Boost for Knights as Storm star withdraws from NRL clash

6 days ago

Ryan Papenhuyzen won't feature for Melbourne against the Knights in Newcastle on Saturday after he was withdrawn from the Storm's line-up.
The fullback missed Melbourne's win over North Queensland last week due to a calf complaint and was pulled from the Storm's updated 19-man team on Friday 24 hours out from kick-off at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Nick Meaney has shifted from the centres to fullback to replace Papenhuyzen. Jack Howarth has been promoted from 18th man to play centre.
Melbourne were already missing winger Xavier Coates, who wasn't named in their 24-man squad on Tuesday, and five-eighth Cameron Munster has also pulled out of the round-19 match after Wednesday's Origin decider.
Melbourne's other Origin representatives, Queensland lock Trent Loiero and NSW Blues prop Stefano Utoikamanu, have been added to the interchange bench after initially being listed as reserves.
Storm skipper and Queensland hooker Harry Grant was left as 19th man and will either be promoted or drop out when the teams are reduced to 18 players an hour before Saturday's 3pm match.
Newcastle remain 1-18 as named on Tuesday.
PREVIEW: Knights coach on Ponga, Sharpe's injuries, facing Melbourne Storm
Newcastle could be encountering NRL heavyweights Melbourne at the perfect time on Saturday should the Victorian club's representative stars fail to back up from Origin III.
The Knights host the Storm at McDonald Jones Stadium from 3pm, almost three full days after Queensland's series-deciding victory over NSW on Wednesday night.
But whether the likes of Queensland skipper Cameron Munster and hooker and Storm captain Harry Grant take to the field in Newcastle remains to be seen.
Munster, particularly, could be set for a spell given the emotional roller-coaster he has endured this past week, following the death of his father just days before the interstate match.
Both Munster and Grant have played in all three Origin matches, while Munster has played in 14 of Melbourne's 15 NRL games this year, and Grant nine.
The Storm have already opted to give Queensland winger Xavier Coates the week off. He was left out of their 24-man match squad to face Newcastle.
Along with Munster and Grant, Queensland lock Trent Loiero and NSW Blues prop Stefano Utoikamanu were named among Melbourne's reserves.
One bonus for the Storm, who arrive in Newcastle Friday, is that Saturday's match is just a couple of hours up the road from Sydney, where Origin III was played.
Their four Origin players may not have to travel far to play.
Just four days after the sudden death of his father Stephen, Munster played an inspirational role in the Maroons' 24-12 victory at Accor Stadium.
The first-year Queensland captain said he never considered sitting out the game, believing his father would have told him to return to camp and play the decider.
Munster could be seen looking to the skies as he ran onto the field, before tearfully hugging coach Billy Slater at full-time.
"I just asked [dad] to use as much energy as he can. He hasn't got a whole heap of energy. He was a big boy, so I needed 10 per cent of him," Munster said afterwards.
"I love him, and I'll obviously grieve and deal with what I have to deal with tomorrow and onwards.
"But I want to soak it up tonight, my family with the team."
The Storm, with an 11-4 record this season, are placed second heading into round 19.
Without their Origin players, and gun fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen, they came from behind to beat North Queensland 26-20 in Townsville last week.
"It just goes to show the depth we've got in the squad this year," Storm back Grant Anderson said.
"When someone has to stand up, they're ready to fill that role for the boys that were out.
"Full confidence in whoever puts on the jersey come Saturday arvo."
A Central Newcastle junior, Anderson is set to return to his home-town to play for the Storm at McDonald Jones Stadium for the first time.
The 25-year-old, who has played 38 NRL games since debuting for the Storm in 2022, hasn't been picked when Melbourne played in Newcastle over the past three years.
"I missed out the last couple of years, so I'm pretty excited to play in front of family and friends, and my two new little nieces," he said.
"It's going to be a real special moment for me back in 'Newy'."
The Knights, who welcome back prop Leo Thompson from suspension, are placed 13th after six wins and 10 losses.
They have a horrible record against Melbourne overall, but have won their past two games against the Storm in Newcastle.
"They've got the win over us the last two times we've been up there," Anderson, who is joining Brisbane next season, said.
"There was no rust the last two times we've been up there, and they'll come out firing. They always do with the crowd behind them.
"They're a big pack, and we're going to have to take them front on."
Newcastle look likely to have winger Greg Marzhew back in their side, after he was named on Tuesday to return from a neck issue.
Skipper Kalyn Ponga (foot), attacking ace Fletcher Sharpe (internal injuries) and lock Adam Elliott (bicep) all look set to be out for the year.
The Knights have also been supporting one of their players following a tragedy, after Jackson Hasting's mum died suddenly last week.
Hastings was named at five-eighth for Saturday's game and is expected to play.
Both sides will reduce their squads down to 19 players on Friday afternoon.
- with AAP
Ryan Papenhuyzen won't feature for Melbourne against the Knights in Newcastle on Saturday after he was withdrawn from the Storm's line-up.
The fullback missed Melbourne's win over North Queensland last week due to a calf complaint and was pulled from the Storm's updated 19-man team on Friday 24 hours out from kick-off at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Nick Meaney has shifted from the centres to fullback to replace Papenhuyzen. Jack Howarth has been promoted from 18th man to play centre.
Melbourne were already missing winger Xavier Coates, who wasn't named in their 24-man squad on Tuesday, and five-eighth Cameron Munster has also pulled out of the round-19 match after Wednesday's Origin decider.
Melbourne's other Origin representatives, Queensland lock Trent Loiero and NSW Blues prop Stefano Utoikamanu, have been added to the interchange bench after initially being listed as reserves.
Storm skipper and Queensland hooker Harry Grant was left as 19th man and will either be promoted or drop out when the teams are reduced to 18 players an hour before Saturday's 3pm match.
Newcastle remain 1-18 as named on Tuesday.
PREVIEW: Knights coach on Ponga, Sharpe's injuries, facing Melbourne Storm
Newcastle could be encountering NRL heavyweights Melbourne at the perfect time on Saturday should the Victorian club's representative stars fail to back up from Origin III.
The Knights host the Storm at McDonald Jones Stadium from 3pm, almost three full days after Queensland's series-deciding victory over NSW on Wednesday night.
But whether the likes of Queensland skipper Cameron Munster and hooker and Storm captain Harry Grant take to the field in Newcastle remains to be seen.
Munster, particularly, could be set for a spell given the emotional roller-coaster he has endured this past week, following the death of his father just days before the interstate match.
Both Munster and Grant have played in all three Origin matches, while Munster has played in 14 of Melbourne's 15 NRL games this year, and Grant nine.
The Storm have already opted to give Queensland winger Xavier Coates the week off. He was left out of their 24-man match squad to face Newcastle.
Along with Munster and Grant, Queensland lock Trent Loiero and NSW Blues prop Stefano Utoikamanu were named among Melbourne's reserves.
One bonus for the Storm, who arrive in Newcastle Friday, is that Saturday's match is just a couple of hours up the road from Sydney, where Origin III was played.
Their four Origin players may not have to travel far to play.
Just four days after the sudden death of his father Stephen, Munster played an inspirational role in the Maroons' 24-12 victory at Accor Stadium.
The first-year Queensland captain said he never considered sitting out the game, believing his father would have told him to return to camp and play the decider.
Munster could be seen looking to the skies as he ran onto the field, before tearfully hugging coach Billy Slater at full-time.
"I just asked [dad] to use as much energy as he can. He hasn't got a whole heap of energy. He was a big boy, so I needed 10 per cent of him," Munster said afterwards.
"I love him, and I'll obviously grieve and deal with what I have to deal with tomorrow and onwards.
"But I want to soak it up tonight, my family with the team."
The Storm, with an 11-4 record this season, are placed second heading into round 19.
Without their Origin players, and gun fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen, they came from behind to beat North Queensland 26-20 in Townsville last week.
"It just goes to show the depth we've got in the squad this year," Storm back Grant Anderson said.
"When someone has to stand up, they're ready to fill that role for the boys that were out.
"Full confidence in whoever puts on the jersey come Saturday arvo."
A Central Newcastle junior, Anderson is set to return to his home-town to play for the Storm at McDonald Jones Stadium for the first time.
The 25-year-old, who has played 38 NRL games since debuting for the Storm in 2022, hasn't been picked when Melbourne played in Newcastle over the past three years.
"I missed out the last couple of years, so I'm pretty excited to play in front of family and friends, and my two new little nieces," he said.
"It's going to be a real special moment for me back in 'Newy'."
The Knights, who welcome back prop Leo Thompson from suspension, are placed 13th after six wins and 10 losses.
They have a horrible record against Melbourne overall, but have won their past two games against the Storm in Newcastle.
"They've got the win over us the last two times we've been up there," Anderson, who is joining Brisbane next season, said.
"There was no rust the last two times we've been up there, and they'll come out firing. They always do with the crowd behind them.
"They're a big pack, and we're going to have to take them front on."
Newcastle look likely to have winger Greg Marzhew back in their side, after he was named on Tuesday to return from a neck issue.
Skipper Kalyn Ponga (foot), attacking ace Fletcher Sharpe (internal injuries) and lock Adam Elliott (bicep) all look set to be out for the year.
The Knights have also been supporting one of their players following a tragedy, after Jackson Hasting's mum died suddenly last week.
Hastings was named at five-eighth for Saturday's game and is expected to play.
Both sides will reduce their squads down to 19 players on Friday afternoon.
- with AAP
Ryan Papenhuyzen won't feature for Melbourne against the Knights in Newcastle on Saturday after he was withdrawn from the Storm's line-up.
The fullback missed Melbourne's win over North Queensland last week due to a calf complaint and was pulled from the Storm's updated 19-man team on Friday 24 hours out from kick-off at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Nick Meaney has shifted from the centres to fullback to replace Papenhuyzen. Jack Howarth has been promoted from 18th man to play centre.
Melbourne were already missing winger Xavier Coates, who wasn't named in their 24-man squad on Tuesday, and five-eighth Cameron Munster has also pulled out of the round-19 match after Wednesday's Origin decider.
Melbourne's other Origin representatives, Queensland lock Trent Loiero and NSW Blues prop Stefano Utoikamanu, have been added to the interchange bench after initially being listed as reserves.
Storm skipper and Queensland hooker Harry Grant was left as 19th man and will either be promoted or drop out when the teams are reduced to 18 players an hour before Saturday's 3pm match.
Newcastle remain 1-18 as named on Tuesday.
PREVIEW: Knights coach on Ponga, Sharpe's injuries, facing Melbourne Storm
Newcastle could be encountering NRL heavyweights Melbourne at the perfect time on Saturday should the Victorian club's representative stars fail to back up from Origin III.
The Knights host the Storm at McDonald Jones Stadium from 3pm, almost three full days after Queensland's series-deciding victory over NSW on Wednesday night.
But whether the likes of Queensland skipper Cameron Munster and hooker and Storm captain Harry Grant take to the field in Newcastle remains to be seen.
Munster, particularly, could be set for a spell given the emotional roller-coaster he has endured this past week, following the death of his father just days before the interstate match.
Both Munster and Grant have played in all three Origin matches, while Munster has played in 14 of Melbourne's 15 NRL games this year, and Grant nine.
The Storm have already opted to give Queensland winger Xavier Coates the week off. He was left out of their 24-man match squad to face Newcastle.
Along with Munster and Grant, Queensland lock Trent Loiero and NSW Blues prop Stefano Utoikamanu were named among Melbourne's reserves.
One bonus for the Storm, who arrive in Newcastle Friday, is that Saturday's match is just a couple of hours up the road from Sydney, where Origin III was played.
Their four Origin players may not have to travel far to play.
Just four days after the sudden death of his father Stephen, Munster played an inspirational role in the Maroons' 24-12 victory at Accor Stadium.
The first-year Queensland captain said he never considered sitting out the game, believing his father would have told him to return to camp and play the decider.
Munster could be seen looking to the skies as he ran onto the field, before tearfully hugging coach Billy Slater at full-time.
"I just asked [dad] to use as much energy as he can. He hasn't got a whole heap of energy. He was a big boy, so I needed 10 per cent of him," Munster said afterwards.
"I love him, and I'll obviously grieve and deal with what I have to deal with tomorrow and onwards.
"But I want to soak it up tonight, my family with the team."
The Storm, with an 11-4 record this season, are placed second heading into round 19.
Without their Origin players, and gun fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen, they came from behind to beat North Queensland 26-20 in Townsville last week.
"It just goes to show the depth we've got in the squad this year," Storm back Grant Anderson said.
"When someone has to stand up, they're ready to fill that role for the boys that were out.
"Full confidence in whoever puts on the jersey come Saturday arvo."
A Central Newcastle junior, Anderson is set to return to his home-town to play for the Storm at McDonald Jones Stadium for the first time.
The 25-year-old, who has played 38 NRL games since debuting for the Storm in 2022, hasn't been picked when Melbourne played in Newcastle over the past three years.
"I missed out the last couple of years, so I'm pretty excited to play in front of family and friends, and my two new little nieces," he said.
"It's going to be a real special moment for me back in 'Newy'."
The Knights, who welcome back prop Leo Thompson from suspension, are placed 13th after six wins and 10 losses.
They have a horrible record against Melbourne overall, but have won their past two games against the Storm in Newcastle.
"They've got the win over us the last two times we've been up there," Anderson, who is joining Brisbane next season, said.
"There was no rust the last two times we've been up there, and they'll come out firing. They always do with the crowd behind them.
"They're a big pack, and we're going to have to take them front on."
Newcastle look likely to have winger Greg Marzhew back in their side, after he was named on Tuesday to return from a neck issue.
Skipper Kalyn Ponga (foot), attacking ace Fletcher Sharpe (internal injuries) and lock Adam Elliott (bicep) all look set to be out for the year.
The Knights have also been supporting one of their players following a tragedy, after Jackson Hasting's mum died suddenly last week.
Hastings was named at five-eighth for Saturday's game and is expected to play.
Both sides will reduce their squads down to 19 players on Friday afternoon.
- with AAP
Ryan Papenhuyzen won't feature for Melbourne against the Knights in Newcastle on Saturday after he was withdrawn from the Storm's line-up.
The fullback missed Melbourne's win over North Queensland last week due to a calf complaint and was pulled from the Storm's updated 19-man team on Friday 24 hours out from kick-off at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Nick Meaney has shifted from the centres to fullback to replace Papenhuyzen. Jack Howarth has been promoted from 18th man to play centre.
Melbourne were already missing winger Xavier Coates, who wasn't named in their 24-man squad on Tuesday, and five-eighth Cameron Munster has also pulled out of the round-19 match after Wednesday's Origin decider.
Melbourne's other Origin representatives, Queensland lock Trent Loiero and NSW Blues prop Stefano Utoikamanu, have been added to the interchange bench after initially being listed as reserves.
Storm skipper and Queensland hooker Harry Grant was left as 19th man and will either be promoted or drop out when the teams are reduced to 18 players an hour before Saturday's 3pm match.
Newcastle remain 1-18 as named on Tuesday.
PREVIEW: Knights coach on Ponga, Sharpe's injuries, facing Melbourne Storm
Newcastle could be encountering NRL heavyweights Melbourne at the perfect time on Saturday should the Victorian club's representative stars fail to back up from Origin III.
The Knights host the Storm at McDonald Jones Stadium from 3pm, almost three full days after Queensland's series-deciding victory over NSW on Wednesday night.
But whether the likes of Queensland skipper Cameron Munster and hooker and Storm captain Harry Grant take to the field in Newcastle remains to be seen.
Munster, particularly, could be set for a spell given the emotional roller-coaster he has endured this past week, following the death of his father just days before the interstate match.
Both Munster and Grant have played in all three Origin matches, while Munster has played in 14 of Melbourne's 15 NRL games this year, and Grant nine.
The Storm have already opted to give Queensland winger Xavier Coates the week off. He was left out of their 24-man match squad to face Newcastle.
Along with Munster and Grant, Queensland lock Trent Loiero and NSW Blues prop Stefano Utoikamanu were named among Melbourne's reserves.
One bonus for the Storm, who arrive in Newcastle Friday, is that Saturday's match is just a couple of hours up the road from Sydney, where Origin III was played.
Their four Origin players may not have to travel far to play.
Just four days after the sudden death of his father Stephen, Munster played an inspirational role in the Maroons' 24-12 victory at Accor Stadium.
The first-year Queensland captain said he never considered sitting out the game, believing his father would have told him to return to camp and play the decider.
Munster could be seen looking to the skies as he ran onto the field, before tearfully hugging coach Billy Slater at full-time.
"I just asked [dad] to use as much energy as he can. He hasn't got a whole heap of energy. He was a big boy, so I needed 10 per cent of him," Munster said afterwards.
"I love him, and I'll obviously grieve and deal with what I have to deal with tomorrow and onwards.
"But I want to soak it up tonight, my family with the team."
The Storm, with an 11-4 record this season, are placed second heading into round 19.
Without their Origin players, and gun fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen, they came from behind to beat North Queensland 26-20 in Townsville last week.
"It just goes to show the depth we've got in the squad this year," Storm back Grant Anderson said.
"When someone has to stand up, they're ready to fill that role for the boys that were out.
"Full confidence in whoever puts on the jersey come Saturday arvo."
A Central Newcastle junior, Anderson is set to return to his home-town to play for the Storm at McDonald Jones Stadium for the first time.
The 25-year-old, who has played 38 NRL games since debuting for the Storm in 2022, hasn't been picked when Melbourne played in Newcastle over the past three years.
"I missed out the last couple of years, so I'm pretty excited to play in front of family and friends, and my two new little nieces," he said.
"It's going to be a real special moment for me back in 'Newy'."
The Knights, who welcome back prop Leo Thompson from suspension, are placed 13th after six wins and 10 losses.
They have a horrible record against Melbourne overall, but have won their past two games against the Storm in Newcastle.
"They've got the win over us the last two times we've been up there," Anderson, who is joining Brisbane next season, said.
"There was no rust the last two times we've been up there, and they'll come out firing. They always do with the crowd behind them.
"They're a big pack, and we're going to have to take them front on."
Newcastle look likely to have winger Greg Marzhew back in their side, after he was named on Tuesday to return from a neck issue.
Skipper Kalyn Ponga (foot), attacking ace Fletcher Sharpe (internal injuries) and lock Adam Elliott (bicep) all look set to be out for the year.
The Knights have also been supporting one of their players following a tragedy, after Jackson Hasting's mum died suddenly last week.
Hastings was named at five-eighth for Saturday's game and is expected to play.
Both sides will reduce their squads down to 19 players on Friday afternoon.
- with AAP

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Gallen wins points verdict in hyped fight with SBW

The Advertiser

2 hours ago

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Gallen wins points verdict in hyped fight with SBW

The fight didn't match the hype but Paul Gallen has earned boxing bragging rights over his old rugby league rival Sonny Bill Williams, winning a contentious split points decision in their much-vaunted Sydney clash. Two judges scored it 77-74 and 76-75 in favour of Gallen while a third had New Zealander Williams winning 77-74 in Wednesday's relatively tame affair at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena. After all the spite and verbal barbs landed over the previous decade, the fight simply didn't hit the heights as both men laboured, working to their traditional strengths. Former Australian and Origin Gallen (15-3-1, 8 KOs) attempted to put pressure on from the start, while Williams, who is 12 centimetres taller, utilised his jab and movement. The 39-year-old dual rugby code international Williams tried to thwart Gallen's charges by holding and clinching, and was deducted a point by referee Les Fear In the seventh round. Williams wasn't interviewed in the ring after the fight and declined to attend the post-fight media conference. "I definitely lost one round, I think the second round and there was one other pretty close one and he got a point taken off, so how the hell is he winning (on one judge's card)?" Gallen said. "I got the win. That's all that matters and it will be there forever. "I'm 44 years old in less than a month's time. "Sonny just came upon to me and said he wants to have a coffee man-to-man and I'm on for that. "I've finished my fights, I'm getting with my life. "I'm not going to gloat, it's been a long time coming. I got the job done and that's all that matters," added Gallen, while also revealing he had come down with COVID two weeks before the fight. On the undercard, world-ranked Victorian Kris Terzievski moved closer to a bridgerweight world title shot by retaining his two regional titles with a sixth-round stoppage of Gold Coast-based New Zealander Troy Pilcher. Terzievski (14-1-2, 11 KOs) put Pilcher (10-2-1, 8 KOs) down with a body shot In the fifth and referee Fear stopped the fight after two more knockdowns in the sixth. Earlier, two sons of famous fathers each had a quick win on the undercard. With his father and former world champion Antony Mundine in his corner, 25-year-old super middleweight Rahim Mundine (2-0, 1 KO) stopped Fijian opponent Joe Vatusaqata (1-5-1, 1 KO) in the second round. Heavyweight Alex Leapai Jr, improved to 5-0-1 (4 KOs), with a first round knock out of Herve Silu Mata 3-4 (2 KOs) Leapai's father, also named Alex, unsuccessfully challenged former IBF, IBO and WBO heavyweight world champion Wladimir Klitschko in 2014. Another winner on the undercard was New Zealander David Nyika, who bounced back from his loss to IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia with a fifth-round stoppage of fellow Kiwi Nik Charalampous. The fight didn't match the hype but Paul Gallen has earned boxing bragging rights over his old rugby league rival Sonny Bill Williams, winning a contentious split points decision in their much-vaunted Sydney clash. Two judges scored it 77-74 and 76-75 in favour of Gallen while a third had New Zealander Williams winning 77-74 in Wednesday's relatively tame affair at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena. After all the spite and verbal barbs landed over the previous decade, the fight simply didn't hit the heights as both men laboured, working to their traditional strengths. Former Australian and Origin Gallen (15-3-1, 8 KOs) attempted to put pressure on from the start, while Williams, who is 12 centimetres taller, utilised his jab and movement. The 39-year-old dual rugby code international Williams tried to thwart Gallen's charges by holding and clinching, and was deducted a point by referee Les Fear In the seventh round. Williams wasn't interviewed in the ring after the fight and declined to attend the post-fight media conference. "I definitely lost one round, I think the second round and there was one other pretty close one and he got a point taken off, so how the hell is he winning (on one judge's card)?" Gallen said. "I got the win. That's all that matters and it will be there forever. "I'm 44 years old in less than a month's time. "Sonny just came upon to me and said he wants to have a coffee man-to-man and I'm on for that. "I've finished my fights, I'm getting with my life. "I'm not going to gloat, it's been a long time coming. I got the job done and that's all that matters," added Gallen, while also revealing he had come down with COVID two weeks before the fight. On the undercard, world-ranked Victorian Kris Terzievski moved closer to a bridgerweight world title shot by retaining his two regional titles with a sixth-round stoppage of Gold Coast-based New Zealander Troy Pilcher. Terzievski (14-1-2, 11 KOs) put Pilcher (10-2-1, 8 KOs) down with a body shot In the fifth and referee Fear stopped the fight after two more knockdowns in the sixth. Earlier, two sons of famous fathers each had a quick win on the undercard. With his father and former world champion Antony Mundine in his corner, 25-year-old super middleweight Rahim Mundine (2-0, 1 KO) stopped Fijian opponent Joe Vatusaqata (1-5-1, 1 KO) in the second round. Heavyweight Alex Leapai Jr, improved to 5-0-1 (4 KOs), with a first round knock out of Herve Silu Mata 3-4 (2 KOs) Leapai's father, also named Alex, unsuccessfully challenged former IBF, IBO and WBO heavyweight world champion Wladimir Klitschko in 2014. Another winner on the undercard was New Zealander David Nyika, who bounced back from his loss to IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia with a fifth-round stoppage of fellow Kiwi Nik Charalampous. The fight didn't match the hype but Paul Gallen has earned boxing bragging rights over his old rugby league rival Sonny Bill Williams, winning a contentious split points decision in their much-vaunted Sydney clash. Two judges scored it 77-74 and 76-75 in favour of Gallen while a third had New Zealander Williams winning 77-74 in Wednesday's relatively tame affair at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena. After all the spite and verbal barbs landed over the previous decade, the fight simply didn't hit the heights as both men laboured, working to their traditional strengths. Former Australian and Origin Gallen (15-3-1, 8 KOs) attempted to put pressure on from the start, while Williams, who is 12 centimetres taller, utilised his jab and movement. The 39-year-old dual rugby code international Williams tried to thwart Gallen's charges by holding and clinching, and was deducted a point by referee Les Fear In the seventh round. Williams wasn't interviewed in the ring after the fight and declined to attend the post-fight media conference. "I definitely lost one round, I think the second round and there was one other pretty close one and he got a point taken off, so how the hell is he winning (on one judge's card)?" Gallen said. "I got the win. That's all that matters and it will be there forever. "I'm 44 years old in less than a month's time. "Sonny just came upon to me and said he wants to have a coffee man-to-man and I'm on for that. "I've finished my fights, I'm getting with my life. "I'm not going to gloat, it's been a long time coming. I got the job done and that's all that matters," added Gallen, while also revealing he had come down with COVID two weeks before the fight. On the undercard, world-ranked Victorian Kris Terzievski moved closer to a bridgerweight world title shot by retaining his two regional titles with a sixth-round stoppage of Gold Coast-based New Zealander Troy Pilcher. Terzievski (14-1-2, 11 KOs) put Pilcher (10-2-1, 8 KOs) down with a body shot In the fifth and referee Fear stopped the fight after two more knockdowns in the sixth. Earlier, two sons of famous fathers each had a quick win on the undercard. With his father and former world champion Antony Mundine in his corner, 25-year-old super middleweight Rahim Mundine (2-0, 1 KO) stopped Fijian opponent Joe Vatusaqata (1-5-1, 1 KO) in the second round. Heavyweight Alex Leapai Jr, improved to 5-0-1 (4 KOs), with a first round knock out of Herve Silu Mata 3-4 (2 KOs) Leapai's father, also named Alex, unsuccessfully challenged former IBF, IBO and WBO heavyweight world champion Wladimir Klitschko in 2014. Another winner on the undercard was New Zealander David Nyika, who bounced back from his loss to IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia with a fifth-round stoppage of fellow Kiwi Nik Charalampous.