The Romano Group Seagulls will field an altered three-quarter line when it attempts to regather winning form at Ipswich this Saturday against the Jets.
With James Toole to be sidelined for several weeks with a knee injury and Tristan Lumley moved back to a forward interchange position, the Seagulls welcome John Olive back from the Titans’ NRL squad and Tevita Folau returns to the wing after a couple of good performances for the A-grade side.
Olive, who was in impressive form for the Gulls before being chosen for the Titans’ past two matches against South Sydney and Wests Tigers, will be a welcomed starter against the Jets who will be keen to atone for their surprise 44-0 thrashing by Burleigh Bears last Sunday.
Tweed, who are determined to return to the form that has seen them beat competition hot-shots PNG Hunters and Redcliffe Dolphins, have also selected Titans-contracted Eddy Pettybourne (second row) and Keegan Hipgrave (lock) in the starting line-up.
While the Gulls conceded 50 points against Townsville Blackhawks on Sunday coach Aaron Zimmerle didn’t think the score reflected the performance, but he is looking for improvement against the unorthodox Jets who can sting any team if their flamboyant attacking strategy lands opportunities.
“We only missed 19 tackles but three turnovers led directly to tries with two of them almost the length of the field after we gave up good ball,” he said. “And the Blackhawks are very good at stacking one side and getting space on the edge and they caught us out a few times.
“One positive to come out of the game was that Keegan Hipgrave, although he had to play centre, really showed he can be a real asset to the team; his contact in defence and leg drive in attack was terrific and it will be good to see him start this Saturday.”
Toole has damaged his lateral ligament and will be out for six to eight weeks.
Ipswich Jets v Tweed Heads Seagulls at North Ipswich Jets on Saturday – 3pm
Tweed Heads Seagulls
1. Phoenix Hunapo 2. Tevita Folau 3. James Wood 4. John Olive 5. Peter Lee 6. Lindon McGrady 7. Michael Burgess 8. Carne Doyle-Manga 9. Sam Meskell (capt) 10. Ben Nakubuwai 11. Lamar Manuel-Liolevave 12. Eddy Pettybourne 13. Keegan Hipgrave 14. Tristan Lumley 15. Nick Harrold 16. Jackson Clarke 17. Will Johnstone
Coach: Aaron Zimmerle
Ipswich Jets
1. Wes Conlon 2. Michael Purcell 3. Marion Seve 4. Nemani Valekapa 5. Richard Pandia 6. Chris Ash 7. Dane Phillips (c) 11. Sam Martin 9. Luke Capewell 10. Nat Neale 21. Jesse Roberts 12. Seb Pandia 22. Tyson Lofipo 8. Mitch Carpenter 13. Ben White 15. Lachlan Roe 16. Huskie Teatau 17. Josh Seage
Coach: Ben Walker and Shane Walker
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