🗞 Out of form

August 06, 2020

G'day sports fans,

Classic quote: I wouldn’t be bothered if we lost every game, as long as we won the league. — Mark Viduka.

In today's edition of Sport Journal:

🇦🇺 Rowell locked in + Previews

🏉 Brown close to Warriors move + Previews

⚽️ Champions League and A-League match previews

🇦🇺 AFL

Matt Rowell signs on with Suns until end of 2023

🎟 St Kilda has surpassed its all-time membership record in Season 2020, surpassing the 47,000-mark yesterday evening.

GWS leadership consultant, and legendary Australian cricketer, Steve Waugh talks exclusively to Damian Barrett

📺 His mum is a legend

🏉 NRL

Former Newcastle boss Nathan Brown is expected to make his return to coaching in the NRL as the new coach of the embattled Warriors.

Round Previews:

Today: Sea Eagles v Warriors: Cust returns; Harris-Tavita replaces Green. Manly has won 8 of their last 9 at home against the Warriors. The last 5 matches between the two have gone OVER (37.5pts) 1.90.

Today: Rabbitohs v Broncos: Reynolds named; Fifita in, Milford out. Alex Johnston has soccer din 5 of his last 6 when Souths were favourites (1.72)

Saturday: Storm v Bulldogs: Smith and Papenhuyzen sidelined. Raymond Faitala-Mariner (Bulldogs) has scored a try in 4 of his last 5 matches. 7 of Melbournes last 8 matches has gone OVER (40.5pts) 1.90

Saturday: Knights v Wests Tigers: Green starts; Tigers lose Grant, Twal. Both teams are coming off consecutive losses. Journeyman Blake Green will appear for his seventh NRL club when he runs out in the No. 6 jersey for the Knights.

Saturday: Panthers v Raiders: Staines sidelined; Nicoll-Klokstad returns. Penrith Panthers look to equal a club record eighth straight victory when they host the Raiders. 16 of Canberra's last 18 matches have gone UNDER total (35.5pts)

Sunday: Titans v Cowboys: Morgan, McGuire back for North Queensland. North Queensland has won 10 straight over the Titans dating back to 2014, so it’s safe to say they won’t be short on confidence heading in. With two of their leaders also returning to the side this week, it’s difficult to argue against the Cowboys adding to that record. 

Sunday: Sharks v Eels: Dugan, Ramien, Moylan in; Matterson out. The Sharks welcome back Josh Dugan for his 200th game, while the added boost of Jesse Ramien and Matt Moylan is sure to make a difference on the scoresheet. Parramatta have lost seven of their last 10 games against the Sharks and their recent form suggests they just might add to that streak.

Tanisha Stanton and Chris Kennedy discuss which centres you should run with

⚽️ Football

Champions League Rd 16 2nd legs:

Juventus v Lyon (Lyon lead 1-0 on agg): You have to feel a certain level of sympathy for Lyon here, they put together a great performance in the first leg to take a 1-0 lead back to Turin. Due to the shutdown they've only played one competitive match since March 9.

Man City v Real Madrid (Man City lead 2-1): This is the competition that City have been focused on from day one. The sending off of Real’s captain Sergio Ramos will be felt in this tie.

👑 LeBron James arriving to Lakers' game in Liverpool's new home kit. Lebron received a 2% share in the club in 2011 (then worth approx. $9m), now reported to be worth $69m. (forbes)

Bayern Munich v Chelsea (Bayern lead 3-0): It looks like a simple path for Bayern, despite last playing 5th July. Chelsea are without Cesar Azpilicueta, Christian Pulisic and Pedro who all left the FA Cup final with injuries.

Barcelona v Napoli (currently 1-1): If anyone was going to feel good about their chances to spring an upset in these Round of 16 ties, it would be Napoli. They will feel hard done by only bringing a draw back to Barcelona after outplaying the Catalan club in the first leg.

⚽️ 36 goals: Lazio's Ciro Immobile won the European Golden Shoe (continent's top scorer) after finishing the season with a record-equalling 36 goals in Serie A. Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski finished second with 34, and Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo finished third with 31.

🔁 Willian has agreed a three-year contract worth £100,000 per week with Arsenal, switching from Chelsea.

Today: Western United (2.5) vs Western Sydney wanderers (2.45): The Wanderers have looked quite good since the restart taking a point from their clash with the Mariners followed by a win over Wellington. As the odds suggest it’s tough to split these teams.

Saturday: Perth Glory (1.57) v Melbourne Victory (4.80): A Perth side still pushing for finals football going against a horrendously out of form Victory team. While it’s nice to see the 10th placed Melbourne side giving their youngsters a chance, Perth should have the experience and the wherewithal to get over the line here.

📺 on Facebook

🏉 Rugby

Today: Rebels (3.20) v Brumbies (1.53)

  • The Brumbies have won their last two Super Rugby games against the Rebels, including a 31-23 win in the opening round of Super Rugby AU

  • The Rebels have won four of their last six Super Rugby games (D1, L1)

  • The Brumbies have won their last seven Super Rugby games on the bounce; the last time they won more was an eight-game stretch across the 2004 and 2005 campaigns and they've never won more than nine in succession in the competition.

  • The Reds picked up a 32-26 win against the NSW Waratahs when they met in the opening round of Super Rugby AU, snapping an 11-game losing streak against them in the process.

  • Three of the NSW Waratahs' last four home games in Super Rugby have been won by the team trailing at half-time on the day, with the Waratahs surrendering two half-time leads in this stretch.

  • The Reds are winless in their last nine Super Rugby away games (D1, L8); their last away win against an Australian opponent came against the Rebels in Round 12, 2017.

His first year in Australian rugby has been anything but smooth sailing, but the Waratahs' Kiwi coach Rob Penney isn't baulking at the challenge of turning his side's flagging fortunes around.

🌎 International

John Higgins makes 147 break at Crucible

📺 on Twitter

Former champion John Higgins made the first 147 maximum break at the World Championship since 2012.

Higgins, 45, with his 10th career maximum break but his first at the Crucible.

It was the 11th 147 at the World Championship and the first since fellow Scot Stephen Hendry made the last of his three Crucible maximums.

The break came in the 12th frame of his second-round match.

The achievement puts Higgins in line for a £40,000 bonus for the maximum, as well as the £15,000 highest break prize.

"That was incredible," said BBC TV analyst Joe Perry. "There was nothing else to put on his CV apart from the Crucible 147 and now he's done it.

🏎 70th Anniversary Grand Prix

Silverstone will play host to a second straight Grand Prix this weekend as Formula 1 celebrates its 70th anniversary. 

The sport returns home to the site of its first Grand Prix way back in 1950, meaning the winner of this week’s race will not only earn full points, but also cement themselves a spot in the history books. 

After last week’s memorable triumph in the British Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton is again your favourite. Hamilton (88) currently holds a 30pt lead on teammate Bottas.

Teammate Valtreri Bottas appears great value in the market, while there’s also a case to be made for Ferrari following a promising return to the podium last week. 

Join us on Monday when we'll have full reviews of the AFL, NRL, Super Rugby, Super Netball, UEFA Champions League and more...

📺 Live sport

Friday

⛳️ 06:00 - PGA Championship, Round 1 (Fox Sports) 

🏀 06:00 - NBA - Miami Heat v Milwaukee Bucks (ESPN 1)

🏀 08:30 - NBA - Los Angeles Clippers v Dallas Mavericks (ESPN 1) 

⛳️ 09:00 - Korn Ferry Tour, Portland Open, Round 1 (Fox Sports More) 

⚽️ 10:00 - MLS - Semi-Final - Orlando City SC v Minnesota United (ESPN 2)

🏀 11:00 - NBA - Los Angeles Lakers v Houston Rockets (ESPN 1)

🏍 17:55 - Czech MotoGP Practice 1, Round 4 (Fox Sports More)

🏉 18:00 - NRL - Manly Sea Eagles v Warriors (Fox League or Kayo Sports)

🏉 19:05 - Super Rugby AU - Rebels v Brumbies (Fox Sports)

⚽️ 19:30 - A-League - Western United FC v Western Sydney Wanderers (Fox Sports)

🇦🇺 19:50 - AFL - Essendon Bombers v GWS Giants (Fox Footy or Kayo Sports or 7mate)

🏉 19:55 - NRL - South Sydney Rabbitohs v Brisbane Broncos (Fox League or Kayo Sports or Nine)

🏎 20:00 - British F1, Grand Prix Practice 1(Fox Sports)

🏏 20:00 - Test Match - England v Pakistan (Fox Cricket)

⚽️ 21:00 - K League 1 - FC Seoul v Gangwon FC (Optus Sport 1)

⛳️ 21:30 - European Tour, English Championship, Round 2 (Fox Sports)

Saturday

⚽️ 05:00 - UEFA Champions Lge R16 - Juventus v Olympique Lyonnais (Optus Sport 2)

⚽️ 05:00 - UEFA Champions Lge R16 - Manchester City v Real Madrid (Optus Sport 1)

⛳️ 06:00 - PGA Championship, Round 2 (Fox Sports) 

⛳️ 06:00 - LPGA TourMarathon Classic, Round 2 (Fox Sports) 

🏀 07:00 - NBA - Sacramento Kings v Brooklyn Nets (SBS Viceland)

⛳️ 08:00 - Korn Ferry Tour, Portland Open, Round 2 (Fox Sports More)

🏀 08:30 - NBA - Orlando Magic v Philadelphia 76ers (ESPN 1)

🏀 11:00 - NBA - Boston Celtics v Toronto Raptors (ESPN 1)

⛹🏻‍♀️ 13:00 - Super Netball - Giants Netball v Adelaide Thunderbirds (Nine)

🏉 15:00 - NRL - Melbourne Storm v Canterbury Bulldogs (Fox League or Kayo Sports)

🏉 15:00 - Shute Shield - Gordon Rugby v Warringah Rugby (7TWO)

⛹🏻‍♀️ 15:00 - Super Netball - Queensland Firebirds v Melbourne Vixens (Nine)

🇦🇺16:35 - AFL - Port Adelaide Power v Richmond Tigers (Fox Footy or Kayo Sports)

⚽️ 17:00 - A-League - Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory (ABC or Fox Sports)

🏉 17:05 - Super Rugby Aotearoa - Hurricanes v Chiefs (Fox Sports) 

🏉 17:30 - NRL - Newcastle Knights v Wests Tigers (Fox League or Kayo Sports)

🏍 17:55 - Czech MotoGP, Practice 3, Round 4 (Fox Sports More)

🏎 18:25 - Formula 3 Great Britain, Race 1, Round 5 (Fox Sports)

⚽️ 19:00 - J1 League - Nagoya Grampus v Urawa Red Diamonds (Optus Sport 2)

⚽️ 19:00 - J1 League - Shimizu S-Pulse v Consadole Sapporo (Optus Sport 1)

🏉 19:15 - Super Rugby AU - Waratahs v Reds (Fox Sports)

🐎 19:20 - Harness Racing, Group 3 PacersAgnes Banks Equine Clinic Pace, 1,609m (Sky Racing 1)

🏉 19:35 - NRL - Penrith Panthers v Canberra Raiders (Fox League or Kayo Sports)

🇦🇺 19:40 - AFL - Brisbane Lions v Western Bulldogs (Fox Footy or Kayo Sports or 7mate)

⚽️ 20:00 - J1 League - Yokohama F. Marinos v Kashiwa Reysol (Optus Sport 3)

🏎 20:00 - British F1 Grand Prix, Practice 3 (Fox Sports)

🏏 20:00 - Test Match - England v Pakistan (Fox Cricket) 

🏍 20:00 - WorldSBK Portugal, Superpole, Round 3 (Fox Sports)

⚽️ 21:00 - K League 1 - Daegu FC v Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (Optus Sport 4)

⚽️ 21:30 - Scottish Premiership - St. Johnstone v Aberdeen (BeIN Sports 2) 

⛳️ 22:30 - European Tour, English Championship, Round 3 (Fox Sports)

🏎 23:00 - British F1 Grand Prix Qualifying, Round 5 (Fox Sports)

🏍 23:00 - WorldSBK Portugal Race 1, Round 3 (Fox Sports)

Sunday

⚽️ 05:00 - UEFA Champions Lge R16 - Barcelona v Napoli (Optus Sport 1) 

⚽️ 05:00 - UEFA Champions Lge R16 - Bayern Munich v Chelsea (Optus Sport 2)

🏀 05:30 - NBA - Utah Jazz v Denver Nuggets (ESPN 1) 

⛳️ 06:00 - PGA Championship, Round 3 (Fox Sports)

🏀 08:00 - NBA - Los Angeles Lakers v Indiana Pacers (ESPN 1)

⛳️ 08:00 - Korn Ferry Tour, Portland Open, Round 3 (Fox Sports More)

👊🏻 08:00 - UFC Fight Night Prelims (ESPN 2) 

🏀 10:30 - NBA - Milwaukee Bucks v Dallas Mavericks (ESPN 1) 

👊🏻 11:00 - UFC Fight Night Main Card - Derrick Lewis v Aleksei Oleinik (ESPN 2)

⛹🏻‍♀️ 13:00 - Super Netball - Sunshine Coast Lightning v Collingwood Magpies Netball (Nine)

🏉 13:35 - Super Rugby Aotearoa - Crusaders v Highlanders (Fox Sports)

🏉 14:00 - NRL - Gold Coast Titans v North Queensland Cowboys (Fox League or Kayo Sports)

⛹🏻‍♀️ 15:30 - Super Netball - NSW Swifts v West Coast Fever (Telstra TV)

🇦🇺 15:35 - AFL - West Coast Eagles v Carlton Blues (Fox Footy or Kayo Sports)

🏉 16:05 - NRL - Cronulla Sharks v Parramatta Eels (Fox League or Kayo Sports or Nine)

🏎 17:45 - Formula 3 Great Britain Race 2, Round 5 (Fox Sports)

🇦🇺 18:10 - AFL - North Melb. Kangaroos v Melbourne Demons (Fox Footy or Kayo Sports)

🏍 19:00 - Czech Moto3 Race, Round 4 (Fox Sports More) 

🏎 19:10 - Formula 2 Great Britain, Race 2, Round 5 (Fox Sports)

⚽️ 20:00 - J1 League - Cerezo Osaka v FC Tokyo (Optus Sport 1) 

🏏 20:00 - Test Match - England v Pakistan (Fox Cricket) 

🏍 20:00 - WorldSBK Portugal Superpole Race, Round 3 (Fox Sports) 

🏍 20:20 - Czech Moto2 Race, Round 4 (Fox Sports More) 

🏍 21:30 - WorldSSP, Portugal Race 2, Round 3 (Fox Sports) 

🏍 22:00 - Czech MotoGP Race, Round 4 (10Bold or Fox Sports More)

🏉 22:00 - Super League - Salford Red Devils v Hull FC (Fox League)

⛳️ 22:30 - European Tour, English Championship, Round 4 (Fox Sports) 

🏍 23:00 - WorldSBK Portugal Race 2, Round 3 (Fox Sports) 

🏎 23:10 - British F1 Grand Prix Race, Round 5 (Fox Sports)