Sunday’s “Turn to Me Round” clash at Davies Park marked the end of the Magpies’ 2025 Hostplus Cup campaign, and they closed it out in style with a commanding 34-16 victory over the Ipswich Jets.
The Magpies burst out of the blocks, dominating early possession and field position to seize control of the contest. Their intent was clear from the opening whistle, piling on 22 unanswered first-half points while keeping the Jets scoreless. Among the highlights was a well-executed try to Phranklyn Mano-Le-Mamea, who finished off a sharp offload from Anthony Milford to the delight of the home crowd.
Milford himself was a standout in his final outing of the season. Despite twice being sent to the sin bin, the experienced playmaker made the most of his 62 minutes on the park, tallying two try assists, two line-break assists, and a tackle break in a performance that underlined his class and influence.
The Jets, however, refused to roll over in the second half. They lifted their intensity and began to find momentum, testing the Magpies’ defensive line. Souths held firm for the opening stages of the half, but Ipswich eventually broke through via Nicholas Halalilo, who powered his way over for their first points of the afternoon. With the conversion successful, the scoreboard narrowed to 22-6 and the visitors looked to claw their way back into the contest.
Souths quickly steadied the ship. Captain Rory Ferguson led from the front, charging over beneath the posts to restore his side’s advantage and settle any nerves. From there, the Magpies regained control and managed the game with composure, ensuring their season ended on a positive note in front of their home supporters.
The 34-16 result was a fitting way to close out the year, showcasing the grit and attacking flair within the squad. While finals football may have been out of reach, the performance reflected the growth and resilience of a young Magpies outfit determined to build momentum heading into 2026.