Norths vs Redcliffe Preview

NORTHS v REDCLIFFE, Bishop Park, Saturday 2pm, September 3.

TRUMP card Greg Inglis is at long odds to play for Norths in this Saturday?s knockout match, despite being named at fullback.

The death of a close uncle saw Inglis return home to Bowraville last weekend, coming after one of his more impressive performances for the Melbourne Storm. Subsequent travel complications mean he is unlikely to feature for either the Devils or Storm.

The last time Norths faced Redcliffe, a long-range Inglis try helped them to a 24-22 win. His replacement will be Smith Samau, preferred ahead of the older and more experienced Quentin Laulu-Togagae.

Norths other big selection issue this week will come after the suspension of backrower Jeremy Smith. Among the Devils? best in last week?s loss to Burleigh, Smith was originally charged with a kicking offence, later altered to contrary conduct. He has received 93 demerit points, but boasts 55 carry-over points from a previous incident.

Towering teen Sam Tagataese has not been named in any grade for Norths, suggesting he will fill the vacancy left by Smith. Bolstering the Devils will be Brandon Costin, Anthony Boyd and Rob Tanielu, back from injury and suspension.

Redcliffe has claimed centre Greg Bourke will return from ankle injury this week, however Norths coach Wayne Treleaven is sceptical. Matt Mapes played in place of Bourke last week and the Dolphins could also possibly call upon Jamie Russo

Anthony Griffin and his men will be hoping for a vastly different performance from the last time they played at Bishop Park. The Dolphins lost 60-24 in March this year. Referee Michael Inman has been awarded the ABC televised match.

NORTHS: Greg Inglis, Josh Tatupu, Josh Graham, Ryan Shortland, Aaron Morgan, Brandon Costin, Marc Brentnall, Pat Gardner, Nathan Friend, Scott Anderson, Aaron Bulow, Jeremy Smith, Anthony Boyd ?. Interchange: Col Wilkie, Adam Blair, Rob Tanielu, Peter Robinson.

REDCLIFFE: Ryan Cullen, Phil Shilvock, Greg Bourke, Nick Emmett, Liam Georgetown, Wayne Bond, Shane Perry ?, Nick Walker, Mick Roberts, Troy Lindsay, Grant Flugge, Danny Burke, Danny Green. Interchange: Duane O?Grady, Shannon Fish, Matt Mapes, Damien Jentz.

This article is courtesy of the QRL for more Queensland Wizard Cup information visit www.qrl.com.au