With just two points separating the top four sides in the Bundaberg Broadcasters A Grade Premiership, maximum points are vital for each of them in Saturday’s rare triple-header at Salter Oval.
Waves Tigers lead on 10 points, with reigning champions Past Brothers, Wests Panthers, and Wallaroo, each on 8, Easts Magpies on 2, and Hervey Bay Seagulls yet to open their account.
The Tigers will be out for revenge against 'Roos at 2.45pm after suffering their only loss so far this year when they last met them 24-22 in Maryborough three weeks ago.
It is do or die for Seagulls against Magpies at 4.15pm after going down to them 26-14 at the Bay last time, then it will be another battle royale between the Brethren and Panthers at 6pm after Wests triumphed 30-24 in their grand final return clash on May 11.
Last week, Waves rolled Easts 34-4 when coach Antonio Kaufusi said halfback Brendan Grills was outstanding and centre Jensen Deamer continued his career-best form, while the Panthers plucked the Seagulls 52-4 with doubles to electrifying backs Connor Yeats and Chris Robinson, and Brothers again got home against 'Roos 24-16 in the Heritage City.
Brothers coach Andrew Hamilton said it was a “good win away from home” against 'Roos last Saturday.
“It was a good all-round team performance, and our young halves (Zander Evans and Carter Vincent) were good, and Tommy Akers in his first game back at the club in years, was also good,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton said they will be without three of their stars in Corey Findlay, Luke Stilinovich, and Max Shorter, who again has work commitments away but should be back next week against Easts.
“But (former club junior champion) Declan Buckley is back - he is dual registered with Valleys in Toowoomba - and from all reports, he’s been playing good footy down there, and he will play lock or hooker," he said.
Benaiah (Kambanei) is back after missing the last two games to injury, and (17-year-old winger) Joseph Doyle (who scored four tries a fortnight ago against Hervey Bay) is back after missing last week due to his school formal."
Hamilton admits “it is going to be hard again” against the Panthers, whom they have beaten only twice in their past six meetings, including last year’s grand final.
Former Brothers junior star Jack Picaro, who moved to Pantherland this season, has been going from strength to strength at hooker and scored a try last Saturday in a signature robust all-round display, so will be one of many who will have extra motivation.
“But (halfback) Marcus Tanner is their biggest danger man – he was very good against us last time, and we will have to try to minimise what he can do,” Hamilton said.
“Also, we are getting better and better each week, and the younger boys are getting more experienced and more consistent – we know we can beat them, but we know we have to be on our game for 80 minutes,” Hamilton said.
