LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN
BILAMBIL’S BIG DAY OUT
STORMS were feared to put a dampener on the opening day of the Rugby League Gold Coast A-grade season – but it wasn’t clouds that rolled in.
Instead, it was a convoy of cars to line up along the hill opposite Bilambil’s clubhouse, with the Jets army growing by the minute as the countdown to their side’s Round 1 kick-off neared.
They weren’t left disappointed.
Car horns were soon honking as the Jets ran away 46-12 winners against Ormeau to sound a warning shot to the rest of the competition that they are not to be taken lightly.
RLGC has a tradition of starting the season with a bang in the form of a gala day whereby all four matches are played at one ground.
Bilambil missed out on hosting last year due to flooding but got their turn this time, drawing 1000 people through the gates.
From the first match – Currumbin beating Southport in a 30-26 thriller – talk circulated of how close this year's competition will be.
Traditional heavyweights Burleigh and Tugun have come back to the pack while many of the lower-end clubs from last year have taken big strides forward.
From the scores alone, Ormeau had a tough start in their mission to bounce back from a winless 2017 but many feel it is only a matter of time before they spring a surprise under the watch of new coach Julius Kuresa.
There were regular heated moments in the Tigers-Eagles opener but there were plenty
of laughs shared off the paddock throughout the day.
Bilambil president Ryan Helton praised the football community vibe on display and gave the move to have all eight clubs open their season one after the other a big thumbs up.
“I think it’s a really good concept having all of the Agrade teams on the one ground,” said Bilambil president Ryan Helton.
“Everyone gets to have a look at how every other team has recruited and how they are looking for the season.
“It brings the whole competition together and there’s friends across different clubs and teams.”
Unable to match the budget of their rivals, the Jets are reliant on developing and retaining their junior talent and yesterday fielded a top 17 in which 14 were homegrown products.
It’s an approach that took them to the final four last season and hopes are high for 2018 after a big win to kickstart their campaign.
As for the forecast, the weather gods were smiling on the Jets this time as the day proceeded with no more than a morning sprinkle.