Bears signing racing the clock

BURLEIGH recruit Justin Tavae may be fit in time for Round 1 of the Intrust Super Cup season despite suffering a rib injury the day before he was supposed to play for the Titans in their trial against Brisbane.

Former Capras centre Tavae damaged cartilage in a freak incident at Gold Coast’s captain’s run on Friday, forcing him to cede his spot to Bears teammate Troy Leo.

However, there is optimism from Pizzey Park that the 25year-old will be able to take on the Sunshine Coast Falcons in the televised season-opening away fixture on March 10.

“It just depends when he can cope with the pain for when he will be able to play,” said Burleigh coach Jimmy Lenihan, who indicated a recovery window of one to four weeks.

The Bears beat an understrength Falcons outfit 26-8 on Saturday and will face Tweed Heads this weekend in their final hitout of the pre-season.

Lenihan is preparing for a strong Seagulls side that could include Titans squad pair AJ Brimson and Moeaki Fotuaika.