Palavi gets a feel for intensity of derby
THE entrenched rivalry between Tweed and Burleigh is like nothing John Palavi experienced in his time at Norths in Brisbane.
The former New Zealand Warriors forward spent the previous two Intrust Super Cup seasons with the Devils, including last year as captain.
Palavi, 26, switched to Tweed in the off-season in a deal that came with the added lure of a Titans train-and-trial opportunity.
It was only this week in the lead-up to the local derby tomorrow at Pizzey Park that he got a proper sense of what facing Burleigh means to the Seagulls.
“It’s kind of like the Broncos playing the Titans. The boys down here are passionate about it,” he said.
“I was at Titans training on Wednesday and there was a little bit of banter here and there just because it’s the local derby. I found it all new but I am starting to get into it now.
“At Norths every game is the same, so it is a little bit different but it doesn’t really change anything.
“Whatever jersey I have on I have a lot of pride in that and I’m sure that will show on the field once I get out there.”
Palavi made 34 tackles and ran 143m in his Tweed debut in Round 1 but missed their last start win over Townsville through suspension.
On return, he will regain the co-captaincy alongside Jack Cook as regular skipper Cheyne Whitelaw draws closer to his comeback. Lamar Liolevave led the team last week.
“I don’t really say too much at training or whatever but on the field the boys will hear from me for sure,” Palavi said.