Fair or Unfair: Tigers under the radar

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

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

The undefeated Tigers are flying under the radar

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

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

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

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

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Antonis in talks with Parma: report

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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NRL R6 teams: Benji, Campo named

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Cox: 'Eagles missing Naitanui'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Beale could miss rest of NRL season

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Reds win fight to keep Hanson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Coulthard reigns at the Plains

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Gal to ride naked through Cronulla

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Hawks power away in the heat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Morgan double seals wins for Eels

Ryan Morgan ... scores a double in Eels v Sharks. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

Parramatta produced an inspiring defensive display to cling on for a 13-6 victory over Cronulla on Saturday night in the inaugural Johnny Mannah Cup.

2 Tries 1
Ryan Morgan 13'	Michael Gordon 19'
Ryan Morgan 33'
1 Conversions 1
Chris Sandow 35'	Michael Gordon 21'
1 Penalties 0
Chris Sandow 59'
1 Field Goals 0
Luke Kelly 75'

The NRL rivals were united before the match joining the crowd in honouring Mannah, who passed away in January following a battle with cancer, with a moment's applause.

The occasion brought out the best in Parramatta co-captain Tim Mannah, who produced a whole-hearted performance on a night named after his younger brother.

Mannah, as well as a brace of tries to centre Ryan Morgan, helped inspire the Eels to a courageous win - bouncing back from last round's 50-0 thrashing at the hands of the Sydney Roosters.

The match itself failed to reach any great heights, with both teams struggling to find their spark or polish in attack and looking far more comfortable defending their own line than crossing the opposition's.

Cronulla desperately missed the influence of star playmaker Todd Carney (foot), with his replacement Chad Townsend finding the chest of Jarryd Hayne far too regularly with his kicking game.

The Eels scored the only points of the second half, through a 59th minute penalty goal to Chris Sandow - and then a field goal to five-eighth Luke Kelly.

They had a four-point advantage from a mostly dour first half that was highlighted by two fortuitous tries.

Morgan was the beneficiary when a Hayne grubber ricocheted off Cronulla's Townsend and into the arms of Kelly who sent Morgan over for his second of the evening.

Morgan had earlier shown great pace to get on the outside of Ben Pomeroy and cross out wide for an unconverted try.

Pomeroy finished the match on the bench, taken off with 20 minutes remaining despite not appearing to pick up an injury.

Morgan's tries were split by a remarkable effort from Cronulla's Michael Gordon.

The talented fullback regathered a messy bomb before putting in a kick of his own which bounced awkwardly, hitting the crossbar before Eels' halfback Chris Sandow juggled it into Gordon's welcoming arms.

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