Mam like a bullet from a cannon
ROUND UP BY ALF WILSON
“He ran like a bullet coming out of a cannon,” was how one commentator described the first of two tries by Ezra Mam in last Thursday’s 32-10 win over the Roosters.
Ezra scored his first try in the 14th minute, then crossed again later in the game at the 77th minute for his second four pointer which he celebrated with enthusiasm. It was the Broncos’ fourth win in a row and has them sitting comfortably in second place on the NRL ladder. Ezra relished playing at five eight beside champion halfback Adam Reynolds. The Broncos enjoy a nine-day turnaround now before taking on the Cowboys at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in what traditionally is a season blockbuster.
Hammer can’t nail a win Lining up in his favourite position of fullback, Hamiso ‘Hammer’ Tabuai-Fidow had a strong game when his Dolphins lost a cliffhanger 23-22 to the Bulldogs on Sunday afternoon in Bundaberg. Fifita a Titan in win over Cowboys Rampaging second row forward David Fifita was a prime mover in the Gold Coast Titans upset 2213 win over the North Queensland Cowboys at Cbus Super Stadium on Sunday. Hard-running David continually made ground against the Cowboys side, who had quality forward in Reuben Cotter off the bench. The Cowboys led 13-10 at halftime, and had won their previous six NRL matches to charge up the ladder and sit in the top eight. They are back in action next Saturday in an all-Queensland derby against the Broncos at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium. It will be a special occasion for the club with their first NRLWNRL double-header. The kick-off time of
3pm will see a rare day game in Townsville. Hattrick to AJ Three tries to flying winger Alex ‘AJ’ Johnson led South Sydney Rabbitohs to a 32-18 victory over West Tigers before more than 10,000 spectators in Tamworth. AJ crossed in the first, 22nd and 65th minutes and has been in fine form. A trip west next greets the South Sydney Rabbitohs as they take on the Cronulla Sharks in round 23 action in Perth as part of a double header.
Dane stars in upset win Experienced centre Dane Gagai (above) shone for the Newcastle Knights side who defeated the Canberra Raiders who included Sebastian ‘Seb’ Kris, 28-6 on Saturday night. The Knights went into the match as an underdog, especially considering it was in Canberra where the Raiders enjoy the
support of a parochial home crowd. Dane was strong in attack and defence and after one line break was tackled by Seb, saving a certain try. Contract extended Meanwhile Seb has signed an extended contract with the Raiders which will see him with Canberra until the end of the 2027 season. Raiders coach Ricky Stuart was glowing in his praise of the rising star. Seb, aged 24, has thrived since shifting from the centres to fullback, where he has played 15 matches and been a mainstay of the Raiders backline. “I’m very happy I’m staying here in Canberra and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be,” he said on the Raiders website. “I’ve come through the lower grades here when I was 14 and 15 and I don’t see myself anywhere else. “I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved so far and I’m looking forward to improving and getting better as a player.” Since making his debut in 2019 Kris has played 59 matches for the Raiders scoring 29 tries, while playing several positions including wing, centre, and fullback.
SPORT 15
NRLW Premiers beaten NRLW
TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 3 AUGUST 2023
ROUND UP BY ALF WILSON Torres Strait Islanders Jasmine Peters and Sareka Mooka each scored tries in the historic 31-20 victory by the Cowboys ladies over the Newcastle Knights in round two of the NRLW premiership on Sunday.
What was even more meritorious was the Knights were the reigning NRLW premiers and the Cowboys were in their debut season. The Knights went into the match as a warm favourite at Sydney’s Belmore Stadium. Co-captain Tallisha Harden also shone playing as a forward in the front row. Jasmine lined up in the centres and was one of the best on the ground. The Cowboys led 12-10 at halftime and Jasmine scored their first try.
Sareka, from a big Mabuaig family, came of the interchange bench just before halftime and had an immediate impact with many strong runs. The hard running forward crossed for her four pointer at the 66th minute. In what looms as blockbuster before a big crowd, Cowboys play their first home game of the season hosting the Broncos at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium next Saturday as part of a double-header with the men’s teams.
Pic from Indigenous Allstars with now-Cowboys ladies players from left Tahlaulah Tillet, Jasmine Peters, Sareka Mooka & Essay Banu. Pic Alf Wilson.
Nail-biting draw for Bears/Pride in Hostplus Cup game BY ALF WILSON Northern Pride played a nail-biting 22-all draw with the Burleigh Bears in round 10 of the Hostplus Cup Statewide premiership on Saturday. The Bears had led 10-4 at halftime in the match at UAA Stadium. Pride try scorers were Rashaun Denny (two) and Feao Tongia and Christopher Ostwald. Will Partridge kicked two goals and Evan Child one.
Blackhawks on top
Man of the Match Gehamat Shibasaki played a key role the Blackhawks’ huge win over the Mackay Cutters. Pic by Alf Wilson.
The Blackhawks thrashed the Mackay Cutters 46-6 in a northern derby at Townsville’s Jack Manski Oval before a big crowd. For the Blackhawks Gehamat Shibasaki was named man of the match with try scorers Jodeci Baker-Tiraha (three), Zac Laybutt (two) with singles to Jake Bourke, Robert Derby
and Taniela Sadrugu. Thomas Duffy kicked seven goals. Cutters try scorer was Rayden Burns and Brandon Finnegan booted a goal.
In other games… CQ Capras defeated Western Clydesdales 26-10 at Clive Berghofer Stadium. PNG Hunters lost 32-18 to Brisbane Tigers at Totally Wear Stadium. Hunters try scorers were Rodrick Tai, Solo Wane and Benji Kot tries whilst Jamie Mavoko kicked three goals. The Capras sit on fourth spot on the ladder, Northern Pride seventh, Blackhawks eighth, Hunters 11th and Cutters 14th in the 15 club comp. In round 20 this coming weekend: Tweed Seagulls v Northern Pride at Piggabeen Sports Complex PNG Hunters v Redcliffe Dolphins at Santos National Football Stadium, Western Clydesdales v
Norths Devils at Clive Berghofer Stadium, Capras v Townsville Blackhawks at Rockhampton’s Browne Park.
Hastings Deering Colts Premiership Round 13 Rising young star Jamal Shibasaki scored two tries when the Blackhawks Colts thrashed Mackay Cutters 48-6 at Townsville’s Jack Manski Oval. Jamal is the younger brother of Gehamat Shibasaki. PNG speedster Ragarive Wavik also scored a double and booted six goals for a personal tally 0f 20 points. The high rolling Burleigh Bears belted Northern Pride 54-8 at UAA Park. Pride try scorers were Lachlon Rayson and Henry Williams. The Blackhawks are fourth on the ladder, Cutters ninth and the Cairns based Pride 13th.
