Tweed Seagulls have opened their Hostplus Cup campaign with an impressive 34-28 Round 1 victory over the Sunshine Coast Falcons at the Preston Building Sports Complex, Piggabeen.
Although only early days in the competition, it was potentially a season-shaping win for the Seagulls, who trailed 22-16 at half-time.
Second-half tries from Jensen Taumoepeau, Tim Carson and Max Bradbury – all converted by Lindon McGrady – capped off a successful comeback for the Seagulls.
Tweed got off to a flyer in the first half with a weight of possession resulting in an early try to big forward Jesse Jackson.
The Seagulls will now go up against the Northern Pride next weekend in Cairns, where new Seagulls coach Joe O’Callaghan goes head to head with his former club.
The Falcons will search for their first win of the season when they play the Ipswich Jets in Hervey Bay.
Ipswich got its season off to a flyer with a commanding 30-0 victory over the Townsville Blackhawks at Goodna.
Jets utility Ken Maumalo iced the game with two late tries as the Jets kept the visiting Blackhawks scoreless with determined defence in wet conditions.
Titans contracted starts Josh Patston and Oliver Pascoe handled the ball regularly for the Jets, who were also well served by skipper Moses Mbye.
At BMD Kougari Oval, Souths Logan Magpies recorded a strong 24-16 win over the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.
Young hooker Callum Eggerling stamped his class for the Magpies with two tries.
At Nundah’s newly named Premiers’ Park, Mackay Cutters roared to life with a superb 32-18 win over the Norths Devils.
Jimmy Ngutlik and Jordan Martin scored doubles for Mackay.
Burleigh Bears, Brisbane Tigers and Central Queensland Capras were the other Round 1 winners.
All three teams were successful away from home, with the Capras’ 24-16 win over the PNG Hunters at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby arguably the biggest upset of the round.
