Round 9 Saturday wrap: Souths Logan claim thriller over Tweed

"It was definitely a grind of a game and it was different to our last couple of contests but just as pleasing," Hunt said.

"I was really happy they managed to grind out a result like that. We expected that from Tweed - they’re a classy, quality Cup side.

"It was a result that we had to really dig deep for. Our games against Redcliffe, Townsville, even Wynnum to a degree, from quite early in the second half anyone watching would have thought those results weren't in doubt.

"But tonight it was 50/50 for a lot of the contest. For them to hold their nerve and stick together and grind out the result, it was a really positive sign for our group."

The win now sees Souths Logan move into second place on the ladder, with the former competition leaders Central Queensland Capras slipping into third place following a loss to Redcliffe in Round 9.

It was a statement victory for the Magpies, who will next week head north to Tully to take on the Northern Pride.

Tweed meanwhile will look to bounce back against the Ipswich Jets in Round 10.

Hunt - who was particularly impressed with the efforts of Pereira, Tyler Coburn and Jack Svendsen - said he has a lot of respect for Tweed and felt the result really could have gone either way.

"The thing I admired about Tweed, and still do, is they’re a team that don’t give up and don’t give you anything easy or cheap," Hunt said.

"They’re a team that won’t go away. They’re well-coached and have a lot of experience and really made us find some resolve when things weren’t going our way.

"Up until 60 to 70 minutes, they could have easily taken the lead. It’s a pleasing result for us to get that win."

Souths Logan were not the only team to make a statement on the opening two days of Round 9, with Townsville flexing their muscle against the PNG Hunters in a rare Friday night clash.

The Blackhawks - who have had a rollercoaster start to 2023 - notched up a stunning 54-4 victory in front of their home crowd to get back in the winner's circle.

Elsewhere on Saturday, the Burleigh Bears also recorded a massive win, overcoming the Mackay Cutters 42-6 at BB Print Stadium.

The Bears now move into top spot on the Hostplus Cup ladder for the first time in 2023.

Central Queensland meanwhile registered their second straight loss this season - and lost top spot on the ladder - after Redcliffe came to ruin Capras captain Jack Madden's 100th Cup game celebrations.

The Dolphins, fresh off a bye, raced out to a 30-0 halftime lead and managed to hold out a second half Capras comeback to post the 36-20 victory.

And in the final Saturday game, it was an absolute nail-biter between the Northern Pride and Western Clydesdales.

The seesawing affair in Toowoomba saw the lead change hands several times before Ty Williams' men took the two points with a 32-30 victory over the home team.

In the final match of Round 9 on Sunday, the Norths Devils will host the Brisbane Tigers in this weekend's feature game.