MOZZIES SET FOR ACTION
THE NT Mosquitoes will be kings of Northern Australian rugby if they snatch back-to-back victories over the Townsville Brolgas at Rugby Park tonight.
‘The Mozzies travelled to North Queensland as underdogs last year and came home with a 55-22 win.
Townsville are arguably the strongest Union in Queensland outside of the state’s South Eastern Megalopolis.
The Brolgas swept to a third straight North Queensland Championship in April with wins against Mackay and Central Highlands, as well as Far North Queensland.
If they are to get one back on the Territory, the Brolgas will have to restrict a potent Mozzies backline.
Casuarina’s Zac Phillips and Joe Tuisuva will play inside and outside centre respectively, with Souths trio Setefano Cakau, Abele Atunaisa and Dallas Penetito the back three.
Captain Robbie Butcher, who will pull the strings from fly half, said it was always a privilege to represent the NT and his teammates were fired up to take the double.
“Having beaten them away last year and getting the return leg here, we definitely want to keep that trophy,” he said.
“We are playing in front of our home crowd as well, so we don’t want to lose.
“Last year there were a few boys who missed out but this year, playing at home, it’s one of the best backlines we have put out in a while.”
The Brolgas warmed up with a 58-0 win against the junior Mozzies on Friday.
Captain and tight head prop Kris Nielsen said his side had a lot to prove after last year’s defeat. “It will be good to return the favour,” he said. “We didn’t know what to expect from them, but they definitely came with a hard nose aggressive approach with some big boys.
“They are well organised, their scrum and lineouts were very crisp. We are going to have to be on our game to come close to them.”