The Burleigh Bears are the 2025 Hostplus Cup premiers after grinding out a 22–8 victory over the Norths Devils at Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe.
It was a grand final full of momentum shifts, with Burleigh showing resilience and composure when the contest was in the balance.
The Bears set the tone early. Their forwards won the middle exchanges, paving the way for Adam Christensen to power over in the 18th minute.
Six minutes later, Sami Sauiluma extended the advantage, finishing a sweeping movement for a 10–2 lead.
Yet Burleigh’s momentum stalled when fullback Creedence Toia, one of their most reliable weapons this season was forced off injured.
Sensing opportunity, the Devils hit back. Jordan Lipp crossed in the 36th minute, and with Sean O’Sullivan landing a penalty and conversion, Norths dragged the scoreline back to 10–8 at halftime.
The match was poised, and the Devils carried belief into the second stanza.
Norths began the half with energy, hammering Burleigh’s line through repeated sets. Their forwards drove hard, and their halves probed for gaps, but the Bears’ defensive wall refused to budge.
Each stop seemed to drain the Devils’ momentum and lift Burleigh’s confidence.
The turning point came on the hour mark. After absorbing so much pressure, the Bears struck with precision, sending Troy Leo over in the corner. It gave them breathing space at 16–8, and from there, they grew stronger.
Josh Rogers, calm and assured all night, iced the contest in the 70th minute with a decisive solo try. Adding the conversion, he finished with 10 points and the player of the match medal.
Burleigh’s ability to adapt without Toia and close out the contest with defensive grit highlighted the depth in their squad.
For the Devils, the result was a bitter pill. They had their chances, particularly in the first 15 minutes after the break, but could not land the blow that might have changed the game’s course.
In the end, the Bears’ second-half shutout told the story. They absorbed pressure, took their moments, and lifted when the game demanded it most. Their 22–8 victory etched them into the 2025 record books as worthy champions.
Burleigh Bears 22 (Adam Christensen, Sami Sauiluma, Troy Leo, Josh Rogers, Tries; Josh Rogers 3, Goals) def Norths Devils 8 (Jordan Lipp, Tries; Sean O’Sullivan 2, Goals) at Kayo Stadium
