Harvey Norman U19s: Burleigh Bears squad breakdown and season preview
Harvey Norman U19 preview: The reigning player of the year headlines a Burleigh squad that is brimming with talent. See the must-watch players.
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A golden opportunity looms for the Burleigh Bears under-19 women on Saturday, whose match will serve as a prequel to the senior trial between the Brisbane Broncos and the Burleigh Bears.
Over 3000 tickets have been sold already, but Bears coach Ken Hargreaves will be ensuring the focus is firmly fixed on a round one win over Ipswich.
“We haven’t spoken about it too much, that’ll be more of a conversation on Saturday, I don’t want them thinking too much about the crowd that may be there,” Hargreaves said.
Burleigh is coming off the back of a solid 2024 campaign that saw them miss finals, but finish with a respectable 4-2 record, and boasts at least a handful of players that are well on the path to NRLW.
“We’re comfortable with where we are, we’ve got plenty of speed, we’re not a real big side. That will be our biggest challenge throughout the year, but we’ll play to our strengths,” he said.
“We’ve had a lot of positives and negatives (over the trial games), we’ve definitely worked on those negatives and our goal is not to be out-enthused throughout the year.
“We’ve had a big effort around our defence, which hasn’t been too bad.
“Our biggest thing is working on our attack at the moment, if we get our effort areas right we should hold ourselves in pretty good stead throughout the year.”
Discover the must watch talents in the Burleigh Harvey Norman Under-19 ranks, as well as the full squad below.
Nadia Windleborn
The hooker was selected in the Queensland under-19 squad and has plenty of experience under her belt. As such, she can control the game really well and her understanding of it is second to none. Also a creative player. Expect another strong season from her after she was crowned Harvey Norman Under-19 player of the year lasts season.
Grace King
Can play in the front row or the second row and has a Titans deal. She’s also an absolute workhorse and a player as tough as they come.
Liarna Barber
Her aggression is on another level and that is what sets her apart. She is an impressive talent and can play at second row or lock and has a Titans deal.
Bella Thompson
A very versatile player with pace to burn and lightning footwork. She is developing her power and ball playing skills. Expect her to line up at full back or as an outside back, but also has experience in the halves.
Eta Sikahele
The middle forward has a Titans development deal and is a very promising player to keep an eye on.
Aaliayah Mackenzie
The utility is one of the top talents in this Burleigh squad but is unfortunately set to miss the early part of the season with a groin strain. It’s hoped she can return within the coming month.
Natalia Vaeau
Is new to the sport and a very raw talent after crossing from touch footy, but an exciting prospect nonetheless. Has a very high ceiling as evidenced by her selection in the Queensland under-19 squad.
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