A spot in this year's Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup finals is assured for only two teams this season as the competition approach the final round.
The Wynnum Manly Seagulls and Souths Logan Magpies are in front of the pack – but Round 6 will see the Falcons, Tigers, Tweed Seagulls, Devils and Jets all in the jostle for the final two spots; with just four points currently separating first and seventh on the ladder; and only the top four teams to play on.
The final round of the regular season will kick off tomorrow (April 13) with the Burleigh Bears hosting the Wynnum Manly Seagulls at Pizzey Park at 12.45pm.
While the Bears are sitting 10th of the ladder, they got off to an impressive start to the season drawing with the Devils in Round 1, before securing a win against the Jets in Round 2. Unfortunately, they went down by two points to Tweed in Round 3 and haven’t been able to win another game this season.
The Wynnum Manly Seagulls however will be looking to remain undefeated this season and maintain their top placing on the ladder.
Townsville Blackhawks host Redcliffe at Jack Manski Oval later that afternoon with the game starting at 12.50pm. The Dolphins are chasing their first win of the season – but speaking before Round 5; coach Mark Shipway said he was happy to see the progression the players have made since they ran on for their first game.
Meanwhile, the Blackhawks will be looking to get their third win of the season after falling short to the Cutters last round.
The Northern Pride will take on Souths Logan Magpies at Barlow Park, also on Saturday, at 2.50pm.
The Magpies are another team looking to remain undefeated this season, while Pride will be looking to have their second win of the season in front of a home crowd.
The CQ Capras will take on Western Mustangs at 3pm at McIndoe Park as part of a massive day for the region.
The Capras are looking for a win after they went down to Easts by just two points last round in an impressive game.
Tweed Seagulls, who sit fifth on the ladder with six points, are another team in the running for the finals and will aim to move up the ladder when they travel to take on the Mackay Cutters at BB Print Stadium.
Sunday morning will see the Sunshine Coast Falcons at home against Easts Tigers. Both teams are in the top 4 currently, but as the points are so close, the Tigers will have to win to secure a spot in the qualifying rounds.
What a weapon!' - Sam Walker
The final game of Round 6 will see the Ipswich Jets and Devils both fighting for a spot in the finals if other results go their way.
Both teams will be coming out strong after Jets went up 48-14 against Dolphins last round while the Devils won 38-14 against Mustangs. The action will kick off at 11am at North Ipswich Reserve.
There is plenty to look forward to and can fans expect to see a shock upset this round? Who will be the stand out team and which of the five teams in contention will take the final two spots in the finals?
Final Series Rules (via the Statewide Competitions Operations Manual)
14.3. At the conclusion of the premiership rounds, if two (2) or more teams are equal on competition points, the final series rankings will be determined according to the following criteria.
The greater positive difference between points scored for and against, then if equal
14.3.2. The greater percentage of points scored for and against, being determined by: Points scored for x 100 Points scored against x 1 then if equal,
14.3.3. The most tries scored, then if equal
14.3.4. The most goals kicked, then if equal,
14.3.5. The most drop goals kicked, then if equal,
14.3.6. By the toss of a coin.
