By PETER ROWE
There will be more than just points at stake when North Beach Sea Eagles host the South Perth Lions in round 16 of the NRLWA Fuel to Go and Play Premiership on Saturday afternoon – there’s a sizeable cash bonus to the winners as well – as the teams battle it out for the Blueforce Cup.
As much as $5000 is on offer from sponsors Blueforce to the winners in a matchup between two longstanding rivals that has seen Beach emerge the winners in all their 2024 encounters.
But coach Phil Douche is not taking this weekend’s game lightly after watching his side’s methodical second-half demolition of the Joondalup Giants last weekend.
“I’m looking for more of the same,” Douche said this week after previously commenting that the second half at Admiral Park was the best he had seen of his side this season.
“Consistency is now the key,” he said. “We won’t be too different in our lineup to last week, we have some pace around the edges and our spine and forwards now understand how to better control a game.
“Keep to our simple game plan, stay in the contest and set it up for our outside backs to do the damage.”
Photo – Karmel Potter-Green
That was certainly how the Sea Eagles managed that second-half eight try rout at the Giants, but Douche will be without a couple of key ingredients this weekend.
Centre Jaylen Grey has returned to Queensland and forward Shane Gillham is missing, along with influential lock Bowman Stein, the latter still recovering from a lower leg strain.
Drew Lloyd returns, as does Kani Solomon with Douche happy with the progress his side has made.
“We’ve watched the Lions and know their left edge is potent, so we will have to manage that,” Douche said.
“But it’s the run-in to the finals and everyone is motivated.”
Opponents South Perth return to action after a week off and welcome Corben Daniels back in the centres.
Caleb Norton’s season is over though, a rib injury forcing him to call it quits for 2024.
Ollie Petit comes in at hooker with Samisoni Langi and Jayden Evans driving the team in the halves.
“We’ve had a good week and we’re refreshed and ready to go again,” team manager Paul Brown said.
“We have two games left and we’re determined to win both to finish the season on a high.”
Marty (coach Collis) has watched Beach and knows they like to spread the ball when they can, so we will be ready for that.
“Their young half Darius Rogers is quality and we will need to watch him, but we’ve been playing with more endeavour recently, so we fancy our chances.”
At Port Kennedy, Rockingham Sharks coach Tom Murphy is hoping for a dry track for the visit of Joondalup in a game both sides would like to win before they potentially meet again in the playoffs.
Photo – Libby McMillan
“It would be nice for no rain, or we might have to wear flippers,” Murphy joked.
The Sharks did go swimming during the week, at the local pool complex. “We needed a change of scenery to refocus and soothe those limbs,” Murphy said.
“We train really well, but the past couple of rounds we haven’t transferred that to game day.
“This a rehearsal for the finals, so we need to get back in the groove quickly.”
Logan Barclay is out with recurring hamstring problem and Murphy hinted there might be a few more changes as the Sharks look for reignite their season.
“Yeah, it’s been disappointing, and was one reason why we switched training,” he said.
“That old saying about insanity and doing the same thing over and over again – and expecting different results. So we’ve changed a few things and I hope it will make a big difference.”
Taurean Sheehan hopes his Giants side can also make a difference after their loss to North Beach last week.
“We’ve spoken a few times about it and how know we have to improve,” he said.
“Getting our preparation right is key. We’ve had two bad second halves and we know we can play better than we have.
“So, we need to redeem ourselves and get back to winning ways.”
Hooker River Colman, centre Dylan Davis and utility Jeronia Rea are three of five changes to last week’s side, with late fitness tests on a couple more.
“We came away from our game plan last week in that second half, and it cost us, so we have get back to the basics – and stick to it,’ Sheehan added.
“When it comes down to it, it’s about who wants its more.”
