Hogs sniff finals chance

Recent injuries tipped to ultimately help Helensvale’s surge

HELENSVALE will benefit from a period of short-term pain, long-term gain when finals arrive, according to coach Mark Dobson.

The Hogs’ season had seemingly stalled in recent weeks as they suffered a shock loss to Gold Coast Eagles and only just found a way to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against Palm Beach Currumbin last week.

But while others pondered if they had fallen back from the lead pack, Dobson said the side actually will now emerge a bigger and better force in finals.

“The last six games it has been a different mix of players in my first grade team each week with injuries,” he said.

“It has developed a lot of our second grade players into better footballers and we have been taking results in close games. We have got six boys coming back over the next three weeks who were first grade players at the start of the season so we are in a good position. We just have to keep raising the bar with our standards.

“It has brought the squad closer together.

“The attitude amongst everyone is fantastic, we have got guys competing for spots and every player that we have pulled up from second grade into first grade has played outstanding footy.”

Courtesy of an unusual fixture, Helensvale again defeated the Alleygators on Saturday by 25-14.

Prop Joe Hepi celebrated his 100th first grade game for the club in style with a rare try.

“To get a try in your 100th game in a win is the icing on the cake for Joe,” Dobson said.

The Hogs leapfrogged Bond Pirates into third place on the ladder after the Eagles sprung another surprise to draw 22-22 with the Pirates. Victory only just eluded the Eagles, with a decisive conversion attempt waved away.

Coolangatta Tweed and Coomera forfeited against Surfers Paradise and Colleges, respectively.