The Townsville Blackhawks have put down an early marker of good form with their Mal Meninga Cup (presented by Ford) 32-6 win over the Sunshine Coast Falcons.
The Blackhawks started like they had somewhere else to be and the Falcons were powerless to stop the onslaught which didn’t stop until the 66th minute.
Townsville was sensational with and without the ball.
In attack they made eight-line breaks; Declan Grady, the Blackhawks second rower made three-line breaks and 148 metres of ground as the Blackhawks ran riot.
With 46 tackle breaks and their sets going over 10 metres more, there was not much the Falcons could do to find comfort or shelter from the Blackhawks storm.
This week against the Mackay Cutters, the Blackhawks will be looking to take the blueprint from the Falcons game and apply it again.
The Cutters had a closer win against Toowoomba at home but dominated possession with 58 percent.
Cutters lock Ryan John was a light on the hill for his team’s good performance with 31 tackles.
His high energy play may see him promoted to Hostplus Cup for the Cutters before 2026 is finished.
In the Harvey Norman Under 19s, the Souths Logan Magpies are starting to gather momentum and speed, starting the season with two convincing wins.
The battle of the triple try scorers will be on.
Keira Rangi scored three first-half tries to have the Wynnum Manly Seagulls under all sorts of pressure.
The 10-try avalanche caused damage and destruction to the Seagulls’ defensive line. The Magpies’ spine controlled the game with 63 percent of the ball, and 13 line breaks.
Shelby Bochow was an awesome Magpie all game and Souths centre Harlem Walker did everything with 178 metres.
This week against the Bears it will take all that skill again. The Bears had their own impressive win against the Central Queensland Capras 34-6.
These two Under 19 heavy weights will bring good form to the round two clash.
Bears hooker Nivea Te Hokowhitu-Wynne made three-line breaks and three tries in a superb performance.
Harvey Norman Under 17s round two was all about defence with multiple involving no score.
The Dolphins will be looking to replicate their 36-0 win against the Norths Devils when they play the Bears, who ironically also won by the same scoreline last weekend against the Brisbane Tigers.
The Cyril Connell Cup match of the round is shaping up to be the top of the table clash between Norths Devils and Wynnum Seagulls.
It will be two school mates up against each other at Bishop Park.
Last week in tough conditions away from home, Norths Devils Nudgee College flyer Tané Crampton powered Norths to a commanding 38-6 win over northside neighbours Redcliffe at Kayo Stadium.
The Devils toughness was on show in captain Billy Spicer who made 19 tackles.
The Seagulls had their own Nudgee weapon with Barry Taukolo making 167 metres.
It was an old school slug vest with the Seagulls handling the Magpies 14-6 and shifting focus onto the Devils this week.
(Photo: @alix_sweeney) Blackhawks
