We haven't had to wait long for an out-and-out blockbuster in BRL season 2024, with 2023 minor premiers Bulimba taking on West Brisbane at Balmoral Sports Reserve from 3.15pm.
The Bulldogs have named an electric backline with Tahj Wood, Zak Tabi and Saimone Ahomana to add to the brilliance of the 2023 form halves pairing of skipper Brad Russell and Hayden Herbert.
Russell told BRL Weekly: “We can expect sides to come at us hard. We were minor premiers last year and had a good run, but we are still a small club, we don’t have a big clubhouse, so we are the underdogs and we like to fight above our weight”.
Round 1 kicks off 15 minutes earlier with Carina hosting Normanby at Leo Williams Oval.
The Tigers will be out to put an 80-minute effort onto the park, something they were rarely able to do last season. The Hounds also had times of brilliance and will look to come out of the blocks and put two solid halves of footy together.
Brighton will kick start season 2024 at their fortress on Jim Lawrie Oval.
They will host Valleys at 4.30pm and will look to continue their winning ways in the regular home and away series.
They were undefeated for the second half of the season.
The Roosters will be led upfront by the Brayden Dee 'Beast' with Dilbert Issac returning after stunning 2023 for the tricolours.
For Valleys, they have the mischievous Josh Fauid and partner in crime Tom Best in seven and six, behind a huge blue-and-white pack.
Redcliffe will open their return to the Premier A grade competition when they host Souths Juniors at Kayo Stadium.
The Dolphins ae an unknown entity. Michael McGrath will call the shots from fullback having plenty of A grade experience.
Half Thomas Casey can be a menace, with big humans Tauaalo Vaipulu and Jacob Sturt out to put other front row combinations on notice.
The Magpies have once again listed firepower out wide. Speed machine Chris Humphris and regular try line finder Jacob Tonge will prove a handful against the prodigal 'Phins.
Premiers Wynnum Manly Juniors host Beenleigh at Kitchener Park to round out the first Saturday from 4.30pm.
The Pride have named double trouble with LJ Waddups and Hayden ‘Handful’ O’Hara in the halves, combining with super mover Ty Han at fullback.
The Seagulls, shooting for their fifth BRL title, will need to be on their chip stealing toes as look to defend their title.
