Bedsy hooks Country Origin role

Danny Buderus will coach the Country side this year. Picture Gregg Porteous. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

FORMER Newcastle Knights star Danny Buderus was never going to drift too far away from rugby league in retirement.

So it was no surprise when Buderus landed a jack-of-all-trades job with the Knights that includes player welfare, sponsorship liaison and a part-time coaching position mentoring the club's hookers.

But it's his latest gig that has the former NSW and Australian Test hooker excited.Buderus has been appointed assistant coach of the Country Origin squad and will be Trent Barrett's right-hand man in Dubbo when they take on Brad Fittler's City side in early May.

"Yeah, it's a great honour," Buderus said. "I must admit, since retiring I've picked up the coaching bug and I'm really interested in pursuing it. "I can't wait to get into camp with Baz (Barrett) and all the boys.

"Country won the game last season so we want to keep that going."

Buderus was chosen by Barrett with his assistants last season Peter Sharp (interim coach at the Cronulla Sharks) and Craig Fitzgibbon (promoted to the Kangaroos' support staff) unavailable.

MUDGEE may have missed out on staging Country-City or an NRL game this season but don't think for one minute their progressive local council is sitting on its hands.

We have been told council officials are currently negotiating with four NRL clubs in a bid to have an NRL match played at Glen Willow Stadium in 2015.

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Force stun Chiefs in major upset

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THE Western Force can dare to dream of landing a maiden finals berth in Super Rugby after a brace of tries from skipper Matt Hodgson lifted them to a 18-15 victory over the Chiefs in Saturday night's clash in Perth.

Hodgson scored the only two tries of the match to secure the Force's third-straight win, the result lifting the Perth-based franchise into the top six.

Relive the action at Match Centre — scores, stats and video highlights

The Force now have the chance to stretch their winning run to a franchise-record four games when they take on the Reds at Suncorp Stadium on April 5.

In a match filled with bruising tackles, the Force's defence was unrelenting, keeping the Chiefs' prolific backline at bay for the entire 80 minutes.

Chiefs winger Tim Nanai-Williams is stopped in his tracks by Nick Cummins. Source: Getty Images

The win was soured by a suspected shoulder injury to Wallabies forward Hugh McMeniman, who was playing his first game since hurting his neck three weeks ago.

Prop Kieran Longbottom was carried off in the 69th minute after copping a knee to the head while making a try-saving tackle.

The Force endured a few nervous moments after the final siren as the Chiefs advanced down the wing.

But a knock-on ended the hopes of the defending champions, with the 16,380-strong crowd cheering for joy as the Force players celebrated another deserved victory.

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The Chiefs struggled to create clear-cut attacking forays throughout the match, but three penalties from flyhalf Aaron Cruden gave them a 9-8 lead at half-time.

The Force created a number of good chances early in the match, with a powerful rolling maul sending Hodgson over in the 13th minute.

Matt Hodgson celebrates a try with his Force teammates. Source: News Corp Australia

Force flyhalf Sias Ebersohn nailed a 47m penalty to give his side an 8-3 lead after 26 minutes.

The Chiefs should have been on the back foot when prop Jamie Mackintosh was shown a yellow card for repeat infringements in the 36th minute.

Instead, two penalties either side of half-time gave the Chiefs a 12-8 advantage.

The Force grabbed back the lead when Hodgson barged over for his second try in the 46th minute, before Ebersohn's 58th minute penalty extended the lead to six points.

WESTERN FORCE 18 (Matt Hodgson 2 tries Sias Ebersohn con 2 pens) bt CHIEFS 15 (Aaron Cruden 4, Gareth Anscombe pens) at nib Stadium. Referee: Lourens van der Merwe. Crowd: 16,380.

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Game of Tahs and gripes

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KURTLEY Beale is gone in a step. All that's left is the air at which the Rebels grasp in futile desperation.

Before the Melbourne defence can set the sat-nav to No. 12, the ball is gone too. Flicked audaciously by Beale into the safe of hands of Israel Folau who rampages toward the line.

The crowd rises. At least the section in the cheap — or cheaper — seats.

The fullback is still 10m short of his destination but Beale is pumping a defiant fist in the air. This is his — to put it politely — "Damn you!'' moment. The discarded Rebel is aiding his new team's cause and, as sweetly, his old team's destruction.

That the brilliant Folau is the beneficiary of Beale's sleight of hand is both the icing on the cake and a reason to pose a party-pooping question: Why aren't there more people at Allianz Stadium to see it?

Kurtley Beale finds space with Israel Folau to his right. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia

The NRL's round 1 crowd debate was the source of media frenzy, but studied indifference at NRL HQ where they are playing the long game.

There is confidence — misplaced or not — that a game at its competitive peak will attract the numbers it deserves when the NRL Commission's plans are put in place.

The Waratahs, on the other hand, seem to have waved the white flag. Folau's absence from a picture featuring two Major League Baseball stars and the cream of Sydney football — Sonny Bill Williams, Alessandro Del Piero, Adam Goodes — was a matter of unfortunate timing.

It was also symbolic of the rugby codes' diminished status.

On Friday night, you could not blame the weather for the small attendance that the Waratahs no longer announce. (Put me down for 12,000). It's 25 degrees at kick-off. Polo shirts, not tweed jackets, to torture the cliche.

In the members area those rugby cliches are hard to resist. The crowd is, as ARU boss Bill Pulver observed, "male, pale and stale''. One of the few places where a greying, pot-bellied reporter can reduce the average age. When they play John Farnham over the sound system, the promoters might genuinely claim they are trying to appeal to a "younger audience''.

The venue does nothing to draw fans. The best thing you can now say about Allianz Stadium is that the ageing bucket seats and dated function rooms provide an egalitarian touch for a supposedly posh audience. It's like an old band room where you saw some great acts decades ago. A place to evoke memories, not create them.

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Next door at the SCG, baseball fans are enjoying the modern delights of a wonderful new grandstand and hardening their arteries with an array of specially catered American dishes. In that context, Waratahs and NRL fans are not just flying second class at Allianz. They are in the luggage hold.

The Waratahs start brightly. Alofa Alofa scores in the fourth minute. The hum of conversation is disrupted by shouts of appreciation.

But, for the most part, it is an almost depressingly drab first 40 minutes. A messy melange of handling errors, technical penalties and injury time-outs.

You hope the experts will tell you this is one of the worst halves of Super Rugby played this season. If this is considered even mediocre, then the game's problems are even greater than you imagined.

At half-time there is a sevens match featuring the Australian women's team. Which seems an encouragingly enlightened piece of promotion until four well lubricated "gentlemen'' nearby officially launch the 'Sydney Sexist Cliche Festival'.

You convince an usher to allow you to enter to the ground level — despite her dire warning the seats are "much worse'' — and enter an area where the fans wear Waratahs jerseys and caps and are far more engaged with the game. And where, not coincidentally, the game itself seems more engaging.

The loudest cheers are for Jacques Potgieter, a hyper­active blur of shaggy hair and axe-handle shoulders who crashes into the opposition with comic book intensity. The South African forward is an instant cult figure.

The Tahs win 32-8 and have done enough to both enliven the small crowd and answer a vital question: Do the Waratahs, and Super Rugby, have a compelling product to sell in a crowded marketplace?

Yes.

So why aren't they selling?

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Buzz: Top Dog invests in Sharks future

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BOOM hooker Michael Lichaa has invested in the Sharks' future, despite his defection to the Canterbury Bulldogs.

The Cronulla local junior recently purchased a unit at the club's new Woolooware Bay development site.

Ironically it was at the same time he agreed to terms for a $900,000 three-year deal plus a car with the Bulldogs.

Michael Lichaa recently purchased a unit at the club's new Woolooware Bay development site. Source: Supplied

"I've grown up in the Shire and I really like the look of the place," Lichaa told me.

"Even though I've signed with the Bulldogs, I'd like to live there myself but I may have to use it as an investment property and rent it out.

"I'm just really excited to have a place there."

The Sharks development project includes 600 apartments with prices starting from $450,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to $860,000 for three bedrooms.

Club chairman Damian Keogh has also purchased an apartment and skipper Paul Gallen has lodged an expression of interest.

Michael Lichaa recently purchased a unit at the club's new Woolooware Bay development site. Source: Supplied

The Sharks have been given a huge financial boost from early sales.

The property boom has lifted the club's projected earnings from $30m to $43m from unit purchases, the extra $13m ensuring the club's survival in the competition.

On top of that, the Sharks will get a steady income from retail rental in the shopping centre complex.

Building work is expected to start next month

Yet to sign off on Barba

They are slow to move with the times at the Sydney Olympic Park Authority.

We were out visiting the GWS Giants at their impressive new site this week and drove past this slightly outdated billboard.

Ben Barba still appears on a billboard at Sydney Olympic Park in a Bulldogs jersey. Source: Supplied

Giants star Callan Ward is pictured with Rabbitohs superstar Greg Inglis, Swifts netballer Susan Pratley … and a guy called Ben Barba.

Last time we checked he was playing for Brisbane Broncos

Old Sharkie's tip to land more birdies

IT'S not every day golfing legend Greg Norman is handing out free tips.

When he saw a tweet and photo from stylish Fox Sports presenter Louise Ransome about getting a golf lesson, he was only too happy to jump in.

"Need to work on right elbow position & your shoulder and hip turn will be insync. #easymove," he tweeted.

Golfing legend Greg Norman tweeted some helpful tips to Fox Sports reporter Louise Ransome. Source: Twitter

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Farah plucks Ryan's wings

WE loved the Twitter exchange between ex-Tigers teammates Beau Ryan and Robbie Farah this week.

Ryan: "@robbiefarah Good luck this year rob. Hopefully you can force a few more blokes out of the club #sevenandcounting"

Farah: "@therealbeauryan I didn't force you out champ. Nofoaluma and Koroibete did #theyhaveyoucovered" Ouch.

Hot topic for rev-head Dave

THE NRL's ridiculous scheduling of a day game on the Gold Coast last Sunday in 40-degree heat saw a number of fans treated for heat exhaustion.

Not that it was a problem for NRL chief executive Dave Smith. He was in Melbourne at the Grand Prix, enjoying the hospitality from an air-conditioned corporate suite.

David Taylor tries to cool down during the Gold Coast Titans v Wests Tigers game. Source: News Corp Australia

I can understand he needs to experience big events but not after one round when crowds and TV ratings slumped so alarmingly.

Gal talent scout

HE might be out injured for six weeks but Origin skipper Paul Gallen is not just sitting around doing nothing.

Instead he's taking an active role in the Sharks' recruitment planning, helping out coach Peter Sharp and CEO Steve Noyce in identifying talent for 2015.

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The trio met during the week to draw up a hit list of possible recruits. They have good money available with the departures of Andrew Fifita and Michael Lichaa plus the salary-cap increase.

Bedsy gets country call up

TRENT Barrett has signed up Newcastle Knights legend Danny Buderus as his assistant Country coach for the annual clash with City in Dubbo on May 4.

The players will love having the former Origin skipper in camp. Peter Sharp helped out last year but is obviously too busy at the Sharks.

Danny Buderus during a Newcastle Knights training session. Source: News Limited

Gallop raids NRL bunker

FOOTBALL Federation Australia boss David Gallop has signed up one of his gun operators from his days as NRL chief executive.

Trish Crews, the woman who launched the game's outstanding One Community division, has joined FFA.

She has tremendous contacts at the grassroots level where soccer continues to make big inroads.

Erin's wrecking-ball romance

CHANNEL Nine's glamorous rugby league personality Erin Molan has fallen in love with a footy player after meeting via Twitter.

The 30-year-old recently began dating Brisbane Lions vice captain Tom Rockliff.

Rugby League reporter Erin Molan is dating AFL star Tom Rockliff. Source: Supplied

It all started when the AFL star tweeted a screen shot of Molan from the Footy Show's wrecking ball ad. Some cyber banter followed and the pair eventually caught up.

Although Molan is reluctant to discuss the relationship, "it's early days" we're told, the long-distance separation has not been a problem. She has been spotted flying to Brisbane on Sunday nights to spend her days off in the Sunshine State.

SAINT

He might have played his last game of footy but Jharal Yow Yeh should never, ever be lost to rugby league. The youngster handled his injury-forced retirement announcement with unbelievable class during the week.

Broncos fans hold up a sign showing support for recently retired player Jharal Yow Yeh who was forced to retire due to a serious leg injury. Source: Getty Images

SINNER

Having to watch the Roosters and Broncos on delay with a thousand advertisements. It's the same with old rivals Parramatta and Manly this afternoon. The TV deal is a disgrace.

SPOTTED

Israel Folau, Jason Stevens, Tim Mannah and J oseph Paulo having dinner at the flash Rockpool Bar and Grill on Wednesday night.

SHOOSH I

Which big name NRL star has been sending photos of his privates to women on his mobile phone? In this day and age, you would think the Origin and test star would know better ... he is dicing with danger ...

SHOOSH II

We mentioned last week how the Bulldogs salary cap miracle workers were chasing Wests Tigers star fullback James Tedesco. The Roosters have beaten them to the punch and will announce his signing in the very near future.

James Tedesco breaks free from a tackle by Rabbitohs players. Source: Getty Images

SHOOSH III

If there was a betting market on the first coach sacked in 2014, the Warriors' Matthew Elliott would be a long odds-on favourite. Some are even suggesting he won't last until round five.

PAID ON TIME

Coach Wayne Bennett has confirmed he has been paid his monthly salary on time by the Newcastle Knights and is not concerned about their future, knowing the NRL will step in with a rescue package if Nathan Tinkler's ownership falls over.

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DREAM DEBUT

Channel Nine sports director Steve Crawley is raving about the performances of Brett Finch in his debut year as a footy commentator. And we agree. He knows the modern game and delivers his thoughts and analysis like a real pro.

HANDBAG GOES WELL

It was wonderful to see Channel 7 sports personality Jim 'handbag' Wilson on the netball court this week in a session with the NSW Swifts. It followed a challenge from wife Chris Bath on Twitter to test himself against the girls. "It certainly gave me a greater appreciation of how tough and physically demanding netball is," he told me afterwards.

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Chappy ignites Bombers

Paul Chapman set the first quarter alight with two goals and a hand in another. Picture Michael Klein. Source: Michael Klein / News Corp Australia

NOT for the first time, it was the Essendon players who last night lifted the club above another day of off-field turmoil.

Right when the Bombers seemed on the brink of collapse, amid another stomach-turning chapter of the ASADA saga, captain Jobe Watson and his men made a powerful stand, launching the new season with an emphatic win over North Melbourne.

ELEMENTARY FOR WATSON

PLENTY OF LIFE IN OLD CAT

BOMBER: PLAYERS BOUGHT IN

SCOTT: MIDFIELD FAILED TO FIRE

Forgetting the cloud that hung over some players' careers, and the latest storm that concerned James Hird, Essendon united at Etihad Stadium to pulverise the much-hyped Roos by 39 points.

It again reiterated that the Bombers, supposedly at their most vulnerable mental state, have enormous heart and skill to execute a short-kicking game plan — that as we have seen in the first half of the past two seasons — can still trouble anyone.

The victory also eased the unquestionable knots in the fans stomachs about the coaching situation.

First-gamer Luke McDonald has his hands full with a rampaging Paul Chapman. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

For, even if Hird does not return, amid increased scrutiny on his position, they have a good one in Mark Thompson.

Last night, the boys clearly played for him. Especially ex-Cat Paul Chapman, who in his first game in red and black kicked four goals to spearhead the win for his former coach Thompson, showing there was plenty of gas left in the tank.

Finally, it celebrated Dustin Fletcher's record-breaking 379th game in the manner it deserved, after being overshadowed in the past 48 hours by the Hird fiasco.

North Melbourne looked anything but the big bolter this year, smashed in particular in the midfield and led comfortably at every change.

For all the preseason hype, North Melbourne's form was one of the biggest disappointments in the NAB series and throughout the first half last night, it seemed little had changed.

The Bombers again went with a short-chipping plan and looked as if they were almost waltzing upfield at times, racking up 60 more uncontested marks than North by the main change.

The Roos' defensive pressure was severely lacking, prompting Melbourne champion and special commentator Garry Lyon to claim the Roos were too "comfortable" with themselves.

What didn't help was the shoulder injury Todd Goldstein was forced to carry after hurting it in the first term.

Essendon captain Jobe Watson finished with 38 possessions. Picture by Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

But most surprising though was North's inability to close down — or even look like wanting to contain — Watson. With his club again under siege, the Brownlow Medallist was superb, mustering 20 possessions by midway through the second term. So precise was Watson's haul by hand and foot that by midway through the last term he was still operating above 90 per cent efficiency.

Given the publicity storm of the past 24 hours, the timing of Watson's onball annihilation could not have been more important for a club severely questioning the motivations of its own coach (for 2015) James Hird.

Showing trademark leadership, Watson coolly slotted a 35m goal on a tight angle to put the Bombers up by 27 points midway through the third term.

The new-look Essendon forward line was functioning much more fluently than you would expect of a team which had farewelled key forwards Stewart Crameri and Scott Gumbleton and lost ruckman Tom Bellchambers over summer.

Colt Joe Daniher took several impressive marks including this stretch. Picture Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

Paul Chapman, looking anything but a washed-up veteran, provided the spark in attack. He booted two of the Bombers first three goals, one a long bomb and the other a signature snap. Unselfishly, Chapman also fed out a bullet handpass to teammate Ben Howlett at point blank range to play a central role in building the early buffer. More than anything his strength, finishing and sense of space has injected a weapon that will take some curtailing this season.

When second-year colt Joe Daniher reeled in courageous pack marks running blindly into a pack in the second, and then fourth quarters, Essendon fans saw shades of a young Wayne Carey, and rejoiced in the making of a special spearhead. At the other end, Essendon stopper Cale Hooker demolished North danger man and acting captain Drew Petrie.

North's only hope was small forward Lindsay Thomas. With the club's improved midfield well-beaten, Thomas filled the highlight reel, twice launching himself high on the backs of opponents to take an old-fashioned screamer.

He kept the Roos within 21 points nearing the last change when he bagged his fourth goal of the night, threading the tightest of angles under heavy pressure 40m out on the boundary.

But whenever one of his midfielders had the ball, there was nowhere to turn. The collection of Kangaroos' runners who fuelled the club's reputation as one of the most damaging and exciting offensive teams in the competition were hemmed in all night.

NORTH MELBOURNE: 9.6 (60)

ESSENDON: 15.9 (99)

JAY CLARK'S BEST

NORTH MELBOURNE BEST Thomas, Cunnington, MacMillan, Goldstein

ESSENDON BEST Watson, Chapman, Goddard, Hooker, Howlett, Heppell, Ryder

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Inglis KO’d in Tigers ambush

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AFTER just five minutes Rabbitohs talisman Greg Inglis lay motionless on the turf as medicos checked his vital signs. It was a vital sign of the carnage to come, a grubby spree of high shots and cheap tricks that should only be found at the end of a 1970s time warp.

Five players on report, three more off with concussion, two sin-binnings, a knee to the head, a sneaky leg twist and a forward battle with bitter personal undertones.

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This was the type of street fight synonymous with South Sydney's monsters, yet it was the NRL's most under-rated pack that landed all the telling blows.

Routinely written-off for being too small and too soft, Wests Tigers forwards stood up and trounced their more vaunted rivals in a wickedly spiteful contest that saw Tim Simona, George Burgess, Bryson Goodwin, Robbie Farah and James Gavet all placed on report.

Greg Inglis is looked at by the trainers after copping a head shot. Source: News Corp Australia

Simona also joined teammate Pat Richards and Inglis in the concussion ward, with South Sydney failing to register a point for 72 minutes after losing their superstar fullback.

Inglis could not satisfactorily recover his senses after Simona crunched him high while he was juggling a bomb.

And neither could Souths. For the remaining 75 minutes they stumbled and bumbled in a collective concussion, failing to find touch with penalty kicks spilling routine passes and completing at just 40 percent.

To make matters worse, hooker Issac Luke departed the field just before full time with a serious shoulder injury.

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The relentless aggression from their opponents deserves credit for inflicting such a rare malfunction upon Michael Maguire's machine.

It translated to ill-discipline as the match wore on, with Tigers fullback James Tedesco repeatedly struck in the head.

Furious Wests players refused to accept the treatment, with Gavet kneeing Burgess in the head and twisting the leg of Luke. In the end the referees lost patience, marching Luke Burgess and Luke Brooks to the sin-bin in the final 10 minutes.

"I think it probably got a little bit out of control," Farah said. "I don't think they were happy with losing the game. They are not used to losing games - they're a successful side."

Tim Simona celebrates a try with David Nofoaluma. Source: News Corp Australia

Despite their youth, the Tigers did a remarkably better job of keeping their heads. Brooks and Tedesco were once again inspirational, combining for the match-winner in the 53rd minute, while Simona and Richards grabbed doubles.

After conceding a third minute try to Ben Lowe, the Tigers purred to life when Inglis left. By halftime they were roaring ahead 14-6, with the interval arriving as an unwanted circuit breaker to their momentum.

Three ties was a fair first half dividend for the home side, while Souths could not summon the structured style that's transformed them into a premiership force amid the mayhem.

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Adam Reynolds never found his range with the boot, kicking too long, too regularly. Minus the thrust of Inglis on kick returns at the other end of the park, Souths were playing limited yardage and Wests enjoyed all the territory.

Above all,Maguire was peeved with his team's discipline and warned of recriminations at Redfern this week.

"It was an ugly game of footy," Maguire said. "It was a bad night for us and it just all came out at once. It's something we need to look at.

"You could see the frustration building because we couldn't hold the ball."

James Tedesco makes a break in a sensational game for the fullback. Source: News Corp Australia

Wests turned the game in frantic periods either side of half-time, that saw them score 20 unanswered points.

Simona scored his first try in the 30th minute after a fortunate review, which found that Brooks had not knocked a Braith Anasta bomb forward in the lead-up.

Four minutes later Tigers appeared to have a strong case for a penalty try when Lowe knocked Richards out as the Tigers winger crouched to score in the corner. Their pleas were ignored, but Simona could not be as he went back-to-back from a blindside rush three tackles after the resultant penalty.

Richards returned after halftime and scored within a minute. Tedesco's try from Brooks grubber sealed the upset, before Joel Reddy grabbed a consolation double against his old club in the final three minutes.

But after, Farah was most proud of his forwards, whom he conceded might not have prevailed in such nasty circumstances in previous seasons.

"It wasn't us who got nasty," Farah said. "There was emotion involved and you don't take a backward step.

"Everyone talks about their pack but, geez, I would like to give my pack some credit. They were enormous tonight."

WESTS TIGERS 25 (T Simona 2 P Richards J Tedesco B Thompson tries P Richards 2 goals B Anasta field goal) bt SOUTH SYDNEY 16 (J Reddy 2 B Lowe tries A Reynolds 2 goals) at ANZ Stadium. Referee: Matt Cecchin, Alan Shortall. Crowd: 20,061.

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Scott shocked with “horrific” loss

Lindsay Thomas was one of few positives for North with four goals. Photo by Michael Dodge Source: Michael Dodge / Getty Images

NORTH Melbourne's much-talked about midfield produced one of its worst performances during Brad Scott's reign as coach in last night's 39-point loss to Essendon.

The Roos were widely tipped to be one of the big improvers this season but were smashed around the contested ball in a season-opening reality check from the besieged Bombers.

And it could yet get worse for the Roos with ruckman Todd Goldstein set to undergo scans on a suspected serious shoulder injury that could sideline the big man for weeks if not months.

Scott described the loss as "horrific" and said he was shocked that his hardened ball-winners were obliterated in contested possessions 156 to 109 last night.

CHAPPY IGNITES BOMBERS

"In four or five years I can't recall us being that badly beaten in the contests," Scott said.

"When the opposition is hungrier than you and are more up for the contest and they just smash you around the ball — I can't think of a time ever in my time (as coach) that we have been beaten by almost 50 in contested possessions.

"And that is just so unlike the group we have got."

Aaron Mullett's body language says it all. Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

It was Essendon which entered the game amid a shroud of controversy but Scott did not think external factors impacted the team's performance.

"I genuinely thought we were up for the contest, but we definitely weren't," he said.

The coach forecast a heavy focus on winning contested possession on the training track ahead of their Round 2 clash against Western Bulldogs next Sunday.

Goldstein will be closely monitored amid fears the top-flight ruckman injured his left shoulder tendon — something that could out him for up to three months, according to sports medicine expert Dr Peter Larkins.

Goldstein rucked manfully using mainly his right arm after hurting his left shoulder in the first quarter.

Scott said he hoped the injury wasn't serious but was adamant back-up big man Dan Carrie was ready to step up if called upon.

"The fact that he played on (is positive)," Scott said.

"There were certainly concerns about his rotator cuff, but we will have to get that scanned, I think it was difficult to tell.

"I wanted confirmation from Goldy himself that he was right to go (keep playing) and he felt he was, so the docs cleared him and Goldy felt he was right.

" Hopefully that means it's not too bad. If it is, Dan Currie is absolutely dying for his opportunity and if he gets his opportunity I expect him to take it."

Scott said he tried without success to clamp down on Bombers captain Jobe Watson, who starred with 39 possessions in the Bombers' rousing win.

Roos' midfielders Jack Ziebell had 12 possessions and Daniel Wells 11.

Scott said it was a "miracle" that the team remained in the hunt on the scoreboard and took a one-point lead momentarily in the second term.

"If there is a positive to come out of tonight for us it's that we were horrific, and yet I felt we were in the game the whole night right up until half way through the last quarter," he said.

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Bombers buy in to win big

Bomber Thompson gestures towards his troops. Picture Wayne Ludbey. Mark Thompson. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Corp Australia

ESSENDON coach Mark Thompson praised his players for buying into his game plan to set up the thumping 39 points win against North Melbourne.

Thompson said the Bombers followed instructions to implement the modern high-possessions game to deny the Roos the ball at Etihad Stadium.

CHAPPY IGNITES BOMBERS

ELEMENTARY FOR WATSON

PLENTY OF LIFE IN OLD CAT

"It was a good start, we couldn't be more pleased, to be honest,'' Thompson said.

"We played a good, strong first game of the year. The whole club is pleased to have a good win against a team we rate.

"It looked like we were doing things we've been practising and they carried them out. When you start well, it's a great thing for everyone. The scoreboard was ticking over early.''

Paul Chapman and Brendon Goddard were two of Essendon's very best. Picture Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

Thompson said everyone at the club was instructed to not let the latest James Hird furore become a distraction.

"I tried very hard not to concentrate on that and we told all the players not to even go there,'' he said.

"It's not the right time. We've got a game on and I wanted all my players, all my staff to just concentrate on the game.

"We'll let the committee and board deal with that when they do. I think enough has been said by Paul Little about what the next couple of days look like.

"I didn't even want to go there to get upset. To be honest, I had a day where I just had a lot of messages, all my friends in the world texted me to wish me all the best.

"I was busy replying to them. I didn't have a snooze, I wanted to have a snooze. I busy enough without worrying about that stuff.''

Dunstin Fletcher unloads a torpedo. Picture by Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

Thompson said a positive vibe from Dustin Fletcher's club record 379th game "last about 30 seconds'', although the veteran defender was chuffed with the win when he addressed the players and staff after the game.

"He just told the team all his other milestones, they've lost, so he's really happy to have won one. We'll do the same for his 400th and 450th,'' the coach said.

Thompson said he was impressed with the spread of goalkickers, like Paul Chapman's four in his first game for the club, three from Brendon Goddard and Jobe Watson's two.

"Little Chappy, he's pretty well liked by the playing group and the coach likes him too. Four goals first game, used the ball well and he's good to have around the club,'' he said.

"I like his leadership here and I think he's liking it too. He didn't offer that much at the Cats, he didn't have to, he was playing with guys who knew what they were doing. So I think he's enjoying that new element at this club.

"Everyone's saying where are they going to kick their goals? It doesn't matter where you get them from. Good players get the ball whatever part of the game they play in.

"Watson has always shown that ability to kick goals and take contested marks, Chapman will do the same, Goddard will do the same, Stanton. So we'll kick enough goals.''

Thompson said he had never previously played three first-gamers and he was particularly impressed with Patrick Ambrose.

"I got angry at a few things, the old ones that used to get me back then too,'' he said of his return to the senior AFL coaches role.

"I probably have just got to settle down, mature. I'm doing it for 22 weeks, I should have a bit more fun and try as win as many games as we can and enjoy the year.''

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A special win for the Big H

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HE'S played far better games, but very few have meant more to Hamish McIntosh.

The former North Melbourne ruckman, hobbled by a string of injuries for almost three years, finally played his first game for the Cats at Simonds Stadium tonight.

Fighting back tears, he was mobbed by players, fans and media afterwards, all keen to learn of his emotional roller-coaster ride in Geelong's 38-point win.

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"It's been a tough road, an up-and-down journey," the gentle giant said.

"It was an emotional night — I've got to experience so many feelings.

"But to experience that moment out in the middle of the ground when that siren blows, for that 10-20 seconds to feel that win, there's no way of explaining that feeling.

"It's amazing and (makes) all the hard work worth it.

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"There were times when I didn't think I'd get back … it's great to be back playing AFL footy again. I missed it and I'm just going to cherish every game and every win I get now."

McIntosh began on the bench, but quickly made his mark by running on to a ball near the 50m arc and steadying before slotting a goal that sent his mates into carnival mode.

Hamish McIntosh (L) and Jimmy Bartel of the Cats celebrate their win. Source: Getty Images

"I think the heart rate hit about 250 clicks and I was ready to go," he said.

"Thinking about it the night before the game, I was thinking I hope I get a kick, a goal early and settle the nerves. I got one and carried on like a goose.

"But it's just great, great to be playing.

"It took a bit to get into the game, but kicking that goal settled my nerves and got me into the contest.

"It's definitely a step up (from pre-season), but I feel I ran out the game well and the fitness was at a good level.

"I'm just excited for the year ahead, now."

Hamish McIntosh (R) of the Cats and Sam Jacobs of the Crows contest for the ball. Source: Getty Images

McIntosh said the celebrations of his teammates after his goal were emotionally instructive.

"That's why I found it really hard last year, at times, to come in here last year.

"To not play a game, I felt a little bit guilty and I had so many feelings last year.

"I'm so determined to now play for as long as I can and to prove myself and thank the Geelong footy club for what they've done for me."

"I'm determined to reward that faith they've shown in me and to play some good footy.

"Hopefully tonight's a good start."

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Scott: They’re slowly becoming Cats

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CHRIS Scott got a lot from the usual suspects, but after the Cats' 38-point win over Adelaide he was quick to point out something more meaningful.

Even more so after the Crows hit the front in the last quarter before the Cats responded with the game's last six goals.

"For our guys to really grit their teeth and find a way was really encouraging, especially with some players that we can't be sure are Geelong players just yet," Scott said.

"Hamish McIntosh probably became a Geelong player tonight (and) he's had to fight hard to earn the respect of his teammates.

A SPECIAL WIN FOR HAMISH

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"You can be a fantastic trainer and a great bike rider, but unless you get the opportunity to do it out there on the track in games, it's very difficult to earn that respect.

"He did it, and I think Lincoln McCarthy did it (and there are) little things like Jared Rivers' (gutsy) mark in the last quarter."

Scott said he was "extremely happy" for McIntosh.

Coach Chris Scott hugs Jimmy Bartel (R) of the Cats after their win. Source: Getty Images

"People have written him off, I'm sure. We even had some doubts over the decision to bring Hamish in, because we knew it was a risk.

"It was a bit like playing three ruckmen tonight — we knew it was a huge risk and that I could be standing here with egg on my face. But those individuals really stood up on the big stage.

"Hamish has come back from a horrible run _ eight games in three years for a 29-year-old.

"But he's really determined to show he's going to be a valuable acquisition for the Geelong footy club."

Scott said the call on playing McIntosh, Dawson Simpson Mark Blicavs in the same team had been made "after extreme deliberation".

"It wasn't made flippantly. You can look really silly if the guys don't stand up, but they did.

"One of the hardest decisions of the night was to make the call (to sub) Simpson, because we thought he was giving us great impetus, and that's something we didn't have last year.

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"We've been thinking for a long time it's possible for the three of them to play together. They've all got different attributes. It is going to be horses for courses, but I think we saw tonight there's a possibility it could work long-term."

Scott said the Cats had also taken an "educated gamble" on the fitness of skipper Joel Selwood who's had fitness queries on both an ankle and hamstring during pre-season.

"He had a fantastic preparation up until he had that little minor ankle issue, so we were really confident in his preparation, he just hadn't played much game-time."

Selwood had a game-high 34 disposals, 11 of which came in the final term including two critical goals.

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Matty: Brooks has lessons to learn

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LUKE Brooks will win grand finals, Dally M medals, represent this country and dominate Origin ­series ... one day.

But first, lessons and hardships.

What Brooks has experienced in the first two weeks of his rookie season will be the story of his year.

Just as it was the story of other rookie halfbacks' first seasons in the spotlight. Great halfbacks like Greg Alexander, Ricky Stuart, Allan Langer, Peter Sterling and Andrew Johns will all relate to what the young Tiger is about to embark on.

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All we Monday Morning Experts — one day putting a huge star next to his name, the next a huge question mark.

But make no mistake, Luke Brooks is a gem. The Tigers can build their next 10 years around him. Great things will come, but not yet.

The ups and downs of a young halfback's first year take as much out of them mentally as they do physically.

Luke Brooks. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

Andrew Johns' 1994 rookie year was 26 rounds of highs and lows.

He had a pretty good start. In round one he scored 23 ­individual points against Souths away, a club record, and collected man-of-the-match honours.

The papers declared a "superstar had arrived".

In round two he returned home to play the unfashionable Wests Magpies. A huge crowd turned up to see if this new sensation could break his 23-point record. Things didn't exactly go to script.

In the Wests line-up were a couple of old veterans who were way past their best, Paul Langmack and Jason Alchin.

Their legs had long gone but their tongues worked just fine, and they sledged the heavy-seated rookie from start to finish. Joey had one of his all-time shockers.

Luke Brooks scores against the Titans. Source: News Corp Australia

One commentator used a spin on the old Queensland Tourism ad to sum up the young Knights halfback: "Andrew Johns, beautiful one day, disastrous the next."

Those volatile first two rounds were a perfect snapshot of Andrew's rookie year, when one week he would be labelled "the game's next great player" and the next "dramatically overrated".

One retired rugby league legend made comment of Andrew during that year by saying: "People have been telling me what a great prospect this bloke is, but I just don't see it … he's a fat little womble."

When Ricky Stuart coached the Roosters a way back, he was quoted as saying: "Halfbacks own the result."

True. In victory, the No.7 is much sought after in celebration, and in defeat the No.7 is where the autopsy starts.

It's an unforgiving position with little concession given to age or experience.

Luke Brooks attempts to tackle Leeson Ah Mau. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

Soon enough "young" Luke Brooks will become just Luke Brooks, and his performances will be judged without thought of how many first grade games he has played.

People tell me he's a level-headed kid and that will be a great help in this year of highs and lows which all high-­profile young stars endure.

The praise will be too lavish, the criticism too harsh and he will spend many a night staring at the bedroom ceiling going over tackles missed, balls dropped and plays he could've done better.

Of course his teammates and coaching staff will play a vital role in Brooks enjoying a successful rookie campaign and the adjustments which were made from their first-round loss to their second-round flogging of the Gold Coast were very encouraging.

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In round one it was hard to work out if it was Luke Brooks' team or Robbie Farah's. Brooks was dominant early then faded out of the contest. Robbie tried to play hooker, halfback and five-eighth.

In round two, coach Mick Potter had clearly defined their roles. Farah, the principle ball player, creating and finessing out of dummy-half.

Robbie would make a dent in the defence and with momentum created, the ball would go to the first receiver, Brooks, who attacked the ­retreating defence with his run first, pass second mentality.

It's a terrific bit of coaching by Potter, who has managed to design a game plan to play to the strengths of both men.

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The smarts and skill of Farah, and the speed, energy and footwork of Luke Brooks.

As Brooks gets older his ball-playing will get better and better. But for now, not being bogged down with the exact science of creating holes for others suits him perfectly.

This week Brooks faces his biggest challenge so far — to try and play an influential role in a match when, for the majority of the contest, he will have little go-forward to work with.

Last week the Titans turned up to play touch football with the Tigers. Souths will be a very different proposition.

The difference in physicality this week will be netball to boxing in comparison.

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Tonight Souths will target Brooks. They will sledge him, they will hit him late and try to make it 80 minutes of hell.

In a season of challenges, tonight Brooks will learn that in these games, doing simple things right will be the big plays. Kick and defend well.

When kicking long, kick into space. When on the attack, make the last play your best and be clear in thought. Grubber for the in-goal or cross-kick for the wings. Make sure you decide which long before the ball hits your hands.

In defence, talk confidently and get up fast. The more you get off your line, the more solid your contact will be.

Anything more from the young man will be a bonus.

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How Hasler inspired a GWS miracle

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THE rookie AFL coach who masterminded Sydney's biggest sporting upset in years got his ideas from Bulldogs NRL coach Des Hasler and a wrestling expert from the Sydney Roosters.

GWS Giants coach Leon Cameron has revealed he built the team's ruthless, relentless defence around strategies from the rival code.

Cameron played 250 games for the Western Bulldogs and has done a 10-year coaching apprenticeship. He is originally from Warrnambool in Victoria and was raised by a single mum.

He caught up with sports editor-at-large Phil Rothfield to discuss the miracle win over the Swans and his hopes of turning the Giants into a western Sydney force.

GWS coach Leon Cameron. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

How did you beat the Swans? They were $1.02! I can't recall a bigger upset.

Our guys were up for the challenge. In the first year or two we got belted around the ears but the rivalry with the Swans is really building and it's fantastic for the code.

We stepped up. The guys had their third pre-season together. They're a year older. Plus the influence of having mature players at the club can't be underestimated.

They help the young guys in games when we look like losing control. Plus we were probably three weeks ahead of them in preparation because they played in finals and didn't come back as early as we did. We overran them in the end.

Phil Rothfield talks with Leon Cameron. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

Everyone was talking about your defence.

We have really good connections with NRL clubs Canterbury, Parramatta and the Roosters. We're learning off each other.

We spent some of the off-season with Des Hasler and the Bulldogs looking at statistics and our tackling.

They talk about the aggression in defence, the technique, which they do better than the AFL. Plus we got Larry Papadopoulos (wrestling and grapple expert) from the Roosters. He studied tapes of our games and came up with some great ideas to help in wrestling and tackling.

We helped them (Canterbury) out with kicking and catching. One of our assistant coaches spends a fair bit of time with them.

State of the art gym at the GWS Giants' training complex. Picture Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

Okay, before we go further, can I test your knowledge on Western Sydney? We once asked Kevin Sheedy who Nathan Hindmarsh was and he famously said a stadium in Adelaide.

Okay, (laughs) off you go.

Who is Jarryd Hayne?

This is a trap. Wests Tigers. Sorry, I don't know. And please don't think I'm being disrespectful to Jarryd.

Wrong. He plays for Parramatta. Next question. Who is Phillip Ronald Gould?

Phil Gould, he's NSW State of Origin coach.

He used to be. He's now Penrith's general manager.

Don't you stoush a bit with Phil Gould? I looked up some of your articles on Google before you came out here.

I saw there was a bit of Gould v Rothfield stuff.

GWS players celebrate victory. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited

I wouldn't say we were close. Moving on to Israel Folau. Seeing what a magnificent athlete he is and what he's doing for the Waratahs, any regrets about him not being here?

It would have been fantastic to have him here. He was progressing on the right track. But I walked in the day he walked out. By all reports he was outstanding with the group. It would have been good to see where he went in a couple of years but his heart was not in it. The way he exited — it was all class. He's still got some of his best mates here. He supports us, we support him.

You knocked off Buddy Franklin and the Swans last week. He's struggled a little bit since arriving. Are you still dirty you didn't get him.

I'm not dirty. One door closed and others opened for us. Heath Shaw from Collingwood, Shane Mumford from the Swans, Josh Hunt from Geelong and Dylan Addison from the Western Bulldogs all came to our club. I think it's fantastic he (Franklin) is up here in Sydney. He's an outstanding player and he'll bring people to the footy.

We were lucky enough to beat them at the weekend. But it's one game. He'll show what he can do, don't worry.

Indoor training area at the GWS Giants' training complex. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

Doesn't this club still need a superstar like Franklin or Ablett on the Gold Coast not just to win games but to promote the club?

I'm really confident with the players coming through, like Jeremy Cameron, Jon Patton, Tom Boyd, No. 1 pick last year. People have this infatuation with big-name players — we've got three or four coming through. It's only a matter of time before they become household names.

But they could walk down Church St in Parramatta and not be recognised?

Cameron Smith and Billy Slater are massive names in Melbourne. They are huge. That took a bit of time. This is a generational thing for us.

We have to identify young talent, bring it in and nurture it. Like Kieren Jack at the Swans, a Pennant Hills boy.

That puts you in competition with the Swans.

We have one eye on now, which is our week-to-week performances, and the other eye is on developing players from our own territory. I know Adam Goodes has come from Ballarat but look what he's done for the Swans.

He's been enormous for the game, not just in footy circles but in life. We know we've got a challenge but we're going to hit it head on.

When our performances are not up to scratch, I've got to take responsibility. I do expect us to be a little more competitive this year.

State of the art gym at the GWS Giants' training complex. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

What's the timeline for a top-eight finish?

With young kids at this level we'll go up and down. We'll fluctuate from performances like last weekend to sub-par in maybe four or five weeks. Who knows?

You'll have impatient fans. Everyone wants to win.

That's what we're building towards. Everyone is judged on winning. We'll go to the trade table again this year to look for more mature players to balance the roster and help develop the great young talent we have.

How hands-on is Kevin Sheedy?

Sheeds blooded all those kids you saw on the weekend before they were ready to play. He had to.

Ten of our young kids have now got 30 and 40 games experience. No one could have started us better than Sheeds.

I spend a bit of time with him every week. We talk footy. I'm a first-year coach. He's a 35-year coach.

Is it hard playing in empty stadiums?

That was the great thing last weekend. Our players saw 17,000 at our home ground. Great noise, great atmosphere. We're not always going to have that. We're at a baby stage. It's going to take time to build our supporter base.

We're not here to compete with NRL and soccer, we're giving fans an opportunity to follow AFL footy.

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King‘s victory from the heart: Kent

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IT seems everybody has offered their opinion on toughness in the NRL now that you can no longer belt someone around the head five or six times or climb from the deck, sway like a sailor on shore leave, and head back into the fray.

But a toughness remains, and was revealed in all its purple glory last weekend. There is still a place in the game for men whose hearts, deep down where you cannot measure, beat a little differently.

It happened Friday in the minutes after Ben Teo and Luke Burgess knocked the dust from the shoulders of Justin Horo, 60 minutes in. The Rabbitohs led 12-6, against a Sea Eagles team outmatched and holding on.

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Jason King during Manly training at NSW Academy of Sport at Narabeen. pic. Phil Hilyard Source: News Corp Australia

Horo dropped the ball in the collision and the referee whistled the knock on and the packs came together for a scrum. Then Sam Burgess patted Horo on the chest while sticking a few icicles in his ear.

Wearily making his way to the scrum was Jason King, playing his first game since April last year when he walked off during the game against Souths with a shoulder that needed reconstructing.

King knew Burgess was the intimidator in the Souths pack.

More than that, he knew one of the first rules of war is that when you shoot the general, the troops will scatter, and that Burgess is South Sydney's general.

King walked after Burgess, into the meat of the Souths pack, and players from both sides came to separate them.

Sam happily chatted away.

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The Rabbitohs won the scrum and, second tackle, Luke Burgess took it up and walked into a one-man ambush when King hit him with a shot that brought a shriek from Ray Warren in the commentary box.

Two tackles later George Burgess took the ball forward and King put himself opposite him and went with the shoulder again.

Next tackle came Sam.

Burgess was a little wide for King to make first contact, but as the Sea Eagles defenders wrapped him up King got across to help bring him down and Burgess went to the turf smiling, almost to himself, and the moment the ball was played he was back into King.

Manly got a penalty soon after and as they kicked for the line Burgess called on King to run at him.

When King finally took the ball he looked up and spotted Luke and George first and, what else, went straight at them.

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It was tough and it was personal. It was enough that you hoped all those people questioning the toughness in the game were able to look a little closer.

Manly found something in those few minutes.

"I believe that won us the game," Kieran Foran told Nine's Sunday Footy Show.

"Just watching him go crack one of the Burgess boys, and then calling out the other two, as a player on that team, you just feel like here's a bloke that says 'Get behind me, I'm going to lead us forward and I'll do anything to get the win'."

Before the set was over Manly scored to level it 12-all, before taking it 14-12.

King said nothing after the game, and even when trotted out yesterday he praised his teammates, describing the Rabbitohs as a "tough challenge for our forward group" before praising the talents of the Burgess brothers.

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Hidden away, nobody knows the depth of what King went through Friday night.

He missed the 2011 grand final after tearing his pectoral muscle.

He came back in 2012 and his shoulder went this time, bringing on a season ending shoulder reconstruction, before he did it again last year, missing the 2013 grand final.

He has spent the best part of three years in the rehab group, unable to lift anything heavier than a fork.

And yet Friday night, in a game questioning its own toughness, he took on the Burgess brothers, who are some specimens themselves, with nothing more than what some call the great tick of the heart.

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PLAYER DEPTH A SALARY CAP ISSUE

CRONULLA'S performance against Canterbury highlighted an old chestnut in the NRL - the lack of depth at some clubs when injuries take a few players out of a team.

The Sharks were brave early, but tremendously outmatched after going into the game without Paul Gallen, Andrew Fifita and co.

It underlines the need for diligence in salary cap policing.

One of the NRL's favourite claims in its early days was the rotation of grand finalists and semi-finalists as the salary cap impacted on teams every new season.

That claim has disappeared in recent years.

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It's amazing how some clubs have been able to stockpile strong rosters, and can almost replace like for like when it comes to injury, while others lose one or two and suddenly look like they're trotting out a reserve grade team.

There is no doubt the leading clubs are better managed then many of the bottom clubs. But there is also an almost perfect correlation between the rich clubs and the top clubs, which is worrying.

There's no point having a salary cap if only half the league takes notice.

Join Ben Ikin and Paul Kent on NRL360 tonight to dissect all the big issues from Round 2 - from 7.30pm on Fox 1.

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Lawrence embraces all the Manly hate

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THIS is the hand-written sign on the Brookvale hill Brenton Lawrence looks for when talk starts about how rugby league hates Manly.

In just his second season at Brookvale, Lawrence is shocked and bemused at how rivals clubs, and their fans, dislike Manly - and have done so for the past fifty years.

And no rival NRL side has a healthier rivalry than Parramatta, Manly's opponents this Sunday afternoon at Brookvale Oval.

Manly fans hold up banner titled 'Guess What? Manly Hates You Too !!!' . Source: News Limited

The Sea Eagles and Eels have a passionate history going back to the 1970s. Manly beat Parramatta in 1976 grand final but the Eels extracted revenge winning the deciders over Manly in 1982 and 1983.

It seems, generally, every fan cheers for their side - and the team playing Manly. And the Sea Eagles love it.

''There is a bit of a rivalry with every club - everyone seems to want to beat Manly," Lawrence said. "There's something weird about it.

"It's uplifting and something that you want to disprove I guess. Everyone seems have that gripe against Manly.

"One of the best signs in the crowd is 'Guess What? Manly hates you too!!!'.

"It's good to be apart of that and we always want to beat Parramatta. This week is no exception."

Brenton Lawrence during Manly training at NSW Academy of Sport at Narabeen. pic. Phil Hilyard Source: News Corp Australia

Even Lawrence admitted he wasn't a Manly fan before arriving at Brookvale.

"It's through and through. Everyone seems to have that northern beaches passion, or they don't," he said.

"It actually proves to be beneficial to us because the boys love it.

"Before I came here I knew Manly was the club everyone loves to hate.

"That's the nature of sporting clubs. As soon as you are part of something, then you belong, it's like family. But when you're not, you're the opposition.

"It's a good rivalry to have - it's a bit of fun."

Manly was accused of attempting to buy premierships as far back as the 1970s.

In that same era, the Sea Eagles were also labelled the game's Silvertails.

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"I am only here in my second year but it's funny how you look at the Silvertails having all the money," Lawrence told The Daily Telegraph.

"I can see there is money on the northern beaches but Manly isn't exactly the richest club in the league. It's a stereotype of yesterday. The legend of the Manly Silvertails.

"That is what's so great about rugby league - these things are always going to stay."

There is something special about Manly and Parramatta at Brookvale on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

Brenton Lawrence warms up. Source: Getty Images

Something newsworthy always happens; you can feel it walking into the old ground.

One player sure to be nervous walking into Brookie on Sunday will be Will Hopoate, the ex-Manly grand final winger.

Asked what reception he will cop, Lawrence said: "Hopefully a good one - they are quite loyal the Brookie fans."

Manly halves Kieran Foran and Cherry Evans didn't train yesterday but will fit for the match.

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Father-son Roo McDonald to debut

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NORTH Melbourne will unleash prized father-son recruit Luke McDonald in Friday night's season opener against Essendon.

McDonald, 19, known for his attacking style and precision skills, looms as one of three possible new faces with elevated Kangaroos rookie Joel Tippett and Daniel Currie in the mix.

Taken with pick no. 8 in the national draft, McDonald, used largely across half back, played in both Kangaroos' NAB Challenge losses.

WEDNESDAY ON SUPERFOOTY: BEHIND THE SCENES MULTIMEDIA SPECIAL WITH LUKE McDONALD AND BRENT HARVEY

McDonald missed the club's practice match against Geelong with an illness.

"It's been the aim for over a year now and for it to finally happen it's exciting, I just can't wait to get out there on Friday night and wear the blue and white stripes," McDonald said.

McDonald's father, Donald, played 155 games with North before turning his hand to administrative ranks.

North Melbourne draftee Luke McDonald 19yrs is pictured with his father Donald at home in Kew. Donald McDonald played more than 150 games with North Melbourne. Picture Ian Currie. Source: News Corp Australia

McDonald said North Melbourne coach Brad Scott delivered him a simple message at training yesterday.

"He just told me not to change anything I've done this pre-season, I've been picked for a reason and that's because of the way I've gone about it so far," McDonald said.

"When he told me out the front of my locker a lot of the boys got around me and it was very exciting."

PRE-SEASON INSIDER: PART 1

PRE-SEASON INSIDER: PART 2

Scott told the <i>Herald Sun</i> McDonald was a complete player worthy of his selection.

"We gave him every opportunity in the pre-season and some pretty big roles through the midfield and in defence and he's accepted every challenge that's come his way," Scott said.

"He plays his best when he's just going in with a mindset of being ultra competitive.

"I don't mind if he makes mistakes being aggressive and proactive, but I hate mistakes on the back of hesitation and when Luke is playing well he's not hesitating."

Scott said McDonald benefited from training with the club part-time last year, while playing for VFL affiliate Werribee.

"He's slotted in as more of a second-year player than a first-year player," Scott said.

"This year we haven't treated him like a first-year player, his running loads and training loads (are that) of the more experienced players."

Joel Tippett has had to fight for his AFL life. Photo by Scott Barbour Source: Getty Images

Upgraded rookie Joel Tippett is also in the frame to make his North Melbourne debut in the season-opener.

Scott said Tippett — the 25-year-old younger brother of Sydney forward Kurt — and fringe tall Daniel Currie would be in the squad.

Ruckman/forward Majak Daw will be left out after enduring a frustrating pre-season as he has recovered from a knee injury.

Key defender Nathan Grima sought physio treatment on his foot during a training hit-out yesterday, and Tippett, who has spent the past two seasons in the SANFL, would be the likely inclusion if Grima does not come up.

Daniel Currie wrestles with Sam Rowe Picture Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Limited

"He (Tippett) has been in terrific form in the pre-season and taken some really big jobs on the opposition's key forwards," Scott said yesterday.

"He'll come up off the rookie list.

"Dan Currie will definitely be in the squad. He probably hasn't transferred his training form into game form, but we're really looking for that third key forward slot at the moment and Dan has been the one that has jumped up and grabbed that opportunity more than anyone else — and he also gives (Todd) Goldstein ruck relief as well."

Who do you think will win?

Scott said Daw had been thrown into the pre-season game against Hawthorn in a bid to get some match-time into him, but said he would not pick him when he was clearly still underdone.

"The biggest problem we've had with Majak is availability — he's played a bit in the pre-season but his training has been really interrupted," he said.

"I'm loath to pick Majak this week just based on lack of preparation — it's really frustrating because I see him as a big part of our future, but we just need to get some continuity."

Captain Andrew Swallow looked to be moving well in his restricted training as he continues his recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon, but he is unlikely to play before about Round 5.

Young forward Tom Curran will be placed on the long term injury list as he recovers from a footy injury.

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Court action has Tigers on death row

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WHEN this newspaper suggested Wests Tigers was vulnerable to being relocated Interstate over the weekend, the club recoiled and publicly denounced the idea.

We now wait with interest as to how the Tigers elect to respond on Wednesday afternoon, when the NSW Supreme Court decides whether Balmain Leagues Club should be placed into the hands of receivers.

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On death row since ambitious renewal plans for its Rozelle premises began to sour six years ago, the Leagues Club will be executed if Justice Paul Brereton rejects its bid for an injunction to stop the developer from calling-in an $8.7 million debt.

Operational since 1957, the Club needed upfront money from the developer in 2008, so it could payout staff and continue operating from two interim sites. Part of the advance was also used to help Balmain Football Club — a joint venture partner of Wests Tigers — uphold its financial commitment to the NRL franchise.

Martin Taupau of the Tigers celebrates with team mates. Source: Getty Images

But over the past two seasons the money has disappeared, along with any genuine hope of the NSW Government approving a high-rise construction on Victoria Rd.

The Court on Tuesday heard Balmain Leagues Club is carrying $7 million in liabilities, and has suffered a combined loss of $2.7 million over the past three financial years.

In that time the Leagues Club has been unable to assist the Football Club to meet its obligations to Wests Tigers. When the NRL team suffered an unexpected $2 million loss in 2012, Balmain could not cover its half of the shortfall and the black hole has only grown bigger since.

The other joint venture partner — Wests Group — had the money, but, in exchange, wanted boardroom control over Wests Tigers. Proud Balmain directors rejected that offer, more attracted to the NRL giving both stakeholders a loan to cover their outstanding debts to the joint venture.

Luke Brooks scores for the Tigers and is hugged by Braith Anasta. Source: News Corp Australia

In return for the money — believed to be about $8 million — the NRL has claimed three seats on the new seven-man board. Balmain and Wests split the remaining four spots, although Balmain's representatives cannot vote until their share of the NRL loan is repaid.

But there's an even more dire consequence if Balmain cannot cough-up the dough within two years. As revealed in Saturday's Daily Telegraph, Balmain's stake will revert to the NRL, dissolving the foundation club of any link to the elite competition.

If Balmain's capacity to maintain its commitments to Wests Tigers has vanished, what chance does it stand to raise $4 million in just two years?

One beacon of hope was the Leagues Club getting back on its feet in Rozelle. But that was destroyed last Friday, when the developer formally issued a demand for it's $8 million loan — plus $700,000 interest — to be handed back within 48 hours.

Martin Taupau scores during the Gold Coast Titans v Wests Tigers. Source: News Corp Australia

Regardless of Wednesday's outcome in the Supreme Court, the Leagues Club faces a grim future.

It's relationship with the developer is now clearly unworkable. For Balmain football club, and by extension Wests Tigers, that avenue of funding is now blocked.

The last chance for Balmain is raising $4 million from its own members and fans, with club directors optimistic that an extremely rich and extremely generous benefactor might answer the SOS. But should there be no response, the NRL will take control in two years time.

And do you really think it's in the NRL's interest to keep nine teams in Sydney?

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The snug fit of the 'Wests Tigers' moniker to a relocated team in Perth has not been lost on concerned figures close to the club.

CEO Grant Mayer was vehement in his rejection of any plans to move the team on Saturday, but should Balmain fail in their mission it won't be his decision to make.

That call will belong to Dave Smith, a banking whiz who has just delivered rugby league a $49.6 million surplus.

Smith is also watching TV ratings and crowds decline, particularly in Sydney's overcrowded market. He, like all realistic and rational observers, knows the squeeze cannot be tolerated much longer.

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Gus fish and chip shop mystery solved

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THE great Phillip Ronald Gould fish and chip shop mystery has been solved.

The Panthers general manager and Channel Nine commentator took to Twitter on Monday to explain why he wasn't watching Penrith on TV against Melbourne Storm.

The Sunday Telegraph spotted the great man at Port Hacking Seafoods while his team was involved in a nail-biter.

Phil Gould in the commentary box with a carton of hot chips in front of him. Source: News Limited

"Fierce electrical storm caused blackout in my suburb approx 5pm Saturday," Gus tweeted.

"No TV, so I followed 5.30pm Panther game on ABC radio with great David Morrow.

"Unable to cook evening meal, approx 6.30pm wife asked me to get dinner for kids. She must be obeyed.

"Found fish shop with power to cook. Followed scores on mobile. Nail-biting.

"Thankfully power restored while I was gone. Finally got to watch Panther replay Sunday morning before flying to Gold Coast.

"Panthers were great. Hope mystery now solved."

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What you missed on TV last night

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DID you miss last night's AFL television shows? Rewind and catch up on all the hot topics and big issues discussed.

AFL 360

* Gerard Whateley says he's never seen a bloke grow into his career in one night the way Port Adelaide recruit Jared Polec did against Carlton. "From what he showed (on Sunday night), he's a potential top-liner." Whateley says fellow ex-Lion Elliot Yeo could have a similar impact at the Eagles.

POLEC MAKES PORT PACE SCARY

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* Vision of Giants coach Leon Cameron's post-game speech to his young side is shown. The new coach told his troops to look after themselves and enjoy the night and embrace the club and the atmosphere.

* Whateley says " By the time you went to bed on Saturday night you knew how hard it was going to be for any team to win on the Gold Coast this year," following Richmond's surprise loss to the Suns.

EX-BOMBER'S HEALTH FEARS

* Mark Robinson says Collingwood was trounced by the Dockers on Friday night. "By a harder, bigger, professional football club. Collingwood are small, Collingwood are slow. They're a mid-table side, they don't have the weapons to be top-four." Read more from Robbo HERE

* GW: "It was a humbling experience for the Sydney Swans. It doesn't mean everything, but it has to mean something. What were they doing with Ryan O'Keefe? It's not the Sydney way," he says, reflecting on how the Norm Smith Medallist was dumped before winning a late reprieve and starting as the substitute.

ANALYSIS: THREE HEARTLAND CLUBS FAILING

* Robbo reiterates his line from The Tackle, that Richmond took a knife to a gun fight. "Put (Jack Riewoldt) in the square, because Tyrone Vickery isn't doing it. They went to Jack three times!"

* Robbo questions whether Vickery is enjoying AFL footy. "Does he really want to play?" he asks. Robbo says he's the second most interesting person at Richmond, behind Riewoldt.

Vickery is tackled in the Round 1 loss. Source: Getty Images

* Whateley says there are the same old questions around Carlton. Robbo says the Blues had momentum for periods of the game but couldn't convert against the Power.

POWERBROKER: BLUES RECRUITING EMBARRASSING

* Whateley says he's "totally cool" with Andrew Walker's one-week suspension. "It's a good ruling."

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* New Melbourne coach Paul Roos confirms Mitch Clark is likely to be placed on the long-term injury list on Tuesday.

* Roos says: "Footy's irrelevant at the moment, it's about getting him healthy, getting him in a good place and hopefully he's back at the footy club as soon as he can. But we haven't really got a time frame on that."

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* Roos says you've got to have a big tank and be a natural runner to play modern footy. "Teams are a lot fitter this year,' he says. "What you will find, there's going to be players that won't be able to play the game anymore because they haven't got the natural tank. And that's the reality."

* Essendon coach Mark Thompson agrees, saying: "A lot of the elite decision makers are slow blokes, and now you can't be slow."

* Bomber Thompson says Marty Gleeson, Zach Merrett and Jason Ashby are in the mix to debut on Friday night. Roos says Jay Kennedy-Harris and Alexis Georgiou are in the frame to play their first game for the Dees. (From a SuperCoach perspective, Bomber didn't mention popular ruck choice Fraser Thurlow.)

Jay Kennedy-Harris is in the Round 1 frame. Source: News Limited

ON THE COUCH

* Asked which expansion club he'd rather coach, Mike Sheahan says: "I wouldn't be unhappy with either but if I had to pick one, I'd take GWS."

* Jason Dunstall says the Giants have better key-position strength, which is harder to come by.

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* Sheahan says the Giants should be thinking about a 3-0 start with St Kilda and Melbourne to come.

* Gerard Healy says an element of success for GWS will be how many people in the stands there are with orange shirts on. Dunstall reveals the Giants only need a home crowd of 7000 to break even. "If they can start pulling 17,000 they'll be financially viable."

The Giants celebrate their win. Source: Getty Images

* Sheahan says Aaron Sandilands is almost the most important player in the competition. Dunstall says Fremantle is "scary good".

* Healy says Ballantyne produced good footy in his first chance under the microscope. He says Ballantyne's poor Grand Final wasn't through a lack of effort, he just missed some shots at goal.

* Healy says a senior assistant coach told him the low rotation numbers from Round 1 were on the back of clubs banking a few early and getting their arithmetic a bit wrong. A cap of 120 was introduced this season.

SURPRISE AMOUNT OF ROUND 1 ROTATIONS

* Western Bulldogs superstar Rob Murphy says he feels as fit as he ever has and will play game No. 250 against West Coast on Sunday.

* Murphy says he's enjoyed his footy since the Dogs' upwards spiral began halfway through last year. "As a playing group we embraced Brendan (McCartney's) vision right from the start, so I was always confident (the wins would come)."

* Griffen says he's keen to see how young stars Luke Dahlhaus and Tom Liberatore develop. He says No. 6 pick's Jack Macrae always had the ability to win the ball and evasive skills, but he's added tackling to his game. "He's an impressive young man."

* Sheahan says Ryan O'Keefe has to play himself out of the Swans side, despite Sydney dropping the star due to concerns over his pace. He won a late reprieve and started as the sub, but Sheahan was "amazed" at that decision.

OPEN MIKE

* Disgraced former AFL player agent Ricky Nixon tells Mike he was addicted to cocaine. He also revealed he was still haunted by the death of star commentator Clinton Grybas.

Read the full report HERE

Ricky Nixon on Open Mike. Source: Supplied

TALKING FOOTY

* Wayne Carey reiterated his belief Jeremy Cameron was more valuable than Gary Ablett and said the GWS goalkicker would become the "best forward of all time".

* "We'll have a look at his stats later, and I reckon you'll see he's a long way ahead of everybody," Carey said. Cameron has kicked 95 goals in his first 38 games, a long way ahead of greats such as Dermott Brereton (64 goals), Carey (64) and Jonathan Brown (43).

* Tim Watson wondered why Carlton chased Dale Thomas, asking if the Blues needed a Thomas-type midfielder. "Did they need a key forward or key defender more?" he said.

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* Carey and Watson questioned Tiger coach Damien Hardwick's use of Jack Riewoldt after the loss to the Gold Coast Suns. "He wears his heart on his sleeve, Jack. We saw some of the strangest kicks from him when he should have been going back and taking shots for goal," Watson said.

* Carey said: "Jack Riewoldt hasn't handled criticism well in the media, so for Hardwick to come out and say that is a big statement."

* Carey called for the return of the Carlton-Richmond blockbuster to commence the season. "The start of the season has fallen flat," he said. "We expected a bigger crowd on Friday night. I was a big fan of the Richmond-Carlton opener. I thought that kicked the season off with a big bang."

FOOTY CLASSIFIED

* Matthew Lloyd says the Blues are in no man's land. He says their list is in the same bracket as Hawthorn, Sydney and Geelong but they are years off success.

* Lloyd says Matthew Watson needs to stand up and take on the big forwards. He says they poached Dale Thomas to aid captain Marc Murphy, adding the ex-Pie will be a good player for Carlton.

POWERBROKER: BLUES RECRUITING EMBARRASSING

* Lloyd says he "100 per cent" believes Buddy Franklin's best footy is behind him. "Especially as a key forward, you're past your best at 28. I don't think he's played his best footy since 2008."

* Garry Lyon says if Power spearhead John Butcher can't correct his shonky kicking style he'll jeapordise his place in the side. Lloyd says as a teammate you lose confidence in a player when they continually butcher easy shots.

* Lyon says Fremantle goliath Aaron Sandilands can win the Brownlow Medal if he stays fit, following the ruckman's best-afield effort against the Magpies.

Brodie Grundy was beaten by Aaron Sandilands. Source: News Corp Australia

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‘Toughest month I’ve ever experienced’

Ben Tudhope in action for Australia. Source: KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP

AUSTRALIAN Paralympic chiefs admit their winter team failed in its goal of winning a gold medal in Sochi but say two bronze medals felt just as good after athletes and officials endured the toughest campaign they can remember.

Australia finished 19th on the medal table and only just reached their expected pass mark of claiming 2-5 medals.

It was more medals than Switzerland, The Netherlands and New Zealand, but still behind Great Britain (six), Belarus (three), Norway and Sweden (four), and not even in the same ballpark as host nation Russia (80).

But after the heavy emotional and physical toll the team endured in the lead up to the Games, then the mounting pressure they sweated under throughout, chief executive Jason Hellwig and chef de mission Chris Nunn said they would return home a proud and happy team.

The emotional toll started with the death of their snowboarding teammate Matthew Robinson after a race crash in Spain just a month before the Games.

It continued when flagbearer Cameron Rahles-Rahbula crashed out during training two days before the opening ceremony in Sochi, and when Melissa Perrine was disqualified from a near certain medal for using illegal equipment.

There were more crashes and mistakes in competition, then snowboarder Joany Badenhorst dislocated her knee in the warm-up of her one and only event and was taken to hospital.

"The 72 hours before Toby (Kane) won his bronze medal were the toughest 72 hours I've seen a team go through as the pressure builds," Hellwig said. "On top of I think, the toughest month I've ever seen a team go through.

"We came in under the most difficult circumstances I've ever seen a team come into a major Games to, we made a blue as a team with Mel when she was in gold medal contention and we had some things that didn't go our way.

"But that team stayed together and everyone kept doing their jobs, they found a way to keep smiling and stay focused and then that result came and it was the most wonderful release.

"The one thing we wanted to achieve was a gold medal and we didn't, so that's disappointing.

"Two medals is the bottom end of our range, we wanted to win 2-5, but they were two of the most rewarding medals I've been involved in."

Australian flagbearer Ben Tudhope was the shining light of our Paralympic campaign. Source: Getty Images

Kane and Gallagher won the medals, but the ray of sunshine the team so desperately needed came in the form of a 14-year-old snowboarder with cerebral palsy named Ben Tudhope.

Tudhope's top-10 finish in a 33-man field was as good as a gold medal and he was a perfect choice to carry the Australian flag in Sunday night's closing ceremony.

But the revelation of Tudhope aside, Hellwig does not hide from the fact that based on pre-Games expectations and potential, the team didn't deliver as hoped.

He still believes the team returned great "value for money" for government investment, but said he would continue lobbying for more funding - as tough as that might be - after a $200,000 shortfall in getting the team to Sochi.

"We don't have a God-given right to a cent from anybody, we've got to go and earn it by the way we perform, the way we conduct our business and the way our athletes conduct themselves," he said.

"Australians expect their teams to go well and have some success and we don't shirk that responsibility."

That's why planning for South Korea in 2018 started six months ago when the team hired its first ever high performance manager Pim Berkhout from The Netherlands.

With the retirement of Kane and Rahles-Rahbula and uncertainty surrounding Mitch Gourley's skiing future, Berkhout has been charged with finding a way of attracting new athletes to the program and fast-tracking their development.

He will consider targeting athletes from wheelchair summer sports and expanding the winter program into more than just alpine skiing.

"We planned for Korea months ago, he's (Berkhout) been here to observe and see where the gaps are and opportunities exist," Nunn said.

"This is my seventh Games and it's the first time we've had a plan leaving the Games and not said, 'Let's talk about this when we get home.'"

In the very least, Nunn expects interest to boom in the para-snowboarding program after Tudhope announced his arrival as a star of the future.

"Every time a new sport turns up at a Paralympic Games, the following four years it goes nuts," Nunn said.

"It is a sexy sport that's different to alpine, there's music blaring, these guys are different to the alpine guys, and kids are going to be attracted to it.

"We see the number of kids who are snowboarding in Australia, all we've got to do is find a few more Bennies and we're away.

"We couldn't have a better ambassador for the sport right now. People will want to take up snowboarding because of Ben Tudhope, I know that for a fact."

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