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Wizard Cup: Round 15 preview

27/06/2008 11:34:13 PM

SOUTHS LOGAN v TWEED HEADS (Live on ABC)

Meakin Park, Saturday June 28 - 2pm

Referee: Michael Wis e

Souths Logan has again named Canberra Raiders big guns Neville Costigan and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs in its line-up. The Raiders pair returned from injury last weekend and Souths Logan coach Paul Bramley expects both players to be better for the hit-out. Their presence will make Tweed's job that little bit tougher.

While the Seagulls will still field a formidable pack, their attacking prowess has been considerably weakened by Brad Davis' promotion to the Gold Coast's NRL side. Tweed's semi-final prospects will almost certainly be dead and buried if it fails to overcome the Magpies in the Meakin Park encounter.

Tweed hooker Matt King will join Nat Barnes (92 games) as the most capped Seagulls player in the Queensland Cup.

Forwards Ian Donnelly and Matt Cross have both been cleared to play following judiciary appearances on Thursday night.

NORTHERN PRIDE v BURLEIGH

Barlow Park, Saturday June 28 - 6pm

Referee: Gavin Morris

The Northern Pride will be out to turn it on in front of their home fans when they host the Burleigh Bears.

The Pride has lost its last two matches at Barlow Park and had its colours well and truly lowered when it failed to score a point against the Redcliffe Dolphins in round 13.

Injuries and NRL call-ups has put a dent in the Pride's line-up in recent weeks and the Bears will fancy their chances of an upset victory in Cairns.

Burleigh is coming off an impressive victory over Tweed Heads, but this assignment is still likely to be much tougher than last week.

Burleigh playmakers Scott Smith, Brent McConnell and Murray Emmerson were outstanding against Tweed and the classy trio will create plenty of headaches for the Pride if the Bears' big men can again dominate the forward exchanges.

CENTRAL v EASTS

Browne Park, Saturday June 28 - 7.30pm

Referee: Justin Eastwood

A recharged Easts team heads to Rockhampton in a buoyant mood after last weekend's refreshing bye.

The Tigers have been hit hard by injuries all year and Darren Smith's charges made the most of the short break. But the Tigers will be walking right into a ferocious contest when they step out on to Browne Park.

Central has played with plenty of spirit this season, particularly at home. It is do-or-die for the Comets, who slipped three points adrift of the top five after their 34-24 loss to Souths Logan last weekend.

The Comets gave the competition leading Magpies a huge scare in that match, drawing to within four points of Souths Logan in the final seven minutes. The performance has given the Comets added confidence ahead of Saturday's match.

NORTHS v WYNNUM MANLY

Bishop Park, Sunday June 29 - 3pm

Referee: Robert Gallacher

Norths should be desperate to avoid an unwanted record when they host in-form Wynnum Manly at Bishop Park.

The Devils have lost their last seven matches, and one more defeat would mark their worst losing sequence in the Queensland Cup.

In contrast, the Gulls are flying high after a drought-breaking Herald Cup triumph over the Redcliffe Dolphins last Sunday. The huge 44-18 victory secured Wynnum Manly its first Herald Cup victory since 1987.

Wynnum Manly prop Ben Czislowski is free to play after being found not guilty of a grade one dangerous throw charge. Wynnum has made one change to its starting line-up, with Simon Phillips returning at centre and the impressive Shaun Daylight moving back to the interchange bench.

REDCLIFFE v IPSWICH

Dolphin Oval, Sunday June 29 - 3pm

Referee: Nick Kalpakidis

Redcliffe coach Gary O'Brien concedes the Dolphins were "embarrassed" by last weekend's capitulation to Wynnum Manly. The heavy loss to the Seagulls has left the Dolphins in a precarious position heading into Sunday's crunch match with the second-placed Ipswich Jets.

Redcliffe dropped to seventh spot on the Wizard Cup ladder and it could find itself three points adrift of the top five if it fails to beat the Jets.

Ipswich has dominated Redcliffe in recent times, winning both of last year's fixtures and their opening 2008 clash 24-0.

Both sides have some major injury problems. For the Dolphins, livewire fullback Ryan Cullen has been ruled out for six weeks with a broken thumb. Ipswich coach Kevin Walters is poised to be without Danny Coburn, Leigh Coghill, Michael Ryan and Scott Alo. But one bright note is the likely return of hardman Jason Bulgarelli.