THE Ipswich Jets will have to contend with a near Broncos’ forward pack in this weekend’s match.
The Magpies have nearly as many Broncos as the Broncos themselves.
Jamayne Isaako, Marion Seve, Sam Scarlett, Herman Ese’ese, Travis Waddell, Caleb Timu, Joe Boyce, and George Fai all have contracts with the Broncos.
Souths’ forwards Caleb Timu and Herman Ese’ese are both huge metres gainers for the Magpies and the Jets will need to stop their momentum or on the back of that they’ll get quick play the balls and be running riot with their smaller forwards.
The Jets have only lost two of their last eight games against the Magpies.
The Jets’ record at Davies Park is an impressive one having won 10 of 11 games there with their only loss in 2010, 34-12.
THE trip to Rockhampton last week didn’t produce a great result. It was the first time the Jets have lost to the Capras since 2010.
On the bright side, Sam Martin was back from injury bringing with him 107 games for the Jets and all his experience. Martin needs 12 points to bring up his century for the Jets and played the whole 80 minutes against Central Queensland.
The Jets had 53% of the ball, made seven line breaks to three, missed one less tackle than the Capras but the Capras had 11 more completed sets.
Nat Neale topped the tackle count with 35 tackles and zero misses.
Nemani Valekapa again gained the most metres for the Jets with 161. Most runs was Richard Pandia with 20.
Hornets trip
I AM going away with the Ipswich Schoolboy under 11 and under 12 rugby league sides to Sydney on Monday.
It’s become a bit of a legendary trip and to make the side is considered a huge honour.
Current Jets Landon Hayes and Rory Humphreys have made the trip to Sydney.
Matt Parcell said to me during the week how much he loved the trip when his time came. Hopefully there are some more future Jets there next week.
The boys will tour Panthers and Sharks country, as well as attending the Manly v Souths game at Brookvale and playing against Coffs Harbour, Newcastle and St Marys.
Player snapshot
SAM Martin was rushed back into the Jets’ side last week to play his 107th game for the Jets.
Martin has played 106 of those games in the Intrust Super Cup and one State Championship game. He made his debut in 2010 against Redcliffe and became Jet 513.
Martin has scored 22 tries for the Jets for 88 points. Martin is a Norths’ junior and the 9th most capped Jet.
Martin’s defence was his biggest asset but his attacking and support game has been outstanding in the last two years while losing none of his feared hitting ability in defence.
Condolences
JOSH Seage’s grandad Glynn Englander passed away last week.
Seagy played against the Capras and did his family proud with another big effort.
Everyone at the Jets passes on their condolences to the Seage family.
Cooper’s stat
THE Jets have three players closing in on 50 Intrust Super Cup games: Marmin Barba 48 games, Billy McConnachie 47 games, and Carlin Anderson 47 games.
Barba’s 50th
MARMIN Barba has played 48 Intrust Super Cup games for the Jets but 49 games for the Jets with the State Championship game against Newcastle.
This week will be his 50th game. Barba has scored 55 tries in those 49 games and 54 goals for 328 points.
https://m.qt.com.au/news/broncos-connection-to-provide-tough-test-for-ipswi/2974514/