By Colleen Edwards (QRL content producer)
The whistle has already blown for time on in Hostplus Cup season 2022, and already there have been milestones to celebrate and there’s plenty more to come.
He is yet to feature in the competition this year, but Burleigh Bears back Kurtis Rowe became the leading try-scorer for the club in their preliminary finals loss last year, crossing for his 70th four-pointer for the club in Cup.
Now at St George Illawarra Dragons, Jono Reuben last season crossed for try number 108, moving him into the top six for most Cup tries scored. Daniel Ogden remains untouched with 155 tries in his career.
In Round 1 this year, popular Bears hooker Pat Politoni played in his 100th Cup game for the club and his 102nd game for the Bears overall, having featured twice in the NRL State Championship matches.
In a stunning welcome to his time in the competition, Wynnum Manly Seagulls centre Deine Mariner became the first Cup player to score four tries on debut since Daniel Ogden did in 2009. Ogden, who played 198 games in Cup, also played for the Seagulls in his career, as well as with Norths Devils.
The opening round of matches was also the first time all of the home teams in a round lost their matches since 2016. However, it was the second time in the competition’s history the opening round saw all home sides lose their games.
In Round 2, Mackay Cutters posted a big 52-12 win against the Ipswich Jets, equalling their record for most ever scored in Cup.
Halfback Brandon Finnegan kicked eight goals in the win to set a new club record.
In Round 3 last weekend, Norths hooker Kierran Moseley – who has also previously played with Burleigh, Ipswich and Tweed Seagulls – took part in his 100th Cup game.
Townsville winger Kalifa Faifai-Loa scored one try last weekend to bring up 200 points in Cup. He is now second on Townsville’s try-scorer list with 43, trailing behind Jon Reuben with 70.
A new signing for the Capras in 2022, back Jonus Pearson now has 50 in Cup after scoring in his side’s win against Ipswich.
This weekend’s Round 4 XXXX Rivalry Round matches and beyond also offer some potential player milestones to keep an eye on.
Seagulls skipper Lindon McGrady needs just one more goal to bring up 200 in the Cup.
Wynnum Manly skipper Sam Scarlett requires one more try to bring up 50 in Cup.
These statistics are correct following Round 3 of the 2022 Hostplus Cup season and have been provided by Brad Tallon.
Milestones to look out for in 2022
200 Cup games
Only one player is currently within touching distance of 200 Cup games.
184 – Ben Shea (Wynnum Manly Seagulls / Ipswich Jets)
Sunshine Coast skipper Dane Hogan last year retired on 185 games, while former Northern Pride forward Rod Griffin, who is this year playing for Atherton Roosters, has played 198. Ipswich forward Tyson Lofipo finished his career with 210 games, while Tommy Butterfield, who featured twice for the PNG Hunters last season, has played 218 games.
150 Cup games
Two players are on track to play 150 games this season.
140 – Jack Svendsen (Northern Pride / Brisbane Tigers)
135 – Connor Broadhurst (Burleigh Bears / Central Queensland Capras / Norths Devils)
100 Games
There are two players with reach of a century this season.
98 – Reece Baker (Central Queensland Capras / North Devils)
98 – Rhys Jacks (Ipswich Jets /Brisbane Tiger / Souths Logan Magpies / Sunshine Coast Falcons)
200 games as coach
188 – Jon Buchanan (Wynnum Manly Seagulls / Brisbane Tigers / Souths Logan Magpies)
100 games as coach
Two coaches are approaching the 100 club.
97 – Adam Brideson (Wynnum Manly Seagulls)
91 – Ty Williams (Northern Pride)
600 team games
The Redcliffe Dolphins are set to become the first team to reach 600 club games and have currently played 588 games.
Most games for their club
At the Townsville Blackhawks, Kyle Laybutt has played 73 matches and could this season overtake the current record holder Corey Jensen with 78 matches.
This weekend’s XXXX Rivalry Round match will be Laybutt’s 74th game for Townsville. His 73rd moved him past Anthony Mitchell to third most games for Blackhawks.
