Junior statewide competitions Round 2 preview

When Norths and Wynnum Manly played each other last season it was a pure Norths attacking masterclass, with Norths winning 46-18.

The Devils are coming into this clash off a Round 1 win over Brisbane Tigers, 26-8.

At the heart of that win was great defence and Harrison Hill, who topped the tackle count for the game with 35 tackles.

The Devils scored five tries with 48 per cent of the ball, but made seven line breaks to two and 44 tackle breaks.

Most pleasing to the Devils will be their average set distance of 42 metres which kept the Tigers moving backwards; Tariq Tanner was a massive part of that with 189 run metres.

Devils coach Rob Tanielu is in charge of the young Devils in season 2023.

“We played Wynnum in a trial and this will be a different team this week so we are expecting another hard hit out,” Tanielu said.

“We didn’t have much ball so this week I am looking for greater ball control and to  minimise our errors.

“I always felt in control against the Tigers. They scored early but we recovered.

“We defended really well and that was led by Harrison Hill.”

Meanwhile, the Seagulls played Burleigh Bears in Round 1 and came away with a 28-18 win on the back of ball control and defence.

The Bears may have scored the first try but after that the Seagulls clicked into gear and scored the next two tries.

The Seagulls finished with 56 per cent of the ball and a low completion rate of 66 per cent, but when they did have the ball they were doing the right things with it.

This weekend, the Seagulls will look to their halves and hooker combination to cause damage with Coby Black and Cameron Bukowski; Bukowski was a star against the Bears with 50 tackles.

Wynnum Manly coach Jesse Maclean knows what to expect when they host the Devils.

“Norths will have great young talent and will be ready, we know that,” Maclean said.

“They’re coming off a great first up win over the Bears.

“We want to be a great defensive team so this week when Lauloto Salei is coming down our edge we are going to need to have a plan and stick to it.”

For the full Round 2 draw and team lists, click here.

Harvey Norman Under 19s

Round 2 of the Harvey Norman Under 19s will start how 2022 ended for the Townsville Blackhawks and Central Queensland Capras.

The first round of this year's competition only involved three games, giving other teams the chance to sit back and take it all in.

The Blackhawks and Capras both sat out Round 1 last year as well, but they clashed in Round 4 in 2022, with the Blackhawks winning 26-20 in Townsville.

Townsville’s Chole Watson got the momentum started with two tries in the first half and from there the Blackhawks ran home with the two points.

Townsville coach Rob Hall knows where the Blackhawks are placed ahead of the season but also knows the potential of where they can go.

“We haven’t played a trial game so we are probably two weeks behind the Capras,” Hall said.

“I have picked Central Queensland to be big improvers this season.

“I want my players to really compete on the weekend. If we give the Capras easy ball we will struggle because they’re a good team.

“We don’t want to beat ourselves... make Central Queensland do it if they are going to beat us.

“We want them to have to beat us from a long way out.”

Hall is excited about a few Blackhawks.

“Ashlyn Hoey is our winger and will be on debut on the wing and Adele Jensen is coming off the bench,” Hall said.

“Jairel-Ellen Martin-Savage is our half and she gets the ball when she wants it.”

The Capras sat back last week and took a keen eye on as the first instalment in the Harvey Norman competition took place.

Capras coach Walson Carlos knows the search for pride in performance starts this weekend.

“I want the girls to come off the field on Saturday and be really proud,” Walson said.

“It’s a big day at home and it’s important we have taken a lot of pride in our performance.

“Our hooker Alenna Whipp is someone I think can have a real impact on this competition.”

For the full Round 2 draw and team lists, click here.

Cyril Connell Challenge

The Cyril Connell Challenge will head to Cairns' Barlow Park this week with Northern Pride up against Mackay Cutters.

This clash will bring together the young stars from the north for the first time this season.

The last time these two teams played was in Round 4 and it was the Cutters who claimed the prize, winning 24-18 in Mackay.

The Pride's spine will be on show and D’Artanyan Connolly and Ira Yeatman will be looking for any opportunity to combine and show their unpredictable nature.

Pride coach John Buttigieg is keen to get the season started.

“I am after us being a side that competes every week, every session,” Buttigieg said.

“I want the Pride to be known for being in every contest.

“I think Cayde Miller and Ben Walker will be two players that people get to know and come and see.”

While Cutters coach Andrew Battaia has been waiting for the Cutters' first game, he saw value in the week off.

“We had a camp last week... I think the bye in week one can be a good thing,” Battaia said.

“This is our first season at this level for our players so a week off won’t hurt.

“Now we are into it and ready for the Pride.

“We don’t know too much about them but we know they have some talented players and they will be ready."

If the Pride go down the middle they will find Cohen Jackson and captain Camden Hopes ready to unleash, while steering the show for the Cutters will be half Kooper Shears.

“Both our halves have a strong connection, Kooper Shears and Flynn Battaia,” Battaia said.

“Then in the middle we have two front rowers who are leaders in our team in Cohen Jackson and Camden Hopes.”

For the full Round 2 draw and team lists, click here.