NEW FOLEY SHIELD APPROACH NEEDED

FNQ Rugby League must overhaul how it approaches the Foley Shield after the weekend’s tough results.

Both men’s and women’s teams returned winless, with Cairns’s women’s team getting the closest to victory in a two-point loss to Townsville on Friday night.

Townsville and Mackay’s men’s teams were stacked with state league talent, while Cairns fielded a genuine Cairns District Rugby League team. Seven of the 11 CDRL clubs were represented.

There were no players from the defending premiers Yarrabah, Atherton, Mareeba, or Tully. It is understood selected players were not available.

FNQRL is desperate for Cairns to reclaim the Foley Shield – it’s been years since we’ve lifted the trophy.

An extended squad who trains during the off-season under a coach appointed before the end of the prior season might be an option to increase the chance of success.But the players have to buy in or Cairns‘ poor run will continue.