Queensland Cup 2014

[DIEHARD]

Rd 3 Intrust Super Cup preview

IPSWICH JETS v WYNNUM MANLY SEAGULLS
North Ipswich Reserve, Saturday, March 15 – 2pm
Referee: Clayton Sharpe
Head to Head: Wynnum 18 Ipswich 15 Drawn 3
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #JETSvWYN

Without six regulars, the Ipswich Jets face a massive challenge against the in-form Seagulls. Ipswich skipper Keiron Lander and interchange forward Tariki Peneha are unavailable due to personal commitments, while key back-rowers Sam Martin, Kurtis Lingwoodock and Liam Capewell are out injured. Fullback Javarn White will also miss the match due to a one match suspension for striking, further stretching the Jets’ playing ranks. Their absence forces a major reshuffle and provides an opportunity for Josh Cleeland, Kaliova Nauqe and Ray Schuster to make their Intrust Super Cup debuts. Tyson Lofipo will captain Ipswich for the first time in Lander’s absence. The Seagulls look far more settled and are coming off a stunning victory over premiership favourites the Easts Tigers. Jake Granville, the man who sparked the Seagulls with a devastating first-half burst last week, is back in the No. 9 jumper and again looms as Wynnum’s trump card. In milestone news, premiership-winning back-rower John Te Reo plays his 100th match for Wynnum. The former Bronco has also played 35 Cup matches for Toowoomba and Aspley. Saturday’s match will be followed by the Army v RAAF clash as part of Ipswich’s Defence Force Appreciation Round. Click on the link for more: Defence Takes Pride of Place

Ben ‘Dobbo’ Dobbin (Triple M) says: Won’t this be a bell ringer. Ipswich had their first win last Saturday and Wynnum have shown they mean business. Granville was outstanding in his XXXX man of the match performance against the Tigers (doesn’t he love the camera). This should be a fantastic afternoon at the North Ipswich Reserve, the only footy field that has a jumping castle for the kids right next door to the XXXX can bar for the dads! Wynnum Manly by 12.

PNG HUNTERS v CQ CAPRAS
Kalabond Oval, Kokopo on Saturday, March 15 – 2.30pm
Referee: Michael Gordon
Head to Head: First match
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PNGvCQC

After two losses, the Central Queensland Capras face the daunting prospect of having to travel to Papua New Guinea to get their first win of the season. Jason Hetherington’s team will start underdogs, but there is an air of confidence within the camp that they can become the first away team to win at Kalabond Oval. Their prospects have been boosted by the addition of exciting fullback Hughie Stanley, who has yet to figure in Central’s 2014 campaign. The Capras have already beaten the Hunters this year, but that was a pre-season trial in Rockhampton and Saturday’s match will be a much tougher proposition. Capras recruit Smith Samau will play his 100th game in this competition, having previously represented the Norths Devils and the Ipswich Jets. Hunters officials will be hoping for a dry track this Saturday after heavy rain before and during last weekend’s historic home clash against Mackay. Inspired by classy fullback Adex Wera and a two-try effort from centre Thompson Teteh, the Hunters finished strongly in the final 10 minutes to record a 24-16 victory.

‘Dobbo’ says: Who would have thought after two rounds of Intrust Super Cup that PNG would be undefeated and equal competition leaders? CQ are working hard and are close to a win, but I wonder how the CQ coach will be handle the road trip? Mr T, TT or just Thompson Teteh … either way he’s a try scoring machine for the Hunters. PNG Hunters by 10.

NORTHERN PRIDE v REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS
Barlow Park on Saturday, March 15 – 5.30pm
Referee: Chris Anderson
Head to Head: Pride 11 Redcliffe 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PRIDEvPHINS

Redcliffe might be the most successful club in Cup history with five premierships, but if there is one club that’s got their measure, it’s the team from the Far North. The Pride have notched 11 wins compared to Redcliffe’s one, a remarkable statistic given the Phins’ standing in the competition. Redcliffe’s only win over the Pride was in June 2008 at Barlow Park – they have lost 10 games against them since then. While the statistics don’t make pretty reading for Dolphins fans, the reality is the record won’t count for a lot when the two teams take the field, particularly as Redcliffe’s line-up is vastly different to previous teams which have played the Pride. Fullback Stewart Mills, five-eighth Zach Strasser and second-rower Sarafu Fatiaki will make their first appearances of the season for the Dolphins, who went down to PNG in the opening week before having a week to cool their heels with the round two bye. Pride coach Jason Demetriou has named speedsters Matthew Wright and Javid Bowen to return from injury, but the northern heavyweights will be without key Cowboys forward Ricky Thorby after he injured his knee in last weekend’s win over the Capras.

‘Dobbo’ says: The Pride had a great win v CQ last week with the plasterer from Innisfail Shaun Nona kicking goals from everywhere. The Dolphins are still smarting from their round one loss to the Hunters. Look for a better showing this time around. Redcliffe Dolphins by 6.

SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES v BURLEIGH BEARS
Davies Park on Sunday, March 16 – 2pm
Referee: Jarrod Cole
Head to Head: Burleigh 19 Souths Logan 10 Drawn 3
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #SLMvBEARS

Giant winger Ramon Filipine will play in his 100th Cup game this weekend and will be looking to celebrate the milestone with a win against Burleigh. Weighing in at 120kg, Filipine – who previously played for the Ipswich Jets – can cause major damage with the ball in hand. He is part of a mostly unchanged Magpies side this week, with young second rower Darcy Wright the only addition to the team that defeated the Falcons last weekend. Nick Doyle has not been named in the team. The Magpies started poorly in the match against the Sunshine Coast and were trailing at halftime before they were able to click into gear and go on to record their 38-14 win. The Burleigh Bears are set to be unchanged altogether, with coach Carl Briggs happy to let his team attempt to make amends for last weekend’s close loss to Norths. Zach Mackay and Titan Brad Takairangi were late additions against the Devils and have been named to start; however fellow Titan Anthony Don may be a late inclusion after he withdrew from the side with calf soreness last weekend. The Bears take some poor away form with them on this trip having lost five of their past six games away from Pizzey Park.

‘Dobbo’ says: Souths were really impressive last weekend (the Nation’s Capital was a huge help). Let’s hope they can keep their form going. Congrats to Ramon on his milestone. Burleigh are like most of our wives/girlfriends … every day is a new day and you don’t always know what you are going to get! Souths Logan by 12.

TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS v NORTHS DEVILS
Piggabeen Sports on Sunday, March 16 – 2pm* (Live on Channel 9)
Referee: Michael Wise
Head to Head: Norths 12 Tweed 8 Drawn 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #THSvDEVILS

Tweed Heads play their first home game of the season this Sunday and will pay tribute to life member and “father of football” Col Hayes. Hayes has filled a number of positions at the club from player to General Manager. On the field, the team have made three changes, with captain Matt King to serve a one match ban for striking. Chris Piper and Ben Ridge have also not been named, with Cory Blair, Tom Kingston and Pele Peletelese to come into the side. Ryan James may also make his return from a shoulder injury, while Blake Anderson will lead the team in King’s absence. Norths – who are coming off a hard-fought 18-12 win over Burleigh last week – have also been forced to make changes to their team, with Shaun Carney and Jharal Yow Yeh injured in last week’s game. Nathan Lowrie, James Geurtjens and Namila Davui are the new faces in the side. In the corresponding match last year – the Devils won a thrilling match with a field goal after the siren and they will look to continue their good away form which has seen them win their past five games on the road.

‘Dobbo’ says: There will be a blitz at the hairdresser over the next couple of days before this Channel 9 game. Tweed haven’t had the best of starts to the season, but they’re capable of striking form here. Tweed Heads Seagulls by 4.

EASTS TIGERS v SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS
Langlands Park on Sunday, March 16 – 3pm
Referee: Robert Gallacher
Head to Head: Easts 6 Sunshine Coast 4
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #TIGESvSCF

The Easts Tigers will be hoping they bring their second half form from last weekend into this match – where they fought back from a poor start to nearly claim a comeback win over Wynnum Manly. The Sunshine Coast however will be want to bring their first half form into the game, after they held a 14-10 lead over Souths Logan. Both sides lost their matches – Easts falling short and the Falcons being blown away in the second – and both will be desperate for a win this week. For the Sunshine Coast, new additions to the team are wingers Karyss Adams and Maa Ruua, along with Matt Gilliman on the bench. Easts were hit hard by injuries last weekend – with their Melbourne Storm contingent of Mitch Garbutt (ribs), Felise Kaufusi (chest) and Hymel Hunt (ankle) all in the casualty ward. Joel Romelo was expected to again be a late addition to the team – but will be forced to sit out to serve a one match ban for striking. Liam McDonald, Liufau Hala, Maeli Seve and Liam Tyson have been named as replacements. Sunshine Coast captain Ryan Hansen will take the field for his 50th Cup game, having previously played with the Norths Devils.

‘Dobbo’ says: It will be a tough day at Langlands Park for the men from the Sunny Coast. Ivan Henjak is doing a great job with a young team. The Tigers will be hurting after the Wynnum loss and should show some bite. Easts Tigers by 16.

Mackay Cutters – bye

http://www.qrl.com.au/news/2014/03/1...p_preview.html

[DIEHARD]

Intrust Super Cup teams Round 3:

Ipswich Jets v Wynnum Manly Seagulls at North Ipswich Reserve on Saturday, March 15 – 2pm

Ipswich Jets

1. Wes Conlon 2. Kurt Capewell 3. Nemani Valekapa 4. Brendon Marshall 5. Tautalatasi Tasi 6. Haydan Lipp 7. Dane Phillips 8. Tyson Lofipo (c) 9. Michael Fisher 10. Billy McConnachie 11. Rod Griffin 12. Josh Seage 13. Troy O'Sullivan 14. Josh Cleeland 15. Kaliova Nauqe 16. Ray Schuster 17. Marmin Barba 22. Matt Parcell

Coach: Ben Walker and Shane Walker

Wynnum Manly Seagulls

1. Daniel Ogden 2. Peter Gubb 3. Matt Grieve 4. Jason Moon 5. Mitchell Buckett 6. Ben Cronin 7. Kurt French 8. Ben Shea 9. Jake Granville 10. Tim Natusch (c) 11. Tanu Wulf 12. John Te Reo 13. Mitchell Frei 14. Mitchell Moore 15. Stephen Coombe 16. Saia Makisi 17. Dylan Smith

Coach: Jon Buchanan

PNG Hunters v CQ Capras at Kalabond Oval, Kokopo on Saturday, March 15 – 2.30pm

1. Adex Wera 2. Garry Lo 3. Thompson Teteh 4. Albert Patak 5. George Benson 6. Israel Eliab (c) 7. Roger Laka 8. Joe Bruno 9. Wartovo Puara 10. Timothy Lomai 11. David Loko 12. Brandy Peter 13. Sebastian Pandia 14. Noel Zemming 15. Willie Minoga 16. Lawrence Tu'u 17. Esau Siune 18. Tiger Emere

Coach: Michael Marum

CQ Capras

1. Hughie Stanley 2. Ha'ofanga Rabakewa 3. Mitch Zornig 4. Smith Samau 5. Rhys Williams 6. Mark Johnstone 7. Theeran Pearson 8. Arlin Paki 9. Ian Webster 10. Sam Pierce 11. Andrew Dale 12. Guy Williams 13. Gavin Hiscox (c) 14. Grant Rogers 15. Liam Pickersgill 16. Bobby Nona 17. Sebastien Martins 18. Aaron Hall 19. Brent Williams

Coach: Jason Hetherington

Northern Pride v Redcliffe Dolphins at Barlow Park on Saturday, March 15 – 5.30pm

Northern Pride

1. Matthew Wright 2. Justin Castellaro 3. Brett Anderson 4. Davin Crampton 5. Javid Bowen 6. Shaun Nona 7. Sam Obst 20. Alex Starmer 9. Cameron King 10. Jack Svendsen 11. Blake Leary 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Ben Spina 14. Jason Roos (c) 15. Tyrone McCarthy 17. Brent Oosen 18. Sheldon Powe-Hobbs 21. Latu Fifita

Coach: Jason Demetriou

Redcliffe Dolphins

1. Stewart Mills 2. Monikura Tikinau 3. Aaron Whitchurch 4. Marty Hatfield (c) 5. Brett Coutts 6. Zach Strasser 7. Adrian Davis 8. Jon Green (c) 9. Cameron Cullen 10. James Ackerman 11. Sarafu Fatiaki 12. Jake Marketo 13. Tom Geraghty 14. Tui Samoa 15. Joe Bradley 16. Taylor Brown 17. David Hala

Coach: Troy Lindsay

Souths Logan Magpies v Burleigh Bears at Davies Park on Sunday, March 16 – 2pm

Souths Logan Magpies

1. Luke Archer 2. Ramon Filipine 3. Dallas Anderson 4. David Faamita 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Ahearn 7. Rhys Jacks 8. Mat Pitman 9. Mitch Cronin 10. Sam Mataora 11. Andrew Edwards 12. Leon Panapa 13. Phil Dennis (c) 14. Herschel Gideon 15. Darcy Wright 16. Zac Lemberg 17. Simanu Crichton

Coach: Josh Hannay

Burleigh Bears

1. Henare Wells 2. Zach Mackay 3. Siuatonga Likiliki 4. Khan Ahwang 5. Steve Michaels 6. Tyler Chadburn 7. Matt Beddow 8. Luke Page 9. Matt Keating 10. Matt Bell 11. Brad Takairangi 12. Louis Fanene 13. Darren Griffiths (c) 14. Nafe Seluini 15. Jamie Anderson 16. Chris Kitching 17. Mark Ioane 18. Jesse Malcolm

Coach: Carl Briggs

Tweed Heads Seagulls v Norths Devils at Piggabeen Sports on Sunday, March 16 – 2pm (QLD)* Live on Channel 9

Tweed Heads Seagulls

1. Tom Merritt 2. Luke Dumas 3. Kalifa Faifai Loa 4. Blake Anderson (c) 5. Matt Parata 6. Jamal Fogarty 7. Michael Burgess 8. Damian Sironen 9. Sam Irwin 10. Paul Stephenson 11. Cody Nelson 12. Cory Blair 13. Tom Kingston 14. Sam Saville 15. Tom Dawney 16. Oliver Percy 17. Pele Peletelese

Coach: Aaron Zimmerle

Norths Devils

1. Dylan Galloway 2. Rogan Dean 3. Tristan Lumley 4. Namila Davui 5. Kainga Turner 6. Todd Murphy 7. Sam Foster 8. Jamie Muller 9. Krys Freeman 10. Jared Blanke 11. Chris Faust 12. Brendon Gibb 13. James Sharkie 14. Byron Creighton 16. Patrick McPherson 17. James Geurtjens 18. Nathan Lowrie

Coach: Mark Gliddon

Easts Tigers v Sunshine Coast Falcons at Langlands Park on Sunday, March 16 – 2m

Easts Tigers

1. Eddie Tautali 2. Richie Kennar 3. Shane Neumann 4. Donald Malone 5. Jarrod McInally 6. Cody Walker 7. Grant Giess 8. Steven Thorpe (c) 9. Tom Butterfield 10. Jacob Ling 11. Troy Giess 12. Tim Glasby 13. Dane Hogan 14. Liam McDonald 15. Liufau Hala 16. Maeli Seve 17. Liam Tyson

Coach: Craig Ingebrigtsen

Sunshine Coast Falcons

1. Kyle Van Klaveren 2. Karyss Adams 3. Rowan Klein 4. Callum Klein 5. Maa Ruua 6. Brett Doherty 7 David Oakes 8. Mboya Adams 9. Jay Lobwein 10. Ryan Hansen (c) 11. Rueben Baillie 12. Jacob Samoa 13. Kristian Wanka 14. Kai Busiko 15. Matt Gilliman 16. Beau Walker 17. Mitch Ebdon 18. Jaz Nahu-Main 19. Brenton Stonier

Coach: Ivan Henjak

http://www.qrl.com.au/intrust-super-...kly-teams.html

[TITAN PETE]

With Ryan James making his comeback with Tweed this week (don't understand it either) it makes for a match worth watching or taping at least

[DIEHARD]

Cup teams Round 4

THE teams for this weekend's round 4 Intrust Super Cup matches have been named.

Intrust Super Cup teams Round 4:

PNG Hunters v Northern Pride at Kalabond Oval, Kokopo on Saturday, March 22 - 2.30pm

PNG Hunters

1. Adex Wera 2. Garry Lo 3. Thompson Teteh 4. Albert Patak 5. George Benson 6. Israel Eliab (c) 7. Noel Zemming 8. Joe Bruno 9. Wartovo Puara 10. Gonzela Urakusie 11. David Loko 12. Brandy Peter 13. Sebastian Pandia 14. Tiger Emere 15. Willie Minoga 16. Lawrence Tu'u 17. Mark Mexico 18. Edward Goma

Coach: Michael Marum

Northern Pride

1. Matthew Wright 2. Justin Castellaro 3. Brett Anderson (c) 4. Davin Crampton 5. Javid Bowen 6. Shaun Nona 7. Sam Obst 20. Alex Starmer 9. Jason Roos (c) 10. Jack Svendsen 11. Blake Leary 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Ben Spina 14. Ryan Ghietti 15. Tyrone McCarthy 21. Latu Fifita 18. Sheldon Powe-Hobbs

Coach: Jason Demetriou

Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PNGvPRIDE

Mackay Cutters v Wynnum Manly Seagulls at Stadium Mackay on Saturday, March 22 - 7pm

Mackay Cutters

1. Liam Taylor 2. Zac Santo 3. Josh Benjamin 4. Curtis Rona 5. Chris Ulugia 6. Doug Hewitt 7. Tom Rouse 8. Sam Hoare 9. Anthony Mitchell 10. Dan Beasley 11. Tyson Martin (c) 12. Chris Gesch 13. Jason Schirnack 14. Dave Petersen 15. Dean Webster 16. John Asiata 17. Karl Davies 18. Dan Murphy 19. Aleki Falepaini 20. Mitch Day

Coach: Kim Williams

Wynnum Manly Seagulls

1. Daniel Ogden 2. Peter Gubb 3. Matt Grieve 4. Jason Moon 5. Mitchell Buckett 6. Ben Cronin 7. Kurt French 8. Ben Shea 9. Jake Granville 10. Tim Natusch (c) 11. Joe Mua 12. John Te Reo 13. Mitchell Frei 14. Jeriah Goodrich 15. Stephen Coombe 16. Saia Makisi 17. Dylan Smith

Coach: Jon Buchanan

Twitter: #intrustsupercup #MCvWYN

Burleigh Bears v Ipswich Jets at Pizzey Park on Sunday, March 23 - 2pm* (Live on Channel 9)

Burleigh Bears

1. Henare Wells 2. Anthony Don 3. Siuatonga Likiliki 4. Khan Ahwang 5. Steve Michaels 6. Tyler Chadburn 7. Matt Beddow 8. Luke Page 9. Sam Meskell 10. Mark Ioane 11. Jesse Malcolm 12. Louis Fanene 13. Darren Griffiths (c) 14. Nafe Seluini 15. Jamie Anderson 16. Chris Kitching 17. Kyle McConnell 18. Nick Harrold

Coach: Carl Briggs

Ipswich Jets

1. Wes Conlon 2. Kurt Capewell 3. Nemani Valekapa 4. Brendon Marshall 5. Tautalatasi Tasi 6. Haydan Lipp 7. Dane Phillips 8. Tyson Lofipo (c) 9. Michael Fisher 10. Billy McConnachie 11. Rod Griffin 12. Josh Seage 13. Troy O'Sullivan 14. Josh Cleeland 15. Kaliova Nauqe 16. Ray Schuster 17. Marmin Barba 22. Matt Parcell

Coach: Ben Walker and Shane Walker

Twitter: #intrustsupercup #BEARSvJETS

Redcliffe Dolphins v Easts Tigers at Dolphin Oval on Sunday, March 23 - 2pm

Redcliffe Dolphins

1. Stewart Mills 2. Monikura Tikinau 3. Aaron Whitchurch 4. Marty Hatfield (c) 5. Brett Coutts 6. Zach Strasser 7. Adrian Davis 8. Jon Green (c) 9. Cameron Cullen 10. James Ackerman 11. Sarafu Fatiaki 12. Jake Marketo 13. Tom Geraghty 14. Tui Samoa 15. Joe Bradley 16. Taylor Brown 17. David Hala

Coach: Troy Lindsay

Easts Tigers

1. Eddie Tautali 2. Richie Kennar 3. Shane Neumann 4. Donald Malone 5. Jarrod McInally 6. Cody Walker 7. Grant Giess 8. Steven Thorpe (c) 9. Tom Butterfield 10. Mitch Garbutt 11. Troy Giess 12. Tim Glasby 13. Dane Hogan 14. Liam McDonald 15. Liufau Hala 16. Jacob Ling 17. Joel Romelo

Coach: Craig Ingebrigtsen

Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PHINSvTIGES

Souths Logan Magpies v Tweed Heads Seagulls at Davies Park on Sunday, March 23 - 2pm

Souths Logan Magpies

1. Luke Archer 2. Ramon Filipine 3. Dallas Anderson 4. David Faamita 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Ahearn 7. Rhys Jacks 8. Mat Pitman 9. Mitch Cronin 10. Sam Mataora 11. Andrew Edwards 12. Leon Panapa 13. Phil Dennis (c) 14. Kurt Baptiste 15. Darcy Wright 16. Zac Lemberg 17. Simanu Crichton

Coach: Josh Hannay

Tweed Heads Seagulls *(updated)

1. Jamal Fogarty 2. Tom Merritt 3. Sam Saville 4. Blake Anderson 5. Kalifa Faifai Loa 6. Beau Henry 7. Michael Burgess 8. Damian Sironen 9. Matt King (c) 10. Pele Peletelese 11. Cody Nelson 12. Cory Blair 13. Tom Kingston 14. Ricardo Parata 15. Tom Dawney 16. Oliver Percy 17. Paul Stephenson

Coach: Aaron Zimmerle

Twitter: #intrustsupercup #SLMvTHS

Norths Devils v Sunshine Coast Falcons at Bishop Park on Sunday, March 23 - 3pm

Norths Devils

1. Shaun Carney 2. Rogan Dean 3. Tristan Lumley 4. Dylan Galloway 5. Kainga Turner 6. Todd Murphy 7. Sam Foster 8. Jamie Muller 9. Krys Freeman 10. Jared Blanke 11. Chris Faust 12. Brendon Gibb (c) 13. James Sharkie 14. Byron Creighton 15. Patrick McPherson 16. James Geurtjens 18. Zach Koitka 19. Namila Davui

Coach: Mark Gliddon

Sunshine Coast Falcons

1. Kyle Van Klaveren 2. Karyss Adams 3. Rowan Klein 4. Callum Klein 5. Maa Ruua 6. Brett Doherty 7. David Oakes 8. Mboya Adams 9. Jay Lobwein 10. Ryan Hansen (c) 11. Rueben Baillie 12. Jacob Samoa 13. Tyson Skyring 14. Matt Gilliman 15. Jaz Nahu-Main 16. Beau Walker 17. Tom Hearn 18. Sam Broomhall 19. James Leavai 20. Brenton Stonier

Coach: Ivan Henjak

Twitter: #intrustsupercup #DEVILSvSCF

http://www.qrl.com.au/

[DIEHARD]

Round 4 Intrust preview

PNG HUNTERS v NORTHERN PRIDE
Kalabond Oval, Kokopo on Saturday, March 22 – 2.30pm
Referee: Tim Rutherford
Head to Head: First match
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PNGvPRIDE

The Intrust Super Cup’s top two teams meet in a heavyweight showdown to open round 4. This match is sure to have a bit of everything as the competition newcomers test themselves against the ultra-consistent Northern Pride. Chasing a third-straight win at home and their fourth win in succession, the Hunters will throw everything at the Pride in this one. The home team will roll out a new halves combination, with Noel Zemming coming in at halfback for Roger Laka. Zemming is in sparkling touch, having crossed for a double off the bench in last weekend’s 46-14 win over the Central Queensland Capras. The Pride are aware of the enormity of the challenge that awaits them, but if there is one team that is equipped to handle the humid PNG conditions, it’s the Far North Queenslanders. Jason Demetriou’s team has also won six of their past seven away matches dating back to late last year. Pride front-rower Alex Starmer will play his 100th game for the Pride and co-captain Jason Roos becomes the most capped player in the club’s history, passing Ben Laity’s previous record of 117 matches in the blue, white and orange.

Ben ‘Dobbo’ Dobbin (Triple M) says: Wow, how good are the Hunters? The real test will be this weekend though in the top-of-the-table clash. This will be a smorgasbord of tries. Attack is king with both these sides. Northern Pride by 6.

MACKAY CUTTERS v WYNNUM MANLY SEAGULLS
Stadium Mackay on Saturday, March 22 – 7pm
Referee: Clayton Sharpe
Head to Head: Wynnum 7 Mackay 5
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #MCvWYN

Defending Intrust Super Cup premiers the Mackay Cutters will go in search of their first win of the season on Saturday night. And their chances have been boosted by the inclusion of talented North Queensland Cowboys outside backs Curtis Rona and Zac Santo. Rona was an integral part of the Mackay team last season, with his form catching the eye of Queensland Residents selectors. A noted flyer with outstanding footwork, Santo adds further class to a Cutters’ backline which has been well contained so far this season. Wynnum Manly coach Jon Buchanan has made one change, with Jeriah Goodrich coming in for the injured Mitchell Moore. The Seagulls suffered a surprise 32-22 loss to the understrength Ipswich Jets last weekend and sit just outside the top five. Wynnum have won five of the past six games against Mackay, although the Cutters won their last clash in 2013. Mackay have not lost two games at home in succession since round 15 last year (18 games) – they lost their last game there against Easts in Round 1.

‘Dobbo’ says: Wynnum Manly will be very upset that they let last week’s game slip against the Jets. Mackay need a win as much as I need a steak! After last week’s bye and some soul searching (bonding), look for a much improved performance from the Cutters. But giant Seagull Dylan Smith might be the difference. Wynnum Manly by 12.

BURLEIGH BEARS v IPSWICH JETS
Pizzey Park on Sunday, March 23 – 2pm* (Live on Channel 9)
Referee: Chris Anderson
Head to Head: Burleigh 17 Ipswich 14 Drawn 2
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #BEARSvJETS

Sunday’s Channel 9 match of the round will see last start winners the Ipswich Jets travel to the Gold Coast’s Pizzey Park to play the Burleigh Bears. The Jets recorded a tenacious victory over Wynnum Manly Seagulls last weekend and have named an unchanged 17 for the round 4 match. However, they may yet make late changes, with several players a chance of returning from injury and suspension. Burleigh Bears have suffered two tight losses and will be eager to bounce back in front of their home fans. The Bears team boasts plenty of strike power, with Gold Coast Titans contracted players Anthony Don, Siuatonga Likiliki and Steve Michaels named in the backline. But coach Carl Briggs is likely to be without former Eels hooker Matt Keating, who is poised to miss a week due to a pectoral injury. Sam Meskell has been named in the No. 9 jersey this week. Ipswich have won their past five games against Burleigh, with the Bears’ last win against the Jets back in July, 2010. However, Ipswich’s away record stretching back to late last year is some concern, as they have only won one of the past seven matches on the road (v Wynnum Manly in the 2013 Elimination Final).

‘Dobbo’ says: Once again the Jets are proving that you don’t need big names to win matches. Team work and belief are the cornerstone to the Ipswich Jets in 2014. There are huge wraps on Ipswich half Haydan Lipp, who is born and bred on the buffel grass at Wandoan. Ipswich Jets by 12.

REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS v EASTS TIGERS
Dolphin Oval on Sunday, March 23 – 2pm
Referee: Michael Wise
Head to Head: Redcliffe 23 Easts 14 Drawn 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PHINSvTIGES

Redcliffe coach Troy Lindsay has named an unchanged line-up for this weekend’s game against the Tigers – keeping faith in the side that stood toe-to-toe against the Northern Pride for much of their match last weekend. The visiting Dolphins eventually went down 20-12; bringing their recent history against the Pride to a remarkable 12 losses in a row, surely one of rugby league’s greatest hoodoos. While it was a close encounter up north; the Tigers easily accounted for the Sunshine Coast Falcons last weekend, racking up a 50-6 victory, with Tim Glasby, Jarrod McInally and Cody Walker all scoring doubles. This weekend they will be filled with confidence and will also welcome some key personnel back into their side. Mitch Garbutt returns from a rib injury while Joel Romelo returns from suspension. Liam Tyson and Maeli Seve will play for the Easts Tigers FOGS Cup team. While Redcliffe comfortably hold the advantage in the head-to-head stakes, Easts had the better of last year’s encounters – winning both games. However, the Dolphins did win the four matches played before that and after losing their first home game this season (against the PNG Hunters); they will be looking to once again establish Dolphin Oval as a fortress against visiting teams.

‘Dobbo’ says: The poor old Dolphins! What has happened after 3 rounds? The strongest club in the Intrust Super Cup has struggled a little in the first two games and now they come up against the Tigers. But throw form out the window … Redclifffe are desperate and will win. Redcliffe Dolphins by 4.

SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES v TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS
Davies Park on Sunday, March 23 – 2pm
Referee: Rob Gallacher
Head to Head: Tweed 12 Souths Logan 11
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #SLMvTHS

Undefeated Souths Logan will host Tweed Heads on Sunday, with the visiting side looking for their first win of the season. The Magpies snared a hard-fought, come-from-behind 28-26 victory over Burleigh last weekend; while the Seagulls were unable to capitalise on their chances against the Devils and lost 24-12. Magpies coach Josh Hannay has been able to name an unchanged side this weekend. Kurt Baptiste was a welcome late addition last Sunday, scoring a try in his first appearance for the club this year. He will come off the interchange bench and work in tandem with starting hooker Mitch Cronin again this weekend. For Tweed Heads, captain Matt King returns to the hooking role after serving a one match suspension. Sam Irwin, who replaced King last weekend, injured his ankle against Norths and is out. In other changes, Tom Kingston comes in for Ryan James (named on an extended Titans bench) and Beau Henry makes his return after a long injury layoff as five-eighth. Luke Dumas has been omitted. Titan Maurice Blair is also reported to be a late addition for the Seagulls on Sunday.

‘Dobbo’ says: The Souths Raiders, sorry Magpies, have surprised some. Josh Hannay has done a great job so far in his first year of coaching an Intrust Super Cup team. There is lots of rising talent coming through this great club. Look for a strong showing once again. Souths Logan by 4.

NORTHS DEVILS v SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS
Bishop Park on Sunday, March 23 – 3pm
Referee: Tyson Brough
Head to Head: Norths 7 Sunshine Coast 3
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #DEVILSvSCF

One of the oldest clubs in the competition; the Norths Devils will this weekend play their 400th Cup game. The home team will be the third club to reach the milestone behind the Redcliffe Dolphins and Easts Tigers. In that time, they have won 214 games, lost 170 and drawn 15. This weekend’s match will see them take on the Sunshine Coast, with coach Mark Gliddon making minimal changes. Fullback Shaun Carney is to return from injury, while James Geurtjens has been named on the bench for Bronco Jarrod Wallace. Namila Davui is the 19th man. The Sunshine Coast will aim to repeat their success at this ground last year where a field goal saw them claim a 17-16 win – the last time they were able to record a victory. For the Falcons, Tyson Skyring will start at lock in place of Kristian Wanka who wasn’t able to return to the field in the second half of the Falcons’ loss to the Tigers last weekend. Tom Hearn, Sam Broomhall, James Leavai and Brenton Stonier have been added to an extended bench. This will be the 50th Cup game for Norths forward Pat McPherson (Redcliffe/ Norths). Young referee Tyson Brough will make his Intrust Super Cup debut.

‘Dobbo’ says: Undefeated and ready to rumble, the Norths Devils have been super impressive so far this season. Hard running Beachmere junior Tristan Lumley is the wrecking ball of the Intrust Super Cup and more tries could be coming his way this weekend. Norths Devils by 14.

CQ Capras – bye

http://www.qrl.com.au/news/2014/03/2...t_preview.html

[DIEHARD]

Round 5 Intrust preview

CQ CAPRAS v SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES
Browne Park on Saturday, March 29 – 6pm
Referee: Chris Anderson
Head to Head: Central 17 Souths Logan 16 Drawn 2
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #CQCvSLM

Coming off the bye, the Capras will hope the support of their home crowd will help them snare their first win of the season. In their last match against the Hunters in Kokopo, the Capras were run down 46-14 and coach Jason Hetherington will be looking for a much improved performance from his team. He has named a 19-man squad which includes Marco Delapena, Reece Baker, Marlon Doak and Peter Gallen who all missed the overseas trip. Gladstone’s Aaron Hall will keep his place following his strong debut against PNG, while Capras captain Gavin Hiscox has been named to return via the bench after using the bye to fully recover from a groin injury. Young hooker Tom McKenzie is also named on the bench. Souths too are coming off a loss and have a few injury concerns going into the match, with Mat Pitman (neck) and Dallas Anderson (knee) yet to prove their fitness. Changes to the team see Raiders Sam Mataora and Jordan Rapana coming in for Shane Duck and Hershel Gideon. Capras centre Mitch Zorning has been named on an extended bench and will take part in his 50th Cup game if he plays.

Ben ‘Dobbo’ Dobbin (Triple M) says: It was a tough day at the office last week for the Magpies, who suffered their first loss of the season under super coach Josh Hannay. It might be time for him to introduce his star recruit (full name withheld – AKA the Love Rat), whose form in the FOGS has been outstanding. CQ need to win and the rain in Central Queensland changes the whole dynamics. Jason Hetherington to lead the team song. CQ Capras by 2.

TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS v REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS
Piggabeen Sports on Sunday, March 30 – 2pm
Referee: Peter Gough
Head to Head: Redcliffe 19 Tweed 6
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #THSvPHINS

Both Tweed Heads and Redcliffe claimed upset victories last weekend and are set to provide an exciting match-up on Sunday. Both teams got off to great starts – something they will be keen to do again in this match. Aaron Zimmerle’s Seagulls are set to welcome back captain Matt King who missed last week’s 32-14 win over the Magpies, while Sam Irwin and Cody Nelson are the other new additions. Ben Ridge has been named on an extended Titans bench, but may yet return to the team, while Ricardo Parata drops out of the starting side and has been named as 18th man. The Dolphins enjoy a dominant head-to-head record against the Gulls, having won the past five games played. But like the Tweed, Redcliffe also have changes to their winning team. Although listed in 18 for the Broncos, David Hala has been named and is expected to play for the Dolphins this weekend, while Cameron Cullen also returns from an ankle injury. Martin Cordwell and Tim Foster have been omitted, while the in-form Jake Marketo will serve a one-match suspension for a shoulder charge.

‘Dobbo’ says: Well for those who listen, I did tell you that Redcliffe were certainties last weekend. This week will be the same. Zach Strasser has taken the Intrust Super Cup by storm. Jon Green is also an inspiration. Redcliffe Dolphins by12.

NORTHS DEVILS v MACKAY CUTTERS
Bishop Park on Sunday, March 30 – 2pm* (Live on Channel 9)
Referee: Clayton Sharpe
Head to Head: Norths 7 Mackay 6
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #DEVILSvMC

For four weeks in a row, the Norths Devils have finished in front on the scoreboard to earn themselves a share of the Intrust Super Cup competition lead alongside the Northern Pride. This weekend, Mark Gliddon’s side will welcome both the Channel 9 cameras and the defending premiers Mackay to Bishop Park in a match where a win will equal their record of games without a loss. They previously went nine games without a loss in 2005 and have now matched that achievement after carrying the momentum from a strong finish to the 2013 season into the opening rounds this year. The good form of new Devils captain Brendon Gibb has been a key ingredient to their success so far and he currently heads the Courier-Mail Medal leader board after four rounds. The Cutters recorded their first win for 2014 last weekend in tough conditions in Mackay, beating Wynnum Manly 12-4. For this match, former Devils player Dan Murphy has been added to an extended bench, while Norths have also made the bare minimum of changes with Jamie Muller into the starting side, moving Dean Sheppard to the bench. The Nundah club have recent statistics against them however in their quest for five from five, with the Cutters enjoying a golden run against them, winning five of their past six match-ups.

‘Dobbo’ says: Norths remain undefeated and are now considered one of the teams to beat in the Intrust Super Cup. The form of Brendon Gibb – the sparky from Gladstone Brothers – has been as good as mine at a Chinese smorgasbord! Norths Devils by 10.

EASTS TIGERS v PNG HUNTERS
Langlands Park on Sunday, March 30 – 2pm
Referee: Tim Rutherford
Head to Head: First Game
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #TIGESvPNG

A capacity crowd is expected at Langlands Park for the Hunters’ first match in Queensland since their thrilling round 1 victory over Redcliffe. Having played their last three matches at home, the Hunters shouldn’t yet be weighed down by travel-weary legs. They will, however, meet a team with an imposing home record. Easts have won their last seven games at Langlands Park, a record coach Craig Ingebrigtsen is fiercely proud of. Ingebrigtsen will be eager to see improvement from his charges following last weekend’s 24-12 loss to the Dolphins. The Tigers will go into the round five clash without Donald Malone, who is set to miss a week with a niggling hamstring strain. Malone’s absence is a blow, but there is no shortage of talent in the backline that includes 2013 Queensland Residents players Jarrod McInally and Cody Walker. The Tigers are also set to be without Storm forwards Tim Glasby and Mitch Garbutt.

‘Dobbo’ says: The Hunters had their first loss last weekend (another predication that I made) and the pain of that defeat will be in the back off their minds when they play the Tigers at Langlands Park. Easts will want to hit back after dishing up garbage last weekend. PNG’s David Loko has all the clubs talking such is his awesome form, but the travel might hurt the Hunters this week. Easts Tigers by 12.

WYNNUM MANLY SEAGULLS v BURLEIGH BEARS
BMD Kougari Oval on Sunday, March 30 – 3pm
Referee: Robert Gallacher
Head to Head: Burleigh 16 Wynnum 13 Drawn 3
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #WYNvBEARS

Burleigh Bears have not won at Kougari Oval since 2009. But fresh from a stirring come-from-behind victory over the Ipswich Jets, the Bears are in great shape to tackle the tough away trip and the vocal “Chook Pen”. They have a number of new players in top form, including skilful centre Khan Ahwang who played a starring role against his old club last weekend. Ahwang scored two tries and booted six goals for a personal haul of 20 points. However, points could be much harder to come by for Ahwang and both teams this weekend, with heavy conditions expected at Kougari Oval. The home fans will get to see fullback Daniel Ogden and winger Peter Gubb reach major milestones. The match is the 100th Intrust Super Cup appearance for former Norths flyer Ogden and the 50th game in Wynnum Manly colours for the ever reliable Gubb. This is also Wynnum’s 400th Cup game – they have won 206, drawn 18 and lost 175.

‘Dobbo’ says: Won’t this be a game of rugby league! Both teams have had their ups and downs in the first month of the Intrust Super Cup. Burleigh surprised plenty with their demolition of the Jets last weekend. Wynnum will struggle until Jake Granville gets a hair cut! Burleigh Bears by 12.

IPSWICH JETS v SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS
North Ipswich Reserve, Sunday, March 30 – 3pm
Referee: Jarrod Cole
Head to Head: Ipswich 6 Sunshine Coast 3 Drawn 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #JETSvSCF

He puts his body on the line each and every week, and on Sunday at the North Ipswich Reserve, Jets skipper Keiron Lander will do it for the 100th time in the Intrust Super Cup. Raised in the tiny outback town of Quilpie, Lander’s rugby league journey is an amazing one. He has previously played for Toowoomba, North Queensland and the Mackay Cutters but has found a home at the Ipswich Jets, where his leadership on and off the field is a shining example for the younger squad members. Jets fullback Javarn White is also closing in on a century, with Sunday’s match to be his 92nd overall game and his 50th in the green and white of Ipswich. The Jets have won their past four games against the Sunshine Coast, but coaches Ben and Shane Walker have enormous respect for rival coach Ivan Henjak and except nothing but a torrid contest on Sunday. The Falcons have endured a tough start to the 2014 season, but many critics forget the young side have played four teams that currently sit in the top five.

‘Dobbo’ says: With the fantastic rain that has drenched the Darling Downs and Maranoa, the worries of the Jets’ country contingent have been put to rest. The Jets are a young team with plenty to like about them, but last week they found the bright lights a little daunting like a maiden horse at its first barrier trial. Back home on Sunday, they should win. Ipswich Jets by 14.

[DIEHARD]

Intrust Super Cup teams round 6

Norths Devils v Northern Pride at Callendar Park, Innisfail on Saturday, April 5 - 5pm

Norths Devils

1. Shaun Carney 2. Rogan Dean 3. Tristan Lumley 4. Dylan Galloway 5. Kainga Turner 6. Todd Murphy 7. Sam Foster 8. Jamie Muller 9. Krys Freeman 10. Jared Blanke 11. Chris Faust 12. Brendon Gibb (c) 13. James Sharkie 14. Byron Creighton 15. Patrick McPherson 16. James Geurtjens 18. Dean Sheppard 19. Brad McKee 20. Zach Koitka

Coach: Mark Gliddon

Northern Pride

1. Matthew Wright 2. Justin Castellaro 3. Brett Anderson (c) 4. Davin Crampton 5. Javid Bowen 6. Shaun Nona 7. Sam Obst 8. Joel Riethmuller 9. Jason Roos (c) 10. Alex Starmer 11. Ethan Lowe 12. Tyrone McCarthy 13. Ben Spina 14. Ryan Ghietti 15. Blake Leary 16. Jack Svendsen 17. Sheldon Powe-Hobbs 21. Latu Fifita

Coach: Jason Demetriou

Twitter: #intrustsupercup #DEVILSvPRIDE

Mackay Cutters v Tweed Heads Seagulls at Stadium Mackay on Saturday, April 5 - 6pm

Mackay Cutters

1. Liam Taylor 2. Zac Santo 3. Tyson Martin (c) 4. Curtis Rona 5. Chris Ulugia 6. Brent Warr 7. Tom Rouse 8. Sam Hoare 9. Anthony Mitchell 10. Dan Beasley 11. Kelvin Nielsen 12. Chris Gesch 13. Jason Schirnack 14. Aleki Falepaini 15. Josh Benjamin 16. John Asiata 17. Karl Davies 18. Dave Petersen 19. Mitch Day 20. Ryan Kinlyside

Coach: Kim Williams

Tweed Heads Seagulls

1. Jamal Fogarty 2. Tom Merritt 3. Matt Parata 4. Blake Anderson 5. Kalifa Faifai Loa 6. Michael Burgess 7. Beau Henry 8. Damian Sironen 9. Matt King (c) 10. Pele Peletelese 11. Cody Nelson 12. Cory Blair 13. Tom Kingston 14. Sam Irwin 15. Sam Saville 16. Oliver Percy 17. Chris Piper 18. Ricardo Parata

Coach: Aaron Zimmerle

Twitter: #intrustsupercup #MCvTHS

Sunshine Coast Falcons v Burleigh Bears at Stockland Stadium on Saturday, April 5 - 6pm

Sunshine Coast Falcons

1. Kyle Van Klaveren 2. Joe Meninga 3. Rowan Klein 4. Rueben Baillie 5. Phil Taylor 6. Callum Klein 7. Brenton Stonier 8. Luke Blumke 9. Jay Lobwein 10. Ryan Hansen (c) 11. Jaz Nahu-Main 12. Jacob Samoa 13. Tyson Skyring 14. David Oakes 15. Matt Gilliman 16. Sam Broomhall 17. James Leavai 18. Beau Walker 19. Mboya Adams

Coach: Ivan Henjak

Burleigh Bears

1. Henare Wells 2. Dimitri Pelo 3. Jamie Anderson 4. Khan Ahwang 5. Steve Michaels 6. Tyler Chadburn 7. Ryley Jacks 8. Luke Page 9. Matt Keating 10. Mark Ioane 11. Jesse Malcolm 12. Louis Fanene 13. Darren Griffiths (c) 14. Nafe Seluini 15. James Dunley 16. Chris Kitching 17. Nick Harrold 18. Matt Bell

Coach: Carl Briggs

Twitter: #intrustsupercup #SCFvBEARS

Redcliffe Dolphins v CQ Capras at Dolphins Oval on Sunday, April 6 - 2pm

Redcliffe Dolphins

21. Stewart Mills 2. Oliver Regan 3. Aaron Whitchurch 4. Marty Hatfield (c) 5. Brett Coutts 6. Zach Strasser 7. Adrian Davis 8. Jon Green (c) 9. Cameron Cullen 10. James Ackerman 11. Sarafu Fatiaki 12. Jake Marketo 13. Tom Geraghty 14. Tui Samoa 15. Joe Bradley 16. Martin Cordwell 17. David Hala

Coach: Troy Lindsay

CQ Capras

1. Hughie Stanley 2. Marlon Doak 3. Marco Delapena 4. Smith Samau 5. Rhys Williams 6. Mark Johnstone 7. Duncan Paia’Aua 8. Arlin Paki 9. Tom McKenzie 10. Peter Gallen 11. Aaron Hall 12. Guy Williams 13. Gavin Hiscox (c) 14. Reece Baker 15. Matt Mizzi 16. Sam Pierce 17. John Clayton 18. Mitch Zornig

Coach: Jason Hetherington

Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PHINSvCQC

Ipswich Jets v PNG Hunters at North Ipswich Reserve on Sunday, April 6 - 2pm

Ipswich Jets

1. Wes Conlon 2. Kurt Capewell 3. Nemani Valekapa 4. Brendon Marshall 5. Tautalatasi Tasi 6. Ollie Olds 7. Dane Phillips 8. Tyson Lofipo 9. Troy O’Sullivan 10. Rod Griffin 11. Kurtis Lingwoodock 12. Sam Martin 13. Keiron Lander (c) 14. Tariki Peneha 15. Josh Cleeland 16. Josh Seage 17. Marmin Barba 22. Matt Parcell

Coach: Ben Walker and Shane Walker

PNG Hunters

1. Adex Wera 2. Garry Lo 3. Israel Eliab (c) 4. Albert Patak 5. George Benson 6. Dion Aiye 7. Roger Laka 8. Mark Mexico 9. Wartovo Puara 10. Esau Siune 11. David Loko 12. Timothy Lomai 13. Sebastian Pandia 14. Noel Zemming 15. Willie Minoga 16. Lawrence Tu'u 17. Adam Korave 18. Joe Bruno 19. Edward Goma 20. Thompson Teteh

Coach: Michael Marum

Twitter: #intrustsupercup #JETSvPNG

Souths Logan Magpies v Wynnum Manly Seagulls at Davies Park on Sunday, April 6 - 2pm* (Live on Channel 9)

Souths Logan Magpies

1. Ono So'Oialo 2. Ramon Filipine 3. Jordan Rapana 4. David Faamita 5. Luke Archer 6. Jack Ahearn 7. Rhys Jacks 8. Mat Pitman 9. Mitch Cronin 10. Sam Mataora 11. Andrew Edwards 12. Leon Panapa 13. Phil Dennis (c) 14. Kurt Baptiste 15. Grant Cooke 16. Zac Lemberg 17. Simanu Crichton 18. Darcy Wright

Coach: Josh Hannay

Wynnum Manly Seagulls

1. Daniel Ogden 2. Peter Gubb 3. Mitchell Buckett 4. Jason Moon 5. Mitchell Krause 6. Ben Cronin 7. Matt Seamark 8. Ben Shea 9. Jake Granville 10. Tim Natusch (c) 11. David Stagg 12. John Te Reo 13. Mitchell Frei 14. Graham Clark 15. Stephen Coombe 16. Saia Makisi 17. Dylan Smith

Coach: Jon Buchanan

Twitter: #intrustsupercup #SLMvWYN

[DIEHARD]

Rd 6 Queensland Cup preview

NORTHS DEVILS v NORTHERN PRIDE
Callendar Park, Innisfail on Saturday, April 5 - 5pm
Referee: Peter Gough
Head to Head: Pride 11 Norths 2 Drawn 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #DEVILSvPRIDE

Rugby league fans in Innisfail are in for a treat this weekend, with the competition’s two undefeated teams to play in a top-of-the-table clash. Only the second Intrust Super Cup game played on the Cassowary Coast – this sees the Norths Devils take on the Northern Pride as they attempt to win six straight matches to open the season. The Pride have won four matches and had a bye last weekend following their round 4 win over the Hunters in Kokopo. Coach Jason Demetriou gave his team some time off to recover following their strong performance and they will be feeling fresh and hoping to stop the winning momentum of the Devils. In team news, Norths have named an unchanged 17, with Brad McKee added to an extended bench. While not officially named – reports have indicated forward Ricky Thorby will be available for the Pride, while Latu Fifita has been added to an extended bench. In the head-to-head stakes, the Pride enjoy a healthy advantage; with Norths having only won one of the past eight games played between the two teams. In an added bonus, there will also be a Cairns District Rugby League A Grade game staged, with the Innisfail Leprechauns and Cairns Brothers to face-off at 7pm.

Ben ‘Dobbo’ Dobbin (Triple M) says: The Pride will have plenty of confidence after their last victory against the Hunters, but will face the wrath of the mighty Norths Devils, who are looking the goods. This should be a great game of rugby league. Shaun Carney grabbed two meat pies last weekend and is electric from the No. 1 position. Tough game to pick. Northern Pride by 6.

MACKAY CUTTERS v TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS
Stadium Mackay on Saturday, April 5 - 6pm
Referee: Michael Wise
Head to Head: Tweed 6 Mackay 2 Drawn 4
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #MCvTHS

While both teams are desperate to add another win to their tally – don’t be surprised if this one ends in a draw. The Mackay Cutters and Tweed Heads Seagulls have drawn four times already in 12 games, a figure QRL statistician Brad Tallon says is 10 times the average number of draws per game. Both teams are coming off losses last weekend. The Cutters were unable to keep up with the Devils in the second half of their round 5 match, while Tweed Heads were left to rue a poor first half against a dominant Redcliffe. For this match, the home side have made a number of changes to their line-up, with Brent Warr (five-eighth), Tom Rouse (halfback) and Kelvin Nielsen (second row) the new faces in the team. Captain Tyson Martin moves into the centres, while Doug Hewitt and Dan Murphy have been omitted. For Tweed Heads, Matt Parata, Oliver Percy and Chris Piper come into the side with Zac Friend, Josh Harvey and Ben Ridge not named. However, Ridge may yet again play in the team, alongside fellow Titan Ryan James who has been slated to join the Seagulls for this weekend’s match.

‘Dobbo’ says: This is another battle that is hard to tip. Tweed’s form this year has been as good as my golf swing … average on a good day! But we all know what happens when you travel to NQ – boys become men! A different team will turn up against the Cutters who by their own admission need to step it up. Mackay Cutters by 4 (in a close one).

SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS v BURLEIGH BEARS
Stockland Stadium on Saturday, April 5 - 6pm
Referee: Tyson Brough
Head to Head: Burleigh 7 Sunshine Coast 3
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #SCFvBEARS

Both teams will have a point to prove having suffered losses in differing circumstances last weekend. The Bears will be out to atone for a poor performance which resulted in a 46-6 loss to Wynnum Manly – while the Falcons will hope to build on a promising second half against the Jets. Down 26-0 at halftime, the Sunshine Coast put in a competitive performance in the back end of the game, scoring 16 points to win the second half. In team news, Melbourne Under 20 players Max Fesolai, Ellery Tusa, Aaron Teroi and John Filipo have not been named in the Falcons line-up; but some may yet re-join the team. Maa Ruua is also out with Joe Meninga, Phil Taylor, Callum Klein, David Oakes and Matt Gilliman named in their place. Burleigh coach Carl Briggs has been forced to make changes following a spiteful match against the Seagulls, with Kyle McConnell and Siuatonga Likiliki both serving one-match bans for striking. Forward Nick Harrold, who was named, will also serve a one-game suspension for a dangerous throw. Sam Meskell is also out of the Bears team, with Matt Keating to return, with James Dunley and Dimitri Pelo – who debuted at 17 for Burleigh in 2002 – to play his first Cup game since 2006. Matt Bell has been named on an extended bench.

‘Dobbo’ says: The Sunshine Coast showed everybody that they are improving as the season goes on with a spirited effort last weekend against the Jets. The big second-rower from NZ – Jaz Nahu-Main –is really putting his stamp on games (Jaz is the name of my female cat by the way!). Burleigh leaked points last week and the effort from the Sunny Coast has been solid. Sunshine Coast Falcons by 2.

REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS v CQ CAPRAS
Dolphin Oval on Sunday, April 6 - 2pm
Referee: Jarrod Cole
Head to Head: Redcliffe 26 Central 7 Drawn 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PHINSvCQC

Brisbane Broncos playmaker Duncan Paia’Aua makes his Intrust Super Cup debut for the Central Queensland Capras in their must-win game against the Dolphins. A CQ junior, Paia’Aua will make the step up into senior footy from the Broncos NYC ranks. “Duncan is a phenomenal talent who has played a key role in the great start to the 2014 year for the Broncos NYC side,” Capras operations manager Walson Carlos said. “We are very excited about what Duncan will bring to our side.” The Capras have now gone eight games without a victory in a run that stretches back to August last year. A trip to Dolphin Oval isn’t the place a visiting team wants to go to break its duck, but the Capras can draw confidence from their win and draw against Redcliffe last year. After a slow start themselves, the Dolphins have hit form with gritty wins over the Easts Tigers and Tweed Heads Seagulls. The emergence of classy halves pairing Zach Strasser and Adrian Davis has played a key role in the resurgence. However, Dolphins coach Troy Lindsay will need to find a replacement for Davis after the livewire half was last night suspended for one match for a dangerous throw.

‘Dobbo’ says: The Dolphins have had their pay cheques threatened and have finally started to show they are a real threat to the comp! They will make light work of Capras who to their credit turn up with effort every week. Stewart Mills, in his first season in the Intrust Super Cup, has been outstanding and is putting a lot of pressure on the players ahead of him at the Broncos for a starting spot. Redcliffe Dolphins by 16.

IPSWICH JETS v PNG HUNTERS
North Ipswich Reserve on Sunday, April 6 - 2pm
Referee: Chris Anderson
Head to Head: First game
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #JETSvPNG
Live Stream: http://www.qrl.com.au/interactive/live-stream.html

Former Kumul and current Ipswich Jets forward Rod Griffin goes head to head with his fellow countrymen in Sunday’s clash at the North Ipswich Reserve. Griffin is in career-best form for the Jets, who will need to be at their very best against a powerful Hunters line up. The Hunters staged a great fightback to record a 20-20 draw against Easts in what has already been dubbed by many good judges as the game of the season. The epic end-to-end contest produced some extraordinary rugby league in front of one of the biggest crowds seen at Brisbane’s Langlands Park in years. With the PNG team’s fan base expanding by the day, Sunday’s match is expected to attract another bumper crowd. Adding to the appeal of this game is the attacking ****nal of both teams. Ipswich’s dynamic smaller men, including Wes Conlon, Marmin Barba, Troy O’Sullivan and Matt Parcell, have been posing problems for opposition defences. Like the Jets, the Hunters can score tries from anywhere on the field, with their ability to off-load and break out of tackles a feature of their play. Ipswich will be without injured fullback Javarn White, while the Hunters are set to be without strike centre Thompson Teteh.

‘Dobbo’ says: What a great game this will be. The Sunday afternoon game at the North Ipswich Reserve will double as the Disability Awareness Day and is the Hunters’ first game at Ipswich. Ollie Olds, the import from Wales, made his debut at Intrust Super Cup level last weekend and is starting again on Sunday. The Hunters were fantastic in their second half last week against the Tigers. Never tip against the Jets! Ipswich Jets by 8. * I’ll be calling this game with Greg “Jacko” Lyons via www.phoenixradio.com.au

SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES v WYNNUM MANLY SEAGULLS
Davies Park on Sunday, April 6 - 2pm* (Live on Channel 9)
Referee: Tim Rutherford
Head to Head: Wynnum 23 Souths Logan 10 Drawn 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #SLMvWYN

Any match that pits two talented brothers against each other is always worth the price of admission. For the first time, Ben Cronin will go up against his younger brother Mitch. The siblings previously played together at Souths Logan, but Ben has since switched back to Wynnum Manly and is playing some great footy. Mitch has also made a move, linking with the Canberra Raiders to pursue his NRL dream. But the young hooker is back with the Magpies for the time being following the re-establishment of their secondary affiliation. In milestone news, Wynnum Manly hooker Jake Granville plays his 100th match for the Seagulls and winger Peter Gubb his 50th. Wynnum Manly have won their past four matches against Souths Logan, but the Magpies might just be slight favourites here due to the home ground advantage. The Seagulls produced their best performance of the season last week, belting Burleigh 46-6 at BMD Kougari Oval. Bronco David Stagg is poised to turn out for his second game for the Seagulls after being a late addition to the Wynnum team last week.

‘Dobbo’ says: Josh Hannay needs to take my advice and bring the “Love Rat” into the top grade. Souths made light work of the Capras but face a big battle against Wynnum. Maybe I got the Jake Granville hair thing wrong last weekend. There is always a first! Rack and stack another scalp to be had for Wynnum. Wynnum Manly Seagulls by 16.

[DIEHARD]

Rd 6 Queensland Cup preview

NORTHS DEVILS v NORTHERN PRIDE
Callendar Park, Innisfail on Saturday, April 5 - 5pm
Referee: Peter Gough
Head to Head: Pride 11 Norths 2 Drawn 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #DEVILSvPRIDE

Rugby league fans in Innisfail are in for a treat this weekend, with the competition’s two undefeated teams to play in a top-of-the-table clash. Only the second Intrust Super Cup game played on the Cassowary Coast – this sees the Norths Devils take on the Northern Pride as they attempt to win six straight matches to open the season. The Pride have won four matches and had a bye last weekend following their round 4 win over the Hunters in Kokopo. Coach Jason Demetriou gave his team some time off to recover following their strong performance and they will be feeling fresh and hoping to stop the winning momentum of the Devils. In team news, Norths have named an unchanged 17, with Brad McKee added to an extended bench. While not officially named – reports have indicated forward Ricky Thorby will be available for the Pride, while Latu Fifita has been added to an extended bench. In the head-to-head stakes, the Pride enjoy a healthy advantage; with Norths having only won one of the past eight games played between the two teams. In an added bonus, there will also be a Cairns District Rugby League A Grade game staged, with the Innisfail Leprechauns and Cairns Brothers to face-off at 7pm.

Ben ‘Dobbo’ Dobbin (Triple M) says: The Pride will have plenty of confidence after their last victory against the Hunters, but will face the wrath of the mighty Norths Devils, who are looking the goods. This should be a great game of rugby league. Shaun Carney grabbed two meat pies last weekend and is electric from the No. 1 position. Tough game to pick. Northern Pride by 6.

MACKAY CUTTERS v TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS
Stadium Mackay on Saturday, April 5 - 6pm
Referee: Michael Wise
Head to Head: Tweed 6 Mackay 2 Drawn 4
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #MCvTHS

While both teams are desperate to add another win to their tally – don’t be surprised if this one ends in a draw. The Mackay Cutters and Tweed Heads Seagulls have drawn four times already in 12 games, a figure QRL statistician Brad Tallon says is 10 times the average number of draws per game. Both teams are coming off losses last weekend. The Cutters were unable to keep up with the Devils in the second half of their round 5 match, while Tweed Heads were left to rue a poor first half against a dominant Redcliffe. For this match, the home side have made a number of changes to their line-up, with Brent Warr (five-eighth), Tom Rouse (halfback) and Kelvin Nielsen (second row) the new faces in the team. Captain Tyson Martin moves into the centres, while Doug Hewitt and Dan Murphy have been omitted. For Tweed Heads, Matt Parata, Oliver Percy and Chris Piper come into the side with Zac Friend, Josh Harvey and Ben Ridge not named. However, Ridge may yet again play in the team, alongside fellow Titan Ryan James who has been slated to join the Seagulls for this weekend’s match.

‘Dobbo’ says: This is another battle that is hard to tip. Tweed’s form this year has been as good as my golf swing … average on a good day! But we all know what happens when you travel to NQ – boys become men! A different team will turn up against the Cutters who by their own admission need to step it up. Mackay Cutters by 4 (in a close one).

SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS v BURLEIGH BEARS
Stockland Stadium on Saturday, April 5 - 6pm
Referee: Tyson Brough
Head to Head: Burleigh 7 Sunshine Coast 3
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #SCFvBEARS

Both teams will have a point to prove having suffered losses in differing circumstances last weekend. The Bears will be out to atone for a poor performance which resulted in a 46-6 loss to Wynnum Manly – while the Falcons will hope to build on a promising second half against the Jets. Down 26-0 at halftime, the Sunshine Coast put in a competitive performance in the back end of the game, scoring 16 points to win the second half. In team news, Melbourne Under 20 players Max Fesolai, Ellery Tusa, Aaron Teroi and John Filipo have not been named in the Falcons line-up; but some may yet re-join the team. Maa Ruua is also out with Joe Meninga, Phil Taylor, Callum Klein, David Oakes and Matt Gilliman named in their place. Burleigh coach Carl Briggs has been forced to make changes following a spiteful match against the Seagulls, with Kyle McConnell and Siuatonga Likiliki both serving one-match bans for striking. Forward Nick Harrold, who was named, will also serve a one-game suspension for a dangerous throw. Sam Meskell is also out of the Bears team, with Matt Keating to return, with James Dunley and Dimitri Pelo – who debuted at 17 for Burleigh in 2002 – to play his first Cup game since 2006. Matt Bell has been named on an extended bench.

‘Dobbo’ says: The Sunshine Coast showed everybody that they are improving as the season goes on with a spirited effort last weekend against the Jets. The big second-rower from NZ – Jaz Nahu-Main –is really putting his stamp on games (Jaz is the name of my female cat by the way!). Burleigh leaked points last week and the effort from the Sunny Coast has been solid. Sunshine Coast Falcons by 2.

REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS v CQ CAPRAS
Dolphin Oval on Sunday, April 6 - 2pm
Referee: Jarrod Cole
Head to Head: Redcliffe 26 Central 7 Drawn 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PHINSvCQC

Brisbane Broncos playmaker Duncan Paia’Aua makes his Intrust Super Cup debut for the Central Queensland Capras in their must-win game against the Dolphins. A CQ junior, Paia’Aua will make the step up into senior footy from the Broncos NYC ranks. “Duncan is a phenomenal talent who has played a key role in the great start to the 2014 year for the Broncos NYC side,” Capras operations manager Walson Carlos said. “We are very excited about what Duncan will bring to our side.” The Capras have now gone eight games without a victory in a run that stretches back to August last year. A trip to Dolphin Oval isn’t the place a visiting team wants to go to break its duck, but the Capras can draw confidence from their win and draw against Redcliffe last year. After a slow start themselves, the Dolphins have hit form with gritty wins over the Easts Tigers and Tweed Heads Seagulls. The emergence of classy halves pairing Zach Strasser and Adrian Davis has played a key role in the resurgence. However, Dolphins coach Troy Lindsay will need to find a replacement for Davis after the livewire half was last night suspended for one match for a dangerous throw.

‘Dobbo’ says: The Dolphins have had their pay cheques threatened and have finally started to show they are a real threat to the comp! They will make light work of Capras who to their credit turn up with effort every week. Stewart Mills, in his first season in the Intrust Super Cup, has been outstanding and is putting a lot of pressure on the players ahead of him at the Broncos for a starting spot. Redcliffe Dolphins by 16.

IPSWICH JETS v PNG HUNTERS
North Ipswich Reserve on Sunday, April 6 - 2pm
Referee: Chris Anderson
Head to Head: First game
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #JETSvPNG
Live Stream: http://www.qrl.com.au/interactive/live-stream.html

Former Kumul and current Ipswich Jets forward Rod Griffin goes head to head with his fellow countrymen in Sunday’s clash at the North Ipswich Reserve. Griffin is in career-best form for the Jets, who will need to be at their very best against a powerful Hunters line up. The Hunters staged a great fightback to record a 20-20 draw against Easts in what has already been dubbed by many good judges as the game of the season. The epic end-to-end contest produced some extraordinary rugby league in front of one of the biggest crowds seen at Brisbane’s Langlands Park in years. With the PNG team’s fan base expanding by the day, Sunday’s match is expected to attract another bumper crowd. Adding to the appeal of this game is the attacking ****nal of both teams. Ipswich’s dynamic smaller men, including Wes Conlon, Marmin Barba, Troy O’Sullivan and Matt Parcell, have been posing problems for opposition defences. Like the Jets, the Hunters can score tries from anywhere on the field, with their ability to off-load and break out of tackles a feature of their play. Ipswich will be without injured fullback Javarn White, while the Hunters are set to be without strike centre Thompson Teteh.

‘Dobbo’ says: What a great game this will be. The Sunday afternoon game at the North Ipswich Reserve will double as the Disability Awareness Day and is the Hunters’ first game at Ipswich. Ollie Olds, the import from Wales, made his debut at Intrust Super Cup level last weekend and is starting again on Sunday. The Hunters were fantastic in their second half last week against the Tigers. Never tip against the Jets! Ipswich Jets by 8. * I’ll be calling this game with Greg “Jacko” Lyons via www.phoenixradio.com.au

SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES v WYNNUM MANLY SEAGULLS
Davies Park on Sunday, April 6 - 2pm* (Live on Channel 9)
Referee: Tim Rutherford
Head to Head: Wynnum 23 Souths Logan 10 Drawn 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #SLMvWYN

Any match that pits two talented brothers against each other is always worth the price of admission. For the first time, Ben Cronin will go up against his younger brother Mitch. The siblings previously played together at Souths Logan, but Ben has since switched back to Wynnum Manly and is playing some great footy. Mitch has also made a move, linking with the Canberra Raiders to pursue his NRL dream. But the young hooker is back with the Magpies for the time being following the re-establishment of their secondary affiliation. In milestone news, Wynnum Manly hooker Jake Granville plays his 100th match for the Seagulls and winger Peter Gubb his 50th. Wynnum Manly have won their past four matches against Souths Logan, but the Magpies might just be slight favourites here due to the home ground advantage. The Seagulls produced their best performance of the season last week, belting Burleigh 46-6 at BMD Kougari Oval. Bronco David Stagg is poised to turn out for his second game for the Seagulls after being a late addition to the Wynnum team last week.

‘Dobbo’ says: Josh Hannay needs to take my advice and bring the “Love Rat” into the top grade. Souths made light work of the Capras but face a big battle against Wynnum. Maybe I got the Jake Granville hair thing wrong last weekend. There is always a first! Rack and stack another scalp to be had for Wynnum. Wynnum Manly Seagulls by 16.

[DIEHARD]

Rd 9 Intrust preview

Thu 24th April, 04:52PM A A
ISC2_Hero_620x350px
BURLEIGH BEARS v PNG HUNTERS
Pizzey Park on Friday, April 25 – 3.30pm
Referee: Chris Anderson
Head to Head: First game
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #BEARSvPNG
Live stream: http://www.qrl.com.au/interactive/live-stream.html

The Burleigh Bears were humbled last weekend in their 48-20 loss to Easts Tigers and will be keen to put on a much-improved show against the crowd-pleasing Hunters tomorrow. Their defence was unable to shut down the attacking prowess of noted point-scoring weapons Cody Walker and Donald Malone. Against a similarly talented and unpredictable PNG Hunters line-up this weekend, coach Carl Briggs will be counting on his experienced players like Matt Keating, Matt Bell and returning skipper Darren Griffiths to step up. His return is one of a number of changes this week, with the 20-man squad including new faces Kailem Perkins, Dane Clark and Zac Mackay. Mark Ioane’s strong performances in this competition have earned him a call-up to the Titans team, while Siuatonga Likiliki has dropped to the extended bench. Louis Fanene is also out with a calf injury. For the Hunters, coach Michael Marum had originally named an unchanged team from the one that defeated the Sunshine Coast last Sunday – but he will have to replace forward Timothy Lomai who has accepted a two-match ban for a dangerous throw.

Ben ‘Dobbo’ Dobbin (Triple M) says: The Hunters have shown everybody they are here to play. Last week they ground out a solid win against a resilient Sunny Coast team. Burleigh were two points short of a half century being put on them last week and if they don’t muscle up in defence, this could be a massacre. No love for Burleigh this week! PNG Hunters by 18.

CQ CAPRAS v MACKAY CUTTERS
Browne Park on Friday, April 25 - 4pm
Referee: Tyson Brough
Head to Head: Mackay 8 Central 4
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #CQCvMC
Live stream: http://www.capras.com.au/season-2014/live/

Understandably, the Capras have named an unchanged side for tomorrow’s ANZAC Day match against the Cutters; with coach Jason Hetherington justifiably pleased with the performance of his players in their upset 26-18 win over the Wynnum Manly Seagulls last Thursday night. However, the Capras have hinted on social media that experienced five-eighth Brent Crisp could make a comeback from an ankle injury. The Capras claimed their first win of the season in the game at Gladstone’s Marley Brown Oval. The CQ side have historically enjoyed the Good Friday eve matches, having won three in a row. Mackay too put their best foot forward last weekend in their 22-12 win over the Dolphins, giving them their second win for the year. For the visitors, Liam Taylor returns to the backline for this match, while Josh Benjamin has also been included at centre, with Chris Ulugia and Justin Tavae not named. Forward Jason Schirnack has been named at lock and will hope for a good outcome from the QRL Judiciary tonight as he seeks to downgrade his Reckless High Tackle charge. The Cutters have won the past seven games played between the two sides; with Central’s last win coming at Browne Park in March, 2010.

‘Dobbo’ says: The Capras have the whole of the competition talking after their demolition job on Wynnum. Funny that the minute Jake “The Hair Bear” Granville does not play, Wynnum goes to the pack! Mackay as predicted stayed away from the Easter eggs and did the job on Redcliffe. The Capras are on a roll and are starting to play for each other. Central Queensland Capras by 6.

WYNNUM MANLY SEAGULLS v NORTHS DEVILS
BMD Kougari Oval on Friday, April 25 - 4pm
Referee: Jarrod Cole
Head to Head: Wynnum 17 Norths 17 Drawn 2
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #WYNvDEVILS

Brisbane Bronco Jordan Kahu has been named to make his long-awaited return from a knee injury when he turns out at centre for the Seagulls against Norths tomorrow. Other changes for Wynnum Manly will see fellow Bronco David Stagg back in the side in the back-row, with Mitchell Krause and Saia Makisi the players to make way. The Seagulls are coming off a surprise loss against the Capras and will look to bounce back against a Devils side who also went down in their round 8 match. Norths weren’t given a chance to assert any dominance against the Magpies last round, and will be keen to start this game a lot better. Sam Foster returns at halfback, but the side will be without forward Francis Molo who has been suspended for one match for a shoulder charge. Zach Koitka will play FOGS Cup, while Todd Lowrie is on an extended bench for the Broncos. Despite the head-to-head results being even - Wynnum have won the past six games straight between the sides, with the Devils last recording a win at Kougari Oval in June, 2009. Adding to the task facing the Devils, Wynnum have not lost at home this year and will be keen to maintain that record.

‘Dobbo’ says: What a game this will be. Rivals on and off the field, both suffered big losses in round 8 and have done some soul searching this week. Norths are a premiership force, so look for them to get back on track this week and give Wynnum a big pain in the guts. Norths Devils by 12.

NORTHERN PRIDE v SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES
Barlow Park on Saturday, April 26 – 5.30pm
Referee: Robert Gallacher
Head to Head: Pride 11 Souths Logan 4
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PRIDEvSLM

The Souths Logan Magpies will step into a potential firestorm on Saturday when they venture north to play the Pride at Barlow Park. After surrendering an 18 point first-half lead against Ipswich last week, the Pride will be eager to strike back immediately on home soil in this intriguing round 9 match. It looms as a tough assignment for the Magpies, but it’s one they are well equipped to handle after outplaying the ladder-leading Norths Devils last weekend. Much to coach Josh Hannay’s delight, the Magpies never took their foot off the Devils’ throat in the 26-10 victory. Pride coach Jason Demetriou has recalled exciting Mount Isa youngster Jordan Biondi-Ono who will get the chance to impress from fullback. Javid Bowen shifts from fullback to the wing and there may yet be further changes with speculation that Kyle Feldt could return to the Pride line-up from the North Queensland Cowboys. On the numbers front, this will be the Pride’s 150th Cup game – they have won 97, drawn three and lost 49.

‘Dobbo’ says: The Pride will still be hurting from their loss to the mighty Ipswich Jets (I did predict this). On the other side, the Magpies are starting to play some good football. Interestingly, the Love Rat sent his highlights package around on Easter Monday to the coach and all his fans – ME! This should be a great game. Cameron King to shine. Northern Pride by 10.

TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS v EASTS TIGERS
Piggabeen Sports on Sunday, April 27 - 2pm
Referee: Nick Morel
Head to Head: Tweed 13 Easts 10
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #THSvTIGES

The attacking brilliance of Easts up against the determination and resilience of the Seagulls. What a contest this will be. The Tigers were at their lethal best last weekend, springing 48 points on the Burleigh Bears in their 10 tries to four victory. Easts five-eighth Cody Walker ran in four tries, while fullback Eddie Tautali and Donald Malone posted doubles as the Tigers put on a show for their home fans. But Walker and his teammates are unlikely to be given the same latitude in Sunday’s clash at Tweed’s Piggabeen fortress. The last three games between Sunday’s opponents have been decided by a converted try or less. The Tweed have won six of the past seven games between these sides, with the Tigers’ last win at Piggabeen coming in 2006. Somewhat surprisingly though, Tweed have lost their last four matches at Piggabeen. Another loss could hurt a Seagulls team which is already four competition points adrift of fifth-placed Wynnum Manly.

‘Dobbo’ says: The Tigers thought they were on the cricket field last week with their attacking brilliance ticking the scoreboard over. Can they back it up this week against the Tweed? ‘Bloody oath’ in the words of their No. 1 ticket holder Peter Psaltis, who claims the Tigers are the best league team in Australia. That alone will get them across the line. Easts Tigers by 20.

REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS v IPSWICH JETS
Dolphin Oval on Sunday, April 27 - 2pm* (Live on Channel 9)
Referee: Michael Gordon
Head to Head: Redcliffe 25 Ipswich 12
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PHINSvJETS

With key forwards Jon Green, Jake Marketo and James Ackerman unavailable due to injury, Redcliffe will field another youthful team this weekend in their clash against the Ipswich Jets. The Dolphins were kept quiet by the Mackay Cutters last Saturday, but will look to break the shackles in front of their home fans on Sunday. Troy Lindsay’s Redcliffe team produced their best performance of the season in their last Dolphin Oval appearance, a 34-6 thumping of Souths Logan. Young gun Tyson Cleal and David Hala will power the Dolphins’ front row, with Martin Cordwell dropping back to the bench. Ipswich has named hooker Troy O’Sullivan to return from injury after missing last week’s stunning comeback win against the Northern Pride. Ipswich was blown off the park in the first half, trailing 18-0 at one stage before coming back to clinch an impressive 24-18 victory. Ipswich centre Brendon Marshall crossed for two tries in his 136 match, passing Brendon Lindsay as the club’s second most capped player behind Danny Coburn (258).

‘Dobbo’ says: Despite comments that the Jets are not the real deal, they continue to turn up every week. At 18-0 down last week, many wrote them off. Well everybody did except their coaches and the team themselves. Sam Martin was outstanding and is killing it. This should be a good game of footy. Ipswich Jets by 8 in a tough one.

http://www.qrl.com.au/

[DIEHARD]

Rd 11 Queensland Cup preview

PNG HUNTERS v WYNNUM MANLY SEAGULLS
Kalabond Oval, Kokopo on Saturday, May 10 – 2.30pm
Referee: Peter Gough
Head to Head: First game
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PNGvWYN

Wynnum Manly warhorse Tim Natusch will step out for his 100th match for the Seagulls in Saturday’s round 11 clash in Papua New Guinea. Never one to take a backward step, the feisty forward and Seagulls skipper will need to lead from example against a refreshed Hunters outfit. The Hunters, who had last week off with the bye, have won three of their four home games this year. Wynnum’s form on the road has been below par, with only one win to show from four away matches. But the Seagulls have momentum behind them after consecutive wins over the Norths Devils and Redcliffe Dolphins. The contest in the middle promises to be spectacular, even with both teams missing some key personnel. Seagulls’ hooker Jake Granville is named on an extended Broncos bench, while the Hunters go into the match without key forwards Gonzela Urakusie, David Loko and Timothy Lomai. Urakusie and Loko were not considered for selection due to disciplinary reasons, while Lomai is serving the final week of a two-match suspension for a dangerous throw. Their absence opens the door for the hard-running Willie Minoga to get his second game in the starting line-up.

Ben ‘Dobbo’ Dobbin (Triple M) says: Wynnum are like a bottle of red wine; they just keep getting better. However, playing the Hunters in PNG is a completely different story. With the week off and playing at home, Wynnum could be in trouble, especially with Jake Granville up in Townsville with the Broncos. This will be a fantastic game. Hunters by 4.

IPSWICH JETS v CQ CAPRAS
North Ipswich Reserve on Saturday, May 10 - 5pm
Referee: Jarrod Cole
Head to Head: Ipswich 21 Central 11 Drawn 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #JETSvCQC
Live call: www.phoenixradio.com.au

All eyes will be on Ben Hannant's return to the Intrust Super Cup. Having missed selection with the Brisbane Broncos this week, Hannant will play for the Jets in his first Cup game since July, 2006, when he turned out for the Toowoomba Clydesdales. Hannant is no stranger to the green and white colours, having played for the club in a pre-season trial earlier this year. But there is a lot more at stake this time around, with the former Maroons prop hoping to push his claims for an NRL return with a big performance. Saturday night’s game is set to be fiercely competitive as well. The Capras appear to be a team on the rise and head into this match with their tails up after a 36-0 win over the Sunshine Coast last week. Ipswich is also riding high on the back of five-straight wins, but there is a school of thought that the home team could be ripe for the picking here. Central will have to overcome a horror away record if they are to upset the second-placed Jets, whose last loss against the Capras at the North Ipswich Reserve was in 2006. One Capras player worth following closely in the gifted Marlon Doak. An electric runner of the ball, Doak last weekend became just the third Capras player to score four tries in a single match.

‘Dobbo’ says: Jason Hetherington and his men are quietly confident they have the wood on the Jets; but that was before they saw Ben Hannant was bound for the Ipswich front row! All were surprised by his Broncos omission; but one team’s loss is another’s gain. Plenty to like about the Capras, but in front of an Ipswich home crowd on Ladies Day raising money for Kim Walters Choices – no chance! Jets by 16.

MACKAY CUTTERS v SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS
Stadium Mackay on Saturday, May 10 - 6pm
Referee: Robert Gallacher
Head to Head: Mackay 9 Sunshine Coast 2
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #MCvSCF

It’s not often a coach is happy after a defeat, but Mackay’s Kim Williams managed a smile after his side went down fighting to the Pride last weekend. “If they are the best team in the competition at the moment, we are not too far off the pace,” he told a visiting QRL official following their 22-18 loss. Smiles may be hard to find for the Falcons however, who have now lost a record equalling 28 matches in succession after going down 36-0 to an impressive CQ Capras. Once again, a good effort was not enough to provide a spark for the Sunshine Coast, who are yet to find the finishing polish of the other teams. In team news – Niko Mataia comes into the centres for the Cutters with Doug Hewitt moving to the bench. For the Falcons, Mboya Adams has been named as starting prop in place of Melbourne Storm Under 20 Shae Ah Fook, with Rowan Klein also not named. Brad Reed comes onto the bench. Sunshine Coast back rower Jacob Samoa has received plenty of praise from his coach for his efforts so far this season and on Saturday, he will run out for his 50th Cup game (having previously played for Norths).

‘Dobbo’ says: Mackay will still be upset after being beaten by “Big Brother” Pride last weekend and will be ready to take it out on the Sunshine Coast. Ivan Henjak is doing a mighty job, along with the players who turn up every week and compete. Maybe the pizza shop owner in Mooloolaba who shouts Queenslander should come out of retirement and show the boys some passion – or maybe just shout them free pizza. Mackay by 20.

TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS v NORTHERN PRIDE
Piggabeen Sports on Sunday, May 11 – 2pm* (Live on Channel 9)
Referee: Chris Anderson
Head to Head: Tweed 7 Pride 6
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #THSvPRIDE

Quite suddenly, the Tweed Heads Seagulls are now well within reach of a top five spot on the Intrust Super Cup ladder. Their 28-0 XXXX Rivalry Round win over Burleigh last weekend was their biggest ever result over the Bears and saw them surge up the ladder from 10th to 6th position. This weekend, they face an impressive Northern Pride outfit who withstood a late Cutters charge to win 22-18 – proving they know how to hang on in tough situations. In team news, Cameron King will make his debut for the Cowboys, meaning Jack Svendsen and Ryan Ghietti will return to the Pride line-up, with Ethan Lowe not named in either team. While Tweed coach Aaron Zimmerle would love to field an unchanged 17 from last weekend – the Titans have called upon Matt Srama, with Cody Nelson also named as 18th man. Halfback Beau Henry has also taken an early guilty plea for a Detrimental Conduct charge and will sit out the weekend’s game. While the head-to-head statistics for these two sides are close – the Seagulls have a strong home record, with the visiting Pride only managing the one win in five away games, with two of those games having been played at Piggabeen.

‘Dobbo’ says: Tweed will do a job on the comp leaders Pride. The loss of Cameron King to the Cowboys will see them lose starch in the middle. Tom Merritt scored three meat pies last weekend and has been outstanding for Tweed. It’s the Channel 9 game and one to not miss. Will we see another polished performance from fill-in sideline eye Frank “I have more product in my hair than Miranda Kerr” Barrett. Only time will tell. Upset on the way, Tweed by 10.

EASTS TIGERS v SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES
Langlands Park on Sunday, May 11 - 2pm
Referee: Tim Rutherford
Head to Head: Easts 24 Souths Logan 11
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #TIGESvSLM

Fan favourite Donald Malone has been named on the wing again this weekend in what will be his 150th Cup game (having previously also played for Toowoomba, Ipswich and Mackay). He will be joined in the backline by Melbourne Storm-contracted Cameron Munster who will make his Easts Tigers debut at fullback. Munster – who played in Queensland’s Under 20 Origin loss to NSW last weekend – is no stranger to the competition, having won the 2013 Rookie of the Year award playing with the CQ Capras. He comes in for Eddie Tautali, while the rest of the team line-up will remain the same. For Souths Logan, Josh Papalii returns to the Raiders with Shane Duck slotting in to the back row. Both sides are coming off close losses – with Easts hoping to gain more reward on the scoreboard after crossing the line more times than Norths, but having two tries disallowed. Souths however did not take advantage of their chances in their first half against the Jets – with the Ipswich side running over the top of them in the second half. The Tigers have a strong 24-11 record against the Magpies and have also won the past four matches played between the two sides.

‘Dobbo’ says: Coach Trigger is still curled up in a ball after last week’s loss to Norths along with their No. 1 ticket holder Salty. Souths don’t have Josh Papalii this week and will struggle to try and beat the wrath of the East Tigers. The Tigers will be way too strong for Souths this week. Tigers by 16.

REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS v NORTHS DEVILS
Dolphin Oval on Sunday, May 11 - 2pm
Referee: Clayton Sharpe
Head to Head: Redcliffe 24 Norths 11 Drawn 2
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PHINSvDEVILS

In a weekend full of interesting match-ups; Redcliffe will play host to one of the more traditional ones when the Devils head to Dolphin Oval on Sunday. Redcliffe went down in a tight match against Wynnum Manly last weekend, while Norths played in an even closer game; but were able to come out with a win. While they had some luck, their defence was again their strength, and overall it is second only to the Pride this year. While Dolphins coach Troy Lindsay named David Hala as a starting prop, the Broncos have called on his services, while fullback Paul Byrnes has been selected for the Brisbane Under 20 side. Backrower Jake Marketo will have a long stint on the sidelines after accepting an early guilty plea for a Grade 3 shoulder charge. For Norths, Broncos young gun Kodi Nikorima is set to play for the club, while Todd Lowrie may yet re-join the team having been named in 18 for the NRL side. Redcliffe enjoy the upper hand in the head-to-head stakes – but in recent times their home record has not been as strong. The Dolphins have only a 50% home record since the start of 2013 (overall it is 72%).

‘Dobbo’ says: Redcliffe really need to find some form and were beaten by their arch rivals Wynnum last week. This week will prove just as tough when they take on the might of the Devils. Cameron Cullen has been one of the shining lights for Redcliffe, but Gibbo and the Norths forward pack just keep on getting better and better. Todd Lowrie will play for Norths and they are loving his leadership. Norths by 12.

Burleigh Bears – bye

http://www.qrl.com.au/news/2014/05/0...p_preview.html

[DIEHARD]

Rd 13 Intrust Super Cup preview

SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS v EASTS TIGERS
Stockland Stadium on Saturday, May 24 - 4pm
Referee: Tim Rutherford
Head to Head: Easts 7 Sunshine Coast 3
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #SCFvTIGES
Live stream: http://tigertv.net/

Two of the Sunshine Coast’s more consistent performers will reach key milestones this weekend, fittingly in front of their home crowd. Brenton Stonier is set to play in his 50th game for the Sunshine Coast and his 73rd overall, having played for both Norths and Souths Logan in the past. Rowan Klein has been named in the centres for his 66th match for the club – equalling the record held by Jon Muir. The Falcons will need to be on their game this Saturday, as they are hosting an Easts side who are hitting good form. The Tigers have won the past seven games between the sides and will be looking for their third win on the trot a Stockland Stadium. Coach Craig Ingebrigtsen has named an unchanged side from the one that defeated Ipswich last weekend, while Falcons coach Glen Dreger has also avoided making too many changes to his personnel, with Joe Meninga and Brad Reed the two new faces this weekend. Travis Long and Nathan Young have not been named. He has however made some positional switches from last week’s named side, with Callum Klein moving from fullback to the halves and Jay Lobwein returning to the hooking role he occupied earlier in the season.

Ben ‘Dobbo’ Dobbin (Triple M) says: If you want to stop the Tigers, you have to stop this guy first – MITCHELL GARBUTT. Wow, this kid can play. He wears the number 20, but don’t be deceived. He destroyed the Jets last week and won the Tigers the game on the back of solid runs and fantastic defence. Easts Tigers by 20.

NORTHERN PRIDE v WYNNUM MANLY SEAGULLS
Barlow Park on Saturday, May 24 – 5.30pm
Referee: Peter Gough
Head to Head: Pride 7 Wynnum 7
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PRIDEvWYN
Live broadcast: via Pride Live Tab https://www.facebook.com/northernpriderugbyleague &http://www.spreaker.com/user/wynnumseagulls2014

Pride co-captain Jason Roos will be a bit more relaxed heading out to the field this weekend after he and his wife welcomed a daughter into the family last Sunday morning. Following the Pride’s win over Burleigh last weekend, Roos walked straight from the field to the hospital and was there in time to be present for the birth with a few hours to spare. This match will be a big one for his co-skipper Brett Anderson who will play in the 100th Cup game for the Pride and his 114th overall, having previously played for North Queensland. Forward Blake Leary will play in his 50th Cup match, all for Pride. The two clubs cannot be separated in the head-to-head stakes, and Wynnum are one of the few clubs to enjoy success at Barlow Park. While the Pride have won three of the past four games against Wynnum, the Seagulls won the last game at the ground last year and are the only team to have beaten the Pride three times at Barlow. With Joel Riethmuller and Ricky Thorby called up to the Cowboys, Brent Oosen and Jack Svendsen come on to the bench. For Wynnum, Jeriah Goodrich comes in for Daniel Ogden.

‘Dobbo’ says: Wynnum makes the long trip to Cairns to take on premiership heavyweights the Northern Pride. Shaun Nona has been kicking them from everywhere and really steering his side around well. Wynnum had the bye last week and will be fresh after their trip to PNG. No Jake Granville or David Stagg makes the job a little tougher. Northern Pride by 10.

CQ CAPRAS v PNG HUNTERS
Marley Brown Oval on Saturday, May 24 - 7pm
Referee: Chris Anderson
Head to Head: PNG 1 Central 0
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #CQCvPNG
Live stream: http://www.qrl.com.au/interactive/live-stream.html

Tickets are selling well in Gladstone for the Capras match against the PNG Hunters this weekend. The Capras have a good record at Marley Brown Oval and will be out to make amends for their last game against the Hunters, a 46-14 loss back in round 3. With coach Jason Hetherington on Origin duty, assistant coach Damien Seibold will take the reins this weekend. Both teams are coming off losses, with the CQ side going down to an in-form Tweed side, while PNG paid for a sluggish start against the Devils. Coach Michael Marum has made two changes to his side, with Thompson Teteh and Sebastian Pandia not named. Teteh has a badly corked thigh, while Pandia has been stood down. Skipper Israel Eliab returns to the side after recovering from measles, while David Loko has also been named to make his return. For the Capras, Smith Samau comes into the centres for Brent Williams. Back row forward Guy Williams played his 150th game last weekend, and this weekend he will pass Heath Egglestone to become the most capped Capra of all time. Speedy back Hughie Stanley will play in his 50th Cup, having previously played for the Sunshine Coast and Easts.

‘Dobbo’ says: Great to this game being played in Gladstone – rugby league heartland. It will be a lot closer than what a lot of people think. The Capras and the Hunters are both teams on the rise and I will be very interested to see who comes up with the result. CQ Capras by 2.

* The PNG Hunters will feature on Channel 9s Sunday Footy Show this weekend. Reporter Bill Baxter and cameraman Paul Boersma travelled to Kokopo for PNG’s recent clash against Wynnum Manly Seagulls. They went behind the scenes with the Hunters camp and explored PNG’s cultural diversity. “It was really special to get up there … you have this elusive, unknown paradise so close to us,” Baxter said.

Sunday Footy Show (May 25). 11.30am to 1.30pm.

MACKAY CUTTERS v IPSWICH JETS
Stadium Mackay on Sunday, May 25 – 2pm* (Live on Channel 9)
Referee: Michael Gordon
Head to Head: Ipswich 8 Mackay 5
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #MCvJETS

The Channel 9 cameras head north for the first time this season and the first stop is the home ground of defending Intrust Super Cup premiers the Mackay Cutters. There will be plenty of excitement around the ground in the lead up to kick off, with the final of the State Under 18 Championships to be played before the main game. Cutters officials have planned a bumper day of entertainment as well. But all eyes will be on the 2pm clash between the Cutters and the Jets. The visiting Ipswich team’s six match-winning streak came to a halt last weekend against a committed Easts Tigers outfit. The Tigers forced the Jets into a number of uncharacteristic mistakes on their way to a 22-12 victory. Dangerous Ipswich centre Nemani Valekapa has been named to return from injury, while Bronco Martin Kennedy is expected to play his second match for the Jets. The may yet be changes to the Cutters line-up with three regulars – Anthony Mitchell, Sam Hoare and John Asiata – named on an extended Cowboys bench for their NRL clash with the Raiders. Mackay have won three of their past four home games, including wins over Redcliffe and Wynnum Manly.

‘Dobbo’ says: Ipswich’s loss last week was very out of character and the Walker brothers have given the Jets a really solid week of training. I always love a player on the rise and 18-year-old Carlin Anderson is young winger to watch. Another big Channel 9 game – but sorry ladies, sideline eye Frank Barrett won’t be there. Ipswich Jets by 12.

TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS v SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES
Piggabeen Sports on Sunday, May 25 - 2pm
Referee: Alan Shortall
Head to Head: Tweed 13 Souths Logan 11
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #THSvSLM

Two clubs who proudly wear the black and white cross paths in what could possibly be the game of the round. The NRL talent on display throughout both line ups adds to the appeal, although it could very well be the captains who hold the key. Matt King (Tweed) and Phil Dennis (Souths Logan) will provide the stability for their respective teams. The match will be Dennis’ 150th for the Magpies, the club he starred for in their 2008 premiership year. Both sides have had an influx of new personnel in recent weeks, and this weekend the Magpies will welcome two new faces with Luke Page and Patrick Mago named in their 17. Page started the season with the Burleigh Bears, but the big prop now finds himself in Magpies colours after signing with the Canberra Raiders mid-season. Magpies junior Mago is one of nine Raiders NRL hopefuls in the Souths Logan team for the Piggabeen clash. A damaging ball runner, Mago represented the Queensland Under 20s team earlier this month alongside Souths Logan and Canberra teammates Luke Bateman and Brenko Lee.

‘Dobbo’ says: It has been brought to my attention that the last four times I have tipped against the Tweed they have won. Well this week is different. Souths showed they can play some attacking footy when they smashed Mackay last week. But the Tweed are the quite achievers kicking butt and taking big names down. Tweed Heads Seagulls by 4.

BURLEIGH BEARS v REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS
Pizzey Park on Sunday, May 25 - 3pm
Referee: Chris Butler
Head to Head: Redcliffe 20 Burleigh 18 Drawn 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #BEARSvPHINS

The biggest news out of the Intrust Super Cup this week is confirmation of Petero Civoniceva’s return with the Redcliffe Dolphins. The former Origin and Test prop has answered an SOS from Dolphins coach Troy Lindsay and will don the red and white for the first time in 2014 against the Burleigh Bears at Pizzey Park. The 38-year-old has been named on the bench for the round 13 clash against a Bears team that have won only one of their past 12 games against the Dolphins (40-30 in 2010 at Pizzey Park). However, Redcliffe have only one victory to show from four away matches this year. Sunday’s match is vitally important for both teams, who sit just outside the top five. Eighth-placed Redcliffe (13) is two points adrift of fifth spot, while the Bears are a point behind the Dolphins in 10th. After a hard fought encounter against the league-leading Northern Pride last week, new Bears coach Jim Lenihan will look to put his own stamp on the club this weekend when they turn out in front of their home fans for the first time since the coaching change.

‘Dobbo’ says: Both teams have had five wins a piece. Last weekend, Burleigh were beaten by the Pride and Redcliffe downed the Sunny Coast. Tough one to pick. Brad Tighe is in great form for Burleigh and they should beat the Dolphins at home. Burleigh Bears by 8.

http://www.qrl.com.au/

[DIEHARD]

Rd 14 Intrust Super Cup preview

PNG HUNTERS v SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES
Kalabond Oval, Kokopo on Saturday, May 31 – 2.30pm
Referee: Chris Anderson
Head to Head: First Game
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PNGvSLM

The Hunters are back home after two varied weeks on the road, and will look for another win to further consolidate their standing in the top half of the ladder. They were made to work hard for their win over the Capras last weekend – but will be a different proposition in front of their home fans at ‘the Graveyard’. Souths Logan will be looking to achieve what only one other club (Pride) has done so far – and claim a win over the Hunters at Kokopo. However, they will have to break their recent pattern regarding away games, with the Magpies having lost four of their past five games on the road. They will be without the services of skipper Phil Dennis on this trip, with Andrew Edwards taking on the captaincy for the match. Other team changes see Grant Cooke, Shane Duck, Dallas Anderson and Darcy Wright come in for Jordan Rapana, Luke Bateman (Raiders Under 20s) and Josh Damen. For the Hunters, Brandy Peter joins an extended bench, with Albert Patak named at fullback in place of Adex Wera who moves to the interchange. Magpies hooker Kurt Baptiste will play in his 50th Cup game, having also previously donned the sky blue of Norths.

Ben ‘Dobbo’ Dobbin (Triple M) says: Souths make the trip to PNG and won’t they face a hostile reception. Israel Eliab and his team are waiting after a spirited win last week against the Capras. The Magpies travel to PNG without the “Love Rat” again which can only spell trouble. But in all seriousness, Kurt Baptiste is doing a great job for the Magpies at dummy half. The Maggies are not far away but this won’t be their weekend. PNG Hunters by 12.

TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS v SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS
Piggabeen Sports on Sunday, June 1 - 2pm
Referee: Liam Kennedy
Head to Head: Tweed 8 Sunshine Coast 2
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #THSvSCF

This will be a game of milestones for players from both teams. Tweed Heads co-captain Matt King will play his 220th Cup game, passing Danny Burke (Brothers / Redcliffe) to sit in fifth place for all-time Cup appearances. Falcon Rowan Klein is set to become his club’s most capped player with 67 games, after drawing level with Jono Muir on 66 games last weekend; a number his twin Callum will reach this weekend. It will also be an important match for Sunshine Coast forward Jaz Nahu-Main (previously with Redcliffe) who will play in his 50th Cup game. On the field, the Seagulls will be looking for their sixth consecutive win – a run of victories which has piqued the interest of competition fans. This match will see the long-awaited return from injury of co-captain James Wood, while other team changes include Cody Nelson to lock, with Ryan James moving to an extended bench and Chris Piper not named. The Falcons have undergone a number of changes from the side that worked hard against the Tigers last weekend, with Joe Meninga, Paul McKewin, James Leavai and Colts players Matthew Saunima’a and David Oakes named for Suliasi Vunivalu, Francis Tualau, Brad Reed and Joey Stimson. Jay Lobwein makes up an extended bench.

‘Dobbo’ says: The Tweed are on a roll and they will want to keep their streak going to break into the top five. The Sunny Coast are really trying hard in pursuit of their first win. Tweed are the surprise packet this year and skipper Matt King has been outstanding. Should be a great game but Tweed will continue their dominance. Tweed Heads Seagulls by 20.

REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS v NORTHERN PRIDE
Dolphin Oval on Sunday, June 1 - 2pm
Referee: Brett Suttor
Head to Head: Pride 12 Redcliffe 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PHINSvPRIDE

The two ‘elder statesmen’ of the competition will face off this weekend in this intriguing match-up between the Pride and the Dolphins. The oldest player in the competition since coming out of retirement, Petero Civoniceva will face off against Pride winger Semi Tadulala – the Cup’s second oldest player. Tadulala played his first Cup game in 1998 – and this weekend will suit up for his 100th – having previously played for Townsville, Wests and Norths. Last weekend, both the Pride and the Dolphins posted contrasting wins with the Pride’s impressive first half over Wynnum proving enough to claim the two points; while Redcliffe fought back from a 16-point deficit to storm home to a 30-28 victory over Burleigh. Coach Troy Lindsay has made one change to the Redcliffe line-up, with co-captain Marty Hatfield named to return in place of Stewart Mills; while the Pride are unchanged from last weekend’s 36-24 win over the Seagulls. The Pride hold a remarkably lop-sided winning record over the Dolphins, enjoying a 12-1 head-to-head advantage – and they also won the round 3 encounter 20-12. This match will also see another milestone reached, with Redcliffe centre Aaron Whitchurch set to play in his 50th Cup game, all for the Dolphins.

‘Dobbo’ says: Wow, Petero Civoniceva v Alex Starmer title fight at Dolphin Oval. This will be a great game – second (Pride) v eighth (Dolphins). Both sides want some bragging rights here. The Pride are really going well and it’s fantastic to see Ethan Lowe, a proud Northern Pride player, killing it in the NRL for the Cowboys. But I like Redcliffe in this and it’s really important the Dolphins start well. Redcliffe Dolphins by 6.

EASTS TIGERS v MACKAY CUTTERS
Langlands Park on Sunday, June 1 – 2pm
Referee: Chris Butler
Head to Head: Easts 8 Mackay 7
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #TIGESvMC
Live stream: http://tigertv.net/

For some, it may not seem like all that long ago that the Intrust Super Cup season kicked off with the grand final re-match between the Tigers and Cutters. Twelve additional rounds have been and gone since Easts prevailed that day 40-12. In that three month period, the Cutters have struggled to recapture the spark that led them to a breakthrough title last year. Easts have yet to fully hit their stride, but they’re now starting to tick over regular wins in pursuit of a top five berth. At the halfway mark of the season and with only four wins to their name, it’s make or break time for the Mackay Cutters. Coach Kim Williams hopes the return of big forward Rohan Ahern will provide the spark against a formidable Tigers team. Easts forward Liam McDonald will chalk up his 50th match for the Tigers and his 116th overall in the Intrust Super Cup. He will start from the interchange bench along with Queensland Under 20s representative Christian Welch.

‘Dobbo’ says: The Cutters were smashed last week by the Jets at home and this weekend won’t be any easier. The Tigers are currently sitting seventh on the Intrust Super Cup table with Donald Malone kicking them from all over the park. Hymel Hunt is really starting to show his dominance. The Tigers have three straight wins and should add to the tally this weekend. Easts Tigers by 10.

BURLEIGH BEARS v NORTHS DEVILS
Pizzey Park on Sunday, June 1 – 2.10pm* (Live on Channel 9)
Referee: Peter Gough
Head to Head: Burleigh 20 Norths 17
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #BEARSvDEVILS

Burleigh’s annual Pink Day will generate added excitement and colour around Pizzey Park on Sunday when the Bears host the Norths Devils in the Channel 9 match. Burleigh players will wear special jerseys to be auctioned off following the all-important Intrust Super Cup game. For the past six years, the Bears have used the Pink Day and the accompanying Ladies Luncheon to raise more than $80,000 for cancer research. Fans who wear pink will gain free entry into the ground for what promises to be a cracking game of rugby league. Burleigh have dropped to 10th spot on the ladder and simply must win to kick-start their season, which took a hit last weekend after a tight 30-28 loss to the Redcliffe Dolphins. Norths, in contrast, are sailing along nicely under the radar and come into this game fresh from the bye. They sit in third spot on the ladder but could move to equal first if they win on Sunday and other results fall their way. The Devils have had Burleigh’s measure in recent years, winning the last four encounters. On the milestone front, Norths back-rower Chris Faust will line up for his 50th Cup match having previously played for Redcliffe and Souths Logan.

‘Dobbo’ says: Norths had the bye last weekend and Burleigh were unlucky to lose to Redcliffe. This week sees Jim Lenihan’s men take on the Devils. Norths are currently third and Burleigh 10th … it’s the Channel 9 game and everybody keeps asking … where has Frank Barrett gone? It was good to see him on the sideline at State of Origin working the media like a pro. For the record – there was plenty of product in the hair! Sam Forster from the Devils is a gun. Norths Devils by 12.

WYNNUM MANLY SEAGULLS v IPSWICH JETS
BMD Kougari Oval on Sunday, June 1 - 3pm
Referee: Adam Devcich
Head to Head: Wynnum 18 Ipswich 16 Drawn 3
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #WYNvJETS
Live Broadcast: http://www.spreaker.com/user/wynnumseagulls2014

Wynnum Manly will be out to preserve its unblemished 2014 home record this year when the in-form Ipswich Jets land at BMD Kougari Oval on Sunday. The Seagulls have won all six games in front of their parochial home fans. But given Ipswich’s sparkling form, this weekend’s round 14 match will perhaps be the Seagulls’ most challenging. The Jets were simply too fast for the Mackay Cutters last weekend on their way to a 36-12 victory in Mackay. Marmin Barba, arguably the fastest player in the competition, scored two of Ipswich’s seven tries in the convincing victory. But the young Bronco didn’t do it all the conventional way, producing a classic one-on-one steal the great Allan Langer would have been proud of to score his second try. Wynnum coach Jon Buchanan is sure to have his side well prepared to counter Ipswich’s bag of tracks. The Jets haven’t named Broncos contracted forward Martin Kennedy, but the ex-Rooster is set to line up for his third Intrust Super Cup match of the season. The Seagulls have named the same 17 that took the field in last weekend’s 36-24 loss to the Northern Pride.

‘Dobbo’ says: First v fifth and the match of the round. Martin Kennedy will play for the Jets and his form is getting stronger every week. This will be a quick game as both sides love to play an up tempo style of footy. We won’t know the Wynnum side until the Broncos’ Origin players are passed fit for Sunday’s game. Jets are back in a big way and this weekend they will keep on rolling. Ipswich Jets by 12.

Source: http://www.qrl.com.au

[DIEHARD]

Rd 17 Intrust Super Cup preview

PNG HUNTERS v EASTS TIGERS
Kalabond Oval, Kokopo on Saturday, June 21 – 2.30pm
Referee: Michael Gordon
Head to Head: PNG 0 Easts 0 Drawn 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PNGvTIGES

The last time these two sides met, the game ended in a thrilling draw – and both sides will do well to produce a similarly entertaining game this week. Both clubs are coming off losses – with the Hunters going down to the Cutters in Mackay and Easts suffering a 44-20 loss against the Northern Pride. The Tigers were on the back foot from the get-go – only getting on the scoreboard late in the game when the result was beyond doubt. The Hunters too were below their best form – although early injuries also made it difficult for them to lift against a Mackay side who were playing for their season. In team changes, the PNG Hunters will see Dion Aiye on the bench with Sebastian Pandia not named. The Tigers haven’t had the best preparation for such an important match, with uncertainty surrounding their final 17 due to the unavailability of their Melbourne Storm players, including Cameron Munster and Hymel Hunt. Both players were named but it is understood the talented pair will now stay behind in Melbourne.

Ben ‘Dobbo’ Dobbin (Triple M) says: This is an important game for the Tigers if they want to force their way back into the top five. Beaten last weekend by the Pride at home, this is a make or break road trip for the Tigers in PNG. Easts to win in an upset by 6.

NORTHERN PRIDE v CQ CAPRAS
Barlow Park on Saturday, June 21 – 5.30pm
Referee: Nick Morel
Head to Head: Pride 9 Central 5
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PRIDEvCQC

A spirited second-half comeback by the Capras was not enough to overcome Souths Logan in Gladstone last weekend; and they will need to summon all of that spirit again as they take on one of the toughest tasks in the competition – the Northern Pride in Cairns. There have been five changes made to their line-up, with injury – and the retirement of playmaker Brent Crisp – seeing a major reshuffle. John Clayton replaces an injured Mitch Zornig, with skipper Gavin Hiscox to join him in the back row. Liam Pickersgill (medial ligament), Arlin Paki and Ha’ofanga Rabakewa are the other omissions, with Sam Madden, Tyson White and Tom McKenzie the new faces. Already highly regarded, the Pride went to another level last weekend with their comprehensive 44-20 win over the in-form Easts Tigers. This week, XXXX man of the match Robert Lui has been called up to the Cowboys bench, with Ricky Thorby not named, with Ryan Ghietti and Semi Tadulala to re-join the team. Five-eighth Shaun Nona booted six goals in last week’s win, and now requires two goals to bring up 100 in the Cup.

‘Dobbo’ says: The Pride’s first 60 minutes last week was close to perfect rugby league. Jason Demetriou would not have been happy with the late tries that the Tigers scored but the Pride are clear cut favourites for this year’s Intrust Super Cup. CQ are always tough but the competition leaders should make light work of it all. Northern Pride by 16.

SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS v WYNNUM MANLY SEAGULLS
Stockland Stadium on Saturday, June 21 - 6pm
Referee: Robert Gallacher
Head to Head: Wynnum 9 Sunshine Coast 2
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #SCFvWYN
Preview from 4pm: http://www.spreaker.com/show/intrust...up-inquisition
Call: http://www.spreaker.com/user/wynnumseagulls2014

Despite contrasting results last weekend; both sides will field unchanged line-ups for this Saturday night match-up. After producing a stirring performance in round 15 to go within one point of producing the upset of the year; last week the Falcons were unable to contain the point-scoring prowess of the Burleigh Bears, going down 60-6. The Seagulls however went on a scoring binge of their own against the Devils, and their 52-12 win was the first time Wynnum have scored in excess of 50 points away from home in more than 10 years. Matt Seamark kicked eight goals in the victory and now only needs six more points to bring up 100 for the season. When he does, it will be his sixth season in succession where he has scored 100 points or more. The last time the teams met – the Seagulls were too good for the Sunshine Coast posting a 36-0 win, but the Falcons can be expected to put up a big fight at home. Falcons lock Tom Murphy will play in his 50th Cup game, having played with Redcliffe in the past.

‘Dobbo’ says: Sunny Coast are not on their own at getting beaten by large scores this season. Almost every team has had a turn. Wynnum will look to do a job on the Sunny Coast and cement a top five spot. Jordan Kahu’s form is slowly improving and he is knocking on the door of selection at NRL level again. Wynnum Manly Seagulls by 12.

TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS v BURLEIGH BEARS
Piggabeen Sports on Sunday, June 22 – 2pm
Referee: Clayton Sharpe
Head to Head: Tweed 12 Burleigh 11
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #THSvBEARS

A team on an eight-game winning streak in Tweed Heads will come face-to-face with a team in Burleigh that has scored 134 points in their past three wins. Add into the mix the fact it is a local derby – and you have all the ingredients for a classic. However, much was also expected of their XXXX Rivalry Round match earlier this year – but that time, the Seagulls were dominant, posting a 28-0 win. Given the good form the Bears have found in recent weeks; it’s unlikely this will be repeated. Burleigh have made one change to the side that undid the Sunshine Coast 60-6 (a score that included a club record six-try haul to fullback Henare Wells) last weekend, with Dimitri Pelo in to the centres for Jamie Anderson. Matt Beddow came off with a leg injury early in last week’s game, but has been named at hooker. For the Seagulls, their one change sees Chris Piper in for Ryan James. Fittingly for a derby, the head-to-head record is quite even, however, Tweed have won six of the past seven games between these two sides.

‘Dobbo’ says: Match of the round for me. Tweed were a touch lucky to win against the Jets while Burleigh ran up a cricket score. Battle of the south coast and sure to be as good as it gets. The Tweed have been the surprise packet of the year while the Bears have made a climb up the ladder under “Disco” Jimmy Lenihan. There are huge raps on the Burleigh five-eighth Conner Toia who has put plenty of structure and shape into the backline. Burleigh Bears by 16.

SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES v REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS* (Live on Channel 9/WIN/NBN)
Davies Park on Sunday, June 22 - 2pm
Referee: Chris Anderson
Head to Head: Redcliffe 27 Souths-Logan 8 Drawn 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #SLMvPHINS

Souths Logan return home after three weeks away (plus a bye) to host a team they have traditionally struggled against, the Dolphins. The Magpies held on last weekend to snap a two-game losing streak with a 30-22 win over the Capras; and will be looking to halt a six-game losing record against Redcliffe. In their last game, the Dolphins were on track to become the second team to record a win over PNG in Kokopo, only to be thwarted by a remarkable comeback. Rested from the bye, they have a number of players returning this weekend, with co-captain Marty Hatfield in at centre for Nick Ritter, and Jake Marketo to return following a lengthy suspension. In developing news, Petero Civoniceva is poised to come into the forwards for Bronco Dave Hala. Caleb Hoffmann will come in at lock, with Joe Bradley and James Ackerman the players to be omitted. The Magpies have made two changes, with Sam Mataora returning via the bench in place of Zac Lemberg, while Darcy Wright will start. Shane Duck drops to an extended bench.

‘Dobbo’ says: A cracking Channel 9 game featuring the battle of the first year coaches. Both sides have had up and down seasons and are really looking to find some consistent form. The “Love Rat” has retired after pulling a heart muscle so Souths are a real chance. Redcliffe on the road are a chance. Souths Logan Magpies by 4.

NORTHS DEVILS v IPSWICH JETS
Bishop Park on Sunday, June 22 - 3pm
Referee: Adam Devcich
Head to Head: Norths 23 Ipswich 11 Drawn 2
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #DEVILSvJETS
Livestream: Tiger TV (Yes that is right, Tiger TV will call this match while their boys are in PNG!)
Audio: TigerOnAir

The top of the Intrust Super Cup ladder is a congested place – and recent losses have seen Norths drop out of the top five and Ipswich clinging to fifth. Both have lost three games in a row – and in the past two weeks – both teams (Ipswich in round 15 and Norths in round 16) have also conceded 50 points. This match will be viewed as a good opportunity to reclaim their impressive early season form. In a boost for the Jets, skipper Keiron Lander has been named at lock, while Josh Seage has also been included to start. Last week’s debutant Ben White and Billy McConnachie will both make way if everyone is fit. For the Devils, Sam Foster will start at halfback in the place of youngster Kalolo Saitaua, with BJ Munns in for Kainga Turner. Dean Sheppard comes onto the bench. While Norths are undefeated in the previous five games between these two sides (four wins and a draw) – they have not enjoyed their time at home so much this season, and have lost three of their past four games at Bishop Park.

‘Dobbo’ says: Nothing more to say other than Ipswich Jets by 6.

http://www.qrl.com.au/

[TITAN PETE]

Intrust Super Cup Round 21 results
By Matt Harris, Queensland Correspodnent
NRL.com
2:30pm Mon 28th July, 2014



The race for the Intrust Super Cup top five is now down to nine teams after Norths Devils bowed out of the finals race by going down 31-24 against Souths Logan Mapgies at Davies Park on Sunday.

With the cut-off for a finals position currently occupied by the Ipswich Jets on 28 points, Sunday's seven-point loss against the Magpies means the 10th-placed Devils, who are on 18 points, can start planning for their end of season trip. Defending premiers Mackay Cutters and the PNG Hunters also recorded comfortable victories to keep their finals hopes alive while Tweed Heads, Northern Pride and Ipswich were also winners in Round 21.

PNG all but ended the season of ninth-placed Burleigh after they thrashed the Bears 56-12 at Kalabond Oval with try-scoring sensation Garry Lo, Adam Korave and Willie Minoga all crossing for doubles. Burleigh currently sit on 21 points and will receive an automatic two points for a bye this weekend meaning they can still make the finals, but would be required to win their remaining four games in order to do so.

The Hunters (sixth on 25 points) are still three points behind a finals berth but are better positioned than Souths Logan (seventh, 22 points) and the Mackay Cutters (eighth, 22 points). Redcliffe Dolphins, CQ Capras and Sunshine Coast Falcons are the now only playing for pride.

In the race for the minor premiership the Northern Pride have kept their five-point lead on top of the ladder intact with a 28-20 win over Wynnum Manly, Ipswich beat Easts 22-18, Mackay accounted for Redcliffe 30-20 and Tweed Heads defeated Central 35-24. Tweed's win sees them move into second place on the ladder with 31 points and sets up a tantalising clash with the Pride on Sunday in Cairns which will be played as the curtain-raiser to the NRL clash between the Rabbitohs and Knights.

Easts Tigers have now dropped to third on 29 points with Wynnum Manly and Ipswich rounding out the top five and each with a bye still in hand.

With the top five beginning to solidify, PNG can keep the pressure on the Seagulls and Jets if they can overcome the Devils at home in the kick-off to Round 22 action. The other Saturday afternoon games see Ipswich Jets host Mackay Cutters and the Sunshine Coast Falcons heading to Gladstone to take on the CQ Capras.

Sunday's matches see the Northern Pride at home to Tweed Heads Seagulls while the remaining two games are Brisbane-based fixtures, with Redcliffe Dolphins and Wynnum Manly battling out for peninsula pride and Souths playing host to Easts Tigers.