Clarke falls to Broad brilliance

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Stuart Broad celebrates taking the wicket of Michael Clarke. Source:Getty Images

THIS time, not even Michael Clarke could save the struggling Australian batting line-up as Australia's top order disintegrated again.

At Old Trafford, Clarke had righted the ship. This time he abandoned it, losing his wicket for six to a loose drive outside off stump as Australia slumped to 3-75 at lunch on the second day of the fourth Ashes Test at Chester-le-Street.

After the carnage of Trent Bridge and Lord's, we had become accustomed to abject displays by the Australian top order. But, after having had the better of the draw in Manchester, and bowling out England for 238 here, the momentum seemed to be turning.

Yet, in the early stages of their second innings, the light at the end of a tunnel was another train. This one in the shape of the villainous English paceman Stuart Broad, who took all three Australian wickets before lunch.

Batting in difficult overcast conditions against some testing England bowling, the tourists might have been in an even deeper hole had opener Chris Rogers, not out 41 at lunch, had not survived two scares.

The first reprieve came when Broad's LBW referral was overturned, the second when Rogers was given out caught behind, but Hot Spot showed the ball had hit his pad. However, to Broad's annoyance, the replay also showed Rogers would have been LBW if the umpire had given him out for that.

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Warner was bowled for three attempting a cramped, defensive shot with an angled bat. Then, in Broad's next over, Usman Khawaja was caught behind for a duck.

It was a particularly disappointing return from Warner, who had been elevated to his preferred position at the top of the order after batting at No.6 in the third Test.

The Australians had hoped for a typically brisk innings from Warner to continue the momentum created by their bowlers on the first day.

Instead, his dismissal exposed Khawaja who again failed to grasp his chance to cement a place in Australia's frail batting line-up. Khawaja poked tentatively at a ball from Broad outside off-stump, offering a routine catch to England wicketkeeper Matt Prior.

Clarke was also caught by Prior, his swat at Broad's ball well outside off stump and uncharacteristic mistake by the Australian captain.

Australia had taken little time to complete the day's housekeeping, wrapping up the England innings without allowing them to add to their overnight score.

Jackson Bird got justified reward for his tight and probing bowling on the first day, when he bowled James Anderson for 16. Although not before hitting the England No.11 with a bouncer, and breaking his helmet.

Nathan Lyon finished with 4-42, having taken the top order wickets of Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell and Jonny Bairstow.

The off-spinner bowled well, but was also the beneficiary of some excellent work by the Australian seamers. Bird (2-58), Ryan Harris (2-70), Peter Siddle (1-41) and Shane Watson (1-21) all kept the England batsmen under constant pressure. 

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Pies stun Swans on home deck

Collingwood star Dane Swan in action against Sydney. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Wayne Ludbey / HeraldSun

COLLINGWOOD completed a 29-point upset victory over Sydney on Saturday night at ANZ Stadium, the greatest sign yet that they'll be doing more than just making up the numbers in the AFL finals.

The Swans were irrepressible in the early stages of the clash, booting the opening four goals as the Magpies struggled to keep up with the hosts' incredible pressure and swift ball movement.

But Collingwood managed to settle. By quarter-time they trailed by only two goals, in the decisive third term they seized control of the contest with fierce pressure to beat the Swans at their own game and win 14.16 (100) to 10.11 (71).

Sydney's star recruit Kurt Tippett booted six goals for the second week in a row, but the hosts relied on him too much with only four other Swans able to get on the scoreboard in Ted Richards' 200th match.

SuperCoach scores, stats

The running game of Collingwood proved the difference, with Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan, Dayne Beams and Harry O'Brien magnificent for the visitors.

The victory leaves the Magpies two points adrift of fourth-placed Fremantle, who host Greater Western Sydney on Sunday.

But even if Collingwood fail in their improbable pursuit of a top-four spot, come September they will draw confidence from an away win over the reigning premiers.

The in-form Magpies next face Hawthorn on Friday night, a six-day break and the premiership favourites to be the ultimate test after impressive wins over Essendon and Sydney.

The only sour note for Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley was the form of key defender Nathan Brown, with Tippett running rampant just two weeks after GWS young gun Jeremy Cameron kicked seven goals against him.

Tippett did everything in his power to get the Swans over the line, with Brown substituted out of the game late in the third quarter.

The 26-year-old booted two quick goals after halftime to reel in the Magpies' three-point lead at the major break, and slotted another in the dying stages of the third term to reduce their advantage to 12 points and give the Swans hope.

However, Ben Reid goalled after the three-quarter time siren and the 'Pies never looked back in front of the crowd of 42, 627.

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Ablett held but Suns outgun Dees

Skipper ... Gary Ablett was double-teamed by Jordie McKenzie and Colin Garland. Source: Chris Hyde / Getty Images

WHAT was supposed to be a night to remember for Gary Ablett became one he would largely like to forget despite an injury-hit Gold Coast holding on to a 13-point AFL win over lowly Melbourne at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.

What was supposed to be "The Gary Ablett Show'' quickly became painful viewing as a sloppy Suns fell short of producing a display worthy of celebrating the Brownlow Medallist's 250th game.

2.4 (16)	Q1	3.2 (20)
5.9 (39)	Q2	5.6 (36)
10.11 (71)	Q3	8.11 (59)
13.12 (90)	Q4	10.17 (77)

Campbell Brown 3	Dean Kent 2
Tim Sumner 2	Jack Watts 2
Gary Ablett 1	Shannon Byrnes 1
Harley Bennell 1	Aaron Davey 1
Sam Day 1	Jack Fitzpatrick 1
Charlie Dixon 1	Jordie McKenzie 1
Aaron Hall 1	Colin Sylvia 1
Danny Stanley 1	Luke Tapscott 1
David Swallow 1
Rory Thompson 1

The Sun will also wrap Nathan Bock in cotton wool for the remainder of the season after he struggled through his second game back from a broken leg.

The Suns finished with just one on the bench but had enough run to finish 13.12 (90) to 10.17 (77) victors in front of a crowd of 13,840.

It was the first time they had beaten the same side twice in a season.

Alex Sexton was assisted from the field and taken straight to hospital with a dislocated shoulder suffered in a nasty melee early in the final quarter while Sam Day sat out the end of the game with a leg injury.

Steven May was forced to play out the game with a hamstring injury.

The MRP might look closely at the actions of Demon Mitch Clisby who threw Sexton to the ground to spark the final quarter melee while Suns veteran Campbell Brown may also be scrutinised for a second-quarter incident where a stray boot collected James Strauss in the face.

Bock was limping throughout the opening half and had just one possession before he was subbed-out at the main break.

He is due to have the pin that was inserted when he broke his leg in Round 6 last year removed at the end of the season but the Suns are likely to draw an end to his campaign now.

It was a tough day at the office for Ablett, who was manhandled throughout the night and was held to just 19 touches.

The man who is renowned for taking hourly ice baths the night after games may have decided just to sleep in a cool room such was the working over he got from the Demons who arrived with the intent to ruin the Suns skipper's big night 

Jordie McKenzie and Colin Garland were given run-with roles but it was clearly a Demons' team focus.

The Suns made hard work of a game most expected to be a walkover after their comprehensive ten goal victory at the MCG earlier in the year.

The Demons fought to the finish and even temporarily captured the lead late in the third quarter after a goal to Jack Fitzpatrick.

Both sides were guilty of poor conversion. Demon goal sneak Shannon Byrne sprayed 1.5 while Suns Aaron Hall and Harley Bennell both booted 1.4.

David Swallow was superb for the Suns while Bennell and Dion Prestia were also productive.

Jack Watts was excellent for Melbourne while Nathan Jones toiled hard in the midfield to keep the Demons in the game for as long as they were.

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DRS farce reopens Pandora's Box

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Umpire Tony Hill explains the decision to a clearly annoyed Alastair Cook. Source:AP

THE umpire decision review system has descended into high farce.

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Just when it appeared cricket was going to take over from the DRS as the game's major talking point, another poor umpiring decision opened Pandora's Box ever wider.

Umpire Tony Hill gave Chris Rogers out caught behind when the left-hander appeared to miss the ball.

Rogers walked down to batting partner Michael Clarke and then called for a review, with replays and the Hot Spot showing the ball had missed the bat and flicked the top of the opener's back pad.

What appeared to be a simply case of the TV umpire overturning yet another blooper from Hill was then complicated by the replay then going on to show Hawkeye's leg before wicket prediction.

It came up as umpire's call. Having already been given out it means the decision should stand, except that Hill had upheld England's appeal for caught behind off Stuart Broad.

Hill's umpiring partner Aleem Dar came walking down the pitch waving his hands back and forth suggesting the leg before wicket did not count.

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Hill indicated he had given Rogers out caught behind and reversed his decision, prompting England's usually measured captain Alastair Cook to march up to the umpire, hands on hips, and deliver a stern protest.

Wicket-keeper Matt Prior then arrived to continue expressing England's displeasure and Clarke became involved in the conversation.

Confusion reigned on and off the field about whether or not Rogers should have been given out lbw when the original appeal and decision was for caught behind.

It appears that Hill gave Rogers not out when asked about the lbw so the umpire's call stood, but if it had been clearly lbw then the batsman would have been sent on his way.

Remarkably it was the second review of the over, with England challenging a rejected down lbw appeal that had clearly pitched outside leg stump.

The latest fuss over technology's place in the game could not disguise another dreadful Australian top order collapse.

Given the way this series has gone, outside the strong performance at Old Trafford in the last Test, it was no surprise to see three early wickets fall.

The most disappointment aspect was the feeble nature of the dismissals.

David Warner remained at the top of the order after being promoted for the second innings in Manchester but clearly he is still getting his head around facing the new ball again.

The ball swung and seamed around in the overcast conditions, leaving Warner in two minds when a ball from Broad cut back into him. The late jab was too late and Warner lost his off stump.

Usman Khawaja did more harm to his stuttering Test career nicking a ball he tried to leave before scoring and Clarke played an inexplicable slash to Cook at first slip just 181 runs away from the 187 he made during the Old Trafford Test.

With the pitch hard on top but soft underneath it is likely to become increasingly uneven, making batting last difficult, as if batting second wasn't.

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Video: DRS finally gets it right

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Michael Clarke speaks with Aleem Dar after his successful review for the wicket of Joe Root. Source:Getty Images

THERE was wild celebration during the opening session on day one of the fourth Test - Hot Spot worked.

The faintest of spots showed up on Joe Root's bat to confirm that he had indeed nicked a delivery from Shane Watson that left him off the Chester-le-Street pitch.

For all the controversy, fuss and nonsense Hot Spot has created in recent days, this expensive technology finally did what it was meant to do.

It also saved umpire Tony Hill from yet another wrong decision. That Hill remains on the elite umpiring panel highlights how much work Simon Taufel has ahead of him as the International Cricket Council's new umpires' manager.

Hot Spot in particular and the umpire decision review system (DRS) in general has created constant controversy in this series because all too often the umpires have not been able to get their decisions right on the field or in the video review box.

The who idea of the DRS is to act as a safety net if the umpire on the field gets things wrong in the instant he has to make a decision.

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Unfortunately decision-making has been in free fall during this series, leading to ludicrous claims of players attempting to cheat Hot Spot by covering the edges of their bats.

Players were covering their bats to protect the face and edges decades before Hot Spot arrived on the scene.

Whatever covering Root may or may not have had on his bat, it did him no good.

The Australians were in no doubt that Root had nicked the ball.

Wicket-keeper Brad Haddin and the slips and gullies went up in unison and when Hill turned their raucous appeal down Michael Clarke did not give a second thought about reviewing the decision.

Given Australia's haphazard use of reviews it was a sign of how confident the captain and his players were that Root was out.

Thank goodness the back-up of technology ensured the right decision was made this time otherwise the mood would have grown darker around using modern machines to correct human error.

There have been a number of frustrating decisions on both sides this series but the two real howlers have both gone against Australia.

The first one came in the opening Test at Trent Bridge when a thick edge from Stuart Broad flew from the gloves of Brad Haddin to Michael Clarke at slip but was given not out by Aleem Dar when Australia had used both their reviews.

The second was against Usman Khawaja on the opening day of the third Test at Old Trafford, when umpire Hill gave him out caught behind despite a ball from Graeme Swann turning well past the outside edge of the left-hander's bat.

Remarkably video umpire Kumar Dharmasena upheld Hill's shocking decision, prompting international outrage that included a tweet from Prime Minister Kevin Rodd saying it was one of the worst decisions he has seen.

Australia asked the ICC to explain the unexplainable and its cricket manager, Geoff Allardice, flew from Melbourne to the UK, meeting the hierarchy of both teams on Wednesday to reassure them about the use of technology.

The ICC is fortunate England and Australia continue to support the DRS given its confusing misuse in this series.

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Gunners' tricky Champions League tie

Seven-time winner AC Milan face Dutch runner-up PSV Eindhoven - a rematch of the 2004-05 semi-final which the Italians won on away goals in the UEFA Champions League. Source: FABRICE COFFRINI / AAP

ENGLISH Premier League side Arsenal was handed a tricky tie against Turkish giant Fenerbahce in the Champions League play-off round after the draw was made on Friday at UEFA's headquarters in Nyon.

The Gunners, who reached the 2006 final where they lost 2-1 to Barcelona, will travel to Istanbul for the first leg to be played August 20-21 before returning to London for the second leg, scheduled for August 27-28.

Fenerbahce's potential participation in the group stage though depends on a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport, expected at the end of the month, having been banned from European competition by UEFA for match-fixing in domestic competition.

Meanwhile, seven-time winner AC Milan face Dutch runner-up PSV Eindhoven - a rematch of the 2004-05 semi-final which the Italians won on away goals - while French side Lyon will play Real Socieded of Spain.

German outfit Schalke was paired with Ukraine's Metalist Kharkiv, which faces a UEFA hearing into match-fixing claims next Tuesday that could determine whether they are eligible to take part in the competition.

In the champions route, Scottish title-holder Celtic was drawn against Shakhter Karagandy, which will see Neil Lennon's men make a 6400km trip to Kazakhstan.

Full Champions League play-off draw
Dinamo Zagreb v FK Austria Vienna
Ludogorets v Basle
Plzen v Maribor
Shakhtyor Karaganda v Celtic
Steaua Bucuresti v Legia Warsaw
Lyon v Real Sociedad
Schalke 04 v FC Metalist Kharkiv
Pacos Ferreira v Zenit St Petersburg
PSV v AC Milan
Fenerbahce v Arsenal

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Slow kill, but Hawks do the job

Cyril Rioli clears the congestion. He scored 57 SuperCoach points. Picture: Michael Klein

DAVID Attenborough would have marvelled at the devourment.

While those around him at Etihad Stadium may have found this serve of regular season fare hard to digest, the documentary maker would likely have been fascinated by the sight.

The top of the AFL food chain - Hawthorn - awoke from its first-quarter slumber to overcome and eventually overwhelm bottom-feeder St Kilda by 46 points.

In football's version of mother nature, it was inevitable.

The final score was 14.18 (102) to 7.14 (56).

The Hawks kicked 11 goals to five after quarter-time, amassed 320 disposals to 273 in the same time and finished with 32 scoring shots to 21.

It was dominant, if not clinical. Hawthorn's sloppy kicking for goal prevented the sort of blood bath Attenborough sees on safari in Africa, while the Saints were no dead-eyes either.

It was just that sort of game.

After a promising start St Kilda went goalless from the five minute mark of the second term to the 16 minute mark of the third when debutant Darren Minchington kicked one on the run.

They had a crack, St Kilda, but class was always going to prevail.

A Hawthorn side with no Lance Franklin and no Luke Hodge got an even contribution from everyone else to post its 16th win.

Jarryd Roughead finished with five straight and appeared to relish the extra space afforded by the withdrawal of Buddy.

Roughead was a constant threat against an undersized and understrength St Kilda defence that operated without James Gwilt after he was subbed out at half-time.

Gwilt was joined not long into the second half by Jack Gunston, who limped off with a quad injury in the only low-point of the night for the Hawks.

The Hawks had 10 players with 20 disposals or more, headed by Shane Savage who finished with 30.

Mitchell formed one half of the game's most fascinating match-ups opposed to Leigh Montagna. The Hawk midfielder again started at half-back and finished with a typically efficient 24 touches.

But in a move opposition coaches may take note of, Montagna helped himself to 35 and was his side's prime mover.

Nick Riewoldt offered a reminder of his relentless work ethic and played like a man who deserved a bag of six.

The St Kilda skipper had 21 touches and ran himself into the ground for nine marks, but his 1.3 return meant he once again didn't get maximum reward for effort.

Jack Steven added another chapter to his excellent season, Adam Schneider had an impact after coming on as the sub and youngsters Minchington, Josh Saunders, Jack Newnes and Tom Curren showed a bit.

The Saints' run dried up, as it does with young sides, and star power got them in the end.

The Hawks had started with a whimper rather than the snarl we would expect of a premiership contender coming off a humiliating loss the week before.

It was a first quarter in which Alastair Clarkson's mob were made to look ordinary by a hungry young Saints outfit.

The Hawks were smashed in contested ball 39-18 after the opening half hour and had only four hardball gets at the first break - an equal low for them this year.

St Kilda had eight of the first 11 inside 50s and 15-8 for the quarter, but couldn't take full advantage.

Riewoldt had eight disposals and four marks to his name in a flash and was running both Brian Lake and Josh Gibson into the ground.

He had worked so hard, the Saints skipper, he vomited his drink back up at the quarter-time break.

Further up the ground the Hawks were sloppy. Taylor Duryea wasn't looking when Isaac Smith fired a handball his way, Jordan Lewis dropped an easy mark and more handling errors followed.

But it wasn't a script that was going to last. Clarkson might not have even needed to say much at quarter-time, for the tide was always going to turn.

Roughead created a goal out of nothing and when Gunston drilled his second the Hawks were away.

Brad Sewell, fighting for his spot in this side and eager to impress in the absence of Hodge, kicked a brilliant snap 17 minutes into the second term.

Franklin's replacement Matt Spangher volleyed a goal off the ground five minutes later to put the Hawks out of sight, but they were two moments of colour in a largely grey affair.

It was a second term played almost exclusively in Hawthorn's half. The Saints didn't go inside 50m for the last 15 minutes of the first half.

The second half was a slow kill. The only thing missing was the Attenborough voiceover.

SAMMY'S VOTES
3 Jarryd Roughead
2 Sam Mitchell
1 Leigh Montagna

BEST
Hawthorn: Roughead, Mitchell, Savage, Smith, Burgoyne, Gibson, Lewis
St Kilda: Montagna, Riewoldt, Steven, Ray, Dal Santo, Schneider
 

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Watson strikes but England steady

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Shane Watson and Michael Clarke both seem unsure what Watson's best role in the team is. Source:Getty Images

HAVING been moved down the Australian batting order to No.6, Shane Watson has undergone yet another transformation, this time from specialist opener back to would-be all-rounder.

The latest reinvention might not particularly please a cricketer who had made it clear he prefers to bat first. But Watson responded in the best possible way by making an urgently needed breakthrough on the first day of the fourth Test at Chester-le-Street.

Watson had opener Joe Root caught behind by Brad Haddin for 16, although not before yet another test of the now controversial Hot Spot technology.

Umpire Tony Hill turned down a confident appeal by the Australians, prompting an instant referral by captain Michael Clarke.

The replay showed a small Hot Spot mark on Root's bat, and the decision was reversed.

This suggested that, if players really were using silicone tape to avoid detection as has been alleged, Root is at the end of the supply chain.

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More importantly for Australia, it provided a vital wicket just as the England openers appeared set to survive a tough session in heavy, humid conditions that had provided encouragement for the Australian bowlers.

England captain Alastair Cook provided typically stubborn resistance. At lunch, Cook was on 21 from balls 90 balls and Jonathan Trott 13 as England crawled to 1-57 from 27 overs.

England's Ashes-clinching 2-0 lead in the series had been a matter of skill, rather than good fortune. But, having won for the toss for a third time in four Tests, Cook again provided his team with a potential advantage.

The pitch for the first Ashes Test to be played a Chester-le-Street was the typically brown, barren surface that has greeted the Australians at every venue. That should suit the off-spin of Graeme Swann, and the reverse swing of England's seam-bowlers, later in the match.

So it was vital took advantage of the new ball in heavy conditions that would probably provide the best bowling conditions of the first three days. Cook and Root, however, frustrated them in first hour despite some tight early bowling.

Jackson Bird, added to the Australian team for Mitchell Starc, came closest to claiming a wicket when Root edged his first ball just wide of gully.

Otherwise, despite some nagging bowling from Bird and fellow opener Ryan Harris, the Australians could not find the edge they needed from the bats of the tentative English batsman.

Watson's first spell began erratically, with two wides in his initial over. But, having changed ends, his dismissal of Root brought a mixture of elation and relief for the Australians.

Perhaps also for Watson, who admitted he no longer had the right to choose his own place in the batting order after he had scored just 146 runs at 24.23 in this series. Root was just his second wicket of the series.

Bird was named for his first Test of the series, and his third overall. He was man of the match in his most recent appearance for Australia against Sri Lanka at the SCG, and had been impressive in the tour games here.

Starc, who was also discarded after the first Test despite taking five wickets, might consider himself slightly unlucky having taken three wickets in the first innings at Old Trafford.

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'Silicon can deceive Hot Spot'

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Hot Spot is an infra-red technology used to determine whether the ball has made contact with the bat. Source:Supplied

A PERTH university lecturer has confirmed that silicone tape on the edge of a cricket bat can stop edges being picked up by the Hot Spot camera's infrared technology.

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Dr Masood Khan of Curtin University's School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering has been conducting research into thermal infrared image processing and says the tape has the capability to disguise edges on Hot Spot.

However, players from England and Australia have strenuously denied using the tape to cheat the technology and the International Cricket Council claims there is no investigation into any player relating to Hot Spot.

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Many players use fibreglass to cover their bats to protect them. Modern soft-pressed bats tend to crack quickly without protection. 

"The chemical composition of silicone tape makes it work as an inhibitor for most radiation. Its physical characteristics also make it insensitive to minor physical impacts," Dr Khan said.

"Its chemical and physical features ensure an even conduction and dispersion of heat within its structure, meaning thermal changes caused by the impact of a ball as it hits the edge of a bat may remain unnoticed by a thermal infrared camera such as Hot Spot.

"Hot Spot imaging systems operate at moderately high frame rates and under normal field conditions may only measure temperature changes of 0.5 degree Celsius or more.

"A bat with edges covered by silicone tape or a layer of silicone gel is more likely to produce temperature changes less significant than this when struck on the edge by a ball, meaning the Hot Spot system may not show the contact."

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Batman Smith switches his focus

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Switch of focus ... Steve Smith sacrifices his bowling to improve batting. Source: Stu Forster / Getty Images

THE Australian batting line-up has had more trouble establishing positions than a retirement village yoga class.

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Yet, when the steadily improving Steven Smith appeared before the media, there was more interest in his bat than how he had been using it. The inevitable consequence of the allegations of Hot Spot tampering that preceded the fourth Test at Chester-le-Street.

But then, Smith is used to having his personal belief that he is, and always has been, a specialist batsman, overshadowed.

Initially, the false impression Smith was a bowler was accentuated by his blond hair and leg-spin - characteristics certain to arouse the hopes of a nation mourning the loss of Shane Warne.

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Until, that is, Smith's mixed assortment of long hops, full tosses and well pitched leggies made it clear, at the very least, he was not ready to take Warne's mantle.

Even in Smith's two Tests as a specialist spinner in England in 2010 against Pakistan, his performance – including a 71 in the second Test - suggested his future at the top level was wielding the willow, not tweaking the leather.

Earlier this year, Smith was one of the bits and pieces all-rounders taken to India as part of an oddly unbalanced squad. Once again, his batting eclipsed his bowling as he compiled a career best 92 at Mohali.

Now, finally, Smith is mounting a credible case for a permanent position as a batsman. His 89 at Old Trafford was particularly composed by the standards of a batsman with the twitchy mannerisms of Lleyton Hewitt.

Determining the qualifications of a long-term Test prospect on fifties, rather big hundreds, might reflect Australia's desperation. In 10 Tests, Smith has scored 601 runs at just 31.63.

But that Smith combined with captain Michael Clarke in what could have been a match-winning 214 partnership was heartening.

Smith admits nerves contributed to the ugly, mistimed hoik from Graeme Swann that brought about his downfall at Old Trafford, before he could complete his maiden Test century.

"I had a chat with Pup about it afterwards," says Smith. "He says now he doesn't even think about 100. He thinks about 150 as his hundred. One hundred is just a number to him ... you've just got to put it out of your mind as much as possible, get over the line and things get easier for there."

But, over more than four hours at the crease with Clarke under intense pressure, Smith looked increasingly comfortable. So much so, others are saying he is a batsman first and foremost.

"I've always thought of myself as more of a batter than a bowler," says Smith. "I guess in the last two years I've started working more on my batting than bowling.

"I thought a few guys were going to retire quite soon and there were going to be places opening up. So getting big runs was obviously key to trying to get into the side. Now I'm in the side, it's about trying to get big runs here and cement my place as much as possible."

At the same time, Smith acknowledges his bowling has "gone backwards". Although, as he proved at Lord's where he took three wickets, he can still bowl the occasional handy over without the pressure of being the frontline spinner.

"It's good to have a good spinner in the side who has done well, and just come on when we are trying to take a wicket and have that pressure off me," he says.

Smith's next challenge is to prove he can succeed at the top level on bouncier wickets at home. For now, his nimble footwork means he is more likely to be a destroyer of quality spin, than a purveyor of it.

"I think attacking spin is the way I play my best," says Smith who lofted England's accomplished off-spinner Graeme Swann for two straight sixes at Old Trafford. "That's my game plan going forward against spin. I like to take them on."

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Potter on brink at Worst Tigers

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Mick Potter is under extreme pressure at the Tigers. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

MICK Potter has just 80 minutes on Friday night at Parramatta Stadium to save his crumbling coaching career.

The Daily Telegraph understands Potter is likely to be asked to walk away if Wests Tigers are beaten by last-placed Parramatta.

The match pits the competition's two bottom teams against one another.

There are powerful elements inside Wests Tigers who believe Potter should quit on Friday night if his side is defeated by the Eels, who have lost their past 10.

"At least he would go out with some dignity," one well-placed source said.

Should Potter choose to fight on, there is every chance he would be sacked before the end of this season.

Wests Tigers under-20s coach, Todd Payten, would become caretaker coach.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Potter's communication skills with players are one reason behind his impending demise.

Potter would almost have to win the remaining five games this year to retain his coaching spot for next year.

The Tigers are a club in crisis, with directors told of the embarrassment they face by dumping Potter. It was the same board which appointed him only a year ago.

And sacking Potter means the club, already struggling financially and still paying out last year's axed coach Tim Sheens, would be paying three coaches next season.

Potter was on Thursday defiant, saying: "I'm confident of keeping my job next year. How confident? Do you want a 10 out of 10 or nine out of 10?

"I don't know. I'm confident of keeping my job."

Potter stressed he had the support of his players.

"Because the players are still playing to the best of their ability," he said.

"I'm confident those young guys we have are going to get better in the future and the senior guys will keep doing the job for us. I think I'm doing a good job. I'm confident I'm doing a good job.

"The signs are there the club is moving forward.

"There are a lot of young guys who are stepping up right now.

"We are not getting the results right now but the future is looking good."

Asked about his future, Potter said: "You are never really sure but I understand I'm under contract for another 12 months. I'm confident of keeping my job. I take responsibility for the football team.

"We are where we are a little bit because of circumstances beyond our control but we have had a tough year. We don't shy away from that but I'm confident the club is moving forward."

Wests Tigers on Thursday issued a statement in an attempt to clarify their position on Potter.

"In regards to head coach Mick Potter, there is no doubt that he has had some outstanding success as coach and he was obviously a tremendously gifted player," the statement said.

"That aside, the board and management of the club need to fully understand the position we find ourselves in and work with Mick to come to the best outcome for both himself and the club.

"Over the closing five rounds of the competition, the club fully expects that the coaching staff and the players continue to take pride in their personal performance and understand that winning starts from within. This is a proud club and we fully expect that every person that is fortunate enough to represent the club understands what it means to be a Wests Tiger."

On Triple M on Thursday, Matt Johns and Mark Geyer were perplexed at a probable axing.

"If they get rid of Mick Potter, it's crystal clear that he was just brought in there for the short term to make some tough decisions and then `see you later'. It's unfair," Johns said.

Geyer said: "He has had a total distraction all year with his star player. Give him a year without the dramas, a year on his own, and see how he flourishes." 

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Daley Mail: NRL round 22

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (centre) could be a revelation at fullback this weekend following an injury to Anthony Minichiello. Source: Matt King / Getty Images

SHOCK results and unfortunate injuries across the weekend have left the notion of who finishes where in the competition even more uncertain than it was last week.

If round 21 is any indication, reputations, records and recent form will be thrown out the window for the run home, and there will be no such thing as an easy win.

This makes for a very entertaining five weeks of footy, and it all starts Friday.

Read on for our analysis of what every team is playing for in round 22 and click on the videos for Laurie Daley's take on each game!

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Storm v Rabbitohs:

A month ago this match would have been touted as a grand final rehearsal, but four weeks is a long time in rugby league. After being overrun by two cellar dwellers in their past three matches, South Sydney are no longer the outright competition leaders; they have not only lost their premiership favouritism, but also two of their stars in Greg Inglis and John Sutton. Consequently, weathering the storm will be the only thing on the Rabbitohs mind come Friday as they attempt to keep the five-point safety net between themselves and third placed Manly intact. Every match is crucial for the Redfern boys considering they meet all four of their top five counterparts in the remaining weeks. Melbourne, on the other hand, return home after their domination of Canberra and will aim to build on last week's red hot performance  to ensure the fifth placed Bulldogs remain three points behind them.

Eels v Tigers:

The phrase "dead rubber" doesn't fully encapsulate how pointless this game is. With Parramatta a seemingly unassailable six points behind the 15th placed Tigers, not even the wooden spoon is on the line. However, with Jarryd Hayne returning, Robbie Farah out and the Benji Marshall saga continuing to effect his form, this home game is the Eels best chance to snap an extended losing streak, which has now stretched to 10 games. 

Raiders v Roosters:

If there's one team in the competition who can bounce back from a 64-point drubbing in the space of a week, it's the boys from the nation's capital.  Their unpredictability, as well as the inclusion of Blake Ferguson, makes the Green Machine a real chance of toppling the premiership favourites on their home turf. The Roosters, however, who are again without Sonny Bill Williams, will seek to extend their five match winning streak, as well as their lead over the competition. They will no doubt remember their round five clash with the Raiders when they were run down despite holding a 16 point lead at one point. No doubt the Raiders will be more concerned about the injury to Anthony Minichello than the Bondi boys, with the electric Roger Tuivasa-Sheck set to step into his rightful role at the back; a scary thought for any defence.

Sharks v Knights:

Wayne Bennett has never missed consecutive finals series in his coaching career. However, things are looking ominous for the veteran mentor, with his side staring down the barrel of a three matches without a victory. A more bitter than sweet draw against the Broncos last week has the 8th placed Novocastrians looking over their shoulder at a resurgent Titans outfit only a point behind them.  To extend this advantage, the boys from Newcastle will have to tame a rampant Sharks side fresh from a hard-fought victory in Auckland. It's a tough ask at Remondis Stadium, even with the possible return of captain Kurt Gidley. 

Sea Eagles v Warriors:

There is no more daunting task in rugby league than facing a high flying Sea Eagles outfit at Brookvale on a Sunday afternoon. Luckily for the Warriors, they have been spared the hostility of the fortress, with Manly opting to move the match to Bluetongue Stadium on the Central Coast. And the boys from across the ditch will need all the help they can get if they are to snap the Eagles' five-game winning streak and keep their finals hopes alive. A surprising loss at home to Cronulla last week saw them drop to 10th on the competition ladder, and they will be hoping Shaun Johnson can put his error-filled performance behind him and steer the side to a crucial victory. An almost full strength Manly will hope to close the five-point gap on the injury ravaged Rabbitohs as well as warding off arch rivals Melbourne, who also reside on 29 points. 

Broncos v Dragons:

After knocking South Sydney off their pedestal and having the Bulldogs 12 points down at one point on Monday night, St George were shaping up as the NRL's giant killers. However, a pathetic defensive effort in the final 15 minutes of their round 21 clash sent them crashing right back to 14th place. The single shining light for the Dragons' 2013 campaign has been mid-season acquisition Josh Dugan; the only Red V player who will be hoping to repeat his Monday night performance when they face a desperate Brisbane Broncos side at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday. Anthony Griffin would have emphasised the importance of an 80 minute effort, after his team allowed the Knights to claw their way back in the dying stages last week. Griffin will also be looking for new halfback Ben Hunt to continue his impressive form. 

Panthers v Cowboys:

It's pretty safe to say that whoever loses this match will not play finals in 2013; especially in the case of the Cowboys, who currently sit 13th on 18 points. The Panthers will look to snap a three-match heavy losing streak to move off 20 points and back into finals contention from 11th position. North Queensland will hope to repeat the near-perfect performance which helped them topple ladder-leaders South Sydney last weekend. However, a tough road trip to the foot of the mountains will make this extremely difficult. But, as we witnessed, teams can be very unpredictable when they don't have a coach.

Bulldogs v Titans:

The Bulldogs showed on Monday night that without Ben Barba they struggle to find their brilliant best. It was only the Dragons' poor defence that allowed them to score 31 unanswered points in the final quarter of the match; a feat they would struggle to repeat against higher quality opposition.  The Titans, on the other hand, were impressive last week, despite struggling to put the knife into a dismal Tigers outfit. They will again be without key trio Will Zillman, Albert Kelly and Jamal Idris for a tough trip to ANZ Stadium. 

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Bombers set for fight as charges loom

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Fight ... Bombers players will try to keep their minds on the football. Source: Michael Dodge / Getty Images

ESSENDON expects to be charged by the AFL within days but the Bombers will take on the league if it tries to ban them from the finals.

The Bombers expect they will be heavily punished for bringing the game into disrepute over their controversial 2012 supplements program.

This is despite the fact the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) investigation into the club is yet to be completed and there are no infraction notices issued against any players.

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The AFL has the power to strip the club of its premiership points and draft selections.

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Club staff, including coach James Hird, could also be charged and face suspension.

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Adelaide legend Mark Ricciuto this week was adamant that James Hird would be forced to stand down by Thursday, but late last night Essendon was adamant there was no move against the coach.

The Hird camp said the Bombers legend had no intention to stand down.

Essendon will strongly argue that they should not lose their right to play in September because the players have not been found guilty in the interim report.

Bombers chairman Paul Little said the club would be "working as hard as we can to ensure that our natural justice and rights are being protected".

Another club figure said: "The punishment must fit the crime".

But it is open to the AFL to penalise Essendon over the club's lack of control and lax oversight of its drugs program.

The club could also be punished by the league for putting the health of the players at risk.

The club's own internal review of its 2012 practices compiled by Ziggy Switkowski found the Bombers failed their duty of management and governance and lost control of the football department.

"This combined to create a picture of a pharmacologically experimental environment never adequately controlled or challenged or documented," Switkowski said.

AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon has the task of deciding whether to charge Essendon and/or its officials but the league would not forecast any move against the Bombers.

The AFL Commission is due to meet on Monday, and again on August 26 - days before the start of the finals.

Any attempts to suspend Hird and other club figures, including doctors, will also be vigorously fought by the Bombers and the individuals' legal teams.

It was alleged in April that Hird was injected with the banned drug Hexarelin by the club's former sports scientist Stephen Dank, which Hird denied.

Sources said the 400-page interim ASADA report did not substantiate the allegation.

Little said the club would be seeking confirmation from the AFL that its players had been cleared of using banned drugs in the ASADA report.

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"Part of the frustration that is now brought to the table by the interim nature of the report is that we don't know what are the workings required, how long that may take and the pain goes on for the club," he said.

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"We remain confident that our players haven't done anything wrong ."

AFL chief Andrew Demetriou returned from the US and angrily denied claims by Bombers great Tim Watson that the AFL had already decided to strip Essendon of premiership points.

"It's just offensive and it's completely wrong," Demetriou said.

Hird's legal team was given a copy of the interim report on Tuesday night.

IN THE GUN AT ESSENDON

James Hird (coach): Declared on February 5 that he would take "full responsibility'' for the club's supplements program. Accused of being injected by Stephen Dank with substances banned for players. Has steadfastly protested his innocence.

Dr Bruce Reid (club doctor): Sent a letter in January 2012 detailing his concerns about the supplements program. The letter never got to the club's board. Yet to see the ASADA report.

Danny Corcoran (football general manager): Absent for three months in late 2011 and early 2012 after the death of his wife. Took a hands-on role in the football department midway through last season.

LAWYERS AT 10 PACES

With the Essendon supplements scandal reaching its climax the Bombers, and under-fi re coach James Hird, are preparing themselves for a bitter legal and public relations battle, engaging the best minds in the country.

TEAM HIRD
Steven Amendola - Ashurst industrial law expert leading Hird's defence.
Julian Burnside, QC - renowned human rights lawyer engaged in recent weeks.
Nick Harrington - a barrister friend of Hird who recommended Ashurst.
Ian Hanke - veteran political spin doctor who worked with Amendola on the 1998 waterfront dispute.

TEAM ESSENDON
Jack Rush, QC - St Kilda board member who was counsel assisting the Black Saturday Royal Commission. Hired in recent weeks.
Tony Hargreaves - leading criminal lawyer engaged by the Bombers at the start of the scandal.
The Shannon Company - communications firm with strong Victorian Labor links hired to replace crisis manager Elizabeth Lukin last week.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
* AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon decides whether to lay charges against Essendon, its officials or players under AFL Player Rules. Rule 1.6.1 reads: "A person must not engage in conduct which is unbecoming or likely to prejudice the interests or reputation of the AFL or to bring the game of football into disrepute.''

Rule 1.5A reads: "Either or both the Commission and the General Manager Football Operations shall ... have the power in their discretion ... to impose any sanction on any person contravening the AFL rules and regulations on any terms or conditions seen fit or to otherwise deal with such matter in any manner they in their absolute discretion think fit.''

* If charges are laid, Essendon would be given time to prepare a response, which may include written submissions.

* AFL Commission would hear the charges and Essendon's defence and would then decide guilt and penalty.

* Penalties could include loss of premiership points, stripping of draft picks and fines.

* Club officials also face sanctions if deemed appropriate by the commission.

Compiled by: MICHAEL WARNER and GRANT BAKER

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Watto part of bright future

Shane Watson hits out on day four of the third Test between England and Australia at Old Trafford. Source: Stu Forster / Getty Images

SHANE Watson is not interested in the past, or the present. He wants to be part of a brighter future.

The appointment of Darren Lehmann as coach has drawn a line under the unsavoury claims from sacked coach Mickey Arthur that captain Michael Clarke and then vice-captain Watson did not get along.

"I've been trying to put all that behind me," Watson said as Australia go into the fourth Test in Durham 2-0 down.

Leaked documents from Arthur's unfair dismissal claim against Cricket Australia said that Clarke had described Watson as a "cancer" in the team.

"Honestly, it didn't particularly worry me too much because it's something that has happened in the past and I don't care what has happened in the past," Watson said.

"In the end, things that were in and around the team through that period of time of about a year (ago) certainly weren't that great through that period of time but, as I said, this is an exciting time for me in my cricket career to be able to have Darren Lehmann doing an amazing job of bringing everyone together.

"For me it is the most enjoyable time I've had within the Australian team for a long, long time."

Watson admits that missing the third Test against India in Mohali after being suspended as one of four players involved in the infamous homework scandal was one of the low points of his career.

"For me, in the end, I really honestly don't care about what has happened in the past at all," Watson said.

"As I've said before, the period of time through what happened in India was certainly a low point in my career and I'm very happy to leave that behind because I'm extremely excited about the things that we're doing now."

Watson insisted there was no difference in the relationship between he and Clarke.

"All we do is come together to try and help out Australian cricket as much as we can within the team and within the whole structure, so things haven't changed," he said.

"I think myself and Michael, as we always have, we've got along well, we know what we need to do within the team to get the best out of everyone."

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Dogs lock up Libba

Contract ... Tom Liberatore will be a Bulldogs for at least the next three years. Source: Michael Dodge / Getty Images

WESTERN Bulldogs have re-signed midfielder Tom Liberatore, helping cap the most encouraging month of Brendan McCartney's two-year coaching tenure.

Twelve months after he was banned for possessing an illicit drug, Liberatore completed his renaissance by signing a new three-year deal.

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In his third season, Liberatore, 21, leads the league for clearances with an average of eight per game, the most since Carlton's Brett Ratten in 1999, according to Fox Footy Analyst.

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The father-son recruit also ranks in the top 10 for long kicking efficiency, adding a new edge to a Dogs midfield questioned for being too slow earlier this season.

In the past four games, including fighting losses to Hawthorn, Sydney and Essendon and a win over West Coast, the Dogs are ranked second for disposal efficiency, first for disposals and fifth for inside 50s.

The midfield improvement will bolster the club's trade plans to secure an established key forward, led by Essendon targets Stewart Crameri and Scott Gumbleton, at season's end.

List manager Jason McCartney paid tribute to Liberatore for raising his game. "He's been exceptional," McCartney said.

"It shows any of our young players that with an extra pre-season, with a quality coaching program in place, they can come on pretty quickly.

"We were confident we had a quality player on our hands, but it would it be fair to say, 'Did we think he would be in that upper echelon with some of those KPIs (key performance indicators) against the AFL benchmarks this year?' Probably not, but he's been able to do it."

McCartney said the Dogs had been able to achieve greater balance in their midfield this year but was adamant contested ball was still a key focus, in line with Sydney.

"The Swans are a good example," he said. "Predominantly, they've been tough insiders who have learnt, I suppose, to be a bit smarter in their method and how they work on the outside.

"What we've seen in the last month, our uncontested (ball) numbers have been quite comparable, even up on the opposition.

"People then realise OK, five or six weeks ago it was pretty much doom and gloom about the Bulldogs.

"But now people can see where we are going and how we are going about it."

The Dogs want to secure a key forward in the trade period but McCartney said the club would be happy to look to the draft if it could not lock in one of its preferred trade options.

Jake Stringer, 19, is the club's leading target inside forward 50m, with 23 per cent of the entries directed at the 10-gamer. Liam Jones is second with 18 per cent.

"If there's not the right type (of forward) available we are more than comfortable to hit the draft again," McCartney said. "We are about getting the right type. It (good form) helps when we are looking at other players, but we need to keep up the good work of the past month."

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Monfries cleared of Bombers saga

Clear ... Angus Monfries back in his Essendon days. Source: Michael Klein / News Limited

PORT Adelaide has been given a concrete assurance by the AFL Players' Association that Angus Monfries will escape penalty from Essendon's supplements scandal.

The club said on Wednesday it had been told Monfries would be able to play in the finals despite ongoing uncertainty about Essendon's plight.

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Monfries is one of several former Bombers now at other clubs, others include Power teammate Henry Slattery and Richmond's Sam Lonergan, but he is the one with the most to lose. He has been an integral member of a Port Adelaide side that is almost certain to feature in the top eight.

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According to Port football manager Peter Rohde, there is no doubt Monfries will play finals.

"We have only spoken to the (AFL) Players' Association in the last few days and they are very much of the view no action will be taken against individual players, so all the way along we have been assured of that and we don't expect anything to change," Rohde said.

"We are hoping Angus will be free to continue on as he is. He has been very resolute. He has kept open communication with us and he hasn't had any concerns with it all the way through."

Monfries has been interviewed by ASADA, but it is not known how many injections he had or what substances were involved.

He is believed to have told ASADA he had no idea what was put into his body despite signing consent forms like most other Essendon players.

Lonergan has played only two games this year for Richmond and, likewise, has not been told about the likelihood of Essendon punishment.

While Essendon players have been guaranteed full pay if they are stood down on infraction notices, any action against them could still ultimately see them launch legal action against the club.

Many players are on deals that have a base component but are heavy on incentives that provide extra money for top-10 best-and-fairest results and the number of games played.

Essendon is confident its players will not be handed infraction notices, but the unfinished nature of the ASADA report still makes the club nervous.

Until the AFL and ASADA officially close the report there is still the prospect of Stephen Dank being compelled to testify and potentially provide incriminating evidence.

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Hird set to lay eyes on ASADA report

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Saga ... James Hird's coaching career could ride on the ASADA interim report. Source: Michael Dodge / Getty Images

JAMES Hird will today lay eyes on the drugs report that could derail his coaching career as new details emerge of the pressure on him in April to stand down.

It is understood Essendon's crisis manager Elizabeth Lukin spoke to Hird in Perth by phone on the eve of the club's Round 3 match against Fremantle.

The pair discussed the growing crisis amid intense speculation on his future.

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It was the second time in two days Hird felt pressure from figures connected to the club to step aside.

Lukin would not comment on the phone call on Tuesday night.

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Hird's lawyers were on Tuesday given access to the 400-page Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) interim report into Essendon's 2012 supplements program.

Hird was due to read the report on Wednesday.

AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon has the task of deciding whether to charge Essendon and/or club officials over the supplements scandal.

Essendon and individuals would be given up to two weeks to respond, with the AFL Commission the final authority.

The Commission is due to meet this month on Monday, and again on August 26.

Hird has maintained he has done nothing wrong but if the Commission finds otherwise, he could be suspended from the AFL.

It was revealed yesterday Hird's lawyer, Tony Nolan SC, was contacted by another lawyer, Tony Hargreaves, on Wednesday, April 10. Hird was advised to consider his position.

Hargreaves is working for Essendon but insisted this week he did not pass on a message under instructions from Essendon or the club's board.

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Lukin and Hird spoke on the telephone the next day.

The following day, AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said on 3AW that stepping down was something the Bombers coach should consider.

"As he goes through his thought process ... that is an option he has to consider," Demetriou said.

Hird was still a week away from facing ASADA investigators.

Lukin, a public relations expert, was hired by the Bombers in February to help steer the club through the drugs crisis.

She was present in the AFL boardroom on the morning of February 5 when club chiefs met with the AFL to discuss plans to hold a press conference to explain why the club had "self-reported" to the league and ASADA.

Lukin had previously advised Essendon.

Her other clients have included West Coast during the Ben Cousins drugs saga and senior AFL figures, including Demetriou.

"My five years experience providing issues management advice for AFL leaders Wayne Jackson and Andrew Demetriou has underlined to me how important it is to protect their reputations while managing their campaigns," Lukin says in one online profile.

After Essendon chairman David Evans resigned 12 days ago, Lukin parted ways with the club.

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NRL 360: A tale of two halfbacks

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Up and Down ... Adam Reynolds and Mitch Pearce have a change of fortunes. Source:FoxSports

TWO halfbacks walked on the field last weekend, two very different halfbacks walked off it. Two halfbacks with it all at stake.

One plays for a future already written, the other to rewrite his past.

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Only one will prevail.

Adam Reynolds ran on the field Saturday night with South Sydney - the competition leader - a position the Rabbitohs have held most of the year.

The Dally M Rookie of the Year, his second season was holding up whatever scrutiny the award brought him, and it always brings some.

Yet 80 minutes later Reynolds limped off, slightly injured, with the work ahead of him. John Sutton was in the dressing room with ice on an ankle that looked like it had a water balloon attached to the side.

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Two to four weeks, they said about Sutton.

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Join Paul Kent and Ben Ikin live on Wednesday at 7.30pm for NRL 360 on Fox Sports

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Reynolds got the all clear, but Greg Inglis was still injured and not due back until just before the playoffs.

The Rabbitohs' spine, as they call it, was cut in half.

The night before, after the Sydney Roosters killed off Penrith, Pearce stood next to Brad Fittler to get his man of the match award.

Second question, Fittler asked what was learned from the Origin loss.

"For me, personally, I've learned just to try to come up with better last plays," Pearce said.

"Me and Jimmy [Maloney], it probably wasn't the best in the first half but that's a big focus for me.

"Just to pull myself out of play sometimes and just think my way around the field a bit more.

"Know when the team needs a restart or a good kick down field, just to build a bit of pressure.

"It's a work in progress but I have been working hard at it since I got back."

Reynolds and Pearce have battled all year, since NSW coach Laurie Daley declared in his newspaper column that Pearce was his NSW halfback come hail, as it eventually did, or shine.

Some believed his time was up.

They believed Reynolds was ready.

Some believed Pearce was on his last chance.

They want Reynolds to replace him.

They put blame for NSW's loss at Pearce's feet, and it was nothing of the sort.

When Pearce returned to the Roosters he resumed a conversation he started with coach Trent Robinson the first time they sat together after Robinson took the job.

The irony of Pearce's career is that, for all the boy-most-likely tags attached early on, he has never been properly taught how to play halfback.

While the tools are all there, the running and passing, the subtlety, the key to the good halfbacks is game management, last play kicking, playing to the team's structures.

The chief criticism of Pearce through Origin was an inability to close a set, which happens to be Reynolds' great strength.

Polish, they say.

Robinson listened to the criticism and realised, while not right, it wasn't completely invalid.

"You don't get those opportunities to really have a look at the essence of a guy's decision making until they get to the top end," he said yesterday.

So his education with Pearce continues

Two halfbacks, two directions.

Pearce walked off man of the match match with the Roosters now sharing equal first spot, ahead on percentages.

The following night they held it when Sutton limped off and the Rabbitohs went down to North Queensland.

The loss was significant for more than the change in competition ladder.

It brings us back to the debate Daley started before round one, and might cause some to reassess their .

Sutton has been Reynolds great foil throughout the season, the creative playmaker in the Rabbitohs line-up. It allowed Reynolds to take himself out of sets until he needed to bring the polish others talk about.

For years Pearce has tried to do both roles, now Reynolds will now to accept a greater role in the Rabbitohs playmaking.

There is no reason he can't do it, but it will certainly be tougher.

The finals are also nearing and, while Sutton and Inglis will be back in the side, finals football brings a pressure some might call Origin-like.

It's different.

Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire knows the change ahead, and is gearing Reynolds for it.

"We talk about things all the time," he said.

"Situations in games, when to put plays on, we're always talking about scenarios, what happens.

"But he likes his footy so he tends to come to me about a umber of things, too."

Rightly or wrongly, Pearce, 24, and Reynolds, 23, have become attached this season and could remain that way the rest of their careers.

They are in charge of the best two teams in the competition, and it starts now.

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Watmough phone held by Customs

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Consficated ... Watmough is the second NRL star to have his phone seized by Customs. Source: Sam Ruttyn / News Limited

ANTHONY Watmough has emerged as the second NRL player to have his phone temporarily seized by Customs, following revelations Sharks skipper Paul Gallen was also stopped at Sydney airport on Sunday.

Border protection agents detained Gallen long enough for him to miss the team bus back to Cronulla and confiscated his phone for a period of time.

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Gallen was returning from Auckland, where his team had defeated the New Zealand Warriors a day earlier.

The Daily Telegraph can also reveal Watmough's phone was examined in similar circumstances when Manly returned across the Tasman after their round 13 clash against New Zealand.

Both players have received interview notices in relation to ASADA's drugs-in-sport probe, but government officials would not confirm nor deny whether the phone seizures were connected to the current investigation.

A Customs spokeswoman said the agency could not comment about individual passengers, while ASADA simply refused to comment at all.

It's believed Customs was acting at the behest of another federal agency.

The Australian Crime Commission compiled the explosive report that ASADA has used as a road map for its entire investigation.

Manly boss David Perry did not return calls last night, while a Sea Eagles spokesman denied knowing Watmough's phone had been taken.

Watmough's management also said it was unaware of the temporary seizure. Gallen did not return calls.

Several other media outlets reported that Gallen had denied his phone had been seized, but the NSW Origin star is yet to speak about the incident first hand.

A Sharks spokesman could only confirm Gallen was subjected to a "more vigorous" search, which delayed the team bus. ASADA is already in possession of hundreds of text messages from a phone belonging to Steve Dank, the sports scientist at the centre of its investigation.

Some of those texts involve conversations with Gallen. Both Dank and Gallen have denied any wrongdoingwith the Sharks skipper expressing his frustration over being the highest-profile player implicated in the ASADA investigation. 

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Don't end our season: Sharks

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Sharks ... faced disqualification from the NRL competition. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

CRONULLA officials were in frantic negotiations with the NRL to avoid the prospect of disqualification just a month after the ASADA investigation was launched.

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The Daily Telegraph has sighted correspondence between Sharks officials and NRL boss Dave Smith, which revealed the club's desire to stand down all affected coaching staff and players prior to round one.

Cronulla were of a belief that if any of the affected persons were later found guilty of an anti-doping violation, the club could be exposed to retrospective loss of competition points or wholesale disqualification.

The Sharks even went as far as to seek assurances from Smith against any such penalties.

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"On the basis this is achieved and the ASADA affected players are removed from or playing ranks, then it is in the best interests of rehabilitation of the club that we obtain an assurance from the NRL that season 2013 will not be subject of future penalties or sanctions arising from this matter," the Sharks wrote in early March.

"We seek this assurance from the NRL in advance of (round one) so it can be communicated to our supporters and season seat holders."

The secret negotiations have emerged as the AFL considers whether to disqualify Essendon prior to the finals.

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The NRL last night confirmed all options were being entertained, but that no decision would be made until ASADA finalises its report into the Sharks.

Interviews with 11 Cronulla players over the club's 2011 supplement program only re-commenced yesterday and won't be completed until August 28.

The NRL finals start a fortnight later, meaning there's virtually zero chance that any findings into Cronulla will be made before the season's biggest games.

Currently sixth, the Sharks need just two wins from their remaining five matches to be assure a top eight finish.

But a disturbing can of worms could be opened should ASADA find any coaching staff or players guilty of anti-doping violations that support a case of systemic drug use at the club in 2011.

Under that scenario, the NRL would be under enormous pressure to not issue infraction notices against individuals but only penalise the club as a whole.

And because the penalty would be applied retrospectively, it would come as no consolation to the ninth-placed team that missed-out or any sides that Cronulla might eliminate during the finals series itself.

Over the past week, Cronulla has done little to endear itself to the NRL.

The club's new board re-instated sacked trainer Mark Noakes against Smith's wishes, while skipper Paul Gallen this week bemoaned the level of support from the NRL.

NRL insiders found Gallen's comments curious, given he recently engaged an independent lawyer. The NRL claims it has been helping Cronulla fund the players' legal representative, Richard Redman.

But the NRL has otherwise kept a much greater distance from the ASADA probe than their AFL counterparts in Melbourne.

First, the AFL and ASADA reached a written understanding that contemplated Essendon players escaping ban under the "No Fault or Negligence" defence.

Smith was furious when he learned of the unilateral negotiations, which were immediately ceased in favour of a set of equal conditions for both codes.

Next, the AFL has attended all ASADA interviews while the NRL was not present when Sharks back rower Wade Graham was questioned in April. That absence has now been addressed for the second round of interviews.

But the most striking difference is the timing.

The deliverance of the interim findings into Essendon has given AFL boss Andrew Demetriou an entire month to decide Essendon's fate, while keeping in mind the sanctity of his code's finals series.

Because their clubs and players failed to co-operate the first time around, Smith and the NRL don't enjoy the same luxury.

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Tigers prepare to dump Benji

Benji Marshall's Tigers career might come to a premature end. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

BENJI Marshall's career at the Wests Tigers could come to a premature end on Tuesday as the club moves to make way for boom teenage halfback Luke Brooks to make his debut against Parramatta on Friday night.

In what is shaping as a watershed week for the struggling club, the Tigers will officially ask the NRL for a second-tier salary cap exemption so they can name Brooks on Tuesday.

The club will also seek permission to name Jarred Farlow to replace Robbie Farah after the inspirational skipper was on Monday ruled out for two weeks with a hand injury.

But debate over Marshall's future will overshadow everything else after another disastrous showing in Sunday's heavy loss to the Gold Coast.

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Marshall had two runs for a total of 11m - and his effort had plenty questioning if his heart was still at the Tigers given his imminent switch to Super Rugby.

Over the past month, Marshall's form has got progressively worse.

He was also criticised for making a rushed trip to New Zealand last week to talk to the Auckland Blues just days before the game on the Gold Coast.

Marshall is expected to make his signing with the Blues official in the coming days.

Potter caused a furore when he benched Marshall for the round 10 clash against South Sydney but most critics of that decision would now agree Marshall's form no longer justifies his place in the team.

The only thing saving Marshall from an inglorious end to his NRL career is his reputation.

It would be a massive decision for Potter to dump the superstar with only five weeks left in the regular season and Marshall four games short of 200 matches for the Tigers.

Marshall has given great service to the club but his form this year, and especially in the past month, justifies the club's decision to let him walk out on the final two years of his contract.

A key reason the Tigers couldn't afford to keep Marshall on the $1 million-a-year handshake agreement he had with former chief executive Stephen Humphreys until the end of 2017 was the emergence of Brooks and Mitchell Moses, who both recently agreed to extended deals.

The Tigers have now lost their past four games and Friday night's clash against the last-placed Eels is shaping up as a wooden-spoon shootout.

Potter said Brooks's time had arrived. Asked if the 18-year-old was ready for the NRL, Potter said: "I think so. He has proven himself in State Cup and he is doing a great job for the under-20s.

"I don't think that there is any doubt that he needs to be challenged at this level.

"It is the next stage in his development, so we will go through the process and see what happens."

Potter could still name Marshall at five-eighth or start Curtis Sironen alongside Brooks, given they are the most likely pairing for next year.

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The Tigers are on the limit of their second-tier salary cap as a result of the club's shocking run of injuries.

While the second-tier salary cap is designed to stop the richer clubs stockpiling the best talent, Brooks is a local junior who played for the Leichhardt Wanderers and went to school at Holy Cross Ryde.

"They put these rules in place to try and protect the game and I understand that, but he is a local junior and it makes sense to let him play," Potter said.

"We have to have one eye on next year and both eyes on trying to win the next game. We have to name a team that is capable of doing that.

"There is no doubt it would be great for the surrounding district that (Brooks) comes through and gets his shot at first grade and that will help him for the future.

"I just want him to get a couple of games before the end of the year and get a sniff of what it is like." 

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Idris set for finals footy

Jamal Idris looks set for a miraculous return this season. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

TITANS giant Jamal Idris is set to be fit for finals footy after revealing his specialist "freaked out" at how quickly his broken leg had healed.

Idris's remarkable ability to recover has him on track for a shock return if the Titans are able to reach the playoffs.

The barnstorming centre will have screws removed from his ankle next week, little more than a month after surgery to repair horrific injuries suffered in a game against the Knights.

The diagnosis shocked Brisbane surgeon Ben Foster when Idris visited last Friday, and now his speedy healing ability has him on track for a return.

"I saw the surgeon (last Friday) and they always tend to freak out because I heal quick, I don't know what it is," Idris said.

"But I'll be getting the screws out next week and I'll be walking straight away."

Idris broke his fibula and dislocated his ankle early in the Titans' horror loss to the Knights on a muddy Newcastle pitch on June 30.

While the ankle was successfully put into place in a Newcastle hospital after the match, Idris had surgery in Brisbane the following day, in which he had a plate placed in his broken leg and screws in and around his ankle to stabilise the joint.

"I've got a fair bit of metal in there," he said.

But he will still be racing time to play again this season.

The Titans' complete their fixture season against the Storm in Melbourne on September 7, with Idris hoping he can line up in the opening week of finals if Gold Coast make the playoffs.

"(The screws will be taken out) five-and-a-half, six weeks (after surgery) and then they're saying that it's four or five weeks (after that)," he said.

And while his comeback is dependant on the Titans making the finals, Idris is pleading with his teammates to continue the winning roll they started against the Wests Tigers on Sunday to push their way back into the eight.

"No pressure but get into the finals please," he said.
 

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Aussies start day five brilliantly

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Ryan Harris celebrates the wicket of Jonathan Trott on day five at Old Trafford. Source:AP

IMPORTANTLY, regardless of what weather was thrown at them, Australia would finish the third Test at Old Trafford with the whip hand.

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In a series where poor batting had been camouflaged by a 19 year-old tailender at Trent Bridge, and brutally exposed at Lord's, that the Australians had even put themselves in a winning position at Old Trafford was a victory in itself.

Dramatically, places had been traded after the Lord's humiliation.

Set 332 to win on the last day, England had been reduced to a 3-35 at lunch, with Joe Root 13 and and Ian Bell 2.

That was thanks largely to another wonderful spell by the stout-hearted paceman Ryan Harris.

Harris first trapped Jonathan Cook plumb LBW for a duck, something that surprised the England captain so greatly he wasted a referral with a futile appeal.

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Harris then overcame the disappointment of his own failed review of an LBW should against Jonathan Trott - replays showed the ball hitting leg stump, but Harris was denied on the "umpire's call" - to have Trott caught down the leg-side in his next over.

Then, vitally, the Australians removed first innings centurion Kevin Pietersen, caught down the leg-side by wicketkeeper Brad Haddin from Peter Siddle. Although not before yet another review, and some remonstration from Pietersen who felt, like Hot Spot, that he had not hit it.

That dismissal came as some relief to Michael Clarke, who had dropped a routine catch at second slip from Root in Siddle's previous over. An anxious moment for the Australians with the grey clouds hovering, and the need to press their advantage urgent.

But, in the context of the series, Australia had gone from hunted to hunter. A remarkable transformation given their (now broken) six Test losing streak.

Given the dire weather forecast, that Australia was in any position to even put England under the pump seemed a minor miracle.

But, unexpectedly, the showers cleared about an hour before the scheduled start, allowing the covers to be removed, the super-sopper to soak up the large puddles in the outfield and play to begin just 30 minutes late.

When it did, the new ball swung in the heavy atmosphere and England was forced to struggle for survival on a wearing pitch. An ordeal they would have preferred to avoid.

"More than happy, more than happy," wicketkeeper Matt Prior of the prospect of more rain. "If it did, great."

England happy to avoid playing Australia? At Old Trafford, the worm had turned.

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Sutton out for up to a month

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John Sutton of the Rabbitohs runs the ball. Source: Ian Hitchcock / Getty Images

SOUTH Sydney Rabbitohs five-eighth John Sutton will miss two to four weeks of football after spraining his left ankle in last Saturday night's loss to the North Queensland Cowboys.

Scans on Monday confirmed that Sutton will join Greg Inglis on the sidelines as the club slipped to second on the ladder following Saturday's 30-12 loss.

The injury occurred in the 36th minute of the match but according to Rabbitohs Head Coach Michael Maguire, the club will be able to cover for the playmaker while he heals.

"John will be missed but we know he will manage his injury professionally and our medical team will work with him to have him return to the field as soon as possible in the best shape possible," Maguire said. 

"We'll announce our team tomorrow, but Luke Keary has done a good job coming on as a replacement at five-eighth in recent weeks and we're confident in his ability to get the job done while John is on the sidelines."

Souths have lost two of their past three games and face rampaging Melbourne on Friday night at AAMI Park.

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Brumbies loss was 'poetic justice'

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Clyde Rathbone has made the extraordinary claim that the Brumbies should not have won the Super Rugby title because they played negative rugby. Source:News Limited

CLYDE Rathbone has made the extraordinary claim that the Brumbies should not have won the Super Rugby title because they played negative rugby throughout the year, but laid the blame squarely on the game's lawmakers.

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In a stunningly forthright interview following the 27-22 grand final loss to the Chiefs in Hamilton, the respected winger said the Brumbies got "poetic justice" for not playing an entertaining brand.

Rathbone singled out northern hemisphere influence on the game's rules as forcing coaches like the Brumbies' Jake White to deploy dull gameplans in order to win big matches.

"I think it was almost poetic justice in the sense the Chiefs won this game, having played the most football in the last 15 minutes," Rathbone said.

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"There is almost something wrong with rugby if you can win a final not having played much football.

"I think we need to get to the place where to win a championship, you've got to play football. The Chiefs did that, I'm not sure the Brumbies got that right from an attacking perspective.

"You can get into the final, you can choke teams out in games, to the point you can potentially win a championship doing that, and I don't think that's healthy for the game on a whole, particularly for Super Rugby.

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"We're in the entertainment industry, we've got to score tries. I'm not sure the balance is right there."

The Chiefs were simply brilliant in the final, attacking from all areas of the field in a brave display on such a stage, but they have consistently used that style in the past two seasons to win back-to-back crowns.

Under White, the Brumbies have had great success with a far more conservative approach, judiciously kicking from their half for territory and generally only spreading the ball deep inside their opponent's half.

"I think Jake is coaching in a way that gets you wins, I don't see it as a coaching flaw, if anything smart coaches are coaching in a way that positions their team to succeed," Rathbone said.

"I think it's more a case of where the rules are, and where the interpretations are, allowing teams to play in that way.

"We need to force teams into playing more."

While the IRB no longer has a northern hemisphere majority on its board, the north still wields massive influence while the game is still played under rules developed when the ruling body was run by them.

Asked what he would change to improve the game, Rathbone replied: "It's not one rule, it's a whole spectrum of things.

"I don't have the solution, I think the solution is to get the best minds in the game around a table and work out a way – and to do that I feel you've got to have the southern hemisphere at the table.

"I feel like the officiating of the games, the lawmaking of the games, is predominantly done by northern hemisphere teams, the IRB is disproportionately weighted with input from those countries.

"From an outside back's perspective, I'd love to see a more open free-flowing game."

Rathbone was a member of the Brumbies' breathtaking 2004 championship-winning campaign when the side flaunted the best attack in Super Rugby under the guidance of Stephen Larkham -  now the team's attack coach.

Last Saturday, Rathbone made one memorable run that nearly led to a try, but was otherwise anonymous.

"As a winger I got two touches in attack, it's just a war of attrition," he said.

"You're pinning teams with field position, little one per centers, if you're a rugby purist or traditionalist you probably don't mind.

"I think going forward rugby's got to be more than that to more people, we need to fill crowds.

"I think back to 04 when we won the championship, it was on the back of our attacking game.

"This season most our achievements were on the back of our defensive game.

"From an attack perspective, I see that as where our most obvious area of improvement is.

"We've got some outstanding attacking players, I don't think we've got the best out of them in the big games.

"We've played a Test match style of football where we strangle teams into making errors, and feeding off those."

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