Injured Dragon
SYDNEY - St George Illawarra could be without Kyle Stanley until halfway through next year's NRL campaign after scans confirmed the exciting utility had ruptured the ACL in his right knee. Stanley will undergo a full knee reconstruction, continuing a worrying injury run that already includes two reconstructions to his left knee.
ODI recall
PERTH - After finally gaining confidence in his reconstructed right knee, batsman Callum Ferguson is ready to kick-start his international career following a surprise recall to the Australian one-day side. Ferguson was among several changes to Australia's one-day and Twenty20 squads for the upcoming series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.
Moltzen deal
SYDNEY - Tim Moltzen admits his form and focus were affected by uncertainty surrounding his future with the Wests Tigers and vowed to return to his best after agreeing to a new three-year deal. Moltzen was at the centre of a war of words between the Tigers and St George Illawarra last year after agreeing to an early release from his contract to join the Dragons for the start of this season.
Out for 6 weeks
SYDNEY - Luckless Parramatta's NRL campaign has continued with young five-eighth Luke Kelly set to miss up to six weeks with a fractured eye socket. Kelly has impressed since his mid-season switch to the Eels from Melbourne and set up both of his side's tries in the 32-12 loss to Canterbury on Friday. The 22-year-old, who played the full 80 minutes against the Bulldogs, will do well to play again this year.
'Great' decision
LAHORE, Pakistan - The Pakistan Cricket Board on Monday swiftly welcomed the first proposed cricket series with India in five years, saying millions of fans would be delighted. "The decision is great and we welcome it. It seems that millions of cricket fans have their wishes fulfilled," PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf told reporters in Pakistan's eastern city of Lahore.
Black Caps lose
WELLINGTON - Sunil Narine's bamboozling spin continued to confound the Black Caps as they stumbled to a 20-run loss to the West Indies in the fifth and final one-day international in St Kitts on Monday. Just as New Zealand were looking a good chance of chasing down the West Indies modest 241, Narine struck late in the innings with three key wickets.
Blues coach
WELLINGTON - Former All Blacks winger Sir John Kirwan will take over the coaching reins at the Blues. After four years at the helm, incumbent coach Pat Lam has been sacked after presiding over a horror season when the Auckland-based team managed just four wins from 16 games. Kirwan, who has coached Italy and Japan in Rugby World Cup campaigns, signed a two-year contract with the Blues beginning next month.