Time for us to look forward to the Intrust Super Cup Round 2 preview, and as ever there is plenty to like in the local league competition.
Last weekend saw a draw in the very first game of the season, 5 away wins and a home win to Redcliffe over Burleigh in the Grand Final Replay.
The competition heads to PNG for the first time and we may see the first glimpse of NRL superstar Benji Marshall.
We give our quick thoughts, plus handy information like Tips, Betting, TV Games, and a special PNG Hunters section.
Intrust Super Cup Round 2 Preview of Games in 25 words or less.
Burleigh Bears v Norths Devils at Pizzey Park on Saturday – 4pm
Reigning Premiers looking to avoid a double loss start to the year, as are the Norths Devils who did well against Townsville last weekend.
Sunshine Coast Falcons v Souths Logan Magpies at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Saturday – 4.30pm
Both sides had a field goal scored against them last weekend. The Falcons matched their to draw 7-7 against the Tigers. The Magpies field goal was extra salt after losing to Wynnum.
CQ Capras v Redcliffe Dolphins at Browne Park on Saturday – 4.30pm
Benji Marshall to makes his debut for Redcliffe. Central unlucky not beat Hunters in Round 1.
Wynnum Manly Seagulls v Northern Pride at BMD Kougari Oval on Saturday – 6pm
Two winners from last weekend and the Pride have a reasonable record in Wynnum.
Mackay Cutters v Tweed Heads Seagulls at BB Print Stadium, Mackay on Saturday – 6pm
Two sides on the losing end last weekend, these teams finished last and second last in 2016.
Ipswich Jets v Townsville Blackhawks at North Ipswich Reserve on Sunday – 12.40pm
2015 Grand Final replay, and both sides come off wins last weekend.
PNG Hunters v Easts Tigers at National Football Stadium on Sunday, March 12 – 3pm
First game in Port Moresby for the season, may the Tigers be ready for the noise.
Intrust Super Cup Round 2 TV GAMES
Ipswich v Townsville – Channel 9 – Sunday 12:30pm
Intrust Super Cup Round 2 BETTING / TIPPING
This weekends Odds
BURLEIGH $2.10 NORTHS $1.72 – Burleigh +2.5 start
SUNSHINE COAST $1.40 SOUTHS LOGAN $2.90 – Souths Logan +7.5 start
CENTRAL $5.00 REDCLIFFE $1.17 – Central +14.5
WYNNUM $1.45 PRIDE $2.75 – Pride +6.5
MACKAY $2.10 TWEED HEADS $1.72 – Mackay +2.5
IPSWICH JETS $2.45 TOWNSVILLE $1.55 – Ipswich +4.5 start
PNG HUNTERS $1.45 EASTS $2.75 – Easts +6.5 start
Our “expert” selections.
BURLEIGH to win
SOUTHS LOGAN +7.5 start
REDCLIFFE to win
PRIDE +6.5 start
MACKAY to win
IPSWICH to win
EASTS +6.5 start
$1 multi “pays” $87
PNG HUNTERS CORNER
The Hunters started off the season with a win, but it was in the balance for a while as the Central Capras provided plenty of tough competition on Saturday night.
Plenty of penalties were given, 27 in all in 80 minutes, but a heartening statistic for the Hunters so early in the season was just the 5 errors. Given the Hunters style can lead to more errors than other teams.
It looked an easy win for the PNG side until the Capras scored three tries in a row down the Hunters right hand side in the second half, exposing the new combination on the right side including Gurgler hero (and Gurgler Person of the Year 2015) Willie Minoga.
The big man also known as the Mack Truck, Raging Bull or Freight Train had the last laugh as he burst through the Capras line late to score the match winning try. Although he may be better served not pointing in the air until the try is scored. But we forgive him, and worship his fine work.
Ase Boas looked great, and things look good so far in 2017. Hopefully this is the year.
Here’s this week’s team. More can be found at the QRL website.
PNG Hunters Team
1. Bland Abavu 2. Butler Morris 3. Adex Wera 4. Willie Minoga 5. William Aquila 6. Israel Eliab 7. Ase Boas (c) 8. Henry Wan 9. Gahuna Silas 10. Esau Siune 11. Nixon Putt 12. David Loko 13. Stanton Albert 14. Lawrence Tu’u 15. Wellington Albert 16. Enock Maki 17. Moses Meninga 18. Karo Kauna 19. Ishamel Baikawa 20. Watson Boas
Coach: Michael Marum
NOTHING BUT LEAGUE MATCH CENTRE
We contribute to Nothing But League and they have an excellent Intrust Super Cup Match Centre which has full previews and reviews, and a ladder.
If you need to know more, head to the Nothing But League Intrust Super Cup Match Centre.
