HOODOO MUST END OR TWEED FACE 0-5
TWEED Heads will have to roll their bogy side if they are to avoid going through the opening five rounds of the season winless for a second straight year.
The Seagulls fought valiantly in Papua New Guinea on Sunday but were never able to edge ahead in their 32-18 loss to the Hunters.
Gold Coast development players Kiah Cooper (two) and Moeaki Fotuaika accounted for all three of Tweed’s tries but their progress was stunted by head injury assessments to vice-captain Lamar Liolevave and then five-eighth AJ Brimson. Both players returned.
Hunters winger Edene Gebbie bagged two tries while brothers Ase and Watson Boas were among the other scorers.
With a 0-4 record, the Seagulls now face one of the toughest challenges in the Intrust Super Cup – taking on Townsville on their home turf at Jack Manski Oval.
The Blackhawks have a loaded roster of NRL players such as Jaelen Feeney, Jake Marketo and Corey Jensen.
Furthermore, they have a history of utter dominance against the men from Piggabeen.
In five clashes between the sides since their 2015 admission into the competition, Townsville have won on every occasion by 28 points or more.
Ryan Simpkins and Brendan Elliot are nearing returns from injury in a welcome boost for Tweed.