With the race to the finals heating up in the NSW Cup and in the QLD Cup, every moment counts for the sides battling to make the semi-finals with just two rounds to play.
This week saw plenty of thrills, spills and some massive moments that shifted the dynamic of the finals race in the state-based competitions.
Warriors unearth generation next in rout of Souths
Much has been said about the New Zealand Warriors' decision to let go of three halves from their roster next season in Luke Metcalf, Luke Hanson and Jett Cleary.
However, what hasn't been discussed so far is the emergence of their next generation across the Tasman. After suffering from disadvantages and setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, the club have fully rebuilt their pathways under GM of Football Andrew McFadden.
The results have already borne fruit with the likes of Leka Halasima, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava and Demitric Vaimauga already graduating into the NRL.
With questions only intensifying over their halves depth in the future, all eyes were on Redfern Oval on Saturday as two young guns played a key part in a 38-12 demolition of South Sydney. Players such as Jack Thompson and Maui Winitana-Patelesio got their chance to shine following Hanson and Cleary's promotion to first grade due to the club's spate of injuries to their playmaking stocks.
The young guns didn't let their chance go to waste, being amongst the best on the ground as the Warriors kept their finals hopes alive. Winitana-Patelesio was very busy, having a hand in two tries and two linebreaks in just his fourth NSW Cup game. The youngster showed his strong running game, busting seven tackles and tearing Souths to shreds after trailing 12-0 early.
Centre Jye Linnane continued his strong form in a new position, continuing to bust tackles for fun and picking up another double. Linnane has put together a strong season in new surroundings after having his last two seasons cut short by ACL injuries. The 21-year-old is ranked fourth in tackle busts for outside backs and scored 14 tries in 12 games.
With a lot of talk building about the possibility of a second New Zealand side by the close of the decade, future-proofing will be an integral part of the Warriors' sustained success across the Tasman. But the early signs look very positive with the next generation proving the step up is no step too far.
Amone launches World Cup ambitions
Former Dragon Talatau Amone has been on the comeback trail over the last six weeks as he looks for an NRL lifeline.
After being deregistered by the NRL in 2023 and exiled following the tearing up of his $500,000 contract over several off-field incidents, Amone has returned with a point to prove after signing with the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.
The 50+ game NRL player has been on a tear for the Seagulls, thrashing Souths Logan by 42-18 as they prepare for a win-and-in game against the Brisbane Tigers next Sunday to secure a finals spot.
Amone was in everything, setting up four tries and four linebreaks in a demolition job of the Magpies. The international playmaker also ran for 127 metres and had two offloads. It continues an impressive return to the field for the former Dragon after two and a half seasons away from semi-professional rugby league.
His strong run of form has not just NRL clubs on alert, but Tonga as well. The Pacific nation powerhouse is on the lookout for the strike pivot to pair with dynamo halfback Isaiya Katoa, as that is the one glaring problem in their roster that failed to win a match in the Pacific Championships last season.
Due to his off-field issues, the NRL won't register any contract with the 24-year-old until February. Still, Tonga are looking at expediting his return to professional action for the forthcoming World Cup. A decision is expected immiently by the IRL.
Tongan coach Kristian Woolf told News Corp, “If he's playing well enough and he can help us with Tonga, then I think he's at a stage in his career where he could be a really positive influence for us. It's something I'd have to speak to the NRL about at the appropriate time and see what their ruling on it is.”
Around the grounds
The Sunshine Coast Falcons have picked up their first minor premiership since 2019 after a 48-4 thrashing of the PNG Hunters. Despite being tipped to struggle without the influence of Melbourne Storm players, the Falcons have been a joy to watch, with the combination of Thomas Casey and Josh Lynn in the halves a real shining light this season.
Mackay have secured their first finals appearance since 2013 with a resounding 38-14 victory over the Western Clydesdales. Future Perth Bear Mason Barber had a strong performance, busting six tackles and running for over 100 metres. Cowboys half Liam Sutton continued his impressive season with strong organising in the attacking 20, guiding the Cutters to victory.
Newtown have secured a top five spot after a come-from-behind 40-30 victory over North Sydney at Henson Park. Sharks half Riley Pollard played with a point to prove, scoring two tries and organising play brilliantly. Hooker Jayden Berrell is heading back to QLD next season but had his strongest performance of the season, torching North Sydney's middle defence regularly.
Manly's long losing streak came to an end emphatically with a 40-12 victory over Newcastle. Fullback Tex Hoy was impressive, running for over 150 metres, scoring twice and having two try assists in a commanding display. Young half Onitoni Large had a strong showing as he torched the Knights' edge defence to pieces.
QLD Cup Round 22 Results
Redcliffe 30 d Tweed 12
Burleigh 18 d Brisbane 12
CQ Capras 24 d Pride 14
Sunshine Coast 48 d PNG 4
Ipswich 34 d Norths 12
Mackay 38 d Western 12
Wynnum 42 d Souths 18
NSW Cup Round 25 Results
Penrith 40 d Melbourne 20
Manly 40 d Newcastle 12
Bulldogs 40 d St George 10
Warriors 38 d Souths 12
Newtown 40 d Norths 30
Raiders 50 d Eels 22
Roosters 44 d Wests 28
Finals Implications
Starting in the QLD Cup, seven of the eight spots in the finals have been secured. Whilst Sunshine Coast have the minor premiership, a lot of positions can change following results this weekend. Meanwhile, Wynnum play Brisbane on Sunday in a finals shootout; the winner advances, the loser can start preparing for Mad Monday.
In NSW, it's a lot simpler with four spots secured. The last spot comes down to the last day of the season. If the Warriors beat the Knights, they advance to the finals. If they lose, the Roosters will advance to the finals. If the Knights lose, Newtown can climb into third with a win over Parramatta due to superior for-and-against.
