October 31, 2024
The announcement of the 2024 South Burnett Rugby League “Team Of The Year” was a major highlight of this year’s SBRL end-of-season trophy presentations evening.
Players, officials, proud family members and team sponsors gathered at the Kingaroy Speedway for the awards ceremony.
This is only the second year the SBRL has named a “Team Of The Year”, made up of the best players from across the senior teams in the local competition.
The 2024 team is:
Fullback George Fisher (Cherbourg); wingers Jayden Tewes-Smallwood (Nanango) and Johnathan Walsh (Cherbourg); centres Vinnie Law (Cherbourg) and Lochlin Smith (Nanango); five-eighth Thomas Springate (Nanango); half-back Buddy Stanley (Murgon); props John Blair (Cherbourg) and Barry Tapau-Fewquandie (Cherbourg); hooker Lachlan Price (Kingaroy); second row Dillon Sullivan (Nanango) and Kaia Williams (Nanango); and lock Anthony Gray (Cherbourg). Reserves: Christian Simpson (Murgon), Jesse Button (Murgon), Josh Scott (Wondai), Dan English (Nanango), Adam Nightingale (Kingaroy), Alex Pomfret (Kingaroy).
The 2024 Coach of the Year is George Fisher Snr (Cherbourg).
South Burnett Rugby League secretary Tee-Arna Doggett compered the awards which were presented to players from Under 10s through to A Grade and representatives duties.
She said it had been another incredible season for South Burnett Rugby League.
“Despite facing some adversity at the start of the year, we pulled through together, showing the resilience and determination that defines our league,” Tee-Arna said.
“Firstly, a big congratulations to the Under 14 Kingaroy Red Ants and the A Grade Murgon Mustangs who were named premiers in their respective competitions.
“A shoutout to all the clubs for hosting exceptional events that brought us together for great causes.
“This year the Wondai Wolves hosted their biggest-ever Mini Mods Carnival. This event continues to grow year after year, and it’s a testament to the club’s dedication to developing junior rugby league in the region.”
Other highlights of the year included the Murgon Mustangs’ Domestic Violence Awareness Round, the Kingaroy Red Ants’ “Pink Day” in support of breast cancer awareness and the Beyond The Nest Camp which was the biggest camp the SBRL has ever hosted.
Tee-Arna also paid tribute to the Braithwaite family for their contributions to the league this year.
“From running and organizing the BTN camp, to co-ordinating all of our junior footy for the Under 15, Under 16 and Under 17 Eagles, the Braithwaites have been at the heart of everything,” she said.
“They’ve spent countless hours on the road, racking up thousands of kilometres to ensure kids could make it to training and games, not just for their own children but for others as well.
“Let’s not forget the monumental task of organising and feeding 400 people – breakfast, lunch, and dinner – over the 47th Battalion weekend. That’s a massive undertaking, and they pulled it off with grace and tireless effort.”
[Full list of awards below, with edited comments from the night]
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Junior & Senior Male Eagles Of The Year
2024 Junior Eagle: Harrison Braithwaite
Harrison continues to excel in his representative football duties, being one of the key performers for the Wide Bay Bulls and earning himself selection in the Under 17s Queensland Country side during the 2024 season. Harrison is a member of the Dolphins Academy, travelling to Redcliffe for training regularly throughout the year, showcasing his dedication and passion for the game. Harrison was named the Under 17 Bulls Best Back for 2024, and we are sure that he will continue to excel on the field as he moves on to a new competition in 2025.
2024 Senior Eagle: Lachlan Price
Locky had an incredible 2024 season, featuring as one of the key players for the Red Ants. His leadership and ability on the field earned him the captaincy of the Burnett Brahmans in the 2024 47th Battalion campaign.
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Junior & Senior Female Eagles Of The Year
Junior Female Eagle: Madison Holding
Madison captained the Under 17 Harvey Norman Girls and was nothing short of phenomenal. Her leadership and playmaking abilities set the tone for the team, leading them through a challenging season. Madi is a great role model off the field, too, having just been named the 2025 School Captain at Murgon State High School. Her future in rugby league is incredibly bright.
Senior Female Eagle: Abbie Renouf-Dowdle
Abbie continues to set the standard for women’s rugby league in our region. Her skill and passion for the game have been an inspiration to players of all ages, and her incredible talent was recognised by the Bulls as she was named the Senior Female Bull Player of the Year.
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SB Eagles Carnival Teams
ADRIAN VOWLES CARNIVAL
Under 14 girls, Under 14 boys and Under 16 boys sides headed out to Charleville for the annual Adrian Vowles Cup. The U14 girls travelled for the first time and made it into the Grand Final before going down narrowly to the Outback side. The Under 14 boys went through the weekend undefeated but did not accumulate enough points to move into the Grand Final. The Under 16 boys finished the weekend with two wins, two losses and a draw in a very competitive pool. Darryl Bligh, Jayden Arndell and Amber Bumstead were named the Coach’s Best and Fairest for their respective sides. Tiahna Dean, Amber Bumstead, Tiffany Williamson and Emaleigh Huth were selected in the Under 14 Girls Dream Team, with Tiahna Dean also being named the Best Forward for the Under 14 competition.
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WALKER WEEKEND CARNIVAL
Under 13 girls and boys teams competed in the Walker Weekend Challenge at Toowoomba. It was the first time a number of the boys had worn an Eagles jersey. The boys played great footy all weekend and while missing out on a Grand Final spot, showed what being an Eagle is all about. The girls were incredibly successful, undefeated and securing a Grand Final win of 4-0 and the Walker Women’s Shield. Amarliee and Gertie who were selected in the All Stars team. Gertie was named Forward of the Carnival, and Georgia Forest was SB Eagles Player of the Carnival.
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PITTSWORTH CHALLENGE
The Under 15s Pittsworth 10s Challenge Team girls were awarded the Spirit of the Carnival after a tough weekend that saw injuries shorten numbers but the girls stood up and persevered all weekend.
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U35kg ZONE 5 CARNIVAL
This year the Under 35kg boys headed out to St George for the week-long Zone 5 carnival, complemented with some fishing and a great State of Origin game! It was the first rep opportunity for a number of the boys who played this year. A special mention to Caiden Beggs (Best Back), Jack Mawhinney (Best Forward), Patty Atkinson (Most Improved); and to Caiden Beggs, Trayden Cameron and Austin Mawhinney who were named in the Easts side.
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U43kg ZONE 5 CARNIVAL
This year the Murgon Mustangs hosted the U43kg carnival, doing an incredible job! The Under 43kg Eagles went through the entire week undefeated, with only three tries scored against them out of five days of footy. The team also took home the Athletics Shield for the first time in the competition’s history. Congratulations to South Burnett Eagles Award recipients Jekobie Cox (Best Back), Riley Schulz (Best Forward) and Conor Bumstead (Most Improved). Mikey Smallwood was named the carnival’s Best and Fairest, and Riley Schulz, Charlie Johnston, Mikey Smallwood and Jekobie Cox were all named in the Country side which also won.
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PETER RAFTER MEMORIAL CHALLENGE
The rugby league community was incredibly saddened by the sudden loss of Peter Rafter, an incredible man who did so much for rugby league in outback Queensland. To honour him, the Clydesdale Challenge was renamed to the Peter Rafter Memorial Challenge. Our The Under 12 Eagles moved through their pool undefeated and made it through to play for the Spirit of the Carnival Trophy. The team started the game down to none on the bench but came out firing and did well to keep the opposition on the back foot until just before half-time. At the presentation that followed, the Under 12 Eagles took home the top honours by being awarded the first ever Peter Rafter “Spirit of the Carnival” trophy.
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UNDER 10 OPEN WEIGHT
Unfortunately, there was not a lot of football for these players this year but when they did play they gave it everything and had a good go.
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Representative Trophies
WIDE BAY BULLS U17 & U19 HARVEY NORMAN CUP
South Burnett’s Under 17 and Under 19 Harvey Norman Cup representatives showcased their immense talent and resilience all season with the Wide Bay Bulls. These young women spent more time travelling to attend training and games than most would realise, travelling three hours to train for one hour. The 2024 Under 17 Harvey Norman Cup Girls: Anna-Maree Christensen, Bella Barrett, Madison Holding, Olive Finger, Sharlece Fisher and Summer Sullivan; 2024 Under 19 Harvey Norman Girls: Abbie Renouf-Dowdle and Summer Livett-Spence. Abbie Renouf-Dowdle was also presented with the trophy for the Wide Bay Bulls Senior Player of the Year.
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WIDE BAY BULLS OPEN WOMEN
The South Burnett had a number of players from Cherbourg and Wondai selected for the Wide Bay Bulls 47th Battalion side: Belita Gadd, Elle Mollenhauer, Hailee Hearfield, Larra Duncan, Nickie Geysing, Rashonda Murray and Violet Black.
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UNDER 17 CYRIL CONNELL CUP
Harrison Braithwaite, Rowan Gordon, Sebastian King and Tito Bligh put in countless hours of travel to attend training and game days and did the South Burnett proud every time they took the field.
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FRANK FISHER CUP
Several local players head out to Mitchell to compete in the annual Invitational Frank “Bigshot” Fisher Cup, a celebration of Indigenous Rugby League talent which brings together players and communities to honour the sport and the cultural contributions of Indigenous players such as Frank Fisher. Women’s Central Crows: Traevonnah Fisher and Violet Black. Men’s Frank Fisher: Anthony Gray, Barry Tapau-Fewquandie, Fred Cobbo, George Fisher Jnr, John Blair, Lance Gadd, Norman Wragge and Paddy Alberts.
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BURNETT BRAHMANS
The South Burnett Rugby League was lucky enough to host the 47th Battalion in Kingaroy. The event was a resounding success and the Brahmans did the region proud. Although, the Brahmans lost to Bundaberg by just two points in a hard-fought opening game, they rebounded and went on to win convincingly in their following two games, securing another Plate Final win. This is the second Plate Final win in as many years. Marty McCracken and Toby Broomhall presented the players with their jerseys and trophy: George Fisher, Harry Sterling, Vinnie Law, Sata Tale, Semesa Madigicala, Lachie Smith, Xander Dunemann, Andy Champney, Lachlan Price, Kaia Williams, Dan English, Connor Sullivan, Anthony Gray, Buddy Stanley, Bailey Kimber, Dillon Sullivan, Adam Nightingale, Barry Tapau-Fewquandie and Asofono Lemalu. Best Back: Xander Dunemann; Best Forward: Barry Tapau-Fewquandie, and Best and Fairest: Lachlan Price.
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Team Awards
This year was particularly challenging for the Under 15, Under 16 and Under 17 Eagles. The SBRL was looking for a competition for the boys right up until the 11th hour and unfortunately they ended up split between the Bundaberg and Toowoomba competitions. The players, their parents and team staff travelled thousands of kilometres over the season to get on the paddock and play footy.
UNDER 15 EAGLES
Coach Nathan Prain presented the trophies: Ethan Saal, Levi Steinhardt, JD, Corey Campbell, Coby Murnane, Mitchell Prain, Jet Allen, Zac Borninkhof, Lachlan Taylor, Eli O’Brien, Jack Maudsley, Tyson Saunders, Harrison Murphy, Nate Needham, Joey Smith, Darcy Williamson, Tyrese Wortley, Henry Makie, Taryk Fitzgibbon and Cooper Olsen. And to the three who stepped up when numbers were short: Trent Sellin, Jaxon Branch and Patterson Braithwaite. Best Back: Ethan Saal, Best Forward Zac Borninkhof, Most Improved Back Corey Campbell, Most Improved Forward Lachlan Taylor, and Best and Fairest: Tyson Saunders.
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UNDER 16 EAGLES
Coach Jason Webber presented the trophies: Zach Harris, Darnell Gordon, Lachlan Ralston, Will Webber, Jamie Searle, Montrehl Tewes-Smallwood, Lawson Braithwaite, Ryan Wallace, Will Smith, Riley Gleich, Rainer Heard, Damon Cooper, Kaiden Weston, Jalenne Tapau, Isaiah Smallwood, Kenneth Davidson, Jacob Rattey and Darryl Ugle. And to the players ho stepped up when numbers were short: Jack Maudsley, Jaydarein Davidson-Prior, Lachlan Taylor, Ethan Saal, Tyson Saunders and Zac Borninkhof. Best Back: Montrehl Tewes-Smallwood and Will Webber, Best Forward: Ryan Wallace, Most Improved Back: Jacob Rattey, Most Improved Forward: Will Smith, and Best and Fairest: Lawson Braithwaite.
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UNDER 17 EAGLES
Coach Matt Jones presented the trophies: Jack Webber, Casey Jones, Rowan Gordon, Tom Larsen, Linx Harth, Rory Crumpton, Harrison Braithwaite, Thomas Frohloff, Fletcher Prain, Sebastian King, Tito Bligh, Shamus Cobbo, Dustin Ramke, Charlie Sippel, Corey McIntyre, Liam Irwin, Seth Scott, Ty Weekes and Tommy Beil. And to the six who stepped up when numbers were short: Kaiden Weston, Lachlan Ralston, Lawson Braithwaite, Rainer Heard, Riley Gleich and Will Webber. Best Back: Rory Crumpton, Best Forward: Shamus Cobbo, Most Improved Back: Fletcher Prain, Most Improved Forward: Thomas Frohloff, and Best and Fairest: Dustin Ramke
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Players’ Player Awards
This new award gave teams the opportunity to vote each week on the player who made the biggest impact in their side. The players across each club who received the most votes in total were named the winner. The 2024 recipients are:
- Under 14s – Clay Gill Jnr (Wondai Wolves) and Marlon Cobbo (Cherbourg Hornets)
- Under 15s – Cooper Olsen
- Under 16s – Rainer Heard
- Under 17s – Sebastian King
- A Grade – Dillon Sullivan (Nanango Stags) and Josh Scott (Wondai Wolves)
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Referee Awards
Thomas Carroll, from sponsors Ken Mills, presented the Referees Association awards:
- Referee’s Choice for Best and Fairest – Thomas Springate (Nanango Stags)
- SBRL Encouragement Award: Rainer Heard
- Most Improved Junior Referee: Bennett Lehmann
- Junior Referee of the Year: Blade Frahm
- Senior Referee of the Year: Harrison Braithwaite
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Points Awards
Thomas Carroll presented the Points Awards from the Senior competition:
- Senior Top Try Scorer: Jonathan Walsh (Cherbourg Hornets) – 10 tries from eight matches
- Senior Top Goal Scorer and Senior Top Points Scorer: Jayden Tewes-Smallwood (Nanango Stags) – 31 conversions from 33 attempts in fixture rounds; and 78 points
- Senior Player of the Year is a three-way tie (for the first time): Dillon Sullivan (Nanango Stags), Lachlan Price (Kingaroy Red Ants), and Anthony Gray (Cherbourg Hornets)
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SBRL Best Clubperson Of The Year
There were two recipients of the Clubperson Of The Year Award: Patrick McCallum (Nanango Stags) and Erin Schulz (Murgon Mustangs)
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SBRL Volunteer Of The Year
Anita Smith (Murgon Mustangs) was the full-time First Aid Officer for the Under 12s as well as assisting Cherbourg several times when they were short. She was also the FAO for the Zone 5 U43kgs carnival, shared the canteen convenor role for the Mustangs, was involved in grant writing and played a key role in the organisation of the Zone 5 U43kg carnival.
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Club Champions
The Club Champion Award goes to the club that has performed consistently well across all premiership grades throughout the season. This year’s champions are the Cherbourg Hornets with 23 points.
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Bill Oliver Delegate Of The Year
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Beyond The Nest Awards
Allan Trucks BTN South Burnett Values And True Spirit Award: This award recognises a member of the rugby league family who embodies the core values of our league, contributing both on and off the field. This year’s recipient is a quiet, respectful young man who is always willing to put his hand up to help. His help over the 47th Battalion weekend was invaluable and we are very proud that he is a member of our league: Tito Bligh. Also recognised with medallions were Charlie and Robbie Ashcroft, James Meagher, Patterson Braithwaite and Bennett Lehmann who went above and beyond, especially over the 47th Battalion weekend.
Blake Mara BTN Staff Appreciation Award: Nathan Prain has coached the Under 35kg side for years, and coached the Open Weighted U10s, Kingaroy Red Ants Under 11 Mulga Cup side, Under 16 Adrian Vowles side and the Under 15 Eagles in just 2024 alone.
Bobby Cuthbertson Pride & Passion Award: This award honours an individual whose passion for the game is matched only by their commitment to their club and community. This year’s recipient is a talented rugby league player who gives his all when he steps on to the field, leaving everything behind and putting his body on the line. He instils pride and passion in his game and those around him, consistently showing the right attitude both on and off the field: Riley Gleich.
