Sport
5 June, 2026
Top four union clashes this weekend
ROUND seven of the Far North Queensland Rugby Union competition is shaping as one of the most important weekends of the season, with several top four clashes set to have a major impact on the premiership race.
The headline fixture in the senior’s competition sees third-placed Port Douglas host fourth-placed Northern Beaches in what promises to be a fierce contest between two sides looking to cement their finals credentials.
With little separating the teams on the ladder, every point will matter as both clubs aim to gain an edge heading into the second half of the season.
Port Douglas has been one of the competition’s most consistent performers this year, combining a strong forward pack with an attacking backline capable of creating opportunities from anywhere on the field.
Northern Beaches, however, has shown it can match it with the best sides in the competition and will be eager to claim a valuable away victory.
Raiders coach Luke Edwards said “it’ll be a tough match-up but also super important for us going forward.”
The other senior fixture pits JCU against Southside.
JCU will be looking to build momentum and climb the ladder, while Southside enters the match full of confidence following their dramatic two-point victory over the Mudcrabs last round. Both teams know a win could prove crucial as the race for finals positions begins to intensify.
In the reserve grade, the match of the round features second-placed JCU taking on third-placed Barron Trinity.
With both teams firmly in the final’s conversation, this clash has all the ingredients of a classic.
JCU has been one of the benchmark teams through the opening rounds, but Barron Trinity has continued to improve and will be eager to close the gap on their rivals.
The other reserves fixture sees the Tablelands Reds take on the Cairns Penrhyn Sharks. Both sides will be searching for valuable competition points and an opportunity to build momentum as the season progresses.
With ladder positions on the line and finals implications beginning to emerge, round seven promises plenty of intensity, physicality and entertaining rugby across both grades.
