The Brisbane Tigers have kept their finals hopes alive with a comprehensive victory over the Western Clydesdales in Toowoomba.
The Clydesdales were able to make it a close contest in the first half, with tries to Luke Jurd and Todd White seeing the home side down by only ten points entering the second half.
Unfortunately for the Clydesdales, the Tigers would click into fifth gear in the second half, scoring 26 points while the Clydesdales could only manage eight.
Halfback Keagan Russell-Smith was immense, scoring twice and converting six from seven attempts to finish the day with 20 points.
The Tigers remain in ninth place, though a win this weekend and a loss from either the Hunters, Jets or Dolphins will see them earn a finals berth in 2025.
The Wynnum Manly Seagulls have snapped a three-game losing streak, defeating the PNG Hunters 32-10 at BMD Kougari Oval.
After a few quiet performances the week prior, Liam Sutton once again took control of the game last weekend, scoring two tries and using his impressive frame to amass a game-high 230 run metres.
New recruit Gary Tuilekutu had his best game in Seagulls colours, running for 191 metres and making two line breaks on the wing.
Following their loss, the Hunters now find themselves at risk of falling out of the eight should they lose their final game against the Pride next Saturday.
Despite rolling out a depleted lineup, the Burleigh Bears upset the Norths Devils at Bishop Park, reclaiming first position on the ladder.
Without the likes of Deine Mariner, Josiah Karapani or Jesse Arthars, the Bears found themselves in control throughout most of the match, with halfback Guy Hamilton putting in a man of the match performance.
Hamilton provided four try assists last Saturday, having the ball on a string whether it be passing or kicking.
Hamilton was given a great platform by his forwards, with Kurt De Luis, Matthew Koellner and Sam Coster dominating the middle.
Despite the loss, Devils winger Tony Tumusa was immense.
Tumusa ran for over 200 metres, scoring a try and making two line breaks, being a constant headache for Burleigh defenders with his fearless ball running.
The Bears currently sit outright first on the ladder, though a defeat against the Falcons this week will allow the Blackhawks and Devils to potentially overtake them, should those teams win in the final round.
The Sunshine Coast Falcons defeated the Ipswich Jets in Ipswich to secure their fifth consecutive victory.
The Falcons were in full control last Saturday, never allowing the strike power of the Jets backline to come to fruition, holding the Jets to their second lowest points total of the season.
Falcons’ halfback Cody Hunter had a day out, setting up three tries and running for just shy of 100 metres in a well-controlled performance.
Though the Jets are now at risk of missing the eight should they lose their last game of the season, the Falcons have an opportunity to snag a top four finish if they win their final game against the Burleigh Bears.
The Redcliffe Dolphins produced a statement victory against the Townsville Blackhawks at Kayo Stadium, after being held scoreless against the Falcons the weekend prior.
Dolphins centre Will Partridge produced his best performance of the season, scoring three tries and making four line breaks in a dominant showing.
Partridge’s partnership with fullback Zacariah Miles was devastating for the Blackhawks, as Miles continues to impress in the absence of Trai Fuller, this week running for 217 metres and setting up three line breaks.
Conversely, the Blackhawks looked overwhelmed in Redcliffe, failing to gain any momentum with ball in hand despite the attacking potential of their backline.
The Dolphins’ victory has kept them in the top eight for now, though a loss this weekend against the Cutters leaves them at risk of missing the finals.
The Northern Pride have won a tight contest in Tweed, defeating the Seagulls 39-32.
It was a tale of two halves at Seagulls Sporting Complex, with the Seagulls initially holding momentum after scoring 22 first half points.
However, the Northern Pride would start the second half in emphatic fashion, scoring five unanswered tries in 18 minutes.
The Seagulls would attempt to mount a late comeback with ten minutes left, though it wouldn’t be enough, as the Seagulls eventually finished seven points short of the Pride.
Pride fullback Ben Rumble delivered his best performance of the season, scoring one try and setting up another in addition to 130 run metres.
ROUND 22 RESULTS
Brisbane Tigers 40 def Western Clydesdales 20 at Toowoomba Sports Ground, Toowoomba
Wynnum Manly Seagulls 32 def PNG Hunters 10 at BMD Kougari Oval, Brisbane
Burleigh Bears 30 def Norths Devils 22 at Bishop Park, Brisbane
Sunshine Coast Falcons 30 def Ipswich Jets 12 at North Ipswich Reserve, Ipswich
Redcliffe Dolphins 36 def Townsville Blackhawks 10 at Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe
