“Pure” Devils squad set for decider
Norths have named a squad of pure Devils for Sunday’s Intrust Super Cup grand final against Wynnum Manly Seagulls at Redcliffe.
Coach Rohan Smith made one change to the squad that defeated Burleigh Bears in Sunday’s preliminary final with backrower Brendan Piakura ruled out after suffering a head knock early in the game.
Moses Noovao-McGreal, who played more than 70 minutes last Sunday after Piakura’s early departure, was tonight named in the starting team. Smith has named an extended bench with the final squad to be settled by the weekend.
The squad named tonight includes 21 players who all signed Devils contracts this season.
The Devils value their affiliate relationship with the Broncos however Covid restrictions this year left Piakura and Danny Levi as the only Broncos players eligible for Norths’ finals campaign.
Levi was claimed by the Broncos after the in-form hooker was signed by the Devils and started the season at Bishop Park.
“We’ve spoken all season about this being all about a squad effort and we’ve been fortunate to have so many players committed to the best outcomes for the team,” Smith said.
“We feel for Brendan missing a grand final given his contribution to the club this year.”
It’s a big weekend for the Devils with affiliate clubs Wests and Valleys meeting in the Brisbane Rugby League grand final on Saturday, meaning the wider Norths squad is mostly all involved in deciders.
At least seven players who represented the Devils in the Intrust Super Cup this season are set to play in the BRL grand final.
Sunday’s ISC grand final will be the Devils’ first since 2010 and marks the club’s first game at Redcliffe since 2017 given the way the QRL draw has fallen for the club.
Smith named an unchanged spine with skipper Jack Ahearn, Connor Broadhurst, Tyrone Roberts and Levi all retaining their places after each playing all 80 minutes of the 18-point win over Burleigh.
NORTHS DEVILS GRAND FINAL SQUAD: 1. Jack Ahearn (capt). 2. Nene Macdonald. 3. Jacob Gagan. 4. Bernard Gregorius. 5. Jon Reuben. 6. Connor Broadhurst. 7. Tyrone Roberts. 8. Michael Molo. 9. Danny Levi. 10. Piki Rogers. 11. Moses Noovao-McGreal. 12. Leivaha Pulu. 13. Michael Sio. Interchange: 14. Matthew Milson. 15. Jerome Veve. 16. Ben Nakubuwai. 17. Hiale Roycroft. 19. Jack Miers. 20. Liam Horne. 21. Bryce Donovan. 22. Rashaun Denny.