![Round 22 Sunday wrap: Race for top four stays open as Hunters and Magpies win](/contentassets/85675aec93924dcfb405ee5717df0c56/2v1a0606.jpg?center=0.5%2C0.48&preset=hero-primary-wide)
The final four of this year's Hostplus Cup is still yet to be determined, after the Souths Logan Magpies caused an upset over the Sunshine Coast Falcons in Round 22.
A win at Davies Park on Sunday would have ultimately secured the Falcons their place in this year's top four, heading into the final round of the regular season next weekend.
But an upset 30-18 victory to the home side saw the Sunshine Coast be denied, with Souths Logan putting in one of their best performances of the year.
Then - to close out the Sunday action - the PNG Hunters raced away to a 46-24 win over the Brisbane Tigers on home turf in Port Moresby, to move into fifth on the ladder, setting the stage for a thrilling weekend in Round 23.
The Falcons remain in fourth heading into next weekend, but the Hunters are right behind them, with the two sides both on 28 points and separated only by for-and-against.
The Burleigh Bears (sixth) and Wynnum Manly Seagulls (seventh) are also within striking distance of the top four, pending results from the final regular round.
Souths Logan skipper Rory Ferguson said he knew today's result in PNG meant his own side were essentially out of the race for finals, but it was satisfying nonetheless to get the result over the Sunshine Coast.
Match: Magpies v Falcons
Round 22 -
home Team
Magpies
10th Position
away Team
Falcons
4th Position
Venue: Davies Park, Brisbane
"Finally what we've talked about, everything all paid off today," Ferguson said.
"We deserved that win. We dug pretty deep there. Everything just worked today. It's the 80 minutes of footy we've been waiting for all year.
"It's probably a bit late now but it's good to know for next year.
'We're playing for pride in the jersey. Some of these young boys, it's a good learning curve for them building into next year.
"We can take a lot from this season. There's been highs and lows and I think looking into next year, it's going to do us the world of good.
"Hopefully '25 will be another big year for us."
The Magpies were buoyed by the presence of a number of their Brisbane Broncos affiliates, including Coby Black, Israel Leota and prop Ben Te Kura, who scored Souths Logan's opening try in his return after three months sidelined through injury.
Ferguson was full of praise for both Black and second rower Tyler Coburn, who set a strong platform for his side.
Black, Leota and Coburn all scored, while halfback Brandon Finnegan crossed for the team's final try of the day in the 65th minute.
Ammaron Gudgeon bagged a double for the Sunshine Coast while Flynn Camilleri and Chris Lewis also scored.
The Souths Logan Magpies will next week wrap up their season at home against the Ipswich Jets in what is a milestone match for their skipper.
Match: Magpies v Jets
Round 23 -
home Team
Magpies
10th Position
away Team
Jets
14th Position
Venue: Davies Park, Brisbane
Ferguson said he's looking forward to playing in front of the home fans for one last time in 2024 and hopefully getting the two points.
"I just want to win games," Ferguson said of the last round.
"We've got one more home game at Davies and it's my 100th game so I want to turn up for that."
The Falcons meanwhile will turn their attention to the second-placed Norths Devils in a big battle at Bishop Park next Saturday.
To lock away fourth place - and a guaranteed two weeks of finals footy action - the Falcons need to get the win next weekend.
The Devils will also want to sure up their top two spot, with the third-placed Redcliffe Dolphins and this year's minor premiers - the Northern Pride - also guaranteed top four finalists.
For the Falcons, their biggest threat will be the Hunters, who will take on the Western Clydesdales next Saturday in Port Moresby.
PNG moved into fifth today as the likes of Sanny Wabo and Judah Rimbu ran riot against the Tigers.
Match: Hunters v Tigers
Round 22 -
home Team
Hunters
5th Position
away Team
Tigers
13th Position
Venue: Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
Both Wabo and Rimbu earned doubles while Solo Wane, Ila Alu, Brandon Nima and Finley Glare also crossed.
Tigers half Ryley Jacks bagged a late double to bring the scoreline closer, but it was too little, too late for the reigning premiers.
Outside of the Hunters, the Burleigh Bears also loom as one potential team to move into the top four, pending next week's results.
The Luke Burt-coached team will be desperate for the two points having not won since June. The Bears face a major challenge though, set to play host to the Pride next Saturday.
And the final top four contenders - although outsiders - are the Wynnum Manly Seagulls who will take on the Tigers at home next Sunday.
For a wrap of the Saturday results from Round 22, click here.
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