Home feel for Sutherland to Decision nigh Golden State step aside for Dolphins

CHAMPIONS Golden State return to an all-too familiar NBA Finals venue this morning (Queensland time) at Cleveland with hopes of putting a stranglehold on the best-ofseven championship series.

The Warriors opened up a 2-0 lead after back-to-back opening wins at home to take a giant stride towards a third crown in four years, in what is their fourth-straight finals meeting with the Cavaliers.

“In the finals, this is the only building I know what that experience, that atmosphere, is like,” Warriors guard Stephen Curry said. “We know how Cleveland plays here. We understand how hard it is to win in this building.” JAMES Sutherland has sensationally quit as chief executive of Cricket Australia after 17 years at the helm – but denies the fallout from the balltampering scandal in South Africa forced his hand.

Sutherland fronted media yesterday to announce his resignation but will stay on for the next 12 months and assist with the changeover.

Both Sutherland and Cricket Australia chairman David Peever stressed the decision had been discussed for some time and the South African balltampering saga that led to the suspensions of skipper Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft had not played a part. A DECISION on the Gold Coast Dolphins’ 2018-19 coaching structure will likely be made by the end of next week.

With expressions of interest for the vacant head coaching role closing last week, the Dolphins are now working through a shortlist with Queensland Cricket to find a replacement for Damian Wallis.

Wallis, 39, last month announced he was stepping down after five years in the role.

The Carrara resident joined the club as a player in 1994-95 and played 397 games, including 217 in first grade.

It is understood the coaching shortlist features six names.