Farina gambles on talisman Miller
QUEENSLAND coach Frank Farina will gamble on prize recruit Charlie Miller playing out the A-League season with a worsening hernia problem, whilst dismissing the chance of an operation.

AFL defends handling of Cousins case
THE AFL have defended their handling of the Ben Cousins case in response to criticism from a psychologist employed by the sport's players' association.

Clubs come calling for rowdy Reni
SACKED Bulldogs lock Reni Maitua wants to remain in Australia and has already attracted interest from three NRL clubs despite the threat of being deregistered for 2009.

Injuries overshadow victory
SERIOUS injuries to props Matt Dunning and Sekope Kepu overshadowed an eye-catching debut from rising star James O'Connor as Australia's spring tour came to a bittersweet end.

Bauer remains Cup runner-up
MELBOURNE Cup runner-up Bauer will retain his placing despite receiving shockwave treatment within a week of the race, which is against the Australian rules of racing.

Skaife declares 'I'm debt free'
RETIRING V8 Supercar champion Mark Skaife says he is debt free and can see no reason his proposed deal to hand ownership of the Holden Racing Team to Tom Walkinshaw will not go through.

Victory duo unlikely starters
MELBOURNE Victory coach Ernie Merrick has indicated midfielders Carlos Hernandez and Evan Berger are unlikely to be reinstated to the starting line-up for Saturday night's A-League clash with Perth Glory.

Kiwi claims early Coolum lead
NEW Zealander Tim Wilkinson stormed to the early lead in the first round of the $1.5 million Australian PGA Championship at Coolum.

West Indies to replace Sri Lanka
WEST Indies will tour England next year to replace Sri Lanka, who decided not to send a full-strength side because of the demands of the Indian Premier League.

England flop McClaren is Euro hit
FORMER England boss Steve McClaren's football rehabilitation continued on Thursday (EDT) when he guided Dutch club FC Twente into the UEFA Cup last 32.