‘Use what you’ve got’: A numbers game for Dolphins in GCDRU round 10, every club’s top points-scorers revealed
Round 10 of GCDRU is approaching, and while one club remains undefeated, others have been hit with the harsh reality of long footy seasons. Find out who’s in prime position this weekend, plus the top points-scorers from every club so far. Details inside:
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As round 10 of GCDRU approaches, and one club remains undefeated, others have been hit with the harsh reality of long footy seasons: injury.
The ladder is tight and clubs cannot take for granted the weeks as they come, especially with finals just over the horizon.
So, who’s looking sharp this far in? And which games should you keep your eyes on?
We breakdown three matches plus reveal who the top points-scorers are in every jersey to date this season.
Griffith Uni Colleges Knights v Gold Coast Eagles
With a 6-2 win record after eight playing rounds, the four-time reigning premier Knights still have a hard gig ahead of them when they face the fourth placed Eagles this weekend.
The side took home the wooden spoon in 2024 but have graced Gold Coast fields with spectacular footy week in-week out this season.
“Eagles have been much improved which is good to see and good for the competition,” Knights coach Shaun Cole said.
“They’ll be hungry against us that’s for sure as they’ve just come off the back of a couple of tough weekends against Nerang.”
After spending time away on a pre-planned holiday, veteran second rower Kerrod Martorella rejoins the Knights squad for the clash.
“(He) is now back full time which is a huge boost to the squad,” Cole said.
The Knights have a point to prove this week after going down to the Dolphins 37-31 in round 9, but have been hit with two nasty injury blows in the form of Henry Morris (knee – season) and Connor Kennedy (knee – 6 weeks).
Nerang Bulls v PBC Alleygators
Nerang are the only undefeated team, having claimed a 14-13 win over the Dolphins early in the season and dethroning the Knights a fortnight later.
Nevertheless, coach Te Ari Mahuri said he wouldn’t be taking chances against PBC in round 10.
“Bottom or top of the ladder, everybody puts up a fight and PBC are no different.
“They kept us to 2 tries in our round 2 battle and I have no doubt the kids from gators will be ready to run a muck against us on Saturday,” he said.
It’s a particularly exciting round for the Bulls, celebrating the latest father-son duo Kyle and Cameron Turei.
“This weekend will mark a very special moment for the Turei family,” Mahuri said.
“Cameron (CT) and Kyle have played together … but the 2024 season will be the first time the father and son duo don the first grade jersey together.”
Back in 2022, there were three generations of Turei’s playing in second grade – Rob (grandfather), CT (father) and Kyle (son).
Meanwhile, he Alleygators are yet to claim a win in their return-to-first grade season but have surely been improving each week.
“It was always going to be tough for them, but I take my hat off to Robbo and the club for staying in the fight and turning up for each other,” Mahuri said.
“This week … will test our depth a bit.”
All three Bulls senior sides (3rd, 2nd and 1st grade) are atop the tables, though the season has thrown a few curveballs along the way.
“We’ve had sore bodies walking around since pre-season.
“We’ve got a few boys only coming back this week from massive lay-offs, but the way we’ve been training it’s always high intensity to make sure we prep the best way we can for the next challenge.
“We’ve got a few boys returning this weekend so there will be a couple of changes.”
Surfers Paradise Dolphins v Bond Pirates
Fresh off the back of a positive round 9 victory, Surfers Paradise are eager to face the Pirates for a fierce contest.
The only issue, is whether their bodies are ready for it.
“We’ve probably got more injuries than most clubs,” coach Johnny Ngauamo said.
Forced to dip into lower grades, the Dolphins have found themselves scraping second grade teams together the morning of games – all the more reason to celebrate a steady third place on the ladder.
“(We) actually have some third grade players filling into first grade,” he said.
“You’ve just got to try and use what you’ve got.
“Make sure those players have the confidence.”
Ngauamo is no stranger to a sore body – a former profession player himself – and player welfare is high on his priorities alongside winning.
The last time these sides met, Bond came agonisingly close (35-26) to causing an upset.
“I think we took the foot off the gas that game and credit to Bond they came back,” Ngauamo said.
“It was just silly errors, being complacent.”
That, and perhaps the fact Bond Uni capitalised on the Queensland Premier Rugby bye round to bring an extra boost of talent to the Pirates side.
Only time will tell what happens this time around.
Coaches nominate: Top points-scorers
Nerang Bulls – Kyle Lotz, centre/wing and Logan Watene, centre/ wing (36 points)
Colleges Knights – Jordan Maher, flyhalf (41 points)
Surfers Paradise Dolphins – Patrick Barlow, centre (59 points)
Helensvale Hogs – Tyler Maxwell, scrum half (37 points)
Gold Coast Eagles – Johna Luka, flanker (40 points)
Coomera Crushers – Sean Barclay, flanker and Tavite Naufahu, interchange (12 points)
Bond Pirates – Fergus McKeon, fullback (26 points)
PBC Alleygators – George Tarabay, scrum half (16 points)
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Originally published as ‘Use what you’ve got’: A numbers game for Dolphins in GCDRU round 10, every club’s top points-scorers revealed
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