Latest sports news: Justin Hodges on rugby league’s concussion introspection – CODE’s Best of Sport

Green tragedy, concussions prompt deep reflection

Paul Green‘s death, head knocks and the potential impacts of CTE are weighing heavily on Justin Hodges, writes BRENDAN BRADFORD.

Justin Hodges hadn’t expected to see his old teammate Paul Green at the Roosters’ 20-year reunion earlier this year.

It was the last time Hodges would see his friend.

“It’s sad, man. Everyone was so thrilled to see him and he looked so happy,” Hodges tells CODE Sports. “When you see someone who’s so smart and intelligent and is just a loveable guy …

“Those are memories I’ll hold onto forever.”

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Rogic in, five key Socceroos spots unresolved

Time is running out for Graham Arnold to finalise his World Cup squad. ADAM PEACOCK reveals the certainties for selection, those pushing to make the cut and the manager’s biggest fitness concerns.

The deadline is looming for Socceroos coach Graham Arnold, who must name his final 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup on Tuesday.

CODE Sports understands 21 players are regarded as certainties for Qatar.

Tom Rogic is among them, even though he has yet to start a game at West Brom.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Ten draft prospects who are ready-made AFL players

Ten of last year’s national draft selections played 15 or more AFL games on debut in 2022. Here are 10 from this year’s class who have the potential to do the same in 2023.

The AFL national draft is just three weeks away and while recruiters look for long-term prospects, some players are ready to go right away.

Here are 10 of this year’s top AFL draft prospects who are ready to make an instant impact in 2023.

1. WILL ASHCROFT (Draft Range: 1-3)

He’s not quite at Nick Daicos levels of 2021, but Ashcroft sits comfortably as the early Rising Star favourite for next year. A good-sized onballer who is headed to Brisbane as a father-son, the oldest son of three-time premiership player Marcus has done it all this year…

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King Delly: Inside an improbable NBA rebirth

After a long NBL season, Matthew Dellavedova was planning a family holiday. A phone call from Mike Brown changed everything, writes TOM READ.

“I think it was on Wednesday and he said, ‘Hey, do you want to come out to Vegas and play with the guys? Just see how it goes?’” Dellavedova recalls. “There wasn’t a promise of anything more than that.”

Dellavedova was intrigued. Instead of driving to Lake Tahoe for a family holiday, he flew to nearby Las Vegas. It wasn’t the first time in his life that a phone call from Coach Brown had changed Dellavedova’s plans and, ultimately, his career trajectory.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

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