RRL U19s finals: Brothers, Tannum clash after epic regular season draw
Rockhampton Brothers and Tannum Sands played out a 28-all draw last weekend, setting up for a thrilling rematch in Saturday’s under-19 elimination final. We reveal the players who will have the biggest say on the result.
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Rockhampton Brothers and Tannum Sands rounded out the regular season with a nail-biting draw, setting the stage for an electrifying rematch in this weekend’s under-19 elimination final.
There were plenty of twists and turns in their Round 14 fixture last weekend, the 28-all scoreline meaning Brothers finished fourth and Tannum fifth on the Rockhampton Rugby League ladder.
They are now gearing up for a sudden-death showdown on Saturday at Gladstone’s Marley Brown Oval, the venue for the elimination finals in the RRL’s four senior divisions.
The qualifying finals (second versus third) will be at Yeppoon’s Webb Park (full draw below).
Under-19 minor premiers Biloela have earned a week off, while Norths and Yeppoon play in the age group’s qualifying final.
Brothers under-19 coach Damian Chapman is tipping another epic battle on Saturday after last weekend’s thriller.
Tannum held an 18-point lead at half-time before a second-half resurgence from Brothers put them up 28-22, only for Tannum to level it up with a last-gasp try and sideline conversion from their in-form halfback Flynn Wiig.
Chapman said that performance illustrated the heart and determination with which his team plays.
“We showed last week when we were 22-4 down (against Tannum) that nothing is beyond us so I’m hoping they carry that into Saturday,” he said.
“Defence will be key and starting well, we can’t afford to give up 22 points again.
“We need to complete our sets and get in the grind.
“You have to take your chances when they come along in semi-finals football.”
Chapman said Tannum had strike power across the park and were dangerous on the edges.
“We need to stay focused and play for the whole game the way we did in that second half last week,” he said.
“The boys are upbeat and feeling pretty positive.
“Everyone’s improving and the big thing is they always have a go.”
Tannum coach Ryan Gerahty said his side had been building well and getting better with each game.
“The boys are up for this one,” he said.
“We’re really starting to gel as a team and put it all together.
“Brothers are a good side, they try hard, so we need to keep the intensity up for the full game.”
Gerahty said his outfit was working well off the back of try-scoring machine Caden Rea and skilful halfback Flynn Wiig, who he rates as one of the best in the competition.
He was buoyed by the way his side, after surrendering a big early lead, showed plenty of spirit to fight back and level the score in the final minute of last weekend’s epic clash.
“We’re coming good at the right team of the year and I think we’re going to give it a good shake,” he said.
Rocky Brothers
Nate Potter (centre): A real competitor who plays until the final hooter. Relishes the contest and rallies his teammates when the going gets tough. A strong ball runner and solid defender.
Darcey Gleich (centre/second row): Getting stronger with every appearance. Keen to learn and always gives 100 percent. Has great speed and good hands.
Max Clark (front row): Hits the ball up strongly, making plenty of metres, and equally aggressive in defence. A willing competitor who never shies away from hard work.
Tannum Sands
Caden Rea (centre): One of the leading try-scorers in the competition. Quick as lightning and a great defender who has really bolstered the edge.
Flynn Wiig (halfback): The team’s general, he’s taken his game to the next level in the last couple of months. A great communicator, he directs his team well and boasts a great running and kicking game.
Isaac Lee (hooker): A workhorse number nine who is tough as nails. Has really tightened up the team’s defence.
Rockhampton Rugby League Week 1 finals
Elimination finals (four versus five) at Marley Brown Oval
2.30pm: Senior women, Wallabys v Valleys
3.45pm: Under-19, Rockhampton Brothers v Tannum Sands
5pm: Reserve grade, Gladstone Brothers v Wallabys
6.30pm: A-grade men, Norths Chargers v Valleys
Qualifying finals (two versus three) at Webb Park
2.30pm: Senior women, Rockhampton Brothers v Tannum Sands
3.45pm: Under-19, Norths Chargers v Yeppoon
5pm: Reserve grade, Yeppoon v Emu Park
6.30pm: A-grade men, Emu Park v Yeppoon
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