BRL talking points: hero emerges in the preliminary final

The high-stakes rematch of last year’s grand final with a spot in the 2023 BRL decider on the line did not disappoint, as a hard-working forward emerged as the hero.

A rematch of the 2022 BRL grand final does not disappoint as the Seagulls book themselves a spot in this year’s decider with a win over the Panthers.

Wynnum Juniors Seagulls 28 defeat West Brisbane Panthers 20

If the Seagulls are to go on and win next week’s BRL grand final, it may be a huge moment from backrower James Robinson that they have to thank for it.

After a slow start cost them dearly in their loss last week, the Seagulls were determined to come out firing in their preliminary final against rivals Wests.

Five-Eighth Timmy Tupou would help them do just that with a midfield bomb gifting his side early field position leading them to open the scoring through Dylan Brassel.

It would not take long for the Panthers to respond with Wests captain Simon Brittain-Snowden setting up Faafeti Vaavale with a lovely inside ball to crash over.

It looked as though the Panthers would keep the scoreboard clicking over when Jye Ballinger crashed over less than ten minutes later.

Jye Ballinger, pictured in his Falcons playing days, had a good season for Wests Brisbane Panthers.

However, Wynnum’s Connor Brebner and Justin Smith would put their body’s on the line to force a mistake.

Unfortunately for Smith, the gutsy effort would prove costly as he picked up an ankle injury and would not return leaving the Seagulls down a man for the remainder of the game.

Building confidence from their defence, Tupou would again strike with another pinpoint kick, this time a grubber, being regathered by Trevor Monaei to give the Seagulls a four-point lead heading into the half.

Building on to what has already been an impressive final’s campaign, Wests hooker Shane Pumipi gave his side the lead after some individual brilliance as he broke through countless tackles on his way to slamming the ball down.

They would score back-to-back with a lovely cut out pass from fullback Kyle Van Klaveren sending his winger over in the corner. After tries from Savaan Tahere and Ryan Franks,

Former Redcliffe Dolphin Shane Pumipi was integral for the Panthers again. Photo: Jon Sloan.

Wynnum had wrestled back the lead but the game was up for grabs.

With his Seagulls side clinging to a two-point lead and all the momentum with the Panthers after countless attacking raids, it looked like a certainty that the reigning premiers would break the home crowds’ hearts in the game’s final moments.

Wynnum’s Robinson would have other ideas as he shot out of the line to put a massive hit on, causing a mistake and giving his side crucial possession in what was a brutal contest at John Frederick Park.

With a win over last year’s premiers, Wynnum will be full of confidence as they take on Bulimba in next week’s grand final after a brilliant defensive effort from their troops.

They will look to avenge their 12-point loss to the Bulldogs in the major semi and go one better than they did in 2022.

For Wests it is an unfamiliar feeling as they will miss grand final day for the first time in three seasons.

Miracle Moment

In what sent shockwaves through the Wynnum camp, it looked as though they had lost their lock forward Nathan Ward to a suspected dislocated shoulder ten minutes after the halftime break.

Already down a man, Ward was left reeling on the ground after being bumped off a tackle.

With the game stopped and medical staff called on to the ground, the Seagull faithful were holding their breath as Ward was given treatment.

Not only would he stay on the field, he would made the next tackle In a testament to the miracles of the magic sponge.

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