Affiliate wrap: Gold Coast clubs in box seat for finals
It's crunch time in Hostplus Cup with only a month left of the competition before finals fever hits the statewide competition.
Both of the Gold Coast's affiliated teams are in the box seat to feature in the 2023 playoffs, eyeing off their opportunity to progress deep into the pointy end of the season.
See below breakdown and run home for both the Bears and Seagulls in their final four weeks:
Burleigh Bears
Currently: 2nd (28pts, +120 differential)
Run Home: Pride (H), WM Seagulls (A), Cutters (H), Blackhawks (A)
Poised nicely with the aim of a top two finish to earn the right to host a finals fixture in week one, the final four finish will also guarantee last year's minor premiers of a second chance should things not go to plan in the qualifying final.
Their final fixtures feature two games at home, a journey up the road to Brisbane and a trip to Townsville in the final round - facing three bottom eight teams and the high-flying Seagulls who have found form at the right time of the year.
Heavy favourites to play finals footy, it's expected Burleigh will win at least three of their remaining four matches with the clash against Wynnum Manly their toughest of their run home, although coach Luke Burt would be happy to have a clash that will prepare them for what's to come in September.
Match: Bears v Pride
Round 19 -
home Team
Bears
2nd Position
away Team
Pride
8th Position
Venue: UAA Park, Gold Coast
Tweed Seagulls
Currently: 7th (22pts, +109 differential)
Run Home: Bye, Pride (H), Jets (H), Falcons (H)
Tweed have arguably the most favourable draw to finish the season in the Hostplus Cup competition, serving their second bye this weekend before hosting their final three matches at Piggabeen.
Given how tight the ladder is with only eight points separating the top eight positions, a strong end of the season for the Seagulls could all but guarantee them a top four finish and a second bite at the cherry come finals time should they get over the Pride, Jets and Falcons at home.
Three points outside of fourth at the moment, a sured two points for the weekend off could put them in the box seat and help build a strong finals campaign - especially with an added desire to avenge last year's infamous week two finals exit, blowing their 24-0 half-time lead.
