Sport
10 August, 2024
Cutters to beat Hawks
BUOYED by their first win in more than two years, Hawks’ attention turns to the ladder leaders, who are fresh off their final bye of the season.
Manunda Hawks host South Cairns Cutters
It would take maybe the biggest upset in recent years in ‘Footy in Paradise’, but winning can do crazy things for a team.
Back on their home deck, the Hawks will be hoping that they catch a sluggish Cutters and pull off something special.
They are unlikely to get that favour though. Cutters have been hellbent on making a statement at every opportunity in season 2024, as they hunt, not only a first finals berth since 2020, but also a first premiership since 2003.
Prediction: Cutters by 80.
Cairns City Lions host Centrals Trinity Beach Bulldogs
WHAT loomed as a potential eight-pointer mere weeks ago will take on significantly less meaning, due to the divergent paths both teams have taken.
The Lions have announced themselves as a force to be reckoned with, as they took down reigning premiers the Crocs away from home.
Such was the importance of that win, they remain an outside chance of finishing second.
For the luckless Bulldogs, they will be looking to their depth and fringe players to give them a boost as they try to leapfrog Saints to get back into fifth and start planning for season 2025.
Prediction: Lions by 65.
North Cairns Tigers host Port Douglas Crocs
A HUGE fixture to round out the weekend, with second hosting third.
Tigers come into this game as the irrepressible, but barely tested, victors of the recent fortnight, while Crocs are the vanquished battle-hardened after their thrilling three-point loss to Lions last weekend.
Victory for either team would strengthen their chances to clinch that crucial second spot (Norths still have a realistic chance of finishing top) and establishing themselves as grand final favourites, an especially relevant point since the season ledger sits at one home win apiece.
A loss for either team would not be catastrophic by any means, but would keep the lurking Lions in contention for third and a home elimination final.
Prediction: Tigers by 11.
