Last weekend, the club rugby league scene in the Burdekin took a pause as the Townsville Foley Shield teams ventured to Mackay for North Queensland trials alongside Cairns and Mackay. Among the standout performers were three Burdekin Roosters players, Jeremiah Marutatu, Henry Teuteu, and Chris Gale, who showcased their skills on the field.
In an exhilarating display of rugby league prowess, Townsville emerged triumphant in both the men's and women's divisions of the XXXX Foley Shield. The men's team secured victory by the narrowest of margins, claiming the title on a try countback after all three teams finished equal on wins and differential.
The men's matches saw intense battles unfold, with Cairns defeating Mackay in a closely contested encounter, while Townsville secured wins against both Cairns and Mackay. Notably, Marmin Barba's hat-trick for Mackay against Cairns and Townsville's tenacious defence were highlights of the clashes.
In the women's division, Mackay asserted dominance with a commanding win over Cairns, while Townsville showcased their prowess with convincing victories over both Cairns and Mackay. The stellar performances of players like Melody Tass and Gagie Mackie Namok underscored Townsville's triumph in the Foley Shield.
XXXX Foley Shield, the winning Townsville team. Photo credit: Marty Strecker
No club Rugby League was played in the area last weekend with the Townsville Foley Shield team playing in the North Queensland trials in Mackay with Cairns and Mackay.
Fixtures will return this weekend with the Roosters off to play the Miners in Charters Towers on Saturday in three grades, A, Reserve and Ladies.
Three Roosters were in the Townsville team on the weekend in Mackay …. Jeremiah Marutatu, Henry Teuteu and Chris Gale.
Ratu Ravisore was also called in but had to withdraw as he sat 18th man for the Blackhawks where he didn’t get a run.
Coach Steve Lansley will have the services of two Under 19 Hawks this week plus one coming back from the under 19 Cowboys who has been playing with the Cutters.
Half Hayde Munro will join his brother Jones in the A grade squad with both boys expected to show out.
That will mean Joel Mason could move back to fullback, a position two years ago he was regarded as the best in the League.
Lansley said he does not know if Jerry and Henry will be available from the Cowboys this week due to their heavy weekend last and if Chris and Ratu will be allowed from the Hawks with some changes expected there after they were well beaten by the Hunters.
The coach does know Cutters winger Luke Rusell will be here as with Hawks big forward Nathan Kennedy.
Should the coach have what he expects, a couple of the A Graders from last week would go back to the reggies.
The Miners have had two wins so far beating Western Lions 19 – 16 and Norths 44 – 12 but they also lost to Brothers 42 – 12 and Herbert River 18 – 12.
The Roosters have had one win beating Brothers 28 – 4 while losing to Western Lions 24 – 22 and Souths twice 40 – 22 and 46 – 20.
The coach said while we are getting players back from the Hawks and Cowboys under 19 so are the Miners so they will field a strong side.
Saturday in Charters Towers is also Ladies Day for their Club.
…………………………………………………………………
Reserves coach Chris Perry will wait to see who comes back from A grade before naming his team.
The Miners have one win beating H River by 24 -10 but they have lost to Brothers 36 – 10, Lions 20 – 16 and Bowen 44 – 4.
The Roosters are sitting above the Miners on the ladder with wins of 26 – 24 over Souths and 34 – 28 over Bowen and a draw with Brothers 14 all.
Their only loss has been the first game to Lions 30 – 22, a game they literally threw away.
With Mark Cervoni, Dom Augostis and Zac Campbedll leading the way in the forwards and Riley Horan, Kyle Ferguson and Dom Arrate in the backs Perry has a team that could go further in the premiership.
An added bonus is the addition of the Frenchmen Paul Meryl and Wassime Nauhile who are really starting to hit their straps now that the weather is cooling down.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
The Hens go into the game with a win and a loss after beating Brothers 40 – 10 but losing to the Lions 44 – 12.
The Lady Miners have one win and two losses so far beating Norths 34 – 4 but losing to Lions 56 – 4 and Brothers 36 – 4.
The Hens have strengthened their team with the addition of Theo Mosby Nona and Anna Milla Bin Awel, two girls who have a bit of size about them.
Coach Anita Hagarty, well-known in Touch circles, has the girls playing to let the ball do the work after a couple of midfield rucks.
They used that method with effect over Brothers scoring eight tries with some girls missing attending a wedding.
Several of them should be back this week as well while an addition could be ex Blackhawk Indee Everett who should be close to returning from an A C L injury.
Kezzia Lammon and Toni Daisy are two who made the Townsville team for Mackay with others like Logan Roncato, the Monday sisters and Abby King unlucky to miss out.
The Hens will miss Jo Morgan who scored two tries against Brothers but was then diagnosed with a broken wrist.
All Roosters teams will have a bye next week for the Burdekin Growers Race Day returning on Saturday, May 25 for matches with Centrals.
Contributed by Brian Carnes
XXXX Foley Shield 2024. Cairns v Townsville women. Photo: Jacob Grams/QRL
XXXX Foley Shield 2024. Cairns v Townsville men. Photo: Jacob Grams/QRL
