SBW sidelined for two months: report

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In doubt ... Williams will reportedly have to postpone his fight. Source:News Limited

The drama surrounding Sonny Bill Williams's anticipated return to the NRL has taken another twist with reports a chest injury will keep the dual international out of action for at least two months.

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The 27-year-old flew into Sydney on Tuesday to prepare for a boxing bout next month, but it is understood he was also set to formally sign a contract to return to rugby league with Sydney Roosters.

But after being spotted at the NRL club's headquarters at Moore Park, Nine News reported the former Canterbury-Bankstown backrower had scans on a pectoral injury and faces surgery followed by two to three months without any form of contact.

Williams suffered the injury playing rugby union for Japanese club Panasonic last weekend.

With Japanese rugby on a five-week break, his return to the Wild Knights is in jeopardy and his heavyweight fight with South African veteran Francois Botha on November 24 will almost certainly be postponed.

And while his mooted deal with the Roosters might still eventuate, the untimely injury has the potential to further complicate negotiations that have been bubbling away for months.

In July, Williams said he would quit the All Blacks to fulfil a handshake agreement made several years ago to return to rugby league in the NRL in 2013.

"At the moment, it (the fight) is a little bit in doubt," Williams told Fox Sports News at Sydney Airport earlier on Tuesday.

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A night out at the Test match?

Night cricket ... has been given the green light by the ICC. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

Test matches at night are inevitable at Australian cricket grounds as soon as a suitable ball is found, following clearance from the International Cricket Council.

Cricket Australia says day-night Tests Down Under are inevitable. Great idea or should they leave Tests alone?

The ICC has ruled Test-match-participating countries may now agree to day/night Tests and will be able to decide on the hours of play as well as the brand, type and colour of ball to be used.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland welcomed the ruling, although a poll of more than 100 Australian players undertaken by the players' union last year found only 40 percent supported a move to day-nighters.

"Test cricket is by definition played on at least three week days, times when most people are at work or school, and this limits the ability of fans to attend or watch on TV," Sutherland said.

"We limit ourselves by staging cricket's premium format at times when fans often cannot watch. We know that the audience for the Perth Test, which is on TV in the evening on the east coast, is up significantly because fans in the East can tune in after work.

"CA has a formal strategic plan that demands that Australian cricket puts fans first and we will now add day/night Tests to the agenda when we talk to other Test nations about their future tours down under."

Sutherland says elite cricket's short formats had shown that batsmen could make big scores under lights.

"Finding a Test ball that is as easily visible in the day as it is at night is still a technical work in progress that the ICC is now leading and it has not yet been possible to predict when such a ball might be available.

"The traditional red ball is not regarded as suitable for night cricket because it is not as visible at night as it is in the day, and the ODI white ball is not suitable for Tests as it is not as durable as the red ball and does not last as well as a Test ball needs to last.

"Experiments with other colours such as pink, orange and yellow have seen some promising developments in recent times and Cricket Australia will, together with the ICC and ball manufacturers, continue to encourage research and development that delivers a ball with the optimal colour and durability for Test cricket."

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Aussie rugby to change at the top

From the top ... ARU chairman Michael Hawker (L) admitted rugby needed to move with the times. Source: News Limited

The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) is set for a shake-up to the way it's governed, with the traditional power base of the game to be dismantled as they look to keep pace with rival codes.

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The ARU on Tuesday announced the findings of a governance review by former Federal Sports Minister Mark Arbib.

Rugby's governing board in Australia will implement 15 recommendations made by Arbib.

Two of the key recommendations enacted from the review conducted are changes to the ARU voting structure and a requirement that all directors on the ARU board are to be independent.

The recommendations will be up for approval by the ARU's membership at an extraordinary general meeting in December.

Under the current system, votes are mostly controlled by New South Wales and Queensland who have eight of 14 votes between them for ARU constitutional matters.

But under the new system, there will be one vote for each member union, one for each Super Rugby franchise, one additional for a member union with more than 50,000 players and a vote for the Rugby Union Players' Association.

ARU chairman Michael Hawker admitted it was time for an overhaul and to have a governance that fairly represented the modern game.

"Our original constitution was in 1949 and we really (only) had NSW and Queenslanders," Hawker said.

"There was a heavy concentration of NSW and Queensland in the voting on the board and we felt that - as a game we're spreading more across Australia - that that wasn't truly representative of the growing game across the country."

Under the restructure, directors will no longer be nominated by states.

"Currently what happens is various power groups choose our directors ... it's (new system) a more-open process and democratic process and one that goes through a recommendation in the body which is a nominations committee," Hawker said.

Current board member and chairman of the governance committee Peter Cosgrove admitted changes had to be made to bring the game up to speed off the field.

"With what we are doing here, we recognised the reality that this is a professional game, a national and international game and it must be run in the most business-like way, so that the structure of the board is not only independent but highly professional," Cosgrove said.

"From our point of view, we have some tremendous advantages and we've got to seize them in a crowded sports market. Nobody is going to give us a free ride in Australia - we've got to compete strongly."

The ARU is searching for a replacement to outgoing chief executive John O'Neill, a situation Hawker hopes to have resolved by the end of the year.

Watch the John Eales Medal Live and in HD on Thursday November 1 from 8.30pm (EDT) on Fox Sports 1HD!

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Gram sacked by St Kilda

Jason Gram ... has been sacked by the St Kilda Football Club. Source: Michael Dodge / News Limited

St Kilda have terminated the contract of grand final player Jason Gram due to off-field issues.

The club on Tuesday night released a statement saying Gram's sacking had come as a result of behavioural issues.

St Kilda head of football Chris Pelchen said: "Obviously, we are disappointed to terminate Jason's playing contract with the Saints but unfortunately, he has failed to meet the values shared across the St Kilda Football Club."

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Redbacks thrash Tigers in Ryobi Cup

Impressive ... Hughes took another step towards a Test recall with a fine innings in Hobart. Source: News Limited

A breakthrough century from Phil Hughes has continued the Test discard's resurgence and led South Australia to a crushing 82-run one-day victory over Tasmania at Bellerive.

ODD - Blundstone Arena

30 October 2012 - Day 1, Session 2

Tasmania 1st Innings

B. Laughlin	2	6	0	0	33.33
B. Hilfenhaus	0	6	0	0	0
J. Botha	10.4	0	29	4	2.72

Hughes crafted his first Australian domestic one-day ton, and his first hundred of the season, to anchor the Redbacks' 8-248 - and outshine rival Ed Cowan in the process.

South Australia's skipper Johan Botha then snared 4-29 with his off-spinners to help rout the home side for 166 to complete a fine all-round match after chipping in 55 off 52 balls with the bat.

Redbacks quick Jake Haberfield took 3-35 as SA coasted to the bonus-point win.

Hughes's 114 from 134 balls has the 23-year-old averaging 123 in the tournament and adds to two scores of 95 and one of 83 against Queensland in one-day and Sheffield Shield games earlier this month.

The former New South Welshman, whose previous best in Australia was an unbeaten 97, had a life on 20 before he hit nine fours and a six to ensure the Redbacks posted a competitive total.

He brought up his ton off 120 balls when he flailed a wide ball from Ben Hilfenhaus to the extra cover boundary in the 42nd over, and was out pulling to mid-wicket when the Redbacks were 6-218.

Hughes said he was focused on piling on the runs rather than returning to the national team.

"People can talk but I know what I've got to do is score as many runs as possible in all forms of the game and that's been my whole aim from the start of the season," he said.

"Everything else is out of my hands."

He will next pad up for Australia A against the touring South Africans in Sydney later this week.

"It's a great opportunity for everyone," he said.

"I'm really looking forward to the challenge against a world class attack."

Cowan, who replaced Hughes in the Test side last summer, was looking to mount a Tigers' rescue mission batting at No.5 after his side's chase had been in trouble at 4-91.

He also had a life on 20 when Redbacks captain Johan Botha spilled a sitter, but couldn't capitalise and was caught at point for 22 off 42 balls.

Tigers spinners Jason Krejza (4-58) and Xavier Doherty (0-42) bounced back from their mauling by Victoria on Sunday, while returning Test paceman Ben Hilfenhaus (1-74) got the initial breakthrough, removing Michael Klinger for 10.

Mark Cosgrove had launched a promising Tasmanian reply with a breezy innings 37 from 47 balls that included seven boundaries.

But the Tigers never recovered from losing big guns Tim Paine (36), George Bailey (0) and Ricky Ponting (14) in the space of three runs and were all out in the 44th over.

Tigers captain Bailey was left to bemoan a lacklustre effort in the field.

"That probably set the tone for us," he said.

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Marquees help set another record

Marquees ... Del Piero and Heskey help the A-League break records. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

The combined pulling power of Alessandro del Piero and Emile Heskey has set another record for the A-League in a season that has started like a house on fire.

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Figures released on Tuesday confirmed that Sydney FC's round two loss to Newcastle Jets was watched by the biggest TV audience for a regular season game in the short history of the A-League.

The 164,367 who tuned in to watch the competition's two biggest names lock horns just eclipsed the previous record of 162,471, set by the 2011/12 season opener between fierce interstate rivals Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC.

After four rounds, the average TV audience is 94,969 - an all-time season average record.

And it's not just TV audiences which are tracking upwards.

So far this season, average ground attendances are sitting at 15,460, a 20 per cent increase on the same point last season.

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For more on the A-League's record start to the season tune in to Kick Off, featuring an interview with A-League boss Damien de Bohun, on Fox Sports 1HD from 6.30pm (EDT) Friday. Got a question for de Bohun? Send it in via Twitter #foxfootball.

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It's a good way for Ben Buckley to bid adieu to Football Federation Australia after almost six years as its CEO.

Buckley said the A-League was in great shape and acknowledged the contribution of the foreign stars who have lifted the competition's profile.

"There's no doubt the marquee players Alessandro del Piero, Emile Heskey and Shinji Ono have ignited massive interest in the Hyundai A-League," said Buckley.

"I congratulate the clubs involved for making the investment in these star players.

"There's no such thing as overnight success in professional sport, just lots of hard work and strategic planning that sets up success."

The FFA has at times been criticised for its cutthroat approach to expansion but Buckley said the early signs from Western Sydney Wanderers gave him confidence that the A-League was getting it right.

"The arrival of the Western Sydney Wanderers in football's heartland has added so much to the competition," Buckley said.

"The Sydney derby, after just one edition, has become one of the most anticipated fixtures."

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Tigers to unveil Potter this week

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Mick Potter ... pictured (right) will be unveiled as the Tigers' new coach this week. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Mick Potter has already been in contact with members of the Wests Tigers backroom staff ahead of his expected unveiling as the NRL club's new head coach later this week.

Potter is set to succeed 2005 premiership-winning mentor Tim Sheens, whose 10-year tenure with the joint-venture club came to an abrupt end last month when he was relieved of his coaching duties with two years left on his contract after the side failed to make the 2012 finals.

Sheens has been offered a new senior role at the club, though there has been no confirmation to date as to whether he will accept the position.

After initially being linked to Manly assistant coach Matt Parish, Potter - the former Catalans, St Helens and Bradford head coach - has emerged as the man to lead the Tigers in a new direction.

It is believed he will sign a two-year deal with the club.

Potter, 49, will have a battle ahead of him as he attempts to placate fans and sponsors unhappy with the direction of the financially embattled club.

The Tigers were early premiership favourites for the 2012 season before inconsistent performances ensured they failed to make the top eight.

Sheens's unpopular decision to offload Beau Ryan and Chris Heighington resulted in a backlash from the playing group, while New South Wales hooker Robbie Farah - once considered part of the furniture at the Tigers - has been linked with a move to Parramatta in 2014.

New Zealand captain Benji Marshall is another whose future at the Tigers has also been the subject of increased scrutiny.

Potter comes highly regarded, having served his apprenticeship with four years as St George Illawarra's Premier League coach.

He then had six years as a head coach in the Super League, steering Catalans to the 2007 Challenge Cup final when the former St George captain was named Super League coach of the year.

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Saints land ruckman Hickey

Move ... Tom HIckey is on his way to St Kilda after being traded by Gold Coast. Source: David Clark / News Limited

St Kilda has landed the ruckman it desperately craved with Tom Hickey on the move from Gold Coast in exchange for pick 13.

The Saints and Suns will also swap later picks to seal the deal, while the official paperwork could be lodged with the AFL on Wednesday.

The Saints will receive picks 26, 47 and Hickey. In return, the Suns will get the prized pick of 13 as well as 37 and 57.

The Suns released a statement confirming the trade.

"We were really keen to gain a selection back inside the top 15 since exchanging our first round draft selection for the extremely talented Jack Martin through the trade incentive draft," Suns football operations, Marcus Ashcroft said.

"Our ability to add pick 13 to our selections in the upcoming draft means we will have the ability to draft another elite young player to our club next month."

For the Saints, Hickey boasts enormous upside after an impressive end to 2012 and is poised to lend Ben McEvoy a big hand in sharing ruck duties next season.

Hickey, 21, requested a trade to the Saints to move closer to his girlfriend but talks stalled when the Suns played hard ball, demanding a first-round pick as market interest increased.

The 201cm big man was a zone selection to Gold Coast.

The Saints traded their first pick, No. 12, to GWS in a deal which saw Claremont power forward Tom Lee head to St Kilda.

But Scott Watters' side was gifted pick 13 on Friday from the AFL as compensation for losing Brendon Goddard to Essendon, helping secure Hickey.

The trade means the Suns will now have a first-round selection in next month's draft despite trading pick 2 to the Giants for 17-year-old mini-draft selection Jack Martin.

Despite losing Hickey the Suns still boast a wealth of rising star power in the ruck, with Daniel Gorringe, Zac Smith and Tom Nicholls set to enter their third seasons in the AFL. 

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Rio plans union for black players

Rio Ferdinand ... is setting up a union for black footballers. Source: AAP

Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand is setting up a union to protect the interests of black footballers in England.

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Ferdinand has long been a vocal campaigner against racism and the Daily Mail reported that he and other high-profile black players have overseen the first draft of a constitution.

The England defender made headlines last weekend for angering club manager Alex Ferguson by refusing to wear a t-shirt for the Kick It Out campaign, an initiative designed to rid the sport of racism.

Ferdinand believed that not enough was being done to combat the problem after Chelsea's John Terry was handed a four-match ban and fined STG220,000 ($A344,000) last month for racially abusing his younger brother Anton, who plays for Queens Park Rangers.

Rio Ferdinand and his colleagues want to wipe out discrimination in all forms and will hold a series of meetings in London in the coming month.

The union has a working name of The Federation of Black Players.

The news comes after Kick It Out's chairman Herman Ouseley criticised Rio Ferdinand for boycotting the FA-funded campaign.

"Would Rio tell England where to stick their shirt if picked or does he think the FA has done enough to tackle racism?" he said.

"Will he tell Manchester United where to stick their shirt and STG150,000 ($A234,000) a week or have they done enough to tackle racism?"

"Should we tell women not to support women against rape groups because they have not done enough to stop rape?"

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Zidane statue angers French

Anger ... The statue of Zinedine Zidane headbutting Marco Matterazzi displayed outside a French gallery. Source: Remy de la Mauviniere / News Limited

A row is simmering over a giant bronze sculpture depicting French footballer Zinedine Zidane's infamous headbutt on Italian defender Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final, which has been placed outside the Pompidou Arts Centre in Paris.

The five-metre tall statue is the work of French, Algerian-born artist Adel Abdessemed, who is being honoured by the Pompidou with a retrospective on his work from October to January.

But its prominent display outside the popular centre has angered the national association of local French football officials who claim that it is not the image of Zidane, who retired after the 2006 World Cup final, that should be promoted.

"By choosing this provocative image, the artist has deliberately opted to ignore all your talents and all the postitive emotions that you were able to share with the people of our country,'' the officials wrote in an open letter to Zidane.

They called on Zindae to use the full powers of his influence to have the statue removed immediately, adding that it would have been better to have highlighted his two headed goals in France's 3-0 win over Brazil in the 1998 World Cup final.

Zidane's headbutt on Materazzi, who he claimed had provoked him, came during extra time in the 2006 final in Berlin with the sides tied at 1-1. He was red carded and thus missed the penalty shoot-out which Italy won.

Pompidou Centre chief Alain Seban expressed shock at the complaints, saying that they amounted to an attempt to censure artistic creativity.

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