Cherrington hoping for some good karma

Anthony Cherrington at Broncos pre-season training. Source: Tara Croser / News Corp Australia

THERE was a time when Anthony Cherrington feared he would rot in a jail cell.

Today, he talks with sincerity about being kind to people ... a "good karma" he hopes will sweep him towards a Broncos jumper in his shock rugby league resurrection in Queensland.

If the name has a familiar ring, it's with good reason. Six years ago, Cherrington was the NRL's next big thing at the Sydney Roosters. The Kiwi wrecking ball was just 20 when named in New Zealand's World Cup squad in 2008.

A year later, his world fell apart, with Cherrington lashed by a magistrate and narrowly avoiding a jail sentence after pleading guilty to assaulting his former partner.

The couple briefly reconciled, having two children, but Cherrington's football career never recovered. Crippled by three knee injuries, he played the last of his 19 top-grade games in 2009 and joined Penrith last year seeking a new start.

Anthony Cherrington at Broncos pre-season training.. Source: News Corp Australia

Now Cherrington finds himself in Brisbane, training weekly with the Broncos, his NRL flame still flickering after signing with Intrust Super Cup affiliate side Redcliffe.

At 26, the 194cm, 110kg Cherrington cuts a monstrous figure at Broncos training and is still young enough to rebuild a career shattered by injury and off-field turbulence.

"I only signed two weeks ago," said Cherrington, whose children Moses, 3, and Christine, 2, live on the Sunshine Coast.

"It's a bit of a change, but being out of Sydney will help me and bring me closer to my kids.

"One of the guys at Redcliffe, Luke Capewell, I played with him at Penrith and he told me he was moving back up here, so I thought why not go too?

"NRL is the goal. At the moment, I'm just trying to save money and get my life in order, but if an opportunity with the Broncos comes up, I'll grasp it with two hands."

Cherrington appreciates second chances more than most. One of six siblings, he has a brother in jail and Cherrington almost joined him when NSW chief magistrate Graeme Henson warned he was a "cat's whisker" from incarceration.

Anthony Cherrington at Broncos pre-season training. Source: News Corp Australia

Instead, Cherrington completed 150 hours community service. He is not proud of his past, but seeks solace in the future.

"I've learned about good karma," he said.

"I got labelled pretty badly over my ex. I had a scuffle with her and that is the most hurtful thing that happened to me. If you Google my name, that's the first thing that comes up.

"It's a bit embarrassing but I'm taking the good with the bad. I have two beautiful kids with that same woman, that shows you what sort of situation we were in, it was a love-hate relationship.

"That was rock bottom for me, but now I just want to be good to people and hopefully good things happen to me.

"I have two kids to provide for and I have to be positive for them. What's happened is in the past, I'm up here now so I just want to play good football and enjoy life."

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Barba can salvage his career: Lockyer

Ben Barba during training with the Cronulla Sharks. Picture Gregg Porteous Source: Gregg Porteous / News Corp Australia

BRONCOS great Darren Lockyer says Ben Barba is not a spent force in the NRL, insisting the Brisbane discard is still burdened by the expectation stemming from his Dally M heroics.

Lockyer watched Barba's career last season with particular interest because the troubled utility had stints in the Broncos' No.1 and No.6 jumpers synonymous with the former Maroons skipper.

But unlike Lockyer, Barba never fired at fullback and not even a late-season move to five-eighth could extract the best of the tackle-busting dynamo who terrorised NRL rivals in 2012.

BOYD BEGINS SEARCH FOR HIS FATHER

WADDELL INJURY OPENS DOOR FOR BRONCOS SQUAD

A dejected Ben Barba. Source: News Corp Australia

There are fears Barba will never again reach the heights of his glory days at the Bulldogs, but Lockyer is adamant the 25-year-old can resurrect his NRL career at the Sharks.

Lockyer is now a member of the Broncos' recruitment-and-retention committee which backed Wayne Bennett's pursuit of Darius Boyd, effectively leading to Barba's demise at Red Hill.

The former Test captain is disappointed Barba never found his niche at the Broncos, believing the Mackay product is still paying a price for the season that propelled him to NRL stardom.

"When Wayne (Bennett) first came back here, he pretty much declared that he wanted Darius at fullback so it was always going to be difficult for Ben in that situation," Lockyer said.

Ben Barba looks to offload during training. Source: News Corp Australia

"The hard thing for Ben is living with what he achieved in 2012 with the Dally M award.

"Everyone just compares him to that and that was just a freakish season, you can't keep repeating that year after year.

"Some of the half-chances Ben was getting last season (at the Broncos), he was often only an inch or two away from really breaking a game open.

"Unfortunately, it didn't work out here for Ben, but it's a professional game and player movement is getting more and more common.

"He's now got a fresh start at Cronulla, so I wish Ben well and if he backs himself he can have success there."

Ben Barba is tackled. Source: News Corp Australia

Boyd accepts he is under pressure to fire at fullback after Barba and Josh Hoffman were offloaded by Bennett to accommodate the Maroons ace.

"There's that expectation ... combinations are a key and they take a while to get going," Boyd said.

"Anthony Milford (five-eighth recruit) will be playing in a new position but we have a couple of trials and a long pre-season to get things sorted out.

"Everyone has been very welcoming. The Broncos are a very professional club, everyone is wanting to do their best from the players to the staff.

"The facilities are great, they give you the best chance to play well, that's what I'm used to back here and hopefully I can do that next season."

Will Ben Barba have a better year in 2015 then he did in 2014?

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Uate warns; ‘I’m not done yet’

Newcastle's Akuila Uate scores a try. Source: Brett Costello / News Corp Australia

HE may no longer be regarded as the world's best winger and one of the game's biggest drawcards.

But Newcastle's Fijian flyer Akuila Uate has news for the critics already writing him off as a spent force in the NRL, declaring: "I'm not done yet".

And he says the emergence of outstanding young talents like new Kangaroo Test winger Sione Mata'utia and his brother Chanel at the Knights last season has only made him want to work harder to regain his status as one of the game's best wingers.

After enduring a tough season with injury that ended early and saw him undergo an off-season knee operation, Uate was back at training on Thursday ahead of schedule, albeit on light duties.

In a frank and honest interview with The Daily Telegraph, Uate admitted he has some ground to make up form-wise in 2015 but is determined to return fully fit and get back to his best.

Resuming from injury, Akuila Uate, watches his team mates slog it out on Newcastle Beach. Source: News Corp Australia

"I have a point to prove to myself more than anything," he said.

"Next year is definitely a big year for me. I just want to play how I used to play and how I know I can still play.

"I was really down this year with my knee and with Alex (McKinnon) and everything. I had a lot of things affecting me and getting me down.

"I hurt my knee in the first couple of rounds against Canberra but I kept playing with it.

"I probably should have got something done straight away. The club didn't think it was that serious so I kept playing with it but it just got worse.

"Now I'm just trying to get my rehab done and move forward."

Uate, who underwent microsurgery after severe bone bruising was discovered in his knee, said he struggled mentally with the injury and his form deteriorated because of it.

Coach Rick Stone chats with Jeremy Smith and Akuila Uate. Source: News Corp Australia

"I was a bit filthy at myself but I just couldn't go 100 per cent at my best because of the knee and my head wasn't in the right space either," he said.

"But I'm feeling good now after my first session back with the boys doing the full skills session.

"I've got to keep working hard."

Uate denied he is feeling any extra pressure from the emergence of Sione and Chanel Mata'utia after both he and wing partner James McManus were sidelined towards the end of last season.

"I was very happy and really proud those boys got to play some first grade,'' he said.

"I was talking to them all the time and to see what Sione did — it was awesome. To come from Newcastle and play up through all the grades and go on to Australia was unbelievable at his age. He's made history.

"I've been down. This year has not been a good run for me but I'm not done yet. I'm 27 but I'm still learning all the time.

"Seeing all the young boys coming up and Sione playing for Australia — it just makes me want to work harder for next year."

Akuila Uate scores a try. Source: News Corp Australia

Knights coach Rick Stone is in no hurry to fast-track Uate's return to full-time training.

"Obviously, he's a valuable commodity for us so we are not in a massive hurry to get him back full-time," Stone said.

"The thing with him is I know Aku has still got plenty of fire in his belly and he's got a bit to prove.

"He hasn't been happy in his performance over the past couple of years. He's always heavily marked now but he knows he has to do a few things a bit better and prepare a bit better but the first thing is to get himself right and have some luck injury wise.

"The secret with Aku is getting him enjoying his footy and if we can do that, we'll see him return to the sort of footy we all know he can play."

Do the Knights have room in their starting side for Akuila Uate?

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McIlwrick sets sights on Friend void

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DESPERATE to cement a regular first-grade position in the NRL, Matt McIlwrick has taken an unconventional route — signing with arguably the deepest roster in the competition.

The junior New Zealand international was on Thursday announced as the Sydney Roosters' latest signing after gaining a release from the Canberra Raiders.

The Roosters have been searching for a replacement for injured hooker Jake Friend, who is expected to miss at least the first four weeks of season 2015 after undergoing off season shoulder surgery.

Since his debut in 2012, the 23-year-old has made 19 first-grade appearances in stints between the NRL and NSW Cup competitions.

"It's a good opportunity to maybe get a start at nine with Friend out, then with a few good performances hopefully I can cement a utility spot when he comes back," McIlwrick said.

"I definitely see myself as a utility, I think I'm primarily a hooker who enjoys playing lock, I suppose it's another string to my bow."

Matt McIlwrick has signed with the Roosters. Source: News Corp Australia

The Christchurch-born McIlwrick made the move across the Tasman to the nation's capital as a teenager where he lived with then-Raiders coach David Furner.

A string of quality performances towards the end of last season earned him a spot in New Zealand's Four Nations train-on squad.

"Unbelievable. It's always been a massive dream of mine to play for New Zealand," McIlwrick said.

"With some consistent footy week to week hopefully I can eventually make the step up to International level."

Sydney Roosters recruitment manager Peter O'Sullivan said: "With explosive speed around the ruck and high workrate in defence, as well as his ability to slot into lock, Matt (McIlwrick) will add some great depth to our interchange and we look forward to his developing as part of our squad".

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High-profile admirers fight over Popa

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NOT surprisingly, Tony Popovic found himself the centre of attention at the AFC Awards in Manila.

The Wanderers coach was in the middle of being congratulated by FFA boss Frank Lowy for taking out the top gong - coach of the year - when Sepp Blatter butted in.

The controversial FIFA president knew all about Western Sydney's short but remarkable history and offered his personal congratulations to Popovic and the club.

Tony Popovic receives his coach of the year award. Source: AFP

There were no awkward run ins with Nasser Al-Shamrani, the Al-Hilal striker who was caught spitting at Matthew Spiranovic at the end of the ACL final but was still named AFC Player of the Year at the glitzy event.

But Popovic was approached by Al-Hilal legend Sami Al-Jaber, who warmly congratulated the Wanderers coach for beating his former club. That may have had something to do with the fact that Al-Jaber was unceremoniously sacked as coach in the middle of their ACL campaign.

Roar battle far from over

Don't expect things to go quiet on the Brisbane Roar front.

Even though sacked coach Mike Mulvey has kept silent on the manner of his dismissal, we hear a payout for him still hasn't been finalised. Mulvey refused to discuss it with us, but surely he won't have to go to court to get his money?

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Korean set to leave Mariners?

The Mariners have been quick to dismiss reports of Kim Seung-yong's imminent departure and strictly speaking, that's true - but only because the transfer window is closed.

Once it pops open again on January 6, Kim's teammates - who it should be noted rate him as a bloke - don't expect the Korean to hang around.

Arnie's invitation list

The invite list for the wedding of the year is getting compiled, and as you'd expect, Graham Arnold has invited his former teammate turned managerial rival, Tony Popovic, which could lead to some awkward exchanges over the buffet after the vitriol of this week. Could we suggest they high-five each other to break the ice?

Other invitees include Ange Postecoglou and most of the Socceroos coaching staff, but chances are they'll have to decline, given it's bang in the middle of the Asian Cup.

Archie was happy to get back to Melbourne. Source: News Corp Australia

Archie misses coffee fix

Archie Thompson may have been a bit flat during Melbourne Victory's stay in Sydney this week, but only because he had to go without his usual caffeine fix. The striker is a regular at the brand new Rocco and Co, a cafe part owned by Victory goalkeeper Nathan Coe.

Mahazi attracting interest

Talking of Melbourne Victory, the club's midfielder Rashid Mahazi could be on the move. He has been linked to the Wanderers and the Newcastle Jets - both of whom are in the market for a defensive midfielder.

Bozza helps out

Mark Bosnich might be an ex-Mariner but his friendships go back further, which is why he was happy to inspect the North Sydney Oval pitch on Wednesday on behalf of Kevin Muscat.

The Victory coach is seriously unhappy at playing there, so much so that he complained to FFA and the players' union - a touch ironic given the complaints other players have made about the Etihad Stadium surface over the years.

Celebrity All-Star match got a little aggressive. Source: News Corp Australia

Embrace the Asian Cup

It's time to start getting excited about the Asian Cup. With a global TV audience of over 800 million, January's tournament will be the biggest football event ever staged in Australia and all 32 games will be live on Fox Sports.

The iconic Bondi Beach hosted the official launch this week, where the highlight was a football match between Fox Sports pundits and the Asian Cup All Stars. There was nothing friendly about the game, with Mark Bosnich and, in particular Robbie Slater, in full combat mode.

Turning 50 hasn't tamed that on-field aggression, Robbie.

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Richardson leads at Indo Open

Richardson scored four straight birdies to take the lead after the opening round. Source: News Limited

AUSTRALIA'S Kalem Richardson has fired an eight-under-par 63 to lead by one shot over Padraig Harrington of Ireland after the first round of the Indonesia Open.

Richardson, who has achieved two top-five results in his last three events, rolled in eight birdies to steal the limelight from Harrington, who is making his debut at the $810,000 Asian Tour event on Sunday.

Three-time major champion Harrington produced his best score in 2014 with a 64 after birdieing his first two holes from close range at the Damai Indah Golf-PIK Course close to the capital Jakarta.

Australia's Adam Groom battled through a leg infection to score a 67 and tie in third place alongside India's Arjun Atwal, Thanyakon Khrongpha of Thailand and Bryce Easton of South Africa.

Starting from the 10th tee, Richardson stayed sharp on his first nine holes, which he said was because he had not played that stretch during the practice round, and was rewarded with four straight birdies.

"I guess when you haven't played the back nine, you concentrate more because you don't know where you are going. You really need to rely on the yardage book and good advice from your caddie," said the 26-year-old.

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Sharks rookies may fill big boots

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THE nephew of former Kiwi internationals Dane and Kurt Sorensen could be a shock beneficiary of Cronulla's crippling player drain with the threat of further omissions due to the ASADA findings compounded by the club's devastating injury toll.

Captain Paul Gallen, Anthony Tupou, Nathan Gardner and assistant coach John Morris were all absent from Sharks training on Thursday, as the quartet inched closer towards deciding whether to accept a deal offered by ASADA or use the next nine days as time to respond to show cause notices received on Wednesday.

NRL LATE MAIL: ASADA COULD GROUND GAL

CLOCK TICKING ON ASADA DEAL

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If they are to accept the deal on Friday morning, they would be suspended immediately from any involvement with the club, ruling them out from playing again this season, including this Sunday's wooden-spoon decider against Canberra at Remondis Stadium.

With 13 players, including Wade Graham who is also part of the ASADA inquiry, sidelined through injury, suspension or retirement, interim Sharks coach James Shepherd was forced to pick up the phone to three rookies who in the club's darkest hours could experience one of the highlights of their lives.

Unknown forwards Scott Sorensen, Patrice Siolo and Michael Morris needed to pinch themselves as they gathered at Shark Park alongside the club's remaining stars Michael Gordon, Jeff Robson and Chris Heighington.

ASADA STAIN HARD TO REMOVE

PLAYERS CAUGHT IN ASADA'S SHARK NET

Cronulla training was a quiet affair on Thursday morning. Source: News Corp Australia

Sorensen, a local junior from Endeavour Sports High who plays in the back-row, is the nephew of both Dane and Kurt Sorensen — two of the most feared forwards to play the game.

Both Sorensen and Morris, who is also a local product, are still eligible for the under-20s competition, as is Siolo, who was promoted to play this week in the NSW Cup.

All three players are on a part-time contract, working eight-hour days before training each day with either the under-20s or NSW Cup squads.

Under the watchful eye of TV crews and photographers, Shepherd put the Sharks through their paces for almost 90 minutes on Thursday.

Sharks officials are hoping that the Shire locals will gather to provide an emotional rally of support for the club on Sunday.

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ASADA bans won’t wipe players’ records

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CURRENT players facing ASADA bans have been assured their 2014 records and achievements will stand, guaranteeing Paul Gallen his place in NSW Origin history even if the Blues skipper accepts a backdated suspension.

The prospect of the 12-month bans being backdated to 21 November 2013 created fears among current players that their feats this season could be wiped from the record books.

CLOCK TICKING FOR SHARKS TO TAKE LESSER BAN

ASADA STAIN HARD FOR PLAYERS TO REMOVE

Ten of the 17 players who are in ASADA's sights are still playing NRL, but of those Gallen easily has the notched the most achievements over the past 10 months, including:

· Vice captain of the Australian side that defeated New Zealand 34-2 in the 2013 World Cup final on 30 November.

· First skipper to lead NSW to an Origin series victory since 2005.

· Man of the Match in Origin II

· Winner of the 2014 Wally Lewis medal for best player of the series

NSW's Paul Gallen with the shield after game 3 of the 2014 Origin series. Source: News Corp Australia

Other players in the firing line also have precious milestones at stake.

Before announcing his retirement last week, Sharks veteran John Morris made his 300th NRL appearance against South Sydney in May.

SHARKS FAILED TO PROVIDE SAFE WORKPLACE

In round six against Brisbane, Titans iron man Luke Douglas made his 200th straight appearance since debuting in 2006.

The prop has since played all 14 subsequent games, extending his record most consecutive games over Jason Taylor (194).

Douglas eclipsed Taylor on the season's opening weekend against the most ironic of opponents — his former club Cronulla.

Titans' Luke Douglas thanks the crowd. Source: News Corp Australia

It's understood Gallen has been particularly mindful of having his 2014 records being rendered null and void — as was the case when Melbourne were retrospectively stripped of two premierships after being found guilty of salary cap rorts in 2010.

But despite the fact Queensland fans would love nothing more than to see the Blues skipper suffer further pain, the NRL's Anti-Doping Code does not contain any provisions to amend records in lieu of a drugs ban.

PLAYERS CAUGHT IN ASADA'S SHARK NET

Nevertheless, CEO Dave Smith might have discretion to do so under his broad brief of power.

But Smith confirmed he would not take such action against any player who decided to accept the ASADA deal, effectively meaning they would be suspended without impact for all but the final three games of 2014.

NRL chief executive Dave Smith. Source: News Corp Australia

"That has never been an intention of ours," Smith said.

Smith stance also indicates that players who decide to reject the deal will have their records protected.

However, turning one's back on the ASADA olive branch means players must contest their show cause notices in either the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), or the Federal Court.

Should they waive that right, the NRL Anti-Doping Code automatically declares them guilty.

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The players would then appear before the NRL doping tribunal, however the only issue at stake would be the length of their suspension.

The rules also permit the NRL to provisionally suspend players who receive 'show cause' notices, meaning those who do not accept the deal before Friday's 9:30am deadline could be forcibly stood down.

Lawyers acting on behalf of the players have asked the NRL to waive that right, clearing any players who decide to reject the deal to take the field this weekend.

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IRB boss prefers Japan Super Rugby bid

THE identity of a former "ARU Insider" who wrote a scathing column about Ewen McKenzie on a sporting website last week has been a hot topic in Wallabies camp recently.

The column "Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie, a tale of two coaches" didn't pull any punches about either man. In fact, it swung them lustily with the author bagging McKenzie as a coach without any major wins and whose primary skill was manipulating public opinion, and Hansen as a second-rate player who got the All Blacks job by being mates with NZRU boss Steve Tew.

The writer, who wrote last year under the pseudonym "The Insider" but changed to the "The Outsider", slammed McKenzie as a PR-driven coach whose bidding was done by "pliant media"; had "campaigned" for Robbie Deans' job and even alleged McKenzie blogged under aliases on websites.

The column on the Roar website has since been taken down.

Many in the ARU have no doubt about the author's identity. The flattering references to Deans — and the comparative shortfalls of McKenzie and Hansen — have people pointing the finger at a former media manager employed by the ARU.

The series of articles as "The Insider" gives numerous clues. The author openly writes about being inside Wallaby dressing rooms in recent years, and players appeared to be ruled out when the author admitted to having coffee with All Blacks players last Friday before the Sydney Test.

It's understood the suspect was fronted in camp about anonymously writing speculative selection pieces prior to squads being announced, but denied it.

A now deleted bio read: "The Outsider was, in a previous life, an Insider with connections to the Australian Rugby Union. Shhh, no names!"

The ex-staffer's name appeared in the comments section but publisher of the Roar, Zac Zavos, said yesterday the site had not been asked to take the column down by the ARU, and declined to comment on the author's identity or why the piece was spiked.

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***

IRB chief executive Brett Gosper has joined the chorus of voices indicating a preference for Japan to be included as the 18th team in Super Rugby.

But with South Africans lobbying for less travel, SANZAR bosses still appear to bizarrely leaning towards Singapore for entry into the 2016 competition.

The two Asian countries have both submitted tenders to SANZAR to join Super Rugby, and a decision is expected in coming months.

Asked recently if the IRB had a preference, Gosper said: "From an IRB point of view, there is some logic for us in creating something in Japan that will ensure the Japanese team is more competitive, that market is more receptive — both in broadcast and spectator markets — to the sport of rugby. From an IRB's perspective, that's interesting for us but it really is entirely SANZAR's decision. We will be interested to see what decision they make."

So with that, the new count is — Team Japan: almost everyone. Team Singapore: South Africa.

***

GLAMOUR couple Matt Toomua and Ellyse Perry are now engaged, breaking the news on Instagram, and naturally people are now wondering just how talented their future offspring could be.

We asked triple-code star Israel Folau if the future children of his Wallabies teammate Toomua and dual-international Perry could grow up to play more sports than he has.

"I think so," Folau said. "I think they'll be talented kids, if one day they have kids.

"Congrats to Pup (Toomua), it's a pretty big call [to get engaged] during the week, he's done well and now he can focus on the game."

Matt Toomua and Ellyse Perry got engaged this week. Source: News Limited

***

THE revealing interview with Israel Folau in last Saturday's Telegraph prompted many to ask if the superstar Wallabies fullback is a teetotaller.

In fact, Folau enjoys a drink every now and again, but you'll never see him intoxicated.

"I don't drink that much, I'll have a glass of wine here or there at dinner, or a few beers with the team after a good win, but not going over the top," Folau said.

"I want to mix with the team as well, but I know my limit and where I stand in my identity."

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***

IT'S been a tumultuous few weeks for North Harbour Rays giant Greg Petersen.

The former Waratahs lock was glassed in a cowards' punch episode last month while out celebrating with Manly Marlins, and the assailant faced Manly court yesterday on charges of recklessly causing grievous bodily harm and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The big forward was then the subject of a dispute between the Rays and the Vikings over his services for the NRC, after Petersen was offered a spot in Canberra, as a possible trial for a Brumbies gig.

An arbitration was held with the two clubs, the NRC commission and RUPA, where it was determined Petersen had to stay with the Rays.

After all that, to his great surprise he was this week named skipper of the side to play against Melbourne on Sunday.

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***

THERE was plenty made about the 101-0 result in Sydney GPS rugby recently, but here's proof that such hammerings don't lead to destruction and demise.

Randwick's first-grade Colts team was defeated by the exact same score, 101-0, by Sydney University in last year's major semi-final.

Then last weekend, the Randwick Colts defeated Uni 23-17 in this year's grand final.

It is the first time since 2006 that Uni has not won the first-grade Colts premiership, and a great reminder to all in rugby that sometimes humiliation breeds courage and resilience, not mental fragility.

***

PLANS of individual NRC clubs to have live streaming of their non-televised games appear to have fallen over, due to costs.

Melbourne Rising will at least do live radio calls via their app.

***

A BIG congrats to the Australian Youth Olympic girls sevens team, who won a gold medal in Nanjing on Wednesday.

Aged between 16 and 18, the team beat Canada in the final and we learned two things: Canadians must only start counting birthdays aged five, based on the size of some of their players, and Toowoomba is a breeding ground sevens stars.

The Queensland city has six girls who are currently representing Australia in sevens: senior stars Emilee Cherry, Gemma Etheridge and Nikki Etheridge, and Youth Olympic tyros Dom du Toit (the Games' top try-scorer), Shenae Ciesiolka and Georgina Rackeman.

***

New Zealand and Australian Defence Force supporters of the All Blacks and Wallabies get into the spirit of the game at Al Minhad Air Base, UAE. Source: Supplied

AMONG the interested spectators of last week's Bledisloe Cup Test were armed servicemen and women in the Middle East and Afghanistan, with a live stream of the game organised by Fox Sports and Accenture.

There were plenty of Aussie and Kiwi fans decked out in national colours at the Al Minhad Airbase in the UAE.

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The Old Bill calls on Bosnich

FORMER Socceroos star and Fox Sports personality Mark Bosnich had some sobering business to attend to after his FIFA World Cup jaunt — an interview with British police over the News Of The World phone hacking scandal.

With evidence that Bosnich's phone was hacked by ­the newspaper's reporters at various stages ­between 2000 and 2010, police advised the 42-year-old earlier this year of their intention to travel to Australia to interview him.

However, Bosnich instead decided to meet them in London on July 31, following a post-Brazil holiday in Croatia.

He spent a couple of hours confirming dates, times and whereabouts at Jubilee House in Putney. He was also shown evidence from files on former News Of The World investigator Glenn Mulcaire, who last month received a suspended six-month prison sentence, and former Sunday Mirror journalist Dan Evans, who has turned police informant.

Bosnich doesn't know where the case will turn next, but expects more charges to be laid after his meeting.

"It would have been nice to hear some of the things that were recorded, but the police said it wasn't in my interests," he said.

"The meeting did confirm a lot of suspicions. It was nice to know that I wasn't dreaming."

The dramas abroad didn't stop there for Bosnich, whose credit card was also scammed for $12,000 in Brazil.

●●●

LAST week's item on Terry Campese being unwanted by the Raiders raised the ire of club boss Don Furner, who ­insists there was no deal in the works for the skipper to transfer to Hull FC in June.

He has even threatened to sue us, but in the meantime we'll stick by the story and the sources behind it.

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One thing the Raiders cannot deny, however, was their intention to send the club captain back to NSW Cup.

Campese will travel to Sydney on Friday for training with Mounties before his debut with the feeder club against Penrith at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday afternoon.

His agent, Jim Banaghan, is in the UK trying to stitch ­together an 11th-hour deal for next year. We're told he isn't having much luck, with most Super League clubs at the limit of their meagre salary caps.

●●●

STILL on the Raiders and there's some welcome good news on the horizon — form centre Jarrod Croker is close to signing off on a three-year extension that will keep him at the club until the end of 2018.

Jarrod Croker is poised to extend his contract with the Raiders. Source: Getty Images

MEN OF LEAGUE INTO BAT TO HELP BOMBER

YOU'D be hard-pressed finding a more genuine bloke in rugby league than champion five-eighth John "Bomber" Peard.

Since having a stroke in 2002, Peard has progressively had less movement in the left side of his body, to the point where he struggles to get dressed by himself or put toothpaste on his toothbrush. Enter Men of League.

Peard recently watched the special report on the 60 Minutes program on Channel 9 on the miracle cure being trialled for stroke victims in Florida in the US.

Retired Australian five-eighth John "Bomber" Peard training at his home gym in his garage. Source: News Corp Australia

It means having an injection in the back of his spinal column and there's an 80 per cent chance he'll get the movement back in his left hand.

Men of League is having a fundraiser at Sharkies Leagues Club on Thursday September 4, where it is hoping to raise $25,000 to help Peard get to the US to try the treatment.

MINI TO RECEIVE THE FAREWELL HE DESERVES

ROOSTERS champion Anthony Minichiello is rightfully preparing for a huge farewell tour over the next seven weeks, with the Tri-­colours icon hoping to equal great mate Luke Ricketson's club record of 301 NRL appearances.

For Mini to get there, the premiers need to continue winning well into the finals because the Roosters fullback is set to be sitting on 299 matches after the regular season.

Sydney Roosters captain Anthony Minichiello in his junior days for East Valley United. Source: Supplied

To mark Mini's last club game in round 26, the Roosters intend to host a huge farewell bash at Allianz Stadium against archrivals South Sydney on September 4.

Roosters favourite Sonny Bill Williams will also be honoured in his last match for the club. The Tricolours are planning to hand out 10,000 face masks of the pair.

As this pic shows, this was Mini back in the day as an East Valley United junior before being signed by the Roosters at age 16.

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THE hottest ticket in town right now is the hip Chiner Diner eatery in Bondi, where some of sport's biggest stars have been seen over the last couple of weeks.

A group of Sydney Swans headed by Buddy Franklin and Adam Goodes were seen there last week, before Wallabies Adam Ashley-Cooper and Bernard Foley were spotted with injured Waratahs captain Dave Dennis last Sunday.

FC YOUNG GUN HAS GONE TO THE DOGS

BIG things are expected of Sydney FC young gun Terry Antonis after his encouraging return from injury late in the 2013-14 season. Off the pitch, the 20-year-old has been preparing for a very different challenge — as a volunteer at the RSPCA. Antonis and girlfriend Christinaare mad animal lovers and have just begun a two-month training course to handle all creatures great and small.

Terry Antonis with Girlfriend, Kristina Carreno who are both volunteering their time to the RSPCA. Source: News Corp Australia

A BUNCH OF HAPPY LITTLE BUNNIES NOW

A MONTH ago there was a whisper campaign that suggested South Sydney coach Michael Maguire was wearing thin with some of the Rabbitohs' players.

What a difference winning some big games can make.

With the Rabbitohs powering towards the club's first premiership in 43 seasons, the noise has gone quiet.

Maguire's toughest decision now will be where to fit captain John Sutton into the side given the outstanding form of rookie halves Luke Keary and AdamReynolds.

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TARA'S BACK ON THE BOX

A-LEAGUE glamour Tara Rushton will be back for a second season as one of Fox Sports' faces of the round-ball code come October. Rushton impressed television executives with her down-to-earth nature and hosting abilities.

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TELEVISION types were left laughing behind closed doors when a newly appointed non- racing executive at the TVN network tossed up the idea of following the fields each week with cameras attached to a horse and
a jockey. The only problem? Punters want to know who actually won the race, not who ran last or what the field looked like from the rear.

Fox Sports A-League expert Tara Rushton. Source: Supplied

SHOOSH

SENIOR officials at several clubs are adamant the NRL has quietly advised them to inflate crowds over the closing rounds in order to ensure average attendances are up this year.

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SPOTTED: Former ARL supremo Ken Arthurson sucking down pints of beer at
a Gold Coast nightspot last weekend. Despite being 84 years old, Arthurson can well and truly hold his own.

WINNING

FOR all the flak the Sydney Swans copped for signing $10 million man Buddy Franklin, it's pretty hard to argue given what the champion forward has produced on the field this season.

Booting nine last weekend was a massive statement, with the Swans in the box seat to challenge for another flag come September.

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DUNCE CAP

WAYNE Bennett has slapped a media ban on Sione Mata'utia because he reckons the rookie superstar "doesn't need the bullshit". In our humble view, the only "bullshit" comments regarding Mata'utia have come directly from Bennett, who has burdened the 18-year-old with predictions of greatness and the Knights captaincy.

Sione Mata' Utia celebrates with team mate Joey Leilua against the Warriors. Source: Getty Images

TOO HARD BASKET

SYDNEYSIDERS have been treated to the Major League Baseball and ice hockey this year, but the true American prize would be an NBA match.

Sadly, it's unlikely to happen after Allphones Arena had a crack at bringing a team Down Under and found the price too exorbitant. Even if the 21,000-seater was sold-out for two straight nights at $150 a head, the $6 million windfall would barely cover half the costs of travel and accommodation.

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