After just two months of footy, Normanby already have more wins than their entire 2015 Brisbane Rugby League campaign.
The Hounds finished with the wooden spoon last season with just two wins but currently find themselves in fifth position on the back of a 42-22 victory over Logan Brothers, their third of the year.
Head coach Wayne Treleaven says a more experienced squad and a stronger relationship with Intrust Super Cup affiliate Souths Logan were two reasons behind his side’s improvement.
Fullback Johnathan Kent has spent time in both grades while wrecking ball prop Tikiko Noke has left plenty of defenders in his wake over the past few weeks.
“He takes a bit of knocking over but he didn’t have much of a pre-season, so he’s just starting to come good now,” Treleaven said.
“Tikiko played a bit of Cup earlier in the year but not many minutes, we’ve got him playing the first 40 at the moment and then as much as we can get out of him in the second half.
“But everyone (the opposition) seems to know about him now, so they’re all ganging up.”
The Hounds will be without some of their better played with a State of Origin player drain somewhat trickling down through the grades.
The likes of Magpies forwards Herman Ese’ese and Jaydn Su’a are playing for an Origin-depleted Brisbane, meaning Normanby have had to forego some troops to the ISC.
“It has a trickle-down effect but as always we’ll do our best with who we have,” Treleaven said.
This weekend’s task is made even more difficult against a Redcliffe side featuring former ISC Player of the Year Luke Capewell at five-eighth.
Capewell, who Treleaven coached as a junior at Norths, was dropped from the top grade last week.
“They’re always tough and they’ve recently returned to their home ground at Dolphin Oval.”
“Back when I played it was never easy going up there and not much has changed.
“We’ll have to control the ball because they’ve got a pretty dangerous side across the park."
Normanby are missing Jack Walters, who is expected to return from injury in around six weeks, Treleaven said.
ROUND EIGHT
Saturday, May 28
Gaters v Valleys Diehards at Southpine Sports Complex, 3.30pm
Wynnum Manly Redland City v Logan Brothers at BMD Kougari Oval, 4pm - LIVE STREAM
Sunday, May 29
Ipswich Jets v Carina at North Ipswich Reserve, 11.45am
Redcliffe Dolphins v Normanby Hounds at Dolphin Oval, 12.15pm
Easts Tigers v West Brisbane Panthers at Suzkui Stadium, Langlands Park, 1.15pm - LIVE STREAM
