Weekend Wrap – Round 1: Junior Statewide Competitions

Author: QRL Media
Timestamp: Mon 10 Feb 2025, 04:59 PM

The 2025 Junior Statewide Competitions kicked off last weekend as the Burleigh Bears hosted the Ipswich Jets in both the Mal Meninga Cup presented by Ford and Harvey Norman U19s at UAA Park on the Gold Coast.

The Bears roared to commanding wins in both matches on Saturday afternoon to complete a Burleigh double and kickstart their respective season campaigns in style.

The Jets struck first in the Mal Meninga Cup opener through Henry Kallquist in the seventh minute, but the Bears quickly found their rhythm with Antonio Verhoeven crossing in the 23rd minute to set the tone for the home side. Tries to Tavake Tau‘a’alo (31’), Marley McLaren (33’), and Verhoeven again (39’) ensured the Bears held a 16-6 lead at halftime.

Burleigh continued their dominance in the second half, with Kaea Cribb adding to the scoreboard in the 49th minute. Hayden Watson was clinical with the boot, slotting three conversions to extend the Bears' advantage.

The Jets found some joy late with a try to Marlon Frost (61’), but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.

A sin bin for McLaren (43’) briefly reduced the Bears to 12 men, but they remained composed to close out a strong 28-12 victory.

Meanwhile, a second half comeback saw the Bears storm home to claim their Harvey Norman U19s season opener with a convincing 34-8 win over Ipswich.

The first half was a tight contest, with both sides locked at 8-8 at the break.

The Jets started strongly, with Ella-Jaye Harrison-Leaunoa crossing for a double in the 13th and 23rd minutes, but the Bears responded through Brianna Toopi (6’) and Nadia Windleborn (19’) to set-up an even contest at the break.

The second half belonged entirely to home side, as Burleigh ran in five unanswered tries to seal the win.

Toopi added three more tries to complete a four-try-haul (32’, 37’, 55’), with Tunney-Lee Marama (48’) and Bella Thompson (52’) also crossing the line.

Windleborn was influential, adding two conversions to her try, while Liarna Barber-Salvation also slotted a goal.

The Bears’ dominant finish in both competitions sent a strong message to the competition, while the Jets will be looking to bounce back in Round 2 after promising first games.