Burleigh coach Matt Foster says under-20s graduates could be key to RLGC A grade title defence
Uncertainty surrounds the make-up of Burleigh’s A grade squad ahead of their premiership defence but coach Matt Foster says some key reinforcements are ready to make their mark.
NRL
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THE core of Burleigh’s successful under-20s outfit may now hold the key to the club’s A grade title defence as coach Matt Foster plays a recruitment waiting game.
With a host of players still pushing for Intrust Super Cup spots with the Bears, Foster remains in limbo as he tries to piece together his 2020 A grade squad.
Tyronne Roberts-Davis (relocated), Tyler Sparks (retired), Josh Ailaomai (Mudgeeraba), Caleb Anderson (work) and Api Noema-Matenga (France) are confirmed departures from the squad that romped to last year’s premiership, though the latter could yet return before season kick off in April.
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Among the players who will help fill the void are Lochlyn Sheldon, Shallin Fuller, Andrew Scougall and Taine Tuaupiki, who have all graduated from the Burleigh under-20s after helping them reach last season’s grand final.
The club has also picked up hooker/lock Danny Kerr (Newcastle), former Broncos under-20s prop Tim Wolens and lock Blake Midson (both Ormeau) but their A grade availability will hinge on ISC selections.
Despite the uncertainty, Foster is confident the Bears will again be a premiership force.
“Pre-season has still been pretty good, the squad has stayed reasonably stable,” the Englishman said.
“We’re always going to be competitive by the nature of who we are and the access we have to players compared to other teams.
“We’ve had a few (players) leave but when they leave it’s a chance for others come in. I’m kind of rolling and working in with Q Cup and everyone is coming over and trying to get into Q Cup.
“I never worry too much at this point. I’ve done it in previous seasons where I’ve tried to work out my strongest 17 and it’s never anywhere near what actually goes into Round 1.
“We had a pretty good 20s team last year and there’s about 5-6 players that are too old so now will be with us and looking to push on. Something I stick to and work to is I look at developing players to find their level, whether that’s NRL or Q Cup or whatever.
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“At the moment we’re looking at developing skill, we’re looking at our basic patterns of play.”
Burleigh will host a Nines tournament at Pizzey Park next month, with teams from eight clubs set to take part.
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