Saturday’s Round 18 clash against the Dolphins delivered a thrilling 80-minute showdown at Kayo Stadium. With only six points separating the sides, the intensity stayed high right down to the final whistle, as the Magpies secured their first win in three weeks.
The opening half was a classic back and forth battle; with both teams trading tries. A standout moment came from Callum Eggerling, who powered over from dummy half to score the first points of the evening.
Magpies’ Max Banditt capped off the first half in style, crashing over for his maiden Hostplus Cup try in the final play before the break, narrowing the margin to 12-16 in favour of the visitors.
With plenty on the line, the Magpies came out of the sheds firing and were first to strike in the second half. A well-placed kick from halfback Coby Black took a favourable bounce, landing perfectly for Floyd Aubrey ensuring another four points under the posts. Latrell Siegwalt added the extras, extending the Magpies’ lead to 24-12.
It was Floyd Aubrey once again with a perfect kick into the corner for Mitchell Owen to convert into another four points for the Magpies. Successfully converted by Sieqwalt, the score seemed to be running away from the home side with the Magpies sitting 18 points clear with only 20 minutes left in the game.
However, it was Dolphins Josh Allen with back-to-back tries to bring the home side back into the match after the Magpies gave away a penalty right on the Dolphins line.
It still wasn’t enough to keep the Magpies from walking away victorious with a 24-30 full time score.
This weekend, the Magpies head north to Charters Towers to face the Townsville Blackhawks as part of QRL Country Week. After claiming victory in last year’s Country Week clash, the Magpies will be aiming to keep their winning momentum alive. Anthony Milford returns to the lineup following a one-match suspension for a dangerous tackle, just in time to take on the top of the table Blackhawks.