Leadership dramas could derail Australia

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

GEORGE Bailey is a great leader and the ultimate team man, but the decision to appoint him World Cup vice-captain is threatening to become an embarrassment.

When things are going as smoothly as they are for Australia less than two weeks out from the game's showpiece event, you want to avoid any possibility of a fly entering the ointment.

But the perfect storm of Michael Clarke's injury problems and Bailey's disastrous form has set up the potentially ludicrous scenario that Australia could use three captains during the World Cup.

All this could have been avoided if selectors had followed their nose and instilled Steve Smith as vice-captain from the outset.

Selectors got it so right when they elevated the man of the future Smith to the Test job instead of Brad Haddin.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

That they didn't apply the same logic to the one-day set-up has been shown up as a serious error in judgment.

Nothing can derail a campaign like leadership dramas, and the writing is on the wall for Australia if they don't manage things correctly.

Bailey will captain Australia in the tournament opener on February 14, although if James Faulkner hadn't injured himself, even that was up for debate.

Clarke will then assume the reins for game two in Brisbane should he pass his fitness deadline, and his return to the batting line-up is highly likely to boot Bailey out of the side entirely.

However, the million-dollar question is if Clarke's right hamstring were to go again at some stage during the tournament, would it be Bailey who returns to the chair?

At the moment, Bailey simply can't justify his place in Australia's first-choice XI.

Michael Clarke and George Bailey hold a pow wow during a training session. Source: News Corp Australia

In a scenario where Clarke was out and Faulkner was back, Bailey's shocking run of form would suggest even then he might be riding the pine.

Mitchell Marsh and Shane Watson are hard to ignore.

The only thing that could save him is he is the nominated vice-captain.

But that's a fairly weak argument when you consider Smith has already proven himself the best young leader in Australian cricket.

It's not the benefit of hindsight that tells you this either.

Even before the one-day tri-series kicked off and the World Cup squad was announced, Bailey was in a lean patch with his ODI form and undoubtedly a fringe option in a full-strength XI.

In contrast, Smith had already cemented himself as the first-picked batsman in the side.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Selectors at the time said they felt Smith was "tired" from his Test duties and would benefit from taking a back seat in the World Cup.

They were also clearly banking on Bailey — who does have a good record as captain and batsman — finding some runs.

And thirdly, they may not have been expecting Clarke to meet their deadline.

But Bailey went 5, 10 and 2 for the series, and in the match Smith captained in his place in Hobart — the young star smashed a match-winning unbeaten hundred.

Meanwhile, Clarke is two weeks ahead of schedule with his recovery.

Selectors could have seen all this coming.

Rod Marsh himself conceded there may not be room for Clarke, Smith and Bailey in the same team.

Michael Clarke's injuries forced Cricket Australia selectors to look for another ODI leader. Source: Getty Images

Smith is Australia's best Test and one-day player; just have a look at the medals he's got around his neck from the AB Medal.

And it's highly likely he will vice-captain Australia at every match during the World Cup anyway.

So the fact he wasn't officially given that title in the first place could make a lot of people look very silly.

Not the least of all, Bailey — and it's not even his fault.

Bailey has found it challenging filling in for Clarke at the best of times, but when he's in the middle of a major run drought he probably could have done without the extra pressure.

Critics have argued selectors set Clarke up to fail with the fitness deadline they set for him.

But in reality, it's loyal servant Bailey who is on a hiding to nothing.

08.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Titans up the ante in battle for DCE

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

GOLD Coast have upped the ante in the battle for Daly Cherry-Evans with the Titans to formally table a club record $3 million deal for the Queensland Origin star.

The Courier-Mail can reveal the Titans board have given approval for the club's recruitment arm to pull off Gold Coast rugby league's biggest signing since Wally Lewis joined the Seagulls 23 years ago.

Daly Cherry-Evans and Titans' Nate Myles prepare for the NRL Season launch. pic Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia

The Titans have had Cherry-Evans on their radar since November and registered interest last week when club staffers, including coach Neil Henry, met the halfback at a Sydney restaurant.

GODFATHER CALLED IN STOP MANLY BLEEDING

Now the Titans are ramping up their poaching raid, with the club to make a formal offer this week in a multi million-dollar move that will test Cherry-Evans' commitment to Manly.

Scott Prince was the Titans' first marquee signing, with the former Test halfback signing a four-year, $1.6m deal to spearhead the club's entry to the NRL in 2007.

But Cherry-Evans stands to pocket more than double Prince's annual salary as Titans powerbrokers put together a three-year package worth at least $950,000 a season.

Parramatta and Cronulla are other clubs interested in Cherry-Evans, but it is understood if the Maroons ace leaves Manly at season's end, his preferred destination is the Titans.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The acquisition of Cherry-Evans would be a huge promotional coup for a Titans club craving sponsors and a feel-good story following the $25m debt crisis that nearly bankrupted the club.

The Titans board are aware of Cherry-Evans' star power and have given the green light for the club to make the 25-year-old one of the NRL's highest-paid players.

Henry said last night the Titans had yet to table a formal offer for Cherry-Evans but the coach is determined to have the classy playmaker on his roster in 2016.

"We've had no formal negotiations at this stage but certainly we'd be interested in a player of his calibre," he said.

"Firstly, Daly has great leadership qualities, he is a current representative player with Queensland and Australia and he's from Queensland, so his family are up this way.

"There is that lifestyle fit and also he is a marquee player in a key position. We can only see where we get to when we work out whether we can table an offer and then his management have to work out where they want to go.

Daly Cherry-Evans during the Auckland Nines. pic Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia

"We haven't put a deadline on things, we're having a look at what we have on our books. But when a guy like Daly or Kieran Foran (Manly teammate) comes along, a lot of clubs would be looking at those two players."

Cherry-Evans' manager Gavin Orr is anticipating an offer from the Titans in coming days after informal discussions at Grappa restaurant in Leichhardt last week.

"Daly went through a list of clubs that he was genuinely interested in and the Titans are one of those," he said.

"The appeal of the Titans comes down to the right fit.

"Neil Henry would love to have a player of his quality, we've had plenty of talks with the Titans but we're waiting on a formal offer.

"They've told me they are formulating an offer so we'll wait for them to make the next move and go from there."

08.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

’Why are they hanging around? They are fired’

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

NATHAN Tinkler admits he has trust issues with the FFA and chairman Frank Lowy, and has accused the five senior players he sacked from the Newcastle Jets last week of baulking over their termination payouts.

But in this explosive interview with Barry Toohey, the Jets owner and former billionaire mining magnate says he has no intention of being walked over by the FFA or the players and is not about to lose control of the A-League club like he did the Newcastle Knights.

Nathan Tinkler is determined to hold on to the Jets licence. Source: News Corp Australia

TINKLER ON NOTICE AFTER FFA MEETING

BT: You appear to be on the brink of having your A-League licence revoked after being issued with a show-cause notice for failing to meet your financial obligations to the club. Is that your take on it. Nathan. after your phone hook-up with FFA on Tuesday?

NT: The FFA have reiterated the points they wanted addressed a few weeks ago and when they stressed those points before, I said it would take until mid-February to get those things done and I've stood by that time frame. The January 31 date (deadline) was news to me. I said mid-February and that's what I'm standing by.

BT: If everything is okay at your end, what is the hold up?

NT: It takes time to secure CEO's and it takes time to get things in order. I've effectively had all this dropped in my lap a few weeks ago and I think I'm responding to it better than most. But that hasn't stopped the FFA dropping the boot in along the way, making it that bit harder.

BT: Given the turmoil at the club, surely the FFA is entitled to be seeking assurances from you on the Jets' future?

NT: The trouble is it's kind of hard to take the FFA at their word. I'm supposed to go ahead and fix all these things in good faith that I'm going to keep the licence after it is done. While they are looking for assurances that these things are going to get dealt with, I'm looking for assurances that when they are dealt with, I am going to keep the licence and we move forward.

BT: Are you referring to a conversation with Frank Lowy over the payment of $5 million for the Jets licence?

NT: It was absolutely about the fee, yes. I was told that all clubs had paid it. We've had a few conversations about that and it hasn't changed the fact. I can guarantee you the liabilities of the club now are nothing like the $5 million that was paid to them.

BT: How much are the club's liabilities?

NT: A million dollars injected into the club will fix all those issues.

BT: Where is the money coming from?

NT: It will come from me. I'm not a public company and everyone can go around and worry about all that sort of stuff. It's ridiculous the conjecture and the bullshit that goes on around me. Everyone wants to line up and have a kick but lots of people would be happy to be as poor as me.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

BT: Creditors are lining up to be paid. Why haven't you injected that money in already?

NT: Because of a combination of reasons. There are a few things there that I want the new CEO to come in and get on. There are some pretty uncommercial arrangements around the Emerging Jets (junior) program and other areas that I think need restructuring. If I come running in and pay the money, then what happens? Everyone just keeps their hand out. There has been a real hand-out culture at the club to the point where now, even players think they can dominate it. We have started putting money in. You've seen players being signed — that doesn't happen with no money. Getting the roster right has been the first thing we have taken on.

BT: Shouldn't the creditors be the priority?

NT: The creditors will get dealt with. They always get dealt with. No-one is running away from them. I've paid more soccer bills than anyone in the Hunter, I can tell you that.

BT: The club doesn't have a CEO. When will that be remedied?

NT: I am hoping he will start in the next week or two. I had planned to announce it (on Monday) but with the FFA going out and shooting their mouth off like they do, that sort of places a bit of a storm-cloud over everything. Anybody taking on a new job is entitled to seek some assurances and I've told the candidate to go and have a chat with the FFA and get those assurances as well.

BT: You don't seem to have much faith in the FFA?

NT: We need to know that if we fix all these problems, the FFA, in relation to the licence, is going to stand by their word. They don't have a great track record of doing that. We are entitled to be concerned. I want an assurance from the FFA that when I deal with all that, then I will be treated fairly and stop being discriminated against and there'll be no more conjecture and bullshit around us holding the licence.

BT: Given you publicly said you badly wanted the Jets out of your life late last year, what is your motivation in all of this?

NT: I put a lot of money into the club and I've put a lot of money into the town and the region — into supporting its sport. The NRL saw fit to line up and take it (the Knights) off me and some people and the media are claiming there was a win in all that. But I can tell you right now, the NRL aren't putting the $1.5 million into junior development in the area that I was putting in. The club lost. The club lost the best coach the game's ever had and they lost the most generous owner they'll ever have.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

BT: So now you don't want to lose the Jets?

NT: If the FFA want to line up and do the same thing with the soccer, well I'm not going to take it lying down this time. I've put a lot of money into that club and I'm the first to put my hand up and say I wish it was managed better but it hasn't been. But now I'm bringing in people so that it will be. I haven't lost anyone else's money — it's my own.

BT: Was it your bitterness over the way you lost the Knights then that led to you putting the boot into the Jets and the town like you did in August last year?

NT: Yes, at that point in time it was. I was extremely disappointed in a lot of people the way that went down with the Knights.

BT: To the point where you put the Jets up for sale and said you didn't want anything to do with them or any sporting club. You said you "wanted them out the door".

NT: I said I was keen to get the Jets out the door at the time but look, it was a poorly chosen phrase. I'm not going to go away from that. It's been the beat-up line for you blokes in the media so that everyone could run around and hack on me. But the club is no longer for sale. My hands are on the wheel now and we are putting in place measures to secure the future and turn this club around.

BT: What about the way you went about sacking the five senior players and coaching staff last week that has plenty of people off-side. Any regrets?

NT: No, none at all. Big decisions needed to be made because of the culture of losing at the club over a long period. Have a look at how the senior players we've got rid of have carried on since they left. They say they are good examples for the club and yet all they have done since they were terminated is to prove to everyone they are the sort of senior players and leaders you don't want in your club.

Joel Griffiths was one of the sacked five. Source: Getty Images

David Carney got dumped as well. Source: Supplied

BT: Aren't they entitled to fight for everything that is owed to them before agreeing to leave given you forced them out?

NT: They are getting what is entitled to them in full. Everything is there including superannuation. Not a dollar has been left out. All they have to do is sign the mutual termination with the agreed amount on it and they will be paid. But they want me to pay them first before they sign and that's not going to happen. Sign the paperwork and it will be dealt with — simple. They haven't got a job here. They are terminated from the club and that's it. I don't know why they are hanging around because they made it clear it was an environment they wanted to change and not be a part of. They can now not be a part of it but they don't want to go.

BT: Given where the club is on the ladder and the season is a lost cause, what is the point in bringing in another five players now?

NT: So you advocate we never start rebuilding, Barry? We just let it go do we or wait until this time next season and start again?

BT: No, you rebuild but with a long-term strategy, not filling holes for the sake of it.

NT: Everyone is obligated to have 21 senior players on your roster and if five of those are sitting on the bench doing nothing, then you are at a distinct disadvantage.

BT: Will you be at Hunter Stadium on Friday night for the game against Brisbane?

NT: Yeah, every chance.

BT: Are you expecting Jets fans to vent their frustration at how the club is being run?

NT: What at me, you mean? Maybe, if they are happy losing they will. Anybody who is happy at how the Newcastle Jets have been going is a fool. We are all in the same boat though because that's what a club is. I'm not happy. But it's a bigger fool that thinks they can go to bed tonight and wake up in the morning and it will all be fixed. This club has been failing for four years. There is an inherent culture of failing here. We had the top goalscorer in the league last year (Adam Taggart) and still couldn't make the semi-finals. Please … I apologise for not being a loser. I'm not going to accept that. Any member that does, they can whinge their heart out. I'm sorry but this club is going to win and we are going to make the necessary changes so it does win.

BT: How long is it going to take?

NT: Do yourself a favour and do a little Google on Perth Glory sacking their coach and having an upheaval last year. How are they travelling now? Or Google who almost won the competition last year (Western Sydney) and where are they travelling? Things can turn around quick in this game. The only thing that won't change is the media's perception of me.

08.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Brisbane a hit for Bangladesh players

Shakib Al Hasan takes a spin in a go-kart in Brisbane ahead of Bangladesh's practice match. Source: Jonathon Searle / News Corp Australia

THERE were two men and a dog at Allan Border Field for their game yesterday, but Bangladesh cricketers are loving being anonymous in Brisbane.

They really love it in the Queen Street Mall where they can wander around the shops without a single autograph hunter on their trail.

It is a different world from downtown Dhaka when even their lesser-known players are mobbed like movie stars and there are at least 40 TV cameras at every training session.

Their most recognisable player Shakib Al Hasan, who has been the world's No. 1 ranked all-rounder in all forms of cricket, can't leave his home without cricket groupies following him everywhere.

Yet in Brisbane he has been able to go about his business with no fuss as the minnows prepare for the World Cup.

Unlike Kevin Pietersen during the Ashes last summer, the Bangladesh players have been embracing the Brisbane culture.

Last Friday night, they asked their Australian liaison officer to go out for a typical Aussie feed. They ventured out to Gambaro's Steakhouse on iconic Caxton Street where the players chowed down on Angus sirloin steaks — all cooked well done.

"It is very different in Brisbane to what it is like for us back home, we have liked it very much," Shakib smiled.

"We love the passion of our fans in Bangladesh but we have been having a good time in Australia."

That passion was obvious yesterday when Queensland Cricket's twitter feed was inundated by Bangladesh fans pleading for live updates of their unofficial and low-key practice game against a Cricket Australia XI at AB Field.

"We are a nation of crazy cricket fans, that is why we may be disturbing you," one fan tweeted to Queensland Cricket.

Another tweeted: "Please, please. Give ball-by-ball update". And yet another tweeted: "More than a million people waiting for your update."

Sports bookmakers have Bangladesh at $251 to win the World Cup and those odds look about right after they were beaten by a 10th-string Australian side yesterday.

Bangladesh made 231 and the Cricket Australia invitational XI chased them down easily with Queenslander Jimmy Peirson and WA all-rounder Ashton Turner both making 78.

08.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Black Caps crush Pakistan to sweep series

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

NEW Zealand made an emphatic statement of form Tuesday in its last official limited-overs international before the Cricket World Cup, compiling 369-5 on its way to a crushing 119-run win over Pakistan to complete a 2-0 sweep of their two-match series.

Kane Williamson made 112 from 88 balls and Ross Taylor an unbeaten 102 from 70 deliveries after New Zealand won the toss and took full advantage of a pristine batting pitch at McLean Park — a World Cup venue.

Pakistan crumbled in the face of the express pace of Adam Milne, who took 2-52, the less threatening medium slow offerings of Grant Elliott who took 2-35 and the part-time spin of Nathan McCullum (2-33).

New Zealand won the first ODI on Saturday by seven wickets and its win follows it 4-2 series victory over Sri Lanka, its first World Cup opponent.

Captain Brendon McCullum said that while New Zealand took confidence from its win Tuesday, it remained respectful of any team it would face during the World Cup.

THE PEOPLE'S WORLD CUP XI: BATSMEN

Kane Williamson continued his incredible run of form. Source: AFP

"We have to be happy with where we're at," he said. "We've played two of what you'd probably call the perfect games and the challenge now is to keep the momentum we've built up over the last little while."

Pakistan was never on track to chase down New Zealand's imposing total, which was its fifth-highest ODI total and its highest against Pakistan.

Mohammad Hafeez made 86 from 89 balls and Ahmed Shehzad made 55 from 62 in an 111-run opening stand. But even by its end, when Shehzad became the first of Nathan McCullum's victims and the first of two batsmen caught in the same position on the boundary by Adam Milne, Pakistan's asking rate was already imposing.

Trent Boult was restrictive with the new ball and spinner Daniel Vettori, introduced as first change, bowled his 10 overs for 41 runs.

When Pakistan was forced to hit out, Hafeez and Shehzad perished to catches on the mid-wicket boundary taken by Milne.

Pakistan's bowlers had few answers to the Kiwi onslaught. Source: AFP

After the openers were dismissed, the next-best effort came from captain Misbah-ul-Haq who made 45.

"We need to improve a lot in every area, especially we need to improve our batting and also our bowling," MIsbah said. "We gave away 370 runs and while New Zealand played well we need to improve our bowling."

New Zealand's batting performance was outstanding. Williamson posted his sixth ODI century as he carries rich form toward the World Cup.

Taylor blasted his way into form with his 12th century. After entering the final over 12 runs short of his 100, he hit four from the first ball from Bilawal Bhatti then played and missed at three deliveries before he hit six and four from the last two balls of the innings to finish 102 not out.

Another part of New Zealand's World Cup preparation clicked into place when Martin Guptill made 76 in a timely return to form.

08.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ronaldo is worth how much?

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo will finish his career at Real Madrid. Source: Walter Bieri / AP

CRISTIANO Ronaldo will finish his career at Real Madrid, the Portuguese superstar's agent says, as he put a 300 million ($578 million) price-tag on the world footballer of the year.

"He is the best player ever in the world. You can't compare him with anybody else," agent Jorge Mendes said of Ronaldo in an interview with the BBC.

"If for any reason the club decide to sell him tomorrow for 300 million pounds, someone will pay," Mendes added.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid celebrates scoring a goal. Source: Getty Images

But the agent said there was no danger of his 29-year-old compatriot, voted the world's best player for a third time last month — beating Barcelona's Lionel Messi to the award — leaving Real's Bernabeu Stadium.

"Cristano Ronaldo? One billion. His buyout clause (is) one billion, so it is one billion. It is impossible to find someone like him."

Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo poses with the Ballon d'Or award for player of the year. Source: AFP

Asked if Ronaldo, who joined Real from Manchester United for a then-world record 80 million in 2009, would end his career with the Spanish giants, Mendes said "for sure".

"He will not leave Real Madrid," Mendes insisted.

Cristiano Ronaldo poses in front of a 19m high billboard during the global launch of the CR7 in Spain. Source: Getty Images

08.57 | 0 komentar | Read More