‘Unbelievable experience’: Thursday Island triumph in FNQRL Chairman’s Challenge
In a remarkable turn of events, the Thursday Island Roosters claimed the inaugural 2025 FNQRL Chairman’s Challenge. Read about their unforgettable week in Cairns >>
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In a remarkable turn of events, the Thursday Island Roosters claimed the inaugural 2025 FNQRL Chairman’s Challenge on Saturday at Jones Park.
This pre-season competition, which served as a lead-up to the official FNQRL season, saw the Roosters — a team not traditionally part of the league — take on the challenge.
The Roosters, led by coach Terry Abednego, travelled down from Thursday Island for a week to remember.
Abednego said the focus was on bonding and education for the squad, with the rugby league carnival serving as an added incentive for the week.
“It was an unbelievable experience for the players,” he said.
“After our debrief session, some of the boys got injured but were still in good spirits because of what they learnt from the trip. The power of Rugby League is incredible. It’s a great vehicle, particularly for remote communities up North, to unite and educate families across The Cape.”
Over the course of eight days, the Roosters were engaged in junior coaching and refereeing courses at Jones Park through the NRL.
They also attended early morning training sessions, prepared meals for the homeless through the Rosies – Friends On The Street program, and played trial games against Ivanhoe Knights and Mossman Sharks in the lead-up to the FNQRL Chairman’s Challenge.
Abednego said friendships deepened and mates became like brothers throughout the squad.
The travelling side was a youth-fuelled team, with most players between 19 and 24, and the youngest player just 17.
On the field, the Roosters played with relentless ferocity on Saturday.
The Thursday Island Roosters started their campaign in the 2025 FNQRL Chairman’s Challenge with a narrow 14-20 loss to Cairns Brothers.
However, they bounced back strongly in their second match, defeating the Tully Tigers 20-10.
In the semi-final, the Roosters secured a 16-10 victory over the Mossman Sharks, earning their spot in the grand final.
There, they dominated the Kangaroos with a convincing 30-12 win, ultimately emerging as the champions of the inaugural 2025 FNQRL Chairman’s Challenge.
Centre Jacob Mene and captain Aaron Binawel were two of the standout players, while Junior Yusia, Daniel Nona and young bull Dean Dorante were all exceptional throughout the four matches.
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Originally published as ‘Unbelievable experience’: Thursday Island triumph in FNQRL Chairman’s Challenge
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