Comets squad face challenge

Brett Breddiex in action for the Comets under-18s at Browne Park last weekend.

CHRIS ISON

The Comets development programs under-16s and 18s will face tough competition tomorrow when they play Townsville Stingers at Browne Park.

But under-18s coach Steve Parle it would be essential for his team to win this weekend if they were to be in with a chance for the finals.

“It really is for us a litmus test for us, this game.”

Parle said they had a great training session on Tuesday and would be training again tonight, but everyone was fit and ready to play.

Joel Cook will be coming in on the wing, replacing David Munns, the only change to the squad.

Parle said they were still on a high from their win last week against the Northern Pride on home turf.

“To win that at home was a delight,” he said.

Under-16s coach Graeme Middlebrook said he didn’t like to put expectations on his boys but they had done some great preparation.

“They should be competitive,” Middlebrook said.

There will be a few changes to the line-up.

After Nathan Webster broke his leg about two minutes into last week’s game he will be replaced tomorrow by Matt King.

Lucas Hetherington will also be sitting out this game, resting after just one game following his earlier shoulder reconstruction.

The Mal Meninga and Cyril Connell Cup games kick off at 3.30pm for under-16s and 5pm for under-18s.

The matches are curtain-raisers to the Comets game against the Mackay Cutters, starting at 7pm.