Eight changes to Gold Coast Cyclones starting side for clash with Darling Downs at Palm Beach
THE Gold Coast Cyclones have made eight changes to the starting side that lost last week’s Queensland Country Championships opener as they prepare to host Darling Downs tomorrow.
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THE Gold Coast Cyclones have made eight changes to the starting side that lost last week’s Queensland Country Championships opener as they prepare to host Darling Downs tomorrow.
Coming off a 55-22 defeat against Sunshine Coast in Gympie, the Cyclones have been boosted by the inclusion of former Wallaby Richard Kingi at flyhalf and six of his Griffith University Colleges teammates.
The Knights playmaker replaces Surfers Paradise’s George Ironside at no.10, while Terenia McLean (prop), Henry Morris (blindside flanker), Harrison Cumming (openside flanker), Blake Griffen (wing), Devontay To’a (inside centre) and Taniela Tuivanuavou (outside centre) have also been included.
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Surfers Paradise’s Taylor McRoberts is the other change, replacing Gold Coast Eagles’ Doryaan Hape Apiata at no.8.
McRoberts is one of five Dolphins players in the starting side, with the Palm Beach trio of Frank Watson, Darcey Lewis and Ethan Lolesio rounding out the XV.
Speaking after last week’s game, Cyclones coach Kris Burton said there were positive signs ahead of the battle with Darling Downs.
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“We had 23 players unavailable but it was a good effort by most. It was the first time playing at rep level for the Gold Coast for a lot of the players,” Burton said.
Kick off is at 3.15pm at Palm Beach Currumbin Rugby Club, with the colts game to begin at 1.50pm.
GOLD COAST CYCLONES ROUND 2 TEAM
1. Frank Watson (Palm Beach)
2. Sau Leaaetoa (c) (Surfers Paradise)
3. Terenia McLean (Colleges)
4. Dylan Wooster (Surfers Paradise)
5. Darcey Lewis (Palm Beach)
6. Henry Morris (Colleges)
7. Harrison Cumming (Colleges)
8. Taylor McRoberts (Surfers Paradise)
9. Bodie Edwards (Surfers Paradise)
10. Richie Kingi (Colleges)
11. Blake Griffen (Colleges)
12. Devontay To’a (Colleges)
13. Taniela Tuivanuavou (Colleges)
14. Bryce Catchpole (Surfers Paradise)
15. Ethan Lolesio (Palm Beach)
Reserves
16. Frankie Kawana (Helensvale)
17. David Paz Robinson-Polkey (Surfers Paradise)
18. Lesi Tawake (Colleges)
19. Lachie Currie (Palm Beach)
20. Whitney Siteine (Helensvale)
21. Connor Kennedy (Colleges)
22. Emasi Tuivanuavou (Palm Beach)
23. Josh Lapthorn (Surfers Paradise)
24. Caleb Enoka (Nerang)
25. Ryan Briscoe (Palm Beach)
26. Tom Dwyer (Palm Beach)
27. Taylor Pearce (Helensvale)
28. Suguru Tanaka (Gold Coast Eagles)
29. George Ironside (Surfers Paradise)
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