Two Junior State Wide Competitions will kick off this weekend with one game in the Mal Meninga Cup and one in the Harvey Norman Under 19 competition.
The anticipation and excitement of Rugby League in February can’t be matched and some of Queensland’s youngest Rugby League talent will get us started on Saturday at UAA Park in a massive day for Burleigh.
HARVEY NORMAN U19
The Bears and Ipswich Jets have never played each other in the U19 and Saturday will be chapter one in a lot more clashes.
Bears coach Kenny Hargeaves will be holding the clip board for for the first time in charge of the side but is pretty sure he knows what's ahead for him.
“I expect a big day, we have spoken about how it’s a chance to play in front of a big crowd before an NRL game - we are excited,” Hargeaves said.
“I expect the girls to show great enthusiasm and effort that’s what we talk about.
“We have a few players that I think will have big games and seasons in 2025.
“Our centres Brianna Toopi and Natalia Vaeau and will provide plenty of attack.
The Jets new coach and former Jet, Junior Seumanutafa from 2010, will be in charge of Jets in 2025 and has high expectations.
“Our game plan is simple but effective and that’s what I am looking for on Saturday.” Seumanutafa said.
“It’s about worrying about us and it’s going to be a big day for the Bears but you need to embrace that and be ready.
“I am ready for our five-eighth and captain Ella-Jaye Harrison -Leaunoa to be a big player for us this game and into the season.”
MAL MENINGA CUP presented by Ford
The Bears will look back on the 2024 Mal Meninga season and be happy that they were the first Bears’ team to make a Mal Meninga Cup Grand Final but then the reflection will turn to the 36-12 loss against their coastal brethren the Tweed Seagulls.
At times, the Bears at times looked a million dollars with Broncos Coby Black, Jett Bryce, Saxon Inness and Philip Coates, but when it came down to the final game Tweed proved too good.
The Bears will start 2025 against the Ipswich Jets who beat the Bears in the regular season with an upset 32-10 win.
Bears coach Will Pei is new to the Mal Meninga role but knows what is at stake.
“The Bears had a great year last year and made the Grand Final," Pei said.
“What we want from here is to keep that form going, and the effort and DNA of the Bears to come through our Meninga side.
"We will have about eight guys from last year but our halves will be different but our outside backs and middle will be similar.
“I am really excited and if I could have one thing come through from Saturday it would be effort and defence."
A young skipper makes coach Pei keen to see the Bears take the field on what will be a big day for the club.
“It’s a massive day with the Broncos playing the Bears and a big crowd for the Bears.
“I am happy for our captain, he’s young but he has ticked all the boxes this off-season and he deserves the role.
“Hayden Watson came in last year and played a few games but now he’s the hooker and captain.”
Pei will do his work on the opposition but knows this weekend will throw up a few unknowns.
“There is always that element of round one and the unknown,” Pei said.
“You can watch trials or games from last year but the turnover in his competition is a lot and you’re not going to know until Saturday.”
The Ipswich Jets will also be entering the 2025 Mal Meninga season with a new coach with Brad Winzar at the helm.
The Jets made the finals last year after winning through their pool but came unstuck against eventual premiers the Tweed Seagulls.
