The Townsville Brolgas Colts kicked off the senior fixtures in style, setting the tone for a strong day of rugby against FNQ.
Following the final junior match of the day, the Townsville Brolgas Under 20 Men took to Field 1 to kick off the senior representative fixtures against FNQ.
The Colts began the match cautiously, with both sides engaging in a physical and tactical first half. Possession was shared evenly as each team looked to establish momentum, but Townsville's defensive structure proved to be one of the standout features of the match. The hard work put in throughout the representative training campaign was evident, with the Brolgas repeatedly shutting down FNQ attacking opportunities.
Flanker Hunter Wallace opened the scoring for Townsville, setting the tone for what would become a dominant display. With confidence growing, the Brolgas began to control possession and territory, allowing their attacking game to flourish.
Jeremiah Neli-Lilo and Leslie Trimmer both crossed for tries, while Number 8 Luke Madsen proved difficult to contain, scoring twice to extend Townsville's advantage. Fly-half Joshua Carman was outstanding with the boot, converting four of the side's five tries to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
A composed second-half performance saw the Colts secure a convincing 33-12 victory, providing the perfect start to the senior program and highlighting the depth of talent coming through the Townsville rugby pathway.
Final Score: Townsville Brolgas Colts 33 defeated FNQ 12
The Townsville Brolgas Senior Women produced another impressive performance, overcoming a determined FNQ outfit to record a commanding 41-12 victory.
Much like the Colts, the women took some time to settle into the contest as both teams battled for early control. FNQ's forward pack challenged the Brolgas around the breakdown and through strong ball carries, but Townsville's defensive effort continually halted any momentum the visitors tried to build.
As the match progressed, the Brolgas forward pack began to assert their dominance. Their physicality around the contact area and ability to win territory laid the platform for an exciting attacking display.
Lourdes Tanoai muscled over the line, before Ellie Jenkins produced one of the highlights of the afternoon, showing impressive soccer-style skills to regather and finish a memorable try. Amelia Lockie, Layla Fujii, Amanda Baker, Emily Driehuis and Raelene Pearson all crossed the line as Townsville's attack found another gear. Emily Driehuis added three conversions.
The result was a reward for a team that combined strong defence, dominant forward play and clinical finishing to secure a comprehensive 41-12 victory.
Final Score: Townsville Brolgas Women 41 defeated FNQ 12
The final match of the 2026 trial series provided plenty of drama as the Townsville Brolgas Senior Men went down in heartbreaking fashion to FNQ.
From the opening whistle, the contest was played at a high intensity, with both teams throwing everything into what would become one of the most entertaining matches of the day. Townsville showed flashes of brilliance in attack, with the midfield creating opportunities through strong ball movement and the outside backs constantly threatening with their pace.
Winger Hamish Cassidy crossed for an important try after capitalising on a well-worked attacking movement. Jon Salee later powered over the line, while scrumhalf Jeremy Morton added another five-pointer to keep the Brolgas in the contest.
Despite creating several scoring opportunities, Townsville was unable to add the extra points through conversions, leaving the match finely balanced throughout the second half.
The drama intensified late in the game when a Brolgas try was disallowed, denying Townsville a chance to take the lead. With the scores locked at 15-all in the closing stages, the match appeared destined for a draw.
However, FNQ earned a late penalty opportunity and successfully slotted the goal to edge ahead 18-15 with only moments remaining. Despite one final push from the Brolgas, the visitors held on to claim a narrow victory.
While the result was disappointing, the performance showcased the potential within the Senior Men's squad and provided plenty of positives to build on heading into the Queensland Country Championships.
Final Score: FNQ 18 defeated Townsville Brolgas Men 15
With the 2026 trial matches now complete, attention turns to the Queensland Country Championships. Across all junior and senior programs, the Brolgas demonstrated determination, resilience and plenty of promising rugby. With further training and preparation still to come, Townsville's representative squads will be eager to continue building towards their upcoming championship campaigns.
