Premier Women
with Setu Naseri
The Opposition
They are a well-coached side but have similar challenges to us, with unavailability of several
players due to Reds commitments. It means they are probably putting up a squad that’s still finding their way at QPR level.
The challenge
We're still missing a number of our experienced members. Getting two or three of those players back is important in terms of having a bit of experience and direction for the group.
Shuffling the magnets
We're happy to get Elisha Godsiff and Kaelyn Passi back, and potentially Akira Kelly as well.
Ones to watch
Michelle Curry has been playing really consistent footy. She's going through a positional change in moving from the backs into the forwards and she’s been one of our standouts consistently. Her impact on both sides of the ball has been outstanding the past few games.
The focus
The goal every week for us is to get the five points and maintain our position near the top of the ladder. Winning the minor premiership isn’t really the goal. The goal is to finish in the top two, to make sure that by the time the home and away is done we get two bites of the cherry when it comes to the finals time. To do that, we need to keep bringing our A-game. It doesn't matter who we’re rolling out in the jersey. That's our expectation - that they uphold the standards of our group that we set at the start of the preseason. The same standard, the same effort, the same energy is required and expected no matter who puts the jersey on.
The final word
Ladies Day at home is a massive opportunity to celebrate our women, and that starts with our players and extends to the likes of our management team in Carly and Arlené, and Sam who is on the sidelines trying to keep the players healthy. It’s an opportunity to recognise and celebrate our women and what they do to contribute to the wider rugby fabric and the Gold Coast rugby community. We understand there's a bigger picture behind what we're doing, and we've talked a lot this year about being the pathway and conduit that helps local Gold Coast girls get to the Australian sevens or the Wallaroos 15s programs. To be able to do that, they need to be playing Premier Rugby and we’re that avenue for aspirational players.
Premier Men
The opposition
Brothers are the most dominant club in the QPR as they are leading every male grade competition that will be contested on Saturday. It's a fantastic test.
The challenge
Defending their maul and countering their kicking game will be critical.
Shuffling the magnets
Deon Evan’s is out so Ethan Morgan goes to the wing. There are a number of other changes in the forward pack. Kenta Matsuoka and Mak Fonumanu will both be starting.
Ones to watch
Taiki Matsuoka! He's a hard ball-running backrower from Japan. He shows lots of energy in attack and defence.
The focus
Execution in the A zone. When we get ourselves into scoring positions, we need to take our chances.
Final word
It will be a huge challenge against a good side, but Ladies Day provides a great opportunity for us to rise to the occasion to showcase what we can do.
Colts
with Adam Fahey
The Opposition
They're extremely strong team with great depth. They're undefeated in both Colts 1 and 2. They’re very similar to us in that they play an expansive sort of game.
The Challenge
Their greatest strength is that they can challenge from anywhere on the field, so it’s about being aware of that and limiting their opportunities to challenge us.
Shuffling the magnets
The team is pretty settled at the moment. Not really any changes – no excuses for us this week.
Ones to watch
Ed Lions, our winger, has been in great form. He knows where to try line is and backs himself. He’s a handful for opposition defences.
The focus
We’ve got to play our strengths. Our strengths are our ability to challenge the opposition with our attack. We've got Jonah Rangiwai with us again this week and to have his services is a blessing for our team. His attitude has been nothing but professional and he’s great to have around the group. It starts with him this week – if he's on early, then we get a lot of confidence and drive out of what he brings to the team.
Final word
Ladies Day means everything. The women in our lives play an integral role and the ladies in our life are our biggest supporters. It’s about celebrating that and acknowledging the positive role they play in our lives. Hopefully we can put in a performance that can give them something to celebrate on Saturday afternoon, with a couple of victories against quality opposition.