Launceston 1 have stamped themselves the team to beat in 2025 following their 40-13 victory over Taroona in Round 7.
The three-time champions ran in six tries to the Penguins' one at Royal Park with Tigers' playmaker Kyle Lombard (two tries) top scoring in the grand final rematch.
Braidyn Dawe, Vita Vatuvei, Peni Vae and Salisio Naisorotabua also touched down for Launceston 1 while Taroona captain Noah Kazarine (two penalties, one conversion) and hooker Harrison Thomas (one try) put the visiting Penguins on the scoreboard.
The result sees Launceston 1 kick five points clear atop the TRU Men's table with Taroona and Devonport also locked into the Premiership race ahead of their Round 8 matchup in Hobart.
Meanwhile fourth-placed Launceston 2 (22) are also in the box seat for Premiership qualification after a Tony Fao Gasologa hat-trick helped topple Hobart Harlequins 35-15 at Royal Park.
Launceston 2's victory now opens up a three-way tussle between Quins, Hobart Lions and Glenorchy for the fifth and final Premiership berth.
The Stags have their noses in front following a 77-10 win over Eastern Suburbs headlined by Michael Lovell's four-try effort but face both the Lions and Quins over the coming fortnight.
Meanwhile the Lions must win their final two home games to secure a Premiership spot, starting with their Round 8 clash with Glenorchy in Sandy Bay before hosting Launceston 2 a week later, while Quins will be chasing bonus point victories over both Eastern Suburbs and Glenorchy to try and seal their Premiership place.
In the women's competition, Taroona and Glenorchy continue to lead the way following bonus-point wins over Launceston and Eastern Suburbs respectively.
Natalie Curtis shone for the Penguins with five tries while Glenorchy duo Lily Nielsen and Georgia Sproule scored six apiece.
