The return bout of Storm’s two Hostplus Cup affiliates is on this weekend and it will be a crucial game for different reasons for both the Brisbane Tigers and Sunshine Coast Falcons.
The visiting Falcons, who won the first encounter between the two clubs in May, will be looking to keep hold of second position on the ladder after a three-try haul from man-of-the-match Sua Fa’alogo helped them to a comprehensive victory against the PNG Hunters last weekend.
The Queensland competition follows the same format as the NRL with a top-eight finals system in place and teams one and two enjoying a home final in week one with the chance to go straight through to the preliminary final.
The Falcons are currently holding off the third-placed CQ Capras thanks to a superior for and against, with Redcliffe lurking just a point behind in fourth.
The Tigers will start round 18 just outside the finals positions in ninth place, equal on points with seventh-placed Tweed Seagulls and eighth-placed Northern Pride.
There’s likely to be a strong contingent of Storm talent in both line-ups with Fa’alogo, Will Warbrick and Jack Howarth set to again be starters for the Falcons, and Jayden Nikorima, Jordan Grant, Bronson Garlick and Jordan Pezet locked in to head north for the Tigers.
Only two rounds will remain in the home and away season after this weekend.
Kick-off in Saturday’s Tigers v Falcons showdown at Totally Workwear Stadium will be at 3pm.
