Rising star Mitch Cronin crossed for a double tonight as the Souths Logan Magpies claimed win number three for the season by 36-14 over the Capras.
Cronin, who is edging closer to an NRL call up with the Canberra Raiders, nailed his second try five minutes before full-time as the Magpies closed out a professional 36-14 Intrust Super Cup victory over the Central Queensland Capras at Browne Park.
After an unexpected loss to Tweed Heads last week, tonight’s performance was exactly what new Magpies coach Josh Hannay was looking for.
Hannay’s team took a 16-10 lead into half-time, but they didn’t get it all their own way in the opening minutes.
The Capras were the first to strike when Rhys Williams capitalised on some great lead up work from former Titan Smith Samau.
The Magpies answered with two converted tries of their own, before Central’s Sam Pierce sliced through to bring the home team to within two points (12-10).
In sticky conditions, the Magpies had the final say in the first half when giant winger Ramon Filipine was on the spot to score from a grubber kick.
Fourteen minutes into the second half, the Magpies surged further in front when the ball was put through the hands to classy Raiders winger Jordan Rapana, who finished the movement.
Cronin weaved his magic late to put a further gap on the Capras, before Samau grabbed a consolation try for the hosts after a powerful run from big forward John Clayton.
The Magpies will host the Wynnum Manly Seagulls next Sunday, while the Capras will go in search of their first win of the season against the improving Redcliffe Dolphins at Dolphin Oval.
SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES 36 (Mitch Cronin 2, David Faamita, Grant Cooke, Ono So’oialo, Jordan Rapana, Leon Panapa tries; Luke Archer 3, Jordan Rapana goals) def CQ CAPRAS 14(Smith Samau, Rhys Williams, Sam Pierce tries; Theeran Pearson goal) at Browne Park.
