Mike's Top 50: Giant tick for Cameron

Jeremy Cameron finished third in the Coleman Medal in just his second season in the AFL. Source: Wayne Ludbey / HeraldSun

JEREMY Cameron leaps into the top 30 alongside Cloke, Hodge and Stevie J in the latest installment of Mike Sheahan's Top 50.

See the next 10 players in the countdown at 7pm tonight and watch video of Mike defending his exclusive choices so far.

SEE THE PLAYERS MIKE RANKED 41-50

SEE THE PLAYERS MIKE RANKED 31-40

The rest of the Top 50 will be unveiled over the next two days - come back on Friday to see the full list including the coveted No.1 spot, and a full interactive experience including your vote on every player.

21. STEVE JOHNSON
Position: Forward-midfield
2013 preseason rank: 23
2012 post-season rank: 36
Best post-season rank: 10 (2007)

Mike says: What a star. Thrived in the midfield, thrilled supporters (of all teams) and scored a lot of love from umpires. Even when he mucks up, it's entertaining.

Steve Johnson snaps at goal in the preliminary final. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HeraldSun

22. TRAVIS CLOKE
Position: Forward
2013 preseason rank: 12
2012 post-season rank: 45
Best post-season rank: 3 (2011)
SC average: 95

Mike says: Big year from the big man. Booted 68.51 to narrowly miss Coleman and, as always, was outstanding overhead. Averaged nine marks a game.

Travis Cloke kicks a big goal. Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: HeraldSun

23. RORY SLOANE
Position: Midfield
2013 preseason rank: 26
First season-end selection
SC average: 107

Mike says: He's a beauty. He looks like an altar boy and plays like a demon. Talented, brave and resilient.

Rory Sloane pounces on a loose ball. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: HeraldSun

24. MICHAEL JOHNSON
Position: Defender
First season-end selection
SC average: 87

Mike says: Freo's solitary rep in the team of the year. Finally acknowledged for his smooth skills and consistency. An average 20 disposals at 81 per cent tells the tale.

Fremantle's Michael Johnson celebrates a goal. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: HeraldSun

25. NICK RIEWOLDT
Position: Forward
2013 preseason rank: 47
Best post-season rank: 1 (2004)

Mike says: Under-appreciated this year because of his team's lack of success. Averaged better than nine marks a game and kicked 50 goals ... and delivery was shoddy.

Nick Riewoldt marks in front of Richmond's Troy Chaplin. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: HeraldSun

26. JOSH KENNEDY
Position: Midfield
2013 preseason rank: 5
2012 post-season rank: 2
Best post-season rank: 2012

Mike says: Not quite as good this year, yet still a solid, reliable performer. Averaged 27 possessions and dominated at the clearances with his strength and quick hands.

Josh Kennedy fends off Magpie Jarryd Blair to win another contested possession. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HeraldSun

27. JEREMY CAMERON
Position: Forward
First season-end selection
SC average: 73

Mike says: Was in contention for the Coleman until the last round. Kicked 28 per cent of his team's goals. Great mark, reliable kick, outstanding prospect.

Jeremy Cameron almost hangs on to a screamer. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: HeraldSun

28. CHRIS MAYNE
Position: Forward
First season-end selection
SC average: 92

Mike says: Super season. Hampered by a back injury in last two finals, but still managed 37 goals for the year (37.12) and 34 score assists. Brilliant tackler.

Chris Mayne celebrates a big goal in the Grand Final. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: HeraldSun

29. LUKE HODGE
Position: Midfield
Best post-season rank: 4 (2008)
SC average: 97

Mike says: Probably deserves to be higher given his leadership and all-round aura. Good numbers and at his best in big games. A true champion.

Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge celebrates with the 2013 premiership cup. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: HeraldSun

30. ANDREW MACKIE
Position: Defender
Best post-season rank: 30 (2009)
SC average: 87

Mike says: Enjoyed the best year of his excellent career. Remains a shrewd, cool, reliable defender who wins plenty of the ball and uses it wisely.

Andrew Mackie celebrates after kicking a goal. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HeraldSun

 

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Mike's Top 50: Where's Buddy?

Robert Murphy returns to Mike's Top 50 after a superb season for the Western Bulldogs. Source: HeraldSun

A VETERAN Dog and a reborn Cat make the cut, but there's no sign of Lance Franklin as Mike reveals the players ranked 41-50.

See the next 10 players in the countdown at mignight and watch video of Mike defending his exclusive choices so far.

The rest of the Top 50 will be unveiled over the next two days - come back on Friday to see the full list including the coveted No.1 spot, and a full interactive experience including your vote on every player.

41. MATHEW STOKES
Position: Forward
First season-end selection
SuperCoach average: 97

Mike says: Blitzed in the first half of the season, racked up 630 possessions for the year and led Geelong for score-assists. Second to Joel Selwood for contested ball.

Mathew Stokes swoops on a loose ball. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: HeraldSun

42. BRENDON GODDARD
Position: Midfield
2013 pre-season rank: 45
Best post-season ranking: 3 (2010)
SC average: 106

Mike says: Pays a heavy price for being less than so many of us have expected. Pretty handy first season in red and black. Nearly 600 possessions plus 18 goals.

A pumped up Brendon Goddard. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HeraldSun

43. DANIEL WELLS
Position: Midfield
2013 pre-season rank: 48
2012 post-season rank: 41
Best post-season rank: 34 (2011)
SC average: 96

Mike says: Probably his best year. Starting to realise just how good he can be. Carried the ball with dash and kicked 25 goals, more than handy from a midfielder.

Daniel Wells on the move. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: HeraldSun

44. GRANT BIRCHALL
Position: Defender
2012 post-season rank: 30
Best post-season rank: 2012
SC average: 92

Mike says: One of the Hawks' genuine stars. Averaged 24 possessions with a disposal efficiency in the 80s. Super link player.

Grant Birchall flattens Fremantle's Danyle Pearce during the Grand Final. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: HeraldSun

45. ROBERT MURPHY
Position: Defender
Best post-season rank: 37 (2005)
SC average: 99

Mike says: One of my favorites of the modern game. Love his dash, daring and composure, and his exquisite disposal skills. Comfortable at either end of the ground.

Robert Murphy gets the Bulldogs out of trouble. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HeraldSun

46. RICHARD DOUGLAS
Position: Midfield
Best post-season rank: 37 (2010)
SC average: 102

Mike says: Adelaide's best for much of the season. Won a heap of footy, booted 20 goals, big on score-assists and tackled hard and often.

Richard Douglas gives Sydney's Craig Bird the slip. Picture: Reed Sarah Source: The Advertiser

47. ANDREW WALKER
Position: Forward/Midfield
First season-end selection
SC average: 106

Mike says: One of the most dashing, damaging defenders of the year. Averaged 23 disposals and was adventurous with the ball.

Andrew Walker in full flight off half-back. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HeraldSun

48. JOSH GIBSON
Position: Defender
2012 post-season rank: 32
Best post-season rank: 2012
SC average: 79

Mike says: One of the major planks in the Hawthorn defence. Defensive in the air, smart at ground level, creative with ball in hand. Led the table for rebound-50s.

Josh Gibson enjoys Hawthorn's premiership with fans at the MCG. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HeraldSun

49. BRAD EBERT
Position: Midfield
First season-end selection
SC average: 97

Mike says: One of the keys to Port Adelaide's improvement. Had heaps of the ball with a high efficiency rating (68.5 per cent). Played every game and led the tackle count at his club .

Brad Ebert celebrates a goal with Angus Monfries. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

50. TODD GOLDSTEIN
Position: Ruck
Best post-season rank: 23 (2011)
SC average: 114

Mike says: Not far behind Will Minson as the premier ruckman of the season. Not a vintage year for the gladiators, but he was consistent, resilient and effective.

Todd Goldstein jumps over Chris Dawes to win the tap. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

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Buddy deal a year in the making

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LANCE Franklin's move to Sydney began soon after the 2012 Grand Final.

Franklin's management contacted the Swans and said Franklin would like to play for them in 2014.

Watch a Buddy Bombshell special edition of AFL360 at 7.30pm tonight on Fox Footy

Talks were held during this season, before they were ramped up in the past eight weeks.

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The announcement today that Franklin had knocked back a huge deal from GWS to join the Swans stunned the football world, including the AFL and the Giants.

The Franklin-Swans deal was known by only a handful of people.

HAVE YOUR SAY IN THE CHAT WINDOW BELOW

Angry GWS officials believe Sydney's coup has all but killed off the 9.8 per cent "cost of living allowance" given to the two NSW teams.

The Twitter posting from the Giants official account stated the AFL club had withdrawn their offer "based on advice that he (Franklin) will accept an offer from the Swans".

GWS believes Sydney's offer for Franklin is a massive $1.4 million a season over five years, plus ambassadorial money yet to be determined.

But sources at the Hawks and rival clubs suggest the deal may be almost double that at $10 million over nine years.

It would be the biggest contract since Alastair Lynch signed a 10-year deal with the Brisbane Bears in 1994.

The Giants' offer was $1.2 million over six years, plus AFL extras.

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Angry GWS officials believe Sydney's coup has all but killed off the 9.8 per cent "cost of living allowance" given to the two NSW teams.

Late today the Swans issued a statement confirming they will make an offer to Franklin when the free agency period opens on Friday.

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"We are pleased that Lance has expressed his desire to join the Swans," the statement said.

Hawthorn also issued a statement to say it had been informed that Franklin "has decided to explore his options under free agency".

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The Hawks gave a strong indication they will not try to match Sydney's offer, saying "Hawthorn Football Club will continue to apply its established list management strategy that puts the needs and interests of the club first."

GWS CEO Dave Matthews said the club had been advised today by Franklin's manager Liam Pickering that he intended to accept an offer from the Swans.

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"We put forward what we believed to be both a sensible and attractive offer to Franklin. Contrary to media reports, that offer was $1.2 million a year over six years," he said.

"It appears he has a significantly higher financial offer which we would not have been prepared to make based on our due diligence. We have every confidence in our list management strategy but we cannot compromise it for the sake of one individual.

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"We have been patient and shown a lot of respect through the process. This decision now allows us to pursue other options during the forthcoming trade period.

"With the right experienced players alongside the likes of Jeremy Cameron and Jonathan Patton we have every confidence we can achieve significant on field improvement in the years to come."The Herald Sun understands the Hawks superstar is poised to meet with coach Alastair Clarkson today, where it is expected he will tell him of his plans to move to Sydney.

Analysis: How can the Swans afford Buddy?

Footy's 10 biggest trade moves

It is believed Franklin has revealed plans to buy a house in the trendy Sydney suburb of Bondi.

Franklin has almost certainly played his last game for Hawthorn and has been considering multi-million dollar offers from both Sydney and GWS.

News Limited today revealed that the Sydney Swans had launched a last-minute offer to snare Franklin, with the offer believed to be in the vicinity of $7 million across five seasons.

The appointment today of Swans veteran Michael O'Loughlin to the post of head of Sydney's football academy - the position formerly held by Paul Roos - is believed to be a key to Franklin's decision.

When asked about his future this week by friends, Franklin has told them that he wants to make a lifestyle decision.

His friendship with Sydney model Jesinta Campbell could also influence his decision which is expected within the next 24 hours.

The pair are known to have been friends for some time but the relationship has developed in recent times.

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Ahmed blows Tigers away in Ryobi

Fawad Ahmed skittled Tasmania despite the conditions.   Source: Michael Klein / News Limited

HEAVY winds and heavy hitting threatened to blow him away, but Victorian spinner Fawad Ahmed continued his recent cricketing fairytale in Victoria's five wicket one-day win over Tasmania on Tuesday.

Pakistan-born Ahmed, who recently made his Australian T20 and one-day debuts in England, went for 20 in a loose first over at Bankstown Oval on Tuesday.

However, Ahmed (4-38 off 8.2 overs)smashed through the middle and lower order.and recorded career -best one-day figures.

Tasmania were well placed at 2-143 in the 34th over, with Ed Cowan (60 off 88 balls) prominent, but the Tigers lost 8-54 to be dismissed for 197 in the 49th over.

In reply, Victoria achieved their target with 5.1 overs to spare after a slight mid-innings wobble.

Left handers Rob Quiney (49 off 59) and captain Matthew Wade (31 off 28) belted 57 off 10.4 overs following the early loss of Aaron Finch (2 off 13).

Wade and David Hussey (9 off 14) were both run out,as the Bushrangers lost 3-19 and slumped to 4-101,

However, Peter Handscomb (43 not out off 72) and Michael Hill (34 off 57) steadied the innings with a partnership of 60.

Handscomb and John Hastings (23 not out off 26) completed the task.

Ahmed concentrated on bowling at the stumps after a first over he he admitted he took too easily, as Cowan belted him for a six and two fours,.

''The guys really supported me and boosted my morale, especially the captain and that was the turning point for me,'' Ahmed said.

Pakistani refugee Ahmed continued his super run in 2013 after an initially frustrating period as he waited to be granted Australian citizenship following his arrival in the country in 2010.

''Cricket is a funny game, sometimes it favours you, sometimes it makes you cry, but its a good time for me,'' Ahmed said.

''It took a long time to come to this stage. I've been through a really tough time, but to be honest the last year has been amazing.''

Tasmania suffered another dramatic collapse after losing 8-46 in Sunday's tournament-opening 81-run loss to NSW.

''I need to be held accountable for that and probably needed to bat a little bit longer through the innings,'' Cowan said.

Cowan added 76 in just under 14 overs with captain George Bailey (29 off 41).

Openers Mark Cosgrove (35 off 51) and Alex Doolan (17 off 30) gave the Tigers a good start with a 42 run partnership off 9.4 overs.

At one stage the wind was so strong the umpires removed the bails from both sets of stumps, before replacing them with heavier ones.

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Arthur firms for Cows, Henry to Titans

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MANLY assistant coach Brad Arthur has firmed for the Cowboys post as Wayne Bennett lashed out at speculation he was set to replace Neil Henry in Townsville.

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The development comes as departed Cowboys coach Neil Henry was this announced as the Titans assistant coach for next season, as revealed by News Corporation last month.

Arthur is expected to be formally unveiled as North Queensland's coach in the coming days, ousting rival candidates Paul Green, Kevin Walters, Rick Stone and Kristian Woolf for the post.

Stone, who will coach Fiji at the World Cup, was informed last week he is out of the race, while it is understood Roosters under-20s coach Green has also been notified by Cowboys hierarchy.

Should Arthur secure the Cowboys job, it would be a career coup for the former Storm assistant, who succeeded Steve Kearney as Parramatta's caretaker coach for six weeks in 2012.

The one certainty is Bennett will not be at North Queensland next season, with the master coach on Monday reiterating his desire to coach the Knights in 2014.

"It started with the media. You just keeping going on about it. You absolutely fascinate me," he said.

"I've said what I've said today, and I don't really want to keep going on about it until you raise its head again somewhere in six months' time when some other club hasn't got a coach.

"It's fascinated me the rubbish that went on about it. Here I am justifying why I'm staying here. I'm here. Do you understand that? ... Don't you ever read your own articles or read what's said?

"I was never leaving the Knights. I never applied for a job up there (Cowboys), I never went for an interview for a job up there."

Meanwhile, Henry will officially join the Titans next season, working alongside head coach John Cartwright and his assistants Steve Murphy and Trevor Gillmeister.

Cartwright had urged Titans hierarchy to beef-up his coaching unit and that request has been fulfilled with the addition of Henry, who will bring tactical nous to the Gold Coast.

"Neil has plenty of experience coaching in the NRL so to have someone of his calibre joining the club will add enormously to our coaching group," said Cartwright.

"I'm sure the players are going to be the ones that benefit, as an extra member of the coaching staff will ensure that they receive more one-on-one time with the coaches.

"We have a great coaching group here already and I'm sure Neil's skill set will bring a new element to the table."
Former Queensland Origin assistant Henry said he is keen to help steer the Titans to the finals in 2014.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with Titans and I'm really looking forward to it," said Henry.

"The Titans are a relatively new club with a strong and exciting playing roster moving forward so I'm looking forward to contributing in a coaching capacity.

"The club has made a commitment to strengthening their coaching staff and that gives me the opportunity to work a bit more hands on with the players than you do as a head coach so I'm excited about that."

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Barnett to don Hawks jumper after lost bet

WEST Australian Premier Colin Barnett will don a Hawks jumper and hand out Victorian tourism brochures after losing a bet on the AFL grand final.

In the MCG stands on Saturday, Mr Barnett appeared stern-faced as the Fremantle Dockers lost to the Hawthorn Hawks.

Having lost a bet with Victorian Premier Denis Napthine, Mr Barnett will on Tuesday spruik Victoria in Perth's Hay Street Mall, clad in Hawthorn's brown and yellow colours.

Mr Barnett is a long-time West Coast Eagles supporter, but jumped on the Dockers' bandwagon in the lead-up to the grand final.

Victorians will no doubt view the embarrassment as just desserts for Mr Barnett, who had said a Hawks win was a "remote possibility", describing Melbourne as "soggy".

The premier is expected to walk through Hay Street Mall at about midday on Tuesday.

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Sick Pearce gives Roosters fright

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MITCHELL Pearce sent a collective chill down the spines of Roosters fans when struck down with flu-like symptoms.

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Pearce did not attend a scheduled media session and was ordered home by Roosters coach Trent Robinson.

The in-form halfback took to Twitter to reassure fans he would take the field in Sunday's decider against the Sea Eagles.

"Hey guys everything is sweet just a bit fluey will b jumping out of bed in the morning #lotsoffluid," Pearce tweeted.

The Roosters have a scheduled day off on Tuesday. Pearce is expected to rejoin the team on Wednesday.

Pearce has formed an effective halves partnership with James Maloney this season and will form a critical part of the Roosters' bid for a 13th title on Sunday.

``He's probably been their best player all year,'' Manly fullback Brett Stewart said on Monday.

Aidan Guerra, was quick to dismiss the suggestion Pearce was in any doubt of missing the grand final.

``Pearcey is all good. There's no problems there,'' Guerra said. ``It's just a precautionary thing. He'll be right.''

Pearce's flu-like symptoms represent the second time in as many weeks the Roosters' camp has been rocked by illness.

Superstar Sonny Bill Williams failed to train last Friday and was in doubt for the side's preliminary final against Newcastle on Saturday night.
 

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Penthouse and Outhouse: GF edition

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FOX FOOTY expert Julian de Stoop takes a look at the AFL Grand Final with the Hawks proving too good for Fremantle at the MCG.

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IN THE PENTHOUSE

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BRIAN LAKE
12 months ago Brian Lake was sitting in the MCG car park drinking beer before the Grand Final now the former Bulldog is a Hawthorn premiership hero.
Lake's strength has always been his ability to intercept mark and in windy conditions he was at this very best in this aspect of the game.
Lake pulled in 10 marks including vital grabs in the final term. The veteran defender also gathered 22 disposals on his way to a deserved Norm Smith Medal…the first key defender since Carlton great Bruce Doull in 1981 to win the medal.

JACK GUNSTON
The Hawks' big three up forward Lance Franklin, Jarryd Roughead and Cyril Rioli didn't set the world on fire this finals series, kicking just seven goals between them.
The trio ended up playing a back seat to former Crow Jack Gunston who was arguably the player of the finals series.
The second year Hawk finished with 11 goals in his three finals and missed out on the Norm Smith Medal by just one vote.

HAWKS' RECRUITING
In 2008 former Port Adelaide star Stuart Dew played a key role in the Hawks premiership win and five years on some more shrewd recruiting paid off in a big way.
Brian Lake and Jack Gunston were the Hawks' best two players in the Grand Final and since that 2008 triumph the Hawks have also added former Kangaroos duo Josh Gibson and David Hale.
Jonathan Simpkin was delisted by Sydney and Geelong but is now a premiership winning Hawk while via the draft the club addressed a lack of leg speed via the recruitment of Isaac Smith and Brad Hill.

HAWKS' TACKLING
All the talk leading into the Grand Final was about Fremantle's defensive pressure but the Hawks beat them at their own game.
Hawthorn won the tackle count 80-65 with Liam Shiels leading the way with nine while Cyril Rioli created havoc up forward laying seven of his own.
The Hawks also won the clearance count by eight despite Aaron Sandilands dominating the ruck.

DAVID MUNDY
If people across the country didn't already know, this man is a star.
Mundy was instrumental in the Dockers' third quarter fightback and was clearly Fremantle's best player gathering 28 disposals, 7 clearances and 8 tackles.
With Mundy, Nathan Fyfe, Stephen Hill, Michael Barlow and the best tagger in the business in Ryan Crowley the Dockers boast a midfield that will be a force for years to come.

IN THE OUTHOUSE

FREMANTLE'S CONVERSION
Last year the yips struck the Hawks on Grand Final day and this year it was Fremantle's turn and ultimately it cost the Dockers any chance of winning.
Nat Fyfe set the tone early with two first quarter shanks while in the last quarter Hayden Ballantyne got the staggers as his team was making one last surge.
Ross Lyon suffered the same fate with St Kilda in 2009 when they went down to Geelong by 12 points.

GRAND FINAL AESTHETICS
The bar has been set high in recent years but this year's Grand Final wasn't one for the archives.
It wasn't a bad game by any means but it lacked the individual highlights of previous years. But I'm sure Hawthorn fans aren't complaining.

ZAC DAWSON
Dawson has been a fine player for the Dockers and played well on Grand Final day in the past with St Kilda but this time he had a shocker.
Jack Gunston was too nimble and too smart for Dawson and his four goals out of 11 played a huge role in the Hawks' win.

COUNTDOWN CLOCK
The atmosphere in the seconds leading up to the first bounce is so electrifying there is no need to add anything to it. The countdown clock to the most anticipated bounce of the season isn't necessary.

DOCKER FORWARDS
Matthew Pavlich and Michael Walters came into the game in the third term but for most of the game the Dockers' forwards had little impact.
Hayden Ballantyne and Chris Mayne were well below their usual standards while Zac Clarke has no impact at all.
Four of Hawthorn's top six possession winners… Grant Birchall, Brian Lake, Luke Hodge and Josh Gibson… are defenders, indicating Fremantle's famed forward pressure wasn't up to its usual standard.

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PM's XIII too strong for PNG

Jarryd Hayne in PNG with the PM's XIII. Source: DailyTelegraph

AUSTRALIA'S Prime Minister's XIII rugby league side has defeated Papua New Guinea 50-10, with the only surprise being the absence of the usual crowd violence.

Several players pushed their claims for selection in next month's World Cup, including Parramatta's Jarryd Hayne, who has made known his desire to be in the squad.

Hayne scored the opening try of the match in the PNG city of Kokopo, and was quickly followed onto the scoreboard by NSW and Australia teammate James Tamou.

A third try by Brent Tate put Australia up 18-0.

Heavy rain started to fall in the game's second half, but the visitors, coached by NSW State of Origin coach Laurie Daley, still racked up tries to David Shillington, Aidan Sezer, Kevin Gordon, Josh Morris and a second to Hayne.

The Kumuls struck back with tries either side of halftime to Israel Eliab and 18-year-old Nene MacDonald.

The annual match draws huge crowds in PNG, the only country in the world where rugby league is the national sport.

Outside the 4,000-capacity stadium a crowd of about 6,000 well-behaved people gathered in the hope of seeing the match, with some of the local crowd scaling 30-metre telegraph poles to see the game.

Usually local police have to deploy tear gas to disperse the crowd.

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Broken neck ends Richie's title dream

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MANLY'S Richie Fa'aoso will miss the NRL grand final due to a broken neck.

Contrary to reports, his career is not over, with the tough prop set to return to NRL football for round one next season.

The Sea Eagles said in a statement: "Scans today revealed that Richard Fa'aoso has sustained a fracture of his C7 vertebrae and will miss the 2013 Grand Final.

"X-­Rays taken at hospital after the Sea Eagles' win over the Rabbitohs on Friday night did not show any damage, however an MRI scan subsequently identified the broken bone in Richard's neck.

"He is stable and continues to improve. He will however miss the grand final and will be in a neck brace for six weeks.

"The Sea Eagles medical staff are confident there will be no long-­term issues and Richard will be back to 100 per cent by the start of the 2014 season.

"Understandably Richard is devastated about missing the game and we ask that his privacy be respected at this time. The club will be making no further comment at this stage.

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