Rising talents ready to show their skills after false start

This weekend, both the Seagulls and Devils are set to get their long-awaited opportunity to run out in the competition, with Tweed hosting Redcliffe Dolphins, which will be livestreamed here, in the first match of the weekend.

The Devils will play in the last game of the round when they travel to Leo Williams Oval to play Brisbane Tigers.

For the Dolphins, the chance to field a team in the competition is also a throwback to history.

The young team has an obvious choice to encourage them – the 1975 Redcliffe Dolphins women’s senior team.

That side won their competition, and now the under 19s team will be able to draw on that inspiration when they represent the Dolphins.

Coach Deon Bird, who had a long professional career in Australia and England, said he had been encouraged by the interest in the team and their performances during their trials.

The former Cup player with the Dolphins was excited to be back at the club and was also drawn to coaching the side due to a family connection.

“I’ve got three daughters of my own so I have been around female sport a lot and my eldest daughter is part of the team so it made sense to coach,” Bird told the Redcliffe Dolphins.

“When I went back to the Dolphins as their wellbeing officer, I realised how much I missed being around the team environment.”

The remaining games of the round will see five more games played across the state.

Due to the conditions at Davies Park, the Souths Logan Magpies versus Burleigh Bears match will be played at Pizzey Park.

The Bears will be looking to build on their strong showing in the 2021 season, with the Magpies also taking plenty of positives from last year's development competition.  

Last season, Mackay Cutters were undefeated in the Harvey Norman Under 19 competition and will be hoping to maintain their high standards, kicking off this weekend against the visiting Central Queensland Capras. 

The Wide Bay Bulls and Sunshine Coast Falcons head to Kingaroy this weekend for their Round 2 match up with both sides boasting some representative talent who will be expected to help guide their teams.

Everyone enjoys a derby match and this week Northern Pride will take on the Townsville Blackhawks for northern honours.

Although based in Cairns, the Pride are also proud to provide an opportunity for players across the region and have three players join the squad from Thursday Island and NPA to play in the competition.

In Toowoomba, the Western Clydesdales will be at home to the Ipswich Jets at Clive Berghofer Stadium. This is the first Jets side to take part in the competition, with the Ipswich-based team last year administered by Rugby League Ipswich.

Wynnum Manly Seagulls have the bye.

This year, you can watch QRL statewide competition matches at QPlus.tv. This weekend, the QPlus launch offer of free access to all opening round games remains, given the false start to Round 1 last weekend.