🗞 Toys out of the cot

G'day sports fans,

Classic quote: "It isn't the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it's the pebble in your shoe." - Muhammad Ali

🔵 Brisbane Broncos assistant coach John Cartwright has revealed he's been in discussions with NSWRL chief executive officer Dave Trodden over the vacant NSW Blues head coaching role after Brad Fittler's departure in September.

Cartwright played eight games for the Blues during the 1980s and 90s and was previously an assistant to the Origin side.

🐴 The all-important barrier draw for Australia's racing's richest prize has been held ahead of Saturday's $20 million The Everest at Randwick.

The Everest is the world's richest race run on turf and the first time Australia has ever run a $20 million race after it was increased from $15 million last year.

TJ Smith Stakes winner I Wish I Win has the honour of carrying the No.1 saddlecloth while last year's runner-up Private Eye is number two.

The Everest TAB fixed odds prices as at 9pm on Tuesday are: I Wish I Win ($4.20), Think About It (4.20), PrivateEye (8.0), Cylinder (9.0), Overpass (9.0), Buenos Noches (10.0), Hawaii Five Oh (15.0), Espiona(17.0), In Secret (17.0), Shinzo (17.0), Mazu (34.0) and Alcohol Free (51.0). (RAS)

"It is a pleasure working with a club that's innovative… Rather than throwing the toys out of the cot… “ - Peter V'landys told Racenet on his relationship with Melbourne Racing Club chief Josh Blanksby, over other racing officials in Victoria.

❤️ Rabbitohs great Nathan Merritt's condition is "improving slightly" after spending the past few days in a Sydney hospital.

Merritt was rushed to hospital late last week after collapsing while visiting his aunt and was placed on life support.

"We have been advised that Nathan is improving slightly but has a long road to recovery," - Merritt's sister Teanne wrote on Facebook.

🇦🇺 Another big trade day on Tuesday, with the Ben McKay to the Bombers news the clear headline (his message to the fans).

Here's a snapshot of the day:

• Ben McKay heads to Essendon, North Melbourne get pick three back

• Fremantle say there is a 'strong possibility' Lachie Schultz is made to stay

• James Harmes is traded to the Western Bulldogs for a future third round pick

It feels like things are only just starting to ramp up. We've got six business days of trading yet to go, and a whole lot still to be settled.

🥊 Australia’s Tim Tszyu will reportedly brush a mega-fight with outspoken superstar Jermell Charlo should he defeat American knockout artist Brian Mendoza on Sunday, with his promoters revealing they are tired of the former undisputed king “running”.

Instead, No Limit Boxing have promised to chase down three of the planet’s greatest pound-for-pound fighters – Terence Crawford, Errol Spence Jnr and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.

⛳️ Australian golf royalty Adam Scott has announced he's coming home to play the two major tournaments next month.

The 43-year-old is the latest big-name star confirmed in the field for the Australian PGA Championship (23rd Nov) and the Australian Open (30 Nov), both to be broadcast on Nine and 9Now.

🏏 Cricket could be in the Olympics for the first time since 1900 after organisers recommended it to be part of the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

Twenty20 cricket will be put forward for approval to the International Olympic Committee for a vote next week.

Flag football, a non-contact version of American football, and squash are set for their Olympic debuts in 2028.

🏀 Joel Embiid's decision to represent the USA over his native Cameroon has left the African nation "legitimately annoyed", according to a source at the country's basketball governing body.

Embiid, the NBA's reigning Most Valuable Player, confirmed on social media that he will play for the United States at next year's Olympic Games in Paris.

Cameroon were hopeful the Philadelphia 76ers star would choose the country of his birth, while France also had an interest after the 29-year-old centre received citizenship there last year.

🛞 Pirelli will continue to supply tyres to Formula 1 from 2025 until at least the end of the 2027 season after being awarded a new contract.

The Italian brand has fended off competition from Japan's Bridgestone company to extend its stint as F1's sole tyre manufacturer to 18 years.

🏏 England responded to defeat in their World Cup opener by comprehensively beating Bangladesh by 137 runs in Dharamsala.

After last week's heavy nine-wicket defeat by New Zealand, Dawid Malan's superb 140 from 107 balls formed the basis of a much-improved England's 364-9.

Bangladesh slowly slid to 227 all out in 48.2 overs.

👊🏻 Conor McGregor has begun the process to re-enter the United States Anti-Doping Agency's testing pool, says Dana White.

The Irishman was removed from testing last year after breaking his leg in his defeat by Dustin Poirier in July 2021.

McGregor, 35, was expected to face Michael Chandler this year, but cannot fight until he is back in the testing pool for six months.

"He is not officially in the Usada pool," UFC president White said. "He submitted the paperwork."

White added: "Probably by Monday, he'll be submitted. Again, don't hold me to that. But the paperwork is submitted next week sometime."

🎱 They’re back playing snooker in Wuhan, Ronnie O'Sullivan kept hold of his number one ranking after winning five frames in a row to beat Ken Doherty 5-1 in the Wuhan Open first round.

🏃🏾‍♂️ Kelvin Kiptum set a new world record marathon time at 2:00:35. That’s a 4:36/mile pace…for 26.2 miles - and he beat Eliud Kipchoge’s previous record by 34 seconds. He is only 23 years old!

⚽️ Manchester United & Man City want to sign 19-year-old Benfica midfielder Joao Neves with club scouts keeping an eye on the Portuguese midfielder.

📺 "I've been on the lash for five weeks!" An incredible interview with a Scotland fan after the loss to Ireland on Saturday night. (Twitter)

TODAY

07:07 - Baseball American League Divisional Series - Minnesota Twins v Houston Astros (ESPN)

11:03 - Baseball American League Divisional Series - Texas Rangers v Baltimore Orioles (ESPN)

13:30 - NHL Regular Season - Vegas Golden Knights v Seattle Kraken (ESPN)

19:30 - Cricket World Cup Group Match - India v Afghanistan (Fox)

THURSDAY

05:07 - Baseball American League Divisional Series - Minnesota Twins v Houston Astros (ESPN)

08:07 - Baseball National League Divisional Series - Philadelphia Phillies v Atlanta Braves (ESPN)

10:05 - Women's ODI Series - Australia v West Indies (7mate)

10:07 - Baseball American League Divisional Series - Texas Rangers v Baltimore Orioles (ESPN)

12:07 - Baseball National League Divisional Series - Arizona Diamondbacks v Los Angeles Dodgers (ESPN)

19:30 - Netball Constellation Cup - Australia v New Zealand (Fox)

19:30 - NBL - Tasmania JackJumpers v Illawarra Hawks (ESPN)

19:30 - Cricket World Cup Group Match - Australia v South Africa (9, Fox Cricket, GEM)