Queensland Cup Preview

Tweed Heads will be looking for back-to-back win for the first time in 2008 when they tackle Wynnum Manly in round 9 of the Queensland Cup.

The reigning premiers snatched win number one last weekend in style by ending the undefeated streak of Northern Pride 34-4 at Ned Byrne Field.

Best players for Tweed Heads included playmakers Brad Davis (one try and 5 goals) and Matt King (not the former Melbourne Storm winger) who found some great form when the premiers needed it the most.

BURLEIGH v NORTHS *Live on ABC TV
Pizzey Park - Saturday May 10, 2pm.    
Referee: Adam Neale
GRL Tip: Burleigh
Team Line-Ups

BURLEIGH’S try-scoring sensation Adam Fielder is free to play after taking an early plea following a dangerous throw charge. Fielder was placed on report in the 77th minute of the Bears’ 62-28 loss to the Redcliffe Dolphins. The incident was the only blemish on Fielder’s game. The speedy centre scored a staggering five tries in a losing team. While Fielder is free to play, teammate Martin Griese won’t be there. The tough forward has been suspended for one match for striking. The suspension is a big blow for the Bears, who have lost three on the trot to drop out of the five on percentages. Norths enjoyed the bye last weekend and while they have been in patchy form, a win over the Bears on Saturday would have Mark Gee’s charges in reach of the top five.

MACKAY v EASTS
Saturday May 10, 7pm
Mackay Junior Fields –
Referee: Robert Gallacher
GRL Tip: Easts
Team Line-Ups

AFTER playing a starring role off the bench in last weekend’s victory over Souths Logan, livewire Mackay utility Aaron Barba has been promoted to the starting team. Barba, who has been named at halfback, took his Queensland Cup career try-scoring tally to 69 following his double against Souths Logan. Mackay enter this match as slight favourites after impressive back-to-back victories. Mackay prop Jamie McDonald is back from injury and is poised to play his 50th Queensland Cup match. Easts are struggling after slumping to their fourth loss of the season last weekend. To make matters worse, the Tigers lost inspirational hooker Trent Young to a knee injury. Trent Henrick, one of the stars for Easts in the early rounds of the FOGS Cup, has been named as Young’s replacement.

IPSWICH v CENTRAL
Saturday May 10, 7.30pm
Briggs Road Complex
Referee: Brendon Rose
GRL Tip:  Ipswich
Team Line-Ups:

IPSWICH recorded its 100th Queensland Cup victory last weekend and will start warm favourites to add to that tally against the Central Comets in Saturday’s home clash. Although eight points separates the teams on the ladder, Jets assistant coach Glenn Lazarus remains wary of the unpredictable Comets. With head coach Kevin Walters joining the Australian camp for the Centenary Test match in Sydney, Glenn Lazarus has taken over the reins this week. The Comets are yet to win a match away from home. But the Wayne Barnett-coached side won plenty of admirers after their strong performance against Wynnum Manly last weekend.  Wynnum Manly won the match 34-24, but only after fending off a determined fightback from the Comets. Central’s Karl Johnson was a handful all match and the big centre will test the defensive line.

SOUTHS LOGAN v REDCLIFFE
Sunday May 11, 3pm
Davies Park
Referee: Michael Wise
GRL Tip: Souths Logan
Team Line-Ups:

AFTER a slow start, Redcliffe’s campaign is gathering momentum and the Dolphins will view this match as another chance to make ground on the top three. Redcliffe is coming off a stunning 62-28 thrashing of Burleigh. Flashy fullback Ryan Cullen scored four tries in that match to move into equal 10th on the all time Queensland Cup try scoring list with 74. Redcliffe’s team will not be finalised until after tonight’s judiciary hearing. The Dolphins are contesting striking charges against Kaine Manihera and James Crombie.  Redcliffe prop Troy Lindsay plays his 250th game for the Dolphins. But Lindsay won’t be going head to head with Souths Logan’s Neville Costigan. Costigan has been promoted to the Raiders’ NRL side after just one comeback game with the Magpies last week.

WYNNUM MANLY v TWEED HEADS 
Sunday May 11, 3pm  
BMD Kougari Oval
Referee: Gavin Morris
GRL Tip: Wynnum Manly
Team Line-Ups:

THE first installment of the ‘Battle of the Seagulls’ for 2008 brings two last start winners together for an intriguing round nine tussle at BMD Kougari Oval. After a horror start to the season, Tweed broke its duck last weekend with an impressive 34-4 thrashing of the league leading Northern Pride. But Tweed may have to deal with a major reshuffle to that successful line-up. A host of Titans players are expected to be added to the team. Wynnum Manly has made a steady climb up the ladder following a 22-22 draw with Easts and a 34-24 victory against the Comets. Star centre Steve Irwin will be out to continue his strong form after a dazzling display against the Comets last weekend. Irwin scored the opening three tries to leave an eerie silence around the Browne Park ground in Rockhampton