Download the Team Lists for Round 13 (Week 1) here
Wynnum Manly Redland City v Valleys Diehards
Saturday, 3.15pm at BMD Kougari Oval
Live Stream: http://livestream.com/accounts/9436031/events/4194772
Wynnum Manly Redland City are the new BRL competition leaders following a narrow 32-26 victory over West Brisbane last week, leapfrogging the Jets into first place. Seagulls’ Mitchell Lollback grabbed a double to take his season tally to 14, but will represent the Queensland Rangers this weekend and has been replaced by Jeriah Goodrich at fullback. After spending the past few weeks in the Intrust Super Cup, Matthew Smith is named at halfback, pushing Paris Oti to the bench.
Meanwhile, Valleys produced their best defensive effort of the season to upset Gaters 30-10 at Emerson Park. Skipper Jake O’Doherty is set to return at prop for this match after being a late omission last weekend. The Diehards were great with and without the ball last Saturday but face a step up against one of the more dangerous sides in the competition.
Gaters v Carina
Saturday, 3.30pm at South Pine Sports Complex
Both teams were the subject of surprise results in Round 12. Gaters went down to Valleys, while Carina knocked Ipswich off top spot on the ladder with a nail-biting 32-22 result. This match is crucial in their quest for a finals berth. Carina (7th) are currently three points shy of Gaters in sixth place and need a win to stay in touch. They may be without veteran halfback Isaac Kaufmann, who has been named on the bench in Easts’ Intrust Super Cup team.
After a run of three straight win, Gaters have now lost three in a row. They will have to cover the loss of prop Adam Marr who is on representative duties with the Queensland Rangers. His absence is offset by the return of skipper Nathan Turner at lock, while speedster Shaun Rees is another inclusion on the wing.
Easts Tigers v Redcliffe Dolphins
Sunday, 11.45am, Tapout Energy Stadium, Langlands Park
This shapes as the game of the round. The young Tigers put a big score on Normanby at home last round, while Redcliffe were super impressive in passing 40 against Logan Brothers. The Dolphins were physical and precise, with coach Daniel Green rating it their most complete performance of the season.
The Tigers are without Rangers representatives Whetu Austin and Billy Walters, but have recalled bustling winger Josh Everett. Keep an eye on respective fullbacks Brandon Downey (Easts) and Evander Cummins (Redcliffe) to inject their speed. Undoubtedly though, the game will be won in the forwards. Easts’ pack has been boosted by John Puna and the versatile Ashley Little. The winner of this match will claim fourth spot.
BYE – Ipswich Jets, Logan Brothers, Normanby Hounds, West Brisbane Panthers
