Waples says it’s D- Day for NQU

MUCH like the Queensland Origin team, North Queensland United is desperate to avoid being swept by arch rival Cairns this year in tonight’s crucial National Premier League clash at Barlow Park.

With six rounds remaining, second- last NQU is desperate to arrest a slump where they have won just once in 14 games, the victory coming against competition whipping boys Sunshine Coast.

In contrast, sixth- placed Cairns could be arguably the league’s form team and are looking to expand on an 11game unbeaten streak.

NQU skipper Corey Waples said nullifying the impact of lethal Cairns attacking trio Josh Taylor, Jamie Carroll and Chris O’Hare will be vital as they look to dig their way out of the relegation zone.

“They’ve got a lot of good goal scorers in their squad, and we probably lack a prolific goal scorer at the moment,” Waples said. “They’ve got three of them, and we really have to shut them down.

“It’s one of those games where you always have more motivation. It ( Townsville-Cairns rivalry) has been there since juniors, in any sport.

“We don’t want them to get a clean sweep on us, it’s kind of like Origin.”

The bottom two teams at season’s end will be relegated and Waples conceded they were running out of time to avoid the drop, with third- last Mackay four points clear.

“It’s been a tough year mentally, and a good learning curve,” Waples said.

“It’s one of those things you have to be up for, you have to put your losses and mistakes behind you, and keep moving forward.

“We have to start getting results, or it’s going to be tough. As demoralising as some of the results have been through the year, we’ve had some good performances but haven’t got the points.”

NQU is set to welcome back Jae Eurell, Paul Kohler and Nick Figg from injury.

Cairns coach Danny Graystone is bracing for a desperate Townsville outfit to arrive in the Far North.

“With the threat of relegation down in the bottom of two, you would hope they will come up here with a lot of fight,” Graystone said.

“We will be expecting and anticipating that, to match their level of desire to win the game.”

North Queensland Premier League: Saints v Ingham at Aitkenvale Park ( 7pm); Burdekin v Rebels at International Park ( 7pm); Warriors v Wulguru at Melrose Park ( 7pm); MA Olympic v Brothers at Burt Street ( 7.30pm).