Grand finalists set to rip in
LOCAL footy is back.
The Townsville and Districts Rugby League competition returns this weekend with a grand final replay between reigning premiers the Herbert River Crushers and Centrals Tigers in Ingham.
Both clubs are expecting a carbon copy of last year’s thrilling decider, which saw Herbert River cruise to a 22- 0 halftime lead before Centrals came within a whisker of snatching victory with a massive second half counter- attack.
The Crushers have lost experienced campaigners Andrew Quabba, Drew Chinotti ( work) and Troy Kapea ( Northern Pride), but remain among the premiership favourites after retaining a longterm nucleus featuring Mitchell Seri, Aaron Solari and Todd Cockburn.
Centrals shocked many by surging to last year’s grand final with an inspired no- frills campaign, but no longer expect to fly under the radar after adding the likes of Justin Cassady ( Norths), Nick Evans, Paul Bunungun ( University) and Thomas Ernst ( Brothers) to their sturdy A grade squad. “I think everyone feels we’ve just gone up and up, so I think this year is going to be even bigger for us,” Centrals co- captain James Redman said. “I think it’s going to be a successful year no matter what.
“A few years ago we were always the underdog but we knew we had it in us, so it was a matter of putting it on the field.
“It’s going to be a tough game on Saturday, and it’s always tough playing against ‘ the River’ because it’s probably the hardest trip of the year going to Ingham, but better to do it now than later.”
Solari is unlikely to play for the Crushers this weekend but Herbert River’s Matt Harvey believes the premiers are well poised to start season 2017 with a win.
University will look to begin their year on a positive when they host Burdekin at JCU, and Western Lions clash with Norths in what could be the round’s top entertainment.
Brothers hit the road to take on Charters Towers in Saturday’s other game. TDRL Round 1. Saturday. 5.30pm University v Burdekin, JCU; 6pm Western Lions v Norths, Sports Reserve; 6.30pm Herbert River v Centrals, Ingham; 7.30pm Charters Towers v Brothers, Bill Lewis Oval