![BRL lowdown: Panthers rest as Diehards, Seagulls fight for survival](/contentassets/16303b2280e54d06b607426ced1c7e0f/0e8m1554-copy.jpg?center=0.29%2C0.65&preset=hero-primary-wide)
West Brisbane Panthers will have a rest this weekend after securing the minor premiership way back in Round 15.
A win last week in the final round against Carina put the Panthers back to their winning ways.
Carina, who had occupied second place for the majority of 2024, couldn't quite hold on to make the finals such was the closeness of the five who came after the Panthers.
West Brisbane finished losing two games - only in the final month - to Beenleigh and Redcliffe, amassing more points than anyone (726) and giving up 358, which was second only to the defending premiers Wynnum Manly Juniors (350).
The qualifying final will be between Redcliffe Juniors and Beenleigh at Kayo Stadium from 3pm Saturday.
Both sides finished equal on 24 points, with superior for-and-against giving the ‘Phins the home final.
Both sides have dynamic halves - Redcliffe with Thomas Casey and Cody Lawson.
Young and explosive, they will be a handful for the big men of the Pride. Like shopping trolley wheels, they are unpredictable in their play.
![Valleys beat Souths Juniors last weekend to sneak into the five. Photo: Brett Wood](/contentassets/16303b2280e54d06b607426ced1c7e0f/0e8m1570-copy.jpg?center=0.3%2C0.38&preset=photo-inline)
Beenleigh have the magician LJ Waddups and go forward of Bradley Frith.
In Round 3 it was Redcliffe 30, Beenleigh 16 and Round 12 was Beenleigh 26, Redcliffe 24.
The winner will progress to face West Brisbane Panthers in the grand final qualifier, with the loser heading into sudden death territory.
Defending premiers Wynnum Manly Juniors will host Valleys at John Frederick Park, Capalaba from 4pm. The winner will stay alive - to face the loser of the earlier fixture, and for the loser it will be season over.
The Seagulls only entered the top five two rounds ago, while the Diehards had to win last start and have the Panthers defeat the Tigers.
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Both squads have contrasting styles of play. For Valleys, they have speed to burn out wide.
Add the genius of the halves Josh Fauid and Simon Brittain-Snowden and the two-time premiers could end the Seagulls' quest for a third straight grand final appearance.
The Seagulls have the wrecking ball forward pack of the competition. Connor Brebner and Kelepi Faukafa have a zero tolerance for being tackled.
Wynnum's style is carnage up the middle third. Discipline is key. One mistake and the season is over.
Round 3 was Valleys 16, Wynnum 14 and Round 12 Wynnum 24, Valleys 16.
It should be quite a show.