The Carina Tigers have come out of hibernation after a modest start to the In Safe Hands Cup, joining West Brisbane in equal third after a tough 26-18 win against the Panthers at Frank Lind Oval last Saturday.
They've now put two wins back-to-back after losing their Round 3 and 4 clashes in a slow start to the season.
West's have now also lost two games this season, however they have a superior for and against to sit above the Tigers after Round 6.
Wynnum Manly are still alone at the top of the Iadder, remaining undefeated after inflicting the Brighton Roosters their biggest losing margin of the season, going down 38-8.
Seagulls coach Darren Ferricks was understandably, very pleased with their efforts against the plucky Roosters.
“They were very physical as we expected," Ferricks said.
"They tried to unsettle our game plan, but we stayed with the structure and the result showed that.
"The boys are really starting to adjust to my way of coaching and I believe we have plenty of improvement in us.
"To come away with a win like that against a quality side like Brighton was very pleasing, not just for me, but for the whole squad."
The Seagulls may sit at the top, but are looking over their shoulder at the second-placed Valleys, who put another 50 plus points on the scoreboard to defeat Normanby 50-24.
Pine Rivers have now moved into fifth place after a thrilling win over the Bulimba Bulldogs.
The Bears only led by four with two minutes to go before skipper Liam Smallhorne scored out wide to ensure the three points, 38-30.
Round 7 this weekend has a juicy match up with the top of the table clash between the Seagulls and Diehards at 3pm at Kitchener Park.
All eyes will be on the battle in the halves as the Seagulls' Max Plath and Aaron Booth come up against the Diehards' Scott Prince and Simon Brittain-Snowden.
The Seagulls pairing have played every game together this season, but it's completely the opposite for Valleys with Prince having different partners during the first six rounds.
The fullbacks also have a contest on their hands with Matt Milson coming up against the competition's leading try-scorer, Jayden Corrigan.
If that isn’t enough, two of the biggest hookers on the planet - Wynnum’s Harrison Graham and Valleys' Liam Horne will be an interesting look to see who wears the No. 9 better.
Four will play five when Carina host Pine Rivers on Saturday afternoon as the Tigers look for the three-peat, however the Bears will look to carry last week’s form to hold on to a top six position.
Both sides have a similar line up to last week going the adage... ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’.
Justice Utatao is looking ominous after returning to his best by crossing three times last week and with Joe Bond at halfback, he will look for a lot of pill to be headed his way.
Carina have the bullies up front to continue their run but will have to deal with the mobility of the Bears starting six up front.
Bulimba will need to put all they have learned from the start of the season to take on the Panthers at Totally Workwear Stadium.
The Bulldogs are hoping to get off the bottom of the ladder as they take on the same 17 West Brisbane rolled out last week.
The Bulldogs defence has been a concern; however with ball in hand, they can score points.
The Panthers will look to return to the winner’s circle after last weeks loss.
Normanby and Brighton round out this weekend in the six versus seven clash.
With a top six finals series this year, the Hounds will need to put some wins on the board.
The Roosters have to dust themselves off to bounce back from the squabble against the Seagulls as one of these sides - barring a draw - will take the last golden ticket with three rounds remaining.
Round 7 fixtures
Saturday, September 5
Time | Match | Venue |
---|---|---|
3pm | Wynnum Manly Seagulls v Valleys Diehards | Kitchener Park, Wynnum |
3pm | Carina Tigers v Pine Rivers Bears | Leo Williams Oval, Carina |
3pm | Bulimba Bulldogs v West Brisbane Panthers | Totally Workwear Stadium, Stones Corner |
3pm | Normanby Hounds v Brighton Roosters | Bert St Clair Oval, Graceville |
*Main image courtesy of Vanessa Hafner