The battle for the minor premiership and a top six spot are top of the agenda in the Brisbane Rugby League this weekend.
Heading into Round 17, seven teams remain in contention for finals, while first position on the ladder is a two-way race between Wynnum Manly Redland City and Ipswich.
The Jets’ Chairman’s Trophy win last weekend means the two clubs are now locked on 26 competition points, separated only by a slim 11-point for-and-against margin.
The Seagulls host Gaters on Friday night, while Ipswich travel to Purtell Park to face Normanby Hounds.
Injuries have crippled the Hounds this season – they were forced to start last round’s match with just 15 players.
Meanwhile, seventh-placed West Brisbane Panthers are a chance of scraping into the six but must win their final two matches and rely on results falling their way.
The return of Sean Loxley boosted Wayne Weekes’ side to a 46-34 win over Valleys last round.
Their next challenge is against Carina on Saturday who will be without veteran Kev Stephensen after he suffered a potentially career-ending broken foot.
Logan Brothers meet Easts Tigers at Langlands Park on Saturday afternoon in a match that has a big bearing on positions.
The Tigers rose to third after a 36-0 win over Carina and are expected to have the services of centre Jake Hargreaves, prop Tom Price and winger Brandon Downey after the trio all played Intrust Super Cup in Blackall last round.
Logan Brothers can guarantee themselves a place in the finals with a win.
Fullbacks Maeli Seve (Easts) and former Souths Logan Magpies flyer Ono So’Oialo (Logan Brothers) are two to watch – both possess devastating footwork if given space to move.
The Redcliffe Dolphins are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their BRL premiership in 1965 with their Intrust Super Cup team donning a replica maroon and white jersey to celebrate.
The club will keen to notch a contemporary BRL win against Valleys to celebrate the weekend in style.
Brisbane Rugby League and Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association
The Brisbane Rugby League is teaming up with the Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association to raise money for wheelchair and disabled sport.
Sporting Wheelies supports people with a disability by providing sport, recreation and fitness and rehabilitation to foster strong community ties and a healthy lifestyle.
Collection buckets will be at all BRL, Brisbane Second Division and Junior matches over the weekend.
ROUND 17
Friday, 21 August
Wynnum Manly Redland City v Gaters at BMD Kougari Oval, 7.30pm
Normanby Hounds v Ipswich Jets at Purtell Park, 7.30pm
Saturday, 22 August
West Brisbane Panthers v Carina at Kev McKell Oval, 3.15pm
Valleys Diehards v Redcliffe Dolphins at Emerson Park, 4.45pm
Easts Tigers v Logan Brothers at Langlands Park, 5pm
