Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade speaks to umpires about Brisbane ‘wrestling’ tactics

SUNS coach Rodney Eade wants the umpires to keep a close eye on what he calls world championship wrestling tactics by Brisbane’s defence.

Tom Lynch kicks a goal. Picture: Adam Head

SUNS coach Rodney Eade wants the umpires to keep a close eye on what he calls world championship wrestling tactics by Brisbane’s defence in the Q-Clash.

Eade believes Lions defender Harris Andrews bends the rules when he plays on Suns skipper Tom Lynch.

He was incensed when the two sides met at Broadbeach in the pre-season, declaring Andrews had restrained Lynch in “a sleeper hold’'.

Lynch shrugged off Eade’s concerns this week, saying after playing mostly on retired veteran Daniel Merrett in past derbies, he now knows what to expect from the man who is likely to be a long-term rival.

“Rocket gets a bit frustrated but I think he’s just trying to look after me,” he said.

“I learnt a few things from that game about Harris Andrews and about how to play on him this weekend.

“If the free kick is there, it’s there but I won’t be counting on them.’’

Eade revealed on Thursday he intended to make the umpires aware of his concerns ahead of the season-opening derby.

It would be an unusual step for Eade, who believes complaining to the umpires an have a negative effect for clubs that do it too often.

Rodney Eade says Tom Lynch is unfairly targeted.

“I don’t usually, no, I have thought in a couple of our games there were some blatant areas where I thought we may need to get some clarification on, but I didn’t,’’ he said.

“I don’t see any sense in whinging about what happens, I think they do a good job, to be honest.

“I mean they make mistakes, players make mistakes, we make mistakes, there’s no point being picky.

“But there may be a phone call.’’

The Suns have picked six new faces including two debutants.

Draftees Jack Bowes and Ben Ainsworth will make their senior debuts alongside mature-aged recruits Pearce Hanley (Lions), Michael Barlow (Fremantle), Jarrod Witts (Collingwood) and Jarryd Lyons (Adelaide).

Eade said he was not overly concerned there may be a lack of cohesion with so many new faces.

“I think you’ll find most teams after Rounds 1, 2 and 3 will have some areas to work on, so I don’t think it’s going to be absolutely perfect,” he said.

“I think the way the new guys have integrated with the players has been terrific.’’

Brisbane has also named a new face, with former GWS Giant Jake Barrett to make his first appearance for the club.

Barrett played one game in the talent-heavy Giants line-up before seeking a fresh start at Brisbane.

He appeared in all three JLT games for the club and was upgraded from the rookie list yesterday.