Sport
31 August, 2026
Club’s 80th milestone approaches
FORMER FNQ Bulls State League head coach Peter Tokesi was the latest legend to sit down and share stories of the past for the club’s upcoming 80th anniversary documentary.
Tokesi recently sat down alongside former club president and State League general manager Alex Srhoj to reflect on one of the most successful eras in the club’s history.
The FNQ Bulls competed in the Hyundai Queensland State League from 2009-2012, reaching the finals in three of four seasons and drawing some of the biggest crowds in Queensland football to Borzi Park. The passion, support and atmosphere created during those years remains one of the proudest chapters for the club.
What makes the story even more special is that it mirrors an earlier era of success. Under the Mareeba United name, the club competed in the original State League from 1979-1981, with matches played at the historic Mareeba International Club grounds.
During his interview, Tokesi reflected on his long connection with football in Mareeba.
“I can remember the first time coming out to the ‘sticks’ in the early 1980s and being amazed by the size and passion of the crowd,” Tokesi said.
“Fast forward 30 years and nothing had changed. The volunteers were fantastic, the crowds were large, the supporters were outstanding, and it was a special time being able to coach the club during those four years in the Queensland State League.”
Recently, those two State League generations came together in a remarkable moment, with Tokesi standing alongside Mareeba United life member, Lui Serafini.
A historic photo taken more than 40 years ago showed Tokesi tackling Serafini during a State League match at the Mareeba International Club grounds. Decades later, the pair were reunited once again in the Bulls clubhouse.
Srhoj said the moment perfectly captured the club’s rich football history.
“It was pretty special seeing Peter and Lui in a photo that was over 40 years old, and then seeing them together again in the clubhouse. It really highlighted the connection between the two State League eras.,” he said.
“It was a special time for the club. We had some huge crowds, great games, fantastic club nights, and a real sense of community around the team.
“The support from our volunteers and supporters was incredible and helped make those years so memorable.”
Whether it was the original State League side of the late 1970s and early 1980s, or the FNQ Bulls of 2009-2012, one thing remained the same – Mareeba United consistently punched above its weight and attracted some of the biggest crowds in the state.
To celebrate its rich, 80-year history, the club has a major commemorative event planned for Saturday 24 October.
Part of those celebrations will include the release of an in-house documentary created by father and son duo, Sandro and Robby Soncin. Two of the club’s 1962-63 legends, Mario Battistin and Frank Ius, are also set to make an appearance in the documentary after being interviewed earlier this year.
The event will be held at the club grounds at Borzi Park, with limited tickets available. To book, visit https://bit.ly/4qNKJ6s or stay up to date on the club’s socials at https://www.facebook.com/MareebaUnitedFootballClub
