The James Ackerman Cup match is always one of the first circled in the Vantage Homes Sunshine Coast Falcons calendar each year. In 2022, the game will be circled twice as it also marks the first round of the Hostplus Cup season.

In a draw released by the QRL this morning, the annual clash will next year be played on Saturday, March 19 at Moreton Daily Stadium. Following a heartbreaking defeat this year, the Falcons will be eager to repeat their 2019 success in the same venue. That win was also the first time the Falcons had won the James Ackerman Cup since its inception five years earlier.

Although there are many new faces in the 2022 Hostplus Cup squad, the messages and emotion around this match always remain the same, “It’s very exciting to be opening the season with one of the biggest games of the year for our club,” said Falcons CEO Chris Flannery. “Ackers was a tough competitor who always did his job to the best of his ability for his team week-in week-out, and it’s this sort of attitude and club culture we want instil in all of the players here at the Falcons. To get another win in his honour would be a fantastic start to the 2022 campaign,” he continued.

These thoughts were mirrored by new Head Coach, Brad Henderson, “The first round usually has a bit of hype around it, but with the James Ackerman Cup being on the line it takes it to another level.” ‘Hendo’ continued, “It is always an emotional occasion, and we will be desperate to make sure our performance is worthy on the day where we can pay our respects to James and his wonderful family the best way we know how.”

In a pre-season focused heavily on club culture and standards, Hendo was impressed by the buy-in of the new players into what the club was trying to achieve, “The vibe is great. We have several new faces in the mix, and they have contributed enormously to a genuine sense of competition and enthusiasm… It’s a testament to the quality of people we already have here at the club as to how well the new guys are fitting in. We have a really tight group of players here who have welcomed our new guys and the additional challenges they bring with them… They understand very well our expectations of them in their preparation, practice and performance.”

While the first two rounds of the 2022 season are on the road, the Vantage Homes Falcons are excited for their first home game of the season to be played at Sunshine Coast Stadium for Round 3 on April 2 against the Souths Logan Magpies. Information regarding season memberships for the 2022 season will be available shortly.