This weekend marks the final round of the RLTD fixtures for the Burdekin Roosters, with crucial A and Reserve grade matches that could determine the final standings heading into the playoffs.
In the A Grade, while the Roosters are out of finals contention, four clubs are battling for the remaining three spots in the top four. Souths have already secured the minor premiership with 31 points, but Brothers, Western Lions, and Charters Towers, all tied on 22 points, along with Herbert River, close behind with 21 points, are vying for the remaining positions.
Friday night will see Brothers host Souths, while on Saturday, Centrals face off against Charters Towers, Norths take on Western Lions, and Burdekin hosts Herbert River.
Herbert River may have jeopardised their finals chances last weekend. After a solid 32-12 win over Western Lions in Ingham, they faltered on Sunday in Townsville, losing 28-12 to the same team. To make the finals, Herbert River now needs to defeat the Roosters in Ayr on Saturday night and hope for a Centrals win over Charters Towers or a Norths victory against Western Lions.
Saturday night's A Grade game in Ayr will be the Roosters' final match of the season. Coach Steve Lansley faces uncertainty regarding player availability, as he won't know until later in the week whether he’ll have three Cowboys and three Blackhawks players at his disposal. Henry Teuteu and Epi Kikau are expected from the Cowboys, with Jeremiah Matuatu likely returning to the Cutters. Chris Gale may be the only Blackhawk to start, with Dudley Dotoi and possibly Ratu Ravisore expected to be called up by the Hawks.
Coach Lansley experimented with Terry Connors on the wing against Centrals, which proved successful, earning Connors the Players’ Player award. He’s likely to start there again. However, Paul Merlo may be sidelined with an ankle injury, a disappointment for the Frenchman who was eager to face off against Herbert River’s French players.
Colby is expected to return as hooker, with Kali at lock, supported by Tate, Lachlan, Henry, and Chris. Ethan might take a spot on the bench. The coach must also decide whether to include a few under-18 players, who will have already played earlier in the day and are bound for the finals. If selected, Jye Olsen could slot in at halfback, with Hayde Munto and Luca Lago in the backs. Other potential backline players include Nemia, Iowane, Epi, with Joel at fullback.
In other news, only two games will be played in the women’s competition, as Herbert River’s ladies have forfeited to the local Hens. This result ensures the Hens finish in third place behind Centrals and Western Lions, with Brothers taking fourth.
The Reserve Grade will kick off after junior league matches on what’s being dubbed a "Super Saturday," starting from 8:30am. Reggies coach Chris Perry has his team locked in fourth place as they head into the mini semi-finals next week. Perry may see the return of Jerome Lacco and possibly Jermaine McIvor this week, which would add some much-needed size to the front line.
The Reserves suffered a defeat to the Crushers in Ingham, largely due to the presence of former River great Mitchell Seri, who controlled the game. However, Seri is not expected to play this time.
The Roosters have recorded 10 wins and a draw compared to the Crushers’ five victories, most of which were at home. The Reserve Grade match is scheduled to start at 3:15pm, followed by the A Grade clash at 5:30pm.
Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.
Deciding games will be held over the coming weekend to determine the final standings of both A and Reserve Grades before heading into the playoffs.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2023 Burdekin Life Pty Ltd.
