Football fever continues to grab sports headlines with a crucial World Cup clash this week.

Some big AFL stars stepping down.

And Broncos star Ben Hunt facing more bad news.

Cloey Tenorio reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Brisbane halfback Ben Hunt already haunted by the mistake that probably cost the Broncos the Grand Final will be suspended for the first week of the 2016 season.

Ben Hunt, Broncos Halfback: “Life goes on you know we’re all feeling a bit down but we’ll get back up and we’ll be ready next year.”

The Broncos No.7 accepted a one-week suspension for a dangerous throw on Cowboys centre Kane Linnett, opting not to fight the charge.

Hunt’s clean slate at the judiciary and early guilty plea means he will only miss one round.

In AFL Hawks defender Brian Lake and ruckman David Hale have both announced their retirement after playing a key role in the club’s third premiership title.

Brian Lake, Retiring Hawks Defender: “To play in three premierships, to meet so many wonderful people. It’s change me not just on the field but off the field as well.”

And in Rugby Wallabies, Vice Captain Michael Hooper may be suspended over a dangerous clear-out in the match against England.

But the win has given the team new confidence.

Bernard Foley, Wallabies Flyhalf: “It sort of instills a bit of belief of what we’ve been doing and that the ground work that we’ve put in is paying off.”

Australia play Wales on Sunday.

Cloey Tenorio, QUT News.