‘It’s a challenge’: The target on ex-NRL players in bush footy returns

A high tackle by Sharks interchange forward Aaron Daniel on Kangaroos halfback brought the teams together, with Daniel eventually sent to the sin bin after a string of high tackles penalties in the sudden death semi final.

As the groups dispersed, Kangaroos fullback Shaun Stephens made a comment to Sharks halfback and former Dally M medal winner Ben Barba which sparked an instant reaction from the former NRL star - and a clear reprimand from the official.

“That is not in our game. Do not make comments like that on my football field or you will be sitting down,” came the stern warning.

Stephens’ exact words are not known, but the reaction and response from other players and the officials spoke volumes.

Kangaroos went on to win 38-22 and eliminate Mossman-Port Douglas from the finals, but it puts the spotlight on the extra treatment former NRL players get when they return to community rugby league.

Former NSW and Australia star Josh Dugan has been a key part of Ivanhoes’ successful run to the minor premiership as the club celebrates 100 years of rugby league.

When this masthead spoke to Dugan before the first weekend of semi finals, he said the extra attention was just a part of the game high profile footballers had to handle.

“That’s it, I got a taste of it last year playing for Orange United Warriors in the Woodbridge Cup and it was a similar sort of thing, it’s a bit of a target,” Dugan said.

“But that’s always going to happen.

“It’s a challenge for the other team to try to shut me down, and I step up for that as well. It’s been good.

“It makes me get into the game a bit more rather than sit back and watch.

“But it’s been fun, it’s enjoyable.”

Former Souths prop and England international George Burgess joined Brothers for the premiership defence midway through the season, and his big body has punished plenty of defenders in his short time to date in the Far North.

Burgess said it wasn’t something he put much thought too, but said it was simply a matter of taking it in his stride.

“I’ve not really thought about it too much,” Burgess said.

“It applies to the first 10 minutes then it wears off for everyone I think.

“Just got to have fun with it, give a bit of trash talk back and it’s all good fun and footy. It’s local footy, the crowd love it, and it’s for the community. They love getting out and seeing these battles.

“It’s rugby league at its core.”

As for Stephens, his coach Jared Allen wasn’t too concerned about any extra action, but needs his fullback to be focused on facing Brothers in the minor semi final this Saturday.

“I think it was a bit of chat on the field and there was a bit of reaction from both sides,” Allen said.

“It’s stayed on the field.”

The incident gave the Sharks a lift, in particular Barba who just minutes later split the Kangaroos defence, fended off Stephens and scored under the posts as his side scored two quickfire tries in as many minutes despite being a man down.

But it was short-lived, as Kangaroos winger Joseph Pearson scored a ripping 90m try to help send his side on their way to minor semi final.

IVANHOES OUT OF LOVE

The FNQRL top six has, at least temporarily, lost the love and support of one club after Ivanhoe Knights suffered double despair in the first week of finals.

The Knights finished third in both under-18s and reserve grade but crashed out after both lost by six points in elimination finals against the teams which finished sixth.

Under the old top five format, the third-placed team had a double chance, but they were bumped into dropzone in the new format.

“I don’t like it at all at the moment,” said Ivanhoes president Noel Slade with a laugh.

There will be even more pressure on A-grade to deliver the goods, after the Maidens won the women’s minor premiership but crashed out before the grand final.

Week two of the FNQRL finals will be played at Barlow Park on Saturday. Click here to watch the games.

EVENTFUL DEBUT

Former England prop George Burgess made a successful foray into the events business with the superb Legends Lunch.

The event brought together Burgess, his brother Sam, former England international James Graham and retired dual code superstar Wendell Sailor for a function at Brothers Leagues Club before the Rabbitohs’ NRL clash with the Dragons at Barlow Park.

Gaining experience in that world was one of the reasons Burgess signed to play for Brothers and spend the second half of 2023 in Cairns.

“We managed to pull it off which was awesome,” Burgess said.

“It was great getting my brothers involved, James, Wendell. We put on a really good event in the end and sold some tickets. It was great fun all round.”

That was a big few days for Burgess, who along with Brothers coach Jordan Biondi-Odo and head of football Tim Rumford, led the club’s All Abilities squad to meet and mingle with the Bunnies.

TRAI’S TRY TO INSPIRE

Trai Fuller’s spectacular individual try for the Dolphins in his NRL debut is the moment which can reinvigorate Hostplus Cup players.

Fuller has starred in the Queensland Cup for years but finally broke through for his NRL debut after injuries wreaked havoc with Wayne Bennett’s top squad.

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While the result didn’t fall Fuller’s or the Dolphins’ way in a 24-23 loss to the Tigers, the 26-year-old’s rise to the NRL after 81 Cup games could give current state league players the boost they need.

“It’s massive for our comp,” said Northern Pride coach Ty Williams. “He’s worked hard for a very long time and got his reward, and he’s proved you can still get there.”

matthew.mcinerney1@news.com.au

Originally published as ‘It’s a challenge’: The target on ex-NRL players in bush footy returns