Jenning's exit is Penrith's gain

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Penrith Panthers ... secured a horde of young stars after releasing Michael Jennings. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

AT his lowest ebb, Isaac John tried to sleep the days away.

He would draw the curtains on his tiny Wakefield apartment and, with snow falling outside, look to shave three, maybe four hours from the reality of an ailing league career. Of increasing depression.

Matt Moylan. Source: News Limited

Of a footy dream which, inside, this schoolboy prodigy knew was already dead.

"My problems, yeah, they'd taken over everything," John recalls softly. "I'd fallen out with the coach, wasn't getting a run; most afternoons the sun had set by four o'clock and I'd just be home by myself, sitting in the dark.

"Even this Christmas just gone, I tried to sleep through it.

"Then Christmas Day rolled into New Year and, yeah, rock bottom. I was actually making plans to walk out on my contract, to go back to New Zealand, find a job, settle down . . . and then Michael Jennings left Penrith."

Yep, welcome to Ground Zero.

Adam Docker. Source: News Limited

To that day way back in January day when, with Panthers supremo Phil Gould being grilled for releasing a $600,000 NSW Origin star, his coaching staff were already taking the first quiet steps towards spending it.

See, while much of the ongoing debate out west surrounds Gould's infamous Five Year Plan, the real story is the players behind it. Or more specifically, the five youngsters who, secured with Jennings' cash, are now accepting the greatest challenge since Royce Simmons vowed to have a beer with everyone in Penrith.

Specifically, to become the Panthers' bedrock.

And it's players like Matty Moylan, the blond fullback whose debut started with Andrew Johns likening him to a member of One Direction and, within 80 minutes, three try-assists and one sideline conversion, finished with Mark Geyer tweeting about it being the best debut since Freddy Fittler.

Also on the list is 22-year-old Adam Docker, the Shellharbour lock with 16 top grade games despite starting the year outside the NRL media guide, and Bryce Cartwright, nephew of club great John.

Which leaves the final member of Gould's Fab Five, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak: the teen sensation League Central first unveiled back in May when he was the only Toyota Cup player on our Superstars 21 and Under list.

James Segeyaro. Source: News Limited

Yet, still, the undisputed wildcard of the group is John.

The quietly-spoken Tokoroa product who, back in January, was ready to retire at 24. Who baulked even when Panthers assistant Dave Fairleigh called to offer a lifeline.

"Because my self-belief, it was gone," John recalls. "I remember thinking 'man, I can't even cut it in the English Super League, how am I gunna survive the NRL?'

"(Laughs) Not that I said anything. I was packed up and out of Wakefield in two days.

"But I didn't have much faith in myself because, my first year in England, I really fell out with the coach, Richard Agar. Then when I returned for this year's pre-season, he called me into his office and said I wouldn't be played. He said form, injuries, none of it mattered, I just wouldn't be getting a start.

"And for a while, I worked my arse off to prove him wrong. Trained hard, played well in the trials; in my eyes I'd done enough. But, just like he'd said ... it was no."

Which is when everything changed.

Growing up, little Isaac had always displayed the work ethic you'd expect a kid whose best mate since kindergarten, his constant shadow in training, was Wallaby Quade Cooper.

A wonderboy who when gifted his NRL debut at the Warriors in 2011 - by then coach Ivan Cleary - exploded into arguably the form halfback of the premiership overnight.

But then, in round 24, the Warriors travelled to Penrith. And John did his ACL. Suddenly, forced to watch on from the sidelines as another rookie, a kid by the name of Shaun Johnson, not only played the Warriors into a grand final, but himself into a New Zealand Test side and then The Next Benji Marshall headlines.

Asked about the sliding doors John says: "There's no point having any malice because nothing was going to stop Shaun.

"England just didn't work and, after realising I was wanted, I stopped doing extras and slipped into a party lifestyle.

"It just wasn't worth it anymore."

Enter Penrith.

Those battling westies who, despite starting the season as wooden spoon favourites, are now just one win outside the eight with John looking every inch the playmaker he was always talked up to be.

A footballer who, dare we say it, appears to be home?

"Ah, honestly, I haven't even thought beyond this week," the playmaker says with a nervous laugh that confirms it's no cliche.

"Every week when Ivan names the team, I'm still nervous, sitting there waiting for my name to be called.

"I guess, I've got England to thank for that. I'm not sure I could ever be complacent ... not when I know how easily it can all be taken away."

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Saad's career on the outer

Ahmed Saad's career is on the outer. Source: Michael Dodge / News Limited

AHMED Saad is unlikely to play football this weekend as he battles to save his career in the wake of a positive drug test.

Saad will not play for St Kilda at the Gabba on Saturday night, and Saints officials have yet to make a decision on his availability for VFL affiliate Sandringham.

St Kilda is concerned about Saad's welfare and state of mind.

The 23-year-old is under investigation for consuming an energy drink before a game earlier this year. Saad is believed to have mixed a supplement with a liquid and later returned a positive A sample for what the AFL Anti-Doping Code terms as a "specified stimulant".

Specified stimulants are only banned on match days.

Saad is allowed to play this weekend under anti-doping rules as he awaits results of his B sample test.

He is contracted for another year at St Kilda, but the Herald Sun has been told that if he receives the maximum two-year ban, the Saints could argue the suspension puts him in breach of his contract, ending his career at the club.

The club could decide to pay out his contract in full next year and drop him from its list.

It's believed Saad took the drink before St Kilda's Round 15 match against Fremantle at Patersons Stadium. Sources close to the forward say he was naive and do not believe he was plotting to cheat the system.

Saad was axed before the Round 13 game against Melbourne.

But he won a recall for the trip to Perth a fortnight later when Stephen Milne was overlooked amid rape allegations, while Nick Riewoldt (knee) and Justin Koschitzke (soreness) also missed the trip. Saad kicked two goals from nine disposals in the Saints' 30-point loss to the Dockers.

Richmond defender Bachar Houli, an AFL multicultural ambassador with Saad, said he would offer his friend support.

"In terms of Ahmed, I haven't spoken to him yet and I won't comment until I've spoken to him," Houli said.

"I'll support him from, I guess, the brother perspective. I've had a lot to do with him. I speak to him probably every two weeks, but I haven't spoken to him since the news has come out."

Houli said Saad's positive test was another example of how vigilant players needed to be when it came to what they consumed.

"I think there's dangers in everything you consume and it's the responsibility of players to consult their doctors and physios and guys in the right areas to see what they're taking," he said.

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TEAMS: Jobe, Danger back

Jobe Watson has been named to take on the Pies. Source: George Salpigtidis / Herald Sun

UNDER attack off the field, Essendon finally received some good selection news with captain Jobe Watson named for Sunday’s clash against Collingwood.

The Brownlow medallist was last night included in the Bombers' expanded squad for the MCG clash after a month on the sidelines with a broken collarbone.

Veteran defender Dustin Fletcher, Scott Gumbleton, Kyle Hardingham and Nick O'Brien joined Watson as the inclusions in the squad.

But the Bombers omitted young forward Joe Daniher and have lost Michael Hurley with an ankle injury.

The Magpies have brought in Quinten Lynch, Paul Seedsman and Luke Ball, who was a late withdrawal last week with a calf problem.

Swingman Ben Reid was also named in the line-up after injuring his ankle against Greater Western Sydney last weekend.

There are no omissions as yet for the Magpies.

RUCK duo Trent West and Mark Blicavs are among four inclusions for Geelong's clash with North Melbourne.

The Cats also welcome back Brownlow medallist Jimmy Bartel and premiership defender Josh Hunt, while the Kangaroos have made two changes for the encounter at Etihad Stadium.

For North, Luke Delaney and Ben Jacobs have replaced Nathan Grima (back) and skipper Andrew Swallow, who suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury in last round's win over Melbourne.

Geelong has lost James Podsiadly to suspension and Dawson Simpson to a knee injury and has dropped luckless utility Mitch Brown and youngster George Horlin-Smith.

Brown and Horlin-Smith will be joined by hamstrung premiership player Paul Chapman, who returns to football in the VFL.

Chapman, who has spent more than three month on the sidelines with hamstring woes, will line-up against Casey Scorpions at Casey Fields.

After spending 12 matches in the outer following a hamstring strain in Round 4 against Sydney, Chapman was named to play in the historic first VFL night match against Collingwood before feeling some tightness in the opposite hamstring during the final training session.

HAWTHORN has regained Shaun Burgoyne from suspension for tomorrow's clash against Richmond at the MCG.

Jonathan Simpkin has been omitted for the Hawks.

The Tigers have named veteran ruckman Orren Stephenson, Luke McGuane and David Astbury in their line-up.

Ricky Petterd (groin) and Matthew Arnot (back) are out injured for the Tigers, while Ty Vickery will miss after suffering concussion.

MELBOURNE has regained defender Colin Garland from an ankle injury for tomorrow's bottom-of-the-ladder clash against Greater Western Sydney.

The Demons have also named Jake Spencer and Dean Terlich in their line-up, but have lost key backman James Frawley (hamstring), Chris Dawes (calf) and have omitted Sam Blease.

The Giants have brought in Stephen Coniglio and Lachie Whitfield, while omitting Sam Darley and losing Will Hoskin-Elliott with concussion.

CARLTON has made no change to its line-up for tomorrow night's match against Fremantle at Etihad Stadium, while the Dockers welcome back Hayden Ballantyne from a hamstring injury.

ST KILDA captain Nick Riewoldt has shrugged off a foot injury to be named for tomorrow night's clash against Brisbane Lions at the Gabba.

The Saints also included Sam Dunell and Dylan Roberton, but have lost James Gwilt (knee) and omitted Tom Hickey.

WESTERN Bulldogs have lost Matthew Boyd (calf) and Liam Jones (ankle) for Sunday's match against Sydney at Etihad Stadium.

The Swans have included Rhyce Shaw and Mitch Morton.

- with Alex Oates

North Melbourne v Geelong

NORTH MELBOURNE

B: L.Hansen, S.Thompson, C.Delaney
HB: A.Mullett, L.Delaney, T.Hine
C: D.Wells, S.Gibson, S.Atley
HF: L.Thomas, D.Petrie, R.Bastinac
F: A.Black, R.Tarrant, B.Harvey
R: T.Goldstein, B.Cunnington, J.Ziebell
I/C: B.Jacobs, L.Adams, B.McKenzie, J.Macmillan
EMG: S.Wright, L.Greenwood, M.Daw
In: L.Delaney , B.Jacobs
Out: N.Grima (Back) , A.Swallow (Achilles)

GEELONG

B: C.Guthrie, T.Lonergan, C.Enright
HB: J.Hunt, H.Taylor, J.Corey
C: A.Mackie, J.Selwood, M.Duncan
HF: M.Stokes, N.Vardy, J.Bartel
F: S.Motlop, T.Hawkins, T.Varcoe
R: T.West, J.Caddy, S.Johnson
I/C: M.Blicavs, T.Hunt, J.Kelly, B.Smedts
EMG: M.Brown, G.Horlin-Smith, J.Walker
In: J.Hunt, J.Bartel, T.West, M.Blicavs
Out: J.Podsiadly (Suspension), D.Simpson (Knee), M.Brown (Omitted), G.Horlin-Smith (Omitted)

GWS v Melbourne

GWS

B: P.Davis, J.Bruce, C.Hampton
HB: N.Haynes, T.Mohr, Z.Williams
C: D.Shiel, A.Treloar, L.Whitfield
HF: J.Cameron, A.Tomlinson, M.Whiley
F: D.Smith, D.Brogan, T.Bugg
R: J.Giles, C.Ward, T.Scully
I/C: T.Adams, S.Coniglio, T.Greene, A.Kennedy
EMG: S.Darley, S.Gilham, N.Wilson
In: S.Coniglio , L.Whitfield
Out: S.Darley (Omitted) , W.Hoskin-Elliott (Concussion)

MELBOURNE

B: L.Dunn, C.Pedersen, D.Terlich
HB: C.Garland, T.McDonald, M.Clisby
C: J.Viney, J.Trengove, J.Grimes
HF: M.Jones, J.Watts, J.Howe
F: D.Kent, M.Gawn, J.Fitzpatrick
R: J.Spencer, C.Sylvia, N.Jones
I/C: J.Toumpas, S.Byrnes, A.Davey, L.Tapscott
EMG: J.McKenzie, D.Nicholson, T.Davis
In: D.Terlich , C.Garland , J.Spencer
Out: J.Frawley (Hamstring) , C.Dawes (Calf) , S.Blease (Omitted)

Hawthorn v Richmond

HAWTHORN

B: B.Stratton, B.Lake, B.Guerra
HB: B.Sewell, J.Gibson, L.Hodge
C: I.Smith, S.Mitchell, B.Hill
HF: J.Gunston, J.Roughead, L.Breust
F: S.Burgoyne, L.Franklin, C.Rioli
R: M.Bailey, J.Lewis, P.Puopolo
I/C: B.Whitecross, D.Hale, T.Duryea, S.Savage 21
EMG: J.Ceglar, K.Cheney, J.Simpkin
In: S.Burgoyne
Out: J.Simpkin (Omitted)

RICHMOND

B: S.Morris, A.Rance, D.Astbury
HB: C.Newman, T.Chaplin, N.Vlastuin
C: S.Grigg, T.Cotchin, D.Jackson
HF: M.White, S.Edwards, B.Ellis
F: L.McGuane, J.Riewoldt, D.Martin
R: I.Maric, B.Deledio, N.Foley
I/C: B.Houli, R.Conca 30, O.Stephenson, S.Tuck
EMG: J.Batchelor, S.Lonergan, R.Nahas
In: L.McGuane, O.Stephenson, D.Astbury
Out: R.Petterd (Groin) , T.Vickery (Concussion) , M.Arnot (Back)

West Coast v Gold Coast

WEST COAST
B: W.Schofield D.Glass B.Wilson
HB: S.Butler E.Mackenzie As.Smith
C: A.Gaff M.Priddis B.Dalziell
HF: J.Cripps JJ.Kennedy J.Hill
F: S.Wellingham S.Lycett J.Darling
R: D.Cox S.Selwood M.Hutchings
I/C: A.Hams B.Sheppard A.Carter A.Embley
EMG: J.Bennell M.Brown C.Morton 40

In: D.Glass , B.Sheppard , A.Embley
Out: M.Brown (Omitted) , C.Masten (Ankle) , C.Morton (Omitted)

GOLD COAST
B: T.McKenzie S.May S.Tape
HB: G.Broughton R.Thompson L.Russell
C: H.Bennell G.Ablett A.Sexton
HF: D.Swallow S.Day A.Hall
F: C.Brown C.Dixon T.Sumner
F: D.Gorringe D.Stanley D.Prestia
I/C: J.O'Meara J.Harbrow M.Shaw A.Boston
EMG: N.Bock J.Allen J.Wilkinson

In: R.Thompson , D.Prestia , D.Swallow , D.Gorringe
Out: J.Brennan (Omitted) , M.Weller (Omitted) , J.Gillbee (Omitted) , T.Nicholls (Knee)

Carlton v Fremantle

CARLTON

B: M.Robinson, M.Jamison, L.Henderson
HB: Z.Tuohy, M.Watson, B.Gibbs
C: C.Yarran, C.Judd, K.Simpson
HF: E.Curnow, A.Walker, J.Garlett
F: B.McLean, S.Rowe, H.Scotland
R: M.Kreuzer, E.Betts, M.Murphy
I/C: D.Armfield, J.Cachia, A.Carrazzo, K.Lucas
EMG: N.Graham, A.Joseph, T.Menzel

FREMANTLE

B: M.Taberner, Z.Dawson, G.Ibbotson
HB: L.Spurr, M.Johnson, P.Duffield
C: T.Mzungu, R.Crowley, S.Hill
HF: D.Mundy, C.Mayne, C.Pearce
F: M.Walters, Z.Clarke, H.Ballantyne
R: A.Sandilands, M.Barlow, N.Fyfe
I/C: N.Suban, L.Neale, M.de Boer, D.Pearce
EMG: A.Silvagni, T.Sheridan, C.Sutcliffe
In: H.Ballantyne
Out: C.Sutcliffe (Omitted)

Brisbane Lions v St Kilda

BRISBANE LIONS
B: R.Harwood M.Maguire J.Clarke
HB: M.Golby J.Patfull J.Adcock
C: P.Hanley T.Rockliff S.Mayes
HF: D.Zorko J.Brown J.Green
F: J.O'Brien D.Merrett B.Staker
F: M.Leuenberger J.Redden D.Rich10
I/C: S.Docherty R.Bewick E.Yeo A.Raines
EMG: A.McGrath R.Lester J.Crisp

In: P.Hanley , J.O'Brien , R.Harwood
Out: A.McGrath (Omitted) , B.Moloney (Soreness) , J.Crisp (Omitted)

ST KILDA
B: D.Roberton T.Simpkin S.Dempster
HB: J.Geary R.Stanley J.Newnes
C: F.Ray L.Hayes C.Jones
HF: N.Dal Santo N.Riewoldt L.Montagna
F: S.Milne T.Lee J.Saunders
F: B.McEvoy D.Armitage J.Steven
I/C: J.WebsterT.Curren S.Dunell A.Siposs
EMG: T.Hickey S.Ross T.Dennis-Lane

In: D.Roberton , S.Dunell
Out: J.Gwilt (Knee) , T.Hickey (Omitted)

Western Bulldogs v Sydney

WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: J.Tutt D.Morris L.Picken
HB: A.Cooney M.Talia T.Young
C: L.Dahlhaus T.Liberatore J.Macrae
HF: R.Murphy J.Grant K.Stevens
F: D.Giansiracusa J.Roughead T.Dickson
R: W.Minson R.Griffen M.Wallis
I/C: D.Cross J.Stringer D.Addison L.HunterC.Howard T.Campbell
M.Austin

In: D.Cross , M.Austin , C.Howard , T.Campbell , J.Stringer
Out: M.Boyd (Calf) , L.Jones (Ankle)

SYDNEY
B: D.Rampe H.Grundy N.Smith
HB: N.Malceski T.Richards A.Everitt
C: C.Bird R.O'Keefe J.McVeigh
HF: D.Hannebery J.White J.Bolton
F: J.Lamb K.Tippett M.Pyke
R: S.Mumford J.Kennedy K.Jack
I/C: S.Biggs H.Cunningham B.Jack T.Mitchell M.Morton L.Parker R.Shaw

In: R.Shaw , M.Morton , S.Biggs

Port Adelaide v Adelaide

PORT ADELAIDE
B: C.O'Shea A.Carlile P.Stewart
HB: M.Broadbent J.Trengove S.Colquhoun
C: C.Wingard T.Boak J.Pittard
HF: R.Gray J.Butcher A.Monfries
F: J.WesthoffJ.Schulz H.Hartlett
F: M.Lobbe Bra.Ebert K.Cornes
I/C: O.Wines N.Blee C.Heath C.Hitchcock K.Mitchell D.Cassisi A.Moore

In: C.Hitchcock , N.Blee , C.Heath

ADELAIDE
B: R.Laird B.Rutten A.Otten
HB: L.Brown D.Talia B.Smith
C: R.Henderson P.Dangerfield N.van Berlo
HF: B.Vince S.McKernan B.Crouch
F: J.Petrenko L.Johnston T.Lynch
R: S.Jacobs R.Douglas S.Thompson
I/C: M.Wright D.Mackay S.Kerridge J.Lyons M.Grigg J.Porplyzia K.Hartigan

In: B.Rutten , J.Petrenko , P.Dangerfield , L.Johnston , M.Grigg , S.Kerridge
Out: R.Tambling (Omitted) , R.Sloane (eye) , J.Jenkins (Ankle)

Collingwood v Essendon

COLLINGWOOD
B: N.Brown N.Maxwell L.Keeffe
HB: H.O'Brien H.Shaw M.Williams
C: S.Sidebottom L.Ball S.Dwyer
HF: J.Elliott Q.Lynch J.Blair
F: D.Beams T.Cloke T.Goldsack
R: B.Grundy S.Pendlebury D.Swan
I/C: B.Macaffer J.Witts B.Reid J.Thomas B.Kennedy B.Sinclair P.Seedsman

In: L.Ball , Q.Lynch , P.Seedsman

ESSENDON
B: D.Fletcher C.Hooker M.Baguley
HB: C.Dempsey P.Ryder M.Hibberd
C: D.Zaharakis J.Watson D.Heppell
HF: B.Goddard S.Gumbleton C.Dell'Olio
F: J.Carlisle K.Hardingham N.Kommer
R: T.Bellchambers B.StantonH.Hocking
I/C: T.Colyer L.Jetta J.Melksham N.O'Brien T.Pears D.Myers B.Howlett

In: J.Watson , S.Gumbleton , K.Hardingham , N.O'Brien , D.Fletcher
Out: M.Hurley (Ankle) , J.Daniher (Omitted)

SUPERCOACH NOTES FOR EVERY MATCH:

North Melbourne vs Geelong Cats
Todd Goldstein's 158 points last round against Melbourne was the second-highest score of any player. Joel Selwood's 151 point return against St Kilda was the equal fourth-best overall.

GWS Giants vs Melbourne
Curtly Hampton's price has hit a season-high after his 97 points last week against Collingwood. Jack Grimes' value headed in the opposite direction after his 39 point return against North Melbourne.

Hawthorn vs Richmond
Since 2010, Luke Hodge has averaged 152 points a game against the Tigers – ranked No.1 at the club. Nathan Foley has averaged 120 points a game in that time – ranked second.

West Coast Eagles vs Gold Coast Suns
Scott Selwood dominated when these sides last met in Round 14 last season, racking up 134 points. Harley Bennell was one of only two Suns players to reach three figures that day (103).

Carlton vs Fremantle
Marc Murphy has averaged 30 disposals and 124 points a game against Fremantle in his past three matches. Michael Barlow has averaged 30 disposals and 120 points of his own in that time.

Brisbane Lions vs St Kilda
Tom Rockliff ranks fourth in the AFL for points scored since Round 16, averaging 129 points a game. Jack Steven ranks third overall with an average of 134 points a match.

Western Bulldogs vs Sydney Swans
Ryan Griffen racked up 47 disposals and 169 points when these sides last met in Round 21 last season. Kieren Jack finished with 34 disposals and 120 points.

Adelaide Crows vs Port Adelaide
Ricky Henderson led the way for the Crows in the Round 3 Showdown with a team-high 114 points. Travis Boak finished with 30 disposals and 134 points – the second-most of any player for the game.

Collingwood vs Essendon
Steele Sidebottom finished with a team-high 31 disposals when these sides last met on ANZAC Day, collecting 136 points. David Zaharakis was the top ranked player courtesy of his 34 disposals and 140 points.

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Benji and Zoe's fleeting NZ trip

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Jet-setters ... Benji and Zoe Marshall head to New Zealand for rugby union talks. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

BALI one week, Auckland the next. Now for the Gold Coast.

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Frequent-flyer Benji Marshall flew out of Sydney yesterday on a reconnaissance mission ahead of his expected switch to the Super Rugby franchise Auckland Blues.

Marshall's wife Zoe has also travelled to New Zealand.

Auckland are firm favourites to sign Marshall with a possible stint in Japanese rugby to bolster his income.

Wests Tigers approved Marshall's mid-week trip to Auckland - despite the club playing Gold Coast at Skilled Park on Sunday.

He is expected back tonight before flying to Coolangatta for the Titans match.

Marshall travelled to Bali early last month for a week-long mid-season holiday with Zoe. It was during his Bali journey he decided to quit Wests Tigers for rugby union.

Before departing Sydney, Marshall said he was no closer to making a final decision.

"Finishing the season is my priority at the moment. It's not about finding a contract. If that happens in the midst of playing then it happens. Until that happens, there's no point talking about ifs and buts. I don't have any regrets."

Marshall also said he never wanted Tim Sheens sacked as Wests Tigers coach, adding it would be "sad" if Mick Potter was next coach dumped.

Asked did the club make an error axing Sheens, Marshall said: "I didn't want to see Tim to go in the first place.

"At the end of the day it was hard to accept that. (But) when a new coach comes in you have to do your best to try and help him.

"That is what I have tried to do this year and, as much as it hurt being put on bench by him (Potter), it helped me turn around, refocus and try and be better for the team.

"It's hard coming in as new coach. If you don't have success it is such a fickle world.

"At the end of the day if he (Potter) loses his job, that's sad because as players we have probably let him down."

A fallout with Potter has been identified as reason Marshall has decided to leave Wests Tigers. Drama between the pair started when Potter benched Marshall mid-season.

Asked should there be pressure on Potter, Marshall said: "I wouldn't know - I won't be here. There is always speculation around clubs that don't do well. (But) if anyone is asking about my relationship with Mick, it's fine. We get along great.

"We have been chatting a bit about what I am going to do and where he thinks I should be with my footy. There is no dramas with our relationship.

"It's speculation. I don't know what is going on. Mick doesn't know what's going on.

"That's between the board and the club."

Marshall also stressed Sheens shouldn't be criticised for continuing to accept pay-out money each month from Wests Tigers.

"That's not his fault," he said. "That's how the world works. If you are entitled to money and you are on a contract you should get it."

Despite his urge to play rugby union, Marshall still harbours a desire to represent New Zealand in the rugby league World Cup.

Asked if he wanted to play for the Kiwis again, Marshall said: "Absolutely. I'm a proud Kiwi. I won the last World Cup and would love to win another before I finish.

"I'm probably not playing well enough to deserve that at the moment (but) if I can find form in the next six weeks ... and if the rules permit then hopefully I am allowed." 

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Aussies kick on despite DRS drama

Michael Clarke was in very good touch on day one at Old Trafford. Source: Getty Images

FINALLY discovering the resolution absent at the start of the series, Australia mounted a strong fightback against England on the first day of the third Test at Old Trafford.

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With Michael Clarke leading from the front - after moving up to No.4 - Australia had moved to 3-239 midway through the final session, having at one staged slumped to 3-133.

Clarke was on 91, and Steven Smith - the beneficiary of some good fortune from both the umpires and the DRS - on 41.

But, in a series where the poor umpiring has baffled and frustrated both teams, it was the puzzling use of the DRS, rather than Australia's more disciplined batting, that created the greatest talking point.

Yet again, the officiating descended into farce when Australian No.3 Usman Khawaja's dismissal was upheld despite evidence which should, upon review, have provided a reprieve.

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With Australia making a solid start at 1-82, Khawaja was given out caught behind for 1 after driving at - and missing - a sharply spinning ball from Graham Swann.

Khawaja used the DRS, and replays showed that there was no hot spot, and that the ball had most likely passed his bat without taking the edge.

Yet, in scenes almost as farcical as Stuart Broad's bizarre survival at Trent Bridge, third umpire Kumar Dharmasena upheld umpire Tony Hill's original decision. Khawaja made his disappointment known as he walked slowly to the pavilion.

Opener Chris Rogers, who had batted wonderfully for his 84, was dismissed soon after when he was trapped in front by Swann.

But while aghast at the Khawaja decision, Australia enjoyed some success with the DRS too. Steve Smith twice survived England appeals - an "umpire's call" on an LBW shout from Swann, and a confident shout for caught behind off James Anderson.

That meant England had used both their reviews.

On a brown pitch, Swann had again threatened to run through the Australians. But using his feet deftly on an already turning track, Clarke provided the counter attack. His 50 came from just 67 balls and included a couple of straight lofted boundaries from Swann.

On a tour when things have not gone their way, Australia had considerable good fortune when Clarke won the toss and chose to bat on a pitch that is likely to deteriorate rapidly. That might have at least reduced the threat created by England in-form spinner Swann, had the third umpire been on the ball.

Rogers and Shane Watson gave Australia some much needed momentum with an opening partnership of 76. Rogers was in particularly good form, taking three fours from one James Anderson over to bring up his half century from just 49 balls.

But Watson again failed to make the most of a good start. He was caught by Jonathan Cook at first slip from a perfectly pitched Tim Bresnan outswinger for 19.

As anticipated, Australia made three changes to the team that struggled so badly at Lord's. Mitchell Starc replaced the injured James Pattinson, Nathan Lyon came in for Ashton Agar and David Warner returned from his suspension at the expense of Phil Hughes.

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Dropping Hughes was tough: Boof

Phil Hughes was unlucky to miss out on the third Test, according to coach Darren Lehmann. Source: Ryan Pierse / Getty Images

PHIL Hughes was dropped for the third Test at Old Trafford because of a failure to convert good starts into big hundreds according to coach and selector Darren Lehmann.

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The left-hander was replaced by David Warner, who scored 193 for Australia A against South Africa A in Pretoria last week.

"Davey averages 40 in Test cricket so that got him across the line after he got a big hundred in South Africa," Lehmann said.

"He gives the X-factor. It's very unlucky for Phil Hughes, who has done well on the tour without getting the hundreds that would have cemented his spot. That's always a tough call as a selection panel."

Hughes, 24, is the leading first class run scorer on tour with five half centuries, his latest 84 in the recent tour match against Sussex at Hove.

It is the third time he has been dropped in a 26-Test career along with two other brief injury cameos.

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His initial dumping came during the third Test of the last Ashes tour four years ago.

Lehmann believes the wicket will take spin and confirmed the selectors considered playing two spinners before replacing Ashton Agar, 19, with Nathan Lyon.

"We looked at two spinners but conditions weren't really going to suit that and we thought Nathan was bowling a little bit better than Ashton," said Lehmann.

"He's a good young kid and we love him. He's had a busy seven weeks, he's played six first-class games, a couple of Test matches. He's a kid learning his trade and we're going to keep supporting him in that."

Lyon will be aided with the footmarks created by left arm paceman Mitchell Starc, who was chosen ahead of Jackson Bird to replace the injured James Pattinson.

Lehmann claimed it was a "close call" choosing Starc ahead of Bird.

""They're both exceptional young bowlers. What we needed is probably the variety with Nathan playing, we wanted some more footmarks for the right-hander.

"Okay, that helps (Graeme) Swann out a little bit but our right-handers play Swann quite well. It was more a case of giving Nathan as much help as we can as well."

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