IT was a long afternoon of rugby league on Sunday for the Mareeba Gladiators in their FNQ Rugby League Agrade game against the Kangaroos with some late team changes and poor handling in oppressive condition contributing to their 42-10 loss.

The Gladiators started well enough and although the Kangaroos broke the ice first they were right in the game.

In the first hour the visitors defended stoutly and at one stage seven consecutive dropped balls allowed the Kangaroos to attack repeatably but the Gladiators line held.

On the last of these sets the Kangaroos kicked the ball dead and Ty Grogan and Hubie Elu pounced with a quick tap and raced 80m to score.

Two late tries in the half saw the Kangaroos take a 16-6 lead into halftime.

The second half was no better with the Gladiators unable to build pressure due to dropped balls, the Kangaroos capitalised and emerged winner with a 42-10 score.