Round One
South Perth Lions 44 Willagee Bears 16
By PETER ROWE
“The score line was good and it was a close game until halftime, but we didn’t complete our sets well so there’s improvement needed there,” he said.
“It was our first ‘real’ hit-out, so we were a bit rusty in places, but that will come. We have work to do and we are all good with that.”
Ethan Gourgaud, Soni Langi and Jayden Evans all crossed in the first half as the Bears stayed in the hunt, but a hat-trick from winger Travis Haney and another from centre Okuk Mori saw the score line blow out late in the game.
Photo – Carmel Potter-Green
“Travis had a great debut with three tries but our MVP was winger Meli Arthur, closely followed by Soni, backrower Hamish Roshan and Mason Hiko,” Gwiazdzinski said.
“And you have to remember Mason hasn’t played for two years.
“Eddie (Proudler) hasn’t played for a while, so can only get better with game time.”
Gwiazdzinski praised Willagee for their effort. “They kicked very well,” he said.
“A couple of 40-20s that put us under pressure. They will be competitive.”
Halfback Ryan Mills opened the scoring for the visitors and winger Saimoni Qaranivatu added a second before Jackson Hanson scored a third, but Bears coach Nelson Davis acknowledged his side didn’t react they way he would have liked when under pressure.
Photo – Carmel Potter-Green
“They (Lions) put us under a lot of pressure and controlled the ruck well,” he admitted. “They almost strangled us with possession so we didn’t have a lot of ball to play with. That’s something we will learn from and adapt.
“We need to stay in the wrestle, but credit to South Perth, they played some good football.”
Davis loved the effort of forward Emmanuel Maliko, who was on the field for the best part of 65 minutes in searing heat, as was young lock Josiah Tanonef.
“They put in some in some big minutes. And Jackson (Hansen) off the bench made an impact,” he added.
ROUND TWO
Saturday, April 5.
North Beach Sea Eagles v Rockingham Sharks
Fremantle Roosters v South Perth Lions
Joondalup Giants v Willagee Bears
Photo – Carmel Potter-Green