ONE Tiger species is ailing, the other is in full roar as strugglers Mayne travel to in-form Noosa for a battle of the big cats at Weyba Road on Saturday.
By Terry Wilson
Things are all rosy for premiers Noosa, who have recorded two ultra impressive wins over Sandgate and Surfers paradise over the past fortnight.
The opposite applies to Mayne, Brisbane’s version of the Tiger, where an acute player shortage, as well as an acute lack of interest, has enveloped the bottom and winless club.
Mayne player-coach Luke Faulkner revealed he could not finalise his seniors line-up because of doubts over a number of playing personnel.
“We’re really struggling with numbers,” Faulkner admitted. “We have 15 of our best 22 either unavailable, injured, or simply just lost interest and have gone.
“Sure, it’s not a good time to go to Weyba Road the way Noosa are going, but we just have to find a way to combat that. We have to play smart.”
Noosa coach Wayne Fletcher scoffed at a suggestion this his Tigers have the scent of a second successive premiership aft5er their most recent outings.
“No way,” he declared. “We’ve got five more rounds to go. There’s a lot of work to do before then.”
The bad news for Noosa is the loss of ruckman Peter Trompf (knee), rover Owen Bailey (shoulder) and utility Adam Eady (heel).
The good news is the availability again of forward Dayne Frew, key-position utility Brett Duke and ruckman John Freeman.
“They’re all one or two weeks,” said Fletcher of the seriousness of the injuries.
Noosa can get to second spot for the finals with some favourable results elsewhere, although Fletcher says all he is concerned with is what the Tigers can control.
“We need to win the game and get the four points. If someone above us falters, we have to make sure we take the chance.
Noosa’s great percentage of 165.0 could push the Tigers into at least third spot, perhaps even second, should either or both Wilston-Grange and Western Magpies lose this weekend.
