Easts Tigers recovered from a nervous start to overrun Mackay Cutters and book their place in the Intrust Super Cup finals.
The Tigers gave up an early try and led by just two points at half-time before a much-improved second half set up a 48-20 win.
Brodie Croft scored his second double in as many weeks while Young Tonumaipea and Christian Welch were brilliant throughout for the home side.
“Welchy played 80 minutes in the front row on the weekend,” Easts coach Scott Sipple said.
“We lost a couple of players and he didn’t want to come off, even when we were up by 20 he wanted to stay out there so he was very good for us.
“Young is also starting to feel more comfortable at fullback there and he got our first try with a 90-metre solo break out of a scrum.”
The win saw Easts leapfrog Souths Logan Magpies into sixth spot on the ladder.
That now sets up a quarterfinal clash against the Townsville Blackhawks this Sunday.
Be at AAMI Park when we take on the Sharks, Saturday 3 September, 7:30pm.