SUNSHINE COAST SEA EAGLES v SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES
Stockland Stadium on Saturday, August 17 - 2.30pm
Referee: Nick Morel
Head to Head: Souths Logan 7 Sunshine Coast 3
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #ISC #SCSEvSLM
The Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles were put through their paces over the Tough Mudder course earlier this week, with the players giving the track a trial run under lights on Wednesday night. The team will be hoping it has prepared them for another gruelling challenge this weekend in the form of the Souths Logan Magpies. The Magpies stunned the second-placed Mackay Cutters last round with a 22-12 victory a surprise win that still gives them a slim chance of a finals appearance. Magpies coach Mark Beaumont will move past Wayne Barnett to 11th on the list of all time Cup coaches with 89 games. If they make the finals, he will get the opportunity to move to equal 10th with Gary Greinke on 92. The Magpies have won four of the past five games against the Sea Eagles. However, the Sunshine Coast can take confidence from the fact they won the last clash at their home venue 35-22 in March last year. Sea Eagles coach Dave Cordwell has called on the more experienced Jye Ballinger and Zac Litherland to replace Tien Nguyen and Rueben Baillie, while for the Magpies, key forwards Chris Faust and Rez Phillips return in place of Matt Cameron and Marshall Chalk.
QRL Media tips: Souths Logan Magpies by 6. The Magpies have too much to play for to allow the Sunshine Coast to grab an upset win here.
CQ CAPRAS v MACKAY CUTTERS
Browne Park on Saturday, August 17 6pm
Referee: Tim Rutherford
Head to Head: Mackay 7 Central 4
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #ISC #CQCvMC
The Cutters suffered a shock loss against the Souths Logan Magpies last weekend and they will now have to fight hard during the remaining rounds if they are to ensure a home semi-final by finishing the regular season in second position. This weekend, they will face the Central Queensland Capras, who are not only local rivals, but have also proven to be giant killers in the competition this season. Mackay have won the past six games played between the two sides, but will have to be on their guard for this weekends match. If the CQ side are to cause an upset however; they will have to do it without the talented Brent Crisp who has not been named. Regular fullback Cameron Munster will try his hand in the halves, while other changes will see Brent Williams come into the starting side with Tonga international Sione Tongia on the bench. Simon Gregory is the other player not named in the Capras line-up. Mackay coach Kim Williams will take a strong squad to Rockhampton and it may yet be boosted by the late inclusion of Jason Taumalolo from the Cowboys.
QRL Media tips: Mackay Cutters by 8. Following last weekends disappointment its hard to see the Cutters being ambushed again, especially with so much on the line.
NORTHERN PRIDE v BURLEIGH BEARS
Barlow Park on Sunday, August 18 - 2pm* (Live on Channel 9)
Referee: Michael Gordon
Head to Head: Pride 7 Burleigh 3 Drawn 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #ISC #PRIDEvBEARS
The first game being televised from Cairns this year is expected to bring out the fans, with free admission being offered to people wearing Pride or local league supporters gear. The home side are heavy favourites to take out this years title but they should not expect to have everything go their way against a Burleigh side which has been down on luck this season. While they have only won five games they have drawn two and lost seven by a margin of six points or less including their match against the Pride in round 2 where they lost 24-22. Both teams had a bye last weekend and have made three changes to their round 20 teams. The Bears have Tyler Chadburn in at five-eighth, Tyron Haynes into the second row and Nick Harrold on to the bench with youngsters Brad Smith, Sam Harrold and Dane Clarke who have all debuted in the side in recent weeks to make way. The Pride will have Cowboys Scott Bolton and Scott Moore come into the side with Ricky Thorby moving up to play with the NRL side from the bench. Brent Oosen will also come into the side with Ryan Ghietti and Ben Spina not named. Centre Brett Anderson (formerly with the Young Guns) will play his 100th game in the Cup competition.
QRL Media tips: Northern Pride by 10. The Pride are rolling along without trouble and should be able to officially wrap up the minor premiership with a win over the Bears.
WYNNUM MANLY SEAGULLS v EASTS TIGERS
BMD Kougari Oval on Sunday, August 18 - 2pm
Referee: Chris Anderson
Head to Head: Easts 17 Wynnum 16 Drawn 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #ISC #WYNvTIGES
This traditional match-up should be played with the intensity of a cut-throat elimination final. The winner will have one foot in the door in the mad dash for a top five berth while the loser will be under immense pressure heading into the final two rounds. Easts are in top form and did belt Wynnum Manly 55-6 in their last meeting at Langlands Park. However, Wynnum Manly will be a much different proposition in front of their parochial home fans and have won their last four games against the Tigers at BMD Kougari Oval. Following the return of premiership-winning halfback Matt Seamark last weekend, the Seagulls are edging closer to full-strength but theyll need to produce a committed 80-minute effort against one of the competitions best attacking teams. When in full flight, the Tigers are an imposing rugby league team. Halves Ben Hampton and Cody Walker are in great touch on the back of such lethal go-forward in the middle. Hampton and Walker scored doubles in the Tigers 50-10 victory over the Sunshine Coast last weekend. A massive crowd is expected to pack into BMD Kougari Oval for Sundays clash. In a further incentive for fans to get along, one lucky spectator will have a kick at goal for the chance to win a Hyundai i20 courtesy of Bartons.
Win a car with Bartons at Wynnum - CLICK HERE
QRL Media tips: Wynnum Manly Seagulls by 4. Its tough to tip against the Tigers such is their outstanding recent form, but the Seagulls know how to win the big games at this time of the year.
NORTHS DEVILS v IPSWICH JETS
Bishop Park on Sunday, August 18 3pm
Referee: Clayton Sharpe
Head to Head: Norths 22 Ipswich 11 Drawn 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #ISC #DEVILSvJETS
The Devils thrilling 31-30 victory over Tweed Heads has been a hot talking point all week. Matt Smiths stunning field goal on the full-time siren kept the Devils in the race for a finals berth but it will count for little if they dont back it up this week and collect another two points. A loss against the Jets would more than likely spell the end of the Devils finals aspirations for season 2013. Theyll come up against an equally desperate Ipswich Jets outfit, which sits in fifth-place but can ill-afford to drop any of their remaining three games. The Jets enjoyed the bye last weekend and have named Brendon Marshall and Jacob Ling to return for the round 22 encounter. It has been an emotional week for everyone involved with the Jets following the passing of popular Colts five-eighth Jaydon Adams in a car accident. The Jets will look to honour Adams with strong performances across the three grades at Bishop Park. On a more positive note, the Intrust Super Cup match will mark Rowan Winterfields 50th top grade game for Ipswich. The Jets have lost their past three away games, however Norths have only won three of their seven games at Bishop Park this season.
QRL Media tips: Norths Devils by 6. Momentum and self-belief are telling factors in sport and the Devils have both after last weekends dramatic victory over Tweed.
TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS v REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS
Piggabeen Sports on Sunday, August 18 - 3pm
Referee: Nick Kalpakidis
Head to Head: Redcliffe 18 Tweed 6
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #ISC #THSvPHINS
This is simply the last roll of the dice for the Redcliffe Dolphins, who must beat Tweed on Sunday and then win their remaining two matches to be any chance of figuring in this years semi-finals. A hat-trick of wins would see them finish on 28 points, which could be enough given the Peninsula clubs healthy for and against record (+46). Redcliffe put away the Seagulls 24-0 in their first encounter this season, their fourth-straight win over the Tweed. Aaron Whitchurch is set to start in the centres for Redcliffe this week, with the versatile Joe Bradley named on the bench. Injury and suspension will again test the Tweeds depth and resolve. Skipper Matt King and key prop Josh Coyle wont return from suspension until rounds 23 and 24 respectively. But in a positive for coach Aaron Zimmerle, exciting fullback Shaun Carney is named to make his return this weekend via the interchange bench. Tweed Heads back-rower Ayden Lee will play his 50th overall Cup match. Nick Slyneys 100th Cup game (Redcliffe & Northern Pride) may have to be put on ice after he was named on the Broncos NRL bench.
QRL Media tips: Tweed Heads by 8. The Seagulls are still down on key personnel but they showed enough fight and skill last weekend against a star-studded Norths team to suggest they can topple the inconsistent Dolphins at home.
Stockland Stadium on Saturday, August 17 - 2.30pm
Referee: Nick Morel
Head to Head: Souths Logan 7 Sunshine Coast 3
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #ISC #SCSEvSLM
The Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles were put through their paces over the Tough Mudder course earlier this week, with the players giving the track a trial run under lights on Wednesday night. The team will be hoping it has prepared them for another gruelling challenge this weekend in the form of the Souths Logan Magpies. The Magpies stunned the second-placed Mackay Cutters last round with a 22-12 victory a surprise win that still gives them a slim chance of a finals appearance. Magpies coach Mark Beaumont will move past Wayne Barnett to 11th on the list of all time Cup coaches with 89 games. If they make the finals, he will get the opportunity to move to equal 10th with Gary Greinke on 92. The Magpies have won four of the past five games against the Sea Eagles. However, the Sunshine Coast can take confidence from the fact they won the last clash at their home venue 35-22 in March last year. Sea Eagles coach Dave Cordwell has called on the more experienced Jye Ballinger and Zac Litherland to replace Tien Nguyen and Rueben Baillie, while for the Magpies, key forwards Chris Faust and Rez Phillips return in place of Matt Cameron and Marshall Chalk.
QRL Media tips: Souths Logan Magpies by 6. The Magpies have too much to play for to allow the Sunshine Coast to grab an upset win here.
CQ CAPRAS v MACKAY CUTTERS
Browne Park on Saturday, August 17 6pm
Referee: Tim Rutherford
Head to Head: Mackay 7 Central 4
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #ISC #CQCvMC
The Cutters suffered a shock loss against the Souths Logan Magpies last weekend and they will now have to fight hard during the remaining rounds if they are to ensure a home semi-final by finishing the regular season in second position. This weekend, they will face the Central Queensland Capras, who are not only local rivals, but have also proven to be giant killers in the competition this season. Mackay have won the past six games played between the two sides, but will have to be on their guard for this weekends match. If the CQ side are to cause an upset however; they will have to do it without the talented Brent Crisp who has not been named. Regular fullback Cameron Munster will try his hand in the halves, while other changes will see Brent Williams come into the starting side with Tonga international Sione Tongia on the bench. Simon Gregory is the other player not named in the Capras line-up. Mackay coach Kim Williams will take a strong squad to Rockhampton and it may yet be boosted by the late inclusion of Jason Taumalolo from the Cowboys.
QRL Media tips: Mackay Cutters by 8. Following last weekends disappointment its hard to see the Cutters being ambushed again, especially with so much on the line.
NORTHERN PRIDE v BURLEIGH BEARS
Barlow Park on Sunday, August 18 - 2pm* (Live on Channel 9)
Referee: Michael Gordon
Head to Head: Pride 7 Burleigh 3 Drawn 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #ISC #PRIDEvBEARS
The first game being televised from Cairns this year is expected to bring out the fans, with free admission being offered to people wearing Pride or local league supporters gear. The home side are heavy favourites to take out this years title but they should not expect to have everything go their way against a Burleigh side which has been down on luck this season. While they have only won five games they have drawn two and lost seven by a margin of six points or less including their match against the Pride in round 2 where they lost 24-22. Both teams had a bye last weekend and have made three changes to their round 20 teams. The Bears have Tyler Chadburn in at five-eighth, Tyron Haynes into the second row and Nick Harrold on to the bench with youngsters Brad Smith, Sam Harrold and Dane Clarke who have all debuted in the side in recent weeks to make way. The Pride will have Cowboys Scott Bolton and Scott Moore come into the side with Ricky Thorby moving up to play with the NRL side from the bench. Brent Oosen will also come into the side with Ryan Ghietti and Ben Spina not named. Centre Brett Anderson (formerly with the Young Guns) will play his 100th game in the Cup competition.
QRL Media tips: Northern Pride by 10. The Pride are rolling along without trouble and should be able to officially wrap up the minor premiership with a win over the Bears.
WYNNUM MANLY SEAGULLS v EASTS TIGERS
BMD Kougari Oval on Sunday, August 18 - 2pm
Referee: Chris Anderson
Head to Head: Easts 17 Wynnum 16 Drawn 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #ISC #WYNvTIGES
This traditional match-up should be played with the intensity of a cut-throat elimination final. The winner will have one foot in the door in the mad dash for a top five berth while the loser will be under immense pressure heading into the final two rounds. Easts are in top form and did belt Wynnum Manly 55-6 in their last meeting at Langlands Park. However, Wynnum Manly will be a much different proposition in front of their parochial home fans and have won their last four games against the Tigers at BMD Kougari Oval. Following the return of premiership-winning halfback Matt Seamark last weekend, the Seagulls are edging closer to full-strength but theyll need to produce a committed 80-minute effort against one of the competitions best attacking teams. When in full flight, the Tigers are an imposing rugby league team. Halves Ben Hampton and Cody Walker are in great touch on the back of such lethal go-forward in the middle. Hampton and Walker scored doubles in the Tigers 50-10 victory over the Sunshine Coast last weekend. A massive crowd is expected to pack into BMD Kougari Oval for Sundays clash. In a further incentive for fans to get along, one lucky spectator will have a kick at goal for the chance to win a Hyundai i20 courtesy of Bartons.
Win a car with Bartons at Wynnum - CLICK HERE
QRL Media tips: Wynnum Manly Seagulls by 4. Its tough to tip against the Tigers such is their outstanding recent form, but the Seagulls know how to win the big games at this time of the year.
NORTHS DEVILS v IPSWICH JETS
Bishop Park on Sunday, August 18 3pm
Referee: Clayton Sharpe
Head to Head: Norths 22 Ipswich 11 Drawn 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #ISC #DEVILSvJETS
The Devils thrilling 31-30 victory over Tweed Heads has been a hot talking point all week. Matt Smiths stunning field goal on the full-time siren kept the Devils in the race for a finals berth but it will count for little if they dont back it up this week and collect another two points. A loss against the Jets would more than likely spell the end of the Devils finals aspirations for season 2013. Theyll come up against an equally desperate Ipswich Jets outfit, which sits in fifth-place but can ill-afford to drop any of their remaining three games. The Jets enjoyed the bye last weekend and have named Brendon Marshall and Jacob Ling to return for the round 22 encounter. It has been an emotional week for everyone involved with the Jets following the passing of popular Colts five-eighth Jaydon Adams in a car accident. The Jets will look to honour Adams with strong performances across the three grades at Bishop Park. On a more positive note, the Intrust Super Cup match will mark Rowan Winterfields 50th top grade game for Ipswich. The Jets have lost their past three away games, however Norths have only won three of their seven games at Bishop Park this season.
QRL Media tips: Norths Devils by 6. Momentum and self-belief are telling factors in sport and the Devils have both after last weekends dramatic victory over Tweed.
TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS v REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS
Piggabeen Sports on Sunday, August 18 - 3pm
Referee: Nick Kalpakidis
Head to Head: Redcliffe 18 Tweed 6
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #ISC #THSvPHINS
This is simply the last roll of the dice for the Redcliffe Dolphins, who must beat Tweed on Sunday and then win their remaining two matches to be any chance of figuring in this years semi-finals. A hat-trick of wins would see them finish on 28 points, which could be enough given the Peninsula clubs healthy for and against record (+46). Redcliffe put away the Seagulls 24-0 in their first encounter this season, their fourth-straight win over the Tweed. Aaron Whitchurch is set to start in the centres for Redcliffe this week, with the versatile Joe Bradley named on the bench. Injury and suspension will again test the Tweeds depth and resolve. Skipper Matt King and key prop Josh Coyle wont return from suspension until rounds 23 and 24 respectively. But in a positive for coach Aaron Zimmerle, exciting fullback Shaun Carney is named to make his return this weekend via the interchange bench. Tweed Heads back-rower Ayden Lee will play his 50th overall Cup match. Nick Slyneys 100th Cup game (Redcliffe & Northern Pride) may have to be put on ice after he was named on the Broncos NRL bench.
QRL Media tips: Tweed Heads by 8. The Seagulls are still down on key personnel but they showed enough fight and skill last weekend against a star-studded Norths team to suggest they can topple the inconsistent Dolphins at home.
