Stallions stun rivals to claim carnival crown

WENLOCK River Stallions’ fledgling Far North talent could be destined for bigger and better things after winning the Bindal Sharks All Blacks Rugby League Carnival in Townsville at the weekend.

The Stallions beat out teams featuring current and former NRL stars, including the Eels’ Bevan French and retired Cowboy Matt Bowen to win the tournament, despite losing their opening match 38-22 to the Gulf Warriors.

Entering the tournament as underdogs, coach Kevin Alderidge said he knew his cast of rag-tag club players, captained by CQ Capras Maipele Morseu, had enough talent to beat the competition.

“We didn’t want big-name players. We went outside the box and put together a group of young, up-and-coming players mixed in with some experienced heads,” Alderidge said. “Our defence was unbelievable. We lost our first game because some of our players were still driving down to play.”

AFL Cairns star Daniel Mooka showed off his talent in the 26-6 win over Mackay, with several other players travelling from Cape York and the Torres Strait for the carnival.

“Danny was supposed to play for another team,” Alderidge said. “He rang and asked if he could have a run and he ended up being a real leader.

“Out of the 25 boys, 16 have heritage that tied back to Wenlock River.

“We realised we had a lot of boys from around there … We asked for permission to call ourselves Wenlock River and from there we called ourselves the Stallions.”

Alderidge said several Stallions had the talent to play in the state league.

“Brayden Trindall, his dad played for South Sydney and he was very good,” he said. “Massie Nona is playing in Mackay now and I thought he was the best forward at the carnival.”

OUR DEFENCE WAS UNBELIEVABLE.