Rocky Rustlers men’s and women’s teams make finals at 47th Battalion Memorial Trophy

Rocky Rustlers men celebrate after claiming prized silverware at 47th Battalion Memorial Trophy. Read who starred and what the victorious coach had to say about the win here.

Sitting in the sheds at half-time, trailing by two points in the 47th Battalion Memorial Trophy grand final, the Rocky Rustlers men knew history awaited them.

They talked about the proud tradition of rugby league in the region and what it meant to represent their city.

They realised the incredible opportunity they had to become the first Rockhampton men’s outfit to win the coveted trophy.

It clearly helped inspire them as they burst out of the blocks in the second half, scoring in their first set and going on to beat the Bundaberg Bears 24-16.

The carnival in Gladstone was particularly special for hooker Jack Pattie, who was named Player of the Final and Player of the Carnival.

He and teammates Angus Dorante (halfback) and Riley Reid (second rower) were named in the Men’s Merit Team.

The Rocky Rustlers women also made it to the final, only to be beaten 24-16 by defending champions Toowoomba Clydesdales.

Rustlers’ hooker Alenna Whipp made the Women’s Merit Team, as did Central Highlands’ duo Daniella Mudu and Casey Watkins.

Rustlers’ men’s coach Jason Green said it was a fantastic effort from his team, which will now face the winner of the QRL Northern Region on June 18 at Browne Park.

“The only way you win is by having good players, and I’m very proud of the playing group,” he said.

“They all believed in each other and worked hard for each other and they got the reward.”

The Rustlers won their opening game against the Wide Bay Rangers 20-12.

They then had an 8-all draw with the Sunshine Coast Falcons in a game Green said was probably the best of the carnival.

He described his team’s defensive effort in that physical contest as “extraordinary”.

Green also praised his team’s resolve in the decider to come back from 12-10 down at the break.

He said they ran back out on the field determined to get the win and to create a special sporting memory.

Green was impressed with the younger members of the line-up, in particular Jordan Cox, who stood tall against more experienced opposition.

He said it was a fantastic experience for them and augured well for the future of Rockhampton rep football.