Rocky junior GFs ready to roll

The RDJRL will conduct their International Grand Finals on Saturday, June 25, at Browne Park. Semi-Finals were completed on Wednesday and Saturday to finalise the Grand Final spots.

Semi-Final results, Wednesday Night

Semi-Finals results, Saturday Afternoon

Grand Finals, Saturday, June 25

Gates Open 8.30am

9.30am: Under 13 – Gracemere v Brothers

These sides met two weeks ago in the first semi-final with the Cubs getting away with a win in the final moments and getting the week off.

Brothers hit back with a solid performance against Norths last Wednesday and are looking at that return to form this weekend.

Both sides have plenty of talent; Gracemere will look to Capra’s players Corey Johns, Jaydan Williams and Joshua Grange to lead from the front while Brothers have the two Flynns, Thomasson and Kelso returning with Flynn Kelso also being selected in the Central Crows side.

But it may be the non-representative players that may hold the key to this one.

A great start to the day and this one could go either way. Best of luck both sides.

10.35am: Under 14 – Yeppoon v Emu Park

This is a replay of last year’s grand final and don’t be surprised to see a very tight contest.

Yeppoon have had the edge on the Emus this year and their form in the back end of the year has been second to none.

Emus had a tough hit out against Brothers in the semi-finals and that could harden them up for this encounter.

Both sides have plenty of talent and it could be that individual spark that gets one of these sides home.

Look out for Yeppoon to lay the foundation through Jack Mayes and Kolby Green and send the ball wide to Blake Laherty and Luke Stenhouse while for Emu Park Lucas Schmidt, Aarre Hirsimaki and Larson Dale-Doyle will be prominent in attack.

11.40am: Under 15 – Fitzroy v Brothers White

Fitzroy enter their second Grand Final in a row undefeated and are looking to avenge last year’s defeat in the decider to Emu Park.

Fitzroy have accounted for Brothers White this year and they have been the surprise packets of the finals series, accounting for Yeppoon last weekend.

Fitzroy have a strong pack and will look to captain Austen Routley to lead from the front along with the Comiskey boys’ no-nonsense play and hard-nose defence.

Brothers have proven they can now mix it with the best and have a strong forward pack lead by Tolsen Loram, Riley Clarke and Benjamin Farr.

Fitzroy have to go into this match as red-hot favourites but this is a decider and as we saw last year anything can happen on the big stage. This match should provide plenty of entertainment.

1pm: Under 16 – Cap Coast Brothers v Brothers

These two sides met in the first week of the finals and could not be split in regular time and only a late penalty goal after the siren of the second period of extra time gave Cap Coast the week off and a Grand Final berth.

Brothers have hit back with a strong win over Norths last Wednesday and will have that form leading into this decider.

Cap Coast have been the real improvers in 2016 and have been lead well by Capras players Troy Richardson, Jackson Phillips and new boy Kano Fanthorpe.

Brothers have a raft of representative players and will look for their input to get victory. Montell Lawton comes off a successful Capras campaign on the weekend and will be backed by Cyril Connell players Isaac Bulsey, Alex Gilbert and Thomas Farr.

2.20pm: Under 18 – Cap Coast Brothers v Brothers Blue

The final match of the day will be an absolutely great contest.

There is plenty of history between these two sides who met in the past two deciders in under U15 and U16 finals, which they have shared one a piece.

These are skilful and physical sides with talent all over the park.

Cap Coast took the early passage with a commanding victory over Fitzroy in week one, while Brothers Blue have come from third spot with a large number of players representing the U18 Capras early in the year.

They both have very competitive and tactical coaches in Brad Nevan and Mick Busby and there could be plenty of points on offer here. With Cap Coast boasting players such as Blake Pye, Jack Pattie and Bryn Callaghan taking on Brothers with recently selected Queensland School Boy player Sam Murphy, twins Zac and Kobie Hetherington and Josh Wilkinson, this match is sure to entertain.

Given the history of these sides in deciders, the team that holds its nerves may get away with this one. My suggestion – get down to Browne Park and watch the future of rugby league.

Thanks

The RDJRL would like to thank all their sponsors: Rockhampton Leagues Club and Dawson Road Butchery. The Rockhampton referees association needs a big thank you with some weekends having so many games referees have driven all over the Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast to service games.

To all the players, coaches, support staff and supporters for giving up their time to support the competition.

To the Under-18 players leaving the junior competition who have been playing here for many years, we hope you have success in senior rugby league wherever that may be as well as success in your future endeavours off the field.

Central Crows reps

The RDJRL would also like to congratulate the following Central Queensland Capras players for their selection in the Central Crows sides that will compete in the Junior State Carnival.

Under 13 Boys: Brayden Duffy, Flynn Kelso, Mitchell Biddulp.

Under 14 Boys: Blake Lahety, Kolby Green, Jack Mayes, Cane Comiskey.

Under 16 Boys: Rory Noonan, Jeremiah Naawi.

Under 14 Girls: Aria Hudson-Davies, Haylea Lonegan.

Under 16 Girls: Arnika Cave, Georgia Wheaterly, Mookie House, Mackenzie Reid, Laken Patai, Macey Finlay.