Roosters Ready For Season Opener Showdown

The Burdekin Roosters are set to start the season this Sunday, meeting Brothers in what promises to be a strong test for the squad.

After two years of steady development, the Roosters enter the new season with a sense of confidence built on continuity and local talent.

A big portion of this year’s A Grade side has come through the club’s junior development, highlighting the strength of the Burdekin Junior Rugby League. The long-term priority is now paying dividends, with those juniors developing into A Grade football.

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Much of the core squad has been together for the past two seasons, allowing combinations to develop.

The Roosters are expecting a tough contest with Brothers, who are always the benchmark of the RLTD.

There are signs the blend of new players with the younger brigade will be strong. New players Jake O’Brien, Nash Beck, Cooper Fletcher, Wilson Selei and Mitch Brown will blend in with talented local youngsters headed by Jonea and Hayde Munro, Jye Olsen, Adam Camer and Jai Starr, alongside experienced players Tate Brombal, Nemia Nawave, Lachlan Shepherd and Ethan Hagarty.

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The team is: Jake O’Brien, Nemia Nawave, Jones Munro, Jai Starr, Adam Camer, Mitch Brown, Jye Olsen, Tate Brombal, Nash Beck, Cooper Fletcher, Ethan Hagarty, Lachlan Shepherd, Hayde Munro, Kurtis Cox, Wilson Selei, Jack McQueen and Dylan Doak.

The match will be at Jack Manski Oval in Townsville on Sunday afternoon.

The Burdekin reserves will also play and should be a side with plenty of experience, led by Dylan Doak, John Zaro, Terry Connors, Harvey Horan and Caleb Noah. They will meet a team who were reserve grade premiers last season and well drilled.

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High hopes are held for the Roosters Under 19 team, a squad of players who reached the preliminary final in Under 18 last year, only to go out mainly due to injuries.

The team is spearheaded by KJ Zaro and Cherharne Taiters, who are exciting to say the least. The talent doesn’t finish there though, as they are strong right across the paddock, with Harrison Lammon, Leylan Lampton, Mason Kiehne, Jack Power, Chad Fraser and Riley Smith capable of scoring tries.

Joey Southwell is expected back after missing the 48 to 6 trial win over Norths, while Jett Castello is still recovering from a knee injury.

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Brothers are always strong in this grade, but the local boys are expected to give them a good one.

Unfortunately, the Ladies team will not be playing, as it appears the numbers are not there, with injuries the main problem.

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Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.

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CAPTION: Local juniors and fresh talent combine as Burdekin Roosters teams prepare for a tough opening clash against Brothers. Photo source: Burdekin Roosters

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