Chargers’ lock Jeremy Schloss evades Manly enforcer Solomon Haumono
Test prop Martin Bella proved an inspirational force for Gold Coast Chargers against his old club Manly-Warringah in a thrilling Optus Cup Premiership match played at Carrara Stadium in front of a crowd of 10,643.
The Chargers were given no chance against the 1995 Grand Finalists, but were attacking at the death as Manly hung on for a 10-6 win with Sea Eagles coach Bob Fulton paying tribute to his Gold Coast rivals.
“We had to work very hard and the fact we had to defend for so long on our own line speaks volumes for this team’s character,” Fulton said. “A lesser defensive side would go out of here as losers.”
Bella, who played for the Cowboys in 1995, made two line breaks and produced two fine off-loads in a typically whole hearted performance in which his bullocking runs took a lot of energy out of defenders.
It looked as if ‘big Marty’ had scored a try just before halftime but debutant referee Matt Hewitt ruled he had been held up. Bella was adamant he had got the ball down on the line and a try should have been awarded.
Early in the second half Hewitt, who received his chance in the top grade after Brisbane’s Eddie Ward fell ill, called Chargers’ winger David Baildon back for a shepherd after he dummied his way over between the posts.
Manly led 10-0 after 60 minutes thanks to tries to Internationals Steve Menzies and Cliff Lyons, with Shannon Nevin converting Menzies’ try. The Chargers refused to go away and hooker, Jamie Goddard scored a try in the 70th minutes after strong lead-up work by lock, Darren Wolens. The try was converted by Lee Oudenryn.
The Chargers lacked the necessary finesse to go over again with coach Phil Economidis describing it as a case of white line fever. After withstanding an enormous amount of pressure Manly regained possession with less than a minute to go but gave the Chargers one last shot at glory when former All Blacks’ centre Craig Innes knocked-on with 33 seconds left. From the scrum 25 metres out from the Manly line Chargers’ five eighth Shane Kenward’s short kick went straight into the arms of a rival. Manly’s win saw them maintain second spot on the Premiership ladder.
Economidis reserved special praise for block busting lock Jeremy Schloss (ex-Ipswich), rating him State of Origin material. Other players singled out by Economidis were Bella, Goddard and centres Jaso Nicol and Kris Currie.
Chargers’ forward Des Clark finished the match with a broken thumb with Brendan Hurst set to be brought straight back into the top grade for the match against Illawarra, if he proved his fitness.
Welsh rugby league Test halfback and former union star Kevin Ellis sat on the bench for the Chargers against Manly with Economidis indicating he would pick him in reserve grade against the Steelers for match fitness.
The Brisbane Broncos Colts, playing under the Beenleigh Bulls’ banner, made an imposing start in the Gold Coast First Grade competition demolishing Tugun Seahawks 58-12 at Tugun. Tugun had two players sent from the field for foul play. The Broncos’ under-17s defeated Tugun under-19s 66-6. The Broncos had put together elite under-19 and under-17 squads to contest Super League but the Federal Court had ruled against the rebel competitions.
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Was great to see the Chargers jersey being worn by both players and supporters yesterday.
Announced at the Titans Members function pre game that a Gold Coast – Tweed Giants jersey will feature in 2028 …. 40th anniversary of the first GC team in the NSWRL / ARL.