Round One Preview

The Burleigh Bears are not shying away from the huge challenge that lies ahead of them to start the 2023 season in the Hostplus Cup.

Burleigh head up the highway on Saturday night to Bishop Park and, face back-to-back premiers, the Norths Devils.

“It’s going to be a huge challenge. I’m sure they’ll be getting a lot of Broncos back,” head Coach Luke Burt said.

“They beat us in the first round of finals last year and then went on to win the comp, so there’s definitely no lack of motivation.”

To add some extra motivation, Burt will lead the team in his first official game as head Coach, after taking over the role from Rick Stone in the pre-season.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity. Obviously, there is a bit of unknown going into our first game with a new squad. But, our job is simple, we just have to execute what we’ve done in th epre-season,” he said.

“I think they (Bears) are confident in what we’ve done to prepare for round one.”

While the Devils are expected to be bolstered by a handful of Broncos, Burt says Burleigh offer strike right across the park.

“We’ve got some exciting outside backs like young Keano Kini and Creedance Toia. Guy (Hamilton) will control the team in the halves and a few older heads like Sam Coster and Pat Politoni will lay the platform in the middle.”

Kick off from Bishop Park is at 6pm on Saturday.