The Top 5 of the Intrust Super Cup Round 21

We love the Intrust Super Cup aka the Queensland Cup, and usually go as far as providing a weekly preview for those who love it as much, but we do get slack when it comes to a review.

So with just four weeks remaining after this weekend before the finals start, what better time to start of quick wrap up of the action with a top 5 of all the Intrust Super Cup  Round 21 action.

People these days barely have time for anything, let alone a second tier rugby league competition, which is why we try and cherry pick the best of the weekend so you can use it for all your water cooler talk for the rest of the week.

So enjoy our top 5 of the weekend action, and why not get on board if you haven’t already.

For a full review of the weekend’s action from the Intrust Super Cup Round 21 – why not catch our full rundown at Nothing But League.

THE LOSS PNG HUNTERS HAD TO HAVE?

The phrase the loss you have to have before the finals start is thrown around a lot, and whether it is always true is up for debate, but perhaps the Hunters loss at Redcliffe on Sunday will prove to be just that.

The Hunters have been leading the competition for some time now, but they have been scraping home with close wins, or drawing at home to the Cutters, and having seen the display against the Dolphins the loss may be ust the realignment they needed.

Overall it just wasn’t their day, they had enough ball at stages to score, they didn’t get the rub of the green with the refereeing, and the disallowed try to Willie Minoga was a momentum killer. That try stands it is 26-18 with more than 10 minutes to play.

But would a storming win continue to hide the flaws that may have been exposed deep into the finals?

Good news is that the PNG Hunters are still on top, and if they keep winning will be minor premiers and deservedly so. The loss to Redcliffe may do them a favour, and may these sides meet again on Grand Final day.

BRISBANE PEOPLE LOVE THEIR SUNDAY FOOTBALL TOO

Hard to believe but there was a line up to get into Dolphin Oval on Sunday, with the line stretching back to behind the new main grandstand five minutes after the kick off. Well actually not hard to believe as it is a premium Intrust Super clash which never disappoints.

Whilst the line up may be down to a lack of staff at Dolphin Oval, there was also enough bodies outside and inside the ground to show that Brisbane people lover their Sunday football. Just a pity they don’t get any of it from the NRL. For years.

The NRL’s and Broncos loss is the Intrust Super Cup’s gain, and with the dreadful gameday action at the regular Broncos timeslot of Thursday or Friday night, the local league presents a much better option, with much better value, and just a small drop in quality. The QRL should embrace this opportunity and get out and advertise more on the Sunday footballing alternative. We try, but with a reach of around 50 people max, can only go so far. And we’re not paid to do it.

IPSWICH, WYNNUM, TOWNSVILLE KEEP FINAL INTEREST ALIVE

Ipswich and Wynnum recorded victories to keep themselves in the finals race, and although unlikely it keeps it interesting for the neutral.

Townsville have turned their six game unbeaten run into two straight losses, and as a result are keeping the margin to the sixth placed side within reach,

They have a far superior for and against as the chasing pack, but if they keep losing that will reduce, as will tgeir chances of finals football.

WITH A BETTER START BURLEIGH WOULD BE RIGHT IN THE MIX TOO

The Bears first win came in Round 6 as they defeated fellow winless Gold Coast side Tweed Heads, and both sides were a victim of a terrible injury toll in the Titans system.

If the Bears had of won three of their first five then they are equal on points with Ipswich, and right in the hunt for the Top 6. Despite their 5 wins in 7 games they sit in 10th and have no chance of finals.

With some of the stars of last year’s premiership winning team returning like Jamal Fogarty from Parramatta, and Pat Politoni from injury they have a good base to start on for 2017.

WYNNUM GET THE LOCAL RIVALS AGAIN

The Seagulls have defeated two of their biggest rivals in the last three weeks, the first of which was a one point win at Dolphin Oval and the latest a 22-6 win over the Easts Tigers at home.

It took a few late tries to seal the win, but it ended a five game winning streak for the Tigers, who had a very strong side on the park, including all the big names.

Wynnum can mathematically make the finals, Easts fell behind Redcliffe in the chase for the top two. Still plenty to play for after the bragging rights have been distributed.

RESULTS

LADDER