The finals for both the NSW Cup and QLD Cup commenced over the weekend, following an intense regular season marked by close competition.
Significant upsets characterized the opening matches, setting the stage for an exciting finals series.
In the NSW Cup, the Newcastle Knights delivered a surprising performance against second-placed North Sydney during a fiercely contested match in Kogarah.
Despite challenging weather conditions due to a September storm, the Knights emerged victorious, with centre-turned-back-rower Kyle McCarthy scoring three crucial tries and gaining over 100 running metres.
Following his recent NRL debut, Knights assistant coach Danny Buderus praised McCarthy's transition to the forwards, a shift he foresaw due to McCarthy's physical attributes.
The Knights' success also reflects the promising talent within their ranks, including Toby Winter. Transitioning from the SG Ball competition to the NSW Cup, Winter impressed with a performance that included over 200 running metres and an assist setting up McCarthy's decisive try.
Meanwhile, expectations for the Sunshine Coast Falcons were low at the season's start, especially after losing their partnership with the Melbourne Storm.
Contrary to these expectations, the Falcons claimed their first QLD Cup minor premiership since 2019, achieving remarkable results without an NRL affiliation.
In the finals, they faced the renowned Burleigh side, with former Parramatta Eels player Josh Lynn playing a pivotal role in the Falcons' thrilling victory.
Lynn has significantly contributed to the team's strong performance, averaging nearly 28 points per game and providing 20 assists and 19 linebreaks this season, showcasing his promise at just 22 years of age.