Looking good for days of Thunder
RUGBY UNION A RESOUNDING win by the Cairns Thunder Under 19s squad over Townsville’s best juniors has given FNQ Rugby officials hope that an elusive victory over the rugby union powerhouse is only just around the corner for the men.
The junior representative squad entered halftime down 14-7 to the hosts on Saturday afternoon but scored 24 unanswered points in the second half with Darnell Mahendrarajah, Tim England and Brock Harris outstanding in defence.
The big win proved to be a silver lining with the senior Thunder team defeating Mt Isa before going down 67-5 to the Brolgas at the North Queensland Rugby Championships.
FNQ Rugby’s John Pirie said despite losing their sixth consecutive match to Townsville, there were positive signs from the weekend.
“It’s a bit like the All Blacks, mate,” Pirie said.
“Townsville have been a lot better than us for a long time but I feel like we’re close (to beating them).
“Right now there’s a really good group of young players in Cairns. In the Under 19s game they put a beat down on Townsville.
“That’s just unheard of. A lot of these young boys have already won a premiership in first grade rugby. Give them another 20-30 games and they’ll be pushing for spots in the men’s team, for sure.”
Thunder Under 19s coach Wayne Meredith said the win was fitting reward after nine weeks of intense training.
“It’s certainly encouraging,” Meredith said.
“We were very close last year and it gave us something for us to build on.
“A couple of boys from the Tablelands – Cody and Riley Bell – that have just committed to rugby union were very impressive for us.
“Riley is playing rugby league but I believe they have both signed with a Cairns rugby union club, which is great.”
Players from the match are eligible for selection in the North Queensland team, which Meredith said could feature a large contingent from the Far North.
“The carrot for them is North Queensland selection and potential play for the region,” Meredith said.
“It’s a massive thing for those boys and I know exactly what it means to them.
“At the end of the day, I’d like to think 15 (players) put their hand up for selection and it’s up to selectors from there.”
The North Queensland Under 19 and men’s teams are expected to be named later this week.
THE CARROT FOR THEM IS NORTH QUEENSLAND SELECTION ... AT THE END OF THE DAY, I’D LIKE TO THINK 15 (PLAYERS) PUT THEIR HAND UP FOR SELECTION
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