Sport
28 May, 2025
Rugby league thriving in the Gulf
The 2025 season kicks off in Normanton this Saturday.
Five senior men’s teams will take to John Henry Oval in Normanton on Saturday for the opening round of the Battle of the Gulf as rugby league continues to thrive in the cluster competition.
There will actually be six men’s teams in 2025, with Kowanyama sitting out the opening round due to road closures.
Back-to-back reigning premiers Normanton will be the team to beat once again, although coach Rob Murray said he expected strong competition.
“There are no easy games and I think a lot of teams will be trying to lift the standard,” he said.
“This year we’ve got two sides from Doomadgee – the Dragons and United – while Burketown has Moungibi Danggara.
“Mornington Island Raiders will be very hard to beat because Anthony Saltmere is back there and coaching them.
“He’s a local boy who always puts together a strong side for the Clusters.”
The Stingers will once again be led by Clay George.
The Normanton skipper said his side had been training since before Christmas and would start the season full of confidence after winning the past two premierships.
The captain said the Stingers would be dedicating this year’s season to the late Malcolm “Andy” Busch.
Normanton will also wear retro kits from the 2007-10 seasons.
There are three women’s teams confirmed for 2025, with the Stingers, Dragons and Moungibi Magawas to take to the field this Saturday in a Nines format.
“If the numbers pick up we’ll move to 13-a-side,” Murray said.
Action in the Battle of the Gulf Cluster begins at noon on Saturday at John Henry Oval with junior matches, with the women’s and men’s contests to be played in the afternoon.
The final match will be played under lights between Mornington Island and the Stingers.