PICTURE PERFECT SEAGULLS

Under-18s best in country after Illawarra victory

TWEED Seagulls have left no doubt about their credentials as the best under-18 side in Australia.

The Seagulls defeated the NSW Rugby League champions, Illawarra, in a commanding win at Dolphin Stadium in Redcliffe.

Tweed ran in eight tries in the 48-14 victory.

Impressive Palm Beach Currumbin State High playmaker Toby Sexton scored 20 points in the match, crossing for a try and kicking eight goals.

Tweed didn’t open the scoring until the 28th minute via Xavier Coates, who benefited from a pinpoint Sexton kick.

Four-pointers to Brendan Piakura and Caleb Hodges then helped open up an 18-4 lead by halftime.

The Seagulls ran away with it after the break as Coates scored again, ace fullback Reece Walsh notched a second-half double and Josh Bevan found the line.

Sexton scored the final try under the posts in a fitting finish.

Tweed coach Tim Maccan cut a proud figure after the win.

“They saved their best performance for last,” he said.

“We spoke during the week how it was going to take a huge team effort to win this game and they showed that.

“Our team really stood up and showed the country how good we are.”

In comments to QRL Media, Maccan added: “We have some very good individual players and it was about us trying to work out the best way to turn them into a very good team and how to use those strengths across the team.

“Our starting front-rowers Ben Liyou and Solomon Torrens, kids that some people haven’t heard of, they are great kids and showed that they are quality front-rowers.

“We have guys on the bench like James Torrens and Issy Higgins – he’s only 17 – but they have been doing a really good job, so those lesser known players have really stepped up.”

Tweed became the first Queensland team since Townsville in 2014 to win the national under-18 decider.