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They may not boast the Intrust Super Cup contingent of other sides, but at the moment that doesn’t faze the Gaters one bit.
After a slow start to the season, the Sandgate-based club is starting to build momentum with a largely local roster.
“We’ve got a great relationship with (feeder club) Redcliffe, but at the moment it’s a bunch of local blokes that are getting the job done,” coach Craig Rogers said.
Gaters earned their fourth win from seven starts in XXXX Rivalry Round, overcoming the Dolphins on home turf in the second half.
“We’ll take a lot out of it,” Rogers said of the Redcliffe victory.
“At the beginning of the year we were completing with the top sides, but only in patches, and you can’t get away with it in this grade.
“More recently, although we didn’t get the win, we were really competitive against Ipswich (Round 6) and our match against Logan (Round 5) was a cracker as well.”
The club is starting to see results on the ladder.
Currently sitting in fifth position, Rogers’ side takes on co-competition leaders Wynnum Manly Redland City this round.
On the back of gritty forwards and strong backs, the Gaters are quietly confident, while former Australian touch football representative Marlon Doak has come into his own in recent weeks.
“Marlon’s a sensational talent,” Rogers said.
“We just let him play, we don’t put any ropes on him when he’s on the field – he has free rein.”
In other fixtures, last-placed Normanby will need to be on their game to contain the attacking prowess of Ipswich in the opening match of the round on tomorrow night at Purtell Park.
The Jets were pipped at the post by Wynnum Manly Redland City last start, but still boast the top attack and defence statistically.
Three Ipswich players (Richard Pandia, Pat McCallum and Chris Ash) made their Intrust Super Cup debuts against PNG last weekend.
Meanwhile, Carina play West Brisbane Panthers at Leo Williams Oval on Saturday night.
Carina held third-placed Easts Tigers to a 20-20 draw in Round 7 and have hit form over the past three weeks after earning their first win of the season over Normanby.
Easts and Logan Brothers shapes as a tight contest, however the Tigers may be missing key players.
With the Origin-hit Melbourne Storm calling on Easts’ ISC regulars, the trickle-down effect is being felt by BRL coach Jason Di Lizio.
Key attacking contingent Maeli Seve (fullback), Brentt Warr (halfback) and Billy Walters (hooker) are all selected in Cup this weekend.
The final match of the round sees Redcliffe host Valleys at Don Kerr Memorial Oval.
BRIABANE RUBGY LEAGUE – ROUND 8
Friday, June 12
Normanby v Ipswich Jets at Purtell Park - 7.30pm
Saturday, June 13
Logan Brothers v Easts Tigers at Civic Park - 3pm
Gaters v Wynnum Manly Redland City at South Pine Sports Complex - 3.30pm
Carina v West Brisbane Panthers at Leo Williams Oval - 5pm
Sunday, June 14
Redcliffe Dolphins v Valleys Diehards at Don Kerr Memorial Oval - 2pm
