The Easter Bunny is in town and not only is he delivering Easter Eggs for al, he is serving up another fine weekend of rugby league with the Intrust Super Cup Round 7.
After devouring some chocolate and spending some quality family time it is the perfect weekend to get out and see some local footy.
Not forgetting that Intrust Super Cup is your only way of seeing any rugby league in South East Queensland this year on a Sunday. And there are many games on offer around town this weekend. And with the fine Easter weather, there’s a great chance to see some good football in a comfortable timeslot.
Below then is our quick preview of all that awaits in the Intrust Super Cup Round 7.
Intrust Super Cup Round 7 Preview of Games in 25 words or so.
People barely have time for anything these days so we try and sum up of all this weekend’s games in a sentence or so to save you time.
Townsville Blackhawks v Burleigh Bears at Jack Manski Oval on Saturday – 4pm
Townsville are back on track after defeating Northern Pride last weekend, and Burleigh are fresh from their first win of the season.
Northern Pride v Ipswich Jets at Jones Park, Mann St on Saturday – 5:30pm
Just the three wins between these teams, and the Jets haven’t won since Round 1. Struggle Street for the Jets for 2017 if they come back winless.
Easts Tigers v Wynnum Manly Seagulls at Suzuki Stadium, Langlands Park on Sunday – 1.40pm*
A local derby that rarely fails to entertain. Easts in form, Wynnum on a three game losing streak. Both will probably mean nothing.
Souths Logan Magpies v Mackay Cutters at Davies Park on Sunday – 2pm
The Magpies had a big win over the then competition leading Devils, and they are showing real quality. Mackay also had a good win last weekend.
Sunshine Coast Falcons v CQ Capras at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Sunday – 2.30pm
The Falcons had a good win against the Hunters last weekend, and are very short to do the same against Central who lost to Mackay in Rivalry round last weekend.
PNG Hunters v Redcliffe Dolphins at National Football Stadium on Sunday – 3pm
Big game between two big sides. Both are likely to feature in finals, but a loss for the Hunters would make it three losses in four. Redcliffe showing they can do it without Benji Marshall. More on the Hunters below.
Norths Devils v Tweed Heads Seagulls at Bishop Park on Sunday – 3.30pm
Tweed Heads still looking for their first win. Devils lost last weekend, and are without Kodi Nikorima again. They do have Chris Sandow though.
Intrust Super Cup Round 7 BROADCAST GAMES
Easts Tigers v Wynnum Seagulls – Channel 9 – Sunday 1:30pm
Intrust Super Cup Round 7 BETTING / TIPPING
What’s better than watching the Intrust Super Cup? Having a little side wager on the action, and we the odds and our tips for the weekend ahead.
This weekends Odds
Townsville $1.32 Burleigh $3.40 – Burleigh +9.5 start
Pride $1.55 Ipswich $2.45 – Ipswich +4.5 start
Easts $1.40 Wynnum $2.95 – Wynnum +7.5 start
Souths Logan $1.32 Mackay $3.40 – Mackay +9.5 start
Sunshine Coast $1.13 Central $6.00 – Central +16.5 start
PNG $1.75 Redcliffe $2.08 – Redcliffe +2 start
Norths $1.22 Tweed Heads $4.25
Odds courtesy of William Hill
Our “expert” selections.
Townsville Blackhawks to win
Northern Pride to win
Easts Tigers to win
Souths Logan Magpies to win
Sunshine Coast Falcons to win
Redcliffe Dolphins +2 start v PNG Hunters
Norths Devils to win
$1 multi “pays” $10
PNG HUNTERS CORNER
Each week we have a little extra on the PNG Hunters, our favourite sporting side. Or check out our season preview or check out the PNG Hunters 2017 draw bit if you’re planning on catching them around the state this season.
The Hunters were well beaten by their new foes in the aptly titled Rivalry Round on the Sunshine Coast last weekend. The PNG side have now lost their last three on the coast, and are yet to get revenge for that finals loss on home soil last year.
Better ball control would have had them closer to the Falcons, but the Sunshine Coast side just looked the better on the day and deserved victory.
It doesn’t get much easier this week either. Whilst the Hunter return to familiar territory in Port Moresby, they welcome the competition leaders Redcliffe who always provide tough opposition. Whilst not a critical game just yet, it will be a pointer on the Hunters genuine title hopes if they can beat the Dolphins this weekend. Otherwise it means three losses in four and sitting just behind the real in form teams of Redcliffe, Sunshine Coast, Easts and Townsville.
Onto this week’s team, and a change in the backline couldn’t go unnoticed here at The Gurgler with our main man and 2015 Person of the Year Willie Minoga ending his time as a centre. A shame as we saw his very fine work against the Magpies earlier in the year. Although he may have even more impact as an interchange forward. And the combination of Adex Wera and Israel Eliab is high quality. Wartovo Puara is in at hooker, and will make a big difference to the side also. He will be looking to impress in time for the Pacific Tests coming up in May. Although the Kumuls won’t be short of quality hookers with Kurt Baptiste, Tommy Butterfield, Ray Thompson, or even James Segeyaro.
PNG Hunters Team v Redcliffe
1. Bland Abavu 2. Stargroth Amean 3. Israel Eliab 4. Adex Wera 5. Karo Kauna Jr. 6. Ase Boas (c) 7. Watson Boas 8. Henry Wan 9. Wartovo Puara 10. Esau Siune 11. Nixon Putt 12. David Loko 13. Wellington Albert 14. Willie Minoga 15. Rahdly Brawa 16. Stanton Albert 17. Moses Meninga 18. Enock Maki 19. Lawrence Tu’u 20. Wawa Paul
Coach: Michael Marum
NOTHING BUT LEAGUE MATCH CENTRE
We contribute Match Reports and more to Nothing But League and they have an excellent Intrust Super Cup Match Centre which has full previews and reviews, and a ladder.
If you need to know more, head to the Nothing But League Intrust Super Cup Match Centre.
