Newcastle Sport

The Newcastle Jets are out of the Asian Champions League – beaten 4-1 by titleholders, Kashima Antlers, in their final qualifying match last night. Ronald Vargas equalised for the visitors before the J-League club outgunned the Jets. Newcastle is still in A-League finals contention – it needs a win against Adelaide on Sunday. And that match is now the priority for the Jets. Ernie Merrick admits the busy schedule has taken a toll on the side, describing Kashima as “a far superior team” which will go close to defending its title.

A flying visit home for Nathan Outteridge, with the champion sailor last night speaking at a fundraising event for Hunter farmers at Wangi RSL. Also on his mind, Sail GP – with Outteridge’s Team Japan second behind Team Australia after the opening round in Sydney. “We kicked off the event with a win, but then Tom sailed unbelievably well throughout the event and really set the bar for where we need to get to.” Outteridge said. “It’s great to be in the top two, but we now know the level we need to achieve to get to the top.” If that’s not hard enough, he may have broken his ribs. “My have some safety lines that keep us connected to the boat, I tripped over mine and fell on my ribs. Taking deep breaths, running and even getting out of …

She achieved all there is to achieve in Australian basketball, so it’s only fitting the WNBL has decided to rename its MVP award, the Suzy Batkovic Medal. The Novocastrian retired this season after 16 campaigns, finishing as the most decorated player in the league’s history, with five titles and six MVP crowns. The Suzy Batkovic Medal will be awarded for the first time, next season.

A blow for the Newcastle Knights with the season fast approaching. Hymel Hunt has been ruled out of Saturday’s trial against the Dragons, leaving coach Nathan Brown with some big decisions to make.

We’re used to seeing Ben Simmons rewrite the record books – well, today he added another chapter. Simmons and Team LeBron eventually beat Team Giannis 178 to 164, but ultimately, the fans come for the highlights. (audio in parts)

Fresh from its victory in the Australian Boardriders national final, Merewether has turned its attention to winning a title that has so far eluded it… the Surfest Teams Challenge. The club will field three strong teams this weekend at Stockton, and in a major boost, World Qualifying Series competitor Jackson Baker is a strong chance of returning from injury. Meanwhile, after their impressive performances at the Boardriders Battle, young guns Morgan Ciblic and Mike Clayton-Brown will head to Boomerang on Wednesday for the Great Lakes Pro. If they fail to make the finals, they’ll be back to form a formidable team with Baker. (no audio)

Hunter club Frenchmans was bundled out of the Australian Boardriders Battle national final in the first heat. While Merewether survived plenty of dramatic moments to make it all the way through.

Newcastle club Merewether has defied the odds to win the Australian Boardriders Battle national final. Macy Callaghan looked strong for Central Coast club, North Shelly, while world tour veteran Joel Parkinson surfed early for Snapper Rocks. But it was junior Mike Clayton-Brown who proved pivotal for Merewether. Philippa Anderson and Jesse Adam capped off the win with solid scores, before the locals could celebrate. (audio in parts)

As expected, Ante Milicic was today appointed coach of the Matildas, following the controversial sacking of Alen Stajcic. Meanwhile, the Junior Matildas have claimed a 2-1 win on the Gold Coast, in a friendly match against Myanmar. The Hunter’s Kirsty Fenton was part of the starting side. Fellow locals Josie Morley and Ruby Jones came on at halftime, before Australia conceded a goal. But the home side restored its lead thanks to a Myanmar own-goal in stoppage time. The Junior Matildas are preparing for the Under-16 Asian Championship’s second phase of qualifying, in Laos in March. (audio in parts)

The Jets have completed their first training session in Japan ahead of their do-or-die Asian Champions League qualifier against Kashima Antlers. Despite a long journey, and freezing temperatures, the players couldn’t be more excited.