BURDEKIN ROOSTERS IN TWO GRAND FINALS

The Burdekin Roosters will feature in two Grand Finals this weekend, with the Under 15s joining the Under 19s after a great 44-4 win over Charters Towers in their preliminary final last Saturday.

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The Roosters Under 19s made their way to the Grand Final on Sunday after a stirring 28-24 win over Brothers in the major semi-final two weeks ago.

Coached by Mark Watson, the Under 15 team has a close connection with the Under 19 team, with a number of brothers playing.

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Chase Power in the Under 15s has a brother, Jack, a leading forward in the Under 19s, while Under 15 Jax Lammon will watch his brother Harrison, the Under 19s lock, with their father Thomas the FAO for both teams.

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Kasdyn Nash is a key player in the Under 15s, being a goal-kicker as well as a leading try-scorer.

Kasdyn's cousin Kobe Geia is a try-scoring centre for the Under 19s, with dad John an assistant coach of the older team.

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The Roosters have not featured in the Under 19 TDRL Grand Final for 25 years, with their last appearance coming in 2001 when the club had three teams in the GF — the Under 19s, reserves and A Grade.

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They were successful in two of them, with the Under 19s defeating Centrals and the A Grade remaining undefeated for the year, defeating the Dale Shearer-led Centrals.

Unfortunately, the reserves went down to an A Grade-stacked Brothers team.

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Current Under 19 officials John Nash and Thomas Lammon were players in that 2001 team, Thomas at centre and John coming off the bench.

That team, coached by Shane Power, contained a number of players who went on to feature in A Grade matches in later years.

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Phillip Dennis was prominent in the Queensland Cup after transferring to Souths Logan, with Kurt Olsen and Craig Snell playing several years for Burdekin, Townsville and North Queensland.

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Michael Skipper transferred to Ingham, where he coached and played, with Mackenzie Nesbit, Brad Ferguson, Evan Chapman, Mark Watson, Gavin Cave, Drew Donovan, Paul Hudson and Jared Zollner all playing many A Grade games for the Roosters.

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It is also interesting to note the 2001 team was sponsored by Eathornes Sportscene, while the 2026 team is sponsored by Eathornes Sportsfirst.

The team that day, coached by Shane Power, was Brad Ferguson, Michael Skipper, Mackenzie Nesbit, Thomas Lammon, Myran Seeto, Evan Chapman, Mark Watson, Gavin Cave, Philip Dennis, Drew Donovan, Mark Lowis, Kurt Olsen, Craig Snell, John Nash, Paul Hudson, Jared Zollner, Daniel Floriani, Joel Norway and Ashley Wright.

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Minor premiers Brothers flexed their muscles in the preliminary final last Sunday, defeating Centrals 40-6.

Sunday's Grand Final, now to be played at Brothers at 10.30am, will be the fourth time the two teams have met this season.

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Brothers won the first back in April at Brothers by two, 16-14, with the Roosters winning in Ayr in June by two, 28-26, and then the semi-final at Brothers two weeks ago 28-24.

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Roosters Under 19 head coach Alf Cantarella is very proud of his team, saying the early trial win over Norths was encouraging as the numbers increased to 24 registered players.

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Alf said his team has had its fair share of injuries during the season, from a broken nose, hands, an arm and even a vertebrae.

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Thankfully, most have come through okay and we are ready to go.

“We have built up a strong side with several of the boys having played alongside each other for many years.

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“Our halves Kaddy Zaro and Chad Fraser have been playing together since Under 7.

“Chad, KJ, Chekayne Taiters and Tyce Cursio have all played A Grade this year, acquitting themselves well.

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“Our hooker Jack Power would have to be the best number nine in the competition and he has a great future.

“Kirk Viero and Kobe Geia in the centres are strong and fast scoring machines, Kirk a multiple try-scorer many times.

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“We are lucky to have Kobe as he has a contract with the Cowboys and a bright future.

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“Tyce Cursio leads the forwards with passion, helped by Mason Kiehne, Harrison Lammon, Joey Southwell, Leylan Lampton, Dylan Rushton, Brodie and Romeo Waem.

“They are all big, strong, athletic lads who are willing to put in each week.

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“Our wingers are the deadly Taiters boys, Callen and Chekayne, who love sideline tries.

“Calen is a great vocal player driving the team forward, while Chekayne's height gives the advantage under the high ball.

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“Chekayne played for the Artie Beetson team against the Maoris early this year.

“We have utility players Riley Smith and Logan Guglielmania on the interchange who are skilled, experienced players who can fill any role.

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“Alf says he has been coaching for 22 years and he has never seen a team with so much talent, not just in the players but the support staff as well.

“FAO Thomas Lammon, League Safe John Nash and Simon Power are second to none.

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“John is an ex-NRL international player and his knowledge and input to assist me is invaluable.

“Chris Perry is a great help on training days and he, with John, Simon and Thomas, have all helped in getting us to the GF.

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“We also thank Alex Lennox and the committee who have helped us to get to the GF from behind the scenes.

“Up the Roosters.”

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While the Roosters meet Brothers in the Under 19 GF, Centrals will tackle Western Lions in the women's game after Centrals beat Brothers 16-6 for the right to tackle the Lions.

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Western Lions defeated Norths 32-20 in the reserve grade final and will now play Souths in the GF.

In the A Grade, Souths will be attempting to win their third premiership in a row after beating Western Lions last Sunday 46-28.

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Souths will play Centrals, who progressed to the GF after beating the defending premiers two weeks ago in the major semi-final 30-28.

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Contributed by Brian Carnes

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