JUNIOR SPORT: Sharks host all-day carnival
Around Grounds
The Mossman Sharks junior teams hosted their first home game of the season on the weekend, welcoming five clubs for a huge day of rugby league.
The fields were transformed into about eight mini fields for the Under-6-7 age groups.
The younger players kicked off the day with league tag games, showcasing plenty of enthusiasm, teamwork and smiles before the older grades took to the field for a full day of football.
U7s report
Mossman Sharks U7s took on Cairns Brothers, and both teams were outstanding.
The improvement each week is clear, and even better, the kids are having fun.
Spencer, Hayden, Brayden, Billy, Huey, Westen and Jack - strong line breaks all round.
Brayden and Westen showed off some slick side‑stepping that had the crowd cheering.
Seisa worked hard at dummy half, showing great awareness even while still building confidence with ball‑running.
Indy lit up the field with a dolmio‑level grin every time she touched the ball - pure joy.
Texas, Tyler, Jagger, and Patty had excellent touches and continue to grow in confidence each week.
The team is gelling beautifully, supporting each other, and showing noticeable improvement every round.
There’s always room to grow - especially this early in the season - but the most important part is already there: they’re having fun.
Player of the match: Huey
Coach’s award: Billy
-coach Garry
U12s report
The 12s played two teams on Saturday, one half against Cairns Kangaroos and the other half against Cairns Brothers.
The half against Roos, it was pretty level pegging at the start, with both teams putting on early tries.
The Sharks warmed into the match though and pulled away from Roos to finish the game three tries to one.
Player of the match was tackling machine Xander Peterkin, who tackled himself to a standstill and coach’s award went to Jaidyn Connolly, with a special mention to pocket rocket Monty Davis.
The next half of footy, against Brothers, was a much tougher contest, with Brothers putting on early pressure with a try and solid defence.
The Sharks didn’t lay down, though, and were able to match Brothers’ try scoring abilities all through the game, with some very well put together tries of their own.
The scores were deadlocked till the final 10 seconds of the game when Brothers put through a well-placed kick to score, edging out the Sharks 4-3.
It was a tough choice, but Player of the match went to Annette Dau, who was creating headaches for the opposition all day, and coach’s award was Che Walker.
-coach Nathan
U14s report
As coach, I couldn’t be prouder of our Mossman Sharks U14 boys and what they’ve achieved so far this season.
Bringing together players and families from Mossman and Mareeba has created something really special, ensuring our kids could stay on the field and continue playing the game they love.
The boys have shown outstanding teamwork, sportsmanship and commitment every week, and to now be sitting at three wins from three games, including a strong 32–14 win over Atherton on the weekend, is a credit to the effort they are putting in both on and off the field.
This team is about more than football — it’s about the Mossman Sharks community leading the way in supporting local kids and bringing two communities together as one team.
Players of the Match: Nate and Elijah
-coach Gene
U15s report
Captain Heath Duff led from the front on the weekend with a mountain of defence and some tough carries through the middle.
Craig Ger was on fire, directing the team around the park and controlling the play with confidence and composure.
There were some really positive signs early, with the team showing great enthusiasm in defence, getting numbers into tackles and working hard for each other.
Tyler Smith was outstanding at the back, producing several try-saving tackles while also taking some tough carries to help the side out of trouble.
All of the U14 players who backed up were exceptional and proved to be a real asset to the team.
There were also encouraging signs from the new recruits from Ivanhoes, particularly Hadley Kelly, who impressed with his aggressive style of play.
Unfortunately, Mossman didn’t get the result they were after, but the coach was proud of the effort shown by the group throughout the game.
Player of the Match: Craig
-coach Wade
The atmosphere around the grounds was outstanding, with families, supporters and players creating a great community feel throughout the day.
Across every age group, the sportsmanship, effort and passion on display highlighted what junior rugby league is all about.
A huge thankyou goes to the many volunteers who helped make the day possible.
From setup and pack up crews to canteen workers, gate and parking, field marshals, coaches, managers and committee members, the success of the day would not have been possible without their support and dedication.
The club also extends its thanks to all visiting teams, referees and supporters who contributed to such a successful and enjoyable day of footy.
