Injury doubts hinder Hogs
AFTER coming through “a mental battle” in their elimination final against Nerang, Helensvale coach Taione Vea is confident his side can defy injuries to rattle Surfers Paradise this afternoon.
The Hogs lost back-rowers Sean Finigan (knee) and Tazzy Jones (ankle) in the opening minutes of their 31-15 win over the Bulls and neither player is a certain starter for the 4.10pm preliminary final at Glennon Park.
“We’ve never been able to fully field what we class as our top side but every week people step up and they earn that jersey and I will 100 per cent back any player that we have got at the club that steps up for us this weekend,” Vea said.
Former captain and star No.8 Steve Finigan is a chance to come in to bolster the side’s pack.
“He’s always been the one in the limelight of the three (Finigan) boys but Sean would be a huge loss if we’re unable to field him,” Vea said.
With their play-offs curse broken and a Round 14 win over the Dolphins fresh in their mind – not to mention Surfers are coming off a 41-0 hiding at the hands of Griffith University Colleges in the major semi-final – a lot of things are pointing Helensvale’s way all of a sudden.
“I definitely do think that we will take in a bit more confidence and we will go in as the team that is under less pressure,” Vea said.
“We’re confident but we’re aware of what Surfers can do, we’re aware of their history and everything they have done in the competition so we are not taking it lightly at all.
“We know what they’re about, we have played them enough times this year – twice over there and once at home – and we’ve managed to get on top of them twice.
“I think it’s going to come down to the wire. It just depends who turns up on the day and who wants it more.”
The winner will proceed to the grand final against the Knights at Bond University Rugby Club on August 17.