Ipswich primed to face Panthers and Bears

Ipswich are coming off the bye, while the Bears beat the Magpies two weeks ago. The home side the Panthers accounted for Wynnum Seagulls in their last game.

Burleigh will be looking to replicate their fast start from a fortnight ago, while the Panthers will aim to play well again after earning 59 per cent of the ball and making 41 tackle breaks in their last game.

Ipswich coach Darryl Squires said he thought he had the forward pack to handle this three-way battle on Saturday.

“We think a few things might suit Ipswich, the heat it is supposed to be hot on Saturday and we have some players with big motors,” Squires said.

“Our lock Kendelle Satour will thrive in this environment, she will go hard and then have a break and go again.

“Front row off the bench Wendy Toma just loves to compete, so she will be great off the bench.

“Speedy back Alofa Apulu will turn some heads on Saturday.

“It’s a bit strange and will require a different approach, but our staff has been excellent this year and has a lot of experience.

“I am very blessed with the excellent staff I have around me.”

This weekend, the Ipswich team will wear black arm bands to mark the passing of former Ipswich Jets coach Tom Raudonikis.

In the other game of the round, Mackay Cutters and Northern Pride will be aiming to take each other down in Townsville.

The Pride are coming off the bye and the Cutters were tremendous against the Blackhawks, winning 48-0.

The Cutters were just too powerful with 56 per cent of the ball and 70 per cent completion.

The Cutters also made the phenomenal effort of running 1349 metres compared to 558 metres from the Blackhawks.

Main image: Tarleah Fisher-Pearson, Lily Devin, Hayley Keats and Hannah Nugent feature for Ipswich in the Harvey Norman Under 19 competition. Photo: David Nugent