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Guardians of the rule book have been a target for abuse since before Yabba was but a twinkle in his mother's eye. Umpires and…
New South Wales has a bloke in their ranks who has scored more tries than Queensland great Billy Slater and in fewer games, but…
Willie Mason is a magnetic character. People are drawn to him and you can't help but listen to the forward speak because you never…
The Brisbane Broncos expect to climb over the top of the trench and get gunned down within metres, but they don't care. The club…
The NRL is wading its way through the concussion minefield just like every other sport, but it could do worse than copy a measure…
The problem with discretion is that it breeds inconsistency. As such the obstruction rule must stay as it is for the time being. The…
You can forgive Parramatta fans for needing a little more reassurance than the average rugby league supporter. The club has almost signed more players…
The NRL got it right: Billy Slater shouldn't have been charged for his boot to the head of Bulldogs forward David Klemmer. In reality,…
Whether Australia realises it or not, the country is about to reach a fork in the road in its relationship with the Olympics. Culture…
Has Australia had enough of scandal? Swimming is the latest sport to cross the divide from the back to the front page of the…
The New South Wales government has had enough of ploughing funds into stadiums that are starting to show their age. NSW Sports Minister Graham…
It's impossible to have a coherent debate about drugs in sport. The two tribes have set-up camp and run their respective flags up the…
It was the question Dave Smith must have known was coming. Don't worry about drugs or match fixing. Did the new NRL chief executive…
Most people would say, given the magnitude of the findings in the report by the Australian Crime Commission this week, that it was a…
George Bailey is the 30-year-old batsman who has captained Australia in two forms of cricket, yet could probably walk down a crowded street unnoticed.…
When Shane Warne walked off the Sydney Cricket Ground after his final Test match in January 2007, there wouldn't have been a spectator in…
If yesterday's news conference was a title fight, Anthony Mundine would've left Daniel Geale dazed and confused on the canvas. Geale, for all of…
When Same Stosur was asked whether she had “choked” during her loss to China's Jie Zheng last night, she gave the headline writers the…
Hands up if you know what Law 27.1 of cricket says. Anyone? Someone did last night, as the Law caused ridiculous scenes at the…
Mat Ryan has made the wrong move. Today, the Central Coast Mariners goalkeeper is on a plane to the UK where he'll link…
True, I was genuinely stunned by the penalty given previous form, but i was also making the point that no-one can deny the toll a game or collisions can take on a player who has no idea where he was.
Dylan Roberton: The scariest thing you've seen on a football field
Hi all, just an update. Jonas looking at a four match ban for rough conduct. He’ll get 3 with an early plea.
Dylan Roberton: The scariest thing you've seen on a football field
Thanks for the comments everyone. Tomorrow I’ve got a column up regarding what we actually want from our Olympians. Whether it is just to compete or to win medals. Cheers.
Tame swimming antics show Australia's tired of 'scandals'
Hi Fuss and Rabbitz, infact if you read some of my other columns I’ve called the report quite serious. I was merely trying to say that the public reaction to several things chucked in the crisis category has now changed to a big yawn. I believe the public (not you two of course) has largely forgotten that there is a classified version and are getting tired of reports and scandals and the rest of it. Cheers.
Tame swimming antics show Australia's tired of 'scandals'
Valid point. They were always going to be damned if they did and damned if they didn’t.
Tame swimming antics show Australia's tired of 'scandals'
Update from the NRL today:
“The National Rugby League and the Australian Sports Drug Agency have established a specific Rugby League Help Line through which any player, official or consultant, past or present, can provide information in relation to any anti-doping issue.
Players can contact 1300 550 485 on a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week basis to talk with an Intelligence Manager at ASADA who will be available to confidentiality collect information.
Players will be able to provide the confidential information, receive advice relating to anti-doping concerns and come forward with information that may reduce the level of any sanction.
Any member of the public will be able confidentially provide information on doping issues through the existing ASADA Hot Line – 1300 027 232 – or they can log on to www.asada.gov.au
The NRL is also finalising the legal framework for a separate service that will allow fans, past and present players and officials to provide any information on any issue unrelated to doping. This number will be released next week.
“We remain convinced that the absolute majority of players in our game are doing the right thing for sport and for Rugby League,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr Dave Smith, said today.
“This is, therefore, a difficult time and we accept that there are a lot of unanswered questions and that there are a number of issues that we cannot provide certainty on.
“If any player has any doubts then the help line may assist.
“The fact remains that Rugby League has been a point of focus in the Australian Crime Commission investigations.
“The Crime Commission has information pertaining to a number of clubs and a number of players and our responsibility is to co-operate with authorities in further investigating that information.
“Regardless of those outcomes, we have an opportunity to emerge stronger as a game by strengthening our procedures and resources going forward and the Integrity Unit will be a significant step.
“In the meantime, the more people come forward with information the closer we are to being able to get some certainty for everyone.
“Any NRL player or official who may have been involved with performance-enhancing substances, who has knowledge or who has serious doubts about procedures at a club, should use the help line to take advantage of what may only be a brief window of opportunity.
“A person who comes forward now and who provides meaningful assistance that leads to further matters being proven could face a reduced sanction under the policy.”
Did Australian sport's darkest day come too soon?
Like I said, right club wrong time. Common sense has prevailed.
Mat Ryan and Rangers: not a good fit
Plenty around the traps think he has the best hands in the country too.
Is Tim Paine really Australia's second choice wicketkeeper?
I agree Chop. I think how well a keeper bats has definitely become the main selection criteria. There’s not much between the top keepers at state level.
Is Tim Paine really Australia's second choice wicketkeeper?
There seems to be a definite blindspot when it comes to Queenslanders. Well… that’s the popular theory anyway.
Is Tim Paine really Australia's second choice wicketkeeper?
Exactly right Tailender. That was the perfect time. In a perfect world Ponting and Hussey would’ve realised that the Ashes was a bridge too far back then. Hindsight as they say is 20/20.
Is Tim Paine really Australia's second choice wicketkeeper?
Hey Christo, I reckon it does for sure. They’re not so keen on taking an inexperienced side to England for the Ashes.
Is Tim Paine really Australia's second choice wicketkeeper?
Sorry – 1 more thing mate – when she does breed – will she stay here or will she have to travel?
Could an animal claim the biggest sporting moment of 2012?
Thanks Bondy, it’s not often I wade into the world of horse racing, but I think the Black Cav story pretty much captured all sports fans. Have just started reading Gerard Whately’s book – pretty good read and a few behind the scenes things as well. Not bad at all.
Could an animal claim the biggest sporting moment of 2012?
And by that I mean – in terms of racing in 2013 – rather than going to the breeding stage.
Could an animal claim the biggest sporting moment of 2012?
I guess it’s sporting moments from an Australian point of view, but not exclusively Australian sporting moments if that makes sense. A friend and I were more kicking around just general moments of the year. The EPL finish was amazing. Looks like United’s to lose this year though doesn’t it?
Could an animal claim the biggest sporting moment of 2012?
I actually think Felix Baumgartner who jumped from near space is worth a mention on any list sport/news this year. Fair effort. Does it belong in a sport countdown though?
Could an animal claim the biggest sporting moment of 2012?
Justin – from an expert like yourself – what do you think the future is like for her?
Could an animal claim the biggest sporting moment of 2012?
That’s an interesting take Peeeko. I’m not a horse racing fanatic, but definitely got caught up in the Caviar hype. I guess she can only beat what’s in the barriers beside her though. No doubt great PR for the sport.
Could an animal claim the biggest sporting moment of 2012?
He may just stun us all in that regard. He couldn’t / didn’t want to say much yesterday – but yep it’s one of the great unknowns. He’ll probably be awkward at first and then grow into that part of it. Then again – hopefully he doesn’t have much to do in that area. Fingers crossed!
Mr Smith not a generic choice for a new era
You’re right he seems to be the perfect fit for a commish if indeed he doesn’t end up liking the spotlight Oikee. Surprised he wasn’t on there already given his background.
Mr Smith not a generic choice for a new era
Couldn’t agree more Billo. Delegation will be key.
Mr Smith not a generic choice for a new era
Hey Matty, if you don’t mind me asking – what year did you play green shield?
Warne puts spin on lost generation
Hi Bondy, thanks for the comment. I’m actually a huge fan of the A-League and have been covering matches since season 1. I go to 1 match each week. Last week it was the Wanderers v Mariners at Parra and this week it will be the Sydney v Newcastle game at the SFS. I’ve always done my best as a reporter to tell the masses about the A-League and in-fact if you watch sportsline on sky news on Monday night at 10:30pm we actually dedicate a fair chunk of the show to the A-League with Myself, Damien Lovelock and Paul Wade. It’s a fantastic league and i even used to be a reporter with a mag that doesn’t exist anymore covering Northern Spirit games in the NSL. I remember sitting with about 4 other people at Pittwater Park by the end of it watching the Spirit go around. The only reason i don’t write about it on The Roar is because it’s generally well covered by Tony and Mike and others and while i’m sure i’ll chip in throughout the season with some observations i wouldn’t want to tread on their toes. But i agree mate, a fly on the wall doco with one of our A-League clubs would be worthwhile watching. They’re already very open and helpful with the media though so i can’t bag them for that.
NRL clubs should open their doors to warts and all TV
True Minz, such a difficult line to draw between protection and management. Very tough gig being a medico given the current spotlight on head injuries.
Dylan Roberton: The scariest thing you've seen on a football field