Negotiations for bookmaker Tom Waterhouse to become an official sponsor of the National Rugby League (NRL) have broken down, with both parties walking away from the proposed deal."We failed to reach agreement around terms with Tom Waterhouse," the NRL's general manager for strategy, Shane Mattiske, has told the ABC's Four Corners program in an interview to be broadcast tonight.The combined NRL-Channel 9 deal was reportedly costing Mr Waterhouse $50 million over five years.

The Federal Government has been criticised over its attempt to break the Gonski school funding stalemate with the states and territories.Julia Gillard has released a breakdown of what is on offer for each jurisdiction, saying Australian schools will miss out on an extra $16.2 billion over six years if the deal is not adopted.But the Federal Opposition says voters will not be swayed by the Prime Minister's efforts to encourage a national agreement.

A full land and sea search will resume at first light for a paraglider missing in Victoria's south-west.

Ewen McKenzie launches a fierce defence of Quade Cooper after he was left out of the Wallabies' squad.

Preschools and childcare centres in New South Wales could ban unvaccinated children under a controversial plan proposed by the State Opposition.The NSW Government says it is considering the proposal, but vaccination opponents warn it amounts to discrimination.

The Prime Minister warns schools will miss out on $16.2 billion unless the Gonski education reforms are adopted.Julia Gillard is pushing to get the states and territories to sign up to the school funding formula, releasing a breakdown of what is on offer for each jurisdiction.

David Warner has been reported for an alleged breach of Cricket Australia's code of conduct following his Twitter rant.

A five-year-old boy is fighting for his life after being thrown from a carnival ride at a school fete in southern Queensland.

A custom-made electric guitar played by Beatles John Lennon and George Harrison has sold at a New York auction for $US408,000 ($419,100).

Australia coach Robbie Deans has included code-hopper Israel Folau and two other uncapped players in his preliminary squad of 25 for the three-test series against the British and Irish Lions.

The Queensland Government says it could prosecute those responsible for the deaths of 46 cattle at a government research station in the state's north.

Shadow treasurer Joe Hockey has told the states and territories that the onus is on them to make the case for changes to the goods and services tax (GST).NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell this morning called for overhaul of the current tax system, which he says is failing.The Coalition plans to hold a review of the tax system if it is elected, but Mr Hockey says it is not up to the federal government to drive GST change.

A shooting accident in South Australia has reignited calls for amateur hunting in New South Wales national parks to be abandoned.

Rolf Harris has received standing ovations at his first performance since reports surfaced that he had been questioned over alleged sexual offences.Harris made no direct reference to the allegations he is facing, but alluded to his situation several times during the show in Bristol in south-west England."You've got no idea what this means to have you turn up with such enthusiasm and such support," he told the audience.

No bats have been found on a southern Queensland property where a horse died from lyssavirus.

David Beckham bade a tearful farewell as he made his final appearance for French champions PSG before retirement.

A Facebook hate-page vilifying Tasmanian teachers has sparked fresh concerns about the way young people use social media.

South Korea's defence ministry says it is on high alert after North Korea fired three short-range missiles from its east coast.

A 58-year-old hiker who spent five days in bushland north-west of Sydney has been rescued by emergency services.

Arsenal pipped Spurs to the EPL's lucrative fourth spot as Alex Ferguson farewelled Man United with a stunning 5-5 draw at West Brom.

Ewen McKenzie has launched a fierce defence of Quade Cooper after he was left out of the Wallabies' preliminary squad.

Mitchell Watt will be putting the Shanghai Diamond League meet behind him as quickly as possible, after finishing a disappointing 12th in the long jump on Saturday.

Adelaide floored St Kilda with a third-term burst, which set up a 12.15 (87) to 6.11 (47) triumph at Football Park.

The Queensland Firebirds made a big statement with an 11-goal trans-Tasman netball league victory over fierce rivals the Melbourne Vixens then dedicated the triumph to absent captain Laura Geitz.

David Warner has been reported for an alleged breach of Cricket Australia's code of conduct following his Twitter rant.

Cronulla inflicted a 30-20 defeat on Canberra to leap-frog the Raiders on the ladder at the Sharks Stadium.

Carlton rebounded from last Monday night's loss to St Kilda to beat Port Adelaide by three goals.

Israel Folau has been included in the preliminary Wallabies squad for the British and Irish Lions series, but Quade Cooper has missed out.

Australia coach Robbie Deans has included code-hopper Israel Folau and two other uncapped players in his preliminary squad of 25 for the three-test series against the British and Irish Lions.

Josh Dugan could shape as a NSW Origin wildcard after a superb display on his Dragons debut against Parramatta.

Davis Cup coach Josh Eagle is confident the lure of a grand slam will ensure Bernard Tomic fronts up at the French Open.

Marc Marquez will start on pole in the French MotoGP at Le Mans after coming out on top in qualifying.

Jonny Wilkinson showed trademark cool to kick Toulon to European Cup glory over Clermont in a tense final.

Holden's Jamie Whincup has won the V8 Supercars' inaugural USA race and extended his championship lead in the process.

David Beckham bade a tearful farewell as he made his final appearance for French champions PSG before retirement.

France left back Gael Clichy has signed a new four-year contract with Manchester City.

Mark Webber will be under pressure to perform at the Monaco GP if he wants to retain a seat with Red Bull next year.

Keegan Bradley stayed on track for victory at the Byron Nelson Championship despite again bogeying the par-four 18th.

The Cheetahs beat the Reds 27-13 in Bloemfontein, while the Bulls went second with a 35-18 win over the Highlanders.