West Sydney Pirates American Football team tackle Sutherland Seahawks this Saturday at Wollongong, 4pm, in the next round of the NSW Gridiron League. The Pirates are third in the competition. Craik Park, Austral, is the club's home ground.

NRL club Wests Tigers begin their 2009 pre-season training next Monday, November 17. New Zealand internationals Benji Marshall and Dene Halatau will be given an extra break after the World Cup and so too England second-rower Gareth Ellis who joins the club next year. The Bulldogs and Parramatta resumed 2009 pre-season training last week.

The next thoroughbred race meeting at Warwick Farm is on Tuesday, November 18. Entry is free. There is also another meeting set down for Wednesday, November 26. Details: ajc.org.au.

Mounties Jim Beam Cup forward Justin Coveney has signed with the Western Suburbs Magpies State Cup team for 2009. The Chipping Norton resident and lawyer is training with the squad at Hillier Oval next Tuesday, November 18, 5pm. Coveney, 24, impressed the Magpies with his relentless displays in the Jim Beam Cup in 2008 earning him a contract.