Bears wary of Tugun quality
BURLEIGH coach Matt Foster says his unbeaten side must be wary of a Tugun outfit hurting from a dismal start to the Rugby League Gold Coast season.
Considered by many as a team to beat in 2019, the Seahawks have just one win to show from five games and on Thursday saw three long-time players in Keanu Te Kiri, Ayden Lee and Bryce Thomas depart for Northern Rivers club Cudgen.
Tugun coach Clint Barends was philosophical about the news.
“That’s life. You’ve got to do what you want to do and they felt they didn’t fit in so they made a decision and we’ll just move on,” he said. “There’s no dramas from our end.”
Having pushed Burleigh 22-16 in Round 1, there would be no better way for Tugun to kickstart their campaign than by taking victory at Pizzey Park tomorrow – and Foster is well aware of that.
“You always have got to be wary of the wounded bull, as they say,” he replied.
“They have got a lot of quality players and I think that is one reason why people were looking at Tugun, was their strength in depth.”
The Bears have beaten all six rival clubs this year and are determined not to let their guard down now.
“The one thing it does for them is it has given them an opportunity to have a look at us. The second time around is not going to be easier,” Foster said.
“Every time you win another game there is probably a bit more pressure from people outside of us to be closer to a loss or whatever. It doesn’t really worry us because certainly our focus in training is about what we’re doing and not necessarily the outcome.”
Burleigh have Matt Egan back from suspension while Jordan Scott and Reece Summer will return from Intrust Super Cup duties. Centre Justin Tavae has left the club to head to Melbourne.
Barends meanwhile will deploy Ethan Roberts in the No.13 Tugun jersey, despite him more commonly being known as a half or hooker.
“He has got a really strong running game, and he has been one of our best in the last couple of weeks,” Barends said.
In other games, Ormeau will host Runaway Bay while Southport are at home to Currumbin.