RLWC better than 2008: Bennett

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THE man who masterminded New Zealand's shock victory at the last World Cup has declared the 2013 tournament "is better than 2008" and Wayne Bennett has rejected talk that it is a waste of time.

While there is justified criticism over some of the lopsided scorelines, Bennett last night said "what people have to realise is that this is not just about Australia, New Zealand and England, this is about the rest of the world.

"And this is not about now, this is about where we want the game to be in 40 years."

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Bennett was the brains behind the Kiwis' stunning upset victory over the Kangaroos in 2008 and he has no doubt in five years the developing league nations have grown significantly, directly because of their involvement in the World Cup.

"One of the reasons I took on the New Zealand job was because everyone was talking down the World Cup and in my opinion this one has been better," the seven-time premiership winning coach said.

"It is not a waste of time for the people of Fiji and everyone else who benefitted out of this. The United States. France. Italy. And that's what the World Cup is about, it is a bit bigger than the NRL, and we need to realise that."

"Fans vote with their feet and they have voted over there that they have enjoyed the concept and the quality of football.

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"Everyone that was complaining about the 5000 people who turned up for Australia's game against Ireland should realise that crowd was the biggest rugby league crowd ever in Ireland.

"Biggest ever. That's a good thing for the game.

"And so many of these games have been held in front of similar record crowds, record crowds.

"All through the north of England, in France.

"It's easy for us sitting back here to say it's a waste of time but I'm telling you it is not a waste of time for the people of Fiji and everyone else who benefitted out of this. The United States. France. Italy. And that's what the World Cup is about, it is a bit bigger than the NRL, and we need to realise that.

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"Whether it's cricket or rugby union or netball, they are all trying to make a thing of the World Cup in their different sports because it is the only way you are going to develop your sport.

"We keep taking this short-term view. It is not about the short-term here, it's long-term.

"And you're right, we know who the quality teams are now but it won't be long before someone is going to knock over one of these quality teams.

"And I talk to the players and the players have really bought into it this time and they want to represent their countries.

"In 2008 that wasn't as prevalent as it is now.

"I saw the other day Lachlan Coote, who is at the Cowboys now, says he wishes he had played for Scotland. There will be a lot more players that will take the offer next time.

"And people say it's not authentic. I know with Kade Snowden's case he had to get his grand father's birth certificate (to play for Italy).

"That is what they do for every other sport in the world, why do we always have to bag ourselves?"

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Tale of two speedsters

Patrick Corbin: "My friends just said, 'Dude, you have a pretty good arm. Why don't you just go out there and give it a shot?" Source: Jared Wickerham / Supplied

PATRICK Corbin threw his first fastball wearing jeans.

Back then, the Arizona Diamondback was still in his teens. A junior at North Syracuse High.

A first pitch towards what would eventually be deliveries challenging those of Australian cricket speedster, Mitchell Johnson.

Now starring in the Major Leagues, Corbin will today join LA Dodgers catcher AJ Ellis at the Sydney Opera House as the hype surrounding the 2014 MLB season opener, to be held at the SCG next March, gathers momentum.

Despite being famed for his slider, Corbin still has a fastball that travels at 153km/hr. In comparison, Johnson, who starts his Ashes campaign on Thursday, recently had his own fastball clocked at 154.6km/hr.

Mitchell Johnson has recently been clocked bowling at 154.6km/hr as the Ashes loom. Source: Getty Images

Yet in a recent interview, Arizona superstar Corbin admitted he never even considered a baseball career until high school.

After being dragged along to tryouts by his friends, the coach asked if he could hit. 'No,' came the reply. 'Okay, I guess we better see if you can throw then'.

"I didn't really know what the heck was going on," Corbin recalled. "My friends just said, 'Dude, you have a pretty good arm. Why don't you just go out there and give it a shot?'

"I was good friends with all of them and was like, 'What the heck?' "

"I remember walking up to pitch with jeans on."

Ironically, it was a similar story of discovery for Johnson who, at 17 and bowling in his father's golf shoes, shocked Queensland cricket officials by recording the fastest delivery in the state.

Off the field, both speedsters are also considered shy, modest and incredibly respectful.

With his signing bonus, Corbin bought a used car instead of a new one. He also still lived at home with his parent's until earlier this year and, during the offseason, officiates youth basketball games.

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Orica-GreenEDGE extend rider deals

Orica GreenEDGE rider Brett Lancaster drinks ater after the 18th stage of the Tour de France earlier this year. Source: Sarah Reed / News Limited

INVALUABLE experience and the attraction of more Grand Tour success are among the motivating factors behind Brett Lancaster and Svein Tuft's contract extensions with Orica-GreenEDGE.

Olympic and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Lancaster, 34, and Canadian Tuft, 36, agreed to new two-year deals after sharing in OGE's watershed Tour de France glories this year.

With the departures of Stuart O'Grady and Baden Cooke, Lancaster and Tuft will be tapped for leadership and endurance qualities.

Both remain world-class time-triallers, but the pair's tactical savvy is just as critical as the team pushes to convert talented young riders to world-class competitors as quickly as possible.

"I really enjoy working with the younger riders," Lancaster said. "They have good heads on their shoulders.

"Guys like Luke Durbridge are so eager and all ears. I like passing along what I've learnt and helping them out by showing them the ropes."

Lancaster's work ethic was decisive in his re-signing.

"We're very pleased to renew Brett's contract," OGE sport director Matt White said.

"He played a part in some of our biggest rides and secured some nice results for himself.

"This past year, he won a stage in Slovenia, rode consistently throughout the entire Giro with our normal sprint group, won the team time-trial at the Tour de France and was one of the strongest performers in our silver-medal ride in the team time-trial at the world championships."

Part of the world record-setting 4000m pursuit team at the 2004 Athens Olympics, Lancaster wants to finish his career with OGE.

"I have another two years signed, but in my head I want do three more before I call it quits when I'm 37," Lancaster said.

"Five years with GreenEDGE would be a dream.

"The choice (to extend) was simple. I wanted to stay on the team. I wasn't really thinking about going anywhere else. The last two years have been very memorable. I've achieved some incredible things. I'm looking forward to another two years with GreenEDGE.

"The Tour this year was pretty awesome.

"Winning the team time-trial and standing on the podium with all the boys was really special.

"The team's owner, Gerry Ryan, and his son Andrew were there to witness it all. That was definitely the highlight - the highlight from two years with many, many memorable moments."

Eight-time Canadian time-trial champion Tuft again showed remarkable strength in a variety of roles.

He won the individual time-trial at the Tour of San Luis in Argentina and Tour of Slovenia before joining Durbridge in a record-breaking ride at the Duo Normand two-man team time-trial in France.

And he was hugely effective in OGE's Tour de France team time-trial triumph in Nice.

"Svein is one of the rocks in our team," White said.

"He's one of the most reliable guys we've got. He's a super teammate who is also very accomplished in his own right.

"It's great news that Sveino wants to retire with us. He's a big benefit to all the younger guys on the team - to everyone, for that matter."

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Watson still hoping to bowl in Test

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SHANE Watson managed six gentle deliveries at training yesterday, raising hopes that he may be able to bowl in the first Test, beginning at Brisbane's Gabba on Thursday.

However, his contribution with the ball will be so limited because of his latest hamstring drama, if it happens at all, spinner Nathan Lyon may be forced to sacrifice his own game and tie up an end.

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That Lyon is in the side at all is a show of faith from the selectors, which has not always been forthcoming given he was omitted at stages during Australia's most recent series in India and England this year.

Australian physiotherapist Alex Kountouris claimed that Watson was going well with his rehab.

"He did a little bit of bowling today, so that's in the infancy, but he's going well at the moment," Kountouris said.

"Obviously the Test is a long game, so we're building him up to bowl whenever he's ready to go.

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"So if it's this Test, that's great. If it's a bit longer, then that's how it's going to be."

Michael Clarke is an attacking captain who likes to use his spinners in that vein.

However, Lyon can see occasions where that may not be possible.

"If it's turning a lot I'll be a more attacking bowling, but if it's not turning as much and if it's seaming I might be thrown the ball to do a containing-and-holding role so we can rotate our fast men for the other end and try to create some pressure," Lyon said.

"I'm happy to do whatever role it takes for Australia to win a Test match. I'm all for the team, I don't care who's taking the wickets.

"If Ryan Harris takes five and six wickets, I take none for the game and we win the Test match, I'm over the moon. I'm happy with whatever role Michael Clarke comes up with, and hopefully I'll be able to take that and help get wickets from both ends."

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While all the talk at the Gabba is of fast bowlers, Lyon has a good record there, claiming 11 wickets in two Tests at just 24 apiece.

He is one of just three off-spinners who have taken more than eight wickets at the ground in their career.

The others are former West Indian world record wickets holder Lance Gibbs (14) and former Australian captain Ian Johnson (12).

"I really enjoy bowling at the Gabba, you are able to get a lot more bounce compared to other pitches around the country," Lyon said.

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Link reaction took a bit of time

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WALLABIES coach Ewen McKenzie says it took days for him to establish the facts of the alcohol-fuelled night out by his players in Dublin last week, so he could not have suspended them from last week's Test against Ireland.

McKenzie held a press conference at the Wallabies' Edinburgh hotel on Monday to explain his reasons for suspending six players for one match each, and officially warning nine others.

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Five players; Adam Ashley-Cooper, Nick Cummins, Benn Robinson, Tatafu Polota-Nau and Liam Gill, will miss this week's Test against Scotland while Paddy Ryan will miss next week's Test against Wales.

Immediately questions were raised about why McKenzie did not stand the players down from last week's Test against Ireland, which is generally considered a tougher challenge than this weekend's match against the Scots.

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"When I was confronted with a number of names, I spent all Thursday and Friday establishing the facts and details," McKenzie said.

"I tried to work out where I would go.

"I delayed the decision because I had so many people to speak to.

"In this process I have got to be fair and just, I believe we have been.

"If I could have acted quicker, I would have.

"This sort of stuff is a massive distraction, I have spent far too long on this."

The players went out in separate groups for dinner, and some then decided to carry on at other bars, not returning to the team hotel until the early hours of Wednesday morning.

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McKenzie said there were no public complaints made about their behaviour during the night, but expressed frustration with the wayward players after having spoken to them about off-field expectations the week before they arrived in Dublin.

Dave Dennis, Kane Douglas, Saia Fainga'a, Bernard Foley and Nick Phipps have been given written warnings, while Scott Fardy, Mike Harris, Ben McCalman and Nic White received verbal warnings from McKenzie.

Wallabeers: six of the best banned for a Test, nine more disciplined following boozy night out

"I am disappointed in all of them, I don't think I've lacked clarity," McKenzie said.

"I made it clear to individuals about what is acceptable.

"It was a bad night for us, a bunch of bad decisions were made.

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"The guys can have a glass of wine with dinner, that's always been the case.

"Some players made the decision the dinner would go on a lot longer, and involve a few more drinks.

"We were unhappy with the decision-making of some of our players.

"There is nothing sinister [about the night out], this is us judging ourselves.

"The decisions were poor and not in keeping with the focus of the team.

"We're in the business of developing a successful team for a long while.

"The easiest thing in this situation is to do nothing, I've been involved in sport for a long time, but to do nothing will give us mediocrity."

McKenzie is attempting to reform the culture of a side that has won just five Tests all year, and fallen from No.2 to No.4 in the world rankings in the past 12 months.

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CA back-flips on banning Poms

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CRICKET Australia has back-flipped on a plan to ban Alastair Cook's Ashes squad from using its $29 million National Cricket Centre, which will be opened in Brisbane today.

Senior Cricket Australia officials were initially hoping to place the centre off limits to the English squad, who arrive in Brisbane on Sunday for Thursday week's first Test at the Gabba.

But with the ever-present fear that Australian teams could get a rough deal when they wanted to use England's National Cricket Academy in Loughborough and the acceptance that other nations are technically allowed to use the venue, Australia decided it would not object to England using the Centre if it is not booked.

But here's the catch - it is booked, very heavily.

England's cricketers have arrived in Sydney ahead of their tour match before the Ashes opener.

So far the English squad, who land in Brisbane on Sunday, have not requested use of the venue though schedules often change in Brisbane's fickle weather.

Cricket Australia performance boss Pat Howard said "anyone could use the venue" but added "the Australian team is the priority".

"Queensland Cricket would come after that," Howard said.

"There is not a lot of availability at the moment. There is no real space left. There are bits and pieces but I sense they will go to Australian teams.

"Australian cricket has to work hand in hand (with England) here but we have not had an approach. It is a joint venture but obviously Australian cricket comes first.

"It is first in best dressed. The Australian team have been getting ourselves ready for a long period over here. We know our times and structures.

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"Half the team is getting ready up here already so you are going to have a fairly strong group getting prepared early."

The NCC, to be opened by Queensland Premier Campbell Newman, features an indoor training centre with several simulated match surfaces designed to help players refine their skills on pace and spin-friendly wickets.

A new rehabilitation centre features a three-lane, 25-metre lap pool, a hot and cold plunge pool, three medical consulting rooms, a physio treatment area and a gymnasium with an anti-gravity treadmill.

Cricket Australia's High Performance staff will operate out of the new building that will also include two lecture theatres, one named after Ricky Ponting.

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Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland said the National Cricket Centre will provide the support Australian cricketers need to shine on the world stage.

"Our vision is for cricket to be Australia's favourite sport and a sport for all Australians," Sutherland said.

"There are many things we need to do to achieve that. Men's and women's teams that are on top of the world game are key to Australian cricket's popularity.

"This new facility will help us with that objective, through its work supporting the champions of today and tomorrow."

Test great Greg Chappell said the NCC would be a bonus for Australia.

"We have a really good understanding of how to use these facilities now," Chappell said.

"The place for the NCC is adding value to what already exists. It is a wonderful addition to the development pathway for Australian cricket. These sorts of centres can only do the one per centers though."

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Injured Messi out for two months

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LIONEL Messi has been ruled for out up to two months after tearing his hamstring in Barcelona's La Liga match against Real Betis on Sunday.

The Argentine international was replaced in the 19th minute of the 4-1 win over Betis at the Benito Vilamarin stadium, and Barcelona's club doctors revealed early Tuesday (AEST) that tests revealed a tear to his left leg.

"The club's medical services confirmed after tests this Monday morning that Leo Messi has a torn hamstring muscle in his left thigh and is expected to miss the next 6 to 8 weeks," Barcelona said in a statement.

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Messi has suffered three injuries already this season. The four-time World Player of the Year missed a week after bruising his thigh in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup against Atletico Madrid against Atletico Madrid on August 21. The forward was also out for three weeks after a small muscle tear in his right thigh in the league match against Almeria on September 28.

Despite the injury setbacks and a four-game streak without scoring, Messi has still managed 14 goals in 16 matches this season.

After Sunday's match, Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino said Messi's injury troubles were not related and his absence could never be used as en excuse for the team to not perform.

"We have the best player in the world, but we also have four or five of the next six or seven best players in the world," Martino said. "Therefore, as a coach, the absence of Messi should never be used as an excuse for not winning.

"The injury to Messi doesn't have anything to do with the previous ones because it is in the other leg."

Despite losing Messi with the score still at 0-0, Barca cruised to victory as two goals in two minutes from Neymar and Pedro Rodriguez put them 2-0 up at the break.

The first phase of Messi's recovery will be covered in Barcelona, the club said, and he will then travel to Buenos Aires for further treatment.

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Smith not thinking about Sonny

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KANGAROOS captain Cameron Smith says Australia can't afford to worry about what the Kiwis and Sonny Bill Williams are doing at the World Cup as the two powerhouses of the tournament head towards an inevitable showdown.

The two heavyweight nations of international rugby league have once again been the standout performers over the opening pool matches and England appear to be the only other side capable of ruining the dream final.

The Kangaroos lost to the Kiwis in 2008 and again in the 2010 Four Nations and for many of the senior players in the Australian side this will be their final chance for revenge.

Australia will again go into this Saturday's quarter final against the United States at just about unbackable odds - but Smith was adamant the Kangaroos would not treat the Tomahawks with disrespect.

Sonny Bill Williams of New Zealand. Source: Getty Images

"The thing about this side is that we don't underestimate anybody we play," Smith said.

"Although we'll come in as red hot favourites against most teams, we don't underestimate any opposition we're playing against and we show the respect they deserve.

"I think that's the reason why we've played so well the last couple of weeks.

"It hasn't been the best of conditions that we've played in. We haven't really had a good track to play on.

"In Cardiff blokes were slipping all over the place. Last week and (against Ireland) was wet.

"But we've still played some pretty good football. We've controlled the ball really well.

"I think in all three matches we've had a completion rate in the 80s so we're just trying to build for the big matches.

"We want to continue what we've done in the last few weeks over the next few weeks."

And while everything looks to be heading towards a clash of the titans in the final at Old Trafford on November 30, Smith said the Kangaroos need to focus not on the Kiwis but improving their own game.

He said he had watched some of New Zealand's early pool performances and it was obvious Williams was their strike weapon - just like he was with the Roosters on their charge to premiership glory in the NRL.

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"We've seen a bit of the game against PNG. They played really well, they've got a great side," Smith said.

"They played strong and physical through the middle.

"Obviously they're trying to get the ball to Sonny Bill Williams as much as they can and he's done a fair bit of damage there.

"We're not too worried about them at the moment.

"If we meet them it's going to be in a grand final of this tournament so we'll just worry about getting ourselves right for this week.

"Everyone wants to be involved in the World Cup final so whoever we come up against, they'll be hungry and we can't get ahead of ourselves trying to think about New Zealand, if they're going to be there, how they're going to play, how we're going to play against them.

"We've just got to worry about who we're playing."

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Unsettled conditions all round

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ENGLAND'S Ashes preparation continues to be unsettled by injuries and the weather, with Kevin Pietersen needing to prove his fitness at training today.

If England's star performer cannot bat without discomfort in the nets this morning he will not be chosen for the last warm-up game, a four-day match against an invitation XI at the SCG starting tomorrow.

That would leave Pietersen with just 10 balls of match batting in the lead-up to the first Test at the Gabba, beginning on Thursday week.

He is not a certainty for the Test either after requiring a cortisone injection for a knee injury last Sunday in Melbourne.

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Wicket-keeper Matt Prior has already been ruled out of the tour match after scans revealed a low grade tear of his left calf suffered in last week's washed out match against Australia A in Hobart.

The England vice-captain has also spent limited time at the crease and will need to prove his fitness before playing in the Test.

Reserve wicket-keeper batsman Jonny Bairstow will replace Prior in this match,

Not only is England's side unsettled, the Cricket Australia invitation XI they will play has become a revolving door spinning off its axis.

West Australian Adam Voges will be ruled out today with a back injury, while spinner Steve O'Keefe has been called back into the NSW team to play the Sheffield Shield match against Queensland in Brisbane, beginning tomorrow.

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Earlier yesterday CA announced that Usman Khawaja had been released back to Queensland and Phil Hughes back to South Australia, in a swap for Callum Ferguson into the invitation XI.

NSW was going to lose exciting young batsman Nic Maddinson but he is also now in the Shield team.

Originally England was to play a NSW second XI but an angry England Cricket Board demanded greater competition so a gun batsman was summarily plucked from each state, turning the team into the CA capitulation XI.

Now half the original invitational players are unlikely to front.

And bad weather continues to follow England. After more than two days of the Australia A game were washed out, it has been pouring in Sydney since England arrived on Sunday.

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The tourists were forced to train indoors yesterday and the forecast is no better for today, but there is hope that the sun will return for the opening day of the match tomorrow.

England batsman Ian Bell described his team's injury situation as "not ideal."

"It's disappointing ... Matt is a key part of our success over the last few years and obviously we want him recovered as quick as possible.

"But there's still a bit of time. Matt has got himself in fantastic condition for this tour and he'll be very good with his rehab so we've got every faith that he'll be be fully fit for Brisbane."

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Wife feared the worst for Slater

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BILLY Slater's wife Nicole has defended her husband in the wake of a nightclub attack, saying the Kangaroos superstar could have been killed after being king hit.

Slater was detained by police in Manchester after the alleged attack in the early hours of Monday morning but he was later released without being charged.

A police spokesman said Slater was the victim of a king hit and that he only defended himself.

Slater's wife posted this emotional message on Instagram:

"Someone thought it was ok to punch my husband in the face, because he thought he pushed in line. If he had king hit him and killed him I would have to raise my 2 kids alone. What has this world come to? I have already lost dad. Makes me sick. Think before u act, there is a family behind everyone. And your actions in that 2 sec can change people's lives 4 ever. This has to stop."

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Manchester police confirmed Slater had done nothing wrong and was returning to the nightclub to collect his jacket when the attack occurred at about 2.40am.

It is understood Slater was talking to the doorman and the man behind him was having an argument with the staff member from Mojo's nightclub and then turned his attention on Slater.

The police spokesman said the man punched Slater in the face and it was only after that Slater defended himself, knocking the man backwards.

Police detained both men for several hours but Slater was released without being charged and was told he could press charges.

A police spokesman said: "One of the men threw a punch at the other, so the victim retaliated and punched him back in self-defence."

Slater did not return to the team motel until after 8am when he was taken via a back entrance to his room.

The Kangaroos team management would not comment on the incident but released a statement.

"After reviewing CCTV footage of a scuffle outside a Manchester nightclub, police have determined that Slater was the victim who then acted in self-defence and has informed him of his right to press charges," a spokesman said.

"Billy was returning to the venue to collect his jacket that he left behind when he was attacked."

The Kangaroos trained yesterday afternoon but Slater was given the afternoon off.

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