Burdekin Roosters Eye Strong Season Across Juniors and Ladies Teams

Burdekin Roosters under-19 coach Alfie Cantarella knows his team like the back of his hand, as Alf has been associated with these boys for a number of years.

Last season, Alf, assisted by John Nash and Thomas Lammon, took the under-18 team to the preliminary final of the Under-18 RLTD, only to be beaten by a lack of numbers due to important injuries.

The same coaching staff will again look after the boys, and even though they will face stiff opposition from powerhouse clubs Brothers, Centrals, and Western Lions, they would still be considered one of the favourites of the competition.

Players like Jett Castello, returning from injury, Joey Southwell, Mason Kiehne, Laylon Lampton, Brodie Scrivener, and Brodie Escriva are expected to shine in the forwards, given good service from number nine Harrison Lammon.

K.J. Zaro has returned after trialling with a southern club, and he, at five-eighth, and his halves partner Jack Power could dominate, with Jacob Drain and Chad Fraser chiming in.

Coach Cantarella said the numbers at training have been good, but he would like other boys to come and join the group on Tuesday and Thursday nights at Bendigo Bank Park at 6 pm.

Last season, Burdekin and Herbert River combined to form the Burdekin River in the ladies’ competition under coach Anita Hagarty.

This season, the club will be trying to go it alone, and with Anita unavailable due to work pressures, Chris Perry has taken over as the leader.

Perry said he is slowly putting together what looks like a strong squad, which should have plenty of speed, led by the Monday twins, Stephanie and Martina, and Toni Daisy, a Queensland Country representative from 2024, with Chloe Taiters.

Perry said they still have a few Townsville-based girls like Lily Chappell, Tiana Krutzfeldt, Tanley Rowe, Talisha Bulgarelli, and Abby King, with a couple of others they are hoping will join.

Abby, a smart utility who sets up and scores tries, will be back after recovering from a knee operation, and she is a very handy player.

Perry said the numbers are starting to grow, and he likes the look of Jo Morgan, Demi Smith, Jessica Capper, Cadence Alexander, and Charlie Pott as players who are not that big in stature but big in heart.

The girls are currently only training on Thursdays, with the Townsville-based girls coming down, but locals can also train on Tuesdays with the Burdekin-based men at 6 pm.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.

New and returning players have kicked off another successful season. Photo source: Burdekin Roosters

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