Sport
9 February, 2026
Over $50K raised at jersey auction
A PACKED-out Mareeba Leagues Club saw yet another successful jersey auction night by the local rugby league club after a new record was set thanks to a last-minute donation.
Players, coaches, sponsors and supporters of the Mareeba Gladiators filled the Leagues Club on Saturday evening as the club hosted its biggest annual fundraiser, which successfully raised $53,350 – $25 more than last year – thanks to a last-minute donation from Mareeba Shire Councillor Mladen Bosnic.
Each jersey, from numbers one through 18, were auctioned off throughout the night, with the highest bid allowing a sponsor to have their logo represented on a numbered jersey across the Under 19, Reserve Grade, and A Grade sides for the entire season.
The club’s game day announcer Raymond Srhoj had the crowd entertained with his unique auctioneering style and off the cuff humour, while several of the A Grade squad’s newest signings were also introduced to attendees, coming from clubs such as Ivanhoe Knights, Cairns Kangaroos, or Atherton Roosters.
Club president Shaun Fincham was extremely happy with the success of the event.
“It was really good. The community support once again shone on the night. We had a lot of returning sponsors and some new ones that have come on board as well, so that was really pleasing to see,” he said.
“It’s our biggest fundraiser of the year and without a doubt it goes a long way to helping us sustain the club well into the future.
“I’d really like to thank everybody that turned up on the night. The support for the Gladiators has always been exceptional, and it’s been no different this year. We strongly appreciate everybody’s support for us as a club.”
