Thomas shrugs off broken nose to face Tweed threat

A BROKEN nose won’t stop Bryce Thomas from leading Tugun’s trip to Tweed Heads in a battle for the first entry into the Gold Coast Tweed decider.

Seahawks coach Martin Griese said the recent returns of Thomas and fellow prop Chris Hodges from knee injuries would be vital for their bid to trump the minor premiers.

“(Tweed) have got big, strong, fast front-rowers and if you can match it with those, you go a long way towards beating Tweed,” Griese said.

“(Thomas and Hodges) are our two big name front-rowers and they’ve been out most of the year … so it’s definitely good to have those guys back at the right time of the year.”

Having been on the sidelines since Round 1, Thomas made his comeback in Tugun’s 39-6 drubbing of Southport last weekend, during which he suffered a broken nose.

But Griese said there would be no doubt about his availability at Piggabeen Sports Complex tomorrow: “You don’t need a nose to run”.

Tugun are set to make one change to their side, finding room for Drumayne Dayberg- Muir – but not in his usual fiveeighth position.

“He’s actually going to play on the wing for me,” Griese said. “He’s an Australian touch player so he’s definitely got some skills and some pace to be out there.”

Tweed will be strengthened by the inclusions of Shawn Anderson, Tim Cassidy and Doug Hewitt, who will partner Kobi Annand in the halves.

“It gives the boys confidence that they haven’t beaten us this year but the whole thing changes now,” he said.

“Different sort of football begins … it’s a tougher brand and the game goes pretty quick. Form during the year doesn’t mean much at this time of the year … it’s just about desire.”

Today at Owen Park, Southport and Burleigh will both field understrength sides as they try to keep their respective seasons alive.

Southport have lost four players compared to last week including star centre Troy Leo (hand), while Burleigh are without Jarrod Tua (Queensland Cup), Dylan Pelo (away), Darren Griffiths (ankle) and Parahi Wilson.

The latter was hospitalised on Sunday after a chest infection led to an asthma attack. AUSSIE RULES NEAFL Today at Blacktown International Sportspark (11.45am).

QAFL at Crozier Field, Lismore (2.30pm).

Tomorrow

Casino RSM v Cudgen at Queen Elizabeth Park, Casino (2.30pm).

RUGBY UNION NATIONAL RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP Tomorrow

at Bond University, Robina (3pm).

GOLD COAST DISTRICT Today