Wynnum Manly Seagulls v Burleigh Bears
BMD Kougari Oval
Saturday, March 13 – 2pm* Live on ABC TV
Both sides have rebuilt their teams under new coaches in the off-season. For Wynnum Manly, the opening round match provides a great opportunity for Paul Green to deliver his first win for the Seagulls in front of their passionate home fans. Likewise, Mark Gee will be chasing his first victory as head coach of a Bears outfit that looks incredibly strong right across the park. New faces Germaine Paulson, Richie Williams, Dayne Weston, Jimmy Andersen and Brad Baldry have slotted in nicely in the pre-season. Throw in the addition of Titans players Clinton Toopi and Bodene Thompson, and it’s no wonder opposition teams will be keeping a close eye on the Bears’ early form. The strength of Burleigh’s squad is reflected by the calibre of players named in their FOGS Cup side. Try-scoring sensation Adam Fielder and reliable forwards Robert Apanui and Martin Griese were among the big names overlooked. Wynnum Manly selectors also had a number of tough decisions to make this week after landing the signatures of some quality players in the off-season. Bronco Steve Michaels will turn out for the Seagulls in a backline that also includes new faces Shea Moylan and Ben Cronin.
Ipswich Jets v Easts Tigers
North Ipswich Reserve
Saturday, March 13 – 6pm
Local favourite Marshall Chalk plays his first match for the Jets since the 2002 grand final. Dual-signed with the Gold Coast Titans, the Fassifern product links with the Jets this week after missing selection in the NRL side. The former Canberra Raiders star slots into a slippery backline that also includes Titans livewire Will Zillman at fullback. The Jets are unlikely to have the services of captain Danny Coburn, who is battling a rib injury he picked up in the pre-season clash against Souths Logan. The new Jets halves pairing of Todd Riggs and Ian Lacey will face a big assignment against a Tigers outfit that boasts NRL experienced playmakers Tim Smith and Jace Van Dijk. The classy pair will play behind a giant forward pack. Easts coach Jason Gainey has no shortage of firepower at his disposal, with former Wynnum enforcer Jason Williams and ex-Jet Matt McPhee named on the bench. Gainey’s forward pack also includes Broncos powerhouse Lagi Setu and former Titan James Stosic.
Central Comets v Mackay Cutters
Browne Park
Saturday, March 13 – 7pm
Written off as the $51 outsider for the premiership, the Cutters enter the Browne Park clash with plenty to prove. The match has the potential to be the best game of the round, with both sides fielding electric backlines and formidable forward packs. The Ah Mau brothers – Isaak and Leeson – make their debut for the Cutters after signing with the North Queensland Cowboys for the 2010 season. Their presence, and that of fellow Cowboys Shannon Gallant, Donald Malone and Obe Geia – provides Cutters fans with renewed optimism after a lean 2009. Paul Bramley makes his coaching debut with the Cutters after two successful seasons with the Souths Logan Magpies. Bramley’s star-studded Magpies outfit lost their opening match of last season against the Comets at Browne Park and he will be desperate to avoid another early defeat with his new club. Wayne Barnett returns for another season in charge of the Comets and it is one that is full of promise after a stellar 2009 campaign.
Northern Pride v Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles
Barlow Park
Saturday, March 13 – 7pm
The talent on display in this match alone is enough to see why the Intrust Super Cup is regarded as the best second tier competition in Australia. Little separates the 2009 grand final rivals on paper in what shapes as an explosive clash in the Far North. The battle of the halves will be worth the price of admission alone. For the visiting Sea Eagles, rising stars Daly Cherry-Evans and Trent Hodkinson link up behind a powerful forward pack. Pride playmakers Chris Sheppard and Ryan Stig also have the luxury of playing behind a star-studded group of forwards. Former Rabbitoh Jaiman Lowe should give the Pride plenty of mongrel while back-rowers Joel Riethmuller, Mark Cantoni and Jamie Frizzo provide the mobility and skills that new coach David Maiden will use to his advantage at the back end of games.
Tweed Heads Seagulls v Redcliffe Dolphins
Ned Byrne Field
Sunday, March 14 – 3pm *(Qld Time)
The Redcliffe Dolphins will look to continue their impressive trial match form when the new-look side tackles a dangerous Tweed outfit on Sunday. The Dolphins stretched a full-strength Broncos team to the limit in a trial two weeks ago. Crafty hooker Mick Roberts and electric fullback Ryan Cullen struck up a lethal combination and their ability to combine from set plays could spell trouble for the Seagulls. New Redcliffe coach John Dixon has dropped a few selection bombshells, with 2009 regulars Tim Yee, Palmer Wapau, James Crombie and Craig Priestly overlooked for selection. Kris Kahler, Ben Jones, Greg Byrnes and William Raston will make their debuts for the Dolphins in a revamped pack. Tweed will have the services of a number of Titans players but their trump cards will again be seasoned playmakers Brad Davis and Tim Maccan. Tweed will be coached for the first time by Ben Anderson, the son of former Test coach Chris.
Souths Logan Magpies v Norths Devils
Davies Park
Sunday, March 14 – 3pm
SOUTHS Logan have been installed as short-priced favourites for the premiership and this match but their early title credentials will be put through a searching examination on Sunday. Norths look the real deal themselves in 2010 after a strong pre-season. Devils coach Kevin Carmichael has named four new players in his backline. Jacob Fauid and Matt Smith get first crack in the halves, while Javarn White slots in at fullback and Jack Reed is Josefa Davui’s new centre partner. Smith and Reed will come up against their old club for the first time. Souths Logan coach Mark Beaumont has named a strong side which includes Raiders NRL squad members Cy Lasscock, Glen Buttriss, Josh McCrone and Brett Kelly. Key Magpies pair Phil Dennis and Quentin Laulu-Togagae are back for another season and their form will be crucial to the proud club’s prospects of adding another premiership to their breakthrough 2008 title.
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