Moimoi accepts one match ban

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Fuifui ... will miss the Eels' local derby against Penrith. Source:News Limited

Fuifui Moimoi will miss Parramatta's clash with Penrith on Monday night after pleading guilty to his grade-one shoulder charge while playing for Tonga.

Moimoi faced two weeks on the sideline had he fought and lost after becoming the first player charged following a rule tweak on the shoulder charge this month.

Moimoi hit Samoan five-eighth Carlos Tuimavave with his shoulder while playing for Tonga in Saturday night's Pacific Test in Penrith.

After banning the shoulder charge during the off-season, the NRL in recent weeks widened the scope of the ban to include incidental contact as a result of the tackle.

Warriors under-20s fullback Viliami Kaveinga was last week suspended for six games under the new shoulder charge rules.

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Goodes: 'Swans just like All Blacks'

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New ground ... Adam Goodes meets the New Zealand press. Source: Ryan Pierse / Getty Images

Sydney Swans star Adam Goodes has likened his team's physical style of play to that of the All Blacks.

Questioned by New Zealand media in Wellington on his attributes as a player, the dual Brownlow Medallist compared the Swans to NZ's national rugby union team, but said he was the exception.

"If people are coming to watch the Swannies play for the first time and you've never seen us or you didn't see our grand final last year, we like to play our game like the All Blacks,'' Goodes told reporters at Wellington's Westpac Stadium.

"Hard and tough and we play for the full 90 minutes, (but) in our game it's 120 minutes.

"We don't let up and it's all about the tackles and the one-on-one contests.

"For myself, I'm not too big on laying tackles and what-not.

"I'm the sort of player that likes to get the ball on the outside and just run and use my athleticism, whether it's to take the marks or whether it's at ground level.''

Goodes said if any of the All Blacks made the switch to AFL, he'd be worried.

"I don't want any of those blokes coming to tackle us, I can tell you that right now,'' he said.

"It's one thing that quite scares me, to be honest.''

He told the NZ media the beauty of Australian Rules football was that whether players were tall, short, broad or skinny they could make an impact.

The Swans play St Kilda in Wellington on Thursday night.

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Teams: Taylor, Carney set to return

He's back ... Dave Taylor returns to the Titans line-up for round seven. Source: Adam Head / News Limited

Injuries opened up a spot for out-of-favour Gold Coast back-rower Dave Taylor's return to the NRL, but coach John Cartwright made it clear his attitude will be closely monitored.

Taylor was recalled by the Titans on Tuesday while Cronulla's gun five-eighth Todd Carney (foot) and Brisbane enforcer Josh McGuire (calf) were named to return and Manly's Glenn Stewart (knee) remains in line to play his first match of the season despite not being named.

Fringe Queensland enforcer Taylor copped a two-week in-house suspension after senior teammates and club officials reached breaking point with his poor discipline and attitude, forcing him back to Queensland Cup where he starred for Tweed Heads.

But Cartwright said he was left with no choice but to recall one of the game's most damaging forces for Sunday's clash with Newcastle.

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"We've got some injuries and an opportunity has arisen for him," Cartwright said of his recruit getting the nod.

"The response has been good but it's not about responding for two weeks, it's about responding for the four years that he's here for.

"Dave's no different to anyone else that turns up to training every day for us.

"You fall out of line, you do it consistently, there's got to be repercussions."

Taylor's recall is one of five changes - including the return from injury of five-eighth Aidan Sezer (hamstring) and hooker Matt Srama (shoulder) - from the Titans' victory over Parramatta.

Manly insist impressive lock Stewart remains a likely inclusion for Friday's clash with South Sydney while Steve Matai (finger) is understood to be in no doubt.

"He's still pulling up a bit sore so we won't make a decision until the captain's run (on Thursday) but in all probability we'd like to think he'd play," Manly coach Geoff Toovey said on Tuesday.

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Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter revamped his struggling side ahead of their clash with Brisbane on Sunday, switching Tim Moltzen to halfback to cover for the injured Benji Marshall (toe) and Braith Anasta (groin).

Talented youngster James Tedesco slips into Moltzen's No.1 jersey, while Liam Fulton is named on the bench.

Carney returns after a two-game absence, replacing Chad Townsend at five-eighth, as the Sharks look to halt a worrying losing streak.

Canberra will be without prop David Shillington (ribs), forcing Tom Learoyd-Lahrs into the starting line-up, while Terry Campese has again been picked on an extended bench despite an impressive return from a knee injury against the Warriors.

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary called on rookie Matt Moylan and the inexperienced Travis Robinson to replace injured backs Wes Naiqama and Josh Mansour, with Dean Whare shifting to the centres.

Matt Bowen and Dallas Johnson have both recovered from injury as North Queensland face Canberra, while Dane Gagai returns for Newcastle and Mick Weyman has been included on an extended bench for St George Illawarra's Anzac Day clash with the Sydney Roosters.

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Gaz: We should learn from France

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Empty seats ... locals didn't warm to the costly ticket prices for City-Country.

If the ARL Commission decides to stick with City-Country, it could do worse than look to France for inspiration according to Mark Gasnier.

Gasnier was proud to represent City Origin twice in the early 2000s and he believes the game still has value, particularly to up and coming players like Boyd Cordner and Curtis Sironen.

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But with the lowest crowd in the concept's history turning up to support the game in Coffs Harbour on Sunday, Gasnier says the way the game is promoted and ticketed needs a radical revamp.

Others have pointed to the AFL - a rival code that consistently attracts big crowds - as the example to follow, particularly as affordable family tickets are at the core of the game's ticketing policy.

But having spent time playing Top 14 rugby in France, Gasnier believes the 15-man game on the Continent has got the formula perfect.

"Ever since I returned from Paris I've believed we don't throw the fishing line out enough for families to come to football," Gasnier told foxsports.com.au.

"And by that I mean, the mindset for big games is wrong. Over in France, when they take the big games to the big venues, they lower the ticket prices and budget for a big crowd.

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"It's pretty cheap in Europe as it is but to give you an idea, we moved six home games to Stade de France, which is the equivalent of ANZ Stadium. For 42 Euros, that could get two adults and three kids in.

"So anything under 60,000 in the crowd was a loss, but anything over 60,000 was a profit. The lowest crowd we had was 74,000."

In other words, make a full house your priority and work back from there. The revenue will look after itself.

Like many critics of the City-Country concept, Gasnier believes the powers that be have lost sight of the reason the game is still being played.

It's for country people. Not for lining the pockets.

"Let's go back to the whole purpose of City-Country," Gasnier says.

"It's to take the game out to the bush, it's to let the players go to schools and promote rugby league so that rugby league's still at the forefront of young kids' minds out in the country.

"On top of that, the game should just be a bonus.

"I know City and Country Rugby League are trying to generate some income but now they don't have to.

"We've got a system in place where the Commission governs everything. I think we should really work on a break-even business model for City-Country.

"Ticket prices should be valued at whatever they need to break even. I'm sure $50 or $30 is too much.

"I think they should also have a cordoned off area for all those little kids and they should have a free pass. The mum and dad might have to pay $15 a head but they're not going to care.

"It's like if you host an event, rather than thinking profit, profit, profit, you've got to think well hold on, to a certain extent I want these people to come back.

"You want them to walk out and think that was a good event, you know what I'm going to come back next time. That's what it's all about.

"Right now there's a mindset that you take as much as you can and generate as much profit as you can because it looks good on the balance sheet but it leaves a bitter taste in a lot of people's mouths."
 

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Dockers re-sign bad boy Johnson

Contract ... Michael Johnson re-signs with the Dockers. Source: Tony McDonough / AAP

Fremantle defender Michael Johnson has re-signed with the Dockers for a further two years, tying him to the AFL club until the end of 2015.

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Essendon	4	4	0	0	180.87	16
2	Port Adelaide	4	4	0	0	159.28	16
3	Geelong	4	4	0	0	112.00	16
4	Hawthorn	4	3	0	1	139.22	12
5	Sydney	4	3	0	1	124.38	12
6	Richmond	4	3	0	1	115.11	12
7	Collingwood	4	3	0	1	102.92	12
8	Adelaide	4	2	0	2	107.94	8
9	Fremantle	4	2	0	2	102.87	8
10	St Kilda	4	1	0	3	101.30	4
11	North Melbourne	4	1	0	3	100.98	4
12	West Coast	4	1	0	3	98.13	4
13	Carlton	4	1	0	3	96.56	4
14	Gold Coast	4	1	0	3	82.52	4
15	Bulldogs	4	1	0	3	79.21	4
16	Brisbane	4	1	0	3	66.36	4
17	Melbourne	4	1	0	3	53.10	4
18	Greater Western Sydney	4	0	0	4	62.02	0

Johnson's career was at the crossroads after an indifferent 2011 campaign, in which he only avoided being dropped during the season due to the club's heavy injury toll.

A year earlier, he was fined $500 after pleading guilty to a charge of possession of cocaine.

But the 28-year-old produced one of his finest years in 2012 under new coach Ross Lyon, finishing third in the best and fairest.

Johnson has continued that strong form into this season, and is now an integral part of Fremantle's defensive set-up.

"Michael has grown into a terrific defender,'' Fremantle list manager Brad Lloyd said.

"His skill level and leadership have become very important to our defence.''

Johnson has played 153 games since being snared with pick No.8 in the 2004 pre-season draft.

Meanwhile, Fremantle midfielder David Mundy says injuries won't be used as an excuse as the club attempts to snap a two-game losing streak in Friday night's home clash with Richmond.

The Dockers were without skipper Matthew Pavlich, ruckman Aaron Sandilands and defender Luke McPharlin in Saturday's 42-point loss to Hawthorn in Tasmania.

Although McPharlin is a strong chance to return against the Tigers, Pavlich (plantaris) is at least four weeks away from resuming, while Sandilands (hamstring) might need another two months on the sidelines.

Fremantle held their own against Hawthorn after quarter-time, and Mundy said the team's confidence remained high despite the continued absence of champion veterans Pavlich and Sandilands.

"We're a team based on effort and role, not personnel,'' Mundy said.

"Having Luke out or having Matthew out isn't an excuse we're happy with. We pride ourselves on effort.''

Richmond's winning start to the season was ended on Saturday when they suffered a 34-point loss to Collingwood.

Fremantle beat the Tigers twice last season, but Richmond appear to be a genuine top-eight contender this year.

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Scans confirm the worst for Menzel

Not again ... Daniel Menzel is carted off after injuring his knee in the VFL.

Daniel Menzel's shocking AFL luck now extends to a fourth serious knee injury.

Scans on Monday confirmed that Menzel snapped the LARS graft in his left knee on Saturday during a VFL match.

Geelong will spend this week working out what to do next.

That was Menzel's second match after returning from LARS surgery on the same joint last December.

The most obvious treatment will be a fourth reconstruction, but the Cats say they will look at every possibility.

"Now the trick is we've all got to get our heads together and think about the future for Dan's knee - what's best for his knee,'' Geelong physiotherapist Mike Snelling said on the club website.

"We're going to go through every single possibility we can, leave no stone unturned.

"Hopefully by the end of the week, we've made some pretty clear decisions about what we're going to do.''

Menzel was trying to tackle an opponent on Saturday when he went to ground and immediately clutched his left knee.

"He pivoted on that knee when an opponent tried to get around him,'' Snelling said.

"He felt an immediate `pop' and some pain and was pretty adamant he'd done some damage.''

Before Geelong confirmed the bad news on Monday afternoon, Menzel knew the scan results would not be good.

He told the Geelong Advertiser he was ``shattered that I've possibly done the same thing again''.

"There's not a lot of hope there, so we'll wait and see.''

The 21-year-old has played 21 AFL games and kicked 32 goals since his 2010 senior debut.

The first-round draft pick is arguably the most talented of the group of young players who are making impressive progress at Geelong.

Menzel first suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in his right knee during Geelong's 2011 qualifying final win over Hawthorn.

He then had the same injury in his left knee during his VFL comeback match last season.

Menzel first had a traditional reconstruction on his left knee and then underwent the newer LARS procedure when he hurt the joint again late last year at training.

Before Menzel resumed in the VFL again, coach Chris Scott said earlier this month that the Cats were confident the youngster would eventually overcome his knee problems.

"I'm quite prepared to say this publicly - if at some point he hurts his knee again, we'll just go through the same process and he'll be back, because the medical staff are telling us that there's no reason he can't be,'' Scott said.

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Mogg, Izzy impress in Test quest

Sharp ... Jesse Mogg is in blistering form for the Brumbies. Source: Lukas Coch / AAP

Twelve months ago, Jesse Mogg was "a deer in the headlights'' at Suncorp Stadium.

But the whippet-like Brumbies fullback showed maturity and ticker on the big stage on Saturday night to ensure code-hopping star Israel Folau will have an even bigger selection fight to start against the British and Irish Lions in June.

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Mogg was the Brumbies' best player in their gripping 19-19 draw with Queensland in front of 38,404 fans, producing many of his team's most crucial plays in the pressure-filled clash.

The 23-year-old showed why he's nicknamed "Greyhound'' with a long-range break from his own quarter that laid the platform for his side's only try, while he also saved three others with last-ditch tackles in the corner on Rod Davies, Anthony Faingaa and James Slipper.

With Wallabies coach Robbie Deans watching from the stands, Mogg could have hardly produced a better Test audition.

It was a far cry from the Queensland product's first appearance at Suncorp last year when the Reds won 19-12 and assistant coach Stephen Larkham wanted to hook the struggling rookie.

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"This time last year he was a deer in headlights,'' Brumbies coach Jake White said.

"It was a real turning point in his career.

"I said to Stephen we're going to leave him on for 80 minutes so he learns everything he has to about how rugby should be played.

"Because we left him there, he understands it now.''

White tipped Mogg to continue to improve and, if he does, a Wallabies jersey against the Lions is a genuine possibility.

Mogg's high-stakes performance couldn't be more timely as it came 24 hours after Folau produced his best game of the year in the Waratahs' 25-20 upset of the Chiefs.

Deans has spoken highly of both fullbacks but he's unlikely to blood both against the Lions.

The New Zealander admitted Folau was better suited to making his Test debut on the wing, which could also be an option for Mogg if the likes of Kurtley Beale or James O'Connor are being eyed off at fullback.

Reds strike weapon Digby Ioane is certain to be on one wing, and he again showed he is the most dangerous ball-carrier in Australia with a tackle-shredding return against the Brumbies.

Deans was also well pleased with Christian Lealiifano's display, scoring all 19 of the Brumbies' points, kicking five from five and playing both five-eighth and inside centre.

For a possible selection trial, the Wallabies coach was highly impressed with the intensity of the Suncorp Stadium clash.

Brumbies skipper Ben Mowen furthered his cause for a back-row spot while Liam Gill marginally shaded George Smith, who was open to a Test comeback if the ARU gets permission from his Japanese club Suntory.

"As a contest in terms of a derby - brilliant,'' Deans said. "From our perspective, great prep for what's coming.''

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Call for annual Tonga-Samoa Test

Try time ... Samisoni Langi goes over the line in Saturday's clash between Samoa and Tonga. Source: By Robb Cox / AAP

Samoa captain Roy Asotasi wants to play an annual rugby league Test against traditional rivals Tonga, but says security needs to be addressed after the pitch invasion that ended Saturday night's game prematurely.

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Tonga won 36-4 but the match at Penrith effectively ended over a minute early after several dozen enthusiastic spectators swarmed onto the pitch after Tonga's final try.

Referee Matt Cecchin headed down the tunnel with time still left on the clock and five-eighth Samisoni Langi wasn't able to take the final conversion attempt after the ball went missing and play did not restart.

"I wasn't frightened at all. It was fun,'' Langi said.

Both Asotasi and Tongan counterpart Brent Kite want the game to become an annual event, though they conceded security might be an issue.

"The crowd is just passionate about both nations and obviously there are boundaries that need to be put into place just to look after player safety,'' Asotasi said.

"It's something that probably needs to be looked at.''

Kite said he was a "little worried'' about the situation that eventuated at the end of Saturday's game but stated the fans were ``friendly people and they just like the limelight''.

"The pleasing thing with this game is it might lead the way to more of these matches,'' he said.

"There's a spot in the representative calendar. It's a great way to showcase the talents coming from a Polynesian heritage.''

Tonga coach Charles Tonga described the victory as historical and amazing, and emphasised the passion on display at Penrith would have been amplified may times over back home.

"I know my people will be going crazy,'' Tonga said.

"What you see on the football field there, that's minute. Tonga will be so proud.''

Asotasi felt the unexpectedly heavy loss could be regarded as a reality check for a Samoan side containing several former Australian and New Zealand internationals heading into the World Cup later this year.

"Regardless of the names that we have in the side it's probably a wake-up call that it's not going to be easy,'' Asotasi said.

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Tune into Rugby HQ from 8.30pm (EST) Thursday on Fox Sports 1HD for all your Super and Test rugby news!

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North thrash Lions in Etihad rout

Big win ... Lindsay Thomas celebrates one of North Melbourne's many goals. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

North Melbourne produce a four-quarter performance to secure their first win of the season, smashing Brisbane Lions by 63 points

Coach Brad Scott lamented his team's missed opportunities in the first three rounds and his team never took their foot off the Lions' throats, winning 18.17 (125) to 9.8 (62)

5.10 (40)	Q1	1.2 (8)
8.13 (61)	Q2	4.5 (29)
15.16 (106)	Q3	6.5 (41)
18.17 (125)	Q4	9.8 (62)

Drew Petrie 4	Marco Paparone 3
Lindsay Thomas 4	Rohan Bewick 2
Leigh Adams 1	Joshua Green 1
Majak Daw 1	Nial McKeever 1
Sam Gibson 1	Tom Rockliff 1
Lachlan Hansen 1	Dayne Zorko 1
Jamie MacMillan 1
Aaron Mullett 1
Scott D Thompson 1
Daniel Wells 1
Sam Wright 1
Jack Ziebell 1

It could have been an even bigger win but for a wasteful first quarter where the Lions kicked 5.10.

In what was one of the most anticipated debuts, Majak Daw took a fantastic mark and kicked a goal in the opening 30 seconds but was subbed out soon after due to concussion.

The Lions showed a little in patches and looked like they might mount a comeback in the second quarter but the Kangaroos didn't fall into a third-quarter heap on this occasion.

Key defender Scott Thompson was North's best player, completely blanketing Jonathan Brown while Jack Ziebell and Drew Petrie were also important.

In a disappointing day, young Lions Marco Paparone and Sam Mayes gave their fans someting to cheer about.

More to come ...

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Re-live the Kangaroos break their duck with a big win over the Lions with our FOX FOOTY Match Centre, featuring play-by-play commentary and all the vital stats.

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Cloke fires Pies to victory

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Dominant ... Travis Cloke's seven goals were match-winning. Source: wayne ludbey / News Limited

On Friday, Travis Cloke put his dislocated finger back in its place. On Saturday, he put Richmond back in theirs with a stunning seven-goal haul to lift Collingwood past the Tigers by 34 points at the MCG.

The Magpies' 16.17 (113) to 11.13 (79) victory in front of more than 81,000 fans burst the Tigers' unbeaten bubble and showcased Collingwood's finals credentials on a day Richmond had desperately hoped to show their own.

3.3 (21)	Q1	1.4 (10)
6.5 (41)	Q2	5.8 (38)
8.6 (54)	Q3	13.12 (90)
11.13 (79)	Q4	16.17 (113)

Jack Riewoldt 3	Travis Cloke 7
Luke McGuane 2	Steele Sidebottom 4
Tyrone Vickery 2	Martin Clarke 1
Shane Edwards 1	Sam Dwyer 1
Bachar Houli 1	Jamie Elliott 1
Jake King 1	Harry O'Brien 1
Ivan Maric 1	Dane Swan 1

Cloke had suffered a finger injury at training on match eve.

But after two quarters of arm-wrestling, Cloke put Richmond in the tightest of half-nelsons in the third term.

He booted the opening three goals of the quarter, then soon after gave his side a 30-point buffer with a quality 50-metre goal from deep in the right forward pocket.

It was part of a run of eight unanswered goals to start the term - the Magpies upping their tackling pressure and forcing Richmond into error after error.

With Steele Sidebottom also prominent with two of his four goals in the term and midfielder Dane Swan brilliant, the Magpies battered Richmond to take a 36-point lead to the final change.

The Tigers didn't give in, battling back to give themselves a sniff with goals to Jack Riewoldt and Ivan Maric to open the final term.

But Collingwood gained breathing space with a Swan mark and goal soon afterwards, before Cloke iced the match with a set shot from the left boundary line.

In his 200th AFL game, Swan had 35 possessions - 13 coming in the final quarter.

Collingwood's effort was made all the more meritorious with five of their best 22 missing through injury.

Magpies defender Nathan Brown might add to that list, with a groin injury sustained in the final term and just a five-day turnaround until their next game - the Anzac Day clash with Essendon.

Riewoldt booted three goals for the Tigers, who also lost key defender Troy Chaplin when concussed by a teammate, and small forward Jake King to what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

The match represented a first in footy broadcasting with FOX FOOTY providing a Collingwood-only call by Eddie McGuire which was available by pressing the red button.

The match will be replayed at 10am Sunday with red button access to Eddie's commentary, or at midnight on Thursday (Wednesday night/Thursday morning) with Ed's stand-alone call for those who want to record it on Foxtel IQ.

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

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