JORDAN Swann scored the first hat-trick of his Hostplus Cup career as Wynnum-Manly defeated Northern Pride 30-22 in Cairns on Saturday.
The centre’s three-try performance proved the difference in an important Round 12 victory for the Seagulls.
The Seagulls made the perfect start as Swann burst through the defensive line in just the third minute to open the scoring, with Alex Lobb adding the conversion.
Wynnum-Manly continued to apply pressure early, rewarded again six minutes later with Garry Tuilekutu crossing for the visitors’ second try.
Northern Pride gradually worked their way into the contest, reducing the margin to four points.
Despite sustained pressure from the hosts, the Seagulls defended resolutely to carry a narrow 10-6 advantage into the sheds.
The game swung dramatically after the break.
The Pride crossed just moments into the second half to level the scores, but Wynnum-Manly quickly found another gear.
Swann restored the lead in the 48th minute with his second try of the afternoon before Jamal Shibasaki crossed three minutes later, with Lobb converting both.
With momentum firmly in Wynnum-Manly’s favour, Swann completed his hat-trick midway through the half.
The centre broke clear for the third time, crossing untouched to give the Seagulls breathing room at 28-18.
A crucial Alex Lobb penalty goal in the 74th minute pushed the lead, proving enough to secure the result, despite a late Pride surge.
Swann’s three-try performance headlined a strong team effort, taking his tally to seven tries in eight appearances in his debut Queensland Cup season.
The win lifts Wynnum-Manly to fifth on the Hostplus Cup ladder heading into a bye.
The Seagulls return in Round 14 to host the Norths Devils at Premiers’ Park, looking to complete a season sweep.
The weekend also marked the return of the BMD Premiership, with the Seagulls women opening their season at home against the Central Queensland Capras.
While the visitors claimed the result, the opening-round clash provided valuable experience for a developing squad and marked the beginning of another exciting campaign at Kougari Oval.
