by MITCHELL DALE
SUNSHINE Coast Falcons coach Des Allen achieved a first during the week.
Allen has done hundreds of interviews for television and print during a playing and coaching career that almost stretches back to before the invention of colour TV.
But the usually calm Allen has never got so fired-up that he's dropped a swear word on air, which has later needed to be beeped out during a news bulletin.
That all changed last week when a cranky Allen let rip with a few choice words to underline his frustration about his club's lack of players and the apparent lack of support the Falcons receive from some local clubs.
But his bristling seems to have struck a chord at Beerwah.
The Bulldogs have the bye in the Maroochy RSL Cup this weekend and have generously offered three of their best players to the Falcons for their clash with Brisbane Broncos feeder club Aspley today.
Tough forwards Brett Brody and Jeffrey Bickford and utility back Daniel Grice trained with the Falcons on Thursday night and are likely to get a run against the Devils in Aspley.
The Bulldogs originally also offered star back Wade Rothery but the former NRL player has since withdrawn with injury.
"We saw Des on the TV Monday and realised that he needed a hand and we had to help out. The future of the Falcons in FOGS, and eventually Q Cup is essential for the area and players of the future," Beerwah president Brent Duncombe said.
Although Aspley is the Broncos' feeder club, its FOGS Cup team has been hot-and-cold this season, and today represents a realistic chance for the Falcons to notch their second win of the year.
"Aspley got a bit of a whacking against Ipswich last weekend (64-6), but who knows which players they will have this weekend," Allen said. "We are just better off worrying about ourselves. Last weekend we were found out in the last 10 minutes of each half, we need to play for the full 70 minutes.
"But having four fresh reserves on the bench will help.
"It is awesome that Beerwah have offered to help us out and I really have to thank Brent and (coach) Gavin Brody."
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