Island of Origin draw set for weekend of action

BY ALF WILSON

The action at Badu Island’s much anticipated Island of Origin carnival starts tomorrow morning with a large number of visitors from around the Torres Strait and NPA expected to be there.

Nine men’s and three women’s teams will battle it out in what is one of the most popular events on the region’s sporting calendar.

On Friday in round one at 11am the Paga Panthers v Argun Warriors, followed by Roxin Eagles v Pioneer Knights, Wakaid Warriors v Surumau Gladiators and Magun Warriors v reigning champions Apudthama Brothers from the NPA.

In round two at 3.15pm Goemu Bau Raiders v Argun Warriors, at 4pm a ladies match between Kayin Koasals and Jillaroos, at 4.45pm Paga Panthers v Pioneer Knights and at 5.30pm Surumau

Gladiators v Roxin Eagles, followed by Apudthama Brothers v Wakaid Warriors and at 7pm Magun Warriors v Goemu Bau Raiders.

Players will need a good night’s sleep as on Saturday as two more qualifying rounds start at 9.30am the next day when Jillaroos meet Pioneer Dames from Waiben in a ladies game.

That will be followed by round three men’s games Roxin Eagles v Goemu Bau Raiders,

Wakaid Warriors v Argun Warriors in a home island encounter, Magun Warriors v Pioneer Knights and at 12.30pm Apudthama Brothers meets Surumau Gladiators from Warraber.

Round four kicks off at 2.30pm on Saturday when Goemu Bau Raiders v Paga Panthers, a ladies match at 3.15pm between Kayin Koasals and Pioneer Knights, Argun Warriors v Roxin Eagles, Pionerr Knights v Wakaid Warriors, Surumau Gladiators v Magun Warriors from Iama, and at 6.30pm Paga Panthers and Apudthama Brothers meet.

On Sunday the men’s quarter finals start at 8am which will pit first v eighth, second v seventh, third v sixth and fourth v fifth.

The ladies will see 2nd v third placed sides meet for the right at advance to the grand final against the