Sport
31 October, 2025
Axemen tackling players of Italian descent
A SPECIAL Italian heritage rugby league match is set to be played on 1 November, extending the local 2025 season for a one-off invitational challenge.
The game will see players of Italian descent representing Queensland Italy take on the Cardwell Axemen at Alley Park in Gordonvale, after organisers moved the match from its usual Tully Showgrounds venue.
Pietro Narducci, vice president and secretary of the Federazione Italian Rugby League Australia (FIRLA), secured approval from the NRL and QRL for the match, which Cairns-based coach Jono Zangrande says has become a Far North institution over the past decade.
“A number of Tableland rugby league players with Italian heritage will represent Queensland Italy, following a highly competitive encounter last October,” Mr Zangrande said. The game gives players a chance to showcase their talent for higher-level selection, including international representation for Italy.
The “no holds barred” annual challenge promises strong local interest, with both teams expected to embrace the spirited rivalry.
