Benji tipped to re-sign with Tigers

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Wests Tigers star Benji Marshall tipped to stay at the club. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

SUNDAY is decision day for Tigers superstar Benji Marshall, with club power brokers tipping the five-eighth will finally put pen to paper on an upgraded $1.5 million contract until the end of 2015.

Fresh from a week-long mid-season holiday in Bali with wife Zoe, Marshall arrived back in Sydney on Saturday and will sit down with Tigers boss Grant Mayer as early as today. 

As much as the Tigers have shown Marshall enormous latitude throughout a difficult contract stalemate, there will be an expectation to conform to a new set of standards once the five-eighth commits to being part of a new culture at the club.

"Our hope is that we get some clarity from Benji and his manager no later than Monday," Mayer said.

"Leading into a game against the Warriors at Leichhardt Oval on Friday night, wouldn't it be great news if Benji was remaining a Tiger?"

Under previous coach Tim Sheens, Marshall enjoyed a father-son type of rapport where the playmaker was effectively marked by a different set of rules to the majority of other players. 

This is not the case under new coach Mick Potter, which is why, as The Sunday Telegraph reported a fortnight ago, the working relationship between the pair had become strained after Marshall was dropped to the bench. 

Tigers power brokers are privately convinced Marshall can be a wonderful role model for the next generation of stars in the club's ranks, headed by Curtis Sironen, Luke Brooks, Mitchell Moses, Kyle Lovett, Nathan Brown, Brenden Santi and Bayley Sironen.

But he needs to buy into the new culture the Tigers are building, a shift away from the old guard power clique at Concord led by Sheens, ex-CEO Stephen Humphreys and football manager Warren McDonnell.

In terms of the club's roster, the Tigers are quietly undergoing a change in personnel to fall into line with the club's salary cap issues. Centre Blake Ayshford is going to Cronulla next season, Eddy Pettybourne is off to the UK Super League and Tim Moltzen travelled to St Helens last week and may well approach the club for a release.

Then there are players like Matt Utai, Joel Reddy, Matt Bell and Matt Groat off contract at the end of this season, with the Tigers hell bent on upgrading the likes of Tim Simona, Brooks, Moses, Lovett and Santi.

As there was in 2005 when Sheens won the competition, the Tigers boast one of the best crop of juniors in the NRL. 

The challenge for coach Potter and new boss Mayer is to find them a way to complement the experience of stars like Marshall and Robbie Farah.

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Our own theatre of dreams

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Manchester United's new manager David Moyes poses at Old Trafford Stadium. Source:AAP

TWO words resonate around the world of sport like few others - Manchester United.

They have become so much more than a football team, they are a brand. It is almost the tale of two teams: the one you see sweeping all before them on the park and the mega-club revolutionising the game off the pitch.

Most Australian football fans have grown up on a diet of the Premier League and this week could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

There is an aura about this club, carefully cultivated by Alex Ferguson. Playing at Old Trafford is a almost mythical experience and every Premier League player, every season, marks off that fixture as something special.

It really is the Theatre of Dreams. Playing at Anfield was something similar, with the fans singing You'll Never Walk Alone and knowing the history of these great venues. They are the memories that stay with you forever.

And for a bunch of lucky A-League players, they will create their own memories this Saturday as they come up against Robin van Persie, Rio Ferdinand and some of the biggest names in the world game. To have these players in Australia is massive for the code.

To have Liverpool playing in Melbourne as well shows that our game has made a mark on the world. That's the impact of having marquee players such as Alessandro Del Piero and Shinji Ono in our league.

Every country wants a piece of Manchester United, yet they chose to play here.

We are in a privileged position because we get to usher in a new era with David Moyes taking over from Fergie as manager. In many ways, it was the job you couldn't accept, but also the job you couldn't refuse.

Moyes was handpicked by Fergie - it's a bit like batting after Bradman - and everyone will be looking to see how he handles it.

My first game in England was the Charity Shield in 1994 against Manchester United.

Coming up against the likes of Eric Cantona, Mark Hughes, Paul Ince and the rest at Wembley is something I still cherish.

The magic of United lies in how they have constantly reinvented themselves over that period, often releasing players still at their peak and bringing in new stars to carry on the legacy.

The evolution of United can be seen in the names... Cantona to Beckham to Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani. Up front, it was Mark Hughes, to Ruud Van Nistelrooy to Wayne Rooney and now Robin van Persie.

Ferguson won 38 trophies in his time at Old Trafford - many celebrated clubs haven't lifted that much silverware in their entire history.

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I HAVE been played a hospital pass here and asked to name the best Manchester United team of the Ferguson era.

Where do you start?

Great players such as Steve Bruce, Gary Pallister, Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Cristiano Ronaldo, Van Persie and Bryan Robson didn't make the cut.

Sorry Bozza, but you missed out, too.

It was Eric Cantona - he basically retired with the league trophy on his head - who was the catalyst for United's remarkable run of success and has to be the first player chosen. He remains arguably Ferguson's greatest buy.

Beckham and Giggs and Gary Neville, three guys who came through the youth club's system are in there, proving United's success hasn't been built entirely on a cheque book.

While Chelsea and local rivals Manchester City have bought fleeting success, Fergie has built an empire.

And that's his gift to world football.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Force tame wild Brumbies in west

Over and out ... Western Force send Richard Brown out a winner. Source: Justin Benson-cooper / News Limited

THE Brumbies were given a major reality check heading into the Super Rugby finals on Saturday night, suffering a shock 21-15 defeat to the lowly Force at Perth's nib Stadium.

3 Tries 2
Matthew Hodgson 22'	Tevita Kuridrani 49'
Ben McCalman 40'	Scott Fardy 66'
Junior Rasolea 46'
3 Conversions 1
Jayden Hayward 24'	Christian Lealiifano 50'
Jayden Hayward 40'
Jayden Hayward 47'
0 Penalties 1
	Christian Lealiifano 34'

The Force scored three tries to two to secure just their fourth win of the season, the result scuppering any chance the Brumbies had of snaring second spot on the table and a home semi-final.

Australia Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Brumbies	10	4	2	135	8	60
2	Reds	10	4	2	25	6	58
3	Waratahs	8	8	0	40	5	45
4	Melbourne Rebels	5	11	0	-133	9	37
5	Western Force	4	11	1	-99	5	31
New Zealand Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Chiefs	12	4	0	94	10	66
2	Crusaders	11	5	0	139	8	60
3	Blues	6	10	0	-17	12	44
4	Hurricanes	6	10	0	-71	9	41
5	Highlanders	3	13	0	-122	9	29
South Africa Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Bulls	12	3	0	135	7	63
2	Cheetahs	10	6	0	24	6	54
3	Stormers	8	7	0	37	6	46
4	Sharks	7	8	0	34	7	43
5	Southern Kings	3	11	1	-221	2	24

The Brumbies still finished the regular season on top of the Australian conference and third overall, meaning they'll take on the Cheetahs in an elimination final in Canberra next week.

But the Brumbies might find it hard to overcome the mental effects of arguably their worst performance of the season.

A whopping 17 handling errors ruined their chances of victory, but they also endured several forgettable moments in which key players made unusual mistakes.

Twice in the second half, fullback Jesse Mogg failed to kick the ball into touch after being awarded penalties.

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But flyhalf Matt Toomua was left the most embarrassed in the 79th minute when he caught Jayden Hayward's missed shot on goal but forgot to touch the ball down.

Instead, he threw it 15m forward to a teammate, resulting in a Force scrum.

Although the Force finished last in the Australian conference - and 13th overall - they can take heart from wins over the Brumbies, Reds and Crusaders, as well as the Highlanders.

Wallabies forward Hugh McMeniman was stretchered off in the 66th minute after injuring his neck while contesting a breakdown.

And lock Sam Wykes limped off with a leg injury.

The Force entered the match eager to atone for their 41-7 thumping at the hands of the Brumbies back in April.

A pre-match downpour made for slippery conditions and both teams were guilty of committing a glut of unforced knock-ons in a scrappy opening 20 minutes.

The Brumbies looked particularly rusty and a dropped high ball from Toomua led to the Force's first try.

Toomua's mistake gave the Force great field position and Matt Hodgson barged over shortly after when he took a quick tap from a penalty.

Brumbies centre Christian Lealiifano finally got the visitors on the board via a 34th-minute penalty but the Force struck again on the stroke of half-time.

Once again it was a quick-tap that caught the Brumbies off guard, with scrumhalf Alby Mathewson offloading to Ben McCalman for the try.

The margin blew out to 18 points in the 46th minute when a sweet offload from Force winger Nick Cummins gifted Junior Rasolea a nicely-worked breakaway try.

But the Brumbies hit back hard, with tries to Tevita Kuridrani and Scott Fardy cutting the deficit to just six points with 14 minutes to play.

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Australia start well in record chase

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Chris Rogers got his highest Test score on day four of the first Ashes Test. Source:Getty Images

SHANE Watson has failed to capitalise on another good start after Australia began strongly chasing a history-making victory in the first Test at Trent Bridge.

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The all-rounder was leg before wicket to Stuart Broad for 46, leading Australia 1-84 midway though the fourth day, needing another 227 to win. Chris Rogers was unbeaten on 38.

England set Australia 311 to win, a formidable target with no team chasing more for victory at the ground than the 284 England made against New Zealand in 2004.

Watson has made just two centuries in 42 Tests. On day four he played across the first ball after drinks in the middle session and immediately reviewed the decision.

The review showed the ball was just clipping leg stump.

Resuming at 6-326, 261 in front, England extended the lead to 291 before the villain of day three, Stuart Broad, was caught behind for 65 pushing at James Pattinson once too often.

If Steve Harmison set the tone for 2006-07 with his famously wayward opening ball that flew to Andrew Flintoff at second slip then Mitchell Starc appeared to set the tone with his first ball on day four.

A shoulder high full toss wide of Bell almost skittled captain Michael Clarke at slip on the way to the boundary for five no balls.

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Two deliveries later a lower full toss was guided by Bell between slip and gully to the boundary and he moved to 99 with Australia recklessly conceding runs that will be so hard to come by batting last.

More wasteful runs came three deliveries into the second over when Broad edged a ball from James Pattinson between Michael Clarke at first slip and Shane Watson at second.

It was catchable height but sailed unimpeded to the boundary as the fieldsmen looked at each other, giving Broad his 10th Test half-century.

In the following over Bell pushed a ball from Starc to point and a diving Ashton Agar could not gather it cleanly, offering the single that brought up three figures.

It gave Bell his 18th Test century but none have been more significant. He came to the wicket with England just 66 ahead and guided his side into a strong position at the start of an Ashes series.

Broad went for 65 caught behind off Pattinson pushing outside the off stump once too often, and Bell was caught behind for 109 after spending almost six and a half hours at the creased batting Australia out of the match.

The tail feel quickly, with Graeme Swann (9) edging a ball from Peter Siddle into the slips.

This time Clarke and Watson both want for the catch, with Clarke taking the ball in front of his former vice-captain.

Jimmy Anderson bunted a simple catch to Phil Hughes at short mid-wicket, giving Siddle three wickets for the innings and eight for the match.

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First-class Punter finishes with ton

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Ricky Ponting ... scores a ton for Surrey in his last first-class innings. Source: Nigel French / AAP

RICKY Ponting has scored a century in his final first-class cricket match.

Playing for English county Surrey, Australia's former Test captain hit Nottinghamshire's left-arm spinner Samit Patel for four late in the first session of the fourth and final day of their clash at The Oval in London.

It brought up Ponting's 82nd first-class hundred in his 289th match.

The milestone came a day after he surpassed the 24,000-run mark as Surrey look to save the match after conceding a massive 212-run first-innings deficit.

Ponting retired from Test cricket last December after the series loss to South Africa with a phenomenal record of 13,378 runs in 168 matches over 17 years.

Given Australia's continued batting woes in the first Ashes Test at Nottinghamshire's home ground of Trent Bridge, Ponting's former Australian teammate and new national coach Darren Lehmann could do worse than to try one last time to convince the 38-year-old to make a rushed return to the Test arena.

Last month, Ponting announced he will retire from all forms of the game in October after the Champions League Twenty20 tournament where he'll turn out for his Indian Premier League team the Mumbai Indians.

"While I'm enjoying my cricket as much as ever, it just feels like the right time to finish playing,'' he told reporters in England on June 21.

"My body and mind are in great shape and I know I'm going to really enjoy these last few months before the next stage of life begins.''

Australian cricket fans might be hoping Lehmann can talk Ponting into hanging around in England a little longer with four Ashes Tests over the next six weeks.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Absolute need for Origin victory

Mitchell Pearce during State of Origin Game 1, NSW v QLD at ANZ Stadium. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

NO one has summed up the Origin series so far better than National coach, Tim Sheens.

While all of us have had an opinion on the differences between Game I and II, Sheens put it succinctly on NRL 360 last week, "In both games it's been a case of one team just wanting to win, versus another who absolutely needs to win." 

So true.

In Game I NSW exploded out of the tunnel, certain in the knowledge that they absolutely needed to win. 

Going to Brisbane a game down would be nothing short of catastrophic.

Queensland on the other hand were like an old boxing champion, happy to lose the first few rounds with the belief they'd deliver the knockout when needed.

They never got into the fight 1-0 NSW.

In Game II the story is the opposite, NSW arrive with a natural desire to win but in the back of their minds they know it's not essential, at worst, a home decider awaits.

For Queensland, it's definite, they absolutely need to win and the ferocity of their opening 20 minutes highlights that.

In Game II from the opening Maroons run you could see the change of mindset, the fear of losing had returned to their preparation and sharpened their resolve.

If this match were a heavyweight title fight, the referee would've stopped it at the 20-minute mark. 

One-all.

Tim Sheens' insight on NRL 360 highlighted that in State of Origin just being "up for the contest", isn't enough.

Physically and emotionally, a team and the individuals need to be sky high. That's very difficult to do. You have only so many of those games in you.

To get there, the contest has to mean a lot more than just wanting to win.

Mal Meninga stated in his Queensland newspaper column, that after seventh series win that the job doesn't get any easier. 

I can imagine for Mal, the job of finding ways to keep this champion squad focused and hungry would in fact get increasingly more difficult.

That's why in the same column he challenged his players, "Is the desperation still there? Is doing the one percenters, which are the difference between victory and defeat still important to us?"

What makes Origin deciders so special is that I guarantee both teams will turn up to ANZ Stadium with more than just the "want to win".

So if both teams turn up with the necessary desperation it will come down to focus, confidence and execution under extreme pressure.

Let's narrow the contest right down.

Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith versus Mitchell Pearce, James Maloney and Robbie Farah.

The key men who control the tempo, the direction, the creativity and the kicking games will decide this.

In society these days we try to hide brutal realities of life.

At school there's no pass or fail, in junior sport you still get a ribbon if you finish last in the race, but thankfully Mitchell Pearce is fully aware of the truth of his situation.

This for Mitchell, is a career defining contest. After Wednesday night his career will in one way or another be different.

Guide the Blues to victory and Pearce will feel emancipated from the critics and the pressure that has weighed on him in recent years.

In defeat, in his own words, will most probably mean the end of his Origin career, as coaches look elsewhere for the man who can lead NSW into an era of dominance.

No one needs to win this contest more than Pearce.

Maybe Tim Sheens' comment that the "Absolute need of victory" is the key to a great Origin performance, tells us that on Wednesday night we will see the Mitchell Pearce we have been waiting for. Let's hope so...

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Origin hate spills into Test team

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Greg Bird and Greg Inglis during a brawl during State of Origin 2. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

NSW Origin specialist Greg Bird has claimed relations between the Blues and Maroons players have reached a bitter climax, with personal tensions now flowing over into the Australian Test team.

According to Bird, the resentment of watching Queensland gloat over seven straight Origin wins has bred a new-found hatred in NSW players that's being actively passed to newcomers in the team.

The first hint of strained relations within the national squad came at the end of last October's Test win over New Zealand, when Maroons players ripped into a rendition of Queensland's victory song during the trophy presentation.

Blues skipper Paul Gallen has also spoken about players from the rival states eating meals at separate tables while in Test camp.

But ahead of next Wednesday's decider, Bird provided another insight of just how far the rivalry has deepened.

"I think the rivalry is a lot bigger," Bird said.

"You can tell in the Australian team that the rivalry is there. 

"It's definitely stronger than back in 2007 when I debuted."

Asked for examples that illustrated the green and gold split, Bird responded: "Little things you notice with the naked eye. The feeling between the two teams. I enjoy it."

Bird said previous coach Ricky Stuart had reinvigorated a culture of hate within the Blues squad.

Rather than be content to just to reach Origin, Bird said incoming Blues players were being encouraged to enter the game's loftiest arena with hate for their rivals.

"I probably had not learned all there was to learn about hatred," he said.

"I think that was revisited through the Ricky Stuart era.

"That's something this squad is built on and we're trying to pass it down to the next group of players.

"You realise it's not just another game. As a younger player I was just happy to be there. Now I've been playing for a while you know what it's like. You realise the intensity of the emotion."

Bird said his hate for Queensland came from the pain of losing so many times.

"I definitely hate losing ... everything comes from that," he said.

"If we were on the other side and won seven series in a row, I don't know if the hatred is as strong."

Bird is yet to play in a Sydney decider, having been robbed of his only chance by a knee injury in 2008.

Fate appeared set to repeat itself when Bird rolled his ankle on Saturday, but the tough lock rated himself a "certainty" to play after casting off his moon boot on Wednesday.

Gallen is also expected to overcome a foot injury to line-up, giving the long-time friends a chance to create history together.

"We've had all the highs and lows with each other," Bird said.

"We've never been involved in a grand final. Origin is the be-all and end-all, this is our biggest game." 

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LIVE: First Ashes Test, day two

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Mitchell Starc celebrates the wicket of Joe Root during day two. Source: Laurence Griffiths / Getty Images

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LIVE: Join us as the first Ashes Test resumes at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.

Australia is precariously placed at 4/75 after they rolled England for 215 on day one. Can the Aussies settle in or are the wickets going to continue to tumble?

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JOIN US FOR LIVE COVERAGE OF EVERY MOMENT OF THE ASHES SERIES FROM THE FIRST BALL, INCLUDING A LIVE MATCH CENTRE WITH SCORES, STATS, HAWKEYE DISPLAY OF EVERY DELIVERY AND VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS THROUGHOUT EACH SESSION

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Live: first Ashes Test, day one

Peter Siddle celebrates the wicket of Jonathan Trott at Trent Bridge. Source: Getty Images

Welcome to our live coverage of the first Ashes Test from Trent Bridge.

For all the best late mail, scroll further down this story for an excellent analysis from the Herald Sun's Jamie Tate.

Otherwise, stay tuned for all the latest scores, analysis, videos and reaction from social media.

Join us for live coverage of every moment of the Ashes series from the first ball tonight, including a live match centre with scores, stats, Hawkeye display of every delivery and video highlights throughout each session.

[View the story "Live: First Ashes Test, Day One" on Storify]

The first of 10 Ashes Tests to take place over the next six months kicks off tonight at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.

If the series lives up to half the hype, we're in for a gripping contest.

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So what can we expect this evening?

TEAMS

BREAKING SELECTION: Australia all-rounder Steve Smith will make his Ashes debut, beating Dave Warner for Australia's No.6 spot.

Warner was heavily tipped to play in the opening Test at Trent Bridge despite not having played for a month after being stood down for behavioural reasons.

Smith adds an extra spin option for Darren Lehmann's side, with the pitch expected dry-out towards the back-end of the Test.

Fast bowlers Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc and James Pattinson all rested from Australia's optional net session last night at which fellow quicks Ryan Harris, Jackson Bird and James Faulkner all took part.

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It was a sure sign Siddle will join Starc and Pattinson alongside Nathan Lyon tonight.

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England has one decision to make - Steven Finn or Tim Bresnan. Bresnan might win out for his ability to deliver reverse swing, especially considering talk of a very dry pitch.

Bresnan has taken four or more wickets in a Test five times - three of those have been at Trent Bridge.

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PITCH

MICHAEL Clarke noted with surprise when he first saw the pitch last Sunday that it was ready to play on then.

Maybe it's a CEO's pitch. Maybe the Wednesday start has conspired to produce a batsman-friendly strip that's sure to last five days. When every day at the 16,000 capacity is a sellout, there's a lot of coin on the line for England cricket authorities.

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Notably, the pitch has been under cover the past two days despite plenty of sunshine and no threat of rain. Is the curator worried about the pitch deteriorating too quickly?

Expect the captain who wins the toss tonight to bat without hesitation and a first-innings score of 400 will be the pass mark.

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The past nine Tests have all been results, expect this to provide a winner, too. The team batting first has won six of those matches.

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BIG THREAT

GRAEME Swann looms ever large.

He has a modest Test record at his home county ground, three wickets at 65 runs apiece, but with hot weather and an Australian batting line-up loaded with left-handers, he could be the decisive player come days three, four and five.

This bloke should really be playing for us. You have to love the attitude of a man who had this to say at a lead-up press conference: "Hopefully we can provide a lot of people with a lot of reasons to get very drunk ... If I wasn't playing in this series I would be standing in a pub come Thursday afternoon for six weeks solid cheering on England.''

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THE PUNT

UNLESS nerves take hold of batsmen, this match could be a slow burn to start with before catching fire at the end.

Don't be surprised to see plenty of runs on the first three days, which would open up betting opportunities.

If you like either England ($1.95 at the TAB) or Australia ($3.50), don't take the odds offered pre-match, wait for something around $3 for England and/or $7 Australia inside the first two days.

When the pitch wears late in the game, those odds could bring gold. The draw is currently $3.75 and should stay tight in the first two or three days.

Shane Watson could hardly be in better touch and looks a strong option to be Australia's highest scorer in the first innings ($4.50 at the TAB).

Kevin Pietersen's Test average at Trent Bridge (465 runs @ 38.8) is better than any of his teammates at the venue. He's also $4.50 to score most first innings runs for England.

But the England group is a much more open market. Watson is by far the better value.

Australia's XI: Shane Watson, Chris Rogers, Ed Cowan, Michael Clarke (C), Phil Hughes, Steve Smith, Brad Haddin, Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon.

Join us for live coverage of every moment of the Ashes series from the first ball tonight, including a live match centre with scores, stats, Hawkeye display of every delivery and video highlights throughout each session

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Points system under review

AFL football operatons manager Mark Evans will review the points system used by the match review panel. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Colleen Petch / Herald Sun

THE AFL will look at a new system where it could send incidents straight to the tribunal if the points system is deemed to have produced an unacceptable result.

AFL football boss Mark Evans last night said a review at the end of the season would determine if a mechanism could be introduced if the match review panel's points system had produced either an excessive or inadequate penalty.

"I'd like to explore how we could directly refer to the tribunal more," Evans said.

Evans admitted he believed the match review panel could have misjudged Crow Shaun McKernan's hit on Eagle Brad Sheppard, which was adjudicated as reckless - not intentional - which meant McKernan received a two-week penalty with an early plea.

A change of laws would see the tribunal decide the penalty if, after the points were totalled, there was a belief it was manifestly light.

The review would also looking at clarifying the points system when it involves carryover points, good and bad records and early pleas.

"I would like to find a way to simplify the grading," Evans said.

He argued people looked at the outcome rather than the process, and that improved communication could help understanding.

The football world was largely shocked by the McKernan penalty, led by the Scott brothers, who this week joined forces to condemn aspects of the match review panel process.

North Melbourne coach Brad Scott yesterday said McKernan's ban - for elbowing Sheppard to the face - was far too lenient.

Scott's gripe also included the use of carryover points, which had clearly affected the length of suspensions of his robust midfielder Jack Ziebell. He said he expected Evans to make changes.

"Mark Evans has made it fairly clear that there needs to be changes to the match review panel, whether they be subtle or otherwise," Scott said.

'"Jack Ziebell got a three-week suspension for his incident and Shaun McKernan got two.

"I know you can talk about loadings and all these things ... but it's just not right.

"It's not right that we're losing players for two weeks for a pretty serious incident, and Lindsay Thomas, he should have got a week for stupidity (for his headbutt on Giant Jacob Townsend) but he got two (because of) his loading.

"Mark Evans is well aware of that and I think there'll be some changes at the end of the year. How sweeping I'm not sure but it's clear there needs to be some change."

On Monday, Geelong's Chris Scott said: "I think the system's flawed ... clearly. For that to be worth two weeks ... I think everyone in the world would say, well, that just doesn't smell right."

Evan said every match was reviewed in its entirety by at least one member of the match review panel.

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Gal and Bird to test out injuries

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Paul Gallen and Greg Bird watch from the sidelines as the NSW Blues train at Parramatta Stadium. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: Gregg Porteous / The Daily Telegraph

Injured NSW enforcers Paul Gallen and Greg Bird could run Thursday in a bid to prove their fitness ahead of Wednesday night's State of Origin decider.

Blues coach Laurie Daley on Wednesday night told The Daily Telegraph that both players were walking around without their moon boots on - now it was just a case of waiting to see if they run.

In the countdown to what will be the biggest game in Origin history, the inspirational NSW captain is nursing a foot injury that has kept him out of action since Origin II on June 26, while Bird has a painful ankle injury he suffered last weekend playing for the Titans.

Daley said: "Depending on how they are feeling, we might try and run them (Thursday). If they don't run (today) we will try it again on Friday.

"Then we will see how they pull up on Saturday and make a decision from there."

Asked if his gut feeling was they would play, Daley said: "I really can't say. It just depends on how sore they are. We really have to wait for them to run to know any more. We will be guided by how they respond after they put pressure on (the injuries)."

If Gallen is forced out of the game, hooker Robbie Farah will take over as captain - but Farah reckons it will take more than a sore foot and a moon boot to keep Gallen out of an Origin game as important as this one.

"Gal's going to be fine unless someone cuts his leg off," Farah said.

"He's a tough competitor. I know how much it means to him to be out there with us and we hope he's going to be out there with us."

Gallen and Bird are NSW's two most experienced players following Jarryd Hayne's withdrawal with 16 and 13 Origin appearances respectively.

Hayne has played 17 games for NSW but is already out with a hamstring injury.

Paul Gallen and Greg Bird watch from the sidelines as the NSW Blues train at Parramatta Stadium. Picture: Gregg Porteous

The last thing NSW needs now is to lose the Bash Brothers as the Blues try and end Queensland's seven years of Origin dominance.

But Daley remained upbeat Wednesday night, saying if they are forced out he has confidence Aaron Woods and Boyd Cordner are up for the job.

Woods made his Origin debut in Brisbane while Cordner has been one of the form players in the NRL and at 21 is already part of the Roosters' leadership group.

Daley said both youngsters had fitted in well this week and would be ready if their opportunity comes.

"They have been here all week so it is a great advantage having them here," Daley said. "They have both been terrific."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Siddle turns first Test on its head

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Peter Siddle celebrates the wicket of Jonathan Trott at Trent Bridge. Source:Getty Images

PETER Siddle has ripped the heart out of England in a spectacular start to the Ashes series.

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After a slow start, Siddle claimed 5-22 in 51 balls as England slumped to 6-185 at tea. 

Siddle had 5-50 from 14 overs at the break, his eighth five-wicket haul in 42 Tests.

Australia's most experienced bowler, he was under pressure to hold his place in the team after poor form in warm-up matches.

His first four-over spell from the Pavilion End was disappointing, going for 27 runs, but the instant captain Michael Clarke moved Siddle to the Radcliffe Road end he turned the game on its head.

After his Dandenong club mate James Pattinson had England captain Alastair Cook caught behind for 13, continuing his poor record at Trent Bridge, Siddle cut a swath through the England batting.

He delivered a wonderful yorker to Joe Root (30), which swung away late from the right hander, flying past the outside edge of his bat and crashing into the base of off stump.

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Follow every ball of the first Test with our Ashes Match Centre, featuring video of every wicket!

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Kevin Pietersen could have been dismissed for just one when he tickled a ball from Pattinson down the leg side. Wicket-keeper Brad Haddin dived desperately but the ball flew under his left glove on the way to the boundary.

However Pietersen (14) became the victim of his own ego shortly after lunch, playing too hard at a ball from Siddle which moved away, taking the outside edge and flying to Clarke at second slip.

Trott had been the pick of England's batsmen, striking the ball wonderfully from the moment he replaced Cook at the crease.

It was a surprise then when he dragged another full delivery from Siddle into the stumps on 48, leaving England 4-124.  

He then removed Ian Bell (25) with a wonderful outswinger. Catching Bell in two minds whether to leave or play, he limply pushed at the ball with an angled bat, edging to Shane Watson at first slip.

Then Matt Prior (1) appeared to fall for a sucker ball, slapping a short, wide delivery straight to Phil Hughes at a strategically placed forward point, leaving heavy Ashes favourites England in trouble at 6-180.

If shock selection Ashton Agar was hoping for a Shane Warne moment with his first ball in an Ashes Test it failed to materialise.

Agar was brought on little more than an hour into this Ashes series but sadly for the nervous 19-year-old his first delivery was a low full toss which Trott drove through the covers to the boundary.

To be fair Agar bowled just one other ball which was scored from in his initial three-over spell, a short delivery that was cut for four, as his drift and drop troubled Trott at times.

Warne had already played 11 Tests and taken 31 wickets when he delivered "that ball" which bowled Mike Gatting during the 1993 tour. Agar has taken 31 wickets in his 10 first class games.

Cook has had a terrible time at Trent Bridge. In his six previous Tests at the ground Cook had averaged just 19.5 and has never made a half-century there but has dominated on every other ground in England and many around the world.

His wicket came against the flow of a nervous start by the Australian bowlers.

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Time for Clarke to take control: AB

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Allan Border believes Michael Clarke's off-field leadership still needs some work. Picture: Brett Costello. Source:News Limited

THERE are three parts to being a cricket captain and Michael Clarke has two of them absolutely nailed.

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The two hardest parts are performing as a batsman and being a shrewd on-field tactician and he gets a double tick for both. 

The third one, being an off-field leader, is the easiest of the three, but the one that remains a work in progress. 

I can't blame him for taking time to get this one right.  I was exactly the same, but the time has come for Michael to take firm control of the side. 

It took me a long time to work out that there is more to captaincy than simply walking out with the team. 

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PICK AUSTRALIA'S BEST ASHES XI HERE

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The turning point for me was the 1989 Ashes Tour, where I made a concerted effort to embrace the full parameters of the job. 

If I had three days off on the 1985 tour, I would leave the team for a brief break but, in 1989, I decided to stay with the team and I'm glad I did.  

I realised there were little spot fires which could be quickly doused if I was permanently around the team. 

Sometimes just being there sent the right message.  

Even doing little things such as carrying the drinks or throwing balls in the nets helps because it is the captain setting an example.  

There have been some observations about Michael not going to Champions Trophy games when he had a back injury, yet turning up to Shane Warne's charity game. 

On the surface this doesn't seem to be a big deal, but with a bit of turmoil going on I don't believe it was a good public relations exercise. 

Michael likes to get away and do his own thing and that's fine.  

When he had his back injury in India, I think he should have stayed with the team for the last Test rather than return home.  

I know Michael will be up for the challenge of being the off-field leader the side needs.  

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It's on for green and gold as Australia fights to bring home the Ashes, LIVE in HD on Fox Sports. Fox Sports will lead its coverage of each Test with extensive pre-game coverage spearheaded by Allan Border and his former teammates Mark Waugh and Damien Fleming, as well as past Aussie Ashes stars Brendon Julian and Greg Blewett.

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• No.2: Botham's Headingley heroics, 1981
• No.3: Edgbaston heartbreak, 2005
• No.4: Waugh's defining moment, 2002/03
• No.5: Thommo's heroic failure, 1982-83
• No.6: Harmison's first-ball shocker, 2006-07
• No.7: Australia's 329-run opening stand, 1989
• No.8: Warne's hat-trick, 1994-95
• No.9: Michael Slater's century, 1993
• No.10: Warne, McGrath, Langer retire, 2006-07
• No.11: Gilchrist's majestic 152, 2001
• No.12: England end 24-year drought, 2010-2011
• No.13: Tugga's twin centuries, 1997
• No.14: Boonie's huge beer haul, 1989
• No.15: KP makes a big statement, 2005
• No.16: Mark Waugh's ton on debut, 1990-91
• No.17: Reid destroys England, 1990-91
• No.18: Siddle's birthday bonanza, 2010-11
• No.19: Gough's hat-trick, 1998-99 
• No.20: Tubby's century under fire, 1997
• No.21: Alderman's crash tackle, 1982-83
• No.22: Pigeon takes flight, 2002-03
• No.23: Nasser's toss woes, 2002-03
• No.24: Punter the match-saver, 2005
• No.25: Panesar's batting heroics, 2009
• No.26: Alderman's English mastery, 1981 & 1989
• No.27: Warne's 700th wicket, 2006-07
• No.28: Peter Who? Come in spinner, 1986-87
• No.29: McGrath's magic milestone, 2005
• No.30: Flintoff's fond farewell, 2009
• No.31: David Gower's joyride, 1990-91
• No.32: Flintoff's maiden Ashes ton, 2005
• No.33: Botham's match-winning hundred, 1986-87
• No.34: Gary Pratt's run out, 2005
• No.35: Hussey's Adelaide heroics, 2006-07

I can appreciate that he spends a good deal of time with the team and probably craves the company of other non-cricketing friends after hours, but there are just times when a captain needs to spend extra time with his men. 

This could be as simple as going out to dinner with a teammate or taking an interest in what the boys are doing off the field.   

Leadership is a broad package and people have different strengths.   

Some captains are magnificent leaders of men, but struggle as players. Few people get it all.  

The really hard stuff is playing well on the field; the easier part is being the leader. It can be an acquired thing. I found that.   

As Australia works at meshing as a unit off the field, I was heartened to hear new coach Darren Lehmann insisting his players spend time in the dressing room after stumps whether they are having a quiet beer or a Coke.  

I am a bit of a back-to-the-future man when it comes to team bonding.  

Cricket has come a long way with sports science, but I do think it would not hurt the game to occasionally loosen its top button.  

If an Australian player is seen drinking in a bar during a Test, it has been seen as an absolute "no no" and he is likely to be instant Twitter fodder.  

This is a shame because a few quiet beers after a day's play never hurt anyone and, in fact, spawned many a long lasting friendship.  

As I write this, Australia continues to mull over their side and my hope is that when the XI is finalised Ryan Harris makes the cut.  

For the last few months I have felt that Australia may need an X Factor to win this series, someone to provide that slice of Terry Alderman-style magic and Harris looks the man most likely to provide it.

He has a fabulous strike rate and, to me, he is a better current option than Peter Siddle, who has some bursts where he produces excellent returns but then goes quiet. 

Siddle remains a bit up a down for my liking and his form seems to have regressed since Craig McDermott left as the bowling coach.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cooper ready for return: McKenzie

The Wallabies door has re-opened for Quade Cooper with the appointment of Ewen McKenzie. Source: Chris McCormack / News Limited

AUSTRALIA'S new coach Ewen McKenzie is convinced Quade Cooper is ready for Test rugby again and has been given the charter to use him in a creative overhaul of the Wallabies.

The "Dingo cull" yesterday put an Australian drawl to the Wallabies bark for the first time since 2007.

"We have the players. Get the head space and the tactics right and we can put a lot of pressure on the All Blacks, not once but twice (next month) because we want the Bledisloe Cup back," McKenzie said.

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"I don't want to ease into it. There's no better job, no better coaching assignment, than to pit yourself against the All Blacks. To get another crack at the All Blacks is terrific and from that good things can flow."

It all points to Cooper playing flyhalf against the All Blacks on August 17 in Sydney and wayward Wallaby James O'Connor going into the lottery for a wing or bench role.

McKenzie was more diplomatic with his words than the Reds tie he wore to yesterday's Wallabies coaching announcement.

"Quade has matured and is ready to play Test rugby again. I know it will have hurt him watching the Lions series when he would have backed himself to make a difference," McKenzie said.

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"When you miss out, absence focuses the mind. Quade is in a good space, but it's not a matter of one player. I haven't made any calls yet and I don't have a closed mind."

McKenzie has the stamp of approval from the top because Australian Rugby Union boss Bill Pulver said "re-energising" the game was a top priority in the thorough process that selected the new coach.

"Arguably the most important variable of all is that Ewen has the capability of coaching the way the Australian public want to see the game played...smart, creative running rugby," Pulver said.

The All Blacks won't be shaking in their boots at Cooper being redeployed because his roles in two wins are balanced by his poor 2011 World Cup semi-final and numerous flawed moments behind beaten packs.

It is McKenzie who holds the key to unlocking the 38-Test wildcard's best, as he has at the Reds for four seasons, by allowing Cooper a big buy-in on game strategy.

High workrate Reds prop James Slipper is another heading for a role upgrade for the August 17 Test.

Those who had grown stale with axed coach Robbie Deans gambling too little on attack will be buoyed by McKenzie promising a transfusion of innovative, risk-taking intent for the Wallabies squad.

After 51 Tests as a Wallabies prop, time as a Wallabies assistant coach and more than 20 years in Australian rugby at all levels, McKenzie thinks he knows what makes Australian rugby tick.

"The Australian team has done well, from a cultural point of view, when skills are to the fore and we play with intelligence. We've done our best work when those are in play over the last 30 or 40 years," McKenzie said.

McKenzie, 48, knocked back the Wallabies job for the 20-month run to the 2007 World Cup.

"I was offered this job once before and declined because I wasn't ready. All the work I've done in rugby has channelled me to this point and I feel I can make a difference," McKenzie said.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Aussie win all about attitude: Waugh

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Michael Clarke leads his team from the field during day four of the tour match against Worcestershire. Source:Getty Images

AS Michael Clarke makes his way to the middle of Trent Bridge for the toss with England's Alistair Cook, his stomach will be churning with a mixture of nerves, apprehension and excitement.

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Over the next six months they will confront each other on 10 occasions, with one captain guaranteed to have his reputation and record enhanced, and one left to ponder his defeat and subsequent chorus of doubters. 

Make no mistake, these back-to-back Ashes campaigns provide these two captains an opportunity to leave a legacy and to charter a course back to the top in Test Match cricket.

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However, Clarke's focus needs to stay in the present and that begins by acknowledging and embracing the capacity crowds and recognising there will be plenty of Aussie supporters to ease the tensions and celebrate their positive play. 

Many of the team will have played league cricket, county cricket or been on Australia A tours and should be familiar with the playing conditions and intricacies of the crowd behavior. 

There should be no surprise in that regard for any of the team and Michael Clarke needs to reinforce to all that they must enjoy and relax in the way they play their cricket.  It will be reassuring for the captain to have a coach in Darren Lehmann whose DNA is encoded with an excess of fun games.

Many captains place an undue emphasis on the outcome of the toss and Clarke must convey an attitude of it doesn't matter what we do first so long as we do it with purpose and intent. 

The first session of the first Test will often set the tone for the whole series, so it is essential that his team is switched on from ball one and that they play without fear or hesitation. 

A team will be a reflection of its leader and as such, Clarke needs to be energised without being over the top, focused but also open to improvisation, but above all, controlled and authoritative under pressure.

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Pick your Australia XI for the first Ashes Test.

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Often a team will target the opposing captain or premier batsman in the hope of wounding their spearhead, which often has a domino effect on the whole team. Australia has a golden opportunity to accomplish both by honing in on Alistair Cook, a relative newcomer to captaincy but without doubt one of the best batsman in the world. 

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Back in 1989 we developed a strategy against Graham Gooch where we employed two short mid-wickets to encourage him to play across the line, to hit the ball towards the gap at square leg. 

Consequently Terry Alderman trapped him numerous times LBW and more significantly wore him down mentally to the point he made himself unavailable towards the end of the series, which signaled a significant victory for our planning and execution.

What we also did well back in 1989, and must be emulated by Clarke's men, is to play the 'Aussie way'.

This means backing yourself in all situations, attacking rather than retracting, exuding positive body language, hustle when running between the wickets, exhibiting energy in the field and batting and bowling in partnerships. 

They must display an element of 'mongrel' in the play and not back down when confronted.  They must claim the high ground and put their flag well and truly in the turf. 

Key men at Clarke's disposal here are Pattinson, Siddle, Watson and Haddin, who are all capable of dishing it out but crucially backing up with performance. 

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Clarke will need to have players capable of the X factor in the field, who can turn a game with an individual piece of brilliance and it is here we may have an edge in Warner and Smith, presuming they both play.  

Catching was the defining factor in our '89 Ashes 4-0 victory and again I believe the side that fields the best will win the series. 

Catching in the cordon will be critical to success, especially at first slip where the captain really excels, and along with Haddin and Watson, they may alone hold the key to victory.

Back in 1989 we began the series by being labelled the worst touring team ever to contest the Ashes, but what these experts hadn't factored in was the unbreakable team bond that we formed as we journeyed up and down the motorways.

Each victory gave us strength and belief but the number one factor for all of us was the enjoyment we got from seeing our mates succeed and the notion that the team always came before the individual. =

If Michael Clarke can help cultivate this attitude then he may well hold that little urn aloft, not once but twice in the coming months.

* Steve Waugh's book, The Meaning Of Luck, will be released next month. Log on to stevewaughbooks.com.au for more information.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Secret meeting key to NSW victory

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Blues coach Laurie Daley talks to players during a New South Wales Blues State of Origin training session. Source: Mark Metcalfe / Getty Images

A SECRET players meeting at League Central two weeks ago could hold the key to NSW reversing seven years of Origin misery.

Josh Dugan, Jarryd Hayne, Michael Jennings, Josh Morris, Brett Morris, James Maloney, Mitchell Pearce, James Tamou, Robbie Farah, Paul Gallen (c), Ryan Hoffman, Luke Lewis, Greg Bird. Interchange: Anthony Watmough, Andrew Fifita, Trent Merrin, Josh Reynolds, James McManus, Boyd Cordner, Aaron Woods.

Consumed by desire to end Queensland's dynasty, Blues coach Laurie Daley called a series of gatherings with his most important stars in the immediate wake of their Origin II defeat in Brisbane.

But the most crucial shapes as a 3 July briefing between Daley, other coaching staff and the team's attacking brains trust: Mitchell Pearce, James Maloney and Robbie Farah.

It took place at League Central in Moore Park two Wednesday nights ago, with Daley taking his halves and hooker through a DVD of the Brisbane horror show.

While Farah was solid in the middle, Maloney and Pearce did not have enough field position to properly execute their kicking game.

Maloney was also down on himself for a crucial missed tackle on Queensland behemoth Sam Thaiday, who terrorised the Blues' left edge defence.

But according to all three players, Daley was remarkably upbeat.

"We just went through a bit of video," Pearce said.

"From the outside it's very narrow-minded about what went wrong in games.

"People say, 'It was this or it was that'. But there's so much other stuff that goes in that only us in the four walls know, whether it's structural things or things we didn't handle set backs in the game.

"That's what we pretty much spoke about. We all had our own opinions and the coaches had theirs.

"We spoke about what we needed to do as halves and the hooker to drive that during the week.

"I've got full confidence that if we stick to what we practice, we've got the team to do it."

Daley confirmed he'd also meet with the senior player group prior to entering camp for Game Three, but did hold any extra meetings after NSW's series opening win in Sydney.

"It was a week after the Origin. It's important to get your halves together before you come back into camp," Pearce added.

"We all had pretty similar ideas of what we needed to do better.

"After the game there's so much isolated stuff that gets mentioned after a loss, but footy is a snowball effect  from your defence to your attack  it all rolls into one."

The rookie Origin mentor strived to remind them of how tiny efforts and momentum swings can have a huge impact on the team's position.

Despite being filthy with some tough calls, Daley adopted a similar mindset moments before the players boarded the team bus and reminded them that they'd earned the right to contest a series decider.

Maloney said the disappointment of his Game Two performance lingered for a few days.

"To fall off any tackle is disappointing, but everything counts double in Origin so I've got to make sure it doesn't happen again in Game Three," he said.

"I was pretty disappointed. Probably the next couple of days I was down and miserable.

"If we turn it around and get the win, Game Two would be forgotten about."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Off the Hook: Griffin's season ticket

Coach Anthony Griffin sees over a Broncos training session at Red Hill. Source: Jonathon Searle / News Limited

EXCLUSIVE: BRISBANE hierarchy have ended months of speculation over coach Anthony Griffin's future by guaranteeing his job for next season even if the Broncos miss this year's finals.

The Courier-Mail can reveal the Broncos board has given unequivocal support to Griffin, whose tenure has come into question amid Brisbane's dramatic slide to 13th place on the NRL table.

Broncos legend Darren Lockyer has been an influential figure, telling Broncos chief executive Paul White at a meeting last week Griffin is the coach to preside over a reinvigoration of the club.

The Broncos are facing the worst season in their 25-year history and must win six of their last eight games, including Friday night's clash against Cronulla, to make the playoffs.

But if the Broncos capitulate and miss the finals for the second time in four seasons, Griffin will avoid the axe.

The 46-year-old is contracted until the end of 2015 and White, also a board member, confirmed Monday night Griffin will be at the helm next season irrespective of a finals fade out.

"I can categorically say this now: Anthony's job is safe, simple as that," White said.

"The club is fighting very hard to make the finals, there is still a job to be done this year. But myself and the board are convinced Anthony is the right man and the right coach for our club moving forward.

"The strong thing about Hook (Griffin) is that he is brutally honest, he's got an enormous work ethic and he treats people with respect.

"He is building the right culture for our club. We are going through a tough period at the moment, we are being challenged and we are right to be challenged.

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"I'm just as accountable and my job is to make sure everyone in this organisation has everything they need to succeed in an industry where the bar keeps getting higher.

"It (sacking Griffin) is not a reaction we are contemplating."

Brisbane great Gorden Tallis said on Sunday he believed Kevin Walters is tailor-made to rebuild the Broncos but Lockyer, the club's most-capped player, urged powerbrokers to stay patient with Griffin.

"I've said to a few people, including Paul White, that Anthony is the right coach for the Broncos," Lockyer said.

"I have been coached by plenty of coaches and from my experience, Hook is very good.

"The coach has got what it takes, but it is probably the resources around him that can improve.

"If the Broncos can add one or two matchwinners to their roster, they are a force.

"Hook is very direct with the players, he is not a coach to make excuses. I like his attitude and the style he coaches.

"I'm confident he can make Brisbane a competitive powerhouse again."

Broncos legend Walters, an assistant coach at Melbourne, is off-contract at season's end.

He has been linked with a return to Brisbane but says he is undecided about his future.

"I'm not sure what I'm going to be doing next year," he said.

"My family are still in Brisbane, but I will see what happens for the rest of the season.

"They (Brisbane) do need to make the finals. Knowing the Broncos and the culture that has been up there, they won't give up ... but they are making it hard for themselves."
 

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

VFL player 'won't walk again'

Casey Tutungi (R) playing for South Barwon earlier this year. Source: Stuart Walmsley / News Limited

A FORMER Geelong VFL player will never be able to walk or use his arms again after a freak on-field accident in a local football match, his family have confirmed.

Casey Tutungi, 27, remained in the Austin Hospital last night as his family broke the news.

Dad Chris Tutungi said doctors had told the family his son's life was permanently changed.

"The medical staff at the hospital gave us the prognosis no parent of an active, strong, vital 27-year-old wants to hear," he and wife Carol said in a statement. "Casey has been diagnosed as a quadriplegic."

The family have been rallying around the gifted footballer and civil engineer, who works at Barwon Water.

Casey, who will become a father for the first time when fiancee Bridget gives birth in November, has seen scans of his baby from his hospital bed.

The co-coach of Geelong Football League team South Barwon was injured during a clash against St Joseph's 17 days ago.

The hard-at-it footballer had just gathered the ball when he ran into an opposition player's stomach.

He flopped backwards, screaming that he could not feel anything.

Doctors told the family that Casey had fractured and dislocated his C4 and C5 vertebrae, which had compressed his spinal cord and caused swelling.

The injury has stopped the brain sending messages to his arms and legs to get them to move.

Mr Tutungi said Casey, who was fully aware of his situation, had some movement in his shoulders and one of his biceps could slightly contract.

He said Casey had been making jokes with nurses despite his circumstances.

"He's still got his sense of humour," Mr Tutungi said.

"We'll give him all the support he needs. He won't let it stop him," he said.

The family have set up a trust fund to provide state-of-the-art medical equipment that could help Casey.

Donations to the Casey Tutungi Future Fund can be made at Bendigo Bank branches or via caseytutungi.com

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Axing still hurts Lions legend

Brian O'Driscoll was controversially dropped by Lions coach Warren Gatland for the series decider against the Wallabies. Picture: Philip Hillyard Source: Philip Hillyard / The Daily Telegraph

The pain won't subside easily for rugby icon Brian O'Driscoll, but he is able to appreciate the bigger picture following the most disappointing moment of his glittering career.

Having been dropped by Lions coach Warren Gatland for the decider - the only time he has been dropped in his 15-year career - O'Driscoll watched his teammates put on a record score against Australia last Saturday.

"It wasn't exactly as I would have liked it scripted, but you don't write your own scripts - otherwise you'd be scoring hat-tricks every week," O'Driscoll said.

"It was a tough week, disappointing, but we won the series and that's the main thing.

"One man's disappointment counts for nothing, there's a squad full of guys who are very, very happy, they've won themselves a Lions series and will always be remembered in Lions folklore, forevermore.

"One of the tours that matches '97, '89, '71 and '74, '13 is now a number that will be remembered.

"Not having an involvement on the final day does taint it a little bit for you, but it's still a series win and I played 80 minutes in the first two Tests and I had a big say in what happened.

"It's just nice to be able to say, I've been on four tours and thankfully I've been able to win one finally."

The Irishman said he would likely feel more grief over the coming weeks, but was heartened by the incredible outpouring of support following Gatland's announcement.

"I was fairly conscious of it, got a few texts, but a lot of Tweets," he said.

"You hear it through a few people, talking to a few guys back home, that made it a little bit easier, because I wasn't the only one that felt I should have been in the team.

"I haven't really analysed it all and thought, 'How painful is this?' You're just living it raw.

"I'll probably think about it more over the next few weeks when I've got a bit of time on my hands.

"If players didn't back themselves they wouldn't be able to get up week in, week out.

"You've got to think you're better than your opposite number, that's why you need to be selected every week, and that's the mentality all rugby players need to have."

O'Driscoll, who will likely become the most capped Test player in history when he retires next year, was highly praised by Gatland and Lions teammates for his reaction to the axing, immediately helping those who were picked ahead of him.

"I've seen different people, never having been dropped before, I've seen how certain people reacted over the course of time to disappointment. And you know there's a correct way, and an incorrect way, of doing that," O'Driscoll said.

"I wanted to make sure that I reacted in the best possible manner, to help the team out as much as I could."

O'Driscoll made his Lions debut in 2001 against Australia, and endured losses in that and ensuing series against New Zealand and South Africa.

Their historic 41-16 victory over the Wallabies last Saturday ended a 16-year winless streak.

"You go and earn your right for destiny ... you have to fight for it," O'Driscoll said.

"There's no great secret, we played better in the third Test and that was the difference.

"I don't think [the Wallabies are] as strong as the 2001 team that we played, they were World Cup winners in 99, it's probably in a bit of a developmental phase.

"By their standards they'll be disappointed with how they played."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Jersey will always remind me of Mum

Robbie Farah after the Blues' victory in Game Two of last year's State of Origin. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

WHEN Robbie Farah says he has never wanted to win a game of football more than this State of Origin decider, the emotion builds in his eyes.

As the Blues arrived in camp Monday, the tough hooker opened up about his personal motivation - and how every time he pulls on a NSW jersey he thinks of his late mother Sonia, who lost her battle with pancreatic cancer last year.

"I don't like dwelling on it or going back," Farah said. "But the last game Mum watched me play was in a sky blue jersey.

"That is why this jersey means so much to me and why I want to wear this jersey for as long as I am playing footy."

After seven consecutive series defeats, and especially the way in which the Blues lost in Brisbane two weeks ago, almost all the experts have given up on this being the year NSW end the dominance of this mighty Queensland team.

But not Farah.

He was standing beside the pool at the Blues' Coogee headquarters Monday when he was asked if NSW could come back from the humiliating 26-6 defeat they suffered in Brisbane. That is when Farah opened up about his private motivation.

Sonia passed away just four days after watching her son's heroic 63-tackle effort in NSW's epic game two win over Queensland last year from her hospital bed.

Josh Dugan, Jarryd Hayne, Michael Jennings, Josh Morris, Brett Morris, James Maloney, Mitchell Pearce, James Tamou, Robbie Farah, Paul Gallen (c), Ryan Hoffman, Luke Lewis, Greg Bird. Interchange: Anthony Watmough, Andrew Fifita, Trent Merrin, Josh Reynolds, James McManus, Boyd Cordner, Aaron Woods.

And of all the games in his life that he has wanted to win, this one on Wednesday week is now at the top of the list.

"I don't think I have wanted anything more," he said.

"Obviously coming so close last year and under the circumstances of last year, too.

"I guess Origin has taken such a greater role in my life because of the circumstances of what happened at the time last year.

"It's fair to say I want this really bad."

At the start of last year there were all these questions being asked about Farah's toughness, and whether he was an Origin player.

The irony now is that if NSW skipper Paul Gallen fails to recover from his foot injury next week, Farah will take charge as captain.

Farah isn't even contemplating Gallen not making it onto the field at ANZ Stadium.

"I have no doubt he will be right," Farah said.

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"He is as tough as nails and I know that unless you cut his leg off Gal will be out there next Wednesday."

But it must be an honour to be considered next in line, especially when you remember the questions being asked about your toughness last year?

"I seemed to be copping it left, right and centre, from you included," he smiled.

"I wasn't even sure I was going to get another chance (to play for NSW). It had been a while, since 2009.

"I knew I was good enough to play on this stage. I never doubted myself or the belief I had in myself."

Farah has earned respect through performances on the field and off it over the past year. During some of the toughest times in his life, he has showed us the qualities that make up the man.

As a son, as a footballer and as a leader.

It's worth remembering that in last year's series Farah was awarded the Brad Fittler Medal as NSW's outstanding player of the series. The award is voted on by his teammates.

And during some difficult times at the Wests Tigers, he has been the one player who has consistently aimed up this year.

Farah admits the adversity he has lived through over the past 18 months has made him a stronger man.

"Definitely," he said.

"When you are faced with different sorts of things, I guess you can either curl up in a ball and have a cry about it or let it affect you - or you just get on with it.

"I think I have learned how to get on with things. I have had no option but to get on with things, really.

"I was kind of forced to do it, the timing of things, because I was in here and being a captain at club level. It has definitely changed me."

But one thing that hasn't changed is what motivates him - family.

At 29, Farah is not too proud to admit that he still lives at home with his father Peter and he doesn't hide the bond they share.

"Yeah, I do," he said. "I'm about to move out but I am still with him.

"I don't need him to tell me how proud he is. You just see it on his face.

"He is a pretty emotional sort of guy, my old man, and I am pretty emotional too.

"He gets a bit teary and makes me a bit teary.

"Yeah, it's an unspoken love, I guess.

"I don't need him to tell me he's proud every day because I know how proud he is."

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Queensland a state of NRL despair

Brisbane Broncos Sam Thaiday and North Queensland Cowboys Johnathan Thurston. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

THE strongest state in rugby league could face an NRL finals wipe-out with Queensland clubs Brisbane, Gold Coast and North Queensland feeling the strain of campaigns that are under the pump.

As Queensland's Origin team prepares to claim an eighth straight series win, the state's three NRL clubs are in disarray with heavy defeats, injuries and coaches fighting to save their jobs.

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If no Queensland team qualifies for the finals it would be the first time in NRL history that the sunshine state has been without a side in the top eight.

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When TattsBet open their markets today they will have the Titans at $2.10 to make the top eight, North Queensland at $2.75 and the Broncos drifting way out to $5 on reaching the finals.

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Gold Coast's fairy tale run for the top four hit a grinding halt with two emphatic losses and season-ending injury to Jamal Idris pushing the Titans to the brink of dropping outside the top eight.The Titans have conceded 86 points in a fortnight and return from a much needed bye to play high flyers Manly and South Sydney.

It is just the start of a landmine lined run home as the Gold Coast play just three of their last eight games at Skilled Park and also confront the top three teams with Sydney Roosters and Melbourne to close out their regular season.

The stockpile of wins to start the year is no consolation as skipper Nate Myles implores his men to turn their recent form around.

"We don't want to be just hanging on or scraping in the top out when it comes finals time," Myles said.

"We want to be improving and the last two weeks we just have not felt or looked like the side that we were.

"It's just going to take a little bit of work for us.

"Brisbane and North Queensland sit two wins outside the top eight, but need to win at least six of their last eight games to climb into the playoffs.

Based on their round 17 form a major turnaround is required as they now face form football teams minus their Origin stars.

The Broncos host Cronulla on Friday night, the Sharks powering into the top four this week and proving back in round 11 when they upset South Sydney that they can fire without their rep heroes.

North Queensland host Manly on Monday night where at least both teams are without their dominant playmaker with Johnathan Thurston to be joined in Maroons camp by Daly Cherry-Evans.

The Broncos and Cowboys have their bye after Origin III and their respective draws from that point look provide at least some glimmer of hope.

Brisbane has lost five of their past six games with last Friday's 32-0 drubbing from Melbourne was the second scoreless defeat of their season.

They still have five home games to come, but also face form teams like Cronulla, Newcastle (twice), Penrith and Canterbury in the run to the finals.

Club legend Gorden Tallis believes Brisbane can still save their season, if they're good enough.

"They don't play a Melbourne Storm or any side like that," Tallis said.

"They do have sides where you think they can win.

"It's a good draw isn't it ... they're all winnable.

"They've got eight weeks to really rip in.

"The Cowboys have perhaps the best finish to the season of all Queensland clubs, with six home games in Townsville, but like the Broncos need to win six of eight to figure in the finals.

With the Titans two games clear of Brisbane and North Queensland they are rightly flying the flag for the state at this stage and coach John Cartwright has vowed they will fight til the bitter end.

"It's been a pretty ordinary two weeks, we will be through the Origin by the time we play Manly and we will attack those last eight games like our lives depend on it," Cartwright said.

An entire state of league fans may be dependent upon it too. 

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Penthouse and Outhouse

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The Kangaroos hopped into gear to snap the Tigers four-game winning streak. Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

Fox Sports AFL expert Julian de Stoop reviews round 15, including the Kangaroos hopping into gear, some shady officiating and a Giant young star continues to shine.

IN THE PENTHOUSE

North Melbourne

The Kangaroos have been the most frustrating team of the season to date with a host of close losses testing the patience of everyone at Arden Street.

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But against the Tigers, Brad Scott's men put in their best performance of the season and for a rare time this year they got the balance between defence and attack spot on.

The Roos moved the ball with speed and when they didn't have it they tackled ferociously.

With Carlton and Port Adelaide stumbling, North Melbourne are suddenly back in the finals hunt.

Ben Reid forward

Collingwood's reliance on Travis Cloke was a hot topic during the week and he finally found some help up forward in the form of regular defender Ben Reid.

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The first quarter injury to Jarrad Waite allowed Buckley to swing Reid forward and his four goals played a pivotal role in the 'Pies big win.

But just as importantly he demanded Lachie Henderson's attention which allowed Cloke to go one on one with Michael Jamison. The result, a dominant 5 goal performance from the 'Pies' power forward.

Tom Bellchambers

Some have suggested Essendon should trade Bellchambers to GWS in a bid to secure the prized number one selection in the national draft.

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What a load of rubbish.

Firstly, if Bellchambers was let go, the Bombers would have just one genuine ruckman on their list in Paddy Ryder.

Secondly, Bellchambers is a serious talent whether in the ruck or up forward and at just 23 years of age he is one of the most promising young ruckman in the game.

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His 5 goal performance against Port Adelaide showed how valuable he is to the Bombers.

West Coast

The fire in the belly hasn't always been on show at West Coast this year but against Adelaide their commitment couldn't be questioned as they pinched an unlikely victory to keep their finals hopes alive.

The Eagles were missing a host of key players including Daniel Kerr, Luke Shuey, Scott Selwood and Shannon Hurn but somehow found a way to win despite trailing by 13 points late in the game.

The win sets up a huge derby against Fremantle this weekend.

Jeremy Cameron

The season ending injury to young Bulldog Jason Johannissen was unfortunate but the commitment of both he and Jeremy Cameron deserves the highest praise.

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Not only is Cameron an amazing talent, he has a physical presence which has been a hallmark of all the great key forwards.

Think Wayne Carey, Jonathan Brown and Dermott Brereton.

IN THE OUTHOUSE

Carlton

Insipid. That's the word that comes to mind to describe Carlton for the majority of Friday night's loss against a far from full strength Collingwood.

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Jarrad Waite's injury certainly didn't help but the Blues were smashed in the centre of the ground and they were beaten by a far more desperate opponent.

Mick Malthouse says the ladder is irrelevant which doesn't sit too comfortably with the majority of the Carlton faithful.

With their finals hopes looking slim this year, the heat will be at Visy Park in 2014.

Interchange Infringement

The incorrect interchange free kick paid against Geelong in the final term of Saturday night's clash against Hawthorn completely exposed a stupid rule.

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A free kick and a 50 metre penalty is far too harsh a penalty for an interchange infringement.

No one is trying to sneak extra players onto the ground. They're just simple mistakes when they are actually mistakes.

Can you imagine the outcry if Geelong had lost the game.

Deliberate Out of Bounds Against James Kelly

The Cats also didn't get the rub of the green in the third term either. The deliberate out of bounds paid against James Kelly was simply wrong.

A player can't be pinged for deliberate when they kick the ball 50 metres and then it bounces at right angles to cross the boundary.

Umpire Schmidt ... that was a you know what decision.

There was another one at Etihad on Sunday when Bomber Dyson Heppell was pinged for a deliberate rushed behind when, like Nick Malceski last week, he was clearly under pressure.

Harry O'Brien

There is no doubt Nathan Buckley and Harry O'Brien had a falling out last week and while the full details have yet to be established it seems some serious questions need to be asked of the Pies star.

Instead of relaxing in Port Douglas he should have been at the MCG with the rest of his injured teammates watching the 'Pies play the Blues.

Buckley must be getting sick of his players disrespecting his authority and if he is available following an ankle injury, O'Brien shouldn't be a walk up start to return this week.

Richmond

The Tigers banner said a win over North Melbourne would see the F word… finals on the agenda but their heroes certainly didn't play like a finals bound side.

This game against the Roos always shaped as a tricky one for a Tigers side coming off four straight wins and they failed the test miserably.

Next up it's the Gold Coast in Cairns. Given their zip two against the Suns at the venue there will be plenty of nervous Tiger fans this week.

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