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Roosters U19’s boys led 12-10 at the break but, due to injuries, fell away in the second half to lose 28-12. Photo supplied.
The Burdekin Roosters A grade team are still alive in the RLTD race with a commanding 36-16 win over Herbert River at Bendigo Bank Park in Ayr last Saturday.
Played as a curtain raiser to the Blackhawks-Burleigh Bears Hostplus clash as part of Country Round in the State League, although only two games were played that afternoon there was still a sizeable crowd on hand.
In a redraw of the U19 competition, the Roosters were sent to Townsville to play Centrals on Saturday, with Herbert River also going to Townsville on Sunday to play Brothers.
Herbert River then forfeited the reserve grade match scheduled for last Saturday in Ayr, leaving only two games to be played including the Hostplus Cup match.
Roosters coach Steve Lansley had to rearrange his team due to injuries to Jones Munro and Lachlan Bachbach and the unavailability of Nemia Nawave.
The coach did have 2025 Roosters A grade player of the year Hayde Munro returning to play five-eighth, with Mitch Brown moving to half and Jye Olsen to fullback.
The move proved a match winner, with Munro playing top footy and Olsen very safe and dangerous at fullback.
Centre Jake O’Brien was again one of the best, beaten only for a player award by young front rower Cooper Fletcher, who was outstanding.
Cooper, Nick Brown and Lachlan Shepherd paved the way in the forwards, making opponents sit up and take notice as well.
Coach Lansley said his team produced one of their most complete performances for the season in defeating the Crushers in an entertaining contest.
The Roosters laid the platform with committed defence and strong carries through the middle before taking their opportunities.
After leading by eight at the break, the Roosters went on with the job, refusing to let the River back into the game.
Their disciplined approach and improved ball control proved the difference as they crossed for several well-worked tries.
Every player contributed to an impressive display in attack and defence.
Nick Brown was outstanding, and Fletcher Cooper tireless with the ball and solid in defence.
Brown’s work rate helped the Roosters to a deserved 20-point victory.
Tries by Nick Brown, Cooper Fletcher, Adam Camer, Hayde Munro, Dylan Doak, Ron Geia. Jake O’Brien six goals.
Other A grade matches: Centrals def Charters Towers 26-6, Western Lions def Norths 44-18 and Souths def Brothers 48-12.
Herbert River forfeited to Burdekin in reserve grade, while Centrals beat Charters Towers 46-14, Western Lions def Norths 46-16 and Souths def Brothers 24-16.
The Roosters had to play Centrals in Townsville on Saturday, the second time the teams met in a week.
Roosters coach Alf Cantarella said Centrals had a very strong forward pack, which they used well against the Roosters, weakened by the loss of possibly the best forward in the competition and top try scorer Jack Power.
The locals were also missing top back Chekayne Taiters, called into A grade, plus they lost another early.
The Tigers were a different outfit to that beaten by the Roosters in Ayr last week, fielding six different players.
Losing players to injury meant some Roosters had to play in different positions, upsetting the team flow.
The boys led 12-10 at the break but, due to injuries, fell away in the second half to lose 28-12.
Tyce Cursio in the front row, Dale Ludwick at hooker and centre Kobe Geia stood out in a tough game that taught lessons.
Dale Ludwick and Leylan Lampton scored tries, with Kobe Geia kicking two goals.
In the other U19 game, Brothers beat Herbert River 40-6.
This week the Roosters are at home on Sunday to Charters Towers in reserve and A grade at 3.30 Sunday, with the reserves at 2.
To stay alive in the A grade, the Roosters have to beat the Towers.
The return of Lachlan Bachbach, Nemia Nawave and Jones Munro should strengthen the team.
The Hostplus Cup played in Ayr last Saturday saw the tenth-placed Blackhawks cause an upset by beating last year’s Queensland State League champions Burleigh Bears, who are running fifth this season.
After holding a slender 16-12 lead at the break, the Blackhawks showed speed and defence to run out easy winners 40-16.
Former Burdekin Roosters centre, playing on the wing for the Hawks, Dudley Dotoi scored three tries, giving him seven in the last two weeks after scoring four against the PNG Hunters two weeks ago.
Creedence Toia scored two tries for the Townsville team, with Luke Webley and Bailey Biondo Odo also crossing the line.
Jack Campagnola kicked six goals.
Supplied by Brian Carnes
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