Coolangatta will be fundraising for breast cancer research this weekend.
The Coolangatta Blues are going pink this weekend, to raise money for the national Breast Cancer Foundation.
Their first home game against UQ will be a part of a huge day of celebrations, adding a little bit more significance to the game for the Blues.
Coolangatta has had a mixed start to the season, crushing Burleigh in Round one and going down to Western Magpies last weekend, and Blues coach, Daniel Hawkins, said the side knew how important a win would be this weekend.
“It’s very important. We’re going into every game as if we are going to and need to win it,” he said.
“UQ are an unknown quantity at this stage.
“We can’t take them too lightly because they did get over Noosa and we’ll come prepared to play.”
Hawkins said the loss of forward/ruckman Ben McGregor was a blow to the side, but he was confident that replacement Toby Atkins could step up to the plate.
For UQ, their inaugural win against Noosa last weekend hasn’t impacted their preparations, Red Lions coach Matt Stewart said.
“We’re specifically looking at our execution over four quarters,” he said.
“If you don’t play for four quarters, it’s hard to win.
“If we can improve in the areas we want to, then the results will take care of themselves.”
Stewart said he would be doing everything to make sure the players were ready to go for the match against the Blues.
UQ will be missing young gun Jordan McDonald (shoulder) and Sean Maxwell for the match against Coolangatta at Peak Oval.
Stewart said the injuries were a chance for some of the Red Lions reserves players to make their stamp on the match.
“Our reserves have been going really well and we have lots of depth so I’m really excited to give some players some opportunities to step up,” he said.
I’m actually really looking forward to getting a look at some of those guys in the seniors.”
The Blues will have plenty of motivation for the Sunday twilight match, but Stewart said his charges would not be concerned with Coolangatta.
“To be honest…we’re not worried about what our opposition is doing,” he said.
“We just want to follow our own plan.”
The game kicks off at Peak Oval on Sunday May 5 at 4;15pm.
The game kicks off at Peak Oval on Sunday May 5 at 4;15pm.
Around the grounds:
Heading the list of cracking matches in round three of the Allied Pickfords Cup is a blockbuster between ladder leaders Palm Beach and Wilston Grange.
Both sides are undefeated and will be looking to make their stand at Salk Oval tomorrow.
The Lions have been impressive in their first two outings, against Maroochydore and Surfers, and are warm favourites to make it 3-0.
Wilston Grange will be bolstered by the return of playing coach, Matt Trewhella, from injury and will be well-rested, coming off a 10-day break.
Noosa will be looking to bounce back from their narrow loss to UQ last week, when the Tigers host the Western Magpies at Weyba Rd tomorrow.
The Magpies have not missed a beat this season, and are still without premiership players, so Noosa will have their work cut out against the defending premiers.
Sandgate hosts Maroochydore in an intriguing match-up.
The young Hawks have proved their ability to fight this season, staying close to Springwood and Wilston Grange in the first two weeks, and will be rested up after their 10-day break after the ANZAC Eve match.
Maroochydore will be looking to reaffirm their finals credentials after losing to Palm Beach last week.
In yet another massive match, Surfers and Mayne will fight it out at Sir Bruce Small Park.
The Demons notched up their first win last week, over Burleigh, but face a Mayne side that will be hungry to get on the board.
Mayne has had a slow start to the season and some poor luck with injuries.
It will be another tough week for Burleigh, as they prepare to take on star-studded Springwood.
The Pumas are flying after two consecutive wins, while Burleigh is coming off a loss to Surfers Paradise.
Click here to download the Round 3 Allied Pickfords Cup E-Record.
