Brahmans Storm Sarina in Statement Weekend

The Whitsunday Brahmans produced one of their strongest performances in recent years on Sunday, claiming three wins from four grades against the Sarina Crocs at Sarina.

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Supporters travelled in numbers as footy fever took over the Crocs’ home grounds for a massive day of rugby league action.

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The day began with the Under 20s side, who wasted no time making their mark. New Zealand imports Kassius Bell and Somè Wolf crossed early for back-to-back tries to set the pace of the contest. The Brahmans’ attacking strengths soon became evident in an entertaining try-for-try battle, with local brothers from the Tetley family also getting on the scoreboard.

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The Under 20s side eventually ran away with a strong 38-20 victory to give the young squad a major confidence boost for the season ahead.

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One of the biggest moments of the day followed, as the Brahmans women’s team returned to the field for the first time in almost a decade.

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Under coach Eddy Cates, the side showed plenty of determination and heart against an experienced Sarina outfit. Jess Lewis, playing her rugby league debut, crossed for an early try to announce the Brahmans women’s arrival back into competition football. Although Sarina claimed the match 20-4, the Brahmans’ defensive effort and passion throughout the contest drew plenty of praise, with the return of women’s rugby league at the club celebrated as a major step forward for local pathways and junior development.

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Reserve Grade then produced a stunning turnaround performance. After conceding the opening two tries, the Brahmans responded with seven unanswered in dominant fashion.

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New recruit Robert Congoo starred with four tries as the Brahmans secured their first Reserve Grade victory since June 2025, leaving coach Matt Court proud of his side’s resilience and effort.

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The feature match of the day saw A Grade renew its fierce rivalry with Sarina in a physical contest.

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It took 12 minutes for the 0 all deadlock to be broken before former NRL player Adam Clydesdale dived over from dummy-half to score the opening try. The hooker led from the front in a high-intensity clash that saw both sides trade tries throughout the afternoon.

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The Brahmans’ powerful middle forwards eventually proved too strong, while young local talent Jake Hinton enjoyed a memorable A Grade debut by crossing for a try before his brother Mitch Hinton added another just 18 minutes later in a special family moment. English recruit Ryan Taylor also played a key role, maintaining his impressive early season form with a perfect five-from-five goal kicking performance in difficult windy conditions.

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The successful weekend saw the Brahmans claim victories in three of the four grades while also celebrating the long-awaited return of the club’s women’s side.

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The Brahmans now turn their attention to another huge challenge this Saturday when they travel to face arch-rivals the Moranbah Miners, with matches beginning from midday.

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Contributed with thanks to Mandy Bateup

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Photo supplied

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