QLD FOOTY

QRL Junior statewide competitions Round 2

by
qrlmedia
16/02/2024

QRL Junior statewide competitions Round 2 preview (Photo - QRL Media)

QRL Junior statewide competitions Round 2

Author : Michael Nunn QRL correspondent

QRL Junior statewide competitions Round 2 preview

Round two of the junior statewide competitions will expand the party to include all teams.

After Pool C kicked off the season last week, Pools A and B – made up of teams from outside the southeast corner – will join the action.

Here’s what you can expect in Round 2.

Mal Meninga Cup

In the Mal Meninga Cup, the Norths Devils will make their first appearance in Round 2 after having the bye in the opening week.

The Devils will play Wynnum Manly, who are coming off a loss. The Seagulls were in the game at halftime, only down 12-6, but it fell apart with Tweed scoring four tries in 11 minutes.

Wynnum Manly will want to avoid a similar collapse this week, looking to build more off their first half performance from Round 1.

Round 2 Mal Meninga Cup team lists

For Norths, coach Shannon Tupara knows the first game brings challenges.

“I don’t think we will be at our most slick but it’s about completing to compete,” Tupara said.

“Wynnum and Tweed were clunky and then Tweed just got momentum and scored so that was the end of the game then.

“We will be aiming not to give Wynnum any momentum.

“I am looking forward to see how our Devils go.”

Wynnum Manly let Tweed run away with it on the back of too much ball – the away team had 439 more metres and eight line breaks. Wynnum Manly could only manage one line break in return.

“It was that 10 minutes that killed us… we have a fair bit of work to do at the moment,” Wynnum Manly coach Daryl Short said.

“We had a good look at Norths two weeks ago in a trial so we have had a look at them and they weren’t full strength and it was a trial game but it was both of those things for us too.”

For the full Round 2 draw, click here.

Tevita Naufahu what a weapon (Photo - QRL)

Tevita Naufahu what a weapon- QRL Junior statewide competitions Round 2 preview (Photo – QRL)

Harvey Norman Under 19

Round 2 of the Harvey Norman Under 19 will start on Saturday when the Brisbane Tigers take on Tweed.

The Tigers started the season with a win over the Dolphins in Round 1 and will be looking to keep that momentum going.

Relna Hosea was devastating with the ball with 159 run metres and three line breaks while Tahliya Tavita made 15 tackles on the other side of the ball.

Tigers will be keen to maintain possession this weekend and make better use of the ball, after manging to get the win last week with less ball.

“There were some stats that probably show we could have lost that game but we are taking that as a positive,” coach Damien Pratt said.

“’Rocket’ Relna was great for us, and we try and give her early ball and let her loose.

“She has a lot to learn but she’s certainly exciting.”

Round 2 Harvey Norman Under 19 team lists

The Tweed Seagulls are playing their second game and like the Tigers are looking for win number two.

Tweed claimed a 16-10 victory over the Wynnum Manly Seagulls in Round 1, dominating ball possession with 52 per cent.

But they also allowed a lot of offloads, which put them under pressure and kept the score closer than it needed to be.

For the Seagulls, Mia Dendle was a defensive wall with 25 tackles and Phoenix-Raine Hippi made 127 metres.

For the full Round 2 draw, click here.

Cyril Connell Cup

As Cyril Connell Cup moves into Round 2, the Mackay Cutters and Northern Pride will play their first game in an exciting local derby.

As they prepare for their first match of the season, Northern Pride coach Kris O’Farrell said he believes there is a lot of potential within his squad.

“There has been a professional attitude all pre-season, a desire to dig in for one another and work towards a collective goal,” O’Farrell said.

“When we start to believe we belong, we will win games.

“I am looking forward to our trio Ben Walker, Cayde Miller and Jason Hastie.

“The trio are absolutely crucial to the Pride’s go-forward, and with their previous experience in the statewide competitions – and strong work ethic – they are brilliant leaders.”

Round 2 Cyril Connell Cup team lists

Mackay Cutters coach David Roberts meanwhile is excited to see some of his players perform in a Queensland Rugby League competition for the first time.

“Reuben Saron is an outside back that has fantastic feet who has trained really well in the pre-season and has really impressed the coaches,” Roberts said.

“The Pride game will mean a little more this year as they along with us are now the Cowboy’s only affiliated clubs.”

For the full Round 2 draw, click here.