Burdekin Roosters’ Hayde Munro Shines in Club of Origin Grand Final

Burdekin Roosters 2025 Best and Fairest A Grade lock Hayde Munro capped off his season by being named the best player in the Grand Final of the Club of Origin, played last Saturday at Bendigo Bank Park in Ayr.

Munro scored two tries for his Colts side as the Red Horses beat Brothers in the final 20-6. Coached by Ignatius Park coach Will Jack and Roosters A Grade captain Joel Mason, the Colts played entertaining football, with the backs finishing off the hard work of their forwards.

In the forwards, Caleb Noah, Nemia Nawave, Tame Reupena, and Cooper Fletcher paved the way, led by hooker Dyland Doak, who also had a strong day with the boot. Hayde played at half, setting up plays for Terey Connors, his brother Jones, and fullback Josh Furnell, who went close to the award.

Colts won the outstanding Bendigo Bank trophy, with Hayde taking home the medallion and $250 cash from Haywards Hydraulics. Brothers coaches Steve Sheppard and Paul Horan lifted their young charges to reach the final, ultimately falling to the more experienced Colts.

Declan Marchioni was outstanding, scoring several tries during the carnival and proving dangerous whenever in possession, narrowly missing out on the best player award for the final. Lachlan Shepherd, Jacob Poletti, and Joe Miehle also had strong performances for Brothers.

Mens’ Carnival Results:
Brothers and Colts drew 12-all
Home Hill def Hornets 12-10
Hornets and Brothers drew 12-all
Colts def Home Hill 22-0
Brothers def Home Hill 14-6
Colts def Hornets 10-0

Home Hill, coached by Kieran Dawes, fielded a young side led by experienced players Tate Brombal, Kali Nauque, and Ethan Hagarty. Adam Camer, Tyce Cursio, and Dom Arrate also had strong performances. The Hornets, coached by Ross and Kurt Olsen, tried hard but were hampered by a few breakdowns at crucial moments. Jye Olsen stood out, converting a sideline try, with Darian Lampton and Rhett Williams also impressing.

One of the biggest highlights of the day was the Ladies’ match between Ayr and Home Hill, believed to be the first ever. Led by the Monday twins, Martina and Stephanie, the Ayr team, coached by Jayson Okeefe, proved too strong, winning 16-4. Martina scored two tries and was named player of the match, winning $250 donated by Haywards Hydraulics. She was closely followed by her twin sister Stephanie, who booted two goals, and hooker Logan Roncato, who scored a try. Taleisha Bulgarelli also played well.

The Home Hill ladies, coached by Ryan Davenport, tried hard and never gave in, with Tanley Rowe and Lily Chappell performing strongly in the halves, and Lily scoring a try. Several Ayr players went home nursing sore ribs, including Theo Mosby, who made some big defensive hits. One of the biggest tackles of the day came from Charley Ruskin, who stopped a certain try with a full-ball tackle.

Two unsung heroes of the day were referees Andrew Ballin and Kevin Isaacs, who controlled all games admirably. At the conclusion of the games and trophy presentations, three jerseys from each club, plus a signed Cowboys jersey from Steve Sheppard, were auctioned off.
The day, organised mainly by Alex Lennox, attracted a huge crowd who partied well into the night. Alex thanked all who helped, including the Old Boys Club, all club sponsors, and especially Bendigo Bank, and Ricky and Leanne of the Burdekin Race Club.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes

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