Finals Week 2 preview: All to play for in elimination finals

Tweed Seagulls (4) v Redcliffe Dolphins (5)
Head-to-head: Redcliffe Dolphins 25, Tweed Seagulls 11
Head-to-head in finals: Redcliffe Dolphins 3, Tweed Seagulls 1
Hashtags: #intrustsupercup #TWEvPHINS
Broadcast: This game is broadcast on Kayo Freebies

• There will be plenty of feeling in this one and memories will be still be fresh in the minds of the Tweed Seagulls players who were knocked out of the running the last time these two sides played finals. Tyson Gamble kicked a last-minute field goal in their 2019 elimination final to see the Dolphins progress with a 25-24 win.
• The teams have met twice already this season with the Seagulls taking a 28-16 victory in Round 5 and a 12-14 win in Round 11.
• In another positive omen for the Seagulls, they have won all three games they have played at Tugun, the venue for this weekend’s elimination final.
• However, their recent form would be a cause for concern, having recorded two losses and a draw in their past three games.
• Even more worryingly, the Seagulls have lost their past five finals games, recording their last finals win the 2012 qualifying final over Wynnum Manly.
• On the other hand, Redcliffe Dolphins know how to get it done in finals and have won four of their past five finals games.
• This will also be an extra special game for Redcliffe Dolphins hooker Sheldon Pitama who has been named to play his 50th Cup game, all for the club.
• In team news, the Seagulls will be without second-rower Joe Vuna, who ruptured his ACL in Tweed’s close loss to the Devils last weekend, with Juwan Compain coming onto the bench.

Burleigh Bears (3) v  Souths Logan Magpies (6)
Head-to-head: Burleigh Bears 27, Souths Logan 14, drawn 3
Head-to-head in finals: First match
Hashtags: #intrustsupercup #BEARSvSLM
Broadcast: This match will be broadcast via Channel 9 in Queensland, FOX League, Kayo, 9Now

• Both teams endured physical encounters last weekend and this match is set to be no different, with both sides boasting an impressive forward pack who will be keen to dominate their opposition.
• This will be the first time the sides have met in a finals match, but their last encounter on the field was back in Round 1 of this year where it was the Magpies who were the victors, winning 36-20 at Davies Park.
• This match is set to showcase contrasting styles of football, with Burleigh finishing second in defence and sixth in attack this season, while Souths Logan finished second in attack and ninth in defence.
• Held tryless in the close loss against Wynnum Manly Seagulls last weekend, Bears fullback Kurtis Rowe remains on 67 Cup tries for his club, two short of the club Cup record of 69 held by Reggie Cressbrook and Trent Purdon.
• Jonus Pearson (named on the wing) and Sami Sauiluma (listed in the centres) both require one more try to bring up 50 in the Cup.
• Jamayne Isaako kicked four conversions and two field goals for the Magpies last weekend to bring his points tally to 276. The fullback requires 12 more points to pass Guy Hamilton (who now plays for Burleigh) to become the second highest Cup points scorer for the Magpies behind only Scott Doyle who amassed 326 in his career.
• The form of the Magpies in recent weeks has been strong, with the side accumulating four wins and a draw in their past five games.
• However, Burleigh have the better of the head-to-head ledger overall and had won the four games prior to Souths Logan claiming the victory in Round 1 this year.
• In a major milestone, this finals match is set to be the 100th game for Burleigh for hard-working hooker Pat Politoni, a total that includes his two NRL State Championship appearances.

*Statistics by Brad Tallon

QRL Judiciary results - Finals Week 1