The first round of semi-finals for the Rugby League Gold Coast A Grade competition kick off this weekend.
As minor premiers, the Burleigh Bears will have a week’s rest and play in their first finals match next weekend.
The Currumbin Eagles, Southport Tigers and Ormeau Shearers were the teams to finish outside of the top five.
Tweed Heads Seagulls v Bilambil Jets
The elimination semi-final will see the Tweed Heads Seagulls go head-to-head against local rivals the Bilambil Jets. After falling short to the Southport Tigers 50-26 last weekend, the Bilambil Jets know the importance of a strong start in this week’s elimination game. Working on set plays and defensive structures; the Jets know they can challenge the Seagulls after defeating the side earlier in the season 20-10. The Seagulls are confident leading into this week after dominating the Currumbin Eagles with a 40-12 win last weekend. “Although we had many changes, the win was a great boost for the team,” Seagulls coach Darryl Fisher said. Although a couple of key players are in doubt due to injury, Fisher is confident the side can still put up a fierce contest. The Seagulls will need to match the intensity of the Jets and ensure they maintain composure.
Tugun Seahawks v Runaway Bay Seagulls
The second final will see the Tugun Seahawks host the Runaway Bay Seagulls for a chance to take on Burleigh next weekend. A week off due to a forfeit saw the Seahawks regain some players from injury and they will have a full squad leading into the finals series. “We have slowly got back to full strength and are ready to take on the finals series,” Seahawks coach Martin Griese said. The Seahawks know the Seagulls will be competitive and know what to expect. Falling short last weekend against the Burleigh Bears, the Seagulls will be motivated to show they can compete in the finals series. “We just need to play our game and we know we can compete,” Seagulls coach Clinton Toopi said. The Seagulls have shown every player contributes to the success of the team and this week will be no different.
Tweed Heads Seagulls v Bilambil Jets at Piggabeen Sports, Saturday, August 26 – 3pm
Tweed Heads Seagulls
1. Paul Sheedy 2. David Sheridan 3. TBA 4. Sione Alofi 5. Macauley Dawson 6. Kobi Annand 7. Josh Ralph 8. Sham Vaoa 9. Maia Sands 10. Jarrod Morfett 11. Jack Cook 12. Sam Tochterman 13. Jackson Clarke 14. Jenan Parrish 15. Jordan Aiono 16. Shaun Hinton 17. Mike Gray 18. Shaquille Gafa 19. Diaz Sharrock
Coach: Darryl Fisher
Bilambil Jets
1. Cal Lynn 2. Luke Jaeger 3. Luke Harvey 4. Luke McNamara 5. Caleb Nicholls 6. Tom Dawney 7. Carne Rhodes 8. Mitch Spackman 9. Thomas Plater 10. Wade Hall 11. Jackson Springer 12. Drew McCullough 13. Harrison Burling 14. Brendon Welsh 15. Tom Raferty 16. Zeke Garrett 17. Chris Rigney
Coach: Craig Rowles
Tugun Seahawks v Runaway Bay Seagulls at Boyd Street, Sunday, August 27 – 2pm
Tugun Seahawks
1. Corey Morris 2. Adam Barnes 3. Jabe Gamble 4. Tim Cassidy 5. Zac Jones 6. Grayson Te Kiri 7. Drumayne Dayberg-Muir 8. Bryce Thomas 9. Chris Thomas 10. Shane Gray 11. Tu Whakatihi 12. Ayden Lee (c) 13. Dan Webb 14. Reece Worboys 15. Dean Murphy (c) 16. Timi Matenga 17. Chris Hodges
Coach: Martin Griese
Runaway Bay Seagulls
1. John Mackin 2. Walter Lauenstein 3. Daniel Kelly 4. Matthew Gandy 5. Jake Powell 6. Jamie Anderson 7. Falani Arkell 8. Robert Reid 9. Henry Chan-Ting 10. Ryan Lamont 11. Kimi Hempo 12. Andrew Vela 13. Blake Midson 14. Dion Belford-Laulu 15. Ethan Gallop 16. Kingi Akauola 17. Jordan McLaughlin
Coach: Clinton Toopi
