By PETER ROWE
Battle To Claim Top Spot
Played 10, won eight and both on 16 points. It’s a mouthwatering clash between two top sides that could go a long way to deciding the minor premiership in 2025.
North Beach Sea Eagles will face the South Perth Lions at Charles Riley Reserve on Saturday afternoon in a one versus two battle for the NRLWA’s Fuel to Go and Play Premiership top spot.
And with both sides coming off Round 10 losses, it is a game few can predict the outcome of.
Lions coach Duane Gwiazdzinski knows his side has to perform better than last weekend’s disappointing loss to Fremantle.
“We still have a few out with injuries, but that’s no excuse. We need to perform better this weekend,” Gwiazdzinski said.
“We were not where we should be last week, so this week we have to lift our levels, especially against a team like North Beach.
“It’s a big game for both sides and I expect a tough game as well.”
Jordan Tumoana returns to the Lions lineup / Photo – Carmel Potter-Green
Jordan Tumoana returns to the side but veteran Daniel Green is out for potentially three weeks.
“We have to get our defence connecting as last week Fremantle found gaps and we need to be focused.”
For Beach, coach Phil Douché welcomes back Kani Solomon and Riley Hextell, but will be without the injured Bailey Millar, Kobi Aiesi and Tyron Cranston.
“Te (Te Ra Hare Ahuriri) did a great job at fullback last week and another returnee is front rower James Green, who has worked very hard after suffering a pre-season injury,” Douché said.
“Players were not happened with their performance last week and we’ve all spoken about it, so I know they will want to make amends.”
Shane Gillham is on his honeymoon / Photo – Total Sports Photography
Brody Whitehead is still a couple of weeks away from making a comeback and forward Shane Gillham is on honeymoon, but Douché has confidence in the latest crop of youngsters coming through the system.
“We have some good youngsters and we need to develop them,” he said.
Fremantle Roosters travel north to take on the Joondalup Giants, a team coach Duane Butler insists must be respected.
“We don’t have a great record going up there,” Butler said. “It’s a tough place to play and they will be confident after their win last week.
Butler was buoyed by the positive news that young hooker Jahkayis Mabbett, who was injured last weekend leaving him in hospital for two days, was home and recovering.
“He’s home but he won’t be playing for at least six weeks, maybe not again this season,” Butler said.
So there will be some forced changes to the lineup, although Sonny Kerry and Delane Edwards will again be the halves combination.
Sonny Kerr remains in the Roosters lineup this weekend / Photo – Carmel Potter-Green
“I’m looking for our backs to shine, Ryan Woolley and Riggsy (Nick Riggs) in particular,” Butler said.
“We will have a strong side on the paddock again but Joondalup will be confident after their win over the Sharks and we will need to match them.
“With Taurean (Sheehan) and Gus Marshall’s kicking game, we know it will be a tight contest.”
The Giants will lose River Colman and forward Slade Long to work commitments. But hope to add a couple to the squad, including Jo Jo Ranger.
Taurean Sheehan at dummy half during MND Round / Photo – Dave Van Heek
“We can some confidence into the game after last week’s win,” Sheehan said.
“Fremantle are always tough opposition, so we will need to produce two good halves of footy to stay in the game.”
Rockingham Sharks will welcome Willagee Bears to their Franklin Offshore home for the evening kickoff of the round (5.30pm) with coach Pete Worth losing young halfback Crockett Henry to the CAS team for the national 18s championships.
“It’s a blow because he was awesome last week, but he’s been selected, so we have to honour that and wish him the best,” Worth said.
Henry is the only WA player in the CAS team, made up of players from Victoria, the NT and SA .
Young gun Crockett Henry will be missing due to CAS duties / Photo – Libby McMillan
“We have a few out with work as well but we will have Rihare Te Rauna back in the squad,” Worth added.
“A tough game. Willagee have a big pack and with Tamaho returning it will be a challenge,”
Willagee coach Nelson Davis was a happy man after last weekend’s narrow victory over North Beach.
“We learned a lot from that game,” he said. Lots of positives, our backs played well, but we spotted a few things we need to improve on, so that was what I spoke about at training on Tuesday evening.
North Beach exposed us a bit around the ruck so we have worked on our defensive line, it’s another night game, so that brings its challenges.”
The Bears will be at full strength to face the Sharks with Tamaho Teirney returning in the halves and Malakai Chan Boon in the forwards.
Tamaho Teirney returns for the Bears / Photo – Carmel Potter-Green
Davis is also giving a debut to second rower Maihi Cameron, who has just turned 18.
“He’s a great kid who has performed well in reserves and deserves a jersey,” Davis said.
For Davis it’s now all about trying to secure a top two spot. “That second chance you get,” he said.
“That is our goal and we are playing it week to week and concentrating on that,”