Will ‘kill’ Manly boss to lose Stewart

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MANLY's majority shareholder, Rick Penn, claimed on Monday he would be "gutted" if the Sea Eagles lost star back rower Glenn Stewart.

And, Penn added: "It would kill me."

Manly officials and Stewart's manager, Mike Newton, are due to hold a crucial meeting today with the club yet to make an offer to the NSW and Australian back-rower after seven months of negotiation.

Stewart fears he will be shifted out of Brookvale.

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Loyal fans continue to email The Daily Telegraph offering their own money to retain Stewart.

Manly general manager David Perry is under growing pressure to re-sign Stewart.

Penn said his club must do its "very best" to retain Stewart, a favourite among the senior playing group.

A number of clubs — including Souths, St George Illawarra and Parramatta — have been linked to Stewart.

Manly is struggling to find room for Stewart in the salary cap due to back-ended deals and contract upgrades.

"It killed me to lose 'Kitey' (Brent Kite), it would also kill me to lose Glenn," Penn told The Daily Telegraph.

"I really was gutted when 'Kitey' had to leave, but I would be more gutted to lose Glenn.

"He is the glue at our club. The club must do their best to keep him.

"I am a huge supporter of Glenn. It's up to the coach (Geoff Toovey) and his staff to work out the team and salary cap.

"We will support Geoff any way we can."

Manly's Glenn Stewart at Narrabeen Sports Centre. Source: News Corp Australia

Penn spoke passionately yesterday about how the NRL should alter its rules and allow ten-year player to have some salary cap exemptions.

Stewart is currently in his 12th season as a Sea Eagle.

"After 10 years at one club there should be some special recognition," Penn said. "Clubs shouldn't be disadvantaged for goodness sake.

"We should be honouring these players and acknowledging them. They (NRL) have got it all wrong.

"The NRL should treat their senior players better because they are the mentors of the game.

"We have to play by the rules and we do. It's about good governance.

"Glenn is the glue at Manly, so is Jamie Lyon. You don't get better people. Anthony Watmough, Brett Stewart, Jason King.

"They play for each other and have taken lighter salaries over the years to keep the club together They are outstanding people, upstanding role models.

"You shouldn't lose players like this because of the salary cap."

Generous fans are trying to help Manly.

"I'm one of those members and fans who would be more than happy to contribute financially if it would help keep one of our all-time favourite players," wrote Mike Beach.

"Glenn is not only a great player but is also a great team member."

Stewart was concussed in the win over Sydney Roosters and may not be cleared to play Sunday's match against Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval until Saturday's captain's run.

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SBW says shoulder charge is history

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THERE isn't a player in the game with a better reason to be calling for the return of the shoulder charge, but Sonny Bill Williams reckons it's time for every player to get their head around the fact that the tackle is a part of history — for good reason.

Ahead of his return from a three-match suspension for collecting George Burgess with a shoulder charge in the dying stages of the opening game of the season, Williams gave his first media interview of the year ahead of Friday night's clash against his old club the Bulldogs.

Sonny Bill Williams during an all-in interview. Source: News Limited

And with his Roosters teammate Jared Waerea-Hargreaves the latest player facing a ban for his shoulder charge that knocked Glenn Stewart out of last Friday night's game against Manly, Williams gave his thoughts on the direction the game was heading with his favourite tackle.

Waerea-Hargreaves is up on a grade two shoulder charge and will cop one week if he takes the early guilty plea — or he faces two games out if he fights the charge and loses at the NRL judiciary.

Reminded that Williams used to call the shoulder charge "a work of art", the superstar backrower said he now accepted that the tackle was outlawed.

"Definitely. Times have changed and you have got to move forward," he said.

"Just like when I came back the game had changed a lot and you just have to adapt and the shoulder charge is no good."

And he said he could accept copping a three-game suspension for his tackle as long as the NRL stands firm for the rest of the season.

Sydney Roosters rugby league player Sonny Bill Williams with children from Darlinghurst Public School. Source: News Limited

"The rule has been set in place for a year now," he said.

"They are trying to eradicate it out of the game.

"You will see it now and then.

"The stance they have taken, they have been pretty harsh on it but I don't mind if they keep that same standard throughout the year.

"You just can't hit anyone in the head, I guess."

Asked how big a loss Waerea-Hargreaves would be for the clash against the giant Bulldogs pack, Williams said: "Big Jazza is a big part of our team and any time and any time we lose a player of his calibre it is going to be tough.

"But we have full faith in the boys who will step up and he is lucky he only got one week.

"He should have got three like me … joking."

Williams said he was angry with himself for allowing "frustration" to lead to his tackle on Burgess.

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But the time out could prove a blessing in disguise as the season rolls on and the World Cup hangover takes its toll on just about every team.

More than 120 NRL players took part in the year-ending tournament in the United Kingdom _ and the Roosters had 16 representatives, more than any other club.

Williams said that had been a contributing factor to the Roosters up and down start and it's probably a factor across the board given there had been 18 upsets out of 31 games heading into last night's game between the Titans and the Cowboys.

"I think if you look across the whole competition it is a bit like that," he said.

"With the World Cup a lot of teams have come back in dribs and drabs.

"I think as the season goes on you will start seeing a bit more (consistency).

"I got to have that pre-season that I probably missed after the World Cup so I'm in pretty good shape and ready to get out there and earn the boys respect back."

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Buzz: Let’s start a revolution

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An expanded 18-team competition with two new teams and two new conferences would bring back tribalism and blockbusters to the NRL almost every weekend of the footy season.

It would also allow the NRL to produce a fairer and more equitable season draw, replacing the current lopsided schedule with 25 rounds of football and stand alone Origin weekends.

New clubs from Brisbane and Perth would not only provide an extra game and more television revenue but allow all nine Sydney teams to go into their own conference.

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BUZZ: DRAW DEBACLE ROBS TOP TEAMS

Almost every week would become a heritage round with more derbies and traditional-rival showdowns.

It would give Sydney clubs the chance to attract more away-team fans, unlike now when they host the Titans, Cowboys, Warriors or any of the out-of-town teams in front of 10,000 to 12,000 fans.

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Clubs in each conference would play each other twice for 16 games before meeting clubs from the out-of-town conference once for nine games.

The top four clubs from each conference make up the top eight.

The Penrith Panthers are a good example of why the game needs to revamp the schedule.

Here's a club trying to fight off the AFL threat and desperately working to build on sluggish crowds from recent years.

The Storm warm up at nib Stadium in Perth. Source: Getty Images

Yet they host only five Sydney teams this season at Sportingbet Stadium.

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Glamour clubs the Roosters and Sea Eagles plus the exciting young Wests Tigers don't play at Penrith at all.

The conference idea has the support of influential figures including super coach Wayne Bennett and the game's longest serving CEO, Shane Richardson.

It saves all the Sydney clubs, maintains tradition and guarantees four Sydney clubs make the finals each year.

State of Origin should be given a stand-alone weekend, writes Phil Rothfield. Source: News Limited

It ensures national and regional exposure from four out-of-town clubs in the finals every year.

The other benefits are less travel and accommodation costs for Sydney clubs.

The Perth team would open up new timeslot for TV broadcasters.

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The second Brisbane team ensures we don't have to watch the Broncos every Friday night and also stops the Broncos from having such a huge commercial monopoly.

Stand-alone Origin weekends could be used to play the Nines and City-Country to keep the broadcasters happy.

The NRL's head of football Todd Greenberg says expansion will be discussed in the off-season.

Todd Greenberg says possibly the NRL will be discussed but queries whether the depth is strong enough. Source: News Limited

"I get where you are going," he said, "The problem is whether we can sustain two new clubs in those markets.

"Is there enough talent to go around for another two teams? But you're right to be exploring it.

"As for conferences, it's important to maximise the attendances by having our big Sydney clubs playing against each other.

"We're still trying to find the right balance. Everyone at the NRL is working very hard and we're open to all suggestions."

Embattled owner of the Newcastle Knights Nathan Tinkler. Source: News Limited

Premier coach Trent Robinson argues there is enough players to support two new teams.

"This is a good debate to have," he said, " I think Brisbane having a second team and Perth is vital for the future of our game.

"We've got to back ourselves to produce more players.

"I disagree we don't have enough. In Australia and New Zealand, there is enough talent there.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson supports a second team in Brisbane and a side based in Perth. Source: News Corp Australia

"We've got enough good coaches out there to put good systems in place at two new clubs."

Souths boss Shane Richardson supports the idea of a Sydney conference.

"It would certainly build sustained rivalries in the Sydney market and enable the NRL to build marquee events such as our Heritage round at the SCG and Good Friday at ANZ stadium on an annual basis with more of the clubs," he said.

"The artificial way we conduct the draw at the moment needs a revamp at the very least."

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NRL shattered by McKinnon diagnosis

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FORMER Newcastle great Matthew Johns said on Monday night that all of sport and not just rugby league will be in total shock today at the news young Knights forward Alex McKinnon is facing life as a quadriplegic.

The 22 year backrower, still in a critical condition in a Melbourne hospital, has only limited feeling in his left arm and faces the heartbreaking likelihood of never being able to walk again.

Alex McKinnon is tackled by Trent Merrin, Beau Scott and Nathan Fien. Source: News Limited

Johns told Fox Sports last night the tragic news, reported on Channel Nine last night, will reverberate through all sport in Australia.

BENNETT: ALEX IS LIKE A SON TO ME

A CITY STOPS FOR WOUNDED HERO

"Everyone in sport, not just rugby league are in total shock," Johns said.

"It was always a chance it was going to be this type of terrible news but everyone was praying that it wouldn't be.

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"Then you get the news come through of this young boy who is so universally liked and respected in rugby league may not walk again."

The NRL, caught by complete surprise by the report, responded cautiously in a statement:

"I understand this has been reported on Channel 9 but we've not received this advice by the Knights or Alex's family in regards to these reports," NRL spokeperson Sandy Olsen said.

"Out of regard for Alex and his family, it is not appropriate to comment at this time.

"Our thoughts continue to be with Alex for his recovery. The NRL and the Knights are providing all the support we possibly can at this time."

The Newcastle team in a huddle before the clash with the Sharks in a tribute to Alex McKinnon. Source: Getty Images

Newcastle fans show their support for Alex McKinnon. Source: News Corp Australia

The Newcastle Knights were also left largely in the dark by the news.

"The club will continue to liaise with Alex's family and issue the appropriate update. At this stage, we have no further update," their spokesperson said.

McKinnon was brought out of an induced coma on Sunday and hopes of a recovery were raised when it was revealed he was breathing on his own without the assistance of a ventilator and communicating with his family.

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But according to Channel Nine, the prognosis for McKinnon is grim.

"McKinnon and his family have been told he is a quadriplegic," the report stated.

"He is in rehab and care and will hopefully recover. His spinal cord is not severed.

"Not surprisingly, he is struggling with the news."

McKinnon was due to get a visit today by Knights teammates including captain Kurt Gidley but only coach Wayne Bennett made the trip down to Melbourne.

Alex McKinnon has touched plenty of hearts at the Knights. Source: News Corp Australia

Bennett did not want to comment on the report when asked by The Daily Telegraph.

Director of St Vincents Hospital Emergency Department Professor Gordian Fulde would not comment on the McKinnon case last night but described the diagnosis of quadriplegia as "a life sentence".

He said the injury would renew the tackle debate.

"I think this is going to stimulate the whole matter of how people are tackled because the neck vertebrae in a human are very fragile, "he said.

He said the outlook for McKinnon wouldn't be able to be known for at least a year.

"You don't give the final ability until at least twelve months because of the ability of a young body to compensate and there are also a whole lot of scientific advances," he said.

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Knights to visit improved McKinnon

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IF the 30-0 thumping handed out to the Sharks by the Knights yesterday wasn't tonic enough for him, Alex McKinnon will be further buoyed by a visit today.

Captain Kurt Gidley and teammates Darius Boyd and Beau Scott will fly to Melbourne with coach Wayne Bennett this morning to try and further lift the young back-rower's spirits.

After two operations to repair fractured vertebrae in his neck suffered in his side's loss to Melbourne seven days ago, McKinnon is out of an induced coma and was yesterday breathing for the first time without the aid of a ventilator.

Crowd support for Alex McKinnon. Picture: Peter Lorimer Source: News Corp Australia

"He's improved and breathing on his own and communicating so that's picked all the boys up a bit," Gidley said after yesterday's win.

"None of us have seen him since he was stretchered off but we're going down tomorrow morning. It's probably going to be a little confronting for us but hopefully, it will give Macca a lift."

The Knights said in a statement: "Alex McKinnon has made a small advancement in his recovery on Sunday. He has had his assisted ventilation removed and can now communicate with his family. His breathing will be monitored while undertaking intense physiotherapy before the next stage, which will hopefully involve a transfer to Sydney."

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McKinnon's father Scott said in the statement: "It has been a highly emotional day for us and this is just a small stage in a long journey. Once again, we can't thank everyone enough for the prayers and well wishes we have received for Alex and our family."

Sharks coach Peter Sharp knew better than most what his side was walking into yesterday at Hunter Stadium.

"I was born up here and I know the town and I coached here," he said. "It's a great town and it's a great town in adversity. They are in adversity at the moment.''

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Myles from brat to business tycoon

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THIS is the Nate Myles you don't see. The human side. Stronger and wiser for the times when he endured a fractured "relationship" with rugby league, the Maroons enforcer is giving back.

He is redressing sporting inequities. And, in the process, learning lessons about himself.

On the field, the Titans co-captain has always been all business, but now off it Myles is dipping his toe into the corporate realm, leveraging his status as a Test and Origin forward to educate the next generation of athletes.

Welcome to Nate Myles Inc.

This Sunday, Myles and business partner Mark Gee, brother of Broncos legend Andrew, will launch the Talent Sports Academy, hailed as Australia's first high-performance program for athletes as young as 10.

Nate Myles gets his business brain going at the Titans Centre of Excellence. Source: News Corp Australia

Myles is so determined for the Academy to flourish it has been registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, with the Titans co-skipper installed as a company director.

Under Myles and Gee's plan, an intake of 150 children aged between 10-15 will attend a series of camps, the first held this Sunday at the Titans' training base at Robina.

Myles will play a hands-on role, with TSA sourcing coaching specialists from a multitude of sports.

Titans legend Preston Campbell and former Olympic swimmer Alice Tait have signed on as ambassadors.

The high-performance program is not sport specific, instead covering areas such as strength-and-conditioning, speed, mobility, flexibility, visual training, nutrition, body management, leadership and life skills.

Organisations such as the Australian Institute of Sport and Queensland Academy of Sport already provide high-performance systems for the nation's elite athletes. But TSA is targeting a wider audience, chiefly lesser-talented individuals or those in remote country areas with limited access to coaching and performance resources.

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Myles can empathise with the average sporting Joe. Growing up in Cairns, he concedes he not only lacked the natural ability of others, but also the opportunities to maximise his talent in his chosen field.

"Kids look up to heroes. They are more likely to listen to a guy like Petero Civoniceva than mum or dad," Myles says.

"To have something like this academy when I was a kid in Cairns would have been incredible. "This will help pave the way for kids in remote areas.

"You have the AIS and the QAS, but this program will give kids of lesser ability a chance to fulfil their potential.

"It is difficult for clubs and sports to be able to reach certain areas, funding and expenses can only be taken so far.

"I know I was playing alongside kids who were so much more talented than me, but because they lived further out it was harder for them to succeed and a program like this can close the gap.

Nate Myles is known for being a combative physical presence on the field. Source: News Corp Australia

"Hundreds and thousands of kids from all sorts of sports will get the best coaching tools. It's an awesome idea. I don't know why it hasn't been developed before."

While TSA's primary goal is to help at grassroots level, it is fair to say Myles has also helped himself. It wasn't long ago that his NRL career was at the crossroads after a tumultuous stint at the Roosters, but the 28-year-old's move to the Gold Coast coincided with serious self-analysis.

He may be a prop but Myles is nobody's fool. A self-confessed deep thinker, Myles has a forensic eye for real estate and while reading bores him, he could read the signs he had to grow up.

Entering a business venture is an extension of the personal growth that has seen him ascend to the co-captaincy at the Titans.

"I don't really think about being called a company director because I just see myself helping kids in sport," he said.

"But I know I'm changing. I'm thinking about different business opportunities, and my own development.

"There's been a couple of hair-raising moments in my career and I'll be honest ... I still took too long to realise the opportunity we have as league players.

Nate Myles prepares to put a hit on Raiders skipper Terry Campese. Source: News Corp Australia

"Some guys get it early. Some guys never learn. Some guys go off the rails and come good.

"It depends on the person. I don't know if any one person said grow up Nate, you're a bloody idiot, but I see things differently now and appreciate my place in the game.

"I remember Craig Fitzgibbon (former Roosters teammate) giving me a spray one day. The one line he gave me I will never forget ... 'Nate, you can't have an excuse for everything'.

"If you have an excuse for everything, you will end up being the excuse."

Gee, a former Titans development manager who played first-grade for the Gold Coast Giants, believes the Academy will find a key niche in the sporting landscape.

"The top two or three per cent of athletes get elite development, but what about the other 97 per cent?" Gee said.

"Any kid is available to come along and try to improve their individual abilities.

"Young athletes develop mentally and physically at different ages and rates. I always had a feeling something more needed to be done at grassroots level and to have an athlete of Nate's standing is invaluable."

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Myles isn't eyeing retirement anytime soon but the Academy's anticipated success could open doors to a corporate post-football career.

They say things happen for a reason. Once at rock bottom in rugby league, Myles, having searched within for answers, hopes the Academy takes kids to the top.

"It's quite funny my relationship with rugby league and I how I feel towards it since I moved to the Gold Coast," he said.

"I don't think Sydney was the problem, I think it was me. I loved where I lived, but I was to blame for the stupid choices I made.

"You don't get long to do well in this game, so you can either jump on the boat and do great things, or waste the lot of it, which I don't plan on doing.

"It's early days for the Academy ... but to be part of something that can develop is really rewarding."

For more info visit talentsportsacademy.com.au

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Buzz: Draw debacle robs top teams

Roosters Origin stars James Maloney, Michael Jennings, Boyd Cordner and Mitchell Pearce. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

A DETAILED analysis of the NRL draw has uncovered alarming discrepancies which have turned the race for the finals into a raffle.

There is no guarantee the best sides will be there in September because some clubs will get a rails run from the lopsided draw.

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The Roosters will be without Mitchell Pearce, James Maloney, Boyd Cordner and Michael Jennings for all three games before Origin because the NRL didn't give them a bye.

Roosters Origin stars Mitchell Pearce (L) and James Maloney (C). Source: News Limited

It's the same with South Sydney, who will be left without Greg Inglis, Ben Te'o and Chris McQueen for three vital games.

At the same time, the Warriors inexplicably get two byes during Origin, yet won't provide a player to NSW or Queensland.

So too wooden-spooners Parramatta, who will probably only provide one player, and the Canberra Raiders, who will be flat out having anyone ­selected.

The Warriors also get the benefit of an incredible draw anomaly by having to play the competition's top three clubs — the Roosters, Sea ­Eagles and Storm — only once in 26 rounds. It's almost like the New Zealand team is getting a six competition-point advantage over its rivals.

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Also, Penrith and the Raiders have to play last year's grand finalists the Sea Eagles and Roosters only once.

The Wests Tigers get to play the Broncos and Souths without their Origin stars, while others have to play them at full strength.

Canterbury play the Sea Eagles and Roosters without their Origin players, again while other clubs have to play them at full strength.

It makes you wonder why we bother to have a salary cap to keep clubs on a level playing field when the draw does exactly the opposite.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson says it's not fair on his club during Origin.

"To have the incumbent State of Origin halves and miss them for all three games, I think it could have been better planned," he said.

"They could have given us at least one game where he had use of them. Missing them for all three is too much. Origin is our biggest product but we also want to protect the clubs that offer the players."

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The draw during Origin has also robbed fans of at least two blockbuster games.

The Bulldogs play glamour clubs the Roosters and Sea Eagles before Origin matches, ruining the showpiece events.

No Pearce, no Maloney, no Jennings, no Cordner, no Cherry-Evans, no Watmough, no Stewart — and maybe no fans.

Sadly, Bulldogs CEO Raelene Castle is not concerned about losing the gate takings.

Showing the typical self-interest club mentality, she says the Bulldogs have a better chance of getting ­competition points against weakened outfits.

"It affects our bottom line for those two games but you have to balance the commercial return and the football return," Castle said.

"Because of the number of Kiwi boys we have, we're unlikely to have half our team missing like some others. When you play the tough teams when they've got a lot of stars in Origin, you get a better crack at winning the game."

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The Bulldogs can afford to be blasé about gate takings because they get an open cheque from their thriving Leagues Club at the end of each ­season.

But it's hardly a good look for the game or fair on the fans who buy season tickets hoping to watch the best against the best.

Outside of Origin, the Knights aren't happy either.

Their biggest home crowds are traditionally against the Rabbitohs and the Sea Eagles.

Yet for the second year in a row, the Knights don't get to host either club. Their one game against Souths is in Cairns.

Channel 9's television coverage is the other big issue.

All but six of the Broncos' games are in prime time on Friday nights, allowing them to sell jersey and ground sponsorship at a much higher rate than the other clubs. Plus they get the seven-day turnaround.

Incredibly, the Tigers get 11 Channel 9 games, while the Dragons get only one. The Warriors don't get any.

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The NRL's head of football Todd Greenberg concedes: "It's very difficult to have a perfect draw.

"There are limitations with the broadcast deal and stadium availability. Still, this year's draw is an improvement on what we did in 2013.

"But there's certainly more room for improvement.

"We'll continue to try to tweak it as best we can. We are working very hard on it."

The situation would be almost understandable if we were talking about an amateur sport but in a ­billion-dollar business that is the NRL it's unsatisfactory and unacceptable.

HOW YOUR CLUB IS AFFECTED

Broncos

Only have to play the premiers Sydney Roosters once.

Get two byes before Origin games while the Roosters don't get any.

All but six of their games on Friday night free-to-air gives them seven-day back-ups and prime time exposure for their sponsors.

Bulldogs

Two of their biggest games at ANZ - against the Roosters and Sea Eagles – will be missing the Origin players.

Potential blockbusters become second rate matches.

Get no byes during Origin. Have to play all the top sides twice.

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Raiders

Only have to play the Roosters and Sea Eagles once.

Get two byes during Origin while they'll be flat out getting anyone selected.

Get only one Friday night game in the prime time television slot.

Cowboys

Only have to play the Storm and Roosters once.

Only get one bye during the Origin series.

Titans

Only have to play the Roosters and the Sea Eagles once – and not before round 22.

No byes before Origin games means they'll be missing Greg Bird and Nate Myles for key matches.

Get five Monday night games which is more than any other club.

Sea Eagles

Have to play all the top clubs twice.

Get two byes during the Origin series.

Get good exposure from seven Friday night games.

Storm

Get two byes during Origin series while the Roosters don't get any.

Five of last seven games away from home.

Despite being a successful side, they get have only four free-to-air matches and only two Friday night games.

Knights

Get two byes during the Origin series.

Miss out on huge dollars by not hosting biggest rivals Rabbitohs and Manly at home.

Only play the Sea Eagles once - Cairns.

Get only two Friday night games.

Eels

Get two byes during Origin series even though Jarryd Hayne is the only certain selection.

Only have to play Melbourne Storm once.

Panthers

Only have to play last year's grand finalists the Roosters and Manly once.

Get a bye before Origin I but unlikely to have a player selected.

Who said Phil Gould had influence at Channel Nine? Get only three free-to-air games, the second lowest in the competition.

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Sharks

Have to play last year's grand finalists Roosters and Manly twice.

Lose Luke Lewis, Andrew Fifita and Paul Gallen for two games during Origin.

Just two Friday night matches.

Rabbitohs

Don't get a bye before any of the three Origin games, meaning they'll be without Greg Inglis, Chris McQueen and Ben T'eo for three games.

Only have to play Melbourne Storm once.

Dragons

Only have to play the Sea Eagles once – and not at Brookvale Oval.

Get one bye before Origin. Get terrible free-to-air coverage with only one Friday night match.

Roosters

Could provide up to five NSW and Queensland players but don't get a bye before Origin matches.

Have to play all the strong clubs twice.

Warriors

Only have to play Storm, Sea Eagles and Roosters once.

Won't provide one NSW or Queensland player but still get two byes before Origin matches.

Only club that doesn't get a free-to-air game.

Wests Tigers

Only have to play Melbourne Storm once – and that's a home game.

Get to play the Broncos and the Rabbitohs without their Origin players.

Get 11 free-to-air games which is more than Souths and Roosters.

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Ricciardo gets grid penalty for Bahrain

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RED Bull's Daniel Ricciardo has been handed a 10-place grid penalty for next weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix following a pit stop error that led to his retirement from the race in Malaysia.

The Australian received a stop-go penalty during the race for the unsafe release by his team after a pit stop when his front left wheel was not properly secured.

The Australian was lying fourth when he pitted with 15 laps to go, but after the tyre change had to stop in the pit lane and be pushed back by his mechanics for the wheel to be fixed.

Daniel Ricciardo's Red Bull car is pushed back to the pit box at Sepang circuit by crew members. Source: Getty Images

He rejoined a lap down but then had to return to the pits with a broken front wing before he retired on lap 53 of the 56 laps. Team principal Christian Horner said the wing was probably damaged as a result of the faulty tyre change.

"It doesn't look like the car has got on the jack properly (at the pit stop)," he said.

"The front-left then didn't attach. We think the problem with the wing may well have been done on the front jack. We need to take a look at the video."

Ricciardo talks to a Red Bull Racing crew member before the start of the Malaysian GP. Source: Getty Images

The mishap was another setback for 24-year-old Ricciardo, who finished second at the Australian Grand Prix, only to be disqualified for a fuel-flow infringement. Red Bull has appealed the ruling.

But the Red Bull newcomer, who has succeeded fellow Australian Mark Webber alongside four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, has performed well in his first two races.

"He got stuck in at the start and he is a real quality act and I have been nothing but impressed with him since he arrived. I think there is a lot to come from him," Horner said.

Ricciardo's car gets a front nose change during the race. Source: Getty Images

Ricciardo said of the latest mishap: "I am disappointed, it was looking like we could have a solid points finish and I was starting to mix it up at the front but at the last pit stop there were all the problems so the race ended pretty quickly for me.

"Deep down I am really disappointed but there is a bit in me which is happy because I have come out how I wanted to in the first two races.

"I want to improve but there are things to be pleased with."

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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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