Zenadth Kes senior competition back after long layoff

Senior rugby league returns to Thursday Island for the first time in two years this weekend with the start of the Zenadth Kes Rugby League Island Rooster Cup this Saturday.

The four-team competition features Mulga Tigers, coming in from Badu Island to play, up against the local sides Suburbs, Roosters and Pioneer Knights – the latter two celebrating 20 years this year.

Roosters are tipped to be the team to beat as they aim for a premiership four-peat, according to Queensland Rugby League's Cape and Torres league and club coordinator Terry Abednego.

Abednego said some players were coming from as far as Dauan Island, home to the Roxin Eagles, to join the Roosters' campaign.

The competition will also serve as a useful warm-up for the Island of Origin coming up in mid-June.

“It’s good to have it back after a long layoff. Everybody’s excited. It’s going to be close again this year, I think,” Abednego said.

“We have players from all over the region, including Bamaga, who come here to play.

“I was down at the Roosters training this week and they had a jersey presentation and were very keen.

“I just think it’s… good for the community. The police have been doing engagement activities in community with us.

“The game connects community to organisations. That’s what the game means to us.”

The competition will be a vehicle for a pink socks round in late May to bring awareness to domestic violence issues.

The Zenadth Kes Junior Rugby League also begins tonight for under 6 to under 12, with RISE sessions also due to begin soon for older age groups.

Further south on the mainland, final preparations are being made for the start of the Northern Peninsula Area senior competition in Bamaga, which had a successful return in 2023.