Push ‘n’ shove assured

CHRIS Flannery is under no illusions about the task ahead of the Falcons tomorrow when they face the competition’s most physical side, Papua New Guinea.

Maroochydore Swans centre Brad Reed will make his Intrust Super Cup debut for the Falcons against PNG. Picture: John Mccutcheon

RUGBY LEAGUE: Sunshine Coast chief executive Chris Flannery is under no illusions about the task ahead of the Falcons tomorrow when they face the competition's most physical side, Papua New Guinea.

The PNG Hunters have lost only two matches from seven this season on the back of their tough defence and electric attack.

The Falcons are yet to win a game this year but have shown a lot of improvement in recent weeks to demonstrate they are edging closer to victory.

Flannery said the Coast's players had no choice but to aim up and match it with the Hunters in tomorrow's home game to avoid their 27th straight defeat.

"There are some big humans in their team and our boys are definitely going to have to stand up in the forwards if they are going to get a win," he said.

"It is going to be a tough one and I think all the boys are up for it."

The Falcons have been struggling at the back end of matches, as evidenced in the 30-6 loss to the Burleigh Bears a fortnight ago.

The scores were 6-6 in the 60th minute, but the flood- gates opened. That was also the case last weekend when they lost 38-0 to Wynnum Manly.

Flannery said he believed the Falcons were turning the corner in their attempt to put together 80 minutes of good football.

"They are improving and even though we lost 38-0 last week, the boys were a lot more competitive in that game," he said.

"In the past the white flag might have come up a few times, but the boys are definitely learning to play for longer periods and they are going to have to do that on Sunday against these guys."

Maroochydore Swans centre Brad Reed will make his Intrust Super Cup debut after impressing in the local league.

"He's about 100kg and has a huge boot on him, which is something we have struggled with in the past, getting out of our own end," Flannery said.

"Besides that, it's just great to bring a guy in from the local league and give him an opportunity."

The Falcons are making a big day of it at Stockland Sunshine Coast Stadium, organising an Easter Bunny visit, face painting, PNG dancers and a 100m dash involving the fastest players from each of the local league teams.