Fallen mate in hearts
Seahawks aim to honour prop with win over Bears
MATES of the number eight.
That is the simple message inscribed on the jersey above the heart of the Tugun Seahawks’ senior players who will play for more than just the Coast 2 Coast Cup tomorrow at Pizzey Park.
They will play for former teammate Chris Kitching (pictured), who sadly died this year before the shattered club retired his No.8 jersey and picked up the pieces to battle through the season.
Tugun captain Rob Apanui said their respected prop, who also spent time at Burleigh, would be with them when they took to the field.
“We got the message printed on our jerseys for the final so we he will ride with us on Sunday,” Apanui said said. “Retiring his jersey was the right thing to do because he was such a big part of our side.”
Burleigh and Tugun have shared some close contests and if history is anything to go by then the grand final will be another tight encounter.
Burleigh won the 2012 premiership with a one-point victory in the grand final.
Their only loss of this season has come at the hands of the Seahawks, who overcame a 24-point deficit to win 37-30 in Round 3 in April.
Bears captain Marino Allen said that loss would serve as motivation when they run out in front of more than 1000 spectators at home.
“It makes you feel proud when you run out in front of a home crowd like that,” Allen said.
Apanui, who has also played for the Bears, said the rivalry was filled with respect between the two teams.
“It is a rivalry but there is no malice,” Apanui said.
“We are playing for a grand final and this is the game that matters so there will be no love lost but as soon as the game is finished we will all come and embrace each other.”
The Bears advanced to the grand final with a 38-20 over the Seahawks in their semi-final. Tugun fought back to claim their spot with a 22-16 win over Tweed Head last weekend.