‘We didn’t deserve to win’: Simpson

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WEST Coast coach Adam Simpson said Collingwood deserved to win yesterday's classic at the MCG, despite the Eagles leading at every change and winning most key statistics.

The devastated Eagles recorded a whopping 66 inside 50 entries and led by 18 points during the third quarter, before losing by eight points in their ninth consecutive defeat to the Magpies at the venue.

GUSTY MAGPIES NOTCH FAMOUS WIN

The crushing result leaves West Coast delicately placed at 4-5 for the season ahead of a vital home clash against North Melbourne next Sunday night.

Simpson said the Eagles were on the improve after a contest that was labelled the match of the season by commentator Dennis Cometti.

Dane Swan tackles Chris Masten Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

"We didn't deserve to win in the end. They stayed in the game just as much as we did and we missed an opportunity,'' Simpson said.

"I wouldn't say it's the one that got away. I thought the Carlton game maybe was.

"We're seeing signs of improvement. We're definitely seeing some good signs.

"Our endeavour and intent were there, we just couldn't sustain it in that last 15 minutes.''

It was a tremendous victory for Collingwood after losing key defenders Nathan Brown (shoulder) and Jack Frost (concussion) before half-time.

"There were critical moments in the last quarter where the class with their midfielders and their forwards (was telling), and their defence held up,'' Simpson said.

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"So I thought rather than us dropping off, I reckon they might have elevated to another level.''

West Coast will regain star forward Mark LeCras from suspension for the game against the Kangaroos. In their past 13 games, the Eagles have won all five LeCras has played in and lost all eight matches without him.

Defender Elliot Yeo will also be available after losing part of two teeth in a collision with Collingwood big man Jarrod Witts.

Yeo flew home with his teammates last night and will have dental surgery today or tomorrow.

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The roots of his two top front teeth remained in place and he will be fitted with caps. Yeo normally wears a mouth guard but he did not have it in during the incident.

The 20-year-old was in good spirits in the rooms last night and tweeted: "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth.''

"I think he rates himself too with the looks, so he's going to have to get that fixed pretty quick,'' Simpson said.

"I don't know if he was in a hell of a lot of pain or not, but he didn't seem to take a backward step after it.

"We've been impressed with Elliot's role in the last few weeks, we've exploited him through the midfield and we feel like it's adding some flexibility and some size in there and he's only going to grow from that.''

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Magpies count injury toll from big win

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COLLINGWOOD will be without Nathan Brown and potentially Jack Frost for Friday night's clash with St Kilda after both defenders were injured in the Magpies' brave eight-point win over West Coast at the MCG yesterday.

Coach Nathan Buckley conceded Brown could require surgery which would derail his season, while Frost will be monitored this week after not coming back on after half-time due to concussion.

GUTSY MAGPIES NOTCH FAMOUS WIN

Brown was rushed to hospital for assessment during the game after suffering his second shoulder dislocation of the season.

"Any time you dislocate your shoulder, you are potentially looking at that (surgery)," Buckley said last night.

"It's really disappointing for him because he got through three VFL games, a power of training on the track and (he) just wasn't able to stand up — an innocuous contest and it comes out.

"We need to give him time to let it heal and then work out what we are going to do from here."

Nathan Brown injured his right shoulder in this marking contest. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

Frost will need to prove his fitness ahead of a six-day turnaround against the Saints after suffering nausea and the effects of a knock to the back of his head.

Buckley praised the rest of the undermanned defence that restricted West Coast's dangerous attack in the second half, labelling Nick Maxwell's performance as outstanding.

"If 'Maxy' says that's in his top five wins, I would nearly say it is in his top five games for the club," Buckley said. "I thought he was huge.

"Sometimes all you need is guys prepared to have a dip and stay in the game."

Buckley conceded Travis Cloke needed to keep working hard to overcome his form slump after the key forward managed only one goal yesterday.

Round 10: Collingwood v West Coast Travis Cloke in the last quarter with Dane Swan Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

Admittedly, that goal gave the Magpies the breathing space it needed to hold on.

"His form is not at the level that he would expect and we would expect," he said. "But we had 13 goalkickers to kick 17 goals. That spread is what we are looking for."

The coach admitted his team struggled early in the game, but a growing resilience from the group helped to get them over the line.

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"We'd hope to take a fair bit of belief," he said. "That and the Essendon game, we've been able to salvage from some pretty poor football early in the match.

"This one went a little bit longer than the Essendon game.

"(But) there's a growing belief and solidarity in the group. There's a resilience that's building.

"At the same time you don't want to get in the habit of having to dig yourself out of big holes."

Scott Pendlebury celebrates a final-term goal. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

Eagle Mitch Brown tweeted a message of support for his twin Nathan after the game: "Thinking of U bro ... U r one courageous tough bugger."

West Coast's Elliot Yeo lost part of his two front teeth after a collision with Jarrod Witts, which will require some dental work. Yeo wasn't wearing his mouth guard at the time.

Eagles coach Adam Simpson said: "We didn't deserve to win in the end, they stayed in the game just as much as we did.

"We missed an opportunity, I wouldn't say it's the one that got away. I thought the Carlton game maybe was."

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Ricciardo second fastest in Monaco

Daniel Ricciardo during final practice ahead in Monaco. Picture: Clive Mason Source: Clive Mason / Getty Images

AUSTRALIAN Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo finished just behind Britain's Lewis Hamilton in topping the times in Saturday morning's final free practice session for the Monaco Grand Prix.

Thanks to a stunning lap, Ricciardo was only 0.050 seconds slower than the championship leader's Mercedes after a dramatic hour's action.

Hamilton, who was the fastest man in Thursday's opening practice sessions, clocked a best lap of one minute and 16.758 seconds to set the pace, but only after locking up and missing the chicane on an earlier fast lap as he, and most other drivers, struggled to find perfection on the unforgiving barrier-lined circuit.

Third fastest was Nico Rosberg in the second Mercedes who, watched by his father and former champion Keke, pushed hard but also made a mistake.

Defending four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel was fourth in the second Red Bull ahead of two-time champion Spaniard Fernando Alonso of Ferrari and Mexican Sergio Perez and his Force India teammate German Nico Hulkenberg.

Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne was eighth fastest for Toro Rosso ahead of teammate Russian rookie Daniil Kvyat and Dane Jan Magnussen, also a rookie, in the leading McLaren.

On a circuit where McLaren have been majestic victors in the past, Magnussen's teammate 2009 champion Briton Jenson Button was only 11th while Finn Kimi Raikkonen, the 2007 champion, was down in 16th in the second Ferrari.

Ricciardo was only 0.050 seconds slower than championship leader Lewis Hamilton. Picture: Clive Mason Source: Getty Images

On a perfect morning of blue skies and warm sunshine, the classic street circuit shimmered as the cars began practice, the two Mercedes men almost immediately stamping their authority on proceedings.

Rosberg, whose relationship with teammate Hamilton had been analysed and discussed so much during Friday's rest day, was first to set a clear fastest lap time and moved clear with 1:17.736.

Hamilton responded with several laps to close the gap to take second spot to less than two-tenths while the two Red Bull drivers, led by Ricciardo, moved into third and fourth places before Vettel stormed to third place shortly before the midway point in the session.

Only then did the leading men switch from traditional 'soft' tyres to the Monaco-compound 'super specials' for the extra grip required — a move that reshuffled the leaders and led to Hamilton, despite his complaints about his car's handling, recording the fastest lap ahead of Saturday's critical qualifying session.

Hamilton, who leads the championship from Rosberg by just three points, has never taken pole in the Mediterranean principality, but is aiming for his fifth in six races this year and his second Monaco win on Sunday.

He won in 2008 on his way to taking the title that year.

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Force tame Lions to boost finals hopes

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THE Western Force recorded a franchise-record eighth win of the season with a 29-19 triumph over the Lions in Saturday night's Super Rugby clash in Perth.

Match Centre: Full scores, stats, video highlights

Skipper Matt Hodgson produced another herculean display in scoring two tries — including the bonus-point fourth try — while Jayden Hayward and Chris Tuatara-Morrison also crossed.

The Force's fifth straight home win lifted them to fourth on the ladder with just four games remaining.

The Lions entered the match on a six-game losing streak.

But apart from a disastrous four-minute period just before half-time and another bad six-minute period before the full-time whistle, they proved to be a hard nut to crack.

Force winger Nick Cummins charges ahead. Source: News Corp Australia

Time and again they repelled the Force's attacking forays, before two tries in the final six minutes finally killed off the contest.

An early downpour ensured for slippery conditions, and the Force's efforts to make a strong start to the match were thwarted by a series of scrum infringements.

Those penalties gave the Lions vital field advantage at several key times, and the visitors shot out to a 9-3 lead in the 28th minute when flyhalf Marnitz Boshoff nailed his third penalty.

But the turning point of the half came in the 35th minute when Nathan Charles was knocked unconscious as he tried to barge his way to the line.

Lions prop Corne Fourie was given a yellow card for the shoulder charge, and the Force made the most of the numerical advantage with two tries in the next four minutes.

Hodgson charged over for his fifth try of the season, while fullback Hayward crossed out wide just a minute before half-time to give the Force a 15-9 lead.

The Force unleashed an attacking onslaught after the break, camping themselves inside the Lions' 22m for the best part of the next 20 minutes.

Chris Tuatara-Morrison dives over to score for the Force. Source: Getty Images

However, the home side failed to get any reward for their hard work, with Nick Cummins' try disallowed due to obstruction, and several other attacking forays falling just short of the line.

It was nervous moments when the Lions closed to three points with 15 minutes remaining.

Tuatara-Morrison's 74th-minute try eased tensions, but a disastrous clearance attempt from Cummins four minutes later allowed Lions substitute Elton Jantjies to close the gap back to three points.

Enter Hodgson.

With the game on the line and a bonus point still on the cards, the recalled Wallaby stuck out his right hand through two defenders to touch down at the post with 90 seconds remaining.

Lions coach Johan Ackerman felt Fourie was harshly done by after his head clash with Charles resulted in a yellow card.

"It was a funny call, a disappointing call," Ackerman said.

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"On the view I had in front of me on the laptop, I couldn't see anything wrong.

"That's a decision that won't help the result now."

Force coach Michael Foley said he was proud of his team's achievement to win eight games this year.

"Some of the rugby we played was probably the best stuff we've played in the last couple of weeks," Foley said.

"We didn't finish off always, but they stuck at it. And to get the bonus point at the end there was great."

WESTERN FORCE 29 (Matt Hodgson 2, Jayden Hayward, Chris Tuatara-Morrison tries Hayward 2, Sias Ebersohn cons Ebersohn pen) bt LIONS 19 (Elton Jantjies try Marnitz Boshoff con 4 pens) at nib Stadium. Referee: Steve R. Walsh. Crowd: 11,587.

Relive all the action from nib Stadium in our match blog below

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Roosters overrun depleted Bulldogs

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THE Origin script dictates NRL matches to be played almost in secret, without the publicity, the stars, and, most shamefully of all, the attention.

Reduced to sideshow spectacles, these second-rate contests are not known for producing a smorgasbord of spite and skill capable of upstaging the biggest show in Australian sport.

But without a total of seven Origin players between them, the Roosters and Bulldogs did exactly that before 19,088 riled-up fans at ANZ Stadium on Friday night.

The Bulldogs can't stop SBW flying over the line to score. Source: Getty Images

The most hostile encounter of 2014 finished with victorious Roosters coach Trent Robinson challenging opposition teams to treat the new concussion laws with "integrity" after accusing Bulldogs skipper Michael Ennis of staying down to win a penalty just before halftime.

The incident sparked a melee after Roosters prop Sam Moa abused Ennis while he lay on the turf, and even uglier scenes beckoned when a furious Frank Paul Nuuausala waited for the opposing captain as the teams left the field.

David Klemmer kicks off after a high challenge from Sam Moa on Michael Ennis. Source: Getty Images

If not for the intervention of a female high performance manager from Canterbury, Ennis and Nuuausala might have come to blows in the tunnel.

Canterbury prop David Klemmer was also a magnet for much of the mayhem, targeting Roosters spearhead Jared Warea-Hargreaves on numerous occasions.

Their final confrontation was the most provocative, with Klemmer placed on report for kicking up his boots in aggressive fashion as he charged toward the Kiwi enforcer.

The Roosters get to grips with Greg Eastwood. Source: Getty Images

Fresh video referee controversies, the redemption of fallen Blues halfback Mitchell Pearce and Sonny Bill Williams continuing his routine torment of Canterbury were other highlights of an incident-packed 80-minutes that catapulted the premiers back into the top eight.

But the result was not sealed until Williams stepped up midway through the second half, when scoreboard was on a 14-12 knife edge thanks to the relentless attitude of a Canterbury side missing regular halves Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds to Origin duty.

Sonny Bill Williams gives Michael Ennis's headgear a tug. Source: Getty Images

Rookie halfback Moses Mbye was magnificent in their absence, setting up both his tries and being robbed of his maiden NRL four-pointer by a contentious video referee call in the 12th minute.

Ennis, who appeared to suffer a shoulder injury that prevented him from attending the post match press conference, was also at his niggling best.

But those efforts were reduced to naught when Williams seized the game in his deft hands with 16 minutes left.

Jake Friend and Dylan Napa have the tough task of trying to stop Sam Kasiano. Source: Getty Images

The dual International sent Shaun Kenny-Dowall across for the game's most crucial try with a questionable pass, before scoring his second just moments after Bulldogs centre Tim Lafai was sin-binned.

Having whipped his men into shape following last week's mauling in Townsville, Robinson was delighted at the fight his players showed in the face of such aggression from Klemmer & co. He refused to fault Nuuausala for baiting Ennis at halftime, adding: "You can't go overboard. If you ask them to go to the edge that's going to happen every now and then.

"We went to the edge. We have not shown it enough this year."

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Robinson then turned his attention to Ennis, and also Bulldogs fullback Sam Perrett, who received a first half penalty after staying down. Roosters skipper Anthony Minichiello also accused his opposite of "gamesmanship".

"It's disappointing but you can't change that," Robinson said. "There was no way he (Ennis) was concussed."

"We've got to have some integrity about using it (the concussion rule) properly."

Anthony Minichiello beats Josh Jackson to the ball. Source: Getty Images

Bulldogs coach Des Hasler recoiled at suggestions that Ennis and Perrett had taken a dive. "They're not those types of players," Hasler said.

Although the match was not decided until the final 15 minutes, Robinson felt his team's ability to withstand an onslaught of seven straight penalties and sets of possessions before halftime.

"As soon as we went into halftime with them kicking a penalty goal we knew that set character and we were going to be strong in defence," Robinson said.

SYDNEY ROOSTERS 32 (A Minichiello 2 S Williams 2 S Kenny-Dowall N MacDonald tries J Maloney 4 goals) bt BULLDOGS 12 (M Brown 2 tries K Inu 2 goals) at ANZ Stadium. Referee: Ashley Klein, Adam Gee. Crowd: 19,088

CHECK OUT THE MATCH CENTRE OR RE-LIVE THE LIVE BLOG BELOW.

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Nissan to chase outright Le Mans glory

Nissan will chase outright victory at Le Mans in 2015. Source: Richard Dole / Supplied

LOOK out Audi, Toyota and Porsche; Godzilla is going to tackle the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Nissan has announced plans to race an LMP1 sportscar in 2015 and it will carry the revered GT-R nameplate.

Although they are keeping the technical specifications of the GT-R LM NISMO, as it will be called, private for the moment, Nissan are pledging to take a very different approach to their rivals.

And to beat them.

"You don't go to Le Mans to just turn up," Andy Palmer, Nissan's chief planning office and executive vice-president said.

"The brief to the team is to go with something different, go with something that brings new technology which is transferable to the road car technology and an approach that is innovative and exciting and of course, go to win."

Watch this year's Le Mans 24 Hours LIVE in HD on SPEED in June. (Foxtel channel 512).

Nissan has had a strong presence in sportscar racing for several years as an engine supplier to LMP2 class teams, and will once again race a prototype electric car at Le Mans this year as the 'Garage 56' entry.

"We can look at this year's race with the Nissan ZEOD RC in its own context as the world's fastest ever electric race car," Palmer said.

"Some of these learnings from the Nissan ZEOD RC will then follow forward into our entry into LM P1 in 2015."

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CAPTION: VIDEO: NISSAN ANNOUNCE LE MANS TILT

No drivers have been linked to Nissan's efforts yet, Nissan's global director of motorsport Darren Cox admitting that they have a vast pool of talent to choose from.

"Our goal is to get the best guys we can to drive the cars," Cox said.

"We'll have some drivers who are already within the Nissan 'family', but we'll also have some new additions to the family."

Nissan said sportscar racing's decision to place an emphasis on economy and the use of hybrid technology is what enticed them to make the step up to LMP1.

"What the ACO and the FIA have done in developing the new regulations for LMP1 is to create something that is both technologically innovative and provides a key platform for manufacturers like Nissan to talk about subjects like fuel efficiency in an exciting way," Cox said.

"In terms of timing, the new LM P1 rules for factory entries is perfect for us.

"The new focus on energy efficiency for 2014 and beyond means the engineering challenges have real relevance to the challenges our engineers face on our road car projects."

Nissan knows they are in for an intense battle against the sport's existing marques, and walk into the sport's top class knowing the magnitude of challenge they will face.

"There are a lot of people involved in this program who at the heart of it are very hard core racers," Cox said.

"We know we have a big mountain to climb, but we'll be giving this everything we've got."

The plan is for Nissan to start testing the car in October ahead of a two-year race program, the end of which coincides with the end of the current cycle of LMP1 regulations.

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Link likes look of versatile Jones

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WALLABIES coach Ewen McKenzie says Melbourne Rebels lock Luke Jones has all the capabilities to become a long-term national team player.

The 23-year-old, who on Thursday was selected in the 32-man squad to face France in a three-Test series starting next month, has played every game for the Rebels this season and has been one of Super Rugby's best-performed Australian forwards.

Initially signed as a teenager by the Western Force, Jones came to Melbourne in 2011 and last year signed a new contract which will keep him at the Rebels until 2016.

Jones is yet to make his international debut, but McKenzie said he is ready.

"He wouldn't be in the squad if we didn't think he was capable," McKenzie said.

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"I like footballers that play consistently. As a coach, you someone to go out there and play the same to the same level all the time.

"He ticks the box in attack and defence, carries the ball and is consistent every week. He was doing it as well last year so we were looking at him then. He's not just a guy that played well one week and we thought 'let's pick him', he's actually been playing well for a period of time."

McKenzie also said Jones' versatility made him a valuable asset.

"He can play in the back row as well," he said.

"Over time, if he can play four positions as opposed to two then that makes him more selectable so that's an advantage in my eyes."

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Debate continues to rage as to who McKenzie will choose as his captain against the French.

Australian legend John Eales put forward NSW Waratahs hooker Michael Hooper, while James Horwill, Will Genia and Stephen Moore are also names that have been thrown around.

McKenzie said Rebels captain Scott Higginbotham is in contention as well.

"There's a whole bunch of guys who have got leadership potential.

"Everyone can lead, the whole team can lead in terms of the way they function and the way they behave on and off the field. Ultimately you've got to have a captain and a vice-captain after we get together on June 1, Sunday week, we'll announce the captain on the Monday."

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A proud Victorian, McKenzie said he was pleased with the ongoing development in his home state.

He said the recent success of Victoria's under 15 team in the Junior Gold Cup competition was particularly impressive.

"There's always been a strong club structure here, but there wasn't a direct pathway to the Wallabies, generally you had to head north and that's what I did.

"But now we have that through the Rebels so you can play juniors here and see an obvious pathway to get to the national team."

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Three reasons you don’t want to play for Mexico

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IF YOU notice the Mexican players are a little agitated at next month's FIFA World Cup in Brazil, here's why.

The manager Miguel Herrera has three demands that are, well, rather demanding.

1. NO SEX

Herrera wants his players to avoid sex during the World Cup in Brazil, joking it will be OK to look at but not touch bikini-clad women.

The fiery coach said he would not ban his 23 men from any hanky panky but that he would prefer they practice abstinence during the month-long tournament that kicks off on June 12.

"I am thinking about football and I hope that the boys are thinking about football because nobody has died from practising abstinence for 40 days," Herrera said.

"Some people are virgins until marriage and they are 20 or 25 years old. So, please, nobody will die for 40 days."

Bikini girls are off limits for the Mexican team. Source: Supplied

Asked whether the rule applies to the coaching staff, Herrera said he would be too busy drawing tactics against Group A rivals Brazil, Croatia and Cameroon to think about anything else.

"If you cross a bikini and you see it and that's all, it's no big deal. We will be in front of the beach, it's impossible not to cross a bikini in Brazil, but looking doesn't hurt," he quipped.

Other World Cup managers have addressed the sex issue.

Brazil's Luiz Felipe Scolari said in April that he told his players that they can have "normal sex" before games but they should avoid any under-the-sheets acrobatics.

Mexico star Javier Hernandez (left) in happier times. Source: News Limited

2. NO BEEF

Mexico's World Cup players are being banned from eating beef, a move aimed at avoiding positive doping tests from meat contaminated with the performance-enhancing drug clenbuterol.

Herrera said he had told his players more than a month ago not to eat red meat.

During the 2011 Gold Cup, five Mexico players tested positive for clenbuterol, a muscle-building drug. The Mexican Football Federation eventually cleared the players of doping.

The World Anti-Doping Agency accepted what it termed "compelling evidence" that meat in Mexico was contaminated with clenbuterol and produced the positive tests.

"Our training centre has determined, based on what happened in the past, that red meat shouldn't be eaten," Herrera said.

Defender Miguel Ponce, who was left out of the original 23-man team, said he had been eating some red meat. He was added to the team recently to replace injured midfielder Juan Carlos Medina.

"I ate a few tacos, but I hope there is no problem," Ponce said. "From now on I'll follow what's been requested."

The man making all the rules, Mexico coach Miguel Herrera. Source: AFP

3. NO BOOZE

Herrera also banned his players from drinking.

"Let's play a World Cup, we're not going to a party."

That's fair enough, you might think. But when you combine no booze with no sex and no beef, the World Cup becomes every man's nightmare.

The Coronas will have to stay on ice. Source: News Corp Australia

- with wire agencies

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Skelton gives Wallabies X-factor up front

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WALLABIES coach Ewen McKenzie believes giant Will Skelton can become the national team's forward pack X-factor.

The youngest member of McKenzie's 32-man squad announced yesterday, 22-year-old Skelton is in line for his Test debut in three weeks against France, just a year after his Super Rugby debut.

"Our game requires a forward pack that works, but you also need X-factor too," McKenzie said.

"How you find that, and how you distribute that, it is doesn't have to be the No.10 who has all the X-factor, as a playmaker. Someone like Skelton can make that difference.

"It gives us different ways to think about it, and how we might structure a team.

"I always like to have that tactical flexibility so we are not one-dimensional. We have a three-Test series, so we might be able to try different things as we go along."

Like the All Blacks have Kieren Read, South Africa Bismark du Plessis and England Billy Vunipola, it is hoped Skelton can develop into a world-class threat by the time the World Cup starts.

Three of the four uncapped players in McKenzie's squad are locks, with Skelton joined by the Brumbies' Sam Carter and Melbourne's Luke Jones.

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Given there will be three locks chosen in the first squad, and incumbents James Horwill and Rob Simmons have been inconsistent this year at the battling Queensland Reds, it is inevitable that at least one of the three new second-rowers will make their Test debut in Brisbane on June 7.

Skelton has worn criticism for his lack of lineout takes, a key aspect of lock play, grasping just four for the Waratahs this year.

But the 203cm, 135kg powerhouse has been used as an attacking weapon by NSW coach Michael Cheika. Skelton's charging runs, dangerous off-loads and deft inside passes have marked him as a special talent who possesses skills unlike many other second-rowers around the world.

McKenzie will not be influenced on Skelton's selection by his NSW lineout statistics.

"It depends on how you set up your line out, I have thoughts on it, I have had lots of different players with different attributes," McKenzie said.

"They have used him more as a lifter, but he can definitely still jump. They use him to carry the ball and different things, so they have a different system of play.

"That's for us to work out and work on. I don't think it is a limitation.
"Sita Timani last year wasn't a prolific lineout winner either, and he was around the Wallabies. It is really a question of who is, in your squad, so how many jumpers are in your backrow, the length of the lineout you play, all of those things make a difference."

Aiding Skelton in his bid to become a Wallaby is the fact McKenzie has identified noted lineout option Scott Fardy as a backrower.

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"We see Fardy more in the backrow, late in the game if we want to put him at second-row that's possible but that's not where we're focusing," McKenzie said.

"He did good things playing in the No.6 jersey last year in the way we want to go about it."

Skelton was placed on a media ban by the Waratahs on Thursday, with Cheika saying he needed to focus on Friday's crucial match against the Rebels in Melbourne.

"It's great for him that he's getting there, or thereabouts, I think his first focus is on concentrating on playing well week in, week out, being mobile, getting around the park more," said Cheika, who will use Skelton off the bench.

McKenzie overlooked NSW's Kane Douglas because he has signed a contract to play for Leinster later this year, while the same applied for France-bound incumbent Wallabies skipper Ben Mowen.

Both were valuable lineout options for Australia during last year, but McKenzie needs to invest in those who will be available to him at next year's World Cup.

"All the second rowers contribute different things," McKenzie said. "We have obviously see what Skelton can do in terms of the attacking side of the game.

"Sam Carter has a massive workrate and the defensive statistics, he is in the game all the time. And we have seen Luke Jones who is, again, consistent.

"I like the fact the opportunities these guys get they're in the game and they're consistent, week-in, week out. That's what you want.

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Nigel Blackiston issues Ominous warning

Blackiston Racing, Nigel Blackiston. Source: News Limited

NIGEL Blackiston says he will not risk the welfare of his imported galloper Ominous if the Flemington track is too firm tomorrow.

Blackiston, who trains at Flemington, said he would scratch Ominous from the 3200m Andrew Ramsden Stakes if the track, currently rated a Good 3, did not have some give in it.

He feared Melbourne's unseasonally hot conditions at this time of the year warmth, combined with strong winds yesterday, could produce an unsuitable track for Ominous in Flemington's only race, other than the Melbourne Cup, run over 3200m at Flemington.

After successive wins in Adelaide, including the 2500m Port Adelaide Cup, Blackiston was confident of a competitive performance.

"The horse is going really well and racing really well but my only concern is that the track will be too firm," Blackiston said yesterday.

"He can handle most conditions, but we don't want a concrete track for him, that's for sure."

"We've had two weeks of 20 (degrees) plus and the weather has been magnificent but we've had no rain, but they predicting some so I hope we get it."

Blackiston, eyeing the Melbourne Cup with two of his other stayers, Outback Joe and Let's Make Adeal, was not sure whether he'd be able to get the French-bred Ominous into the race for the big race.

"But it would be a dream come true to have three runners in the Cup," he said.

"One would be good. It's very, very hard to get horses qualified."

All three of Blackiston's stayers have passed the balloting clause for the Cup, but at this stage Outback Joe would be higher up the weights and the best chance of gaining a run. They will have to keep winning.

Outback Joe has returned to Blackiston's stable after a short break following his win in the Adelaide Cup in March. Let's Make Adeal will resume training next week after her unplaced run in the Sydney Cup in April.

After arriving in Australia from France after 12 overseas starts, Ominous produced four unspectacular runs in Australia before it was decided to geld the five-year-old. which turned the once wayward bull, with other things on his mind, into a genuine racehorse.

"Two good wins in Adelaide is a bit different to a Melbourne Cup but if he can win again and he has three wins in a row and gets his rating up, there are some good races for him in the Spring Carnival," Blackiston said.

"The Melbourne Cup would be great but if not there some races for him that are more suitable.

"After gelding we gave him a nice break and he came back in great order. He was wayward before that and wouldn't concentrate but now he's a pleasure to have around the stables."

Track manager Mick Goodie said Flemington had received only 2mm of rain since the previous meeting on May 10, when it received 14mm on the day.

He said if there was no rain last night, he would put some irrigation on the track.

"I won't be disappointed if it races a Good 3 and I know some people will say it should be more wintry for this time of the year, but with the weather we've had a Good 3 will rate more like a Dead 4," Goodie said. "I'm more than happy with it."

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Loss of Guy casts pall over carnival

Trainer Noel Mayfield-smith with Famous Seamus. Source: Anthony Weate / News Corp Australia

NE: The death of Guy Walter is a tragedy for racing. You and I were lucky enough to cross paths with him over the past month and just as all the tributes that flowed yesterday suggested, he was an absolute gentleman to deal with. It's hard to believe he was beaming in the celebration of Streama's Doomben Cup win five days ago.

BD: It puts everything into perspective. A top trainer probably summed it up when he told me yesterday: "There are not many like him left. I never heard anyone say a bad word about him.''

NE: The constant theme with Walter's best horses was their longevity. Tie The Knot won Group 1 races in five consecutive seasons. He was a remarkable horseman.

BD: Just as there was on Golden Slipper Day after Nathan Berry's death, there will be a sombre mood at racetracks around the country tomorrow.

NE: The Doomben 10,000 is almost a rerun of the BTC Cup, with Rebel Dane and Knoydart thrown into the mix. On which horse did your dart land this week?

BD: You said it Nathan, it's basically a replay of the BTC Cup. I am expecting the same result. Famous Seamus is good odds again and will do it again.

NE: Unlike your climb on the Story Bridge yesterday. For someone so keen to don the gloves a week ago, it can't possibly be true you are afraid of heights. I've tipped Buffering again. If not him, hopefully Spirit Of Boom can provide a hometown win.

BD: Thanks for that, Scoop. You've tipped the two favourites. Surely you have something at more tasty odds after finally finding a few winners last week?

NE: I'm keen on Rough Copy in the second. He has to make up four lengths on Agitate, but it was a ripper recent run and he will be powering late. You fell off your punting perch last week (thankfully). Are you reverting to your old fave Adebisi (didn't you put it in the sack file once?) to bounce back or is there something else you're clinging on to?

BD: Very keen on classy Perth mare Platinum Rocker in the Glenlogan. Fitter and the weights suit much better.

NE: That race will be a real test of where Srikandi sits in the Stradbroke mix. I do think the likely Stradbroke winner will race at Doomben, but in the 10,000. The Derby picture will become clearer in the Grand Prix, so let's hope we haven't put the mock on Amexed with both of us tipping him.

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Footy fans tackle AFL over ticket prices

The ACCC is assessing evidence put before it regarding variable ticketing at the MCG and Etihad Stadium. Source: News Limited

THE AFL's unpopular new variable ticket pricing faces a fresh challenge with angry fans calling in the nation's competition watchdog.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has confirmed it was assessing evidence put before it regarding variable ticketing at the MCG and Etihad Stadium.

It follows a formal complaint lodged by the AFL Fans' Association last Thursday on behalf of disgruntled club members.

The supporters have asked the ACCC to examine whether the AFL's decision to change its pricing regime after fans had paid for their 2014 season membership constituted "misleading and deceptive conduct".

At some games this year under the new system, the AFL has advised club members they need to pay an extra fee for a reserved seat.

Members were further angered when the AFL then changed its mind and removed the extra fee after some fans had already paid it.

HOW TO GET FANS BACK TO THE FOOTY

An ACCC spokesman said on Thursday night: "(We have) received a complaint about the AFL's Variable Pricing Strategy.''

"At this stage, the ACCC hasn't formed a view on whether the conduct may raise a concern under the Australian Consumer Law.''

AFL spokesman James Tonkin said: "The AFL confirms it recently met with the ACCC to address queries about our new ticketing model.''

"It was a productive discussion and we welcomed the ­opportunity to detail how the model seeks to give fans more ticketing and seating choices. We also re-emphasised that ticketing revenue is returned to the competing clubs," Mr Tonkin said.

ETIHAD STADIUM CROWDS AT ALL-TIME LOW

The AFL announced a variable ticketing policy for games at Etihad Stadium, the MCG and Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast in February.

It has the dual aim of generating more revenue from high-demand games, while offering fans better seats at cheaper ­prices at matches expected to draw smaller crowds.

Adult ticket prices range from $25 to $62 at the MCG and Etihad.

Confused fans reacted ­angrily to the changes, which come on top of exorbitant food prices at venues, and AFL crowds this season have dropped to seven-year lows.

The issue flared after last month's Geelong-Hawthorn blockbuster when about 1200 general admission members were allowed to swipe into the AFL Members' Reserve without charge.

Because the game had been designated as an A-Reserve match under the new model, other general admission club members had earlier been ­advised to upgrade and pay extra for a reserved seat.

Ten other AFL matches in Melbourne were slated as a A-Reserve matches.

AFLFA president Brian Clarke, who represents about 1600 members, said: "The fans who contacted us all told us the same thing, that they had purchased a membership from an AFL club and entered into a contract. They paid a certain amount of money and in return were promised a certain amount of games.

"What they were outraged about was that the AFL, a third party, came in over the top and said: 'You know what? We're going to bury that contract and you're going to pay more'.

"We are not accusing the AFL of being misleading or deceptive, but we are acting in the interests of our members who wanted us to approach the ACCC on their behalf."

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Balotelli cops racist chants from fans

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POLICE have had to intervene after Mario Balotelli was subjected to racist chants at Italy's World Cup training base.

A few kids outside the Coverciano complex were responsible for the chants, and Balotelli appeared visibly disturbed.

Reports say the Milan striker copped fans shouting "black piece of s***" during training drills.

The training session was open to media and Balotelli could be heard saying as he ran by reporters, "Only in Rome and Florence are they that stupid."

While most of the fans cheered for Balotelli, police approached the area where the chants came from and they quickly ended.

Balotelli was born in Sicily to Ghanaian immigrants and brought up by an Italian foster family. He has faced racist chants throughout his professional career.

Italian player Mario Balotelli during a training session in Coverciano training complex, in Florence. The Azzurri will train for three days this week then resume full-time preparation. Source: AP

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Dons plan legal bid to end drug probe

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ESSENDON players could launch legal action challenging the legality of the joint drugs investigation in a bid for immediate closure.

An option for the players en-masse to attempt to have the drugs probe into Essendon players shut down was briefly raised at a meeting on Tuesday night.

The players could raise issues over the process, confidentiality and privacy of the AFL-ASADA investigation, which is into its 16th month.

The players and parents were briefed at the club on Tuesday night, where they were told the club and the AFL Players Association had formed a three-man legal team to represent them in the event they received show-cause notices from ASADA.

ASADA MOVES TO SHORE UP EVIDENCE

If the players did challenge the investigation, and won, it would be immediately quashed.

The entire playing staff, as well as club officials, are expected to receive the show cause letters within weeks, it is understood.

If they do receive the letters, the players will be represented by Tony Hargreaves, who last year worked for the club and now works with the players, David Grace QC and Ben Ihle.

It is also understood no player will accept guilt over any charges, which rules out any "no fault, no negligence'' deals.

Essendon chairman Paul Little last night indicated the club would fight if it had to and conceded a lengthy legal process would be ''worse than ideal''.

"You can't predict these things, but depending what's in these notices, it's highly possible we would legally challenge the information in the show-cause notices,'' he said.

"That's the least we could do if we felt the information is inaccurate or wrong.

"But it's hypothetical because we don't know (if the show-cause notices are coming).''

Little said the club last year investigated the possibility of challenging the AFL-ASADA investigation but was advised it was not likely to win, though other lawyers have disagreed.

Essendon players and club officials are on edge as the reality of their predicament hits home. Source: News Corp Australia

Asked if it was a possibility now, Little said: ''I would never rule anything out, or in, but I have to say it's a long way from where we are.

"We really aren't focusing on a particular approach to this other than putting in place what I refer to as a legal safety net for the players and for the parents for their comfort. That really dominated discussion last night.''

LITTLE TAKES AIM AT ASADA

Asked whether the players, led by skipper Jobe Watson, could instigate a legal challenge to the probe, Little said: ''The instructions a player gives them (the lawyers), and this was part of what we clarified last night, will be between a lawyer and his customer ... and we will respect that. We aren't going to tell the legal team what they should do with the players and we aren't going to tell the players what they should do with the legal team.''

Little said no Essendon player would accept a "no fault, no negligence'' position.

"To get that warning and to get that relief you need to have been found to have taken a substance and our players don't think they have,'' Little said.

"They are not going to use that clause, I promise you.''

It is understood the reality of their predicament hit home with players on Tuesday night and they were quiet at the club yesterday. Club officials are also on edge.

"No matter how many times I've stated I don't believe our players took anything that was harmful or illegal, and I still firmly believe that, you pick up the paper and read a story like what was reported, it still puts the shivers up you,'' Little said.

"There were a lot of questions about how it would work, who would get the notices, there were a lot of questions they wanted clarity around. Both the parents and players had a lot of questions.''

Little had been unable to seek clarification from ASADA or Sports Minister Peter Dutton because he said they were not taking his calls.

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Sterlo: Give Dogs duo their own series

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Now that Laurie Daley has made the bold decision to go with Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds as his halves pairing, I hope he tells them they are there for the series.

Not necessarily a public declaration, but a private assurance and show of faith that he has complete confidence as to what they are poised to achieve.

Facing the biggest game of their lives the Canterbury pairing will understandably be very nervous about the assignment they have been handed. There may even be some deep-seated doubts as to whether they are up to task.

PICK YOUR GREATEST ORIGIN SIDE

100 GREATEST ORIGIN MOMENTS: BEST NOBODIES

Blues halves Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson are all smiles during a NSW State of Origin training session. Source: News Corp Australia

That is why going into next Wednesday night with the knowledge that win, lose or draw and fitness willing they will be there for game 2 in Sydney, would be a huge psychological boost and make their run-on Origin debut so much more assured.

After all, I think it is safe to assume that whatever they produce in the cauldron that is Suncorp Stadium, they will be much better for the experience.

There is also a degree of responsibility to the players, who in some ways are having their careers put on the line. We have seen in the past the likes of Jarrod Mullen and Terry Campese struggle to recover from being discarded after just 80 minutes.

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It is not easy to overcome not only the disappointment involved but also the dent to the confidence by being dropped and the subsequent perception of failure.

Coach Daley has had a long time to decide on this Blues squad and that should in itself lend to a minimum of changes through the campaign outside of injuries and suspension.

Fortunately NSW has been much better in this regard in recent times.

Back in 2009 and 2010 we used a mammoth 30 players through the three matches, while in 2012 it was 21 and last year 22.

Selection for Trent and Josh is just reward for the role they have played in elevating the 'Dogs to sole competition leaders after seven consecutive victories.

With so little time for preparation a club combination is highly advantageous but it still won't be easy to play behind a forward pack that will not enjoy the dominance that the Canterbury front six have of late.

In their favour is the competitive nature that both exhibit, albeit in different ways.

Reynolds wears his heart on his sleeve and is a livewire full of energy keen to be involved in every play. There can sometimes be a rush of blood but I was always coached that if you are going to make a mistake, make it doing something positive.

100 GREATEST ORIGIN MOMENTS: BEST STINKS

Josh Reynolds celebrates with Trent Hodkinson after he kicked a winning field goal against the Rabbitohs. Source: News Corp Australia

Hodkinson is the yin to his yang. Every successful duo needs a straight man and he complements his five-eighth beautifully.

He appears completely unflappable and well aware of the parameters that his individual game falls within. The well documented injury battles that he has fought and overcome will ensure that this opportunity is fully appreciated.

Both are suited to Origin football.

They also hit the ground running with a video session taking place at Sydney airport on Tuesday afternoon while waiting for their flight to Coff's Harbour.

PICK YOUR GREATEST ORIGIN SIDE

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As we approach game 100 it caused me to reflect on my debut game way back in 1981.

That was the second ever game and when leading 15-nil after as many minutes at Lang Park I didn't think this new Origin football was too difficult.

That was until a number of "unknowns" named Wally Lewis, Mal Meninga, Chris Close, Rod Morris and co. started to take control, turning that 15-nil deficit into a 22-15 victory.

I hope Trent and Josh enjoy a more successful initiation.

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Douglas not yet done with Wallabies

Douglas is likely to be left out of the Wallabies squad on Thursday. Source: Brett Hemmings / Getty Images

KANE Douglas wants to play more Tests for Australia before — and after — he takes up a contract in Ireland at year's end but the Waratahs lock is set to be left out of Wallabies squad for the June Test series.

Coach Ewen McKenzie will on Thursday name a 32-man squad for the three-game series against France, with Douglas' omission and the call-up of several Melbourne newcomers the likely points of interest to emerge.

In a squad with one eye on development for the 2015 World Cup, Rebels winger Tom English, lock Luke Jones and former Chiefs prop Toby Smith shape as first-time Wallaby squad members, along with NSW giant Will Skelton.

Despite lock being a position of shallow depth, Douglas' announcement he'll play for Leinster next year will see the 14-Test forward left out, under the same McKenzie policy that will also see incumbent Test captain Ben Mowen omitted for signing his next contract in France.

The Wallabies coach says while Douglas and Mowen will remain on call for "times of need", McKenzie will prioritise those committed to Australian rugby and use the French series to give new faces exposure to the Test arena.

"Whatever happens, happens. I would love to wear the gold jersey and if I get the chance to play this year, I would do all I can to make the team go as well as it can go," Douglas said.

"I just have to keep playing good footy and if they choose me, they choose me. But if they find reasons not to, then so be it.

"When my contract ends in Ireland, in the back of my head I would like to think I would like to come back and wear it again."

With incumbent Test locks James Horwill and Rob Simmons only in fair form — and with rookies in reserve — there would be a strong argument to pick Douglas, who is in arguably his strongest form of five seasons with NSW in Super Rugby.

The counter-argument is that would only delay the call-up of those same rookies by a year but NSW assistant coach Nathan Grey said Wallaby fans wanted the strongest team on the field at all times.

"My belief is, as a Wallaby supporter, I want the best XV players in the country putting that jersey on whenever it is available. I don't care where they are going," Grey said.

"If he is available to play, I have no doubt his contribution would be the same as if he was staying for next year."

A string of injuries at lock could still see Douglas called-up, as France-bound Sitaleki Timani was last season.

Otherwise the vast potential of Skelton is set to be explored; with several lineout jumping backrowers covering for the 135kg giant's lack of hops.

A shortage of fit wingers helps, but English's strong defence and ability to beat a man has had him in the Wallaby mix all season, and ditto the industrious Jones.

Smith, 25, won two titles with the Chiefs but has Australian parents and locking down the eligibility of the highly-rated loosehead prop would undoubtedly be a consideration for McKenzie.

The rotten luck of Force centre Kyle Godwin continued on Wednesday, with the No.12 denied a likely selection after being ruled out with a PCL knee injury. A shoulder reconstruction ruled Godwin out of last year's Spring Tour.

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Cliffy, Higgers in No.8 showdown

Waratahs player Wycliff Palu for profile. Photo Jeremy Piper Source: Jeremy Piper / News Corp Australia

IF the theory holds water, Ewen McKenzie won't miss the moment Wycliff Palu — or Scott Higginbotham, for that matter — grabs the Wallabies no. 8 jersey on Friday night.

The star backrowers will go head to head in Melbourne when the Rebels host the Waratahs, and 32 hours after both are likely named in tomorrow's Wallaby squad, Palu and Higginbotham will also be duelling for the Test no. 8 role.

As far as Palu is concerned, victory — and the important job at the back of the Wallaby scrum — won't be claimed with a busy but anonymous performance.

The Waratahs wrecking ball believes no. 8s are "go-to men in the pack" and when the going gets tough, it's their job to step into the phone booth and slip on a cape.

"When it is a tight game, you have got to be a play maker. That's how I see it No. 8s. You have got to make a big play. That's how I try and get into the team," Palu said.

"When I talk about playmaking qualities, it's not like "Nard" (Bernard Foley) or anyone like that who puts you through gaps, it's about making big plays.

Palu in action on Sunday. Source: FoxSports

"You either have to make a big hit in defence to turn the game around, or a big run, or something like that."

"After a game I look and see if I did anything to change the game. If I have 19 carries but none of them were breaks, or 20 tackles and none of them were big hits, I don't really see it as a good game for me."

Hard cut here to the aching ribs of Warwick Tecklenburg, the poor Lions reserve who copped Palu's theory in practice midway through the Waratahs win on Sunday.

With his back turned, Tecklenburg was looking to catch and shift on a lofted pass when the Waratahs no. 8 train arrived on time and whacked hard into his ribs.

"Lucky he wasn't facing me he would have probably stepped me or something," Palu joked.

The game was won for NSW at that point but it still captured an emphasis on defensive physicality the Waratahs have added to their game this year; albeit quietly, compared to attention on their attack.

Palu in action on Sunday. Source: FoxSports

Palu said full-contact sessions at Waratahs training — usually on a Tuesday — had bred a consistently tougher mentality, and were brutal he admitted to having butterflies beforehand.

"Every time you come to training you get nervous and stuff. You know it is going to be a pretty tough session," Palu said.

"We train pretty hard here, so when you see it in the games it's not really a big step up. You don't think: "Oh geez, we are on fire here"."

Forecasting a physical battle with the Rebels, Cheika said he'd been pleased with his team's muscle in 2014.

"We have worked hard on becoming more physical, and all year we have stepped up to the plate," he said. "It is something we want to try and use as one of our tools, just as much as playing the game."

Palu, Higginbotham, Ben McCalman and Scott Fardy are likely to be four of six backrowers in McKenzie's 32-man squad, with France-bound No.8 Ben Mowen overlooked and No.7 Michael Hooper backed up by Matt Hodgson or Liam Gill.

Palu in action on Sunday. Source: FoxSports

Palu and Higginbotham, who were both injured in McKenzie's first winter, will have to vie with the in-form McCalman for the No.8 jersey, unless McKenzie looks at Fardy as a lock.

Cheika will be happy if Palu takes the Higginbotham battle personally.

"If Higginbotham is being touted as the selection there this is Cliff's chance to get that spot back," he said.

Palu said he believed the competition was good for Australian rugby.

"They have been good for a number of years, I don't know why everyone is talking them up (only) now, Benny and Higgers," Palu said.

"They've just been unlucky with injury. If I don't get picked, I don't take it personally. It is just really what the coach wants, and what style of play he is going to go with."

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Facebook posts appal footy leaders

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A VICIOUS racist attack on Adam Goodes on a popular Facebook page has coincided with two incidents of crowd racism at two AFL matches.

Sydney's dual Brownlow Medallist and Australian of the Year was subjected to vile racists taunts and name-calling on a Facebook group called Footys Most Awkward Moments, which has more than 50,000 likes.

The disgusting comments included the use of words such as "ape'', "hairy monkey'' and "black dig'', the latter being at typo mistake for "dog''.

The taunts disgusted former Essendon player Dean Rioli who used his twitter page to condemn the racism.

ROBBO: IT'S UGLY BEHIND THE BIGOT FENCE

Fellow AFL players, Allen Christensen and Steven Motlop from Geelong, and Essendon's Courtney Dempsey supported Rioli on twitter, as did former footballer and current umpire, Jordan Bannister.

The Swans yesterday were made aware of the online comments and described them as "appalling.''

"These sort of comments are appalling, shocking and a stark reminder that we still have work to do in this area,'' Swans chief executive Andrew Ireland said last night.

"Racism has no place in society. Not on the football field, not in the stands, not on social media and not anywhere else.

"The positive from the weekend was the willingness of crowds to stand up and not tolerate this sort of behaviour, regardless of their allegiances. "

Rioli yesterday said: ''Whoever started that page, about the most hated footballer, people have the right to do that, but for people to cross the line and turn it into a racist thing, and say he's nothing but a monkey, is not right.

"And since he's become the Australian of the Year, he's copping it even more.

"It's hard to grasp why people have to cross that line, it doesn't make sense to me.''

How leaders in the football community responded to news of the latest racism slur to hit the AFL. Source: Supplied

The Facebook comments were to the question: Who is your most hated footy player?

Goodes was voted second behind Richmond's Jack Riewoldt, followed by Fremantle's Hayden Ballantyne and Ryan Crowley, while Goodes' teammate Lance Franklin was fifth.

Rioli posted on his twitter account a screen grab of comments directed at Goodes. They included:

"I HATE THE APE"

"F... goods the the black dig (sic)."

"Adam Goodes is black so he (is) the most hated player by default."

"Goodes is a hairy monkey and deserves his place on this list."

There were about 500 responses to the question, and while several respondents attacked Goodes, there were others repulsed at the Goodes comments

Some remarks directed at Goodes have since been removed.

Incensed, Rioli tweeted on Monday night: "Fair enough to vote him most hated but Overstepping the boundary when it turns racial #Disgraceful #Legend #NoRespect."

The Bombers yesterday announced it had revoked the membership of a supporter accused of making racist comments towards Goodes during Friday night's loss to Sydney at Etihad Stadium.

Goodes, who is the Australian of the Year, did not hear the comments.

The Bombers fan was ejected from the ground after he as brought to the attention of security.

"While it is disappointing that these incidents still arise, there is a positive to come out of this, and that is the willingness of people in the crowd, regardless of the colours of their scarf and jumper, to draw a line in the sand and say that this is not acceptable," Goodes said.

In a separate incident, the Western Bulldogs yesterday apologised to Melbourne's Neville Jetta after a man wearing a Bulldogs jumper racially abused Demons defender.

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Tahs ‘sacrifice’ a concern for KB

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KURTLEY Beale said he hoped playing centre wouldn't see him "sacrifice" a Test spot as Waratahs coach Michael Cheika yesterday called for more say in ARU negotiations with his star no. 12.

Beale is off-contract at the end of the year but under new ARU contracting protocols, head office now solely determines the salary of players of "national interest".

It means states no longer have a say in the salary of an "NI" player to reflect how they value him, and already NSW have lost lock Kane Douglas, who is set to play overseas next year in Ireland. Though highly important to the Tahs, Douglas' NI contract offer was not competitive against the Irish money.

Asked if he'd like to have input into the retention of a player he regarded as important, Cheika said: "That's ideal isn't it? You'd like to have some say in the destiny of your key players, wouldn't you?"

"They have set down the protocol, and there's not much I can do about it really. I can moan but it is not going to change it," Cheika said.

"We seem to be the only one having trouble. I haven't heard any murmurs of any other players from the national contract at other franchises going astray.

"We have only got Douglas and Beale. We have seen what happened with Kane, we will see what happens with Kurtley."

It would appear Beale is unlikely to be lost to the Waratahs, however, after settling happily back home this season and rediscovering top form.

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Strong form in a Wallabies jersey would seal the deal for the ARU, and Beale is in line for a Wallabies recall on Thursday.

With Quade Cooper's season-long injury, could emerge as a playmaking option at No.10 or No.12 for Ewen McKenzie.

But Cheika said at the weekend he respected Beale's sacrifice to play no. 12 outside Bernard Foley, considering the positional change could cost him selections "further up".

Asked if that was an accurate assessment, Beale said: "Hopefully not."

"Obviously Bernard was the incumbent (five-eighth) last year and I was coming in for the first year. It was important for myself just to settle in, and take whatever opportunity was given to me," Beale said.

"I feel like I have done that, to the best of my ability. It is just a matter of trying to combine and just adapt to what's around me, and what's given to me. And just keep doing that well, as best as I can.

"You can't dwell on anything further down the track. I have to just keep doing well for the Waratahs."

Beale conceded he was excited about the prospect of playing for the Wallabies again, however. His last Test cap came against the Lions in Sydney in July last year.

"Definitely. Obviously it has been a while there, and I feel great. The body feels good and I am feeling fresh and enjoying my rugby at the moment," he said.

Cheika said he had no qualms with Beale facing the Rebels on Friday in Melbourne - the club who cut him adrift after a troubled last season - or handling the standard niggle sure to come his way.

"There's no problem there. He's proven it over many, many games this year, when the heat has been on, he's responded," Cheika said.

"It is part and parcel of the game. Niggle is on all the time, whether you've been there or not. That's inherent in the game between Melbourne and NSW anyway."

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Ecclestone’s illness postpones trial

Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone arrives for his trial at court in Munich. Picture: AFP Source: MATTHIAS SCHRADER / AFP

BERNIE Ecclestone's corruption trial in Munich has been postponed for Tuesday and Wednesday with the 83-year-old Formula One magnate suffering from illness.

Ecclestone's defence team presented the Munich court with a doctor's certificate to confirm the Briton was ill and judge Peter Noll has allowed the court hearings to be postponed.

The Briton is accused of paying German banker Gerhard Gribkowsky $US44 million ($47.61 million) in 2006 and 2007 to ensure his continued grip on the motor sports empire he had built up over four decades.

Ecclestone, who has pleaded not guilty, faces a maximum jail term of 10 years if he is found guilty.

He admits making the huge payment not as a bribe but as hush money after a blackmail attempt.

Prosecutors charge that the money was a bribe meant to ensure BayernLB sold its shares to Ecclestone's preferred bidder, CVC Capital Partners of Britain, now the sport's majority shareholder.

Gribkowsky was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison in 2012 after being convicted of corruption in relation to the money.

There are 26 days scheduled for the court case until mid-September.

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Wallabies to cap Skelton’s rapid rise

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WILL Skelton's barnstorming form in Super Rugby has thrust him firmly into contention for the Wallabies squad, pitting him in a showdown with former skipper James Horwill for a starting berth.

The 22-year-old Skelton has been in superb form for the Waratahs, and in the past month has displayed a mix of physically imposing power and attacking finesse that makes him an ideal candidate to grow into Australia's commanding lock by next year's World Cup.

On Thursday, Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie will announce a 32-man squad to take on France next month, and his selections will also have a view to the World Cup.

At 203cm and 135kg, Skelton was considered too raw and underdeveloped for Wallabies consideration at the start of the year.

But his rapid improvement during this Super Rugby season has coincided with the patchy form of Wallabies starters Horwill and Queensland teammate Rob Simmons.

While McKenzie is expected to include both in his squad, the addition of Skelton would not merely be as a bench option.

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The Reds are floundering at the bottom of the Super Rugby ladder and all of their players are struggling with confidence.

With captain Ben Mowen not expected to be chosen after agreeing to join French club Montpellier at the end of the season, the Wallabies will lose their chief lineout caller.

Simmons is the back-up caller and that gives him an edge, while Waratahs captain Dave Dennis - who calls the lineout for NSW - will potentially be looked at as second-row cover.

It would create a situation where Skelton and Horwill battle for the other starting berth if Leinster-bound Kane Douglas is also overlooked.

Skelton is a strong presence in the scrum, which was a key attribute in the selection of Sitaleki Timani late last year before he joined Montpellier.

If Skelton, born in Auckland, is selected it would cap a remarkable rise for the youngster, who knocked back an offer to join the Blues by former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry to remain with the Waratahs.

McKenzie will be without star five-eighth Quade Cooper for at least the first two Tests after he suffered a collarbone injury in last Saturday's loss to Melbourne.

Nathan Charles (L) could be a shock inclusions ar hooker. Source: News Corp Australia

Matt Toomua is the likely back-up, with Kurtley Beale and Bernard Foley also in the frame.

With three hookers to be included in the squad, Western Force's Nathan Charles shapes as a bolter.

Stephen Moore and Tatafu Polota-Nau will be the preferred match-day hookers, but the race for the third spot is wide open, with Saia Fainga'a now a bench player at Queensland and starter James Hanson's claims as uninspiring as the Reds' form.

McKenzie will not name a captain on Thursday, but rather wait until the camp gathers in June.

This will avoid the farcical situation previously faced by the team when all of their named captains got injured before Tests.

With two more rounds of Super Rugby to come before the Wallabies go into camp, much could change - as witnessed by Cooper's injury last weekend.

But it also highlights how uncertain the Wallabies leadership is at present, with Australia lacking an authoritative figure like New Zealand's Richie McCaw, South Africa's Jean de Villiers, France's Thierry Dusautoir or Wales's Sam Warburton.

In contention for the Wallabies captaincy are Michael Hooper, Stephen Moore, Will Genia and Horwill, the latter two who have previously held the title.

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Rebels chasing Welsh star

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BRITISH and Irish Lions star James Hook is considering a sensational defection to Australia to join the Melbourne Rebels.

The 75-Test Welsh playmaker has a release clause from his contract with French club Perpignan after they were relegated from the Top 14, leading to a frenzied chase between four countries for his services.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal that the Rebels have offered Hook a two-year deal that would see him assume the troublesome No.10 jersey once worn by Danny Cipriani, James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale.

But the Rebels face stiff competition from Hook's old club Ospreys, who would hold a sentimental edge.

It was also revealed on Monday that South African Super Rugby franchises Sharks and Stormers are interested in signing Hook, while French club Lyon remain another option.

Hook, once likened to All Blacks superstar Dan Carter at the start of his career, is Wales's fourth highest all-time points-scorer and has played at five-eighth, centre and fullback at Test level.

The 28-year-old would certainly deliver the Rebels significant marketing exposure, but if he snubs their offer it would be a bitter blow for a franchise that has already been rebuked by Wallabies duo Matt Toomua and Christian Lealiifano.

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Melbourne is desperate to land a Test quality five-eighth after the departure of the three amigos left their stocks bare.

Meanwhile, Melbourne has been hit with another injury blow as they prepare to host the high-flying Waratahs on Friday night.

Halfback Luke Burgess has been ruled out for up to two months with a knee injury suffered in the win against Queensland last weekend.

It gives an opportunity for Josh Holmes to make a stunning return to Super Rugby against his old club.

Holmes was signed on a short-term deal by the Rebels after injury to their other halfback Nick Stirzaker.

Holmes, who has been running around in Sydney club rugby for Warringah the past year, will fight it out with rookie Ben Meehan for a place in the starting side.

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Brabham, the Bradman of motorsport

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GIANTS of the international racing community were reeling on Monday at the news of the death of Australian racing legend Sir Jack Brabham, whose name became synonymous with the Formula One format in its golden era of the 50s and 60s.

Brabham, who at 88 was the oldest living Formula One world champion after taking his titles in 1959-1960-1966, died suddenly at his home on the Gold Coast.

But the affable veteran of 126 Grand Prix with 14 wins was much more than just a racing driver.

He was a hugely talented engineer, a successful businessman, a talent spotter and a committed and passionate father and grandfather.

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He was also an old-school Aussie who came up the hard way, conquered the world, then relaxed into old age as a genuine statesman.

Brabham was deaf from his years of racing without earplugs and had suffered from failing health for more than a decade, having regular dialysis for eight years, but expired while having breakfast with his second wife, Lady Margaret.

Mark Webber credits Sir Jack as the inspiration for his drive to the top of Formula One and there are plenty of other successful people in motorsport who looked up to him.

"He was a great guy and, looking back on what he achieved, it was just amazing," said Mick Doohan, a five-time world motorcycle champion.

"I feel honoured to have enjoyed Sir Jack's company and expertise many times in my career. He always had time and a good story," said James Courtney, a V8 Supercar champion who was also an F1 test driver with the Jaguar team.

But it is not just drivers mourning the passing of the racer known as 'Black Jack', because of his stubble.

"Build them, race them, win them. We will never see another like the great Sir Jack Brabham," tweeted Eric Bana, the actor who also dabbles in racing.

Jack Brabham wins "The Mercury" Classic at Longford. Picture: Don Towell Source: Supplied

A former air force mechanic, Brabham learned his trade in dirt track racing in Sydney and then headed for Britain, where he cracked a job and a drive with the Cooper team in Formula One. His sliding sideways style and his take-no-prisoners attitude quickly took him to the front.

It helped that he was leading a transition to rear-engined racing cars, a challenge that allowed him to dip into his engineering background. But an exhausted Brabham also had to push his car over the line to claim the title in 1959 after a mechanic failed to fill it up for the deciding race at Sebring in Florida.

He repeated as champion in 1960 before leaving Cooper to set up his own team with technical guru and fellow Aussie Ron Tauranac, who is now retired in Sydney.

Sir Jack Brabham at Silverstone in 1961. Source: Supplied

Ahead of the 1966 season he convinced the Australian engineering company Repco to supply him with a locally-developed V8 engine and the combination became a world beater. Brabham was champion again, the only driver to achieve the feat in a car bearing their own name, and his teammate Denny Hulme repeated the dose in 1967.

Brabham joked about his advancing years and even wore a fake beard as he raced into his 40s in Europe, but was still a championship contender and race winner until his final F1 season in 1970. He was also the first man to be knighted for his success in motorsport.

He returned to Australia after his retirement, where he had set up a Ford dealership in Sydney as one of his business ventures, as his sons began to make their mark in racing.

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Geoffrey narrowly missed graduation to F1 but won the Le Mans 24-hour race and starred at the Indianapolis 500 — where his father drove the first rear-engined car in 1961. Gary was also a race winner and David, the youngest son of Brabham and his first wife Betty, had a short run in F1, is still a regular guest driver in V8 Supercars and has won Le Mans and multiple sports car titles.

The third generation of Brabham racers is now making their mark, with Matthew — son of Geoff — scoring multiple junior championships in the USA and aiming for the Grand Prix grid and Sam — son of David and Lisa in the UK — recently scoring his first win in the British Formula Ford championship.

Sir Jack Brabham with David Brabham at a tribute dinner. Source: News Limited

Tributes flowed for Brabham, who is likely to be honoured with a state funeral. Among those leading the applause are Ron Dennis, once Brabham's mechanic and now the boss of the mighty F1 McLaren team.

"Even as a callow youth, I could recognise greatness when I saw it, and I'll always regard it as an honour and a privilege to have worked for Sir Jack. I learned a lot from him too," Dennis said.

Alan Jones, the only other Australian to win a Formula One world championship in 1980, is an obvious fan.

"He is not only the greatest driver this country has produced, but is one of the world's best," said Jones. "He is up there with Sir Donald Bradman."

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Wilkinson calls time on stellar career

Johnny Wilkinson has called time on his career. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: News Limited

ENGLAND World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson announced Monday that he will retire at the end of the season after Toulon's European and French Top 14 finals.

"I would like to take this opportunity to formally announce my retirement from playing rugby," the 34-year-old said in a statement on his club's website.

"I have an enormous number of people to thank for their support from all around the world but especially here in France and in England," Wilkinson said,

"This however is not at all the time to be concentrating on this as I would like to focus all my attention and energy on the team and these final two games of the season."

The fly-half, most famous for winning the 2003 World Cup for England with an extra-time drop goal against Australia, only ever played for two clubs during his 17-year long career, joining big-spending Toulon from Newcastle in 2009

Johnny Wilkinson holds up the European Cup Rugby trophy with his Toulon teammates. Source: AP

He played an integral part in Toulon's rise to the pinnacle of French rugby, but with his 35th birthday fast approaching, his retirement at the end of the season had been widely expected.

Wilkinson won 91 caps for England, and played in a second World Cup final in 2007 when they were beaten 15-6 by South Africa. He scored a total of 1,246 points, second only in the world to the 1,442 of All Black Dan Carter.

He was part of four Six Nations title wins for England with the peak being a Grand Slam under coach Clive Woodward in 2003, the same year England won the World Cup 20-17 in Sydney.

He also won six caps for the British and Irish Lions, but retired from international rugby in December 2011 after the World Cup in New Zealand to concentrate on playing for Toulon.

Johnny Wilkinson celebrates England's World Cup win over Australia. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Limited

Wilkinson's distinctive kicking style brought him great success and set a new benchmark for perfectionism in rugby which subsequently has been followed by a new generation of place-kickers.

The final two games of his career will see him wear the colours of Toulon on Saturday in the European Cup final against Saracens in Cardiff and the French Top 14 final against Castres at the Stade de France a week later.

Wilkinson enjoyed European Cup success with Toulon last year, when he was player of the year at the club, but he has yet to add a Top 14 title to his list of achievements, having played on the losing side in the last two years.

Of the starting line up for the 2003 World Cup final only Wilkinson and Mike Tindall remain as players although the latter is player/coach at Gloucester and is expected to soon announce his retirement.

Iain Balshaw, who came off the bench in extra-time in the final, is still with Biarritz, newly-relegated from the French top flight.

Johnny Wilkinson displays the Member of the Order of the British Empire. Source: AP

Former teammates lined up to sing the praises of the man whose boot brought them glory.

Fellow World Cup winner Richard Hill told the BBC: "On the pitch there have been players who have had as big an impact as Jonny, and Jonny would be the first to admit that the World Cup-winning team was about more than one man.

"But in terms of someone who has engaged and captivated such a wide diversity of supporters and non-rugby people, he stands alone."

Flanker James Haskell said that Wilkinson had been instrumental in raising the profile of world rugby.

"There's no way you can escape from it; everything he's done for rugby, the example he's set, the fact that he's kept his feet on the ground through everything," he said.

"He was as big as David Beckham. He put rugby on the map, he won a World Cup for England. He's such an incredibly humble guy and so professional."

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All eyes on Rogic in build-up to Brazil

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TOM Rogic admits the past few months of his career have been a test of his character as he makes his way back from injury.

The promising Rogic joined Melbourne Victory on loan from his Scottish club Celtic in a bid to get more game time ahead of the World Cup.

But he managed just 11 games in the four months he spent in Melbourne, before a groin injury ended his season early.

Still, Rogic, 21, insists his brief return to Australia was a success and he is slowly returning to form and fitness in the build-up to Brazil.

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"I came here and played a lot of games in a short amount of time," Rogic said.

"I got injured towards the end of that, which has been frustrating and unfortunate, but I still got to play week in and week out and it gave me match fitness.

"It's difficult, but every player goes through ups and downs and it's extremely frustrating when that happens. This year I've had a few injuries and it's been a bit stop-start.

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"It tests your character a little bit and that's when you get frustrated at times. But there's not a lot you can do about it except just keep working hard. It feels good to be back on the pitch now."

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Rogic was one of 15 squad members who took part in an open training session at Central Coast Stadium on Sunday, but no other player has been as closely scrutinised.

Despite his nine international appearances, the dynamic forward has yet to reach his full potential with the Socceroos.

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But Rogic insists he is paying little attention to what people are saying about him outside of his teammates and family.

"It doesn't really matter," he said. "They can write up whatever they want, good or bad, it's my job to just not pay any attention. Speak to any player and the main thing is you just need the people around you — in the dressing room, your family and the coaches — to be the ones who advise you. Outside of that, to me it's irrelevant and I do my best not to pay ­attention to it.

"I can't control it, all I can control is getting fit, playing and enjoying my football."

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Rogic played for the Socceroos in their most recent matches against Costa Rica and Ecuador and is likely to feature against South Africa in next week's farewell friendly.

But he doesn't expect the game to be a true reflection of how the Socceroos will perform in Brazil.

"The match against South Africa is a friendly and it's part of our preparation for the World Cup," he said.

"We certainly don't want to be peaking for that game. The tournament starts two or three weeks later, so I'm sure it will be a good test for us and hopefully it will be a nice way to send the team off to Brazil."

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Aussies feeling Lucky Nine in Singapore

Brett Prebble riding Absolutely wins the Singapore Airlines A380 London Stakes. Source: Neville Hopwood / Getty Images

AUSTRALIAN trainers and jockeys dominated Singapore's biggest day of racing as Hong Kong based Brett Prebble created history by winning his second consecutive KriyFlyer International Sprint at Lucky Nine at Kranji.

In a night of contrasting fortunes for the Australians, former Sturt footballer Jeremy Gask, who now trains in England, had his mount Medicean Man scratched behind the barriers after it pulled off a glue-on shoe.

Medicean Man, who was to be ridden by Damien Oliver, could not be replated behind the barriers because Gask did not want the horse, which has a history of hoof problems. shod with nails.

Lucky Nine could be headed back to Australia to have another crack at the Manikato Stakes, which he ran a narrow second in last year, but the horse failed up the Flemington straight last spring in the VRC Sprint.

Medicean Man (foreground) was scratched in Singapore. Source: Getty Images

Hong Kong based trainer Caspar Fownes said he would not race the horse on a track that didn't have a turn.

"It was a big effort again, he's blown them away," Fownes said.

"We were a bit unlucky in the Manikato, so we'd like to go back and see if we can nail that.

"It depends – we either go back there or go to Japan.

One of the attractions for Fownes is Moonee Valley's tight contours and the fact Lucky Nine is superior around a bend than down a straight.

"Absolutely," Fownes said when asked if Lucky Nine preferred to race around a bend.

"No more straight racing for him."

Prebble admitted he had a few sleepless nights and said he was at first sceptical about Lucky Nine going back-to-back.

But he said he grow more confident with the realisation that Lucky Nine was better than this time last year.

The Australian contingent dominated the rich program, winning eight of the first nine races.

Former Victorian trainer Cliff Brown, now based at Kranji, took just the opening three races to notch up a double. Brown's Zac Spirit ran third in the KrisFlyer.

He combined with the now Hong Kong based champion jockey Joao Moreira to win the opening race.

And it was left to former top Australian jockey Corey Brown to win the second race, while the Aussie flag flew again in the third race when Brett Prebble, now based in Hong Kong, rode Brown's Absolutely to victory.

Corey Brown, on Twickenham, got over the top of Damien Oliver's Eagle Storm on the line in the fifth race, after the Aussies failed in the previous races.

And Zac Purton, who heads the Hong Kong jockeys' premiership, rode Kate's Keeper to victory in the sixth race.

Beasley had to wait for the seventh race to ride his first winner, Martin, for New Zealand's Laurie Laxton who trained 1988 Melbourne Cup winner Empire Rose.

He then completed a winning double in the following race when he teamed with another of Australia's Kranji based trainers, Shane Baertschiger to win.

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