Queensland Cup Grand Final 22: Norths Devils claim back-to-back titles with win over Redcliffe Dolphins

Norths Devils have become the first club to claim consecutive Hostplus Cups wins in 10 years, after a thrilling win over Redcliffe Dolphins.

Norths pivot Tyson Gamble returned to haunt his former Redcliffe club, helping the Devils to back-to-back titles with a 16-10 defeat of the Dolphins in a thrilling Hostplus Cup grand final.

The Devils overcame a slow start to the season to become the first club since Paul Green’s Wynnum Manly in 2011-12 to win consecutive titles, disposing of the Dolphins in a heart-stopping affair at Moreton Daily Stadium.

It was a heroic performance by the defending premiers, who withstood a barnstorming finish from the Dolphins to snap a nine-year losing streak at Redcliffe’s home ground.

The Devils had a raft of heroes but few were better than departing Brisbane Broncos five-eighth Gamble, who provided two touches of class to sink the Dolphins outfit he once represented.

Departing Bronco Tyson Gamble was a standout for the Devils, helping them secure back-to-back wins in the Queensland Cup Grand Final. Picture: Getty Images.

The Newcastle-bound playmaker set-up his side’s opening try for Duncan Hall Medallist Jacob Gagan in the 24th minute and also had a major hand in the 49th minute effort to Brayden McGrady which gave Norths a 12-2 lead.

With Norths having one hand on the trophy, Redcliffe stormed home, wingers Setu Tu (60th) and Edward Burns (72nd) crossing to ensure a pulsating finale at 12-10.

But the Devils finally plunged the dagger, McGrady sensationally soaring for a bomb two minutes from time to post his second try and give Norths seven consecutive wins to ice a rollercoaster season.

Having lost premiership mentor Rohan Smith to Leeds in the opening rounds, the Devils were in danger of missing the finals, but replacement co-coaches Kevin Neighbour and Ben King stabilised the champions for a late-season charge.

“It is a massive accomplishment, no-one gave us a chance in June or July,” Norths skipper Jack Ahearn said.

The Devils are now the first team to win consecutive Queensland Cup Grand Finals since Paul Green’s Wynnum Manly in 2011-12. Picture: Getty Images.

“It’s been so satisfying, it’s been a great journey, I can’t be prouder of the boys.

“Tyson was massive, he is a Redcliffe junior and Tyrone Roberts (halfback) was great, too, steering the ship.

“It was a different challenge this year with Rohan (Smith) going to England, but I’m so proud of the way we fought back as a club.”

Buoyed by just one loss in their past 15 games, the Dolphins came charging out of the blocks and led 2-0 after a Bryce Donovan penalty goal in the 20th minute.

But Gamble ignited the Devils’ attack four minutes later, producing a superb short ball for centre Gagan to slice through for the opening try of the match.

Leading 6-2 at halftime, Norths edged clear nine minutes after the break, winning a highball contest and Gamble throwing a sublime 30-metre pass to Gagan, who put McGrady over untouched.

Refusing to concede, the Dolphins came charging home, Tu outleaping McGrady on the left edge before wing teammate Burns touched down in the right corner to leave the Devils in danger at 12-10.

But McGrady’s almighty leap on the stroke of full-time sealed back-to-back titles for the gutsy Devils.