Unsung hero Sam Coster key for Burleigh in Intrust Super Cup prelim final against Sunshine Coast

IN a game where every little effort could prove the difference between agony and ecstasy, tireless lock Sam Coster is looming as Burleigh’s preliminary final x-factor.

IN a game where every little effort could prove the difference between agony and ecstasy, tireless lock Sam Coster is looming as Burleigh’s preliminary final x-factor.

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While the likes of Jamal Fogarty, Luke Page and Pat Politoni are household Intrust Cup Cup names, teammate Coster is among the unsung heroes in a Bears outfit that will chase a grand final spot at home to Sunshine Coast on Sunday.

Now in his third season at Pizzey Park after five years with the Illawarra Cutters, the 26-year-old has been the bedrock of Burleigh’s 2019 campaign, playing 23 of a possible 24 games.

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Averaging 84m and 32 tackles a game, sheer numbers don’t tell the full story for the Trundle product, who revels in rolling up his sleeves when his team needs him.

“Someone’s got to do all the one per centers,” Coster said.

“That’s what I like to do. It’s what I bring to the table, trying to keep my workrate up. Individually, I’m reasonably happy with the season (but) you can always look to improve in areas.

Burleigh lock Sam Coster will be a key figure in Sunday’s Intrust Super Cup preliminary final against Sunshine Coast. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“I’m just happy being a part of the Burleigh set up and playing for Jim (Lenihan, coach). It’s a good club with a good culture.

“I’m just hoping we can go all the way and win the grand final.”

Standing in the Bears’ way is a minor premiership-winning Falcons outfit that dominated the regular season before suffering a shock loss to Townsville in their September 8 semi final.

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Having downed Wynnum in the first week of the playoffs, Burleigh must now inflict the same pain on Sunshine Coast and Coster believes it is an objective within reach.

“It’s going to be a tough game but we’re feeling very confident being back at home. We feel like we’re in some good form and have the game plan to get the job done,” he said.

Coster in action for the Bears in March. Picture: AAP Image/Renae Droop

“We have just got to be smart, be patient and make sure we play the full 80 minutes. I think they could be a bit vulnerable but I’m sure they’re going to be up for it.

“I’m sure they would’ve got a rev up after the loss to Townsville so it might make things harder.”

Lenihan said Coster would be a key figure come 3.05pm on Sunday.

“Sam Coster is a good story. He’s a player who probably doesn’t get the attention of some of our other players but his work is certainly not missed by our own players,” Lenihan said.

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■ A SPOT in the Hastings Deering Colts grand final will be up for grabs when Burleigh host Sunshine Coast at 1.10pm on Sunday.

Runners-up to Townsville for the minor premiership, the Bears have taken the long road to the preliminary final after falling 24-19 to Wynnum Manly in their opening semi.

But they bounced back with a 42-12 demolition of Norths last weekend to set up a showdown with the Falcons, who thumped Townsville 24-4 two weeks ago.