Redcliffe vs Wynnum Preview

CAN the most famous hoodoo in the Queensland Cup be broken? That has been the major discussion piece leading into Saturday?s Herald Cup clash at Dolphin Oval.

Wynnum has not won at Redcliffe?s home ground since 1984, stretching back to the days of Lewis, Miles, Dowling, Scott, French and Coyne. Extra interest has been added this year by the defection of former Redcliffe coach Neil Wharton to the Seagulls. During Wharton?s reign at the peninsula, he had a run of six straight wins over Wynnum at Dolphin Oval ? none of them by less than 14 points.

Two games back from suspension Redcliffe prop Troy Lindsay has been hit with a grade two striking charge, arising from last weekend?s 44-16 win over Souths Logan. The Dolphins will decide today how they will plea.

After experiencing the bye last round, Wynnum is set to showcase new signing Danny McAllister off the bench. One of the competition?s leading props in recent seasons, McAllister returns from a brief retirement, following a neck injury with Ipswich last year.

Meanwhile, Tweed Heads signing Grant Stuart has forced his way into Wynnum?s starting pack after a series of strong performances. Long-serving Seagull Clayton Maher will start in his 150th Queensland Cup game, while Brett McPherson has earned a recall to cover Paul Green?s serious foot injury (12 weeks).

Contenders for the City halfback spot, Jace Van Dijk and Michael Roberts will go head-to-head. The referee is Michael Inman.

REDCLIFFE: Ryan Cullen, Mark Christensen, Greg Bourke, Nick Emmett, Matt Gruszka, Shane Perry ?, Michael Roberts, Troy Lindsay, Shannon Fish, Adam Starr, Matt Mapes, Danny Burke, Grant Flugge. Interchange: Matt Dawson, Nathan Herbener, Nick Walker, Jamie Russo.

WYNNUM: Daniel Sorbello, Simon Phillips, Jimmy Ahmat, Damien Quinn ?, Scott Marks, Brett McPherson, Jace Van Dijk, Clayton Maher, Royce Simms, Craig Greenhill, Gary Winter, Grant Stuart, John Bruce. Interchange: Cameron Durnford, Danny McAllister, Damian Durnford, Wade Bachmann.

Article courtesy of the QRL. for more Qld Cup news and information visit www.qrl.com.au