With the encouragement of Ron Willet, a prop forward and Northern Tasmanian President from Launceston, meetings commenced with Ken Allan & Shane Bentley at Burnie’s Beach hotel.

The Northern Competition at that time comprised Burnie, Devonport, two Launceston teams, Georgetown, and the West Coast Miners (the last two are now defunct).

After six years the club parted ways with Montello and moved to the McKenna Park Regional Sporting Complex in early 2009.

Burnie has played in three Northern Grand Finals since 1997, winning one in 2003 defeating Launceston at Montello Sporting Ground in a memorable 14 -10.

Big Willie Johnson scored the winning try under the posts with Josh Baldwin converting to secure the victory on the day.