LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Burleigh Bears, a proud affiliate of the Broncos, have etched their name into the history books by storming into the highly anticipated Grand Final of the prestigious Mal Meninga Cup.
With a magnificent four-game winning streak under their belt, the Bears are oozing with confidence as they gear up to face off against the table-topping Tweed at the renowned Kayo Stadium this Saturday.
Coach Ben Linde has masterfully orchestrated his squad to peak at the business end of the season, with standout performances from the likes of Bailey McConnell pulling the strings in the pivotal five-eighth role, Brady Turner dominating the field in the front row, and a handful of Broncos-listed players such as Coby Black, Jett Bryce, Saxon Innes, Phillip Coates, and Disharne Tonihi making significant contributions.
The Bears kicked off their exhilarating postseason run with a sensational 34-20 victory over the Wynnum Manly Seagulls, with Innes and Coates showcasing their prowess by each notching up a brace of tries.
In a thrilling second Qualifying Final showdown, the Bears delivered a jaw-dropping upset by toppling the reigning champions, the Redcliffe Dolphins, on their own turf.
The atmosphere was electric as the Bears and Dolphins engaged in a fierce first half battle, with Redcliffe drawing first blood as Wynyard darted over the try line in the early stages, only for Puru to respond swiftly for the Bears.