Tigers change their stripes for Nines

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WESTS Tigers have thrown off the gloves in their challenge for next year's Auckland Nines title, and thrown out the sleeves as well.

In a first for the NRL, the Tigers on Tuesday took the Nines' tradition of radically-designed jerseys to the next level by unveiling the sleeves strip they will wear in January's tournament.

Looking strikingly similar to the AFL's GWS Giants jumper, the Tigers will have an orange main strip and a black alternative jumper that look more like training jerseys than ones ready for on-field action.

Defending champions North Queensland also revealed their Nines jersey on Tuesday, opting for a far more sedate look than the Tigers for their return to Eden Park.

David Nofoaluma in the Tigers' sleeveless jersey for the Auckland Nines. Source: Supplied

The Cowboys' 2015 kit features a white jersey fronted by black and grey pinstripe chevrons, navy shorts and navy socks with a gold stripe.

It's a completely different to the navy jersey with an orange and yellow front North Queensland sported in 2014 when they won the inaugural Nines tournament.

Cowboys second rower Gavin Cooper, who captained the Cowboys last year in Auckland, welcomed the rule changes which see clubs allowed to bring increased squads of 18 players over to the tournament, while the there will be unlimited interchange for the five players on the bench.

"By the end of it (last year) a few of our boys were cramping up while trying to warm up for the final," Cooper said.

"It doesn't sound like much, being nine minute halves, but it was pretty taxing.

"It will be another good weekend and as a club we snuck in there and did what we did.

"No one really expected us to but I think they've actually got us as favourites or second-favourites which is a little pat on the back for what we did.

Gavin Cooper models the Cowboys' 2015 Auckland Nines jersey. Pic: Shae Beplate. Source: News Corp Australia

"We've got a pretty tough draw but we'll wait and see."

While it's not been confirmed if he will again captain the side, Cooper said he would be honoured if he was again given the title.

But he joked whether regular co-captains Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott could get a place in his team.

"They've asked me if they can play and I'll take it to the coaches and we'll see what we can come up with," he said with a laugh.

With Thurston at least confirmed to head to Auckland and Scott hopeful of recovering from shoulder surgery in time, Cooper said a few of the club's other bigger players could help them try and defend the title.

The tournament will be officially launched in Sydney on Thursday.

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Henry heaps pressure on Bird leadership

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GREG Bird is under mounting pressure to retain the co-captaincy of the Gold Coast Titans with coach Neil Henry saying there was "no doubt" his leadership would be scrutinised.

Bird will face the Titans' disciplinary committee on Thursday after being caught urinating in public in Byron Bay on Sunday.

While it may not be the crime of the century, Bird's indiscretion is the last thing the Titans needed.

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Teammate James Roberts is expected to plead not guilty to charges of public nuisance and obstructing police at Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday after he became the fourth Titans player to be arrested in what has been a 12-month stretch of poor player behaviour.

Roberts will also face the club's disciplinary committee on Thursday.

The Titans are without a major sponsor for next year and Bird's act created negative headlines around the country.

Henry is yet to commit to the co-captaincy structure former coach John Cartwright implemented in 2013 with Bird and Nate Myles.

Greg Bird has suffered embarrassment after getting a fine for public urination during his honeymoon. Source: Supplied

And there is a strong possibility Bird could be rendered ineligible to lead the team after the five-person committee meets with him and manager Chris Orr on Thursday.

Henry is determined to turn the Titans around after four lean seasons and confirmed Bird's captaincy credentials would be discussed.

"That will be discussed, no doubt," he said.

"When these things happen and you're a leader of the club there's some ramifications sometimes.

"It's not good for the club. It's not what we're about.

Should Greg Bird be axed as Gold Coast co-captain?

"It's a moment of madness and poor judgment. You'd hope that wouldn't happen with a player of his seniority in the club.

"He's been good for a long time, too, since he's been on the Coast. He's been very good behind the scenes with a number of players as well as a mentor.

"That's disappointing for him too because his behaviour has been good and he's been a leader within our training and as a senior player.

"His behaviour is looked to. This is a blemish against that amongst his peers."

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Olympics should be for amateurs: Scott

Adam Scott believes the Olympics would be better served by only being open to amateur golfers. Source: Scott Fletcher / News Corp Australia

ADAM Scott would happily forfeit his prized Olympic spot in 2016 if it meant golf's much heralded return was for the world's best amateurs instead.

The world No.3 dropped the bombshell at last night's official dinner before tomorrow's start to the Australian PGA on the Gold Coast.

The Olympic event in Rio de Janeiro is trumpeted as a tournament for 64 top pros.

Ever the practical mind, Scott said he felt uncomfortable with the fit for golf.

When American pro Boo Weekley said the Olympic event should be for amateurs, Scott endorsed his view.

Adam Scott at the Dinner at the official dinner at Royal Pines ahead of the Australian PGA. Source: News Corp Australia

"People watch us (as pros) play 45 weeks a year," Scott said.

"If you really wanted to grow the game you'd have the Olympics for amateurs."

The defending Australian PGA champion said earlier at a private cocktail party that he has a huge regard for the Olympic ideals.

"Rio is not something I've thought a lot about, but it is something I have a desire to be part of," Scott said.

"I'm not going to change my focus ... it will be on the four majors.

"The Olympics will not be my priority. I'll prefer going to see the guys running fast.

Adam Scott enjoys a practice round at Royal Pines. Source: News Corp Australia

"I do hope there is a good effect for golf. That is very important."

Scott's view is an important one because it raises again how sports like tennis fit at the Olympics when the sport also has four majors of more significance as the pinnacle.

Scott's relish to go back to back as Australian PGA champion was obvious.

"This is going to be an excellent golf course in the end," he said of the redesigned nine holes by Graham Marsh.

Scott said the forecast of more storms was more of an issue.

"We may have to grit our teeth in the wet and get it done," Scott said.

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Hughes with Warner for memorable ton

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GRIEVING David Warner has revealed the darkest days remain ahead despite honouring fallen mate Phillip Hughes with his "greatest" innings in an emotion charged first Test against India in Adelaide.

Intrepid Warner felt the spirit of Hughes riding shot-gun as the irresistible opener struck a century (145) for the ages against India that continued an incredible 2014 run spree.

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The symbolism and emotion of late Australian batsman Hughes' tribute Test failed to cloud Warner who burst out of the blocks before striking his 10th Test century with 19 boundaries.

The scoreboard with David Warner on 63 not out. Picture: Simon Cross Source: News Corp Australia

"It was the best of my career, I am going to say that now because that will stick with me for the rest of my life," said Warner, who blamed "demons inside" for his dismissal attempting to loft leg-spinner Karn Sharna (1/89) as Australia finished day one 6/354.

"I just had a gut feeling that my little mate was down the other end from ball one.

"I don't think he would have imagined the support he would have from the world and would be quite embarrassed."

However Warner said the SCG Test, the scene of Hughes' tragic demise on November 25 batting for South Australia, is the obstacle to closure for himself ,New South Wales teammates Brad Haddin, Nathan Lyon and Shane Watson

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"The hardest thing for me is going to be the SCG Test. Walking out on the SCG where it all unfolded and happened, will be the toughest task for me and the other guys that were there," said Warner, who gave the admiring crowd a 360 degree salute as he departed with a ton of runs and respect in the bank.

Warner, 28, kissed his helmet and made a trademark jump into the air before an extended pause for a friend in eternal rest after posting his fifth ton in 10 innings this year.

Warner had honoured a mate he saw fall at the SCG two weeks ago and joined West Indian greats Viv Richards and Sir Garfield Sobers in reaching double figure tons in just 33 Tests.

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"It was in the back of my mind whether to celebrate or not but I know what Hughesy is like and he would have said for me to keep jumping and keep doing whatever and try and get on and win the game, it was a little moment we shared out there and hopefully Michael will get on and score his extra 40," said Warner with skipper Michael Clarke breaking down with a back injury after a 118-run, third wicket stand.

A triumvirate of poignant glances to the heavens encapsulated the pleasure and pain of Warner's ode to fallen comrade Hughes but he would be gutted by Clarke's latest back injury which threatens his summer.

Consecutive boundaries off speedster Varun Aaron (2/95) brought up Warner's half century and a heartfelt look to the sky. However it was on 63 – Hughes' final, undefeated score - that caused Warner to again look upward, and crouch down before regaining composure to face Karn Sharma.

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"The hardest point for me was when I was on 63, it was such a horrific incident and a rare incident, at the back of my mind even though a spinner was bowling being on that number wasn't right," said Warner with Hughes felled by a bouncer on 63 in his final knock.

"I just wanted to get past that and move on. Michael asked me if I was okay and I wasn't and I had to step away just to get my thoughts and my process back again."

Warner has been in a class of his own this year with 959 runs at 73.76 in 13 innings whether on home soil, in South Africa or the Dubai desert against Pakistan. The left-hander has five tons in his past 10 innings, an extraordinary achievement given the tail-spin the 28-year-old was in during Australia's pre-Ashes, one-day tour of England in June last year.

The Adelaide Ova crowd rises to applaud David Warner bringing up 63. Picture: Simon Cross Source: News Corp Australia

Kumar Sangakkara, Younis Khan, Angelo Mathews, Mahela Jayawardene and Brendon McCullum have scored more runs in more matches this year but arguably without the magnetism and exhilaration of Warner.

Former Test opener Michael Slater noted it was if Warner 'was channelling Phillip Hughes'. Warner was in the zone from the outset striking seven of his first 15 balls to the boundary, reaching 50 in 45 balls and 100 off just 105.

"It's the innings he will remember maybe above all others he will play," said Slater.

Warner is challenging South Africa's AB de Villiers and South Africa's Sangakkara for the mantle of cricket's premier batsman – armed with an exhilarating mix of aggression and tempered strokeplay in a supreme 12 months.

What a difference one year and arrival of partner Candice Falzon and baby Ivy Mae have made.

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Controversial bowler gets call-up

Sri Lanka's Sachithra Senanayake. Source: Rui Vieira / AP

OFF-SPIN bowler Sachithra Senanayake has been recalled by Sri Lanka hours after his reformed bowling action was deemed legal by the International Cricket Council.

Senanayake was added to the Sri Lanka squad to play the remaining two one-day internationals against England because strike bowler and left-arm spinner Rangana Herath was injured in practice.

Sri Lanka also added him to a provisional 30-man squad for next year's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Sri Lankan cricketer Sachithra Senanayake (C) bowls. Source: AFP

Senanayake was suspended in July after tests found his bowling action was illegal, in that he was extending his elbow more than the 15-degree limit allowed.

He underwent more tests after revising his action, which the ICC has approved.

Senanayake has taken 40 wickets in 37 ODI matches for Sri Lanka.

The remaining two matches of the current seven-match series will be played on Saturday and Tuesday.

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Kosovo is 205th country to join Games

Kosovo will join the Rio 2016 Olympics. Source: Supplied

THE International Olympic Committee have given official recognition to Kosovo allowing its athletes to take part in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The IOC executive on Tuesday recognised the former Serbian province, which declared its independence in 2005, in October.

"This is one big day," Besim Hasani, president of the Kosovo Olympic Committee, told the IOC session.

"This is the beginning of a new era for the Olympic movement in Kosovo."

"Now they can start to prepare for Rio," IOC president Thomas Bach said after the unanimous decision was agreed by the full 104-member assembly.

A proud day for Besim Hasani, president of the Kosovo Olympic Committee. Source: Supplied

Serbia refuses to accept the independence of Kosovo, where NATO-led air strikes were used in 1999 to stop an offensive by Serbian forces against ethnic-Albanian separatists.

Bach said that Serbia had accepted Kosovo's membership "in the interests of the athletes."

Kosovo is now the 205th member of the IOC and its 50th member from Europe.

Kosovo's Olympic committee has 30 sporting federations as members and six — table tennis, archery, judo, yachting, weightlifting and modern pentathlon — are full members of international federations. Seven more are close to being recognised.

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