Blues get good news on Waite injury

It may have looked bad but Jarrad Waite's injury is only a bone bruise. Source: Quinn Rooney / News Limited

CARLTON is breathing a huge sigh of relief after scans have cleared Jarrad Waite of a serious knee injury.

The Blues had feared the worst when Waite limped off in the first quarter of Friday night's loss to Collingwood after his left leg was caught awkwardly in a tackle by Nathan Brown and Ben Reid.

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But despite concerns inside and outside the club that the athletic forward had ruptured his ACL, scans showed Waite had escaped with bone bruising.

"Club doctors will monitor Jarrad's knee over the coming days to see how it settles before determining his availability for next week's game," a Blues spokesman said.

It was a welcome change of luck for Waite, who has managed only 161 games in 11 injury-plagued seasons. His long-term absence would have been catastrophic for a Carlton side desperately short of key position forward options.

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On a dirty night for the Blues, Eddie Betts, Andrew Walker and Mitch Robinson were all forced to play through pain.

Betts, who suffered a hip pointer injury, would have been subbed out of the game had Waite not gone down.

The goalsneak was sore at recovery on Saturday, but the club is hopeful that by easing him through the week he will play against St Kilda next weekend.

Robinson copped another knock to the left shoulder he badly injured against Hawthorn in round 12, but the Blues say he will battle on, while Walker continued after a hit to his right knee.

Carlton captain Marc Murphy, who coach Mick Malthouse lauded for his return from a fractured cheekbone, was downcast over the heavy defeat.

"It was extremely disappointing and probably the first game this year where we've let a side really get away from us," Murphy said.

"We didn't fight hard enough."

Andrew Carrazzo described the loss as "a bit of a disaster''.

"'Waitey' going down was obviously a big loss for us, it through out our structure a little bit. We just got annihilated around the ball,'' Carrazzo said.

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Gambling man Lowndes falls short

Will Davison ... hunts down Craig Lowdnes in the opening race in Townsville. Source: Mark Horsburgh / AAP

TAKING the soft option almost paid off for Craig Lowndes but in the end he became a hard luck story as Ford's Will Davison claimed victory in the opening 200km V8 Supercars event on Saturday.

A bold plan to be the only driver to start on the faster soft compound tyres initially paid big dividends for Lowndes, jumping from 12th on the starting grid to the lead by No.9 of the 70-lap event.

At one stage the five-time Bathurst champion was 22 seconds ahead of his nearest rival.

And he held his nerve after finally switching tyres with 39 laps left, regaining the lead ahead of a pursuing pack led by Davison.

However, Lowndes was finally overwhelmed by Davison by lap 58 as his hard tyres - and hopes of a podium finish - went up in smoke.

"We had to do something different. We opted for softs early and had a great start,'' Lowndes said.

"But the hards went away faster than I thought.''

Instead of taking a big chunk out of Holden teammate Jamie Whincup's series lead, Lowndes had to settle for fourth spot.

He now trails Whincup by 135 points.

Davison claimed his second win of the season, finishing more than four seconds ahead of Ford teammate Mark Winterbottom and Holden's Fabian Coulthard.

Overall, it was a frustrating day for Lowndes' Holden team.

Whincup started outside the top 10 on a race grid for the first time this season after clocking only the 16th fastest time.

Despite winning five of the last eight Townsville races, Whincup could not regain his Midas touch up north and finished seventh.

Another ruing his luck was Shane van Gisbergen.

The pole sitter had Lowndes in his sights after switching to softs but copped a drive-through penalty for a pit lane infringement after 39 laps.

Wily veteran Russell Ingall marked a record 226th race start - but failed to finish.

The second and final 200km race will be held from 1535 AEST on Sunday.

Meanwhile, former MotoGP champion Casey Stoner's frustrating run in the second-tier Dunlop Series continued when a punctured tyre ensured he finished last in an incident packed 14-lap race.

The 11th fastest qualifier, Stoner tangled with Taz Douglas on lap nine in a squeeze that developed when the race re-started after Sam Walter's Holden found the wall.

Stoner's best finish in his six races to date is 14th.

Pole-sitter Steve Owen hung on to win - his first in three years.

Stoner's Holden team Triple Eight Race Engineering boss Roland Dane revealed on Saturday he was not tempted to ask his star charge to feature as an endurance co-driver for either Whincup or Lowndes this season.

"It was totally his call whether he did that or not and he has not said anything,'' Dane said.

"I would say he has got enough to do at the moment.''

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Boof keeping England guessing

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Australia coach Darren Lehmann is keeping his cards close to his chest. Source:AAP

AUSTRALIA is deliberately refusing to release its side ahead of the first Test at Trent Bridge to keep England guessing.

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"I think that's a real advantage for us," new coach Darren Lehmann said.

The only guide has been Lehmann claiming that Shane Watson and Chris Rogers would open the batting but captain Michael Clarke even refused to confirm that.

Clarke may move up from number five, where he has been most successful, to number four, where he has impressed in both lead-up games, scoring 124 from just 98 balls against Worcester. 

"We've spoken about five and four but where he bats, that's his decision," Lehmann said.

Clarke made it clear he was happy to move around the order for team balance.

"I don't think I've ever said I'd prefer to be at five," said Clarke. "I've batted four my whole career in first-class cricket, batted five for Australia the past couple of years and had a bit of success there, but I've said for a long time I'll bat wherever suits the team, and this series will be no different."

The batting order is in a state of flux, with the only player who appears to be out of contention Usman Khawaja after he was overlooked for the most recent tour match against Worcester. 

David Warner is being talked up by Clarke and Lehmann despite missing a month of cricket through suspension and it appears the volatile left hander is likely to bat at number six to move him away from the new ball.

Steve Smith, who was brought into the Ashes squad as a reserve a fortnight ago, is also now in the frame after batting well in the drawn tour match against Worcester, which ended on Saturday morning (AEST).  

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The most likely batting order is for Ed Cowan to be at number three, where he made a half-century in the first innings against Worcester, Clarke at four, Phil Hughes at five and Warner at six.

However Lehmann made it clear that Cowan has certainly not nailed down his position.

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"He got some runs in this game. You'd love him to make hundreds and put his position beyond doubt," said Lehmann.

"He's made some runs and we'll just have to sit down and work out whether he's in that top six or not."

The better option would appear to be Hughes at three with Smith and Warner at five and six.

Hughes struggled badly against the ball turning away from him in India and he is more likely to be exposed to clever England off-spinner Graeme Swann early if he bats at five.

Smith is a good player of spin who had a good tour of India and Swann has a lesser record against right handers.

Lehmann admitted the way Australia played in India was poor.

"We didn't play their spinners very well in India full stop so we've done a lot of work on that," Lehmann said.

"We're not hiding from that. We've got to learn from that experience. That's a thing I wanted to bring to the table. We want to play a certain way against that type of bowling."

Lehmann also made it clear that more Australian players had to make centuries more often.

"That's a big thing for us," Lehmann said. "I don't think we've made enough hundreds for a long period of time as a batting unit.

"There have only been a couple in the last few Test series and Michael (Clarke) has made most of them."

Likely team: Shane Watson, Chris Rogers, Ed Cowan, Michael Clarke (c), Phil Hughes, Dave Warner, Brad Haddin, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon.

My team: Shane Watson, Chris Rogers, Phil Hughes, Michael Clarke (c), Steve Smith, Dave Warner, Brad Haddin, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Ryan Harris, Nathan Lyon.

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Watch every ball of the 2013 Ashes series, starting with the first Test from Trent Bridge on July 10, LIVE and in HIGH DEFINITION on Fox Sports.

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Flores joins Mariners from Victory

Marquee man ... Marcos Flores (C) may have played his last game for the Victory. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

FORMER A-League player of the year Marcos Flores has signed a one-year deal with the reigning champions Central Coast just hours after being released by Melbourne Victory.

The 27-year-old had been heavily linked to a move to the Mariners with the club confirming the speculation in a statement on Friday.

Flores, who was a marquee player in his one season at the Victory, will take a pay cut to play with the Mariners, fitting under the salary cap at his new club.

Mariners coach Graham Arnold is looking to rebuild his squad after losing the likes of Bernie Ibini (Shanghai East Asia), Mathew Ryan (Club Brugge), Oliver Bozanic (Luzern) and Pedj Bojic (Sydney FC) in the off-season.

The coach plans to slot Flores into the playmaker role vacated by young star Tomas Rogic, who made the move to Scottish club Celtic in the January transfer window.

"We are excited to have signed such a talented player as Marcos Flores," Arnold said.

"It is well known that Marcos was Victory's marquee player last year, so for us to not only sign him but fit him inside the salary cap is a fantastic coup for the club.

"We are sure Marcos will be a great addition to the team."

Flores had an injury-interrupted year at the Victory, playing 22 times and scoring four goals but never really hitting the heights of his previous A-League stint at Adelaide United.
But he vows his best is yet to come.

"I am so happy to be able to play again with a smile on my face," Flores said.

"I am ready to eat the world for the Mariners.

"They are the champions, they are always successful and it is exciting to join Arnie as he wants me to be his number 10.

"I have been good in the A-League before but, with the Mariners, I will be better."

The Argentine attacker claimed goal-of-the-year honours last season with the Victory for his wonder strike against Wellington Phoenix, in which he worked a neat pair of one-twos with teammate Gui Finkler.

But as the club's international marquee, Flores' move frees up an important spot for the Victory to secure a high-profile player.

Victory have been chasing Greek captain Giorgos Karagounis.

The 36-year-old ex-Fulham and Panathinaikos midfielder would be an ideal fit for the marquee position if his wage demands could be met.

Speculation is growing that Flores's departure will pave the way for the club to sign Giorgos Karagounis, though recent media reports from Greece are claiming the national team captain will remain at EPL outfit Fulham.

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A-League Transfer Centre

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Ins and outs ... keep on top of your club's signing news. Source:FOX SPORTS

A-League teams have commenced their long and torturous pre-seasons as they look to topple Central Coast Mariners at the top of the pack.

Alessandro Del Piero, Shinji Ono and Emile Heskey have been joined by Harry Kewell in the headline stakes, but there has already been plenty of movement in rosters across the country as clubs strengthen ahead of a highly anticipated A-League season.

Return regularly over the next three months for your one-stop-shop for A-League signings, which we'll update throughout the pre-season. 

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ADELAIDE UNITED

Gains: Jordan Elsey (Adelaide United Youth Team), Awer Mabil (Adelaide United Youth Team)

Losses: Tomi Juric (Western Sydney Wanderers), Iain Ramsay (Melbourne Heart), Fabian Barbiero and Evan Kostopoulos are both out of contract.

BRISBANE ROAR

Gains: Corey Brown, George Lambadardis (both signed senior contracts), Liam Miller (Perth Glory), Diogo Ferreira (Victory), Dimitri Petratos (Kelantan, Malaysia). 

Losses: Matt Jurman (Sydney FC), James Meyer (released), Stefan Nijland (loan expired), Massimo Murdocca (Heart), Mitch Nichols (Victory), Ben Halloran (Fortuna Dusseldorf)

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS

Losses: Pedj Bojic (Sydney FC), Patrick Zwaanswijk (retired - transitioning to coaching role with club), Oliver Bozanic (FC Luzern), Mat Ryan (Club Brugge), Bernie Ibini (Shanghai Dongya F.C), Daniel McBreen (loan at Shanghai Dongya F.C until 30/10/2013)

MELBOURNE HEART 

Gains: Harry Kewell, Massimo Murdocca (Brisbane Roar), Iain Ramsey (Adelaide United), Rob Wielaert (Roda JC, Holland), Stefan Mauk (promoted from youth team)

Losses: Clint Bolton, Simon Colosimo, Matt Thompson, Fred, Marcel Meeuwis, Jamie Coyne (released), Josip Tadic (HNK Rijeka), Eli Babalj (AZ Alkmaar)

MELBOURNE VICTORY

Gains: Mitch Nichols (Brisbane Roar)

Losses: Marcos Flores (released), Marco Rojas (Stuttgart, Germany), Daniel Mullen (Dalian Aerbin, China)

NEWCASTLE JETS

Gains: Joeys Gibbs (Western Sydney Wanderers), Zenon Caravella (mid-season to Adelaide United), Andrew Hoole (mid-season promoted from youth team to first-team contract)

Losses: Bernardo Ribeiro (contract not renewed), Dominik Ritter (contract not renewed), Marko Jesic (contract not renewed), Jack Duncan (Perth Glory), Tiago Calvano (released mid-season to Sydney FC), Jobe Wheelhosue (parted ways mid-season), Ryan Griffiths (mid-season transfer to Beijing Baxy)

PERTH GLORY

Gains: Isaka Cernak (Wellington Phoenix), Cameron Edwards (Melbourne Heart), Jack Duncan (Newcastle Jets), Matthew Davies, Riley Woodcock, Daniel De Silva (all from youth squad)

Losses: Dean Heffernan, Storm Roux, Nick Ward, Evan Berger, Billy Mehmet (mid-season), Sebastian Van Den Brink (mid-season), Jesse Makarounas (mid-season), Liam Miller (Brisbane Roar), Neil Young (part of coaching staff)  

SYDNEY FC

Gains: Matt Jurman (Brisbane Roar), Nick Carle (Bani Yas – returns from loan), Pedj Bojic (Central Coast), Tiago Calvano, Corey Gameiro (Fulham) 

Losses: Fabio Alves (released), Nathan Sherlock (released), Adam Griffiths (released), Paul Reid (released), Trent McCLenahan (released), Kruno Lovrek (released), Yairo Yau (released), Terry Antonis (Parma) 

WELLINGTON PHOENIX 

Gains: 

Losses: Tony Lochhead, Alex Smith, Dani Sanchez, Jimmy Downey and Lucas Pantelis (all released), Mark Paston (retired), Isaka Cernak (Perth)

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS

Gains: Tomi Juric (Adelaide United)

Losses: Joey Gibbs (Newcastle Jets), Tarek Elrich, Dino Kresinger and Rocky Visconte (all released)

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LIVE: Tour de France, Stage 7

Can the Aussies do it again and retain the yellow jersey, which GreenEDGE cyclist Daryl Impey wears tonight. Source: JOEL SAGET / AFP

JOIN cycling expert Reece Homfray from 10pm as the Tour de France enters the hills, with some decent intermediate climbs that are certain to put the sprinters on the back foot.

Join our live chat from 10pm for stage from Montpellier to Albi in the window below.

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Rumour Mill: Bale staying at Spurs

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Rumour Mill ... Bale staying for now, Rooney talks on hold, Higuain close to Gunners. Source:AP

Today's Rumour Mill features plenty of the world's top strikers, and the small matter of Real Madrid giving up their relentless pursuit of Gareth Bale ... for now.

ROONEY TALKS ON HOLD

Wayne Rooney is yet to hold talks with new manager David Moyes over his future at Manchester United, Sky Sports reports.

The pair have both reported to the club's Carrington facility but discussions are yet to commence after the striker verbally requested a transfer at the conclusion of last season.

A host of clubs, including Chelsea, Arsenal, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are rumoured to be interested in securing the England striker's services.

Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11667/8803903/Transfer-news-Manchester-United-s-Wayne-Rooney-talks-on-hold

TOTTENHAM HOLD OFF REAL ... FOR NOW

Real Madrid have given up their relentless pursuit of Tottenham superstar Gareth Bale … for now, Spanish paper Marca claims.

Before Spurs' fans take to the streets in jubilation, the paper is claiming Madrid will be back next season with a much stronger bid for the 23-year-old Welsh wonder.

Madrid officials will be hoping history repeats itself, as was the case with their capture of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009 after a two-year pursuit of the then Manchester United ace.

PSG THROW HAT IN CAVANI RING

Paris Saint-Germain's new boss Laurent Blanc has spoken of his admiration of Edinson Cavani, after reports emerged the French champions had lodged a £43million bid for Napoli's in-demand striker.

The Italian club are adamant they won't sell for anything less than Cavani's whopping £53.9million buyout clause, a figure Manchester City, Chelsea and now PSG are refusing to commit to.

Here's Blanc's view on the lethal frontman: "I would be very happy (to sign him)."

"He is a player that I love, like a lot of people.

"I saw him play several times with Naples and Uruguay, and should he be part of the Parisian team, I would be very happy."

HIGUAIN TO SIGN FOR GUNNERS THIS WEEK!

Fox Sports Argentina is claiming Gonzalo Higuain's move to Arsenal will be completed this Friday.

Jack Wilshere better get the WAG wonderwall ready, sources claim a fee of £23m has been agreed and the Argentine joins Theo Walcott and Thomas Vermaelen as the club's top earner.

Arsene Wenger still needs to plug a couple of gaps, but a frontline featuring Higuain, Walcott, Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud is looking good heading into 2013-2014.

CITY SET SIGHTS ON NEGREDO

It's been quite a couple of weeks for Manchester City in the transfer market, who started in a blaze of glory with the captures of Jesus Navas and Fernandinho.

After missing out on Isco, and most probably Cavani, the Citizens now have their sets on Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo, Sky Sports sources claim.

Carlos Tevez's departure has left a sizeable hole in City's frontline, and City boss Manuel Pellegrini sees Navas's former teammate Negredo as the perfect man to fill it.

The 27-year-old was in fine goal-scoring touch last season, banging in an impressive 25 goals to trail just Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Radamel Falcao in La Liga.

Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11679/8804607/Manchester-City-are-lining-up-a-move-for-Sevilla-striker-Alvaro-Negredo

NANI COURTED BY HOST OF CLUBS

Roma have entered the race for Manchester United winger Nani, the Daily Mail is reporting.

Touted as "the next Cristiano Ronaldo", Nani has shown flashes of brilliance at Old Trafford but hasn't been able to produce his best on a consistent basis.

The Red Devils are holding out for a fee of £12m, but Roma face competition for the Portuguese winger's services, with Galatasaray and Monaco also sniffing about.

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NEYMAR SECURED, ALVES SETS SIGHTS ON THIAGO SILVA

Having acted as an unofficial agent in Neymar's move to Barcelona, Daniel Alves will now attempt to convince compatriot Thiago Silva to join the Catalan giants.

Here's the Barca right-back's pitch for PSG's world class centre-half: "Silva would be coming to the best club in the world if he were to join".

"I have described the club to him and told him all the advantages he would find at Barca.

"We need to strengthen the squad considering all the competitions we have to play in."

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HULK STAYING PUT

Brazil star Hulk has admitted other clubs are chasing him but that he is happy to stay at Zenit St Petersburg.

The likes of Chelsea, Tottenham and big-spending Monaco have been linked with moves for Hulk this summer as they looked to boost their attacking options.

Those approaches [by other clubs] do exist," Hulk told TV Paraiba. "There are clubs interested in me.

"But if I am to move, it has to be to a better place, with a better team in a better competition."

"I will be happy too if I stay. Zenit are a great club."

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Craig firm on Demons job criteria

His terms ... Neil Craig says 'rigid conditions' would need to be in place for him to take the job full time. Source: DAVID CROSLING / AAP

Interim Melbourne AFL coach Neil Craig says there would have to be rigid conditions in place for him to take on the role permanently.

Early in the season, Craig was adamant he wasn't interested in a return to a head coaching position, but he appears to be warming to the idea since last month's axing of Mark Neeld.

The Demons' players are helping the cause by delivering a stirring three-point win over the Western Bulldogs last round, only their second victory of the year.

Craig boasts a 1-1 record with the 17th-placed Demons, who are 2-11 in 2013.

"I was pretty clear in my mind when I left Adelaide that was it for me as a senior coach,'' Craig said on Thursday.

"There would have to be some fairly rigid conditions for me to be a senior coach again.

"I'm not saying that's impossible. I'm just saying that's the way I operate.''

Craig didn't want to publicly divulge what such conditions were.

He said the ball was in Melbourne's court and the Demons need to first form a coaching selection panel and decide what kind of coach they actually wanted.

"It's absolutely important, first and foremost, that the Melbourne football club have got to decide what their next coach needs to look like and the skill set that he needs,'' Craig said.

"Because that might be poles apart from what I've got, the skills I've got or how I see the game.''

Demons co-captain Jack Trengove spoke after their win over the Bulldogs about a new sense of freedom at the club.

Craig said he hadn't given the players any special instructions and believed the freedom came from playing without pressure.

He said the same thing happened in 2011 when he resigned from Adelaide after a heavy loss.

"When the senior coach is continually criticised and is in the press and is under some pressure, everyone in that football club experiences that and it can weigh people down,'' Craig said.

"What happens is when the senior coach goes ... it's not so much that the problem is gone, it's the fact that sort of attention leaves the football club.

"That itself is a relief for people.''

He felt the players were reaping the rewards of Neeld's coaching.

The Demons face a huge task to go back-to-back, facing fourth-placed Sydney at the MCG on Sunday.

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Not A-League, Wanderers All Stars

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Western Sydney-dominated ... the Wanderers feature four players in the All Stars. Source: Marianna Massey / Getty Images

So much for showcasing the best of the A-League. The All Stars team to take on Manchester United is all about showcasing the best of Western Sydney Wanderers.

Ante Covic, Michael Beauchamp, Mark Bridge and Youssouf Hersi were the Wanderers foursome named in the All Stars team on Wednesday. They join Brett Emerton, Thomas Broich and Nikolai Topor-Stanley in the inaugural blue-and-yellow strip for the July 20 match.

Only Emerton (Sydney FC) and Broich (Brisbane) ply their trade outside of western Sydney.

The Wanderers were the unlikely stars of the A-League last season, so it's little wonder the club's players feature so prominently in the team.

"The Wanderers players built up a great partnership last year and we're continually growing as teammates," Wanderers captain Beauchamp said.

"We're looking forward to stepping out on the field together, especially against a team like Manchester United.

"It's a credit to the Wanderers squad and the season we had how many players we've had picked in the All Stars side and we probably could have had a couple more.

"It's a great achievement, not only by Wanderers players, but all the players that are in the squad having been selected by the fans and coaches and we're all looking forward to the challenge."

Beauchamp's teammate Shinji Ono was voted into the team by fans, but the Japanese star won't be available for the match as revealed exclusively by the Daily Telegraph.

And neither will the A-League's highest profile player, Alessandro Del Piero. The Italian legend's pre-season scheduled trip to Japan clashes with the All Stars match.

Their absence is disappointing for fans and does leave the team lacking a bit of star quality, but it's nothing the Barclays Premier League champions can't make up for.

The Red Devils are expected to bring their strongest side to Sydney, which includes the likes of Wayne Rooney, Robin Van Persie and Ryan Giggs.

The game will also be David Moyes's second match in charge of Manchester United and all eyes will be on him to see how he prepares his team for life after Sir Alex Ferguson.

All Stars coach Ange Postecoglou will name the rest of his team over the next week, but he's already set to be without Mark Milligan, Archie Thompson and Trent Sainsbury, who are likely to be on Socceroos duty in the East Asian Cup.

Manchester United are expected to arrive in Sydney on July 13, where they will hold a week-long camp leading up to the sold-out match at ANZ Stadium.

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Ashes player profiles: Phillip Hughes

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Advice ... Phil Hughes is confident heading into the Ashes. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

Like Mitchell Johnson, Phillip Hughes is a favourite of the Barmy Army for all the wrong reasons – from an Australian perspective at least.

Hughes burst onto the Test scene in 2009 with twin hundreds in just his second Test, dismantling the likes of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel in South Africa with his highly unorthodox technique.

This enhanced his already-glowing reputation in Australia, where he had just plundered almost 1000 first-class runs in a season opening the batting for New South Wales, and led to predictions of a long and storied Test career.

But just a few months later Hughes was out of the Test side after he was found out against the likes of Steve Harmison and Andrew Flintoff in England.

Another short-lived stint in the Test side was brought to an end in December 2011, and it seemed that Hughes was destined to spend a long while in the Test wilderness.

But a much-vaunted reworking of his batting technique, coupled with a fresh start with South Australia, saw Hughes return to the runs and earn a third shot at Test cricket.

He took full advantage during the home series against Sri Lanka, and despite serious struggles against spin in India, looks set to take his place at No.3 in the Ashes.

Opinion remains divided on the frailties of Hughes's technique – Mark Waugh believes he will struggle against quality swing bowling, while former Test selector Jamie Cox expects Hughes to shine in England.

Just about the only guarantee is that the little left-hander from Macksville will do things his own way, as he always has.

And perhaps the Barmy Army might see a side to Hughes the Aussie fans are all to familiar with.

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Pearson leaps injury obstacle

Improvement expected: Australian Sally Pearson is hoping to improve on her fourth behind American Dawn Harper in Birmingham over the weekend but is confident she is on the right track. Source: SAMUEL KUBANI / AFP

Olympic champion Sally Pearson admits to being surprised at how relaxed she is about her injury-interrupted world championships campaign.

The 100m hurdles gold medallist will have just her third race for the year in Lausanne, Switzerland, tomorrow as she builds towards next month's world championships in Moscow.

Pearson, who won the world title in Daegu, South Korea in 2011, finished fourth behind American Dawn Harper in Birmingham over the weekend but is confident she is on the right track.

"I'm quite surprised how I am dealing with it this season," she said. "I thought I would be more anxious than what I am.

"I'm quite surprised how relaxed and happy I am. I think it's probably down to the fact I have won a world championships and I've won an Olympic Games.

"I'm pretty relaxed about that. If I was going for my first world title this year then I would probably be worried.

"I've done everything that a sport can ask for in an Olympic sport. All I want now is the world record but I think that might be asking a bit too much this year.

"I'm just being patient and I'm surprised by that because I'm not a very patient person when it comes to competition so I'm really proud with how I've been handling it.

"It would be nice to go out in these races and win them but at the same time I've had two injuries coming into this season so I think I'm doing quite well

"In Birmingham I was less than a 10th of a second behind Dawn Harper who won the race, so I think that was pretty good."

Pearson has added competitions in Europe to her program in an attempt to nail down her race rhythm in time for the defence of her title.

"I've got the speed, I've got the fitness but I've just got to get the racing fitness," she said. "I have to get used to the adrenalin, get used to the emotions that you have to have under control for racing.

"That's all part of it. It's definitely mental and about getting back to being in control. I think I've got all the attributes there but I've just got to put them back into a race."

Pearson is scheduled to clash with exciting American college champion Brianna Rollins, who clocked the third fastest time in history, 12.26sec, at last month's US trials, in Monaco in a fortnight.

"It's going to be interesting to see what shape she is in after racing the collegiate season as well as the US open trials," she said.

"It's going to get everyone on their toes again because we all know she has run 12.26 and is the fastest in the field. It's going to be really interesting to see how everyone handles it."

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Libby hangs up bathing suit again

Powerhouse: Libby Trickett's career tally includes four Olympic gold medals over three Games Athens, Beijing and London. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

Four-time Olympic gold medallist Libby Trickett has retired for the second but final time.

The triple Olympian announced her departure from the pool on national television tonight, succumbing to a painful wrist injury that has simply refused to heal.

Trickett had wanted to swim through to the 2016 Rio Olympics, but at 28 she has ended her stellar career knowing her body is unable to match the desire of her mind.

"There will always be a tinge of sadness to leave the sport that I love, but I have wonderful memories and experiences to draw upon in the future," Trickett said.

"I feel at peace with my decision and most importantly I feel that I am finally ready to take on the next adventure in my life."

One of the most decorated female swimmers of the modern era, Trickett was a member of the women's gold medal winning 4x100m freestyle relay team at the London Olympics last year.

Her career tally includes four Olympic gold medals over three Games – Athens, Beijing and London - and a total of 17 gold overall, across four World Championships and one Commonwealth Games.

The Queenslander broke multiple world records in her career and after a brief retirement in 2009, she returned to the pool a year later and finally swam her way onto a third Olympic team in 2012.

"I'm so grateful to swimming for all that it has given me in my life. Not only have I been able to travel the world, training and competing, making some wonderful friends, but I've also had the opportunity to work with some of the best people in their field which I feel very lucky to have done so," she said.

Swimming Australia Director of High Performance Michael Scott said Trickett's contribution to the Australian Swim team over the years has been outstanding.

"Libby's legacy and success at both a national and international level, as well as her dedication to the sport is something the next generation of swimmers can aspire to," Scott said.

Trickett will now switch focus on the next chapter of her life with her family and to pursue a career in the media with Network Ten as a mentor on new program Australia's Greatest Athlete which begins production in September.

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Stuart picks Hayne ahead of Origin III

Selected ... Jarryd Hayne picked for the Eels, but Ricky Stuart knows the risks. Source: Dan Himbrechts / AAP

NSW State of Origin star Jarryd Hayne has been named in Parramatta's NRL side to play Manly on Monday, but coach Ricky Stuart will take no risks with his marquee player.

The gifted utility back suffered a grade-one hamstring injury last month, when he backed up for Parramatta two days after playing in the first Origin game against Queensland.

NSW selectors will need to take a leap of faith if choose Hayne for the July 17 Origin III decider, with the team for game three to be picked the day before his scheduled return.

Last-placed Parramatta have won just three of 14 games this season and desperately need the spark that Hayne can provide.

Stuart stressed Hayne's wellbeing was his priority, but said playing a club game would be the best preparation for Origin.

"I'm going to name him - that's not a 100 per cent guarantee that he's going to play,'' Stuart said.

"I think he needs to be fairly healthy on the back end of our week.

"It's not do-or-die for us to get him onto the football field. The main priority is Jarryd's well-being.

"We definitely won't risk him in regards to rushing him back.

"He'll be a very, very positive attribute to have on the field if we can get him right and it will also be great for him to get a game under his belt before Origin three, which I think would be the best preparation for him.''

Stuart praised the professionalism of his players, 12 of whom were recently told they would not be required for next season.

"We're all getting on with the job. I've got to give credit to the players in regards to not getting the results we're striving for at the moment. But that hasn't been indicated with their attitude and performance at training and around the club.

"They've been terrific. They are a good bunch of blokes,'' Stuart said.

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Pies 'must beat Blues'

Rivalry ... Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley says the Pies 'must beat the Blues'. Source: JOE CASTRO / AAP

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley admits his misfiring AFL side have reached a critical point in the season.

Last weekend's 35-point loss to Port Adelaide has left the Magpies looking vulnerable in eighth place ahead of the Friday night blockbuster against arch-rivals Carlton at the MCG.

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	13	12	0	1	144.98	48
2	Geelong	13	11	0	2	128.85	44
3	Essendon	13	10	0	3	129.51	40
4	Sydney	13	9	1	3	131.15	38
5	Fremantle	13	9	1	3	124.55	38
6	Richmond	13	9	0	4	124.39	36
7	Port Adelaide	13	8	0	5	118.17	32
8	Collingwood	13	8	0	5	104.79	32
9	Carlton	13	6	0	7	113.90	24
10	West Coast	13	6	0	7	110.02	24
11	Adelaide	13	6	0	7	105.72	24
12	North Melbourne	13	5	0	8	114.25	20
13	Gold Coast	13	5	0	8	90.94	20
14	Brisbane	13	4	0	9	74.34	16
15	St Kilda	13	3	0	10	85.61	12
16	Bulldogs	13	3	0	10	75.19	12
17	Melbourne	13	2	0	11	54.01	8
18	Greater Western Sydney	13	0	0	13	50.16	0

Asked what sort of response he expected from his players against the Blues, Buckley bluntly said: "a pretty strong one''.

Forget all the standard AFL talk about one game at a time - this is a massive test for Collingwood.

"I'm a process-orientated coach and we're a process-orientated football club,'' he said.

"But you get to games you have to win and this is one of them.

"Carlton are a very strong opposition - we knew Port Adelaide were going to be a very strong opposition.

"It's going to be a great challenge for us, a great test - Friday night, big game, rivals over a number of years.

"What better way to stake a claim?''

Buckley said his side were not lazy, but acknowledged they were embarrassed by Port's better work rate.

While the 'Pies remain two games ahead of ninth-placed Carlton, they have failed to build any momentum this season.

Their long injury list will ease a little this weekend when last year's best-and-fairest winner Dayne Beams and utility Tyson Goldsack resume through the VFL.

But Buckley said Collingwood need the pair to rebuild match fitness quickly, otherwise they will run out of time as the finals loom.

"We don't want to be waiting until round 21-22 to be putting our best side together,'' he said.

"We've missed Beamsy, we've missed Goldy - we would like to get those blokes in.

"But it's got to be a case-by-case - if they're right to go, they'll come in. If not, then they'll get the extra week.''

Quinten Lynch's fitness remains a concern, with the ruck-forward nursing an injury and unable to complete full training.

Regardless of personnel, Buckley is demanding a more consistent effort from his team.

"We've been bitterly disappointed with our five losses and they come from five of the seven teams above us,'' he said.

"We're where we deserve to be, right now.

"But we need to play our best football, more often, and leave the other stuff behind us.'' 

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Hayne plane to soar in Origin bid

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Return ... Jarryd Hayne looks to prove his fitness ahead of State of Origin III. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

Parramatta fullback Jarryd Hayne has been named to return for Monday's game against Manly as he looks to prove his fitness ahead of State of Origin III.

While Hayne's replacement for Origin II, St George Illawarra fullback Josh Dugan, will miss the Roosters clash through suspension, with rookie Adam Quinlan filling the void.

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The Dragons get back Trent Merrin following his one-game ban for fighting in Origin II.

Gold Coast coach John Cartwright is banking on the infectious enthusiasm of his batch of NRL debutants helping the Titans get their finals push back on track against surprise packets Penrith on Saturday night.

		W	L	D	B	PD	Pts
1	Rabbitohs	13	2	0	1	177	28
2	Roosters	11	4	0	1	145	24
3	Storm	10	4	1	1	95	23
4	Sea Eagles	7	6	1	2	67	19
5	Titans	8	7	0	1	17	18
6	Sharks	7	7	0	2	-16	18
7	Bulldogs	8	7	0	1	-23	18
8	Knights	7	8	0	1	71	16
9	Panthers	6	8	0	2	36	16
10	Warriors	7	8	0	1	-64	16
11	Raiders	7	8	0	1	-66	16
12	Broncos	6	9	0	1	-5	14
13	Cowboys	6	9	0	1	-17	14
14	Tigers	6	9	0	1	-157	14
15	Dragons	5	10	0	1	-79	12
16	Eels	3	11	0	2	-181	10

The Titans were woeful when hammered 46-16 by Newcastle on Sunday - the heavy loss compounded by the season-ending injury to Jamal Idris (broken leg, dislocated ankle) and one-week unavailability of William Zillman (groin).

With winger Anthony Don also relegated to an extended bench after his opposite James McManus scored four tries for the Knights, Cartwright will blood under 20s stars Jahrome Hughes and Hymel Hunt against the Panthers in Darwin - Hughes at fullback for Zillman and Hunt in the centres for Idris.

"Particularly the last six weeks, they've been doing great things for our 20s,'' Cartwright said of Hughes and Hunt.

"What they're going to bring is plenty of enthusiasm out of everyone else.

"Just the excitement that you could feel as soon as the boys knew they were flying up here - after a really disappointing performance against Newcastle - it gave us a bit of a boost to see those guys up here.''

The Titans missed a chance to move into the top four with the loss to the Knights, but could drop to the bottom of the top eight with another defeat to the Panthers.

South Sydney coach Michael Maguire has named Burgess twins George and Tom on an extended bench for Sunday's highly anticipated game against the Warriors in Perth for what could be their first NRL match together, with George returning from a club-imposed ban.

Veteran Cronulla centre Ben Pomeroy has been dropped for Friday night's crunch game against Wests Tigers, with NSW back-rower Luke Lewis to turn back the clock by lining up in the centres.

The Sea Eagles regaining the services of Kieran Foran after he missed Monday night's loss to the Sydney Roosters due to illness.

Canberra's three-quarter woes have resulted in Joel Thompson being named in the centres, with Jack Wighton - who remains in doubt to face North Queensland on Sunday with a groin injury - pushing out to the wing to replace Sandor Earl.

Earl is out for six weeks after dislocating his elbow against Souths on Friday night.

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Sims, Dugan face bans

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Ashton Sims ... faces the NRL judiciary after a kneeing incident. Source: Robb Cox / AAP

North Queensland forward Ashton Sims faces a three-week suspension after being charged by the NRL for kneeing Nathan Stapleton in the Cowboys' win over the Sharks on Sunday.

If he pleads guilty Sims will be ruled out for two weeks but if he contests the grade two charge and loses he will face a further week on the sideline.

If ruled out Sims will miss this weekend's clash against the Raiders, a crucial game for both teams who are sitting two points outside the eight on 16 points.

State of Origin fullback Josh Dugan will also miss a week if he pleads guilty to a shoulder charge on opposite number Matt Moylan in the Dragons' loss to the Panthers on Saturday night.

He also risks a further week on the sideline if he contests the charge and then loses.

Dugan's teammate Nathan Fien will be free to play with an early guilty plea to a dangerous contact charge following an incident with Lewis Brown.

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Hamstrung Warburton out of decider

Blow ... Lions skipper Sam Warburton will play no part in the series decider. Source: William West / AAP

Shattered Lions skipper Sam Warburton is out of the series-deciding Test against the Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday night after scans confirmed a significant hamstring tear.

Flanker Warburton limped of late in the British and Irish Lions' 16-15 loss to the Wallabies in Melbourne last Saturday night but any chance for him to be part of a bounce-back has been cruelling ripped from him.

Warburton remained in Melbourne on Sunday when his squad-mates headed to Noosa on Queensland's Sunshine Coast  for their final test camp.

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Lions team doctor Eanna Falvey was with Warburton when a full assessment revealed what the Lions camp today announced as "a significant tear in his left hamstring" which means "no further part in the tour."

Welshman Warburton played one of his finest Tests last weekend when his breakdown work earned several penalties and pilfers.

He will be sorely missed. It opens the door for Ireland's Sean O'Brien or Welsh countryman Justin Tipuric to wear the No.7 in the deciding Test.

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It also casts centre Brian O'Driscoll as captain-elect because the tourists have now lost two players who have captained the Lions...Warburton and lock Paul O'Connell (broken arm).

"It is incredibly disappointing to be ruled out of the tour through injury as we head to Sydney for the deciding match," Warburton said.

"I wish the team all the best and hope I can play some part in the build-up this week.

"I am confident the boys can finish the job off and secure the series win."

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AFL proposes an end to compensation

Changes ... AFL operations boss Mark Evans has asked clubs for feedback. Source: JULIAN SMITH / AAP

The AFL has asked clubs to comment on a suggestion they should not receive draft picks as compensation for the loss of unrestricted free agents.

AFL general manager of football operations Mark Evans said on Monday the concept was worth a look.

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	13	12	0	1	144.98	48
2	Geelong	13	11	0	2	128.85	44
3	Essendon	13	10	0	3	129.51	40
4	Sydney	13	9	1	3	131.15	38
5	Fremantle	13	9	1	3	124.55	38
6	Richmond	13	9	0	4	124.39	36
7	Port Adelaide	13	8	0	5	118.17	32
8	Collingwood	13	8	0	5	104.79	32
9	Carlton	13	6	0	7	113.90	24
10	West Coast	13	6	0	7	110.02	24
11	Adelaide	13	6	0	7	105.72	24
12	North Melbourne	13	5	0	8	114.25	20
13	Gold Coast	13	5	0	8	90.94	20
14	Brisbane	13	4	0	9	74.34	16
15	St Kilda	13	3	0	10	85.61	12
16	Bulldogs	13	3	0	10	75.19	12
17	Melbourne	13	2	0	11	54.01	8
18	Greater Western Sydney	13	0	0	13	50.16	0

"We've put it on the table to clubs to tell us what they think,'' Evans told the AFL website.

"I don't think we'll change anything for this year.

"But there has been a strong suggestion that you don't need to provide free-agency compensation for players who are unrestricted free agents.

"That either means they have been on the list for eight years and they sit outside the top quartile of player payments, or they've been at that club for 10 years and they've given their service.

"So I think that's worthwhile looking at.''

An unrestricted free agent can automatically move to the club of his choice.

Hawthorn's star forward Lance Franklin, who is reportedly the subject of a massive offer from Greater Western Sydney, is a restricted free agent.

The Hawks would have the option to match any offer made by a rival club.

Under this system introduced in 2012, compensation in the form of allocated draft picks will apply to clubs with a net loss of free agents based on a formula determined by the AFL.

Former Hawthorn football manager Evans, who was appointed to his new role in March 2013, denied his early-season move to league headquarters had played a role in the average number of free kicks being lowered.

The AFL's umpiring department has been praised in recent weeks for putting the whistle away.

"No instruction. Nothing from me at all,'' he said.

However, Evans is determined to take a hands-on role in trying to clear up some of what he calls the confusion over the match review panel.

"I'm prepared to look at some things at the end of the year in our normal review of the tribunal and match review panel,'' he said.

"But for me, it might be about creating more clarity for people so they understand the impact of prior record or good record or carry-over points or trying to make those things simpler.

"I'm sure there'll be some other tweaks along the way.

"I accept that there can be confusion within that. You really have to study the impact of those points to try to work it out.

"The person listening to the outcome really looks at weeks. Is it a reprimand?

"Did it get off? Did it end up with one week, two weeks, three weeks?

"We need to try to find a way to communicate that better.''

Evans praised last summer's changes where prior records were only counted within the past two years, and only any sanctions of two matches or more were included in assessments of carry-over points.

"That has helped but it still creates confusion in the public,'' he said.

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Warriors down Broncos in nail-biter

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Shaun Johnson ... looks to pass the ball during Warriors v Broncos match. Source: WAYNE DROUGHT / AAP

A decisive late intercept by Konrad Hurrell helped the Warriors pull off an 18-16 win over Brisbane on Sunday in a nail-biter in Auckland and stretch their NRL winning streak to five matches.

3 Tries 3
Manu Vatuvei 10'	Lachlan Maranta 17'
Elijah Taylor 38'	Peter Wallace 32'
Konrad Hurrell 71'	Josh Hoffman 46'
3 Conversions 2
Shaun Johnson 12'	Scott Prince 33'
Shaun Johnson 40'	Scott Prince 48'
Shaun Johnson 73'

With nine minutes to go, Brisbane looked certain to extend their 16-12 lead.

But Hurrell intercepted a Scott Prince cut-out pass intended for unmarked winger Lachlan Maranta.

He then sprinted 90m, evading hard-chasing Brisbane skipper Sam Thaiday to dot down under the posts and give Shaun Johnson a simple conversion.

Warriors coach Matthew Elliott described Hurrell's intervention as massive, with Brisbane almost certain to score if it hadn't come off.

"It was a make-or-break play, but that's what NRL quality footballers have to do sometimes,'' he said.

"They have to come up with the big decisions."

With seconds remaining, Brisbane had the chance to send the encounter into extra time, but Corey Parker pushed a 48-metre penalty attempt wide.

It was tense finish to a physical and high-quality contest, with Brisbane completing 90 per cent of their sets (35 from 39).

The home side weren't far behind with 86 per cent (32 from 37), but they were often on the back foot.

Elliott said the Warriors looked like a team coming off a bye, but he also praised the Broncos.

"Our execution wasn't great," he said.

"But again, I think I'm being too hard of a marker because of the quality of the opposition and the amount of defence we had to do did impact upon our attack."

The Warriors' rebound from their 62-6 thrashing by Penrith just over a month ago has taken them to 10th on the ladder, while Brisbane drop to 12th.

Coach Anthony Griffin said the Broncos were 10 minutes from a great win, and it was a display his players would be proud of.

But the effort they put in also made the defeat tougher to take.

"There was an awful amount of effort and discipline and just mental toughness that went into that performance," he said.

"Sometimes, they go against you and that's when they hurt the most."

Four weeks ago, the Warriors overwhelmed an understrength Brisbane line-up 56-18.

A similar result was never likely with the Broncos welcoming back their Queensland State of Origin quartet, including Thaiday, who was one of their best.

The opening half was a seesawing one, but Brisbane controlled proceedings in the second.

Down 12-10, they hit the front in the 47th minute when winger Josh Hoffman grabbed his 13th try of the season.

They had other chances before it looked certain they had the numbers to put Maranta over, before Hurrell intervened.

Both teams had late scratchings, with Warriors prop Russell Packer (ankle) and Broncos counterpart Ben Hannant (calf) withdrawn because of injury.

The Warriors' early dominance was rewarded with a try to winger Manu Vatuvei.

Brisbane replied a Prince pinpoint grubber gave Maranta a simple touchdown.

They hit the front after the Warriors failed to defuse a bomb and halfback Peter Wallace toed ahead and scored.

But the Warriors surged ahead again just before halftime when Vatuvei batted back a Johnson cross-kick for lock Elijah Taylor to score a converted try.

Vatuvei hobbled off early in the second half after copping a whack to his right shin.

He will have a precautionary x-ray but medical staff believe he might have escaped with a bad contusion.

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Chooks want controlled agro from JWH

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JWH ... the Roosters prop returns from suspension to tackle rival Manly. Source: Renee McKay / AAP

The Sydney Roosters will be looking for controlled aggression from feisty prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves as he makes his NRL return from suspension on Monday against the Manly outfit he crossed the line against last outing.

Waerea-Hargreaves was sent off and banned for five weeks for hitting Sea Eagles prop George Rose with a high shot in the Roosters' 16-4 win at Brookvale last month.

He makes his return in a high-stakes clash at Allianz Stadium between the third and fourth-placed teams.

The Roosters will climb above Melbourne into second if they win, while a Manly victory will move the Sea Eagles to within one point of the Roosters.

		W	L	D	B	PD	Pts
1	Rabbitohs	13	2	0	1	177	28
2	Storm	10	4	1	1	95	23
3	Roosters	10	4	0	1	139	22
4	Sea Eagles	7	5	1	2	73	19
5	Titans	8	7	0	1	17	18
6	Sharks	7	6	0	2	4	18
7	Bulldogs	8	7	0	1	-23	18
8	Knights	7	8	0	1	71	16
9	Panthers	6	8	0	2	36	16
10	Warriors	7	8	0	1	-64	16
11	Raiders	7	8	0	1	-66	16
12	Broncos	6	9	0	1	-5	14
13	Tigers	6	9	0	1	-157	14
14	Cowboys	5	9	0	1	-37	12
15	Dragons	5	10	0	1	-79	12
16	Eels	3	11	0	2	-181	10

Roosters captain and fullback Anthony Minichiello said Waerea-Hargreaves was excited about playing again, but was also aware of the potential for the Kiwi international to get too pumped up.

"You've got to speak to Jared about that because he likes to play the game tough and aggressive on a weekly basis and when he's been out for five weeks that can all build up,'' Minichiello said.

"We need some controlled aggression from him tomorrow night.''

Manly coach Geoff Toovey admitted the Roosters were a more formidable proposition with Waerea-Hargreaves in their line-up.

"He's a great leader of their forwards and I think they've missed him a little bit and he'll add something to their pack,'' Toovey said.

Toovey insisted there'd be no retribution eked out by his side, saying the Eagles were more intent on breaking down the Roosters' league-best defence than seeking payback against Waerea-Hargreaves.

"To crack the opposition defence you need to come up with something special or pray on their mistakes,'' he said.

"They did that better than us last time and hopefully we can return the favour.''

"It's a very close competition in the middle of the pack so we need to start stringing a few games together, a few wins, and hopefully clear ourselves away from that pack.''

Toovey received a boost on Sunday, with tryscoring ace Brett Stewart completing Manly captain's run to be in line for his first start since round eight.

The former Test fullback suffered a chipped bone in his back after copping a knee during Manly's six-point win over St George Illawarra and the Sea Eagles have won one of their past five games in his absence.

Stewart is no certainty to play, with Toovey waiting to see how he pulls up on Monday and the coach said Manly fans shouldn't expect miracles if he does start.

"If he's fit, he'll definitely add some experience.

"But he's been out for a long time. It's one of those injuries where he hasn't been able to participate in team activities.

"So it will take a little time for him to find his feet but there's still half a comp to go.''

With NSW five-eighth James Maloney injured in last week's State of Origin clash, Daniel Mortimer will retain a starting spot for the Roosters after an excellent display against the Bulldogs.

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Kangaroos stroll to victory

Comprehensive ... Drew Petrie leads Tim Mohr to the contest. Source: JOE CASTRO / AAP

Greater Western Sydney have taken a step closer to an unwanted piece of AFL history with their 86-point hammering by North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

The Giants have now lost all 13 matches this season, and are closing in on being the first team in AFL/VFL history since Fitzroy in 1964 to go through a season winless.

Critical to the Giants breaking their duck this season appears next Saturday's clash with fellow strugglers Western Bulldogs in Canberra.

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	13	12	0	1	144.98	48
2	Geelong	13	11	0	2	128.85	44
3	Essendon	13	10	0	3	129.51	40
4	Sydney	13	9	1	3	131.15	38
5	Fremantle	13	9	1	3	124.55	38
6	Richmond	13	9	0	4	124.39	36
7	Port Adelaide	13	8	0	5	118.17	32
8	Collingwood	13	8	0	5	104.79	32
9	Carlton	13	6	0	7	113.90	24
10	West Coast	13	6	0	7	110.02	24
11	Adelaide	13	6	0	7	105.72	24
12	North Melbourne	13	5	0	8	114.25	20
13	Gold Coast	13	5	0	8	90.94	20
14	Brisbane	13	4	0	9	74.34	16
15	St Kilda	13	3	0	10	85.61	12
16	Bulldogs	13	3	0	10	75.19	12
17	Melbourne	13	2	0	11	54.01	8
18	Greater Western Sydney	13	0	0	13	50.16	0

The Bulldogs lost to another battling side in Melbourne this weekend, and have won just three of their 13 matches this campaign.

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Sheedy admitted he had not considered the prospect of the team going through their sophomore season without a win.

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But he admitted the importance of the Bulldogs game had been a topic of post-match conversation after the Giants' 19.16 (130) to 6.8 (44) defeat by a dominant North in an otherwise forgettable game.

"It's an opportunity for us to try and search for our first win, and I've been speaking about that to the players,'' Sheedy said.

"I haven't thought about that (the prospect of a winless season) to be honest.

"The task you take on when you try to build this club from the real, deep foundation ... is you suffer some losses early like the Brisbane Bears did and the Swans did.''

The Giants' hopes of an upset were extinguished by the end of the first quarter - the Kangaroos piling on an eight goals to one term to set up the victory.

Drew Petrie booted five goals and Lindsay Thomas four for the Kangaroos.

GWS moved into damage limitation mode in the second term by putting players behind the ball - a tactic which worked to a degree as the sides booted four goals apiece in the quarter.

But the Kangaroos had the better of a dire second half, restricting the Giants to just one goal as the visitors continued to play extra men behind the ball for the rest of the match.

North now have a 5-8 win-loss record, keeping alive their faint chances of making this season's finals.

Coach Brad Scott admitted he was pleased with how his team had coped with the Giants' unusual defensive tactics.

"The main thing we take away from that is the opposition threw something pretty strange at us, and we were able to respond really quickly,'' Scott said.

"I called for an organised effort from our boys, and after halftime we really got that.''

North's only concern to come out of the match centres on Thomas, who faces match review panel scrutiny after what appeared a possible headbutt on Giants youngster Jacob Townsend.

The Giants lost leading goal kicker Jeremy Cameron before kick-off to illness, with Sheedy confident he will return to play the Bulldogs.

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

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