Tough Nines campaign for the Fossils, but live to roar another year

The Rugby League Players Association ‘Fossils’ have secured their place in next year’s Nines Premier League despite a tough campaign in the ever-improving tournament.

The Fossils entered 9PL in 2026 with high hopes after a heart-breaking semi-final loss in 2025, but an opening 8-0 loss to the young and hungry North Coast Marlins was a sign of the challenges ahead.

Two-time Fossil and RLPA team member Tinirau Arona coached his own FTA team in 2026, and they narrowly beat the Fossils 19-12 in the second group game. The Fifita brothers’ United SC then subjected the Fossils to a difficult 20-0 loss and last spot in the group.

The start of day two was do-or-die for the Fossils. Battered and bruised with five players out injured, the Fossils faced a relegation fight against Indigenous Mana in the Shield Quarter Final. The winner was guaranteed a spot in the 9PL next year and the loser forced into a qualifier in Sydney or Brisbane.

The RLPA’s Anthony Gelling was inspirational in the backs-to-the-wall performance, scoring the first try, setting up another with a slick offload, and keeping the Fossils in it with an epic try-saving tackle. A little shake-and-bake from playmaker Jacob Miller and a clutch kick to try-scorer Tyronne Roberts-Davis sealed a win and qualification for the Fossils.

The Shield semi-final saw the Fossils face Greg Bird and Cody Nelson’s Gold Coast Giants, and the RLPA team jumped out to a strong lead in the second half. Despite some defensive grit to hold out the Giants with multiple sets on their try-line, the Fossils conceded a try right at the death to end their tournament.

The Shield was eventually won by FTA and the main Trophy was won by the Salty Pigs, a strong side featuring Ben Thomas, Ben & Jesse Marshke, Matt Ikuvalu, Drew Hutchison, Kyle Laybutt and Kalifa Faifai Loa.

“Even though the Fossils did not get the wins we wanted in 2026, the weekend brought together another team of Fossils who were able to connect with other past players,” said Tom Symonds, the Fossils coach and the RLPA’s General Manager of Past Players and Transition.

“Congratulations have to go to my former teammate Ant Mitchell, the 9PL Founding Director, who organised and put on another fantastic tournament which keeps getting better and better every year.”

“The tournament gets younger, faster, and better each year but the community that Ant has created for past players and the rugby league community and grassroots is fantastic.”

“The Fossils weekend is an important event for our Past Player & Transition Program every year, allowing us to bring past players together who can once again share in the camaraderie and mateship that rugby league brought to their lives.”

All 9PL games were held at Runaway Bay Seagulls Rugby League Club on January 24-25.

RLPA FOSSILS SQUAD

Blake Leary
Ricky Leutele
Chris Lewis
Chris McQueen
Matt Moylan
Mitch Rein ©
Tyrone Peachey
Korbin Sims
Frank Winterstein
Todd Carney
Michael Chee Kam
Anthony Gelling
Martin Taupau
James Segeyaro
Tyronne Roberts-Davis
Jordan Rapana
Jirah Momoisea
Jacob Miller

RLPA FOSSILS COACHING STAFF

Dale Finucane
Joe Galuvao
Andrew Lowndes
Tom Symonds
Morgan Te Oka
Justin Horo

2026 RLPA FOSSILS RESULTS

RLPA Fossils 0 vs 8 North Coast Marlins
RLPA Fossils 12 vs 19 FTA
RLPA Fossils 0 vs 20 United SC
RLPA Fossils 16 vs 12 Indigenous Mana
RLPA Fossils 17 vs 19 Gold Coast Giants