REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS v SUNSHINE COAST
Dolphin Oval
Saturday, April 17 – 2pm* Live on ABC TV
The high-flying Dolphins will be chasing their sixth successive Intrust Super Cup victory in this ABC TV match-of-the-round. Redcliffe is one of three unbeaten teams in this year’s competition but despite their red-hot form and their home ground advantage, John Dixon’s team won’t want to take their foot off the pedal against a dangerous and at times unpredictable Sunshine Coast outfit. The defending premiers have been a little scratchy with two wins from five games. However, it is worth remembering that this time last year the Sunshine Coast had an identical win-loss record. Redcliffe coach Dixon chalks up his 50th match as a Queensland Cup coach tomorrow. Dixon, who has previously enjoyed success with the Toowoomba Clydesdales, will again look to Mick Roberts and Ryan Cullen to ignite his side. Cullen scored four tries in last weekend’s win over Easts to take his career tally to 102.
EASTS TIGERS v NORTHS DEVILS
Langlands Park
Saturday, April 17 – 2pm
After two tight losses, this is as close as it gets to a must-win game for the Easts Tigers. For the second week in a row, they’ll test their mettle against one of the competition leaders. Last week, the Tigers put up a strong showing against the in-form Redcliffe Dolphins before succumbing to a six point loss. This assignment will be just as tough. Norths racked up their fifth-straight victory with a 48-8 thrashing of the Comets last weekend and have named Broncos forwards Ashton Sims and Josh McGuire in their line-up. The Devils’ win last weekend marked the first time in the history of the competition that the Nundah club had won their first five games. Their previous best start was in 2002 when they won their first four before losing their next two. Easts have named former Comet Ryan Peters at lock. Peters is a long term option in that position following confirmation that injured captain Anthony Boyd would miss the rest of the season.
BURLEIGH BEARS v CENTRAL COMETS
Pizzey Park
Saturday, April 17 – 6.30pm
Interchange forwards Ali Brown (Burleigh) and Guy Ford (Central) will both sit out Saturday’s clash due to suspension. Brown copped a three match ban at Thursday night’s judiciary hearing for a high tackle. Ford took an early plea to a dangerous throw and will miss two matches. Comets coach Wayne Barnett chalks up his 50th game as head coach of the Comets. He has won 23 of those games and lost 26. He’ll be desperate for a win against Burleigh after three straight losses. Burleigh should also be full of energy and eager to avoid a repeat of the previous week’s performance in which they were outplayed by Mackay on home soil. Burleigh’s head-to-head record against the Comets is one of the most dominant in the Intrust Super Cup. The Bears have won a staggering 24 games against the Comets and lost just two.
NORTHERN PRIDE v MACKAY CUTTERS
Barlow Park
Saturday, April 17 – 7pm
The battle of the Cowboys feeder clubs should be a cracking contest. Mackay will fancy its chances of posting a second successive victory against a Pride team still licking its wounds after a shock 22-16 loss to the Ipswich Jets last week. The Pride will be without suspended centre Jamie Frizzo but they will be boosted by the inclusion of hard-working lock Joel Riethmuller. The former Jet has served a four-match ban and his return is a major boost for a Pride outfit that surrendered a 16 point lead last weekend. A more settled looking Mackay team is beginning to find some form and confidence, with their 36-10 thrashing of Burleigh last week proof that they could be a real force this year. Big men Isaak and Leeson Ah Mau will provide plenty of punch in the forwards, while the likes of Obe Geia and Donald Malone ensure the Cutters have great finishing ability on the flanks.
WYNNUM MANLY v IPSWICH JETS
BMD Kougari Oval
Sunday, April 18 – 3pm
Suspensions have disrupted the preparations of both teams leading into Sunday’s big clash at BMD Kougari Oval. The Seagulls will need to find a replacement for halfback Matt Seamark, who was unsuccessful in his bid to have a dangerous throw charge overturned. Ipswich will be without hard-working lock Adam Boettcher, who will serve two weeks for a dangerous throw. With both sides coming off last start victories, this should be a keenly contested affair. The Jets showed great courage to come from 16-0 down to beat a star-studded Northern Pride outfit last weekend, while Wynnum Manly produced another professional performance on its way to a gritty 34-22 victory over Tweed Heads. Smith Samau (Ipswich) plays his 50th Cup match. A former Titans winger, Samau has been used closer to the ball in recent weeks and he produced some nice touches at five-eighth against the Pride.
SOUTHS LOGAN v TWEED HEADS
Davies Park
Sunday, April 18 – 3pm
Tweed Heads will be striving for their first win of the season when they travel to Davies Park for a clash against one of the most formidable teams in the competition. Although new coach Ben Anderson is yet to notch a win after five games, his injury-hit team hasn’t been far off the pace. Last week they pushed the unbeaten Wynnum Manly team all the way before losing 34-22. Shannon Walker’s form at fullback has been one of the positives and the electric No. 1 will trouble the Magpies if he finds open space. Souths Logan have no shortage of pace out wide either, with noted flyers David Milne, Michael Brophy and Reece Robinson all named in a super backline. Souths Logan coach Mark Beaumont also has the luxury of being able to call on Quentin Laulu-Togagae and Justin Carney off the bench.
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