The Brisbane Tigers BMD Premiership squad have made a major statement in Round 2, producing a powerful performance to defeat the 2024 Premiership winners, the Mackay Cutters 34–8 at Totally Workwear Stadium.
It was all Brisbane from the outset, as the home side laid the platform with three unanswered tries in the opening 20 minutes. Narikah Orchard crossed first in just the second minute, followed by barnstorming efforts from Saupo-Mina Toeleiu and Porche John — with Evelyn Roberts converting two of the three to give the Tigers an early 12–0 advantage.
Brisbane’s pack dominated the ruck and created repeat opportunities, and the scoreboard pressure continued when Malaela Su’a powered over in the 34th minute after Mackay were reduced to 12 players, with Libby Surha sent to the sin bin for infringements.
The Tigers kept the foot on the gas just before halftime, with Roberts capping off a strong personal performance by grabbing a four-pointer of her own and converting to send the home side into the break with a commanding 26–0 lead.
Mackay managed to show some fight in the second half, scoring through Miah Powell in the 48th minute and Shaylee Hazledine 10 minutes later, but it was far from enough to disrupt Brisbane’s rhythm.
Saupo-Mina Toeleiu crossed for her second try of the afternoon in the 51st minute, before Kayleen Takai sealed the match in the 65th minute with a determined run close to the line.
The Tigers’ clinical attack and defensive intensity never wavered, keeping the Cutters scoreless in the first 40 and controlling the match through clever rotations and strong contributions across the park.
Final Score:
Brisbane Tigers 34
(Tries: Narikah Orchard, Saupo-Mina Toeleiu 2, Porche John, Malaela Sua, Evelyn Roberts, Kayleen Takai | Goals: Evelyn Roberts 3, Kelsey Parkin 1)
Mackay Cutters 8
(Tries: Miah Powell, Shaylee Hazledine)
The win sees the Tigers go 2-0 to start the BMD Premiership season, sending a strong message to the rest of the competition as they sit in 4th place.
