Big Young Gun eyes NRL again

NORTH QLD YOUNG GUNS 22 defeat EASTS TIGERS 16

Overlooked Young Guns captain Daniel Strickland has led North Queensland to a valuable 22-16 win against Easts before a large crowd at Proserpine.

Boasting more than 50 games at NRL level, the towering backrower scored two tries, including the game-decider, to keep his team placed second on the Queensland Wizard Cup ladder.

The performance came with precise timing. Strickland has not appeared in the national league at all this season, even failing to gain selection when the Cowboys have been undermanned through the State of Origin period.

Coach Grant Bell said it was only a matter of time before his skipper received another chance, given his current impact.

?Daniel?s been very good as a leader for us and very patient at the same time,? Bell said.

?He will get an opportunity down the track somewhere, but at the moment he is playing a pretty important role for us and doing it well.?

Two other Young Guns with NRL aspirations ? Leigh McWilliams and Brent McConnell ? came back from injury against the Tigers. Both played well, although hooker McWilliams experienced cramping in his troublesome calf muscle.

North Queensland led 10-0 after 20 minutes through tries to Dean Payne and Strickland, but Easts replied with three successive tries down the Guns? right flank.

A Rory Bromley try in the shades of halftime made the score 14-all and the scene was set for a classic second half. Neither side disappointed; the physicality of the match evident as penalties crept the score along to 16-all.

Strickland?s game-breaker came with just over 10 minutes left on the clock, drawing rapturous applause from the vocal locals.

?The match was very well supported and promoted and I think those who attended received it fairly well,? Bell said.

?When you take the footy to the bush you hope the people will walk away impressed and enthusiastic about rugby league.?

Next round sees North Queensland travel to Burleigh on Saturday, while Easts hosts Ipswich in the televised match earlier that afternoon.

NORTH QUEENSLAND 22 (Daniel Strickland 2, Dean Payne, Rory Bromley tries; Brent McConnell 3 goals)

beat

EASTS 16 (Walter Imo, Nigel Roy, Mark Cantoni tries; Brandon Costin 2 goals)

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