Walker ready to face Inglis in Origin

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SOUTH Sydney coach Michael Maguire reckons young gun Dylan Walker is ready for State of Origin and Rabbitohs skipper John Sutton is convinced the 19-year-old would handle the challenge of going head to head with Greg Inglis.

As the Blues search for a right centre to replace the injured Josh Morris, the gifted Walker on Monday put in the perfect audition in the Rabbitohs 29-10 win over the hapless Dragons.

South Sydney's Dylan Walker tackled by Dragon's Gareth Widdop. Source: News Corp Australia

Walker ran for 142 metres from 14 runs and finished with one try, six tackle busts, two line breaks, 12 tackles and importantly no missed tackles.

And after the game Maguire didn't hesitate when asked if the teenager was ready for Origin.

"From the start of the season to where he is now is an enormous improvement," Maguire said.

"I know he would do a good job if he had the opportunity. It's just a matter of getting that chance.

"He is definitely going to be a future centre in that arena without a doubt. I'm sure if they gave him the chance he would take it."

South Sydney's Dylan Walker celebrates scoring a try. Source: News Corp Australia

John Sutton added that marking Inglis wouldn't worry the young centre.

"He gets a lot of practice at training so I think he would go all right," Sutton laughed.

"He has come a long way in a short amount of time and if he got a chance I think he would do really well.

"He has got speed, he defends really well and he is good with the ball so I think he would do good."

Blues coach Laurie Daley said he would be reluctant to move Jarryd Hayne from fullback to centre and Daley conceded right now he was looking at bringing in an Origin rookie for the job.

Dylan Walker passes during City Origin training. Source: News Corp Australia

Walker, Canberra's Jack Wighton and Newcastle's Joey Leilua are the obvious contenders while the another option would be to move Beau Scott to centre and bring back Greg Bird.

Bird usually plays on the left edge but Daley would also be reluctant to drop Ryan Hoffman after his Origin one performance.

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Rested Bird to take flight in Origin

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GREG Bird has vowed the foot injury he will battle for the remainder of the season won't keep him from playing a major part in the Blues' push for Origin glory.

Bird injured his plantar fascia — the connective tissue which supports the arch on the bottom of the foot — while playing for Australia in last month's Anzac Test.

And while it would not have prevented him from taking the field for the Origin opener, his unavailability through suspension allowed him to rest the injury, with the second-rower believing he will return at peak fitness as the NSW bid to win the series for the first time since 2005.

Greg Bird looks on during a New South Wales Blues State of Origin training. Source: Getty Images

Bird's two-week ban for a dangerous tackle on South Sydney's Bryson Goodwin means he will have just one club game under his belt before he heads into camp with the Blues.

But he is confident he will be ready.

"I've been doing a lot of work in fitness in the altitude chamber, so I actually feel I'm fresh and ready to go,'' he said.

"Sometimes when you have a couple of weeks off if you don't put the work in off the field you can get a bit lazy but I feel ready to go. My foot's freshened up and my back and my legs are ready to go.''

Greg Bird celebrates a win. Source: News Corp Australia

Bird said he would have played through the pain if he had been available for the Origin opener, risking a complete tear of the fascia, an injury similar to the one that sidelined Blues captain Paul Gallen from the series decider last year.

"It wouldn't have been that bad but it's something that can get worse or can get better and it's something that I'll probably have to manage for the rest of the season,'' Bird said.

"I've had scans, it's not the regular part of the plantar fascia that you usually have problems with … you can't just strap it up and try to manage it, you've got to do a few different things but I've got it all under control and it'll be right.''

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Origin deserves better than Melbourne

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CAREFUL please. That's our baby you've just handed to the neighbours for a quick, cold cuddle.

That, essentially, is what giving an Origin game to Melbourne is like.

Melbourne folk will rock our baby, smile for some photos and say how nice he looks. Then they will gladly hand him back, swiftly get back to the game that matters for them (AFL) and won't give our boy a millisecond of deeper thought.

State of Origin rugby back at the MCG in 2015. Queenslands Cameron Smith and Billy Slater and NSW's Ryan Hoffman with Victorian premier Denis Napthine after todays launch at the MCG today. Pic: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

Origin deserves more than that. News that Melbourne will host a State of Origin game next year is another worrying sign that the game's administrators are losing touch with the people who matter most — the fans.

PLAYERS PUSH FOR STAND-ALONE ORIGIN

First came the soaring ticket prices, so dear that even some former Origin players could not afford them.

Now the first game of the next series has been taken away from Sydney and given to Melbourne, whose fans traditionally embrace State of Origin like 20-year-olds at a KISS concert — they sense that there's a fair bit happening but haven't grown up with the songs and don't really connect.

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Yes, yes we know all about the arguments claiming the game must spread its boundaries.

Sorry to kill the myth, but rugby league, much as we love it, is what it is — a game with a narrow, clearly defined support base. It's been around for 100 years and barely grown in that time. It's not suddenly going to take over the world.

ORIGIN TO RETURN TO MCG

The MCG will attract a monster crowd, but it is a poor rugby league ground — you are literally watching a square peg in a round hole from a long way away.

By all means should the NRL look for ways to promote the game in Melbourne, but the Anzac Day Test against New Zealand would have been a better option.

Cameron Smith gives the 'G a little of what it can expect next year. Source: News Corp Australia

There are tens of thousands of New Zealanders who live in Melbourne and luxuriate in all things Kiwi — they would come out and cheer the sight of a bubbling mudpool if you could put one on at the MCG.

Given the narrow boundaries of AFL football, just having an international game in Melbourne is novelty enough to ensure a decent crowd.

DEBATE: ORIGIN AT MCG WORTH THE RISK

Melbourne got Origins when they needed them most, when officials were trying to convince the state government to open its purse strings for a new ground.

But that mission has been accomplished. The Storm is now based at a plush new stadium.

Origin deserves to be played in front of crowds that appreciate it the most.

What do you think of the decision to take Origin to the MCG in 2015?

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What you missed on TV last night

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HIGH contact was back on the agenda following the Match Review Panel's decision to throw out Heath Hocking's rough conduct charge.

The MRP ruled Hocking was competing for the ball and had no other option but to make high contact with Richmond young gun Ben Lennon last Saturday.

It followed a precedent set by the MRP when it let Sydney's Dan Hannebery off the same charge last month.

Western Bulldogs veteran Adam Cooney also escaped penalty for his high hit on Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett.

AFL 360 co-host Gerard Whately said the MRP's ruling on Hannebery set a dangerous precedent.

"This is going to end pretty badly," Whateley said.

"He had to be cleared Hocking ... we never should have gone down this path."

The debate was again waged when Melbourne coach Paul Roos and Essendon caretaker Mark Thompson joined the program.

Both agreed rules surrounding headhigh contact made it difficult for players.

"It must be hard for the players because they seem to be getting it wrong," Thompson said.

Roos was equally as strong on the point.

"I've got no doubt players are confused about what they can and can't do at the moment."

Collingwood midfielder Steele Sidebottom was remorseful after this incident. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

Extras ...

■ Essendon coach Mark Thompson was quizzed on Geelong's performance against Sydney last week.

"They just lost their way," he said. "They were overawed."

Melbourne coach Paul Roos said the Swans were reaping the rewards of having the most talented team in the competition.

"They've always had that hardness and competitiveness, no you've got that elite talent to go with culture and competitevness they've always had."

■ Robbo was scathing of Richmond in his assessment. "I don't even barrack for Richmond but I am embarrassed looking at Richmond. They are pretenders."

Robbo said Tigers coach Damien Hardwick had to make 'the' hard decisions to stop the rot.

"In this age of brutal intensity — defensive attitudes, attitudes to win contested ball — it's unconditional and Richmond don't play unconditional football, they play football on their own terms."

■ Roos praised the form of utility Cameron Pedersen. He said the defender-turned-forward was enjoying "career-best" form.

■ Thompson said the Bombers used "serious sessions" during the bye weeks to work key aspects of their game including ball movement.

■ The entire panel lauded the arrival of new St Kilda development coach Peta Searle.

■ Gerard and Robbo sang North Melbourne's praises after Sunday's win over West Coast. Robbo said it was "Fremantle-like". "This was as clinical a dismantling of a team (that we've seen) ... they shut them down, attacked from the back

half." Gerard said the last piece of the puzzle would be for North to become "dependable".

■ They agreed on the MRP's decisions with Steele Sidebottom (three weeks), Jeremy Cameron (one week) and Adam Goodes (cleared).

■ Robbo said Greater Western Sydney made a "statement" pushing an undermanned Hawthorn to edge on the MCG.

Jack Watts is making the most of a turnaround in fortunes. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: News Corp Australia

ON THE COUCH — Fox Footy

MELBOURNE star Jack Watts spoke openly about his and the club's resurgence.

Watts said he was enjoying the benefits of extra rotations (7-8) to aid recovery and reduce mistakes.

"A lot of that (mistakes) happens when I'm stuffed," he said.

"The last couple of weeks I've been working on coming to the bench a bit more ... I'm a bit more of a burst player instead of endurance wise."

Watts said he was confident in the direction the club was taking under coach Paul Roos.

"We're not setting the world on fire by any means — but the direction — feel there's good times ahead."

Watts who made his debut in the 2009 Queen's Birthday loss to Collingwood said he was looking forward to Monday's renewal.

"We're ready," he said referring to Roos' "team first" concept.

"In the past we've fallen in that trap with guys thinking they've got to win the game themselves," he said.

"All the boys now know: 'play your role, do the simple things, you don't have to go over and above'."

Blues skipper Marc Murphy leads his team from the field after shock loss to Brisbane. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

■ Lists dominated the early segments with Mike Sheahan revealing his "Ladder of Shame" and "Top 10 Recycled Players".

The respected AFL journalist had West Coast in the gun as the most disappointing team of all in 2014.

Richmond and Carlton were next on the hit list from the Bulldogs, Brisbane, GWS, St Kilda and Melbourne.

In contrasts, Sheahan deemed Port Adelaide and Gold Coast to be operating above expectation.

THE LADDER OF SHAME

1. West Coast

2. Richmond

3. Carlton

4. Western Bulldogs

5. Brisbane

6. Greater Western Sydney

7. St Kilda

8. Melbourne

—

9. Adelaide

10. Essendon

11. Fremantle

12. North Melbourne

13. Geelong

14. Collingwood

15. Hawthorn

16. Sydney

17. Gold Coast

18. Port Adelaide

■ The conversation shifted to North Melbourne and in turn Nick Dal Santo, who Jason Dunstall had as his recruit of the year.

Dunstall had Port Adelaide speedster Matt White ahead of Lance Franklin in third most effective recruits.

Sheahan had another Power player in Jared Polec atop his list of high performing recruits.

Dal Santo was second on Sheahan's list from Franklin and Melbourne midfielder Dom Tyson.

TOP 10 RECRUITS

Mike Sheahan

Jared Polec (PA)

Nick Dal Santo (NM)

Lance Franklin (Syd)

Dom Tyson (Mel)

Jesse White (Coll)

Bernie Vince (Mel)

Paul Chapman (Ess)

Stewart Crameri (WB)

Daniel Cross (Mel)

Andrejs Everitt (Carl)

Lance Franklin is back to his best. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: News Corp Australia

Jason Dunstall

Nick Dal Santo (NM)

Jesse White (Coll)

Lance Franklin (Syd)

Jared Polec (PA)

Dom Tyson (Mel)

Daniel Cross (Mel)

Paul Chapman (Ess)

Bernie Vince (Mel)

Matt Thomas (Rich)

Andrejs Everitt (Carl)

Extras ...

■ The panel was united in the belief Essendon and Adelaide are the only clubs outside the eight with a realistic chance of playing finals. But no one was prepared to suggest which clubs inside the eight would fall out of contention.

■ Dunstall lauded Adelaide spearhead Taylor Walker's return to form with five goals to sink Gold Coast. "He controlled the forward line," Dunstall said. "There's a touch of arrogance about the way he plays and I like that."

■ Sliding came under scrutiny with vision of Tiger Steve Morris taking out Bomber Michael Hibberd's legs last Saturday night. Dunstall said there was confusion around the rule and that it was the players' — arriving second to a contest —

responsibility to avoid traffic.

■ Plight of the Tigers: Healy said Cotchin had to lead Richmond out of its slump. "Cotchin is the master of the chip kick but he's not hitting targets. He is their quality in the middle of the ground and he's got to lead the way."

TALKING FOOTY — 7mate

■ In an interview recorded before the MRP announced its three-match penalty, Collingwood midfielder Steele Sidebottom said he would cop any sanction that came his way on the chin. He said the incident "shook" him up. "To say that it

wasn't on my mind I'd be lying," he said. "I went over and apologised, obviously it happened and there was nothing I could do after it, I just said I was sorry — I don't like to be seen like that."

■ Laws of the Game committee member John Worsforld said the panel was looking at the possibility of zones to restrict players' movement in a bid to ease congestion. The West Coast premiership coach said the first step towards any changes

would be to get input about what would coaches do (if zones were implemented), how would it possibly be interpreted by clubs and how would they try and exploit it.

AFL chief Andrew Demetriou departs the game with a glowing legacy. Picture: Brendan Radke Source: News Corp Australia

FOOTY CLASSIFIED — Channel 9

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou joined the program for the last time before handing over the reins to successor Gillon McLachlan on Thursday.

Demetriou was quizzed on a range of issues including Etihad Stadium, Essendon and his relationship with James Hird.

"It would have been nice to have purchased Etihad Stadium earlier because I think it would have been good for our clubs," he said.

Under the current terms the AFL will buy the stadium for $30 in 2025.

"I think it would be very advantageous if the league look it earlier ... no doubt the clubs that have played at Etihad Stadium (North Melbourne, Western Bulldogs and St Kilda) have born the brunt of poor match returns and they've helped

pay the stadium off to be honest."

Demetriou said he was not conflicted by sitting on the AFL Commission during the league's investigation into Essendon's supplements program.

"There's no doubt that there is a signifanct advantage in a matter that is as complex as the one that we had with Essendon that the CEO can be in there and be the voice and talk to the public about all sorts of issues."

The outgoing chief refuted suggestions the investigation and fallout became personal between him and exiled Bombers coach James Hird.

"It never became personal for me," he said.

Extras ...

■ Richmond led the agenda with Matthew Lloyd accusing the club of "shortsighted recruiting", while Craig Hutchison questioned Tiger's coach Damian Hardwick's job security.

■ Lloyd's comments sparked debate around the club's recruiting and the need to refresh the list at the end of the season.

■ Hutchison suggested Carlton forward Jarrad Waite, an unrestricted free agent, would not be at Visy Park next year. The conversation shifted to Mick Malthouse and whether his position was assured beyond next year. Caroline Wilson and

Hutchy felt Malthouse faces an uncertain future, while Garry Lyon said the Blues' bosses should "give him a chance" to get the club back in form.

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Buzz: We must stop this cruelty

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IF rugby league players were animals, you would report NRL administrators to the RSPCA.

The fact that a number of State of Origin stars had to back up and play for their clubs over the weekend was downright cruelty.

The human body was never designed to cope with the physical punishment of Origin football, let alone being asked to play another NRL game 48 or 72 hours later while the body is still in a recovery stage.

Brent Tate was forced to back up despite copping a sickening tackle in Origin I. Picture: Zak Simmonds Source: News Corp Australia

Brent Tate was forced to back up despite copping a sickening tackle in Origin I. Picture: Zak Simmonds Source: Getty Images

This is a serious workplace health and safety issue that no elite athlete should be subjected to. The fact some of them are earning up to $800,000 a season doesn't matter because no amount of money compensates players for this sort of workload.

Any sports medico will tell you that nothing beats rest to recover from hard sporting ­activity. A lot of NRL coaches now do a recovery session the morning after a game then send the players home for two days.

There is a sports medicine term known as DOMS — delayed onset muscle soreness — that coaches use as a guide.

Props like James Tamou (bottom) shouldn't be forced to back up. Picture: Josh Woning Source: News Corp Australia

This is scientific proof that muscles take 48 to 72 hours to fully recover from a normal game, let alone a State of Origin match.

Delayed onset muscle soreness is the result of microscopic tearing of the muscle fibres. The amount of tearing and soreness depends on how hard or how demanding the event is. I don't imagine there is anything more severe or punishing on the body in any sport on this planet than 80 minutes of State of Origin.

This was no ordinary game of rugby league. In fact, it was probably the most brutal, fierce and ferocious in intensity I have ever seen on a football field. Yet over the weekend many of the players were forced to back up and play for their clubs.

The Roosters used Michael Jennings, Daniel Tupou and Aiden Guerra against the Raiders, while Josh Papalii played for Canberra.

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In Townsville, Ryan Hoffman and Cameron Smith, with the help of painkilling ­injections, played for the Storm.

The Cowboys had Johna­than Thurston, Brent Tate, Matt Scott and James Tamou backing up.

For backs, it's almost acceptable, but asking front-rowers to go around again is wrong.

Yes, they all survived and Tupou even got three tries.

That's not the point.

Let's see how they are travelling in September. They are likely to be mentally and physically stuffed.

At least Parramatta coach Brad Arthur did the right thing and stood down his superstar Jarryd Hayne on the advice of his medical staff.

To play when below 100 per cent only increases the risk of further injury.

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Some prominent figures in the game, including seven-time premiership coach Wayne Bennett, are gravely concerned about the wear and tear on elite players.

Bennett has already spoken to the NRL's head of football Todd Greenberg about the situation.

There is a thought that Origin players should not be allowed back on to the field for a minimum of a week. A mandatory rest period.

This is a debate we have every season about player welfare but nothing gets done about it.

Surely it's now time to take it more seriously. If the NRL won't do anything about it, the Players' Association should.

Jamie Soward is leading the impressive Panthers. Source: Getty Images

Panthers right in title race

Penrith's much publicised five-year plan has suddenly become a three-year plan.

This side is capable of making the top four this season and anything can happen from there.

Ivan Cleary's biggest advantage is that the club has not one State of Origin player, just like the Warriors.

It makes a huge difference to have a settled and steady football side while Origin is knocking their rivals around for eight weeks.

The victory over Parramatta, engineered by Peter Wallace and Jamie Soward, was an outstanding performance.

HIGHLIGHT

Daniel Tupou's hat-trick of tries against the Canberra Raiders. This guy could easily be playing next door to the Roosters at the Sydney Swans. He is freakishly talented in the air.

LOWLIGHT

Parramatta's dismal effort against the Panthers. The senior players who should have stepped up in the absence of Jarryd Hayne took the night off with him.

SPOTTED

Dumped Dragons coach Steve Price at Eagle Farm races on Saturday.

BENJI WATCH

All eyes will be on Benji Marshall when he steps out against Adam Reynolds and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium on Monday night.

His disappointing first-up performance was forgivable considering the rushed preparation but Dragons fans will be looking for a bigger impact this time.

S.O.S JAMIE LYON

With Josh Morris sadly sidelined for the remainder of the Origin series we're wondering if coach Blues Laurie Daley will be phoning Manly's reluctant superstar Jamie Lyon.

NOT COACH SMITH

I was starting to think Mick Potter's Wests Tigers were an outside chance of making the semi-finals until I read the Sunday Telegraph story that washed-up coach Brian Smith was now working at the club as a coaching consultant. That'll do me.

SALLY M POINTS

3 ABC radio: An appalling overreaction to suspend veteran broadcaster David Morrow.

2 NRL schedule: Another Sunday afternoon with no footy in Sydney.

1 Roosters fans: Just 11,000 to watch the premiers.

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The Hayne plan: Daley plots switch

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BLUES coach Laurie Daley is considering the unthinkable by switching superstar fullback Jarryd Hayne to the centres for Origin II as a replacement for Josh Morris.

Moving the Origin man-of-the-match will largely depend on St George fullback Josh Dugan's form against the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Monday night.

Daley has a number of options under consideration as he searches for replacements for Josh and Brett Morris on the Blues' right side.

Jarryd Hayne celebrates victory in Origin II. Source: DailyTelegraph

Option 1) Pick Hayne in the centres, Dugan at fullback with Will Hopoate, Josh Mansour or Jorge Taufua on the wing.

Option 2) Pick Hayne in the centres, Dugan on the wing and Manly's ever-reliable Brett Stewart at fullback.

Option 3) Leave Hayne at fullback, chose either Canberra's Jack Wighton or South Sydney's Dylan Walker in the centres, then Hopoate, Dugan, Mansour or Taufua on the wing.

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The third option is unlikely because it is too big a risk introducing a rookie for such a massive game.

Daley and his chief adviser, league immortal Bob Fulton, are thinking experience is the way to go even if it means switching the Hayne Plane.

Jarryd Hayne watches from the stands on Friday. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia

Dugan played fullback in two matches last year and was close to the Blues' best player.

The problem is his form this year has been inconsistent, like most of his Dragons team mates.

Daley and Fulton will closely monitor his performance at ANZ on Monday night, where he will be opposite Rabbitohs superstar Greg Inglis.

Moving Hayne to the centres is a brave move but one that worked successfully for Australia on last year's World Cup campaign in the UK.

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He played a blinder in the Kangaroos' final win against New Zealand and looked as comfortable as he does at fullback.

The Hayne v Inglis Origin match-up in the centres would be one of the most colossal one-on-one showdowns we have ever seen.

Many good judges believe Hayne is at least the equal of Inglis as a footballer after his absolutely stunning performance last Wednesday night.

The only other change in the NSW side will be the return of Greg Bird in the forwards, forcing Daley to drop one of his edge back-rowers, most likely Tony Williams.

Skipper Paul Gallen is expected to have recovered from his neck injury but will miss the Sharks' game against the Dragons next Saturday night in Wollongong.

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Scott: We’ve still got work to do

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BRAD Scott hailed North Melbourne's comprehensive 38-point victory over West Coast as his side's most complete performance of the season.

The Kangaroos remain in the top eight after maintaining their perfect interstate record this season.

"I thought it was one of our most complete performances, certainly with contributions across the board,'' Scott said.

"When we play our best we're pretty competitive against most, but we're not sitting in the top four at the moment because we've let ourselves down in some other games.

"So consistency is what we're looking for. I'm seeing a lot of good stuff in what we're doing, but I'm still seeing plenty we need to work on.

MATCH REPORT: Eagles no match for spirited Kangaroos

"We're capable of doing it at times, but the good sides do it all the time regardless of circumstance. And that's what were working towards.''

Scott expected small forward Lindsay Thomas would be fit to face Richmond at Etihad Stadium next Sunday night.

Thomas was subbed out of the game in the third quarter with a hamstring issue, which Scott said was only cramping after he copped a blow to the back.

"We're really confident there's no muscle damage. He just couldn't function at 100 per cent, so there was no point keeping him out there at risk,'' he said.

Veteran Brent Harvey has an anxious wait for Monday's Match Review Panel findings after he appeared to strike tagger Scott Selwood with an open hand to the face in the second quarter.

"I think, not all is fair in love and war, but I think there's niggle with taggers and we want Boomer to be disciplined,'' Scott said.

"I think he does a remarkable job given the treatment he cops.''

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Relieved Murray survives five-set marathon

Andy Murray celebrates his great escape. Source: Michel Euler / AP

ANDY Murray found his second wind to finally get the better of Philipp Kohlschreiber, needing 40 minutes to complete a 3-6 6-3 6-3 4-6 12-10 win and reach the French Open fourth round.

The match between Wimbledon champion Murray and the 28th-seeded Kohlschreiber had been suspended because of fading light.

"I was cramping yesterday. My muscles were obviously fatigued," Murray said.

It was a tough day at the office for Andy Murray. Source: AP

"I actually woke up (feeling) okay ... the nice thing about this surface, compared with the hard court, is when you have a tough match on the hard courts you wake up the next day and your hips are sore, your knees are sore."

Kohlschreiber missed a chance to break Murray in the 19th game of the decider.

"He came up with some great shots when he was behind in games today," Murray said.

"I thought both of us served a little bit better. It was a good finish to the match."

Murray, a two-time grand slam champion, crouched down and clenched both fists after hitting a two-handed backhand winner on Kohlschreiber's second serve with the score at 15-40 in the 22nd game.

He made light of a disturbed night's sleep of barely five hours.

"I was kind of ready to play at 4 or 5 in the morning," he said.

"When you know you have to come back and it's 7-all the next day and every single point counts, basically you need to get off to a big start. You're obviously going to be a bit anxious."

He will get a longer rest before playing No. 24 Fernando Verdasco of Spain, who easily beat 12th-seeded Frenchman Richard Gasquet 6-3 6-2 6-3.

Murray leads Verdasco 9-1 in their career head-to-heads but they have never met on clay.

Tomas Berdych used his serve to great effect to see off John Isner. Source: AFP

Meanwhile, sixth seed Tomas Berdych has reached the French Open quarter-finals for the second time with a 6-4 6-4 6-4 win over America's 10th seed John Isner.

Berdych was a semi-finalist in 2010, beating Isner on the way in straight sets in the third round.

Isner was bidding to become the first American man to reach the quarter-finals in Paris since Andre Agassi in 2003 but he was out-served by 28-year-old Berdych who hit 11 aces to his opponent's seven.

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Singo lures O’Keeffe back to radio

Kerry O'Keefe, here with former co-commentators Jim Maxwell and Danny Morrison, will return to the airwaves with 2GB. Source: News Limited

LESS than six months after quitting the ABC, popular broadcaster Kerry O'Keeffe is making a comeback on commercial radio.

The cricket commentator with the crazy laugh and huge cult following has agreed to join Radio 2GB.

O'Keeffe's manager James Erskine agreed to terms with 2GB boss Russell Tate following talks that were initiated by the Skull's biggest fan, John Singleton.

"At my age you can't wait too long to make a comeback," said O'Keeffe, in a text message to confirm his return to radio.

The former NSW and Test leg-spinner quit the ABC after last summer's Ashes series, much to the disappointment of his fans.

But 2GB was quick to step in.

"I have always had a huge rap on Kerry and so does everyone I know," Tate said.

"I think he's a talent beyond his cricket commentary that was so popular on the ABC.

"He's very bright and a very funny man."

Tate and his programming staff will have talks with O'Keeffe in the next fortnight to define his role at the station.

"Sport is his heritage but he's talented and very different in other areas," Tate said.

"In the next couple of weeks we will get together to finalise some program concepts."

It's expected O'Keeffe will become the face of 2GB's weekend summer of sport program among other duties.

His signing should not affect the future of other 2GB broadcasters.

The Big Marn Darryl Brohman is off contract at the end of the football season but Tate is about to open negotiations for a new deal.

Bronte Halligan who has been chosen to play water polo for Australia, with her father former NRL goal kicking great Daryl Halligan at Manly Swim Centre, Sydney. Pic Brett Costello Source: News Limited

WATER POLO WINS BATTLE FOR BRONTE'S HEART

If Australia is to win gold in women's water polo at the Rio or Tokyo Olympics the Aussie Stingers may just be thankful for the choices made by rising star Bronte Halligan.

Bronte, the 18-year-old daughter of former Kiwi and Canterbury Bulldogs sharpshooter Daryl Halligan, had to make the choice a few years ago between surf life saving, a sport where her older sister Devon is a champion ironwoman, or water polo.

The pool won out and Bronte had to make the next big decision to follow her father and sister in representing New Zealand or declare her allegiance to Australia.

Thankfully for the Aussie Stingers, Halligan chose Australia and this week she was named to make her debut for the senior Australian team at the prestigious FINA World League finals in Shanghai next month.

"I wasn't as good in the surf and I did have a good base of swimming and netball so mum and dad just chucked me in the water polo pool and I loved it," Halligan said.

But while the schoolgirl at Stella Maris in Manly says her dad gives her plenty of helpful tips on what it takes to be a professional athlete, she doesn't think he'd cut it in the water.

"I was quite young when dad finished so I don't have many memories of him playing but I look up to him a lot. He has given me a lot of advice, pushing me through and helping me become the best athlete I can. It's really helpful having him there.

"He understands the rules of water polo and he likes the aggressiveness of it. He calls it footy in the water but I don't think he'd be too good at it himself."

Halligan's selection continues the strong connection between water polo and rugby league with Blocker Roach's son Aidan, a London Olympian, set to represent Australia in the corresponding men's World League finals this year.

The Socceroos outrated the NRL on Monday night. Source: Getty Images

SOCCEROOS CLAIM THE RATINGS BY A SHORT HALF-HEADER

Soccer has scored another significant victory over the NRL in head to head television ratings.

Last Monday night, the Socceroos out-rated the Cronulla v South Sydney match on Fox Sports. It was close 194,000 to 192,000.

State of Origin obviously effected the NRL audience for a game that was missing Greg Inglis, Paul Gallen and three other rep players.

Monday night footy normally attracts an audience of around the 250,000 mark.

NO BREATHING IRE FROM PRICE

Steve Price is a good man who would never criticise the Dragons for over his dismissal.

I chased him for an interview last week but got the following text message.

"Hey Buzz, appreciate your message, hope u can understand that at this time, I'm just focusing on spending quality time with my family after a tough few weeks. Regards SP."

STICKY FINE WITH PROCTOR BACKFLIP

It's true that Ricky Stuart actually shook hands with Storm front-rower Kevin Proctor to confirm a four-year deal with the Raiders last Monday in Melbourne.

Next morning, after a sleepless night, Proctor rang the Raiders coach to say he had changed his mind.

Stuart sportingly accepted the backflip, saying he didn't want a player who wasn't 100 per cent committed to his club.

Glenn Stewart has already signed with the Rabbitohs. Are Steve Matai and Anthony Watmough also on the way out the door? Source: News Limited

SEA EAGLES DUO MAY FLY OFF IN DISGUST

Anthony Watmough is not the only big name player at Manly thinking about quitting over the shabby treatment of Glenn Stewart.

We're hearing centre Steve Matai is in the same boat. Don't be surprised to see Watmough at Parramatta and Matai at the Warriors.

BLUES BEAMED DIRECT TO BRAZIL

many of Australia's Socceroos are keen rugby league fans, including the great Timmy Cahill. They will all be watching the return State of Origin game at ANZ Stadium on June 19 because the match is being shown live in Brazil on the Direct TV network. Amazingly, Rabs, Gus and co will broadcast into 90 countries.

SOCCEROOS ARE MASSIVE NEWS

The Socceroos were the first team to arrive in Brazil and that has set off a frenzy. Even an open training session is big news.

The local TV station in Vitoria went live to air during the training and everyone from the Governor to the local mayor wants to be part of the show.

When the Socceroos had a gentle stroll to walk off some jet lag, 40 local media turned up as word spread.

SAINT

THE 24 hours of spectacular NSW footy dominance with the Blues beating Qld in Origin and the Swans flogging Geelong in the AFL.

Screen gab of Paul Gallen being tackled by Josh Papalii Source: Supplied

SINNER

THE Josh Papalii dog shot on Paul Gallen in Origin. Crash-tackling a player without the ball and unexpectedly from behind creates whiplash and neck injuries. It's a coward tackle that needs to be outlawed.

FENECH, LEWIS BESTIES NO MORE

THERE was no sign of trainer Johnny Lewis at Jeff Fenech's 50th's birthday party on Wednesday night, just as there was no sign of Fenech at Lewis's 70th birthday party last month. It's the official proof that one of the tightest partnerships in Australian sport has been broken beyond repair.

SHOOSH

WHO were the two Origin players from the same club who don't like each other and didn't shake hands after the game.

BENNETT FREE TO ROAM

DESPITE what Knights CEO Matt Gidley is saying, supercoach Wayne Bennett is definitely a free agent once Hunter Sports Group hands the Knights over to new owners.

COP THAT GORDY

SPARE a thought for outspoken Maroons legend Gorden Tallis, who was looking for somewhere to hide after losing Origin. Instead he found himself seated smack bang in the middle of the NSW team players and coaching staff on the flight from Brisbane to Sydney. And didn't they rub it in.

SOUTHERN RETREATS

RETIRED footy players are taking over the south coast of NSW. Mick Cronin owns a pub in Gerringong and former salary cap boss Ian Schubert has just purchased the Bomaderry Hotel. The great Ronny Coote has the McDonald's franchise in Nowra and his mate George Piggins a farm nearby.

Tim Cahill sent his thanks to Phil Hillyard for this shot. Source: News Corp Australia

CREDIT WHERE IT'S DUE

TIMMY Cahill knows a great picture when he sees one. The veteran Socceroos star was straight on the email to our man Phil Hillyard the day after he took this sensational shot at ANZ Stadium. "Top man, Phil, really appreciate that shot, definitely caught a magic moment for me. Quality shot."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cheika praises Tahs after brutal win

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TATAFU Polota-Nau will have to make an emergency trip to the dentist after having his front teeth knocked out, Dave Dennis sustained a cut so bad that his leg tissue was exposed, and numerous Waratahs players required stitches after their brutal victory over the Chiefs.

The remarkable efforts of the Waratahs in New Plymouth was summed up by key players battling through immense pain and injury, none more so than captain Dennis who scored the decisive try with seven minutes remaining despite team staff wanting him to come off the field after a stray boot sliced open his thigh.

"He's got the worst cut I've ever seen, you can see the muscles and things, it is just horrific," said NSW coach Michael Cheika, who recoiled on the sideline when Dennis showed him the gash after the match.

MATCH CENTRE: Full scores, stats and video highlights

"He didn't want to come off, and then he raced away to score a try.

"He is developing into a very good captain, leads by example, he's starting to understand what it is to be a leader, and he showed that tonight.

"I'd say Dave is going to need to go to hospital.

"Tatafu had two front teeth knocked out completely, from the first 10 minutes.

"One is half broken, the other one is out completely, in his mouthguard.

"He was in pain because that nerve is there, and he played the whole game. That's what it's about."

VIDEO: Watch all the highlights from a see-sawing encounter

Israel Folau on the charge for the Waratahs against the Chiefs at Yarrow Stadium. Source: Getty Images

Fighting beyond the pain threshold, NSW finally broke a three-year hoodoo with their first win in New Zealand since 2010, and it could not have been more monumental, against the back-to-back defending champions the Chiefs.

Two tries in the final seven minutes sealed the deal for the Tahs, who remain in the top two of the Super Rugby competition and will be challenging the Sharks for first place on the ladder when play resumes after the June Test break.

"We've tried to become a team that is getting known for hard work, probably the antithesis of maybe what we were known for before," Cheika said.

"To come up against a team like them, for us it was almost like a final around hard work, not as much football.

"There is a lot of satisfaction there, I am very proud, that's for sure, because it was a really hard-working performance, and there are guys in a lot of pain.

"They were comfortable playing in a discomfort-zone, which is a good sign for us.

"But there's still so much for us to do yet.

"The top two is decided in the last round, you can slip from anywhere, it's just so tight.

"I suppose the more rounds where you put other teams behind you, you're still a chance.

"We're in there, we've got a chance for it, we've got three big games coming, two against competitors for the top six, and one against our old enemy away from home.

"So it's going to be a great three weeks when we get back."

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Israel Folau scored his customary opening try of the game, making him the new Waratahs' record-holder for most individual tries in one season, passing Peter Hewat's mark of 10 set in 2005.

It took only 15 minutes for Folau to score his 11th try in 10 games this season.

Folau had declared earlier in the week that breaking the record against the defending champions in their backyard would be the "perfect scenario" and as he has for most of his football career, the fullback delivered.

And his teammates delivered their biggest win of 2014 at the picturesque Yarrow Stadium, flanked by a snowy-topped Mount Taranaki.

The Chiefs had clawed back from 13-3 down at half-time to lead 17-16 with less than a quarter of the match remaining.

But a late try from Dennis, who shoved off a defender and raced 20 metres to score, gave NSW a 26-17 buffer.

Bernard Foley capped off a fine, composed display with a final-minute try and sideline conversion to finish with six goals from six attempts and a personal haul of 20 points.

NSW staved off near disaster when, having dominated the game, they allowed the Chiefs to take the lead in the 63rd minute.

Super-sub Bundee Aki scored two tries in seven minutes, moments after entering the field in the second half, with Aaron Cruden's second sideline conversion giving the Chiefs the lead for the first time in the game, with just 16 minutes remaining.

Chiefs prop Ben Tameifuna runs at Waratahs' Paddy Ryan. Source: Getty Images

It took the Chiefs 55 minutes to score their first try, and it was not without controversy.

Seconds after taking the field off the bench, centre Aki swooped on an Cruden grubber into the in-goal.

While Aki appeared to have been off-side and dived on the ball, it did not look as though he had any control. Television match official Ben Skeen ruled that Aki had forced downward pressure on the ball before it popped out from under his torso, pulling the Chiefs back into the contest.

Kurtley Beale nailed a 45-metre penalty goal soon after to push the Tahs ahead 16-10, but following a Chiefs break upfield Aki was in position to pounce on another grubber into the corner in the 63rd minute.

The Tahs regained their lead in the 69th when a Chiefs ruck infringement allowed Foley to kick another penalty goal, making it 19-17.

NSW had not won a game in New Zealand since May 2010 — coincidentally against the Chiefs — and will take enormous confidence into the three-week break.

A sublime performance from Nick Phipps and Adam Ashley-Cooper, and a robust display from prop Benn Robinson highlighted the Tahs' efforts.

Waratahs skipper Dave Dennis is congratulated on his try by teammates Stephen Hoiles and Nick Phipps. Source: Getty Images

The 10-point lead at half-time came via plenty of starch in defence which forced numerous handling errors and turnovers from the Chiefs.

The reigning premiers looked a mere shell of the fine-tuned attacking machine that has torn most defences to shreds over the past two seasons, with NSW's rushing defence and thumping tackles rattling the home side.

It was as physical as expected, with flanker Michael Hooper on the receiving end of the biggest of the season from Chiefs giant Ben Tameifuna, and was lucky to escape without a serious rib injury, while Polota-Nau produced a number of bellringers.

Alofa Alofa was denied the first try of the game after crossing in the corner, when replays showed Folau had held the leg of Chiefs centre Andrew Horrell, allowing Nick Phipps to break clear and feed his winger.

But Folau soon made up for his foul by crossing in the opposite corner in the 15th minute, benefiting from a break by Ashley-Cooper.

NSW WARATAHS 33 (Dave Dennis, Israel Folau, Bernard Foley tries Foley 3 cons Foley 3, Kurtley Beale pens) bt CHIEFS 17 (Bundee Aki 2 tries Aaron Cruden 2 cons pen) at Yarrow Stadium. Referee: Chris Pollock. Crowd: 10,740.

Relive all the Chiefs v Waratahs action in our match blog below.

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