It’s been 10 years since the Burdekin Roosters last claimed A Grade glory in the Townsville District Rugby League—and this weekend, the heroes of that 2015 premiership will reunite to relive one of the club’s greatest triumphs.
The Roosters’ 2015 campaign began with Chris Perry appointed head coach, but he was forced to withdraw early in the season. Local junior coach Glenn Brock stepped in, bringing on Carl List as assistant. With a number of Bowen-based players in the squad, Brent Stocker also joined the coaching team.
Gary Wegert took on the role of team manager, while fitness was kept sharp under Cathy Higgs, her son Hayden, and trainer John Furnell.
Despite a rollercoaster season, the Roosters powered into the Grand Final against a formidable Herbert River side, led by the brilliant Mitch Seri.
Burdekin’s squad was just as stacked—with club stalwart Ryan Davenport leading from the front, backed by player of the year Lona Kaifoto, who would go on to sign with the Blackhawks.
The backline was electric, featuring the elusive Power brothers—Karmen and Rainer—along with speedster Bryce Stockdale and versatile utility Jerome Lacco, who only retired this season.
Joining Davenport and Kaifoto in the forwards was Dylan Jensen, brother of current Broncos prop Corey Jensen. The towering Sio Ataata—believed to be the biggest man in the TDRL at the time—was a standout both on field and off, famously listing his occupation as “fish filleter.”
Former University halfback Tyson Stocker steered the side around the park with a defence-first mindset. He would later become Kaifoto’s brother-in-law.
New Zealand front-rower Brad Hunt was recruited to add starch to the pack but missed the decider through injury. Seventeen-year-old Mitchell Guy, however, earned a dream call-up and was named in the matchday squad.
The Roosters looked to have the premiership sewn up with a healthy lead late in the game—but Mitch Seri had other ideas. Two tries in the dying minutes turned the contest on its head and left Burdekin fans stunned.
Enter Zac Heron.
With one final play on the clock, the Roosters hooker scooped up the ball 40 metres out, ran backwards, sliced across the field, straightened up and dived over in the corner.
The moment was immortalised by local photographer Peter Peach. The image of Heron’s match-winner has become one of the most iconic in Burdekin league history.
The Roosters were premiers—and celebrations erupted across the Burdekin and Bowen.
This Saturday, players and officials from that side will gather for a reunion lunch at the Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, a major sponsor in 2015 along with Burdekin Tyre Service.
They’ll then head to Rugby Park, where the current Roosters A Grade side takes on Charters Towers.
There, the 2015 premiership team will be introduced to the crowd and form a guard of honour before kickoff.
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