Bears, Gulls on a track to glory

We are past the midway point of the Intrust Super Cup season and with Burleigh second and Tweed sixth amid a weekend bye, Connor O’Brien discovers five things we have learnt so far.

BEST IN THE BUSINESS

Jamal Fogarty was ranked No.3 in our pre-season top 30 ISC players list, but there has arguably been no more influential figure than the Bears halfback.

The 25-year-old has been at the centre of Burleigh’s success. Among his impressive numbers are 11 try assists (fifth in the comp) and four 40-20s – no other player even has three.

He has also scored five tries, forced five dropouts and converted goals at 81.2 per cent.

MAKING A MARK

Speaking of halfbacks, what an impact Ryley Jacks has made at Tweed.

The Seagulls’ surge up the pecking order this year has been the result of a widespread effort, but you can’t ignore the fact that Jacks takes this team to the next level when he is not required by the Titans.

Tweed have won six of seven when Jacks has played; by contrast, they are three from seven without him.

DEPTH, DEPTH, DEPTH

It is often said that you need more than just a quality 13 or 17 to contend in the ISC and Burleigh certainly have that box ticked.

The Bears have at times had to play without key men such as Pat Politoni or Dylan Phythian, but they’ve covered for them nicely through the likes of Josh Rogers and Jordan Scott. It’s a scary thought that they still have 2018 Queensland Residents captain Blake Leary to return, as well as utility forwards Jamie Dowling and Dylan Kelly.

WALTERS A REAL DEAL

Talor Walters had never really established himself as an ISC regular before this year, playing 23 games from 2015 to 2018 either side of a season with Melbourne Storm’s under-20s.

Suddenly, it has clicked. Walters has quickly become an integral cog in Tweed’s side at fullback, posing a constant threat in attack with his running game and playmaking ability.

He has seven line breaks in his last seven games and is averaging 145 running metres.

PIZZEY IS A FORTRESS

Burleigh are one of two teams yet to lose on home turf this season; the other is Sunshine Coast, who remarkably are undefeated on the whole.

The Bears have built that seven-from-seven record at Pizzey – complete with an average winning margin of 27 points – despite having hosted five top-eight teams already.

BURLEIGH’S TRUE ISC TRY MACHINE: This week