Sport

5 August, 2026

Reserves give Tigers victory

IT was a huge day of rugby league at Tully Showgrounds on 1 August, with the Tigers hosting reigning premiers Cairns Brothers in a packed program featuring the inaugural John Jones Memorial Shield, a 100 year memorabilia display, the annual Ken Hamill Cup and an old boys reunion celebrating the 1996 A-grade and 2016 reserve grade premiership teams.

By Maria Girgenti

Amid the festivities, young gun Kaedyn Ketchell made his A-grade debut, proudly continuing a long family tradition in the Tigers jersey.

He admitted to pre-game nerves but settled quickly. “It felt good out there. I was a little nervous, but as the game went on, I loved it,” he said.

Tully started strongly in A-grade, jumping to a 10-point lead with two quick tries. But Cairns Brothers, chasing a fifth straight premiership, stuck to their disciplined game plan, capitalising on Tully’s errors and pulling ahead midway through the second half. The Tigers fought back bravely, with two late tries disallowed, eventually going down by 16 points, 30-14.

After the game, John Jones’ grandsons Dylan Jones (Cairns Brothers) accepted the shield and William Blennerhassett (Tully) joined other family members at the presentation.

A-grade try scorers: Phil Nona, Jaiden Mothe, Barwoo Fisher Goal: Cohen Emmi (1), man of the match: Kaedyn Ketchell.

Long-time supporter Shane Muriata praised the effort. “With the last home game this Sunday, the Tigers teams need to finish strong. A shout out to Tama Wilson, who played all three games,” he said.

Reserve grade delivered one of their best performances of the season, grinding out a 24-18 win to keep their finals hopes alive. Zachary Ketchell impressed, while Jonty Ivey played his final game for now as he prepares to pursue a professional boxing career in Brisbane.

Reserve grade try scorers: Jonty Ivey, Cameron Ward, Darian Burton, Thomas Banu Goals: Jack Quirk (3) + 1 penalty. Man of the Match: Cameron Ward.

Tully’s under-19s also produced a physical and hard fought contest, but lost 36-16.

Under-19 try scorers: Justin Ulutui, Kaedyn Ketchell, Nicholas Muriata Goals: Tama Wilson (2).

The Tigers return to the Tully Showgrounds on Sunday 9 August for their final home game of the season, facing Atherton across all three grades.

Results – FNQRL Round 17 fixtures 1-2 August

A-grade

• Cairns Brothers 30 def Tully 14

• Innisfail 28 def Atherton 24

• Ivanhoe Knights 40 def Mareeba 36

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• Kangaroos 60 def Yarrabah 6

• Southern Suburbs 88 def Mossman-Port Douglas 16.

FNQRL A-Grade ladder –Round 17: Cairns Brothers 28, Innisfail 28, Atherton 23, Mareeba 21, Kangaroos 20, Southern Suburbs 18, Ivanhoe Knights 16, Tully 10, Yarrabah 4 and Mossman-Port Douglas 2.

Reserves

• Tully 24 def Cairns Brothers 18

• Innisfail 96 def Atherton 0

• Mareeba 44 def Ivanhoe Knights 4

• Yarrabah 32 def Kangaroos 20

• Southern Suburbs 36 def Mossman-Port Douglas 26.

Under-19s

• Cairns Brothers 36 def Tully 16

• Atherton 34 def Innisfail 16

• Mareeba 22 def Ivanhoe Knights 20

• Yarrabah 36 def Kangaroos 22.

Women’s preliminary final

• Kangaroos 38 def Atherton 10.

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