id tribute for Fultons contribution to the Blues set-up.Bob Fulto

PARIS -- After two seasons of misery in Englands Premier League, striker Radamel Falcao is proving his worth again in France.His first-half goal helped league leader Monaco on its way to a 3-0 home win against Rennes on Saturday.Falcao pounced with a firm downward header from midfielder Adama Traores cross in the 42nd minute. He ran out of steam and was replaced with about 15 minutes left by Guido Carrillo, but he had done his bit by then.Midfielder Thomas Lemar hit two late goals, the first set up by Carillo and the second a fine strike from 25 meters out.Monaco, which has won seven straight games domestically and in Europe, is three points ahead of defending champion Paris Saint-Germain, which won 6-0 at Caen on Friday with striker Edinson Cavani scoring four.Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim says PSG remains the favorite, but is confident Monaco will make things difficult at the top.The favorite for the title, which is a competition over a long period of time, is Paris, Jardim said. Weve made a good start to the season, our team is more balanced. We have more options and this will even things in the league.FALCAO BOUNCING BACKFalcao joined Monaco in May 2013 after two prolific seasons with Atletico Madrid in a deal worth a staggering 60 million euros ($67 million). But a serious knee injury in a French Cup game at the start of 2014 cost him both pace and a place at the World Cup later that year.He struggled for form and fitness in England, scoring once in 12 appearances with Chelsea and only four in 29 with Manchester United during spells on loan.With two seasons left on his Monaco contract, he returned to the Principality side this season but with a major question mark as to whether he could be a success in France.But Falcao made a strong start this season, scoring in both legs of a Champions League qualifier against Turkish side Fenerbahce, before limping off with a thigh injury in the return leg on Aug. 3.He missed five games.After coming on as a substitute against Lille last weekend, Falcao underlined his new-found commitment to the club by wearing the captains armband as Monaco won 2-1 at Tottenham in a Champions League group game on Wednesday.OTHER ACTIONPromoted Metz continued its encouraging start to the season and is in provisional third place after a 0-0 draw at Dijon.Martin Braithwaites fourth goal in four games helped Toulouse beat Guingamp 2-1 and move up to sixth place, one spot behind Bordeaux after it slipped to a surprise 1-0 defeat at home to Angers.Mariusz Stepinski grabbed his first goal since joining Nantes this summer in a 1-1 draw at promoted Nancy, and Lorient beat Lille 1-0 but the Brittany-based club remained last.On Sunday, all eyes will be on Mario Balotelli when Nice travels to play Montpellier. The controversial striker scored twice on his league debut in a 3-2 win against Marseille last weekend, surprising most observers with his sharpness.Also, Saint-Etienne hosts Bastia, and Marseille takes on Lyon, with no away fans permitted to travel after extremely violent confrontations between rival fans at a highway service station last season. Sandy Leon Red Sox Jersey .5 million, one-year contract on Friday. Hawkins, who turns 41 in December, will compete with Rex Brothers for the closers role at spring training. Brock Holt Jersey . Following a lopsided 5-2 loss against the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night, Paul MacLean told reporters that "theres a lack of focus, theres a lack of leadership and theres a lack of preparation" with his struggling team. That came on the heels of Bryan Murray taking the unusual step of going into the locker room at the Prudential Center and addressing the players himself. https://www.cheapredsox.com/331z-tim-wakefield-jersey-red-sox.html . The No. 1-ranked Nadal tweaked his back warming up for the Australian Open final, which he lost almost four weeks ago in a major upset against Stanislas Wawrinka. His first stop after the layoff is the clay in Rio as he tests the back and tries to stay healthy for the French Open in three months. Rich Gedman Red Sox Jersey . The Swede became the first golfer to win the PGA Tours FedEx Cup and European Tours Race to Dubai in the same season. "It is still taking a little time to sink in what Ive achieved this week as was the case when I won the FedEx Cup but then it just kept getting better and better as the days went on and I am sure this will be the same," he said. Denyi Reyes Jersey .1 million pounds ($61.2 million) on Saturday, giving the beleaguered English Premier League champions a major lift. New South Wales have turned to former Blues legend Peter Sterling to reverse their flailing State of Origin fortunes.The NSWRL on Friday announced Sterling as coach Laurie Daleys new adviser for next years Origin series, replacing long-time confidant Bob Fulton.I am absolutely thrilled to have someone of Peter Sterlings calibre take up such an important role with New South Wales Rugby League, said Daley on Friday.It continues a mini-overhaul of the Blues Origin staff, which last week brought in another ex-Blues representative in John Cartwright as assistant coach.Victoria Cross recipient Mark Donaldson is the new deputy team manager.Fulton stepped down from his role as Daleys right-hand man at the end of this years failed Origin series campaign, citing increased responsibilities as consultant at NRL club Manly.He was strongly criticised by some following the debut of Sea Eagles star Dylan Walker for game one, condemnation that Daley vehemently rejected.Daley paid tribute for Fultons contribution to the Blues set-up.Bob Fulton did an outstanding job in the years he was involved. He was my coach when I was in the Australian team and he has been one of my key mentors, he said.dddddddddddd.I am very grateful for his advice. He was always going to be very hard to replace. Having said that, I couldnt be happier that Sterlo was not only available, but really excited about the opportunity.He will bring so much to our squad that is aligned with the culture and team values we aspire to. His knowledge of the game is without peer.Sterling, who played 13 games for the Blues between 1981-88, predicted a successful future for the state despite losing 10 of the past 11 series against Queensland.I feel like I have been asked to step into a situation that is on the verge of something extremely special with the group Laurie has assembled and the decisions he has made during his tenure, Sterling said.I am really excited to be involved in something that is a very special part of the game.The Blues are expected to announce a new base for next years Origin series before the end of the year. ' ' '