Despite coming off an 18-14 loss to Tweed in Round 1, Mustangs coach Eugene Seddon’s confidence is high that his side can achieve success when his Hastings Deering Colts side travel to Townsville to face Northern Pride this weekend.
The two young teams have been given the opportunity to play before NQ Cowboys NRL opener against the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Seddon conceded that the Mustang’s line speed and one-on-one defence needs to be improved from last week’s performance, but remained happy with his teams’ performance in last week’s match
He said he believed that with the right attitude, his side would not let last year’s result against Pride repeat itself.
“We have had fantastic preparation for this match, so if the team shows up with the same attitude and same desire to win, they will correct it,” Seddon said.
Looking back to their 2018 encounter, the Mustangs did not have a great game against the Pride as they let Pride score in clumps, which then made it hard to mount a comeback.
This time around, the Mustangs will be looking to rely on their eagerness to win and shutting down Pride’s edges to create momentum for their attack.
The Mustangs performance last week showed the club had embraced a change in culture.
Having struggled to string together consistent wins, they had been anchored towards the bottom of the ladder for the majority of last season.
However, the club supporters believe that if the team can maintain their competitive attitude, they will earn themselves some positive results this season.
For this game, young gun Alex Dunemann will replace centre and vice-captain Chris Chalmers who has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.
Some players to watch:
Blake Cullen
The Pittsworth Danes junior is the 2019 captain and is described by coach Eugene Seddon as a leader on and off the field. Cullen’s performance against the Seagulls in Round 1 showed his terrific work ethic, leading the Mustangs’ fightback late in the game in the close loss. The mobile front-rower has also been helping to lead the attitude change at the Mustangs this year and will no doubt be the focal point of everything the Mustangs do on Saturday and will ensure the team does not leave anything in the tank.
Nathan Callaghan
In his first year in the Mustangs mix, the second-rower from Roma has impressed Mustangs coaching staff. His focus on teamwork is evidence of his commitment to the club. Callaghan’s stable work rate both in trials and Round 1 made a significant impact for the Mustangs. His ability in attack and defence will be crucial for the team on Saturday.
Thomas Springate
Coach Seddon has described the Nanango junior as a “quality player and quality young man”. Springate’s impact will be best felt by helping Mustangs to main consistency in defence. He will make some important tackles up the middle and build momentum for his team.
Last time they clashed: Round 18, 2018
NORTHERN PRIDE 52 (Quinlyn Cannon 2, Iliani Nalebar, Ewan Moore, Evan Child, Joshtel Charlie, Connor Luhan, Brandon Jackonia, Adam Hepworth, Wiremu Greig, Makr Rosendale tries; Brandon Jackonia 2, Evan Child 2 goals) def WESTERN MUSTANGS 24 (Michael Naseri 2, Aidan Kennedy 2, Josh Foster tries; James Robinson 2 goals) at Gold Park, Toowoomba.
Head-to-Head: Pride 1 Mustangs 0
See all the Hastings Deering Colts match ups and team lists > Round 2 team lists
