A warrior-like performance from the Eastern Kuku Yalanji representative side was not enough to overcome the Queensland Italian team in a showcase of rugby league at Mossman Showgrounds on Saturday night, the local side going down 22 to 34 in their debut game.

A hard-hitting start to the clash had the visiting side on the back foot early, Eastern Yalanji monstering them to score early and convert for a 6-0 lead and looking every bit the force the local fans hoped for.

But the Italian’s skills and speed started to shine through, overcoming the brute force by the locals to drive the scoring action from halfway through the first term before a serious injury for Eastern Yalanji just before half time crushed momentum of a fight back.

With an injury depleted but still desperate Eastern Yalanji side fronting up in the second half, the Italians had the run of the play to run out winners, the locals no push over though.