Roosters pummel premiers

BURDEKIN and Centrals are set for a midweek playoff to decide the last spot in the TDRL finals after the Roosters claimed a sensational 40-14 win over the reigning premiers in Ayr on Saturday.

Roosters winger Eli Carter Nareki and backrower Kiniviliame Nauvasi both scored doubles in the seven-tries-to-three win that saw Burdekin and Centrals finish level on 38 competition points.

It means the Roosters and Tigers will face off again in Ayr on Wednesday night with the winner to then take on Western Lions in this weekend’s minor semi-final.

Burdekin has enjoyed a stunning resurgence in 2019 after failing to win a game last season and the victory over Centrals was their fifth in a row.

The club recruited strongly with seven players from Fijian backgrounds led by playercoach Kaliova Nauqe to complement their local talents, but president Mick Brombal admitted the Roosters had still exceeded expectations this season.

“I’m lost for words to be honest because I just didn’t expect us to be where we’re at,” Brombal said.

“This year was just to become competitive. I have always said it wasn’t about winning a premiership this year. It was about getting the club back on track and look where we are.”

Meanwhile, Brothers clinched the minor premiership in style with a 66-6 win over Charters Towers in their annual clash for the Donna Stevenson Memorial Shield at Jack Manski Oval.

John Cullen, Michael Parker-walshe, and Ty Carucci all scored doubles as Brothers warmed up for their major semi-final against traditional rivals Herbert River.

Western Lions also showed their attacking flair with an 84-12 win over Norths at Peggy Banfield Park as fullback Jake Riley bagged four tries and halfback Jacob Bourke scored a hat-trick.