THREE tries from Wynnum Manly hooker Cameron Bukowski propelled the Seagulls within reach of the Hostplus Cup grand final.
Bukowski was a regular threat out of dummy half as the Seagulls knocked the Ipswich Jets out of the premiership race with a 34-12 at BMD Kougari Oval.
Bukowski’s heroics saw the Seagulls race out to a 20-0 lead, before the Jets breathed life into the contest with tries to Corey Ross and Ben Liyou before half-time.
Wynnum re-grouped in the second half to close out the game and secure a preliminary final berth against the Norths Devils.
Seagulls spokesman Andrew Barrett said the preliminary final would be a tough contest.
“Sunday’s game was a really disciplined all-round performance from the Seagulls,” he said.
“We are not doing anything different. We are sticking to the routine, but it is going to be a tough contest against the Devils, that’s for sure.”
The Devils will host the Seagulls at Bishop Park next Sunday, with the winner to meet either the Bears or Dolphins in the September 27 grand final at Kayo Stadium.
Meanwhile Redcliffe Dolphins are on track for a second consecutive Hostplus Cup grand final appearance after beating the Townsville Blackhawks 22-16 in Townsville.
Dolphins centre Will Partridge crossed for two tries and landed two conversions, as well as a crucial penalty goal, to ensure Redcliffe’s passage into next weekend’s preliminary finals.
The Dolphins will again be on the road, this time against the Burleigh Bears.
Redcliffe Dolphins 22 (Will Partridge 2, Joshua James, William Dobson tries; Will Partridge 3 goals) def Townsville Blackhawks 16 (Jack Campagnolo, Kalifa Faifai-Loa, Bailey Biondi-Odo tries; Jack Campagnolo 2 goals) at Jack Manski Oval, Townsville
Wynnum Manly Seagulls 34 (Cameron Bukowski 3, Ronald Philitoga, Tieran Ross, James Hill tries; Jock Madden 5 goals) def Ipswich Jets 12 (Corey Ross, Ben Liyou tries; Dion Teaupa 2 goals) at Kougari Oval, Wynnum
Preliminary Finals
Saturday, September 20: Burleigh Bears v Redcliffe Dolphins at UAA Park, 2.10pm, live and free on Qplus.tv and Kayo Freebies.
Sunday, September 21: Norths Devils v Wynnum Manly Seagulls at Bishop Park, 2.10pm, live and free on Qplus.tv, Kayo Freebies and 9Now.
