Lurking Rory the only danger

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UPDATE: AS recently as a month ago, Adam Scott did not dare predict the final chapter of the fairytale would unfold like this. A capacity gallery sweating on his every stroke. A clean sweep of all three Australian majors at his mercy. His place in local golfing folklore sealed.

A former world No.1 in Rory McIlroy is the only menace realistically capable of destroying the dream. A perfect climax for a perfect season.

This is how Scott will sign-off on 2013, the year where his popularity has risen beyond the fairways and pro shops and into the imaginations of all Australian sports fans.

He will stand on the elevated first tee at Royal Sydney today with a four-stroke advantage, just 18 holes separating him and membership of the uber elite Triple Crown club alongside Robert Allenby. Standing opposite him will be McIlroy, the lone threat on a third day leaderboard that finished more strung out than the Flemington straight on Melbourne Cup day. "To have this opportunity is unreal," Scott said.

"I've talked about the possibility because Robert (Allenby) has done it. It's a lot of golf to play well.

"To finish it off would be an incredible way to finish the year. It would be sad if I didn't finish it off tomorrow."

The traditional moving day saw precious little change at the summit of the leaderboard as Scott survived some wayward driving to complete a tenacious 68, doubling his overnight lead against the Northern Irishman. For McIlroy, the difference weighed heavily back to a disastrous bogey, double-bogey brace at the fourth and fifth holes, which saw him momentarily plummet back to fifth.

Adam Scott has the chance to cap a tremendous golfing year with victory in the Australian Open at Royal Sydney on Sunday. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

A flawless display from there on booked a sequel of yesterday's dream final pairing, putting tournament organisers on course to smash recent Australian Open attendance records. McIlroy could have been even closer had he drained a simple four-foot putt on the last hole. "It was big," McIlroy lamented.

"I hit a good putt, but I just misread the green." Thanks to that lapse, Scott will wake this morning more relaxed, his destiny in no one else's hands with the next closest rivals - Max McCardle, Matthew Jones and Richard Green - eight shots adrift. "Four shots (over McIlroy) is a slightly better buffer," Scott said.

"It doesn't mean that it can't disappear quickly, but it does mean they have to do something to eat away.

Crowds strained at the ropes on just about every hole, with younger fans taking advantage of their nimble limbs to watch the prize fight from tree branches. What they witnessed was more akin to a slugfest for survival, rather than a memorable showcase of clean striking. Apart from a run of three straight birdies, the testing conditions kept Scott within sight on the back nine after he surged to a five-shot lead at the turn.

"I missed a lot of fairways with the driver and that was a bit uncharacteristic," he said. "For (today) to go smoothly I'm going to have take some pressure off from chipping and pitching out from under trees. That's not how you win golf tournaments on Sundays."

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US sport giants blows Bellamy away

Craig Bellamy and Frank Ponissi in the US. Source: News Limited

CRAIG Bellamy isn't left stunned too often. He has seen and achieved everything in rugby league.

The Melbourne coach though was bewildered several times on a two-week fact-finding mission through the Miami Dolphins NFL franchise, the Miami Heat NBA club and then to world-famous University of Notre Dame.

There was the brilliance of 203cms tall Heat superstar LeBron James, watching the Dolphins live beat San Diego Chargers and the military precision of flying 154 players and staff from Miami to Tampa Bay.

There was also the media circus surrounding a bullying row at the Dolphins, having a 45-minute meeting with Miami Heat president Pat Riley and then a few days studying the sporting programs at Notre Dame, 100km east of Chicago.

Bellamy and Storm football general manager Frank Ponissi this week conducted a 90 minute presentation of their trip - which included two Dolphins matches - to members of the Melbourne football staff.

It was access all areas for the pair and they sat-in on each and every facet of the Dolphins organisation.

Mike Wallace #11 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates his touchdown in the first quarter with Lamar Miller #26 of the Miami Dolphins and Brian Hartline #82 of the Miami Dolphins against the Carolina Panthers at Sun Life Stadium on November 24, 2013 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Pic: Chris Trotman. Source: AFP

''It was a real eye-opener,'' Bellamy said.

"The door for us was open right through.

''It was something I never thought I would get the chance to do.

''Watching LeBron - I'm not a big basketball fan so I didn't realise how good he was. Watching him live was amazing.''

Ponissi was shocked when he arrived in Miami.

''We got their Sunday and went straight onto a plane to Tampa Bay where they play the Buccaneers,'' he said.

''It was like a military operation. There were 154 on the plane. We walked straight off the plane at the other end and four buses were there. The first two were for the players, the third for staff and the fourth for staff and guests. The buses were on the tarmac waiting and then a police escort took us to our hotel.

''We were in all the team meetings - we weren't barred from anything.''

Bellamy was transfixed with meeting Riley.

''That was worth the trip alone,'' Bellamy said.

But watching LeBron was the highlight.

'We watched the Heat against the Mavericks. They were some of the best athletes I have ever seen,'' Ponissi said.

''LeBron James scored 39 points. He blew us away.''

Miami Heat's LeBron James celebrates his team's win over the Toronto Raptors in an NBA basketball game in Toronto, Friday, Nov. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Mark Blinch) Source: AP

Bellamy and Ponissi walked into a Dolphins franchise in turmoil after offensive lineman Richie Incognito had been suspended for allegedly bullying teammate, Jonathan Martin. It made worldwide headlines.

''It was amazing how they handled the situation,'' Ponissi said.

''It is a critical time in their season, the Dolphins are playing for a wildcard position.

''They just got on with it. It sort of reminded us about our salary cap drama. We felt the best way forward was that we don't change the routine, don't change the structure.''

Bellamy and Ponissi spoke openly about their trip on Wednesday with Storm staff.

It was professional development for them,'' Ponissi said.

''It is good to mark yourself against other high performance units. Some things you feel you do better yet you learn in other areas.''

The pair also took-in time at Notre Dame.

''We looked at their softball, volleyball and tennis programs - it was phenomenal,'' Ponissi said.

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A look back at the 2013 season

AA makeshift Wallabies side celebrate their win over Scotland at Murrayfield. Picture: AFP Source: Ian MacNicol / AFP

THERE is no sugar-coating it, 2013 has been a debacle for Australian rugby.

The Wallabies did not win any major tournament or series they set out to, off-field incidents damaged the code further, and severe financial woes forced stinging cuts at the ARU for players and staff.

But a strong spring tour finish, and some honest reflection from coaches and players, has revived hopes that Australian rugby is on an upward trajectory leading into next year rather than a free-fall.

SUMMARY:

It was a year that Australia lost the British & Irish Lions series, finished a poor third in The Rugby Championship, were whitewashed in the Bledisloe Cup, and lost any chance of completing a Grand Slam when defeated by England in the first match of their spring tour. Coach Robbie Deans was sacked post-Lions, with successor Ewen McKenzie unable to find immediate success in the major trophy battles.

The culture of the side became a major focal point after James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale were busted out at 4am days before a Lions Test, and then 15 players were reprimanded for drinking days before the Ireland Test.

At headquarters, an $8.3 million annual loss forced the redundancies of several ARU staff members, the scrapping of the youth academy systems, and most damaging of all, cuts to player wages and match payments.

Alongside Australia's cricketers, the Wallabies can lay claim to being the only other national side that is considered a major force of a globally significant sport.

But at home, rugby is now lagging behind three rival codes; league, Aussie rules and football, in measures of public resonance and media coverage.

There is a tough road ahead.

EWEN McKENZIE: The new coach took time to find a rhythm and style that has produced results, but hasn't been afraid of making the big decisions and statements in the early goings of his tenure.

McKenzie has won over many long-suffering supporters with his disciplinary action against the Dublin drinkers, while players are constantly on their toes after he first left Quade Cooper on the bench, then dropped Will Genia, and then took the captaincy off James Horwill.

McKenzie wants to install a ruthlessly efficient environment now so the team can flourish in two years and handle the unexpected.

McKenzie will ultimately be judged on the Wallabies' performance at the 2015 World Cup.

While Australia is in the toughest pool, and on current prospects would struggle, time is on their side.

An interesting fact is that World Cup winners New Zealand (2011), South Africa (2007) and Australia (1999) each failed to win the Tri Nations tournament two years prior to their Webb Ellis triumphs and were considered to be wavering forces, yet they manufactured rapid ascensions.

The return of Quade Cooper has been a big boost for the Wallabies. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

HIGHS:

Quade Cooper - Once deemed a liability and a dissident, Cooper is now among the most respected figures in the Wallabies camp according to teammates. He has grown his game too, showing impressive signs of composure and class late in the year. Went from outcast to vice-captain within months.

Michael Hooper - The human Energizer bunny has followed his John Eales Medal victory with more man-of-the-match efforts and dominant displays.

Ben Mowen - Quite an astonishing rise in 2013 for the backrower, playing his first Test aged 28, leading the Brumbies to the Super Rugby final, and assuming the Wallabies' captaincy all in the space of a few months. His brutally honest press conferences are also weekly highlights for local and overseas rugby media.

Israel Folau - What a breath of fresh air for the game. It is unimaginable how bad the shape of Australian rugby would be now without this extraordinarily gifted star. Folau has played the game for one year, but already commands a place in any World XV team - it is tantalising to think how good he'll be in two years.

LOWS:

James O'Connor - Once the golden boy of Australian rugby, O'Connor's fall from grace was severe; roundly criticised over that infamous night out at Hungry Jacks, being booted by the Rebels, then having his ARU contract torn up after being escorted from Perth airport by police. He now plies his trade in England for London Irish.

Kurtley Beale - The gifted player's troubles with alcohol came to light this year and he is attempting to work his way back on and off the field.

David Pocock - Injury robbed Pocock from playing any Test rugby this year while Hooper has made the No.7 jersey his own. The most feared poacher in the game when fit, Pocock's bulging body must treat him kindly next year.

Robbie Deans - The man who coached Australia in more Test matches than any other has not been heard from since his departure from the role in July.

Israel Folau is rapidly becoming a rugby superstar. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

2014 IS A BIG YEAR FOR:

Bill Pulver - Wants to set up a new national rugby championship, has to turn around big financial losses, and regain traction for rugby in Australia's ultra-competitive sporting market.

Wycliff Palu - Runner-up in the John Eales Medal tally despite taking no part in The Rugby Championships, the injury-plagued enforcer faces make or break.

Michael Cheika - The honeymoon is over, and Cheika must now do what no man before him has done; lead the Waratahs to the Super Rugby title. That alone would go a long way to reviving Australian rugby.

Henry Speight - After a seemingly endless three-year wait due to eligibility restrictions, the brilliant winger will finally be eligible for the Wallabies next year. Explosion time.

2014 PREDICTIONS:

1. The Wallabies will beat the All Blacks, but only once, failing to regain the Bledisloe.

2. James O'Connor will return from overseas to play in Australia, bidding for a place at the World Cup.

3. The National Rugby Championship will get the go-ahead, heralding a new era for the domestic game.

4. Benji Marshall will have a mixed year with the Blues, failing to make the All Blacks in his first season.

5. The Waratahs will make the Super Rugby final but concede a last-minute try to the Chiefs, with Aaron Cruden getting two shots to kick the winning goal.

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WC pays dividends for game growth

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THE World Cup is on track to be more profitable than the last one in 2008 and there are plans to expand the Four Nations in the hope of growing the game internationally.

Money alone doesn't guarantee development but it provides opportunities and the Rugby League International Federation have plans to try to take advantage.

They banked A$5.5 million in 2008, which was a considerable turnaround from the 2000 tournament which lost money, and RLIF chairman Scott Carter said they are on track to exceed profits this time around.

"We will exceed the 2008 surplus," Carter says. "I'm expecting conservatively at this stage between A$5 million and $6 million. It might go a bit higher because [the double header at] Wembley performed really well."

That first semi-final, won 20-18 by the Kiwis over England, was a terrific advert for the World Cup. It was exciting, dramatic, explosive and was played out in front of a 67,500-strong crowd.

The second semi-final, however, illustrated the shortcomings when Australia trounced Fiji 64-0.

As good as this World Cup has been overall, and it has been acknowledged as one of the best, the reality is only one of three teams was ever going to win. The gap between the Big Three of Australia, New Zealand and England and the rest is still enormous and doesn't look like closing any time soon.

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There's no doubt the tournament would benefit from more competitive fixtures at the top end but there was plenty to get excited about.

Scotland and the US surprised most by winning through to the quarter-finals and Italy also fielded a competitive outfit in their first World Cup. But it's difficult to forecast a time when an emerging nation can topple one of the Big Three.

"I hope so. I really do," Carter says. "I think we will see it in our lifetime."

What gives Carter some hope is the fact Italy beat England in a World Cup warm-up and the US also tipped over Wales.

"Yes, people can pull apart those victories because they were warm-up games but the reality is they happened. It wouldn't have been in the plans for England and Wales to lose those games."

The difficulty is, however, Italy don't know when they will play another international. Nor do the US and they are not alone.

They are fledgling rugby league nations with small infrastructures and many opted to play at the World Cup for free. They would benefit from more frequent internationals but it all costs money and also needs to fit into an already-congested calendar.

There are windows for international games and New Zealand's program is nearly locked in for the next World Cup cycle and is closely aligned to both Australia's and England's.

It's why the international federation are hoping to expand the Four Nations, which next year will feature Australia, New Zealand and England with the fourth likely to be either Fiji or Samoa.

Discussions are still at a very early stage but one idea has been to expand it to a six-team tournament with two groups of three.

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"The Four Nations is going to be rethought," Carter says. "We think it has worked on many fronts and is an improvement on the Tri Nations but it's not really developing the game.

"There have been various ideas and two pools of three is one of them, which would mean a slightly shorter tournament. It's a matter of balancing strategic development with commercial realties because everyone knows it takes money to make money. If you don't have the coin, someone else will have to pay the bill. But we are very focused on lifting the game, and we will."

One potential stumbling block to an expanded Four Nations is the fact it's a partnership owned by Australia, New Zealand and England, not the RLIF, which makes is more complex.

NZRL chief executive Phil Holden said they supported the concept of an expanded competition.

"It represents an opportunity to do more in that space," he says. "We recognise that to really push the game on internationally, we have got to be looking at how we do that and what teams are involved. I think there's a willingness to make it work because we know it's in everyone's best interests."

Some of the profits from this World Cup will be spent on human resources - a chief executive will be appointed to help run the RLIF - but most will be distributed to each of the 17 member nations in grants.

A significant proportion of the profits from the 2008 tournament was invested in France and Papua New Guinea in the hope of getting them back to the level where they were competitive with the Big Three.

The World Cup has had its critics. It has been labelled "a joke" and "waste of time" by some who think a competition involving any more than four teams is too many, but they were mostly made by people who didn't attend the tournament.

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The fact all the best players were in the UK would suggest they don't agree and the good crowds indicate there's an appetite for international league.

Seven of the 28 games sold out, including this morning's final at Old Trafford which was the biggest crowd ever for a rugby league test, and 383,995 spectators attended games overall. That's an average of 13,714 for each game.

Television audiences have also been strong. England's game against Fiji peaked at 2.4 million viewers on the BBC, which was more than four times the audience for England's rugby international against Argentina on the same afternoon, and England's semi-final against the Kiwis peaked at 2.83 million viewers in the UK.

"I simply don't subscribe to calls the tournament is a waste of time and tests between nations other than the top three aren't appealling because the stats prove otherwise," Carter says. "When you get Italy beating England and the US beating Wales in international games, how can you say it's not worth it? I think the tournament has been hugely positive."

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Competition keeps Jack nimble

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IF Brisbane right back Jack Hingert ever starts taking his first-team spot for granted, he only needs to check the Roar teamsheet for Ivan Franjic's name.

Hingert has been the biggest beneficiary of Brisbane coach Mike Mulvey's decision to move Franjic out of the Roar's defensive line into more attacking midfield and wing roles.

Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou sees things differently, having declared Franjic will only be considered at right fullback for the national team.

With Irish midfielder Liam Miller close to returning from a calf injury, Mulvey will soon have a selection headache.

While it is unlikely he will return Franjic to right back to make room for Miller's return, Mulvey has that option, which is keeping Hingert well and truly on his toes.

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"No matter what team you play for, there's always players who can play in your position,'' said 23-year-old Hingert, who is enjoying his best start to an A-League season, with seven successive starts in Brisbane's table-topping team.

"Especially here at Brisbane with the depth that we've got, it is hard and there's always pressure, but that's probably another reason we're doing so well.

"I'd love to play every game this season. This is definitely the best and most consistent start I've had since I've been here.

"I did have to be a bit patient when I first came. The last two years I've been in and out.

"Now Mike's given me the opportunity to really cement my spot and that's what I'm going to try to do."

Hingert joined the Roar in 2011 after two seasons with the now defunct North Queensland Fury, where his teammates included current Brisbane skipper Matt Smith.

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"Like me, Jack has developed as a player since joining the Roar from the Fury and he's still developing," Smith said.

"He has to wait his turn at the Roar but he has earnt his spot in our team. The right back spot is now his position to lose."

Hingert's credentials will be given a stern test tomorrow when he goes head-to-head with flying Perth winger Sidnei Sciola.

The Brazilian has been the Glory's best outlet in attack this season and will again try to cause havoc out wide for Perth, who will be without suspended skipper Jacob Burns and injured pair William Gallas and Scott Jamieson.

"He's had a good start to the season, so it's going to be a good test for me, but I like that, I like having a good test," Hingert said.

"I can deal with his speed. I look forward to having a good battle with him.

"We enjoy the competitiveness. Hopefully they come out firing. We're going to do the same."

Roar goalkeeper Michael Theo did not train yesterday, but is no doubt for tomorrow's clash, with rest being given as the reason for his absence.

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Rabbitohs to wear $3M jumper

John Sutton, South Sydney Captain shows off the new sleeve sponsor. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

The South Sydney Rabbitohs will wear the first $3 million playing strip in NRL history next year after securing another lucrative new major sponsor.

Air-conditioning giants Fujitsu will join James Packer's Crown Resorts and De'Longhi on the famous jersey as a $500,000-a-year sleeve sponsor.

Riding on the back of the NRL team's success in recent years, the Rabbitohs now have more than $7 million worth of sponsorship and corporate support.

The profile of Greg Inglis, the Burgess brothers, John Sutton and Adam Reynolds has turned the once battling club into an NRL super power that will soon reveal a million dollar plus profit for 2013.

Throw in the contacts and connection of celebrity owner Russell Crowe and remarkably they are now challenging the one team one-city Brisbane Broncos for most commercial support in the game.

John Sutton South Sydney Captain shows off the new sleeve sponsor. Source: News Limited

This is despite competing with eight other Sydney clubs in the toughest and most competitive market in the game.

Souths' commercial success comes on the back of stunning new research that reveals their incredible popularity across the country and the code.

In 2006 the Rabbitohs had under 9000 members (only 2800 with season tickets) with three major sponsors.

The team came last, was in the bottom four for TV ratings, and were struggling to pay the player and staff wages.

Fast forward seven years and the Rabbitohs were the most watched team on free to air TV in 2013 with 21.2 million cumulative viewers.

They were the second-most watched team across any code in combined FTA and PayTV, only just beaten by AFL premiers Hawthorn.

With a combined home and away game day attendance of 539,733, the Rabbitohs ranked first in the NRL, up a staggering 27% at a time when overall crowds in the game fell.

John Sutton, South Sydney Captain shows off the new sleeve sponsor. Source: News Limited

They have the biggest membership in the game at 27,392 with a target of 32,000 for 2014.

With each member contributing an average of $132, it provides members revenue alone of $4.25 million.

Little wonder the club will make a million-dollar plus profit this year, an amazing result considering they have no Leagues club or poker machine support.

Rivals like the Bulldogs get Leagues Club support of up to $6 million a year.

It's ironic that the new two-year sponsorship deal coincides with a spate of bad publicity over player behaviour this week.

"We may have a hiccup from time to time with player behaviour but overall the boys understand the importance of the image with sponsors and our members," said CEO Shane Richardson.

"We don't have leagues club money and I can assure you our owners won't be putting in any more money.

"We now have a relationship with 220 companies from local businesses to major corporations and they, along with our members, are our lifeblood."

Richardson revealed part of the decision to play interstate games each year in Perth and Cairns was to give sponsors a more national feel.

Fujitsu's national marketing manager Marc Cheah said his company saw enormous appeal in the club.

"The South Sydney Rabbitohs are an iconic club and has had an exceptional few years rebuilding its position in the NRL," he said.

"Like us here at Fujitsu, South Sydney are a performance driven club, which is evident in the results not only on the field, but off the field as well.

"With enviable membership numbers, media ratings, and followers on social media. The club is truly a powerhouse of Australian sport."

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Fatal fall deemed accident

STEWARDS have found no rider was to blame for the tragic fall that claimed the life of jockey Desiree Gill at the Sunshine Coast this month.

The inquiry into Gill falling from her mount Celtic Ambition was concluded yesterday, with stewards taking evidence from riders Tegan Harrison, Priscilla Schmidt, Tiffani Brooker and Andrew Spinks, who all travelled in front of Gill up to the point of the accident.

Chief Steward on the night Martin Knibbs, told the jockeys no one rode in a careless, reckless or incompetent manner.

"I'd like you all to go away satisfied of that. The fall is nothing more than a tragic accident for horse and rider," Knibbs said.

"Incidents such as these are a reminder that each and every time jockeys go out on the track they face these potential consequences."

A post-mortem examination of Celtic Ambition found there were no significant abnormalities detected and furthermore an analysis from the Queensland Government Racing Science Centre found no prohibited substances in the horse's system, other than the barbiturate solution used to euthanase the horse on the night.

The Racing Industry has rallied around Gill's husband Barry since the accident, with a fund set up to support the family.

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Milford: I don't want to be a Raider

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BRONCOS recruit Anthony Milford says he has no plans to return to Canberra, expressing his shock at a press release that represents the final straw for his career at the Raiders.

Currently holidaying in Samoa, Milford last night spoke out to refute Canberra's claim that he will honour the final year of his deal before moving to Brisbane in 2015.

The Raiders yesterday released a statement "confirming" the Broncos-bound sensation would report for pre-season training on December 16 and see out the 2014 season.

But The Courier-Mail can reveal Milford has twice told Canberra hierarchy he has no intention of returning, even spurning a three-year, $2.1 million contract extension.

The 19-year-old insists he was not consulted about Canberra's official statement in a development that has driven a toxic wedge between Milford and the Raiders.

"The way the Raiders put things out, I was disappointed and shocked that they would do it that way," Milford said.

Anthony Milford in action for Samoa. Source: Getty Images

"For them to put out a statement, I never expected that to come out.

"There was no talk of that, I didn't even know they were going to put out a statement.

"I spoke to Ricky (Stuart, Canberra coach) and Don Furner (CEO) last week and they said they wanted me back on December 16 for pre-season training.

"I haven't given any guarantees. Now all this has come out ... when I get home there will be some conversations going on.

"I'm excited for 2015 now, my whole family are happy I'll be in Brisbane."

In Canberra's statement, Furner said: "We acknowledge that Anthony has battled homesickness and is very close to his family, however we are pleased that he will be playing for our club in 2014."

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Milford has previously indicated he would sit out the 2014 season, but that is a last-resort scenario.

Money is not an over-riding concern. Milford's two-year Broncos deal is worth around $450,000 a season, meaning he has sacrificed in excess of $1 million to leave Canberra.

"My No.1 goal is to come back home and look after my parents," said Milford, who sought to trigger an illness clause relating to father Halo's health in August.

"My dad's health comes first. If anything happened to him while I'm in Canberra, I'd be pretty shitty.

"The money (from Canberra) was massive. It was a huge offer for me to stay. But at the end of the day, this decision isn't about money.

"That's why I asked for a release back in August. Canberra know how I feel ... I have gone to the Broncos for a lot less money.

"It's been very hard on my own in Canberra. I'm on the phone every day to mum and dad. I go to 'Papa's' (Josh Papalii's) house as much as I can to feel that sense of family, then I go home and I'm alone again."

Anthony Milford says he's told the Raiders he won't be returning to Canberra. Source: Getty Images

Asked if Canberra will force him to return, he said: "I have no idea, I'm pretty sure if I did stay in Brisbane, the Raiders would stop me playing any form of rugby league."

Milford said he would relish wearing the Broncos' No.6 jumper once worn by his idol, former skipper Darren Lockyer.

"As a young kid I loved watching Locky and have always gone for them," he said.

"The Broncos are a great club. I haven't played at Suncorp Stadium yet so to make it my home ground will be awesome.

"I learned a few things at fullback at Canberra but if the Broncos want me to play five-eighth, that's fine with me."

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Mundine triumphs in farcical finish

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ANTHONY Mundine's expensive gamble to bankroll his fight against veteran Shane Mosley ended in unexpected triumph when the 42-year-old three-division world champion was forced to withdraw from the 12 round fight after just six rounds suffering back spasms.

While Mundine deserved his victory, and was leading the fight according to all three judges, Mosley's abrupt abandonment provided another farcical element to a fight delayed five weeks, and which started late last night because the gloves for the entire card failed to arrive on time.

Shane Mosley goes down. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited

The crowd booed loudly when Mundine's TKO victory was announced largely because they were disappointed at Mosley's surrender.

NRL STAR FERGUSON LOSES BOXING DEBUT

But if it was not the emphatic triumph Mundine had hoped for, it was a result that kept alive the Australian's far-fetched dream of a lucrative crack at superstar Floyd Mayweather, or another international superstar.

CHOC'S GREATEST OPPONENTS

''No matter what you say he's not just going to back out because of something stupid,'' said Mundine. "It was obviously back spasms that got him.''

Anthony Mundine celebrates his sixth-round TKO victory. Source: Getty Images

Notionally, the fight was for the WBA international super welterweight title. But, for both the 42-year-old Mosley and Mundine, this was a referendum on their now limited futures.

In the early rounds Mundine was aggressive, but Mosley more crisp and controlled. But the momentum turned in the fourth round when Mundine stung Mosley with a big right hand that saw the American fall to the canvas as he tried to hold on.

It was not a knock down, but like blood in the water for Mundine who moved in with a series of combinations on the shaken Mosley. After that Mundine kept ploughing forward, scoring regularly as the American appeared to tire.

Anthony Mundine lands a left. Source: Getty Images

Despite losing three kilograms for this fight, Mundine said he felt stronger than five weeks ago when the fight was originally scheduled.

Mundine had been strangely quiet in the lead-up. A sign, we were told, "The Man" would for the first time let his fists do all the talking. Despite Mosley's injury, he can claim to have done that.

That Mosley had lost four of his last five fights was considered, by some, an indication he was past his prime. But that the American had continued to fight the cream of the world boxing talent gives Mundine's victory some credence - at least in name.

Shane Mosley rocks Choc. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited

The fight had been delayed five weeks after Mosley was not paid a $1 million guarantee, prompting the American to leave the country. Inevitably, Mundine was forced to promote the fight himself at substantial personal cost.

Earlier, former Canberra Raider Blake Ferguson made his debut on the undercard suffering a four-round points loss to Luke Turner, a 22-year-old excavator driver from Goulburn.

If it wasn't an epic for the annals of boxing history it was, at the least, the first time a rugby league player had thrown a punch in recent times without attracting the attention of the NRL Integrity Unit.

But the glory belonged to Mundine, who will hope to use Mosley's scalp as a springboard to the big time. Something many believe he has delayed too long by fighting local and imported bums for pay-per-view riches.

Shane Mosley's wife watches on. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited

When Manny Pacquiao beat Brandon Rios in a $30 million promotion in Macau at the weekend, David Beckham, Stephen Baldwin and Paris Hilton were in the crowd. On Wednesday night, there was a only a light sprinkling of local sporting celebrities.

Pacquiao walked away with a minimum $18 million. Depending on how many paid the $49.95 to watch Wednesday night's fight on pay-per-view, Mundine could lose $500,000 of his own money on this fight.

But so strangely contorted are boxing's machinations, Mundine might yet have a better chance of fighting the undefeated Mayweather than Pacquiao, the dream match-up which, the New York Times observed, ''has zero or close to zero'' chance of happening.

Mundine's chances? Probably not much greater. But, having claimed the biggest names of his career, the dream lives on.

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Where were you at The Oval, Andy?

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ENGLAND coach Andy Flower must be taking the piss.

How can someone in charge of a bunch of free-spirited urinators like the England cricket team possibly lecture anyone on standards and leadership?

Flower was totally dismissive of questions about players relieving themselves on England's most historic Test pitch at the Oval after securing a 3-0 series victory three months ago.

"Can we talk about the Test series win rather than a ridiculous topic like that?" Flower said at the time.

It was as if 133 years of Test history at the ground and the legacy of the great Jack Hobbs, who was later knighted, paled in comparison to the latest triumph by his lads, so they could celebrate however they liked.

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And they did, with some Australian journalists and dozens of cleaning staff forced to endure the irony of another dry and doctored wicket finally being moistened by some inebriated cricketers.

At no stage was there any attempt by anyone that I could see showing any sort of leadership as players took it in turns to denigrate the rich history and tradition established by all those who had gone before.

A couple of days later the England Cricket Board released a tame apology denying any intention to disrespect, talking up respect for the game and finishing with "it was a simple error of judgement more than anything else."

In a game sometimes decided by millimetres it was quite a significant error of judgement given the toilets were roughly 100 metres away.

Fast forward to the day after England's four-day flogging by 381 runs in Brisbane, when Mitchell Johnson bombed the Poms out of existence, and compulsive sledger Jimmy Anderson held up the inevitable to complain about sledging.

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"I think there are standards of behaviour that individuals and teams must set themselves," said Flower.

"The competition should be intense. It's played between two proud cricketing nations. But I think we need good leaders, who know where to draw the line, and they need to be good role models."

Right, so where was the line at The Oval during that night of gloating and revelry?

Where were the good leaders and good role models?

If Flower had not been Zimbabwe's greatest player, by a fair margin, it would be easy to assume he was just another of those sanctimonious whinging Poms who are clogging up the Twittersphere.

It would appear that with the demolition job Australia did on England in Brisbane they have enough to worry about in their own back yard before advising anyone else on how to deal with theirs.

The umpires and the International Cricket Council match referee are the final arbiters on what is right and what is wrong.

The only problem they had was the stump mike inadvertently picking up Michael Clarke returning fire to Anderson.

If the stump mike had been off between deliveries, as it should have been under ICC protocols, no one would have been busted for anything.

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This is professional sport with a lot at stake played by big boys.

Leave judgement to the officials and get on with the game.

BOMBS AWAY

When Mitchell Johnson was having a tough time on and off the field during the 2009 Ashes tour he became a sideshow as the Poms absolutely gave it to him, with the Barmy Army constantly mocking the left arm quick.

Now Johnson has opened a stall of his own at the carnival and called it Bomb The Poms.

Oh the delicious irony of England officials querying the intimatory bowling rule as Johnson carved up their batsmen on a fast and bouncy Gabba wicket.

Oh the hypocrisy of these same England officials complaining about sledging when Johnson absolutely copped it on and off the field.

The way he melted down during that 2009 series was part of the reason why Johnson was not chosen amongst the five quicks who toured earlier this year.

Now the Mitch is back and the singing has turned to whinging.

COURAGE UNDER FIRE

Of all the cricket books lining the shelves for Christmas next month the one with by far the greatest cast is "Champions" written by Mike Coward.

He interviewed 58 players from around the world, many of them all-time greats.

They give compelling insights into areas of the game such as leadership, courage, philosophy and the spirit of cricket.

Yet one of the most compelling interviews is not from a player but umpire Simon Taufel, who was caught up in the 2009 Lahore terrorist attack which also targeted the Sri Lankan bus.

"I'm not afraid to say that on the plane in Dubai I sat in my seat and I did cry and I thought about the time when I would actually see (his wife) Helen for the first time," Taufel said.

"I didn't want to show her that I was emotional. I didn't want to show her that I was upset or that there was a problem so I actually went through that experience on the plane."

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Inglis to Ferguson: Don't waste talent

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On the other side of the world Greg Inglis yesterday issued troubled NRL star Blake Ferguson some sound advice: "You can make this life whatever you choose".

As Inglis prepared to go head-to-head with Sonny Bill Williams and Scotland's Danny Brough for the title of International Rugby League Player of the Year that will be awarded today in Manchester, the Kangaroos' superstar opened up and in a wideranging interview talked about the turning point in his own career _ and why it is now up to Ferguson to save himself.

Asked if he would want Ferguson at South Sydney next year given the Rabbitohs needs for a strike centre, Inglis said: "We do need a centre, Blake is available and I am always about giving people chances.

"I know Blake personally but I don't know what is going on in his personal life.

"Obviously he has some issues there that he has to deal with and obviously he has done that with Choc (Mundine).

Blake Ferguson weighs in for his undercard fight. Source: News Limited

"But for Fergo, I just think he has to really stay on track and really aim to find a club but that is only if he wants it.

"In regards to Souths, that's not my place to say.

"He has all the talent in the world, there is no doubt about it.

"But you can have all the talent but you have got to also have that attitude and self discipline and respect.

"You can make this life whatever you choose."

Asked if he would be prepared to help Ferguson resurrect his career, Inglis added: "You can put your hand up to help him but you can only help a person so much.

"We have had a couple of young guys come through in the same situation but in the end they just didn't want to work to the culture we have."

Earlier this year rugby league Immortal Bob Fulton hailed Ferguson as a superstar in the making after he described his phenomenal matchwinning effort against Melbourne as "a Greg Inglis like performance".

But as Inglis explained, all the talent in the world won't get you to the top if not prepared to do the hard work.

"Even Craig Bellamy will tell you, my first year at Melbourne wasn't the greatest. I didn't create the greatest impression with Craig but fortunately for me he gave me a second chance and invited me down the next season.

"Training wise I wasn't the best but I learnt along the way talent only takes you so far.

"He gave me plenty of serves but I can see now that he just wanted the best from me and in the end it was up to me."

And that hard work ethic is also the reason why Inglis has such a high regard for the man he went head-to-head with last night for the title as the world's best rugby league player.

"The way Sonny has come back after five years out of the game just shows how much of a talented, skilful person he is," Inglis said.

"The first game he came back against Souths he wasn't at his best but what can you expect when he has been out of the game for five years.

"After the game I said it would take him three or four games and he would find his feet and that is the way it worked out because he works hard to be the best.

"Love him or hate him he is a remarkable talent and human being.

"He has done pretty much what no one has done before and gone to different sports and become a champion at them all."

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Though asked if Williams' wideranging success ever made him think about switching to another code, Inglis said: "I have been asked that but mate I am happy where I am at.

"I am happy within myself.

"I had the opportunity to do it but I decided to stay in the game because I love it.

"But there is no doubt about it, I respect him. I think he is a remarkably talented man."

And after fighting it out for the International Rugby League Player of the Year their battle will continue this weekend when Inglis runs out against Williams' Kiwis to play off in the World Cup final in Manchester.

If Billy Slater as expected gets passed fit to play, Inglis will shift back to left centre and standing opposite him at Old Trafford will be the superstar backrower.

"You always want to play against the best players in the world," Inglis said.

"Any player you ask will say the same thing and in the end it becomes a challenge because you want to see where you are at.

"Me and Sonny are really good mates but like any professional athlete when you go out there you have got to do your job."

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Cup final stars deserve a rest

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THE NRL and RLPA are officially monitoring every club to ensure weary World Cup players aren't forced back to training prematurely.

Each player - through rugby league's Collective Bargaining Agreement - must be given a clean break of six weeks during the off-season.

That break though is difficult to police this year due to the World Cup in England.

Some players are burnt-out. Cronulla prop Andrew Fifita is lining-up for his 36th game in this weekend's World Cup final.

Some clubs desperate for success are thinking of rushing back their stars into pre-season but they have been issued with a strong warning from the NRL and RLPA.

The two bodies drafted a joint letter - signed by NRL head of football Todd Greenberg and RLPA CEO David Garnsey - reminding every club that players must receive their allotted rest.

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Failure to do so could prompt a club to be issued a breach notice.

''They need to observe their obligations,'' Garnsey said. ''We need to look the player's physical and psychological well-being.

''The clubs need to know there are consequences but the primary reason (for the letter) was a reminder, not to be threatening.

''At the moment there are no issues but, if there are, they will be addressed.''

Players contesting this weekend's World Cup shouldn't be back at training before mid-January.

"Clint (Newton, RLPA general president) and I sat down a while back and said this could be tricky because there are multiple dates when teams start training again with the World Cup grafted on,'' Garnsey said.

"There could possibly be understanding or confusion because there are so many dates when players could return.''

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Poms went to umps over bouncers

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ENGLAND became so rattled by Australia's short ball assault in Brisbane they quizzed match officials about the rules on dangerous bowling.

A representative of the England coaching staff spoke to umpires after Mitchell Johnson ransacked the tourists in the first innings with one of the most stirring performances ever seen at the Gabba.

The discussion was informal and England at no stage intended to make an official complaint but the query regarding this vague law showed how concerned they were about the hammering their side was copping.

Rarely has a Test team - and certainly a tail - been so exposed by a sustained burst of short pitched deliveries in recent times.

They were bowled out for 136 and 179 with only one batsman at No. 7 or lower in the order (Stuart Broad) scoring above eight in either innings.

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Cricket's indistinct laws on dangerous bowling contain a considerable grey area because it effectively leaves the issue in the hands of the umpires without applying specific parameters other than bowlers can deliver no more than two bouncers an over.

The law states: "The bowling of fast short pitched balls is dangerous and unfair if the bowler's end umpire considers that by their repetition and taking into account their length, height and direction they are likely to inflict physical injury on the striker irrespective of the protective equipment he may be wearing. The relative skill of the striker shall be taken into consideration.''

Umpires have the power to no-ball then suspend a bowler who is considered to have transgressed the rules of dangerous bowling but there is understandable reluctance by officials to enforce this rule.

Many umpires feel that in a world dominated by flat tracks, short boundaries and heavy bats, batsmen are kings and if a fast bowler can get occasionally get conditions his way then good luck to him.

There is also a feeling that as tailenders are full time professionals equipped with helmets and all sorts of other guards they should be able to protect themselves.

The days of true tail-end bunnies like leg-spinner Jim Higgs and fast bowler Bruce Reid have all but vanished.

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Higgs was a rare beneficiary of the intimidatory bowling rule. In 1980 he was caught behind off a bouncer from New Zealand medium pace Lance Cairns at the MCG but umpire Robin Bailhache called no ball, prompting a furious reaction from Kiwi captain Geoff Howarth.

England's No 11 Jimmy Anderson has a batting average of 10 and fights hard under pressure while Australia's last man Nathan Lyon has an average of 14.

England, following their first Test loss and the departure of Jonathan Trott due to stress-related illnesses, are now on a committed war-footing.

The siege mentality was obvious on Monday when they arrived at Brisbane airport stony-faced and refusing to discuss any aspect of the Test loss or the tour as they prepared to leave for their fixture against an Invitation XI at Alice Springs.

This circle the wagons approach handed down by dour coach Andy Flower is the same disconnected response England employed when it was flogged 5-0 during 2006-07 Ashes under another humourless Zimbabwean mentor, Duncan Fletcher.

In typical fashion extravert Kevin Pietersen managed a loud silence, pointing to his ear phones and shouting "I can't hear you, I can't hear you" at reporters.

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A heads up on Melville

Alex Melville, the coach currently running pre-season training at Penrith. Pictured at Centrebet Oval, Penrith. Source: Simon Chillingworth / News Limited

RECOGNISE this man? No? Well, you're not alone.

He may be virtually anonymous but this former English and history teacher has actually been in charge of a powerful Sydney NRL club for the past month.

Meet Alex Melville, the man who has quietly enjoyed being head coach of the Penrith Panthers.

Melville has been in charge with Ivan Cleary (Penrith head coach) absent with the New Zealand World Cup side and David Fairleigh (Penrith assistant coach) guiding the Cook Islands.

Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary is currently on World Cup duties in the UK. Source: News Limited

He has trained the Panthers, held team meetings, spoke to players individually and kept the pre-season on track. Yet he could probably walk through Penrith Plaza and not be recognised.

Melville has been coaching rugby league at different levels for more than 20 years - but has remained well and truly away from the limelight.

''That's the anonymous life of an assistant coach. You toil away in the background,'' he said.

''We are all working for that magical day in October.

''There is a lot of stuff to do. The role 'head coach' is pretty appropriate in that it is all-encompassing.

''You have to know where every player is at all times. There is a lot of stuff going on at this time of the year.

''There is a lot of demands as you get pulled in a lot of directions. We certainly appreciate what Ivan does.''

Melville, 38, said the pre-season coaching and training was vital.

''I have really enjoyed the extra responsibility,'' Melville told The Daily Telegraph. ''I have stepped up and it's a lot of responsibility to try and carry forward what is going to be a very promising season.

''You only get one pre-season opportunity and this is an important time to get a lot of tactical information into the players ''This is also the time when we get them bigger and stronger. You just don't get that opportunity during the season. There is a lot of stuff to balance out.''

The Panthers have bought well for 2014, securing Jamie Soward, Peter Wallace, Brent Kite, Elijah Taylor, Kevin Naiqama and Tyrone Peachey.

New recruit Jamie Soward. Source: News Limited

''We pride ourselves on the fact we train hard, we play hard and we'll finish where we deserve,'' he said.

''We are a team that is hard to beat. That is something we pride ourselves on. We don't beat ourselves.

''There is a lot of competition for spots and when you have competition, you get the most out of your squad at training and in games.''

Fairleigh is due back to training this week, Cleary will return next week after the World Cup final.

Key player Wallace will return to training on December 9.

Asked did he one day want to obtain a head coaching position, Melville said: ''If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't.

''My biggest aspiration is to share in a premiership here at Penrith. That would be the pinnacle.''

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Red Centre stinker awaits Pasty Poms

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SO lads, you didn't like Brisbane?

Welcome to your red-dirt rendezvous in Alice Springs.

Kevin Pietersen and the pasty-white Poms are set to fry in Australia's outback in probably the worst preparation for a Test match in the long history of the Ashes.

It was a stinking 41 degrees in some parts of the Alice when the Poms arrived in the Red Centre on Tuesday but there is promising news on the horizon.

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There is a cool change due and it should only be a relatively mild 38 degrees when the Poms slap on their sunscreen for the two-day game against a largely anonymous Chairman's XI side on Friday.

Despite getting flogged by Australia at the Gabba, Pietersen's arrogant strut returned before he left Brisbane when he refused to remove his headphones to talk to anyone at the airport.

But the man who thought Brisbane was dull is desperately hoping for something more in Alice Springs, although the only thing he will probably get is sunstroke.

"Ciao Brisbane ... Apart from the result, the week was fun!," Pietersen tweeted.

"Never been to Alice Springs, so quite looking forward to it.. X"

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As the Poms turn lobster-red in the baking Alice Springs sun, they will also realise their two-day game against the Chairman's XI is doing precious little for their Adelaide Test preparations.

There are some talented youngsters in the Chairman's side but no household names and the game is unlikely to provide the stern workout the bedraggled Poms desperately need before the second Test.

The Chairman's side contains 16-year-old batsman Jake Doran, from NSW, and will be captained by 29-year-old WA spinner Michael Beer who has played two Tests for Australia.

While the game could provide valuable experience for some of Australia's up-and-coming cricketers, it is basically a nonsense match for England who are unlikely to derive any great benefit.

They will head to Adelaide next week with red faces in more ways than one.

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Poms undone by chin music

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ENGLAND became so rattled by Australia's short-ball assault in Brisbane they quizzed match officials about the rules on dangerous bowling.

A representative of the England coaching staff spoke to umpires after Mitchell Johnson ransacked the tourists in the first innings with one of the most stirring performances ever seen at the Gabba.

The discussion was informal and England at no stage intended to make an official complaint but the query regarding this vague law showed how concerned they were about the hammering their side was copping.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

They were bowled out for 136 and 179 with only one batsman at No 7 or lower in the order (Stuart Broad) scoring above eight in either innings.

Cricket's indistinct laws on dangerous bowling contain a considerable grey area because it effectively leaves the issue in the hands of the umpires without applying specific parameters other than bowlers can deliver no more than two bouncers an over.

The law states: "The bowling of fast short-pitched balls is dangerous and unfair if the bowler's end umpire considers that by their repetition and taking into account their length, height and direction they are likely to inflict physical injury on the striker irrespective of the protective equipment he may be wearing. The relative skill of the striker shall be taken into consideration.''

Umpires have the power to no-ball then suspend a bowler who is considered to have transgressed the rules of dangerous bowling, but there is understandable reluctance by officials to enforce this rule.

Mitchell Johnson with his man-of-the-match award at the end of the first Test at the Gabba. Source: Getty Images

Rarely has a Test team - and certainly a tail - been so exposed by a sustained burst of short-pitched deliveries in recent times.

Many umpires feel that in a world dominated by flat tracks, short boundaries and heavy bats, batsmen are kings and if a fast bowler can get occasionally get conditions his way then good luck to him.

There is also a feeling that as tailenders are full-time professionals equipped with helmets and all sorts of other guards they should be able to protect themselves.

The days of true tail-end bunnies like leg-spinner Jim Higgs and fast bowler Bruce Reid have all but vanished.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Higgs was a rare beneficiary of the intimidatory bowling rule. In 1980 he was caught behind off a bouncer from New Zealand medium-pacer Lance Cairns at the MCG but umpire Robin Bailhache called no-ball, prompting a furious reaction from Kiwi captain Geoff Howarth.

England No 11 Jimmy Anderson has a batting average of 10 and fights hard under pressure while Australian last man Nathan Lyon has an average of 14.

England, following their first Test loss and the departure of Jonathan Trott due to stress-related illnesses, are now on a committed war-footing.

The siege mentality was obvious yesterday when they arrived at Brisbane airport stony-faced and refusing to discuss any aspect of the Test loss or the tour as they prepared to leave for their fixture against an Invitation XI at Alice Springs.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

This circle-the-wagons approach handed down by dour coach Andy Flower is the same disconnected response England employed when it was flogged 5-0 during 2006-07 Ashes under another humourless Zimbabwean mentor, Duncan Fletcher.

In typical fashion, extravert Kevin Pietersen managed a loud silence, pointing to his ear phones and shouting "I can't hear you, I can't hear you" at reporters.

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Mitch's mentor says best is to come

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THE plumbing van driver who once saved Mitchell Johnson's career is certain the best is yet to come.

Johnson's friend, mentor and former Brisbane Norths club coach Brett Mortimer says the 32-year-old quick was out injured so much earlier in his career that is only now starting to reach his peak.

Mortimer famously re-ignited Johnson's career in 2003 when he gave him a job driving plumbing vans and helped him rebuild confidence and iron out technical flaws at a time when he had lost his Queensland contract.

Johnson was back to his scary best with a bang when he skittled the hapless Poms during the Gabba Test - and Mortimer expects him to keep getting better.

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"I was always hoping he would get one more crack (at Test cricket) because he was a late starter to cricket and then he missed several years out injured when he was younger," Mortimer said.

"Then he spent more time out of the game in the last few years. Because of that, I don't think he has really reached his peak yet.

"I reckon the best is in front of him."

Mortimer, who was in the stands for the first day of the Gabba Test, believes Australian fast bowling coach Craig McDermott has worked wonders with Johnson.

And he says Johnson must take enormous credit for overcoming his mental demons from previous tortured battles against the Poms. The fast bowler's career was almost ruined in England in 2009 when on and off-field problems plagued him and the Barmy Army taunted him relentlessly.

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"To get over those scars and to come out throwing punches is great," Mortimer says.

"He just looks a different cricketer now. This is a coming of age for him.

"I always knew he had the ability. It's just good to see him fulfil his promise."

As Johnson exacted revenge on the Poms, Mortimer noticed some subtle technical changes in his action which have helped him back to full firepower.

"He is a lot more balanced at the crease than what he was before," Mortimer says.

"His head is nice and still.

"He really doesn't get tall at the crease but he does get high with his arms.

"Have a look at his arms, he has got really long arms.

"When he puts his arms down his side, they come half way down his thighs."

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Rags to riches Dave

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HE once earned $12 an hour packing shelves at Woolworths. Today, David Warner is the exemplar of rags-to-riches success, emerging from a housing commission estate to become Australian cricket's $5 million man.

Away from the public glare of life in the baggy green, Warner has been privately cultivating enough wealth to reward parents Howard and Lorraine with early retirement.

Welcome to Warner Inc, the investment and real-estate portfolio the Test opener is amassing in his journey from blue-collar battler to self-made millionaire.

Warner may have earned infamy for punching English rival Joe Root in a Birmingham bar in June, but he is nobody's fool.

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Behind the scenes he is financially savvy, funnelling the millions he makes from cricket into property deals that ensure he will never experience the scrap for every dollar that defined his childhood.

For the past 26 years Warner's parents Howard and Lorraine lived a simple existence in Matraville.

Their lessons for sons Steve and David have spawned true reward. To work hard. To stay grounded. To appreciate the hard road, the grind, and where it can take you.

For all his millions, Warner has not severed his working-class roots. A day after playing a key role in Australia's first-Test hammering of England, where he thumped 49 and 124, he was back at Matraville RSL enjoying a quiet beer with his old man.

"People don't see the real side to Dave," Warner Sr says.

David Warner's father, Howard, happy after his son reaches 100 at the Gabba in Brisbane. Source: News Corp Australia

"David has come a long way. I remember he was packing shelves at Woolies. He used to finish shifts at midnight and I would pick him up. He was only 15. He used to keep asking for pocket money and we just didn't have any money, so he got his own job.

"He grew up with very little. When you grow up hard you appreciate it more than if you have money all your life.

"If you are filthy rich you don't bloody appreciate anything. David has toiled on his own. We never thought he could earn such big dollars but he is working his guts out and it is paying dividends now."

Warner's gift to Howard, 60, and Lorraine, 57, is that they will never have to work again.

"We have always been battlers, it's been a struggle at times," says Howard, a hardware salesman.

"He's looked after us, he's a bloody good boy. I'm so proud of him. To be honest, Dave has got us out of debt. We weren't in huge debt but we had credit cards and he's paid them all off for us."

David Warner (third from the right, front row) when playing for his school team many years ago. Source: News Corp Australia

The combative opener has several income streams. One of the nation's top-five ranked players, he pockets around $2 million annually from his Cricket Australia deal. There are sponsorships with Gray-Nicolls, Asics, All Day Socks and ANZ Stadium. Throw in an Indian Premier League contracts worth almost $2 million and Warner is one of Australia's richest athletes.

His manager, Tony Connolly, is currently in the marketplace looking to build on the Warner empire. But the 27-year-old's focus remains cricket and he has enlisted professional help to monitor his business interests.

"He's got a full-time financial adviser that takes care of his portfolio," Connolly said.

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"You can easily underestimate Dave but he is very street-smart and very savvy off the field. He is doing the right thing with his money and setting up his financial security.

"What he does in the next 10 years will set him up for the rest of his life. He can make a lot of money and never have to work again.

"The great thing is Dave is unaffected by it all. He hasn't forgotten his roots, he is still the same kid who grew up in Matraville."

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Lehmann wants more aggression

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NATIONAL coach Darren Lehmann has backed Michael Clarke to go for the jugular, despite former England captain Nasser Hussain accusing Australia of bully-boy tactics.

Australia's first Test thumping had a dramatic postscript on Monday when Clarke was charged by the International Cricket Council for sledging England paceman James Anderson.

Clarke will be fined 20 per cent of his match fee, around $3000, after stump microphones picked up the skipper telling Anderson Australia's quicks would "break his f***ing arm".

Relations between cricket's oldest enemies became strained on Saturday when David Warner fired the first salvo, claiming a "weak" Jonathan Trott personified a "scary-eyed" England side.

Hussain slammed the behaviour of an Australian side that is developing a harder edge under Lehmann, who ascended to the national coaching post in June.

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Speaking before Clarke was formally charged, Lehmann wanted Australia to maintain the rage - and his skipper's ICC reprimand won't alter plans to intimidate Alastair Cook's troops.

"I like them playing hard cricket," said Lehmann, who labelled the old enemy's cricket "dour" during the recently-completed Ashes in England.

"I like our boys being aggressive without crossing the line. It will be always hard-fought between Australia and England. It certainly was in England and has been over the years.

"The ICC deals with everything else . . . and if any player crosses the line they will deal with it."

Hussain, who captained England in 45 Tests from 1999-2003, is no stranger to Australia's aggressive style. He led the Poms during Australia's golden age but accused Clarke of picking an easy target by sledging Anderson.

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"They didn't need to dance on their grave," Hussain said in his English newspaper column.

"I wasn't too impressed with the niggle at the end of the game. I think that was a bit of Aussie frustration spilling over after the difficult time they've had - not just losing 3-0 in England, where they probably deserved better, but the mockery they received on that tour of India (in March).

"I thought Australia emerged from their defeat in the summer with a lot of dignity. But they have to keep that dignity intact when they win.

"I totally agree that if you dish it out, you should expect to take it back.

"But when the No. 11 is in and you're about to win by almost 400 runs, just knock him over, shake his hand and say: 'We did you there'."

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"I didn't like some of the disrespect that was shown to England - like David Warner suggesting Jonathan Trott was scared.

"Pull the other one."

In-form Australian quick Mitchell Johnson warned England to expect more fireworks as the series progressed.

"There's a fair bit of tension there," he said.

"I think that's definitely going to continue through the series, you're going to see a bit more of it.

"We're going to play on our skill, and hopefully we can beat them.

"I love getting in a bit of a scrap, and so do a few of their boys. If you can keep your emotions in check and just keep playing my game and it comes off, then it's good."

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Harris should skip Adelaide: Hughes

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FORMER Test skipper Kim Hughes says Ryan Harris must be rested for the second Test in Adelaide - or risk a breakdown that could derail Australia's hopes of reclaiming the Ashes.

Australia coach Darren Lehmann says Harris is unlikely to be sidelined for the return bout, starting December 5, if the veteran paceman pulls-up well from their thumping Gabba triumph.

But Hughes is concerned Harris' battle-weary frame could be vulnerable to another injury if he is forced to complete back-to-back showdowns with England in Adelaide and Perth.

Should the second Test last the full five days, Harris would have just four days to prepare for the third Test starting Friday, December 13 at the WACA.

There are major concerns over whether Harris, at age 34, can withstand the rigours of a five-Test series and Hughes believes the veteran quick must be wrapped in cotton wool.

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"I think resting Ryan for Adelaide should be a real possibility," Hughes said. "The issue for the Australian selectors is who do they bowl in Adelaide?

"Based on the history of the wicket, it will be five days of slog for the quicks and you need the bowlers to be fresh for Perth."

The Test in Adelaide is scheduled to finish on a Monday and they start Friday in Perth ... that short break leaves our fast bowlers facing the possibility of breaking down.

"I hope Michael Clarke doesn't bowl the guys into the ground because there is every chance there will be a result in Perth and not Adelaide.

"I think we have to be careful with Harris. The last thing we want is bowling him into the ground in Adelaide and then he can't bounce back for Perth.

"Hughes points to the recent Sheffield Shield clash in Adelaide, with South Australia and Western Australia hammering 1237 runs collectively for the loss of just 23 wickets

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.Harris bowled 34 overs across two innings in Australia's first-Test win at the Gabba, but faces a more onerous workload if England's top-order fire on a batter-friendly Adelaide deck.

"If the wicket is anything like the Shield game, maybe we should give James Faulkner a go," Hughes said.

"I spoke with Justin Langer (WA coach) and he said Adelaide did not deteroriate at all, he said you could have played there for 10 days.

"If there is no bounce, that's where someone like Faulkner should come in.

"Adelaide is traditionally a highway, so there's no point flogging someone like Harris into the ground when he is the ideal bowler in Perth."

Former Test quick Len Pascoe believes sidelining Harris would be a grave mistake.

"It's important we keep the momentum going with Harris," he said. "If he stops his workload, he will seize up, at 34 years of age you have to keep his rhythm.

"We saw that with Peter Siddle last year, they rested him when Siddle wanted to play. Then when he did come back he didn't have the form he had before they rested him.

"My gut feeling is you keep them going, the guys are playing for their country, Ryan Harris shouldn't have to face being rested."

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Young, Sydney Kings struggle

Sydney King import Sam Young drives to the basket but is blocked by Matt Knight of the Wildcats. Source: Paul Kane / Getty Images

SYDNEY'S new import and recent NBA swingman Sam Young got a hellish introduction to the NBL on Sunday as the Kings were crushed 98-55 by ladder leaders Perth.

Young, a 249-game NBA veteran, was the second-highest scorer for Sydney with 14 points, including 12 in the first half in Perth.

He made four of his 12 field-goal attempts and hitting two of five from three-point range.

Perth enjoyed a massive 44-24 rebounding advantage against a misfiring Kings outfit that shot a woeful 28 per cent from the field.

Perth (9-1) shot at a sizzling 55 per cent, with import James Ennis, one of five Wildcats with a double-digit score, leading the way with 18.

The Wildcats rebounded superbly after losing their unbeaten record in a 91-86 away loss to second-placed Adelaide (7-2) on Friday.

They slashed a 22-point deficit to three in the final minute of that game.

Shawn Redhage inspired the comeback, hitting 25 of his 30 points in the second half.

Centre Daniel Johnson scored 24 and guard Gary Ervin 22 for an Adelaide side that proved they are a legitimate title contender.

``We've played much better in other games,'' Adelaide coach Joey Wright told AAP.

``We gave up 19 offensive rebounds, we went 0 from nine from three-point range.''

The top two have pulled away from Sydney and Melbourne (both 4-4) after the Tigers crashed to a 90-75 home loss to Townsville (3-5) in Sunday's other game.

In-form Tigers guard Chris Goulding scored 25, but the Crocs were inspired by a remarkable Steve Markovic shot from halfway right on the three-quarter time buzzer.

Markovic finished with 15 and import Josh Pace 18 for the Crocs.

``That was as disappointing a loss or game as I can remember,'' said Melbourne coach Chris Anstey.

New Tigers import Mustapha Farrakhan scored six points, making just three of his 11 field-goal attempts.

Tom Abercrombie nailed five three-pointers in his game-high 24 for New Zealand (3-6) in their 81-74 home win over Townsville.

Wollongong import Rotnei Clarke completed a match-winning three-point play in his game-high 27 points to seal a 75-73 away win over Cairns.

It was the first time Cairns have suffered six straight losses under coach Aaron Fearne, with the Hawks joining the Taipans on 2-6.

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History favours Aussie Ashes

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GIFT wrap the Ashes and put them in the out tray.

History tells us that England's stranglehold on the little urn will soon be broken.

This country did not have television when Australia last won at the Gabba but failed to go on and win an Ashes series.

That was in 1954-55, when many of the players' parents would not have been born.

In more than 80 years of Test cricket at the Gabba only twice has a team won an Ashes Test there and failed to press home the advantage.

Almost 60 years ago Australia won the first Test but lost the series 3-1 and in 1936-37 Australia lost on a wet wicket before Don Bradman led the side to a 3-2 triumph.

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So yesterday's stirring first Test victory, with more than a day to spare, was particularly special.

Was this really the same side that had tumbled from battling South Africa for a place at the top of the Test table last season to sitting fifth behind basket case Pakistan going into this series?

It was also England's first loss in 14 Tests and just the second by Alastair Cook as captain during his 17 matches in charge.

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Australia had gone nine Tests without a victory, losing all four in India and going down 3-0 in England, with rain halting Australia's charge at Manchester and The Oval.

This was the most unsuccessful run since the nadir of the mid `80s, when Australia went 14 Tests in a row without a victory under Allan Border after the team was gutted by South Africa rebel tours.

Most significantly Australia has lost three Ashes series in a row. It has not lost four series in succession to England since 1890.

Another Ashes failure this summer and the consequences would have been dire for all concerned.

The last Ashes loss in Australia three years ago had massive ramifications which are still being felt with the ongoing implementation of the sweeping Argus report.

Alastair Cook watches on as Australia celebrate their win. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

Coach Tim Nielsen and the selectors resigned before they were sacked, support staff have been changed and more than half the Cricket Australia board have gone in a major revamp of overdue professionalism.

That Australia has recovered from the turmoil of a terrible year to stage such a revival is remarkable.

During that worst sequence of Tests for 27 years Australia also had the infamous homeworkgate furore in India when four players were suspended for not doing their homework.

Saturday's century-maker David Warner was suspended for punching Joe Root in a Birmingham bar during the Champions Trophy and Nielsen's replacement, Mickey Arthur, was sacked as coach just 18 days before the first Test at Trent Bridge.

This is the side that lost 9-117 at Trent Bridge, was bowled out for 128 at Lord's and collapsed during a run chase at Durham to lose 9-77.

Now it is in an overwhelming position, making England look second rate.

Questions remain about Australia's batting. It could easily have another calamitous Test.

But the long and proud history of Ashes cricket in Australia says it will finish in front at the end of the series.

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MJ has Poms paralysed with fear

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AUSTRALIA believe Mitchell Johnson has England's batsmen paralysed by fear after he surpassed pace great Merv Hughes with a nine-wicket hatchet job at the Gabba.

Johnson claimed man-of-the-match honours with a haul of 9-103, including a second-innings five-wicket blitz that saw him overtake Hughes on Australia's all-time wicket-taking list.

Big Merv was ranked 11th with 212 wickets at 28.38 but Johnson finished the first Test demolition with 214 and is set to leapfrog Clarrie Grimmett (216) into Australia's top 10.

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That feat perhaps best crystallises the resurgence of Johnson, who could surge past 300 Test scalps if he maintains the rampaging form that terrorised England's top order.

It was Johnson's first-innings dismissal of Jonathan Trott that set the tone for this Test and the Australians are adamant his 145km/h thunderbolts have the Poms spooked.

"The way Mitch bowled ... you can see it in their eyes that they weren't quite comfortable facing him so it was good fun," wicketkeeper Brad Haddin said.

Mitchell Johnson celebrates taking Graeme Swann's wicket. Picture: Cameron Spencer. Source: Getty Images

Johnson will never be Australia's Mr Consistent but he possesses a quality few contemporaries share in world cricket _ the ability to bowl terrifying express pace.

And it was fitting he should celebrate his renaissance at the Gabba. It was in Brisbane some 15 years ago that Johnson was a raw quick from Townsville who arrived in town to be mentored by Australian pace icon Dennis Lillee.

Fittingly, at his nadir last year, it was Lillee who helped rebuild Johnson and refine the action that saw him describe the left-armer as a once-in-a-generation quick.

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"I have to give a big thanks to Dennis. I have been able to keep in touch with him since he saw me when I was 17 when I first came to Brisbane for a fast bowling clinic here," he said.

"To have a legend of the game in my corner and to be able to talk to about cricket things is an amazing thing."

Asked last night if he saw fear in the English batsmen's eyes, Johnson smiled and baulked at adding fuel to the inferno created by David Warner.

But he promised one thing _ he would continue his bumper war in the second Test in Adelaide.

"I'll keep doing it. It's working," he said.

Of Trott, Johnson added: "He's been thinking about the short ball from what I have seen in the nets ... practising the short ones.

"There were a couple of nice ones zinging past his nose and as a fast bowler you give him a stare and look at his eyes and there might have been a bit of fear there."

England skipper Alastair Cook admitted the tourists struggled to handle Johnson's lively spells.

"We are going to go and look at how we will play him," he said.

"We have to be very honest with ourselves and how we are going to play him. You can't brush the issue. He has hurt us in this game and we are going to have to show our ability in the next game."

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Buzz: An open letter to the IRL

Sam Burgess is tackled by New Zealand's Elijah Taylor, Ben Matulino, Bryson Goodwin and Simon Mannering. Source: GLYN KIRK / AFP

THIS is an open letter to the board of the International Rugby League.

Gentlemen, congratulations on staging one of the greatest internationals in the history of the game on Saturday night at Wembley Stadium

I enjoyed the England-Kiwis match as much as any State of Origin game or any grand final.

It was an absolutely magnificent showpiece of skill, sweeping ball movement, intensity, courage and excitement.

The try Panthers centre Dean Whare set up for Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was as spectacular and as stunning as anything you will ever see.

Shaun Johnson celebrates his winning try with team mates. Source: Getty Images

We will be watching it on YouTube and talking about it for years.

Sam Burgess turned in one of the greatest front-row performances from an English forward in international football.

Sonny Bill Williams was just Sonny Bill Williams - simply sensational.

James Graham and Gareth Widdup showed why they are both regarded as world class players.

JOIN BUZZ AS HE BLOGS FROM 10AM

Shaun Johnson showed why he is the game's next boom halfback with the awareness, the step, the acceleration and the speed to score the last try and then calmly convert.

Compare this to the penalty goal shootouts we so often see rugby union Tests. Or nil-all draws in soccer internationals.

You guys should put this game be on a DVD and show it to the world as there could be no better advertisement for the game of rugby league.

New Zealand rugby league star Sonny Bill Williams gets the ice ready after a bruising win over England. Source: Supplied

People who have never watched the game will immediately become fans.

As for the second game guys, the Kangaroos against Fiji, I can't comment because I refuse to sit up in the wee small hours to watch any sport when you already know the result.

Australia has now won its last four games by a combined score of 210-2. It's just embarrassing.

The purpose of this letter is to point out ways to improve the game at an international level without subjecting hapless, outclassed opponents to meaningless floggings.

Andrew Fifita of Australia bursts through to score a try against Fiji. Source: Getty Images

A World Cup should be all about the high quality and standard of the Poms v Kiwis blockbuster.

Instead of exposing the minnows every four years, they need your full time funding, attention and support.

Has an NRL side ever toured Fiji, Tonga or Samoa?

Surely you could stage NRL pre-season trial games in the Pacific Islands, just like we do in Tamworth, Wagga and Coff Harbour.

If we are to stage a Manly v Canberra NRL game in China next year, why not in a developing rugby league country?

Clubs too should be encouraged to bring more Fijian players into the NRL competition.

Give salary cap discounts or exemptions to clubs that sign players from Fiji.

Fiji's Kevin Naiqama reacts at the final whistle after his team was beaten 64-0. Source: AFP

The only reason England and the Kiwis are so competitive now is because their players are hardened by the weekly demands and professionalism of NRL football.

In the meantime stage your World Cup every four years but restrict it to the best of the best.

Eventually, if you guys can get the development right over the next decade, we'll have more competitive countries and more magnificent games like England v New Zealand.

Maybe even a Four Nations tournament with a competitive Fiji, not a side that gets belted by 60. That should be your aim.

Regards, Buzz.

HIGHLIGHT I

The Ashes annihilation of England at the Gabba with our oldest and most experienced players leading the way - Brad Haddin, 36, Mitchell Johnson, 32, and Michael Clarke, 32.

HIGHLIGHT II

The last five minutes of the Sydney FC v Wellington game at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night was absolutely brilliant edge-of-your-seat sport.

HIGHLIGHT III

The Kiwis-Poms semi-final was the best rugby league international I've seen in more than 10 years.

LOWLIGHT

The English commentators at the rugby league World Cup. They were disgracefully biased.

LOWLIGHT II

The Kangaroos have now won their last four games at the World Cup with a combined score line of 210 points to two. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

ZIP IT DAVE

Dave Warner's insulting comments about the English batsmen at his Saturday evening press conference were unnecessary during the first game in a five-match series.

Save it until after the series when it can't be used as motivation.

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