Round 2
Redcliffe Dolphins 22 d. Aspley Broncos 12

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

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

Dolphins Up In Rugged Scrap
Sun March 25, 2007
Source: www.qrl.com.au

Like two cagey fighters climbing back in the ring, heavyweights Redcliffe and Aspley showed touches of class while saving their best for the coming rounds as the Dolphins prevailed 22-12 on Saturday.

In a game which was tied nil-all at halftime, Redcliffe managed to just hang on after jumping out to an 18-0 lead after the break.

Aspley could have so easily tied up the match 18-all in the closing moments with a strip and try disallowed to giant teen David Taylor under what were controversial circumstances. Taylor looked to have won the ball fairly and squarely after running out of marker and pick-pocketing scooter Matt Harris, but referee Clayton Sharpe saw the matter differently.

Then in the shades of fulltime Nick Emmett crossed at the other end of the paddock for Redcliffe, breaking through feeble defence for a victorious 10-point margin.

While Aspley may have been up in arms about the Taylor decision, the Broncos had given themselves little margin for error with a forgettable 56 per cent completion rate throughout the game. Redcliffe could have even described the game-deciding play as karma, having been denied a try to Ryan Cullen in the second minute of the game via a debatable offside call.

Video replays showed Cullen hitting the line at speed just as Mick Roberts put through a deft grubber, with video adjudicator Tony Maksoud ruling his front foot ahead of the kicker.

The irrepressible pair eventually got their own however, hitting back in the 54th minute with a spectacular four-pointer that established a 10-0 lead. Roberts shot out of hooker near halfway, ran 25m and then kicked skillfully off the outside of his boot, leaving the ball sitting up nicely for Cullen to pounce in-goal.

It was the most attractive play of a match that was otherwise more notable for its defence.

Among the highlights was a jolting first half hit by the much-improved Lachlan Morgan on Pat Gardner, leaving the latter requiring assistance before battling on bravely. Closely behind Morgan's rib-tickler were several efforts by Redcliffe back-rower Danny Burke, including a damaging collision which saw rookie Rodney Davies surrender possession.

Burke was named ABC man-of-the-match for his performance, with Dolphins debutant half Matthew Seamark another contender after a strong first-up showing. Filling in for Marty Turner, the Townsville Brothers recruit displayed a good all-round game and posted the 'Phins first try seven minutes after halftime with a dummy and two changes of direction.

Aspley took right up until the 64th minute to score via a Chris Muckert charge at the line, but came home with a full head of steam. Shortly afterwards, Clifford Manua capped off a fine showing by crossing for a converted try out wide.

Regardless, after two rounds the Brisbane Broncos' feeder club is surprisingly left stranded on zero competition points, while Redcliffe heads up the table after a win and a bye in the opening fortnight.

Round Three sees Aspley with the bye and Redcliffe tackling Souths Logan at Davies Park on Sunday at 3pm.

REDCLIFFE 22 (Matthew Seamark, Ryan Cullen, Chris Fox, Nick Emmett tries; Alwyn Simpson 3 goals) d ASPLEY 12 (Chris Muckert, Clifford Manua tries; Ben Green 2 goals) at Dolphin Oval.

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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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