Round in review: Junior statewide competitions

Other scores

Norths Devils 26 defeated Brisbane Tigers 8
Wynnum Manly Seagulls 28 defeated Burleigh Bears 18

Mover of the week

The Redcliffe Dolphins certainly made a statement to open this year's competition, with their masterclass against the Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup reigning premiers, Souths Logan. The Dolphins were slick in attack and formidable in defence, impressing fans with their skills and capability. They have already shown they will be a team to keep an eye on this season.

Shout outs

Redcliffe's entire team had plenty to celebrate on Saturday but their props Aholoka Toia and Michael Waqa were in damaging form. Skipper Waqa was hard to contain and both were outstanding in attack and defence, crossing for a try each. Centre Jayden Alefaio also scored a double.

Elsewhere, centre Tariq Tanner was impressive for Norths in their win over the Brisbane Tigers while Wynnum Manly also put in a dominant forward display against Burleigh.

Harvey Norman Under 19s Round 1

Game of the week

It was a tight affair between Wynnum Manly and Burleigh at Capalaba's John Frederick Park on Saturday, with the Seagulls claiming a 22-10 victory in an impressive second half display.

Both sides scored doubles in the first half, with Wynnum Manly only trailing 10-8 at halftime from a missed conversion. But, while the Bears threatened plenty in the second stanza and worked hard to keep themselves in the game, it was the Seagulls' time to shine as they ran in three unanswered tries to take the win.

Wynnum Manly will be a force to be reckoned with this season while Burleigh will only get better from here. 

Other scores

Redcliffe Dolphins 28 defeated Souths Logan Magpies 12
Brisbane Tigers 14 defeated Norths Devils 6

Mover of the week

It was a big day for the Dolphins on Saturday as they claimed wins in all three junior statewide age groups. The Harvey Norman Under 19 girls were dominant, really capitalising on their opportunities to get across the line with a 28-12 victory over Souths Logan. It was an error-riddled match and the Dolphins had less possession and a lower completion rate, but they still managed to make their moments count, scoring six tries to Souths Logan's three.

Shout outs

A number of players stood up across the competition in Round 1. For the Brisbane Tigers, prop Karen Pritchard led her team to victory, scoring two tries. She was dominant in defence and hard to stop in attack, putting in some tireless efforts in a close clash at Bishop Park.

Over at John Frederick Park, Wynnum Manly halfback Sienna Lofipo was a real danger player, constantly on the move. Her passing game was slick and Lofipo set up the Seagulls' first try of the day before taking on the line herself to nab the final four-pointer.

Her captain, Emma Barnes, was also a standout for the Seagulls, putting in some impressive solo efforts to score two tries. For the Dolphins, fullback Aspen Nakao scored a double.

Cyril Connell Challenge Round 1

Game of the week

The showdown between Norths Devils and Brisbane Tigers was an absolute thriller at Bishop Park on Saturday. In a seesawing clash, Norths ran out to a 20-6 lead at halftime, with a clinical performance in their opening 30 minutes. 

However, the Tigers bounced back in fine form, with their forward pack dominating as they scored three tries in the second half to take a 22-20 lead. But, with just minutes left on the clock, Norths were far from done.

A penalty gave them a final chance to regain the lead, and five-eighth Keyarn Pene took his opportunity, throwing a beautifully timed cut-out pass to centre Cooper McInnerney, who scored in the corner. 

Other scores

Redcliffe Dolphins 16 def Souths Logan Magpies 10
Wynnum Manly Seagulls 16 def Burleigh Bears 10

Mover of the week

Wynnum Manly and Redcliffe have both finished Round 1 on equal standing after posting six-point leads over their respective opponents.

The Seagulls overcame Burleigh Bears with a 16-10 victory. Despite the Bears scoring the first try of the day, the Seagulls gained control of the match early on and were able to hold their opponents out to clinch the win.

Redcliffe meanwhile also claimed a 16-10 victory over Souths Logan Magpies, in a tit-for-tat clash at Kayo Stadium.

Shout outs

The Brisbane Tigers forward pack were hugely influential in their side's comeback against Norths. Prop Kobi Floro led strongly from the front while Frank Howarth is a huge body that was particularly forceful in attack. Floro and Howarth both crossed the line for Brisbane and the Tigers' entire pack is one to watch this season.

In Redcliffe, Dolphins captain and second rower Brian Pouniu helped his side to their win over the Magpies - bagging a double - while Norths also showed plenty of flair through their sharp spine.

Centre Devante Andrews was also strong for the Devils, scoring two tries - one set up by fullback Ethan Grimshaw and another through solo brilliance.

Match official of the week

All the young referees put in a strong Round 1 performance this week, but Tori Wilkie was particularly impressive while officiating the Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup showdown between Redcliffe and Souths Logan.

In what was at times a tense and fiery match at Kayo Stadium, Wilkie maintained control, kept the players in check and had a strong presence out on the field, while also showing good judgement when faced with a number of tough calls.