Tigers do homework for Cassowary Coast derby

TULLY coach Aaron Tongalea hopes a reality check from Brothers will force a response against Cassowary Coast rivals Innisfail tonight.

A strong second half following 26 unanswered points gives him some confidence the Tigers can get their season back on track.

Tongalea said the players had raised the bar this week and were looking to build on a few positives and better tackle a bigger pack.

“We’ve done a bit of homework on the Innisfail spine and the heavyweights of their forward pack and hopefully we can capitalise,” he said.

“It’s a great local derby and each year just seems to be getting better and better and we’re really looking forward to it.”

Northern Pride fullback Jack Murphy will bolster the Tigers, while Shane Cliff re- turns from injury, offsetting the loss of Colin Wilkie and Jeremy Dickman.

The Leprechauns will be bolstered by the return of Marlins representatives Aaron Jolley, Mat Laumea and Queensland Ranger Lata Fakalelu.

Atherton, who beat the understrength Innisfail last week, could finish the round on top of the ladder if they beat Edmonton at home tonight.

Mareeba will be looking for some reward for hard luck this season when they host Ivanhoes, while matches between Kangaroos and Mossman, and Yarrabah and Southern Suburbs threaten to be tight affairs.