Hogs belt the Eagles, set sights on Surfers

HELENSVALE coach Tonga Lea’aetoa has no doubt his side has what it takes to knock off Surfers Paradise following their runaway 50-14 win over the Gold Coast Eagles.

Though the final scoreline read a tale of domination, the Hogs had entered halftime on shaky ground at 15-14.

“One of my co-coaches actually, Te Awa (Pearce), he is pretty religious, doesn’t swear but he had a few strong words at halftime,” Lea’aetoa said.

“I don’t know whether it was that or not, but the boys came out in the second half and they really picked it up so I am quite pleased.”

When asked whether they could challenge the two-time premiers next weekend, Lea’aetoa’s answer was a plain “yes”.

“Obviously I was there for two years, I know Surfers. They are a class outfit. They are the benchmark and I am looking forward to it,” he said.

Down at Bienvenue Drive, the southern derby did not fail to deliver as Palm Beach Currumbin pipped Coolangatta Tweed in a 13-10 nailbiter.

It marked the Alleygators’ second win of the season and an important response to their 35-29 loss to Bond Pirates the previous weekend.

Meanwhile, Griffith University Colleges captain Matt Blair was forced to withdraw from his farewell match against Bond Pirates due to a lingering cork. Blair is Londonbound for career opportunities but got to celebrate as his teammates posted a 48-13 win to regain first place.