TAMIEKA STARS FOR EELS

RUGBY LEAGUE A BRIGHT future awaits Tamieka Fitzpatrick after she stole the show on Eacham Junior Rugby League grand final day.

The Malanda Eels tearaway carried an arm injury during a player-of-the-match effort in the under-12 boys’ final on Saturday, helping her side to a 24-20 win over home side Atherton.

Eacham Junior Rugby League chairman Anthony Ball said it was the first time a girl had won the award in the district’s grand finals and was adamant Fitzpatrick, who can no longer play alongside the boys, would find a home among the region’s ever-growing pathways.

Female participation has been driven in schools throughout the Far North and it is hoped Eacham could either field a team or combine with a strong Innisfail program to give similarly talented players regular game time.

“She definitely won’t be lost to rugby league. There will be a pathway somewhere for her,” Ball said.

Fitzpatrick’s effort also helped Malanda to the club championship and was one of a number of standout performances in EJRL deciders on grand final day.

Malanda’s under-12 result could not be repeated in the under-14s – the Eels going down to new club Innisfail Cowboys 36-20 – while Ravenshoe won the under-16 final 38-18 over Atherton.

Ball said it was a great way to end a hugely successful season on the Tableland.

“You couldn’t have painted a prettier picture with the weather and the football was outstanding,” he said.

Ball said having four of the five clubs represented showed the quality across the competition, which was reflected in more than 500 juniors playing the game and several going on to further honours.

Leanne Thomas was honoured on grand final day with life membership of the EJRL.

Thomas, who has driven girls’ rugby league participation at clubs in the district, has been secretary of the district body since 2011 after several years in the position at Atherton Junior Rugby League Club.

Cairns District Junior Rugby League finals take place at Jones Park this Saturday.