Toowoomba v Redcliffe match preview

TOOWOOMBA v REDCLIFFE
Wizard Cup Major Semi
(Winner to Grand Final - Loser to play Easts Tigers next week)
Clive Berghofer Stadium, Saturday September 2, 2.00pm *Live on ABC TV
Referee: Justin Eastwood

THE STORY: Back from a week?s break, Toowoomba is boosted by the return of Steve Michaels and David Taylor. Redcliffe will make a last-minute decision on whether centre Nick Emmett (quadriceps) will play, with coach Anthony Griffin describing his injury as ?only 80 per cent right?. Toowoomba is not expecting Ian Lacey back this season.

THE STAT: A rich rivalry between these two clubs includes three Wizard Cup grand finals (1996, 2000, 01). On each of those occasions the clubs faced off in the major semi final a fortnight beforehand. A curious statistic is that in every instance the team which won the major semi went on to lose the grand final.

THE STAR: Opposing five-eighths Greg Eastwood and Chris Fox are both former Junior Kiwis who played in teams which beat the Australian Schoolboys. Eastwood has shown what a threat he is with the Brisbane Broncos this season, while Fox set up a marvellous try for Ryan Cullen with fancy stepping in his last televised appearance.

CHANGES: TOOWOOMBA ? In: Steve Michaels, David Taylor. Out: Gideon Mzembe, Luke Brosnan. REDCLIFFE ? No announced changes.

CHARGES: None.

Toowoomba Clydesdales
Players:
1. Scott MINTO
2. Denan KEMP
3. Jason MOON
4. Jamie SIMPSON
5. Steve MICHAELS
6. Greg EASTWOOD
7. Ben GREEN
13. Derricke WATKINS
12. Joe CLARKE
11. Chris MUCKERT
10. Ben VAEAU
9. John TE REO
8. Nick KENNY (c)
Interchange:
14. David TAYLOR
15. Lynden MURPHY
16. Lachlan MORGAN
17. Nick PARFITT
Coach: Mark GEE

Redcliffe Dolphins
Players:
1. Ryan CULLEN
2. Chris GIUMELLI
3. Greg BOURKE
4. Mark SHIPWAY
5. Rory BROMLEY
6. Chris FOX
7. Marty TURNER
13. Gerard PARLE
12. Danny BURKE
11. Grant FLUGGE
10. Adam STARR
9. Michael ROBERTS
8. Troy LINDSAY (c)
Interchange:
14. Nick WALKER
15. Shannon FISH
16. Danny GREEN
17. Pat GARDNER
Coach: Anthony GRIFFIN

Source: qrl.com.au