Round 2
Ipswich Jets 6 l. Easts Tigers 20

2007 Wizard Queensland Cup Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

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

Tigers Survive Jet Skirmish
Sun March 25, 2007
Source: www.qrl.com.au

Easts has pulled through a testing battle with Ipswich, beating the Jets 20-6 at North Ipswich Reserve on Sunday.

Making for back-to-back wins to start the season, the Tigers got out of jail down the stretch after being level 6-all moments before halftime.

In contrast to the previous week's effort in beating Wynnum Manly 40-18, Easts appeared to lack polish and had to work hard as a result.

Indeed it was only a try to John Tamanika - his fourth in two weeks - after the siren which gave the Tigers a comfortable buffer on paper.

"We were probably our own worst enemies," admitted Easts coach Michael Booth.

"I thought we were always in control, but we just couldn't finish things off. We kept turning it over and couldn't get to the end of our sets.

"The second half there degenerated a bit. It was scrappy."

A lack of cohesion from the Tigers was even more pronounced when halfback Dane Campbell was forced to leave the field moments into the second half.

One of his team's best in the opening stanza, Campbell suffered concussion as a result of a tackle by late Jets inclusion Adam Boettcher. Referee Justin Davis placed the incident on report.

Joining Boettcher on the rap sheet was centre Jason Bulgarelli, who again showed he has the capacity to fluctuate between brilliant and befuddling.

Playing against his former club, the Burdekin product gave away a litany of penalties and put the Jets even firmer on the back foot.

The afternoon was not without positives for Ipswich however and young Gold Coast Titans talent Smith Samau again shone from fullback.

Replacing Luke Walker in the starting line-up, Samau looked sharp in posting the Jets' only four-pointer and was dangerous throughout.

Welcomed back from injury, half Ricky Bird also showed glimpses of what he is capable. His presence was sorely needed with burgeoning playmaker Josh Costello failing to start.

Man of the match honours went to the ever-consistent Mark Cantoni, again taking the ball forward with gusto for Easts and helping to right the Tigers when they wandered from the game plan.

Round Three sees Easts hosting Central at Langlands Park on Saturday at 3pm, while Ipswich tackles Norths at Bishop Park at 3pm on Sunday.

EASTS 20 (Matt Lockyer, Isaac Kaufmann, Scott Sipple, John Tamanika tries; Justin McKay 2 goals) d IPSWICH 6 (Smith Samau try; Geoff Chalk goal) at North Ipswich Reserve.

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Round 2 Wizard Queensland Cup Preview
Fri March 23, 2007
Source: www.qrl.com.au

Full preview of Round 2 action in the Wizard Queensland Cup.

REDCLIFFE v ASPLEY
Dolphin Oval, Saturday March 24, 2.00pm *ABC Live Telecast
Referee: Clayton Sharpe

THE STORY: Billed as an unofficial grand final rematch, this game will feature 18 players from last year's decider, which Redcliffe won 27-6 against Toowoomba. Taking the Clydesdales' place in this year's competition, Aspley will play its first-ever televised match. A month ago players from both these sides combined to humble the Canberra Raiders 18-12 at Dolphin Oval.

THE STAT: Last year's QANTAS Player of the Year and Grand Final man-of-the-match Michael Roberts will achieve another milestone on Saturday. Still only 27, he will enter the all-time top five for games played in the Wizard Cup. The half-turned-hooker plays his 180th game, moving him past former Logan, Gold Coast and Ipswich pivot Brendon Lindsay (179 games).

THE STAR: Asked once who was the best indigenous player to never make it to the NRL, Matty Bowen nominated former Abergowrie College teammate Palmer Wapau. To those outside Cairns he may be something of an unknown, but he comes to Redcliffe with big wraps, including from Cyril Connell.

CHANGES: REDCLIFFE - N/A (Bye in Round 1)
ASPLEY: In - Willie Live, Chris Muckert, Trent Callaghan. Out - John Te Reo, Nick Kenny, Fletcher Holmes.

CHARGES: None.

REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS: 1. Ryan Cullen, 2. Alwyn Simpson, 3. Matt Harris, 4. Nick Emmett, 5. Rory Bromley, 6. Chris Fox, 7. Matt Seamark, 13. Mark Shipway, 12. Danny Burke, 11. Grant Flugge, 10. Pat Gardner, 9. Michael Roberts, 8. Troy Lindsay. Interchange: 14. Shannon Fish, 15. Nick Walker, 16. Palmer Wapau, 17. Adam Starr. Coach: Anthony Griffin.

ASPLEY BRONCOS: 1. Denan Kemp, 2. Rodney Davies, 3. Jason Moon, 4. Willie Live, 5. Tame Tupou, 6. Ben Green, 7. Brent McConnell, 13. Derricke Watkins, 12. Chris Muckert, 11. Lachlan Morgan, 10. David Taylor, 9. Michael Ennis, 8. Clifford Manua. Interchange: 14. Brynjar Ragnarsson, 15. Ian Lacey, 16. Luke Brosnan, 17. Trent Callaghan. Coach: Mark Gee.


NORTH QLD v SOUTHS LOGAN
Dairy Farmers Stadium, Saturday March 24, 6.30pm
Referee: Gavin Morris

THE STORY: North Queensland gets to see two winning teams go head-to-head for the first Wizard Cup game of the year at Dairy Farmers Stadium. The Young Guns came from behind to beat Aspley 22-12 last week, while the Magpies downed Central 36-20. Although this could be seen as a match-up between heavyweights and battlers, Souths Logan sorely tested the Guns in the corresponding game last year, a 44-32 result.

THE STAT: Young Guns centre Mark Henry has nine NRL games to his name and will be keen to ensure he doesn't spend too long stranded on single figures. At the moment he is stuck behind Ashley Graham and Paul Bowman. Still, he has had more opportunities than Daniel Sorbello, the new Souths Logan fullback who played two NRL games for the Cowboys back in 2003-04.

THE STAR: Missing from this game will be Souths Logan spearhead Brandon Costin. The veteran has ongoing ankle woes and, as yet, no return date is set.

CHANGES: NORTH QLD - In: Toshio Laiseni, Mark Henry. Out: Paul Bowman, Michael Rose.
SOUTHS LOGAN - In: Kyle Lodge. Out: Brandon Costin.

CHARGES: Tim Cannard (Grade Two Dangerous Throw) - Judiciary pending.

NORTH QLD YOUNG GUNS: 1. Toshio Laiseni, 2. Karl Johnson, 3. Mark Henry, 4. Ben Farrar, 5. Scott Minto, 6. Jackson Nicolau, 7. Shane Muspratt, 13. Ben Lowe, 12. Jimmy Andersen, 11. Scott Bolton, 10. John Frith, 9. David Faiumu, 8. Ray Cashmere. Interchange: 14. Scott Smith, 15. Joe Clarke, 16. Ben Vaeau, 17. Sam Faust. Coach: Matt Parish.

SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES: 1. Daniel Sorbello, 2. Quentin Laulu-Togagae, 3. Kyle Lodge, 4. Matt Templeman, 5. Wade Watson, 6. Phil Dennis, 7. Paul Rolls, 13. Scott Marks, 12. Tanu Wulf, 11. Tim Cannard, 10. Darren Glase, 9. Cameron Joyce, 8. Josh Griffith. Interchange: 14. Adrian Maloney, 15. Josh Peacock, 16. Mananui Te-Heu-Heu, 17. Brogan Gibson. Coach: Jason Burnham / Brandon Costin.


CENTRAL v BURLEIGH
Browne Park, Saturday March 24, 7.30pm
Referee: Michael Wise

THE STORY: These clubs experienced contrasting fortunes last week. Burleigh was one of the big winners, while Central crashed to a tough loss at the hands of Souths Logan. On home soil though the Comets are always a different prospect. These teams also met in Round Two last year under similar circumstance and Central sprang a major upset with a ground-breaking 36-22 win against the Bears.

THE STAT: When Central beat Burleigh at Browne Park last year, it marked the club's first ever win against the Bears since the Wizard Cup began. Perhaps shaken back to reality, Burleigh responded by towling up Central 42-4 in the return match at Pizzey Park.

THE STAR: Tentatively listed at number 17 for Burleigh is Great Britain star Richie Mathers. Should he return from injury for this match he will be a more than handy addition to the Bears' side. Central squad members Ben Farrell and Moko McGrath are both eligible for Ireland.

CHANGES: CENTRAL - No announced changes.
BURLEIGH - In: Richie Mathers. Out: Josh Graham.

CHARGES: Steve Farrelly (Central) currently suspended.

CENTRAL COMETS: 1. Junior Auru, 2. Brendan Gibb, 3. Guy Williams, 4. Nat Bowman, 5. Marty Hatfield,
6. Darren Kingi, 7. Pat Dall, 13. Tyron Haynes, 12. Todd Titmus, 11. Wayne Barnett, 10. Geoff Black, 9. Mick Esdale, 8. Pete Penaia. Interchange: 14. Yoren Major, 15. James Munns, 16. George Tuakura, 17. Luke Fatnowna. Coach: Steve Anderson.

BURLEIGH BEARS: 1. Nick Parfitt, 2. Trent Purdon, 3. Alex Glenn, 4. Jordan Atkins, 5. Aseri Laing, 6. Adam Hayden, 7. Ben Black, 13. John Flint, 12. Leigh Coghill, 11. Martin Griese, 10. Shane O'Flanagan, 9. Ryan Gundry, 8. James Griffiths. Interchange: 14. Travis Simpson, 15. Wayne Phillis, 16. Josh Blatch, 17. Richie Mathers. Coach: Jimmy Lenihan.


NORTHS v WYNNUM MANLY
Bishop Park, Sunday March 25, 3.00pm
Referee: Justin Eastwood

THE STORY: 'The Battle of the Gateway' could well be the new name for this encounter, with traffic from Brisbane's accident-prone bridge these days snarling close to both home grounds. Norths will go in favourite after an entertaining 46-32 win against Tweed last week, while Wynnum Manly needs to save face after being belted 40-18 by Easts.

THE STAT: Only five Wynnum Manly players will wear the same jersey as last week, with Seagulls coach Shane McNally clearly displeased with the first-up results. Two of the players staying put are halves Matt Smith and Luke Dalziel-Don, a young combination that may develop well over time.

THE STAR: Norths' Ben Cross, Ryan Shortland and Sam Tagataese are all on standby for the Mebourne Storm. Both Shortland and Tagataese will make NRL debuts if called up. Wynnum will hope none of the three play and will welcome back 100-game veteran and linchpin Jimmy Ahmat from suspension at the same time.

CHANGES: NORTHS - In: Aidan Guerra, Joel Thompson. Out: Matt Rua, Pale Ale.
WYNNUM MANLY - In: Jimmy Ahmat, Tangi Ropati, Kurtis Curry, Kerry Smith, Adam Mansy. Out: Chris Parker, Chris McQueen, Albert Talipeau, Luke Smith, Chris Birch.

NORTHS DEVILS: 1. Kieran Turner, 2. Luke Samoa, 3. Ryan Shortland, 4. Will Chambers, 5. Anthony Perkins, 6. Russell Aitken, 7. JP Cherry, 13. Aidan Guerra, 12. Sam Tagataese, 11. Sika Manu, 10. Scott Anderson, 9. Jay Aston, 8. Will Scanlan. Interchange: 14. Danny Vaughan, 15. Joel Thompson, 16. Ben Cross, 17. Ian Donnelly. Coach: Kevin Carmichael.

WYNNUM-MANLY SEAGULLS: 1. Jim Ahmat, 2. Chris Currie, 3. Simon Phillips, 4. Paoa Faamita, 5. Tangi Ropati, 6. Luke Dalziel Don, 7. Matt Smith, 13. Daniel Frame, 12. Darren Bain, 11. Gary Winter, 10. Ben Czislowski, 9. Herewini Rangi, 8. Angus Martin. Interchange: 14. Fili Sofa, 15. Kurtis Curry, 16. Kerry Smith, 17. Adam Mansy. Coach: Shane McNally.


IPSWICH v EASTS
North Ipswich Reserve, Sunday March 25, 3.00pm
Referee: Justin Davis

THE STORY: Although at opposite ends of the table after Round One, the Tigers and Jets will provide a willing contest, with several ex-Easts identities now at The Terrace. Ipswich assistant coach Darren Smith, plus players Jason Bulgarelli, Trevor Exton, Scott Alo and Alex Fata all arrived at North Ipswich Reserve from Langlands Park

THE STAT: Ipswich has only finished above Easts once in the 11 years of the Wizard Cup so far. That was in 2003, the year after the Jest played Redcliffe in the grand final. Even in the season that Ipswich made the decider, Easts finished second and the Jets finished third

THE STAR: Sliding in at number 15 for Ipswich is Michael Ryan, the former Brisbane Broncos hooker. A local junior, Ryan had planned on simply going around with his old Brothers club in the IRL this year until coaxed back to State League. Jets coach Kevin Walters had Ryan in his team when he took Toowoomba to the 2001 title.

CHANGES: IPSWICH - In: Ricky Bird, Jason Bulgarelli, Michael Ryan, Scott Alo. Out: Geoff Holcombe, Paul Jackwitz, Smith Samau, Jarrod Biggs.
EASTS - In: Anthony Boyd. Out: Marcus Jensen.

CHARGES: None.

IPSWICH JETS: 1. Luke Walker, 2. Geoff Chalk, 3. Ricky Dodd, 4. Jason Bulgarelli, 5. Tyson Lofipo, 6. Josh Costello, 7. Ricky Bird, 13. Danny Coburn, 12. Trevor Exton, 11. Joel Reithmuller, 10. Matt Cameron, 9. Steven West, 8. Isaak Ah Mau. Interchange: 14. Matthew McPhee, 15. Michael Ryan, 16. Scott Alo, 17. Alex Fata. Coach: Kevin Walters.

EASTS TIGERS: 1. Kevin Stephensen, 2. John Tamanika, 3. Matt Lockyer, 4. Justin McKay, 5. David Tyrrell, 6. Isaac Kaufmann, 7. Dane Campbell, 13. Damian Durnford, 12. Anthony Boyd, 11. Mark Cantoni, 10. Troy Hansen, 9. Trent Young, 8. Cameron Durnford. Interchange: 14. Steve Beattie, 15. Ben Laity, 16. Sinave Faitala, 17. Scott Sipple. Coach: Michael Booth.


TWEED HEADS - Bye

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