Berwick Bandits fans, get ready to dream big! Jye Etheridge, the club's skipper, believes the 2026 lineup has what it takes to shatter the 'almost but not quite' curse and bring home some serious silverware.
Returning for his eighth season with the Bandits after a stint with rivals Workington, the Australian racer (who literally lives a stone's throw from Shielfield Park) is brimming with optimism. He's not just talking about squeaking into the playoffs – he's eyeing finals appearances across the board.
"There's no reason we can't reach the finals, or at least the semi-finals, in every competition," Etheridge boldly declares. "Leading my hometown club to the finals as captain would be incredible."
And this is the part most people miss: Berwick has consistently been a whisker away from glory. Last season was a heartbreaker, but Etheridge sees a different future. "Imagine a semi-final at Shielfield against one of the big teams," he envisions. "We'd pack the place out, the atmosphere would be electric!"
But here's where it gets controversial: Can the Bandits truly break through and challenge the established powerhouses? History suggests it's a tall order, but Etheridge's confidence is infectious. Is this the year Berwick finally sheds its 'nearly men' label? Let us know your thoughts in the comments – are you a believer in the Bandits' 2026 revolution?
(By the way, we use cookies to personalize your experience on our website. You can manage your preferences in our Cookie Settings.)
