After a 34-0 exit in the 2025 finals, the Wests Bulldogs shed that ugly memory with a commanding 36-19 win over Easts to advance to the preliminary final.
A standout performance from flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips paved the way for a physically dominant second half in Sunday's minor semi-final in the Sumo Energy Hospital Cup.
His moment midway through the second half proved the deciding factor in a grinding affair at Bottomley Park.
With Wests leading 17-12, a successful Easts scrum led to a BJ Oates grubber kick. It ricocheted off the legs of McLaughlin-Phillips, who gratefully swooped on the bobbling ball and dashed 40m for the try. The 22-12 lead changed the game.
Bulldogs captain Leopino Maupese said the Bulldogs had to match the physical forward play that has been an Easts' hallmark all season.
“We knew Easts were going to bring a big physical pack. We know we have the same, so we had to try and match it. I feel like we succeeded with that,” Maupese said.
After consecutive goal-line stands early on from the defence of both teams, it was try-scoring machine Max Craig who plunged over from a well-constructed maul from the Tigers in the 16th minute.
Wests mirrored this effect not long after when No.8 Isoa Tuwai tailed a rampaging maul to even the ledger.
Only two points separated the sides after 30 minutes of play, as McLaughlin-Phillips nailed his conversion to put Wests up 7-5.
After consecutive penalties and pressure-inducing mauls from Easts, Wests were soon down to 14 men.
Wests navigated this period professionally.
They only conceded one try, while scoring a runaway try to counter in the 10 minutes. It was a trademark line-running try for Easts inside centre Jake Pappin, who broke tackles at will on his way to the line to give Easts a 12-7 lead.
Wests hit back through winger Joji Nasova, who brilliantly high-pointed a Billy Kirk box kick and put Luke Masirewa in the corner to lock the scores at 12-all.
Maupese was pleased with the period and thought the boys kept their composure throughout.
“Obviously a few cards, but I think the boys kept their composure and managed to dig our way out of that 10-minute period before halftime,” Maupese said.
The hooker managed to cross three minutes after halftime. After managing to work upfield, it was another maul five metres out that was too much for the Tigers to halt as Maupese pounced over.
Quick ruck speed became prominent for Wests following McLaughlin-Phillips’ try.
The Bulldogs shut the gate as several phases led to outside centre Maika Tuitubou finding a gap close to the ruck. He raced away under the posts for a 29-12 lead.
A penalty try gave Easts a sniff with eight minutes to go, but it wasn’t enough as Tuitubou went over late for a double.
Wests take on Norths next Sunday in the preliminary final at Sunnybank Rugby Club. The winner will earn entry to the grand final to play against Brothers at Ballymore Stadium on Sunday, August 30.
In the Sumo Energy Founders Cup minor semi-final, University of Queensland trumped Wests 31-24.
Tries by Lauren Robinson and Roni Setu sealed the deal as UQ came from behind.
Wests lock Laylani Va'ai showed her athleticism with a good try. The Bulldogs were stung by two yellow cards.
The result pitches UQ into the preliminary final against Sunnybank. Bond University are locked into the grand final on Saturday, August 29.
