Well, we've made it. After a gruelling regular season that went down to the final games of the competition, the finals series in both the NSW Cup and QLD Cup got underway over the weekend with some big results!
As part of our ongoing Lower Grade Wrap, here are the big talking points from the week that was in the second tiers' opening week of the finals.
Knights cause finals boilover
Kicking off in NSW, the Newcastle Knights claimed the first major shock of the finals series, upsetting second-placed North Sydney in a spiteful match at Kogarah.
Both sides had players sent to the sin-bin throughout the contest played in challenging conditions, as a September storm rolled over the ground.
The Knights' victory was spearheaded by centre-turned back-rower Kyle McCarthy, who crossed for three tries and ran over 100 metres. Just after his NRL debut in 2024, we were fortunate to speak to current Knights assistant coach Danny Buderus. The legendary figure foreshadowed that McCarthy's build and size could see a transition into the forwards, and it's a move that's come to fruition.
That move has largely come about due to the massive wraps on outside backs such as Toby Winter, who are coming through the expanded Knights pathway system. Winter began the year in the SG Ball competition and has quickly moved into the NSW Cup before making his NRL debut in Round 25.
The NSW U-19 representative was impressive in this contest, running for over 200 metres and setting up the go-ahead try for McCarthy that put the match out of reach for the Bears. Winter is a class prospect who will be pushing for regular first-grade opportunities in coming seasons; the transition to centre has paid off for everyone so far.
Falcons defy the odds to earn week off
Heading into the season, there wasn't much expected of the Sunshine Coast Falcons. The club had lost it's coveted partnership with the Melbourne Storm, denying them of their players this season.
But, building on the success of the Townsville Blackhawks last season in qualifying for the top four without the need of an NRL affiliation. The Falcons have lifted to new heights without the Storm partnership in 2026. The club claimed it's first QLD Cup minor premiership since 2019 and has been building steadily, surprising all in the Sunshine State throughout the campaign.
The opening week of the finals saw them take down QLD Cup glamour side Burleigh in a thrilling contest at Sunshine Coast Stadium. Former Parramatta Eels playmaker Josh Lynn spearheaded the strong victory. The youngster left the Eels last season looking for further opportunities at the open age level.
After a slow start to the campaign, he has kicked on steadily for the Falcons, guiding them to a second-best 27.85 points per game. At just 22, Lynn has plenty of upside and potential, setting up 20 tries and 19 linebreaks this season.
Joining him in a strong season is former Eels teammate Brock Parker. The 23-year-old was the Eels NSW Cup Player of the Season two seasons ago but also left for opportunities on the Sunshine Coast. Parker has taken it with both hands, becoming a regular starter and averaging over 110 metres a game whilst tackling at 94% efficiency.
Others to stand out include five-eighth Thomas Casey and winger Flynn Camilleri who have proven to be standout players in attack for the Falcons in their charge to the grand final.
It shows how far the Falcons have come since their readmission to the QLD Cup in 2014, when they had no affiliation and finished last. Twelve years on, that situation has again come to fruition, and they are one game away from the big dance.
Other Talking Points
Newtown advanced to take on North Sydney in the second week of the finals with a 24-18 win over the New Zealand Warriors. It was a brave win by the Jets as they lost Cup staple players in Michael Gabrael, Riley Jones, Riley Pollard and Hohepa Puru to first grade.
Regardless, young playmaker Taj Ford impressed with three try assists, guiding the Jets around the park brilliantly as the conditions changed throughout the contest. Meanwhile, big prop Felix Faatili continued his rampaging form from the interchange with 11 tackle busts and over 100 metres in his 35-minute stint off the bench.
Townsville advanced to the second week of the QLD Cup finals with a thumping 58-34 try-fest in their elimination final victory over the Brisbane Tigers. Former Italian international Jack Campagnolo had a hand in six of the Blackhawks 11 tries. Also to shine was back-rower Edward Hampson, who scored three tries in a dominant display as the combination of Campagnolo and Hampson tore the Tigers apart.
Redcliffe were able to snag a week off, courtesy of a 20-16 win over the Central QLD Capras. The Dolphins were able to take advantage of a loophole in eligibility rules that allowed Felise Kaufusi and Brad Schneider to come down and tame the Capras. Trai Fuller scored the match-winner late in the second half, using his speed to back up a terrific Jaron Purcell offload.
NSW Cup Finals Week 2 Schedule
Saturday September 12th - Minor Semi: North Sydney Bears v Newtown Jets - 1pm - Leichhardt Oval
Saturday September 12th - Major Semi: Penrith Panthers v Newcastle Knights - 5pm - Leichhardt Oval
QLD Cup Finals Week 1 Results
Townsville 58 d Brisbane 34 (Brisbane eliminated)
Sunshine Coast 20 d Burleigh 14
Redcliffe 20 d Central QLD 16
Ipswich 32 d Mackay 18 (Mackay eliminated)
QLD Cup Finals Week 2 Schedule
Saturday September 12th - Burleigh Bears v Townsville Blackhawks - 2:10pm - UAA Park
Sunday September 13th - Central QLD Capras v Ipswich Jets - 2:10pm - Aurizon Stadium
