Written by Clare Quilty, Photo by Riley Harland
Wynnum-Manly returned to the winner’s circle Saturday afternoon, defeating the Central Queensland Capras 36-10.
The home crowd was treated to a full afternoon of football, with the Broncos and Dolphins opening the NRLQ Series before the Hostplus Cup clash took over.
The Seagulls wasted little time asserting their dominance, striking in the third minute when centre Jordan Swann brushed through defenders to open the scoring.
Central Queensland searched for opportunities throughout the opening half, but the Seagulls’ defensive line stood tall, repeatedly pushing back attacking raids.
The hosts extended their lead through a sharp passage of play sparked by Alex Lobb. A quick play-the-ball allowed Cassius Cowley to dart from dummy-half, slicing through the middle before finding Tieran Ross in support, who crossed for Wynnum-Manly’s second try.
With the clock winding down before half-time, the Seagulls earned a penalty directly in front of the posts, with Lobb slotting the goal to send his side into the sheds with a 12-0 advantage.
Any hopes of a Capras comeback were quickly dashed after the break.
Alex Lobb produced one of the plays of the afternoon, intercepting a pass and racing the length of the field to score early in the second half.
Momentum continued to swing Wynnum-Manly’s way when Garry Tuilekutu backed up on the edge to cross out wide, before another Swann line break from a kick return put the Seagulls on the attack. The field position paid dividends, with Cowley crossing over in the 64th minute.
Lobb capped off an outstanding individual performance with his second try of the afternoon, converting his own effort to further stretch the margin.
The Capras finally opened their account inside the final ten minutes, but the Seagulls responded immediately, Jordan Grant crossing for Wynnum-Manly’s sixth try, with Lobb again adding the extras.
Central Queensland managed a late consolation try, leaving the final score 36-10.
Relentless defense and capitalising on Capra’s errors proved the difference, with Wynnum-Manly now back inside the top eight.
The Seagulls face the Northern Pride in Cairns for Round 12, while the BMD Premiership side opens its season at Kougari Oval against the Central Queensland Capras.