SYDNEY (AAP) April 5 - After 27 years, Nine's Laurie Oakes will get his weekends back, after quitting his regular Sunday morning political interview.

SYDNEY (AAP) April 5 - Adelaide expect spearhead Kurt Tippett to play his first AFL match this season after overcoming an ankle injury.

SYDNEY (AAP) April 5 - Canberra veteran Matt Orford has been granted a stay of execution with the badly out of form playmaker given another chance to save his immediate NRL career on Saturday night

SYDNEY (AAP) April 5 - Financially troubled apparel and footwear retailer Colorado Group has been put on the market, with brands such as JAG and Diana Ferrari expected to be snapped up this month.<

SYDNEY (AAP) April 5 - Victorian country councils will be able to choose their own public holiday in lieu of Melbourne Cup Day under new laws to be introduced into parliament.

SYDNEY (AAP) April 5 - It looks as though the Oprah effect is beginning to be felt by Australia's tourism industry.

SYDNEY (AAP) April 5 - Aviation unions have slammed Qantas for training staff as baggage handlers and check-in crew as part of strike-breaking contingency plans.

SYDNEY (AAP) April 5 - Flood-affected Queenslanders have been asked to be patient by the man overseeing the disaster recovery, as Prime Minister Julia Gillard meets flood victims on the Darling Dow

Gold Coast are facing a halves crisis with Scott Prince and Greg Bird confronting major hurdles to play in Friday night's NRL showdown with the North Queensland in Townsville.

Stop-gap Brumbies coach Tony Rea will get the chance to fight for his job ahead of World Cup-winning mentor Jake White with both being shortlisted for the post.