Sport
2 November, 2026
Queensland Azzuri claim win
THE annual rugby league clash between a Federazione Italiana Rugby League Australia invitation team and a Far Northern invitation team has been decided for 2026, with the Italians claiming a 12-point win.
Up against the Eastern Yalanji team, the Azzuri were challenged severely in the first quarter of the game with a ball playing attack coming easier for the locals at Mossman Showgrounds.
These annual games, scheduled to take place often more than a month after regular club matches and grand finals have been completed, are a much anticipated addition to the regular local rugby league competitions across the state and attract players from as far south as Brisbane.
Despite the hot tropical conditions, it was the team comprising players whose heritage was directly traced back to Italy who started to become more organised in attack and defence, making a huge difference to the flow of the game to their advantage.
FIRLA Queensland Italy invitation players ended the game with a 34-22 win.
