Photo – Libby McMillan
By PETER ROWE
Played three, won three … that’s the record of the NRLWA’s two unbeaten teams as we head into this weekend’s Fuel to Go and Play Premiership as South Perth entertain North Beach in what is undoubtably the game of round 4.
And the message from both sides is simple: “we need to step up.” From South Perth coach Duane Gwiazdzinski and his opposite number at the Sea Eagles Phil Douche.
“We had a good win last week against Joondalup but this is a very different challenge and we spoke about it at training on Tuesday night,” Gwiazdzinski said.
“Keeping our feet on the ground, humble and no one whooping it up.”
Photo – Carmel Potter-Green
The Lions have everyone available from last week, but know they will have to be at their best against the reigning premiers.
“Luckily so far no injuries, and in first grade we don’t have a real Fifo issue to manage,” Gwiazdzinski said.
“We have been playing really well. Our preparation has been good and this will be a good test for us to show how far we’ve come.
“North Beach are a very good side, well coached and they will pressure us, they won’t go away.
“So we will have to withstand what they throw at us and work that much harder and longer if we want to end the day winners.”
Beach coach Douche will shuffle his forwards, with Shane Gillham and Bowman Stein out through work, but like South Perth, has no injury worries to contend with.
Beach legend Tyrone Cranstone could be ready to make an appearance as Douche mulls over his final selections, a challenge, given their good start to the season, he is happy to have.
Photo – Carmel Potter-Green
“We need to focus on our execution. We were very poor in some areas against Willagee last week and we didn’t take advantage of the possession we had at times,” Douche admitted.
“It’s a new team to last year. We have a new halves combination and different centres. We’re feeling our way right now. But while we’re winning it’s a nice challenge to have.
“There’s still a few unanswered questions, but I’m good with that.”
Douche knows the Lions strengths and is impressed at how they have adapted under a new coach.
“Soni (Langi) is obviously driving them around the park and he is impressive, as is Jayden Evans at dummy half,” he said.
“They have a lot of different variations in their structure and they are a lot less rigid than before, and they will test us for sure.”
All three games are south of the river this weekend with Fremantle hosting Joondalup at Treeby Oval with coach Duane Butler expecting a Giants fightback after their big loss to the Lions in round three.
“I’m expecting a reaction from them, so we have to be ready for that,” Butler said.
The Roosters will welcome back Bjorn Crotty and Richie Hicks from suspension and will also have Jayden Solomon and Onisimo Tagicakibau returning, the latter sustaining a head knock in round one.
Photo – Total Sports Photography
Butler added he had a couple of players nursing knocks but expected them to be fit to play, Lleyton Cameron with a sore hand and Eli Beattie (ankle).
“We need to, after winning last week, start to put together 80 minute performances,” Butler said.
“We had a tough session on Tuesday night, so we will be ready. Joondalup are struggling but they have a challenge to perform better and I expect them to do that.”
Giants coach Darren Smith has demanded a response after last weekend’s big loss to South Perth.
He will be buoyed by the addition of a few older heads with four players returning.
“Managing the Fifo rosters is always tough,” Smith said.
“But it will be a different team this week.
“Fremantle’s line speed is good on D, they get in your face and they are structured on the first two or three plays before they then become more free-flowing.
Photo – Joondalup Giants Rugby League Facebook
“It will be tough but we won there last season and if we can get the basics right, then we have a chance.”
A few kilometres north-west the Willagee Bears will focussing on getting back to winning ways against the Rockingham Sharks.
Coach Nelson Davis took his side through a video session on Tuesday evening, “ironing out a few little things”.
Kelvin Coleman makes a start for the Bears against his old club and Davis will give 17-year-old Blake Wadwell his senior debut off the bench.
“He’s a quality young man who has been playing well in reserves and deserves his chance,” Davis said.
“We’re always looking to bring our good youngsters through the system and give them the opportunity of first grade football.
Photo – Carmel Potter-
Green
“Rockingham also have some good young players and we’ll have to keep an eye on them.”
Davis admitted the three-week break hasn’t helped this preparation, “but it is what is”.
“The Sharks are a good side and will test us so we will need to be focused and improve with every game.
“It’s all about slowly joining the dots together.”
The Bears key threats will come from a number of areas. Kainoa Gudgeon at fullback is always a threat, as is centre Saimoni Qaranivalu if given space to run.
“And I’m hoping Millsy (Simon Mills) and Tamaho (Teirney) step up and perform in the halves.”
Sharks coach Pete Worth is likely to shuffle his side after last week’s disappointment at home to Fremantle.
“It was good to see some intent in our second half performance last week and I hope we can carry that forward,” he said.
“Defence and effort are the key – and from that we can build something, grow in confidence and get the right attitude.”
Worth though, knows Willagee pose some big challenges.
“We will have our hands full in the middle – they have some big guys, but we need to improve our line speed and defend well.”
Photo – Libby McMillan