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.

GALLERY - BEST PICS FROM DAY 8

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.

***

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.

***

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.

***

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.

***

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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Heart CEO in Twitter spat

Melbourne Heart CEO took to social media after Melbourne Victory's heavy defeat. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

Melbourne Heart CEO Scott Munn was involved in an unseemly Twitter altercation with Masterchef star George Calombaris on Saturday night.

Following Melbourne Victory's 5-0 defeat to Wellington Phoenix, Munn Tweeted Calombaris, a huge Victory supporter, with a screengrab of the scoreline from his smartphone, saying "thought you would like this" and "in some cultures 5 is a lucky number".

Calombaris responded to Munn's bizarre taunt, saying, "can't believe ur a CEO of a club and u take the piss out of another. Fish rots from the head down."

Although Munn's comments could be taken as tongue-in-cheek, it is still surprising to see someone in Munn's position take to social media to taunt celebrity fans of his club's cross-town rivals. Perhaps more so when you consider his own club's recent record of just one win in 19 games.

The club was unavailable for comment when contacted by Fox Sports.

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Reds set to unleash Browning

Curtis Browning is looking to establish himself at the Queensland Reds. Picture: Philip Norrish Source: Philip Norrish / News Limited

CURTIS Browning's rugby exploits were featured 11 times in The Courier-Mail before he graduated from high school.

Perhaps it was to be expected. After all, Browning's grandfather defined rugby union.

Browning captained University's first grade team as a teenager and, now 20, he is set to show why he is considered a future Wallabies captain.

Browning is primed to be the breakout star of Australia's Super Rugby franchises when the Queensland Reds to unleash him this season.

He is fighting for one of three backrow positions in the Reds team for their opening clash with the ACT Brumbies next month.

The Brumbies rated Browning so highly they tried to poach him last year, offering a ridiculous salary for a man with one Super Rugby game to his name.

The offer could not break his bond to Queensland.

The wild-haired No.6 is a bullocking ball runner and his ability to play all three backrow positions means he is in line for at least a bench spot in Richard Graham's inaugural line-up.

Browning has the blood of rugby royalty in his veins.

Curtis Browning shows off Queensland Reds' new strip while Nick Frisby models a 1900s style outfit. Picture: Liam Kidston. Source: News Limited

He is the grandson of former Wallabies centre Dick Marks, a man known as "Mr Rugby'' because he helped draft the International Rugby Board's "Charter of the Game''.

It is an inspiring lineage to live up to but Browning, a humble and laid-back character with a Ned Kelly beard, just wants to prove he deserves the hype.

"Everyone aspires to be in the first team and I am no different,'' Browning said.

"I have really enjoyed being able to do a full pre-season and learn so much off the boys.

"I want to get a few games under my belt, but really it is about getting experience. I just want to be around the squad and get as much out of it as I can.

"We have depth across the whole 15 and it is pushing everyone. Competition brings out the best in people.''

Browning has enviable drive. A full time Reds player, he is also studying commerce at University of Queensland and has created a successful business.

Curtis Browning is committed to Queensland after overtures from the Brumbies. Picture: Marc Robertson Source: News Limited

Browning co-founded Eveva Wholefoods, which sells pre-packaged nutritional meals online.

Graham has marvelled at Browning's rapid development since he became a full-time member of the Reds' squad.

"His physical development over the last three or four months is a credit to him. He's really applied himself,'' Graham said.

"He's very thick-set, very strong and he's working hard on the subtle skills of his game as a backrower and his ability to link with backs.

"I see him as a (blindside flanker) with the ability to play all three positions in the backrow.''

At 190cm and 108kg, Browning's stocky frame has been considered a potential downfall to long-term success in the backrow where specimens usually range from a minimum of 195cm.

But his smaller frame engenders versatility, a quality that has ARU officials excited by his potential.

The Reds' backrow trio for the majority of last year was Ed Quirk in No.6, Liam Gill in No.7 and Jake Schatz in the No.8 jersey.

Browning could fill any of those roles this season, but is mainly challenging for Quirk's jersey.

In fact, Browning is so malleable he was once considered a potential prop.

"That was a little trial which didn't amount to much, not that I'm complaining,'' he said.

"I played half a game of prop in reserve grade and that was that. I'm happy to keep my ears pretty.''

Another goal for Browning will be to feature in the same run on side as former Brisbane State High teammate Chris Feauai-Sautia.

The duo were members of the record-setting First XV that went unbeaten in 2009.

They also set the benchmark for the number of Australian schoolboys to emerge from one high school side.

Browning, Feauai-Sautia, Rohan Saifoloi, Matt Garland, Alo-Emile, Matt Ika and captain Jordan Tuapou all represented Australia from that team.

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