Wattles desperate for the win against Souths
RUGBY LEAGUE: Wattles coach Gary Lawrence is somewhat tentative as he leads his team to battle against Souths at Clive Berghofer Stadium on Sunday at 2.30pm.
"We nailed Souths 30-4 in round 1 but we are going to have to work especially hard for a win against an improving side," he said.
Lawrence's troops continue to shoulder injury burdens with news that premiership winning hooker Mark Gordon and mobile young prop Mitchell Duff are sidelined for the season with knee issues. Classy centre Josh Lucas is another to hang up his boots for 2017 after a serious shoulder injury while experienced utility play Matt McCarthy is overseas.
Another significant absentee will be halfback Matt Duggan who will be representing the Queensland Rangers at the Gold Coast. Duggan's opportunity is a major honour for a club which also boasts Matthew Grayson and Russell McMillan as former Rangers representatives.
While Duggan shows his style in a maroon jersey, Wattles colts halfback Joe Morris and five-eighth Josh Henry will form the green and gold midfield brains trust.
Wattles will be boosted by the return of experienced fullback Jackson Green from an overseas holiday. Back rower Jaime Abbas will also return to the side.
Lawrence said it was vital his team kicked back after a close loss to Warwick a fortnight ago.
"We need to climb further into top six, the business end of the season is fast approaching." First game at 11.30am. - Glyn Rees
