Nervous wait for Burns

The NRL match review committee will today study footage of an ugly tackle by Penrith's Travis Burns which resulted in him being placed on report in the Panthers' 28-22 win over Newcastle. Burns tackled Knights fullback Shannon McDonnell in the air, resulting in the Knights player falling awkwardly, in their trial on Saturday night. McDonnell was helped from the field suffering concussion. The Panthers will be sweating on the match review committee handing them a suspension so early in the year. The Panthers, missing skipper Petero Civoniceva, playmakers Luke Lewis and Luke Walsh and key outside backs Michael Jennings and Lachlan Coote, scored two late tries to rally to the six-point win in Port Macquarie. The Knights had led 22-16 before disaster struck.

KNIGHTS v PANTHERS

THE search for stability in Newcastle's halves intensifies tonight when Ben Rogers and Beau Henry are expected to get time at five-eighth against Penrith in Port Macquarie. Jarrod Mullen is the obvious halfback, but the Knights have lacked stability in the halves in recent seasons. Henry was signed from St George Illawarra's under 20s after first grade possibilities seemed remote with Jamie Soward at five-eighth and Ben Hornby halfback. Knights coach Rick Stone wants to use the club's top player, Kurt Gidley, at fullback, a plan that would be easier to execute if either Rogers or Henry makes the five-eighth spot his own.

Houston, we have a comeback

KNIGHTS coach Rick Stone said returning back-rower Chris Houston exceeded expectations in his first game of rugby league in almost a year. Playing for the first time since a pre-season trial against Penrith at Port Macquarie on February 27 last year, the one-time NSW Origin 18th man scored a try and played 50 minutes in Newcastle's 22-22 draw with New Zealand Warriors at Wingham Park, Greymouth. Played before a record crowd estimated at 6000, the Miners' Solidarity Day charity match was staged to raise funds and lift community spirits after 29 miners were killed at the nearby Pike River Mine last November.

What drives ironman Abbott

THERE are two main reasons why Tony Abbott will subject himself to one of sport's toughest challenges tomorrow, aside from the fact that he is responding to a dare from the locals of Port Macquarie.

Shopping centres back on the shelf

THE resurgence in the retail sector, albeit slow, has led to a rise in the number of sales for small-to-medium shopping centres.

Coast & Country Houses

PORT MACQUARIE

Dementia to hit regions hardest

THE dementia "epidemic" will hit regional NSW hardest as baby boomers retire to coastal areas already struggling to provide health and aged care, a report released today says.

I rest my case €“ Bellamy stands by make-or-break tactic

MELBOURNE coach Craig Bellamy, happy to escape with a win last night against the North Queensland Cowboys, said his tactic of resting players in the lead-up to the finals series would continue.

I'm better than that: Culina takes on Jets job to prove Sydney wrong

BRANKO CULINA admits his desire to prove a point after his untimely demise at Sydney FC was a "major motivating factor" in his decision yesterday to move back into coaching with the Newcastle Jets.

Port Macquarie Accountancy Firms Busy in Preparation for Federal Government Rebates

Port Macquarie accountancy firms and tax consultants have been loaded with work in preparation for the federal government tax rebates.

Stay

Harrigans River Lodge at Harrington Waters is nestled between Forster and Port Macquarie on the Manning River with surrounding rainforests.

Perpetual Mocean Takes Narrow Win In Pittwater

LAKE Macquarie sailor Mike Hamonet said there were no nervous moments on Perpetual Mocean as she took line honours over Pretty Woman by three-and-a-half minutes in the Pittwater to Coffs Harbour yacht race on Saturday.

Advisory Days Guide Would-be Uni Students

THE University of Newcastle will hold advisory days at its Newcastle, Central Coast and Port Macquarie campuses on January 6 and 22, 2009, to guide prospective students.

Lost In The Carnage

THEY were bound for Port Macquarie, one to contest a triathlon today, three to cheer her on.

'there Was No Mayday'

THEY were bound for Port Macquarie, one to contest a triathlon today, three to cheer her on.

Nationals Undermined In Byelection: Rees

PREMIER Nathan Rees has blamed the Hunter Liberals for the Nationals' loss in last weekend's Port Macquarie byelection, telling Parliament they had "white-anted" their Opposition colleagues.

Liberals Talk Merger After Nationals' Loss

THE triumph of the independent Peter Besseling in Saturday's Port Macquarie byelection is a further sign of the need for a merger between the National and Liberal parties, federal Liberals say.

Healthy Contest: Nurse Lines Up Against Former Waratah

THE shadow of departing independent state MP Rob Oakeshott loomed large over the Port Macquarie byelection .

A Child Is Born

A child is born Port Macquaries Koala Hospital is celebrating the birth of a baby joey, a rare and important event, and the baby son of Bonny can be viewed at the hospital until early 2009 before it is returned to the wild.

Iemma Clings To His Seat

REBA MEAGHER resigned from Parliament yesterday, four days after she said she was quitting politics. The byelection for her seat of Cabramatta will be held on October 18, the day voters in Ryde and Port Macquarie will also go to the polls.