CDRL midseason review: Where they will finish
The Cairns District Rugby League has reached the halfway mark in the competition with the race for the minor premiership -and September - heating up.
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THE Cairns District Rugby League has reached the halfway mark in the competition with the race for the minor premiership -and September - heating up.
Just three wins separates first from sixth, and while some clubs have struggled it’s now or never for them to make a move.
Cairns Post sports editor Matthew McInerney runs his eye over the 11 A-grade teams and delivers the verdict on where they will finish.
ATHERTON ROOSTERS
Pos: 1st Record: 8-1
For: 298 Against: 130
Best players: Ty Grogan, Jermaine Pedro, Rod Griffin
The verdict: The blue, red and white wall has stood strong over the first half of the season, allowing just 14 points per game on their way to eight straight wins.
The Roosters have put together a stunning run on the back of their brilliant defence, and it’s hard to see that ending any time soon.
But beating Brothers in both clashes will be crucial.
Predicted finish: 1st.
BROTHERS
Pos: 2nd Record: 8-1
For: 310 Against: 162
Best players: Falcon Peni, Ernest Suavai, Tainela Ta’ufo’ou
The verdict: One of the most structured teams in the CDRL, Brothers takes immense pride in their entire squad being across the way they want to play
They have overcome injuries to key players to keep winning, and will be push for the minor premiership with two games against the Roosters still to come.
Predicted finish: 2nd.
MOSSMAN-PORT DOUGLAS
Pos: 3rd Record: 7-2
For: 308 Against: 182
Best players: Eddie Daniel, Matthew Gibuma, Robbie Amber
The verdict: The Sharks have hit their straps, riding a four-game winning streak with Daniel leading a side which has embraced its mix of tough but free-flowing rugby league.
Four of the Sharks’ remaining nine games are against teams in contention for the top five. They must win those to keep hold of that top three advantage
Predicted finish: 4th.
INNISFAIL
Pos: 4th Record: 7-3
For: 290 Against: 194
Best players: Aaron Jolley, Andrew Garrett, Tomasi Skelton
The verdict: Innisfail have one of the most well-rounded squads - tough, uncompromising forwards paired with flashy backs - and a coach who knows how to get the best out of his players.
Innisfail have a great run home with two byes and the majority if games against teams outside the top five. Leon Hallie will have them primed and ready for September.
Predicted finish: 3rd
IVANHOES
Pos: 5th Record: 5-3
For: 248 Against: 170
Best players: Zane Knowles, Jacob Wallace, Regan Herd
The verdict: The Knights have impressed in their first season under Lindsay Styles, but are in the middle of a five-game run which features the top four teams.
Having already had two byes, injuries will be the club’s Achilles heel but there is no doubting their heart.
Predicted finish: 5th
KANGAROOS
Pos: 6th Record: 5-4
For: 228 Against: 236
Best players: Daniel Woodhouse, Theo Majid, Ty Millard
The verdict: There’s not too many teams who are better when things click, but a three-game slide earlier this season has really hurt their finals hopes.
Six of their remaining nine games are against top five teams; it might be too high a mountain to climb, but they’ll be ready to pounce if Ivanhoe slips.
But if any club can upset that prediction, its Kangaroos.
Predicted finish: 6th
SOUTHERN SUBURBS
Pos: 7th Record: 3-6
For: 192 Against: 238
Best players: Cephas Chinfat, Ritchie Lowe, Minjiluk McInnes
The verdict: Suburbs is team of promise who have shown they can mix it with the best teams in the CDRL, but just haven’t got those wins.
Close, competitive losses to Innisfail, Brothers and Kangaroos show that, but they need to beat those contenders to be a chance.
Predicted finish: 8th
YARRABAH
Pos: 8th Record: 2-7
For: 202 Against: 310
Best players: Ammiel Harris, Thauki Satrick, Hayden Golchert
The verdict: Poor discipline has cruelled the Seahawks this season.
They started a few players short of their main squad, and have lost far too many men to suspension throughout the season.
Yarrabah has the skill to beat every other team in the comp, but they have to keep it today.
Predicted finish: 9th
TULLY TIGERS
Pos: 9th Record: 3-7
For: 179 Against: 292
Best players: Col Wilkie, Abraham Waireg-Ingui, Phil Nona
The verdict: The Tigers have been a much-improved outfit this season and while there’s still recruits on the way, it’s tough to judge what hasn’t been sighted yet.
Based on previous form, Tully won’t move far, but two byes in the back half of the season is a bankable four-point improvement from where they are now.
Predicted finish: 7th
MAREEBA
Pos: 10th Record: 1-8
For: 166 Against: 375
Best players: Trezman Banjo, Hubert Elu, Caleb Dally
The verdict: It only takes one or two injuries and the Gladiators are in trouble again.
The lack of spark in attack and the leaky defence, both of which are the worst records in the league, are not ideal.
Predicted finish: 11th
EDMONTON
Pos: 11th Record: 1-8
For: 186 Against: 318
Best players: Tyrell Anton, Liam Heidemann, Lee Kennedy
The verdict: Edmonton will move off the bottom of the table by the end of the regular season but it won’t be by too much.
They are a tough side who will prove to be a handful for the run home, but the points deduction will leave them near the bottom of the ladder.
Predicted finish: 10th
matthew.mcinerney1@news.com.au
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