Gold Coast Rugby League Media previews Round 3 of the Rugby League Gold Coast A Grade competition.
Runaway Bay Seagulls v Bilambil Jets
The Runaway Bay Seagulls will take on the Bilambil Jets in an ANZAC special match on Saturday 2pm at Bycroft Oval. As they will be a couple players short to start the weekend, the Jets will look for support from the Reserve Grade and Under 19s. Coach Craig Rowles said he was content with his team’s completion rates last weekend in their 20-10 win over the Tweed Heads Seagulls. “Everyone contributed and shared the work load which was a clear positive,” Rowles said. Luke McNamara scored a double and joins captain Mitch Spackman as stand outs who are leading the team. The Jets know the Seagulls will be strong and that they will need to control the football and ruck if they are to win the match. It was a close game for the Runaway Bay Seagulls last weekend as they lost to the Tugun Seahawks 22-20. Despite usually having a strong defensive line, the Seagulls have been working to juggle player movement and build combinations. “Tugun was a great indication of where we are at for the competition and we can only improve from here,” coach Clinton Toopi said. This should be a great Anzac match, as both teams try to establish their dominance in the competition.
Burleigh Bears v Southport Tigers
Burleigh will go head-to-head with the unpredictable Southport Tigers this weekend. Coach Stuart Wilkins hopes the team can work on errors made as the season progresses, as small errors can be detrimental later in the season. “(Last game) Ormeau were really strong in the centre and definitely kept persisting which really forced us to complete,” Wilkins said. Fullback Toby McIntosh, Ricardo Parata and Anthony Gray all stood out over in their last game. The Bears know Southport will be tough and should not be underestimated. On the back-foot to start the season, the Tigers experienced a loss against the Currumbin Eagles 8-18. “Our completion rates dropped from last week down to 28% and we were just out enthused by Currumbin,” coach Tim Cannard said. Although disappointed, the Tigers defence was strong; but under fatigue after making multiple unforced errors, they were forced in to repeat defensive sets. Jake Landers will sit on the sidelines this weekend after injury struck. Cannard hopes his team can start strong and lift their on-field behaviour and attitude.
Tweed Heads Seagulls v Tugun Seahawks
Over the border, the Tweed Heads Seagulls will encounter the wrath of the Tugun Seahawks. Tugun are showing signs of weakness as key players Grayson Te Kiri, Reece Worboys, Tim Matenga and Daniel Webb all sit out this weekend due to injury. Even though he has lost a couple players, coach Martin Griese is confident the club has the depth to take on the Seagulls. “We are still working on a lot of combinations and know Tweed will be strong and fiery this weekend,” Griese said. Experiencing a loss over the weekend, the Tweed Heads Seagulls will be motivated to bring back enthusiasm and grit for this weekend. Coach Darryl Fisher is hopeful the team can capitalise on their other great game facets if they are patient. “We just didn’t get the momentum and Bilambil just out-enthused us,” Fisher said. Stand out players Sione Alofi and Josh Harvey will be vital in lifting the team this weekend.
Ormeau Shearers v Currumbin Eagles
The Ormeau Shearers will be looking to challenge the Currumbin Eagles after a brutal encounter with Burleigh last week. Although defeated, coach Jeremy Golf was pleased with the progress and improvement of his team from Round 1. “We have been continuously aiming to improve each round and I think our defence was much better over the weekend,” Golf said. The team has been working on ruck speed, tackling numbers, and creating opportunities. The Currumbin Eagles had a win over the Southport Tigers and are hoping to secure another for the season. Coach Ryan Gundry knows there is plenty to improve on and hopes the team can focus on what’s ahead. “We need to keep completing sets and improve across the board,” Gundry said. Stand out players Jarrod Gill, Kelly Benson and Kyle Ramage will be ones to watch this weekend.
Good luck to all teams this weekend!
Round 3 games
Saturday, April 29
Runaway Bay v Bilambil at Bycroft Oval, 2pm
Burleigh v Southport at Pizzey Park, 3.30pm
Sunday, April 30
Tweed Heads v Tugun at Piggabeen Sports, 12.15pm
Currumbin v Ormeau at Galleon Way, 2pm
