THE IPSWICH Jets will be looking to launch the 2025 season in the same way they finished in 2024 following the announcement of this year’s Host Plus Cup fixtures.
Under head coach Tye Ingebrigtsen, who took over from former coach Ben Cross, the Ipswich outfit won five of their last seven games last season.
Ingebrigtsen said the team was showing some great signs during the pre-season.
“Pres-eason has been good, a little interrupted with the weather, but we are working hard,” he said.
The season will begin at home at North Ipswich Reserve hosting the Townsville Blackhawks for Defence Force Appreciation match.
“Round 1 vs Blackhawks obviously we are hoping to go better this year and starting off with a win,” the head coach said.
“The Blackhawks took home the win in 2024, so hopefully we can change that result for 2025.
“We also play round 15 against the Easts Tigers at CBUS Stadium in a curtain- raiser to the Titans game.”
The schedule has 10 home games for the Jets against Tweed Seagulls, Burleigh Bears, PNG Hunters, Northern Pride, Toowoomba Clydesdales, Easts Tigers, Capras, Sunshine Coast Falcons and the defending champion Norths Devils.
Byes come in round 2, round 13 and round 20 – something Ingebrigtsen said the squad really was not worried about.
“We haven’t really looked into the byes too much,” he said.
“We will be looking at small blocks of the draw as our season gets deeper.
“Four-week blocks will be our focus.”
The Jets’ road trips include visits to Rockhampton (round nine) to play the Capras, Miles (round 21) for Country Round to play their rivals from up the range in the Western Clydesdales and a flight into Port Moresby (round 18) to clash with the PNG Hunters.
The Jets finished second-last on the ladder in 2024 with six wins and 14 losses but are sure to have taken a lot from the experience.
With Ingebrigtsen given the opportunity to recruit rather than inherit a squad, he is guaranteed to have put together a puzzle more to his liking and one that can match it with any opponent.
The Jets’ campaign kicks off on March 8 at 4pm against the Townsville Blackhawks at North Ipswich Reserve.
