Northern Pride v CQ Capras
Saturday, 29 August at Barlow Park, 3pm
Referee: Michael Gordon
An away first-week finals clash with either Ipswich or Wynnum Manly awaits the sixth-placed Pride next weekend, so they’ll be looking for some good form heading into the post-season when they host the bottom-place Capras tomorrow. Having played some good footy in recent weeks to consolidate a finals berth, the Pride will be looking to continue that good play against a team who has just won the one match in season 2015. The pride will be missing Cowboys-contracted fullback Hezron Murgha (suspension), but have the services of centre Javid Bowen and prop Patrick Kaufusi.
Souths Logan Magpies v Mackay Cutters
Saturday, 29 August at Brandon Park, 6pm
Referee: Nick Morel
In a battle of eighth versus 11th, it’ll be only pride at stake as both teams looking to put a positive spin on disappointing 2015 Intrust Super Cup campaigns. The Cutters would be feeling especially aggrieved given the side has spent good swags of the season in the top six before late-season losses cruelled any hopes of finals footy. The team will also be without winger Matt Wright, who travelled with the Cowboys’ National Rugby League team to Melbourne as 18th man for their match against the Storm. Cowboys-contracted hooker Josh Chudleigh, who has had a stellar season in the Q-Cup will again be the danger man for the Cutters.
Townsville Blackhawks v Redcliffe Dolphins
Sunday, 30 August at Jack Manski Oval, 1.40pm
Referee: Clayton Sharpe
The Blackhawks need only win on Sunday and they will claim the minor premiership in their debut season after the Cutters held ladder-leading rivals the PNG Hunters to a draw last weekend. Finishing first in the regular season would be a huge boost for the Blackhawks in the finals, with team 1 hosting team 2 in the second weekend. What’s certain is that Townsville and PNG will play in the major semi-final; what’s yet to be decided is where that match will take place: Townsville or Kokopo. This weekend, the Blackhawks host a Dolphins side out of finals contention but will be without classy five-eighth Ray Thompson, who has called up for NRL duty following an ankle injury to incumbent No. 6 Michael Morgan.
