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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