Roosters Show Promise In Season Opener Despite Loss

Roosters show early promise despite a tough opening-round loss, with strong individual performances and a dominant first half offering plenty to build on for the 2026 season. Photo source: Burdekin Roosters

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The 2026 season of the TLTD officially started last weekend with the beginning of fixtures in A Grade, Reserves, Under 19 and Women.

The Burdekin Roosters played Brothers at Jack Manski Oval in Townsville on Sunday in three grades. Unfortunately, the club is not fielding a ladies team this season, with early injuries causing havoc amongst would-be players.

The A Grade started the season in fine fashion and, although they lost 30–16, it was only for a short period of the second session when Brothers looked the better side. A Grade coach Steve Lansley said his team produced a spirited first-half performance but ultimately fell 30–16 to Townsville Brothers in a hard-fought rugby league clash. Burdekin came out with intensity and purpose, matching Townsville across the park in the opening 40 minutes.

Their defensive resolve and structured attack allowed them to stay firmly in the contest, with the Roosters showing glimpses of their best form. At half-time, they looked well within reach of pulling off a strong result. However, the second half told a different story.

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The Roosters struggled to replicate their early momentum, with fatigue and disruption playing a role in the shift. A couple of key injuries to the outside backs proved particularly costly, limiting their attacking options and reshaping their defensive edges at crucial moments. Despite the result, several Burdekin players stood out with strong individual performances.

Core contributors Hayde Munro, Nash Beck and Tate Brombal led the way with consistent effort and impact across the field. Young front rower Cooper Fletcher also impressed, showing maturity and physicality beyond his years in the middle. At the back, Jake O’Brien was a consistent threat, creating opportunities and keeping the opposition on edge whenever he had the ball in hand.

While the final scoreline didn’t favour the Roosters, their first-half performance and the emergence of key contributors provide positives to build on as they look ahead to the season. For the Roosters, Dudley Dotoi scored two tries, with one by Hayde Munro, while Jye Olsen kicked two goals.

In other A Grade matches, premiers Souths defeated Charters Towers 32–28, Herbert River beat Norths 14–6, and Centrals defeated Western Lions 42–0.

Reserves coach Peter Horan would have liked to start the game again, noting the difference in defence from the first to second half. Brothers led 34–6 at the break, but the Roosters took it to them in the second session, only losing that period 12–6 before going down 46–12.

Horan said Dylan Doak had a top game, with John Zaro dangerous, along with Harvey Horan, who worked all day. Jesse Ballin was welcomed back with open arms, having a strong game in the centres.

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In other Reserves games, Souths beat Charters Towers 46–6, Herbert River beat Norths 18–4, and Western Lions defeated Centrals 48–6. Under 19 coach Alfie Cantarella said his team suffered from handling errors at times, which stopped their momentum in attack.

The extreme heat made it difficult for both teams.

The boys defended well and, had their handling been a little better, a win was possible.

Both teams scored three tries, with only the goal-kicking the difference. Brothers kicked three goals to two by the Roosters, winning 18–16.

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It was a team effort, but Leylan Lampton was outstanding, scoring three tries in a commanding performance.

The coach said the signs are there for a good season and, even though a big number were part of the club’s successful Under 18 team last season, there were some new players and time will take for blending.

Unfortunately, the boys do not play this week, with Souths not fielding a team, but training will be intense as they prepare for their next outing against Norths again in Townsville in a fortnight.

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In other Under 19 matches, Herbert River defeated Norths 22–16 and Centrals beat Western Lions 32–12.

This Sunday at Bendigo Bank Park, the Roosters host last year’s premiers Souths in both A and Reserve Grade, with the first match at 2pm. Coach Lansley will likely run his A Grade side without changes and, if they play the way they did in the first half on Sunday, they will make Souths work for all their points.

In other matches, Charters Towers will host Herbert River on Saturday, with Western Lions at home to Brothers and Norths travelling to Centrals.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.

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