m opposing defenses. Cooks said Brees message to him was, Your opportunities will come. They always will. So dont let it get to

Theyre just about running on empty but Justin Leppitsch says Brisbane have to find something to satisfy their long-suffering supporters before their miserable AFL season is over.The Lions face fellow strugglers Carlton on Saturday at the Gabba, a rare chance to claim what would be a third win of the year.The Blues have lost their past eight games and have not tasted victory since the last time they took on Brisbane, when they won by 38 points in round 11 at Etihad Stadium.Leppitschs side broke through three weeks ago to end their own 12-game losing streak but, after they were pumped in successive weeks by Port Adelaide and Adelaide by a combined 232 points, its clear the end of the season cant come soon enough.So battered and bruised are the Lions that some of their younger players can no longer cope with the punishment.Key forward Josh Schache wont play again this year for fear of burnout, and several in his age bracket look like they have nothing more to give.But for Leppitsch, who needs something bordering on a miracle in the last three rounds to save his job, that just wont do.We want to finish the year off well. Weve got two more games at home; we want to win both the games for our fans, really, he said.Weve got to give them something to cheer about. Its important they go away seeing some results, that they can say these boys are having a crack.The man in the stands wants to see the guys have a dip for a longer period of time. Thats really it - thats what this weeks about.Offsetting the loss of Schache is the inclusion of ruckman Stef Martin and forward Michael Close for Brisbane.Carlton, who bookies have as warm favourites, have lost Andrew Walker to retirement but regain Liam Jones and David Cuningham. Nmds Norge . "Four now," Carl Gunnarsson told the Leaf Report proudly following a 5-2 victory over New York on Tuesday night, the clubs fifth straight at home. Nmd_r2 Sko Norge . John Lucas, signed as a mentor for rookie Trey Burke, showed he can score if required, scoring 12 points of his 16 points in the second quarter as Utah built an 18-point lead. http://www.nmdnorgesalg.com/ . Marincin has played in two NHL games so far this season with two penalty minutes. The 21-year-old has three goals, four assists and a plus-5 rating in 24 games with the American Hockey Leagues Oklahoma City Barons this season. Adidas Neo Lite Racer Norge . -- Jaye Marie Green shot a 4-under 68 on Thursday to increase her lead to five strokes after the second round of the LPGA Tours qualifying tournament. Adidas Tubular Shadow Norge . Barcelonas entertaining victory ensured the defending Spanish champions retained their share of the league lead with Atletico Madrid two rounds ahead of their meeting in the capital. Real Madrid needed a late goal by substitute Jese Rodriguez to earn a 3-2 victory at Valencia to stay in third place and three points behind its title rivals. METAIRIE, La. -- Brandin Cooks insisted that his frustration over having zero passes thrown his way last week didnt come from a selfish standpoint -- that he wants to be great and he wants to contribute to the teams success.But the New Orleans Saints receiver also said he felt the need to express himself because closed mouths dont get fed.This is a very emotional game. And every once in a while youve got to express that. And youve gotta express what you want, said Cooks, who had zero targets in 45 snaps during Sundays 49-21 rout of the Los Angeles Rams.Its one of those things, as a competitor, I was frustrated. But at the same time, our offense was moving the ball and we won the game, so that was the bright side of it, Cooks said. Im just thinking from a competition standpoint, I always want to help, I feel like, and I necessarily didnt that game.I feel like from my mindset, when I touch the ball, things happen, and I just want to help my team in that way.Cooks hinted at his frustration Monday with an Instagram post about needing to become a businessman. And sources told ESPN that he has had a growing frustration with his role this season -- mostly the idea that he is used too often as a clear-out receiver instead of as a primary option.Cooks, a first-round draft pick in 2014 and a former Biletnikoff Award winner at Oregon State, has never shied away from his desire to become an elite player and to be considered more than just a deep threat -- which he reiterated on Thursday.I can appreciate [the idea that he drew heavy defensive coverage away to open things up for other players], Cooks said. But the great ones, they find a way. So for me, I want that opportunity to find a way even though Im being double-covered.The guys who are remembered in this game are remembered for doing more than one thing. And thats why I wake up every morning andd I come in here and work the way I work, because I want to be remembered as one of those guys that is great down the road.dddddddddddd. Dont get me wrong, thats my strength [catching deep balls], but at the same time I want to continue to develop my game all around. You know, I feel like Im young. Most guys come into the league at my age, and I still have a lot of growing to do, and I want to continue to do that.Cooks, who just turned 23 in September, has two of the four longest receptions in the NFL this season -- a 98-yard touchdown in Week 1 and an 87-yard touchdown in Week 6. He has 51 catches for 736 yards and six touchdowns this season. However, he ranks third on the Saints in targets per game and receptions per game behind rookie Michael Thomas and third-year pro Willie Snead.Coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees both said Wednesday that they are not concerned about Cooks, stressing what a hard worker he is, and they both explained how much attention he receives from opposing defenses. Cooks said Brees message to him was, Your opportunities will come. They always will. So dont let it get to you. Its just the name of the game, sometimes that happens.So thats great when you have your quarterback [encouraging you like that]. Its not like he was mad or upset about it. Its just one of those things, just get back to work, Cooks said.Guys have been good about it. And they know me, and its not coming from a selfish standpoint. So thats the beautiful part about it. I feel like my teammates got to know me over the three years and they know thats coming more from the want to be great, the want to be remembered. So theres no selfish part about it, and I really feel from the guys that they know that as well. ' ' '