What’s the Buzz: Sydney FC run afoul of NSW police, SBW v Barry Hall deal almost done

A Sydney FC training session was crippled via Crime Stoppers this week while Sonny Bill Williams’ manager has confirmed talks are well underway for the latest cross code superfight.

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Police have had to shut down a Sydney FC training session that breached coronavirus separation rules.

A fan — probably from the Wanderers — drove past their Macquarie University training ground last week, noticed the players on the field and then phoned Crime Stoppers.

Sydney FC chief executive Danny Townsend said the club had been threatened with an infringement notice.

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Spies had their eyes on a Sydney FC training session at Macquarie Park Sports Fields. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

“I thought it was classified as a place of work and we weren’t all training in one group,” Townsend said. “But they threatened to fine us.

“I spoke to the superintendent at Ryde and explained we might have a game in four weeks, but he didn’t care so we just called it a day.”

SBW v BARRY HALL DEAL ALMOST DONE

Talks are ramping up for a heavyweight boxing showdown between Sonny Bill Williams and old AFL warhorse Barry Hall later this year.

SBW’s agent Khoder Nasser has been in regular dialogue with Danny Green, the former world champion who promoted Hall’s last fight against.

Only the uncertainty over coronavirus is preventing a deal from being done for October.

Nasser wants to wait until social-distancing laws have been lifted that would allow fans to attend the fight.

Sonny Bill Williams wants to return to the ring. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty

“You can’t have boxing without a crowd,” he says, “Not a fight this big. You need atmosphere and you need to feel the animosity. That’s the beauty of the fight game.”

Sonny Bill is still in the north of England with his family while the English Super League is in an indefinite lockdown. There is no talk of a resumption anytime soon.

Green confirmed talks were progressing well when contacted by The Sunday Telegraph.

Paul Gallen and Barry Hall fought to a draw. Picture: AAP/Michael Dodge

“Barry’s very keen to make it happen,” Green said. “We’re aiming for the end of the year.

“Gal (Paul Gallen) dropped out of the race but the goal was always Sonny Bill.

“It’s going to be huge. This is much bigger than the east coast. They are both known across Australia and SBW has a massive international following New Zealand.

“I’ll keep the communication lines open with Khoder and hopefully do a deal soon.”

Listen! The Johns family in isolation consider the NRL’s return on May 28 and they delve into the world of favourite movies and wrestlers!

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THE MOST INSPIRING STORY IN LEAGUE

Our item last week about stricken footy player Mose Masoe standing in his Wakefield hospital with the aid of a walking frame prompted the most beautiful social media message from his partner Clarissa Crews.

“Whilst we’ve been in isolation the last 4 weeks at home (literally every day), this guy here has been grinding away every single day for the last 3 months so as he can get back home to be with us and I couldn’t be more proud of you @mosemasoe,” Clarissa wrote.

Mose Masoe walking this month.

“You amaze me daily and I learn from you all the time. Your positivity, strength and determination are always influencing not just your little family but everyone around you.

“Although it’s been a BLOODY hard slog so far, you’ve taken it all in your stride and we get comfort in the fact knowing that we will be together again soon!

“Our life will definitely be different, but we will navigate through it together as we always do. Our babies are so lucky to have someone like you to look up to.”

ALWAYS IN THE EYE OF THE STORM

There are few more impressive clubs in Australian sport than Melbourne Storm.

On Thursday night the club held a Zoom online video conference to update all their sponsors on coronavirus issues and the possibilities of a resumption of play.

Coach Craig Bellamy, chief executive Dave Donaghy and incoming chairman Matt Tripp spoke to representatives of 18 club sponsors in a relaxed atmosphere over a beer and wine.

They have all pledged their support to the club despite the difficult times.

Craig Bellamy and Dave Donaghy. Picture: AAP/Scott Barbour

FOX’S HOUND

Olympic kayaker Jessica Fox has adopted a dog as part of the greyhounds as pets program, endorsed by old Socceroos champion Tim Cahill.

She introduced us to her new housemate on social media during the week.

“This is Pink! Greyhound (semi horse). 12/10 sleeper (anywhere especially the middle of the room)

Loves a zoomy (especially to celebrate a good poop) Hoards underwear, nail files, lip balm, carrots, AirPods case. Terrified of the Fitball, doesn’t understand trigger balls, but loves a good downward dog stretch. @_noemiefox is her favourite and I’m pretty mad about it. . Since we are home for several months, I decided to apply to foster a greyhound in need … she’s weird and loveable and we are obsessed!”

JOHNS V HADLEY

Matty Johns has been using his recent shows on Fox Sports to mock broadcaster and his long-time sparring partner Ray Hadley.

So when you switch on Fox League Live, which Johns is hosting on Sunday, you will hear plenty of:

“Pull your head in, they’re looking for wood.”

“Like a runaway XPT through Fassifern.”

“Take off your head and put on a pumpkin.”

“Don’t touch the set, don’t touch the dial, don’t go anywhere.”

“Hurry up and print that f … ing thing, I’m back on in 15 seconds.”

And the old sign-off:

“You know the deal, if you’re not here sometime during the program, you will need a note. Bye bye.”

NINE’S FOOTY SHOW SNUB

Another sign that Channel 9 is not overly committed to rugby league … The network has taken off air its Monday night show, 100% Footy.

At the same time, Nine’s Melbourne channel is running an AFL show, Footy Classifieds, twice a week … and they don’t even hold the rights to the sport.

BAD MOVE, AUNTY

Broadcaster and mental health advocate Craig Hamilton has been named on a list of the top 20 most influential people in Newcastle. His inclusion again shows how far out of touch ABC Grandstand is.

Hamilton was removed from his position as a rugby league caller last year despite being the best NRL commentator on the station. Knights fans were still complaining at the beginning of the season that he was not calling their games.

Originally published as What’s the Buzz: Sydney FC run afoul of NSW police, SBW v Barry Hall deal almost done