NEVER SAY NEVER SAYS VICKERS

As the Wallabies search for aggression, in walks Dan Vickerman.

Unfortunately for Australian Fans, the former tall timber of the Waratah and Wallaby packs isn’t home to reignite his international career - well not yet anyway.

On his summer break from Cambridge University, Vickerman was back in Tahs gear for a coaching clinic but adding boots and a jumper to the kit is a bit far off however he is returning home next year - just before the Tri-Nations series and well in time for the World Cup.

ILLAWARRA SNATCH FOURTH STRAIGHT CRL TITLE

Illawarra are toasting the Dureau brothers, Blake and Nathan after they conjured up a match winning play to steal victory from Newcastle in the Country Rugby League final at Cessnock.

Trailing 16 -nil, the match took a dramatic turn when Newcastle had a try disallowed. Illawarra then posted 20 unanswered points, the last in the dying minutes when Blake grubbed through for Nathan to score the match winner to seal their fourth straight Country championship win.

Click on for match highlights.

TRIATHLON FESTIVAL

There’s plenty who’ve earned a rest after today’s triathlon festival around the Newcastle Foreshore.

With almost 1,100 competitors across four races, it was the region’s biggest.

The Olympic distance event was won by Sydney’s Paul Ambrose, while Tim Reed dominated the shorter, die-hards’ race.

Newcastle’s Matt Brady pushed him all the way to finish second, while it was a successful day for fellow local Regina Wright.

A late decision to race, ended with a comfortable win in her home event.

KNIGHTS CRUISE IN KURT FEARNLEY CUP WIN

The Newcastle Knights first top tier pre-season trial match ended with an easy 66 - 10 win and the inaugural Kurt Fearnley Cup.

Admittedly against an understrength Melbourne side, the Knights dominated form the outset.

Dan Tolar marked his return from injury with the first try on his junior ground of St John Oval before a stack of team mates joined him on the team sheet.

Minor injury concerns for Junior Sau (knee strain) Cooper Vuna (calf) and Con Mika (ribs) aside, Knights coach Rick Stone was happy overall with the hit out.

Click on for highlights.

AN AUDIENCE WITH THE KING: SIR VIV STILL A BLAST

Sir Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards, prefers Viv but is much better remembered as the Master Blaster.

One of Wisden’s top five cricketers of the century, the West Indian won fans the world over with his aggressive style mixed with flamboyant ease.

With a strong fondness for Australia, Viv is back in the country lamenting the current state of West Indies cricket but hopeful of a return to those glory days of the 1980s and 90s.

Not scared to speak his mind on those who administer the game, he hasn’t ruled out taking a hands-on role with the team, alongside Joel Garner.

Jim Callinan caught up with the King.

HUNTER BRANCH CHAMPS WITH FINGAL “GOOD SPORTS”

Some old salts in surf life saving proved they still have plenty to offer at the Hunter Branch SLS championships at Fingal Bay.

The host club may not have featured at the pointy end of the pointscore but they did win the region’s Good Sports Club of the Year.

Click on for highlights of the championships.

BIG SWIM IN MEMORY OF ERIC

There was another huge turnout for the Eric Arnold memorial swim meet at Lambton Pool.

Involving most clubs throughout the Hunter, the event is also supported these days by teams from Sydney, Port Macquarie and the Central Coast.

Although most are preparing for the Country Championships, the likes of Jarrod Killey are looking beyond that.

The teenager, who has already amassed an impressive resume of endurance race wins, is continuing to push for National team selection.

Ckick on to see some of the action.

EXTENDED INTERVIEW WITH NATHAN GREEN

For a player about to start his fifth year on the USPGA Tour, Nathan Green doesn’t pack a profile nearly has impressive as his golf resume but that doesn’t worry him a bit.

One of only two Australians to win on the US Tour last year after claiming the Canadian Open in a play-off from Retief Goosen, he finished in the top 60 on the Order fo Merit.

If things go to plan this year, that win won’t be the last.

He spoke with NBN’s Jim Callinan before leaving for the season opening events in Hawaii.

2009 HUNTER SPORT IN REVIEW: INDIVIDUAL STARS

The Hunter has a knack for producing more than its fair share of sporting champions.

Tonight, we conclude our look at the 2009 sporting year by profiling the fresh faces to emerge, and those who just keep on, keeping on.

2009 HUNTER SPORT IN REVIEW: THE KNIGHTS

The recent arrest of Danny Wicks capped a tumultuous season for the Newcastle Knights.

Tonight, as part of our look back at the year that was, we examine the 2009 crusade.

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