Well here we go. The regular season has completed and we’re now at the pointy end of the year.
IRL Player of the Year Steven West and IRL Rookie of the Year Matthew Bettiens
Norths A-Grade finished in second spot and will play Goodna this Sunday. A win puts the Tigers straight into the Grand Final on Sunday 20 September, while a loss would mean the Tigers face either West End of Brothers next Sunday 13th for a Grand Final place.
The match will take place at 3.30pm, after the Ipswich Jets take on the Northern Pride at 1.30pm in a knockout final.
Our Under 19s also feature in the finals, after finishing third. They take on Valleys Dragons in an elimination semi. Should they win that clash on Saturday they will take on the loser of Brothers v Eastern Cobras on Sunday 13th for a place in the Grand Final.
I hear that some Tigers certainly used last weekend to full advantage, with a group enjoying a rare Saturday night binge up the range.
Before that though was the Ipswich Rugby League Presentation Night, which was on Friday night. Norths Tigers halfback Steven West took out the IRL Player of the Year Award. After having his season cruelly ended in the early rounds last year, Westy could only watch from the sidelines as Norths broke their 19 year premiership drought. Friday night was great recognition of a team favourite and Tigers legend, however despite the accolade I don’t think it will mean too much unless Westy can hold the premiership shield up on Sunday 20 September.
QT: Mates play lead role in keeping half playing game >
Another Tiger managed to scoop an award on Friday night too, with young gun Matthew Bettiens taking out the IRL Rookie of the Year Award. Dubbed the “Elle Macpherson of Norths Tigers” the young outside back has had a great year in the top grade. I am not sure if the title was self-appointed by Bettiens or given to him by his fellow teammates, but this below photo that was sent to me would certainly imply Matty doesn’t mind looking after himself.
In all seriousness make sure you get down to the North Ipswich Reserve on Saturday and Sunday to cheer on our Tigers!
And of course Happy Father’s Day to all the dad’s out there. Treat your dad and take him to the can bar on Sunday!
Harlo
A-Grade v Goodna Eagles
Sunday 6 September, 3.30pm, North Ipswich Reserve
1. Brendan Marshall
2. Anava Fesolai
3. Matthew Fairhurst
4. Tonga Mounga
5. Matthew Bettiens
6. Josh Roberts (c)
7. Steven West
8. Brad Oddi
9. Chris Porter
10. Jacob Stephan
11. Bruce Kolio
12. Brent Newton
13. Chris Scanlan
14. Kane Fuller
15. Stephen Kafer
16. Tim Newton
17. James Stephensen
Under 19s v Valleys Dragons
Saturday 5 September, 1.30pm, North Ipswich Reserve
1. Bryce Edwards
2. Jye Scanlan
3. Jesse Matafeo
4. Kaelum Fairhurst
5. Cameron Woldt
6. Kade McGarrigal
7. Lewis Smith
8. Tuiga Tuiga
9. Dylan Martin
10. Uriah Reihana
11. Raiden Fonoti
12. Jonathon Newton
13. Mitchell Raine
14. Joshua Lawrance
15. Keinan McGillivray – Pethybridge
16. Patrick Redoblado
17. Cameron Haug
18. Mitchell Boettcher
19. Bradley Baartz
