Hamilton grabs pole in China

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Pole ... Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen will start on the front row. Source: MARK RALSTON / AFP

Mercedes Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton claimed pole position for the Chinese Grand Prix after a cagey qualifying session on Saturday that set the stage for an intriguing start to Sunday's race.

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Hamilton's best time at the Shanghai International Circuit was 1 minute, 34.484 seconds, qualifying him a quarter of a second ahead of Lotus' Kimi Raikkonen. Ferrari's Fernando Alonso will start third.

It was Hamilton's first pole with his new team after crossing over from McLaren, and he felt it was a statement to those who said he should not have moved.

"It's an incredible feeling - so happy to have our first pole for some time,'' Hamilton said. ``I'm just ecstatic really. The lap was great.

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"I can't answer (critics) with one result but, bit by bit, as we progress and improve, they will have to stand corrected.''

In a cat-and-mouse qualifying session, all runners restricted their time on the track to save sets of tyres for the race, with all of the top 10 having only one flying lap in the final stage of qualifying.

McLaren's Jenson Button and Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel elected to do their flying lap on the harder of the two tyre compounds, sacrificing grid position so they could have a longer stint at the beginning of the race. Button qualified eighth and Vettel ninth.

Of the top three runners, it is likely Hamilton will have to pit first, as the Mercedes has quickly degraded the soft tyre throughout the race weekend, and his times are likely to start dropping after as few as two or three laps.

He was putting faith in his team in the decision to start on the softs.

"I have really good strategists and I just trust them and their decisions and stand by it,'' Hamilton said.

Red Bull's Mark Webber had a fuel pressure failure in the second sector of qualifying, coasting to a stop out on the circuit, leaving him in 14th.

It might yet get worse - the Australian will start from the back of the grid if there is not enough fuel in the car's tank to provide a sample to stewards.

"We'll have to see what the rules are,'' Webber said on his return to the garage.

"Double-whammy, maybe.''

Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg, last year's winner, qualified fourth, ahead of Ferrari's Felipe Massa and Lotus' Romain Grosjean.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo of Toro Rosso was surprisingly strong in qualifying seventh - one position off his career best - while Sauber's Nico Hulkenberg was tenth.

Raikkonen came up just short of his first pole position in five years, set when he was with Ferrari.

"Second is not too bad. It's the best I've achieved with the team,'' Raikkonen said.

The Finn won the season opener in Australia with one less pitstop than his rivals and, if he can nurse his tyres well again on Sunday, he will be hard to beat.

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Subdued Knights hold off Penrith

Newcastle Knights ... James McManus races away against Penrith Panthers. Source: Liam Driver / News Limited

Newcastle hold off an injured ravaged Penrith 8-6 at Hunter Stadium on Saturday night.

1 Tries 1
James McManus 7'	Sika Manu 69'
1 Conversions 1
Kurt Gidley 9'	Luke Walsh 70'
1 Penalties 0
Kurt Gidley 25'

The Knights opened the scoring through James McManus who ran 90 meters from a scrum play.

Kurt Gidley converted the wingers try and later added another two points following a penalty goal. 

8-0 at the break, Jeremy Smith was placed on report for a head slam on Matt Robinson in the 63rd minute.

Darius Boyd spilled a Luke Walsh bomb and Sika Manu collected the ball and scored a try.

Walsh converted the try to get the visitors to within two points. 

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Saints cruise to victory in capital

Up and about ... Stephen Milne celebrates a goal in St Kilda's commanding win over the Giants. Source: LUKAS COCH / AAP

St Kilda barely broke a sweat dispatching the GWS Giants by 72 points in the first game played under lights in Canberra.

The Saints were in control right from the opening bounce, running out winners 21.14 (140) to 10.8 (68).

0.0 (0)	Q1	5.4 (34)
5.1 (31)	Q2	10.8 (68)
8.3 (51)	Q3	15.12 (102)
10.8 (68)	Q4	21.14 (140)

Dean Brogan 2	David Armitage 4
Jonathan Giles 2	Stephen Milne 3
Devon Smith 2	Nick Riewoldt 3
Adam Treloar 2	Ahmed Saad 3
Jeremy Cameron 1	Beau Maister 2
Jonathon Patton 1	Terry Milera 2
	Sam Gilbert 1
	Thomas Lee 1
	Leigh Montagna 1
	Jack Steven 1

David Armitage was in blistering form with 31 touches and four goals while Stephen Milne, Nick Riewoldt and Ahmed Saad each bagged three goals in what was the largest winning margin ever recorded at Manuka.

Callan Ward led the way for the Giants with 28 disposals in what was largely a forgettable night for the fledgling club.

Jonathon Patton was subbed out of the game in the second term after falling awkwardly in a tackle by Rhys Stanley. The No.1 draft pick was helped from the ground with what appears to be a right ankle and/or knee injury.

To make matters worse for the Giants, Devon Smith was reported for charging Jarryn Geary in the final moments of the match.

Full report to come shortly.

Click here to view all of the stats and scores in the FOX FOOTY Match Centre.

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Souths close to copying Storm: Smith

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Cameron Smith ... says South Sydney close to emulating Storm style. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Melbourne captain Cameron Smith says South Sydney are close to emulating the ruthless style that has allowed the Storm to dominate the NRL for much of the past decade.

Although the Storm's incredible success will always come with the disclaimer of their systematic salary-cap rorting, they have largely rewritten the book for the way the modern game is played under coach Craig Bellamy.

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The fingerprints of Melbourne's approach to the game can be seen in the way every other NRL team plays. Souths have it down pat better than most thanks to a star-studded line-up and the influence of coach Michael Maguire - a former Bellamy understudy. 

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With that has come South Sydney's emergence as genuine premiership contenders.

When Melbourne take the field against the Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night in a match between the NRL's two unbeaten teams, Smith said it will be very much a case of looking in the mirror for his side.

"I'm not too sure there is much to learn about the Rabbitohs because we have very pretty similar styles.

Their coach Michael Maguire served time under Craig Bellamy and, just watching the Rabbitohs play, it reminds me a lot of our style of football," Smith said on Friday.

"If there is one thing we do know about the Rabbitohs, it is that they are consistent and they play a tough game of football.

"We have been looking forward to this game very much. Both teams are undefeated. The Bunnies have had their best start to a season in a very long time and we have put together a club record 13 consecutive wins and I don't think we are going to let anyone down with the style of game this is going to be.''

A quarter of the way into the regular season, the game has been billed by some as a grand-final preview but Smith insisted those calls were wide of the mark.

"It is a little bit premature to be saying that," he said.

"Both teams are very good football sides and both teams had very good years last year but we are just concentrating on getting this game out of the way.

"We are coming up to that time of the year when we are going to be broken up by rep sides and we want to make sure we are playing our best football this time of the year to get some runs on the board."

Smith said how the Storm dealt with Souths' giant forward pack would go a long way to determining the outcome of the round-six contest and nominated halfback Adam Reynolds as a key figure for the Rabbitohs.

Smith said Reynolds' ice-cool composure was similar to that of Storm, Queensland and Australian No.7 Cooper Cronk.

"There is talk about Adam cracking into the NSW side and he will want to try to impress coming up against the Australian halfback," Smith said.

"He is a great kicker of the ball. He controls the end of their sets very well and we will have to try and put some pressure on him." 

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I won't step down - Hird

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Under Fire ... AFL chief Andrew Demetriou has said James Hird should consider his position Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

Essendon coach James Hird has dismissed suggestions from AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou that he consider standing down.

Demetriou said on Friday morning Hird should consider stepping down while investigations into the Bombers' drugs program are completed.

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But Hird responded to the comments in Perth by saying he was planning for the Bombers' clash against Fremantle.

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"I won't be stepping down," he said.

The Herald Sun revealed the Bombers coach will tell anti-doping investigators he received two injections from sports scientest Stephen Dank, but will deny they contained illegal drugs.

Demetriou said Hird must at least weigh up standing aside from his role while the matters are being investigated, then returning to the role if cleared.

"As he goes through his thought process ... that is an option he has to consider," Demetriou told 3AW when asked if Hird should temporarily stand aside from coaching the Bombers.

"He has got an outstanding position in this game. He's been a wonderful servant to the Essendon Football Club, an ornament to AFL football.

"He's entitled to be able to put his position forward, which he will get the opportunity (to do) next week with ASADA.

"In the interim, those are the things that will have to cross his mind when he's contemplating what he's going to say to ASADA."

Demetriou stopped short of saying he'd like Hird to step aside.

"What is fair to say is that Essendon, who came forward ... instituted their own investigation about the governance and the processes. That will be released in the not too distant future," he said.

"Any person, regardless of their role at the club, who puts the duty of the care of their players at risk, will be held accountable."

Asked if he thought Essendon hierarchy had widespread knowledge of the substance injecting program and a clear chain of command in implementing it, Demetriou said there were many details yet to be revealed.

"I'm privy to information that goes beyond what's been reported," Demetriou said on ABC radio.

But Demetriou wouldn't elaborate on what he knew, with ASADA yet to complete its investigation and Essendon's own report still to be released, but he said he was disappointed with the allegations which have engulfed both Hird and Essendon.

"You can't help but be disappointed, particularly as you find out more and understand more about what was going on," Demetriou said on 3AW.

"You'd appreciate I've got briefings that are more advanced than what's in the public domain. I think it's terribly important that we now get the investigations finalised quickly.

"Then we can get to the truth."

Demetriou confirmed it was not against AFL rules for coaches to use performance-enhancing drugs, provided they didn't encourage or direct players to use them.

"Under the current system, a coach who partakes in the use of performance-enhancing drugs is not covered by the WADA code," he said.

"A coach, however, who is instructive in allowing and has knowledge of the use of performance-enhancing drugs, through means of directing individuals, is covered by the WADA code."

Demetriou's latest comments came after email exchanges emerged that show Hird put rules in place for the use of supplements within the Essendon program.

They included strict stipulations that the supplements must not harm the players, must not be illegal under WADA and ASADA guidelines and that the club must get player permission before using them.

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Dodgers and Padres duke it out

Basebrawl ... the benches clear at Petco Park after a Zack Greinke pitch strikes Carlos Quentin. Source: AAP

Los Angeles pitcher Zack Greinke signed a monster $147 million contract in the off-season, but the Dodgers' stud will miss time after being injured in a spiteful clash.

San Diego outfielder Carlos Quentin took exception to being hit on the arm by a pitch in the sixth inning and charged at Greinke when words were exchanged.

After the bench-clearing brawl, it emerged that Greinke had broken his left collarbone in the skirmish that saw he, Quentin, Matt Kemp and Jerry Hairston Jnr. ejected from the game at San Diego's Petco Park.

Quentin is no stranger to taking bruises. The 30-year-old led Major League Baseball in being hit by pitches in 2011 (23) and 2012 (17). He's been plunked 116 times in his career, including three from Greinke - the last being in 2009 before Thursday's clash.

The Dodgers were left fuming and security was forced to step in to separate players who were still boiling over outside the locker room several hours after the game concluded.

Furious Los Angeles manager Don Mattingly blamed the incident on Quentin and said he "shouldn't play a game until Greinke can pitch" - which is likely to be six to eight weeks.

The Dodgers won 3-2 and the teams face each other again in what looms as a potentially spiteful series in just three days time at Dodger Stadium.

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Peacock: Bridges that separate them

Fierce foes ... There's no love lost between the fans of Sunderland and Newcastle. Source: AFP

Why is it so? The closer we live to a rival, the more we despise them.

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Before we bring out the best in our team, let's try to bring out the worst in them.

Let's bottle up all our problems, mask it with support of our team – and send it all their way.

Like Newcastle and Sunderland, Sunderland and Newcastle – separated by 10 miles and 130 years of disdain.

You are either born into black and white stripes by the River Tyne, or red and white by the River Wear.
Michael Bridges is as rare as a teetotaller on Geordie Shore.

Now a resident of the warm Newcastle down here, he was born black and white, played red and white, had half a season of black and white, then switched back again.

Or, as he simply puts it: "Loved by both and hated by both."

In between his stints at Sunderland and Newcastle, he played for Leeds United and they had a fair rivalry going across the Pennines.

"Played in Manchester United-Leeds games but it's nothing compared to Newcastle - Sunderland," Bridges said.

"Especially when you're born and bred in the area and know what it's all about, it's in your blood.

"I remember training and not being bothered about the session, just wanted the game and that was three days before. The foreign lads don't get it until they've played in one or two, and then you get it.

"People just go to work to afford tickets to go and watch these two teams and that's why it's so passionate, and such a good thing to experience.

"You run around like headless chickens. You sit in the sheds after the game and think did I just play a game of football, that was just like constant running and kicking for 90 minutes."

Bridges played in five derbies, all for Sunderland (his spell at Newcastle was when Sunderland were down a division) but recalls the first one has being all-consuming, making it hard to come to grips with common sense when it was over.

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"We played at St James' Park and it was the day of the Grand National, and we had a sweepstake in the dressing room for the horse race.

"Trying to calm down after the game (a 1-1 draw) I asked the boys, what's the result in the Grand National?

And it was the year (1997) it got called off because of the bomb scare and Niall Quinn said "abandoned, bomb scare".

"And I went 'f(*&@# hell, what were his odds!?'"

Bridges grew up a Newcastle fan, and played in their youth set up before then first-team manager Kevin Keegan turned the lights out on the reserves and academy - "if you can buy the best players there's no need for the future", was his thought process.

So Bridges had to find a football home. There was one, south of the River Tyne. The right choice for his football life. The wrong choice for his dad's social life.

"People laugh and joke when you talk about going into the wrong pub in the wrong time," he said.

"When I lived in Newcastle, in a place called Whitley Bay, we had a local pub at the top of our estate, when I signed with Sunderland my dad got banished from that place. It wasn't until several years later when I came back to Newcastle that he was accepted again."

Loved by both, hated by both.

Even his dad found it hard to enjoy seeing his son play for Sunderland.

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"Me dad used to come over and watch his son play without any real passion or commitment you know," Bridges said.

"But I never forget the day I signed there (for Newcastle), think he had a tear down his face y'know?"

Emotion is the big part of this game, so form goes out the window.

Since Newcastle's 5-1 demolition in October 2010, three of the past four meetings have been 1-1 draws.
There have been four red cards in the last three matches. Standard.

"I'm not going to sit on the fence this time, Sunderland are going to win this one," Bridges said while mentioning the new manager formula, Paolo Di Canio, to get a reaction.

Result aside, we know what we are going to witness. Like splashing oil on a flame, the involvement of Di Canio will do little to calm the situation.

So back to the original thought – why the hate?

History explains the rivalry between the two towns goes back to the 17th-century, when the ill-fated King Charles I favoured Newcastle merchants to those of Sunderland.

The English Civil War didn't help matters and officially divided the two – Newcastle stuck with the King, Sunderland with the Parliamentarians.

Ever since, from generation to generation, the lesson has been passed on and while there is peaceful coexistence, lurking is distrust and angst.

A twice-a-season football match bubbles that to the surface.

The war is long gone and the setting entirely different, but the battle goes on.

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Lowry's chance to emulate Cahill

Closing on a dream ... Shane Lowry will play in an FA Cup semi-final this weekend. Source: Nigel French / AAP

Tim Cahill is one of Australian football's most decorated players. Shane Lowry is just desperate to pull on the green and gold in anger for the first time.

But at Wembley on Sunday (EDT), the 23-year-old West Australian will get the chance to emulate his countryman at club level and qualify for an FA Cup final in the blue and white shirt of Millwall.

Cahill's dramatic winner against Sunderland nine years ago which sent the Lions through to a cup final match-up with Manchester United sits proudly alongside any moment in the London club's 128 year history.

This weekend, Lowry and his teammates who currently occupy a mid-table spot in the Championship, could well match that feat by shocking Premier League stylists Wigan Athletic and setting up another final appearance with either Manchester City or Chelsea.

"It's well documented that Timmy is still very well thought of here at Millwall, he gave them great service and put them through to the F.A Cup Final," Lowry told foxsports.com.au.

"If I can play a part in doing the same I'd be absolutely buzzing." 

As a defender, Lowry spends most of his time at the other end of the football pitch to Cahill, however the possibility of the left-back hitting the back of the Wembley net is not beyond the realms.

"I take a lot of the set-pieces now, both corners and free-kicks and I scored a really good goal against Charlton in the league earlier this season so if an opportunity comes up, I'll definitely be having a pop at goal," he said.

And just like Lowry fancies himself to threaten the Wigan goal, so too does his team of causing an upset on Saturday and living up to their giant killer reputation.

"Millwall have always played well as the underdog both as a club and as a team, when we're the favourites we don't seem to perform as well," he said.

"We've always done well against higher opposition and showed that against Aston Villa in the earlier rounds. Wigan could have one eye on staying in the Premier League so we hope to take advantage of that and progress."

While that would easily be the pinnacle of Lowry's career so far, this breakthrough season has already been one for him to savour.

A graduate of the Aston Villa academy that he joined with fellow West Aussie Chris Herd in 2005, Lowry couldn't match his compatriot's first team exploits and failed to see senior action in the Midlands.

A series of loan moves ensued, including one to his current employers last season, which then chose to make the deal permanent.

"Moving to Millwall was the best decision I could have made," Lowry reflected.

"I spent seven years at Villa and learned my trade there but I'm glad I moved on when I did. There's nothing better than playing every week and hopefully on Saturday we can progress to an FA Cup final.

"I've had a good season; I've played regularly and I think my performances overall have been quite good. I've moved to left back from centre half and I'm really settled here and enjoying my football."

Having won over the Millwall manager Kenny Jackett along with the fans and established himself as a regular in British football, Lowry's next ambition is winning a national team call-up.

After rejecting the Republic of Ireland, who he represented at under-17 and under-21 level, Lowry was part of several of Pim Verbeek's Socceroos squads, including the 30 man provisional group for the 2010 World Cup, that he was eventually cut from.

He has yet to debut for Australia though, but holds out hope that may eventuate soon, especially with the left-back and centre-back spots in the national team far from secured.

"I had a little chat with Aurelio Vidmar (Socceroos assistant coach) recently he came to watch the game against Hull.

"I've been one of the guys playing regularly in Europe and thought I might get the chance in the friendly in Spain earlier this year (against Romania).

"Everything happens for a reason though and I'll just keep my head down and keep working hard and if I do that for Millwall, people might take notice.

"I really do want to play for Australia, it's an ambition of mine but I might just have to bide my time yet."

Another impressive individual display on Saturday in a game that will be watched closely back home may enhance his prospects.

The match will be the ultimate contrast in club culture. Wigan may be fighting relegation yet again but Roberto Martinez' men never waver from their fluid passing game that was won them so many admirers.

Millwall, on the other hand, are renowned for a physical on-field approach that mirrors the thuggish reputation of their supporter base.

But while Lowry admits they'll try and disrupt Wigan's flow, he says his team possesses some attacking quality of their own, including Kiwi striker Chris Wood, who has netted 11 times this season.

"They get the ball down and play it around, and produce some really attractive football, so we'll go in with a game plan to stop them but we've got players who can hurt the opposition as well and we can score goals ourselves too."

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Drugs saga could help Carney deal

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Off contract ... will Cronulla re-sign superstar five-eighth Todd Carney? Source: Sam Ruttyn / News Limited

Cronulla believe the drugs crisis engulfing the NRL club could be an inadvertent carrot in contract negotiations with Todd Carney - claiming the star pivot could be the man to lead the Sharks out of their dark days.

The re-signing of Carney - off contract at the end of 2013 and being chased hard by St George Illawarra and Penrith - has proved an untimely distraction amid the ongoing ASADA investigations.

Carney is not one of the 14 Sharks players believed to be in ASADA's sights, but the uncertainty surrounding the club's future is considered to be a major deterrent in the NSW Origin playmaker committing to the club.

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But Sharks general manager of football Steve Noyce said the situation could be the making of Carney should he re-sign long term.

"From adversity, some people take a step forward, others stay in the same spot and maybe others retreat a bit," Noyce said.

"With all this happening, I think there's a good opportunity for Todd.

"He's at that age where he can say 'I can grow as a person, I can grow as a leader through this' and then prepare for the next few years.

"I think that's a good off-field opportunity for him."

Noyce admitted the Sharks' best chance of securing Carney's signature rests in the attempts to sell the long-term viability of the club.

The Dragons in particular are putting out all the stops to lure the 26-year-old to the Sharks' local rivals, possibly as part of a recruitment double-deal alongside good friend Josh Dugan.

Carney has professed his desire to play under coach Shane Flanagan, Noyce hoping the close bond between player and coach is strong enough to keep him at the club.

"Todd's made it clear to Flanno that he'd like to stay and that's always the first thing," Noyce said.

"If you're talking about a long-term deal, you have to look at the longer term.

"The club's putting things in place to say to people 'there is a situation, you can't get away from that, but beyond that - and obviously we're talking to Todd about a longer term deal, there's going to be some really exciting things for the place'."

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Davies earns start for Reds

Rocket ... Rod Davies will make his first start of the 2013 season. Source: Patrick Hamilton / AAP

Winger Rod Davies will earn his first starting opportunity for 2013 in the only change to Queensland Reds' starting line-up for Saturday's round nine Super Rugby clash with the Chiefs in Hamilton.

Davies was impressive in off the bench in the Reds' win over the Highlanders almost a fortnight ago.

Davies says he is battling nerves ahead of his return.

"To be honest i am a little bit nervous," he said.

"I debuted against the Chiefs . . . they're a different team now and the (Reds) are going forward and I'm blessed to be in a team going forward."

Captain James Horwill will make his third consecutive start for the season, joining recently re-signed lock partner Rob Simmons in the second row.

Director of coaching Ewen McKenzie said the Reds' bye week had helped their preparations.

"We used our week off as an opportunity to give players the chance to rest and to take time off from Rugby to ensure they are prepared for what will be a difficult eight-game stretch going into the June Test break," he said.

"Everyone seems to have responded well to the time off and the players returned to training on Tuesday energised and excited about the challenges that are ahead."

Queensland Reds:  1. Greg Holmes, 2. James Hanson, 3. James Slipper, 4. Rob Simmons, 5. James Horwill (c), 6. Eddie Quirk, 7. Liam Gill, 8. Jake Schatz, 9. Will Genia (vc), 10. Quade Cooper, 11. Rod Davies, 12. Ben Tapuai, 13. Anthony Faingaa, 14. Dom Shipperley, 15. Jono Lance. Reserves: 16. Albert Anae, 17. Ben Daley, 18. Ed O'Donoghue, 19. Jarrad Butler, 20. Ben Lucas, 21. Chris Feauai-Sautia, 22. Aidan Toua

---

Super Rugby preview: Quade v Cruden showdown.

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North fumes over 'disgraceful' Reds

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Fuming ... Jade North (L) and Adelaide's Tomi Juric, he of the "disgraceful" tackle. Source: Ben MacMahon / AAP

Brisbane Roar defender Jade North has called for match officials to come down hard on rough play in his side's semi-final against Western Sydney Wanderers after Adelaide United's "disgraceful" weekend antics.

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North is still fuming three days after Brisbane's 2-1 win over Adelaide at Hindmarsh Stadium, slamming the Reds for their brutal tactics.

The Socceroo was particularly scathing of the wild tackle from Reds substitute Tomi Juric on Roar midfielder Luke Brattan late in the second half.

Thankfully for the Roar, Brattan has been cleared of serious knee and calf injuries, and is fit to take on the Wanderers at Parramatta Stadium in Friday night's grand final qualifier.

But North was fully aware of how lucky Brattan was to not have suffered a career-threatening injury.

"It was a horrible tackle ... disgraceful, absolutely disgraceful," North said of the Juric foul that earned the Reds striker a yellow card.

"He could have broken his leg."

The Reds hinted before the game that they would get physical in a bid to unsettle the Roar, but North felt it went too far.

"I don't know where their tactics came from the other day, but to try to kick lumps out of us was not right," he said.

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"Obviously they were going nowhere and that was their tactics to try to take us out. It's not football.

"Adelaide really have to sort themselves out. There's a lot of problems there.

"Adelaide thought kicking lumps out of us was going to slow us down, but it obviously didn't.

"Hopefully the referees will be on their game this weekend for both teams. All we ask for is a fair result."

When told of North's comments, Adelaide United captain Eugene Galekovic tried to play down the spiteful clash.

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News_Rich_Media: 'I'm absolutely gutted'

"You get those comments here and there," Galekovic said.

"There were two boys who got injured that were accidental, the third one, yeah, it wasn't a great challenge but there was no intent to hurt anyone.

"The way the game panned out, it was a tough game."

While Brattan trained with the team at Ballymore today, Brisbane's star import Thomas Broich did not.

Broich suffered a heel injury in the win over Adelaide, but that was from accidental contact from Reds' import Jeronimo Neumann.

Scans cleared Broich of serious damage, but the Roar won't make a final decision on his fitness until Friday.

"He's a tough character and from all reports he's looking good," North said of Broich.

"(But) we can't just rely on one player. It's not just about individual players, it's about a team.

"I'm confident. We've got a lot of talent here."

Broich later told reporters he was "pretty confident" of playing.

"I'm still struggling a little bit but I hope to do some jogging in the afternoon (and) see how it reacts to that," Broich said.

"This is the time of the year that you really want to play. It's just so exciting to be a footballer right now."

Fullback Jack Hingert, another weekend casaulty, is out for the remainder of Brisbane's finals' campaign due to ankle ligament damage.

- with Reece Homfray

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Pies skipper out for up to eight weeks

Big loss ... Collingwood skipper Nick Maxwell. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

Collingwood have lost captain Nick Maxwell for at least six AFL games with a fractured wrist.

The defender will have surgery and his absence could stretch as long as eight weeks, after the fracture was diagnosed on Wednesday.

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Magpies football director Geoff Walsh said the extent of the damage was not initially apparent.

"His wrist was sore and the pain wasn't easing," Walsh said.

"He's got a crack that requires surgery that, at this stage, is likely to keep him out for six weeks and possibly a little longer.

"I'm sure that Nick, being the professional he is, will do everything he possibly can to be back as early as possible."

Collingwood face Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday.

The Magpies could also lose ruckman Darren Jolly for the Hawks clash, with the big man battling a rib cartilage injury sustained against the Blues.

But midfield star Dale Thomas is likely to play his first game of the season, after overcoming an ankle injury and regaining fitness through the VFL.

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Fair or Unfair: Tigers under the radar

Fair or unfair ... the Tigers are flying under the radar. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

Despite winning their opening two games of the season for the first time since 1997 the Tigers are flying under the radar. Fair or unfair?

The undefeated Tigers are flying under the radar

The Tigers are stirring early in the season and while their fans are quietly optimistic the rest of the footy world is taking a little longer to catch on.

Coach Damien Hardwick - never one for the spotlight - has the lid jammed on tight at Tigerland, but that will change with a win against Western Bulldogs.

Right now, however, the Tigers are flying under the radar - fair or unfair?

Watch AFL 360 on Wednesday night to see what the boys have to say on this week's issue.

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Antonis in talks with Parma: report

In demand ... Terry Antonis could be heading to Italy. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

Sydney FC young gun Terry Antonis is reportedly on the cusp of a move to the top league in Italy.

The World Game is reporting that the 19-year-old rising star is due to fly to Italy to discuss personal terms with Serie A club Parma, who have tabled an effort large enough to trigger an automatic release from Antonis's current contract.

The news emerged just weeks after it was revealed Antonis had earned a trial with Dutch club Utrecht, who already have Aussie stars Tommy Oar, Michael Zullo and Adam Sarota on their books.

But it now looks like Italy might be Antonis's destination, and he could join the club as soon as July, when the European summer transfer window opens.

Parma are currently sitting in 10th position in the Serie A, and would be hoping to challenge for a spot in Europe next season.

Antonis burst onto the scene as a raw 16-year-old with the Sky Blues, but a combination of injuries and international commitments with Australia's youth teams have seen him start just 27 A-League games so far.

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NRL R6 teams: Benji, Campo named

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Will he or won't he? ... Benji Marshall is named for the Tigers despite injuring his toe. Source: Brett Crockford / AAP

Terry Campese admits his long-awaited return from a knee injury feels like the build up for an NRL debut, as the Tigers join Canberra in feeling good fortune with a star playmaker.

While Wests Tigers face an agonising wait to find out the results of scans on five-eighth Benji Marshall's foot, Cronulla could again be without star No.6 Todd Carney (foot).

Marshall was named by coach Mick Potter to face St George Illawarra, but his place in the lineup will be firmly dependant on his recovery from a foot injury sustained in Monday night's loss to Melbourne.

Carney was not named for the Sharks clash with heavyweights Manly, with Chad Townsend retaining his spot in the halves alongside Jeff Robson.

Gold Coast's big off-season signing Dave Taylor will miss the next two matches after breaching team protocol - opening the door for Mark Minichiello's first appearance of the year.

Albert Kelly has been named for the Titans despite suffering a knee injury last week.

But the news was even better in the nation's capital, with Campese named on an extended bench for Saturday's clash with the Warriors.

Campese has played just eight games since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in 2010, but has convinced the Raiders medical staff he is ready to take the field once more.

"It feels like a debut again to be honest,'' Campese told reporters on Tuesday.

"I got a few emotions running through the body when the medical staff said I was right to go. I'm just excited once again.

"...It's been 12 months since the operation, so it feels like forever. All the hard work is finally paying off."

While Campese said his plan was to be back to his best "after about five minutes", centre Jarrod Croker said it was important for his teammates not to expect too much of the one-time Test representative.

Brisbane welcome back captain Sam Thaiday (suspension), while South Sydney skipper Michael Crocker, dropped to NSW Cup for the past two matches, is on a seven-man bench for Saturday's clash with Melbourne.

The Storm will be without Matt Duffie, who will miss seven weeks after dislocating his shoulder in NSW Cup - Sisa Waqa holds his place on the wing from Monday night's team, while former Origin half Brett Finch joins an extended bench for the first time this year.

Greg Eastwood returns for Canterbury's date with Sonny Bill Williams and the Sydney Roosters in coach Des Hasler's only change from last week's 20-6 loss to Manly.

St George Illawarra turned to Jason Nightingale as the replacement for fullback Gerard Beale (knee, season), with Daniel Vidot filling in on the wing.

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary is persisting with halves pairing Tom Humble and Blake Austin despite last round's 30-0 thrashing at the hands of North Queensland and Newcastle veteran Danny Buderus finds himself back on the bench after missing a week with back trouble.

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Cox: 'Eagles missing Naitanui'

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Get well soon ... Nic Naitanui's presence is sorely missed by the Eagles. Source: Daniel Wilkins / News Limited

West Coast always knew Nic Naitanui was a special talent, but AFL rivals are fast discovering just how vulnerable the Eagles are without him.

Naitanui's prowess in the ruck and ability to win his own clearances have been sorely missed by West Coast this season.

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Essendon	2	2	0	0	255.08	8
2	Port Adelaide	2	2	0	0	202.27	8
3	Sydney	2	2	0	0	147.65	8
4	Fremantle	2	2	0	0	135.44	8
5	Collingwood	2	2	0	0	117.65	8
6	Richmond	2	2	0	0	112.02	8
7	Geelong	2	2	0	0	105.67	8
8	Bulldogs	2	1	0	1	124.24	4
9	Hawthorn	2	1	0	1	122.51	4
10	Adelaide	2	1	0	1	91.75	4
11	Gold Coast	2	1	0	1	85.34	4
12	North Melbourne	2	0	0	2	90.70	0
13	Carlton	2	0	0	2	90.13	0
14	St Kilda	2	0	0	2	84.13	0
15	West Coast	2	0	0	2	69.53	0
16	Greater Western Sydney	2	0	0	2	64.17	0
17	Brisbane	2	0	0	2	60.99	0
18	Melbourne	2	0	0	2	28.39	0

But it's the flow-on effect of his absence that is also hurting the club.

Dean Cox is a premier ruckman, with his six All-Australian guernseys a testament to that.

But with Naitanui not there to ease his workload, Cox has been forced to compete in 80 ruck contests a game compared to his usual 50, leaving the 31-year-old more fatigued than usual near the end of matches.

Naitanui's presence also allowed Cox to spend large chunks of games up forward, with the 253-game veteran booting a career-high 28 goals last season.

Scott Lycett struggled badly as Cox's back-up in the round-one loss to Fremantle, while rookie Callum Sinclair was solid, but hardly spectacular in the role during Sunday's 50-point defeat to Hawthorn.

A few eyebrows were raised when Naitanui made it into the All-Australian team last season.

But it's important to note how Naitanui's impact on a game simply can't be measured by hit-outs, goals or possessions.

He's the kind of player that can be best on ground with 12 disposals.

Cox doesn't subscribe to the theory of 'No Naitanui - No West Coast'.

But the 203cm veteran said Naitanui was clearly a crucial cog of the team.

``What he can bring around centre bounces, around stoppages, is what no other ruckman can bring in a game of football,'' Cox said.

``His hit-out to advantage percentage is really high. He can put opposition sides on the back foot from the start.

``With Nic, if he was getting over blokes you could be a lot more attacking.

``His ability to win centre-bounce hit-outs and then follow it up is his greatest strength.''

Naitanui is at least a month away from playing again after a slower-than-expected recovery from off-season groin surgery.

The 22-year-old experienced groin problems at the tail-end of last season, and could miss most of the season if he suffers a recurrence of the injury.

West Coast started the season as a strong flag fancy, but find themselves with a 0-2 record ahead of Saturday's clash with struggling Melbourne at the MCG.

In the absence of Naitanui and star midfielder Daniel Kerr, West Coast have lost the inside-50m count 123-75 in their two games this season.

Kerr is a chance to return for the Demons match after making it through a WAFL hit-out unscathed, while defender Eric Mackenzie (hamstring) should also be available for selection.

Cox said the club wasn't giving up hope of a top-four finish despite the sluggish start.

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Beale could miss rest of NRL season

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Bitter blow ... Dragons fullback Gerard Beale could miss the rest of the season with a leg injury. Source: Colin Whelan / AAP

St George Illawarra fullback Gerard Beale is expected to miss the rest of the NRL season, following confirmation on Monday he'd re-ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Beale suffered the injury in the second half of his side's upset victory over Newcastle on Sunday, when attempting to tackle Knights' fullback Darius Boyd.

It is a devastating blow for Beale, who was considered a strong chance to feature for New Zealand in this month's Test match against Australia in Canberra.

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The 22-year-old, who linked with the Dragons this year after four seasons with the Broncos, will decide on which type of surgery to opt for in the coming days.

"We will consult with a knee specialist in the upcoming days before proceeding with an ACL reconstruction and subsequent commencement of rehabilitation," the club's performance director Andrew Gray said in a statement.

"It is disappointing news for Gerard who is such a positive influence amongst our entire playing group.

"There is no definite timeframe for his return at this stage but we all look forward to seeing him return to the playing field soon."

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Reds win fight to keep Hanson

Hooker ... James Hanson is set to stay at Ballymore. Source: Darren England / News Limited

Queensland Reds have fought off both Western Force and NSW Waratahs to keep rising Wallabies hooker James Hanson at Ballymore next season.

But fellow 2012 Test debutant Luke Morahan will leave the Reds to link with the Force in the search of more starting opportunities in Super Rugby.

Completing the Reds-Force tug-of-war, former Queensland prop and Force assistant coach Nick Stiles will return to his old franchise in 2014 as forwards coach.

The Reds are set to announce Hanson's re-signing in the coming days following a long fight to keep him in Brisbane after he started the first month of this season on the bench, hemmed in behind Saia Faingaa.

Hanson, 24, had been tipped to join the Force before the Waratahs also went hard for the rake's signature but opted to stick with the certainty of the Reds program and playing list.

"James had a lot of potential to move elsewhere in Australia in the last couple of weeks but we've had some really positive discussions,'' said head coach Richard Graham.

Hanson and Faingaa, who may return from a neck injury against the pacesetting Chiefs on Saturday, will continue to battle for the Reds No.2 jersey as well as Wallabies squad selection as third choice hooker behind Stephen Moore and Tatafu Polota-Nau.

Wallabies second-rower Rob Simmons has also agreed to stay in Brisbane but his next contract won't be finalised until after his top-up negotiations finish with the Australian Rugby Union.

Simmons and Hanson have been two of the Reds' most consistent forwards and their retention, staying with a team that has a number of Test stars already on contract for 2014, is a continued good sign for Queensland.

Morahan's loss comes as the blazing wing-fullback looks to establish himself as a regular starter after four years on the fringes with the Reds.

He started at fullback in Australia's opening Test of 2012 against Scotland but has been overlooked as Queensland No.15 in the past month with the rugged Jono Lance replacing an injured Mike Harris.

Morahan started on the wing in the Reds' last-start 34-33 win over the Highlanders but may again be dumped with Digby Ioane striving to return from a knee problem and fit-again Rod Davies also in the picture.

Director of coaching Ewen McKenzie is confident red-hot flanker Liam Gill (thumb) will start against the defending champion Chiefs in Hamilton, but back-up No.7 Beau Robinson's return from an ankle injury is still a couple of weeks away.

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Coulthard reigns at the Plains

Triumph ... Fabian Coulthard wins his second race of the weekend. Source: Ross Marsden / News Limited

Holden's Fabian Coulthard emerged as the most decorated driver from the V8 Supercar championship round at Symmons Plains but his two race wins were almost upstaged by a spectacular crash.

Young championship rookie Scott Pye lost the brakes in his Holden Commodore at 160km/h in Sunday's closing race and hurtled head-on into a safety barrier.

Driver		Team	Pts
1	Jamie Whincup (AUS)	Triple Eight Race Engineering	513
2	Will Davison (AUS)	FPR	450
3	James Courtney (AUS)	HRT	398
4	Craig Lowndes (AUS)	Triple Eight Race Engineering	397
5	Scott McLaughlin (NZL)	Garry Rogers Motorsport	366
6	Mark Winterbottom (AUS)	FPR	357
7	Fabian Coulthard (ENG)	Brad Jones Racing	334
8	Jonathon Webb (AUS)	Teckno Autosports	332
9	Shane Van Gisbergen (NZL)	Teckno Autosports	316
10	Garth Tander (AUS)	HRT	314
11	Russell Ingall (AUS)	Paul Morris Motorsport	290
12	Jason Bright (AUS)	Brad Jones Racing	284
13	Tony D Alberto (AUS)	Tony D'Alberto Racing	269
14	James Moffat (AUS)	Kelly Racing	231
15	Rick Kelly (AUS)	Jack Daniels Racing	227
16	Alex Premat (FRA)	Garry Rogers Motorsport	218
17	Dean Fiore (AUS)	Lucas Dumbrell	215
18	Alex Davison (AUS)	Charlie Schwerkolt Racing	214
19	Scott Pye (AUS)	Lucas Dumbrell	214
20	Lee Holdsworth (AUS)	Stone Brothers Racing	212
21	David Wall (AUS)	Wilson Security	194
22	Tim Blanchard (AUS)	Dick Johnson Racing	191
23	Tim Slade (AUS)	Erebus Motorsport	146
24	Michael Caruso (AUS)	Kelly Racing	142
25	David Reynolds (AUS)	Rod Nash Racing	109
26	Maro Engel (GER)	Erebus Motorsport	79
27	Jonny Reid (NZL)	Dick Johnson Racing	72
28	Todd Kelly (AUS)	Jack Daniels Racing	38

The car was severely damaged after becoming airborne but Pye emerged unscathed.

"I struggled with the brakes and with 25 laps to go the pedal started getting really long,'' Pye said.

"I tried to turn but it just went straight on ahead and I just braced myself for the impact.''

At the time Mark Winterbottom was leading but he was passed by Coulthard with just three laps remaining after a restart and the New Zealander claimed the win.

Coulthard's victory was his second in consecutive days after he broke through for his first championship race win on Saturday on the back of three-non championship victories at the Melbourne Grand Prix meeting.

It came with a panel-banging move on Winterbottom at turn four which left the Ford driver crossing the line in second place with a flapping front guard.

"There were a few times I could have had a go at Frosty (Winterbottom) early in the race but he moved more than once in the braking area which makes it hard,'' Coulthard said.

"I had my opportunity and I admit the left front did lock up and I did run a little bit wide but we're here to race and it was hard but I thought it was pretty fair.''

Earlier, Jason Bright drove his Brad Jones Racing Holden to victory in the 42-lap first race of the day, winning by 3.5 seconds from Holden Racing Team's Garth Tander.

But the series points table is still led by Red Bull Racing's Jamie Whincup, who finished fifth in the last race, ahead of Ford's Will Davison.

Bright's win was his first V8 Supercar race success in two years.

"It's been too long again,'' Bright said. "I seem to be putting long breaks in between my wins.

"But the car has come out of the box strong and hopefully it will continue for the rest of the year.''

There was early drama in Sunday's first race when David Reynolds' Falcon was slammed into a rail guarding the wall on lap two.

At the exit of the hairpin, Reynolds, David Wall and the Nissan of Michael Caruso were three wide and Reynolds was left with no room.

The impact ripped the front suspension from his Ford but Reynolds was unhurt.

"I ended up hitting two walls for the first time ever,'' Reynolds joked later.

Red Bull Racing's Craig Lowndes, who is chasing the all-time touring car race win record, continued to have a miserable weekend.

Lowndes qualified off the pace and took his Holden home in 10th place and followed with an 11th in the last race.

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Gal to ride naked through Cronulla

NSW origin ... captain Paul Gallen and his new Harley Davidson. Source: John Fotiadis / News Limited

NSW and Sharks captain Paul Gallen will ride his Harley Davidson motorcycle naked through Cronulla to raise $10,000 for charity.

Sportsbet.com this morning issued the challenge and put up the $10,000 donation, with Gallen later accepting on Triple M radio. 

Today's development follows a bet this week between Gallen and Parramatta coach Ricky Stuart - Gallen's former coach at Cronulla and NSW. 

Stuart told the media on Tuesday that Gallen said he would walk down a main thoroughfare in the Sutherland Shire naked if his Sharks lost to the Eels this weekend. 

"He (Gallen) said that if we beat them he's going to walk down the Kingsway naked," Stuart said. 

"I'll hold him to that and I hope we can beat them just so I can be there to see that."

Gallen later said the bet was a "gee-up" by Stuart. 

But the Eels duly ground out a dogged 13-6 win over Cronulla last night to take out the Jon Mannah Cup, with Sportsbet.com intervening this morning to up the ante on the bet to include the motorcycle and offer a $10,000 donation.

Gallen last month participated in the "Hogs for Homeless" charity Harley Davidson ride, which also featured former NRL stars Nathan Hindmarsh and Brad Fittler.

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Hawks power away in the heat

Hot game ... Sam Mitchell gets a kick away against the Eagles. Source: Paul Kane / Getty Images

Hawthorn has run away with a convincing 50-point win against West Coast in hot conditions at Subiaco.

1.3 (9)	Q1	6.1 (37)
6.6 (42)	Q2	11.2 (68)
12.6 (78)	Q3	15.7 (97)
15.8 (98)	Q4	23.10 (148)

Josh J. Kennedy 5	Lance Franklin 5
Jack Darling 3	Luke Breust 4
Josh Hill 3	Cyril Rioli 4
Jamie Cripps 1	Grant Birchall 2
Andrew Embley 1	David Hale 2
Andrew Gaff 1	Bradley Hill 2
Callum Sinclair 1	Jarryd Roughead 2
	Shaun Burgoyne 1
	Isaac Smith 1

 
Despite a short break after playing on Easter Monday, the Hawks finished the stronger side and powered away to the 23.10 (148) to 15.8 (98) win after seeing off a late challenge from the Eagles.

Hawthorn jumped out to an early lead thanks to a six-goals-to-one first quarter and led at every change to record their first win of the season. 

Lance Franklin kicked five goals for the Hawks and Josh Kennedy also booted five for his side.

Chris Masten led all comers with 33 possessions, while Sam Mitchell gathered 31 for Hawthorn.

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