Dolphins Snatch Late Draw

REDCLIFFE forward Ben Jones concedes the Dolphins were fortunate to come away with a share of the competition points in yesterday’s round 18 clash against the Norths Devils.

The physical Dolphin Oval clash finished in a controversial 12-12 draw after Redcliffe was awarded a penalty in the 79th minute.

The frustrated Norths camp could only watch on as Redcliffe’s Paul Ivan calmly slotted the penalty kick to deny the Devils their 14th win of the season.

The visiting team’s protests grew louder in the dying seconds of the game when Shane Perry re-started play for the final time with a short kick that the Dolphins appeared to fumble.

Norths players screamed for an off-side penalty but referee Michael Wise had a good view of the incident and calmly called full-time after the tackle.

Speaking to the ABC after the game, Jones said he was satisfied with the referee’s ruling but was relieved to take home a draw.

“It was a tough game,” Jones said.

“We probably were lucky to get away with a draw in the end.”

However, Jones declared the Dolphins were “on the up” after battling through a spate of injuries and a mid-season form slump.

“We’ve got some young players who are learning the week to week grind of first grade,” he said.

“I can only see us going up from here.”

Both sides made mistakes in the opening half but it was the Devils who struck first through a powerful effort from Gladstone product Brendon Gibb.

Troyden Watene’s conversion provided a 6-0 lead after 17 minutes.

But the Dolphins hit back soon after with Chris Fox’s fancy footwork catching the Devils off guard close to the line.

Fox produced an even better right foot step to slice through again in the 35th minute for a 10-6 lead.

However, Norths were able to take a 12-10 advantage into half-time after Asher Elemani took full advantage of an Ashton Sims off-load to burrow his way over under the posts.

REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS 12 (Chris Fox 2 tries; Paul Ivan, Chris Fox goals) drew NORTHS DEVILS 12 (Asher Elemani, Brendon Gibb tries: Troyden Watene 2 goals) at Dolphin Oval.

Source: www.qrl.com.au

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Norths Devils Round 18 Results

Intrust Super Cup

REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS 12 (Chris Fox 2 tries; Paul Ivan, Chris Fox goals) drew NORTHS DEVILS 12 (Asher Elemani, Brendon Gibb tries;  Troyden Watene 2 goals) at Dolphin Oval.

FOGS Cup

REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS 30 (Tim Foster 2, Michael Wilson, Craig Priestly, Bryce Denman tries; Hayden Topliss 5 goals) def NORTHS DEVILS 20 (Scott Ellis 2, Kayle Connor, Simona Vavega tries; Luke Samoa 2 goals) at Dolphin Oval.

FOGS Colts

REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS 24 (Dave McGrady 3, Adam Jeffery, Tennyson Elliott tries; Dave McGrady 2 goals) def NORTHS DEVILS 14 (BJ Burgess, Zach Koitka, Kieran English tries: Stephen Tunnicliffe goal) at Dolphin Oval.

Source: www.northsdevils.com

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Round 18 Intrust Super Cup Preview

REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS v NORTHS DEVILS
Where & When: Saturday, July 24 @ Dolphin Oval, 2pm* live on ABC TV

Preview: Redcliffe speedster Ryan Cullen turns out for his 150th appearance in the Queensland Cup. The livewire fullback scored three tries in last weekend’s loss to the Sunshine Coast. The hat-trick took his career tally to 111 tries, the benchmark in the long-standing competition. Cullen, who has also had stints with Easts and Central, will need to be at his best if the Dolphins are to upset the competition leaders in the 2pm ABC TV clash. Redcliffe enters the match in fourth spot, but have a host of teams right on their tail. The Devils – 28-12 winners over Easts last weekend – can take a step closer to securing the minor premiership with a round 18 victory. The Nundah club is gradually getting back to full-strength with Gideon Mzembe, Mark Leafa and Joe Bond all named to make their top grade returns. Key halfback Matt Smith is also close to a comeback. Saturday’s clash will see former Redcliffe premiership-winning star Shane Perry return to Dolphin Oval in a Devils jersey for the first time.

EASTS TIGERS v BURLEIGH BEARS
Saturday, July 24 @ Langlands Park, 2pm

Fresh from a 50-18 thumping of the Central Comets, the Burleigh Bears will start hot favourites in this Langlands Park clash. Last week’s win came at just the right time for Mark Gee’s outfit, which has a host of teams right on its hammer in the intriguing race for top six spots. Easts are out of finals contention, but could be more than nuisance value with the likes of Denan Kemp and Lagi Setu named in the starting team. Bears fullback Nick Parfitt scored 28 points last weekend to eclipse 1300 career points in the Queensland Cup. But the real star for Burleigh at Browne Park last Saturday was talented hooker Riley Brown, who scored a try of his own and had a hand in a number of others in a scintillating performance. In the head-to-head stakes, the Bears have the better of the duel with Easts, winning 18 games compared to the Tigers’ 11.

CENTRAL COMETS v NORTHERN PRIDE
Saturday, July 24 @ Browne Park, 7pm

Comets forward Alan Rothery’s season has ended on a bitter note, with the big forward suspended for a total of 11 matches on three separate charges (reckless high tackle, striking and contrary conduct) following his team’s loss to the Burleigh Bears at Browne Park last Saturday. The news on the judiciary front was much better for the Pride though after young five-eighth Ryan Stig took an early plea to a dangerous throw charge and avoided a one-match ban. Stig, who scored a classy try in the Pride’s 22-16 win over the Mackay Cutters last weekend, partners Chris Sheppard in a halves combination that is getting better by the week. If, as expected, the Pride beat the Comets in Rockhampton, the Cairns club could be sitting in fifth spot with four games to play. Jason Roos plays his 50th Queensland Cup match for the Pride.

WYNNUM MANLY v MACKAY CUTTERS * Live on BAY FM
Sunday, July 25 @ BMD Kougari Oval, 2pm

Wynnum Manly has a big incentive to deliver a special performance in front of their home fans, with players involved in the club’s remarkable 1975 season attending Sunday’s blockbuster. The ‘75 season was arguably the most successful in the Seagulls' 60-year history, with all three senior grades qualifying for the semi-finals for the first time, and the reserve and third grade teams winning both their respective premierships against the competition's minor premiers. Interestingly, Wynnum Manly’s Intrust Super Cup, FOGS Cup and Colts teams are all on target to play finals footy this year. The spotlight on Sunday though will well and truly fall on Paul Green’s top grade outfit which is in contention for a top three finish following last week’s 38-6 thumping of the Jets. The Seagulls will come up against a Cutters team determined to hit back after a six-point loss to the Northern Pride. The Cutters have named a formidable centre pairing, with Donald Malone to partner Josh Hannay. But coach Paul Bramley will again look to proven forwards Isaak Ah Mau and Liam McDonald to set the platform up front. The Cutters tasted success at BMD Kougari Oval last year and have won three of the five previous encounters against the baysiders.

SOUTHS LOGAN v IPSWICH JETS
Sunday, July 25 @ Davies Park, 3pm

Ian Lacey celebrates his 100th Queensland Cup match in what has been a disappointing season for the former Toowoomba and Aspley playmaker. Lacey’s season has been plagued by injury and a number of near misses, but the Jets halfback would love nothing more than to spring a surprise on Souths Logan. Ipswich would have to win at least three of its remaining five games to be a chance of avoiding the wooden-spoon. Sunday’s round 18 match could be a lopsided outing for the Jets unless they turn up with an improved attitude against a Magpies outfit that won’t hold back after consecutive defeats for the first time this year. The Magpies have been strengthened by the return of Queensland Residents star Brad Cross and will again have the services of Raiders players Brett Kelly, James Stuart and Marc Herbert. Souths Logan stalwart Quentin Laulu-Togagae needs one more try to become the first Magpies player to reach 50 tries in the Queensland Cup.

TWEED HEADS v SUNSHINE COAST
Sunday, July 25 @ Ned Byrne Field, 3pm

Tweed’s moment of truth arrives in Sunday’s 3pm clash against the red-hot Sea Eagles. A win would give the Seagulls a genuine chance of qualifying for the finals, particularly as three of their remaining four games are against teams who occupy the last three positions on the Intrust Super Cup ladder. However, a loss here would almost certainly spell the end of the Tweed’s late surge, which has grown legs in recent weeks following stirring victories over finals-bound teams Wynnum Manly and Souths Logan. Potential NRL call ups and injury concerns could make life tough for the Seagulls this weekend, although only a fool would write the Seagulls off given Brad Davis’ sparkling recent form. Like the Tweed, Brandon Costin’s Sunshine Coast outfit has had several disruptions with key personnel changes in recent week. But the Sea Eagles have stood tall with two terrific wins over Souths Logan and Redcliffe and suddenly look capable of repeating last year’s stunning premiership surge. The Coast sit in sixth spot on percentages but have the second best record in attack and the third best defensive record.

Source: www.qrl.com.au

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Norths Devils Teams Round 18

Intrust Super Cup
Round 18 v Redcliffe Dolphins
Venue: Dolphin Oval Date: 24 July 2010 Time: 2:00pm

1. Javarn White
2. Daniel Ogden
3. Troyden Watene
4. Jack Reed
5. Gideon Mzembe
6. Shane Perry
7. Asher Elemani
8. Mark Leafa
9. Jay Aston
10. Natthan Cleaver
11. Mick Morris
12. Brendon Gibb
13. Eddy Purcell
  
Interchange
14. Joe Bond
15. Victor Field
16. Kayle Connor
17. Troy Hansen

Coach: Kevin Carmichael 

FOGS Cup
Round 18 v Redcliffe Dolphins
Venue: Dolphin Oval Date: 24 July 2010 Time: 12:15pm

1. Dean Bannerman
2. Scott Ellis
3. Angus Cameron
4. Ben Hurrell
5. Bladen Baird
6. Scott Hurrell
7. Luke Samoa
8. Jamie Muller
9. McKanah Gibson
10. Benny Poasa
11. Aaron Hammett
12. Jacob Samoa
13. Matt Brown
  
Interchange
14. Dayne Rogers
15. Blake Harward
16. Martin Lewis
17. Simona Vavega

Coach: Don Gailer

FOGS Colts Challenge
Round 18 v Redcliffe Dolphins
Venue: Dolphin Oval Date: 24 July 2010 Time: 10:45am

1. BJ Burgess
2. Mick Lucas
3. Joel Bailey
4. Zach Koitka
5. Dylan Galloway
6. Ben Sullivan
7. Byron Creighton
8. Anthony Atkinson
9. Will McNee
10. Robbie Tavete
11. Tyson Skyring
12. Reece Watton
13. Stephen Tunnicliffe
  
Interchange
14. Jayden Sheck
15. Kieran English
16. Iain Riccardi
17. Trent Richardson

Coach: Jon Buchanan

Source: www.northsdevils.com

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Norths Devils Surge Ahead

The Norths Devils moved to the outright lead in the Intrust Super Cup after their 28-12 win over the Easts Tigers at Bishop Park today.

The Devils led 18-6 at half-time, but were forced to work hard in the second half after the Tigers crossed for the first points after the break to put the heat on the home team.

But Norths pulled away with tries in the 57th and 71st minute to move two points clear of the Souths Logan Magpies.

With five rounds remaining, the Devils are now in the box seat to claim the prestigious minor premiership.

The versatile Adam Watene had another outstanding game for the Nundah club, scoring a try and kicking four goals in the comfortable 16-point win.

Queensland Residents winger Daniel Ogden took his season try-scoring tally to 16, but he has been overtaken on the leader’s board by Redcliffe dynamo Ryan Cullen who pocketed a hat-trick on Saturday.

However, Cullen’s haul wasn’t enough to get the Dolphins over the line against the Sunshine Coast.

The Sea Eagles recorded a strong 34-16 despite missing a number of their big guns in the Stockland Park clash.

Brandon Costin’s team has now jumped into sixth spot on percentages but can ill-afford to stumble against the dangerous Tweed this weekend with Mackay and the Northern Pride also locked on 18 competition points.

The Pride continued its stunning late season revival with a strong 22-16 win over the Cutters in Mackay.

Kaine Manihera and Ryan Stig scored fantastic individual tries for the visitors, who will be aiming for a fifth successive win this weekend when they venture to Browne Park for a round 18 clash with the Comets.

Source: www.qrl.com.au

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Norths Devils Round 17 Results

Intrust Super Cup

NORTHS DEVILS 28 (Javarn White, Daniel Ogden, Troyden Watene, Shane Perry, Asher Elemani tries; Troyden Watene 4 goals) def EASTS TIGERS 12 (Dean Sheppard, Daniel Fullarton tries; Paoa Faamita 2 goals) at Bishop Park.

FOGS Cup

NORTHS DEVILS 42 (Joe Bond, Scott Ellis, Bladen Baird, Luke Samoa, Blake Harward, McKanah Gibson, Matt Brown tries; Luke Samoa 7 goals) def EASTS TIGERS 10 (Luke Archer, Leon Panapa tries; Joe Richards goal) at Bishop Park.

FOGS Colts

NORTHS DEVILS 32 (Michael Lucas 2, BJ Burgess, Zach Koitka, Stephen Tunnicliffe, Anthony Atkinson tries; Stephen Tunnicliffe 4 goals) def EASTS TIGERS 28 (Matthew Ruthenberg 2, Brendan Harper, Joe Bobbin, Daniel Wallace, Lindon Miranda tries; Brendan Harper 2 goals) at Bishop Park.

Source: www.northsdevils.com

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'Big Five' Take A Dive

ROUND 16 has proven to be a memorable weekend for the ‘little guys’.

In a series of shock results, the five top ranked teams leading into the round all went down to sides below them on the Intrust Super Cup ladder.

The only match that went according to script was Friday night’s clash between the Northern Pride and Ipswich Jets at Barlow Park.

The Pride led 14-0 at half-time before running out comfortable 36-8 winners, with Clint Amos notching a try-scoring double for the home team.

However, the upsets didn’t take long to start rolling in, with the two underdogs winning Saturday’s 2pm matches.

The Sunshine Coast knocked over premiership front-runners Souths Logan 16-8 and Easts scored a tenacious 17-16 win over Redcliffe.

A Jace van Dijk field goal in the 78th minute secured the win for the Tigers at Langlands Park.

In Saturday’s 5.30pm blockbuster in Mackay, the sixth-placed Cutters continued their march towards September action with a 28-22 victory over the fifth-placed Burleigh Bears.

Donald Malone scored two tries for the Cutters, who have leapfrogged Burleigh on the competition ladder.

But perhaps the biggest upset of the round arrived later that night when the struggling Central Comets thrashed joint competition leader the Norths Devils 34-16 at Browne Park.

Comets utility back Jade Williams ran in four of the home team’s six tries in a dazzling performance.

Williams became just the second Comets player to score four tries in a Queensland Cup game. Heath Egglestone was the first to achieve the milestone in 1997 against Logan.

The weekend of upsets was competed on Sunday when Wynnum Manly became the fifth big scalp to hit the canvas.

Tweed, battling to keep its faint finals hopes alive, put the home team to the sword with a big 42-16 victory in the battle of the Gulls at BMD Kougari Oval.

Source: www.qrl.com.au

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Norths Devils Round 16 Results

Intrust Super Cup

CENTRAL COMETS 34 (Jade Williams 4, Matt Minto, Darren Mapp tries; Ian Webster 5 goals) def NORTHS DEVILS 16 (Jack Reed 2, Brendon Gibb tries; Troyden Watene 2 goals) at Browne Park.

FOGS Cup

BURLEIGH BEARS 22 (Dennis Gordon, Travis Cook, Blake Morrison, Sam Meskell tries; Perrin Miller 3 goals) def NORTHS DEVILS 18 (Scott Ellis, Bladen Baird, Ben Hurrell, Jacob Samoa tries; Scott Hurrell goal) at Bishop Park.

FOGS Colts

NORTHS DEVILS 32 (Chris Binge, Josh Jaggle, Zach Koitka, Ben Sullivan, Stephen Tunnicliffe, Will McNee tries; Stephen Tunnicliffe 4 goals) def BURLEIGH BEARS 6 (Jesse Rogers try; Jay Melrose goal) at Bishop Park.

Source: www.northsdevils.com

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Round 16 Intrust Super Cup Preview

CENTRAL COMETS v NORTHS DEVILS

Where & When: Browne Park, Saturday 7pm

Head-to-Head: Norths 17, Central 8, Drawn 2
Preview: Shane Perry (Norths) moves past Matt Lockyer to become the ninth most capped player in the Queensland Cup with 189 games.  The 11th placed Comets are all but out of finals contention after a heartbreaking 20-18 loss to Redcliffe last weekend. In contrast, the Devils are locked in a tight battle for the minor premiership with Souths Logan.

NORTHERN PRIDE v IPSWICH JETS @ Barlow Park, Friday 7pm

* Head-to-Head: Pride 3, Ipswich 3
* The Pride is on the hunt for a hat-trick of wins in this rare Friday night clash at Barlow Park. Ipswich is out of finals contention, but would love to spoil the Pride’s bid for a third-straight appearance in the Queensland Cup finals.
* The Skill360 Northern Pride officially launched its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) today to coincide with NAIDOC Week and the home game. Northern Pride chairman Bob Fowler said the club was proud to be driving the exciting initiative. “We commend the work Reconciliation Australia are doing and are proud to officially launch our RAP to show how we are going to assist in ‘closing the gap’ and providing equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in today’s society,” he said.

SOUTHS LOGAN v SUNSHINE COAST @ Brandon Park, Saturday 2pm* Live on ABC TV

* Head-to-Head: Souths Logan 3, Sunshine Coast 1
* Despite being fourth in attack and third in defence, Sunshine Coast are still outside the top six.
* Sunshine Coast's only win over Souths Logan was in last year's preliminary final which they won with a try on the final siren.
* Reece Robinson's hat-trick against Wynnum was the 18th time a Magpie has scored a Qld Cup hat-trick.
* Quentin Laulu-Togagae has moved to equal 10th on the all-time Queensland Cup try scorers with 82 (level with David Seage) - 48 of them are for Souths, the highest for the Magpies.

EASTS TIGERS v REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS @ Langlands Park, Saturday 2pm

* Head-to-Head: Redcliffe 19, Easts 11, Drawn 1
* Derrick Watkins plays his 50th game for Redcliffe (138th overall for Red/Asp/Too/NQ).
* Jace Van Dijk has moved to 500 Qld Cup points in 85 games with Toowoomba/Souths Logan/Wynnum Manly/Easts

MACKAY CUTTERS v BURLEIGH BEARS @ Mackay Juniors, Saturday 5.30pm

* Head-to-Head: Mackay 3, Burleigh 2
* The competition table sets an intriguing backdrop to this round 16 clash. Burleigh sits in fifth on 17 points, with the Cutters one point further back following their first home loss of the season to the Norths Devils last week. With the Sunshine Coast and Northern Pride in hot pursuit, the team that emerges without the two competition points here could find themselves under extra pressure.
* Donald Malone (Mackay) and Dayne Weston (Burleigh) return from representative commitments with the Residents team.

WYNNUM MANLY v TWEED HEADS @ BMD Kougari Oval, Sunday 3pm

* Head-to-Head: Wynnum 8, Tweed 8
* Last week’s loss was Wynnum's biggest to Souths in their 28 Queensland Cup clashes.
* Paul Green’s Wynnum Manly team has slipped out of third spot, but can regain that position if they win and Redcliffe lose to Easts.

Source: www.qrl.com.au

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Devils Hold Out Cutters

The Norths Devils held on to win over the fast finishing Mackay Cutters, 28-26.

The loss not only brought an end to the Cutters’ five-game winning streak, but also blemished their unbeaten record at home.

Both teams were coming out of a weekend off – but the break didn’t seem to dent the Devils attacking momentum following their last start 40-22 win of the Ipswich Jets.

Bramley told the Mackay Daily Mercury that he felt his team “lacked a lot of energy” both in the game and in the lead-up to the clash.

“We were very flat in our final training run and I was a bit worried about it,” Bramley said.

“I sort of had a gut feeling about this game. It’s disappointing.”

“Maybe that week off just flattened us too much,” he said.

It started well for the Cutters however, with new Cowboys signing Arana Taumata crossing first for the home side.

Norths struck back soon after with two tries but a Darren Griffiths try saw the scores levelled at 10-10 at half-time.

After having a try disallowed after the break the Cutters were put on the back foot when Brendon Gibb crossed to take Norths ahead.

The Devils then scored two more tries in quick succession to have the home side reeling.

But the Cutters were sparked back into action after a good run from back-rower Jardine Bobongie kick-started their fightback.

Michael Comerford scored the first of the Cutters’ second half tries, while late call-up to the team Khan Ahwang brought the deficit down to eight points with five minutes on the clock.

Home hopes were raised again when prop Isaak Ah Mau crashed over the line. Josh Hannay’s conversion brought the Cutters to within two points of the Devils, but that was as close as they would get.

The Cutters have now slipped back down the ladder to sixth spot, and have an important home game against the Burleigh Bears this weekend.

Source: www.qrl.com.au

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Norths Devils Round 15 Results

Intrust Super Cup

NORTHS DEVILS 28 (Josefa Davui, Jack Reed, Kayle Connor, Brendon Gibb, Nathan Cleaver tries; Troyden Watene 4 goals) def MACKAY CUTTERS 26 (Khan Ah Wang, Michael Comerford, Arana Taumata, Darren Griffiths, Isaak Ah Mau tries; Josh Hannay 3 goals) at Mackay Juniors.

FOGS Cup

REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS 28 (Phil Daisy, Allan Heldsinger, Jody Henry, Adam Marr, Tui Samoa tries; Jed Fuller 4 goals) def NORTHS DEVILS 16 (Clint Matthews, Ben Hurrell, Scott Ellis tries; Luke Samoa, Ryan Hansen goals) at Dolphin Oval.

FOGS Colts

NORTHS DEVILS 20 (Michael Lucas, Zach Koitka, Dylan Galloway, Byron Creighton tries; Stephen Tunnicliffe 2 goals) def REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS 16 (Dave McGrady, Billy McCartney, Alex Robson tries; Todd Murphy 2 goals) at Dolphin Oval.

Source: www.northsdevils.com

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Qld Calls On Young Devil

IMPRESSIVE Norths Devils speedster Daniel Ogden has been added to the XXXX Queensland Residents team to play NSW in Sydney on Wednesday.

Ogden, who has scored 15 tries for the Devils this season, gets his chance after Brett Kelly withdrew with a hamstring injury.

Ogden will play on the wing, with Donald Malone moving from the flank to centre in Kelly’s absence.

XXXX Queensland Residents

1. David MILNE
2. Daniel OGDEN
3. Donald MALONE
4. Steve MICHAELS
5. Shea MOYLAN
6. Brad CROSS
7. Daly CHERRY-EVANS (c)
8. Kieran WHALLEY
9. Clint AMOS
10. Dayne WESTON
11. Jamie BUHRER
12. Ryan SIMPKINS
13. Luke DALZIEL-DON
14. Phil DENNIS
15. Selasi BERDIE
16. Jack AFAMASAGA
17. Darcy LUSSICK

Coach: Brandon Costin.
Kick off: 5.55pm, July 7 – ANZ Stadium

Source: www.qrl.com.au

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Round 15 Intrust Super Cup Preview

MACKAY CUTTERS v NORTHS DEVILS
Where & When: Sunday, July 4 @ Mackay Juniors 3pm

Preview: Two teams destined for big things at the business end of the season cross paths in a July blockbuster. The Cutters have marched into fifth spot and a victory here would equal their best ever winning run of six games (2008-09). But they’ll have to do it without noted speedster Donald Malone, who played his way into a Queensland Residents jumper last weekend. There is no shortage of pace and skill in the Cutters backline despite Malone’s absence, with former Cowboy Josh Hannay named in the centres alongside North Queensland recruit Arana Taumata. The Devils also have a talented backline that will this week include excitement machine Joe Bond. Bond’s season has been disrupted by injury but he now has a good opportunity to strike form ahead of the finals. The Cutters will wear red socks to help raise awareness for the Australian Red Cross Blood Service’s Donate For Your State campaign. “We want to encourage all Queenslanders to do their bit to help Australia’s blood supply,” said Mackay halfback Todd Seymour.

REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS v CENTRAL COMETS
Saturday, July 3 @ Dolphin Oval, 2pm* live on ABC TV

Without a player in the Queensland Residents team for first time since 1993, the Redcliffe Dolphins will be at full-strength for their home clash against the Comets. The Dolphins will start short-priced favourites to record their 10th win of the Intrust Super Cup season against the misfiring Comets. Central has been unable to repeat their dazzling 2009 form and it would take an extraordinary effort from the Rockhampton club to qualify for this year’s top six. The Comets have cut former Queensland Residents centre Karl Johnson from its books. Johnson hopes to play with the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles for the remainder of season. Comets coach Wayne Barnett, who guided Country to an impressive win over City in last week’s representative clash, will look to re-gather his team’s focus for the do-or-die encounter. The Comets will be hoping a repeat of their last performance in front of the ABC TV cameras – a 30-6 thumping of Wynnum Manly.

EASTS TIGERS v SUNSHINE COAST
Saturday, July 3 @ Langlands Park, 2pm

Manly enforcer Joe Galuvao has been named to make his first appearance for the Sydney club’s feeder side in this must-win clash. Galuvao is no stranger to the Queensland Cup, having played five games for Easts in 2007. The 106kg forward’s inclusion provides a timely lift for a Sea Eagles outfit that will be missing representative players Darcy Lussick, Jamie Buhrer and Daly Cherry-Evans. The trio will be in camp with the Queensland Residents team being prepared for battle by Sunshine Coast coach Brandon Costin. Broncos flyer Denan Kemp has been named to play his second-straight match for Easts. The Tigers are coming off a confidence-boosting 30-22 victory over the Central Comets. The Langlands Park club would virtually have to win every game from here on in to be a chance of qualifying for the finals.

TWEED HEADS v NORTHERN PRIDE
Saturday, July 3 @ Ned Byrne Field, 2pm

Cowboys youngsters James Segeyaro and Aiden Day have been added to the Northern Pride bench as the Cairns club looks to the future. The Pride will also wind back the clock after naming veteran Rod Jensen on the bench for Saturday’s clash against the dangerous Tweed Heads combination. Jensen retired after the Pride’s grand final loss to the Sunshine Coast last year but he has recently made a return to the Cairns & District Rugby League with the Kangaroos club. His experience will be a vital asset to a Pride team that must win to keep its semi-final hopes alive. Halfback Chris Sheppard plays his 50th Queensland Cup match for the Pride. His duel with Tweed No. 7 Brad Davis should be one of the highlights of the round 15 clash. Davis was an unlucky omission from the Queensland Residents team and the former Titan will be keen for a big performance. Davis and his Tweed teammates will don yellow armbands to promote the Cancer Council’s Call to Arms campaign.

IPSWICH JETS v BURLEIGH BEARS
Saturday, July 3 @ North Ipswich Reserve, 6pm

Titans star Esi Tonga is in line to play his comeback match after a long injury lay off. If given the green light today, Tonga will saddle up for the Jets in their round 15 clash against the Burleigh Bears. Although out of finals contention, the last-placed Jets have a big incentive to perform. The club’s 1990 premiership-winning Colts team is attending the North Ipswich Reserve clash. The Jets are down on key personnel but they have been competitive at home all season and should provide stiff opposition for the Bears. With a three point buffer on its nearest challenger, sixth-placed Burleigh is well placed to play finals football for the first time since 2005. With in-form prop Dayne Weston unavailable due to representative commitments, the Bears will rely on Kale Burton and Martin Griese to take the side forward.

SOUTHS LOGAN v WYNNUM MANLY
Sunday, July 4 @ Davies Park, 3pm

In a huge boost for Wynnum Manly, Damien Quinn has been named in the Seagulls side for his first Queensland Cup appearance since 2005. Quinn, who has returned home after a successful overseas stint with the Celtic Crusaders, holds Wynnum’s points scoring record with 482 from 62 games. He is the sixth top scorer with 750 points from 102 games with Wynnum and Toowoomba. Quinn’s return has come at a perfect time for the Seagulls who have three players unavailable this weekend due to Queensland Residents commitments. The Magpies are even harder hit, with four players – David Milne, Brad Cross, Kieran Whalley and Phil Dennis – involved in the Residents clash. Their unavailability will test the Magpies’ depth but coach Mark Beaumont is quietly confident his patched up team can hit back after their round 14 loss to the Pride.

Source: www.qrl.com.au

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Spark Returns For Devils

NORTHS snapped a two-match losing streak today and soured Danny Coburn’s 250th game celebrations with a 40-22 victory over the Ipswich Jets at Bishop Park.

Milestone man Coburn and his teammates were hunting an upset Intrust Super Cup victory over the Devils to salvage something from a frustrating season.

But the Devils recaptured the form that saw them dominate the early rounds of the competition, shooting out to a comfortable 22-4 half-time lead.

The Jets struck first in the second half to close the margin to 12 points but when classy playmaker Shane Perry strolled over in the 51st minute, the contest was as good as over.

Perry rarely missed a beat all afternoon, with his superb kicking game terrorising Ipswich’s back three.

Ipswich was reduced to 12 men in the second half after Warren Schillings was given his marching orders for a high tackle.

Devils winger Daniel Ogden rubbed further salt into Ipswich’s wounds when he snared an intercept in the 64th minute and raced 80m for his 15th try of the season.

Ipswich fielded one of its most inexperienced sides in years, with youngsters James Furminger and Sam Martin taking the field for the injury-hit Jets.

Ryan Barton and Dale Robertson were also called into the Ipswich side, which will welcome a week off before playing Burleigh at home.

NORTHS DEVILS 40 (Asher Elemani 2, Dean Bannerman, Daniel Ogden, Josefa Davui, Jack Reed, Shane Perry tries; Troyden Watene 6 goals) def IPSWICH JETS 22 (Sepuloni Alovili 2, Vili Fainga’a, Jacob Ling tries; Callum Waldrum 2, Keiron Lander goals) at Bishop Park.

NORTHS DEVILS 38 (Matt Brown 3, Blake Harward, Kayle Connor, Kieran English, Sean Yorston tries; Kayle Connor 5 goals) def IPSWICH JETS 0 at Bishop Park.

NORTHS DEVILS 34 (Joel Bailey 2, BJ Burgess, Zach Koitka, Bryce Hegarty, Tyson Skyring tries; Stephen Tunnicliffe 5 goals) def IPSWICH JETS 12 (Eric Alefosio, David Faamita tries; Eric Alefosio 2 goals) at Bishop Park.

Source: www.qrl.com.au

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Norths Devils Round 14 Results

Intrust Super Cup

NORTHS DEVILS 40 (Asher Elemani 2, Dean Bannerman, Daniel Ogden, Josefa Davui, Jack Reed, Shane Perry tries; Troyden Watene 6 goals) def IPSWICH JETS 22 (Sepuloni Alovili 2, Vili Fainga’a, Jacob Ling tries; Callum Waldrum 2, Keiron Lander goals) at Bishop Park.

FOGS Cup

NORTHS DEVILS 38 (Matt Brown 3, Blake Harward, Kayle Connor, Kieran English, Sean Yorston tries; Kayle Connor 5 goals) def IPSWICH JETS 0 at Bishop Park.

FOGS Colts

NORTHS DEVILS 34 (Joel Bailey 2, BJ Burgess, Zach Koitka, Bryce Hegarty, Tyson Skyring tries; Stephen Tunnicliffe 5 goals) def IPSWICH JETS 12 (Eric Alefosio, David Faamita tries; Eric Alefosio 2 goals) at Bishop Park.

Source: www.northsdevils.com

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XXXX City & Country Teams

SELECTORS have today named the XXXX Country and XXXX City teams for the June 26 clash in Gympie.

Wayne Barnett (Comets) will coach the Country side, while Wynnum's Paul Green takes charge of the City outfit.

The match will be played at the home ground of the Gympie Cooloola RLFC - Albert Park, Bruce Highway.

Kick off is 2pm.

XXXX City

1. David MILNE - Souths Logan Magpies
2. Daniel OGDEN - Norths Devils
3. Brett KELLY - Souths Logan Magpies
4. Josefa DAVUI - Norths Devils
5. Shea MOYLAN - Wynnum Manly Seagulls
6. Brad CROSS - Souths Logan Magpies
7. Michael PICKER - Souths Logan Magpies
8. Kieran WHALLEY - Souths Logan Magpies
9. Phil DENNIS - Souths Logan Magpies
10. Willie SCANLAN - Wynnum Manly Seagulls
11. Eddy PURCELL - Norths Devils
12. Brendon GIBB - Norths Devils
13. Luke DALZIEL-DON - Wynnum Manly Seagulls
14. Jake GRANVILLE - Wynnum Manly Seagulls
15. Jack AFAMASAGA - Wynnum Manly Seagulls
16. Josh McGUIRE - Norths Devils
17. Tim YEE - Redcliffe Dolphins

XXXX Country

1. Justin HUNT - Mackay Cutters
2. Shannon WALKER - Tweed Heads Seagulls
3. Steve MICHAELS - Burleigh Bears
4. Tyson MARTIN - Mackay Cutters
5. Donald MALONE - Mackay Cutters
6. Brad DAVIS (C) - Tweed Heads Seagulls
7. Daly CHERRY-EVANS - Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles
8. Liam McDONALD - Mackay Cutters
9. Clint AMOS - Northern Pride
10. Dayne WESTON - Burleigh Bears
11. Ryan SIMPKINS - Tweed Heads Seagulls
12. Mark CANTONI - Northern Pride
13. Jamie BUHRER - Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles
14. Ian LACEY - Ipswich Jets
15. Luke O'DWYER - Tweed Heads Seagulls
16. Selasi BERDIE - Tweed Heads Seagulls
17. Tyron HAYNES - Central Comets

Source: www.qrl.com.au

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Tweed Puts Heat On Devils

TWEED Heads has punished an under-strength Norths Devils outfit to maintain touch with the Intrust Super Cup top six.

Superbly led by inspirational halfback Brad Davis, the Seagulls ran riot in the opening 40 minutes despite conceding an early intercept try to Norths winger Daniel Ogden.

The Tweed responded quickly after Ogden’s 90m effort, with tries from James Wood, Cameron White, Shannon Walker and Dominque Peyroux putting the home team in the box seat.

Most of the tries had a touch of class about them, with Tweed’s ball skills and pace catching Norths off-guard on numerous occasions.

Wood and Walker were particularly dangerous throughout the contest and on more than one occasion terrorised fullback Dean Bannerman – the Devils’ last line of defence.

Bannerman is one of several youngsters to have slotted into the top grade side in recent weeks in the wake of a mounting injury toll.

With the likes of Javarn White, Matt Smith, Jacob Fauid and Gideon Mzembe out of action, the Devils have dropped back to the field.

They have now lost their share of the competition lead, with the Magpies occupying top spot after their thrilling 28-26 win over the Burleigh Bears.

Although there is little danger of Norths missing the finals, the injury crisis and the manner in which the Nundah club buckled under pressure from Tweed is a major concern for coach Kevin Carmichael.

The Devils scored just one try in the second half, with Tweed going on to win the match 40-10.

TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS 40 (Shannon Walker 2, Cameron White, James Wood, Dominique Peyroux, Will Matthews, Ben Ridge tries; Brad Davis 6 goals) def NORTHS DEVILS 10 (Daniel Ogden 2 tries; Troyden Watene goal) at Ned Byrne Field.

Source: www.qrl.com.au

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Support Lifts Qld Under 18s

WHEN state honours are on the line – it is always good to have the support of a home crowd behind you.

(See bottom of article for curtain-raiser kick off times)

The Queensland Under 18s – coached by Jon Buchanan – will take on the NSW Under 18s on Wednesday night in a curtain-raiser to Origin II at Suncorp Stadium.

“They will be playing in front of a home crowd – I have told them what a special opportunity it is for these blokes and said how special it was to be playing at Lang Park,” Buchanan said.

The team will face off against a talented NSW team who are intent on silencing the home crowd.

“We have had a bit of a look at NSW – they are big and quick,” Buchanan said.

“Most of the boys have played (against them) before – and they are pretty familiar with what we will be facing.

“We have a number of smaller guys who are pretty quick on their feet, so the key will be to move them around.”

For Buchanan, it has been a relatively straightforward process to prepare the team for the game – with a number of the boys having previously played together, including under his watch at Norths Colts.

“It has been good; many of these boys have played together coming through as juniors, in Australian Schoolboys teams and for Queensland as Under 16s.

“So it has been pretty easy for me, they are all coming out of good systems – everyone has slotted in fine.”

But not everything has gone smoothly during their preparations, with an injury to Mitchell Frei forcing a reshuffle to the team with Chris Binge shifting to the backrow and Jay Lobwein coming in from the Cowboys at hooker.

Queensland's preparations included a training session with the State of Origin side.

“We had a really good opposed session with the Origin side the other day,” Buchanan said.

“It was good for them to come up against those players; I think they took a lot away from it.

“The boys were pretty excited by it and they were all still talking about it on the bus on the way home.”

KICK OFF TIMES

4.20pm – XXXX Challenge Final: Gold Coast Stingers v Illawarra * 40 minutes each way

6pm – QLD Under 18s v NSW Under 18s * 35 minutes each way

8.10pm – State of Origin 2

Source: www.qrl.com.au

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Norths Devils Round 13 Results

Intrust Super Cup

TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS 40 (Shannon Walker 2, Cameron White, James Wood, Dominique Peyroux, Will Matthews, Ben Ridge tries; Brad Davis 6 goals) def NORTHS DEVILS 10 (Daniel Ogden 2 tries; Troyden Watene goal) at Ned Byrne Field.

FOGS Cup

Bye

FOGS Colts

Bye

Source: www.northsdevils.com

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Simona's Blog

Devils Show Character in Defeat

I’m not one to usually say I told you so but on this occasion…I told you so!  The top of the table clash on Sunday afternoon at Bishop Park was an absolute cracker.  The only downer was that the Devils didn’t come away with two the points, going down 40-36 to the Magpies.

A big score for a top of the table clash I know, but I’m not complaining.  A game with 13 tries and 76 points in total could’ve easily led one to the assumption that both sides didn’t turn up to defend.  An alternative take and perhaps a more accurate one though, is that both sides defended doggedly but simply showed class in scoring their points.  Whichever angle you take, one thing is for sure; punters certainly got their money’s worth with the battle that was on display.

It’s not every weekend you get the opportunity to watch NRL experienced players run around at your local footy ground, let alone to see them in action against your local team in such a highly physical yet skilful game of rugby league (hence why I’m not complaining ).  

Even though they lost, there was a lot to take from watching the Devils play on the weekend.  Up against a star studded magpies outfit boasting 11 NRL players and without key players Matt Smith and Natthan Cleaver, most people would’ve expected a whitewash, but not the Devils. 

Going into halftime down 28-6, the Devils had every right to throw the towel in and wave the white flag, but they didn’t.  Instead they showed true character.  Behind on the scoreboard and with their backs to the wall, they somehow managed to summon all the courage, determination and energy left in their spirits to fight back.  Clawing their way back from the brink of a 22 point deficit, they proved they could match it with the ‘NRL boys’.  For me, this was what was entertaining to watch.  Queensland’s entire rugby league sports ethos is built around this notion of never giving up, never surrendering and mateship.  Don’t get me wrong, they still lost the game of football but at least they can walk away knowing they have it in them to stand up and be counted for and not take a backward step when the chips are down. 

One man that certainly gave it everything was barnstorming Devils lock, Eddy Purcell.  The former Warriors Toyota Cup recruit was on fire right from the get go, scoring in the first minute of the game.  He then pushed, barged and crashed his way over for two other tries in similar fashion.  Between all that he was charging at the line, finding his front and dishing out punishment in defence.  It comes as no surprise then that Purcell was this week’s Player’s Player.  A great effort considering he was bed ridden for most of the week with a chest infection.

Source: www.northsdevils.com

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Simona's Blog

Purcell’s Power is in Running Game

This week I decided to delve a little more into the journey of the explosive New Zealand forward, Eddy Purcell.  At just 21 years of age the young buck has been in great form of late with his powerful running game.

When you look at the players Purcell idolised growing up though, it’s no wonder he carries the ball so strongly.  While playing for the Mt. Albert Lions as a 15 year old, Purcell used to watch the likes of David Fa’alogo, brother Fala Fa’alogo, Hutch Maiva and Fui Fui Moi Moi in the senior grades.  Not a bad bunch of blokes to model a running game around, even if for a young halfback as Purcell was in his junior years.

But it wasn’t just their running game that Purcell wanted to emulate; he too shared aspirations to make it in the NRL.  “As a kid I dreamt of playing in the NRL and still do.  That’s why I moved over here, to chase my dream.  Seeing those boys make it was great, knowing that local boys from Mt. Albert could do it inspired me,” Purcell said.

After a season with the Warriors Toyota Cup side in 2007, Purcell decided to pursue his dream in Australia.  Moving to Queensland he began his tenure with Norths at the end of 2008.  His time in 2009 was mostly spent in Queensland cup, punctuated only by a short period in reserve grade.

Unhappy with his first season at Norths, Purcell vowed to do better in 2010.  So far he’s done so, cementing his spot in the Queensland Cup side, Purcell isn’t looking back.  When asked about what was behind his improvement, he was quick to mention his family.  “I’m a bit more settled now.  Having my family here really helps.  My partner Toni is my foundation and my daughter Riley is the centre of my life.  After a hard day it’s good to come home to your family,” he said.

With his NRL dream constantly in the back of his mind, Purcell understands that it’s a work in progress.  For now though he remains committed to performing for the Devils.  “I know it’s a long road but I have to just keep working hard.  I know I have a lot to improve on but every week I just try and go out there and do my job,” he said. 

Often you’ll hear coaches comment about the importance of having senior players in a team to model desired behaviours for the younger players.  This couldn’t be truer in the case of Purcell, who says he has enjoyed benefiting from having senior footballers around the club to learn from.   “With players like Pezza (Shane Perry) and Mark (Leafa), having one in the forwards and one in the backs is great, they take us under their wing and we follow their example,” he said.

Sacrifice is a big part of chasing a dream and Purcell says he’s had to make his own to be able to be at his best for the Devils this year.  “I had to make a few lifestyle changes.  I’ve changed some of my eating habits and I’m doing extra’s at training,” he said.  The proof is in the pudding; Purcell has been playing close to 80 minutes each game.

With his sights set on a big year for the Devils and his NRL dream on the horizon, you get the feeling that whichever way his career takes him, Purcell’s feet will remain firmly on the ground.  When asked how he felt about his hat-trick on the weekend, Purcell was humble in his response and quick to deflect any individual praise.  “I was just lucky to be in the right place at the right time, everyone put in to get to that point”, he said. 

You can catch Eddy and the rest of the boys in action this weekend on ABC at 2pm as they take on the Tweed Seagulls in this week’s televised game.

Source: www.northsdevils.com

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Norths Devils Team Round 13

Match: Round 13 v Tweed Heads
Venue: Cudgen
Date: 12/06/10 Time: 2:00pm

Team:

1. Javarn White
2. Daniel Ogden
3. Josefa Davui
4. Jack Reed
5. Bladen Baird
6. Shane Perry
7. Angus Cameron
8. Mark Leafa
9. Asher Elemani
10. Aaron Trinder
11. Troyden Watene
12. Brendon Gibb
13. Eddy Purcell
  
Interchange
14. Joshua McGuire
15. Aaron Hammett
16. Troy Hansen
17. Mick Morris

Coach: Kevin Carmichael

Source: www.northsdevils.com

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Magpies Hold Off Devils

SOUTHS Logan fended off a fierce second-half fightback from Norths to down the Devils in an exciting top of the table clash yesterday that featured 13 tries and 76 points.

In a dominant first-half display, the Magpies raced to a commanding 28-6 lead at the break after doubles from James Stuart and Reece Robinson and a further four pointer to David Milne.

Robinson’s first try was a beauty.

With his team in front 12-6 at the 18th minute mark, the former Bronco weaved his way through the Norths line from dummy-half and then outsprinted the cover defence for a spectacular 60m try.

The Magpies were doing it easy at this stage, with the late injection of Canberra Raiders players Shaun Fensom, Josh Miller, Marc Herbert and Stuart adding further firepower to Souths Logan’s already strong ranks.

However, the Devils rallied in the second half with a stunning display of attacking rugby league.

In a remarkable turnaround, it took just 20 minutes into the second half for the Devils to grab the lead.

The Devils’ fourth try of the half, which came through a barnstorming effort from Eddy Purcell, levelled the score at 28-all in the 62nd minute.

Troyden Watene's fifth successful conversion from as many attempts put Kevin Carmichael’s side in front 30-28.

But there was to be no fairytale comeback win, with tries from Kieran Whalley and Milne putting the game out of reach for the plucky Devils.

Souths Logan has now taken top spot from the Devils, who will look to hit back against Tweed this weekend.

The Magpies will host Burleigh at Davies Park on Sunday, but they could be without talented halfback Michael Picker who left the field before half-time yesterday with a shoulder problem.

SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES 40 (David Milne 2, Reece Robinson 2, James Stuart 2, Kieran Whalley tries; Brett Kelly 6 goals) def NORTHS DEVILS 36 (Eddy Purcell 2, Troyden Watene, Bladen Baird, Brendon Gibb, Jack Reed tries; Troyden Watene 6 goals) at Bishop Park.

Source: www.qrl.com.au

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Norths Devils Round 12 Results

Intrust Super Cup

SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES 40 (David Milne 2, Reece Robinson 2, James Stuart 2, Kieran Whalley tries; Brett Kelly 6 goals) def NORTHS DEVILS 36 (Eddy Purcell 2, Troyden Watene, Bladen Baird, Brendon Gibb, Jack Reed tries; Troyden Watene 6 goals) at Bishop Park.

FOGS Cup

SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES 48 (Quentin Laulu-Togagae 4, Andrew Edwards 2, Wade Liddell, Jarrod Kendall, Whitmer Tuputala tries; Jarrod Kendall 6 goals) def NORTHS DEVILS 10 (Victor Field, Kieran English tries; Kayle Connor goal) at Bishop Park.

FOGS Colts

NORTHS DEVILS 34 (Zach Koitka 2, Louis Frisby 2, Michael Lucas, Jayden Scheck tries; Stephen Tunnicliffe 3, Joel Bailey 2 goals) def SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES 30 (Duke George 2, Nick Lund 2, George Sami, Simanu Crichton tries; George Sami 3  goals) at Bishop Park. 

Source: www.northsdevils.com

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Simona's Blog

Oggy Oggy Oggy, Oi Oi Oi
Daniel Ogden must have sore shoulders this week after carrying the Devils to a 38-28 victory over the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls on the weekend, with a first half hat-trick. 

It should’ve been 5 tries to Ogden but the Devils bombed two opportunities, much to the delight of the Wynnum supporters, most notably the infamous vociferous ‘chook pen’.

Taking his tally to 12 tries for the season, Ogden was happy with his performance and praised the contribution of his forwards, “I was happy to get the hat trick.  It was good to get a bit of ball out wide and good to finish off the opportunities created by the roll on and quick play the ball from the forwards”, he said.

Going into the game though, the young winger was more concerned about how he was going to defuse the premiership winger opposite him, Shea Moylan.  “I was more focused on containing him defensively, so I was more happy about that effort than scoring three tries”, said Ogden.

This weekend the task gets even tougher for Ogden and the stakes raised as he prepares to take on either Michael Brophy or Reece Robinson.  Both of whom have NRL experience with feeder team Canberra Raiders.  Ogden isn’t sure yet who he’ll be marking but says either way, he won’t be backing down from the challenge, “I won’t be doing anything different this weekend.  I’ve played against NRL experienced wingers before and that hasn’t phased me.  I’ll still be looking to get out there and do my best,” he said.
One thing the Devils will be looking to improve on this weekend is their second half performance. “Going into half-time leading 26-10, we probably got a little bit complacent and let them back into the game.  We’ll have to make sure that doesn’t happen again this weekend,” said Ogden.

There will be little room for complacency this weekend as they face a star studded Souths Logan line up.  The Devils found themselves in a similar situation against Northern Pride a few weeks ago and accommodated them in their stride.  They’ll be looking to do the same to the Magpies come this Sunday.

A-Grade Fullback Dean Bannerman got the call up to Q-Cup and despite early nerves, produced a solid performance, defusing several swirling bombs and returning the ball strongly.  Almost upstaging Ogden’s hat-trick Bannerman proved he was up to the task of Queensland Cup, earning this week’s Player’s Player award and along with it the respect of his peers. 

Finally, make sure you get down to Bishop Park this Sunday and cheer home the Devils as the Cup side looks to make it 11 wins from 12 starts.  It’s a game not to be missed, with both sides having plenty to play for; it will be an absolute cracker!

Source: www.northsdevils.com

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Intrust Super Cup Round 12 Preview

NORTHS DEVILS v SOUTHS LOGAN
Where: Bishop Park
When: Sunday, June 6 – 3pm

Preview: Another big crowd is expected at Bishop Park for the top-of-the-table clash between the two premiership fancies. The Devils and Magpies have lost just three games between them this year but it is Souths Logan who can perhaps lay claim to being the form team of the competition. The Magpies have equalled their best run in the Queensland Cup with seven successive victories. Brett Kelly and Brad Cross – two players who have been instrumental in the Magpies’ recent success – have etched their names into the club’s record books. Kelly’s 14 point haul last week against Redcliffe made him the highest scorer for the Magpies in the Queensland Cup with 232. Cross, the Mapgies’ premiership-winning skipper in 2008, chalks up his 50th match with the Magpies in the Bishop Park blockbuster. The Devils have named regular back-rower Troyden Watene at centre in a new-look outfit that is again missing injured halfback Matt Smith.

Team:

1. Javarn White
2. Daniel Ogden
3. Troyden Watene
4. Jack Reed
5. Bladen Baird
6. Shane Perry
7. Jacob Fauid
8. Mark Leafa
9. Angus Cameron
10. Aaron Trinder
11. Josh McGuire
12. Brendon Gibb
13. Eddy Purcell
  
Interchange
14. Asher Elemani
15. Aaron Hammett
16. Troy Hansen
17. Mick Morris

BURLEIGH BEARS v WYNNUM MANLY
Pizzey Park
Saturday, June 5 – 2pm* Live on ABC TV

Burleigh will attempt to get its 2010 campaign back on track after two poor performances. Last week’s 20-6 loss came hot on the heels of a 40-point drubbing by the Sunshine Coast.
In an unusual situation, Bears centre Steve Michaels runs out against Wynnum Manly, the side he played eight games for this year. Michaels is now dual signed with the Bears after a mid-season switch to the Gold Coast Titans from the Brisbane Broncos. In the head to head stakes, the Wynnum Manly Seagulls hold the edge with 13 wins to nine. Three games have been drawn, including the historic 0-0 round 1 result at BMD Kougari Oval this year. Burleigh will be without forward Bodene Thompson, who has been suspended for one match for striking.

EASTS TIGERS v IPSWICH JETS
Langlands Park
Saturday, June 5 – 2pm

The Tigers suffered a major blow during the week when key pair Liam Campbell (back) and Jace Van Dijk (hamstring) failed to finish training. Both players have been ruled out of the Langlands Park clash but coach Jason Gainey has found two competent replacements. Lance Morris comes in for Campbell, while Dane Phillips takes over from Van Dijk in the key pivot role. After a frustrating start to the season, the Tigers put together their best 80 minute performance of the season to comfortably beat Tweed Heads. Another victory on Saturday would put the Tigers right back in the finals mix. The match is virtually the last throw of the dice for the Jets, who again came up empty handed last week – this time by the smallest of margins. The Jets went down 15-14 to the Comets in Rockhampton, leaving them anchored to the bottom of the table.

SUNSHINE COAST v NORTHERN PRIDE
Stockland Park
Sunday, June 6 – 2pm

Reliable Northern Pride fullback Chey Bird plays his 50th Queensland Cup game. The former NQ Young Guns player has been a mainstay for the Pride since the club’s debut season in 2008. Bird and his teammates will have to be at their best if the Pride is to break its run of outs against the Sunshine Coast. The Sunshine Coast has won all four of its previous clashes with the Pride, including last year’s grand final at Stockland Park. The Pride returns to the scene of its 2009 grand final demise for the first time in high spirits after a strong win over Redcliffe. But coach David Maiden won’t have the services of forward enforcer Jaiman Lowe who is serving the first week of a three match suspension. 

MACKAY CUTTERS v CENTRAL COMETS
Mackay Junior Fields
Sunday, June 6 – 3pm
 
Buoyed by a stirring victory over the Sunshine Coast, the Mackay Cutters will chase another victory in front of their home fans. The Cutters piled on 30 points in the second half to nail the Sea Eagles in last weekend’s round 11 action. The 40-26 triumph moved Paul Bramley’s side into sixth spot on percentages and another win here could see the Cutters leapfrog Burleigh into fifth. Central’s season received a vital shot in the arm last weekend when the Rockhampton club edged out Ipswich in a thriller. Both teams have named 11 players who took part in the first round match won 20-10 by the Central Comets. Classy utility back Justin Hunt, a prolific scorer this year with 90 points from seven tries and 31 goals, returns to the side after missing last week’s win.

REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS v TWEED HEADS
Dolphin Oval
Sunday, June 6 – 3pm

Redcliffe enters this match on the back of a third-straight loss but it’s hardly time to hit the panic button. The Dolphins sit comfortably in fourth spot and a win over the Tweed could see them skip into third ahead of Wynnum Manly. Tweed also hit a bit of a rough spot last weekend after an indifferent performance against Easts. But the Tweed will be bolstered by the return of experienced halfback Brad Davis. The classy playmaker was a spectator last weekend at Langlands Park and his presence was sorely missed as the Tigers led from start to finish. Davis will pair up in the halves with impressive Titans youngster Kayne Lawton who scored a spectacular individual try last weekend that earned high praise from the ABC commentary team.

Source: www.qrl.com.au

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Norths Devils Teams Round 12