Force to sit down with troubled JOC

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Sack JOC ... Eddie Jones call for O'Connor to be dump from the Wallabies sqaud. Source: Cameron Spencer / Getty Images

Western Force coach Michael Foley says it's important for James O'Connor to admit to his shortfalls if the star playmaker wants to realise his potential both on and off the field.

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O'Connor is on the lookout for a new club after being axed by the Melbourne Rebels earlier this week.peWith the Brumbies, Waratahs and Reds not interested in O'Connor's services, the 23-year-old needs to secure a deal with the Force if he is to continue his career in Australia.

Counting against O'Connor is his chequered history, which includes late-night outings with troubled friend Kurtley Beale, missing team engagements while on Wallabies duties and a bitter departure from the Force two years ago.

Foley is keen to give O'Connor a chance to present his case and will meet the 40-Test speedster f

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O'Connor remains one of Australia's most-talented players and the 13th-placed Force would love someone of his calibre to spark their backline.

But Foley is adamant the Force will only consider signing O'Connor if he agrees to abide by their strong team values and standards.

"Any sort of education process becomes a lot easier when the person being educated actually accepts that there's a requirement to do so," Foley said ahead of Saturday night's clash with the Brumbies in Perth.

"That's the biggest challenge.ace to face at some point over the next week.

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Catch all your Wallabies and rugby news from around the world!

"We do know that a couple of the Wallaby boys were out at 4am in the morning at a burger joint.

"We do know a couple of Wallabies missed the team bus for training.

"And we do know a couple of Wallabies missed the team meeting on the Sunday after the (Lions) Test match.

"All of those things are very simple things that, in my opinion, wouldn't be acceptable here.

"But again, that's not imposing something on somebody. It's getting them to recognise why those things are important to the team.

"We can't be negotiable on those things.

"It's not a matter of hitting someone over the head with a stick. It's a matter of saying, 'this is where we're headed. How does it suit you?"

Meanwhile, former Force foundation player Tai McIsaac is in talks with the Perth-based franchise about taking over as forwards coach from departing assistant Nick Stiles.

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'United trip has very special feel'

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Former Red Devils goalkeeper Mark Bosnich says United's trip will be "special". Source:AP

Manchester United has been valued at $2.2 billion by Forbes. It boasts a worldwide fanbase in excess of 330 million. It is, quite simply, the most powerful sporting brand in the world.

The importance of Manchester United's visit to Sydney cannot be underestimated. Australian football is coming off quite possibly its greatest ever year and the star power of United and Liverpool over the next few weeks will draw even more people to this great game.

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The timing could not be better. The success of the Wanderers and the recruitment of Alessandro Del Piero last A-League season, coupled with the Socceroos' qualification for the World Cup, has taken football in this country to another level. Now Sydney fans will be treated to the likes of David De Gea, Rio Ferdinand, Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck playing in their own backyard against A-League stars. The momentum is incredible.

There is plenty of intrigue off the pitch, too. We will be treated to David Moyes's second game in charge after Sir Alex Ferguson finally called it a day after 26 years, 38 trophies and 13 Barclays Premier League titles at the helm. Just how Moyes steers his new side will make for fascinating viewing and no end of debate from all those around the world analysing this new chapter for the club.

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This isn't the first time Manchester United have toured these shores – I was lucky enough to be part of the 1999 games against the Young Socceroos in Sydney and Melbourne – but this is their most anticipated visit. The EPL's worldwide appeal has exploded in recent years and Manchester United is at the top of the tree in terms of drawing power.

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The Red Devils are, without doubt, the most special football team I have been part of. The history, the tradition and the aura is unmatched. From the first time I joined them in 1988, it was obvious they were building something very special. Their era of domination is testament to the vision and dedication of Ferguson.

Moyes looks to be continuing Ferguson's legacy with the brilliant appointments of Phil Neville and the indefatigable Ryan Giggs to the coaching staff. Their presence along with the presence of club ambassadors Bryan Robson, Dennis Irwin, Andrew Cole and Dwight Yorke gives this trip a very special feel.

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If you're in a position to do so, I urge you to get along to one of their public appearances, open training sessions or events organised by Manchester United supporters' chief in NSW Mark O'Connor and the club. And if you're lucky enough to score a ticket to the game, you're in for one of the great experiences.

I am a big fan of the All-Stars concept and believe it will be around for a long time. Obviously Manchester United's main focus will be on building match fitness, developing cohesion and avoiding injuries in this pre-season friendly. But whenever the likes of van Persie and Rooney are on the field, you're guaranteed a spectacle.

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LIVE: First Ashes Test, day three

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England captain Alastair Cook plays a shot while Brad Haddin and Michael Clarke look on. Source: Andrew Yates / AFP

FOLLOW all the action from day three of the first Ashes Test from Trent Bridge with our live blog.

Day two will live long in the memory as the day Australia fell in love with Ashton Agar - but what will day three be remembered for?

Get all the reaction from the ground and around the world via social media in our blog, and don't forget to get the latest scores, videos and pitch maps in our Match Centre.

JOIN US FOR LIVE COVERAGE OF EVERY MOMENT OF THE ASHES SERIES FROM THE FIRST BALL, INCLUDING A LIVE MATCH CENTRE WITH SCORES, STATS, HAWKEYE DISPLAY OF EVERY DELIVERY AND VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS THROUGHOUT EACH SESSION

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No Jesus to save 'Roos in Korea

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Josh Kennedy's J-League club is set to block him from appearing in South Korea. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

SOCCEROOS striker Josh Kennedy's J-League side Nagoya Grampus is destined to block him from representing Australia at the East Asian Cup this month.

Kennedy - last month's 2014 FIFA World Cup hero when he scored the decisive goal to land Australia a ticket to Brazil next - is set to remain in Nagoya while Socceroos boss Holger Osieck leads an inexperienced side in South Korea.

Nagoya Grampus officials declined to comment about Kennedy and his predicament with the Socceroos until Osieck names his East Asian Cup squad.

The German is set to make the announcement on Friday. 

"With regards to Josh Kennedy, we cannot comment before the announcement for the members of Australian national team," an official from Nagoya said.

Kennedy missing the international tournament will be a huge blow for the Socceroos, considering Australian physio Les Gelis had worked extremely hard to get the striker fit in Japan in preparation for the ultimate FIFA World Cup qualifier last month in Sydney.

But with Nagoya currently facing the prospect of relegation under revered boss Dragan Stojkovic, it seems the club wants to keep their gun 30-year-old striker in Japan while other J-Leaguers will be allowed to represent Samurai Blue and South Korea at the East Asian Cup.

Nagoya is only due to play a friendly against English giants Arsenal in the week the Socceroos face China, Japan and Korea Republic during the East Asian Cup, while the J-League competition takes a short mid-summer break.

And the Socceroos cannot lodge a FIFA protest if Nagoya does keep Kennedy, given the East Asian Cup is scheduled outside the international match calendar windows.

Kennedy, who has been a regular for Nagoya of late after a back injury laid the marksman low over the past 12 months, has scored three times in nine appearances for his club this year.

With Kennedy expected to miss the tournament, Adelaide United's Dario Vidosic , skipper Eugene Galekovic and Adelaide-born Newcastle Jets player Craig Goodwin are all expected to win Socceroos berths.

Japan is destined to take a young J-League-based squad to the East Asian Cup tournament with their European-based contingent tipped to be rested by boss Alberto Zaccheroni.

The Italian has named a squad of 40 J-League-based players for the East Asian Cup and is tipped to name his squad early next week.

The star of the Japanese domestic-based squad may well be Cerezo Osaka's Yoichiro Kakitani.

The 23-year-old gun midfielder has scored nine goals in 14 appearances for his club.

South Korea on Thursday named a strong 23-man squad with seven J-League players named.

Socceroos East Asian Cup schedule
South Korea v Australia – July 20
Japan v Australia- July 25
Australia v China – July 28

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Giants to jettison top pick for Buddy?

In demand ... could the Giants jettison pick No.1 for Lance Franklin? Source: JOE CASTRO / AAP

Greater Western Sydney's list manager Stephen Silvagni says the Giants are considering offering the AFL's top draft pick in a bid to recruit Hawthorn's Lance Franklin.

"It might be free agency if he does decide to become that free agent or it might be a trade situation,'' Silvagni told reporters on Thursday.

"We just don't know. I guess it's still too early in the season to give you the right answer.

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	14	12	0	2	140.96	48
2	Geelong	14	12	0	2	127.96	48
3	Essendon	14	11	0	3	129.86	44
4	Sydney	14	10	1	3	131.58	42
5	Fremantle	14	10	1	3	125.89	42
6	Richmond	14	9	0	5	116.55	36
7	Collingwood	14	9	0	5	107.84	36
8	Port Adelaide	14	8	0	6	113.73	32
9	West Coast	14	7	0	7	109.95	28
10	North Melbourne	14	6	0	8	118.60	24
11	Carlton	14	6	0	8	109.19	24
12	Adelaide	14	6	0	8	104.89	24
13	Gold Coast	14	5	0	9	89.26	20
14	Brisbane	14	5	0	9	78.08	20
15	Bulldogs	14	4	0	10	76.90	16
16	St Kilda	14	3	0	11	84.44	12
17	Melbourne	14	2	0	12	55.27	8
18	Greater Western Sydney	14	0	0	14	52.21	0

"Anything is possible.''

Silvagni says the Giants are talking to the management of several players, including four-time All-Australian Franklin.

"There are a number of players that are out of contract, who are going to be free agents,'' Silvagni said.

"He (Franklin) hasn't made a decision. He doesn't want to talk to us in terms of making the decision, so that's where that sort of sits.

"We'll be fairly active in terms of trying to get those players that are going to make us a strong team.''

The Giants had two victories in 2012 on debut and they're win-less after 15 rounds this season, losing by four points last week to Western Bulldogs.

Media reports have speculated this week that Adelaide's 85kg midfielder Rory Sloane, 23, is the type of player the Giants will be seeking if the No.1 draft pick is up for grabs.

Victorian teenager and power forward Tom Boyd is regarded as the likely No.1 pick.

"There's areas in our side that we need to get stronger bodies,'' Silvagni said of the young Giants' side.

"If you do your homework generally it takes a player four to five years to become a bona-fide senior players in terms of body size.

"A lot of our boys are only in their second year of footy, so we understand we have got to get some strength right across, whether that's midfield, up forward, down back.

"We've got to get some senior bodies through the door.''

Silvagni says giving up the No.1 draft pick is a big decision.

"If that pick is on the table we certainly want something very good for it,'' he said.

"We'll look at every deal if that's the case, but certainly it's going to have to stack up.

"We certainly haven't secured it (top draft pick for finishing last) and we'd like to win games in the latter part of the season,'' Silvagni said.

"But there have been a couple of clubs ringing up saying `we'd like to have a chat'.

"But it's a bit early at the minute to have a really serious chat.''

Gold Coast's list manager Scott Clayton said the Giants should retain the No.1 pick.

"If I were you guys I'd be very very careful about trading a first-round draft pick,'' Clayton said.

"I can't think of one example where someone has traded a really early pick and has actually won.''

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European Transfer Centre

Who's going where ... your one-stop-shop has it covered. Source: FOX SPORTS

It's that time of year where agents and clubs work overtime wheeling and dealing as teams are re-built ahead of the 2013-2014 campaign.

Return to foxsports.com.au for the best wrap of all your news during the frenetic period, which will go up another notch once the transfer window officially opens on July 1.

Our ever-popular Rumour Mill will bring you the best gossip and speculation doing the rounds, while our Transfer Centre will chronicle the major signings throughout the silly-season as they happen.

The deals below were announced on the dates listed, and will come into play from July 1. 

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July 11: Gerard Deulofeu to Everton (on loan from Barcelona)

July 10: Mark Schwarzer to Chelsea, (from free agency, goalkeeper), Jozy Altidore to Sunderland, (from AZ Alkmaar, undisclosed, striker), Antolin Alcaraz to Everton, (from free agency, defender).

July 8: David Villa to Atletico Madrid, (from Barcelona, $7m, striker), Henrikh Mkhitaryan to Borussia Dortmund, (from Shakhtar Donetsk, $35m, midfielder), Eric Abidal to Monaco, (from free agency, defender).

July 7: Marco van Ginkel to Chelsea, (from Vitesse Arnhem, $14.8m)

July 5: Nicolas Anelka to West Bromwich Albion (from free agency), Dwight Gayle to Crystal Palace (from Peterborough, £4.5m, striker), Massimo Ambrosini to Fiorentina (from AC Milan, undiscolsed), Scott Carson to Wigan (from Bursaspor, undisclosed, goalkeeper).

July 4: Isco to Real Madrid (from Malaga, $38.6m, midfielder), James Perch to Wigan (from Newcastle, undisclosed, defender), James Vaughan to Huddersfield Towm (from Norwich City, undisclosed, striker).

July 3: Paulinho to Tottenham (from Corinthians, $28.5m, midfielder), Alejandro Pozuelo to Swansea (from Real Betis, undisclosed), Vito Mannone to Sunderland (from Arsenal, $3.3m, goalkeeper), Jonjo Shelvey to Swansea (from Liverpool, $8.3m, midfielder), Antonio Cassano to Parma (from Inter Milan, undisclosed, striker).
 

July 2: Yaya Sango to Arsenal (from free agency)

June 24: Iago Aspas to Liverpool (from Celta Vigo, $12m, striker)

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June 22: Luis Alberto to Liverpool (from Seville, $11m, striker) 

June 19: Andy Carroll to West Ham (from Liverpool, $28m, striker) 

June 18: Maynor Figueroa to Hull (from Wigan, free, defender)

June 16: Dejan Lovren to Southampton (Lyon, £8.5m, defender)

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May 28: Ricardo Carvalho (Real Madrid, free, defender), Joao Moutinho (Porto, midfielder, $35m) and James Rodriguez (Porto, midfielder, $43m) all to Monaco; Felipe Santana to Schalke (Borussia Dortmund, defender, $1m)

May 22: Razvan Rat to West Ham (Shakhtar Donetsk, free, defender)

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April 23: Mario Gotze to Bayern Munich (Borussia Dortmund, midfielder, $52m)

January 24: Fernando Llorente to Juventus (Athletic Bilbao, striker, free) 

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FREE TRANSFER LIST

ARSENAL

Andrey Arshavin, Samir Bihmoutine, Reice Charles-Cook, Denilson, Craig Eastmond, Sead Hajrovic, Conor Henderson, Jernade Meade, Nigel Oldfield Spence-Neita, Joshua Rees, Philip Roberts, James Shea, Sebastien Squillaci, Sanchez Watt

ASTON VILLA

Calum Barrett, Josh Barton, Courtney Cameron, Daniel Devine, Eric Lichaj, Andy Marshall

CHELSEA

Amin Affane, Yossi Benayoun, Abdul Deen-Conteh, Paulo Ferreira, Hilario, Florent Malouda, Archange Nkumu, Ross Turnbull

EVERTON

Johan Hammar, Thomas Hitzlsperger, Sam Kelly, Jan Mucha, Phil Neville

FULHAM

Chris Baird, Simon Davies, Mahamadou Diarra, Thomas Donegan, Corey Gameiro, Georgios Karagounis, James Musa, Richard Peniket, Mladen Petric, Mark Schwarzer, Alex Smith, Csaba Somogyi

LIVERPOOL

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Tyrell Belford, Jamie Carragher, James Stephens, Danny Wilson

MANCHESTER CITY

Wayne Bridge, Filippo Mancini, Ryan McGivern, Roque Santa Cruz, Kolo Toure

MANCHESTER UNITED

Reece Brown, John Cofie, Michele Fornasier, Luke Giverin, Luke Hendrie, Luke McCullough, Paul Scholes, Gyliano Van Velzen, Frederic Veseli

Fresh start ... Tevez. Source: AP

NEWCASTLE UNITED

Steve Harper, Yven Moyo, Danny Simpson

 

NORWICH CITY

Tom Adeyemi, Lee Camp, Olumide Durojaiye, George Francomb, Simeon Jackson, Chris Martin, Ramil Sheriff, Korey Smith, Marc Tierney, Elliott Ward

QPR

Tan Ben Haim, DJ Campbell, Radek Cerny, Frederick Champion, Adam Francis, Try Hewitt, Rob Hulse, Ryan Nelsen, Taylor Louis Parmenter, Tommaso Trani

READING

Nick Bignall, Simon Church, Ian Harte, Noel Hunt, Charlie Losasso, Angus MacDonald, Alex Pearce, Nicky Shorey, Jay Tabb, Joshua Webb, Brett Williams

 

SOUTHAMPTON

Danny Butterfield, Ryan Dickson, Tommy Forecast, Sam Hoskins, Ben Reeves, Frazer Richardson, Daniel Seaborne, Alberto Seidi

STOKE CITY

Michael Clarkson, Rory Delap, Matthew Gledhill, Jadan Hall, Matthew Lund, Andrew Musungu, Carlo Nash, Michael Owen, Jermaine Pennant, George Rigg, Mamady Sidibe, Matthew Upson, Dean Whitehead

SUNDERLAND

Titus Bramble, Anthony Callaghan, Wade Joyce, Matthew Kilgallon, Ryan Noble, Adam Reed, Ben Wilson

SWANSEA CITY

Mark Gower

TOTTENHAM

 

Jack Barthram, David Bentley, John Bostock, William Gallas, Jack Munns, Jake Nicholson

WEST BROM

Marc-Antoine Fortune, Zoltan Gera, Gonzalo Jara Reyes, Romaine Sawyers, Jerome Thomas

WEST HAM

Carlton Cole, Jake Larkins, Gary O'Neil, Jack Powell, Jami Rafati, Eoin Wearen

WIGAN ATHLETIC

Peter Aylmer, Albert Crusat, Franco Di Santo, David Jones, Piscu, Jonathan Lynch, Callum Morris, Filip Orsula, Ronnie Stam, Joshua Sumner, Ryan Watson

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Video: F1 pit stop in slow motion

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Red Bull shows us how you're supposed to do a Formula 1 pit stop. Source: Mark Thompson / Getty Images

AFTER leaving Mark Webber piloting a tricycle at the Nurburgring, Red Bull Racing show us they really do know how to change tyres on a Formula 1 car.

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And fast.

The team got out the slow motion cameras this week to record one of their regular pit stop practices at their British base.

The co-ordination between the mechanics makes the chaotic activity look perfectly choreographed.

In fact, so smooth and so perfect are their movements, it's hard to see how they could manage to mistakenly send their Australian driver into battle one wheel short.

Twice.

But then comes the end of the clip - the pit stop shown at real speed. The team carries out a complete four-tyre change in just 2.05 seconds.

Quite literally, blink and you'll miss it.

Yes, they sometimes make mistakes. But with just two errors out of 52 stops during races so far this season and the fastest crew at six out of nine Grand Prix, Red Bull's pit lane warriors far more often than not make magic.

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Matai to seek Allgood revenge

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Steve Matai ... has planned a revenge attack on Mitchell Allgood. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

MANLY five-eighth Kieran Foran has ignited his club's upcoming game with Parramatta by declaring Sea Eagles centre Steve Matai will be seeking ''revenge'' on Eels prop Mitchell Allgood.

Allgood today pleaded guilty and will serve a two-match suspension for belting Matai in the head during Monday night's match at Brookvale Oval.

Manly and Parramatta - fierce Sydney rivals for 66 years - clash again in four weeks' time, with Foran saying Matai will be ''looking for'' Allgood.

Asked if the aggressive Matai would stay calm for the round 21 return-match at Parramatta Stadium, Foran said: ''No, he will go looking for him.

''I can assure he (Matai) will be looking for revenge.

''He will do it in a smart way.''

Asked what that meant, Foran said: ''You'll have to wait and see.

''I'm sure you will find him in the middle at some stage of the game.

''I didn't see him (Matai) doing anything wrong. Mitchy Allgood's done a swinging arm in the tackle and, as we do, we stick up for one-another.

''He has walked toward him (Allgood) and said: 'What did you do that for?' and copped one for his trouble.

''It is a difficult situation and the NRL has dealt with it.''

Asked if he would like to be Allgood in four weeks' time, Foran said: ''No, I wouldn't, I wouldn't.''

Matai went into a rage after the drama and had to be restrained by team-mates and training staff.

Told Matai didn't look too happy, Manly interchange player Jamie Buhrer said: ''Would you be happy?

''In a team atmosphere you have to have your team-mate's back.

''I believe he did the right thing coming in and trying to protect a team-mate and what unfolded was a bit unnecessary.

''I know he will (have settled for round 21). We play professional sport, not a local league, bunch of thugs.

''He will have his mind on the job next time we play them.''

Manly winger Jorge Taufua, who plays left-side next to Matai, also spoke of the incident.

''Stevie was raging,'' Taufua said.

''I ran straight in but someone from the other side held me back.

''I just wanted to make sure Stevie was alright. It was hard to calm him down.''

Manly coach Geoff Toovey described the Allgood punch as ''foul play''.

''It was a bit of a nasty punch Steve got,'' Toovey said.

''Obviously it upset him greatly and so it should have.

''It was a bit of foul play, it happens in the game and it's been dealt with so let's move on.

''Steve calmed down and got on with playing the game.''

Asked if he would tell Matai to stay calm against Parramatta in round 21, Toovey said: ''No, he knows the rules and knows the limitations in the game.

''I'm sure certain people will beat it up but we just want to win games rather than getting revenge or justice.

''Steve will be excited to play them and he will play within the rules.''

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Agar to make shock Test debut

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Ashton Agar of Australia receives his Baggy Green cap on his Test debut from Glenn McGrath. Source:Getty Images

ASHTON Agar will make a shock Test debut in Australia's Ashes opener at Trent Bridge.

The teenage spinner will get a chance to bowl on day one after England captain Alastair Cook won the toss and elected to bat.

Agar's selection will stun the cricketing world given his modest first class record of 31 wickets at 29.38 from just ten matches for Western Australia.

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Agar was not originally named in Australia's Ashes touring party but was added as a development player. The left-arm finger spinner played in Australia's tour match against Worcester, claiming figures of 2-79 and 1-86.

The selection of Agar could prove important against England's ace Kevin Pietersen, who has been exposed by left-arm spin in the past.

Agar will play in place of Australia's more seasoned spinner Nathan Lyon.

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Follow every ball of the first Test with our Ashes Match Centre, featuring video of every wicket!

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In other team news, Steve Smith has beaten Dave Warner for Australia's No. 6 batting post.

Smith's innings of 68* and 43 in the tour game against Worcester have won over the selectors, who were mulling over whether to reinstate Warner directly after his suspension.

Smith will join a batting order that includes Shane Watson and Chris Rogers as openers.

Michael Clarke will elevate himself to No. 4 in the order with Phil Hughes edging Usman Khawaja for the No. 5 position.

Ed Cowan has been selected at No. 3 position given the nature of the Trent Bridge pitch and the fact he has been playing with Nottinghamshire for most of the county season.

Cowan has scored 619 first class runs at 41.26 in England this season.

Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon will lead the bowling attack.

Australia's XI: Shane Watson, Chris Rogers, Ed Cowan, Michael Clarke ©, Phil Hughes, Steve Smith, Brad Haddin, Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Ashton Agar

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Not the end for Origin pair

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Justin Hodges and Brent Tate don't intend to hang up their Origin boots just yet. Picture: Darren England Source:The Courier-Mail

REPORTS of Justin Hodges and Brent Tate's State of Origin demise have been greatly exaggerated, according to the Queensland veterans.

Even if Hodges admits he might have sparked them - much to Tate's frustration.

Queensland coach Mal Meninga said on Tuesday providing a fitting Origin farewell for the pair would be a factor ahead of the series decider against NSW in Sydney next week.

"It will be in the back of their minds that it could be their last, so that's a motivating force," said Meninga who named an unchanged Queensland 17 for Origin III.

But it was news to them.

"No, it's not going to be the last. Everyone keeps saying that," said 17-game Queensland veteran Hodges.

Yet a sheepish Hodges conceded he might have set the ball rolling.

The classy centre told reporters last month that Origin retirement had crossed his mind since turning 31.

The Maroons strike weapon then told the media his priority must soon be repaying faith shown by NRL club Brisbane who had stood by him during a long list of injuries.

But at Tuesday's Queensland team announcement in Rockhampton, Hodges said: "I was just asked the question if I had thought about it (retiring) and said I had now that I was in my 30s.

"But as long as I am playing good footy, there is no reason I can't keep going."

Tate, a veteran of 20 Origins, had no inkling of when he would retire but had a clear idea of who started the rumours - Hodges.

"It all pretty much started from Hodgo really when he mentioned both of us (were thinking about it)," said Tate, one of only five surviving members of the 2006 Maroons side that sparked Queensland's seven straight series wins.

"I know it's coming to an end soon. It's a decision I have to make.

"But there's still a lot to look forward to next year with two games in Queensland. So there's all these things to think about.

"More than anything, I will be listening to what my body is telling me.

"(But) it's not a decision I will be coming to any time soon."

Still, Meninga is already planning for life after his veteran pair, ushering in Melbourne flyer Will Chambers as Queensland's 19th man on Tuesday.

"We picked the side on the mini-transition process we are going through," he said.

"We want to make sure that if and when they make that decision that we have got people familiar with our system and, when they come in, they are not overawed and contribute.

"But at the end of the day, it's their (Tate, Hodges) decision - not mine."
 

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'Weird weekend at Nürburgring'

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Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Scuderia Toro Rosso drives during the German Grand Prix. Source: Mark Thompson / Getty Images

THAT was another weird weekend.

Driver		Team	Pts
1	Sebastian Vettel (GER)	Red Bull	157
2	Fernando Alonso (ESP)	Ferrari	123
3	Kimi Raikkonen (FIN)	Lotus	116
4	Lewis Hamilton (GBR)	Mercedes	99
5	Mark Webber (AUS)	Red Bull	93
6	Nico Rosberg (GER)	Mercedes	84
7	Felipe Massa (BRA)	Ferrari	57
8	Romain Grosjean (FRA)	Lotus	41
9	Paul di Resta (GBR)	Force India	36
10	Jenson Button (GBR)	McLaren	33
11	Adrian Sutil (GER)	Force India	23
12	Sergio Perez (MEX)	McLaren	16
13	Jean Eric Vergne (FRA)	Toro Rosso	13
14	Daniel Ricciardo (AUS)	Toro Rosso	11
15	Nico Hulkenburg (GER)	Sauber	7
16	Pastor Maldonado (VEN)	Williams	0
17	Valtteri Bottas (FIN)	Williams	0
18	Esteban Gutierrez (MEX)	Sauber	0
19	Jules Bianchi (FRA)	Marussia F1	0
20	Charles Pic (FRA)	Carterham	0
21	Max Chilton (GBR)	Marussia F1	0
22	Giedo van der Garde (NED)	Carterham	0

I don't think we were ever really on the pace from Friday through to Sunday and yet during qualifying everything seemed to come together – but that didn't reappear on Sunday and we went backwards. After a good, strong race seven days earlier at Silverstone, it's both puzzling and frustrating.

Performance has been up and down this year. I don't think I'm doing anything differently one week to the next. Certainly I'm not changing my approach and given that it's only a week since we were competitive at Silverstone, I don't think I've forgotten how to drive.

We have a car that can be quick – but the performance seems to be on a knife-edge. Unfortunately, when it isn't working, it's really noticeable. Our job for the rest of the season is to learn how to keep it in that sweet spot more of the time.

The highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly the lap in Q2. As I say, we hadn't been on the pace particularly Saturday morning or Friday, so it was really satisfying when suddenly we were able to pull that one out. I was really, really happy because we didn't leave anything on the table.

The start wasn't bad. Felipe Massa had a blinder and got me on the outside but I managed to have a good battle with Alonso and hold him off. Then Massa had his spin, we were back in sixth and things were looking alright.

But that's as good as it got. We pitted to get rid of the soft tyre soon afterwards and, like most of the front-runners, were going to run the medium for the rest of the race. And on that tyre the car just didn't have any life at all. We were slow for the rest of the race. We pitted for the second time just before the Safety Car appeared. That may have cost us some time but in the big picture I don't think it altered things too much.

The challenge now is to understand what happened, and from that figure out ways to make sure it doesn't happen in the future. We have a couple of weeks before the next race. It gives me a chance to go to Italy and see the team in Faenza, and also go to the wind tunnel in Bicester. It's a good opportunity to learn.

After there, there's the Young Drivers' Test at Silverstone. Apparently we're all young again and can take part – just when I thought I'd grown enough facial hair to be classed as a veteran. Actually it's good. The more driving we can do, the better. It's exciting to have a few more laps. Around that it'll be lots and lots of training in sunny England.

I'm going back to Milton Keynes via Austria as we're filming at the Red Bull Ring. With Silverstone and the Nürburgring it's been a busy few days for driving classic circuits. I even got a chance on Wednesday to get in a lap on the Nordschleife with my physio. We only had a little hatchback rental car, the track was pretty greasy and Stu was behind the wheel. Scared the pants off me.

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Westhoff appeals fails

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Port's Justin Westhoff must serve his one-match ban for striking Bomber Cale Hooker. Source: Colleen Petch / Herald Sun

HAWTHORN won't have to contend with Port Adelaide key forward Justin Westhoff at AAMI Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Westhoff failed on Tuesday night in an AFL Tribunal challenge to overturn a one-match suspension for a striking charge.

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	14	12	0	2	140.96	48
2	Geelong	14	12	0	2	127.96	48
3	Essendon	14	11	0	3	129.86	44
4	Sydney	14	10	1	3	131.58	42
5	Fremantle	14	10	1	3	125.89	42
6	Richmond	14	9	0	5	116.55	36
7	Collingwood	14	9	0	5	107.84	36
8	Port Adelaide	14	8	0	6	113.73	32
9	West Coast	14	7	0	7	109.95	28
10	North Melbourne	14	6	0	8	118.60	24
11	Carlton	14	6	0	8	109.19	24
12	Adelaide	14	6	0	8	104.89	24
13	Gold Coast	14	5	0	9	89.26	20
14	Brisbane	14	5	0	9	78.08	20
15	Bulldogs	14	4	0	10	76.90	16
16	St Kilda	14	3	0	11	84.44	12
17	Melbourne	14	2	0	12	55.27	8
18	Greater Western Sydney	14	0	0	14	52.21	0

The Power forward admitted striking Essendon's Cale Hooker, but argued it was reckless rather than intentional.

Had Westhoff convinced the jury to downgrade the charge to the lesser conduct category, he would have escaped with a reprimand and been available for the important home game against the ladder leaders.

Westhoff told the jury of ex-players, Emmett Dunne, Wayne Schimmelbusch and Wayne Henwood, that he accidentally struck Hooker to the chin as he attempted to ward him off in a clash after the three-quarter time siren at Etihad Stadium last Sunday.

He said Hooker had "made a beeline towards myself'' in what had been a hotly contested close game.

"My reaction was to use the forearm across the chest. I didn't want to back down and show any weakness towards him. That's why I reacted,'' Westhoff said.

"I believe I hit the shoulder first. It was never my intention to hit him above the shoulder. I'm not the type of player to go down that line. I pay my opponent respect.''

In cross-examination, Westhoff said: "Obviously, the forearm slipped up .... obviously got him high.''

Field umpire Chris Kamolins, called as a witness by the AFL legal counsel, told the hearing he was only 2-3m away when he saw Westhoff raise the right elbow to the approaching Hooker. "From where I was standing, I believe contact was to the chin with the elbow.''

Umpire Kamolins informed the players of the report before the start of the last quarter. He said Hooker's response was "there was nothing in it.''

Westhoff, who had a six-years good record, was only risking extra carryover demerit points by fighting the charge and he now has 68.75 for the next 12 months.

West Coast's Patrick McGinnity accepted a three-match suspension for rough conduct, Adelaide's Shaun McKernan will miss two games for a striking offence and GWS Giants Taylor Adams is out for one match, also from a striking charge.

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Knights upset Barba homecoming

Chris Houston of the Knights celebrates scoring a try. Source: Matt Roberts / Getty Images

NEWCASTLE have moved into the NRL top eight with a gutsy 18-12 victory over Canterbury in Mackay on Sunday.

3 Tries 4
Josh Reynolds 10'	Chris Houston 5'
Krisnan Inu 37'	James McManus 26'
Josh Morris 44'	Danny Buderus 60'
	Chris Houston 69'
0 Conversions 1
	Tyrone Roberts 62'

The Bulldogs took an early second-half lead in Ben Barba's north Queensland home town when Josh Morris scored after a strong run.

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But tries to veteran hooker Danny Buderus in the 59th minute and Chris Houston 10 minutes later sealed the Knights' second win in a row and lifted Wayne Bennett's men over the Bulldogs on the ladder.

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The teams were locked 8-all after a half where the Knights dominated territory but couldn't pull clear of the Bulldogs.

Houston and in-form winger James McManus scored the first-half tries for Newcastle while Josh Reynolds and Krisnan Inu crossed for Canterbury.

Home town favourite Barba, who went close to a try twice in the Dogs' opening set, had the fans on their feet when he stepped his way clear late in the half.

But a brilliant effort by Knights halfback Tyrone Roberts denied the Bulldogs fullback on the goal-line. 

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Tander scores rare win in Top End

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Garth Tander ... breaks two-year V8 Supercars win drought in Townsville. Source: Mark Horsburgh / News Limited

ALMOST two years of frustration are finally over for ex-V8 Supercars champion Garth Tander after he savoured victory in Sunday's 200km race in Townsville.

However, series leader Jamie Whincup was left with a bitter taste in his mouth after again bombing out in north Queensland in a big blow to his title defence.

Tander stood on top of the podium for the first time since the 2011 Bathurst 1000 - a 21-month wait - after finishing just ahead of Holden teammate James Courtney with Shane van Gisbergen third.

"I have been reminded about my last win. It's nice to quieten that down but I knew it was a matter of when,'' an ecstatic Tander said on Sunday.

"But this has been an amazing team effort.

"To have had to have flown parts up on Friday night, everyone was involved in this one.''

On Saturday, long suffering Ford fans were celebrating after Will Davison marked only their third win of the season and completed a quinella with factory-backed teammate Mark Winterbottom in the opening 200km race.

However, the Blue Oval fans were seeing red barely 24 hours later when Tander ensured the factory-backed Holden Racing Team ended a 58-race drought.

Remarkably, it also marked HRT's first quinella since Sandown 2009.

However, Whincup had another frustrating day on the tough street circuit, finishing 11th after qualifying 15th fastest.

It followed his seventh placing on Saturday after he started 16th on the grid - marking the first time he began a race outside the top 10 this season.

After arriving in Townsville leading teammate Craig Lowndes by 159 points, Whincup had it whittled down to 111 by Sunday.

The weekend did not start well for Tander who had to have parts flown in on Saturday after experiencing broken shock absorbers in practice.

But Tander reversed his fortunes on Sunday after starting fourth on the grid.

As he reeled in pole sitter Winterbottom on lap 19, Tander made heavy contact with the wall but somehow emerged unscathed.

"It was pretty second hand after that. It had a huge vibration but thankfully I brought it home,'' said Tander who won with a clever tyre and fuel strategy.

Tander also hoped his win provided a State of Origin tip ahead of the interstate rugby league series decider in Sydney on July 17.

Tander's Holden had donned Queensland's Maroon colours for the Townsville round while Sydneysider Courtney was decked out in blue.

"I am willing to take one for the boys if that means we win game three,'' Courtney smiled.

Van Gisbergen was also impressive, tearing through the field to make the podium after switching to softs despite being relegated to the back of the field when he spun out on the opening lap.

Winterbottom started on pole but Tander got the tyre and fuel strategy just right to win an absorbing battle and finally re-enter the winners' circle.

It was his 51st career win.

Half the field switched to the faster soft tyres after nine laps when Lee Holdsworth's Mercedes was left idle on the track following oil pressure problems and the safety car emerged.

Winterbottom lost the lead by the 22nd lap when he was swamped by the soft tyre brigade led by Tander.

What followed next was an intriguing battle as teams juggled soft and hard tyres and fuel stop strategies.

The next round will be held in Ipswich from July 26-28.

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Ballantyne stars as Freo sink Saints

Hayden Ballantyne ... kicked four goals in Frematle's gritty win over St Kilda. Source: Daniel Wilkins / News Limited

Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich struck a crucial double blow and Hayden Ballantyne booted five goals to help lift the Dockers to a 30-point AFL victory over St Kilda at Patersons Stadium on Sunday.

The Saints threatened to pull off an unlikely victory after Tom Lee's goal at the 12-minute mark of the third term gave them a five-point lead.

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	14	12	0	2	140.96	48
2	Geelong	14	12	0	2	127.96	48
3	Essendon	14	11	0	3	129.86	44
4	Sydney	14	10	1	3	131.58	42
5	Fremantle	14	10	1	3	125.89	42
6	Richmond	14	9	0	5	116.55	36
7	Collingwood	14	9	0	5	107.84	36
8	Port Adelaide	14	8	0	6	113.73	32
9	West Coast	14	7	0	7	109.95	28
10	North Melbourne	14	6	0	8	118.60	24
11	Carlton	14	6	0	8	109.19	24
12	Adelaide	14	6	0	8	104.89	24
13	Gold Coast	14	5	0	9	89.26	20
14	Brisbane	14	5	0	9	78.08	20
15	Bulldogs	14	4	0	10	76.90	16
16	St Kilda	14	3	0	11	84.44	12
17	Melbourne	14	2	0	12	55.27	8
18	Greater Western Sydney	14	0	0	14	52.21	0

But two long range goals from Pavlich within the space of a minute swung momentum Fremantle's way, with the Dockers holding off a mini fightback from the Saints early in the final term to post the 15.10 (100) to 11.4 (70) victory.

Pavlich, playing his first game since round three, finished with two goals from 21 possessions.

"I was blowing early. Obviously it's to be expected. There's bits and pieces to work on,'' Pavlich said.

But returning ruckman Aaron Sandilands had little impact, with the 211cm giant tallying just six disposals and 11 hit-outs before being subbed out in the third term.

Ballantyne was crucial with four first-half goals, and the Dockers goalsneak also set up several others in a best-afield display.

Jack Steven, Leigh Montagna and Lenny Hayes were terrific for the Saints, while recalled forward Lee booted three goals in the absence of injured skipper Nick Riewoldt.

Riewoldt, who was rested against the Dockers due to soreness in his knee, said he was ``locked in'' to take on Carlton next Saturday night.

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Re-live the action in Match Centre, featuring detailed match stats.

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Fellow Saints forward Stephen Milne, who is facing four charges of rape, and Justin Koschitzke could also return against the Blues.

Fremantle's win kept them within percentage of fourth spot ahead of Sunday's western derby against West Coast.

St Kilda's ferocious tackling and hard running put Fremantle on the back foot in the opening half, with the visitors taking a surprise seven-point lead into the long break.

The Saints' midfield pressure was particularly impressive, and their lead would have been bigger had veteran forwards Riewoldt, Milne and Koschitzke been available for selection.

Fremantle's players appeared stunned by St Kilda's ferocity, but four first-half goals from Ballantyne ensured the damage wasn't too deep.

The Dockers dominated the third quarter, with Pavlich's quick-fire double blow proving to be a telling moment in the match.

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