Top five players and moments from RLMD finals in Mackay

There were match-winning tries and after-the-siren penalty kicks, read the list of the top five players and moments from the RLMD semi finals.

Agony and ecstasy was strewn across Mackay’s rugby league pitches after two close semi finals.

Sarina progressed through to the grand final after defeating Brothers, while Magpies’ season is over after a devastating loss to Wests.

These were the best players from today’s action.

Buchanan Rawhiti – Sarina Crocs

The powerful Sarina centre had a strong performance against the top-of-the-table Brothers side.

He scored the opening try for Sarina, bursting through two tackles before passing it off to winger Maika Tudravu.

Rawhiti received it back and streaked forward to tie the game at 4-4.

A physical presence in the centres helped secure the win for the Crocs, and send them through to the grand final.

Kane Simon – Mackay Brothers

Staring down the barrel of a 16-4 deficit at half time, Brothers needed a strong effort to turn around the game.

A quick try to open the second half was well-received by fans, but the highlight of the game came from the Brothers’ third try.

On the last tackle, Brothers five-eighth Daniel Boyd kicked a high ball to the opposite wing where Kane Simon was positioned.

He beat out his opposing Croc to the sky ball, scoring the try and bringing the score to 16-14 after the conversion was made.

Brothers weren’t able to score again, and will play Wests Tigers for the second spot in the grand final.

Birdsall Faapepele – Mackay Magpies

Another strong centre with a strong game in the semi finals, Faapepele scored two tries against Wests.

He opened all accounts with quick footwork and brute force, partially dancing around his opponent before driving through the tackle.

Faapepele’s second try was almost an exact replica of his first with the only difference being the centre was on the receiving end of a long pass.

Faapepele danced around two defenders before bursting through another pair to score his second and the Magpies’ third,

But they were not able to overcome the Tigers, losing 16-14.

Luke Vaccaneo – Mackay Magpies

Scoring the winning points for your team is every athlete’s dream.

The Magpies fullback had the opportunity to tie the clash against Wests Tigers after an off-side was paid with 30 seconds left.

He scored his two previous opportunities at goal, as well as a previous penalty kick earlier in the match, with the final kick from a spot similar to earlier shots.

Vaccaneo’s kick drifted left after time expired, sealing the fate of both sides as Magpies finished down 14-16.

Wests will play Brothers for a place in the grand final, while Vaccaneo was left on his haunches, devastated.

Jake Thornton – Wests Tigers

The Tigers fullback was influential throughout the tight semi final clash with Magpies.

Thornton scored one try, but his bollocking work in the second half helped secure what turned out to be the match-winning try.

Thornton broke multiple tackles in a late set, bringing the ball dangerously close to the try line.

Nicholas Baker was able to score the final try for Wests, bringing the score to 16-8.

Tigers finished the game up 16-14, with a late-game penalty kick missing to tie the match.

Wests will play Brothers for a grand final berth, while the season is over for the Magpies.