The Souths Logan Magpies will be looking to rediscover their winning touch when they host the Wynnum Manly Seagulls in a crucial Hostplus Cup clash on Sunday.
Both sides will be eager to make amends for disappointing performances the weekend prior.
Wynnum had a horrible first half against the Sunshine Coast Falcons, down 22-0 at half time.
Although they found some warmth on a cold day in the second half, 22 points proved to tall a mountain to climb in the end.
Souths also suffered defeat, albeit in a very close match against the Ipswich Jets.
It’s yet another close loss for the Magpies, in a season which has seen them lose by six points or less five times.
The Magpies couldn’t stop the Jets go-forward and you can bet Wynnum’s forward pack will have taken notes.
Cameron Bukowski was given limited opportunities against the Falcons, but if the Magpies don’t tie in and keep it tight around the ruck, he will run his little heart out.
With both sides desperate for points as the regular season reaches its business end, there is plenty at stake.
The Magpies enter the contest having lost three of their last four games, while Wynnum Manly have suffered consecutive defeats which have seen them tumble from third to ninth on the ladder.
The Seagulls have traditionally held the upper hand in this rivalry.
Wynnum lead the all-time head-to-head record 35-20, with one match ending in a draw.
However, Souths Logan will take confidence from their last match against the Seagulls back in Round 1.
The Magpies travelled to BMD Kougari Oval in March and made lightwork of Wynnum, remaining in full control throughout the match as they finished 16-24 victors.
Recent history has otherwise favoured Wynnum, with the Seagulls winning two of the last three meetings.
Their record at Davies Park is particularly impressive, having won six of the last seven clashes against the Magpies at the venue.
Souths Logan will be hoping home ground advantage can help turn that record around.
The Magpies have won three of their last five matches at Davies Park, with a draw also included in that run, giving them just one defeat from their last five home games.
The Seagulls, meanwhile, need to rediscover their confidence away from BMD Kougari Oval.
Wynnum have lost their last three away games, adding another layer of intrigue to a contest where both sides have contrasting recent home and away records.
For Wynnum, there is also a major individual milestone within reach.
Alex Lobb needs just four points to bring up 200 for the season.
If he reaches the mark, he will become only the second Wynnum player to score 200 points in a Hostplus Cup season, following Josh Rogers, who scored 241 points in 2023.
It would also be a significant milestone for the competition, with Lobb's achievement set to become the 40th occasion a player has scored 200 points in a season.
That gives Lobb another target to chase on Sunday, but the Seagulls' priority will be getting back into the winner's circle after two consecutive losses.
Having fallen six places from third to ninth, Wynnum cannot afford to let their slump continue if they are to remain in the finals conversation.
It sets up an intriguing clash between two sides desperate to arrest a slide in form.
With history favouring Wynnum, recent home form favouring Souths Logan and Alex Lobb on the brink of a piece of Hostplus Cup history, there will be plenty to watch when the Magpies and Seagulls renew their rivalry at Davies Park.
This weekend’s broadcasted match is shaping to be anyone’s game and the only way to catch all the action live and free is via Qplus.tv.
