Fanning’s got the moves like Jagger

World Champion Mick Fanning stretching before a surf. Source: Supplied

GRACE under pressure helped secure him his third world crown and now Mick Fanning has revealed he is studying the moves of gymnasts and dancers for hints on how to keep his body fluid, flexible and strong enough to continue winning world crowns.

Fanning is renowned for his fitness and flexibility, spending quality time stretching before heats and limbering up at events.

It has kept his body strong enough to handle the rigours of World Tour surfing and in the condition required for him to win a fourth world title.

"The body feel really good.,'' said Fanning at the Quiksilver Pro which is expected to resume at Snapper Rocks today after three lay days due to poor conditions.

"The last few years I have been loose pretty free of injuries. I'm loose and moving well which is always a good thing.

"I look to a lot of different sports for inspiration, including dancing and gymnastics. It's just incredible how flexible they are. And strong.''

Fanning is kicking off his campaign for a fourth world crown in the opener of the ASP World Tour, the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast.

Fanning winning through to the third round at Snapper Rocks. Source: News Corp Australia

After losing his opening round, Fanning found form in the sudden-death second heat to book a spot against dangerous American Dane Reynolds in the third round of the annual event.

The 32-year-old local admits there is pressure to perform at his home break at Snapper Rocks.

"Joel (Parkinson) and myself and everyone from here, we put the pressure on ourselves,'' Fanning said. "You always want to do radially well at home. you always want to make people proud."

Fanning is a two-time winner of the Gold Coast event (2005, 2007) with Parkinson winning with his Quiksilver Pro titles in 2002 and 2009.

The last four Quiksilver Pro crowns have been split between American legend Kelly Slater (2011, 2013) and Australian Taj Burrow (2010, 2012).

Both men are still in the competition.

If competition resumes at Snapper Rocks today it is excepted the Roxy Pro crown will be decided.

Five-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore is the only Australian left in the women's World Tour opener and must outwit reigning world titleholder Carissa Moore from the US to make the final.

Gilmore is determined to improve her current world No. 5 ranking at Snapper Rocks.

"I would love to win this one. Really love it," she said.

On Saturday, organisers called a lay-day for the third straight day, further postponing the event.

Organisers made the call early Saturday morning, setting the scene for a possible wrap up to the women's event Sunday.

When the women's event does resume Gilmore will take on American Carissa Moore in a blockbuster semi-final.

South Africa's Bianca Buitendag and American Lakey Peterson are the other semi-finalists.

The men's competition, which has been on hold since Monday, is up to round three with the big trio of Fanning, Parkinson and Kelly Slater all still alive in the competition.

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Griffin to be patient with halves

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BRONCOS coach Anthony Griffin says Josh Hoffman showed promising signs at five-eighth, but admits Brisbane must finetune their ­attack ahead of Friday night's derby clash against the Cowboys.

Griffin's scrumbase gamble paid its first dividend at ANZ Stadium, with new halves pairing Hoffman and Ben Hunt ­piloting Brisbane to an 18-12 defeat of the Bulldogs.

But while the Broncos built their victory on courage, the jury remains out on whether a Hoffman-Hunt scrumbase ­alliance can transform Brisbane into a premiership force.

Hunt started well but he struggled to assert control in the second half and his kicking radar was at times awry.

Ben Hunt and Josh Hoffman (left) celebrate victory against the Bulldogs. Source: Getty Images

Hoffman, meanwhile, showed some nice touches in attack and defended stoutly, but has yet to convince he has the vision to adequately service a fleet-footed backline.

It would be harsh to write off the combination after an 80-minute showing and Griffin is confident Hoffman will be better for his five-eighth debut at Homebush.

"All of us in attack, clearly we have some work to do," Griffin said.

"I thought Josh did a good job. He defended great, he made some in-roads at times and he will build off that. It's round one and our attack was never going to be great.

"We weren't coming off much (after a heavy trial loss in New Zealand), so if you speak to any coach, round one is about getting into the competition and being as strong as you can be.

"I thought we did that and we'll start working on the other stuff. We are happy with the way we hung in there under pressure."

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Big Mal: Hats off to Anthony Griffin

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BRISBANE coach Anthony Griffin has every reason to feel satisfied by the Broncos' performance on Friday night.

Most importantly, he has every reason to be happy with his own performance, because it was very obvious that Brisbane's preparation was the major difference between them and the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium.

It was also clear from the opening moments that the Broncos were ready for this match, and the Bulldogs looked like they were waiting for something to happen.

Brisbane's Ben Barba waves to the Brisbane fans after the Canterbury Bulldogs and Brisbane Broncos Round 1 rugby league game at ANZ Stadium, Sydney. Pic Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia

Brisbane were focused, ­energetic and enthusiastic.

In any game of rugby league, or any sport for that matter, that hunger and desire are such key ingredients for success. And as we saw on Friday's night's game, this principle is especially applicable this year because of the new rules and interpretations around the rucks.

The speed of the play-the-balls means that the team with the greater hunger and intensity in the early stages can easily get the jump on an opponent if they are not matched with similar attitudes.

That is what we saw from the Bulldogs. While Brisbane were full of purpose, the Dogs conceded penalties, dropped balls, and their collisions in attack and defence weren't aggressive enough.

Due to that lack of hunger from the Dogs, it resulted in Brisbane being able to dictate terms, dominate field position and possession.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 07: Broncos wing Lachlan Maranta breaks away from Frank Pritchard during the round one NRL match between the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and the Brisbane Broncos at ANZ Stadium. Source: Getty Images

The Dogs were fatigutiring fast and making the job even tougher on themselves.

By the time the Dogs found the aggression and purpose needed in their play and tried to mount a challenge, they found they didn't have the strike power or legs to break Brisbane's line.

They were playing on tired legs and had no X-factor player such as a Ben Barba, in their side who can win a game by individual brilliance.

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It will be interesting to see over the next couple of weeks, as the teams improve their match fitness, whether this trend continues. But certainly the Broncos showed that hunger and enthusiasm from the opening whistle.

They exploited the speed of the ruck and that, allowing them to dominate the Dogs who had to play catch-up.

It sounds like such a simple issue – being switched on and ready to play – but it can often be a tricky one to get right, especially when everyone expects you to win.

Like the Roosters on Thursday night, the Dogs looked like a team that felt comfortable in the knowledge that they just had to turn up on their home ground turf and go through the motions to get the result.

The Rabbitohs and the Broncos looked like they knew they would have to fight for every inch, and were ready to do so.

Anthony Griffin's preparation was spot-on.

The Broncos were hungry and had enough left in the tank to fend off the inevitable late challenge.

Ben Hunt kicks ahead for the Broncos as James Graham defends during the round one NRL match between the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and the Brisbane Broncos at ANZ Stadium. Source: Getty Images

Griffin also pulled the right rein with his use of Ben Barba, who looked sharp and dangerous playing a second five-eighth role that allowed Josh Hoffman to ball-run.

He went for more mobility in his starting pack, which added to Brisbane's ability to tire the Dogs defenders on the back of the ruck speed, but he then got great impact from the likes of Martin Kennedy coming off the bench.

A lot of things went right, but the coach will also know there are a lot of areas to work on that the Bulldogs simplyweren't good enough to exploit.

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Brisbane's kicking game, as an example, was weak improving markedly, particularly against the good teams such as North Queensland next week.

But certainly there were plenty of positives to build on too.

If they can stay hungry, this Brisbane team will win more games than it loses.

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US sit-skier 'stable' after serious crash

A US sit-skier is reportedly stable and conscious in hospital after a serious crash during Sochi's Paralympic Games.

Tyler Walker fell heavily during the men's sitting downhill competition at Rosa Khutor Alpine Centre on Saturday and had to be airlifted from the slopes.

The 27-year-old cartwheeled several times at high speed and lay motionless on the snow before receiving attention from medical staff.

"#TeamUSA's Tyler Walker (@tbone_walker) is stable and conscious after crash in men's downhill (sitting) at #Paralympics," US Paralympics tweeted.

Competition was stopped several times as nine athletes of the men's 22-person sitting class crashed out.

They use a bucket-like seat on a mono ski, using outriggers to steer, and can race at speeds of up to 100km/h.

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Why GI is primed for best year yet

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SHAUN Kenny-Dowall is listed at 194cm and 102kg — it's just that he seemed much smaller and lighter when Greg Inglis ran at him on Thursday night.

Inglis scored South Sydney's first try of 2014, despite the efforts of Kenny-Dowall and the smaller Mitchell Pearce to halt the Rabbitohs No.1 at close range, and opened with a hat-trick an NRL season which he is capable of making his own like none before.

At 27, Inglis is in the prime of his career, and importantly, injury-free after he played the last six club games of 2013 and the subsequent World Cup campaign with a sore knee.

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His achievements are already towering: 115 tries from 178 NRL games and 21 games for Queensland which have made him Origin's greatest try-scorer, with 15.

His 22 tries from 28 Tests leave him behind only Darren Lockyer (35 tries), Ken Irvine (33) and two Immortals Reg Gasnier (28) and Bob Fulton (25) on the list of Australian tryscorers.

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But to look at how much Inglis is capable of adding to his standing in the game, it's instructive to look at what Lockyer and Andrew Johns did in the years after they turned 27.

At 27, Lockyer was moved to five-eighth by Wayne Bennett while Queensland lost the Origin series and the Broncos were out of the 2004 finals in straight sets — it was the year Brisbane consented to a finals game being given away to Townsville — he captained Australia to a 40-point Tri-Nations final win over Great Britain.

Two years later, Lockyer became the first man since Allan Langer in 1998 to captain sides to club, Origin and international titles.

Johns turned 27 in 2001, the year in which the Knights won the premiership with their halfback and captain the Churchill Medallist, later being awarded the Golden Boot.

The following year, Johns became captain of successful NSW and Australian sides, winning the Dally M player of the year honour before Newcastle's finals run ended when he was diagnosed with a broken bone in his back.

So in 2014, there is plenty of upside still in Inglis.

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When he first arrived in 2011 at Souths, from Melbourne via an aborted dalliance with Brisbane, Inglis raised eyebrows with his weight.

But he has felt at home at Souths to the point that he been willing to voice his opinions as a member of the leadership group.

Last year, Inglis, a man of few words publicly, was willing to be critical within Souths' dressingroom walls of the amount of promotional work Sam Burgess did before a game two weeks before the finals.

It's hard to imagine Inglis, reserved even among teammates early in his time at the Storm, doing so much earlier in his career.

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A committed Inglis is a blue-chip asset for an NRL club, as we saw with his determination to make the fullback position his own last year with 14 tries in 20 club games, with 121 tackle busts, the most by an NRL player last year.

"It looks like he's playing in the under-sevens at times," said Souths teammate John Sutton of the imposing sight which Inglis presents when fully fit and well deployed.

Roosters skipper Anthony Minichiello wrestled with the idea of how to stop Inglis in full flight with more success than his side had done.

"You try and tackle up top and it's so hard (to halt him) — our tackling wasn't up to scratch,'' he said.

Fox Sports analyst Matt Johns said last year Souths had too great a reliance in attack on Inglis and he liked the move of Dylan Walker to five-eighth, with Sutton to lock.

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Time for JT to take control: Locky

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TONIGHT, a new chapter begins for Johnathan Thurston.

It is the stage where Thurston must make the crucial, almost imperceptible, leap from naturally gifted, instinctive matchwinner to calculated veteran who wins football games with cool-headed control.

His ability to make that transition will largely determine whether the Cowboys finally clinch the maiden premiership that has eluded them for 19 seasons.

North Queensland will be a fascinating case study this season.

I worked alongside their former coach Neil Henry during State of Origin campaigns and Neil's contribution to the club should not be undersold.

But under new coach Paul Green, who cut his teeth as an assistant to Wayne Bennett while I was at the Broncos, the Cowboys have the bedrock to do something special in this competition.

Now it is up to Thurston, my old Test and Origin partner in crime, to bring a potential masterpiece together.

Like many great players before him, JT has reached the age where he must confront his NRL mortality.

Johnathan Thurston. Picture: Fiona Harding Source: News Limited

In April, he will turn 31. By no means is he on his last legs, but he must now be consistently dominant in a different way.

We know JT can win games almost single-handedly. But this season, the challenge for Thurston is to take charge of games and shape outcomes with his experience and ability to direct play more so than just solo brilliance.

He has now played enough club and representative football to know how to move a football team around the paddock, like an NRL chessmaster putting the pieces in place, thinking two and three plays ahead. He has the class. Now it is about precision control.

Deep down JT will know time is running out for him to deliver a title to North Queensland.

I began to feel that at the Broncos and it was only in my twilight years that I began to truly appreciate how sweet it is to win a premiership.

Before I had reached my mid-20s, I had won three premierships in five years at the Broncos.

I was reared in an environment where success was a given, and it was easy to be guilty of taking that culture for granted.

JT will understand my point on that. He won a premiership at the Bulldogs as a rookie in 2004, but he hasn't been back to the big dance since 2005.

That decade-long hiatus will have stoked his competitive fire.

He can get the Cowboys to a grand final this season by realising he has acquired the knowledge and experience to take the club where it yearns to go.

I am definitely noticing a greater maturity in Thurston's play.

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Having played alongside JT in some huge games, I want him to know just how dominant he can, and should, be.

People might be surprised to hear this, but in the heat of battle, Johnno is such a nice guy he doesn't like to be a dictatorial type of playmaker.

At heart, he doesn't like to impose himself.

When I played with him, out of respect he was mindful of overcalling me and because he is such a fantastic team man he would rather work with his teammates than boss them for a result.

But this year, I would urge Thurston to take full control. It is time for him to be really authoritative. His teammates won't see him as a dictator.

They will respect his confidence in being able to close a game out by making decisions not solely because he is talented, but because he has earned the right.

He now has undisputed credibility and status in the game. If JT wants to take control, I know his Cowboys teammates will buy into what he wants to do.

A key will be Thurston's relationship with his new coach.

It's important for the Cowboys that JT and Green get on well and respect one another, because if they forge a strong player-coach relationship, they won't want to let each other down.

I enjoyed that with Wayne Bennett at the Broncos, and it becomes a powerful dynamic.

Knowing Green, he will do a good job in Townsville. He is very strategic, but importantly he possesses a good work ethic.

There will be periods where it's challenging, and Paul will scale a natural learning curve, but they have the roster to be a top-four side.

There are still some question marks. Can the Cowboys replace Matt Bowen at fullback? Is Ray Thompson the answer at hooker? Lachlan Coote's injury will hurt them, but there's not many reasons they can't win it.

North Queensland have the choir. They just need their conductor, Thurston, to call the right tunes.

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Daly’s brother joins the Nitro Circus

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DALY Cherry-Evans will only reveal this yarn on the proviso no one tells 'Tooves'.

After all, given how the Manly coach reacts to a dropped ball at training, imagine knowing his marquee halfback, a Dally M favourite no less, was almost killed on a halfpipe over summer?

"Actually, it wasn't that bad,'' Cherry-Evans laughs, chatting now with T he Daily Telegraph at a Manly skate park. "Back home in Mackay, we've got a big wooden halfpipe in the backyard, belongs to my younger brother.

"So when I went home over Christmas, I had a crack. Got on one of those little scooters and . . . yeah."

Darcy Cherry-Evans (R) with famous brother Daly. Source: News Limited

Less than a metre away, little brother Darcy, 17, is shaking his head.

"I tried to tell him what to do,'' he grins. "But Daly, he wouldn't listen.

"He came down flat on his back but thankfully there was no real damage done. Just took the wind out of him."

Darcy Cherry-Evans performs tricks in Manly. Source: News Limited

While he may not have the profile of his Manly, Maroons and Kangaroo sibling, Darcy Cherry-Evans - the youngest of five kids - is now looking to make his own leap to professional sports, as a scooter rider.

Already the Queensland teen is doing well enough to have been spotted by talent scouts for Nitro Circus, the famed, travelling stunt show led by American motorsports daredevil Travis Patrana.

Darcy Cherry-Evans. Source: News Limited

"And that would be great to be a part of,'' the Mackay rider says. "Obviously it's tough; a couple of years ago I broke my ankle fairly badly - tried a front flip onto the ramp and, instead, came down on my ankle, snapping it. But it's what I want to do."

With a show in Brisbane on May 15, the younger DCE has been invited to trial for a place among the Nitro acrobatic stars riding motorcycles, BMX bikes, skateboards, scooters, even roller blades.

"Eventually, my goal is to become professional and make a living from riding the scooter,'' Darcy continues. "I've put in a lot of effort to get this far but we'll see what happens in May and take it from there."

Darcy Cherry-Evans (top) and famous brother Daly. Source: News Limited

And as for big brother?

"Um, no more scooters,'' he smiles. "There was a time, growing up, where I was right into the BMX bikes, the skateboards and stuff, before rugby league eventually took over.

"But now, I'm just really proud of Darcy and what he's doing. I know first hand it's a lot harder than it looks."

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Reynolds back in Origin frame

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GAME on ... With six runs, another pinpoint perfect kicking game and a shift in rules, Adam Reynolds reinjected himself into the Origin debate.

There was Andrew Johns saying before Thursday night's game that Reynolds needed to run the ball more. Matthew Johns wrote the same earlier, in the Telegraph. Two great football judges in agreement.

Reynolds is young but proud of his performance. He looks to improve.

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He had a quiet end to last season and no doubt heard the opinions over the summer, brought into sharp focus on Thursday when the Rabbitohs met the premiers.

And so he ran.

And in doing so he revealed a glimpse of a game that threatens to change all over again, as the rules have an impact on the footy being played.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson would not be surprised.

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South Sydney's Adam Reynolds tackled by Rooster's Jared Waerea-Hargraves. Pic Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

On Wednesday's NRL360 Robinson spoke about the new rules, and the stress they will put on defence. There are fewer men in the tackle, meaning more offloads. More offloads mean more running football, more opportunities. Scores, Robinson believed, would stretch as one team became dominant.

What nobody could see coming — and you can throw Robinson in with this, despite his crystal ball — was the fatigue in the Roosters defence once the Rabbitohs began establishing dominance.

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The Roosters were ragged.

How permanent it is remains to be seen, but it appears the new rules have reintroduced a fatigue factor to the defence that has long been missing, and was long missed.

As Reynolds showed, it brought the running halfback back into the game.

While he could not have been sure this would be the impact, it appears Reynolds benefited because had already decided he was going to run.

He'd listened to the voices and knew the backdrop to the story, which provided the substance to Thursday's game.

Before this game last year Laurie Daley publicly declared nothing short of a leg falling off would stop Mitch Pearce being his Origin halfback. Right or left, it didn't matter.

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It outraged Souths fans, who can generate a healthy appetite for such things.

Reynolds was the Dally M Rookie of the Year. He was a pure halfback. And the Blues had been trialling halfbacks for years without real success.

Daley sought to calm the anxiety created by that third point by declaring Pearce's selection early.

But as Reynolds kept producing and the Bunnies jousted with the Roosters at the top of the table, a rearguard support grew for Reynolds. It grew even more when the Blues lost the second game, and again when they lost the series.

Pearce returned to the Roosters as the Origin whipping boy, and many vocal judges — I wouldn't call them sound — declared the debate now over. Reynolds should be Origin halfback in 2014.

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Then came the finals, and Pearce's steady guiding of the Roosters to the premiership and Reynolds' uncharacteristic quietness as the Rabbitohs fell short. Heaven forbid, could the vocal judges be wrong?

Reynolds ran just once in the preliminary final against Manly and, failing to provide a threat equal to his kicking game, was rendered ineffective. Maybe Pearce was the right choice all the time.

Now, it turns again. Reynolds ran six times for 41m on Thursday. Pearce once for 7m.

Expect that to change, too.

Andrew Demetriou holds press conference to announce his stepping down as AFL CEO. Source: News Corp Australia

RETIRING JUST AS REAL CONTENDER EMERGES

ANDREW Demetriou quit just when the fight was about to begin.

Demetriou resigned as the heavyweight champion of Australian sport just as a new contender arrived in the rankings.

NRL boss Dave Smith's performance this past fortnight has underlined his improvement in the 12 months since his first awkward speech at last year's season launch — "Benji Barba", anyone?

This season's speech was first class, and this week's punishment of Cronulla and coach Shane Flanagan was as tough as the current, anaemic NRL rules allow.

Demetriou has exercised a similarly firm hand, and leaves just as the NRL appears to have found a worthy opponent.

Under Demetriou, the AFL stole a long march on the NRL and is years ahead in governance and vision. Such was the quality of his leadership he has put systems in place that will see AFL hardly miss a beat once the credits start to roll on his career.

The NRL is playing catch-up and, while "vision" remains a dirty word in the NRL ever since John Ribot left the phrase dead and partly decomposed, the fruits of what Smith is putting in place are starting to be seen after he was widely criticised last year for being too invisible.

Finally, there is the smell of momentum about the NRL.

Watch for Demetriou to pop up in politics at Victoria's state election later this year, before going on to become, oh, maybe Victorian premier.

Foxtel host Matt Shirvington Source: Supplied

JUST ANSWER THE QUESTION: MATT SHIRVINGTON

Host of Shirvo's Super Saturday, Fox Sports 1, today from 11am

All those players, all those games they've played, and they've named it Shirvo's Super Saturday.

Yes, Beaver (Steve Menzies) has played 500 games, Princey (Scott Prince) has played 300, tomorrow we've got Loz (Laurie Daley) and Kevvie Walters, one of the greatest premiership winners, and they've named it after me. Not sure why.

Surely one of them's asked why it's not their name on the show?

(Laughs) Like Princey's Super Saturday? No, but I don't know what they're saying behind my back. But we have got five games and 11 hours of NRL to get through, so it's an amazing package.

You're still working with the Dragons as sprint coach?

My job's not to just improve their top speed. It's the transition, it's being able to be as fast as you can whether it's minute one or the 70th minute.

Is there anyone in the NRL who might get you now?

The young guys tend to be a bit quicker because they haven't put on the weight yet. I love watching (Shaun) Johnson move, (Marika) Koroibete is quick, (Michael) Jennings at the moment.

Have you got them covered?

I'm going to say yes. I haven't done a 40m test for a while but the last time I was still pretty fast.

Jason Little and Tim Horan, Wallaby greats. pic Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia

CHILL PILLS
Tim Horan knows all about knee injuries, and so when David Pocock came out of his second knee surgery in as many years he was there at the hospital, delivering a book about attitude.

Umpires Aleem Dar and HDPK Dharmasena speak to Michael Clarke. Source: Getty Images

ANGRY PILLS

Claims of ball tampering throughout the series in South Africa marred what was otherwise a great contest. Both sides are too good for that.

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A GOOD WEEK FOR

ON knees that are nothing more than re-treads, but with a heart that pumps like a steam train, it was fitting Ryan Harris ended Australia's successful summer with the final two wickets to beat South Africa. Harris showed selectors what they can do with their "rotation policy", which should be consigned as nothing more than a dark chapter in cricket's history.

Harris knew what the selectors didn't; you can't measure heart.

A ROUGH WEEK FOR

Ange Postecoglou tried to put a positive spin on Australia's 4-3 loss to Ecuador after the Socceroos led 3-0 at half-time. And we're trying just has hard for him. He will take a young side to the World Cup and, as such, young legs. It revives memories of Guus Hiddink's strategy in 2006, when the Socceroos were fitter and ran harder than anybody, with outstanding success. Still, a 3-0 lead at half-time? Ouch.

DON'T MISS

AMAZINGLY, Alessandro Del Piero is the only Sydney FC player who has scored in previous derbys against Western Sydney. Keep an eye on ADP tonight (Fox Sports 3, 7.30pm), fresh off a game of beach footy with the Bondi Rescue crew.

A loss for either side will leave them in need of mouth-to-mouth.

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Walters reported for rough conduct

Michael Walters has been reported for rough conduct in Fremantle's practice match against West Coast. Source: Michael Dodge / Getty Images

FREMANTLE forward Michael Walters faces an anxious wait ahead of his season-opening blockbuster with Collingwood next Friday after he was reported in Thursday's practice match against West Coast.

Walters, 23, was booked deep into the final quarter for rough conduct in that he crashed with high contact into Eagles utility Brant Colledge.

The charge was laid by controlling field umpires and will be sent direct to the AFL Match Review Panel.

The panel will review limited video or television footage of the incident with the match not televised.

Walters grabs hold of Callum Sinclair at Patersons Stadium in Perth. Source: Getty Images

Walters, who booted 46 goals from his 21 games last season to sit on the borderline of All-Australian selection, is a critical small forward scoring avenue in Fremantle's hopes of a critical first-up victory over the Pies.

He was well beaten on Thursday opposed to born-again West Coast small defender Jamie Bennell as well as being shut down in stints from robust big man Mitch Brown.

Walters managed 13 possessions and only one goal and pressed well outside the forward 50m arc for more than half of his disposals.

Dockers coach Ross Lyon declared after the 19-point loss that star midfielder Nat Fyfe and lively small forward Hayden Ballantyne will play against the Pies, despite missing the final dress rehearsal outing of the pre-season campaign.

Fyfe missed with a slight knee complaint, while Ballantyne is nursing a cork in his thigh.

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Malcolm Conn’s player rankings

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AFTER Australia's dramatic 2-1 victory, Malcolm Conn runs the rule over the players from both teams who took part in the series with a mark out of 10.

AUSTRALIA

David Warner: 9 — The leading run scorer in the Ashes has taken his game to new heights, becoming the first player to make 500 runs in a three-Test series in South Africa.

Mitchell Johnson was fast and aggressive apart from on the dead pitch in the second Test. Source: Getty Images

Mitchell Johnson: 9 — Another outstanding series with 22 wickets at 17 apiece. Dennis Lillee is the only Australian fast bowler to claim more wickets in a three-Test series.

Steve Smith: 7 — Another strong series with the bat, continuing his important development as an increasingly consistent middle order batsman for Australia.

Michael Clarke: 7 — Played one of his best and bravest innings to set up the decisive last Test with an unbeaten 161 after a quiet start to the series.

Ryan Harris: 6 — A slow start to the series but a big, brave finish in the last Test when it really counted.

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Chris Rogers: 5 — Another steady series after a slow start playing a foil for the rampant David Warner.

Alex Doolan: 5 — Struggled at times but showed enough to suggest he has a long term future at number three.

Nathan Lyon: 5 — Another steady series but failed to make any real impact.

Shane Watson: 5 — Returned for the last Test and played a supporting role with bat and ball.

James Pattinson: 5 — Justified his inclusion in the last Test after no first class cricket for seven months.

Shaun Marsh mixed the sublime with the dismal in the first two Tests before being left out of the third. Source: AP

Shaun Marsh: 5 — The enigma continues. A brilliant century in the first Test, a pair in the second, and dropped for the last.

Peter Siddle: 4 — Whole-hearted as always but lack penetration and was dropped for the last Test.

Brad Haddin: 3 — Solid with the gloves but disappointing with the bat after a big Ashes series.

SOUTH AFRICA

AB de Villiers: 8 — Another strong series with little support, justifying his ranking as the world's best batsman.

AB de Villiers showed why he's the top-ranked batsman in the world Source: AFP

Dale Steyn: 7 — The world's most complete fast bowler was decisive in the second Test but injured during the third.

Hashim Amla: 7 — Played one of the innings of the series in Port Elizabeth but lack consistency for such a fine player.

JP Duminy: 7 — A handy player with bat and ball, playing as the front line spinner for the final two Tests.

Faf du Plessis: 5 — Played some handy innings but failed to dominate at any stage.

Vernon Philander: 4 — Made some handy runs but was disappointing with the ball.

Morne Morke: 4 — Was constantly dangerous but must learn how to take wickets against quality opposition.

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Dean Elgar:4 — One tough innings but generally struggled at Test level.

Wayne Parnell: 3 — Broke down after two early wickets in Port Elizabeth.

Quinton de Kock: 3 — An obvious talent but still very raw for Test cricket.

Alviro Petersen: 3 — Remains unconvincing as a Test player when the heat is on.

Kyle Abbott: 3 — A steady seamer who may struggle to make an impact at Test level.

Ryan McLaren: 3 — Another steady seamer who has limited Test cricket ahead of him.

Graeme Smith: 2 — A disappointing series. Looks like he should have retired beforehand.

Rob in Peterson: 2 — Not up to Test cricket as a spinner.

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Love helps Barba tackle demons

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BEN Barba's father says his son has overcome his battle with gambling and depression and is ready to reward the Broncos with the form that won him the Dally M Medal.

As Barba prepares to launch his Broncos career against his former club tonight, his father Ken opened up about the pressures of life in Sydney that pushed the fullback to breaking point.

This time 12 months ago, Barba dropped a bomb on the NRL by seeking time out on the eve of the season to address personal problems that left him mentally unwell.

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Ken Barba says the NRL fraternity will tonight see a rejuvenated, happier person far removed from the troubled star who wore hoodies in public to escape the spotlight.

The 2012 Dally M winner phoned his parents yesterday and told them of his determination to fire at the Broncos and atone for his year from hell at Belmore.

"Just watching him in Brisbane, I can see he is happier up here. The Ben that I know is back,'' Barba senior told The Courier-Mail.

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"He's a different person to what I saw in Sydney. It is a different life up here. I have been to see Ben a few times since he's moved to Brisbane and he's more relaxed and happy again.

"This year you will see the Benny Barba of 2012. It was an incredible season and I know he can get back to that form. I really think the Broncos will see the best of Ben.''

The Broncos have been acutely aware of Barba's mental health, engaging a professional life-skills coach to counsel their recruit.

Broncos player Ben Barba training at Red Hill. Pic Jono Searle. Source: News Limited

Barba, who will start at fullback tonight, was sharp at Broncos training yesterday and Ken claims his son has left his off-field problems behind in Sydney.

"Sydney was too fast for Ben and he went off the rails,'' Ken said. "The public life became too much.

"He couldn't go out shopping. Bulldogs supporters are very passionate and if he went to dinner, he would have to hide behind a hoodie.

"There was so much hype and it all had to come to a head sooner or later, I could see a few things happening to Ben and he was losing control.

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"Being his father, it was heartbreaking. I saw Ben getting into things and it had to stop. It obviously happened for a reason, but I'm glad he's turned his life around in Brisbane.

"The Brisbane life suits him. It's more relaxed, he can walk around and people say good luck and give him the thumbs up.

"Going back to Sydney will only inspire Ben. He might cop a bit of flak from the Bulldogs supporters but he's not worried about it.''

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Broncos coach Anthony Griffin said Barba had made a seamless transition at Red Hill.

"He is a real team man who has done a lot of hard work since he's been here,'' Griffin said.

"In the end, it will come down to how he plays his footy. Obviously when anyone comes to a new club, he was a bit nervous, but as the months have gone on and he's played a little bit of footy, he's relaxed.

"No doubt he will get a hostile reception (tonight) but once he gets through that he will be fine.''

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A game for league’s dinosaurs

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GEEZ, old leaguies must love March.

Sitting at home in front of the box, can of Resches atop their oxygen tank, as the season gets underway just like, years ago, it played out all year - tough, intense, groggy.

A night where blokes are more likely to finish in hospital than on highlights reels.

And, sure, we know things will change as the weeks go by.

Sonny Bill Williams finding his flick, Adam Reynolds his feet ... and how you stop Greg Inglis with a month of footy under his belt is anyone's guess?

Rabbitohs fans celebrate. Source: Getty Images

But for now, as players search for rhythm, for cohesion and confidence, the dinosaurs can pull those dentures from the bedside table and smile.

Immersing themselves in games where Steedens get spilled, passes miss the mark and players shake those little birds from around their melons. Games that, all up, contain more crunch than your kid's breakfast cereal.

Take Roosters prop Frank-Paul Nuuausala, on Thursday night ushered from the field late in the first half -- shaking away the mist as he went - after a solid collision with Luke Burgess.

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Sonny Bill Williams of the Roosters is tackled. Source: Getty Images

Then seconds before halftime, when defending Souths red zone, it was Burgess who suffered a knock . . . stumbling backwards before eventually falling over completely as a sweeping play moved passed him.

And in between?

Well, Ben Teo was penalised for a shoulder charge that sat Sonny Bill Williams on his arse. Sam Burgess charged like a waterfront restaurant. And young Rooster Dylan Napa, he went about business as you'd expect a hulking redhead intent on proving his worth.

Playing for a Cup named after a hero of the 1960s, Ron Coote, both teams acted accordingly.

It was promising, if not pretty. Willing, if not exactly well-oiled.

South Sydney Rabbitohs fans show their support. Source: Getty Images

A night where Inglis, a superstar for whom all the early Dally M betting cash has gone, dominated with power.

While he would eventually finish with three tries, it was the first the old blokes will be talking about in the front bar this morning.

Sitting around discussing how this hulking fullback from Macksville - "that's in bloody Queensland, incidentally" - pushed through one, two, three, four Roosters to find the tryline.

And, yes, come fulltime it would be enough. But only after the Rabbitohs cruelled as many tries as GI did defenders.

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Like when Issac Luke crossed early, only to be called back for an incorrect play-the-ball from John Sutton. And Luke Burgess, who was twice denied - first for a double movement, then later a knock on.

But what mattered was how, after the break, he returned to take his place on the field.

Part of win straight from the streets of Redfern.

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Blues on course to grab points

Redbacks skipper Johan Botha bowls against NSW on day two at Adelaide Oval. Picture: Daniel Kalisz. Source: Daniel Kalisz / Getty Images

STEVE O'Keefe's maiden five-wicket Sheffield Shield haul and stubborn batting put New South Wales on course for crunch first-innings points against South Australia in Adelaide.

Having been recalled for this clash, left-arm spinner O'Keefe (5/89) rocketed to the top of the Shield wicket list with 32 at 21.6 from just eight matches.

However, O'Keefe raised concern with the pink balls on trial saying the Blues' dominance was halted by a ball change after 60 overs.

SA was 5/125 at start of the 60th over when a replacement ball was chosen.

"The ball that we came back out with would have been only about 20 to 25 overs old, which changed the perspective of the game," said O'Keefe.

"The ball was a lot harder, it came onto the bat a lot nicer. It's certainly an issue that has to be looked at to keep the equality of the game going."

The Blues were 4/130 from 50 overs at tea on day two, trailing the Redbacks' first dig 288 by 165 runs.

SA captain Johan Botha, second from left, celebrates with team mates after taking a wicket. Picture: Daniel Kalisz.

Kurtis Patterson was undefeated on 31 while Peter Neville was 7.

The day/night trial has attracted more fans but they were again met with slow scoring.

The Blues progressed at 2.6 per over, struggling for traction against a pink ball that hits like a tennis ball off the bat unless brand new.

"We are finding it does swing a bit early then has got soft and made fluent run scoring hard with a lower, slower track," said SA assistant coach Jeff Vaughan.

SA skipper Johan Botha hit the 30-wicket mark, stopping in-form opener Ryan Carters (65) in his tracks then beating No. 3 Scott Henry (15) all ends up.

Opener Nic Maddinson (1) fell to left-armer Gary Putland (1/10) flailing outside off-stump while Ben Rohrer (7) was knocked over by Kane Richardson (1/15) from around the wicket.

However, it was former skipper O'Keefe who put the visitors in control as they attempted to draw level with SA on 26 points through first-innings victory.

"Any time you have to get five wickets you have to be stoked. SA fought well and Callum Ferguson deserved a century," said O'Keefe who collected a career best 7/35 for Australia A against Sri Lanka in 2010.

Ferguson (97) chopped O'Keefe on to his stumps just three short of his 10th Shield ton chasing quick runs.

No. 5 batsman Ferguson now has 481 runs at 68 from six matches having missed three games on Australian one-day and Australia A duty.

"Ferg was outstanding in our first innings," said Vaughan.

"He was full of discipline and commitment.

"We have been asking him for some big numbers and missed a couple of games so his numbers stack up even better.

"He has worked his backside off in the winter and it is paying dividends now."

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Live: Smith departs for final time

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DAVID Warner's golden summer has reached new heights, becoming the first player to score 500 runs during a three Test series in South Africa following another brutal century.

The potent left-hander made 145 in just 156 balls before Michael Clarke declared at 5-303 approaching tea on day four of the third and deciding Test, setting South Africa an historically impossible 511 for victory.

South Africa was in tatters at 3-15 in reply after Mitchell Johnson (2-8) and Ryan Harris (1-7) wreaked havoc.

MATCH CENTRE: VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS, LIVE STATS AND COMMENTARY

Graeme Smith had a low key retirement acknowledgement before play when the departing South African captain walked ahead of the team onto his home ground of Newlands and raised his cap to almost empty stands.

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He was given a guard of honour by the Australians when he came out to bat but managed just three before an inside edge from Johnson hit Smith's hip and lobbed to Alex Doolan at short leg.

It was the ninth time that Johnson had dismissed Smith, more than any other bowler, and left him with just 45 runs for the series at an average of 7.5

Earlier Warner, resuming on 25, put South Africa to the sword, scoring his second century of the Test and third of the series to continue a phenomenal summer.

Warner made 543 runs at an average of 91 in the series. Jacques Kallis, with 498 runs against India during 2010-11 previously had the most while Adam Gilchrist was next and the most prolific Australian with 473 runs in 2002.

This latest hundred followed Warner's 135 from just 152 balls in the first innings to set up this pivotal Test and 115 in the opening Test at Centurion Parks.

He was the leading run scorer during Australia's 5-0 whitewash of England with 523 runs at 58 with two hundreds.

His career statistics now read 2467 runs at 47 from 30 Tests with eight hundreds.

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South Africa was already in trouble before Warner took to them again and Australia's innings ended in farcical circumstances when Smith had all nine fieldsmen on the boundary to Warner.

When Australia resumed at 0-27 in its second innings with an overall lead of 234 the total was just two runs shy of the best run chase South Africa had ever achieved at Newlands, 2-236 against Australia two and a half years ago.

That was when Australia was bowled out for just 47 in its second innings on a seaming pitch, very different conditions to the dry and dusty dead deck served up for this Test.

Australia's first wicket did not fall until the score was 123 from just 20.2 overs when Chris Rogers was run out for 39.

By then the lead was 330, almost as many as any team had ever chased at Newlands to win. The best was 6-334 by Australia in 2002.

Dale Steyn suffered a hamstring injury in the first innings and given the state of the game it is surprising he was even on the field. He bowled three overs but was murdered by Warner, conceding 23 runs, and was promptly taken off.

Given Australia's desire for quick runs to declare it was a surprise when Alex Doolan, playing just his third Test, appeared at the crease ahead of Shane Watson.

Doolan scored 37 in 87 balls before Watson was promoted, making 25 in 17 balls. Clarke made a first ball duck driving to mid-off.

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No apologies for Tippett saga: CEO

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RETIRING AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou is making no apologies for acting tough against the Adelaide Football Club in the Kurt Tippett saga, despite the club and its fans maintaining the league was heavy-handed.

Standing firm to his "no regret" stance, Demetriou on Tuesday arrived in Adelaide deflecting the responsibility for the controversies at the Adelaide, Melbourne and Essendon football clubs that seriously tainted the AFL's image in the past two years.

MORE: DEMETRIOU TO HAND OVER ADELAIDE OVAL MONEY

Demetriou firmly shifted the blame game in the Tippett saga to the Crows for in 2009 crafting a two-year contract loaded with secret clauses that contradicted the AFL's salary cap and draft policies.

"I don't know why (Crows fans take issue with me) because I was not responsible for what happened with (Tippett's illegal contract)," Demetriou said.

"It is interesting commentary that if you want the AFL to protect the integrity of the game then people have to stop blaming the AFL for what happened to Adelaide ... and to Melbourne (with tanking) and Essendon (with the supplements saga).

"If you don't want the AFL to protect the integrity of the game, then the concept of turning a blind eye to those things will be abhorrent."

Adelaide's executive continues to question the penalties the AFL Commission handed to its club and staff with uneasy comparisons to the crimes and sanctions applied to Melbourne and Essendon.

The Crows in late November 2012 were hit with the loss of draft picks last year, fined $300,000 and the suspension of chief executive Steven Trigg (six months and $50,000 fine), football operations chief Phil Harper (two months) and former football chief John Reid (12 months).

Tippett, who moved to Sydney during the AFL hearings, was banned for 11 games.

The final chapter of the Crows-Tippett saga is still to play out on the field with the first opportunity at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, April 5 — the Crows' first home game at the new Oval against Sydney.

DEMETRIOU: AFL WON'T TAKE AIM AT WEALTHY CLUBS

Melbourne's "tanking" saga — dating back to 2009 — ended in February last year with former coach Dean Bailey banned for 16 weeks while working with the Crows last season, football chief Chris Connolly banned from all football for a year and the club fined $500,000.

Who do you blame for the Kurt Tippett saga?

"I don't know why (they take issue with me) because I was not responsible for what happened with (Tippett's illegal contract)," Demetriou said in Adelaide today.

Who do you think will replace Andrew Demetriou?

The Essendon supplements saga remains still open to sanctions from the recently concluded ASADA investigation.

But the AFL Commission last year stripped the Bombers of their place in the final series, suspended coach James Hird for 12 months, fined the Bombers $2m, banned the club from the first two rounds of last year's and this season's national draft and fined and suspended other key officials.

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Victoria ends Shield drought

Marcus Stoinis (L) and David Hussey (R) helped Victoria get first innings points. Picture: Michael Klein. Source: Michael Klein / News Corp Australia

COACH Greg Shipperd calls them "jumbos".

The big scores that put matches out of opponents' reach.

On Tuesday night at the MCG, one of those he'd probably least budgeted on to provide one came through – decisively.

Marcus Stoinis, the 24-year-old who began his Sheffield Shield career with Western Australia as a hard-hitting all-rounder five years ago, blasted Victoria to an almost impenetrable position with a superb unbeaten 164.

Recast as the Bushrangers No.3 after dominating Premier Cricket with four centuries this summer, Stoinis, 24, delivered the long-awaited monster knock to give Victoria its first Shield points since November 16 – ending 108 days of futility with 21 fours and three towering sixes.

Marcus Stoinis was in superb form at the MCG. Picture: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

With fears of the pink ball in its second evening of day-night cricket all but forgotten, Stoinis shared in the season's highest third-wicket stand of 190 with David Hussey, who himself was desperately unlucky to be stranded on 88 by a dubious LBW decision.

But the powerfully built Stoinis wasn't satisfied with that, racing from 100 to 150 in just 50 balls late in a long day for the Tigers, adding another unbeaten 99-run stand with Peter Handscomb (43*).

The net result of Stoinis' maiden first-class ton in just his seventh match – four for Victoria – was to give the Bushrangers a 187-run lead with two days to play.

Stoinis admitted he was nervous approaching 90, but backed himself to take on the challenge quickly, blasting boundaries to roar through the 90s and beyond.

"I was a bit edgy, but I thought surely I'm seeing them all right now, I can play a few shots and get through that," he said.

"It's a great feeling. I won't be sleeping much tonight – just stoked, buzzing."

Stoinis admitted the journey from highly touted Perth teen to his maiden ton had made him appreciate the achievement.

"Obviously I would have loved to have got here quicker.

"But (in hindsight) it's probably a good thing missing out when you're 19 when it's all come pretty quick, (because) you probably have to earn the right to play with those guys like Dave Hussey.

"I'm hungry for more (on day three), I'm eyeing off 200, for sure. Spirits are always high after a hundred."

The day of carnage for Tassie began well enough with debutant opener Dean Russ trapped LBW by Xavier Doherty.

Rob Quiney's dismissal for 70 then gave the visitors some hope with Victoria at 2-104, still 102 in arrears.

Tim Paine successfully appeals for the wicket of Dean Russ. Source: Getty Images

But just when the Tigers could sense a bit of life in the pink ball, their hopes were first blunted, then later smashed as Stoinis and Hussey took control.

Stoinis notched his 50 with a six into the Members Stand off Doherty to signal his intent.

By the time he repeated the dose to bring up his 150 late in the final session, he'd blasted the Aussie one-day bowler to the fence nine times and over it twice more.

Hussey, who before the match admitted his Bushrangers tenure was likely coming towards an end, carved his fourth half-century of the Shield season.

He savaged Ben Hilfenhaus, so much so with a pre-lunch onslaught that the former Test paceman didn't bowl in the second session.

Butterworth (1-62) was the pick of the Tigers' bowlers, but for the second consecutive day, the pink ball offered little assistance to the seamers.

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Victory’s nervous wait on star trio

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MELBOURNE Victory faces a challenge hanging on to star visa duo Gui Finkler and Adama Traore while Archie Thompson's ­contract is no closer to being resolved.

Talks with the uncontracted trio have been going on for months and Victory officials remain "hopeful" of retaining all three.

The silver lining is that ­former captain Adrian Leijer, who could return from injury on Friday night against Central CoastMariners, is on the verge of ­extending his contract.

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Brisbane Roar striker ­Besart Berisha has been confirmed as Victory's international marquee player for next season, ­replacing Chilean Pablo Contreras, who is due to retire.

Left back Traore is on the verge of obtaining Australian citizenship. Although he's precluded from representing the Socceroos as he played for Ivory Coast at youth level, he won't take up a visa spot next season.

Midfielder James Jeggo, the only other player coming out of contract, is understood to have agreed to a two-year deal with Adelaide United from next season.

While the A-League salary cap is a replica of the AFL version, former Essendon and now Victory chief executive Ian Robson admitted the international component made it more challenging but was hopeful of retaining the stars.

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"We're in discussions with all four (Traore, Finkler, Thompson and Leijer) about their futures and beyond that we don't comment on the specifics of the conversations,'' Victory chief executive Ian Robson said.

"We're hopeful that we'll get some positive outcomes and get that news out in the coming weeks.''

Leijer, who fractured an eye socket three weeks ago, is tipped to sign a multi-year deal.

But it could be a new-look Victory next season with Tom Rogic (Celtic) and James Troisi (Juventus or Atalanta) expected to return to their parent clubs and Mauritian midfielder Jonathan Bru already released.

And though Mark Milligan has another 15 months to run on his contract, the captain is almost certain to field offers after the World Cup, where he is expected to play a key role for the Socceroos.

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Victory's challenges are not dissimilar to Western Sydney Wanderers, who have lost midfielder Aaron Mooy to Melbourne Heart for next season while star visa duo Jerome Polenz and Youssouf Hersi are yet to re-sign.

A-League clubs must take a longer-term view of recruiting with Football Federation Australia announcing last month visa spots will be cut from five to four in season 2015-16.

They also announced that they were likely to switch to the Asian Football Confederation's 3+1 rule, which is the Asian Champions League regulation and the rule adopted in most leagues across the continent.

Meanwhile the match review panel on Monday night confirmed Victory defender Nick Ansell will serve a one-game ban for his derby red card on Saturday night.

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Heart fairytale rivals Wanderers

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AS outrageous as it sounds, Melbourne Heart is now a ­contender for this season's A-League championship in what looms as a Steven Bradbury-style finish.

Heart is four points adrift of the top six, but if it makes April's finals series, a grand final appearance on the first weekend of May is a strong possibility.

While Heart has a decent run home that includes games against fellow top-six hopefuls Newcastle, Wellington and Central Coast, John van't Schip's side fears no one. And that's why Heart looms as the team nobody would want to meet in the finals.

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League leader Brisbane Roar succumbed 1-0 to the league's in-form side a fortnight ago at AAMI Park and I wouldn't be surprised if Heart wins again when the sides meet in Brisbane on March 28.

The only blemish during a super consistent seven-game streak that has yielded 19 of a possible 21 points was conceding a last-minute equaliser away to Adelaide United, the team looming as Brisbane's main threat.

With Asian Champions League trio Western Sydney, Melbourne Victory and the Mariners a worry on recent performances, Heart could enter the finals series as the genuine form team.

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Two wins would be enough to propel it to the grand final, a feat that would go close to matching the Wanderers' debut season fairytale.

The mere presence of marquee player Orlando Engelaar lifts his teammates and his quality has been on show. His goal against Victory on Saturday was effortless and one perfectly weighted 50m pass to Mate ­Dugandzic was a ball few A-League players can hit.

With Harry Kewell to give Heart another dimension in attack and youngsters Ben Garuccio and Stefan Mauk improving every week, anything is possible.

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Revealed: Buzz Rothfield’s top 50

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THE best new signings in rugby league in 2014 won't necessarily be Ben Barba at the Broncos, Sam Tomkins at the Warriors or Will Hopoate at Parramatta.

A player on just a third of their salaries might just prove to be the game's top recruit.

Tyrone Peachey, snapped up by the Panthers from the Sharks, has made The Daily's Telegraph's top 50 player list.

VIEW THE LIST NOW: HERE IS OUR SPECIAL TOP 50 INTERACTIVE!

The 22-year-old has the skill to play five-eighth or the strength and size to play back-row.

Despite only seven first grade appearances, plenty of good judges rate him a future State of Origin player.

The experience he gained in last year's finals series will be invaluable in his debut year at the Panthers.

He has been included at number 50.

Peachey is the only Penrith player to make the top 50. The players I had most trouble leaving out were centre Dean Whare and hooker James Segeyaro.

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Buzz's top 50 NRL players. Source: DailyTelegraph

Jamal Idris, Tim Grant and Jamie Soward didn't do enough last year to warrant inclusion.

It's very much a revamped top 50 from last year with nine newcomers in the list of players between 26 and 50.

Jake Friend, Josh Papalii, George Burgess, Boyd Cordner, Jorge Taufua are among the new players that demanded selection.

All four could have made the top 25 list in tomorrow's edition but have been beaten by more experienced players.

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Obviously there are casualties from last year's top 50.

The likes of Wade Graham, Michael Ennis, Dave Taylor, Sam Kasiano, Kurt Gidley, Dave Shillington and Tony Williams have missed out.

Their form last year wasn't good enough to warrant inclusion, especially big T Rex.

Others have slipped out of the top 25 but still made the top 50.

Ben Barba, on the back of his Dally M year, was rated the fifth best player in rugby league this time last year.

He's slipped 22 spots to 27 this year.

Manly's Anthony Watmough (19 to 30), the Gold Coast's Nate Myles and Greg Bird have also tumbled.

DON'T MISS: PART TWO, 25-1 WILL BE REVEALED ON WEDNESDAY!

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Live: Faf leads Proteas resistance

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RYAN Harris has recovered from his miserable series to put Australia in a commanding position during the third and final Test at Newlands.

The veteran paceman conjured the ball of the match to bowl the dangerous Hashim Amla for 38 as South Africa struggled to 6-200 at tea on the third day.

The home side was still 294 runs behind Australia's 7-494 after Michael Clarke declared on the overnight score, leaving him unbeaten on 161.

MATCH CENTRE: VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS, LIVE STATS AND COMMENTARY

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Harris claimed three of the first six wickets to fall, removing Amla and JP Duminy during a wonderful exhibition of reverse swing bowling.

New ball partner Mitchell Johnson had two important wickets, removing the dangerous AB de Villiers for just 14 driving at a delivery without moving his feet to be well caught by Clarke at second slip.

It was a welcome change from the second Test in Port Elizabeth, where Australia's fast bowlers were impotent while South Africa was devastating with reverse swing.

Harris claimed his first wicket in just the third over of the day when he had South African captain Graeme Smith caught behind for 5, continuing his poor series with the bat.

Smith has scored just 42 runs at an average of eight with a top score of 14.

It was a fine delivery from Harris, moving away from the left hander to take the edge on the way through to Brad Haddin.

After exceptional back to back Ashes campaigns Harris has struggled to get going in this series, looking for all the world like a 34-year-old fast bowler with a long injury history.

Ryan Harris celebrates after dismissing Graeme Smith. Source: AFP

He had been down on pace and often began spells with juicy short balls outside off stump which were easily dispatched. This explained series figures of just three wickets at an average of 74 going into this match.

But from the outset of South Africa's innings Harris's pace was up and his accuracy was impeccable, constantly asking questions of the batsmen.

Haddin was involved in the first three dismissals but it is unlikely that he has taken a finer catch than the second one he snaffled to remove Dean Elgar (11).

Recalled paceman James Pattinson bowled a wonderful delivery which seamed back into the left hander at good pace and took an inside edge.

Haddin changed direction instantly and dived full length to his right to gather the ball one-handed as he flew horizontal to the ground.

However Haddin missed a stumping off Nathan Lyon when Faf du Plessis was 30.

Mitchell Johnson claimed the third wicket after roughing up an enterprising Alviro Petersen. He made 53 from 62 balls with eight fours before gloving a short ball down the leg side.

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Live: rain halts Clarke’s charge

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MICHAEL Clarke has continued his impressive tradition of making big hundreds.

The Australian captain went past 150 for the 10th time in his career as Australia dominated the third and final Test at Newlands.

When rain stopped play midway through the second day Australia was 7-494 with Clarke unbeaten on 161.

The wind was so strong that groundsmen holding the covers were blown over.

Australia must win this Test to claim the series and history says they're well on the way.

Just five times has Australia scored more runs during an innings in South Africa, and won every match.

MATCH CENTRE: VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS, LIVE SCOREBOARD, STATS AND MORE

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Resuming on 92, Clarke took 24 balls to move from 99 to 100, eventually cover driving Vernon Philander to the boundary, breaking the tension and bringing up Test century number 27.

It broke a drought of 11 innings where his top score had been just 24.

Steve Smith appeared as though he would become the third Australian to reach a hundred behind Clarke and David Warner but on 84 chopped a wide long-hop from occasional left arm spinner Dean Elgar into his stumps, ending as partnership of 184 with Clarke.

Resuming on 50, Smith played some delightful strokes. He lifted a ball from Philander back over his head for six and spanked a lofted cover drive from the dangerous Morne Morkel, which also cleared the fence.

Shane Watson, in the all-rounders spot at number six, was in a hurry, scoring 40 in just 32 balls with three sixes before holing out to long off.

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Brad Haddin (13) did something similar swatting a catch to mid-off and Mitchell Johnson made a first ball duck when a lengthy review overturned a not out decision for a catch down the leg side off JP Duminy. It appeared Johnson's bat may have hit the ground, making the noise that snicko showed which convinced video umpire Richard Illingworth contact had been made between bat and ball.

Clarke showed no sign of the battering he received from Morkel on Saturday after being struck a number of times.

Given the problems that Morkel caused Clarke on the opening day it was a great surprise that the tall paceman did not start proceedings on day two.

This was particularly so with Dale Steyn off the field carrying a right hamstring injury. He is hoping to bowl in the second innings but will need to pass a fitness Test.

Even if Steyn was fit to bowl he would have been unable to resume in the first innings given he spent so long off the ground on day one.

It is the second time in as many matches that South African captain Graeme Smith has been a bowler down after Wayne Parnell suffered a groin strain in Port Elizabeth.

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Cherry-Evans fave to claim Dally M

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DALY Cherry-Evans was booed off the stage when he won the Clive Churchill Medal for the best player on grand final day last year but the Manly halfback will start the 2014 season as the favourite to take out the Dally M Medal.

Cherry-Evans confirmed his standing as one of the game's genuine superstars in 2013 and he will lead a star-studded field in TAB betting for the NRL's most prestigious individual prize this year.

Cherry-Evans is the $7 favourite for the Dally M Medal ahead Johnathan Thurston at $9 and Greg Inglis at $11.

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Andrew Johns and Manly's Daly Cherry-Evans after winning the Clive Churchill Medal. Picture Gregg Porteous Source: News Limited

Cherry-Evans was the best player on the field for the majority of the grand final but there was plenty of criticism of the judges when he won the medal because the Roosters ended up winning the game and most believed Sonny Bill Williams had the biggest impact on the final result.

But no one could criticise Cherry-Evans' contribution in that game and after that he went away with the Kangaroos to the World Cup and was unlucky not to steal the starting halfback's job from Cooper Cronk.

In the end Tim Sheens stuck with Cronk as his top choice halfback but Cherry-Evans beat Robbie Farah for a spot on the bench and was outstanding for the Kangaroos throughout the tournament.

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His representative rivalry with Cronk is sure to continue this year in the countdown to State of Origin with some already suggesting it's only going to be a matter of time before Cherry-Evans takes Cronk's title as the best number seven in the game.

Cronk finished last year as the Dally M Medal winner just ahead of a three-way tie for second between Cherry-Evans, Thurston and Todd Carney.

Cronk will start 2014 as a $21 Dally M Medal hope along with Mitchell Pearce and Cameron Smith rounding out the top ten.

Plenty are also predicting a huge year for Pearce who was outstanding for the Roosters in their World Club Challenge win over Wigan on the back of his breakthrough NRL finals campaign.

TAB's Glenn Munsie said Cherry-Evans' favouritism for the award highlights just how highly he is now rated.

"Marquee players will always dominate a Dally M market," Munsie said.

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"The history of the Dally M shows it is dominated by the players who get their hands on the ball more often than not.

"Cherry-Evans has proven himself as one of the best playmakers in the game and this award is often goes to the best playmakers."

Sonny Bill Williams won the international player of the year award last year ahead of Inglis but the South Sydney fullback is finally fully fit and is primed for another massive year.

Inglis was the early leader last year for the Dally M Medal before he suffered a knee injury in Origin three that hampered his performances during the back end of the season.

Inglis' running game was nowhere near its damaging best during the finals but he started to return to his powerful best at the World Cup.

Jarryd Hayne is also expected to have his best year since 2009 after his tremendous World Cup campaign.

"Guys like Inglis, Hayne and Billy Slater will always come into the calculations because they are game-changing players that always attract votes from the judges," Munsie added.

TOP Ten in TAB Dally M Medal betting:

Daly Cherry-Evans $7

Johnathan Thurston $9

Greg Inglis $11

Shaun Johnson $13

Jarryd Hayne $15

Sonny Bill Williams $15

James Maloney $17

Cooper Cronk $21

Mitchell Pearce $21

Cameron Smith $ 21

Will Daly Cherry-Evans win the Dally M this year?

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