July 12, 2024
Excitement is building for this weekend’s massive 47th Battalion senior rugby league carnival in Kingaroy.
A special jersey presentation event was held at Kingaroy’s Commercial Hotel on Thursday night to congratulate the South Burnett and Central Burnett players who have been selected to play for the Burnett Brahmans in the prestigious event.
A handful of former 47th Battalion rep players were on hand – especially from the 1988 and 1998 South Burnett teams – to congratulate the players and hand them their representative jumpers.
The players received a pep talk from local league legend Frank Malone, who led a victorious South Burnett side in a previous 47th Battalion campaign.
The former Hornets’ coach – a member of Cherbourg’s “Team Of The Century” – urged the Brahmans to bond during training and make friends for life.
The evening was also an opportunity for the South Burnett Rugby League to thank the sponsors who have supported the local competition this year, as well as this weekend’s carnival.
There will be a total of eight men’s teams in action this weekend as well as six women’s teams (see the Draw below):
- Men – Bundaberg Bears, Burnett Brahmans, Central Highlands, Gladstone Raiders, Queensland Outback, Rockhampton Rustlers, Sunshine Coast Falcons and Toowoomba Clydesdales
- Women – Central Highlands, Gladstone Raidettes, Queensland Outback, Rockhampton Rustlers, Toowoomba Clydesdales and Wide Bay Bulls
South Burnett and Central Burnett players have been selected for the Burnett Brahmans and Wide Bay Bulls (women) teams.
The players selected for the Burnett Brahmans are: Adam Nightingale, Andrew Champney, Asofono Lemalu, Barry Tapau-Fewquandie, Connor Sullivan, Dillon Sullivan, Harry Sterling, Lachlan Smith, Sata Tale, Vincent Law, Zander Dunemann, Anthony Gray, Bailey Kimber, Buddy Stanley, Dan English, George Fisher, Kaia Williams, Lachlan Price and Semesa Madigicala.
Coach is Rusty Sullivan, assistant coach Marty McCracken, manager Rebecca Jackson and Indigenous team manager Paddy Alberts.
The Wide Bay Bulls includes Wondai SheWolves and Cherbourg Hornettes players: Taylah Hancock, Elle Mollenhauer, Hailee Hearfield, Violet Black, Nickie Geysing, Larra Shae Simpson, Belita Gadd and Rashonda Saltner Murray.
- Related article: What Is The 47th Battalion Trophy?
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2024 Burnett Brahmans
47th Battalion veterans and sponsors presented the jerseys to the 2024 Burnett Brahmans team members:
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Thank You To Sponsors
Jerseys were also presented as gifts to sponsors, including:
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Thank You To Paddy
The 47th Battalion jersey launch also was an opportunity to acknowledge a stalwart of the game in the South Burnett, Patrick “Paddy” Alberts, and his late wife, Rochelle.
Paddy, who has captained the Cherbourg Hornets on and off for years, is also well-known for his time in rep jumpers.
He has also been appointed the Indigenous Team Manager for this weekend’s carnival.
Earlier this year Rochelle died suddenly, but that didn’t stop Paddy from leading his team – dedicated to the memory of his wife and father – to victory shortly afterwards at the Sunshine Coast Bunyas Carnival.
The Burnett Brahmans jerseys for this year’s 47th Battalion campaign all bear the words “Playing For Shelly” to recognise Rochelle’s support for Paddy and the game.
Drew Jackson, who has played both alongside and against Paddy, presented him with a Brahmans jersey.
Jerseys were also presented to Paddy’s family members, Amika Davidson and Javonne and Jordan Alberts.
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47th Battalion Draw
Here is the draw for Saturday and Sunday’s 47th Battalion carnival at T.J. O’Neill Oval (July 13-14).
The opening ceremony will be held at 9:30am on Saturday.
Entry is just $5 for adults, so get on down to the Red Ants to cheer on the Burnett Brahmans men and Wide Bay Bulls women!
