Round 23 Sunday wrap: Reigning premiers end season with gutsy win
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The Brisbane Tigers have caused one last upset to end their 2024 season, with the reigning premiers claiming a win over the Wynnum Manly Seagulls to end their hopes of a home final.
If the Seagulls had claimed the two points at BMD Kougari Oval on Sunday, they would have locked up a week one elimination final on home turf for next week.
But Matt Church's Tigers had other plans, as they put in a gutsy effort - minus a large contingent of their NRL affiliate players - to claim a 32-28 victory.
Celebrating both the Paul Green Medal and Turn to Me Round, it was a massive occasion to end the 2024 regular season and the Tigers certainly aimed high.
Down 22-12 at halftime, the Tigers roared into the second half with a fresh spring in their step, crossing quickly after the break through Nathan Kegg-King.
There was a bit of back and forth between the two sides, with Ronald Philitoga adding to the Tigers' comeback before Wynnum Manly skipper Brendan Frei handed his side the lead back in the 66th minute.
But, with five minutes left on the clock, Tom Rafter crossed for the Tigers to claim the two points and dash Wynnum Manly's home final hopes.
Match: WM Seagulls v Tigers
Round 23 -
home Team
WM Seagulls
8th Position
away Team
Tigers
11th Position
Venue: BMD Kougari Oval, Brisbane
Winger Philitoga was awarded the Paul Green Medal and said he thrilled to close out his comeback season with a win.
"It obviously felt pretty good," he said of the victory.
"We were all feeling good throughout the week, we were all hyped up and ready to go. It’s a good rivalry and we’re happy to end the season on a win.
"We were all just looking for a result to end the season. There was big talk around leading with intent and having high energy and I think we did that.
"I’ve really grown into that role (to bring the energy). My personality suits it and I do try to get the boys up with my energy.
"It’s actually been a really good year overall ... my first season back in Cup after my ACL. I was looking to just notch up a few games this year but I managed to hold a spot so I’m just grateful."
Wynnum Manly have now finished the season in eighth place and will have to travel to Papua New Guinea next week to take on the fifth-placed Hunters.
Skipper Frei said they had hurt themselves against the Tigers.
"The takeaway for us today was, it doesn’t matter what team it is – whether they’re bottom of the ladder or the top – you can’t give them any chance to play their footy," he said.
"We made too many errors coming out of our own end and in a comp like this, it doesn’t do you too well. We didn’t give ourselves any opportunity."
The trip to PNG is notorious for being the toughest road trip in the Hostplus Cup.
But Frei said the Seagulls have done it before and know what to expect.
He said they will embrace the challenge ahead as they kick off their finals campaign.
"There’s no lie that PNG probably is the hardest game to travel to," he said.
"For us, it’s just making sure everyone knows their roles and getting back to playing our Wynnum footy.
"We all know how to play that. We will be better much next week.
"Most of our players have been there before so we know what to expect and that it’s not going to be a walk in the park.
"The good thing is we know we have to play tough. Everyone is going to be ready to play."
In the other Sunday match, the Ipswich Jets flexed their muscle one last time, with a 24-16 victory over the Souths Logan Magpies at Davies Park.
Match: Magpies v Jets
Round 23 -
home Team
Magpies
10th Position
away Team
Jets
14th Position
Venue: Davies Park, Brisbane
For a wrap of the Saturday matches from Round 23, click here.
To rewatch all the Hostplus Cup Round 23 action, subscribe to Qplus.tv.
And to get your tickets to this year's highly-anticipated Queensland Rugby League grand final day, presented by Ford, click here.
