Norths are set to return to the ground that caused their fans grief for a decade when they meet Wynnum Manly in Saturday afternoon’s Hostplus Cup clash at Kougari Oval.

It will be the Devils’ first visit to Kougari Oval since they smashed their losing streak at the ground in 2021, six weeks before toppling the Seagulls again in a grand final to remember.

This weekend’s clash will underline the changes in the competition in recent times.

The Devils will field only one player from the team that ended a nine-match losing streak at Kougari Oval in 2021 – premiership centre Jacob Gagan.

In contrast, the Seagulls are set to field three players who represented the Devils that day – Connor Broadhurst, Jon Reuben and Bryce Donovan.

The trio switched clubs in the off-season as multiple clubs underwent change for 2024.

Devils coach Dave Elliott has guided his team to the best defensive record in the competition after three rounds, conceding a combined 36 points in three matches at Burleigh, at Redcliffe and home to Souths Logan.

The Devils have a 2-1 win-loss record and sit level on the table with the Seagulls, who lost their opening match before following a bye with a win over Redcliffe.

Ball control and maintaining possession will be crucial for the Devils as Wynnum can quickly turn possession into points.

The Devils will aim to build on their defensive record while addressing mistakes from their sole loss to the Dolphins in Round 2.

Wynnum lead the Queensland Cup head-to-head count over Norths 27-22, with two matches drawn. The Devils have won three of the last four matches including the 2021 grand final and last year’s high-scoring Country Week match in Wondai.
ROUND 4 – SATURDAY 6TH APRIL @ BMD Kougari Oval, Brisbane – 3:00pm