Stanthorpe Gremlins star Jake Burnell picked in Australian Universities Rugby League team for New Zealand tour

Stanthorpe Gremlins homegrown star fullback is spearheading a future career in professional rugby league as he prepares to play in the Australian Universities Rugby League competition in New Zealand this month. Full details here.

Known for going above and beyond in his dedication to grassroots rugby league club, Jake Burnell has been a standout player since he joined Stanthorpe Gremlins Rugby League at age 10.

The star fullback has been selected to play as part of the Australian Universities Rugby League team that’s touring New Zealand later this month.

Stanthorpe Gremlins star fullback Jake Burnell was awarded player of the year for 2022. Photo: Contributed

On top of being selected to play in university grade rugby league, Jake is currently working towards completing a physiotherapy degree at the University of Queensland and is excited to see where the future takes him.

“I’m always optimistic, but realistically I’m just trying to have some fun,” he said.

While Jake enjoys playing at both levels of rugby league, he’s certainly not forgotten his roots, describing the competitions he’s played in at the Gremlins to at times be physically tougher.

“I do find the uni comps are a lot quicker, but I (also) find the Stanthorpe comps to be physically harder,” he said.

“I enjoy playing both and it’s exciting the uni comp has led to this, I’m lucky to be part of a team where all of my teammates are playing at state and interstate levels.

“I’m looking forward to playing some good footy (in New Zealand) and seeing where it takes me.”

Stanthorpe Gremlins rugby star fullback Jake Burnell (L) will head to New Zealand this month to play as part of the Aus Uni's team. Photo: Contributed

It was no surprise to club president Roger O’Brien that Jake made the grade.

“He’s a real superstar and is still a big part of the club, he’s always gone above and beyond reffing both junior and senior grades when he’s visiting home,” he said.

“We wish him all the best in New Zealand and can’t wait to see where it leads him and the great things he achieves in the future.”

The first round of the Aus Uni’s New Zealand competition will begin on October 19, with all three tour matches to be played in Rotorua.