Tomlinson 'Golden' in US market

Boxing Hall of Fame dinner. Will Tomlinson and Sakio Bika. Source: Julie Kiriacoudis / News Limited

MELBOURNE boxer Will Tomlinson has broken into the lucrative American market by securing a five-fight guarantee from one of the world's biggest promoters.

"Wild Will," who holds the International Boxing Organisation's version of the super-featherweight world title, clinched the deal last week with Golden Boy Promotions, which is owned by one of boxing's biggest names, six-division world champion Oscar de la Hoya.

While no opponents have been arranged yet, Tomlinson is confident he will soon be fighting for one of the more highly-regarded titles.

"I am very excited. For me, this is like an actor breaking into Hollywood," he said.

Armed with an unbeaten record after 21 fights, Tomlinson moved to Los Angeles soon after his most recent title defence against South African Malcolm Klassen in Melbourne in May in search of opportunities.

Another Melbourne star, Sam Soliman, will return to the ring next month after a lengthy lay-off while he battled accusations of a positive drug test.

Soliman, who turns 40 this week, will take on world-ranked Queensland middleweight Les Sherrington at The Pavilion in Flemington on December 11.

Soliman, who has not lost for five years, last fought in February when he scored a surprise points win over former world champion Felix Sturm in Germany.

German boxing officials claimed Soliman had tested positive to a stimulant, but his B sample was tested in the US and found to be clear, with the International Boxing Federation then ratifying him as its No 1 title contender.

He and Sherrington will contest the WBA Pan Asian Boxing Association's interim middleweight title, with Soliman expecting a shot at the IBF title if he wins.

American Shane Mosley, who walked out on Anthony Mundine the day before they were due to fight in Sydney last month, has agreed to return, with the fight now scheduled for November 27.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Arthur's Eels battling long odds

Brad Arthur the new Parramatta coach at the Parramatta offices , Parramatta.Picture Gregg Porteous Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

BRAD Arthur's mission to re-build Parramatta officially starts on Monday.

The rookie Eels coach will take charge in his first day of pre-season training with the added motivation of being written off by the biggest betting agency in Australia.

Released to the public today, The Sunday Telegraph has obtained the TAB's 2014 NRL betting markets, which indicates who the punters believe will fail or fly next season.

The Eels have been installed as firm favourites to claim their third straight wooden spoon and $81 rank outsiders to finish next season as minor premiers.

$2.50 favourites to record the most losses in 2014, Parramatta are just ahead of Mick Potter's Wests Tigers ($5) and then St George Illawarra ($7).

Not that Arthur is fazed by the bookies back-hander.

The rookie coach has hardly wiped the smile off his face since being announced as the replacement to Canberra's Ricky Stuart, last month.

And no bookmaker is going to alter the optimism he has for the Eels next season.

"At the end of the day they've got to put a market up someone has to be at that end of the scale,'' Arthur said.

"I suppose it doesn't put any pressure on us.

"All we're going to do is make sure we give our best every week, we're going to be positive with our approach and we'll see where that takes us.

"When you have six new players come into this squad that come from six different organisations and structures, they all offer different skill sets, different training mentalities and then you've got all those young kids that were given a go in first grade over the last year or two mixed in with the older and experienced boys, I think it's a really good balance and one I'm excited about.''

For the first time in 10 years, the Tigers will start a season without Benji Marshall.

Marshall's exit to rugby union has allowed Potter to get busy in the player market, signing the likes of Dene Halatau, Cory Paterson, Martin Tapau, Blake Austin, Pat Richards and Keith Lulia.

Rising star Luke Brooks will also be entrusted to fill Marshall's void, which is why the bookies believe the Tigers are in for another tough season.

"Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah, Martin Tapau and Keith Galloway, a lot of clubs would be happy to have that forward pack,'' Balmain legend Steve Roach said.

"Throw in Jesse Sue, whose a potential gun and Curtis Sironen as well and the Tigers are on the improve.

"But the trick for the Tigers will be playing the full 80 minutes, they are competitive for sixty minutes but need to maintain that pressure for the entire match, which is hard to do when you've got so many young guys still learning to play in the NRL.''

TAB's Matt Jenkins said the money teams, like the Sydney Roosters, South Sydney, Manly and Brisbane will all lure punters into breaking out their wallets ahead of a new season.

"Winning back-to-back premierships has always proved so difficult, but interest for the Sydney Roosters to win again definitely peaked after SBW re-signed,'' Jenkins said.

"Daly Cherry Evans remains the key to Manly's success, he has only missed the one game in three years and can't afford to be without him.

"We expect the Brisbane Broncos to be the big improvers and team to watch in 2014. Ben Barba should shine in his new surroundings.''

The TAB have also released markets on the top 8, top 4 and minor premiership with 2013 finalists Newcastle, North Queensland and Cronulla all under $2 to make the top 8.

The Sydney Roosters are firm premiership favourites to go back-to-back ($5) followed by the Rabbitohs ($7), Sea Eagles ($8) and Storm ($8).

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Guru playing for love, not money

Eric Grothe Jnr pictured training for his return to the NRL after 3 years in retirement. Pictured boxing at Rockdale PCYC. Source: Sam Ruttyn / News Limited

FOR love, not money sounds like an album cover title for Eric Grothe Jr's rock band, Shinobi.

However, it could also easily become the soundtrack to the 33 year-old's surprising NRL comeback quest, given the former Parramatta and State of Origin winger is set to pocket less than the weekly wage of a brickies labourer.

Offered nothing but a handshake and the opportunity to prove he's serious about returning to rugby league for the first time in three years by Cronulla coach Shane Flangan, Grothe Jr has only the next three months to prove his worth.

If come February either Grothe Jr or Cronulla officials believe the challenge is insurmountable, the powerfully built winger's lofty ambition to once again play for NSW will be buried once and for all.

Eric Grothe Jnr pictured training for his return to the NRL after 3 years in retirement. Pictured boxing at Rockdale PCYC. Source: News Limited

In the meantime, Grothe Jr will be paid the minimum wage, which under the terms of the NRL's collective bargaining agreement will see him earn just $940 a week.

It's a risk Grothe Jr is willing to take as he strives to fulfil what he sees as unfinished business.

"It's not about money,'' Grothe Jr said.

"If it was, I definitely wouldn't be doing it let me tell you.

"All I heard in the meeting with Flanno (Flanagan) and Noycey (Sharks chief executive Steve Noyce) was the word 'opportunity' and I jumped at it.

"We spoke about getting to the point that if both parties are happy when it comes to trials (in February) then we can lock into a contract for the season and I'm absolutely fine with that.''

It was a phone call from Newcastle coach Wayne Bennett, who Grothe Jr was weighing up playing under next season, which convinced him to link with the Sharks.

"Wayne was terrific in considering giving me a chance, but he was also really honest on why he thought the Sharks would be a perfect fit for me, given I live around the corner,'' Grothe Jr.

"I was preparing to move up to Newcastle, but Wayne spoke really highly of Flanno and the players at the club and after a week here I can see why.''

The Sunday Telegraph watched Grothe Jr train in the unfamiliar blue, black and white colours for the first time last Thursday during a boxing session under trainer Mark Gambin at Kostya Tzsyu's gym in Rockdale alongside new teammates Blake Ayshford, Daniel Holdsworth and Matt Prior.

Eric Grothe Jnr pictured training for his return to the NRL after 3 years in retirement. Pictured boxing at Rockdale PCYC. Source: News Limited

And perhaps it's when witnessing Grothe Jr getting punched in the head that you know he's deadly serious about proving he still has something to offer.

"Every day I've got to be on song at training,'' Grothe Jr said.

"I'm 33 and been out of the game for three seasons, so its not a likely scenario.

"But I'm confident because I know what my body feels like and how hard I've been training.

"I haven't felt this good in a long time. I wouldn't kid myself if I was training and felt slow and fat - as if I'd do it. It's the hardest team sport on the planet.''

At his peak, Grothe Jr was a brutally-tough winger.

An explosive ball runner, just like his father Parramatta legend Eric Grothe, he had the ability to deliver the perfect start and finish to every set of six for his side.

The knock on Grothe Jr was his attitude and approach towards training day-in, day-out, but it appears age has forged a new-found respect for the game. He currently weighs 105kgs and is focused on reaching 101kgs in time for next year's trials.

Daniel Holdsworth pictured training for his return to the NRL with the Cronulla Sharks. Pictured boxing at Rockdale PCYC. Source: News Limited

"About five or six years ago it started to go towards a young man's game, but as the years have gone on its changed because of smarter recovery and training.'' Grothe Jr.

"I don't even know myself now, I go home and stretch, I have ice baths. I grab DJ (Daniel Holdsworth) and we go and stretch. It's weird for me, but I'm loving it.''

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Pay rise denied for Wallaby captain

Ben Mowen ahead of Australia's clash with Italy at Olimpico Stadium in Italy. Source: Valerio Pennicino / Getty Images

WALLABIES coach Ewen McKenzie has rejected the idea of giving his new captain Ben Mowen a guaranteed top-up contract, but has revealed that he and other players stand to receive bonus points for every five Tests they play.

As part of the ARU's cost-cutting measures, Wallabies players are now only entitled to a top-up

contract once they've played in the side consistently over two years.

It has created an unusual situation for Mowen, who made his Test debut this year at age 28, but

has now been installed as preferred skipper of the side.

Other Wallabies players who signed contracts before the ARU announced its new top-up edict are earning up to three times the salary of Mowen, who is considering his options and could be open to a move overseas next year.

Asked if it was fair that the national captain was not being given a guaranteed top-up payment

from the ARU, McKenzie said: "The top-ups is performance over time, it just so happens that Benny Mowen has just started out in his Test career and someone has given him that (captaincy)

responsibility.

"He's still got to be a performer over time, that's how the top-up process works.

"But that's not to say people aren't incentivised. Top-up payments are a guaranteed situation, but

everyone gets paid for the participation of a Test match, and there might be incentives after

that, you play five Tests and you get a bonus.

"It's an important point. Top-ups are saying 'I am a consistent performer over time, I'm not a

risk because I'm going to be in and around the team for a while in someone's view'.

"It doesn't mean you aren't incentivised, so someone plays five Tests and you get a bonus and a

kick-up, on top of your match payments.

"So no one is missing out.

"There's a couple of layers in that."

McKenzie chose Mowen to replace James Horwill as skipper 10 days ago in a shock move before the Test against England, and has stuck with him for the overnight match against Italy, but says the captaincy is a "week to week proposition".

Mowen captained Australia against England at Twickenham. Source: AFP

"I pick the team based on the circumstances, and that's been varying as we go along," McKenzie

said.

"The contract process is defined by rules and policies, that sits separate.

"Ultimately we're making decisions on the pool of players we've got available at the moment. In

six months' time we might have a completely different pool of players.

"The top-ups don't work like that, you actually earn a top-up through consistent involvement over a long period of time.

"Otherwise who would you give a top up to? We've just capped 12 guys, are they all entitled to

top-ups? You've actually got to do something to earn it.

"I recognise the leadership is a contribution, but to be honest while we put a 'C' or 'V-C' next

to someone's name, there's a bunch of guys here who are leading day-in, day-out, minute by minute.

"They're constantly involved in genuine leadership."

Mowen does not want his contractual situation to distract the team so has decided not to comment about it. But he did speak passionately about his ambitions, suggesting he sees a long future in the Wallabies' gold jersey after being unwanted by the Waratahs just two years ago.

"If you look at it in just the last two years, it's considerably quick, but when you look at my

whole path, it's been a long trudge," Mowen said of his journey.

"I'm proud of myself, this is what I set my sights on doing, and I've had a lot of hiccups and

setbacks along the way, indifferences in form, indifferences in injury, changing provinces and

states, moving families around.

"I did all that because I believed I could get here.

"And to get here is rewarding, but you don't dream of just getting the jersey or getting to this

position and that's it. You do it because you really want to see success."

Mowen has noticed a big difference in captaining the Wallabies as opposed to captaining his

franchise, the Brumbies.

"The biggest difference from provincial to this level is the emotional pressure, because you are

as invested as the supporters are in the result, and it's really disheartening when you don't get

it," Mowen said.

"It's a lost football game, yes, but it is a game Australia has lost. That's the emotional side

that doesn't sit well with you, it takes its toll.

"It is especially heightened as captain, because the coaches hand you the reigns and say 'This is

what we're after, make sure you get it out of the boys'. And when you don't help contribute to

that result it's extremely disappointing."

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mitch can be the man: Clarke

Mitchell Johnson celebrates with Michael Clarke. Source: News Limited

AUSTRALIAN captain Michael Clarke has backed enigmatic paceman Mitchell Johnson to have a major impact in the forthcoming Ashes series.

''If he gets his opportunity I wouldn't be surprised to see Mitch get the man of the series,'' Clarke said.

Match figures of 0-170 in Brisbane and 9-82 in Perth during the last home Ashes series showcased Johnson's expensive worst and his destructive best. His 35 wickets in nine Ashes Test have cost 34.42 runs, a lavish economy rate that has made him a regular target for the Barmy Army's taunts.

But Clarke sees no reason why the left-hander can't consistently reproduce his best form on the game's biggest stage.

''I think Mitch has come back really well,'' said Clarke. ''If you look at Mitch's record in both one day cricket and Test cricket, it's exceptional. I think he is a big player for us.

''He's bowling 145-150ks consistently. He's swinging the ball. I think he is as dangerous as I've ever seen him, so if he gets an opportunity in this Test series I'm sure he will grab it with both hands.''

Johnson has come into contention for this series due to a large attrition rate among Australian fast bowlers with James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Jackson Bird and Pat Cummins all ruled out.

Johnson impressed with his pace in India. It remains only to be seen if he can find the consistency that has eluded him in previous Ashes series.

''At the end of the day if you are a bowler, batters are going to score runs from you,'' said Clarke. ''You are a batter and bowlers are going to get you out. If he bowls enough overs, he is going to go for runs.

''But Mitchell is now an experienced player. He's on top of the world at the moment, he's feeling great about his game and he's bowling really well. I know he loves playing front of his home fans in Australia.''

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Buchanan claims top cycling gong

Caroline Buchanan earlier this year. Source: Darren England / News Limited

CAROLINE Buchanan has been recognised as Australia's best and most popular cyclist, male or female.

The versatile 24-year-old from Canberra, who won world titles this year in mountain biking and BMX, was rewarded with the Sir Hubert Opperman Medal at the Cycling Australia awards in Melbourne last night.

She also won the people's choice award and the gongs for the best female rider in each of her disciplines.

Among those applauding loudly was the Sports Commission chairman John Wylie, who recently pointed out that female performers were leading the way in Australian sport and deserved more recognition and support.

Also yesterday, the International Rowing Federation named Melbourne's Kim Crow as its female athlete of the year for her single sculls world championship in Korea in August.

Buchanan is only the third woman, behind track star Anna Meares in 2008 and last year and road racer Anna Wilson in 1999, to win the Oppy and the first Australian to win world titles in different disciplines in the same season.

"It's been the most successful year in my career and I put it down to setting my goals higher than I believed I could actually reach," she said.

"I guess if you aim for the stars you will land on the moon."

Among those Buchanan upstaged were male road racers Simon Gerrans, who won two stages and spent two days in the Maillot Jaune at the Tour de France, and Richie Porte, who won the award for male road cyclist of the year.

Shara Gillow won the women's road award, Annette Edmondson and Michael Hepburn won the track awards and Daniel McConnell and Sam Willoughby won the male mountain bike and BMX awards.

end

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ryan will have to fight for No.1

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

MAT Ryan is the clear frontrunner in the battle to succeed Mark Schwarzer as our No.1 keeper for the World Cup in Brazil - but plenty can happen between now and next June.

The surprise retirement of Schwarzer has left a lot of questions as to who will get the job. As I have said many times before a day is a long time in football, so by that reckoning Brazil is an eternity away.

But right now Ryan is playing regularly and playing very well at Club Brugge in Belgium.

Players need to be playing every week and showing good form, and Ryan definitely has that requirement covered.

Super with his feet and an all-round excellent goalkeeper, he will relish the opportunity. Ryan will likely to get a chance to showcase his skills in the friendly against Costa Rica in Sydney on November 19.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Mitchell Langerak is the other goalkeeper in the squad. It must be said that Langerak is at a far bigger club in Borrusia Dortmund than Ryan's Club Brugge. And although Langerak is not currently No.1, every time he has been called upon, even in the pressure cooker of Champions League games, he has not only done well, but been an addition to last year's Champions League runners-up.

That means big game experience and pressure will not be a problem for him at all.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Of the goalkeepers playing in the A-League, Eugene Galekovic for Adelaide is as good as anyone, as is the Wanderers' Ante Covic, who was in the 2006 World Cup squad. Michael Theo is the most successful in terms of what he has won with Melbourne Victory and his current club, the Brisbane Roar. He worked with Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou during their successful time in Brisbane and knows Ange's requirements as much as anyone.

So one thing is for certain, there will be a hell of a fight for the No.1 position of the Socceroos.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Whoever prevails and wins that fight will have his work cut out at the World Cup, because they will be very busy.

As the late, great Brian Clough used to say, ''you win nothing without a good goalkeeper''. Well all of these goalkeepers are not only good, but very good.

Who eventually will get the nod will come down to two factors: who is playing regularly at the time, and who is performing the best.

Let the battle commence.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Heart broken as Wanderers cling on

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

MELBOURNE Heart is bottom of the A-League and remains winless after five games after throwing everything at Western Sydney only to walk away with a 1-0 defeat at AAMI Park.

Shannon Cole''s first half strike was the difference as Heart started and ended the game on top but in the end the resilient Wanderers proved why they are the toughest team to break down, climbing to the top of the table after recording their third win of the season.

Subs Nick Kalmar, Mate Dugandzic and Stefan Mauk helped deliver a 15-minute onslaught at the end in desperate search of an equaliser but the Wanderers held on in front of 8070 fans to remain undefeated.

MATCH CENTRE: HEART v WANDERERS

Despite Heart's barren start to the season fans couldn't complain with the team's desire as they were again unlucky not to find the back of the net, twice striking the woodwork and with two decent penalty appeals.

But that could change, with Heart facing a critical three-week stretch that includes winnable games against Sydney FC (home), Newcastle Jets (away) and Adelaide United (home).

Coach John Aloisi was off his chair urging his troops to find an equaliser in the dying stages and the best chance came from Dugandzic's clever looping header from Behich's cross that struck the underside of the bar.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

There were a series of half chances as Heart threw numbers into the box and surged forward.

But the Wanderers remained a threat at all times and Labinot Haliti and Tomi Juric both had chances to seal the match in the dying minutes, Juric forcing a brilliant save from Andrew Redmayne.

The first half was predictable, summing up both teams in a 45 minute nutshell.

Heart raced out of the blocks and dominated possession and territory for the opening 25 minutes and they had two half-chances to show for it.

The first came on 17 minutes when David Williams almost pounced on an errant Matthew Spiranovic backpass, the second eight minutes later when Michael Mifsud found the side netting from an Iain Ramsay through ball.

A minute later it was Redmayne who touched the ball with his hands for the first time of the night, and he was picking the ball out of the net.

Wanderers left back Adam D'Apuzzo ventured forward and delivered a beautiful cross that Rob Wielaert failed to adequately clear. It fell to Cole _ who replaced Mark Bridge and started in the unfamiliar right wing position _ to smash it home from close range on the second attempt after Aziz Behich blocked the first.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Brendon Santalab missed a sitter in the 32nd minute to double the Wanderers lead but in his defence he had a split second to react after Spiranovic's header crashed back off the bar. Again it came from a well-worked Wanderers move with Shinji Ono supplying the cross.

Heart's best chance came from Williams' 20 metre strike that skimmed the crossbar five minutes before the break.

Heart again started strong in the second half with Williams sending in a dangerous cross in the 52nd minute that Spiranovic almost turned into his own net.

Rain started pelting down on the hour and Heart continued piling on the pressure as Mifsud's cross forced a goalline clearance from Jerome Polenz before Behich's long-range strike forced a good save from Covic.

Aloisi's attacking subs helped produce more chances but the elusive equaliser just wouldn't come.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Fowler leads but Super Scott looms

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

IN the most modest way, Adam Scott was in awe of himself yesterday. He boomed four fairway-splitting drives of such length mid-round that you imagined he was flexing Superman's biceps.

The king of Augusta was a mild-mannered golfer making five straight pars yesterday before he must have slipped into his green Masters cloak behind a gum tree at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast.

In a blur, three straight birdies ignited the chase for runaway American leader Rickie Fowler (63) and guaranteed the Australian PGA would get the dream duel at the top of the leaderboard that the tournament had counted on.

More than that, those blasts with the driver on the 6th to 9th holes all bounded over 300m and put a jaw-dropping vibe through a mesmerised gallery that swelled to over 1500 fans at times.

On the 10th, his with-the-wind curling strike over the water carried 320m while leftie Richard Green was 100m back down the fairway having played more conservatively off the tee.

When the world No.2 stroked in his sixth birdie of the day from 2m on the last under perfect blue skies it elevated him to a six-under-par 65, in second spot with Gold Coaster Matthew Ballard and Victorian David McKenzie.

There was a hint of Greg Norman in his pomp when Scott analysed a round he called "just plugging away" but for the moments he ripped his one wood.

"It was a bit of a driving display. The driving was basically flawless and the best I've driven the ball since the (British) Open in July," Scott said.

"I was solid elsewhere, not the most exciting round ... just plugging away and playing fairly safe to greens that firm. It all added up (on the scorecard) pretty well."

To fans watching, he did it so effortlessly with barely a hiccup except for his too cute chip slip-up on the 10th when a birdie beckoned after another prodigious drive.

He chastised himself so the steely edge was definitely there beneath the surface of a round he had to play amidst constant adulation.

"It's not hard to enjoy people applauding you," Scott said with a grin.

But that's the conundrum Scott has had to sort through since the Masters - how to stay in that controlled aggressive state on course when everyone is cuddling you with goodwill from the gallery.

It was as if a backslapping convention had booked out the RACV Royal Pines resort on the Gold Coast for the warmest of receptions to a returning golfer to Queensland since the Norman days.

One kid offered a high five off the green. Scott obliged of course. "Well done Adam" rang out warmly again and again to acknowledge Augusta glory seven months ago.

"I've played a lot of weeks in America where it was very similar with people congratulating me the whole way around the course for what happened at the Masters," Scott said.

"I've had to get used to that a little bit. I want the people to enjoy it but I've still got to remain focussed and I think I've done a pretty good job. I enjoy giving a kid a high five. That's just all good fun.

"I'm enjoying every minute of playing at home."

It steps again today. It's Green Day with every fan urged to wear green to honour Scott's drought-breaker at the Masters. Hats, shirts ... deck yourself out.

You see so many bland American pros, it's a delight to watch Fowler interract with his young fan base, sign any piece of clothing thrust his way and really "get" what growing the game is all about.

He's no private school product. He's a dirt-biking kid who grew up to play even better golf as his eight birdie blitz showed in his controlled 63.

He gets it too because when news broke last year of Aussie golfing mate Jarrod Lyle's second leukaemia battle, he inked "JL" on his caps, sent cards of support and thought deeply about an issue bigger than golf.

Scott and Fowler going birdie for birdie on the weekend deserves to stir a 15,000-strong throng of fans marching the fairways. You don't sense the Scott aura as fully when you just watch on TV. This is live sport worth watching up close.

Pre-tournament, Scott said the pressure of never having won a big Australian tournament was a monkey off his shoulders since his 2009 Australian Open and 2012 Talisker Masters victories.

This was a different yet significant pressure. Forget the other 154 players in the field. Everyone had come to see a glimpse of Australia's champion. He knew it too which might have explained his nerves on the first tee in his homecoming event.

"I was pretty nervous on that first tee. I haven't been that nervous for a long while," Scott said.

"No matter how little pressure you put on yourself you want to play well, you want to perform in front of family and friends. You're a competitor."

Royal Pines is not Royal Melbourne or Royal Sydney. It is a resort course of wide avenues between the trees.

Fowler, the world No.43, surged home with a six-under 29 on the back nine climaxed by a chip-in birdie on his final hole, the tough 460m par four ninth where Ballard and McKenzie, the evergreen 46-year-old, bogeyed.

Fowler's round is the new course record in the par 71 layout for the course.

McKenzie is on a roll he hopes can continue. He won a VW Golf car for a hole in one at the recent Perth International and lucked into a Melbourne Cup quinella on Tuesday that paid wife Mai Roberge a tidy $600 for a $3 outlay.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

I'd play again for $1: Menzies

Steve Menzies retired Manly great at Manly Beach,Manly.Picture Gregg Porteous Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

LOOK who is back in Manly - and ready to wear the famous maroon and white again.

After five years playing in England and France, the great Steve 'Beaver' Menzies - who left Manly in such glorious style after the 2008 grand final - has resettled back on Sydney's northern beaches.

But has he actually retired?

Menzies, who turns 40 next month, revealed he would play again for Manly next season on a $1 contract if asked.

"A dollar's a dollar, so you've got to take the cash,'' he said. ''I think I would, just to do it.

"I'm getting a bit old and slow but if something happens and Manly asked me, how could I refuse?

"I'd have to sign it and see what happens. That would be good but also scary at the same time.

"If something happened and they said: 'look, you're the last resort - we need you' then for Manly I would do that for sure.

"If the scenario was right and it was needed by the club then I'd help them out.''

The Daily Telegraph caught up with Menzies this week to discuss the past, the future and who are the greatest players he confronted and played alongside.

Grand Final 2008, Manly Sea Eagles skipper Steve Menzies. Source: News Limited

THE LEGACY

Menzies played a staggering 529 games for Manly, Australia in tour matches, Kangaroo Tests, City Origin, NSW, Northern Eagles, Bradford, Catalans and the Exiles.

''I can't complain - I've had a good run,'' he said.

''To grow up a Manly supporter and play for them for years and years, to make rugby league your career, to go overseas and experience the things I have with my family … I have been so lucky.

''To be able to play a game that is such a passionate sport around here … some of the great players I have got to play with. The combination with Cliffy Lyons kickstarted my career.

''There have been sacrifices but I just ran out there and played footy.

''But when the footy starts again and everyone is training and playing and I am sitting there with my shovel, digging trenches and things like that, then it will sink in that I have retired.''

Steve Menzies with wife Suyin after the 2008 NRL Grand Final. Source: News Limited

TH E FUTURE

He will start his life once again in the Manly area and be employed as a Sea Eagles ambassador.

''It will be great to be back down with the boys and be involved in different aspects of the business. I will be doing things game day and drumming up support for the Silvertails,'' he said.

''I also have a few other business interests that will be happening soon.

''I have got plenty of things to do - I was hoping to just come back and play golf but work is getting in the way!''

Asked would he one-day coach, Menzies said: "Just because you played for a long time doesn't mean you would be a good coach.

''I think I have a few things to offer but maybe not as a head coach. A lot more goes into coaching than just turning up and giving the boys a game plan.''

Steve Menzies salutes the loyal crowd. Source: News Limited

THE MEMORY

He achieved everything after debuting for Manly as a 19-year-old on June 26, 1993.

But one memory stands above the rest - his final game for Manly, a famous 40-0 grand final win over Melbourne.

''Definitely my last memory at Manly is my greatest,'' he said.

''Winning the 2008 grand final by 40-0. The way I came on and scored a late try, farewelling the club I have loved since I was five-years old when I used to go down to Brookvale Oval.

''I couldn't ask for much more. To leave the club that way, it was as good as it gets.

''We also won a grand final in 1996 with a great bunch of guys. It was a quality team. We played three grand finals in a row.''

Manly legend Cliff Lyons at Cromer Park. Source: News Limited

GREATEST TEAM-MATE

''Cliff Lyons. He was just so naturally talented. He never once sold me a dump,'' he said.

''We never organised things. I have run off some great players but Cliffy would always find me. But if an opponent read it and it wasn't on, Cliffy wouldn't pass it to me. He was as good as it gets.''

Andrew Johns gets pass away. Source: News Limited

GREATEST OPPONENT

''Andrew Johns. Just such a competitor. He was so good,'' he said.

''He could do everything in rugby league - he could run, kick, step, pass, tackle, pop a pass, control the game. I have seen some things in Origin camps - you know why he is so good. He was unbelievable.''

Former Manly captain Geoff Toovey (L) and coach Bob Fulton. Source: News Limited

TOUGHEST OPPONENT

''Geoff Toovey, pound for pound, was the toughest player I have ever seen,'' he said. ''Every week the big blokes would pick him out and he would pick them up and dump them.

''He would get bashed and knocked around. He was so tough.''

Steve Menzies beats the grasping tackle of Karmichael Hunt to score. Source: News Limited

THE CULTURE

Since he left Manly has made two grand finals, won one, saw coach Des Hasler quit, have several CEOs come and go and a board that is constantly split.

''It's been a rocky road,'' Menzies said. ''It's been tough but it really has been a golden era for Manly. The grand finals they have played, the grand finals they have won.

''The past five, six, seven years has been such a good period. It's been unbelievable for the club.

'''Tooves' as a player was the toughest guy I played with or against so his coaching success doesn't surprise me. He is so passionate. He know how to convey his messages through that passion.''

St Helens James Roby is tackled by Steve Menzies. Source: AAP

THE FRENCH

Menzies played 71 games in France between 2011 and 2013.

''You want my answer in French or English?'' Menzies said. ''I don't have that much French actually. It was just a great experience. England was also great, two years at Bradford.

''Then I got a call from (now Roosters coach) Trent Robinson and he asked whether I would like to go Catalans.

''Two weeks later the deal was done and off we went. It is such a great part of the world. My daughter is five and she is pretty much fluent in French.

''It was great to be immersed in that culture and the people we met. Everything closes from 12 til 2pm - they have their siesta. None of the shops are open. They work just to live. They don't work to conquer the world. Some of the things you see - you scratch your head, only in France.''

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More