Warrigals respond after disappointing open to the season

By Chase Christensen  

A new chapter in Sunshine Coast Rugby League has begun and this means Bribie’s beloved Warrigals are once again fighting to secure a senior premiership. It has been three years since they were crowned the 2023 undefeated champions of Reserve Grade. Since then, after losing a handful of senior players over the years they have taken a step back into C-Grade (Division 3). A heartbreaking grand final loss last year has certainly motivated them to go the extra mile and win the premiership in 2026.  

Round one of this season was set to feature an absolute blockbuster, as Bribie Island was supposed to play Caloundra in a 2025 grand final rematch. The match did not occur, as Caloundra forfeited within two days of the scheduled fixture. This gave the Warrigals a ‘win’ without even playing a second in the new year. Reports suggest the team was devastated that they had to wait another week to finally play a match that counts in 2026.  

The following week, Bribie finally got to hit the field as they travelled to Kilcoy to take on the Noosa Pirates. The match started with a big blow, as Lachlan Draper suffered a concussion, placing him on the sideline for the rest of the match and meant he would miss the following week’s game. A Bribie sin bin in the 23rd minute came amid a sloppy first half from both teams. Noosa could not capitalise on the one-man advantage though, as Bribie hit the scoreboard via a cross-field kick to Cy Deeth, who managed to score during the crucial sin-bin period.  

The Warrigals were a minute away from keeping the Pirates scoreless in the first half; however, Noosa’s Brock Maven managed to cannonball his way over the line to put his side in the lead, six points to four at half-time. The main takeaway from the opening half of Bribie’s season was poor discipline. A lead would have been comfortable for them if they had held onto the ball a little more and conceded fewer silly penalties.  

The second half began the same way the first half ended, as a soft try was scored by Noosa early, giving them more breathing space in the lead. Bribie hit back shortly after, with their try of the day. Slick passes through the hands set up a try that kept the game alive for the Warrigals.  

With eight minutes remaining, Noosa had all but won the game, as they scored back-to-back tries in quick succession. A consolation try by Bribie’s Declan Hopson made the score 22–16 in favour of Noosa, but it was too late as the full-time siren sounded.  

It was not the start to the season the Warrigals wanted. However, the four points on the ladder from Caloundra’s forfeit the week before meant they were not at the bottom.  

An “onto the next” mentality led the Warrigals into an away match against the Yandina Raiders, who struggled last season but looked promising in their 2026 season opener, thrashing Beachmere by more than 50 points.  

It was difficult to get full coverage of the match, but some key moments were noted.  

It was a tough game against what a member of the Bribie side described as a “very strong side”. Bribie started well with strong discipline, which resulted in them scoring first. However, Yandina responded immediately with a try, the first of three straight.  

The Warrigals remained in the contest, and urgency was evident as they headed into the second half.  

A heavy attacking effort from Bribie in the second half was superb, as everything began to click. They fought back strongly and managed to win 28 points to 12.  

This was a much-needed win after their opening match against Noosa. A victory against a team that had dominated their opposition the previous week was exactly what Bribie needed for a strong confidence boost.  

The Warrigals and the rest of the competition have a weekend off due to Anzac Day falling on Saturday. Plenty of preparation will be needed before they take on Caboolture, who recently entered a team into the C-Grade competition this year, featuring many former Beachmere players. This shapes up as a feisty, rivalry-filled match.  

It is a home game, so make sure you get down to Bernie Foley Oval and support the team in hopes of back-to-back wins.