Manny’s man fighting his toughest battle

Manny Pacquiao and Justin Fortune. Source: Supplied

MEET the Australian heavyweight boxer who went toe-to-toe with Lennox Lewis and is now fighting cancer from inside Manny Pacquiao's Los Angeles training camp in the lead-up to the Floyd Mayweather superfight.

Justin Fortune, 49, is the hard-as-coffin-nails boxing conditioner who moved to Los Angeles in 2002 and has spent the best part of nine years working alongside legendary fight trainer Freddie Roach.

Aside from working with Pacquaio at Roach's famous Wild Card gym, the ex-heavyweight boxer is fighting throat and neck cancer.

Manny Pacquiao and Justin Fortune. Source: Supplied

Fortune recently had a bone graft from his forearm to replace some of the nodules the doctors had to remove from his throat as part of his chemotherapy and radiation.

Since being diagnosed, the thick-set brawler has lost 35kg.

"They say it's the worst cancer treatment, throat cancer. I didn't believe them, but they were spot on," Fortune said.

"The only way to treat cancer is to cut, burn and poison. You lose your taste buds, your saliva glands, it's horrible.

"It's all about your mindset. If you want to roll over and die, you will. But if you want to fight it, then fight. I've stood toe-to-toe my whole life, so that's what I'm still doing.

"I totally understand people switching off, it devastates you in mind and body. But it is what it is. I've been through the worst part of the fight and now it's a healing process."

Justin Fortune with Manny Pacquiao and Freddy Roach Source: Supplied

Pacquaio's LA training camp is strictly a closed workshop, with no cameras allowed inside the gym and all mobile phones left at the door.

"We don't want anything about what we do inside the gym appearing anywhere, but the preparation so far has been perfect," Fortune said.

"Everyone knows styles makes fights. Floyd's a great fighter but he's got holes in his defence and holes in his offence. Manny has also got a power advantage. We'll be ready to go come May 2."

FAULKNER TO LEAD CHARGE FOR AUSSIES

THE cricket World Cup will start to sizzle as of Friday with Australia to take on Pakistan in a quarter-final in Adelaide.

Big-hitting all-rounder James Faulkner (pictured) will anchor the Australia innings in the middle order, with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood fighting for the final place in the starting XI.

Cricketer James Faulkner. Source: Supplied

It was wonderful to see baggy green legend Steve Waugh in the inner sanctum of the Australian side this week, with skipper Michael Clarke enjoying the chance to talk tactics with one of Australia's greatest leaders.

Still in cricket circles, Australian captain heir apparent Steve Smith and opener David Warner are both signed up as fully fledged Sydney Roosters members for the year ahead.

The Roosters have even been trying to sign up Warner's daughter Ivy, but with mum Candice Falzon a one-eyed South Sydney supporter it could still be a point of contention.

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DUAL international Israel Folau has wished his little brother John all the best for his NRL debut against the Warriors in New Zealand tomorrow, with the NSW Waratah urging his sibling to enjoy the opportunity.

"He is excited to get a run there against the Warriors. I am very proud of him. I just want him to enjoy the occasion," Folau said.

John Folau will make his NRL debut for the Eels. Source: DailyTelegraph

LIVE SUNDAY FOOTY A BIG TURN-ON

THE implementation of live ­Sunday afternoon football has proven a ratings smash hit for Channel 9, with the Rabbitohs-Roosters blockbuster peaking at over 900,000 viewers.

The NRL match was the most-watched club game on a Sunday since 2012, underlining how Ray Warren live into lounge rooms on a Sunday afternoon is a guaranteed ratings winner.

Channel 9's executive producer of NRL Matt Callander told us so far live Sunday afternoon football was up 10 per cent on last season. "Footy fans asked us for live ­Sunday afternoon football and the great news from our perspective is they've given it a resounding thumbs up," Callander said.

The challenge for the NRL now is attendances. There's no ­sugar-coating the fact the ANZ Stadium crowd of 27,289 was a major disappointment.

Roosters Dylan Napa scores a try against the Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium. Picture Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

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SO exactly how much was Daly Cherry-Evans' contract offer with the Manly Sea Eagles reduced by under the club's new ownership and management structure?

Try to the tune of $800,000 over the course of three seasons. When the Sea Eagles then pulled the DCE offer earlier this month, the halfback had no alternative but to sign with Gold Coast.

Under the Sea Eagles' previous part-owners and management, DCE was the top priority signature for ex-COO Dave Perry and the Quantam Energy group. But when Rick and Scott Penn purchased full control of the club and installed new CEO Joe Kelly, the club ­shifted tact to trying to retain ­Kieran Foran.

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One of the first acts new CEO Kelly engaged in was telling the Sea Eagles players they were no longer to associate with porn king Con Ange, a figure the club's previous administration had allowed into the inner sanctum.

The Sea Eagles are now armed with the biggest cheque book in the NRL for next season and will be targeting high quality off-contract players.

PANTHERS LEAP INTO NEW HEIGHTS

THE Penrith Panthers continue to grow into an NRL super power, with the club boasting one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the competition.

No question the majority of the kudos goes to the intelligent management of Phil Gould and Ivan Cleary, who up until obtaining the signature of Trent Merrin were even in talks with NSW State of Origin enforcer Beau Scott about joining the club next season.

Underlining the depth of talent at the foot of the mountains, young gun Waqa Blake scored two tries in the NSW Cup last weekend and is on a fast track to NRL stardom.

James Segeyaro in the gym at Panthers training. pic Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia

Blake is the rookie who was signed sight-unseen by Gould, with the club fighting off rival suitors by extending his contract until the end of 2017 earlier this month.

Provided he remains fit and focused, Blake should be the latest success story out of Sydney's golden west. Still on the Panthers, star players James Segeyaro, Josh Mansour and Jamie Soward will be joined by injured Bulldogs five-eighth Josh Reynolds for the opening of Amart Sports in Wetherill Park tomorrow from 10am.

RIPPER SLIPPER FOR RACING ENTHUSIASTS

THE Australian Turf Club has assembled one of the best cards of all time for the Golden Slipper meeting at Rosehill Gardens tomorrow, with five Group 1 races boasting some of the world's best horses.

Channel 7 will have all the action trackside live, with the glamorous Francesca Cumani (pictured) to headline the network's coverage alongside broadcaster Bruce McAvaney.

Francesca Cumani with "Binalong Road". Source: News Corp Australia

Aside from the $3.5 million on offer in the world's richest race for two-year-olds, there's Contributer racing in the Ranvet Stakes, Hallowed Crown v Sweynesse in the Rosehill Gunieas and the likes of Rubick, Deep Field, Sweet Idea and Miracles Of Life lining up in the Galaxy. Giddy up.

●●●

CRICKET royalty Brian Lara and a host of retired NRL stars are all set to appear in a one-off match for the University of Western Sydney in Parramatta on April 2.

The prince of calypso cool will take part in the community game, with an All Stars side featuring Braith Anasta, Ryan Girdler, Anthony Minichiello and Andrew Ryan to do battle against a UWS outfit.

The match will be played at Old Kings Oval with fans welcome to attend. Admission is free with the first delivery to be bowled at 10am.

AB GETS PIECE OF HISTORY

SOUTH African captain AB de Villiers will be taking home a unique memento of his World Cup success at the SCG.

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The champion batsman's stunning century against the West Indies — 162 from 66 balls — was the first World Cup ton at the SCG by any player. To mark the occasion, the SCG Trust presented de Villiers with a framed plaque, photo and piece of the SCG's famous pitch — the rarest of honours.

The patch of turf will be enclosed in a specially made glass case to ensure the South African can safely steer it through customs on the way out of the country.

WINNING

GIVEN he's the NSW Origin legend who spawned the famous "Cattledog" call, it should come as no surprise that Tommy Raudonikis is putting up the bravest of fights in his recovery from throat cancer.

Raudonikis and mate John Singleton were this week spotted trekking along Victoria's Great Ocean Road, the site of the famous Twelve Apostles.

The duo have walked more than 100km over the last week.

Go Tommy, "cattledog".

Trevor Gillmeister and Tom Raudonikis. Picture Mike Batterham Source: News Corp Australia

DUNCE CAP

THE sooner Newcastle Jets owner Nathan Tinkler does the honourable thing and relinquishes his A-League licence the better.

Tinkler's greatest shortcoming is his people skills. Whether it was horse racing, the Newcastle Knights or more recently his ailing A-League football club, Tinkler's shenanigans around failing to pay players on time have become Groundhog Day. The big unit will never be in danger of winning a popularity contest.

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SPOTTED

SYDNEY Roosters heavy hitter James Dack showed Ian Healy-esque hands at ANZ Stadium last Sunday, catching a Steeden flying full tilt into the Tricolours dugout in front of Brad Fittler, Brett Finch and Andrew Johns.

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IT was a who's who of glamour at the Sydney FC 10-year anniversary on Monday, with Mel McLaughlin and Tara Rushton glitzing up the event hosted on the Allianz Stadium pitch.

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Mark of Kane irresistible for England

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STRIKER Harry Kane has been called up by England for the first time after a rapid rise from the fringes of Tottenham's squad to becoming a key component of the team.

The 21-year-old Kane has scored 26 goals in 42 games so far in his breakthrough season at Tottenham, and was voted Premier League player of the month in January and February.

"Huge honor to be called up to the England squad," Kane, who has played for England's under-21s team, wrote on Twitter. "Very proud day for me and my family!"

Kane will be hoping to make his England debut in the European Championship qualifier against Lithuania next Friday or the friendly in Italy four days later.

"The whole country is really (excited), his rise has been fantastic," England coach Roy Hodgson said. "Since he broke into the Tottenham team he has done so well.

"I think it would have been a lot more of a surprise if he hadn't been selected."

Only Diego Costa of Chelsea and Manchester City's Sergio Aguero have scored more goals than Kane in the league.

Kane will be competing for a starting spot up front in Roy Hodgson's team alongside captain Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck, with Saido Berahino losing his place in the squad.

"It's not quite as simple as saying, 'Now I'm here now all you others step aside,"' Hodgson said of Kane.

England squad

Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Southampton), Joe Hart (Manchester City).

Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton), Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), Kyle Walker (Tottenham).

Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Fabian Delph (Aston Villa), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), James Milner (Manchester City), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Andros Townsend (Tottenham), Theo Walcott (Arsenal).

Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Arsenal).

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Clarke’s shock plans after World Cup

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CAPTAIN Michael Clarke plans to power on in one-day cricket after the World Cup, and he has the backing of selectors and Cricket Australia to do so.

Last time the skipper held a press conference at Adelaide Oval, he'd just torn his hamstring and admitted with great emotion that his career could be over.

But nearly three months on, Clarke has stoically worked his way back to full fitness and form.

Australia are yet to announce whether Pat Cummins will stave off a challenge from Josh Hazlewood or who will bat at No.5, Glenn Maxwell or Shane Watson, for Friday's knockout quarter-final against Pakistan.

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And although Clarke's focus is squarely on treating Friday like a Cup final, he is sure his plans extend well beyond tournament's end.

"I don't think you're ever owed anything in this game of cricket, so we have to make sure we're ready to go, which we will be," said Clarke.

"I've had injury concerns since I was 17 years of age and I've managed to play over 200 one-dayers and over 100 Test matches.

"(Injury) hasn't stopped me to date and I don't think it will do after this series either."

History shows great captains like Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh had little choice in the matter.

Selectors pushed them from the 50-over game, but it appears Clarke's future in coloured clothing remains his call to make.

Michael Clarke can't wait to face Pakistan on Friday. Source: AFP

In an interview with The Daily Telegraph at the start of the World Cup, selector Mark Waugh said as long as injury doesn't bring Clarke down, the 33-year-old can write his own ticket.

"His one-day record is fantastic so you've got to say he's in the top six batsmen in Australia. If the answer to that is yes, well you've got to pick him, and he wants to play … naturally he would because he's a competitor and he loves playing for Australia," said Waugh.

"Whether his body can cope with that, that's a different story, I don't have an answer for that.

"But you wouldn't say he couldn't play one-day and Test cricket for a number of years ahead."

Clarke might have had an injury-ravaged past 12 months, but the view of Australian team performance manager Pat Howard is it would be unfair to judge the skipper on "a snapshot in time."

Howard reiterated three weeks ago that the ball was in Clarke's court - and nothing has changed.

As Clarke looked around the walls of the Adelaide Crows dressing room – the press conference site at the groundval – he was asked to remember back to the emotion that overcame him last time he sat there.

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But despite the critics he's silenced so far with his emphatic recovery, Clarke refused to feel satisfied.

"I think every player would have done the same thing that I've done," Clarke said of his meticulous recovery.

"A lot of players have had injuries throughout their career and worked their backside off to get back out on the park.

"Walking back out on the field to represent your country is a very special feeling, but if you don't perform you don't get that opportunity."

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The fight to save the playmakers

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WE are just two rounds into the new NRL season and already one of the great ironies for 2015 has been exposed.

Referees this year have been listed as a protected species, with coaches no longer allowed to criticise them through fear of causing hurt feelings.

Meanwhile, rugby league's most prized assets, playmakers like Johnathan Thurston and Benji Marshall, are adamant they are now victims of ongoing physical and illegal abuse.

And it seems nothing is being done to help them.

KING BENNY HITS OUT AT DRAMA QUEEN COWBOYS

COWS VOW TO PROTECT JT FROM 'OPEN SLATHER'

NRL CASUALTY WARD: SUTTON BREAKS JAW

Is it time to introduce the sin bin for foul play?

As one leading coach said to me this week: "This would stop overnight if the NRL brought in a sin bin (for foul play). They would be less likely to do something illegal if they knew it was going to leave their team a man down," the coach said.

Can they make a rule change with the season already started?

"Of course they can," he added. "I'm all about the game being played hard, as long as it is within the rules."

Unfortunately, this is where the argument on this issue splinters, depending on who you listen to.

Some coaches and former players have said this week this sort of treatment/punishment has been dished out for more than 100 years — and if you brought in a rule change now, it would potentially wipe out enforcers like Beau Scott.

Plus, they say, there are currently rules to stop blatant late hits, and all the referees need to do is enforce it consistently.

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But when a bloke like Thurston comes out and says it is now "open slather' on playmakers, it would be wise for the NRL to listen. The problem with ignoring alarm bells in our game is when you do it invariably ends in disaster.

And according to Thurston and Marshall, after just two weeks of the new season, something has to give. Or someone will get seriously hurt.

As well as being arguably the most skilful player in the game, Thurston is also as tough as they come. The fact he has played 30 consecutive Origins for Queensland highlights that, and there isn't a playmaker in the game who takes the ball to the line as often as this bloke.

It is what helps make him so great, but also such a target.

So when Thurston said he feared he could have suffered a neck injury after being up-ended in a dangerous tackle by Scott and Chris Houston, you have to take him on his word.

Incredibly, the tackle didn't result in a suspension for either player because one of Thurston's legs remained on the ground.

As Thurston rightly pointed out: Would the tackle have rated higher than a 90 point demerit for Scott if Thurston had broke his neck?

Should injury determine punishment, like it did with Jordan McLean last year for his part on the tackle on Alex McKinnon?

Or should the NRL stay a step ahead of potential danger, like Thurston and Marshall are warning now?

That lifting tackle wasn't the only incident that had the Cowboys blowing up.

The one where Scott smashed Thurston late, Andrew Johns described as a "cheap shot", because Thurston had absolutely no defence.

A week earlier Marshall said he was lucky not to break his leg after being cleaned up by a "missile" tackle from Felise Kaufusi that only resulted in a one-game ban. But what if Marshall had broken his leg in that tackle and Kaufusi was allowed to play on awaiting the match review verdict?

Thurston is up-ended by Newcastle's Chris Houston and Beau Scott. Source: Supplied

NRL benches are stacked with interchange forwards, while clubs rarely carry a replacement half, and most can only afford one star playmaker on their roster.

Rugby league is already a tough enough sport without it being made more dangerous.

You think about the injuries suffered so far this year.

John Sutton broke his jaw after an accidental head clash with Dylan Napa, and while Sutton played on for 33 minutes, he will now be sidelined for a month.

In the same game Adam Reynolds left the field in a daze only to return to play a leading role in the winning try.

Down in Canberra Jack Wighton suffered a broken bone above his eye in the opening minutes against the Warriors after a head collision with a teammate.

It's worth pointing out when that occurred, Wighton didn't stop for medical treatment.

Within minutes he was across the field saving a try with a desperate tackle on Manu Vatuvei.

You talk about courage.

Already several players have been ruled out with season-ending injuries.

Beau Champion did his knee last week, Clint Gutherson was a first-round casualty. Chris Sandow and Tepai Moeroa played against the Bulldogs last week with painkillers.

Does the game need to be tougher?

With respect to the "this has been going on for 100 years" theory, previously a playmaker always had an enforcer on hand just in case he needed protection.

Now we have the no-punch rule.

The Cowboys forwards have vowed it won't happen again but what can they really do without the NRL's help?

Johnathan Thurston has called on the NRL to protect players form serious injury. Source: News Corp Australia

On Scott's late tackle on Thurston, NRL head of football Todd Greenberg drew his line in the sand when he said: "Our rules are very clear on making sure that the defenders have to use a shoulder and we have policed that heavily.

"I have reminded (NRL referees' boss) Tony Archer about the need to protect that and to make sure that they make decisions in the game, but equally someone of Johnathan Thurston's ability always plays at the line so there is going to be a balance."

But is the balance right, or is it time to bring in the sin bin for foul play?

Playmakers are the jewels of our game.

We can no longer talk about refs, but we should be talking more about this.

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ONE FOR TOOVES

GEOFF Toovey has copped plenty of cheap shots himself over recent months.

But if coaching in the NRL is about getting results, then these stats show exactly why the Manly coach has the runs on the board to keep his job.

Since taking over from Des Hasler in 2012, Toovey boasts the fourth-best winning percentage of any coach.

From 83 games, he has 51 wins and 31 losses and one draw, for a winning strike rate of 61.4%.

Apart from Jason Taylor and Rick Stone who top Fox Sports Stats after being undefeated in two games so far, Trent Robinson boasts the best average (69.6%) ahead of Michael Maguire (68.3%), Craig Bellamy (63.7%), Toovey and Hasler (61%).

In his three years Toovey has guided Manly to one grand final and two finals campaigns.

Last year they were knocked out by the Dogs after a controversial golden point loss.

Still, it's not a bad record in anyone's books going into round three's rematch with Canterbury.

Cowboys coach Paul Green came out fighting after the tackle on Johnathan Thurston. Source: Getty Images

THEY SAID IT

"They're supposed to be making the game safe. I felt that he was certainly targeted by the opposition. Years ago, that sort of thing happened, your teammates would deal with it ... now they clearly want to go in a direction where that doesn't happen anymore. If that's the way they want the game to go then someone needs to protect players ... his eye's just about closed and he's a guy who wears head gear as well." Paul Green defends Johnathan Thurston.

"I was a bit surprised at how strongly the Cowboys came out after the game to be honest and the publicity it attracted but I'm pleased it wasn't influential. It gives you a lot more confidence in the system." Newcastle director of football Michael Hagan responds.

"I'm all for pressure being put on halves, you can't let them run

around in dinner suits, but they've just opened up a can of worms now. Every back-rower now has got a licence to do it." Queensland legend Trevor Gillmeister weighs into the debate.

"They are definitely targeting kickers and this year you can see the force being used has gone up a notch as well." Former NRL match review chairman Greg McCallum.

"The ref blew the whistle, so I stopped and someone has picked my leg up ... flipped me and all my weight was going over. I was lucky. If I had have broken my neck, would he have only got 90 [demerit] points?

"We've had obviously a very dark day with Alex McKinnon — the worst thing that can happen in our game. I don't want to see any player be put in that position again." Johnathan Thurston's description of the tackle.

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Brazen Sydney bid to steal Grand Prix

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AN audacious bid to take the Formula One Australian Grand Prix to Sydney and race it across the Harbour Bridge will be launched if the NSW Government wins re-election.

Premier Mike Baird will today announce that, if re-elected on March 28, work would start on taking the Grand Prix off Melbourne and he would establish a bid team featuring Rod McGeoch, the leader of Sydney's successful 2000 Olympics bid, and former News Corp Australia chief executive John Hartigan.

It is understood the Government has plans to set up a street circuit similar to Monaco and Singapore for the race.

If the Harbour Bridge was used, chicanes would have to be installed to ensure the cars went slower because the shape of the bridge would otherwise cause the cars to lift up.

The CBD would be shut down for the race.

It is understood Mr Baird is interested in a minimum three-year bid.

Daniel Higgins will "never wash his head again" after Daniel Ricciardo autographed it. Picture: Tim Carrafa

The key would be to feature the landmark Harbour Bridge and Opera House as part of the race to a worldwide television audience.

Victoria's contract over the race expires in 2020 but a decision on an Australian host city would have to be made by the Formula One governing body by 2018.

The bid would take advantage of the fact that the man who helped negotiate its transfer from Adelaide to Melbourne in 1996, Ron Walker, has just stood down as head of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation.

"I want the Formula One to come to Sydney, because no other city in the world could provide a more spectacular backdrop for this event," Mr Baird said yesterday.

"We know that this event is watched by up to 30 million people around the world, and securing the Grand Prix would put our already successful events strategy in pole position. But we need to get all the facts, before we move to bid."

Ricciardo's father Joe with his 1969 De Tomaso F2 Tipo 103. Picture: Tim Carrafa

The 2014 Australian Grand Prix report stated that the race drew more than 450 million viewers in 185 countries and an attendance of 314,9000 over last year's four-day event.

As the gates flew open to this year's event yesterday, anyone who ventures to the Albert Park circuit will be well aware there is a new smiling assassin in town this year — Red Bull star Daniel Ricciardo.

Support for the young West Australian is at an all-time high with Red Bull T-shirts, hats and flags out in force for the opening day of the four-day carnival.

Fans flocked to the circuit in earnest yesterday to catch a glimpse of their national hero and to enjoy all things motorsport on and off the circuit.

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation estimated the crowd at 47,600 — the highest opening day attendance since 2005 except the past two years when Thursdays were free.

Ricciardo said he was ready to "go racing'' and motivated to step back on the podium in Melbourne after being stripped of second place last year because of a technical issue.

He is not the only Ricciardo turning heads at this year's race. The Red Bull star's dad Joe is strutting a classy car of his own at Albert Park, albeit a classic chariot born long before his hero son.

Ricciardo senior is displaying a 1969 De Tomaso F2 Tipo 103 in the historic category at this year's Grand Prix.

Cut-price tickets will be offered today with $30 adult entry at the gate for race fans arriving after 3pm.

Adult entry prices start at $55 at the gate today.

andrew.carswell@news.com.au

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Knights set to lock-in Sims

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NEWCASTLE have fended off interest from rival NRL clubs and are poised to re-sign emerging prop Korbin Sims for a further two seasons.

Confirmation of the new deal, worth close to $700,000, could come as early as Friday before the Knights fly to Townsville to take on the North Queensland Cowboys on Saturday night.

Sims' new deal ties him to the club until the end of 2017 and will ensure he plays alongside older brother Tariq at the Knights until at least the end of next season.

Korbin Sims looks set to extend his stay in Newcastle. Source: News Corp Australia

Knights coach Rick Stone earmarked Sims as the player to replace the discarded Willie Mason as starting front-rower alongside Kade Snowden this season and he didn't disappoint against the big Warriors forward pack in the opening round last weekend.

But he faces another big test in Townsville when he comes up against Queensland and Test prop Matt Scott.

Meanwhile, Stone will make a final call on the fitness of his skipper Kurt Gidley after Friday's training session to determine if he makes the trip to Townsville for the game.

Gidley missed the win over the Warriors with a slight hamstring strain and if he is forced out again, Sione Mata'utia will take his place again at fullback with Jake Mamo added to the squad as 18th man.

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Moeroa eyeing Olympic shot

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PARRAMATTA young gun Tepai Moeroa has taken his first step towards competing at the 2016 Olympics — even though it would mean disappearing overseas eight weeks before the NRL finals begin.

Speaking with The Daily Telegraph this week, Moeroa revealed he has spoken with Dave Bruce — the athletics coach who helped him set a host of junior shot put records — about creating a program to work around his footy commitments for the next 17 months.

Having thrown an Olympic shot put 14 metres in his early teens, the young Eel is convinced he can earn a 20m qualifying hurl in time for Rio de Janeiro.

FIBROTAILS: PARRAMATTA'S ULTIMATE REVENGE

'I'M NOT SAYING ANYTHING ON FORAN SIGNING'

Tepai Moeroa is planning to put league on hold to compete in the 2016 Olympics. Source: News Corp Australia

Of more concern for the Eels enforcer, however, is the Olympics start date of August 5 — or roughly Round 22 of an NRL season.

While Parramatta are yet to officially shoot down the plan, it's understood coach Brad Arthur is long odds to allow his young star — a player Peter Sterling describes as the best young forward of the past decade — to potentially miss up to eight games of footy.

Apart from training for two sports daily, and then attending Olympic qualifying meets, Moeroa would also have to significantly alter his weights program given throwers bench press above 200kg.

"But I'm speaking with Mr Bruce to see what's possible,'' the Eels young gun said. "Obviously it will all come down to what Parramatta says I can and can't do.

"But given we train mostly mornings with the Eels there is time to work on my throws each afternoon. This is something I've always wanted to do and hopefully I can give it a try."

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Despite having hardly trained in the past year, Moeroa is currently ranked third in shot put for Australian U20s.

And despite being long odds for Brazil, Bruce confirmed he would draw up a blueprint for his 19-year-old charge because "if the football club is behind what he wants to do ... yes, I believe he can get there".

"But it all depends on Parramatta,'' the coach said. "The two programs, they'd have to work together or the whole thing is useless.

"Certainly Tepai will be rusty but who knows? If he wasn't playing footy in the NRL, we'd probably be preparing him for the Olympics right now.

"He's always had the right attributes for a great thrower, (laughs) there just isn't a lot of money in it. So it all depends on the people paying the bills ... the Eels have to come first."

A 15-year-old Tepai Moeroa shows off his ability at shot put.

Rugby league has something of a history in throwing, with Warren Ryan placing seventh at the 1962 Commonwealth Games with a toss of 15.75m.

Penrith centre Jamal Idris also holds a range of junior shot put, discus and javelin records.

But can Moeroa go further? Apart from an outstanding athletics career, the western Sydney teen also represented the Australian Schoolboys rugby team two years ago.

Quizzed on her son's incredible genetics, mum Paris said he could thank both sides of the family.

Moeroa has been tipped for greatness by some league legends. Source: News Corp Australia

"When we were living in the Cook Islands, Tepai's father was a great rugby league and union player,'' she said. "And his size, that comes from his grandfather, my dad.

"He was about seven feet tall and, everyone who saw him play, they say he was a monster. No one wanted to tackle him.

"Initially we took Tepai to his first Little Athletics meet after his first league season. He was seven and we didn't want him to get lazy.

"Then at about 12, he started talking about the Olympics. It has been a dream ever since."

Manager Craig Baker agreed, adding: "I still remember the day we first met, Tepai said 'I want to play NRL and throw shot put at the Olympics'.

"Nothing has changed since."

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Eels star whose mum drives him to training

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TEPAI Moeroa still gets a lift to training with Mum. He denies it, of course. Teenagers always do.

"But yes, I drive,'' Paris Moeroa laughs. "Quite a bit actually. Because Tepai doesn't have a licence yet, I'm there for him. I guess for an NRL player he's a bit unique."

Isn't he what?

All shaggy hair, shattering tackles and chauffeured rides with Mum, Moeroa suddenly looms as the hottest rugby league item since some lark first put Deep Heat in Speedos.

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Cover of today's league Central Source: Supplied

And as for those comparisons to Nathan Hindmarsh, Sonny Bill Williams, even 80s enforcer Geoff Robinson?

"Ah, sorry," Moeroa shrugs apologetically when the last name is put. "I've never heard of him."

Oh, c'mon.

Robbo. Geoff Robinson.

That cult Canterbury tough whose heart and hair were matched only by his ability to cause haemorrhaging in rivals.

"Oh, really?" Moeroa continues. "Don't know him.

"I've heard the Hindy stuff, which is cool. I think he was playing first grade when I was in Kindergarten."

Actually, would you believe age three?

Still living at home with his parents in Mt Druitt, Moeroa is a regular churchgoer who never swears, has no tattoos and insists fellow Eel Pauli Pauli is the one who drives him to training.

"But Mum does too,'' laughs his manger Craig Baker. "Or Tep catches the train.

"Everyone might be talking about this aggressive new forward for Parramatta, but really he's just a great young kid."

Tepai Moeroa is eyeing a spot at the Rio Olympics.

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F1 rivals praise Dan the man

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EVERYONE in Formula One has been won over by Daniel Ricciardo, even his deadliest race rivals.

The youngster with the giant smile exploded into the top ranks last year and both Sebastian Vettel and Jenson Button said yesterday he is a breath of fresh air.

"He made me a nice present for Christmas last year which was a nice surprise,'' Vettel said.

"I really like the guy. Daniel is a great character," said Button.

Vettel has five world titles and Button has one, and they both believe Ricciardo can join them in their exclusive club.

"He's very talented. He was given the tools to perform last year and he did. He was the only guy to take a race off Mercedes," said Button.

"We don't live far from each other so we see each other now and again. Fair play to him, he's done a great job."

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Vettel admitted Ricciardo's results in his first season with Red Bull Racing had been a "surprise" but said none of it had been a fluke for the Perth-born driver.

"Obviously I was on the inside of the team and I saw what he did and it wasn't luck, so he really deserved what he achieved last year. But last year I think it was a surprise for everyone," Vettel said.

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But that's where Vettel's praise ended, with the new Ferrari driver not wanting to predict any success for his former teammate in Melbourne.

"I hope his chances are not too big now that we are really racing against him and he's not on the same team any more. But he did a very good job last year so I'm sure that they've prepared well."

Button also had a warning for Ricciardo, who is now the team leader at Red Bull with youngster Dani Kyvat as his team mate.

"The second year in a team is sometimes more difficult. I think now he's got to use his experience to get the maximum out of the car. Being the team leader can make you stronger or can affect you, particularly if you have an inexperienced team mate," Button said.

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Complete guide to 2015 Formula 1 grid

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THE line-up of drivers who will take to the grid for the 2015 Formula 1 season has finally been settled as the cars take to the track for this weekend's Australian Grand Prix.

Here is the rundown of who is where, and how each team is shaping up for Albert Park.

Watch all the Formula 1 practice, qualifying and race action from the Australian Grand Prix LIVE in HD on FOX SPORTS Australia this weekend (Channel 506).

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MERCEDES

No. 44 — Lewis Hamilton
No. 6 — Nico Rosberg

All things being equal, one of these men will likely be world champion come November. Mercedes is believed to again have the edge on their rivals in 2015, setting up another season of Hamilton vs. Rosberg match-ups.

Hopefully, Mercedes will again allow their drivers to choose different race strategies, giving us hope that the two silver arrows will again be engaged in heated dogfights come Sunday afternoon.

Rosberg will be desperate to win a title after his disastrous end to 2014, while it remains to be seen which Hamilton will arrive to start the season; the 2011-spec 'mopey' Lewis from his first breakup with Nicole Scherzinger, or the supremely confident man who is arguably the best driver in F1.

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RED BULL

No. 3 — Daniel Ricciardo
No. 26 — Daniil Kvyat

The fortunes of Australia's great hope will hinge on the performance of the metallic lump behind his race seat. Renault's engineers have made gains over the off-season, but will they be enough to vault them into the same stratosphere with Mercedes? On testing form, they perhaps should be more concerned at keeping Ferrari at bay.

Ricciardo's dream 2014 season will be a hard act to follow, but he has proven that, when the Red Bull is in the hunt, he cannot be discounted. The big question mark is over his teammate.

Kvyat was quietly impressive in his rookie season. He drove fast and he learnt faster. How he handles the move from mid-pack scrapper to battling with the big boys will be fascinating to watch.

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FERRARI

No. 5 — Sebastian Vettel
No. 7 — Kimi Raikkonen

The desire for redemption pervades the storied halls of Maranello entering 2015. On the heels of the Scuderia's worst season in two decades, everyone from the management down is hoping for a much better showing.

Testing form suggests the car could be a regular challenger in the 'best of the rest' group behind Mercedes. As 2014 showed, this can be enough to see them punch a win sometime this year.

Anything remotely resembling a victory will be manna from heaven for Vettel and Raikkonen. Both men need a car they get along with to resurrect their flagging reputations; for the latter, the SF15-T could save his career. Both are proven race winners and will be keen to show they can still be regarded as threats.

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WILLIAMS

No. 19 — Felipe Massa
No. 77 — Valtteri Bottas

It is time for the once great team to show their 2014 return to form was no flash in the pan. Pat Symonds has remoulded the team into one that is capable of challenging for victory, and they were desperately unlucky not to score one last year.

Their new car appears to have held its place among the best on the grid, which is good news for two drivers who are focused on scoring a victory this year for different reasons.

For Bottas, it would signal his arrival as a genuine future world title contender, the fulfilling of his clear promise. For Massa, it will cap off one of the best comeback stories in sport. They were aatch for each other last year, but will the Finn start to gain the edge over his veteran teammate?

MCLAREN

No. 14 — Fernando Alonso
No. 22 — Jenson Button
No. 20 — Kevin Magnussen (Australia only)

As with Red Bull, this team's fortunes depend on how fast their engine can get up to speed. The team have faith that the car is good and that the engine will be good, but will we have to wait until the end of the year for it to realise its potential?

Alonso's testing crash is another blow that neither party needed. When he is fit to return, he will do his usual professional job of dragging an unbelievable performance out of a less-than-suitable car, but he will need to see progress if he is to keep his chin up.

Once again, Button will be looking to prove the doubters wrong. Few thought he would get close to Hamilton at McLaren, yet on his day, Jenson was light years ahead. Give him the right car and he will give you wins, but will the car be right?

Magnussen gets a rare chance to show a team it made a mistake in letting him languish as a mere test driver. Australia was his best drive last year, and the Dane will be keen to show he is still worthy of a full-time place on the grid.

LOTUS

No. 8 — Romain Grosjean
No. 13 — Pastor Maldonado

It is easy to forget that both of these drivers have been, at one stage or another, among the quickest drivers on the grid. Grosjean was second only to Vettel in the back half of 2013, while the Venezuelan is a notified GP winner.

What they lacked last year were the two things you can't be without in this hybrid era of F1: a consistent car and a good engine. They've fixed the latter by swapping their Renault for a Mercedes. Both men also believe the new car is light years ahead of last year's pig.

If the E23 is as good as Lotus hopes it is, Grosjean could again be a podium threat this year. And if the Frenchman's transition from crash-prone wally to winner in waiting rubs off on his teammate, Maldonado too.

FORCE INDIA

No. 11 — Sergio Perez
No. 27 — Nico Hulkenberg

It has been a worryingly quiet off-season for the team that is usually next-best behind the big squads. Their new car only ran at the final test, with repeated rumours of the team striking financial troubles.

Regardless of the whys and hows, the lack of track time could put drivers Hulkenberg and Perez on the back foot early in the season, when the team is traditionally its strongest. On the flip side, their engine package has been stable over the off-season so they will only be learning the traits of the new chassis.

Both drivers are at a career crossroads. Each needs to outperform the other to stand any hope of moving up to a better team. With both proving to be evenly matched last year, that could cause more than a few fireworks.

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SCUDERIA TORO ROSSO

No. 33 — Max Verstappen
No. 55 — Carlos Sainz Jr

STR is the Red Bull junior team in every sense of the word this year, with the Italian squad given rookie drivers Sainz and Verstappen to work with this year.

Both drivers have been quietly impressive during testing, making very few errors at a time where every lap completed is vital to both team and pilot. The downside is that the car was rated as the least impressive of all of the 2015 machines during pre-season testing.

A heavily revised car could help the team get closer to the main pack. Allied to many pundits' high expectations of Verstappen, that could be enough for STR to spring a few surprises.

SAUBER

No. 9 — Marcus Ericsson
No. 12 — Felipe Nasr
No. ? - Giedo van der Garde

After what appeared to be its steadiest off-season in several seasons, the week leading into the Australian Grand Prix has seen the Sauber team clouded in controversy.

Giedo van der Garde's successful legal bid to enforce a 2015 race contract he held with Sauber has thrown the team's preparations into disarray. They had been poised to head into the season with fresh-faced youngsters Ericsson and Nasr off the back of a steady and solid pre-season.

Now, with the team scrambling to accommodate the Dutchman into their line-up for the race, what impact it will have on the team's fortunes is anyone's guess. The likely loss of sponsorship dollars from having to bench either Nasr or Ericsson is also not something the cash-strapped team can afford.

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Will Stevens. Source: Getty Images

MANOR

No. 28 — Will Stevens
No. 98 — Roberto Merhi

That this team is even in Melbourne is a remarkable achievement. The British team that was in ruins late last year has been rebuilt with new enthusiasm and new funding.

They will run upgraded versions of their already outpaced 2014 cars in Melbourne, which means the only yardsticks for drivers Stevens and Merhi are each other.

Roberto Merhi. Source: Getty Images

BREAKDOWN

DRIVERS WHO CHANGED TEAMS: 6
Vettel (Red Bull to Ferrari)
Alonso (Ferrari to McLaren)
Kvyat (Toro Rosso to Red Bull)
Ericsson (Caterham to Sauber)
Nasr (Williams reserve driver to Sauber)
Stevens (Caterham to Manor)

DRIVERS OUT: 6
Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso)
Adrian Sutil (Sauber)
Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber)
Jules Bianchi (Marussia)
Max Chilton (Marussia)
Kamui Kobayashi (Caterham)

DRIVERS IN: 4
Verstappen (Toro Rosso)
Sainz Jr (Toro Rosso)
Nasr (Sauber)
Merhi (Manor)

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AGE
Youngest driver: Verstappen (17)
Oldest driver: Raikkonen (35)
Average age: 27

RACES STARTED (by team)
McLaren: 501 (Alonso 235, Button 266), 285 (Button 266, Magnussen 19)
Ferrari: 351 (Vettel 139, Raikkonen 212)
Mercedes: 314 (Hamilton 148, Rosberg 166)
Williams: 248 (Massa 210, Bottas 38)
Force India: 150 (Hulkenberg 76, Perez 74)
Lotus: 140 (Grosjean 64, Maldonado 76)
Red Bull: 88 (Ricciardo 69, Kvyat 19)
Sauber: 35 (Ericsson 16, Nasr 0, Van der Garde 19)
Manor: 1 (Stevens 1, Merhi 0)
Toro Rosso: 0 (Verstappen 0, Sainz 0)
Overall in 2015: 1808
Overall in 2014: 1793

RACE WINNERS: 9 drivers
Vettel, 39
Hamilton, 33
Alonso, 32
Raikkonen, 20
Button, 15
Massa, 11
Rosberg, 8
Ricciardo, 3
Maldonado, 1
Total race wins on grid: 162

WORLD CHAMPIONS: 5 drivers
Vettel, 4 (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
Alonso, 2 (2005, 2006)
Hamilton, 2 (2008, 2014)
Raikkonen, 1 (2007)
Button, 1 (2009)
Total championships on grid: 10

POLE POSITIONS WINNERS: 9 drivers
Vettel, 45
Hamilton, 38
Alonso, 22
Raikkonen, 16
Massa, 16
Rosberg, 15
Button, 8
Hulkenberg, 1
Maldonado, 1

LED A LAP OF A RACE: 13 drivers
Vettel (2,438)
Hamilton (1,837)
Alonso (1,767)
Raikkonen (1,156)
Massa (917)
Button (762)
Rosberg (695)
Ricciardo (72)
Hulkenberg (43)
Grosjean (40)
Maldonado (37)
Perez (23)
Bottas (4)

Statistics sourced from StatsF1.com

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