Davin Crampton has staked his claim for a Gold Coast Titans call-up with a classy hat-trick for Tweed Heads Seagulls against Norths Devils in Round 3 of the Intrust Super Cup.
The former Northern Pride centre and halfback Kane Elgey were the standouts for Tweed in their 34-10 victory over the Devils in wet and windy conditions at Piggabeen Sports on the Gold Coast.
Crampton opened his Seagulls' account early in the match before crossing for a further two tries after half-time in a performance that is sure to raise the eyebrows of Titans coach Neil Henry.
All the scores from Round 3 of the Intrust Super Cup
Adverse weather affected several games across the state over the weekend but there was no shortage of points on offer in Sunday's other contest.
Northern Pride were flogged 52-10 by the Townsville Blackhawks at Barlow Park in Cairns with the defending premiers winless so far this season.
The 10-tries-to-two victory elevated the Blackhawks to the top of the ladder on for-and-against with a further seven teams sitting on four points and no teams undefeated through three rounds of the competition.
On Saturday, Ipswich made it two wins in a row with a tight 28-26 win over the CQ Capras in Rockhampton, Easts Tigers managed a hard-fought 14-8 victory over the PNG Hunters and the Mackay Cutters upset Wynnum Manly Seagulls 28-10 away from home.
The addition of Crampton's Titans teammates Lachlan Burr and Mark Ioane helped Burleigh to get their season underway as the Bears recorded a tough 28-12 win over the Sunshine Coast Falcons at Pizzey Park on Saturday.
Although the inclusion of Jamie Dowling generated many of the pre-match headlines, it was the relegation of Burr and Ioane that had the greatest influence on the Bears' fortunes.
With Greg Bird and Dave Taylor being rushed back into the Titans team to face Newcastle on Sunday two forwards had to make way but with Gold Coast's coaching staff watching on from the hill at the southern end Burr and Ioane responded in exactly the right fashion.
Burr was named man of the match and Ioane's charges through the middle of the ruck were full of energy as the Bears converted a 10-6 half-time advantage into a 16-point win, their first of the season.
On the back of dominance in early territory and possession Burleigh posted first points courtesy of centre Connor Broadhurst in the seventh minute but Storm-contracted five-eighth Ben Hampton soon began to right the ship for the Falcons.
He laid on a try for back-rower Jake Samoa to give his side a 6-4 lead and while his combination on the left edge with Kenny Bromwich threatened to extend their advantage the Bears defence held firm.
The home side went into half-time in front courtesy of a Christian Hazard dart from dummy-half close to the Falcons' line and then 10 minutes into the second half replacement prop Josh Ailaomai powered over for a 16-6 lead.
A converted try to Callum Klein reduced the deficit to four points but the Falcons cruelled their chances with two errors in their own half and further tries to Ioane and Tyler Chadburn saw the Bears record a comfortable victory on the scoreboard at least.
Burleigh 28 (Connor Broadhurst, Christian Hazard, Josh Ailaomai, Mark Ioane, Tyler Chadburn tries; Zac Mackay 4 goals) def. Sunshine Coast 12 (Jake Samoa, Callum Klein tries; Corey McGrady 2 goals) at Pizzey Park.
