Cricket Australia’s (CA) Pathways Rookie Squad has been announced for 2018-19. The squad features 39 of the country’s most talented male teenage cricketers, aged between 15 and 17, who are eligible for this summer’s Under-17 Male and Under-19 Male National Championships. This is the fourth intake for the program, which commenced in 2015 to help provide an initial development opportunity for Australia’s next generation of stars. Three players from last year’s squad – Victoria duo Patrick Rowe and Mackenzie Harvey, plus Queensland’s Connor Sully – have received rookie contracts with their states for the 2018-19 season. The program has helped to develop a number of players who have starred at underage level and since progressed to representing their state in JLT Sheffield Shield or JLT One-Day Cup cricket. Among them are New South Wales duo Param Uppal and Jack Edwards, Victoria pair Will Sutherland and Mackenzie Harvey, Queensland’s Xavier Bartlett, Tasmania’s Jarrod Freeman and Western Australia’s Cameron Green. The squad is selected by the Youth Selection Panel, which includes CA’s National Talent Manager Greg Chappell, High Performance Program Head Coach Troy Cooley and Pathways Manager Graham Manou, and the State and Territory Talent Managers. This year’s squad is a smaller group – reduced from 53 to 39 – with the decision made not to include the 14 players selected in the Australia Under-16 side as per previous years, due to that squad having its own development program. The squad features Jayden Goodwin, son of former Zimbabwe and Western Australia batsman Murray. WA captain Jayden has been in red-hot form in the ongoing Under-17 Male National Championships, hammering 76 not out, 64 and 93 not out. “The CA Pathways Rookie Squad is now entering its fourth season, and gives our emerging male players the opportunity to develop both as cricketers and young men,” CA Pathways Manager Graham Manou said. “It’s a chance for them to get specialist support at both a state and National level from a skills perspective, and also in areas such as their off-field education. A select group will then take part in a high-performance camp at the Bupa National Cricket Centre in 2019. “With our Australia Under-16 squad set to play against Pakistan in Dubai in January, we have decided not to include these players in the Pathways Rookie Squad. These players will have their own program and development opportunities ahead of the international series. “We’re now starting to see players progressing from this program and representing their State sides, which is really pleasing. From last year’s squad, Patrick Rowe, Mackenzie Harvey and Connor Sully have since earned State rookie contracts, with Mackenzie having recently made his debut for Victoria in the JLT One-Day Cup. “This year’s squad – like those in previous years – contains some really exciting young players, and we hope this program continues to assist their holistic development.” Following the Under 17 Male National Championships, a group of 24 players from within the squad will be selected to take part in the CA Rookie Camp in January 2019. The camp, held at the Bupa National Cricket Centre in Brisbane, is designed to give those selected a taste of what life as an elite cricketer entails. *Note - The Australia Under 16 squad was announced earlier in 2018, following the SSA 15 & Under Boys Championship 2018 CA Pathways Rookie Squad New South Wales: Zeeshan Ahmed (Bankstown), Sebastian Buchanan (Sydney), Toby Gray (Belmont), Mac Jenkins (Randwick Petersham), Dhruv Kant (Blacktown), Brock Larance (Dubbo CYMS), Dominic O’Shannessy (East Bowral Blues), Tanveer Sangha (Campbelltown Camden), Yuvraj Sharma (Fairfield-Liverpool), Hugh Sheriff (Sydney), Brad Simpson (Bankstown) Victoria: Jake Fraser-McGurk (Monash Tigers), Campbell Griffiths (Merbein South), Harrish Kannan (Ringwood), Yash Pednekar (Monash Tigers), Miles Sellenger (St Kilda), Zac Sleeman (Monash Tigers), Dylan Tibballs (Ringwood) South Australia: Isaac Higgins (Glenelg), Harry Mathias (Sturt), Cooper McKenzie (Prospect), Joshua Sims (Kensington) Queensland: Hugo Burdon (Gold Coast), Jet Liebke (Sandgate-Redcliffe), Dylan Kritzinger (Redlands), Mitch Pascoe (Sandgate-Redcliffe), Will Prestwidge (Northern Suburbs), Will Sanders (University), Jackson Sinfield (Redlands), Harry Weir (Met East Toowoomba) Western Australia: Brodee Foster (Gosnells), Jayden Goodwin (Colts), Michael Herbst (Wanneroo), Ewan Neilson (Melville), Jacob Wagenknecht (Gosnells) Tasmania: Will Collins (North Hobart), Nick Davis (North Hobart), Mitchell Owen (Kingborough), Sam Wright (New Town) Australia U16 Squad Connor Cook (NSW, Port Pirates), Keegan de Koker (WA, Fremantle), Felix Ford (ACT, Canberra Grammar), Campbell Kellaway (VIC, Melbourne), Dylan McAteer (QLD, Ipswich Brothers), Noah McFadyen (QLD, Northern Suburbs), Jamieson Murphy (SA, Woodville), Nivethan Radhakrishanan (NSW, Bankstown), Sam Rahaley (SA, Kensington), Shobit Singh (VIC, Casey-South Melbourne), Ryley Smith (NSW, Penrith), Tobias Snell (QLD, Northern Suburbs), Aubrey Stockdale (QLD, Toombul), Devlin Webb (VIC, Frankston Peninsula) *Note: brackets denotes current state/club

SESAR – that was some win. He couldn’t keep up early, was five lengths behind the second-last horse mid-race, was still chasing the entire field into the straight, hugged the rails and burst through to score comfortably at Royal Randwick Saturday. But this spectacular effort didn’t come against moderate rivals, it was the Group 2 $300,000 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) and he proved too good for some highly-rated three-year-olds. Steve O’Dea, 41, who trains at Eagle Farm in Brisbane, had never had a Sydney winner before. He left Randwick Saturday afternoon with a double including a stakes success after the wins of Doubt Defying and Sesar. “I’ve been training for 12 years and this would be my best at the races,’’ O’Dea said. “I had never had a Sydney winner before, I’ve only had a handful of runners here over the years so to come here and have the two half-brothers win on the same day is really satisfying.’’ Sesar ($7.50) finishing powerfully along the rails to spear past a game Sandbar ($3.70) to win by one-and-a-quarter lengths with Spin ($6.50) more than four lengths away third. It was a dominant win on the line by the Brisbane colt – but O’Dea conceded he wasn’t feeling all that confident mid-race. “They were hectic early,’’ O’Dea said. “I can’t say I wasn’t worried in the first half of the race when he was off the bridle chasing. “He was starting to struggle coming to the turn, but the run came on the fence and there was plenty of room there and he went through his gears. “Usually with those horses off the bridle chasing the whole way they tend to peak on their runs but he has finished off very strongly. “It really is satisfying to get this colt to come here first up as a three-year-old. He showed so much raw ability last ‘prep’ so for him to go on and do what he’s done today was really pleasing.’’ Sesar was able to run the 1200m in 1m 9.91s despite the heavy track conditions although Collett was also worried that some of his more highly fancied rivals might be too speedy for his colt. “He was struggling to keep up early, I was riding him along and it wasn’t until about the 600m he got onto the back of them,’’ Collett said. “I was a bit happier when we got to the turn as we had caught them but I wasn’t sure if I made the right decision going back to the inside. I could see the favourite Sandbar going through and I followed him. “I had plenty of horse and I knew he was going to be strong late.” O’Dea, who has 46 boxes at Eagle Farm and has 25 horses from Sesar’s owner Jamie Walter’s Proven Thoroughbreds Sydnicate on his books, said the Roman Consul Stakes winner won’t follow the traditional route and contest the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on Derby Day. “I think he showed today he will definitely be better suited over further,’’ O’Dea said. “As he is a colt there were thoughts of going to the Coolmore but with the run under his belt he could be run off his legs, “We will aim him at the Gothic Stakes at Caulfield over 1400m in two weeks and then Carbine Club Stakes at 1600m at Flemington. He will like the big track at Flemington.’’ Jockey Corey Brown gave Sandbar every chance but conceded the favourite was beaten by a superior horse on the day. “Sandbar ran ‘good’ but again he’s run into one better on the day,’’ Brown said. “He had a great run, travelled up like he was the winner, but just ran into one better than him.’’ ECOVIS CLARK JACOBS MILE THIS won’t go down as James McDonald’s best ride but backers of favourite Zourkhan aren’t complaining after his tough win at Royal Randwick yesterday. Zourkhan was three-wide throughout the Ecovis Clark Jacobs Mile (1600m) but it mattered little as he powered home a decisive winner. To be fair to McDonald, Sydney’s leading jockey, there was little he could have done differently. The Chris Waller-trained Zourkhan probably jumped too well, he was a length in front after 30m but McDonald eased back and looked to get in and take a sit. But rival jockeys weren’t about to do McDonald any favours and Zourkhan was left three-wide without cover. McDonald did have Zourkhan well-balanced and the gelding was revelling in the heavy going.

With tears in her eyes, Winx part-owner Debbie Kepitis feared it could be the day the record winning streak of the world's best racehorse ended. So when Winx finally overpowered her challengers in the final 100 metres of the famous Flemington straight, she was crying hard, overcome with both excitement and absolute relief. "For some reason I had a different feeling today and that worries me," Kepitis said after Winx's unprecedented 28th consecutive win. "I'm glad she's safe and that's the main part." It wasn't a premonition as such, more of a feeling that it wasn't just a normal race day. During those few breathtaking moments when owners of other racehorses jumped high with pure joy at the thought of achieving the near-impossible by beating Winx, jockey Hugh Bowman wasn't worried. Did he think this would be the day she lost? "No, I never really think that," he said, although he conceded the race did not go quite to plan. "My concentration levels were high and I could just imagine the tension of the crowd. "But I knew that I had another gear left." Winx's usually emotional trainer Chris Waller kept his emotions in check after the wonder mare's back-to-back victory in the $500,000 Turnbull Stakes on Saturday - her 21st Group One win. "You get a few flutters but once she had a clear run in, well what will be will be," Waller said. "There will be a day when she's not as dominant but today all she had to do was repeat her form and she did that." Amid the hype around another Winx victory, the TAB took its biggest ever bet on the champion as a punter splashed out $170,000 to take home a $27,200 profit. Bought by Kepitis, Peter Tighe and Richard Treweeke for $230,000 in 2013, Winx has now amassed $19.88 million in prize money. The owners, trainer and jockey all appreciate just how much of a crowd favourite she has become. "It's more for them than us now," Tighe said. "We want her to win but obviously the crowd is behind her. "We used to be those people who came and watched Black Caviar and watched Makybe Diva, so we know how it feels to come and watch a champion and get the atmosphere.

THIS is a match “Maid Of Heaven”. Rachel King, Sydney’s champion apprentice last season, rode her first Group 1 winner on Maid Of Heaven in the $500,000 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Royal Randwick Saturday. Fittingly, King combined with trainer Mark Newnham, who was most responsible in convincing the former English jumps jockey returning to race riding. To complete the fairytale, Maid Of Heaven was also Newnham’s first major race winner as a trainer. The two embraced immediately after the race Maid Of Heaven became only the second filly ever to beat the “boys” in the Spring Champion Stakes – just two years after Yankee Rose created racing history. “It hasn’t sunk in yet, I’m lost for words,’’ King said. “I told Mark my throat is sore from yelling so much.’’ Newnham, a former jockey, only took out a trainer’s licence two years ago. “I’m still buzzing,’’ Newnham said. “Just that last 50m, I had my heart in my mouth. “I didn’t know whether she’d get there but the last two strides got us over the line.” When King dismounted, Newnham was the first to embrace her as the pair celebrated their historic victory. Maid Of Heaven ($14) came with a strong finish to run down Aramayo ($4.20) near the line to win by a long head with Thinkin’ Big ($3.40 favourite) just over two lengths away third. “Mark and I thought we were both in with a chance of getting our first Group 1 last weekend (Lanciato ran 11th in the Epsom Handicap) but we managed to do it today,’’ King said. “After Maid Of Heaven ran so well in the Flight Stakes last week Mark thought she deserved her chance in this race. I picked up the ride on Wednesday and couldn’t of been happier.” King, 28, had ridden in England but was struggling for opportunities when she came to Sydney for a “working holiday” four years ago. She decided to stay – and the rest is history. “When I first started work at Gai’s stables, Mark was still there,’’ King said. “It was Mark who pushed me to start riding over here and have a go. He has never stopped supporting me the whole way through. “I had my first Group winner for him the (Newcastle) Newmarket on Lanciato and now the first Group 1 - it’s very special.” Newnham could easily have selected a more established senior jockey for Maid Of Heaven but he has always had confidence in King. “When Rachel first got here from England there were plenty of people telling her it will be tough to be apprenticed and make it in Sydney,’’ Newnham said. “She has proved them all wrong.” Maid Of Heaven’s win was also a milestone moment for Newnham, coming almost two years to the day since he trained his first winner. “When I took out a trainer’s licence, I needed my family to come down and help me muck out the boxes as I didn’t have any staff,’’ Newnham said. “But we have slowly built up the business and I have some great people working with me now. They deserve to share in this success because they all work so hard.’’ Newnham revealed that Maid Of Heaven’s owners including Arrowfield Stud supremo John Messara backed him when he decided to back her up in the Spring Champion Stakes. “What encouraged me was her work through the line over the mile last week,’’ Newnham said. “During the week she couldn’t have eaten any more and she showed me she was ready to back up. “I knew the 2000m would suit her and the only thing I said to Rachel was get her in the clear from the top of the straight and that will give her her chance.” Maid Of Heaven only made her race debut in late July and scored her second win from just five starts in the three-year-old classic. “This is her first preparation so she deserves a break now,’’ Newnham said. “We won’t go to Melbourne, I’ll put her away and set her for the (ATC Australian) Oaks in the autumn.’’ Godolphin’s Aramayo was brilliantly ridden by Tye Angland and looked set to win when he surged past Thinkin’ Big but he hold off the determined Maid Of Heaven.

LEADING trainer Darren Weir looks set to play a major hand in this spring’s Group 1 three-year-old fillies races, having brought off the trifecta in yesterday’s Edward Manifold Stakes at Flemington. Amphitrite, a daughter of Sebring, firmed into $8 for next Saturday’s Thousand Guineas after making it three consecutive wins this campaign with a dominant one-and-three-quarter length success. But Weir isn’t sure which direction the winner will head after her impressive win over stablemates Krone and Verry Elleegant. “I liked her (Amphitrite) coming into the race, but the other two have probably got a bit more upside,” a delighted Weir said after Saturday’s Group 2 success. “I don’t really know what we will do with her yet, but we’ve probably got to go there (Thousand Guineas). I suppose (the reservation) is that it might all just come too quick for her. “I thought looking at her in the yard, she looked great today, so we might back up. “We’ve gotta look after her now ... she is a good horse.” He is more certain about the direction of the placegetters, with Krone a certain starter in the Thousand Guineas next week, having been shortened from $26 into $13 for the race. Verry Elleegant appears bound for the VRC Oaks. The latter, having her first start for Weir after three starts in New Zealand, has been installed as the $7 equal favourite for the Oaks, following her slashing third, “Krone definitely heads (to the Thousand Guineas), and the filly that ran third looks more like an Oaks horse,” Weir said. “I was really pleased with the way (Verry Elleegant) attacked the line, and Johnny (Allen) rode her beautifully to bring her on. She will learn a lot from that.” I AM EXCITED RELISHES STRAIGHT TO WIN GILGAI A LATE charge from Sydney mare I Am Excited has clinched a last-to-first win in the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes at Flemington. Trainer David Pfieffer was keen to get I Am Excited onto the straight course at Flemington in the Gilgai after the four-year-old had finished second and fourth respectively in two Group 3 races at Caulfield this campaign. I Am Excited was narrowly beaten in her only previous try on the straight course at Flemington last spring and Pfieffer was thrilled to see the mare arrive in time under Kerrin McEvoy to win Saturday’s 1200m race in a tight finish. “I just think the Caulfield track hadn’t been suiting her that well,” Pfieffer said. “In her first start there it was very obvious she didn’t cope with that turn for the first time. The next time she just got held up a fraction and she had to stop and start her momentum which doesn’t suit her.

JAMES Cummings was overcome with emotion minutes after his stayer Avilius had won the race named after his grandfather The Bart Cummings (2500m). Cummings knew the narrow victory had secured the chance to emulate his legendary grandfather who won 12 Melbourne Cups, with Avilius as that win carried a golden ticket into Australia’s most famous race. In a stirring finish Avilius, ridden by Glyn Schofield, held off a strong challenge from Jaameh to win by a short half head. Cummings emotions were tempered though when Michael Walker who rode Jaameh protested for interference over the final 50 metres. Walker alleged that Avilius changed its line and laid in on top of him and he didn’t have the opportunity to use his whip over the final 40 metres. “I missed four or five chances to hit him and he just needed one decent whack and he would have won,” Walker said. Schofield told stewards that Jaameh kept a direct line and had his opportunity to run past him. “I’ve got no doubt he wasn’t going to run past my horse,” Schofield said. Chief steward Robert Cram dismissed the protest saying both horses had a straight run to the line and dismissed the objection. TAB fixed odds reacted by firming Avilius, who is undefeated in four Australian runs, in from $13 into $9 outright favourite for the Melbourne Cup. Cummings made a brave decision to bypass last week’s Metropolitan Handicap at Randwick to try and win his way into the Melbourne Cup with Avilius. “This is special to me. I’m excited to have a horse in the Cup. Today was about getting sheik Mohammed a runner in the Melbourne Cup,” he said. Cummings described the win “as a terrific, courageous performance.” “He carried 58.5kgs. He settled a lot closer in the run than he has out here as he had to be used up early to use his barrier and then he had to outmuscle the horse we thought was the one to beat one,” he said. “Now he’s exempt we can now plot a path which best suits the horse — we’re not chasing our tail.” Cummings has had two Melbourne Cup runners previously, Precedence who he trained with his grandfather who finished sixth in 2014 and Hartnell who finished 20th last year. Cummings said he would let the dust settle before deciding on what path Avilius takes to the Melbourne Cup and whether that includes the Caulfield Cup. David Hayes was disappointed the protest didn’t go Jaameh’s way and he’s now got to get him into the Melbourne Cup. Hayes suggested Jaameh would try and win his way into the Melbourne Cup by winning the Lexus. Both Jaameh and third placegetter Yogi, who ran home strongly, firmed from $51 into $26 with TAB fixed. Avilius ($2.35 fav) defeated Jaameh ($5.50) by a short half head with Yogi ($5.50) a length and a quarter away third.

JAMIE Whincup fired the first shot at this year’s Bathurst 1000 with the Red Bull record breaker blasting his way to a Mount Panorama qualifying win on Friday. In an all out battle for a top 10 shoot out spot, Whincup clocked a 2.04.10 to edge out Dave Reynolds and Scott McLaughlin. Whincup stormed his way to the fastest lap of the day to set himself up for a shot at Bathurst 1000 glory. “That was intense,’’ Whincup said. “I was just hanging on the edge. We went out late and got the most out of it. I couldn’t be happier.’’ The session was red flagged with ten minutes remaining when Jack Le Broq became Mount Panorama’s first victim of the year. In a smash that stopped Cameron Waters from landing a top five time, Le Broq went into the wall at turn one to stop qualifying for a clean up. Whincup was leading the fight when the session resumed with the Red Bull star followed by James Courtney and Scott McLaughlin. Fan favourite Criag Lowndes struck late to book himself a spot in the top ten shoot out with a time of 2.04.57.

Lewis Hamilton timed his run to perfection in changing conditions to take a record-extending 80th pole position at the Japanese Grand Prix while Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel qualified only ninth. The Mercedes driver pumped in a one minute 27.760 second lap on the super-soft tyres while it was still only spitting with rain on Saturday. Teammate Valtteri Bottas, who beat Hamilton to pole at the last race in Russia, guaranteed Mercedes a second successive front row lock out with a lap 0.299 seconds off the 33-year-old Briton's pace. Ferrari meanwhile made the wrong tyre choice and were then caught out when the rain then came down more heavily, preventing anyone from improving on their times. "It's so difficult when the pressure is on to make the right call but that's the big difference between us this year and that's why we're the best and the team deserve it," said Hamilton. Vettel and Ferrari had failed to match Hamilton's pace all weekend, with the championship leader completing a clean sweep of practice. The German, who trails fellow four times champion Hamilton by 50 points with five races remaining, needs a miracle to reignite his Formula One title hopes after his worst qualifying of the season. Second and third in the first two parts of the session, Vettel was caught out by Ferrari's decision to fit their cars with intermediate tyres during the final phase instead of slicks. But with the track still bone dry, the German and teammate Kimi Raikkonen had to come straight back in to fit the super-soft tyres. Vettel ran wide on his first attempt on dry tyres, leaving him only one shot at a flying lap. The rain then came before he could set a competitive time. "It's not the position we deserve to be in, we have better speed than ninth," said the unhappy German. Max Verstappen qualified third for Red Bull, with Raikkonen fourth after managing to get a lap in on his first attempt. Romain Grosjean was fifth for Haas. New Zealander Brendon Hartley and French team mate Pierre Gasly were sixth and seventh in a dream result for Honda-powered Toro Rosso at the Japanese engine manufacturer's home race. Esteban Ocon was eighth for Force India with teammate Sergio Perez rounding out the top 10.

DANIEL Ricciardo has been left fuming after his Red Bull power woes returned at the Japanese Grand Prix. The Australian was eliminated in Q2 without setting a time after losing power in his C-spec engine. Then, as his mechanics hurriedly worked to resolve the issue, rain started to fall on Suzuka Circuit to give him no chance of progressing into Q3. A visibly infuriated Ricciardo walked away from his vehicle, shouting at the top of his lungs, before addressing the media with a hoarse voice moments later. “I just blew out my vocals. I’m pissed,” he told reporters. “I felt a loss of power out of the last corner and just before I started the lap. I knew it seemed terminal - I just can’t catch a break. “Qualifying is important here, as always. It’s hard to follow but I’ll try do what I can. I dunno, it’s pretty painful.” Saturday was the fifth time in seven races Ricciardo has failed to make it through to Q3. His frustration will likely develop into a greater talking point given his decision to stick with Renault power in 2019. Red Bull elected to dump Renault as its power supplier next year for Honda. But Ricciardo had reservations over the decision and ultimately decided to leave Red Bull and sign a two-year contract with Renault. After winning two of 2018’s opening six races, Ricciardo has failed to reach the podium in the last ten. He has not outqualified teammate Max Verstappen in that period either. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner denied on Friday handing Verstappen preferential treatment over Ricciardo after the Australian announced his departure from the team. Ricciardo revealed his decision during the mid-season break in August. Since then, he has been forced to retire twice and has finished sixth a further two times. Verstappen finished all four of those races - twice on the podium.

REVHEADS across the Territory will be glued to their screens as the Supercars battle it out in the flagship race of the championship series at Mt Panorama this weekend. Among them will be Girraween couple Barry and Tracey Heydon, who will be taking opposite sides on the race’s traditional Holden/Ford rivalry. The couple have been racing fans “forever” – with Mrs Heydon usually favouring Holden and Mr Heydon backing the Fords – but switched allegiances when Mrs Heydon’s favourite driver Scott McLaughlin made the move from Volvo to Ford in 2017. “I’m going for Lowndsey, Tracey’s Scotty McLaughlin,” Mr Heydon said. “It used to be the other way around but Scotty went out of Volvo to Ford so she’s gone Ford so I thought ‘bugger it I’ll go back to Holden’.” While the pair admitted to “just a little bit” of friendly rivalry trackside, they both preferred to look on the bright side. “Whatever happens, one of us wins,” Mr Heydon said. The action runs all weekend and culminates in the championship race from 10.40am tomorrow Darwin time on Channel 10.

SATURDAY practice at Suzuka has frustrated Mercedes’ chasing pack that was unable to unlock any potential in the dry during a rain and wind-affected session. Practice started with light showers that soon gained in intensity and forced the field to return to the garage after just 20 minutes. The rain passed after another ten minutes and the track began to dry, although drivers then reported issues with rear grip as wind gusts pummeled the circuit. The issues were highlighted by Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg who crashed into the barriers at Turn 5 to bring out a red flag in the closing stages and end the session. “The wind is really catching the drivers out. They’re all complaining and that’s why we are seeing more drivers lose control than we did yesterday,” Sky F1’s Anthony Davidson said during the session. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton made it a hat-trick of quickest practice times in Japan, although his 1.29.599 on Saturday was almost 1.5 seconds slower than his best time on Friday. Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel was 0.116 seconds slower than Hamilton, followed by teammate Kimi Raikkonen a further four tenths back. Davidson said he was surprised by the early pace of the two Ferraris who were heavily upstaged on Friday. “It was way closer than expected,” he said. “I think we could have quite a battle on our hands,” concurred Paul di Resta. Max Verstappen was fourth fastest, 0.170 seconds quicker than Daniel Ricciardo who he has outqualified in seven-consecutive races. The Force Indias of Esteban Ocon and Sergio Perez, followed by Carlos Sainz of Renault and Haas’ Kevin Magnussen completed the top ten. With Sky Sports

SUPERCARS championship leader Shane van Gisberegen is trying to avoid getting caught up in the mystique surrounding the Bathurst 1000, but admits it’s difficult. The Red Bull Holden Racing Team driver and 2016 Supercars champion will team up with fellow New Zealander Earl Bamber for this weekend’s race. His best Bathurst 1000 finish was a second in his championship-winning year. “I think people get wound up in the race and the mystique of it and that’s what I’m trying not to do the last few years, but you just can’t help it,” van Gisbergen said. “It’s such a massive race all your heroes have won there and when you get there, you get pretty excited.” FULL WEEKEND SCHEDULE (All times AEST)*THURSDAY OCTOBER 4 07:15 - 07:35 Toyota 86 Racing Series Practice 120 mins 07:45 - 08:05 Touring Car Masters Practice 20 mins 08:15 - 08:35 ECB SuperUtes Series Practice 120 mins 08:45 - 09:25 Dunlop Super2 Series Practice 140 mins 09:35 - 10:35 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship Practice 160 mins 10:45 - 11:35 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Practice 50 mins 12:55 - 13:55 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship Practice 2 - Co-Drivers Only 60 mins 14:05 - 14:25 Toyota 86 Racing Series Practice 2 20 mins 14:35 - 14:55 ECB SuperUtes Series Practice 2 20 mins 15:05 - 16:05 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship Practice 3 60 mins 16:15 - 16:35 Touring Car Masters Qualifying 20 mins 16:45 - 17:15 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Qualifying 30 mins FRIDAY OCTOBER 05 07:25 - 07:45 ECB SuperUtes SeriesARMOR ALL Qualifying 20 mins 07:55 - 08:15 Toyota 86 Racing Series Qualifying 20 mins 08:30 - 09:30 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship Practice 4 - Co-Drivers Only 60 mins 10:20 - 11:00 Dunlop Super2 Series Practice 240 mins 11:15 - 12:15 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship Practice 5 60 mins 13:35 - 13:55 ECB SuperUtes Series Race 16 laps 14:05 - 14:50 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Race 116 laps 15:05 - 15:35 Dunlop Super2 SeriesARMOR ALL Qualifying 30 mins 15:50 - 16:30 Virgin Australia Supercars ChampionshipARMOR ALL Qualifying - Race 25 40 mins 16:45 - 17:05 Touring Car Masters Race 16 laps SATURDAY OCTOBER 06 07:55 - 08:10 Touring Car Masters Trophy Race 4 laps 08:20 - 08:40 Toyota 86 Racing Series Race 16 laps 08:55 - 09:15 ECB SuperUtes Series Race 26 laps 09:30 - 09:45 Dunlop Super2 Series Warm Up 15 mins 10:00 - 11:00 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship Practice 6 60 mins 11:10 - 11:30 Toyota 86 Racing Series Race 26 laps 12:50 - 13:10 ECB SuperUtes Series Race 36 laps 13:20 - 13:40 Touring Car Masters Race 26 laps 13:50 - 14:15 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Race 29 laps 14:55 - 16:35 Dunlop Super2 Series Race 141 laps 17:10 - 17:55 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship ARMOR ALL Top Ten Shootout - Race 25 45 mins SUNDAY OCTOBER 07 07:30 - 07:50 Toyota 86 Racing Series Race 36 laps 08:05 - 08:25 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship Warm Up 20 mins 08:35 - 08:55 Touring Car Masters Race 36 laps 09:05 - 09:20 On Track Entertainment Kenworth Driver’s Parade 15 mins 09:30 - 09:55 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Race 39 laps 10:05 - 10:20 On Track Entertainment Heroes and Legends Parade 15 mins 11:10 - 18:00 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship Race 25 161 laps DRIVERS TO WATCH AT THE BATHURST 1000 JAMIE WHINCUP (Holden) The seven-time series champion may have claimed four Bathurst titles but he has been ruing his luck at the mountain since his last win back in 2012. Arguably the cruellest result was in 2016 when Whincup crossed the line first, only to be relegated to 11th after a post-race penalty for causing a late crash. Has won the last two races including Bathurst warm-up Sandown 500. Co-driver is Paul Dumbrell. CRAIG LOWNDES (Holden) Crowd favourite Lowndes promises a fitting finale in what will be his last Bathurst as a full-time driver. In his 25th crack at the Great Race, the 44-year-old Holden driver is aiming to move his Bathurst victory tally to seven - equal second with Jim Richards behind King of the Mountain Peter Brock’s nine. Returns next year as an enduros co-driver. For the fifth-straight year Steven Richards will be Lowndes’ Bathurst co-driver. SCOTT MCLAUGHLIN (Ford) The Kiwi will arrive at Mount Panorama in need of some self confidence after letting his Supercars series lead slip in the past month. At one stage appearing unstoppable with five wins in seven races this year, McLaughlin now must try to reel in Holden’s Shane van Gisbergen’s 55-point series lead with a maiden Bathurst victory. The 25-year-old has never made a Bathurst podium in six attempts. Co-driver is Alexandre Premat. SHANE VAN GISBERGEN (Holden) Best finish is second in 2016 but few are discounting the series leader’s challenge at Mount Panorama this year. The Kiwi won’t assess his hopes of a second Supercars championship until after the enduros but can blow out his series lead with a whopping 300 points on offer for the Bathurst winner. Co- driver is Bathurst rookie Earl Bamber, a two-time Le Mans 24 Hour winner. DAVID REYNOLDS (Holden) Once more famous for making the “shoey” popular, Supercars funny man Reynolds was taken seriously when he claimed his maiden Bathurst crown last year. A controversial figure off track thanks to his infamous description of an all- female team back in 2015, Reynolds is now considered the real deal on it. Currently fifth, Reynolds will hope to make a play for a maiden championship by becoming the first back-to-back Bathurst winner since Whincup-Lowndes in 2008. Co-driver is again Luke Youlden. BATHURST 1000 ROLE OF HONOUR - MOST WINS Nine - Peter Brock (1972, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1987) Seven - Jim Richards (1978, 1979, 1980, 1991, 1992, 1998, 2002) Six - Craig Lowndes* (1996, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2015); Larry Perkins (1982, 1983, 1984, 1993, 1995, 1997), Mark Skaife (1991, 1992, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2010)

DUCATI rider Jorge Lorenzo is “ok and has his smile back” after suffering a horror crash during practice for the Thailand MotoGP. The three-time world champion was catapulted off his bike and thrown into the air during Friday’s practice. Majorca-born Lorenzo suffered heavy bruising and contusions to his wrist and ankle after being stretchered off the track. Despite surviving the crash without major injury, Lorenzo says it is unlikely that he will feature on Saturday. As quoted by motorsport.com, the 31-year-old said: “If you ask me now, I would say no. Because the last fracture, the last injury [from Aragon], is a little bit worse, is not more broken but is more painful. “I don’t want to say something too quickly, so I will wait tonight, to see how I feel tomorrow morning.” Team manager Davide Tardozzi confirmed that Lorenzo was not at fault for the crash. As quoted by GPOne.com, Tardozzi said: “Fortunately, Jorge is ok and has his smile back. The bike can be repaired and is of secondary importance. “We have excluded an error on Jorgen’s part, while we have identified a technical problem that we are analysing. “At first, Jorge asked us whether he had perhaps braked too hard but that wasn’t the case.”

JAMIE Whincup fired the first shot at this year’s Bathurst 1000 with the Red Bull record breaker blasting his way to a Mount Panorama qualifying win on Friday. In an all out battle for a top 10 shoot out spot, Whincup clocked a 2.04.10 to edge out Dave Reynolds and Scott McLaughlin. Whincup stormed his way to the fastest lap of the day to set himself up for a shot at Bathurst 1000 glory. “That was intense,’’ Whincup said. “I was just hanging on the edge. We went out late and got the most out of it. I couldn’t be happier.’’ The session was red flagged with ten minutes remaining when Jack Le Broq became Mount Panorama’s first victim of the year. In a smash that stopped Cameron Waters from landing a top five time, Le Broq went into the wall at turn one to stop qualifying for a clean up. Whincup was leading the fight when the session resumed with the Red Bull star followed by James Courtney and Scott McLaughlin. Fan favourite Criag Lowndes struck late to book himself a spot in the top ten shoot out with a time of 2.04.57.

THE NRL season might be over, but there are still a few more rugby league games to be played in 2018. Australia will take part in a two-Test tour of New Zealand — which includes a historical clash with Tonga — before the Kiwis fly out to the UK for three games against England. Check out our ultimate guide to the upcoming Test matches. FIXTURES October 13: Junior Kiwis v Junior Kangaroos at Mt Smart Stadium, 1:05pm (AEDT) — Live on Fox League October 13: Kiwi Ferns v Jillaroos at Mt Smart Stadium, 3:05pm (AEDT) — Live on Fox League October 13: New Zealand v Australia at Mt Smart Stadium, 5:45pm (AEDT) — Live on Fox League October 18: England v France at Leigh Sports Village, 5:45am (AEDT) October 20: Tonga v Australia at Mt Smart Stadium, 5:45pm (AEDT) — Live on Fox League October 28: England v New Zealand at KCOM Stadium, Hull, 12:30am (AEDT) — Live on Fox League November 5: England v New Zealand at Anfield, Liverpool, 1:30am (AEDT) — Live on Fox League November 12: England v New Zealand at Elland Road, Leeds, 2:15am (AEDT) — Live on Fox League SQUADS Australia: Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Penrith), Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly), Damien Cook (South Sydney), Boyd Cordner (c, Sydney Roosters), Tyson Frizell (St George Illawarra), Dane Gagai (South Sydney), Valentine Holmes (Cronulla), Ben Hunt (St George Illawarra), Felise Kaufusi (Melbourne), David Klemmer (Canterbury), Josh McGuire (Brisbane), Jordan McLean (North Queensland), Latrell Mitchell (Sydney Roosters), Cameron Munster (Melbourne), Tyrone Peachey (Penrith), James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters), Jake Trbojevic (Manly), Tom Trbojevic (Manly), Aaron Woods (Cronulla) * Dane Gagai was added after Greg Inglis was suspended for two games for drink driving and speeding charges New Zealand: Leeson Ah Mau (St George Illawarra), Gerard Beale (Warriors), Adam Blair (Warriors), Jesse Bromwich (Melbourne), Kenny Bromwich (Melbourne), James Fisher-Harris (Penrith), Peta Hiku (Warriors), Jahrome Hughes (Melbourne), Jamayne Isaako (Brisbane), Shaun Johnson (Warriors), Isaac Liu (Sydney Roosters), Joseph Manu (Sydney Roosters), Esan Marsters (Wests Tigers), Ken Maumalo (Warriors), Kodi Nikorima (Brisbane), Isaiah Papali’i (Warriors), Agnatius Paasi (Warriors), Kevin Proctor (Gold Coast) Jordan Rapana (Canberra), Brandon Smith (Melbourne), Joseph Tapine (Canberra), Martin Taupau (Manly), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Sydney Roosters), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Penrith) * Peta Hiku and Agnatius Paasi were added after Corey Harawira-Naera was ruled out with a groin injury Tonga: Andrew Fifita (Cronulla), Addin Fonua-Blake (Manly), David Fusitu’a (Warriors), Siliva Havili (Canberra), Ata Hingano (Canberra), Will Hopoate (Canterbury), Konileti Hurrell (Gold Coast), Michael Jennings (Parramatta), Solomone Kata (Warriors), Sione Katoa (Penrith), Tuimoala Lolohea (Wests Tigers), Sika Manu (Hull FC), Ben Murdoch-Masilla (Warrington), Joe Ofahengaue (Brisbane), Tevita Pangai Junior (Brisbane), Jason Taumalolo (North Queensland), Sio Siua Taukeiaho (Sydney Roosters), Peni Terepo (Parramatta), Daniel Tupou (Sydney Roosters). Development players: Robert Jennings (South Sydney), Leivaha Pulu (Warriors) England: John Bateman (Wigan Warriors), George Burgess (South Sydney), Tom Burgess (South Sydney), Daryl Clark (Warrington), Jake Connor (Hull FC), Luke Gale (Castleford), James Graham (St George Illawarra), Joe Greenwood (Wigan), Chris Hill (Warrington), Josh Hodgson (Canberra), Tom Johnstone (Wakefield Trinity), Jonny Lomax (St Helens), Reece Lyne (Wakefield Trinity), Tommy Makinson (St Helens), Jermaine McGillvary (Huddersfield), Adam Milner (Castleford), Sean O’Loughlin (Wigan), Mark Percival (St Helens), Stefan Ratchford (Warrington), Luke Thompson (St Helens), Sam Tomkins (Wigan), Elliott Whitehead (Canberra), George Williams (Wigan) * Sam Burgess has withdrawn due to wrist surgery France: Tony Gigot (Dragons Catalans), Ilias Bergal (Leigh Centurions), Bastien Ader (Toulouse Olympique), Hakim Miloudi (Hull FC), Paul Marcon (Toulouse Olympique), Lucas Albert (Dragons Catalans), Theo Fages (Saint Helens), Jason Baitieri (Dragons Catalans), Alrix Da Costa (Dragons Catalans), Romain Navarrete (Wigan Warriors), Rhys Curran (Toulouse Olympique), Benjamin Jullien (Dragons Catalans), Mickael Goudemand (Dragons Catalans), Lambert Belmas (Dragons Catalans), Thibaud Margalet (Dragons Catalans), Bastien Escamilla (Carcassonne XIII), Morgan Escare (Wigan Warriors), William Barthau (Toulouse Olympique), Justin Sangare (Toulouse Olympique) Jillaroos: Kezie Apps (Dragons), Chelsea Baker (Broncos), Heather Ballinger (Broncos), Annette Brander (Dragons), Brittany Breayley (Broncos), Samantha Bremner (captain, Dragons), Ali Brigginshaw (Broncos), Keeley Davis (Dragons), Tazmin Gray (Roosters), Steph Hancock (Broncos), Isabelle Kelly (Roosters), Julia Robinson (Broncos), Jess Sergis (Dragons), Hannah Southwell (Dragons), Simaima Taufa (Roosters), Zahara Temara (Roosters), Eliana Walton (Roosters), Holli Wheeler (Dragons) Kiwi Ferns: Raquel Anderson-Pitman, Apii Nicholls, Langi Veainu, Amber Kani, Annetta-Claudia Nuuausala, Aieshaleigh Smalley, Laura Mariu, Onjeurlina Leiataua, Masuisuimatamaalii Tauasa-Pauaraisa (all Warriors), Ngatokotoru Arakua, Karley Te Kawa, Kimiora Nati, Teuila Fotu-Moala, Maitua Feterika, Lavinia Gould, Lilieta Maumau (all Broncos), Honey Hireme, Raecene McGregor (both Dragons), Nita Maynard (Roosters) Junior Kangaroos: 1. Corey Allan (Brisbane) 2. Enari Tuala (North Queensland) 3. Gehamat Shibasaki (Brisbane) 4. Zac Lomax (St George Illawarra) 5. Nick Cotric (Canberra) 6. Sean O’Sullivan (Sydney Roosters) 7. Jake Clifford (North Queensland) 8. Pat Carrigan (Brisbane) 9. Reece Robson (St George Illawarra) 10. Emre Guler (Canberra) 11. Shawn Blore (Penrith) 12. Kotoni Staggs (Brisbane) 13. Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters) 14. Blayke Brailey (Cronulla) 15. Louis Geraghty (Melbourne) 16. Thomas Flegler (Brisbane) 17. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Melbourne) 18. Kyle Flanagan (Cronulla) Coach: Neil Henry Junior Kiwis: Emry Pere, Peter Hola, Sean Mullany (all North Queensland Cowboys), Joe Vuna, Isaiah Papali’i, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Hayze Perham, Tom Ale, Paul Turner (all Warriors), Lucky Ta’avale, Mawene Hiroti (both South Sydney), Steven Marsters (St George Illawarra), Morgan Harper (Canterbury), Kelma Tuilagi, Kayleb Milne (both Melbourne), Dean Blore (Penrith), Paul Roache (Canberra), Jordan Riki (Brisbane), Jackson Ferris (Cronulla)

THE Storm have executed a five man signing spree ahead of the 2018 off-season, with Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Jahrome Hughes, Scott Drinkwater, Justin Olam and Kayleb Milne recommitting to the club. Man mountain Asofa-Solomona has signed a four-year extension that will tie him to the Melbourne club until 2023, while Hughes has signed on until 2021, according to NRL.com. Youngsters Drinkwater, Olam and Milne have all re-signed through to the end of the 2020 season. The fact that Asofa-Solomona will be at the Storm for at least the next five season is a massive coup for the club. The 22-year-old Kiwi international is rapidly establishing himself as one of the game’s real enforcers. The man affectionately known as ‘Big Nasty’ has played 77 games in the top grade and is set to blossom into one of the best prop forwards in the game in coming seasons. Hughes missed selection in the grand final against the Roosters, but is considered one of the favourites to replace Billy Slater in the No.1 jersey next season. After making their NRL debuts in 2018, Drinkwater and Olam have signed on for the next two seasons and will push for more first grade experience after excellent seasons for Easts Tigers and the Sunshine Coast Falcons. Storm Football Director Frank Ponissi said the Club heaped praise on the five youngsters for committing their futures to the club. “It is a terrific sign for the future of our football club that all five players see their playing futures here with us at the Melbourne Storm,” Ponissi told NRL.com. “We are proud of how far Nelson has come as a player and as a person over the last 18 months, what he can achieve over the next five years in the purple jersey is incredibly exciting and we have no doubt he will continue to work hard to ensure he makes the most of his exciting potential. “Jahrome took his NRL opportunity with both hands in 2018 which should give him a great deal of confidence heading into next year and we are excited to see him push for a regular spot in the 17. “The same goes for Scott and Justin who, while being limited with their NRL chance this year, showed terrific signs at feeder level which makes us excited with what they can both achieve at this Club over the next two years.

WESTS TIGERS legend Benny Elias has taken aim at Ivan Cleary’s reported defection to the Panthers for the 2019 season. Cleary is reportedly set to walk out on the final two years of his contract with the club to join his son Nathan at the Panthers. The instability in the coaching ranks has the potential to cripple the club, according to Elias. “I’m shattered. We’re the laughing stock at the moment,” Elias said. “Cleary came to the club to build a dynasty and after one year he is gone and he got rid of three of our great junior players in Moses, Woods and Tedesco and two of them are playing for Australia this week. “That’s the embarrassing part. We want a club where players want to come to our club and play for the black and gold and be part of our organisation. “We’ve got to build a dynasty and it has got to start somewhere and we thought we were going to have that with Ivan Cleary. “With a three-year contract we thought Cleary could get in there and make a real difference and unfortunately after one year he seems to be looking for other options.” The Panthers were linked with Ivan Cleary as soon as they sacked Anthony Griffin, despite both parties denying the claims. Their public denials were a smokescreen for the wheeling and dealing that was going on behind the scenes, according to Elias. “The Panthers didn’t replace their coach last season knowing they were going to get Cleary and that’s terrible news for us,” Elias said. “The Penrith Panthers are led by Gus Gould out there and he made this play strategically and he knew exactly what was going to happen. “They have even said that they will buy the Tigers any coach they want and they will subsidise it because they’ve got plenty of money.” Broncos coach Wayne Bennett has been linked to the Tigers’ post to replace Cleary, despite denying he would be leaving Brisbane with one year to run on his contract. However Bennett has made no secret of the fact he wants to coach beyond his current contract and the Broncos are rumoured to be shopping him to the Tigers. Replacing Cleary with Bennett is the only way the Tigers can save face, according to Elias. “If you had to ask who you wanted to coach, Ivan Cleary or Wayne Bennett, you would choose Wayne Bennett every day of the week,” Elias said. “It could be a blessing in disguise for us because Wayne Bennett to our club would be awesome. “The Broncos want to get rid of him and they have made that very clear and we would clearly accept Wayne Bennett as our coach. “He is what the club needs. He reminds me of when Tim Sheens came to the club and he made the big decisions and wasn’t afraid to do that. “Wayne Bennett is in the same boat and he makes his own rules and you follow them and it is my way or the highway and that’s what we need.”

BEN Barba’s Super League stint has come to a heartbreaking end after St Helens’ Super League title hopes were dashed in a shock 18-13 semi-final loss to Warrington. Barba, who joins North Queensland in 2019 on a one-year deal, was left visibly distraught after Wolves winger Tom Lineham scored two tries on his return from suspension to help his side stun the title favourites in what was one of the most thrilling games of the season. The lead changed hands four times before the Wolves clinched victory at the Totally Wicked Stadium to reach their fourth Grand Final in seven years. Warrington will now have a chance to lift the Super League trophy for the first time in Australian coach Steve Price’s maiden season in charge when they take on Wigan or Castleford at Old Trafford next Saturday. It brought an abrupt end to the season for St Helens, who led from start to finish in the regular campaign and, after beating the Wolves three times, finished 15 points in front of them in the final table. Previous results counted for little, however, and Warrington will be thankful they opted to fight Lineham’s initial three-match ban imposed for a high tackle against Wigan. Had the suspension not been reduced, the former Hull winger would not have had the opportunity to punish the Saints defence with two superbly taken second-half tries that decided a dramatic affair. “It was heartbreaking,” Saints coach Justin Holbrook said post-game. “It was a good and tough game but we didn’t create enough opportunities. Obviously the scoreline shows there wasn’t much in it; we kept nudging in front but made a couple of poor decisions defensively and credit to Warrington they took the ones they created. “If we played a bit better and defended a bit better … but we didn’t. They took a few opportunities and we made poor decisions. That was the difference in the game.” Price said he was “super proud” of his troops. “We spoke all week about needing all 17 players to contribute their best game of the season and they certainly did that,” he said. “To keep St Helens to one try on their own pitch was a super effort, the way we kept turning them away from our line was superb. “They’ve been the number one offensive team and the most consistent team all season and to come here and produce a performance like that makes me so happy. “We need a performance like that next week, we need to raise the bar again.” WARRINGTON WOLVES 18 (T.Lineham 2, J.Hughes tries; T.Roberts 3 goals) bt ST HELENS 13 (L.Doughlas try; D.Richardson 3 goals, 3 field goals) at Totally Wicked Stadium.

Desperate Australia coach Michael Cheika remained defiant ahead of a Rugby Championship final-round clash against Argentina that could decide his fate. “I keep getting asked whether I am going to resign and I keep giving the same answer,” snapped the 51-year-old who has overseen a disastrous year for the Wallabies. “Tough situations arise in all sports and then they go away and the tough people stay,” was his clear message ahead of the Test in northwestern city Salta. If Australia fail to win, they will suffer the humiliation of finishing last behind champions New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina. Cheika was once the toast of Wallabies’ supporters, taking the team to second place behind the All Blacks at the 2015 World Cup in England. His sometimes unorthodox methods included a ban on headphones close to Tests with the coach justifying the move by saying: “Cyndi Lauper won’t win you the game.” But six losses in eight matches this year has seen public and media calls for his head, and a degree of support from Australia rugby boss Raelene Castle. “We are facing some challenging times, but Michael is doing some work to make sure he has got the best people around him,” she said after a home loss to Argentina last month. There have been reports linking former Australia great George Gregan with a coaching position. An inability to convert possession into points cost the Wallabies dearly last weekend against South Africa as they fell 23-12 in Port Elizabeth. “We were let down by execution errors, skill errors, passes slightly behind or pushing the offload. - ‘We are going to get Argentina back’ - “I think there are a hell of a lot of positives to take out of the Springboks match,” insisted Cheika. Veteran scrum-half Will Genia believes Salta can be the turning point and bring some relief for Cheika. “We are going to get Argentina back,” he vowed, referring to the shock 23-19 loss in the Gold Coast last month, the first at home to Argentina for 35 years. Cheika has made only one personnel change after South Africa with Bernard Foley recalled at fly-half and Kurtley Beale switching to centre in place of Matt Toomua. Mario Ledesma used to part of the coaching staff that worked with Cheika -- now he is the mastermind of a resurgent Argentina side eyeing a third Championship win this season. Last year, the Pumas lost all six matches without collecting even one bonus point, and three heavy losses to Wales and Scotland last June led coach Daniel Hourcade to quit. Ledesma took over and delivered wins at home to South Africa and away to Australia to give the South Americans two Championship victories in a season for the first time. His major concern ahead of the Australia match is scrumming, with New Zealand severely embarrassing them last weekend. Tighthead prop Ramiro Herrera was brought back from France for that Test and gets another chance to prove his worth against Australia. Ledesma has kept faith with his pack and made two backline changes -- winger Ramiro Moyano and centre Matias Orlando replace injured Bautista Delguy and Bautista Ezcurra. “My boys are working hard every day and starting to believe in themselves. Our Championship victories were a reward for all the effort they have put in,” said proud Ledesma.

Michael Hooper has vowed the Wallabies will do their talking on the field as they look to avoid their worst-ever finish in the Rugby Championship. Australia must win Sunday morning's (AEDT) clash with Argentina in Salta or they will be saddled with their first wooden spoon since the four-team southern hemisphere tournament was established in its current format in 2012. A defeat could have huge implications for the future of coach Michael Cheika, as well as delivering another brutal dent to the team's confidence less than a year from the World Cup. Skipper Hooper wasn't game to go where Will Genia and Cheika boldly went and promise a Wallabies victory at Estadio Padre Ernesto Martearena but he did promise they would be up for the fight against Los Pumas. "A lot of times it's us as a nation, the underdog thing and the backs-against-the-wall thing and being fighters there," Hooper told reporters. "Certainly we've had performances like that in the last couple of years. "Tomorrow night we'll do the talking and get out there. "You have to dust yourself off after losses and get back up. "I don't want to say desperate (but) we are extremely excited to get out there and play and win." Cheika has finalised his bench, cutting Rory Arnold and going with a 5-3 split of forwards and backs. It means back-rower Caleb Timu will make his first Test appearance since the June series against Ireland. An open game is likely - matches in Salta tend to be high-scoring, while there is a mild altitude factor with the northwestern city, which is 1152m above sea level. It should be a perfect environment for Australia's attack to rediscover its groove, particularly with a refreshed Bernard Foley at five-eighth and Kurtley Beale back beside him. "It gives him a bit more time, being at 12. It takes the responsibility off him," Hooper said of Beale, who has played at No.10 for the last three weeks. "Once he sees and gets the picture and can digest that, he's as dangerous as they come. "Watching him with the ball in hand when he's got time, he looks so natural." ARGENTINA VS AUSTRALIA - RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP Estadio Padre Ernesto Martearena, Salta Kick-off: 9.40am (AEDT) Sunday, October 6 Head to head: Played 30, Australia 23, Argentina 6, drawn 1 In Argentina: Played 12, Australia 7, Argentina 4, drawn 1 Last meeting: Argentina 23 bt Australia 19, Gold Coast, September 2018 LOS PUMAS: Emiliano Boffelli, Matias Moroni, Matias Orlando, Jeronimo De la Fuente, Ramiro Moyano, Nicolas Sanchez, Gonzalo Bertranou, Javier Ortega Desio, Marcos Kremer, Pablo Matera, Tomas Lavanini, Guido Petti, Ramiro Herrera, Agustin Creevy, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro. Reserves: Julian Montoya, Santiago Garcia Botta, Santiago Medrano, Matias Alemanno, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Tomas Cubelli, Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias, Sebastian Cancelliere. WALLABIES: Dane Haylett-Petty, Israel Folau, Reece Hodge, Kurtley Beale, Marika Koroibete, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, David Pocock, Michael Hooper (capt), Ned Hanigan, Adam Coleman, Izack Rodda, Taniela Tupou, Folau Faingaa, Scott Sio. Reserves: Tolu Latu, Sekope Kepu, Allan Alaalatoa, Rob Simmons, Caleb Timu, Nick Phipps, Matt Toomua, Tom Banks.

RORY Arnold has been dropped from the Wallabies squad to play Argentina after coach Michael Cheika opted to bring a specialist backrower on to the bench. The Wallabies used two reserve locks for last week’s test against South Africa but decided to go with a more traditional bench against the Pumas and Rob Simmons got the not ahead of Arnold as the lock. Caleb Timu was recalled to the squad for the first time since June as the backup loose forward and Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper said he expected him to have a big impact. “We’ve been on the receiving end of some of his stuff of the bench in Super Rugby scheme of things this year and playing with him through some of the Tests earlier in the year, he packs a lot of punch defensively and in attack,” Hooper said. “Getting him to come on and really add that, particularly in the ball carrying through the middle of the field and the back end of the games, going to be one of his key roles to do it and something he can do really well.” Hooper is also expecting Kurtley Beale to have a blinder after being shifted back to inside centre. Beale never really looked himself in the three matches he started at five-eighth but Hooper reckons the switch back to inside centre will allow him to play his natural game. “I’m excited for him, he’s been a little bit frustrated with not being able to click and get things and being able to run in a try,” Hooper said. “Being at 12 takes the responsibility off him to create with a bit less time. Kurtley, once he sees and gets the picture and can digest that, he’s as dangerous as they come. “When he’s got time, he just looks so natural with the ball.” Australia WALLABIES 1. Scott Sio 2. Folau Faingaa 3. Taniela Tupou 4. Izack Rodda 5. Adam Coleman 6. Ned Hanigan 7. Michael Hooper (captain) 8. David Pocock 9. Will Genia 10. Bernard Foley 11. Marika Koroibete 12. Kurtley Beale 13. Reece Hodge 14. Israel Folau 15. Dane Haylett-Petty Reserves 16. Tolu Latu 17. Sekope Kepu 18. Allan Alaalatoa 19. Rob Simmons 20. Caleb Timu 21. Nick Phipps 22. Matt Toomua 23. Tom Banks

SAMU Kerevi has saluted the Reds’ call to revert to maroon jerseys full-time next season because it will connect the team with more people across Queensland. The Reds centre added to the buzz at Friday’s jersey launch by revealing he hoped to play again in two weeks to contend for Wallabies’ selection on next month’s tour of Europe. He returned to light training last week with Brisbane City and is squeezing a chunk of Play-Doh-style compound religiously with his left hand to build strength after tricky wrist tendon surgery. Should fifth-placed City beat the NSW Country Eagles in Camden on Sunday, Kerevi is hopeful of being ready for the October 20-21 semi-finals should his team kick on. “It sucks being on the sideline and I get itchy-footed just watching someone else in my position,” Kerevi said. “I want to get back playing in the NRC finals and who knows about the tour from there. “I have a lot of faith in the Wallabies bouncing back after a rollercoaster season and you always want to be part of it.” If the 21-Test Kerevi does get some footy in his legs after 14 weeks out since bicep and wrist tendon surgery, his power running would be a huge asset starting with Wales in Cardiff on November 11. Kerevi has his Reds’ player number, 1270, tattooed on his left shoulder as an extra expression of his state passion. “The maroon jersey is part of the history we play with but it’s time for us, as a squad, to put our own legacy to it,” Kerevi said of the 2019 season. “To understand the history is one of those little per-centers that can drive us in hard times in games and I think it will touch more people across the state.” The Reds have worn red for the past 11 seasons since tinkering with a long history in maroon. It was 2017 coach Nick Stiles who pulled the one-off masterstroke of old-school maroon for a smash-up derby against the NSW and new coach Brad Thorn pushed for a full-time return. “When you think about representing sport in Queensland, you think about maroon,” Thorn said. Reds great Chris Latham endorsed the switch.

AUSTRLIA has named three debutants to play the first Test against Pakistan, starting Sunday in Dubai (5pm EDT), while veteran quick Peter Siddle has earned a recall. Marnus Labuschagne joins Aaron Finch and Travis Head on the list of baggy green recipients for the first Test, coming in at the expense of Matt Renshaw. Siddle meanwhile has beat Michael Neser to selection and will play his first Test since November 2016. Renshaw’s omission sees Usman Khawaja move to the top of the order with Finch, with Shaun and Mitchell Marsh expected to bat at No.3 and 4 ahead of Head and Labuschagne. Labuschagne looked long odds to make his debut after being left out of Australia’s XI for the tour match against Pakistan A last week. However, a worrying blow to the helmet for Matt Renshaw while fielding at bat-pad opened the door for the Queenslander. Renshaw was substituted out of the match for Labuschagne, who proceeded to score an unbeaten 39. While Renshaw is fit and healthy to play, a lack of cricket of late has come him his spot. the amount of cricket he has played of late. The opener missed Australia A’s first four-day match against India A last month due to a hamstring injury and had his county stint cut short by a broken finger in the winter. “He hasn’t had enough cricket so the decision was made there to go with Marnus,” Paine told reporters on Saturday. “He’s had a bit of an unlucky run, Renners, with injury. He missed a game in India and then he got hit on the head and couldn’t bat in the last game. The decision was made that he just hasn’t played enough cricket and Marnus has been playing quite a bit of cricket on the A tour. “Obviously a lot of discussion about it but we think Marnus brings a lot to the group. He’s a really good player of spin and we think as well his legspin will be something we can throw at the Pakistanis they might not be expecting.” Remarkably, Nathan Lyon will be the only player in the team who featured in the XI that most recently played in Asia. Pakistan are considering two debutants of their own, with off-spinner Bilal Asif expected to play after legspinner Shadab Khan was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Uncapped left-arm quick Mir Hamza is hoping to partner Mohammad Abbas with the new ball. Australia XI: Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Tim Paine (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Peter Siddle, Jon Holland

Tasmania are in the box seat to book a berth in the final of the one day cup after dismissing Queensland for 177. The Bulls' innings never reached any great heights and they were dismissed in the 45th over of the first semi-final at Drummoyne Oval on Saturday. While several Queensland batsmen got starts, paceman Mark Stekete top scored with just 30 as the Bulls struggled on a tricky wicket at the suburban Sydney ground. Paceman Gabe Bell, playing his first domestic 50-over match, provided the early breakthrough, snaring openers Max Bryant (11) and Sam Heazlett (22) cheaply. And when dangerman Chris Lynn (15) edged Jackson Bird through to keeper Matthew Wade, the Queenslanders had lost two wickets in the space of six balls to be 3-50. Paceman Bird, who could consider himself unlucky not to be in the UAE as part of the Australian Test squad to face Pakistan, took 2-41 while Gurinder Sandhu was economical, finishing with 2-14 from his nine overs. When Skipper Jimmy Pierson was trapped lbw by a Tom Rogers delivery which stayed low with his side at 6-131, it marked the end of the Bulls' recognised batsmen. The winner will face the winner of Sunday's semi-final between Western Australia and Victoria.