Bears and Capras look to build on recent success

“We had a lot of changes to our squad due to injuries in the club, in particular with the [Intrust Super] Cup and A-Grade sides, so the boys that came into the squad did a really good job and kept it simple and stuck to the game plan,” Mahon said.

“It was a solid performance, and we seem to be improving week-in, week-out with our defence which was something that let us down in the early parts of the season, so the boys are really aiming up now which is fantastic.

“This has been a five-year process that has been working for us, there’s probably 40-odd guys [that have been with us since the preseason] that can slot straight into the team and not skip a beat … so that’s probably helped up this year.”

Capras coach Lionel Harbin said his side’s win against a top five side like Souths Logan Magpies proved they were building nicely for the back end of the season.

“I think we completed our sets and really aimed up in defence,” Harbin said.

“I think that’s been our struggle this year, but when we come with the right attitude, we seem to go a lot better, so we are hoping for it again this weekend against Burleigh.”

Harbin said despite currently sitting in 10th spot on the ladder, he was happy with how his side was tracking and developing.

“They’re going well, it’s relatively new to a lot of these boys playing at this level, so it’s good seeing them develop and getting used to what’s required to succeed at that level,” Harbin said.

Mahon echoed a similar sentiment noting the Capras are a better side than what the ladder suggests.

“Where they are sitting on the ladder doesn’t reflect how good of a side they are, they’ve just been unlucky not to get the wins,” Mahon said.

“They are definitely going to be a tough team and difficult to beat and come away with the points.

“I’m sure it will be a grind and a good challenge for our boys.”

Harbin was also expecting to see a Bears outfit that would be clinical and be led by their middles.

“[They’ve got] a very big forward pack who get them going forward,” Harbin said.

“They’re a well drilled and well coached side, it’s going to be a tough game and we know that, but we just have to come there with the right attitude in defence and that will give us a chance to put us in the game.

“We’ve got to basically hold their middles, they get off them so if we can stop their go forward, we’ll be in with a chance.”

Mahon agreed that the clash would be one in which the middles played a major role.

“They [Capras] are always tough in the middle and with any game, you’ve got to win that area first and then hopefully our edge guys can finish off with tries, so I think it’s definitely going to be a middle game,” Mahon said.

With his side on the rise, Harbin said that one player in particular had really come out of the woodwork to produce some excellent performances.

“Our fullback Ammaron Gudgeon has been a surprise packet for us, he’s come along really well, he’s really threatening with the ball, and we will be looking forward to creating opportunities for him again this weekend,” Harbin said.

Mahon said that is side has definitely had some real influencers both on and off the field.

“Definitely our captain Cameron Brown, just steering the team and managing them around the paddock,” Mahon said.

“Our forwards, Cole Geyer, Daniel Shannon and Blake Campbell been good leaders within the team as well and have helped the younger guys come in and be grounded.

“When all of them play well, the team seems to play well.”

Tweed Seagulls v Norths Devils

Both teams currently sit in the middle of the ladder, but Tweed Seagulls will be coming into Round 7 with confidence after a strong win against Brisbane Tigers. In their last match however, Norths Devils suffered a 10-point loss to Sunshine Coast Falcons and will be looking to bounce back from that result.

Wynnum Manly Seagulls v Mackay Cutters

Wynnum Manly Seagulls are absolutely flying after winning 92-6 against Ipswich Jets in their BHP Indigenous Round last weekend. Despite posting two wins so far this season, Mackay Cutters will be underdogs and will have to work hard to upset the Seagulls.

Sunshine Coast Falcons v Redcliffe Dolphins

Sitting only behind front runners Wynnum Manly and coming off a 46-10 victory against Western Mustangs in their last game, the Redcliffe Dolphins will be looking to hold off a Sunshine Cast Falcons outfit who are looking to claim back-to-back wins in Round 6.

Ipswich Jets v Souths Logan Magpies

Despite their best efforts, Ipswich were at the wrong end of a 92-6 result against the top-of-the-table Wynnum Manly last week, with the strong Seagulls flexing their muscle. However, the Jets will be hoping to register their first win of the 2021 season when they take on Souths Logan who will also be looking to bounce back following a last start loss.

Northern Pride v Brisbane Tigers

Brisbane Tigers have climbed their way into a top four spot on the ladder and have no intention of letting that slip this weekend against Northern Pride. Being played in Cairns, the Pride will hope the home support will help to extend their own winning streak.

Western Mustangs v Townsville Blackhawks

Western Mustangs are taking the game to Gatton this weekend and will be hoping to snare a win against the visiting Townsville Blackhawks who will be aiming to back from a narrow loss to the Bears last weekend.