JETS GET FIRST FREE-TO-AIR FIXTURE

The round one blockbuster between the Newcastle Jets and Sydney FC will be the first game televised under a new A-League TV deal.

The game to be played at Allianz Stadium on October 11 will be broadcast on SBS across Australia. The corresponding game last year, featuring stars Emile Heskey and Alessandro Del Piero attracted more than 35,000 fans.

News of the match came as the draw for the 2013/14 A-League season was unveiled.

The Jets will play 14 home games this season, the first against Perth Glory on October 20. Newcastle will have eight Saturday matches, two Friday night games and four Sunday fixtures. They’ll make the long haul trip to Perth and Wellington just once in 2013/14. The F3 derby will be played once in Newcastle, round 4 on Saturday November 2.

Western Sydney and Melbourne Victory will visit Newcastle twice , while the Sky Blues will travel up the F3 once on February 22.

“As a club, we’re very pleased with the draw in both a football and commercial sense,” Jets CEO Robbie Middleby said.

“We’re excited to make history by playing in the first A-League match ever to be televised on free-to-air TV when we take on Sydney FC in first Round 1.

“On top of that, our members and supporters have plenty of exciting home fixtures to look forward this season with the F3 Derby in Round 4, two visits from Western Sydney Wanderers and an appearance by Alessandro Del Piero and Sydney FC in Round 20.

“In a football sense, we’re pleased we’ll only have to make the challenging trip to Wellington and Perth once each, while having six of our last 10 games at home could be very beneficial for us come the pointy end of the season.”

ROCHOW SIGNS WITH KNIGHTS UNTIL 2016

Robbie Rochow has re-signed with the Newcastle Knights, extending his contract until 2016.

While injury disrupted his first season with the club in 2012, Rochow’s good form this year helped him secure the extended contract.

“Robbie is a fantastic role model in our community and this new contract is a reward for his professionalism, attitude and consistent form.” Knights CEO Matt Gidley said.

“Last year I was lucky to get a one-year deal and then I got injuries,” Rochow said. “I was on the edge of not being an NRL footballer, so to finish last year like I did and to start this year like I have is a bit surreal but there is no better feeling than playing right now.”

V8′S RUSSELL BROTHERS PREPARE FOR LIFE AS A DUO

The Novocastrian Motorsport team has parted company with driver Michael Hector, who’s chosen to join a rival outfit in Brisbane.
Brothers Drew and Aaren Russell will now compete as a two-man outfit, when the V8 Development Series resumes in Townsville.

R.I.P ARTHUR THOMPSON

The racing world is mourning the loss of iconic Cessnock trainer Arthur Thompson.

Thompson, 80, passed away in Maitland Hospital at 7.30 this morning after a battle with cancer.

“Ironically, scratching time for the races at Cessnock today,” long-time family friend and racing commentator Gary Harley said.

“It was racing and family with Arthur Thompson. He was a horseman and nature’s gentleman. Just as popular for his demeanour as his training skills.”

Thompson left school at the age of 12, and not long after became the stabe foreman for successful trainer, and later father-in-law, Norm Collins.

He became a trainer in his own right 34 years ago, and trained his first winner with Rose Aurora.

Thompson lived on the same property at Cessnock Racecourse for most of his life.

He regarded winning the Grafton and Gosford Cups with My Star Saphhire as two of his biggest achievements.

The horse was ridden by son Robert, now Australia’s most successful jockey by winners, and the pair formed an unstoppable combination.

“One day he trained five winners at Cessnock from six runners, and for a guy that didn’t have many horses, it was a remarkable achievement,” Harley said.

Jockeys and staff will wear black armbands at today’s Cessnock meeting as a mark of respect.

Thompson is survived by wife Phyllis, children Jan and Robert, and three grandchildren.

KNIGHTS LEILUA CHARGED AFTER CLASH WITH BULLDOGS

Newcastle centre Joey Leilua has been charged with a grade one dangerous throw, but will avoid a suspension if he takes an early plea.
He was one of several players praised by Wayne Bennett, following yesterday’s big win over the Bulldogs.

ACE AND MICRO CLIMB WORLD RANKINGS

Returning now to surfing’s pro tour, and Avoca’s Adrian Buchan has climbed seven places on the world rankings.

The Ace recorded his best result of the year – going down to Brazilian Gabriel Medina in a controversial quarter-final in Rio.

ORTENSIA BIDS FAREWELL TO RACING AFTER FINAL RUN AT SCONE

Trainer Paul Messara has decided to retire outstanding mare Ortensia, after she finished ninth in the race named in her honour at Scone.
She bows out with Group One triumphs in Australia, Dubai and England.
It was a different story for the Michael Formosa trained Ultimate Art in the Newcastle Guineas.

TOUGH STATE LEAGUE DEBUT FOR JOBE WHEELHOUSE

South Cardiff has overshadowed the Lambton debut of former Jets captain Jobe Wheelhouse, beating the Jaffas one-nil this afternoon with a goal in the final 10 minutes.

FROM JET TO JAFFA FOR JOBE WHEELHOUSE

Jobe Wheelhouse is embarking on a new challenge.
The ex-Newcastle skipper will play his first game for Lambton in the NBN State League tomorrow, but hasn’t ruled out a return to the professional ranks.

ROUND 10 FOOTY TIPS

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