By Riley O’Leary for the Griffith Journal

20 July 2025

The Griffith Dragons have gone down narrowly to the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) Spartans in a high-quality first match since the mid-season break in the Universities Rugby League Queensland competition.

While the Spartans finished ahead 16-14, both teams scored three tries in Wednesday night’s fixture at Sippy Downs, highlighting the competitiveness of the game.

The Spartans started the match of strong, jumping ahead 6 – 0 through a converted try in just the third minute.

The next 15 minutes saw both teams going set-for-set. Some quality goal-line defence as well as some strong kicking from Dragons halfback Hayden Mehlert gave the Dragons some ascendency.

A pinpoint kick from Mehlert forced a Spartans goal-line dropout in the 17^th minute. In the subsequent set, Jonathan Ovia was able to score the Dragons first try through a dummy-half scoot, taking the score to 6-6.

Soon after, the Spartans hit back with a dummy-half try of their own, taking the score to 12-6.

In the 33^rd minute, the Dragons were able to capitalise off a USC error through a Fraser O’Neill try in the left-hand corner, assisted by Hayden Mehlert. An unsuccessful conversion attempt meant the Spartans lead 12-10 going into halftime.

USC started fast in the second half, scoring in the 41^st minute to lead 16-10.

However, once again, the Dragons were able to hit back in the 52^nd minute. Off another beautiful play from halfback Hayden Mehlert, back-rower Izzy Fulton was able to break the line and score for the Dragons. With the conversion missed, the score was 16-14.

The remaining 18 minutes was a set-for-set affair, with neither team able to add to their tally.

While the Dragons will no doubt be disappointed with the result, it was their most complete performance of the season. They were able to limit their errors and display some strong defence to keep their opponents to only three tries. Their attack was promising, showing the ability to break the line and also strip their opponents of numbers on the edges.

Halfback Hayden Mehlert was the star of the show, playing an important role in all three Dragons tries: earning the repeat set for the first and having the final pass for the other two. It was also a Spartans error from his kick which gave the Dragons the field position for their second try. 

Griffith Dragons club president Austin Mann believes it was the work put in during the mid-season break which allowed for their strong performance, however he believes there is still improvement in the side before the finals.

“During the mid-year break, we focused on key areas like fitness, defence, and attack,” he said.

“While it’s good to see early improvements in these areas, there’s still a long way to go and plenty of work to do to reach our peak and earn a spot in the grand final.”

One such area for improvement is the team’s on-field communication, according to Mr Mann.

“I think the biggest takeaway from this match is that stronger on-field communication, especially when fatigue begins to set in, is necessary.

“We saw the result of our efforts on Wednesday, when we started communicating more.”

Mr Mann also wanted to praise Dragons’ co-captains, Devante Ioane and Hayden Mehlert for their leadership and performance.

“Both were key leaders and contributors on our offence and defence,” he said.

“I’d like to give a special shout-out to Emmanuel Tupigo as well. I’ve believed in him since he first stepped onto Nathan Fields to train, and he has proven to be a massive defensive and offensive weapon.

“Definitely a player to keep an eye on as we head towards the latter half of the season.”

The Dragons’ next fixture will be played on Wednesday 23 July in their much-anticipated Heritage Round clash against the QUT Trouts. The match will be played at the Griffith University Nathan Fields, commencing at 7:30pm.