Giant steps towards a return to semi-finals in NRRRL

CRUNCH time looms for the Mullumbimby Giants as they step closer towards the semi-finals in the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League competition.

The Giants are 10th on a congested ladder which saw them knock Bilambil from second to fourth spot after a 30-16 win earlier this month.

Teams from outside the six, down to 10th, are still a chance of playing in the first week of finals set down for the August 23-24 weekend.

The Giants came close last year, finishing seventh, and are desperate for a chance to play finals after strong performances against teams at the top of the ladder this month.

They took a hit with a 46-12 loss over Marist Brothers and will look to bounce back with four rounds to go.

“We’re in the position where we just need to keep winning now,” Mullumbimby coach Scott Hogan said.

“We’ve got games coming up against teams that are below us on the ladder, but it’s such a tight competition.

“There’s definitely another couple of games we should have won, every team has their own stories at this time of year, though.”

The win against Bilambil has been the highlight of the season so far.

Props Owen Brock and Michael McKinnon have been leading the way along with lock Keenan Ramsden.

The Giants have experience in key positions with former NRL players Jacob Miller and Cody Nelson in the side.

Nelson covers most positions across the forward pack; while Miller returned to his junior club this year after 10 years playing in the English Super League

 

“Bilambil are a good team and that was the most dominant we’ve been all year,” Hogan said.

“The whole forward pack are playing well, Jake has really settled in now, too.

“He’s been outstanding recently and really showed why he’s played at that higher level

“We rely so much on our local players and we’ve been lucky to have some English guys on board too.”

Most clubs have finished catch-up games with four full rounds to be played.

The Giants will host Tweed Coast on Sunday, July 27 before taking on the Evans Head Bombers on August 2.

LADDER

Cudgen 22

Marist Brothers 19

Ballina 15

Bilambil 14

Tweed Heads 12

Evans Head 12

Kyogle 11

Murwillumbah 11

Casino 11

Mullumbimby 11

Tweed Coast 9

Lower Clarence 7

Northern United 2

Byron Bay 2