Historic home final beckons as Raiders face do or die Wanderers' clash

HIGH STAKES

Contributor Article

Email
Last updated:
The Port Douglas Reef Raiders quest for FNQ Rugby glory will go on the line tomorrow night when they face the Wanderers in a must win clash in Cairns. Picture: Reef Raiders

It’s all on the line for the Reef Raiders tomorrow night when they play Wanderers in round one of the FNQ Rugby Rainforestation Cup finals. 

After a strong finish to the season, the Reef Raiders finished in third place on the table and will play off against fourth placed Wanderers. 

The winner will progress to round two of the finals, with the loser bringing to an end their 2023 season.

The Reef Raiders enter the finals on the back of a gritty 15-12 win over second placed Barron Bulls last weekend in Port Douglas. 

Coaches Stan Afeaki and Richard Johnston will be looking towards Jeronimo Lo Presti and Inaki Daguerressar to provide much needed go forward in the forward pack.

In the backline, FNQ Rugby representative Frankie O’Dea will be a key figure, as will the inform midfield combination of Manuel Ordas and Jason Fourmile.

Should the Reef Raiders advance through to next weekend, they will be playing back at home after FNQ Rugby announced that Port Douglas Rugby Club will host the second week of finals for the first time in the club's history. 

With three preliminary final games played across all three grades, Port Douglas is set to witness one of the biggest rugby events held at the club since it was established in 2000. 

Tomorrow's elimination final kicks off at 6pm at Ivanhoes, Smithfield.

The Reef Raiders hold a 2-1 record over Wanderers this season.

Thank you!

Newsport thanks its advertising partners for their support in the delivery of daily community news to the Douglas Shire. Public interest journalism is a fundamental part of every community.

Got a news tip? Let us know! Send your news tips or submit a letter to the editor here.

* Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport, its staff or affiliates. Reader comments on Newsport are moderated before publication to promote valuable, civil, and healthy community debate. Visit our comment guidelines if your comment has not been approved for publication.