Central Queensland Capras are leading the charge heading into Round 7 of Hostplus Cup.
Coming off a bye, the Capras will face fifth-placed Wynnum Manly Seagulls, who performed strongly against Northern Pride in Round 6.
The feature game on Qplus.tv this week will see Burleigh Bears and Brisbane Tigers, both in the top four, come up against each other at UAA Park on the Gold Coast.
Here is your Round 7 'stats pack' with all of the numbers you need to know for this weekend's games, courtesy of Brad Tallon, as well as your coaches thoughts on the matches ahead.
Hostplus Cup Round 7
PNG Hunters v Mackay Cutters
Head-to-head: PNG 8 Mackay 3 Drawn 2
Last meeting: Round 20, 2022: PNG 30 def Mackay 28 at NFS, Port Moresby
Broadcast: QPlus.tv
- PNG have three losses and one draw in their last four games of the season
- PNG have won three of the last four games between these two sides; and won four and drawn one of the six games between these two sides in PNG
- PNG have lost four and drawn one of their last six games in PNG
- Mackay have lost their past eight games and lost their past four away games
A word from the coaches
PNG Hunters coach Stanley Tepend: Was a tough game down at Burleigh. They started quick and it was hard for us to come back for rest of the game. We know we better team than how we performed so it's about making sure we don't panic when teams get the jump on us like that, so finding a way to fight back during the game is key, which we know we can do. I don't think we had one player that stood out; it's hard to pick one when we perform like that. Our preparation in the lead up to games is important. The boys need to be ready to play once the game starts. We need to start strong this game. We want to win this game. It's a good opportunity for us to make sure we play our way here at home so we can build from this game.
Mackay Cutters coach Michael Comerford: There's a few changes to our squad through suspension and injury. It's a great opportunity for some of the younger guys in our squad to head to Port Moresby and get one of those great experiences unique to rugby league. It will good opportunity for those guys to test themselves in a hostile environment... we're really looking forward to it. The trip has come at a good time for us to spend some time on the road together and really test ourselves against the Hunters, who are probably in a similar position to us in terms of their performances so far this season. Both sides will be looking to win after disappointing losses last week. For us, discipline is the main takeaway from- last week. We were pretty dominant for the first 25 minutes or so but at the start of the second half we gave away about five penalties in the first 10 minutes and had two guys in the sin bin. It's near impossible to win games of footy in a situation like that. We will be looking to tidy that up heading into this week. Brandon Finnegan will return in the halves this week... he's a big inclusion after being out for four weeks. His direction with attack will help keep things calm out there. A more composed attacking unit will make defence easier as well. His inclusion is a pretty big boost for us this week.
Match: Hunters v Cutters
Round 7 -
home Team
Hunters
13th Position
away Team
Cutters
15th Position
Venue: PNG Football Stadium, Port Moresby
Townsville Blackhawks v Souths Logan Magpies
Head-to-head: Townsville 7 Souths Logan 3
Last meeting: Round 14, 2022: Townsville 72 def Souths Logan 0 at Jack Manski Oval)
Broadcast: QPlus.tv
- Townsville have lost their last two games, but have won five of the last six games between these two sides
- Townsville have won three of the four games between these two sides at Jack Manski Oval, but have lost three and drawn one of their last five home games
- Souths Logan have lost two of their last three away games
A word from the coaches
Townsville Blackhawks coach Aaron Payne: We've had three narrow losses now, which is a bit disappointing. Disappointing in that the boys are not being rewarded for their efforts. But, we certainly need to learn from that. There were plenty of things I was happy with on the weekend... despite losing, we did a lot of good stuff. We were our own worst enemies in the first few games of the season, but we have been giving ourselves plenty more opportunities to win games of late. There's lots of positives around ball control and discipline and we just need to keep that going now. If we're doing those things, we're giving ourselves the best opportunity to win. Consistency is key. Souths Logan, the biggest thing with them is, they put 60 points on Redcliffe two games ago... they're an attacking powerhouse. Tristan Sailor and Ethan Quai-Ward are their most dangerous players... we need to limit the time they've got the footy otherwise they'll hurt us. We need to focus on individuals getting the job done and that will go a long way towards winning games of footy.
Souths Logan Magpies coach Karmichael Hunt: Week in, week out it's all about effort and detail for us. We went in against Sunshine Coast and tried hard but we weren't on top of our game mentally. We missed the little details we've been working on. The lesson is to stay on top of our effort areas and attention to detail when it comes to footy. I think our captain Rory Ferguson continues to put his hand up and show the way each week. I was pleased with his effort last week, even though if you talk to him, he wasn't. He continues to lead from the front for us. This week it's our first plane trip away so I'm looking forward to us taking a good attitude up there to face a quality opposition. Blackhawks are a quality team. We will focus on the detail lacking against the Sunshine Coast and look to put in a better performance up there than when they put 72 on us last year.
Match: Blackhawks v Magpies
Round 7 -
home Team
Blackhawks
12th Position
away Team
Magpies
6th Position
Venue: Jack Manski Oval, Townsville
Norths Devils v Northern Pride
Head-to-head: Pride 17 Norths 9 Drawn 1
Last meeting: Round 11, 2022: Norths 26 def Pride 22 at Barlow Park
Broadcast: QPlus.tv
- Norths have won the last five, and six of the last seven, games between these two sides
- Norths have two losses and one draw in their last three home games
- Pride have lost four of their last five away games
- Ty Williams (114th Cup game) passes Mark Gliddon and Adam Brideson to outright 15th in number of Cup games coached. He has 44 wins, four draws and 65 losses, all with the Pride
- Jon Reuben is now equal 4th all-time Cup try-scorer with Nick Parfitt on 113 tries
A word from the coaches
Norths Devils coach Dave Elliott: It was nice for us have some confidence playing our style of footy against the Cutters. Our first try through Zak McGuire took the weight off the shoulders and from that point we stopped beating ourselves and started helping ourselves. We kept turning them away. We need to keep building on that. Kierran Moseley's return was outstanding. We created the momentum for him but some of his decisions he made, and his deceptive play, was on another level. It was nice to watch. We know we'll have to be better against Pride. From what we've seen they're really gutsy and don't hurt themselves. We will need to take improvements from last weekend and dial them up a bit to be ready for Pride.
Northern Pride coach Ty Williams: I think we need to improve our line speed. It was a flow on effect from playing the Hunters... when they come at you, you can see them coming and control the contact, but Wynnum was a different beast, moving around, so we've made some adjustments there. On the weekend we were in it until we were blown off the park late... Kenneth Fonoti and Ewan Moore were the two who stood up for us. We're going up against a fairly handy Norths Devils... you don't luck at winning back-to-back premierships, and they're coached by a good coach in Dave Elliott, so we're going to need our whole 17 to step up. All of the Norths players are handy, particularly Liam Horne and Kierran Moseley in the middle, and Jack Ahearn has been the benchmark for a long time. He's the ultimate competitor, someone for everyone to watch out for.
Match: Devils v Pride
Round 7 -
home Team
Devils
10th Position
away Team
Pride
9th Position
Venue: Bishop Park, Brisbane
Redcliffe Dolphins v Sunshine Coast Falcons
Head-to-head: Redcliffe 18 Sunshine Coast 11
Last meeting: 2022 qualifying final: Redcliffe 22 def Sunshine Coast 16 at Sunshine Coast Stadium
Broadcast: QPlus.tv
- Sunshine Coast have won their last four games; and won two of the last three games between these two sides
- Redcliffe have won four of the last five games between these two sides at Sunshine Coast Stadium
- Sunshine Coast have won their last four, and eight of their last nine, home games (only loss in that time to Redcliffe)
- Redcliffe have lost three and drawn one of their last five away games
A word from the coaches
Redcliffe Dolphins coach Ben Te'o: The win against Ipswich was just a good bounce back for us after losing to Souths Logan in Round 5. We had a few senior players back and they brought good energy at home. Now it's time to get back on with the process. Young Caleb Jackson, he's only 18 and made his debut at fullback and got players' player. I'm really pleased he could step up to this level after playing Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup last year. And Max Plath, he's new to the club but he was outstanding. Sunshine Coast Falcons are a tough side. Very experienced, especially when they get some of the Melbourne Storm players back. We're expecting a real grind as they're a clinical side. That's great for us because that's something we need in our game.
Sunshine Coast Falcons coach Brad Henderson: The most pleasing thing in Round 6 against Souths Logan was we did it with our local boys and only two from Melbourne. It was the first time in quite a while a lot of the boys got to play... what's pleasing was we were able to maintain our momentum and get what ended up being a convincing win against a very good side. Scott Galeano on the wing for us really got us forward in a tough, fast battle where the ball was live for a long time. Young Tonumaipea and Kane Jackson also did some heavy lifting for us. We'll be working on our combos again, with us getting Melbourne players back this week. We'll keep it simple and maintain our same philosophy defensively, to work hard. We'll have Kyle Laybutt and Jayden Nikorima in their second game together in the halves, which is good. Redcliffe have had an up and down start to the season but they're a powerhouse in the competition so it's only a matter of time before they hit their straps.
Match: Dolphins v Falcons
Round 7 -
home Team
Dolphins
8th Position
away Team
Falcons
3rd Position
Venue: Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe
Western Clydesdales v Ipswich Jets
Head-to-head: Clydesdales 17 Ipswich 4 Drawn 1
Last meeting: Round 5, 2023: Clydesdales 44 def Ipswich 28 at North Ipswich Reserve
Broadcast: QPlus.tv
- Ipswich have lost their last eight games
- Clydesdales have won six and drawn one of the last seven games between these two sides; and won the last two, and six of the last seven, games between these two sides in Toowoomba
- Clydesdales have lost their last three home games
- Ipswich have lost their last six, and seven of their last eight, away games
A word from the coaches
Western Clydesdales coach Jason Alchin: For me personally I think we're improving and getting better as a team. It was good to match a side of Tigers' calibre. They're well coached, well drilled and have good players, so it was very pleasing. But at the end of day, it was disappointing we lost. We let ourselves down in some areas and have addressed that this week. We're ready go. I think we've got to focus on the whole thing with Ipswich. We've only won one and Ben Cross will be doing his best to get them their first win. We will need to be on the ball, worry about ourselves and play the way we know we can play. We're only six games old as a team, so we need to keep working on what we do, working hard. We've got to turn up and worry about ourselves. Ipswich have some good strike weapons, good outside backs, their edge is good and their No.9 is very handy but I've just got to worry about us. Everyone needs to play their part, do their job. If everyone does their job I'll be happy.
Ipswich Jets coach Ben Cross: Disappointed with the result against Redcliffe. Statistically we were better across the game, but a few different factors... some decisions not going our way... cost us the game. Zacchues Chong-Nee was really good for us... he was damaging out wide which was handy. And Denzel Burns started to come into his own and find some form. Melino Fineanganofo caused a bit of havoc last time we played the Clydesdales, their five-eighth Cory McGrady picked us apart a few times and Bessie Toomaga ran for nearly 200 metres against us last time, carrying the ball out of the back field. For us, trying to get the same personnel each week is key... we've had some injuries and HIAs... but we need to get some continuity. That's something you really need in the game. Last week was our highest completion and highest possession all year so far. Stats and completion were really strong, so we're giving ourselves a chance to compete. Need to keep that going.
Match: Clydesdales v Jets
Round 7 -
home Team
Clydesdales
11th Position
away Team
Jets
14th Position
Venue: Clive Berghofer Stadium, Toowoomba
Central Queensland Capras v Wynnum Manly Seagulls
Head-to-head: Wynnum 35 Central Queensland 10 Drawn 2
Last meeting: Round 10, 2022: Central Queensland 24 def Wynnum 22 at Dunwich
Broadcast: QPlus.tv
- Central Queensland have won their last five games
- Central Queensland's last game was a 34-0 win over Norths, only the 5th time they have held a side scoreless and their biggest ever win over Norths
- Central Queensland's win last year was their first in their last seven games against Wynnum Manly
- Wynnum Manly have won the last four games between these two sides at Browne Park, and have won 13 of their last 15 games there with one drawn
- Central Queensland have won their last four home games; and Wynnum Manly have lost five of their last six away games
A word from the coaches
Central Queensland Capras assistant coach David Faiumu: Key for us is trying to nail all of the things that have been working for us and concentrating on ourselves. Realising the team Wynnum have also, we just need to keep doing the things we've been doing well but fixing a few things we need to get sorted. Prep and mindset is important before going up a big powerhouse club like Wynnum. We haven't played them up here since 2019, so we just need to make sure across the board, everyone does their job and does it well. We'll be looking to our leaders, Jack Madden, to lead the players around the paddock and lead as good as he has been for the boys to feed off the back of that. It's week at a time for us. We understand how important this game is, against a good club. We want to put in a good display for our fans who deserve it... they've been loyal. We have a big period coming up, but we're not looking too far ahead. This week, we just need to put in a good effort at home.
Wynnum Manly Seagulls coach Mat Head: The scoreboard stood out for me on the weekend... keeping Northern Pride to eight was impressive from our boys. It's something we've worked hard on the last couple of weeks with some scores going against us. I was really happy with our attention to detail with defence, the scrambling and getting it done. Our lock forward Ollie Pascoe played 80 minutes and Tyson Smoothy at No.9 was good. The big thing we will concentrate on with the Capras is between two scrum lines... look at their forward pack and do a good job of them. The forward pack like to run ball hard. If we're good in that area, it gives us a chance to play some footy. We're a really good team at the moment. We train that way, speak that way. Hopefully the 17 get the job done.
Match: Capras v WM Seagulls
Round 7 -
home Team
Capras
1st Position
away Team
WM Seagulls
4th Position
Venue: Browne Park, Rockhampton
Burleigh Bears v Brisbane Tigers
Head-to-head: Burleigh 28 Tigers 22 Drawn 2
Last meeting: Round 10, 2022: Burleigh 64 def Tigers 16 at Pizzey Park
Broadcast: QPlus.tv, 9Now, Kayo Freebies
- Brisbane Tigers have won their last four games
- Burleigh have won the last two, and three of the last four, games between these two sides; and their last three, and five of their last six, home games between these two sides
- Burleigh have won their last three, and 10 of their last 11, home games
- Tigers have won three of their last five away games with one abandoned
A word from the coaches
Burleigh Bears coach Luke Burt: The start of the match for us against PNG Hunters was good. In the first 20, we were really disciplined and created repeat sets. On the other side, we defended really well. Jacob Alick was very good for us. He's a PNG international who was playing against his home country and he was very good. And young Keano Kini was excellent. The focus for us against the Tigers will definitely be defence. They're a good outfit with good carries. We need to win the ruck or they will hurt us with their quick play the balls. Our starting pack needs to match their starting pack and set the platform because they are a good side across the board. Ryley Jacks is their general and steers them around the park so we'll need to watch him. We need to win the middle of the park, because as I said, they have good carries through the middle and we need to control that.
Brisbane Tigers coach Matt Church: We played it simple in Round 6 and won. We didn't play anywhere near our potential but got the job done. Always knew we would have a clunky to start year but hopefully we build on the combinations from here. Charlie Murray won our ANZAC player of the match medal in honour of Steven MacDonald, Dredin Sorensen played well for a player out of position and Tristan Hope is killing it. He's an absolute competitor and has flown a bit under the radar in the competition so far. Burleigh had a convincing win against the Hunters last week. If we allow them to dictate terms, they will dictate. You need to make sure you muscle up across up the park. A bit disappointed with how we've played in the last two weeks but we're sitting fourth. Not playing our best but still winning, which is a good sign. We've debuted a lot at the club in short space of time. Now we're looking to capitalise.
Match: Bears v Tigers
Round 7 -
home Team
Bears
2nd Position
away Team
Tigers
5th Position
Venue: UAA Park, Gold Coast