Sport
27 April, 2026
Tight finishes for Anzac round
THE Atherton Roosters are holding firm first place on the FNQRL ladder following a tight win at the weekend, while the Mareeba Gladiators were just edged out at home.
ROOSTERS vs KANGAROOS
THE Atherton Roosters hosted the Cairns Kangaroos for a fierce Anzac Day clash at the weekend, with the home side securing a tight 18-16 win.
All the Roosters’ points came in the first half, with captain-coach Justin Frain opening the scoring in the fourth minute. He was followed by prop James Coyle in the 20th minute and winger Tommy Ingui and centre Brad Hammond in the 29th and 38th minutes.
The Roosters Reserve Grade took a 38-16 loss, the Under 19s scraped in a 16-14 win, and the Women took their first loss of the season – going down 20-14 to the Kangaroos.
Next Saturday the Roosters will host the Southern Suburbs. The Women will get things underway from 1.30pm, followed by the Under 19s at 3pm, Reserve Grade at 4.30pm, and A Grade at 6pm.
GLADIATORS vs LEPRECHAUNS
THE Gladiators hosted a strong Innisfail Leprechauns outfit on Anzac Day, with the visitors managing to come away with a 20-14 win.
Electric Mareeba centre Trezman Banjo found himself a double for the game, while second rower Emmanuel Mukindi claimed the only other try for the home side in the 78th minute.
The Gladiators Reserves took a 30-6 loss, as did the Under 19s, who went down 48-16.
Next Sunday the Gladiators will hit the road to take on the Mossman Sharks at Coronation Park. The Reserve Grade will kick off at 1.30pm followed by A Grade at 6pm, while the Under 19s will have a bye.
