Coster’s shining among big names

UNHERALDED Burleigh lock Sam Coster is giving coach Jimmy Lenihan no option but to keep giving him game time despite the abundance of big names around him.

Coster’s sensational 222m running effort was pivotal to the Bears’ 28-20 win over Central Queensland last weekend and justified Lenihan’s faith in the former Illawarra Cutters player.

The 24-year-old played 52 minutes in the victory, more than high-profile bench forwards Matt White, Jai Whitbread and Joe Greenwood – the last two are Titanscontracted players. Former NRL second-rower Matt Robinson missed the cut altogether in a show of depth.

“Jimmy sort of said it doesn’t matter where you come from, it’s just purely on how you’re playing and how your form is as to who gets the nod for minutes,” Coster said of the intense competition for spots.

Coster believes today’s top of the table clash with Norths will be their biggest test yet.

Tweed Heads Seagulls will be striving for their first victory of the year when they face Wynnum Manly at Kougari Oval today from 7pm.

– CONNOR O’BRIEN