WFR News
PIRATES CONTINUE SURGE WITH EMPHATIC 45-17 VICTORY
2026-07-14 14:04:13
Brisbane strengthen Conference One credentials as Faessler and Pietsch inspire another statement win.The Brisbane Pirates' remarkable inaugural WFR season gathered even more momentum in Round 6 as they swept aside Paris Titans 45-17 in front of a jubilant home crowd. Having already announced themselves as genuine Conference One contenders over the opening month of the season, the Pirates backed it up with another polished display that combined ruthless finishing, disciplined defence and outstanding leadership.
It was Brisbane's fifth victory in six matches. For a club entering its first WFR campaign, the message is becoming impossible to ignore. The Pirates are no longer exceeding expectations. They're setting them.
Dream Start
Brisbane wasted little time taking control. Hooker Matt Faessler crashed over after just three minutes before captain Fraser McReight's men doubled the advantage moments later through veteran scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, who finished a sweeping attack sparked by Corey Toole. When Dylan Pietsch crossed midway through the opening half, the Pirates had raced to a commanding 19-0 lead and Paris looked shell-shocked.
Although the Titans responded through Georges-Henri Colombe, Brisbane simply continued to ask questions. Charlie Hancock powered over before halftime, and Faessler grabbed his second try on the stroke of the break after excellent work from replacement Andrew Ready.
At halftime, Brisbane led 33-7.
Faessler Delivers Career Performance
Matt Faessler produced arguably his finest performance in Pirates colours. The hooker scored twice, was outstanding around the field and delivered another clinical display at set piece. His leadership continues to grow each week, providing Brisbane with another reliable voice alongside Fraser McReight and Cobus Reinach.
Meredith Keeps His Cool
Flyhalf Declan Meredith once again demonstrated why he is becoming one of Conference One's brightest young playmakers. His kicking game continually forced Paris into difficult positions, while his five successful conversions ensured Brisbane maintained scoreboard pressure throughout the contest.
Just as importantly, Meredith controlled the tempo whenever Paris threatened to build momentum.
Pirates Withstand The Fightback
To their credit, Paris Titans refused to disappear. Second-half tries from Aiden Bradshaw and Georges-Henri Colombe briefly reduced the deficit and tested Brisbane's composure. Rather than panic, the Pirates produced the response that good teams find. Captain Fraser McReight crossed in the 69th minute before Dylan Pietsch grabbed his second shortly afterwards, putting the result beyond doubt.
It was another sign of Brisbane's growing maturity.
Reinach Continues To Orchestrate
Every successful side needs an experienced general. For Brisbane, that man continues to be Cobus Reinach. The veteran scrumhalf scored one try, controlled territory brilliantly and repeatedly relieved pressure with intelligent tactical kicking. His influence on this young squad cannot be overstated.
Defence Lays The Foundation
While Brisbane scored seven tries, their defence again provided the platform. The Pirates forced Paris into nine handling errors, dominated the scrum 5-1 and conceded only three tries despite spending long periods absorbing pressure. Tom Hooper, Elrigh Louw and Seru Uru were immense around the breakdown, while Andrew Kellaway provided calm assurance from the back.
Injury Concern
The only sour note came late in the first half when winger Corey Toole was forced from the field with an injury. The early indication is that Toole could miss 2–3 matches, a significant blow given his outstanding start to the season.
Fortunately for Brisbane, replacement Andrew Ready made an immediate impact, helping create Faessler's second try before contributing strongly throughout the second half.
Coach's Corner
Head Coach Andy "Skull" Head praised his team's continued growth but reminded everyone that bigger challenges still lie ahead: "We're playing with confidence now. What impressed me most today wasn't the attack. It was our response. Paris came back at us, and the boys stayed composed. That's a sign this group is maturing."
Pirate of the Match
Matt Faessler ★★★★★
Two tries, excellent work at the set piece and another outstanding all-round display. The Wallabies hooker continues to lead by example and was instrumental in Brisbane's dominant first-half performance.
Player To Watch
Dylan Pietsch
The outside back continues to grow in confidence. His two-try performance showcased excellent support running and finishing ability, while his defensive work has quietly become one of the strongest parts of his game.
Round 6 reinforced just how competitive Conference One has become.
Brisbane's fifth win keeps them firmly among the competition's leading clubs and continues an impressive run that has seen the Pirates defeat Perth Reds, Tokyo Shoguns, Taupo Toa and now Paris Titans. What began as an expansion project has quickly become one of the season's biggest success stories.
With five wins from their opening six matches, Brisbane has firmly established itself as one of the teams every Conference One opponent now has to plan for.
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It was Brisbane's fifth victory in six matches. For a club entering its first WFR campaign, the message is becoming impossible to ignore. The Pirates are no longer exceeding expectations. They're setting them.
Dream Start
Brisbane wasted little time taking control. Hooker Matt Faessler crashed over after just three minutes before captain Fraser McReight's men doubled the advantage moments later through veteran scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, who finished a sweeping attack sparked by Corey Toole. When Dylan Pietsch crossed midway through the opening half, the Pirates had raced to a commanding 19-0 lead and Paris looked shell-shocked.
Although the Titans responded through Georges-Henri Colombe, Brisbane simply continued to ask questions. Charlie Hancock powered over before halftime, and Faessler grabbed his second try on the stroke of the break after excellent work from replacement Andrew Ready.
At halftime, Brisbane led 33-7.
Faessler Delivers Career Performance
Matt Faessler produced arguably his finest performance in Pirates colours. The hooker scored twice, was outstanding around the field and delivered another clinical display at set piece. His leadership continues to grow each week, providing Brisbane with another reliable voice alongside Fraser McReight and Cobus Reinach.
Meredith Keeps His Cool
Flyhalf Declan Meredith once again demonstrated why he is becoming one of Conference One's brightest young playmakers. His kicking game continually forced Paris into difficult positions, while his five successful conversions ensured Brisbane maintained scoreboard pressure throughout the contest.
Just as importantly, Meredith controlled the tempo whenever Paris threatened to build momentum.
Pirates Withstand The Fightback
To their credit, Paris Titans refused to disappear. Second-half tries from Aiden Bradshaw and Georges-Henri Colombe briefly reduced the deficit and tested Brisbane's composure. Rather than panic, the Pirates produced the response that good teams find. Captain Fraser McReight crossed in the 69th minute before Dylan Pietsch grabbed his second shortly afterwards, putting the result beyond doubt.
It was another sign of Brisbane's growing maturity.
Reinach Continues To Orchestrate
Every successful side needs an experienced general. For Brisbane, that man continues to be Cobus Reinach. The veteran scrumhalf scored one try, controlled territory brilliantly and repeatedly relieved pressure with intelligent tactical kicking. His influence on this young squad cannot be overstated.
Defence Lays The Foundation
While Brisbane scored seven tries, their defence again provided the platform. The Pirates forced Paris into nine handling errors, dominated the scrum 5-1 and conceded only three tries despite spending long periods absorbing pressure. Tom Hooper, Elrigh Louw and Seru Uru were immense around the breakdown, while Andrew Kellaway provided calm assurance from the back.
Injury Concern
The only sour note came late in the first half when winger Corey Toole was forced from the field with an injury. The early indication is that Toole could miss 2–3 matches, a significant blow given his outstanding start to the season.
Fortunately for Brisbane, replacement Andrew Ready made an immediate impact, helping create Faessler's second try before contributing strongly throughout the second half.
Coach's Corner
Head Coach Andy "Skull" Head praised his team's continued growth but reminded everyone that bigger challenges still lie ahead: "We're playing with confidence now. What impressed me most today wasn't the attack. It was our response. Paris came back at us, and the boys stayed composed. That's a sign this group is maturing."
Pirate of the Match
Matt Faessler ★★★★★
Two tries, excellent work at the set piece and another outstanding all-round display. The Wallabies hooker continues to lead by example and was instrumental in Brisbane's dominant first-half performance.
Player To Watch
Dylan Pietsch
The outside back continues to grow in confidence. His two-try performance showcased excellent support running and finishing ability, while his defensive work has quietly become one of the strongest parts of his game.
Round 6 reinforced just how competitive Conference One has become.
Brisbane's fifth win keeps them firmly among the competition's leading clubs and continues an impressive run that has seen the Pirates defeat Perth Reds, Tokyo Shoguns, Taupo Toa and now Paris Titans. What began as an expansion project has quickly become one of the season's biggest success stories.
With five wins from their opening six matches, Brisbane has firmly established itself as one of the teams every Conference One opponent now has to plan for.