Bears find form as Rowe makes a call
BURLEIGH ace Kurtis Rowe will formalise his future in the next fortnight after spearheading a 38-22 win over Wynnum Manly at Kougari Oval yesterday.
With their attack rediscovering its 2016 incisiveness, the Bears have won four on the trot and could yet enter the offseason on a six-game streak.
From long being in wooden spoon contention, it is mathematically possible for Burleigh to finish as high as seventh on the 14-team ladder, though the finals-bound top six are out of their reach.
“It’s a bit disappointing that we can’t make semis but we are still hungry to win,” Rowe said.
After mustering a mere 16 points a game during the first 18 rounds, the defending premiers have averaged 32 points during their four-match run, the majority of which have been against higher-ranked sides.
Rowe yesterday again demonstrated his value as the key cog in the side’s sweeping backline movements.
The evasive fullback scored twice and had a hand in other tries, including a sublime cutout pass to Henare Wells.
Rowe and Wells have battled hard for the No.1 jersey, something which the former Wests Tigers player said had forced him to find another gear, with improving his passing game an area of focus.
“When I got pushed out onto the wing I didn’t really want to be there but I was happy to still take the field,” Rowe said. “But I did want to get back into that fullback spot and then Jimmy gave me my chance and I took it with both hands.”
Rowe said he is likely to stay for a third season at Pizzey Park in 2018 as he assesses his options.
“I’m sorting things out with the club at the moment so I will give them a final answer within probably the next two weeks,” he said.
Bears flyer Troy Leo continued his rookie season form with a hat-trick. He could have had a fourth try had an intercept attempt gone to hand.
Wynnum hit the lead after a period of shocking Burleigh discipline but the visitors found their rhythm in the second term.
At Langlands Park, Tweed Heads were walloped 44-4 by a classy Easts outfit.
The Tigers, boasting a number of NRL players including Nate Myles, Robbie Rochow and Brodie Croft, took just four minutes to stamp their authority with winger Jarrod McInally crossing for the first of his three tries. Lindon McGrady was Tweed’s sole scorer.