'The crowd were screaming Papenhuyzen': Storm star makes successful return

Falcons captain Luke Polselli said it was good to get the win as the Falcons fight for a finals berth.

"It was tough... probably not the way we wanted to play, but it's a win and heading into these finals we need a few wins to hopefully get us there," Polselli said.

"We're one step closer."

Polselli said the inclusion of Papenhuyzen - and the boisterous crowd - was a nice lift for the side.

"He's unreal... just his experience and he really got around the boys, which is good, especially at captain's run, and before we warmed up for this game, he was really good," Polselli said, as Papenhuyzen was swamped by hundreds of excited children on the field post-game.

"You can see what kind of player he is... how much of a difference he makes. Hopefully he's back with us next week.

"The crowd were all screaming out 'Papenhuyzen'. That was good... it just shows how much it means to the community. How much a player like Paps means to a small community like this. It's just incredible."

Polselli said moving forward, the Falcons needed to work on game control.

"I think we were in a good spot there just to really put them away, but we just couldn't... hopefully we can just learn and get better for next week," Polselli said.

"Across the whole park, I thought were quite good. Just a few defensive areas and a few penalties that we're probably not happy with. But, yeah, we'll look at the tape and see."

Northern Pride second rower Evan Moore scored a hat-trick in his side's win over Tweed Seagulls, keeping them in the race for finals.

PNG Hunters winger Solo Wane scored a double in Port Moresby to help the Hunters get the win against an in-form Redcliffe Dolphins.

Western Clydesdales' Melino Fineanganofo and Jordan Lipp both scored doubles in their side's win against Norths Devils. The Clydesdales started strong and held on at the end to claim the two points. 

Edrick Lee and Trey Brown both scored doubles in Central Queensland Capras' win over Townsville Blackhawks.

Tom Rafter crossed the line twice to help Brisbane Tigers get the win over ladder leaders Souths Logan Magpies.