Round 5
Wynnum Manly Seagulls 26 l. Easts Tigers 44

2006 Wizard Queensland Cup Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: Australia > Queensland > State/Metropolitan Level Competition: Wizard Queensland Cup

Studious Kev the Tigers' Ace
Mon April 10, 2006
Source: QRL

TIGERS fullback Kev Stephensen may feel a bit like the work experience kid, but he showed Wynnum Manly who was boss on Sunday, rocketing in three entertaining tries to help Easts bury the Seagulls 44-26.

A human movements student who first linked with the club to further his off-field career, Stephensen has become a more-than-handy replacement for skipper Matt Lockyer, out with an injured foot.

The 20-year-old has hit the ground running after being elevated from FOGS Cup, showing signs of the form that led to several scintillating tries in the 2004 Student World Cup.

His youthful enthusiasm has also come as a shot in the arm for Easts, a side which boasts two of the oldest players in the competition, Darren Smith and Steele Retchless.

So dramatic was the Tigers reversal of fortunes from Round Four when thrashed 48-22 by Redcliffe that coach Michael Booth opted to play veteran Smith for just 20 minutes.

Easts led 24-10 at halftime and only slowed slightly in the second stanza as they extended Wynnum Manlys winless start to 2006.

After missing the previous weeks game to be with his partner for the birth of son Ned, former Queensland Rangers captain Mark McKenzie played centre and scored a try for Easts.

The only dampener on the day was a knee injury to utility Aaron Kuskey, sustained during the reserve grade sides 19-18 loss to the Seagulls. Former Bronco Steve Irwin kicked the winning field goal for Wynnums reggies.

Coach Neil Wharton will be hoping to have some experience back for the Seagulls top grade side when they take on Burleigh at Pizzey Park next Sunday.

Brian Jellick (back), Gary Winter (shoulder) and Michael Coorey (pectoral) all sat out the game against Easts, with Winter only ruled out after a late fitness test.

Coorey is expected to be several weeks away, while Jellick and Winter are good propositions for the game against the Bears.

Two players forward Adam Mansy and winger Tangi Ropati - made their Queensland Wizard Cup debuts for Wynnum Manly on Sunday.

Meanwhile, in his first game back from suspension 2005 leading try scorer Simon Phillips refamiliarised himself with the white stripe once more.

After five rounds Wynnum Manly is the only team yet to win, while Easts is positioned in second spot, trailing Redcliffe by one point.

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