Earthquake alert for Slipper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Fittler comeback moves a step closer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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SA youngster's dream Roos debut

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

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

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

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

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

Ryan Ryan Kitto of Australia. Source: Getty Images

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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How mum's text brought Jamal to tears

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Trouble awaits Stosur's Open run

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Becker to give Novak edge: Wilander

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Becker had no limits," Wilander said.

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

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

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

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

Wilander says fellow Swede Edberg can improve Federer - technically.

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

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

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

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Heat coach gives players a serve

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Berisha going nowhere in January

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Wally feels Sam's King-sized blow

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WALLY Lewis, the first Broncos captain sacked, says Sam Thaiday's leadership was not to blame for the club's worst ever season.

Thaiday was relieved of the Brisbane captaincy on Friday, 24 years after the King was dethroned by Wayne Bennett.

Lewis, Queensland's greatest ever player, was dumped as Broncos skipper in October of 1989 despite being the incumbent Origin and Test captain, replaced by Gene Miles. It remains the biggest shock in the club's history.

Fast-forward nearly a quarter of a century and Thaiday's axing, while nowhere near as seismic as that of Lewis, has again rattled the club.

Lewis feels for Thaiday, knowing as few others would how gutted Big Sam would be.

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And while he has a high opinion of Anthony Griffin as a person and coach, the King of Queensland football admits he was left bemused that the Broncos hope to arrest their form slump by having a different player leading them down the tunnel.

"I don't think Thaiday's leadership last year was the problem for the Broncos," Lewis told The Sunday Mail.

"His individual form wasn't helped by what was going on at the Broncos.

"They were changing things around and I don't think playing in the front row helped him, but that is the coach's decision.

"People start looking for excuses and blame in times like that and it is unfortunate Sam has to deal with that because he had a fairly handy year.

"Whenever he played for Queensland or Australia he was sensational.

"I find it difficult to see a reason why Sam (is no longer the captain), I mean surely he couldn't be blamed.

"However, when you are steering the ship you are often questioned when you don't pull into the right port.

"I'm sure Sam, while he won't like it … this will give him a direct challenge to make him play better."

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Griffin used hard evidence in the form of statistics to show Thaiday that he performed best when he was not captain of the team.

Similarly, Bennett stood before the club's board 24 years ago and used a series of graphs to show how Lewis's form fell away after the representative season.

Lewis broke his arm before the '89 season while playing for Australia, and it affected his form which ultimately led to Bennett's decision.

Thaiday was forced to play in the front row for 14 of his 21 club games last year and it severely affected his form.

Lewis was initially reluctant to revisit one of the most painful periods of his life when contacted by The Sunday Mail about his axing as Broncos captain.

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While he has alluded to the incident previously, he refused to discuss it directly until now.

"I have broken the rule. This is the first time I have spoken about it since that time," Lewis said.

"As soon as you called I knew what you would ask.

"Mate, it wasn't the best time.

"It is certainly not the favourite day of your life.

"I broke my arm that year. So when I had a bad season it was an extremely bad season.

"If this is the coach's decision - as it was Bennett's decision - then Hook (Griffin) will hang his hat on this.

"One way or another, the change in leadership will get marked.

"If there is success, then a lot of people will question whether it could have happened without changing captains.

"It is a massive challenge for Hook. He is one of the game's great gentleman though, and he will hang his hat on this and be prepared to blame himself if it doesn't work."

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Coote finds feet after bitter exit

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LACHLAN Coote says North Queensland officials made him feel "wanted" for the first time in a long while, after the club he hoped to spend his career with rejected him.

The Cowboys recruit has opened up about the tumultuous end to his Penrith Panthers career, a stint he envisioned would span his footballing life.

The major addition to the Cowboys' roster this season has already bought a house in Townsville, and despite brutal training sessions in the midday sun, has fallen in love with his new club.

An outstanding talent long predicted for State of Origin honours, Coote is far more than just a replacement for Matt Bowen.

Finally injury free, the Panthers' rejection last August looms as the catalyst for his best football.

Coote revealed the key advice that made him realise leaving Penrith would be a positive came from former Panthers teammates who were now starring elsewhere.

Coote was one of several local juniors given early releases from the foot of the mountains in recent seasons, with the cash freed used to sign Jamal Idris this week.

Lachlan Coote at pre-season training with the Cowboys. Source: News Limited

"I spoke to guys like Michael Jennings, Wade Graham and Luke Lewis and they all told me how good their moves had been for them," Coote said.

"They said it would be the best thing for me, to have a fresh start.

"Penrith were my team. I always wanted to be a Panther and I wanted to stay there.

"I'm really happy with the Cowboys and especially how they approached me. It made me feel wanted.

"At first I was a bit nervous about coming up here but it has been awesome so far.

"I'm 100 per cent fit. I have been given an opportunity at fullback and now I have to take it."

Lachlan Coote at pre-season training with the Cowboys. Source: News Limited

Coote, who burst onto the NRL scene as a teenager in 2008, did not see the Panthers' release coming.

"I didn't sense it at all," Coote said. "I tore my pec (pectoral muscle) in round two last year and I was sceptical about stuff because people were being signed in my position, so I hit (coach) Ivan (Cleary) up and asked him 'Do you see me here in the future' and he basically told me 'yes'.

"Next thing you know the Cowboys are after me and Penrith want to release me.

"It was an overnight thing really.

"They (Penrith) said 'nah you should pretty much take it (the Cowboys deal)'.

"It was disappointing but that's football. I'm not looking back now ... It is all a business.

"That's their job. If they are not happy with you then you can't really question their plans for you.

"I just moved on and I couldn't be happier now."

Lachlan Coote at pre-season training with the Cowboys. Source: News Limited

Coote was so intent on making a name for himself at the Cowboys he withdrew from Scotland's World Cup squad last October.

Despite being based in Townsville for more than two months, Coote has yet to meet superstar playmaker and Cowboys co-captain Johnathan Thurston.

"He was one of the biggest attractions of agreeing to come up here," Coote said.

"I still haven't met him yet but I'm sure when he gets back from his holidays we will strike up a good combination."

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