Barry Toohey
The Daily Telegraph
February 04, 2014 10:00PM athletes
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A slimmed down James Livock is chomping at the bit to take on the Newcastle Knights.
HE'S sworn off the hamburgers and pies and been sweating it out on a treadmill in a garbage bag for the past month.
Meet big James Livock and the secret new diet and fitness plan that has him busting at the seams for a crack at the Newcastle Knights on Saturday night.
Livock, originally from Brisbane but now living in Sydney, will pack down in the front row for Laurie Daley's First Nations Goannas in their NRL Indigenous Festival of Rugby League trial against the Knights a staggering 15 kgs lighter than he was just three weeks ago.
James Livock in action at the inaugural Queensland Murri Rugby League Carnival.
James Livock in action at the inaugural Queensland Murri Rugby League Carnival. Source: News Limited
And it's all down to a healthier eating plan and the jumbo-sized garbage bag he's been wearing during his own private training sessions to get himself ready for the game.
"I was 145kgs and now I'm down to 130,'' Livock said at the launch in Newcastle yesterday.
"I've been eating good and trying not to touch the bad stuff.
"And I've been smashing myself at training for this game. I really want this.
"I've heard there are a couple of clubs like Manly and Newcastle that are looking for forwards. I'm just going to give this game everything I've got and hopefully, an opportunity for me might come from it.
"I've really busted myself for this. I play for my people and have a lot of pride in every jumper I put on.
"This opportunity for me means everything and I'm just really excited and feel privileged to have made the team."
James Livock is hoping to impress NRL selectors on the weekend.
The game replaces the pre-season NRL and Indigenous All Stars clash which has been suspended for this year because of the Auckland 9's.
Daley's Goannas are made up predominantly of players from the annual Koori Knockout in NSW and Queensland's Murri Carnival with former NRL stars David Peachey, Nathan Blacklock, Rod Jensen and Dennis Moran drafted in for their experience.
The Knights will be captained by Tyrone Roberts.
Daley says there is a heap of talent in his squad and is certain there will be plenty of entertainment value on Saturday.
And he expects his big prop to do some damage.
"He's quick and he's got plenty of skill with the footy don't worry,"Daley said.
"He'll skittle a few but we might have to use him in short sharp bursts to get the best out of him."
liar extraordinaire 
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