14 SPORT
THURSDAY 15 JUNE 2023 TORRES NEWS
Crusaders do their community proud
M Continued from P16 PICS SUPPLIED.
NPA representatives with coaches
Pre-game Crusaders.
Pre-game NPA Crusaders.
The girls.
Pre-game Yarrin.
Sacred Heart students.
TI & Kowanyama players.
Torres Strait reps with coaches
Baira and Reuben show Hammer, Fifita and Cotter to their strengths play State of Origin game 2 BY ALF WILSON Brenton Baira and Jon Reuben had strong games for their teams in round 13 of the Hostplus Queensland Statewide Rugby League competition last weekend. Brenton scored two tries for the Dolphins in their 38-22 win over the Brisbane Tigers at Totally Workwear Stadium. Jon scored a try for his side the Norths Devils, who went down 28-22 to the Burleigh Bears at UAA Park on Saturday. The PNG Hunters defeated Western Clydesdales 40-4 at Santos National Football Stadium on Sunday. The Townsville Blackhawks beat Sunshine Coast Falcons 26-12 away from home in a good win. Lockhart River flier Dominic Macumboy, who has shone at numerous carnivals around Cape York, scored a try for Ipswich Jets which lost 38-12 to Souths Logan Magpies. Tristan Sailor, who was impressive for the Brisbane Broncos the week before, scored a try for Souths Logan Magpies. Tweed Seagulls beat the CQ Capras 42-18 and
Wynnum Manly Seagulls thrashed Mackay Cutters 62-nil. Northern Pride had the bye and were sitting at sixth on the ladder after round 13, followed by CQ Capras (seventh), PNG Hunters (10th), Blackhawks (11th), Norths Devils (12th) and Mackay Cutters (14th) of 15 teams. In round 14 games to come: Northern Pride v CQ Capras, PNG Hunters v Souths Logan Magpies, Townsville Blackhawks v Ipswich Jets at Townsville’s Jack Manski Oval, Redcliffe Dolphins v Norths Devils, Western Clydesdales v Wynnum Manly Seagulls, Mackay Cutters v Tweed Seagulls, and Brisbane Tigers v Sunshine Coast Falcons. Gideon named in best team of the round Flying winger Gideon Gela-Mosby was named by QRL officials in the best team of round 12 for his incredible performance. The Wynnum Manly Seagulls outside back, who has been a regular with Erub United at Allblacks carnivals, could not be stopped. He ran for an amazing 256 metres, including a team-high 74 metres post-contact, had four tackle breaks and an intercept in the victory
by his team. His effort was instrumental in the Wynnum Manly Seagulls 38-12 win over the Townsville Blackhawks. During the week after each round, Queensland Rugby League recognises the 17 best performers and names the Hostplus Cup Team of the Week. These team selections are based not only on statistical data, but also take on board live and broadcast viewings of the games. Hastings Deering Colts Premiership Rising stars Tyreice Baira-Gela and Jamal Shibasaki had blinders for the Townsville Blackhawks, who beat Sunshine Coast Falcons 42-30. Tyreice scored two tries and Jamal one and PNG utility Ragarive Wavik was arguably best on the ground. The Blackhawks sit fifth on the 15 club ladder and Northern Pride, who had the bye, are 13th. In round nine the Blackhawks take on Ipswich Jets at Townsville’s Jack Manski Oval and the Pride are at home in Cairns against the CQ Capras. The game will start at Barlow Park at noon.
ROUND UP BY ALF WILSON Torres Strait Islanders Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, David Fifita and Reuben Cotter have retained their places in the Queensland Maroons team to meet NSW in State of Origin game two in Brisbane on 21 June. Cowboys enforcer Reuben was man of the match for the Maroons in game one, Titans’ David played strongly in the forwards and Dolphins’ Hamiso scored two tries lining up in the centres. David will play in the second row and Hamiso again in the centres in the run on side whilst Reuben will start on the interchange bench. Ezra compared to ... A clever pass from young five eighth Ezra Mam to his halves partner Adam Reynolds led the Brisbane Broncos to a nail biting 24-20 win over the
Newcastle Knights in Saturday’s round 15 NRL game. Dane Gagai was best for the Knights in a fine defensive and attacking performance. Ezra and Dane hugged after the match, which was shown live on FOX Sport. A piece of Ezra magic came with four minutes remaining when the Knights led 20-18 and looked like pulling off the upset of the round. Ezra fired out a flick pass to Adam who gleefully charged over for a four pointer, which was converted. Commentators hailed the Ezra/Adam combination as similar to ex -Broncos halves Allan “Alfie” Langer and now-club coach Kevin Walter – a wonderful compliment. The Broncos sit second on the NRL ladder, equal on points with the Penrith Panthers, who have better points for and against. Broncos enjoy a bye in Round 16 before hosting the Titans in a Round 17 Queensland derby.
Fidow when the Saibai Islander scored two tries in a 58-18 loss by his Dolphins side to Manly in round 15 of the NRL last Friday. It was a 13 try to three flogging by the Manly Sea Eagles in front of nearly 15,000 spectators at Brookvale Oval in Sydney. The Sea Eagles led 28-6 at halftime and the Hammer stood out for the Dolphins who has now scored 12 tries for the NRL season. His tries came at the 58th and 79th minutes, making him an almost-certain selection for Queensland in the second State of Origin match.
Praise for Hammer in Dolphins big loss “Superstar” was an apt description from a commentator referring to Hamiso Tabuai-
Fifita rested for Titans Tough Titans forward David Fifita was rested for his side’s 28-12 victory over the West
No try for AJ St George Dragons upset South Sydney Rabbitohs 36-30 Netstrata Jubilee Stadium Sydney on Saturday. Speedy Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston failed to score a try but did look dangerous at times when fed the ball. South Sydney were missing four of their stars in Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker, Jai Arrow and Cameron Murray.
Tigers at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast last weekend. A second rower with match winning potential, David will be a vital player for Queensland in the second State of Origin. Seb back after injury Sebastian Kris returned to the Canberra Raiders side from injury but they went down 36-14 to a rampaging New Zealand Warriors on Friday night. Seb had a good game at fullback and will get better in the Raiders coming games. Late in the game he fired out a pass to an outside back but it was intercepted by Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson who scored a try. The Raiders have a bye in Round 16 before a clash against the Roosters in Round 17 four days after Origin II. The Warriors also have the bye next week and then travel to Wollongong in Round 17 for a Friday night clash with the Dragons. Cowboys bye and to take on premiers The North Queensland Cowboys had the bye and will meet reigning premiers the Panrith Panthers at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Friday night with kickoff at 8pm.
