Storm can be beaten by size: Manu

Big talker ... Sika Manu thinks the Storm can be intimidated. Source: Philip Hillyard / News Limited

Penrith back-rower Sika Manu says former club Melbourne are most vulnerable against physically big teams, and urged his Panthers pack to make their size count in Sunday's NRL clash with the Storm.

In Manu, the Panthers have a man who spent six years in the Storm inner-sanctum and got very used to sitting in a winning dressing shed.

But when victory becomes a habit, the losses and the reasons for losing tend to become more obvious.

The Storm have struggled most against the Warriors and Canberra in recent seasons - including last week's streak-breaking loss to the Raiders - and it's no surprise those two teams boast among the biggest engine rooms in the competition.

Manu says he and fellow mountain-men monsters Tim Grant, Nigel Plum and Mose Masoe will take it to the hardened Storm pack.

"I reckon we can. I think we've got the bigger forward pack," Manu said.

"We can really challenge Melbourne in the middle this week.

"We have to use it to our advantage."

Manu doesn't want emotions getting in the way this week, but admits it's difficult to treat his first match against the Storm as just another game.

"It's weird. But the good thing is I know a bit more about them than some of the boys here so I'll be giving a few tips," he said.

The Panthers have won just two matches this season, but Manu has no regrets about making the move.

In fact the proud Tongan international believes his game has flourished as a result of moving out of his comfort zone and the Storm's regimented style.

"I feel I've got a bit more freedom here to be able to play football and show my skills instead of just taking up runs and tackling," Manu said.

"Ivan's (coach, Ivan Cleary) encouraging me to do that at the Panthers, and if that helps the team out I'm happy to do it."

The other factor in Penrith's favour is coach Cleary, who from his tenure at the Warriors, has a winning percentage as good as anyone against Craig Bellamy's heavyweights.

Cleary agrees with Manu that success against the Storm starts in the middle.

"Anyone who has had success against the Storm have been able to challenge them in the forwards, so that's absolutely necessary this week," he said.

"You've got to be at your best, that's the most important thing. They've been the benchmark for five or six years.

"You've got to get in a position where you can compete with them. If you can do that, then who knows."

The Panthers must regroup after missing out on another marquee signing, with Todd Carney agreeing to stay on with the Sharks for a further five years.

Penrith were also unsuccessful in luring Johnathan Thurston. 

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ARU boss to dock Wallabies wages

Paycuts ... Wallabies players may not command the big dollars in the future. Source: AAP

Australian Rugby Union boss Bill Pulver has warned top players they will have to accept smaller contracts to play for the Wallabies due to the code's worrying financial situation.

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Lions tours have generally been huge money-spinners for Australian rugby but next month's visit isn't about to bring the windfall that was originally expected.

"Sadly there is not as much money coming in from the Lions tour this year as we would have wanted because of a quite difficult sponsorship market," Pulver said in an interview with the ESPNscrum website.

"Historically we have had these periodic windfalls.

"Hosting the 2003 Rugby World Cup, and a ton of money came in.

"Every 12 years you have a British and Irish Lions tour and a ton of money comes in.

"Australian rugby has pretty much survived on major windfalls that have covered losses until the next windfall comes in."

And Pulver warned Australia could not realistically be expected to host another World Cup until 2031 at the earliest, but more likely not until 2039.

"So our next windfall being 12 years away does worry me," he said.

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Pulver admitted he was concerned by the code's financial health and felt top-line players would have to cop reduced salaries to play for the Wallabies for the good of the game.

The ARU and Super Rugby franchises struggle mostly to keep top players from taking more lucrative deals in France and Japan, which in turn prevent them from playing for Australia.

"The opportunity and the excitement associated with the Wallabies jersey should carry a lot of value," Pulver said.

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Watch every match of the British and Irish Lions Tour Live and in HD on Fox Sports!

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"The lure, power and magnetism of that Wallabies jersey is significant.''

Pulver admitted Australian rugby had to do more than reduce player salaries if it was to get back in good financial shape.

"What I'm most concerned about is fan engagement," he said.

"It can be addressed, but turning around revenue is, on the one hand, about winning more at the elite level when 95 per cent of your revenue comes from Super Rugby and the Wallabies, and it is also turning the entertainment package around.

"Our rusted-on rugby fans have been slipping away from the game, and we've got to get them back. We have a fair bit of work to do."

Read more: http://www.espnscrum.com/australia/rugby/story/182399.html

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AFL Teams: all the ins and outs

Ins and outs ... Michael Hurley returns for Essendon. Source: Herald Sun

Check out all the ins and outs for round seven of the AFL premiership season.

Updated line-ups for Sunday's games will be announced on Friday afternoon, so check back in to get the latest teams before finalising your FOX FOOTY SuperCoach side.

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All times are listed in EST

Geelong v Essendon, Etihad Stadium, Friday 7.50pm (EST)
 
Geelong
B: Andrew Mackie, Tom Lonergan, Corey Enright
HB: Cameron Guthrie, Harry Taylor, Taylor Hunt
C: Mitch Duncan, Jimmy Bartel, Steven Motlop
HF: Allen Christensen, Steve Johnson, Billie Smedts
F: Mathew Stokes, Tom Hawkins, James Podsiadly
Foll: Trent West, Joel Selwood, James Kelly
Int: George Horlin-Smith, Jackson Thurlow, Jordan Schroder, Mark Blicavs
Emerg: Josh Hunt, Josh Caddy, Joshua Walker

In: Schroder, Thurlow
Out: Corey (knee), Murdoch (omitted)

Essendon
B: Kyle Hardingham, Dustin Fletcher, Michael Hibberd
HB: Dyson Heppell, Jake Carlisle, Mark Baguley
C: David Zaharakis, Jobe Watson, Jason Winderlich
HF: Alwyn Davey, Scott Gumbleton, Brendon Goddard
F: Michael Hurley, Stewart Crameri, Nick Kommer
R: Tom Bellchambers, Jake Melksham, Ben Howlett
Int: David Myers, Heath Hocking, Cale Hooker, Nathan Lovett-Murray
Emerg: Paddy Ryder, Jackson Merritt, Tayte Pears

In: Lovett-Murray, Winderlich, Hurley, Heppell, Carlisle, Fletcher
Out: Hille (omitted), Stanton (groin), Dempsey (ankle), Jetta (omitted), Pears (omitted), Merrett (omitted)

Port Adelaide v Richmond, AAMI Stadium, Saturday 1.15pm (CST)

Port Adelaide
B: Cameron O'Shea, Alipate Carille, Campbell Heath
HB: Lewis Stevenson, Tom Jonas, Dom Cassisi
C: Kane Cornes, Travis Boak, Matthew Broadbent
HF: Chad Wingard, Jay Schulz, Angus Monfries
F: Jake Neade, Justin Westhoff, Robbie Gray
Foll: Jarrad Redden, Hamish Hartlett, Brad Ebert
Int: Oliver Wines, Andrew Moore, Sam Colquhoun, Kane Mitchell
Emerg: Paul Stewart, Tom Logan, Daniel Stewart

In: Moore, Redden, Colquhoun
Out: Renouf (omitted), Lobbe (omitted), P. Stewart (omitted)

Richmond
B: Steven Morris, Alex Rance, Troy Chaplin
HB: Chris Newman, Brandon Ellis, Bachar Houli
C: Shaun Grigg, Shane Tuck, Daniel Jackson
HF: Brett Deledio, Shane Edwards, Jake King
F: Luke McGuane, Jack Riewoldt, Dustin Martin
Foll: Ivan Maric, Nathan Foley, Nick Vlastuin
Int: Chris Knights, Jake Batchelor, Orren Stephenson, Robin Nahas
Emerg: Aaron Edwards, Matt Dea, Matt White

In: Tuck, Foley, Nahas, Stephenson, Batchelor
Out: White (omitted), Petterd (calf), Cotchin (knee), Vickery (concussion), Grimes (foot)

Milestone: McGuane – 100 games

Brisbane Lions v West Coast, The Gabba, Saturday 2.10pm

Brisbane Lions
B: Mitch Golby, Daniel Merrett, Ashley McGrath
HB: Joel Patfull, Justin Clarke, Elliot Yeo
C: Jed Adcock, Brent Moloney, Pearce Hanley
HF: Dayne Zorko, Jonathan Brown, Josh Green
F: Rohan Bewick, Jordan Lisle, Ryan Lester
Foll: Matthew Leuenberger, Tom Rockliff, Jack Redden
Int: Simon Black, Andrew Raines, James Polkinghorne, Sam Mayes
Emerg: Sam Docherty, Billy Longer, Jack Crisp

In: Raines, Lisle, Black
Out: Cornelius (omitted), Longer (omitted), Paparone (omitted)

West Coast
B: Eric Mackenzie, Darren Glass, Will Schofield
HB: Shannon Hurn, Mitch Brown, Brad Sheppard
C: Matt Rosa, Scott Selwood, Andrew Gaff
HF: Mark LeCras, Jack Darling, Sharrod Wellingham
F: Josh Hill, Josh Kennedy, Nic Naitanui
Foll: Dean Cox, Matt Priddis, Luke Shuey
Int: Jacob Brennan, Bradd Dalziell, Mark Hutchings, Ashley Smith
Emg: Jamie Cripps, Ashton Hams, Callum Sinclair

In: Rosa, Hutchings, Sheppard
Out: Kerr (knee), Masten (foot), Sinclair (omitted)

Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne, Etihad Stadium, Saturday 4.40pm (EST)

Western Bulldogs
B: Dale Morris, Jordan Roughead, Lukas Markovic
HB: Liam Picken, Tom Young, Jason Johannisen
C: Tom Liberatore, Matthew Boyd, Nick Lower
HF: Clay Smith, Liam Jones, Daniel Giansiracusa
F: Luke Dahlhaus, Robert Murphy, Dylan Addison
Foll: Will Minson, Adam Cooney, Ryan Griffen
Int: Jason Tutt, Mitch Wallis, Mark Austin, Daniel Cross
Emerg: Koby Stevens, Christian Howard, Tom Campbell

In: Giansiracusa, Murphy, Griffen, Markovic
Out: Stevens (omitted), Howard (omitted), Stringer (soreness), Macrae (soreness)

North Melbourne
B: Scott McMahon, Scott Thompson, Jamie Macmillan
HB: Aaron Mullett, Michael Firrito, Brent Harvey
C: Daniel Wells, Shaun Atley, Ryan Bastinac
HF: Aaron Black, Majak Daw, Sam Wright
F: Lindsay Thomas, Drew Petrie, Leigh Adams
Fol: Todd Goldstein, Andrew Swallow, Jack Ziebell
Int: Ben Cunnington, Sam Gibson, Taylor Hine, Will Sierakowski
Emer: Brad McKenzie, Lachlan Hansen, Kieran Harper

In: Harvey
Out: Grima (soreness)

Hawthorn v Sydney Swans, MCG, Saturday 7.40pm (EST)

Hawthorn
No change

Sydney Swans
No change

Fremantle v Collingwood, Patersons Stadium, Saturday 5.40pm (WST)

Fremantle
B: Lee Spurr, Zac Dawson, Michael Johnson
HB: Garrick Ibbotson, Luke McPharlin, Alex Silvagni
C: Tendai Mzungu, Ryan Crowley, Stephen Hill
HF: Michael Barlow, Chris Mayne, Hayden Ballantyne
F: Matt de Boer, Jack Hannath, Michael Walters
Foll: Jonathon Griffin, Clancee Pearce, David Mundy
Int: Hayden Crozier, Nick Suban, Paul Duffield, Danyle Pearce
Emerg: Tom Sheridan, Tanner Smith, Cameron Sutcliffe

In: Hill
Out: Sutcliffe (omitted)

Collingwood
B: Nathan Brown, Ben Reid, Nick Maxwell
HB: Marty Clarke, Heath Shaw, Harry O'Brien
C: Steele Sidebottom, Dane Swan, Dale Thomas
HF: Jamie Elliott, Quinten Lynch, Brent Macaffer
F: Ben Kennedy, Travis Cloke, Sam Dwyer
Foll: Darren Jolly, Scott Pendlebury, Jarryd Blair
Int: Andrew Krakouer, Josh Thomas, Paul Seedsman, Caolan Mooney
Emerg: Jordan Russell, Jarrod Witts, Marley Williams

In: Maxwell, Mooney
Out: Goldsack (hip), Witts (omitted)

GWS Giants v Adelaide, Skoda Stadium, Sunday 1.10pm (EST)

GWS Giants
B: Tim Mohr, Stephen Gilham, Adam Kennedy
HB: Toby Greene, Joshua Bruce, Sam Reid
C: Adam Treloar, Callan Ward, Lachie Whitfield
HF: Jeremy Cameron, Jonathan Giles, Rhys Palmer
F: Devon Smith, Adam Tomlinson, Taylor Adams
Foll: Dean Brogan, Tom Scully, Jacob Townsend
Int from: Zachary Williams, Stephen Coniglio, Dylan Shiel, Sam Darley, Aidan Corr, Shaun Edwards, Samuel Frost

In: Brogan, Darley, Kennedy, Edwards, Whitfield
Out: Hampton (omitted), Bugg (omitted)

Adelaide
B: Andy Otten, Ben Rutten, Luke Brown
HB: David Mackay, Daniel Talia, Brent Reilly
C: Brodie Smith, Scott Thompson, Bernie Vince
HF: Patrick Dangerfield, Shaun McKernan, Jason Porplyzia
F: Tom Lynch, Josh Jenkins, Matthew Wright
Foll: Sam Jacobs, Richard Douglas, Rory Sloane
Int from: Nathan van Berlo, Ian Callinan, Jarryd Lyons, Rory Laird, Ricky Henderson, Matthew Jaensch, Sam Kerridge

In: van Berlo, Callinan, Henderson, Laird
Out: Tambling (omitted)

Melbourne v Gold Coast, MCG, Sunday 4.40pm (EST)

Melbourne
B: Lynden Dunn, James Frawley, Dean Terlich
HB: Daniel Nicholson, Tom McDonald, Colin Garland
C: Rohan Bail, Jack Viney, Matt Jones
HF: Jeremy Howe, Chris Dawes, Colin Sylvia
F: Luke Tapscott, Max Gawn, Shannon Byrnes
Foll: Jake Spencer, Michael Evans, Nathan Jones
Int from: Jordie McKenzie, David Rodan, James Strauss, James Sellar, Dean Kent, Aaron Davey, Troy Davis

In: Davey, Rodan, Sellar, Dawes, Davis
Out: Grimes (collarbone), Trengove (calf)

Gold Coast
B: Trent McKenzie, Thomas Murphy, Sam Day
HB: David Swallow, Rory Thompson, Greg Broughton
C: Matt Shaw, Gary Ablett, Jarrod Harbrow
HF: H. Bennell, T. Lynch, Jesse Lonergan
F: Charlie Dixon, Stephen May, Aaron Hall
Foll: Zac Smith, Jaeger O'Meara, Dion Prestia
Int from: Jack Hutchins, Brandon Matera, Jared Brennan, Luke Russell, Danny Stanley, Tim Sumner, Campbell Brown

In: Brown, Russell, May, Hutchins, Sumner
Out: Rischitelli (omitted), Hunt (hamstring)

St Kilda v Carlton, Etihad Stadium, Monday 7.40pm (EST)

St Kilda
B: Nathan Wright, Sam Fisher, James Gwilt
HB: Sean Dempster, Dylan Roberton, Jack Newnes
C: Leigh Montagna, Nick Dal Santo, Arryn Siposs
HF: Ahmed Saad, Rhys Stanley, Jarryn Geary
F: David Armitage, Nick Riewoldt, Stephen Milne
Foll: Ben McEvoy, Sebastian Ross, Jack Steven
Int from: Brodie Murdoch, Jimmy Webster, Tom Hickey, Terry Milera, Farren Ray, Clint Jones, Josh Saunders

In: Ray, Gwilt, Milera, Webster, Hickey
Out: Koschitzke (suspension), Gilbert (knee)

Carlton
B: Chris Yarran, Michael Jamison, Lachie Henderson
HB: Zach Tuohy, Dennis Armfield, Simon White
C: Kane Lucas, Mitch Robinson, David Ellard
HF: Chris Judd, Andrew Walker, Jeff Garlett
F: Ed Curnow, Shaun Hampson, Matthew Kreuzer
Foll: Robbie Warnock, Marc Murphy, Heath Scotland
Int from: Kade Simpson, Brock McLean, Eddie Betts, Jaryd Cachia, Andrew Carrazzo, Levi Casboult, Aaron Joseph

In: Carrazzo, Kreuzer, Joseph, Casboult
Out: Waite (suspension)

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Ferguson calls time on career

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Standing ovation ... what a tenure it has been at Manchester United. Source: Glyn Kirk / AFP

Sir Alex Ferguson will retire at the end of the season, Manchester United have confirmed.

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Rumours about Ferguson's United future began to circulate at the club's golf day on Tuesday and were widely carried in Wednesday's newspapers.

And at 9.15am United made the announcement on their website that English football's most successful manager will call time on a 26-and-a-half-year reign this summer.

Ferguson's decision comes just days after he secured his 13th Premier League title, and he also delivered United two European Cups, five FA Cups, four League Cups and a European Cup Winners' Cup.

He will stay on at Old Trafford as a director and a club ambassador.

In a statement, Ferguson said: "The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly. It is the right time.

"It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so. The quality of this league winning squad, and the balance of ages within it, bodes well for continued success at the highest level whilst the structure of the youth set-up will ensure that the long-term future of the club remains a bright one.

"Our training facilities are amongst the finest in global sport and our home Old Trafford is rightfully regarded as one of the leading venues in the world.

"Going forward, I am delighted to take on the roles of both Director and Ambassador for the club. With these activities, along with my many other interests, I am looking forward to the future.

"I must pay tribute to my family, their love and support has been essential. My wife Cathy has been the key figure throughout my career, providing a bedrock of both stability and encouragement. Words are not enough to express what this has meant to me.

"As for my players and staff, past and present, I would like to thank them all for a staggering level of professional conduct and dedication that has helped to deliver so many memorable triumphs. Without their contribution the history of this great club would not be as rich.

"In my early years, the backing of the board, and Sir Bobby Charlton in particular, gave me the confidence and time to build a football club, rather than just a football team.

"Over the past decade, the Glazer family have provided me with the platform to manage Manchester United to the best of my ability and I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with a talented and trustworthy Chief Executive in David Gill. I am truly grateful to all of them.

"To the fans, thank you. The support you have provided over the years has been truly humbling. It has been an honour and an enormous privilege to have had the opportunity to lead your club and I have treasured my time as manager of Manchester United."
Privileged

Manchester United chief executive David Gill has described his time with Ferguson as the "greatest experience" of his working life.

"I've had the tremendous pleasure of working very closely with Alex for 16 unforgettable years - through the treble, the double, countless trophy wins and numerous signings," he said.

"We knew that his retirement would come one day and we both have been planning for it by ensuring the quality of the squad and club structures are in first-class condition.

"Alex's vision, energy and ability have built teams - both on and off the pitch - that his successor can count on as among the best and most loyal in world sport.

"The way he cares for this club, his staff and for the football family in general is something that I admire. It is a side to him that is often hidden from public view but it is something that I have been privileged to witness in the last 16 years.

"What he has done for this club and for the game in general will never be forgotten. It has been the greatest experience of my working life being alongside Alex and a great honour to be able to call him a friend."

Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11667/8698530/Sir-Alex-Ferguson-to-retire-this-summer-Manchester-United-confirm

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World reacts to Fergie's retirement

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Farewell ... Sir Alex Ferguson steps down as manager of Manchester United. Source: Tim Hales / AP

After 26 years, 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League crowns, Sir Alex Ferguson has stepped down as manager of Manchester United.

The 71-year-old has been at United since November 1986 and is the most successful manager in the history of English football.

See how the world has reacted to the news of Fergie's retirement.

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Tuqiri edging closer to return

Lote Tuqiri ... focused on making a comeback. Source: Craig Wilson / News Limited

Former dual international Lote Tuqiri says he's not ready to hang up his boots just yet and revealed his frustration at not being able to help the struggling Wests Tigers find some form.

The veteran winger has not featured this season after breaking his arm against Canterbury last July but is hopeful of being back in action next month.

The Tigers have lost their past five games, sit bottom of the ladder and have been struck down by a crippling injury crisis.

Tuqiri admits it's been hard to watch his battling side but expects to be given the all clear from the specialists so he can return to training.

"I'll see the doctor in a couple of weeks and go from there," Tuqiri said.

"I haven't played a lot of footy and I just want to get it right.

"I've got to temper that a bit in wanting to get back too quickly and then rushing it."

Tuqiri has been blighted with injuries since returning to the NRL in 2010 after almost a decade playing rugby union.

Now aged 33, the former Wallabies star insists he's not ready to retire and is desperate to get back out on the field.

"You see a lot of footy going on at the moment and you just want to get out there, especially the way the Tigers are going," he said.

"We're not going too good on the injury front and you just want to get in there and help.

"I've got to get another scan in two weeks and then I'll go from there and probably have a return date then."

Tuqiri was expected to be fit to start the season but was forced to undergo another operation after there were complications from the original injury.

"I've been ready for a while. I jumped the gun. I was supposed to be ready in round one but had to go back in and do some surgery again," he said.

"That put me back but I really can't wait to play again."

One man who also cannot wait to see Tuqiri back is fellow Fijian flyer Marika Koroibete who is yet to play in the same team as his childhood idol.

"He was a hero to me when I was a boy," Koroibete said.

"He has been so helpful to me and comes in at halftime sometimes and gives me advice about the game.

"It is great to have another Fijian here and it will be a special day when we play together."

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Bucks, Scott slam marking rule

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Contest ... Tom Hawkins grapples with Michael Jamison. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

Geelong coach Chris Scott believes it's hurting the AFL's power forwards. Hawthorn defender Brian Lake says it's helping the small forwards and umpires boss Jeff Gieschen thinks it's all in their imagination.

Gieschen insists nothing has changed from previous seasons in the way umpires rule on marking contests.
But Scott, Lake and Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley are among a chorus of players, coaches and fans who beg to differ.

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Where many perceive increasing inconsistency and heavy-handedness, Gieschen says for 10 years there has been a rule disallowing pushing, holding, bumping, blocking or interfering with the arms in marking contests.
He adds umpires aren't being instructed any differently now.

But Scott says if that rule was enforced to the letter, no contact would be legal.

He said interpretation had to be a factor and there had been an unwelcome change in that this year.

"My personal view is that if we've been saying you can't bump, block, push or hold in a marking contest then two of the greatest footballers of all time in Tony Lockett and Jason Dunstall would have been ineffective,'' Scott told reporters on Tuesday.

"It's not a great development in our game.''

Scott said any marking contest involved two players pushing against each other and it was sometimes just the stronger one who was penalised.

"If one is stronger than the other, the push is going to become more obvious,'' he said.

Two incidents this season have fed views of a changing interpretation.

Collingwood's Ben Reid was denied a mark on Anzac Day, with a free kick instead paid to Essendon's Tom Bellchambers for what most observers felt was good body work by the Magpie.

While Gieschen deemed that decision correct, he admitted the wrong call was made on Saturday to penalise Adelaide's Scott Thompson for putting a hand on the shoulder of Hawthorn's David Hale before marking in a crucial last-quarter incident.

Scott felt for umpires, saying even the official explanations of such incidents were extremely confusing.

Buckley, who was clearly infuriated by the Reid decision, was also left none the wiser.

"It doesn't clear it up,'' Buckley said.

"Right now, half a push is okay, but a full push isn't acceptable. I don't know (about) an 80 per cent push, how that's going to be adjudicated.''

Lake, a two-time All Australian with the Western Bulldogs, said in the past he liked to outmark forwards but now looked to spoil more to avoid infringing.

"You've probably got to be a little bit safer on that side of it, which brings in the small forwards,'' Lake told SEN radio.

"As you can see this year the small forwards are kicking bags of goals.

"The ball's probably coming to ground a little bit more because defenders are a bit afraid to take those contested marks.''

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I need to step up, admits Benji

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Wests Tigers ... Benji Marshall admits he must step-up. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

A candid Benji Marshall admits his poor form is a major factor in the Wests Tigers' disappointing start to the season and is desperate to rediscover what made him one of the best players in the NRL.

The injury-ravaged Tigers sit at the foot of the NRL ladder having lost seven top-line players with coach Mick Potter forced to include a raft of inexperienced youngsters in his side over the last month.

But Marshall said he must shoulder a share of the blame for the side's five successive defeats - the latest being a 40-4 shellacking by Canterbury last Friday. 

The New Zealand superstar is still nursing a toe problem that recently ruled him out for two weeks and knows he needs to step up against Cronulla on Friday at Allianz Stadium.

"Even before I was injured I wasn't sure with where I was at with my form," Marshall said on Tuesday.

"My job is to provide attack and direction to the team and that hasn't really happened this year.

"I don't really know what to put it down to.''

A collection of Marshall's flick passes could fill a highlights reel of their own, but the 28-year-old said he needs to focus less on the spectacular and get back to basics.

"When you become a ball player you start to believe you are a ball player more than a runner," he said.

"I want to go back to being a runner first and a ball player second.

"Instead of worrying about putting other people over I need to start going for the line myself."

The Tigers have once again named a youthful side for the clash with the Sharks and Marshall has urged the likes of James Tedesco and Curtis Sironen to have the confidence to back themselves.

"I can't say too much to those boys when I am not stepping up," he said.

"But when I came in I was a bit shy, but guys like John Skandalis, Mark O'Neill and Benny Galea would sit me down and tell me that I needed to come out of my shell.

"They said 'we may be older than you, but we're your forwards and we need you to talk to us'.

"That made me feel really comfortable and I think we have the same sort of thing here.

"A lot of the guys are a little bit shy in expressing what they think.

"You can see they want to say something but they don't want to. And that is half the battle." 

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Gallen not named for Tigers clash

Cronulla Sharks ... skipper Paul Gallen has not been named for Friday's match. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Paul Gallen's renowned recuperative powers seem destined to fall short of getting him on the field for Friday's clash with Wests Tigers.

The NSW and Cronulla captain, who suffered a medial ligament strain on Sunday, was not named in Tuesday's team list after failing to convince coach Shane Flanagan he would be ready in time.

The inspirational lock forward is working around the clock to be fit and will be given until game day to be a late call-up, but Flanagan believes the short turnaround will prove too big a hurdle to overcome.

"It's a bit early (to completely rule him out) yet, but I don't like his chances," Flanagan said on Tuesday evening.

"It's a Friday night game, maybe if it was Sunday we might be ok. I don't think he's any chance."

In Gallen's place, off-season recruit Chris Heighington will start in jersey No.13 against his former club while fellow ex-Tigers Beau Ryan and Andrew Fifita have also been given starting roles.

Meanwhile, Manly and St George Illawarra delivered more good news to NSW fans, naming both Brett Stewart and Brett Morris despite injury concerns.

The pair, understood to be pencilled into Laurie Daley's starting lineup for the State of Origin opener, both failed to finish Monday night's tense Sea Eagles victory.

Both clubs are confident Stewart (back) and Morris (knee) will be able to take the field this weekend.

Dragons coach Steve Price said he was hopeful Morris and veteran centre Matt Cooper, who missed Monday's match with a toe injury, would face the Gold Coast on Sunday.

"Both players will be monitored by our medical staff throughout the week in the build-up to the game and given every opportunity to prove their match fitness," he said.

The Gold Coast welcome back star wingers Kevin Gordon and David Mead from injury, bolstering their backline for the Dragons match-up, while Brisbane centre Justin Hodges (hamstring) also returns.

Newcastle will be without key five-eighth Jarrod Mullen (knee), forcing skipper Kurt Gidley into the halves alongside youngster Tyrone Roberts.

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary will experiment with his fourth halves combination of the year, naming rookie Isaac John to play five-eighth alongside Luke Walsh, with Tom Humble the man to miss out.

John faces a baptism of fire against defending premiers Melbourne, who named an unchanged lineup despite having their 15-game winning streak stopped by Canberra last round.

Youngster Glen Fisiiahi gets a crack at the Warriors fullback role with Kevin Locke sidelined for one to two weeks with a back injury, while powerful centre Konrad Hurrell also returns at the expense of the injured Jerome Ropati (hamstring).

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'Bombers players used as guinea pigs'

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James Hird ... watches on as Essendon Chairman David Evans delivers the findings. Source: DAVID CROSLING / AAP

Not surprisingly, Ziggy Switkowski's report found Essendon to be a basket case last year.

From November 2011 to August 2012, the Bombers were unaccountable in their supplement program, lacklustre in their reporting processes, and too secretive about what was happening.

Those responsible for the debacle came for all corners of the club.

Switkowski's report did not recommend administrative change, but that's not to say it won't happen when the joint ASADA-AFL investigation is completed in several months.

Tellingly, chairman David Evans said on Sunday he couldn't guarantee anyone's future.

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That included himself.

Evans, who continuously apologised throughout a robust press conference Monday , revealed he would stand for re-election in November.

It was an interesting strategy, because it's highly unlikely Evans would be voted out.

But at least he took responsibility and his apologies to the players, the families and fans was deeply genuine.

He had reason to apologise.

Letters and emails have emerged as critical to the investigation.

Club doctor Bruce Reid detailed concerns in a letter about the supplement program, led by Dean Robinson and Stephen Dank, but it's unknown where that letter ended up.

It certainly didn't get to the board.

It's at the core of the internal breakdowns.

The Dank email, which he claims came from the World Anti Doping Authority, continues to be a source if intrigue.

Evans refused to discuss Dank today, but that email is also core to the entire investigation.

Dank has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Unbelievably, we learned there was a ''lack of clairty'' about who ran the football department - football manager Paul Hamilton, who is no longer at the club, or Danny Corcoran, who had a liasion type of role between all departments.

The irregular practices Evans had previously alluded were fully detailed.

They included ''rapid diversification into exotic supplements'', an increased number of injections, use of off-site injection rooms, the emergence of ''unfamiliar suppliers'' and the marginalisation of traditional medical staff.

It combined ''to create a disturbing picture of a pharmacologically experimental environment never adequately controlled or challenged or documented within the club''.

In other words, the players were being used as guinea pigs.

Clearly, there was a breakdown in relationship between Dank, Robinson and Reid, with Switkowski believing the new personnel considered Reid and Co as ''yesterday's men''

In the end, whether the players unknowingly took banned substances remains unclear.

Evans said he is increasingly confident they didn't, and Switkowski said in his report that he ''has no basis to form any other view'' that illegal or banned drugs were not given to the players.

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Gai labels Singleton a 'sham'

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John Singleton ... arrives at the More Joyous inquiry on Monday. Source: Paul Miller / AAP

Gai Waterhouse has slammed the "chinese whispers" that were trumped up by "a little jockey who (leaves) people here lifting their eyebrows, a brothel owner and a football player".

"That's what our livelihoods are swinging on in front of you today," Waterhouse told today's Racing NSW inquiry into the More Joyous affair.

The trainer then launched into Singleton - and not for the first time at the inquiry- for not taking his concerns to stewards rather than going on national TV.

"You're an absolute sham, John," Waterhouse said.

Racing NSW chief steward Ray Murrihy adjourned the inquiry shortly after and said he wanted to give Andrew Johns, Allan Robinson and Eddie Hayson one final chance to give their side of the story before he handed down his findings.

The trio risk being warned off race courses by not appearing at the inquiry. Stewards revealed there had been a string of phone calls between Johns and brothel owner and punter Eddie Hayson on the day of the race.

The Waterhouse "sham" outburst was not the only moment of high drama in an explosive day of evidence at Racing NSW headquarters where the insults were flying thick and fast.

Singleton gave evidence that Johns had  looked "agitated, dishevelled and hadn't slept" when he visited his home on the Tuesday morning after the All Aged Stakes.

Singleton told the inquiry the league legend told him More Joyous was "off" after a conversation with bookie Tom Waterhouse ahead of the race at Randwick on April 27.

What was said between Tom Waterhouse and Johns has been the most intriguing aspect of the Singleton-Gai Waterhouse feud.

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John Singleton ... arrives at the More Joyous inquiry on Monday.

Johns, however, told Singleton after More Joyous' flop he may have "embellished" the Waterhouse information.

Johns was so worried about what he may have said that he arrived at Singleton's house bare-footed and feared he would be "collateral damage" at Channel 9.

"Andrew didn't know he had used the word 'off' until he heard a TV interview replayed on radio," Singleton said.

Singleton said Johns feared Nine would punt him rather than Waterhouse, who tipped in millions of dollars in advertising with the free-to-air network.

Singleton then took a swipe at Tom Waterhouse when the bookie asked why there had been a change of story by Johns and said: "Someone must have got to him, Tom."

Tom has also maintained he did not speak to anyone prior to the race about More Joyous's health despite reports to the contrary.

"I only saw (Johns) briefly before the race started and we didn't talk about More Joyous' fitness, health or anything like that," he said.

Stewards also revealed there had been a string of phone calls between Andrew Johns and brothel owner and punter Eddie Hayson.

Johns, Hayson and ex-jockey Allan Robinson were all asked to appear at today's inquiry but declined and as a result could be "warned off" racecourses by stewards.

As evidence continued at the inquiry chaired by NSW chief steward Ray Murrihy, Tom Waterhouse asked if Singleton had anything to drink on the day.

"I had two or three beers before the race, and as much as I could afterwards," Singleton said.

Singleton described a pre-race conversation with Gai Waterhouse as "not unfriendly, not threatening, but tense".

Waterhouse said Singleton was "irate" and that she had to "take him to the side of the room because he was making a scene".

Earlier Singleton told the inquiry that he was advised against having a bet on More Joyous by both his racing manager Duncan Grimley and vet John Peatfield after the pair inspected the horse on the morning of the All Aged Stakes.

Singleton wanted to put $100,000 on More Joyous.

"Let's just enjoy the day," Singleton says he was told by both men.

Singleton confirmed he had received phone calls from jockey Robinson and Johns and after he took on board what Grimley had told him earlier realised the mail about the horse not winning was "too close to the bone".

Singleton said he was tempted to approach Murrihy about what he had heard about the horse, but didn't want to "cause a kerfuffle".

"In hindsight, that was ridiculous,"Singleton said.

Waterhouse, meanwhile, grew irritated when asked three times by Murrihy if she had spoken to anybody about More Joyous.

"What are you implying? Who else would I speak to?," Waterhouse said.

Waterhouse then barked: "I never spoke to my husband or son about More Joyous ... And I'll happily swear on the bible."

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Murrihy said phone records showed Waterhouse had spoken with her bookmaker husband Robbie on Friday at 12.33pm.

"Did you speak to Rob about More Joyous at that stage?," Murrihy asked.

Waterhouse said the conversation was probably of a personal matter, like "what we were going to have for dinner".

It was also revealed that Waterhouse failed to properly document two drug treatments of More Joyous in the days leading up to the All Aged Stakes. One was an anti-inflammatory given on the Wednesday for "heat in the neck" and the other an antibiotic on the Thursday given as a precaution.

Singleton's vet Peatfield earlier told the inquiry that he "couldn't find a reason not to run the horse."

Murrihy asked: "You were aware of the horse had soreness, you detected sensitivity in her neck and her reluctance to eat off the ground?"

Dr Peatfield: "Yes."

Murrihy then asked: "Aren't they concerns for a horse going into a race?"

Dr Peatfield: "As a result of my examination, in my opinion I couldn't find a reason not to run the horse."

Dr Peatfield said he couldn't guarantee More Joyous would win, "because that's not my job", but stressed the horse would have no problems racing later that day.

Gai Waterhouse's trusty stable representative David Meijer was the first person to give evidence at this morning's explosive inquiry.

Meijer said he noticed More Joyous had left some feed overnight on Wednesday, and by noon Thursday noticed "heat in her neck".

Meijer, who has looked after More Joyous since she arrived in the stable, kept Waterhouse up to speed with the mare's condition in the 48-hour countdown to the Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m).

Chief steward Ray Murrihy heard several statements how serious More Joyous' neck complaint was.

After Meijer said: "It was a little issue on the Thursday, that's about the extent of it," Murrihy asked him to explain the messages he sent to Waterhouse on the Friday and then race morning.

Those messages suggested More Joyous still wasn't herself leading into the race.

"You said the horse couldn't pick grass but was hungry. Could it be symptomatic the horse is sore in the neck or can't stretch out?," Murrihy asked Meijer.

"I'm not a vet, I'm not in the position to give a diagnosis. It was pretty much a hunch," Meijer said.

Trackwork rider Steve O'Halloran was the second person to give evidence and said More Joyous worked like she usually would on Thursday.

Waterhouse veterinarian Leanne Begg told stewards More Joyous may have become cast in her box, which could have caused the neck injury.

Gai Waterhouse piped up and asked Begg: "Did I ask have you got a problem with her racing?"

Begg nodded and said: "I said, 'not at this stage'."

The Racing NSW inquiry is investigating More Joyous' poor performance at the All Aged Stakes at Randwick on April 27.

Singleton claims that Tom Waterhouse had told friends that More Joyous "had problems and could not win the race".

It has put at risk Singleton and Gai Waterhouse's 40-year friendship with the advertising guru removing all his horses from the Waterhouse stable.

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'Tigers have the job ahead of them'

Work to do ... Gerard Healy says the Tigers still can't beat the best. Source: Robert Prezioso / Getty Images

Gerard Healy jumped online to answer all of your burning questions after a big round of footy.

Read what FOX FOOTY's expert commentator thinks of the Tigers' finals chances after their loss to Geelong, the big grand final rematch and the form of two key Saints.

Then join Gerard, Mike Sheahan and Paul Roos as they go over the weekend's action on On The Couch, Monday, 8.30pm (EST) on FOX FOOTY.

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What is your take on the Hawks? Everything I read is glowing - but so far I think they have been really scrappy and are not playing anything like premiership favourites. Am I being too pessimistic?

I think that's a pretty fair observation. Lance Franklin is a big reason for that in the past two weeks. The other reason is that they've played a group of serious contenders and have done particularly well to be 5-1 at this stage. They'll know they need to play better, but Hodge is playing well, Hill continues to impress and Lake has fit in well.

The Gold Coast Suns don't seem to be improving at all? Predictions of top eight and flags in the next five years would appear way off wouldn't you think? Gary Ablett won't be here forever!

In some ways I'm with you and in others I'm not.

I was an early critic of the balance of their group having not recruited enough experienced players to make Ablett's signing as significant a coup as it should be in the local market. While he's obviously a great acquisition it doesn't help if they're not dragging crowds through the turnstiles with wins.

Having said that they have improved - especially with their big men.

Talk of finals is fanciful - maybe we should be talking about eight wins in a season to start with. Premierships in three years though? To pull a famous quote from The Castle - tell 'em they're dreaming.

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Nick Dal Santo and Stephen Milne seem to be struggling - how long before one or both are out of the team?

I think that debate will take up a number of Scott Watters' hours this week. Carlton on Monday night is probably the last chance for both of them.

Watters is in a tough position though - they can't win without them but they're not playing well enough to deserve their spots.

Both have been in this position before though and Dal Santo in particular bounced back in fine fashion when he was dropped.

How do you rate the Hawks' start to the season and what's your tip for their big one this week

It will be a really even match and I can't believe the bookies have the Hawks as significant favourites. They've been winning without dominating and the Crows' midfield got on top of them in the middle of the game.

Given the form that Sydney's been in I really think it's a toss of the coin game, but I think the pace of Sydney might be a factor without Rioli.

Do you think Voss may have lost the dressing room? His team just doesn't seem to be able to fire up at the start. What's going on up there?

It's tough for Vossy right now - three weeks out of six they've just been non-competitive.

Daniel Rich was a huge loss but he can't be the only reason the Lions are playing so poorly.

There's a long way to go, but it's tough to see where the improvement is going to come from to justify an extension for Voss.

That said I think if he still had the desire to coach he'd be a chance to get another job and have a fresh start with another team.

That's a long way down the track though.

To answer the initial question - I don't think he's lost the dressing room. What I see is an average list playing below par.

Nic Nat and Wellingham seemed to make a big difference in the middle for West Coast. Given the bookends of the team look pretty solid, do you think their inclusions will be significant for the Eagles to get going this year?

Wellingham was exactly the sort of player they needed to bolster their midfield depth - I think he'll be a really big pick up for them. You've still got Rosa and Embley to come back in but without question Naitanui is their most influential player.

While there are still many people who focus on what he doesn't do or stats on a sheet, what he does do has far more impact than perhaps every other player in the game bar Gary Ablett.

Even when not at full fitness he was the catalyst for a serious chemical reaction in the Eagles' midfield. Great for anyone watching the game there or on TV.

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What's your take on Richmond? They seem to crack in the big games when it really matters.

They were really disappointing when it mattered just before half-time.

Those 50m penalties from senior players were very disappointing and they're still struggling to match it with the best teams.

They'd be really disappointed they didn't win at least one of the past three.

Six weeks in we can say Richmond can beat the sides that finished below them on the ladder last year but are still not able to beat the sides above them.

I haven't given up hope of them making the eight though. This week's game against Port is an absolute ripper. If Port win they may just take Richmond's spot in the eight.

Wondered how you think the Cats will go this week against Essendon?

I think the Bombers might give Geelong a bit of a scare and hurt them up forward with their talls.

It's a fascinating game given the form of Geelong. In some ways it will probably depend on how many players Essendon get back from injury because if both Carlisle and Fletcher aren't playing you'd expect Geelong will have too much for them.

If they can get those two back I fancy the Bombers might cause an upset.

What do you think are reasonable expectations for Port Adelaide fans to now have for 2013?

I think it's reasonable to expect you'll make the eight but let me put a rider on that - you've got to beat Richmond on the weekend.

If you do you'll be 6-1 and halfway there with two thirds of the season to play.

Interested to hear your take on Fremantle - so far this year they have had some unconvincing wins against struggling sides and have been pumped by the top 8 sides, and look to take a couple more floggings against Collingwood and Sydney. Where do they step up?

My take on the Dockers is that you're being a touch pessimistic about them!

Hawthorn got hold of them when Pav was playing on one leg and they lost by a kick to Essendon after having them well down at half-time - that loss may come back to haunt them in terms of the top four but at the moment they're trending nicely for a slot in the eight.

The Pies will give us a better indicator. I thought it was a pretty poor decision to appeal Nat Fyfe's suspension meaning they'll face them without Fyfe, Hill, Pavlich and Sandilands. It was an error of judgement even if Fyfe wanted to clear his name it was a risk they didn't need to take.

Visit foxsports.com.au on Monday at 1pm to chat to Gerard Healy about all things AFL.

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Gallen eager to beat knee injury

Origin blow? ... Paul Gallen injures his knee against the Knights. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

Courageous NSW and Cronulla skipper Paul Gallen insisted he was a chance to play again on Friday despite suffering medial ligament damage early in Sunday's stirring NRL 21-20 golden point upset victory over Newcastle.

Gallen left the match in the third minute after being twisted awkwardly in his first hit up, wincing in pain as the body weight of Newcastle's 105kg back-rower Chris Houston came down on him.

But in the minutes after his victorious team returned to the sheds at Hunter Stadium, his mood had changed.

With a brace on his knee, Gallen was already trying to figure out how he could be ready to rejoin his battling team against the Wests Tigers this week.

Being in doubt for the State of Origin series starting in a month's time was no longer in his thoughts, rather he was trying to formulate a plan to be back on the field in just five days.

"Gal's in there at the moment making phone calls to see if he can be ready for next Friday night - that's Gal's attitude," said Sharks coach Shane Flanagan.

"He'll be getting hyperbaric chambers, he'll be swinging off trees to get ready.

"Origin is not a problem for Gal.

"... We've got a short turnaround so I wouldn't think he'd be right for Friday night, but it's Gal so we never know."

Meanwhile rookie NSW coach Laurie Daley faces an anxious wait - along with the Sharks - for the results of scans Gallen will have on the injured knee on Monday.

Already tasked with the enormous mission of preventing Queensland from winning their eighth-straight Origin series, Daley could ill afford to be without his skipper and toughest forward.

It was a fate which predecessor Ricky Stuart dealt with last year, when Gallen spent the lead-up to the opening Origin clash with an injury cloud hanging over his head as he recovered from a posterior cruciate ligament injury in the same knee.

"It's different to last year. It's a different feeling," Gallen said of his injury.

"They think it's my medial ligament rather than my posterior cruciate which is good.

"If you want to do any of them, I suppose you want to do that one."

Gallen planned to spend much of the week in a hyperbaric chamber to give him the best chance of facing the Tigers.

The 31-year-old likened his predicament to that of the Gold Coast's Albert Kelly, who last month suffered a knee injury which he feared could sideline him for months - only to play the following week.

"Who knows ... it's not too sore to be honest," he said.

The air of optimism on Gallen's injury only sweetened the mood of Flanagan who delighted in his side snapping a four-game losing streak with their dramatic golden point victory over Newcastle.

Another man certain to be walking around with a smile on his face this week will be Sydney Roosters centre Michael Jennings.

Shunned by Penrith for much of last season before being released late in the pre-season, Jennings returned to haunt his former teammates with a two-try effort in the Roosters' 30-6 mauling at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.

In Auckland, the Warriors clung to a thrilling 25-24 victory over a fast-finishing Gold Coast, but may have lost exciting fullback Kevin Locke to a potentially serious back problem.

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Rumford goes back-to-back

China Open ... Brett Rumford scores back-to-back European Tour titles. Source: Mark Ralston / AAP

Australian golfer Brett Rumford has claimed his second European Tour title in just seven days, winning the China Open on Sunday.

The 35-year-old from Perth shot a brilliant closing four-under-par 68 to finish at 16-under and win by four strokes from Finland's Mikko Ilonen (71) at Binhai Lake GC in Tianjin.

The comfortable win was in stark contrast to his victory in last week's Ballantine's Championship in South Korea when he eagled the first play-off hole.

It was Rumford's fifth career win in his 15th season on the European tour.

Before last week he had played 121 tournaments over five years and 231 days since his previous win at the European Masters.

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Darling's five inspire Eagles

Party time ... Dean Cox celebrates with team mates in the Eagles' big win. Source: THERON KIRKMAN / AAP

West Coast forward Jack Darling booted five first-half goals and Nic Naitanui made a successful return from injury as the Eagles posted a 70-point victory over the Western Bulldogs in Sunday's AFL clash at Patersons Stadium.

Darling's first-half heroics set up the 21.11 (137) to 10.7 (67) win, while Naitanui was dominant in the ruck after coming on midway through the third quarter.

6.3 (39)	Q1	3.0 (18)
10.4 (64)	Q2	5.2 (32)
16.7 (103)	Q3	8.3 (51)
21.11 (137)	Q4	10.7 (67)

Jack Darling 5	Clay Smith 2
Dean Cox 4	Dylan Addison 1
Josh J. Kennedy 4	Adam Cooney 1
Mark LeCras 3	Liam Jones 1
Luke Shuey 2	Nick Lower 1
Josh Hill 1	Jackson Macrae 1
Chris Masten 1	Jake Stringer 1
Matt Priddis 1	Jason Tutt 1
	Mitchell Wallis 1

Former Magpie Sharrod Wellingham (26 possessions) was also impressive in his Eagles debut, while Josh Kennedy and Dean Cox finished with four goals each after Darling failed to add to his own tally in the second half.

Midfielder Luke Shuey also starred, but injured his ankle in the final quarter.

The hype before the match surrounded the highly-anticipated return of Naitanui from his lingering groin injury.

But fans had to wait until 14 minutes into the third quarter before Naitanui took off the sub's vest and made his way onto the field.

The 23-year-old only tallied five possessions for the match, but he was influential in the ruck with 17 hit-outs as West Coast powered to their second win of the season.

The victory lifted West Coast up to equal 10th on the table, while the Bulldogs' fifth loss on the trot left them mired near the foot of the table.

Adam Cooney, Clay Smith, ruckman Will Minson and Matthew Boyd battled valiantly for the Bulldogs, while Mark Austin managed to keep Darling goalless after half-time.

West Coast entered the match having kicked 17.42 in losses to Carlton and Port Adelaide over the previous fortnight.

But they showed no signs of nerves in front of goals during the first quarter, with Cox converting a beautiful set shot from the boundary, Shuey nailing a tricky set shot and Chris Masten kicking truly from outside 50m.

The Bulldogs were racking up big numbers in the midfield, but West Coast were dominating play at either end of the ground.

Darren Glass, Eric Mackenzie, Shannon Hurn and Mitch Brown were relentless in defence, while Darling exploded in attack, with opponents Tom Young and Dale Morris unable to halt his influence.

The Bulldogs did have one memorable highlight for the half, with Jake Stringer dribbling home a beautiful goal from the boundary line.

Darling's dominance was halted by Austin after half-time, but the Eagles' charge continued, with Cox, Kennedy and Mark LeCras prolific.

Click here to see all of the stats and scores in the FOX FOOTY Match Centre.

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