THEN there was one.

Tweed Heads Seagulls hold sole ownership of the Intrust Cup Rugby League lead, following last weekend’s thrilling 33-32 win over Burleigh Heads in a rip-snorter of a local derby at Piggabeen Sports Complex.

Redcliffe Dolphins had a share of the competition lead leading into last week’s round but succumbed 36-28 to Northern Pride, leaving the Seagulls holding outright pride of place at the head of the table.

It is a position they thoroughly deserve after displaying ultra-consistent form in maintaining an unbeaten record over the first seven rounds.

The Seagulls head up to the Sunshine Coast tomorrow to face the lowly Sea Eagles, who are doing it very tough this season after opting out of being an NRL feeder club for Manly.

That prevents them using not-required NRL squad members on a regular basis, resulting in them lacking the necessary firepower to have much hope against the Intrust Cup heavyweights.

And, going on form, the Seagulls are the heaviest of the heavyweights and will be expected to post a big win over their struggling rivals.

News out of the Seagulls camp is that Rod Griffin will miss at least a week after having an operation on his nose on Thursday.

Griffin’s nose was given a huge whack a fortnight ago and medical staff deemed it necessary for him to have an operation.

Coach Ben Anderson will take an unchanged line-up into the fixture, including Shannon Walker at fullback, who was a late replacement for Ryan Milligan.

Walker was originally ruled out with injury but it responded to treatment and he informed Anderson he was ready to play, prompting the coach to put Milligan back to the bench and hand the No. 1 jersey to his match-winner.

Anderson said he was more than satisfied with how his team was faring so far this season and puts it down to a happy team.

“Everyone is putting in at training and on the playing field – there are no slackers among this lot.

“They’re enjoying their football and it is showing in the good results week after week,” he said.

Anderson couldn’t fault any of his troopers but made special mention of the efforts put in by halves Brad Davis and Matt King, giant prop Brock Hunter and try-scoring wizard Nat Barnes.

“But I’m particularly chuffed at what Josh Starling has brought to the team,” he said.

“He came to us from the Rabbitohs under-20s and is proving a real find.”