I don’t need Locky’s help, says Milford

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ANTHONY Milford will resist issuing an SOS for Broncos legend Darren Lockyer as he braces for a derby showdown with Cowboys champion Johnathan Thurston.

Milford's stance came as The Courier-Mail learned of Broncos coach Wayne Bennett's plan to ignite his rookie pivot in Friday night's Queensland blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium.

Milford idolised Lockyer as a teenager and the Queensland legend's offer to mentor him this season was the trump card that sealed his defection from Canberra to Brisbane.

But as he prepares for the biggest test of his embryonic career this week, Milford revealed he was determined not to rely on Lockyer to succeed in the decorated Broncos No. 6 jumper.

Lockyer has had just one face-to-face session with Milford in four months and while Milford has enormous respect for Lockyer's football brain, he wants to fire at five-eighth on his terms — starting against Thurston in his maiden Queensland derby.

"I feel I can get by without him (Lockyer)," Milford said.

Anthony Milford is determined not to rely on Darren Lockyer to succeed at the Broncos. Source: News Corp Australia

"I would never say no to advice from people, especially someone as great as Locky, and if it's negative or positive I will accept it, but I want to try and do it my way.

"Locky is always around but we have done just one kicking session so far.

"If I needed help, I would ask for it but, to be honest, I have senior boys around me and (halves partner) Benny Hunt helps me out."

Milford struggled against Souths in the season-opener and he is still clearly searching for his mojo in attack after making four errors in Brisbane's 10-2 defeat of Cronulla last Friday night.

Despite calls from premiership-winning former coach Phil Gould to shift Milford to fullback, Bennett will back the Maroons under-20s star to flourish at five-eighth.

The Courier-Mail can reveal Bennett's blueprint to spark Milford. The coach wants his young-gun recruit to play with more depth in attack, which would afford Milford extra time with his option-taking and game management.

Darren Lockyer and Wayne Bennett chat at Broncos training. Source: News Corp Australia

The 20-year-old will also be ordered to play more direct at the Cowboys after being guilty of drifting across field against the Sharks, making him easy pickings for the Cronulla defence.

Bennett also wants Milford to back himself by roaming on either side of Brisbane's rucks, instead of fixing himself to one attacking corridor.

"I would like to see Anthony run," Bennett said.

"He played better (against Cronulla) than he did the previous week. He was more involved. I saw some good signs and that's what I'm looking for … continued improvement.

"I'm not looking for miracles overnight from Anthony or anyone else."

Milford is not daunted by the Thurston challenge and says he won't be surrendering his five-eighth responsibilities.

"I want to stay there. I want to make the position mine long-term, but in saying that I know I have work to do," he said.

"This is a huge test for me. Thurston is the best player in the world, so I have to do a lot of homework on him and try and shut him out of the game."

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Cowboys to dish it out after JT attacks

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THE NRL season threatens to degenerate into thugby league unless officials crack down on the illegal targeting of star playmakers.

North Queensland players privately regret not fighting back against their Newcastle rivals following a series of attacks on Johnathan Thurston which even Knights legend Andrew Johns described as "cheap shots".

It is understood Cowboys players will not hold back next time one of their own is targeted illegally and believe going to the sin bin is worth it to protect one of their own.

Thurston was illegally crunched three times in the Cowboys' loss to the Knights on Saturday, leaving coach Paul Green and the playing group seething.

Thurston had fluid drained from around his left eye to reduce swelling caused by a Jeremy Smith knee to the head.

A battered Jonathan Thurston after the loss to the Knights. Source: News Corp Australia

When Thurston was tackled in the 26th minute, Smith's knee clearly drove into his face yet the Knights backrower was not placed on report.

Smith's fellow enforcer Beau Scott smashed Thurston's ribs with a late shot in the first half which was placed on report.

Scott and Chris Houston also combined to drive Thurston head first into the ground with a dangerous throw in the second half that was also placed on report.

To further highlight what appeared to be a clear plan by the Knights, Thurston received a series of face massages during the game.

The Cowboys' pack knew their half was being thumped out of the contest but could only stand back and watch it happen because throwing a punch would have resulted in an automatic sin bin. Yet Scott was able to smash Thurston off the ball and throw him head first to the ground without a sin bin being an option.

"The Beau Scott one ... there's about 10 guys in the competition who do this every week, when the ballplayer goes to the line and passes they wait a second, when the player's relaxed, they hit them in the kidneys, the ribs, when they are not expecting it," Johns said on The Sunday Footy Show.

"It is a cheap shot as far as I am concerned."

Johnathan Thurston lies on the ground after a hit. Source: News Corp Australia

Thurston will be available for the Cowboys blockbuster with the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium this Friday.

Winger Justin O'Neill is in danger of missing the clash due to concussion.

O'Neill's head was slammed by Knights prop Kade Snowden in a tackle that could attract either a head slam or dangerous throw charge.

A fuming Green said officials needed to protect his players better but his comments will not attract a reprimand from the NRL.

"They're supposed to be making the game safe," he said.

"I felt that he was certainly targeted by the opposition.

"It's pretty well known that those guys (Scott and Smith) are good at it.

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"Years ago, if that sort of thing happened, your teammates would deal with it on the field.

"Now they clearly want to go in a direction where that doesn't happen anymore.

"They take it out of our hands, as in the players' hands, through trying to make the game safe. If that's the way they want the game to go then someone needs to protect players.

"His eye is just about closed and he's a guy who wears head gear as well."

Newcastle coach Rick Stone defended his players' actions as being "competitive".

"It's our job to compete hard. You've got to compete for the 80 minutes if you're going to take the points out of Townsville,'' he said.

Cowboys co-captain Matt Scott was fuming post-match.

"They talk about protecting the players and yet we see someone like Johnno getting treated like that."

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Walker states case for Broncos return

Chris Walker on the charge for the Jets. Source: Glenn Barnes / News Corp Australia

CHRIS Walker remains adamant a return to the Broncos is not beyond him after the former Origin star turned back the clock to inspire Ipswich's defeat of Townsville in the Intrust Super Cup.

With Broncos coach Wayne Bennett watching on, the 35-year-old Walker reprised his blistering speed to ensure the Jets stunned the Blackhawks 36-24 in a thriller at North Ipswich Reserve.

In his second game out of retirement, Walker quickly found his feet, opening the scoring when he got outside his man and sliced through the Townsville defence.

The solo effort sparked a blitzkrieg that saw the Jets bolt to a 26-0 half-time lead before the Blackhawks came surging home to whittle the deficit to 26-20.

But Walker returned to haunt the newcomers, having a hand in the try to centre partner Nemani Valekapa which gave the Jets an unassailable 30-20 lead.

Chris Walker scores a try for the Ipswich Jets. Source: News Corp Australia

Walker first revealed his desire for a Broncos return to The Courier-Mail a fortnight ago and his impressive start to the year has done nothing to dull his impossible dream.

Bennett was on hand to watch out-of-favour Daniel Vidot and rising star Carlin Anderson, but Walker urged the master coach to keep one eye on him.

"Without sounding big-headed, I think I can play NRL again," said the 163-game NRL veteran who has now scored 58 tries from 50 Intrust Super Cup games.

"I watch a lot of rugby league and I see what the kids are doing out there and I believe I can still hold my own against them.

"I haven't spoken to Wayne Bennett, I don't want to be like that. My focus first is getting back my timing for the Ipswich Jets and if I do that, who knows what can happen?"

Chris Walker is confident he can still mix it in the NRL. Source: News Corp Australia

Walker said it was a relief to open his account as the Jets claimed their first win of the season after last week's 18-16 loss to Wynnum Manly. He ensured the Blackhawks crashed back to earth after launching their competition debut with a drubbing of Mackay.

"It was nice to get across the tryline, that was a monkey off the back," he said.

"My body feels unbelievable. Some people look at you and think you feel old at 35, but I honestly don't feel a day over 25.

"I feel just as good now as I did 10 years ago. Age is a mental thing. Obviously, people say you can't do it at 35, but guys like Steve Menzies and Petero Civoniceva showed you can play NRL into your mid-30s."

In other Intrust Super Cup matches on Sunday, Wynnum beat Easts 18-14, Norths were too good for Burleigh 20-12 and the Papua New Guinea Hunters toppled Redcliffe 30-26.

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Titans’ accused must state case to return

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GOLD Coast's cocaine five could be ordered to front the Titans board to personally state why they deserve to immediately return to the NRL as the three-week stalemate moves closer to a resolution.

Titans chief executive Graham Annesley is hopeful for a swift resolution to a saga that has raged since February 20 over the playing futures of their five players on cocaine charges, but has not ruled out demanding they individually front the board this week.

Lawyer for four of the five accused players, Campbell MacCallum, told The Courier-Mail the players were quietly confident of being reinstated this week and were thankful club-appointed Sydney lawyer Tony Bannon SC would help decide their immediate playing futures.

Bannon is due to provide recommendations as early as Monday, at which point Annesley will convene with the Titans board to discuss potential reinstatement to club duties.

"The board have to determine exactly where they go next with it and if they perhaps have to meet with the players or not based on the advice," Annesley said on Sunday night.

"The reason we are seeking advice is to get an expert's opinion and we just don't know what it will include.

"As soon as I get the advice I will touch base with the board and determine how they want to proceed from there."

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The Titans return to training on Tuesday in preparation for Sunday's home clash with Newcastle and skipper Nate Myles said he was desperate to get the players, including rep stars Greg Bird and Dave Taylor, back among the team as soon as possible.

"As friends I would love to see them back and doing what they love. That would be the best thing for them," Myles said.

"It is our employment, that's what these guys do for living and I'm hoping it's sooner than later that they are allowed to do what they do for a living.

"It's a different feeling (playing without them). It's hard to describe it to someone outside the club.

"There is a lot of stuff out of our control and a lot of stuff I shouldn't comment on, but what I can say is we have a group more than capable of winning games."

MacCallum said the suspended players had made special mention of the ongoing support by coach Neil Henry, who has repeatedly stated he wanted the players back at the club.

"They will make a decision on Monday hopefully," MacCallum said.

"The players and myself are actually happy the board have engaged an independent lawyer to act on the material.

"Now the players know their cases are being taken seriously and it will be decided by a senior lawyer.

"They feel more confident now the board is engaging outside help to consult on the decision.

"There must be a presumption of innocence."

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Foran to tell teammates of Eels deal

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AN emotional Kieran Foran is ­expected to call his Manly teammates together at 10am Monday to ­finally — and formally — reveal he is leaving the club.

The Daily Telegraph understands that Foran's announcement to Sea Eagles players will then lead to new club Parramatta issuing a press statement on Monday afternoon boasting of his recruitment.

It will end months of speculation and rumour about where Foran will play next season.

Foran agreed to terms with ­Parramatta last Thursday, with the four-year contract now secured and official.

Humble and well-mannered, Foran has dreaded having to tell his Manly teammates that he is leaving, especially long-term friends Brett Stewart, Matt Ballin, Steve Matai and Jamie Lyon.

But Monday is D-day. Manly ­players are aware he is leaving but haven't officially been told.

It will be a difficult moment for Foran, who has achieved everything while wearing Manly's famous colours.

Kieran Foran will join Daly Cherry-Evans in leaving Manly. Source: News Corp Australia

The Daily Telegraph understands Parramatta did not include a clause in the Foran deal stating he could leave should coach Brad ­Arthur be sacked.

Foran is an avid fan of Arthur's coaching ability.

All the additional clauses in the Eels' deal have been signed off and a public announcement is the final process. Eels members will be told first via an email.

Given he is still contracted to Manly for this year, Foran will not appear at a Parramatta press conference.

It is understood Foran has ­already told some members of Manly management of his decision.

Parramatta had wanted to ­announce the deal earlier to avoid the ongoing scrutiny and innuendo.

But Foran's management wasn't keen on releasing any contract ­details before Manly's game against Melbourne at Brookvale Oval last Saturday night.

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Daly Cherry-Evans was criticised for having his contract negotiations played out in public, and for ­announcing his decision to move to the Titans straight after Manly's round one loss.

Manly have until round 13 to try to persuade Foran to renege on the deal. Foran is a man of honour and it's highly unlikely he would sign with Parramatta and then want the contract torn up.

Parramatta haven't attracted a gun player to their club in his absolute prime — like Foran is — for years. Anthony Watmough is a marquee player but "Choc" is 31 years old.

Foran is currently out with a hamstring injury.

Parramatta have some more bad news on the injury front. Centre Beau Champion has a knee injury and looks certain to be sidelined for the season.

Winger Semi Radradra also has a knee injury and could be out for up to eight weeks.

Halfback Chris Sandow has an ankle injury but could play in this Saturday's match against New ­Zealand at Mount Smart Stadium.

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Monday Buzz: Will NRL open war chest for Burgess

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THERE is one big question that needs to be answered about Manly's bid to sign South Sydney's grand final hero Sam Burgess.

Will NRL boss Dave Smith dip into his ''discretionary funds'' to help them?

The same Dave Smith who gave the Gold Coast Titans the money to pinch superstar halfback Daly Cherry-Evans from Brookvale.

This fund was set up to keep the best players in the NRL.

It's why Souths and Greg Inglis' manager Alan Gainey are banging on Smith's door looking for several hundred thousand to stop the champion fullback going overseas.

It's also why a number of clubs are closely monitoring how and when Smith opens his chequebook.

Sam Burgess is a genuine superstar and just as big a personality player as Inglis. It was a huge blow when he chose to join Bath in English rugby.

Dave Smith could dip into his ''discretionary funds'' to help Manly's Sam Burgess bid. Source: DailyTelegraph

Our sources in the UK say he is desperately missing life back in Australia, his mum and his brothers.

Souths could not possibly fit him back under the salary cap now they have picked up Glenn Stewart and Tim Grant, and upgraded Dylan Walker, Adam Reynolds, Luke Keary and other grand final stars.

Rugby league needs a strong Manly on the northern peninsula.

Who else are we going to hate — or at least dislike.

Smith should, without delay, begin moves to get Burgess back into the NRL.

Manly has a rich history with champion Great Britain forwards. Mal Reilly, Phil Lowe, Kevin Ward and Steve Norton were all awesome players.

Burgess would be a perfect fit and it's up to the NRL to help them make it happen.

THE NEXT BRETT STEWART

MANLY has a sensational young fullback to eventually replace the Prince of Brookvale, Brett Stewart. Next time Manly are playing, get there early to watch Tom Trbojevic in Holden Cup.

He is just 19 and a local junior from Mona Vale Raiders.

In round one against Parramatta, Trbojevic scored four tries and set up three others.

Against Melbourne on Saturday night he scored three tries and set up two others.

That's seven tries in two games.

Tom Trbojevic is a rising star for the Sea Eagles. Source: News Corp Australia

SEND-OFF A THING OF PAST

The send-off rule appears to have been totally abandoned. In round one, Junior Paulo made a tackle so bad he was suspended for NINE weeks but stayed on the field.

Mitchell Moses made a head-high tackle against the Titans that would even have been a send-off offence in the wild old '70s and '80s.

On Saturday night in Townsville, Beau Scott should have been sent off for his tackle on Johnathan Thurston. It was a shocker.

Are we waiting for another broken neck or a broken jaw?

The biggest problem is referees boss Tony Archer refuses to concede he is ever wrong.

Coaches are not allowed to question him.

It's time Todd Greenberg told the referees boss to tell whistleblowers to start enforcing the rules on foul play.

Danny Wicks was strong in his Parramatta debut. Source: News Corp Australia

Wicks making up for those five lost years

DANNY Wicks' return to the NRL after five years in exile could not have been more impressive.

In just 37 minutes on Friday night, Wicks made an astonishing 150m, more than any other player on the park - even the forwards who played 80 minutes.

With more game time in coming weeks, Wicks could finish up as one of the bargain buys of the ­season. He is on only a one-year contract with the club.

Sea Eagles show heart in gutsy victory

THERE is no club in rugby league with as much heart as Manly.

Whenever they appear down and out, whenever we hear of internal drama, whenever we hear Geoff Toovey can't coach they produce something extra special like ­Saturday night at Brookvale and prove us all wrong.

On form from the opening round loss to the Eels they couldn't possibly beat a Storm featuring the big three … or so we all thought.

Every single player did the Manly jersey proud.

Manly players celebrate during their win over Melbourne Storm. Source: News Corp Australia

●●●

KIERAN Foran will no doubt be a great signing for the Parramatta Eels but where does it leave the current number six Corey Norman.

He was outstanding on Friday night in a losing side against the Bulldogs. We will not see a better pass all season than the one he threw just before half-time for Semi Radradra to score in the corner.

HIGHLIGHT

George Burgess' barnstorming performance against the Roosters confirmed he is now the best front-rower in the world. Great game, great live TV but shame about the poor crowd of only 27,000.

HIGHLIGHT II

The new super screens at Allianz Stadium for Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar to give the game a better experience than those in their lounge rooms.

LOWLIGHT

The depressing form of the Sharks in the opening two rounds. The effort is there but the attack lacks any cohesion or creativity. The Sharks have now lost nine in a row at home. Their last win at Remondis Stadium was Round 8 against Penrith on April 26 last year. And that ladies and gentlemen is 330 days ago.

LOWLIGHT II

The terrible refereeing performance of Jared Maxwell at Brookvale Oval. If he is not dropped to NSW Cup, Tony Archer needs to be punted himself.

BACK IN FORM

Former Kangaroos prop Kade Snowden produce his best and most forceful game in three years in Townsville on Saturday night and looked far more like an Origin front-rower than his opposite James Tamou.

WORKAHOLIC

Sharks skipper Paul Gallen played like an absolute machine against the Broncos finishing with 225 metres and 43 tackles. Andrew McCullough had an unbelievable workrate too, finishing with 61 tackles for the Broncos.

ALL AN ACT

The NRL's obstruction rule is still a farce. Players can simply take a dive and the try is disallowed. On Saturday in Bathurst, Panthers prop Brent Kite bumped into Ryan James. It wouldn't have knocked your columnist over. James put on an Academy Award-winning fall, the video ref fell for it and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak's try was disallowed.

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Cheap, dirty tactics won’t stop JT

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THE NRL match review committee needs to view the charges on Knights players as part of a pattern of premeditated tactics aiming at intimidating Johnathan Thurston and reducing his influence on a match.

The committee will probably see these as three separate incidents, but the repeated, heavy contacts on Thurston underline that the skilful playmakers in the NRL need more protection from the referees.

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Playmakers are habitually targeted in various methods, but what the Knights forwards collectively threw at Thurston should be unacceptable to the NRL.

For everyone who hates seeing players tackled headfirst into the ground, there is hope that Beau Scott will receive a grading on Monday — and subsequent suspension — severe enough to provide a deterrent for the entire competition.

An image from Saturday's game shows Scott hitting Thurston late. Source: Supplied

Scott was able to accept a grade one dangerous throw charge, avoiding suspension, for his role in the tackle with Blues teammate Josh Reynolds on Brent Tate in the first State of Origin game last year.

That would affect the loading of any charge he received over the lifting tackle on Thurston by Knights Scott and Chris Houston.

The decisions of referees to put on report both the lifting tackle and also Scott's late tackle on Thurston was standard procedure, but does not provide any "in game'' deterrent. Newcastle flew home with two competition points.

Scott was also put on report for a lifting tackle on Thurston. Source: Supplied

I'm not sure how the Knights could go about defending Scott's late tackle on Thurston in the first half in Townsville should it go to the judiciary.

Scott delivered a late, forceful tackle with his shoulder into the ribs of Thurston, knocking him to the ground.

Billy Slater said on Channel 9 that late tackles on playmakers is the No. 1 problem in the game, which is a valuable player's eye view of how common these are.

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Playmakers, and former Test skipper Brad Fittler named Cooper Cronk as one, are passing more often before the line of advantage because they are wary of being late tackled and injured. This, in turn, makes their playmaking slightly easier to defend against (which suits the opposing coach just fine).

If Knights coach Rick Stone did not send his forwards out with a plan to repeatedly and intentionally make contact with Thurston then he has a team ignoring his instructions after just two games.

Jeremy Smith can be seen kneeing Thurston in the head. Source: Supplied

Stone said the tackling and pressure exerted on Thurston was "just part and parcel of competing hard''.

The lifting tackle by Scott and Houston was a little reminiscent of the one by Josh Reynolds and Scott in the opening Origin match of 2014.

Houston's lift of Thurston is, to be clear, is nowhere near as pronounced as Reynolds's was of Tate (that one ended up being a 360 degree flip).

Scott finished off both tackles.

The Cowboys, who have scar tissue from their recent treatment from NRL officialdom, will fear this outcome today from the match review: no Knight is charged, but Thurston is charged for a tackle in which he caught Akuila Uate across the face as the Newcastle winger was slipping to ground.

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The knockout stage: what you need to know

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THE group stage is done and dusted, and now we're down to the business end of the Cricket World Cup.

Keen to find out exactly how it all works from here on in? Curious about the key match ups in all the quarter-finals?

Find out in our ultimate guide to the World Cup knockout stage, or check out our Cricket World Cup INTERACTIVE DRAW.

ROAD TO WORLD CUP FINAL

Quarter-finals

Wed 18 March – QF3 - Sri Lanka (A3) v South Africa (B2), Sydney Cricket Ground

Thu 19 March – QF4 - Bangladesh (A4) v India (B1), Melbourne Cricket Ground

Fri 20 March – QF2 - Australia (A2) v Pakistan (B3), Adelaide Oval

Sat 21 March – QF1 - New Zealand (A1) v West Indies (B4), Wellington Regional Stadium

Australia will be expecting big things from James Faulkner (L) and David Warner (R) in the high-pressure moments. Source: News Corp Australia

Semi-finals

Tue 24 March – SF1 - Winner QF1 (NZ v WI) v Winner QF3 (SL v SA), Eden Park, Auckland

Thu 26 March – SF2 - Winner QF2 (Aus v Pak) v Winner QF4 (Ban v Ind), SCG, Sydney

Final

Sun 29 March – Melbourne Cricket Ground

THE QUARTER-FINALS - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

South Africa v Sri Lanka, March 18, Sydney Cricket Ground

Synopsis: South Africa's ability to handle the pressure in major tournaments is again being called into question after the surprise loss to Pakistan last week. The Proteas have an easy task against UAE before a likely quarter-final against Sri Lanka, a team that was certainly no pushover against Australia last weekend. South Africa would go into this clash as favourites but the form guide suggests the teams are pretty evenly matched.

Last five games (winners): SL, SL, SA, SL, SA

World Cup head-to-head: Played 4, South Africa 2, Sri Lanka 1, Tie 1

Sri Lanka finished the group stage with a big win over Scotland. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones. Source: News Corp Australia

India v Bangladesh, March 19, Melbourne Cricket Ground

Synopsis: If the atmosphere at the MCG during the India-South Africa pool match blew your socks off, just you wait for this quarter-final. Two cricket-mad countries with cricket-mad fans are set to pack Australia's sporting colosseum for what is sure to be a memorable occasion. The Indians have had the recent wood over the Tigers, winning the most recent ODI series 2-0. But playing in their first ever World Cup quarter-final, Bangladesh will have nothing to lose. India, conversely, will have everything to lose.

Last five games (winners): NR, Ind, Ind, Ind, Ban

World Cup head-to-head: Played 2, India 1, Bangladesh 1

India is undefeated so far but won't be taking Bangladesh lightly. Source: AP

Australia v Pakistan, March 20, Adelaide Oval

Synopsis: Australia recorded a 3-0 clean sweep the last time these teams met in a one-day series, in the UAE late last year. Given that was in spin-friendly conditions that traditionally sees Australia struggle, you'd think the Aussies are an even better chance of coming out on top at home. But you just never know what you'll get with Pakistan and if its pace cartel puts on a performance like the one against South Africa last week, anything is possible.

Last five games (winners): Aus, Pak, Aus, Aus, Aus

World Cup head-to-head: Played 8, Australia 4, Pakistan 4

Pakistan's pace bowlers will keep Australia's batsmen honest. Source: Getty Images

New Zealand v West Indies, March 21, Westpac Stadium (Wellington)

Synopsis: The Kiwis will be red-hot favourites heading into this game regardless of who they play against, but the Shaky Isles could be the Very Shaky Isles if Chris Gayle gets going against the Black Caps. The Windies have been very disappointing in the tournament so far but if their batting stars fire they could cause problems for New Zealand's world-class bowling attack.

Last five games (winners): WI, WI, NZ, NZ, WI

World Cup head-to-head: Played 6, New Zealand 3, West Indies 3

Will New Zealand feel the pressure from their expectant home fans? Source: AFP

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