MATCHES between AFL rivals Sydney and Greater Western Sydney are about to be officially known as the Battle of the Bridge. We can reveal the tag line, which was first coined by Giants coach Kevin Sheedy, has been approved by the league and will be used for marketing purposes before their Easter Saturday clash on March 30. The fixture will be played at the new twilight time of 4.40pm at ANZ Stadium, a day after the NRL blockbuster between the Bulldogs and the Rabbitohs. Sheedy is keen for the rivalry to develop into the biggest one in Australian sport, even bigger than the traditional feud between Collingwood and Carlton. The Battle of the Bridge concept refers more to the Anzac Bridge than the Harbour Bridge, with the landmark providing battle lines for supporters of the respective teams. ''We're expecting to make an announcement soon as we approach the lead-up to the game,'' a GWS spokesperson said. The gulf between the sides is huge, with the Swans taking out the premiership and the Giants the wooden spoon in their debut season. However, Sheedy is hoping his idea will help cement an enduring rivalry.
SPRINTERS PREP FOR CONTEST
Who is the fastest man in rugby league? This time next year, we may finally get a definitive answer.
This column can reveal renowned sprint trainer Roger Fabri is organising a dash for cash between the NRL's speed merchants to settle one of the biggest talking points in the game. Fabri, who has worked with star athletes including Sonny Bill Williams, Jarryd Hayne, Michael Jennings, Todd Carney and Mitchell Pearce, is in talks with sponsors and athletics officials to stage the event in early 2014.
''This is an idea I've had for a long time, to finally find out who is the fastest man in rugby league,'' Fabri said. ''We're looking at putting up a large purse so the argument can be done and dusted. Winner takes all.'' Fabri hopes clubs will get behind the concept and nominate two players based on their own speed testing. Each nominee must have played at least two NRL games this year to be eligible. ''You'd have to look at guys like Greg Inglis at Souths, Jarryd Hayne at Parramatta and they tell me that James Roberts from Penrith can move very quickly. And then you've got guys like David Mead and Ben Barba,'' Fabri said. Fabri, who knocked back lucrative oversees roles after attending a workshop conducted by Olympic legend Michael Johnson at his performance centre in Dallas, recently joined Cronulla's coaching staff.
IT'S NOT A ROOMAH
Plenty of sports stars are excited about the prospect of rubbing shoulders with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Former Test batsman Damien Martyn has already arranged to fly in to get his photo taken with the seven-time Mr Olympia when he hits our shores. Arnie will be in Sydney on June 13.
YOU LOSE SOME
Manly have been humming on the field, but their licensed club isn't doing as well. For the first time in several years, the Leagues Club posted a loss.
CAMPO IN DOUBT
Canberra playmaker Terry Campese is due for a break after a run of injuries. However, he is unlikely to be fit for the start of the season.
O'KEEFE MISSES OUT
Australian cricket selectors have made some baffling decisions lately, but none more than choosing to overlook Steve O'Keefe from the 17-man touring party to India. Nathan Lyon, Xavier Doherty, Glenn Maxwell and Steve Smith were selected ahead of the NSW captain. O'Keefe has taken 78 first-class wickets at an average of 27.33. That compares favourably to Doherty, whose wickets come at an average of 44.78, while Maxwell's cost 33.81 and Smith's victims cost 56.41. However, SOK, whose batting average is higher than his bowling one, remained diplomatic. ''My focus right now is just to keep performing well for NSW,'' O'Keefe said. ''If I can continue to do that, then hopefully an opportunity will arise in the future. I wish all the Aussie boys well over there in India.''
NATURE BOY
Parramatta's social-media campaign to bring Ellen DeGeneres to an Eels training session is hotting up. Fans are being urged to tweet the hashtag #Ellen2theEels to make it happen. We asked new coach Ricky Stuart about the prospect of the American TV star running her eye over training. ''I haven't seen her on National Geographic channel,'' Stuart quipped. ''That's about all I watch on tele.''
THE OTHER TIGER
New Wests Tigers recruit Braith Anasta is in vintage form … on the golf course. The former Rooster recently shot 42 stableford points off his scratch handicap at his home club, St Michaels. For those who don't know how this scoring system works, that's a 6-under par 65. A pretty handy effort on a challenging course.
HAPPY TO HELP
NRL clubs do plenty of good work in the community. Take Wests Tigers, who are hitting the Southern Highlands today as part of their community carnival commitments. The players will be pushing trucks and shifting logs in a strongman challenge at Mittagong Sports Ground from 2.30pm, followed by a skills clinic for the kids. The players will visit schools in the area on Monday.
BACK ON TOP
Retirement becomes league legend Graham Lowe. A revered figure on both sides on the Tasman, the former coach and administrator stepped down from the daily grind due to health issues. But we're told he is fighting fit and loving life in the land of the long white cloud.
GUESSING GAME
Which Super Rugby side have already fallen out with their captain? They believe he isn't leadership material.
DRAWING FIRE
DAVID FURNER, pictured, is already an easy target, so the Canberra coach had no hesitation letting fans take a free shot for charity. Furner offered to be dunked by the public at yesterday's Sportenary registration day at Braddon to raise money for the Eden Monaro Cancer Support Group. ''People have been taking pot-shots at me for the past few years so here's a chance to come along and dunk me in a water tank to raise money for a great cause,'' he said.
STILL KICKING
It is one of television's most unlikely success stories. The Footy Show is about to celebrate its 20th birthday. And no one is prouder than the man who was there at the beginning, former Manly star Paul Vautin. ''We're very excited about our 20th year,'' he said. ''Not many shows survive that long and we're prospering; I'm so happy to still be on it.'' Michael Slater is unlikely to remain on the show as it enters its second decade on air, while Darryl 'Big Marn' Brohman is set to come down from his man cave to spend more time on the panel.
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