Bulls can keep hot streak of wins alive

BARRON Trinity Bulls can become the next team to go undefeated for an entire FNQ Rugby season, according to the man who coached the last one.

Northern Beaches Mudcrabs president Ben Leonardi’s side takes on the Bulls at Goondi Bend Oval in Innisfail this afternoon, with a win extending the Bulls’ streak into double figures.

Leonardi, a former Bulls player who led the Crabs to 23 consecutive wins and the FNQ Rugby premiership in 2015, said he saw similarities between the legendary team he coached and the 2018 Bulls.

“They are very consistent this year and, like we did, have set a high standard early on,” he said.

“Everyone’s got to find a way to match them.

“They’ve definitely got the talent to go undefeated but it’s not easy. There are a few factors that have to go your way to do it.

“We were lucky in that we had a massive amount of depth, which we needed for a 23-game season. It’s a shorter season with 17 rounds and more byes now. That makes it easier in theory but you still have to be very good.”

The Crabs will be without key players Callum Beasley, Jesse Backhouse and co-captain Russell Todd, who has a broken thumb, but Leonardi said the Northern Beaches shouldn’t be underestimated.

In the other matches, JCU Mariners play Southside Crusaders, while Brothers play Cairns Penrhyn Sharks.