the batsmen seemed incapable of countering the hooping swing.

Sri Lanka (6-75) also had their problems with the sideways movement, crashing to 4-37 as Mitchell Johnson dismantled their top order with 3-4 from his first eight deliveries.

But Johnson was inexplicably taken off after the tea break.

The Australians were also left to rue three missed catches in the field, as well as a run out which went begging, to top off a forgettable display.

Clarke described it as a "horrible day" but would not blame the Gabba wicket or the team's controversial resting/rotation policy.

"Our batting performance was very poor," he told the Nine Network. "If we bat like that in any conditions we're not going to make any runs.

"I think our defence more than anything else was poor today."

It was only the determined efforts by Starc (22 not out) and Doherty (15), putting on 34 for the last wicket, that saved Australia from more embarrassment.

When Doherty leg-glanced his first ball to the boundary, Australia passed the lowest total by a recognised Test nation - 43 endured in South Africa by both Pakistan (1993) and Sri Lanka (2012).

The spinner's last boundary ensured they crept beyond 70 - which Australia made in 1977 in England and also in 1986 against New Zealand in Adelaide.

It had looked to be a superb Brisbane one-day pitch and Clarke, in his first game back after a two-match rest, had no hesitation in batting first on winning the toss.

While it was Angelo Mathews who struck first by having a returning David Warner caught at mid-off, man-of-the-match Kulasekara did the real damage, ripping through the bamboozled top order.

He already had Phil Hughes caught at second slip before dismissing David Hussey and George Bailey off successive inswingers in his fourth over to be on a hat-trick.

Matthew Wade survived but it wasn't long before Kulasekara clean bowled both Clarke and Moises Henriques through the gate with the two best deliveries of the day to have Australia 6-30.

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Lance cheated the sport: Djokovic

World No.1 Novak Djokovic is confident tennis is safeguarded from the doping that has rocked cycling by the testing measures the sport has in place.

Djokovic slammed disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong, who confessed to doping throughout much of his professional career in a television interview with Oprah Winfrey.

He said he cheated in each of his seven Tour de France victories.

"I think it's a disgrace for the sport to have an athlete like this,'' Djokovic said after his third round win over Czech veteran Radek Stepanek.

"He cheated the sport.

"He cheated many people around the world with his career, with his life story.

"I think he should suffer for his lies all these years.''

Djokovic said he used to enjoy watching cycling but felt that many of the great champions were tainted by the doping.

Former Belgian tennis pro Christophe Rochus made claims in 2010 that drug-taking in tennis was rife and he recently told Belgian radio that performance-enhancing drugs were still used.

The former world No.38 accused the sport's authorities of covering up chemical cheating.

Djokovic said results had shown the sport was clean and he believed drug-testing in tennis were rigorous enough.

He welcomed more blood testing if that helped prove the sport was clean.

"From my perspective, it's really good,'' the Serb said.

"We have to write where we are every day of our lives so they have an opportunity to test us every day of 365 days in a year.

"I think that doesn't give anybody a chance to do something that is unsportsmanlike.

"The results are showing that.

"In last few years there maybe has been one or two cases, but those players were more or less outside of the hundred (at the top of the rankings).''

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V8 Abu Dhabi race cancelled

Cancelled ... Jamie Whincup in action at last year's race in Abu Dhabi. Source: EDGE Photographics / AAP

V8 Supercars organisers have been forced to cancel their glamour race in Abu Dhabi for the 2013 season.

It was announced on Friday that the event at Yas Marina Circuit has been sidelined this year in what appears to have been a call made by Formula One authorities, namely Formula One Managemtn (FOM).

The Abu Dhabi race was run last year as the only support category for the F1 Grand Prix at the same venue and was scheduled to do the same this year before Friday's announcement.

"V8 Supercars have been absolutely amazing in the three years we've worked with them building a fan base for the sport locally and in the region," Yas Marina Circuit CEO Richard Cregan said.

"As one of the most exciting motorsport categories in the world we hope to see them back at Yas Marina Circuit soon."

V8 Supercars organisers said they understood the decision and are comfortable with it, but are hopeful of returning to the circuit in 2014.

"It has always been clear that FOM ultimately decides, or approves, 'support' categories that run in conjunction with Formula One," V8 Supercars CEO David Malone said.

"We were acutely aware of this when we announced the 2013 calendar, with FOM then making this decision in late December. We thoroughly enjoy competing alongside Formula One and are absolutely comfortable with this news.

"There are contingencies in place and we will discuss the options, which may include racing on an alternate date to Formula One in 2014, with Yas Marina Circuit as soon as possible.

"What is very clear is the outstanding relationship we have with Richard Cregan and his team at Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management; and a committed combined will to find an alternative solution that fits for all.

"V8 Supercars and ADMM will announce any new arrangements as soon as they are decided."

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Tomic serves up warning to rivals

Aussie hope ... Tomic continues hot streak against Brands. Source: William West / AAP

Bernard Tomic is backing his lethal serve to bring down whoever stands in his way at the Australian Open.

The red-hot Tomic crunched 26 aces and didn't drop serve once in racking up his 10th straight win of the summer to book a likely third-round blockbuster with Roger Federer.

"That's probably the best I've ever served,'' Tomic said after keeping his cool in heatwave conditions to see off inspired German qualifier Daniel Brands 6-7 (4-7) 7-5 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (10-8) in two hours and 55 minutes.

"I didn't get broken today at all, not even in the first round. I think the last break of serve was in the quarters against (Jarkko) Nieminen in Sydney.

"I think I just got broken once there. Tells you I'm serving really well.

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War of Words: The Swiss Master vs Bernie Tomic

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"I'm going to use all this confidence in the next round. Potentially who waits there, we'll see.''

The tennis world is waiting to see Tomic face Federer.

"Ten out of 10 now with matches (this summer). I feel so confident,'' Tomic said.

"This is the perfect time to play him. I've got a good attitude to win. I've beaten a lot of good players over the last past two weeks, especially Novak (Djokovic in Perth).

"I think I can do it if he wins his match. I'm ready.''

Tomic's latest win was his 13th straight since his last defeat in Australia - to Federer in Melbourne last year.

It took eight match points to achieve and at times Tomic also found it almost impossible to make inroads on Brands' serve.

But the Queenslander achieved the only break of the match and won both tiebreakers to advance to the last 32 of his home slam for the third year in a row.

Brands took the opening set in a tiebreaker without offering up a solitary break point and the two continued to hold serve with ease right up until the 11th game of the second set when the Australian turned the match with a flash of brilliance.

Tomic showed great foot speed and balance to whip a spectacular running forehand pass down the line to finally gain a break for 6-5 and then held his nerve to serve out the set from love-30 down.

Suddenly the match was back on level terms after an hour and 24 minutes.

"It's very difficult when you get a set down in these conditions,'' Tomic said. "The last thing you want is to get two sets down.

"I was able to turn it around in the second set.''

Incredibly, Brands didn't drop a single point on serve in the third set until double-faulting on the opening point of the pivotal tiebreaker.

The mini break was all Tomic needed as he served out the set to nudge ahead for the first time.

The 120th-ranked Brands came up with booming deliveries to his first seven match points and Tomic had to fend off a set point of his own at 7-8 down in the tiebreaker.

But eight match points were enough as Tomic finally advanced when Brands fired a forehand long.

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Renegades' Finch named BBL's best

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Big-hitter ... Aaron Finch was named the BBL's player of the tournament.. Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

Melbourne Renegades' captain Aaron Finch was named the KFC T20 Big Bash League's player of the season on Thursday, two days after his side's shock semi-final exit against Brisbane Heat.

Finch, who made his one-day international debut last week but has since been dropped from the squad, polled 21 votes in voting for the award.

Perth Scorchers' batsman Shaun Marsh (17) and Melbourne Stars' paceman Lasith Malinga (16) filled the minor placings.

Hobart Hurricanes' batsman Ricky Ponting and Brisbane Heat pair Chris Lynn and Luke Pomersbach finished in a tie for fourth on 12 votes.

Middle-order batsman Lynn, 22, was named Young Gun of the season.

Finch polled in five of the seven BBL matches in which he played in the regular season and scored 309 runs at an average of 77.25 including his 111 not out in the Melbourne derby against the Stars in round one.

Renegades' coach Simon Helmot said Finch had been an outstanding leader and opening batsman for the side which recovered from the loss of big names like Glenn Maxwell and Brad Hodge in the off-season to finish on top of the table with a 7-1 record.

"He's really set the tone for most of our batting efforts and his leadership and captaincy over the season has been fantastic," Helmot said.

"He communicates well with his players and people follow him."

The 26-year-old Finch is expected to add to his three-game tally in the Australia T20 side in matches against Sri Lanka on January 26 and 28.

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Reynolds can make Blues: Cronk

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Blues bound ... Cronk endorses Reynolds as Blues' half. Source: Renee McKay / AAP

Australia's leading halfback Cooper Cronk says South Sydney's Adam Reynolds has the ability to seize the NSW State of Origin jersey with a standout performance in next month's All Stars game.

The 22-year-old was voted into the NRL All Stars' No.7 jersey for the annual clash against the Indigenous All Stars in Brisbane on February 9, with Test, Queensland and Melbourne halfback Cronk one of Wayne Bennett's coach's selections on the bench.

Reynolds, the 2012 NRL rookie of the year, was integral in steering Souths to last year's grand-final qualifier against Canterbury, where their season collapsed after he suffered a hamstring injury just before halftime.

Sydney Roosters' Mitchell Pearce is the incumbent NSW halfback but he and Cronulla's Todd Carney were outplayed by Queensland duo Cronk and Johnathan Thurston as the Maroons extended their Origin domination to seven years.

In 2011, Canberra fullback Josh Dugan had a blinder in the All Stars game which springboarded him into a Blues jumper for his Origin debut.

Cronk, who will likely play the second half of the All Stars game, said Reynolds had the talent to do the same.

"He's obviously got the skill set,'' Cronk said after Storm training on Thursday.

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"For a kid that debuted last year and took Souths to a final, he's got all the attributes.

"I'm not sure what NSW are thinking but it's a really good opportunity for him.''

Reynolds has also been selected in Laurie Daley's 22-man Emerging Blues squad, which will gather for a weekend camp at Coogee in Sydney on Friday - proving he's in the NSW coach's thinking.

Cronk said Reynolds was used to big-game pressure after playing in the finals series and also in his club role with the Rabbitohs.

"He's a good player, plays at a big club that demands success and has a lot of supporters so I wish him all the best.

"I look forward to possibly learning a few things off the young fella too.''

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NRL promises clarity on obstructions

Promise ... The NRL says they will provide clarity on the obstruction rule in 2013. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

Newly-appointed NRL referees coach Daniel Anderson has promised coaches, players and fans will have more clarity over the obstruction rule this season.

Former Parramatta and Warriors coach Anderson has replaced Bill Harrigan and Stuart Raper following a number of high-profile errors from officials last year and vowed to reduce the number of grey areas that have surrounded the game.

Obstruction was one of the biggest talking points last year, with clubs such as Canterbury taking full advantage of the interpretation of the rule to score tries with players running behind their own teammates.

Queensland centre Justin Hodges also scored from a similar play when he darted behind prop Ben Hannant in the State of Origin decider in Brisbane which left NSW fuming as they slipped to a seventh straight series defeat.

Anderson met with 15 of the 16 NRL head coaches at Rugby League Central in Sydney on Wednesday, with Newcastle's Wayne Bennett, who was announcing his team for the annual All Stars game in Brisbane, the only absentee.

The meeting also saw discussion about the outlawing of the shoulder charge and how it will be adjudicated by officials.

However, obstruction was the big topic of the day and Anderson said a DVD would be delivered to coaches and the media before the start of the pre-season trials to clarify the grey areas in full.

But he conceded that there would still be some controversy surrounding the ruling next season.

"We have put in some parameters that will encapsulate a high percentage of the review decisions, but there will always be scenarios outside the rules and regulations," Anderson said

"But we're doing our best to get as many as we can and get some clarity for coaches.

"It doesn't matter what model you you put in. The game has that much athletic ability there is always going to be things you don't envisage or legislate for.

"We're looking to get 95-99 per cent of them so fans can look at a game and say: 'That should be obstruction or that is not obstruction."

Anderson said there was no opposition from the clubs about the outlawing of shots to the head, but plenty of discussion about the banning of the shoulder charge.

"Attacking a player's head brought no debate but the shoulder charge was dealt with," he said.

"You have to use your arms, but there were not many shoulder charges in 2012.

"It's not coached by anyone and I wouldn't be surprised if it disappeared naturally. We still have the collision aspect of our game but we've got to be wary of not making contact with the head."

Manly coach Geoff Toovey said he was satisfied with the outcome of the meeting and felt it was more than worthwhile.

"We got a bit of closure around the obstruction stuff, it was good," Toovey said.

"There was a lot of headway made. I think they've made their point clear about what is obstruction and what isn't.

"The rules were a bit out of tune with how the game has gone and they've made a bit of tweaking."

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All-Star Mason singled out for Blues

Something blue ... Could Mason make a return to the Origin cauldron in 2013? Source: Dean Lewins / AAP

Spruiking has never been a problem for Willie Mason.

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• NRL ALL STARS
•  
• Billy Slater (Storm)
• Akuila Uate (Knights)
• Shaun Kenny-Dowall (Roosters)
• Josh Morris (Bulldogs)
• Brett Morris (Dragons)
• Benji Marshall (c) (Wests Tigers) (automatic selection)
• Adam Reynolds (Rabbitohs)
• James Tamou (Cowboys)
• Cameron Smith (Storm) (automatic selection)
• Ben Hannant (Broncos)
• David Taylor (Titans)
• Anthony Watmough (Sea Eagles)
• Paul Gallen (Sharks)
•  
• Interchange
• Robbie Farah (Wests Tigers)
• Tim Grant (Panthers)
• David Shillington (Raiders)
• Feleti Mateo (Warriors)
• Jarryd Hayne (Eels)
• 
  
• Coach's Selections
• Willie Mason (Knights)
• Cooper Cronk (Storm)
•  
• INDIGENOUS ALL STARS
• Ben Barba (Bulldogs)
• Reece Robinson (Raiders)
• Justin Hodges (Broncos)
• Greg Inglis (Rabbitohs)
• Blake Ferguson (Raiders)
• Johnathan Thurston (C) (Cowboys)
• Scott Prince (Broncos)
• George Rose (Sea Eagles)
• Travis Waddell (Knights)
• Andrew Fifita (Sharks)
• Joel Thompson (Raiders)
• Greg Bird (Titans)
• Nathan Peats (Rabbitohs)
•  
• Interchange
• Ryan James (Titans)
• Aidan Sezer (Titans)
• Joel Romelo (Bulldogs)
• Jake Foster (Raiders)
•  
• Coach's Selections
• Dane Neilsen (Warriors)
• Timana Tahu (Knights)
• Jack Wighton (Raiders)

But the usually softly-spoken Wayne Bennett thought he'd talk up the re-born Newcastle forward anyway in Brisbane on Wednesday.

And NSW mentor Laurie Daley is listening.

Mason, 32, received a shock call-up in the 20-strong NRL All Stars squad for the February 9 season opener at Suncorp Stadium after coach Bennett included him as a "coach's selection".

Mason might also fall into the "coach's favourite" category judging by Bennett, who could not hide his admiration for his larger-than-life Knights charge on Wednesday.

"I picked him on his football ability but he will help in the talking it up stakes," Bennett laughed.

"He has trained great. He is as enthusiastic as I have ever seen him - this is a just reward for him."

Mason better get used to surprises.

Indigenous All Stars coach Daley, who will hold the NSW State of Origin reins for the first time in 2013, revealed Mason was already in the mix for a Blues jersey - five years after the forward last played representative football.

"I spoke to Wayne before about Willie," Daley said.

"He's a player who adds experience and size and we could do with a bit more size in the front row for NSW.

"He's a guy who needs to continually play well and, if he does, who knows what will happen?"

Mason has not looked back since being thrown a lifeline midway through last season, earning a two-year contract extension last November.

Once the NRL's class clown, it seems Mason has become teacher's pet at Newcastle under Bennett after earning the Coach's Award at last year's end-of-season presentation.

Bennett said Mason's boxing training for last month's charity bout against rugby union player Troy Flavell had ensured he would pick up where he left off from last year's impressive comeback.

"To just come into the competition when everyone else had played seven or eight games, it was pretty impressive stuff," he said.

Daley chose another comeback kid from the Knights, Timana Tahu, as one of his coach's picks along with Canberra rookie Jack Wighton.

Melbourne halfback Cooper Cronk was the other player added to the NRL All Stars squad by Bennett after South Sydney sensation Adam Reynolds was named at No.7 by an on-line fan poll.

"Once the team is picked, I can do whatever I want but Adam will start. The fans wanted that and I have been pretty respectful of that," Bennett said.

The two squads were named after more than 40,000 fans voted on-line.

A representative from each of the 16 clubs must feature in the NRL All Stars but fans could pick from all of the competition's indigenous talent for Daley's team.

Wests Tigers star Benji Marshall will again captain the NRL All Stars, which features Billy Slater at fullback and Parramatta livewire Jarryd Hayne on the bench.

The Indigenous side is led by Queensland playmaker Johnathan Thurston and features an electric backline including Ben Barba, Justin Hodges, Greg Inglis and Blake Ferguson.

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CA respond to Warne criticism

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Explanation ... Cricket Australia have cleared up Shane Warne's concern. Source: Julian Smith / AAP

Cricket Australia have responded to Shane Warne's criticism over their 'garbage' selection policies, clarifying their move to stall James Pattinson's Big Bash return came down to an eligibility ruling.

However, CA say they will review the rule that prevented fast bowling weapon Pattinson from turning out for Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League finals.

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Warne blasted CA for not letting Pattinson make his comeback from injury for the Stars.

But Executive General Manager of Operations Mike McKenna addressed the media on Wednesday in Melbourne to explain that CA weren't in a position to make mid-season changes to the rules pertaining to the replacement of players in the Big Bash.

After Pattinson injured himself in the Adelaide Test, Melbourne made a decision to replace him in their squad - and that decision cannot be overturned.

Clubs can choose to either keep injured players on their list or replace them.

However, Stars captain Warne argued that a drawcard like Pattinson shouldn't be banned from playing when he's been passed fully fit to return.

McKenna described Warne as "misinformed" and said it would be unfair to other teams in the tournament if an exception was made for Test star Pattinson.

However, McKenna said he could see the sense in wanting the best players available and promised a review before next summer's Big Bash.

"We all like to see the very best players playing and there's no doubt that as part of our review, this rule will be looked at to make sure that where players are available we can field them," McKenna said.

"But that's a process for after the season not during the season.

"If you change the rules to let James or any other player who has been injured to come back in, the people you are disadvantaging are those players that were actually kept on lists as injured players.

"A really good example is Josh Hazlewood who the Sydney Sixers kept on their list for seven weeks.

"He came back and is able to play at the end of the competition. But they would have been disadvantaged had we changed the rules at this stage."

Pattinson instead made his comeback from injury in grade cricket in Melbourne and is hoping to be included in Australia's upcoming Test tour of India.

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Manly throw Hopoate career lifeline

Second chance ... Jamil Hopoate (R) will follow the family tradition at Manly. Source: News Limited

Sacked Parramatta rookie Jamil Hopoate has been handed a career lifeline by Manly, the Sea Eagles signing the boom youngster for the upcoming Toyota Cup season.

Hopoate was shown the door by the Eels last year after he walked out on an NRL rookie camp.

But the Sea Eagles have given the 19-year-old a second chance and he will now have the opportunity to move through the ranks at the same club where his brother, Will, and father, John, became household names.

"Jamil understands he is starting over again and is not coming here as a superstar," Sea Eagles football manager Steve Gigg said.

"We are giving him a chance to prove himself and we will reassess him in June."

Hopoate trained with his new teammates for the first time on Monday.

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Rumour Mill: back to future edition

On the road again... Kenwyne Jones, David De Gea and Carlos Tevez. Source: FOX SPORTS

It's back to future for this edition of the Rumour Mill, which features a host of players stating their desire to return home, and a couple of very persistent managers who'll stop at nothing to get the player they want.

Tevez to Boca Juniors

The 28-year-old has previously stated he would like to end his career at former club Boca Juniors, telling Fox Sports US: "My biggest wish is to finish my career in the Boca shirt". Cashed-up City are certainly in the hunt for a possible replacement.

Richard Dunne to QPR

Harry Redknapp will have to compete with MLS super clubs LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls for the signature of the highly-regarded Aston Villa defender. The Republic of Ireland international has been a Redknapp target ever since the manager was at Tottenham Hotspur – proof that when Harry wants his man, he doesn't stop.

Ben Arfa to PSG

We all aim to fulfil our childhood dreams. For Hatem Ben Arfa, that dream is a contract with PSG. Speaking to French newspaper Le Parisien, Ben Arfa said: "to sign for PSG would be my childhood dream." A return to his home city and to play for the team he supported as a boy appears imminent.

M'Vila to QPR

Although overshadowed by Harry Redknapp's reported poaching of Loic Remy from the grasps of Newcastle United, QPR are also chasing fellow Frenchman Yann M'Vila. M'Vila is the bad boy of French football – the 22-year-old, who has been capped 22 times for Les Bleus, is currently serving a two-year ban for breaking a curfew and going out clubbing while on international duty.

Vegard Forren to Liverpool

Currently on trial at Liverpool, the Norwegian central defender looks to have done enough to earn a contract at Anfield. Despite being pursued by Southampton, Everton and Fulham, The Guardian is reporting that manager Brendan Rodgers is drawing up a longer-term deal expected to be valued at about £4m ($A6m).

Mohamed Diame to Arsenal

The Gunners are the favourites to land the Senegal international, with The Sun reporting that Arsene Wenger has offered £3.5m ($A5.3m). His current club, West Ham United, are reportedly reluctant to offload a player who provides a great portion of the steel in their midfield. However, that is also the reason Wenger wants him. Let the games begin.

Joao Moutinho to Tottenham Hotspur

The Mirror is reporting that Spurs will have another crack at the Porto star in January, only four months after being originally knocked back. Porto, who are reluctant to part with the let go of their exciting midfielder, may not be able to hold on to the 26-year-old as the big guns in the EPL circle. Tottenham are reportedly desperate to recruit Moutinho as they push for a permanent position in the top four.

Kenwyne Jones to Swansea City

The Swans have named the tall Stoke City striker as their number one target in January. Jones is in exceptional form, taking full advantage of an injury to Peter Crouch to prove his credentials. With manager Michael Laudrup looking to bolster his forward line, a move to Swansea is certainly on the cards for Jones.

Carlton Cole to MLS

After losing major marquee signing David Beckham, the LA Galaxy and the rest of the MLS teams are on the hunt for some big-name English signings to boost the profile of the game on the domestic front. TalkSport is reporting that the west Ham United striker would rather a move to the US rather than down the nPower Championship.

Mats Hummels to Manchester City

With defender Vincent Kompany facing a suspension if he loses his red-card appeal, Roberto Mancini has stepped up the search for a quick buy. Borussia Dortmund and regular German international Mats Hummels is firmly in City's sights. However, Hummels is also being watched by cross-town rivals Manchester United, so City must act quickly. 

David De Gea to Barca

With the future of Victor Valdes at Barcelona unstable at best, the Spanish giants have begun the search for possible replacements. De Gea is the first on a shortlist of goalkeeping replacements, featuring Vincente Guaita (Valencia), Marc Ter Stegen (Borussia Moenchengladbach) and Maarten Stekelenburg (Roma).

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Warne lashes Aussie selection policies

No common sense ... Warne can't understand Australia's selection policies. Source: News Limited

Test legend Shane Warne has blasted Australia's selection policies, labelling them as garbage, ridiculous and mind-boggling.

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Warne was left fuming after being told fit-again paceman James Pattinson was off-limits for Melbourne Stars KFC T20 Big Bash League semi-final showdown against Perth Scorchers on Wednesday night.

Pattinson made a successful return from a side strain last Saturday in the Victorian Premier League, snaring 2-21 off eight overs.

But Cricket Australia has deemed the 22-year-old is not yet ready for the helter-skelter nature of T20 cricket so early in his comeback.

A fired-up Warne, who was already unimpressed by CA's controversial rotation policy, said there was no logic in keeping Pattinson out of T20 ranks for such a big match.

"Everyone told us we couldn't have him,'' Warne said in Perth on Tuesday.

"We were just trying to find some logical answer or some common sense in between the absolute garbage we were given.

"Anyone with half a brain or common sense will know that playing a semi-final against good opposition where your get four overs is actually better for you than playing eight overs of grade cricket and standing out there for seven hours.

"I mean, hello? Am I the only one who thinks that? Or has common sense gone out the window?

"He's two weeks ahead of schedule, steaming in in the nets and bowling beautifully.

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"To me it's a joke that we haven't got him.

"It's just mind boggling how ridiculous that decision is."

Warne also hit out at Australia's recent practice of rotating players, despite national coach Mickey Arthur launching a passionate defence of the policy.

"I know there has been some injuries, but it looks like strength and conditioning are picking the team, not the selectors,'' Warne said.

"To me the captain should always pick the team, in conjunction (with) the selectors to try and get the best team out on the park for Australia.

"Playing cricket for Australia is something special.

"It's not just rotate around and give a guy a game and see how you go.

"What sort of pressure is that on a particular player knowing he's got one game?

"There's nothing like knowing you've performed well enough that you're going to play the next game. That's when you start performing at your best."

The Stars will be without a host of key players against the Scorchers, with Sri Lankan paceman Lasith Malinga and Australian quartet Clint McKay, David Hussey, Glenn Maxwell and Matthew Wade all on international duties.

Malinga snared 6-7 when the teams met last month to help skittle the Scorchers for a record-low 69.

Warne will not be miked up for the re-match at the WACA Ground after his recent expletive-laden altercation with West Indies all-rounder Marlon Samuels, which earned the Australian spinner a one-match ban.

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Jennings not on Sharks radar: coach

Out of our league ... Shane Flanagan says the Sharks can't afford Jennings. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

As far as secret negotiations go, Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan believes the Sharks' bid to snare out-of-favour NRL centre Michael Jennings from Penrith is up there with the best of them.

"They're that secret I don't even know anything about them," Flanagan said on Monday.

Jennings is being shopped around by the Panthers whose desperation to free up salary cap space is being hamstrung by the NSW Origin star's reported $650,000 contract.

Sydney Roosters remain favourites to jag the talented 24-year-old, with the Panthers expected to pick up the tab for part of his current contract in order to get him off their books.

But even with Penrith subsidising the rich deal, Flanagan says the Sharks are in no position to accommodate Jennings after splashing out for two of his high-profile teammates, Luke Lewis and Michael Gordon, as well as Wests Tigers pair Beau Ryan and Chris Heighington in the off-season.

While most clubs would be delighted to land a player of Jennings' calibre this late in pre-season, his price tag puts him out of play for much of the NRL.

"We haven't spoken to his manager or him or anyone else for that matter," Flanagan added.

"We just haven't got the money. Not too many people have got it.

"I'd love to have him, don't get me wrong. But it hasn't been spoken about."

As it stands, centre remains a headache for Flanagan with up to six players trying to fill the left centre spot to partner Ben Pomeroy, who will play on the right.

New recruits Jonathan Wright and Ryan are both capable of playing wing or centre, while Ricky Leutele, Stewart Mills and Matthew Wright will all push to fill the No.3 jersey left vacant by Colin Best's retirement - starting with their first trial match, against Manly on February 8.

"I'd like to think if Pom's fit and healthy he'll get one spot and who wants the other one is a real battle as well," Flanagan said.

In good news for the Sharks, five-eighth Todd Carney continues to train strongly in his recovery from a ruptured achilles and remains on track to play round one.

"He's out on the field and running straight lines now, so that's encouraging," Flanagan said.

"The medical staff are saying Todd will be right for the first competition game, so that's something to look forward to.

"It will take a bit of time (to get back to his best), but he's heading in the right direction."

The Sharks are also hopeful that starting prop Bryce Gibbs (shoulder) will be ready for their season-opener against Gold Coast Titans on March 10.

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Gilbert resigns as Cricket NSW CEO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Arnold banned for one match

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

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

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

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

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

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

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NHL lockout officially over

Play ... A shortened NHL season will resume on January 19. Source: Al Bello / AFP

The NHL's four-month lockout finally ended on Saturday following another tough negotiation that nearly delayed training camps even longer.

The league and the players' association completed a required memorandum of understanding that had to be signed before training camps were cleared to open. That will happen on Sunday with a 48-game regular season to begin on January 19.

The signing of the memo also paved the way for the NHL to release the long-awaited revised schedule.

Twenty-six of the 30 teams will play on opening day. All games during the season will be played within the two respective conferences.

In all, 720 games will be played over a 99-day regular season. There will be at least one game on each day of the season, that will end on April 27.

The playoffs will begin on April 30. The latest the Stanley Cup finals will end is June 28.

Teams will play 18 games within their division: four games (two home and two away) against two of the teams in the division, five games (three home and two away) against another team in the division, and five games (two home and three away) against the remaining divisional opponent.

To complete the 720-game schedule, clubs will play three games against each of the 10 remaining non-divisional opponents in their conference.

Outside the division, a team will face five clubs twice at home and once away, and play once at home and twice on the road against the other five teams.

It took another lengthy negotiation to end the four-month lockout. The sides worked on the final deal all week, after a tentative deal was reached last Sunday morning - the 113th day of the lockout.

The NHL hoped to open camps on Sunday, and that prospect seemed in jeopardy on Saturday until the document was signed at 10pm eastern US time.

The new deal is for 10 years, but either side can opt out of it after eight. The previous agreement was in effect for seven seasons.

While this negotiation was long, the sides were able to rescue at least part of the season. The NHL also played a 48-game campaign following a lockout in the 1994-95 season.

The 2004-05 was completely cancelled because of a lockout. This one forced the cancellation of 510 regular-season games, the Winter Classic and the All-Star game.

No preseason games will be played in the seven days before the regular season gets underway.

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Late night lands Lake in trouble

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Trouble ... Brian Lake fined for public drunkedness in Sorrento. Source: Nicole Garmston / News Limited

Hawthorn star Brian Lake's drunken antics have landed him in trouble with the police and his club.

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The former Western Bulldogs defender was fined $563 for being drunk in a public place outside a pub in Sorrento.

He was leaving the pub with his wife when the pair were arrested at 10.10pm and thrown in the slammer for four hours.

The pair had been at the Portsea Polo during the day.

In a statement the club said: "The club considers Lake's conduct to be unprofessional and he will be required to address the leadership group."

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said police arrested a 30-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, both from Caroline Springs, on the Point Nepean Highway.

Lake, 30, was traded to the Hawks in a bold move to help Alastair Clarkson's side jag another premiership with their current squad.

The 197-game veteran joins an extraordinary list of players traded during the off-season who have found trouble with alcohol before playing a game with their new clubs.

New Tiger Aaron Edwards was locked up after a boozy day just 24 hours after North Melbourne traded him.

Former Demons Ricky Petterd (now at Richmond) and Jared Rivers (Geelong) were also scrutinised after they were pictured drinking heavily on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

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Late comeback win for Sydney FC

Tussle ... Alessandro Del Piero tackles Nicholas Kalmar at Allianz Stadium. Source: By Joosep Martinson / AAP

On the brink of yet another defeat, Sydney FC scored two goals in the final 10 minutes to snatch a dramatic 2-1 A-League win over Melbourne Heart at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.

Richard Garcia put the visitors in front midway through the first half with veteran Brett Emerton levelling the scores in the 85th minute and Rhyan Grant netting the winner in the 93rd.

The Sky Blues were outplayed for most of the match but managed to come from behind to snatch the three points and climb off the bottom of the ladder - where they have sat for eight of the competition's 15 weeks.

Sydney are now in ninth place but equal on points with eight-placed Brisbane while the Heart remain in seventh.

It took less than two minutes for the Heart to penetrate the fragile Sydney defence with Nicholas Kalmar forcing a save from gloveman Vedran Janjetovic.

Garcia broke the deadlock in the 24th minute thanks to some superb lead-up work from Kalmar, the Heart midfielder beating Grant in the air to head home.

Sydney coach Frank Farina took Ali Abbas off in the 39th minute to bring Blake Powell on.

The usually placid Iraqi International appeared furious over the decision and exchanged some heated words with Alessandro Del Piero, with many suspecting he felt the Italian had called on Farina to make the change.

Sebastian Ryall had the 13,125-strong crowd on their feet when it looked like he'd levelled but the desperate Sky Blues were denied by a correct offside ruling.

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Re-live the action from Sydney's dramatic win over Melbourne Heart with our A-League Match Centre, featuring video highlights and all the important stats.

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The hosts had their best chance to equalise when speedy Panamanian Yairo Yau sent a perfect pass in the box for the waiting Emerton with 20 minutes to go.

Emerton, one-on-one with the Heart 'keeper Andrew Redmayne, had the perfect chance to bring the hosts level, but in what will go down as one of the misses of the season, he sent his shot way over the crossbar.

Emerton made up for the miss when he got on the end of a great Terry McFlynn pass to slot home with his right foot.

The goal seemed to spark the Sky Blues into action with Del Piero setting up Grant with a superb pass. He made no mistake, slotting home the winning header in the final 90 seconds of the match.

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