Will Roar’s Berisha sink new employers?

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BRISBANE Roar sensed a unique individual had arrived before Besart Berisha had even kicked a ball.

So unique, in fact, there were doubts about whether he would fit in when he ­arrived from German side ­Arminia Bielefeld in 2011.

"We didn't know him, but at the first session we knew he was going to be a superstar,'' former teammate Massimo Murdocca said.

ULTIMATE GUIDE: BRISBANE ROAR v MELBOURNE VICTORY

"He was just attacking, ­attacking, attacking and performing his signature dribbles and he never lost the ball.

"It was evident he was going to be that explosive player who wasn't going to be afraid of anyone.

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"At first it was quite daunting, quite confronting. Passion is an understatement and it was something I'd never seen before in my career, ever.

"You sort of looked at it in a negative way because I had never seen it. But once I got to know him and understand him, it's a no-brainer. He just wants to win and it's infectious.''

Then coach Ange Postecoglou got an even earlier indication the Pristina-born, Berlin-raised striker would be different from anyone else he's dealt with.

"Before I signed him we had visa issues getting him out here, and he was pretty much ringing me on a daily basis because he was so eager to start and that was a good sign,'' Postecoglou said.

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"He's very passionate and I like that about him.

"Sometimes we lack a bit of it, but once he enters the field he feels like he has to put it all on the line, regardless of the circumstances.

"Every time I speak about him it's hard for people to ­relate. He's such a gentle, placid guy and quiet family man off the field. On it he's the kind of guy you want in a group, always upbeat. He'll defend his team and teammates to the very end — it's quite a contrast.''

Besart Berisha of the Roar will face new employers Melbourne Victory on Sunday. Source: News Corp Australia

Underlining that loyalty, Murdocca said a small deed from him and right back Ivan Franjic in Berisha's first week in Australia when they drove him around "sorting out his life'' has never been forgotten.

Their close bond has meant that Murdocca has seen Berisha's passion — and persistence — flow in abundance off the pitch.

"He's passionate with everything in life, not just football. He goes over the top and that's what I loved about him,'' he said.

"Whether it's which cafe had the best coffee, or whether the cevapi (Balkan kebab) were better at one restaurant and why, he'll give his passionate opinion and you just had to laugh at him.

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"He doesn't mind his golf, but he's terrible — one of the worst golfers I've seen in my life.

"He probably doesn't have the patience but he's got the persistence. He'll go again and again and he dresses up better than the pro golfers.''

Now at Melbourne Heart, Murdocca is licking his lips at their imminent reunion when Berisha begins his new life as ­Melbourne Victory's marquee player next season.

On Sunday at Suncorp Stadium Berisha could end Victory's 2013-14 campaign and its hopes of qualifying for the Asian Champions League in one fell swoop.

The spotlight couldn't shine any brighter on Berisha, who polarises opinion like no other A-League player, having been sent off this season an A-League ­record of three times.

Besart Berisha of the Roar doesn't lack passion on the field. Source: News Corp Australia

Despite his firebrand image, Berisha had never been sent off prior to before this season, but did earn seven bookings last season and four in his debut year.

So will the occasion get to him? Will his loyalties be ­divided in his first appearance against Victory this season?

Roar coach Mike Mulvey said if Friday's training session was any indication, he is primed for a big performance, but has no doubt that he is fully focused.

"Absolutely, we pay his wages and what you'll see from ­Besart is 100 per cent ­commitment to Roar and he'll prove that at the weekend,'' Mulvey said.

"We wanted to keep him. But the way the league is set up with the salary cap, a decision has been made based on economics. It's a function of the times and what's in the ­future is in the future.

Besart Berisha will leave Brisbane with happy memories. Source: News Corp Australia

"He has my full blessing. When it was announced we made a pact. We said he's here to the end of the season, we're going to trust each other. He's got my back and I've got his.

"In finals you have to make sure the occasion doesn't get to you. He played two years ago in a grand final and he's a big-game player.

"He's ready. I know because I've seen it at training. He looked particularly sharp (on Friday) and he's very focused.

"He's a human being. He's proven some days he will score, some days he won't. More often than not he does.''

Postecoglou said it will be a bizarre situation for Berisha, but it would be foolish to ­expect anything less than an typically energetic performance.

Will Berisha score against Melbourne Victory? Source: News Corp Australia

"It would be a bit of a challenge for him, knowing how fiercely loyal he is to his teammates and team; he'll be giving it his all on the weekend then it becomes unusual ­because the people he's facing become teammates,'' he said.

"The red cards haven't come from the fact he's ­moving — he plays the game right on the edge and he was caught out a couple of times and got punished, but he won't change the way he plays. Even though he's a striker and loves scoring, he's very selfless and his whole motivation was to make sure he looked after his teammates and he plays the game on the edge.''

Murdocca said Berisha's penchant for the big occasion indicates he's primed, but ­admitted there was added ­intrigue.

"I couldn't imagine being him. It would be an incredible feeling being in his shoes, everyone will be watching him, with the whole situation and him going to Victory and it potentially being his last game for Brisbane,'' Murdocca said.

"All those things will build up. He's either going to explode or ­really step up and take things in his stride.

"I'm looking forward to it. I've booked my seat on the couch and I'm really looking forward to seeing him do his stuff again.''

Victory captain Mark Milligan said his defenders won't be afraid to dish it out to their future teammate. But considering his own recent duels with Alessandro Del Piero, it wouldn't be a surprise if he acted as agent provocateur.

"I don't think any of our centre backs are going to hold back if they get the chance,'' Milligan said.

"He (Berisha) is the same. He's very passionate. He's a big part of the way they play and he's going to be wanting to win. I'm sure no matter no what happens this weekend, it will be all hugs and kisses next year.''

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Malthouse lauds gutsy win

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CARLTON coach Mick Malthouse's emotions were a mix of admiration and puzzlement after the stunning final quarter comeback to overrun West Coast.

Malthouse described the three-point win where the Blues booted five unanswered goals in the last 10 minutes as one of the best wins he had experienced in his 30 years as an AFL coach.

And yet he couldn't explain the massive momentum shift from when the Eagles seemed in control with a 24-points lead midway through the last quarter at Etihad Stadium.

"I just thought it was a very gutsy win all up. We lost six players from last week, all injured, all can go through the middle. So you have to change everything up. And the boys accepted that,'' Malthouse said.

Dylan Buckley celebrates his last quarter goal with Kane Lucas. Picture: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

"So, I thought it was one of the better wins I've been associated with. And I mean that.

"It's easy to get caught up in the moment, but when I see where we were before the match, where we were during the match and how we ended up.

"It's a good growth game. It's whether we can actually now learn a lot from it and grow from it.

"I've always said there's only one siren that counts. The one that starts the game is pretty handy, but the one at the end is the best one if you're in front.

"It's how you get there. We're always process-driven and I thought when the occasion came when we had to do something that disrupted the opposition ... and we nearly gave it away a couple of times because we didn't use the ball well or in the right option late, but even that's a learning curve and we'll go through those scenarios with players who perhaps haven't been in those positions before.

"You learn a lot from those games, both good and bad. But, more importantly, you learn how to win.''

Marc Murphy of the Blues runs with the ball. Photo by Michael Dodge Source: Getty Images

So, what prompted the swing in fortunes from seemingly being down and out to dominating the contest on the scoreboard?

"That's a good question. You'd love to be good enough to know where it comes from,'' Malthouse said.

"I guess, it could very well have been the way we were going. It could very well have been a five to six goal loss because it just looked like we just couldn't get it right.

"It's an easy message to give, but hard to interpret and hard then to execute. We just needed to pinch a steadier (goal) just to break their momentum and see whether we could actually then just maybe throw a bit of doubt into their side.

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"I can't even remember who kicked the first goal (Jeff Garlett) and you change momentum when the scoreboard changes negatively against you in a game that had been seesawing and both sides were defending like there's no tomorrow that sometimes opens up the game.

"You might pinpoint a thing, but at the end of the day it really has to be gathered by a mass of people. One player is not going to change the course of that game. It has to be a collective.''

Already without injured midfielders Chris Judd, Ed Curnow and Tom Bell, the Blues lost David Ellard to a calf injury after Friday's training and Andrew Carrazzo was a late withdrawal before the game with back spasms.

Then rebounding defender Chris Yarran had to be subbed off 17 minutes into the third quarter with back and hamstring tightness.

"Given the players that were out and the players we readjusted in the game, we had to go back to bare basics and what suits the players, even though they had to play in different roles, but still be what we expect in regard to disposal and decision-making,'' Malthouse said.

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Knights get bitten on special night

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THE Newcastle Knights found hope and inspiration sitting in the dressing sheds, laughing and smiling with them before kick-off.

In his first public appearance, Alex McKinnon showed up to watch his Knights only just get rolled by the Bulldogs, sitting in the Newcastle coaching box behind Wayne Bennett.

Alex McKinnon in the coaches box. Source: News Corp Australia

Against the top-of-the-table Bulldogs, the Knights definitely rose for Alex on the Anzac Day weekend.

Or as Bennett put it succinctly afterwards: "I thought we rattled their cage a fair bit. We were beaten on the score board but I'm not sure we were beaten anywhere else."

Bulldog's Josh Reynolds is tackled. Source: News Corp Australia

In one of the most brutal encounters of the season, the Knights continually found that little bit extra against a forward pack containing Sam Kasiano, Tony Williams, James Graham, Greg Eastwood and David Klemmer.

Leading 12-10 for a large portion of the second half, it looked as though Newcastle might have done enough to record an uplifting victory until Bulldogs prop Aiden Tolman became the accidental hero with a video referee try with ten minutes remaining.

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Newcastle captain Kurt Gidley later admitted the presence of McKinnon was a wonderful surprise for everyone at the club, commending his progress.

"It was a nice surprise.

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"He's got a great attitude Alex, it's great to see him with a smile on his face," Knights captain Kurt Gidley said.

"None of us boys knew he was going to be at the game today. We knew he was going to be close to coming but instant smile on my face when I saw him in the dressing room.

Bulldog's Mitch Brown leaps high for a bomb. Source: News Corp Australia

"That's probably why it made it a little bit hard seeing him after the game today. It would have been great to get the result for him today, but it was still great having him here at the game.

"It's nice to see the progression he's making too from where he was."

The Bulldogs might be sitting as outright leaders on the NRL competition ladder but coach Des Hasler still found a number of issues with the referees, and rightly so.

Bulldog's Sam Kasiano celebrates scoring a try. Source: News Corp Australia

Canterbury-Bankstown five-eighth Josh Reynolds kicked a 40/20 in the second half which the touch judge failed to award, robbing the Bulldogs of a valuable opportunity with the Knights clinging to a 12-10 lead.

From a NSW State of Origin perspective, Reynolds scored the narrowest of points victories over Newcastle opposite Jarrod Mullen, with the pair expected to go head-to-head again next Sunday in the annual City-Country clash in Dubbo.

Knight's James McManus and Bulldog's Moses Mbye contest a bomb. Source: News Corp Australia

With incumbent NSW five-eighth James Maloney expected to be sidelined for up to four weeks with a shoulder injury, Reynolds continued to mount an extremely strong case for inclusion in the Blues.

The Bulldogs first try underlined why Reynolds is making such a push for selection, with the Dogs no.6 all energy, effort and class to make an AFL-style leap and bat the ball back for Mitch Brown to score.

Bulldog's Tony Williams attempts to bust the tackle of Knight's Jarrod Mullen. Source: News Corp Australia

Mullen also rose to the challenge in only his third match back from a hamstring injury, with the Newcastle five-eighth's left boot and decision making steadying the Knights against an early Bulldogs onslaught.

Bulldogs coach Hasler said he expects Reynolds to be in the Blues line-up.

"I think the way it is and the way he's been playing, Josh deserves to be in the 17 somewhere," Hasler said.

"We'll just have to wait and see."

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Bennett also endorsed Mullen's performance, saying: "He's a much more mature player and a real linch pin in our team. He's only in his third game back, two of them have been outstanding and one was good."

A physical match also saw a fiery ending, with Newcastle centre Joey Leilua and Bulldogs backrower Josh Jackson almost coming to blows.

BULLDOGS 16 (M Brown S Kasiano A Tolman tries T Hodkinson 2 goals) bt NEWCASTLE 12 (J McManus R Rochow tries T Roberts 2 goals) at ANZ Stadium. Referee: Alan Shortall, Henry Perenara. Crowd: 15,286.

Re-live the action in our blog below:

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Buddy bashes knee in Swans win

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MELBOURNE'S banner read "Let's make excellence'', but the question was whether the Demons would "make Lance excel''.

Lance "Buddy'' Franklin was stepping onto the MCG turf for the first time since stepping down from the premiership dais seven months ago. And after a week in which he had made headlines for demolishing five cars in a leafy inner- suburban street, there was a suspicion he might take out his frustrations by demolishing the Demons.

Jay Kennedy-Harris of the Demons is tackled by Daniel Hannebery. Photo by Scott Barbour Source: Getty Images

Instead, Franklin was largely a passenger in this match, spending the first quarter grappling and wrestling with opponents (one of whom, Alex Georgiou, sat him on his backside) and looking for free kicks (one of which provided his only goal, four minutes into the match). He went without a touch in the second term.

Jeremy Howe takes a hanger on Ben McGlynn. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

The former Hawk too often attempted to take the ball on his chest and looks to have completely lost the ability to take a strong overhead mark. When he attempted to do so midway through the third quarter he, ahem, crashed heavily and limped off with a sore knee.

His replacement was handy enough: Adam Goodes charged onto the ground and drew an enormous cheer when he ran onto a handball and launched a 55-metre shot at goal that was marked by a Melbourne defender next to the point post. Goodes brought with him a spark and some energy.

"It's what I get paid to do, so it was nice to come out here after a long spell and get a few kicks and prepare for next week by getting a half and improve as we go," Goodes said after the game.

"Yeah it's awesome, he (Goodes) is the heart and soul of the footy team and he's been driving all the boys after some poor footy at the start of the year and it's great to have him back and we are hoping he can keep building and be a vital part for the rest of the year," added Dan Hannebery.

Lance Franklin sits on the bench injured with ice on his knee Photo by Scott Barbour. Source: Getty Images

The match could certainly have done with some Buddy magic, because it was an otherwise fairly dour affair.

The two teams slugged it out in the midfield, where the likes of Nathan Jones, Daniel Cross, Jack Viney and Matt Jones matched Sydney's renowned hardness at the ball, if not its polish and composure. And with the game struggling to break free of being a series of congested, high-pressure scrambles, that Swans midfield polish was decisive.

Dan Hannebery, Kieren Jack, Luke Parker and Josh Kennedy all found ways to use their disposal to put a teammate into space, but more importantly they all contributed goals. In a low-scoring match, in which both teams struggled to take marks inside their forward 50, those goals were crucial.

Stacks on Melbourne's Neville Jetta. Photo by Scott Barbour Source: Getty Images

The run of Nick Malcevski and Rhyce Shaw off half back was also significant.

Melbourne went into this match averaging the fewest points of any team (57), but never looked close to reaching that figure in perfect conditions, struggling to kick one goal a quarter.

The Demons tried their utmost to apply defensive pressure in their attacking half and to clog up the space when Sydney went into its forward 50. But in the end they looked more like a team intent on minimising the damage than capable of winning the match.

"To their credit they went one and one at us and unfortunately in the first half they had us in those tough one on ones, so to get away with the four points tonight — not playing great footy — is a good effort," Goodes said.

Adam Goodes started the game in the unusual position of the substitute. Photo by Scott Barbour Source: Getty Images

Lynden Dunn, Cam Pedersen and Tom McDonald all battled bravely in the back half, but in James Frawley and Chris Dawes had relatively quiet games, and none of the crumbers at their feet could make an impact.

The most exciting memory Melbourne fans will take away from the match were the exciting glimpses of debutant Christian Salem, whose reputation for precise ball use and clean handling looks well founded.

The 18-year-old substitute came on late in the third term for Neville Jetta and made an immediate impression. His first touch drew a massive cheer from Melbourne fans, matched only when he slotted a left-foot snap midway through the final quarter.

The only thing that remains to be seen is whether Salem, unlike Buddy, is a good driver in heavy traffic.

MELBOURNE: 5.8 (38)

SYDNEY: 9.15 (69)

WARWICK GREEN'S BEST

SYD: Hannebery, Jack, Parker, Rampe, Kennedy, Malceski, Shaw.

MELB: N Jones, Dunn, Pedersen, Vince, M. Jones, Grimes.

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Courageous Warriors eye off Storm

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MELBOURNE Storm coach Craig Bellamy has accused his players of not being on the same page after another loss in last night's Anzac Day blockbuster at AAMI Park.

In front of record Storm home crowd of 28,716, the gutsy NZ Warriors survived an onslaught early in the second half to score a memorable win.

Melbourne remains outside the eight after dropping three out of its last four matches with the dreaded State of Origin period in sight.

Justin O'Neill leaves the field injured. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

"We're struggling to all get out on the same page at the moment," Bellamy said.

"One week we have some players playing good and others not so good and the next week it spins around a bit.

"We're just sort of looking a bit foreign to each other at times."

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Melbourne had plenty of chances in the second half to overrun the Warriors but just could not crack their strong defensive line.

Ironically, the Warriors came into last night's match as the worst defensive side in the NRL.

"They (the Warriors) defended really well (in the second half)," Bellamy said.

Tohu Harris tries to break the tackle of Feleti Mateo. pic: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

"We made enough line breaks to win the game — we're just couldn't finish them off.

"You have to give the Warriors a wrap for the way they defended."

Warriors coach Andrew McFadden could not praise his players enough for the way they toughed it out.

"I am incredibly proud of them," he said.

"I thought it was a courageous effort."

The match was highly physical and played at a very high intensity right from the opening whistle.

Mahe Fonua gets tackled by Ben Henry. Source: News Corp Australia

Melbourne had good early field position but it then gave away two penalties in quick succession.

The visitors capitalised — working it out wide for the first try of the night to winger David Fusitua in the corner.

It sparked the Warriors, who were playing with freedom and looking dangerous every time they surged forward.

They went forward time and time again in the opening 40 minutes to open up a 10-point buffer.

But Storm were soon on the board through Kevin Proctor.

Kevin Proctor reaches out to score a try despite the tackle of Chad Townsend. Source: News Corp Australia

His combination with Cooper Cronk on the right side has been a winning one this season.

And so it was again last night when the Test halfback put him over late in the first half.

Melbourne were soon on level pegging when winger Young Tonumaipea crossed in the corner early in the second half.

But they could not cross again despite putting some strong pressure on the Warriors.

Then Shaun Johnson scored against the run of play to demoralise Melbourne and help his side to victory.

Sam Tomkins of the Warriors takes a high ball. Source: Getty Images

Meanwhile, the NRL's investigation into a possible concussion injury involving Ryan Hoffman in round six is now closed with no further action proposed.

The NRL had been investigating whether Hoffman was allowed to return to the field prematurely in the side's miraculous win over St George-Illawarra, just six-and-a-half minutes after he was taken for a concussion test.

WARRIORS 16 (D Fusitua S Johnson F Mateo tries S Johnson 2 goals) bt MELBOURNE 10 (K Proctor Y Tonumaipea tries C Smith goal) at AAMI Park. Referee: Ashley Klein, Adam Gee. Crowd: 28,716.

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Leapai’s plans to ‘shatter’ Klitschko

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A SHATTERING punch developed on a cricket pitch in working class Woodridge is the key to Alex Leapai winning the world heavyweight title tomorrow morning in Germany and assuring himself of a multi-million dollar future.

``The Samoan Bowler'' is Leapai's most devastating weapon — a huge looping overhand right — and he perfected it as a fast bowler playing the Samoan variation of cricket with his four brothers.

Last night as The Courier-Mail was given exclusive access to Leapai's final training session he rehearsed again and again the pressure tactics he hopes will break down the defence of world champ Wladimir Klitschko and leave the Ukrainian giant open for Leapai's massive right in their Oberhausen title fight — the most important bout ever featuring an Australian boxer.

``The Samoan Bowler is not like any other punch,'' Leapai said. ``The action comes from bowling in cricket matches under the Samoan rules. We use a bigger bat, bigger wickets and a hard rubber ball.

Alex Leapai throws the devastating overhand right that he believes could break Wladimir Klitschko's jaw. Picture: Annette Dew Source: News Corp Australia

``I found that the same action I used for bowling made my overhand right my hardest punch and the first chance I get I'll use it on Klitschko. If it lands flush it will break his jaw.''

For the last 16 weeks of training the 183cm Leapai has focused entirely on ways to overcome the 198cm Klitschko's massive advantages in height, reach and experience.

Klitschko has not lost in 10 years but last night as Leapai and trainer Noel Thornberry outlined their battle plan exclusively to The Courier-Mail both said the world champion was in decline.

``I've been studying Klitschko's last fight against (2004 Olympic champion) Alexander Povetkin and he just wrestled all night,'' Leapai said. ``He's not the fighter he was 10 years ago and he knows it.

``Every time he tries to wrestle me I'm going to bang him to the body with both fists and bring his hands down. Pressure is the key to winning this world title.''

Alex Leapai believes he has the tactics to beat world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (left). Picture: AFP Source: AFP

These are the key points to Leapai's fight plan:

@ He expects Klitschko to charge from the corner from the opening bell and try to intimidate Leapai immediately with his size and reach. Leapai will take the fight straight back in return with a body attack and possibly even a rugby league shoulder charge.

@ Leapai has practised for weeks keeping his left glove pressed against his temple to deflect Klitschko's thumping right lead and open him up for The Samoan Bowler counter.

@He will wait for Klitschko to throw his hook off the left jab and then jab straight back inside the world champ's looping punch.

@He will constantly move forward, keeping low and bobbing side to side to keep Klitschko under pressure. Any time Klitschko goes to the ropes Leapai will fire his right uppercut and when he gets the chance The Samoan Bowler.

@Leapai has developed several strategies to injure Klitschko if the bigger man tries to use his height and leverage to wrestle in close. He has been practising to twist Klitschko's arm at close quarters to wreck his elbow in the clinches.

@At short range Leapai will drive in uppercuts rather than round arm hooks because he feels that is the best way to smash the cartilage in Klitschko's ribs. He has improvised ways to tear the muscles in the world champion's back by overbalancing him if Klitschko starts leaning on him as he has done in other fights to wear down and exhaust opponents.

@Leapai is preparing to go 12 hard rounds with the champion and says the key to victory will be his brutal body attack.

Alex Leapai is confident he has the tools to become Australia's first heavweight boxing champion. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

All throughout his training Leapai has backed his punching power to finally turn back the tide of Klitschko's unbeaten 10-year run. He says his right shoulder is feeling fine despite reports of injury and he threw several big punches with it last night to demonstrate its power.

Leapai has even come up with mental games to play on Klitschko and plans to sledge him once he senses that the big man is getting tired.

The first Australian to tight for the world heavyweight championship in 106 years knows that he is a massive underdog going into the fight but he also knows that Klitschko is like every other boxer; entirely mortal with weaknesses and insecurities that can be exploited.

For much of his life Leapai has waged an internal war as the better angels of his nature fought against his inner demons. The angels eventually won as he became a devout Christian and world-beating sportsman.

Tomorrow morning in Germany he is backing his almighty power for boxing's ultimate victory and is convinced it will be heaven sent.

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Controversial decision sinks Broncos

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AN extraordinary game ruined by some extraordinary officiating.

The NRL is officially in the midst of a referee crisis after the Brisbane Broncos were robbed blind.

South Sydney claimed a 28-26 victory over the Broncos that will remembered for some individual moments of brilliance by the players and some incredible moments of incompetence by the referees.

Corey Parker is tackled by the Souths defence. Source: News Limited

Brisbane's crowd of 44,122 booed with disapproval, threw bottles onto the field at one end and Broncos captain Corey Parker complained to Gavin Badger after full-time as the home side were left to lament a poor end to a breathtaking game.

A contentious try for South Sydney to pull level in the 73rd minute to Kirisome Auva'a was awarded despite on-field referee Grant Atkins concerned about obstruction with video officials Bernard Sutton and Luke Patten ruling Greg Inglis didn't impede Ben Hunt.

Sam Burgess receives treatment for a cut to his head. Source: News Corp Australia

But worse was to come in a frenetic final few minutes when Sam Burgess charged down Ben Hunt's field goal attempt in the 78th minute and Badger then awarded Souths a penalty for a strip in the ensuing tackle.

Bryson Goodwin inexplicably took a quick tap inside his own half and Badger then penalised Parker for tackling him from an off-side position, when the Broncos captain jolted the ball free.

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Adam Reynolds calmly slotted the 41m penalty goal with 60 seconds remaining to break the hearts of the Broncos.

It was shaping as one extraordinary comeback by the Broncos, a night that could've been the making of them in 2014.

Greg Inglis runs into the referee to score a brilliant individual try. Source: News Corp Australia

A magical and breathtaking 89m solo try by South Sydney superstar Greg Inglis will be remembered for years to come, but so too should Brisbane's fighting spirit.

Trailing 14-0 after 15 minutes, the Broncos somehow conjured their way into the lead by half-time led by skipper Justin Hodges, form hooker Andrew McCullough and Test star-in-waiting Matt Gillett.

This was the sort of game the 2013 Broncos would have ended in total disappointment.

Instead they found a way back on top when everything at the start went against them.

A dejected Matt Gillett at full-time. Source: Getty Images

Out-sized, out-muscled and simply destroyed in the opening 15 minutes, the Brisbane of old would never have fought their way back in the way they did last night.

But there was something about Brisbane's comeback last night that would fill Broncos fans with a belief that has been missing in recent seasons.

McCullough was once again sublime, scoring a double and again leading the defensive intensity of the team with a game high 49 tackles.

But it was the move of Hodges to five-eighth, for the first time in his career, that proved a masterstroke.

Andrew McCullough celebrates scoring a try. Source: News Corp Australia

Hodges has long been the most dangerous attacking player in the Brisbane team and any move to get the ball into the Test and Queensland star's hands more often can only make the Broncos more potent.

The veteran didn't play your typical pivot's game, with Ben Barba as second receiver more often than not, but he was more involved than usual and threw a sublime cut out pass for Lachlan Maranta's first half try.

The other standout was backrower Gillett who confronted Souths hitman Sam Burgess and came out with his reputation clearly enhanced.

Ben Barba is tackled by Luke and George Burgess. Source: Getty Images

Gillett provided the impact in Brisbane's defence and his hard-running with the ball to score a try of remarkable strength that would please Queensland coach Mal Meninga, possibly even tempt Australian Test coach Tim Sheens ahead of Kangaroos team selection on Sunday.

Those feats should've been the storyline today, but once again talk will revert to officials and how they came to make some decisions which once again decided a gripping contest.

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Anyone can score that freak try: GI

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GREG Inglis was simply grateful that he'd made the distance.

He'd just finished an incredible 89-metre try, beating six hapless Broncos from the shadows of his own posts.

It was a dazzling dash that will never diminish in the memory of those who were lucky enough to witness it live, even if the bulk of the crowd were Brisbane fans cursing the fact Inglis had snubbed them for Souths in 2010.

Greg Inglis attempts to break a tackle. Source: News Corp Australia

But the man himself it was just a simple matter of course.

"I just put my head down and tried to do my best," he said.

That was the first thing that entered Inglis's mind when he scooped up Ben Barba's wayward grubber in the 14th minute.

Then he began to leave defenders in his wake, weaving to halfway and getter closer to highlight reel immortality with each step.

Greg Inglis makes a break to score a try. Source: News Corp Australia

His next thought was to try and link with debutante winger Alex Johnston, who was snuck into the side at the expense of axed club icon Nathan Merritt.

But Johnston, along with the rest of Inglis's team mates, were also chasing dust. Out on his own and with three Broncos still attempting to coral him, the Maroons superstar would have to finish this himself.

Somehow he did, stumbling out of the final tackle to cross. He rose not with a look of jubilation, but confident satisfaction.

He knew this was special.

Greg Inglis sprays water on his face. Source: Getty Images

"In the end I was just hoping I could get there," he said.

"I was just hoping I didn't end up with cramp or something like that."

And then came this.

"Anyone can score that to be honest. You've got Ben Barba who can do it, you've got Michael Jennings.

"It's just a shame we don't we don't see more of it."

A shame indeed. Watching from his own half, Rabbitohs skipper John Sutton could scarcely believe his eyes.

"I was back on the twenty metre line," Sutton admitted. "It was just freakish."

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Live: Real Madrid v Bayern Munich

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to return from injury for the clash with Bayern Munich. Source: Clive Rose / Getty Images

TWO of the biggest clubs in world football are set to do battle as Bayern Munich visits Real Madrid for a UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg clash.

Real is likely to receive a huge boost with Cristiano Ronaldo tipped to return from a knee injury that has kept him out of action for the past three weeks.

However, that news has been tempered by the fact Welsh winger Gareth Bale is unlikely to make the match day squad due to an illness that saw him miss Madrid's final training session.

The clash at the Santiago Bernebau will see Bayern coach Pep Guardiola return to the stadium at which he asserted Barcelona's dominance over their greatest rivals.

This time he'll be taking a Bayern side full of attacking verve courtesy of wide men Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, as well as the midfield class of Toni Kroos and Bastian Schewinsteiger.

The Bayern captain and fellow midfielder Javi Martinez are both available after missing the second leg of the quarter-final win over Manchester United through suspension.

Follow all the action in our live blog, from 4.45am EST Thursday!

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Fans in a march to Anzac record

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THE players reckon nothing can beat running out in front of a packed stadium on Anzac Day — and the spirit of the Anzacs will lead an NRL fightback on Friday.

In what is shaping up as one of the game's most memorable days, Friday's combined Anzac Day crowds are set to be the second biggest in 107 years of rugby league in Australia.

The biggest attendance for a single day was in 1995, when 136,695 fans attended eight games in round 22, while in 1993 110,576 turned out for six games in round four.

Sonny Bill Williams during the 2013 ANZAC DAY clash between the Roosters and Dragons. Source: News Limited

On Friday, more than 111,000 fans are tipped to pack just the three games being played in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and it's not beyond the realms of possibility that it could be a rugby league sellout in all three states.

This year, overall crowds have been down by more than 10 per cent over the opening rounds, but that's about to receive a giant boost.

The NRL is expecting more than 40,000 for the game between the Roosters and the Dragons at Allianz Stadium.

The Dragons before kick-off on Anzac Day. Source: News Limited

The clash between the Storm and Warriors is expected to crack 26,000, while in Brisbane they anticipate 45,000 for the game between the Broncos and Rabbitohs.

And on the back of last weekend's bumper Easter crowds, Friday can't come soon enough for the players.

Representatives from the Dragons and Roosters got together at Allianz Stadium yesterday — and to a man the players spoke about the privilege of playing on the nation's most honoured day.

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"I am forever grateful for what they have done for us," Boyd Cordner said. "It's a great way to honour them."

Kiwis Jason Nightingale and Shaun Kenny-Dowall said it was equally motivating for New Zealanders.

Nightingale said the pre-match service always gets the emotions flowing.

"It really gets you going, ­especially when you stand to face the crowd and the anthems are sung," Nightingale said.

NRL ANZAC DAY match between the Sydney Roosters and St. George-Illawarra Dragons at Allianz Stadium. Source: News Limited

"It really gives you a chance to put things in perspective and see just how much everyone supports the game. It makes you recognise just what you are playing for."

Kenny-Dowall added: "You don't need any extra motivation, that's for sure. You feel honoured to be a part of such a prestigious occasion.

"You listen to The Last Post and it's pretty emotional. It gives me pins and needles every time. You look forward to it every year."

Greg Ashton, Shaun Kenny Dowall, Boyd Cordner and Bill Collier speak to the media ahead of the ANZAC Day game between the Roosters and Dragons. Source: Getty Images

Nightingale and Kenny-Dowall said they would like to see the New Zealand national anthem played at the game, like it is for the clash between the Storm and Warriors.

And that might be something the game could consider doing down the track.

"I'd love to see that," Nightingale said. "You get jealous when you watch it in the ­Melbourne-Warriors game.

"They play both anthems and I thought it was something they might introduce.''

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Fox Sports Stats guru Aaron Wallace pointed out Friday will be a day the game will remember for some time.

"This will have to come close to finishing somewhere in the middle of the two biggest crowds on a single day in NRL history, in just three games," Wallace said.

"If there are 25,000 in Melbourne it will be the first time in history there have been games played at three separate venues on the same day with crowds of 25,000 or more.''

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Moyes understood 'frustration' at form

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DAVID Moyes declared on Wednesday that he was "proud" to have managed Manchester United, but said that he understood the "frustration" that had led to his dismissal.

Moyes, 50, was sacked by United on Tuesday after a dismal 10-month tenure in which the reigning champions slumped to seventh place in the Premier League, denying them a place in next season's Champions League.

"During this period of transition, performances and results have not been what Manchester United and its fans are used to or expect, and I both understand and share their frustration," Moyes said in a statement released by the League Managers' Association (LMA).

David Moyes says he's 'proud' to have managed United despite his tenure ending five years early. Source: AFP

"I have always believed that a manager never stops learning during his career, and I know I will take invaluable experience from my time as United's manager.

"I remain proud to have led the team to the quarter-finals of this year's Champions League and I remain grateful to Sir Alex Ferguson (his predecessor) for believing in my ability and giving me the chance to manage Manchester United." The LMA, the trade union for managers working professionally in England, criticised United for the "unprofessional manner" in which Moyes was dismissed.

Chief executive Richard Bevan said the organisation was "very disappointed" that "extensive reports in the press" had announced Moyes's sacking before he "had been spoken to officially by the club".

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Although reports about Moyes's departure first emerged in the British media on Monday afternoon, he did not learn of his fate until early on Tuesday morning.

Responding to Bevan's comments, United said that they had not acted irresponsibly.

"We do not accept that it was handled in an unprofessional manner," said a spokesperson.

"The decision was not taken until late Monday night and was communicated face-to-face first thing on Tuesday morning.

"When reports started emerging on internet news sites on Monday afternoon, no decision had been taken at that time."

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Moyes added: "Taking charge after such a long period of continuous stability and success at the club was inevitably going to be a significant challenge, but it was one which I relished and never had a second thought about taking on.

Carlo Ancelotti has been linked with United. Source: AFP

"The scale of the manager's job at United is immense, but I have never stepped away from hard work and the same applies to my coaching staff. I thank them for their dedication and loyalty throughout the last season." British newspaper reports on Wednesday claimed that Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has been identified as a potential candidate for the United job.

Several papers said that Ancelotti was being considered for the vacancy, along with Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal, who emerged as the early favourite for the post.

However, whereas Ancelotti, the former Chelsea manager, is less than a year into a three-year contract at Madrid, Van Gaal is scheduled to step down from his position with Holland after this year's World Cup in Brazil.

Van Gaal, 62, is currently on holiday in Portugal. Dutch tabloid Algemeen Dagblad reported that he was "maintaining radio silence".

Long-serving midfielder Ryan Giggs has been placed in interim charge of first-team affairs "until a permanent appointment can be made", United said.

Louis van Gaal is the bookies' favourite to manage United once his World Cup commitments are done. Source: AP

The 40-year-old Welshman, who became a member of Moyes's coaching staff at the beginning of the season, is expected to address the media for the first time since taking up his new role on Friday.

Giggs will be assisted by Phil Neville and Chris Woods, both of whom kept their jobs on United's backroom staff despite having been brought in by Moyes, as well as youth-team coach and former teammate Nicky Butt.

However, Steve Round and Jimmy Lumsden, who were also appointed by Moyes, have both been fired.

DAVID MOYES STATEMENT "To have been appointed as manager of Manchester United, one of the biggest football clubs in the world, was and remains something of which I will always be incredibly proud. "Taking charge after such a long period of continuous stability and success at the club was inevitably going to be a significant challenge, but it was one which I relished and never had a second thought about taking on. "The scale of the manager's job at United is immense, but I have never stepped away from hard work and the same applies to my coaching staff. I thank them for their dedication and loyalty throughout the last season. "We were fully focused and committed to the process of the fundamental rebuilding that is required for the senior squad. This had to be achieved whilst delivering positive results in the Barclays Premier League and the Champions League. However, during this period of transition, performances and results have not been what Manchester United and its fans are used to or expect, and I both understand and share their frustration. "In my short time at the club I have learnt what special places Old Trafford and Carrington are. I would like to thank the United staff for making me feel so welcome and part of the United family from my first day. And of course thank you to those fans who have supported me throughout the season. I wish you and the club all the best for the future. "I have always believed that a manager never stops learning during his career and I know I will take invaluable experience from my time as United's manager. I remain proud to have led the team to the quarterfinals of this year's Champions League and I remain grateful to Sir Alex Ferguson for believing in my ability and giving me the chance to manage Manchester United."

Meanwhile, former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has been drafted in to assist Giggs.

"It's great to see Paul Scholes here at the Aon Training Complex today, assisting Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville," United said on their official Twitter feed.

Giggs, 40, was placed in temporary charge of the first team on Tuesday.

Nicky Butt and Phil Neville were already on United's backroom staff. Scholes briefly worked as a coach at the club after first retiring as a player in 2011.

Giggs, Neville, Scholes and Butt all graduated from the United youth team in the early 1990s and went on to play key roles in the success the club enjoyed under former manager Alex Ferguson.

Scholes, 39 came out of retirement to play under Ferguson last season, before ending his playing career for good at the end of the campaign.

Moyes reportedly tried to persuade Scholes to join his backroom staff at the start of the current season, but the former England international elected not to accept his offer.

Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs playing together in 2010, in happier days for Manchester United. Source: AP

Scholes made a total of 718 appearances for United, scoring 155 goals, and won 11 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, two Champions League titles and one Club World Cup during his time at United.

Giggs will take charge of United for the first time on Saturday, when the Red Devils host Norwich City in the first of their four remaining Premier League games.

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Late goal sends Mariners packing

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THE Mariners have missed out on reaching the next phase of the Asian Champions League after going down 1-0 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in Japan.

The Central Coast club battled with 10 men for the last 20 minutes of the game after Brent Griffiths was sent off, but the Mariners struggled to create any meaningful chances throughout the match.

It means Sanfrecce will go on to play Western Sydney in the last 16, while the Mariners begin their long trip home to take on the Wanderers in Saturday's A-League semi-final clash.

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It's a disappointing start to the most important week of the Mariners season and they will have to dig deep to make sure their domestic campaign extends beyond Saturday.

After a nervous opening 10 minutes, the Mariners settled into their rhythm comfortably enough to go into the break all square at 0-0.

Skipper John Hutchinson was caught in possession just outside the box and it was nearly a costly mistake, but Toshihiro Aoyama skied his attempt at goal.

Mariners skipper John Hutchinson couldn't prevent his side being eliminated. Source: AFP

Minutes later Naoki Ishihara missed his free header.

Some good interplay down the right between Storm Roux and Anthony Caceres nearly resulted in a goal for the Mariners, but veteran forward Mile Sterjovski couldn't get his attempt on target.

Chances were hard to come by after that, with the Mariners looking to hit Sanfrecce on the counter - a tactic they used to good effect against Brisbane and Adelaide in their previous two A-League matches. But, perhaps as a result of travel and fatigue, Central Coast lacked pace and options up front.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima players celebrate after scoring the only goal of the game. Source: Getty Images

Sanfrecce won a free-kick just on half-time and Tsukasa Shiotani stepped up with a powerful shot that Liam Reddy managed to punch safely away.

Both sides upped the tempo at the start of the second half, but Sanfrecce failed to capitalise on their early opportunities and had to wait until the 70th minute to get the breakthrough.

Josh Rose was brought on for Roux soon after the break, clearly with an eye on Saturday's grand final qualifier against Western Sydney in Parramatta. Mariners coach Phil Moss said before the game he planned to rest both his full-backs in some capacity, bearing in mind the club's taxing schedule over the next few days.

Matt Sim had a good game at left back for Central Coast. Source: Getty Images

Ishihara came close to giving the home side the lead when he found himself one-on-one with Reddy, but he dragged his shot inches wide of the far post.

Reddy was called into action again when he made an excellent one-handed save, diving to his right, to keep Yojiro Takahagi's free-kick out.

But the Mariners were forced to dig deep when Brent Griffiths, who had replaced Eddy Bosnar only moments earlier, saw red after he fouled a Sanfrecce player just outside the box. Shiotani's resulting free-kick took a huge deflection off Satoru Yamagishi, leaving Reddy stranded and earning the home side the win.

The Mariners challenging travel schedule means they will only arrive in Sydney on Friday morning, leaving them no time for a session before Saturday's crucial match against the Wanderers.

Relive the action in our blog below.

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Petkovic Sydney FC’s player of the year

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HE only joined the club on the eve of the season, but Sydney FC defender Nikola Petkovic was last rewarded for a campaign of power and consistency by being named the Sky Blues' player of the year on Tuesday night.

The 27-year-old played every minute of the season and has already been re-signed for next year, with the award — voted for by the club's coaches — recognition of the level of performance that was a bright spot in Sydney's underwhelming season.

NICK CARLE 'GOING NOWHERE'

Petkovic has been Sydney FC's most consistent player this season. Source: News Corp Australia

There was a double award for Iraqi midfielder Ali Abbas, who put his claims of suffering racial abuse in the Sydney derby behind him to be named player of the year by both his teammates and also by the club's members.

The chairman's award went to youth team coach Steve Corica, under whose leadership the side won the national youth league, while Alessandro Del Piero won the Golden Boot for being top scorer again.

For Petkovic, the award was reward for switching from Europe in late September, and some solace from a campaign ended by Melbourne Victory in last Friday's elimination final.

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"I'm honoured to have been chosen for this award," Petkovic said. "It means a lot to be voted by the coaches as the Player of the Year and I would like to thank them for giving me the opportunity to play for this big club.

"It has been a good year for me and I'm looking forward to hopefully winning the Championship next year and qualifying for the Asian Champions League."

Sydney coach Frank Farina described Petkovic as "a model professional". "Nikola has had a very good season," Farina said. "He has been consistent and has shown a lot of commitment to the squad, he is a model professional.

"Nikola has truly earned this award and it has been a pleasure to coach him this season."

Ali Abbas was voted player of the year by his teammates. Source: News Corp Australia

TIME FOR BIG DECISIONS AT SYDNEY FC

Sydney FC Player of the Year: Nikola Petkovic

A-League Players' Player of the Year: Ali Abbas

Members' Player of the Year: Ali Abbas

W-League Players' Player of the Year: Nicola Bolger

Youth League Players' Player of the Year: Christopher Naumoff

Chairman's award: Youth Coach

Steve Corica Golden Boot: Alessandro Del Piero

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Heartbreak as gutsy Victory exits ACL

JConnor Pain of Melbourne Victory competes for the ball with Kim Kee-Hee of Jeonbuk. Source: Chung Sung-Jun / Supplied

INJURY-hit Melbourne Victory has fallen agonisingly short of a first appearance in the Asian Champions League knockout stages, drawing 0-0 with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in South Korea.

Needing a win to get out of Group G at Jeonbuk's expense, Victory failed to score for the first time in this ACL campaign.

Kevin Muscat's men were defensively sound throughout the night, but just lacked a cutting edge in attack when it mattered most.

Victory had a strong penalty shout in the 92nd minute as Kosta Barbarouses appeared to be dragged down in the box but the visitors were ultimately denied, as they were just seconds from the end when Archie Thompson's late effort was brilliantly saved.

It meant Victory finished third on eight points, behind Tuesday night's opponents on goal difference alone - and just a solitary goal at that.

Guangzhou Evergrande topped the standings with 10 points after defeating Yokohama F. Marinos 2-1 in the other group match which was played simultaneously in China.

It was a heartbreaking end to what was Victory's fourth and best Asian campaign to date.

And it was a result which may have repercussions in the days to come as injuries last night not only hampered the team's ambitions against Jeonbuk but may also lessen its chances of defeating Brisbane Roar in Sunday's A-League semi-final at Suncorp Stadium.

Jesse Makarounas copped a knock to his right hip midway through the first half that forced his withdrawal in the 37th minute before Scott Galloway limped off with a right hamstring strain less than two minutes later.

Barbarouses came on for Makarounas, which meant Thompson dropped back in to an attacking midfield position, while Jason Geria was a straight swap for Galloway at right back.

Coach Muscat's plans to use a late impact sub off the bench were then scuppered in the 68th minute as Adrian Leijer was forced off with a reoccurrence of the left foot injury suffered against Guangzhou last week.

Kevin Muscat's troops put up a fight, but it wasn't enough. Source: Getty Images

Defender Dylan Murnane, rather than an attacking option such as Andrew Nabbout or Jordan Brown, had to be called upon.

Still Victory was in the hunt at that time and, despite the unscheduled interruptions to its setup, continued to press for the win.

But aside from two Jimmy Jeggo shots from distance in the last half-hour - and the Barbarouses penalty claim - Jeonbuk, courtesy of shots from Alex Wilkinson, Jung Hyuk, Lee Dong-Gook and Leonardo, had the best of the chances.

In Guangzhou, Elkeson headed his side ahead in the 11th minute before doubling the advantage seven minutes before half time.

Manabu Saito pulled a goal back in the 85th minute but could not prevent Yokohama from finishing bottom of the group.

Re-live the action below

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Leapai’s chance to set things right

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ALEX Leapai, Australia's real life Rocky, says the power of his spiritual redemption will overcome the huge physical advantages of Wladimir Klitschko, the giant world heavyweight champion he challenges in Oberhausen, Germany on Sunday morning (Australian time).

The 112kg father of six says his primary motivation for the fight is not the multimillion-dollar purses that awaits if he is successful, nor the chance to make history as Australia's first world heavyweight champ. But rather the opportunity to finally atone for the shame he brought on his parents when he was sent to jail in 2005 for assault.

"Every night I was stuck in jail I would say my prayers and promise The Lord that when I got out I would do everything I could to make my parents proud of me," Leapai said on Tuesday after arriving in Dusseldorf to finish his preparations for a fight that will be beamed live to 150 countries.

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Leapai will train at 1am each day in the lead-up to the most important fight in Australian history with his primary tactics to stay low in a crouch, use plenty of head movement to slip punches and keep close to Klitschko.

At 183cm Leapai plans to nullify the 198cm champion's long-range blows and land his own short-range hooks and uppercuts to set up his massive overhand right.

He sees the world title as his ultimate salvation.

Leapai admits he damaged his family's reputation badly when he went to jail.

"My father was so embarrassed he wouldn't come out of his room for a week," he said.

"Now I've got the opportunity to make up for all that. The world heavyweight title will be a gift to my parents."

Leapai poses with his father Elisaia during a sparring session in Brisbane earlier this month. Source: Getty Images

Leapai arrived in Germany late on Sunday night aboard a Boeing 777 but after hundreds of his family and friends farewelled him at Brisbane airport with Samoan songs and prayers he was walking on air.

He fought back tears as the big crowd of well-wishers gave him a standing ovation as he headed to the boarding gate. He cuddled his children, kissed his wife Theresa and then raised his fist to the heavens to acknowledge his Christian faith for bringing him so many blessings.

On board the flight to Dusseldorf were Leapai's father Elisaia, mother Leitu, four brothers, assorted aunts, uncles, friends and supporters.

In 2005 Leapai was sentenced to four years in prison for a cyclonic assault on four bouncers at a Caxton St nightclub.

Already banned from rugby league for threatening a referee and with his chance to play for the Cowboys ruined, Leapai sank into a whirlpool of alcohol, marijuana and rage when he went into the city looking for trouble.

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"My uncle had been thrown out of the nightclub and had been hurt badly," Leapai said.

"He had grazes down his face and all down his arm.

"I was young and stupid and I went to the club looking for the bloke who'd hurt my uncle. One of the bouncers said 'f… off mate or the same will happen to you'.

"I should have walked away but I ended going bang, bang and dropping two of them. Then another two of them ran in and I went bang, bang again. I belted four of them and one got really badly hurt. It was a stupid, stupid thing to do."

The man Leapai must beat to claim the belt, Wladimir Klitschko hits the speed ball at training. Source: Getty Images

So stupid that Leapai spent six months in the high security Woodford Correctional Centre north of Brisbane.

"Jail is a horrible place," he said.

"I couldn't trust anyone in there — the only friend I had was The Lord and I spoke to him all the time asking for another chance to make something of myself.

"When I get in there against Klitschko I will be making up for all the mistakes I made in my life. And I will make my family proud. That's a promise."

Catch all the action from the big fight LIVE in HD Sunday, April 27 at 6am AEST

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Leapai’s early hour sparring sessions

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IT's 1.45am and the Sheraton Essen, 20 minutes from downtown Dusseldorf, has closed up for the night. The kitchen is shut, the lights are off in the bar and the only sounds are the dull snores of a couple of journalists stretched out in the foyer, sleeping off the effects of a 21-hour flight from Australia.

Then, the lift doors open and out strides Alex Leapai followed by a collection of training staff, family members, sponsors and supporters. It's time to go to work.

Leapai, the former Brisbane truck driver who in five days will fight formidable Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko for the heavyweight boxing championship of the world, might be in Germany but his body clock is still set on Queensland time.

Wladimir Klitschko and his right hand, both of which Alex Leapai will need to overcome. Source: Getty Images

His trainer Noel Thornberry doesn't want his man climbing into the ring to face Klitschko at nearby Oberhausen on 11pm Saturday night and feeling like he should be sitting at the breakfast table eating toast and Vegemite, so he is reprogramming him gradually.

Last night Leapai began training at 2am. Tonight it will be 1.30am, then 1am, with another half-hour shaved off every night until he will feel like he's been throwing punches at elf uhr nacht, as the locals would say, his entire life.

Thornberry tried the same trick when Leapai fought hot favourite Denis Boystov in Bayern, Germany last November. 'Lionheart' won the fight, earning his shot at one of the biggest prizes in world sport, so they're sticking with it.

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It's all part of Thornberry's plan to leave nothing to chance as Leapai bids to become Australia's first-ever heavyweight champion and pull off one of the greatest upsets in the sport's history.

And if that means a gaggle of Aussie journalists, photographers and cameramen have to miss out on their beauty sleep, so be it.

There is no suitable gym for a full-on sparring session in the Sheraton, and Leapai finished his heavy work before leaving Queensland anyway, so Thornberry has requisitioned one of the hotel's conference rooms. Heavy-lidded journos help pull tables and chairs to the sides of the room between yawns as Thornberry puts Leapai through some stretches before taping his hands and helping him pull on gloves.

Trainer Noel Thornberry and Leapai will confront the biggest challenge of their respective careers. Source: Supplied

Earlier in the day Thornberry was telling anyone who'd listen what great shape his man was in, how he'd just had his first-ever proper preparation for a fight and how no heavyweight in the world had an overhead right like his.

They always say that, but in an ungodly hour in a conference room at the Sheraton Essen, he proved it.

Those who had seen Leapai as he fought in leagues clubs, RSLs and even a nightclub in the less salubrious part of Brisbane's Fortitude Valley on his unlikely road to Essen could not help but be stunned by his new-look streamline body shape, but it was his punching power that woke the room.

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As his right hands smashed into the pads held by Thornberry the sound, as one onlooker put it succinctly was, "like gunshots".

But of course there was never any question about Leapai's power. It was his defence, and patience that raised question marks.

"He'll never have classic defence," Thornberry said after the session ended around 3.30am. "But we're working on deflecting Klitschko's straight right, putting him off balance."

Among other things. Watching the two men at work in the early hours was to see a teacher and student in perfect synch. Thornberry is continuously studying Klitchko's fights, and never stops drilling into Leapai what he can expect, when, and how to counter it.

Leapai possesses fearsome power and his overhand right is considered his major weapon. Source: Getty Images

"He'll do this, Al; every time you throw that left he'll grab you here like this. You've got to do that 'pop' thing you do ... and the weave, do the weave … he'll try to hold you, so that opens up that little right every time … it doesn't have to be loaded … trust your instincts, Alex. If you want to throw the overhead, you throw it. Don't think about it, just throw it …"

The room empties and onlookers trudge to the lifts like miners ending a long shift underground, Noel and Alex stay put, talking, shadow-boxing. It's like the clock is ticking. There's so much to learn and not a moment to waste.

Who's got time to sleep?

Catch all the action from the big fight LIVE in HD Sunday, April 27 at 6am AEST

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Mariners coming home with a wet sail

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IT'S the most important week of the Mariners' season and Mile Sterjovski believes the Central Coast club has hit its stride at just the right time.

The Mariners are in Japan for their crucial Asian Cham­pions League match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima on Wednesday night and they will back that up with their grand final qualifier against Western Sydney on Saturday.

The experienced Sterjovski scored a brace against Sanfrecce in their first meeting to give the Mariners a 2-1 win and he says the players will draw confidence from that result.

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A win will guarantee the Mariners progression to the knockout stage for the second year running.

"We had a pretty good result against them last time and we know it's going to be a tough game, but we're confident in our squad of producing a good game," Sterjovski said.

WATCH THE MARINERS FACE HIOSHIMA, WITH THE PRE-GAME FROM 8PM (EST) ON FOX SPORTS 3HD ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT

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"We're hitting a lot of confidence at the right time of the season. It's a big game for us on Wednesday night and we need to get a result and every player is up for it."

Mariners coach Phil Moss has credited his team's participation in the ACL with turning their season around.

The club lost every game they played in February, before a trip to Korea gave them an opportunity to discuss their goals for the season.

And Sterjovski agrees that the ACL has improved the Mariners' form domestically.

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"We've got extra games to play to try and improve on things and I think it's really helped us this season," he said.

"We went through a bit of a slump and then the team went away to Korea and we had a good talk about what we wanted to achieve this season.

We had a chance to work on things and things have really improved since we started in the ACL, so I think it's been great for us."

Western Sydney Wanderers v Central Coast Mariners

Pirtek Stadium, Saturday 26 April, 6.30pm (EST)

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Rising Tahs talent best schoolboy since KB

HE has been billed as the brightest young rugby talent since Kurtley Beale, and after training with the Waratahs last week teenager Andrew Kellaway is confident he can step up to Super Rugby this year if asked.

The 18-year-old redhead prodigy may have played just 15 minutes of Shute Shield rugby but his undeniable gifts prompted Waratahs coach Michael Cheika to draft him into his training squad after numerous injuries to outside backs.

After training alongside the likes of Beale and Israel Folau, former schoolboy star Kellaway is hopeful of playing for NSW in 2014.

"I know within myself I'm ready to take that step, whether I will handle it is yet to be seen, but I feel that I am ready," said Kellaway, a fullback/centre/winger.

"If the opportunity comes this year I would like to think I could take it.

"I want to hopefully get game-time at some stage in the next two years.

"It was unreal training with the Waratahs to be honest, I came out of school being a big fish in a small pond, to being a small fish in a very big pond.

"To see how they handle themselves day to day was a real eye-opener, just the professionalism of the guys in how they train and how they look after themselves."

Kellaway led The Scots College to the GPS title last year and now plays for Randwick, whose director of rugby Nick Ryan said: "He is the best young talent I've seen come through since Kurtley Beale.

"He has the ability to play multiple positions legitimately and do them well and that is a very unique attribute.

"He is a very good athlete with a great football brain and that too is a rare quality for someone of his age."

Kellaway has been compared to Waratahs ace Kurtley Beale. Source: Getty Images

Cheika has no doubt Kellaway would be capable of handling the rigours of Super Rugby after coaching him in the Waratahs' under-20s side.

"I think he would be up for it, it is all about timing and trying to get the right balance," Cheika said.

"With these young guys it's about getting them the experience so they can perform, not rushing them but still giving them the right chances.

"He has been training with us, he was in the dressing rooms after the Bulls game.

"He may get a chance late this season, we'll have to see.

"This is why we're running our under-20s program, so we've got players we can bring through when needed, and not be scratching around when injuries occur."

Kellaway will today fly to Queensland with the rest of the Australian under-20s squad for a camp preparing for the IRB Junior World Cup in New Zealand, which means he won't be available for NSW until the final rounds.

Kellaway made his Shute Shield debut in round one, coming off the bench late to score a decisive try against Eastern Suburbs.

He has played for the Australian Schoolboys side for the last three years.

He is thrilled to be compared to Beale.

"That is a huge rap and I'm very grateful," he said, adding that the pressure of expectation would not weigh him down.

"I don't think pressure is the right word, it is definitely something that sticks in the back of your mind but as long as the coaches are happy and your teammates are happy, that is what counts."

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Tigers tell Benji: We’ve moved on

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WESTS Tigers have a blunt message for Benji Marshall: We have moved on.

Marshall has stunned the league world by declaring he wants to return to the NRL after seeking a release from his Super Rugby contract with the Auckland Blues.

When he announced in July last year he was quitting the Tigers to chase a lucrative contract in Super Rugby, Marshall declared: "I will honour my words about not playing for another (NRL) club. There is no other NRL club for me to play for. The Tigers are my home and will always be my home."

CRAWLEY: CAP MUST NOT STAND IN BENJI'S WAY

BENJI PLEADS FIND ME A HOME

Benji Marshall given a guard of honour for his last home. Source: News Limited

BENJI ASKS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Now he won't have a choice after the Tigers ruled out an emotional return to the club for their former star.

"At the moment we have made some decisions on the back of his decision last year (to leave),'' Wests Tigers CEO Grant Mayer said.

"Unfortunately there's no room in our top 25 for Benji Marshall next year.

"He made a decision and we have to move on.

"I think there is a genuine love and affection for Benji, there's no doubt the fans will be asking the question (about a return).

"But I think we have made a pretty strong statement this year in regards to the kids coming through.

"No doubt our plan is for our kids to come through."

Benji Marshall farewells the crowd after his last home. Source: News Limited

Mayer will meet this week with the manager of young five-eighth Curtis Sironen.

Other rising kids Mitchell Moses, Luke Brooks and David Nofoaluma have recently re-signed, the club hoping injured fullback James Tedesco will be retained shortly.

Pressed on whether his club had 'moved on' from Marshall, Mayer said: "He is always a big part of our past. We said that when he left. He helped build the club.

"We wish him the best on behalf of our board and all our fans.

"Let me say I am surprised to hear that he has left the Blues. I know he was very excited about taking up a new challenge.

"I know he is happy in New Zealand, he bought a house over there so I wouldn't be surprised if he stayed there but there are always rumours about Super League."

What do you think of Benji's decision to quit rugby?

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Red Gill will get set for a big Blue

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TOP flanker Liam Gill's recovery from a hamstring tear may be rapid enough for him to be parachuted into Auckland next week for a must-win Reds clash.

Gill surprised coach Richard Graham with his full involvement in training at Ballymore on Monday and is tracking two weeks ahead of schedule.

After being told he'd miss six games with the leg muscle he damaged against the Lions in Johannesburg on March 22, Gill feels he can trim that to four.

Graham this week is to pick a 24-man squad to tour New Zealand for crunch games against the Hurricanes, in Wellington on Saturday night, and the Blues (May 2).

"I thought Liam would be no good until the Melbourne Rebels game (May 17) but young, fit bodies sometimes have a way of healing," Graham said.

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"He won't be selected for the tour but there is every chance we will fly him to Auckland next week for the Blues game if he continues this progress."

There were also upbeat bulletins on centre Mike Harris (achilles), winger Dom Shipperley (hip) and prop Ben Daley (knee), who all trained on Monday to book their seats on the flight to Wellington.

How the Reds juggle their backline for Saturday night will be intriguing.

Young Chris Feauai-Sautia was shown up in defence on the wing against the ACT Brumbies in his comeback game.

Ben Tapuai's form in the centres for the Reds have a rare bright light in a disappointing season. Source: Getty Images

He did inject his running power far more in the second half. He is a pure outside centre and needs to play there if the Reds are to maximise his value.

Ben Tapuai is the Reds' form centre at No.13 so Graham is unlikely to shift him in a spot which means Harris and Anthony Faingaa competing for the inside centre role.

Gill's replacement Beau Robinson has been a high performer in his absence.

He will need to be again against a Hurricanes pack boasting All Black Victor Vito, Jeremy Thrush and James Broadhurst.

Hurricanes prop John Schwalger will miss the rest of season after being diagnosed with blood clots on his lungs.

Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett said the "scary'' diagnosis was made when the two-Test All Black sought treatment for what he thought was a chest infection.

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"I'm just pleased they got it when they did. It could have been a really scary case, particularly for a tough guy like him who would have probably just soldiered on with something like that," Hammett said in Wellington.

Graham expressed surprise that Benji Marshall is plotting such a quick backflip to the NRL after his code-hopping experiment at the Blues.

"I fully expected we'd be facing Marshall in a Blues side," Graham said.

"I applaud him for giving it a go and I'm disappointed for him that he hasn't stuck at it because there were always going to be tough parts along the way.

"It highlights again how well Israel Folau has done in his switch of codes.

"The great help for him was coming to rugby from the continual movement and anticipation needed in AFL.''

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Things looking a little rosier for Daisy

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CARLTON recruit Dale Thomas says the Blues will take real confidence from their first win of the season after a week of headlines at Visy Park.

Thomas took another step forward with a 16-possession game played deep in defence, aware the critics have been quick to jump on his performances.

UNITED BLUES LIMP TO FIRST WIN

He said the Blues knew the football world had come at them in recent weeks, but believed the season would turn if they improved their efforts.

"It was a good win and we will take a bit from that. That's football, when you play well there are people who pat you and when its starts to go the other way there are twice as many people who jump on your back and chop you down,'' he said.

"We know that, we don't buy into too much of that bull**** at the club. The Essendon game we lost some confidence but we will learn a bit from tonight and take some confidence from it. 1-4 is better than 0-5."

Dale Thomas had 16 possessions in his first win as a Blue. Photo by Michael Dodge Source: Getty Images

Thomas said he was happy to be gradually improving under Malthouse despite averaging only 18 disposals a game.

"Week to week it's starting to come. I played a fair bit deep down back tonight so my possession rate wasn't as high but along with the rest of the boys the effort around the ball was fantastic and if we can turn the ball over at the source and get it going into our forward line the way we did it gives you a chance to win games and fortunately tonight we did that.

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"I will be the first to say I am not setting the world on fire, but at the moment I am happy to be out there playing my role for the team and happy to be out there playing footy again.

"Obviously getting to know how the boys play and the boys know how I play, that is taking a bit of time.

"There are no excuses from my front. I will cop my whack when I deserve it."

AFL Round 5. Western Bulldogs v Carlton at Etihad Stadium. Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney. Pic: Michael Klein. Saturday April 19, 2014. Source: News Corp Australia

Western Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney admitted his side had blown a late chance to win the game, but knew they did not deserve the victory.

He said he was "pretty optimistic" Dale Morris (ankle/suspension) would be back against Adelaide next week, with his Dogs now 15th after missing a chance to vault into the top eight.

"It was a bit of a nervousness to snatch at it and rush it and when we missed that (Stewart Crameri) set shot they were jumping for joy, the Carlton boys. It was like we have dodged a bullet,'' McCartney said.

"But I don't believe we deserved to be that close. They outplayed us, they were good around the ball, they played really well. They deserved the four points and they deserved to win the game."

Marcus Bontempelli is tackled by Ed Curnow. Photo by Michael Dodge Source: Getty Images

He said he was happy with no. 4 selection Marcus Bontempelli's 14-possession debut performance, content that he is a hard worker who will continually maximise his talent.

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United Blues limp to first win

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MICK Malthouse's only recorded use of the corridor is to access his living room and as a venue to banish muffin-munching photographers.

Last night as besieged Carlton's leaders in Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs answered their baying critics, so too did 61-year-old Malthouse.

JUDD INJURY WON'T LEAVE BLUES HAMSTRUNG

THINGS LOOKING A LITTLE ROSIER FOR DAISY

NO SIGN OF BLUES IN SPIRITED CARLTON

Malthouse hasn't survived long enough to be in sight of Jock McHale's record without using every bit of rat cunning and adaptability.

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As the Blues finally broke their 2014 drought, they did so by abandoning central tenets of Malthouse's three-decade old game plan.

In a freewheeling, high-scoring contest full of positives previously invisible at Visy Park, the Blues finally embraced that little-used patch of turf.

Jumping a Bulldogs side which just refused to die, the Blues roared up and down the corridor as if it was a German Autobahn.

Dale Thomas and Jarrad Waite celebrates a third quarter goal. Pic: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

The Blues did it without a hamstrung Chris Judd — who lasted just six minutes- and despite a Bulldog comeback that only quit in the final moments

Yet if the Bulldogs kept pushing the manner of the victory should only heighten the Blues' belief.

Senior assistant and Malthouse confidante Robert Wiley had said pre-match Malthouse had spent the week on the track relearning the key game plan fundamentals.

Yet instead of the stodgy, defence-based football of the last month the Blues looked a little like

Ed Curnow was outstanding on Tom Liberatore until a collision with a goalpost left him with a suspected broken leg. Pic: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

Brett Ratten's run-and-gun Carlton in a pre-Malthouse era.

That game plan saw Carlton 37 points up early in the third term, but as Malthouse would know it also kept the Dogs in this contest.

Continually they surged in a thrilling second half, pushing and testing Carlton's reserves.

Yet if Malthouse's defence did not have its usual host of midfield reinforcements it still stood up in a mighty test.

If Murphy ultimately delivered a two-fingered salute to his critics despite the close attentions of Mitch Wallis, it was Gibbs who started the domination.

Bryce Gibbs ignited the Blues in the first quarter. Picture: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

He found himself at the fall over every contested ball, sprinting from defence to hit up Carlton's forward targets with a 10-possession first quarter.

As a result recalled forward Jarrad Waite and swingman Lachie Henderson feasted on the quicksilver delivery with five combined first-quarter goals.

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From there confidence coursed through the veins of every Carlton player's veins.

Dale Thomas was urgent and polished, Warnock as huge in the ruck, Henderson (five goals) presented all day, and Andrew Walker relentlessly charged off half back

For a time the Dogs just kept in touch through Luke Dahlhaus's nose for a goal and Ryan Griffen's pulsating running power in his best game for the year.

Chris Judd lasted just six minutes before a hamstring injury ended his night. Picture: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

The critical moment came 10 minutes into the second term after three early Dogs goals to drag back the margin to only two goals.

Bulldog Jack Macrae surged into goal but his dribbling effort from close-range missed by a mile.

Seconds later the Blues transferred the ball to Chris Yarran who goaled on the run to put the margin to 17 points, instead of the six from a Macrae goal.

Even when they pushed again late they could get no closer than three goals as the Blues somehow steadied the ship.

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse just before quarter time. Pic: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

The Dogs might be on the march, but they aren't yet the kind of side that can win without an even performance.

As much as Griffin, Dahlhaus, Macrae won possessions at will, too many prime movers didn't come to the party.

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Robert Murphy was shut out of the game, Tom Liberatore was smashed by Ed Curnow and Will Minson was soundly beaten early by Robert Warnock.

With players like the highly encouraging Marcus Bontempelli and Lin Jong finding their feet — and tagger Wallis not contributing any offensive drive — they just couldn't keep up.

Chris Scott or Alastair Clarkson wouldn't have been quivering with fear at the Blues yesterday, but finally this grand old club again has a pulse.

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