Briefs

Scott suspended
SYDNEY: Raiders centre Curtis Scott has been stood down from all club duties pending the outcome of an NRL Integrity Unit investigation into an alleged nightclub incident. The Raiders made the announcement yesterday, saying they would work with the Integrity Unit during the process. “The club has informed the NRL Integrity Unit and is working with them to investigate the incident. Until the investigation is complete Curtis has been stood down from all club duties,” the cub said.

Hard hits promised
SYDNEY: Here is the proof that physicality is not dead in rugby league with Queensland enforcer Jaydn Su’A promising to bring the heavy hits into tomorrow night’s State of Origin series opener in Townsville. Su’A was one of the NRL’s first players penalised in the high contact crackdown, when he was sin-binned in South Sydney’s victory over Cronulla at Magic Round when his shoulder clipped Aaron Woods on the jaw with a front-on tackle.

Fittler outlines plan
SYDNEY: Brad Fittler has a simple solution for New South Wales to stop Queensland’s State of Origin aerial assault: starve them of the attacking ball they need to execute the plan. The Blues’ lack of height on the wings shapes as one of their biggest concerns in Townsville, with both edges giving up more than 10cm on their rivals. Brian To’o is one of the smallest wingers in the game, and while he is listed as 182cm tall, the reality is that he is closer to 175cm.

Tedesco backs To’o
SYDNEY: Over a week of training, New South Wales captain James Tedesco has come to understand why Penrith have developed such a winning culture in the past two years. And it’s all typified by Panthers winger Brian To’o. The 22-year-old seen without a smile despite the hardships he has been through in his life, and his boundless energy has revived the Blues camp leading into game one in Townsville. “He’s a ball of energy, he’s very funny, he’s good for a laugh,” Tedesco said.

Johnson eyes move
SYDNEY: Unwanted Sharks playmaker Shaun Johnson has been linked to a shock move to the Rabbitohs as a replacement for Broncos bound skipper Adam Reynolds. The Daily Telegraph reported the Rabbitohs are interested in the 30-year-old on a cut-price short-term deal while they develop their young crop of promising playmakers. Johnson is set to leave the Sharks following three seasons with the club after his request for a A$900,000 (K2 million) contract extension was rejected.

Milford injured
SYDNEY: Brisbane five-eighth Anthony Milford will have knee surgery, potentially ending his career at Red Hill without playing another NRL game. Milford didn’t win selection for the Broncos’ heavy loss to St George Illawarra last round, with coach Kevin Walters preferring Tyson Gamble and Albert Kelly in the halves. The Broncos confirmed yesterday that scans had revealed damage to the meniscus in his knee that requires surgery and at least a month on the sidelines. – Agencies