Roosters Roar to First Win of the Season

Before a huge crowd at Rugby Park last Saturday night, the monkey was lifted from the Graders’ back when they recorded their first win of the season, beating last year’s grand finalists Western Lions 38 to 14.

The locals were on top from go to whoa, using the ball to their advantage. The Lions were the bigger side across the park, and for the Roosters to win, they had to let the ball do the work and run the opposition off their feet.

Coach Steve Lansley pulled the right strings, moving regular fullback Joel Mason to five-eighth and shifting Hayde Munro to lock. The move worked a treat, with Mason giving his speedy outside men the ball at every opportunity. Munro’s presence in the pack also proved crucial, bringing down several bigger Lions forwards with classic low tackles.

While Mason had one edge humming, halfback Jye Olsen was doing the same on the other. So effective were they that both wingers scored three tries each.

Coach Lansley said the team finally played the way they’ve been promising all year. “We’re not a big side, but we’re quick, and we used that to our advantage. The ball stuck tonight.”

While the backs starred, the forwards laid the platform. Tate Brombal earned players’ player for his all-round effort, with strong support from Munro, Terrence Mosby, and Lachlan Shepherd.

In the backs, Joel Mason and Jye Olsen were standouts, Jones Munro was solid in his return from injury, and the two wingers were a constant threat.

Supporters are also excited about new Cowboys recruit Selalike Malifeo, a 19-year-old former New Zealand Schoolboy who recently arrived to join the Cowboys. “We know what we can do now,” Lansley said. “The task is to do it consistently.”

Scorers
Tries: Selalike Malifeo 3, Nemia Nawave 3, Jones Munro, Tate Brombal
Goals: Joel Mason 3

Other A Grade Results

Souths def. Norths 34–8
Brothers def. Herbert River 28–24 (scored in the final two minutes)
Centrals def. Charters Towers 12–0
Reserve Grade Report: Roosters Falter After Fast Start

After a strong start, the Roosters reserves faded and went down 44 to 10 against the Lions.

The Lions opened the scoring early, but the Roosters hit back to trail just 6–8. Despite some promising attacking moments, poor ball control plagued the Roosters. Repeated handling errors allowed the Lions to pile on the points, leading 32–6 before the Roosters finally held the ball. A sweeping move saw winger Malik Ogameni cross for a late try.

The final score was 44–10. Coach and supporters believe the team can perform much better with improved ball control.

Best Players
Terry Connors led from the front, with Brody Ferguson, Riley Easton, and Llama Ghee all contributing solidly.

Scorers
Tries: Malik Ogameni, Dom Southwell
Goal: Dylan Doak

Other Reserve Grade Results

Brothers def. Herbert River 24–12
Souths def. Bowen 20–6
Centrals def. Charters Towers 6–0
Ladies Side Shows Grit Against Grand Finalists

The newly formed Burdekin River ladies team faced a tough test against regular grand finalists Western Lions in their second match together.

Comprising players from the Burdekin, Herbert River, and Townsville, the side trains together in Townsville and had notched a win over Norths two weeks prior.

The Lions, well-drilled and cohesive, executed sharp backline moves and combined well in the forwards. Despite the pressure, the Burdekin River team fought hard and created several scoring chances. Their lone try came from a sharp backline move finished by winger Jo Morgan.

Final score: Lions 24 – Burdekin River 4, with four Lions tries coming through the backs.

Best for Burdekin River
Backs: Tiarna Kruszfeldt, Paige Horvat, Toni Daisy
Forwards: Lilly Chappell, Sarah Castle, Abbey King

Other Ladies Match

Charters Towers and Centrals drew 20–20
Under 6 Roosters Take the Field

The Under 6 Roosters led the A-grade side onto the field and played a halftime mini-match.

Yellow Team: Harvey Mauro, Jase Olsen, Lucas Quagliata, Lane McIvor, Declan Kyle
Green Team: Cooper Johnson, Tate Levitt, Bohdi Bevilacqua, Tahj Nash, Oscar Watson

This Sunday: Roosters at Home Again

This Sunday, the Roosters host Centrals at home.

A Grade kicks off at 3:30 pm
Reserves play beforehand
Ladies may play earlier, pending confirmation
Canteen and bar will be open
Doubles will be sold on the main game
Other Matches This Weekend

Charters Towers hosts Herbert River (Saturday)
Norths face Western Lions (Saturday)
Brothers travel to Bowen (Saturday) – Reserves, Ladies, and Under 21s all scheduled

‍