Slade Griffin continued his promising return from injury with a standout performance despite Easts Tigers falling to Burleigh Bears 20-12 on Sunday.
After knocking off the top-of-the-table Townsville last week, Easts were unable to replicate their effort as they were out muscled in the clash of Intrust Super Cup heavyweights.
Griffin played a starring role in his 70 minutes and winning the Club’s Players’ Player award.
Be at AAMI Park when we take on the Tigers, Sunday 26 June, 4pm.
“Slade Griffin was outstanding… he was very good playing at hooker and lock and getting through 70 minutes was very good,” Easts coach Scott Sipple said.
“I briefly got to him and told him it was his best game and he should be proud. The more games he gets under his belt, the more confidence he will have in his ability.
“He’s a very smart footballer, very thorough in everything he does. He is very professional, prepares well and once he gets more games under his belt he will be close to playing NRL shortly.
“He was outstanding on the weekend, we couldn’t be happier for him.”
Young Tonumaipea was also solid in his first game back through injury.
The loss saw Easts slip out of the top four, now sitting in fifth spot just above fellow Storm feeder side Sunshine Coast.
The Tigers will host Tweed Heads Seagulls this Saturday.
Easts Tigers 12
Tries: Shane Neumann, Brodie Croft
Goals: Billy Walters
Burleigh Bears 20
Tries: Sami Sauiluma 2, Luke Page
Goals: Jamal Fogarty
