Bombers rally to deny plucky Crows

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ESSENDON'S leaders made a couple of telling statements at Etihad Stadium.

The club may have been banned from last year's finals series, but it let the footy world know that it can still be a player in this year's September show.

If the game wasn't a classic "eight pointer" already, then Gold Coast's win over Geelong just minutes before the clash ensured that Essendon and Adelaide would be playing in a mini-final at Etihad Stadium.

The winner would go level, for the night at least, with North Melbourne, while the loser risked being two games and percentage out of the eight by weekend's end.

Bombers coach Mark Thompson said last week he wanted more leadership from his players.

He got it.

Early on it came largely from those in his official leadership group.

TO GET LIVE STATS AND SUPERCOACH POINTS CLICK ON THE GAME IN THE SCORE CENTRE ABOVE OR HERE IF YOU'RE ON A MOBILE DEVICE

Later on it was the club's middle tier who stepped up.

But through it all there was one constant, Brendon Goddard, who, as acting captain, has stood up massively in the absence of the injured Jobe Watson.

Bomber Michael Hurley is mobbed after kicking the sealer. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

The former Saint got the first clearance of the night and found Heath Hocking, who belied his stature to take a big pack mark 45m from goal.

Hocking goaled to give the Bombers the perfect start.

Brent Stanton kicked his first goal on the run from 45m then outmarked Patrick Dangerfield a short time later which resulted in him kicking his second and his team's sixth.

Dyson Heppell and Jason Winderlich had seven possessions each by quarter time as the Bombers got off to a flyer to lead by four goals at the first break.

At 36 points up 15 minutes in to the third quarter it seemed as if Essendon was home.

But when the Crows kicked the last three goals of the quarter to get within 15 points at the final change there was a strange sense of deja vu — the Melbourne game last Sunday all over again.

We can only assume that in that three-quarter time huddle Thompson asked for another statement from his leaders.

He got it, again, but this time it was the likes of emerging leader Ben Howlett — with his controversial goal of the year contender from the pocket — and Jake Melksham — with seven fourth quarter possessions to cap off a solid night all-round — who were standing up to be counted.

Howlett was awarded the goal despite replays suggesting the ball had brushed the post in transition.

While the umpires chose not to review the goal, Winderlich, in a post match radio interview, conceded it "touched the post".

The Bombers celebrate Howlett's last quarter goal. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

Michael Hibberd, clumsy at best last week, was immense with his run off half back all night and emerged as one of his side's best.

Travis Colyer, 22, kicked a goal which almost lifted the roof off of the Docklands stadium midway through the term while Michael Hurley — a presence no matter where he is on the field — sneaked forward to kick the sealer four minutes from the finish to rebuff yet another Adelaide charge.

But it was Goddard, who doubled his possession count with a staggering 16 possessions in the last quarter alone, who the coach would have been most proud of last night.

If the midfielder's acquisition wasn't already worth it before, it surely is now, and it is he who the club will rely on most to further propel its finals charge.

The Crows, for their part, were largely disappointing but for a spurt here and there in quarters three and four.

They too, like Essendon, are capable of the exquisite but too often, particularly in Melbourne, don't produce.

Dangerfield looked hampered by a thigh problem. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

Dangerfield was relatively quiet with just the 21 touches, but his output shouldn't have to be the barometer for Adelaide's performance.

Only Scott Thompson, (41 possessions) Sam Jacobs (35 hit-outs) and Matthew Wright (26 touches) would have walked off totally satisfied with their own games.

Josh Jenkins too, against his old side, threatened to be the matchwinner with four goals.

Questions will come again about Essendon's third quarter fade-outs.

But this time, at least, its players and coaches can answer them having still managed to win the game.

At times last night the Dons' footy was as good as it was in the first three rounds of the season when wins against North Melbourne and Carlton had pundits tipping the team for the top four.

The task now is to put four quarters together against a wounded Cats outfit to really give its finals charge momentum.

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Bennett is worst ever Knights coach

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WAYNE Bennett now has the worst record of any Newcastle coach. Ever.

Bet you never saw that coming? Unthinkable only 12 months ago, The Sunday Telegraph can reveal how Bennett — an ageing sage with seven premierships, five Origin series, even a shock world title with New Zealand — is, statistically, the least successful coach in 27 years of Knights football.

Worse, it's a result costing $3 million to facilitate.

Knights coach Wayne Bennett addresses his side at training. Source: News Corp Australia

"That surprises me, obviously,'' Knights CEO Matt Gidley said last night. "But you know, as we all do, there are circumstances surrounding this situation.

"And the way Wayne has stabilised this club throughout an extremely turbulent period, the care he's shown ... it's been remarkable."

So exactly what does one make of this rare Bennett blemish? With his future in the Hunter unknown, and his team languishing in last place, it is hardly the position expected of a man who arrived on the cusp of winning premierships at three separate NRL clubs.

Certainly it doesn't take Mr Peabody to understand Newcastle were always going to struggle following, first, the tragedy surrounding forward Alex McKinnon; then, second, the saga that is departing owner Nathan 'IOU' Tinkler.

NRL TAKES CONTROL OF THE KNIGHTS

The NRL has took control of the Knights after Nathan Tinkler moved on from the club. Source: News Corp Australia

Throw in the jailing of prop Russell Packer and you've got the NRL equivalent of a Bermuda Triangle.

Yet through it all, insiders will whisper, Bennett has held strong.

Such a rock for players, staffers, even the McKinnon family, Knights great Paul Harragon wondered aloud recently if, maybe, the coach was here purely because no one else could keep the joint together.

Indeed, if ever you needed proof of what sets Bennett apart from the pack — why a bloke like Darius Boyd would follow Bennett into Hades or, worse, a media scrum —
re-read that moving column he wrote for McKinnon on these pages back in March.

Marvelling at how this grandfather, who has moulded hundreds, if not thousands, of young lives, can still talk so emotionally, so intimately, about one.

Tough times ... Newcastle Knight's coach Wayne Bennett at training. Source: News Corp Australia

But this is rugby league. A code where sentiment carries less weight than even Bennett during his days as a winger in Brisbane.

And, right now, the Knights are stumbling through their second worst start to a season ever — with only 2005, when they opened with 13 straight losses, uglier than their current 2-11 record.

In attack, Newcastle average fewer tries and points per game than all but Cronulla. In defence, they have missed the second most tackles with 31. All up, giving Bennett a success rate of 40.6 per cent.

And this number, you should know, is worse than Allan McMahon (40.7). Worse than David Waite (44.7). Worse even than Brian Smith, who had fans burning his effigy — or something like that — until he departed with a strike rate of 45.6 per cent. And so, we ask: Are the problems that have befallen Newcastle responsible for Bennett's coaching blemish, or simply masking it?

Winning percentage of former Newcastle coaches. Source: Supplied

Certainly, you can still see the super coach's fingerprints on this mob.

For a start, Newcastle are making the second least errors — with 10.6 per game. Elsewhere, they own the third best completion rate, have breathed life into Willie Mason and, only last winter, went within one game of a shock grand final appearance.

"Ask people around here,'' Gidley said, "and the thing they'll remember most about Wayne during all this turbulence is how he's
cared."

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Bomber: Our players needed the win

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ESSENDON coach Mark Thompson says the club's thrilling win over Adelaide helped deliver some much-needed joy into the lives of his suffering players.

The Bombers produced a gritty last quarter to hold off a fast-finishing Adelaide by nine points and avoid a repeat of last weekend when Essendon blew a commanding five goal lead against Melbourne.

While the victory has come at a cost, with dashing defender Michael Hibberd in doubt for next week's game against Geelong with a corked leg, Thompson said the performance was a significant one given the ongoing toll the supplement scandal was taking on the club.

Thompson agreed with Brendon Goddard's post-game assessment that the players felt it was them against the football world, as the club ramps up its legal battle against the ASADA probe into its 2012 supplement program.

When asked to explain what Goddard meant by describing last night's win as a "line in the sand" moment, Thompson said: "Line in the sand would be that we're feeling lonely, isolated and feel like it's just us."

"We feel like everyone's against us and we've just got to go out and have fun. And have some success and have some joy in our life.

"There's not much joy around."

Asked if the supplement mess was weighing on the players, Thompson said: "It sure is."

But last night's win helped buoy the mood, as Essendon produced a seven-goal opening to lead at one stage by 36 points before Adelaide's comeback.

"We were pleased with the victory, it would have been disastrous if we had have gone down and lost again with a big lead two weeks in a row," Thompson said.

"We've got to have some fun in the week and this is the fun time for them.

Thompson said he took the rare step of reminding his players about last week's fade-out with his team up by 15 points at three quarter time last night.

"I did (remind the players) which I rarely do, but I thought it (winning) meant that much," Thompson said.

"I wanted them to be, not shaken, but be aware. Be present in their mind and conscious mind that there was a chance they could feel like they did last week, and maybe be worse, and sometimes that can just drive people.

"I hope it did and I thought we handled the pressure of the last quarter reasonably well."

Former Cat Paul Chapman will definitely take on his old side on Friday night but Thompson confirmed Hibberd was doubtful to play the Cats.

Jake Carlisle would also have a fitness test to prove he is over a knee problem.

Thompson lauded the leadership of stand-in captain Goddard, who lifted magnificently racking up 16 last term possessions to help hold-off the Crows.

Thompson said working with Goddard at Essendon has changed his perception of the former Saint.

"He has actually set standards in terms of on ground talk and delivering feedback and setting things up and what he has added here is that he is getting the group together now, not just working individuals," Thompson said.

"He's done really well, I'm really pleased for him.

"Coming from another club not knowing him at all, you get this impression and perception of who he was and he's completely different. He really cares and he's a real pro and he's been good for the football club."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

‘I’m improving every week’: Morabito

Anthony Morabito continues to impress at WAFL level. Source: Daniel Wilkins / News Corp Australia

ANTHONY Morabito may have answered the million dollar question in AFL circles with a best-afield effort for Peel Thunder.

After being denied another chance to return to AFL level with the Dockers, the long-term injured midfielder ripped it up.

After a week in which his return had been the talk of the town, Morabito was hopeful a return to the elite level would be sooner rather than later.

"It's the million dollar question," Morabito said.

"I've just got to keep performing at this level and keep doing the stuff that the coaches and the match committee ask of me consistently at this level and once I can demonstrate that I can do that then it's up to them.

"When I'm selected, I'm selected. I'm not really too concerned with that. That's out of my control and I'm really pleased just to be playing footy consistently and to be healthy."

Morabito had a more attacking role in Peel's second win of the season and clocked up 28 disposals and kicked two goals. The 22-year-old said he is putting in the effort to get the AFL call up but he is enjoying playing week to week without any injuries.

"I feel like I'm improving every week, it's definitely now just a matter of executing my role down here and keep putting pressure on myself to perform," he said.

"I've still got a fair bit of stuff to work on, on my game.

"Obviously missing a fair bit of footy and our game plan is quite strict, so there's a lot of stuff that I can improve on, but definitely getting my hands on the footy is a good starting point."

After three knee reconstructions, Morabito has not played for Fremantle since 2010 and with his contract with the club up at the end of 2014 he said his future was out of his control.

"Over the last couple of years it's just been a matter of wanting to play footy so I haven't even crossed that path yet, to tell you the truth I'm just really happy to play footy,' he said.

"Whatever happens in the next six months, a year, whatever happens, happens. That's another thing that's out of my control. I've just got to work hard every day and see what happens from there."

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Mercedes fastest in GP practice

Nico Rosberg of Mercedes GP signs autographs for fans ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix. Source: Dom Romney / Getty Images

THE Mercedes duo Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg finished one-two in Friday's second practice session for Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix.

Hamilton was quickest on the Red Bull Ring with a time of 1 minute 9.542 seconds while the world championship leader Rosberg — currently 22 points ahead of Hamilton in the standings — was 0.377 seconds behind his teammate.

Rosberg was fastest in Friday's first practice ahead of Hamilton.

The Mercedes team is hoping to bounce back after the Canadian Grand Prix — the first race they did not win, as Rosberg was second and Hamilton failed to finish due to technical problems.

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso was third in the second practice, 0.551 seconds behind Rosberg, followed by the Williams duo of Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa.

Red Bull were unable to take advantage of the home track as reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel was sixth — 0.888 seconds behind Rosberg — and Canadian GP winner Daniel Ricciardo was eighth.

Light rain and wind caused problems during both practice sessions, especially the first practice when Vettel had a double spin after getting on the wet grass.

Formula One is returning to Austria for the first time in 11 years.

Qualifying takes place Saturday before the race on Sunday.

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Down the middle is the way to go, says Sanderson

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CROWS coach Brenton Sanderson says he will continue to encourage his defence to attack through the corridor despite statistics showing Adelaide has been more successful this season when it plays safe.

There's a clear trend emerging in the Crows' inconsistent year — in their wins they move the ball around the boundary more often but when they gamble and take the ball through the corridor they lose.

Sanderson wants his team to keep choosing the "high risk, high reward" option of carrying the ball through the middle of the ground because it's what the AFL's elite do.

Five of the teams who use the corridor the most - Geelong, Fremantle, Collingwood, Port and Sydney - sit inside the top six on the ladder.

The Crows are ranked third in centre corridor use but enter Saturday night's game against Essendon at Etihad Stadium in 10th spot because they've been badly punished by opposition sides when they turn the ball over in this part of the ground.

"We've turned the ball over in our defensive half almost more than any other side this year," Sanderson said.

"When we've played poorly and lost the opposition has turned the ball over in our defensive half ...

"(And) it's a short distance to go back to the opposition's goal to score."

So as Adelaide prepares for what could be a season-defining clash against the Bombers, Sanderson faces a classic "development v results" coaching decision.

Adelaide Crows coach Brenton Sanderson believes in the "high-risk, high-reward" approach. Picture: Sarah Reed.

Does he cop the short-term turnover pain to fast track his team's development into a genuine top four threat?

Young defenders like Luke Brown and Rory Laird aren't going to develop into reliable long kicks if they never try them on game day.

Or does the desire to return to the top eight after a disappointing 2013 season take precedence and result in a more risk-averse game style?

"We still promote corridor. That for us is where we can create some better attacking play," Sanderson said.

"We would love a lot better ball use out of our D50.

"Smith, Reilly, Jaensch are good kicks, Laird and Brown are neat kicks (and) Otten, Talia - we're still working with those guys to ensure we're getting good ball use out of D50.

"It's an area we have to keep improving on for sure but we'll always still promote corridor ball use."

Staying aggressive when the pressure is on is a theme Sanderson - and his players - have promoted all season.

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The Crows coach repeated the message yesterday, saying it was even more important this week against Bombers side which restricts forward entries better than any other team.

"When we're not going well we can't afford to go back into our shells," Sanderson said.

"We have to keep taking the game on, be bold, be brave, that's when we're playing our best footy ...

"Essendon's pressure is very good. They're the number one side in preventing inside 50s in the competition - they only give up 42 a week.

"We're going to have to be really on top of our game if we're going to beat this side."

PLAYING SAFE

Adelaide's use of the corridor from defence this season

Wins - 19.9%

Losses - 28.4%

R13 v Kangaroos - 17.2%

CORRIDOR KINGS

The AFL sides who play through the middle the most

Geelong - 38.5%

Fremantle - 35.7%

Adelaide - 33.1%

Collingwood - 32.9%

Port Adelaide - 31.5%

Sydney - 31.1%

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

World Cup blows up on Facebook

Trending ... Facebook has introduced a special World Cup feature. Source: Uncredited / AP

THROUGH one week of the World Cup, Facebook has already seen more people having more interactions about the tournament on the social media site than it had for the Sochi Olympics, Super Bowl and Academy Awards combined.

A total of 141 million people have commented about, "liked" or shared posts on Facebook about the World Cup, the company said on Friday. There have been 459 million different interactions on it.

Much of the action is international: 85 per cent of the people talking about the World Cup on Facebook are from outside of the United States. There are 1.28 billion people on Facebook worldwide, 80 per cent of them living outside the US.

"We always see a large level of conversation on Facebook around big sporting events," said Justin Osofsky, the company's vice president of global operations and media partnerships. "But what we're witnessing around the World Cup has been extraordinary."

By contrast, America's Super Bowl engaged some 50 million people on Facebook, the Sochi games 45 million people and the Oscars 11.3 million people, the social media site said.

World game ... Facebook's interactive map for the World Cup. Source: AP

Facebook has targeted the World Cup as part of its effort to become a site with more real-time conversation and news distribution around big events, functions where many people think of Twitter first. Facebook is promoting World Cup-related hashtags, has a special World Cup-related section and heavily promotes celebrity-related posts.

A photo posted by Pitbull, who performed at the opening ceremonies, has received more than 1.2 million interactions, as has a photo posted by Brazilian soccer star Neymar, Facebook said.

Facebook is also working with other media outlets to increase its exposure. One of the most prominent is Univision, the broadcaster with the Spanish-language rights to telecast the World Cup in the United States, which is featuring details about Facebook postings on its telecast. For CNN International, Facebook is constantly measuring what topics surrounding the World Cup are getting the most attention.

"In a fundamental sense, we're just getting started," Mr Osofsky said.

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Ronaldo trains ahead of vital USA game

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PORTUGAL captain Cristiano Ronaldo trained on Friday ahead of the vital World Cup group match with USA as speculation swirled over his injured left knee.

The world player of the year, who is suffering from tendonitis, had the knee taped as he took part in light drills at the team's training camp near Sao Paulo.

Ronaldo, 29, caused further concern over his fitness when he stopped training early and had ice applied to his knee at a public session on Wednesday.

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On Friday, the Real Madrid forward showed no signs of discomfort as he took part in a warm-up passing exercise with teammates Nani, Miguel Veloso, Helder Postiga and Ruben Amorim.

Watching media were ushered away after 15 minutes but Ronaldo's appearance raises the likelihood he will play Sunday's game, which has great significance after Portugal's 4-0 loss to Germany.

Reports have been circulating questioning the fitness of Ronaldo, who is considered critical to Portugal's chances of success at the World Cup.

After Real Madrid's win in last month's Champions League final, Ronaldo missed two Portugal friendlies before returning to action in their final warm-up against Ireland.

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England captain lashes out at Warne

Fed up ... Alastair Cook (right) is sick of being criticised by Shane Warne. Picture: AFP Source: IAN KINGTON / AFP

ALASTAIR Cook says "something needs to be done" about the barrage of criticism he has received over his captaincy of the England cricket team from the likes of Australia great Shane Warne.

During England's 5-0 Ashes series loss 'Down Under', Cook's generally conservative approach came under fire from legendary leg-spinner Warne.

Regarded as one of the best tacticians of his era, Warne, who previously called for Cook to be replaced as captain, wrote ahead of the present series between England and Sri Lanka in his June 11 column in Britain's Daily Telegraph: "If Cook wants to stay boring and be the same old England by bowling wide of off stump and trying to build up pressure slowly then he has chosen the wrong path."

Cook, however, was inventive in the field during a thrilling drawn first Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's where his side finished on Monday just one wicket away from a stunning win.

The 29-year-old Cook, speaking to BBC Radio on Thursday ahead of the second and final Test against Sri Lanka at Headingley, was asked how he felt about comments from various pundits in general and the "voluble" Warne in particular.

"Well something needs to be done because in three years I've been England captain I have just, in my eyes, been criticised for a hell of a lot of that," said Cook.

"Yes, when we lose games of cricket as a captain you get criticised but I've also won a lot of cricket games for England, won more one-day games than anyone as England captain, won an Ashes, won in India away and that's what I'm proud of as well," the Essex left-handed opener insisted.

"So to be criticised for three years, totally, with those results, I find quite hard to take to be honest with you.

He added: "Support and positivity is what this England team needs.

"The crowd at Lord's were brilliant, the public there were fantastic behind the lads and they really drove off it and a bit more support like that will hold everyone in good stead."

Asked if he felt the criticism was "personal", Cook replied: "Yeah, I think it is."

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Sport Confidential: Hoffman the hero

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NSW captain Paul Gallen may have been named the official man-of-the-match for State of Origin II but it was champion Blues backrower Ryan Hoffman who was awarded the game ball for best on ground, as voted by his teammates.

To a man in the Blues 17, almost every player chose Hoffman as NSW's most influential, whereas the Australian Kangaroos selectors Bob McCarthy, Bob Fulton, Des Morris and Allan Smith went with Gallen.

Paul Gallen was the official Man-of-the-Match. Source: News Corp Australia

On raw numbers alone, it's impossible to argue against Gallen's influence on the Maroons, with the Blues skipper making 24 hit-ups, 200m and 33 tackles.

Which raises the question, is Origin greatness about more than just impressive statistics? Of course it is.

Hoffman was, in our view, the best player involved in State of Origin II, running at Queensland's Daly Cherry-Evans at every opportunity and looking most likely to break the

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Maroons defensive wall when the Blues were trailing 4-0.

Halfback Trent Hodkinson was a shandy behind him, producing the game-breaking try and goal to finally end the Maroons dynasty, while Blues hooker Robbie Farah was also relentless the way he targeted DCE and Johnathan Thurston on the Maroons last tackle options.

No question Gallen has been one of the cornerstones of the NSW forward pack for the past five years, but there's a view the Blues skipper can overplay his hand and demand too much possession, making the attack too one-dimensional.

Trent Hodkinson celebrates scoring a try with teammates. Source: News Corp Australia

Phil Gould, the most successful NSW Origin coach in history, made this very point during Channel Nine's record-breaking TV coverage, with the Blues trailing 4-0 and camped on the Maroons tryline.

"If I've got a criticism of the NSW players it's that Gallen and Bird are getting the ball too much in attacking zones. You want it with Hayne and Jennings, you don't want it with Gallen and Bird, they've done their job. Get the ball to the attacking players," Gould said.

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Gallen's statistical numbers from the last five seasons in Origin make for phenomenal reading, with the Blues captain averaging 165m per game, 19.6 runs, 33.9 tackles and 24.7 possessions.

In terms of statistical output, that's at least 25 per cent better than every other forward who has been on the field at the same time.

NSW's Jarryd Hayne and Robbie Farah in tears after winning the Origin series. Source: News Corp Australia

The next best forward by the numbers is NSW teammate Greg Bird, who averaged 116m, 13.8 runs, 24.9 tackles and 17.2 possessions, while from Queensland Petero Civoniceva leads the charge with 116m, 13.5 runs, 19.3 tackles and 13.09 possessions per game.

NSW coach Laurie Daley presented Hoffman with the game ball inside the Blues victory celebrations of a private function room at the Pullman Hotel at Homebush after the game.

■ ■ ■

FULL credit to Queensland, the Maroons were magnificent in the way they handled defeat. Coach Mal Meninga went into the NSW dressing rooms to shake hands with great mate Laurie Daley, who also deserves huge plaudits for the way he opened-up the Blues inner-sanctum for Channel Nine's highest rating Origin match in history.

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The record-breaking TV numbers are no surprise considering Blues assistant coach Brad Fittler was allowed access all areas before the game and during halftime, when Daley was talking to the players. The NBA and the NFL get plenty of raps in the US for allowing brilliant media access, this was one occasion when the NRL got it spot on. You can't buy that kind of advertising, especially when it comes to casual rugby league fans.

FORGET ORIGIN, DALY'S GOT BIGGER FISH TO FRY

CONGRATULATIONS to Manly rising Manly superstar Daly Cherry-Evans, whose partner Vessa Rockliff is pregnant with the couple's second child. Cherry-Evans recently purchased a new family home in Freshwater on the northern beaches, throwing up plenty of questions about a mooted return home to the Brisbane Broncos in 2016. Sure, Cherry-Evans father, Troy, is close to current Broncos coach Anthony Griffin.

Sea Eagles player Daly Cherry Evans and girlfriend Vessa Rockliff are expecting their second child. Source: News Limited

But with Griffin needing a top four finish to ensure his own future, DCE is looking increasingly comfortable on the northern beaches. The Sea Eagles view him as a future leader of the club and intend to upgrade his contract for next season, even though he is signed until the end of 2015.

■ ■ ■

CHANNEL Ten's commentary team for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games is going from strength-to-strength, with Olympic Gold Medallists Steve Hooker and Liesel Jones signing on as part of the team. The Games will kick-off off on July 23, with Ian Thorpe also expected to feature as part of Ten's coverage.

■ ■ ■

THE Wests Tigers have made the hardline call to rule concussion victim Liam Fulton out for the rest of the season.

Tiger's Liam Fulton leaves the field with concussion during the game against the Rabbitohs. Source: News Corp Australia

You won't catch anyone at the Tigers officially confirming as much but we've been told after four concussions in seven weeks, the decision has been made in the best interests of Fulton's welfare. Fulton was in Melbourne earlier this week for brain scans.

GEALE LIGHTS A RING OF FIRE

AUSTRLALIA'S favourite boxer, Daniel Geale, has wasted no time getting straight down to business in preparation for his WBA middleweight world title fight against Gennady Golovkin in New York next month.

Daniel Geale puts in a gruelling training session in the lead up to his fight against Gennady Golovkin at Madison Square Garden on July 26th for the Middleweight title. Source: News Corp Australia

As our photographer Adam Taylor discovered, Geale has already begun a gruelling eight-week program out of Grange Old School Boxing's Smeaton Grange headquarters in Sydney. The former IBF and WBA champion intends to use the dangerous Jarrod Fletcher and Sakio Bika as sparring partners in preparation for his latest title shot against knockout merchant Golovkin.

TIME FOR SOME FANCY FOOTWORK

THE Wallabies are definitely in need of a dose of "Ooh La La" after last weekend's snooze-fest 6-0 victory over France in Melbourne.

Let's hope giant 140kg debutant Will Skelton and inside centre Matt Toomua can provide the 40,000-plus expected crowd at the SCG this Saturday afternoon with the necessary x-factor in the third Test against France.

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If the rugby turns too boring, there'll also be a group of Moulin Rouge dancers performing around the SCG precinct.

POST CARDS FROM BRAZIL

THERE have been plenty of hardluck stories among Socceroos fans in Brazil, with local pickpockets not afraid to plunge their grubby paws into Australian pouches. A heap of phones and wallets have been pinched from FIFA live sites in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

According to several victims, the modus operandi is always the same. "They push forward to create a crowd surge, which makes you take your hands out of your pockets to regain balance," one unlucky fan said. "The next thing either your phone or wallet is gone."

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■ ■ ■

THE best tale of supporter woe belongs to a fan from Ireland, who had two tickets to last Saturday's Holland-Spain fixture in Salvador confiscated after being sprung trying to scalp them before kick-off. A few hours later, he walked into the stadium to find the two police officers responsible sitting in the adjacent seats.

■ ■ ■

THOUSANDS of Aussie fans in Brazil faithfully tuned into Wednesday night's Origin match, which was broadcast live on Sport Plus. But what they didn't bargain for was full commentary in the local tongue, Portuguese, courtesy of a chap named Rafael Spinelli. NRL matches are also shown live in Brasil, on the same channel.

Fanatics watch state of origin in Port Alegra Brazil before the Socceroos match v Netherlands. Source: News Corp Australia

■ ■ ■

ENGLAND'S World Cup campaign could be over by the time most people read this. If so, it was nice while it lasted. They trained on the grounds of a military fort in Rio's most exclusive neighbourhood, Urca, which sits between the Atlantic Ocean and Sugarloaf Mountain, the city's most iconic volcanic outcrop.

WINNING

It's impossible to go past NSW coach Laurie Daley and the almighty Blues ending eight years of Cane Toad vitriol from north of the Tweed. Daley is an ornament to rugby league who poured his heart and soul into the NSW campaign. Onya Loz.

NSW's coach Laurie Daley celebrates victory with NSW's Robbie Farah after Game 2 of the 2014 State of Origin series at ANZ Stadium, Sydney. Pic Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia

DUNCE CAP

Poor old rugby union just can't take a trick. Even the rah-rah purists would have almost needed No-Doz to suffer through the no- tries-two-penalty-goals slugfest between the Wallabies and France in Melbourne last Saturday.

SPOTTED

AUSTRALIAN cricket coach Darren Lehmann and master blaster opening batsman Dave Warner cheering the mighty Blues home in the ANZ Stadium corporate suite on Wednesday night.

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SOME of the most influential figures in rugby league converged on Beppi's Italian restaurant in East Sydney yesterday to thrash out all the latest goings on.

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SHOOSH

WHICH fringe-NRL player at one of the NRL's strongest clubs was sent home and fined his match fee of $3000 after turning up to training extremely under-the-weather?

■ ■ ■

WHICH rookie tipped to turn into a superstar is putting massive pressure on an established NRL player who is struggling through the twilight of his career?

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Farah’s unbreakable family ties

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EARLY Wednesday morning, Robbie Farah received a phone call. From somewhere down the line, sister Jocelyn asking if she might pop by his team's Homebush hotel later that afternoon with a gift? A game day charm.

Explaining to little brother how, right now in her hand, she held that long piece of string their mother Sonia wore throughout those eight gruelling months she fought pancreatic cancer. A homemade lucky charm tied forever around her wrist because ... well, in battles so lopsided, one seeks out all the help they can get.

"And my sister, she wanted to cut it up for the game,'' Farah says. "She was going to wear one half to ANZ Stadium and the other, that was for me."

The small piece of string Farah wore during Origin II in memory of his mother. Source: News Corp Australia

And standing now with The Daily Telegraph inside a jubilant NSW dressing room, shirtless and drinking from a stubby of VB, the hooker lifts his wrist to reveal that little piece of string.

Yes, he wore it into battle he says. Better, it worked.

WATMOUGH TO FIGHT DANGEROUS THROW GRADING

HOW THE BLUES CELEBRATED HISTORY

"With Queensland up by four late in the game, I knew it was all coming down to one moment, one play,'' Farah continues. "And the whole time, I kept looking down at that string, saying, 'Mum, can you please give us that moment ... just give us one moment."

And for as long as he lives, Farah will believe she did.

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Adamant it was Mum who, with eight minutes remaining, provided not only the pass from himself to Trent Hodkinson, but the gaping hole through which the NSW halfback raced to etch the Blues into Origin folklore.

"So this night, it really is the greatest moment of my life,'' Farah continues, pulling gently now at the beige string as he speaks.

"I don't know where the cameras were at full-time, but I was near halfway. When that siren sounded, I just fell to my knees and burst into tears.

"I've always been an emotional guy who plays with his heart on his sleeve. But it's even better knowing I have all my family here to share it with."

And when Farah says all of them, he means it.

Farah puts the hard word on Daly Cherry-Evans during game two. Source: Getty Images

"Oh, as I said, throughout the game I kept looking down at that string for help," he reveals. "There was no tape covering it up or anything like that.

"It was right there and I was thinking about Mum all the time ... asking her for strength."

And that he received in bucketloads. Apart from churning through 42 tackles, Farah also threw the pass for the game's only try and continually chased Queensland halfback Daly Cherry-Evans about ANZ Stadium like the bloke had stolen his wallet.

FLASHBACK: WHEN BLUE LAST BEAT MAROON

ORIGIN FINDS A PLACE IN BRAZIL

In fact, about the only thing he didn't do was watch Hodkinson convert the goal that eventually proved the difference.

"Oh, no chance,'' Farah laughs. "Please. I heard the crowd go up and that was it ... I started preparing for the longest eight minutes if my life."

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And when they were done, so too was one of NSW Origin's great roller-coasters, remembering how only two years ago, in April, 2012, NSW legend and fellow Balmain boy Steve 'Blocker' Roach suggested Farah wasn't built for ­Origin football.

"Robbie is a great player ... but his game doesn't suit Origin,'' Roach said at the time. "You can't do in Origin what you do in club games.

"You need more than just skill and guile."

Farah gets hold of Cam Smith to prove he has the toughness required for Origin. Source: News Corp Australia

And, sure, with Blocker an integral part of Blues camps each year, Farah and he have long since brokered peace.

"But still, Blocker is here somewhere,'' he laughs. "Let's go find him and ask if I'm an Origin player now.

"These days, we have no problem joking about it. But at the time, yeah, it hurt. Cut me massively.

"Yet when things like that happen, you can cry or you can prove people wrong. I'd like to think I did the later.

"To come from those times, to get back in the side and be captain last year, be vice captain to Paul Gallen now, this means the world to me."

So does family.

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Indeed, Origin and the Farah clan have been eerily intertwined from that first night, way back in 2009, when the gritty Wests Tigers captain shelled out for tickets, accommodation, even airfares so that 40 family members could travel to Melbourne and watch him debut.

It was there in his last Origin game before Sonia's passing too, when Farah made 63 tackles and earned Man of the Match.

Call it his reason for being.

Like following his rise to the Blues captaincy last year, when Farah celebrated the announcement by switching off his phone and taking Jocelyn and their brothers Eddie and Jason to lunch.

Robbie Farah's proud parents Peter and Sonia celebrate his initial NSW selection in 2009. Source: News Limited

Or there on Wednesday evening when, as jubilant Blues players brought their children onto the field, Farah went and found Jayden Merhi — the little nephew all dark hair and Luna Park smile. A toothy grin that could on Thursday be seen beaming back countless celebration photographs.

This is the heartbeat that not only inspires Farah, but drives him. A strength that, on Wednesday night, he wore around his wrist.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

New Carlton president to stamp own Blueprint

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MARK LoGiudice reads from the same hymn book as his predecessor Stephen Kernahan.

The subject is Bruce Mathieson, the billionaire supporter who wields power from Queensland and whose pronouncements, especially when the Blues underperform, can be explosive.

LoGiudice received Mathieson's imprimatur as the man to take over the presidency at Carlton, but he says he ain't no Mathieson puppet, nor is Mathieson too powerful at Carlton.

"Bruce Mathieson is a life member and partner of the Carlton Football Club, he's a passionate supporter of the club and Bruce is entitled to his opinion," LoGiudice said.

Loguidice would prefer if powerbroker Bruce Mathieson would keep his opinions to himself. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Corp Australia

"Obviously, I would prefer he didn't voice his opinions (publicly)."

The pres has spoken to Mathieson about that.

"I don't think it's matter of reining in, or us telling him what to do, or him telling us what to do, it's more about what is in the best interests of the Carlton Football Club.

"We've had discussions and I've asked and encouraged him, that if he does have an opinion on something, to pick up the telephone and give me a call.''

GIBBS' FUTURE IN HANDS OF BLUES BOARD

BIG NICK THE GREATEST BLUE OF ALL

In a 45-minute interview with the Herald Sun, LoGiudice is constant on the ''Carlton Football Club'' and ''in the best interests of the Carlton Football Club''.

Off the field, it's about increasing memberships and managing culture change.

He says the Carlton board, which has been the subject of speculation in recent times, was stable and that the size — it will be 10 at the end of the season _ was not an issue.

"There has been a lot discussion about our board,'' he said. "It's not necessary to harp on about the board number, it's more about the quality."

He dismissed the suggestion there were factions.

"That's a beat up the media," he said.

Asked if he knew of a challenge to the board and his presidency, he said: "Only what I've read and heard.

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"There's no need for a challengers and tickets, that's not in the best interests of the Carlton Football Club.

"If there's people out there who are passionate, have the ability, the time and have the motivation, and by that I mean the best interests of Carlton Football Club at heart, they don't need to run tickets and challenges, they just need to come and talk. My door is always open for talk."

LoGiudice chairs his first Carlton board meeting on Monday night.

At 45, he's a lifelong Blues supporter, following his dad Sebastian to become a 20-year member of the influential Carltonians coterie club.

He became a board member and ultimately the president because he had "a passion and desire to have the Carlton Football Club succeed on and off the field".

Carlton became the family's team when his father arrived in Australian as a 14-year-old from Italy.

Loguidice will chair his first board meeting on Monday. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Corp Australia

Dad was the youngest of eight kids and he and his sister, Lidia, who was then 15, came by boat to look for their older brother, who they found living in North Carlton.

Later, Sebastian met Nella in a Moonee Ponds real estate agents office, married, and had Mark and two girls.

The family grew up in Templestowe and used to travel to Princes Park to watch the mighty Blues.

LoGiudice wore No. 9 and No. 1 as young man, supporting heroes Ken Hunter and Stephen Silvagni.

"We used to get dropped off at the back, come in and enjoy the game," he said.

"They are great memories ... Ken Hunter, (Mark) Maclure, Wayne Harmes and Rod Ashman."

To become president, he says, is an honour but is quick to note change is needed.

"The club has great foundations, solid foundations, and I think we need to build on those foundations to get greater success than what we've had to date,'' he said.

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"We need to manage a bit of culture change. When I say culture I refer to things like getting the best people into the football club, improve the way we we do things, for example improving recruitment and development of our players, improve financial stability, we need to improve process, strategy and governance.''

Membership is a priority off the field, and recruitment and development on it.

"Membership is one of the areas we have identified. We have to improve our communication with our members and supporters . it includes the entire football club."

Asked about coach Mick Malthouse's sometimes prickly public persona, he said: "I'm not here to tell people how to speak. We have a strategy in place, that may change as we go along, but at the end of the day, we're all on the same path, the path of success."

"I'm not going to sit here and say we're going to win a flag in the next period of time, that's not what this is about. There's no quick fix."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

McKay called up to replace Milligan

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BRISBANE Roar midfielder Matt McKay is the surprise selection in the Socceroos starting XI as the midfield replacement for injured Mark Milligan.

Meanwhile Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has called for super subs in the clash with Holland after he was disappointed with the impact of his bench players in game one.

Two of Australia's quickest players Ben Halloran and James Troisi came on when Chile was under pressure but failed to impact the result, while defender Ryan McGowan was the enforced change at right-back for Ivan Franjic.

McKay has been picked ahead of Swiss-based Oliver Bozanic, Swindon Town's Massimo Luongo and Austria Vienna's James Holland.

Matt McKay leads a Socceroos running drill at training at Arena Unimed Sicoob in Vitoria on Monday. Source: Getty Images

Postecoglou said picking Milligan's midfield replacement was about striking a midfield balance, rather than rewarding someone on training form.

And as he did at A-League clubs Brisbane and Melbourne Victory, he's implored his subs to make an impact, and will point to Tim Cahill's two-goal heroics off the bench against Japan in Kaiserslautern in 2006 which ignited Australia's campaign.

"I was a bit disappointed with the injection of the substitutes we put on in the first game and I think that's an important part of the game here,'' Postecoglou said, just hours after Belgian subs Dries Mertens and Marouane Fellaini pinched a 2-1 win over Algeria.

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"We've seen a lot of substitutes come on late in games and turn games and I don't think we had that impact in the first game.

"It's not just the guys who are starting, we want to have a look at who our bench is and make sure the people coming on make an impact.

"We had a good chat to everyone about that during the week, to make sure that they're all ready to go because you just don't know when that substitution is needed and usually people are coming on at the most crucial time.

Regarding Milligan's replacement: "Everyone's worked really hard in training, it's more just the balance of the side and what we think we need tomorrow night.''

McKay's promotion is due to the balance of the team, says Australia coach Ange Postecoglou. Source: Getty Images

"Those guys are all pretty fresh, they're all fit and ready to go, from my perspective it's just about looking at the balance of the side and looking at what we're going to get the most out of, particularly early on.''

Postecoglou said like the Chile game, the Socceroos weren't going to get a host of chances in Porto Alegre, but would have to capitalise.

"When we get the ball I think we can be pretty dangerous going forward but we've got to make the most of it,'' Postecoglou said.

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"We're not going to have many moments all the way through, when we do we need to punish them.

"We won't change too much (formation), we're pretty happy.

"We need to be a bit more aggressive and we will be more aggressive and to be fair to the players the conditions here are a lot more comfortable then what we faced there so hopefully that gives us the option of pushing on a little further.''

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

How it happend: NSW ends Qld’s reign

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IT'S all over. New South Wales has broken the curse and ended Queensland's eight year State of Origin sstreak.

Trent Hodkinson was the hero for the Blues scoring the only try of the match late in the second half and then converting it to give NSW a 6-4 victory.

After repeat sets on the Queensland line, Daly Cherry-Evans fell for a Hodkinson dummy and he scooted over to score.

Jarryd Hayne saved the day for NSW early in the second half with a last ditch tackle forcicng the ball from Sam Thaiday just as he was about to score.

Johnathan Thurston earlier kicked two first-half penalties to give Queensland a 4-0 lead at half-time.

"I've never wanted anything more in my life," Robbie Farah said after the match.

"I think about it every day, the losses over the last few years hurt so bad.. I'm sure my mum has a great big smile on her face watching down on us.

"We hung in there - it wasn't pretty but we kept banging on the door until we broke through."

Blues coach Laurie Daley paid tribute to the almost 84,000 strong crowd.

"My heart is racing.. the crowd got us home," Daley said.

GALLERY: ALL THE BEST PICS FROM ORIGIN II

MATCH CENTRE: Teams, Match Tracker, Polls and Stats as they happen

See how the match unfolded and check out all the post-game reaction.

Join us four our all day coverage of the build up to the big game and stay with us as we cover the game with our live blog below!

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Reign ended by man who wasn’t there

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BLAME that girl in the yellow dress.

Of all the men to finally end the dynasty, it had to be the NSW halfback Trent Hodkinson.

Hodkinson was never supposed to be here, it was meant to be Mitchell Pearce. But Pearce was sacked for that nightclub incident with the girl wearing that yellow dress and the rest is history.

The Blues had the booze ban, they had the courage and now they have the Origin shield for the first time since 2005.

INTERACTIVE PLAYER RATINGS

Trent Hodkinson wheels away after his match and series-winning try. Source: Getty Images

"This team will always be remembered as the team that stopped this great Queensland team," Blues coach Laurie Daley said.

Hodkinson was the seventh halfback employed by the Blues since Queensland started their reign and on Wednesday night he became an instant hero scoring the lone try in a slugfest.

MAROONS' ORIGIN DYNASTY OVER

RE-LIVE THE ACTION IN OUR BLOW-BY-BLOW BLOG

All night the Blues were trying to get the ball to fullback Jarryd Hayne to weave his magic and it allowed Hodkinson to slip under the guard.

It was just his third run in the Origin arena, after taking just one in Brisbane and another earlier in this match, and the least expected play of them all as he beat Ben Te'o to score.

The 25-year-old then calmly slotted a difficult kick to give NSW the 6-4 victory.

Hodkinson was the one man to puncture the Maroons' defence. Source: News Corp Australia

"I knew I had to take a deep breath," Hodkinson said.

"I certainly had some emotions then."

Daley praised Hodkinson for the way he'd handled his baptism of fire in Origin.

"He played really well composed, calm, that is what happens in Origin you roll with punches sometimes, sometimes you don't get too many opportunities to play Origin and he grabbed his opportunity and that's what it's all about," Daley said.

"He brought a lot of composure and calmness to our team."

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Blues hardman Greg Bird has tried seven times to win an Origin series, but finally he tasted sweet success and as expected was a major contributor with 19 runs for 120m.

"I can't describe the feeling. We've been so close so many years," Bird said.

"This is unbelievable, I've never won a grand final, this is the first Origin series and first anything I've ever won."

Hayne was brilliant, even if he didn't create the points. His strip of Sam Thaiday in the second half won them the game. Queensland could have gone 10-0 ahead and that's usually shut the gates time.

Greg Bird savours his first Origin series victory. Source: Getty Images

Hayne finished the game with the ball in his hands and ran straight to the Blatchys Blues to celebrate with some crowd surfing.

"We had to go to another level every game," Hayne said.

"That's what Origin is about I can't explain it." Just like Origin I, the Blues had brave efforts through injury. Winger William Hopoate played out the second half with an injured shoulder, coming out after pain injections at half-time.

INTERACTIVE PLAYER RATINGS

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"I had to do my part for the team," Hopoate said.

It was another folklore type performance from the Blues, it was always going to take something special to end the streak.

They deserved the win and will now go down as the team that ended the dynasty.

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Origin II interactive player ratings

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Play or not play, that’s Mal’s question

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QUEENSLAND coach Mal Meninga has a big decision to make about Daly Cherry-Evans and it is a call he will need to discuss with his senior players.

Players are always confident of their ability and would never put themselves above the team.

The question for Cherry-Evans, and the one which Mal must consider too, is whether he can get through the entire 80 minutes.

WHY HUNT IS NOT SUCH A BIG PUNT

WHY MAROONS 'LOVE' TO BE UNDERDOGS

Daly Cherry-Evans at training. Source: News Corp Australia

Queensland had their final session at ANZ Stadium and I believe much of the decision with Daly will depend upon how he pulls up from that run on Tuesday.

I am sure Daly has done everything possible and gone above and beyond what has been asked of him this week to be ready to play.

If you take the field in Origin you have to be confident you will be there at the end regardless of what niggles you take into the game.

Origins are not won in 20 minutes, or 40 minutes or 60 minutes, they are always decided in 80 minutes. Most games come down to the last play.

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Daly needs to be confident his knee will be as strong on that last play as it is on the first.

We have all played with injuries and I think if this was a club game Daly probably would not be considering playing. With knee injuries you tend to always give it another week.

If Daly plays you can rest assured Cam Smith and Johnathan Thurston will do all the kicking. Queensland are smart enough to keep Daly protected from players diving at his knees when kicking the ball.

It's fair enough for NSW to tackle and target DCE, but if they adopt illegal tactics then the referees need to be on to that immediately.

WAYNE BENNETT'S NEW ORIGIN BLUEPRINT

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If Cherry Evans is ruled out, the question is whether Ben Hunt is up to it.

There is only one way to find out and everyone has made their debut at some stage and his club form certainly suggests he is ready for the challenge.

What could be the bonus for Queensland is all the attention NSW will give however wears the No.7 jersey.

If they target Daly because of his knee, or focus on Hunt on debut, it just might provide the breathing space Thurston has been craving.

CHERRY-EVANS 'CONFIDENT' OF STARTING

MAROONS PLAN BLITZ ON BLUES HALVES

Will Queensland win and level the Origin series?

Thurston has been the one player NSW have always targeted but if the Blues are intent on putting pressure on the other half it could give JT the breathing room to cause some damage.

I wrote last week that this game was Mal's biggest challenge and from the times I've spoken to him since he has always come across really relaxed and I'm sure that has rubbed off on the players.

Billy has been declared fit earlier than expected which is good news, GI has trained strongly and that is even better.

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Regardless of who plays halfback, you don't have to be Wayne Bennett, Phil Gould or Laurie Daley to figure out that Josh Dugan is going to get some traffic at him.

Laurie could put the best defender ever to play for NSW on that right edge but with Inglis playing and Darius Boyd outside him, the Maroons are going to come down that flank all night long.

It was a big call from the Blues to put Dugan at centre and trying to expose him defensively would be a major focus for the Maroons in training all week.

Daly Cherry-Evans at training. Source: News Corp Australia

NSW were lucky that they had a club coach willing to help the Blues by trialling Dugan at centre in NRL games in recent weeks.

Origin is a different level altogether.

It asks bigger and tougher questions of players than what you ever encounter in the NRL.

It is why some gambles pay off and others are too risky to consider.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mal won’t walk away from coaching post

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MAROONS coach Mal Meninga has declared he will not resign if a NSW victory on Wednesday heralds the demise of the most successful dynasty in Origin history.

Meninga plans to lead the Maroons for a 10th campaign next season, regardless of whether he suffers his first series defeat in Origin II at ANZ Stadium.

Meninga is Origin's greatest coach and there is a belief a Blues triumph could convince the Maroons mentor to pass the baton to assistant Kevin Walters.

WHY HUNT IS NOT SUCH A BIG PUNT

WHY MAROONS 'LOVE' TO BE UNDERDOGS

Mal Meninga and Cam Smith. Source: News Corp Australia

On the eve of his 26th game as Queensland coach, Meninga says Wednesday's result will have no bearing on his QRL contract, which expires after next year's series.

"My tenure will not driven by the result," Meninga said.

"If we do happen to lose this year, well I don't think that should play any part in whether I retire or not, simple as that.

"Whether I'm doing a good job or not is the key.''

Should Mal Meninga resign as coach if Queensland lose the series?

Meninga, who has won a record 17 of 25 Origin games as coach, is facing greater off-field demands now than when he accepted the Maroons post in 2006.

The 32-game Origin veteran turns 54 next month and admits the birth of his two sons in the past three years has added to family responsibilities away from football.

But Meninga says his passion has not been eroded and will chalk-up a decade as Queensland coach if the players want him on deck next season.

CHERRY-EVANS 'CONFIDENT' OF STARTING

MAROONS PLAN BLITZ ON BLUES HALVES

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"My family situation makes things a little bit harder, but I'm still passionate about what I do and I wouldn't do it if I wasn't," he said.

"I have always maintained that if I believe that I have something to offer, I will keep going, but I will be guided by the players.

"I have had a lot to do with this fantastic group over a long period of time and if they are getting tired of me and I'm not doing a good job in their minds, I'll move on.

"I understand it's important you move on at the right time. But I want to go on. That will be guided by not only how I feel, but how the players feel."

Cam Smith and Mal Meninga at training. Source: News Corp Australia

Meninga has a succession plan in place, adding Walters to his coaching staff this season.

But Walters said he would be surprised if NSW's first series win since 2005 forced Meninga into retirement.

"Mal's as relaxed as possible but everyone is aware of what's at stake," Walters said.

"Regardless of what happens (tonight), I don't see this being the time for Mal to move on.

"He loves it and the boys love working and playing under him. Mal will decide when he feels it's right to go, not when someone else thinks it.

"It will be his call to decide when he's had enough."

WAYNE BENNETT'S NEW ORIGIN BLUEPRINT

Mal Meninga at Queensland State of Origin training. Source: News Corp Australia

Queensland forward Chris McQueen urged Meninga not to walk away.

"I hope he goes on," he said. "He's very passionate, very intense about what we do at Origin level.

"I didn't have a lot to do with him before he came to this team, but he puts the drive into the players to go out and perform for the state."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Why’s the Hayne Train so hard to stop?

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BLUES sensation Jarryd Hayne is officially the toughest player to tackle in Origin history.

Maroons players on Tuesday night conceded they are almost powerless to stop the Hayne Train steamrolling Queensland's eight-year dynasty in Origin II at ANZ Stadium.

Fox Sports statistics show Hayne is Origin's most destructive ball-runner with 109 tackle busts from 18 Origin appearances, eclipsing Maroons trio Greg Inglis (106 in 22 games), Billy Slater (74 in 23) and Justin Hodges (67 in 19).

MAROONS MUST SNAP DAUNTING ANZ HOODOO

Jarryd Hayne of NSW tackled by Billy Slater. Source: News Corp Australia

The Blues custodian produced a man-of-the-match display in Origin I and Maroons players are on guard for a blockbusting Hayne encore in the return bout on Wednesday night.

"He is starting to realise what he is capable of," Maroons winger Brent Tate said.

"He has threatened to do it the last few years and he has done it a couple of times but week in, week out he is just sublime at the moment.

"I don't know ... I don't think we're ever going to stop him."

Jarryd Hayne takes on the defence. Source: News Corp Australia

Hayne has been the thorn in Queensland's side ever since he entered the Origin arena and it is no coincidence NSW have won three of his past four Origin starts.

Former Queensland lock Billy Moore warned the Maroons the loss of injured Blues brothers Josh and Brett Morris could make Hayne even more potent on Wednesday.

WHY HUNT IS NOT SUCH A BIG PUNT

WHY MAROONS 'LOVE' TO BE UNDERDOGS

Will Queensland win and level the Origin series?

"Before Game One, I feared he would be the danger and unfortunately I was correct," Moore said.

"If anything, Hayne will be even more important because the loss of the Morris boys are huge blows and they will look to Jarryd at every opportunity in attack.

"Hayne fatigued Queensland by constantly challenging the line and asking questions of their defence.

"Hayne is someone they will definitely look to nullify."

Ask Queensland players why Hayne is the toughest man to bring down and they talk about his size, speed, vision and footwork. Most of all, they talk about his size.

CHERRY-EVANS 'CONFIDENT' OF STARTING

MAROONS PLAN BLITZ ON BLUES HALVES

Jarryd Hayne makes a break. Source: News Corp Australia

Hayne is officially listed as 100kg, but Queensland think he is bigger than almost every forward in the Maroons pack.

"He is a pretty big human, I think he is 106kg or something," Maroons forward Matt Gillett said.

"He is a big fullback with his size and is pretty strong and hard to handle with his good footwork.

"If we can cut him down and everyone does their best on him it will help us a lot and probably slow them down a bit.

"In that first game I came out a little bit ahead of the line and he was straight through the hole. You just don't know what he is going to do.

"He is probably a step ahead of you every time."

Jarryd Hayne celebrates the win in game one. Source: News Corp Australia

HURRICANE HAYNE

Most tackle busts in State of Origin since 2002.

# Busts # Games

Jarryd Hayne # 109 # 18

Greg Inglis # 106 # 22

Billy Slater # 74 # 23

Justin Hodges # 67 # 19

Johnathan Thurston # 60 # 28

Source: Fox Sports Stats

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Kent: Blues heading for an ambush

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ON TUESDAY Queensland's spiritual leader, the Reverend Billy Moore, said the Blues were "on the cusp" of winning the Origin series, in the best position they had been for years, and with that little statement of overkill the ruse was finally up.

All the language heading into Wednesday's game has an air of inevitability.

NSW is "on the verge ..."

The Blues "are set to end ..."

DCE TRAINS STRONGLY DURING CAPTAIN'S RUN

Greg Inglis and Johnathan Thurston during a training session. Source: News Corp Australia

"Queensland's eight year Origin streak ...", spoken about as if it is an absolute, a number to grow no higher.

If Rev Moore is talking like all the Maroons can do is turn up and play their part in NSW's coronation, then as sure as bananas are served in Bowraville the Blues are heading for an ambush.

The poor old Blues are trying hard to stay clear eyed.

Over the weekend NSW vice-captain Robbie Farah revealed there was a different mindset in camp this preparation. Aware they have been caught planning their parade before, Farah told Triple M that they were approaching Wednesday's game as if it was a decider.

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Forget about there being a third game in three weeks. The Blues know how difficult it will be to win that game and want to make the most of the opportunity they earned on Wednesday night with their tremendous win over Queensland at Suncorp Stadium last month.

Wednesday's approach is all or nothing.

Should the Blues expect an ambush from the Maroons in game two?

Only problem is, Queensland has been too quiet. Oh, some will argue the daily injury updates and debate over Daly Cherry-Evans and Billy Slater and Greg Inglis, and whether Ben Hunt will find himself in the game and was Brent Tate really put in a dangerous position, all add up to a whole lot of noise.

But it's just white noise, really. Not a bit of it means anything once the game starts.

More importantly, when was the last time we heard from Johnathan Thurston? Or Cameron Smith?

Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston have been very quiet in the lead up to game two. Source: News Corp Australia

For Blues fans, that is terrifying. While the conversation has been going on Thurston and Smith sit in the eye of the storm, barely distracted. They have had nothing more taxing demanded of them than to prepare for their game. There is no worse place NSW could ask them to be.

Thurston's performance in the final 30 minutes of Game I was every bit as dominant as Jarryd Hayne's game for NSW, he just fell on the wrong end of the scoreboard.

History remembers the winners, and all that.

In the first 50 minutes Thurston had 16 touches. In the final 30 he had 41.

Most players are hard pressed to have 40 possessions in a game. Thurston did that in the final half-hour as he demanded the ball time and again and taunted a Blues defence that was heroic in its execution, which it needed to be.

QLD SHOULD STOP UNDERDOG ACT

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Smith was playing injured most of this time, his ankle hindering him.

No player has the control to his game like Smith, though, and no player regularly has a greater influence on the result.

Often we hear the good judges talk of the Smith's greatness and for all us laymen here, conditioned to watching the great ballrunners, we struggle to pick up the subtleties they speak about.

Smith controls the entire game from dummy-half. The speed and strategy all lie with him. And he is good enough that if you game plan to shut him down, closing down the routes he likes to use, he adjusts his game to find another way.

Few players in the game can change their entire game, on the run, to fool their opposition.

Billy Slater. Members rides a bike during a Maroons training session. Source: News Corp Australia

On top of that, Slater will be his very best. He hurt his knee in last year's World Cup and the professional diagnosis was he was that he was gone for six weeks.

This was a terrible inconvenience for Tim Sheens and his Australian side, as the World Cup final was a fortnight away.

Yet Slater not only got himself right, but scored Australia's first try with one of those high leaps and then went on to score another as he starred for Australia.

He can play with injury.

This is what the Blues contend with on Wednesday night, an opponent who for all the stones being kicked after Game I still matched them at two tries all, and who go into game two with a spoonful of hope, more than a dash of underdog, and the prayers of Rev Moore.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Wally’s nephew primed to battle Blues

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HE IS the first Lewis to wear Queensland's No.6 jersey in almost a quarter of a century and Wally's 17-year-old nephew Lachlan has a pass even ''The King'' raves about.

A lanky playmaker who will end up near 190cm in height, Lachlan will play five-eighth for Queensland's under-18 team against the Blues in Wednesday night's State of Origin II curtain-raiser.

Lachlan was starstruck as he tried to defend against Greg Inglis's palm on Sunday morning when the teenagers took on the Maroons in an opposed session. Lachlan is the son of Wally's younger brother Scott, whose Broncos career was cut short by knee injuries.

Lachlan Lewis, nephew of Wally. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: News Corp Australia

A Canberra Raiders prodigy, Lachlan rejected the Broncos' advances two years ago to show loyalty to the club that signed him when he was 12 years old.

Wally said schedules had often meant he was unable to see his nephew's games in recent years but when he saw him play for Canberra's under-20s team on television recently, he was stunned by his vision.

Lachlan Lewis. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: News Corp Australia

"I hadn't seen a lot of him recently but I watched him play for Canberra in the under-20s and he threw a pass that was timed so well and put his player through the line, and I thought 'that's a pass that shows real footy instinct'," Wally said.

"Scott deserves all the credit in building him to where he is.

''He is the one who has taught him. In terms of football I haven't had a lot to do with Lachlan, just through work often not allowing me to see his games.

"He's a really good kid though but there's a lot of hard work from here to make the next level."

Lachlan, who was born four years after Wally's final match in '92, said his uncle's incredible career for Queensland inspired him.

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"It is not just advice, it is him proving to me Queensland's spirit and how much fun it can be to play NSW," Lachlan said with a cheeky grin.

"He's just my uncle. He is just part of the family.

"He played footy and so did everyone else in my family.

''It was all pretty normal."

Lachlan knows how tough an athletic career can be.

His father was very talented until his knee gave out, while he also gains inspiration from his sister, who is carving out a ballet career in America and has performed alongside pop star Lady Gaga.

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Are they spraying shaving cream on the pitch?

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WORLD Cup viewers around the globe are asking the same question right now: what is that magical vanishing spray the referees are using on the field?

Referees are using a spray similar to shaving foam to stop defenders from edging closer to the ball during free-kicks in Brazil.

Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura sprays a line after calling for a free kick during the World Cup opener between Croatia and Brazil. Source: AFP

The ref sprays the water-based foam in a circle around the ball, walks 10 yards and sprays another line that the defenders need to stand behind.

Then, magically, the spray vanishes.

Well, maybe not magically. The can contains water and butane gas. The butane expands when the pressure changes and quickly evaporates, leaving just the water on the ground.

Ivorian referee Noumandiez Doue sprays a free kick marker on the pitch during a Group B football match between Chile and Australia. Source: AFP

Players, constantly looking for any advantage they can get, would often encroach on the 10-yard area they are supposed to stand behind, but this measure allows referees to police the problem much more easily.

The product has been used in domestic leagues in Brazil and Argentina but is making its first appearance — and disappearance — at international level.

Referee Wilmar Roldan sprays the temporary line for a free kick as Benjamin Moukandjo and Enoh Eyong of Cameroon form a wall. Source: Getty Images

Australian referee Ben Williams joked it was like "pulling a can of Mace", while English official Howard Webb suggested it could lead to more goals being scored from set pieces.

"It will assist us in getting the players back at a free-kick and, in turn, that gives the attacking team a better opportunity of creating something from that set piece," Webb told the BBC.

Unsurprisingly, the spray has become a hit on social media. A Facebook page is dedicated to it and there is no shortage of memes.

... It does now. Source: Twitter

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Coal Train almost quit league for NFL

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THREE years ago Dave Taylor almost quit rugby league to pursue an opportunity to trial for a career in the NFL.

As Taylor prepares for his return to rugby league's biggest arena for Queensland on Wednesday night, it can be revealed that a conversation in Maroons camp in 2011 almost convinced the 122kg backrower to walk away from the NRL forever.

Taylor met former NFL star Colin Scotts during an Origin camp and was told he had the potential to make a career for himself playing American Football.

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Dave Taylor at Queensland State of Origin training. Source: News Corp Australia

At the time Taylor was playing for South Sydney and genuinely considered pursuing the option, to the point that dates and locations were locked in for camps and trials in the US.

Taylor was just weeks away from asking South Sydney for permission to head to the US for trials over Christmas, a move that could potentially have led to a release from the final year of his contract at the Rabbitohs.

The Rockhampton junior had to weigh up the interests of his young family, who desperately wanted to move back to Queensland, and the financial risk of tearing up a $400,000 NRL contract for no guaranteed success in the US.

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Ultimately it was his family's needs, his love of rugby league and the desire to claim higher rep honours for Queensland and Australia that helped convinced Taylor to remain in the game.

"He was genuinely interested in it," Taylor's manager Col Davis confirmed.

"It was an idea Dave had but I never got to the point of asking South Sydney because it was all just too hard.

"It was canned because he would have needed three weeks off training to go do it.

"But really at the end of the day Dave wanted to be a Queensland and Australia player too and I think being back in Origin he would think he has made the right decision."

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Dave Taylor and Israel Folau celebrate an Origin win in 2010. Source: News Limited

Taylor and his family returned to Queensland when he signed with the Gold Coast Titans for 2013 and his strong performances this season have helped him finally win his position back in the Origin team.

He might seem nonchalant towards his football, but there is no more passionate Queenslander than Taylor as shown by his emotional one-fingered salute after the 2012 series decider.

Returning to Maroons camp for the first time last week, Taylor was as excited as any rookie and keeping him level-headed has been a major focus for Queensland.

HAGAN CHECKS PLAN OF ATTACK

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He was greeted in camp by the sledgehammer comment from coach Mal Meninga that Taylor had never done the job for Queensland in his past six Origins.

Skipper Cameron Smith on Monday outlined clear and concise guidelines he wants the 25-year-old to follow to be a valuable contributor to the Maroons on Wednesday night.

Crucially, Smith believes Queensland will see a different Dave Taylor to the one that last graced the Origin arena in 2012.

MENINGA FACES CHERRY-EVANS GAMBLE

A dejected Dave Taylor. Source: News Limited

"I think you might see a different Dave Taylor now he has got another opportunity to put himself in a good position as far as playing a fair few games for Queensland now," Smith said.

"I just think Dave needs to just have a simple mindset and think he has to go out and play like he does for the Titans.

"When he gets the ball just run as hard as he can and make it hard for the Blues to stop him.

"We played the Titans early in the year and he was almost unstoppable. "We all know it's a different brand of footy in State of Origin, but that doesn't take away his ability to run hard and be a threat to the Blues."

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