Plenty on line as Prior faces former club

Eddie Prior Sr will face his former club for the first time since a dramatic 2022 campaign when Southern Suburbs host Yarrabah on Saturday.

Prior’s time as coach of Yarrabah’s A-grade side came to an end last year in a stint which delivered the 2021 premiership – the second of his career and the club’s history after their success in 2017.

His departure came after a turbulent year when Yarrabah fell foul of the Queensland Rugby League’s Positive Environment Program and were also suspended from competing for one round due to an incident in a clash at Edmonton.

The issues were addressed at Yarrabah and they have been in fine knick under new coach Brian Murgha, who won a premiership at Mossman-Port Douglas Sharks in 2019,

The Seahawks are sixth with a 3-3 record and need to win to keep in touch with the top five, but also put space between them and the bottom five.

The Cockatoos are chasing a breakthrough victory.

Suburbs struggled for numbers over the off-season but have produced improving performances every week, and while they are yet to enjoy a win across any of the top three grades six games into their campaign, the feeling is that it is getting closer.

Also on Saturday, the Sharks will chase their sixth win of the season when they host Tully Tigers at Coronvation Park.

The Sharks are equal first with Kangaroos, who will welcome Edmonton Storm to Vico Oval on Sunday.

Brothers (3rd) and Ivanhoes (4th) have the bye so will maintain pace with the top two, while Mareeba will keep in touch with the top six courtesy of their week off.