THE Ipswich Jets will have an extra week to regroup after a tough 28-12 defeat against the Burleigh Bears in the opening round of the Mal Meninga Cup.
Facing off at UAA Park on the Gold Coast, both teams entered the match following strong seasons last year, setting the stage for an exciting contest.
The Jets struck first, with prop Henry Kallquist charging over the line in the seventh minute.
Halfback Nathan Fraser added the extras, giving Ipswich an early 6-0 lead.
However, the Bears responded swiftly, dominating possession, and piling on four tries in just 16 minutes.
Centre Antonio Verhoeven was instrumental for Burleigh, scoring in the 23rd and 39th minutes.
He was joined on the scoreboard by bench impact player Tavake Tau’a’alo (31’), halfback Marley McLaren (33’), and fullback Kaea Cribb (49’).
Despite Burleigh’s McLaren being sent to the sin bin in the 43rd minute, the Bears maintained control.
Ipswich managed to pull one back in the 61st minute through winger Marlon Frost, but the deficit was too great to overcome.
The Jets’ Mal Meninga squad had a strong campaign last season, finishing fourth with a 6-3 record.
Their regular-season success earned them a finals berth, where they edged out Mackay Cutters 38-32 in a thrilling home elimination final.
However, their journey ended in the qualifying final against the dominant Tweed Seagulls, who ran away with a 42-14 victory.
Ipswich will now turn their attention to their next challenge, a round 2 clash against the Sunshine Coast Falcons.
The match is set for Saturday, February 22, with kick-off at 2.40pm.
