The Romano Group Seagulls certainly don’t under-estimate the task they face on Sunday against Easts Tigers boosted by new, and old, NRL talent at Suzuki Stadium (Langlands Park).
The Gulls have shown they can rise to match the top echelon of the Intrust Super Cup, although not consistently, with victories over Redcliffe and PNG Hunters.
However, the fourth-placed Tigers will be smarting after the loss to Wynnum Manly and have quality young players with NRL experience like halfback Brody Croft, winger Young Tonumaipe’a, plus experienced forwards Nate Myles and Robert Rochow.
“They are near the top of the table for a reason and they’ll be keen to strike back after losing last week,” said Seagulls coach Aaron Zimmerle.
“They are a quality side with Brody Croft at half, groomed to be the new Cooper Cronk at the Melbourne Storm, Billy Walters who is another good young talent and the experience of Rochow and Myles.
“We know we really have to be on our game for the full 80 minutes and be disciplined.”
The Seagulls will be without centre James Wood who is overseas with a long-planned family holiday and Zimmerle was still looking at his options as he prepared for the final training session tonight.
He has moved utility back Pheonix Hunapo to the halves as he looks for alternatives with Michael Burgess out for the season.
“Pheonix wants to be considered as a half going forward, so this is a chance to see how he handles Q Cup competition in that position. He certainly has the skill but his game management will be important.”
Easts Tigers v Tweed Heads Seagulls at Suzuki Stadium, Langlands Park on Sunday, August 6 – 3pm
Tweed Heads Seagulls
Jayden Baker Regan Muir-Ogle, TBA, Kurtis McDonald, Peter Lee, Lindon McGrady, Phoenix Hunapo, Carne Doyle-Manga, Sam Meskell, Ben Nakubuwai, Lamar Manuel-Liolevave, Tristan Hay, Keegan Hipgrave INTERCHANGE: (from) Sam Saville, Dane Clarke, Eddy Pettybourne, Nick Harrold, Jenan Parrish.
Coach: Aaron Zimmerle
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