Falcons finetune their football as season hits halfway point

The Falcons are coming off a win over the Norths Devils in their last match - a game they could consider themselves lucky to win. While they didn’t play as well as they could, they still got the win, which is always a bonus.

The Falcons had minimal ball - only 43 per cent - but did a lot with it when they had it, including scoring five tries, despite only completing at 64 per cent.

They missed more tackles than the Devils, but still managed to come away with a 28-12 win.

Kaleb Sutton made 158 metres and Sam Reid made 30 tackles to outperform their rivals.

Mason Peut scored a hat-trick in a strong performance for the Falcons and now has six tries for the season and fifth most overall in the competition.

Falcons coach Jamie Vogler said he took a lot away from the game.

“Statically, it was a very strange game, but we were never stressed or worried,” Vogler said.

“Norths are a big side and they had lots of time on our line attacking and we turned them away so that was pleasing.

“We have had some great performers and we are still nailing a few positions down, so it’s all about making sure we are fine tuning and ready in a month's time.

“Sam Reid is our captain and a great player for us.

“Kaleb Sutton is up with Cup all week and doing a great job and Mason Peut is someone that I would have thought maybe a game or two this season, but he’s nailed down that wing spot.

“This week against the Bears will be steps forward again.”

The opening match of the round will see the Ipswich Jets host Tweed Seagulls. 

The Jets had a miserable trip to the Dolphins last weekend and missed 75 tackles in their loss, so that will be high on the Jets' agenda of things to fix this week.

Shining lights for the side were Lucky Pokipoki, who made 119 metres, and Mitch Harsant, who made 33 tackles. The Jets let the Dolphins score at regular intervals and couldn’t stop the flow of tries.

Their opponents Tweed come into this match off the back of a big win, having triumphed 65-12 over Western Clydesdales in their last round. The Seagulls scored 11 tries and Klese Haas celebrated his elevation to the Titans with 201 metres, while fullback Jaylan De Groot was on the ball with three line breaks.

The tough afternoon for the Clydesdales started early in the third minute with a Tweed try and it didn’t end until the 80th minute with a Khyan Weir try - 11 four-pointers later.

Oliver Bichel is a 100 per cent effort player and made 172 metres and Hayden Ensbey made 44 tackles.

This weekend they take on Souths Logan Magpies who have had a weekend off. 

Souths Logan played two weeks ago against Northern Pride in Tully and won 58-12 and, despite their break last weekend, will be hoping to recapture that form this round.

The Pride meanwhile will this weekend host the Norths Devils who would be smarting following their loss to Sunshine Coast Falcons last weekend. 

Norths did a lot right against the Falcons, except win the game. Two tries in the first 30 minutes got them off to a start, but from there they kept letting the Falcons come back.

Angus Hinchey again impressed for the Devils however with 24 tackles in another great game in a losing side.

Last weekend, the Mackay Cutters were right in their clash with Townsville Blackhawks and were up 16-12 at halftime. The side should have done more in the second half and built on their two first half tries, but instead it was the Blackhawks who put in a stronger second half to come over the top and take the win. 

However, prop Asher O’Donnell was sensational with the ball, making 145 metres, while Baden Robinson tackled his heart out for the Cutters with 32 tackles.

The Cutters attack was a bit clunky at times and with only two line breaks produced, they didn’t ask enough of the Blackhawks defence after the break.

This round they face the Dolphins who were having the time of their life against the Jets in their last outing.

They had the ball on the end of their nose and were impressing the seals in the next tank over. It was a masterclass in everything league.

With 75 tackle breaks, nine tries, seven line breaks and only 20 missed tackles in the match, it was impressive all-round. 

Ali Leataua made 241 metres for the Dolphins and Levi Wilson made two line breaks.

This weekend it is first versus second on the ladder with the Central Queensland Capras hosting Townsville Blackhawks in what should be an excellent match.

Last round, the Capras had an off night against Wynnum Manly Seagulls and will be keen to get it going again against Townsville.

The Capras defence systems didn’t hold up with 40 missed tackles and five tries, however, winger Matthew Hill was great for the Capras putting in a big effort. 

In their match, Townsville came back from 16-12 down against Mackay Cutters to record another win. Dylan White kicked three goals and scored one try to contribute 10 points and add to his 72 points this season.

This is the type of win a team can look back on and be filled with confidence.

The final match of the round will see Brisbane Tigers take on Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

The Tigers had a massive 62-8 win over the Bears in their last round, scoring 11 tries with Jonah Glover kicking nine goals to boost the points tally. 

Winger Ariki Wallace strolled down the field and over the top of the Bears with three line breaks and 212 metres.

Their opponents this weekend Wynnum Manly also had a great win, getting over the top of the Capras.

Fullback Ben Farr got the party started for his side by crossing for a try in the opening minute of the match. 

Luke Phillips made 193 metres and Carsen Huth made two line breaks and scored two tries.

This weekend should be a good match-up between two good teams finding form. 

QRL Match Review charges results - Round 8 Hastings Deering Colts

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