Rugby League Ipswich: Check out the major developments in quest for title glory
As the latest Rugby League Ipswich competition finals crank up a gear, here’s all the highlights from Sunday’s elimination games.
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AS the latest Rugby League Ipswich competition finals crank up a gear, here’s what we’ve learnt from Sunday’s elimination games.
1. Brothers have sounded a timely warning to A-Grade competition leaders Swifts and the unpredictable Jets by thrashing Norths 66-10.
Even people in the Brothers camp were surprised by the Blue and White team’s latest performance which has supporters excited about another grand final charge. Brothers pounded Norths across the field with relentless intensity and try-scoring might.
2. Brothers speedster Ricco Falaniko produced an impressive case for try of the year in Sunday’s knockout final.
Falaniko’s runaway four-pointer had everyone at the North Ipswich Reserve gasping in amazement. From the moment he broke through Norths first line of defence, Falaniko was unstoppable, running around or through a number of Norths tacklers.
3. Brothers fullback Josh McCarroll is proving a more than handy points accumulator.
Having already scored some sensational tries this season, McCarroll had his goal kicking radar working superbly on Sunday. He booted 10 conversions and a penalty goal in the comprehensive elimination final victory.
4. Wes Conlon can still turn a match in a matter of minutes, wherever he plays.
The premiership-winning former fullback was in fine form playing in the halves against Norths.
Conlon scored the first two tries including one following a well-placed 40-20 kick that landed close to the Norths tryline.
5. The North Tigers young guns received one of the biggest football lessons of their lives in the elimination final.
While the teenage talents deserved their opportunity in a major A-Grade match, they were outsmarted and outclassed by Brothers more experienced big men.
Norths have done some wonderful development. Hopefully the players who ran out on Sunday are not scarred too much and can return better for the experience next season.
6. Astute Brothers coach Jason Connors allowed himself an early moment to enjoy Sunday’s crushing victory over Norths.
With minutes remaining and his team still accumulating points, Connors started clapping his players, eager to show his appreciation.
The celebration continued in the dressing room where the sense of what Brothers achieved was clearly recognised.
7. As one of Ipswich’s most successful clubs, Brothers never take the foot off the pedal.
Even leading by 50 points, the Brothers players were still lining up eager to score. Seeing the bench players score tries in the one-sided result gave the team extra confidence for the rest of the finals series.
8. The Swifts Bluebirds and Ipswich Jets A-Grade sides will need to use the extra week to advantage after seeing what Brothers did to Norths.
The major semi-final between the top two teams is on Sunday with the winner advancing directly to the grand final.
On Brothers’ amazing team performance, Swifts and the Jets will need to bring their A-game - literally.
9. The Goodna Reserves finally have something to cheer about after a tough year for the club.
With the A-Grade side suspended, the second graders rallied impressively on Sunday beating Swifts 22-0.
That was despite a major delay due to the injury their captain Riley Stewart received early in the game.
10. Managing injuries will be a crucial task of coaches and team staff during the final series.
Some players were hurt in the first day of matches, having returned from an enforced month-long break.
Extra warm-ups and caution will be essential to reduce the risk of more injuries in the heat of finals battles.
11. Fassifern is to be applauded for encouraging their Colts players this season.
Fassifern’s 60-0 victory over Rosewood gave the young mates an opportunity to continue building their footy careers.
It was terrific to see the players of the future gain more confidence preparing to face more established teams like Norths and Redbank Plains.
12. Sportsmanship is alive and well in rugby league.
Fassifern Colts coach Shane Gillett was quick to praise winless Rosewood for committing to the task this season after they suffered a 60-0 defeat.
Gillett knows how important it is to keep under-19 players in the game.
13. The North Ipswich Reserve is still an enjoyable place to watch rugby league with the grassed hills and open space.
However, how will the atmosphere change if we ever get the long-awaited stadium and entertainment precinct capable of holding 12,500 to 20,000 fans?
14. The sports trainers working for Rugby League Ipswich clubs continue to impress.
When Goodna Reserve Grade captain Riley Stewart landed awkwardly with a suspected broken arm, he received immediate care.
The umbrella even came out to shield him from the heat while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.
Well done to all sports trainers who are ever alert and looking after the players.
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