Aussie changes
SYDNEY - Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has unveiled a new-look coaching staff and says player management will be the main challenge facing Australia when they face Scotland and Wales in a series of Test matches in June.
Deans announced that Tony McGahan will join him as coaching-coordinator, Andrew Blades as forwards coach and Nick Scrivener as coaching assistant. They take the place of dumped assistants Jim Williams and Phil Blake, who have been moved on after last year's failed World Cup campaign.
Storm force
MELBOURNE - Melbourne backrower Kevin Proctor says the Storm forwards have proven they can handle any pack in the NRL, including their Anzac Day opponents the Warriors.
The Storm host the Warriors at AAMI Park tomorrow night, looking to set a new club record with eight successive wins to start a NRL season. The Warriors ruined the party in the Anzac Day clash last year, and then upset the minor premiers in the preliminary final to win a grand final berth.
Fullback hopeful
SYDNEY - Incumbent NSW fullback Anthony Minichiello is still hopeful of retaining his spot for this year's State of Origin series despite missing a chance to push his claims in City-Country.
Minichiello was not selected to play in City's 24-22 win over Country in Mudgee on Sunday but said Sydney Roosters medical staff had spoken to City officials about a hip flexor problem he picked up in last week's 50-12 loss to North Queensland.