(Thanks to the QT and Jay Buchan)
THE Jets moved into the Queensland Cup top five for the first time this season following their 20-10 win over Burleigh yesterday.
The Jets left Pizzey Park with a win built on hard graft and now sit fourth on the ladder, just a win behind top two Northern Pride and Wynnum Manly.
“We won the grind, which we thought we would,” said Jets captain Keiron Lander, who shifted from lock to five-eighth to cover for the injured Dane Phillips. “We knew Burleigh would be tough at home.”
The scores were locked six-all at half time, proving his point.
It should have been more for the Jets and perhaps would have if not for some rushes of blood.
“There were a few little things we weren’t doing right,” Lander conceded. “Like pushing passes that weren’t on.”
Ipswich eradicated the impetuosity in the second half and reaped the rewards.
“It was about getting back into the grind,” the skipper said.
“We knew we could finish over the top of them if we completed our sets and not push the pass.
“Under pressure our defence was very strong.”
Lander did not feel the reshuffle caused by Phillips injury altered the Jets’ effectiveness.
“Everyone knows our structures and what to do,” he said. “Lace (halfback Ian Lacey) makes my job easy. He directs and I feed off the back of him.”
Talented youngster Tautalatasi Tasi made his Queensland Cup debut from the bench in the second half for the Jets.
The centre or back-rower is the younger brother of Sydney Roosters player Lama Tasi.
“He did a good job,” Lander said. “He’s a good kid and a terrific talent.”
The Jets’ other injury-induced replacement for the match, winger Troy O’Sullivan, also impressed.
“Sully played well,” Lander said. “He ran hard, covered well and did all the good things wingers do. What is really pleasing is the guys coming in are doing a great job.”
The Jets host Tweed Heads this weekend hoping to make it four wins in a row.
“The competition is so close this year you’ve got to turn up each week,” Lander said.
“If we both turn up I guarantee we’ll get over them. We just need to build on what we’ve been doing the last couple of weeks.”
State of Play
Ipswich sits fourth on the Queensland Cup ladder after seven rounds – two points behind Northern Pride and Wynnum Manly and a point behind Mackay.