Boss vows to punish misbehaviour

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NRL CEO ... Dave Smith talks to the media. Source: Sam Ruttyn / News Limited

Blake Ferguson's future is still in limbo after the Canberra winger was stood down for at least four weeks as NRL chief executive Dave Smith said the code's hardline stance against misbehaving players was here to stay.

Ferguson was on Wednesday made unavailable for selection by the Raiders for the four-week period while he undertakes an extensive alcohol management program.

Ferguson is the third player in the past week to be stood down for off-field conduct, following his dumping from the NSW team when charged with indecent assault over an alleged nightclub incident.

North Queensland prop James Tamou was fined $20,000 and banned for two games, including State of Origin game two, after admitting to a high-range drink-driving charge.

And South Sydney powerhouse George Burgess also copped a two-game ban and $10,000 fine after being charged with two counts of wilful damage by Queensland police when he hurled a road sign through a car window.

Smith said players will need to quickly get the message, because the penalties would not be disappearing.

"The bad behaviours that we've seen, they're not acceptable to the fans," he said on Wednesday.

"They're not acceptable to the players. And frankly they're not acceptable to us.

"They won't be tolerated. I think you've seen strong action from us, strong consistent action.

"Those players involved with bad behaviour, what they'll do ... they'll find themselves on the sidelines.

The good news for Ferguson is that his contract with the Raiders has not been torn up, despite being handed his "final warning" earlier this year when photographed drinking on a rooftop with then-teammate Josh Dugan instead of attending a recovery session.

Both the NRL and Raiders will await the outcome of the court case before making a final determination on Ferguson's immediate future.

The NRL had already suspended Ferguson's registration indefinitely, citing repeated behavioural issues involving the abuse of alcohol, while it awaited the outcomes from the Canberra board.

"The NRL will review Ferguson's progress with the club after a four-week period and assess his eligibility at that point," said the NRL in a statement on Wednesday.

Calls for players to be given minders who could keep them out of trouble have been revisited following rugby league's latest week of shame.

However Canterbury boss Todd Greenberg, who will join the NRL as Smith's second-in-command in August, said that measure fails to address the issue of player misbehaviour.

"No, I don't think that really addresses the issue to be honest," Greenberg said.

"It's personal accountability. We've done it at the Bulldogs over a number of years, about holding our players accountable to standards.

"I think that's exactly what the game's done this week, and will continue to do.

"... This is just another challenging week in the cycle that is rugby league.

"It won't get easier. There's always big issues to confront.

"But you're running a billion dollar business, and those issues need to be confronted."

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Stosur crashes out of Eastborne

Loss ... Sam Stosur was overpowered by Lucie Safarova at Eastborne. Source: Paul Crock / AFP

Samantha Stosur's Wimbledon preparation was cut short as she fell to Czech Lucie Safarova in the second round at Eastbourne on Wednesday.

Stosur failed to build on an impressive opening display against Russian eighth seed Nadia Petrova, as Safarova won 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 in warm conditions at the final Wimbledon lead-in tournament.

Australian world No.14 Stosur will now head into next week's grass-court grand slam having played only two warm-up matches on her least-favoured surface.

The 29-year-old is hoping to improve on a modest record at Wimbledon, where she has never been past the third round.

But her prospects took a significant hit on Wednesday as left-hander Safarova continued a dominant record over the Australian, with her sixth win from eight meetings.

Stosur was in control for most of the first set, and had a set point when serving for the match at 5-3 up.

However Safarova's ball striking improved dramatically and the world No.28 rallied to take the set in the tiebreaker.

The second set was also evenly-fought, with both players battling to hold serve early, before Safarova clinched the crucial break up 4-3.

Safarova, 26, will face either American Jamie Hampton or Taiwan's Su-Wei Hsieh in the quarter-finals.

Bernard Tomic meets Frenchman Julien Benneteau in the second round later on Wednesday while Marinko Matosevic lost his opening-round match in straight sets to Czech veteran Radek Stepanek.

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'Folau to handle the pressure'

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Israel Folau ... Greg Clark backs the convert to perform against the Lions. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

The preliminaries are over. The British and Irish Lions' tour is about to move into top gear and it promises to be a three-Test series to remember.

No one likes to lose a game on tour but the loss to the Brumbies doesn't change a lot according to Lions coach Warren Gatland. He came Down Under to take the Tom Richards Cup from Australia and he's managed to give his Test squad plenty of game time in the lead up.

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The new-look backline didn't fire in Canberra and the starting pack looked tired and struggled to make it over the gain line. No one really put their hand up for a Test spot.

The Brumbies didn't help their cause. They had a plan to play it in the opposition half and they tackled themselves to a standstill.

Coach Jake White couldn't hide his delight after the game and it will give his side a real confidence boost heading into the business end of Super Rugby. They have the Aussie conference wrapped up but the challenge now is to finish in the top two overall and get a bye in the opening week of the playoffs.

The Wallabies will obviously come up against a much better Lions' squad on Saturday but if they take anything out of the Brumbies' performance, it should be the fact that the upset victory was built on defence.

The majority of the Wallabies haven't played any rugby of late and will need to hit the ground running at Suncorp Stadium. It's hard to forget first-up disappointments against Scotland and Samoa in recent years, and there can be no excuses for a below par performance this time.

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They've been in camp for a few weeks. There's no David Pocock or George Smith but young guns Michael Hooper and Liam Gill are ready made replacements, after they were blooded last year.

Sitaleki Timani is out, but this year's big improver Kane Douglas and Rob Simmons will show just how much depth there is.

Hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau's impact will be missed but Steve Moore is world-class. It'll be hard to replace Scott Higginbotham in the backrow, but the pack is still in pretty good shape overall.

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The jury is out on the Wallabies backline and we don't have to wait long to see if the decision to leave Quade Cooper out of the mix was the right one. The Lions' will target Israel Folau in his rugby Test debut as well.

I'm confident the convert will handle the occasion. There is no doubt about his attacking qualities as we've seen all year in Waratahs' colours. He's played big games in rugby league before, but if there is a weakness it could be his defence.

He's fine one-on-one, but because he's new to the wing at this level the Lions will try to catch him out of position. Having the experienced Adam Ashley-Cooper inside him will be a huge help. Folau will also be happy to be back at Suncorp Stadium where he's celebrated many triumphs before.

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There'll be plenty of red in the crowd but it won't be like the Gabba in 2001 when the Lions fans outnumbered Wallabies supporters. There'll be lots of gold on Saturday night and it shapes  as a great night for rugby in Brisbane.

The Lions will fancy their chances at the set piece. They'd prefer to have Jamie Roberts's size in the midfield but Jonathan Davies will still ask plenty of questions of the Wallabies' defence.

Sharpshooter Leigh Halfpenny will punish any ill-discipline inside Australia's half. His goal-kicking on tour has been superb.

The two teams are desperate to take an early lead in the series and take the psychological edge going into game II in Melbourne. A sell-out crowd will ensure a great atmosphere and I'm really optimistic about the Wallabies' chances.

They know what they're up against. They've viewed the highlights from 2001 over and over again and they've seen the Lions in action on this tour. Gatland's men will have a few tricks up their sleeve but the Wallabies should be ready.

The 12-year wait for another crack at the best of British and Irish is almost over. It will be worth the wait.

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Watch the first Test between the Wallabies and Lions LIVE and in HD from 7.30pm (EST) Saturday on Fox Sports 2HD!

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Hewitt to make Wimbledon impact

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Challenge ... Lleyton Hewitt thrives as the underdog. Source: Alastair Grant / AP

Roger Rasheed has backed former charge Lleyton Hewitt to defy age, injury and history to deliver an impact at Wimbledon next week.

At 32 and ranked 70th in the world, Hewitt has not won a grand slam since sweeping to the 2002 All England Club title.

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But Rasheed, who guided the former world No.1 into the 2005 Australian Open final, says an intense fire still burns in the injury-battered baseliner.

"Lleyton was was born for the big match,'' he said.

"(He would say) 'Put me in a big match now, big crowd, put me in another country. Give it to me.'

"No one taught him that. That was just him.''

Rasheed and Hewitt started their partnership ignominiously in 2003 when, as defending champion, he lost in the first round of Wimbledon.

Hewitt's early-round vulnerability lingers but Rasheed believes that if the former world champion gets a decent draw at Wimbledon, he will be dangerous.

"You're more nervous in the first round of a grand slam anywhere in the world than in the semi-finals or the second week,'' said Rasheed, who now works with Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

"When you walk in the second week, you didn't always have to talk to Lleyton.

"You talked, but it was 'Bring it, give it to me.'

"And you knew he'd perform. Barely did he ever not perform in a big moment.''

He watched Hewitt's semi-final surge at Queen's Club last week and was impressed.

"I'm never amazed (at Hewitt's achievements) because I spent so much time with him,'' Rasheed said.

"It's just his mind, mentality he loves it all.

"The fact that he plays tall guys on grass, I like that set-up for him all the time, because it sort of works for him.

"I'm glad to see him winning some matches because that gives him a lot more oomph going into Wimbledon, for sure.''

The Wimbledon draw will be held on Friday.

Sam Stosur will be Australia's only seeded singles player all other competitors will have to rely on luck to avoid the big names in the opening rounds.

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Brumbies gallop over sleeping Lions

History ... Tevita Kuridrani scored a crucial first half try against the Lions. Source: Lukas Coch / AAP

The Brumbies have clung on for a dramatic 14-12 victory over a fast finishing British and Irish Lions outfit to become the first provincial team to beat the touring side in 16 years.

1 Tries 0
Tevita Kuridrani 5'
3 Penalties 4
Jesse Mogg 40'	Stuart Hogg 40'
Jesse Mogg 46'	Stuart Hogg 57'
Jesse Mogg 54'	Owen Farrell 64'
	Owen Farrell 72'

The win in front of a crowd of 21,655 makes the Brumbies the first provincial side to beat the Lions since South Africa's Northern Transvaal in 1997, now known as the Bulls.

The win delivers a massive mental blow to the visitors, who are just four days out from the first Test against the Wallabies.

Brumbies coach Jake White said the Wallabies would take confidence from the win.

"To get a win against the Lions - it doesn't happen. Even the Brumbies in their heyday couldn't do it,'' he said.

"I've been lucky enough to win a junior and senior World Cup. But to beat the Lions. It's as high as it gets.''

The Lions played right into the strengths of White's Brumbies, the home side winning the kicking dual on the back of the boots of flyhalf Matt Toomua and fullback Jesse Mogg in soggy weather conditions.

The Brumbies also applied enormous pressure on the Lions' lineout, forcing hooker Rory Best to have a wayward night he'd rather forget.

Brumbies captain Peter Kimlin, who was a standout in the upset, said he could take knowledge of the win back into Wallabies camp.

"We went in there with a pretty clear mindset. We just wanted to keep it simple, hard workrate and big defence,'' he said.

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The Brumbies withstood an early Lions attack, winger Shane Williams coming within a metre of scoring in his return Lions match before being bundled into touch.

The home side then worked their way out of danger, Mogg spreading a kick return wide to Andrew Smith, who drew two defenders before putting centres partner Tevita Kuridrani into the clear.

The Fijian-born flyer then made a mockery of the final two defenders, using young English winger Christian Wade as an impromptu shield against fullback Rob Kearney to open the scoring in the fifth minute.

The Brumbies missed three opportunities to extend their lead with one missed conversion and two missed penalties, before Mogg kicked a penalty from 45 metres out to extend their lead to 8-0 in the 39th minute.

Both sides then traded two penalty shots each, before the Lions made four changes in the 57th minute, the substitution of Englishman Owen Farrell for Hogg having significant impact.

Farrell steadied the directionless Lions and the results were immediate, the replacement No.10 knocking over two penalty goals to reduce the deficit to 14-12 in the 72nd minute.

But it wasn't enough, the Brumbies holding out to become the first side Australian provincial outfit to beat the Lions since 1971.

Lions coach Warren Gatland said he felt his side didn't have the intensity required in the first half.

"Not the easiest conditions tonight, the Brumbies were really effective with what they did,'' he said.

"They didn't play any rugby, they just kicked a lot of the ball and competed really hard at the breakdown and tried to frustrate us and were successful.''

Gatland added the win may be the wake-up call the Lions needed before the Test opener against the Wallabies in Brisbane on June 22.

Lions captain Rory Best said his side was smashed at the breakdown.

"They put pressure on us and our confidence started to go,'' he said. ``We lacked that little bit of composure.''

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Tomic breaks win drought

Victory ... Bernard Tomic breaks his win drought at Eastborne. Source: Michel Euler / AP

Bernard Tomic won his first match in almost two months as he beat British wild card James Ward in straight sets in the opening round of the grass-court event at Eastbourne.

With his father and coach John court-side for the second straight event, Tomic gave his Wimbledon preparation a badly-needed boost with a professional 6-3 6-4 win on Tuesday.

Despite pulling out of the doubles at Queen's Club last week, Tomic showed no signs of the hamstring injury suffered during a first-round French Open loss last month.

He'll face either South African fifth seed Kevin Anderson or Frenchman Julien Benneteau in the next round.

It was Tomic's first win since his father was charged with allegedly assaulting Bernard's former training partner, Frenchman Thomas Drouet, during the Madrid Masters in May.

Tomic, a Wimbledon quarter-finalist in 2011, said he was relieved to have secured a win.

"I played very well,'' Tomic said. "I practised ok the last three or four days and my leg's probably not 100 per cent but I'm feeling OK out there, which is a good thing.

"... This was a very important match for me. A lot has happened the last month or two but I'm happy with the injury, I'm not feeling it.

"Every match here I play is going to be more confidence for me and every match here I'm going to have to use for Wimbledon, so hopefully my leg holds up every match.

"It's good to win here and now I've got a chance of doing well here again I've got to play well tomorrow.''

Tomic said the issues surrounding his father and coach were not playing on his mind.

"I'm not thinking about that. That happened that week when it happened and now the last four or five weeks, it's fine,'' he said. "It's not a big issue for me.''

John Tomic was present for his son's first-round singles loss at Queen's Club last week, despite his ATP coaching credentials remaining suspended, and he was again on site to see his son play in the seaside town on England's south coast.

His ATP ban does not prevent him from attending tournaments as a paying spectator, and officials at Queen's and Eastbourne have opted not to prevent him from doing so.

He was barred from attending the French Open last month and will also be refused entry at Wimbledon next week.

John Tomic sat with Bernard's agent Fraser Wright among spectators and didn't show too much emotion, though he clapped as his son fought back from 15-40 down to serve out the first set in 28 minutes.

Tomic continued to serve well in the second set and broke his 216th-ranked to go ahead 5-4 and served out the match with minimal fuss.

World No.64 Tomic had not won a match since a first-round win on clay in Barcelona in late April, losing his past four matches.

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As it happened: 'Roos Brazil-bound

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Brazil-bound ... the Socceroos celebrate Josh Kennedy's 83rd-minute goal. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

Australia have qualified for their third consecutive World Cup after shrugging off a dogged Iraq 1-0 in Sydney.

An 83rd-minute winner to substitute Josh Kennedy got the job done after nerves wrangled for much of the ANZ Stadium clash.

Re-live all the drama, video highlights and social media reaction on another golden night for the World Cup-bound Socceroos below.

[View the story "Socceroos v Iraq, ANZ Stadium, Sydney" on Storify]

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Socceroos player ratings v Iraq

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Rating ... Archie Thompson and Tim Cahill continue to provide spark. Source: Philip Hillyard / News Limited

The Socceroos are headed for Brazil after beating a stubborn Iraq 1-0 in Sydney.

Who shone for the 'Roos and whose performance left a little to be desired?

Check out our Player Ratings and let us know if you agree by leaving a comment at the bottom of this page.

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MARK SCHWARZER: Wasn't the busiest man on the pitch. Teen striker Saif Salman forced a save from the veteran gloveman in each half. Apart from two other saves, was barely troubled. Rating 6

LUCAS NEILL: Solid in defence without being flashy. His leadership and vocal presence is always key. Rating 6.

TIM CAHILL: Put Iraq under pressure almost immediately forcing a great save with a powerful left-foot drive after just two minutes and was always dangerous. Was very tightly marked and fouled often. Had a few opportunities go begging but was always dangerous. Rating 7.

MARK MILLIGAN: Defensive work was outstanding, won the ball at key moments and had several strong tackles. Displayed a higher work rate than midfield partner Bresciano and got forward when needed. Rating 7.

SASA OGNENOVSKI: Solid in defence and had a rare shot on goal in the first half. Again partnered up well with Neill. Rating 6.

LUKE WILKSHIRE: Defensively strong. Made several runs forward and combined well with Kruse. Rating 7.

ROBBIE KRUSE: Supplied a constant flow of balls forward and had several dangerous runs. Sent the 80,000-crowd into raptures seemingly breaking the deadlock with a long-range screamer in the 65th minute only to have it disallowed. Rating 8.

TOMMY OAR: Had an outstanding game. Was a constant thorn in Iraq's side with superb attacking play down the left. Played a beautiful ball forward to Cahill to set him up perfectly for an early attempt at goal. Was a real work horse this game. Rating 8.

BRETT HOLMAN: Looked flat and sluggish and didn't give the side that crucial spark in the front third he usually does. Was set up by Kruse to break the deadlock in the second half but didn't do much with it. Rating 4.

MATT MCKAY: caught out of position a few times in the left-back spot, giving the Iraqis an area to exploit early on. Improved in the second stanza and showed some great build-up work. Rating 7.

MARK BRESCIANO: Was heavily marked and rarely found himself in space. Found a way to lose his markers twice in the second half and had a crack at goal both times. Provided a perfectly placed ball into the box resulting in Kennedy's ensuing goal. Rating 8.
Substitutes:

TOM ROGIC: Came on for a lacklustre Holman in the 61st minute. Looked dynamic from his first touch and had an instant impact providing a much-needed spark up front. Rating 7.

JOSH KENNEDY: Came on for Tim Cahill in the 78th minute. The move proved a master-stroke by Osier with the lanky striker climbing high to finally break the deadlock with a superb header in the 83rd minute to ensure the 1-0 win and send the Socceroos to Brazil. Rating 9.

ARCHIE THOMPSON: Came on for Kruse in the 79th minute. Added much-needed fire power up front. Rating 6.

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Vote: Lion Tamers - backrowers

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Selections ... Cast your vote for the Wallabies line-up below. Source:FOX SPORTS

You've voted for the Wallabies tight five, now it's time to decide some of the most contentious positions in the run-on XV – the backrow.

Who should play at No.6 for the Wallabies against the Lions?

Likely Wallabies captain James Horwill was a clear winner for the first lock spot and rightly so, with the Queensland Reds skipper surely to be one of Robbie Deans's first picked.

The race to partner him, however, looks to be a tight affair which was reflected in our Lion Tamers voting.

In the end Horwill's Reds teammate Rob Simmons finished second with 17.5 per cent of the vote, which was just under five per cent more than NSW Waratahs lock Sitaleki Timani.

Who should play at No.7 for the Wallabies against the Lions?

This week it's over to the loose forwards and that hardworking trio that make up the backrow.

There's already been a lot of discussion about the backrow, particularly since the hurdles for George Smith's return were cleared.

Who should play No.8 for the Wallabies against the Lions?

In fact, Australia's backrowers have been in superb form of late which is sure to make for an interesting week of voting.

Let us know your thoughts by casting a vote now!

1. Benn Robinson
2. Stephen Moore
3. James Slipper
4. Rob Simmons
5. James Horwill
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Tigers suffer blow with Cotchin out

Out ... Trent Cotchin won't play against Port Adelaide. Source: Michael Dodge / Getty Images

Richmond have lost captain Trent Cotchin in a massive blow for their must-win away AFL match against Port Adelaide.

All times are listed in EST

Coach Damien Hardwick was concerned about the Tigers' injuries immediately after the loss to Geelong last week and his worries proved well-founded.

Apart from Cotchin (knee), they also had to leave out Tyrone Vickery (concussion), Ricky Petterd (calf) and Dylan Grimes (foot) for Saturday's match.

After winning their first three games, the Tigers have dropped their past three and are at an early crossroads in a season they aim to return to the finals.

In a big week for selections, the Tigers had some good news with the return of Nathan Foley from injury.

Collingwood regained captain Nick Maxwell, Essendon made six changes and Geelong lost Joel Corey.

Daniel Kerr and Chris Masten are out for West Coast, while Brisbane regain star veteran Simon Black for his first AFL game this season.

Experienced Western Bulldogs trio Daniel Giansiracusa, Robert Murphy and Ryan Griffen return, while North Melbourne defender Nathan Grima (soreness) is out as Brent Harvey returns from his six-game suspension.

Campbell Brown is back from the same suspension for Gold Coast on Sunday against Melbourne, but Michael Rischitelli was dropped and Karmichael Hunt has a hamstring injury.

Demons co-captains Jack Trengove (calf) and Jack Grimes (collarbone) are injured, but former Collingwood key forward Chris Dawes will make his debut for the club.

Along with their four injuries, Richmond dropped Matt White. Shane Tuck, Robin Nahas and Jake Batchelor are the other recalls and former Geelong ruckman Orren Stephenson will make his Tigers debut.

Port's Sam Colquhoun will make his AFL debut, while the Power recalled Andrew Moore and Jarrad Redden. Brent Renouf, Matthew Lobbe and Paul Stewart are the outs.

Essendon regained Michael Hurley, Dyson Heppell, Jake Carlisle, Dustin Fletcher, Jason Winderlich and Nathan Lovett-Murray. Brent Stanton (groin) and Courtenay Dempsey (ankle) are injured, David Hille has overseas leave and Leroy Jetta, Tayte Pears and Jackson Merrett were omitted.

The Cats lost Corey with a knee injury and dropped Jordan Murdoch. Jackson Thurlow will make his senior debut and Jordan Schroder returns.

While the Magpies regain Maxwell after four weeks out with a fractured wrist for the away match against Fremantle, Tyson Goldsack is out with a hip injury. Caolan Mooney is also back and Jarrod Witts is dropped.

Fremantle recalled Stephen Hill for Cameron Sutcliffe.

Kerr (knee) and Masten (foot) did not fly to Brisbane, while the Eagles dropped Callum Sinclair. Matt Rosa returns for his first senior game this season, Mark Hutchings will make his AFL debut and Brad Sheppard is also back.

Black, finally over his knee injury, leads three Brisbane changes. Andrew Raines and Jordan Lisle also return, with Aaron Cornelius, Billy Longer and Marco Paparone making way for them.pe?&#nbsp; Lukas Markovic is the fourth inclusion for the Bulldogs, who lost Jake Stringer and Jack Macrae to injury and dropped Koby Stevens and Christian Howard.

There are no changes for the game of the round - the grand-final rematch between Hawthorn and Sydney.

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