By Marina Gomide
Players from Beerwah and Maleny will be at the heart of Te Ao Mārama Indigenous Nations Rugby League’s charge toward a national title when the side contests the Gold Coast Nines Premier League grand final in two weeks’ time.
The Sunshine Coast–based side earned its grand final berth after being crowned champions at the Titan IND Brisbane Qualifier on December 14.
The victory secured Te Ao Mārama a coveted spot in the national showcase tournament scheduled for January 24 and 25 on the Gold Coast, being among 16 of the top Nines teams from across Australia and New Zealand.
Strong hinterland representation has been a defining feature of Te Ao Mārama’s rise, including Beerwah Bulldogs standouts Tristan Roselt and Kale Sheraton, as well as connections extending to the team’s coaching leadership, underlining the region’s growing influence on the representative rugby league stage.
Te Ao Mārama’s squad is drawn from clubs across the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, including the Beerwah Bulldogs, Maroochydore Swans, Caloundra Sharks and Stanley River Wolves, with the Gold Coast event offering players a rare opportunity to perform in front of national audiences and talent scouts.
Head coach Bart Hold, who is also the Beerwah Bulldogs A Grade assistant coach, was credited with steering the squad through the fast-paced tournament format with tactical precision and intensity.
According to players, Hold instilled a ‘compete’ mentality built on discipline and meticulous preparation.
His game came with previous 9s experience so his plans were tailored for the fast-paced 9PL format, ensuring that every player knew their role inside and out, making the path to the championship a strategic triumph.
Beerwah Bulldogs product Tristan Roselt, a 2024 A Grade and 2025 under-19s grand final winner, was rated as one of the standout young talents of the Brisbane qualifier, emerging as a key scoring threat under pressure and earning praise for his endurance during the demanding nine-minute halves.
Fellow Beerwah Bulldog Kale Sheraton anchored the forward pack, helping set a relentless physical tone.
His relentless approach helped Te Ao Mārama dominate the ruck as the side powered through the tournament.
Captain Julian Drinnan, who is Beerwah-bound in 2026, led from the front, praised for his “natural instinct” and elite agility under pressure. His composure and leadership were credited with driving the team to a clinical finals victory.
Over the Brisbane qualifier weekend, Maroochydore Swans speedster Ryan Hollis emerged as a breakout star, earning both Tournament MVP and Top Try Scorer honours.
Sports trainers Glenn Tomokino (also a Beerwah Bulldog), and Sammy-Jo Williams (both Beerwah Bulldogs and Stanley Rivers) were the unsung heroes. The physical conditioning and resilience of the squad were a testament to the tireless work of the trainer duo.
As the primary support staff, they were the first responders in a high-impact tournament, ensuring peak physical performance was maintained through gruelling match schedules.
Their expertise in injury prevention and recovery protocols kept the squad fit, fresh, and ready to fire.
Going into Gold Coast finals, the team is expected to lean on its mobile forward pack to control the middle of the field, creating opportunities for its strike players on the edges.
Much will hinge on the leadership of Drinnan in high-pressure moments, while the finishing ability and pace of the outside backs, led by Hollis, is likely to be a decisive weapon against top-tier opposition.
Coach Bart Hold’s rotation strategy and use of squad depth are also expected to play a key role across the two-day tournament as teams back up for multiple matches in summer conditions.
Te Ao Mārama’s success has been built on a collective effort described as “Bulldog-like” grit, with players embracing multiple roles and responsibilities in pursuit of a shared goal as preparations intensify for the Gold Coast showdown.
