CAIRNS overcame a horror injury toll to beat Mackay in their opening Foley Shield clash on Sunday.

A healthy crowd at Townsville’s Dairy Farmers Stadium was entertained by the representative match, played before the Toyota Cup and NRL matches between the NQ Cowboys and Melbourne Storm.

Despite losing three players to ankle injuries, Cairns ran out comfortable 40-14 winners.

Alex Starma, Brent Oosen, Peter Filifitu and Saia Mallisi were among the best for Cairns, while Logan Sullivan, Ross Turi and Matt Temby led the way for Mackay.

CAIRNS 40 (Justin Casterallo 2, Hayden Topliss 2, Saia Mallisi, Nathan Kepa, Robbie Horen tries Justin Casterallo 6 goals) def MACKAY 14 (Dean Tass, Tyson Muscat, Ingebrigtsen tries; Adam Wright goal) at Dairy Farmers Stadium

Referee: David Penna - Townsville

Points: Cairns 5, Mackay 0

Next game: Mackay v Townsville – Bowen, April 21
Other Rep Game: Bowen District v Palm Island Barracudas

Final Foley Shield game: Cairns v Townsville – Innisfail, April 28