All the major talking points following round 7 of Rugby League Gold Coast’s A-Grade competition
WATCH: A spectacular round 7 send-off, the midweek pool session that sparked one club’s turnaround, and a Tugun back who starred despite broken bones. All the major RLGC talking points.
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Two games were decided by three points or less in a cracking weekend on A-Grade rugby league on the Gold Coast.
Helensvale returned to the winner’s list off the back of a quirky Tuesday night training session, a red card was dished out as Southport’s disciplinary woes continued, and Currumbin claimed another win despite fielding four debutants.
Discover all the major talking points below, and catch up on last week’s here.
Costly send-off
Southport is set to lose another player to suspension after Carne Doyle-Manga was sent off in the 54th minute of their clash with Burleigh. Doyle-Manga’s high swinging arm connected with the head of Burleigh fullback Ollie Tuimavave,.
The collision left Tuimavave concussed and it took several minutes before he was able to stand up and leave the field with the assistance of trainers.
As a result, a second suspension of the season looms large for Doyle-Manga after he was rubbed out for two weeks earlier in the year.
Tigers captain Piki Te Ora Rogers was also sin-binned late in the match, forcing them to play out the final minutes of the 28-30 loss with 11 players.
Rule of thirds
This year’s instalment of RLGC A-Grade is shaping as one of the most closely contested in recent memory, if not ever.
The player points system seems to have worked wonders, with no clear favourite for the premiership through seven rounds. Reigning premiers Southport have enjoyed several years of dominance, but seem to have fallen back to the pack after winning their first three matches with three losses from their past three outings.
As evidenced by playing out this week’s Burleigh clash with 11 on the field, ill discipline has plagued the Tigers all year.
It’s worth noting their past two losses have been by a combined margin of six points, and the scores would’ve been level with Burleigh at full time if Jaman Rio didn’t miss his late conversion opportunity in the tight and messy affair. The Tigers have also had several key outs over the stretch of losses, but welcomed back Eni Folau, Jalin Graham, and Blake Scott on the weekend.
Hornets’ sanity
‘Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.’
Helensvale was gassed and coming off the back of a 46-0 drubbing at the hands of Burleigh last week. Something had to give, so they took a leaf out of Albert Einstein’s book.
Upon reflection after the heavy round 6 loss, the Hornets brain trust decided that they had pushed a tired squad too hard during the week at training.
A fun pool session with some tough conversations mixed in on Tuesday night followed, and it seemed to work wonders, with the Hornets holding off a fast finishing Runaway Bay to clinch a narrow 31-28 victory.
Helensvale secured the victory despite missing five key players, but the next man up mentality on show has thrilled the club.
Former NRL player Lloyd Perrett - who is preparing to launch legal action against Manly - played one of his best games yet in Hornets colours as he crossed for a double. His brother Isaiah Perrett, hooker Bailey Court, and teen winger Jack Murphy also performed strongly in the win.
Debutant blitz
Currumbin solidified its spot at the top of the ladder with its second win over foes Tugun for the season, as the Eagles downed the Seahawks 32-18.
It was an uber-impressive result given Currumbin had not one, not two, not three, but four debutants pull on its striking red strip.
Of the quartet, Tom Blimka had previously played A-Grade footy in New South Wales, while young players Wil Phillips, Baylen Donald and Jack Hudson were registering their first appearances at the level. Philips came straight into the starting side in the no.6 jersey, having forced in his way in after a number of strong reserve-grade showings.
Gill’s first double
Currumbin coach Matt Geyer found it hard to believe, but Eagles captain Jarrod Gill claimed his round 7 double was the first he’d scored in his career.
The workhorse – as per usual – was immense for his side, grinding out 67 minutes in the middle as rotation options dwindled.
While Jayden Wright was called up to Tweed’s Hostplus Cup side, Kalin Ropata returned from his Ipswich Jets duties and performed strongly in the win. A natural centre, Ropata has shifted to the second row.
No Bull-Schipp
On face value, Michael Schipp’s performance for Tugun was impressive despite the loss.
He scored a try early, crossed for another that would be disallowed, ran a good, hard line on the edge and he defended soundly.
Now consider the fact that he’s been playing with a broken wrist and knuckle for several weeks.
In Schipp’s eyes, there’s simply no alternative with several others already out injured. What a trooper.
“It wasn’t what the doctor ordered,” mused captain-coach Will Johnstone.
The Seahawks also welcomed back two-time RLGC player of the year Sam Meskell for his second game of the season now that his coaching duties have wrapped up with Tweed’s Mal Meninga side. Meskell will be back with Tugun permanently now and should be a very handy addition.
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