The moment Boof got Aussies on track

Darren Lehmann has turned the Australian cricket team into a harmonious group. Picture: Phil Hillyard. Source: Philip Hillyard / News Limited

IT was the emotion-charged moment when Darren 'Boof' Lehmann knew Australian cricket was on the right track.

And it didn't have much to do with cricket.

Only weeks after being parachuted into his new job as Australian coach during the Ashes in England last year, there was a birthday dinner for the sick wife of the team bus driver.

Pom Geoff Goodwin, affectionately known as 'Popeye', had been the long-time driver of the Aussie team bus on England tours.

He was the man who spooked Shane Watson into seeing ghosts in the lead-up to the 2005 Ashes series.

Goodwin convinced the all-rounder into believing the local legend of Lumley Castle, where the Australians stayed during the limited-overs series and where a 400-year-old lady ghost was said to roam the corridors.

Lehmann has a giggle ahead of the first Ashes Test at Trent Bridge — just two weeks after taking over as head coach. Source: Getty Images

Fast forward to 2013 and Goodwin's wife Suzanne was seriously ill with cancer. What happened next convinced Lehmann, who brought a family-first mantra to the coaching job, that Australian cricket was going places.

"When I knew we were on the right path was when there was a birthday dinner organised for Popeye's wife. She was really sick with cancer, she had lost all her hair," Lehmann said.

"Our players were invited to come with their partners and wives. Even though it was optional, everyone turned up. Nobody missed it. When the numbers came back we had everyone on the bus and all the support staff.

"That said to me that our players were worried about other families as well.

"I thought to myself 'the guys get it, everyone gets it.' When Popeye spoke there were tears in his eyes because everyone had turned up.

"It was what we wanted to be about. Making people's lives better as a family and as a group."

For all the training and planning sessions Lehmann had led, it has been the enormous cultural shift in Australian cricket that has been his biggest influence.

The Australian dressing room is a happy place these days. Picture: Phil Hillyard. Source: News Limited

Before Lehmann, players were sometimes at each other's throat and there was a meltdown in Mohali with four players sacked from a Test and Shane Watson flying home immediately.

Following the sacking of former coach Mickey Arthur on the eve of the 2013 Ashes in England, Lehmann was installed and immediately set about fostering a new team spirit.

And, again, it wasn't all about cricket.

"On my first day I told the players I was going to change a few things," Lehmann said.

"What they had been doing I didn't know and I didn't really worry about what had happened.

"I wanted them to buy into the way we were going to go about things with a family-first policy. And I also wanted them to play a very aggressive brand of cricket and a very entertaining brand of cricket."

Ryan Harris (L) with Darren Lehmann during the Ashes. Source: News Limited

Lehmann's caring, family-first approach, getting partners and families involved at every opportunity, is part of his life-is-too-short mantra.

It comes, at least in part, from the tragic death of his best mate David Hookes from a punch outside a Melbourne hotel in 2004. Lehmann was there that night and what he saw greatly influenced his philosophies as a person and as a cricket coach.

Under Lehmann, the Australian players are about doing as much good off the field as they do on the field. It was why six of the T20 team in Bangladesh visited a hospital for sick kids in impoverished Dhaka last week. The World T20 has been a failure on the pitch but Lehmann is about trying to grow his players as men as well as cricketers.

"It's a real eye-opener and something I'm really glad I've experienced,'' 20-year-old legspinner James Muirhead said after visiting the hospital.

"It was pretty hard to look at. But it's just good to see all the work that is being done."

James Muirhead (R), David Warner (C) and Aaron Finch with a child and mother in the Dhaka hospital. Source: Supplied

Another thing that makes Lehmann click is he appears to have struck a perfect balance between being one of the boys and being a strict disciplinarian. There are his practical gags and joke of the day competition but he has been known to send a player home if they are 30 seconds late for training. He is a stickler for punctuality.

But the overriding factor is his sense of fun and enjoyment.

"You've got to love the game and you have got to be a cricket nuffy but you have got to enjoy the game and have a laugh wherever you are touring," Lehmann says.

"Enjoyment is a huge thing for me — that's why we have the joke of the day and some of the other things we do. They are just to make touring life and maybe life in general have less pressure.

"I know it's easy to say, but cricket is only a game.''

Lehmann has found a balance between being a friend and a leader. Picture: Phil Hillyard. Source: News Limited

In Lehmann's coaching, you can see a little bit of Bob Simpson, a little bit of Geoff Marsh, a little bit of Greg Chappell and a little bit of John Buchanan.

Lehmann is known for his love of a smoke and a beer but he has done well to fuse cricket's old and new worlds.

"I think I try to marry the old world and the new world, as a coach the new world has a really good place with all the facilities and all the data," he says.

"We never had a lot of this sort of stuff in our day. I can also take stuff from the old days and bring it forward. I have tried to pick the best bits I have liked from various coaches.

"I think with leadership and how to play the game I have looked at David Hookes and with batting it has probably been Greg Chappell."

Lehmann doesn't want to single out any player to credit for the massive leaps in Australian cricket as it has truly been a team effort.

But he takes particular pleasure from the development of fast bowlers Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris. And the batting of potential future captain Steve Smith.

"I think Smith has made the most progress over the last 12 months as a player,'' Lehmann says.

"He is probably unlucky not to be in the one-day and the T20 sides at the moment. We need him to keep improving his bowling. If you have someone who bowls legspinners very well and bats in the top six, that is a big advantage to have.

"Mitchell and Ryan are world-class and they are good for our group.

"The one thing I'm really pleased about is they have really helped the young blokes out as well. That is the sort of stuff you only see behind the scenes.

"What they are doing off the ground has been exceptional, helping to mentor the young bowlers."

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Port the real deal

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AFTER all the off-field point scoring in the lead-up to yesterday's historic first Showdown at Adelaide Oval it was always going to come down to football — and right now Port Adelaide is simply a better side than the Crows.

We're constantly told how form goes out the window when these teams meet but the talent gap between South Australia's two clubs was rammed home yesterday.

Adelaide and Port Adelaide players took part in a tribute to Dean Bailey. Picture Simon Cross Source: News Corp Australia

The Power have made every post a winner since Ken Hinkley took over, making it into last year's finals series when the Crows couldn't and posting a strong win in round one.

And the momentum shows no signs of stopping after yesterday's 55-point win left them unbeaten this season and in a great position to challenge for the top four in 2014.

In contrast, the Crows' finals hopes look increasingly reliant on the successful return of key forward Taylor Walker from a long-term knee injury.

The first bounce of the first Showdown at the renovated Adelaide Oval. Picture Calum Robertson Source: News Corp Australia

For all the talk about its new look attack this summer the reality is Adelaide's forward line features one genuine star in Eddie Betts and a bunch of B graders.

That's probably a bit harsh on Mitch Grigg — who continues to impress — but the rest just aren't doing enough.

James Podsiadly was poor again, Lewis Johnston fumbled away opportunities and it was easy to forget Shaun McKernan was out there when he wasn't rucking.

Matthew Lobbe has the distinction of kicking the first goal at the redeveloped Adelaide Oval. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

Adelaide managed to kick just 11 goals and most of them came from the midfield. The Crows also have some convincing to do about the other line they regularly trotted out over summer — how they're an improved running side.

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After being heavily outscored by Geelong in the final term in round one, the Crows were unable to stay with Port's runners during a one-sided opening term.

Led by the blistering speed of Jared Polec and the enormous appetite for gut running of Brad Ebert and Justin Westhoff, Port put Adelaide to the sword.

The Power built a 28-point lead by outworking their opponents and putting the Crows defence under enormous pressure.

Ollie Wines was at his bullish best and kicked two long goals as a result of Adelaide turnovers. Picture Simon Cross Source: News Corp Australia

At the other end, Adelaide regularly found itself breaking down inside its forward 50.

It's only goal of the first quarter was an end to end play finished by Johnston but that was the result of slick ball movement rather than fine forward play.

Scott Thompson tried to give the Crows a lift in the third term, but the Power put the clamps on for there on. Picture Sarah Reed. Source: News Corp Australia

Power rookie Jarman Impey was entrusted with the job of minding Betts and stood up well against Adelaide's most dangerous forward in the early stages.

But after scoring his opener from a free kick, Betts gained momentum and did his best to drag Adelaide back into the contest with three second quarter goals.

It was all about the fans in the end and Robbie Gray gave them plenty to smile about. Picture Sarah Reed. Source: News Corp Australia

Hinkley had warned his players there would be periods in the game where they had to defend for their lives and it came early in the third quarter.

With Rory Sloane, Richard Douglas, Matt Jaensch and Scott Thompson leading the way, the Crows managed to steal the lead by kicking the first four goals of the quarter.

Adelaide showed the form that allowed it to hang with the Cats for three quarters at Simonds Stadium but you always sensed it wouldn't last.

Mitch Grigg and Travis Boak get up close and personal. Picture Simon Cross Source: News Corp Australia

Hinkley responded by shifting Tom Jonas on to Betts and the versatile defender managed to stop the former Blue from adding to his goal tally.

But it was an unlikely hero who stepped up when Port needed it most. John Butcher would not have ranked too highly on anyone's list of potential Port match-turners but it was the maligned key forward who helped the Power regain control midway through the third.

Butcher calmly slotted a set shot to give Port back the lead before setting up another with an accurate pass from the half forward line.

Aerial photos from the 7 News helicopter of the first AFL game at the redeveloped Adelaide Oval, Pic. Dean Martin Source: News Corp Australia

Chad Wingard — who was quiet for his standards in the first half — joined the party too and the Power's lead was back out to five goals at the final change.

Given Port's fourth quarter record it was always going to be more than enough. Adelaide will find Adelaide Oval more hospitable when it looks to avoid falling in a 0-3 hole against Sydney at home next weekend.

But for now it's Port Adelaide's oval.

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PORT ADELAIDE 19.14 (128)

ADELAIDE 11.7 (73)

BEST

PORT — Hartlett, Ebert, Schulz, Cornes, Wingard, Wines, Monfries.

CROWS — Smith, Sloane, Douglas, Betts, Jaensch.

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Voss speaks about life after footy

Former AFL coach Michael Voss now has time to watch his son Casey, 13, play football. Picture: Adam Head Source: Adam Head / News Corp Australia

MICHAEL Voss lost his dream job as coach of the Brisbane Lions, but his kids gained a basketball court.

Ten-year-old Gemma Voss recently beamed when her dad told her he would be able to watch her play a tennis match when she had been expecting him to say he could not manage it.

It's amazing what a man can do with a little time on his hands.

And Voss has made lemonade from the sour lemons of his dismissal last August by the Australian Football club for which he played for 15 years and coached for five draining, challenging more years.

Voss, the triple premiership captain of the Lions, has now finished a summer without playing or coaching football.

"I liked the summer off so much, I want to have another one next summer,'' he says.

That was how Voss, 38, decided he will not chase a job in the AFL industry next year.

"We'd probably go on an extensive holiday if that happens,'' Voss says, four days after Brisbane played, and lost, their first match of the season under the coaching of his former clubmate Justin Leppitsch.

"I've really cherished the last four or five months. We had a summer where we went on day trips to the beach and did things I hadn't done with them so much.

Michael Voss with his children at the beach. Picture: News Corp Source: Supplied

"The job just sucks you in. There's no other way to describe it.''

Voss is aiming to keep his AFL knowledge current this year with media commentary for Foxtel and a Melbourne radio station, plus a three-month role in a television reality program shot in Melbourne. He will be the coach of 12 would-be AFL players in a "Big Brother'' house environment for Foxtel, "The Recruit'', with the last man standing to be given an AFL club contract.

"Being able to have some flexibility in your life is pretty bloody important,'' he says.

"We went away for 10 days and I said to my wife, `I just want to enjoy being home'. So I needed mini projects.''

Voss is the sort of home handyman with a track record of gung-ho misadventure, having once sliced his calf badly and also cut his finger to the bone when hitching a trailer to a car.

But he flattened out a grassed area in his backyard and had it concreted so 13-year-old twins Casey and Kayla and his youngest, Gemma, could play backyard basketball a little easier.

"It took him a good three weeks but he really enjoyed it,'' says Voss's wife Donna.

"For the kids to have six weeks off with their dad was great. He was there all day every day … he was never home that long, ever. It's been good for him and good for the kids.''

Michael Voss in the garden. Picture: News Corp Source: Supplied

Voss's eyes appear a little more crinkled around the edges than when he was named the youngest coach in the AFL, at 33, in late 2008.

But as the conversation goes on, it's apparent that is due mostly to the stress of a punishing get-fit session at a gym, another of the holiday projects Voss has attacked with relish.

Michael Voss is one man who has managed to avoid being totally annihilated by the demands of being an AFL head coach, a profession which allows in only 16 per year and can turn self-assured men into quivering wrecks.

Asked if he found he was not defined by his job when he lost it, Voss said: "I'd like to think not. You are pouring so much effort of your own into it it's hard not to. But you can't have that.''

As a player skilful and brave enough to become a Brownlow Medallist and a member of the AFL Hall of Fame, Voss was one of those rare breed of athletes able to bend matches to his will.

For instance, his back-pedalling, muscle-on-bone mark late in Brisbane's second grand final win, against Collingwood in 2002, remains a hackles-raising memory for Lions fans among their recollections of a now distant, golden era.

When he finally retired as a player in 2006, he devoted two years to the television industry before, after knocking back the chance to be head coach of two clubs, agreed to an assistant coach role with the West Coast.

Former Lions coach Michael Voss at boxing training at Coorparoo Boxing Gym. Picture: Adam Head Source: News Corp Australia

But he handed the Perth job back swiftly when his Lions premiership coach Leigh Matthews retired a few days after Brisbane's elimination in 2008.

It was nothing less than a sporting coronation and he took the Lions to the finals for the first time since 2004 in his first year in charge.

Voss effectively bet the farm by recruiting the mischief-prone but gifted Brendan Fevola to the Lions for 2010, necessitating a raft of player movements which annoyed many hardened Brisbane followers.

Fevola's Brisbane misadventures ended in rehab at a New Farm clinic.

He built gambling debts and a list of misdemeanours, including a visit to the police watch-house while the Brisbane media waited outside.

On his way back to Victoria, Fevola was paid out for the rest of his contract, impacting on the club's ability to pay players in the following year. He has not played for an AFL club since.

Voss, the coach, was unable to fight his way back from the consequences of his 2009 decisions, losing a rearguard action over his remaining three seasons, in which the Lions failed to make the finals.

"The first year, the work never stopped, because I'd bounce in — I was loving it — and clocked off late at night, working at the office at home,'' he recalls wistfully.

"When you are trying to improve 48 players and keep a culture sound, it's a big machine which has to operate and there's only so much you can get done.''

In the first two years of his coaching reign, the Voss family came to negotiate a "phone down'' policy on Michael.

Voss takes time out before fronting the media. Picture: Darren England Source: News Limited

"He was coming home and spending his first two hours on the phone,'' Donna says.

So a penalty jar was brought into play. Every time dad-the-coach took a work call at home, he had to put a $5 note in the jar.

"A fair bit was put in there. If it had been $2, it would have been, `throw the coin in and take the phone call','' Voss says, laughing.

"After the first year, it was about finding some way to discipline myself and I needed my kids to keep me accountable. They loved it.''

The first five months of the 2013 season, his fifth as coach, was played against a background of speculation over whether Voss would be offered another contract by a board harassed by a deteriorating financial position due to a levelling off of ticket sales and corporate support.

Lions players, or at least managers of Lions players, made it known outside the club that they were unsure about signing a new contract with Brisbane if Voss remained in charge.

The existing Lions board was, at around the same time, drawn into a dispute with a rival ticket, which resulted at the end of the season in chairman Angus Johnson's departure.

Asked if he was convinced he had kept the loyalty of all in the coaching staff, the football department (correct) and the players during this period, Voss says: "I don't know. The overwhelming feeling I had … was, 'who do I trust?'.

"I'm sitting here (without the Lions job) for a reason. I can't answer the question whether I had the coaches. I can't answer the question, did I have the players. I felt I had the players, but how do you know? I probably never will be able to tell you what scale (of support) it was.

"Clearly I didn't have the board. The board bought into a different idea.''

Voss in action as Brisbane coach. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

Donna Voss says she did not see 2013 as her husband's hardest year in the job, probably because he had decided that all he could do was concentrate on what he could control.

"It didn't end well, but 2011 was the most challenging year because they won four games,'' she says.

A victory over competition heavyweights Essendon in May and a miraculous win from a 51-point deficit over Geelong in June gave heft to Voss's contention that his mostly young team was making distinct progress.

It was widely reported a new contract would come his way in the days before a phone call came from then Lions chairman Johnson on August 13.

It was time to clean out his desk. The Lion king had lost his throne.

What was striking, and rare among the ranks of sacked football coaches, was that Voss sat at the press conference to announce his professional termination, alongside Johnson, the man who fired the metaphorical bullet.

"He handled it with a lot of class,'' Donna Voss remembers.

Voss explains: "I just thought it was important the members, who had followed me since I was 16 years of age, knew I loved my club and despite the fact it finished really badly, I love it and I always will.

"It's an integral part of me and that overrode really everything else.

"I wasn't too sure what had happened. I had an idea, but there wasn't a lot I could do. I didn't want to throw bombs.

"So I was saying to the club and the supporters, `I'm OK … I will push on and the end won't define me'. That's what I wanted to communicate.''

Former Lions AFL coach Michael Voss at boxing training for fitness at Coorparoo Boxing Gym. Pics Adam Head Source: News Corp Australia

In the months since, Voss has been asked many times how much he was hurting. He was not the first AFL coach to be left in the dark by a dissatisfied board of directors, but he was the first triple premiership coach to be cut adrift in such a fashion.

"The only thing I would have liked was a chat that they were thinking of something else,'' he says.

"Looking back, that's, it's my only disappointment, I guess, that I couldn't get a courtesy chat, that my own club couldn't have (it) with me. There might be a couple of individuals I was disappointed didn't do that.

"Eventually, for me it gets you back to, `Why sit there and wonder who it is and why did it happen? Why would you let something external drive what you feel and think during a day?' I don't let it affect me.''

One immediate way Voss renewed his association with the Lions was to share some thoughts on the club in a phone call with his triple premiership teammate and former assistant coach Leppitsch prior to Leppitsch's interview for the Brisbane head coach job.

A few weeks later, Voss and another ex-Lions teammate Craig McRae were at Leppitsch's house, outside Melbourne, when he fielded a call, letting him he would be the new coach.

Leppitsch and his wife Christie also caught up with Michael and Donna Voss soon after their arrival in Brisbane.

"He rang for a chat. I communicated where I thought the club was at and answered some of his questions,'' Voss says.

"He's the one who had to walk in and get the job and he's developed a strong skill set in his seven years as an assistant coach. I'm proud of him that he rose to the top and got the job.

"Justin is the beneficiary of my demise and that's sport, and he and Christie have been very good friends of mine for a long time. I hope he does a great job."

Towards the end of the conversation, I wanted to ask Voss when he had last spoken to Fevola, who turned out last year as a gun for hire for Victorian country clubs.

Did he try to keep in touch with you, I asked?

"No, not really. I haven't spoken to Fev for quite a while,'' Voss says.

How did he view Fevola's life since?

"I wouldn't know.''

It was the only time during the one-hour interview when I received an insight on what it might have been like to have stood between Michael Voss, the braveheart player, and his game's red football.

Voss might have to decide late this year if he wants to try to build his career back up again as a coaching prospect at a club other than Brisbane, first, probably, as an assistant coach.

"Three years, you probably have to make a decision if you want to get involved again,'' he says.

"I really don't know. It is hard for me to talk about clubland now. I don't see myself there.

"Our eldest are 13 so there is their schooling to consider.''

Michael and Donna Voss say that is a conversation they are yet to have.

"I've been able to put the head on the pillow and not worry about tomorrow. I've loved that,'' he says.

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Wenger: ‘I won’t pick my heir’

Wenger's contract is up at the end of the season. Picture: AFP Source: ADRIAN DENNIS / AFP

Ferguson recommended David Moyes to the United board after retiring last year, but the former Everton manager has endured a disappointing first season at Old Trafford.

Wenger, 64, recently presided over his 1,000th game as Arsenal manager, but he feels that it will not be his responsibility to play a part in the recruitment process when the club go in search of their next head coach.

"I always said, and you can check that, everybody has his job (at the club). My job is to do well for the team, not to do anything else," he said, in comments reported by several British newspapers on Saturday.

Asked if he would choose his own successor, the Frenchman replied: "No."

Wenger's contract is due to expire at the end of the current season, and although he has verbally agreed to remain at the club, he suggested that he could yet change his mind.

"My word is my word," Wenger said.

Pressed as to whether that meant that he would definitely stay at the club next season, he replied: "Yes, unless I decide otherwise. I have told you many times, we have had no time to sit down and do it.

"(I am) not going anywhere, don't worry for that, but I want to have a feeling coming out of the season that I have done the maximum for the club."

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Maxy’s not crazy about split round

Magpies veteran Nick Maxwell is not a fan of split rounds. Picture: Getty Source: Robert Prezioso / Getty Images

MAGPIES premiership captain Nick Maxwell is not a fan of a split AFL opening round, believing the long delays between games lead to "crazy'' criticism of teams and individuals.

Collingwood, Carlton and Richmond have all been heavily analysed and panned for the past fortnight after suffering disappointing losses on the opening weekend of the split round.

"In an ideal world I think everyone, AFL included, would like to start it on the same (weekend) but due to circumstance with the way everything is at the moment with all of the grounds, we just have to split it,'' Maxwell said on the eve of his 200th match. "Because up north (the NRL) are getting a jump on us with the league and we've just got to make sure that we're on TV and in front of people.''

Maxwell with his children Milla, 3, and Archie, 16 months, ahead of his 200th game. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

Maxwell said the fact that there a huge number of television and radio shows, some of them needing to fill airtime on a daily basis, meant there was some extravagant and kneejerk criticism.

"All Round 1 was just crazy with a lot of the commentary coming out of it,'' Maxwell said. "So much of it was way over the top, not just for individuals but for teams as well. Now that there's games every week and there's more to talk about they'll take a breath and they'll actually take a few notes before they start mouthing off.''

Maxwell said it "felt like a lifetime'' since the Pies opened the season with a wretched 70-point loss to Fremantle "and look it's probably felt the same for Sydney as well''.

He agreed with coach Nathan Buckley's assessment that the players had "a churning in the guts'' about their performance against the Dockers and were determined to bounce back against the Swans.

Maxwell stretches during the Magpies training session. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

The Magpies are expected to make two changes at selection, with former Sydney forward Jesse White coming into the team.

Maxwell suggested Nathan Brown or Jack Frost would be given the key match-up on Lance Franklin, but the key to nullifying his influence would be to "to make sure we match them in the contested possessions and the clearances'' in the midfield.

He said Franklin did "not need a lot of possessions to tear you apart'', but warned that a fully fit Sam Reid, who was hobbled by injury last season, was also an extremely dangerous prospect.

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How should the NRL punish McLean?

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SHOULD the severity of Alex McKinnon's injury influence Jordan McLean's punishment?

This is the extremely difficult decision facing the NRL ahead of next Wednesday's judiciary hearing that will determine responsibility for a tackle that led to a "terrible, terrible accident".

That is how leading Sydney neurosurgeon Dr Richard Parkinson described the tackle that left a promising young footballer in a medically induced coma following an operation to repair two fractures to his neck.

In Thursday's Daily Telegraph, Dr Parkinson said he could not blame Melbourne defenders McLean, Jesse Bromwich and Kenny Bromwich, for the incident.

"It appears that rather than the tackle, it's the weight of two players coming down on Alex which has caused the injury," Dr Parkinson said.

So how come only McLean has a case to answer?

Newcastle's Alex McKinnon suffered a broken neck as a result of this tackle. Source: FoxSports

After initially being stood down indefinitely before his judiciary hearing, McLean was yesterday granted leave to take his place in the Melbourne team to take on the Bulldogs in Perth on Saturday.

But his future beyond this remains unclear.

The NRL were only trying to do the right thing by everyone concerned when they stood McLean down this week, but it was a mistake to do so before the hearing.

And before we even start to debate what McLean's final penalty should be, let's go back to before this season kicked off, when the judiciary secretary Mark O'Neill visited Newcastle to talk to their players about the match review process, and judiciary system.

You'll remember there was a lot of debate towards the end of last year surrounding Kade Snowden's seven-match suspension.

Knights players were rightly questioning how the NRL could possibly rub out one player for seven weeks for a shoulder charge _ and yet let other players walk free for similar, sometimes seemingly worse, offences.

Alex McKinnon receives treatment on the field. Source: Getty Images

But as O'Neill explained to the Knights, the judiciary's code of conduct actually stipulates that the severity of an injury is taken into account when establishing the grading of a charge.

So they are affectively saying, we will punish the outcome, not the act.

The fact North Queensland's Ray Thompson suffered a broken jaw in that tackle was significant in Snowden's sentence.

Which brings us back to McLean, and the awful predicament this young Melbourne prop finds himself in as he waits to front the judiciary in the wake of a tackle that has almost certainly ended McKinnon's career.

Again, should McLean's punishment be influenced by the severity of McKinnon's injury, as was the case with Snowden last year?

This is how the NRL has previously stated their process works.

Almost everyone who saw the tackle agrees that it was a terrible accident with no degree of malice.

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And while no one in rugby league wants to see the blame of McKinnon's injury pinned on McLean, the judiciary panel might have no alternative.

Not if they are going to stand by their own standards.

Unless the NRL admits that the match review system and judiciary process is inconsistent, and in urgent need of an overhaul, the panel presiding over this case will have no option but to come down hard on McLean.

People are asking why McLean's case was put on hold this week, and questioning if this declares McLean guilty before his trial?

In fairness to the NRL, it was done out of respect to McKinnon and his family, and everyone who was involved in, or affected, by what occurred in Monday night's game.

The NRL is obviously keen to make sure this case is as open and transparent as possible given the scrutiny it is sure to receive _ and they will want to hear from all sides before a final punishment is determined.

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But what is a fair and reasonable outcome will divide many because no matter how hard we all look for answers it is impossible to make sense of what has happened.

And the more and more you look back over that tackle, the more you struggle to blame McLean.

As Melbourne captain Cameron Smith argued on the field at the time, the way McKinnon fell, ducking his head into his chest prior to hitting the ground, probably made the impact worse.

McKinnon could not possibly be blamed for his actions.

As for McLean, he would have went in to slow the play-the-ball down for sure and certain _ but not to cause serious injury to his opponent.

As Dr Parkinson said, it was a "terrible, terrible accident".

And McLean should not be judged on the injury that resulted, but his actions on the field.

As Snowden should not have been last year.

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Win an autumn share in Boban

Glyn Schofield celebrates last spring's Group 1 Epsom win with connections at Royal Randwick. Picture: Mark Evans Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

YOU would like to walk in Matt Dominello's shoes.

Dominello's a successful businessman with diverse interests, operating a couple of gymnasiums, owns magazines, has a consultancy firm — and he's a shareholder in emerging superstar Boban.

"I keep myself busy but during spring and autumn my focus is on horse racing,'' Dominello said.

And with good reason as Boban chases his fourth Group 1 win in the $1 million George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

This is likely to be Boban's final lead-up run before the $4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) during The Championships at Royal Randwick on April 19 where the Chris Waller-trained gelding is challenging for favouritism.

As part of an innovative Tabcorp promotion, there's an opportunity to join Dominello and the horse's other part-owners on a ride of a lifetime this autumn carnival.

Glyn Schofield greets happy owners after Boban's Chipping Norton Stakes win. Picture: Simon Bullard Source: News Corp Australia

One lucky TAB customer will enter the realm of champions by winning a five per cent share in Boban for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

In what is described as the ultimate "money can't buy'' experience for most racing fans, the lucky winner will enjoy an access all areas pass and become one of the ownership group for the day.

Best of all, this opportunity is open to everyone whether you are a punter or not. Go to www.jointeamboban.com.au from Monday (March 31) to register for your chance to win this once in a lifetime prize.

"We are delighted to be giving someone the chance for an experience that they haven't had before or are likely to have again," TAB's general manager marketing and communications, Glenn Lee said.

The lucky winner will be taken into the inner sanctum of the Boban ownership group and become one of them.

Trainer Chris Waller is mobbed by owners after Boban's Group 1 Emirates Stakes victory at Flemington. Picture: Jay Town Source: News Limited

Waller said Boban's preparation for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes is back on track after the gelding bounced back from two unplaced runs to win the Chipping Norton Stakes last start.

"It was hard to tell if he was where we wanted him to be after his first two runs back, however, he proved he was spot on with his victory in the Chipping Norton," Waller said. "Hopefully he will be going into the Queen Elizabeth with another win next to his name."

Boban is raced in partnership by a syndicate of friends including Mark Pejic and John O'Neill of Mummify fame.

Dominello guarantees the winner of the TAB Boban promotion will have a memorable experience at the Queen Elizabeth Stakes next month.

"The group of people who race Boban are a lot of fun,'' Dominello said.

"It is great owning a horse with such a good group of people, we feed off each other and it adds to the excitement on a raceday.

"We will invade Rosehill (tomorrow) — everyone will know we are there.''

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Scott backs Roos to bounce back

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NORTH Melbourne will take no risks with Todd Goldstein, holding Daniel Currie back from his VFL duties as insurance.

Goldstein was hampered by a shoulder injury during last week's "bitterly disappointing" Round 1 loss to Essendon.

But scans revealed no structural damage.

Goldstein will be given until Sunday to prove his fitness, with Currie to sit out of VFL action as insurance.

Kangaroos coach Brad Scott said Goldstein would need to be "perfect" to play.

"He'll do some work out on the track today, I'll watch him closely," Scott said.

"Goldy is a survivor, even when he's struggling he still battles through, battling through is not going to be good enough this week so unless he's perfect he won't play."

Scott also tempered suggestions of wholesale changes after the 39-point loss Essendon.

"I suspect we'll give the majority of our midfield group in particular the chance to atone," he said.

"The way we looked at the weekend was bitterly disappointing in the contest, I think that's uncharacteristic of the group we've put together over the last 3-4-5 years.

"We'll give them another opportunity to go out there and get the job done but we'll be holding everyone accountable from this week onwards, that's for sure."

Scott said injured forwards Robbie Tarrant (leg) and Majak Daw (knee) needed continuity of training to be considered for selection.

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Pleasure and pain of grand final: SKD

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ROOSTERS centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall has revealed the true pain and courage he showed to play last year's NRL grand final against Manly with a broken jaw.

Kenny-Dowall told of the moment at halftime when he couldn't sit down due to the excruciating agony.

Even Kenny-Dowall admitted it took "an enormous amount of courage" to play the entire 80 minutes with such an horrific injury.

Seven months on and Kenny-Dowall is fit, healthy and ready for another tilt against Manly on Friday night at Allianz Stadium.

Roosters Shaun Kenny-Dowall celebrates victory. Source: News Limited

Kenny-Dowall sustained the injury in just his second hit-up of the grand final through an accidental knee from then Manly forward George Rose.

He played on, showing incredible courage. Kenny-Dowall later had two plates inserted to mend the shattered jaw.

"As I got up I spat my teeth out," he said.

"I knew there was something wrong because my mouth kept filling up with blood.

"She was pretty painful but it was a grand final and obviously adrenaline was running high. It was a big moment and I definitely wasn't going to let it slide. I wanted to be part of it.

"I just tried to talk as much as I could and be involved in the game as much as I could. I was always moving and keeping busy to keep my mind off it.

"There was one point at halftime when I sat down and that's when I really felt the pain coming on.

"I remember I had to get up and keep talking and walking to the players around me about what our job was.

"I was finding ways to keep my minds off it. I didn't want to say anything to the boys or training staff. I knew how important the night was for me and the team."

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To help ease the pain, Kenny-Dowall was given a morphine shot after the game.

"It's definitely something I am proud of looking back,'' Kenny-Dowall said. "It takes an enormous amount of courage but it's not hard to do something courageous like that when you are playing in a grand final.

"You work your whole life to be part of those moments and I wasn't going to let it slide."

Kenny-Dowall says the jaw is now "100 per cent".

Shaun Kenny-Dowall scoring in the 2013 NRL Grand Final. Source: News Limited

He missed representing New Zealand at the World Cup but is ready to help his side defend their NRL title.

"I had a big pre-season and had a lot of time to recover," he said. "I can't afford to be going into games thinking about it. It's a thing of the past for me now.

"I am moving on into the 2014 season. It seems quite a while ago now but I have still haven't forgotten it. It was a great game and a big night for the boys.

"It is awesome to be able to play the re-match again. Manly is always tough.

"They find it very easy to lift against us. It's always a fierce battle we look forward to."

The Roosters and Manly both snatched late wins last weekend.

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Ange urges ‘Roos to create a legacy

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ANGE Postecoglou has called on the Socceroos to "create their own legacy" and win the Asian Cup next January on home soil, after seeing his team drawn against Kuwait, Oman and regional heavyweights South Korea.

Insistent that his team should embrace the expectation that they will be among the tournament favourites, Postecoglou said a "challenging group" could be countered by the support of partisan home crowds.

The Socceroos will open their campaign against Kuwait in Melbourne on January 9, before moving to Sydney to meet Oman at ANZ Stadium on January 13.

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Postecoglou's side then faces the toughest test of the group when they host South Korea at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on January 17.

Winning the group becomes essential to avoid meeting holders Japan until the final - assuming Australia do come top they will face the runners-up from Group B, including Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, China and North Korea.

AFC General Secretary Dato' Alex Soosay holds up the name Australia during the draw. Source: AP

Coming second in their group would mean them facing the winner of Group B, but Postecoglou said his eyes were locked on the ultimate prize - embracing the favouritism that being host involves.

"It may be added pressure but it's my expectation and I'm sure it's the players expectations," Postecoglou said. " How often do we get to play in a major tournament in our own country? We have to make the most of it and try to create our own legacy by winning it.

Get to know our Asian Cup opponents

'It's tough, Australia is favourite'

Roos get Korea in tough Asian Cup draw

Ange's attention back on Brazil after draw

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"You look at the footage of past Asian Cups and our history's not that deep in this region. We want to create our own special moments and see us up there with silverware at some point.

"The way you do that with these tournaments is competing as hard as you can and creating these rivalries and feeling part of it. This will be our third go at it, we just missed out last time and as this tournament grows I want us to take our rightful place in it."

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The group pits Australia against two coaches who have caused Australia angst in recent years. Jorvan Vieira, now in charge of Kuwait, was coach of the Iraq side that beat the Socceroos on the way to winning the 2007 Asian Cup, while Paul Le Guen has beaten Australia once and drawn twice in four matches since taking over as coach of Oman in 2011.

"It's a challenging group - obviously the standout is Korea, but Jorvan Vieira is a very experienced manager, and Oman gave us a tough time here on home soil last year," Postecoglou said.

"In this group the first game against Kuwait becomes critical in order to get off to a good start. We have some advantages - we're playing in our own country, and a packed AAMI Park in that first game should help us."

Retired Socceroo Brett Emerton raises the trophy before the Asian Cup draw. Source: AP

The draw took place at the Sydney Opera House, with Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, China and North Korea placed into Group C while defending Asian Cup champions Japan are in Group D with Jordan, Iraq and the winner of this year's AFC Challenge Cup, being held in May in the Maldives.

The 2015 Asian Cup will be held in five Australian cities – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Newcastle and Canberra – from January 9 to 31. It will be Australia's third attempt at winning it after losing to Japan in both 2007 - at the quarterfinal stage - and in the final in 2011.

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Alex was a certainty for rep duty

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INJURED Newcastle forward Alex McKinnon was poised to become one of the first players chosen for the Country Origin team this year had he not suffered a shocking neck injury.

Underlining the tragedy of McKinnon's injury, NSW State of Origin coach Laurie Daley had identified the 22-year-old as a representative star of the future.

Daley also took umbrage at critics who have used McKinnon's freakish neck injury as a platform to slam the NRL as too dangerous.

Matt Groat, Jack Stockwell and Alex McKinnon in uniform for the NSW under-16 team. Source: News Limited

McKinnon made his Country Origin debut last year, at the age of 21. With an increasing reputation, highlighted by the promise of a new two-year deal with the Knights, McKinnon's career was on a clear path towards higher representative honours, according to Daley.

"He was in the Country team last year and would've been there again this year, no doubt,'' Daley said.

"I think everyone realises he's someone that has been on the radar, so he would've played in that game and he was someone we identified as who in the next couple of years could go on and play at that level.

"It's heartbreaking.''

Joseph Roqoko celebrates his match winning try with Alex McKinnon in U18's Origin. Source: News Limited

In the days following McKinnon's injury, debate has quickly turned to the safety of rugby league as a sport.

Daley was quick to shoot down the knockers, claiming he would never allow his son to play rugby league, if he ever thought the code wasn't safe.

"I allow my boy to play so if I didn't think it was safe I wouldn't allow him to play,'' Daley said.

"I believe it's safe, but my thoughts are on Alex McKinnon.

"I thought it was an accident. I don't think the kid (Jordan McLean) mean to put him in that position.

"I think the focus should be on Alex and his family. It should be about him making a full recovery and everyone thinking about that rather than everyone thinking about whether this kid should be suspended and whether there should be rule changes.''

Alex McKinnon of the Knights is carried off an a stretcher. Source: Getty Images

NRL chief operating officer Jim Doyle was reluctant to expand on McKinnon's situation when asked why Melbourne Storm forward Jordan McLean was stood down for one match despite not yet facing the match review committee for his role in the tackle.

"At this point in time obviously our thoughts are with Alex and his family. Our focus is very much on his welfare,'' Doyle said.

Asked if there was equally as much concern for Mclean's welfare, Doyle said: "Our welfare guys are working with both Newcastle and Melbourne and all the players.''

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Sterlo: The Beale all and end all

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WHILE the Dragon's Gareth Widdop is deservedly receiving plenty of raps, don't underestimate the input of last year's high profile signing Gerard Beale.

The former Bronco played just 5 games in 2013 before picking up a serious knee injury which put paid to his season.

Those handful of matches were played at fullback and there was plenty of fanfare that he was the man to fill the void left by Darius Boyd.

Enter Josh Dugan into the mix and Beale is pushed into the centres with immediate success.

So much so that the left side of the Dragons is starting to resemble the very successful combination of Hornby, Cooper, Boyd and Morris.

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Kurt Gidley, Laurie Daley and Kevin Walters join Sterlo in the studio at 7.30pm Thursday night on Fox Sports 1HD to preview this weekend's action.

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When Dugan returns it will provide an enviable quandary in regards to Adam Quinlan.

His form has also been outstanding and I would seriously consider playing him alongside Widdop in the halves.

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CHOOKS TO PAY PRICE

When Roosters coach Trent Robinson sat down off-season to prepare his side's campaign to defend their premiership crown he would have identified areas in their game in which they needed to improve.

When you score more points and concede less than everybody else you would imagine there wouldn't be too many that have caused you concern.

However, as I've written before, what was good enough one year is never good enough the next and one of the reasons we haven't seen a club go back to back for so long is that they have generally failed to improve.

Last season the tricolours actually bucked the trend in what is usually seen as key areas to success.

They forced less line dropouts and scored less tries from kicks than any other team and were also the most penalised.

This season they remain the only side not to have scored off the boot after three rounds but it is the penalty department which could be their biggest downfall.

In the two matches they have struggled in this year against Souths (12-6) and Brisbane (10-3) they were on the end of heavy counts.

Eventually giving away so many penalties must catch up with you and the better opposition teams will make you pay.

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NOT THAT BAD, SATTS

It was disheartening to read that one of the game's toughest men in John Sattler had become disillusioned with the modern game.

While I can understand his concerns I am certain that despite the eradication of shoulder charges and push-a-thons replacing brawls, rugby league remains as aggressive, confrontational and gladiatorial as ever.

Yes, there are too many penalties at the moment but that will find it's natural balance.

The biggest drawback is the amount of players staying on the ground to give time for a replay to be viewed and the drawing of a possible penalty.

It is a real turn-off to hear players tell teammates to "stay down" as we did at Brookvale Oval last Sunday.

The current process allows this to happen and realistically if I was a coach it would be hard to resist the temptation to tell my players to seek such a penalty if they felt they'd been fouled.

I am starting to warm to the Paul Gallen view that if two sets of eyes on the field as well as two sets patrolling the sideline don't pick anything up, we should play on.

We know that the match review committee will deal with those who slip through the net.

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GET WELL MCKINNON

Finally, thoughts and prayers are with Alex McKinnon who, when signing with the Knights, I wrote would prove to be as valuable an acquisition as Darius Boyd, Beau Scott or Jeremy Smith.

While it appears his on-field aspirations may not be fully achieved, it is much more important now that his recovery is as successful as possible for his life after football.

I also hope that Melbourne's young Jordan McLean is not crucified after being deemed the main culprit in the lifting tackle.

We have seen other similar tackles where the impact and outcome has not been so dire and I continue to believe that the infringement itself should be what is dealt with.

This is an emotional time for the game and cool heads need to deal with the aftermath. Everyone is devastated at the moment and you can be sure that Jordan McLean is doing it tough.

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McLean stood down for McKinnon tackle

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MELBOURNE Storm forward Jordan McLean has been stood down by the NRL and sent straight to the judiciary for the tackle that left Newcastle's Alex McKinnon with a broken neck.

McKinnon remains in the Alfred hospital after he landed on his head following a three-man tackle by Jesse and Kenny Bromwich and McLean during Monday night's clash at AAMI Park.

The Knights last night revealed scans have confirmed a "devastating spinal injury" that could take up to two years to recover from.

The Knights confirmed The club said McKinnon had a C4 and C5 vertebrae fracture, but his spinal cord was not severed.

"Alex remains in hospital in intensive care and may require further surgery to stabilise his spine," the Knights said in statement.

"He has movement in his right arm and the uncertainty remains in regeneration, with a variable prognosis.".

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The NRL match review committee referred the incident to the judiciary but would not hear the case immediately out of respect to McKinnon and his family. A date has not been set.

"Jordan will be stood down from this week's match in Perth (against Canterbury) and until the matter is heard in line with the NRL's rules," NRL head of football Todd Greenberg said.

"However, Storm have the right under the rules to seek leave from the NRL judiciary chairman for Jordan to play."

Melbourne named McLean for its clash with the Bulldogs and last night hadn't decided whether to appeal the NRL's ruling.

McLean, 22, used his private Facebook account to post a message of support for McKinnon.

Jordan McLean - in the number 16 jersey - has been stood down for his role in this tackle. Source: FoxSports

"Best wishes go out to Alex McKinnon I genuinely hope your (sic) all right and have a safe recovery," McLean wrote.

It's understood McLean and the Bromwich brothers will speak with the club's welfare officer about the incident.

Several rugby league pundits defended McLean and his fellow tacklers, including Penrith general manager Phil Gould, who said he ­believed there was no malice in the tackle. "I just see it as an unfortunate accident," he said. "I hope there's no charge and the hysteria over the injury doesn't influence the ruling here."

Knights coach Wayne Bennett said it will be several days until the full extent of McKinnon's injury is known.

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"Unfortunately these things happen but not too often, thank Christ," he said.

"We won't know for a number of days, maybe weeks.

"He's in the right place and we've done all we can for him."

McKinnon was lifted off the ground and turned but appeared to duck his head in the tackle, which made it the first point of contact with the ground.

This was pointed out by skipper Cameron Smith when the tackle was placed on report by referee Gerard Sutton.

Storm centre Will Chambers said he believed the tackle was purely accidental.

"Obviously you don't go out to do those sort of things," he said.

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Hodges to miss Origin opener

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JUSTIN Hodges says he could miss the State of Origin opener as he faces up to two more months on the sidelines.

Hodges has resumed full training, but teammate Sam Thaiday concedes the veteran Broncos centre will not be making a shock return against the Dragons on Friday night.

The best-case scenario would see Hodges declared fit for Brisbane's Round 7 clash with Newcastle on April 18, giving him ample time to prove his fitness for Origin I.

However, he could be sidelined until Round 10, which would give him one game to convince Queensland selectors to roll the dice for the series opener on May 28.

The 31-year-old had hoped to make it back into Brisbane's starting side before Round 4, but is wary of rupturing his Achilles tendon for the third time in his career.

Justin Hodges during a Broncos training session. Source: News Limited

"I am still a month or two away," Hodges said.

"I don't think it's necessary to rush and get back early. I want to try and get it right so I can finish the whole season.

"When (the achilles tear) happened my main focus was getting the recovery right and getting on the field.

"The boys are going good without me so hopefully they can keep winning and I'll come back when I feel it's ready.''

Thaiday said the sight of Hodges stretching out comfortably at training was not a true barometer of his progress.

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"Hodgo is training pretty well but you go behind doors and he's still icing up," Thaiday said.

"He's still slow and steady. We don't want to rush him, he's a huge part of our team and a huge X-factor for us.

"We'd rather have him back 100 per cent than 80 or 90. I'm sure the coach or physio staff won't push him too hard. He has the final say on when he will be back.''

Despite his lengthy list of injuries, Hodges is confident the Broncos will table an extended deal in the coming weeks and months.

"(Contract talks are) left up to my manager. My main focus is getting the leg right and getting on the field.

"I've never worried about contracts. If I'm out there playing the best football can, it always takes care of itself.''

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Kent: A Knight who’s full of chivalry

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WHAT sort of young man is Alex McKinnon?

We don't know a lot about him. We know he turned 22 last month, that he injured his foot last year which caused him to miss a handful of games midway through the season right after things started going well — following his representative debut for Country.

We know that the quietness in the Knights dressing room after Monday's game, in which McKinnon fractured his C4 and C5 vertebrae, went beyond defeat.

Everybody sat there, heads down, locked in silence.

Alex McKinnon falls awkwardly in clash against the Storm. Scans reveal he has fractured his vertebrae. Source: FoxSports

McKinnon is still in hospital this morning, and will be for some time. Doctors cannot determine the extent of damage to his spinal cord until the swelling around his neck goes down in the next few days, possibly weeks.

In Newcastle yesterday the Knights were under instructions not to talk about McKinnon. They will be again today and tomorrow. Nobody wants to risk mistaken information, and possibly harmful information, being leaked when the matter is so serious.

So what sort of young man is Alex McKinnon?

Like many young footballers he has a Twitter account but, unlike many young footballers, he fails to comment about the inane activities — "brekky with the boys this morning. ham and eggs #cholesterol #skinfolds" — of daily life.

He posted his last Tweet a month ago, a retweet from actor and former wrestler Dwayne Johnson, better known as The Rock: "Realized over the years that success doesn't change a person ... it only magnifies who've (sic) they've been their entire life."

With that small glimpse, we see McKinnon is unlike most footballers, a man willing to entertain a world where football ends.

This morning you hope he realises that if success doesn't change a person, neither does injury.

McKinnon's previous Tweet, before the ponderings of The Rock, was a thank you to his girlfriend for his birthday present, a skydiving voucher.

Before that it was another re­tweet. On January 28, he wrote: "Repost; usually just scroll past these posts, but this is something that has to be heard. Sometimes we don't realise how good we've got it."

And while the repost was unexpected from a footballer, you might be now coming to expect it from Alex McKinnon.

X-Ray image of the C4 and C5 vertebrae in the spine. Source: FoxSports

It was a quote, and it said: "I will post and repost this till the cows come home. Kids with special needs are not weird or odd or sick. They only want what everyone else wants ... to be accepted!! Can I make a request? Is anyone willing to post this in honour of all children who were made in a unique way. Let's see who has a strong heart."

Let's see who has a strong heart.

Coaches are always looking for good players, it's the way it is. And it's no secret the good ones go looking for something beyond talent. Beyond size and speed and skill.

They go looking for heart.

That's why the dressing room was so quiet on Monday night.

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Every injury like McKinnon has suffered is a tragedy, but not everybody has the ability to reach in and touch the heart of teammates like Alex McKinnon.

It is uncommon, and went beyond the pain for a fallen mate. There are one or two in every club.

Before Christmas he retweeted a photo of twin babies in a hospital incubator in their first week of life.

"Each were in their respective incubators and one was not expected to live," the caption reads.

"A hospital nurse fought against the hospital rules and placed the babies in one incubator. When they were placed together, the healthier of the two threw her arm over her sister in an endearing embrace. The smaller baby's heart stabilized and temperature rose to normal."

It's there on his Twitter page, the modern fingerprint of a footballer we know so little about, the photo of the child in hospital with a protective arm around her. It is a metaphor for something this morning.

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McKinnon should focus on life: Ross

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BEN Ross is planning to contact hospitalised Newcastle Knights forward Alex McKinnon with a simple message: 'focus on life, not footy'.

If anyone can understand the depth of pain, confusion and uncertainty which has consumed McKinnon's past 48 hours, it's Ross.

The former Cronulla Sharks prop was sidelined from the NRL for two years after breaking his neck in the opening round of the 2009 season.

Doctors told Ross he may never walk again, let alone play football. But step-by-step, day-by-day, he regained his strength to produce one of sport's truly inspiring comebacks when he returned in the NRL for South Sydney.

Ben Ross is stretchered from field with a suspected neck injury. Source: News Limited

He retired last year having played 173 first-grade games.

Now working for the Men of League Foundation, Ross was re-acquainted with memories of his own recovery when learning yesterday of the spinal injuries suffered by McKinnon, which have placed the young Newcastle forward's career on hold.

"It's hard, he wouldn't know where his career is at right now,'' Ross said.

"He'd be wondering what they're going to do. How they're going to go about things. All these things rush through your head.

"Of course, you want to play footy again and he'd want to know the outcome, but they won't know until after the operation, which is the scary thing.

Ben Ross is tackled during a clash between the Rabbitohs and NSW Cup side Newtown, in a NRL trial. Source: News Limited

"You just have to have faith in the surgeons and the medical staff, which I'm sure he's in the best hands.''

Ross said thoughts of playing rugby league again, for the time being, should be the furthest thing from McKinnon's mind.

"I remember I said to the doctors before the operation, 'Will I ever be able to play again?' And he said; 'We'll see if you can walk first.'

"That was when I knew I had to get my priorities straight. Recovering was the first thing I had to do and so I focused on ticking that box.

Alex McKinnon falls awkwardly in clash against the Storm. Scans reveal he has fractured his vertebrae. Source: FoxSports

"I'd like to speak to Alex when the time is right, just to tell him he can pull through this.''

Knights officials and doctors have declared it is too premature to discuss what the future may hold for McKinnon.

McKinnon would be aware of Ross' story, so too Queensland's Gorden Tallis and Penrith prop Sam McKendry, who both managed to return to the playing field from neck injuries.

But at 22, McKinnon seemingly has his life in front of him, which as Ross suggested, is more important than football.

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NRC will run rule over new rugby laws

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RADICAL law changes are planned for Australian rugby's newest tournament, including reduced points for penalty goals, as a new era of third-tier competition begins.

The National Rugby Championship, expected to kick off on August 21 and run through to November 1, will feature nine teams from around the country, with all non-selected Wallabies and Super Rugby stars to play each week despite not being paid any extra money.

And to ignite interest, the ARU is considering a number of new laws — including those suggested by fans on social media — to create an exciting product full of running rugby.

Some of the changes being considered are:

— Reducing the value of penalty goals and drop goals from three points to two

— Increasing the value of conversions from two points to three

— Preventing teams kicking penalty goals from outside the 22

— Stopping the clock for scrums, restarting it only when the ball is out

— Aggressive refereeing of breakdown infringements, with a team warning given for first offence, and immediate yellow card for a second offence by any player.

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The ARU's new general manager of national teams and competitions, Andrew Fagan, told The Daily Telegraph: "With regards to law changes, it's genuinely all on the table.

"We'll go out to the public and pick up some of the things they're most interested in.

"Some early feedback has come around limiting time on scrum resets, we've spoken about points changes for tries and penalty kicks and conversions.

"We're not looking to make wholesale changes to the game, it's just little points of interest that might provide some excitement for the spectators, and maybe proving a leading light for international rugby.

"We look forward to our Twitter accounts getting bombarded over the next little while, we'll take it on board.

"Obviously the game of rugby is still the game of rugby, but we'll take some steps to trial a few things."

The NRC is a tweaked resurrection of the defunct Australian Rugby Championship that ran for one season in 2007 and was scrapped due to $5 million losses.

Pulver: "I'd be very disappointed if this competition didn't at least break even in 2014." Source: News Limited

ARU boss Bill Pulver declared this new version would succeed largely because FoxSports will pay $1.5 million to broadcast at least one live match per week, and the willingness of Australia's top stars to forego wages to develop the third tier of the game.

"What failed in 2007 was the financial model, it's been well reported that it cost the ARU about $5 million," Pulver said.

"There are three key differences this time around: the first is an almost $2 million swing in the broadcast environment because FoxSports and Foxtel have been wonderful sponsors of this competition. In 2007 we had to pay the broadcaster to broadcast.

"In 2007 there was almost a $3 million player cost associated with the competition. Thanks to the wonderful support we've received from the players and RUPA, there is about a $2.5 million improvement on that issue alone.

"And on top of that we have to thank all the successful syndicates who have put together the financially sustainable models for their programs. They've made a lot of effort in lining up sponsors and financial guarantors.

"As a consequence I'd be very disappointed if this competition didn't at least break even in 2014, and I think we have a real opportunity going forward to make money out of this competition."

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Alexander among true ironman greats

Craig Alexander came fifth on Sunday in his last full ironman race, the Asia-Pacific championship. Source: Michael Klein / News Corp Australia

CRAIG Alexander has not exactly retired from Iron Man triathlon, but the time is right to invite debate on where he sits among the great Australian sportsmen of recent years.

It's a tricky question because as popular as it has become, this gruelling torture test is still not quite mainstream and champions such as Alexander tend to fly slightly under the radar because they train a lot and race relatively infrequently, mostly overseas.

But within the sport, "Crowie" has been a superstar of the highest order.

In Melbourne on Sunday, he raced the full Iron Man for the last time, finishing fifth in the Asia-Pacific championship race and then finding himself unable to hold back tears as he announced his 40-year-old body had decided enough was enough.

Craig Alexander goes down the Eastlink tunnel during the Asia Pacific Ironman on Sunday. Source: News Corp Australia

The 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and 42km run, which have to be completed in about eight hours in elite competition, is probably orthodox sport's most demanding challenge, especially as you get older.

"Impressive" doesn't do justice to his mastery of it.

Alexander won the world championship on the Hawaiian island of Kona three times, in 2008, 2009 and 2011 and was second in 2007 and fourth in 2012.

In his third win he took 12 seconds off the record, finishing in 8:03.56, and at the inaugural Asia-Pacific race three years ago, which he also won, he broke eight hours for the first time — a feat Melbourne sports fans might be waiting a long time to see repeated.

He has also won the 70.3 — or half-distance — world championship twice and been runner-up once. Having won a 70.3 in Geelong recently, and with the urge to race till not quite purged from his ultra-competitive psyche, he figures he can keep doing those, with the world titles in Canada in September a possibility.

Alexander: "I'm comfortable with the decision because I race to win and to perform." Source: News Corp Australia

In other words, he isn't about to go "cold turkey" on the sport that has been his life, but readily concedes that its time to wind down.

He has three kids — the youngest, Lani May, was born just before last year's Melbourne race — and business interests that include a year-old coaching project which bore exciting fruit when his protege Paul Matthews finished second on Sunday.

"There is a bit of sadness knowing that for whatever reason — diminishing ability or diminishing time — I am not able to compete at that level now," he said yesterday.

"But I'm comfortable with the decision because I race to win and to perform, and if I can't do it 100 per cent what's the point?

Alexander won the Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon three times and set a course-record time in Oahu. Source: Supplied

"My overwhelming emotion is gratitude — I've been helped by a lot of great people who have steered me in the right direction."

As he prepared for the Melbourne race last year, in which he finished third, he told the Herald Sun he was determined not to embarrass himself by failing to recognise his use-by date.

"I'm certainly not turning up just to collect appearance fees," he said. "I race to win. And when I can't do that no-one will have to give me a boot in the bum to move on. I'll be gone."

While that's not unambiguously the case — an Iron Man spokesman said there were no plans, yet, to formally salute him because he is not fully retired — a round of applause is timely for a pleasant, popular character whose career can legitimately be labelled "great."

ron.reed@news.com.au

Twitter: @Reedrw

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Webb’s career flying high again

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KARRIE Webb's golden revival of five wins worldwide in 14 months is proof she can be in the hunt for an Olympic medal of the same colour.

Merely walking out for the opening ceremony in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 was never going to be enough for Australia's finest female golfer.

Now, she is certain to be among the favourites.

The hardened super-competitor at the age of 39 has lifted her world ranking to its highest level (No.5) since 2007 and continues to scoff at her veteran's tag.

Webb is all smiles as she poses for photos in Phoenix with the Founders Cup trophy. Source: AP

She pulled off one of her finest victories in Phoenix by chasing down Kiwi prodigy Lydia Ko, 22 years her junior.

Webb rattled home 10 birdies in her course record-equalling nine-under-par 63 to overtake 19 players on the final day to grab the Founders Cup.

That Webb's career has taken off again is indisputable after 2012 ended without a victory for the only time in her 20-year pro career.

Since landing on the Gold Coast at the beginning of last year with a world ranking of No.17, she has won in Australia (twice), the US (twice) and England.

Webb credits money well spent on a travelling osteopath to iron out the kinks of travel and a long career for keeping her fresher since 2012.

Webb clenches her fist in triumph after the final hole. Source: AP

The 2016 Olympics is her late-in-career driving force.

"That would be the icing on the cake wouldn't it if you could win a medal,'' Webb said.

"I've loved the Olympics since I can remember. I just think walking out in the opening ceremony with the team, the Olympic village ... it would be the ultimate.''

Webb donated $27,500 of her $248,000 winner's cheque to girls' golf in the US and the same amount to The Founders film, a documentary on the LPGA Tour's 13 founders.

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Not so great Scott but all not lost

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IN a perverse way, blowing a seven-shot lead is the best thing that could have happened to Adam Scott to sharpen him for his Masters defence.

You don't sharpen reactions or putting under title-hunting pressure on the practice range and Scott would have been soft-edged heading to Augusta.

Now he knows he has to get slicker with his broomstick putter and be tougher on himself to be right in the mix for a second green jacket from April 10-13.

The tall Queenslander had the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the prized world No.1 ranking at his mercy before yesterday's inexplicable fade out in Miami.

Dig a little deeper and it was Scott's first tournament in serious contention this year and he's always needed that mental tuning before his best Masters finishes in both 2013 and 2011.

Scott said he was "annoyed" at not closing out the tournament on Monday when his scratchy five-over-par 76 gave American Matt Every the opening to win his first big event.

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"If nothing else, it's a good reminder on how much putting practice I need to do for going to the Masters and just how important it is," Scott stressed.

He took 63 putts across the final two rounds to give up a seven-shot halfway lead and made just one over 2m in the final round when under the pump.

"If I think back to last year, I made every putt that you expect to in that last round (at the Masters) and ultimately that's maybe what gave me the chance to win," Scott said.

"Sometimes you've got to be hard on yourself, sometimes you don't.

"My short game just wasn't there so that needs to be tightened up to hold up under the pressure."

Scott will be cursing. His worst round of the year came three days after his best, a first round 62.

Scott hits out of a bunker on the seventh hole and catches plenty of sand. Source: AFP

He has now lost a British Open (2012), an Australian Open (2013) and the world No.1 ranking with final day wobbles when holding big four-shot leads.

If you pressed Scott on whether a second green jacket or grabbing the world No.1 ranking from Tiger Woods was more important, he'd jump for a wardrobe addition every time.

That quest may well take shape in private over the next few days behind the guarded gates of Augusta National.

Scott is heading back to the scene of his greatest triumph for practice and will find a new-look 17th hole after the loss of the famed Eisenhower tree in a February ice storm.

He will head to his Bahamas base from there with just the right amount of anger to help crank up all parts of his game for Augusta.

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Minto leaves family to chase dream

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ASK Matt Minto about the inspirations behind his desire to make it in the NRL and he'll tell you they are almost 1300 kms away in Rockhampton.

His little three year old daughter Lila and partner Carolyn have stayed behind in his north Queensland hometown while Minto chases his dream at the Newcastle Knights.

"It's been tough being away from them but it's the sacrifice we've had to make," the rookie Knights fullback says.

"Carolyn's studying fashion design at TAFE and I'm down here trying to make a go of footy.

"I'm on a minimal contract and only signed for one year and with all of Carolyn's family in Rockhampton, we just thought this was the best way.

"Put my head down for six months, give it everything and see where it takes us.

"Hopefully, if things get a bit more secure, I'll be able to bring them down here."

Matt Minto on debut. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

In the meantime, Minto has to settle for monthly visits and plenty of phone calls.

But even he couldn't have envisaged his sacrifice beginning to pay off so quickly.

Signed as a back-up half or five-eighth from Queensland Cup premiership-winning side Mackay Cutters by Knights recruitment guru Peter Mulholland, Minto debuted as a fullback against the Canberra Raiders last Sunday after Darius Boyd tore his hamstring in the opening round.

He did well enough for coach Wayne Bennett to want to give him another shot.

Tonight, he will go head to head with Melbourne Storm's Kangaroo fullback Billy Slater in Melbourne as the injury-hit Knights chase their first win of the season.

"I can't wait to be honest," he says.

"You never want to waste opportunities like this so I'll just go out and do my best.

"Melbourne in Melbourne is still the yardstick I reckon and knocking them over down there would be massive for us."

Matt Minto at training. Picture: Peter Lorimer Source: News Corp Australia

Under different circumstances, the 23 year old may well have already left his mark in the NRL.

He was signed to a scholarship at Penrith when he was 15 but when he finally came down to Sydney after finishing high school, he got home-sick and returned north.

A year later, he was back in Sydney playing Under 20's with the Bulldogs but in his second year, he found out Carolyn was pregnant.

"Two days after she told me, I packed up and went back home," he said.

"I probably went off the rails a bit there for a time after that.

"It was my old school coach from St Brendan's College in Yeppoon, Terry Hansen, who told me it was not too late to give footy a real go and to have another crack.

"So far, it's worked out pretty good."

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Brooks-Teddy combo set for greatness

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ANDREW Johns has called on the Wests Tigers to make sure Luke Brooks and James Tedesco play out their careers together, with the rugby league Immortal declaring "it is like watching Langer and Walters".

Despite playing only four games together, the Brooks-Tedesco combination has everyone in the game talking them up as the game's next superstar combination after another starring performance in Friday night's upset win over premiership heavyweights South Sydney.

Tedesco is off contract at the end of the season and there is growing speculation that the Roosters are on the verge of announcing that they have won the race to sign the NRL's most exciting young fullback.

The Bulldogs are also in the market for a top quality fullback and they have big money to spend.

Wests Tigers chief executive Grant Mayer said yesterday his information was that Tedesco has not committed to a rival club.

James Tedesco. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

Tedesco is managed by Sam Ayoub, who also looks after Wests Tigers skipper Robbie Farah.

"He is hot property, I get that," Mayer told The Daily Telegraph.

"But these things don't take three seconds to fix. Negotiations are ongoing so there is nothing to confirm one way or another.

"There is much speculation but at this stage we are not even close to announcing anything."

But asked directly if he was certain that Tedesco hadn't signed elsewhere, Mayer added: "I am not going to play it out in the press.

"We have had ongoing dialogue with his management and we are confident that the Wests Tigers are still in the game to retain James Tedesco."

Matthew Johns yesterday likened the Brooks-Tedesco combination to "Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater" on Triple M — while Andrew Johns added they could make an impact at club and representative level like Allan Langer and Kevin Walters did for Brisbane and Queensland.

James Tedesco of the Wests Tigers. Source: Getty Images

Andrew Johns gave Tedesco three Dally M votes for his man of the match effort on Friday night while Brooks finished with one vote after another dynamic game where both players were targeted heavily.

Johns said on Channel Nine's Sunday Footy Show: "You know what, this is only the fourth game they have played together. It is like watching Langer and Walters together and some of the great combinations, they are on the same wave length, they know what each other is going to do.

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"I just hope they play their whole career out together.

"I'd love to see them playing, without getting ahead of themselves, at this level, club level, and maybe representative level together.

"They have got to stay together and I hope the Wests Tigers do that.

"I hope their fans get on board and buys memberships that brings money into the club."

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Buzz: Bennett blasts ‘drama queens’

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WAYNE Bennett doesn't often pick up the telephone and ring this newspaper.

But the supercoach is seriously annoyed about the recent coverage of concussion and brain injuries in rugby league.

Anyone who knows Bennett will tell that he has always regarded player welfare more importantly than two competition points.

Recently he has been accused in certain sections of the media of ignoring the dangers of head injuries.

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"Duty of care is something I really value and care about," he said.

"Some of the stuff that has been written about one of my players, Robbie Rochow, is factually wrong and an insult to our doctor and physio.

"No-one takes this stuff more seriously than I do. The drama queens are in play now. You've got to wait and listen to the experts."

Greg Inglis concussed on Friday. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

So over the weekend he put me in touch with one of the country's most prominent medical specialists.

Professor Chris Levi is a neurologist and director of the Hunter Medical Research Institute and the brain and mental health program.

This is the email he sent me.

"A responsible medical scientist would be shouted down for claiming 'proof' of a cause for a medical condition based on anecdote, case report and low level evidence," he says.

"Claiming a 'cause and effect' relationship between concussion and neurological illness in rugby league players is not justified.

"High quality, reliable scientific evidence is currently lacking. Naïve media reporting scientific data can, at times, unintentionally mislead or sensationalise.

"The work highlighted by Peter Fitzsimons recently is preliminary and has serious flaws.

"In contrast, Wayne Bennett's recent comments in the media recently were balanced and appropriate based on the current level of understanding of any potential long-term impact of concussion.

"Where there is concern but a lack of scientific evidence, it is appropriate to adopt caution and undertake rigorous research.

Greg Inglis concussed on Friday. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

"The NRL has done the former and medical researchers in Australia are doing the latter.

"In medical science there are standards of proof required before pronouncements are made about causes of disease.

"I do not expect journalists to be expert in critical appraisal of scientific studies and evidence.

"However, the non-medical expert members of the public should expect a balanced reporting and should expect not to be misled."

Another senior neurologist Dr Sam Sorrenti supported by what Professor Levi is saying.

Two years ago your columnist proudly led the campaign to get rid of the shoulder charge.

It was for one reason only – that medical experts, far more qualified than coaches and officials, wanted it banned.

Again we should be listening to them.

Three former players, out of the tens of thousands that have played the game, have gone public with claims of brain damage.

It a tiny percentage of all those who have played the game.

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WING COMMANDERS

WINGERS have become the most skilful players in rugby league. Every week there's an acrobatic try that defies belief.

Brett Morris's effort on half-time against the Sharks was as spectacular as you'll ever see.

In the old days wingers had speed but that was about it.

Now they play as an extra forward, take marks like AFL players and have the body control of gymnasts.

Throw in the defensive work covering overlaps, quick turnarounds to chase, stopping 40-20s and defusing bombs.

It shows why they're among the most valuable players in any salary cap.

As for Morris, he's the best of the lot and is loving playing outside men as skilful as ­Gareth Widdop and Gerard Beale. At Penrith, Dean Whare scored a screamer on Saturday as well.

The best flanker I've seen was Parramatta's Eric Grothe in the early to mid-80s.

I rang him yesterday to have a rave about today's wingers.

"In my day if you had a couple if runs you'd be happy with that," he said.

"Now it's such a hard position to play. They're skilled in all areas and really impressive in everything they do."

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JAMIE'S CLASS PASS

Speaking of special skill, Jamie Soward's match-­winning pass against the Bulldogs on Saturday would have made King Wally Lewis proud.

It was a moment of class, brilliance and football genius.

The Panthers were gone. A minute and a half on the clock. Down by four. They work play to the left.

The much-­maligned Soward gets the footy near the centre of the field, just to the left of the uprights.

He shoots a bullet-like pass, cutting out two players. It lands straight on Kevin Naiqama's chest. Try time.

Matt Moylan converts from the sideline and the Panthers get the cash. Soward also set up the first try with a kick for Whare.

Maybe Phillip Ronald was right. Maybe Jamie Soward is a marquee player after all.

GUESSING REFEREES

Referees should be stopped from having to guess on doubtful tries before they go upstairs to the video box.

The number of calls that they are getting wrong this season is an unnecessary ­embarrassment.

Under Tony Archer's leadership there have been twice as many video referrals this year. That's fine — if the technology is there they should use it. But why make a call when there is enough doubt to go upstairs.

Within the space of three minutes at Penrith on Saturday, the refs got two calls wrong with Tyrone Peachey and Tim Lafai.

They also got a Brett Morris call wrong at Shark Park and another one later in the match. They should either award a try or go upstairs and leave it to the officials who can study the video.

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HIGHLIGHT

Nice to see good sportsmanship on social media. Wests Tigers centre Tim Simona accidently knocked out superstar Greg Inglis in a nasty collision on Friday night.

Straight after the game he contacted the Rabbitohs fullback via Twitter: "@greg_inglis hope your well bro''

To which Inglis replied: "@timsimona all good bro.. Cheers for the tweet man.. Just one of those things man.. All good.''

LOWLIGHT

There is not a more unpopular player in rugby league than the once admired Sam Burgess.

He continues to behave like a lunatic and is doing his team no favours with his undisciplined actions.

ENNIS FEELS HEAT

Michael Ennis is a man under huge pressure at the Bulldogs.

You could see it when he argued and exchanged heated words with team mate Josh Reynolds in the game against the Panthers.

Ennis knows the Dogs haven't paid $900,000 and provided Michael Lichaa with a car to play NSW Cup.

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