Sport
18 May, 2026
JCU Mariners continue their winning form
THE 2026 FNQ Rugby season has found some serious form in both divisions with two massive rounds of action.
The reserves grade has seen a new team enter and begin its reign of dominance with the Reef Raiders reserves side/entity the Tablelands Reds beating competition heavyweight JCU 39-12.
Reds’ Jilut Billy scored two tries in the match leading his team to victory.
Coach Luca Ferrari said he couldn’t be prouder of his side.
“We’ve gotten off to a great start and I couldn’t be happier with the boys.”
In the other game the Cairns Penrhyn Sharks went down to Barron Trinity Bulls 22-7 keeping them winless.
In the A-grade comp there was some major results around the league with the Barron Trinity Bulls thrashing Southside Crusaders 50-24.
Jaxson McKenzie was the star of the show scoring a double for the Bulls and setting the tempo.
Head coach David Brooks said it was “a huge win for the boys”.
“It’s great for their morale and confidence going forward.”
In the other match JCU Mariners continued their dominance with a 33-9 victory over the Port Douglas Reef Raiders.
Ben Raiwalui was the Mariners top try scorer with two tries for the game.
This continues the Mariners undefeated start to the season and keeps them on top of the ladder and still the clear cut team to beat
The squads now look to their next round of action with a blockbuster first verse second game when Northern Beaches Mud crabs play host to the JCU Mariners, while the Reef Raiders make the roadtrip down to play in the in-form Barron Trinity Bulls.
The program is expected to play a role in developing future players while supporting grassroots participation in the region.
