Marama joins Norths Devils

BY ALF WILSON

A trip to his home Island of Boigu has champion rugby league forward Joel Marama primed for his coming season with last year’s Townsville and District wooden spooners Norths Devils.

The 30 year old captained Boigu Island team Malu Kiwai to victory in the Dan Ropeyarn NPA carnival at Bamaga last October.

Malu Kiwai defeated Napranum Bulldogs 44-10 in the carnival grand final and later the trophy was taken to Boigu for a celebration which was enjoyed all.

After that family, players and supporters from Cairns met at an Edmonton Park for another celebration.

“I came to Townsville for work and was asked by former Norths Devils official Karl Adams about joining Norths and was happy to,” he said.

“I have been signed in a leadership role and we will be trying to improve from last year.

“We aim to be competitive.”

Several other star Torres Strait Islander players such as Nathan Kepa will also be in Norths colours.

Joel feels refreshed and enthusiastic for what is ahead after spending time back at Boigu recently.

“I just came back from Boigu and have lots of relatives there and love being connected to the land,” he said.

“I went fishing and enjoyed seeing everyone.”

Members of the Marama family are renowned as top footballers who have speed to burn.

Coach of a rival Townsville Comp club said he expected Norths Devils would field a very good side and has lots of respect for Joel and other signings.

Joel has proven that teams he has been with have enjoyed success so Norths Devils will benefit greatly from their marquee signing.

He was a member of Kangaroos club which won the Cairns and District Rugby League premiership in 2011.

He also played for the Central Queensland Capras in 2014 and was a key player for the top side Yeppoon Seagulls in the Rockhampton and District comp.

In 2017 he joined Cairns and District Club Mossman Port Douglas Sharks and in 2018 and 2019 seasons they won back-toback premierships.

The Sharks reached the major semi final which they lost in 2021 and Joel coached them last season when they were runners up beaten 26-24 by Cairns Brothers in the grand final. His record in Allblacks carnivals is as impressive as it is imposing.

In 2011 Joel was a member of the Malu Kiwai side which won the Zenadth Kes carnival on Waiben (previously known as the Torres Cup).

He played for Pioneer Knights (2015) and Kuruwai Warriors (2013), both of whom won the Zenadth Kes carnival.

In 2015 he played for Badu side Saguci Tigers which made the semi finals of the Arthur Beetson Foundation Queensland Murri carnival at Redcliffe.

He also played the Island of Origin carnival in 2013 in a combined side from the outer islands.

Malu Kiwai sides he has lined up with have won several Gordonvale Indigenous carnivals.