CDRL NEWS: KNIGHTS TOP SHARKS

FOR the second week in a row, Tully Tigers have gone agonisingly close to taking the two points but have come up empty-handed.

Last year’s runners-up hosted Kangaroos in an entertaining contest at Tully Showground on Saturday night.

Neither side shirked away from the wet-weather clash, with both teams muscling up in defence and looking to make a statement.

With Kangaroos holding an 18-6 lead with about 10 minutes to go, Tully clicked the intensity up a notch as they looked to salvage a win.

Two tries in the final 10 minutes, including a length-ofthe-field effort from Trevor Mathieson, gave the Tigers a sniff, but Phil Nona’s failed attempts to convert both fourpointers would seal the game for Roos.

Tully coach Aaron Tongalea praised the work of his halves pairing in the seesawing affair.

“(Halfback) Darryl Grant played exceptionally well, just with his controlling game,” he said.

“We were also fortunate enough to get Jack Campagnolo back from the Pride, who showcased his skills.”

The Intrust Super Cup fringe playmaker had a good running battle with Northern Pride teammate Jarred Allen on the night.

Tongalea said the Tigers’ forward pack was still a “workin-progress” two rounds into the competition.

“Unfortunately, we haven’t had consistency with our core group of players,” he said. of the

“It’s only early stages, but once we cement our combinations, I think we’ll be a lot more competitive.”

Tongalea said he had plenty of “homework” to do before this weekend’s clash with Brothers.

“I’ll need to make sure the boys are well-prepped,” he said.

“We’ll look at what we can string together with our combinations and playing structures.

“It’ll be testing to see if we can bounce back travelling up to Cairns on a Sunday.” IMPRESSIVE TRY: Tully’s Trevor Mathieson.