2012 Rd 13 Intrust Super Cup Preview

by NRL

The Channel 9 cameras will travel north for the first time to broadcast the match between Northern Pride and Mackay Cutters in Cairns.

NORTHERN PRIDE v MACKAY CUTTERS
Barlow Park, Sunday, June 10 - 2.10pm (live on Ch9)
Referee: Clayton Sharpe
Head to Head: Pride 7 Mackay 2
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NORTHERN Pride is celebrating the historic occasion of hosting its first ever live Intrust Super Cup TV game this weekend with free entry for the public. The Pride has teamed up with accounting firm BDO to offer free general admission tickets for the round 13 clash against the Cutters. Northern Pride chief executive officer Chris Sheppard said people just needed to turn up on the day to gain entry to the ground for no charge - and be part of history. "Thanks to BDO, this is an incredible opportunity for all Pride fans and far north Queensland footy fans to see top level footy for free," said Mr Sheppard. "Only grandstand seats will cost an entry fee, so it's an amazing offer for people to come along at no cost, and show the rest of Queensland how much we love our footy up here." The Pride will look to hit back this week after a disappointing performance against Ipswich last Sunday. Mackay will also be desperate to return to winning form after a close loss to Redcliffe. Anthony Seibold's team is set to be boosted by the return of Dane Hogan and David Milne from injury.

The mystery punter says: Northern Pride by 8. The Pride have been brilliant at home this year and dreadful on the road. Local fans can expect another bold showing here.

CENTRAL QLD CAPRAS v WYNNUM MANLY
Browne Park, Sunday, June 10 - 2.30pm* (BayFM 100.3)
Referee: Peter Gough
Head to Head: Wynnum 22 Central 7 Drawn 2
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Wynnum Manly handed the Capras an 84-6 hiding in their first meeting this year, but a lot has changed since that afternoon. The Capras have improved dramatically and it's a safe bet that Sunday's Browne Park clash will be a tight contest. In fact, the match is a danger game of sorts for the Seagulls, whose form has dipped slightly in recent weeks. Make no mistake, the Capras will come at them hard as they chase their fifth win of a season that is gathering momentum every week. Last weekend's 20-20 draw with the Sunshine Coast was a slight blip, but the one competition point could turn out to be a valuable pick up for the Capras as they steadily climb the ladder. Capras skipper Tim Glasby will go into the match buoyed by the news of his new deal with the Melbourne Storm. The Rockhampton junior this week signed with the NRL powerhouse for the 2013/14 seasons. Sunday's match will be called live on BayFM 100.3 by Troy Robbins and Mike Higgison. They will also provide a comprehensive preview before kick-off.

The mystery punter says: Wynnum Manly by 6. The Seagulls went down to Tweed Heads 30-16 last week, but they should hit back against the Capras. Don't be surprised though if the Capras give this a mighty shake.

EASTS TIGERS v IPSWICH JETS
Langlands Park, Sunday, June 10 - 3pm
Referee: Nick Kalpakidis
Head to Head: Easts 16 Ipswich 16 Drawn 1
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Easts skipper Shane Neumann plays his 50th match for the Tigers in what looms as a cracking Sunday afternoon match at spectator friendly Langlands Park. Neumann will need to produce something special, particularly if Ipswich centre Donald Malone continues his blistering form for the Jets. Malone and winger Jarrod McInally have scored 10 tries between them in their past two games alone. One only has to take a quick look at the competition standings to see there is a lot riding on the outcome of this match. The Tigers sit in fourth spot on 14 points, with the Jets just one win behind although they do have the advantage of having a game up their sleeve. The Tigers look set to be without impressive halfback Luke Kelly, who has been named on the bench for the Melbourne Storm. The experienced Isaac Kaufmann is set to slot in at No. 7. On the milestone front, Nick Kalpakidis will have the honour of refereeing his 100th match in the Intrust Super Cup.

The mystery punter says: Easts by 4. The Ipswich Jets will have plenty of admirers in this one given their hot recent form, but they have struggled against Easts in recent years. The Tigers won the round one encounter this year, and the home ground advantage this weekend could be decisive.

TWEED HEADS v NORTHS DEVILS
Piggabeen Sports Complex, Sunday, June 10 - 3pm
Referee: Chris Butler
Head to Head: Norths 9 Tweed 8 Drawn 2
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The Tweed Heads Seagulls set feathers flying when they were finally able to claim one back against rivals Wynnum Manly with their 30-16 win in round 12. With that goal now out of the way, Ben Anderson's side will look to continue adding to their good results against a Devils side which impressed in their 36-12 triumph over Burleigh. Piggabeen has not been a happy hunting ground for the Devils in recent years, with the Nundah side not having recorded a victory at the venue since 2004. However, they did achieve a drawn result in 2005 - and earlier this year, they also held the Seagulls to a 12-12 draw. While Norths have a fairly impressive home record this year - it's the away games that have been a struggle, with the side having lost their past three away games. The visitors will be without the versatile Lachlan Maranta who is set to make his NRL debut having been named to start on the wing for the Origin-hit Brisbane Broncos. Maranta had been playing at five-eighth for Norths in recent weeks, a role which will this week be taken by Jacob Samoa. The Devils will also welcome the return of forward Brendon Gibb. For Tweed Heads, forwards Ryan James and Michael Henderson have been called into the Titans NRL team.

The mystery punter says: Tweed Heads by 12. Despite the impressive nature of the Devils' win last weekend, they may struggle without Maranta, while Tweed has the stable hands of Brad Davis and Beau Henry in the halves.

REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS v BURLEIGH BEARS
Dolphin Oval, Sunday, June 10 - 3pm
Referee: Chris Anderson
Head to Head: Redcliffe 18 Burleigh 18
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While the ledger may be even between the two sides - Redcliffe will go into this game as firm favourites given their recent form. The odds seem firmly stacked against the visiting side Burleigh, who have not only lost their past eight away games; they have also lost eight of their past nine games against the Dolphins; having not won a game at Dolphin Oval since 2005. To make matters even bleaker for the Bears, the Dolphins have a strong home record this year, winning four of their last four home games. The Bears started well in their game against the Devils, but were completely shut out by their opposition in the later stages of the match. This weekend, they will be looking to again produce a strong start against the Dolphins, but will need to go on with it and record an important win if they are to stay in touch with the top five. In team news, Redcliffe back-rower Nick Slyney has been called onto the bench for the Brisbane Broncos with Marty Hatfield returning to the Intrust Super Cup side, while Bears pair Steve Michaels and Brenton Lawrence will play for the Gold Coast Titans. Burleigh have called in Dave Sheehan and Brad Bennett into the side - while they may need to make a further team change with Todd Seymour to contest a dangerous throw charge at the judiciary.

The mystery punter says: Redcliffe by 12. It's hard to go past the statistics in this one, especially considering the good form of the Dolphins.

SOUTHS LOGAN v SUNSHINE COAST
Davies Park, Sunday, June 10 - 3pm
Referee: Tim Rutherford
Head to Head: Souths Logan 5 Sunshine Coast 3
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It has been a difficult season so far for both of these teams and each side will be looking at this game as one of their best chances to record another win. Despite their less than favourable results so far - the two teams have won fans for their committed performances throughout the year. Last weekend, the Sunshine Coast recorded a thrilling 20-20 draw with the Central Capras - but from all reports it was their game for the taking. The Sea Eagles were leading 20-10 with 18 to go, but were unable to hold them out and the side will be looking to temper their disappointment with a win at Davies Park. The Magpies though will be counting on their recent home record at the ground - where they have a 2-0 advantage over the visiting Sea Eagles. The Magpies were in their match against Easts for most of the game, with the result in the balance almost until the end. Souths Logan have recalled Chris Medcalf to the side in place of Luke Bateman, who has been selected to represent the Queensland Under 18 team against NSW. Sea Eagles utility Kane Richards will sit out this week due to concussion.

The mystery punter says: Souths Logan by 4. The Magpies have not stopped trying this season and with the benefit of home ground advantage, should be rewarded with a close win.

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