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Scarlett cops one-week ban

Geelong's Matthew Scarlett has been offered a one-match ban by the Match Review Panel while Melbourne's Jeremy Howe will face the AFL Tribunal after wiping blood on an opponent.

Scarlett is likely to miss Geelong's crucial clash with Adelaide at Simonds Stadium on Saturday after striking Essendon's Cory Dell'Olio, with the Cats champion able to accept a one-game suspension.

The incident was assessed as reckless conduct (two points), low impact (one point) and high contact (two points).

An existing bad record and 33.52 carryover demerit points means Scarlett's penalty is 221.02 points or a two-match ban, but an early plea can bring it down to 165.77 points and halve his suspension.

Howe was cited for misconduct after wiping blood from his knee onto the shorts of Port Adelaide's Tom Jonas in the third quarter of the Power's 28-point win in Darwin on Saturday night.

The Demons forward cannot accept an early plea for the incident with the matter referred directly to the tribunal as the table of offences does not cover his misdemeanour.

Collingwood's current coach, Nathan Buckley, was suspended for one match in 2002 after wiping blood from a cut to his head on the jumper of Geelong's Cameron Ling.

A melee between Richmond and North Melbourne players at the MCG on Sunday resulted in a series of fines, with Tigers players Shane Tuck, Alex Rance, Dustin Martin and Luke McGuane charged with second melee offences and facing fines of $2100 if they submit an early plea.

North Melbourne's Michael Firrito and Jamie MacMillan were also charged with second offences and will be fined the same amount if they plead guilty.

Richmond's Matt Dea, Jayden Post, Reece Conca, Chris Newman, Steven Morris, Brandon Ellis and Kelvin Moore were all offered $1200 fines - if they plead guilty for a first melee offence - while North's Drew Petrie, Robbie Tarrant, Lindsay Thomas, Sam Wright and Daniel Wells were also hit with the same penalty.

Tigers midfielder Brett Deledio was charged with a first offence for using abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene language in the second quarter of the same match and can escape with a $1950 sanction.

Other incidents assessed saw the contact between West Coast's Beau Waters and Adelaide forward Kurt Tippett judged as an accidental head clash, while the match review panel came to the same conclusion for the collision between Sydney's Ben McGlynn and St Kilda midfielder Brendon Goddard.

Carlton's Paul Bower does not have a case to answer either, with his contact on Christian Howard of the Western Bulldogs, judged as unavoidable.

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Inglis on report in Rabbitohs' win

Greg Inglis was placed on report for a brutal tackle on Dean Young as South Sydney extended their winning run to four matches with a convincing 36-14 victory over St George Illawarra at ANZ Stadium.

The spiteful encounter erupted in the 33rd minute when Inglis collected Young high with a sickening shoulder charge that left the veteran lying motionless on the field.

Dylan Farrell tackled Young down low after he made a break downfield, but Inglis lined the back-rower up and caught him flush in the face with his shoulder to spark an all-in brawl.

Play had to be stopped for five minutes while a heavily concussed Young received attention from medical staff before he was loaded onto the medicab sporting a neck brace.

Dragons officials confirmed Young did not suffer any neck or facial injuries, however Inglis will almost certainly have a case to answer when the charge sheet is released on Monday morning.

"Looking at the replay I didn't think there was too much in it... it's one of those things but we'll wait and see," Inglis said after the match.

It was another impressive display from the Rabbitohs who burst out of the blocks with two tries in 10 minutes to set up a 16-4 half-time lead.

Four-pointers to Inglis and Matt King at the resumption all but sealed victory before the Dragons scored two consolation tries to add some respectability to the score-line.

Nathan Merritt had the final say with a try in the 78th minute to seal his hat-trick in front of an appreciative 21,071 crowd.

The win lifts the Bunnies to third spot on the NRL ladder while the struggling Dragons remain stranded in 12th position with six games remaining.

A hamstring injury to centre Matt Cooper added further insult for the Saints, while Josh Miller was also placed on report for a high tackle on Sam Burgess.

The Rabbitohs picked up where they left off in the final two minutes of Monday's miraculous win over the Roosters, scoring in the second minute after opting to run on the last tackle.

John Sutton split the Dragons' defence wide open and hit Dylan Farrell on the chest with a 20m pass and he in turn threw the final pass to send Andrew Everingham over on the right wing.

Adam Reynolds nailed the sideline conversion for the early 6-0 lead.

The dangerous Bunnies scored their second long-range try on nine minutes.

Everingham swooped on an errant Dragons pass and sprinted 60m downfield before he was tackled by Jamie Soward.

The Bunnies shifted it wide through Inglis and Matt King before Merritt crossed in the corner for 10-0.

St George Illawarra hit back midway through the half when Brett Morris completed a sweeping movement down the left to close within six points.

The Saints enjoyed a period of dominance but the Rabbitohs restored their 10-point lead when Merritt scored his second try on the half-hour.

Inglis saved a certain try when he somehow held Chase Stanley up over the line in the 37th minute to preserve the Bunnies' 16-4 lead at the break and they saw out a comfortable win.

South Sydney 36
Tries: Merritt 3, Everingham, Inglis, King, Sutton
Goals: Reynolds 4

St George Illawarra 14
Tries: Morris 2, Creagh
Goals: Soward

Crowd: 21,071

Scott remains calm at halfway point

Australia's Adam Scott is maintaining his composure at the halfway point of the British Open.

Scott birdied the last hole to complete a second-round 67 and trail leader Brandt Snedeker by one shot at Royal Lytham and St Annes.

Australian Scott, who led overnight following a superb 64, dropped a shot at the third but birdies at the seventh, 10th and 11th repaired the damage and his final flourish left him on nine under par and within touching distance of the surprise American pacesetter.

Scott saw no reason why he and Snedeker should not be in the finish on Sunday despite the presence of 14-times major winner Tiger Woods who carded a second 67 to finish on six under.

"If you're playing good on Thursday and Friday and Saturday and you're leading you're playing better than anybody else that week," the world number 13 said.

"So it seems to make sense that you can go on to win because you're playing good. It's not often that I've led a tournament not playing very well.

"At some point to win a tournament you're going to have to be out in front, unless you shoot 10 under the last day and come from way back," said Scott.

"So you'd better get comfortable with that position. I like that and usually when I'm in that position I'm feeling comfortable because I'm hitting the ball well and things are under control, it's not just a fluke that I'm up there."

Scott, 32, is seeking his first major title as is Saturday playing partner Snedeker, but the Australian said they would not get involved in a matchplay situation in the third round.

"I just have to play my game. It's certainly not the last round and I should be just out there playing my game and trying to do the same things I've done the first two days. It's been really effective."

Scott has played in 12 previous Opens with a best finish of tied eighth at Hoylake in 2006 when Woods claimed his third and most recent triumph in the event.

Given the state of modern golf, with no dominant player like a few years ago when Woods was at his peak, Scott said it would be a tough task to clinch his first major.

"It's harder to win. I think you've got to give everyone who's won one in the last few years some credit because the talent pool is definitely building fast and it's going to be harder and harder to win," added Scott.

"But these are guys you compete with every week pretty much and there's obviously a lot of emphasis on the majors. So if you can balance out all those pressures, sure, you can think 'yeah, why not me?'

Hasler: Bulldogs do it against the odds

Bulldogs coach Des Hasler has praised his side's character after they overcame the early loss of prop Sam Kasiano and half-back Kris Keating to record a 20-12 victory over his old club Manly at Brookvale Oval on Friday night.

Kasiano left the field inside 10 minutes after a head clash with Manly co-captain Jason King, while Keating's night ended with a torn hamstring in the 21st minute.

"We had to overcome a bit of adversity early, Sam Kasiano has a depressed cheekbone fracture so he'll be off for a couple of weeks and Kris Keating has a hamstring injury," Hasler said.

"We lost them particularly early too but it was great the way some of the players filled in.

"We had to overcome things and we did it well and I was particularly pleased against a side like this Manly side who are so well known for and so good at grinding out games.

"And we had to do that for large portions of that game and I just think that it's a really good experience for this young Bulldogs side and we were fortunate enough to come away with the points - but it is only Round 20."

The blockbuster clash marked Hasler's return to 'Fortress Brookvale' for the first time since his sudden departure from the Sea Eagles in October.

Several Manly fans gave Hasler a piece of their mind, however the eccentric coach played down the significance of his return.

"It wasn't anything out of the ordinary I don't think," Hasler said when asked to describe his reception from the Sea Eagles faithful.

"It was great to see a crowd like it turn up and watch a great game of footy.

"I thought the crowd was tremendous, they're very passionate and they have a great football side to follow.

"Manly are still running into their timing. They've still got one or two out. They'll be there at the end when the whips are cracking, I can guarantee you that."

While delighted to extend their NRL winning streak to eight games, Hasler is not getting carried away with his side's impressive form.

The win lifts the Bulldogs to top spot on the ladder, although Melbourne will regain first spot with a win over struggling Parramatta on Saturday night.

"There's still parts of our game that we can obviously work on," Hasler said.

"It is only Round 20. It was a rewarding experience that we got from playing a side - and I'm not being ridiculous when I say that you look at the side we played tonight and you look at the side south of the border (Melbourne), they've played in six grand finals.

"They're two of the best modern day sides and (it's) good confidence for us."

Dogs win in Hasler's return to Manly

Des Hasler has enjoyed a triumphant return to Brookvale Oval after an in-form Canterbury-Bankstown held off his old club Manly 20-12 in a first-class encounter on Friday night.

The Bulldogs scored the only two tries in a frenetic first-half and led 14-0 after 45 minutes when Krisnan Inu nailed a penalty goal.

The hosts launched a spirited fightback with tries to co-captains Jamie Lyon and Jason King to make it a two-point game on the hour.

But man-of-the-moment Ben Barba had the final say when he scored his second solo try of the night three minutes from full-time to seal victory and extend the Bulldogs' winning streak to eight games.

The win was made all the more impressive given the Bulldogs lost Sam Kasiano to a suspected depressed cheekbone fracture in a brutal collision with King in the opening minutes, while Kris Keating left the field with a hamstring injury midway through the first half.

The result lifts Hasler's charges to the top of the NRL ladder, two points clear of Melbourne who play Parramatta on Saturday night, while the Sea Eagles could drop to eighth spot after back-to-back losses.

Hasler received a rough reception from the Manly fans as he took his seat in the visitors' coaching box.

Manly had the better of a frenetic opening on the field as well, highlighted by one of the hits of the season from King on man mountain Kasiano.

But the Bulldogs struck first on the scoreboard when Barba scored an intercept try in the ninth minute.

Sea Eagles full-back Dean Whare fielded a Barba kick 10m out from his own line but threw a no-look pass as he was being bundled into touch by two defenders.

Barba swooped and strolled over from close range for the opening try, with Inu converting for 6-0.

The Bulldogs full-back made another big play moments later when he forced David Williams into touch to earn an attacking scrum deep in Manly territory.

The visitors scored their second try off a clever set play on the next tackle.

Prop James Graham received the ball at five-eighth and fed Josh Reynolds who landed an audacious kick-pass on Sam Perrett's chest to send the former Rooster over for his first try in Bulldogs colours.

Inu slotted the extras from the sideline to make it 12-0 after 17 minutes.

Manly were dominant for much of the second quarter but their disjointed attack couldn't crack the committed Canterbury defence despite several cracks in their red zone.

The Sea Eagles looked certain to score two minutes in but a moment of brilliance from Krisnan Inu denied the hosts.

Daly Cherry-Evans kicked across field for an unmarked George Taufua but Inu tracked back and casually plucked the ball with his right arm.

Inu extended the visitors' lead with a penalty goal moments later before Jamie Lyon hit back for the home side in the 50th minute to give the Brookvale faithful hope.

Manly-Warringah 12
Tries: Lyon, King,
Goals: Lyon 2,

Canterbury-Bankstown 20
Tries: Barba 2, Perrett
Goals: Inu 4,

Cats hit form with Bombers thrashing

Geelong have issued an ominous warning, reminding the competition of their true capabilities with a 67-point thrashing of a disappointing Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.

Billed as a crunch game for the Cats as they came off a 31-point loss to the Magpies ahead of a tough run into September, Chris Scott's men turned back the clock with a classy display that was equal parts desperation, intense tackling and skill.

Opening with intent, Geelong found themselves 29 points ahead by midway through the first quarter, before Essendon rallied to kick five of the next seven goals and reduce the margin back to nine points.

But with Tom Hawkins booting two of his five goals for the night, the Cats soon found their scoring mojo again as they strung together six unanswered goals either side of half-time, laying the platform for the 20.14 (134) to 10.7 (67) victory.

The result consolidates Geelong's position in seventh on the ladder with 40 points, two games clear of a chasing pack that includes St Kilda (eighth), North Melbourne (ninth) and Fremantle (10th).

But with a tough run home of their own and facing matches against Hawthorn and Adelaide in the next two rounds, the sixth-placed Bombers (44 points) may find themselves vulnerable, having lost four of their last seven matches.

Along with Hawkins, Mitch Duncan showed his class with 31 disposals and a goal, while Joel Corey (27) and Andrew Mackie (24) were influential, with Steve Johnson earning 22 touches and two goals before being subbed out late in the third quarter.

But while Geelong had a fairly even spread of contributors, the same couldn't be said for Essendon.

Although Jobe Watson managed 29 touches, his efficiency badly let him down at times, while Dyson Heppell (21), Dustin Fletcher (24) and Tom Bellchambers (three goals) gave their all under difficult circumstances.

Determined to arrest their poor starts in recent games, the Cats produced a furious opening salvo as a sea of blue-and-white jumpers swamped their opponents, giving any Essendon player silly enough to go for the ball, the barest millisecond of time before being driven into the ground.

So intense were the Cats they produced 16 tackles - the league average per quarter - in the game's opening 12 minutes as a shell-shocked Essendon found themselves scoreless and 29 points behind by midway through the term.

But the sheer effort Geelong produced ultimately took its toll and as the Cats tired the Bombers responded, re-discovering their structures and kicking straight to target man Scott Gumbleton, who didn't let them down, booting one and setting up another for Corey Dell'Olio before the first break.

The Cats may have responded within the first minute of the second term but the Bombers still produced a run where they booted five of the last seven goals by the 17-minute mark of the second term to be within two kicks.

In an odd series of events, the momentum appeared to swing through a series of poor umpiring decisions along the boundary as Geelong received two dubious free kicks that allowed them to take the ball from the wing inside 50.

To cap it all off umpire Mathew Nichols eventually awarded Hawkins another free for a dubious push by Courtenay Dempsey that saw Geelong keep the Bombers at bay.

But while the umpires may have proved influential in that series of incidents, Geelong produced some sublime footy to really put the pedal to the floor deep into time-on of the second term.

In a classic counter-attack, Taylor Hunt burst down the corridor, before laying off to Matthew Scarlett, whose perfectly weighted kick allowed Motlop to goal with 35 seconds remaining.

A quick centre break saw Mitch Duncan boot another one after the siren to extend the margin out to 27 points while the Cats had added three in 90 seconds of play when Hawkins goaled in the opening minute of the third quarter, the end result of a brilliant Corey smother.

And from there, the result was all but a formality for the Cats in their most emphatic performance of the season to date.

GEELONG: 4.5, 9.7, 15.11, 20.14 (134)
ESSENDON: 2.1, 5.4, 8.5, 10.7 (67)

GOALS: Geelong: Hawkins 5, Smedst 3, Johnson 2, Taylor 2, Murdoch 2, Chapman 2, Mackie, Walker, Motlop, Duncan
Essendon: Bellchambers 3, Gumbleton, Dell'Olio, Davey, Monfries, Crameri, Myers, Jetta
BEST: Geelong: Duncan, Hawkins, Johnson, Corey, Mackie, Scarlett, Taylor
Essendon: Fletcher, Watson, Heppell, Bellchambers
INJURIES: Geelong Nil
Essendon: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
SUBSTITUTES: Geelong: Cameron Guthrie subbed on during 3rd quarter for Steve Johnson
Essendon: Nathan Lovett-Murray subbed on during 3rd quarter for Angus Monfries
REPORTS: Nil
UMPIRES: Rosebury, Nicholls, Hay
CROWD: 50,066 at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne

Eels turn attention to Stuart

Parramatta chief executive Bob Bentley has confirmed NSW coach Ricky Stuart is part of the club's shopping list as the Eels begin the search for Stephen Kearney's successor.

Kearney confirmed on Friday he was quitting the club with more than a year still to run on his contract, after managing just nine wins in 41 games at the helm.

The 40-year-old will remain in charge of the Eels for Saturday night's clash with Melbourne and could even see out the remainder of the season, before focusing on his role as New Zealand's Test coach.

The Eels' focus will now switch to who they can get to replace Kearney, with Stuart said to be their No.1 target.

Bentley said the club had yet to speak to any potential candidates but conceded the Blues boss is an option.

"He'd be one of the ones on our shopping list," Bentley told reporters.

"Ricky's got a decision to make around Origin first ... I'm not sure whether or not he's available to coach at NRL level.

"What we'll do now is commence the recruitment process to fulfil the position for next year.

"We want to be able to search far and wide to find the most suitable coach."

Stuart is keen to get back into club coaching and has also been linked with Canberra and the Sydney Roosters.

Former Eels and current Roosters under-20 boss Jason Taylor is also seen as a possible candidate, with former St George Illawarra coach Nathan Brown and Newcastle assistant Rick Stone.

Bentley denied Kearney had been pushed out by the club's board and said he hoped he would see out the last seven games of the season.

While Kearney's replacement will be the Eels' sixth head coach in the past six years, Bentley scoffed at suggestions the club had become the basket-case of the NRL.

"Whilst our performances on the field haven't been up to standard, we're not far away as a team from winning a few more games," he said.

"I think you'll see improvement from now on.

"There's a lot of junior work in the academy and structures that have been put in place that's pretty good for the future."

Kearney said he would put more focus now into his role with the New Zealand Rugby League, with the possibility of turning his part-time job into a full-time position.

"It's a big 18 months for New Zealand rugby league in which we want to defend our World Cup," he said.

"There's been some real progress in our game back home and I also need to convince some Kiwis to play for New Zealand.

"That requires energy and time and that's potentially a full-time role I'm very passionate about."

Eels skipper Nathan Hindmarsh, who will retire at the end of the season after 15 years at the club, said the way his final year had panned out was disappointing but he has no doubts there is a bright future ahead.

"This is a great club, it always will be and we've got great fans out there," Hindmarsh said.

"I don't fear for the future of club. We've got great young guys coming through, we've got a great pick of juniors so even though we're not sitting that great at the moment, the future's looking bright.

"Steve's done a lot of hard work to get things back where they used to be and he'll leave here knowing he's put some good things in place."

Lewis to join Sharks

Penrith and Australia star Luke Lewis has chosen to join the Sharks next year, with the New South Wales rep to be unveiled alongside coach Shane Flanagan and skipper Paul Gallen on Friday afternoon.

The 28-year-old announced 11 days ago he would be leaving the Panthers at the end of the season, leading to several clubs beginning their chase of his signature.

But Lewis has opted to join the Sharks on what is believed to be a four-year deal worth $1.8 million, according to a report in the Daily Telegraph.

The Sharks announced on Friday afternoon that they will be making a major announcement at 2:45pm, with Lewis, Flanagan, Gallen and Wade Graham all attending.

Lewis' decision means rival clubs the Newcastle Knights, the Wests Tigers and Parramatta have missed out on his services.

Speculation surrounding Lewis' future started when he was stripped of the Penrith captaincy, with his departure from the Panthers confirmed on July 9.

Speeding Buddy to face the music

Hawthorn star Lance Franklin will face the club's leadership group next week as they weigh up how to punish the forward for losing his driver's licence for six months for speeding.

Franklin, 25, was booked by police for travelling at 90km/h in a 50km/h zone, handed a fine of $599 and docked six demerit points on Thursday.

The star forward was driving along Hodder St, Brighton when he was caught speeding by the Moorabbin Highway Patrol.

"Hey guys I truly apologise for speeding there are no excuses for it I'm a bloody idiot !!!!," he tweeted on Friday morning.

The Hawks' punishment for the Coleman Medal leader, who is expected to be sidelined for another fortnight with a hamstring injury, will be discussed next week.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said on Friday the Hawks were delaying dealing with the matter to avoid distraction ahead of their blockbuster clash against Collingwood on Saturday.

Franklin has kicked 51 goals this season and is a critical part of Hawthorn's premiership aspirations.

Scott attributes change in approach

Adam Scott says a change in mindset helped him card a six-under 64 to take a one-shot lead after the first round of the British Open.

The Australian holed eight birdies and two bogeys at Royal Lytham and St Annes on Thursday, leaving him a shot clear of the chasing back.

Scott's round was the equal lowest Open round at Royal Lytham, with American Tom Lehman managing a 64 on his way to victory in 1996.

The 32-year-old took advantage of the good conditions early in the day and said approaching the opening round differently paid dividends.

"Maybe (I was) too conservative and almost too patient (previously)," Scott said.

"I was playing so well going into the US Open I felt and all of a sudden I was seven over through 15 holes of the tournament and you can't pick up that many shots in a major.

"So to focus and play the first hole at the tournament like it's the 72nd and you've got to make three to win was kind of my mindset on the first tee this morning - really switch on right from the first tee and not just see how it goes for the first few holes.

"That was really the difference.

I didn't hit that good of shots but I was really focused on what I was doing the first few holes today."

A bogey on the 18th hole prevented Scott from matching the record for lowest round at any major tournament.

Scott would have become the 24th player to shoot a 63 in major history and he said a round of 62 crossed his mind on the 17th tee.

"I know there's never been a 62. And I was waiting to use the bathroom going to the 17th tee and I did look at the leaderboard and realised it was a par 70," he said.

"I also probably realised that I wasn't going to be the guy to shoot 62. It's one of those things that you don't want to go through your mind, thinking about your final score and stuff like that.

"I got rid of that quickly and got on to playing the 17th, but unfortunately dropped one up the last."

Kearney confirms departure

Stephen Kearney insists his impending departure as coach of Parramatta was his own decision but he was unsure if he will remain in charge beyond Saturday's home clash with Melbourne.

After the story broke on Thursday that the club and coach were to part ways, Kearney confirmed at his regular Friday morning press conference that he would be leaving.

But while he was to training later on Friday and then call the shots against the Storm the following day, Kearney said he will meet with Eels chairman Roy Spagnolo and chief executive Bob Bentley to decide on his exit date.

According to Kearney, there were a multitude of reasons behind his decision to leave the club, chief among them the demands on his time which detracted from his family life and the enormous scrutiny of being coach of the famous club when it was battling.

"(I'm leaving) for a number of reasons: some about timing, some about opportunity, and some about best fit," Kearney said reading from a prepared statement.

"I have been unable to achieve the success I wanted for the Parramatta Eels and its wonderful supporters and fans and I think it's time to make a change.

"I feel I've tried my absolute hardest and best that I could have and I've always been mindful to act with integrity and with honour in the most difficult of circumstances.

"It's been a real difficult four months to be fair and it's been really challenging at times but I just thought the best thing for myself and the family and the club is to move forward and that's the only way I can look at it."

In his debut season in charge Parramatta only avoided the wooden spoon when they thrashed Gold Coast in the final game but after winning six of their matches in 2011 they are currently last with a 3-14 win-loss record.

Having also described his decision as 'a relief', Kearney struggled when asked if he felt like he had received enough support from those at the club, including the board, before dancing around the question.

"I've said in my statement I've come with all intentions to do the best job that I possibly could and I leave feeling that I did that and that I tried to do that I feel a bit of relief in that sense that I tried my hardest.

"From my point of view we could go through a thousand reasons: why and why not and how come?

"But I'm not here to give you all those reasons today, I'm here to tell you that I tried my hardest and I think it's time for a change and for the club to move forward and for myself to move on."

Captain and club legend Nathan Hindmarsh, who announced earlier this season that 2012 will be his last in the NRL, said the players accept their share of the blame for the club's lack of success during Kearney's tenure.

"I'd just like to say that the playing group supports Steve's decision," Hindmarsh said.

"(Are we) ashamed? I don't think that's the word to use.

"We're very disappointed because when it comes to the crunch we're not producing out on the field.

"In a way yeah I suppose we feel partly responsible for the results we've been giving out, definitely."

Bin Hammam ban overturned

Former FIFA presidential candidate Mohammad Bin Hammam has had his lifetime FIFA ban annulled by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

In what is a hugely embarrassing decision for FIFA, the Qatari, who was found guilty by the governing body's ethics committee last year of paying bribes to Caribbean officials while campaigning against Sepp Blatter for the presidency, has had his appeal upheld due to a lack of evidence.

FIFA's ethics committee had originally imposed the lifetime ban for bribery one year ago but, while the news is good for Hammam, it is understood he has not been proven innocent by CAS.

FIFA can launch a fresh case provided the ethics committee has new evidence.

Bin Hamman had been the president of the Asian Football Confederation up until last week, when the AFC provisionally suspended him after an internal audit revealed fresh evidence of financial wrongdoing by the Qatari.

Bin Hammam has steadfastly claimed the FIFA action against him was retribution for him having challenged Blatter.

Scott off to flyer at British Open

Australian Adam Scott leads the British Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes after 13 holes on Thursday.

The former world No.3 leads 14-time major winner Tiger Woods (through nine holes) by a stroke at five under, while fellow major winners Zach Johnson (11), Bubba Watson (10) and Graeme McDowell (10) are tied for third at three under.

Scott, who has never won a major tournament, leapfrogged Woods with birdies at the par-five 11th and par-three 12th.

The 32-year-old narrowly missed an eagle putt at the 11th but easily knocked in his next for birdie, before sinking a 10-footer at the 12th to take the lead.

Further birdies at the 4th, 6th and 7th holes after a bogey at the par-four 3rd, put Scott in a good position at the notoriously difficult course.

Fellow Australian Greg Chalmers closed his opening round with a one-over-par 71 while Aaron Baddeley struggled to two over through six holes.

Aussies Aaron Townsend (3), Brendan Jones (1) and Nicholas Cullen (1) were at even par very early on in their rounds, while Brad Kennedy was at two over through four.

Six Australians are yet to get their first rounds underway including 2006 US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy, Robert Allenby and John Senden.

Kearney departs Parramatta

Stephen Kearney's tumultuous time in charge of Parramatta is over after the embattled coach parted ways with the club.

The Eels will hold a press conference on Friday morning to confirm Kearney's departure.

It is understood Kearney met with club officials on Wednesday when it was decided he would not fulfil his contract, which was to expire at the end of the 2013 season.

The New Zealand Test coach will leave his post immediately, with assistant coaches Chris Anderson and Brad Arthur to take charge for Saturday night's clash against Melbourne Storm.

Kearney has won just nine of 41 games since taking charge of the Eels at the start of 2011.

NSW coach Ricky Stuart and former Eels boss Jason Taylor have already been mentioned as possible long-term replacements for Kearney.

The Eels are last on the NRL ladder and look destined to finish with the wooden spoon for the first time in 41 years.

Tippett returns for Crows

West Coast have named key trio Quentin Lynch, Beau Waters and Ashton Hams for Saturday's crunch clash with Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, while the Crows welcome back key forward Kurt Tippett.

Tippett, who missed last week's hammering of GWS with concussion, comes in along with defender Graham Johncock, Michael Doughty and Jared Petrenko for Adelaide, who are only percentage off top spot, while the Eagles are eying a return to the top four after slipping out for the first time this season following their 52-point loss to Sydney last week.

The Crows also welcome back Brad Symes and Andy Otten but have lost Chris Knights, Brodie Martin (hamstring), Ricky Henderson (ankle) and Sam Shaw (eye) to injury.

The Eagles have omitted defender Mitch Brown, Koby Stevens and Thomas Swift but will be thankful to welcome back three key players after a tough run with injuries.

Star midfielder Dustin Martin returns for Richmond following a two-week, club-imposed ban that saw the sacking of team-mate Daniel Connors after the pair missed training.

Daniel Jackson also comes in for the Tigers' battle for a top-eight spot with North Melbourne, who have included Levi Greenwood, Cruize Garlett and Ben Cunnington for suspended midfielder Jack Ziebell.

The Magpies have named young defender Tom Young and midfielder Paul Seedsman for Martin Clarke and Simon Buckley (both omitted) for Saturday's blockbuster clash with Hawthorn, who are unchanged.

In the absence of injured star forward Lance Franklin, defender Ryan Schoenmakers is expected to be handed more time up forward for the Hawks, while captain Luke Hodge is named to play for VFL affiliate Box Hill.

Essendon have included key forward Stewart Crameri after a two-week suspension and Angus Monfries to bolster their attack for Friday night's danger game with Geelong.

Kyle Reimers (hamstring) and Michael Hibberd (quad) are the two to miss out.

The Cats, meanwhile, have made one change with Jordan Murdoch replacing the injured Allen Christensen (shoulder).

Carlton and the Western Bulldogs have made a host of changes for their clash on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium.

The Dogs have included forwards Daniel Giansiracusa and Jarrad Grant, ex-Swan Patrick Veszpremi, Daniel Pearce and Mark Austin at the expense of defenders Lukas Markovic (hamstring) and Ryan Hargrave, forward Justin Sherman, Clay Smith (calf) and Tory Dickson (adductor).

The Blues lose captain Chris Judd to suspension and have been hit hard with key injuries to ruckman Matthew Kreuzer (hip), Andrew Walker (calf), defender Lachlan Henderson (groin) and Kane Lucas (hamstring).

Paul Bower, Jordan Russell, Bret Thornton and debutants Levi Casboult and Tom Bell have been named.

Gold Coast have included Luke Russell and Tom Lynch for Saturday's Queensland derby with Brisbane, with the Lions naming Jarred Polec and Ryan Lester for the suspended Daniel Rich.

Neville Jetta comes in for Melbourne for his first game in 2012, along with Lynden Dunn, Jake Spencer and mature-aged recruit James Magner.

Matthew Bate, Mark Jamar (calf), Jamie Bennell (knee) and Jordie McKenzie (groin) miss out for the Dees for their encounter with Port Adelaide at Darwin's TIO Stadium.

Captain Domenic Cassisi and Jasper Pittard come in for the Power with Jarrad Redden and Darren Pfeiffer omitted.

Brendon Goddard is back in for St Kilda along with Jack Steven and Terry Milera as they try to beat Sydney for the second time this season.

The Swans have named Trent Dennis-Lane, Tony Armstrong and Tommy Walsh, with neither side listing any outs as of yet.

Fremantle have brought in Zac Clarke and Jay van Berlo among five ins for Sunday's match with GWS at Patersons Stadium, with forward Chris Mayne (calf) and defender Greg Broughton (back) missing out.

Kevin Sheedy has wrung the changes yet again with 11 inclusions: Kurt Aylett, Josh Bruce, Tomas Bugg, Jonathan Giles, Anthony Miles, Andrew Phillips, Jacob Townsend, Gerald Ugle, Mark Whiley, William Hoskin-Elliot and Sam Frost.

Making way are tall forwards Jeremy Cameron (back) and Jonathon Patton, midfielder Stephen Coniglio (back), Taylor Adams, Devon Smith, Dean Brogan (rested), Chad Cornes (rested) and Adam Kennedy (illness).

North Ballarat recruit Aylett, Ugle (Perth) and Frost (Sandringham Dragons) are all in line to debut.

Kearney departs Parramatta

Stephen Kearney's tumultuous time in charge of Parramatta is over after the embattled coach parted ways with the club.

The Eels will hold a press conference on Friday morning to confirm Kearney's departure.

It is understood Kearney met with club officials on Wednesday when it was decided he would not fulfil his contract, which was to expire at the end of the 2013 season.

The New Zealand Test coach will leave his post immediately, with assistant coaches Chris Anderson and Brad Arthur to take charge for Saturday night's clash against Melbourne Storm.

Kearney has won just nine of 41 games since taking charge of the Eels at the start of 2011.

NSW coach Ricky Stuart and former Eels boss Jason Taylor have already been mentioned as possible long-term replacements for Kearney.

The Eels are last on the NRL ladder and look destined to finish with the wooden spoon for the first time in 41 years.

Gallen wants Lewis, at any price

Paul Gallen will happily relinquish his title as Cronulla's highest-paid player if it means getting Luke Lewis to the Sharks next year.

The Cronulla skipper is more interested in premierships than dollar signs and knows his NSW team-mate could help deliver the club its maiden title.

Lewis is tossing up between the Sharks and Wests Tigers after Penrith granted him a release from the final two years of his contract.

"It's about winning. If other people earn more money than me then that's fine," Gallen said on Thursday.

"If (getting Lewis to the club) means he earns more money than me then I don't care.

"Toddy (Carney's) probably earning more money than me.

"My contract's been done for almost 12 months now and I won't be changing it or extending it or leaving early.

"I'm more than happy with my contract and where's it's at."

Lewis and his wife went on a real estate tour of the Sutherland Shire on Wednesday, boosting Cronulla fans' hopes that he was headed to the Sharks.

But the Tigers remain firmly in the hunt, with Lewis expected to announce his decision within the next few days.

Gallen has not been part of the negotiation process but is being kept abreast of developments.

"They're (Cronulla officials) definitely doing everything they can and it's just up to Lewy now," he said.

"He'll make the right decision for him and his family.

"You pick up a guy like Luke Lewis and all of a sudden other guys want to come here as well.

"It'd be nice to get him."

Meanwhile, Gallen will miss Sunday's match against Canberra and is no certainty to return against Penrith the following week.

The Sharks captain is still troubled by a knee injury and is frustrated he has been unable to play since Origin III.

He said: "It's getting to the stage where I really want to play. I am sick of not playing.

"I've played 15 games this year and only 10 of them have been for the club.

"I am doing everything I can to get back out there."

Gallen acknowledges the Sharks, currently placed fifth, must start winning again if they are to break back into the top four.

"To finish top four we've really got to win our next two games," he said.

"It would mean a lot to the club (to make the top four) but it means more for your chance of getting in the grand final.

"You get a second chance so finishing top four is definitely our goal.

"If we don't finish top four we want to finish five or six and get a home semi."

Ziebell ban 'sad day' for AFL

North Melbourne coach Brad Scott believes the AFL Tribunal's decision to uphold Jack Ziebell's suspension for his clash with Carlton's Aaron Joseph was a 'sad day' for the game.

Ziebell was cited by the Match Review Panel on Monday for his collision with Joseph on Friday night which left the Blue concussed and cut short his evening, and the North Melbourne midfielder was offered a four-match ban which could have been reduced to three with an early guilty plea.

The Kangaroos took the decision to the AFL Tribunal, and the original four-game ban was upheld, ruling him out of crucial matches against Richmond, Melbourne, the Western Bulldogs and Essendon.

Scott said Ziebell was gutted by the decision, which he said struck at the very fabric of the sport.

"He's devastated," Scott said before training at Arden Street on Thursday.

"It was a line ball between Jack and I who was more disappointed and Jack was devastated, so that might give you an indication as to the way I felt.

"It was a bitterly disappointing day and a really sad day, in my mind, for AFL football.

"It strikes at the heart of what this game's about. Since I've been involved in footy, my whole life, I've never, ever seen a player get suspended for making the ball his sole objective.

"I lost sleep over the Ziebell decision, not only for Jack Ziebell and North Melbourne, but for the game.

"When a player's making the ball his sole objective, that's a key component of our game - it has been and I thought, in my lifetime, it would always be."

Scott said this decision had the capacity to change the approach of some of the game's most exciting players.

"What they're saying now is 'yep, we acknowledge that he was contesting it, but did he have a reasonable alternative?' Well, yeah he did have a reasonable alternative - he could have stopped, waited for Joseph to get the ball and tackled him," Scott said.

"But I think we've got to ask ourselves the question - do we want Jonathan Brown recklessly attacking the ball, running with the flight of the ball, trying to mark it? I think it's something we want in our game - we want Nick Riewoldt doing the same thing.

"To suggest that there was a reasonable alternative is to suggest that those sort of players shouldn't be so adamant in their attack on the ball.

"Perhaps we need to re-write the coaching manual, go back and tell players it's not about keeping your eyes on the ball and attacking it with ferocity - it's about making sure you don't hurt your opponent."

Scott said Ziebell would be sent for some high-intensity training in Utah during his enforced lay-off, and was adamant the club had no shortage of quality replacements for the rugged 21-year-old.

"We'll send him off to Utah, we've got a terrific relationship with the US ski team," Scott said.

"They train some of the best endurance athletes in the world, with all their cross-country skiers. At this time of year it's 28 degrees and perfect, so Jack'll get a nice little northern hemisphere summer and a really solid training block to make sure he comes back in pristine condition.

"In terms of covering Jack, Ben Cunnington's in great form, Levi Greenwood's a terrific hard-ball player. Cruize Garlett's been in great form as well. I'd be disappointed if the loss of Jack Ziebell cost us a place in the finals, I think we've got better depth than that."

Haas ends Simon's title defence

 Local wildcard Tommy Haas ousted defending champion Gilles Simon at the German Tennis Championships.

Haas rallied from a set down to defeat the French world number 12 and second seed 4-6 6-3 6-4 in two hours and six minutes on the red clay in Hamburg.

The German won five of his seven break point opportunities and will face countryman Florian Mayer in the quarter-finals.

Mayer swept aside Dutchman Robin Haase 6-2 6-1 in 56 minutes at the ATP 500 event.

The seventh seed capitalised on all but one of his six break point opportunities and converted 90 percent of his first serves in a masterful performance.

Croatian fourth seed Marin Cilic will meet Spaniard Albert Ramos in the last eight after both players won their respective second-round matches.

Cilic accounted for Argentine qualifier Federico Delbonis 6-3 6-2, while Ramos overcame the Czech Republic's Lukas Rosol 7-6 (10-8) 4-6 6-3.

Meanwhile, local third seed Stanislas Wawrinka bowed out to Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu in the second round at the Suisse Open.

Wawrinka was eliminated in straight sets at the ATP 250 tournament with a 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (10-8) loss to the world number 172.

Mathieu saved seven of nine break point opportunities, while Wawrinka was left to rue 10 double faults on the red clay in Gstaad.

Russian fourth seed Mikhail Youzhny was also ousted, losing 4-6 6-2 6-4 to Brazil's Thomaz Bellucci.

Bellucci will face Feliciano Lopez in the quarter-finals after the Spanish fifth seed defeated Czech Jan Hajek 6-7 (3-7) 6-1 6-4.

Lopez converted four of his five break point opportunities before wrapping up proceedings in one hour and 49 minutes.

Latvian Ernets Gulbis accounted for Frenchman Benoit Paire 5-7 7-6 (7-3) 6-4, while in the last opening round match to be played, Colombian seventh seed Santiago Giraldo cruised past local hope Henri Laaksonen 6-2 6-2.