No tap on shoulder for Prince

Scott Prince in action for the Broncos. Picture: Darren England. Source: Darren England / The Courier-Mail

A MONTH ago Scott Prince was seemingly a dead-man walking.

But the veteran playmaker's career is now alive and kicking with Broncos coach Anthony Griffin revealing Prince remains a contender for the Brisbane No.6 jumper next season. 

Ahead of Brisbane's must-win clash against Penrith tonight at Centrebet Stadium, Griffin said Prince's form over the past four weeks had earned him the right to be considered for NRL selection in 2014. 

Prince's days at Red Hill appeared numbered last month when the former Queensland Origin halfback learned he would not be an integral part of Brisbane's plans for next season. 

And when reports surfaced of the likely arrival of attacking wizards Ben Barba and Anthony Milford, Prince had every reason to believe he was surplus to requirements at the Broncos. 

But after watching Prince play key roles in recent defeats of the Cowboys, Dragons and Parramatta to keep Brisbane's finals hopes alive, Griffin has left the door of opportunity ajar. 

Asked if Prince could retain the No.6 jumper in 2014, Griffin said: "He could, yeah. It is a good motivator if they get told that. You guys are writing the stuff that you hear. 

"Scott Prince is playing some good football, he is closer to the end of his career than he is at the start. But it is a credit to him the past month how he has been able to lift. 

"That's all we need him to keep doing against Penrith."

Prince, who turns 34 in February, is contracted until the end of next season. The former Test playmaker was expected to spend the 2014 campaign languishing in the Intrust Super Cup, but Griffin says Prince may yet depart on his terms. 

"He is coming towards the end of his career," Griffin said.

"When that is will be up to him, but he is doing a good job at the moment and we need him to be doing a good job against Penrith.

"Over a long period he has been able to excel at this level. 

"The challenge for Scott is to keep getting the tough areas of the game done. His defensive game, plus making sure his kicking game is where it needs to be to finish our sets off. 

"If he does that, that makes him confident for the rest of his game to come off. 

"But we expect that from him, that's why we bought him. In important games we need him to be at his best and he is doing a good job for us."

The 10th-placed Broncos have moved to within one point of the top eight, but their belated finals charge could be terminated if they are beaten by the Panthers, who are one point behind in 12th spot. 

"We have been make-or-break for a while now," Griffin said.

"The important thing for us is to get one job done at a time. 

"We went away to the Cowboys and Newcastle and performed well there and we need to do the same this week.

"Penrith have an awful amount of strike-power, so we have to be resilient with our defensive attitude. We don't underestimate anyone."

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Rebel refs may boycott A-League

Some of the A-League's FIFA refs may boycott the competition. Source: Nathan Richter / News Limited

FOOTBALL Federation Australia officials will continue planning for the A-League season despite rebel out-of-contract FIFA-badged referees threatening to boycott the competition.

With the A-League kick off just 51 days away, Canberra's AIS complex will see a definitive story unfolding on Friday.

Only contracted FFA's FIFA-badged officials are expected turn up for a three-day match officials' assessment.

A FIFA referees assessor will attend to ensure Australia's FFA match officials meet the required criteria.

Most of Australia's 14 FIFA-badged match officials have signed new FFA contracts with 20 per cent pay increases but it's understood a few of the referees' 'leadership' group have not signed and remain uncontracted.

It's understood members of the FIFA-badged referees leadership group had met FFA's director of referees Ben Wilson to discuss concerns over a pay dispute last month.

But the match officials head group had reportedly approached Wilson after FFA had already set it budgets for the 2013/14 A-League season.

Uncontracted officials may now risk tainting their hard earned FIFA badges if they don't turn up for the A-League's official preseason assessment.

And there is a possibility out-of-contract FIFA-badged officials may lose officiating rights to any A-League clashes, FIFA World Cup matches, AFC Champions League and other tournaments sanctioned by FIFA.

In the new A-League match officials contract referees will receive a $5000 retainer, earn $1400 per match, receive $350 a day in travel allowances and have all of their travel and accommodation paid by FFA.

Assistant referees will receive a $2500 retainer, earn $700 per match and $350 a day in travel expenses on top of FFA paying for travel and accommodation.

FFA last week held talks with lawyer, former chief of the Rugby Union Players Association, Tony Dempsey who represented disgruntled A-League match officials.

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Live: fifth Ashes Test, day two

Steve Smith started day two on 66 not out. Source: Getty Images

AFTER Shane Watson dominated the headlines on day one, Australia will be hoping one of their lesser lights can stand up and be counted on day two of the fifth Ashes Test at the Oval.

A big total could put Australia in an almost-unbeatable position, but a few quick wickets for England could turn the match in their favour.

Stick with us throughout the evening as we bring you all the best updates, reaction and analysis from the ground and around the world via social media in our live blog.

Join the conversation by leaving a comment in the blog below, or let us know what you think by getting in touch on Twitter, @FoxCricketLive.

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Bombers, Hird blast AFL 'ambush'

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ESSENDON has declared war on the AFL, with coach James Hird saying he had been ambushed by the league with its release of charges against the club.

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Responding to the AFL's release of charges details Bombers chairman Paul Little and Hird accussed the league of deliberately smearing Hird's reputation.

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Little labelled the AFL's handling of the case "reprehensible" while asserting the league was determined to punish the club as "drug cheats".

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The revealations include:

ESSENDON players were to receive 1500 injections of AOD-9604 and Thymosin and more than 16,500 doses of Colostrum and 8000 doses of Tribulus.

THE program was to push the legal limits.

THE program involved the use of allegedly "beneficial'' and "exotic'' compounds.

THE program's fitness strategy and use of supplements varied sharply to previous practices at Essendon.

IT involved injecting players with abnormal frequency.

THAT club figures were aware that the implementation of the program was determined without meaningful input from appropriately qualified people.

Which type of Thymosin – banned Beta 4 or permitted Thymosin Alpha is not specified in the charge sheets.

Sports scientist Stephen Dank has denied giving Essendon players Thymosin but the charge sheets says Thymosin Beta 4 could provide physical benefit for a similar time period as another substance, Hexarelin, which can last "many months or even up to a year or longer, depending on dose and duration of use''.

The AFL's charge sheet includes text messages sent between Dank and former high performance manager Dean Robinson about the use of Thymosin.

WHAT THEY SAID:

Paul Little - Essendon chairman

"The AFL is determined to punish Essendon and the Essendon Football Club and the four individuals involved as though we were drug cheats."

"I cannot and will not accept that, like all football followers and football fans, I cannot accept that point of view and we want this matter resolved as soon as possible.

''That the AFL has known (AOD-9604 was not banned) for six months but let questions hang over the head of the club and most unforgivably our players, is reprehensible.

''We do not consider the statement of charges is justified by the evidence gathered by the investigation. We have always maintained AOD-9604 is not a prohibited substance in 2011-2012 and advice of professional experts has supported this.

''Since receiving these charges I have personally been in constant dialogue with the AFL in which both parties have attempted to have the charges reworked and reach common ground in relation to possible sanctions should the club plead guilty. The AFL was aware of the failings of the original charge sheet. The revised charge sheet has been posted on our website.''

James Hird - Essendon chairman

''The AFL today continued its trial by media of me. We only received notification minutes before the AFL charges were made public."

''Furthermore the letter from Bruce Reid released is a breach of due process. The letter released in isolation is designed to damage my reputation. These charges are denied and will be vigorously contested once the AFL provides due process.

''The announcement by ambush confirms the AFL is running an agenda, which continues to call into question its impartiality.

''The AFL should recuse themselves of any part of this case. And there should be a public hearing conducted transparently by an independent arbiter.''

Andrew Demetriou - AFL CEO

"The AFL highlights that the Statement of Grounds contains the charges only and their correctness or otherwise remains to be determined."

"The Essendon Football Club and other parties will be given every reasonable opportunity to answer these charges.

"There has been no predetermination of this matter by the AFL Commission.

"The AFL Commission has an open mind about whether Essendon has breached the AFL rules and regulations.

"I have decided that for the sake of everyone involved in the game – supporters, players, clubs and other key partners – that there must be transparency and clarity around this issue given the widespread speculation since the charges were announced on August 13."

The details released by Demetriou on Wednesday also revealed Hird had suffered side effects after self-injecting tanning drug Melanotan II.

The exact nature of the side effects were redacted.

The long lost letter written by Bombers club doctor Bruce Reid was also made public for the first time.

"I have some fundamental problems being club doctor at present."

"This particularly applies to the administration of supplements.

"Although we have been giving supplements for approximately three months, despite repeated requests as to exactly what we are giving our players and the literature related to this, have at no time been given that until last Sunday [15 January 2012]. Last week the players were given subcutaneous injections, not by myself, and I had no idea that this was happening and also what drug was involved.

Matt Finnis - AFL Players Association chief

"The notice of charge against the Essendon Football Club and supporting statement of grounds issued by the AFL today is a disturbing read."

"Our association has no tolerance for conduct that compromises the duty of care to our players,'' he said.

"The issues raised by doctor Bruce Reid in January 2012 go to the heart of many of our concerns.

"The injecting of players in the absence of medical supervision. Administering drugs to players without prescription or approval from the club doctor. The use of drugs which are not approved for human use and substances which are specifically designed for treating ailments not related to athletic performance.

"Let alone the evolution of a culture of supplement-taking where (an) experienced club doctor feels he is letting the club down by not automatically approving these things.

"These are all things that I never expected to see in our sport. It is shocking to see that the concerns of health professionals can be ignored in a club that seems intent on pushing the boundaries regardless of their potential impact.''

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Hird had side effects from substance: AFL

THE AFL says Essendon coach James Hird failed to hear the warning bells when a substance supplied to him by the club's former high performance manager Dean Robinson caused significant side effects.

The allegation is contained in a statement of grounds released by the AFL on Wednesday, outlining the basis of charges the league has laid against the Bombers, Hird and three other Bombers officials over the club's 2012 supplements program, which is still under investigation by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.

The charges, of bringing the game into disrepute, were due to be heard by the AFL Commission on August 26, but all parties have sought more time and AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou says a new date is yet to be determined.

The AFL notes the statement of grounds are charges only, with their correctness or otherwise still to be determined.

In them, the league said the Bombers either allowed players to be administered substances that were prohibited by the AFL Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Code, or, alternatively, the club was unable to determine whether players were administered substances prohibited by the two codes.

It also lists a string of failings by the club, including that the Bombers:

* exposed their players to significant health and safety risks.

* disregarded standard practices involving the human resources department when employing high performance manager Robinson and sports scientist Stephen Dank, two key figures in last year's supplements program, both of whom have since left the club.

* failed to devise or implement any adequate system or process to ensure that all substances provided to and used by players were safe and were compliant with the AFL Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Code.

It also details how the AFL believes Hird, his assistant Mark Thompson, football manager Danny Corcoran and doctor Bruce Reid failed in their duties.

It contains in full a letter from Reid to Hird and then-football manager Paul Hamilton in January 2012 expressing Reid's concerns about the supplement program.

In the letter, Reid said he had "fundamental problems being club doctor at present", as players had been receiving injections of AOD-9604 without his knowledge.

He described the use of the drug as "ludicrous", said the fact that it was marketed for body builders should "raise a red flag" and questioned whether Hird or Hamilton would want their children injected with it.

A protocol was subsequently established under which Reid would have to be fully informed and give his approval before supplements were administered to players.

But it is alleged that numerous other substances were subsequently given to players without that protocol being followed, or any form of approval being given by Reid.

Also, Hird is alleged to have received vials of Melanotan II and syringes from Robinson in or about October 2011, with Robinson instructing Hird how to self-administer the substance.

Hird was never warned about potential adverse reactions, but suffered "significant side effects", the AFL says.

During 2012, Hird received "amino acid and multi vitamin" injections from Dank, in Dank's office, which it is alleged was not clean or hygienic enough to make it an appropriate venue.

The AFL alleges Dank did not inquire about Hird's medical history or warn him of potential side effects.

And Dank also failed to make the same inquiries or warnings when he administered Hird tablets likely to have been Ephedrine and Propranolol during 2012.

Despite Dank and Robinson failing to keep records or take appropriate safeguards when supplying him with substances, Hird never questioned whether they were administering Bombers players supplements with the same lack of appropriate protocols, the AFL says.

The AFL also alleges that Hird was interviewed by representatives of ASADA and the AFL's integrity unit in August 2011, after making an inquiry about peptides.

He was told peptides were a serious risk to the AFL's integrity, in the same category as steroids and HGH and told to report to the AFL if he came across any information relating to peptides.

Danny Corcoran, who was then the Bombers' people and development manager and is now football manager, and then-football manager Hamilton were both present at the meeting.

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Live: fifth Ashes Test, day one

James Faulkner will make his Test debut at the Oval. Source: Getty Images

DARREN Lehmann has lit the fire for an explosive fifth and final Ashes Test at the Oval.

The Australia coach's comments about England quick Stuart Broad are sure to have the hosts fired up, giving them added motivation to aim for an historic 4-0 series win.

For Australia, pride is on the line, as well as much-needed momentum heading into the return series in a few months' time.

Read Darren Lehmann's controversial comments about Stuart Broad HERE.

Both sides have picked debutants in their sides for the fifth Test, with James Faulkner to pull on the baggy green and bowlers Simon Kerrigan and Chris Woakes set to play for England.

Join the conversation by leaving a comment in the blog below, or let us know what you think by getting in touch on Twitter, @FoxCricketLive.

If using the comment box in the blog, you can just enter a name where it says 'Display Name', or you can log in using one of your social media accounts. Get involved now!

GET THE ULTIMATE MATCH COMPANION, FEATURING VIDEO OF EVERY WICKET AND BOUNDARY, BALL-BY-BALL COMMENTARY AND HAWKEYE, IN OUR ASHES MATCH CENTRE!

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England targeting record thrashing

Alastair Cook is hoping to land a few more blows on the fragile Aussies. Source: Getty Images

ALASTAIR Cook is determined to compound Australia's misery by creating history with a 4-0 flogging in England for the first time.

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Australia has never lost more than three Tests in a series during 133 years of England tours but is in danger of achieving the unfortunate feat unless its batting improves significantly.

"We've obviously found ourselves in a pretty good situation and we've got an opportunity to do something which an England side has never done before to Australia," Cook said ahead of the fifth and final Test at The Oval.

"That's pretty good motivation in itself.

"It's always nice if you're part of a side that does create history and we've done it in the past.

"There's no guarantees we can do it but it's great to have something there we can attain and we've earned the right to do that.

"It doesn't mean we're just going to turn up and it will happen. We have to play some good cricket here to be able to do that."

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Watch the fifth Ashes Test LIVE and in HIGH DEFINITION from 7.30pm (EST) Wednesday on Fox Sports 2, and get the ultimate match companion with our Ashes Match Centre, featuring ball-by-ball commentary, Hawkeye, and videos of every wicket and boundary.
 

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Despite England's imposing position and a near-faultless record as captain, going undefeated during his first four series in charge, Cook has been forced to wear criticism of his leadership.

Chief amongst those critics has been Shane Warne, who claimed in his UK newspaper column that Cook was too defensive.

This is despite his 60 percent winning record from 15 Tests, the second best of any England captain who has led his side in at least 10 Tests. It makes him equal with Douglas Jardine and bettered only by W.G.Grace.

Cook has no idea what motivated Warne's criticism.

"Clearly he plays a very significant part in Australian cricket, in their dressing room, make no mistake about that," said Cook.

"We know he's working for them so of course when you've the media like he has (as a television commentator and newspaper columnist), of course he's got a place to talk to about it.

"It hasn't been the first time I've been criticised as a player or a captain and it certainly won't be the last. It is what you deal with as an international player.

"I'd much rather be in my position getting criticised for my captaincy and being 3-0. I think I can handle it.

"I don't know what the motivation behind it is. He might genuinely believe that.

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"The beauty of cricket is, as we always know, there is a lot of different ways to skin the cat."

Cook also denied Warne's claim that as captain he relies too heavily on England coach Andy Flower.

Flower and Cook have known each other for a decade, first as players together at Essex, and then as England player and batting coach before now captain and head coach.

"We've been together a long time, we know each other pretty well and we're not scared to test each other or front each other with different ideas."

Cook claimed it was for others to judge his captaincy.

"I can only say the guys have been excellent for me, and long may that continue," he said.

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Clarke's stern warning for batsmen

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MICHAEL Clarke has told his underperforming batsmen not to expect any charity.

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Heading into the last Test at The Oval with Australia still searching for its first victory of the series, the Australia captain made it clear that those who do not perform will be discarded.

"This is not a charity tour," Clarke said. "It's not about giving blokes a go and hoping for the best."

For many the best has not been very good.

Of the eight batsmen used by Australia in this series only two, Clarke and Chris Rogers, have averaged better than 30.

Most embarrassingly, after Clarke (49) and Rogers (43), the next best batting averages are injured fast bowler James Pattinson (36) and dropped teenage spinner Ashton Agar (33).

"I know there's been a lot of talk back home about consistency of selection but the selectors are trying to do everything in their power to help us win and if guys aren't performing unfortunately you can't select them," said Clarke.

"Or if you're not performing you get dropped. So it's a tough one at the moment.

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Watch the fifth Ashes Test LIVE and in HIGH DEFINITION from 7.30pm (EST) Wednesday on Fox Sports 2, and get the ultimate match companion with our Ashes Match Centre, featuring ball-by-ball commentary, Hawkeye, and videos of every wicket and boundary.

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"The selectors are trying to be as consistent as they can but we're also here to win the game.

"All the selectors can do is pick what they feel is the best XI but it's up to us as players to do our job and unfortunately our batting has let us down throughout the series so far."

After Australia collapsed to another defeat in the last Test, losing 8-56, frustrated coach and selector Darren Lehmann made it clear that batsmen were now playing for their careers.

"They're realists," Clarke said of his players. "It's like any sport at the highest level. If you're not performing, there's a chance you can get dropped. I think every single player understands that."

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To emphasise the importance of taking something tangible out of this tour and creating momentum going into the return Ashes during the Australian summer, Clarke called his senior players together during training for an impromptu meeting.

"It was more or less about us standing up as senior players and leading from the front," Clarke said.

"It was a reminder that we continue on and off the field to lead the way. It is more important when things aren't going to plan."

Clarke pointed out that England's Ian Bell aside, no other batsman from either team had dominated.

Bell has scored 500 runs at 71 with three centuries, more than the entire Australia squad, which has managed just two. Clarke and Rogers have one each.

The toss has had a significant bearing on the series.

England has won all three Tests where captain Alastair Cook has batted first on the dry, grassless surfaces.

Australia's only victory would have come in the third Test at Old Trafford but for rain after Clarke won his only toss, batted, and scored 187 of his team's 7-527 declared.

The toss is likely to be crucial again in this Test on a surface where play could have began days ago.

Clarke seemed happy enough with the pitch.

"I think it's going to be a pretty good wicket for the first couple of days. Then I imagine reverse swing and spin will play a part at the back end of the Test match," he said.

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Fading quicks no Ashes concern

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ENGLAND captain Alastair Cook has denied that his spearhead Jimmy Anderson has hit the wall despite struggling in the past two Tests.

And Cook's counterpart Michael Clarke claimed the leading bowler under his two-year reign as captain, Peter Siddle, was ready to play the fifth Test at the Oval despite fading as the series has progressed.

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After a man of the match performance with 10 wickets in the first Test at Trent Bridge Anderson has claimed just four wickets in his past two Tests.

Likewise Siddle managed just one wicket in the last Test at Chester-le-Street and appeared down on pace.

Anderson, Siddle and Broad all have 17 wickets from four Tests after Broad's man of the match performance in the previous Test, when he claimed 11 of those wickets as Australia lost 8-56.

Ryan Harris is now the leading fast bowler in the series with 20 wickets at just 19 apiece in three Tests. Anderson's average has blown out beyond 31.

"Jimmy hasn't bowled as well as he would have liked over the last two Test matches," Cook said.

"No-one performs like he did at Trent Bridge or Lord's consistently well like that for a huge period of time.

"He's had a couple of Test matches where he's been below his best but there is no reason why he won't come back here in this Test match.

"Obviously physically it is quite hard work for a bowler but our bowling attack has shared it around quite nicely, Jimmy was the star for the first two and obviously Swanny (Graeme Swann) has been there or thereabouts and Broady the last time.

"I think that's got a little to do with form. Form does come and go a little.

"Physically you do get more tired during the series. I think that might be a factor in it.

"But just speaking to him and compared to where he was in 2011 at the World Cup when he genuinely felt physically very tired, when he felt he had hit the wall, he says he's not in the same kind of state. So I would expect him to be back."

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