Bundaberg Bears’ best players in 47th Battalion Carnival 2023

Coach Corey Tanner says the Bundaberg Bears’ results in the 47th Battalion Carnival in Emerald, show just how much talent there is in the Bundaberg Rugby League competition.

30/04/2023 - Reece Maughan was the right choice of captain for the Bears, said coach Corey Tanner. Picture: supplied

Coach Corey Tanner says the Bundaberg Bears’ results in last weekend’s 47th Battalion Carnival in Emerald, show just how much talent there is in the Bundaberg Rugby League competition.

Tanner, who also coaches the Wests Panthers in the BRL, watched his team defeat the Central Highlands 30-10 in their first game before losing game two 30-6 to the Rockhampton Rustlers.

They came back from 18-6 down against the Sunshine Coast Falcons in their third match before losing 24-22 with the Falcons kicking a goal on the final siren to win the game.

“The team came together very well and enjoyed their time in Emerald,” Tanner said.

“To see all the young players challenge themselves against the top teams in our region was fantastic.

“I was happy with all the players’ efforts.

“We are the only top tier team without a Queensland Cup base to feed from, so it shows what talent we have in our local competition.

“The younger guys know they can compete at that level and I’m looking forward to see them play at that level again soon.”

30/04/2023 - Lachlan Patterson was the man of the match as the Bears won game one against the Central Highlands. Picture: supplied

This was Tanner’s first shot at coaching a representative side and he said he would love to have another go at it next season.

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“I have already had discussions with (BRL chairman) Mike Ireland about taking the team again,” he said.

“Let’s see what next year holds.”

The carnival was won by the Toowoomba Clydesdales who defeated the Rustlers 24-10 in the trophy final, with the Burnett Brahmans defeating Central Highlands 22-18.

Tanner said he was impressed with how the whole squad performed over the weekend in Emerald but picked five players who stood out for the Bears.

Five outstanding Bears players

Lachlan Patterson

“Lochy won the man-of-the-match award for the game vs Central Highlands.

“His strong carries down his edge were a major factor why the team went so well.”

Reece Maughan

“Captain Reece Maughan led from the front all carnival.

“He was the right choice to captain this young team and his effort was inspirational."

30/04/2023 - Reece Maughan was the right choice of captain for the Bears, said coach Corey Tanner. Picture: supplied

Ethan Ballard

“Ethan Ballard tackled everything that moved and was always there for the hard carries.

“As coach he was my player of the carnival.”

Laish Salam

“Laish Salam played out of his skin, showing why he is the most dangerous half in the Bundaberg competition.

“Some of his individual brilliance over the carnival kept us in the games.”

Chris Robinson

“Chris Robinson missed only one conversion all carnival. His ability to turn four points into six gave us the upper hand each time we crossed the line.

“His hard carries and defensive reads were rep quality and he will no doubt take that back to club land.”

Bears results

Bundaberg Bears def Central Highlands 36-4

Rockhampton Rustlers 36 Bundaberg Bears 6

Sunshine Coast Falcons 24 Bundaberg Bears 22