Sport
17 March, 2025
Rivalry game to kick off footy season
ROUND 1 of the FNQ Rugby League season officially kicks off this weekend and it will see an epic rematch of the recent trial game between Mareeba and Atherton.
The trial match between the two local teams saw an intensely close game finish at 22-all, and this weekend they will be battling it out once again with the added incentive of competition points.
The Atherton Roosters A Grade features the likes of former Northern Pride fullback Rhy Young, and Graham Clark Jnr who is a former Northern Pride and Canterbury Bulldogs player in the Intrust Super Cup, among a multitude of other talent.
The Gladiators also boast a competitive lineup with their halfback Kaleb Eaton having representative experience with the Canterbury Bulldogs and North Queensland Cowboys.
Former Northern Pride players Whyatt Barnes and Ash Little will also be sure to add to the competition this weekend.
“After the big crowd we got at the trial game, I think we’re all definitely looking forward to the season kicking off,” Gladiators A Grade co-coach Trent Barnard said.
“It’s going to be a tough one, so we’ll need to turn up for it if we want to get the job done.
“They’ve got a good side Atherton, and with the rivalry and everything I think it’ll be a really good match.
“It’d be great to come away with a win, but as long as we just start playing good footy, I don’t think the wins will be too far away.
“Hopefully we can go up there and get a win to start the season off well.”
Roosters A Grade coach Joel Riethmuller said he was excited for the season to kick off and to see his team get back on the field, noting that a home-field advantage is “always helpful”.
“It always helps being at home, that’s where we want to win the most and that’s where our support is,” he said.
“But whenever we play Mareeba, it doesn’t matter where they are on the table or what the situation is, they always seem to find something for that game against us.
“It’d be good to start with a win and I think the first six to seven weeks are very important to set yourself up to be in a good position.
“So, it should be a good game and I’m looking forward to it.”
The games will be held this Saturday at the Atherton Showgrounds with the Under 19s kicking off first at 3pm, followed by Reserve Grade at 4.30pm, and then the eagerly anticipated A Grade game at 6pm.
