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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