47th Battalion 2023 teams head to Emerald
The original competition was started with teams from Maryborough, Bundaberg, Gympie, South Burnett and Sunshine Coast taking part, with Central Burnett joining the party in 1985.
Bundaberg
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With Anzac Day commemorations still at the forefront of most people’s minds, April 29-30 will be the perfect time for the 47th Battalion Carnival to take place.
The original competition was started with teams from Maryborough, Bundaberg, Gympie, South Burnett and Sunshine Coast taking part, with Central Burnett joining the party in 1985.
Those areas also provided the majority of soldiers in the 47th Battalion, hence the link.
After the formation of the Central Division through the merger of the former Wide Bay, Central and South West Divisions, the competition was expanded in 2010.
Teams will do battle from April 29-30 2023, for the 47th Battalion Memorial Trophy, donated in 1971 by Bundaberg’s Peter Marcellos, who served in the 47th Battalion in World War Two after emigrating from Greece in 1939.
Marcellos passed away in 1988, but his legacy continues with the carnival, which this year will take place in Emerald.
Speaking about the carnival before he died, Marcellos said:
“The 47th Battalion was my family and I wish to perpetuate the memory of the many friends I made, which includes those who paid the highest price in the Middle East and Papua New Guinea.”
The Bundaberg Bears will represent the Bundaberg Rugby League in Emerald, with West Panthers’ Corey Tanner handed the coaching reins for the first time.
Tanner, who is a stalwart of the BRL community, said he was excited about his coaching debut at the carnival and what his young playing squad could achieve.
“The carnival is a very important part of our playing calendar for our players and competition,” he said.
“It is a great way to gauge how our local competition is travelling, strength wise, and for us to showcase what talent we have developed throughout our region.
“The carnival is also a great way to commemorate those from the 47th Battalion.”
Tanner said he had picked a squad which would work well together.
“Our strengths lie in the fact we have selected quite a few club combinations which should assist with the team gelling together more smoothly,” he said.
“The fact that we are blooding so many young players should mean that they will stay hungry and want to compete on every play which is what is required to compete at a high level at a carnival such as this.”
Tanner said the carnival was a chance for the players to showcase their talents and also an opportunity for them to play hard for the BRL.
“I want the players to enjoy their time together and challenge themselves against the best players in the central division region,” he said.
The Bears will compete against Burnett Brahmans, Central Highlands, Gladstone, Rockhampton, South West, Sunshine Coast , Toowoomba.
“We play Central Highlands first up so that will be our first test to see where we progress,” Tanner said.
“All the teams will be very competitive, so we will have to be at our very best to progress through to the top tier of the competition.”
Coach Tanner picked five players who he expected to make a difference at the 47th Battalion Carnival.
Five players to watch
Reece Maughan - Club: ATW; Position: front row
“Reece has been given the honour of being named captain of the team.
“He is a natural leader and will lead by example. His experience leading his club side around each week will hold him in good stead to do the same for this young Bundaberg team.”
Andreas Nona - Club: Easts; Position: Five-eighth
“Andreas is a match-winner and has the ability to create opportunities for teammates but also do it solo.
“He is a very creative half and someone we will be looking for to create chances when we are in good ball areas.”
Laish Salam - Club: Wests; Position: Halfback
“Laish has the ability to slot into any team and take control. He will make sure we stick to our game plan and kick us into good field position.
“His connection with his centre and good friend Israel Power will make for some exciting raids down our right edge.”
Sam Tobin - Club: ATW; Position: Hooker:
“A crafty hooker with vision and speed to exploit lazy defenders. Sam can open the game up for us and give our halves some room to move off his runs from dummy half.
“Sam is playing very well for his club and that form should cross over in to the rep scene.”
Lachlan Patterson - ATW; Position: Second row
“Lachy is a try-scoring back-rower who has speed and footwork to trouble defensive edges.
“He is a big-game player and I expect him to have a massive carnival and play a major part in the team's success.”
Bundaberg Bears squad: Connor Yeats (Wests), Chris Robinson (Wests), Delroy Tanner (Easts), Israel Power (Wests), Beniah Kembani (Past Brothers), Andreas Nona (Easts), Laish Salam (Wests), Isaac Mielczarac (Hervey Bay Seagulls), Sam Tobin (ATW), Reece Maughan (ATW, captain), Lachlan Patterson (ATW), Bruce Ikamanu (Wests), Ethan Ballard (Easts), Brendan Grills (ATW), Josiah Alberts (Wallaroos), Viliami Molisi (Wests), Livimai Liuanga (Wests), Joshua Hill (ATW), Bailey Robertson (Wallaroos)
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