Dominating first win for Gladiators

THE Mareeba Gladiators begun their 2023 season with a strong statement and a clean sweep in all grades and a dominating 56-26 win over the Edmonton Storm in A-grade on Sunday at Davies Park.

The Gladiators have truly hit the ground running this season after successful trial matches before the start of the season which propelled them into the first game of the FNQ Rugby League season against the Storm.

A-grade coach Chris Sheppard said the players performed extremely well and constantly put pressure on the Storm.

“The attack was really strong with a good platform laid by the forwards and some slick play by the backs resulting in some fantastic tries,” he said.

“Ty Grogan and Sonny Rea both nabbed hat-tricks, Hubie Eli scored a double and Murphy Morris, Trezman Banjo and Ian King all scored tires as well.

“Defence is a work in progress but with a number of forwards due to return over the coming weeks, some continuity is expected.”

The Gladiators crossed the line 11 times, three of which in the first 10 minutes, compared to the Storm’s five tries.

The reserves managed to get up 26-24 in their match as well as the U18’s as they won 24-20.

Brothers triumph over fresh-faced Roosters

DEFENDING premiers Cairns

Brothers emerged winners 4622 over the Atherton Roosters in the first round of the FNQ Rugby League A-grade competition on Saturday night at Atherton’s Mungalli Creek Dairy Stadium.

Two early tries gave Brothers a perfect start in what turned out to be a high scoring contest, Brothers led the errorprone Roosters 28-10 at the break before adding another four tries to their final count in the second 40 minutes.

The Roosters had their opportunities but a glut of dropped balls hindered their efforts as the night went on.

There were several players having their first run in the Roosters colours including former North Queensland Cowboy Scott Bolton who will add plenty as the season moves forward.

In the end Brothers proved too much for the newly reformed Atherton Roosters and the visitors emerged victorious.

Brothers also won the reserve grade 38-14 while the Roosters under 18s won 34-12 over Brothers.

This Sunday the Atherton Senior Roosters host Suburbs in round two of premiership competition.