Tomic to have hip surgery

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BERNARD Tomic will be sidelined for up to three months after scans revealed a mysterious but longstanding hip injury, ruling him out of Australia's Davis Cup tie with France in a fortnight.

Tomic tried to delay surgery until after the January 31-February 2 tie, but was overruled by doctors. He will be operated on in the next week in Melbourne.

Tomic was jeered after retiring hurt one set into his first-round clash with Rafael Nadal last Tuesday, but further scans have confirmed the groin tear was related to his femoralacetabular impingement (FAI).

FAI is a condition affecting the hip joint in young and middle-aged adults, hindering agility and movement.

Dr Martin Clark said Tomic may have been hindered by FAI for up to a decade but expected him to make a full recovery in time for May's French Open.

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"Bernard's injury is complex and resulted from a hip condition called femoralacetabular impingement, which has placed significant limitations on Bernard's agility and speed and places him at constant risk of injury,'' Dr Clark said.

"He requires the surgery in the coming weeks and will likely return to the ATP circuit in three months.

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"Bernard was desperate to delay surgery until after Davis Cup but accepted strong medical advice that it shouldn't be delayed.''

The latest revelation is a blow for the 21-year-old, who had expected to be sidelined for between 1-3 weeks with a groin (adductor longus) tear.

Dr Clark said over a dozen AFL players had undergone the same surgery and returned to a high level of performance.

Presuming the surgery is a success, Dr Clark predicted Tomic would return to the court in career best physical shape.

"He would have had this for some years, at least 10 years. But it's only become very obvious recently and brought to a head with injury,'' he said.

"He wasn't aware that he had the condition (prior to the Australian Open).

"It is remarkable that he has had the success he has had considering this hip condition. The good news is that it can be fixed with surgery with most athletes returning with superior agility and speed.

"It's a condition that a lot of people have.''

Tomic has faced a public backlash since last Tuesday, with many questioning his desire.

He opted to face the press on Wednesday in the wake of the hostile reaction from the home crowd.

"I think I was misunderstood,'' Tomic said.

"The form I was in, I was ready to challenge Rafa and unfortunately this happened.

"I felt like I got booed a little bit on court, which was pretty unfair. I just needed to get my side out, which is obviously the truth and it's important.

"Obviously they (the crowd) thought I was shaking Rafa's hand because he's too good and I'm forfeiting the match because I can't play against him.

"So I needed to say it was my leg.

"I don't think they quite understood that it was my leg. And after, when I started to sort of explain that with my hand signals, they sort of it turned around into an applause.

"But that's the reason why."

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How Mitch faced up to his demons

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<b>Tell us about your rivalry with Ian Bell.</b>

We have had a lot of contests over the years. When I was first picked up in Brisbane at 17 and sent to England a couple months later for the Australian under-19s, I hit him in the helmet with a short ball. That was something I have always remembered to this day. The ball came off his helmet and skipped off to the boundary.

That's quite remarkable, a ball bowled 14 years ago when you were kids could form part of an Ashes game plan.

I have always remembered it and tried to replicate it whenever I have played him. I have always enjoyed playing him. There was a period there when I felt I had it over him but he came out last Ashes series in Australia when he was on his game. We have always gone hard at him early with short balls.

Dennis Lillee asked you to do your off-season distance runs with a cricket ball but we heard there were times when you became a bit selfconscious about it?

I remember running in the park in Perth and Chad Morrison, an AFL player, was down there doing drills one night. I went to the darkest part of the park. I could tell he thought it might have been just some weird guy running around with a cricket ball in his hand. Then he realised it was me and we had a chat. It was a bit embarrassing.

Ricky Ponting said in his book he was surprised that such a talented player like you could occasionally have so little confidence. Can you relate to that?

That is a true statement ... I think back to the times when things were not going right for me and I definitely lacked confidence. That was just how I was. I knew that I had ability but I just didn't trust myself. I am not worried by what people think any more. Before I was thinking about that a lot.

Mitchell Johnson celebrates a wicket during the fifth Test at the SCG. Source: News Limited

There is a theory that the short ball you bowled which hit Jonathan Trott in the helmet in the one-dayers in England made him over train for this series and started a chain reaction which eventually saw him go home. Do you believe that?

They did bring out two left-armed fast bowlers at the start of this series so I guess they could have been over-thinking it. It is a hard question to answer but obviously it was in the back of their minds. Whether it was from that ball or not I don't know - but they definitely knew I was going to come hard at them and they definitely prepared for it.

When you needed toe surgery after the South African tour two years ago, you seemed almost relieved to get out of cricket's bubble. How down were you?

I was craving for something. I was almost hoping for an injury just so I could get away. You don't really want to get injured but it was the best thing for me in the end. It gave me an opportunity to work on all the things I wanted to work on. We have a full schedule and I feel you cannot work through these things in the middle of a series. The time I had at home was brilliant. I focused on getting my toe right firstly and getting myself relaxed again. I had that drive again. Being written off was another motivation. It drove me to getting back to where I am.

How did the break help you apart from mentally freshening up?

I worked on a couple of little things like my back foot landing and getting my back foot drive through and pulling that front arm down. There have been times in my career when you get a bit tired and you start pulling away from your body. Just maturing as a cricketer has helped me. Knowing my game better and what works. Not being distracted by outside influences which is what I used to do is a big thing. I know what works for me now and so does Boof (coach Darren Lehmann) and Michael (Clarke, captain).

Such as?

Bowling shorter spells. I don't mind bowling longer spells every now and then but I thinks it's best for me to bowl shorter spells, use the short ball and be aggressive. That's been a big part of the series.

You have a reputation as fearsome enforcer yet a lot of people who know you feel that you are actually very shy. Who is the real person?

I don't mind keeping to myself and keeping chilled out. That is how I have always been. I enjoy my time at home with my mates and family ... (but) on the field it is white line fever. I have always been very competitive.

England's Stuart Broad avoids a short ball from Mitchell Johnson. Source: Supplied

Where did the plan to bomb the English tail come from?

We set a really good tone in the one-day series in England before the Ashes although we did not have that plan of going for their tail. It was something we talked about at Allan Border Field before the first Test, how we were going to go hard at their tail. In the first Test we could see they did not enjoy it. Not many people do if the ball is coming at your head. I bowled a lot of short balls in the series.

Could you detect fear?

Whether it was fear ... or intimidation. I saw it as intimidation and they did not want a part of it. The plan worked there.

Who did you consider your big wicket?

I enjoyed getting (Alastair) Cook out. He is a great player and if you can break the captain at the top of the order you feel like you can break the team. That is something I remember Ricky Ponting always saying. It was always a big target to get after a captain. We bowled well to Cook throughout the series and it was pretty satisfying to get his wicket.

Some people feel you need to be a cool killer. Do you?

Yes. The big thing for me throughout the series was that I kept my emotions in check. There were times when I got close to really losing it. In the past I have bowled a pile of junk after losing my cool. With the Kevin Pietersen thing in Melbourne I told myself not to let the emotion get in the way of my skills. I went back to bowl what I needed to bowl. It was a good little lesson for me.

What did you make of Pietersen?

He was one of their big players. It was quite funny. We always say not to say anything to him because we know he likes that confrontation. It gets him going.

Did you start talking to him?

It's hard not to. There were times when I did. In Brisbane I did not say a word to him. Once I covered my mouth after a shot he played but I did not say anything. He said to me "it is either going to be you or me" ... I just giggled. My plan was not to say anything but as the series wore on we exchanged a few words here or there. That's what I love about the game. You want to beat a guy on skill but some verbals come into it.

Mitchell Johnson stares at Joe Root during the second Test in Adelaide. Picture: Calum Robertson Source: News Limited

We often tell the story of you bowling in your dad's golf spikes. A strong memory?

I wore dad's spikes playing at Wanderers (in Townsville) but the club was really good and they helped me out. We never really had the money to buy all the cricket gear. I played tennis for a lot of years and we got sponsorships for that.

How serious were you as a young tennis player?

One of my early goals was to play at Wimbledon. When I was 17 or 18 that was what I wanted to do. I remember a relative bringing back a shirt from Wimbledon and that was it for me. I had an opportunity to move to Brisbane when I was 14 and play tennis but I was not prepared to move away from home and do it on my own. I don't regret it. I could not have imagined being where I am now. I am proud of what I have done.

Your old Queensland mates reckon that you are a player who needs to be settled off the field to bowl well. Fair?

It does help. There is always going to be ups and downs in your life but I have learned to manage that better now. But it is great. I have started my own family and I have really enjoyed going back and seeing my little girl. It is always going to put a smile on my face. Whatever I do on the field is not the end of the world. It is a maturity thing. I realise it's not the end of the world. That is one thing (wife) Jess said to me as well, "just go out there and have fun. If it doesn't work it doesn't work. At least you know you have had a good career.''

Had you been too intense?

I had definitely thought about it too much and let it stress me.

Will you try to bomb the tail in South Africa?

It is something we will talk about and I am sure we will look into it again. Obviously it did work here but whether it will work there is something we will have to decide ... but I am sure we will have a crack at it.

Mitchell Johnson celebrates the Ashes series triumph with captain Michael Clarke at the Sydney Opera House. Source: AFP

What does the challenge of playing in South Africa mean for you?

I really do enjoy bowling over there. They have a little bit in them at times. Good pace and carry. They can be similar to Australian wickets. We probably will get a bit more swing over there. I am looking forward to that, as all our bowlers are. I am sure some of their guys have seen what has been happening over here and hopefully that is in the back of their minds.

Lillee famously called you a once in a lifetime bowler when he saw you as a kid. How did that affect you?

I don't think I realised what it really meant, at that stage I wasn't really that into cricket. I was playing a bit of A-grade in Townsville but I was not that serious about it. I didn't really know what I was going to do. I was thinking about a computer course and joining the army.

How has you diet been during your resurgence?

I have been eating differently - a lot more protein and less carbs. I have heaps of energy and I have stayed lean.

Just before you won the Ashes in Perth the team briefly seemed to lose their radar. What happened?

We had been through so much, it was quite emotional ... for a couple of balls after I got (Tim) Bresnan out I got emotional and I was not concentrating on what I was doing. We were so close.

What would you say now if you were coaching a young Mitchell Johnson?

I remember growing up and playing with Andy Bichel and Michael Kasprowicz and they have always told me things that I have learnt were true. But some things you probably have to experience yourself before you realise they are true. You need patience with your players and not to play around with guys' techniques too much. This is why I have enjoyed Craig McDermott, because he understands each individual and how they play as a player. I have been able to come out in the past 12 months and play my own game.

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Buzz: Nines loophole exploited

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CHRIS Sandow will make his long-awaited comeback to top grade footy at the Auckland Nines.

Sandow has been training the house down according to Eels insiders and is understood to be keen to make the most of any chance he gets under new Parramatta coach Brad Arthur.

The $500,000 recruit has struggled for fitness and consistency since his arrival at Parramatta, and has battled much-publicised gambling issues.

But should Sandow get through the club's trip to Alice Springs, he'll be on the plan to Auckland for the rich February 15-16 tournament.

At the top of his game, Sandow is a genuine excitement machine and will benefit from the extra space on the field in the Nines format.

While Sandow's inclusion is a big win for the Auckland tournament, there's plenty of sidestepping going on among the coaching ranks.

Des Hasler, Ricky Stuart, Mick Potter and Craig Bellamy are considering brushing the Auckland Nines, sending assistants in their place while they concentrate on the NRL season proper.

The Nines was set up with strict guidelines about the quality of players that must attend, but with no mention of coaches, there's a loophole to exploit.

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ROSS TACKLES A NEW CHALLENGE

RETIRED NRL prop Ben Ross has knocked back the chance to return to the paddock with the London Broncos in the UK Super League, taking up the dedicated role of Welfare Manager with the Men of League foundation.

Ross, who overcame a broken neck to play again in the NRL, will draw on his own remarkable story in his new role with the foundation, which assists former players once they have retired. He had a one year offer from the Broncos on the table but is determined to have a greater impact off the field rather than on it.

Jamal Idris does first media session since leaving the Titans for the Panthers. pic. Phil Hillyard Source: News Limited

JAMAL ESCAPE WELL PLANNED

DON'T for a minute think that the Panthers rode in at the last minute to help Jamal Idris out of his Titans deal. The plan to switch clubs was hatched some time ago, and while you can't argue with the reasons (Idris being closer to his ill mum), it's a bit rich to portray it as some last minute solution that was in the best interests of both clubs.

FLANNO'S HOLIDAY BEFORE FIGHT

SUSPENDED Sharks coach Shane Flanagan is just back from a family getaway on the Queensland border.

He took his family to Rainbow Bay at the southern end of Coolangatta for a 10-day holiday to escape all the attention. He has meetings this week with his manager Wayne Beavis and lawyers to discuss the next move in the Sharks ASADA scandal.

Indications are that he will appeal the 12-month suspension.

SBW KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH FANS

SUPERSTAR Sonny Bill Williams had a busy week, returning to training with the Roosters and sweating in Sydney's brutal sumer heat.

But he also found time to attend a couple of women's touch footy games at Centennial Park, posing for dozens of photos and signing autographs for a host of star-struck young ladies.

TASSIE SCORES A WORLD RATING

RICHARD Sattler's bold vision to build two golf courses on the remote north coast of Tasmania (Barnbougle Dunes and The Lost Farm) has paid off in the best possible way, with the courses ranked inside the top 25 in the world by influential US Golf Digest.

Famed US layout Pine Valley took the No.1 ranking, while Royal Melbourne West is Australia's highest ranked course at number nine.

Barnbougle Dunes came in at 11th, pipping legendary courses like Pebble Beach, Merion and Turnberry.

"A 2004 collaboration of American superstar designer Tom Doak and Australian tour-pro turned architect Michael Clayton, this is a tremendous 18 in a fantastic stretch of sand dunes along Bass Strait," the judges noted.

Barnbougle's second course The Lost Farm was 23rd, just behind Kingston Heath (20) and New Zealand's famed Cape Kidnappers 22). Royal Melbourne East (28), NSW (33) and Victoria (94) are the other local entrants.

It's the first time Golf Digest has produced a world top 100 list, the US magazine calling on its 27 sister publications around the world to pull it together.

David Warner of Australia switch hits for six. Source: Getty Images

SYDNEY'S GIANT HOUSE PARTY

CRICKET Australia officials are quietly eyeing the possibility of a record Sydney crowd of above 60,000 when Australia meet England in the T20 international at ANZ Stadium on Sunday 2 February.

Sales have spiked for the game that represents the Ashes tour finale, with officials confident of a crowd exceeding the 40,242 that attended last summer's T20 international against Sri Lanka.

But there's now a real possibility the game will challenge the record for any cricket match held in Sydney. That stands at 59,569, which was the crowd for the first T20 international held at ANZ Stadium, against India in 2012.

Australia look to have found a natural white-ball opening pair in Dave Warner and Aaron Finch, and Warner has a real affinity for the Sydney Olympic Park venue, and not just because he launched his famous switch-hit for six at the ground two years ago.

Last year Warner smashed 90 from 62 balls, and he remains the only batsman to have hit a ball so high into the stands it slammed into the glass windows of a Level 3 corporate box.

BACK ON HOME TURF

IRONWOMAN Tara Coleman will make the most of a rare opportunity to race on home turf over the Australia Day weekend with the surf lifesaver to contest back to back carnivals on the Northern Beaches.

Coming 12th in the Nutri-Grain series heading into next months finale, Coleman faces the prospect of not automatically qualifying for next summers event.

"The carnivals at Manly and Freshwater are part of the qualifying series for the next one so it's a good opportunity to chase some points," Coleman said.

Coleman was a last minute inclusion into the six-round Nutri-grain series after the retirement of Hayley Bateup from the event.

FAMOUS SPECTATOR

ONE of baseball's true giants, Hank Aaron, is coming to Sydney to watch the Dodgers take on the Diamondbacks at the SCG in March.

Aaron is the legendary batter who held the Major League Baseball home run record with 755.

He famously broke Babe Ruth's record of 714 hits in 1974 and went on to hold the mark for 33 years until the arrival of Barry Bonds.

The 79-year-old hall of famer will travel to Australia with MLB commissioner Bud Selig, the highest paid sports administrator on the planet.

Selig, who's planning to retire after the next season of the MLB, is on more than $20m a year.

Australian cricketer Holly Fearling at the MCG Holly would be in her Southern Stars gear for a feature we are running on Sunday. Source: News Limited

HOLLY A TRUE STAR ON THE RISE

ELLYSE Perry has some competition as our most marketable female cricketer in the form of fellow quick Holly Ferling.

The 18-year-old university student is in the sights of some of cricket's biggest sponsors.

But, with the Southern Stars- England series moving to Melbourne today for the first of six limited-overs matches, Ferling remains focused on regaining the Ashes.

"We just need to go out there and be confident from ball one," she told our Melbourne colleague Eliza Sewell.

"We need to make sure we play the attacking and aggressive game we have played in the World Cup and the Twenty20 World Cup. We have the playing group to do it. We can definitely do it."

Sharni Layton (foreground) training with fellow Swifts team members at Wanda sand hills, Cronulla, on Saturday 18th January 2014. Pic: Mitch Cameron Source: Supplied

SWIFTS DRAW LINE IN THE SAND

THE NSW Swifts took on Wanda Beach's famed sand hills yesterday morning as they continued a gruelling pre-season

"This is my twelfth pre-season as a Swift and in terms of intensity, this is the most challenging and physically demanding we've undertaken," captain Kimberlee Green said.

The players shared the sandhills with the GWS Giants and spent two hours running up and down the dunes and doing skills-based activities in the fine sand.

"Under new head coach Rob Wright we've worked extremely hard on our fitness and conditioning to put us in the best shape possible for the season proper," Green said.

The Swifts open their season on Sunday, March 2 at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre.

Thunder fans cheer on their team during the Big Bash League T20 game at Homebush, Sydney. pic mark evans Source: News Limited

THE NEW THUNDER-DOME

THE Sydney Thunder are likely to desert ANZ Stadium for the Giants' home ground for next season's Big Bash. Skoda Stadium boasts a 25,000 capacity and would be a better fit for the T20 franchise. "It's the only way we can create an atmosphere and draw a crowd," one Thunder insider said.

Senior Cricket NSW officials remain pleased with the Thunder's fanbase and growing presence in the summer sporting market.

FINE MESS FOR A PROUD DAD

OUR resident football expert Robbie Slater has got himself in a bind.

Slater is forced to go for the Central Coast Mariners every week in our A-League tipping competition because if he doesn't, his son Tom - who plays for the Mariners - gets fined by his teammates.

The family loyalty isn't holding Slater back.

Robbie's comfortably leading all our football experts and Buzz Rothfield, the regular inhabitant of these pages.

SUNDAY SESSION

SAINT

IT WOULD be easy to give it to James Faulkner for that remarkable match-winning innings at the Gabba - but our Saint this week is Alastair Cook for fronting up for all the
post-match pressers, showing grace and humility after losing what looked an
unloseable match.

Shinji Ono. Source: Getty Images

SINNER

THE Wanderers for letting Shinji Ono return to Japan without putting up a fight. Ono took a massive gamble joining the new franchise and has made a huge contribution to the A-League. Ono has been repaid in the worst possible way by Western Sydney boss Lyall Gorman and his football department.

SSSHHH

WHICH soccer superstar is quietly considering a training stint Down Under to keep up his fitness in the lead up to the World Cup. It would be a massive coup for any club to attract him, even if he's only on the training paddock.

SPOTTED

OUR spies at League Central reported sightings of what they described as "a younger version of John Brady", the former NRL media man who resigned after nearly two decades at the league late last year. "It couldn't have possibly been Brades," one source said. "He was wearing shorts, thongs and he looked 20 years younger than the Brades we remember."

flare dinkum

FOX Sports types were none too pleased when an internal email circulating Channel Ten headquarters was leaked on Twitter. A Ten chief of staff sent a note requesting amateur vision from anyone attending Melbourne Victory's A-League match against the Western Sydney Wanderers - a breach of the broadcast rights deal. "News would be interested in any amateur vision shots of flares / push and shove / security evicting people / verbal abuse etc," the email said.

A MIGHTY UNION

THREE Sydney groupings are among the 41 expressions of interest for the 8-10 spots in the first National Rugby Championship in August. Randwick, Easts and Southern Districts are keen to combine, with Eastwood, Parramatta and West Harbour joining forces. The other major Sydney grouping comprises Manly, Warringah, Northern Suburbs and Gordon. Sydney University want to stand alone.

Russell Crowe and James Packer at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence in Redfern. Source: News Limited

ONE BUGGED BUNNY

THERE are continued rumblings out of Redfern about coach Michael Maguire's unhappiness on several fronts. We're told that Maguire has had something of a falling out with part owner Russell Crowe. We also understand that the Federal Government's decision to withdraw funding from the Rabbitohs' planned multi-million dollar training facility at Maroubra has caused plenty of consternation.

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Faulkner cashes in on Gabba heroics

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MOVE over Alessandro Del Piero and Buddy Franklin - James Faulkner has belted his way into the very top echelon of Australian sport's biggest earners.

Faulkner's one-day heroics at the Gabba will be rewarded with annual earnings approaching $3 million, more than A-League or AFL ­superstars earn.

The big hitting all-rounder, who guided Australia to the unlikeliest of wins in Brisbane on Friday night, will leapfrog into the top handful of Cricket Australia contracted players - guaranteeing a $1.5 million payday, three times his current deal.

Given Faulkner's been involved in the past six Tests and his sensational limited overs form, he'll move up alongside David Warner, Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson in the ­contract stakes.

Throw in Faulkner's Indian Premier League contract with the Rajasthan Royals, which will leap to $911,000 this year, and various endorsements, and his earnings will leave AFL, ­A-League and NRL stars in the shade.

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Faulkner's manager Gerard Sholly said that Rajasthan had contracted the all-rounder for considerably more than the $456,000 he received last year.

"He was one of the real stars of the IPL last year (he was the second highest wicket-taker) so Rajasthan was pretty keen to get him back again,'' Sholly said.

IPL franchises can this year choose to retain up to five players, keeping them out of the auction pool and the clutches of other franchises, and Rajasthan knew that they had something special with the young Australian all-rounder.

"James is in a good place and let's not forget he is only 23 years old,'' Sholly said.

Faulkner was trending on Twitter after he propelled his side to an amazing ODI win over England at the Gabba on Friday.

His heroics, steering the Aussies from 9-244 to 9-301 and an improbable win, came after he last year belted the fastest ODI century by an Australian player, off 57 balls in India.

In his past eight ODI games for Australia, he has been near on unstoppable, scoring 299 runs at an average of just under 150, including that maiden century.

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And Faulkner has now become a regular part of Australia's Test squad, playing a Test at The Oval in August and being 12th man during all five of Australia's Ashes Test wins this summer.

"He's been a part of our setup for the whole summer and he's obviously an exceptional talent," Australian vice-captain Brad Haddin said yesterday.

"He's a guy's who learns quicker than most.

"He's only young but he takes everything on board. He picks up things and puts them into action."

Captain Michael Clarke endorsed Faulkner as Australia's new Michael Bevan in reference to him becoming the new expert finisher in the limited-overs arena.

Faulkner conceded while his effort sent his confidence sky high, it would mean little in Sunday's third clash with England in Sydney.

"I'm sure next time I go out to bat I'll have a lot of confidence," he said.

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ADP reveals near-death accident

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ON a sparklingly bright Sydney morning, Alessandro Del Piero is doing the corporate duties he probably enjoys the most - kicking a football around with a group of kids, some of whom really don't have an idea of the fame of their teammate.

But then he too was one of them once, just dreaming of a life in football. Long ago, long before the journey that took him to Juventus, and a World Cup final, and in the end to play out its closing credits at Sydney FC.

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And it's when he recalls that innocent youth, that he also recalls just how close he came to no life at all, let alone one that would make him one of the greatest footballers of all time.

"I love to watch them, because they play with their heart, they play to enjoy and for fun," he says, keen to make sure the children have enough sunscreen on.

"They play to win too, but it's a pure atmosphere, and sometimes I think back to when I was that age, and I ask my brothers what I was like then. I was very young when I was playing, at three or four, but even before that I liked to be with the ball.

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"In Europe you can start with a team around six years old, but at eight or nine I had a crash with a car, I had to rest for more than six months. So it wasn't until I was nine that I could play properly with a team, San Vendemiano.

"It was the second day of the school term in September, I rode my bike and had a big collision with a car. I went to the hospital and spent 15 days in a head brace. Luckily then everything was good, or . . ."

It's a big "or" because by then he was marked out as one of the young elite, and already had an infatuation with the game that it had to be his life.

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"I have always loved to play the game, every moment of the day, but maybe at seven, maybe a bit before, it was my life - I dreamt about football, thought about it, talked about it, all the time," he said.

"With my teammates, it was clear there were two or three of us better than the others. But it still needed constant work to improve, and that's a good state of mind."

That, you'd think, would be the message he tries to impart to the children with whom he unflaggingly poses for photos and autographs, but there's a simpler philosophy that he's adamant is the way to get every child into playing sport, let alone football.

Alessandro Del Piero of Sydney FC. Source: Getty Images

"With children you have to think of the age - for sure they have to enjoy it, first," he said. "It's not only win, win, win or improve, improve, improve. If they enjoy it first, then you can help them with some smart thinking. Let them play, let them enjoy.

"But in the end if they improve it's good for everyone because they learn something different. You give them the knowledge, to make right decisions and become better.

"Football is a great place to start to give energy to children. They dream about football, and becoming a footballer, and if they have a chat with you or a picture with you, it can inspire them for life. It's exactly what happened with me when I was a child."

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Faulkner delivers masterclass in poise

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THERE are seasoned international players who go a career without showing the poise James Faulkner displayed under pressure on Friday night.

Twenty20 run chases have broadened the boundaries of run chasing.

More than a decade ago Michael Bevan used to tell his team-mates that they always had more time than they thought they had in run chases.

Now they actually believe it because Twenty20 has shown them it's true.

To see Faulkner quietly whittle down a 10-run per over run chase as if he was putting together a jsigaw puzzle was a masterclass in poise under pressure.

James Faulkner launches a big hit for Australia at the Gabba. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: News Limited

He knew he had the grenades to score quickly at the end so there were even times he rejected singles to stay on strike.

He just had to make sure he and his partner Clint McKay did not panic.

Faulkner has been floating around the national team for a while and Friday night's innings introduced him as a fully-fledged star because it confirmed that he has the heart for the big occasion.

He is a natural born competitor who wallows in the heat of battle.

Many other players would have crumbled under the pressure. He fed off it.

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When Faulkner clubbed the winning cover drive for a victory for the ages England's players stood motionless as if a UFO had suddenly landed on the ground.

They could not believe what they had seen.

There's only one thing more dispiriting thing than playing badly and losing a cricket match.

That's playing well and still losing. Slapping a right cross fair on your opponent's chin and having them smile and wink back.

Australia, courtesy of Faulkner's stunning cameo, were the team with the smile and wink.

When you slap down 300 in a 50 over match you expect to win.

But Australia just has England's number at the moment.

Friday night's loss will be yet another stake through the bleeding heart of an England cricket side who may need to be put in padded cells when they go home such has been the torment of this tour.

James Faulkner is cheered off the Gabba by his Australian teammates. Source: Getty Images

It was a night for Australia's bright young talents to shine and the game also showcased the skills of quirky Australian batsman Glenn Maxwell.

Not too many original products spin off the cricket production line these days but Maxwell is one of them.

Australia has never had a batsman with his mindset.

It has fielded many players bold enough to attempt the reverse sweep but his effort to successfully attempt it three times in a row for three boundaries was something he alone would attempt.

No sooner was his dismissed lashing out than fans on Twitter were criticising him for being too outlandish but high-rollers always win and lose big.

His international career will be fun to watch and filled with thrills and spills and local fans may just have to accept that the brilliant will occasionally be accompanied by the banana peel slips ups.

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Berisha sent off in Glory stalemate

Besart Berisha of the Roar is shown the red card by referee Kris Griffiths-Jones. Source: Paul Kane / Getty Images

PERTH Glory was unable to take advantage of a Brisbane Roar outfit forced to play with 10 men for more than an hour as the teams drew 0-0 at nib Stadium on Friday night.

Roar striker Besart Berisha, making his first start since returning from injury, was sensationally sent off after being booked for two aerial challenges on Glory defender Michael Thwaite in the first half.

Perth pressed desperately for a late winner, with Chris Harold's overhead kick in stoppage time almost earning all three points.

Re-live the action - with video highlights, stats, play-by-play updates and polls - at our A-League Match Centre.

But Glory created few clear cut chances for the night, with Brisbane good value for the point as Roar recorded its first draw of the season.

Berisha, whose last-minute theatrical tumble against Glory won Brisbane the 2011/12 Grand Final, was well aware he was the villain when roundly booed by the nib Stadium crowd as the teams were introduced.

The booing for the controversial Roar marksman got even louder just seconds after kick-off when he clattered into Thwaite to earn an early yellow card.

Thomas Broich of the Roar contest for the ball against Jacob Burns and Adrian Zahra of the Glory. Source: Getty Images

Berisha left the ground and crashed into Thwaite with another clumsy challenge in the 31st minute, earning his second yellow card and his marching orders after leading with his boot.

Glory goalkeeper Danny Vukovic was handed a yellow card for his role in an ensuing melee.

Socceroos great Stan Lazaridis believed Vukovic was lucky to not have joined Berisha in having an early shower.

"I've seen players sent off for raising a hand and maybe another ref might not have been so kind,'' Lazaridis said.

Tempers flare at nib Stadium between Daniel Vukovic of the Glory and Luek Brattan of the Roar. Source: Getty Images

Despite being reduced numerically, Brisbane dominated the early stages of the second half and Henrique wasted a wonderful opportunity to give the visitors the advantage when he struck over the top of the crossbar in the 47th minute.

Perth marquee defender William Gallas started in his return from seven weeks out with a calf injury.

Gallas was substituted out of the game at half-time and replaced by Jack Clisby as a pre-planned precaution.

Fellow Glory defender Josh Risdon came on as a second-half substitute, his first appearance since Round 2 after recovering from a knee injury.

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Champ Djokovic in cruise control

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NOVAK Djokovic eased into the Australian Open fourth round with a comfortable victory over Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan on Friday night.

Djokovic, seeking his fourth Australian Open title in a row and fifth overall, won 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 in front of a lively crowd at Rod Laver Arena.

Once Djokovic cruised to a 3-1 lead in the opening set, there was no stopping him.

He grabbed an early break again and and hit 13 winners to Istomin's three to claim the second.

Another break had Djokovic ahead at the start of the third set before Istomin began pressing on his own service game.

STOSUR BEATEN IN THREE SETS

The world No.49 thrilled the crowd with some great retrievals but he was unable to reach break point against his No.2-seeded opponent.

That was until Djokovic, serving for the match at 5-4, committed a double-fault, apparently distracted by someone shouting from the stands.

Istomin converted when Djokovic netted a forehand but the Serbian broke back immediately, prompting a huge roar from the man who would again serve for victory.

This time he made no mistake, claiming the match after a fraction under two hours.

Djokovic will next play Italian No.15 seed Fabio Fognini, who defeated Sam Querrey of the United States 7-5, 6-4, 6-4.

GALLERY: HOTTEST SHOTS FROM DAY 5

Meanwhile, after conceding the first set, Tommy Robredo upset ninth-seeded Frenchman Richard Gasquet.

The Spanish world No.18 won 2-6, 7-5, 6-4, 7-6 (8-6) after three hours and 18 minutes to advance to the fourth round, where he will face eighth seed Stanislas Wawrinka.

The Pole secured his place with a walkover after Canadian Vasek Pospisil was forced out with the back injury he had overcome to knock Australian Matthew Ebden out in the second round.

SEE HOW DAY 5 UNFOLDED IN OUR LIVE COVERAGE BELOW

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VB's Achilles cut a freak accident

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ADELAIDE will this week review its fitness equipment and safety practices but the club believes skipper Nathan van Berlo's season threatening achilles tendon injury was the result of a freak accident.

Van Berlo will be out of football until at least August after rupturing his achilles on Monday when he was struck by a weighted training sled which cut through his heel and tendon, at Max Basheer Reserve.

MORE: NO TALK OF CHOOSING AN ACTING CAPTAIN UNTIL LATER

A spokesperson for the club said, with no vision, it was difficult to determine how the incident occurred and the club's football department would conduct an internal review.

The review, to include high performance manager Nick Poulos and coach Brenton Sanderson, will centre around the training sleds, but the club is confident there is no safety issue.

Widely used across the AFL and part of the Crow's program for years, the sleds are loaded with weights and strapped to the athlete.

The athlete then pulls the sled while sprinting as a form of sprint training.

The Crows could not confirm whether van Berlo was struck by a sled he was pulling, or a sled pulled by another player.

Club doctor Andrew Potter said it was initially suspected 182-game veteran van Berlo had suffered a cut to the heel.

Former Crow Phil Davis dragging a sled with weights, similar to the one that injured captain Nathan van Berlo. Source: News Limited

The club took him to hospital as a precaution where scans revealed the injury was far worse.

"We're not entirely sure exactly what happened and the club is still looking into that, but suffice to say it was during a warm up,'' Dr Potter said.

"They were doing some speed work and some strength work.

"One of the things that is used in many sports and widely across the AFL is they use those sleds that they pull, which are weighted.

"For some reason, Nathan was struck on the back of the heel by one of those sleds.

"Now the circumstance of that we're not sure of. We're still looking into that but that's how it happened."

Leading SA athletics coach Steve Butler said he regularly used sleds in training with his athletes and rated the risk of being struck as low. But he said precaution was required.

Butler successfully used sleds when training Olympic medallist Mark Ormorod for the 2004 Games in Athens and currently uses them with Paralympian Gabriel Cole.

"For elite level training they are a necessary part and the benefits outweigh the risk,'' said Butler, also West Adelaide Football Club fitness coach.

"I'm not sure what happened (with van Berlo) but there is a slight risk and you have to be careful.

"If the athlete does not pull up properly from a sprint, for example, the sled could slide into the back of him if (the sled) is not heavily weighted."

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From Ballon d'Or glitz to W-League

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Nadine Angerer was rubbing shoulders with Pele and Cristiano Ronaldo in Zurich on Tuesday morning, but come Sunday, the world's best female player will be slugging it out at Edensor Park in Sydney's west in Brisbane Roar colours.

And the newly crowned FIFA women's player of the year wouldn't want it any other way on a football journey that brought her to Queensland a few months ago.

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"Nadine was looking for a different challenge, wanted to experience a different culture and play in a different competition," Brisbane W-League coach Belinda Wilson said in explaining how the Roar snared the services of the veteran goalkeeper.

The Roar can also thank their striker Tameka Butt, who last year played alongside Angerer at German club FFC Frankfurt.

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"Tameka was having a conversation with her about football, told her about the W-League and the Roar, and she became interested," Wilson said.

"Her agent then sent the club an email and the club agreed that it would be great for us to bring her out here.

"It's fantastic for us, her and the W-League. She's had a fantastic attitude since she's been here and her experience has helped the girls so much."

Germany's women's world player of the year Nadine Angerer returns to the W-League this weekend. Source: AP

The 35-year-old keeper, who captained Germany to 2013 UEFA European Championship glory and saved two penalties in the final, outpolled last year's winner, American Abby Wambach, and Brazilian legend Marta to claim the gong.

She joined Ronaldo on the winner's dais, with the Portuguese star claiming FIFA's Ballon d'Or ahead of Lionel Messi and Franck (FRANCK) Ribery.

"I still can't believe it, but I'm totally calm and can't really take it in," Angerer said.

"I think I'll have to sleep on it for a couple of nights until it finally all hits me.

"I have to thank everybody that voted for me and I just want to pay my respects to Marta and Abby who have had an incredible year too."

Germany's women's world player of the year Nadine Angerer returns to the W-League this weekend. Source: AFP

At the end of the W-League season, Angerer will join American National Women's Soccer League club Portland Thorns.

But Wilson hasn't given up hope of the custodian returning to the Roar for the 2014-15 W-League season.

"We've talked about it, so hopefully it can happen. "It's going to depend on the terms and length of her contract with Portland, and whether they'd be willing to loan her back to us if it's a longer-term deal," Wilson said.

W-League boss Damien de Bohun said Angerer's success had proved "the calibre of international stars" that played in the national women's competition.

"Women's football is playing a significant role in the positive growth of football in Australia and this award shows the point of difference football enjoys in that it is a sport played by men, women, boys and girls," de Bohun said.

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The big boot of Richards is back

Pat Richards, back with the Wests Tigers, pictured at their Concord Oval base. pic mark evans Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

PAT Richards knows exactly where the Steeden needs to be kicked. A sweet spot that, when found, sends balls higher than ANZ Stadium beer prices.

"But you have to watch hours of Andrew Johns video to learn it," the Wests Tigers favourite grins. "At least, that's how it started for me."

After eight outstanding years in the English Super League - a run which included grand final and Challenge Cup triumphs, one Man of Steel award, even stints with Ireland - Richards is back in Sydney and ready to reclaim that tag for which he is most famed, "Biggest Boot in the NRL''.

Pat Richards of Wigan celebrates after scoring. Source: Getty Images

Yep, in Richards, 31, you have a Wests Tigers winger whose arsenal of drop-outs, drop goals, conversions, even kick-offs are a thing of legend.

And for proof, join the 100,000 league fans who, on YouTube, have watched replays of Richards' famed 45m field goal against St Helens this year. A kick which, from out near the left sideline, rivals that famed 1996 cracker by Western Suburbs Magpie Andrew Willis, which wobbled a whopping 48m to sink North Sydney.

"I was actually at a promotion the other day and all the fans wanted to talk about was that drop goal,'' Richards laughs.

Pat Richards, back with the Wests Tigers, pictured at their Concord Oval base. pic mark evans Source: News Limited

"It's crazy... there has been a lot of talk but that one, it was totally off the cuff. I got thrown the ball on the last and just decided to have a go."

Elsewhere, the Tigers winger has also been known to send drop-outs 70m on the full. And as for his kick-offs? Well, in 2005 NRL officials actually apprehended his kicking tee and, after putting a measuring tape over every inch, deemed it illegal.

"The idea for your kick-offs is to get the ball twisting,'' Richards explains. "When you get it high, moving around in the air, it means the person underneath it has to start moving too. That's exactly what you want."

Pat Richards, back with the Wests Tigers, pictured at their Concord Oval base. pic mark evans Source: News Limited

And as for his hang time?

"I haven't really timed them in terms of seconds or anything,'' the 2005 NRL premiership player continues. "My goal is to get the ball as high as possible. The high kick-offs are something I definitely work hard on."

After initially planning on a two-year stint in the UK, Richards stayed eight.

"So it was time for a new challenge,'' he says. "There are a lot of things I still want to achieve in the NRL and, at 31, I couldn't delay it any longer. There are a lot of good young players here at Wests Tigers. Just making the side is going to be tough."

FIVE GREAT FIELD GOALS

1. Andrew Willis (Western Suburbs)

Magpies playmaker inked his name in league folklore in 1996 when a wobbly drop goal travelled 48m to sink the Bears.

2. Shaun Timmins (NSW)

A great left-footer from 38m in the 83rd minute to clinch the Blues victory in game one of the 2004 Origin series.

3. Nathan Merritt (South Sydney)

Rabbitohs winger earned the 2009 Peter Frilingos Award - for headline moment of the year - after booting a sensational last-ditch field goal against Wests Tigers at the SCG.

4. Cooper Cronk (Queensland)

With the Maroons gone, Cronk kicked an inch-perfect drop goal to win Queensland the 2012 Origin series in game three.

5. Braith Anasta (Roosters, pictured right)

A dramatic Anasta drop goal in the final seconds against the Tigers sends the Roosters into extra time and eventually the 2010 grand final.

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Sharapova sloppy but through

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MARIA Sharapova has clawed her way into the Australian Open second round Tuesday with a straight-sets win over Bethanie Mattek-Sands as she seeks her first Grand Slam title since the 2012 French Open.

The glamorous Russian, on the comeback trail from a shoulder injury that forced her off the tour in August, battled past the tough American 6-3, 6-4 but her game was marred by too many errors and a serve that failed to fire.

"After (missing) my last Grand Slam in New York I have been so looking forward to this one and I was really happy to start,'' she said.

"She was a tough opponent and I'm just happy to get through the first one.

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"I have had trouble against her in the past and I knew it would be no different tonight.''

Sharapova was playing aggressive tennis and forcing errors from the American, which cost her dearly with the third seed racing to a 4-0 lead in the first set.

But the colourful Mattek-Sands, sporting purple dyed hair and her trademark knee socks, forced her way back into the game when Sharapova drove a forehand long to give her a glimmer of hope.

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She held serve to go 4-2 and nearly got back to 4-3 with the Russian struggling with her service game, but failed to make the most of her opportunities with Sharapova closing out an error-riddled set in 48 minutes.

Sharapova got the break she was looking for in the third game of the second set, striking a powerful forehand down the line.

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Mattek-Sands fought back but the end was in sight with the Russian breaking again in the ninth game and serving out for a match in which she made 28 unforced errors and converted only half of her eight break points.

Earlier, world No. 2 Victorian Azarenka has begun the defence of her Australian Open crown with a straight-sets win on a blistering Rod Laver Arena.

But the win proved far from routine for the second seed.

Azarenka's opponent Johanna Larsson twice served for the first set only to lose it in a tie-breaker that swung the match the way of her highly-ranked opponent.

Azarenka settled the issue 7-6 (7-2) 6-2, her major regret being the 106 minutes she had to spend on court in temperatures approaching 40 degrees.

"It would have been nice to get it over quicker,'' Azarenka said.

"But it is a win and that's the main thing.''

Azarenka joined 10th seed Caroline Wozniacki in the second round after the Dane spent the minimum of time disposing of Spain's Lourdes Dominguez Lino 6-0 6-2.

Another who wasted as little time as possible in the sweltering heat was Romanian 11th seed Simona Halep, who beat Katarzina Piter of Poland 6-0 6-1 in 54 minutes while Spanish 16th seed Carla Suarez Navarro overcame the heat and America's Vania King 6-3 6-2.

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Earthquake alert for Slipper

Trainer Peter Snowden has warned punter's over Earthquake's short Golden Slipper odds. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

PETER Snowden has a big opinion of Earthquake but he has warned punters not to dive into the short quote about the filly for the Golden Slipper.

The TAB will on Tuesday morning release its first Slipper market, with Darley speedster Earthquake listed the $5 favourite for the $3.5 million two-year-old showdown on April 5.

Gai Waterhouse's Fighting Sun will be installed $8 second favourite, and Magic Millions Classic winner Unencumbered is the third elect at $11.

Earthquake won her only start in sizzling time in November, but Snowden said he wanted to see his youngster ­repeat the explosive performance before getting too carried away about her.

The filly will have a jump-out in Melbourne on January 30 before being aimed at the Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) on February 8, en route to the $1 million Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) a fortnight later.

Gai Waterhouse's Fighting Sun is second favourite for the Golden Slipper. Source: No Source

Earthquake is also the $3.50 TAB favourite ahead of Fighting Sun ($6.50), the Waterhouse colt who won't be seen until next month.

"There was a lot to like about her first win but I've said from day one, one win doesn't make a good horse,'' Snowden said. "You'd like to see her do it again.

"Her win was dynamic, her time was great, and the way she did it was fantastic. But I'd wait until you see her again in Melbourne before (punters) go crazy. Quite often they get trapped quickly on them, but I'm a great believer in seeing them do it again before you lock them in (at short prices).

"She does have class, I'll say that much.''

Only two horses have completed the Blue Diamond-Golden Slipper double in the past 35 years. One of those horses was Snowden's Sepoy, who ruled in 2011.

As for Earthquake winning the double, Snowden said: "It's very hard to do the double, but the reason I aimed this filly at the Blue Diamond is because she's so precocious and she's had the perfect preparation.

"It can be done, you've got five or six weeks between races. On paper the Diamond will only be her second run (this preparation). If her form warrants it, I'll talk to the team and get their thoughts, but she won't be over-taxed by the Blue Diamond.''

Snowden said all of his Slipper hopes had either trialled or raced. He also liked Memorial and Kumaon.

Five-time Slipper winner Waterhouse has Echo Gal and Cyclone to bounce back after the Magic Millions, as well as Fighting Sun and Law, while she also listed the likes of Important - one of two Darley horses at Tulloch Lodge - and unraced Redoute's Choice colt Hampton Court as contenders.

"I'm aware of my Golden Slipper horses in June, they expose themselves early in their preparation,'' Waterhouse said.

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Fittler comeback moves a step closer

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BRAD Fittler's shock return to rugby league moved a step closer to reality yesterday as the Sydney Roosters and the NRL met to discuss his involvement in the Auckland Nines next month.

Fittler has signalled his intention to emerge from a 10-year hiatus to play in the inaugural tournament at Eden Park and the Roosters are quietly confident the game's governing body will help pave the way for the former Kangaroos skipper's return.

Roosters football boss Brian Canavan met with the NRL's chief operating officer Jim Doyle to discuss the issue at Rugby League Central at Moore Park as the NRL returned from its summer break.

"It was a formal discussion with the NRL seeking permission for Brad to return and covering topics such as contracts and insurance as is the convention," Canavan said.

"We are hopeful that by the end of the week we will have done everything required and Brad's comeback can be officially confirmed."

Fittler has begun training with the NRL premiers whose full squad returned to the paddock for the first time yesterday since their grand final triumph over Manly in October.

Sonny Bill Williams, whose involvement in the short-form tournament on the weekend of February 15-16 is up in the air, began his pre-season for what could be his final year in the NRL after he committed to New Zealand Rugby Union from 2015.

Each NRL team is required to submit their squad for the Nines by 5pm February 10.

Under tournament regulations each side is required to field one of their top five paid players and 12 of their top 25 players.

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SA youngster's dream Roos debut

Ryan Kitto of Australia during the AFC U-22 Championship match against Kuwait. Source: Francois Nel / Getty Images

COACH Aurelio Vidmar's 1-0 Olyroos win over Kuwait had a distinctive SA flavour when Ryan Kitto jagged the winner on Monday.

The South Australian-born former Reds boss blooded Adelaide- products, Adelaide United's Kitto, reserve keeper John Hall and Melbourne Heart's Stefan Mauk in the starting XI to help get the Olyroos off to a perfect Group C start at the AFC under-22 championship in Oman.

Jake Barker-Daish made up Adelaide United's starting contingent.

Kitto scored his debut Olyroos international goal midway through the second half when he put the ball past Kuwait keeper Sulaiman Abdulghafoorn after a perfect assist from Mauk.

Ryan Ryan Kitto of Australia. Source: Getty Images

Vidmar was pleased with Kitto's performance declaring the West Torrens Birkalla product had a blinder after scoring.

"Ryan Kitto was a different player after the goal,'' Vidmar said.

"There were a lot of good performances all over the park.

"Our defence was very good and the goalkeeper and central midfielders worked very hard."

Vidmar was pleased with the Australian's opening to the clash but declared the side needed some fine tuning.

A 10th minute save from Hall and Oman hitting the woodwork twice ensured the Olyroos kept a clean sheet.

Ryan Kitto (L) of Australia competes for the ball with Ahmad Rashed (R) of Kuwait. Source: Getty Images

"I'm very happy with the win,'' Vidmar said.

"Although we started the game quite strongly in the first 15 minutes, we lost our way for much of the first half.

"In the second half we controlled the game for long periods and dominated possession.

"The players were nervous at the beginning, but once that period was over their confidence grew."

Vidmar is using the tournament as a warm up to next year's Asian Football Confederation's Olympic Games qualifiers which will have the same groups format.

With a 2016 Rio Olympic Games berth at stake Vidmar has stated that he needed to test players in an international environment before the qualifiers after the Olympic team failed to qualify for the 2012 London Games.

Australia now heads the group after the opening round when Japan and Iran drew 3-3.

The Olyroos face Iran tonight at the Royal Oman Police Stadium, Muscat before meeting Japan on Thursday night to complete its group stage commitments.

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How mum's text brought Jamal to tears

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A TEXT message from his mum on Saturday night left Jamal Idris in tears and reminded him he made the right move to return to Sydney and join the Panthers.

The larger-than-life Idris met his Penrith teammates for the first time yesterday, then opened up about why being with his mother, Alana, left him with no option but to quit the Gold Coast two years into a $1.8 million, five-year deal.

Not only is Idris's signing a boost to the new-look Panthers, the dreadlocked giant's popularity is also sure to be used by the NRL in its on-going turf war with the AFL out west.

Idris quipped about the rival code: "AFL? I've read books about that game.''

Jamal Idris does his first media session with Penrith. Source: News Limited

The 23-year-old said he struggled with being isolated on the Gold Coast, so much so he couldn't bare another winter away from his mother. He has since moved into her home at Regents Park.

"Mum has been sick, and it was hard up there by myself,'' Idris said. "I had an awkward moment on Saturday. I'd been to the races earlier, and she sent me a message out of nowhere which said, 'My boy, I'm just listening to (Helen Reddy's 1973 No.1 classic) Delta Dawn, and it reminded me of you'. I used to sing that song to her when she dropped me off at school. I had a couple of tears.

"I tried flying mum up to the Gold Coast, but it was too much for her.''

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Idris said he made good friends on the holiday strip, but was disappointed injury prevented him from reaching the heights that earned him Blues and Kangaroos jumpers at the start of his career.

As for this season, Idris said his goals were simple.

"As long as I'm injury-free, I'll be happy, because that will mean I'm on the field every week,'' Idris said.

"It's funny because the majority of people ask me about (representative footy), but I don't think about that.

"I'm not thinking about the Blues, I'm not thinking about Australia, I'm not thinking about anything other than playing for this club.

"I was even thinking about the Auckland Nines today, but I don't know if I'll be playing.

"At the moment I'm 120kg. I was playing at that weight in 2012 when I was injured. I started last year around 116kg and 117kg, and it usually rolls down to around 113kg. I'm happy here. I smiled today. I've been smiling all day.''

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You have to wonder how much Idris's former club Canterbury could have done with his services in the centres, especially with the pending move of Josh Morris to fullback.

It was left to Panthers general manager Phil Gould to play a crucial role in securing Idris's move.

As Idris said: "Gus is the kind of bloke who talks to you and makes you feel like a school kid again. He has that sort of influence over you.''

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Trouble awaits Stosur's Open run

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SAMANTHA Stosur embarks on tennis's version of Mission Impossible today when the big local hope launches her Australian Open campaign at Melbourne Park.

As if opening up against an opponent who whipped her three days earlier isn't unnerving enough, the tennis gods have thrust Stosur into a landmine section of the draw headed by world No.1 Serena Williams.

Already psychologically battered from years of flops at her home grand slam, Stosur will now likely need to beat the winners of all three major lead-up events just to make the quarter-finals.

That's if she can first get past Klara Zakopalova today.

The veteran Czech upended the Australian No.1 in straight sets in the Hobart International semi-finals last week.

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Stosur hopes her home crowd can play a positive part in starting her Australian Open. "I know sometimes that can really lift you and maybe help you get through some of those tough moments during a match,'' said Stosur, who is desperate to improve on her previous best Australian Open result - reaching the fourth round in 2006 and 2010.

If Stosur survives today, she is then projected to meet Sydney International champion Tsvetana Pironkova in the second round, Auckland Classic winner Ana Ivanovic in the third round and Williams, who reigned at the Brisbane International, in the last 16 - should they all progress.

The 17th seed could not possibly have been handed a more devilish draw.

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Little wonder Stosur isn't looking beyond Zakopalova and "trying to rectify any problems" she had in Friday's 6-3 6-2 loss to the world No.37.

It will be the third time they have met in the first round of the Australian Open, with Stosur winning both encounters, in 2007 and 2009.

"I probably would like to return a little bit better," Stosur said. "Cut down those errors, obviously, but still play the way I want to play. I know how I want to play and be aggressive and try to hit winners."

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Stosur isn't the only Australian with a treacherous draw.

Teenage wildcard Ashleigh Barty has the biggest ask of the lot, up against top seed Williams at Rod Laver Arena tonight.

"Look, playing Serena is always a tough prospect," Stosur said. "I think Ash has to go out there, soak it all up, really enjoy the moment. Obviously she's not expected to win.

"But go out there and have as much fun as you can."

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Becker to give Novak edge: Wilander

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IN full flight, unrestrained physically and emotionally, Boris Becker was a formidable presence. Not that Mats Wilander ever thought too much about it during the celebrated pair's 10-match rivalry.

Polar opposites in personality and style, Becker and Wilander were the sport's yin and yang.

Wilander had Becker's respect but it was a vastly different story for the infantrymen unfortunate enough to cross Becker's path during his six-major career.

In shedding light on how Australian Open defending champion Novak Djokovic is likely to benefit most from Becker's appointment as coach, Wilander offered examples of the German's supreme winning attitude.

"Becker can help Djokovic with the mental part," Wilander said.

"I think mentally Djokovic's is not as strong and not as stubborn as (Rafael) Nadal.

"He showed that at Wimbledon against (Andy) Murray, he showed that in the US Open against Nadal and he's shown that against Murray the year before in the US Open final.

"Of course, we're talking about perfection but, for him to be perfect, he has to be mentally better.

"If he plays a bad point, he has to be straight back for the next point - and not just for himself, but in the other player's eyes. That's where Becker was so excellent.

Declaring he has nothing to offer the top players in the quest for perfection, Wilander is intrigued by Becker's move into coaching.

It follows Murray's successful liaison with another former world No.1 and grand slam winner Ivan Lendl and Roger Federer's move to lure Stefan Edberg back onto the circuit.

Wilander says the elite players needs only minor technical and tactical tinkering.

Which is what Becker's collaboration with Djokovic is all the more significant.

"Becker had no limits," Wilander said.

"For him, it wasn't 'I have to play well today and hope to win.' For him it was 'OK, this is who I'm playing, this is the final and this is what I have to do.' And that was that.

"He just believed he could raise his level all the time. He believed he could win the French (Open) from the baseline which, as it turns out, was the wrong way to go about it.

"But that's him being stubborn and I think Djokovic could sometimes use a little more stubbornness and Becker is perfect for that."

Becker's on-court persona was so strident many opponents were beaten before they walked on court - and the Kaiser of the Court did everything to ensure his aura never waned in battle.

Wilander says fellow Swede Edberg can improve Federer - technically.

"Edberg can help Federer with his volley skills and how you move at the net and, on the few times he comes to the net, how to be a little more confident," he said.

"The net's really the only place Federer can go to have a chance against the best in the world because from the baseline only, it's not going to be possible.

"When he comes to the net, he's got to be better at it."

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Heat coach gives players a serve

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STUART Law wanted the Gabba to become a fortress. Instead it remains a torture chamber for the battling Brisbane Heat.

Despite the urgings of a record crowd, the Heat fell to their sixth loss from their past eight home matches spanning two summers on Saturday night to leave their hopes of defending the Big Bash title on the brink of extinction.

Modest batting gave the Heat a below par total of 7-144 which the Stars ran down in the last over.

The Heat, with just two wins from six games, finish the fixture rounds with away games against Adelaide on Saturday and the Hurricanes in Hobart five days later.

There is a chance that winning both games would allow them to sneak into the finals but that is far from certain.

"Our hopes of making the semis are pretty slim," Heat coach Law said.

"We are relying on other results and that is a horrible place to be. You never like to rely on other people to get you there.

"I wanted the Gabba to be a fortress but it has not turned out that way. We have played pretty timid cricket and have not executed well enough.

"There has been some mental blockages and we have probably got too funky at times and forgotten about the basics. That can happen when you get under pressure.

"Everyone has to look at themselves in the mirror. We are making the same mistakes over and over. We are going to have to sit down and discuss our options.

"I keep hearing that Ben Cutting should bat higher but if the top six are doing their jobs it would not be up to him.''

Test star Ryan Harris and experienced spin duo Dan Vettori and Nathan Hauritz are likely to be fit from injury for Saturday's match, and the Heat will hope their arrivals are not too late to make a difference.

Harris will have a medical on Wednesday and Cricket Australia will have the final say on whether he is available after battling a knee injury for most of the summer.

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Berisha going nowhere in January

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BESART Berisha has quashed any thought of a January departure from Brisbane, saying his sole objective was regaining the A-League championship in what could be his final season in Roar colours.

With his Brisbane contract expiring at the end of the ­current campaign, the A-League's best striker said he was set to make a decision on his future next month for his and the Roar's sake.

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The 28-year-old Albanian international has already ­attracted interest from cashed-up A-League clubs, including Sydney and Newcastle, while he is also considering a return to Europe for family reasons.

However, Berisha declared he would not be leaving Australia during the current transfer window, having some unfinished business to take care of in Brisbane.

"Clubs have called but I'm definitely staying here until the end of the season,'' said Berisha, who scored in his comeback from a hip injury in first-placed Brisbane's 2-1 loss to Adelaide United at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.

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"All I'm focused on is ­winning the title. I can see us winning it and I don't want to be distracted by anything else.

"I'll probably decide what I'm going to do by the end of February, which is only fair to the club."

Roar fans have got a taste this season of life without ­Berisha, who has missed six of Brisbane's 14 games through injury.

For the first time in 64 A-League appearances, the ­former Hamburg marksman was named among the Roar substitutes on Saturday in his return from his latest two-match ­absence.

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It was a brave call from ­Brisbane coach Mike Mulvey, but Berisha backed the decision, saying he was not fully fit and that it would have been difficult to change an attack that had performed so well in scoring eight goals in the ­previous two games.

"This is part of football and you need to be professional about these things. It's normal to start on the bench in this situation," he said.

"If I'm (fully) fit, I believe I play from the start and everyone at the club respects that.

"The way I was used on ­Saturday was perfect. A striker doesn't need to play 90 minutes. You can score a goal in five minutes on the field."

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Berisha played for 35 minutes against Adelaide and inspired a 10-man Roar, who earlier had Diogo Ferreira sent off, with both his goal and his enthusiasm.

Mulvey said his leading marksman had made a "strong case" for a return to the starting side this Friday when the Roar visit Perth to meet the Glory.

It could be a decision made easier by the potential unavailability of marquee man Thomas Broich, who was left battered and bruised by the brutal Reds.

Shane Stefanutto (L) of the Roar screams out to the referee for a penalty. Source: Getty Images

Socceroos fullback Ivan Franjic, a late withdrawal on Saturday because of a stomach strain, is also facing at least another week on the sidelines, where he will be joined by the suspended Ferreira.

Franjic's weekend absence led to an unexpected start for Shane Stefanutto, who had missed the previous 10 matches with a hamstring injury.

Mulvey defended his decision to start Stefanutto ahead of Jack Hingert despite the veteran's early error leading to Adelaide's first goal from Jeronimo.

"Shane had done all the work. He was ready to play," Mulvey said.

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