New rules to target time wasting

Cameron Smith not happy with referee Gerard Sutton during the second Semi final Melbourne Storm v Newcastle Knights at AAMI Park. Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

For 12 months we've heard from NRL chief executive Dave Smith about his financial plans, membership drives, stadium policies and grassroots growth to ensure the survival of rugby league as the major winter sporting code ... but nothing about fixing the actual product.

Until today.

It's taken a while but the NRL is to be applauded for a series of rule changes that will add to the excitement, modernise the game and improve the game-day experience for fans.

In a column last August I revealed how fans and TV viewers were cheated of 31 minutes of actual game time in a Monday night match between the Wests Tigers and Manly.

How scrums, penalties, line-drop-outs, referees lecturing players, shots at goal and general time-wasting had turned the sport into a tedious, time-wasting, stop-start and stuttering game.

Todd Carney passes the ball out of the scrum during the round seven NRL match between the Sharks and the Bulldogs at Bluetongue Stadium. Source: Getty Images

Too often in the past these issues have been either ignored or punted into the that's-too-hard basket.

Not now that Todd Greenberg is the Head of Football.

Nothing has been more frustrating in rugby league in recent years than the time bandits ruining the game.

How often have we seen teams hit the front towards the end of match then, under instructions from the coaching box, deliberately waste time.

At least now the clock will be stopped in the final five minutes and exciting finishes will become even more gripping.

Scrums will be abolished from 40/20 restarts and when a ball is kicked out of play on the full.

Plus quick taps will be allowed from penalty restarts.

No more tired forwards dawdling towards a scrums to catch their breath.

You beauty.

Rugby league is already a better game than union and NFL because of its continuity and speed.

These rule changes will make it an even greater game.

Bring on the 2014 kick-off.

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What's the Buzz: Maroon goes awol

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QUEENSLAND'S Emerging Maroons camp was thrown into chaos last weekend when Newcastle Knights centre Dane Gagai went missing after a night out in Brisbane.

Maroons officials desperately attempted to sweep the matter under the carpet, but we can reveal that the 23-year-old had a night on the tiles during the January 17-19 camp and didn't front the next day for training.

The camp was being run by his Newcastle coach Wayne Bennett at the Queensland Academy of Sport in Brisbane.

Gagai, who missed a morning training session but surfaced later in the day, is said to be chastened by the incident.

Daily Telegraph. Newcastle Knights completing a fitness test as their pre-season training begins at the Forum fitness centre at the Newcastle University. Dane Gagai during the test. Source: News Limited

He lives with his brother in Newcastle and has thrived under Bennett's strict reign.

One source close to the Maroons blamed the incident on the arrogance that comes with winning eight straight series.

Gagai is seen as an option to replace powerhouse centre Justin Hodges, with the Broncos star struggling to be fit for the Origin opener after tearing his achilles tendon late last season.

James Tamou during a North Queensland Cowboys training at 1300 Smiles Stadium. Source: News Limited

NSW officials have taken a different approach to discipline in the lead up to the 2014 series.

Boom prop James Tamou was brushed from last weekend's two-day Origin camp at Homebush, partly because of his pre-season training in Townsville but also because he missed a crucial pre-Christmas meeting.

The Tamou incident shows that Blues coach Laurie Daley isn't afraid to make tough calls.

While logistics made it difficult for the Townsville-based prop to attend, a Blues official said: "We're setting our standards a lot higher."

Tamou missed Origin II last year because of a drink-driving charge but turned his season around.

Blues officials are expecting him to do the same thing in this instance.

Secret security step to protect 'target' Packer

CORRECTIVE Services have thrown a security blanket around jailed footballer Russell Packer.

A department spokeswoman would not confirm where Packer has been sent or whether he's been placed in corrective custody.

"It's against department policy to reveal where some prisoners are housed for security reasons," the spokeswoman told us.

NRL player Russell Packer arriving at court in Sydney. Source: Supplied

"Prisoners read papers, too."

A Knights source said the club was keeping a close eye on Packer's welfare amid rumours he had a target on him because of his profile as an NRL first-grader.

Packer was jailed for two years for an assault described as "cowardly and deplorable'', in which he punched a man lying on the ground and stomped on his head, fracturing his eye socket, in Sydney's CBD in November.

NRL head of football Todd Greenberg hasn't closed the door on a possible return to rugby league.

"These are questions probably more for two years' time potentially down the track. We will always assess things on merit and when and if that comes up we will assess it at the time,'' Greenberg said.

Lethal Ellyse brands her man

ELLYSE Perry challenged her Wallaby boyfriend Matt Toomua to a net session and there was no doubting who came off worse.

Matt Toomua - after he faced Ellyse Perry in the nets! Source: Supplied

The power couple cover three professional sports between them, but Toomua was no match for Perry with the bat.

He admitted he felt like he was Piers Morgan facing Brett Lee.

"I made sure she only ran off two steps and was bowling with her left arm," Toomua joked.

Perry added: "The bruises have healed, but the psychological ones haven't."

Toomua plans to get Perry on to the rugby field as soon as the women's Ashes series is done.

"That's how I'm going to pay her back," he said, "but not now while she's playing."

ADP the butt of a running gag

THREE travelling English journalists popped in for Sydney FC's match against the Central Coast Mariners to catch a glimpse of Alessandro Del Piero.

Unfortunately, it was one of the Italian maestro's worst games in a Sky Blue jersey and the game itself wasn't the best advert for the A-League, prompting one of the journalists to remark, "It's like league one without the running."

Kristy's aiming to turn iron into gold

SPORT runs in the family for Kristy Higgison, who booked her spot in Round 6 of the Ironwomen Series to be held at Coolum on February 23.

The 20-year-old - the 2012 World Youth Ironwomen champion - was a late entry when Bonnie Hancock withdrew with glandular fever.

Kristy Higgison has been selected in the Ironwoman series. Source: News Limited

Higgison is the daughter of Karen Phillips, who won a silver medal in the 200m butterfly at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

But swimming is Higgison's worst leg of an Ironwomen race. Hard to believe, but it's true.

She has moved from the south coast of NSW to the Sunshine Coast to train with Michael King and has her sights set on emulating her mum by competing at an Olympic Games.

NRL players to get movie role

FORMER NRL stars have been given the chance to buy cameo roles in a new rugby league film.

Former Queensland Origin centre Adrian Vowles has already signed up.

"Broke" is the story of a former star who goes off the rails on a toxic combination of booze and gambling.

Proceeds from the film will go to Men of League.

Details of how to contribute are at http:igg.me/at/brokefilm

New team is in the big league

THE winds of change have swept through the NRL.

New NRL media boss Sandy Olsen. Picture: Facebook Source: Supplied

New media boss Sandy Olsen starts her third week in the job tomorrow and looks the goods. In salary cap land, Gus Gould and Nick Politis will have someone new to whinge about in Jamie L'Oste Brown, who takes over next week from long-time auditor Ian Schubert.

Buck Rogers busts the moves

CHRIS Rogers briefly brought his trademark dance moves out at the Allan Border Medal in Sydney last Monday night.

Sandra Benarroch and Chris Rogers on the red carpet arriving at the 2014 Allan Border Medal held at Doltone House at Hyde Park. Source: News Limited

The last time the veteran batsman showcased his talent in public was at the Opera House, when he arrived late to Australia's Ashes celebrations after sleeping in.

The players and their partners enjoyed drinks and canapés at Doltone House following the formalities of the awards ceremony, but many of them landed up singing the night away at a karaoke bar nearby.

Cahill prepares for biggest year yet

SOCCEROO star Tim Cahill is already one of Australia's most decorated footballers, but he's looking forward to the biggest year of his career as he prepares to play in a third World Cup.

Tim Cahill, during a lap of honour after the Socceroos qualified for the World Cup. Source: News Limited

Cahill, who plays in New York for the Red Bulls, is determined to keep himself in peak condition ahead of Brazil, where Australia are grouped with Holland and Brazil.

"I think it's one of the biggest moments for soccer in Australia because it's our third World Cup and we're playing two of the biggest giants of the world," Cahill said.

"I'm just excited. I want to give myself every possible chance to do as best as I can, but in saying that I want to enjoy the experience and take a lot of the kids here in Australia on the same sort of ride as me."

Cahill spent most of the MLS off-season at home in Australia, but there wasn't much relaxation involved. He's been actively involved in promoting soccer at grassroots level and took in some Ashes cricket and A-League matches.

"I enjoyed going to a Western Sydney Wanderers game," he said.

"I've been to three A-League games while I've been here and it was great to take my eight and 10-year-old boys to watch the atmosphere at Western Sydney and to see how football is growing rapidly."

Stephanie Gilmore models new Roxy Pop Surf Collection. Source: Supplied

Cahill's favourite home comfort when he's back in Australia is his bowl of Weet-Bix.

"I eat Weet-Bix every day, but the hardest thing is getting it sent to New York, so it's good to be back home."

Another champion Australian who enjoys being back home is surfer Stephanie Gilmore.

Gilmore is one of four Australians, including Tyler Wright, Sally Fitzgibbons and Laura Enever, ranked in the world's top 10 and says it's the golden era of women's surfing in the country.

"We're all pushing each other to new levels, which is really cool and I think the rivalries in women's surfing are getting stronger and stronger," Gilmore said.

"I'm looking forward to this year and I'm sure there's going to be some great battles between Sally and Tyler and myself."

Thunder cameo of Kallis?

THE Sydney Thunder's season ended last night, with a derby against the Sixers, but there are big plans for next season. The move to the Sydney Showground at Homebush looks just about a done deal, and the BBL battlers have plans to rename the ground the Thunder Dome for next season. The Thunder are also taking seriously the chance to bring South African legend Jacques Kallis to Australia for a cameo. We'd pay to see that.

Bluetongue Stadium looks for new sponsor

GOSFORD's Bluetongue Stadium will be looking for a new naming rights sponsor next month after the collapse of the brewery. The ground formerly known as Grahame Park is home to the Central Coast Mariners and also a regular destination for several NRL clubs.

Manning to lead Broncos to glory

AUSTRALIA's NFL great Colin Scotts has tipped Peyton Manning's Denver Broncos to claim tomorrow week's Super Bowl against Seattle Seahawks.

Peyton Manning of the Denver Broncos celebrates after they defeated the New England Patriots 26 to 16 during the AFC Championship game. Source: AFP

''I think Peyton will go down as the greatest quarterback in NFL history,'' said Scotts, who played for St Louis Cardinals and Houston Oilers.

''Manning versus (Seattle quarterback) Russell Wilson is a no contest. I think Denver will win by 10 points''.

Scotts will be special guest speaker for Super Bowl fans at Woollahra's Bellevue Hotel.

SAINT

MOVE over Eugenie Bouchard, Lleyton Hewitt has been the best thing about the Australian Open thanks to his stint in the commentary box. Hewitt's insights into the current stars of the game are a class above.

SINNER

John Inverarity for leading Phil Hughes to believe that Sheffield Shield runs actually counted for something. The chairman of selectors overlooked Hughes' 549 first-class runs in favour of Shaun Marsh's 248 for the South Africa tour and justified it by saying Marsh is just, "in a good space at the moment".

SPOTTED

Holger Osieck wearing a Socceroos shirt out for a stroll at Manly beach. Weird.

SPOTTED II

Surfing great Layne Beachley, sharing a coffee with Aboriginal league icons Greg Inglis and Ricky Walford at Redfern Oval's Park Cafe on Chalmers.

BUZZ IS BACK

This is our final week standing in for Phil Rothfield, the regular custodian of these pages. Welcome back Buzz.

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Third time lucky for champion Li Na

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THIRD time lucky! While China's Li Na doesn't believe that number brings good fortune, it delivered her first Australian Open crown.

Li erased memories of those final losses in 2011 and last year to sweep aside gallant little Slovak Dominika Cibulkova 7-6 (7-3) 6-0 in 97 entertaining minutes.

SCUD: WHY RAFA WILL BEAT STAN

LI NA A HIT WITH THE MASSES

THE NUMBERS: WHY RAFA CAN'T LOSE

HOT SHOTS: LI NA'S BREAKTHROUGH WIN IN PICTURES

Li Na of China (R) hugs Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia after winning their women's singles final. Source: AFP

At 31, she's the oldest Australian women's singles champion since Margaret Court won at 30 in 1973.

It wasn't achieved without a fight either, the popular Li needed to work for 70 anxious minutes to grab the decisive opening set in a tiebreak.

Heck, many women's finals haven't even lasted that long, let alone the first set of what was a pulsating baseline battle.

But, with that set in the bag, it was as if a giant weight had been lifted from the fourth seed's shoulders. It freed her up to wield those rapier ground strokes to ground Cibulkova into the blue hardcourt.

"Finally I got her,'' Li said before

Li Na of China holds the championship trophy after defeating Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia. Source: AP

paying tribute to the 24th ranked Slovak's brave run at a debut grand slam title for her nation.

"This is my favourite grand slam (championship) and I'm so happy I've won the title here.''

Li applied the subtle pressure from the moment she won the toss and asked Cibulkova to serve first to start the match.

A nervous Cibulkova threw in not one, but two double faults to drop serve in that opening game and Li was quickly out to a 2-0 lead.

But the little Slovak didn't take long to reveal her trademark fighting spirit.

She fought off two break points in the third game to finally get on the board. A shout and fist pump in the direction of her entourage announced she was in the battle.

The contest was littered with heavy-hitting baseline duels that tested the patience and will of both players.

Just when it seemed Li was in control, she also twice double faulted to give up a service break in the sixth game.

Dominika Cibulkova put up a strong fight in the first set. Source: News Limited

Cibulkova continued to live dangerously on her serve, staving off another break point in the ninth game and Li answered with the first ace of the match to level at 5-5.

Another double fault put the Slovak under pressure and a Li crosscourt winner set up another break opportunity.

When a deep Li return forced Cibulkova to dump a backhand into the net, the favourite stepped up to serve for the set.

Li blew a set point when a backhand down the line just missed wide. And Cibulkova pounced with a forehand winner and another deep return to force an error for another break back to level at 6-6.

The Chinese player's big match experience shone through at she grabbed the early lead, changed ends with a commanding 5-1 lead and wrapped up the crucial tiebreak 7-3.

She had snared a significant scoreboard and psychological advantage after 70 entertaining minutes.

Serving first in the second set, Li poured on the pressure, smashing aside the Cibulkova serve again and surge to a 3-0 lead.

Li Na of China celebrates winning the first set against Dominika Cibulkova. She took it in a tiebreak. Source: AFP

The fourth seed's heavy and deep ground strokes and returns began to overwhelm her gallant little foe.

Another power-laden backhand crosscourt into the corner broke Cibulkova's serve and heart to hand Li a 4-0 lead and closing in for the kill.

While Cibulkova continued to scurry around the court and attempt to run down every ball, the controlling Chinese player had found her range with the topspin ground strokes to seize the initiative.

Nothing could deny Li the title now and she bullied the failing Cibulkova serve again as the Slovak flew a forehand over the baseline to give up the fight.

That second set disappeared in just 27 minutes and with it any hope of Slovak grand slam glory.

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Big Bash live: Sydney derby

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<i> <b></b> </i>A TERRIFIC spell by Nathan Lyon and a controlled half-century by Nic Maddinson gave the Sixers an eight-wicket Big Bash win with four balls to spare over the Thunder in the Sydney derby at ANZ Stadium.

The Sixers will now play the Perth Scorchers in the semi-finals, but they'll have to wait until Monday night's game between runaway leaders Melbourne Stars and the Scorchers to find out if they've done enough to play that game at home.

The Thunder, meanwhile, finished with the wooden spoon for the third time in three Big Bash League seasons.

Lyon (3/14) limited the Thunder to a modest 6/128 before a good partnership between Maddinson (59) and Moises Henriques (27) guided the men in magenta home.

It was a largely risk-free chase, with only Michael Lumb (2) out early before a quick 32 from Mark Cosgrove got the visitors off to a fast start.

Lyon struck twice in the 10th over to remove Daniel Hughes (32) and Mike Hussey (21), but an injury to his spin partner Stephen O'Keefe dampened the mood.

O'Keefe suffered a dislocated shoulder while fielding off his own bowling, meaning the Sixers will more than likely be without a frontline spinner for the rest of the competition, with both Lyon and Steve Smith heading to South Africa for Australia's Test series.

But they will welcome back Mitchell Starc and English all-rounder Ravi Bopara for the semi-final on February 5.

See how we covered the game live below.

The Sixers' three-pronged spin attack of Lyon, O'Keefe and part-timer Marcus North stifled the Thunder batsmen after Brett Lee was expensive early on.

The former Test quick went for 12 runs in his first over as Hughes and Tillakaratne Dilshan got off to an aggressive start. The Thunder had to make do without Usman Khawaja, who suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury that sidelined him at the start of the season.

The dangerous Dilshan was brilliantly run out by Sean Abbott, who hit the stumps with a direct hit. That brought Hussey to the middle and the skipper showed intent when he hit Lee for six.

But then the Sixers' spinners came into play, with Lyon and North in particular slowing the Thunder's run rate right down. Hussey tried to attack, but he only managed to pick out Abbott in the deep and was caught for 21.

That was Lyon's first wicket and the Test star struck again in the same over, bowling Hughes for 32. Hughes went for the big hit, but was beaten by flight and lost his middle stump. It was a poor shot choice and left the Thunder reeling at 3/62.

O'Keefe, already one of the more unlucky spinners in Australia, then popped his shoulder out mid-over when he dived to stop the ball. Despite excellent figures, the 29-year-old continues to be overlooked by selectors and now faces a spell on the treatment table.

"It was a weird feeling landing on the ground - I couldn't move it," O'Keefe said.

"Fingers crossed, it won't be too much time off the field. Before I walked out there Brad Haddin said to be careful diving on the ground.

"I'm not sure whether the Messiah put the devil's touch on me."

Fantastic glove-work by Dan Smith, who has been excellent all season, got Lyon his third scalp of the night when he had Andrew Tye stumped.

In a familiar Thunder batting display - the exception being their only win of the season against the Melbourne Renegades - there were no notable contributions.

Only Hughes, Hussey, Kurtis Patterson (27) and Ryan Carters (15) reached double figures as the home side limped to their modest total.

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Roar back on track against Phoenix

Devante Clut of Brisbane Roar celebrates with teammates after scoring on debut. Source: Bradley Kanaris / Getty Images

A LATE strike from midfielder Luke Brattan secured Brisbane a 2-1 win over Wellington Phoenix at Suncorp Stadium and extended the Roar's lead at top of the A-League ladder to eight points.

Without four key players - injured trio Matt McKay, Ivan Franjic and Liam Miller, and suspended striker Besart Berisha - the Roar seemed destined to have to settle for a point before Brattan's 25-metre deflected effort earned the Roar all three points.

Our Match Centre features video highlights, play-by-play updates, stats and polls.

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The Phoenix, also weakened by the absence of their Costa Rican attacking pair Carlos Hernandez and Kenny Cunningham, who were both on international duty, were unlucky to go home empty-handed, having dominated the first half.

The visitors' early superiority led to them leading 1-0 at half-time through their star Belgian marksman Stein Huysegems.

Brisbane equalised five minutes after half-time via 18-year-old debutant Devante Clut, whose superb volley from the edge of the penalty area was too good for Wellington goalkeeper Glen Moss.

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The hosts then took control, with Wellington visibly tiring in the steamy conditions.

But in the opening stanza it was the Phoenix who were the dominant side and perhaps unlucky not to lead by more at half-time.

With towering striker Huysegems making a constant nuisance of himself on the edge of Brisbane's penalty area, the visitors dominated a lacklustre Roar.

A cracking Vince Lia shot was too good for Roar keeper Michael Theo in the 17th minute but much to Brisbane relief it hit the post.

Theo came to the Roar's rescue 10 minutes later with an excellent save to deny Jason Hicks after the Phoenix had capitalised on a poor pass from Brisbane midfielder Diogo Ferreira.

Wellington continued to attack, with an outrageous Jeremy Brockie volley nearly catching Theo out his near post.

Devante Clut of Brisbane Roar celebrates his goal with teammates. Source: Getty Images

The Roar finally cracked in the 36th minute, with the Phoenix taking a deserved lead through Huysegems, the competition's leading goalscorer.

A Jeremy Brockie shot evaded both Theo and defender Jade North, with the former Belgian international striker sneaking in at the far post to score his eighth goal of the season.

It was the wake-up call Brisbane needed, with the hosts springing to life.

The absence of star striker Berisha was notable in the 42nd minute, when an unmarked Henrique somehow fluffed a chance in the 42nd minute when he failed to convert from inside the six-yard box after running on to a Jack Hingert cross.

Broich then struck the crossbar with a blistering strike on the stroke of half-time.

But the tide had swung, with the Roar taking control in the second half to record their 11th win of the season.

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Ange on global hunt for X-factor

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SOCCEROOS coach Ange Postecoglou is delivering on his promise to cast the net far and wide in search of potential surprise packets for his World Cup squad.

Postecoglou is halfway through a month-long trip across Asia and Europe where he hopes to find new members for a squad which suffered the devastating loss of Robbie Kruse to injury this week.

Having watched the Olyroos in three games at the AFC Under-22 Championships in Oman, Postecoglou will spend the next week in the UK watching a host of players plying their trade in England's League One competition most casual fans would struggle to recognise.

Swindon Town midfielder Massimo Luongo, Preston North End duo Bailey Wright and Neil Kilkenny and Milwall pair Shane Lowry and Scott McDonald are all on Postecoglou's visiting list as is injured Aston Villa player Chris Herd and Scotland-based Jackson Irvine.

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None of the aforementioned players were in Postecoglou's line-up for last November's win against Costa Rica.

"The plan is to watch most of them play and the ones I can't watch to get as much information as I can about them and where they're at," the former Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory boss said.

"I move on to the continent after that. I'll go to Holland and Germany mainly to check on some players there and then I'll swing back through the Middle East.

"It's a chance for me to meet with some of the players who I'm not familiar with or who I want to have a look at."

Postecoglou hopes the trip will allow him to pick the best squad possible for the Socceroos' upcoming March 5 friendly against a yet to be named opponent.

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"I need to make some quick decisions on the make up of our squad," he said.

After returning home Postecoglou will spend a week in Brazil in late February to inspect Australia's training base in Vitoria.

Adelaide United goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic remains the most likely SA-based player to earn a trip to Brazil in June.

Postecoglou, who met with Liverpool reserve keeper Brad Jones and coach Brendan Rodgers this week, said he had "four or five (keepers) on my list".

Europe-based Matt Ryan and Mitch Langerak are expected to command two of the three available goalkeeping positions.

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Former Reds Mathew Leckie and Dario Vidosic are also strong chances after starting in the Costa Rica game.

Kruse's ACL injury only increases the duo's chances given their ability to play on the right, but Postecoglou said it was too soon to muse about who would replace the Bayer Leverkusen forward.

"Robbie was an important part of what we did. If you look at our players Robbie and Mile Jedinak are the ones who were playing at the highest level. To lose one of those two is a blow," he said.

"It's way too premature (to name a replacement).

"The message that I want to send out there is wherever they're playing the key is to play good football and to try to dominate the competition they're in.

"My main priority leading into the World Cup is to pick players who are in good form and in good physical condition."

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WACA win ends Poms' losing streak

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AUSTRALIA'S decision to rest a host of star batsmen backfired as England broke through for a 57-run win in the fourth one-day international at the WACA Ground on Friday night.

Despite another century from opener Aaron Finch, the home side fell well short in a daunting run chase of 317 after being bowled out for 259 in the 48th over.

After Alastair Cook revealed before the match he was "desperate" to retain the captaincy, England's victory ensured it avoided the prospect of a 10-0 Ashes and one-day series whitewash.

RELIVE THE GAME WITH OUR MATCH CENTRE, FEATURING A FULL SCOREBOARD, BALL-BY-BALL COMMENTARY, STATS AND PITCH MAPS.

The tourists were helped by Australia's decision to rest Michael Clarke, David Warner, Shane Watson and Brad Haddin, along with stand-in skipper George Bailey's decision to send the opposition in.

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Australia gave up the No.1 spot in the rankings just two days after taking over from India.

Australia's patched-up batting line-up was filled with players with a personal point to prove, but Finch could not find any meaningful support as the Aussies collapsed.

England all-rounder Ben Stokes starred with both bat and ball, taking 4-39 off nine overs and making 70, but could find himself in hot water after giving James Faulkner a fiery send-off.

Finch blasted his second century of the series as Australia pursued what could have been the biggest successful run chase ever seen at the WACA Ground.

Finch brought up his third ODI century off 97 balls, falling for 108 after being caught slashing to third man after an innings that included eights fours and four sixes.

It was his second hundred of the series after hitting 121 to help guide Australia home in the season opener at the MCG.

Finch's dismissal in the 36th over left the big-hitting all-rounders with an enormous task, with Australia requiring 95 more runs off the final 10 overs with just four wickets in hand as Gabba hero Faulkner joined Dan Christian at the crease.

Faulker, out for 2 off 11 balls, could not repeat his heroics as the run chase spiralled out of control.

Returning wicketkeeper Matthew Wade could not cash in on batting at No.3, struggling to 23 off 42 balls before being caught at mid-off off Ravi Bopara.

Opener Shaun Marsh (15) and Bailey (11) both failed, with Bailey completing a tumultuous week after being undone by Hot Spot on an England review.

Playing his first ODI game in a year, Steve Smith (19) was also left disappointed after edging Stuart Broad behind.

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Earlier, Allan Border medallist Mitchell Johnson came back to earth as he went wicketless at his home ground, finishing with 0-72 off 10 overs as England made its highest score at the venue.

Some breathtaking late hitting from wicketkeeper Jos Buttler lifted England to 8-316 as the tourists made their highest score for the series and the fourth-highest total at the venue.

Buttler made 71 off just 43 balls before being caught in the deep in the final over, while Stokes made 70 after openers Cook and Ian Bell had got England off to a flier.

Stokes, 22, made England's only century of the Ashes series in Perth in December and he had another hundred in his sights a he again showed a maturity beyond his years in providing the backbone to the tourists' innings.

Glenn Maxwell was the pick of the Australian bowlers with 1-37 off nine overs as the fast men leaked plenty of runs, though Faulkner was on a hat-trick in the final over and finished with 4-67 off 10 overs.

Fuelled by a summer of pent-up frustration, skipper Cook unleashed a series of flashing cuts and pulls in his 44 off 43 balls.

Cook said he was "desperate" to continue as skipper of the one-day side, just days after saying he would reconsider his future in the role following a loss at the SCG.

"That was just, I think, quite an emotional time, obviously (we had) just lost another game. It's wrong for me to continue thinking like that," Cook said.

"I'm lucky enough to do this job. I'm desperate to carry on now and hopefully we can put on a good show today."

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Pittman cool on sleighing rivals

Astrid Radjenovic and Jana Pittman training for the Sochi Games. Picture: Chris Pavlich. Source: Chris Pavlich / News Limited

JANA Pittman admits she's had a reality check ahead of next month's Sochi Games, Australia's first female summer and winter Olympian forecasting down her result after a tough World Cup campaign in the two-woman bobsleigh.

Pittman and driver Astrid Radjenovic were confident that a spot well in the top 10 could be on the cards after some promising results the previous season, the publicly funded purchase of a new sled only adding to their self belief.

But as other countries with more pedigree on the ice sharpened their performances in a Games year, the Australian pair have been a bit off the pace, 12th-place their best result in six events this World Cup season.

Jana Pittman training for the Sochi games. Source: Supplied

``I think initially I had unrealistic expectations of what we could do this year,'' Pittman said ahead of this weekend's final World Cup event in Austria before the Games.

``I watched a kid eight years old pushing herself off a skeleton sled here in Austria a few days ago. These other big nations have been doing this sport for 15-20 years. The expertise that has gone into it far outweighs what we can do as an Australian team.''

But the two-time 400m hurdles world champion has no regrets about her move into winter sports and says a finish of between 10th and 12th in Sochi should be achievable for the pair who've only been competing together for 15 months.

``Come the Olympic Games, whatever result we get, we will have done absolutely everything,'' she said.

``We raised the money, got the new sled and trained our butts off all year.''

Pittman concedes the focus will be a lot softer on her in Russia after she was consistently expected to win in athletics.

``Now it is about being a participant and being part of the Olympics and really enjoying the experience ... the highlight for this year will actually be the fact that we made it in the first place rather than in the previous years going for medals,'' she said.

Pittman, who says she's become good friends with high-profile American track-to-ice convert Lolo Jones since both have been in the bobsleigh, indicated her new sport also provided a nicer working environment.

``There's nothing like getting to the end of a 400 hurdles and vomiting your guts up whereas now we get to the bottom of the track and we do high fives and get out the smiles most of the time,'' she said.

Pittman and Radjenovic will race a final World Cup in Austria on the weekend before heading into a training camp in Oberhof, Germany before the Games.

AAP

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Higgers demands more of Rebels

Higginbotham replaces the departed Gareth Delve as Rebels skipper in 2014. Source: Michael Klein / News Limited

CAPTAIN Scott Higginbotham says it is time for Melbourne Rebels to make its move, declaring his side wants to become Australia's premier Super Rugby team in 2014.

The club's expectations have risen under new coach Tony McGahan and Higginbotham said mediocrity would not be tolerated in 2014.

"You don't want to be one of those teams that starts in the comp and struggle to get off the ground," he said.

"A bit like the Cheetahs, who are doing well now but took awhile to get off the ground.

"The Force are still working their way up the ladder, and they have been in the competition for a number of years.

"You don't want to take too much time doing that - I think you've really got to make your mark and pick a year to build and get stuck into it."

The star Wallaby backrower said his side was up for the challenge of winning the Australian conference for the first time this season.

"This is our fourth year of the competition and we are really looking to make inroads," he said.

"We want to be top of the conference - we're not looking to just get out there and be tough competition for other teams.

"We're looking to be top of the competition and that's our challenge.

"All the boys are more than willing to put their hand up and have a go at that."

Higginbotham, who has enjoyed a full pre-season after undergoing surgery last year, will lead his side into its first trial game against the Waratahs in Albury next week.

"I had the surgeries in June so I had my rehab from there and then straight into pre-season," he said.

"I haven't done a pre-season in a long time and I don't particularly want to think about doing one again.

"Playing games is the best part about being a footballer, so I am looking forward to it."

The Rebels have enjoyed a strong pre-season with only four players not taking part in full training.

"We didn't have any Wallabies go away this season, which is disappointing," he said.

"But the positive of that is we have had a full 14-week pre-season to all train and gel together.

"A lot of training has been about playing 15 on 15 football, so it's great to have those sort of numbers."

The 27-year-old was recently appointed captain following the departure of Gareth Delve at the end of last season.

This will be only his second season at the club and he said it had been a steep learning curve.

"I think you need to voice yourself a bit more now, which is kind of hard," he said.

"Coming from Queensland, I didn't have much of a leadership role there.

"But I was sort of swung straight into it when I came down here last year.

"I've embraced it - being on-field captain last year was a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to that this year."

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Lee to take a swing at turning pro

Champion Minjee Lee practices during the Women's NSW Open pro-am at Oatlands Golf Club. Source: Philip Hillyard / News Limited

FOR someone who is yet to reach their 18th birthday, golfer Minjee Lee has accomplished a lot.

Currently the Australian number one amateur and having represented her country on the course, Lee is set to play in this weekend's Women's NSW Open at Oatlands, yet the laidback 17-year-old Western Australian is happy to just be playing the game she loves.

"I'm just enjoying playing and it's good to be out on the course with the girls," Lee told The Daily Telegraph.

Having won the 2012 US Girls Junior Championship, Lee's playing career has gone from strength to strength, with 2014 already seeing her successfully defend her Australian Amateur Championship title, beating 15-year-old Karis Davidson earlier in January.

It's no surprise then that Lee is drawing comparisons to current women's world number one golf amateur, New Zealander Lydia Ko, who turned professional in October 2013 at the age of 15.

This may seem like a lot of pressure, however the cool teenager doesn't let this kind of hype take over her thoughts.

"I just take it as it comes," Lee said.

"I don't think about it too much and just go out and play."

This year will see Lee also compete in the Ladies Masters plus the Australian and Victorian Opens, with the intention of turning pro towards the end of year should things go according to plan.

"You always hope to become a professional when you start playing golf, but I'll see how it goes."

For now, though, her focus will be on this weekend's Women's Open and while every player wants to finish in the best position they possibly can, Lee isn't stressing.

"It would be great to get a good result, obviously," she said. "To be in the top five by the end would be my goal."

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Reds considering Simmons shift

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ROB Simmons may have overtaken his Queensland teammate James Horwill as the Wallabies' best lock, but he can expect to play on the side of the scrum for the Reds this season.

Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie relieved Horwill of the Test captaincy during the Spring Tour of Europe, and now the same verdict has been reached by Reds boss Richard Graham.

Simmons will have little time to dwell on his top ranking, with Graham set to follow the Wallabies' lead by deploying him as a flanker this season.

"If you look at selection he probably cemented himself as the No.1 lock in Australia (last year),'' Graham said of Simmons.

"Rob and I have talked about (playing in the back row) at various levels and I know if the opportunity arises he'd be happy to play there for us.''

Simmons showed promise in his only start as a blindside flanker against Italy last year.

McKenzie instigated the experiment to squeeze more lineout jumpers into the pack, and because he wanted to make more of Simmons's efficiency in defence.

Simmons said he would be happy to play anywhere for the Reds.

Still, like most members of the tight five, he revels in the opportunity to take a gallop in open space.

"I got the ball in the hand a bit more (for the Wallabies), but at the end of the day I'm a second-rower and that's where my focus is,'' the 24-year-old said.

"It didn't change my game too much when I did play there.''

Graham will be flush with fit second-rowers and loose forwards when the Reds kick off their trials against the Chiefs in Toowoomba on February 8.

He already has a Test-quality backrow mixture, headed by Liam Gill, Jake Schatz and big improver Ed Quirk.

Curtis Browning will press for a starting spot at No.8 or blindside flanker but there could also be a role there for Simmons.

"There's an opportunity for us because we've got some good depth in the second row,'' Graham said.

"A shift from second row to blindside flanker isn't a big stretch for him.''

Meanwhile, research has revealed Queensland last year overtook New South Wales as the leading state for rugby participation.

The Australian Rugby Union's Annual Participation Census revealed playing numbers in Queensland grew by 37 per cent to 259,690 in 2013.

Sevens rugby has been a major driver of participation, while 35,000 women laced up boots last season to further increase the numbers.

"As rugby prepares to become an Olympic sport in Rio 2016, it is pleasing that a significant number of young male and female Queenslanders are getting their first experiences of rugby through our rugby sevens programs," Queensland Rugby Union chief executive Jim Carmichael said in a statement.

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Secret tests to resurrect Godzilla

Rick Kelly with his Jack Daniel's Nissan V8 Supercar. Picture: supplied Source: Supplied

NISSAN driver Rick Kelly flew out this week for secret test drive of the latest incarnation of legendary supercar Godzilla.

Kelly will pilot the Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 in next month's Bathurst 12-hour, Godzilla's first trip back to Mount Panorama since the controversial 1992 visit when fans booed Jim Richards and Mark Skaife on the winner's podium.

But first up is two days of testing at Kuala Lumpur's Sepang Circuit, home to the Malaysian Grand Prix

"The test is a huge bonus for me," said Rick Kelly.

"Having the opportunity to join Nismo's global team is very exciting. I've been in V8 Supercars now for over a decade and I've only ever driven for two teams.

Rick Kelly behind the wheel of a Nissan GT-R at Sepang. Source: Supplied

"There hasn't been many chances for me to drive other cars for other teams, so this will be a whole new challenge.

"It's important that I get this test under my belt because we want to head to Bathurst in the strongest possible position.

Kelly will be part of a four-driver team - Katsumasa Chiyo (Japan), Wolfgang Reip (Belgium) and Alex Buncombe (UK) as Nissan go all out to conquer the mountain once again.

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Godzilla raced at Bathurst three times for consecutive wins in 1991-92 - and the Japanese manufacturer will fly over 20 dedicated engineers from its high performance unit, Nismo.

Today's testing will be Kelly's only time in the GT-R before the Bathurst 12-Hour from February 7-9

"I need to learn how to drive the car," Kelly said before he flew out earlier this week.

"All of my experience at Bathurst will be good, but the GT-R is a different beast. It has a lot more aerodynamics and technologies that aren't allowed in V8 Supercars, so it's going to handle like nothing I've driven before"

Rick Kelly in Malaysia for a secret Nissan test at Sepang. Source: Supplied

Kelly said he was also looking forward to seeing the famed Malaysian racetrack.

"This will be my first time around the Sepang circuit, so that's a nice little bonus for me. I've been spending some time over the past week on the PlayStation, learning what way the corners go.

"Nissan has been very straight forward in what they're trying to achieve, whether it's our V8 Supercars team or this Bathurst 12 Hour campaign. The whole Nismo experience has been fantastic, and we've seen what they have done in the past at Bathurst. I'm excited to be a part of the car's return to the mountain."

Kelly drives for Nissan Motorsport in the V8 Supercars Championship and isn't the only star swapping rides for the 12 Hour.

V8 legend Craig Lowndes who will swap his Holden for a Ferrari F458 Italia, while Australian actor Eric Bana will pilot a Lamborghini Gallardo.

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Reza: I'm no cycling role model

Europcar riders Kevin Reza and Yukiya Arashiro at the start of Stage Two at the Tour Down Under. Source: Sarah Reed / News Limited

KEVIN Reza forms an integral part of the cycling evolution but he doesn't want to be labelled a role model for black cyclists.

Reza, 25, is at his first Santos Tour Down Under with French team Europcar.

The French team has multicultural team tentacles in Australia, including Japan national champion Yukiya Arashiro and Germany's Bjorn Thurau.

Reza is Parisienne-born to Guadalupe-born parents and is the fourth black cyclist from the team to ride at the Tour Down Under alongside past TDU participants Ronny Martias, Yohann Gene and Eritrean Nathael Berhane.

Berhane last week claimed the Tour of Gabon and also won the Tour of Turkey.

Reza and his colleagues, however, are bucking the trend of the UCI WorldTour peloton, which is perhaps long overdue given the other popular world-accepted sport, soccer, has had a huge influx of black players at the top for more than two decades.

Reza said there is no racism among his colleagues in the peloton but agrees that there should be more black cyclists.

"No I am not a role model for cycling,'' Reza said.

Kevin Reza leads out Thomas Dekker during the second stage of the ride from Prospect to Stirling. Source: News Limited

"But there is no racism for me in the peloton.

"But obviously people in Guadalupe are supporting me but, really, I don't see myself as a role model knowing that young riders can make me as an example or take inspiration from me."

Nonetheless, Reza was planning to be French cyclist Thomas Voeckler's lieutenant at the Tour Down Under but those plans disappeared within hours of the team's arrival in Adelaide last week.

DIEGO ULISSI CLAIMS STAGE 2 WIN IN THE TOUR DOWN UNDER

Voeckler broke his collarbone in a training run near Glenelg when he collided with a stationery car before he was set to headline his maiden Tour Down Under.

The accident put an end to Reza's dream of helping Voeckler onto the podium in Adelaide.

The Reza and Voeckler partnership has been prominent in many key bike races throughout 2013.

"It's obviously disappointing that Thomas cannot be here,'' Reza said.

"But we'll always try to our best and, as we saw with Thurau and Arashiro, we're still have a chance to shine and prove we are not here for no reason."

A map of the 2014 course of the Tour Down Under in and around Adelaide. Source: Supplied

But Reza says he loves South Australia's WorldTour race.

"The organisation is brilliant,'' Reza said.

"I went to my first Tour de France last year and this has the same organisation this is a world class race.

"The roads are good and they're safe."

Reza said he took up cycling as a four-year-old and hasn't looked back since his father and brother introduced him to the bike.

This year Reza has targeted a stage or race win and to be a part of his second Tour de France.

"I joined a local cycling club when I was younger, and now I'm part of the elite and I'm very proud of that,'' Reza said.

"I'm not a leader. I have been a professional for three years and this year I really want to win something."

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How Duke won the west

Legendary Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku in Hawaii. Source: News Limited

LONG before Wayne Bennett was born in Allora, the small Darling Downs township played host to another iconic figure who revolutionised his sport.

Almost 100 years ago, the small town outside Warwick was the first port of call on a Queensland tour by Hawaii's Olympic swimming gold medallist Duke Kahanamoku, the board-rider who created waves of passion for surfing around the world.

Allora is more than 200km from the kind of surf that Duke taught Australians to master but it was on the Darling Downs where he made a splash for the first time in Queensland.

As thousands of surfers hit the beach over the Australia Day weekend they can thank the Big Kahuna for introducing the world to the sport he loved above all else.

He first came to the world's attention at the 1912 Olympics, a raw-boned powerhouse who won the 100m freestyle in the cold waters of Stockholm Harbour, beating Sydney's Cecil Healy, who was representing the combined Australasian team.

Duke was persuaded to come Down Under for a series of swimming meeting in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria and arrived late in 1914. The local swim stars also asked him to teach them how to ride his board like the surfers in Hawaii.

Duke standing in front of his famous board. Source: News Limited

This year marks the centenary of Duke's arrival and the real birth of Australian surfing.

There had been a few other Australian board riders at the time, such as Tommy Walker, but it was not until the Duke showed the Aussies how it was really done on a 250cm board made of local sugar pine that "surf shooting'', as it was called at the time, really took of in this country.

In a special exhibition of board riding at Sydney's Freshwater Beach on the day before Christmas 1914 Duke transformed himself into what one newspaper called a "human motorboat'' as he surfed even while standing on his head.

"As he rose on the next wave one could see his long dusky body stretched flat on his surf board, which was heaving and tossing like a cork on the face of the ocean,'' The Sunday Times reported.

"A moment or two later there was a wild whoop of joy from the Hawaiian native, who could be seen scrambling on to his knees. He got there at last, paddled frantically for a few yards, and then stood up. For a fraction of a second he poised, and then, giving the board beneath him a dexterous twist with his foot, shot over the surface of the water at a tremendous rate of speed.

"So lightning-like was the movement that all one could see was a dark figure flying through space. What a picture he presented as he stood upright, the breakers curling beneath him, a smile on his face.

"To balance himself on the board he simply places the left leg forward. The right is behind in a diagonal position. In such a posture he has complete control of the craft, and can, by using his feet, twist it in any direction he wishes. He can even wheel it round in the water like a flash.''

Duke's board before it was put on display at Freshwater Surf Club in July last year. Source: News Limited

Duke left Sydney on the mail train for his Queensland leg of the tour. The Brisbane Courier reported that he was the star performer at the Allora Swimming Club's 1915 New Year Carnival in the muddy Dalrymple Creek, winning the 440-yard race off a minute handicap in front of the whole town's population of 300. Hawaii's second best swimmer, George Cunha, won the 100 yards sprint.

According to Phil Jarratt's marvellous new book That Summer in Boomerang the pair then checked into Brisbane's Gresham Hotel on the corner of Adelaide and Creek Streets before two swimming carnivals at the South Brisbane Dry Dock, another at the South Brisbane Baths and a river cruise that culminated with a game of touch football against some youngsters at St Lucia.

Duke then visited Maryborough and Rockhampton, where he also showed locals the tricks of body surfing on Keppel Bay. His final Queensland stop was at Mount Morgan where he and George cut down the locals in the handicap events on the Dee River.

He then gave more surfing exhibitions on Sydney's beaches and made teenager Isabella Letham his first surfing student in Australia.

By the time Duke left Australia on his way to more Olympic medals in Antwerp and Paris his star pupil, Claude West, a coffin builder, had became Australia's first great surfing champ, shaping his boards like he did casket lids.

He dominated the sport until 1925 and sett the bar for Midget Farrelly, Mark Richards, Sally Fitzgibbons, Stephanie Gilmore and Mick Fanning to follow.

As well as every other Australian who ever caught the perfect wave for the ride of their life.

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Mowen: Count me in for ACT

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BRUMBIES captain Ben Mowen has shot down speculation he could sit out the Super Rugby season due to an ongoing contract row with the Australian Rugby union.

After shocking Australian rugby earlier this month by announcing he would relinquish the Wallaby captaincy and play in France at the end of the year, Mowen assured ACT fans he would play his best ever season for the Brumbies in the upcoming Super Rugby competition.

But rumour spread in Canberra this week that the ACT captain may not suit up in round one after so far failing to come to terms with the ARU over his 2014 contract.

Mowen recommitted to the Brumbies last year but the contract is only binding when the ARU contract is signed as well. It is understood the sticking point between Mowen's camp and the ARU is the release date for the Brumbies forward.

As with the cases of Drew Mitchell and Berrick Barnes last year, the ARU are playing hardball and won't release Mowen to move to France until after the third Bledisloe Cup match in October - despite the likelihood Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie won't pick the backrower this winter.

Sources say the fact Mowen currently does not hold a Super Rugby contract - and hence could logically move to France at any time - has been raised in negotiations.

But Mowen has hosed down speculation that he could sit out the Brumbies season as a consequence of the contract impasse.

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"That's more about refining a little bit of detail at the end, nothing about the immediate future at all," Mowen said.

Asked if he would definitely be playing for the Brumbies in round one, Mowen confirmed: "Yep, I will definitely be there."

The Australian Rugby union said it didn't comment on the specifics of individual contract negotiations but confirmed the talks with Mowen were "ongoing".

"Ben has indicated to us he will be staying this year to play Super Rugby but final details around his contract are still being worked out," a spokesperson said.

The issue of players seeking early releases from contracts is set to continue as a pressing one for the ARU, with the lure of offshore dollars sure to become attractive for players after the 2015 World Cup.

Contracts currently run from January 1 to December 31, but European and Japanese seasons begin in August and their clubs want Australian players to be available as early as possible. Joining mid-season, however, makes the recruit less valuable.

The ARU are determined to not grant early dispensations, however, as a both a method of maintaining depth in Australian Rugby - particularly with the NRC beginning this year - and as a deterrent to cashed-up foreign raiders.

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Simmons shapes as future hope

Cassidhe Simmons is set to represent Australia in heptathlon at this year's world junior titles. Source: Mark Cranitch / News Limited

COACH Sharon Hannan's anguish over her split from Sally Pearson has been replaced by excitement over a new world-class protege.

Heptathlete Cassidhe Simmons is set to represent Australia at this year's world junior titles and is being groomed to make an impact at the 2016 Olympic Games.

"That (Olympics) should be her target,'' coach Hannan said of her star pupil who has achieved an A qualifying standard and can rubber stamp world titles selection with a win at the Australian Junior Athletics Championships in Sydney in March.

Simmons has a long way to go after only starting strength training in the gym last year, but there is growing optimism the pint-sized athlete could break a drought for Australian women in the multi-event.

Olympic gold medallist Glynis Nunn-Cearns was our last heptathlon medallist at a major championships when she won in Los Angeles 20 years ago.

Jane Flemming won Commonwealth gold in 1990 and Kylie Wheeler claimed silver at Manchester in 2002 but neither managed medals at either the Olympics or a world championships.

Simmons is a late bloomer who competed in junior athletics and touch football before taking track and field seriously.

"I was never excellent at one single event but found I could do them all reasonably well,'' the 18-year-old said.

The Griffith University Gold Coast business and sports management student is a true allrounder.

"One at a time'' is how she tackles the seven disciplines - 800m, shot put, javelin, long jump, 100m hurdles, high jump and 200m.

Simmons posted personal bests in five disciplines at the multi-event state championships earlier this month when she needed a gutsy surge in the final event, the 800m, to achieve the A qualifying standard. She made it with two seconds to spare.

It was a valuable learning experience for the teenager who was almost overwhelmed by nerves.

Simmons is in good hands at the Gold Coast Victory club where she is mentored by Matt Stopel (shot), Brett Green (javelin) and husband and wife duo Sharon (track) and Peter Hannan (jumps and strength).

"Now that she's spent a year in the gym she's coming along nicely,'' Sharon Hannan said.

"She's really committed but we've had to put the reins on her.

"She needs to realise you can't train like you need to for individual events. It takes a toll on the body.''

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Cardinal finds heaven in sandbelt

Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald is a 20-marker who has fallen in love with Aussie golf courses. Source: AP

WHEN your current football contract is worth $120 million you have every right to fly halfway across the world to see what Melbourne's famed sandbelt courses are all about.

NFL royalty dropped in unannounced at Royal Melbourne and Victoria Golf Clubs last week when Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald flew in.

His presence showed tangibly that the magnetic appeal of those courses and Kingston Heath, with their increase in tournament play, does connect with Americans watching TV golf in the US.

Fitzgerald is a golf nut, a 20-marker who packaged up a bucket list of courses and experiences for his dream Aussie holiday.

He braved the 44 degree blowtorch in Victoria last Thursday to play Royal Melbourne when warning signs were up advising players to "reconsider your need to play golf."

Fitzgerald joked that he "needed" to play, just as he did at NSW Golf Club and Barnbougle Dunes in between a Great Barrier Reef scuba dive and an extreme abseil in Tasmania.

Half of the dam by the 17th hole at Victoria Golf Club was used last week to keep the course in top shape during the heatwave so the Australian Women's Open from February 13 can be the showpiece it promises to be.

** GOLD Coast schoolgirl Karis Davidson produced a fine second in the Australian Amateur Championship at The Grange in Adelaide last Sunday.

Davidson, 15, played eight rounds in six days of mostly searing heat to only fall short of Western Australian ace Minjee Lee, 6 & 5 in the final.

The Scottish-born Queenslander enters Year 11 next week but is still hanging out for an invite to play the ANZ Ladies Masters at Royal Pines from February 6-9.

The decision by Davidson's parents Graeme and Faye to leave Scotland six years ago for better weather and more golfing opportunities for their daughter is paying off handsomely.

The Masters field is superb with Karrie Webb, Yani Tseng, Jess Korda, English up-and-comer Charley Hull and Sweden's Caroline Hedwall amongst the top class roll call.

** A HIGHLY encouraging seven-under 65 from Stuart Appleby in the closing round vaulted the veteran Aussie into a share of ninth yesterday when the Humana Challenge closed in the Californian desert.

It was lower than any round he shot on the PGA Tour in 2013 and shows he is capable of reigniting his top level career.

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Murray avoids scare to advance

Andy Murray in action against Stephane Robert. Source: Clive Brunskill / Getty Images

ANDY Murray spent nearly as long dissecting his racquet-smashing technique as he did analysing his victory.

The post-mortem was understandable given how rare the Scot's violent display was and the level of frustration lucky loser Stephane Robert sparked in him.

"Sometimes it's necessary," explained Murray after breaking his racquet when he dropped a set for the first time in the tournament during his 6-1, 6-2, 6-7 (6-8), 6-2 win over the Frenchman, which set up a quarter-final against Roger Federer.

"Losing that set was frustrating because it obviously means you're out there another 30, 40 minutes at least, when I would preferably have been in the locker room.

"My racquet bit the dust. Unfortunate for it."

GALLERY: Australian Open Day 8

Murray, who could not remember the last time he smashed his racquet, went on to demonstrate dryly how "a lot of guys sort of hold it by the throat and kind of throw it face down".

"That's how you would throw it if you didn't want to break the racquet. Whereas if you just go flat with the frame, or if you just hit the frame like that, the racquet's gone straightaway," he added.

"It's not something as a player you're particularly proud of but sometimes, you know, you just need to get some frustration out."

The source of Murray's grief, 33-year-old Robert, only scraped into the main draw when Philipp Kohlschreiber pulled out injured.

He played some stirring tennis once he found his touch in the third set, which led to some entertaining rallies and forced a thrilling tiebreak.

Andy Murray and lucky loser Stephane Robert cross paths at a change of ends. Source: Getty Images

Despite squandering five match points, the first with a double fault while leading 5-4 in the third set, Murray was happy with his performance, racquet-smashing aside.

"I dominated 95 per cent of the match, and for 15 minutes didn't close the match out," said the No.4 seed, who booked his fifth straight Australian Open quarter-finals berth.

"It was pretty good for the most part. He's a tricky guy to play against.

"A lot of guys now when they're on the run, they'll chip and play a higher ball and try and keep themselves in the rally, whereas he kind of goes for broke a bit."

Murray, who is continuing his return from back surgery which ended his 2013 season early, holds an 11-9 win-loss record against Federer.

The animated Robert was pleasantly surprised to receive a hearty ovation as he left Hisense Arena after the match against Murray lasting two hours and 42 minutes.

"I'm happy. People enjoy see my game today so, yeah, it was a great, great feeling for sure," he said.

There was more consolation for Robert, whose ranking of 119 is projected to rise to around the No.74 mark on the back of his performance at Melbourne Park.

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Snowden's Diamond options

Peter Snowden will field Mohave, Elevates and Sakitto in previews to ascertain his Diamond options. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

TRAINER Peter Snowden will determine if he has extra ammunition to add to Blue Diamond Stakes favourite Earthquake when he runs three juveniles in Saturday's Previews at Caulfield.

While Earthquake dominates betting at $3.60 for the Group 1 dash on February 22, Snowden will start Mohave and Elevates in the Listed Preview (1000m) for colts and geldings and Sakitto in the fillies division.

Mohave was runner-up in the Breeders Plate (1000m) at Randwick on October 5 while Elevates will be making his racing debut. Sakitto has been to Caulfield twice for two seconds.

Earthquake, who won the Birthday Plate (1000m) by 2½ lengths on debut at Randwick on November 9, is set to make her Melbourne debut in the fillies Prelude on February 8 after a barrier trial at Cranbourne on Thursday week.

Mohave impressed Peter's son Paul in a jump-out at Flemington on Friday and he will be ridden by Glen Boss.

He said Mohave ran times that measured up to older horses in the trial.

"He's a serious horse and would definitely be a chance (in the Blue Diamond) as long as he gets there on the day in good form and fit and well," Paul Snowden said.

Also looking to add to its arsenal is Team Hawkes, which will run London Lolly in the fillies Preview, after producing quality juveniles Bugatty and Nostradamus recently.

She will run into the Tony Vasil-trained Fontein Ruby, who was scratched at Caulfield last Wednesday when she hit her head while being saddled. She needs to race on Saturday over an unsuitable distance because of the missed run as she has not raced since being runner-up on debut on Boxing Day.

Gerald Ryan will start Rubick, a colt he rates as the best young horse he's trained since Snitzel, in Saturday's 2YO Plate (1000m) at Randwick and not bring him to Melbourne until the Prelude.

Quality juvenile Risen From Doubt, trained by Tony McEvoy and one of the early favourites after his emphatic Maribyrnong Trial Stakes win, will concentrate on the Golden Slipper and bypass the Diamond.

BLUE DIAMOND STAKES (1200m)

Caulfield, February 22

$3.60 Earthquake

$8 Nostradamus, Rubick

$11 Chivalry, Fighting Sun

$15 Fontein Ruby, Francesco, Colcunda, Jabali, Nayeli

$21 Eqdaam, Ghibellines, Grande Rosso, Malaguerra, Piacenza

Odds: TAB

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Nadal prevails in three-set slog

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RAFAEL Nadal has vowed to take less time between points after being irked by umpire Eva Asderaki's strict enforcement of the rules during a torrid fourth-round Australian Open win over Kei Nishikori at Melbourne Park yesterday.

Nadal was pushed to the limit by Nishikori in a 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 7-6 (7-3) arm wrestle, and annoyed by two separate warnings from Asderaki for taking longer than the allowed 20secs between points.

The reigning French and US Open champion also was warned for receiving coaching as he battled to subdue Nishikori in 3hrs,15mins.

The Spaniard spoke briefly with Asderaki at the end of a gruelling contest, clearly irritated by her interpretation of the timing issue.

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While peeved by the timing of Asderaki's second warning at 4-all (deuce) in the second set, Nadal admits he needs to take less time.

"I accept the rules, Sometimes I am wrong," he said.

"Sometimes I am too slow and I accept that.

"I respect the decision of the referee even if I am not happy for that, because (it) was not the right moment to do it, in my opinion, before an advise. But she did.

"I going to try to go quicker for the future.

"But is important to have people on the chair that really understand the game and people who manage this sport who understand the game, and that's it.

Rafael Nadal in action against Kei Nishikori. Source: Getty Images

"The negative thing in my opinion is not the warning. The negative thing is the moment - 4-all, deuce.

"You can choose another moment to do it (issue a warning), not that one.

"Another thing is she didn't advise me before the second warning that I was still going slow.

"The normal thing is (to) say 'Rafa, you are going too slow.'

"So I try to go quicker, before the second warning.

"But she didn't make it...in my opinion, that goes against the show."

Rafael Nadal celebrates after beating Kei Nishikori. Source: AFP

The dispute prompted coach and commentator Brad Gilbert to call for the installation of clocks on court to alert players to potential time violations.

Nadal is renowned as a player who takes the maximum allowed time between points, but generally responds well to pressure from umpires to speed up.

Nadal was relieved to earn a tilt at 22nd seed Grigor Dimitrov, the first Bulgarian male to reach a grand slam quarter-final after a dogged 6-3 3-6 6-2 6-4 triumph over Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut.

"It was a very difficult match," Nadal said, referring to Nishikori's challenge.

"I was close to lose (ok) very set. Kei played very well. He hits the ball very early, which is very difficult, and he does it very easy.

"The ball was coming back fast."

Rafael Nadal celebrates winning the second set against Kei Nishikori. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Limited

Chasing a second Australian Open crown, Nadal endured a rollercoaster afternoon.

Flamboyant Dimitrov follows the famed Maleeva sisters - Manuela, Katerina and Magdaleeva - and Sesil Karatantcheva and Tsvetana Pironkova - as Bulgarian members of the grand slam's last eight club.

Now coached by Australian Roger Rasheed, former prodigy Dimitrov is delivering on undisputed talent.

A Wimbledon and US Open junior champion, Dimitrov last year hooked up with Rasheed, a no-nonsense figure renowned for demanding physical and mental toughness from his charges.

Dimitrov, 22, was elated to reach the quarters, but has designs on going even deeper.

"First of all, I'm really happy to be out there in the quarter-final," he said. "(But) I'm not even close to satisfaction.

"I've been working really hard in the past year, especially in the off-season.

"Whether I like it or not, the patience is one of the main ingredients to become good."

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'Fans will desert crap Sky Blues'

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SYDNEY FC's loss to the Mariners was embarrassing and the fans deserve better or they'll walk away from the club.

That's the damning assessment on the Sky Blues' season from Mark Bosnich, following an insipid performance from Frank Farina's men at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night in what was a sad end to retiring great Brett Emerton's career.

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The 1-0 scoreline flattered the home side and pressure is mounting on the coach, with Sydney FC only picking up one win its last seven matches to drop out of the finals places.

"I said they were crap last night and I stand by that," Fox Football commentator and former Socceroos goalkeeper Bosnich said of a match that saw home fans leave early and boo their side.

"They've disappointed thousands of fans at the ground and at home watching on the television.

"It's happened too many times, not just this season, but last."

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Marquee man Alessandro Del Piero looked disinterested and Bosnich says more than a finals spot is at stake if things don't turn around swiftly.

"After two or three more games people are going to start asking questions," Bosnich said.

"CEO Tony Pignata apologised on Twitter after the match, but if he's really sorry he'd offer the fans tickets at half price.

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"They were an embarrassment. They'll lose fans quickly if they don't turn it around."

Farina hinted at mass changes to his team for next week's Big Blue as it looks to turn around its horror run.

For Phil Moss and the Mariners, they'll be hoping to keep picking up results.

Central Coast is into third on the ladder in a season that is supposed to be transitional following Graham Arnold's departure and loss of key attacker Michael McGlinchey and injury to star player Marcos Flores.

PHOENIX RISING, DEPLORABLE VICTORY

What on earth happened at Westpac Stadium on Saturday afternoon as Wellington Phoenix smashed five goals past Melbourne Victory, a side many consider contenders for the A-League title.

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The individual brilliance of Kenny Cunningham's goal of the season contender aside, Victory's back four was open for business as Ernie Merrick returned to haunt his former club.

Question marks remain over marquee Pablo Contreras, with another leaky performance from Victory's defence.

Consistency is a key attribute in all great footballing sides, and Kevin Muscat's men must find this if they want to challenge the likes of Brisbane for the title.

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Just how it followed up a sublime 3-0 win over the Wanderers a week ago with their performance in Wellington almost beggars belief.

"That was a wake-up call for the players," former Victory star Grant Brebner told Sunday Shootout.

The Phoenix on the other hand is the form side of the competition, having picked up four wins and a draw in its last five matches.

Cunningham is capable of the sublime, Spaniard Albert Riera is pulling the strings in midfield, Stein Huysegems continues to bang goals in, and even Jeremy Brockie got on the scoresheet against the Victory.

The Phoenix are rising.

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HEART FINALLY GETS STARTED

It had to happen eventually, but Melbourne Heart finally won after going 19 matches without tasting victory, a record dating back to February 2013.

With the win over the out-of-form Jets on Friday night, John van't Schip's side avoided boasting the outright record of winless A-League matches as AAMI Park celebrated a silverback gorilla being lifted from the team's back.

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The Heart sparkled in attack with Iain Ramsay, Harry Kewell and Mate Dugandizic causing headaches for the Jets defence all night in a result that looks to have put the final nail in coach Gary van Egmond's coffin.

Kewell in particular was outstanding, and Bosnich said the World Cup is within his grasp if he can maintain the level he showed.

"It was his (Kewell) best game at the Heart," Bosnich said.

"If he can continue to play like that, then he'll be back in the World Cup frame. He was outstanding."

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK

It might seem bizarre to hand this accolade to the ladder leaders after they could only achieve a 0-0 stalemate with sixth-place Perth Glory, but look deeper into the match and credit must go to the gutsy Roar.

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Besart Berisha's first-half dismissal for two reckless challenges meant Mike Mulvey's side played with a man down for over an hour, and still managed to dominate possession at nib Stadium.

"Perth didn't do enough to take advantage of numbers, and that will have disappointed Kenny Lowe," Bosnich said.

The Roar created the better chances, with silky German Thomas Broich weaving his magic between the lines. but ill-discipline cost them again just a week after Diogo Ferreira's red card in the loss to Adelaide United.

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THE A-LEAGUE'S GIANT KILLERS

Adelaide United is developing a reputation as the giant killers of the A-League after knocking off Premiership hopefuls Brisbane Roar and Western Sydney Wanderers in successive matches.

A controversial linesman call in the build-up to Marcelo Carrusca's first-half goal might have left a sour taste in the visitors' mouths, but the Reds created plenty of chances in a convincing display against last season's Premiers .

The results are starting to follow the performances for new coach Josep Gombau, who Bosnich credited with tinkering the side's style to full effect.

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'They've kept the same principles when he started but with minor alterations and added more variety to their game," Bosnich said.

The Reds struggled to compete for the full 90 minutes early in the season, but that's changed in recent times, with a polished performance against Tony Popovic's men following an injury-time winner against the Roar.

Tony Popovic has come under fire for rotating his players during a hectic schedule but Brebner is having none of it.

"If a player is good enough, it doesn't matter how old they are," he said of 16-year-old debutant Alusine Fofanah, who showed his immense talent with some deft touches.

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Waller readies star stayers for cup

Foreteller (left), ridden by Craig Newitt to Makybe Diva Stakes victory, is set for the Australian Cup. Source: Vince Caligiuri / Getty Images

CHRIS Waller will send gun stayers Foreteller and Hawkspur to Melbourne in the next couple of weeks to prepare for the Australian Cup at Flemington March 8.

Foreteller, who won the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Moonee Valley and finished fourth in the Cox Plate before running down the track in the Melbourne Cup, is regarded as one of the main chances in the $1 million feature.

Hawkspur was high in betting for the Melbourne Cup because of his blistering win in the Chelmsford Stakes at Randwick before crossing the border.

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GAI Waterhouse will use the Mornington Cup (2400m) on February 12 to clinch a Caulfield Cup start for promising stayer Laidback Larry.

Waterhouse, who won the $2.5 million Caulfield Cup with Descarado in 2010, believes the four-year-old is one of the most improved gallopers in her stables.

Also taking that path will be He's Your Man, who finished third at Flemington on Saturday for trainer Chris Waller.

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CAULFIELD trainer Rick Hore-Lacy went on radio on Saturday to inform all that two-year-old Stratum Star would wear concussion plates. However he was fined $200 by stewards for failing to inform them.

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JOCKEY Stephen Baster discovered another way for a horse to do its own thing when he rode Pandean at Flemington on Saturday.

Pandean usually settles back in the field but Baster suddenly found himself in front.

Apparently he became spooked by Baster's silks flapping in the wind and charged.

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CHAOS at Trentham in New Zealand on Saturday when a fast track prompted a flurry of late scratchings, including the smart Cauthen who was favourite for the feature Group 1 Telegraph Handicap.

Cauthen's trainer Andrew Campbell said he had no option but to scratch when the track was upgraded to a Fast 1.

"We're just not prepared to risk him out there. I've spoken to a number of jockeys and they've told me it's just like running down the main street," he said.

He is unsure when the smart three-year-old colt, who won the McKenzie Stakes at Moonee Valley in August, would now begin his campaign.

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'Cup looms if Kewell keeps it up'

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AFTER Harry Kewell turned in a sparkling performance to help Melbourne Heart end its record-equalling winless run, Mark Bosnich says the Aussie football icon can force his way onto the plane for June's World Cup in Brazil.

Kewell starred as the Heart defeated Newcastle Jets for its first victory since February 2013, a run that included 19 matches.

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The Heart skipper looks to be over the injury niggles that plagued his start to the season, and Bosnich says if he can maintain his consistency and fitness, coach Ange Postecoglou will have to consider him when he names his 23-man squad to go to Brazil.

"It was his best game at the Heart," former Socceroos goalkeeper Bosnich told Sunday Shootout.

"He was marvellous and if he can continue to play like that from now until the end of the season, then he'll be back in the World Cup frame."

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Kewell's last game for the national team was a World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia, in which he scored, back in February 2012.

With news Robbie Kruse will almost certainly miss world football's showpiece even with a torn ACL, another spot has opened up in the Socceroos frontline, and Kewell's experience would be invaluable for a young side heading over to South America.

Despite not donning the green and gold for nearly two years, Kewell has always maintained it's his goal to once again represent his country and play his part in a third World Cup campaign.

"100 per cent I want to be there, just like every player who wants to be there [at the World Cup], I'm no different, in fact I probably want it more than anyone else," the veteran of 60 caps said in November.

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"But the decision is down to the coach. My only thing I have to worry about is playing well for Melbourne Heart," he said.

"If I do that, I believe I've got a chance like everyone else.

Kewell moved back to the A-League this season in a bid to force his way into the national team after spending the best part of a year without a club after leaving Melbourne Victory in 2012.

That move is starting to pay dividends and if Kewell can keep producing the kind of performances that made him the darling of Australian football, the Heart and possibly the Socceroos will be all the better for it come June.

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Kavanagh trusts in Chivalry

Chivalry will represent Victoria's best hope of winning the Blue Diamond Stakes against the invaders. Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

MARK Kavanagh will be defending local turf against an awesome interstate invasion for the $1 million Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield on February 22.

Kavanagh's impressive juvenile Chivalry is $11 equal third favourite for the feature, surrounded by four quality NSW-trained youngsters.

The Peter Snowden-trained $3.60 favourite, Earthquake, arrived in Melbourne yesterday, not having raced since her two-and-a-half length triumph on debut at Randwick on November 9.

The $8 equal second favourite, the John Hawkes-trained Nostradamus, has been backed from $34 last week and is the latest rave galloper after winning on debut by two-and-a-quarter lengths at Flemington on Saturday.

Rubick, trained by Gerald Ryan, hasn't even raced yet but punters crunched his price into $8 before he won a Rosehill trial by seven-and-a-quarter lengths on January 7.

And then there is Fighting Sun, trained by Gai Waterhouse, who beat Boomwaa by three-quarters-of-a-length at Rosehill on January 4.

For all the hype and unpredictability of juvenile racing, Kavanagh remains calm and confident that his striking colt is up for the challenge.

"There are five weeks to go to the race and a week is a long time in two-year-old races. Every week there is a new shortener in the market, a new challenger emerging. All I know is that my bloke is doing everything right at the moment and that's all you can ask.

"He has enjoyed a week-and-a-half in the paddock after his Flemington win and he'll run in the Diamond Prelude (1100m) at Caulfield on February 8. He's had the advantage of a freshen up and he's going fine," Kavanagh said.

Chivalry was beaten a neck on debut behind I Am The General at Flemington when blocked at the 400m and 200m mark. He made no mistake at his second appearance, beating Bugatty by one-and-three-quarter lengths at Moonee Valley despite yet more difficulties in running.

"The winner on Saturday (Nostradamus) was impressive, but having said that so was mine at his last run when he had a lot of trouble but still won convincingly," Kavanagh said.

Chivalry will clash with Earthquake and Nostradamus in the Diamond Prelude.

Earthquake is likely to have a trial at Cranbourne later this month as part of his preparation for next month's $1 million race, rather than a jump-out at Flemington.

Paul Snowden, who runs Darley's Melbourne operation for his father Peter, described Earthquake's debut win as "dominant" and suggested she is "foolproof."

"She's adaptable and if she handles this way (Melbourne) of going she should be okay."

Stablemate Mohave, runner-up behind Law in the Breeders Plate at Randwick on October 5, will run in the Diamond Preview (1000m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

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