Norths, Wynnum Manly set for epic grand final showdown

The Intrust Grand Final is being played on Sunday with battle lines drawn for a fiery clash between the Norths Devils and the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

Nene Macdonald and Jack Ahearn from Norths Devils and Sam Scarlett and Selwyn Cobbo from Wynnum Manly Seagulls ahead of the Intrust Super Cup Grand Final. Picture: Josh Woning

Bomber’s Blast

Anthony Breeze

The Intrust Grand Final is being played on Sunday with battle lines drawn for a fiery clash between the Norths Devils and the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

These clubs finished in the top two on the ladder and both had great wins last week over Burleigh and Tweed respectively.

Wynnum started their clash with Tweed on fire racing in four first half tries taking a 16 point advantage into halftime. They really went on with the job in the second half.

Jack Ahearn from Norths Devils and Sam Scarlett from Wynnum Manly Seagulls check out the Intrust Super Cup on offer in Sunday’s grand final at Redcliffe. Picture: Josh Woning

Seagulls hooker Jayden Berrell was outstanding as was centre Delouise Hoeter who bagged a hat-trick. Wynnum also were on fire early in their clash with Burleigh and opened up a matchwinning lead by halftime, going into the break up 20-0.

The Seagulls had many stars but none were more instrumental than hooker Danny Levi who was in all the action.

These teams only met a month ago with the Devils taking the honours 24-16.

It promises to be a great clash between two strong attacking sides but this clash will be won in the forwards.

Tip: Wynnum.

Panthers were the best

The NRL season has been run and won with the Penrith Panthers lifting the trophy aloft and claiming the 2021 Premiership.

The game has been billed as one of the best grand finals for many years where defence was the main winner on the day.

Both teams threw everything at each other with some superb attacking plays but it ultimately came down to goal kicking to decide this epic encounter.

Congratulations to the Panthers who were one of the top sides all year and thoroughly deserved the title after missing out last year.

Quick thoughts

WINNERS: 1. Benji Marshall might not have gone out a winner on Grand Final Day but I am sure he is a winner in the eyes of all rugby league supporters after calling time on his glittering career.

2. Boom galloper Incentavise who won the Turnbull last weekend. He is a big chance of taking out the Caulfield/Melbourne Cup double.

3. The English cricket team which are a great chance of coming to play the Ashes. The summer would have been boring if they decided to stay home.

LOSERS: 1. Anyone involved in the serious accusations that are coming out about the culture within the women’s soccer team. It needs to be resolved quickly.

2. Wests Tigers player Daine Laurie who was seen partying in a Panthers jersey. It was an error of judgment and definitely not a good look for the club.

NRL upwards: 1. The Penrith Panthers ended the 2021 season as premiers with a gutsy win over the Rabbitohs. They were one of the top sides all year and avenged last year’s defeat.

2. Nathan Cleary for his performance in the grand final to win the Clive Churchill Medal. Isiah Yeo or even Cameron Murray would have been high on the list for this award.

NRL downwards: 1. The three Storm players who were sanctioned for their terrible choices. When will they learn to behave and not put a stain on the game.

2. The NRL for handing down such a little sentence to the Storm players embroiled in the white substance saga. Harsher penalties are required to weed this problem out.

Birthdays: 1. 1957 - Jayne Torvill: English ice skater who won gold at the 1984 Olympics with partner Christopher Dean.

2. 1994 - Ollie Wines: AFL player with the Port Adelaide Football Club. He won the 2021 Brownlow Medal with 36 votes and became the first Port player to win the award.

On this day: 1. 1916 - Georgia Tech defeats Cumberland in the most lopsided game in US college football history. They won 222-0.

2. 1928: The Flying Finn Paavo Nurmi smashes the 10 mile world record running 50 mins 15 secs.

3. 2014: South Sydney wins their first NRL premiership in 43 years. The Rabbitohs defeated the Canterbury Bulldogs 30-6 in the highest rating NRL match of all time.