Tigers Fall Short in Second-Half Arm Wrestle Against Jets at Cbus Super Stadium
Full Time: Brisbane Tigers 16 – Ipswich Jets 28
Sunday 29 June, 2025 – Cbus Super Stadium
The Brisbane Tigers were unable to convert a fast-paced first half into victory on Sunday, going down 28–16 to the Ipswich Jets in a physical and momentum-shifting contest at Cbus Super Stadium.
After conceding early points to the Jets, the Tigers bounced back with a trio of exciting first-half tries to take a narrow 12-8 lead. However, a disciplined second-half performance from Ipswich, combined with Tigers errors and penalties, proved the difference in a tough Round 15 Hostplus Cup clash.
The match began with Ipswich striking twice in the opening 15 minutes, including tries to Ken Maumalo and Luke Maddaford, pushing the Jets out to an 8-0 lead. Brisbane found themselves on the back foot early due to discipline lapses, including penalties for dangerous tackles and repeated infringements.
But the Tigers’ response was swift and clinical. Josiah Pahulu charged through the Jets’ line in the 21st minute, powering over the try line to put Brisbane on the board. Tahj Wood added the extras to close the gap to 8-6.
Just minutes later, Josh Smith finished a brilliant effort following a linebreak & dodging the Jets defensive efforts to give the Tigers their first lead of the game at 10-8. Wood again converted to push the margin to four.
Brisbane held firm under pressure heading into halftime, with big efforts from the Tigers’ forward pack and smart kicking from Ryley Jacks keeping the Jets at bay.
The second half started tightly, but the momentum began to shift toward Ipswich as handling errors and penalties crept into the Tigers’ game.
The Jets crossed three times in a 15-minute blitz early in the second half, with tries to Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Oliver Pascoe and Oskar Bryant swinging the scoreboard to 24-12.
Still, the Tigers found a spark through Asher O’Donnell in the 65th minute, who sliced through the defensive line for a try that narrowed the margin to 24-16.
Brisbane looked to mount a late comeback, but further penalties and turnovers—culminating in a final Jets try to Khan-Pereira in the 69th minute—put the result beyond reach.
Scorers – Brisbane Tigers
Tries: Josiah Pahulu (21’), Josh Smith (28’), Asher O’Donnell (65’)
Goals: Tahj Wood 2/3
Scorers – Ipswich Jets
Tries: Ken Maumalo (7’), Luke Maddaford (15’), Alofiana Khan-Pereira (50’, 69’), Oliver Pascoe (53’), Oskar Bryant (58’)
Goals: Connor Broadhurst 2/3
Next Up:
The Tigers head to Davies Park for their clash with the Souths Logan Magpies this Sunday.