The Hoodoo Continues

AMONG the talk of hoodoos, the return of Neil Wharton and the competition for representative places, one factor seemed to escape everybody?s attention in the lead-up to Redcliffe?s 20-10 win over Wynnum at Dolphin Oval.

That being, Dolphins coach Anthony Griffin sure knows more than a thing or two about how Seagulls half Jace Van Dijk likes to play.

It was only a year ago that Griffin and Van Dijk were thrust together at Souths Logan, a challenging situation that brought a thorough understanding of each other?s strengths and weaknesses.

On the weekend, when everyone else was speculating about whether Wynnum could win its first game at Redcliffe in 21 years, Griffin chose to use the intimate knowledge to dismantle the visitors yet again.

?We never spoke about Neil Wharton coming back to Redcliffe or the hoodoo thing in the lead up to the game,? Griffin said.

?They weren?t factors at all.

?One thing we did concentrate on was Jace and his kicking game and how he likes to get a team around the park. Jace and Royce Simms (Wynnum hooker) make one of the best combinations in the competition, so we had to nullify that.

?Jace and I are good mates and yeah, I know his footy. I thought we did a pretty good job of what we set out to do.?

For the second week in succession, Redcliffe kept its opposition to nil in the first half. That said, the Dolphins only posted four points themselves.

In damp, heavy conditions the home side countered a lack of quality possession and territory to finish the stronger, with short kicks bringing rewards.

Late signing Jamie Russo upped the ante with his aggressive style, showing the benefits of keeping your old contacts.

?I coached Jamie?s younger brother Michael at the Melbourne Storm and I got to know his family pretty well,? Griffin said.

?When Jamie moved back to the Sunshine Coast he was nice and close by and his Mum gave me a call.

?To get someone of that quality?I mean he?s seen a lot of NRL at just 24. We were all feeling sorry for ourselves when Daniel Irvine left just before the season, but Jamie?s been a great pick up.?

Making matters more interesting for Redcliffe, backrower Daniel Green continues to perform strongly in Mixwell Cup, winning the Players? Player award on the weekend.

For former Dolphins coach Wharton ? winner of three grand finals with the club ? his return with Wynnum brought his third straight loss at the ground, having lost in rounds 21 and 22 last year.

Next week Redcliffe flies to Townsville to face North Queensland on Saturday, while Wynnum hosts Toowoomba at Kougari Oval on Sunday.

REDCLIFFE 20 (Phil Shilvock, Matt Gruszka, Danny Burke tries; Greg Bourke 4 goals) beat Wynnum 10 (Daniel Sorbello, Wade Bachmann tries; Jace Van Dijk goal).

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