Great Britain forward Gareth Ellis tonight confirmed he is to leave Super League champions Leeds Rhinos at the end of the season to challenge himself in Australia’s National Rugby League.

New South Wales avoided a series clean sweep by edging Queensland in a tense third State of Origin clash at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday.

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has emerged as favourite to lead the Kangaroos to the 2008 World Cup following the sudden resignation of Wayne Bennett.