SHARKS, EAGLES IN HUNT FOR TOP FOUR

PALM Beach is looking to remain in touch with the league frontrunner when it hosts Nerang on Saturday evening at Duncan McKenna Field.

The home side faces a tricky test in the Eagles, with Lee Vernon’s side having a good start to the season despite the hiccup of last weekend, losing to Kingscliff Wolves after leading at the half.

With both sides having big aspirations for the season, getting all three points out of this clash could propel them into serious title and top four conversations.

As the Eagles still have a game in hand against Musgrave from a previous round, the importance of coming away with full points from one of the hardest venues to take points from will be pivotal moving forward.

After losing the lead against Kingscliff Wolves last weekend, the Eagles have had some time to prepare for the upcoming fixture having been able to get back on the training park after a roller coaster few weeks.

Vernon said after their match against Kingscliff that fitness should still not be an issue despite the lack of time spent on the park.

“We have to look at ourselves and we cannot use the fact that we haven’t trained properly for five weeks as an excuse,” said Vernon.

Palm Beach will be hopeful that players can return from injury for the upcoming match, with captain Dan Smith sidelined for three weeks as well as defenders Matt Hibbs and Heath Finnigan looking to get fit in time for the game.

“We’ve had a few injury concerns of late but are hoping that some players will be able to return for this clash,” said coach Brett Budwee.

Round 6 Premier League games: Palm Beach v Nerang. Saturday, 7pm at Duncan McKenna Field. Musgrave v Burleigh. Friday, 7pm at Keith Hunt Park. Broadbeach v Southport. Saturday, 4pm at Nikiforides Park.

Kingscliff v Runaway Bay. Saturday, 5pm at Walter Peate Reserves.

Surfers v Robina. Sunday, 4pm at Lex Bell Oval.

Palm Beach Sharks player Josh Squires will be in action against Nerang.