Devils dynasty: Niu fires to make it three in four years for Norths
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Norths Devils centre Tesi Niu led the way as his team dug deep in an epic Hostplus Cup grand final to beat Redcliffe Dolphins.
An absolute freak on the field, Niu was dangerous every time he had the ball and bagged a double during the 34-20 win to earn himself the Duncan Hall Medal for player of the match.
Despite a fast and furious start from Redcliffe, Norths were first to cross in front of a 7173-strong crowd at Kayo Stadium.
Norths winger Blake Paskins raced down the side and passed to Niu to score the first try of the game 10 minutes in.
Niu was next to score at 16 minutes, overpowering the Redcliffe defence on a second effort at the line, to extend the Devils lead to 12-0.
A Mason Teague pass then fell to ground, and Redcliffe five-eighth Tom Casey - given huge props during finals by captain Max Bailey and Josh Kerr - kicked it through and sped down the field to score, with Jeremiah Simbiken chasing hard without catching.
Next up, Simbiken, with a flick pass as he was tackled, found Jordan Lipp, who crossed for a try before converting himself and taking the score to 18-6.
Just before half-time, a big hit from Jaron Purcell on Jacob Gagan, saw Norths lose the ball and Redcliffe capitalise with Will Dobson crossing in the corner.
Match: Devils v Dolphins
Grand Final -
home Team
Devils
2nd Position
away Team
Dolphins
3rd Position
Venue: Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe
Mere minutes into the second half, Niu returned the favour to Paskins and put him over for a try to extend the Norths lead.
Then freaky man Josh Kerr - to continue his run of scoring a try in every Cup game he has played in - chased a Harrison Graham kick-through to ground the ball for four points and James Walsh followed to close the gap a bit more.
But Cup leading try scorer Manase Kaho crossed with confidence to equal the Devils try-scoring record of 21 tries with Derek Fletcher and Campbell Duffy put the icing on the cake for the Devils, scoring under the posts off a mid-air Tuki Simpkins pass.
Devils coach Dave Elliott said he was so proud of the team.
"We knew it was always going to be close," Elliott said.
"They're a very determined team... we knew they weren't going to go away... it was a bit of back and forth there but just so proud of these boys.
"All week we had a quiet confidence about what we knew we could do and how much we were going to turn up for each other... really happy for them."
Elliott said he was particularly impressed with the Devils outside backs, but it was a whole team effort to get the job done for the third time in four years.
"I thought Tesi Nui had a game to remember... he was so dangerous with the footy... got through a lot of work," Elliott said.
"Outside him, Blake Paskins, was really good. Diffused some really tricky situations and just got through a hell of a lot of work as well.
"Our forward pack, our back rowers... Jordan Lipp at the back as well... they sort of had a target on his back because he's such a good player and he just stood up.
"Again, just so happy for them."
Elliott said, as coach of this group of men, he could not describe how proud he was.
"Ten months ago we all came together, we all went to a camp together, we talked about this moment - as every team does - but just so proud of how they've come together in a short space of time," Elliott said.
"Normally it takes a few seasons together to build that comradery and belief... and sometimes those teams don't even get it done... so just so happy for them, so pleased for them. And we get to go again... we get to go to Sydney (for the NRL State Championship game)."
Elliott said it was good for the Devils to get the win in 2021, 2022 and now this year; three times in four years, and a testament to the culture at the club.
"It's outstanding right... so happy for all of out fans and supporters that came out here today, so happy for our sponsors who give up their hard-earned coin to allow the boys to do this," Elliott said.
"We just look after each other at the Devils... we always talk about family and the boys talked about that again today. Just really happy for everyone. Next step, Sydney."
Norths will play the winner of the NSW Cup - Newtown Jets or North Sydney Bears - in Sydney on NRL grand final day.
A disappointed Dolphins captain Max Bailey said "it was a really tough game".
"Really good grand final," Bailey said.
"They got out to a lead and we got ourselves back in but they were too good for us.
"We dug in... our middle went really well... we took it to them. We were embarrassed last game against them, but today we took it to them.
"Latrell (Siegwalt) is always fantastic out the back, Tommy Casey stood up at No.6 but they were too good."
Bailey said despite the result, he was really proud of the Dolphins squad.
"Obviously will reflect on it over the next few days but really proud that we could get here," Bailey said.
"We faced a lot of adversity throughout the year and to get the grand final, really proud. Bigger and better next year."
