Battle of forward packs sets up thrilling final

This weekend, the Tigers and Bluebirds will battle it out with Norths coach Mick Newton working out a game plan to stop Swifts' big forward pack.

The Norths tacklers work to stop a Brothers run during last weekend's Rugby League Ipswich A-Grade semi-final at the North Ipswich Reserve. Norths won 32-20 to earn a shot at Swifts in Saturday's preliminary final. Picture: Regi Varghese

ONLY three teams can now lift the City of Ipswich A Grade Cup in the Rugby League Ipswich competition after last weekend's games.

Fassifern have one hand on the Cup after overcoming a stubborn Swifts Bluebirds side.

The Norths Tigers sent Brothers tumbling out of the competition.

This weekend, the Tigers and Bluebirds will battle it out with Norths coach Mick Newton working out a game plan to stop the big forward pack that Swifts have.

If he can slow them down, the Tigers will be one win away from grand final glory.

On the other hand, Swifts coach Ducky O'Donahue will be trying to contain a forward pack that keeps going forward.

If he doesn't stop the roll, the ever-improving Josh Roberts will wreak havoc around the rucks.

Who wins this game? My tip is it will go down to the wire with maybe a field goal from Biggs or Mosby winning the game for their respective team.

Leapin' legend

QUEENSLAND Basketball will induct into their Hall of Fame in September someone that most players and fans regard as the greatest player to grace the court in Australia.

He played a phenomenal 18 seasons with the Brisbane Bullets, winning their best and fairest award on a record 11 occasions.

He won three championships and was awarded the League's MVP three times.

Last year, the NBL named the greatest team of the first 40 years of the competition.

Leapin' Leroy Loggins was the first player named in the team with the most votes.

Quick thoughts

HERO of the week 1: He leads the Ipswich Jets from the middle of the field and has been the standout player for them.

On Wednesday night, he was awarded the highest honour in the Intrust Super Cup - the Petero Civoniceva Medal. Of course, I am talking about Nathaniel Neale.

HERO of the week 2: He's real quick and very elusive. These attributes have allowed Michael Purcell to win the highest tryscorer honour for 2018. Let's hope the Kangaroo Catcher can add to the total this weekend.

Villain of the week: It's a tackling style that must be changed. Dylan Napa has again injured a player with a reckless style that causes serious injury.

Did you know? Until 1936, the jump ball in basketball took place at centre court after every single made basket.

Bomber's best: My two tips in the Warriors and Tigers both saluted.

This week I see the Rabbits, Warriors and Broncos all winning their last fixture games.