Cotter named ‘Man of the Match’ in Origin 1

BY ALF WILSON

Residents of Boigu, Saibai and Badu islands had special reasons to cheer when Queensland beat NSW 26-18 in the first State of Origin series match last Wednesday at Adelaide Oval in front of more than 48,000 spectators.

Forward Reuben Cotter was named Man of the Match for his tireless display over the 80 minutes.

Hamiso Tabuia-Fidow scored two tries and David Fifita also had a strong game. “Hammer” scored at the seventh and 73rd minutes and was dangerous from his position at centre every time he touched the ball – he also ran 143 metres.

Reuben made an amazing 34 tackles in the toughest rugby league match in Australia.

David was once again as tough as nails, at one stage he had blood coming from a head wound.

TSIRC Division 1 Councillor for Boigu Island Dimas Toby said all of the Boigu families were really proud of them.

“I watched the game in Cairns with my family,” he said.

“My son, aged 15 years old, was playing for Cairns Kangaroos and was definitely very proud for Rueben, the ‘Boigu man’ and idolizes

Hamiso – Badaim/shark fins are his Totem.”

TSIRC Saibai Island Cr Conwell Tabuai, an uncle of the Hammer, was glowing in his praise of the trio.

“All the Queenslanders and both Maroons and Blues supporters are very proud of them reaping the region and the state,”

Cr Tabuai told the Torres News Waiben rugby league identity Frank Cook, who has been involved with local club Suburbs for more than 40 years, watched the match at home on the box.

He said he was highly impressed with the trio and said they were role models for youngsters, and helping to break down barriers in leaps and bounds.

“The effort by Reuben was priceless and made me breathless,” he said.

“He was everywhere when the Maroons needed him.

“Hammer was very good and scored two tries and is a natural talent.

“David is a proud Badu Islander and grew up with us up here and is now an elite talent.”

Frank said the effort by Hammer and Cherbourg lad Selwyn Cobbo to each score two tries, as well as one to nonIndigenous five eight Cameron Munster, was a real message for