A Decade On: Remembering the Roosters’ Last Premiership Run

The year 2025 marks ten years since the Burdekin Roosters last won an A Grade premiership in the then Townsville District Rugby League.

Originally appointed as A Grade coach that season was Chris Perry, but he had to withdraw early, making way for Glenn Brock — a familiar face in local league circles, having coached many Burdekin junior sides. Brock brought in Carl List as assistant coach, and with several Bowen-based players in the squad, Bowen’s Brent Stocker joined the coaching team. Gary Wegert came on board as team manager, while fitness was overseen by Cathy Higgs, supported by her son Hayden and John Furnell.

The team experienced its fair share of ups and downs throughout the season but rallied when it mattered, reaching the Grand Final against a formidable Herbert River side led by the mercurial Mitch Seri.

Burdekin had its own legends, including the fearless Ryan Davenport and standout player of the year Lona Kaifoto, who would go on to sign with the Townsville Blackhawks. The backline was packed with excitement: the dynamic Power brothers, Karmen and Rainer; flying winger Bryce Stockdale; and the tough, all-round Jerome Lacco, who only hung up his boots this year.

Joining Ryan and Lona in the forward pack was Dylan Jensen, brother of current Brisbane Bronco Corey Jensen. And then there was Sio Ataata — possibly the biggest man in the TDRL at the time — who stunned many when he listed his occupation as “fish filleter.”

Guiding the backs was former University halfback Tyson Stocker, a defensive general who would later become Lona’s brother-in-law. Also in the mix was former Kiwi front-rower Brad Hunt, brought in for extra muscle, though he missed the Grand Final due to injury.

One of the proudest moments on Grand Final day belonged to young Mitchell Guy, named in the squad at just 17 years of age.

The Roosters looked to have sealed the title late in the match, leading comfortably with time running out. But no one had accounted for the magic of Mitch Seri, who conjured up two tries in the dying minutes to break Burdekin hearts.

Yet all hope wasn’t lost.

With the clock ticking down, quick-thinking hooker Zac Heron took matters into his own hands. On the last play of the day, Zac collected the ball 40 metres out and ran back and then across the field to straighten up and dive in the corner.

Local photographer Peter Peach captured that moment — and the photo is now famous.

The Roosters had won, triggering celebrations not only in the Burdekin but also in Bowen.

Players and officials from that unforgettable 2015 team will reunite this Saturday at the Ayr Anzac Memorial Club — a major sponsor that year alongside Burdekin Tyre Service — for a commemorative lunch. Afterwards, they’ll head to the local rugby league ground, where the current Roosters A Grade side will take on Charters Towers.

There, the 2015 champions will be introduced to the crowd before forming a guard of honour for today’s Roosters team — a fitting tribute, ten years on.

‍