Add CategoryHULKING Sunshine Coast forward Tui Kamikamica is ready for a blockbuster mate-versus-mate battle when the Falcons take on Easts Tigers in a knockout Intrust Super Cup semi-final.
The Melbourne-contracted prop will be one of at least seven Storm affiliates to play at Langlands Park for the Sunday afternoon showdown.
He will be joined in the Falcons line-up by Justin Olam, Jeremy Hawkins, Scott Drinkwater and Ryley Jacks while Easts will have Nate Myles and Mark Nicholls.
For Kamikamica, who made his NRL debut in Round 5, this Melbourne connection is what makes the showdowns between Sunshine Coast and Easts so thrilling.
“We all train together during the week so we know what we’re all bringing to the football field,†he said.
“If you want to play NRL with Melbourne, you need to be good in defence.
“It’s always a close game (between the sides) because the Storm players know they have to be good in defence.
“In last year’s finals, (Sunshine Coast) were one step away from the grand final and we lost against Redcliffe. It’s a challenge for me and the team to go another step this year.
“We have another mountain to climb this week.â€
The two sides have met twice this season, one game ending in a 7-all draw and the other finishing 17-16 to Easts.
INTRUST SUPER CUP SEMI-FINALS
â– East Tigers v Sunshine Coast Falcons, 1.30pm Sunday, Langlands Park (live on Channel 9)
â– PNG Hunters v Redcliffe Dolphins, 3pm, Sunday, Port Moresby