Round 9 Sunday wrap: Devils dominate as Ahearn returns from retirement
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The Norths Devils have broken a 12-year hoodoo, overcoming the Brisbane Tigers for the first time on home turf since 2012.
And they did so in a big way, not only welcoming former captain Jack Ahearn back from retirement, but also by posting a massive 62-16 scoreline over the reigning premiers at Bishop Park.
The Devils came racing out of the blocks in the first half, stunning the Tigers and fans alike as they scored eight tries to take a 46-0 lead into the break.
They were hurting the Tigers from all over the park, with prop Cooper Jenkins and backrower Oryn Keeley both bagging a double in the opening stanza.
Julian Christian, Blake Paskins, Gerome Burns and Manase Kaho also scored in the first 40 minutes.
The next half was much tamer, with both sides crossing on three occasions each, but the damage had already been done.
Match: Devils v Tigers
Round 9 -
home Team
Devils
1st Position
away Team
Tigers
7th Position
Venue: Bishop Park, Brisbane
The second stanza also marked the return of Ahearn, who hung up the boots at the end of last year to focus on a new career as a firefighter.
But the 31-year-old still had the itch and knew he could handle the balance, prompting his return to Norths.
Ahearn started on the bench but injected himself into the game in the 57th minute at halfback to loud applause from the home crowd.
The playmaker said he was back where he belonged.
"It was good fun, especially against the Tigers... we haven’t beaten them here in over a decade," he said.
"It’s been really enjoyable coming back. It feels like I’ve returned home.
"All the boys have been welcoming. It’s a whole new bunch pretty much. I couldn’t be happier.
"It was the passion for playing footy and competing, first and foremost.
"I found myself having time with my new role as a firefighter so I could balance firefighter, footy and family.
"The wife gave it the all good to comeback so I’m just here competing and loving it."
The victory was Norths' fifth win of the year and the first time this season they've managed to go back-to-back.
The inconsistency is a factor that coach Dave Elliott has been trying to address and Ahearn said he hopes he can help.
"They’ve had some good games but need to work on consistency," he said of the Devils' season so far.
"They’ve gone win-loss-win-loss so hopefully I can help in that area a bit.
"They have some good pieces of the puzzle so you can do something special if we get connected and commit."
For a wrap of the Hostplus Cup Saturday action, click here.
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