Monto Roos back in the game

Central Burnett Rugby League is excited to confirm the Monto Roos are being welcomed back to the senior competition next season.

OLD CONTENDERS: The Monto Roos are back in the Central Burnett Rugby League competition. Picture: Annie Perets

CENTRAL Burnett Rugby League is excited to confirm the Monto Roos are being welcomed back to the senior competition next season, after being unable to field a team for two years.

CBRL secretary Melinda Thorburn said after a second meeting on Wednesday night, following their recent AGM, the organisation was keen to see Monto back on the field.

"Historically they've been a really strong team," she said.

"They were always very competitive so it will be great to have them in the mix again."

Monto Roos president Damien Zieth said a shorter season and an 11-a-side format has sparked interest from players to want to get involved again.

"Having a football team is very important for Monto because we have such a rich history with league and there's also not much else for young people to be involved with," Zieth said.

"Since we stopped playing as a team I've heard many people saying how they've missed going down to watch the footy, it's something that really brought the community together."

Zieth said he hopes the local community will show the club support.

"After being away for a few years we're going to have to try really hard to get that community support back in order to have a successful season," he said.

"Hopefully we can get some sponsorships.

"We really want this to get off the ground because we don't want to be out of the competition again."

Wednesday's meeting also welcomed North Burnett Regional Council CEO Gary Rinehart as Vice President of CBRL, while all other positions remain as last season.

So far the Gayndah Gladiators, Biggenden Warriors, Monto Roos and Mundubbera Tigers have confirmed their involvement in next season's Central Burnett competition.

"There's still a big question mark over the Eidsvold eagles, basically they've been unable to form a committee and then they've always got the player numbers issue," Thorburn said.

"But we're hoping that there may be able to be an arrangement between Eidsvold and potentially Theodore, because Theodore were part of our league three years ago, so we're looking at having that fifth team.

We've definitely got the four teams, but we're really hoping to have that fifth because it will just add so much interest."

Thorburn said while strong town rivalry in the North Burnett can mean referees are relied upon for discipline, it also means there is heightened competition.

"Because the desire to win is so great, a match never has a known conclusion before it starts," she said.

"You know you're stronger teams and the ones who may not go so well against the premier teams, but you always get a good game of football.

"There were some unfortunate incidents last year but I'm really hopeful, because of the attitude that I'm seeing at meetings, that committees want to see everything improve from the standard of play to respect and discipline."