'Wilko will answer Lions' call'

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Tour ... Stephen Larkham expects Jonny Wilkinson to answer Lions call. Source: David Davies / AAP

Wallabies great Stephen Larkham says he's surprised the British and Irish Lions have named just two five-eighths in their 37-man squad to tour Australia in June and July and doubts Englishman Jonny Wilkinson would refuse a second invitation to play.

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Larkham believes Irishman Jonathan Sexton's experience may earn him the nod at five-eighth over England's Owen Farrell, but added he wouldn't be shocked if Wilkinson also got a late call-up for the 10-match tour.

"You'd expect those two to get through and if you did get an injury to those two you'd bring someone else in, but it is a fairly long tour,'' Larkham said.

"You look at the number of backs versus the number of forwards they've picked, and it's disproportionate there.

"So it wouldn't surprise me if some other backs get called over late and (Wilkinson) could be one of them.''

Wilkinson and Larkham went head to head in the first two Test matches of the 2001 Lions series in which the Wallabies won 2-1.

While Wilkinson is most well-known amongst Australians for that 2003 World Cup-winning drop goal, many believe the intercept he threw to winger Joe Roff in the second Test of the 2001 Lions Tour was the turning point for the Wallabies in that series.

Wilkinson reportedly turned down an invitation to join the 2013 Lions Tour when asked by coach Warren Gatland, yet Larkham doubts the 33-year-old Toulon-contracted flyhalf would be able to resist one last crack in Australia if injuries presented him with a second chance.

"Maybe they're just waiting to see if there's a final and are going to call him up later,'' Larkham joked.

"Initially he might have had that reluctance but the closer it gets, every player that has sort of retired, or announced retirement from international rugby, still has that urge inside them to get back out there and play.

"It's quite historic, it's not England, it's the British and Irish Lions, the next step up and a big honour.''

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Officials to pull plug on inquiry telecast

Racing NSW has denied requests to televise the high-profile More Joyous stewards' inquiry. Source: AAP

REQUESTS to televise the high-profile More Joyous stewards' inquiry have been denied, with racing officials keen to hold the hearing in the same manner as any other.

Racing NSW received applications from television networks to attend Monday's inquiry featuring John Singleton, his former trainer Gai Waterhouse and her bookmaker son Tom as the main players.

The ruling body's chief executive Peter V'landys said it was not in the best interests of anyone concerned to make an exception.

"We don't believe that it would provide the necessary forum for the people involved getting procedural fairness, natural justice and due process," V'landys said.

"We don't want any distractions. It's a very high-profile and serious case and we want to make sure all parties are given every opportunity to present their cases.

"It is a normal stewards' inquiry and it's not appropriate for it to be filmed.

"We had a number of TV stations wanting to do live coverage but it is a serious inquiry and we want to concentrate on that."

Stewards opened an inquiry into the poor performance of the Singleton-owned and Waterhouse-trained More Joyous after she finished second last in Saturday's All Aged Stakes at Randwick.

Waterhouse said the mare had received an antibiotic on Thursday morning but she did not believe it was an issue she needed to tell stewards about.

The inquiry escalated after stewards became aware of public comments by Singleton who announced after the race he had sacked Waterhouse as his trainer because her son had told people More Joyous had a problem and could not win.

Former jockey Allan Robinson has revealed himself as the person who told Singleton, saying he heard it from ex-footballer Andrew Johns.

Robinson and Johns have been asked for statements which will be tendered to the inquiry but V'landys said it would be up to the stewards whether the pair would be asked to appear in person.

Tom Waterhouse has denied saying More Joyous could not win. He said his pay-out on the winner All Too Hard was a "strip-out" and a win by More Joyous, who he backed, was a $300,000 better result for him.

V'landys said stewards were scrutinising betting records on the race from all wagering operators.

He refused to speculate on what, if any, charges might result from the inquiry.

"The stewards will determine what rules if any have been breached," he said.

"No-one has been charged. It is an inquiry and stewards will determine what action, if any, to take after that."

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Ioane off to Stade Francais: report

Au revoir ... Ioane has reportedly decided to join Stade Francais. Source: AAP

Wallabies winger Digby Ioane will leave Queensland Reds and Australian rugby later this year after signing a massive two-year contract with French glamour club Stade Francais.

It's understood Ioane will reap almost $2.5 million but the deal will severely endanger his chances of playing in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Queensland Rugby Union chief executive Jim Carmichael on Thursday night confirmed French radio reports the world-class back would link with the Parisian club at the end of the year.

Ioane is regarded among the best wingers in the game and his loss is a major blow to both the Wallabies and the Reds.

One of the country's highest-paid rugby players, earning a reported $800,00 per season, the 34-Test flyer had another year to run on his Reds contract but his ARU deal expired at the end of 2013.

Despite a stand-off between the Reds and Ioane's management last week over alleged third-party payments he felt were owed to him, Carmichael stressed it was an amicable departure.

The pair met face-to-face this week and Carmichael said there were no hard feelings about Ioane taking the chance to provide long-term financial security for his family.

"He goes with our absolute blessing,'' Carmichael told AAP.

"I'm reassured about his feelings toward the Reds and his teammates and he'll always be a part of the Reds family.

"If he chooses to come back to Australian rugby after a couple of years I hope he picks up the phone and we'll welcome him back with open arms.''

While the French season starts in September, the ARU would be unlikely to release him from his current contract until after the spring tour of Europe in late November.

Ioane would still be regarded among the half-dozen certain selections in Robbie Deans' Wallabies starting 15 to play the British and Irish Lions next month.

Ioane's deal looks set to end his chances of playing a second World Cup, kicking off in September 2015 in England, as ARU guidelines stipulate that players must be involved in Super Rugby to be eligible.

The addition of the New Zealand-born, Melbourne-raised 27-year-old is a huge coup for Stade Francais - formerly coached by Australians Michael Cheika, Ewen McKenzie and John Connolly - as they are currently struggling in ninth on the Top 14 ladder.

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Bold bid to takeover Heart

Huge offer ... Melbourne Heart coach John Aloisi with CEO Scott Munn. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

South Melbourne FC has confirmed an offer of more than $3.5 million to buy Melbourne Heart A-League club, and raised the prospect of Brazilian ex-international Emerson as coach.

South Melbourne responded via its Facebook account to reports that they had approached Heart with the offer, only to be rejected.

The statement read in full: "Following yesterday's (Wednesday) media reports … and statements made by the CEO of the Melbourne Heart (Scott Munn) South Melbourne FC wishes to confirm the following:

• South Melbourne FC that it made an offer to acquire 100% of the Melbourne Heart Licence.
• The offer was in excess of 3.5 million
• The offer was made after several discussions between Heart & SMFC Directors.
• South Melbourne FC has received an expression of interest from Emerson (Brazilian Legend) to coach and has already secured Major Sponsors for its A-League ambitions."

Munn said on Wednesday that Heart's owners had no intention of selling.

South Melbourne, which currently competes in the Victorian Premier League – and was also in recent discussions with cash-strapped Central Coast Mariners – reportedly offered a combination of cash and shares and included relocation to Lakeside Stadium, a facility it currently shares with Athletics Victoria.

Munn confirmed the offer and revealed that two offers from overseas investors had also been received in recent months but the club's owners weren't interested in selling a controlling stake.

While Heart's crowds have stagnated, the club will turn a small profit this season and Munn said this made the model enticing to potential investors.

"We've made it very clear we have no interest in taking their offer any further," Munn said.

"We've been approached this year a couple of times, from the Middle East and a European consortium.

"Those conversations were quite open and transparent but we made it very clear that there were some non-negotiables and one of them is that the founding owners always want to retain control.

"We'd love to invest more in areas such as marketing, advertising and most importantly the footy department.

"We can sustain a club, we can post a small profit and that puts us in an enviable position for investors, knowing they won't have to reach into their pocket each year."

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Is Inglis to blame for spear?

Target ... South Sydney star fullback Greg Inglis. Source: Renee McKay / AAP

Matt Russell, Christian Jantzen and Topher Sutton discuss the week's big issues heading into round eight in the NRL.

Is Greg Inglis to blame for being spear tackled? Are Melbourne unbeatable? Can anyone stop Sonny Bill Williams?

Matt Russell helps you out with a few pronunciations and the boys give some tips for your tipping.

Plus how good can Jesse Williams be in the NFL?

To hear the full discussion, subscribe free to the weekly rugby league podcast – There's Always Next Week – which you'll find on iTunes: http://bit.ly/11QaDoE 

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All the ins and outs for round six

In ... Andrew Krakouer has been named for his first game of the season. Source: Herald Sun

Check out all the ins and outs for round six of the AFL season.

Updated line-ups for Sunday's games will be announced on Friday afternoon, so check back in to get the latest teams before finalising your FOX FOOTY SuperCoach side.

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Collingwood v St Kilda, Etihad Stadium, Friday 7.50pm (EST)

Collingwood

B: Nathan Brown. Ben Reid, Brent Macaffer
HB: Marty Clarke, Heath Shaw, Harry O'Brien
C: Steele Sidebottom, Dane Swan, Dale Thomas
HF: Jamie Elliott, Travis Cloke, Quinten Lynch
F: Ben Kennedy, Tyson Goldsack, Sam Dwyer
Foll: Darren Jolly, Scott Pendlebury, Jarryd Blair
Int: Andrew Krakouer, Jarrod Witts, Josh Thomas, Paul Seedsman
Emg: Alex Fasolo, Jordan Russell, Marley Williams

In: Krakouer, Jolly, J. Thomas, Witts, Kennedy
Out: Toovey (Knee), Hudson (Leg soreness), Russell (Omitted), Fasolo (Omitted), Sinclair (Omitted)

New: B.Kennedy, Witts

St Kilda

B: Nathan Wright, Sam Fisher, Sam Gilbert
HB: Sean Dempster, Dylan Roberton, Jarryn Geary
C: Nick Dal Santo, Lenny Hayes, Brodie Murdoch
HF: David Armitage, Rhys Stanley, Leigh Montagna
F: Josh Saunders, Nick Riewoldt, Justin Koschitzke
Foll: Ben McEvoy, Clinton Jones, Jack Steven
Int: Arryn Siposs, Sebastian Ross, Ahmed Saad, Stephen Milne
Emerg: Jimmy Webster, Jack Newnes, Tom Hickey

In: Milne, Siposs
Out: Dennis-Lane (Omitted) , Lee (Achilles)

Essendon v GWS Giants, Etihad Stadium, Saturday 1:45pm (EST)

Essendon

B: Michael Hibberd, Tayte Pears, Courtenay Dempsey
HB: Brendon Goddard, Cale Hooker, Kyle Hardingham
C: Mark Baguley, Jobe Watson, Nick Kommer
HF: Brent Stanton, Stewart Crameri, Leroy Jetta
F: Jackson Merrett, Scott Gumbleton, Alwyn Davey
Foll: Tom Bellchambers, Ben Howlett, David Zaharakis
Int: Jake Melksham, David Myers, David Hille, Heath Hocking
Emerg: Nathan Lovett-Murray, Nick O'Brien, Elliott Kavanagh

In: Jetta, Pears, Melksham, Kommer
Out: Winderlich (Rested), Colyer (Omitted), Heppell (Groin), Carlisle (Ankle)

GWS Giants

B: Adam Kennedy, Tim Mohr, Josh Bruce
HB: Aidan Corr, Stephen Gilham, Toby Greene
C: Tom Scully, Callan Ward, Jacob Townsend
HF: Rhys Palmer, Jeremy Cameron, Adam Tomlinson
F: Devon Smith, Samuel Frost, Taylor Adams
Foll: Jonathan Giles, Adam Treloar, Dylan Shiel
Int: Zachary Williams, Curtly Hampton, Sam Reid, Stephen Coniglio
Emerg: Thomas Downie, Shaun Edwards, Tomas Bugg

In: Gilham, Hampton, Bruce, Adams, Townsend, Frost, Corr
Out: Thornton (Omitted), O'hAilpin (Calf), Davis (Back), Bugg (Omitted), Whitfield (Soreness), Plowman (Omitted), Haynes (Omitted)

New: Corr 

North Melbourne v Port Adelaide, Blundstone Arena, Saturday 2:30pm (EST)

North Melbourne

B: Scott McMahon, Scott Thompson, Michael Firrito
HB: Aaron Mullett, Nathan Grima, Jamie Macmillan
C: Daniel Wells, Shaun Atley, Sam Wright
HF: Aaron Black, Majak Daw, Taylor Hine
F: Lindsay Thomas, Drew Petrie, Leigh Adams
Foll: Todd Goldstein, Andrew Swallow, Jack Ziebell
Int: Ryan Bastinac, Ben Cunnington, Sam Gibson, Will Sierakowski
Emerg: Daniel Currie, Liam Anthony, Lachlan Hansen

In: Sierakowski
Out: Anthony (Omitted)

New: Sierakowski

Port Adelaide

B: Campbell Heath, Alipate Carlile, Lewis Stevenson
HB: Cameron O'Shea, Tom Jonas, Dom Cassisi
C: Brad Ebert, Travis Boak, Hamish Hartlett
HF: Chad Wingard, Justin Westhoff, Paul Stewart
F: Jake Neade, Jay Schulz, Robbie Gray
Foll: Matthew Lobbe, Oliver Wines, Kane Cornes
Int: Brent Renouf, Matthew Broadbent, Angus Monfries, Kane Mitchell
Emerg: John Butcher, Andrew Moore, Sam Colquhoun

In: Mitchell
Out: Trengove (Foot)

Adelaide v Hawthorn, AAMI Stadium, Saturday 4:10pm (CST)

Adelaide

B: Ben Rutten, Daniel Talia, Andy Otten
HB: Luke Brown, Brent Reilly, David Mackay
C: Sam Kerridge, Scott Thompson, Brodie Smith
HF: Richard Douglas, Shaun McKernan, Jarryd Lyons
F: Jason Porplyzia, Tom, Lynch, Josh Jenkins
Foll: Sam Jacobs, Patrick Dangerfield, Rory Sloane
Int: Ricky Henderson, Bernie Vince, Matthew Jaensch, Matthew Wright
Emerg: Lewis Johnston, Jared Petrenko, Richard Tambling

In: Porplyzia, McKernan, Lyons
Out: Petrenko (Omitted), Walker (Knee), Laird (Thigh)

Milestone: Rutten - 200 games

Hawthorn

B: Josh Gibson, Brian Lake, Luke Hodge
HB: Grant Birchall, Ben Stratton, Brent Guerra
C: Isaac Smith, Sam Mitchell, Brad Hill
HF: Shaun Burgoyne, Lance Franklin, Paul Puopolo
F: Luke Breust, Jarryd Roughead, Jack Gunston
Foll: Max Bailey, Jordan Lewis, Brad Sewell
Int: Liam Shiels, David Hale, Jonathan Simpkin, Michael Osborne
Emerg: Taylor Duryea, Kyle Cheney, Matt Spangher

In: Sewell, Simpkin
Out: Rioli (Hamstring), Savage (Omitted)

Richmond v Geelong, MCG, Saturday 7:40pm (EST)

Richmond

B: Steven Morris, Alex Rance, Troy Chaplin
HB: Dylan Grimes, Ricky Petterd, Bachar Houli
C: Chris Newman, Trent Cotchin, Matt White
HF: Brett Deledio, Shane Edwards, Dan Jackson
F: Luke McGuane, Jack Riewoldt, Ty Vickery
Foll: Ivan Maric, Dustin Martin, Nick Vlastuin
Int: Brandon Ellis, Jake King, Shaun Grigg, Chris Knights
Emerg: Jake Batchelor, Shane Tuck, Robin Nahas

In: Chaplin, Morris, King
Out: Nahas (Omitted), Batchelor (Omitted), Helbig (Hamstring)

Milestone: Knights - 100 games

Geelong

B: Andrew Mackie, Tom Lonergan, Corey Enright
HB: Joel Corey, Harry Taylor, Taylor Hunt
C: Mitch Duncan, Jimmy Bartel, Steven Motlop
HF: Allen Christensen, Steve Johnson, Billie Smedts
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Hawkins, James Podsiadly
Foll: Mark Blicavs, Joel Selwood, James Kelly
Int: Cameron Guthrie, George Horlin-Smith, Trent West, Mathew Stokes
Emerg: Jackson Thurlow, Jordan Murdoch, Mitch Brown

In: Chapman, Hawkins
Out: Rivers (Knee), Caddy (Omitted)

Milestone: Enright - 250 games, Johnson - 200 games

Gold Coast v Fremantle, Metricon Stadium, Saturday 7:40pm (EST)

Gold Coast

B: Trent McKenzie, Tom Murphy, Dion Prestia
HB: Danny Stanley, Rory Thompson, Greg Broughton
C: Michael Rischitelli, Gary Ablett, Jarrod Harbrow
HF: Harley Bennell, Tom Lynch, Aaron Hall
F: Zac Smith, Sam Day, Brandon Matera
Foll: Charlie Dixon, Karmichael Hunt, David Swallow
Int: Matt Shaw, Jared Brennan, Jesse Lonergan, Jaeger O'Meara
Emerg: Jack Hutchins, Timmy Sumner, Daniel Gorringe

In: Bennell, Lonergan
Out: May (Hamstring), Hutchins (Omitted)

New: Lonergan

Milestone: Murphy - 100 games

Fremantle

B: Lee Spurr, Zac Dawson, Michael Johnson
HB: Garrick Ibbotson, Luke McPharlin, Clancee Pearce
C: Tendai Mzungu, Ryan Crowley, Nick Suban
HF: Michael Barlow, Chris Mayne, Hayden Ballantyne
F: Hayden Crozier, Jack Hannath, Michael Walters
Foll: Jonathon Griffin, Matt De Boer, David Mundy
Int: Danyle Pearce, Paul Duffield, Cameron Sutcliffe, Alex Silvagni
Emerg: Lachie Neale, Tom Sheridan, Tanner Smith

In: Duffield, Silvagni, Sutcliffe, Crozier
Out: Bradley (Knee), Hill (Quad), Fyfe (Suspension), Neale (Omitted)

Sydney Swans v Brisbane Lions, SCG, Sunday 1:10pm (EST)

Sydney Swans

B: Nick Malceski, Heath Grundy, Nick Smith
HB: Marty Mattner, Ted Richards, Jarrad McVeigh
C: Lewis Jetta, Ryan O'Keefe, Ben McGlynn
HF: Dan Hannebery, Sam Reid, Kieren Jack
F: Adam Goodes, Mike Pyke, Jude Bolton
Foll: Shane Mumford, Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker
Int: Tony Armstrong, Craig Bird, Jed Lamb, Mitch Morton, Dane Rampe, Tommy Walsh, Jesse White

In: Morton, White, Lamb, Walsh
Out: Everitt (Omitted)

New: Lamb

Milestone: McVeigh - 200 games

Brisbane Lions

B: Joel Patfull, Daniel Merrett, Ashley McGrath
HB: Elliot Yeo, Justin Clarke, Jed Adcock
C: Pearce Hanley, Tom Rockliff, Mitchell Golby
HF: James Polkinghorne, Jonathan Brown, Dayne Zorko
F: Sam Mayes, Matthew Leuenberger, Aaron Cornelius
Foll: Billy Longer, Brent Moloney, Jack Redden
Int: Josh Green, Rohan Bewick, Marco Paparone, Jordan Lisle, Andrew Raines, Ryan Lester, Jack Crisp

In: Hanley, Lisle, Lester, Crisp
Out: Docherty (Omitted)

Carlton v Melbourne, MCG, Sunday 3:20pm (EST)

Carlton

B: Chris Yarran, Michael Jamison, Lachie Henderson
HB: Zach Tuohy, Dennis Armfield, Simon White
C: Kane Lucas, Mitch Robinson, Kade Simpson
HF: Chris Judd, Andrew Walker, Jeff Garlett
F: Ed Curnow, Shaun Hampson, Jarrad Waite
Foll: Robert Warnock, Marc Murphy, Brock McLean
Int: David Ellard, Andrew Carrazzo, Eddie Betts, Tom Bell, Sam Rowe, Heath Scotland, Jaryd Cachia

In: Waite, Ellard, Cachia, Bell
Out: Gibbs (Hamstring)

Melbourne

B: Lynden Dunn, James Frawley, Dean Terlich
HB: Jack Grimes, Tom McDonald, Colin Garland
C: Jack Trengove, Jack Viney, Matt Jones
HF: Jeremy Howe, Colin Sylvia, Dean Kent
F: Rohan Bail, Max Gawn, Shannon Byrnes
Foll: Jake Spencer, Jordie McKenzie, Nathan Jones
Int: Sam Blease, James Strauss, Cameron Pedersen, Daniel Nicholson, Michael Evans, Luke Tapscott, Aaron Davey

In: Dunn, Strauss, Spencer, Viney, Kent, Nicholson
Out: Jamar (Groin), Rodan (Omitted), Watts (Hamstring)

New: Kent

West Coast v Western Bulldogs, Sunday 2:40pm (WST)

West Coast

B: Mitchell Brown, Darren Glass, Shannon Hurn
HB: Beau Waters, Eric Mackenzie, Sharrod Wellingham
C: Andrew Gaff, Matt Priddis, Bradd Dalziell
HF: Josh Hill, Jack Darling, Chris Masten
F: Nic Naitanui, Josh Kennedy, Mark LeCras
Foll: Dean Cox, Scott Selwood, Luke Shuey
Int: Will Schofield, Daniel Kerr, Ashton Hams, Ashley Smith, Jacob Brennan, Matt Rosa, Callum Sinclair

In: Rosa, Schofield, Wellingham, As.Smith, Naitanui
Out: Butler (Calf), Cripps (Omitted)

Western Bulldogs

B: Dale Morris, Jordan Roughead, Liam Picken
HB: Jason Johannisen, Mark Austin, Tom Young
C: Jack Macrae, Matthew Boyd, Adam Cooney
HF: Jake Stringer, Dylan Addison, Koby Stevens
F: Luke Dahlhaus, Liam Jones, Jason Tutt
Foll: Will Minson, Nick Lower, Tom Liberatore
Int: Lukas Markovic, Daniel Pearce, Patrick Veszpremi, Mitch Wallis, Clay Smith, Christian Howard, Daniel Cross

In: Addison, Markovic, Howard, Pearce
Out: Goodes (Suspension)

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Storm thunder home in nail-biter

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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