The Gold Coast SUNS reserves will face a difficult assignment when NT Thunder travels to Metricon Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Josh Fraser’s side are still in the hunt for a spot in the top six and remain just one game outside a place in the finals, but the Thunder are coming off an impressive 53-point win over Sydney at TIO Stadium last weekend. A performance that saw them leap over defending premiers Aspley on percentage, and register their sixth straight win.

Injuries have continued to devastate the SUNS senior side with the flow on effect damaging the reserves. Despite another bunch of injuries, the reserves welcome back Danny Stanley and Jarrod Garlett from extended time on the sidelines.

Last year’s pick No. 15, Garlett, underwent an ankle reconstruction after suffering the injury during Gold Coast’s QClash loss to Brisbane in round five. It was initially thought that the livewire forward would miss the remainder of 2015, but he has progressed swiftly through his rehabilitation program to return ahead of schedule.

Stanley has missed the last six weeks due to a medial ligament strain in his knee. The 27-year-old has endured a frustrating year due to injury, but has the opportunity to finish off on a positive note with six weeks remaining in the season.

With just 11 listed players named for Saturday’s game, and five of those being rookie listed, the SUNS will once again go into the weekend’s game with a side full of academy players and a handful of top-up players. Less than ideal considering the quality of opposition, but the harsh reality of the NEAFL in its current state.

NEAFL Round 17 Team

B: C. Cameron, D. Gorringe, S. Thynne
HB: L. Herbert, J. Hall, J. Ellis
C: T. Jones, A. Raines, J. Garlett
HF: B. Scheer, T. Downie, E. Reeves
F: M. Spencer, P. Wright, C. Filewood
R: Z. Smith, D. Stanley, H. Kiel
Interchange: D. Mutu, D. Budarick, J. Joyce, T. Thynne
Emergencies: C. Marsden