Roosters ‘ quietly confident of upset’
THE Burdekin Roosters sprang one of the season’s big upsets against Brothers, and they are hoping to do it again tonight on their home turf.
The Roosters host Brothers at Ayr Rugby Park, where they can all but lock up a spot in the Townsville and Districts Rugby League top four.
Burdekin beat Brothers 24- 18 the last time the teams met back in May, one of two losses the Brethren have suffered this year.
The result was Brothers’ first loss of the season, even though the traditional powerhouses recovered to win their next six games, while Burdekin have won just two of their past six.
The Roosters are also coming off a 30- 28 loss to Charters Towers, a result which has seen Centrals and Charters Towers move to within two wins of sneaking a finals’ berth.
“It’s always a big game hosting Brothers, but on a Friday night just four weeks before finals makes it even bigger,” Burdekin coach Cameron Miller said.
“We’ll have to be at our best to win, but we’re quietly confident.
“I’ve said it before, but I think Brothers are the best in the competition and you have to compete in every tackle.
“They have players like Jack Keller, Matt Laumea and Cade Maloney who I think are Q Cup players, and then you also have someone like Roy Baira who might be a little bit older, but he’s one of the most composed players in the league.”
Burdekin had three players – Shane Cliff, Mitchell Guy and Blake Hollywood – represent Townsville in last weekend’s 84- 1 win over Central Highlands, and the trio are expected to be on deck for tonight’s clash.
But a handful of other key personnel, including playmaker Jordan Bein are injured.
“There’s a few forwards out and Jordan Bein was great for us in that win against Brothers, so he’s a big loss.
“But we’re more than confident with the local guys we have in place, and we’ll regroup.”
The Crushers and Lions play a local blockbuster at the Townsville Sports Reserve tomorrow, and Centrals and Charters Towers clash at Bill Lewis Oval in a game that could make or break finals’ hopes.
University host Norths in tomorrow’s other game. TDRL Round 13. Tonight: 8pm Burdekin Brothers, Ayr Rugby Park.
Tomorrow: 4.30pm University v Norths, Joe Baker Field ( JCU); 5pm Western Lions v Herbert River, Sports Reserve; Charters Towers v Centrals, Bill Lewis Oval v