Sport
3 August, 2026
Basketball’s night of gongs
CAIRNS Basketball has won a stack of awards at the annual NBL1 awards while Southside continues to dominate in the local soccer competition.
In rugby union JCU Mariners have picked up their sixth consecutive minor premiership.
Basketball
CAIRNS Basketball has earned widespread recognition for an outstanding season, both on and off the court at the 2026 NBL1 North Awards Show.
Leading the way was Kody Stattmann, who capped off a remarkable campaign by being named the men’s NBL1 north most valuable player. Stattmann also earned selection in the men’s all-star five first team, cementing his place as one of the league’s premier players after a dominant season.
Emerging star Kobe McDowell-White was recognised as the men’s youth player of the year, while also being named in the men’s all-star five second team, highlighting his continued rise as one of the competition’s brightest young talents.
Coaching staff were equally celebrated, with Marcus Wong
taking home the women’s coach of the year award after guiding the Dolphins through another successful campaign.
Joel Khalu was honoured as men’s coach of the year, recognising his leadership and the Marlins’ impressive season.
Leichan Williams earned the women’s sixth player of the year award for her impact off the bench.
Mia Loyd was selected in the women’s all-star five first team after another exceptional season, while Brooke Basham received women’s all-star five second team honours.
On the men’ side, Luca Yates also secured a place in the men’s all-star five second team following a consistent and influential year.
The night’s celebrations extended beyond the playing group, with Emma Collihole recognised as the NBL1 north scoreable official of the year.
Cairns Basketball general manager Luca Vegari said “it’s an unbelievable achievement being able to bring so much silverware home”.
“It’s even more surreal seeing the turnaround from last year, I can’t credit the coaches and players enough,” he said.
Soccer
THE race towards the finals is heating up in Far North Queensland soccer, with Southside continuing to set the pace after another dominant weekend across both divisions one and two competitions.
In division two, Southside produced the performance of the round, dismantling Innisfail 8-1 to strengthen their grip on top spot with just four rounds remaining in the regular season.
Elsewhere, Edge Hill recorded a convincing 3-0 win over Leichhardt, while Mareeba edged out Leichhardt 1A in an entertaining 3-2 contest.
Atherton also enjoyed a productive afternoon, defeating Douglas 6-1 in another one-sided affair. Stratford had the bye but remain well within striking distance as the competition enters its final month.
In division one, Southside Comets continued their impressive campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Stratford.
Leichhardt also secured an important three points, comfortably defeating Redlynch 3-0 to maintain pressure on the teams above them.
Meanwhile, Stratford 1A and Edge Hill shared the spoils in one of the most entertaining matches of the weekend, playing out a thrilling 3-3 draw after both sides traded goals throughout the contest.
Rugby union
THE countdown to the FNQ Rugby Union finals is gathering momentum, with JCU securing a sixth consecutive minor premiership, while several clubs strengthened their postseason credentials in another action-packed weekend of competition.
In the reserve grade, the Tablelands Reds continued their remarkable unbeaten campaign with a convincing 36-15 victory over Barron.
The other reserve grade clash saw JCU and Cairns Penrhyn unable to be separated, battling to a 22-22 draw in an entertaining contest that showcased plenty of attacking rugby from both sides.
In the senior competition, JCU’s 26-14 victory over the Mudcrabs proved enough to secure the club’s sixth straight minor premiership, continuing an
extraordinary run of regular-season success.
Despite the milestone, JCU coach Chloe Dray insists the side is far from satisfied.
“There’s still a few rounds and finals ahead, so our main focus is finishing this season with the same momentum and form,” she said.
Barron also enjoyed an important afternoon, defeating Port Douglas 38-14 in a result that boosts the Bulls’ confidence with finals just around the corner.
Bulls coach David Brooks described the win as a timely one for his side.
For Port Douglas, the defeat marked a third consecutive loss, but captain Luke Edwards remains confident his side can still make an impact when it matters most.
