Mitcham slams Russia's anti-gay law

Olympic gold medallist Matthew Mitcham. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: DailyTelegraph

OLYMPIAN Matthew Mitcham says new Russian laws, which would see athletes at next year's Sochi Winter Olympics jailed if they are involved in any type of gay pride activities, are "horrific".

The Russian government has warned those who wear a rainbow pin or T-shirt or wave the gay pride flag face jail terms under laws signed off by President Vladimir Putin in June. Even gay couples holding hands is illegal.

The gold medal-winning diver from the 2008 Beijing Games said the laws were in violation of basic human rights.

"It's really sad," Mitcham said.

"The way they are persecuting people in Russia is quite horrific."

Mitcham said Russia's stance would hinder performances and take away the joy of the Games experience.

"The Olympics is the best experience you will ever have as an athlete," he said.

"Their whole memory and experience is going to be marred by this stuff. They are going to be made to feel unacceptable, inappropriate, and it is a really awful, awful feeling.

"The Olympics are supposed to be somewhere where they can go to be relieved of that feeling.

"A place where you can compete and feel that gender and sexuality is not an issue."

The International Olympic Committee said it had "received assurances from the highest level of government in Russia that the legislation will not affect those attending or taking part in the Games".

But Russia's Sports Minister Vitaly L. Mutko said Olympic athletes travelling to Russia would be expected to obey the new law.

Australian Olympic Committee spokesman Mike Tancred said they supported the IOC's statement but would encourage their athletes to respect Russian law.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Stars will land on the cap-heap

Anthony Minichiello, captain of the Sydney Roosters. Source: Matt King / Getty Images

IF ever there was a reason for an urgent inquest into the NRL salary cap, this is it.

While the rich get richer, rugby league's foot soldiers - made up of more than 60 NRL players - have just five weeks to save their careers.

The list ranges from former Test stars, premiership-winners, 200-plus game performers and players on less than $80,000.

The brutal truth of the situation is that more than half will end up on rugby league's scrapheap.

The NRL have been harassed in recent weeks to loosen the cap in order to lure rugby union's Israel Folau, Kurtley Beale and Quade Cooper to the game, but this story is about the players that prop the entire game up week-in and week-out.

Despite Newcastle's Craig Gower proving at 35 in his comeback to the NRL that age is just a number, the likes of Anthony Minichiello, David Stagg, Matt Bowen, Luke O'Donnell, Ben Ross and Willie Tonga head a long list of players who could be forced into retirement.

An unprecedented number of elite players signing with clubs in 2013 is one of the major reasons for the talent overflow this year.

Sixty per cent of every club's $5.15 million salary cap goes to top 10 players from each team. The top three players of every club's roster suck up 25 per cent of the cap. That leaves just 15 per cent of the cap for the rest of every club's top-25 roster.

It has been a seller's market for next season with the likes of representative stars Johnathan Thurston ($1 million), Robbie Farah ($850,000), Jarryd Hayne ($800,000), Todd Carney ($700,000), Gareth Widdop ($620,000) and Josh Reynolds ($600,000) in a position to nominate the biggest salaries of their careers.

A percentage increase of the recent $1 billion TV deal which was also written into the majority of elite players' contracts has also impacted how much money is remaining in every club's salary cap while the depreciating UK Super League competition and the poor English pound is no longer considered a last chance saloon for players.

After canvassing opinion from NRL club chief executives, coaches and player agents, The Sunday Telegraph can reveal the faces the NRL should remember when they conduct an "extensive review" of the cap during the off season.

Steve Gillis, a player agent with over 30 years experience in the game who has managed the careers of Laurie Daley, Petero Civoniceva, John Sutton and Brett Finch, described the situation as tragic.

"It's a tragedy that these guys have contributed over many years to build the product and the value of the game for the gain of the new TV deal, but then they face getting squeezed as a result of the elite players getting a larger slice of the pie," Gillis said.

"It's something that the RLPA need to urgently address with Jim Doyle.

"I think we need to urgently investigate making allowances for bottom-tier players to earn match payments irrespective of the implications they have on the cap.

"These are the guys that have spilt blood, sweat and tears to encapsulate the new TV deal yet they're getting funnelled to the bottom.

"The game is rewarding the elite."

For the many players that are refusing to believe the dream is over, the next six weeks represents everything as they attempt to prove they are worth another shot.

Manly's David Williams is one player who looks set to continue his career in NRL despite still being without a deal for 2014. Manly are eager to keep the former Test winger, but attention from Craig Bellamy at the Melbourne Storm could draw him away from the club.

The Broncos have also told Scott Prince and Peter Wallace they are free to negotiate with other clubs for next season while Souths' Andrew Everingham is weighing up an offer from Japanese Rugby union.

Players off contract for 2014:

KNIGHTS

Zane Tetevano, Matt Hilder, Chris Adams, Neville Costigan, Timana Tahu, Siuatonga Likiliki, Peter Mata'utia, Anthony Quinn, Ryan Stig, Josh Mantellato, Craig Gower

COWBOYS

Anthony Mitchell, Antonio Winterstein, Clint Greenshields, Scott Bolton, Glenn Hall, Blake Leary

PANTHERS

Nathan Smith, Ryan Simpkins, Cameron Ciraldo, Geoff Daniela, Danny Galea, Clint Newton, Travis Robinson

DRAGONS

Bronx Goodwin, Matt Cooper, Junior Vaivai, Leeson Ah Mau, Nathan Fien, Will Matthews, Matt Prior, Chase Stanley, Charly Runciman

SHARKS

Nathan Gardner, John Morris, Ben Pomeroy, Ben Ross, Jon Green, Stewart Mills, Mark Taufua, Matt Wright, Nathan Stapleton

RABBITOHS

Shaun Corrigan, Matt King, Thomas Burgess, Michael Crocker, Andrew Everingham

EELS

Ben Roberts, Matt Keating, Taniela Lasalo, Willie Tonga, Nathan Smith, Jake Mullaney, Pat O'Hanlon, Api Pewhairangi, Brayden Williame, Cheyse Blair, Vai Toutai

TIGERS

Marika Koriobete, Matt Groat, Joel Reddy, Matt Utai, Lote Tuqiri, Sean Meaney, Matt Bell, Masada Iosefa

ROOSTERS

Anthony Minichello, Sonny Bill Williams, Jack Bosden, Nafe Seluini

WARRIORS

Nathan Friend, Steve Rapira,Jerome Ropati

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Big changes considered for 2014

Ben Barba playing for the indigenous all stars against the NRL all stars. Source: AAP

CHIEF executives from all 16 NRL clubs will converge in Sydney on Monday to decide on a major overhaul of the 2014 pre-season, which could include the scrapping of the annual NRL and Indigenous All Stars concept and the introduction of a Super Nines tournament in New Zealand.

This year's World Cup, which will feature the game's elite, is placing pressure on the All Stars match which will be played just over two months after the World Cup final on November 30. 

The serious concern for player burnout following the World Cup features heavily throughout a 14-page document sent to all 16 clubs, which The Sunday Telegraph has obtained ahead of Monday's CEO conference at League Central.

The document explains how the NRL has agreed with the players association to undertake research into the possible impact of the World Cup on the 2014 pre-season "with a focus on the All Stars match".

The Sunday Telegraph has been told that the NRL will discuss three options surrounding the All Stars with all 16 CEO's Monday including:

* Postponing the 2014 All Stars for one year;

* Gaining a commitment to the All Stars from the game's best players, including Johnathan Thurston, Cameron Smith and Greg Inglis;

* Sacrificing the credibility of the concept by keeping the All Stars concept, but without the game's best players involved.

The CEO conference will almost certainly see all 16 clubs show a vote of confidence in the lucrative Nines tournament, which will see the winner pocket $2.2 million - more than what the NRL premiers receive.

Former Test forward Gorden Tallis, who in 2008 was named in an Indigenous Australian rugby league team of the century, said any decision to rest the All Stars match should be made for the right reasons.

"The All Stars has made some wonderful traction," Tallis said. "It's shown that it is bigger than race. It's a celebration of the game.

"The work the players do with the NRL and the Earn, Learn, Legend programs during the All Stars week has a greater impact on society than any other game that is played.

"It's a game I would have loved to have played in. Has it run its race? I don't think so."

THE NINES 

ONCE approved, the Auckland Nines will be held on February 15 and 16 at Eden Park, the home of rugby union in New Zealand. Make no mistake, the decision to stage the Nines at Eden Park is a deliberate and direct attack on rugby union's hugely popular Wellington Sevens held the weekend prior.

The Nines will allow rugby league to eat into the pie that rugby union has enjoyed for more than a decade with the Sevens. South Sydney chief executive Shane Richardson is right when he suggests that if the NRL was to reject the Nines proposal, "We'd be only handing over an advantage to another code."

Under the tournament structure, every NRL club will be randomly divided into four pools. Matches will be played in nine-minute halves. Teams will play two matches on February 15, with the next day featuring a final pool game, followed by the knock-out finals. Teams that compete in the final will play a total of six matches.

THE NUMBERS 

THE sheer logistics of transporting and accommodating16 professional NRL teams, 28 individuals (16 players and 12 staff) for up to four nights in another country is like nothing the game has confronted in its 108-year history.

The six-figure cost of 28 return economy airfares to Auckland, 15 rooms (13 twin share and two single rooms), including all meals at either the hotel or Eden Park, all transport transfers, use of training fields, gym facilities, pool and recovery facilities will be covered by Lonergan and his company.

There will even be a player's lounge, complete with Playstation, table tennis, pool tables and coffee bar.

THE PLAYERS 

TO compete in the Nine's, every club must follow a strict set of requirements when it comes to fielding a team and being eligible for the rich purse.

All 16 players selected in the Nine's squad must participate in a match during the tournament. At least 75 per cent of every Nine's squad (12 players) must be made up of players from the club's 'top 25 squad list' (based on the salary cap for 2014).

At least one player from each club's top five list (based on the salary cap for 2014) must also be included in the Nine's squad.

There will also be an expectation on every player to commit to promotional activity during the tournament.

THE RISKS 

RARELY does a week pass in rugby league that player behaviour doesn't rear its ugly head. So imagine the concern for the NRL in February when a gathering of around 260 NRL and Holden Cup players converge for up to four nights in the one city, just prior to the beginning of the 2014 season.

Some would call it a recipe for disaster.

In a bid to combat the threat of a scandal overshadowing the tournament, the NRL has negotiated to have all teams stay at different hotels in Auckland.

Every player will also have to sign a code of conduct before competing in the event.

The inclusion of the Nines into the pre-season calendar also raises concerns over player workload and the perception the season is increased.

However, with consultation of the rugby league player welfare association (RLPA), the NRL has agreed that the Nine's will replace one weekend of official trials. The fact that only one top-five player will be asked to participate will also negate the amount of World Cup and Origin players actually being involved.

THE BENEFITS 

THE list is long. Aside from every club receiving an all-expenses paid pre-season training camp, the Nines will undoubtedly increase awareness and exposure of rugby league in New Zealand. It will allow the game to grow its fan base and increase participation levels. And it's a win-win for clubs who rely more than ever on driving up their club merchandise and membership numbers.

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Live: third Ashes Test, day three

Shane Watson laughs with Kevin Pietersen after a controversial LBW appeal. Source: Getty Images

AFTER two days of dominance with the bat, it's time for Australia to try ram home their advantage with the ball on day three of the third Ashes Test.

Stick with us to get all the best reaction and analysis from social media, as well as on the spot videos provided exclusively by Fox Sports.

Join the conversation by leaving a comment in the blog below, or let us know what you think by getting in touch on Twitter, @FoxCricketLive.

If using the comment box in the blog, you can just enter a name where it says 'Display Name', or you can log in using one of your social media accounts. Get involved now!

GET THE ULTIMATE MATCH COMPANION, FEATURING VIDEO OF EVERY WICKET AND BOUNDARY, BALL-BY-BALL COMMENTARY AND HAWKEYE, IN OUR ASHES MATCH CENTRE!

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Chances blown in golden point draw

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Corey Parker of the Broncos scores a try against Newcastle. Source: Tony Feder / Getty Images

JOVIAL Newcastle coach Wayne Bennett suggested the draw was as good as a win.

His Brisbane counterpart Anthony Griffin was just as happy with his side's effort and character.

Neither side won but both camps seemingly left as winners on Friday night after a dramatic golden point match ended in an 18-all stalemate at Hunter Stadium.

Brisbane could be accused of letting the game slip after they led 18-10 with less than nine minutes left.

The Knights could be accused of wasting a glut of second half possession with aimless attack at times before finally unlocking the Broncos' defence twice in six minutes to square things up in regulation time.

In the end, had Bennett not replaced halfback and goal kicker Tyrone Roberts in those final 10 minutes, he may have landed one of the goals make-shift kicker Craig Gower missed to win his side the game.

But maybe neither side deserved to win.

Knights five-eighth Jarrod Mullen missed with four field goal attempts while Brisbane's radar was also off in the desperate final minutes with Ben Hunt and Peter Wallace failing with two attempts during golden point as the sides desperately tried to break the deadlock.

"We did what you want your football team to do. Not to give up and keep at it," Bennett said.

"As far as I'm concerned, that one point for us in the position we are in is as good as a win."

But he had this to say about golden point.

"At the end of the night, we both walked away with one point each and we get on with life.

"For the life of me, I can't see why the game doesn't stop at 80 minutes. I hope in the future we get to that point."

The Brisbane camp was upbeat after the result, even if it means they now need to win all of their five remaining games to reach the play-offs.

Prop Josh Maguire and halfback Ben Hunt were among their stars.

"I was very proud of the effort. We showed a tremendous amount of character," Griffin said.

On his team's play-off chances, skipper Sam Thaiday said: "We're coming. We're not doing any sums at the moment. We are just trying to play some tough footy."

Backrower Beau Scott crossed with eight minutes to go for the Knights to get them back into the contest before Dane Gagai put Aku Uate over in the corner with two minutes left.

With Roberts off, Gower was forced to step up.

He missed his first from a handy position before completely fluffing his sideline conversion attempt at 18-all which would have won Newcastle the game.

After a horror start to the game, Brisbane recovered to dominate the back end of the first half to lead the Knights 12-6 at the break.

Newcastle, who lost winger James McManus with a back injury in the build up, looked on their game early after catching the Broncos napping down their right edge.

McManus's replacement Kevin Naiqama was put into space by his centre Joey Leilua with the play breaking down 10 metres from Brisbane's line.

But from the play-the-ball, Jarrod Mullen's deftly placed grubber bounced up beautifully for prop Zane Tetevano to be the unlikely try recipient.

Tyrone Roberts converted for a 6-0 advantage.

But that was the only joy for the home side, who were loose both with and without the football for the majority of the half.

Brisbane weren't a whole lot better but with halfback Ben Hunt calling the shots, they looked the more dangerous and created the more opportunities.

Centre Justin Hodges took advantage on one of those chances in the 13th minutes when he strolled through Roberts' tackle close to the line off a Scott Prince pass to score an easy try which Prince converted to tie things up.

Hodges got over the try-line again five minutes later only to be held up by Naiqama and Brisbane went close again when winger Corey Oates intercepted a Darius Boyd pass and took off up field.

He seemed set to score when he evaded a Mullen cover tackle before Roberts came from the clouds to put him into touch with a great try saving tackle.

But the relief for the Knights was shortlived.

With four minutes left in the half, Hunt found Corey Parker on an angled run and he beat Beau Scott and Boyd to cross in a handy position for Prince to convert.

Right on half time, Hunt chipped and regathered but his kick for his outside men rolled into touch.

The Knights weren't without their injury worries with Scott limping from early in the game and Mullen also hampered by a leg problem.

Newcastle fought hard half early in the second half to drag themselves back into the game but lacked any real quality with the football and found some desperate Brisbane resistance.

But midway through the half, a ray of light.

Out of nothing, Leilua forced his way over in the corner, pushing off Hodges in the process to get his side back into the game at 12-10.

But no sooner had they done so, Brisbane prop Josh Maguire burst through a poor Scott tackle and found Jack Reed for a try in the corner to put the Broncos back in command.

Prince converted from the touch line for a 18-10 lead.

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Coaltrain costing $500 per minute

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Dave Taylor has not justified his pay packet in 2013. Source: Matt Roberts / Getty Images

STRUGGLING Titans forward Dave Taylor has been challenged to stand and deliver his team a finals berth as it emerged the "Coaltrain" is costing the Gold Coast nearly $500 a minute.

Taylor is set to activate a contractual clause that will keep him at the Titans for another three years but his debut season has been far from impressive.

The Titans are on a four-match losing streak with Saturday's Skilled Park encounter against second-last Wests Tigers a must-win clash to keep their finals dreams alive.

And with forwards Greg Bird (ankle), Nate Myles (groin) and Ryan James (groin) facing fitness tests this morning, Taylor must step up and deliver.

He has played 744 minutes in Titans colours this year but has failed to live up to his $350,000-a-season price tag with his statistics being far down on his last season at the Rabbitohs.

The 25-year-old has made just one linebreak in 2013 compared to 14 last year, and broken only 20 tackles after breaking 88 in 2012. He hasn't scored a try since round one.

His poor form has seen coach John Cartwright opt for the reliable Ben Ridge in the starting side with Taylor only earning five starts from 14 games.

"I love turning up to watch the Titans play when Dave's in the team because I get excited about what he can produce," said former Titan Chris Walker.

"He's no longer a kid anymore. He's been around long enough now that he should be able to start taking control of games with his presence.

"He's a lump of a lad and a nice kid but he hasn't taken his game to the next level. Once he does, he'll be that destructive."

Taylor signed a two-year deal with the option for another two years and has until the end of the year to activate the option. 

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Roos deny Cats in thriller

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North Melbourne veteran Brent Harvey burns clear of Geelong captain Joel Selwood. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: George Salpigtidis / HeraldSun

GEELONG had the futuristic Bugatti Veyron.

North Melbourne had the ageless classic, Porsche 911.

We talk of Steven Motlop and Brent Harvey, who last night took turns treating Etihad Stadium to rare moments of brilliance in a thrilling end-to-end spectacular.

The top-shelf showdown between two of the game's most electric players was at the centre of one of the year's most entertaining games.

The fact the Kangaroos won it, in more convincing fashion than the final margin would suggest, may only serve to frustrate their supporters in this "nearly-there" season.

SuperCoach scores, stats

The final score was 15.6 (96) to 13.8 (86).

North Melbourne chairman James Brayshaw declared before the game this hadn't been a wasted season for his club, but last night's result would point to the contrary.

The Roos amassed 99 more disposals and 23 more contested possessions than the Cats. They lead by 25 points 28 minutes into the second quarter and by 19 points four minutes into the last.

Not for the first time, they deserved to win a game they had controlled.

But nearly for the first time, they actually did.

Finally, North Melbourne made one stick. Like that murderous doll in those horror Child's Play films, we know Geelong just keeps coming.

But this time it wasn't enough.

On a bitterly cold and windy winter night in Melbourne, the footy was hot under the lid at Etihad.

But while Motlop and Harvey revved their engines, North would prove to have the bigger garage as Daniel Wells, Lachie Hansen and Shaun Atley drove the Roos to final siren glory.

But first, Harvey. "Boomer" went boom. He had 37 disposals, seven inside 50s and three direct score assists. He was vintage, as his 24 handball receives would attest.

Like those old Porche's, the 35-year-old still catches the eye. On his day he still runs beautifully.

Geelong let Harvey run around without an opponent in the first half and he made them pay with 24 touches.

Cue Taylor Hunt's arrival in the second half, with the Cats tagger unloading verbally and physically, but he would be run into the ground.

Motlop's 21 disposals, three goals, six inside 50s and sizzling corridor bursts were breathtaking, but he was outnumbered on the Autobahn last night.

Wells had 18 touches and four goals and quite simply, everything he did was quality. If Harvey is the evergreen Porsche, Wells is the Bentley - all class all the time.

Scott Thompson and Lachie Hansen were excellent in defence and it was their beating of Tom Hawkins - who can't be fit - and a combination of Mark Blicavs and Nathan Vardy that allowed the Roos to control the ball off half-back.

Aaron Mullett had a game-high nine rebound 50s but it was Atley who split the Cats open with his piercing runs down the middle from the back half.

This was football at its fastest.

In a first half blur, North Melbourne and Geelong combined for a remarkably efficient 17.6.

Geelong laid the foundations for a showtime night under the lid by deploying Mathew Stokes, Motlop and Travis Varcoe all inside 50m in its own version of the Carlton mosquito fleet.

It paid immediate dividends with Stoke's getting the game's first before Motlop showed his immense skill and class by kicking Geelong's next two from play-on situations.

After 12 minutes the Cats had the goals - three of the first four - but the Roos had the ball, and it wasn't long before their glut of possession told the story.

North kicked four of the last five goals of the opening term to take an eight-point lead into the first change.

The second term was a near replica of the first. Geelong got the first two through Tom Hawkins and Varcoe before the Roos hit the accelerator in spectacular fashion.

North kicked six of the last eight goals before half time, including a run of five unanswered.

They did it by removing Geelong's trademark half-back counter punch by regularly hitting up leading targets.

The "no bombing" policy starved Andrew Mackie and Corey Enright from damaging rebound opportunities and Harry Taylor and Tom Lonergan from peeling off and taking cut-off marks.

Instead the counter-attacking was coming from the Roos, who when allowed, do it with the best of them.

It was the 15 minutes that screamed speed and for a while they simply looked too quick for the Cats. Harvey was surging, Wells gliding and Shaun Atley charging.

At half-time North Melbourne lead Geelong by 20 points.

Then the Cats brought the heat. This time, North Melbourne didn't melt.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Warner Australia's latest DRS dud

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David Warner looks on as he's caught at slip, which he unsuccessfully reviewed. Source:Getty Images

THE day after Australia lodged an official complaint about the application of the DRS, the rest of the cricket world had cause to complain about David Warner's blatant misuse of the same mechanism.

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As Australia attempted to consolidate its position on the second day of the third Test at Old Trafford, Warner lodged a compelling entry for "worst referral ever". A piece of wishful thinking that was, in its insanity, no worse than the third umpires' refusal to grant Usman Khawaja a reprieve the previous day.

Facing Graeme Swann's spin, Warner's thick edge deflected from the gloves of wicketkeeper Matt Prior into the hands of Jonathan Trott at first slip. A dismissal remarkably similar to that which should have brought Stuart Broad's downfall at Trent Bridge.

But where Broad refused to walk when the umpire gave him not out, Warner refused to do so when the umpire did. Instead, after a long consultation with captain Michael Clarke, he squandered the referral in a gesture almost as futile as his attempt to floor Joe Root with a wild bar room swipe.

Despite Warner's odd dismissal, and that of captain Michael Clarke for 187, Australia had moved into a strong position at 7-439 midway through the second day.

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Having led from the front on the first day, Clarke continued his habit of turning centuries into even more momentous totals. Resuming on 125, Clarke made a slow start before warming to his task.

From one Tim Bresnan over, Clarke hit three consecutive boundaries as the Australians looked to make the most of what, on a crumbling pitch, will almost certainly be the best batting conditions.

That was already evident in the threat posed by Swann, who had taken 5/128. The off-spinner's 17th five wicket haul.

Clarke finally succumbed just after lunch when he was tucked up by a ball from Board which went from his stomach onto the stumps. That was Broad's 200th Test wicket, a milestone made more memorable by the victim.

As Australia began its improbable attempt to save the series, Clarke's partnership of 214 with Smith - a record fourth wicket stand for a Test match at Old Trafford - could prove telling.

Coming together at 3-133, the pair put Australia in a commanding position before Smith tried to slog Swann over mid-wicket and popped up a catch from a leading edge to Jonny Bairstow at cover.

Warner arrived at the wicket to a loud chorus of boos, the inevitable outcome of his skirmish with Root. His departure made way for Haddin, who pushed the Australian run rate along with some solid hitting.

Some light rain cleared before play started on the second day. However, with heavier showers forecast for Saturday, the Australians needed to give themselves sufficient time to press for victory.

After the first day, English paceman Bresnan had said his team had always thought the prospect of winning the series 5-0 was farfetched because, as some stage, "it will chuck it down".

That England, rather than Australia, was more likely to benefit from rain delays here might be considered some sort of victory for the tourists during a series when they have seldom held the whip hand.

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Jenning's exit is Penrith's gain

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Penrith Panthers ... secured a horde of young stars after releasing Michael Jennings. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

AT his lowest ebb, Isaac John tried to sleep the days away.

He would draw the curtains on his tiny Wakefield apartment and, with snow falling outside, look to shave three, maybe four hours from the reality of an ailing league career. Of increasing depression.

Matt Moylan. Source: News Limited

Of a footy dream which, inside, this schoolboy prodigy knew was already dead.

"My problems, yeah, they'd taken over everything," John recalls softly. "I'd fallen out with the coach, wasn't getting a run; most afternoons the sun had set by four o'clock and I'd just be home by myself, sitting in the dark.

"Even this Christmas just gone, I tried to sleep through it.

"Then Christmas Day rolled into New Year and, yeah, rock bottom. I was actually making plans to walk out on my contract, to go back to New Zealand, find a job, settle down . . . and then Michael Jennings left Penrith."

Yep, welcome to Ground Zero.

Adam Docker. Source: News Limited

To that day way back in January day when, with Panthers supremo Phil Gould being grilled for releasing a $600,000 NSW Origin star, his coaching staff were already taking the first quiet steps towards spending it.

See, while much of the ongoing debate out west surrounds Gould's infamous Five Year Plan, the real story is the players behind it. Or more specifically, the five youngsters who, secured with Jennings' cash, are now accepting the greatest challenge since Royce Simmons vowed to have a beer with everyone in Penrith.

Specifically, to become the Panthers' bedrock.

And it's players like Matty Moylan, the blond fullback whose debut started with Andrew Johns likening him to a member of One Direction and, within 80 minutes, three try-assists and one sideline conversion, finished with Mark Geyer tweeting about it being the best debut since Freddy Fittler.

Also on the list is 22-year-old Adam Docker, the Shellharbour lock with 16 top grade games despite starting the year outside the NRL media guide, and Bryce Cartwright, nephew of club great John.

Which leaves the final member of Gould's Fab Five, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak: the teen sensation League Central first unveiled back in May when he was the only Toyota Cup player on our Superstars 21 and Under list.

James Segeyaro. Source: News Limited

Yet, still, the undisputed wildcard of the group is John.

The quietly-spoken Tokoroa product who, back in January, was ready to retire at 24. Who baulked even when Panthers assistant Dave Fairleigh called to offer a lifeline.

"Because my self-belief, it was gone," John recalls. "I remember thinking 'man, I can't even cut it in the English Super League, how am I gunna survive the NRL?'

"(Laughs) Not that I said anything. I was packed up and out of Wakefield in two days.

"But I didn't have much faith in myself because, my first year in England, I really fell out with the coach, Richard Agar. Then when I returned for this year's pre-season, he called me into his office and said I wouldn't be played. He said form, injuries, none of it mattered, I just wouldn't be getting a start.

"And for a while, I worked my arse off to prove him wrong. Trained hard, played well in the trials; in my eyes I'd done enough. But, just like he'd said ... it was no."

Which is when everything changed.

Growing up, little Isaac had always displayed the work ethic you'd expect a kid whose best mate since kindergarten, his constant shadow in training, was Wallaby Quade Cooper.

A wonderboy who when gifted his NRL debut at the Warriors in 2011 - by then coach Ivan Cleary - exploded into arguably the form halfback of the premiership overnight.

But then, in round 24, the Warriors travelled to Penrith. And John did his ACL. Suddenly, forced to watch on from the sidelines as another rookie, a kid by the name of Shaun Johnson, not only played the Warriors into a grand final, but himself into a New Zealand Test side and then The Next Benji Marshall headlines.

Asked about the sliding doors John says: "There's no point having any malice because nothing was going to stop Shaun.

"England just didn't work and, after realising I was wanted, I stopped doing extras and slipped into a party lifestyle.

"It just wasn't worth it anymore."

Enter Penrith.

Those battling westies who, despite starting the season as wooden spoon favourites, are now just one win outside the eight with John looking every inch the playmaker he was always talked up to be.

A footballer who, dare we say it, appears to be home?

"Ah, honestly, I haven't even thought beyond this week," the playmaker says with a nervous laugh that confirms it's no cliche.

"Every week when Ivan names the team, I'm still nervous, sitting there waiting for my name to be called.

"I guess, I've got England to thank for that. I'm not sure I could ever be complacent ... not when I know how easily it can all be taken away."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Benji and Zoe's fleeting NZ trip

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Jet-setters ... Benji and Zoe Marshall head to New Zealand for rugby union talks. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

BALI one week, Auckland the next. Now for the Gold Coast.

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Frequent-flyer Benji Marshall flew out of Sydney yesterday on a reconnaissance mission ahead of his expected switch to the Super Rugby franchise Auckland Blues.

Marshall's wife Zoe has also travelled to New Zealand.

Auckland are firm favourites to sign Marshall with a possible stint in Japanese rugby to bolster his income.

Wests Tigers approved Marshall's mid-week trip to Auckland - despite the club playing Gold Coast at Skilled Park on Sunday.

He is expected back tonight before flying to Coolangatta for the Titans match.

Marshall travelled to Bali early last month for a week-long mid-season holiday with Zoe. It was during his Bali journey he decided to quit Wests Tigers for rugby union.

Before departing Sydney, Marshall said he was no closer to making a final decision.

"Finishing the season is my priority at the moment. It's not about finding a contract. If that happens in the midst of playing then it happens. Until that happens, there's no point talking about ifs and buts. I don't have any regrets."

Marshall also said he never wanted Tim Sheens sacked as Wests Tigers coach, adding it would be "sad" if Mick Potter was next coach dumped.

Asked did the club make an error axing Sheens, Marshall said: "I didn't want to see Tim to go in the first place.

"At the end of the day it was hard to accept that. (But) when a new coach comes in you have to do your best to try and help him.

"That is what I have tried to do this year and, as much as it hurt being put on bench by him (Potter), it helped me turn around, refocus and try and be better for the team.

"It's hard coming in as new coach. If you don't have success it is such a fickle world.

"At the end of the day if he (Potter) loses his job, that's sad because as players we have probably let him down."

A fallout with Potter has been identified as reason Marshall has decided to leave Wests Tigers. Drama between the pair started when Potter benched Marshall mid-season.

Asked should there be pressure on Potter, Marshall said: "I wouldn't know - I won't be here. There is always speculation around clubs that don't do well. (But) if anyone is asking about my relationship with Mick, it's fine. We get along great.

"We have been chatting a bit about what I am going to do and where he thinks I should be with my footy. There is no dramas with our relationship.

"It's speculation. I don't know what is going on. Mick doesn't know what's going on.

"That's between the board and the club."

Marshall also stressed Sheens shouldn't be criticised for continuing to accept pay-out money each month from Wests Tigers.

"That's not his fault," he said. "That's how the world works. If you are entitled to money and you are on a contract you should get it."

Despite his urge to play rugby union, Marshall still harbours a desire to represent New Zealand in the rugby league World Cup.

Asked if he wanted to play for the Kiwis again, Marshall said: "Absolutely. I'm a proud Kiwi. I won the last World Cup and would love to win another before I finish.

"I'm probably not playing well enough to deserve that at the moment (but) if I can find form in the next six weeks ... and if the rules permit then hopefully I am allowed." 

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More