Affiliate wrap: Liyou, HSS make long-awaited return from injury
It was a heartbreaking finish for the Ipswich Jets at the weekend, but the one-point loss after the siren didn't dampen the return of Titans duo Ben Liyou and Harley Smith-Shields who made their first appearance of 2025.
Having had to watch from the sidelines in the early stages of the season due to significant injuries - Liyou recovering from an ACL rupture and Smith-Shields back surgery - the pair were cheered on in their comeback at North Ipswich Reserve and impressed despite being on the wrong end of the 21-20 thriller against the Townsville Blackhawks.
Match: Jets v Blackhawks
Round 1 -
home Team
Jets
9th Position
away Team
Blackhawks
5th Position
Venue: North Ipswich Reserve, Ipswich
Smith-Shields played the entire 80 minutes, making 98 running metres including two tackle busts, as well as contributing in defence with 10 tackles at centre.
Liyou was eased into the contest with a 17-minute stint, but made his mark with six carries for 56 metres, and 19 tackles upon coming on late in the first half.
Ipswich next head to Yeppoon to face the Capras; whilst the Seagulls travel to Sunshine Coast to face the Falcons after enjoying the bye at the weekend.
Match: Falcons v Seagulls
Round 9 -
home Team
Falcons
10th Position
away Team
Seagulls
9th Position
Venue: Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast
