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Storm thunder home in nail-biter

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 25 April 2013 | 23.34

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Melbourne Storm ... centre Will Chambers pushes away from Thomas Leuluai. Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

The Melbourne Storm held off a focussed Warriors side led by electric halfback Shaun Johnson to remain unbeaten with a 28-18 NRL win in their Anzac Day clash.

5

Tries

3

Will Chambers 11' Ben Henry 7'
Mahe Fonua 30' Bill Tupou 40'
Sisa Waqa 58' Shaun Johnson 52'
Will Chambers 72'
Billy Slater 76'

4

Conversions

2

Cameron Smith 13' Shaun Johnson 9'
Cameron Smith 59' Shaun Johnson 54'
Cameron Smith 74'
Cameron Smith 77'

0

Penalties

1

Shaun Johnson 67'

 The annual match again provided some heart-stopping moments with the NRL champions not hitting the lead at AAMI Park until the 72nd minute with centre Will Chambers getting his second for the night.

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 Star fullback Billy Slater then sealed the result with their fifth try of the night.

Johnson almost orchestrated the upset of the season in front of the sell-out crowd of over 25,000, which was a Storm record.

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The 22-year-old New Zealand international was everywhere, scoring an intercept try to break a 10-10 halftime deadlock while setting up two others.

He kicked a penalty in the 67th minute for a 18-16 lead but the Storm proved they are never out of a match.

Warriors coach Matt Elliott backed his side's dubious decision to take the penalty goal despite repeat sets attacking the Storm line.

But he lashed two refereeing decisions; describing the pass by Waqa to Chambers for his second try as "a long way forward".

The video referee also over-ruled the linesman on a 40-20 kick by Johnson late in the match.

Elliott said his team had been hard done by with refereeing decisions in this match as well as in the tight loss to Canberra.

"The refs will also have to put their hands up for making errors," he said.

"They did it in the back end of the Canberra game in their report, where there were three calls that went against us and they acknowledged they were incorrect."

Storm coach Craig Bellamy said his players looked for short-cuts in the first half but got back to playing their brand of grinding football in the second.

"I thought we were looking for some easy options instead of sticking to what we know works for us," Bellamy said.

"We weren't looking to get our hands dirty.

"I thought the second half was really good and we did the things we planned to do during the week."

Chambers showed his class in the first half when he turned the defence inside out in brilliant fashion for his first try.

His second try was just as impressive.

He got around Warriors centre Jerome Ropati and then combined with Cooper Cronk and winger Sisa Waqa before touching down for his second.

In his past seven games against the Warriors, Chambers has now scored nine tries.

The Warriors went into the match in 15th place, with just one win for the season, but played some fearless football.

They forced the Storm into uncharacteristic errors with their stiff defence and willingness to throw the ball around.

Warriors skipper Simon Mannering failed to overcome a calf injury to play but his second row replacement Ben Henry made himself right at home as the first tryscorer.

Henry was gifted a ball that bounced off Storm winger Mahe Fonua as he leapt to defend a Johnson bomb and Henry was able to plant the ball across the line.

The Storm answered through Chambers and a try by Fonua before Warriors winger Bill Tupou scored right on halftime after a Johnson break and it was 10-10.

Johnson intercepted a pass by Storm five-eighth Gareth Widdop to race 80 metres to score but Cronk showed equal class when he grubbered ahead for Waqa to scoop up and again tie up the match before the Storm fired again.


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Hawthorn's prize recruit finally fit

Finally ... Brian Lake is fit enough to make his debut for the Hawks. Source: News Limited

Hawthorn's prized off-season recruit Brian Lake is set to make his AFL debut for the club in their clash with North Melbourne on Sunday.

Lake was named in an extended 25-man Hawks' squad for the match at the MCG - and appears a certainty to play with defender Ryan Schoenmakers' unfortunate knee injury last weekend ruling him out for the season. 

Grabbed from the Western Bulldogs during last year's trade period, the key defender battled a pre-season calf injury and has been biding his time gaining match fitness in the reserves.

The 31-year-old is among five additions to the extended squad, including veteran defender Brent Guerra.

The Kangaroos have retained exciting Majak Daw in their 25, though doubt remains on whether the ruck-forward will play after being concussed on debut last weekend.

Geelong have lost important midfielder Paul Chapman for their Saturday night clash with the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

The veteran has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, though they have a quality replacement in three-time premiership player James Kelly.

The Bulldogs' horror injury run continues, with forward Daniel Giansiracusa out for the next fortnight with shoulder bruising.

Bulldogs' medical services manager Andrew McKenzie said Giansiracusa would require time off without impact to the shoulder for the injury to recover adequately.

"Gia has been sore over the past couple of weeks with a bruised scapula and hasn't shown any signs of improvement,'' McKenzie told the club's website.

"We'll monitor him closely over the next fortnight, with an aim to have him ready to play as soon as possible.''

The Dogs had already lost star midfielder Ryan Griffen to a shoulder problem, while Shaun Higgins (foot), Robert Murphy (calf), Easton Wood (hamstring) and Tory Dickson (ankle) are also sidelined.

Richmond are set to give their first-round draft pick from last year Nick Vlastuin an AFL debut against Fremantle in Perth on Friday night.

He is among four changes, with midfielder Shane Tuck left out - the Tigers saying the veteran is being rested.

Fremantle welcome back tall defender Luke McPharlin, with Nick Suban omitted among three changes.

Melbourne have left out young midfielder Jack Viney for their clash with Brisbane at the Gabba on Sunday.

The Demons say the 18-year-old is being rested.

Struggling West Coast have received a huge boost ahead of their clash with unbeaten surprise packets Port Adelaide, regaining rugged defender Beau Waters.

Waters has missed the past two matches with a calf injury.

Skipper Darren Glass, who injured his shoulder in last week's loss to Carlton, has also been named in the Eagles side.

Carlton small forward Eddie Betts is set to make his return from a broken jaw against Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday.


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Lion Tamers: front row

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

The British and Irish Lions series is edging ever closer which means it's time to start thinking about the make-up of the Wallabies squad for the first Test.

Who do you think should play loosehead prop for the Wallabies?

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans named a 30-man squad for a logistics camp two weeks ago but with there still being nearly two months until the first Test in Brisbane, there's still plenty of time for those not included to impress in Super Rugby.

That means there's also plenty of time for you to debate the 15 run-on spots up for grabs and we're here to help you do it.

Who do you think should player hooker for the Wallabies?

Each week we'll focus on a particular positional section and after listing the selections of our Fox Sports rugby experts, we want you to vote for the players who you think should fill those spots.

This week we're kicking things off with the front row, which means you need to vote for the loosehead prop, hooker and a tighthead prop you think should battle the Lions.

Who do you think should play tighthead prop for the Wallabies?

The results of the polls will then be revealed next week on Rugby HQ, from 8.30pm (EST) Thursday.

Welcome to Lion Tamers. Get voting now.


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Daley Mail: Titanic return on Sunday

Gold Coast Titan ... Aidan Sezer returns from injury. Source: Adam Head / News Limited

As part of our efforts to bring even more rugby league to fans, Fox Sports will provide unique video previews of every game of every round of the NRL season.

This week, Ben Ikin is in the hot seat for another exciting round of footy.

Round seven sees Souths test their premiership credentials against Manly, the Roosters and Dragons will meet on a special day for Australia and two desperate sides will face-off in the western Sydney derby.

Sydney Roosters v St George Illawarra Dragons, Allianz Stadium, Thursday 4pm (EST)

The Roosters have been playing outstanding footy lately. I'm looking forward to the battle of the halves in Maloney and Pearce v Soward and Fien. But this one will be decided in the forwards. It will be an emotion-charged game on a special day. It should be a ripper.


Melbourne Storm v Warriors, AAMI Park, Thursday 7pm (EST), Fox Sports 1

The Warriors have as good a chance as anyone of beating Melbourne because their unpredictability can unsettle the Storm. They're a different side though this year. They look a bit low on confidence, but they have picked up a couple of wins down in Melbourne, which not many sides have managed to do in recent years.


Manly Sea Eagles v Rabbitohs, Brookvale Oval, Friday 7.45pm (EST)

When I think of Manly, I think of a battle-hardened team that seems to attract winners from the coach all the way through to the players. Souths have some brilliant players but there are still questions over their ability to slog out an 80-minute effort. It's so hard to win at Brookie, and Manly are playing quality football, so I'm tipping a win to the home side.


Cowboys v Canberra Raiders, 1300SMILES Stadium, Saturday 5.30pm (EST), Fox Sports 1

The Cowboys started the season with everyone tipping them to make the top four, but they haven't found their rhythm yet. The Raiders have got that belief back and are playing exciting footy. I can't wait to see Terry Campese play. He returned from his long-term knee problems last week and should get better again. Saying that, it's hard to beat the Cowboys in North Queensland.


Wests Tigers v Broncos, Campbelltown Stadium. Saturday 7.30pm (EST), Fox Sports 1

A lot of the Tigers are used to playing with Benji Marshall, but they'll have to adjust to Tim Moltzen and Curtis Sironen in the halves for the next few weeks. Against the Broncos, who have found some rhythm of late, the Tigers might just struggle. The Broncos are playing fast-tempo footy and they've got their season back on track after a slow start. They are playing good quality football with the whole team contributing.


Gold Coast Titans v Newcastle Knights, Skilled Park, Sunday 2pm (EST), Fox Sports 1

The Titans lack composure without Aidan Sezer, who returns from injury for this one. He plays beyond his years and Albert Kelly will lift playing next to him. This might be too big an ask for the Knights with big-name off-season recruits Beau Scott Jeremy Smith not playing.


Cronulla Sharks v Bulldogs, Bluetongue Stadium, Sunday 3pm (EST)

Both sides are desperate for a win, and that will define this match. I can't get a read on the Dogs, who look disconnected. Injuries and the Ben Barba situation have affected them. The Sharks have this great big ASADA stress hanging over them, but at least they get Todd Carney back for this one. I'm leaning towards the Sharks.


Penrith Panthers v Parramatta Eels, Centrebet Stadium, Monday 7pm (EST), Fox Sports 1

Neither side is setting the world on fire, but there'll be a lot of pride in this match with it being a western Sydney derby. Both sides need to win but I'm leaning the way towards the Eels. They've got more firepower in the shape of Jarryd Hayne and Chris Sandow. Penrith are very much in a rebuilding phase and that's been showing in their performances. In saying that, it should be a very tight game.


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Kingston replaces Drew Mitchell

Re-call ... Tom Kingston has been called up to replace the injured Drew Mitchell. Source: PAUL MILLER / AAP

Exciting young back Tom Kingston has replaced injured Wallaby Drew Mitchell in the only change to the NSW Waratahs side for this weekend's Super Rugby match in Pretoria.

Coach Michael Cheika has opted to make just the one enforced change, retaining the rest of the team that started last week's win over the Chiefs.

Australia Conference W L D PD BP Pts
1 Brumbies 6 1 2 84 3 35
2 Reds 6 2 1 13 3 33
3 Waratahs 4 4 0 -33 1 25
4 Melbourne Rebels 2 6 0 -96 3 19
5 Western Force 2 7 0 -46 4 16
New Zealand Conference W L D PD BP Pts
1 Blues 4 3 0 49 7 31
2 Chiefs 5 3 0 71 6 30
3 Hurricanes 5 3 0 -3 3 27
4 Crusaders 4 4 0 52 6 26
5 Highlanders 0 8 0 -86 2 6
South Africa Conference W L D PD BP Pts
1 Bulls 5 3 0 35 4 28
2 Cheetahs 6 3 0 -2 3 27
3 Sharks 5 3 0 51 3 27
4 Stormers 3 4 0 1 4 24
5 Southern Kings 2 5 1 -90 1 15

Hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau will make his 100th appearance for NSW in the match on Sunday morning (AEST).

The Bulls currently lead the South African conference.

The Waratahs are a couple of points off sixth spot.

NSW Waratahs: Israel Folau, Cam Crawford, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Rob Horne, Tom Kingston, Bernard Foley, Brendan McKibbin, Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper, Dave Dennis (capt) Kane Douglas Sitaleki Timani, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson.

Reserves: Res: John Ulugia, Paddy Ryan, Mitchell Chapman, Pat McCutcheon, Matt Lucas, Ben Volavola, Peter Betham


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Peptide 'link' to NRL star's death

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Former Cronulla ... and Eels player Jon Mannah with brother Tim in 2009. Source:News Limited

The independent report into Cronulla's 2011 supplement program has warned peptides given to players may have accelerated former prop Jon Mannah's fatal cancer.

An explosive report has raised concerns about the potential of an "identified causal link" between peptides CJC-1295 and GHRP-6 and Mannah's relapse into Hodgkin's lymphoma in late 2011.

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The report details how a number of Cronulla players were "administered" with peptides, including CJC-1295 and GHRP-6 between March and May in 2011.

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This was after sports scientist Stephen Dank was recruited to Cronulla by ex-Sharks head trainer Trent Elkin at the beginning of the 2011 season.

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But it is not known whether these drugs were part of Mr Dank's program.

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Mannah, who played five NRL games while Mr Dank was employed at the Sharks at the start of 2011, died in January this year.

A leaked extract from the 60-plus page report warns: "Based on the chronology it appears Mannah was administered with substances including CJC-1295 and GHRP-6 during the period from March to May in 2011.

"A brief review of available published medical literature suggests an identified causal link between the use of substances such as CJC-1295 and GHRP-6 and the acceleration of the condition of disease Hodgkin's lymphoma.

"Without knowing anything further about Mannah's exact medical history and without seeking expert opinion from an appropriately qualified oncologist it is difficult to take this issue further.

"The issue of Mannah has the potential to be as serious as matters could get."

The Daily Telegraph yesterday asked Mr Dank and his lawyer Greg Stanton if Mr Dank or any of his staff had ever administered the drugs identified in the Cronulla report to Mannah.

Mr Dank did not respond. Mr Stanton said he would reserve his response until seeing today's article.

Mr Dank maintains he has never given banned drugs to NRL players and has started legal action against media organisations for $10 million in damages over the ongoing reporting of the issue.

Mr Elkin has previously said: "On the advice of my legal team, I have provided ASADA officials with a statement as part of their investigation and gave an honest account of the period in question. I have never condoned the use of performance-enhancing drugs and I have not ever knowingly worked with anyone who did."

Newly-appointed Sharks CEO Bruno Cullen confirmed the club had handed the report, compiled by ex-ASADA deputy chair Tricia Kavanagh, over to ASADA and the NRL. One of the Sharks' previous directors was so concerned with the Mannah element of the report he sought advice of independent oncologists for further medical guidance.

Once ASADA obtained the report, the anti-doping authority opted to postpone the scheduled interviews with Cronulla players due to start last Wednesday until Monday.

Mr Cullen said: "I've signed a confidentiality agreement and we've handed the report over to ASADA and the NRL. We understand ASADA will be handing it over to the police and they may have done that this week."

Leading sports doctor Peter Larkins last night described any attempt to treat a previous cancer sufferer with growth accelerants as "an absolutely indefensible thing to do".

"I would have thought if I had any player or any patient that had any history of any cancer process, the last thing I would even contemplate giving them is anything that increased cell growth," Dr Larkins, one of the AFL's leading medicos, said.

Oncologist David Dalley, from St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney, wasn't aware of any evidence of a link between growth supplements and lymphoma but warned against the ingestion of supplements of which the side-effects have not been properly measured.

"I cannot find evidence that these chemicals were causal in the stimulation of lymphoma but I cannot say there is no link as there is no data," he said.

Ms Kavanagh last night declined to discuss the contents of the report.

"I cannot comment, because the report is privileged. But generally there are matters of serious concern," she said.

The Mannah family was asked on Thursday whether they were aware of the contents of the report.

The family, including Mannah's parents and brother Tim, who plays for the Parramatta Eels, was unaware and did not wish to comment.

In the extract of the report about Mannah, it also warns: "The club should be prepared for the potential for ... media making the same causal connection between the program administered and the illness suffered by Mannah."

The Sharks are one of the clubs involved in the Australian Crime Commission and ASADA's investigation into banned drug use in sport.


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