Terrific trio tear it up

Ivanhoes’ back three prove a nightmare for under-pressure Storm

The deadliest back three in the FNQRL showed why they are so dangerous when Ivanhoes steamrolled the Storm 44-20 at Smithfield.

But Ivanhoes coach Lindsay Styles warned they are only just getting started.

The trio of marquee signing Josh Dugan, elite tryscorer Matthew Gibuma and rising gun Beau Hodges gave Edmonton’s defenders nightmares as they combined for seven tries in the round 7 win.

Dugan had his two tries before leaving the field at the hour-mark, before former Sharks flyer Gibuma finished his awesome foursome.

It gives Styles potentially the most dangerous back three in the competition, and the inclusion of Gibuma, who showcased his full suite of skills with a chip-andchase try, has added another dimension to what was already shaping as a top squad.

“It’s proven over the past five years that Matty is a tryscorer, it’s no real surprise,” Styles said.

“He’ll only keep getting better.

“He’s only just fitting in and gelling with the boys so you’d expect him to keep on improving as the season goes on. But he’s a renowned tryscorer, there’s no secret.”

When Dugan, who hasn’t fully hit his straps yet, left the field it was Hodges who went to fullback, but Styles dismissed the young gun’s move to the back as any suggestion Gibuma was viewed only as a winger.

All three interchange in the key positions at will, allowing the Knights to hit their rivals with different weapons. “We have a pretty good understanding there, they’re all very good fullbacks. They all offer their own unique skills and at that time we thought Bowie would be better as he had a bit fresher legs than Matty.

“But Duges, Matty and Bowie can interchange as they like. I just let them play footy because they can all just pop up anywhere and I like to keep them fresh so they have that ability.”

Edmonton was up against it from the start after they sent the first kick-off dead on the full, offering Ivanhoes a full set on the Storm’s line in the opening minutes.

The Storm’s forwards worked hard to bring them back into the battle and wrest some control of the contest, but they failed to capitalise.

Storm coach Mark Volpe said their biggest hurdle was their inability to build pressure and make the most of their opportunities.

“We beat ourselves at different times,” he said.

“Our biggest downfall is building pressure and staying in the game.”