Sport
1 July, 2026
Leprechauns smash Tigers
AN emotional derby clash at Callendar Park, Innisfail, set the stage for one of the most spirited performances of Tully’s season, as the Tigers and Innisfail reserve grade teams took to the field prior to kick off and paused for a solemn minute’s silence honouring respected player and club member Jwane Gutchen.
With pride, rivalry and raw emotion driving both clubs, the annual Tully vs Innisfail showdown delivered its usual intensity.
In a gripping A-grade contest, Tully showed enormous grit to push Innisfail all the way before going down by 10 points in a tight, physical encounter.
Innisfail struck early, crossing for three tries to build a commanding 14-0 lead.
Tully refused to fold and finally broke through on the stroke of half-time, narrowing the margin to eight.
The home side added two more tries after the break, but Tully surged late with two of their own, threatening a comeback before time ran out, the final score 24-14. Tully try scorers: Jamie Muriata, Willie Tusa, Phil Nona. Goals: Phil Nona 1/3. Innisfail try scorers: Sifa Uasike 2, Ethan Vick, Braith Club, Tomasi Skelton. Goals: Aaron Jolley 2/5.
Innisfail hooker Aaron Jolley said the derby was as tough as expected. “We let them back into the game with our lack of discipline in defence, but overall, the team played well,” he said.
“This win is crucial as it keeps us just two points behind Cairns Brothers, who are proving once again they’re the team to beat this season.”
Tully opened the scoring in reserve grade before Innisfail responded with two tries to lead by six at half-time.
The home side extended their advantage with another pair of tries, but Tully mounted a determined second-half comeback, crossing twice to close the gap. Innisfail’s defence held firm to secure a six-point victory, 22-16.
Tully try scorers: Darian Burton, Sam Tschui, Thomas Banu. Goals: Luke Fitzgerald 2. Innisfail try scorers: Colby Aldridge, Malachi Donaldson, Andre Laza, Daniel Dau. Goals: Michael Morton 3/4.
With several key players away competing in the Confraternity Shield in Brisbane, Tully’s under-19s fielded a severely-depleted side and showed plenty of courage despite a one-sided contest.
Innisfail registered 52 unanswered points in the first half before the match was called: 52-0.
Innisfail try scorers: Jimmy Scott four, Darnell Stagg, Logan Epong, Dallas Terewaamu, Jimi Kusu, Floyd Sakail. Goals: Ryan Millard seven, Jimmy Scott one.
Tully’s three senior men’s teams return home to host the Yarrabah Seahawks on 4 July, while Innisfail travel to Vico Oval, Cairns on 5 July for a Sunday afternoon clash with Kangaroos.
Results, FNQRL round 13 fixtures, 27 - 28 June
A-grade
Innisfail 24 def Tully 14
Southern Suburbs 42 def Ivanhoe Knights 22
Atherton 40 def Mareeba 24
Cairns Brothers 40 def Kangaroos 12
AdvertisementMossman-Port Douglas 44 def Yarrabah 14
FNQRL A-Grade ladder – Round 13: Cairns Brothers 22, Innisfail 20, Atherton 19, Mareeba 17, Kangaroos 14, Southern Suburbs 14, Ivanhoe Knights 10, Tully 6, Yarrabah 4 and Mossman-Port Douglas 2.
Reserve-Grade
Innisfail 22 def Tully 16
Southern Suburbs 32 def Ivanhoe Knights 12
Cairns Brothers 32 def Kangaroos 12
Mareeba 38 def Atherton 30
Mossman-Port Douglas 28 def Yarrabah 18.
Under-19
Innisfail 52 def Tully 0
Ivanhoe Knights 28 def Southern Suburbs 20
Mareeba 22 def Atherton 16
Cairns Brothers 32 def Kangaroos 16
Bye: Innisfail.
Women’s
Ivanhoe Maidens 60 def Southern Suburbs 4
Yarrabah 50 def Mossman-Port Douglas 22
Byes: Innisfail, Kangaroos and Atherton Roosters.