The Queensland Maroons fine-tuned their preparations for Game 1 of the 2025 State of Origin series with an opposed session against the Sunshine Coast Falcons at their new training base up the coast.
For the locals, it was a chance to see their beloved state representatives go against their beloved Hostplus Cup team, but for Falcons’ CEO Chris Flannery, it was a long overdue reunion with friend and former teammate, Billy Slater.
“Yeah, it was good to catch up with him [Billy Slater], as well as Josh Hannay and Nate Myles. It was good to have a laugh with those boys.” Said Flannery.
“We have another training session with the Maroons, so I know myself and the squad are looking forward to that. A lot of the boys have the day off work on Wednesday to be there, so it’ll be pretty exciting.”
Despite the friendliness between executives and coaches on the sidelines, on the training field – the intensity was palpable.
“It wasn’t an easy session. Hannay said to the boys that the intensity should be around 50%, but after Tino [Fa'asuamaleaui] cleaned one of our boys up early, the intensity lifted pretty quickly,.” Recalled Flannery.
“I think the Maroons got what they wanted out of the session, and our boys just loved being out there and seeing how elite Rugby League players train.”
With the bye last weekend, the Falcons’ attention will turn from the Maroons to the Mackay Cutters, as the Sunshine Coast look to bounce back from their defeat against the Tweed Seagulls in their last outing.
A win at home this weekend could see the Falcons jump to as high as sixth position, as they currently sit behind the Redcliffe Dolphins one spot outside the top eight.
So far, the team’s success can be credited in part to their halfback, Cody Hunter.
With three tries and six try assists in eight games, 2025 is shaping to be the best season of Hunter’s short career, as he continues to settle in at the Sunshine Coast after two seasons with the Redcliffe Dolphins.
Front Rower Cooper Page-Wilson is also having the best season of his career so far in 2025, with the Falcon averaging the most run metres and tackles of his career this year, as well as incorporating offloads and busting tackles at a career best rate.
You can catch every game of the 2025 Hostplus Cup season live and on demand via the Queensland Rugby League’s home of live streaming – Qplus.tv with subscriptions as low as $4.99 for a Round Pass.
