Records driving Sydney’s success

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"The players know what their goals are for the rest of the season," said Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold this week, almost as an afterthought.

And it's not the obvious one of winning the league.

Arnold has instead urged his players to focus on records along the way — both goal-scoring and overall points — believing such accomplishments will lead to.

Every year at the Mariners, Arnold would set his players targets — individually and as a team — and the formula has continued at Sydney.

Marc Janko's scoring streak has helped Sydney edge closer to several team records. Source: News Corp Australia

Marc Janko has taken the plaudits for his goalscoring streak, but Sydney are edging closer to several team records. As Arnold also said this week, if they are achieved, then the Sky Blues will be there or thereabouts in the title race too.

One goal against Melbourne City tonight would equal the record number of goals Sydney have scored in a season, the 41 last achieved with Del Piero Version I in 2012-13. As those who suggest Arnold is a defensive coach tend to be reminded by him, his Mariners sides also set scoring records.

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But victory tonight would also lift Sydney from 38 points to 41; not just topping the table, but putting them tantalisingly within reach of the 48 with which they won the Premier's Plate in 2009-10.

That's the most the Sky Blues have ever attained, though it's hardly the league's overall record. Brisbane racked up 65 in an 11-team competition in 2010-11, and the Wanderers accrued 57 in 2012-13.

Whether collecting 11 points from six games starting tonight is enough to win the league remains to be seen but it is almost a moot point.

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What gets emphasised to the players is that external factors and results in other games help to determine who comes first after 27 rounds. But achieving a team's best ever points tally is far more in its own hands, and is the target that should be aimed at.

To achieve it, Sydney will surely have to correct the defensive frailties that have made them at times as entertaining for the wrong reasons as right.

Against the Wanderers they let slip a 3-0 lead but stole the game late on; against Brisbane the score veered from 4-1 in their favour to 4-3, then 5-3, then 5-4. Fabulous for the neutral, it isn't the traditional defensive record of teams that win titles.

Alessandro Del Piero leaves a Wanderers defender in his wake. Source: News Corp Australia

And yet, Sydney also have another record in sight. Avoiding defeat against Melbourne City tonight would set a10-game record for going undefeated.

As their captain, Alex Brosque, noted yesterday, with only six games to go, Sydney should have some belief about their ability to stay the course.

"I definitely think this squad has what it takes to be champions," Brosque said "Getting the minor premiership would be quite big as well because it means you've been the best side over 27 rounds.

"There's only six games to go and if we continue the way that we are I'm confident that this squad can go all the way.

"It's very special memories winning that title on the last day of the season ... But I'd like to write some new history."

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Surface tensions reach fever pitch at Pirtek

IT hasn't gone unnoticed at other clubs that three players suffered long-term knee injuries in 11 days at Pirtek Stadium this month, especially after the pitch was hammered in the players' union survey that's done every round.

Unlucky Wanderers midfielder Nick Ward tore his anterior cruciate ligaments on his debut last Friday, and Manly centre Clint Gutherson suffered a similar injury on March 6 against the Eels.

On March 3 Guangzhou Evergrande's new signing Alan injured his knee during the club's training session at Pirtek the day before facing the Wanderers, and Evergrande officials were pretty upset about the pitch, which was relaid during February. Until that point it had been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 by visiting A-League captains, but it's got just one and three out of five in the two games since.

The players' union wants the right to inspect pitches at will, but can't get agreement from the clubs.

Venues NSW insist they're not aware of any problems with the surface, and point out that it was certified fit to play prior to each of the last three A League games, and by the Asian Champions League Match Commissioner for the Evergrande game.

SBS GIVES FOOTBALL THE BOOT

THERE wasn't exactly dismay at FFA on Thursday over claims that SBS wants to can its football offerings, including the A-League. As this column reported recently, FFA suits had already lobbied government to think about ditching the A-League deal with SBS as a cost-saver, given the disastrous ratings. Now the channel seems to have come to similar conclusions itself. It means Channel Seven's coverage of the imminent Liverpool and Spurs visits, and Nine's showing the ICC tournament in July, will all become test runs as talks with various broadcasters gather pace.

REMEMBER THE DAYS ...

Arnold and van't Schip chat before a trial match. Source: News Corp Australia

Last week this newspaper had the story of Graham Arnold's history with Frans Thijssen, and it's at risk of becoming a weekly feature. Almost 24 years ago Arnie also played against his opposite number tonight, Melbourne City coach John van't Schip, when Roda JC faced Ajax. Mind you van't Schip was the least of his worries — that Ajax team also included Bergkamp, Frank de Boer, Aaron Winter, Edwin van der Sar, Wim Jonk and Bryan Roy.

'BUSY' JANKO'S SOUND ADVICE

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Sydney striker Marc Janko is busy breaking scoring records but he'll be even busier in June — first he will captain Austria against Russia in a crucial Euro 16 qualifier, then he will marry his fiancée Katharina shortly after.

Janko also has a nice line in comic timing. When Robert Stambolziev came on as a sub for Sydney on Sunday, with his image broadcast on the big screens at Allianz Stadium, Janko urgently beckoned to him. Expecting some tactical advice, Stambolziev rushed across. "Man, get a new photo," muttered Janko, looking up to the screens. "That one's terrible." So he did, meeting the club photographer yesterday.

Marc Janko celebrates scoring against Brisbane. Source: News Corp Australia

GAME OFF!

As we revealed weeks ago, there'll definitely be no A-League All-Stars game this year, due to all the other exhibition fixtures. But the concept is only mothballed, not killed off.

Del Piero and Juventus 'keeper Buffon after the All Stars match. Source: News Corp Australia

WALMSLEY BOARDS THE SHIP

TONY Walmsley has taken leave from his full-time job until the end of the A-League season to concentrate on fulfilling his role as interim coach of the Mariners. As revealed in this column, Walmsley has been juggling his recent coaching commitments on the Central Coast with his, until now, full-time job working for a rail maintenance firm in Sydney. It got to the stage where Robbie Slater, whose son Tom plays for the Mariners, had to step in to lead a training session for the youngsters in Gosford.

SNEAKY SLATER

Robbie Slater tipping Brisbane to beat Sydney FC in these pages last week raised eyebrows, not least those of his best mate, Sydney coach Graham Arnold, who promptly rang Slater to give him a gobful. In vain did Slater point out his tips had been wrongly transcribed? Vendettas have grown from less.

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Manny’s man fighting his toughest battle

Manny Pacquiao and Justin Fortune. Source: Supplied

MEET the Australian heavyweight boxer who went toe-to-toe with Lennox Lewis and is now fighting cancer from inside Manny Pacquiao's Los Angeles training camp in the lead-up to the Floyd Mayweather superfight.

Justin Fortune, 49, is the hard-as-coffin-nails boxing conditioner who moved to Los Angeles in 2002 and has spent the best part of nine years working alongside legendary fight trainer Freddie Roach.

Aside from working with Pacquaio at Roach's famous Wild Card gym, the ex-heavyweight boxer is fighting throat and neck cancer.

Manny Pacquiao and Justin Fortune. Source: Supplied

Fortune recently had a bone graft from his forearm to replace some of the nodules the doctors had to remove from his throat as part of his chemotherapy and radiation.

Since being diagnosed, the thick-set brawler has lost 35kg.

"They say it's the worst cancer treatment, throat cancer. I didn't believe them, but they were spot on," Fortune said.

"The only way to treat cancer is to cut, burn and poison. You lose your taste buds, your saliva glands, it's horrible.

"It's all about your mindset. If you want to roll over and die, you will. But if you want to fight it, then fight. I've stood toe-to-toe my whole life, so that's what I'm still doing.

"I totally understand people switching off, it devastates you in mind and body. But it is what it is. I've been through the worst part of the fight and now it's a healing process."

Justin Fortune with Manny Pacquiao and Freddy Roach Source: Supplied

Pacquaio's LA training camp is strictly a closed workshop, with no cameras allowed inside the gym and all mobile phones left at the door.

"We don't want anything about what we do inside the gym appearing anywhere, but the preparation so far has been perfect," Fortune said.

"Everyone knows styles makes fights. Floyd's a great fighter but he's got holes in his defence and holes in his offence. Manny has also got a power advantage. We'll be ready to go come May 2."

FAULKNER TO LEAD CHARGE FOR AUSSIES

THE cricket World Cup will start to sizzle as of Friday with Australia to take on Pakistan in a quarter-final in Adelaide.

Big-hitting all-rounder James Faulkner (pictured) will anchor the Australia innings in the middle order, with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood fighting for the final place in the starting XI.

Cricketer James Faulkner. Source: Supplied

It was wonderful to see baggy green legend Steve Waugh in the inner sanctum of the Australian side this week, with skipper Michael Clarke enjoying the chance to talk tactics with one of Australia's greatest leaders.

Still in cricket circles, Australian captain heir apparent Steve Smith and opener David Warner are both signed up as fully fledged Sydney Roosters members for the year ahead.

The Roosters have even been trying to sign up Warner's daughter Ivy, but with mum Candice Falzon a one-eyed South Sydney supporter it could still be a point of contention.

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DUAL international Israel Folau has wished his little brother John all the best for his NRL debut against the Warriors in New Zealand tomorrow, with the NSW Waratah urging his sibling to enjoy the opportunity.

"He is excited to get a run there against the Warriors. I am very proud of him. I just want him to enjoy the occasion," Folau said.

John Folau will make his NRL debut for the Eels. Source: DailyTelegraph

LIVE SUNDAY FOOTY A BIG TURN-ON

THE implementation of live ­Sunday afternoon football has proven a ratings smash hit for Channel 9, with the Rabbitohs-Roosters blockbuster peaking at over 900,000 viewers.

The NRL match was the most-watched club game on a Sunday since 2012, underlining how Ray Warren live into lounge rooms on a Sunday afternoon is a guaranteed ratings winner.

Channel 9's executive producer of NRL Matt Callander told us so far live Sunday afternoon football was up 10 per cent on last season. "Footy fans asked us for live ­Sunday afternoon football and the great news from our perspective is they've given it a resounding thumbs up," Callander said.

The challenge for the NRL now is attendances. There's no ­sugar-coating the fact the ANZ Stadium crowd of 27,289 was a major disappointment.

Roosters Dylan Napa scores a try against the Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium. Picture Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

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SO exactly how much was Daly Cherry-Evans' contract offer with the Manly Sea Eagles reduced by under the club's new ownership and management structure?

Try to the tune of $800,000 over the course of three seasons. When the Sea Eagles then pulled the DCE offer earlier this month, the halfback had no alternative but to sign with Gold Coast.

Under the Sea Eagles' previous part-owners and management, DCE was the top priority signature for ex-COO Dave Perry and the Quantam Energy group. But when Rick and Scott Penn purchased full control of the club and installed new CEO Joe Kelly, the club ­shifted tact to trying to retain ­Kieran Foran.

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One of the first acts new CEO Kelly engaged in was telling the Sea Eagles players they were no longer to associate with porn king Con Ange, a figure the club's previous administration had allowed into the inner sanctum.

The Sea Eagles are now armed with the biggest cheque book in the NRL for next season and will be targeting high quality off-contract players.

PANTHERS LEAP INTO NEW HEIGHTS

THE Penrith Panthers continue to grow into an NRL super power, with the club boasting one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the competition.

No question the majority of the kudos goes to the intelligent management of Phil Gould and Ivan Cleary, who up until obtaining the signature of Trent Merrin were even in talks with NSW State of Origin enforcer Beau Scott about joining the club next season.

Underlining the depth of talent at the foot of the mountains, young gun Waqa Blake scored two tries in the NSW Cup last weekend and is on a fast track to NRL stardom.

James Segeyaro in the gym at Panthers training. pic Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia

Blake is the rookie who was signed sight-unseen by Gould, with the club fighting off rival suitors by extending his contract until the end of 2017 earlier this month.

Provided he remains fit and focused, Blake should be the latest success story out of Sydney's golden west. Still on the Panthers, star players James Segeyaro, Josh Mansour and Jamie Soward will be joined by injured Bulldogs five-eighth Josh Reynolds for the opening of Amart Sports in Wetherill Park tomorrow from 10am.

RIPPER SLIPPER FOR RACING ENTHUSIASTS

THE Australian Turf Club has assembled one of the best cards of all time for the Golden Slipper meeting at Rosehill Gardens tomorrow, with five Group 1 races boasting some of the world's best horses.

Channel 7 will have all the action trackside live, with the glamorous Francesca Cumani (pictured) to headline the network's coverage alongside broadcaster Bruce McAvaney.

Francesca Cumani with "Binalong Road". Source: News Corp Australia

Aside from the $3.5 million on offer in the world's richest race for two-year-olds, there's Contributer racing in the Ranvet Stakes, Hallowed Crown v Sweynesse in the Rosehill Gunieas and the likes of Rubick, Deep Field, Sweet Idea and Miracles Of Life lining up in the Galaxy. Giddy up.

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CRICKET royalty Brian Lara and a host of retired NRL stars are all set to appear in a one-off match for the University of Western Sydney in Parramatta on April 2.

The prince of calypso cool will take part in the community game, with an All Stars side featuring Braith Anasta, Ryan Girdler, Anthony Minichiello and Andrew Ryan to do battle against a UWS outfit.

The match will be played at Old Kings Oval with fans welcome to attend. Admission is free with the first delivery to be bowled at 10am.

AB GETS PIECE OF HISTORY

SOUTH African captain AB de Villiers will be taking home a unique memento of his World Cup success at the SCG.

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The champion batsman's stunning century against the West Indies — 162 from 66 balls — was the first World Cup ton at the SCG by any player. To mark the occasion, the SCG Trust presented de Villiers with a framed plaque, photo and piece of the SCG's famous pitch — the rarest of honours.

The patch of turf will be enclosed in a specially made glass case to ensure the South African can safely steer it through customs on the way out of the country.

WINNING

GIVEN he's the NSW Origin legend who spawned the famous "Cattledog" call, it should come as no surprise that Tommy Raudonikis is putting up the bravest of fights in his recovery from throat cancer.

Raudonikis and mate John Singleton were this week spotted trekking along Victoria's Great Ocean Road, the site of the famous Twelve Apostles.

The duo have walked more than 100km over the last week.

Go Tommy, "cattledog".

Trevor Gillmeister and Tom Raudonikis. Picture Mike Batterham Source: News Corp Australia

DUNCE CAP

THE sooner Newcastle Jets owner Nathan Tinkler does the honourable thing and relinquishes his A-League licence the better.

Tinkler's greatest shortcoming is his people skills. Whether it was horse racing, the Newcastle Knights or more recently his ailing A-League football club, Tinkler's shenanigans around failing to pay players on time have become Groundhog Day. The big unit will never be in danger of winning a popularity contest.

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SPOTTED

SYDNEY Roosters heavy hitter James Dack showed Ian Healy-esque hands at ANZ Stadium last Sunday, catching a Steeden flying full tilt into the Tricolours dugout in front of Brad Fittler, Brett Finch and Andrew Johns.

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IT was a who's who of glamour at the Sydney FC 10-year anniversary on Monday, with Mel McLaughlin and Tara Rushton glitzing up the event hosted on the Allianz Stadium pitch.

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Mark of Kane irresistible for England

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STRIKER Harry Kane has been called up by England for the first time after a rapid rise from the fringes of Tottenham's squad to becoming a key component of the team.

The 21-year-old Kane has scored 26 goals in 42 games so far in his breakthrough season at Tottenham, and was voted Premier League player of the month in January and February.

"Huge honor to be called up to the England squad," Kane, who has played for England's under-21s team, wrote on Twitter. "Very proud day for me and my family!"

Kane will be hoping to make his England debut in the European Championship qualifier against Lithuania next Friday or the friendly in Italy four days later.

"The whole country is really (excited), his rise has been fantastic," England coach Roy Hodgson said. "Since he broke into the Tottenham team he has done so well.

"I think it would have been a lot more of a surprise if he hadn't been selected."

Only Diego Costa of Chelsea and Manchester City's Sergio Aguero have scored more goals than Kane in the league.

Kane will be competing for a starting spot up front in Roy Hodgson's team alongside captain Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck, with Saido Berahino losing his place in the squad.

"It's not quite as simple as saying, 'Now I'm here now all you others step aside,"' Hodgson said of Kane.

England squad

Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Southampton), Joe Hart (Manchester City).

Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton), Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), Kyle Walker (Tottenham).

Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Fabian Delph (Aston Villa), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), James Milner (Manchester City), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Andros Townsend (Tottenham), Theo Walcott (Arsenal).

Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Arsenal).

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Clarke’s shock plans after World Cup

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CAPTAIN Michael Clarke plans to power on in one-day cricket after the World Cup, and he has the backing of selectors and Cricket Australia to do so.

Last time the skipper held a press conference at Adelaide Oval, he'd just torn his hamstring and admitted with great emotion that his career could be over.

But nearly three months on, Clarke has stoically worked his way back to full fitness and form.

Australia are yet to announce whether Pat Cummins will stave off a challenge from Josh Hazlewood or who will bat at No.5, Glenn Maxwell or Shane Watson, for Friday's knockout quarter-final against Pakistan.

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And although Clarke's focus is squarely on treating Friday like a Cup final, he is sure his plans extend well beyond tournament's end.

"I don't think you're ever owed anything in this game of cricket, so we have to make sure we're ready to go, which we will be," said Clarke.

"I've had injury concerns since I was 17 years of age and I've managed to play over 200 one-dayers and over 100 Test matches.

"(Injury) hasn't stopped me to date and I don't think it will do after this series either."

History shows great captains like Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh had little choice in the matter.

Selectors pushed them from the 50-over game, but it appears Clarke's future in coloured clothing remains his call to make.

Michael Clarke can't wait to face Pakistan on Friday. Source: AFP

In an interview with The Daily Telegraph at the start of the World Cup, selector Mark Waugh said as long as injury doesn't bring Clarke down, the 33-year-old can write his own ticket.

"His one-day record is fantastic so you've got to say he's in the top six batsmen in Australia. If the answer to that is yes, well you've got to pick him, and he wants to play … naturally he would because he's a competitor and he loves playing for Australia," said Waugh.

"Whether his body can cope with that, that's a different story, I don't have an answer for that.

"But you wouldn't say he couldn't play one-day and Test cricket for a number of years ahead."

Clarke might have had an injury-ravaged past 12 months, but the view of Australian team performance manager Pat Howard is it would be unfair to judge the skipper on "a snapshot in time."

Howard reiterated three weeks ago that the ball was in Clarke's court - and nothing has changed.

As Clarke looked around the walls of the Adelaide Crows dressing room – the press conference site at the groundval – he was asked to remember back to the emotion that overcame him last time he sat there.

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But despite the critics he's silenced so far with his emphatic recovery, Clarke refused to feel satisfied.

"I think every player would have done the same thing that I've done," Clarke said of his meticulous recovery.

"A lot of players have had injuries throughout their career and worked their backside off to get back out on the park.

"Walking back out on the field to represent your country is a very special feeling, but if you don't perform you don't get that opportunity."

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The fight to save the playmakers

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WE are just two rounds into the new NRL season and already one of the great ironies for 2015 has been exposed.

Referees this year have been listed as a protected species, with coaches no longer allowed to criticise them through fear of causing hurt feelings.

Meanwhile, rugby league's most prized assets, playmakers like Johnathan Thurston and Benji Marshall, are adamant they are now victims of ongoing physical and illegal abuse.

And it seems nothing is being done to help them.

KING BENNY HITS OUT AT DRAMA QUEEN COWBOYS

COWS VOW TO PROTECT JT FROM 'OPEN SLATHER'

NRL CASUALTY WARD: SUTTON BREAKS JAW

Is it time to introduce the sin bin for foul play?

As one leading coach said to me this week: "This would stop overnight if the NRL brought in a sin bin (for foul play). They would be less likely to do something illegal if they knew it was going to leave their team a man down," the coach said.

Can they make a rule change with the season already started?

"Of course they can," he added. "I'm all about the game being played hard, as long as it is within the rules."

Unfortunately, this is where the argument on this issue splinters, depending on who you listen to.

Some coaches and former players have said this week this sort of treatment/punishment has been dished out for more than 100 years — and if you brought in a rule change now, it would potentially wipe out enforcers like Beau Scott.

Plus, they say, there are currently rules to stop blatant late hits, and all the referees need to do is enforce it consistently.

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But when a bloke like Thurston comes out and says it is now "open slather' on playmakers, it would be wise for the NRL to listen. The problem with ignoring alarm bells in our game is when you do it invariably ends in disaster.

And according to Thurston and Marshall, after just two weeks of the new season, something has to give. Or someone will get seriously hurt.

As well as being arguably the most skilful player in the game, Thurston is also as tough as they come. The fact he has played 30 consecutive Origins for Queensland highlights that, and there isn't a playmaker in the game who takes the ball to the line as often as this bloke.

It is what helps make him so great, but also such a target.

So when Thurston said he feared he could have suffered a neck injury after being up-ended in a dangerous tackle by Scott and Chris Houston, you have to take him on his word.

Incredibly, the tackle didn't result in a suspension for either player because one of Thurston's legs remained on the ground.

As Thurston rightly pointed out: Would the tackle have rated higher than a 90 point demerit for Scott if Thurston had broke his neck?

Should injury determine punishment, like it did with Jordan McLean last year for his part on the tackle on Alex McKinnon?

Or should the NRL stay a step ahead of potential danger, like Thurston and Marshall are warning now?

That lifting tackle wasn't the only incident that had the Cowboys blowing up.

The one where Scott smashed Thurston late, Andrew Johns described as a "cheap shot", because Thurston had absolutely no defence.

A week earlier Marshall said he was lucky not to break his leg after being cleaned up by a "missile" tackle from Felise Kaufusi that only resulted in a one-game ban. But what if Marshall had broken his leg in that tackle and Kaufusi was allowed to play on awaiting the match review verdict?

Thurston is up-ended by Newcastle's Chris Houston and Beau Scott. Source: Supplied

NRL benches are stacked with interchange forwards, while clubs rarely carry a replacement half, and most can only afford one star playmaker on their roster.

Rugby league is already a tough enough sport without it being made more dangerous.

You think about the injuries suffered so far this year.

John Sutton broke his jaw after an accidental head clash with Dylan Napa, and while Sutton played on for 33 minutes, he will now be sidelined for a month.

In the same game Adam Reynolds left the field in a daze only to return to play a leading role in the winning try.

Down in Canberra Jack Wighton suffered a broken bone above his eye in the opening minutes against the Warriors after a head collision with a teammate.

It's worth pointing out when that occurred, Wighton didn't stop for medical treatment.

Within minutes he was across the field saving a try with a desperate tackle on Manu Vatuvei.

You talk about courage.

Already several players have been ruled out with season-ending injuries.

Beau Champion did his knee last week, Clint Gutherson was a first-round casualty. Chris Sandow and Tepai Moeroa played against the Bulldogs last week with painkillers.

Does the game need to be tougher?

With respect to the "this has been going on for 100 years" theory, previously a playmaker always had an enforcer on hand just in case he needed protection.

Now we have the no-punch rule.

The Cowboys forwards have vowed it won't happen again but what can they really do without the NRL's help?

Johnathan Thurston has called on the NRL to protect players form serious injury. Source: News Corp Australia

On Scott's late tackle on Thurston, NRL head of football Todd Greenberg drew his line in the sand when he said: "Our rules are very clear on making sure that the defenders have to use a shoulder and we have policed that heavily.

"I have reminded (NRL referees' boss) Tony Archer about the need to protect that and to make sure that they make decisions in the game, but equally someone of Johnathan Thurston's ability always plays at the line so there is going to be a balance."

But is the balance right, or is it time to bring in the sin bin for foul play?

Playmakers are the jewels of our game.

We can no longer talk about refs, but we should be talking more about this.

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ONE FOR TOOVES

GEOFF Toovey has copped plenty of cheap shots himself over recent months.

But if coaching in the NRL is about getting results, then these stats show exactly why the Manly coach has the runs on the board to keep his job.

Since taking over from Des Hasler in 2012, Toovey boasts the fourth-best winning percentage of any coach.

From 83 games, he has 51 wins and 31 losses and one draw, for a winning strike rate of 61.4%.

Apart from Jason Taylor and Rick Stone who top Fox Sports Stats after being undefeated in two games so far, Trent Robinson boasts the best average (69.6%) ahead of Michael Maguire (68.3%), Craig Bellamy (63.7%), Toovey and Hasler (61%).

In his three years Toovey has guided Manly to one grand final and two finals campaigns.

Last year they were knocked out by the Dogs after a controversial golden point loss.

Still, it's not a bad record in anyone's books going into round three's rematch with Canterbury.

Cowboys coach Paul Green came out fighting after the tackle on Johnathan Thurston. Source: Getty Images

THEY SAID IT

"They're supposed to be making the game safe. I felt that he was certainly targeted by the opposition. Years ago, that sort of thing happened, your teammates would deal with it ... now they clearly want to go in a direction where that doesn't happen anymore. If that's the way they want the game to go then someone needs to protect players ... his eye's just about closed and he's a guy who wears head gear as well." Paul Green defends Johnathan Thurston.

"I was a bit surprised at how strongly the Cowboys came out after the game to be honest and the publicity it attracted but I'm pleased it wasn't influential. It gives you a lot more confidence in the system." Newcastle director of football Michael Hagan responds.

"I'm all for pressure being put on halves, you can't let them run

around in dinner suits, but they've just opened up a can of worms now. Every back-rower now has got a licence to do it." Queensland legend Trevor Gillmeister weighs into the debate.

"They are definitely targeting kickers and this year you can see the force being used has gone up a notch as well." Former NRL match review chairman Greg McCallum.

"The ref blew the whistle, so I stopped and someone has picked my leg up ... flipped me and all my weight was going over. I was lucky. If I had have broken my neck, would he have only got 90 [demerit] points?

"We've had obviously a very dark day with Alex McKinnon — the worst thing that can happen in our game. I don't want to see any player be put in that position again." Johnathan Thurston's description of the tackle.

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