HOSTPLUS CUP MATCH REVIEW – RD1
Norths’ new era began with a bunch of new faces and a defensive resolve that delivered one of the most prized road wins in the Hostplus Cup yesterday.
The Burleigh Bears had lost once in their last 12 games at UAA Stadium but the grand finalists were held scoreless in the second half as the Devils closed ranks in a strong start to the season.
Norths’ 25-12 victory was built on the sky blue wall that prevented Burleigh from adding a point to their 12-6 halftime lead.
There were plenty of similarities to Norths’ stirring semi-final victory at Burleigh in 2022 when the Devils surged late to stun the minor premiers. But there was also a stark difference to that game.
Kierran Moseley, leading from the front in his first game as Devils captain yesterday, was the only Norths player to return from that 2022 finals match.
He was surrounded by 11 Devils on debut who immediately showed their commitment and desire for the club’s 92nd season.
That underlines the new era that has started under coach Dave Elliott, who commended his players for their performance.
“We said at halftime that we would have to win this game without the ball and that’s what happened,” Elliott said.
“We connected very well as a team and kept a very good team in Burleigh scoreless in the second half.
“We know how good Burleigh is. They’re a quality team and they make you earn everything.
“But it’s only the first game. We now have to get ourselves ready for another tough test next week at Redcliffe.”
Sunday’s showdown between the Devils and Redcliffe – a curtain-raiser to the NRL clash between the Dolphins and Dragons – shapes as an early highlight of an intriguing start to the season.
There has been plenty of change in the Hostplus Cup in the off-season and the first round was a chance to glimpse the new-look squads.
Few teams have been changed like Norths with the 11 new faces, including five from the new affiliation with the Dolphins NRL club, joining premiership winners in Moseley and Jacob Gagan among the established Devils.
And their energy and determination helped to overcome any clunkiness as new combinations developed.
There were impressive performances across the park to land a win in the Devils’ 600th Queensland Cup match.
Former Devils junior Eddie Blacker revelled in his first Cup appearance for Norths in a forward pack steered by Moseley’s calmness.
The Dolphins’ NRL quintet showed their commitment including a strong performance from second-rower Jeremiah Simbiken who pounced on halfback Gerome Burns’ deft kick to enable the Devils to draw level at 12-all in the 52nd minute.
Simbiken’s forward teammates Oryn Keeley and Mason Teague impressed while the energy of established NRL backs Isaiya Katoa and Jake Averillo was rewarded when the pair combined for a try in the 79th minute.
New Devil Jordan Lipp showed his speed for two intercept tries, the first in the opening minutes and the second a sleight-of-hand flick in the 60th minute that sent the Toowoomba product on an 80-metre burst. That try gave Norths the lead for the first time and the visitors were not headed.
Julian Christian made his Devils debut at fullback in a backline that included Gagan and busy winger Manase Kaho.
Former Wests Tigers NRL prop Tuki Simpkins made his Queensland Cup debut in a determined Devils middle along with Norths junior Zach Brooks at lock.
James Flack and George Fai were among the 2023 Devils to make their presence felt off a bench which included former Falcons halfback Jack Wright.
“We’ve got plenty to work on but we have been helped by the hard work of the whole squad through the pre-season,” Elliott said.
“And that full squad will be the key to anything we can do this season because the nature of the Hostplus Cup is that the best teams are underlined by their depth and competition for places.”
