Norths aim to finish the BMD Premiership season on a high tomorrow as they recall the bright spots and frustrations of their inaugural season.
The Devils will play Tweed Seagulls at Bishop Park tomorrow in the final regular season match knowing a finals spot is out of reach.
Captain Jada Ferguson said the Devils always knew their first season would be a challenge but they had the quality to play in the finals.
The second half of their clash with the Cutters in Mackay last week showed that class.
The Devils outplayed the Cutters after halftime but a 22-0 deficit after 35 minutes proved too much for the visitors to peg back.
Despite the margin, PNG international winger Martha Molowia crossed for a try in the 52nd minute that showcased the Devils’ spark.
Ferguson’s dummy-half pass went to half Grace Griffin who found Jillaroo Shenae Ciesiolka in a sweeping run for a pinpoint cut-out pass to Molowia. The Cutters won 28-6.
The Devils relished their win over the CQ Capras in their last home match and Ferguson said the team would be determined to play well against the eighth-placed Seagulls.
“We’ve played some really good footy at times this season but there have also been some frustrating patches,” Ferguson said.
“We didn’t expect to win a premiership in our first year but we wanted to play as well as we could and some moments have got away from us.
“But there has been plenty of spirit there and we want to finish with a win in front of our family and home fans. It was a good feeling last time but we know this won’t be an easy game.”
Souths Logan go into the final round unbeaten but the Devils were within striking distance of the Magpies in their clash earlier this month in a sign of their promise.
A draw with Brisbane Tigers in the dark at Langlands Park, when the match finished without any time off because of the conditions, remained the match that most frustrated coach Zac Wallwork’s team.
Ferguson is one of six Devils players who have signed with the Broncos for their NRLW campaign, which kicks off with pre-season training in about a month.
Ferguson is also a member of the Maroons’ State of Origin squad with four Devils teammates, ensuring Norths’ frontline players have plenty of football ahead.
Ferguson has been impressive since switching from the halves to hooker for the Devils.
“It definitely gives you a different view of the game but we’ve known all through our season that we would take some time to really hit our rhythm,” Ferguson said.
“We really want to finish well so we’re looking forward to this game.”