BURLEIGH BEARS

Burleigh Bears coach Luke Burt will have to fight by the defending champions without his star recruit, but the surprise return of the club’s maestro of yesteryear is primed to fill the void.

Former Gold Coast Titans playmaker Tyrone Roberts has been ruled out of the Queensland Cup season opener against Norths Devils on Saturday, with his place at the scrumbase to be taken by Guy Hamilton.

Hamilton, 27, left the maroon and white outfit at the end of a 2022 campaign in which he cemented his status as one of the competition’s leading halfbacks.

Finishing with 28 try assists and 23 linebreak assists from 22 appearances, as well as 89 running metres a game and 19 forced drop outs, Hamilton took up a pre-season opportunity with the Sydney Roosters in a bid to garner an NRL chance.

While Burt said the instrumental number seven had returned to the Glitter Strip for “personal reasons”, his inclusion would offset the loss of five-eighth Josh Rogers (Broncos) and fullback Taine Tuaupiki (Warriors).

And he said after training under master coach Trent Robinson, “an improved Guy Hamilton” was set to take the field.

“I’m sure there were another 10 Queensland Cup sides who would’ve loved Guy, but he chose to come back to the Bears and he pretty much said there was no other club he’d ever go to,” Burt said.

“I think he’s had a few little additions, the way the Roosters train they’re an amazing outfit and club. I know Trent Robinson and what he brings to the table and he’s an excellent coach. “The learning under him that Guy has got has helped with a bit of composure and a few things in his game will be an asset for him this year.

“There’s still a few areas he wants to improve in, his running game is a strength of his and being super critical he could do slightly more because he’s a real threat. He’s fast, has good footwork and he’s tough.

“He’s working hard on his kicking game and understanding how important to end our set finishes are for us; I think being at the Roosters all those little areas would’ve been fined tuned.”

While 2023 may be a period of rejuvenation for the Bears to cover an exodus of talent, Burt confirmed a local toiler would be given every opportunity to impress at the top.

Former Tugun Seahawks enforcer Matthew Koellner was given a train and trial opportunity at the start of the pre-season, and Burt declared the prop would be a factor at some point this season.

The reigning joint-representative player of the year with the Gold Coast Vikings, Koellner will be out to add to his solitary QCup appearance (with Tweed), and his new coach said there was enough “x-factor” in him to be a key cog throughout the campaign.

“When his moment comes, and it will, there’s no problem at all,” Burt said.

“Matty has a bit of x-factor; he’s a decent ballplayer and can play on the edge, he’s got a handy offload on him too.

“Matty will play a role throughout the season; he just missed out on selection with a few Titans boys coming back but he’s right in the mix and he’s a huge addition.”

FULL BURLEIGH SQUAD — INCLUDING LIKELY TITANS ALLOCATIONS TO PLAY — BELOW

Outside Backs — Keano Kini, Conor Carey, Heath Gibbs, Dante Lusio, Toby McIntosh, Nick O’Meley, Kea Pere, Sami Sauiluma, Matiu Stone-Dunn, Creedance Toia, Damon Somerville

There is so much raw ability in Keano Kini that Burt believes all he needs to do as his coach is allow him to make use of those talents.

The Titans youngster announced himself to the NRL with a star showing in the trial clash against the Brisbane Broncos, finishing with 143 runnings metres, three tackle busts and a linebreak.

Kini, 18, will don the number one jumper on Saturday in place of Tuaupiki, and Burt said there were plenty of similarities in the pair that should make the transition somewhat seamless.

He said while a move back to the colts competition in April could be on the cards, ultimately the fullback spot was the Palm Beach Currumbin product’s to lose.

“I think he’s shown he’s more than capable of handling this level. It will be a wait and see (approach) but the plan at the moment is he gets his jersey and if he goes well he’ll keep it all year,” Burt said.

“You don’t want to coach the natural ability out of him. I don’t want him to become a robot. “His strength is his running game and he is super tough. He’s not the biggest guy, he’s not too different to Taine Tuaupiki; he’ll take the line on and as the year goes on we’d like to see him progress into the ballplayer slightly more.

“But he’s one of those kids you don’t want to take away his strengths and the way he plays football to get to where he is.”

Halves — Guy Hamilton, Tyrone Roberts, Tom Steadman, Shallin Fuller

While Roberts will be a major loss for the opening clash, Burt has expressed his confidence that another recruit will be more than capable of filling the void.

Former Northern Pride five-eighth Tom Steadman has arrived on the Glitter Strip with a point to prove, having had a below par campaign on the back of an outstanding 2021.

The 23-year-old opened his QCup career with 18 try assists from his first 17 games, however last year that dipped to just two.

But Burt declared the developing talent had all the makings of a main figure in his line up moving forward, and would forge a palpable pairing with Hamilton against the Devils.

“Tommy has been outstanding this pre-season, we probably weren’t expecting to have Guy Hamilton back and Tommy pretty much was the man that led the boys around in pre-season and did a fantastic job,’ Burt said.

“I’m more than confident with Tommy being in the halves there with Guy in Round One. Yes Tyrone is a big out but I’m comfortable with the two we have there.”

Forwards — Sam Coster, Dylan Kelly, Matthew Koellner, Isaiah Latu, Elifasa Leilua, Jeff Lynch, Emry Pere, Hayden Schwass, Jayden Sharp, Lochlyn Sheldon, Will Swann, Liam Wiscombe, Adam Christensen, Pride Petterson-Robati, Tyrone Amey, Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui, Josiah Pahulu, Jacob Alick

Season 2023 will mark two narratives for the Burleigh forward pack: one of redemption, another of a rising star announcing his NRL intentions.

Veteran prop Jeff Lynch will make a comeback from his third knee reconstruction in Round One; the culmination of extensive work behind the scenes to ensure he returns to the field.

The 29-year-old has been involved in NRL systems at Canberra and on the Gold Coast, however his horror run with injuries has kept him away from a first-grade debut.

But Burt said Lynch had shown enough to suggest he would be back with a vengeance, and looms as the perfect impact forward to carry on his bench.

“You can’t fault his commitment to wanting to get back on the field. He’s worked so hard and I’d love nothing more than him having a good solid season and play the majority of the games,” Burt said.

“He’s one bloke who has gone through hell with the knee reconstructions he’s gone through, but he’s worked hard, he’s gone to every single avenue to make sure he’s fit and ready to go.”

Meanwhile, this campaign could be what announces Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui to the world as a genuine NRL star of the future.

The younger brother of Titans captain Tino, Fa’asuamaleaui will be given every chance to command the starting front row spot as his own.

Last year much of his football came off the bench, averaging 74 running metres a game.

But now Burt believes the time has come for the young gun to be a consistent bookend from the opening whistle.

“He’s going to get better and better with a couple of NRL pre-seasons under his belt. You know what you’ll get in a match,” Burt said.

“He’s very honest and plays big minutes and he doesn't let you down with the little jobs that every coach wants their players to do.

“He does some little things people don’t see, he’s so reliable and I think he’s only going to get more physical with another 12 months under his belt.”

Hookers — Pat Politoni, Vaka Sikahele, Jordan Scott

A veteran rake of the club may have a mortgage on the number nine jumper, but an emerging Titans rookie could be the key to unlocking an explosive ruck for the Bears.

Vaka Sikahele will make just his second QCup appearance on Saturday, where Burt expects him to also play a role as an energetic middle forward.

The youngster was given a chance to don the Titans colours in the trial contest with the Broncos; during which he scored a try, ran for 65m including a linebreak and made 11 tackles for no misses.

While Burt said Pat Politoni would own the hooker role moving forward, Sikahele’s versatility could be the secret to generate a faster ruck throughout 2023.

“His leg speed and carries through the middle will really do some damage when the opposition middles are tiring. He’s got a great carry, he’s powerful and strong and has quick play the ball,” he said.

“Ruck speed is very important, especially with the six again it’s very important to get that roll on through the middle. But in saying that, I don’t see Vaka becoming a full time middle.

“He’ll be a full time dummy half but it’s just getting him used to this early stages of his career and the speed and defensive side of things.

“We won’t put that strain on him to be an 80 minute hooker at the moment, he needs so get used to that level and in time he’ll progress.”

TWEED SEAGULLS

A brigade brimming with youth and exuberance is headed for Tweed, and Seagulls coach Dave Penna has thrown his support behind the emerging group.

Spearheaded by Titans rookies Jaylan De Groot and Oskar Carter, the developing crop of talent have been primed to assume greater responsibilities in the Queensland Cup.

De Groot will make his senior debut off the bench, after playing trials for the Gold Coast in the past two seasons, as will Bryant in relief of starting hooker Daniel Ross.

Kaleb Ngamanu will add to his four Seagulls caps on the wing, while the likes of Max Liles, Jesse Jackson and Ryan Jones will continue pushing their cases at Piggabeen throughout 2023.

Penna’s side has undergone an exodus of experience in the off season, with Scott Galeano, Joshua Patston and Charlie Murray earning NRL chances in the Melbourne Storm’s feeder system.

However the new coach believes the next generation have the tools to dominate at this level.

The versatile De Groot, who can play across the backline, turned in a powerhouse season for the colts last year, finishing with 19 tries courtesy of his instinctive support play.

“Jaylan looks like he’s older but he’s the same age, they all came through and played football together. He’s is a very smart young player, he knows the game really well and he’ll fill in and do a job,” Penna said.

“They’re all fantastic kids; they wear their heart on their sleeves and that’s what you want. We have to keep working with them and keep helping them try to get to where they want to get to.

“We lost a little bit of experience and some quality players who we’re really happy for who have gone on to bigger and better things, and that just opens the door for our younger guys to step up and take on a little bit more of that responsibility.”

The Seagulls will take on the Capras on Saturday in Rockhampton to start their season.

FULL TWEED SQUAD — ALONG WITH LIKELY TITANS ALLOCATIONS TO PLAY — BELOW

Outside Backs — Jaylan De Groot, Harry Fraser, Ryland Jacobs, Lamar Liolevave, Jacob McCudden, Lindon McGrady, Malachi Morgan, Kaleb Ngamanu, Logan Radzievic, Ioane Seiuli, Lee Turner, Treymain Spry

He announced himself as one of the best finishers on the Gold Coast. Now Malachi Morgan is on the cusp of finding a whole new level.

Morgan finished equal top of the Rugby League Gold Coast’s try scorers tally last year (14), and proved instrumental in Southport’s charge to the premiership.

He went on to feature in the Cook Islands’ squad at the World Cup last year, and now he will tussle for a place on the wing among the likes of Ryland Jacobs and Kaleb Ngamanu.

“Mala has had a really good pre-season, he’s done well in the trials and at some stage will get some footy,” Penna said.

“Let’s hope he scores a few, as long as he stops as many. They’ve all just worked hard, everybody came in with the expectations and we made it clear early everybody has to fight for their position and work hard.”

One stable presence in the backline will be skipper Lindon McGrady, who seemingly becomes better and better with age.

The 29-year-old notched 100 QCup games last season, and while Penna joked he was the “old man of the crew” he was playing as though he was the youngest.

McGrady made 21 appearances in 2022 – accumulating 19 try assists and 20 line break assists while kicking 63 goals. Defensively he was also rock solid with an efficiency of 87.5 per cent.

Halves — Will Brimson, Max Liles, Toby Sexton, Tom Weaver

It will be a look to the Titans future when the Seagulls kickstart their campaign.

Toby Sexton has come through a trial by fire on the back of his early days in the NRL, and having been unseated by Tanah Boyd will be out to prove he is the man to command the number seven jumper for the years to come.

Meanwhile, Tom Weaver has been earmarked for higher honours ever since he dominated the Langer Trophy for Palm Beach Currumbin, and after playing his first two QCup games last year will be out to cement himself at the top.

While both see themselves as dominant halves, Penna said his brand of football would not require one man to command proceedings.

He said wherever the duo saw an opportunity they would be given full license to roam and attack.

“We don’t have a dominant half role. I’m a big believer you have quality players and wherever they put themselves in the game I’m happy,” Penna said.

“It’s only a number they wear on their back, they have a license to play well … and make sure they get their hands on the ball as much as they can.

“Tom and Toby have been terrific young players for a number of years now. They’ve come right throughout our systems and they’re well entrenched in the Titans program there now.

“I don’t have big expectations on those boys, hopefully they get to play really well and keep working hard on their craft.

“Playing in the halves is a tough position but they’re looking to play NRL and hopefully we can get them there.”

Max Liles is set to steer Tweed’s colts outfit, while Will Brimson’s versatility will be a factor once he returns from a one week suspension.

Forwards — Luke Burton, Ryan Foran (injured), Jack Glossop, Jesse Jackson, Ryan Jones, Lloyd Perrett, Jaron Purcell, Brandon Russell, Jaleen Seve, Reece Summer, Eli Tuli, Jayden Wright, Khyan Weir, Connor Ziebell, Klese Haas, Joe Vuna

He has arrived from Newcastle with his eyes on the big time, but Jaron Purcell’s first job will be to replace an outgoing champion.

Purcell will assume the number 13 jersey previously donned by Joshua Patston, who will now line up for the Sunshine Coast Falcons through his Storm affiliation.

The 22-year-old was on the cusp of an NRL debut with the Knights, having featured at times in their extended game day squad, and a pre-season with the Titans could be the fuel that launches him towards a breakout campaign.

A staunch defender with plenty of ball playing ability, Penna said while Purcell had big shoes to fill he would not be expected to do anything more than his role.

“Jaron is young fella who is still working really hard on his game and wants to get better each week,” Penna said.

“He’s worked really hard in the pre-season and for him I’m not putting pressure on him.

“As long as he puts his best foot forward and works hard for his teammate that’s all I can expect from him.”

With JJ Collins also gone from Piggabeen, having picked up a deal with the Dolphins, former Manly and Bulldogs enforcer Lloyd Perrett is set to assume the mantle of front row leader.

Hookers — Oskar Bryant, Tanu Nona, Daniel Ross, Brent Woolf, Chris Randall

His schoolboy days are behind him, and now Oskar Bryant has the chance to show the Titans he is their future in the number nine jumper.

The young dummy half was influential for PBC in their Langer Trophy success, transitioning to the Tweed colts side with aplomb after that.

Having spent the past two pre-seasons training with the Gold Coast’s NRL squad, which he will continue doing throughout 2023, Bryant will relieve Daniel Ross off the bench in Round One.

Penna said from what he had seen since taking the Seagulls reigns, Bryant was well equipped to handle the rigours of senior football.

“Oskar is learning and it’s a tough position he plays in. But he’s done a really good job in the pre-season, he’s getting better as he gets older and I’m not putting pressure on Oskar,” he said.

“Obviously he’ll come on and take a little bit of the sting out of the game, but he’s a smart player who plays eyes up and what’s in front of him. He’ll ask a lot of questions of the defence.”

Brent Woolf and Chris Randall are both nursing injuries, however are not expected to be ruled out for extended periods.

nick.wright@news.com.au