Defeat will put Knights’ finals bid to sword
THEY have successfully battled for a top-four berth all season but it could all come to nothing if the Griffith Uni Knights lose to Helensvale in Gold Coast district rugby today.
Assuming the Bond Pirates can defeat a struggling Palm Beach Currumbin side, the fourth-placed Knights will need a win over a Helensvale Hogs side that has already secured a spot in the finals.
Knights captain and cocoach Dan Collins said aggression and confidence to play an expansive style of football would be key facets of Griffith’s play in an attempt to split a structured Hogs pack in Helensvale this afternoon.
But Collins said the Knights’ ability to adapt to any situation that arises would also be important.
“It’s our first grand final of many – that’s the way we see it,” he said.
“We’re a very confrontational side, we’ll be in your face the whole game … (and) we’re not afraid of throwing the ball around.
“We can adapt to any scenario … we’re very good at changing our style.”
Collins will return to the side this week, having recently recovered from a calf injury, while fullback Mitch Herlihy will return from an ankle injury.
The Helensvale Hogs will don black armbands for today’s clash in memory of Lee Moreau, the wife of juniors coach Shane, who died in New Zealand yesterday.
The couple’s two sons both play for the Hogs.
Helensvale coach
Joe McIvor said despite losing some of the club’s most highly regarded players in recent months, today would be an opportunity to consolidate with the Hogs side most likely to play the Gold Coast district finals series.
WHILE Bond University failed to make the finals in Queensland Premier Rugby, the club’s reserves and colts one sides will play quarterfinals tomorrow.