Easts Tigers skipper Dane Hogan improving game-by-game after injury-riddled preseason

EASTS Tigers skipper Dane Hogan is improving game-by-game with an aim to lead the club to a drought breaking Intrust Super Cup premiership.

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CONFIDENCE continues to grow for the Easts Tigers as skipper Dane Hogan continues to improve each game after an injury-riddled preseason.

The former North Queensland Cowboys lock sat out most of the team’s pre-season training after shoulder surgery but has played in all three games so far in this year’s Intrust Super Cup campaign, with the Tigers winning two of their matches.

Easts coach Scott Sipple said he would increase Hogan’s minutes each game with the aim of the 26-year-old becoming an 80-minute player once again.

“The first few he’s played 50 to 55 minutes and we just want to continue to increase that as he feels better and better and has more confidence in his body,” Sipple said.

“Having him out there is just such a massive boost for us with his leadership and toughness and it rubs off on everyone else in the team.

“The boys get so much confidence from having him out there and having him able to play a full game would be huge for us.”

The Tigers face the Norths Devils at Suzuki Stadium tomorrow after escaping with a 26-22 victory over the Mackay Cutters last weekend.

Norths have also won two out of their first three games following a 28-20 win over Northern Pride.

Kick-off is at 3pm.