In same league as US
THE standard of Australia’s WLeague has been compared to the USA National Women’s Soccer League. Matildas star Sam Kerr made the claim after last week adding to last season’s W-League MVP award by claiming its US equivalent, after she shot to the top of the NWSL’s all-time goalscoring lists with Sky Blue FC this winter. Kerr said the standard of professionalism at Australian clubs was “right up there”. “The only difference is that everyone is full-time professional in the US national league.” she said.
Cheika eyes shake-up
WALLABIES coach Michael Cheika has flagged a move away from fullback for Israel Folau in his last match of 2017 against the Barbarians. Folau will take a break from rugby after Saturday’s clash at Allianz Stadium, having reached an agreement with Cheika months ago to be rested from the end-ofyear tour Tests against Japan, Wales, England and Scotland. Folau’s absence means a new fullback will need to be found for the upcoming tour, and Cheika said he would likely treat the match against the Barbarians as a chance to look at his options. “I might play someone else there, you never know,” Cheika said.
Upbeat in defeat
ENGLAND captain Heather Knight has so far delivered on her promise to play this summer’s Ashes with a smile, despite a frustrating last-over loss in Sunday’s series opener. Set 229 for victory in the one-day international in Brisbane, Australia stuttered in their chase until a late partnership between Alex Blackwell and Ash Gardner saw the hosts home with five balls and two wickets to spare. Australian wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy tried to ruffle Knight’s feathers last week, saying she planned to “bring the bitch back” this summer. Knight said they’d let their cricket do the talking. “We lost the first game of the World Cup (but went on to win),” she said. “We’re a resilient bunch.
Co-captains revealed
TWO-TIME Paralympian skier Mitchell Gourley and parasnowboarder Joany Badenhorst have been announced as Australian team co-captains for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Paralympic Games in March. The athletes, who are big medal chances, will lead a team of about 11 competitors and two guides.