Sport
21 August, 2026
Grand finals for rugby union
CAIRNS Penrhyn and Barron Trinity Bulls have booked their places in the FNQ Rugby grand finals after impressive preliminary final victories at Barlow Park, setting up two highly-anticipated deciders this weekend.
In the reserves, Cairns Penrhyn produced a dominant performance against Barron, running out 52-22 winners to secure their grand final ticket.
Penrhyn controlled the contest from start to finish, producing an attacking display that proved too much for Barron to handle.
Head coach Thomas Tapaitu was delighted with his side’s performance but knows a much tougher challenge awaits.
“The boys played exceptionally from start to finish. We’re elated about the win but know we’ve got a very tough opponent waiting for us next week,” Tapaitu said.
That opponent will be the undefeated Tablelands Reds, who now await Penrhyn in what shapes as a blockbuster reserves grand final. The reserves grand final will kick off at 4pm at Barlow Park.
In the seniors, Barron secured their place in the A-grade grand final after edging out the Northern Beaches Mudcrabs 35-26 in a gritty, hard-fought contest.
Elliot Burge led the way for Barron, crossing for two tries, while Rhys Coutts proved decisive with the boot, successfully converting six shots to help Barron hold off a determined Mudcrabs outfit.
Barron coach David Brooks was pleased to get through the preliminary final but is already looking ahead to a grand final rematch with JCU.
The two sides previously met in the qualifying final, where JCU secured a narrow five-point victory, leaving Barron with unfinished business heading into the big dance.
“We’ve relived the game and have made some adjustments for the big game,” Brooks said.
The A-grade grand final kicks off at 6pm at Barlow Park, with both deciders promising plenty of action as FNQ Rugby crowns its 2026 champions.
Northern Pride
NORTHERN Pride will fight to keep their finals hopes alive as both sides head into the final two rounds of the regular season.
The Hostplus Cup side remains 10th on the ladder following a 32-16 loss to Brisbane Tigers, while the BMD Premiership side sits seventh after a 30–16 defeat to Brisbane Tigers.
Both sides remain mathematically in finals contention with two games remaining.
Hostplus Cup head coach Sam Williams said there had been a significant improvement from the previous week.
“The effort was there. We bounced out of what was a really disappointing loss to come out and have a crack, but we’re just missing our moments defensively at times,” he said.
Williams said the Pride had returned to playing as a unit for much of the game.
“For the vast majority of the game, we stuck to what we wanted to achieve. We just missed our mark at times,” he said.
“We know we’ve got plenty under the hood to match the good sides in the competition, but we’ve just got to put it together.”
The BMD Premiership side also remains in contention, with head coach Colin Wilkie saying recent performances had reinforced the squad’s belief.
“We know we can beat anyone in the competition,” he said.
“We’re doing the big things right. It’s just those little areas that matter when you’re playing quality opposition.”
Both teams now turn their attention to this weekend’s road fixtures, with the BMD Premiership side facing the Capras, before returning to Barlow Park on Saturday 29 August. The Hostplus Cup side will face PNG Hunters, while the BMD Premiership side will meet Mackay Cutters in their final home games of the regular season.
Soccer
THE race at the top of the table continues to heat up, with Marlin Coast making a statement in a top-of-the-table clash against Southside while several other sides picked up important results across the latest round.
Marlin Coast claimed a 4-2 victory over Southside in a six-goal thriller, securing three valuable points against one of the competition’s leading sides.
The result further strengthens Marlin Coast’s position heading towards the finals, with coach Crios O’Hare pleased with the momentum his side is building.
“The boys’ momentum and form is exactly where I want it going into finals, but we’re also wary that a lot of teams are in the same boat,” O’Hare said.
Edge Hill also continued their strong form, recording a 2-0 victory over Stratford. The result gives Edge Hill another valuable three points as they look to remain in touch with the competition leaders.
Mareeba were equally impressive, taking care of business against Redlynch with a comfortable 3-1 victory.
Innisfail rounded out the weekend’s action with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Leichardt.
Rugby league
SOUTHERN Suburbs and Mareeba Gladiators have kept their 2026 Cairns District Rugby League reserves premiership hopes alive after securing important semi-final victories last weekend.
Southern Suburbs produced a strong performance to overcome Cairns Brothers 22-10 and book their place in the preliminary final.
Mareeba also secured their spot in the preliminary final after overcoming Tully 26-18 in a hard-fought encounter.
The other side of the final’s equation will see the Innisfail Leprechauns take on the Cairns Kangaroos, with the winner earning their place in the grand final.
In the seniors, Southern Suburbs survived a thrilling high-scoring contest against Atherton, claiming a narrow 34-32 victory.
The result brings an end to the Roosters’ 2026 campaign, while Southern Suburbs continue their push towards the senior premiership.
Cairns Kangaroos were also impressive in their semi-final, defeating Mareeba 34-16.
With the preliminary finals now set to determine who will earn a place in the 2026 grand finals, the Cairns District Rugby League season is entering its most important stage.
