Atherton set for three-way trial; Tully to head south
Atherton coach Graham Clark Snr will split his troops into two squads for separate battles against two rival CDRL clubs, but he’ll keep some cards close to his chest for when the new season kicks off next week.
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ATHERTON coach Graham Clark Snr will split his troops into two squads for separate battles against two rival Cairns District Rugby League clubs, but he’ll keep some cards close to his chest for when the new season kicks off next week.
The Roosters will host Cairns Brothers and Edmonton Storm in a trial at Atherton on Saturday.
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Clark Jnr said the different playing style of each side was crucial in his decision, as he gives his players plenty of time on the field before the new campaign.
But even though they’ll have four trials all up - they’ve already played Herbert River and Mareeba Gladiators - he’ll still have plenty of surprises up his sleeve.
“They’re two very different teams,” Clark Snr said. “They offer different styles of footy, and we want our boys to be tested.
“Edmonton we expect to bring a tough, physical style of footy, while Brothers will be more of that professional style in the way they set themselves up.
“We haven’t played anyone at full strength. Some of these players might go back to 18s and reserve grade but it’s up to them now to stand up and grab those last few spots in the first grade side.”
Tully Tigers will head south to face Herbert River Crushers in their final pre-season trial.
The last clash between the sides ended in controversial fashion, with the referee abandoning the game early after what Crushers player-coach Mitchell Seri said at the time was “unprecedented” foul play and a resulting all-in brawl.
The clubs have recovered from the black eye, with representatives from both saying they had well and truly moved on from the clash.
There’s no concerns about a similar outcome this time around, with Tully coach Paul Ketchell looking for his side to show more improvement just a week out from kick-off in the CDRL.
“We’re going down there to play footy,” Ketchell said. “We’re just working on where we want to be next week.
“We want to get all of our stuff right. Our patterns, defence, our plays. We’ve got a bit to work on.”
HOW ROOS WILL SOLVE SELECTION HEADACHE
NEW Kangaroos coach Jared Allen will rely on in-house trials to determine where high-profile outside back Bradley Stephen will line up when the Cairns District Rugby League season kicks off in two weeks.
Allen got his first look at the blue and golds in a 30-16 trial match win against Mareeba Gladiators on Sunday afternoon, in what is the club’s only pre-season hitout.
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Kyrow Tabuai and boom prop Tyson Phineasa were standouts for the Vico Oval club in what was a battle between two forward packs trying to impose their will ahead of a Round 1 clash with the Gladiators on March 28.
The biggest question revolves around Stephen and where he will line up.
The former Northern Pride centre can also play at fullback and on the wing, and while he was starved of opportunities with the ball on Sunday he will need to further showcase his skills in intraclub trials.
“I played him at centre and fullback (on Sunday) and he was good,” Allen said.
“But I’m not sure yet. He plays both really well, so we’ll just have a look at training and come to a decision closer to the season kicking off.”
Gideon Gela-Mosby partnered Stephen on the wing, and while he didn’t make the game-breaking plays he’s known for, the former Cowboys flyer did play crucial roles in several Kangaroos tries.
While other CDRL clubs have booked and played as many as three trials games each, Allen is happy to preserve his troops after just the one hitout.
“I don’t want to burn them out, the CDRL season is about two or three games too long as it is so we’re just looking after them,” Allen said.
Allen was happy with his side’s performance, as they cast an eye to the return of the CDRL competition.
The 2020 season was cancelled due to the coronavirus, with Mossman-Port Douglas Sharks entering the new campaign as the two-time defending premiers.
BROTHERS COACH WELCOMES HEADACHE
CAIRNS Brothers coach Jordan Biondi-Odo will have one more pre-season trial to solve one of his biggest, most welcome, selection headaches before the Cairns District Rugby League season kicks off.
Biondi-Odo enjoyed a winning start to his tenure at the Brethren with two wins against Townsville Brothers in as many weeks, capped with a 40-26 win at Stan Williams Park on Saturday.
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“It was a good hitout,” Biondi-Odo said. “We’re slowly getting better, a few of the guys are coming along well.
“Everyone that’s been playing have gone well.”
Centre pairing Patrick Lewis and Isaiah Wigness scored doubles in the club’s fourth in a row against their southern counterparts, and while they did their selection chances no harm it was the battle for the No. 9 which might occupy Biondi-Odo’s mind.
Brothers have three genuine starting options in Fletcher Harrold, Tom Spark and former Northern Pride-contracted rake Quinlyn Cannon, and after strong performances from all three men the coach is no closer to solving his biggest selection dilemma.
“All of our nines are putting up their hands,” Biondi-Odo said. “Sparksy has had two good hitouts, they’re all making a good run.
“There’s Falcon (Peni) as well, he’s a half or fullback, but he’s done a good job at the nine as well.”
Biondi-Odo ruled out taking inspiration from Cowboys coach Todd Payten and naming three hookers, but a clash with the Roosters at Atherton will be the last chance for all three to stake their claims.
CDRL clubs are well into their pre-season trials with a number of games across the Far North this week.
The CDRL season kicks off on March 27.
matthew.mcinerney1@news.com.au
Originally published as Atherton set for three-way trial; Tully to head south
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