Burnie are flying high atop the Premiership ladder but coach Brett Bentley says positions are still “up for grabs” ahead of their Round 2 TRU clash with Hobart Lions at Emu Park.
Bentley oversaw two dominant wins last weekend with the first-grade Emus smashing Hobart Harlequins 55-13 on the road before the reserve graders handed Launceston a 41-10 thumping at home.
Now facing a bye in the TRU Championship (Division 2), the Burnie boss is facing some tough calls at the selection table.
“We’re definitely pleased with the results, especially going all the way down to Hobart and getting a big win, but we can only pick 23 this weekend and everyone’s putting their hand up,” Bentley said.
“We started our pre-season a little later than normal this year to keep player interest and it’s paid off with 30 plus at training each night.
“So yeah it’s great to get two big wins and we’re quietly confident of getting up against Lions but there’s a few tough calls to make before we kick off.”
The Lions head north as underdogs despite an impressive Round 1 win over University and will have to contain Emus gamebreaker Sefo Malimali for any hope of success on the road.
They’ll be joined by the TRU women’s contingent with Burnie hosting Round 2 of competition at Emu Park.
In the other Premiership fixtures, Launceston host Devonport at Royal Park, University welcome Harlequins to Sandy Bay, and Taroona travel to face Glenorchy in what shapes a fiery Eady Street showdown.
