Neil Cadigan
The Campbell Construction Co. Tweed Seagulls have plenty at stake in their 400th Intrust Super Cup game when they take on the firing Redcliffe Dolphins at Piggabeen Sports Complex on Sunday (2pm).
The Dolphins sit fourth on the ladder just one point behind third-placed Tweed after winning all five games since the teams met in Redcliffe in round five, with the Seagulls toughing out a 28-16 victory.
A loss by Ben Woolf’s side in the round 11 clash could see them drop to fifth if Northern Pride spring an upset against Norths Devils while a win would see them go three points clear of their next rivals with eight games to play before the finals.
“Redcliffe have certainly hit some form since we played them and they can jump us on the ladder, so it’s a big game for both teams,” said Woolf.
“They’re obviously a good side with a lot of experience and size.
“They had a lot of possession and put us under pressure with their defensive line speed in Redcliffe; they’re a big team and play a very physical game.
“We played with a bit of skill and got joy from moving the ball around but they will be better prepared for us this time.
“They’ve got plenty of strike players too. Fullback Trai Fuller is not very big but he’s very strong and good runner of the ball and their halfback and skipper Cameron Cullen is one of the most experienced ISC players in the competition with a good running game and controls play well from deep in the line.
“It’s a big test for us. We want to stay in the top three and keep the momentum going.”
Prop JJ Collins returns to the side after missing the 24-16 win in Mackay last Saturday night and that will be a boost for the Seagulls. He has been one of several forwards who have been integral to this season’s success.
While there have been few stand-out forwards week to week, their defensive attitude and ability to stay in the grind with often much bigger opponents has been the cornerstone of Tweed’s record of sevens wins, a draw and just two losses in 2021.
Braden Robson, who has moved between the edge and middle often this season, was outstanding against the Cutters and has switched d to the second row with usual run-on hooker Brent Woolf named at lock.
Gold Coast Titans centre Esan Marsters will play his first game for the Seagulls. The 24-year-old Kiwi international has played six times for the Titans since being signed from the Cowboys before round nine but coach Justin Holbrook has preferred Brian Kelly and Patrick Herbert in recent weeks. Treymain Spry will move to the wing.
Tweed’s record over their 399 Queensland Cup games is 197 wins, 188 losses and 14 draws. The Seagulls have won one premiership, in 2007.
The teams for the clash at Piggabeen Sports Complex on Sunday at 2pm:
TWEED SEAGULLS: Lindon McGrady, Talor Walters, Esan Marsters, Lee Turner, Treymain Spry, Will Brimson, Toby Sexton, Herman Ese’ese, Liam Hampson JJ Collins, Lamar Liolevave (capt), Braden Robson, Brent Woolf. INTERCHANGE (from) Jack Cook, Darius Farmer, Harrison Muller, Ryland Jacobs Luke Burton.
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS: Trai Fuller, Josh Beehag, Jeremy Hawkins, Viliami Vailea, Setu Tu, TBA, Cameron Cullen (capt), Nathan Watts, Shane Pumipi, Jackson Frei, Ryan Turner, Pride Petterson-Robati, Lachlan Timm. INTERCHANGE (from): Benjamin King, Preston Riki, Brayden Dee, Sheldon Pitama, Harrison McIndoe.
Round Details:
- Tweed Seagulls v Redcliffe Dolphins, Sunday June 20 at 2pm
- Piggabeen Sports Complex, Carramar Drive, Tweed Heads
- COVID safe practices will be enforced
Related Posts
