Live stream: Alex Leapai Jr to lead Queensland at ASSRL National Championships

His dad was a boxing champion and his uncle a Queensland Origin legend – now it is Alex Leapai’s turn in the sporting spotlight. Get to know the Titans-bound giant ahead of the ASSRL Nationals.

Imagine being a wide-eyed schoolboy watching your dad boxing for the world heavyweight title of the world, or walking into the family gym and seeing your uncle Josh Papalii working out.

Those are the types of inspirational figures who surround Queensland schoolboys prop Alex Leapai Junior.

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It is has been a life of lessons for the Mabel Park State High giant, who will employ those lessons this week at the ASSRL national championships.

Every match from the national championships will be exclusively live streamed on KommunityTV from Saturday, July 1.

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Dad, Alex Senior, didn’t win his world title bout with Ukraine’s Wladimir Klitschko in 2014, but he lived up to his “Lionheart’’ nickname with a typically brave effort.

But he didn’t need to win, to be a hero in young Alex’s eyes.

“My dad had a really big impact in my life, physically and mentally, getting me up, training me every day,’’ Leapai junior said.

Then there is his uncle Josh, a 23 Origin veteran for Queensland and Canberra Raiders front row legend.

Alexanda Leapai Profile shots ahead of the Langer Cup rugby league. Thursday May 4, 2023. Picture, John Gass

Alex remembers one summer, walking into the home gym in Slacks Creek, Logan, seeing his dad working out with Papalii and thinking: “I hope one day I could be like that.’’

“He is a big inspiration in my life,’’ Leapai said.

Now Leapai Junior is about to follow in his uncle’s footsteps by making his first Queensland team after being disappointed to miss the side last year.

That was 2022, but the 2023 version of Leapai is leaner, more mobile and athletic – this year is his time. Last year’s disappointment is history.

Alex Leapai from Mabel Park State High School. – Picture: Richard Walker

He has built up to this moment after going through a school of rugby league hard knocks.

He made his Langer Trophy debut as a Year 10 student playing front row in a school side – Mabel Park SHS – new to the rigours of the elite competition. Talk about having to learn on the run.

Then last year he entered his second season of Langer Trophy weighing 128 kgs – a huge man. But was he too big?

This year he is a slick 114kg, 193cm tall athlete, nimble and agile.

“In the first year (of Langer in 2021) I gained a lot of knowledge,’’ he said.

“I took that into last season’s Langer season and informed the boys about it and I learned a lot through that season as well.

Josh Papalii of the Raiders is Alex Leapai’s uncle. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

“I have been training really hard and I want to make this Langer season my best yet.’’

He has already helped Mabel Park SHS to a shock start to the Langer season – they are unbeaten after three rounds – and is settled off the field after signing with the Gold Coast Titans after previously being with the Roosters.

At the Roosters he would fly down each weekend for matches and spend weeks away during the December holidays training in Sydney – but now the Titans are just down the M1.

“Dad wanted me close to home and I get a lot more visits to GC (the Titans training facilities) while still being based at home.

Alex Leapai senior, right.

“The first time I turned up to training they were all welcoming, including Tino (Fa’asuamaleaui) who was a real humble bloke.’’

He said being a prop, it was important he maintain his speed and agility and he does this through boxing training in the gym, but also each Monday night with his Mabel Park teammates when spring and agility coach Brent Waddups from Red Zone comes to the school.

Alex Leapai Jnr with his dad.

He said the school’s strength and conditioning coach Ashford McKenzie also helped with his balance and ankle stability “so my feet are not just stomping on the ground – so that I am always on my toes’’.

“And ever since I have done that I have seen the difference in my game. It has helped me move faster and the weight loss has also helped with the way I play. I was 128kg this time last year and now I am 114kg.

“It does not stop there. The hard work continues.’’

Originally published as Live stream: Alex Leapai Jr to lead Queensland at ASSRL National Championships