Burdekin Roosters Dominate Across The Board In Triple Win Over Charters Towers

It was a red-letter day for Burdekin rugby league on Saturday in Ayr, with the Roosters defeating Charters Towers across all three grades.

A Grade made it three straight wins with a convincing 38–18 victory, backing up recent triumphs over Western Lions and Centrals. Despite a sluggish start and conceding the first try and conversion to trail 6–0, the Roosters didn’t take long to hit back. Front-rower Tate Brombal strolled through the Miners' defence to score beside the posts, and from there, captain and five-eighth Joel Mason took control.

Mason kicked seven from seven—six conversions and a penalty—in a flawless display with the boot. The Roosters crossed three more times before halftime to lead 24–8 at the break. A standout moment for the Miners came courtesy of player-coach Jake Bourke, who slotted a two-point field goal from near halfway.

The Miners opened the second-half scoring, but Burdekin responded with two more tries and a Mason penalty to seal the final 38–18 result.

Coach Steve Lansley admitted the side made a few errors but said they covered them well with smart football. He singled out Terrence Mosby for an outstanding performance, noting the utility’s speed around the rucks and reliable defence. Mosby had vied with Colby Thompson for the players' award last week, but with Thompson out, he made the honour his own.

Lock Hayde Munro was another standout, while his brother Jones impressed in the centres. Lansley also praised Dylan Doak, who played a full reserve grade match before coming off the bench in A Grade and making a big impact.

Burdekin A Grade Try Scorers: Kali Nauque 2, Jones Munro 2, Tate Brombal, Ethan Hagarty
Goals: Joel Mason 7

Roosters Reserves Go Back-to-Back

Despite missing several regulars, the Burdekin Reserve Grade side made it two in a row with a gritty 32–22 win over Charters Towers.

Coach Peter Horan welcomed back key players Jerome Iacco and Bokeem Moore Reid, both of whom made strong contributions. He admitted it wasn’t the prettiest of wins but credited strong defence for holding things together as the reshuffled attack found its feet.

Tala Pepa was named players' player for his dominant performance in both attack and defence. Dylan Doak directed the backs with class, John Zaro was a constant threat, and Caleb Noah continued his strong form, scoring with ease.

Jack Rushton was rewarded with an A Grade bench spot for his continued improvement. Braithen Heron and Jack O’Keefe were tireless, while Horan gave special praise to Jerome Iacco for his efforts despite limited training.

Burdekin Reserve Grade Try Scorers: Caleb Noah 2, Bokeem Moore Reid 2, Pacey Horan, John Zaro
Goals: Dylan Doak 4

River Girls Power to Big Win

The Burdekin River Ladies side secured a strong 18–4 win over Charters Towers, running in four tries to one.

Missing captain Paige Horvat, Lilly Chappell, and Aleikah Heron, the team reshuffled well. Martina Monday shifted to fullback and was unstoppable, earning players’ player honours for her decisive running game.

Abby King returned from injury and steered the team around the park, while Tianna Krutzfeldt shone in the backs, her try a showcase of slick hands. Rebekah Pace was again a force in the forwards, and Charlee Pott gave her all before being sidelined with injury.

Coach Anita Hagarty praised the effort, admitting fitness was a struggle. “They know what to do, but sometimes they just can’t get there,” she said. “Still, it was nice to get the win.”

Burdekin Ladies Try Scorers: Tianna Krutzfeldt, Abby King, Charlee Pott, Toni Daisy
Goals: Martina Monday

Around the Grounds – Other Results

A Grade:

Centrals 30 def. Norths 6
Souths 30 def. Brothers 24
Herbert River 30 def. Western Lions 14
Reserve Grade:

Centrals 32 def. Norths 16
Western Lions 32 def. Herbert River 30
Souths 48 def. Bowen 16
Ladies:

Centrals 46 def. Norths 6
Next Up: Roosters Face Centrals Again

This weekend sees Burdekin back on the road, facing Centrals again—this time at the Townsville Sports Reserve on Saturday across all three grades.

A Grade will be without five-eighth Joel Mason, opening the door for utility Terrence Mosby to step into the playmaker role. Hooker Colby Thompson is also set to return.

Centrals bounced back last week with five team changes following their loss to Burdekin, and there’s a chance Cowboys-linked Selikeo Malifeo could return this week.

The Reserves are set to welcome back Adam Camer, Riley Easton, Matthew Lee, and Luca Lago—adding depth across the board.

The River Ladies face a tough challenge against the Tigers, but as the Miners showed, an upset isn’t out of the question.

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