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Queensland Cup 2015
Rd 3 Intrust Super Cup preview
PNG HUNTERS v EASTS TIGERS
Tapout Energy Stadium, Saturday, March 21 – 3.30pm
Referee: Chris Anderson
Head-to-Head: Easts 1 PNG 0 Drawn 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #TIGESvPNG
Livestream: QRL.com.au & Tiger TV
In the corresponding match last year, spectators stood as one to applaud both teams after a pulsating 20-20 draw. Another thriller could be on the cards here, with both sides appearing evenly matched.
The Hunters are undefeated after two matches and boast the best for-and-against record so far this year. Easts would have joined them at the top end of the table had they not conceded a late try to arch rivals Wynnum Manly in last Sunday’s intense derby.
For the Tigers, lock Troy Giess lines up for this 100th Intrust Super Cup game tomorrow in a forward pack set to be boosted by the return of Dane Hogan from injury. Coach Craig Ingebrigtsen has brought Eddie Tautali into his side at fullback, with Cameron Munster shifting to centre.
Fresh from a powerful performance off the bench in last weekend’s win over Redcliffe, PNG’s Thompson Teteh slots back into the starting line-up at left centre. At right centre is the destructive Adex Wera, a three-try hero against the Dolphins.
The change to the three-quarter line means Kato Ottio will now pack down in the back-row. There could yet be a further change with the crafty Noel Zeming in line to make a return from injury after being named in the 19-man travelling party.
BURLEIGH BEARS v SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS
Pizzey Park on Saturday, March 21 – 4pm
Referee: Nick Pelgrave (debut)
Head-to-Head: Burleigh 9 Sunshine Coast 3
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #BEARSvSCF
The start of the 2015 season has been a frustrating one for both the Bears and Falcons. Burleigh has lost its opening two games by eight point margins, while the Falcons haven’t yet had the chance to atone for their close Round 1 defeat at the hands of the Norths Devils. That was because last weekend’s scheduled match against the Northern Pride was postponed due to Cyclone Nathan. Coach Glen Dreger will be hoping his team can launch a storm of their own against the Bears at Pizzey Park tomorrow.
The Falcons are fielding arguably their strongest side since the club’s Manly Sea Eagles-aligned days in 2010. Storm contracted five-eighth Ben Hampton and hooker Slade Griffin shape as key figures in the Falcons’ bid to open their 2015 account.
For the Bears, Siuatonga Likiliki is out of action due to a one match suspension for striking. His absence is offset by the availability of Titan Jamie Dowling, who comes into the centres for the Pizzey Park clash.
WYNNUM MANLY SEAGULLS v MACKAY CUTTERS
BMD Kougari Oval on Saturday, March 21 - 5pm
Referee: Nick Morel
Head-to-Head: Wynnum 7 Mackay 7
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #WYNvMC
Livestream: Wynnum Manly TV
A Cup debut that would have been one to savour instead left Mackay rookie Zac Walker with mixed emotions after he injured his ankle scoring a try in the win over Tweed Heads. The Cutters will travel to Wynnum Manly’s home ground this weekend intent on bringing down another flock of Seagulls.
Walker’s place on the wing for the away trip will be taken by Buchanan Rawhiti while the only other change to the side is a cosmetic one, with Pulou Vaituutuu moving to the bench and Cowboys-contracted prop John Asiata to start the match.
This mission is a difficult one however, with the Cutters having lost their past three away games. In their favour is the fact they have won the past three games played between the two teams; in the process levelling the head-to-head ledger at seven apiece.
Wynnum too are in good form and are two from two this season, with another last-minute try from Seagulls winger and English import Greg Eden coming to their rescue in their Round 2 win over Easts. This week there has only been one change to the team for the home side with forward Jon Grieve in for Albanian-born Olsi Krasniqi. Wynnum prop Ben Shea is free to play after accepting an early plea to a dangerous contact charge.
CQ CAPRAS v IPSWICH JETS
Browne Park on Saturday, March 21 – 6pm
Referee: Tyson Brough
Head-to-Head: Ipswich 23 Central 11 Drawn 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #CQCvJETS
Capras livewire Javarn White confronts his old team for the first time since his off-season switch from Ipswich to Rockhampton. The classy fullback didn’t have the happiest of outings against Souths Logan Magpies, who tore through the Capras on their way to a 48-12 win at Miriam Vale.
CQ will look to respond in front of their home fans at Browne Park. Their only outing at home this year resulted in a 22-14 win against the Bears. Coach Jason Hetherington has already flagged his team’s intentions for this weekend’s match.
“We need to control the ball a lot more because when they (the Jets) have it, they are really exciting," Hetherington told the Rockhampton Morning Bulletin. “They are hard to play against and hard to defend when they have the ball ... they also like to ask questions after every tackle.”
Ipswich will again be boosted by the inclusion of Bronco Daniel Vidot, while big forward Gerico Cecil is set to back up for his second match in the top grade after the late withdrawals of Kurtis Lingwoodock and Josh Seage with injury.
NORTHERN PRIDE v TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS
Barlow Park on Sunday, March 22 – 1.40pm
Referee: Michael Gordon
Head-to-Head: First game
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PRIDEvTSVB
The Blackhawks will bus to Cairns this weekend to take on reigning Intrust Super Cup and NRL State National Champions the Northern Pride at Barlow Park. The local derby is shaping up to be a great contest with the Pride ready to play some football after their last match was postponed due to Cyclone Nathan and Townsville keen to improve on their Round 2 loss to Ipswich.
The Pride won all their games at Barlow Park in 2014 and will look to maintain that record against their ‘local’ rivals. Blackhawks coach Kristian Woolf has made some key changes to the squad with a shuffle required to include NQ Cowboys allocated player Rob Lui in the halves.
Michael Parker-Walshe will move to halfback, while Tom Humble is in the centres. A try-scorer in last week’s loss, Wayne Ulugia is on the wing. The Pride however have named the same side that was set to face the Falcons and despite the limited match fitness entering the game, coach Joe O’Callaghan told the Cairns Post he trusted his players to be prepared. “These are men, these aren’t schoolkids,” he said. “They knew there was a big game coming up so I trust that they looked after themselves.”
TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS v NORTHS DEVILS
Piggabeen Sports on Sunday, March 22 – 1.40pm* (LIVE ON CHANNEL 9/WIN/NBN)
Referee: Henry Perenara
Head-to-Head: Norths 13 Tweed 9 Drawn 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #THSvDEVILS
Seagulls’ coach Aaron Zimmerle’s 50th match in charge of the Cup side will not be an easy one – with their opponents this week on a good run of form. The Devils have won their past five games since late last season and have also been victorious in their past three outings to Piggabeen.
The Seagulls lost 34-18 last weekend to Mackay who played well to earn their victory. However, the Gulls also suffered multiple injury blows; with five-eighth Tom Dawney (biceps), prop Jake Leary (shoulder) and interchange hooker Zac Friend (shoulder) going down after the first 20 minutes.
Winger Blake Anderson was able to play on despite suffering a suspected fractured hand and has been named again this weekend, while reinforcements include Titans Matt Srama (hooker) and Matt Robinson and Agnatius Paasi on the bench. Reinstated Titan Kalifa Faifai Loa joins them in jumper 17.
Norths will be without key forward Todd Lowrie who will sit out one match after pleading guilty to a grade 1 striking charge. Referee Henry Perenara, who has officiated in 67 NRL matches, will take charge of his first Cup game.
Tweed now have an added incentive to perform at their best on Sunday after keen fan Paul Sheedy offered to donate $5 for every tackle made by Seagulls skipper James Wood and $20 for every Tweed try in support of the Vanuatu Cyclone Pam Relief Appeal. Wood is the captain of the Vanuatu national team.
http://www.qrl.com.au
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Round 11 Intrust Super Cup preview
An in-form Redcliffe are on the hunt for three straight wins in Round 11 of the Intrust Super Cup, stark contrast to their earlier season form that put club legend and head coach Troy Lindsay under mounting pressure.
After the Dolphins won just one out of their first seven games of the season they have responded to win two on the splash, celebrating their 450th Cup match in style with a 19-12 upset win over Easts Tigers in Round 10 last weekend.
The traditional powerhouse club will be quietly confident in maintaining their winning form when they take on cellar dwellers Central Queensland Capras in another milestone game for the Intrust Super Cup.
Sunday’s TV game between the Dolphins and Capras will be the 500th televised Cup match (ABC TV and Channel 9) with the first taking place on April 6, 1996 between Easts and Toowoomba.
Fittingly for such a milestone it will feature two of the seven remaining foundation teams – the club with the most TV appearances in Redcliffe (135 appearances) and the least in Central (37).
Coverage of the match begins at 1.30pm on Channel Nine in Queensland.
Elsewhere in Round 11 Tweed Heads Seagulls travel to North Ipswich Reserve to take on the Jets, the ladder-leading Townsville Blackhawks host an in-form PNG Hunters and Wynnum Manly Seagulls play host to defending premiers Northern Pride to round out Saturday's matches.
On Sunday, Easts will be on the prowl for a much needed two points when they host an out-of-sorts Sunshine Coast Falcons at Tapout Energy Stadium.
Playmaking utility Billy Walters – the son of Brisbane Broncos’ legend Kevin – has been named to play his second Intrust Super Cup match off the bench and is expected to slot in at dummy half for the Tigers.
Former Australia and New South Wales representative Tom Learoyd-Lahrs starts in the front row for the Falcons, while star half Ben Hampton is missing due to suspension.
The Burleigh Bears and Mackay Cutters do battle at Pizzey Park with both sides coming off losses.
In team changes, Mackay hooker Rory Kostjasyn (Cowboys) will be replaced by former Warrior Michael Sio with the only other change being Ryan Kinlyside coming onto the bench with Blake Atherton omitted.
Burleigh have made five changes with Khan Ahwang (fullback), Jaiden Hawkes (wing), Jamie Dowling (second row) and Mitch Sharp (prop) and Titans forward Mark Ioane and coming into the side.
North meets south in the final match of Round 11 with the Norths Devils travelling down to Davies Park to play Souths Logan Magpies who are searching for back-to-back wins.
Souths will have Broncos under-20s star Ash Taylor on deck again with the halfback adding another dimension to the Magpies' attack since joining the club three weeks ago.
Meanwhile, the Devils will be without Dale Copley who has earned a Broncos recall, while former Wynnum Manly flyer Sean Loxley moves from halfback to fullback, pushing Ryan Millard to the centres.
In other results from Round 10 last week Ipswich leapfrogged Mackay to move up to third place on the ladder after their 36-20 win over the Cutters, while second-place Wynnum Manly beat the Capras 34-16.
Seagulls halfback Matt Seamark booted five goals for the visitors which took him past 1,000 points for Wynnum Manly becoming only the third player to score 1,000 Cup points for a single club.
Townsville maintained a two-point gap at the top with a 28-0 shutout of Tweed Heads; the PNG Hunters recorded four wins in a row for only the second time in their history with a 34-16 win over Norths and Souths Logan beat the Sunshine Coast 35-4.
http://www.nrl.com/round-11-intrust-...9/default.aspx
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Round 11 Intrust Super Cup preview
An in-form Redcliffe are on the hunt for three straight wins in Round 11 of the Intrust Super Cup, stark contrast to their earlier season form that put club legend and head coach Troy Lindsay under mounting pressure.
After the Dolphins won just one out of their first seven games of the season they have responded to win two on the splash, celebrating their 450th Cup match in style with a 19-12 upset win over Easts Tigers in Round 10 last weekend.
The traditional powerhouse club will be quietly confident in maintaining their winning form when they take on cellar dwellers Central Queensland Capras in another milestone game for the Intrust Super Cup.
Sunday’s TV game between the Dolphins and Capras will be the 500th televised Cup match (ABC TV and Channel 9) with the first taking place on April 6, 1996 between Easts and Toowoomba.
Fittingly for such a milestone it will feature two of the seven remaining foundation teams – the club with the most TV appearances in Redcliffe (135 appearances) and the least in Central (37).
Coverage of the match begins at 1.30pm on Channel Nine in Queensland.
Elsewhere in Round 11 Tweed Heads Seagulls travel to North Ipswich Reserve to take on the Jets, the ladder-leading Townsville Blackhawks host an in-form PNG Hunters and Wynnum Manly Seagulls play host to defending premiers Northern Pride to round out Saturday's matches.
On Sunday, Easts will be on the prowl for a much needed two points when they host an out-of-sorts Sunshine Coast Falcons at Tapout Energy Stadium.
Playmaking utility Billy Walters – the son of Brisbane Broncos’ legend Kevin – has been named to play his second Intrust Super Cup match off the bench and is expected to slot in at dummy half for the Tigers.
Former Australia and New South Wales representative Tom Learoyd-Lahrs starts in the front row for the Falcons, while star half Ben Hampton is missing due to suspension.
The Burleigh Bears and Mackay Cutters do battle at Pizzey Park with both sides coming off losses.
In team changes, Mackay hooker Rory Kostjasyn (Cowboys) will be replaced by former Warrior Michael Sio with the only other change being Ryan Kinlyside coming onto the bench with Blake Atherton omitted.
Burleigh have made five changes with Khan Ahwang (fullback), Jaiden Hawkes (wing), Jamie Dowling (second row) and Mitch Sharp (prop) and Titans forward Mark Ioane and coming into the side.
North meets south in the final match of Round 11 with the Norths Devils travelling down to Davies Park to play Souths Logan Magpies who are searching for back-to-back wins.
Souths will have Broncos under-20s star Ash Taylor on deck again with the halfback adding another dimension to the Magpies' attack since joining the club three weeks ago.
Meanwhile, the Devils will be without Dale Copley who has earned a Broncos recall, while former Wynnum Manly flyer Sean Loxley moves from halfback to fullback, pushing Ryan Millard to the centres.
In other results from Round 10 last week Ipswich leapfrogged Mackay to move up to third place on the ladder after their 36-20 win over the Cutters, while second-place Wynnum Manly beat the Capras 34-16.
Seagulls halfback Matt Seamark booted five goals for the visitors which took him past 1,000 points for Wynnum Manly becoming only the third player to score 1,000 Cup points for a single club.
Townsville maintained a two-point gap at the top with a 28-0 shutout of Tweed Heads; the PNG Hunters recorded four wins in a row for only the second time in their history with a 34-16 win over Norths and Souths Logan beat the Sunshine Coast 35-4.
http://www.nrl.com/round-11-intrust-...9/default.aspx
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Intrust Super Cup: Rivalry Round preview
Kalifa Faifai Loa is one of six Titans lining up for Tweed against Burleigh on Sunday. Credit: SMP Images/QRL Media
Rivalry is the buzz word this weekend in the Intrust Super Cup and it doesn’t get much bigger than the showdown between the Tweed Heads Seagulls and Burleigh Bears.
Launched in 2012, the annual XXXX Rivalry Round pits rival teams against each other with some mouth-watering match-ups taking place across the state.
The main highlight this weekend is certain to be the clash between local rivals Tweed Heads and Burleigh at Piggabeen Sports on Sunday afternoon.
In what shapes as a genuine intra-club trial between players affiliated with the Gold Coast Titans, both sides are in desperate need of the two competition points on offer to keep within striking distance of a finals position.
The Bears (eighth place) are coming off a one-point win over the Mackay Cutters while the 10th-placed Seagulls are looking to snap a three-game losing streak.
The Seagulls edge the head-to-head record over the Bears by 12 games to 11, with one draw, which took place in Round 17 last year, and both teams are brimming with Titans-contracted players.
Davin Crampton, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Leva Li, Matt Robinson, Jamal Fogarty and Agnatius Paasi will line up for Aaron Zimmerle's side with Brad Tighe, Jamie Dowling and David Hala appearing for Jim Lenihan's Bears.
Burleigh is without flying winger Kevin Gordon who links up with the Titans as a replacement for the injured David Mead.
Another tantalising Rivalry Round clash takes place in Channel Nine's televised game between Brisbane rivals Norths Devils and Easts Tigers with coverage starting from 1.30pm on Sunday.
The sixth-placed Tigers come into the game on the back of three-straight losses but will be firm favourites against the Devils who sit second last on the ladder having only won three games all season.
XXXX Rivalry Round wouldn’t be complete without having the battle of the bayside between fierce foes Wynnum Manly Seagulls and the Redcliffe Dolphins.
The Seagulls are flying high in third spot despite a last-start loss against the Northern Pride and will be looking to get back into the winner's circle against an in-form Redcliffe (ninth), who have won three in a row including a 68-16 thrashing of CQ Capras last weekend.
Sunday's final match takes place between defending champions Northern Pride and 2013 premiers Mackay Cutters at Barlow Park in Cairns.
The Pride (seventh) and Cutters (fifth) won and lost by one-point respectively in Round 11 and as a result betting is even between both sides with punters unsure who will snare the two points.
There are two matches taking place on Saturday with the first between Souths Logan Magpies and the Ipswich Jets at Davies Park.
Having only taken one win from their first nine games, the Magpies have won two on the fly and will provide a stern test for the Jets who are on a four-match winning streak and sit in second place on the ladder behind the Townsville Blackhawks on for-and-against.
On Saturday night the CQ Capras will be hoping to move off the bottom of the ladder with a win over fellow strugglers Sunshine Coast Falcons at Rockhampton's Browne Park.
The Capras are chasing their first win since the opening round of the season, while the Falcons are winless since Round 6.
The Blackhawks and PNG Hunters both receive byes this weekend and an automatic two points.
http://www.nrl.com/
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BURLEIGH BEARS v TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS
Pizzey Park on Saturday, July 4 – 3pm
Referee: Clayton Sharpe
Head-to-Head: Townsville 1 Burleigh 0
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #BEARSvTSVB
Livestream: Blackhawks TV
The last time these two sides met is a match the Burleigh Bears would desperately like to forget. Outclassed and out-enthused on the park, the Blackhawks scored almost a point a minute against the Bears in their 78-6 triumph in Round 9.
The Bears will out to avenge that loss with a strong showing against the top-of-the-table side this weekend and have some good recent home form on their side, having won their past three games at Pizzey Park.
This weekend, the Burleigh are set to see the return of Jaiden Hawks, Dimitri Pelo and Pele Peletelese to the line-up, with Corbin Kiernan, Jamie Anderson and Caleb Morehu not named.
For the Blackhawks, team changes from their Round 15 match win over the Northern Pride see the return of Kyle Feldt from injury, with Chris McLean not named. Lenny Magey has been included on an extended bench.
Townsville captain Daniel Beasley will run out for his 50th Cup game having previously played with Norths and Mackay.
However, he is not the only person celebrating a milestone with weekend, with referee Clayton Sharpe appointed to his 186th Intrust Super / Queensland Cup game; putting him at the top of the list of most appearances, one ahead of Rob Alexander on 185.
NORTHERN PRIDE v EASTS TIGERS
Barlow Park on Saturday, July 4 – 5.30pm
Referee: Chris Anderson
Head-to-Head: Pride 12 Easts 5
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PRIDEvTIGES
The Northern Pride have retired their No. 7 and No. 8 jerseys for this match as a mark of respect to both their opponents Easts and the Sunshine Coast.
The gesture outlines the level of respect between the Pride and Tigers, who have shared a fierce rivalry in recent years.
Pride coach Joe O’Callaghan, who spent a year as part of the Easts coaching team, looks set to field a side without North Queensland Cowboys-contracted players.
Forwards Scott Bolton and Vaipuna Tia-Kilifi are omissions from last week, with the latter expected to be sidelined for two-three weeks with an ankle injury.
The Tigers have also made changes ahead of their trip north, with Storm quintet Mahe Fonua, Matt Duffie, Christian Welch, Dean Britt and Francis Tualau notable absentees alongside an injured Eddie Tautali.
Coach Craig Ingebrigtsen has called on the uncapped duo Whetu Austin and Brandon Downey, Donald Malone, Foisa Peni, Billy Walters and Brenton Horwood the other players to make their return to the team.
The Pride have an enviable home record and will be looking to keep that intact against the Tigers who are the last SEQ team to win at Barlow Park; a major semi in 2013. Since then, Pride have only lost to Townsville and Mackay at Barlow Park.
SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS v MACKAY CUTTERS
Sunshine Coast Stadium on Saturday, July 4 – 6pm
Referee: Nick Morel
Head-to-Head: Mackay 12 Sunshine Cost 2
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #SCFvMC
It will be an emotional homecoming for the Falcons on Saturday, with the club returning to Sunshine Coast Stadium for the first time since the tragic passing of James Ackerman. The club is asking fans to don black and yellow in a show of solidarity and contribute to the hugely supported Ackerman trust fund.*
On the field, Melbourne Storm-contracted Travis Robinson has been named to start in the halves alongside David Oakes for the Falcons, while Billy Brittain returns at hooker.
After going down to Wynnum Manly at home last weekend and the Tigers in the round beforehand; the Cutters need a win to ensure they maintain their spot in the top six. A loss and other results falling against them could see Mackay drop as low as eighth on the ladder.
For this match, prop Sam Hoare has been included in the NQ Cowboys side to play the Dragons, while Coen Hess is also out of the side as he is preparing to face NSW as part of the Queensland Under 20 side on Wednesday night. Aleki Falepaini is also out, with Zach Walker, Ryan Kinlyside, Gavin Bennion and Mitch Day the new additions to the line-up.
*James Ackerman Trust Fund details:
Butler McDermott Lawyers Trust Account
Bank of Queensland, 255 Queen Street, Brisbane
BSB: 124001
A/C: 11500777
Please quote reference: 151181
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS v PNG HUNTERS
Dolphin Oval on Sunday, July 5 – 1.40pm* (Live on Channel 9)
Referee: Michael Gordon
Head-to-Head: PNG 3 Redcliffe 0
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PHINSvPNG
The Hunters landed in Australia yesterday and are riding the crest of a club record nine-game winning streak. Their most recent loss came way back in mid-April to Wynnum Manly, coincidentally the last time they featured on Channel 9 and coach Michael Marum will be after an improved showing in front of the cameras this time around.
Marum has made one change to his starting side – Lawrence Tu’u earning a promotion to lock while Oti Bland Tony is the new addition on an extended bench.
Home side the Dolphins got past Norths 32-22 in their match last weekend, but have only won one from their last four.
In a somewhat surprise move, regular backrower Trent Richardson has been selected to partner Luke Capewell in the halves. Despite not being named, ex-Central Queensland Capras flyer Marlon Doak is in line to make his Dolphins debut. The former Australian touch football representative has set the Brisbane Rugby League competition alight this season, scoring 16 tries for affiliate club Gaters.
There are three potential milestones to be reached this weekend for the Hunters with Noel Zeming requiring only two more points to bring up 100 for second consecutive season; while Thompson Teteh and skipper Israel Eliab have both scored 23 tries for PNG, one less than Garry Lo who is top with 24.
IPSWICH JETS v SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES
North Ipswich Reserve on Sunday, July 5 – 2pm
Referee: Tim Rutherford
Head-to-Head: Ipswich 21 Souths-Logan 17 Drawn 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #JETSvSLM
The celebrated annual Indigenous Appreciation game between the Ipswich Jets and Souths Logan takes place at North Ipswich Reserve this weekend.
The two clubs have already staged a successful match at Cherbourg earlier this year which also highlighted the contributions made by Indigenous people to rugby league. This weekend, the Jets will wear one of a kind Indigenous jerseys that has been designed by a local artist Jahmayne Coolwell.
In that last match a Jack O’Chin Oval, the Magpies could not match the try-scoring abilities of the Jets, going down 50-20; however chief destroyer on that day Marmin Barba (who scored a hat-trick) is still out with suspension.
This weekend, the Jets have named an unchanged side to the one that lost to the Northern Pride last weekend, including forward Liam Capewell (formerly with Burleigh) who brings up his 50th game in the Cup competition.
After making his Cup debut last weekend, George Fai is out of the Magpies side this weekend and is instead in Queensland Under 20 camp, while Paul Rokolati and Hansel Semau are also out of the line-up.
His boot proved crucial in Souths Logan’s 24-22 win over the Tweed Heads Seagulls last weekend, and one more successful conversion kick will wee Magpies centre Scott Doyle bring up 100 for the season.
NORTHS DEVILS v WYNNUM MANLY SEAGULLS
Bishop Park on Sunday, July 5 – 2.30pm
Referee: Jarrod Cole
Head-to-Head: Wynnum 20 Norths 17 Drawn 2
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #DEVILSvWYN
The Wynnum Manly side will welcome back three key troops ahead of their trip across the river to Bishop Park this Sunday.
Winger Peter Gubb and second rower Aaron Rockley return from injury, while Brendon Gibb makes his comeback from suspension.
Despite missing the trio last round, coach Jon Buchanan was able to call on the club’s strong depth to secure a hard-fought 26-16 victory against the Cutters in Mackay. Brad Mana (who made his Cup debut last weekend), Matthew Smith and Stephen Coombe all return to the WM Redland City side for their BRL match against Easts Tigers.
The fourth-placed Seagulls have won seven from their past nine matches, with the two losses coming by a mere point against both Burleigh and Northern Pride.
The Devils last win came in Round 9 against the CQ Capras, but have made steady improvements on the field since their heavy losses in Rounds 11 and 12.
Coach Mark Gliddon appears to have settled on the halves combination of Dan Murphy and former Tiger Liam Tyson to guide his team around the park.
This weekend he has named an unchanged 1-17 following their 12-point loss to Redcliffe last round.
While the head-to-head status of these clubs is quite close, the Seagulls have enjoyed success in recent seasons and have won the past nine games played between the two sides.
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Round 22 Intrust Super Cup preview
http://www.qrl.com.au/
IPSWICH JETS v PNG HUNTERS
North Ipswich Reserve on Saturday, August 8 – 3pm
Referee: Chris Anderson
Head-to-Head: PNG 2 Ipswich 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #JETSvPNG
Livestream: QRL Livestream
Two meets three in a Saturday afternoon blockbuster at the North Ipswich Reserve. For the second-placed PNG Hunters, a win here would almost certainly see them wrap up a two spot in the Intrust Super Cup semi-finals.
There is no shortage of motivation as well for the Jets, who can close to within one competition of the Hunters with a victory in front of their home fans. With so much on the line and the prospect of end-to-end attacking football between two of the competition’s best entertainers, this is a game not to be missed.
Ipswich officials have come to the party as well by organising a range of off-field activities. There will be PNG food and dance with plenty to do for the kids, including jumping castles and face painting. “We also have several hundred special tee shirts for the day and a free sausage sizzle and drink for the first 500 patrons,” Jets CEO Wayne Wendt said.
Ipswich is fresh from the bye but will still be without two of its front-line forwards with captain Keiron Lander (broken thumb) and Sam Martin (suspension) a few weeks away from returns. The team’s form over the past month and a bit has been reasonable, with three wins from five matches.
In contrast the Hunters are flying, with Michael Marum’s team undefeated in 13 matches. Their last loss was against Wynnum Manly in Round 6. In a boost for the Hunters, point scoring whiz Noel Zeming is free to play after taking an early plea to a dangerous throw charge. Ipswich utility Liam Capewell plays his 50th match for the club.
TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS v TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS
Jack Manski Oval on Saturday, August 8 – 4pm
Referee: Jarrod Cole
Head-to-Head: Townsville 1 Tweed 0
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #TSVBvTHS
While they are flying high after knocking over two top-six teams in a row this past fortnight, the Tweed Heads Seagulls will need to move up to another level if they are to down competition leaders Townsville this Saturday.
Coming into this game following last weekend’s bye, the Blackhawks’ past two games have resulted in a high-scoring draw against Easts and a loss to fellow ladder-leaders the Hunters.
This week, coach Kristian Woolf has named an unchanged side from their Round 20 trip to PNG, but there could yet be changes with Lorenzo Ma’afu back from a one-game suspension and fellow regulars Rhyse Martin and Johnathon Reuben close to returning from injury.
For the Seagulls, Matt Robinson has been named to come into the back row for Oliver Percy. The Seagulls received some good news at the judiciary last night, with Sam Saville free to play his 50th Cup game after being found not guilty of a Grade 1 dangerous throw.
He was one of their best performers in last week’s win over the Cutters featuring in the top three for runs, metres and tackles for his side.
MACKAY CUTTERS v NORTHERN PRIDE
Stadium Mackay on Saturday, August 8 – 6pm
Referee: Peter Gough
Head-to-Head: Pride 11 Mackay 5
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #MCvPRIDE
This week’s northern derby just got tastier with the Pride having temporarily claimed the top six spot the Cutters have held since Round 3. In fact, the Pride’s elevation is the first change in the top six in 12 rounds.
The Pride forced their way in via a 16-4 win over Burleigh last weekend while the Cutters were downed 24-20 by Tweed Heads which continued the recent tradition of results between these two sides being decided by a converted try or less.
Suspensions to fullback Hezron Murgha (one week) – who was instrumental in their win over Burleigh last weekend – and forward Vaipuna Tia-Kilifi (two weeks) have come at a terrible time for the Pride who would be desperate to continue building positive momentum in the back-end of the season. Hooker Cameron King has also injured his knee and will be replaced by Keelan White, with Luke George (wing) and Brent Oosen (bench) the other new additions.
The Cutters will not need any extra motivation at home and there are a few changes to their line-up this week. Brenden Treston returns in the back row from a wrist injury, while Buchanan Rawhiti replaces Zack Walker on the wing. Joss Boyton and Ryan Kinlyside also return to the squad with Sam Hoare named on an extended Cowboys bench.
SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS v CQ CAPRAS
Sunshine Coast Stadium on Sunday, August 9 – 1.40pm (Live on Channel 9/Win/NBN)
Referee: Nick Pelgrave
Head-to-Head: Central 8 Sunshine Coast 5 Drawn 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #SCFvCQC
Sunshine Coast Falcons will start warm favourites to win back-to-back games when they host the Capras in Sunday’s television match. An impressive 26-18 win over Souths Logan last week has the Falcons in high spirits ahead of their Round 22 home clash.
Kurt Mann played a pivotal role in the Coast’s victory last weekend, and the talented Storm young gun will once again don the No. 6 jersey after his two-try performance against Souths Logan at Davies Park. Slotting in at fullback for this week is another Storm contracted player – former Queensland Under 20s representative Ben Hampton.
After a lean season, the Capras are eager to finish the season a high. They threw plenty at Norths last weekend, but unfortunately for them and their home fans, the final pass often went to ground in a frustrating afternoon. There were however several positives, including the performance of young CQ winger Jake Ainsworth who finished off a superb movement to score an eye-catching first half try for the Capras.
BURLEIGH BEARS v WYNNUM MANLY SEAGULLS
Pizzey Park on Sunday, August 9 – 2pm
Referee: Tim Rutherford
Head-to-Head: Burleigh 17 Wynnum 15 Drawn 3
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #BEARSvWYN
Livestream: Seagulls TV
Burleigh and Wynnum Manly will play for the annual Adam Watene Memorial Trophy this Sunday. Adam Watene (Cook) played for both clubs and was a popular figure particularly at the Bears. His wife Moana and children Arana and Ena will be at the game to present the trophy to the winning team.
The last time the two teams met in Round 15, Burleigh clinched a 25-24 win, with Khan Ahwang slotting a last-minute field goal. This weekend, the Bears are returning from their trip north against the Pride where they were unable to break through the opposition line for a try.
Wynnum Manly however bounced back from consecutive losses last weekend with a hard-fought 30-22 win over the Redcliffe Dolphins.
Mathew Seamark has been named to make his return from injury this week at halfback for the Seagulls, replacing Ben Cronin who has been named to play in the BRL; but will remain on standby. If he plays, it will be his 100th Cup game (following a previous stint with Souths Logan).
For the Bears, Titans Kevin Gordon (wing), Dave Hala (prop) and Nathaniel Peteru (prop) are set to be the new inclusions in the team this week with Jamie Anderson, Pele Peletelese and Waka Wahani not named.
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS v SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES
Dolphin Oval on Sunday, August 9 – 2pm
Referee: Tyson Brough
Head-to-Head: Redcliffe 28 Souths-Logan 15 Drawn 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PHINSvSLM
The Dolphins will be pushing hard to regain that winning feeling when they host the Magpies this Sunday.
Redcliffe were striving hard to claim a finals spot following a strong patch of form that saw them unbeaten for five games; however that run came unstuck against Wynnum Manly last weekend. They let the Gulls out to an early 18-0 lead; but despite a comeback late in the game, were unable to reel in the deficit, eventually going down 30-22.
This week, Anthony Cherrington returns to the side after serving a one-match suspension for Taylor Brown in the backrow. However, Tyson Cleal has been named, but will need to be replaced by coach Troy Lindsay after the forward accepted a one-match ban for a careless high tackle.
Young Colt Josh Bowen-Bowyer has been named to make his Cup debut for the Magpies, coming in at fullback for this match. Other changes for the Magpies see Ihaka Watene move to an extended bench with Tim Brooks coming in on the wing and Ken Levu set to play in the BRL.
The Dolphins will also throw open the gates this weekend’s match. It is the last weekend of junior fixtures in the Greater Brisbane Junior Rugby League so they are celebrating with a Phins Fun Day.
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