Gin Gin hosted the second round of matches with all six NDRL clubs participating.
In a boost for the competition, the NDRL have welcomed a sixth team into the competition so each weekend spectators could watch three games of rugby league.
Avondale have lost a few players to the new club in the competition but coach Michael O’Sullivan said the Tigers just require a few more players on the books.
Tigers got the two points in a close encounter against the Magpies with Nathan Leather kicking five from five in the 30-26 victory. Miriam Vale will miss the valuable service of old workhorse Aaron Causton who injured his foot at training and may be out for the season.
In the middle game Agnes Water took on South Kolan with the Marlins securing the 30-12 win against a very small Sharks pack. Kolan lacks size at the start of the season but with time will booster their squad to be a force to defend their 2014 premiership.
Marlins have retained quality players Tim McIntosh, Andrew Noy, Aaryn Lowcock for this season but have lost Jason Sykes who has moved away.
New club Burnett Heads Cutters played in the main game against the Hawks who have a new coach this season. Shane Blair took on the Hawks top job and will be well supported by his three brothers Brendan, Todd and Brodie who will add strength to the line up. The Blair brothers have played for Gin Gin for the past five years.
Burnett Heads displayed some quality being a new side and were well supported by spectators from their small community who travelled with the team.
Gin Gin opened the scoring for the game but soon it was 12 all. Hawks went to the break 24-18 with Gin Gin supporter’s nervous watching Burnett Heads team cross again in the second half.
Gin Gin players Matt Card, Todd Blair and Benjamin Kuskey stood out for the home side. New recruit Danny Moran, who has had a break from league, has come back hungry for success and was the stand out player of the day.
Moran’s experience on the field will prove vital to the Hawks this season. Ex Avondale players Andrew Filo, Joshua Watts and Omar Kime played well for their new club.
