Runaway Bay fullback John Mackin leads Seagulls into Grand Final

The turning point of the match came when Mudgeeraba, leading 8-0, broke free for a 85 metre dash to the line only to be bundled into touch by fullback John Mackin in the act of scoring.

The Rugby League Gold Coast Grand Final will pit the defending champion Burleigh Bears against 2020’s minor premiers, the Runaway Bay Seagulls, at CBUS Super Stadium in a week’s time.

Burleigh overcame Southport Tigers 20-16 in the first semi-final before Runaway Bay accounted for fourth-placed Mudgeeraba Redbacks 34-12 on Sunday.

Burleigh led 14-6 at halftime but it took a try to star five-eighth Shailin Fuller to break clear after tries to Callum Burgess-Boomer and Lee Turner cut the margin to two points with a half-hour to play.

Fuller’s try next to the posts provided the buffer Burleigh needed.

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Southport had the last roll of the dice 20 metres out from the Bears line but could find no avenue to breach it, delivering Burleigh into their fifth A Grade Grand Final in six seasons.

They will meet a dangerous Runaway Bay side in the decider.

The Seagulls triumphed 13-6 over Burleigh in their only clash for 2020 back in Round Seven.

Their second meeting will see them arrive in even greater form having dismantled most-improved Mudgeeraba in the second semi-final.

Mudgeeraba led 8-0 in the opening stages but failed to slow Runaway Bay as it’s attack grew into the fixture.

The Seagulls pounded five tries through the Redbacks defence and seven goals through winger Jake Powell, courtesy of a number of Mudgeeraba infringements through midfield.

Runaway Bay fullback John Mackin celebrates his try. Picture: KPM Sports

“It was tough early on,” coach Nick Gleeson said.

“We started slow and they jumped all over us but the boys held their nerve and scored a couple of quick tries.

“The boys didn’t start great but we knew if we completed and got back into the game we’d be fine.”

The turning point of the match came when Mudgeeraba, leading 8-0, broke free for a 85 metre dash to the line only to be bundled into touch by fullback John Mackin in the act of scoring.

“He’s been the best fullback in the competition all year and he showed why today,” Gleeson said.

“Other sides talk about Lachie Bishop or Guy Hamilton, but Mackin came from the other side of the field (to make the tackle) and to even get there was a huge moment.”

Gleeson said Burleigh were the side he had hoped to meet in Saturday’s Grand Final.