Our Hostplus Cup and Hastings Deering Colts travelled to Maryborough last weekend to take on the Sunshine Coast Falcons.
This was the first of two Indigenous recognition matches hosted by the Seagulls, with the second being at North Stradbroke Island next weekend.
In partnership with Deadly Choices, Galangoor Duwalami Healthcare, Fraser Coast Regional Council and Rugby League Fraser Coast, this was the 3rd year the Seagulls have held events in the Fraser Coast region.
The Hastings Deering Colts kicked off first in front of a building crowd, but unfortunately went down 25-18.
Before the Hostplus Cup game, spectators were treated to a Welcome to Country by Aunty Karen Hall, who also designed the Seagulls jersey for this game, as well as speeches from Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour, Galangoor Duwalami Chairman Graham Douglas and Seagulls CEO Wayne Weekes.
Then a traditional Indigenous dance followed, before the players ran through a tunnel formed by the dancers.
The Hostplus Cup started with a brilliant long-range chase and tackle from Josh Simm, who stopped a certain try.
A few minutes later however, the Falcons scored in the corner, resulting in Gideon Gela Mosby leaving the field with a failed HIA.
After a backline reshuffle for the Seagulls, the Falcons scored again to lead 12-0.
Jock Madden and Josh Rogers then teamed up to grab the Seagulls opener, before Madden had a hand in the Seagulls second try out wide to Josh Simm.
Half time score was 12-10 to the Falcons.
Simm was over again straight after half time, with Madden throwing a long cut out ball to put his winger into space out wide.
The Seagulls extended their lead when hooker Ollie Pascoe barged through three defenders and slammed the ball down from close range.
The momentum then swung back to the Falcons as they scored two tries in 5 minutes to tie the game at 22-22.
Madden was at it again when he put a kick through for Delouise Hoeter to regather and score under the posts in the 68th minute.
The Falcons weren’t giving up though, as they broke through from 40m out to score and tie the game again at 28-28.
Wynnum Manly worked their way into field goal territory, but a Jock Madden effort was blocked by an offside defender.
The resulting penalty on the siren saw Josh Rogers line up a kick from in front to seal the game.
Rogers made no mistake and locked in the 2 points for the Seagulls as they got home in a thriller 30-28.
Madden and Rogers were standouts yet again, with Caius Faatili earning Bartons Player of the Match after running for 221m in 37 minutes.
Up next, the Seagulls return home to BMD Kougari Oval to face the Burleigh Bears in a 2nd vs 3rd clash.