The Sunshine Coast showed their finals credentials with a 26-6 win over fellow Storm feeder side Easts Tigers on Saturday.
Scores were level at half-time before the Falcons ran in four unanswered tries in the second half to win record a famous win.
It was an emotional night with both teams paying tribute to former teammates James Ackerman and Grant Giess.
Be at AAMI Park when we take on the Tigers, Sunday 26 June, 4pm.
The Sunshine Coast controlled possession in the first half and while the points did not come early they were able to sap the energy of their opponents.
Tony Tumusa got the Falcons going in the second half when he crossed the line five minutes after the restart while Matt White was the standout for Easts.
“With the forward pack they had and led by Matt White who I thought was outstanding again on the weekend, you know you’ve certainly got to work hard,” Falcons coach Craig Ingebrigtsen said.
“I think we took a fair bit of gass out of them in the first half but you’re never confident when playing against a club like that which has got such quality players.”
Tumusa continued is strong run of form since his return from injury, scoring for the second time in three games.
“He’s just really effective, he understands where he needs to be in certain times and he really buys into the process up here,” Ingebrigtsen said.
“It’s really pleasing to have Tony in the form he is in at the moment so looking forward to see how he goes against the Blackhawks this weekend.
“He works really hard up here and tries to make sure that he can do the best he can for his club.”
Sunshine Coast Falcons 26 (Paul Ivan 2, Ryley Jacks, Tony Tumusa, Callum Klein tries; Sam Young 2, Ryan Hansen goals) def Easts Tigers 6 (Tommy Butterfield try; Brentt Warr goal) at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
