It has been an impressive start to the 2019 season for the Souths Logan Magpies, with the team still unbeaten in the Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup competition.
The side have won their first two matches and claimed a draw against rivals, Norths Devils, last weekend at Davies Park.
The team had an strong first half with winger Vahai Finau scoring in just the fourth minute of the match, while Jett Trembath and Fe’ao Maka also successfully got across the line in the first 15 minutes of the game.
Halfback Tyler Han slotted both of the penalty goals awarded which saw the Magpies up 18-4 at halftime.
While there were three tries in the first half, the second half was all about defence as the game came down to a nail-biting end with Norths scoring two late tries and slotting a penalty goal for the final 18-18 result.
“We held them off well in the first half which is what we’ve been focusing on improving throughout this season and to be able to hold Devils to four points for 61 minutes was a testament to the team,” Magpies coach Clinton Toopi said.
“It’s been a battle to close out games and last week proved that. Being up 18-4 with nine minutes to go and walking away with a draw meant that as a team we need to be mindful of critical moments of the game.
“The pressure and the heat got to the team mentally.
“Our captain Jett is a real leader who gets around the park and has the qualities that a great rugby League player has and to still be at Marsden State High School shows he has the mentality to keep pushing forward defensively and leading the team which is something I value.”
Match: Dolphins v Magpies
Round 4 -
home Team
Dolphins
away Team
Magpies
Venue: Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe
Round 4 will see the Magpies go up against Redcliffe Dolphins at 1.15pm tomorrow (Saturday, March 30) at Dolphin Stadium.
“We are excited and will be looking to hit the ground running,” Toopi said.
“Adonai Faagutu is in his first year in the (competition) coming from club football and has been a standout player with a great attitude.
“Jett Trembath is another good example of a mature player who holds himself well, is constantly showing up each week, and is showing he is a talent for the future.
“Jett talks well, leads well, but also away from footy he is studying to be a physiotherapist, and that to me is the current rugby league players and athletes.
“Caleb Esera is another young talent who is also in fine form and has been solid throughout this season.”
What a weapon!' - Jack Howarth
Elsewhere in Round 4 of the Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup – the Tigers will host the Mustangs, the Jets face off against the Pride and the Capras take on the Seagulls,
On Sunday, Mackay Cutters travel to take on Wynnum Manly Seagulls, the Falcons are at home against the Devils and the Blackhawks take on the Burleigh Bears at Jack Manski Oval.
