Tully wake-up call

TULLY Tigers’ 28-point loss in the Cassowary Coast derby is the wake-up call they need to heed if they are to be a finals contender in 2022.

Innisfail ran in six tries to one in the 34-6 win at Tully Showgrounds, which is the first time the Tigers have lost at home since this season.

While they have done well to get three wins on the board so far this year, Tully still has a fair way to go before they can consider themselves a chance of playing in the Cairns District Rugby League finals.

That’s the view of captain Colin Wilkie, who said the playing group shared some home truths in the aftermath of the tough loss to their nearest rivals.

“That scoreline is a reflection of where we’re at as a football team,” Wilkie said. “We’re not playing well. “Our opponents in recent weeks have taken their chances so that’s kept in it. We didn’t play well in those games but we stayed in touch.

“But Leprechauns did, and they used the ball a lot more than a Leon Hallie-coached team usually does.”

Simione Taga scored a double for the Leprechauns as Aaron Jolley and Ashton Galea steered the side around the park. Northern Pride prop Joey Ratuvakacereivalu made his return from injury for Leps, making an imposing front row partnership with Dan Sagigi.

Wilkie, who is also the Tigers’ football manager, said there was a clear divide in the dressing room which had to be addressed.

“Half of our A-grade squad is committed and are trying to better themselves, the other half isn’t,” Wilkie said.

“That score is a good reflection of where we are.

“And we’ve got Brothers this week. We’ve come a long way since they beat us by 60 in round one, there's been a bit of an improvement. They’re an imposing side.

“If we can get a bit more professionalism and commitment off the field, we will be a better team.”

Leps travel to Atherton for a Saturday night blockbuster.