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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
