The Townsville Blackhawks hosted Wynnum Manly Seagulls at Jack Manski Oval for the Round 17 fixture in a highly anticipated game, the first between the clubs for nearly two years.
This round was specifically special for the Blackhawks as they celebrated Women in League and was the first time the side has played on their home soil since late July due to postponement from COVID-19.
The first half was very high paced with intense energy from both sides, but Selwyn Cobbo put Wynnum Manly Seagulls on the board in the fourth minute. Jack Campagnolo added the extras for a six-point lead.
After a wealth of possession, the Blackhawks scored through Kalifa Faifai-Loa with a successful conversion from Shaun Nona, levelling out the scores at the 10-minute mark.
The Seagulls hit back through their captain Sam Scarlett in the 15th minute with another successful conversion.
Two high shots from the Seagulls’ Issac Luke saw him sent to the bin and allowed the Blackhawks to score through Riley Price in the 29th minute, levelling out the scores once again.
Despite being a man down, the Seagulls scored the last try of the first half through Kalolo Saitaua in the 36th minute, giving a half-time score of 18-12.
