The Brisbane Rugby League #InSafeHandsCup returns this weekend after a break last week due to representative fixtures. Congratulations to the Gold Coast Vikings on securing the XXXX Chairman’s Challenge. This weekend’s Round 8 games begin the second period in the home and away season.
LOGAN BROTHERS v WYNNUM MANLY
Logan Brothers return to their home ground of Civic Park to take on Wynnum Manly. Round 1 saw the Seagulls convincing winners, though the Brethren made last year’s minor premiers work for their two points. For several periods Logan Brothers, whilst in possession, threatened – but Wynnum Manly scored tries in quick succession, squashing the visitor’s persistence. Logan would have used the break to address their defensive lapses to the Tigers in Round 7. This weekend’s battle between halves Aaron Booth and LJ Waddups will be a highlight along with the collision of two massive packs. Grayson Putu, Jordan Mago and Reece Summer and company going toe-to-toe with Brad Mana, Josh Hoffman, Ben Shea to name a few is worth the trip to Civic Park.
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS v VALLEYS DIEHARDS
Livestream: BRLTV
If their first encounter is anything to go by, the Redcliffe and Valleys clash at Dolphin Oval will be outstanding. The Diehards who were down 22-6 just before halftime came back in front of The True Blue Legends to win 30-28. After losing three in a row, Don Gailer’s side have been impressive. Redcliffe will have to stop Liam Herrington’s pack first, then deal with some wheels out wide. Former Falcons and Wynnum Manly Cup centre Matt Grieve was impressive in his first BRL outing against the Panthers. Valleys also have an impressive bench with Cup experience in Paul Ivan and Joe McKenna who is making a habit of scoring some dazzling solo tries. Redcliffe’s Danny Green has some counterpunches on offer to challenge the Diehards and is bristling with some outstanding backs in Curtis Johnson, Shaun Rees, Luke Strasser; with the magic of Kyle Van Klaveren at the back. The Dolphins also have a pack ready to mix it up.
EASTS TIGERS v WEST BRISBANE PANTHERS
Livestream: PANTHERTV
Sunday will see the Tigers look to avenge their opening round loss to the Panthers 21-16. Both sides scored three tries, but Kane Zalewski’s radar saw his side get the two at Kev McKell Oval. In his first year in the BRL, Easts coach Dave Krause will be pleased with his team’s effort, however, he will be disappointed with their inconsistency with the Tigers yet to record back-to-back wins. The contact up front in this weekend’s game will have two wrecking ball packs coming together. Led by Matt Pitman, the home side have some mongrel that will have the Tigers spine ready to pounce. Gene Ropoama, Adam Crear, Anton Iaria will go full steam with some big units on the bench ready to continue the hostilities. Panthers coach Wayne Weekes has continued to remark that the Red and Black have not been playing to their potential so far in 2017. His concern was with their attack before taking on Valleys. The Panthers defence, which Weekes had been more than happy with, was exposed last outing. However, the Panthers are not at the top of the table on luck. They can grind out wins and also maintain a defensive line when in front.
In Safe Hands Cup - Round 8 Team Lists
Logan Brothers v Wynnum Manly at Civic Park, Saturday, May 13 - 3pm
Logan Brothers
1. Steve Tolo 2. Kieran Battelely 3. Nick Doyle 4. Chris Taulangi 5. Mitch Hallinan 6. Cameron Boga 7. LJ Waddups 8. Reece Summer 9. Jack Walters 10. Jordan Mago 11. Darcy Sims 12. Jack Anderson 13. Grayson Putu 14. Jye Boyd 15. Ambrose Fenn 16. Declan Morrissey 17. Otu Talakai
Coach: Steven Bretherton
Wynnum Manly
1. Paoro Kemp 2. Hayden Crowley 3. William Brimson 4. Corey Davis 5. Mitchell McMillan 6. Ben Cronin 7. Aaron Booth 8. Billy Solah 9. Mitchell Moore 10. Josh Hoffman 11. Brad Mana 12. Brendon McBryde 13. Ben Shea 14. Wayne Kennedy 15. Semisi Ahoafi 16. Cody McIntosh 17. Kelly Tate
Coach: Ron Troutman
Redcliffe Dolphins v Valleys Diehards at Dolphin Oval, Saturday, May 13 - 5.15pm
Livestream: BRLTV
Redcliffe Dolphins
1.Kyle Van Klaveren 2. Shaun Rees 3. Sonny Munroe 4. Joe Bradley 5. Curtis Johnson 6. Mitch Wilson 7. Zach Strasser 8. Nathan Watts 9. Hugh Pratt 10. Agassi Stowers 11. Jaz Nahu Main 12. Nick Ritter 13. Johnnie Fox 14. Sam Leach 15. Kahi Harawira 16. Ben King 17. Daniel Graham
Coach: Daniel Green
Valleys Diehards
1.Trae Clark 2. Tristan Lumley 3. Rowan Klein 4. Matt Grieve 5. Andrew Lancaster 6. Aaron Clode 7. Joe Bond 8. Dylan Smith 9. Chris Aiton 10. Mattias Hemuli 11. Liam Herrington 12. Rajan Opetia-Halls 13. Jarryd Dodd 14. Joe McKenna 15. Ryley Kajewski 16. Paul Ivan 17. Travis Peeters
Coach: Don Gailer
Easts Tigers v West Brisbane Panthers at Suzuki Stadium Sunday, May 14 - 1pm
Livestream: PantherTV
Easts Tigers
1. Adrian Henley 2. Michael Pouhila 3. Jack Creith 4. Brett Ferguson 5. Brendon Downey 6. Kevin Bell 7. James Salter 8. Gene Ropoama 9. Chris Ostwald 10. Anton Iaria 11. Michael Egan 12. Adam Crear 13. Matt Pitman 14. Andrew Thompson 15. Brandon George 16. Ryan Cameron 17. Matt Richards
Coach: David Krause
West Brisbane Panthers
1. Jake Dornan 2. Adam Wickins 3. Michael Pearsall 4. Kennedy Pettyborne 5. Paul Uhlburg 6. Shaun Tupou 7. Ollie Olds 8. Josh Afoa 9. Kalolo Saituia 10. Erik Koelbel 11. Ashley Harawira 12. James Sharkie 13. Ryan Dornan 14. Jarrod Blanke 15. Aiden Tua 16. Jake Kelly 17. Tim Tanielu
Coach: Wayne Weekes
Ipswich Jets – bye
