Thursday, September 5, 2024

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Roosters To Field Three Teams In RLT Grand Finals

The Burdekin Roosters will have three teams competing in the RLT Grand Finals this weekend, with the Under-13s and Under-18s playing on Saturday, and the Reserve grade squad taking the field on Sunday.

The Under-13s are set to face Charters Towers at 8:30am on Saturday, following a commanding 60-0 victory over the Western Lions last weekend. The Miners edged out the Roosters in the major semi-final by just four points, but with a couple of key players returning from illness, the Little Roosters are raring to go.

In the Under-18s, the Roosters will meet Brothers in what promises to be a thrilling clash at 2:00pm, also at the RLT grounds. The young Roosters boast a talented lineup, with many of them earmarked for future senior selection.

One standout is Jye Olsen, who has already made a name for himself in A-grade, winning player awards. Olsen will be a key player at halfback for the Under-18s. Another player to watch is Luca Lago, whose sharp ball skills and blazing speed have also earned him A-grade appearances this year. Speedy centre Jahi Starr and fan-favourite front-rower Llama Ghee, who has played in both A-grade and Reserve grade, will bring their experience to the team.

Ghee is also part of the extended bench for the Reserve grade Grand Final on Sunday. The Under-18 squad is rounded out by standout players like reliable fullback Adam Camer, with wingers Amadeus Bulgarelli and Kane Batchelor ready to finish off scoring opportunities. In the centres, Lincoln Boccolatte and Starr will provide strong attacking play, while the forward pack, led by Joey Southwell and Jacob Horan, will be looking to dominate with solid service from hooker Harrison Lammon.

Back-rowers Leylan Lampton and Johnathon Hunter bring height and versatility, with Jett Castello locking down the pack as a tough ball player.  

The Reserve grade bench will feature an exciting mix of players, including Brody Scrivener, Levi Ludwick, and the lightning-fast winger Maliq Ogomeni. Should the front rowers tire, Archer Swindley will step in to provide big minutes.

With such depth and talent across the teams, the Burdekin Roosters are set for an exciting weekend of rugby league action.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.

The Burdekin Roosters U18s are expected to field a talented lineup in this weekend’s Grand Final.

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