New and old talent in sights for Bears
BURLEIGH have embarked on a signing spree to fasttrack a 2018 assault on the Queensland Cup title.
Bears staff have busily set about building their roster in the past month, signing 18 players in the process.
The vast majority are players who have been retained, with the club showing faith in existing talent despite an injury-marred ninth place.
They have, however, bolstered stocks out wide by securing centre/winger Justin Tavae from Central Capras.
Tavae, formerly with Mackay, approached Burleigh about a transfer and a deal was duly reached.
“He is a quality player, he has played a lot of QCup,” Burleigh chief executive Damian Driscoll said.
“He is a big strong outside back so he will probably form part of that three-quarters.”
The Bears have already locked in speedsters including Kurtis Rowe, Henare Wells, Sami Sauiluma, Troy Leo and Jake Carl and expect Tavae’s arrival will add to the competition for spots.
“As Jimmy (coach Jimmy Lenihan) says to all the players, if you’re scared about playing A-grade you’re better off not being here,” Driscoll said.
Incumbent centre Connor Broadhurst has not yet signed but is expected to return for a fourth season at Pizzey Park.
Hooker Pat Politoni is another who has not put pen to paper as he awaits news on his future at the Titans.
Among the other players confirmed to wear Bears colours in 2018 are Jamal Fogarty, Matt White, Sam Coster and current co-captains Luke Page and Jamie Dowling.
Forwards Jeff Lynch (knee) and Josh Ailaomai (pectoral) will return too, having played just 70 minutes between them this year before season-ending injuries.
Burleigh won five straight matches late in the season to hint they could have taken their title defence into finals if not for an early injury crisis.
The retention drive underlines belief that they have the right mix to again challenge for the silverware, though they will stay on the lookout for fresh faces to bring in.
“Certainly the boys like playing under Jimmy and like playing here,” Driscoll said.
“We have still got to add a few more players. You can’t just rely on what you have already got, you have got to keep improving.”
Queensland Cup finals begin this weekend.
IF YOU’RE SCARED ABOUT PLAYING A-GRADE YOU’RE BETTER OFF NOT BEING HERE BEARS BOSS DRISCOLL