A rampant Australia have crushed New Zealand 34-8 to regain the Four Nations championship with a ruthless display at Anfield.Mal Meningas team ran in six tries and returned to the top of the world rugby league rankings after over-running a disappointing Kiwis side, who meekly surrendered the title they won in 2014.The Kangaroos made their intentions clear after just two minutes when Trent Merrins huge shot on Jordan Rapana dislodged the ball and from the resulting scrum, Darius Boyd found Blake Ferguson with superb cut-out pass for the Sydney Roosters star to score.New Zealand responded in a positive fashion with Adam Blair and Jason Taumalolo making strong runs to break deep into the Australian half only for Shaun Kenny-Dowall to drop the ball when it looked easier to score.Shaun Johnson then broke forward strongly but under pressure from Greg Inglis his pass fell short for Kevin Proctor and was picked up by Valentine Holmes who raced downfield to start a movement which ended with a try to Josh Dugan.Matters were compounded for the Kiwis midway through the opening stanza when Trent Merrin crashed over from close range.After adding the extra two points Johnathan Thurston then grubbered for Josh Dugan to dart in between three flat-footed Kiwi defenders to get his hand to the ball to give him a double and the Kangaroos a 24-0 lead at the break.The second period started in a similar fashion with man of the match Boyd, who is still to taste defeat in 22 internationals, scoring when he finished off a sweeping move by sliding over in the right corner.With 55 minutes played the Kiwis finally woke up and troubled to scorers with Jordan Kahu sliding over and he added his second just after the hour mark.However, any hopes of a miraculous comeback were diminished when five minutes from time Boyd Cordner scrambled over for a sixth four-pointer, converted by Thurston.We set out to play well and get the world ranking back, we want to be the best and it is good to get the win tonight, Boyd told the BBC.Mal has brought of pride back to the jersey.Australian halfback Cooper Cronk was named man of the tournament. 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Cheap New Balance Free Shipping .C. -- Manny Malhotra had two goals and an assist, leading the Carolina Hurricanes to a 6-3 win over the Ottawa Senators on Saturday.Dwight Howard never grew comfortable playing with Kobe Bryant and for Mike DAntoni. Once a wide-smiling, fun-loving big guy, Howard lacked that joy in Los Angeles. The Rockets are confident hell find it again in Houston. "Were going to get a smile back on his face that hasnt been on it for a couple of years because of various things, injury and maybe the team situation he was in at the time," general manager Daryl Morey told Comcast SportsNet Houston. "Hes going to have a smile back on his face." The Rockets were the ones beaming Friday, thanks to Howards choice to take less money in hopes of more happiness. "Ive decided to become a member of the Houston Rockets. I feel (its) the best place for me and I am excited about joining the Rockets and Im looking forward to a great season," Howard wrote on Twitter. He leaves behind an extra $30 million and an offence under DAntoni that he was never fully pleased with, joining a Rockets team that could become an immediate contender in the Western Conference with the All-Star centre in the middle. "Years of work by Dwight & Rockets went into this. This team is going to be special," Morey tweeted. USA Today first reported earlier Friday that Howard would join the Rockets, where he will team with All-Star James Harden to give the Rockets a potentially potent inside-outside combination. That didnt quite end the Howard saga, which has dragged on a couple of years. Howard spoke again with the Lakers amid reports he was changing his mind. Turns out, he was just saying goodbye. "We have been informed of Dwights decision to not return to the Lakers," Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said in a statement. "Naturally were disappointed. However, we will now move forward in a different direction with the future of the franchise and, as always, will do our best to build the best team possible, one our great Lakers fans will be proud to support. "To Dwight, we thank him for his time and consideration, and for his efforts with us last season. We wish him the best of luck on the remainder of his NBA career." Dallas, Golden State and Atlanta were the other suitors interested in Howard. But it was the Rockets, who brought Hall of Fame centre Hakeem Olajuwon with them when theey made their pitch to Howard on Monday, who beat out the other teams.dddddddddddd And now Howard will follow the likes of Olajuwon and Yao Ming in Houstons middle. The deal cant become official until July 10, after next seasons salary cap has been set. The Rockets can give him a four-year deal worth about $88 million, a year less and far below the $118 million the Lakers could have offered. The Lakers acquired Howard last August from Orlando as part of a four-way trade that also included Philadelphia and Denver. He averaged 17.1 points and 12.4 rebounds in 76 games, good numbers but far from his usual dominant play in eight seasons with the Magic as he played his way back into shape following back surgery. He wasnt a natural fit in DAntonis system, had what appeared at times to be a strained relationship with Bryant and acknowledged not having fun at times. Bryant apparently wont miss him. Though he took part in the Lakers meeting with Howard on Tuesday, the five-time champion posted a photo on Instagram of himself and Pau Gasol, the Lakers remaining big man, shortly after Howards decision. Howards awkward departure is right in line with the confusion thats followed him over the last few years. The No. 1 pick in the 2004 draft was one of the NBAs most popular and likable players, an Olympic gold medallist who led the Magic to the 2009 NBA Finals -- where they lost to Bryant and the Lakers. But he decided a couple of years later that he wanted out of Orlando, and the Magic eventually gave his agent permission to negotiate with the Nets, Mavericks and Lakers about arranging a trade. Yet Howard would later agree to not opt for free agency, remaining with the Magic for the 2011-12 season. Howards season ended prematurely when he needed back surgery, and Orlando finally dealt him to Los Angeles. The Lakers season was a disappointment, with Bryant, Gasol and Steve Nash all missing time with injuries. They never developed any chemistry, getting swept in the first round of the playoffs by San Antonio. The Rockets believe hell find that chemistry in Houston. "We have good teammates. Theyre young. Theyre guys who are great not only on the floor but off. Hes going to get along great with our team," Morey said in an interview with Comcast SportsNet Houston. ' ' '