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Rising star footy player dies at just 18

<p>Rising football star Nick Campo has tragically died just two days after his 18th birthday. </p> <p>The South Fremantle player was in the backseat of a ute when it crashed and rolled just before midnight in Perth, before the ute smashed into an oncoming SUV. </p> <p>Two of Campo's teammates, Tyler Rowe and Josh Jackson, were also in the ute and were taken to hospital with injuries. </p> <p>Cameron Britt, CEO of South Fremantle, said the club was in "deep shock" following the sudden tragedy.</p> <p>"South Fremantle Football Club is deeply saddened by news of a car accident overnight involving several of our Colts players, resulting in the tragic death of South Fremantle footballer Nick Campo," he said.</p> <p>"We are a club in deep shock, focused upon supporting our players, staff and their families in these tragic circumstances."</p> <p>Campo's parents have also shared their heartbreak following the accident, saying their lives had been "ripped apart" by the sudden loss. </p> <p>"In the early hours of this morning our beautiful son Nick passed away after he was involved in a tragic car accident," they said on Facebook.</p> <p>"Our lives have been ripped apart, 18 years old, a future with so much hope taken away, we are praying others in the car involved will be ok."</p> <p>In Kalgoorlie, where Campo spent his childhood, his former club described him as "a popular friend to many" with a "life full of promise that was taken way too soon".</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine </em></p>

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Indigenous netball player shares "disgusting" hate letter after sponsorship drama

<p>An Indigenous netball star has shared a vile hate letter she received from a netball fan, two years on from the Netball Australia sponsorship drama.</p> <p>Prior to her first game with the Australian Diamonds national team in 2022, Donnell Wallam, a Noongar woman from Western Australia, refused to wear the uniform which featured the logo of Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting.</p> <p>The 30-year-old athlete shared that her reasoning was over racist comments made by Rinehart's late father in the 1980s, when he suggested Aboriginal people should be sterilised.</p> <p>In response to Wallam's boycott, Gina Rinehart dramatically tore up her $15 million sponsorship deal with Netball Australia, which had been set to run until the end of 2025.</p> <p>Now, two years on from the sponsorship drama, Wallam shared a photo on of hate mail she received about the controversy, from a woman named “Mary”.</p> <p>The letter posted to Instagram, which accused Wallam of being "radicalised by the Aboriginal left", includes a mocking imitation of an Indigenous Acknowledgement of Country paying “respects to British and European elders”.</p> <p>“As if the hate online wasn’t enough, Mary thought she’d send me a letter,” the netballer wrote. “I’m beyond disgusted and hurt but I will never stop advocating for my people. Blak, Loud and Proud. ALWAYS.”</p> <p>The letter reads, “I am writing to you to express my sadness that your [sic] cost the Australian Diamonds, of $15,000,000, caused by your radically influenced comments about Gina Rinehart’s father, Lang Hancock.” </p> <p>“Mr Hancock’s comments about serialisation [sic] of Aboriginals was disgusting and made by one man. However, at the time his daughter was not yet born as you were not yet born. You were influenced by the nasty activist Aboriginal clique that hates everything Australia. You fell into their spell and caused such loss of donations to Australia Netball. Hang your head in shame girl, for being manipulated by the radical Aboriginal filth.”</p> <p>Mary adds that she went to school in Perth “and had many good Noongar friends that I still love today”. </p> <p>“You are a disgrace to the Noongar Tribe,” she wrote. “I will never watch you play, ever.”</p> <p>Wallam’s supporters slammed the letter as “disgusting”, saying they will always support the inspirational athlete.</p> <p>“You are such an inspiration for so many, I am completely disgusted but sadly not shocked, what an absolute piece of s**t this woman is,” one wrote.</p> <p>“I will defs be watching your next game to support you,” another said. “Sounds like Mary’s loss!”</p> <p><em>Image credits: DARREN PATEMAN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

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Super Rugby player dies at just 25

<p>New Zealand rugby player Connor Garden-Bachop has died aged 25.</p> <p>Police were called to the scene of a sudden death in Fendalton, Christchurch just before 6pm on Monday, according to the <em>NZ Herald</em>. </p> <p>“The death is not being treated as suspicious and will be referred to the Coroner,” police said.</p> <p>Garden-Bachop, son of former All Black Stephen Bachop, was part of the Highlanders' Super Rugby squad this season, and they have also confirmed his death in a statement shared on Facebook.</p> <p>“On behalf of the entire rugby community, the Highlanders, Wellington Rugby, New Zealand Rugby, the New Zealand Māori Rugby Board and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association would like to extend our deepest thoughts and love to the Garden-Bachop family,” the statement read.</p> <p>“Connor passed away on Monday following a medical event, and rugby’s collective focus at this time is on supporting his family.</p> <p>"All of rugby walks alongside the Garden-Bachop family at this time and we are collectively united in our grief," the statement continued. </p> <p>“Connor was a fantastic young player, an exciting New Zealand age-grade representative and a proud Māori All Black. Wherever he played, he was a committed and popular teammate with infectious energy and someone who could light up the room.</p> <p>“Most importantly, he was a loving father to his twin girls, a brother, a son and immeasurably loved by all those who knew him.</p> <p>“NZR, the New Zealand Māori Rugby Board, the Highlanders, Wellington Rugby and the Players Association are providing support and we ask that the privacy of the Garden-Bachop family is respected.”</p> <p>Garden-Bachop, an outside back, made his Highlanders debut in 2021. After five seasons with the team, the Highlanders announced on Facebook last week that he would not return to the team next season. </p> <p>The rugby player is survived by his twin daughters. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

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Entire Knox team stood down after abusing female players

<p>Knox Football Netball Club (KFNC) has stood down its entire mens development indefinitely, following reports of their "inexcusable behaviour" towards an opposing women's team. </p> <p>Reports emerged this week that players from the Melbourne suburban football club rated and attempted to trip over Donvale's female players as they entered the field last Sunday. </p> <p>“They held out their legs to trip the women over and used the phrases yes, no, mediocre, rating each female player. The players were rightly upset but they played out the rest of the game,” veteran reporter Jacqui Felgate said. </p> <p>“I hope the men that did this … are held to account," she continued. </p> <p>KFNC immediately looked into the incident, and on Thursday announced that the whole team had been “stood down indefinitely pending the outcome of the independent investigation” in an open letter shared on Facebook. </p> <p>They also said: "KFNC recognises that such behaviour is completely unacceptable and does not reflect the values of the club."</p> <p>KNFC will also implement a comprehensive behavioural and domestic violence education program across the entire club.</p> <p>“Participation in this program will be mandatory for all members, with a ‘no education, no play’ rule in effect,” Knox said.</p> <p>“KFNC is establishing an ongoing partnership with a local family violence shelter for both education and charitable support.</p> <p>“We understand the gravity of this situation and the importance of taking swift and decisive action. We are committed to learning from this incident and ensuring that such behaviour is not repeated in the future.</p> <p>“Our club stands for inclusivity, respect, and safety for all members, and we will continue to uphold these values in everything we do.”</p> <p>Felgate reacted to Knox's open letter and said that the action was “the very least they could do”.</p> <p>“Women play sport — they should not be subjected to abuse on the field, off the field, whatever, on the base of their sex,” Felgate said.</p> <p>A Donvale player also spoke to the <em>Herald Sun </em>anonymously and said that her team were already "uncomfortable" before the comments began. </p> <p>"We all realised what happened a lot of us broke down in tears and just felt helpless," she told the publication. </p> <p>"I’ve had individual men come up to me and say things that aren’t really appropriate but this was a group of 20 men standing, laughing and making comments about us.</p> <p>“The only thing I want to emphasise is the amount of other men from Knox that were around them not saying anything," she added. </p> <p>“Unfortunately I really do believe that men aren’t going to stop behaving like this unless other men call it out, they don’t listen to women.”</p> <p><em>Image: Facebook/ Knox Football Club</em></p>

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Teenage NRL player charged with gang murder

<p dir="ltr">A teenage NRL player has been charged with murder over the violent death of an underworld figure in July. </p> <p dir="ltr">Masei Tavui, a 19-year-old West Tigers player, was charged by Liverpool Police on Tuesday afternoon over the death of Dejan “Danny the Serb” Radulovic, who was killed while he was on parole. </p> <p dir="ltr">Police officers arrested the teenager in the early hours of the morning, before executing a search of his home in south-west Sydney. </p> <p dir="ltr">Tavui sat calmly talking to police in handcuffs before being taken away in a paddy wagon. </p> <p dir="ltr">They arrested the 19-year-old before they seized “clothing relevant to their investigation” that was uncovered during the search. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It will undergo further forensic examination,” NSW Police said. </p> <p dir="ltr">Radulovic was killed on July 29th after he was allegedly shot and stabbed in the Sydney suburb of Balmain following an altercation with two men.</p> <p dir="ltr">Officers arrived on the scene to find Mr Radulovic had sustained significant head and torso injuries, with police alleging his wounds were from being bashed and stabbed.</p> <p dir="ltr">He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where he later died. </p> <p dir="ltr">An autopsy of the 29-year-old discovered he had also suffered a gunshot wound. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Police have been told Danny Radulovic was injured during an altercation with two men before the pair allegedly fled the scene in a white Jeep,” a NSW Police spokesperson said in a statement.</p> <p dir="ltr">Masei Tavui was refused bail and will face court next week.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: NSW Police</em></p>

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Father of fallen teen footy player speaks out

<p>Castlemaine Football Netball Club, and the wider AFL Central Victoria community, are in mourning after losing one of their own over the weekend. </p> <p>Dallas Keogh-Frankling, an up-and-coming CFNC Under 18s player, was participating in an away game at the Kyneton Showgrounds when he was tackled. </p> <p>While the 17-year-old got up from the collision, even going on to play the rest of the game, he collapsed after the game, and passed away awaiting hospital transfer. </p> <p>His father, who had been with Dallas at the time of the tragedy, told the <em>Herald Sun</em> that, “late in the last quarter he was tackled on the boundary line by two people.</p> <p>“His arms were pinned and he landed on the ball next to the gates where people come onto the field.”</p> <p>Mark Frankling also reported that Dallas had gotten up “straight away”, but that on his way to the bench he could be seen grasping “his guts”, and that when Mark had gone to check on his son, he’d noted that he “might have broken ribs”.</p> <p>It was after the team’s coach had addressed the boys in the changing rooms that Dallas’ condition took a turn for the worst, with Mark recalling how he’d “looked over and saw his face was in a bit of pain, and I asked him if he was all right.</p> <p>“His eyes rolled in the back of his head, I yelled for the ambulance, and then he came to.”</p> <p>Mark had been certain things would be alright if Dallas - whose face looked “grey” - could just get to the hospital, and followed the ambulance his son was taken in.</p> <p>However, when he arrived at Kyneton Hospital, he could see paramedics attempting to revive his teenage son - and while he “came back … he flatlined again”.</p> <p>Dallas was meant to be transferred to Melbourne for further treatment, but tragically passed away before that could occur. </p> <p>“They worked again on bringing him back,” Mark said. “I held his hand and it felt cold. After an hour-and-a-half, they couldn’t bring him back.</p> <p>Mark and the rest of Dallas’ family are now asking the coroner to investigate, hoping for some answers into why Dallas - who was healthy and had no known pre-existing medical conditions - had died under these circumstances, because they “don’t want this to happen to anyone else.</p> <p>“I don’t want this to happen to any other kid, I don’t think Dallas would want this either.”</p> <p>As Mark went on to explain, he wanted “only good things” to come out of it, certain that his son would have wanted his friends to continue playing, rather than hanging up their boots in the wake of Dallas’ passing. </p> <p>“That’s life,” Mark said, “things can happen, accidents can happen. I just don’t want this to affect the footy club.” </p> <p>“But I want only good things to come from this. Dallas would still want them to play footy instead of not playing footy.</p> <p>“That’s life, things can happen, accidents can happen, I just don’t want this to affect the footy club.”</p> <p>According to Mark, Dallas had been “growing up so well”, devoting his life to the sport that he loved, and confessed that “it’s still hard to comprehend I won’t be driving him to footy, and him telling me what he’s going to do today.”</p> <p>“He was just a great kid. There was never a bad word about him. He had great people around him, quiet and polite.”</p> <p>The same message carried on across Castlemaine Football Netball Club’s heartfelt tribute to their young star - in which they also confirmed the heartbreaking news - with many of Dallas’ friends and teammates taking to the comments to share their messages of love and loss. </p> <p>“Dallas loved his football, he loved his Club, and he loved his team mates,” they wrote. “It is unfathomable to us that he is gone. At the behest of his family, training will continue to be offered this week to honour the fact that he would never want his death to dampen our love of the game …</p> <p>“To our wider football and netball community who have provided condolences, sent personal messages and posted tributes - we feel your support.</p> <p>“Our focus is now on Dallas’s family, his teammates, friends, and our wider Club community as we process his loss and come to terms with our collective grief.”</p> <p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fcastlemainefnc%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02M48rZWpbd9kF8Y4ZsUvjhePYW89J74kkBDSKdGTZBCLZJME4UVNwioD9RaxjYKvvl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="738" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p><em>Images: Facebook, 9News / Nine</em></p>

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Terminally-ill rugby player carried across marathon finish line by his best mate

<p>There wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd when best friends Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield crossed the finish line of the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon.</p> <p>The two Leeds Rhinos players have been raising money and awareness for people with Motor Neurone Disease since Burrow’s 2019 diagnosis, with the two raising an impressive total in the millions.</p> <p>And now, the pair have raised spirits and warmed hearts with Sinfield’s act at the end of their Leeds race, when he picked Burrow up from his chair and carried him over the finishing line. Before that, Sinfield had been pushing Burrow’s chair for 26.2 miles (42.2 km). </p> <p>The moment was met with cheering and applause as the wo concluded their marathon just after the 4 hour 22 minute mark, both from those who were there to witness it in person and from those who saw footage later when it circulated online. </p> <p>One Twitter user even went on to dub Burrow an “absolute gem of a human”, while another was certain that they were a “pair of absolute heroes”. </p> <p>“What a mate! Unbelievable in a world full of cr*p at the moment there are some genuinely lovely moments. These lads have been into battle together on the pitch for club and country,” one wrote. “It’s choked me up, I’m not going to lie.”</p> <p>“A bunch of legends,” someone else declared. “I’ve properly welled up watching this, this is what friendship is, to the ends of the earth and back.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Beautiful.</p> <p>Kevin Sinfield carried Rob Burrow over the finish line at the end of the first Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 🥹 <a href="https://t.co/JFdd9XGgV4">pic.twitter.com/JFdd9XGgV4</a></p> <p>— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCSport/status/1657736670458916865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>Prior to the event, Sinfield had spoken about the race to <em>The Sun</em>, and its 12,500 reported participants, as well as the thousands lining the streets to watch, and what it meant to be undertaking the marathon together. </p> <p>“Even if it was just Rob and I, we’d have a great time,” he said, “there’s no better way to do it than with your mate. The fact people want to share in it and do their own little bit is incredible.</p> <p>“This will be with mates, for mates and alongside mates, absolutely. Look across the world at big cities where marathons are run, there’s nothing like this.</p> <p>“We’ve not done any training. We ran a 10km together last July and that’s part of the challenge, doing something neither of us have done before. The unknown adds to the fun of it.</p> <p>“He’s in a custom-made chair but it could be a bumpy ride. I’ll try and find him the safest, comfiest route but if there are hills, there are hills. If it rains, it rains.”</p> <p>And as Burrow himself said to <em>The Guardian</em>, when asked about the seven marathons in seven days that Sinfield had run on behalf of Burrow, his family, and their fight against MND, “we all need a friend like Kevin.” </p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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Body of missing Rugby League player found

<p dir="ltr">The body of missing rugby league player Bryn Hargreaves has been discovered, one year after he went missing without a trace.</p> <p dir="ltr">Hargreaves was 36 years old at the time of his disappearance, after he was reported missing in January 2022 after he failed to show up for work.</p> <p dir="ltr">His sudden disappearance sparked a major search operation led by police and tracker dogs in West Virginia, according to reports from <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/21770264/rugby-league-bryn-hargreaves-disappearance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">More than a year after he was last seen, his body was found in dense woodland near the US home of Hargreaves, according to the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11881511/EXCLUSIVE-Rugby-league-star-Bryn-Hargreaves-woodland-near-home.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mail</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Bryn’s older brother Gareth broke the news of the discovery in an emotional Facebook post.</p> <p dir="ltr">He wrote, “RIP Bryn Hargreaves. With incredible sadness I can confirm after 14 months we have finally found Bryn.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“We still do not know the cause of death or what actually happened on 3/1/22. Thanks to all those that have helped in the search.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“We would appreciate a little space and will keep you updated when we have any further information x.”</p> <p dir="ltr">After a member of the public found the body and alerted the authorities, Monongalia County Sheriff’s office sent the remains to the West Virginia State Medical Examiner’s Office for a post-mortem and positive identification.</p> <p dir="ltr">Hargreaves, who hails from the UK, began his sporting career as he played in Super League for Wigan, St Helens and Bradford before retiring and moving to the States to work in the oil and gas industry at 26 years old.</p> <p dir="ltr">Hargreaves’ mum Maria also spoke out following the tragic news of his confirmed death.</p> <p dir="ltr">She wrote, “I’m in bits #heartbroken my beautiful son Bryn I can’t think of any words to describe the pain xx.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite finding his remains, there has been no cause of death confirmed.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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NRL player James Tedesco ties the knot

<p>James Tedesco and his fiancée Maria Glinellis have tied the knot in a lavish garden wedding in the Hunter Valley.</p> <p>The pair exchanged their vows at the Redleaf Wollombi over the weekend, surrounded by their loved ones.</p> <p>The beautiful bride wore a modern corset dress with a stunning embroidered lace bodice and a bejewelled pair of heels, which she later swapped for sneakers.</p> <p>James took on a more classic look with a black suit and crisp white button-up.</p> <p>The couple shared sweet photos on their Instagram moments after they said their vows, with the caption: "MR &amp; MRS TEDESCO 🤍 07.01.23".</p> <p>Fans, friends, and family showed their support in the comments.</p> <p> </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CnOV7qdr1L2/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CnOV7qdr1L2/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by @maria.tedesco_</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p> </p> <p>"Congratulations to you both!" the official Sydney Rooster's Instagram page commented.</p> <p>"Awww congrats guys," wrote another.</p> <p>"The best day!!! Love you guys," a friend wrote.</p> <p>Guests have also shared footage of the couple, clearly head over heels for each other, with photos of them affectionately kissing and holding hands.</p> <p>The newlyweds were also spotted holding hands while they did their first dance to Sam Smith and Disclosure's "Latch".</p> <p>Take a look at the stunning and intimate footage of the wedding.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram, 7 News</em></p> <p> </p>

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Pat Rafter delves into “rift” between Ash Barty and US player

<p>Aussie great Pat Rafter has opened up about the tension during Ash Barty’s match against her 2022 Australian Open final opponent, Danielle Collins.</p> <p>The now retired tennis star smashed the American 6-3 7-6 (7-2) which saw Barty claim her first home slam and the third of her career.</p> <p>Almost 12 months later, Rafter has opened up about the tension the pair had in which Barty didn’t want to lose to the American star and vice versa.</p> <p>“I knew with her and Danielle, they had a bit of a … what’s the word? There was no love lost anyway,” Rafter told reporters ahead of the United Cup.</p> <p>“Danielle’s pretty feisty. And Ash didn’t want to lose to her.”</p> <p>He said that there was a bit of worry when he saw Barty get “rattled” on court before getting out of her head and smashing the game.</p> <p>“It was pretty funny, I don’t know how much you can pick up on the on-court subtleties of it but I’m pretty aware of Ash and I understand where her mind’s at and I can see all her little movements and ticks,” Rafter continued.</p> <p>“I was going, ‘oh no, she’s getting rattled, she’s not good’. But she was able to pull it out which was pretty important.</p> <p>“I would have hated to see her get to the final and lose because she was the dominant player. I like seeing the best players win.”</p> <p>After her successful win, the now 26-year-old shocked the tennis world by announcing her retirement from the game.</p> <p>She recently got married to her longtime partner Garry Kissick and is currently working at Optus.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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Missing Queensland Cup rugby league player found dead

<p dir="ltr">A missing Queensland rugby league player has been found dead after an accident in a Barcelona nightclub.</p> <p dir="ltr">Redcliffe Dolphins player Liam Hampson, 24, was on holiday with several other teammates when he disappeared and was not seen for 30 hours.</p> <p dir="ltr">Reports from Spanish outlet La Vanguardia say that workers found Liam in the leisure complex at nightclub Sala Apolo.</p> <p dir="ltr">It suggested that Liam fell from a height of 10m and that police will be treating his death as an accident. </p> <p dir="ltr">The devastating news has broken family and friends who banded together desperate for Liam to come back home. </p> <p dir="ltr">Gold Coast Titans player AJ Brimson and Brisbane Broncos duo Jordan Riki and Jesse Arthars, first took to Instagram in efforts to track Liam down.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch1ppxzrCCP/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch1ppxzrCCP/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Liam Hampson (@hampo101)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Liam’s father Brett, took to Facebook announcing the heartbreaking news and asked for privacy as the family comes to terms with their loss. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Waking up to the news no one wants to hear, we are devastated to find out that Liam had an accident and sadly has not survived," he wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We are heartbroken to say the least. Liam had a heart of gold and was a much loved son, brother, grandson, uncle and friend. Words can not express our grief.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We can not thank his mates enough for being there with Liam having the time of his life and assisting in the search for our boy. Our thoughts are with them.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We are asking the media to respect our privacy as we work through this time."</p> <p dir="ltr">Liam’s sister Tiarna, also confirmed the shocking news remembering him as the “best brother”.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We are devastated to find out Liam had an accident and did not survive," Tiarno wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We are so heartbroken. Liam was the best brother I ever could of asked (sic) for and made me a better person.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We cannot express our grief.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We cannot thank the boys he was travelling with enough for assisting with his search and made sure his last days were the best of his life. Going to miss you so much, Liam."</p> <p dir="ltr">Liam was an up and coming rugby league player after playing three seasons for Tweed Seagulls before his move to Redcliffe for 2022.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Facebook/Instagram</em></p>

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"I love you and will never leave you": Federer's message to fans

<p dir="ltr">Roger Federer has announced his retirement from tennis after an incredible career hailing 15000 matches over 24 years.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Swiss tennis player shared the breaking news in a lengthy post on all his social medias starting with a simple: “To my tennis family and beyond”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 41-year-old explained that it was time to retire after listening to his body following multiple knee surgeries. </p> <p dir="ltr">He first started off by acknowledging what the game has given him, friends, competitors, and fans who’ve been by his side throughout his incredible journey before he went on to share the devastating news. </p> <p dir="ltr">“As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries. I’ve worked hard to return to full competitive form,” he wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr">“But I also know my body’s capacities and limits, and its message to me lately has been clear. I am 41 years old. I have played more than 15000 matches over 24 years. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognise when it is time to end my competitive career.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Federer announced that the Laver Cup will be his final ATP event but teased that he won’t be completely disappearing from the game. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">To my tennis family and beyond,</p> <p>With Love,<br />Roger <a href="https://t.co/1UISwK1NIN">pic.twitter.com/1UISwK1NIN</a></p> <p>— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/1570401710685945856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“I will play more tennis in the future, of course, but just not in Grand Slams or on the tour. </p> <p dir="ltr">“This is a bittersweet decision, because I will miss everything the tour has given me. But at the same time, there is so much to celebrate. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I consider myself one of the most fortunate people on Earth. I was given a special talent to play tennis, and I did it at a level that I never imagined, for much longer than I ever thought possible.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Federer then went on to thank his wife Mirka and his four children, who stood by his side and endured his fantastic tennis career. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I would like to especially thank my amazing wife Mirka, who has lived through every minute with me. She has warmed me up before finals, watched countless matches even while over 8-months pregnant, and has endured my goofy side on the road with my team for over 20 years.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I also want to thank my four wonderful children for supporting me, always eager to explore new places and creating wonderful memories along the way. Seeing my family cheering me on from the stands is a feeling I will cherish forever.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He also addressed his parents and sister “without whom nothing would be possible”. </p> <p dir="ltr">Federer then listed everyone who stood by him, from former coaches, to players, to sponsors, partners, and the “unbelievable fans” over the last 24 years. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I have had the immense fortune to play in front of you in over 40 different countries,” he wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I have laughed and cried, felt joy and pain, and most of all I have felt incredibly alive. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Through my travels, I have met many wonderful people who will remain friends for life, who consistently took time of their busy schedules to come watch me play and cheer me on around the globe. Thank you.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Federer then ended the lengthy post with a little glimpse into how he decided he wanted to play tennis back when he was a ball boy. </p> <p dir="ltr">“When my love of tennis started, I was a ball kid in my hometown of Basel. I used to watch the players with a sense of wonder,” he wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They were like giants to me and I began to dream. My dreams led me to work harder and I started to believe in myself. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Some success brought me confidence and I was only my way to the most amazing journey that has led to this day.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart, to everyone around the world who has helped make the dreams of a young Swiss ball kid come true.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Finally, to the game of tennis: I love you and will never leave you.” </p> <p dir="ltr">Following the shock announcement, Federer’s fellow tennis players wished the best for the Swiss tennis player.</p> <p dir="ltr">Rafael Nadal - “I wish this day would have never come. It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports people around the world. I said it to you when we spoke and now it’s here. It’s been a pleasure but also an honour and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Billie Jean King - "Roger Federer is a champion's champion. He has the most complete game of his generation &amp; captured the hearts of sports fans around the world with an amazing quickness on the court &amp; a powerful tennis mind. He has had a historic career w/memories that will live on and on."</p> <p dir="ltr">Rod Laver - "Thank you for everything Roger. See you soon. Rocket."</p> <p dir="ltr">Martina Navratilova - "What a heartfelt message, full of love, life, hope, passion and gratitude. Which is exactly how Roger played the game we love so much. Thank you thank you thank you, for all the magic!!!"</p> <p dir="ltr">Carlos Alcaraz - "Roger has been one of my idols and a source of inspiration! Thank you for everything you have done for our sport! I still want to play with you! Wish you all the luck in the world for what comes next!"</p> <p dir="ltr">Andy Roddick - "Cheers Roger. Thanks for the shared memories my friend. It was an honour to share time/experiences on the most hallowed grounds in our sport. Don't be a stranger."</p> <p dir="ltr">Petra Kvitova - "Roger - you have always been such a huge inspiration to me. Your elegance, your grace, your beautiful game. I have always held you in the highest regard and want to congratulate you for an amazing career. Tennis won't be the same without you!"</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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"The sport's greatest player": Billie Jean King's praise for Serena

<p dir="ltr">Serena Williams will be remembered as tennis’ “greatest player”, according to World Tennis Association (WTA) founder Billie Jean King, after the World No. 1 announced she would be retiring from professional tennis at this year’s US Open.</p> <p dir="ltr">Since her career began in 1995, Williams has won 39 Grand Slam titles, including 23 singles, 14 women’s doubles, and two mixed doubles, with King adding that the star player has “inspired a new generation of players and fans”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“When Serena steps away from tennis, she will leave as the sport's greatest player,” King said in a statement.</p> <p dir="ltr">“After a career that has inspired a new generation of players and fans, she will forever be known as a champion who won on the court and raised the global profile of the sport off of it”</p> <p dir="ltr">Williams, who turns 41 next month, found it difficult to announce the news, writing in an op-ed published in Vogue that she felt “a great deal of pain” in deciding to hang up her racquet.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There is no happiness in this topic for me. I know it’s not the usual thing to say, but I feel a great deal of pain. It’s the hardest thing that I could ever imagine. I hate it. I hate that I have to be at this crossroads,” Williams said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I keep saying to myself, I wish it could be easy for me, but it’s not. I’m torn: I don’t want it to be over, but at the same time I’m ready for what’s next.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-23f21c73-7fff-ce1d-d2de-9b48b3bbfa3c">Taking to Instagram, Williams shared photos from her <em>Vogue </em>cover, alongside a heartfelt message for fans.</span></p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChCgQH0rFbQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChCgQH0rFbQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“There comes a time when we have to decide to move in a different direction,” she began the post.</p> <p dir="ltr">“That time is always hard when you love something so much. My goodness do I enjoy tennis. But now, the countdown has begun. I have to focus on being a mom, my spiritual goals and finally discovering a different, but just exciting Serena. I’m gonna relish these next few weeks.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Williams announced she would be retiring following her departure from the WTA Toronto Masters on Wednesday, after losing to Swiss Olympic gold medallist Belinda Bencic.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though she didn’t specify a retirement date, Williams is expected to compete again in Cincinnati before travelling to the US Open, which begins on August 29.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-c1a1c350-7fff-0020-2b59-62b81d97f2d2"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @serenawilliams (Instagram)</em></p>

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Rugby League icon dead at 49

<p dir="ltr">The NRL world is in mourning following the death of legendary coach and former player Paul Green at the age of 49. </p> <p dir="ltr">The premiership-winning coach had reportedly not complained about any illness and was found dead at his home in Brisbane on Thursday. </p> <p dir="ltr">A post-mortem will be carried out to determine his cause of death.  </p> <p dir="ltr">Former Melbourne Storm and Maroons hooker Cameron Smith, who was coached by Green in the earlier days said he was “heartbroken” upon hearing the news.</p> <p dir="ltr">“A very sad part of the day,” he said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s certainly rocked myself…and everyone in the rugby league world.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s a sad day for everyone involved in the rugby league family and community. We send our best wishes and condolences out to the entire Green family.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I was fortunate enough, he was my kicking and catching coach when I was coming through at the Broncos and he was also my coach when I was at Wynnum.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I had a small amount to do with him but in the time I did, it was actually really interesting the year I was at Wynnum I ended up signing with another club to leave but we had a really tough start to the season. Greeny managed to turn the Wynnum Seagulls around and we won the premiership that year.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He’s a fighter. It’s a very sad day to see Greeny go like that.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Green had an incredible NRL career, playing 162 first grade matches between 1994-2004 and winning the prestigious Rothmans Medal in 1995 as the game's best and fairest.</p> <p dir="ltr">He played for several different clubs including Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys, Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels and the Brisbane Broncos.</p> <p dir="ltr">Green eventually swapped his playing boots to coaching ones as he took on the North Queensland Cowboys from 2014-2020.</p> <p dir="ltr">He helped the Cowboys finally win their first ever premiership in 2015. </p> <p dir="ltr">Green last coached Queensland’s State of Origin side in 2021 and was due for a comeback into coaching in 2023 with the new NRL team, Dolphins. </p> <p dir="ltr">Green is survived by wife Amanda and children Emerson and Jed.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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Tennis player’s violent act leaves little boy in tears

<p dir="ltr">A little boy was left startled and in tears after a Romanian tennis player’s racquet ended up in the crowd at the French Open on Thursday.</p> <p dir="ltr">Irina-Camelia Begu was 2-0 down in the third set of her second round match when she threw her racquet against a water box, according to <em><a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/18697836/french-open-controversy-begu-child-throwing-racket/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, the racquet bounced violently off the box and into the stands, leaving the young boy distraught and startled.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though the World No. 63 wasn’t defaulted, she did receive a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct after a tournament supervisor was consulted.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-aa7a87f0-7fff-c016-b814-0e79465e318e"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Begu later apologised to the little boy in question, posing for a photo with him and his parents.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://t.co/GnTbQ4w31V">pic.twitter.com/GnTbQ4w31V</a></p> <p>— Sharapova Family (@MySugarpova) <a href="https://twitter.com/MySugarpova/status/1529794311487107073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“It’s an embarrassing moment for me. I just want to apologise,” Ms Begu said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In my whole career I haven’t done something like this and I feel really bad and sorry. Sorry for the incident.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was a difficult moment because I didn’t want to hit that racquet.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You hit the clay with the racquet but you never expect to fly that much.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ekaterina Alexandrova, who Ms Bega went on to defeat 6-7 6-3 6-4 in that match, said she was “disappointed” to leave the competition “like that”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I was trying to do my best but seems like the rules were against me,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This shouldn’t be happening.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I hope after today’s match rules will be improved for everyone’s safety. We are responsible for our racquet.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Journalists and viewers of the match quickly took to social media to question how Ms Begu avoided disqualification over the incident. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Folks, why are we still allowing this?” the New York Times’ Ben Rothenberg tweeted.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Begu didn’t throw the racquet especially hard but the consequences of her action shouldn’t be shrugged off by officials.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-c3b0bc39-7fff-d9c5-daa8-a1ab578eb3b4"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Photographer Ella Ling wrote: “I was there (I’m in that shot). Absolutely beggars belief how she was allowed to continue playing. Horrible.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Video: obviously it wasn’t intentional but I just can’t see how this is not a default. Kid started crying, mom and dad were concerned. A mess. <a href="https://t.co/ljQlkYckwu">https://t.co/ljQlkYckwu</a></p> <p>— José Morgado (@josemorgado) <a href="https://twitter.com/josemorgado/status/1529793948507688962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The incident comes after Russian Andrey Rublev also escaped major punishment earlier on in the French Open after he slammed a ball in anger and it rebounded, flying past a tournament court assistant.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Seeing the Begu incident and Rublev incident from the other day, tennis officials really need to step up their game,” former world double No. 1 Rennae Stubbs said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I think both should have been defaults.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We MUST start making players accountable for stupid decisions and those were both stupid decisions and could have been a lot worse.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-324ab83a-7fff-f60f-3f2e-0fcdd60e2de3"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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Footy player jailed after king hit and headbutt

<p><em>Image: NT News</em></p> <p>Footballer Warrick Williams will spend over a year behind bars after breaking a man’s jaw on Darwin’s party strip.</p> <p>The 28-year-old is a Victorian recruit for the Wanderers Football Club and continued to play in the Northern Territory Football League while on bail.</p> <p>He has pleaded guilty to unlawfully causing serious harm, which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment.</p> <p>The court heard an argument broke out over a piece of litter outside the Istanbul Kebab Bar on Mitchell Street in 2020.</p> <p>"Not only did you headbutt him... you king hit him at a time when he... was not expecting to be hit," Justice Peter Barr of the Northern Territory Supreme Court said.</p> <p>"You were a taller and more powerfully built man — no doubt you made that assessment."</p> <p>Williams claimed he had been provoked by the man's racial slurs towards him.</p> <p>However, after reviewing CCTV and hearing evidence from both parties, Justice Barr ruled he was not satisfied that the victim had used provocative and offensive racist language.</p> <p>The judge noted Williams was a talented footballer with a clean tribunal record and had made an effort to turn his life around.</p> <p>"But an offender who engages in drunken violence causing serious consequences must expect a sentence of imprisonment," Justice Barr said.</p> <p>Warrick Williams has been handed a jail sentence of three years and four months. He will be released after serving 14 months.</p>

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AFL player found dead at just 25

<p dir="ltr">Former AFL player Harley Balic has been found dead just days after turning 25. The midfielder played four senior games for the Fremantle Dockers before joining the Melbourne Demons in 2018 and announcing his retirement that same season.</p> <p dir="ltr">Victoria Police said emergency services were called to a hotel on Nepean Highway around midday on Sunday, where Balic was found. His death is not being treated as suspicious, and a report is being prepared for the coroner.</p> <p dir="ltr">Balic had been candid about mental health problems he had experienced in the past, and said that he lost his passion for the game after announcing his retirement. At the time, he said, “It was an easy decision in the end, as I’ve thought about it for a little while now.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s something I’m not going to regret and I’m very appreciative to Melbourne for letting me come to the club for a second chance. I’ve always loved football, but my heart’s not in it and everything ends up being a grind and I think it’s just the right thing to do.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The [club’s] VFL and AFL [teams] are both going to be successful this year and it’s something I’d love to be a part of, if I loved it, but unfortunately I don’t and it’s time to go out into the real world and see what else is out there for me.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Balic is the third former Docker to pass away in the past four years, following the deaths of Colin Sylvia and Shane Yarran in 2018. Former footballer Harley Bennell posted a photo on Instagram with Balic and Yarran accompanied by the caption, “Rest easy my 2 brothers”. Bennell and Balic both joined Fremantle before the 2017 season.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CYijTPrPCsm/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CYijTPrPCsm/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Harley Bennell (@hedwardb)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Bennell also posted a photo with Balic to his Instagram stories with the caption, “RIP my little HB. I’ll always love you little brother”.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images</em></p>

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Tennis world reacts to disappearance of Chinese player

<p dir="ltr">Serena Williams has added her voice to the chorus of tennis stars concerned for the wellbeing of Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai, who has been unreachable since accusing a powerful Chinese politician of assault.</p> <p dir="ltr">Two weeks ago, Shuai took to Weibo to accuse former vice-premier Zhang Gaoli of forcing her into sex during their long-term relationship. The post was quickly deleted, and her social media profiles have been silent since. A<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/sport/tennis/pressure-is-mounting-on-china-to-confirm-the-safety-of-star-player-peng-shuai-amid-fears-she-is-missing/news-story/7b23a3a14256165a82f41506af669f0f" target="_blank">bizarre email</a><span> </span>claiming to be from the star did little to quell fears, with many feeling it wasn’t actually from Shuai.</p> <p dir="ltr">The email reads, “Hello everyone this is Peng Shuai. Regarding the recent news released on the official website of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), the content has not been confirmed or verified by myself and it was released without my consent.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m not missing, nor am I ­unsafe. I’ve just been resting at home and everything is fine. Thank you for caring about me. I hope to promote Chinese tennis with you all if I have the chance in the future. I hope Chinese tennis will become better and better.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Soon after, Tennis superstar Serena Williams posted her concerns about Shuai on Twitter. She wrote, “I am devastated and shocked to hear about the news of my peer, Peng Shuai. I hope she is safe and found as soon as possible. This must be investigated and we must not stay silent. Sending love to her and her family during this incredibly difficult time. #whereispengshuai”. The tweet was accompanied by a photo of the star with the hashtag #whereispengshuai over the top.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">I am devastated and shocked to hear about the news of my peer, Peng Shuai. I hope she is safe and found as soon as possible. This must be investigated and we must not stay silent. Sending love to her and her family during this incredibly difficult time. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/whereispengshuai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#whereispengshuai</a> <a href="https://t.co/GZG3zLTSC6">pic.twitter.com/GZG3zLTSC6</a></p> — Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) <a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams/status/1461408866697105413?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2021</a></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Others have shared the image, including the Women’s Tennis Association, coach Patrick Mouratoglou and stars including Benoit Paire, Julia Goerges and Maria Sakkari.</p> <p dir="ltr">On Friday, the International Tennis Writers’ Association released a statement in support of Peng.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Peng Shuai’s allegations are very serious, and she is very brave to have made them.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We fully support the efforts of the WTA and other tennis bodies in calling for meaningful assurances that Peng Shuai is safe, and for the allegations she has made to be properly investigated, without censorship.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In the meantime, we wish Peng Shuai and her family and friends all the strength they need to get through this very stressful time.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Naomi Osaka posted a brief statement on Twitter, where she said she was in “shock” at the current situation. “Censorship is never OK at any cost, I hope Peng Shuai and her family are safe and OK. I’m in shock of the current situation and I’m sending love and light her way.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhereIsPengShuai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhereIsPengShuai</a> <a href="https://t.co/51qcyDtzLq">pic.twitter.com/51qcyDtzLq</a></p> — NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) <a href="https://twitter.com/naomiosaka/status/1460723353174433793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2021</a></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Novak Djokovic spoke to the press about Shuai’s disappearance following his ATP Tour Finals match against Casper Rudd, describing the situation as “terrible”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Honestly it’s shocking that she’s missing. More so that it’s someone that I’ve seen on the tour in previous years quite a few times.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There’s not much more to say than to hope that she’s OK and it’s just terrible … I can imagine how her family feels, you know, that she’s missing.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Zhong Zhi/Getty Images</em></p>

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Dan Andrews calls out double standard for Aussie Open players

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Victorian Premier Dan Andrews has made his stance clear regarding whether unvaccinated tennis players should be allowed to compete in the Australian Open this year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Premier </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/sport/tennis/daniel-andrews-blunt-message-amid-australian-open-vaccination-storm/news-story/5e5ba25dae7632d5d4b6c44b9e61efbe" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">has said</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> he doesn’t believe vaccinated players should be allowed to compete after a leaked email to Women’s Tennis Association players detailed the rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated players.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The email claimed that unvaccinated players could compete after completing 14 days of hotel quarantine upon arrival.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As for vaccinated players, the email said there would be no quarantine requirements and “will have complete freedom of movement”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the email, which was shared online by tennis reporter Ben Rothenberg, the tennis authority also said unvaccinated stars would need to “submit to regular testing”.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">🐨Update on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a>🐨<br /><br />Per email sent to WTA players just now, Tennis Australia has told WTA PC that fully vaccinated players won’t be required to quarantine or bubble at all.<br /><br />Unvaccinated players will be allowed to enter, TA tells WTA, but must do 14 days of hotel quarantine. <a href="https://t.co/cu4NV8abYB">pic.twitter.com/cu4NV8abYB</a></p> — Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenRothenberg/status/1452352307316895747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mr Andrews came out against the rules, saying that if those attending the event at Melbourne Park need to be fully vaccinated, the players should be too.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“You try getting into the US … most of Europe, really, so many different parts of Asia if you haven’t been vaccinated,” he told </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">ABC Radio</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">. “Like, you’re just not getting a visa - why would that be different here?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I don’t think it’s too much to say, if you want one of those visas and you want to come here, then you need to be double-vaxxed.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“All the people who are watching the tennis at the Australian Open, they’re going to be double-vaxxed, all the people that work there are going to be double-vaxxed. It stands to reason that if you want to get into the country to be part of that tournament, then you should be double-vaxxed as well.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In response to the commotion caused by the leaked email, Victorian Sports and Major Events Minister Martin Pakula told </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">3AW </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">radio that it will ultimately be up to the federal government to decide.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We are still resolving with Tennis Australia and the Commonwealth whether unvaccinated foreign nationals will be allowed into Australia at all, and if so, under what circumstances they will be allowed,” Mr Pakula said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Unvaccinated, we are still talking to the Commonwealth about whether the rule for international unvaccinated arrivals is either 14 days quarantine, or they are not coming into the country at all. We don’t expect that to be settled for another couple of weeks.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“In the end, it’s a federal decision about who gets into the country and the circumstances in which they get in. We are still having that conversation with them. And we’re obviously talking to Tennis Australia who is also talking to the Commonwealth.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mr Pakula said that the decision would be made with “plenty of time for every player on tour to be very clear about what the rules will be”, stressing that vaccinated players would be treated in the same way as any other vaccinated arrival.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The email sent to tennis players from the sport’s governing body came after Immigration Minister Alex Hawke said any sports stars hoping to compete in Australian competitions would need to have two doses of a TGA-approved vaccine.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Getty Images</span></em></p>

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