'Learner' Clarke watches rugby team train to find out few tricks

Sydney, June 8(ANI): Australia cricket captain Michael Clarke visited New South Wales State of Origin training on Saturday to take a few training tips from the rugby players.

Clarke was on the sidelines at the WIN Jubilee Oval at Kogarah as Ricky Stuart's NSW side continued preparations for the second match of the State of Origin series at ANZ Stadium next Wednesday night.

Cricket Australia's general manager of team performance Pat Howard joined Clarke, who said the pair was watching NSW training closely to further their knowledge of training for their own sport.

"Obviously, Michael is a big fan of rugby league, and obviously, you can always learn from other sports," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Howard, as saying.

"We want to have a look at the intensity of training and how both the coaches and the leaders of the team lead the team around. You can always learn so there's an opportunity to see just what we can bring across. One of two things would be fantastic," he added.

Howard added he was doing similar visits to other sporting teams with national coach Mickey Arthur.

"He's more of a rugby person and there are guys that are more AFL people," he said.

Howard added: "We're looking at sports that those people admire because you can learn from every sport. There's no magic bullet but it's all about trying to get the discipline and see the similarities." (ANI)