The Sunshine Coast Falcons are the new leaders of the Hostplus Cup after Brisbane Tigers suffered their first loss of 2022 on Saturday to hand over the top spot.
The Tigers were upset 24-12 by the Mackay Cutters on Saturday, while Storm winger Will Warbrick scored a first-half hat-trick as the Falcons defeated Ipswich 48-18 at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
Mackay scored the first two tries of the game at home and led 18-6 at halftime before restricting the Tigers to just one try in the second half – Jayden Nikorima setting up Gerard Beale with a nice inside ball.
The Falcons were always in control against the struggling Jets with Warbrick’s three tries in 18 minutes helping to establish a match-winning 24-4 advantage.
The best of Warbrick’s hat-trick was his second four-pointer where he beat three defenders on his run to the line.
However, the Kiwi winger’s afternoon ended prematurely when had to be replaced at the 50-minute mark after sustaining a rib cartilage injury.
Fullback Luke Polselli, who spent time with Storm over the pre-season, also scored three tries for the Falcons.
