Round 2: IPSWICH JETS v TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS

IPSWICH JETS v TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS North

Ipswich Reserve on Saturday, March 8 – 5.30pm

Referee: Chris Anderson
Head to Head: Tweed 17 Ipswich 6
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #JETSvTHS

Tweed Heads came tantalisingly close to opening the season with a victory over fierce rivals Wynnum Manly last weekend. The Tweed took the attack to Wynnum Manly in the second half, and were only denied in the closing minutes by a quick-stepping try from Kurt French. Tweed coach Aaron Zimmerle was impressed with the effort, but he won’t crack a smile until his team opens their 2014 account. They stand a good chance of recording a first up win this weekend, with several Gold Coast Titans players likely to bolster the squad for the Ipswich clash. They will come up against a former Titan and Seagull, with Marmin Barba named to make his debut for the Jets. Barba scored seven tries in 16 Intrust Super Cup games for Tweed last season, and he could be even more lethal this year under the attacking coaching style of Ben and Shane Walker. Troy O’Sullivan plays his 50th match for the Jets, who will be without injured pair Tautalatasi Tasi and Liam Capewell. Former Broncos NYC forward Josh Seage joins Barba on the bench, with Wes Conlon moving into the starting side as Tasi’s replacement on the wing.

‘Dobbo’ says: The boys from Ipswich had a narrow loss against Norths. But they can make amends with the inclusion of Barba who will bring some attacking flair this week. If not, at least the female attendance will increase by double at the North Ipswich Reserve. Ipswich Jets by 6.

Ipswich Jets v Tweed Heads Seagulls at North Ipswich Reserve on Saturday, March 8 - 5.30pm

Ipswich Jets

1. Javarn White 2. Kurt Capewell 3. Nemani Valekapa 4. Brendon Marshall 5. Wes Conlon 6. Haydan Lipp 7. Dane Phillips 8. Tyson Lofipo 9. Troy O'Sullivan 10. Billy McConnachie 11. Rod Griffin 12. Sam Martin 13. Keiron Lander (c) 14. Josh Seage 15. Matt Parcell 16. Tariki Peneha 17. Marmin Barba

Coach: Ben Walker and Shane Walker

Tweed Heads Seagulls

1. Tom Merritt 2. Matt Parata 3. Kalifa Faifai Loa 4. Blake Anderson 5. Luke Dumas 6. Jamal Fogarty 7. Jacob Neil 8. Damian Sironen 9. Matt King (c) 10. Paul Stephenson 11. Cody Nelson 12. Sam Saville 13. Tom Dawney 14. Zac Friend 15. Chris Piper 16. Oliver Percy 17. Josh Harvey

Coach: Aaron Zimmerle