Sport
1 May, 2026
JCU Mariners taking charge in union
JCU Mariners have stamped their authority on the 2026 FNQ rugby season, with two wins under their belt.
The A-grade competition has five teams competing for the grand prize this year, with the Mariners defending their crown while the rest of the competition look to hunt them down.
Round one saw an absolute blockbuster game with a rematch to last year’s grand final with JCU playing host to Barron Trinity Bulls.
JCU wasted no time reminding the competition that they’re the defending premiers for a reason, winning 31-14.
Braydyn Croft, Thomas Allen and Gautam Rao all scored for the Mariners while Elliot Burge and Rhys Coutts both got tries of their own for the Bulls.
In the other game, Northen Beaches Mudcrabs convincingly beat Southside Crusaders 36-17, while Port Douglas Reef Raiders had the bye.
Mariners coach Chloe Dray described the season beginning as “great”.
“The boys are playing as a cohesive unit and they’re looking incredibly strong,” she said.
Round two held a lot of weight and importance, with the games being played on ANZAC Day.
The Mariners showed plenty of dominance in their game against Southside, running away with 38-17 victory giving them 2-0 start to their season.
Ben Raiwalui and Daniel Rosendale both scored doubles for the Mariners while Braydyn Croft finished 4/6 on conversions.
The Reef Raiders opened their season at home with a battle against the Mudcrabs in a super tight contest.
The game was incredibly close the entire way, but ultimately the Mudcrabs proved too good, winning 32-29.
Dharzell Roberts put on a clinic run for the Mud Crabs, scoring four tries.
Raiders captain Luke Edwards said “we were disappointed we couldn’t get the win but it was an honour playing on a day like today and being able to put on a game like we had today”.
