The Ipswich Jets Mal Meninga side is still searching for its first win of the season after a hard-fought 32-26 loss to the Sunshine Coast Falcons at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Saturday.
The Falcons dominated the first half, running in three unanswered tries to lead 18-0 at the break.
However, the Jets mounted a determined second-half comeback, sparked by Lorenzo Oliva’s 37th-minute try.
Clinton Smith crossed shortly after halftime, with Jakequan Roberts-Welsh (56’) and Harrison Hill (60’) also scoring four-pointers.
Oliva’s second try in the 64th minute levelled the score at 26-26.
Nathan Fraser converted three of the five tries, but a missed conversion in the 66th minute denied the Jets a crucial lead.
With the game in the balance, the Falcons’ Ellyjah Birve delivered a match-winning moment, scoring and converting his own try in the 68th minute to secure victory.
The Jets will now look to bounce back when they return home to North Ipswich Reserve to face the Western Clydesdales on Sunday at 5.10pm.
Meanwhile, the Ipswich Jets U16 Cyrill Connell Cup team continued its perfect start to the season with a 28-18 win over the Falcons.
The home side took a 12-8 advantage into halftime, but the Jets responded strongly after the break.
Harlem Tamalii sealed the win in the 58th minute.
Now 2-0 for the season, the U16 outfit will aim for its third straight victory when it hosts the Western Clydesdales on Sunday at 3.40pm.
