THE Macksville Sea Eagles chopped down Sam Burgess’ Orara Valley Axemen 26-10 last Sunday at Coramba Sports Ground.

Both teams scored two tries and one conversion in the first half to go into the sheds with the match finely poised 10-10.

But it was the Sea Eagles who soared into the second half applying pressure, completing their sets and scoring three tries with two conversions to maintain their 100 percent winning record in Group 2.

It was a talismanic performance from captain Matt Hyland who shared insights into the half-time team talk which ultimately swung the match.

“We knew if we could stay composed and complete our sets we would go a long way to winning the game,” he said.

“We had our set plays that we wanted to do and we got it done.”

Hyland’s former South Sydney Rabbitohs team-mate Greg Inglis was unavailable for the Group 2 blockbuster.

“He (Greg Inglis) had other commitments with the Indigenous round.

“With this team it doesn’t matter who we have on the field, that’s the beauty of it, we all stick together and put a good game on,” he said.

Macksville had vocal travelling support and a big crowd is expected for their next home match when they host the Grafton Ghosts.

“Our next match is at home against the Ghosts, we always get a good crowd at Macksville, we have good home fans and they rock up whether it is rain, hail or shine so it will be a good match,” said Hyland.

Disappointed with the loss, Orara Valley coach Sam Burgess applauded the big crowd and community spirit.

“Both teams brought a few supporters, our community is fantastic, they’re right behind us, a lot of familiar faces, it’s been enjoyable,” he said.

Legendary NRL coach Wayne Bennett watched the match with keen eyes alongside his friend Sam Burgess.

Bennett was recently announced as the head coach of new NRL expansion team The Dolphins who will play out of Redcliffe next season.

By David WIGLEY