Central Queensland Capras turned an early deficit into a convincing 44-18 win over Norths Devils at Aurizon Stadium,  scoring eight tries in a strong Round 20 result. After falling behind 6-0 inside the opening 13 minutes, the Capras responded with four tries before half-time before another two shortly after the restart established a decisive advantage.

Norths opened the scoring through James Flack in the 11th minute, with Jack Miers converting, but the lead lasted only four minutes. Valentine Richard crossed in the 15th minute and Trey Brown converted to level the scores at 6-all. John Fineanganofo followed four minutes later, with Brown again converting to put Central Queensland ahead 12-6.

Norths were reduced to 12 players when Jack Ahearn was sent to the sin bin in the 23rd minute, and the Capras extended their advantage soon after. Connor Guley crossed in the 24th minute before Banjo Walker added another in the 33rd. Brown converted Walker’s try to stretch the lead to 22-6.

The Devils found a response before the break through George Fai, with Miers converting to reduce Central Queensland’s advantage to 22-12 at half-time.

The Capras quickly restored their buffer after the restart.

Melino Fineanganofo crossed in the 44th minute before Tane Kiriona followed three minutes later. Brown converted both tries as Central Queensland moved to a 34-12 lead.

Guley added his second try in the 57th minute to extend the margin to 38-12, completing a six-try run for the Capras after they had conceded the opening points.

Norths reduced the deficit when Fai crossed for his second try in the 72nd minute and Miers converted to make it 38-18.

Central Queensland had the final say. Walker completed his double in the 76th minute before Blake Moore landed a penalty goal in the 79th to close out the 44-18 result.

The Capras finished with eight tries to three, with Guley and Walker both scoring twice. Richard, John Fineanganofo, Melino Fineanganofo and Kiriona also crossed, while Brown contributed 10 points from five conversions and Moore added the final two.

After conceding the opening try, Central Queensland responded with six of the next seven tries and built the result through scoring bursts either side of half-time. The 26-point win capped a strong Round 20 performance at Aurizon Stadium and gave the Capras another important home result.