Round in review: Mal Meninga Cup qualifying finals
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The grand finalists for the 2024 Mal Meninga Cup have been decided following a blockbuster weekend of qualifying finals.
In the first qualifying final on Saturday at Tugun, the minor premiers Tweed Seagulls put in a massive second half to go from 12-10 up at halftime to progress to the premiership decider with a 42-14 scoreline over the Ipswich Jets.
Backrower Jac Finigan bagged a double in the win, which will see the Seagulls play in the grand final at Kayo Stadium on Saturday, May 25.
Match: Seagulls v Jets
Preliminary Final -
home Team
Seagulls
away Team
Jets
Venue: Tugun RLFC, Tugun
In the second qualifying final, the Burleigh Bears caused a huge upset, toppling the reigning premiers in the Redcliffe Dolphins.
In similar circumstances to the Tweed and Ipswich clash, the first half was an arm wrestle, with the Dolphins jumping out of the gate first with hooker Amare Wynyard crossing in the second minute.
Bears fullback Raymond Puru responded just seven minutes later and from here Burleigh kept the momentum rolling, with a double to Disharne Tonihi and another try to Creedence Kelly Donovan handing them an 18-6 halftime lead.
In the second stanza, the Bears ran riot to get the upset victory, with Hayden Watson, Phillip Coates, Coby Black and Amare Milford all crossing to secure a 42-10 win.
Match: Dolphins v Bears
Preliminary Final -
home Team
Dolphins
away Team
Bears
Venue: Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe
The stage is set now for the famous Tweed and Burleigh rivalry to play out in the biggest game of the Mal Meninga Cup season.
The last time Tweed playing in the grand final was 2021, which they won 30-24 over the Townsville Blackhawks.
The Bears meanwhile have never played in a Mal Meninga Cup grand final, with the under 19s now chasing a piece of history for the club.
Catch all the Mal Meninga Cup qualifying finals replays on Qplus.tv.
