Burleigh prop Jack Buchanan says combinations remain strong for ISC premiers after Tweed trial win
Premiership-winning prop Jack Buchanan admits Burleigh will enter the new Intrust Super Cup season with a target on their backs but insists one crucial element remains as strong as ever ahead of their title defence.
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PREMIERSHIP-winning prop Jack Buchanan admits Burleigh will enter the new Intrust Super Cup season with a target on their backs but insists the combinations that carried them to glory in 2019 remain as strong as ever.
The Bears wrapped up pre-season preparations for their ISC title defence against Tweed on Saturday night, fending off a late challenge to prevail 18-10 in their trial at Pizzey Park.
With the majority of last year’s squad still intact, Burleigh flexed their muscle to build an 18-0 lead before the Seagulls scored two late tries.
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While five-eighth Dylan Phythian has departed, the Bears’ spine of Kurtis Rowe (fullback), Josh Rogers (five-eighth), Jamal Fogarty (halfback) and Pat Politoni (hooker) were all part of the squad that beat Wynnum Manly in September’s ISC grand final.
The forward pack featuring captain Luke Page and Buchanan also remains largely unchanged and the latter said new coach Rick Stone had retained the status quo following Jim Lenihan’s exit.
“He’s been pretty good, he hasn’t tried to change a whole lot. He understands over the last 3-4 years that things have worked and just added a few things to complement each player,” Buchanan said of Stone.
“Everyone is going to come out firing against us this year so we’re ready. We’re lucky that we’ve got the core of the team from last year so we’re pretty comfortable with each other and how we play.
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“I wouldn’t say (having those combinations) is a headstart but we work together well and know how each other play. It’s definitely a good start for us to start the season.
“We’ve got a lot of guys who haven’t had a taste of a grand final or won one so it definitely keeps us hungry. You’d like to be in them all so the hunger is there for sure.”
A 41-game NRL contributor for Wests Tigers between 2013-16, Buchanan said victory over Tweed was another step in the right direction ahead of Burleigh’s ISC opener at home to Wynnum Manly on March 15.
“It was a good hitout. There was a lot of cobwebs to blow out but we were pretty solid,” the 27-year-old said.
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“(Rick) was pretty happy, he was happy with our desperation in defence and that comes from having a group of guys that love playing together.
“It doesn’t really mean a whole lot - last year I don’t think we won a trial – but it’s good to get the win. We never go out to lose.”
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