Only a win will do for QLD U-18

Queensland Scorpions coach, Ray Windsor says only a win will do in his side’s clash against NSW/ACT tomorrow.

After an “un-Queensland like” performance in last week’s shock 69-point loss to Tasmania, the Scorpions must beat NSW/ACT to stay in the hunt for the Division Two Under-18 title, and Windsor said he wouldn’t be happy with anything less.

“We’re going in for victory only,” he said.

 “(A competitive loss) would absolutely not be acceptable.”

Windsor said the Scorpions would need to maintain their intensity for a whole match to get their campaign back on track.

“Last week, we actually competed quite well in the first 5-10 minutes but then the heads went down and everyone went into their shell,” he said.

“It was un-Queensland like.

“We need to compete until the last minute of the last quarter. “

With a number of players, including in-form forward, Jono Freeman and midfielder Sam Gribble, ruled out, the Scorpions have made a number of changes for the weekend, but Windsor said he had full confidence in their replacements.

“(Injuries) are obviously going to have some sort of impact, but the people in the team are adequate to fill those spots. That’s why they’re in the squad,” he said.

One of those included in the Scorpions side for the first time tomorrow, is 17 year-old Daniel Henderson, playing in the back pocket.

Henderson has shown some good form in the NEAFL with the Lions reserves and Windsor said the youngster would add plenty to Queensland’s defence.

“He’s probably just going to bring some good composure down back,” he said.

“He’s been doing a good job for the Lions reserves and his form’s been fantastic in the NEAFL.”

The Scorpions will be rank outsiders in the match tomorrow, but Windsor said their underdog status would benefit them.

“I think it’s great, on the back of State of Origin in rugby league, it’s (the match against NSW/ACT) very timely,” he said.

“Queensland always plays better as underdogs, regardless of the sport, so we’re looking forward to it.”

As well as their nationals campaign, the result of the match could go a long way to swaying recruiters one way or the other  on draft-eligible players, something of which Windsor is acutely aware.

“It’s extremely important in terms of making or breaking a good nationals campaign and for certain players from a drafting point of view.”

NSW /ACT has been the form side of the Division two outfits so far, and there are plenty of danger players for the Scorpions tomorrow, not least of whom is Jydon Neagle.

Neagle, son of the late Essendon player, Merv, kicked six goals in NSW/ACT’s demolition of NT last weekend, and has been one of the standout players for his state.

 Michael Gibbons, Lloyd Perris and Jake Barrett are the danger players for the Scorpions through the midfield.

The match begins at 2:15pm at Visy Park tomorrow, in the first of the final two nationals matches

Queensland’s squad of 25 for the match:

NSW/ACT squad: