The Ipswich Jets may wear green but they are not walking the green mile just yet in 2018 after a 42-28 win against the Central Queensland Capras.
Every game is a must-win for the Jets if they want to play finals, and standing in their way this round was the boys from Rockhampton.
Ipswich had one change with Isimeeli Hafoka ruled out and on debut. Cameron Moran took up a spot on the bench.
When Wes Conlon goes to dummy-half a red flag should go up in the defence and, three minutes in, Conlon bobbed and weaved across the field looking for options. Sam Caslick put his hand up and was in for the first try of the game.
It was not going to be a battle of defence. The Capras threw it to the left corner and, despite the attention of Conlon, the Capras had a try through Maipele Morseau, who had now scored eight tries this season.
It was now 6-4 after 12 minutes.
The Jets next try only took four minutes and involved a chain of passing back to Jayden Connors in the middle of the field.
Connors stepped and left the Capras wondering where he went as he ran away to score his sixth try in the last 10 games for the Jets.
Dane Phillips bombed away for the Jets and the Capras came up with the error. Crumbing for the ball like it was sunscreen was the Jets red-headed half Chris Ash who had try number six in his career.
Marmin was kicking them over and the Jets led 18-4 after 20 minutes.
The Capras struck back through a bomb, Connor Broadhurst snatched it out of the air, and the Capras were back within eight points.
If Conlon at dummy-half is a red flag then Conlon lurking out wide is a giant flare that indicates do not throw long balls.
Capras chanced their arm and Conlon grabbed it and ran 90m to score.
Michael Purcell came up with try number 51 in Jets colours when the ball was stripped and he ran away from the Capras and scored under the posts.
At halftime, the Jets led 28-10.
Ipswich took the two points when the second half started and extended their lead to twenty points.
Then Connors went to dummy-half and signalled for Nat Neale to come around him; the captain noticing the signal and steaming around to score for a 36-10 scoreline.
Next up Dave Taylor got his bucket-like hands free and found Morseau who scored his second try.
Then it was big Rowen Winterfield's turn to score. Winterfield added to his one try for the Jets in 77 games with a huge effort that saw him carrying most of Rockhampton on his back as his legs pumped towards the line.
The Capras weren't done however and scored two late tries through their right-hand side and Blake Goodman and Nathan Bassani.
Full scoring details and final team lists available at QRL Live.
Next week the Jets will take on Tweed Heads, while the Capras will be playing the Sunshine Coast.
IPSWICH JETS 42 (Sam Caslick, Jayden Connors, Chris Ash, Wes Conlon, Michael Purcell, Nat Neale, Rowan Winterfield tries; Marmin Barba 7 goals) def CQ CAPRAS 28 (Maipele Morseau 2, Connor Broadhurst, Blake Goodman, Nathan Bassani tries; Connor Broadhurst 4 goals) at North Ipswich Reserve.
