Neil Cadigan
There was good news and bad news during the Campbell Construction Co. Tweed Seagulls’ preparations for tomorrow’s (Saturday) clash with Souths Logan Magpies at Tugun (3.30pm).
The Gullies were looking forward to welcoming back 2018 try-scoring sensation Brayden McGrady but his troublesome hamstring is not quite strong enough to make his first appearances for the side since 2018 and he will have to wait another week.
His place on the wing will be taken by Ethan O’Neill.
However, Titans forwards Herman Ese’ese and Sam McIntyre have dropped out of the Gold Coast’s 21-man squad to take on Newcastle Knights tomorrow and will strengthen the Tweed pack.
Photo Credit: KPM Sports Images [Herman Ese’ese running the ball]
The inclusion of the Titans pair will hopefully greatly assist the Seagulls to achieve their number one goal going into the round three clash – start much better than they have in the first two rounds and be more “connected” defensively.
After scoring the first try in the fifth minute in the opening clash against Central Queensland, the Gulls fell to 18-6 at half-time before recovering to win 28-18. Last weekend against Wynnum Manly they were 16-0 after 12 minutes and chasing their tail from then (26-8 at half-time) in the 36-24 loss.
“The effort was there last week, where the week before we were too passive in the first half, said coach Ben Woolf. “We were a bit disconnected in our approach, especially defensively.
“It was just that some were doing well while others weren’t and it cost us a bit. A couple of crucial things went against us early – a debatable six-again call and a dropped kick on the last – and suddenly we were chasing from 12-0 down after 10 minutes under fatigue.
“We just have to make sure we are connected better with our ‘D’; making sure we are working as a unit.”
Tweed have had a difficult few weeks with poor training preparation because of wet weather and have not been able to train at Piggabeen Sports Complex for over a month, instead of trying to alternate with Tugun teams at their ground and on Tuesday found a public park at Kirra to run some drills.
“Training hasn’t been perfect but it is what it is and other teams have had to adapt too,” said Woolf.
“We just have to make sure our attitude and communication is there from the start and come in at half-time feeling we have got off on the right foot this time.”
The Magpies have begun the season strongly with a 36-20 victory over reigning premiers Burleigh Bears before a 26-32 loss to the Melbourne Storm-aligned Sunshine Coast Falcons.
They have a wealth of NRL experience in Kevin Locke, Karmichael Hunt and Albert Kelly plus Brisbane Broncos squad member Kobe Hetherington.
The team to take on the Magpies at Tugun on Saturday at 3.30pm is:
Jayden Campbell, Talor Walters, Treymain Spry, Lee Turner, Ethan O’Neill, Will Brimson, Toby Sexton, Herman Ese’ese, Liam Hampson, JJ Collins, Lamar Liolevave (capt), Joe Vuna, Sam McIntyre. INTERCHANGE: Brent Woolf, Darius Farmer, Jai Whitbread, Braden Robson, Lindon McGrady (one to be omitted).
Round Details:
- Souths Logan Magpies v Tweed Seagulls, 3:30pm – QLD
- Tugun Leagues Club, 44 Boyd St, Bilinga QLD 4225
- COVID safe practices will be enforced
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