By Matthew Mazzier Bautista for the Griffith Journal

15 May 2026

The Griffith Dragons have claimed a strong 12-34 win over the UQ Hounds in wet weather conditions.

The Dragons lead for the entirety of the match, and will be happy with their performance given the tough conditions.

Their defence was solid for the majority of the game, keeping UQ out on multiple occasions following small errors and penalties.

The forward pack was particularly strong with explosive hit-ups on every carry, eating metres up as they marched up the field.

The halves pairing of Lachlan Moore and the returning Jack Day, was particularly effective, leading the boys across the paddock with a healthy running game between the two.

Dragons’ hooker Jessie Osborne also had a solid performance, combining with the halves to help set the forwards up.

The conditions were difficult for both teams, with the ground very wet following showers across the day.

This ultimately led to a high error count between the two, with knock-ons being the common issue.

The game started out slow as the teams tested limits of the conditions, seeing a number of handling errors in attack.

In the 20th minute, Griffith put points on the board with a Liam Sorensen try on the right edge, making the score 0-4.

Following the match’s resumption, Griffith marched up the field with a line-break, capping it off with an Alex Samuel try, using his fancy footwork to make the scores 0-10.

Just minutes later, Griffith scored again through Ben Rynsbergen, making the scores 0-16.

UQ then closed out the half with a left edge try, sending the boys into the break ahead with a score of 4-16.

An early second half sin bin for Griffith put them under pressure, gifting UQ a try on their left edge, making scores 8-16.

Following the conclusion of the sin bin, Griffith went back to work, picking up a try through their returning five-eighth, Jack Day, extending their lead 8-22.

After a UQ penalty, the Griffith attack took advantage and put Ben Standring through a hole in the defence, extending the score out 8-28.

The Griffith offense was then granted more great field position, scoring another try just four minutes later, with Jessie Osborne making the score 8-34.

Off the restart, a Griffith knock-on and multiple penalties allowed UQ to cap of the game with a try, which made the score 12-34 at full time.

Coach Rob Lewis was pleased with his team’s performance, acknowledging that the conditions affected the game for both teams.

“When you’re playing a wet weather game, it’s always gonna be a teller,” he said.

“But the conditions go both ways.

“It’s the team that plays the conditions the best, will come out of the victors.

“We had a game plan to keep it tight, keep it clean, keep the mistakes down, but you’re always gonna get mistakes.

“I think, we allowed them in for a little bit, (but) then we control it back.

“We got our game plan back together in the last 20 minutes, and ran out another 18 points.

“So all I can say is, I tip my hat to the guys.

“They did what I wanted them to do today, was get the win and we’re now unbeaten in all competitions this season.”

When asked about their next game against the University of Sunshine Coast (UniSC), coach Lewis expects the opposition to come out strong to try and take the top spot from Griffith.

“UniSC, they were the top of the league until today, and we are now the top of the league,” he said.

“So they’re gonna come down and they’ll want that crown back.

“So we’ve got to be strong in defence, great in attack.

“But most of all, just keep together as a team.”

Dragon’s five-eighth Jack Day echoed his coach’s expectations, acknowledging the upcoming USC challenge.

“It’s definitely time to lock in,” he said.

“They’re a pretty big pack, they’re very talented as well.

“So it’s just making sure that we’re just correcting some of those defensive issues and holding our tongue on some of those boys.

“I think our attack and shape was pretty good.

“There are things always to improve on, but I think we’re in a pretty good spot.”

Their next fixture is at home against UniSC Rugby League on Wednesday 20 May.

The match will be played at the Nathan Fields, kick off at 7:30pm.

Members of the Griffith community are encouraged to attend the event.