Neil Cadigan

The Campbell Construction Co. Tweed Seagulls have been forced to make one change to the side to take on Townsville Blackhawks at Pizzey Park this Saturday (2.10pm) with second-rower Luke Burton forced to miss the important clash after copping a head knock in the 34-12 victory over Northern Pride last Saturday.

With his NSW players unable to take part in the remaining rounds because of border restrictions and uncertainty around whether Titans’ NRL squad members will again be available, coach Ben Woolf’s biggest fear is injury.

The 22-year-old Burton, a utility who has shown fine form in his five appearances this season that has reaped him five tries, has been forced from the field a few times for HIA inspection and he would have to satisfy strict concussion protocols if he was to play again in 2021.

Queensland under-18s representative Juwan Compain, who has been promoted from the under-20s Colts side three times this season and played off the bench last weekend, has moved not the starting pack to take Burton’s place this Saturday against a Blackhawks side that will be desperate for victory to assure a top eight finish and a place in the finals.

After winning six of their past seven games, the Blackhawks are on 20 competition points – three points behind fifth-placed Tweed – alongside the Magpies and Pride with the Sunshine Coast Falcons two points behind in ninth spot.

The Seagulls also see the importance of the clash with second-placed Wynnum Manly playing leaders Norths Devils on Sunday. If Wynnum lose and Tweed win, it will put the Seagulls back in the top four where they stood for the first 12 rounds.

Tweed’s game has been switched from Piggabeen Sports Complex because of border restrictions. The Hastings Deering Colts game will be played at Pizzey Park at midday.

The Tweed Seagulls team for the clash with Townsville Blackhawks at Pizzey Park on Saturday September 4 at 2.10pm:

1          Jack Mackin

2          Brayden McGrady

3          Treymain Spry

4          Lee Turner

5          Ryland Jacobs

6          Will Brimson

7          Luke Jurd

8          JJ Collins

9          Brent Woolf

10        Harrison Muller

11        Lamar Liolevave (capt)

12        Juwan Compain

13        Braden Robson

14        Liam Hampson

15        Darius Farmer

16        Stuart Mason

17        Jack Glossop

18        Tevin Arona

Round Details:

• Tweed Seagulls v Townsville Blackhawks at Pizzey Park, Pacific Pde, Miami on Saturday September 4 at 2.10pm
• COVID safe practices will be enforced