Mal Meninga Cup Archives - OurFootyTeam

Blackhawks snatch Meninga Cup thriller

qrlmedia — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:18:36 +0000

Blackhawks snatch Meninga Cup thriller

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

TRIES : Ashyr Kelso, Alekisio Siale, Taj Lateo, Taylan To’a
GOALS : Taj Lateo 2
F/GOAL : Lateo field

def

Wynnum Manly Seagulls 20

TRIES : Alastair MacLachlan, Bailen Noy, Jordan Hotere
GOALS : Payton Gifford 3
P/GOAL : Payton Gifford

Mal Meninga Cup Grand Final Weekend Wrap

ourfooty — Mon, 12 May 2025 05:11:30 +0000

Mal Meninga Cup Grand Final Weekend Wrap

Author : QRL Media

Mal Meninga Cup Grand Final Weekend Wrap

Grand Final Weekend Wrap Mal Meninga Cup (Photo : QRL)

The Burleigh Bears, a month removed from their Cyril Connell Cup premiership, have added the Mal Meninga Cup (Presented by Ford) to their trophy cabinet, outlasting the Redcliffe Dolphins in a blockbuster Grand Final which included two halves of Golden Point.

Coming into the match, the Dolphins and Bears were slated with equal chances of victory, though the Bears’ side entered the game notably more experienced, having been defeated in the Grand Final last year.

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It would be the Dolphins striking first through centre Seth Carpenter, racing out to a 4-nil lead after five minutes.

Despite the early try, the first half points would remain static after Carpenter’s four-pointer, with both defences showing great resilience on their own lines, neither the Dolphins nor Bears giving an inch.

As both teams took to the pitch for the second half, the energy in the stadium remained rather pedestrian following a gritty defensive display in the opening thirty-five minutes.

However, a double for Bears’ winger Disharne Tohini within five minutes would bring Kayo Stadium back to life, with the Bears pushing their noses in front 8-4.

After a much-needed return serve from Dolphins’ winger Callum Bowles, scores would be level once more at 8-a-piece, as gale force winds proved a major headache for conversation takers on both teams.

Another unsuccessful conversion attempt following a brilliant try finished by Hayden Watson would be rectified with a penalty goal taken with five minutes left, putting the Bears up six-points – a likely death knell for the Dolphins considering the conditions.

However, in the final play of regular time, crafty hooker Braelan Marsh would scoot over from dummy-half, reducing the deficit by two and passing the onus on to fullback Reeco Kirk, who had the most important conversion of his career ahead of him.

As the full-time siren rung out, a pin drop could be heard in the stadium as Kirk settled himself for the do-or-die kick.

Composed, Kirk stepped up and laced the Steeden.

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With the ball starting it’s trajectory appearing to be flying over the black dot.

It became caught in the left-to-right wind, straying right and smashing the inside of the right-upright, falling just over the crossbar and levelling the scores 14-14.

Thankfully for fans, and unthankfully for the players – the bona-fide horror movie would continue providing drama after regulation time had finished.

As both sides dealt blows to one another, the final set of the first extra-time would result in a penalty for the Bears, fourty metres out from the Dolphins try-line and ten metres in from the right touchline.

Hayden Watson struck the ball clean as a whistle, with the ball’s trajectory once again slated for success, before being caught in the wind and leathering the right up-right once more.

This time however, the ball ricocheted away from the crossbar, hitting the ground and being desperately thrown over touch by the Dolphins.

Second extra-time it is.

With fatigue well and truly setting in for both teams, a game winning play beckoned for those willing to grab the moment.

In steps Tupou Francis.

Player of the Match in the Cyril Connell Cup Grand Final, the sixteen-year-old had already been one of Burleigh’s best so far this match.

As everyone in attendance braced themselves for a field-goal finish, Francis caught the ball on his own fourty-metre line, bouncing off his right foot he upset the balance of his defender.

Only needing a modicum of space, Francis shrugged off his opposing man – breaking the line as Kayo Stadium erupted in pandemonium.

Burleigh Lock, Anton Whaiapu followed up in support as Francis approached Redcliffe’s fullback – and a successful draw and pass would see Whaiapu cross the line for the match-winning try.

Burleigh were crowned victors 18-14, as they completed the double of the Cyril Connell and Mal Meninga Cup in truly cinematic fashion.

Access the full replay of the Grand Final live and on demand via QPlus.TV, with monthly packages starting from less than $2.50 a week.

Tweed Seagulls crowned premiers

qrlmedia — Sun, 26 May 2024 02:31:28 +0000

Tweed Seagulls crowned premiers

Author : Rikki-Lee Arnold Statewide content producer

Tweed Seagulls crowned premiers in undefeated Mal Meninga Cup season

Mal Meninga Cup Grand Final Action Photo’s

The Tweed Seagulls stuck to the script in Saturday’s Mal Meninga Cup grand final, finishing season 2024 undefeated to be crowned premiers.

In a dominant performance at Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium, the Seagulls put their Gold Coast rivals Burleigh Bears to the sword with a 36-12 victory.

It was a fitting finish to a year in which the Seagulls not only ended as minor premiers but also went through the season without recording a single loss and just one draw.

Coach Sam Meskell said he was impressed with how his team overcame the pressure of being the competition leaders to execute against the Bears on Saturday.

“I’m very happy for the boys mostly,” he said.

“They do all the hard work. It’s been a really good season in terms of results and getting the minor premiership and going through undefeated.

“They probably felt a little bit of pressure today so really happy for them that they got the job done at the end of the road.

“Being undefeated… it wasn’t really a focus. I didn’t want to make a deal of it because it applies more pressure. But the boys will be quite proud of it.

“There were games where we behind and we came over the top and there were games where we led so they found a way to not get beat all season and that’s a credit to their resilience.”

Grand Final – Saturday 25th May – Full Time

Burleigh Bears 2024 Mal Meninga Cup Grand Final team (Photo – Steve Montgomery)

Seagulls 36 – 12 Bears

Venue: Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe

Team Stats

Mal Meninga Cup Grand Final Action Photo’s

Play by Play

Tweed were the first to cross, with Cory Pearse and Billy Wellard combining to capitalise on a Burleigh mistake within the opening minute.

From here however, Burleigh had all the momentum and were firing in attack, constantly threatening with the ball in hand.

They managed to hit back quickly through Jett Bryce in the sixth minute and then earned back-to-back sets, increasing the pressure on Tweed.

It required the Seagulls to defend repetitive sets on the line and this was ultimately where the game was won, as Tweed did not leak a single point in a tense 15 minute period.

A change in momentum then saw Tweed start to runaway with the game as they scored three more tries before the break to go into halftime up 24-6.

Meskell said that defensive period in the first half was the key.

Tweed captain, Zane Harrison bags a grand final try. Photo: Steve Montgomery

“It was probably everything,” he said.

“If we cracked there and conceded two or three then all of a sudden we’re chasing the game. That was massive. Luckily when we got an opportunity, we capitalised.”

Tweed captain Zane Harrison was named player of the match for his precision and calm nature in attack, while Meskell also gave praise to Wellard and Pearse for stepping up where needed.

Tweed captain Zane Harrison was named player of the match (Photo – Steve Montgomery)

Winger Tyson Ploegsma bagged a hat-trick in the victory while Wellard’s opening four-pointer was his first of the season.

Tweed Seagulls

1. Mason Barber 2. Tyson Ploegsma 3. Billy Tonkin 4. Sam Stephenson 5. Bailey Simpson 6. Ryder Williams 7. Zane Harrison 8. Jack Schmidt 9. Cory Pearse 10. Zac Kumbamong 11. Junior Filimaua 12. Jac Finigan 13. Isaac Harrison 14. Jack Hudson 15. Tom Summer 16. Billy Wellard 17. Jake Lateo 18. Ethan Schultz 19. Brock Lennox 20. Toran O’Donnell 21. Callum Bowles

Burleigh Bears

1. Raymond Puru 2. Saxon Innes 3. Sunny Kama 4. Phillip Coates 5. Creedence Kelly Donovan 6. Bailey McConnell 7. Coby Black 8. Brady Turner 9. Hayden Watson 10. Talas Abell 11. Jett Bryce 12. Amare Milford 13. Cooper Bai 14. Klay Tancred 15. Kanititeiti Sikahele 16. Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu 17. Disharne Tonihi 18. Kilarney Lavender 19. Daniel Rakena 20. Jye Watton

Referee: Dylan Lawrence
Sideline Ref’s : Harrison Lea, Scott Whelan

Mal Meninga Cup Grand Final Action Photo’s

For a replay of the Mal Meninga Cup grand final, subscribe to Qplus.tv.

Watch Tweed captain Zane Harrison ‘s interview with QRLTV

Mal Meninga Cup Grand Final Action Photo’s

Mal Meninga Cup qualifying finals review

qrlmedia — Mon, 13 May 2024 23:17:39 +0000

Mal Meninga Cup qualifying finals review

Author : Rikki-Lee Arnold Statewide content producer

Mal Meninga Cup qualifying finals review

The grand finalists for the 2024 Mal Meninga Cup have been decided following a blockbuster weekend of qualifying finals.

In the first qualifying final on Saturday at Tugun, the minor premiers Tweed Seagulls put in a massive second half to go from 12-10 up at halftime to progress to the premiership decider with a 42-14 scoreline over the Ipswich Jets.

Backrower Jac Finigan bagged a double in the win, which will see the Seagulls play in the grand final at Kayo Stadium on Saturday, May 25.
Match: Seagulls v Jets

Preliminary Final – Saturday 11th May

Seagulls 42 – 14 Jets

Team Stats

Play by Play

In the second qualifying final, the Burleigh Bears caused a huge upset, toppling the reigning premiers in the Redcliffe Dolphins.

In similar circumstances to the Tweed and Ipswich clash, the first half was an arm wrestle, with the Dolphins jumping out of the gate first with hooker Amare Wynyard crossing in the second minute.

Bears fullback Raymond Puru responded just seven minutes later and from here Burleigh kept the momentum rolling, with a double to Disharne Tonihi and another try to Creedence Kelly Donovan handing them an 18-6 halftime lead.

In the second stanza, the Bears ran riot to get the upset victory, with Hayden Watson, Phillip Coates, Coby Black and Amare Milford all crossing to secure a 42-10 win.
Match: Dolphins v Bears

Preliminary Final – Saturday 11th May

Dolphins 10 – 42 Bears

Play by Play

The stage is set now for the famous Tweed and Burleigh rivalry to play out in the biggest game of the Mal Meninga Cup season.

The last time Tweed playing in the grand final was 2021, which they won 30-24 over the Townsville Blackhawks.

Tweed Seagulls in action. Photo: Jason O’Brien/QRL

The Bears meanwhile have never played in a Mal Meninga Cup grand final, with the under 19s now chasing a piece of history for the club.

Catch all the Mal Meninga Cup qualifying finals replays on Qplus.tv.

Mal Meninga Cup elimination finals

qrlmedia — Mon, 06 May 2024 04:26:32 +0000

Mal Meninga Cup elimination finals

Author : Rikki-Lee Arnold Statewide content producer

Mal Meninga Cup elimination finals

The Burleigh Bears and Ipswich Jets have advanced to the next round of Mal Meninga Cup finals, with both teams now just one win away from the premiership decider.

Both sides triumphed in their week one elimination final showdowns, with the Bears knocking out the Wynnum Manly Seagulls and the Jets overcoming the Mackay Cutters.

On Saturday, the Bears cruised into the week two qualifying finals, scoring seven tries to four.

A few missed conversions saw them lead the Seagulls by just six points at halftime despite scoring four tries to the opposition’s two in the opening stanza.

But they kicked into another gear in the second half, doing enough to ensure they will meet the Redcliffe Dolphins next Saturday.

Winger Saxon Innes and centre Phillip Coates bagged a double each.

Burleigh Bears in action. Photo: Dylan Parker/QRL

On Sunday, in a seesawing clash at North Ipswich Reserve, the Jets managed to hold off the Cutters with a 38-32 victory.

Ipswich raced out with three tries in the opening 12 minutes, with Dominique Sandow, Lyncoln Cliffe and Saifiti Junior Saifiti all crossing.

But the Cutters didn’t take a backwards step, scoring three tries of their own to go into the break down 20-16.

A nail-biting second half followed, as the two teams went tit for tat.

Fullback Sandow scored what was ultimately the winning try in the 63rd minute but the Cutters gave fans a thrilling final seven minutes, crossing through winger Hunter Harris in the 67th.
Match: Jets v Cutters

Semi Final – Sunday 5th May

Jets 38 – 32 Cutters

The Jets were able to hold on to set up a date with the minor premiers, Tweed Seagulls on Saturday.

The winners of the two qualifying finals this coming weekend – Saturday, May 11 – will advance to the 2024 Mal Meninga Cup grand final.
Match: Bears v WM Seagulls

Semi Final – Saturday 4th May

Bears 34 – 20 WM Seagulls

Team Stats
Play by Play

Main photo: Erick Lucero/QRL

Mal Meninga Cup elimination finals

ourfooty — Fri, 03 May 2024 22:03:20 +0000

Mal Meninga Cup elimination finals

Author : Michael Nunn QRL correspondent

Mal Meninga Cup elimination finals preview

Mal Meninga Cup finals time is here and it will all kick off this weekend with two elimination finals.

Two teams will bow out of the 2024 premiership race and another two will advance to next week’s qualifying finals against the competition leaders in the minor premiers, Tweed Seagulls, and the second-placed Redcliffe Dolphins.

The first elimination showdown will take place on Saturday when the Burleigh Bears play host to the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

The two have already faced off once this year and it was a 36-16 win to the Bears in Round 3.

Burleigh head into the elimination finals off the back of a stunning Round 11 victory over the Wide Bay Bulls, recording a 130-0 scoreline.

The Bears dominated every aspect of the game and had high level performers like Disharne Tonihi, who made five line breaks and scored four tries with 274 run metres.

Tonihi finished the year with 14 tries.

Meanwhile, Bears halfback Coby Black kicked goals for fun with 19 from 23 and two tries against the Bulls.

The young Brisbane Broncos affiliate’s points haul saw him end the regular season with 48 goals from 62 attempts.

His goal kicking will be vital this week.

It was the Bears’ bench that kept the momentum going against the Bulls – Talas Abell played 47 minutes but had a huge impact with one try and an assist, 231 run metres, three line breaks and 10 tackle breaks.

For Bears coach Ben Linde, the key is to move past last week and focus only on the finals.

“My rule is, it doesn’t matter what happens.

We bin it in 24 hours and we don’t talk about it again so we have moved onto Wynnum and we’re ready to go,” Linde said of the turnaround from the Bulls match.

“Wynnum have great middles and (Beni) Allen and (Cameron) Bukowski are a big part of that.

“My focus is where we give them the ball and our attention to detail.”

Wynnum Manly played finals last year and lost to a Redcliffe juggernaut, with John Fineanganofo leading the way for the Dolphins.

The Seagulls matched them early and then fell in a heap, losing 56-18.

Their halfback in that game last year was the now-Bears No.7, Black.

The Seagulls will still be burning from that missed opportunity.

Coming into this year’s finals, Wynnum Manly scraped in at sixth after a solid win over the Pride to finish the regular season.

They have won four games in a row and captain Harry Armstrong said earlier this week they’ve been building nicely at the right time of the year.

The Seagulls will look to their forwards to win this game against the Bears – Beni Allen and Cameron Bukowski will be front and centre and willing in this battle.

Match: Bears v WM Seagulls

Semi Final – Saturday 4th May 12:30pm

Venue: UAA Park, Gold Coast

Team Lists

Team Stats

Then in the second elimination final, the Ipswich Jets will take on the Mackay Cutters on Sunday.

Ipswich are coming off the bye so might start slowly as they ease into the game.

But Ipswich have shown this year that they can start casually and then fight back into the match from there.

Amaziah Murgha will be one of the Jets’ best attacking options.

He has scored eight tries – nearly a try per game – and always has an impact when the Jets needs him.

Saifiti Junior Saifiti is another strike player, who brings the ball back with power and gets his side down the field when they need it most.

Ipswich coach Ty Ingebrigtsen thinks the Jets are ready to handle the finals challenge.

“We had last week off with the bye,” Ingebrigtsen said.

“We really needed the week off… we had a lot of injuries and we get guys back this week.

“Mackay have great front rowers and a great fullback in (Mutua) Brown.

“(Xavier) Kerrisk is a great hooker and he is going to take some stopping.

“We have to stop them through the middle. That’s our challenge and a challenge we want.”

Burleigh Bears

1. Creedence Kelly Donovan 2. Saxon Innes 3. Sunny Kama 4. Phillip Coates 5. Disharne Tonihi 6. Bailey McConnell 7. Coby Black 8. Brady Turner 9. Hayden Watson 10. Oscar Laffranchi 11. Jett Bryce 12. Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu 13. Cooper Bai 14. Daniel Rakena 15. Talas Abell 16. Jye Watton 17. Kanititeiti Sikahele

Wynnum Manly Seagulls

1. Kylem Vunipola 2. Topaz Mohi 3. Jaycob Kingston-Francis 4. Tariq Tanner 5. Charlie Johnstone 6. Larry Clark 7. Preston Cassidy 8. Beni Allen 9. Cameron Bukowski 10. Isopo Taunuu 11. Harry Armstrong 12. William Allen 13. Zane Ford 14. Caden Frame 15. Cayleb Johnson 16. Bailey Downs 17. Tanei Heijames 18. Gideon Tanielu

Referee : Dylan Lawrence
Sideline Ref’s : Harrison Lea, Kai Turner

Match: Jets v Cutters

Semi Final – Sunday 5th May 12:15pm
Venue: North Ipswich Reserve, Ipswich

Team Lists

Team Stats

The last time the Mackay Cutters made the Mal Meninga Cup finals was in 2018 when they lost in week one to the Norths Devils.

If the Jets do start slow, it will be Mackay’s hooker and captain Xavier Kerrisk that takes full advantage.

The Cutters No.9 would be close to the form forward of the competition and is a constant threat out of dummy half.

Sixty metre tries by hookers aren’t the norm but that is what Kerrisk did against Souths Logan last round – showing great footwork and speed, he was able to bust the game open when the Cutters needed it.

But the Cutters only held onto the ball for 43 per cent of the game and that is something that will need attention this week.

Cutters coach Andrew Battaia knows finals time is special.

“I want us to be proud and know we have achieved something but also know the job isn’t done,” Battaia said.

“Our front row is important for us. Matthew Watts and Tavita Penaia Te’o are going to play a big part on Sunday.

“Xavier Kerrisk is just a competitor. If you dropped five cents on the ground, he’d fight for it and come up with it too.

“We are excited and looking forward to the finals.”

Catch all the Mal Meninga Cup finals action live by subscribing to Qplus.tv.

QRL Junior statewide competitions Round 1

ourfooty — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 08:14:42 +0000

QRL Junior statewide competitions Round 1

Author : Michael Nunn QRL correspondent

QRL Junior statewide competitions Round 1

Junior statewide competitions are all set to kick off on Saturday for season 2024.

With the newly-introduced Harvey Norman Under 17s and the new-look Mal Meninga Cup, Harvey Norman Under 19 and Cyril Connell Cup, the year ahead is set to be a massive one for up-and-comers of Queensland rugby league.

Here’s how they shape up in Round 1.

Mal Meninga Cup

Like the first day of school, Round 1 can throw up more questions than it provides answers. And, just like school, there can be plenty of unknowns and nerves.

The Redcliffe Dolphins will close out the first week of competition when they take on traditional rivals the Brisbane Tigers on Sunday.

Last year’s Scott Tronc is back at the helm in 2024 but knows that 2023 doesn’t mean too much anymore and a new group of Dolphins are ready to tackle the now under 19 competition.

“We will have about eight players from last season again,” Tronc said of the reigning premiers.

“I am all about moving those players up and getting them ready for the next challenge.

“We are about working hard and our values and that’s all we can control.

“I am looking forward to Tevita Naufahu our centre and (lock) Lewis Symonds as well.”

On the other side of halfway will be the Brisbane Tigers.

The Tigers didn’t have the best year in the Mal Meninga Cup in 2023 and coach Ben Weston will be looking to right some wrongs.

Round 1 Mal Meninga Cup team lists

“I sat down and we had a real think about what has not worked for the Tigers and I am new to the club, so I came with fresh eyes,” Weston said.

“We have identified a few things we need to change and we have gone about changing that now.

“Redcliffe in Round 1 is a great challenge. They are the premiers and that’s not by accident – that is because they’re the best.

“The key to us being competitive is our defence. We have to defend well, especially under pressure.

“We played Dolphins in a trial game last week so we had a bit of a look at them but every coach will say the same thing that Round 1 is about you and making sure you have things in order.”

QRL Junior statewide competitions Round 1

Harvey Norman Under 19

Burleigh Bears and Souths Logan Magpies on Saturday at Logan Metro Sports Complex will headline the opening round of the Harvey Norman Under 19 competition.

Souths Logan coach Warren Bernardin is ready for what the season brings and thinks the Magpies have the talent to improve on their 12th-place finish in 2023 and play in this year’s finals – a first for the Harvey Norman Under 19 competition.

Bernardin wants to see effort and attitude and thinks he will get both from his captain.

“Our No.10 Ma’u Halatoa has come from the Wests Tigers and she has been fantastic in the off-season,” he said.

“She’s our captain and she will lead those little efforts that we have been talking about.

Round 1 Harvey Norman Under 19 team lists

“That’s what I want to get right – effort and attitude.”

The Bears had five members play in last year’s BMD Premiership final and they’re ready to bring that experience back to the Under 19s.

Bears coach Spencer Taplin is ready for the season to start.

“This year we are a very young and energetic side,” Taplin said.

“The energy and attitude toward our current challenges has been so far okay.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how they develop over the season.

“We have our Titans academy girls just coming off their program, who got to play against the Newcastle Knights’ girls not long ago.”

Cyril Connell Cup

The Cyril Connell Cup will start at 1pm on Saturday with the Wynnum Manly Seagulls and Tweed Seagulls engaging in aerial warfare.

The Tweed Seagulls weren’t satisfied with their season in 2023 and the steep learning curve of a statewide competition took some getting used to.

Eleven players will return for 2024 and coach Neil Richards can’t wait for the weekend’s football.

Round 1 Cyril Connell Cup Rnd 1 Draw, Results & Ladder

Play something unreal

Round 1 Cyril Connell Cup team lists

“We have a good mix of experienced 17-year-olds who will feature in the competition for a second year running,” Richards said.

“Along with some talented 16-year-olds from the local competition and signings from local NRL clubs, this provides us with a lot of depth across the park.”

Wynnum Manly were also reflecting on their last season and weren’t happy with sixth spot. Change is in the air for the Seagulls and it started in November at training.

Seagulls coach Blake Trace said the team has bought into the club culture.

“We have put an emphasis around a team-first mentality and they have been working hard to grow and develop as a squad,” he said.

The Seagulls are after a fast start in 2024 and know you don’t have time to make up ground.

“Every game is different but it’s important to start the season well.

“It’s a short competition, so every game counts.”

Harvey Norman Under 17

The opening round of the short Harvey Norman Under 17 season will bring the Dolphins and Tigers to Kayo Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Tigers coach Kim Bray is excited for what lies ahead for the squad.

“We will be a very competitive team with great strength all over the park,’’ Bray said.

“The key to having success this season will be to play to our strengths and keep doing the little things.’’

Round 1 Harvey Norman Under 17 team lists

Dolphins coach Ana Fotu meanwhile has said she wants her team to show their best qualities starting with Round 1.

“Effort, attitude and energy will always be our main focus in being competitive in games,’’ she said.

“Like they say – hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.’’

The Dolphins are excited about lock forward Keira Rangi, who made the Under 16 Queensland schoolgirls team in 2023.

Redcliffe Dolphins win Mal Meninga Cup

qrlmedia — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 06:28:29 +0000

Redcliffe Dolphins win Mal Meninga Cup

Author : Michael Nunn QRL correspondent

Redcliffe Dolphins win Mal Meninga Cup

Redcliffe end 10-year Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup premiership drought

The Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup final edition has been written for 2023 and for the Redcliffe Dolphins, it will be a retold narrative.

For the Townville Blackhawks it’s another missed chance.

The Dolphins stormed to a 36-18 victory over the Blackhawks at Totally Workwear Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday, claiming their first under 18s premiership trophy in 10 years.

For Redcliffe, the first half was where the game was won, with the spine and leadership outstanding in the opening stanza.

Redcliffe hooker Mitch Rogers led the charge, kicking boldly for touch and winning his team ground from his 40/20.

From there, winger Siosifa Kava got the Dolphins four points and the dream start.

Match: Blackhawks 18 – 36 Dolphins
Team Stat’s & MMC Grand Final Point Scorers

Townsville responded with a try to Reece Foley, but Redcliffe didn’t lose focus and came straight back at them when captain Michael Waqa got a quick play-the-ball.

Five-eighth John Fineanganofo kicked and regathered to score his 12th try of the season and his fourth try of the finals series.

The first half carnage continued and brut force was on show when Redcliffe centre Prestyn Laine-Sietu physically dominated and ran over the top of the Blackhawks to hand the Dolphins their third try.

The Dolphins then finished the half going left from the scrum, with Fineanganofo digging in and unleashing his outside backs, with Jayden Alefaio capitalising.

Redcliffe on the attack. Photo: Erick Lucero/QRL

At halftime the Dolphins were ahead 20-4. With Rogers’ kicking, Fineanganofo’s playmaking and Waqa leading from the front, Redcliffe had done everything to make sure they had the early running.

The Blackhawks needed to start the second half well and win the first 10 minutes.

On the back of three penalties, they found themselves in great position and Harley Walker twisted and moved his way to score his sixth try to put Townsville back in the game.

The Blackhawks then scored the another two tries but there was no jitters amongst the Dolphins who steadied themselves and resumed the norm.

Redcliffe centre Laine-Sietu wasn’t done with his power and physical game as he conjured up his second, coming back inside to beat five Blackhawks and put the ball down.

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The Dolphins then extended their lead even further with a break down the left-hand side by Fineanganofo.

The Dolphins went right to come back left and Elijah Rasmussen dived over and the lead was 20.

Inspirational skipper Waqa then finished the grand final with a try. The Dolphins’ 36-18 win gave them their first Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup title since 2013.

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The post Redcliffe Dolphins win Mal Meninga Cup appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Grand finalist ‘player to bank on’

ourfooty — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 05:37:52 +0000

Grand finalist ‘player to bank on’

Author : Rikki-Lee Arnold Statewide content producer

Grand finalist voted best Auswide Bank ‘player to bank on’ for 2023

The voting for this year’s best Auswide Bank ‘player to bank on’ went right down to the wire in a battle set to be replicated in this weekend’s Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup grand final.

Townsville Blackhawks backrower Elijah-Shane Tapau has taken out the title of the best 2023 Auswide Bank ‘player to bank on’.

After a destructive performance in Round 5 against the Central Queensland Capras.

Set to play in this Sunday’s premiership decider.

Tapau didn’t emerge as the winner until the final minute, with just over one thousand votes logged on the final day to help him pip fellow top contender.

This week’s opposition forward – Redcliffe Dolphins captain, Michael Waqa.

Both players were engaged in a heated back-and-forth battle in the voting since it opened on April 12, with Waqa in the lead on Monday.

Elijah-Shane Tapau. Photo: Townsville Blackhawks

Tapau ended up taking the win with 38 per cent of the vote while Waqa came in second with 33 per cent of the vote.

Electric Ipswich Jets winger Alton Naiyep came in third with 11 per cent of the vote.

In total, 14,638 votes were placed this year in a highly competitive field.

AUSWIDE BANK MAL MENINGA CUP

Vote for the 2023 Auswide Bank ‘player to bank on’

The Auswide Bank ‘player to bank on’ was a weekly video to celebrate and recognise the talent within the competition, with one player highlighted in each round of the regular season.

Each weekly winners all received a $100 gift voucher courtesy of Auswide Bank and then the public voted on the overall winner for 2023, with Tapau set to receive an additional $250 gift voucher also courtesy of Auswide Bank.

Player to bank on: Elijah-Shane Tapau

Tapau was initially the Round 5 winner, after the blockbusting forward put on an attacking masterclass, scoring three tries and making 127 run metres.

He has been named for this Sunday’s Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup grand final clash against the Redcliffe Dolphins, which will be played at Totally Workwear Stadium from 1pm.

2023 Mal Malminga Cup Grand final will also be live and free on Qplus.tv and Kayo Freebies.

The official Auswide Bank player of the year will be announced at the end-of-season QRL awards.

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The post Grand finalist ‘player to bank on’ appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Mal Meninga Grand Final team lists

ourfooty — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 10:28:20 +0000

Mal Meninga Grand Final team lists

Author : OurFootyTeam

Mal Meninga Grand Final team lists

All times are listed in BRISBANE times

2023 Mal Meninga Cup Grand Final

Redcliffe Dolphins v Townsville Blackhawks
Sun April 23 2023, 1:00 PM @ Totally Workwear Stadium, Coorparoo / Turrbal (Langlands Stadium)

Redcliffe Dolphins

1. Adrian Sandy 2. Siosifa Kava 3. Prestyn Laine-Sietu 4. Zac Garton 5. Jayden Alefaio 6. John Fineanganofo 7. Jahrel Iselin-Jansen 8. Michael Waqa 9. Mitchell Rogers 10. Elijah Rasmussen 11. Thomas Lunney 12. Larry Siala 13. Bernard Smith 14. Aholoka Toia 15. Jayden Butt 16. Amos Tuialii 17. Tauave Leofa 18. Benjamin Crawford 19. Patrick Kailahi 20. Layton Hillman-Hohua 21. Penese Risale

Townsville Blackhawks

1. Jack Prior 3. Harley Walker 4. Ratu Kikau 5. Rayzarlin Pearson 6. Xavier Hellyer 7. Reece Foley 8. Jamal Shibasaki 9. Hoani Harris 10. Kaiden Lahrs 11. Elijah-Shane Tapau 12. Jonah Raidaveta 13. Wyatt Lourigan 14. Preston Cassidy 15. Loranzo Fono 16. Nelson Kennedy 17. Marley Helion 18. Jack Wood

Referee : Adam Rossiter
Sideline Ref’s : Izzy Davidson, Fletcher Shearman

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The post Mal Meninga Grand Final team lists appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

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