Norths’ big loss to spur team on

NORTHS Devils women’s coach Gary Appleby expects his side to make a statement at home this afternoon after suffering a shock heavy loss in front of their supporters last weekend.

Norths enter today’s game at Peggy Banfield Park against West Tigers Mackay having lost to Mackay Brothers 50-4, a far cry from their competitive 24-12 defeat against Townsville Brothers in the season opener.

“We’ve done a bit of work at training during the week and we’re confident of having a much better showing this game,” Appleby said.

“It’s the best squad we have available and we’ve done a bit of work on our edge defence, and we’ve made a couple of position changes to bolster that up.”

Norths and Townsville Brothers are the only two Townsville teams to play local rugby league this year following the COVID-19 hiatus, with the two clubs opting to join the Mackay Districts Rugby League competition.

Appleby conceded that his team was entering the unknown every weekend against opponents they knew very little about.

“But all we really need to do is focus on ourselves and work on what we can control,” he said.

“We’re pretty much playing by ear.

“We do our work at training and then it’s kick-off.

“But as long as we keep improving we should be good.”

Norths take on Tigers in the women’s game at 1pm, followed by the Under-19s at 2.30pm and reserves at 4pm.

The A grade action at Bushland Beach kicks off at 6pm.

Townsville Brothers have the bye.