Deadly finisher on hot streak
TOWNSVILLE’S deadliest finisher with five rounds to play in the regular season is a 20year-old winger named Ethan Andrews.
The Centrals Tigers flyer is on the hottest scoring streak in the TDRL, having blitzed opponents for seven tries in three games to hit the top of the league’s tryscoring leaderboard with 10 for the season.
No other first grade player has passed six tries.
Andrews scored twice against Western Lions to deliver his side to back-to-back wins for the first time since Round 1 and 2.
“He’s always been a good player, he’s just made the most of some opportunities that have come his way,” coach Scott Griffin said. “He’s putting in some hard work training with the Blackhawks and he’s definitely converting that into games with us.”
Griffin said Andrews had flourished in his transition from his preferred position in the centres to a spot on the wing for Centrals.
His ability to read the game has enabled Andrews to capitalise on opportunities created by a team that has found its feet again in attack following its latest bye round in Round 7.
As important as Andrews’ contributions in attack has been his ability to halt opposition wingers, Griffin added.
“He’s a quiet achiever but it’s not just his attack I appreciate,” the coach said.
“He’s pretty solid, particularly on the edge for us. Doesn’t let too much past him or through him so it’s definitely good having him, not just to score tries but to stop them as well.”
Andrews’ defensive abilities were put to the test in the final moments of a tense 22-20 win over Western Lions on Saturday. The Tigers had pushed ahead through a messy, seesawing fixture to lead with 10 minutes to play.
An already shortened lineup, having lost star fullback Edene Gebbie to Blackhawks duty, then backrower Dane Thompson to a shoulder complaint and replacement fullback Jesse Pomare-anderson to cramps late in the match, was forced to defend its way to victory.
“That put everyone under a bit of additional load but everyone put their hand up to make sure we performed as best we could,” Griffin said.
“The guys definitely had to dig in and work hard and we pretty much had to lock them out for the last 10 minutes.”
Captain Clancy Kersh was enormous in the dying moments but received strong support from fellow forwards Matthew Bonnano and Andrew Niemoller.
Herbert River played Norths overnight while Burdekin’s home clash against Brothers was shifted back to a Monday afternoon blockbuster at 3pm.