Townsville Blackhawks have capped off a dominant Mal Meninga Cup season (presented by Ford) with a fairy tale finish to their hard-fought grand final against Wynnum Manly Seagulls.
Both teams put everything on the line in a gripping contest at Kayo Stadium but it was the Blackhawks who emerged victorious after a clutch plays from star duo Archie Mesritz and Taj Lateo.
With the score locked at 20-20 and extra time seemingly just a minute and a half away, Mesritz ignited the Blackhawks with a brilliant kick return.
The surge put the Townsville team within reach of a one-point field goal, and man of the moment Lateo stepped up with a flat strike that sailed over the cross bar with just 30 seconds remaining.
An exhausted Wynnum team slumped to their knees, but they could hold their heads high after a superb effort.
The Seagulls led 8-0 early before the Blackhawks soared back with the next 20 points.
But when Jordan Hotere crossed and Payton Gifford landed his fourth goal, it was all locked up and the Gulls were in reach of a famous victory.
It wasn’t to be though for the bayside club as the Blackhawks held their nerve to clinch a thriller.
Townsville Blackhawks 21 (Ashyr Kelso, Alekisio Siale, Taj Lateo, Taylan To'a tries; Taj Lateo 2 goals; Taj Lateo field goal) def Wynnum Manly Seagulls 20 (Alastair MacLachlan, Bailen Noy, Jordan Hotere tries; Payton Gifford 4 goals)
