Downcast Lions hope form slump ends today

PALM Beach- Currumbin coach Chad Owens is to the point when asked to explain reasons behind the Lions’ major form slump in the QAFL.

The Lions have dropped three matches in a row – to title contenders Labrador, Morningside and Mt Gravatt – and now face up to a Gold Coast derby against Surfers Paradise at Salk Oval today at 2pm.

“To be honest we’re in a s**t patch at the moment,” was Owens’ way of describing events at the den of last season’s losing grand finalists.

“We have a lot of players out and too many blokes who aren’t playing the way they should be.”

Palm Beach’s slide has not cost them second place on the ladder but it has definitely put question marks over their ability to finish top-three for the finals.

The Lions were a clear second until the hat-trick of losses and are now only four points ahead of Morningside.

On a brighter note, the Lions get back classy half-back flanker Josh Woolley and, in a big boost, have captain and Grogan Medallist Jesse Derrick back after three weeks overseas on his honeymoon.

Surfers Paradise continue to make opponents work hard and deserve a far better season record than three wins. The last time they played PBC they stretched them to the limit at Small Park.

Broadbeach, who also need a win to stick with the leaders, are playing Western Magpies at Ord Minnett Oval today and have a number of changes to their line-up.

There are some handy performers in the group of ins – Luke Shreeve, Josh Searl, Nick Burton, Harrison Kerr and Xavier McMahon.

The Cats will also blood two teenagers from Papua New Guinea in Hapeo Bobogi and Kelly Kaugla for their QAFL debuts.