Wynnum at full strength for Broncos trial

Author: Wynnum Manly Seagulls
Timestamp: Wed 17 Feb 2021, 11:43 AM

Adam Brideson has named a full-strength line up to take on the Brisbane Broncos in the opening trial match on Friday night at Kitchener Park.

Eleven members from the 2019 grand final campaign are named, including star half Sam Scarlett, forward leader Matiu Love-Henry and classy outside back Delouise Hoeter.

Joining the senior trio will be a number of new recruits including Canberra Raiders veteran Luke Bateman, dynamic outside back Mathew Lyons and former Northern Pride half Jack Campagnolo.

For the Broncos, coach Kevin Walters has named a strong side which is headlined by bookends Matt Lodge and Tevita Pangai Jr.

They will be joined by a host of other Broncos with NRL experience including Richie Kennar, Jesse Arthars, Tesi Niu, Tyson Gamble, Ethan Bullemor and Keenan Palasia.

Two talented young Broncos-contracted players in Selwyn Cobbo and TC Robati will be playing their first Intrust Super Cup games for the Seagulls and will be wanting to impress both sets of coaches.

In a unique set of circumstances, Cobbo has been named for both the Broncos and Seagulls, where he will play the first half for the Seagulls before then switching jerseys at half time to play the second half in Walters’ side.

The 19 year old fullback from Cherbourg is considered a rising talent and the opportunity to play for both teams is available as the Seagulls are an NRL Affiliate Club for the Broncos.

The Broncos trial will present the Seagulls with their first game of football in over 341 days, as the 2020 season was cancelled after one round due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Brideson believes it is important the Seagulls put in strong trial performances to ensure they can hit the ground running for Round 1 against Papua New Guinea Hunters on March 20.

“The trial matches this year have even more importance in our preparation given we missed almost an entire season (in 2020),” Brideson said.

“I’ll be looking for our squad to work hard and put some good efforts in on the park so we can go into Round 1 with some confidence.”

“The annual trial match against the Broncos is a great opportunity for our squad to test themselves against NRL players in a high quality game of football in front of our local crowd.”