Sonny Bill's $1M challenge

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EXCLUSIVE: SONNY Bill Williams has been offered a $1 million carrot to become New Zealand's undisputed heavyweight boxing champion in a deal that could hasten his exit from rugby league.

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The move comes as former Bulldogs scout Mark Hughes, the man who signed SBW as a teenager, urged him to quit the Roosters after Sunday night's NRL Grand Final to play for the Warriors.

As Williams prepares for what could be his final appearance in the NRL, The Sunday Mail has obtained the document offering him a seven-figure sum to end any doubts about his boxing ability.

The extraordinary purse is being financed by Duco Events, the company that recently brokered a deal with the NRL to stage the inaugural Nines tournament in Auckland this February.

Former Kiwi league Test forward Dean Lonergan personally emailed the offer to Williams' manager Khoder Nasser Saturday morning.

The Roosters have sought NRL assistance to keep Williams in the sport, primarily requesting that any potential earnings from his boxing pursuits not be included in the club's salary cap.

But the $1 million offer is an insight into what Williams stands to earn in the fight game, and why the NRL may be reluctant to provide salary-cap dispensation for money earned in rival sports.

Lonergan labelled Williams a "joke" in boxing terms. He says the dual international can prove himself beyond doubt by agreeing to face the winner of the Afa Tatupu-Joseph Parker bout for the New Zealand national boxing federation title this Thursday night.

The 21-year-old Parker is a 103kg thrashing machine rated New Zealand's best fighter in 25 years. He knocked out Francois Botha in two rounds in June, four months after Williams' controversial points win over the South African in a shortened 10-round bout.

"Our proposal is this: the winner of the Parker-Tatupu bout, we are prepared to back them with a $1 million, winner-take-all fight against Sonny Bill Williams," Lonergan said Saturday.

"We've decided to offer Sonny Bill a million dollars, does he want it or not? It is the biggest pay day Sonny will ever get in boxing.

"If he wants to dominate the world of boxing, he has to take on the best.

"At the moment, he has zero cred in the boxing community and until he takes on a legitimate person who can actually fight, he is a joke in boxing circles.

"Khoder says Sonny Bill will be the heavyweight champion of the world. I can guarantee Sonny would ordinarily run a million miles from a guy like Joseph Parker, who would destroy him in three rounds.

"But when you put up a million dollars, that is a huge carrot ... let's see if Sonny Bill has the confidence to take it."

Parker is undefeated in six professional fights, winning five by knockout, while Williams is also unbeaten in six bouts and claimed the WBA International title with his defeat of Botha in February.

But right now, another battle looms for Williams. Rugby or NRL? The Chiefs or the Roosters? Should he claim his second premiership ring Sunday night, even Roosters insiders fear it would be the perfect way for Williams to sign off before returning to rugby for a shot at World Cup glory with the All Blacks in 2015.

Hughes, the former Canterbury premiership player-turned-scout, has a third suggestion. He believes Williams should defect to the Warriors next year, paying homage to the grassroots league system in New Zealand that spawned his rare talent.

Hughes still remembers vividly the 14-year-old he spotted at Hopu Hopu Sports Ground, north of Wellington, on a wet and wild morning in May 1999.

Playing for Auckland, Sonny Bill was a free agent. Hughes, his Bulldogs blazer shielding him from trademark Wellington winds, secured him for $100 a week and a Canterbury tracksuit.

And even then the kid had goals. Forget about playing first-grade, or winning premierships. Well before he turned up at the Roosters this year armed with a notepad and six-pack, Sonny Bill was dreaming big.

"I remember him saying to me he wanted to be New Zealand's greatest player," Hughes recalls.

"Sonny had goals from the start and he has achieved a few more lofty ones.

"He's lost the chance to be their greatest ever player because of his feats in other sports, but I'd like to see him go back and play for the Warriors.

"He would put bums on seats at Warriors games. That's where he came from ... that's who he should have played for in the first place."

Hughes now chuckles at the transformation of Williams. When he arrived at Belmore, he was a 16-year-old living in the Bulldogs house.

To legitimise his club apprenticeship, Williams would walk around Belmore Sports Ground, cleaning bird droppings from seats and polishing the gym equipment that would build and buff his rippling 108kg physique.

"He is the youngest boy I have taken a punt on and everyone now understands why," Hughes says.

"I gave him a scholarship, a tracksuit and $100 a week. Most kids then just came for the chance. I said to his dad as soon as he comes to the club, you have to trust us to look after him.

"It was a chance for Sonny to create his own destiny.

"When we first spoke, he was like Bambi. He didn't carve up at that carnival because he was younger than the 16-year-old robust kids, but I just remember he was everywhere.

"I said to him later, 'Doesn't your coach tell you where to stand in defence?' and he said, 'No, Mr Hughes, he tells me to follow the football.'

"He just loved being near the ball."

Williams has refused to speak to media in the build-up to the Grand Final. But three weeks ago, following their brutal 4-0 defeat of Manly, SBW spent nine minutes talking to assembled scribes.

He spoke softly of one per cent plays, not letting anyone down and his dream of returning to the big dance.

Now he is here.

"You just don't want to be the guy that lets the team down," he said. "The biggest thing I can say is I know I don't want to be the guy that misses a tackle or lets in a soft try. I'm always busting my ass, doing the little one per centers.

"This is where it really counts. Sometimes you win and sometimes you don't ... but I know in myself I will be leaving no stone unturned."

With that, Sonny Bill leaves the building. After Sunday night, we may never see him in the NRL again.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

We're ready for derby battle: Ange

Victory Coach Ange Postecoglou is in fighting spirits ahead of opener. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

MELBOURNE Victory coach Ange Postecoglou has declared his young side ready for battle in Saturday's derby against Melbourne Heart.

Postecoglou said his players had taken enormous confidence from the historic Liverpool match at the MCG in July and are better prepared than they were for the corresponding clash last season. 

Saturday's Etihad Stadium fixture is the most anticipated Melbourne derby since Heart joined the A-League in 2010, with the match expected to go close to a sell-out. 

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Victory rounded out its preparations yesterday with a brief intra-club match in front of 5000 at AAMI Park as the 2013-14 squad were introduced to fans. 

Mark Milligan was the only player who didn't partake and with him and Kosta Barbarouses away on international duty, Victory will be the younger of the derby sides with Connor Pain, Jason Geria and Jimmy Jeggo set to start and Andrew Nabbout and Nick Ansell likely to be in the squad. 

Victory held its own in July despite losing 2-0 against a Liverpool side boasting Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez and Glen Johnson, and Postecoglou was proud of his players. 

"When Connor Pain knows he can take on Glen Johnson he's not going to fear anything that's going to be thrown ahead of him from now on,'' he said. 

"The same with Nabbout, Geria, (Scott) Galloway, Ansell, (Jesse) Makarounas, all these guys that played and played very well I think feel a little bit more self-assured about themselves and the way we play our game. 

"It (the Liverpool game) was good because it gave us a bit of a focus halfway through, if we didn't it would've been a bit of a grind to go for that long. 

"The biggest challenge was getting them up again afterwards because it was a massive game and massive night.

"We had to put out a young team, which wasn't ideal and could've been disastrous, but you've backed the young guys all of last season and never let us down and they didn't let us down that night and it just builds belief. 

"After that game I think everyone emotionally and physically needed a break and we gave them a bit of time off, myself included, because we obviously had a big build-up. 

"But since then it's been good, things have settled down. There's times when it was challenging with numbers but the last five or six weeks have been really good.'' 

Postecoglou's debut season was a rollercoaster for Victory, whose defensive frailties were on show in round 1 last season when Heart won 2-1. 

Missing Milligan and Archie Thompson, Victory was then humbled 5-0 away to Brisbane Roar the next week.

It forced Postecoglou to adopt a more pragmatic ¬approach from round 3 as Victory's fortunes slowly turned before finishing just one game short of a grand final berth. 

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But with the addition of James Troisi, Mitch Nichols, Barbarousas and Pablo Contreras — who have 102 international caps between them — hopes are high in the blue half of Melbourne. 

"We're further advanced than last year but then you don't know if the competition's further advanced as well,'' Postecoglou said. 

"I'm really happy with our recruiting and the young ones have certainly gone up another level and holding on to Millsy (Milligan) has been a massive bonus for us. 

"We were pretty well prepared last year as well, obviously it's a little different now because we're 12 months down the track in terms of understanding how we want to play the game — we'll be ready to go, there's no doubt about that. 

"Where last year we started off slowly with getting to grips with things; certainly I expect us to start, in terms of the game we want to play, a lot better. 

"We gave debuts to a lot of guys last season that hadn't done a pre-season with us and came halfway through their first year of professional football and all those guys now are looking like professional A-League footballers. 

"Last year, with the young guys, at times our training was inconsistent in terms of quality because they were getting to grips with how hard we train, the type and load of training.''

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

The most brutal decider in years

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HOW do you break the Great Wall of Bondi?

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The strongest defence built by Eastern Suburbs since 1908.

Do you take a sledge hammer and attempt to smash through the middle?

Do you grab a blade and try and slice at the edges?

Or do you stop chipping away and kick over the top?

They are the three burning questions the Sea Eagles will face on Sunday when they attempt to upset the Roosters and win the NRL premiership.

THE GODFATHER'S $2.5M ROOSTER REBELLION

The Sea Eagles failed to score a single point against the Roosters last start.

Despite having 57 per cent of the possession in the 4-0 semi-final loss at Alliance Stadium - and making four linebreaks to the Roosters' none - they could not cross the white line.

How they approach Sunday's match following the shut-out is what will decide the game.

The Roosters kept six teams to nil this year, the greatest defensive achievement in the club's history.

BATTLE FOR GREEN AND GOLD SPOTS

So how did they do it?

The Roosters have inventive a new style of "D".

The best term to describe it is "reactive", and it is a mixture of "slide" and "wedge".

With Boyd Cordner and Jake Friend the defensive glue, the Roosters attempt to work as one and keep their line.

But when they are faced with a attacking play, like an inside ball to Brett Stewart, the Roosters "wedge".

SONNY BILL'S $1M CHALLENGE

Think anyone of Sonny Bill Williams' shots on the edge.

The most important aspect of their defence is each individual player's decision making.

They need to know when to break the line and sprint to shut down a play. That is what they have worked on all year, and what they have done so well all year.

The Sea Eagles know this all too well. They threw everything at the Roosters last match - except Brett Stewart, who was injured - and came up with naught.

Manly don't have to go away from what has worked so well for them.

But it is up to their key attacking players - Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry Evans, Jamie Lyon, Glenn and Brett Stewart - to force the Roosters into making bad defensive decisions.

Cherry-Evans (16 line break assists), Foran (15), and Lyon (12) will use Inside balls, footwork, chip kicks and they will go short and go long in a bid to catch a defender out.

Brett Stewart, David Williams and Taufua will be the men that finish what the playmakers start. The war will be fought in the middle, brutally bruising, but the game will be one by individuals.

One will make an error, another will force it.

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Godfather's $2.5m Chooks rebellion

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WITH an iron fist wrapped inside a velvet glove, Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis has ranked among the most powerful, influential and ruthless figures in rugby league for almost 40 years.

Like the great Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United or the late George Steinbrenner at the New York Yankees, Politis has hired and fired some of the biggest names in the history of the game.

From landing the signatures of Sonny Bill Williams, Brad Fittler, Phil Gould and Michael Jennings to being betrayed by supercoach Wayne Bennett in 2006, the Sydney Roosters kingpin affectionately known as 'The Godfather' or 'Uncle Nick' has a fierce reputation as one of the shrewdest negotiators in the business.

Two years ago, Politis and the Roosters blue-chip Bondi Junction board room began secretly plotting a high-risk, hostile takeover aimed at re-building their beloved club from rock bottom to glory as quickly as possible.

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It was a cut-throat cultural revolution which involved sacking coach Brian Smith, captain Braith Anasta, chief executive Steve Noyce and putting a broom through an estimated $2.5 million of playing talent over the course of the last 18 months.

The all-star line-up included captain Anasta, Dally M Medallist Todd Carney, Nate Myles, Jason Ryles, Sam Perrett, Tom Symonds, BJ Leilua, Brad Takarangi, Kane Linnet, Mose Masoe, Lama Tasi, Anthony Cherrington, Cheyse Blair, Justin Carney, Phil Graham and Daniel Conn.

Offsetting the mass exodus was a sprinkling of superstars, headed by Sonny Bill Williams, and a rookie coach about to quickly establish one hell of a reputation.

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The key new players in the Roosters transformation have been Williams, James Maloney, Michael Jennings and Dally M coach of the year Trent Robinson.

The end result, with a little bit of luck and a lot of brilliant management, is the Roosters sixth grand final appearance in 13 seasons at ANZ Stadium on Sunday night.

"Nick's a serious player and he's also one of the most humble, low-key blokes you'd come across. The club would be nothing without Nick," Channel Nine supremo David Gyngell said.

"He owns the Roosters without acting like he owns the Roosters. For the good of the club, he's got the ability to get almost anything done from a business perspective yet he's not arrogant about his position and he doesn't stomp around like a Prima Donna.

"A couple of seasons ago, he went through and made a decision to change the culture of the club. He didn't just talk about it, he made it happen."

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You don't amass a personal fortune in excess of $200 million and control a business empire which turns over $4 billion annually without being a ruthless negotiator.

Like in any successful business, you also need an element of luck. By chance, Politis' decision to sign Robinson may go down as one of his greatest coups in charge of the Roosters.

Ever since Wayne Bennett reneged on an agreement to join the Tricolours in 2006, the Roosters have been chasing a coach who can take them to the promised land.

In Robinson, the Roosters not only found their answer but did so for an absolute steal.

Whereas Bennett, Des Hasler and Craig Bellamy all command in excess of $1 million-a-season, the first-year Roosters coach was only too happy to sign on for $250,000 and an opportunity to show what he was made of in the NRL.

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What Politis and the Roosters board room, including Mark Bouris, Mark McInnes, Mark Fennessy, Brien Samphier, Peter Newton and Luke Ricketson recognised two years ago was the need for hardline change.

Despite the success associated with making the 2010 grand final, it was actually a curse, coming too soon in ex-coach Brian Smith's tenure at the club.

By the time they were six months into 2011, players were unhappy, the coaching staff was uptight and the culture of the club had gone awry.

The players weren't fit. They were training soft and playing soft. As hard as it was to admit, the board room knew they needed to wield the axe.

"Football is big business these days, it's a multi-million dollar industry with a lot of people's lives at stake and there are times when you have to make tough decisions," Roosters board member Mark Bouris said.

"That's not always easy. To be successful, you have to be prepared to make steely-resolve calls. In that respect, there's no one better than Nick Politis."

As much as Robinson has turned the club's roster around and the players have made it happen on the field, Politis is the heartbeat of the Bondi Junction club.

The kingpin who makes it all work, with a 2002 premiership tattoo to prove it. If all goes according to the Roosters script on Sunday, the chairman could be lining up to get some new ink.  

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Moment that changed Scott's life

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SOMETIMES, the moment shines so brightly everything around it fades.

The Panthers' premiership? If it is remembered for anything else than Scott Sattler's tackle, then it is remembered by friends and family only.

Who else can remember anything other than Sattler coming across in cover, and Roosters winger Todd Byrne running out of time and hope?

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It was six-all at the time, and with it came one of those momentum shifts that helped the Panthers go on to shock the Grand Final favourites and take the premiership 18-6.

The tackle changed Sattler's life.

"Absolutely, I'm not afraid to say it, either," Sattler said, in between drinks at the Panthers' Grand Final reunion on Thursday.

"I'll put my hand up. It changes your life in a lot of ways."

In a moment, Sattler went from another good player, good enough to play State of Origin, to a player that owned a piece of the game.

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Wherever he went, whoever he spoke to, they immediately had a conversation. Instead of distancing it, annoyed that it overshadowed a 13-year, 203 game career, Sattler embraced it.

And the game has given back.

He now works for Gold FM radio on the Gold Coast, part of the Austereo network, and calls the Queensland league for Channel 9.

In many ways, he was perfectly trained for what happened.

He was brought up being questioned about his dad John, and not just a general chat but specifically the legend of Sattler playing in the 1970 Grand Final with the broken jaw.

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Who knew it was training ground for what would come?

"My dad is best remembered for the broken jaw," Sattler said.

"He's a far better player than people give him credit for but people only remember the broken jaw.

"For me, it was about finishing my career at Penrith right, and we did that, but it puts me in the framework of discussion when people talk about Grand Final moments.

"I wouldn't give it up for anything."

When the Panthers met on Thursday they slipped quickly into old routines. Rhys Wesser found his groove, the normally reserved Craig Gower sat back and said he couldn't believe 10 years had gone by.

They finished the night at the same pub they celebrated in all those years back. While Sattler went on to play another season for Wests Tigers, and has worked steadily in the media since, the Penrith days have never left: "That whole year. It helps you in life as well, with the decisions you make, the way you live your life."  

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

A Grand Final rich in possibilities

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YOU start the week curling your lip at this devil or deep blue sea Grand Final. You end it licking your lips having remembered why you love Grand Final day so much.

Especially at the end of a season when drugs scandals and issues of integrity and mismanagement have cast long shadows.

Off-field scandals that have removed, for some, the lustre from a sport which deserves to be celebrated for its incredible athleticism and unrivalled brutality.

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Yes, in prospect, Manly v the Roosters seems like Saddam Hussein v Yasser Arafat. Delta Goodrem v Geri Halliwell. Queensland v Queensland.

But as the players talked the talk on various stages during a new and much improved Grand Final week, you didn't have to love the teams to love the dogs in this fascinating fight. The passion, the stories, the breathtaking skill and - Grand Finals being what they are - the sense of menace they will bring down the tunnel.

Manly coach Geoff Toovey is part pit-bull, part poodle. With his admirable slow talkin', pig shootin' skipper Jamie Lyon, he has been part of an unexpected image makeover for the reviled Sea Eagles.

From Toovey's heart-on-the-sleeve passion to the brave manner in which prop Richie Fa'aoso dealt with the pain and disappointment caused by the broken neck that ended his Grand Final dream, Manly has been - dare we say it - heartwarming. The Silvertails are creating fairytales.

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Although the disturbing image of Manly cult figure and unreal-sized model "Gorgeous George" Rose wearing his "leopard skin cougar bait budgie smugglers" is best banished from the mind at meal times.

The Roosters? The chaos usually created by the Bondi Burglars' premiership raids has been replaced by a calm professionalism.

In the image of their young and assured coach Trent Robinson and polished captain Anthony Minichiello, the Roosters have been friendly but focused. Happy to play their part, but refusing to accept they will have achieved anything until the final hooter sounds.

Even Roosters' chairman and long-time benefactor Nick Politis talks as if he will be ploughing into the Manly pack, not watching from the expensive seats. "Not this week," he says, when asked to talk about his influential role. "We've got a game to win."

The Roosters' most intriguing story belongs to Sonny Bill Williams, who has been seen but not heard. An extension of the ultra-professionalism that has had a strong influence on his teammates? A snub to those who ridiculed "Money Bill" when he fled the Bulldogs? A sign he is, as most expect, about to pack his bags again?

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With 28 degrees forecast, it will be unusually warm evening that should enhance the thirst at Grand Final barbecues and test the fitness and resolve of the players.

During three arduous finals, Manly seemed to be driving across the Nullarbor with the fuel gauge flashing. But either Narrabeen has the healing powers of Lourdes, or the Sea Eagles are fitter than we thought. Given a nine day break, they should be running on fresh legs.

Is Manly strong enough to crack the Great Wall of Bondi? Incredibly, the Roosters have held their opposition scoreless in 19 halves and six full games. Manly did not score in the first half of their three defeats to the Roosters this season, the most recent a tortuous 4-0 semi-final loss.

But the pressure and unpredictability of Grand Finals can radically alter any script, and Manly boasts a lethal attacking artillery marshalled by brilliant halves Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran. The Roosters will need to show considerable enterprise, not just stoic resistance, to beat them again.

It is a game delicately poised, one rich with possibilities. Which means you don't have to love these teams to love this Grand Final.  

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

McGuire, Buckley's line in the sand

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COLLINGWOOD president Eddie McGuire and coach Nathan Buckley have drawn a very public line in the sand on player behaviour, insisting that selfishness will never again be tolerated at the club.

McGuire and Buckley both set out the rules for season 2014 and beyond after a frustrating season that culminated in the post-season departure of several high profile players, including the likely trading of Heath Shaw and Dale Thomas' decision to exercise his free agency options at Carlton.

Thomas and Shaw did not attend last night's Copeland Trophy night. Neither did Alan Didak and Darren Jolly, who were not offered new contracts for next season.

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But Dane Swan, who has a close relationship with some of those departing Magpies, said last night it was not a time for recriminations, and that he intended to remain a "Pie for life."

McGuire told the packed crowd at Crown's Palladium Room that the club would no longer tolerate personal agendas, saying it was a privilege, not a right, to wear the black and white colours.

"It's sad to see since 2010, and despite being one quarter of football away from our most successful year ever in 2011, a pervasiveness of selfishness has crept in to our club," McGuire said.

"We won in 2010 by being 'Side by Side', by doing everything that is required to win. 'Side by Side' means being that always.

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"It's not about being 'Side by Side' when you're being supported and then turning your back when suddenly it doesn't suit.

"We know that football is lucrative these days, so we pay money for a totally professional performance for players and staff.

"This club demands the highest standards, attitudes and applications. Any form of selfishness will not be tolerated."

Buckley said the Magpies' shock elimination final loss to Port Adelaide was not acceptable, but proof that a young, hungry side could achieve things in a short time if they worked together on the same page.

"We've got the necessary talent to contend, but this year we beat ourselves," Buckley said.

"It won't happen again and we're putting everything in place to make sure it doesn't.

"The brutal reality is that the club will always be bigger than the individual.

"'Side by Side' is more than just a line in our club song. It's an expectation. It's demanded.

"The club comes before the man, not the man before the club."

Swan drew one of the biggest responses when he told the crowd that he had no intention of ever leaving Collingwood.

"It's a pity Heater and Dids couldn't continue their careers here, but I still love them as should all of you," Swan said. "They're premiership players ..."

"(But) I love the footy club. I certainly don't plan on playing for anyone else. I'll be a Pie for life.

"You won't see me walking out of this club."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Boss: Time to expose pretenders

Nowhere to hide: Glen Boss drives Puissance De Lune to the finish in the Makybe Diva at Flemington. Source: Vince Caligiuri / Getty Images

GLEN Boss says today's Turnbull Stakes is the race that sorts out the legitimate spring chances from the pretenders.

"There's no place to hide. There's no excuses," Boss said yesterday.

"If you don't front up tomorrow, then you won't be a factor for the rest of the spring.

"To me it's the defining race of the spring. If you don't perform, you won't be catching up in the main races."

Eleven Group 1 winners face off in a race that includes the top three favourites for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.

Punters rallied to Fiorente yesterday, backing him into $4.20 with TAB, from an opening quote on Wednesday of $5.50.

But Boss expected his mount Puissance De Lune to stand up and be counted and justify his position as Melbourne Cup favourite.

Although Puissance De Lune has been beaten at his past two starts — second in the Makybe Diva Stakes and seventh in the Underwood Stakes — Boss has not lost any faith.

"His last run was a bit of a non-event, but the way he ­finished, my confidence has only grown in him,'' he said.

"He was the only one to make up ground outside and he ran the fastest last 400m.

"You've got to remember it was the best edition of the Underwood Stakes I've ever seen and in the finish he's the horse you'd want to follow out of it."

Boss said he hadn't made any plans on where Puissance De Lune would settle today.

Can he do it again: Australian Cup winner Super Cool and Michael Rodd return to scale. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HeraldSun

"My horse gets out to 2000m at Flemington on a good track, so he should be ready to perform," he said.

Boss said the Gai Waterhouse-trained Fiorente, who won the Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes last start, was the horse to beat.

"He might come out of the race as the horse we all have to beat for the spring," he said.

"I was impressed by the way he won at Moonee Valley on an unsuitable circuit. We're meeting him on equal terms and we have the better draw, so it's in our favour."

TAB's Adam Hamilton said Fiorente accounted for almost 40 per cent of fixed-odds betting on the race.

"Punters have rallied to the Dato form, having backed ­Fiorente into favouritism and Super Cool from $10 into $7," Hamilton said.

David Hayes, who will saddle up Jet Away, said Fiorente was the horse to beat but pointed out Spacecraft was beaten only a long head in the Dato.

"Spacecraft is nowhere near as good as Jet Away,'' he said. "Also Jet Away has beaten ­Fiorente by three lengths in England."

Hayes said Jet Away would benefit from today's first-up run before he tackles the Caulfield Cup.
 

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

PM throws support behind Manly

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PRIME Minister Tony Abbott has publicly backed Manly, telling the Sea Eagles: "Leave nothing in the tank!"

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Abbott has risked alienating Sydney Roosters fans by sending a public letter of encouragement to the Manly club ahead of Sunday's NRL Grand Final.

The new PM, though, is Member for Warringah, his electorate smack-bang in the middle of Manly territory.

Abbott wrote: "You haven't made it to the Grand Final by accident. You have fought every step of the way.

"The critics said you peaked too early and ran out of puff, well, you answered that last Friday.

"I know Sunday will be in many ways bitter-sweet for (injured forward) Richie Fa'aoso.

"Richie, all footy fans are glad you are OK and I hope that over the months ahead you make a complete recovery.

"While I have the cauliflower ears of a footballer, I only have the football prowess of a politician, so I will keep my advice concise: Leave nothing in the tank!"

Manly co-owner Rick Penn is a close friend of the Prime Minister.

"Tony is such a decent man," Penn said.

"He has always taken a keen interest in Manly. He comes to our grand finals.

"He is a real sportsman who loves the NRL and is passionate about the Sea Eagles.

"Tony is a great supporter of our club. It is a fantastic honour to have the Prime Minister in our local area."

Abbott has pledged $10 million toward an upgrade of Brookvale Oval, a ground in desperate need of restoration.

He is often seen in the Brookvale Oval private suites.

Abbott was never a rugby league player though, preferring to play rugby union during his footy career.

He concluded his letter by writing: "I wish I could be in the stands cheering you on, however I will be representing Australia at a summit overseas.

"Rest assured, I will find some way to watch the game.

"Go Manly!"

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

When I watch Daly, I see Joey

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THEY are vastly different in style and personality but the two number sevens, Daly Cherry-Evans and Mitchell Pearce, hold the key to victory on Sunday night.

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Halfbacks win grand finals. Think Alfie at Brisbane, Ricky Stuart at Canberra, Sterlo at Parramatta, Joey at Newcastle or Gower at Penrith.

And while both Cherry-Evans and Pearce play alongside terrific number sixes, they know when the dust settles at fulltime, the post-match autopsy will begin with the performance of the number seven.

Check out the video above comparing Daly Cherry-Evans and Andrew Johns

Cherry-Evans has been the best player throughout the finals. He's gone to another level, he's simply outstanding.

While last Saturday Pearce used the big occasion to put in his finest performance as a first grade footballer.

Their personalities match their styles. When you talk to Daly Cherry-Evans he looks you straight in the eye and engages 100 percent. His focus could burn a hole in you.

I've seen that focus come into his game, he controls his team, he takes ownership of sets of six, he has become Manly's dominant player.

Have a conversation with Mitchell Pearce and you get his attention in fits and starts.

His eyes dart around, taking in everything that's going on in the vicinity. He talks in explosive bursts, his toes tap away, he fidgets, he's bloody hard to nail down.

His football can be similar.

Mitchell isn't the type of halfback who you expect to control long periods of play. He picks his moments and throws himself into the situation at full tilt.

Some players involve themselves in attack with a mind for being patient. When Mitchell calls the ball it's all systems go.

Geoff Toovey and Trent Robinson deserve huge credit for how their number sevens have developed but so do the men who have handled them individually, with specialised coaching, Andrew Johns and Jason Taylor.

When I watch Cherry-Evans play, I see Andrew.

Andrew has worked with quite a few playmakers over the past few years, but in Cherry-Evans he's found the halfback who understands the complexities of what he is teaching him.

Daly is no longer just a quick set of hands, shuffling the ball onto Glenn Stewart. He is now the dominant player.

Manly have had the tendency to play a little too sideways on that right-hand side but Daly's run first, pass second mentality has them far more direct and lethal.

Daly is a rare halfback because he has the capability to organise a team, while still being a lethal running threat.

Manly need to break the bank to keep he and Kieran Foran together. As long as these boys are in the six and seven, Manly are at least a top-four side.

Meanwhile at the Roosters, Jason Taylor deserves huge credit for the job he's done with Mitchell. I'm not surprised Pearce has improved under JT's tutelage - he was one of the most organised halfbacks to play. What Taylor lacked in physicality he made up for in smarts.

Taylor has encouraged Pearce to play to his strengths and designed the Roosters attack to those strengths.

You don't see the Roosters setting up for long-winded set pieces - Pearce isn't that type of halfback.

Instead they power through the middle and allow Pearce to pick and choose his moments off the back of the momentum his forwards have created.

And when Mitchell decides it's time to take the line on, his teammates are programmed beautifully into knowing where the holes will be.

Last Saturday night Pearce was electric, his direct running early in the contest set up his ball playing later on.

He picked and chose his moments perfectly.

The Roosters have been very close to the best team right throughout the year but Manly are super tough, experienced and learn from defeats better than any other side.

I saw that in past years as they battled the Storm and I saw it again last week as they bounced back from two previous defeats to the Rabbits to get them when it counted, and it wouldn't surprise me one bit to see it again Sunday.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

'I've got to become a better person'

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JAMES O'Connor is putting his money where his mouth is. We've heard before that he is repentant, that he has changed his ways, that he will not err again.

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But by taking a pay-cut of nearly $600,000, O'Connor has no choice but to back up his words now.

The Wallabies star loses the remainder of his ARU top-up payments for 2013 and all of 2014, along with the $84,000 he would have earned in match payments for playing the remaining six Tests of this year, after agreeing to a deal with his fed-up employers regarding his troublesome behaviour.

There are options available to him to recoup some of that cash; France, the United Kingdom, or a switch to rugby league.

But by the sounds, O'Connor  will take the more humble rout of playing for Western Force for roughly a quarter of his annual salary next year, and attempt to earn back the Australian rugby public's respect by returning to the Test arena by mid-2014 a changed man.

"I am doing this for a reason, to step away and make myself a better person on and off the field," O'Connor told News Corp.

"I am trying to do the selfless thing by stepping away, and give the team time to fulfil their potential, and give myself time to improve.

"The goal is to come back and bring a positive energy to the team.

"I don't want this to be my life. I want to be remembered for my rugby."

O'Connor knows this is his final opportunity to salvage his 44-Test career.

"I am at a crossroads," he said.

"I want to play for the Wallabies, but if I keep going the way I am going, that is not going to be available for me.

"It is going to be a hard few months but it needs to be done."

Asked how he would cope with such a significant financial hit, O'Connor said: "I am not a lavish person anyway.

"I like going out for dinner, sushi and what not, but I don't buy massive things.

"I think I have been pretty responsible with the way my money has been invested, I have some good people around me that have helped me there.

"I have some great friends and roommates."

Being escorted from a Perth airport terminal by Federal police three weeks ago after a dispute with airline staff was merely the final straw in a long list of behavioural indiscretions, none of them criminal but all of them detrimental to O'Connor's "brand" and the Wallabies' image.

In forthright candour, O'Connor accepts that he must deliver more than lip service, and that his personality needs work.

"I have spoken about this before, about improving myself, what I am now doing is taking the next step," he said.

"I am working hard, but to be honest it is not as easy as I thought it was going to be.

"I am very serious about changing that.

"It is not an easy decision not being able to play for the Wallabies, this is the hardest decision I have ever made.

"It is where I am right now, and the best thing for the team.

"I am not going to lie, this has been a tough process, one that I've had to be very honest with myself.

"I've had good people that have been very upfront with me, and helped me.

"I have to re-focus myself and get in a good mind-space.

"It is not just an isolated incident.

"There have been a lot of slip-ups along the way. They have been played out in public. Being late, there were a couple of other things, it really is not good enough.

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"I am not saying that as individual thing, but how it takes away from the group.

"I am the first person to say, 'That's not good enough'.

"I have apologised to Ewen McKenzie and Bill Pulver, it is not what a Wallabies player should be doing.

"I have now got to get my head right.

"I want to come back and be a positive influence on the team, not detract.

"I feel that in the right place, away from distractions, with the right people involved, I can really work on it."

O'Connor does not want to put undue pressure on himself or the process of self-improvement he is about to undertake, but in the back of his mind he wants to return to the Wallabies team when they host France for three mid-year Tests starting June 7 next year.

"That is definitely where I would like to be, it is a possibility, it hasn't been ruled out," he said.

"Best-case scenario, if I can sort everything out and be in the right mind frame, that could happen."

But over the coming weeks, O'Connor will spend time with his family on the Gold Coast and undertake the necessary off-field for his rugby revival.

"Every other time I have looked at it, and been in situations, there has always been rugby involved, there has always been a game next weekend," he said.

"Now there is no footy for me in the meantime until 2014.

"There are some hard thoughts and decisions to come, I can't fall back and lose myself playing rugby.

"I am being pretty open, I want to play for the Wallabies, I want to play for Australia, but I am not there yet.

"I want to work out how I can get back there."

Following the big announcement regarding his career and this interview on Thursday, O'Connor went to a suburban field to practice his goal-kicking.

Many more goals must be kicked before the Wallabies are ready to welcome O'Connor back into the fold, but judging by his brutally honest self-assessment, the posts are not beyond his reach.

IN HIS WORDS: James O'Connor on the key issues

HIS OWN BEHAVIOUR

"How I feel right now, it's just not good enough.

"It would be different if this was just an isolated incident, but there have been a lot of mistakes along the way.

"When they keep happening, something needs to be done.

"I don't want people to think of me and remember me that way.

"When I finish as a rugby player I want to be remembered as exactly that – not for what I did off the field."

CATALYST FOR CHANGE

"There was some feedback after the Lions tour, I spoke to Ewen and the boys, and I had been putting in the hard yards.

"But the reality is I'm not there yet.

"As much as I want to play every game for the Wallabies, and this is a tough decision for me, the reality is I am not where I want to be, I am not in the right head space to keep doing what I'm doing.

"I need to take a step back and really think about how I can change this.

"If I do come back and play for the Wallabies, I want to make sure I stay there."

WESTERN FORCE DEAL

"I have been communicating with Foles [Force coach Michael Foley] and talking about the possibility of next year.

"I have every intent of working my way back to the Wallabies, but I don't want to put a time frame on that.

"I am still speaking with the Force, they have been very supportive, they are very open about helping me.

"Initially my thoughts are about taking a step back from all rugby, the next few weeks are all about getting some space."

PUBLIC PERCEPTION

"You never like reading that stuff about yourself, when your family and people close to you are hearing things about you, that is tough to deal with.

"I have had a lot of slip-ups, and I don't want to be known for that reason, I want to be known for my rugby.

"I know personally that I've stuffed up.

"There have been a lot of stuff that has been said about me as a person, people think I have a smirk sometimes but when I get nervous that's how I react, I just go back to having fun."

THE FISHBOWL EXISTENCE

"This is all I have ever known.

"I went straight from school into the set-up – and I am very appreciative of that.

"As a person there is a lot of learning that you do.

"I have been in the public eye, I haven't been able to grow as much as I would have liked."

FAMILY

"There were a lot of other solutions being thrown out there for me, and easier ones.

"But the most influential people, my mum and dad, were honest with me.

"They asked if I had considered this situation, taking a step back and re-focussing.

"There is no one more important than family, blood is blood.

"The more time you spend with them, the more you realise how grounded you are.

"As much as it has been a tough few weeks, I have enjoyed my time spent with them."

IMPACT ON HIS TEAMMATES

"There is a lot of negativity coming out of this being put on the team.

"I don't want to be responsible for that, I want Australian rugby to be winning."

GIVING UP HIS WALLABIES SPOT TO A RIVAL PLAYER

"There will always be guys coming through, as good a player as you, if not better.

"I have got to improve as a player but this decision is about how I can get back there and stay there.

"There are guys with more natural talent than myself, even in the squad at the moment."

END GOAL

"I love to play rugby, it is my favourite thing.

"There is no bigger honour than representing your country.

"I will be out of the spotlight, and I will focus on myself.

"It would be nice if I do step away from all this and over the next few weeks find some clarity."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Meet the Sea Eagles' bravest fan

Daring Sea Eagles fan Dean Downie. Picture: Daniel Aarons Source: Daniel Aarons / DailyTelegraph

GRAND Final fever has skyrocketed across Sydney, with thousands of NRL fans preparing their war paint for Sunday's cross-town clash at ANZ Stadium.

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Sea Eagles tragic Dean Downie on Thursday drove his maroon-and-white-painted car deep into Roosters territory - and left it double-parked outside East Leagues Club in Bondi Junction.

He joked he may need a police escort out but in the end thick skin was enough to get him through unscathed.

"About 20 people have got hurt necks because they keep shaking their heads," he said. "I've had about five 'you suck', about six 'Manly suck' and the rest I can't say because they're rude.''

But public opinion about the team everyone loves to hate is changing, thanks to Geoff Toovey's  devotion and tendency to yell and scream at referees, which has seen him earn the adoration of footy fans from all over the country.

The man affectionately known as "Tooves" is transforming public opinion on Manly - the team everyone loves to hate - with his refreshing honesty.

At Thursday's gala Grand Final lunch at The Star he won over the crowd by wearing his heart on his sleeve and becoming the butt of yet another joke about his blow-ups in the coaching box.

As a montage of his angriest moments for 2013 was shown, Toovey said he never wanted to see the day when the game lost its passion.

The player-turn-coach was fined $10,000 this season for his post-match outburst after a game against South Sydney but in the weeks that followed the overwhelming reaction from fans was that the game had done itself a disservice by fining him for speaking the truth.

In Darling Harbour, hundreds of passionate fans from both sides of the turf war caught a glimpse of their favourite players at the annual Grand Final Fun Day

Tumbalong Park was morphed into a mecca for rugby league nuts as kids were covered in Easts and Manly colours and their parents engaged in some playful biff.

Roosters captain Anthony Minichiello told the crowd he was pumped for game day.

"It's always great to be a part of the last game of the season and I'm really looking forward to it, we're all excited," he said.

"It's great to see all the fans turn out today, we've had some great fan support throughout the year, we've had the highest average crowds all year so we're looking for a great atmosphere on Sunday."

Friends Deacon Cameron, 11, and Jai Caswell, 6, made the trip down from the Central Coast to barrack for Manly.

"I'm excited,'' Deacon said.

"I want them to win but it'll be hard because Roosters are minor premiers.

"My favourite player is Daly Cherry-Evans and Jai's is Wolfman.''

Across town at Moore Park, 100 of Sydney's youngest footy fans gathered for a special grand final week rugby league skills clinic.

The little tackers spent time brushing up on their kicking, tackling and try-scoring - not to mention a bit of Grand Final week sledging.

Sea Eagles fan Luca Dailly, 12, said he was excited to see them in another grand final.

"It's exciting to see them play, and all my friends go for them too, so it will be good," he said.

His mate Cooper - a Roosters fan - said it was "a big thing" for his team to be in the Grand Final.

The eight-year-old is hoping to see his favourite players "Jennings, Minichlello, Mitchell Pearce and Maloney" live at the game.

"I might be going to the game, I want to see the real thing and not on TV," he said.

***

DRUNKEN louts could be slapped with a $550 fine if they cause trouble in the Sydney CBD this long weekend.

More than a million people are expected to flood into the city for the International Fleet Review, NRL Grand Final and Fireworks Spectacular display.

But the celebrations aren't an excuse for bad behaviour, Australian Hotels Association NSW chief executive Paul Nicolaou says.

"Even though assault rates at pubs and clubs are at their lowest levels in 15 years we are keen to ensure we do everything possible to ensure patrons have a good night out," Mr Nicolaou said.

Drunk and abusive patrons who refuse to leave a venue will be hit with a $550 on-the-spot fine.

Arguing with police or hotel staff won't get you anywhere, City Police Superintendent Mark Walton warns.

"After 10 schooners, so many (people) decide to self-promote themselves and argue at the bar table,'' he said on Thursday.

"But the fact is, they're boofheaded bush lawyers who need to leave.''

"If you refuse, you'll be fined.''

Extra security and police will be out in force in a bid to curb violence, in particular in the George Street and Kings Cross areas.

Hotel staff at about 50 venues will distribute leaflets to make sure revellers know about the fines.

"In Australia, we generally see that community pride or team spirit goes hand-in-hand with celebratory alcohol consumption," Supt Walton said.

"Employees of licensed premises will be watching for signs of intoxication.

"If you've had too much and you're asked to leave, then leave - it's the law.

"Don't argue with hotel staff - drunk people don't win arguments. You don't have a clear head, so listen to the sober hotel employee or police officer when they tell you to go home.

"If you refuse to leave, you'll be fined," Supt Walton said.

An electronic billboard mounted on a truck will also circle the CBD on Friday and Saturday nights.

Foreign sailors visiting for the International Fleet Review have also been briefed on the law, Supt Walton said.

The "Stop! Is it worth $550?" campaign is a joint initiative of AHA NSW and NSW Police.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Lack of top-up could see Mowen walk

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JUST three weeks after captaining the Wallabies, Ben Mowen is considering walking out of Australian rugby due to a payment dispute with the ARU.

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If Mowen walks, he will do so mid-next year and take up a lucrative deal in France.

It would be a massive blow to Super Rugby franchise the Brumbies, who are still reeling from the shock departure of coach Jake White last week, if their skipper left after the 2014 season.

Mowen is understood to be frustrated because he is not receiving a top-up contract from the ARU despite being a regular starter in the team - and the national captain against Argentina in Perth.

Mowen agreed to terms with the Brumbies until 2015, on the proviso he also gets an ARU top-up, which is not forthcoming.

The cash-strapped ARU is limiting top-ups to players.

They have introduced a policy where players will only get top-up payments if they have played for more than two years with the Wallabies.

In that scenario, Mowen would have to wait until 2015 for a top-up to his Brumbies salary, because he only made his Test debut this year at the age of 28.

But a frustration among players is that the ARU makes concessions for code-hoppers, such as current Wallabies fullback Israel Folau.

The ARU paid Folau a top-up to reject league and play rugby after he left the AFL, and he received a significant upgrade when he renegotiated his contract in late August, having played just five Tests.

They did the same with ex-leaguies Lote Tuqiri, Wendell Sailor and Mat Rogers.

Mowen confirmed he had no deal with the ARU but referred the matter to his manager David Shand, who confirmed his client's predicament.

"He signed with the Brumbies, who have been good, now we're trying to get the ARU part of the deal done," Shand said.

Asked if Mowen has been approached by European clubs, Shand replied: "Of course, for the player the calibre of Ben who has captained his country".

In the absence of injured regular skipper James Horwill, Mowen took the honour of becoming Australia's 80th Test captain since 1899 when he led the Wallabies to a 14-13 win over Argentina on September 14.

But he was leading a dressing room of players earning significantly more.

Mowen still retains the vice-captaincy in the team and has developed his leadership credentials in the past two years by dragging the Brumbies from the tale of the Super Rugby ladder to grand finalists within two years.

White appointed Mowen skipper in 2012 even though he had been flicked from the Waratahs in favour of Rocky Elsom.

Mowen is not considered worthy of a top-up from the national body despite long-running talks.

The ARU believes that most Test players and aptly compensated by match payments, which are set at $14,000 per Test.

If a player was to feature in all 14 Tests this year, they will earn $196,000 in match payments alone, separate from their Super Rugby deals.

But the top-up element has been a crucial part of negotiations in past deals, and is guaranteed payment that is a safety net for players who miss Tests due to injury or non-selection.

Mowen was going to attempt to talk White out of his decision to quit the Brumbies last week when the pair met in Cape Town during the Wallabies preparations for the Springboks.

Mowen said he did not bother once White told him the decision was based on family, and the desire to be closer to his South African-based sons.

Mowen, a father, must now also weigh up what is best for his young family.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Swans launch bid for Buddy

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THE Swans have made a $7m bid to steal Hawthorn's premiership winner Lance Franklin from cross-town rivals, the GWS Giants.

News Limited can reveal that the move, which will stun the AFL world and enrage Melbourne clubs, involves a five-year, $1.4m per season to lure Franklin to the 2012 premiers.

Franklin won his second premiership with the Hawks on Saturday but the superstar's transfer to the AFL's newest franchise, GWS, has been widely reported as a certainty all season.

The Hawks have cobbled together $1.1m a year to entice the goalkicking sensation to stay. and while the Swans' 11th hour offer is left in the shade by the Giants' $2m a season deal, there are a host of reasons that could win over Franklin.

* Franklin's close mate, Wallaby Kurtley Beale, has returned to Sydney to play Super Rugby for the Waratahs, who train at Allianz Stadium, next door to the SCG;

Kurtley Beale is confident his mooted Waratahs return would spark a return to form. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

* He would playing in a fearsome frontline alongside Kurt Tippett, the former Adelaide powerhouse;

* The Swans have room to move on the roster and salary cap, given recent retirements and transfers;

* Franklin could be contesting a premiership in 2014, rather than trying to avoid the wooden spoon with the young Giants; and

* The two-time Coleman medallist would be following in the footsteps of Tony Lockett and Barry Hall, St Kilda superstars who relished being out of the AFL spotlight in Sydney.

The Swans will also be pinning their hopes on the desire of Franklin for a change from the fish bowl existence of an AFL star in Melbourne.

Franklin is a regular on the Sydney social scene and loves the relative anonymity the NRL-loving city provides.

The Swans must clear the decks to fit Franklin into the salary cap but are helped by a combination of retirements and players on the move.

Space in the salary cap has been created by the retirement of three 2012 premiership players Jude Bolton, Marty Mattner and Mitch Morton.

Power forward Jesse White has also requested a trade and has met with Collingwood.

The big blow for the Swans would be the almost certain departure of premiership ruckman Shane Mumford.

Sydney are yet to make an offer to extend Mumford's four-year stay at the SCG.

Hawthorn are known to be very keen on his services and have regularly added to their talented with quality players from other clubs including Norm Smith medallist Brian Lake (Western Bulldogs), Jack Gunston (Adelaide), Shaun Burgoyne, David Hale and Josh Gibson (North Melbourne)

If the Swans do manage to pull of the audacious move Collingwood president Eddie McGuire and Hawthorn president Andrew Newbold will be screaming blue murder over Sydney's nine per cent cost of living allowance.

The Melbourne presidents were up in arms when the best talent on the open market Tippett made his way to the Swans last year.

If Sydney do manage to snare Franklin and Tippett the pressure on the AFL to remove their allowance would further grow.

From a pure football point of view the sight of Tippett and Franklin playing in the same team and on the same forward line would be tantalising.

If Franklin does find his way to the SCG, Mumford is certainly gone and Tippett would have to carry some of the ruck duties with Mike Pyke.

His 202cm and 104kg frame is capable of handling the workload.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

SBW, Matai defied life of crime

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IMAGINE how many of these players would also be playing in NRL grand finals had they not been caught up in street gangs and drugs.

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Steve Matai and Sonny Bill Williams made it, emerging from the same high school and defying the luring shadows of Auckland's underbelly to shine on the biggest stage in rugby league.

Twelve years after they played together for Mt Albert Grammar's first XIII, the pair will face off in the NRL decider.

But many of their former teammates wound up on the wrong side of the law, including one of Matai's best friends who has only just been released from prison.

The Sea Eagles centre can only shake his head at the thought of the wasted talent he once played alongside.

"Our whole team that year, a lot of us could be here playing, but the boys were taking different options, walking different tracks," Matai told the Daily Telegraph.

"It was me, Tommy Leuluai (Warriors) and Sonny in the same team. It's good to see we still carried on playing.

"There were some talented boys in that team, if not better than me, who just made the wrong choices.

"It's good to see us all playing at the top level, coming from the same high school. I knew Tommy and Sonny were going to make it, I didn't see myself playing first grade but things went my way," he said.

"We had a good team, a few boys made the Auckland squad, we had a lot of talented boys who went the other way.

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"Just to see them make those choices was a bit disappointing.

"I'm happy I made the decision to keep playing, I'm happy Tommy and Sonny also made that decision, and not follow the crowd but knuckle down and train hard.

"I've been here almost 10 years, it shows that hard work pays off."

Both Matai and Williams have represented their countries, and are pillars of the hard-work ethic.

Both have had injury history and are meticulous with their training and preparation.

That discipline has served the pair well, with Matai on the verge of winning his third premiership and Williams his second.

Matai and Williams first encountered each other when they attended rival primary schools and played against each other.

They then attended Mt Albert Grammar where they became friends and teammates, though they rarely hung out together given Williams was younger.

Matai marked Williams when he burst on to the NRL in 2004 in the centres, but has rarely been on the field with him since given Williams's rugby union and boxing pursuits.

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From little boys to Manly legends

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AS little boys they were born just 13 months apart and grew up as best mates - as men Brett and Glenn Stewart remain inseparable.

On Sunday night they will team up together for their fourth NRL grand final when underdogs Manly take on the minor premiership winning Sydney Roosters.

Many good judges believe this brotherly connection is the Sea Eagles' secret weapon - and it's not just because of the way they play football together.

As Manly stalwart Peter Peters put it yesterday, it's like their bond has been the magnet that has pulled this team together.

"I have never known a closer bond and I am from a close knit family and family means everything to me,'' Peters said.

"I have seen a video of Brett and Glenn playing as kids.

"Their parents had put it together of their greatest tries and just to see the mateship even back then.

"And now at training you will see Glenn throw a pass up without looking and Brett will come through from 20 metres away and take it.

"You can't train for that, you can't coach it.''

On and off the field, it's like they would do anything and everything if it meant protecting each other.

"We are certainly close,'' Glenn said.

"I can't speak for other brothers but I couldn't imagine being closer than what we are.

"Like, I don't think it is possible, you know what I'm saying?''

To get a picture, Peters takes you back to a story when they were teenagers and Brett was first diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

"I reckon that is where their bond really started,' he said.

Then there was Brett's court case back in 2010 that dragged his name and his reputation through the mud before he was finally found not guilty.

Peters continued: "I have sat in the dugout with (Brett) and fans have said terrible things to him and he has sat there and copped it.

"And he listens to everything, he hears everything.

"A couple of times, I didn't think he'd heard. And he'd say; `Did you hear that?'

"It was hard to take.''

But then Peters tells you about their family and what they all mean to each other.

How their dad was a coal miner and a butcher and a father most importantly, who would do anything for his kids.

"Salt of the earth,'' Peters said.

Brett started laughing at training yesterday when we asked about his Dad.

"Dad doesn't sleep before the game, he is worse than us,'' Brett joked.

"I don't think Mum is much better.

"They just spent the weekend up here. They brought up our nieces and I spent the weekend with them and I guess next week will be the same.

"Sometimes you've got to tell them to go home.''

You saw in last Friday night's win over South Sydney what these brothers mean to this team.

One minute the Sea Eagles were trailing Souths 14-0 and mistakes from Glenn had directly led to every single point.

But then he did something magical, a deft little kick off his left boot that no one expected, except his brother.

And from there Manly marched into another grand final.

"There is definitely a connection,'' Glenn agreed.

"We were only 13 months apart and we grew up extra close and as best mates and we certainly played a lot of footy together and games around the backyard.

"I don't know if it's anything extra to what other brothers have but Brett seems to chase everything at 110 per cent so it certainly makes things look a bit easier.''

Brett added: "I am certainly not saying that I can read his mind, what he is going to do, but it definitely helps.

"This is our fourth grand final and you know if someone would have said 10 or 11 years ago we would have played in one I would have been stoked.

Brothers Glenn (left) and Brett Stewart have a very close bond. Picture Gregg Porteous

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The Barometer: AFL trades edition

Where will Lance Franklin be in 2014? Source: Quinn Rooney / Getty Images

WITH the AFL Grand Final out of the way, the time has come for player managers and recruiters to broker deals for 2014 and beyond.

Key dates:

Friday 4 October: Free agency trade period opens, AFL father-son bidding nominations close at 2pm.
Monday 7 October at 10am: AFL Trade period opens, father-son players bidding meeting.
Friday 18 October at 5pm: Free agency trade period closes.
Monday 21 October: AFL restricted free agency matching offer three-day period ends.
Friday 25 October at 2pm: AFL Trade period closes.

ADELAIDE

Versatile big man Shaun McKernan wants out of West Lakes, looking for a new home in Victoria. But the Crows have their sights set on a number of players including disgruntled Brisbane midfielder Jared Polec and Carlton livewire Eddie Betts. Crows Ian Callinan and journeyman Richard Tambling remain without deals for 2014.

Free agents: nil

BRISBANE

The Lions are faced with an exodus of youth with the likes of Billy Longer, Sam Docherty, Patrick Karnezis, Jared Polec, Elliot Yeo, James Polkinghorne and Aaron Cornelius seeking new clubs for 2014. Longer, a first round pick, looms as the greatest loss – taking into account his exposed form. Docherty had wraps on him while in the twos but failed to fire on the big stage. Karnezis is another who has mixed his form when given the opportunity. Meanwhile, the Lions yesterday announced they had withdrawn from the race for Richmond ace Dustin Martin.

Free agents: Simon Black (retire?) and Jonathan Brown (hope he goes around again)

CARLTON

Big Shaun Hampson will definitely be on the trade table while Jeremy Laidler has already told the club he's looking for a new home. Free agent Eddie Betts remains unsigned with Adelaide and North Melbourne his suitors. The Blues are well in the market for Collingwood wingman Dale Thomas, while they're among several clubs vying for GWS midfielder Taylor Adams. Chris Yarran could also be on the move from Visy Park.

Free agents: Eddie Betts (on the move), Heath Scotland (should re-sign)

COLLINGWOOD

Out-of-favour defender Heath Shaw and Dale Thomas will dominate the Magpies trade talks with the former linked to Melbourne, Geelong and Richmond. Thomas could join former mentor Mick Malthouse at Carlton, while the Magpies look set to lure athletic big man Jesse White from Sydney.

Free agents: Dale Thomas (Blues keen as)

ESSENDON

Forward Stewart Crameri is well on his way to the Western Bulldogs with a four-year $1.8m deal on the table. Scott Gumbleton's name will again be bandied around as rival clubs look to bolster their tall forward stocks. St Kilda midfielder Nick Dal Santo has been linked to Windy Hill and North Melbourne while the Bombers would be in the market for a rebounding defender – refer Bulldog Jason Johannisen and Magpie Heath Shaw.

Free agents: Dustin Fletcher (why retire, now?)

FREMANTLE

Would be surprised if the Dockers made radical changes after coming with three goals of ultimate glory. Alex Silvagni could be seeking greater opportunities while injury-ravaged midfielder Viv Michie is keen to return to Victoria. The Dockers were into West Australian Scott Gumbleton last year, the Bomber would slot into nicely alongside Matthew Pavlich and Chris Mayne.

Free agents: nil

GEELONG

The axe could fall on Paul Chapman despite the club champion, who had his 2013 campaign marred by injury, keen to play on for another season. The Cats' list is rock solid with retirements on the cards for Joel Corey and Josh Hunt. Veteran James Podsiadly could also come under scrutiny during the trade period.

Free agents: Paul Chapman (wants to play on), Joel Corey (retirement on the cards), Corey Enright (should re-sign), Josh Hunt (same as Corey) and Mathew Stokes (safe as houses)

GOLD COAST

Another defender would be on the cards for the Suns but no rash decisions to be made with three early draft picks up their sleeves. The Suns delisted five including Mav Weller, Joel Wilkinson and Kyal Horsley while Jared Brennan has announced his retirement.

Free agents: nil

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

Cash is king in falafel country and the Giants hold more than enough to jemmy Lance Franklin out of Hawthorn. The Coleman medallist and dual premiership star is set to decide on his future as early as this week. Magpie Heath Shaw could also be joining brother, Rhyce, in New South Wales with the Giants keen on his services. While the club distanced itself from Tiger Dustin Martin, it's set to lose defender Josh Bruce (St Kilda bound) and Taylor Adams (Victoria bound).

Free agents: nil

HAWTHORN

All eyes on Lance Franklin. Should he stay, look elsewhere for big moves. Should he go, watch out as the cashed-up Hawks look to bolster their ruck division – think Shane Mumford and Billy Longer. Dale Thomas could also form part of discussions should the salary cap allow.

Free agents: Max Bailey (should re-sign), Xavier Ellis (unclear), Lance Franklin (money talks), Brent Guerra (could retire), Michael Osborne (in trouble)

MELBOURNE

Colin Sylvia remains unsigned with several clubs interested in the classy ball user. The Demons have placed pick no.2 on the trade table in a bid to lure mature talent. While the club failed last year with several 'moneyball' decisions not paying dividends, this time around it has Paul Roos pulling the trade strings. A solid midfielder and defender would be high priorities for the Sydney premiership coach.

Free agents: Colin Sylvia (has suitors if he wants to go)

NORTH MELBOURNE

The Kangaroos have their sights firmly set on St Kilda star Nick Dal Santo. Blues forward Eddie Betts was also linked to Arden St. Key defender Luke Delaney could be shopped around with the Roos well served by All Australian Scott Thompson and Nathan Grima. Hard-working midfielder Levi Greenwood (contracted for 2014) could be tempted to test the market for greater opportunities elsewhere. Unsigned Roos Jordan Gysberts, pick no.11 in 2009, and Will Sierakowski would have little currency on the open market given their lack of experience.

Free agents: nil

PORT ADELAIDE

Power coachKen Hinkley is open trading for his first round draft pick for an emerging player – all but ruling out moves to recruit mature talent. Lion Jared Polec must decide between Alberton and West Lakes. How would delisted Magpie Alan Didak look in Power strips alongside Jay Schulz and Angus Monfries.

Free agents: Tom Logan (unclear)

RICHMOND

Dustin Martin is running out of options after the Lions became the latest club to say they are not interested in his services, joining Melbourne, St Kilda, Carlton, Collingwood and North Melbourne in ruling out a trade for the hugely talented but high-maintenance forward, who declared his intention to test his market value when Richmond offered a modest pay rise on his $450,000-a season contract. Surely he will patch things up with the Tigers, but the club was hoping that would happen last week and Martin and his manager Ralph Carr – who maintains Dusty could earn $600,000 a year at another club – are yet to return to the bargaining table. Martin is the only big name who could attract interest from other clubs, with Reece Conca joining teammates including Trent Cotchin, Jack Riewoldt, Alex Rance, Brandon Ellis, Dylan Grimes and Daniel Jackson in inking new deals this season. Chris Newman has signed a one-year contract and back-up key defender Ben Griffiths is reportedly set to follow suit. That doesn't leave much for other clubs to chase, and little spare cash for the Tigers to go shopping – at least if Martin signs. Richmond is in the hunt for GWS clearance gun Taylor Adams but Collingwood seems his most likely home. Lion Billy Longer has also been mentioned – Richmond needs a young back-up ruckman - but he seems a certainty to go to Hawthorn.

Free agents: Luke McGuane (retire or one-year deal), Matt White (should re-sign)

ST KILDA

The Saints say they aren't shopping any of their players around, but they are clearly open to offers in the hope of cashing in an experienced star for some more early draft picks to turbo charge Scott Watters' rebuild. North Melbourne is keen on Nick Dal Santo and only has to come up with a suitable deal to get him; Essendon has also expressed interest in the silky left-footer but losing its draft picks in the first two rounds severely weakens its bargaining power. Sam Fisher could find his way to GWS and Leigh Montagna's name has also been floated in trade talk, but St Kilda is unlikely to let both he and Dal Santo go. The Saints have made no secret of their desire to land a key defender but there aren't many big names available - young Giant Josh Bruce says he wants to move to Seaford and Kangaroo Luke Delaney is also in the mix, while Bomber Tayte Pears remains out of contract. The man they came close to landing 12 months ago, Eagle Mitch Brown, signed a contract extension with West Coast mid-season and a pitch for his brother Nathan fell flat after he opted to stay at Collingwood. The Saints say they won't give up pick three unless they receive an "extraordinary" offer. Clint Jones, Tom Curren, Tom Simpkin, Farren Ray (who was chased by Melbourne last year), Beau Maister and Terry Milera have all re-signed while Tom Ledger, Jay Lever and Jordan Staley have been delisted, adding to the retirements of veterans Justin Koschitzke, Stephen Milne and Jason Blake.

Free agents: Nick Dal Santo (on the move)

SYDNEY

Jesse White looks destined to spend 2014 elsewhere given a market for his services and the Swans' bounty of tall options. Collingwood is best placed to secure his signature. Not bad for a bloke considered as the proverbial steak knives in a mooted – pre salary cap breach scandal - deal for Kurt Tippett last year. Mike Pyke's emergence as the Swans' No.1 ruckman has forced Shane Mumford to look elsewhere – Hawthorn and Greater Western Sydney among the leading candidates.

Free agents: nil

WEST COAST

Blues speedster Chris Yarran could be lured home to Western Australian during the trade period. Yarran mixed his form under Mick Malthouse including a stint in the VFL. The Eagles are well placed with several players hanging up the boots including Andrew Embley, Mark Nicoski and Adam Selwood. Meanwhile, veterans Daniel Kerr's future hangs in the balance. But first, the Eagles must appoint a senior coach for 2014 with Peter Sumich the leading candidate from Hawthorn and Port Adelaide assistants Adam Simpson and Alan Richardson in the mix.

Free agents: Dean Cox (not going anywhere), Darren Glass (same as Cox)

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Stewart Crameri could be the first deal of the trade period to be done with the Dogs closing in with a four-year deal. Bomber Scott Gumbleton would be next in line, while defender Jason Johannisen is understood to be on the trade table. Free agent Dylan Addison remains unsigned and could be headed back to New South Wales after strong finish to the season.

Free agents: Dylan Addison (one year deal, at best)

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Buderus facing back surgery

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COURAGEOUS Newcastle hooker Danny Buderus will see a specialist later this week with fears the sickening collision that left him unconscious for almost three minutes against the Sydney Roosters may have stirred up an old back injury that required surgery earlier this season.

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Although still feeling the effects of a severe concussion following his tackle gone wrong on Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, the veteran hooker was released from St Vincent's hospital Sunday morning and will spend the next few days recuperating.

He spent the night in hospital under observation and undergoing scans that cleared him of a neck injury.

But it's understood one of the scans showed up some inflammation around a disc in his back that he had previous surgery on early in the season.

He will know later in the week after seeing his specialist whether the inflammation is any cause for concern.

"No one wants to finish their career this way but I have been fortunate to play the game I love for this long and for us to finish in the top four this season," Buderus said Sunday.

"Thank you to everyone for their well wishes and support, not just last night but throughout my career."

"I love this club and have said on a number of occasions I am forever indebted to it."

Knights CEO Matt Gidley, one of Buderus' closest mates, described the incident as "heartbreaking" and admitted to being emotional when he saw Buderus in the dressing room immediately after he was stretchered off.

"Yeah, I was pretty upset. It was a big game for him, knowing how passionate he is and to see him go out like that was hard to take," Gidley said.

"He was real crook and even now that he is home, he is going to be sick and sorry for a few days."

Gidley said the tackle that caused the concussion typified the way the Knights hooker has always played the game.

"It was typical Bedsy - going in to meet a big forward head-on,'' he said.

"That was part of his make-up - to make big defensive statements. That's the courage of the man. The way he leads by example without any fear.

"His technique has always been so good, which is why he has never had too many concussions.

"Unfortunately, he got this one wrong. But it's just one of the many courageous acts of putting his body on the line for his team that Bedsy will be remembered for."

Knights teammate Beau Scott admitted the loss of their inspirational hooker affected the team.

"He's the number one man, the number one person to the team, the town, to everyone really," Scott said.

"I can't give the bloke enough accolades and just hope he is OK."

Gidley said the Knights will take plenty out of the way the team battled on without him against a rampant Roosters outfit.

"I think what happened with him knocked a bit of the spirit out of all of us but I couldn't be prouder of the way we kept fighting on,'' he said.

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