Sport
26 March, 2026
Roaring to go
THE Tully Tigers launched their 2026 rugby league campaign with a statement of intent on Saturday, powering through wet and slippery conditions at Tully Showgrounds to claim victories in both reserve grade and under-19s against Cassowary Coast rivals Innisfail.
While A-grade could not match the result, going down 28-8 in a bruising, physical contest, the Tigers showed enough early spark to suggest they will be a competitive force this season.
Innisfail’s A grade side fielded three debutants – Queille Murray, Sifa Uasike and Lebron Heron Jia – with Murray making an immediate impact, crossing for a double, including the team’s opening try.
Devante Heron and Starrison Whaleboat also found the line, with Aaron Jolley adding two conversions and two penalty goals.
Tully responded through tries to Liu Sasagi and Luke Nocon, but the Leprechauns’ dominant performance in challenging conditions proved too strong in the end.
The reserve grade clash delivered its own drama, with several players from both sides sent off as tensions boiled over.
Despite the fiery atmosphere, Tully held their composure to secure a convincing 22-6 win. Try scorers were Samuel Utului, Thomas Banu, Nathan Muriata and Darian Burton, with Luke Fitzgerald kicking three goals. Innisfail’s lone try came from Bodean Tanner and converted by Michael Morton.
The Tigers’ under-19s rounded out the afternoon with a disciplined 18-8 victory, built on a solid all round team performance.
Tully’s tries came from Benjamin Muriata, Peter Solien, Louis Carlaw and Mitchell Davis, with Tamakaimoana Wilson adding a goal. Innisfail crossed through Aaron Ambrum and Zai Hunt.
Both clubs now turn their attention to the second round. Tully face a long road trip north for a showdown with Mossman Port Douglas, while Innisfail prepare for a home clash against reigning premiers Cairns Brothers.
FNQRL round 1 fixtures
21-22 March
A-Grade
Innisfail 28 def Tully 8
Yarrabah 32 def Mossman-Port Douglas 20
Atherton 28 drew with Mareeba 28
Cairns Brothers 22 def Ivanhoe Knights 10
Cairns Kangaroos vs Southern Suburbs – game postponed due to wet weather
Reserve Grade
Tully 22 def Innisfail 6
Yarrabah 24 def Mossman-Port Douglas 16
Mareeba 26 def Atherton 12
Cairns Brothers 24 def Ivanhoe Knights 14
Cairns Kangaroos vs Southern Suburbs – game postponed due to wet weather
Under-19
Tully 18 def Innisfail 8
Atherton 24 def Mareeba 14
Cairns Brothers 30 def Ivanhoe Knights 24
Cairns Kangaroos vs Southern Suburbs – postponed due to wet weather
Yarrabah vs Mossman-Port Douglas - game forfeited
Women’s
Atherton 22 def Innisfail 14
Yarrabah 44 def Mossman-Port Douglas 6
Cairns Kangaroos vs Southern Suburbs – postponed due to wet weather
Bye: Ivanhoe Knights