Sport
9 September, 2026
Top awards for Leprechauns
INNISFAIL Leprechauns star Aaron Jolley capped off a memorable year by claiming the coveted Far North Queensland Rugby League gold medal at the FNQRL gala dinner.
Jolley was one of 12 nominees for the region’s top individual honour and received the medal before more than 300 members of the FNQ rugby league community at Brothers Leagues Club Cairns on 28 August.
The gold medal is one of the highest accolades in the competition, recognising consistency, outstanding performances and exceptional contribution across the season.
Jolley, who has been nominated several times previously, said the moment was overwhelming.
“I am so grateful to have such a solid team who played alongside me,” he said.
“It’s a privilege to win such a prestigious award, especially to have my name up there with former Innisfail winners Dean Howard and Colin Wilkie.”
It was a strong night for the Leprechauns, with several club members also honoured.
Michael Morton claimed the reserve grade best and fairest award, Braith Clubb was named male rookie of the year and A-grade coach Matt Healey received coach of the year.
Healey said the recognition belonged to the entire club.
“It was totally unexpected, but this is a team effort,” he said.
“While my name is on the trophy, this goes down as a win for the Leprechauns, especially after the challenges we’ve had this season.”
He thanked sponsors, supporters, families and the wider Innisfail community for helping make the season a memorable one.
The awards capped off a highly successful year for Innisfail. The reserve grade side claimed the minor premiership, finishing seven points clear of Kangaroos, while A-grade finished second, equal on points with reigning premiers Cairns Brothers.
Innisfail’s women also featured strongly, with Shiloh Babsek nominated for female player of the year and Lillee Barba shortlisted for female rookie of the year.
The gala dinner celebrated players, coaches, referees, volunteers and support staff who excelled on and off the field throughout the season.
Other award winners
Women’s gold medal: Angelina Brim (Ivanhoe Knights) and Kaysharn Deemal (Yarrabah) – dual winners
Senior referee: Tanner Howard
Club champions: Kangaroos Rugby League Club
Female leading try scorer: Ferlene David (Ivanhoe Knights) and Kaysharn Deemal (Yarrabah) – dual winners
Male leading try scorer: Bronson Ryan (Mareeba)
Male rookie of the tear: Braith Clubb (Innisfail)
Female rookie of the year: Nelly Robertson (Suburbs)
Under-19 player of the year: Bobby Stafford (Yarrabah), D’artanyan Connolly (Southern Suburbs), Judd Bennett (Ivanhoe Knights) and Jason Hastie (Mareeba) – a four-way win
Women’s representative player of the year: Jonah Donovan (Atherton)
Men’s representative player of the year: Ricco Falaniko (Suburbs).