by Chris W.B
Gold Coast have started their premiership defence with a sloppy, but strong 10-0 win over the Adelaide Attitude. The first twenty minutes were an arm-wrestle, before Kris Radlinski and Josh Perry scored rapid-fire tries to put themselves ahead. The second half showed Adelaide playing panic football and Gold Coast seeking a try to put the game beyond doubt. None came, but the Crusade did enough to secure a home quarter final against the North Sydney Newbloods.
Gold Coast: Kris Radlinski and Josh Perry. Johns 1/2
Adelaide: None.
PoM Points: Josh Perry 3, Waisale Sovatabua 2 and Ashley Harrison 1.
A two try performance from Ben Kusto, and one of North Sydney's poorest games all year, has allowed North Melbourne to secure an important 18-4 win to set up an encounter with Adelaide for next week.
North Melbourne: Ben Kusto 2 and Anthony Stuart. Walker 3/4
North Sydney: Via Mautatia. Halligan 0/1
PoM Points: Andrew Walker 3, Anthony Stuart 2 and Ben Kusto 1.
The Central Phoenix, fighting to find some form after a lacklustre past few weeks, have produced an inspired display to thrash Brisbane 20-0 in front of a sold-out ANZ Stadium crowd. It was the reserves who did it, David Shayne, Chris Hicks and Shane Walker performing in the absence of missing stars.
Brisbane: None.
Central: Chris Hicks, Craig Wing and Jim Dymock 2. Shayne 1/1. Orford 1/4
PoM Points: Chris Hicks 3, Shane Walker 2 and David Shayne 1.
The Manly Cannons have upset the Division 2 minor premiers 18-4, having little trouble dominating an underdone Carnarvon side in a comprehensive first half display. The Cowboys rallied in the second half, but couldn't overcome some strong Manly defence.
Carnarvon: Owen Craigie. Thurston 0/1
Manly: Brendon Reeves, Laurie Daley and Logan Swann. Rogers 3/3
PoM Points: Brendon Reeves 3, Logan Swann 2 and Ian Hindmarsh 1.
QUARTER FINALS
Gold Coast vs. North Sydney @ Carara Stadium
Manly vs. Brisbane @ Brookvale
Central vs. Carnarvon @ Alice Springs Oval
North Melbourne vs. Adelaide @ Olympic Park
The two lowest ranked losers are eliminated, meaning Adelaide, Central and North Sydney are all battling to stay in contention.
