Double rematch trouble
knows to brace for an ultrakeen enemy.
“Earlier in the year we had our last trial game and then we were meant to have a week off and start the season. We ended up playing five weeks after our last trial game, that was our next game,” he said.
“We know how our boys felt when we had our first game, everyone just wanted to get out there.
“So they’ll be pumped up and ready for it. They will be rested as well.”
The second factor coming into play is the way opposition clubs rise to a new level against the Dolphins in a bid to become the team that ends Surfers Paradise’s 25-match winning streak.
“Everyone is always there ready to take us off our perch. It’s nature,” Burton said.
“They are all going to come out of the blocks wanting to disrupt us basically – it’s the same thing we look to do to other teams.”
The Dolphins will wait until today to make a final call on several of their players who are hoping to return from injury, including winger Stewart Lauvi who hurt his leg while representing the Gold Coast Cyclones last month.
While Burton’s side isn’t “as full strength as we want”, they have recently been boosted by front-rower Peryhn Martin and fullback Nicolas Pavlovski, as well as the return of winger Pila Fifita (suspension).
The clash at Colleges’ home ground will kick-off at 3.15pm. The sides last met in Round 3, when Surfers Paradise triumphed 24-7.
Bond Pirates will chase their sixth win of the season when they play the Gold Coast Eagles at Southport. Helensvale host Coomera in the northern Gold Coast derby.
Palm Beach Currumbin defeated Coolangatta Tweed 39-3 on Thursday night in a match rescheduled due to logistical reasons involving the running of Cooly Rocks On across the weekend.