Sport
12 August, 2026
Tigers bow out despite fight
A DRAMATIC finish at Tully Showgrounds has seen Tully Tigers A-grade side fall just short against Atherton, ending their finals hopes after a late Roosters comeback sealed a 30-26 defeat in the final round of the regular season.
Tully opened strongly on 9 August, posting first points before both sides traded tries to give the Tigers a narrow two point lead at half-time. Two quick tries early in the second half pushed Tully ahead by 10, but Atherton refused to fade, striking twice to close the gap to two with 15 minutes remaining.
A second try to Jamie Muriata restored a six-point buffer, but the Roosters finished with a burst of late momentum, crossing twice in the dying minutes to snatch victory and secure third place on the ladder.
A-grade try scorers: Phil Nona, Jaiden Mothe, Benjamin Toby, James Muriata (2). Goals: Jordan Davies (3).
Atherton was unable to field a reserve grade side, giving Tully the win on forfeit and locking in a finals berth for the Tigers’ reserve grade team.
The under-19s also fought bravely but bowed out of finals contention after a 26-18 loss to Atherton.
The Roosters opened with three unanswered tries for a 16 point lead before Tully clawed back with two four pointers to trail by six at half-time.
A second half try brought the Tigers within two, but Atherton responded with a converted try to push ahead by eight. When Jaiden Mothe crossed for his second try, Tully remained in the hunt, but a late Roosters try sealed the result and their second place finish.
Under-19 try scorers: Benjamin Muriata (2), Jaiden Mothe (2). Goals: Tama Wilson (1). Tully Tigers president Anthony Emmi praised the reserve grade side for their resilience. “It has been a tough year with injuries, but they dug deep and got there. They’re a good team and I believe they can go all the way. I encourage all Tully supporters to get behind them and bring the reserve grade trophy home.”
The Tigers’ reserve grade team will enjoy a week’s rest before facing Mareeba in the first round of semi-finals on 15 August at Alley Park, Gordonvale. Meanwhile, Innisfail’s reserve grade side finished top of the table, claiming the minor premiership with a strong win over Southern Suburbs on 25 July.
The A-grade team also secured second place. Both Innisfail sides will feature in the finals after a week’s break, with the club hosting the second week of semi-finals at Callendar Park on 22 August.
Results – FNQRL round 18 fixtures 8-9 August
A-grade
Atherton 30 def Tully 26
Innisfail 58 def Mossman-Port Douglas 20
Cairns Brothers 36 def Southern Suburbs 24
Kangaroos 30 def Mareeba 24
AdvertisementIvanhoe Knights 54 def Yarrabah 1
FNQRL A-Grade ladder – Round 18: Cairns Brothers 30, Innisfail 30, Atherton 25, Kangaroos 22, Mareeba 21, Southern Suburbs 18, Ivanhoe Knights 18, Tully 10, Yarrabah 4 and Mossman-Port Douglas 2.
Reserves
Tully def Atherton due to a forfeit by Atherton
Innisfail def Mossman-Port Douglas due to a forfeit by Mossman-Port Douglas
Southern Suburbs 16 def Cairns Brothers 6
Kangaroos 64 def Mareeba 6
Ivanhoe Knights 54 def Yarrabah 22
Under-19s
Atherton 26 def Tully 18
Cairns Brothers 30 def Southern Suburbs 22
Kangaroos 40 def Mareeba 18
Ivanhoe Knights 44 def Yarrabah 14
Women’s grand final
Kangaroos 40 def Ivanhoe Maidens 4