Caleb Tull, Darcy Davey, Justin Asse and Kazzi Doyle to lead the way for Rustlers at league carnival

Former NRL player Bert Tabuai has taken the reins of Rockhampton’s men’s representative team that is looking to continue its run of recent success at the Central Region footy carnival. See who’s in the line-up.

Anthon Ngunz and Justin Asse will line up with the Rocky Rustlers at the 47th Battalion in Kingaroy.

Experience and enthusiasm will be key in the Rockhampton Rustlers’ bid to win the 47th Battalion carnival in Kingaroy this weekend.

The men’s team has performed strongly in recent years, breaking through for its maiden win in 2022 and finishing runners-up last year.

Former NRL player Bert Tabuai is coaching the new-look squad for the first time and is excited to see what his outfit will bring.

The Rustlers men and women will be among 15 teams in action, opening their respective campaigns against competition newcomers Queensland Outback.

The experience of Norths’ gun Justin Asse will be vital. Photo: Pam McKay

Tabuai expects the Outback men, coached by former Maroons’ utility John Doyle, to be a tough prospect.

He will be looking to the experienced trio of Caleb Tull, Darcy Davey and Justin Asse to lead the way, along with Kazzi Doyle who has played plenty of representative footy.

The team also includes plenty of point-scoring power, with the likes of Anthon Ngunz who is currently the second highest try-scorer in the Rockhampton Rugby League A-grade competition.

“We’ve gone with a youthful team this time around and with that youth, every coach would agree, comes plenty of enthusiasm,” Tabuai said.

Rocky Brothers’ winger Anthon Ngunz has scored plenty of tries this season. Photo: Pam McKay

“It’s all about those younger players connecting with the older heads in the team.

“We’re just going to take one game at a time and hopefully perform to the best of our ability.”

Tabuai said it had been a disrupted preparation with player unavailability and some late withdrawals.

“It’s all about shifting those chess pieces and seeing what’s going to work for us,” he said.

The coach is confident his players will rise to the occasion when they don the Rustlers’ jersey, keen to make their city and its supporters proud.

“We need to come together, believe in each other and take our opportunities when they come,” he said.

Ilami Buli will line up with the Rockhampton Rustlers men.

Rocky Rustlers men

Anthon Ngunz (Rocky Brothers), Bailey Cavanough (Rocky Brothers), Caleb Tull (Rocky Brothers), Darcy Davey (Norths), Ethan Jackson (Yeppoon), Ilami Buli (Emu Park), Isaiah Vailalo (Norths), Jack White (Rocky Brothers), Jackson Miller (Yeppoon), Jackson Harris (Norths), Jacob Doevendans (Yeppoon), Jesuah Wini (Norths), Jon Leefe (Norths), Justin Asse (Norths), Kazzi Doyle (Norths), Kelly Shadlow (Rocky Brothers), Kurtis Farr (Rocky Brothers), Kyidan Vea Vea (Norths), Selemaia Taungahihifo (Norths), Tate Beak (Rocky Brothers), Tristan Butcher (Emu Park).

Sarah Field brings plenty of big-game experience to the Rustlers women.

Rocky Rustlers women

Alenna Whipp (Rocky Brothers), Bronwyn Takuku (Emu Park), Eden Wone (Norths Chargers), Georgia Wright (Norths Chargers), Gracie Popp (Fitzroy/Gracemere), Janette Parsons (Fitzroy/Gracemere), Kate Ferling (Rocky Brothers), Kiarah Tull (Rocky Brothers), Lani Querro (Emu Park), Nicole Collins (Emu Park, Rianna Moore (Norths Chargers), Samartha Leisha (Norths), Sarah Field (Emu Park), Shanae Sait (Emu Park), Shonel Pope (Fitzroy/Gracemere), Tarni Smith (Emu Park), Tashina Ketchup (Emu Park), Taylor Hook (Rocky Brothers), Tiaan Harbin (Rocky Brothers).