EASTS TIGERS v REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS
Tapout Energy Stadium on Saturday, May 16 – 3pm
Referee: Nick Morel
Head-to-Head: Redcliffe 24 Easts 15 Drawn 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #TIGESvPHINS
Livestream: Tiger TV
Talented back Cameron Munster returns to the line-up for the Tigers this weekend when they host traditional rivals Redcliffe in their first home game since Round 7. Munster – who has spent time with the Storm in the NRL comes in as fullback for this game against Redcliffe.
The Dolphins recorded their second win of the season last weekend, fighting back from a 16-0 deficit to beat the Magpies 34-28 in an absorbing match. Despite starting poorly – they then showed good signs to push on and record the win – something they would have been unable to do in past weeks.
Easts however, are coming into this match off the back for two losses – one a heavy defeat to the Blackhawks and the other, last week’s close loss to the never-say-die Jets.
The Tigers will be keen to get things back on track and play the exciting football they have become known for in recent years.
This week, prop Jon Green has been named to return to the Redcliffe starting line-up for Josh Rudolph – and his experience will come in handy against the Tigers pack.
This will be Redcliffe's 450th Cup match making them first team to reach this milestone. The Dolphins have won 283 games, drawn 13 and lost 153.
SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS v SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES
Sunshine Coast Stadium on Saturday, May 16 – 3.30pm
Referee: Tyson Brough
Head-to-Head: Souths Logan 10 Sunshine Coast 3
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #SCFvSLM
Two players will take part in their 50th Cup matches with James Ackerman (Sunshine Coast / Redcliffe) and Mitch Garbutt (Magpies / Easts) both achieving this milestone this Saturday.
Both sides are coming into this game following Round 9 losses – with the Falcons suffering a 50-16 defeat at the hands of Mackay. The Magpies however went down 34-28 to Redcliffe in a game that showed good signs for the West End team.
For the home side Hymel Hunt (centres), Tony Tumusa (winger), Billy Kitt (halfback), Joe Stimson (back row), Ricky Shaxson (bench) and Kem Seru (extended bench) come in for Reinhold Kamilo, Brett Doherty, Mitch Ebdon, Jay Lobwein and Sam Sotogi.
The Magpies however have made minimal changes with Leon Panapa returning to the side on the bench in place of Aotealofa Tuimavave – completing a remarkable comeback from a broken neck last year.
Off the field, the Falcons are getting into the Women in League spirit and as well as holding a special pre-game function, both the Cup and Colts players will wear pink socks. An Under 18 girls match has been scheduled as a curtain-raiser while the club have also partnered with SCOPE to raise awareness for domestic violence. The players will wear white armbands to help promote the “Say No” to domestic violence campaign.
MACKAY CUTTERS v IPSWICH JETS
Stadium Mackay on Saturday, May 16 – 6pm
Referee: Jarrod Cole
Head-to-Head: Ipswich 10 Mackay 5
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #MCvJETS
The Cutters currently boast the best defensive record in the competition and will need to be on their guard when they host the lively Ipswich Jets this weekend.
Both teams (along with Wynnum Manly) sit two points behind the ladder-leading Blackhawks and this is shaping as a great game between two evenly-matched teams displaying differing styles.
Prop Sam Hoare is in-line to play with the Cowboys on Friday, leaving a big hole for the Cutters to fill. Mackay had named an unchanged side after their big win over the Falcons, while the Jets have also made minimal changes to their successful side – with Rod Griffin hoping to return and Troy O’Sullivan named on the bench. Bronco Daniel Vidot moves to an extended bench, while Fakahoko Teutau has been omitted.
The Cutters are another club who are embracing the celebration of women’s contribution to rugby league and will paint the Mackay Stadium pink to honour the women who contribute in all aspects of our great game. The afternoon kicks off with two Under 16 Girls games and a Women’s game, while the Cutters will be swap their maroon jerseys for pink ones. They will be auctioned after the game with all proceeds going to The Pink Ribbon Charity Fair.
CQ CAPRAS v WYNNUM MANLY SEAGULLS
Marley Brown Oval, Gladstone on Saturday, May 16 – 7pm
Referee: Nick Pelgrave
Head-to-Head: Wynnum 26 Central 8 Drawn 2
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #CQCvWYN
Livestream: Seagulls TV
A great servant to the game in Central Queensland Ian Webster will play in his 100th Cup this weekend when the CQ Capras face Wynnum Manly this Saturday. Webster, a former Wales international, also works in a development role with the Capras, and provides the club with much-needed experience on the field.
This match will be played at Gladstone’s Marley Brown Oval – and the Capras will be hoping a change of scenery can kick-start their season. The CQ side have lost their past seven games – including their two-point loss to the Devils last weekend. This is the third time this season they have fallen by that margin.
The opponents this weekend are Wynnum Manly who came out on top in a physical battle against their Gulls counterparts Tweed Heads, posting a 22-12 win to maintain second spot on the ladder.
This weekend, Alehana Mara is slated to return at hooker for the visiting side, with Stephen Coombe also pushing his way onto the bench. Tanu Wulf and David Stagg have not been named.
For the Capras, Hayden Buckman comes into the centres for Dan Randall in the only change to the side.
TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS v TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS
Piggabeen Sports on Sunday, May 17 – 1.40pm* (Live on Channel 9)
Referee: Chris Anderson
Head-to-Head: First game
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #THSvTSVB
Tweed Heads are bracing to face a Townsville side full of confidence following their 78-6 win over Burleigh last weekend. That Blackhawks victory was the biggest in the competition since Wynnum beat Central 84-6 in 2012.
The Seagulls came off second best in a tough encounter against Gulls rivals Wynnum Manly last weekend, but they will have to rise to the challenge of another physical battle if they are to upset the Blackhawks in front of the Channel 9 cameras.
They will also have to do it without lock Sam Saville who has accepted a one-match ban for Contrary Conduct. Other team changes for Tweed see them welcome back Queensland Residents representative Davin Crampton into the centres, while Leva Li returns from a foot injury via the bench. Jai Ingram has been named on the extended bench with Ben Ridge and Luke Dumas the players out of this week’s side.
Blackhawks hooker Anthony Mitchell (previously with Mackay) will line up in his 50th Cup match, while Tom Humble returns from a stint with the Burdekin Roosters to slot in at centre for Jonathon Rueben (hamstring). Noel Underwood returns to the side via the bench in the only other change to the side, with Corey Jensen moving to the extended bench.
NORTHS DEVILS v PNG HUNTERS
Bishop Park on Sunday, May 17 – 2.30pm
Referee: Tim Rutherford
Head-to-Head: Norths 1 PNG 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #DEVILSvPNG
Livestream: QRL.com.au
Hunters coach Michael Marum has rewarded his players who snapped a winless run against Northern Pride last weekend by naming a largely unchanged side for this Sunday’s match against Devils. Enock Maki returns from injury via the interchange bench for Timothy Lomai in the only change to the successful line-up.
The Pride were only one for two teams (the other being Easts) who had not been beaten by PNG in the Intrust Super Cup competition – but the Hunters turned they around with their 36-16 victory at Kalabond Oval.
The Hunters will be aiming to record their fourth win in a row for only the second time in their history – but face a challenge this weekend against a Norths side buoyed by a tough Round 9 victory over the Capras.
The Devils were pushed all the way before they could claim their 26-24 result, and they will be hoping to string back-to-back wins together in front of their home crowd.
This week, forward Francis Molo is a chance of starting off the Broncos bench, while Joel Bailey is named to return at centre for Dale Copley (who may yet still play). Josh Afoa has been named to replace Chris Faust on the bench.
Northern Pride - bye
Burleigh Bears - bye
