Devils ready for defensive showdown against the Tigers
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After a four-point loss last weekend against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls, the Norths Devils will aim to continue improving their defensive game against the Easts Tigers this weekend.
Devils coach Craig Kennedy said the team still had a bit of work to do ahead of their Round 18 FOGS Colts Challenge game.
“We were missing a few players; but full credit to Wynnum, they got the better of us in the forwards and there wasn’t much between the two teams,” Kennedy said.
“Our defence will have to improve. You cannot expect to win games if you’re not going to hold them out in defence.
“They are a big side the Tigers, and we are expecting a very tough game. We played them a month ago and both teams have come a long way since.
“The Tigers have a good defensive team and we will have to match that this weekend.
“If you give their forwards room to move, they will run riot and we will have to match them and complete our sets to make sure line speed is there for us.”
Although small improvements need to be made, Kennedy is happy with how far the Devils have come this season.
“Our attack has come a long way. We are starting to look like a team and play like a team,” he said.
“We have had some players come in from the Mal Meninga Cup side and are benefitting from spending time together and playing well.”
With the Devils finding some form in recent weeks there are a few key players who have contributed to that strong attack.
“Our front rowers Sam Carson and Tom Moli have been very good and we really missed them last week against Wynnum,” Kennedy said.
“When these two have been on the paddock we have been able to hold our own
“Also our hooker Hayden Elsebach has played well and is new to the position of hooker. He has always been a second rower, but has transitioned to this position quite well.”
Round 18 will kick off this weekend on Saturday with the Souths Logan Magpies hosting the Toowoomba Clydesdales.
Sunday will continue with the Burleigh Bears taking on the Redcliffe Dolphins and the Sunshine Coast Falcons hosting the Ipswich Jets.
The rivalry game between the Wynnum Manly Seagulls and Tweeds Heads Seagulls will close the round.
