The Brisbane Tigers fell 34–29 to the Tweed Seagulls in the Round 20 Hostplus Cup encounter at Totally Workwear Stadium, as a late rally from the visitors stole victory on a special Women in League Round occasion.
The Tigers made the perfect start in front of their home fans, running in two tries inside the opening 10 minutes. Captain Ryley Jacks sliced through Tweed’s defensive line to open the scoring, before Samuel Wallis finished with a slick movement to double the advantage.
Tweed responded in the 15th minute through Harry Croker, but Brisbane looked in control when Josh Smith crossed after a powerful linebreak from Coby Williamson. That try came while Seagulls winger Tony Francis was in the sin bin for a foul. A spectacular try assist from Saimone Ahaomana leaping outside the barrier to flick the ball back into the field of play for Keagan Russell-Smith to add the extras, the Tigers pushed ahead.
The Seagulls refused to go away. A burst of attacking energy before the break brought tries to Jay Kirk and Lee Turner, cutting Brisbane’s lead to just two points. The Tigers had the final say of the half, with Russell-Smith dummying his way over to restore an eight-point gap. Brisbane headed into the sheds leading 22–16 after an entertaining first 40 minutes.
Tweed came out firing in the second half, with Cooper Bai diving over in the corner and Kirk grabbing his second try to level the scores. The contest tightened, with both sides defending desperately and searching for the game-breaker.
With just seven minutes to play, Jacks coolly slotted a field goal to nudge Brisbane ahead 29–28, but the Seagulls had the final say. Lamar Manuel-Liolevave crashed over in the 77th minute, Lindon McGrady converted, and then added a penalty goal in the dying seconds to put the result beyond doubt. The loss leaves the Tigers ruing missed opportunities in attack and crucial lapses in defence.
Final Score
Tweed Seagulls 34 | Tries: Harry Croker 15′, Lee Turner 21′, Jay Kirk 28′, Cooper Bai 43′, Jay Kirk 66′, Lamar Manuel-Liolevave 76′ | Conversions: Lindon McGrady 17′, Lindon McGrady 23′, Lindon McGrady 45′, Lindon McGrady 68′, Lindon McGrady 78′
def.
Brisbane Tigers 29 | Tries: Ryley Jacks 6′, Samuel Wallis 10′, Josh Smith 26′, Keagan Russell-Smith 34′, Asher O’Donnell 57′ | Conversions: Tahj Wood 8′ 26′, Keagan Russell-Smith 35′ 58′ | 1 Point Field Goals: Ryley Jacks 73′
