BRISBANE Broncos supercoach Wayne Bennett has reportedly been shopped to the Wests Tigers as a possible replacement for Ivan Cleary. The Australian reported late Tuesday night that the seven-time premiership winner has been quietly offered to the joint merger after being told 2019 would be his last year in Brisbane. Cleary is under contract at the Tigers until 2020 but the prospect of signing Bennett may mean they decide to cut ties following the 2019 season, allowing him to link up with his son Nathan at Penrith after being offered a lucrative deal to retun to the Panthers as head coach. Interestingly, Cleary and Bennett are managed by the same company — SFX Sports — and The Australian said the Tigers have been approcached to see if they’re interested in Bennett. The Tigers are believed to be interested in signing an experienced coach and Bennett — who has won six titles with the Broncos and another with the Dragons — certainly fits the bill. Cleary is yet to announce what he’ll do after 2020 but he has been offered a massive contract to join Penrith at the completion of his current deal and is expected to accept it. Michael Maguire is another coach without an NRL gig who is reportedly being considered by the Tigers, but he is also in straight shootout to perhaps replace Trent Barrett at Manly with assistant Sea Eagles coach John Cartwright. Maguire has also been linked with a move to the Broncos to replace Bennett after the 2019 season — and it’s believed that Brisbane would be his preferred destination. However, the Broncos have also been linked with Souths coach Anthony Seibold, who is about to enter the final year of his Rabbitohs deal with an extension yet to be agreed upon. Signing Bennett would be a significant coup by the Tigers despite the Broncos crashing out in week one of the finals in a massive upset by StGeorge Illawarra. He was already on the outer at the Broncos before that capitulation and it was confirmed a couple of weeks ago that the 2019 season would be Bennett’s last in Brisbane. Despite being on the verge of turning 70 and having been coaching for over 30 years at the top level, Bennett has repeatedly insisted that he’s not ready to retire just yet. A host of coaches come off contract at the end of 2019, several of whom need fast starts next season to secure their futures. Canterbury’s Dean Pay and Parramatta’s Brad Arthur are just two coaches who will start next season under immense pressure to perform or their positions will come under intense scrutiny.

The Wallabies' experiment with Kurtley Beale at five-eighth is over but whether Bernard Foley returns or Matt Toomua takes over is the big question. Beale is set to be restored to inside centre for Sunday morning's (AEST) Rugby Championship showdown against Argentina, when the embattled Australians attempt to avoid a first Rugby Championship wooden spoon. Beale replaced long-time No.10 Foley in the primary playmaking role for Australia's past three Test matches, forming a new combination with inside centre Matt Toomua. But it's understood coach Michael Cheika has seen enough and has decided to move Beale back to No.12 in an attempt to capitalise on his outstanding running game against Los Pumas. Beale made a costly early blunder with an intercepted pass in last weekend's defeat to South Africa but recovered and was lively enough in the second half. However, the Wallabies failed to score a point after the break and lost 23-12. Who replaces him at five-eighth in Salta is still unclear. Both Foley and the versatile Toomua spent time in the No.10 role during a lengthy field training session on Tuesday at the San Isidro rugby club - the team's first hit-out since assembling in Buenos Aires. Cheika is yet to make a call either way and will weigh up his options before officially naming his team on Thursday. Toomua, who prefers the No.10 spot, hasn't started a Test match at five-eighth since 2013, when he played there in two Bledisloe Cup defeats to New Zealand in his first two international appearances. Foley, meanwhile, has impressed in cameos off the bench since his shock demotion for Australia's Rugby Championship win over South Africa in Brisbane last month. The move is a tacit admission from Cheika that the Beale-Toomua pairing has not improved the Wallabies' attacking output as he had hoped. Australia has averaged just 16.75 points per game this year - their worst return since 1979. Breaking that funk is vital given there is less than a year to go until the World Cup. Most statistical indicators suggest the Wallabies are doing many of the right things in attack except actually scoring, with players and coaches this week preaching the importance of composure and execution. Whether another backline reshuffle will unlock their strike potential remains to be seen. Cheika is also believed to be leaning towards naming a natural back-rower on the bench against Argentina, meaning either a Test debut for Angus Cottrell or a recall for Caleb Timu, who hasn't featured since the June series against Ireland. Australia didn't carry a traditional loose forward amongst their reserves in Port Elizabeth, with the three starting back-rowers all playing the full 80 minutes.

New Zealand centre Ryan Crotty hopes the world champions have learned their lesson from last month's home defeat by South Africa as they seek to re-establish their Rugby Championship dominance over the Springboks in Pretoria at the weekend. "There were a few learnings for us out there. We were feeling good when we were 14 points up and we let them back in," Crotty said on Tuesday of the shock 36-34 loss in Wellington. "They created a bit of pressure but we let them back into the game. We could have executed better down the stretch. "We always believed we were going to get it done but we didn't and so that hurts." Crotty suggested New Zealand's lines of communication had broken down at times against the Springboks. "As a leadership group, we learnt just how important our communication is out there (on the field) so that we can make good decisions in terms of our game plan," he told a news conference as the All Blacks continued their preparation for Saturday's test at Loftus Versfeld. The match is the last for both nations in this year's Rugby Championship which New Zealand secured thanks to their 35-17 win over Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday. Prop Owen Franks said there was still plenty to play for against South Africa even with the title in the bag. "You can't beat a test in Pretoria, hopefully it's a sellout. I haven't played in a sold out stadium there since 2009 against the Bulls and it's an awesome atmosphere," he said. Organisers said last month that all 50,000 tickets had been sold for the game.

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Welcome to Invitehawk

Welcome to Invitehawk

Welcome to Invitehawk

On April 29th, T-Mobile and Sprint announced a merger that could turn the nation's top four carriers into the top three. Both companies have draped the deal in the American Flag, stating that for America to remain the leader in 5G technology, the deal must close. For that to happen, the transaction must be approved by two U.S. regulatory agencies, the FCC and the FTC. The FCC has 180 days from the time the deal is filed with the agency, to say "yay" or "nay." But last month it put a stop on the clock, arguing that it needs more time to evaluate the transaction. Both agencies are concerned that if the deal goes through leaving three major stateside carriers, U.S. consumers will be harmed by having one fewer wireless operator to choose from. But it turns out that even if Sprint becomes part of the New T-Mobile, mobile device owners in the states have plenty of choices. Cable companies like Comcast and Charter offer MVNOs like Xfinity Mobile and Spectrum Mobile respectively. Both price their unlimited data plans at $45 month, or offer data by the gig for $12-$14/GB. Last week, the FCC asked Comcast and Charter for more information about their MVNOs, which could be a sign that the regulatory agency considers these firms to be competitors to a merged T-Mobile-Sprint. Comcast is the largest cable provider in the country, and has signed up 780,000 subscribers for Xfinity Mobile. The latter uses Verizon for cellular connectivity along with 19 million Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots. Charter is the second largest cable firm in the U.S., and its MVNO also depends on service from Verizon. In a filing related to the merger proposal, T-Mobile said that the desire by Comcast and Charter to enter the business of providing wireless service reveals "the intensity of current competition in the sector." On the other hand, Gene Kimmelman, who is president of the Public Knowledge policy group, says that Comcast is not selling Xfinity Mobile to anyone who is not a Comcast video or broadband customer. He says that since Comcast is only marketing Xfinity Mobile to those subscribing to its other services, the MVNO is not really a competitive choice to the 80 million households that T-Mobile and Sprint fight for. Kimmelman is saying that Xfinity Mobile is not really bringing more competition to the industry. While T-Mobile and Sprint say that their merger could prevent Verizon and AT&T from hiking their prices, those opposed to the deal say that if T-Mobile and Sprint merge, prices in the industry will rise and innovation will start to slow. T-Mobile, at present, is the most innovative company in the business. The FCC and FTC have plenty of data they can use to help them decide whether or not to allow the merger to go through. Both T-Mobile and Sprint expect the merger to close in the first quarter of next year.

PORT Adelaide’s free agency offer to West Coast premiership ruckman Scott Lycett has been lodged with the AFL. The Eagles now have three days to match the terms for the restricted free agent or see him cross to the Power on what is understood to be a five-year deal worth around $3 million. Lycett has been tipped to depart since mid-season and this week travelled to Adelaide for one final medical check on a troublesome hip. West Coast are not expected to match the offer. The 26-year-old is one of two potential free agency departures from the squad which led the Eagles to a top-two finish and a premiership this season. Andrew Gaff is also weighing up a large offer from North Melbourne, but gave no hint about his decision at the club’s John Worsfold Medal function on Friday night.

ANDREW Gaff gave no hints about his future during his speech at West Coast’s John Worsfold Medal function on Friday night. The 26-year-old was leading the vote count for much of the season before being overtaken after copping an eight-week suspension for striking Fremantle’s Andrew Brayshaw in round 20. It was an act which now appears to have cost him both a premiership and a second club best and fairest. Gaff finished the count in fifth place, behind winner Elliot Yeo, Jack Redden, Shannon Hurn and Jamie Cripps, but averaged the most votes per game across the season. The free agent’s future has been one of the talking points of the season, with the decision coming down to staying at West Coast or joining North Melbourne on a lucrative contract. The window to lodge free agency paperwork opened on Friday, but speaking to the crowd at the Perth Convention Centre, Gaff gave no indication of what his decision would be. Gaff praised his teammates, support staff and his partner, but reserved special praise for Adam Simpson and departing midfield coach Sam Mitchell. “The last week or so has been unbelievable to celebrate with all you guys. It's a special moment,” he said. “I’d like to thank Simmo - he’s there for me when things are going well but also when times are tough. I appreciate your support throughout this difficult time for me. “Mitch, you’ve taught me so much in a year of footy and I’m sad to see you go. “What you’ve taught me is something that I can bring for the rest of my career and for the rest of my life. “Like everyone said its a highlight of our lives coming into work every day. It puts a smile on all our faces and it’s great to share the win with you and it’s been a great week celebrating.”

ELLIOT Yeo’s rapidly growing reputation as an elite AFL midfielder was reinforced on Friday night when he won his second successive John Worsfold Medal, easing clear of the field after Andrew Gaff’s late-season suspension. In a count at the Perth Convention Centre which was held against the backdrop of last weekend’s premiership and the possible imminent departures of Gaff and Scott Lycett, Yeo polled 273 votes to win clearly from fellow midfielder Jack Redden (231 votes) with captain Shannon Hurn (222) third. Forward Jamie Cripps (218 votes) confirmed his best season in AFL football with fourth placing, while Gaff rounded out the top five. Gaff’s eight-week suspension for striking Fremantle’s Andrew Brayshaw in the round 20 Western Derby cost him any chance of winning his second club best and fairest. Gaff’s 216 votes from 19 games before his suspension from the round 20 Western Derby represented an average of 11.36 votes per game. Yeo’s 273 votes from the full 25 games came at an average of 10.92 votes per game. However no-one will begrudge the 25-year-old his second medal. He won his first narrowly from Jeremy McGovern last year in a season where he split his time between the midfield and defence. He graduated into elite midfield class this year when he averaged 24 disposals per game and kicked 14 goals for the season, with about half of his possessions coming from contests. Gaff and Yeo had been West Coast’s two leading vote getters at the 2018 Brownlow Medal count, polling 16 and 15 votes respectively. Yeo joins a select group of players who have won two or more Eagles best-and-fairests, behind Glen Jakovich and Ben Cousins (four each), Darren Glass (three) and alongside Guy McKenna and Chris Judd (two each).

IN A survey on the eve of the NAB AFL Trade Period, we asked: if you were in charge, how you would run your club's trade and draft period? Which stars would you put on the table and what would you expect in return? We also wanted to know what would be your club's dream trade. Check out the best responses below. NAB AFL TRADE HUB Latest news, videos and live blog Adelaide Crows YOU'RE THE LIST MANAGER 'Focus on local talent' Secure two of the three gun local prospects, in Izak Rankine, Jack Lukosius and Connor Rozee. This requires upgrading Picks 7, 15 and 19, and may include trading a future first-round pick, and letting Mitch McGovern go. - Craig Drabsch, Adelaide 'Cash in on McGovern' Two first round draft picks for Mitch McGovern, swap a first round pick and pick 19 for a top three pick. Jack Lukosius with that top three pick, Rankine at No.7 and then draft for needs after that. - Matt Dean, Dulwich

TOP-10 draftee Will Brodie's emergence in the second half of the year as a potential top-line inside midfielder is being held up as an example of what is possible at Gold Coast. The 20-year-old Victorian, the ninth selection in the 2016 draft, played only three games in his first season and added just two more through the first 15 rounds in 2018. The rumblings began making their way south about Brodie being frustrated at his predicament in an under-performing Suns team that seemingly should have had use for him. He was one of four top-10 picks that headed to the Gold Coast in his draft year, along with Ben Ainsworth (four), Jack Scrimshaw (seven) and Jack Bowes (10). One reason for Brodie being stuck in the NEAFL was the need for him to work on his prowess away from stoppages, but there was far more going on, as Gold Coast football boss Jon Haines revealed. "It was more about developing Will's mindset and understanding. He wants to be the best and he's got terrific competitive instincts," Haines told AFL.com.au. "He wants to win all the time and hates losing. "The fact he couldn't quite find that key to the lock to work out what was going to turn it and make it work for him was frustrating him, but it was nothing to do with his physical attributes. "It was all to do with his mindset and ability to be open and listen and learn, and once he worked that out, we saw how quickly he developed later in the year." Brodie broke back into the senior line-up in round 16 and put together a five-match stretch where he averaged 23 disposals (11 contested), 4.8 clearances, 4.4 tackles and 3.6 inside 50s. He didn't last even half an hour in round 21 before sustaining a hamstring injury against reigning premier Richmond that prematurely ended his season. But by then, Brodie had proven his bonafides as an AFL footballer – obviously with more improvement to come – and the Suns' hardline approach with him was justified. Haines said Brodie's development, under first-year coach Stuart Dew and his staff, was one of the bright spots for the season. "You've got a highly driven young man who's got all the attributes we're looking for in our young players, but he was having some challenges in what was required to play at AFL level," he said. "I think the process all the coaches undertook with Will was a great case study in how to get the best out of young players – and we want to see more of that. "The back half of Will's season this year showed he

ELLIOT Yeo has entered rare air at West Coast after claiming back-to-back John Worsfold medals and joining club greats Dean Kemp, Glen Jakovich and Chris Judd as the Eagles' best and fairest in a premiership campaign. Following a stunning transformation from All Australian half-back to elite midfielder this season, Yeo (273 votes) was a clear winner from ex-Brisbane teammate Jack Redden (231) and captain Shannon Hurn (222). The 25-year-old joins an illustrious group of Eagles – including Jakovich (four), Ben Cousins (four), Darren Glass (three), Guy McKenna (two) and Judd (two) – to snare multiple Worsfold medals. But only Jakovich (1993-95), Cousins (2001-03) and now Yeo have won the award in consecutive seasons. "To be quite honest, that hasn't sunk in yet and nor has the flag," Yeo said. "It's a truly honourable experience to be able to win a second club champ. "It's been a pretty good week, to be honest. It was my birthday on Monday, we won a flag on Saturday and I was able to be crowned today as well. "Very good week." Resurgent Redden capped a brilliant third year in the west after stepping up as a major ball-winner following Brownlow medallists Matt Priddis and Sam Mitchell's retirements. Hurn earned his third top-three finish in a career-best season which saw him named to the Virgin Australia AFL All Australian team for the first time. Hard-working forward Jamie Cripps (218) took out fourth spot – the best result in his six seasons at West Coast. That quartet played every game, advantageous given five members of the match committee award each player up to three votes (up to 15 per game). That system didn't help Andrew Gaff, who was shattered on Grand Final day after being sidelined by an eight-match suspension following his round 20 strike on Fremantle's Andrew Brayshaw in the Western Derby. Gaff, who is expected to join North Melbourne as a restricted free agent, still polled 216 votes – leading Yeo by 16 after 16 rounds – and finished fifth despite missing six games. Jeremy McGovern came in sixth place ahead of Mark Hutchings, Brad Sheppard and Jack Darling, with fan favourite Willie Rioli rounding out the top 10. It was tough nut Hutchings' first top-10 finish, while electric goalsneak Rioli capped a memorable 28-goal debut season after dropping 16kg to earn a shot in the draft two years ago. Highlighting the Eagles' depth and spread of contributors on the way to a remarkable flag, Norm Smith medallist Luke Shuey didn't crack the top 10 for the first time in five years, despite playing 20 games. Yeo led West Coast for total contested possessions (average 12.4) and tackles (6.7), while ranking second for disposals (24.6) and third in clearances (4.3). He was unlucky to miss All Australian selection after emerging as a bona fide match-winner under departing midfield coach Mitchell's guidance. Redden stormed home in the medal count thanks to a stellar September campaign, averaging 28 touches and five tackles in three finals. The 27-year-old left the awards ceremony early on Friday night battling gastro after a huge week of celebrations. He shared the Player of the Finals award with Grand Final hero Dom Sheed, while Rioli took home the Emerging Talent Award and Lewis Jetta was named best clubman. The Eagles inducted six life members on Friday night.

A FIVE-GOAL haul in Port Adelaide's last game of the season has delivered evergreen utility Justin Westhoff his first best and fairest. Westhoff was one vote behind key defender Tom Jonas and tied in second with midfield bull Ollie Wines going into the Power's round 23 encounter with Essendon. The 32-year-old, who this week signed a one-year extension to play a 13th season, booted five goals to go with 20 disposals and eight marks in the Power's 22-point loss to the Bombers. The 248-game veteran earned 20 votes to finish on 179 and become a popular winner of the John Cahill Medal at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Friday night. Power coach Ken Hinkley was full of praise for Westhoff. "I've been in football a long time, and I've never seen a more worthy winner," Hinkley said. "I talk to our players all the time about this bloke and he gets sick of it. "He's our oldest player, he's our greatest team player, he'll achieve greatness because he'll work hard and has courage to overcome obstacles." Westhoff was stunned to receive the club's highest individual honour. "I don't really know what to say," Westhoff said. "After 12 years, to still be around and still be relevant in the game and standing up here, it's a big honour to accept this award. "To be honest, it's a bit of a shock to be up here." Wines and Jonas polled three and two votes respectively in the final game to finish tied for second on 162. It was another top-five finish for three-time club champion Robbie Gray (fourth, 152), just ahead of North Melbourne-bound winger Jared Polec (151). Forward/midfielder Chad Wingard, linked to the Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn, showed why the Power will put a high price on his head, finishing sixth on 143 votes.

BRILLIANT Collingwood ruckman Brodie Grundy and star midfielder Steele Sidebottom have shared the Copeland Trophy for the club's best and fairest in a remarkable count at Crown Palladium on Friday night. The result is stunning because there are tiebreakers in the event of a draw. Firstly, the player with the fewer number of games in a year will be deemed the winner, but both Sidebottom and Grundy lined up in all 26 matches as the Pies advanced to the Grand Final. Then, whichever individual managed a greater number of votes in their highest-polling game is declared the victor. Five members of the coaching panel independently decide between zero and 22 votes to players after every match, with the average of those taken. However, Sidebottom and Grundy were level in that criterion as well. Amazingly, each had their highest-polling game in the round four win over Adelaide, with 17 votes apiece. Both finished with a tally of 203, with captain Scott Pendlebury in third (178), while backman Jack Crisp (160) and onballer Taylor Adams (159) rounding out the top five. It's the first tie since 1994, when Nathan Buckley and Gavin Brown were joint winners of the EW Copeland Trophy.

RECENTLY re-signed defender Jake Lloyd has celebrated his new deal in style by winning the Bob Skilton Medal as Sydney's club champion on Friday night. After finishing equal runner-up with superstar forward Lance Franklin to Luke Parker last year, Lloyd went one better in 2018, taking out his first best and fairest with 540 votes, just ahead of Parker (517) and Franklin (510). Young star Isaac Heeney (463) capped his most consistent season at the highest level with a fourth-placed finish ahead of captain Josh Kennedy (435) in fifth. Remarkably, it was the first time Kennedy has not finished on the podium in his nine seasons with the Swans. Lloyd has been a consistent performer under coach John Longmire since coming off the rookie list in 2014, missing just three games since he made his debut in round five that season, and becoming the fastest Swan to the 100-game milestone. After starting as a hard-running wingman, Lloyd has been particularly damaging across half back over the past three years and made the 2018 Virgin Australia All Australian squad of 40.

LACHIE Whitfield has capped his remarkable debut season as a defender by winning his first Kevin Sheedy Medal as Greater Western Sydney club champion on Friday night. Whitfield was moved to half-back during pre-season to cover the absence of Zac Williams (Achilles) and the departed Nathan Wilson, and couldn't have been more impressive in his new role, adding the Sheedy Medal to his first-time selection in last month's Virgin Australia AFL All Australian team. The 24-year-old became the Giants' seventh different winner of the best and fairest when he polled 175 votes to claim the award in a tight count ahead of co-captains Callan Ward (164) and Phil Davis (156), star midfielder Stephen Coniglio (154) – who also won the coaches' award – and athletic defender Nick Haynes (151). He also won the Members' Choice award for player of the year. Whitfield played every game for GWS for the first time in his six seasons in the League and led the club for kicks and marks while averaging a career-high 26.8 disposals.

SHAUN Higgins has claimed back-to-back North Melbourne best and fairest awards, pipping Ben Cunnington in a nail-biting count at Peninsula in the Docklands on Friday night. Higgins polled 240 votes to edge Cunnington by three votes, with the midfield duo replicating their one-two finish in North 2017's count North vice-captain Robbie Tarrant finished third on 218, two votes ahead of key forward Ben Brown, with captain Jack Ziebell and emerging midfielder Trent Dumont a further vote back in equal fifth. Despite turning 30 in March, Higgins produced a career-best season this year, averaging 27.4 disposals, 5.9 inside 50s and 5.1 clearances a game to earn his maiden All Australian selection. The former Bulldog's consistency since joining North as a free agent at the end of 2014 has been remarkable. In his first year at Arden St, he finished third in the Syd Barker Medal count, while in his only other season, 2016, he missed all bar nine games through a knee injury.

CARLTON star Patrick Cripps has capped a career-best season with his second John Nicholls Medal, dominating the club's best and fairest count at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday night. On an evening when it was announced he would take the reins as the club's co-captain alongside Sam Docherty next season, Cripps polled 166 votes to finish well clear of the chasing pack. Veteran defender Kade Simpson polled 108 votes in second, while the Curnow brothers – Ed and Charlie – tied for third spot with 98 votes. Dale Thomas celebrated arguably his best season at the club to round out the top five with 71 votes. Cripps' herculean performances throughout the season consistently provided Carlton fans with a rare bright spot amid a disappointing campaign that yielded just two wins. The supremely talented 23-year-old averaged 29.6 disposals per game, while breaking the AFL's all-time contested possessions record in a single season. He also finished second in the League for clearances, while he led Carlton for disposals, tackles and inside 50s. His year had already been rewarded with his first inclusion in the Virgin Australia AFL All Australian team, as well as a fourth-place finish in the Brownlow Medal and second-place finishes in both the AFL Players' Association MVP award and the AFL Coaches' Association Player of the Year. His second John Nicholls Medal adds to the maiden club best and fairest award that he claimed in 2015, when he was crowned the second-youngest winner in Carlton's history at just 20 years of age.

SYDNEY has sealed its long-term future in the Moore Park precinct with an $80 million deal develop a new headquarters a stone's throw from the SCG. The Swans will take over a 27-year lease to manage the Royal Hall of Industries and the Horden Pavilion, both of which lie directly to the south of the SCG. The heritage-listed Royal Hall of Industries will be renovated to include training facilities and an administrative base for the Swans and the NSW Swifts netball team. The restoration and redevelopment will also include: an international standard netball court that will be available to the public an Australian Red Cross blood donation centre a game-day social hub for Swans members and supporters the home of the GO Foundation and the Clontarf Foundation a new indoor function and recreation centre to host community events such as the annual Sydney Mardi Gras after-party a museum to record the history of the venues and of the Sydney Swans