Sport
7 April, 2025
Tablelands sees a union revival
A REVIVAL of rugby union on the Tablelands is at hand with the newly formed Tableland Reds beginning their Reserve Grade journey with a convincing win against the reigning champions.
The club was formed at the beginning of the year by locals who were frustrated by the lack of options to play the sport they love.
Club president Trevor Lane, an ex-player and mad union fan, looked around for a team his son could join and couldn’t understand why the Tablelands didn’t have a local club.
In a true-blue, pull it together and make it work fashion, the club quickly formed with the help of some passionate volunteers and hosted a juniors sevens competition in Atherton that was a great success.
The club’s marketing and sponsorship representative Abbie Jarrett said the club hopes to provide an avenue for kids who are unable to play rugby league due to its high demand in the area.
“Because rugby league is so popular up here, there’s not always an opportunity for every kid to be able to play,” she said.
“So, there’s a heap of kids in the area who want to play some version of footy but can’t, and we’re hoping to really fill that gap and give them another great option to choose from.”
So far, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with a men’s team now in the FNQ Rugby Union Reserve Grade competition.
With a name and colours inspired by the Tablelands’ signature red soil and golden sunsets, the club wanted to make sure the region’s largely agricultural spirit was represented.
To further this connection, the iconic, tough-as-nails, just won’t quit Red Heeler was chosen as their emblem.
The Reds highlighted the Tableland grit in their first hit-out of the season recently, taking down reigning champs, Southside Crusaders, 24-5.
“We were absolutely stoked. Beating last year’s winners in our debut game has brought the energy really high,” Ms Jarrett said.
“Reserve Grade is more about coming together, loving the game, making friends and having a good time, but winning is obviously an awesome bonus.”
The Tablelands club hopes to enter an A Grade and Women’s team next year and are also hoping to establish two teams for the junior competition which kicks off at the start of Term 4, coinciding with the end of the rugby league season.
“We’re hoping to really gain interest with the juniors because they are the future of the sport in the region,” Ms Jarrett said.
“Our current men’s team will play out the season until late August, so there’s still plenty of time for people to join.
“All abilities are welcome. Our youngest player is 21 and our oldest is 50.
“Just give it a chance, it’s a great sport. We’re all about building that really strong community spirit and having a good time.
“So, even as an adult, if you want to come down, meet people and make friends, it’s a great way to get involved.”
The team currently trains at Davies Park, Mareeba, on Monday and Wednesday afternoons and are looking for volunteers to assist throughout the season.
“In order to cement ourselves in the region, we are calling out for volunteers, players, coaches, donations, and sponsors.”
To join the club, find out how to become involved, or for more information, contact the club at tablelandsrugbyunion@outlook.com or find them on Facebook and Instagram at Tablelands Rugby Union.
