Now or never as Raiders look to topple Bulls for ticket to big dance

The Port Douglas Rugby Club will host three preliminary finals across all three grades at Port Douglas Sports Complex this Saturday.

Headlining the day will be the Men’s A-Grade game between the Port Douglas Reef Raiders and Barron Trinity Bulls, with the winner joining JCU in the 2024 Rainforestation Cup grand final. 

“The club is excited to be hosting round two of the FNQ Rugby finals.” club president Travis Gooch told Newsport. 

“With six teams competing for the last spot in their respective grand finals, we are set for a massive day of rugby in Port Douglas.”

The Raiders fell just short of progressing straight through to their grand final after they went down to defending premiers JCU 19-15 in the major semi final last weekend. 

Trailing 12-0 early on, the Raiders got themselves back into the game through tries to Stephen Okeeffe, Bas Lingeman and Eoin Farrell, however the boot of JCU fullback Declan Cannon was the difference on the day. 

The Raiders and Bulls have one win apiece this season with the Bulls winning 10-8 in round three. The Raiders won the round 13 contest between the two sides, 42-28. 

“It is all on the line this weekend for the Raiders. We hope to see a big crowd down at Raider Park to cheer them on," Travis said.