After a red hot preseason, BBC were outmuscled by an impressive Brisbane State High side last weekend, dropping the school’s first match of the competition 19-12 at home. 

BBC were arguably the form team of the trial period but after a bye in round one, were slightly ambushed by a State High side playing with plenty of confidence and on top of the GPS first XV ladder after two rounds. 

“I think we got caught up in the occasion a little bit and didn’t play like ourselves,” BBC coach Dan Leo told Rugby News. 

“That certainly wasn’t the same BBC team we’ve been watching over the last few months, that’s for sure. 

“We had a number of opportunities and just couldn’t ice them and we’ll need to learn from that moving forward.”

With the match in the balance at 14-5 with 10 minutes remaining, BBC attacked from a driving maul near State High’s line. 

But the home side turned the ball over just metres from the tryline and State High’s star No.8 Roman Siulepa took full advantage, racing downfield to set up the match winning try for his side. 

“That was a killer. We were on their line attacking and we turned the ball over and they went 95 metres to score,” Leo said. 

“When you’re facing a once in a generation player like we were, there’s always a risk of something like that happening if you present opportunities and we weren’t clinical enough on the day.”

While Leo was full of praise for State High and Siulepa, who has signed to play NBL next year and looks destined for the NBA, BBC’s coach said he was disappointed that his side weren’t able to make the most of their opportunities against the new competition leaders. 

“In the first half, I think we contained him (Siulepa) really well but we let him play his way into the game in the second half and that’s what special players do.

“We also had a game plan to try and tire them out because they have a lot of big boys. But there were a few extended injury breaks during the game, which sort of gave them three half times to recover and we saw them lift their tempo after each of those. 

“That’s footy though. Some times, things don’t go to plan and credit to State High for being clinical when it mattered. 

“I was also really impressed with their set piece. We thought we’d have an opportunity to get on top of them there, but credit to them, they are a very good side.”

BBC welcome back third-year first XV forward Cooper Eagle for Saturday’s crucial clash against an in form Ipswich Grammar outfit and are expected to have No.8 Kiama Jione back for next week’s bumper clash at home against TSS. 

“Our game is based on physicality and we didn’t win those battles last week. Like all games of rugby, if you lose the physical battle, it’s really difficult to win rugby games,” Leo said. 

“We’ve got to show a greater urgency in our contact areas, be that in the tackle, at the breakdown or in our carries. 

“Ipswich are a really dangerous side and they like to run the ball from everywhere so we cannot afford to switch at any point. 

“We’re looking forward to the battle but we’re under no illusions as to how tough they will be to beat coming off a good win last week against Toowoomba.”

In the rounds other matches, Churchie host undefeated Nudgee, TSS face a Toowoomba outfit still looking for their first win of the season and Brisbane Grammar take on Gregory Terrace. 

“We had a really good preseason but we learnt on Saturday that that doesn’t count for anything once the competition starts,” Leo continued. 

“It’s a good lesson for the boys to learn and I’m looking forward to seeing how they respond this weekend.”