Reigning premiers Brothers kicked off the defence of their CDRL title with a thrilling 20-20 draw with Yarrabah Seahawks at Stan Williams Park on Sunday.

In a see-saw encounter, Yarrabah deservedly claimed a share of the spoils, outscoring the home side four tries to three.

Seahawks coach Vincent Schreiber said he was extremely proud of his side’s battling qualities to hold the premiers.

“I told the boys earlier in the week that we were being thrown to the lions, but that if we stuck to our game plan, we might be able to get something out of the game,” he said.

“I made it very clear that this wasn’t a trial game or for fun. We had to turn up with our game faces on, and we did just that.

“To be honest, we’re on top of the world to start off the season like that.

“The whole 17 did their job, and I was really pleased we went on the paddock with the right attitude in what was a really tough game.”

Northern Pride winger Justin Castellaro crossed for Brothers and landed four goals, with other tries for the hosts coming from Ben Fitzpatrick and Kris O’Farrell.

Seahawks’ tries came from Coleridge Dabah, Oswald Fourmile, Horace Richards and Andrew Yeatman.

Southern Suburbs flexed their muscles in the southern corridor derby, claiming the Ryan Deemal Memorial Shield with a 32-10 win over Edmonton Storm at Alley Park.

New Suburbs signing Steve Singleton was a stand-out, while Pride contracted-player Rickki Sutherland scored three tries for the victors.

Tully Tigers started their season in fine style with a thumping 40-18 win over local rivals Innisfail Leprechauns, running in eight tries to three.

Innisfail’s cause was not helped by Jordan Biondi-Odo’s sending off for a high shot and a possible season-ending injury to full-back Hayden Topliss.

Walter Fangapo (3), Mick Costa (2), Isikela Sitapa, John Lavell and Tonu Talanoa all crossed for the Tigers.

Kangaroos put a dampener on Mareeba coach Rod Jensen’s first game as a top-level coach, downing the Gladiators 32-20 at Davies Park. Harry Ambrym and Karim Tabuai both grabbed doubles.

Meanwhile, Ivanhoes gave new coach Alan Benn the perfect start with a convincing 42-22 win over Mossman-Port Douglas in Smithfield, Ethan Ross converting all seven of the host’s tries.