Veall has no beef downing Stratford

JACOB GRAMS

“I’ve definitely been rusty but now I’m ready to properly settle in,” Nkiwane said.

“The goals are definitely going to come. I’m not really too fussed about that.”

But the 21-year-old is aware of the extra responsibility on him to hit the back of the net tonight, particularly in the absence of a number of regular first-team players and Jamie Carroll.

Nkiwane said he hoped a stronger showing could help him secure a starting spot alongside the skipper “just like the old days”.

“I’ve just got to fill the hole while he’s gone and when he comes back I don’t want to make it too easy for him to get it back,” he said.

“But it is important for him to come back, because it makes the side stronger.”

Nkiwane said it was a demanding trip, including a one- show up and be willing to compete,” he said.

“We had a bit of a chat about that during the week and we know that kind of effort is not good enough.

“A lot of it was my fault. I didn’t set them up very well and my substitutions were questionable and I hold my hand up.”

Baird said he was looking forward to coming up against his predecessor Veall, although said most of the players were none the wise considering the turnover at both clubs in the past two seasons. hour bus ride on top of the flight, but a win would make it well worth it.

Despite the weather, Nkiwane and teammate Bronson Koppen have been keeping fit, running the Red Arrow in preparation for tonight’s game in lieu of a wet training pitch.

The Pride could be a tired opponent, having been forced to play on Tuesday night after southeast Queensland fixtures were washed out last weekend.

“But obviously it’s quite an emotional day for him being the first time he will have coached against Stratford since he was here,” he said.

Veall said there was no lingering loyalty to the Dolphins but said the anticipation of the clash would bring a big crowd and a big challenge.

“My club is Marlin Coast and I’ll do the best job I can to roll (Stratford),” he said.

“My boys are looking forward to it and I’ve got plenty of texts about it.

“It should be a big crowd. We should fill the grandstand.”

Veall will “unleash” new centre forward Jake Hobson direct from England in tomorrow’s match and is close to signing a Welsh striker to add to his side’s arsenal.

Stratford will be without captain Shane Raso.

Premier matches at Leichhardt, who were set to host Mareeba, will not go ahead this weekend after persistent rain made the pitch unplayable.