Sport
28 August, 2026
U13 Tigers’ girls on podium
THE Tully Tigers under-13 girls capped off a remarkable season earlier this month, finishing grand final runners-up after a spirited effort against Southern Suburbs at Barlow Park.
Despite going into the decider undefeated and minor premiers, the Tigers’ fairytale run ended with a 40-14 result, but not without moments of grit, talent and heart that defined their year.
Tully opened the scoring and held Suburbs to 4-4 after 20 minutes, before their opponents pushed ahead to a 16-4 halftime lead. Suburbs extended the margin to 24-4 midway through the second half, but Tully refused to fold, crossing twice and adding a conversion. Suburbs finished strongly to secure the win.
Ally-Rose Clayton-Payne scored a double and kicked a conversion, while Zali Congoo added Tully’s other try.
Clayton-Payne’s season tally of 23 tries ranks her second in the competition and places her among the five nominees for the under-13 girls silver medal.
Hayley Jack is also in contention for under-15 girls player of the year, with both awards to be announced at the FNQ Rugby League Silver Medal dinner on 27 August.
The Tigers under-13 girls’ season was nothing short of extraordinary:
Round 1: Tully 42 def Cairns Brothers 20 Round 2: Tully 44 def Atherton 16 Round 3: Tully 50 def Mareeba 0 Round 4: Tully 28 drew Innisfail 28 Round 5: Bye Round 6: Tully 22 def Southern Suburbs 20 Round 7: Tully 46 def Kangaroos 12 Round 8: Tully 24 def Cairns Brothers 16 Round 9: Atherton forfeited Semi-final: Tully 32 def Southern Suburbs 18 Grand final: Southern Suburbs 40 def Tully 14.
Coach Alex Sala said the journey was one he will never forget.
“We didn’t have a full team to start, with maybe three to six players,” he said.
“As the season went along, we added just enough to take the field. Then late in the season, the girls bonded and found momentum to reach the finals and then the grand final.”
Sala said the girls earned every moment of their success.
“These girls all come from different and sometimes struggling stories, but the team has always been there for each other. That’s been our strength, sticking together,” he said.
He added that the grand final week was something special.
“Breathing in that grand final air makes a footy fan appreciate these moments.
“The nerves, the excitement, but the real heroes are the team.
“As a coach and as a town, we’re so proud of them for never giving up and proving this was a special journey waiting to happen.”
Community support echoed loudly online after the match. Rhonda Waters said the girls should be proud of their efforts: “With only two subs, you played exceptionally well. Hold your heads high, we’re all very proud of you.”
Latishia Ottone added: “Congratulations on an incredible season. You’ve done Tully proud.”