Galloping Clydesdales look to bring momentum against Bulls

The Clydesdales performed strongly against Ipswich Jets last weekend, holding a 22-12 lead at half-time which they extended into a 32-22 win and two competition points.

Following their victory, which boasted a 60 per cent completion rate, the side would be confident of taking that form with them to Eskdale Park in Maryborough this week to keep the momentum going.

Against the Jets, the Clydesdales - who have just announced an affiliation agreement with Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs - were able to complete at 70 per cent and coach Brendan Wilson was happy with what his side produced.

“I’d like to get that 70 per cent up closer to 80 per cent, but we certainly gave ourselves the best chance to win the game,” Wilson said.

“We showed some grit in defence which I like and held Ipswich up over the line which I am not too sure we would have done other years."

Declan Ryan was a two-try standout for the Clydesdales.

“Declan is still learning lock, it’s a new position for him so he still has some ‘fullback’ mistakes in him, but two tries is a great start,” Wilson said. 

The way the Darling Downs side handled the comeback from the Jets was pleasing for Wilson.

“Ipswich came back and we handled that; and when they got level, we didn’t lose our minds, we just kept at the task," Wilson said. 

“I’d like to see Wide Bay not score many points on Saturday; that sort of 10-0 win impresses me more than winning 32-28.”

The clash between the Clydesdales and the Bulls will be livestreamed at QPlus.tv, along with every other Queensland Rugby League statewide game.

Elsewhere in Round 3, the weekend of matches will kick off with the Ipswich Jets hosting Sunshine Coast Falcons.

In Toowoomba last weekend, the Jets scored twice in the first 24 minutes in a promising start to the game with Hayden Molkentien’s charge-down try showing plenty of enthusiasm and speed. However, they were eventually overrun by Western Clydesdales and will need to show more consistency this weekend.

Ipswich’s Regan Payne was great in defence with 23 tackles.

The Falcons went to Kingaroy and came home with a 28-2 win over Wide Bay Bulls. Kahn Sutherland-Chan made 127 metres for the Falcons and will be a danger for the Jets this week.

Townsville Blackhawks impressed with a shutout against the Pride last weekend, claiming with a 30-0 win. In a dominate display, Townsville did everything right and at halftime, they held a 22-0 lead.

This week, they will play the Cutters who had a tough match against Central Queensland Capras last round. Their slow start made it hard to recover and catch their opposition and the side will be working to fix that this week.

Centre Kai Simon had a strong running game for the Cutters with 123 metres.

The Norths Devils couldn’t have been much more dominate against the Tigers with a 58-6 win last weekend and will be hoping to aim just as high when they take on Burleigh Bears this round. 

Tory Bath kicked seven from 11 goals in a game where the Devils led 32-0 at halftime. Ben Te Kura’s try summed up the afternoon for the Devils and Tigers with the big forward being too strong on the right-hand side, while Tory Bath showed his speed in the match.

The Bears lost 34-24 to the Magpies last week, but one of the positives was the form of Karauria Stokes-Mahara, who was sensational with 193 metres.

Central Queensland Capras will host Northern Pride at Browne Park in Rockhampton for their Round 3 matchup, with both sides experiencing very different games last weekend. 

The Pride went down 30-0 to a tough Townsville Blackhawks outfit, while the Capras claimed a hard-fought 30-16 against Mackay Cutters. The Capras best was Baden Robinson with 21 tackles.

Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup action heads to Brighton this weekend when Redcliffe Dolphins host Brisbane Tigers.

Last weekend, Tweed centre Keano Kini caused havoc against the Dolphins and ran 249 metres, despite the best efforts of Mitchell Rogers who made 25 tackles for his team. Kini’s tackle-busting caused all sorts of problems that the Redcliffe defence will need to fix this week against the Tigers.

The Tigers were coming off a cancelled game in Round 1, but were unable to put their best foot forward in their match, beaten 58-6 by Norths Devils in Round 2. They were up against it in the first half after conceding six tries. Their focus in training would have been defence and they will be keen to show improvement this week.

Souths Logan Magpies will host Wynnum Manly Seagulls in the round's sole Sunday match and it's sure to be a key contest.

Last weekend, Israel Leota was a star for the Magpies and his combination with Jye Gray might cause plenty of headaches and heartaches for other teams this season. The Magpies started well and applied pressure to the Bears and that’s what got them the win.

Wynnum Manly come into this contest following a bye last weekend. 

Main image: Declan Ryan with the ball in the match against Ipswich Jets. Photo: Western Clydesdale Media