Copley and Don rescue act in hunt for success
DALE Copely and Anthony Don have been tasked with shoring up Gold Coast’s fringe defence against the Warriors tonight.
The experienced duo earned their starts after scoring tries in the Round 3 loss to South Sydney, relegating Phil Sami and Brenko Lee to water boy duties.
Gold Coast coach Garth Brennan said it was a difficult call but backed the versatile Copely to thrive on the wing.
“Dale’s a pro, he’s been around a long time and played a lot of NRL games. Centre is probably his preferred position but he can handle wing just as well,” Brennan said.
“He’s doing a really good job giving us stability on the edge along with Anthony Don on the other side, so you’ve got two real class wingers there.
“Unfortunately for Phil and Brenko they miss out but there’s competition for spots and we need to stand up now and start winning games.”
Gold Coast skipper Ryan James admitted it would be tough for either to displace Don, who last week broke the club try-scoring record.
“I can’t see him losing his spot any time soon,” he said.
Star fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and his unpredictable Warriors offer a new challenge but James says his side are desperate for a win.
“Both teams are in a need-towin situation but you’d like to think we’re more hungry for it.”