Despite Cyclone Alfred disrupting much of the state, Round 4 of the Junior Statewide Competitions delivered electrifying action up north.
From thrilling last-minute tries to dominant displays and clutch kicking performances, teams in Mackay and Cairns battled fiercely, showcasing resilience and talent against the challenging backdrop of extreme weather.
Mal Meninga Cup presented by Ford
Mackay Cutters 28 def Central Queensland Capras 18
In a gritty encounter in Mackay, the Cutters secured a hard-fought 28-18 win over the Central Queensland Capras.
The difference-maker was the precise boot of Flynn Battaia, who nailed four-from-four conversions and added two crucial penalty goals to seal the victory.
Townsville Blackhawks 34 def Northern Pride 28
A thrilling contest in Cairns saw the Northern Pride’s centre pairing combine for half of their team’s tries.
Despite a strong first half, the Pride fell just short, as Jye Olsen’s near-perfect kicking performance, landing five from six, proved pivotal for the Blackhawks.
Harvey Norman U19s
Northern Pride 24 def Townsville Blackhawks 22
In a nail-biter at Cairns, the Northern Pride shot-out to a commanding 14-6 lead at halftime.
The Blackhawks mounted a fierce second-half comeback, but a last-minute try from Kemo Wamala clinched a thrilling 24-22 victory for the hosts.
Mackay Cutters 28 def Central Queensland Capras 12
The Cutters dominated from the start in Mackay with Ella Webb crossing over in the very first minute.
Her early effort set the tone for an onslaught of tries that saw the Cutters cruise to a 20-nil halftime lead to finish with a commanding 28-12 win.
Harvey Norman U17s
Northern Pride 26 def Townsville Blackhawks 6
A balanced and relentless attack from the Pride delivered a powerful display in front of their home crowd.
Tessa Kanai’s double helped propel the Pride to an emphatic 26-6 victory.
Central Queensland Capras 28 def Mackay Cutters 0
The Capras flexed their muscles in Mackay, opening with an early double from Isabelle Jensen before Charlotte McLean stole the show with an impressive hat-trick.
A dominant performance saw the Capras hold the Cutters scoreless in a commanding 28-nil win.
Cyril Connell Cup presented by Ford
Mackay Cutters 26 def Central Queensland Capras 16
A back-and-forth battle unfolded in Mackay as both teams traded blows early.
The Cutters’ second-half surge, combined with a rock-solid defensive line, proved too much for the Capras, securing a 26-16 victory.
Townsville Blackhawks 20 def Northern Pride 16
Physicality was on full display in Cairns as early tries from Gausa Dau and Zavier Suluvale-Liumaunu set the tone.
Despite the relentless try-scoring from both sides, it was the Blackhawks who landed the final blow when Trent Martin crossed over in the 53rd minute, sealing a narrow four-point win.
