Jets looking to aim up against high-flying Falcons

The Jets are yet to win a game this season, but coach Chris Ash still has high expectations for this match and all of the matches after that.

“We have focused on our starts, that’s something we really need to nail,” Ash said.

“We have done that by making sure we hit training hard and fast, no wandering out on the field.

“After gym, we are out there training.

“(Last week), Norths scored three tries and we were down 16-0, you can’t keep coming back from that.

“We want to improve and I know we can.

“What can we do as individuals to get better.”

In their Round 3 loss to the Devils, the Jets were left starving for some ball - a pattern that has appeared in their opening three rounds. Overall, the Jets have averaged 44 per cent of the ball across their three games and that something that needs urgent attention.

However, Ipswich have had some high performers in their three games as well who need be aiming to continue their good work.

Against Norths, Ngiyaani Waters made a massive 176 metres in a losing side and Jordan Afamasaga made two-line breaks.

On the other side of the ball, Lucky Pokipoki was unlucky not to make more tackles than the 24 he made because the Jets made 225 tackles in the game.

“We have had some really good individual performances, Mitch Harsant has gone up and playing Cup and that’s a big part of my role to make sure Colts are playing up,” Ash said.

“Ngiyaani Waters has been outstanding, Jordan Afamasaga has hardly played since 2019 and is playing Colts, so he’s just going to get better.”

Their opposition this week the Falcons will prove a tough challenge, with the side sitting at the top of the table and are undefeated.

The home side come into this game following a win over Mackay Cutters where they were able to score five tries to one in the 24-4 win.

Zacari Short made 43 tackles in a massive defensive effort which was appreciated by his team.

Elsewhere in the competition, the round will kick off on Saturday with Tweed Seagulls hosting Wynnum Manly Seagulls at Tugun. 

Tweed went down last round to Townsville Blackhawks 20-10 after a slow start to the match. They paid a price for that, not scoring until nearly halftime which meant the Blackhawks already had two tries and led 10-6 at the break and had all the momentum.

Tweed didn’t score again until nearly fulltime. For Tweed, Charlie Murray had a fantastic all-round game, making 35 tackles and grinding out 193 metres.

Last weekend, Wynnum Manly had a good 34-12 win over rivals Souths Logan Magpies and winger Luke Phillip will be looking to reproduce his 243 metres and four-line breaks from the match. 

Wynnum Many started strongly with three tries in 10 minutes to lay the foundations of their win.

In their Round 3 match, Mackay Cutters travelled to the Sunshine Coast to face the Falcons and came away with a 24-4 loss. Flynn Camilleri however was hard for the Falcons to handle and the Tigers will be hoping he can’t make his 203 metres this week.

Other strong performers for the Cutters were Jack Hoffman who made 29 tackles and Jordan Hill who made two line breaks.

This weekend, the Cutters will host Brisbane Tigers. 

In their match last weekend, the Tigers were at home to Central Queensland Capras and will aim to follow the lead of centre Ezra Coulston by scoring first. However, they will want to improve their overall game from there after the side let the Capras run in seven tries in the game to take the match. 

Centre Tea-Rani Woodman Tuhoro nearly ran 205 metres for the Tigers in a strong overall performance for his side.

Redcliffe Dolphins sit just behind the Falcons at the top of the table and are liking what they see when they look in the dressing room mirror. The Dolphins beat Northern Pride 60-12 last weekend and dominated the game from start to finish.

They scored 11 tries, with heavy lifter Cody Hunter adding to the points tally by kicking seven goals and scoring three tries.

This weekend, they face Townsville Blackhawks who beat Tweed 20-10 with William Latu scoring two tries and two line breaks, while Cameron Bateup made 37 tackles.

Northern Pride, Souths Logan Magpies, Norths Devils, Burleigh Bears, Central Queensland Capras and Western Clydesdales have a bye this weekend. 

QRL Match Review charges results - Hastings Deering Colts Round 3

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