Mark Nicholls made a strong comeback from injury but it was not enough to get the Falcons over the line as they fell to Northern Pride 32-12.
The Falcons were made to pay for their slow start that saw them surrender the first three tries of the match.
Two tries apiece in the second half saw Sunshine Coast match the intensity of their opponents but it was a case of too little too late.
Be at AAMI Park when we take on the Tigers, Sunday 26 June, 4pm.
Nicholls was a shining line for the visitors and impressed coach Craig Ingebrigtsen in his return to the side.
“From eight weeks out of the game and to play the way he played was outstanding,” Ingebrigtsen said.
“He was really good for us, he was tough, made good metres and tackled hard.
"He was out for two months and to play as many minutes as he did and be strong with his carries and defensive efforts was fantastic.”
Tony Tumusa was 2 for 2 as he assumed the kicking duties for the first time this season.
The Falcons remain in sixth spot on the ladder and will take on fellow Storm feeder side Easts Tigers this Saturday afternoon at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
Sunshine Coast Falcons 12 (Ryley Jacks, Tom Geraghty tries; Tony Tumusa 2 goals) def by Northern Pride 32 (Justin Castellaro 2, Khan Ahwang, Colin Wilkie, Shaun Hudson tries; Khan Ahwang 6 goals) at Barlow Park.
