Sport
15 May, 2026
Roos too good for Leps
A LAST minute penalty goal shattered Innisfail’s hopes of an A-grade upset on 9 May, with the Leprechauns going down 18-14 to Kangaroos in a gripping contest at Callendar Park.
Innisfail burst out of the blocks, crossing in the opening five minutes through Robert Whaleboat to take an early lead. Kangaroos hit back soon after, and with a missed conversion the scores sat at 4-4. The Leprechauns kept the pressure on, adding two more tries before halftime, but a late four pointer to the visitors trimmed the margin to 14-10 at the break.
Kangaroos struck early in the second stanza through Ronan Singleton, with Daniel Woodhouse’s conversion nudging them ahead by two. Innisfail fought hard to reclaim momentum, but a penalty kick on the stroke of full time sealed the Roos’ narrow victory.
Cameron Nelson impressed in his A- grade debut, while Innisfail’s try scorers were Robert Whaleboat, Zadok Heron Jia and Sifa Uasike. Aaron Jolley landed one conversion.
In reserve grade, the Leprechauns made it five straight wins with a thrilling two point victory, holding off a fast finishing Kangaroos outfit. Leading 16-6 at halftime, Innisfail managed just one second half try as the Roos surged back with three unanswered four pointers. A clutch penalty goal from Michael Morton after the final siren secured the home side’s nail-biting 24-22 win.
Innisfail’s tries came from Colby Aldridge, Brady Athanasiouv, Shaquille Johnson and Rhaymus Tomarra, with Morton converting three from four.
The under-19s were unable to reel in their opponents, falling by 14 points after trailing by 10 at halftime. Tries were scored by Saul Lokotui and Braith Clubb, with Ashton Stepanoff adding two goals. This result handed Kangaroos their first win of the season.
In the open women’s match, Innisfail showed plenty of heart against the unbeaten Kangaroos. Arianna Martin opened the scoring early, and with a Roos try soon after, the sides went to the sheds locked at 4-4. Kangaroos found another gear in the second half, crossing four times to run out 22-4 winners.
Coach Lisa Sue San said she was proud of her side’s effort despite a shortage of available players due to injuries and unavailability.
“Dayna Cockbain and Shiloh Babsek stood out on the park,” she said. “Teneisha Ah Kee impressed in her new role at lock but unfortunately suffered a hairline gash and couldn’t play more minutes.”
“This Sunday we face reigning premiers Atherton at home. It’ll be a tough clash, but I know the girls will give it everything.”
In round seven, Innisfail’s senior teams return to Callendar Park on 17 May to host top of the table Atherton across four grades. Meanwhile, the Tully Tigers meet Ivanhoe Knights at Tully Showgrounds on 16 May.
Results - FNQRL Round 6 fixtures - 9 - 10 May
A-Grade
Kangaroos 18 def Innisfail 14
Tully 28 def Yarrabah 16
Cairns Brothers 38 def Ivanhoe Knights 10
Atherton 32 def Southern Suburbs 30
Mareeba 38 def Mossman-Port Douglas 12
FNQRL A-Grade ladder - Round 6: Atherton 11, Cairns Brothers 10, Innisfail 8, Kangaroos 8, Tully 6, Southern Suburbs 4, Yarrabah 4, Mareeba 3, Ivanhoe Knights 2 and Mossman-Port Douglas 0.
Reserve-Grade
Innisfail 24 def Kangaroos 22
Tully 40 def Yarrabah 36
Cairns Brothers 28 def Ivanhoe Knights 24
Southern Suburbs 23 def Atherton 22
Mareeba 38 def Mossman-Port Douglas 26
Under 19
Kangaroos 26 def Innisfail 12
Yarrabah 22 def Tully 18
Ivanhoe Knights 30 def Cairns Brothers 4
Southern Suburbs 42 def Atherton 18
Women’s
Kangaroos 22 def Innisfail 4
Ivanhoe Maidens 46 def Yarrabah 16
Atherton 60 def Southern Suburbs 4
Bye: Mossman-Port Douglas