U21s set for battle with NRL’s new side

RUGBY LEAGUE: Positivity is what is driving the Western Clydesdales through a tough stretch on their Hastings Deering Colts campaign.

They’ve started the season with four losses, two of them while conceding more than 50 points, but they’re looking for a spark as they return home this weekend.

In an interesting coincidence, the Clydesdales will host Redcliffe at Pittsworth, with both team having big ambitions in 2023.

The Dolphins will enter the NRL as the 17th team, while the Clydesdales are looking to enter the Queensland Cup.

“Both clubs are in the midst of promotion,” coach Blake Mara said.

“We’re under no illusions they’re going to be a very strong side and we won’t be favourites by any means.

“We’re learning lessons from every game, and as much as scorelines have been unfavourable, there have definitely been little improvements within our performances.”

While acknowledging the challenging period the club is going through at the moment, Mara said

“We haven’t had a good rub of the green, but the ball only bounces your way when you work for it,” he said.

“It doesn’t feel like it’s going our way at the moment, and we need to look within and ask if we’re doing everything we can.

“If we’re not, then there’s no use complaining about the 50-50 things that can go for or against you.

“There’s been a few games where we’ve been really close at halftime, but we’ve played like a team that’s behind. We need to learn a bit of patience and that it’s okay to go a set without scoring a try.”

The bid for Queensland Cup inclusion is firmly on the minds of the Clydesdales, and with the club the only U21s team without a pathway to the next level, Mara said it’s time for that to change.

“The Q Cup bid is our driving factor. It’s unfair to have one team not have that pathway. It’s not only hard for retention of players, but recruiting of players,” he said.

“It highlights why our region so desperately needs to have that final piece of the puzzle. Our guys are working hard and they deserve the same opportunities afforded to everyone else.”