The return of a Bronco bolsters the Souths Logan Magpies in Round 11 of the Intrust Super Cup

THE return of a Brisbane Broncos rake bolsters the Souths Logan Magpies as we preview Round 11 of the Intrust Super Cup.

Travis Waddell at Brisbane Broncos training. Picture: DARREN ENGLAND

THE return of Brisbane Broncos hooker Travis Waddell will boost the Souths Logan Magpies as the club aims to record consecutive victories for the first time this season.

Waddell returns to play for the Magpies against the Sunshine Coast Falcons after filling in for the injured Andrew McCullough at NRL level and is a timely inclusion after Ben Jackson, the man who had been filling in for Waddell, dislocated his wrist in last week’s 42-20 win over Norths.

Another Magpie in Herman Ese’ese has been called up to the Broncos in recent weeks after injuries and suspensions but it is understood the hulking prop could line up for Josh Hannay’s side this week despite not being named.

The rest of the named starting side is unchanged from the win over Norths, with the only two other changes in the line-up being the inclusions of Jack Anderson and Bradley Frith on an extended interchange bench, and Jack Walters dropping out of the side.

Hannay has made a point that individual wins will not be enough for his side if they want to climb the table from 11th place, making it clear his side needs to string consecutive victories together.

“We’re certainly trying to get on a roll because there’s a bit of a pack around that mid-table area so you can take significant strides if you string a few wins together,” the former North Queensland Cowboys centre said.

“Winning sporadically will keep you in touch with the pack but if you want to separate yourselves from the pack then you need to put some wins together.”

Sunshine Coast Falcons coach Craig Ingebrigsten at training. Picture: LACHIE MILLARD

While the Falcons will field their strongest backline of the season against the Magpies.

Former Parramatta Eels centre Ryan Morgan will play his second Intrust Super Cup game while Curtis Scott is expected to take the field after being a late withdrawal last week.

Sunshine Coast coach Craig Ingebrigtsen said his side was focused on containing Souths Logan’s strength in the ruck, while also making the most of their proficiency out wide.

“We’re just trying to get the platform right because those blokes can play footy,” he said.

“We’ve got to give Morgo some room and obviously if he gets some room he’ll make the most of it.”

Ryley Jacks has a fitness test on Thursday night to determine whether he will be fit to play after his concussion in the loss to Tweed Heads Seagulls last weekend.

Easts Tigers captain Dane Hogan in doubt with a rib injury.

IPSWICH JETS (13th) versus EASTS TIGERS (4th) — Saturday, 4pm at North Ipswich Reserve

DEFENCE  is the focus for the Easts Tigers as they prepare to face the unpredictable attack of the Ipswich Jets on Saturday.

Easts return from two weeks off to take on the Jets at North Ipswich Reserve and are aiming to consolidate their spot in the Intrust Super Cup’s top four. But coach Scott Sipple said they would need to be on their game to take the points from Ipswich, even though the defending premiers are in second-last place.

“They’re still a very good side and have good players in key positions,” he said.

“We don’t want to be the team that plays them into form. We will be working a lot on our defence this week and making sure we’re patient against the Jets.”

Sipple said captain Dane Hogan was in doubt with a rib injury, while Javarn White and Shane Neumann were still two weeks away from a return.

Sitting second-last with just three wins from 10 games, every outing now shapes as must-win for a misfiring Ipswich side.

There were signs of improvement in last week’s 30-18 loss to Burleigh, with the defending premiers matching it with the high-flying Bears for much of the contest before slumping to a second-straight defeat.

However, Jets co-coaches Ben and Shane Walker know their side will need to lift again against Easts, who have climbed to fourth and are coming off a bye in round 10.

The Tigers came from behind to register a hard-fought 38-32 win over Souths-Logan in their last start on May 1, and victory over Ipswich could lift them to third on the ladder.

Redcliffe’s Luke Capewell dropped for Round 11. Picture: BRADLEY COOPER

REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS (5th) versus NORTHS DEVILS (10th) — Sunday, 2pm at Dolphin Oval

ONE of the Dolphins’ favourite sons will be missing for the first game at Dolphin Oval this season when Redcliffe hosts Norths Devils on Sunday.

Luke Capewell has been dropped following the loss to Northern Pride last weekend and coach Adam Mogg said the fullback knew which areas he had to work on.

“I had a chat to him the other night and he knows what he’s got to do and I’m sure he’ll come back a better person,” Mogg said.

“He understands he’s got an important role in the team and he needs to do it well.”

Captain Sam Anderson will switch to lock for Sunday’s game against the Devils after Chris Gesch went down with a knee injury in Cairns.

But the Dolphins heavier pack as a result could help contain Norths’ forwards threat.

“We’re playing a very big side as well so that will be the challenge for us. When they’ve got momentum they’re hard to handle,” Mogg said.

Seagulls Nicholas Harrold in action against the Mackay Cutters. Picture: JOHN GASS

TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS (8th) versus WYNNUM MANLY SEAGULLS (12th) — Sunday, 2pm at Piggabeen Sports

WITH three wins on the trot, the Wynnum Manly Seagulls are full of confidence as they travel across the border to face the Tweed Heads Seagulls on Sunday.

After starting the season with six straight losses, the Seagulls are on a roll following a dominant 62-16 win over the Mackay Cutters at home last round butmeet another confident side in Tweed Heads, who are coming off a win over the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

“They’re a very good side and very physical,” ­Buchanan said.

“But I feel we’re ready for a big ­challenge and this week will definitely be one.

“I really think this is what we need now, a big challenge like Tweed Heads at Tweed Heads will be great for us to really see where we are at.”

Buchanan also said the Seagulls had no injuries to worry about and were refreshed heading into Sunday’s clash.