NZ coach Herbert to stand down

New Zealand Manager Ricki Herbert is watching players of the New Zealand national soccer team excercise. AFP PHOTO/JOE KLAMAR Source: JOE KLAMAR / AFP

ALL Whites coach Ricki Herbert will step down at the end of the team's 2014 World Cup campaign.

New Zealand Football announced his decision to retire on the eve of the second leg of the intercontinental play-off against Mexico in Wellington on Wednesday.

After New Zealand were hammered 5-1 in the first leg last week, the chances of Herbert carrying on to the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil appear remote.

Herbert, who earned 61 New Zealand caps as a player, has guided the All Whites in 66 internationals since taking charge eight years ago.

His tenure was highlighted by leading New Zealand to the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa where they drew all their pool matches - against Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay.

New Zealand Football chairman Frank van Hattum said Herbert's contribution to the game in New Zealand has been immeasurable.

``Ricki assumed control of the All Whites at a point of instability for our men's national team,'' van Hattum said in a statement.

``From the moment he stepped into the coaching role he began building and shaping a team which became one of the best sides we've ever had at a time when competition, in what is a truly global sport, has never been tougher.''

Earlier on Tuesday, the long-serving coach refused to concede that this week could be his last game after eight years at the All Whites helm.

``We'll see, that certainly hasn't been agreed yet by any stretch,'' the former Wellington Phoenix coach said.

Herbert was relentlessly upbeat at Tuesday's pre-match press conference, despite coming under fire for the negative tactics which featured in last week's loss at Estadio Azteca.

The All Whites packed the defensive third, allowing the skilful Mexicans plenty of space and time on the ball, and only a late goal from substitute midfielder Chris James salvaged any Kiwi pride.

Quizzed about consequent changes in personnel and tactics for Wednesday's return match, a deadpan Herbert hinted at a surprise inclusion.

``I've probably spent the last few days preparing myself, putting my boots back on, so there'll be a small change - Herbert at centre half, alongside Tommy Smith,'' he said.

``I'm just not sure who'll be captain, me or him.''

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Toomua starting to read Quade

Toomua's presence at No.12 looks to have freed up Cooper. Source: PETER MUHLY / AFP

WALLABIES midfield hardman Matt Toomua says that a win by any margin will be good enough this week against the struggling Scots.

The Wallabies arrived in icy Edinburgh on Sunday full of confidence after their four-tries-to-nil hammering of Ireland, while that same afternoon the home side suffered a 28-0 humiliation at the hands of South Africa at Murrayfield.

But suggestions the Wallabies should romp home this Saturday were played down by Toomua, who cited the past two results against them, both one-point defeats.

"You still have to win, you underestimate sometimes how much just a win means," Toomua said.

"In 2011 with the Brumbies [after finishing 13th with just three wins], then in 2012 we went in at the start of the year and guys were saying 'You can't just buy wins'.

"Even when you win tight and you're not playing well, that creates a culture of finding a way to win.

"You see the All Blacks, they don't win 50-10 every game, they find a way to win. At the end of the day there's no bonus points up for grabs here, a win is most of the time good enough at this level.

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"We're not looking to win 19-17, we want to win by more, but at the same time I think you have to realise that a win is a win, it's international level."

And Toomua, who is developing a reputation as a hitman at inside centre on this tour after some thumping tackles, conceded the Wallabies must develop the art of winning against the tide.

"That's pretty fair, a lot of our games have been decided by the last 10 minutes, so that's something that you're going to have to develop," Toomua said.

"You can't be at your peak every game but if you can learn to win when things aren't stacked in your favour, that's an important psychological trait to have in the team.

"Having said that, we're not coming over to 'just win' but it's a very important thing to have. All the good teams find ways to win and it's something we have to develop."

Toomua's partnership with five-eighth Quade Cooper appears to be blossoming, with the team combining for 11 tries in the past two Tests and the backline seeing plenty of ball in space.

"Personally I'm starting to read when Quade likes to go to the line and when he likes to deliver," Toomua said.

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"That will help me, that will help Tevita [Kuridrani], it will help Izzy [Israel Folau], and you're seeing guys like Izzy more often than not break tackles, that's always helping guys around him when they're looking for offloads and stuff like that.

"It will come. We're definitely not there yet but it's exciting that we can put some points on now. We're definitely still growing."

Asked about his role in the team as not only a ball player but a hard-running enforcer, Toomua said: "If I'm going to be at No.12 I don't want to just be a ball-playing 12, or just a distributor, I want to provide another aspect to that.

"That physicality is something you need, at this level you can't just play side-to-side you have to have some vertical attack.

"We're getting that in patches at the moment, with Tevita there as well.

"I thought defensively I was okay in areas there. I was quite happy in certain parts, if I made a mistake in attack or somewhere I could try to fix it and not just make the tackle but make a statement in that area.

"I think that's important, because the balance you get having a ball-playing 12 is that you can quite often lose a lot of physicality, so it's something I can bring to the game, try to get the best of both worlds hopefully."

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Day: 'I just really feel for my mum'

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JASON Day was inconsolable over his family's agony as the Typhoon Haiyan tragedy hit home.

Day, in Victoria for the World Cup of Golf at Royal Melbourne, wept on Monday as he contemplated his mother's pain at the loss of his grandmother and at least seven other relatives in the Philippines killed in last week's super storm.

Day yesterday revealed his mum, Dening, had agonisingly learnt of the deaths of her mother, brother and six children as she deciphered a facebook page written from Manila as her family's desperate search for more survivors continues around the worst hit regions around Tacloban.

"My sister knew something was wrong when mum started crying while she was reading … it's just so hard comprehend," Day said.

"It's horrible. I just really feel for my mum, it's so hard not to be with her.

Dening Day, the mother of golfer Jason Day, has spoken of losing eight relatives including her mother in the Philippines typhon. Source: Supplied

"I just want to give her a hug and make sure she's OK. She's lost so much; the family has lost everything. It's really hard to put into words the loss you feel."

Dening emigrated to Australia more than 30 years ago, but had been planning a return visit later this year before the tragedy struck last week.

Day, who flew into Melbourne from his US home late last week, will have a teary reunion with his family when they fly from Brisbane to watch him play for Australia for the first time.

Day, who hadn't met his Philippines family face to face, said his mother had urged him to play on with Adam Scott for a cause that they both hold dearly.

"I get to spend my quality time with my mum … and as much as I'm really keen to do well for Australia at the World Cup, it's more about her this week," he said.

"She said she didn't want to bother me too much, but I just want to be there for her as much as I can.

Of these cousins of golfer Jason Day, five were killed in the Philippines typhon. Source: Supplied

"It's been real tough on my mum. There's no (direct) communications to our family up there (because) everything got wiped out.

"I'm usually so far away from home and you feel helpless, but I think it's really going to be good for us all to be together here in Melbourne so we can … do what families do."

The world golf community, through its Federation of Tours, intends to rally around the victims of the killer typhoon this week at Royal Melbourne, with fundraising initiatives at the club and on global television.

"We are looking into the best way that we can show support for those affected," US Tour executive Matt Kamienski said last night.

"With the ISPS HANDA World Cup of Golf standing as a global event and serving goodwill through the game, we certainly want to drive awareness to the relief efforts."

Jason Day's sister, Kim, with their grandmother (lola) Adelaida, who was killed in the Philippines typhon. Source: Supplied

PGA of Australia chief executive Brian Thorburn said he'd fielded "numerous enquiries" from players and others offering assistance.

"We'll be working with the Federation to do all we can to support the relief effort as well as Jason and his family," Thorburn said.

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Ban plays mind games on Bresh

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KEY Socceroo Mark Bresciano has been mentally drained by a four-month ban from FIFA which endangers his World Cup ambitions, coach Ange Postecoglou says.

Postecoglou says the full ramifications of Bresciano's ban remain unclear beyond Tuesday's friendly against Costa Rica in Sydney.

But he praised the pivotal midfielder for maintaining his training focus ahead of what could be his last match until April next year. "It has affected him in terms of his mind,'' Postecoglou said on Monday.

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"But it hasn't affected his training. He has been an absolute pro, so you wouldn't know with Marco.

"But obviously it's not a great situation for us and a decision has to be made as to the course forward because (next year) being a World Cup year, you don't need those kind of things as further complications.''

Bresciano was suspended by FIFA for four months and fined $1.9 million for an illegal transfer between clubs in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

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"From my perspective, the priority has been to see firstly if he's available for tomorrow night and we have got the all clear for that,'' Postecoglou said.

"And then, post this camp, is to really sit down and see what all the ramifications are and see how we can deal with it.''

The 33-year-old has been earmarked for a crucial creative midfield role in Postecoglou's campaign for the World Cup in Brazil starting next June.

Marco Bresciano at Socceroos training on Monday. Source: Getty Images

Bresciano joined Al Gharafa last August, transferring from Al Nasr in the United Arab Emirates.

But Al Nasr challenged the transfer and FIFA ruled the move broke the sport's laws.

FIFA have yet to publicly explain reasons for their ruling or specify when a suspension would start.

Postecoglou said it was premature to speculate on the World Cup implications for Bresciano if he served the suspension.

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Taggart, Jets rain on Roar's parade

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AN Adam Taggart double has secured Newcastle a 2-1 win over a depleted Brisbane Roar at Hunter Stadium.

Aided by mistakes from Roar defenders Matt Smith and James Donachie, Taggart scored twice in the second half as the Jets fought back from a goal down to make it back-to-back wins.

But some gloss was taken off the victory in the dying stages when Jets defender Kew Jaliens was sent off for dissent.

Joshua Brillante (C) of the Jets controls the ball ahead of Roar defenders North and Smith. Source: Getty Images

The loss was Brisbane's second of the season, and they have also been knocked off the top of the ladder by Western Sydney Wanderers, who they host at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

The Roar will welcome back star striker Besart Berisha from injury and key pair Matt McKay and Ivan Franjic from Socceroos duty.

All three were missed, with Brisbane's midfield particularly suffering in the absence of McKay and Franjic.

However, as has been the case for most of the season, Brisbane were able to work their way into contest and had the better of the first half chances.

Attacking weapon Dimitri Petratos let fly with a long-distance effort that in the 27th minute that had Jets goalkeeper Mark Birighitti scrambling before sliding by the post.

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Midfielder Luke Brattan then had a goal-bound shot blocked by Newcastle defender Scott Neville.

But the Jets finally cracked six minutes before half-time after Birighitti failed to properly deal with a Thomas Broich corner.

The Jets gloveman punched the ball straight into the path of an unmarked Brattan, who unleashed with a shot that took a couple of deflections in the packed goalmouth on its way to the back of the net.

The break couldn't come quick enough for the hosts, who came out much sharper at the second half.

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The Jets were rewarded with an equaliser in the 51st minute when they were aided by some unusually sloppy play by Brisbane pair Brattan and Matt Smith.

Brattan gave up possession in the midfield, before skipper Smith, under pressure from Taggart, also lost the ball on the edge of his penalty area.

Taggart pounced, chipping Roar goalkeeper Michael Theo to score his second goal in two matches.

The Jets then blew a golden chance to grab the lead when they were awarded for a handball offence from former Newcastle skipper Jade North in the 64th minute.

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But Nathan Burns's spot kick hit the crossbar.

However, 10 minutes later the Jets were in front after an error from Roar defender James Donachie.

Under no pressure, Donachie passed the ball in the direction of Smith.

But he failed to allow for the heavy surface, with the ball getting stuck in a puddle.

Taggart pounced, getting the better of both Donachie and Smith before rifling the ball into the top corner.

It proved enough in the end for the Jets, who moved to nine points from six matches.

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Falcon fine-tuned

Draft hopeful Alex Hickey. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

ALEX Hickey regularly catches teammates and coaches off guard-with his hearing loss.

Mostly, it's not until the 180cm backman asks a mate to hold on to his hearing aids for a moment that people even realise the extra hurdle he has jumped on his football journey.

Not that the 50 per cent hearing reduction in both ears has really hindered his AFL dream.

The Geelong Falcons co-captain and best-and-fairest winner is as tough and reliable as they come in the backline, moulding his cool-as-a-cucumber gamestyle on king Cat Corey Enright.

Taking his aids off for all matches and contact training, the part-time maths tutor and keen guitarist says he is almost unaffected by his hearing issue in-play - or in more broad terms - in any aspect of life.

I WANT TO PLAY, NOT PLAY UP

"I can hear most things, and certainly everything in-close," Hickey said.

"I don't miss (teammate) Jimmy Tsitas screaming for the ball, for instance.

"It's more so spectators yelling out from a distance or coaches yelling from the bench.

"If that ever happens, which is quite rare, the runner will come directly to me or my teammates will say 'hey Al, someone wants your attention'.

Alex Hickey is a draft hpeful. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Limited

"So the things I don't hear are probably the unimportant things."

At one of the most successful AFL pathway clubs in the country, Hickey's selfless attitudes and character values are rated as highly as any player to come through the Falcons system, according to regional manager Michael Turner.

PICK ME: EXCLUSIVE HIGHLIGHTS AND ANALYSIS OF THE HOTTEST PROSPECTS

While he loves football, the game he has played since he began kicking the Sherrin in the street with his father, the 18-year-old is not obsessed by the prospect of an AFL career.

"It's really important to have things other than footy in your life," he said.

"Having finished VCE, I've watched some kids put all their eggs in the footy basket and when it doesn't work out for them, there is a lot of disappointment."

What motivates Hickey, above all else, is helping others.

Whether it's blocking for a teammate on the goal line, or guiding a VCE student through another complex maths equation, he gets his kicks seeing others succeed.

"I really enjoy watching people improve, that's probably the one thing (which drives him)," he said.

"The maths and stuff I don't really enjoy too much, but I really enjoy seeing people grow and gain more confidence and that's what keeps me going (as a tutor)."

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Chooks start pre-season minus SKD

Roosters Shaun Kenny-Dowall celebrates victory after the Sydney Roosters v Manly Sea Eagles NRL Grand Final at ANZ Stadium, Sydney. Pic Brett Costello Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

SYDNEY Roosters grand final hero Shaun Kenny-Dowall will not resume full training with the NRL premiers when they start pre-season training on Monday.

The Roosters return to the training field 43 days after their 26-18 win over Manly in the premiership decider with Kenny-Dowall still sidelined after suffering a broken jaw early in the game.

The 25-year-old centre drew comparisons with South Sydney great John Sattler for playing a large part of the game with the injury which was operated on two days after the grand final.

Kenny-Dowall produced one of the finest games of his career despite the injury and scored a converted try in the 60th minute that allowed the Roosters to go ahead for the first time in the game.

According to the Roosters, Kenny-Dowall's recovery has gone better than expected but he will still not be ready to resume full contact training until the new year.

Roosters Shaun Kenny-Dowall celebrates victory with Roosters Mitchell Pearce and Brad Fittler after the Sydney Roosters v Manly Sea Eagles NRL Grand Final at ANZ Stadium, Sydney. Pic Brett Costello Source: News Limited

``SKD will return on a lighter load than the rest of the returning NRL squad and not engage in any contact drills until the new year, but has progressed better than first thought since breaking his jaw,'' read a statement on the Roosters website.

The former Kiwi representative will join 16 of his teammates who are away on World Cup duty, as absentees from the Roosters' first day back.

With the Roosters set to begin their bid to become the first side to secure back-to-back premierships against arch-rivals the Rabbitohs on March 6, after their World Club Challenge clash with Wigan at Allianz Stadium on February 22, incredibly premiership captain Anthony Minichiello remains unsigned.

As does forward Luke O'Donnell, another key member of their grand final winning team.

However the Roosters say they are confident of signing both players for the 2014 season.

The Roosters' grand final opponents also begin pre-season training on Monday with unsigned winger David Williams likely to attend after going AWOL following the Sea Eagles' defeat in the decider.

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2013 Draft: Power Rankings

SuperFooty draft experts Jay Clark and Sam Landsberger discuss the top 30 prospects.

THE AFL's official number crunchers select the top 30 players from across the country based on their performances in recent years.

If Champion Data was picking from a schoolyard this is how next week's national draft order would look.

It only includes players who appeared at the national Under-18 championships.

Our own draft experts Jay Clark and Sam Landsberger also run their eye over the rankings and how they might compare to the actual draft.

COLLINGWOOD is set to steal a top-three draft talent for the second year in a row.

After welcoming boom ruckman Brodie Grundy at No. 18 last year they are again shaping as the big winners of the first round with dual All-Australian defender Matthew Scharenberg firming as the Pies' No. 6 selection.

The 190cm backman was this week flown to Melbourne by the Demons in the hope he could slip to their No. 9 pick.

In a Herald Sun exclusive, Champion Data ranked Scharenberg the third-best player in the pool.

But the Dees hopes of landing the rebound king appear dashed with the Pies closing on a ready-made Heath Shaw replacement.

Greater Western Sydney is set to take Tom Boyd with pick no.1 in the national draft. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Supplied

1. TOM BOYD

No opponent has been able to compete against Boyd in a contest. The most powerful junior forward since Tom Hawkins. Accurate set-shot.

WE SAY: The Giants will forget about missing out on Buddy Franklin when this bloke blossoms.

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2. JOSH KELLY

The best midfielder in the country. Kelly is a ball magnet able to win inside and outside ball and has exceptional skills on both sides.

WE SAY: Melbourne may rue giving this running machine away. Looks a 200-game star.

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3. MATTHEW SCHARENBERG

Elite intercept player and ball-winning defender. Has the capacity to push into the midfield. Reads the play exceptionally well.

WE SAY: Sliding down the draft order, making him one of the steals of the draft. Queries on feet issues scaring some clubs.

SCROLL DOWN FOR JAY AND SAM'S PHANTOM DRAFT

4. DOM SHEED

The No. 1 ranked midfielder at the national carnival. A stoppage player who breaks away from congested situations and kicks goals.

WE SAY: Eagles should get Sheed at 11, but Lions thinking long and hard.

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5. JACK BILLINGS

A creative and dangerous half-forward, earning back-to-back All-Australian honours. Creative by foot and clever overhead.

WE SAY: Can amaze up forward but potential lies in the midfield. Saints looking to pull trigger at No. 3.

6. LEWIS TAYLOR

Brent Harvey-clone dominated his two seasons in the TAC Cup. Taylor's ability to distribute the ball by foot on either side of his body is supreme.

WE SAY: Only 173cm but as a pure footballer he's top five. GWS, armed with pick 14, watching closely.

7. LUKE MCDONALD

Rebounds from defence with penetrating left foot. Wins own ball and is smart going forward.

WE SAY: It will be a sexy halfback line when McDonald and Shaun Atley are breaking lines next year.

James Aish could head to the Dogs. Source: Supplied

8. JAMES AISH

Like Andrew Gaff a wingman with exceptional skills. But if the ball doesn't find him he may struggle.

WE SAY: A surprise to see him so low. Dogs salivating with pick 4, but can get tagged.

9. KADE KOLODJASHNIJ

Creative rebounding defender likened to Grant Birchall. Run-and-carry specialist who will push into the midfield.

WE SAY: Athletic backman is beautiful to watch. Suns in love with his rebound game.

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10. BEN LENNON

Overhead marking supreme but top strength is his booming right foot. Best suited as a third tall forward.

WE SAY: Tigers praying he slips to 12. Not a genuine midfielder but a weapon on the flanks.

11. MATT CROUCH

A stoppage beast who thrives in traffic. Ball-winning machine averaging 38 disposals in TAC Cup. Knocks on his kick.

WE SAY: Queries over his running ability could see him slide to join brother Brad.

12. LUKE DUNSTAN

A big-bodied strong midfielder whose No. 1 strength is his stoppage work. Ranked elite for clearances at championships.

WE SAY: Looks a cheap get in the 20s. Could emulate Ollie Wines' impact.

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13. CHRISTIAN SALEM

Classy midfielder is silky on his left side. Doesn't need huge numbers to cut apart teams due to high efficiency.

WE SAY: Averaged 145 SuperCoach points, justifying interest from Lions, Dees and Pies.

14. CAM MCCARTHY

Contested marking machine with a big tank. Could be a unique key forward who pushes up to the wing.

WE SAY: Shades of Matthew Richardson. Lions (pick 7) could pip the Pies.

15. MITCH HONEYCHURCH

Damaging midfielder hits the scoreboard. The only TAC Cup player to average more than 20 disposals and two goals a game.

WE SAY: Clubs have him far lower but shapes as a value pick. Dogs keen at 42.

16. MICHAEL GIBBONS

A clearance specialist who averaged 118 SuperCoach points, 23 disposals and five tackles across 41 matches. Hit the scoreboard, booting 31 goals.

WE SAY: A shock given clubs expected Gibbons to be a late-round chance.

Nathan Freeman in action. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Limited

17. NATHAN FREEMAN

Unique ability to win clearances and contested footy but can also breakaway with super pace. Hasn't kicked a lot of goals.

WE SAY: Luke Shuey-type would add much-needed speed to Lions onball division.

18. MARCUS BONTEMPELLI

Consistency the big issue. Struggled for Vic Metro but dominated some TAC Cup games onball. His size and skill allow him to play as a midfielder or forward.

WE SAY: Finds time like Scott Pendlebury, but Pies going cold. One for Mick.

19. TRENT DUMONT

Doesn't win huge numbers but Dumont's class and poise under pressure a highlight. High disposal efficiency.

WE SAY: All-rounder who hurts the opposition. Could sneak into the first round.

20. MICHAEL APENESS

Big man from a rugby background who plays forward/ruck like David Hale. Hasn't played much footy but takes a strong grab.

WE SAY: One of the few big men in the draft but ACL recovery a worry for some.

21. DARCY HOURIGAN

Mid-sized forward who thrives in marking contest and is elite at ground level. A proven goalkicker, averaging almost two a game across 51 matches.

WE SAY: Strong like Jack Darling. Had bumper carnival before SANFL form fizzled.

22. BILLY HARTUNG

Weapons include elite ball use and a huge tank. Can burn sides with speed up the wing and wins most of his possessions uncontested.

WE SAY: Saints have done a lot of work but late mail could see him slide into the 20s.

23. TOBY NANKERVIS

Ready-made ruckman overlooked at last year's draft. Wins the ball, pushes forward and produced similar numbers to Brodie Grundy last year.

WE SAY: Nankervis and Rory Lobb are the two best genuine rucks. Dons might pounce.

24. ZAK JONES

Plays like brother Nathan (Melbourne) but with more pace. Contested ball winner is aggressive through the backline and midfield.

WE SAY: In the frame for Tigers at 12 and Cats at 16 but won't get past the Suns at 20.

PICK ME: Exclusive videos, analysis and interviews of leading 2013 draft prospects

25. BLAKE ACRES

Injury-hit utility kept to 11 games this year. Classy ball use and at 189cm can play anywhere. Strong overhead.

WE SAY: Clubs are divided but he fits Geelong's mould. Dockers watching.

26. ZACH MERRETT

Lethal left foot does damage across half-forward, like brother Jackson at Essendon. Has midfield potential but best suited kicking inside 50.

WE SAY: Hawks love their sharp left-foot kicking. Strong talk they'll go Dayle Garlett at 24.

27. JAMES TSITAS

Pressure king who excels at stoppages. Dominated every competition this year, including a 128-point TAC Cup SuperCoach average.

WE SAY: Bit of a surprise this high but Tsitas runs both ways and is a big team man.

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28. JAY KENNEDY-HARRIS

Best small forward in the draft who wins ball inside 50 and creates scoring opportunities. Showed in the TAC Cup he's now got midfield capabilities.

WE SAY: Think Jake Neade. Excellent tackler who can defy height (173cm).

29. BLAINE JOHNSON

Was WA's second-leading goalkicker at the carnival. In-between size makes for a tough match-up on lead or overhead.

WE SAY: Booming right foot is a weapon outside 50. Later pick.

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30. DARCY GARDINER

Clearly the best key defender of the draft and when involved in a one-on-one contest rarely gets beaten. More of a lockdown stopper than a creative backman.

WE SAY: Linked to GWS at 14 but will slide to Saints or Lions.

HOW JAY CLARK AND SAM LANDSBERGER PREDICT THE TOP 30

1.Greater Western Sydney Tom Boyd (KF)

2. Greater Western Sydney Josh Kelly (Mid)

3. St Kilda Jack Billings (Fwd/Mid)

4. Western Bulldogs James Aish (Mid)

5. Gold Coast Kade Kolodashnij (Def)

6. Collingwood Matthew Scharenberg (Def)

7. Brisbane Nathan Freeman (Mid)

8. North Melbourne Luke McDonald (Def/Mid)

9. Melbourne Christian Salem (Mid)

10. Collingwood Cameron McCarthy (KF)

11. West Coast Dom Sheed (Mid)

12. Richmond Ben Lennon (Fwd-Mid)

13. Carlton Marcus Bontempelli (Mid)

14. Greater Western Sydney Lewis Taylor (Mid)

15. Sydney Rory Lobb (Ruck)

16. Geelong Blake Acres (Mid)

17. Fremantle Michael Apeness (KF)

18. St Kilda Billy Hartung (Mid)

19. St Kilda Darcy Gardiner (KD)

20. Gold Coast Zak Jones (Def/Mid)

21. Port Adelaide Jarman Impey (Fwd)

22. Brisbane Trent Dumont (Mid)

23. Adelaide Matthew Crouch (Mid)

24 Hawthorn Zach Merrett (Fwd/Mid)

25. Brisbane Daniel McStay (KD)

26. Essendon Patrick Cripps (Mid)

27. Gold Coast Jake Kolodjashnij (KD)

28. Brisbane Luke Dunstan (Mid)

29. Greater Western Sydney Tom Cutler (Def)

30. North Melbourne Jay Kennedy-Harris (Fwd)

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Muirhead buys Pietersen prize

SInvitational XI spinner James Muirhead is congratulated after taking the wicket of England's Ian Bell at the SCG. Picture: Getty Images Source: Mark Nolan / Getty Images

JAMES Muirhead couldn't wait for his opportunity to bowl to Kevin Pietersen and was rewarded with the South African-born Englishman's prized wicket as England ended day two of their match against the Invitational XI at 5/302.

Pietersen brushed off any concerns about his knee injury and raced to a half-century at the SCG on Thursday before he was caught by substitute fielder Dan Hughes off Muirhead's bowling.

Pietersen's knock of 57 included seven fours and two sixes and came off just 68 balls.

"Before the game I said to the boys I really want to bowl to Pietersen - he's the one batsman I want to bowl to," 20-year-old Muirhead said.

"Obviously he plays spin really well and I knew he'd come really hard at me so to get him out -I know I got hit for a few sixes - but I was just enjoying the moment. To get him out was really satisfying."

Muirhead, who was advised by Shane Warne to keep mentally strong bowling to Pietersen, admitting it was a daunting task.

"It was pretty daunting, but as a leg-spin bowler you've just got to accept you get hit for sixes and you've just got to stick at it, be confident in what you do and sometimes you get the rewards, like I did today."

Jonathan Trott, who top-scored for England with 83, said Pietersen didn't complain about any niggles and looks in good form.

"For me it's important to get some form, but I think Kev's pretty unique in the way he goes about his game and the way he thinks about it," Trott said.

"But it's always nice to see him at full flow and being confident even in warm up games."

Aside from Michael Carberry, who was dismissed for four, England's batsmen all cashed in on the runs and Trott says spending time at the crease in a match situation provides perfect mental preparation.

"Everyone has got a few runs, but you're not going to know what sort of knick you're in until you're in front of 40000 people at Brisbane," he said.

"So it's more about getting prepared mentally for that than the actual time in the nets. Time in the middle is important, but so is being ready mentally for the challenge."

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England, NSW and Victoria cruising

Kevin Pietersen hits on to the leg side in England's tour game versus a Cricket Australia's Invitational XI. Source: Rob Griffith / AP

Kevin Pietersen proved his fitness for next week's Ashes opener with a breezy half-century as England closed on the Cricket Australia Invitational XI's first-innings total in their tour game Thursday.

Pietersen, who had a cortisone injection for a troublesome knee earlier this week, cracked 57 runs off 71 balls as he tuned up for his 100th Test, starting in Brisbane on November 21.

Jonathan Trott (83) and skipper Alastair Cook (81) also spent valuable batting time in the middle, as England's top order fine-tuned for the first Test at the Gabba, reaching 5-302 at the close on the second day of the four-day tour match in Sydney.

At stumps, Joe Root was 26 not out and Jonny Bairstow was unbeaten on 11. England trailed by just two runs on the first innings after Steven Finn earlier staked his claim for the first Test fast bowling vacancy, finishing with five wickets for 103 to help dismiss the home side for 304 midway through the first session.

GET LIVE UPDATES FROM SACHIN TENDULKAR'S FINAL TEST HERE.

In Brisbane, Nathan Lyon made a late but impressive entrance at Allan Border Field as NSW took control of their Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland.

Lyon was kept away from the attack until the 50th over of Queensland's innings as the Bulls finished the day 9-216 in reply to NSW's 368.

The 25-year-old tweaker bowled well when given his chance, claiming the scalps of Bulls Chris Hartley (11) and Cameron Boyce (0) as he ended with figures of 2-10 from eight overs.

Former Test bowler Trent Copeland (5-49) was the main destroyer for the Blues, picking up his 10th first-class five-wicket haul to rip through the Bulls' top order.

In Adelaide, half-centuries to South Australia opening batsmen Michael Klinger and Phil Hughes wasn't enough to overshadow Ashton Agar's class with the bat for Western Australia at Adelaide Oval.

The 20-year-old Agar who made a shock Test debut in the Ashes opener at Trent Bridge in June, reminded selectors of his precocious talent as he fell heartbreakingly short of a maiden first-class century with a well-crafted 93 in the Warriors' total of 434. The left-arm spinner salvaged his side's innings along with Sam Whiteman (65) in a record 147-run seventh-wicket partnership after the visitors had sunk to 6-200 on day one.

Seamer Nathan Coulter-Nile then chipped in with quickfire 41 that included four sixes and three fours to take the visitors past the 400 mark.

But the Redbacks responsed well to see out the day at 0-148 - trailing by 286 runs - thanks to Hughes (63no) and Klinger (76no).

In Hobart, Test allrounder James Faulkner has been instructed to bowl a limited number of overs in Tasmania's Sheffield Shield match against Victoria.

Faulkner surprised by delivering just seven overs on Wednesday and 10 on day two for figures of 1-50.

But the left-armer has revealed he is being managed through the match by Cricket Australia after he was named in the squad for the first Ashes Test beginning next week.

Faulkner's limited work for the Tigers came as Victoria reached a formidable first innings 6-339 after two rain-disrupted days. Former Test gloveman Matthew Wade cracked an unbeaten 107, bringing up his seventh first-class ton with a pull shot for six over mid-wicket.

Another former Test batsman, Rob Quiney, made 82, while night watchman Scott Boland stuck around for more than four hours to make 51 from 213 balls.

Spinner Xavier Doherty was the best of the Tasmanian bowlers with 2-42 from 26 overs.

Relive all the action with updates from our reporters on the ground in our blog below.

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