Goodna denies secret semis plan

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ANTHONY Fowler insists his appearance for Goodna on Sunday was not the unveiling of a shock secret weapon before the Ipswich Rugby League semi-finals.

Fowler was only filling in to cover for absent players.

Fowler said people shouldn’t read too much into his latest comeback, in the same way the result of Sunday’s thrilling 36-32 loss to Swifts means nothing when they meet again this weekend.

While the Reserves got up with Fowler’s assistance, the Eagles lost just their third A grade match of the season.

Yet it handed Swifts the minor premiership by a point.

While admitting it would have been good to take the minor title, Fowler has higher priorities.

“I’m not too worried,” the football stalwart said. “As long as we win the big one.”

Fowler doesn’t think the loss will have any bearing on what’s to come.

“Maybe in their heads it does,” he said, referring to Swifts.

“I don’t think there was any feeling going into the tackles so I’m not taking too much out of it.”

Fowler is resigned to being without fullback Nawai Nomoa and prop Andy Piutau with fractures on Sunday.

However, he welcomes back centre Max Seumanatafa and winger Ben Seve.

In under-18s, South Burnett wriggled their way back into the top two at the last opportunity.

They reclaimed second after a 58-6 win over Lowood on Saturday.

The Bushrangers owe a debt to Brothers, who held Springfield to a 26-all draw at the weekend.

South Burnett and Springfield finished on 27 points, four behind minor premiers Swifts. However, South Burnett’s better points differential earns them a meeting with Swifts on Sunday.

Goodna play Springfield in the knockout semi-final on Saturday.

South Burnett had set the standard through the first half of the season but let it slip in the later rounds.

However, coach Mal Clark believes it just needed a little bit of pressure to motivate them.

“We’re improving again,” he said.

“I think we’re getting it together with the ball.”

Of the top four, Clark’s was only surprised by the absence of Norths.

“In saying that, Goodna’s beat us twice,” he said.