NORTHERN PRIDE v IPSWICH JETS
5.30pm, Saturday 23 August, Barlow Park
Referee: Clayton Sharpe
Head to head: Pride 8 Ipswich 6 drawn 1
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PRIDEvJETS
Ipswich will attempt to break its long run of outs at Barlow Park in Saturday night’s intriguing Round 25 clash.
The Jets’ only win there was in 2008 when the likes of Danny Coburn, Michael Ryan, Isaak Ah Mau, Aaron Sweeney and Jason Bulgarelli were in the green and white.
A victory would seal Ipswich’s spot in the finals, however a loss could potentially thrust the Jets into a sudden-death final round match against the Redcliffe Dolphins.
Fullback Javarn White and centre Nemani Valekapa return for the Jets after missing the trip to Papua New Guinea.
The Pride are coming off a tenacious 18-16 win over northern rivals the Mackay Cutters.
Despite having already wrapped up the minor premiership, the Pride kept fighting against the Cutters and their persistence paid off when Kyle Feldt and Davin Crampton picked up late tries to get their team home 18-16 in a thriller.
MACKAY CUTTERS v CQ CAPRAS
6pm, Saturday 23 August, Stadium Mackay
Referee: Nick Morel
Head to head: Mackay 9 Central 4
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #MCvCQC
The Mackay Cutters will look to retain the M Group Shield when they face the CQ Capras in the local derby at Stadium Mackay this Saturday.
The annual trophy is normally decided across three games, however with this year’s trial match cancelled and only a narrow six-point Cutters victory in round 9, the shield remains up for grabs.
The Cutters have won the past eight matches between the two sides, and will enter heavy favourites after putting in an impressive showing against the Northern Pride last week.
In team news, Doug Hewitt returns for the Mackay side after missing last week with a hamstring strain, while Kelvin Nielsen will miss this game through suspension for a dangerous contact charge.
For the Capras, Marlon Doak is back after being a late withdrawal from last week’s match, and Sam Doherty returns in place of Hayden Buckman.
Peter Gallen and Matt Mizzi come into the side, while Brent Crisp and Shannon Rupapere are out.
Entry to the ground is free to the public this weekend, with the Cutters celebrating their final home game for the season.
