After competition leaders suffered their first loss, Jets and Brothers mount added pressure on Bluebirds. See how this weekend’s Ipswich A-Grade matches shape up.
Anthony Breeze THROUGH the great attacking play in Rugby League Ipswich Round four action, one club firmed as Premiership favourites. Swifts again turned on a try feast against Norths. Here's how this weekend's games shape up.
Saturday (5.30pm) - Brothers v Norths at Raceview BROTHERS returned to form with a bang last weekend with a great win over Goodna. Norths were on the end of a Swifts onslaught. Brothers will be hoping playmaker Wes Conlon is okay. He was replaced at halftime. Most of Brothers attacking options come through him. Conlon relies on his forwards setting the platform which then provides the required time to set up different plays to test the defence line.
Anthony Breeze SWIFTS have become outright favourites for the Rugby League Ipswich A-Grade title after an eventful round three. The Ipswich Jets and Fassifern also secured their first wins. What will Round 4 bring?
Saturday (6pm) - Norths v Swifts at North Ipswich NORTHS delivered a brave effort last weekend before falling to the Jets. Swifts turned on an awesome performance in demolishing Brothers. The Tigers will need to step up a few notches if they are to tame the Bluebirds. They will rely heavily on Ethan Page who was in great form last week. New half Lachlan Williamson must give some clean ball to his centres in Betteins and Lowe who are both powerful ball runners.
Anthony Breeze THE Ipswich Rugby League fraternity and Brothers Football Club were saddened early in the week when news came through that Ian "Rodgo'' Rodgers had passed away after a long, tough fight. Everyone that knew this great man always had positive things to say about him. He will be a big loss to all those who had the honour of meeting or working with him. Rodgo had dedicated his early life to touch football where he is a life member. A huge part of his life was his beloved Brothers Football Club where he also is a life member.
HOW dangerous and pressurised being a jockey can be has been highlighted again. For the men or women who sit on horses guiding them around the track, one thought could be what an easy job that would be, getting paid race after race to ride a horse for a living. However, one bad ride and the public is quick to jump all over the jockey for losing some of their hard earned cash. Have you considered that every time they jump on to a horse they are putting their lives at risk? One fall could severely injure them or take their life.
Anthony Breeze THE Rugby League Ipswich (RLI) coaching merry-go-round has been in full swing over the off-season with only one club retaining their coach from 2020. Reigning RLI premiers Brothers are the only club that have not appointed someone different to coach their side this year. Jason Connors will again take the reins. Connors is a master tactician who uses all the skills and knowledge he gained on the field as a champion halfback. He passes that onto the players under his guidance. Tactical player and coach Jason Connors. Connors always has a game plan to beat an opposition team and when players follow it, they more than often win.
COVID has a lot to answer for with another major event cancelled. However, there are some silver linings as an Ipswich superstar from last season is on fire in a national competition. The South African cricket tour unfortunately was called off during the week when Australian health officials had major concerns for the player safety. Cricket Australia left it until the latest possible time before giving fans the news they were dreading. This will not give the Aussies time to regain some browny points with the Australian public after a disappointing series loss to India recently. It also puts a dampener on the Test aspirations of several players who may have got a start in the Test series like Michael Neser, Mark Steketee, Mitch Swepson and Alex Carey.