THE Ipswich Jets have shown their Queensland Cup premiership intent with a mesmerising display of attacking footy.
The Jets beat Northern Pride 56-24 yesterday to advance to the second week of finals and another home semi, against Easts on Sunday.
The Jets blew the Pride off the North Ipswich Reserve early, leading 18-0 after 16 minutes.
It was only after that the Pride got a taste of possession, getting two of their own back through the Jets’ right-side defence.
But every time the visitors looked like they were getting close Ipswich found another gear.
The Jets posed a huge attacking threat across the field.
Queensland Cup match between the Ipswich Jets Vs Northern Pride at North Ipswich Reserve. Photo: David Nielsen / The Queensland TimesDavid Nielsen
If it wasn’t the broken field running of outside backs Nemani Valekapa, Marmin Barba and Carlin Anderson it was the lightning dummy half strikes by hooker Matt Parcell or the deft kicking game of halfback Dane Phillips.
At one point of the second half, with decisions going against the Jets, the Pride scored and Ipswich seemed momentarily flat and directionless.
Step forward Parcell and Anderson with one for the highlights reel.
Parcell scooted from dummy half near halfway and popped a no-look inside ball to Anderson.
To those who didn’t know better it looked like Anderson dropped the ball but somehow got a toe to it.
It was actually a planned move with Anderson twice grubbering ahead to score.
The Jets dressing room was an upbeat place following the game.
Queensland Cup match between the Ipswich Jets Vs Northern Pride at North Ipswich Reserve. Photo: David Nielsen / The Queensland TimesDavid Nielsen
“When you win a semi-final by 50 points it’s unbelievable,” Phillips said.
“We did the little things right.”
Most pleasing for Phillips was his team’s completion rate.
It ensured the Jets got their fair share of possession and when that happens few teams can hold them.
“We held the ball a lot more than usual,” he said.
“That put the pressure on them.”
With game breakers all around him Phillips’ job is to play the cool head in the middle, directing those around him and ensuring his teammates stay composed.
“We’ve just got to relax and it will happen,” Phillips said.
Queensland Cup match between the Ipswich Jets Vs Northern Pride at North Ipswich Reserve. Matt Parcell goes over for a try. Photo: David Nielsen / The Queensland TimesDavid Nielsen
“Carlin creates so much just doing his job I tell him to be calm and let it come to him.”
The Pride was still in the game at 36-26 with 10 minutes remaining, following centre Brett Anderson’s third try of the game.
Then Jets put on the after-burners, scoring three breathtaking tries in the final five minutes to rack up their half century.
The Ipswich Jets Reserve grade side won its Brisbane Rugby League semi-final yesterday, beating Wynnum Manly 32-24.
It means both Jets teams will play home semi-finals at the North Ipswich Reserve on Sunday.
Queensland Cup match between the Ipswich Jets Vs Northern Pride at North Ipswich Reserve. Keiron Lander celebrates with team mates after scoring a try. Photo: David Nielsen / The Queensland TimesDavid Nielsen
LOOKING GOOD
Ipswich Jets halfback Dane Phillips wants to see more of the same from his team this weekend.
Asked what they need to do, Phillips said: “Get another short haircut”.
“Look good, feel good, play good,” he said.