Published On: 14 May, 2022Categories: General

The Campbell Construction Co. Tweed Seagulls will face the Northern Pride at Tugun RLFC this Saturday, 14th of May in Round 8 of the QRL Hostplus Cup.

Tweed are coming into this one off a 38-34 loss to the Wynnum Manly Seagulls but did have the bye in Round 7 to review their performance. Strong in defence all season, the 38 points conceded will have been a talking point at training throughout the week. The attack, on the other hand, found success on both sides of the field. Scott Galeano scored a double down the right side while Ryland Jacobs scored one himself and set up another on the left. Getting up the field and into try-scoring positions wasn’t an issue for the Seagulls who were again led by JJ Collins and Sam McIntyre through the middle of the field.

It’s an area the Seagulls will look to dominate again this week against a Pride side ranking 12th in running metres per game this season. Falling almost 600 running metres behind the Central Queensland Capras across their 34-10 defeat last week, the Pride struggled to make their way up the field to threaten the opposition line. Their job was made difficult from the start with the Capras crossing the line four times throughout the opening 20 minutes.

Player to Watch

Blake Scott impressed in his first game for the club in Round 6. Hooker is a strong position for the Seagulls and with Craig Garvey elevated to the starting side while Brent Woolf nurses an injury, Scott made an instant impact in his first game off the bench. Like Garvey and Woolf, Scott likes to get out from the ruck and look to create things himself. He ran the ball six times in only 37 minutes in Round 6 with one leading to a repeat set with points soon to follow.

It’s not only from behind the ruck that he can be effective. He took the ball at first receiver, changed the tempo of his run across the field and played a significant role in Galeano’s second try.

With a game under his belt, playing behind what should be a strong pack and running against a tired defence, look for Scott to pack some much off the bench on Saturday afternoon.

Coach’s Comments

Head Coach Ben Woolf talked about the need for an improved defensive performance after conceding a season-high 38 points in Round 6.

“We had a few tries scored against the run of play but also got caught out in our line defence at times,” Woolf said.

“We have done some work in that area and spoken about the importance of not leaking soft points.”

The Dolphins landing the signature of JJ Collins for the 2023 NRL season has also been a talking point around the playing group.

“Great news regarding JJ and well deserved,” Woolf said.

“He is a quality player and has been a top performer in this competition. Everyone is excited for him and it’s motivating for the other players to know that the next level is still a reality for them.”

  1. Jaline Graham
  2. Sosefo Fifita
  3. Lee Turner
  4. Scott Galeano
  5. Ryland Jacobs
  6. Will Brimson
  7. Lindon McGrady
  8. JJ Collins
  9. Craig Garvey
  10. Lama Manuel-Liolevave
  11. Joshua Patson
  12. Reuben Porter
  13. Braden Robson
  14. Blake Scott
  15. Harrison Muller
  16. Ioane Seiuli
  17. Daniel Ross

Coach: Ben Woolf

Match Details

Round 8 v Northern Pride

Saturday 14th May @ Tugan RLFC, Tugan

Kick-off: 3pm

Streaming via QPlus.tv (subscription required)

Written by Jason Oliver, Rugby League Writers for Tweed Seagulls Media