Sport
10 April, 2026
Crocs make mark as AFL ‘26 campaign begins
THE AFL Cairns season has officially started at Port Douglas, with the Crocs thrashing North Cairns Tigers 171-35.
While the rugby league and soccer competitions both got a week of playing, but not a week off completely.
AFL
The 2026 AFL Cairns season got underway with a heavyweight battle between the defending premiers North Cairns Tigers and the premiership-hopeful Port Douglas Crocs.
The day started early with the women’s game, where the Tigers were able to get the job done convincingly, winning 63-2.
Luana Healy lead the way with three goals for the Tigers.
The men’s development team saw the Crocs take care of business, easily coming out on top 70-39. Scott Cooper top scored for the Crocs with three goals.
Finally, the senior’s game, where the Crocs showed absolutely no mercy, making a statement, taking down Tigers 171-35.
Club legend Kye Chapple led the way, kicking seven goals as he nears closer to that 1000 goal mark for the Crocs.
Seniors coach Brad Cooper said he was “extremely proud of the players and their effort”.
NRL
The NRL season got a week off for the Easter break, but that didn’t stop the sides still training incredibly hard, with some even fielding practice matches to try keep players as game fit and in form as possible.
Round 3 starts from 11 April, with a huge round of games, headlined by the defending premiers Cairns Brothers taking on the Atherton Roosters.
Soccer
Likewise, the FNQPL season was also given a brief break over the Easter break.
With all round 1 games being postponed, the league has only one game under their belt. While the round 3 draw hasn’t officially been released yet, all clubs are still hard at work preparing for whatever team may be their next opponent.
