Stong Ailan backbone behind Kangaroo’s win

STORY & PICS BY CHRISTINE HOWES

Half of the Kangaroos team who defeated Yarrabah 26-8 in the grand final of the Cairns District Women’s Rugby League Ailsa-Rani Satini Memorial Shield were Torres Strait Islanders, led by captain – and Player of the Grand Final –Genavie Tabuai.

Try scorers were Lilly-Jay Licence, Genavie Tabuai, Indianna Tillett x 2, Tomiko Hirakawa and Shaneequah Mau.

Tabuai – who was unaware she had won Player of the Grand Final until she hit the sheds after the game – said their defence had held them up.

“The key to rugby league is defence, and I think if you can defend well, that’s going to keep points off the board for the opponent,” she said.

“Standouts for us were definitely our engine room.

“I think the forward pack did their job really well and that’s when we had the opportunity to attack and do what we needed to do.

“Overall, I think everyone’s efforts were there today and I’m proud of everyone.”

She said the team had come through the season undefeated.

“We’ve worked really hard to get here, despite a short season,” she said.

“I look forward to the future as women’s rugby league is growing and evolving every day and that makes me excited for our next generation to come.”

The health worker and mother of three said she particularly wanted to thank her families.

“My biggest supporter has been my husband, Kyrow Tabuai, so I’d like to give him a big shout out,” she said.

“He’s been my backbone throughout my football journey, as has my families, especially my father’s family.”

She said she was excited to be a part of the club her father had been a part of.

“I’m so proud and honoured to play for my late father’s old club, Cairns Kangaroos,” she said.

“My father, Keith Sambo, was a former player and a premiership-winning, former Kangaroos coach in 1995.

“I play with heart for Dad in the club.”