Sunshine Coast Falcons season comes to an end

Today’s win was the Devils’ sixth consecutive victory – four regular-season wins and a stirring qualifying final victory over minor premiers Burleigh Bears before today’s result.

This was the Devils’ fifth consecutive finals win and four of those have come with second-half fightbacks. Today, they trailed the Falcons 12-13 with 25 minutes remaining but these Devils have kept cool heads.

Five minutes later, the Devils responded when Tyrone Roberts’ spiralling kick bounced off the Falcons. Forward Lloyd Perrett threw a pass like a rugby union halfback to backrower Leivaha Pulu who then found Tony Tumusa flying down the wing for a try that brought Bishop Park to life.

This was the biggest crowd at the Devils’ home for years, and they breathed easier in the 72nd minute when Broncos-contracted five-eighth Tyson Gamble floated a perfect kick for the flying Brayden McGrady.

The winger is one of the most dynamic movers in the competition and he sprinted 45 metres and burst between two defenders as Gamble’s kick sat up for a try in front of the Devils’ famous hill.

But the attacking moments couldn’t overtake another gritty defensive effort by the premiers.

They weathered raid after raid from the Falcons, whose Melbourne Storm-contracted players caused trouble at different stages.

The Devils’ winning streak has been built on defensive muscle, re-igniting the toughness that delivered last year’s memorable season of 18 wins from 20 matches.

“This team has been through a bit this year but they have always stayed together as a squad,” Neighbour said.

“Even this week we had 38 players attend training and help to get this team ready.

“We have a long way to go yet – next weekend will demand a quality effort – but these players are ready to go.”

The Falcons suffered a blow before the match when fullback Luke Polselli was ruled out during the warm-up.

The Devils had two changes from their qualifying final team as they welcomed back Broncos forward Brendan Piakura and Gamble.

Co-captains Jack Ahearn and Michael Sio again led the Devils with distinction and they were well-served across the field on an unseasonably hot September afternoon.

But these Devils enjoy the heat – they crunched the Townsville Blackhawks in 32-degree north Queensland heat in Round 1 – and they were unmoved today when the Falcons seized the halftime lead with a field goal in the final seconds.

The Devils opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a 55-metre movement that started on their side of halfway and moved between six sets of hands for Ahearn to make a bust for Gamble, who dashed clear and found Ahearn again for a try.

The Falcons hit back in the 33rd minute when Lazarus Vaalepu crossed before Tyson Smoothy’s field goal established a 7-6 lead at the break.

The Devils took the lead back in the 44th minute when Viko Puliueva, starting at prop alongside Jayden Stephens in the absence of Sam Lavea, scored. Hooker Kierran Moseley pinged from dummy half and found Gamble whose excellent pass was well finished by Puliueva.

The Devils were bolstered by forwards Liam Horne, Jerome Veve and Perrett off the bench while Milson caused problems when he moved into fullback.

Ever-reliable centres Connor Broadhurst and Jacob Gagan again played a significant role.