Round 7: Weekend Wrap - Hostplus Cup

Author: QRL Media
Timestamp: Mon 28 Apr 2025, 02:37 PM

After failing to make the top eight in 2024, the Townsville Blackhawks have turned a corner this year, as last weekend’s victory over the Brisbane Tigers extends their winning streak to five games with no losses on the year.

Hooker Jayden Hodges took on a mountain of work in the win, notching up a mammoth 50 tackles with a try assist tacked on for good measure.

Jack Campagnolo at five-eighth was also busy on the day, assisting three tries and running just short of 100 metres at Totally Workwear Stadium.

Another half who had a busy Saturday afternoon was Paull Rau-Turner of the Tweed Seagulls, though his two try assists, and one try scored was not enough to propel his side to a victory against the Mackay Cutters.

Playing at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, the Cutters came back from a twelve-point deficit to overrun the Tweed Seagulls.

Leading from the back, Raydan Burns was instrumental in his team’s victory, his fast footwork and fearless ball carries proving pivotal in the late stages of the game.

Continuing north to Port Moresby, the PNG Hunters were able to snap a losing streak in front of a home crowd, overcoming the Burleigh Bears 22-14.

Gairo Voro put last weekend’s game-defining error behind him, backing his firebrand style of rugby league as he ran fifty metres for the game’s first try.

On the edge, it was Robert Mathias who bulldozed his way over for a double, also making thirty-two tackles with no misses.

Alex Max is also making a serious case to NRL sides, as his hot run of form continued, busting six tackles and assisting a try.

Back down in Brisbane, the Norths Devils continue their winning ways, making it six wins from as many games at home against the Western Clydesdales.

Manase Kaho scored yet again as the prolific winger continues display consistent excellence this season.

Versatile outside back Blask Paskins picked up his second double of the season, as the Devils go from strength to strength in each game.

Moving east to BMD Kougari Oval in Wynnum, the Seagulls fell to a Jets outfit buoyed by returning NRL talent.

Fresh off his debut in the starting side against the Canberra Raiders, Alan Fitzgibbon returned to the Hostplus Cup in fine fashion, crossing for a double and running for a ridiculous 224 metres in a 22-6 win over a top four Seagulls side.

His Titans compatriot Josiah Pahulu also stuffed the stat sheet, as the nuggety prop ran for 141 metres and completed 24 tackles.

Discipline killed the Seagulls, with their 7 penalties constantly stemming their momentum.

It’s worrying signs for the Redcliffe Dolphins, as their surprise loss to the Falcons serving as their third consecutive loss.

Boosted by the return of legendary front-rower Nelson Asofa-Solomona, the Falcons played their best game of the season on route to a statement win.

Both Thallon Peters and Blake Moore crossed for two tries, as the Falcons execution proved far superior to their opposition.

Dolphins front rower Tray Lolesio did all he could however, running for 130 metres in yet another impressive performance in a losing side.

Israel Leota the hat-trick hero underscored a much-needed bounce back win for the Souths Logan Magpies, as they leave the Clydesdales behind as the only team on two competition points.

A sin bin to Capras second-rower Ben Condon proved pivotal, as the Magpies crossed twice when their opposition was a man down.

The performances of Nixon Putt this season should be a silver lining for Capras fans however, as the second rower crossed for a try in addition to his gutsy defensive work and strong metreage.