Former National Rugby League side Canterbury Bulldogs CEO RAELENE CASTLE is "one of two people on the panel to review the Kiwis' failed Rugby League World Cup campaign." Int'l sports lawyer and elite player manager TIM CASTLE (no relation) will chair the review, which is "set to be completed by March" (STUFF, 11/30). ... Force India Formula 1 co-Owner VIJAY MALLYA reportedly informed the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, which will hear his extradition case next week, that a woman convict, MANJULA SHETYE, "was murdered by the jail staff inside Byculla jail on June 23, and this is one of the reasons why" he should not be "extradited to India." Citing "torture in Indian jails" as a "strong ground" in his defense, Mallya claimed that Shetye's murder is "the reality of jails in India" and he "fears for his life" if he is sent back (TNN, 11/29). ... Argentine Superliga side Independiente President NORAY NAKIS was arrested "on charges of being part of an illicit organization allegedly led by PABLO ÁLVAREZ, the leader of Independiente's barra brava (fan gang)" (AS, 11/30). ... Suspended England cricketer BEN STOKES signed as an overseas player for National Rugby League side Canterbury "as he seeks to maintain match fitness while his assault case is investigated." Stokes arrived in Christchurch on Wednesday to a "hostile Australian media reception" (London GUARDIAN, 11/30).
