Jamil Hopoate takes on the Newtown Jets defence at H.E Laybutt Sporting Complex last Sunday. Photo: Bryden Sharp Photography.
Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles Coach Pat Weisner is looking for the same strong effort from his players, but with a different result, against North Sydney Bears this Sunday.
The Sea Eagles suffered a 16-14 defeat in the dying stages to Newtown Jets at H.E Laybutt Sporting Complex at Blacktown last Sunday in their historic debut in the NSWRL Intrust Super Premiership competition.
Weisner said his team was unlucky to lose the game.
“We started really well and in the first half, we were probably the better side. It was the same in the second half, so to only go down by a couple of late penalty goals was disappointing, especially when we scored three tries to two,’’ Weisner said.
“The enthusiasm and the desire from the boys was really good. For a new team, they gelled really well and they tried hard. They should have come away with the win. They be disappointed to play so well and be so enthusiastic, and not to get the win.”
Weisner said in a strong team performance, five-eighth Cameron Cullen was outstanding. Cullen has since been named on the interchange bench for the Sea Eagles NRL team to play South Sydney at Lottoland on Saturday.
“Cameron was a good leader. Both times he has played for Blacktown, he has been our best player, so to see him go up to first grade is a good reward,’’ Weisner said.
“Brendan Attwood also did well, making 47 tackles and he got though plenty of good, quality work as well.
“To best honest, they all played very well and it was a good performance. We did everything but win.”
Weisner said North Sydney will be looking to continue their strong start following a 32-24 win over Wentworthville in the opening round. Centre Robert Jennings and winger Braidon Burns scored two tries each in the win.
“I watched the Bears against Wenty. They were really good, sharp and impressive,’’ Weisner added.
“Norths are always good at this level. They are really well coached by Ben Gardiner. It is going to be a tough game and we are going to have to be at our best again to compete.”
Match Schedule, Sunday, March 12, H.E Laybutt Sporting Complex, Blacktown
11.15am Sydney Shield: Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles vs Wentworthville Magpies
1pm Ron Massey Cup: Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles vs Wentworthville Magpies
3pm Intrust Super Premiership: Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles vs North Sydney Bears
Click here to see the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles Intrust team.
