Optimism the A-League season will return in mid-July

Football Federation Australia, the 11 clubs and the PFA have reached agreement on a resumption which now just needs sign-off from broadcaster Fox Sports

Phoenix general manager David Dome is hopeful they'll get the tick.

New Zealand's top ranked tennis player Michael Venus is defending his decision not to play in the just launched New Zealand Premier League.

The former French Open doubles champion is the glaring omission from the eight team 24 strong player lineup.

Despite being back in Auckland and practicing while the ATP Tour is on hold, Venus felt the risk of injury is too great.

The Parramatta Eels sit atop the NRL Premiership after demolishing the Brisbane Broncos 34-6 in the competition's first game in two and a half months.

The three from three record is the Eels best start in 27 years but coach Brad Arthur says they can't be too complacent.