🏏 McSweeney Axed but Targets Recall

Nathan McSweeney’s Test dream lasted three matches and 72 runs before selectors dropped him in favour of 19-year-old Sam Konstas, now tipped to open on Boxing Day.

Thrown in against Jasprit Bumrah, McSweeney showed grit under lights in Adelaide but failed to provide the top-order spark selectors wanted.

“Devastated, yeah,” McSweeney told Channel 7. “I’ll get back in the nets and work hard for the next chance.”

Australia’s opener merry-go-round continues, and whether Konstas sticks or spins off remains to be seen. As for McSweeney, redemption could still be just an innings away.

While 19-year old Sam Konstas had to pinch himself when he got the call… “I was just focused on this game, and then he (Bailey) called me after training I was like far out, I am in the squad,” - Konstas said following the Thunder’s dramatic final-ball defeat. 

That’s the way to do it: Nathan McSweeney had the perfect response to his Test axing by blasting an unbeaten 78 to lead the Heat to a nail-biting win over the Strikers in a final ball BBL thriller at The Gabba.

🚲 Logan Martin won the BMX freestyle final at the world championships in Abu Dhabi.

It is Martin's third world title following his victories in 2017 and 2021.

Fellow Australians Natalya Diehm and Sarah Nicki finished inside the top 10 in the women's final.

Hewitt given Aus Open wildcard, Tomic back as Demon can end drought: Summer of tennis guide

Hewitt given Aus Open wildcard, Tomic back as Demon can end drought: Summer of tennis guide

🏉 Former NRL Star's Son Reported Missing

Kade Maloney, the 14-year-old son of former NRL player James Maloney, has been reported missing.

He was last seen late Saturday evening in Green Point on the Central Coast and is believed to have taken a train from Gosford early Sunday morning, possibly heading towards Penrith. Kade is described as Caucasian, approximately 170 cm tall, with a medium build, short light brown hair, and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, dark blue North Queensland Cowboys football shorts, and carrying a black bag.

The family, having recently relocated from Townsville to Sydney, is deeply concerned as his disappearance is unusual. NSW Police are actively seeking public assistance to locate him and encourage anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers. 

🏈 icymi: NFL Commentators Bewildered by 'Australian Kick'

Michael Dickson, an Australian punter for the NFL's Seattle Seahawks, astonished American commentators with a unique 60-yard punt during a game against the Green Bay Packers.

The kick's distinctive wobbly spin, reminiscent of a soccer corner kick, left the Packers' returner struggling to field the ball cleanly. U.S. commentators, unfamiliar with this style, referred to it as an 'Australian kick,' highlighting the growing influence of Australian punters in American football.

Dickson's innovative technique has sparked discussions among NFL enthusiasts about the potential impact of Australian styles on the game.

🇦🇺 Former AFL Player Aaron Shattock in Critical Condition

Aaron Shattock, a former AFL player and 2002 premiership winner with the Brisbane Lions, is in critical condition following an accident at his Gold Coast home. The 44-year-old was operating an excavator when it rolled over, trapping him underneath. Emergency services used hydraulic rescue tools to free him, and he was transported to Gold Coast University Hospital with severe chest injuries. Shattock played 68 games during his AFL career with the Brisbane Lions and Port Adelaide before retiring in 2006.

📲 MOST CLICKED SOCIAL SHARES 2024

1. Deadset might be the best mark I’ve ever seen (Twitter)

2. The best village cricket clip ever recorded (Twitter)

3. Paul Kent fighting people in the streets, but it's set to the NRL 360/Fox League music (Twitter)

4. How did this happen (AFL) Carnage (Twitter)

Twitter tweet

⚽️ EPL WRAP: Liverpool went four points clear at the top of the Premier League as they handed out a merciless 6-3 thrashing to Tottenham Hotspur in front of their own fans.

Manchester United were booed off as they suffered a 3-0 home defeat by high-flying Bournemouth for the second year in a row as Ruben Amorim's men lost for the third time in four Premier League games.

United will celebrate Christmas in 13th position after another below-par display that leaves them with just seven points from Amorim's six games in charge.

Title challengers Chelsea were held to a frustrating goalless draw at Everton, handing a major boost to Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Vitor Pereira's Wolves reign got off to a dream start as his new team brushed aside fellow strugglers Leicester 3-0.

Twitter tweet

🥊 Tyson Fury refused to accept he lost his rematch against unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and claimed the judges gave his opponent a "Christmas gift".

All three judges scored the fight 116-112 in Usyk's favour, handing the Ukrainian a second successive win over Fury.

"The judges gave him a Christmas gift," Fury said. "I feel like I won both fights.

"I know I had to knock him out but it's boxing and this happens. There is no doubt in my mind I won this fight.

"If Tyson says it is a Christmas gift then OK, thank you God, not Tyson. Thank you to my team." - Usyk

🏀 Dyson Daniels' Defensive Prowess with the Atlanta Hawks

Dyson Daniels has been a defensive standout for the Atlanta Hawks. In a recent game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Daniels recorded 15 points, six assists, six steals, and one block over 29 minutes, showcasing his elite defensive capabilities. Despite his efforts, the Hawks fell 128-112 to the Grizzlies.

🎾 Zheng Qinwen to Skip United Cup, Focus on Australian Open

Zheng Qinwen, the Australian Open runner-up, has announced that she will commence her 2025 season at the Grand Slam event next month, opting to skip the United Cup mixed team tournament starting this week. The 22-year-old Chinese tennis star aims to stay fresh for the Australian Open, indicating a strategic approach to her tournament schedule.

Giphy

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TODAY

08:05 - NFL - Seattle Seahawks v Minnesota Vikings (ESPN)

08:25 - NFL - Miami Dolphins v San Francisco 49ers (7mate)

09:00 - Women's ODI Series - New Zealand v Australia (Fox Cricket)

09:00 - NHL - Washington Capitals v Los Angeles Kings (ESPN 2)

12:00 - NHL - Colorado Avalanche v Seattle Kraken (ESPN 2)

12:20 - NFL - Dallas Cowboys v Tampa Bay Buccaneers (ESPN)

15:30 - College - Men's NCAA (ESPN 2)

19:00 - A-League Men - Macarthur FC Bulls v Central Coast Mariners (Paramount+)

19:15 - Big Bash League - Melbourne Renegades v Perth Scorchers (Fox Cricket)

19:30 - NBL - Melbourne United v Tasmania JackJumpers (ESPN)

TUESDAY

11:30 - NBA - Miami Heat v Brooklyn Nets (ESPN 2)

12:15 - NFL - Green Bay Packers v New Orleans Saints (ESPN)

14:00 - NBA - Golden State Warriors v Indiana Pacers (ESPN 2)

17:30 - NBL - Adelaide 36ers v Brisbane Bullets (ESPN)

🏏 McSweeney’s Spot in Doubt as Teen Sensation Konstas Looms

Nathan McSweeney’s Boxing Day Test spot is under scrutiny after a string of low scores, failing to reach double figures in five of his six Test innings. Selectors are reportedly considering replacing him with teenage prodigy Sam Konstas, who has racked up 736 runs this summer across formats.

With Australia’s top three struggling, Konstas, fresh from a century for the PM’s XI, has earned praise, including Michael Vaughan’s call for his inclusion either in Melbourne or Sydney for a potential series decider.

🏏 Renegades Rout Hurricanes as Wade injuries calf ‘on air’.

The Hobart Hurricanes crumbled for just 74, with the Melbourne Renegades chasing it down in 9 overs to secure their first win of the season. Adding to the Hurricanes' misery, veteran keeper Matthew Wade suffered a calf injury during his 100th BBL game.

Speaking to Fox Cricket while mic’d up, the 36-year-old admitted to feeling a “twinge” early in the Renegades’ innings and later left the field for assessment. Wade’s absence could leave a significant void in the Hurricanes’ lineup as they look to recover from a record-breaking loss.

📸 Photo of the week: Isaac Cooper (AUS) competes in the men's 50m backstroke semi-final during the short course World Aquatics Swimming Championships at the Duna Arena, Budapest.

⚽️ Financial Windfall from International Transfers

A-League clubs have collectively earned approximately AU$17.5 million in international transfer fees during the 2023-2024 period, marking a 125% increase from the previous cycle. This surge is attributed to a modernized domestic transfer system that incentivizes investment in player development. Central Coast Mariners led the way with seven transfers, including the notable move of goalkeeper Joe Gauci to Aston Villa for $2.5 million AUD plus add-ons.

✍🏼 Five-eighth Kyle Flanagan has signed a new NRL contract with St George Illawarra, a day after the club announced breakout playmaker Daniel Atkinson would join from 2026.

Flanagan will now remain with the Dragons through 2027, having bounced between Cronulla, the Sydney Roosters and Canterbury earlier in his career.

🏀 NBL's Festive Season Schedule

The NBL has announced a festive schedule featuring 15 games over 12 days, including a pioneering Christmas Day match. This initiative aims to entrench basketball in the nation's sporting culture during the holiday season, offering fans a yuletide feast of hoops action. (full schedule)

Last year, over 375,000 people watched the Christmas double-header — Tasmania v South East Melbourne and Sydney v Illawarra, a record.

The bitter rivalry between the state rival Kings and Hawks could be a top-of-the-table clash by Christmas night, adding even more spark to what is one of the league’s must-watch fixtures for hoops.

“We always start our plans thinking through the lens of the fan first, with a focus on families,” - NBL CEO Dave Stevenson said.

🇦🇺 Melbourne Demons Captain Max Gawn's Injury

Max Gawn, captain of the Melbourne Demons, sustained a fractured larynx (which will be hard to swallow) during a pre-season training session.

This injury will sideline him from physical activity for two weeks, followed by four weeks of non-contact training.

Despite the setback, Gawn is reportedly in good spirits. Additionally, players Bayley Fritsch and Christian Salem have returned to full training after surgeries, while Jake Lever is expected to resume full training by the end of January.

EVERYDAY HERO 🦸🏻‍♂️

🚴🏻‍♂️ Shoutout to: Stu Place (a legend of a dad) who is cycling 15,451kms from Melbourne to the towns of Moon and Back in the USA. Stu is raising money to fund a life-saving treatment for his son will who was born with a rare neurogenetic disorder.

Some other legends have already joined him on the journey (Trent Cotchin & Nedd Brockmann)

If you want to get pumped up (and have a little cry), check him out on YouTube - A Dad's Will: To the Moon and Back.

You can donate here - to give this man a pat on the back, and hopefully a cushion for his bike seat.

*thanks to SJ reader Mark for putting this on our radar

🏀 Warriors Top NBA's Most Valuable Teams at US$9.14 Billion

The Golden State Warriors lead the NBA’s franchise valuations at $9.14 billion, followed by the New York Knicks ($8.3 billion) and Los Angeles Lakers ($8.07 billion), according to Sportico’s annual report.

Golden State trails only the Dallas Cowboys ($10.3 billion) among U.S. sports franchises. The average NBA team’s value has surged 15% to $4.6 billion, nearly doubling in just four years, with assessments factoring in ownership’s real estate and related businesses.

🥊 Usyk v Fury 2: Heavyweight Clash

Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will face off once more on December 21 in Riyadh (local), Saudi Arabia, in a rematch of their historic bout six months ago. Usyk narrowly defeated Fury via split decision to become the modern era’s first four-belt heavyweight champion.

The highly anticipated sequel promises to deliver an early Christmas treat for fight fans. Ringwalks are expected around 09:15am Sunday AEDT.

Can Fury avenge his only loss, or will Usyk’s flawless career roll on?

⚽️ EPL Whispers: Manchester City consider a move for Palace’s Marc Guehi, Atletico Madrid are interested in Marcus Rashford, while Chelsea's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall could move to Arsenal.

🏟️ The Friedkin Group (who also own Italian side Roma) has completed its majority takeover of Everton, ending the turbulent tenure of Farhad Moshiri.

The deal is believed to be worth in excess of AU$800m and the Toffees become the 10th club in the Premier League under majority American ownership.

✍🏼 Confirmed: Premier League strugglers Wolves have appointed former Porto boss Vitor Pereira as their new head coach.

⚽️ Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was left bloodied and bruised after suffering a horrendous facial injury during a crunch clash with Monaco.

I’ll save you the image at this time of the morning but the Italian goalkeeper showed off the full extent of his horror facial injury which required 10 staples.

🏎️ Ferrari Unfazed by Hamilton’s Struggles

Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur has dismissed concerns over Lewis Hamilton's challenging final season at Mercedes, where George Russell out-qualified and outscored the seven-time champion.

Despite Hamilton finishing 22 points behind Russell, Vasseur highlighted his strong performances in Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi, attributing his struggles to the emotional toll of a final season with Mercedes.

Hamilton joins Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc in 2025, with Vasseur confident their rivalry will drive the team forward. "They have huge mutual respect," he said. "It’s better to fight for wins than for 19th. This competition will push the team to improve."

🏎️ New Zealander Liam Lawson will race for Red Bull alongside world champion Max Verstappen in 2025 following the team's decision to ditch Sergio Perez.

The announcement that Lawson was moving up from second team Racing Bulls came a day after Red Bull and Perez announced they had agreed a termination deal following a weak season by the Mexican.

The 22-year-old moves into the Formula 1 front-line after just 11 grands prix spread over two seasons.

Although Lawson has not convincingly beaten team-mate Yuki Tsunoda over that period, Red Bull preferred him to the Japanese.

💰 You cost me my multi: Angry gamblers are behind 48% of the 12,000 social media posts that have been deemed abusive towards tennis players this year, according to an artificial intelligence-led detection system.

📙 Why is LeBron always on page one of every book in a photo?….

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TODAY 

11:00 - NBA - Orlando Magic v Oklahoma City Thunder (ESPN 2)

12:15 - NFL - Los Angeles Chargers v Denver Broncos (ESPN)

13:30 - NBA - Minnesota Timberwolves v New York Knicks (ESPN 2)

17:30 - NBL - New Zealand Breakers v Sydney Kings (ESPN)

19:15 - Big Bash League - Adelaide Strikers v Melbourne Stars (Fox Cricket)

19:30 - NBL - Brisbane Bullets v Cairns Taipans (ESPN)

19:35 - A-League Men - Adelaide United v Sydney FC (Paramount+)

SATURDAY

06:45 - Premiership Rugby - Gloucester Rugby v Harlequins (Stan Sport App)

09:00 - Women's ODI Series - New Zealand v Australia (Fox Cricket)

11:30 - NBA - Cleveland Cavaliers v Milwaukee Bucks (ESPN)

14:00 - NHL - Anaheim Ducks v Colorado Avalanche (ESPN)

15:00 - A-League Men - Auckland FC v Western United (Paramount+)

15:20 - Women's ODI Series - New Zealand v Australia (Fox Sports)

16:00 - Big Bash League - Hobart Hurricanes v Perth Scorchers (Fox Cricket)

19:15 - Big Bash League - Sydney Thunder v Sydney Sixers (Fox Cricket)

19:35 - A-League Men - Melbourne Victory v Melbourne City (10 Bold)

20:00 - NBL - South East Melbourne Phoenix v Adelaide 36ers (ESPN)

23:30 - Premier League - Aston Villa v Manchester City (Optus Sport 1)

SUNDAY

02:00 - Premier League - Brentford v Nottingham Forest (Optus Sport 2)

02:00 - Premier League - West Ham United v Brighton & Hove Albion (Optus Sport 3)

02:00 - Premier League - Ipswich Town v Newcastle United (Optus Sport 4)

02:05 - Premiership Rugby - Leicester Tigers v Bristol Bears (Stan Sport App)

04:30 - Premier League - Crystal Palace v Arsenal (Optus Sport 1)

04:30 - Premiership Rugby - Newcastle Falcons v Bath Rugby (Stan Sport App)

04:30 - Premiership Rugby - Sale Sharks v Exeter Chiefs (Stan Sport App)

06:00 - Heavyweight Title - Oleksandr Usyk v Tyson Fury (Main Event)

08:30 - NFL - Baltimore Ravens v Pittsburgh Steelers (ESPN)

11:30 - NBA - Atlanta Hawks v Memphis Grizzlies (ESPN)

14:30 - NBL - Illawarra Hawks v Perth Wildcats (Channel 10, ESPN)

17:00 - A-League Men - Western Sydney Wanderers v Wellington Phoenix (Paramount+)

19:15 - Big Bash League - Brisbane Heat v Adelaide Strikers (Fox Cricket)

23:00 - ODI Series - South Africa v Pakistan (Fox Cricket)

🏏 India Narrowly Escapes Follow-On

In the rain-impacted third Test, India dodged the follow-on thanks to a gritty ninth-wicket partnership. Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep combined for an unbeaten 39 runs, pushing India to 252 for 9.

Despite Australia’s relentless bowling from Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, and strong contributions from KL Rahul (84) [after being dropped by Steve Smith the first ball of the day], and Ravindra Jadeja (77), the Indian lower order held firm in the final overs. Early chaos saw Rahul nearly dismissed due to a dropped catch, but disciplined batting from Jadeja and Deep ensured India remained in the fight.

With Josh Hazlewood injured [Calf Strain - looks to be out for the rest of the series, with Scott Boland coming in], Australia now faces a tough challenge to secure victory and lead the series 2-1.

🤔 Have they thought of walking in with the bowler?

🏏 Teen Star Konstas Shines as Thunder Edge Strikers

Sam Konstas, 19, smashed a record-breaking 56 off 27 balls—becoming the youngest to hit a Big Bash half-century—as Sydney Thunder edged Adelaide Strikers by two wickets. Chasing 183, Daniel Sams’ explosive 31-run over [another record] saved Thunder from 149-7, sealing victory with two balls to spare.

Konstas’ 20-ball fifty also set a new Thunder record. (watch highlights)

🏉 Sevens Star Michaela Blyde Joins NRLW Warriors

Two-time Olympic gold medallist Michaela Blyde, one of the greatest rugby sevens players, will join the NRLW’s New Zealand Warriors. Fresh from Paris 2024 glory, the 28-year-old is set to tackle a new challenge in the 13-a-side game, boosting the Warriors’ ranks with proven winning pedigree.

Pies, Hawks handed brutal starts: Your club's fixture breakdown

Check out when your club's easiest, and most difficult, stretches of the fixture are set to come in 2025

🇦🇺 Luke Parker's Bold Move to North Melbourne Signals a Shift

Luke Parker's surprise move to North Melbourne highlights a changing AFL landscape. After 14 years at Sydney, Parker acknowledged the era of one-club players is fading. “Things change quickly, and clubs go in different directions,” Parker told SEN.

Joining him at Arden Street are Jack Darling (West Coast) and Caleb Daniel (Western Bulldogs), adding premiership experience to the Roos' rebuild. Parker believes his move mirrors legends like Luke Hodge, who revived Brisbane’s culture after leaving Hawthorn.

The trend of veterans departing for new opportunities continues:

Like Hodge at Brisbane, Parker insists he’s not just there to mentor but to “take us to where we want to go.”

🏉 Seibold Extends at Manly with One Mission in Mind

Manly Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold has extended his contract until 2027, determined to deliver a premiership. After steering Manly to the 2024 finals, Seibold has rebuilt the club following its pride jersey saga and Des Hasler's exit. “The mission is to win,” Seibold told Code Sports, emphasising reliability as the key to future success.

⚽️ Coach Kisnorbo leaves for greener pastures

Melbourne Victory coach Patrick Kisnorbo has shocked the A-League by quitting the club days out from the local derby with cross-town rivals Melbourne City to pursue an overseas opportunity.

Kisnorbo enjoyed as strong start to his time at Victory, winning nine of his 12 matches in charge, with one draw and two defeats.

The club’s managing director, Caroline Carnegie, said assistant coach Arthur Diles would be “well equipped” to take over and would be in charge for Saturday’s showdown with fourth-placed City at AAMI Park. 

🎾 icymi: Nick Kyrgios and former Wimbledon final opponent Novak Djokovic will team up at the Brisbane International.

The pair will use the event to warm up for next month's Australian Open, with Kyrgios using an injury-protected ranking to secure a direct entry at Melbourne Park.

The Brisbane International will begin at Pat Rafter Arena on December 29.

🏀 Bucks vs Thunder: 2024 NBA Cup Final Set for Las Vegas

The Milwaukee Bucks will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2024 NBA Cup final today (12:30 AEDT) at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena. Now in its second year, the NBA Cup is designed to inject importance into the early part of the season, borrowing its format from football’s World Cup.

Thirty teams began the tournament, split into six groups of five. After a single round of group matches, the winners and two best runners-up advanced to knockout rounds. The results—except for the final—also count toward regular-season standings, ensuring every game matters.

The Bucks, unbeaten in the Cup (6-0), earned their spot with a 110-102 semi-final win over Atlanta. The Thunder, leading the Western Conference (20-5), dispatched Houston 111-96.

For Milwaukee, it’s a chance to reassert dominance. For Oklahoma City, it’s a statement of their resurgence. Either way, the NBA’s bold new prize has a worthy final.

🏀 Josh Giddey injures ankle in narrow victory over Raptors

The Chicago Bulls edged out the Toronto Raptors 122-121 on Tuesday (AEDT), marking their fourth win in six games. The triumph, however, was overshadowed by Aussie star Josh Giddey’s right ankle injury, which forced him off the court midway through the third quarter.

⚽️ EPL Whispers: Manchester United have put England forward Marcus Rashford, 27, up for sale and would approve a cut-price move in January. 

Liverpool's Egypt forward Mohamed Salah, 32, is close to signing a new contract with the club. 

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk says he is in "complete shock" after testing positive for a banned substance. 

As reported on Monday, Vitor Pereira has agreed an 18-month deal to become Wolves' new manager.

The Premier League strugglers are paying around 1m euros to bring the boss of Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab to the Midlands.

🏏 England's year ended with a thumping defeat by New Zealand, who sent seamer Tim Southee into retirement with a consolation victory in the third and final Test.

Set a fanciful 658, England were hustled out for 234 midway through the fourth afternoon to lose by 423 runs, their largest defeat by the Black Caps in terms of runs and fourth-largest by anyone.

🥊 I can’t believe I’m typing this but; Conor McGregor has declared he is set to return to combat sports in a boxing match against WWE wrestler and YouTuber Logan Paul.

“The rumors of a bout with (UFC featherweight champion Ilia) Topurio (Topuria) are false,” McGregor tweeted.

“I am in preliminary agreements with the Ambani family to face Logan Paul in a boxing exhibition in India. I have agreed. I will then seek my return to the Octagon.”

Giphy

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TODAY

10:50 - Test Match - Australia v India (Channel 7, Fox Cricket)

11:00 - NCAA - North Carolina Tar Heels v Florida Gators (ESPN 2)

12:30 - NBA Cup Championship - Oklahoma City Thunder v Milwaukee Bucks (ESPN)

19:15 - Big Bash League - Melbourne Stars v Brisbane Heat (Fox Cricket)

THURSDAY

09:00 - Women's ODI Series - New Zealand v Australia (Fox Cricket)

11:00 - NHL - Detroit Red Wings v Philadelphia Flyers (ESPN 2)

13:30 - NHL - Minnesota Wild v Florida Panthers (ESPN 2)

19:15 - Big Bash League - Melbourne Renegades v Hobart Hurricanes (Fox Cricket)

23:00 - ODI Series - South Africa v Pakistan (Fox Cricket)

🏏 Smith, Head Shine as Australia Edge Ahead

• Third Test, Brisbane (day two of five)

• Australia 405-7: Head 152, Smith 101

• India: Yet to bat

Centuries from Steve Smith (101) and Travis Head (152 off 160) powered Australia to 405-7 by stumps on day two in Brisbane, as the hosts recovered from 3-75.

The pair added a commanding 241-run stand for the fourth wicket before Jasprit Bumrah’s late burst saw him claim a five-wicket haul.

Bumrah earlier removed openers Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney, then returned with the second new ball to dismiss Smith, Head, and Mitchell Marsh in quick succession.

Alex Carey and Pat Cummins steadied the innings with a 58-run partnership before Cummins fell late in the day.

With the series tied at 1-1, Australia needs two more wins to secure a spot in June’s World Test Championship final. India, meanwhile, must win at least two of the final three matches to keep their Lord's hopes alive.

Rain remains a looming threat, with interruptions expected over the next few days.

📺 Watch Highlights on YouTube

🏏 BBL 14: Stoinis Reflects on Cartwright’s “Awful” Injury in BBL Opener

🤞🏼 for Cartwright

Melbourne Stars captain Marcus Stoinis described the “awful” moment teammate Hilton Cartwright lay motionless after a diving mishap in the BBL14 season opener against the Perth Scorchers.

Cartwright clutched his neck after the outfield dive, prompting immediate medical attention and a stretcher. Post-match, Stoinis confirmed, “He’s gone to hospital for scans, but concussion has been ruled out.”

Jhye Richardson snared three wickets to help restrict Melbourne Stars, as the Perth Scorchers won by 6 wickets with 17 balls remaining.

Fixtures:

• Today - Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Renegades at the SCG, 7.15pm

• Tuesday - Sydney Thunder vs Adelaide Strikers at Manuka Oval, 7:15pm

🥉 Perkins and Temple Share Bronze Moment

Australia’s Alexandria Perkins and Matt Temple stood side by side on the podium at the World Short Course Championships, both taking bronze in their 100m butterfly finals.

The pair embraced during a combined medal ceremony, a new World Aquatics initiative. For Perkins, it was her third medal, adding to her 50m butterfly bronze and 4x100m freestyle silver.

🏉 Ben Elias Warns of Fan Revolt

Ben Elias leads out the Balmain Tigers (Getty)

Balmain legend Ben Elias has slammed suggestions of dismantling the Wests Tigers joint venture in favour of reinstating the Western Suburbs Magpies, calling it “outrageous” and a “disrespect” to fans, players, and the NRL.

The rumours, sparked by a text from former Holman Barnes Group (HBG) chairman Tony Andreacchio, claim the club’s majority owner harbours ambitions to replace the Tigers with the Magpies. Elias warned such a move would provoke protests akin to South Sydney’s famous 2000 demonstration.

“If this mob wants the Magpies back, expect 100,000 fans to take to the streets,” Elias said, criticising HBG’s governance as “archaic” and “farcical.”

HBG, which owns 90% of the club, denied the claims, calling them “damaging inaccuracies” and reaffirming their commitment to the Tigers. However, tensions remain high, with allegations that senior HBG figures have floated a Magpies revival.

EPL WRAP: Crisis at Citeh: Manchester United struck twice in the closing minutes to stun Manchester City in a dramatic derby conclusion at Etihad Stadium.

A. Diallo (90')

Josko Gvardiola's first-half header looked to be giving City victory in a largely dismal clash until United staged a remarkable turnaround to give new manager Ruben Amorim a landmark win early in his reign.

Amad Diallo was United's star performer, winning the 88th minute penalty that saw Bruno Fernandes equalise after the youngster was fouled by Matheus Nunes.

As City tried to regroup, Diallo then pounced in the closing seconds of normal time to score from a tight angle.

Ismaila Sarr scored twice as Crystal Palace beat Brighton 3-1 to inflict a first home defeat of the season on their rivals and move four points clear of the relegation zone.

Wolves are in talks with Al-Shabab manager Vitor Pereira to replace head coach Gary O'Neil, who was sacked by the club on Sunday.

⏰ Chelsea v Brentford and Southampton v Tottenham are playing now.

Here’s how the table is looking…

⚽️ Scottish Footbaw: Celtic were pushed to the absolute limit before extending their domestic dominance in a thrilling Scottish League Cup final derby against Rangers that was ultimately decided on penalties - following an epic 3-3 draw after extra time.

🎯 Luke Humphries Targets Back-to-Back Glory

Defending champion Luke Humphries returns to Alexandra Palace to defend his crown at the 2025 PDC World Championship.

Humphries famously defeated teenage sensation Luke Littler 7-4 in January's final to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy.

The tournament runs from 15 December to 3 January, (all local dates).

Will Humphries retain his title, or will new challengers seize the spotlight at Ally Pally?

Top Contenders

• Odds: $4.5

• Reasoning: Proven winner in 2024, consistently defeats top players, performs well under pressure in long-format matches.

Luke Littler

• Odds: $3.25

• Reasoning: Rising star with a stellar 2024, with ,omentum and confidence on his side.

Dark Horses

• Nathan Aspinall ($81.0) : Proven competitor with the ability to win but lacks the consistency of top contenders.

• Michael Smith ($31.0): Has shown flashes of brilliance but needs sustained form.

🏊🏼 Jordan Crooks, representing the Cayman Islands, broke a record and a barrier in the 50m freestyle becoming the first swimmer under 20 seconds in 19.90.

By the end of the fifth day of the World Championships in Budapest, 24 records had fallen. Each record brings a US$25k bonus cheque from World Aquatics.

🏏 England Collapse in Hamilton as New Zealand Take Control

England's series sweep hopes were shattered on day two of the third Test in Hamilton after a dismal collapse saw them bowled out for 143 in 36 overs.

Matt Henry (48-4), Will O'Rourke (26-3), and Mitchell Santner (7.-3) tore through the batting lineup.

Earlier, Santner’s 76 extended New Zealand’s first innings to 347. By stumps, the Black Caps were 136-3, leading by 340, with Kane Williamson unbeaten on 50.

🏃🏽‍♀️ The Agony and Ecstasy of 24-Hour Racing

Under the pounding rain at midnight in Battersea Park, London, runners endure the unthinkable: 24 hours of non-stop laps on a track.

This isn’t just about physical endurance; it’s a mental battle where survival trumps speed and "normal" becomes a distant memory.

Time stops for no-one - constant movement is the aim in a 24hr race

The rules are simple: run as many laps as possible in 24 hours. There’s vomit on the track, makeshift gilets from bin bags, and smiles through the agony.

Competitors like 84-year-old Patricia Seabrook and ultra-record holder Aleksandr Sorokin embrace the suffering for reasons only they seem to understand.

It’s not just about winning—though Sarah Funderburk became the third woman to triumph in the race’s history, covering 131 miles. It’s about pushing past limits, battling demons, and finding joy in the absurdity of it all.

When it ends, there are no grand finishes—just relief, exhaustion, and the occasional collapse. “Why do it?” someone asks. Former record-holder Robbie Britton [a clearly insane person] sums it up: “Imagine being described as normal. That would be rubbish, wouldn’t it?”

Giphy

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TODAY

06:00 - Premier League - Chelsea v Brentford (Optus Sport 3)

06:00 - Premier League - Southampton v Tottenham (Optus Sport 2)

08:25 - NFL - Philadelphia Eagles v Pittsburgh Steelers (ESPN)

08:25 - NFL - Detroit Lions v Buffalo Bills (7mate)

09:00 - Test Match - New Zealand v England (Fox Sports)

10:50 - Test Match - Australia v India (Channel 7, Fox Cricket)

12:20 - NFL - Seattle Seahawks v Green Bay Packers (ESPN)

19:15 - Big Bash League - Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Renegades (Fox Cricket)

TUESDAY 

07:00 - Premier League - Bournemouth v West Ham United (Optus Sport 1)

09:00 - Test Match - New Zealand v England (Fox Sports)

10:50 - Test Match - Australia v India (Channel 7, Fox Cricket)

12:00 - NFL - Minnesota Vikings v Chicago Bears (ESPN 2)

12:30 - NFL - Las Vegas Raiders v Atlanta Falcons (ESPN)

19:15 - Big Bash League - Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers (Fox Cricket)

23:00 - ODI Series - South Africa v Pakistan (Fox Cricket)

🏏 The Big Bash League returns for its 14th Season

Australia’s summer staple, the Big Bash League (BBL), is back for its 14th edition, running from 15 December to 27 January. With eight teams competing over six weeks, the tournament promises thrilling action featuring top Australian and international T20 players.

The tournament kicks off in Perth with the Scorchers facing the Melbourne Stars. Matches will be played daily across Australia, excluding 24 and 25 December. The group stage concludes on 19 January, followed by a knockout series that culminates in the final on 27 January.

This season retains the shorter format introduced last year, addressing concerns over the previous schedule’s length. Each team plays 10 group matches—against three teams twice and four teams once—before the top four progress to the knockouts. The Qualifier, Knockout, and Challenger rounds will determine the finalists.

Defending champions Brisbane Heat, led by Usman Khawaja, aim to repeat last season’s success under new coach Johan Botha. Five-time champions Perth Scorchers remain the team to beat, while Tim Paine takes charge of the Adelaide Strikers.

With 44 matches featuring electrifying talent, the 2024 BBL promises to deliver another unforgettable summer of cricket.

🏏 The Brisbane Test begins Saturday, with the series tied at 1-1.

Hazlewood Targets Brisbane Return Amid Marsh’s Adelaide Blunder

Josh Hazlewood ramped up his Brisbane Test bid with a full-run session at Allan Border Field, recovering from the side strain that ruled him out in Adelaide. The 32-year-old bowled alongside Mitchell Starc under the watchful eye of bowling coach Dan Vettori.

"Josh is a level character," said Mitch Marsh. "He’ll do everything to be ready, but selectors have the final call."

Hazlewood’s fitness test left Australia’s batters without practice against the potential new-ball pair. If fit, he’s likely to replace Scott Boland despite Boland’s five-wicket haul in Adelaide.

Marsh also reflected on his dismissal blunder in Adelaide, walking without consulting Travis Head despite replays showing no edge. "I had a ‘mare," Marsh admitted. "The replay came up, and the head went into the hands. My bad."

Battling a back niggle, Marsh assured reporters he’s ready for Jasprit Bumrah in Brisbane. "Against the best bowler in the world, you’ve got to apply pressure your way," he said, emphasizing Australia’s approach against India’s attack.

👨‍🌾 The Wicket: The Gabba's curator has handed Australia the best possible news ahead of the third Test, predicting a return to the pre-Christmas window usually bringing with it more life and bounce.

👀 India watch: Injury doubt Jasprit Bumrah got through 30 minutes of bowling unscathed, while Rohit Sharma showed signs he could open the batting.

Recruits straight in, draftees to make boom debuts: Every AFL club’s predicted Round 1 side

Recruits straight in, draftees to make boom debuts: Every AFL club’s predicted Rd 1 side

🥊 Tim Tszyu has apologised to Australia for his shock world title defeat and says he wants to reconnect with his Aussie fans before launching another mission to climb boxing’s mountain.

Tszyu has kept a low profile since the second loss of his career, but has a simple message for Australia. 

“I let a lot of people down,” he said. 

“We’re all in this journey together, and so many people are invested in me emotionally and it was such a let down on my behalf.”

“No technology, no stats, no numbers. Just pure grind. That’s what I want to do at the start of next year.”

🏉 icymi: A team from Papua New Guinea will enter the NRL from 2028 after officially being granted a licence by the league.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his PNG counterpart James Marape met in Sydney on Thursday to shake hands over the deal, the culmination of two years of planning.

The as-yet-unnamed team is seen as key diplomatic tool for Australia to strengthen ties in the hotly-contested Pacific, and will cost the Australian taxpayer $600 million over 10 years.

It will be either the NRL's 18th or 19th franchise, pending further expansion plans into Perth.

Players will be granted tax incentives to relocate to PNG, and will live in a secure compound in Port Moresby to be organised and funded by the PNG Government.

Initial estimates suggest that players will therefore be able to pocket almost double the amount of money they would on the same salary in Australia.

The 10-year deal with the Australian government will commence now and run until the end of 2034.

⚽️ Euro Football: Man UNited moved up to fifth in the Europa League table, with a big 2-1 comeback win vs Viktoria Plzeň.

Hojlund scores twice for Red Devils after Vydra capitalised on Onana howler

Former Barcelona youngster Marc Guiu caught the eye as he helped fire Chelsea into the knockout stage of the Uefa Conference League with a 3-1 victory against Astana in Kazakhstan.

Hojlund with a classy finish

🏈 Legendary American football coach Bill Belichick has returned to the game after a year out but not as a coach in the NFL.

The 72-year-old, who won a record six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, has become head coach of the University of North Carolina.

Bill Belichick takes over a Tar Heels programme that has not won a conference title since 1980.

🏟️ Some of the stadiums [yet to be built]for the Saudi Arabia hosted World Cup in 2034 look insane!!

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium is to be built on top of a cliff, some 200 metres above ground, and is set to have a capacity of 46,979 ⬇️

looks more like a Transformer than a football stadium

As was the case with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the 2034 edition, may need to be a winter tournament for temperatures to be cool enough.

Spain, Portugal and Morocco will co-host the 2030 men's World Cup - but the opening matches will be held in South America to mark the centenary of the Fifa World Cup.

🏏 Stokes Admits Ashes Focus Needs Adjustment

England captain Ben Stokes concedes he placed "too much emphasis" on next year’s Ashes in Australia and plans to "tone down expectations" moving forward.

"In interviews in the summer and stuff like that a lot was pointed towards the Ashes, which was a long way away," Stokes admitted. "You do always have one eye on that but we have six more Tests before that... when the Ashes is our next series, then we will focus on it."

England, aiming for a 3-0 series sweep in New Zealand, to close their record-breaking 17-Test year.

🇰🇷 Only in South Korea: Netflix series "Rugged Rugby: Conquer or Die" features 8 vs 8 scrum battle contest between each team (best of 3 with the defensive scrum winning if it holds out for 20 seconds)!

🏍️ MotoGP Set for Brazilian Return in 2026

MotoGP will race in Brazil for the first time in over 20 years, with Goiania’s Ayrton Senna circuit hosting from 2026 to 2030 under a new five-year deal.

"Brazil is a global player and somewhere we have always believed deserves a space on our calendar," said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports.

The move underscores MotoGP’s focus on South America, with Argentina already on the 2025 schedule. Brazil last hosted MotoGP in Rio de Janeiro from 1995 to 2004.

❤️ A body has been found in the search for former England rugby international Tom Voyce, who went missing in an area flooded during Storm Darragh.

Formal identification is yet to take place, but Mr Voyce's next of kin have been notified. 

Concerns were raised after Mr Voyce, who was capped nine times for England from 2001 until 2006, had not returned home from being out with friends on Saturday evening.

🏀 As the Golden State Warriors search for another superstar to pair with Steph Curry, they reportedly have two big names on their radar — LeBron James and Jimmy Butler. 

Talk surrounding the future of James and what’s next for the four-time MVP seemingly won’t go away.

Bucks v Hawks & Thunder v Rockets are the two semi finals of the NBA Cup in Vegas, to be played out over the weekend, with the final on Thursday 00:30 AEDT.

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TODAY

07:00 - UEFA Europa League Group Stage - Ajax Amsterdam v Lazio (Stan Sport App)

12:15 - NFL - San Francisco 49ers v Los Angeles Rams (ESPN)

14:00 - NHL - Seattle Kraken v Boston Bruins (ESPN 2)

19:30 - NBL - Melbourne United v Illawarra Hawks (ESPN)

19:35 - A-League Men - Central Coast Mariners v Adelaide United (Paramount+)

SATURDAY

03:00 - T20 Series - South Africa v Pakistan (Fox Cricket)

09:00 - Test Match - New Zealand v England (Fox Sports)

11:00 - NHL - Carolina Hurricanes v Ottawa Senators (ESPN)

11:20 - Test Match - Australia v India (Channel 7, Fox Cricket)

15:00 - A-League Men - Wellington Phoenix v Macarthur FC Bulls (Paramount+)

17:00 - A-League Men - Sydney FC v Western United (10 Bold)

17:30 - NBL - Adelaide 36ers v New Zealand Breakers (ESPN)

20:00 - NBL - Cairns Taipans v Perth Wildcats (ESPN)

SUNDAY 

02:00 - Premier League - Liverpool v Fulham (Optus Sport)

02:00 - Premier League - Arsenal v Everton (Optus Sport)

02:00 - Premier League - Newcastle United v Leicester City (Optus Sport)

03:00 - T20 Series - South Africa v Pakistan (Fox Cricket)

04:30 - Premier League - Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa (Optus Sport)

08:30 - NBA Cup Semi-Final - Milwaukee Bucks v Atlanta Hawks (ESPN)

09:00 - Test Match - New Zealand v England (Fox Sports)

11:20 - Test Match - Australia v India (Channel 7, Fox Cricket)

12:30 - NBA Cup Semi-Final - Oklahoma City Thunder v Houston Rockets (ESPN)

14:30 - NBL - South East Melbourne Phoenix v Melbourne United (Channel 10)

16:30 - NBL - Sydney Kings v Brisbane Bullets (10 Bold)

17:00 - A-League Men - Melbourne City v Auckland FC (Paramount+)

19:15 - Big Bash League - Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Stars (Channel 7, Fox Cricket)

📸 Photo of the week: Record breaking 16-year-old Gout Gout celebrates winning the Boys' U18 100m final at the 2024 Australian All Schools Athletics Championships in Brisbane.

👨🏻‍⚖️ Rohan Dennis Pleads Guilty

Former world champion Rohan Dennis has pleaded guilty to an aggravated charge of creating the likelihood of harm following the tragic death of his wife, Olympian Melissa Hoskins, in a car incident outside their Adelaide home last December.

Hoskins, a world champion and two-time Olympian, died after being struck by a vehicle driven by Dennis. The court heard there was no intent to harm, and Dennis will be sentenced at a later date.

🎾 Cruz Hewitt Eyes Australian Open Qualifying Spot

Cruz Hewitt, son of tennis icon Lleyton Hewitt, is being considered for a qualifying wildcard at the Australian Open.

The 16-year-old has built on his junior success, boasting a 30-10 record this year. Ranked 106 globally, but 15th among players born in 2008.

⛹🏻‍♀️ Adelaide Lightning Part Ways with Coach Nat Hurst

Nat Hurst and Adelaide Lightning have mutually agreed to part ways just eight games into her third season. A seven-time WNBL champion as a player, Hurst leaves after a challenging tenure, citing frustration over the team’s struggles despite a star-studded roster featuring Paris Olympians Steph Talbot and Isobel Borlase.

“It’s been super challenging,” Hurst told ESPN. “I’ve grown a lot, and I’m determined to coach on.” Assistant Matthew Clarke will step in as interim coach as the Lightning look to regroup.

🏉 Rugby Australia Sets Ambitious Goals

Rugby Australia has outlined bold targets for 2025-2029, aiming for the Wallabies to win the Bledisloe Cup every two years and for both the Wallabies and Wallaroos to feature in the final stages of the next Rugby World Cups.

The "From Green to Gold" strategy, released Tuesday, spans grassroots to elite levels, including Super Rugby, sevens, and national 15s teams. Optimism remains high for coach Joe Schmidt’s potential extension beyond the 2025 British & Irish Lions Series.

🐴 James Orman Injured in Freak Stable Incident

Queensland’s top jockey James Orman will be sidelined after a horse bit off the tip of his finger during trackwork on Tuesday. While fitting a tongue tie to Prince Of Boom, the Rob Heathcote-trained galloper accidentally clamped down.

The reigning Queensland metro leader with 30 wins this season, Orman had four rides booked for Ipswich today. His focus now shifts to recovery after the freak accident will disrupt his strong start to the season.

🎶 Ex-Roosters foursome drop debut rap single

What do a Wallaby, a Rooster, a Bulldog and a Japanese rugby star have in common? A debut single and incoming album to drop later this week.

Footy stars Joey Manu, Joseph Sua'ali'i, Sitili Tupouniua and Siua Wong make up the rap group, who began teasing something in the works in early November. In a string of social media posts since, Dreamyourz announced their official album OFF-SZN dropping on December 12.

🇵🇬 PNG Poised to Join NRL in Historic Expansion

Papua New Guinea’s entry into the NRL is set to be confirmed tomorrow, marking a historic milestone for the rugby league-mad nation.

Prime Minister James Marape, speaking at Sydney's PNG CORE conference, highlighted the potential of the venture, backed by $600 million from the Australian government.

The club will debut in 2028, with plans for a 15,000-seat home stadium in Port Moresby and a dedicated academy nurturing nearly 700 young talents. While key decisions on branding, coaching, and player recruitment remain, officials are confident PNG’s 12-million-strong population will make it the NRL’s most supported franchise.

🙋🏻‍♂️ 2024 AFL Draftees Poised for Round 1 Debuts

With the AFL season fast approaching, the spotlight turns to the new draftees likely to make an impact in Round 1 of 2025. Clubs like Adelaide, Brisbane, Carlton, and Sydney are tipped to unleash top picks early, while others may opt to develop their talent in lower leagues.

Adelaide’s Sid Draper, Brisbane’s Levi Ashcroft, and Carlton’s Jagga Smith headline the names ready to push for selection.

🥇 Tarryn Aiken Claims IRL Golden Boot After Stellar Season

Jillaroos half back Tarryn Aiken has been crowned the 2024 IRL Golden Boot winner, capping a remarkable year. The 25-year-old steered Australia to Pacific Cup glory, Queensland to a historic State of Origin win, and the Roosters to the NRLW premiership, collecting two player-of-the-match medals along the way. Simply unstoppable.

⚾️ Juan Soto’s $765M Deal and Baseball’s Déjà Vu

Baseball’s history may not repeat, but it often rhymes. Juan Soto’s record-breaking $765 million contract with the Mets echoes Alex Rodriguez’s $252 million deal with the Rangers in 2000. Both deals, forged at the same Dallas winter meetings hotel by Scott Boras, symbolized the excesses of their eras.

Rodriguez’s blockbuster signing was a cautionary tale. The Rangers endured three losing seasons, struggled to build around their star, and ultimately shipped him to the Yankees. By 2010, they were in bankruptcy court.

Soto’s mega deal raises familiar questions: can one player truly justify such an astronomical cost?

⚽️ Romero Calls Out Spurs Board After Chelsea Collapse

Tottenham defender Cristian Romero has taken aim at the club’s board following a 4-3 loss to Chelsea, accusing them of failing to invest in the squad. “City, Liverpool, Chelsea—they strengthen every year. We need to imitate that,” Romero told Telemundo.

With Spurs languishing 11th in the table, Romero defended manager Ange Postecoglou, instead pointing fingers at the board. “It’s always the same—players change, coaches change, but the same people are responsible,” he said. Spurs’ lack of ambition, he suggested, is holding back a club with title-winning potential.

🏎️ Ferrari to Power Cadillac’s F1 Debut

Ferrari will supply engines and gearboxes to Cadillac’s Formula 1 team if its 2026 entry is approved. While Cadillac plans to develop its own power unit by 2028, Ferrari ensures the US brand a competitive start.

Despite losing Sauber to Audi, Ferrari will maintain two customer teams on the grid for 2026.

Twitter tweet

🎾 Sabalenka Crowned WTA Player of the Year

Aryna Sabalenka claimed the WTA Player of the Year title after a stunning 2024 season, winning the Australian Open, US Open, and two additional titles. Rising to world number one in October, Sabalenka finished with a 56-14 record, cementing her dominance despite missing Wimbledon and the Olympics.

🏈 icymi: Stona and Petaia Join NFL’s International Talent Pathway

Olympic discus champion Roje Stona and Wallabies star Jordan Petaia are among the 2025 cohort for the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP). The program identifies global talent, giving athletes a shot at the NFL.

The 14 athletes will undergo a 10-week training camp in Florida, honing skills before showcasing their talents to scouts. Stona, fresh off Olympic glory, and Petaia, aiming to follow Australian Jordan Mailata’s NFL success, headline a group including UK and Irish rugby players. The IPP program has launched 41 players into NFL teams since 2017, with six making active rosters.

📸 Photo of the Week: Bareback rider Rocker Steiner rides Bishop of Hi Lo Pro Rodeo during the Annual Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

🐴 On the loose: Rufio was contesting the closing 2m7½f handicap chase in Musselburgh, Scotland before unseating his amateur rider Lucy Brown at the fourth fence.

The $101.0 shot completed another circuit of the course before exiting the track and heading for the town centre, with images of the ten-year-old galloping down a street.

🏈 Bengals Snap Losing Streak After Cowboys Blunder

In the chaos of Texas football, the Cincinnati Bengals emerged victorious, 27-20, snapping a three-game losing streak. With two minutes to play and the score tied, Dallas deflected a punt only for Amani Oruwariye to touch the ball, making it live—Cincinnati pounced.

Both teams now sit at 5-8, clinging to faint play-off hopes, but this one will sting for Dallas, who missed quarterback Dak Prescott’s leadership on the field.

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TODAY 

04:45 - UEFA Champions Lge - Girona v Liverpool (Stan Sport App)
07:00 - UEFA Champions Lge - Stade Brestois 29 v PSV Eindhoven (Stan Sport App)
07:00 - UEFA Champions Lge - Shakhtar Donetsk v Bayern Munich (Stan Sport App)
07:00 - UEFA Champions Lge - Red Bull Salzburg v Paris Saint-Germain (Stan Sport App)
07:00 - UEFA Champions Lge - RB Leipzig v Aston Villa (Stan Sport App)
07:00 - UEFA Champions Lge - Bayer Leverkusen v Inter Milan (Stan Sport App)
07:00 - UEFA Champions Lge - Atalanta v Real Madrid (Stan Sport App)
10:30 - Men's NCAA - Tennessee Volunteers v Miami Hurricanes (ESPN 2)
11:00 - NBA Cup Quarter-Final - Milwaukee Bucks v Orlando Magic (ESPN)
13:00 - Men's NCAA - Arkansas Razorbacks v Michigan Wolverines (ESPN 2)
13:30 - NBA Cup Quarter-Final - Oklahoma City Thunder v Dallas Mavericks (ESPN)
15:20 - Women's ODI Series - Australia v India (Channel 7, Fox Cricket)

THURSDAY

07:00 - UEFA Champions Lge - Borussia Dortmund v Barcelona (Stan Sport App)
07:00 - UEFA Champions Lge - Juventus v Manchester City (Stan Sport App)
07:00 - UEFA Champions Lge - Arsenal v AS Monaco (Stan Sport App)
11:00 - NHL - Buffalo Sabres v New York Rangers (ESPN 2)
11:00 - NBA Cup - New York Knicks v Atlanta Hawks (ESPN)
13:30 - NBA Cup - Houston Rockets v Golden State Warriors (ESPN)
17:30 - NBL - New Zealand Breakers v Tasmania JackJumpers (ESPN)
19:30 - NBL - Brisbane Bullets v South East Melbourne Phoenix (ESPN)

🏏 Starc Shines as Australia Dominate Day One in Adelaide

Mitchell Starc delivered career-best Test figures of 6-48 as Australia bowled India out for 180 on day one of the second Test. Starc’s pink-ball mastery dismantled India’s batting, claiming key scalps including KL Rahul and Virat Kohli.

In reply, Australia reached 1-89 at stumps, with Nathan McSweeney (38*) and Marnus Labuschagne (20*) steadying the innings under the lights.

🎾 Nick Kyrgios has utilized his protected ranking to secure a spot in the main draw of the 2025 Australian Open. The 29-year-old has been sidelined since June 2023 due to knee, foot, and wrist injuries. He plans to return to competition at the World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi from December 19-22, followed by the Brisbane International later in December.

🏃🏾‍♂️ Gout Gout Sprints Into Australian Athletics History

Queensland’s Gout Gout stunned the track world with a blistering, wind-assisted 10.04 seconds in the All Schools Championships 100m heat—Australia’s fourth-fastest time in any conditions.

Just hours later, the 16-year-old shattered the national under-18 record with a wind-legal 10.17 in the final, solidifying his status as a generational sprint talent.

Gout, who will train with Olympic champion Noah Lyles in January, is now aiming for the World Championships and Olympic gold, declaring, “Now I’m up there, I couldn’t be happier.” Watch this space.

🏉 icymi: James Tedesco Commits to Roosters with One-Year Extension

James Tedesco has signed a 12-month contract extension, keeping him at the Sydney Roosters until 2026. The 31-year-old’s deal ensures stability as the club navigates a transitional period following the departure of senior stars.

Tedesco, proud to remain with the Roosters, said, “I’m excited to continue playing for this incredible club.” Coach Trent Robinson praised his leadership, confirming Tedesco will stay at fullback for the next two seasons.

👋🏼 Longtime Collingwood recruiting manager Derek Hine has departed the club as the Magpies’ off-field shake up continues.

Collingwood confirmed on Friday the two parties had mutually agreed to part ways, ending Hine’s 21-year stint at the club. (Fox Sports)

💰 PLAY OF THE DAY

NORTHERLY STAKES - 1800m – Group 1 – Weight For Age

From the past 15 winners: (via thebeatenfavourite.com)

• 6 have been Favourites
  

• 9 have had a SP of $10 or less
  

• 7 have raced in the Railway Stakes in the same prep
  

• 5 have raced in the WA Guineas in the same prep
  

• Grant Williams is the Leading Trainer of this event with 4 wins
  

Play: 16. STORYVILLE $4.40

·      SP $4.40; Barrier 1; 3YO; Saddlecloth 16; Trainer – Grant Williams

RANDOM “SPORTS NEWS”

⚽️ Thievy Bifouma, nearing the end of his career, aspired to face Cristiano Ronaldo. Seizing an opportunity, he signed with Iran's Esteghlal, aiming for an AFC Champions League match against Ronaldo's Al Nassr.

However, Bifouma mistakenly joined Esteghlal Khuzestan instead of Esteghlal FC.

Despite the mix-up, Bifouma has performed well, scoring three goals and providing two assists in nine league games this season.

🎯 Massive Kim Jo-il vibes (the North Korea dictator claimed he shot 38 under, including 11 holes-in-one, at the 7,700-yard championship course at Pyongyang in the VERY FIRST golf round of his life).

Snooker pro, Shaun Murphy, claiming the trifecta of a 147 break, nine-dart finish, and hole-in-one, stepped up on live TV to prove his darting prowess.

At a live event, the snooker champ faltered with just four points, sparking skepticism of his massive feat from darts legend Michael van Gerwen.

🏏 Robinsons Defy the Odds

Two England cricketers, wicketkeeper Ollie Robinson and bowler Ollie Robinson, share the same name and December 1 birthday. ChatGPT claims the odds are 1 in 1.3 trillion and a headache for statisticians and the scorer alike.

🏎️ McLaren made a perfect start in their bid to secure their first constructors' title since 1998 at the season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

McLaren head Ferrari by 21 points with 44 remaining and ended Friday practice with a one-two, Lando Norris ahead of Oscar Piastri. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc will start Sunday's race no better than 11th because of a penalty.

Leclerc was given a 10-place grid drop because Ferrari needed to fit a new battery to his car, and that exceeded his allowance of two for the season.

Norris headed Piastri by 0.234 seconds ahead of the Haas of Nico Hulkenberg, a surprise in third place.

Ferrari's Carlos Sainz was fourth fastest, 0.582secs off the pace, ahead of Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, Leclerc and the Sauber of Valtteri Bottas.

🏀 NBA Returns to China After Four-Year Hiatus

The NBA will return to China in October 2025 with preseason games between the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns in Macao. This marks the league’s first visit since 2019, following tensions over Hong Kong protests. Years of diplomacy, led by NBA China CEO Michael Ma, have mended the lucrative partnership.

🏏 Harry Brook and Brydon Carse Star as England Dominate Day One

Harry Brook’s dazzling 123 from 115 balls rescued England after a shaky start, adding 174 with Ollie Pope (66) to lift the tourists to 280. Despite early batting collapses, England’s bowlers hit back, with Brydon Carse dismissing Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell to leave New Zealand struggling at 86-5, trailing by 194.

Giphy

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TODAY
05:30 - PGA TOUR - World Challenge, Round 2 - Fox Sports
09:00 - Test Match - New Zealand v England - Fox Cricket
10:00 - Global Super League Final - Victoria Men v Rangpur Riders - Fox Sports More
10:30 - Sheffield Shield Group Game - NSW Men v Western Australia Men - Kayo Sports
10:30 - Sheffield Shield Group Game - Victoria Men v Queensland Bulls - Kayo Sports
10:30 - Sheffield Shield Group Game - Tasmania Tigers Men v South Australia Men - Kayo Sports
11:30 - NBA Regular Season - Boston Celtics v Milwaukee Bucks - ESPN
13:20 - Test Match - New Zealand v England - Fox Sports
14:00 - NBA Regular Season - Golden State Warriors v Minnesota Timberwolves - ESPN
15:00 - Test Match - Australia v India - Channel 7, Fox Cricket
15:00 - A-League Men Regular Season - Auckland FC v Wellington Phoenix - 10 Bold or Paramount+
17:30 - NBL Regular Season - New Zealand Breakers v Sydney Kings - ESPN
18:00 - A-League Men Regular Season - Newcastle Jets v Adelaide United - Paramount+
18:00 - A-League Men Regular Season - Western United v Macarthur FC Bulls - Paramount+
19:00 - Test Match - South Africa v Sri Lanka - Fox Sports
19:30 - Women's Friendly - Australia v Chinese Taipei - Paramount+ or Channel 10
19:38 - Men's World Series - Men's Cape Town Sevens, Day 1, Round 2 - Stan Sport App
20:00 - NBL Regular Season - South East Melbourne Phoenix v Cairns Taipans - ESPN
22:30 - Test Match - South Africa v Sri Lanka - Fox Cricket
23:30 - Premier League - Everton v Liverpool - Optus Sport 1

SUNDAY
01:00 - Formula 1 UAE - Formula 1 UAE Qualifying, Round 24 - Fox Sports
02:00 - Premier League - Brentford v Newcastle United - Optus Sport 4
02:00 - Premier League - Crystal Palace v Manchester City - Optus Sport 2
04:00 - PGA TOUR - World Challenge, Round 3 - Fox Sports
04:30 - Premier League - Manchester United v Nottingham Forest - Optus Sport 1
09:00 - Test Match - New Zealand v England - Fox Cricket
09:30 - Men's NCAA Regular Season - Houston Cougars v Butler Bulldogs - ESPN
10:30 - Sheffield Shield Group Game - Tasmania Tigers Men v South Australia Men - Kayo Sports
10:30 - Sheffield Shield Group Game - Victoria Men v Queensland Bulls - Kayo Sports
10:30 - Sheffield Shield Group Game - NSW Men v Western Australia Men - Kayo Sports
10:45 - Women's ODI Series - Australia v India - Fox Cricket or Channel 7
12:00 - NBA Regular Season - Miami Heat v Phoenix Suns - ESPN 2
13:20 - Women's ODI Series - Australia v India - 7mate, Fox Sports
14:00 - UFC 310 Main Card - Alexandre Pantoja v Kai Asakura - Main Event
14:00 - Men's NCAA Regular Season - Gonzaga Bulldogs v Kentucky Wildcats - ESPN 2
14:30 - NBL Regular Season - Melbourne United v Brisbane Bullets - Channel 10, ESPN
15:00 - Test Match - Australia v India - Channel 7, Fox Cricket
16:30 - NBL Regular Season - Adelaide 36ers v Perth Wildcats - 10 Bold, ESPN
17:00 - A-League Men Regular Season - Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory - Paramount+
18:00 - A-League Men Regular Season - Central Coast Mariners v Sydney FC - Paramount+
19:00 - Test Match - South Africa v Sri Lanka - Fox Sports
19:38 - Men's World Series - Men's Cape Town Sevens, Day 2, Round 2 - Stan Sport App
22:30 - Test Match - South Africa v Sri Lanka - Fox Cricket

🏏 Bradman’s Baggy Green Sold

Don Bradman’s 1947-48 baggy green cap fetched $479,700 at auction, including fees. Worn during his final home Test series, where he averaged 178.75, the sun-faded cap was given to India’s 1948 tour manager, Pankaj Kumar Gupta, and is the only known cap from the iconic series.

🏏 Sam Konstas: Test Debut a Matter of When, Not If

Teen sensation Sam Konstas’ meteoric rise continues, with his latest century sparking speculation about a Test debut this summer. At just 19, the NSW opener became the youngest to score a Prime Minister’s XI century since David Boon in 1984. While likely a development season, Konstas’ Baggy Green feels inevitable.

🏏 Mystery Surrounds Hazlewood’s Omission from Second Test

Josh Hazlewood’s exclusion from the Adelaide Test has raised eyebrows, with Sunil Gavaskar suggesting a deeper mystery. Officially ruled out with a side strain, Hazlewood had shown no signs of injury after Australia's defeat in Perth. Gavaskar speculates team discord following Hazlewood’s comments blaming batters for the loss.

India, already leading 1-0, welcome back captain Rohit Sharma and boast a resurgent batting line-up. For Pat Cummins' Australia, recovering from their recent struggles and avoiding a fifth consecutive series loss to India looks increasingly challenging.

🎾 Neale Fraser: Australian Tennis Legend Dies at 91

Fraser celebrates winning the 1960 Wimbledon title after beating Rod Laver in the final

Australian tennis great Neale Fraser has passed away at 91. Ranked world No. 1 in 1959, Fraser claimed singles titles at Wimbledon and the US Open while excelling in doubles, amassing 16 grand slam victories. Tennis Australia mourned the loss of a true icon of the sport.

🏎️ Jack Doohan to Make F1 Debut at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Australian Jack Doohan will make his Formula One debut at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, taking the wheel for Alpine a race earlier than planned. Replacing Esteban Ocon, who is moving to Haas for post-season testing, Doohan has a valuable opportunity to gain F1 experience before his full-time seat in 2025.

With high expectations set by standout rookie Ollie Bearman in similar situations, Doohan faces pressure to deliver. Alpine boss Oliver Oakes expressed confidence, saying, “Jack’s professional enough to handle it.” Fans will also watch compatriot Oscar Piastri in McLaren’s constructors’ championship battle, making Monday’s race a must-see.

⚽️ Live VAR piped into Stadiums

Match spectators and television viewers will hear live VAR announcements during men’s A-League matches for the rest of the 2024-25 season.

This follows a trial in the finals last year, and the success of this format in the recent Rugby Union internationals, which was met with praise across the board.

NRL NEWS

☎️ Daley's Cold Call Scores a Big Win for the Blues

It wasn’t a tackle or a game plan that secured Laurie Daley his first victory in his second stint as NSW Blues coach - Daley’s return marks only the second time a coach has re-entered the NSW arena after Phil Gould - it was a bold, out-of-the-blue phone call. The kind you make when you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Daley’s reappointment as Blues head coach on a two-year deal was big news on its own, but it was his audacious recruitment of Melbourne Storm legend Craig Bellamy as an advisor that stole the headlines. Bellamy, who famously declined the Blues job in September, citing the difficulty of coaching against his own club players, had every reason to say no. But Daley wasn’t taking no for an answer.

“I rang him out of the blue—just cold called him,” Daley told Nine's Today. A gutsy move for a man returning to the job he last held in 2017. “I thought that was going to be a no straight away, but he said he’d think about it. I told my wife, ‘We’re a chance.’”

💰 Pahulu Requests Release Over Bonus Snub

Rising Titans star Josiah Pahulu seeks an immediate release after being benched one game short of a $50,000 bonus. The 20-year-old Rookie of the Year, contracted until 2025, is unhappy with the club's decision, prompting interest from the Bulldogs as tensions rise over his future.

🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea Set for NRL Entry in 2028

Papua New Guinea’s long-awaited inclusion in the NRL has been confirmed, with an official announcement expected before Christmas. Backed by $600 million in government funding, PNG’s team will join the competition in 2028. Meanwhile, Perth Bears' slower-moving bid keeps their 2027 entry uncertain, though the NRL remains optimistic about their eventual inclusion.

AFL NEWS

🔁 Tom McCallum Joins Norwood After Port Adelaide Delisting

Former Port Adelaide defender Tom McCallum has signed with Norwood for the 2025 SANFL season. Delisted in September after two years at AFL level, McCallum played 30 SANFL games for the Magpies, showcasing versatility as a rebounding defender and wingman. The 20-year-old impressed in 2024, notably with a standout Round 13 performance featuring 16 disposals and two goals.

🦢 Dean Cox Begins Sydney Overhaul with Positional Shake-Up

New Swans coach Dean Cox wasted no time implementing changes, trialling key defender Tom McCartin as a full forward on the first day of pre-season training. McCartin, a junior forward turned defensive stalwart, adds versatility as Cox reshapes Sydney’s strategy after their Grand Final loss.

Cox plans a defence-first approach while experimenting with positional flexibility. “The best sides defend really well,” Cox said, hinting at adjustments to address Sydney’s recent big-stage struggles. Securing midfielder Chad Warner's future also remains a priority amid interest from Perth clubs.

👎🏻 Off a cliff: What has happened at Man City? 

Rumours are rife that Premier League is preparing to throw the book at them.

Below are some worrying stats for November, for the reigning EPL champions & Is Pep losing the plot?

Credit: 442oons on YouTube

• Apart from Haaland, the rest of the team vs Liverpool had scored (0) league goals this season.

• Goals Scored in November = 2nd worst in league (2)

• Goals conceded = most in league (15)

• Expected goals against = worst in league

• Big chances faced = worst in league.

🥇 Tebogo and Hassan Crowned World’s Best at Athletics Awards

Letsile Tebogo and Sifan Hassan were named Athletes of the Year at the World Athletics Awards in Monaco. Tebogo, 21, became Botswana’s first Olympic champion with a 200m African record (19.46s) and relay silver. Hassan made history with marathon gold and bronze in the 5,000m and 10,000m at Paris 2024.

🚴🏻‍♂️ Double Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel was taken to hospital after sustaining rib, shoulder blade and hand fractures in a bike crash during a training ride.

According to Belgian media reports, the 24-year-old crashed into an open door of a postal vehicle while he was on a ride in Oetingen, Belgium.

In 2020, Evenepoel fractured his pelvis in a horrific crash off a bridge at Il Lombardia.

📸 Photo of the Week: Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat rebounds the ball during the game against the Toronto Raptors at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada.

🏀 Giddey Shines in Bulls' Dominant Win

Josh Giddey recorded his first triple-double for the Chicago Bulls with 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists in a commanding 128-102 win over the Brooklyn Nets. Giddey led a shorthanded Bulls squad, stepping up in Coby White’s absence, while Nikola Vucevic and rookie Matas Buzelis added strong support.

The Nets, missing Ben Simmons, couldn’t match Chicago’s third-quarter surge. Now 9-13, the Bulls aim to build momentum against the Spurs and Pacers this week.

Giddey’s all-around performance proves he’s the playmaker Chicago needs to turn their season around.

🥊 Dubois Set to Defend Heavyweight Title Against Parker

Daniel Dubois will defend his world heavyweight title against New Zealand's Joseph Parker on 22 February in Saudi Arabia. Dubois, 27, stunned Anthony Joshua in September to retain his IBF belt, while former WBO champion Parker, 32, seeks a comeback. The card also features Artur Beterbiev defending his light-heavyweight crown in a rematch against Dmitry Bivol.

⚽️ EPL Whispers: Real Madrid are to make contact with Manchester United's Diogo Dalot, Mohamed Salah is willing to accept a one-year deal at Liverpool, and Manchester United have started talks about signing striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting in the summer.

🙋🏼‍♀️ The Road to F1: Women Drivers Edge Closer to the Grid

Formula 1 is paving the way for women on the grid, with initiatives like the F1 Academy and grassroots programs targeting talent from as young as eight.

Susie Wolff (wife of Maclaren boss Toto) has predicted a woman starting an F1 race within 10 years, as emerging stars like Abbi Pulling and Doriane Pin showcase their talents.

Pulling’s F1 Academy title and a funded GB3 seat highlight progress has been made.

Giphy

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TODAY 

07:15 - Premier League - Leicester City v West Ham United - Optus Sport 2

10:00 - Global Super League - Victoria Men v Lahore Qalandars - Fox Cricket

11:00 - NHL - Boston Bruins v Detroit Red Wings - ESPN 2

11:30 - NBA Cup - New York Knicks v Orlando Magic - ESPN

14:00 - NHL - Vegas Golden Knights v Edmonton Oilers - ESPN 2

14:00 - NBA Cup - Denver Nuggets v Golden State Warriors - ESPN

20:00 - Women's Friendly - Australia v Chinese Taipei - Paramount+ or Channel 10

THURSDAY

06:30 - Premier League - Newcastle United v Liverpool - Optus Sport 2

06:30 - Premier League - Manchester City v Nottingham Forest - Optus Sport 4

06:30 - Premier League - Everton v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Optus Sport 5

06:30 - Premier League - Southampton v Chelsea - Optus Sport 6

07:15 - Premier League - Arsenal v Manchester United - Optus Sport 3

07:15 - Premier League - Aston Villa v Brentford - Optus Sport 7

10:00 - Global Super League - Guyana Amazon Warriors v Rangpur Riders - Fox Cricket

11:15 - Men's NCAA - North Carolina Tar Heels v Alabama Crimson Tide - ESPN 2

11:30 - NBA - Miami Heat v Los Angeles Lakers - ESPN

13:15 - Men's NCAA - Duke Blue Devils v Auburn Tigers - ESPN 2

15:20 - Women's ODI Series - Australia v India - Channel 7, Fox Cricket

17:30 - NBL - New Zealand Breakers v Melbourne United - ESPN

19:00 - Test Match - South Africa v Sri Lanka - Fox Sports

19:30 - NBL - Tasmania JackJumpers v Cairns Taipans - ESPN

22:50 - Test Match - South Africa v Sri Lanka - Fox Cricket

❤️ Australian cricket great Ian Redpath has died, aged 83. The former Test batter was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame prior to his passing and is regarded as a crucial figure of the sport in Victoria.

Redpath played 66 games in the baggy green, scoring eight centuries for the Aussies.

🏏 Sam Konstas sent a timely reminder to Australian selectors, blasting a brilliant century (107 from 97) for the Prime Minister's XI against India.

The teenage sensation was in the mix for a Test spot before ultimately being overlooked in favour of South Australia's Nathan McSweeney for the vacant opener role.

However, after a horror performance in the series opener at Optus Stadium, pressure is mounting on Australia's top order, with Konstas giving the decision-makers some food for thought after belting India's bowling attack.

🏀 Bryce Cotton dropped a modern NBL record 59 points, and his Perth Wildcats needed almost all of them to get past the New Zealand Breakers 123-112 at RAC Arena.

The Wildcats superstar set a new 40-minute era record, scoring 20 points in the first quarter and keeping the hot hand going all afternoon.

Cotton surpassed his previous career-high of 45 midway through the third term and finished going 18 of 28 from the field, seven of 15 from deep and 16 of 17 from the foul line.

He added seven assists, three rebounds and just one turnover.

Cotton smashed the previous 40-minute era scoring high of 51 points - set by Brisbane’s James Batemon against Perth just a fortnight ago - and broke the Wildcats’ previous scoring record, 57 points by James Crawford in 1987.

Women’s Sports Update

⚽️ The Matildas came out with a vengeance but it was not enough to re-write the record as Brazil stormed to a 2-1 victory on the Gold Coast on Sunday night.

🏏 The rain couldn't stop the Melbourne Renegades on Sunday as they clinched their maiden WBBL title with a dominant win over the Brisbane Heat.

Despite only posting a modest total of 9-141 from their 20 overs, it was one-way traffic for the Renegades with ball in hand as the Heat crumpled under the pressure.

Wet weather reduced the equation to 98 runs to win from 12 overs for the Heat, but they failed to come close to the revised total at the Melbourne Cricket Ground finishing 6-90.

🏉 Dubai Rugby Sevens: Bella Nasser's first event as captain ended with a title as they took down New Zealand 28-24 in the Final. The Men’s side only managed to finish 7th.

🇦🇺 icymi: North Melbourne capped off an undefeated season with their first AFLW premiership at Ikon Park, adding a dose of revenge on last year’s winners Brisbane with a resounding 6.3 (39) to 1.3 (9) triumph in front of a crowd of 12,122.

• Libby Birch became the first player in the history (women’s and men’s) to win three premierships for three different teams.

⛷️ Jakara Anthony confirmed her place as an Australian winter sport great with a record 42nd career podium finish at a FIS World Cup event.

Anthony was beaten in Finland by France's Perrine Laffont, but her second-place finish took her past Australian aerial skier Kirstie Marshall's 41 career podiums.

NRL NEWS

✍🏼 Tigers recruit Jack Bird has confirmed there’s a chance he will be wearing the No.13 jersey in 2025, joining the club’s middle forwards in a shock move.

Bird, who signed after being released from the Dragons, has been one of the NRL’s most versatile players, featuring at lock, centre, five-eighth and in the back row in the past.

✍🏼 The Storm reportedly have a major battle on their hands to retain rising star Jonah Pezet, with the Knights desperate to secure the playmaker’s services.

However, Newcastle bosses and captain Kalyn Ponga reportedly took the halfback out for a dinner, hoping to lure him back to the Hunter region.

Pezet has previously played in the Knights junior representative teams, having played Harold Matthews and SG Ball for Newcastle between 2018 and 2020.

The Knights have reportedly tabled a deal worth around $2.5 million across four seasons, hoping to secure one of the NRL’s next crop of rising playmakers.

📺 Rugby league guru Phil Gould has led a wave of emotional messages sent to Paul Vautin following the TV icon’s shock retirement announcement on Sunday morning. 

The larrikin commentator known as “Fatty” confirmed he is stepping down at the age of 65 after 33 years on Australian TV.

“When I think about my life I have to say it’s all been a surprise; the television career, my football career. I remember thinking as a 15 or 16-year-old redheaded, freckly kid that I didn’t know what I was gonna do with my life, and then when I look at what I’ve done, I’m still surprised.” - Vaultin

AFL NEWS

✍🏼 Essendon have reportedly listed VFL defender Will Hoare as a Supplemental Selection Period train-on prospect this summer, with the mature-aged chance to compete for the sole list spot on offer at Tullamarine.

⚽️ EPL WRAP: Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points and heaped more misery on fading champions Manchester City with a fully deserved 2-0 victory at Anfield. Gakpo, & Salah (pen) getting the goals.

Liverpool were not flattered by the margin of victory, which leaves them 11 points clear of City, who not won for seven matches - losing their past four league games.

Salah 🤝 Gakpo

Ruben Amorim collected his first Premier League victory in emphatic fashion as his Manchester United side easily put four past lowly Everton at Old Trafford (4-0).

United have now beaten Everton 42 times in the Premier League, the highest tally of any side against one opponent in the competition.

Inconsistency struck Tottenham Hotspur again as they were held 1-1 at home by Fulham in the Premier League.

Cole Palmer shone in Chelsea’s comfortable 3-0 win over an Aston Villa side whose worrying winless run extended to eight matches.

⚽️ Socceroos striker Kusini Yengi is awaiting scan results after missing Portsmouth’s 2-2 draw with Swansea in the Championship with a knee injury.

Verstappen wins; Leclerc 2nd; Piastri 3rd

🏎️ Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won a dramatic Qatar Grand Prix that was brought to life by two mid-race safety cars and a penalty for McLaren’s Lando Norris.

Verstappen was in a tight fight with Norris throughout the race until the Briton was given a 10-second stop-and-go penalty for failing to slow for yellow flags.

Verstappen himself was instrumental in getting Norris the penalty after pointing the incident out to his team.

No easing up from Max Verstappen despite wrapping up the drivers' title in Las Vegas.

The curtain will come down on the longest F1 season next weekend with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where one of McLaren or Ferrari will celebrate winning the constructors' championship.

⛳️ American Ryggs Johnston defied jetlag and wild weather to clinch the Australian Open title by three shots at Melbourne's Kingston Heath Golf Course on Sunday evening.

Johnston's world ranking of 953rd is set to plummet after the 24-year-old topped the field with a final score of –18.

Local hopes Curtis Luck (-15), Marc Leishman (-14) and Jasper Stubbs (-14) rounded out the podium.

Former world No.1 Jiyai Shin hit an incredible shot from the crowd on her way to securing her second Australian Open crown.

🏀 The Atlanta Hawks edged the undermanned Charlotte Hornets 107-104 despite a season-high 17 points from Josh Green in a showdown with fellow Aussie Dyson Daniels.

🏀 Stephen Curry said the tendinitis in both of his knees is something he hasn't dealt with before, but that he and the Golden State Warriors are getting ahead of it to try to make sure it doesn't become a "nagging" issue.

After missing one game due to the bilateral knee pain, Curry returned and scored 23 points in 32 minutes but couldn't keep the Warriors from dropping their fourth straight contest with a 113-105 loss to the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on Saturday.

🏀 Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball will miss at least the next two weeks with a left calf strain, the team announced Saturday.

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TODAY 

05:00 - NFL - New York Jets v Seattle Seahawks - ESPN 2

05:00 - NFL - Minnesota Vikings v Arizona Cardinals - 7mate

05:00 - NFL - Cincinnati Bengals v Pittsburgh Steelers - ESPN

08:00 - Men's NCAA - UAB Blazers v Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders - ESPN 2

08:05 - NFL - New Orleans Saints v Los Angeles Rams - 7mate

08:25 - NFL - Baltimore Ravens v Philadelphia Eagles - ESPN

10:00 - Global Super League - Guyana Amazon Warriors v Hampshire Hawks - Fox Sports

11:00 - NBA - Houston Rockets v Oklahoma City Thunder - ESPN 2

12:20 - NFL - Buffalo Bills v San Francisco 49ers - ESPN

TUESDAY

12:00 - NBA - Minnesota Timberwolves v Los Angeles Lakers - ESPN 2

12:15 - NFL - Denver Broncos v Cleveland Browns - ESPN

14:05 - AUS One-Day Cup - Tasmania Tigers Men v Queensland Bulls - Fox Cricket

21:00 - AFC Champions League - Pohang Steelers v Vissel Kobe - Paramount+

🏏 icymi: Australia have added uncapped Tasmania all-rounder Beau Webster to their squad for the second Test against India in Adelaide.

The 30-year-old, who was player of the year in the Sheffield Shield last season, will join the national team for the match which starts on 6 December.

Webster averages 38 with the bat in first-class cricket and 37 with the ball.

“(Marsh) has been battling a couple of little niggles since the UK tour,” Australian captain Pat Cummins said during the post-match press conference in Perth.

“He was a little but sore towards the end of this Test match, so the next ten days he has a chance to freshen up and try to get it right.

🏉 Joseph Suaalii has been passed fit to face Ireland on Saturday and is named in a side that shows six changes from last weekend's defeat by Scotland.

Suaalii was forced off in the early stages of the Murrayfield game amid fears he had suffered a broken wrist.

"Joe's fine, he got one of those stingers where he had a bit of a dead arm," said Australia coach Joe Schmidt at Thursday's team announcement.

"We felt it was better to get it properly assessed and we couldn't hold the game up to do that so we took him out of the game against Scotland."

The Wallabies coach - who was in charge of Ireland from 2013 to 2019 - makes five changes to his pack, including recalls for props James Slipper and Taniela Tupou.

Rob Valentini is the only forwards retained from last week's starting line-up.

Australia: Tom Wright; Andrew Kellaway, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen; Noah Lolesio, Jake Gordon; James Slipper, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Taniela Tupou; Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams; Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight; Harry Wilson (capt)

📺 Sunday 02:10 - Ireland v Australia - Stan Sport App

⚽️ A celebration of retiring defender Clare Polkinghorne’s decorated career didn’t go to plan on Thursday night for the Matildas, who were beaten 3-1 by Brazil at Suncorp Stadium. 

Polkinghorne, who is retiring after an 18-year Matildas stint and a record 168 appearances for the national team, started the match and wore the captain’s armband. 

She was given a standing ovation by the crowd of more than 47,000 when she was replaced.

⛳️ Despite his past frustrations with courses in Melbourne, Cameron Smith (-6) blitzed the first round of the Australian Open.

Smith, the pre-tournament favourite, shot a scintillating six-under 66 at The Victoria Golf Club to start strong but it was another Aussie who stole the show.

Smith's Ripper GC teammate Lucas Herbert finished his round at eight-under to give him the outright lead.

🏆 AFLW Grand Final Preview

Dakota Davidson (left) and Alice O'Loughlin. Pictures: AFL Photos

Ninety-nine home and away games, eight finals, and now North Melbourne and Brisbane will face off in the ultimate decider for the second year running.

The first AFLW night Grand Final will be played at Melbourne’s Ikon Park from 7:45pm AEDT on Saturday. Watch live on Fox Footy & Kayo Sports.

Insert Jonathan Brown’s famous "It's basically the same, just darker." quote, on night Grand Finals vs Day Games.

Head-to-head: North Melbourne – one win, Brisbane – five wins

Last time they met: North Melbourne 12.6 (78) defeated Brisbane 5.4 (34), week one, 2024.

Neither side made a change from its victorious preliminary final line-up for the Grand Final.

Final score prediction: North Melbourne 53, Brisbane Lions 40

• The Kangaroos’ class and consistency should secure the premiership, but the Lions’ resilience will likely keep the margin respectable.

🏏 Cricket Australia believes the move to a shorter WBBL has been proven correct, with more viewers and almost as many spectators despite a significant drop in the number of games.

Officials on Thursday unveiled their WBBL team of the decade, with nine Australians in the XI and Ellyse Perry named captain.

Officials on Thursday unveiled their WBBL team of the decade, with nine Australians in the XI and Ellyse Perry named captain. (abc)

The Melbourne Renegades will face either the Brisbane Heat or Sydney Thunder in the WBBL grand final on Sunday.

🏀 There was some encouraging signs from Tacko Fall's NBL debut with the New Zealand Breakers but overall the Illawarra Hawks dominated the contest as NBL25 resumed with their 109-71 home victory. 

Last night saw the NBL season resume following the FIBA international window at the WIN Entertainment Centre in a second against third match up, but the Hawks were in control from go to woe.

🏀 Basketball is on the up!

Twitter tweet

🎾 World number two and five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek has accepted a one-month suspension after testing positive for a banned substance.

The 23-year-old reigning French Open champion tested positive for a heart medication, trimetazidine (TMZ), in an out-of-competition sample in August 2024, when she was world number one.

*quick google; it is believed that trimetazidine can help with endurance in physical activity.

🎾 No sign of a ban though for test-failing world number one Jannik Sinner. As we start to crunch the stats on his incredible season…

Before the season began, Sinner had 22 wins and 27 losses against top-10 players. He ends the year having won 17 of his 22 matches against them, including 10 of the past 11 meetings.

When Sinner did lose in 2024 he always took his opponent the distance. He has not lost a match since 2 October, where he fell in three sets to Alcaraz in the Beijing final.

Remarkably, Sinner went the entire year without suffering a straight-set defeat. He is only the second man after Federer in 2005 to achieve that in a full season.

*Sinner, 23, has so far avoided suspension from competition since the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced in August that he wasn't at fault despite testing positive for Clostebol, an anabolic steroid.

He has now won 26 sets in a row, finishing the year with a 92.41% win rate.

🏉 Young Sam Prendergast has retained his place in the Ireland team for Saturday's concluding autumn Test against Australia as he is preferred at fly-half to Jack Crowley.

Prendergast is thought to be the most “Jonny Sexton-like” player in ireland and there are big hopes for him. However, he’s very light for an international player and defence remains a query.

⚽️ EPL Whispers: icymi: Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to be appointed as Leicester City's new manager.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri hopes to return to action before the end of the season. (lord knows they need him).

Liverpool will target Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong if Trent Alexander-Arnold joins Real Madrid & Chelsea could move for Ipswich's Liam Delap.

🏏 Sri Lanka were bowled out for 42 by South Africa in Durban - the lowest Test total in the history of their men's team.

Replying to South Africa's first innings 191, Sri Lanka were all out after 13.5 overs on day two of the first Test.

🏏 Opting to field first on a green pitch that played true, England battled a stiff breeze and the brilliance of New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, whose 93 formed the backbone of the home side's 319-8 at the close of day 1.

🏎️ Sour Grapes? A senior steward fired by Formula 1's governing body, by text message no less, says the FIA is "running out of people to do those jobs".

"There aren't a lot of 'platinum-level' FIA race directors, which is the FIA's highest level certification. I'm one of them. It's a lot of work and, if you are doing the job right, you wake up every day with an ulcer thinking of all the various things you need to be thinking about.

"They're not doing themselves any favours. They are literally running out of people to do those jobs."

⛳️ Good golfer and YouTube idiot creator Bryson DeChambeau hit a hole in one over his house – after 16 days of trying. The trick shot over his Texas mansion took him 134 attempts. (watch on Twitter)

Even his run annoys me!

🪙 Just when you thought golf couldn’t get anymore cringe… The PGA Tour-LIV Golf made-for-TV matchup on Dec. 17 featuring four of the sport's biggest names will have a purse worth a minimum of $10 million in cryptocurrency, Front Office Sports reported on Wednesday.

The newly named Crypto.com Showdown will see Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy of the PGA Tour compete against Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau of LIV in an 18-hole event at Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas.

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08:30 - NFL - Dallas Cowboys v New York Giants - ESPN

09:00 - Test Match - New Zealand v England - Fox Cricket

09:00 - Men's NCAA - ESPN 2

12:20 - NFL - Green Bay Packers v Miami Dolphins - ESPN

18:30 - Test Match - South Africa v Sri Lanka - Fox Sports

19:30 - NBL - Cairns Taipans v Sydney Kings - ESPN

19:35 - A-League Men - Adelaide United v Perth Glory - 10 Bold or Paramount+

21:30 - NBL - Perth Wildcats v Brisbane Bullets - ESPN

22:35 - Test Match - South Africa v Sri Lanka - Fox Cricket

SATURDAY 

07:00 - NFL - Kansas City Chiefs v Las Vegas Raiders - 7mate, ESPN

07:00 - Premier League - Brighton & Hove Albion v Southampton - Optus Sport 1

07:00 - NHL - Carolina Hurricanes v Florida Panthers - ESPN

09:00 - Test Match - New Zealand v England - Fox Cricket

10:00 - Global Super League - Guyana Amazon Warriors v Victoria Men - Fox Sports

11:30 - NBA Cup - Minnesota Timberwolves v Los Angeles Clippers - ESPN

14:00 - NBA Cup - Los Angeles Lakers v Oklahoma City Thunder - ESPN

14:20 - Test Match - New Zealand v England - Fox Sports

14:40 - Two-Day Tour Match - Prime Minister's XI v India - Fox Cricket

15:00 - A-League Men - Auckland FC v Newcastle Jets - Paramount+

17:00 - A-League Men - Melbourne City v Western Sydney Wanderers - 10 Bold or Paramount+

17:06 - Men's World Series - Men's Dubai Sevens, Day 1, Round 1 - Stan Sport App

17:30 - NBL - South East Melbourne Phoenix v Illawarra Hawks - ESPN

18:30 - Test Match - South Africa v Sri Lanka - Fox Sports

20:00 - NBL - Adelaide 36ers v Tasmania JackJumpers - ESPN

22:10 - Test Match - South Africa v Sri Lanka - Fox Cricket

SUNDAY

01:00 - Global Super League - Hampshire Hawks v Lahore Qalandars - Fox Sports

02:00 - Premier League - Brentford v Leicester City - Optus Sport 2

02:00 - Premier League - Crystal Palace v Newcastle United - Optus Sport 6

02:00 - Premier League - Wolverhampton Wanderers v Bournemouth - Optus Sport 3

02:00 - Premier League - Nottingham Forest v Ipswich Town - Optus Sport 5

02:00 - Premiership Rugby - Northampton Saints v Gloucester Rugby - Stan Sport App

02:10 - Autumn Nations Series - Ireland v Australia - Stan Sport App

04:30 - Premier League - West Ham United v Arsenal - Optus Sport 1

04:45 - Premiership Rugby - Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs - Stan Sport App

09:00 - Test Match - New Zealand v England - Fox Cricket

12:20 - Test Match - New Zealand v England - Fox Sports

13:00 - NBA - Phoenix Suns v Golden State Warriors - ESPN 2

13:20 - WBBL Final - Melbourne Renegades v Brisbane Heat or Sydney Thunder - 7, 7+

14:30 - NBL - Melbourne United v Sydney Kings - Channel 10, ESPN AU

14:40 - Two-Day Tour Match - Prime Minister's XI v India - Fox Sports

16:00 - A-League Men - Western United v Melbourne Victory - Paramount+

16:30 - NBL - Perth Wildcats v New Zealand Breakers - 10 Bold, ESPN AU

17:15 - Two-Day Tour Match - Prime Minister's XI v India - Fox Cricket

17:48 - Men's World Series - Men's Dubai Sevens, Day 2, Round 1 - Stan Sport App

18:30 - Test Match - South Africa v Sri Lanka - Fox Sports

19:35 - Women's Friendly - Australia v Brazil - Paramount+ or Channel 10

22:10 - Test Match - South Africa v Sri Lanka - Fox Cricket

🏏 While Australia's men's team coach Andrew McDonald has confirmed there won't be a player cull following the 295-run loss to India, he's conceded fitness doubts remain over allrounder Mitchell Marsh's capacity to bowl.

"The people in that changeroom (for Perth Test) are the same people that will be in Adelaide," McDonald said.

The only additional top-order candidate in the Australia squad for the Perth Test was uncapped keeper-batter Josh Inglis who could be deployed as a specialist bat should selectors dictate.

That would leave the auxiliary bowling responsibilities to Labuschagne, Head and part-time spinner Nathan McSweeny (in his second Test) in Marsh's absence.

History suggests the need for a fifth bowler or beyond is minimal for pink ball Tests played at Adelaide Oval.

⛳️ The 2024 ISPS HANDA Australian Open will take place on Thursday, hosted at Kingston Heath Golf Club and The Victoria Golf Club, two renowned Sandbelt courses.

The unique event combines men's, women's, and all-abilities competitions.

Defending champion Joaquín Niemann ($5.5) leads the field, while Australian stars Cameron Smith ($8), Min Woo Lee ($10), Marc Leishman ($12), and last week’s winner Elvis Smylie ($46) aim to secure a win on home soil, leveraging their familiarity with the challenging terrain. Emerging talents like Harry Higgs ($81.0) and Harrison Crowe ($251) also provide intriguing underdog potential in what promises to be a thrilling tournament.

🏀 One spectator has received a lifetime ban and another fan has copped a 10-year ban from all NBL matches at all venues after the integrity unit completed its investigation into an ugly incident involving players and members of the crowd at a match earlier this month. 

As a result of the incident, 36ers star Montrezl Harrell was suspended for three games and fined $3685 after the single member tribunal upheld two charges of striking ($1550 fine each), a charge of engaging in a melee ($585 fine) and a charge of inappropriate grabbing or handling of a spectator.

Teammate Kendric Davis was also suspended for two matches for inappropriate grabbing or handling of a spectator.

🏏 Sheffield Shield: Cam Bancroft’s first century of the season - After failing to pass 16 runs in his 11 previous red-ball innings - wasn't enough to help his side to maximum points against South Australia - Match Drawn.

Campbell Kellaway scored his maiden Sheffield Shield century to put Victoria in the box seat of their pink-ball clash with Queensland at the Gabba.

Queensland went to stumps on day three struggling at 3-58 chasing 329 for victory. 

Tasmania are eying their first victory and will consider a sporting declaration on day four after taking a 252-run lead over NSW to stumps, with 6 wickets in hand.

Hunt Returns

Sad Hunt - Grand Final 2015 loss

✍🏼 Ben Hunt has officially signed with the Broncos on a two-year deal, capping off a shock full-circle moment for the veteran playmaker.

Following a messy contract saga after their 2024 campaign fell in a heap, Hunt was granted a release from the final year of his deal at St George Illawarra earlier this month.

The representative star reportedly phoned Michael Maguire on Tuesday to confirm he'd be joining the Broncos on contract worth an estimated $600,000 per season.

"I've been away for seven years but I've watched every single Broncos game since I've been away - I never thought this would happen, so I'm pretty excited.” - Hunt

MARNUS IS TAKING HEAT!

Marnus Labuschagne has faced significant criticism after his side's opening-Test defeat against India in Perth.

The 30-year-old managed just five runs in the match, which is consistent with a negative trend over the past two years.

His dismissal in the second innings - attempting to leave a ball that came back in and trapped him lbw - has been described as "inexplicable".

His latest failures led Australian sports website CODE to suggest, Labuschagne was "kissed by lady luck" at the start of his career and that he has "ruined himself".

Some stats for your coffee-break: In the opening phase he averaged 54.77 against good-length deliveries from seamers.

That was the third-highest of any Test batter in that period after New Zealand duo Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls (minimum 500 good-length balls).

But since that South Africa series began, Labuschagne has averaged 15.33 against good-length deliveries, which is the third-lowest against that particular length (minimum 300 good-length balls).

He is also more vulnerable to balls in the channel outside off stump. In the first period, he averaged a world-leading 78.55, but that has dropped to 17.50 - the lowest in the world.

⛳️ Rory McIlroy, Scheffler and Xander Schauffele have been nominated for the PGA Tour Player of the Year award.

McIlroy won the Zurich Classic and the Wells Fargo Championship in a strong and consistent year on the circuit that included seven top 10s and only one missed cut in 19 events.

American Schauffele won the US PGA Championship and The Open - the first two majors of his career, and did not miss a cut in 22 PGA Tour events, recording 15 top-10 finishes.

Scheffler won seven of the 19 Tour events he entered, including his second major at the Masters in April.

The American, 28, also claimed gold at the Paris Olympics and was the FedEx Cup winner.

The Player of the Year, which is voted for by fellow PGA Tour members, will receive the Jack Nicklaus Award.

The four nominees for the Arnold Palmer Award, presented to the rookie of the year, are Nick Dunlap, Max Greyserman, Jake Knapp and Matthieu Pavon

⚽️ EPL Whispers: Manchester United are keen on Wolves wing-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, but face competition for Chelsea striker Christopher Nkunku, Newcastle may need to sell before pursuing move for Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo.

🏈 Aaron Rodgers disputed a report that said he wants to continue his NFL career in 2025 on a team other than the New York Jets.

"... I don't even know if I want to play yet, but New York would be my first option."

🏏 The West Indies' domestic one-day tournament ended without a winner after neither captain turned up for the toss, resulting in a double forfeit.

Barbados Pride and Jamaica Scorpions were scheduled to contest the final of the Super50 Cup on Sunday in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago.

Bad weather reduced the scheduled 50-over game to a 20-over match, but with neither side taking the field for the delayed start, the final was abandoned.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) said, external no winner would be declared and they would now review tournament regulations to avoid a repeat.

🏏 Ivory Coast claimed the unwanted record of lowest score in men’s T20I history, bowled out for 7 during Sunday’s T20 World Cup regional qualifier against Nigeria in Lagos.

Chasing a 272-run target for victory at Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, the hosts were rolled for 7 in 7.3 overs, becoming the first nation in men’s T20Is to record a single-digit total.

📸 Photo of the week: An athlete trains before the World Aquatics Open Water Swimming World Cup on day 18 of the Neom Beach Games in Saudi Arabia, on 19 November.

🏀 After his Denver Nuggets "got embarrassed" in a 145-118 blowout loss to the New York Knicks on Monday night, coach Michael Malone was adamant this is one game that he won't be "flushing."

"F--- that man, no. No, we're not flushing," Malone said in response to a reporter's question. "You don't flush when you get embarrassed, you don't flush when you gave up 145 points, you don't flush when you didn't play hard, didn't play with effort, physicality, I'm not flushing anything."

*In the NBA, "flushing" a game is a term that refers to not acknowledging a loss after a blowout or embarrassing defeat

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TODAY 

07:00 - UEFA Champions League - Manchester City v Feyenoord - Stan Sport App

07:00 - UEFA Champions League - Barcelona v Stade Brestois 29 - Stan Sport App

07:00 - UEFA Champions League - Bayern Munich v Paris Saint-Germain - Stan Sport App

07:00 - UEFA Champions League - Inter Milan v RB Leipzig - Stan Sport App

10:30 - Sheffield Shield - NSW Men v Tasmania Tigers Men - Kayo Sports

11:30 - NBA Cup - Miami Heat v Milwaukee Bucks - ESPN

13:00 - Men's NCAA - Kansas Jayhawks v Duke Blue Devils - ESPN 2

14:00 - NBA Cup - Phoenix Suns v Los Angeles Lakers - ESPN

15:00 - Sheffield Shield - Queensland Bulls v Victoria Men - Kayo Sports

18:30 - Test Match - South Africa v Sri Lanka - Fox Sports

THURSDAY 

04:00 - Men's NCAA - Indiana Hoosiers v Louisville Cardinals - ESPN

06:30 - Men's NCAA - Gonzaga Bulldogs v West Virginia Mountaineers - ESPN

07:00 - UEFA Champions League - Aston Villa v Juventus - Stan Sport App

07:00 - UEFA Champions League - AS Monaco v Benfica - Stan Sport App

07:00 - UEFA Champions League - PSV Eindhoven v Shakhtar Donetsk - Stan Sport App

07:00 - UEFA Champions League - Liverpool v Real Madrid - Stan Sport App

07:00 - UEFA Champions League - Celtic v Club Brugge - Stan Sport App

07:00 - UEFA Champions League - Bologna v Lille OSC - Stan Sport App

09:00 - Test Match - New Zealand v England - Fox Cricket

09:00 - Men's NCAA - Providence Friars v Oklahoma Sooners - ESPN 2

11:30 - NHL - New York Islanders v Boston Bruins - ESPN 2

11:30 - NBA - Dallas Mavericks v New York Knicks - ESPN

12:00 - PGA Tour of Australasia - Australian Open, Round 1 - Fox Sports

14:00 - NHL - Colorado Avalanche v Vegas Golden Knights - ESPN 2

14:00 - NBA - Golden State Warriors v Oklahoma City Thunder - ESPN

18:30 - Test Match - South Africa v Sri Lanka - Fox Cricket

19:30 - NBL - Illawarra Hawks v New Zealand Breakers - ESPN

21:00 - Women's Friendly - Australia v Brazil - Channel 10

🏏 The prospect of Australia having to overturn almost 60 years of precedent to wrest back the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has become even more challenging with the resurgence of one of the great Virat Kohli who snapped his run drought with 30th Test hundred.

While the result of the first Test at Perth Stadium remains unknown, only a fantasy writer would dare float a script whereby Australia recovers from their overnight 3-12 to reel in the distant victory target of 533.

📺 Marnus bowling. Cue anger in the SEN box (Twitter)

🏉 Scotland inflicted the Wallabies’ first loss of their Grand Slam tour after a 27-13 win in Edinburgh.

The Scots were at their very best as they kept the Australians under pressure for the majority of the match.

They could do little wrong in the second half as they were clinical in attack to go with a near-perfect defensive performance.

The Wallabies’ injury woes continued when centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii came off second-best from putting in a crunching tackle, clutching his wrist/arm.

The 21-year-old left the field and didn’t return, although Wallabies officials remain confident he has avoided serious damage at the current moment.

"It was intense. I felt we were in the contest, particularly in the first half and we probably should've converted a few more points with the pressure we had," coach Joe Schmidt said post-game.

⛳️ Elvis Smylie held off former Open champion Cameron Smith down the back nine to win the Australian PGA Championship in Brisbane.

The 22-year-old Queenslander carded a four-under-par 67 to finish on 14 under for the tournament, which was reduced to 54 holes after heavy rain washed out play in round 2.

Smith, a three-time winner of this event, posted a final round of 69 to finish two shots back on 12 under, with compatriots Marc Leishman (69) and Anthony Quayle (63) a shot further back.

Smylie, 22, was one of two players to receive the Cameron Smith Scholarship in 2019 and the pair shared the second-round lead heading into Sunday.

The world number 736, son of former four-time Grand Slam tennis doubles champion Liz Smylie, only secured his first professional win on the PGA Tour of Australasia last month.

Australian PGA Championship - final leaderboard

-14 E Smylie (Aus); -12 C Smith (Aus); -11 M Leishman (Aus), A Quayle (Aus); -10 D Micheluzzi (Aus); -9 A Ayora (Spa), C Davis (Aus)

🏏 Aussies at the IPL Auction: 37 players nominated; Fast bowler Mitchell Starc was signed by the Delhi Capitals for $2.14 million, sold for less than half of what he received last year. National teammate Marcus Stoinis was one of the highest-selling all-rounders in the auction, signed by the Punjab Kings for $2 million.

Retired opener David Warner went unsold, while rising star Jake Fraser-McGurk was snapped up by the Capitals for $1.64 million.

• Glenn Maxwell - sold to Punjab Kings for ($765,000)

• Mitchell Marsh - sold to Lucknow Super Giants for ($620,000)

🏏 Bizarre Injury: Jye Richardson took the wickets of Conor McInerney and Daniel Drew in back-to-back deliveries, putting himself on a hat-trick against South Australia.

However, when celebrating his second wicket, Richardson raced through a group of teammates and an errant high-five saw the bowler clutch at his shoulder immediately.

He did later return to the field and snare another wicket.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Matildas forward Mary Fowler has withdrawn from the upcoming international fixtures.

The 21-year-old has made the call to pull out, citing mental and physical fatigue following an intense and demanding playing schedule over the past few months.

She will miss the Matildas friendlies. There are four matches that begin on Thursday against Brazil and Chinese Taipei, to be played across Australia.

🏉 Valentine Holmes has spoken for the first time since joining the Dragons, confirming he is set to play in the centres next season.

Holmes is just one of the club’s big-name recruits with Damien Cook and Clint Gutherson also now donning the Red V. 

⚽️ EPL WRAP: Rúben Amorim was made to wait just 81 seconds for the first goal of his tenure as Manchester United manager when Marcus Rashford opened the scoring against Ipswich Town. He was brought back down to earth though, ultimately as Ipswich had the best of the play, as it finished 1-1.

Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points but were forced to come from behind to earn a vital late 3-2 win at struggling Southampton.

“He Fires A Bow. Now Give Mo His Dough” read the banner - and more could be on the way after the 32-year-old Mo Salah who delivered another match-winning display.

Leicester City sacked manager Steve Cooper with the club 16th in the Premier League after 12 games.

🎾 Italy won the Davis Cup: Italy are only the sixth nation to successfully retain the Davis Cup, after the USA, Sweden, Germany, Spain and the Czech Republic.

World number one Jannik Sinner secured the trophy with 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 win over Tallon Griekspoor

They are the first to do so since the Czech Republic in 2013.

It caps a triumphant week for emerging tennis powerhouse Italy after the women's team secured the Billie Jean King Cup title on Wednesday.

🏏 Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in Indian Premier League history, signed for $4.92 million.

Following a tense bidding war with the Capitals, Ricky Ponting’s Punjab Kings secured the services of Shreyas Iyer for $4.87 million. The 29-year-old led the Knight Riders towards an IPL title last summer, smacking 351 runs at 39.00 with a strike rate of 146.86.

Jos Buttler was the only Englishman in the initial batch of players auctioned in Jeddah, and the England white-ball captain and wicketkeeper was picked up by Gujarat Titans for 15.75 crore (£1.4m).

🏉 Autumn / Spring Nations Series: England ended their five-match losing run with a nine-try 59-14 hammering of Eddie Jones' Japan at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium.

icymi: Ireland’s Sam Prendergast auditioned to become the long-term successor to Johnny Sexton in a 52- 17 victory over Fiji.

New Zealand recorded an 18th consecutive win against Italy 29-11 to wrap up their autumn series on flanker Sam Cane's final appearance for the All Blacks.

South Africa easily outmuscled an inexperienced Wales to underline the gulf between the teams (45-12) - Warren Gatland will learn his fate in the coming days after an entire year without a test victory.

⛳️ Big fat cheater Patrick Reed won the Hong Kong Open by three shots after the LIV Golf player carded a final round 66 for his first victory in near four years on the Asian Tour. In round 3 he became the ninth player this year to shoot a 59 or lower, closing with four straight birdies for an 11-under round Saturday to take the lead in the Hong Kong Open on the Asian Tour.

The score will not be recognized as a record on the Asian Tour because of preferred lies, in which players could lift, clean and place the golf balls in the short grass.

🚘 Elfyn Evans won the season-ending Rally Japan as Thierry Neuville wrapped up his first World Rally Championship (WRC) title.

Belgian Neuville's overall victory was secured when Hyundai team-mate Ott Tanak crashed out on the final morning while leading the rally.

🏎️ Max Verstappen says his fourth consecutive world title came after a "very challenging" season and he is "hungry" to bid for more success in 2025.

The Red Bull driver's fifth place in the Las Vegas Grand Prix put his points total beyond the reach of his closest rival, McLaren’s Lando Norris.

The Briton, who needed to win at least three more points than Verstappen to continue the title fight, finished sixth.

George Russell took a dominant victory ahead of Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton.

"It was a very challenging season," Verstappen said. "Also as a person at times it was very challenging and I had to be calm.

"In a way I still prefer last season. I enjoyed it a lot, but I think this season, it has taught me a lot of lessons.

"I am very proud of us as a team and in a way that makes it a very special and beautiful season."

🎾 icymi: Andy Murray will coach his long-time former rival Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open in 2025.

Britain's three-time Grand Slam champion Murray, 37, retired from tennis in August after a 19-year career.

Former world number one Murray said he was "looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change".

The pair will work together in the off-season and in the build-up to the Australian Open, which takes place 12-26 January.

This will be Murray's first coaching role since retiring from playing.

"It's time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner." - said Djokovic.

🏀 Scotty Pippen Jr., the son of former Chicago great Scottie, scored a career-best 30 points, added 10 assists and shot 13-of-16 to lead the Memphis Grizzlies past the Bulls 142-131.

🏀 Fresh off a three-game layoff, Spurs star Victor Wembanyama exhibited rust early, only to catch a groove late in pushing San Antonio to its second-largest comeback win of the season, a 104-94 triumph over the Golden State Warriors.

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TODAY 

05:00 - PGA TOUR - RSM Classic, Round 4 - Fox Sports

08:00 - Men's NCAA - UMass Minutemen v Florida State Seminoles - ESPN 2

08:25 - NFL - Seattle Seahawks v Arizona Cardinals - 7mate

08:25 - NFL - Green Bay Packers v San Francisco 49ers - ESPN

10:00 - NBA - Miami Heat v Dallas Mavericks - ESPN 2

10:30 - Sheffield Shield - NSW Men v Tasmania Tigers Men - Kayo Sports

12:20 - NFL - Los Angeles Rams v Philadelphia Eagles - ESPN

12:30 - Men's NCAA - Vanderbilt Commodores v Drake Bulldogs - ESPN 2

13:20 - Test Match - Australia v India - Channel 7, Fox Cricket

15:00 - Sheffield Shield - South Australia Men v Western Australia Men - Kayo Sports

15:00 - Sheffield Shield - Queensland Bulls v Victoria Men - Kayo Sports

20:30 - Indian Premier League - Indian Premier League Player Auction, Day 2, Part 1 - Fox Sports

TUESDAY

06:30 - Men's NCAA - Connecticut Huskies v Memphis Tigers - ESPN 2

07:00 - Premier League - Newcastle United v West Ham United - Optus Sport 1

09:00 - Men's NCAA - Michigan State Spartans v Colorado Buffaloes - ESPN 2

10:30 - Sheffield Shield - NSW Men v Tasmania Tigers Men - Kayo Sports

11:30 - NBA - Boston Celtics v Los Angeles Clippers - ESPN 2

12:15 - NFL - Los Angeles Chargers v Baltimore Ravens - ESPN

13:20 - Test Match - Australia v India - Channel 7, Fox Cricket

14:00 - NHL - Anaheim Ducks v Seattle Kraken - ESPN 2

15:00 - Sheffield Shield - South Australia Men v Western Australia Men - Kayo Sports

15:00 - Sheffield Shield - Queensland Bulls v Victoria Men - Kayo Sports

15:30 - Men's NCAA - North Carolina Tar Heels v Dayton Flyers - ESPN

21:00 - AFC Champions League - Vissel Kobe v Central Coast Mariners - Paramount+

🏏 Australia's bid to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since the 2014-15 summer starts in Perth today.

The tourists have claimed famous 2-1 victories in their past two trips, and are the only side to win a Test series in Australia since South Africa in 2016.

Team News: Allrounder Cameron Green is out for the summer after opting for surgery that is intended to provide a long-term fix for a back issue.

Steve Smith has moved back to No.4 in Australia’s batting order, having been elevated to open last summer after the retirement of David Warner.

That created a vacancy for an opener filled by Nathan McSweeney, the Queensland-raised South Australia captain, who usually bats at No.3 or No.4 for his state.

📊 Stats:

• Steve Smith will move into outright second for most Tests hundreds for Australia if he scores a century in this series. He’s currently tied with Steve Waugh on 32, trailing Ricky Ponting’s 41 Test tons.

• Australia have a bowling dot ball rate of 76 per cent in men’s Tests in 2024, the best of any team (minimum three matches). Their bowling average (21.4) is also the best of any team this year.

• India have scored 54 per cent of their runs from boundaries this calendar year, the best rate of any team in the format this year.

🏉 The Wallabies are on course to emulate the 1984 Australia team who swept past the four home nations, but after beating England and Wales they must overcome Scotland on (Monday morning AEDT) and Ireland next week if they are to match the feat of 40 years ago.

Coach Joe Schmidt will name the Wallabies team at 3am Saturday AEDT.

"I've been with the group like two and a half weeks now and we're showing how connected we are, we've got a good buzz in the group and we're really focused on this week and excited about the challenge to play Scotland," - Will Skelton said on Wednesday.

"We were always building, when you have losses, there's lessons to learn and this group is strong enough and is led well enough to get out of those holes," he added.

"The test against Scotland is going to be the hardest one yet so we're excited about this week and we're looking forward to ripping in."

• The Scots are on the rise as they sit in sixth position on the World Rankings, just below their highest ever.

• Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi has copped a two match ban for his high shot.

🏉 Rugby Sevens legend Emilee Barton (née Cherry) is set to receive the highest honour by being inducted into World Rugby’s Hall of Fame at the annual awards ceremony in Monaco on Sunday evening.

⛳️ Heading into Round 2, our guy, Elvis Smylie leads the Australian PGA Championship following the first round at Royal Queensland where several big-name Australians were the big attraction. 

The crowd packed in early to see Cameron Smith, Min Woo Lee and Jason Day tee off together at 6.10am local time in a star-studded group. 

Lee burst out of the gates with five birdies in his first 11 holes but stumbled on the second nine to finish –3 as Smith and Day surged past him. 

The only two major winners in the field both ended the round –4, two shots back from Smylie, among a pack of players including fellow Australian Marc Leishman at that mark.

An ace is always special, but Min-kyu Kim must feel robbed as an all-electric BMW i5 is parked behind the tee box on the 11th, and will be awarded to any professional who makes a hole-in-one on the weekend only 🙃

NRL NEWS

🗓️ The National Rugby League (NRL) released the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership schedule, as part of the biggest and boldest NRL calendar ever contemplated. (NRL.com)

“The schedule is bigger and bolder than ever with thirty-two weeks of jaw-dropping action which will see rivalries, excitement and unparalleled skills at every turn.” - NRL CEO Andrew Abdo.

Themed Rounds in 2025 will include:

• Multicultural Round (Round 5), highlighted by the Friday night blockbuster between South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters;

• NRL Magic Round Brisbane (Round 9), supercharged with Sydney Roosters v the Dolphins (Friday) and Penrith Panthers v Brisbane Broncos (Sunday)

• Harvey Norman Women In League Round (Round 10)

• Beanie for Brain Cancer Round (Round 17)

• The first ever Indigenous Round across two rounds (Round 23 and Round 24), featuring three matches at Allianz Stadium and also integrating the NRLW competition.

• Telstra Footy Country Round (Round 25), a round dedicated to celebrating the passion, excitement, and community spirit that fuels footy, from the grassroots fields to the elite Premiership via the NRL’s major partner Telstra.

AFL NEWS

AFL Draft: EVERY player your club selected in the 2024 crop

A total of 71 draft prospects found AFL homes.

👮🏼‍♂️ Former AFL player Tarryn Thomas has avoided a criminal conviction after police dropped a charge of using a telecommunications service to harass a woman.

The 24-year-old ex-North Melbourne player, who was sacked from the team in February over repeated conduct breaches, faced Broadmeadows Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Thomas, who also uses the surname Trindall, pleaded guilty to breaching a court order involving repeated calls to a victim in April, the court was told.

But police withdrew the harassment charge.

⚽️ EPL Whispers: Liverpool and Newcastle are interested in 25-year-old Brentford and Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo. 

Manchester City are the favourites to land Bayer Leverkusen's 21-year-old midfielder Florian Wirtz, with Real Madrid and Liverpool set to miss out on the Germany international. 

Santos left-back Joao Victor de Souza, 18, has emerged as a target for Chelsea but the Premier League club will face competition from Barcelona for the Brazilian. 

🏎️ Formula 1 is back after a three-week break, with a final triple-header to close out the 2024 season. 

The second running of the Las Vegas Grand Prix at the Strip Circuit is first up from 22-24 November. 

Following his stunning win from 17th place at a chaotic Sao Paulo Grand Prix earlier this month, Red Bull's Max Verstappen now leads Lando Norris in the drivers' championship by 62 points with 86 still available. 

The Dutchman will secure a fourth consecutive world title if he leaves Las Vegas with a lead of at least 60 points.

🎾 Rafael Nadal says he would like to be remembered as "a kid who followed their dreams" as the tennis great bid a poignant farewell to the sport.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion's 23-year career came to an end in Malaga on Tuesday night after Spain were beaten by the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarter-finals.

Nadal retires as the second-most successful men's singles player of all time, behind only long-time rival Novak Djokovic.

The 38-year-old said he hoped to be remembered primarily as "a good person".

"I'd like to be remembered as a kid that achieved more than I ever dreamed," Nadal said during an on-court presentation.

"I have been very lucky in the life I have had the opportunity to live, I have lived unforgettable experiences because of tennis.

"I was just a kid that followed their dreams, worked as hard as possible to be where I am today.

"The way I'd like to be remembered most is as a good person from a small village in Mallorca."

🕺🏼 Donald Trump’s dancing has gone viral.

The US president-elect's signature moves - swaying the hips, fist pumping the air, and sometimes even a golf swing - have caught on since his victory over Kamala Harris.

American athletes across a series of sports have celebrated with the dance in recent weeks - and it has even been seen in the English Football League (EFL).

Trump even got to see the celebration with his own eyes after Jon Jones retained his heavyweight title at UFC 309 at New York's Madison Square Garden.

🐴 English Derby winner City Of Troy has been named horse of the year at the Cartier Racing Awards in London.

The son of US Triple Crown victor Justify also added Sandown's Coral-Eclipse and the Juddmonte International at York to his Epsom triumph.

🏀 icymi: Giannis Antetokounmpo put in a dominant performance as he scored 41 points to help the Milwaukee Bucks to a 122-106 victory over the Chicago Bulls.

🎱 Jack Lisowski ended Bai Yulu's bid to become the first woman to reach the last 32 of the UK Championship with a comfortable 6-1 win in the final qualifying round in Leicester.

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TODAY

12:00 - NBA - San Antonio Spurs v Utah Jazz - ESPN 2

12:15 - NFL - Cleveland Browns v Pittsburgh Steelers - ESPN

13:20 - Test Match - Australia v India - Channel 7, Fox Cricket

14:30 - NBA - Los Angeles Lakers v Orlando Magic - ESPN 2

20:00 - A-League Men - Newcastle Jets v Central Coast Mariners - Paramount+

SATURDAY 

03:30 - Men's NCAA - ESPN 2

04:00 - PGA TOUR - RSM Classic, Round 2 - Fox Sports

06:00 - Men's NCAA - ESPN 2

07:10 - Autumn Nations Series - France v Argentina - Stan Sport App

09:00 - Men's NCAA - ESPN 2

11:00 - NHL - Pittsburgh Penguins v Winnipeg Jets - ESPN 2

11:30 - NBA Cup - New Orleans Pelicans v Golden State Warriors - ESPN

13:20 - Test Match - Australia v India - Channel 7, Fox Cricket

14:00 - NHL - Anaheim Ducks v Buffalo Sabres - ESPN 2

14:00 - NBA Cup - Denver Nuggets v Dallas Mavericks - ESPN

15:00 - Sheffield Shield - South Australia Men v Western Australia Men - Kayo Sports

16:30 - Men's NCAA - Hawaii Rainbow Warriors v North Carolina Tar Heels - ESPN 2

19:35 - A-League Men - Sydney FC v Western Sydney Wanderers - 10 Bold

23:30 - Premier League - Leicester City v Chelsea - Optus Sport 1

SUNDAY 

02:00 - Premier League - Arsenal v Nottingham Forest - Optus Sport 4

02:00 - Premier League - Everton v Brentford - Optus Sport 2

02:00 - Premier League - Bournemouth v Brighton & Hove Albion - Optus Sport 5

02:00 - Premier League - Fulham v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Optus Sport 6

02:00 - Premier League - Aston Villa v Crystal Palace - Optus Sport 3

02:10 - Autumn Nations Series - Ireland v Fiji - Stan Sport App

04:30 - Premier League - Manchester City v Tottenham - Optus Sport 1

04:40 - Autumn Nations Series - Wales v South Africa - Stan Sport App

05:00 - PGA TOUR - RSM Classic, Round 3 - Fox Sports

07:10 - Autumn Nations Series - Italy v New Zealand - Stan Sport App

10:30 - Sheffield Shield - NSW Men v Tasmania Tigers Men - Kayo Sports

11:00 - Sheffield Shield - Queensland Bulls v Victoria Men - Kayo Sports

12:00 - NBA - Houston Rockets v Portland Trail Blazers - ESPN

13:20 - Test Match - Australia v India - Channel 7, Fox Cricket

13:30 - A-League Men - Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne Victory - Paramount+

14:30 - NBA - Los Angeles Lakers v Denver Nuggets - ESPN

15:00 - Sheffield Shield - South Australia Men v Western Australia Men - Kayo Sports

16:00 - A-League Men - Macarthur FC Bulls v Auckland FC - Paramount+

17:00 - Formula 1 Las Vegas Race, Round 22 - Fox Sports

⛳️ Australian PGA Championship Preview: The BMW Australian PGA Championship officially kicks off the new season and a double header Down Under.

Let him cook 👨🏼‍🍳

Royal Queensland will play host to the first event of the Opening Swing and a strong home contingent heads the field.

LIV Golf’s Cam Smith is undoubtedly the star attraction, while his Ripper GC teammates Marc Leishman and Lucas Herbert are also in town.

Meanwhile, Min Woo Lee returns to defend his crown from 12 months ago.

The tournament dates back to 1929 and has since welcomed – and been won by – some of the game’s best ever players.

Aussie Watch: 

Cameron Smith ($9.0) stands as the top contender, given his recent form, course knowledge, and statistical strengths.

Min Woo Lee ($9.0), Cam Daivs ($15.0)& Jason Day ($11.0) the highest-ranking player in this field at #31, are also strong contenders, with Lee’s ball striking and Day’s putting being key strengths for this course.

Marc Leishman ($15.0) and Lucas Herbert ($15.0) could provide some each way value.

🏏 Nathan McSweeney navigated a fierce challenge as Australia's gun quicks and Nathan Lyon peppered him at the WACA, challenging the new opener as he closes in on his Test debut ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.

Days out from the first match of Australia's five-Test series against India, taking place at Perth's Optus Stadium from Friday, McSweeney padded up to face Pat Cummins, Mitchell.

🏉 The Wallabies have called Hamish Stewart, Darby Lancaster, Tom Hooper and Harry Hoopert into the squad ahead of the Scotland Test.

The group will link up with the Test squad after featuring for Australia XV during their defeat to England A last weekend.

📸 Pic of the week 1: Jockeys ride horses around the first bend of the William Thomson Dunkeld Cup, which was won by Jack Hill riding Rhinoceros on 16 November in Dunkeld, Australia

The first bend of the William Thomson Dunkeld Cup

👶🏻 Chelsea have condemned the "unacceptable and hateful homophobic comments" aimed at Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis after the couple said they are expecting a baby.

On Monday, Chelsea striker Kerr announced the pregnancy of her partner, West Ham midfielder Mewis, on her Instagram account.

The post contained photographs of the couple with the caption: "Mewis-Kerr baby coming 2025!"

On Tuesday, Chelsea addressed homophobic comments left on the post.

"Chelsea Football Club is aware of recent unacceptable and hateful homophobic comments published across various social media platforms," the club said.

"There is no place in society for any form of discrimination and we will not accept any abuse directed towards our players, staff or supporters.”

📸 Pic of the week 2: Tasmania Jackjumpers' Sean Macdonald drives to the basket during the round nine NBL match against Brisbane Bullets at MyState Bank Arena on 15 November in Hobart.

⛳️ Hannah Green has been recognised for her stellar three-win season on the LPGA Tour by being crowned the Greg Norman Medallist for the second time.

Green was announced as this year’s winner of Australian golf’s top honour at the PGA Awards Gala Dinner ahead of the Australian PGA Championship in Brisbane on Tuesday evening.

NRL NEWS

✍🏼 Melbourne Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has declared he will be at the club next season and money won’t influence his next contract conceding he’s yet to make a decision amid growing speculation he’s set to sign with the Bulldogs.

Papenhuyzen has one year left on his current deal but is free to negotiate with rival clubs for 2026 and beyond.

The 2020 Clive Churchill Medal winner endured a horror run of injuries after his premiership win, with serious leg injuries and concussion restricting him to just 30 appearances in the three years after he lifted the trophy.

Twitter tweet

AFL NEWS

☝🏼 Likely Richmond No. 1 draft pick Sam Lalor plays like Dustin Martin and is ready to help a gaggle of top-rated draftees turbocharge the Tigers' AFL rebuild.

The Tigers, who finished bottom of the ladder this year in Adem Yze's first season as coach, have a staggering eight selections in the top 24.

Richmond (1, 6, 10), Melbourne (5, 9) and St Kilda (7, 8) all boast multiple top-10 picks.

Richmond’s includes the coveted No. 1 pick in tonight’s first round, plus the often-sought opening selection of the second round the following night.

Sam Lalor is poised to be taken by Richmond with the No. 1 pick.

The Tigers have kept their cards close to their chest as they prepare to welcome their first No.1 pick since taking Brett Deledio in 2004.

A handful of talented youngsters have been billed as possible top picks, including Victorian midfield prospects Lalor, Finn O'Sullivan and Jagga Smith.

But as the draft has edged closer, Lalor, who insists he has no idea whether the Tigers will pick him, has bolted into favouritism for the prized selection.

"Obviously I want to go as high as I can," Lalor said on Tuesday.

😢 Rafael Nadal was beaten in what might prove to be the final match of his career as the start of his Davis Cup retirement party fell flat.

Spanish great Nadal, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, will end his tennis playing journey after the men's team event in Malaga.

It had been unclear whether the 38-year-old former world number one would be ready to play in the singles. But even though he had not played competitively for over three months, Nadal was selected by Spain captain David Ferrer.

The move backfired in front of a partisan Spanish crowd as Nadal lost 6-4 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp, who admirably maintained his composure in testing conditions to put the Netherlands ahead in the tie.

If Spain are unable to recover the 1-0 deficit in the best-of-three encounter, there will be no other opportunity for Nadal to take to the court as a professional again.

Nadal took time to linger in the centre of the court after his defeat, showing gratitude by waving to all sides of the arena as 11,500 fans packed out the Palacio de Deportes.

Roger Federer says Rafael Nadal "made the whole tennis world proud" during his "epic career" as he paid tribute to his former rival before his retirement.

Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, will bring an end to his illustrious career aged 38 after representing Spain at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga this week.

Federer, who retired in 2022 with 20 Grand Slams, won 16 matches and lost 24 - including an epic final at Wimbledon in 2008 - in the 40 times he faced Nadal.

"As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I've got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional," wrote 43-year-old Federer on Instagram.

"Let's start with the obvious: you beat me - a lot. More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me in ways no-one else could. 

"On clay, it felt like I was stepping into your backyard, and you made me work harder than I ever thought I could just to hold my ground.

Federer added that Nadal made him "reimagine" his game, to the extent that the Swiss changed the size of his racquet head.

🏃🏽‍♀️💩 Battling to the finish line of a triathlon after a bit of an accident that is not uncommon for endurance athletes, American Taylor Knibb had one request for a cameraman.

"I just sh**t myself, so can you not get my a**e?" the Olympic athlete asked.

Without hesitation, the cameraman agreed to not broadcast the mess, responding simply with a thumbs up.

🏀 Dyson Daniels came up with arguably the biggest defensive play of the season. The Aussie defensive dynamo blocked Kings star De’Aaron Fox’s potential game-winning shot to secure Atlanta’s 109-108 road win in Sacramento on Tuesday (AEDT).

 

🏉 The British and Irish Lions are in line to take on a team made up of players with indigenous Australian and Pacific Islands heritage as part of their tour of Australia next summer.

The tourists were supposed to play the Melbourne Rebels on 22 July, but the Super Rugby team have gone into administration since the fixtures were announced in July 2023.

Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh said he hoped to attract box-office names for the fixture.

⚽️ One for the little guy: San Marino, the world's bottom ranked team, made history as they were promoted to the third tier of the Nations League with the first away win in their history - against Liechtenstein.

It was also the first time they scored more than once in a competitive game and the first time they had scored three goals in any match.

The minnows' two previous victories also came against Liechtenstein - a friendly in 2004 and a Nations League game in September, both 1-0 and both in San Marino.

The country ranked 210th in the Fifa world rankings have lost 199 of the 211 fixtures they have contested. They have conceded 10 or more goals in seven games.

Twitter tweet

📸 Pic of the week 3: Ramy Saghadani El Ouariachi of Spain performs an overhead kick while under pressure from Tim Nicolas Kaufmann of Germany in the third-place match at the Neom Beach Games on 16 November in Saudi Arabia.

⚽️ EPL Gossip: Chelsea are plotting a summer bid for Liverpool and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, 25.

Manchester United are interested in AC Milan and USA winger Christian Pulisic, 26, along with Liverpool and West Ham. 

Ruben Amorim is set to operate on a more modest budget to former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag and will be tasked with maximising the untapped potential in the squad as the club aims to end the damaging and costly cycle of mass overhauls.

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TODAY

11:00 - CONMEBOL WC Qualifier - Argentina v Peru - SBS

11:00 - NBA Cup - Boston Celtics v Cleveland Cavaliers - ESPN

11:45 - CONMEBOL WC Qualifier - Brazil v Uruguay - SBS Viceland

12:00 - NHL - Winnipeg Jets v Florida Panthers - ESPN 2

13:30 - NBA Cup - San Antonio Spurs v Oklahoma City Thunder - ESPN

19:00 - AFL - AFL Draft, Day 1 - Fox Footy

THURSDAY

11:30 - NBA - Milwaukee Bucks v Chicago Bulls - ESPN

14:00 - NBA - Phoenix Suns v New York Knicks - ESPN

14:30 - NHL - Los Angeles Kings v Buffalo Sabres - ESPN 2

19:00 - AFL - AFL Draft, Day 2 - Fox Footy

23:00 - Men's Asia Cup Qualifier - Thailand v Australia - ESPN

🏉 Double Hatty’s: Tom Wright and Matt Faessler scored a hat-trick of tries each as Australia thrashed Wales 52-20 in Cardiff to consign Warren Gatland’s team to a national record of 11 consecutive Test losses.

Player of the Match Wright opened the scoring

The result keeps Australia on track to emulate the 1984 Grand Slam-winning Wallaby tourists who swept past all four home nations, after their impressive opening 42-37 victory over England and with Tests against Scotland and Ireland to come.

The only negative on the day, was Kerevi being yellow carded for a high, head-on-head tackle on Jac Morgan.

That card was upgraded to red as there were no mitigating factors, although Kerevi was replaced after 20 minutes under new laws World Rugby are trialling. Australia still notched up three converted tries while down to 14 men, and kept Joseph Suaalii on ice until the 62nd minute.

🏏 Australian cricket legend Glenn McGrath has urged the national team to capitalise on India's current vulnerabilities ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.

McGrath noted that India is "coming off a 3-0 loss against New Zealand," providing Australia with "plenty of ammunition to back yourself up."

"…put the pressure on them and see if they’re up for it." - said McGrath who also highlighted the challenges faced by former Indian captain Virat Kohli, who has been struggling with form, averaging just 22.72 in his six Test matches this year. "I think he’s probably under pressure a little bit, and if he has a couple of low scores to start with, he could really feel it."

🏀 A courtside spectator plunged Melbourne's 20-point victory over Adelaide into chaos after an on-court tussle between two competitors spilled off-court at John Cain Arena on Sunday afternoon.

In the fourth quarter of United's 113-93 win over the 36ers, a physical altercation broke out after Adelaide players clashed with a spectator.

Four patrons were subsequently removed from the stadium by venue security as a result of the blow-up.

🚘 The 2024 Supercars season ended in extraordinary drama with newly crowned champion Will Brown storming from last to first to claim victory in a race filled with carnage in Adelaide.

Brown, who on Saturday secured the championship, wasn’t the first across the line in Sunday’s street circuit event – that honour belonged to Red Bull Racing teammate Broc Feeney.

But Feeney was holding a 30-second penalty at the chequered flag for two incidents with rival Chaz Mostert that ruined both drivers’ shot at victory.

🏏 Sheffield Shield: Victoria are in sight of victory over Western Australia and the outright lead in the Sheffield Shield standings; Stumps: Western Australia lead Victoria by 72 runs with 3 wickets remaining.

Queensland opener Matthew Renshaw reminded Test selectors that he is no spent force with a vital century (120 not out) to frustrate Tasmania's quest for a Sheffield Shield victory.

Queensland finished day three on 7-274 and need 37 runs to avoid the follow-on with a day remaining.

🙋🏼‍♀️ AFLW: After their incredible comeback win, Port Adelaide will play North Melbourne in the first preliminary final next weekend. While Brisbane plays Adelaide for a Grand Final spot on Saturday night.

NRL NEWS

🗓️ The opening-round fixtures for next season were released on Sunday morning, with several grudge matches included in the eight games.

Kyle Flanagan is up against Stephen Crichton on the St George Illawarra playmaker's full return from his biting ban as part of a blockbuster start to 2025.

Canberra and the Warriors will play the opening game in Las Vegas on March 1, before Penrith and Cronulla also square off at Allegiant Stadium.

 Sydney Roosters and Brisbane playing the first game back in Australia the following Thursday.

2025 NRL OPENING-ROUND FIXTURES (All times AEDT)

Sunday, March 2 (Las Vegas double-header); 11am: Canberra v Warriors % 3.30pm: Penrith v Cronulla

Thursday, March 6: Sydney Roosters v Brisbane

Friday, March 7: 6pm: Wests Tigers v Newcastle % 8.05pm: Dolphins v South Sydney

Saturday, March 8: 5.30pm: St George Illawarra v Canterbury & 7.35pm: Manly v North Queensland

Sunday, March 9: 4.05pm: Melbourne v Parramatta

✍🏼 Free Agency Wrap: Clubs actively negotiating for the 2026 season and beyond. Veteran forwards Christian Welch and David Klemmer face uncertain futures due to performance-based clauses in their contracts.

Leo Thompson has attracted interest from multiple clubs, including the Bulldogs, Dolphins, Tigers, Dragons, and now the Raiders, who see him as a potential replacement for Josh Papalii.

At the Roosters, hooker Brandon Smith's future is uncertain, with reports suggesting the club may not offer him a deal beyond 2025.

Additionally, Terrell May has been granted permission to negotiate with rival clubs, indicating potential changes in the forward pack. (Fox)

AFL NEWS

🗳️ It’s almost time for The 2024 AFL National Draft, scheduled for November 20 and 21, with coverage beginning at 7 pm AEDT on Fox Footy and Kayo Sports.

This year's draft is highly competitive, with top prospects like Sam Lalor and Finn O'Sullivan leading discussions for the number one pick.

🎾 Jannik Sinner became the first Italian to win the ATP Finals title as he earned a commanding straight-set victory over American Taylor Fritz in Turin.

World number one Sinner capped a superb year, in which he has also won the first two Grand Slam titles of his career, with a 6-4 6-4 win over the fifth-ranked Fritz.

With that victory - his 70th in 2024 - the 23-year-old became the first player to take the title at the season-ending ATP Finals without losing a set since Ivan Lendl in 1986.

Amid his remarkable successes in 2024, the reigning Australian Open and US Open champion has also been embroiled in an ongoing doping controversy.  

Wada is seeking a ban of between one and two years for Sinner to be applied from the date of a Cas ruling that found "no fault or negligence" attached to 23-year-old Sinner.

👊🏼 icymi: Jon Jones cemented his status as one of the best mixed martial artists of all time as he stopped Stipe Miocic with a stunning kick to retain his heavyweight title at UFC 309.

Jones dropped fellow American Miocic with a thudding spinning back kick in the third round at New York's Madison Square Garden to make the first defence of his belt.

Jones, 37, said he plans to continue his UFC career, but did not confirm if his next fight will be against Britain's interim champion Tom Aspinall.

"As far as my future in the octagon, I decided that maybe I will not retire," said Jones.

🏏 Questions around India's batting order for the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth grew after Shubman Gill hurt his left thumb on the second day of India's intra-squad training match at the WACA.

🏀 Los Angeles Lakers defeat of the New Orleans Pelicans (104-99) marked the 1505th regular-season game for 39-year-old Lakers' leader LeBron James.

With this achievement, LeBron has surpassed John Stockton for most regular-season games played. Ahead of him are only Dirk Nowitzki (1522), Vince Carter (1541), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1560), and Robert Parish (1611).

🏍️ Jorge Martin won the MotoGP world championship for the first time with an untroubled run to third place at the Grand Prix of Barcelona on Sunday, the Spaniard’s 32nd podium of the season enough to dethrone reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia, who won from pole position but fell short of a hat-trick of titles.

⛳️ Rory McIlroy held off Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard to win the season-ending DP World Tour Championship and clinch his sixth Race to Dubai title.

-15 R McIlroy (NI); -13 R Hojgaard (Den); -11 S Lowry (Ire), A Rozner (Fra), A Scott (Aus).

It is the third year in succession that McIlroy has topped the tour's season rankings and his sixth title overall - matching Seve Ballesteros' record.

"Everyone knows what Seve means to European golf and Ryder Cup players," an emotional McIlroy told Sky Sports.

"He means so much to European golf and for me to be mentioned in the same breath, I'm very proud."

🥊 "I almost died in June. Had eight blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight, so I won." - Mike Tyson after his defeat to YouTuber Jake Paul. Netflix said that 60 million households tuned in live to watch the event.

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TODAY

06:30 - PDC Grand Slam of Darts - Grand Slam of Darts Final, Night 9 - Fox Sports

06:45 - UEFA Nations League - Italy v France - Optus Sport 2

08:05 - NFL - San Francisco 49ers v Seattle Seahawks - 7mate

08:25 - NFL - Buffalo Bills v Kansas City Chiefs - ESPN

10:30 - Sheffield Shield - Victoria Men v Western Australia Men - Kayo Sports

10:30 - Sheffield Shield - Queensland Bulls v Tasmania Tigers Men - Kayo Sports

11:00 - NBA - Chicago Bulls v Houston Rockets - ESPN 2

12:20 - NFL - Los Angeles Chargers v Cincinnati Bengals - ESPN

19:00 - T20 Series - Australia v Pakistan - Fox Cricket

TUESDAY

06:45 - UEFA Nations League - Croatia v Portugal - Optus Sport 3

06:45 - UEFA Nations League - Spain v Switzerland - Optus Sport 2

06:45 - UEFA Nations League - Poland v Scotland - Optus Sport 4

11:00 - NHL - Boston Bruins v Columbus Blue Jackets - ESPN 2

12:15 - NFL - Dallas Cowboys v Houston Texans - ESPN

14:30 - NBA - Los Angeles Clippers v Golden State Warriors - ESPN 2

🏏 Glenn Maxwell was back to his old ways during Australia's first T20 International match against Pakistan at the Gabba, as the hosts claimed a 29-run victory on Thursday night.

Despite being reduced to just seven overs due to inclement weather, Australia piled on a whopping 4-93, before ripping Pakistan apart with ball in hand 9-64.

Maxwell's 43 off just 19 balls, headlined by eight boundaries, set up Australia for success. Marcus Stoinis finished off the job in style.

🏏 Former Australian star David Warner has backed Nathan McSweeney to succeed as a Test opener, rubbishing comments from former national teammate Ed Cowan.

Earlier this week, Cowan made headlines after declaring that McSweeney’s selection was a “guess”, arguing he doesn’t have the technique nor the temperament to open in Tests.

However, Warner disagreed, telling Fox Cricket: “I just want everyone to be positive and wish him well. I think he can go out there and have a few games and he might score runs, he might not score runs, (but) let him have a chance. Let him explore the greatness of playing cricket for Australia and finding a new position for himself.”

Twitter tweet

🏀 First NBA points for Johnny Furphy. While the Australian rookie had only seen 13 minutes of playing time prior to Thursday’s match-up against the Magic. This time around Furphy got an extended look at the end of the first quarter and the start of the second. 

Furphy forced Jalen Suggs into a turnover which he quickly turned into a fast-break dunk on the other end for his first points in the NBA.

🎾 Alex De Minaur needed to defeat the American fifth seed in straight sets for any chance of progressing to the ATP semi-finals in Turin, Italy.

Despite winning the first set, his hopes were crushed when Fritz stole the second set against the run of play.

Fritz, who went on to win 5-7 6-4 6-3, will progress to the last four of the season-ending tournament if Jannik Sinner beats Daniil Medvedev this morning.

⚽️ Costly missed chances could come back to haunt the Socceroos, but Saudi Arabia felt equally aggrieved after they were denied an injury-time winner (off-side call for a player being in the keeper’s eyeline) in a dramatic scoreless draw in Melbourne.

⛳️ Future Star: Former Aussie child prodigy Karl Vilips has joined current world No.1 Scottie Scheffler as a winner of a coveted rookie of the year award just months into his professional career. 

Vilips, who moved to the US when he was 10 to further his golfing ambitions and this year finished college career at Stanford, Tiger Woods’ school, was named the Korn Ferry Tour’s rookie of the year, an award Scheffler won in 2019.

The 23-year-old from Perth , who only turned professional in June, did enough in 10 starts on the secondary tour to also secure his PGA Tour card for 2025. He’ll also play in the Australian Open later in the month.

NRL NEWS

🏉 It’s almost two weeks after the November 1 deadline with player contracts coming to an end and teams free to negotiate with potential players for 2025 and 2026.

The Eels are expected to secure the signature of Josh Addo-Carr “imminently” with the axed Bulldogs star set to sign a short deal. 

The Roosters, Bulldogs, Broncos and Dolphins are all keen on signing Ben Hunt who finally parted ways with the Dragons last month. 

Hunt’s family is in Queensland and he’s set to meet with Broncos officials in the coming days, but his preference is reportedly to stay in Sydney.

The Roosters have cash to splash after stars Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Joey Manu, Joseph Suaalii and Luke Keary all departed, leaving the club around $2 million to spend. While Hunt’s expected value is between 800k-900k a season.

It’s been revealed Clint Gutherson’s management reportedly reached out to the Sea Eagles regarding a potential shock homecoming.

The former Eels skipper was unveiled as the Dragons’ newest recruit on Friday, however his path could have taken a very different turn.

That is according to WWOS, who are reporting the Sea Eagles considered signing Gutherson, but were forced to snub any potential moves due to salary cap limitations.

AFL NEWS

🗓️ 2025 FIXTURE: Hawks and Bombers fly into primetime. More Thursday and Sunday night footy features in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season fixture (»AFL.com)

🤕 Prodigious midfielder Harley Reid was diagnosed with a concussion after suffering a head knock during a pre-season training session, per Seven reporter Mitch Cleary on Thursday night. 

The incident is understood to have occurred on Wednesday, with West Coast understandably taking zero risks with its first-year wunderkind. 

“Harley received a minor head knock during training, and we took precautionary measures,” Eagles football boss Gavin Bell said, via Channel Seven.

“I’ve spoken to him today and so has the club doctor.

“He is doing well, but as he has entered the AFL concussion protocols.”

🥊 Jake Paul and Mike Tyson are just a day away from one of the biggest and most controversial fights in boxing in years, as they prepare to square off on Netflix.

Ring walks for Mike Tyson and Jake Paul are expected on Saturday at 3pm AEDT. Fans can stream the showdown on Netflix Australia.

There are hundreds of wild Mike Tyson stories, but one that get under reported is when he tried to fight a Gorilla.

It is sometime in the late 1980s, and Mike Tyson is being led around New York zoo on a private tour with his wife Robin Givens. Nearing the gorilla enclosure, the champ notices that one particular silverback is bullying the others. An incident he takes such an exception to, Tyson immediately offers the zookeeper $10,000 to open the cage so he can “smash that silverback’s snot box”. Thankfully for all concerned, the employee declines.

🏀 icymi: Victor Wembanyama became the fourth-youngest player to score 50 points in an NBA game as he led the San Antonio Spurs to a 139-130 win over the Washington Wizards.

The three players who scored 50 points at a younger age than the 20-year-old Frenchman were Brandon Jennings, LeBron James and Devin Booker, all of whom were also aged 20.

🏀 The Cavaliers won again, fending off a depleted 76ers team to improve to 13-0. One more win and they'll tie the 2002-03 Mavericks and 1957-58 Celtics for the fourth-best start in league history.

🏉 Spring/Autumn International fixtures: France play New Zealand. Ireland will look to bounce back from the NZ defeat against Argentina, and Wales are trying not to make it 11 loses in a row when they face the Wallabies.

And, England faced World Champions South Africa. S.A Captain Siya Kolisi and former world player of the year Pieter-Steph du Toit return in the back row, while winger Cheslin Kolbe have been named in the side.

Ox Nché has been talking about his love for baking, and chocolate caramel cake…(put this quote on a t-shirt)

⚽️ Referees' body PGMOL says it is taking new allegations around Premier League official David Coote "very seriously".

On Wednesday, the Sun newspaper published pictures it says were taken during this summer's European Championship, alleging they appear to show Coote sniffing some Colombian marching powder through a rolled up US bank note. He was officiating at the Euro Finals at the time.

⚽️ 57-year-old Ex-Sydney FC forward Kazuyoshi Miura plans to extend his professional career into his 40th season for Japanese fourth-tier side Suzuka. Miura's career began in 1986 with Brazilian club Santos. Miura scored 55 goals in 89 international appearances between 1990 and 2000. 

🐴 Cool hobby bro: A collection of more than 850 samples of hair from racehorses has sold for £38,000 (AU$74.5k)

Ray Goddard collected hair from the manes and tails of some of the world's most famous racehorses between 1948 and 2004, when he died.

The collection contains locks of hair from Red Rum, Shergar, Arkle, Nijinsky and other champion thoroughbreds.

One of the most famous horses in Goddard's collection Shergar, was famously kidnapped in 1983 and never seen again in public (when valued at AU$19m).

🏎️ Monaco will continue to host Formula 1 races until at least 2031 after a new six-year deal was agreed.

One of the sport's most iconic and prestigious races, the Monaco Grand Prix has hosted races every year since 1955, other than during the Covid-affected 2020 season.

⛷️Three-time Olympic skiing medallist Lindsey Vonn is returning to the sport more than five years after her retirement.

The American, 40, retired in February 2019 but has announced her competitive comeback having had successful knee surgery in April.

Vonn won Olympic downhill gold at the Winter Games in Vancouver in 2010, and tried to tame Tiger Woods in a three year relationship.

Twitter tweet

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TODAY 

05:00 - PGA TOUR - Bermuda Championship, Round 1 - Fox Sports

06:45 - UEFA Nations League - Belgium v Italy - Optus Sport 6

06:45 - UEFA Nations League - Greece v England - Optus Sport 2

08:00 - CONMEBOL WC Qualifier - Venezuela v Brazil - SBS

10:30 - Sheffield Shield - Victoria Men v Western Australia Men - Kayo Sports

11:00 - Sheffield Shield - South Australia Men v NSW Men - Kayo Sports

11:00 - Sheffield Shield - Queensland Bulls v Tasmania Tigers Men - Kayo Sports

12:15 - NFL - Philadelphia Eagles v Washington Commanders - ESPN

13:00 - NBA - Utah Jazz v Dallas Mavericks - ESPN 2

18:00 - DP World Tour Championship, Round 2 - Fox Sports

18:00 - Adelaide 500 - Adelaide 500 Qualifying Race 1, Round 12 - Fox Sports

19:30 - NBL - Tasmania JackJumpers v Brisbane Bullets - ESPN

21:30 - NBL - Perth Wildcats v South East Melbourne Phoenix - ESPN

SATURDAY

02:00 - T20 Series - South Africa v India - Fox Cricket

05:00 - PGA TOUR - Bermuda Championship, Round 2 - Fox Sports

06:45 - UEFA Nations League (multiple) - Optus Sport

07:10 - Autumn Nations Series - Ireland v Argentina - Stan Sport App

10:30 - Sheffield Shield - Victoria Men v Western Australia Men - Kayo Sports

11:00 - CONMEBOL WC Qualifier - Uruguay v Colombia - SBS

11:00 - Sheffield Shield - South Australia Men v NSW Men - Kayo Sports

11:00 - Sheffield Shield - Queensland Bulls v Tasmania Tigers Men - Kayo Sports

11:30 - NBA Cup - San Antonio Spurs v Los Angeles Lakers - ESPN

13:00 - NHL - Colorado Avalanche v Washington Capitals - ESPN 2

13:05 - Adelaide 500 Top 10 Shootout, Round 12 - 7mate, Fox Sports

14:00 - NBA Cup - Golden State Warriors v Memphis Grizzlies - ESPN

15:50 - Adelaide 500 Race 1, Round 12 - 7mate, Fox Sports

17:30 - NBL - Cairns Taipans v New Zealand Breakers - ESPN

18:00 - DP World Tour Championship, Round 3 - Fox Sports

19:00 - T20 Series - Australia v Pakistan - Fox Cricket

20:00 - NBL - Illawarra Hawks v Sydney Kings - ESPN

SUNDAY 

02:10 - Autumn Nations Series - Scotland v Portugal - Stan Sport App

03:30 - PGA TOUR - Bermuda Championship, Round 3 - Fox Sports

04:40 - Autumn Nations Series - England v South Africa - Stan Sport App

06:45 - UEFA Nations League - Germany v Bosnia and Herzegovina - Optus Sport 2

07:10 - Autumn Nations Series - France v New Zealand - Stan Sport App

10:30 - Sheffield Shield - Victoria Men v Western Australia Men - Kayo Sports

10:50 - Adelaide 500 Qualifying Race 2, Round 12 - Fox Sports

11:00 - Sheffield Shield - South Australia Men v NSW Men - Kayo Sports

11:00 - Sheffield Shield - Queensland Bulls v Tasmania Tigers Men - Kayo Sports

12:30 - NBA - Dallas Mavericks v San Antonio Spurs - ESPN 2

13:05 - Adelaide 500 Top 10 Shootout, Round 12 - Channel 7, Fox Sports

14:00 - UFC 309 Main Card - Jon Jones v Stipe Miocic - Main Event

14:30 - NBL - Melbourne United v Adelaide 36ers - Channel 10, ESPN

15:45 - Adelaide 500 Race 2, Round 12 - Channel 7, Fox Sports

16:30 - NBL - Brisbane Bullets v Perth Wildcats - 10 Bold, ESPN

17:30 - DP World Tour - DP World Tour Championship, Round 4 - Fox Sports

🎾 Alex de Minaur was defeated by a rejuvenated Daniil Medvedev 6-2 6-4 in his second match at the ATP Tour Finals.

Medvedev lost only nine points on his serve as he wrapped up the win in an hour and 18 minutes.

The Demon will be knocked out with a match to spare if the other tie in the Ilie Nastase Group between Italian top seed Jannik Sinner and Fritz goes to three sets (06:30 AEDT).

🏏 Alex Carey continued his blistering start to the season with the bat to help South Australia to the top of the One-Day Cup table with a six-wicket win over New South Wales.

The Australian Test keeper overcame a nasty blow to the throat early in his innings to peel off 75 from 63 balls in the Redbacks’ successful chase of 197 at Adelaide Oval on Tuesday.

📸 Photo of the Week: Kaylea Arnett of the United States dives during the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Final held at Mrs Macquarie's Chair on Sydney Harbour.

🏉 While rugby is in the news as the international rugby season is in full flight, those in club land are also working overtime.

Every Super Rugby Pacific club will unveil their full 2025 squads on Tuesday.

• The recruitment of Wallabies squad member David Feliuai headlines the 2025 ACT Brumbies squad.

• The Waratahs were wooden spooners this year but have landed some massive names for 2025 with Wallabies Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Taniela Tupou and Andrew Kellaway signing on.

• The Reds have recruited heavily from the Rebels with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Filipo Daugunu and Josh Canham big ins.

• The Force have had a strong offseason with Wallabies Dylan Pietsch, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Harry Johnson-Holmes and Darcy Swain headed west.

🚘 Just two title contenders remain for the Supercars championship at this weekend’s finale at the Adelaide 500 this weekend, momentum heavily favours title leader Will Brown over teammate Broc Feeney.

The margin stands at a comfortable 180 points. It would require a remarkable turnaround just to keep the title alive on Sunday.

NRL NEWS

✍🏼 The Bulldogs have boosted their depth for next season after announcing the signing of versatile outside back Enari Tuala on a two-year-deal.  

🗣️ Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson says veteran playmaker Ben Hunt is among the options he’s looking at to “cover” key positions in season 2025 when they’ll be without spine members Sam Walker and Brandon Smith for a significant period.

AFL NEWS

🗓️ The 2025 AFL season will begin on March 6 with ‘opening round’ is set to make a return, meaning the season will once again begin in northern states, the AFL announced on Tuesday.

Premiers Brisbane will host Geelong in a rematch of 2024's thrilling prelim, with the Lions to unveil their premiership flag in front of a packed Gabba crowd.

The round will continue in Sydney on Friday night, with the Swans to host the exciting Hawks, while on Saturday afternoon, the Suns clash with the Bombers on the Gold Coast. On Sunday, the GWS Giants will host Collingwood.

In a statement released on Tuesday, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said the league was keen to build on the success of last year's Opening Round.

"After a successful start to the 2024 season, we look forward to continuing the momentum in 2025 before we head into a blockbuster round of matches in Round 1," he said.

"Footy is growing exponentially in New South Wales and Queensland - all four Clubs saw more than 10% growth in membership this past season and we have seen community participation numbers grow a combined 17% this year."

The announcement comes after the AFL revealed the fixtures for Gather Round, set to be in Round 5 in South Australia once again.

Two matches have been scheduled to be played in the Barossa Valley as part of the 2025 edition of the round.

⚽️ EPL Whispers: Arsenal are ready to spend (100m euros) on West Ham attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus with the 24-year-old Ghana international keen to join the Gunners to play European football.

Tottenham are set to rebuff Real Madrid's renewed interest in 26-year-old Argentina defender Cristian Romero.

⛳️ icymi: Bernhard Langer shot lower than his age to snatch victory at the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship and extend his record of winning a title every year on the PGA Tour Champions' circuit to 18 years.

The 67-year-old holed a 30-foot birdie putt on the final hole to card a five-under-par 66 and seal a one-stroke victory on 18 under over defending champion Steven Alker and Richard Green.

🏀 The Cavaliers improved to 12-0 with a 119-113 victory over the Bulls, making Cleveland the eighth team in NBA history to begin a season undefeated in its first 12 games.

Emirates NBA Cup Tracker: Latest updates, schedule, standings & explainer | NBA.com

Here's everything you need to know as the Emirates NBA Cup gets underway.

📸 Photo of the week: Fans sit atop the field goal after the game between the Mississippi Rebels and the Georgia Bulldogs at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on 9 November in Oxford, Mississippi. 🕶️ The guy in the sunglasses is having a day out.  

⚽️ The Football Association has launched its own investigation into the video that appears to show Premier League referee David Coote using foul language to describe former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. (YouTube)

Coote has already been suspended by refereeing body Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) pending a full investigation.

🏎️ The Renault-owned Alpine team will use Mercedes engines in Formula 1 from the 2026 season.

The deal, which follows the decision in September to end Renault’s own engine programme in 2025, runs until at least the end of 2030.

In other F1 news, Niels Wittich has left his role as Formula 1's race director with immediate effect.

The German, a replacement for Michael Masi in 2022, "has stepped down from his position to pursue new opportunities," the FIA said in a statement.

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TODAY

10:05 - AUS One-Day Cup - Victoria Men v Western Australia Men - Fox Cricket

10:30 - Men's NCAA - Michigan State Spartans v Kansas Jayhawks - ESPN 2

11:30 - NBA Cup - Philadelphia 76ers v New York Knicks - ESPN

13:00 - Men's NCAA - Duke Blue Devils v Kentucky Wildcats - ESPN 2

14:00 - NBA Cup - Golden State Warriors v Dallas Mavericks - ESPN

THURSDAY

02:00 - T20 Series - South Africa v India - Fox Cricket

11:00 - Sheffield Shield - South Australia Men v NSW Men - Kayo Sports

11:30 - NHL - Pittsburgh Penguins v Detroit Red Wings - ESPN 2

11:30 - NBA - Oklahoma City Thunder v New Orleans Pelicans - ESPN

14:00 - NHL - Colorado Avalanche v Los Angeles Kings - ESPN 2

14:00 - NBA - Los Angeles Lakers v Memphis Grizzlies - ESPN

18:00 - DP World Tour - DP World Tour Championship, Round 1 - Fox Sports

19:00 - T20 Series - Australia v Pakistan - Fox Cricket

20:10 - AFC World Cup Qualifier - Australia v Saudi Arabia - Paramount+

AUSSIE SPORTS

Ruthless Kangaroos & Jillaroos win Pacific finals

Photograph: Matt King/Getty Images

🏉 Tom Dearden showed he belongs in the do-or-die environment of Test rugby league after standing tall and guiding Australia to a 20-14 Pacific Cup final win over Tonga.

In front of a 28,728-strong pro-Tongan crowd at CommBank Stadium on Sunday, the Kangaroos made amends for last year's final - when they suffered the biggest defeat in their history at the hands of New Zealand.

Tom Trbojevic grabbed two tries at centre but it was Dearden who shone brightest as he upstaged halfback Mitchell Moses on his home ground, showing a ruthless edge to exploit Tonga's defensive lapses.

Australia also reasserted their status as the heavyweights of international women’s rugby league, thrashing New Zealand 24-4 in the Pacific Cup final as revenge for last year’s decider.

Aussies belted as Pakistan wins first one-day series.

🏏 Australia's batsmen suffered yet another collapse against Pakistan in the third ODI in Perth, bowled out for 140 in 31.5 overs.

Pakistan then made light work of the run chase, hunting down the 141 runs required in 26.5 overs with eight wickets in hand.

It’s Pakistan’s first series victory down under in 22 years.

From bad to worse: Allrounder Cooper Connolly has been ruled out of the T20I series against Pakistan after suffering a fractured left hand while batting.

McSweeney happy to take first ball

🏏 Nathan McSweeney is confident the conditions in Perth will suit his natural game and says he is “comfortable” taking the first ball in a new opening partnership with Usman Khawaja.

The 25-year-old was given the nod to move into an opening role to make his Test debut against India after he was trialled at the top of the order in last week’s Australia A game.

McSweeney has not played a first-class game at Perth Stadium, but anticipated a bouncy pitch that he said would suit his technique when the Border-Gavaskar series begins on November 22.

“Yesterday after the game, George (Bailey) pulled me aside and gave me the news. Mum and Dad were straight on the phone, they were super happy,” McSweeney told reporters in Melbourne on Sunday.

Three-peat triumph! 

⛹🏻‍♀️ Australia are Fast5 champions for a third straight year, after coming from a staggering 15 goals down to beat New Zealand in the final in Christchurch on Sunday.

The 34-30 win ensured the unbeaten Australia went back-to-back-to-back.

Purcell/Thompson make fast start in Finals

🎾 Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson kick-started the 2024 Nitto ATP Finals in style in Turin, Italy.

The fifth-seeded Australian pair downed third seeds Wesley Koolhof and Nikola Mektic 7-6(1), 6-3 on their debut at the prestigious season finale.

LIVE: Alex de Minaur is taking on world #1 Jannik Sinner now.

NRL NEWS

Player welfare under the microscope

Brisbane Broncos first day of training, complete with vomit bucket. 📸: Nigel Hallett

🥵 Player welfare, particularly in the hot summer months, is front of mind for the NRL, which has introduced new heat check measures following the death of Manly youngster Keith Titmuss four years ago. 

His passing led to a coronial inquest and recommendations to review pre-season training guidelines.

The sight of Bronco players pushing themselves to the limit (including sightings of the infamous “vomit buckets”) has reportedly prompted the NRL to make inquiries after footage of the demanding training sessions emerged. 

“All our staff are well aware of the new pre-season guidelines,” Broncos CEO Donaghy said.

Under the new training rules, heat tests must be conducted before every training session and cooling breaks in shade must be accounted for.

Ice towels, misting fans and extra drinks must be available to the players where possible.

The Courier Mail reports every NRL club is expected to assess players for risk factors to heat using their total body mass.

Clubs have been instructed to immediately move a player into the shade if they look worse for wear, wand have their rectal temperature measured.

The AFL Draft star every club should take with its first pick to fix list void

AFL Draft star EVERY club should take with its first pick... and how it fixes list flaw

⚽️ EPL WRAP: Bruno Fernandes marked his 250th Manchester United appearance by playing a starring role as Ruud van Nistelrooy signed off his stint in interim charge with a 3-0 Premier League win over Leicester.

Pedro Neto drilled in a 22-yard equaliser as Chelsea and Arsenal played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

The visitors opened the scoring when Gabriel Martinelli slammed the ball past Blues keeper Robert Sanchez at his near post after collecting the returning Martin Odegaard’s curling cross.

Ipswich held on for a 2-1 win at Tottenham to celebrate their first win of the season - and their first in the Premier League in 22 years.

Newcastle's impressive second-half performance earned a deserved 3-1 win at the Premier League's surprise package Nottingham Forest.

The best to ever do it

Tim de Waele/Getty Images

🚴🏻‍♂️ Britain's Mark Cavendish, the most successful sprinter in cycling history, ended his career with victory in the Tour de France Criterium in Singapore.

The 39-year-old triumphed in a sprint finish to end a 19-year career.

Cavendish, riding for Astana-Qazaqstan, wore race number 35 to mark his record for stage wins in the Tour de France.

🏉 Southern Hemisphere dominance was the story of the weekend in the Spring/Autumn rugby tours: Following wins for Australia (42-37 v England), New Zealand (23-13 Ireland), and Argentina (50-18 Italy), France did manage a win (52-12 v Japan), but Sunday’s fixtures followed the same trend.

Fiji surged to their first victory in Cardiff 24-19 as Wales’s losing run stretches to 10 Tests (a record).

South Africa Beat Scotland 32-15 In One-off Rugby Test. South Africa wing Makazole Mapimpi scored two tries before the world champions withstood a fierce Scotland second-half onslaught as they launched their November campaign with a 32-15 win

Josua Tuisova is a beast! 👋🏼

🏉 Casey McLean announced himself as a superstar of the future, bagging four tries in New Zealand’s 54-12 demolition of Papua New Guinea at the Pacific Championships.

With only seven NRL games to his name, the 18-year-old winger became the third-youngest debutant in Kiwis history.

⛳️ England's Paul Waring held off a stellar field to win the Abu Dhabi Championship, claiming just his second title on the European Tour and first in six years.

The 39-year-old beat countryman Tyrell Hatton by two shots, closing with a six-under-par 66 at Yas Links to finish on 24 under.

Race to Dubai leader (with one event to go) Rory McIlroy shot a 64 to finish in a three-way tie for third on 21 under.

🏀 New Orleans Pelicans star forward Zion Williamson is out indefinitely with a left hamstring strain.

Imaging taken Saturday morning confirmed the injury. Though the team did not provide a timetable for Williamson’s return, ESPN reported he will be re-evaluated “in the coming weeks”.

Williamson has averaged 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists while playing in just six of the Pelicans’ first 10 games.

Kevin Durant suffered a left calf strain and will be reevaluated in two weeks.

Durant suffered the injury in Friday's 114-113 win over the Dallas Mavericks, a game he finished with 26 points in 37 minutes.

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TODAY

06:00 - PGA TOUR - World Wide Technology Championship, Round 4 - Fox Sports

07:00 - NASCAR Cup Series Championship, Round 36 - Fox Sports

08:25 - NFL - Arizona Cardinals v New York Jets - 7mate

08:25 - NFL - Dallas Cowboys v Philadelphia Eagles - ESPN

12:00 - NBA - Denver Nuggets v Dallas Mavericks - ESPN 2

12:20 - NFL - Houston Texans v Detroit Lions - ESPN

TUESDAY

10:35 - AUS One-Day Cup - South Australia Men v NSW Men - Fox Cricket

11:00 - NHL - Pittsburgh Penguins v Dallas Stars - ESPN 2

12:15 - NFL - Los Angeles Rams v Miami Dolphins - ESPN

14:00 - NHL - Vegas Golden Knights v Carolina Hurricanes - ESPN 2

17:30 - AUS One-Day Cup - South Australia Men v NSW Men - Fox Sports

🏏 Australia and Pakistan are set for their second ODI face-off this afternoon after a nail-biting opener at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). 

Australia managed to secure a narrow victory, but Pakistan’s bowlers, especially Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi, made them work hard for it despite a modest total of 203.

Australia predicted XI: Matthew Short, Jake Fraser, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis (wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Maxwell, Hardie, Pat Cummins (c), Zampa, Sean Abbott, Starc.

📺 Watch: Foxtel or Live stream on Kayo (at 2:30pm AEDT)

🏉 Australia have handed a rugby union debut to Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at centre for their opening Autumn international against England (02:10 Sunday), drafting the rugby league convert straight into the side.

He will partner Len Ikitau in the midfield and is the only change from Australia's previous Test against New Zealand in their woeful Rugby Championship campaign where they lost five of their six games, including a 67-27 defeat by Argentina.

Noah Lolesio keeps his place at fly-half, with the side to be captained by number eight Harry Wilson, but there is no place for lock Will Skelton or centre Samu Kerevi.

• ☕️ Coffee-Break Ammo: Suaalii’s last rugby match was 1,865 days ago for an Australian school boys side.

Yes, to the collar! 👍🏻

🏏 Australian fast bowler Michael Neser left the field injured late in India A's first innings after tearing apart the tourists' top order (27-4).

Neser pulled up short immediately after bowling the first ball of his 13th over having reportedly injured his left hamstring.

McSweeney and Harris had been pitted against each other at the top of the order as a final audition ahead of the announcement of the Australian Test squad next week.

Largely touted as the pick of the bunch, McSweeney was dismissed by India A's opening bowler Mukesh Kumar for 14.

Harris remains on 26 not out from 42 balls alongside Sam Konstas who is unbeaten on one.

🐴 icymi: Pre-race favourite TreasuretheMoment took out the 2024 VRC Crown Oaks.

The talented filly proved too good for a strong field in the $1 million feature race at Flemington on Thursday afternoon.

Damian Lane rode the winner, who was on a quick back-up from Saturday where she won the Group 2 Wakeful ahead of some similar runners.

"It is 20 years of work really trying to achieve something like this," Trainer Matt Laurie said.

👋🏼 Australian breaker Rachael Gunn has announced she will retire from competition, citing the viral response to her performance at the Paris Olympics.

Top Halloween decoration last week.

NRL NEWS

👋🏼 The Eels have officially granted Clint Gutherson a release from the final year of his contract to take up an offer with the Dragons. 

“The Parramatta Eels have reached an agreement for Clint Gutherson to be released from the final year of his contract, allowing him to pursue other opportunities,” the Eels said in a statement. 

The decision to reach this agreement was made in acknowledgement of Clint’s contributions since joining the Eels in 2016 and out of respect for his desire to secure his long-term future in the NRL.

“The legacy Clint leaves, as a former Captain of the Club, is one of courage and competitiveness, two key attributes for any young aspiring NRL player.” - said the Club.

🧀 The Roosters have reportedly reached out to rival clubs, enquiring if they’re interested in Brandon Smith with his time at the club set to come to an end.

That is according to The Daily Telegraph, who are reporting the club’s were asked if they would recruit him should the Tricolours make immediate moves to sever ties.

“I haven’t spoken to them yet because Robbo is still away,” Smith said.

“When we get back to training we will have the proper discussion. Ideally I would like to stay at the Roosters.

AFL NEWS

🎨 The Adelaide Crows have unveiled a new, retro-inspired logo, but it's drawn a mixed reaction from fans.

The club says the new look draws inspiration from its past, evoking memories of the club's formative years in the 1990s.

"We've got a rich footy heritage, so thought why not go back to the swooping crow, from 1991, but give it a modern feel," Crows CEO Tim Silvers told 9News Adelaide.

Twitter tweet

🎾 Two-time Grand Slam finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas says playing ATP Masters 1,000 events over two weeks has been a "backwards move", as the debate over scheduling and player welfare continues.

Five of the ATP Tour's nine Masters events - the highest-ranked men's tournaments below the Grand Slams - are played over 12 days.

Events in Cincinnati and Canada will follow suit next year.

Defending champion Iga Swiatek thrashed Russia's Daria Kasatkina 6-1 6-0 at the WTA Finals - but faces an anxious wait to see if she will qualify for the semi-finals. Apparently there were only 400 people in 4,000 arena, in Saudi Arabia.

🏉 In a bumper weekend of Rugby; Ireland will look to continue their hold over New Zealand, Wales will take on a Fiji complete with their stars playing in France, while World Champions South Africa will be keen to show Scotland who the boss is. France (and Dupont) play Japan.

🏏 Whenever this come up on my feed, I share it, it’s a simple as that. Not everyday you see a batsman in a hockey mask. It’s laughing that gets me though ⬇️

Twitter tweet

🏀 NBA Wrap: Steph Curry passed NBA legend Charles Barkley - a long-time critic - on the all-time scoring list as the Golden State Warriors beat the Boston Celtics 118-112.

The 34-year-old, a four-time NBA Championship winner, registered 27 points on the night, plus a triple double, as he moved to 30th on the all-time list and the Warriors sealed their fifth consecutive win.

Curry registered the 23,747th point of his career in the third quarter to surpass 61-year-old Barkley.

Elsewhere, the Cleveland Cavaliers recorded a franchise record nine wins in a row with a 131-122 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The LA Lakers were beaten 131-114 by the Memphis Grizzlies, despite LeBron James scoring a season-high 39 points.

🏎️ Formula 1 drivers have urged the sport's governing body to treat them like adults after Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc were punished for swearing.

The Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) has also criticised FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem for his "tone and language" when addressing the topic.

"We urge the FIA president to consider his own tone and language when talking to our member drivers, or indeed about them, whether in a public forum or otherwise.”

⚽️ Football Wrap: Manchester United and Chelsea target Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres (who apparently has a €100m buyout clause), Real Madrid eye January move for Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, and finally, Al-Hilal could cancel Neymar's contract and move for Cristiano Ronaldo.

⛳️ England's Tommy Fleetwood shot a 10-under-par 62 to equal the course record and lead by one shot after the opening round of the Abu Dhabi Championship.

Rory McIlroy needs to finish in the top two at Yas Links to win a sixth Race to Dubai title, before the final event of the European Tour season at the World Tour Championship in Dubai next week.

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TODAY 

06:00 - PGA TOUR - World Wide Technology Championship, Round 1 - Fox Sports

10:30 - Four-Day Tour Match - Australia A v India A - Fox Sports

12:00 - NBA - Chicago Bulls v Minnesota Timberwolves - ESPN 2

12:15 - NFL - Baltimore Ravens v Cincinnati Bengals - ESPN

14:30 - ODI Series - Australia v Pakistan - Fox Cricket

19:30 - NBL - Sydney Kings v South East Melbourne Phoenix - ESPN

19:35 - A-League Men - Western Sydney Wanderers v Newcastle Jets - Paramount+

SATURDAY 

02:00 - T20 Series - South Africa v India - Fox Cricket

06:00 - PGA TOUR - World Wide Technology Championship, Round 2 - Fox Sports

07:10 - Autumn Nations Series - Ireland v New Zealand - Stan Sport App

10:30 - Four-Day Tour Match - Australia A v India A - Fox Cricket

11:30 - NHL - Washington Capitals v Pittsburgh Penguins - ESPN 2

11:30 - NBA - Dallas Mavericks v Phoenix Suns - ESPN

14:00 - NHL - Seattle Kraken v Vegas Golden Knights - ESPN 2

14:00 - NBA - Los Angeles Lakers v Philadelphia 76ers - ESPN

14:20 - Four-Day Tour Match - Australia A v India A - Fox Sports

17:00 - A-League Men - Melbourne Victory v Brisbane Roar - 10 Bold

17:30 - NBL - Tasmania JackJumpers v New Zealand Breakers - ESPN

19:35 - A-League Men - Adelaide United v Western United - 10 Bold

20:00 - NBL - Melbourne United v Perth Wildcats - ESPN

SUNDAY 

02:00 - Premier League - West Ham United v Everton - Optus Sport 2

02:00 - Premier League - Brentford v Bournemouth - Optus Sport 5

02:00 - Premier League - Crystal Palace v Fulham - Optus Sport 3

02:10 - Autumn Nations Series - England v Australia - Stan Sport App

04:30 - Premier League - Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester City - Optus Sport 1

04:40 - Autumn Nations Series - Italy v Argentina - Stan Sport App

06:00 - PGA TOUR - World Wide Technology Championship, Round 3 - Fox Sports

07:00 - Premier League - Liverpool v Aston Villa - Optus Sport 1

07:10 - Autumn Nations Series - France v Japan - Stan Sport App

10:30 - Four-Day Tour Match - Australia A v India A - Fox Sports

11:30 - NBA - Atlanta Hawks v Chicago Bulls - ESPN

14:30 - ODI Series - Australia v Pakistan - Fox Cricket

14:30 - NBL - South East Melbourne Phoenix v Cairns Taipans - Channel 10, ESPN

16:00 - A-League Men - Central Coast Mariners v Wellington Phoenix - Paramount+

16:05 - Men's Pacific Cup Final - Australia v Tonga - Fox League

16:30 - NBL - Adelaide 36ers v Illawarra Hawks - 10 Bold, ESPN

18:00 - A-League Men - Sydney FC v Macarthur FC Bulls - Paramount+

18:20 - Men's Pacific Bowl Final - New Zealand v Papua New Guinea - Fox League

20:45 - A-League Men - Perth Glory v Melbourne City - Paramount+

AUSSIE SPORTS
Absolute Scenes

Picture: Reg Ryan/Racing Photos via Getty Images

🐴 dtychmi: (don’t think you could have missed it): Knight's Choice stunned the racing world to take out the Lexus Melbourne Cup.

The John Symons and Sheila Laxon-trained runner saluted in the $8.5 million feature at Flemington with jockey Robbie Dolan in the saddle.

The five-year-old gelding paid $81 fixed odds with TAB.

"Pinch me, I'm dreaming," Dolan told Nine's Billy Slater post-race.

Pre-race favourite Buckaroo was shuffled too far back in the field to make a splash late, while highly-fancied overseas raider Vauban failed to fire for a second-straight Cup.

🤢 Makes you sick: One punter scored a $728,000 win after mystery first four bet was placed from a $24 wager.

TAB also paid out $81,000 to one winner after placing a $1000 bet on the horse at $81.

🏉 Morgan Turinui is tipping Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to make a stunning Test debut for the Wallabies against England on Sunday (AEDT).

"The Wallabies staff, players, everyone around the environment has been super impressed - attitudinally and athletically, of course, with Joseph, straight away in training..."Possibly off the bench is the most easy way to do it."

NRL NEWS
Smooth Talker

🗣️ Clint Gutherson's talks with the Dragons are not going as smoothly as the star expected, with his camp frustrated with the pace of negotiations, reports 9News' Danny Weidler.

The Parramatta Eels granted Gutherson an immediate release from the final year of his contract, to allow him to link with the Dragons, who had expressed strong interest in the fullback.

Negotiations between club and player got serious just hours after the club parted ways with Ben Hunt.

Gutherson, who was on a deal of about $900,000-a-season at Parramatta and was expected to land at the Dragons on a similar contract, was reportedly on the verge of inking a three-year deal with the club but that has stalled.

⏰ Brandon Smith’s time at the Roosters could be coming to an end, with Tricolours powerbrokers reportedly unlikely to extend his stay beyond 2025.

That is according to the SMH’s Michael Chammas, who revealed the club could “move in a different direction” ahead of the 2026 season.

The Roosters have already lost the likes of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Luke Keary, Joseph Suaalii and Joseph Manu ahead of the 2025 season.

Where are they now? The top 10 picks of the 2015 AFL Draft

Half of the 10 selected ended up leaving the club that drafted them.

WORLD NEWS
Djokovic Withdraws

🐷 I’ll save you the image whilst you eat your breakfast but, in the crazy world of South America Football, A pig's head was thrown on to the pitch during a game between Sao Paulo rivals Corinthians and Palmeiras in the Brazilian championship.

Alberto went on to score as Corinthians won the game 2-0.

"I almost broke my foot, I thought it was a cushion, I went to take it off with my foot, I kind of kicked it. It was a pig's head, I almost hurt my foot," - Alberto told O Globo's SporTV.

🎾 Defending champion Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the ATP Finals because of an "ongoing injury".

The 37-year-old Serb, who has won a record seven titles at the event, had already qualified as the sixth most successful player on the ATP Tour this season.

"I was really looking forward to being there, but due to ongoing injury I won't be playing next week," Djokovic wrote on social media.

🎾 Jessica Pegula was knocked out of the WTA Finals with one group match still to play as she fell to a lacklustre straight-set defeat by Barbora Krejcikova.

Wimbledon champion Krejcikova won 6-3 6-3 against a below-par Pegula for her first victory at the season-ending tournament in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

🏈 Cowboys QB Dak Prescott will miss "multiple games" after injuring his hamstring during Sunday's loss to the Falcons. Cooper Rush will start in his place. (Yahoo)

📸 Pic of the week: A Rangers supporter sets off a smoke flare during Sunday's 2-1 win over Motherwell in the League Cup semi final.

(Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

⚽️ EPL Whispers: Inter Milan and Barcelona eye move for Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, Arsenal target Newcastle's Alexander Isak and Manchester United face battle to sign Sporting's Geovany Quenda.

🏀icymi: The Cleveland Cavaliers matched a franchise record by winning their first eight games of the season as they edged a 116-114 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Cavaliers matched a record set in 1976-77 with a win in which Darius Garland scored a game-high 39 points against a Bucks side without the injured Giannis Antetokounmpo.

🏀 Ja Morant broke the internet with a soaring, 360 layup on Monday. Then 10 minutes later, he did it again.

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