Sport
8 July, 2026
Tigers roar back to life
TULLY’s A-grade Tigers finally roared to life on 4 July, snapping a six-game losing streak with a commanding 48-30 victory over Yarrabah, powered by a Phil Nona hat-trick and doubles to Shane Cliff and Darian Burton.
It was the kind of gutsy, high-energy performance the home crowd had been waiting for and one that may well prove the turning point in Tully’s season.
The Tigers came out firing, piling on three unanswered tries to race to an 18-point lead. Yarrabah struck back, but Tully responded immediately to keep control of the contest.
A converted Yarrabah try before the break narrowed the margin, yet Tully still headed into the sheds with a 12-point buffer.
After halftime, Tully again posted first points before Yarrabah surged with two quick tries to close the gap.
The Tigers dug deep, crossing three more times to regain momentum. Yarrabah refused to go away, but Nona’s third try sealed the result and delivered a much-needed confidence boost for the home side.
Tully try scorers: Jamie Muriata, Shane Cliff (2), Phil Nona (3), Darian Burton (2), Dylan Waldon. Goals: Phil Nona (5), Dylan Waldon (1).
With Tully’s season still in the balance, seasoned campaigner James Clark believes the Tigers can build from here.
“We seem to go well right up until the 60-minute mark then fall away,” he said. “We turn over possession at crucial times, so I believe if we can fix that we have a chance.”
Long-time supporter and rugby league tragic Shane Muriata praised the team’s resilience. “Yarrabah came to play and the game was in the balance right up until the end,” he said.
“Tama Wilson was outstanding, fresh off his Confraternity games in Brisbane, along with Will Blennerhassett, Phil Nona, Shane Cliff and new dad Darian Burton, who scored two meat pies and played a major part in the team’s gutsy win.”
Tully opened the scoring in reserve grade before Yarrabah responded with four tries to jump out to a 14-point lead.
The Tigers clawed back with two tries to trail by just two at halftime. Yarrabah added two more after the break, and despite a determined late fightback from Tully, the visitors held firm to secure a narrow two-point win.
Tully try scorers: Darian Burton, Samuel Ulutui, Moses David, Richard Tamwoy. Goals: Luke Fitzgerald (4), Cameron Ward (1).
Tully’s under-19s were boosted by the return of Bailey Duiker, Case Durighello and Tama Wilson, who arrived home the same morning from their successful Confraternity Shield campaign in Brisbane.
The first half was a tight, see-sawing contest, with Yarrabah holding a slim two-point lead at the break.
Yarrabah then pushed ahead with three unanswered tries to lead by 16. Tully crossed late to reduce the margin but ultimately fell short by 10.
Tully’s three senior men’s teams host Kangaroos in a Sunday afternoon clash on 12 July, while Innisfail return home to Callendar Park on 11 July to face Mareeba in three grades.