JCU Mariners to lose gun winger for FNQ Rugby title defence
The reigning FNQ Rugby premiers will be down one of their key flyers when they defend the title next season.
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The reigning FNQ Rugby premiers will be down one of their key flyers when they defend the title next season.
Lance Kupa won the Rainforestation Cup as part of the JCU Mariners this year, breaking Barron Trinity Bulls’ three-year run as champions.
But Kupa, who scored one try in the regular season then produced a memorable five-pointer in the 28-19 grand final win against the Bulls, has left the club.
Mariners coach Josh Flaherty told the Cairns Post Kupa had returned to his family in Papua New Guinea, leaving the side down a sensational winger when they defend the title.
“Lance could play wing, centre, fullback - he certainly leaves a dint in our backline but he got the grand final,” Flaherty said.
“He’ll be missed.”
JCU MARINERS CELEBRATE BREAKTHROUGH GRAND FINAL VICTORY
The Mariners will also be without Jack De Guingand, one of the greatest premier rugby players in the country.
De Guingand is believed to be the only man to have won premier grade titles in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, and this year was among the Mariners’ best.
He had always referred to this season as being his last playing in the 15-man code, and at least for now appears to be staying that way.
As injuries mounted in his decade of high-level rugby, De Guingand viewed the 2019 season as his last run before resting his body and focusing on his medical career.
While many players who announce retirements are pressured into comebacks either by their mind or by teammates, Flaherty believes the man known as “Gangers” has played his last game.
“I think he’s done,” Flaherty said, adding he would not say no to an unlikely De Guingand comeback.
“He’s got a fair few other priorities now (but) he’ll stay involved at the club.”
The Mariners aren’t expected to return for pre-season training until January.
Cairns Post sports editor Matthew McInerney primarily writes about football and rugby union, as well as rugby league and cricket. Click here to like his page on Facebook, or here to follow him on Twitter.
Originally published as JCU Mariners to lose gun winger for FNQ Rugby title defence