Deaves facing more time out 10/07/2010

Comets' Alan Rothery will make his return tonight from suspension. Photo: Chris Ison

Deaves missed the Redcliffe clash with what was thought to be a cork, but medical staff have since been forced to re-assess that injury and now believed it was a cartilage problem.

Daniel Pickering has been brought back into the starting line-up and plays on the wing.

“Everything is on track,” Comets coach Wayne Barnett confirmed, while naming his team for tonight’s clash against Norths at Browne Park.

That might sound odd as the Comets still have a few injuries but Barnett is being realistic as the team he named on Tuesday is still the one to go into battle tonight apart from Deaves.

One of the standout players for the Comets has been fullback Junior Auru, who was again in excellent form against Redcliffe, looking particularly strong under the high kicks opposition halfback Michael Roberts sent in his direction.

Unfortunately he is nursing a strained groin muscle and misses the Norths clash.

Hard-running Alan Rothery returns from suspension and that is a massive bonus for the Comets as he is one player with drive who can attack a defensive line while still releasing the ball with clever off-loads to maintain his team’s momentum.

“I’m very happy to see Alan back in the side,” Barnett admitted.

The skills of Rothery are evident but the forward has incurred the wrath of match officials too often and that has resulted in him facing disciplinary actions.

The Comets had three players placed on report at Redcliffe but Tim Glasby, Darren Mapp and Jade Williams escaped suspension after producing an early guilty plea.

If the Intrust Super Cup ladder is an indicator of how the game with Norths will be played out, it might appear the Comets stand little chance as Norths sit in second spot, while the Ipswich Jets is the only team below the Comets.

That side is made even stronger with the inclusion of forward Scott Anderson.

The 111kg prop comes into the side having played most of the season with the Broncos and previously for the all-conquering Melbourne Storm.

Another problem the Norths Devils have scored the most points in 2010 while the Comets defensive record is one of the poorest in the competition.

THE TEAM

1. Matt Minto, 2. Daniel Pickering, 3. Jade Williams, 4. Josh Bishop, 5. Dallas Williams, 6. Guy Williams, 7. Ian Webster, 8. Tim Glasby, 9. Marc Fickling, 10. Alan Rothery, 11. Tyron Haynes, 12. Darren Mapp, 13. Mick Esdale.

Interchange: 14. Chris Beasley, 15. Guy Ford, 16. Liam Anlezark, 17. Gerard Parle

Story courtesy of Alan Kennedy at The Morning Bulletin