Sport
9 November, 2026
Sports star eyes off Games
CAIRNS athletes were among the standout performers at the 36th NQ Sportstar Awards, with local hockey player Franky Baker receiving a $5000 scholarship and Muay Thai champion Isaiah Girren finishing as runner-up for senior sportstar.
The awards, hosted by the North Queensland Sports Foundation, drew 170 guests to the Tanks Arts Centre on 17 October, marking the first time in its 36-year history that Cairns had hosted the event.
There were 18 finalists from the Cairns Regional Council, with athletes, teams and sporting volunteers recognised for their achievements across North Queensland.
Baker received his scholarship from Olympic gold medallist Natalie Cook and the Aussie Athlete Fund after a successful year representing Australia in hockey.
The Saint Augustine’s College student was selected for the 2026 Australian under-18 men’s hockey national team and competed in India in March.
He will travel to New Zealand in December for an international competition, then compete at the national championships in Melbourne in January.
Girren, a five-time national and five-time world champion in Muay Thai, was runner-up to Townsville Fire co-captain Courtney Woods for senior sportstar.
He plans to travel to Thailand to further develop his skills, with the long-term ambition of opening a martial arts gym in Cairns.
Townsville Fire claimed team of the year, while Cairns Marlins NBL1 finished as runners-up.
Four sporting figures were also inducted into the North Queensland sports hall of fame, including Patrick Johnson, Billy Slater, Joyce Lester and Tracey Hannah.
Cairns regional councillor and North Queensland Sports Foundation chairwoman Rhonda Coghlan praised the region’s sporting accomplishments.
“It’s our duty to tell the stories of our region while the world watches,” she said
NQSF CEO Alexander J. Fisher said the awards recognised sporting achievements and community contributions.
“Saturday night showed the depth of talent and commitment we have right across North Queensland,” he said.
“From world-class athletes to the volunteers who keep our clubs running, these awards are about recognising the people who make regional sport happen.
“Thank you to Cairns council for the support and for hosting us and to every council, club and family who made the trip.”
The awards highlighted the region’s emerging sporting talent, with Baker’s upcoming international and national competitions offering further opportunities to represent Cairns.
