Norths head into another rivalry round clash with Souths Logan Magpies tomorrow determined to extend a five-game winning streak that has showcased the Devils’ potential at both ends of the ground.
Last Sunday’s 42-10 win over Tweed Seagulls at Bishop Park was sealed despite the loss of in-form five-eighth Gerome Burns, who suffered a knee injury that could end his Hostplus Cup season.
Burns left the field after 20 minutes with the Devils leading 18-0 and Burns in the form that had pushed him to the top of the competition’s player-of-the-year voting.
He bravely watched on from the sideline as the Devils piled on another five tries to retain top spot on the ladder.
During their winning streak, the Devils have averaged 43.6 points and eight tries a match while conceding 14 points per game.
But Devils coach Dave Elliott said the Devils faced a serious challenge at Davies Park tomorrow against a Magpies team that has posted strong away wins over PNG Hunters and CQ Capras.
Elliott has named Julian Christian to partner Jack Ahearn in the halves, after he stepped in for Burns for the last hour of the Tweed win.
“We’ve had a good week at training and we’re working on that combination for this weekend with Gerome unavailable,” Elliott said.
“This will be a tough game because the Magpies don’t play too often at Davies Park and they will be ready.
“We need a good attitude and we need to have the right mindset against a team like the Magpies.”
The Devils jumped early against Tweed as Dolphins NRL backrowers Jeremiah Simbiken and Mason Teague scored in the first nine minutes.
Manase Kaho’s try from a scrum play in the 18th minute was followed by fellow winger Blake Paskins somehow extending his arm through traffic for a try that gave the Devils a 22-0 lead.
George Fai’s first try of the season, barging over from captain Kierran Moseley’s pass, looked set to give Norths a 28-0 halftime lead before Titans playmaker Tom Steadman scored a minute before the break.
The Devils scored three times in the second half including Tesi Niu’s try in the corner, pictured, from Oryn Keeley’s pass and another try from fullback Jordan Lipp.
The Devils’ try in the 56th minute was among their best of the season. It spanned two tackles and 60 metres, moving from the left to the right as six players handled before Simbiken stepped and pushed a brilliant pass for Kaho to score his second try.
Kaho and Lipp share the lead in the competition try-scoring race with 12 each, one ahead of Tweed’s former Devil Brayden McGrady.
Photo: Alan Drinnen
