Isis Devils in Northern Districts Rugby League comp for 2023

The Childers-based Devils could not field a senior side in 2019, and had to drop out of the NDRL, but they are back in 2023, and coach Ian Kearton has revealed the players who could make all the difference.

The Isis Devils are back for the 2023 season.

After a few years in the rugby league wilderness, the Isis Devils are back and raring to go for the news season in the Northern Districts Rugby League.

The Devils, based in Childers, were unable to field a senior side in 2019, forcing the club to drop out of competition.

But in 2023, they have made a return to the NDRL, and coach Ian Kearton can’t wait for the season to get started, although he expects it could be hard work in the initial stages of the new campaign.

"Bringing together a whole new team from scratch it may take a little time to gel," Kearton admitted.

"But come the end of season, I would be disappointed if we weren’t able to be serious contenders."

The Miriam Vale Magpies will be looking to defend their premiership from last season, in which they defeated the Kolan Sharks 34-24 in a high-scoring decider.

Bailey Kimber, here playing for the Mundubbera Tigers, will be a great addition to the Isis Devils’ line-up this season. Picture: Mackenzie Colahan

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Kearton said those sides would be up there again at the end of the season but was expecting the Avondale Tigers and Gin Gin Hawks to also provide stiff opposition.

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"From all accounts, every club is looking strong and will push our players each and every week," he said.

"The players can’t wait to give our loyal supporters something to cheer about."

Kearton took time out to pick some players to look out for as the Devils look for a strong return to first grade competition.

Players to watch:

Tom Jameson. Fullback/ utility.

"Tom brings a high level of intensity to every training session and leads by example. Last year’s player of the match in the Central Burnett grand final, the Wide Bay Rangers rep will add spark to our backline."

01/03/2023 - Ian Kearton (left) will be the coach of the Isis Devils this season. Picture: Mike Knott

Chris Wicks. Centre.

"A member of last year’s victorious Hervey Bay, Chris will bring with him a winning attitude on and off the field. A barnstorming ball runner, he will give our ball players a lethal option out wide."

Zac Dann. 5/8 utility.

"Zac lives and breaths Isis Devils. After numerous seasons of first grade and rep honours, Zac will lead by example as he takes the younger players under his wing. A player that can do just about anything on a footy field."

Royce Blair. Front row.

"A local crowd favourite. A hard-running forward that on most occasions will bump off the first defender. "Another players with many years of first grade experience and rep honours, he will teach the younger players how things are done."

01/03/2023 - Royce Blair is a crowd favourite at the Devils and will be one to watch this season. Picture: Mike Knott

Bailey Kimber. Lock/utility.

"An integral member of the 2022 Mundubbera Tigers’ team, Bailey brings many good qualities to our side. He brings a combination of a tough, no-nonsense attitude with great hands and footy smarts."