Round 3
Burleigh Bears 4 l. Easts Tigers 16

2006 Wizard Queensland Cup Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: Australia > Queensland > State/Metropolitan Level Competition: Wizard Queensland Cup

Bulgarelli, Smith, Allen Bolster Tigers
Mon March 27, 2006
Source: QRL

AN UNBEATEN record. The end of a five-year hoodoo. Darren Smith back. Jason Bulgarelli back and Marty Allen set to resume his place among the black-and-golds as well. Needless to say Easts coach Michael Booth had plenty to smile about on Sunday.

Snapping one of the most frustrating runs in competition history, the Tigers found the edge over Burleigh for the first time since March 2001, clinching a 16-4 win at Pizzey Park in Round Three.

In five successive nail-biters against Burleigh, Easts had lost 17-16, 36-34, 28-26, 26-14 and unforgettably surrendered the 2004 grand final 22-18 in extra time.

Any margin would have been fine by coach Booth this time around, so long as it was a winning one.

The day started with a shock for the Tigers mentor, informed by text message that chief executive Darren Smith would be turning out for the clubs reserve grade side in the FOGS Cup.

Smith, 37, had previously signalled he would retire, but instead shaped up against a Burleigh reggies team that included the similarly ageless Tony Priddle.

Booth said it would be a see how she goes situation as to whether Smiths comeback would last and at what level he would play.

The hits kept on coming as Booth then revealed Easts had secured the signature of controversial ex-Canberra Raider Jason Bulgarelli. Bulgarelli previously featured at Langlands Park under old coach Graham Herlihy, where he regularly played centre in representative squads.

In a move that has been mooted for some time, Marty Allen has also resumed training with the club, having taken extensive time off to pursue business interests.

The problem for Booth will be where to slot back-rowers Smith and Allen, given the likes of Mark Cantoni, Steele Retchless and Marcus Jensen have been among the clubs best performers thus far.
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Booth has more than once offered his opinion that North Queenslander Cantoni is capable of playing consistently at NRL level.

Theres a lot that have gone to the NRL with half his ability, Booth said on the weekend.

Hes as good a runner as he is a defender and is just a natural athlete. Being 26 thoughunfortunately a lot of NRL clubs wont look at you unless youre 18 or 19.

Blokes like Mark can give you three or four quality years straight away. Theyre not development prospects.

The next chapter in Easts intriguing season is at home to Redcliffe next Saturday. Burleigh will aim to recover from successive losses when it faces Norths on Sunday at Bishop Park.

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