Root's a ringer for Ellen

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FIRST, it was the Sherminator. Now, Ellen DeGeneres. Shane Warne's attempts at getting under the skin of English batsmen have hit new heights with the spin king posting a split screen image Joe Root and DeGeneres on Instagram - the resemblance is shocking.

The uncanny similarity sent the Twitterverse into raptures after Warne posted the picture just before the close of play on the first day at the Gabba.

Warne famously labelled English batsmen Ian Bell, "The Sherminator" - a character in the movie American Pie - in a previous Ashes series.

Let's hope this jibe has the opposite effect on Root because Bell has been one of the world's premier batsmen since Warne launched his Sherminator attack. Fingers crossed.

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Warner back in good books

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GIVEN the soap opera that has been David Warner's life in recent months, Australian cricket fans could have justifiably hoped the colourful opener would never be seen in the baggy-green again.

But thank goodness for Warner's presence at the Gabba yesterday. Without cricket's human headline, Australia's opening innings of the summer would have resembled an episode of the Benny Hill Show.

Granted, there were still too many moments of local batting vaudeville. But on a day where England followed their script to the letter, Warner provided moments of resistance that suggest he can be the streetfighting nuisance that keeps the old enemy honest this summer.

Entering this first Test, Warner spoke of his aim to win back respect following his bar-room bust-up with Joe Root during his horror tour of England.

Day one at the Gabba represented the first step. His 49 was not the mammoth innings that provides the bedrock for Test triumphs but it was an enterprising, impressive knock and an exhibition of Warner's ability when he is single-minded about cricket.

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To some degree, amid his search for redemption, he would have gleaned the respect of the English attack he briefly dominated yesterday.

While his top-order cohorts wilted in the English furnace, Warner fought fire with fire. His statement was instant, crunching Stuart Broad's first ball of the morning to the boundary with a pull shot over backward square leg.

The following over, Warner went after James Anderson, driving confidently to a ball that was deliciously full and wide.

Nine balls later, he brutally cover drove a Broad half-volley to the fence. And then he produced the most audacious shot of the day, leaping off the ground to cheekily upper-cut a Broad bouncer over the slips cordon. Four boundaries in six overs. Warner was away. Somebody stop him.

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Perhaps the most compelling observation was Warner's control. His knock was a fusion of power and patience. In between the displays of brutality, Warner adopted a sensible mentality, respecting the good balls and keeping his ego in the back pocket.

The bad balls were duly punished. Just ask spinner Graeme Swann, who watched helplessly as Warner thumped his second delivery of the innings to the long-off boundary.

The aggressive left-hander went to lunch unbeaten on 42 with the hosts steady at 2-71. A century beckoned in the second session, but Broad exacted revenge, removing Warner after he slapped an innocuous short ball to Kevin Pietersen at cover.

The Matraville Mauler deserved at least a half-century, but he walked off with perhaps a more precious currency.

Something called respect.

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Scott is the bogey man

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IT was a dramatic collapse. Five gone in the blink of an eye. The trophy surrendered, perhaps, with the battle still in its first day.

Not Australia, Adam Scott. Not five wickets, five shots.

A horrendous quintuple bogey nine at the par four 12th hole during the first round of the World Cup at Royal Melbourne that was, from Scott, far more shocking than Australia's routine top order collapse.

A tee shot and a provisional ball both carved right into the tea tree. The first ball lost, the second unplayable. So Scott trudged back to the tee where he needed to hole out from 410 metres to salvage bogey. He came up short.

That walk back to the tee is familiar to the club hacker as the Australian batsmen's march back to the pavilion. But for the world No.2 it must have felt as unfamiliar as leaving a nightclub without being offered half a dozen phone numbers.

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Nine is usually the first figure on a prizemoney cheque for Scott, not a golf score. It was the highest number he had pencilled on his scorecard since an unsightly 10 at Doral six years ago.

Inevitably, Scott would sign for a four over 75. Eight more than in his first round on the same course at the Australian Masters one week ago. Only Jason Day's pleasing 68 stopped Australia from slipping lower than eighth in the team event.

''Two lazy swings,'' said Scott of two of three two-irons he hit from the 12th tee. ''Just off with the fairies.''

Perhaps that was a sign of fatigue given Scott's tremendous recent workload. Having won back-to-back tournaments for the first time and shouldered a mountain of media and promotional work, he was entitled to a momentary brain fade. Even if the punishment did not quite fit the crime.

Scott's dramatic blowout was part of an otherwise low key day at Royal Melbourne. An indication the World Cup had not yet captivated even that golf mad part of the planet in Melbourne's famed sand belt region.

Adam Scott emerges from the scrub seemingly without his lost ball during his opening round. Source: Getty Images

Tournament organisers IMG are promoting back-to-back events on the same course, a tough sell even with Scott's quest for a Summer Slam and Day's relatively rare home appearance. But the subdued atmosphere from the modest galleries did not do justice to the excellent golf from some top-line players in conditions far more difficult than last week when the greens were softened by rain.

American Kevin Streelman upstaged his more heralded countryman Matt Kuchar with a sometimes spectacular 66. He matched the mark set by Danish veteran Thomas Bjorn who ensured Denmark had a chance of tightening its traditional grip on world golf.

Not that there was any hint of patriotic fervour. A bone of contention about the new World Cup format was that, as teams events go, this is more like Formula One than Ryder Cup. Every man for himself, then tally the numbers at the end of the day.

Still searching, Adam Scott peers into the undergrowth as he hunts down his lost ball. Source: Getty Images

Scott and Day played two hours and eight minutes and eight holes apart wearing their regular sponsored shirts rather than team uniform. Not an arrangement that allowed for Ryder Cup-style high-fiving or which distinguished the event greatly from last week's Australian Masters.

The added emphasis on the individual prize has been justified by the World Cup's dwindling significance on a crowded calendar. But yesterday that seemed a bit like fighting the market dominance of vanilla ice cream by producing yet more vanilla ice cream.

Surely something could have been done to accentuate the World Cup's point of difference - a team battle for a once prestigious team trophy. Like the Ashes, except with Australia having some chance to win.

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Aussies need Clarke to bat at No. 5

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IF Australia is to have any hope of competing with England after yet another inept batting performance, Michael Clarke must move back to number five.

His uncomfortable dismissal for just one on the opening day of the first Test at the Gabba, fending a Stuart Broad short ball to short leg, has reinforced why Australia's only world class player is wasted batting any higher.

Enough of the macho argument that your best batsman should bat up the order, he should bat where he performs best.

When Clarke bats at four he is not Australia's best batsman, far from it.

He averaged under 25 in the position and it was under 22 until he scored 187 in the washed out third Test at Old Trafford on a flat pitch.

When Clarke bats at five he is superman. He averages 64 and has scored 20 of his 24 centuries there.

At four he has reached 50 just five times and he does it only once every seven or eight innings in that position.

Stuart Broad celebrates after his short ball forced Michael Clarke to fend a catch to Ian Bell at short leg. Source: Getty Images

At five he has reached 50 39 times, once every two or three innings.

Exposing Clarke to a newish ball he does not platy well is wasting Australia's most precious asset.

The same thing happened in the first innings of the opening Test during the last Ashes series when Clarke was forced to come in at 2-19 and was bowled by an absolute corker of a ball from Jimmy Anderson for 0.

What a waste. Better to sacrifice any other player to the unplayable ball than Clarke.

On the evidence of recent series no one else in the line-up can mount a convincing argument they should be in the team on consistent performances.

If it takes a major reshuffling of the batting order to get Clarke back in his rightful position then so be it.

Michael Clarke trudges off the field after being removed by a well-targeted short ball in what has become a familiar dismissal. Source: Getty Images

On the evidence of his time as captain it has been no Clarke, no Australia.

Tasmania's Alex Doolan is the best batsman in the country without a baggy green cap and given the continued poor showing of the national team it cannot be far away.

Doolan is a natural number three and is in the form of his life.

He could easily slot into that position for Australia given it has been so unproductive since Ricky Ponting began to fade late in his career, with Shane Watson moving to four.

This would leave Clarke at five and Steve Smith at six.

If George Bailey is forced out of the side after one Test so Clarke can be at his most productive then so be it.

Bailey and Australia may make any changes redundant with a spectacular second innings but history tells us that Tests are largely won and lost on first innings runs.

Private murmurings around Australian cricket suggest that Bailey "nicks for fun" and it certainly looked like it yesterday during his brief and unconvincing stay of three.

Whatever happens the status quo is not an option. Too many players have failed too often in the recent past to persist with mediocrity.

And without Clarke making a significant contribution Australia is regularly mediocre.

MICHAEL CLARKE BATTING

No. 4: 889 runs - 25 average - 1 century

No. 5: 5829 runs - 64 average - 20 centuries

Career: 7656 runs - 52 average - 24 centuries

SHOULD GEORGE BAILEY BE DROPPED AFTER ONLY ONE TEST TO ALLOW MICHAEL CLARKE TO BAT AT NUMBER FIVE? HAVE YOUR SAY BELOW.

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Cricket Confidential: A horror story

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CRICKET Confidential takes a different view on the opening Ashes Test as a horror story began to unfold at the Gabba and the Brisbane crowd experienced Ground Hog Day.

Horror on the Broadwalk

No, it's not a horror movie. Well, maybe it was before Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson slowed Stuart Broad's wicket-taking rampage and lowered the Gabba crowd's blood curdling screams to a murmur.

The Brisbane public really embraced The Courier-Mail's hate campaign aimed at public enemy No.1, Broad.

Aside from the constant booing whenever the lanky quick had the cherry in his hand, one great mind north of the Tweed came up with this gem: Stuart Broad, I know what you did last summer.

Hats off sir!

The Gabba crowd targets public enemy No.1. Adam Head. Source: News Corp Australia

Piggy in the middle

No, it's not 1983 and Sir Ian "Beefy" Botham (the pig) isn't causing mayhem on the Gabba outfield.

But there was a sense of deja vu in Brisbane on Thursday after a police officer - we haven't confirmed if it was the same constable from 83' - was snapped carrying a pig from the stands that had been smuggled in.

Don't worry kids, it wasn't Babe, but you might want to shield your eyes when "Beefy" tucks into a few bacon butties on day two.

Tweet of the day

Cricket's cockney rhyming slang

We're playing the Poms, so it's only fitting we give you the best cockney rhyming slang. Cricket Confidential heard a beauty on Thursday.

Mitchell Johnson hit a Demi Moore. Translation: Mitchell Johnson hit a cracking four!

Tweet us more cricket related rhyming slang at @FOXCricketLive or @FOX_CRICKET

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Broad shoulders abuse to thrive

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STUART Broad revealed how a psychologist's report told him he would thrive on abuse as England's destroyer turned Michael Clarke into his Ashes batting bunny.

Broad may be Public Enemy No.1 down under, but the English quick is also Clarke's bully-boy after continuing his domination of Australia's best batsman in the first Test.

The Courier-Mail had urged Brisbane fans to snub the paceman as part of a "Broad-ban" and how Clarke must have wished his rival was barred from the Gabba precinct.

The Australian skipper managed a mere single before Broad struck again - the sixth time in his last eight Test innings Clarke has fallen to his British bogeyman.

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The paceman (5-65) finished with bragging rights as Australia recovered to 8-273 and he later attended the press conference clutching a copy of the newspaper that had pilloried him.

Mind-games clearly don't faze Broad. England's team shrink subjected the entire squad to a pre-tour psychological assessment and it found three players would relish sledging in Australia.

"We do all these tests about what kind of personality we are," said Broad, who was booed before his first delivery of the morning.

"The psychologist said there are three guys in this side who would thrive on getting abuse and they are 'KP' (Kevin Pietersen), myself and Matty Prior, so they picked the good men together."

Of the anti-Broad campaign, he said: "A couple of my mates had mentioned it, but I just saw this (The Courier-Mail) outside and it made me smile.

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"It's good fun. At the end of the day, you are focusing on your routines, not what the crowd is doing.

"But there is something about Ashes cricket that brings out my best ... there is a bit more niggle there."

The 27-year-old removed the top-three of Chris Rogers (1), David Warner (49) and Shane Watson (22), but it was his dismissal of Clarke that franked his big day out.

Like a cricketing ghost, Broad incessantly haunts Clarke. At 2-73, the skipper faced a typical rescue mission before Broad had him spooked, producing a rearing short-ball which Clarke fatally fended to Ian Bell at short leg.

"We know what a big player he is so you always have specific plans for their best players," he said.

"For the plan to work with Michael gave us a big lift."

Stuart Broad appeals unsucessfully to remove David Warner, one of his few disappointments on Thursday. Source: Getty Images

The firebrand dismissed Clarke five times during the recent series in England. Broad now has his scalp a record eight times at Test level, but denied having the wood on Australia's top dog.

"I wouldn't say I have a hold over him," he said.

"He can be destructive. There will be a time in the series when it goes well for him so we've got to enjoy the time he walks back for less than 10."

Few bowlers can consistently bamboozle Clarke but Broad, with his energy, competitive fire and deceptive short-ball, clearly has the man nicknamed 'Pup' on a leash.

Stuart Broad clean bowls Mitchell Johnson with a ball that swung late as the batsman attempted to drive. Source: Getty Images

And the Poms have every reason to delight in Broad's muzzling of Australia's top dog.

For decades, Aussie fans have rejoiced at the mention of Daryll Cullinan, the classy batsman who turned into a South African version of Phil Tufnell whenever he faced spin-king Shane Warne.

But for all the jibes not even Warne dominated Cullinan like Broad has Clarke. Warne dismissed Cullinan four times in the Test arena, which makes Broad's spell over Clarke twice as magical.

Broad has his critics and has been derided as a blond-haired, baby-faced pretty boy. But he possesses the heart of a lion, bowling unnerving lines yesterday to claim his 11th five-wicket Test haul. He finished the day with 222 Test victims and is set to overtake countrymen Steve Harmison (226), Andrew Flintoff (226), Darren Gough (229) and Andy Caddick (234) this summer.

No stranger to being laughed at, Broad has delivered the punchline. The joke is on Australia ... and Michael Clarke.

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Fowler leads but Super Scott looms

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IN the most modest way, Adam Scott was in awe of himself yesterday. He boomed four fairway-splitting drives of such length mid-round that you imagined he was flexing Superman's biceps.

The king of Augusta was a mild-mannered golfer making five straight pars yesterday before he must have slipped into his green Masters cloak behind a gum tree at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast.

In a blur, three straight birdies ignited the chase for runaway American leader Rickie Fowler (63) and guaranteed the Australian PGA would get the dream duel at the top of the leaderboard that the tournament had counted on.

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More than that, those blasts with the driver on the 6th to 9th holes all bounded over 300m and put a jaw-dropping vibe through a mesmerised gallery that swelled to over 1500 fans at times.

On the 10th, his with-the-wind curling strike over the water carried 320m while leftie Richard Green was 100m back down the fairway having played more conservatively off the tee.

When the world No.2 stroked in his sixth birdie of the day from 2m on the last under perfect blue skies it elevated him to a six-under-par 65, in second spot with Gold Coaster Matthew Ballard and Victorian David McKenzie.

Golf star Adam Scott will be honoured today when he is given the keys to the city by the Gold Coast mayor.

There was a hint of Greg Norman in his pomp when Scott analysed a round he called "just plugging away" but for the moments he ripped his one wood.

"It was a bit of a driving display. The driving was basically flawless and the best I've driven the ball since the (British) Open in July," Scott said.

"I was solid elsewhere, not the most exciting round ... just plugging away and playing fairly safe to greens that firm. It all added up (on the scorecard) pretty well."

To fans watching, he did it so effortlessly with barely a hiccup except for his too cute chip slip-up on the 10th when a birdie beckoned after another prodigious drive.

He chastised himself so the steely edge was definitely there beneath the surface of a round he had to play amidst constant adulation.

"It's not hard to enjoy people applauding you," Scott said with a grin.

But that's the conundrum Scott has had to sort through since the Masters - how to stay in that controlled aggressive state on course when everyone is cuddling you with goodwill from the gallery.

It was as if a backslapping convention had booked out the RACV Royal Pines resort on the Gold Coast for the warmest of receptions to a returning golfer to Queensland since the Norman days.

One kid offered a high five off the green. Scott obliged of course. "Well done Adam" rang out warmly again and again to acknowledge Augusta glory seven months ago.

"I've played a lot of weeks in America where it was very similar with people congratulating me the whole way around the course for what happened at the Masters," Scott said.

"I've had to get used to that a little bit. I want the people to enjoy it but I've still got to remain focussed and I think I've done a pretty good job. I enjoy giving a kid a high five. That's just all good fun.

"I'm enjoying every minute of playing at home."

It steps again today. It's Green Day with every fan urged to wear green to honour Scott's drought-breaker at the Masters. Hats, shirts ... deck yourself out.

You see so many bland American pros, it's a delight to watch Fowler interract with his young fan base, sign any piece of clothing thrust his way and really "get" what growing the game is all about.

He's no private school product. He's a dirt-biking kid who grew up to play even better golf as his eight birdie blitz showed in his controlled 63.

He gets it too because when news broke last year of Aussie golfing mate Jarrod Lyle's second leukaemia battle, he inked "JL" on his caps, sent cards of support and thought deeply about an issue bigger than golf.

Scott and Fowler going birdie for birdie on the weekend deserves to stir a 15,000-strong throng of fans marching the fairways. You don't sense the Scott aura as fully when you just watch on TV. This is live sport worth watching up close.

Pre-tournament, Scott said the pressure of never having won a big Australian tournament was a monkey off his shoulders since his 2009 Australian Open and 2012 Talisker Masters victories.

This was a different yet significant pressure. Forget the other 154 players in the field. Everyone had come to see a glimpse of Australia's champion. He knew it too which might have explained his nerves on the first tee in his homecoming event.

"I was pretty nervous on that first tee. I haven't been that nervous for a long while," Scott said.

"No matter how little pressure you put on yourself you want to play well, you want to perform in front of family and friends. You're a competitor."

Royal Pines is not Royal Melbourne or Royal Sydney. It is a resort course of wide avenues between the trees.

Fowler, the world No.43, surged home with a six-under 29 on the back nine climaxed by a chip-in birdie on his final hole, the tough 460m par four ninth where Ballard and McKenzie, the evergreen 46-year-old, bogeyed.

Fowler's round is the new course record in the par 71 layout for the course.

McKenzie is on a roll he hopes can continue. He won a VW Golf car for a hole in one at the recent Perth International and lucked into a Melbourne Cup quinella on Tuesday that paid wife Mai Roberge a tidy $600 for a $3 outlay.

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Nissan season a $5 million waste

Rick and Todd Kelly with the Jack Daniels Racing Nissan Altima that will compete in the V8 Supercars competition. Source: Supplied

NISSAN have written off their debut V8 Supercars season as a $5 million waste with a botched aerodynamics test ruining their history making year.

The powerful Japanese manufacturer has demanded a new test on their aerodynamics package with drivers claiming the cars feel as if they are being held back by a parachute.

Privately they call their Nissan V8 a flying fridge.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Nissan global motorsport boss Darren Cox fronted V8 Supercars CEO James Warburton and was given the go-ahead to redesign the car in a move that will see Kelly Brothers Racing hit the grid with four new look Nissan Altimas next year.

New V8 Supercars commissioner Steve Horne admitted to Cox the aerodynamics test run on the Nissans before their landmark re-entry to the sport was not up to scratch and agreed to retest the cars with state of the art computer software as well as include them in all the testing that the new Volvo will undertake ahead of its entry into the sport.

Nissan have been on the warpath since learning the aero package on their car was to blame for their poor performance - not the engine as previously thought.

The team suspected their aero package - which determines how much drag the car is held back by and which influences speed - was inferior to the mainstay Holdens and Fords. It was confirmed beyond doubt at Bathurst when the car dramatically bogged down at speeds above 220km/h.

"We were down on engine speed and straight line speed at the beginning of the year,'' said Kelly Brothers racing co-owner and driver Rick Kelly.

"We suspected the engine was to blame for both. As we improved the engine the straight line speed was still down. At Bathurst we were 10km/h off the rest of the field.

"We knew it was an aero problem then and while frustrating, it is great that we know what is wrong and have been given permission to do something about it.''

The data gathered by the team has convinced V8 Supercars to conduct new tests which will see the manufacturer enter next year's series with a superior model car.

Kelly Brothers Racing were forced to add drag to their car before the beginning of the season with the Altima described as a "slippery'' car with a formidable aero package.

Todd Kelly wanted the sport to conduct their aero testing at a two car wind tunnel in the US.

The sport declined and instead tested the cars on a drag-strip, pushing the cars to top speed before turning them off and looking at how far they rolled.

Many have been critical of the low-tech test, which was also conducted on a windy day.

Nissan are pleased with the response from the sport's governing body and will fly in an aerodynamics guru of Le Mans fame to help them redesign their aerodynamic package.

Ben Bowlby, who designed the famous Delta wing, will fly into Australia to oversee the testing and design.

Nissan representatives have privately declared the season a $5 million waste because of the bungle.

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Hunt price tag no issue for Titans

Gold Coast Suns training at Metricon Stadium, Carrara - Karmichael Hunt Source: News Limited

KARMICHAEL Hunt's million dollar price tag is not the major stumbling block for the Titans in their bid to lure the high profile code-hopper back to the NRL.

Rather, it is their own powerbroker Michael Searle.

Hunt has not forgotten Searle's stunning attack back in 2009 when he described the former Broncos' code switch as "desperate", a "circus" and "destined to fail", and Hunt "a gun for hire, a mercenary''.

Searle also said the move to make Hunt the Suns' first signing had the potential to be the ''most expensive media stunt in the history of sport''.

Now, new Titans CEO Graham Annesley says Hunt's profile is a major reason behind their interest.

Gold Coast Titans and Gold coast Suns at a one-off training session where the clubs traded tips on defence and ball skills. Karmichael Hunt and Nate Myles catch up. Pic Glenn Hampson Source: News Limited

"Karmichael is a huge star anywhere in Queensland and in southeast Queensland in particular because of what he has done in the AFL,'' he said.

Hunt, typically, was unfussed by yesterday's report of the Titans' interest.

"I haven't bought into it,'' he said.

"I'm just getting my head around leaving for Arizona for our training camp on Sunday."

Hunt's price tag may not be a major issue.

The AFL supplement a major portion of his $1m salary and there are no guarantees they will continue the arrangement beyond this year.

It means any potential bidding war could be fought on a level playing field.

When reports of another potential code switch started to surface, Gold Coast AFL football manager Marcus Ashcroft and list manager Scott Clayton sat him down for a heart-to-heart.

The message was "We'd love you to stay but will respect any decision you make."

GC Suns players Karmichael Hunt and Gary Ablett. Source: News Limited

Hunt insisted he was 100 per cent committed to the Suns and promised them he would be with the club in 2014.

He kept that promise and on Sunday leaves for Arizona to begin another pre-season.

But it hasn't stopped the suitors.

Hunt has been linked to the Titans, Broncos and most recently former coach Wayne Bennett's Knights.

Suns CEO Travis Auld yesterday described Hunt as a required and valued member of the club.

"Injuries were a real source of frustration for Karmichael last year, but he has continually shown that he is an elite and very determined athlete and we are certainly confident that he will again make a significant on field contribution next season,'' he said.

"Karmichael has achieved so much in our game and we still believe he has plenty to offer."

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I'd play again for $1: Menzies

Steve Menzies retired Manly great at Manly Beach,Manly.Picture Gregg Porteous Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

LOOK who is back in Manly - and ready to wear the famous maroon and white again.

After five years playing in England and France, the great Steve 'Beaver' Menzies - who left Manly in such glorious style after the 2008 grand final - has resettled back on Sydney's northern beaches.

But has he actually retired?

Menzies, who turns 40 next month, revealed he would play again for Manly next season on a $1 contract if asked.

"A dollar's a dollar, so you've got to take the cash,'' he said. ''I think I would, just to do it.

"I'm getting a bit old and slow but if something happens and Manly asked me, how could I refuse?

"I'd have to sign it and see what happens. That would be good but also scary at the same time.

"If something happened and they said: 'look, you're the last resort - we need you' then for Manly I would do that for sure.

"If the scenario was right and it was needed by the club then I'd help them out.''

The Daily Telegraph caught up with Menzies this week to discuss the past, the future and who are the greatest players he confronted and played alongside.

Grand Final 2008, Manly Sea Eagles skipper Steve Menzies. Source: News Limited

THE LEGACY

Menzies played a staggering 529 games for Manly, Australia in tour matches, Kangaroo Tests, City Origin, NSW, Northern Eagles, Bradford, Catalans and the Exiles.

''I can't complain - I've had a good run,'' he said.

''To grow up a Manly supporter and play for them for years and years, to make rugby league your career, to go overseas and experience the things I have with my family … I have been so lucky.

''To be able to play a game that is such a passionate sport around here … some of the great players I have got to play with. The combination with Cliffy Lyons kickstarted my career.

''There have been sacrifices but I just ran out there and played footy.

''But when the footy starts again and everyone is training and playing and I am sitting there with my shovel, digging trenches and things like that, then it will sink in that I have retired.''

Steve Menzies with wife Suyin after the 2008 NRL Grand Final. Source: News Limited

TH E FUTURE

He will start his life once again in the Manly area and be employed as a Sea Eagles ambassador.

''It will be great to be back down with the boys and be involved in different aspects of the business. I will be doing things game day and drumming up support for the Silvertails,'' he said.

''I also have a few other business interests that will be happening soon.

''I have got plenty of things to do - I was hoping to just come back and play golf but work is getting in the way!''

Asked would he one-day coach, Menzies said: "Just because you played for a long time doesn't mean you would be a good coach.

''I think I have a few things to offer but maybe not as a head coach. A lot more goes into coaching than just turning up and giving the boys a game plan.''

Steve Menzies salutes the loyal crowd. Source: News Limited

THE MEMORY

He achieved everything after debuting for Manly as a 19-year-old on June 26, 1993.

But one memory stands above the rest - his final game for Manly, a famous 40-0 grand final win over Melbourne.

''Definitely my last memory at Manly is my greatest,'' he said.

''Winning the 2008 grand final by 40-0. The way I came on and scored a late try, farewelling the club I have loved since I was five-years old when I used to go down to Brookvale Oval.

''I couldn't ask for much more. To leave the club that way, it was as good as it gets.

''We also won a grand final in 1996 with a great bunch of guys. It was a quality team. We played three grand finals in a row.''

Manly legend Cliff Lyons at Cromer Park. Source: News Limited

GREATEST TEAM-MATE

''Cliff Lyons. He was just so naturally talented. He never once sold me a dump,'' he said.

''We never organised things. I have run off some great players but Cliffy would always find me. But if an opponent read it and it wasn't on, Cliffy wouldn't pass it to me. He was as good as it gets.''

Andrew Johns gets pass away. Source: News Limited

GREATEST OPPONENT

''Andrew Johns. Just such a competitor. He was so good,'' he said.

''He could do everything in rugby league - he could run, kick, step, pass, tackle, pop a pass, control the game. I have seen some things in Origin camps - you know why he is so good. He was unbelievable.''

Former Manly captain Geoff Toovey (L) and coach Bob Fulton. Source: News Limited

TOUGHEST OPPONENT

''Geoff Toovey, pound for pound, was the toughest player I have ever seen,'' he said. ''Every week the big blokes would pick him out and he would pick them up and dump them.

''He would get bashed and knocked around. He was so tough.''

Steve Menzies beats the grasping tackle of Karmichael Hunt to score. Source: News Limited

THE CULTURE

Since he left Manly has made two grand finals, won one, saw coach Des Hasler quit, have several CEOs come and go and a board that is constantly split.

''It's been a rocky road,'' Menzies said. ''It's been tough but it really has been a golden era for Manly. The grand finals they have played, the grand finals they have won.

''The past five, six, seven years has been such a good period. It's been unbelievable for the club.

'''Tooves' as a player was the toughest guy I played with or against so his coaching success doesn't surprise me. He is so passionate. He know how to convey his messages through that passion.''

St Helens James Roby is tackled by Steve Menzies. Source: AAP

THE FRENCH

Menzies played 71 games in France between 2011 and 2013.

''You want my answer in French or English?'' Menzies said. ''I don't have that much French actually. It was just a great experience. England was also great, two years at Bradford.

''Then I got a call from (now Roosters coach) Trent Robinson and he asked whether I would like to go Catalans.

''Two weeks later the deal was done and off we went. It is such a great part of the world. My daughter is five and she is pretty much fluent in French.

''It was great to be immersed in that culture and the people we met. Everything closes from 12 til 2pm - they have their siesta. None of the shops are open. They work just to live. They don't work to conquer the world. Some of the things you see - you scratch your head, only in France.''

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