Sport
16 July, 2026
Clean sweep by Roos in Tully
A POWERFUL show of solidarity marked the Tully Tigers’ domestic and family violence awareness round on 12 July, with both A-grade sides wearing purple socks and observing a minute’s silence before kick off at Tully Showgrounds.
But despite the emotion and determination behind the occasion, Tully fell 32-18 to a clinical Kangaroos outfit in a tough, physical contest.
Kangaroos exploded out of the blocks, piling on four unanswered tries to jump to a 22-point lead. Tully steadied with a late first half try and narrowed the margin but still trailed by 16 at the break.
The visitors kept the pressure on after halftime, crossing twice more to stretch their advantage to 26.
Tully refused to roll over, producing two late consolation tries, but time ran out on their comeback hopes. Tully try scorers: Phil Nona, Benjamin Toby, Luke Nocon. Goals: Phil Nona (3).
Long-time supporter and rugby league tragic Shane Muriata praised the side’s resilience, noting the effort shown by players backing up.
“Kangaroos came ready to play and with little-to-no errors, we knew it would be a tough assignment,” he said.
“Tully are fighting for their lives in the push for finals and need to start stringing together wins. We need to take care of our own destiny now.”
In reserves, Kangaroos posted two early tries before Tully hit back with one of their own.
Another pair of opposition tries saw the visitors take an 18-point lead into halftime.
After the break, Kangaroos extended their buffer with three more tries, but Tully mounted a spirited fightback with two converted tries to reduce the margin to 20.
A late surge brought the Tigers within eight and set up a grandstand finish, but the clock beat them and Kangaroos held on for the win.
Tully try scorers: Charles Gibuma (2), Matthew Gibuma (2), Mani Ketchell. Goals: Darian Burton (1), Jaiden Mothe (1), Jack Quirk (2).
Tully’s under-19s started strongly with two early tries to lead by 10, before Kangaroos responded with back to back efforts to edge ahead by two. Tully regained the lead before halftime and pushed further ahead with two unanswered tries to lead by 14.
Kangaroos clawed back to within eight, Tully replied with another four pointer, but the visitors refused to fade storming home with three successive late tries to snatch a thrilling two point victory. Tully try scorers: Tama Wilson, Jaiden Mothe, Justin Ulutui, Kaedyn Ketchell, Nicholas Muriata, Reggae Dorego. Goals: Tama Wilson (3).
Tully host Mossman Port Douglas in reserve and A-grade this Saturday 18 July.
