Round 22 Saturday wrap: Wynnum Manly lift against Townsville

Author: Jorja Brinums QRL content producer
Timestamp: Sat 17 Aug 2024, 07:45 PM

Wynnum Manly Seagulls have fired at the right time of the season, beating Townsville Blackhawks as they vie for a spot in the top eight.

Going into the clash as eight and nine on the ladder respectively, it was an important game for both teams at the pointy end of the season.

Wynnum Manly skipper Brendan Frei was first to cross for a try in the hot and windy conditions, in front of a boisterous Chook Pen, and his side continued to fire against Townsville to claim the two points.

Frei said it was an important win.

"Obviously these last couple of games for us are must-win so to get a win like that is very pleasing, rolling into form at the right time of the season," Frei said.

"I thought everyone playing quite good. You don't win with 36 points off one or two individuals. I thought everyone across the park played good... plenty of effort... plenty of good team efforts today, so that's what helped us get to 36 points."

Frei said it was especially good to get the win going into the final round of the season.

"We obviously will want to build on this. Next week if we can get a good win, we'll be going into finals will our tails up," Frei said.

Frei on the run. Photo: Erick Lucero/QRL

"You don't want to go into finals footy coming off a loss and a bit deflated. If we can get a good win next week and everyone work on a good team performance... I think that will go a long way for us."

Round 22 - Round 22 - Saturday 17 Aug

Full Time

WM Seagulls

Blackhawks

Venue: BMD Kougari Oval, Brisbane

Team Stats Play by Play

Townsville skipper Kyle Laybutt said "that was disappointing" and he would be holding his breath to see if his side make the top eight, with a bye in the final round.

"Just wasn't our day... disappointing," Laybutt said.

"I guess we've just got to wait now... mathematically a chance to make it, but unlikely."

Laybutt shouted out "all the boys through the middle".

"Those boys played 80 minutes through the guts there and Dudley (Dotoi) on the wing there, he's a freak player... but the ball didn't bounce our way today," Laybutt said.

"Season started a bit shaky for us but towards the back end of the year, we've been playing some really good footy and getting some good wins.

"I think we're a better team than where we're sitting on the ladder, but that's footy.

"It is mathematically possible but it's pretty hard now, but we've got to get back to training for the last week, and see what happens.

"Whatever happens, we'll be back next year, bigger and better."

Elsewhere, Ipswich Jets winger Brandon Roberts scored a double as his side put together a performance to be proud of against Burleigh Bears at UAA Park.

Round 22 - Round 22 - Saturday 17 Aug

Full Time