2025 Reef Bowl champions crowned in unusual circumstances
The 2025 Reef Bowl winners have been crowned without a championship game being played. Find out more about the most unusual season end in Queensland gridiron history.
Local Sport
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The Cairns Falcons have been awarded the 2025 Reef Bowl after the championship game was officially cancelled due to the rainfall event which devastated North Queensland.
The championship game against the Townsville Cyclones was originally scheduled for Saturday, February 1, however the rescheduling was deemed not feasible and the game was cancelled in accordance with competition rules.
The Cairns Falcons enjoyed an undefeated season and as minor premiers, they were declared 2025 Reef Bowl champions.
Cyclones defensive captain Kyle Reynolds said it was a disappointing end to the season for both clubs.
“It’s massively disappointing. This season hasn’t really gone our way in any particular way, shape or form,” Reynolds said.
“Not having the chance to defend our Reef Bowl in the championship game honestly sucks.
“It definitely wasn’t our best season, but anything can happen on any given Sunday and unfortunately, we just don’t get to have a chance to have that last big dance and see if we can snatch victory from the jaws of a losing season.”
Despite his obvious disappointment, Reynolds said the Falcons deserved to cap off their spectacular season with a grand final victory.
“They had an undefeated season and on the flip side, while we may be disappointed that we didn’t get a chance to defend our trophy, I’ve got to feel for the boys in Cairns as well, because they’ve had an absolutely amazing season,” Reynolds said.
“Undefeated, strong, dominating season, and they don’t get to cap that off with a Reef Bowl victory, and celebrate accordingly, and that just sucks.
“I really feel for those lads. They never got a chance to win the Reef Bowl this year, celebrate afterwards and have those accolades.
“Nobody wants to win that kind of way. So massive congratulations, and also a bit of commiserations to the boys from the Falcons.”
On a personal note, Townsville stalwart Reynolds said this year was his last in a Cyclones kit.
“I’m retired now. It’s unfortunate that I don’t get to have another trot on the paddock for my last game, but these things happen,” he said.
“But the Cyclones will be coming back bigger and better, and hopefully try and wash this result away next season.”
Originally published as 2025 Reef Bowl champions crowned in unusual circumstances
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