THE Wynnum-Manly Seagulls continued their strong run of form with a commanding 52-22 victory over the Ipswich Jets at BMD Kougari Oval on Sunday, producing one of their standout Hostplus Cup performances of the season.
Celebrating Indigenous Round, the Seagulls produced a dominant attacking display to extend their impressive record against the Jets, winning six of their last seven home games against Ipswich.
The Seagulls exploded out of the blocks with Garry Tuilekutu crossing in the opening minutes before adding his second just five minutes later.
Alex Lobb’s boot handed Wynnum an early 10-0 lead.
The attacking momentum continued with Joshua Coric crossing in the 10th minute followed by Antonio Verhoeven four minutes later.
Lobb converted both tries as Wynnum continued to pile on the pressure.
Alex Lobb joined the try-scorers in the 16th minute, extending Wynnum’s lead before the Jets hit back with two tries to close the gap.
Wynnum quickly regained control through Talatau Amone’s try in the 29th minute, before Lobb added his second of the afternoon.
Tuilekutu capped off a remarkable opening half by completing his hat-trick in the 38th minute with Lobb’s conversion sending the Seagulls into the sheds with a commanding 40-10 half-time lead.
The winger continued his outstanding afternoon, scoring his fourth try in the 47th minute as Wynnum maintained their dominance.
Bayley Sironen added another four-pointer in the 55th minute before Tieran Ross crossed in the 64th minute, sealing a convincing 52-22 victory for the Seagulls.
Tuilekutu’s four-try masterclass was rewarded with the Lionel Morgan Medal, honouring the trailblazing legacy of the first Indigenous rugby league player to represent Australia.
Coach Mathew Head praised Tuilekutu’s instinctive finishing ability, highlighting his knack for turning opportunities others may miss into points.
The win propelled Wynnum into sixth on the Hostplus Cup ladder, setting up a Round 19 Seagulls Derby against Tweed in Warwick.
The Country Week clash continues the competition’s tradition of taking elite rugby league to regional communities and giving fans the chance to see the game’s emerging stars in action.
In other weekend results, the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls BMD Premiership side fell just short against the Mackay Cutters, going down 16-14 at BMD Kougari Oval on Sunday.
Players wore purple ribbons as part of a BMD Premiership initiative recognising the impact of domestic and family violence following the recent death of Toowoomba woman Jana Armstrong.
After trailing 16-0 at half-time, Wynnum mounted a spirited second-half comeback but couldn’t find the match-winning play.
The Seagulls women will aim to bounce back in a rescheduled Round 2 clash against the Ipswich Jets at BMD Kougari Oval.
