MEREWETHER surfer Philippa Anderson has not given up on her dream of qualifying for the world tour but needs a helping hand.
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However, the 2009 Surfest champion and 2015 runner-up is not always comfortable asking for it.
The 23-year-old will represent Australia at the ISA World Surfing Games in Nicaragua this week before heading to a World Surf League qualifying series event in Mexico.
After that, though, her qualifying series campaign is in doubt because of the costs involved.
Supporters suggested Anderson turn to crowd funding through a website to help fund her trips to Europe and America.
But she was reluctant until talking to New Zealand surfer Ricardo Christie, who qualified for this year's men's championship tour.
"I wasn't really fond about doing it because when I researched it a lot of people were raising money for people with cancer or funding a funeral," Anderson said.
"I thought, 'Wow, I'm not in that bad a situation.'
"But then I spoke to Ricardo Christie, who qualified for the world tour. He did it last year.
"I'm good friends with him and I spoke to him about it and said it gave me so much motivation, people supporting me.
"He said I should just go ahead and do it."
Anderson will launch the crowd funding campaign when she returns from Mexico.
HUNTER golfer Kurt Barnes heaped praise on caddie Scott Bint after his fine effort first run back from a spell last week.
Barnes sealed his place in the US Open field with a play-off birdie after a 38-hole marathon effort in the sectional qualifier in Japan on Monday.
Bint started a two-week stint with Barnes just in time for the qualifier and proved a tower of strength for the Muswellbrook touring pro.
"He caddied for me a few times a few years ago, but he hasn't done much caddying this year," Barnes said.
"With nine holes to go I was starting to feel it, my feet were burning being in golf shoes for 10 hours, and he said, 'Yeah, good time to come back. It's like I've come straight back for the Melbourne Cup.'
"It was certainly a great help having someone as experienced as Scott there."
Barnes backed up later in the week for the Mizuno Open in Japan, where he was chasing a top-four spot to secure a British Open start. He finished in a tie for 48th with an even-par 288.
NEWCASTLE-born midfielder Andrew Hoole nearly missed out on a dream debut for Sydney FC against Tottenham Hotspur at a packed ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.
Hoole signed a two-year deal with the Sky Blues in February, but his contract did not start until Monday, the first day of June.
Until then he was contracted to the Nathan Tinkler-owned Jets, who went into voluntary administration on May 20.
The result was a bureaucratic minefield.
But, thanks to some savvy work from Hoole's manager, Joel Grenell, and the co-operation of Jets administrator Shaw Gidley and the FFA, the 21-year-old was cleared on Saturday morning to play against Spurs.
One contract had to be mutually terminated. Another was drawn up and then terminated. Finally Sydney had to request to have Hoole's contract brought forward two days.
It was all worth it.
He came on at half-time, and playing against one of the biggest clubs in the world in front of 70,000 is a moment he is unlikely to forget.
Next is EPL champions Chelsea on Tuesday and another full house. Then Hoole and his new team break for a five-week holiday.
KNIGHTS back-rower Tariq Sims sensed a surreal atmosphere in the room when he hosted younger brother Korbin and other teammates and friends for an Origin barbecue last week.
The brothers were born and bred in Gerringong, the home town of NSW legends Rod Wishart and Michael Cronin. Tariq is a true blue New South Welshman, but Korbin has pledged his allegiance to Queensland.
Both are on the fringes of their respective state squads, and it would not be beyond the realms of possibility to see them square off in Origin.
Korbin had the last laugh on Wednesday when the Maroons won 11-10.
Tariq said Korbin took delight in cheering for former Knights teammate Darius Boyd and the rest of the Maroons squad.
"Yeah, it was a tough gig, looking at him," Tariq said.
"It was one of those weird things. We were sitting down then I'd cheer for the Blues, then he'd say, 'Good stuff, Darbs', and look at me, so you're going to have to ask him what's doing there."
Tariq liked what he saw of some of the Blues forwards, even though he hopes to take one of their spots for Origin I and II.
"My mate James Tamou went awesome, and his hair looks awesome by the way," Sims said.
