Launceston City hosts the Smithton Saints in the early GNL match at St Leonards, and based on current form, the local side could find containing the Saints difficult.
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The Saints’ defence has been strong with solid work from keeper Mitch Lovell and fullbacks Nigel Kingston and Logan Buckby.
Keegan Popowski controls the central distribution well, supplying Kade Woodrage and Joe Coombs.
City has struggled to field numbers in their comeback season relying on club stalwarts Jeremy Stebbings, Colin Pearson and Dominic Gill to control their much younger opposition.
Queechy hosts Devonport in the second match of the day without Coach Brett Withington and brother Stuart away on national duties.
The Qs have been the standout performers so far and still have plenty of junior talent to burn, although they may be missing some of their stars with junior state sides also on tour.
Tom Moir, Matt Franklin and keeper Derrick Heathorn will soak up the pressure from the Subbies attack, with the focal points Sam Rossetto and Evan Lawrence up front.
The Devonport line-up has many of the same old faces as previous years, and with a good understanding of each other’s play they can be a formidable opposition.
Mick Williams and Callum Dubeld, link well together and with the addition of ex-Suns forward Sam Phillips any space around the circle will be crucial in defence or attack.
The reigning premiers South Launceston head to Burnie to play City Marians.
Their lack of discipline squandered their lead, a point Coach Al McBain will drive home before the game starts, with composure around the ball key to winning.
Kurt Budgeon, Shannon Weedon and Mark Lockwood are pivotal up front for the Suns and can produce match winners if the combination fires.
The Bloods are another of the older combos with years of experience that will catch the younger players napping.
Matt Cameron, Rhys Burgess and Craig McCarthy constantly float into different positions with devastating results as they pick up the ball with ease.
West Devonport host South Burnie at Meercroft in what should again be another learning curve for the young Dragons side.
The Hawks’ experience will show as they string together clear passes with ease, keeping the Dragons’ defence under pressure.
