Why Sam Coster is so highly rated by his Intrust Super Cup teammates

FEW outside of Intrust Super Cup circles know the name Sam Coster but those inside know exactly how important he will be to Burleigh’s chances of extending their head-to-head dominance over Tweed Heads tomorrow.

Sam Coster. Picture: SMP Images

FEW outside of Intrust Super Cup circles know the name Sam Coster but those inside know exactly how important he will be to Burleigh’s chances of extending their head-to-head dominance over Tweed Heads tomorrow.

The lock forward has been among the Bears’ best in 2018, week after week putting in all of the extra efforts that often go unnoticed.

He has featured in all 14 games this season, averaging 31 tackles and 106 running metres to help his side to second on the ladder.

For their Round 16 clash with the Seagulls, Burleigh will be without a host of their leading players – Jamal Fogarty, Blake Leary, Jamie Dowling, Josh Ailaomai and Jai Whitbread – making Coster’s contribution even more valuable.

Sam Coster does the hard yards against Mackay. Picture: SMP Images

“He is one of those blokes that people in the team realise his worth,” said coach Jimmy Lenihan. “He probably doesn’t get a lot of accolades but he certainly does a lot of the hard work and the blokes around him really appreciate him being in the team.”

Among them is hooker Pat Politoni, who does additional training sessions with Coster as they both strive for new heights.

“Coster is someone that is very important to our team,” said Politoni, who along with Henare Wells will chalk up his 50th appearance for the Bears tomorrow.

“We probably wouldn’t be as good as we are if Coster was out of the team. We love having him in our team.”

Burleigh have won the past five Intrust Super Cup clashes between the sides.