The finals fate of the Brisbane Tigers is in their own hands ahead of the final round of the Hostplus Cup after they defeated the Central Capras in Rockhampton yesterday.
The Tigers jumped to seventh position by beating the Capras 38-34 while their chief rivals for a top eight spot – Wynnum-Manly, Northern Pride and Townsville Blackhawks – all suffered defeats.
The final round is this weekend with the Tigers hosting fifth-placed Tweed Seagulls at Totally Workwear Stadium. A win would guarantee a finals spot, while a loss would leave the Brisbane team needing other results to go their way.
Storm forward Jordan Grant led the Tigers’ tackle count against the Capras with 35, while Jonah Pezet came off the bench to help set up two tries, as well as kicking four crucial conversions.
Meanwhile, the Sunshine Coast Falcons remain in second position after beating the Mackay Cutters 36-18 in Mackay.
Storm’s Will Warbrick scored a double on the right wing for the Falcons – the first try coming off a midfield bust and offload from his Melbourne teammate Jack Howarth. The former All Black Sevens representative ran for a massive total of 327 metres.
Storm forwards Trent Loiero and Tepai Moeroa both made their comeback from lengthy injury layoffs, playing almost an hour each in the starting pack.
The Falcons face third-placed Redcliffe Dolphins at Sunshine Coast Stadium this weekend with the winner earning a home final when the two teams meet again in week one of the finals series.
Storm player stats
Jayden Nikorima – 66 minutes – 13 runs for 68 metres, 1 linebreak assist, 2 tackle breaks
Jordan Grant – 61 minutes – 4 goals – 12 runs for 130 metres, 35 tackles
Bronson Garlick – 80 minutes – 13 runs for 104 metres, 1 linebreak assist, 1 try assist, 5 tackle breaks, 32 tackles
Jonah Pezet – 47 minutes – 7 runs for 52 metres, 1 linebreak, 2 linebreak assists, 2 try assists, 2 tackle breaks, 16 tackles
Alec MacDonald – 44 minutes – 1 try – 10 runs for 101 metres, 1 linebreak, 1 linebreak assist, 4 tackle breaks, 15 tackles
Grant Anderson – 49 minutes – 5 runs for 55 metres
Will Warbrick – 80 minutes – 2 tries, 16 runs for 327 metres, 2 linebreaks, 3 tackle breaks
Jack Howarth – 80 minutes – 11 runs for 116 metres, 1 linebreak assist, 1 try assist, 4 tackle breaks, 29 tackles
Trent Loiero – 57 minutes – 14 runs for 145 metres, 25 tackles
Tepai Moeroa – 54 minutes – 13 runs for 124 metres, 31 tackles
