FNQ Rugby column: Shark on fire, former Bulls on parade for Lions
All the rugby news from around FNQ is in The Breakdown, including a Shark’s hot streak, Bulls on parade in Canberra and some frustration with officials.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Leading jockey fights charges over beaten favourite
- FNQ horse trainer earns record breaking season
- Cowboys great endorses ‘calm’ interim coach Hannay
- AFL Cairns clears champion Crocs over cap concerns
Nicholas Faanana will be firing for a rare hat trick when his Penrhyn Sharks host Barron Trinity on Saturday.
The reserve grade Sharks hooker has scored three tries in two games - including a first-round double - and will be out to keep his streak alive against the Bulls.
Faanana is first-grade standard, but has remained loyal to his beloved Sharkies as they build for a return to the top level next year.
■ As Paige Groves lights up Far North rugby fields for the Mudcrabs, her brother Rowan is putting in the work at his new home in Canberra.
Rowan moved to Wests Lions in the ACT Premier Division, and has slotted into the side’s Colts team at fullback. While they had the bye last weekend, he’ll be itching for another crack at the back.
The former Northern Beaches gun is one of several FNQ Rugby products in the nation’s capital.
Former Barron Trinity Bulls Declan Meredith has led the way for Wests’ first grade side, and sits second on the John Dent Cup’s pointscoring table after two games, while Jimmy Ngutlik has put in some good stints on the wing.
Fellow Bulls alumni Brock Harris started in the front row for the Lions’ second grade, with Mowgli Cameron running around in third grade.
■ There’s already been a few rumblings about referees - there always is, in sport - but teams are taking matters into their own hands.
One coach was filthy with the man in the middle after one game this season, while another has questioned if they have found the right mix of law enforcement versus the level and “fun” of the competition.
The teams had one thing in common: they vowed to ensure their players dominate games to a point the decisions won’t impact results.
■ It’s not often players wish for a blowout but there was a part of Barron scrumhalf Joshua Riley who wanted the reserve grade clash with Mudcrabs to be a bit more one-sided.
There was a chance Riley could take the field alongside dad Chris for the first time at The Paddock, but with the scores so tight - it ended in a 12-all draw - it wasn’t to be.
Riley’s just returned from a significant knee injury which kept him away from the Bulls for 18 months.
Originally published as FNQ Rugby column: Shark on fire, former Bulls on parade for Lions