Tag: QRL

Devils vs Jets: Keeley, Local Heroes Propel Norths to Historic Victory

Photo Credit: Norths Devils RLFC/Instagram

The Norths Devils have ended Queensland’s nine-year State Championship drought with a thrilling 20-18 victory over the Newtown Jets at Accor Stadium. Rising star Oryn Keeley emerged as the hero, scoring two crucial second-half tries to secure the historic win.

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Local heroes secure the cup

While Newtown fielded a team of full-time players, the Devils’ winning formula combined local working professionals—“teachers, electricians, a firefighter, and a physiotherapist,” according to the team website—with four Dolphins representatives to achieve the unexpected.

“This win means a lot to plenty of people and we’re just grateful that we had the chance to do this together,” Devils captain Kierran Moseley says, capturing the emotion of the historic moment.

Keeley leads Devils’ comeback

Trailing by eight points after halftime, the Devils mounted a remarkable comeback led by Dolphins-contracted second-rower Keeley. The 21-year-old’s dynamic performance included two tries and a crucial assist, earning him Man of the Match honours in front of 12,358 spectators.

The match-winning moment came with just six minutes remaining when Keeley carved through the Jets’ defence to score the decisive try. This victory marks Queensland’s first State Championship success since Ipswich’s triumph over Newcastle in 2015.

Keeley’s outstanding performance has caught the attention of incoming Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf. After making six NRL appearances this season, the former Newcastle junior is poised for a breakout year in 2025.

“I wanted to leave Newcastle to get out of my comfort zone and learn and grow. I feel like I’ve done that,” Keeley says. “I’m just going to hopefully keep putting my head down and working hard.”

Devils coach Dave Elliott shares high hopes for his second-rower’s future. “He’s going to do some great things in the game at NRL level.”

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Both teams crossed the line for four tries each, but goal-kicking proved decisive. Jets’ playmaker Niwhai Puru struggled in the windy conditions, converting just one of four attempts, which allowed the Devils to edge them out.

Published 09-October-2024

Match preview published on 04-October-2024.

Devils vs Jets: Norths Set for NRL State Championship Clash Against Newtown

Devils vs Jets Norths Set for NRL State Championship Clash Against Newtown

Fresh off their Hostplus Cup triumph, the Norths Devils are gearing up for a high-stakes clash against the Newtown Jets in the 2024 NRL State Championship this Sunday, 6 October. Devils vs Jets kick off 12:20 p.m. AEST at Accor Stadium in Sydney.

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Devils vs Jets

The Norths Devils, crowned Hostplus Cup premiers three times in the past four years, now look to make their mark on the national stage. Following a commanding 34-20 victory over the Redcliffe Dolphins in the Hostplus Cup final, they are set to face the Newtown Jets, the reigning NSW Knock-On Effect Cup champions.

Devils vs Jets team list
Photo Credit: Norths Devils RLFC

This championship appearance offers a shot at redemption for the Devils, who narrowly missed out on the 2022 State Championship title after falling short against the Penrith Panthers. Now, they have their sights set on bringing the trophy back to Queensland—a feat not accomplished since the Ipswich Jets’ 2015 victory over the Newcastle Knights.

Celebrating successful season

As the Devils prepare for their Sydney trip, they celebrate individual achievements from their successful season. Oryn Keeley claimed the Player of the Year award, ending Jack Ahearn’s historic five-year reign.

Keeley’s outstanding performance throughout the season earned him the accolade, all while making six appearances for the Dolphins NRL team.

Other notable award recipients include Jeremiah Simbiken, who won the Players’ Player of the Year and the Higgins Services Heavy Mover awards; Mason Teague, who was named the Norths Old Boys’ Player of the Year; and Manase Kaho, who received the Bob Bax Award for Most Promising Player.

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With this talent-laden squad in tow, the Norths Devils now carry the hopes of their fans and the entire Hostplus Cup as they aim to secure Queensland’s first NRL State Championship in almost a decade.

Devils vs Dolphins: Norths Eye Historic Third Title in Four Years

The Norths Devils are on the brink of history, aiming for their third title in four years when they clash with the Redcliffe Dolphins this Sunday, September 22 in the 2024 Hostplus Cup grand final. Devils vs Dolphins kick off 5:30 p.m. at Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe.

Read: Devils vs Hunters: Dominant Norths Make It Eight Straight Final Series Wins

Path to the grand final

Guided by coach Dave Elliott, the Norths Devils have showcased their championship pedigree throughout the season. Tied on points with Redcliffe at the end of the regular season, Norths secured the higher ladder position thanks to their superior for/against differential.

Their road to the grand final has been defined by consistency and resilience, marked by a commanding win over the Dolphins in the qualifying final and a solid triumph against the PNG Hunters in the preliminary final.

Devils vs Dolphins

Norths enter the grand final on an unprecedented wave of success. They are riding an eight-game winning streak in finals matches, a run that began with their 2021 qualifying final victory. Missing out on last season’s finals series altogether, the Devils are back in title contention, eager to extend their streak.

Despite Redcliffe’s historical dominance in overall encounters (34 wins to the Devils’ 19), Norths holds the upper hand in finals clashes, boasting a 3-2 record. The Devils’ dominant 46-18 victory over the Dolphins in week 1 of the finals gives them a crucial psychological edge heading into Sunday’s decider.

Norths’ most recent premiership also came at Redcliffe’s expense, with the Devils securing a 16-10 victory in the 2022 grand final.

XXXX Queensland City vs Country

Before the main event kicks off at 5:30 p.m., fans will be treated to the XXXX Queensland City vs Country matches in both women’s and men’s categories. These showcase games highlight the depth of talent in Queensland’s community rugby league and demonstrate a pathway from grassroots to elite competitions.

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As the Devils prepare for their fifth grand final appearance, their recent form and finals success position them as strong contenders. Redcliffe, however, hungry for their first title since 2018, will pose a significant challenge. The stage is set for a tightly contested match between these rivals.

Published 20-September-2024

Devils vs Hunters: Dominant Norths Make It Eight Straight Final Series Wins

The Norths Devils have secured their place in the Hostplus Cup grand final, defeating the PNG Hunters 46-30 at Bishop Park. This Devils vs Hunters preliminary final victory marks the Norths’ eighth consecutive finals win, further extending their cup record.

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Show of dominance

Despite the final scoreline, the preliminary final was a closely contested affair. The Devils started strong, racing to a 16-0 lead within the first 17 minutes. The Hunters quickly responded, narrowing the gap to 16-12 with two tries, but Tesi Niu’s powerful score before halftime pushed the Devils’ lead to 22-12.

Julian Christian’s try early in the second half kept the Devils in control, and from that point on, the result was never in doubt. Christian’s try ensured that the Hunters struggled to regain momentum, and the Devils maintained their advantage throughout the remainder of the game.

With their impressive victory, the Devils now turn their attention to the grand final.

Towards the grand final

The team appears to be in top form as the Devils prepare for their third grand final in four years, with all players from the preliminary final are expected to be available for the season decider.

Norths head coach Dave Elliott is optimistic about the week ahead, highlighting the mix of experienced and first-time grand final players. “We have some players who have been through grand final weeks before and others getting ready for their first grand final so it will be a special week,” he said.

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Fans can expect a high-stakes grand final as the Devils aim to cement their dominance over long-time rivals, the Redcliffe Dolphins, whom they beat in a grand final two years earlier. The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in the Norths Devils’ storied history.

Published 16-September-2024

This pre-match article was published on 09-September-2024.

Devils vs Hunters: Norths Aim for Third Grand Final in Four Years

Devils vs Hunters: Norths Aim for Third Finals in Four Years

The Norths Devils are set for a do-or-die Hostplus Cup preliminary final against the PNG Hunters this Sunday, 15 September, with a dominant record of three grand finals in four seasons on the cards for Nundah. Devils vs Hunters kick off 2:10 p.m. at Bishop Park.

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A test of strength

Coming off a commanding 46-18 victory over Redcliffe a week ago, where eight different players crossed the try-line, the Devils showcased the depth that could prove vital in Sunday’s matchup.

This dominant early finals performance earned them a bye, putting them in prime position for what promises to be a close, physical encounter.

Devils talisman Jack Ahearn played a pivotal role in the win over Redcliffe and is expected to rise to the occasion once more in the upcoming high-stakes clash. Hooker Kierran Moseley will be key in orchestrating the team’s attack, while Sam Elliott will be all over the field, breaking up plays and creating opportunities of his own.

Devils vs Hunters

The Devils have proven themselves under pressure, boasting an impressive seven consecutive finals wins (that is, after missing the finals altogether last year).

However, the Hunters enter this match riding a wave of confidence after their gritty 24-10 semi-final victory over the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

Notably, the Hunters also handed the Devils one of their rare home losses earlier this season, securing a narrow 20-18 win at Bishop Park in Round 17, thanks to a last-minute try from Brandon Nima and a conversion from Jamie Mavoko.

Devils coach Dave Elliott remains focused on their well-established game plan. “We’ve got belief and trust in each other, and we need to stick to our game plan and play the footy we know we can play,” Elliott said.

His words reflect the team’s focus on consistency and execution, knowing that sticking to their processes has carried them through high-pressure moments in the past.

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As the Devils chase their third grand final appearance in four years, the support of the home crowd at Bishop Park is a deciding factor. Finals football brings an unmatched intensity, and the Devils are calling on their fans to create a fortress-like atmosphere—every voice at Bishop Park counts.

Devils vs Dolphins: A Rivalry Reignited in Hostplus Cup Preliminary Final

The Norths Devils are set for a high-stakes Hostplus Cup preliminary final against rivals Redcliffe Dolphins this Sunday, 1 September. Devils vs Dolphins kick off 2:10 p.m. at Bishop Park.

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Devils vs Dolphins

The intense rivalry between the two clubs remains as fierce as ever. The 2024 season saw each team secure a victory in their regular-season meetings, making Sunday’s match not just about finals progression but also a decisive tiebreaker in this season’s head-to-head battles.

Both teams finished the regular season with identical 13-7 records. The Devils pipped second place over the Dolphins due to a +17 edge in points differential, granting Norths the advantage of playing at home in this crucial encounter.

This upcoming rivalry game is also a rematch of the 2022 grand final, where the Devils secured a 16-10 victory to claim their third Queensland Cup.

Nroths Devils team list vs the Redcliffe Dolphins. Photo Credit: Norths Devils RLFC

Veteran player Jacob Gagan is set to make his 50th appearance for the Devils. Known for his tactical acumen and leadership on the field, Gagan’s experience is expected to be a key factor as Norths navigate the pressures of finals football.

Bouncing back

Despite a setback in their final regular-season match against the Sunshine Coast Falcons, coach Dave Elliott remains confident. He views the finals as a fresh start, focusing on the team’s resilience and readiness to perform under pressure.

Resilience has been a hallmark of the Devils. In 2021, after a surprise loss in their final regular-season game, they bounced back with a strong performance in the finals—securing their second-ever premiership.

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Devils supporters can expect an intense and physical encounter at Bishop Park. The energy of the home crowd is anticipated to play a significant role in what promises to be a closely contested match.

Published 28-August-2024

Devils vs Capras: Norths Face Uphill Battle Against League Leaders

The Norths Devils return home to face the league-leading CQ Capras this Saturday, April 13. The Devils will be looking to bounce back after a tough 26-20 loss to the Wynnum Manly Seagulls last weekend. Devils vs Capras kickoff 4:00 p.m. at Bishop Park.

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Devils attack struggles as the defence excels

The Devils (2-2) played well in patches against the Seagulls, with tries from Jacob Gagan (twice), Manase Kaho, and Tesi Niu keeping them in the contest. However, the team is still adjusting to new combinations, and the lack of cohesion in attack proved costly.

On the defensive end, the Devils have been impressive, conceding the least points of all teams that have played four matches so far. However, a rare lapse in defence allowed Delouise Hoeter  and Sione Hopoate to score two tries in quick succession in the first half, making the Devils’ task much harder.

The CQ Capras (3-1), on the other hand, will be looking to maintain their position at the top of the ladder and continue their strong start to the season.

Devils vs Capras, head-to-head

Devils vs Capras 2023
Photo Credit: QRL

Despite holding a dominant 15-2 head-to-head record over the Capras, the Devils will be wary of the visitors, who are coming off a strong start to the 2024 season.

Interestingly, the Devils suffered one of those two losses last season at Bishop Park. The Devils struggled to make an impact, managing no tries while their players accumulated more sin bins than points on the scoreboard. The final score was a lopsided 34-0 in favor of the Capras.

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The Devils will need to be at their best if they hope to overcome the league leaders and avenge their brutal home loss in 2023. With the team still finding its footing, the match against the Capras promises to be a tough challenge for the Devils.

Published 11-April-2024