The Campbell Construction Co. Tweed Seagulls will play host to the SP PNG Hunters this Sunday, 3pm at Tugan RLFC in Round 10 of the QRL Hostplus Cup.
Sunday’s match marks the first time in over two weeks since Tweed’s last game, with a Round 9 fixture against Souths-Logan postponed last weekend due to wet weather. Despite this, the Seagull’s recent form at Tugun is good following a comprehensive 28-0 shutout of the Northern Pride in Round 8. Tweed were not phased by the wet and windy conditions in that game, moving the ball confidently and threatening from all areas on the park.
The Seagulls’ ability to promote the football and shift smoothly on both edges shapes as an area of strength this weekend against a Hunters side that is powerful through the middle.
The Hunters’ middle forwards have been a shining light for the club in a challenging 2022 season. In a losing side against Redcliffe last weekend, Hunters’ starting props Dilbert Issac and Sylvester Namo ran for a combined 238 metres, broke 11 tackles, made three linebreaks and scored two tries between them. How effectively Tweed contain the Hunters’ go-forward will be a telling factor in Round 10.
The last time these sides met was in Round 17 last year with the PNG Hunters coming away with a 30-18 victory, although both teams will roll out very different lineups on Sunday.
With Tweed sitting in 9th position (8 points) and the Hunters just behind them in 12th (6 points), the two points on offer this weekend are invaluable as both sides look to build towards the back end of the season.
Player to Watch
After a breakout performance against the Pride in Round 8, backrower Joshua Patston is again the player to watch this week.
With an average 101 running metres per game and a tackle efficiency of 95%, Patston is providing coach Ben Woolf with a reliable and effective ball carrier and edge defender this season. He’s also offering some nice attacking skill alongside Will Brimson and Lee Turner on the left edge, with his hole running and support play netting two linebreaks and a try assist in Round 8.
For Tweed to bring Patston and that left edge into the game this weekend however, their middles will need to step up against a damaging PNG Hunters’ forward rotation.
Starting forwards JJ Collins, Lamar Manuel-Liolevave and Braden Robson have been standouts for the Seagulls all season, with all three players often the trigger for an attacking shift with either a quick play-the-ball or a smooth pass from pivot.
Against the Hunters this weekend though, it’s all about their defence. If Tweed can keep competitive in the yardage battle and limit PNG’s go-forward through the middle, they will earn themselves enough scoring opportunities later in the match.
Coach’s Comments
Head Coach Ben Woolf conceded the wet weather has impacted preparations but is not making any excuses.
“The lack of games has been frustrating as has lack of available fields for training,” said Woolf.
“Last week we were forced to do a few alternative sessions but it will be good to get a full week of training in this week in preparation for the Hunters.”
Following a 28-0 shutout of the Northern Pride in Round 8, Woolf said defence continues to be a focus for his side.
“We are always working on defence so it will definitely be a focus again this week. The Hunters are a physical side who like to offload so we need to focus on shutting down their momentum.”
Team List
- TBA
- Sosefo Fifita
- Lee Turner
- Scott Galeano
- Ryland Jacobs
- Will Brimson
- Lindon McGrady
- JJ Collins
- Craig Garvey
- Lamar Manuel-Liolevave
- Joshua Patson
- Ioane Seiuli
- Braden Robson
- Blake Scott
- Harrison Muller
- Reuben Porter
- Daniel Ross
Coach: Ben Woolf
Match Details
Round 10 v PNG Hunters
Sunday 5th June @ Tugun RLFC, Gold Coast
Kick-off: 3pm
Streaming via QPlus.tv (subscription required)
Written by Rugby League Writers for Tweed Seagulls Media
Our aim at Rugby League Writers:
The Pub Test is a classic rugby league reference. Heck, the NRL have changed rules based on what they think does and doesn’t pass The Pub Test. We want YOU to be the most informed person at that pub. By digging into the best players, teams, shapes and schemes, we observe the game through an analytical lense and piece it all together through weekly previews, reviews, newsletters and features.
Related Posts
