Statewide score wrap: Footy's back
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How good was it to have community rugby league return in Queensland?
Brisbane was the first of six senior leagues to commence its 2020 season at the weekend, kicking off the shortened 10-week In Safe Hands Cup with five new local teams.
Gold Coast, Ipswich, Mackay and Mount Isa return this weekend, whilst far North Queensland fans will look ahead to the new Lightning Challenge in Cairns on August 8.
In Safe Hands Cup - Brisbane
It may have poured down, but that didn't stop the Brisbane Rugby League faithful turning out in numbers across the city - being extra courteous to physical distance - to watch Round 1 of the In Safe Hands Cup.
As expected, former Queensland Maroons star Scott Prince strengthened Valleys' attack and was an ace with the boot, slotting a perfect eight from eight, as doubles to Jayden Corrigan and Nesta Watene helped guide the Diehards to a 20-point victory over the Bears.
Intrust Super Cup representatives Linc Port and Braydon Torpy were amongst the point-scorers for Carina in their win against co-Tigers affiliates, Bulimba.
Normanby were brave with a gallant first half effort over 2019 premiers Wynnum, but the Seagulls flexed their muscle in the second 40 with tries to Cup stars Matthew Milson, Junior Pauga and Max Plath.
And in the final match on Saturday, new kids on the block Brighton showed their determination and pluckiness in trying to upset last year's minor premiers, but Wests were too strong in the torrential rain, grinding out a tough win.
Round 1 Results
Valleys Diehards 48 defeated Pine Rivers Bears 26
Carina Tigers 34 defeated Bulimba Bulldogs 4
Wynnum Manly Seagulls 24 defeated Normanby Hounds 14
West Brisbane Panthers 20 defeated Brighton Roosters 10
Round 1 Ladder
| # | Team | W | D | L | +/- | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carina Tigers | 1 | 0 | 0 | +30 | 3 |
| 2 | Valleys Diehards | 1 | 0 | 0 | +22 | 3 |
| 3 | West Brisbane Panthers | 1 | 0 | 0 | +10 | 3 |
| 4 | Wynnum Manly Seagulls | 1 | 0 | 0 | +10 | 3 |
| 5 | Normanby Hounds | 0 | 0 | 1 | -10 | 1 |
| 6 | Brighton Roosters | 0 | 0 | 1 | -10 | 1 |
| 7 | Pine Rivers Bears | 0 | 0 | 1 | -22 | 1 |
| 8 | Bulimba Bulldogs | 0 | 0 | 1 | -30 | 1 |
Holcim Cup - South East Queensland Women
Begins August 1 with the following fixtures:
Easts Tigers v Tweed Seagulls*
Easts Tigers v Burleigh Bears*
Tweed Seagulls v Burleigh Bears*
West Brisbane Panthers v Souths Logan Magpies
*denotes games that will only feature one half
QTOP A Grade Premiership - Gold Coast
Begins August 1 with the following fixtures:
Runaway Bay Seagulls v Mudgeeraba Redbacks
Tugun Hawks v Ormeau Shearers
Burleigh Bears v Southport Tigers
Currumbin Eagles v Helensvale Hornets
Volunteers' Cup - Ipswich
Begins August 1 with the following fixtures:
Gatton Hawks v Norths Tigers
West End Bulldogs v Souths Toowoomba Tigers
Goodna Eagles v Toowoomba Valleys Roosters
Walters outlines steps to take to watch community footy
Components Only Cup - Mackay A Grade
Begins August 1 with the following fixtures:
Townsville Brothers v Souths Sharks
Carltons Devils v Townsville Norths
Mackay Magpies v Mackay Brothers
Wests Tigers - Bye
Mackay Airport Cup - Mackay Women
Townsville Brothers v Townsville Norths
Mackay Magpies v Mackay Brothers
Wests Tigers - Bye
Mount Isa A Grade Premiership
Begins August 1 with the following fixtures:
Town v Wanderers
Blackstars - Bye
Lightning Challenge - Cairns A Grade
Begins August 8.
