Defending BRL premiers Ipswich Jets have shown they are contenders to take out the title once again this year after securing a 32-14 win over Easts Tigers in their elimination final match.
In the weeks leading up to this game, Jets coach Mark Bishop has been pleased with his team’s performance, and said he could not have asked anymore from his players in this most recent game
“They did everything I asked them too. We did have a few lapses where we switched off; but we back ourselves and picked up our attitude in defence,” Bishop said.
Josh Damen and Rowan Winterfield both scored a double apiece to help secure the victory for their side.
“Josh was the man on the spot, he has very good acceleration and was able to get over the line,” Bishop said.
“Rowan has worked hard all season and it was a good reward for him.
“He had a bet with the boys if he did not score before the end of the season he would be doing a nudie run. Well – he has avoided that,” Bishop laughed.
As many coaches will tell you, the finals are always a different ball game to the regular season and at this stage of the season, all the teams have the ability to win the key matches.
Bishop will be hoping his side can “control the controllable” and focus on each week as it comes.
“The remaining four teams are all contenders for the title, we will be focusing on this game this weekend,” Bishop said.
“We will be focusing on ourselves and worrying only about what we can control.
“Everyone has the ability to win, the finals are a whole new comp, but we just have to focus on this weekend and play our best.”
The Jets will have their second home final again this weekend when they will host the West Brisbane Panthers after their 36-22 win over the Gaters.
“They are a big pack, we just have to make sure we defend and play our best,” Bishop said.
“If we win then we will focus on the next game, if we don’t then at least we have had a good crack at. That’s all I can ask from the boys.”
