Junior Development [Archive] - Page 23

mdrew

18-12-19, 06:10 PM

The 2019 season that was for Titans contracted Jayden Campbell who is currently training with the Titans NRL squad:

Jayden Campbell started at fullback for the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts side in Round One in their 24 all draw with Norths with Jayden Campbell kicked three from four conversions and a last minute penalty goal to tie the match up and finish an outstanding Burleigh comeback after they found themselves 24 – 6 down.

Jayden Campbell scored his first try of the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts 2019 campaign in Round Three against Tweed Heads when in the second half he sliced through the Seagulls defence to score near the right corner post. Jayden Campbell had received the ball when he chimed into the back line and sliced through the back peddling defensive line with ease.

After spending two rounds in the Gold Coast Rugby League U20 competition, and starring with five tries, Jayden Campbell moved back into the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts side on the right wing in Round Eight against the Western Mustangs staring on the wing and scoring a hat trick and kicking two goals as Burleigh ran riot to win 52 – 10.

Jayden Campbell was simply outstanding in the match, his first try came when he flashed down the right touchline to score untouched, it was not that simple however, the pass to put him in space, was not the best and it bounced about a metre away from Jayden Campbell who scooped it up without breaking momentum to score. If Jayden Campbell slowed down to take the ball the opportunity would have been lost.

Jayden Campbell’s second try came as a result of a cross field kick from Burleigh five eight Shallin Fuller, Jayden Campbell put pressure on the Western Mustangs winger who could not take the ball cleanly and Jayden Campbell was on the spot to dive on the ball.

Jayden Campbell’s third and final try was a piece of sheer brilliance. Burleigh had a scrum feed coming out of their own area, Jayden Campbell took the pass off the back of the scrum on the left side of the field and instead of just taking the hit-up produced two magical steps (reminiscent of his father) off his left foot to break after the Western Mustangs defence and then sprinted sixty metres up field to score under the posts. Let’s be clear the Western Mustangs defence turned and chased but Jayden Campbell was already long gone.

Jayden Campbell continued his rich vein of try scoring form in Round Nine of the Hastings Deering’s Colts competition scoring a hat trick as the Bears defeated Redcliffe 50 – 6. One his tries was down the right touch line when from good work inside he had a corridor to cross.

Another one of Jayden Campbell’s tries highlighted his ability to linger in the centre of the ruck waiting for an opportunity, Shallin Fuller made a break and Jayden Campbell was on hand on his inside to sprint fifty metres to score under the posts.

Jayden Campbell also had two try assists in the match, for the first Jayden Campbell threw a great cut-out ball for Reece Tapine to cross in the left corner and second was when he drew the Redcliffe fullback this time on the right to set up Colts debutant Trey Peni to score.

In Round Ten of the Colts competition, Jayden Campbell once again started at fullback for the Bears and once again scored as well as kicking three conversions in a big Burleigh win. His try was not the typical Jayden Campbell 2019 breathtaking effort.

Early in the match, Jayden Campbell found himself at dummy half about a metre out from the Pride line, and took the ball himself to his left to score out wide on the right.

Jayden Campbell did produce an individual piece of business in the match however. Late in the first half, the Northern Pride put in a kick which for all money looked like it was going to be a 40/20 but Jayden Campbell got to the ball just as it was going to go out, throwing the ball in the air back in the field of play, and kicking back in field to take the ball on the full.

Jayden Campbell continued his outstanding form in Round Eleven against the Central Queensland Capra’s scoring a brilliant try once again, had a try assist and converted two tries.

Jayden Campbell was playing up in the line and received the ball in space on Burleigh’s left around twelve metres out from the Capra’s line. Jayden Campbell produced two outstanding steps both off his left foot to beat four defenders to get sight of the try line and then dived over with two Capra’s defenders unable to stop him.

Jayden Campbell’s try assist resulted in a try to Colts debutant Will Evans, Jayden Campbell joined the Burleigh backline when the ball went to their right side and then threw a great cut-out pass to Will Evans who crossed untouched.

Jayden Campbell continued his points scoring exploits in Round Twelve against Sunshine Coast, scoring a first half try, kicking a conversion and kicking the game winning field goal in the second last minute of the match.

Jayden Campbell’s try against Sunshine Coast was once again a piece of individual brilliance. The Falcons put up a mid-field bomb, after the ball bounced Jayden Campbell kicked the ball through before retrieving the ball and easily out sprinting the cover defence over fifty metres to score under the posts.

Jayden Campbell was calm and composed kicking the field from in front about thirty metres out. After some good work down the right side of the field including a line break by Will Evans, Jayden Campbell received the ball two quick play the balls later to slot the game winning field goal.

Jayden Campbell may not have scored in Round Thirteen against the Easts Tigers but that does not mean that he was any less dangerous. In particular Jayden Campbell had two outstanding line breaks. The first was when he flashed through the centre of the ruck to take a great off-load from fellow Titan Luke Maiden and run fifty metres downfield breaking a number of tackles.

Jayden Campbell’s other impressive play in the match came when he took a clearing kick on the full. He broke through the initial line but then was corralled and pushed back by three defenders, somehow he broke free from those defenders and made fifteen more metres before being finally tackled.

Round Sixteen of the Hastings Deering’s Colts competition saw Jayden Campbell add two tries (both in the first half) and a conversion to his burgeoning 2019 Colts points tally. Jayden Campbell’s first try was as a result of him supporting through the centre of the field and receiving the ball after second rower Eli Morgan had made a break and after drawing the fullback passed to Jayden Campbell to score under the posts untouched.

Jayden Campbell was also untouched when he scored his second try of the day. Once again Jayden Campbell was loitering in the centre of the field and after receiving an inside pass from Shallin Fuller, accelerated through a gap before putting on an outstanding right foot step to easily beat the fullback to once again score under the posts.

Jayden Campbell also had a try assist when late in the match he ran across field to his right before putting right centre Will Evans into a big gap.

Jayden Campbell also scored in Round Seventeen against Tweed Heads when he flew onto a good pass from five eight Shallin Fuller around forty metres out and veering to his right to score untouched.

Jayden Campbell had a huge Round Nineteen match from fullback for Burleigh scoring a hat trick and kicking four goals as the Bears defeated Redcliffe 46 – 12.

Jayden Campbell scored his first try in intriguing circumstances, Redcliffe made a break from deep inside their own territory, the Redcliffe ball runner had a support player on his inside, but Jayden Campbell kept on his inside and as he passed to his support, Jayden Campbell stepped forward to intercept the pass and run sixty five metres to score untouched.

Jayden Campbell did not just score his second try he set up the break that led to it. Jayden Campbell, operating on the left side threw a great cut out pass to his right for Braden Amundsen to run down the right touch line and then backed up on the inside to receive the pass back from Braden Amundsen to score with the try spanning sixty five metres.

Like his second try, Jayden Campbell set up the break that led to the try and then scored it, Jayden Campbell threw a great cut out pass to his left to fellow Titan Lofi Khan-Periera ran thirty metres down the left touch line before kicking back inside for Jayden Campbell to dive on the ball in the in goal.

Jayden Campbell also had a try assist in the first half that spanned 110 metres, Jayden Campbell retrieved the ball literally on the dead goal line, before exploding down field and then produced a great left arm off load whilst being tackled by two defenders to Lofi Khan-Periera who had backed up on the inside to run fifty metres to score.

Jayden Campbell had yet another stellar match in Round Twenty against the Western Mustangs scoring a double and kicking six goals.

It would come as no surprise to find out that Jayden Campbell’s first try was the result of a piece of individual brilliance. Jayden Campbell received the ball on the left side of the field about fifty five metres out from the Mustangs line and proceeded to carve up the defence executing three steps off his left foot in quick succession before a sublime right foot step put Jayden Campbell in space and his speed did the rest.

In relation to his second try, Jayden Campbell took the ball off the dummy half running down a reasonably short blind side down the right side of the field, the ensuing right foot step from Jayden Campbell put him in space and then Jayden Campbell accelerated between two defenders coming across to score under the posts.

Jayden Campbell also had two try assists in the match, the first coming when he spilt the Mustangs defence on a kick return in the first half and after beating the fullback it looked like he would run seventy five metres to score but instead he passed to Cameron Brown who had loomed up on his left for Cameron Brown to run away to score.

Jayden Campbell’s second try assist came in the second half when he found space down the right side of the field, sending a great long pass to unmarked Burleigh right winger Trey Peni to cross untouched.

Jayden Campbell added a further try and four goals in Round Twenty One against the Northern Pride off a set play late in the match. With Burleigh on the attack, Shallin Fuller received the ball to the right of the play the ball and immediately put in a high chip kick back behind the ruck. Jayden Campbell clearly knew it was coming and glided through the centre of the ruck before jumping and taking the kick one handed with his right hand in the in goal to score.

Jayden Campbell scored once again in Round Twenty Two against the Sunshine Coast Falcons to maintain his unbelievable try scoring streak, he also added a conversion in the match and scored yet another try and kicked three conversions in Round Twenty Three against Central Queensland.

Jayden Campbell’s try can be put down directly to sleight of hand and deception. Jayden Campbell floated around the back of the ruck and started to follow the ball as it was passed out to the right, Jayden Campbell’s running line was directly behind the Bears, five eight.

At the last second Jayden Campbell changed his line to run less an a metre to the right of the five eight to receive a short ball and explode through the line before the defence even knew he was there. From there Jayden Campbell ran fifty metres at an around 45 degree angle to score in the right corner showing his elite speed.

Jayden Campbell added a further try, as well as three conversions and a field goal right on half time in Burleigh’s Week One major Semi-final loss to Wynnum Manly. In relation to his try, Jayden Campbell went into dummy half, passing the ball to his right to Shallin Fuller who split the defence before passing back inside to Jayden Campbell who had an uninterrupted twenty metre to score under the posts.

In Week Two of the Finals, Jayden Campbell scored eighteen of Burleigh’s forty two points from a try and seven goals from as many attempts. Jayden Campbell scored the first try of the match from what looked like a set move.

Burleigh five eight Shallin Fuller received the ball to the right of the play the ball close to the try line and immediately kicked back to the play the ball. Jayden Campbell ran through the ruck to swoop on the ball and after almost colliding with the left goal post scored yet another try.

Jayden Campbell’s incredible 2019 season came to an end in Burleigh’s 23 – 16 Preliminary Final loss to the Sunshine Coast Falcons. Starting in his usual fullback position Jayden Campbell scored yet another try and also added two conversions.

As usual Jayden Campbell’s try was a spectacular one, initially it looked like Sunshine Coast may be the team that would score when they made a break down the left side of the field but a pass went to ground. Jayden Campbell retrieved the ball forty eight metres out from the line and proceeded to run around the Falcons defence to score in the left corner.

In total in the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition Jayden Campbell played in twenty matches (missing only Rounds Five and Six) scoring 198 points from twenty three tries and fifty three goals with Jayden Campbell finishing as the competitions leading try scorer and overall point’s scorer.

Jayden Campbell’s performance led to him finishing with a 115% strike rate and an average of 9.9 points per game.

Jayden Campbell was also a 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts Player of the Year nominee as a result of his outstanding season finishing second in the voting with twenty six points, two behind the eventual winner of the award. Deservedly Jayden Campbell was also named the 2019 Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts Player of the Year.

After starting the 2019 season off playing in the Burleigh Colts side at fullback, Jayden Campbell moved back to the GCRL U20 competition for Round Three against Runaway Bay starting at half for Helensvale and quickly proving he was too good for that competition after a dominant display which saw him score a hat trick and kick two goals as the Hornets defeated Runaway Bay 28-22.

Jayden Campbell’s first try was down to his outstanding footwork. With Helensvale on the attack the ball as spun out to the left to Jayden Campbell who stepped off his left foot to split the Runaway Bay defence, he then basically stopped on the spot in front of the fullback to freeze him in place then dived over the line near the left upright.

Jayden Campbell’s second try came in the second half. Helensvale had the ball on around the half way mark, Jayden Campbell took the ball from the dummy half and moved across field to the left with the ball held out in front in both hands, Jayden Campbell them accelerated through a gap and rounded the fullback with more of a swerve than a step to score an outstanding try.

Jayden Campbell’s third try and certainly his most visually outstanding came late in the match, when he backed up in the middle of the field around seventy metres out from Runaway Bay’s line, receiving the pass he exploded up field and then without missing a stride chipped the fullback to score a great try.
Jayden Campbell also had a second half try assist when he kicked to the left corner for a Helensvale try to Hornets centre Ben Glutz.

In Round Five of the GCRL U20 competition Jayden Campbell started at five eight and was a key reason that Helensvale came back from 24 – 0 down to defeat Burleigh 28 – 24, scoring two tries and kicking four goals in the process.

In relation to his first try, Jayden Campbell received the ball off the dummy half on a short blind side on the left side of the field, he sprinted at the line and the last minute put in a kick which rebounded off the chest of Burleigh right centre George Santos-Motuapuaka back into his hands. Jayden Campbell sprinted through the dis-organised defence and then ran straight through the Burleigh fullback to score, with the try coming in the first half.

Jayden Campbell’s second try came in the second half and once again on the left side of the field (Helensvale’s left side). Jayden Campbell initially took the line on himself, after palming off the first Burleigh defender Jayden Campbell skipped back to his right to give himself separation from the defensive line both from a space and time perspective. Jayden Campbell then put in a grubber kick which rebounded off the legs of one of the Burleigh defenders back into his arms.

Like in his first half try the ball rebounded perfectly into Jayden Campbell’s arms, after exploding through the line, Jayden Campbell produced a wicked left foot step to comprehensively beat Burleigh fullback O’Shea Hannaway to score.

Even though all Hastings Deering’s Colts sides had a Bye in Round Fourteen, Jayden Campbell suited up for Helensvale in Round Twelve of the GCRL U20 competition at five eight. He may not have scored in the Hornets win but ended the match with three try assists.

All three of his try assists came in the first half, with the first being when he chipped for himself around sixty metres out and after retrieving the ball drew the fullback and passed to his right to send Brent Barnes away.

Another try assist was a set play from a scrum, Jayden Campbell received the ball from the back of the scrum and immediately kicked behind the Mudgeeraba defensive line from twenty metres out for Brent Branes to retrieve and put the ball down.

Jayden Campbell’s other try assist resulted when he followed through a chip kick from hooker Alex Drewe, Jayden Campbell rounded the fullback who just had hold of his jersey. There is no doubt that Jayden Campbell could have pulled away to score but instead passed to his left winger to score.

During the Hasting Deering’s Colts Round Eighteen bye week, Jayden Campbell was back in the Helensvale U20 side starting at five eight and added to his try scoring tally with another try as the Hornets defeated Runaway Bay 32 – 26 in Round Fifteen. The try in fact was the game winning try with Jayden Campbell chasing through a grubber kick to easily be the first to the ball to score under the posts and seal the Hornets victory.

Jayden Campbell then backed up to start Round Sixteen of the Dou Lipp Cup at five eight scoring two tries as Helensvale went down 30 – 20 to Tugun.

Jayden Campbell’s first try was a long range intercept over ninety five metres, with Jayden Campbell streaking away for score under the posts with no chasers in sight after taking the intercept as Tugun spun the ball to their left.

Jayden Campbell scored his second try when he recovered a Helensvale bomb which bounced back towards the Hornets and straight into Jayden Campbell’s hands, from there Jayden Campbell ran to his right literally around the Tugun defence to score to the right of the up rights.

Jayden Campbell also scored a double in Round Seventeen of the GCRL U20 competition against Runaway Bay

mdrew

19-12-19, 08:16 AM

Isreal Higgins has also been named in the 2020 Qld U18 Emerging Origin Squad.

mdrew

19-12-19, 05:36 PM

Great to see Tannah Boyd, Juwan Compain, Tristian Powell, Ioane Seuili, Alofi Khan-Pereira and 2021 signing Tino Fa’asuamaleaui named in the 2020 Queensland U20 Emerging Origin squad.

mdrew

19-12-19, 05:47 PM

Titans linked Nic Torrens and Michael Roberts have been in the 2020 NSWRL Under-16 Indigenous rugby league team.

mdrew

19-12-19, 07:40 PM

The 2019 season that was for Titans contracted Lofi Khan-Periera who is currently training with the Titans NRL squad:

The young Burleigh Bears winger and former Keebra Park student in 2018 signed a new three year Development contract with the Titans after the expiration of his initial two year contract and is spending part of the current off-season training with the Titans NRL squad where his speed has already caught the attention of seasoned NRL players such as Ryan James who has commented that Lofi Khan-Periera is easily the fastest player in the Titans pre-season training squad.

Lofi Khan-Periera started for the Titans U18 side in their match at Coffs Harbour against the Newcastle Knights SG Ball side in January of this year and was also part of the Titans side that easily accounted for PNG in October at Pizzey Park.

Lofi Khan-Periera was in late 2018 selected in the 2019 U18 Queensland Emerging Origin Squad with fellow Titans Will Evans, Tristian Powell and Juwan Compain all of whom are also training with the Titans NRL squad this off-season.

Subsequently Lofi Khan-Periera was selected in the 2019 Queensland U18 side for their annual match against their New South Wales counter parts in a State or Origin curtain raiser starting on the left wing and scoring Queensland’s second try.

The ball was moved out to the left to Lofi Khan-Periera who had to jump up to take the ball well above his head in both hands before sprinting the twelve metres to the left corner, diving the last couple of metres to score. Interestingly Lofi Khan-Periera dived with the ball in his right hand instead of his left (similar to how Corey Oates scored later in the night in Game One of the 2019 State of Origin series).

In the Interstate match against New South Wales, Lofi Khan-Periera played the entire seventy minutes of the match, running for 77.9 metres (nine post contact), broke three tackles, made a line break which resulted in his try and had a 100% tackling efficiency.

Lofi Khan-Periera started the 2019 MM Cup season for Burleigh on the wing but moved to fullback for Round Three against the Tweed Heads Seagulls where he stayed for Round Four against the Townsville Blackhawks. In total in the 2019 MM Cup competition Lofi Khan-Periera played in four matches for Burleigh.

Post the MM Cup Lofi Khan-Periera was named on an extended bench for the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts side for their Round Ten match against the Northern Pride. In fact Lofi Khan-Periera ended up starting the match on the right wing and almost scored with his first touch, when he took a great cut out pass from Jayden Campbell to flash down the right touch line only to be brought down three metres out from the right corner.

Lofi Khan-Periera switched sides in Round Eleven starting on the left wing against the Central Queensland Capra’s scoring his first try in the Colts competition. Lofi Khan-Periera’s first Colts try will be one of the easier ones that he scores when he was able to dive over untouched after receiving a pass from Reece Tapine around two metres out from the Capra’s line.

Lofi Khan-Periera continued on the left wing in Round Fifteen against Ipswich, including a great run of around fifty metres down the left touch line, showing great hands to take the pass but unfortunately his pass inside just could not reach Jayden Campbell.

Lofi Khan-Periera scored his second Colts try in Round Sixteen against Souths Logan when he scooted out from dummy half to the left of the play the ball from around three metres out to dive over.

Lofi Khan-Periera scored his third Hastings Deering’s Colts try of the 2019 season in the Round Seventeen local derby against Tweed Heads when he stayed on his left wing and after receiving the ball streaked past his opposite winger who was defending a couple of metres inside him and outpaced the cover defence to score in the left corner in an impressive piece of running.

Lofi Khan-Periera scored his first Hastings Deering’s Colts double in Round Nineteen scoring Burleigh’s first two tries against Redcliffe.

Lofi Khan-Periera’s first try was an opportunist one, Cameron Brown put up a midfield and when it was mishandled by the Redcliffe fullback, Lofi Khan-Periera was on hand to scoop the ball up and run thirty five metres untouched to score.

Lofi Khan-Periera’s second try spanned 110 metres, Jayden Campbell retrieved the ball literally on the dead goal line, before exploding down field and then off loaded to Lofi Khan-Periera who had backed up on the inside to run fifty metres to score once again untouched.

Lofi Khan-Periera also had a try assist in the match in the second half when after he made a break down the left wing, put in a deft banana kick back inside with his right foot into the in-goal area for Jayden Campbell to dive on it to score.

Lofi Khan-Periera maintained his try scoring purple patch in Round Twenty against the Western Mustangs when he was on hand to dive on a Cameron Brown kick into the in goal for the Bears first try of many in the match.

Lofi Khan-Periera’s purple patch hit a new high in Round Twenty One against the Northern Pride when he scored a hat trick.

For his first try which came in the first half Lofi Khan-Periera was on the end of a chain of short passes by Burleigh and he raced over in the left corner after a ten metre run to score under pressure from the Northern Pride fullback.

Lofi Khan-Periera’s second try and first of the second half resulted from him using his speed to back up a break from Will Evans who was able to off-load for Lofi Khan-Periera to score in the corner untouched.

Lofi Khan-Periera’s third try was also scored in the left corner, Lofi Khan-Periera received the ball in an overlap situation and came inside a fraction as the Easts fullback was coming over in cover defence, Lofi Khan-Periera’s movement was enough to slow the fullback, once that occurred Lofi Khan-Periera swerved back to the outside to score highlighting his outstanding speed and acceleration.

Lofi Khan-Periera almost scored four tries in the match. He made a long break after taking the ball for what looked like a hit up to bring the ball out of their own territory but he used his speed and footwork to split the defence through the middle going on a sixty metre run before being brought down.

Lofi Khan-Periera scored once again in Round Twenty Two against the Sunshine Coast Falcons to maintain his unbelievable try scoring streak. After a chain of passing that ended with Lofi Khan-Periera is space down the left touchline, Lofi Khan-Periera put in a grubber kick to prevent going into touch and then showed outstanding speed to get to the ball around the Falcons fullback who was trying to shield the ball just as it was about to go touch in goal.

In total in the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition for Burleigh Lofi Khan-Periera played in nine matches, starting all on the wing scoring eleven tries for a strike rate of 122%.

mdrew

19-12-19, 10:36 PM

A number of U14 players were invited to train with all of the Titans NRL and junior contracted players, one being talented Souths Acacia Ridge player Xavier Atoa.

The young man s a very talented player with a big future.

Bayside Titan

19-12-19, 11:36 PM

Great to see Tannah Boyd, Juwan Compain, Tristian Powell, Ioane Seuili, Alofi Khan-Pereira and 2021 signing Tino Fa’asuamaleaui named in the 2020 Queensland U20 Emerging Origin squad.

That’s quite a list mate. I saw most at training a week or so ago and they all looked in great shape.

mdrew

20-12-19, 02:26 PM

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui the 197cm, 107kg giant is an outstanding signing for the Titans for the 2021 season and beyond. On the same day that he signed with the Titans for 2021 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui was named in the 2020 Queensland U20 Emerging Origin Squad.

To suggest that Tino Fa’asuamaleaui had a stellar 2019 would be an understatement, in addition to making his NRL debut for the Storm, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui represented the Junior Kangaroo’s against France, played for the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII against Fiji and made his senior International debut for Samoa against Fiji starting in the second row.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui made his NRL debut in Round Sixteen when he started from the bench against St George. In his debut Tino Fa’asuamaleaui played twenty seven minutes, running for eighty four metres (thirty two post contact) and made fifteen tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

In Round Eighteen Tino Fa’asuamaleaui also started from the bench against the Titans playing twenty minutes. In those minutes Tino Fa’asuamaleaui ran for thirty three metres (nine post contact) and made seventeen tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui came off the bench again in Round Twenty One against Souths Sydney playing thirty minutes running for eighteen metres (six post contact) and made twenty two tackles at a tackling efficiency of 91.67%.

In Round Twenty Two against the Raiders, from the bench Tino Fa’asuamaleaui played twenty minutes running for fourteen metres (four post contact) and had a 100% tackling efficiency whilst making fifteen tackles.

In his final NRL match of the 2019 season against Manly Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, once again from the bench, ran for seventy seven metres (twenty seven post contact) and made eight tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency in his sixteen minutes on the field.

In total in the NRL in 2019 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui played 113 minutes, ran for 196 metres, 78 of which were post contact and made 77 tackles missing only two, both coming in the same game. His per game averages included playing twenty three minutes, running for 39.1 metres and making 15.4 tackles at a 97.47% tackling efficiency, not missing a tackle in four of his five 2019 NRL matches.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui started in the second row in his International debut for Samoa against Fiji but his side went down 44 – 18. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui played the entire 80 minutes, running for seventy six metres (twenty one post contact), broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 3.83 seconds and made twenty six tackles at a 92.9% tackling efficiency and not missing a tackle until his third NRL match.

For the Australian Prime Ministers XIII in 2019 in a 52 – 10 win over Fiji Tino Fa’asuamaleaui started from the interchange bench playing forty four minutes, running for 108 metres (forty four post contact), broke four tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.07 seconds and made nine tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

For the Australian Junior Kangaroo’s against France in their big victory Tino Fa’asuamaleaui started from the interchange bench playing thirty seven minutes, running for 142 metres (fifty nine post contact), from thirteen hit-ups, broke three tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.98 seconds and made seven tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

In addition to all of the matches above, in 2019 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui played in fourteen matches for the Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Queensland Cup scoring in Round Eight against the Mackay Cutters and Round Twelve against Burleigh.

In his fourteen matches, three of which were Finals matches Tino Fa’asuamaleaui played 749 out of a possible 1 120 minutes (66.88%), running for 1 857 metres (705 post contact), made three line breaks, offloaded the ball four times, broke fifty eight tackles and made 288 tackles at an 87% tackling efficiency.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s 2019 Queensland Cup per game averages included playing 53.5 minutes, running for 132.7 metres and making 20.57 tackles.

Of his fourteen 2019 Queensland Cup matches Tino Fa’asuamaleaui started eight from the bench, two in the second row beings Rounds Thirteen and Fourteen against Tweed Heads and Wynnum Manly, Round Nineteen at lock against Central Queensland and his remaining three matches in the front row including Sunshine Coast’s Preliminary Final loss to Burleigh.

Interestingly the two games that Tino Fa’asuamaleaui started in the second row in 2019 were also the only two games that he played the entire eighty minutes.

In eleven of his fourteen 2019 Queensland Cup matches Tino Fa’asuamaleaui ran for in excess of 100 metres including twice gaining more than 200 metres, including running for 231 metres in Round Thirteen against Tweed Heads and 202 metres in Week One of the Finals against the Townsville Blackhawks.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui certainly proved a handful for Queensland Cup defensives in 2019 as was evidenced by the fact that he broke nine tackles in Week One of the Finals against the Townsville Blackhawks and eight in Round Nineteen against the Central Queensland Capra’s.

Defensively in seven of his fourteen matches Tino Fa’asuamaleaui made in excess of twenty tackles including his last six matches including the three finals. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s “best” defensive match came in the Preliminary Final against when he made thirty four tackles at a 97.14% tackling efficiency. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui also made twenty eight tackles in Round Six against the Easts Tigers at a 100% tackling efficiency.

2019 was the second season that Tino Fa’asuamaleaui played in the Queensland Cup after making his debut as an 18 year old in 2018. In 2018 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui played in fourteen matches for the Easts Tigers, scoring once, broke the line on two occasions, offloaded the ball four times, ran for 1 185 metres at an average of 84.69 per match and made 212 tackles at a tackling efficiency of 87.6%.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui also started in the second row for the Queensland State of Origin U20 side in 2019 and impressively started from the bench for the Queensland U20 side in 2018 after playing in the U18 Interstate match that year as well when he started in the second row scoring Queensland first try of that match. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui also represented the Queensland U18 side in 2017 and the Queensland U16 side in 2016

mdrew

21-12-19, 02:03 PM

The 2019 season that was for Titans NRL Development contracted Kea Pere:

Kea Pere started from the interchange bench in the Titans first NRL trial in 2019 season against the Norther Queensland Cowboys on the Sunshine Coast after playing for the Burleigh Bears Queensland Cup side in their Queensland Cup trial the week prior against the Souths Logan Magpies.

In 2019 Kea Pere played in six matches for the Burleigh Colts side starting the season in the backline before moving to the second row for the first time in Round Ten against the Northern Pride.

Kea Pere started Rounds One, Five and Six against Norths, Souths Logan and Wynnum Manly respectively on the wing and Rounds Eight and Nine against Redcliffe and the Western Mustangs in the centres.

Amongst other try assists was one in Round Nine against Redcliffe, playing left centre Kea Pere came out the line with Redcliffe poised to score to take an intercept ten metres from his own line before offloading on the half way mark to his left for Reece Tapine to score.

In his first match in the second row in Round Ten against the Northern Pride, Kea Pere scored probably the easiest try that he will ever score when late in the match when operating on the right he received a pass from Allan Lockwood in acres of space to stroll across untouched out wide. Kea Pere’s other 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts try came in Round Six against Wynnum Manly.

Kea Pere also made three appearances for the Burleigh Bears GCRL First Grade side in 2019 starting all three matches being Rounds Nine, Ten and Eleven against Currumbin, Runaway Bay and Bilambil on the wing

mdrew

22-12-19, 06:00 PM

The 2019 season that was for Titans NRL Development contracted Ioane Seuili:

Ioane Seuili started from the interchange bench in the Titans first NRL trial of 2019 against the North Queensland Cowboys on the Sunshine Coast after playing for the Burleigh Bears Queensland Cup side in their Queensland Cup trial the week prior against the Souths Logan Magpies.

In the 2019 Queensland Cup season proper Ioane Seuili started the season with the Tweed Heads Seagulls, starting on the right wing in Round One against the PNG Hunters at Tweed Heads even though he had two years of Colts eligibility remaining.

In his 80 minutes on the field in Round One Ioane Seuili for 105 metres from nine runs, 46 of those metres post contact (43.81%), had an offload, broke two tackles and had an impressive play the ball average of 3.26 seconds as well as one off-load. Defensively Ioane Seuili made two tackles as well.

Ioane Seuili also started on the wing in Round two of the Queensland Cup against the Townsville Blackhawks playing all 80 minutes once again on the right wing. In those 80 minutes, he ran for 110 metres, 25 post contact, had two tackle breaks and played the ball at an average of 4.05 seconds.

In the Round Two match Ioane Seuili made two long runs, both coming in the first half. On the first occasion he took a long high kick in wet conditions, split the defence and ran thirty metres down the left touchline before being dragged down.

On the second occasion Ioane Seuili stayed outside of his man and after taking a cut out pass from Tweed five eight Lindon McGrady burst thirty metres down the left touch line once again before being caught by the cover defence. Highlighting his maturity was that Ioane Seuili came in field prior to being tackled to ensure that even in the wet conditions he would not be taken into touch.

Ioane Seuili also produced a heads up play in the second half. Instead of trying to pick up a dropped ball in the wet conditions on the fly, Ioane Seuili instead stopped to ensure that he took possession of the ball rather than give Townsville field position if he made an error at a critical juncture in the match.

In Round Three against Burleigh, Ioane Seuili started on the right wing again, playing the entire 80 minutes, running for 87 metres (30 post contact) with 31 of those metres in relation to kick returns. Ioane Seuili also broke a team leading five tackles, played the ball in an average time of 3.7 seconds and made three tackles at a 75% tackling efficiency.

One of Ioane Seuili’s tackles was on Burleigh Troy Leo when he dragged him down from behind, if Ioane Seuili did not make the tackle Troy Leo would have had a 70 metre run to the try line.

In Round Four for the third time in four Queensland Cup appearances Ioane Seuili ran for in excess of 100 metres from his right wing position for Tweed Heads in their 26 – 12 win over the Capra’s. In his 80 minutes on the field Ioane Seuili ran for 105 metres (33 post contact), 50 metres of which were from kick returns. Ioane Seuili also had a line break assist, a try assist, a team leading four tackle breaks, played the ball in an average time of 4.16 seconds and made a tackle.

In Round Five against Wynnum Manly Ioane Seuili once again played the entire 80 minutes, running for 94 metres (35 post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.79 seconds and made a career high (to date) fifteen tackles at a tackling efficiency of 93.75%.

In Round Six of the Queensland Cup for the Tweed Heads Seagulls against the Mackay Cutters Ioane Seuili moved from the right wing to play at left centre and had a very good match, playing the entire 80 minutes, running for 130 metres (47 post contact), broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 3.7 seconds, and made fourteen tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Ioane Seuili played Round Seven against Redcliffe at left centre for the second week in a row, playing the entire 80 minutes. Ioane Seuili led the Seagulls in both run metres (143) and post contact metres (57). He also broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed for 3.42 seconds and made twelve tackles at a tackling efficiency of 92.3%.

In Round Eight of the Queensland Cup Ioane Seuili played left centre for the third match in a row for Tweed Heads against the Ipswich Jets and as usual played the entire 80 minutes. In that time he ran for 78 metres (35 post contact), made a line break, played the ball at an average of 3.42 seconds and made three tackles at a 75% tackling efficiency.

In Round Nine of the Queensland Cup, Ioane Seuili started his third match in a row at left centre once again playing the entire 80 minutes against Norths. He ran for 112 metres (an impressive 58 post contact), broke three tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 4.3 seconds and made ten tackles.

Round Ten also saw Ioane Seuili play all 80 minutes at left centre against the Easts Tigers, running for 103 metres (37 post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 4.29 seconds and made five tackles.

Round Eleven also saw Ioane Seuili play all 80 minutes at left centre against the Northern Pride, running for 62 metres (22 post contact), broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 3.52 seconds and made six tackles.

Ioane Seuili scored his career first Queensland Cup try in Round Twelve against Souths Logan from the left centre position. Playing the entire 80 minutes, Ioane Seuili ran for 130 metres (46 post contact), made a line break, had a line break assist, a try assist, broke three tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 4.87 seconds, had two offloads and made nine tackles at a tackling efficiency of 81.82%.

In relation to his try Ioane Seuili received the ball around five metres out from the Souths Logan line and got on his opposing defenders outside and was able to crash over in the left corner under pressure from two defenders.

In relation to his try assist, Ioane Seuili used his quick hands to catch and pass to his winger as the Souths Logan right winger was coming up to him to look to shut down the movement.

In a tough Round Thirteen loss against the Sunshine Coast Falcons, Ioane Seuili playing left centre in his 80 minutes, ran for 71 metres (sixteen post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.01 seconds and made ten tackles.

Ioane Seuili played on the left wing in Round Fourteen against the PNG Hunters once again playing the entire 80 minutes. In that time Ioane Seuili ran for 144 metres (46 post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 3.63 seconds and had a 100% tackling efficiency.

Ioane Seuili moved to the right wing for Round Fifteen against Ipswich, scoring his second career Queensland Cup try when he jumped high to take a bomb keeping his feet before spinning counter clock wise to put the ball down in the right corner mid-way through the first half.

Playing all 80 minutes, Ioane Seuili ran for 77 metres (thirty post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 3.72 seconds and made five tackles.

Ioane Seuili was back in the centres for Round Sixteen against Wynnum Manly playing all 80 minutes, running for seventy metres (twenty six post contact), playing the ball at an average speed of 3.69 seconds and making twelve tackles at a tackling efficiency of 85.71%.

After missing Round Seventeen Ioane Seuili started from the bench in Round Eighteen of the Queensland Cup against Central Queensland and in his forty nine minutes on the field recorded his first career double with both tries coming in the second half.

Ioane Seuili’s first try was a five metre effort when he crossed out wide on the right (he came on to play right wing), with the second try coming when he backed up through the centre of the field to run thirty five metres untouched in Tweed’s big win.

In addition to his double, Ioane Seuili ran for 108 metres (31 post contact), had a team leading two line breaks, broke three tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.07 seconds and made twelve tackles at a tackling efficiency of 92.31%.

Round Nineteen against the Mackay Cutters saw Ioane Seuili start from the bench playing 59 minutes, running for 58 metres (11 post contact), broke four tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 4.44 seconds and made nineteen tackles at a 86.38% tackling efficiency.

Round Twenty saw a positional switch with Ioane Seuili starting in the second row against Ipswich, his first match in that position for at least a number of seasons, if not longer. Ioane Sueili also scored his fifth try of the season in the match when he charged onto a short pass close to the lien from dummy half Brent Woolf to crash over try mid-way through the second half that put Tweed Heads ahead permanently.

In his first Queensland Cup match starting in the second row Ioane Seuili played 60 minutes, ran for 60 metres (19 post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.27 seconds and made seventeen tackles at a tackling efficiency of 85%.

Ioane Seuili maintained his starting place in the second row for Tweed Heads pivotal Round Twenty One match against the Easts Tigers having a huge game including scoring his 6th try of the season.

In addition Ioane Seuili played the entire 80 minutes, ran for 129 metres (27 post contact) had a team leading five tackle breaks and a team leading three line breaks, played the ball at an average speed of 3.32 seconds and made nineteen tackles at a 91.48% tackling efficiency.

Ioane Seuili’s try came as a result of him running a great line from his right second row position straight into a gap around forty metres out from the Easts line. Ioane Seuili then swerved around the fullback (I would not call it a step) to score an impressive try under the posts.

Ioane Seuili started his third match in the second row in Round Twenty Two against Souths Logan scoring his 7th try of the season in a great display spanning the entire 80 minutes. Ioane Seuili ran for 110 metres (33 post contact), had a line break, broke three tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.3 seconds, pulled off a one on one steal and made twenty three tackles at a tackling efficiency of 92% as he continued his impressive transition to the second row.

Ioane Seuili’s try came in the second half of the match, he received the ball on the right of the play the ball from the dummy half and was immediately confronted with a defender rushing up, Ioane Seuili stepped off his left foot and then stepped off his left foot again back behind the play the ball before charging over after the defence moved across the field.

Ioane Seuili started Round Twenty Three in the second row against the Northern Pride but due to an injury spent a significant portion of his 80 minutes on the field on the right wing.

In his time on the field, Ioane Seuili ran for 164 metres (48 post contact), broke four tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 4.04 seconds and made eleven tackles.

In his first Queensland Cup Final being the Week One Elimination Final against Redcliffe, Ioane Seuili was having a huge match before dislocating his shoulder in the 65th minute of the match.

In addition to scoring Tweed Heads first two tries Ioane Seuili ran for 66 metres from the right second row position (27 post contact), made two line breaks and four tackles breaks, played the ball at an average speed of 3.46 seconds and made twelve tackles.

Ioane Seuili’s first try of the Elimination Final came when he ran onto a pass from the first receiver rambling over from three metres out. In relation to his second try, Ioane Seuili ran to the right of the play the ball, receiving the ball from the dummy half, whilst running an inside shoulder line to score about ten metres from the right upright.

In total in the Queensland Cup in 2019, Ioane Seuili played in twenty Three matches playing 1 753 minutes out of a possible 1 840 being 95.27%. Ioane Seuili played the entire eighty minutes on nineteen occasions including one second row start.

In his twenty three matches, Ioane Seuili scored nine tries, ran for 2 329 metres, had five try assists, broke fifty four tackles, broke the line on twelve occasions, made 221 tackles at a tackling efficiency of 74.9% which impressively increased a couple of percentage points when he moved to the second row.

Ioane Seuili’s 2019 Queensland Cup per game averages included playing 76.22 minutes, running for 101.3 metres and making 9.61 tackles.

To add to his 2019 season Ioane Seuili was named in the New Zealand U19 side to play the Australian School boys on the Queensland Cup Grand Final day at Redcliffe Oval, but his shoulder injury forced his withdrawal prior to the match.

Titanic Believer

22-12-19, 09:46 PM

Thanks these reviews are very helpful and add another dimension to the preseason. I am excited to see how they go in the trials.

Bayside Titan

22-12-19, 11:33 PM

I agree TB. Reading them and then seeing the players in action makes it clear for me.

mdrew

23-12-19, 03:58 PM

The 2019 season that was for Titans contracted Jed Edwards who is currently training with the NRL squad:

Jed Edwards started Round One of the 2019 MM Cup competition at hooker for Tweed Heads as they defeated the Western Mustangs 58 – 18 with Jed Edwards contributing a double in the victory. Jed Edwards first try came in just the second minute of the match, when after a strong run by Juwan Compain, Jed Edwards scooted over from dummy half with Western Mustangs defenders all over the place as a result of the quick play the ball by the afore mentioned Juwan Compain.

Jed Edwards scored again from dummy half midway through the first half. Once again running out of dummy half to his left, Jed Edwards took off about twenty metres out and after bumping off an attempted front on tackle crashed over near the uprights.

In the second half Jed Edwards made a great break through the centre of the ruck and was able to offload to Ryan Rivett who was able to continue to progress the ball.

Unfortunately Jed Edwards 2019 MM Cup campaign ended as a result of a broken arm. Jed Edwards came back from injury to start at hooker for the South Coast U18 side at the QSSRL U18 Championships but unfortunately suffered another broken arm on Day One of those Championships.

In 2019 Jed Edwards was co-captain of the PBC Open side with fellow Titan Toby Sexton and in November 2019 Jed Edwards was the PBC Reds Award recipient for the player who best epitomises the PBC culture.

In early 2019 Jed Edwards played his first match in Titans colours when he started from the bench for the Titans U18 side as they took on the Newcastle Knights U18 SG Ball squad in Coffs Harbour. In both halves, Jed Edwards came onto the field mid-way through alternating with Ediq Ambrosyev.

As per usual Jed Edwards provided good service to his forwards when he came onto the field leading them onto the ball and capped a solid first outing for the Titans scoring a second half try when he darted out of dummy half from a play the ball a few metres from the Newcastle line to score between two back peddling Knights forwards half way between the goals posts and touch line on the left side of the field.

Jed Edwards also had a try assist when in the first half he ran across field out of dummy half about two metres from the Newcastle try line and put his forward into a hole for them to crash over for a short range try.

Early in the 2019 season, Jed Edwards was selected in the South Coast U18 side for the QSSRL U18 Championships and started at hooker on Day One of the U18 QSSRL Championships but unfortunately missed the remainder of the Championships through injury.

mdrew

24-12-19, 01:02 PM

The 2019 season that was for Titans contracted Tristian Powell who is currently training with the NRL squad:

Tristian Powell was a member of the 2019 Queensland U18 Emerging Origin squad. Subsequently Tristian Powell was selected in the Queensland U18 side for their annual match against their New South Wales counter parts in a State or Origin curtain raiser starting in the front row.

Tristian Powell was immediately in the action in the match taking the second hit-up and winning a penalty for Queensland when he was held down too long as he fought to get a quick play the ball.

In the Interstate match, Tristian Powell played fifty five minutes of the match, running for 102.9 metres (32.3 post contact), had an offload and made a team leading twenty two tackles at a 88% tackling efficiency.

Tristian Powell played in five matches for Burleigh in the 2019 MM Cup competition starting all in the front row. Deservedly Tristian Powell was also named the 2019 Burliegh MM Cup Player of the Year.

In Round Four against Townsville, Tristian Powell was credited with a try assist when he popped a good short ball to his left for left second rower George Etuala-Noa to run into a yawning gap to score from around eight metres out.

Instead of playing Round Six in the 2019 MM Cup, Tristian Powell was promoted to the Burleigh U20 Hastings Deering’s Colts side starting in the second row against Wynnum Manly and celebrated his debut by scoring in the Bears big 50 – 20 victory.

Tristian Powell also had an outstanding game in Round Nine against Redcliffe playing right second row and was heavily involved in two of Burleigh’s tries. His first try involvement was when he off-loaded out the back of his hand to his right for Jayden Campbell to score and in relation to the second once again in a tackle Tristian Powell was able to get his arms free to offload to his right to Jayden Campbell who then drew the fullback for debutant Trey Peni to score his first Colts try.

Tristian Powell was also outstanding in Round Ten against the Northern Pride when he was at least the equal of any forward on the field, both in attack and defence.

Tristian Powell added a try assist in Round Twenty One against the Northern Powell when he produced a great right arm off-load to Shallin Fuller to score under the posts in the first half.

In Week Two of the Finals Tristian Powell scored an outstanding try in Burleigh’s 42 – 12 win against Norths after starting the match in the front row. Tristian Powell burst onto a pass on the right side of the field about twenty five metres out, running a slight inside shoulder route before rounding the fullback to scored adjacent to the right upright.

Tristian Powell’s 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts season came to an end when he started in the front row for Burleigh as they went down 23 – 16 to Sunshine Coast in the Preliminary Final

In total in the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition, Tristian Powell played in seventeen matches scoring two tries.

As noted above Tristian Powell came into the Burleigh Colts side in Round Six in the second row and went on to start in seven matches in the second row, one at lock being Round Eleven against Central Queensland, Round Sixteen from the interchange against Souths Logan and the remaining eight in the front row including Burleigh’s three 2019 finals. Tristian Powell’s first start in the front row came in Round Seventeen in the local derby against Tweed Heads.

In the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts Player of the Year Award tally Tristian Powell finished with three votes.

Tristian Powell was also part of the Titans U18 side that played North Queensland in the Titans v Warriors curtain raiser in June.

During the Round Nineteen Hastings Deering’s Colts bye week, Tristian Powell turned out for Burleigh in the GCRL U20 competition, starting from the bench and scoring in a Bears 40 – 14 win over Runaway Bay

mdrew

25-12-19, 07:35 AM

The 2019 season that was for Titans contracted Will Evans who is currently training with the Titans NRL Squad:

In early 2019 Will Evans started at right centre for the Titans U18 side against the Newcastle Knights SG Ball squad in Coffs Harbour which ended in a draw, however from my perspective (and yes I am biased) the Titans were clearly the better side for the entire match.

Will Evans moved to fullback mid-way through the first half, with Noah Gafa taking his place at right centre and stayed there for the remainder of the match.

Will Evans first touch of the ball against the Knights was an impressive run in the first set of six for the Titans when he made twenty odd metres from a short right side play dragging a couple of Newcastle Knights defenders with him.

Will Evans also started at right centre for the Titans U18 side in their big win over PNG at Pizzey park in early October 2019 and he had an impressive try assist in the first half when he produced an impressive flick pass.

Will Evans made his Queensland Cup debut starting on the right wing against PNG in Port Moresby in Round Twenty. Will Evans played the entire 80 minutes in the match, running for 85 metres (22 post contact, 31 from kick returns and six from dummy half), broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 2.93 seconds and made three tackles.

Will Evans played his second Queensland Cup match when he started on the left wing for Burleigh in Week One of the Finals, scoring in the 4th minutes as the Bears held on to beat Wynnum Manly 34 – 32.

Will Evans try came down the left side and after receiving an off load was able to dive over from close range.

In his 80 minutes on the field, Will Evans ran for forty one metres (thirteen post contact), had a line break and tackle break, played the ball at an average speed of 3.52 seconds and had a 100% tackling efficiency.

In total in his two Queensland Cup matches in 2019, Will Evans played 160 minutes, ran for 126 metres at a per game average of 63.5 metres, had 35 post contact metres, broke two tackles and made seven tackles at a tackling efficiency of 77.78%.

Will Evans also made his International debut in 2019 when he was named in the Wales 23 man squad for the World Nines held in Sydney in October. Will Evans played in two matches for Wales, both on the second day of the Tournament. Will Evans started at left centre against France in his first match and came off the bench later the same day against Lebanon.

In his first match against France Will Evans played 18 minutes, making twenty six metres (eleven post contact) from three runs, played the ball at an average speed of 4.71 seconds and made six tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

In his second match against Lebanon, Will Evans also played eighteen minutes, running for twenty four metres (ten post contact) from two runs, broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 3.6 seconds and made a team leading eight tackles.

Will Evans started the 2019 season off starting in the centres for the Burleigh MM Cup sides Round One match against the Western Mustangs with the Bears prevailing 58 - 18. Will Evans continued to play at right centre for the majority of the MM Cup competition but moved to fullback for Burleigh’s Round Five match against the Souths Logan Magpies. That match was the last that Will Evans played at fullback as he moved back to the centres for Round Six.

Will Evans sole try in the 2019 MM Cup competition came in Round Two as Burleigh defeated the Ipswich Jets. In the 2019 MM Cup Player of the season voting Will Evans finished with seven votes.

Post the MM Cup competition, Will Evans started the club season at fullback for Burleigh in the GCRL U18 Division One competition in their Round One match against Currumbin before moving into the centres for Round Two.

Will Evans was then promoted to the Burleigh GCRL U20 side, starting in the centres in Round Seven and scoring on debut as Burleigh went down to Currumbin 52 – 28.

Will Evans try came in the second half, he received the ball in space outside the Currumbin left winger around twenty metres out from the Burleigh line. Will Evans used a left arm fend to get rid of the Currumbin left winger before holding off the Currumbin left centre, once again with a left arm fend to score right in the right corner.

Will Evans was named on an extended bench for the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts side for their Round Ten match against the Northern Pride but did not make the game day seventeen.

Will Evans however made his deserved Hastings Deering’s Colts debut for Burleigh in Round Eleven against the Central Queensland Capra’s starting on the right wing and scoring in a 28 -10 Bears victory. In a Burleigh backline movement to the right, Will Evans stayed outside his opponent and sprinted past him to score untouched over receiving a cut out ball form fullback Jayden Campbell.

Will Evans moved to right centre for Round Twelve against the Sunshine Cost Falcons and was heavily involved in the last minutes of Burleigh’s one point win. With time running down Will Evans made a break down the right side of the field running for approximately twenty five metres. After his quick play the ball and a subsequent one by Cameron Brown, Jayden Campbell had the time to slot the game winning field goal.

Will Evans continued at right centre in Round Thirteen against the Easts Tigers, scoring his second Colts try of the season when he crossed in the 4th minute of the match. Will Evans early try was as a result of him staying outside his direct opponent and when he received the ball was able to score untouched in the right corner of Pizzey Park.

Will Evans also had a try assist in the match, he took the ball to the line and was able to pop a ball out the back of his right arm once engaged with the defensive line to send right winger Josh Somerville over untouched in a great piece of play.

Will Evans also played at right centre in Round Fifteen against Ipswich scoring his third Colts try from his opening four matches when he crossed in the second half. Will Evans received the ball only around five metres out from the line and got on the outside of his direct opponent before diving over with two Ipswich defenders hanging off him.

Will Evans continued to enhance his growing reputation in Round Sixteen scoring a double against Souths Logan with both tries coming in the last ten minutes of a 38 – 16 Burleigh win. Will Evans first try came after he shrugged off a Souths Logan defender who looked to tackle him as Will Evans was receiving the ball and for his second Will Evans ran o good straight line and was put into a gap to score from twenty metres out.

The Round Seventeen Gold Coast derby against Tweed Heads was no impediment to Will Evans scoring surge when he received the ball at right centre and after getting outside of his opposite number, held off the giant Tweed Heads right centre, and I mean giant, being Gerard Ah-Nau with a strong left arm fend and maintaining his balance to score in the right corner.

Will Evans may not have scored in Round Nineteen against Redcliffe but once again he did influence the score board with a try assist. Playing left centre, he got outside his direct opponent running twenty metres before drawing the fullback and passing inside to Cameron Brown, who in fact threw him the previous pass, to score.

Will Evans also had a try assist in Round Twenty One against the Northern Pride playing left centre. Will Evans made a break down the left touch line of about forty metres but was tackled by the Tigers fullback and another cover defender but had the presence of mind to get his arms free to off-load to his left to fellow Titan contracted player Lofi Khan-Periera to score in the corner in the second half.

The line break noted above was one of three that Will Evans made in the match with the other two coming in the second half. On each occasions Will Evans got on the outside of his direct opponent to generate long big gains down the left touch line. In relation to the first one he barged straight over the Northern Pride half who tried to stop him and bar a jumper grab by the Pride right second rower in the second one, Will Evans likely would have run sixty five metres to score.

Will Evans scored once again in Round Twenty Two against the Sunshine Coast Falcons and added a further try in Round Twenty Three against Central Queensland when he followed through after a smart piece of play from half Cameron Brown to score in the left corner after an eighty metre movement by Burleigh.

Will Evans could have actually had a double in the match, but early in the first half was held up right in the left corner after a powerful surge from around ten metres out was defeated by three Central Queensland Carpa’s defenders, just.

In Week Two of the Finals Will Evans started on the left wing in Burleigh’s 42 – 12 win against Norths and started on the wing in the Preliminary Final against Sunshine Coast.

Will Evans’s 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts season came to an end when he started on the left wing for Burleigh as they went down 23 – 16 to Sunshine Coast in the Preliminary Final.

In total in the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition, Will Evans played in twelve matches scoring seven tries to finish the 2019 Colts season with a strike rate of 58.34%.

Of his twelve matches Will Evans started four on the wing and the remaining eight matches in the centres.

In the 2019 Queensland Rugby League Hastings Deering’s Colts Player of the Year Award tally Will Evans finished with six votes.

Will Evans made his Gold Coast Rugby League First Grade debut in Round Sixteen starting on the left wing for Burleigh against Runaway Bay and scoring to cap a great debut. The ball was spun out to the left and after retrieving the ball on the bounce Will Evans stepped back inside his opposite number before crossing out wide in the left corner in just the 11th minute of his debut.

Will Evans also started on the left wing in Round Seventeen against Currumbin scoring a double to continue to enhance his already sky rocketing reputation. Will Evans scored his first try of the match in just the 6th minute.

Will Evans received the ball about ten metres out from the try line near the left touch line. With little room to move and with two defenders in front of him, Will Evans took the first defender on running straight over him before using his strength to get the ball down with two Currumbin defenders desperately trying to hold him up.

Will Evans scored his second try in the second half and once again it was his strength that got him there. Will Evans received a long floating pass and charged down the left touch line once against from about ten metres out. About a metre or two out from the line Will Evans has hit by two cover defenders but was able to maintain his balance to reach out with his right arm to get the ball down just before he was pushed into touch.

mdrew

26-12-19, 09:48 AM

The 2019 season that was for Titans NRL Development contracted Toby Sexton:

The Gold Coast local who has recently signed a three year contract (the first year being an NRL Development contract) with the Titans has had an outstanding 2019 season, including captaining the PBC Open side, being named 18th man for the Queensland U18 side, being selected in the Australian School Boys side after starring for the Queensland School Boys side and of course signing with the Titans which will see him in Titans colours for the next three seasons.

Toby Sexton is currently participating in his first NRL pre-season with the Titans as part of his Titans NRL Development contract and has drawn rave reviews already from coaching staff including head coach Justin Holbrook who has been impressed by his work ethic. Similarly Assistant Coach Jim Dymock has been impressed with Toby Sexton’s and maturity.

Toby Sexton started the 2019 season playing for Tweed Heads in the MM Cup competition starting at half back in all of their nine matches including both the Queensland Grand Final victory over Wynnum Manly and the National U18 Final victory over the Illawarra Steelers.

In those nine matches Toby Sexton’s sole try came in the National Final against Illawarra and over the course of the season he kicked thirty seven goals to finish with 78 points. On two occasions in 2019 Toby Sexton kicked nine goals in a match being in Round One against the Western Mustangs when he kicked nine from ten and in Round Six against the Mackay Cutters when he kicked nine from twelve.

Toby Sexton played the entire seventy minutes in the National Final, running for 127 metres (eighteen post contact), made a line break, broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.7 seconds and made ten tackles at a tackling efficiency of 100%.

In the 2019 MM Cup Player of the season voting Toby Sexton finished with five votes.

Toby Sexton started at five eight for the Australian School Boys side in their one off match at Redcliffe Stadium against a New Zealand U19 side in a curtain raiser to the Queensland Cup Grand Final with the Australian side winning 36 – 20.

Toby Sexton played the entire 80 minutes, running for twenty six metres (nine post contact), had a try assist and a line break assist, broke two tackles and made twenty tackles at a tackling efficiency of an impressive 95.5% especially taking into account the size of the New Zealand forwards running at him on the fringes of the ruck in the match.

In August 2019 Toby Sexton also started at half for PBC in their Queensland GIO Cup quarter final win over St Mary’s High School Toowoomba 50 – 6.

In the first half alone, Toby Sexton in addition to kicking four from five had three try assists, with each coming on the left side of the field. On all three occasions Toby Sexton played shallow and held the ball to the last moment before sending his support runners into gaps to score.

Twice Brendan Paiakura was the beneficiary when he ran into gaps close to Toby Sexton but on the other occasion in the first half, Toby Sexton threw a long cut out pass right onto the chest of Caleb Hodges who ran into a yawning gap forty metres from the line.

In the first half Toby Sexton also forced a St Mary’s goal line drop out with a pin point kick from around thirty five metres out to force another set of six, from which Caleb Hodges try resulted.

For the match, Toby Sexton ended up kicking seven goals from nine attempts.

Toby Sexton then went on to play a key role in PBC’s Langer Cup semi-final and Grand Final victories stating both final at half back.

Toby Sexton was a solid performer for PBC starting at half and kicking three from four in their tough Gold Point loss in the Queensland GIO Cup semi-final loss to Marsden State High School.

Toby Sexton made his Hastings Deering’s Colts debut In Round Twenty Three against the Northern Pride starting at five eight as Tweed Heads qualified for the finals on the back of a 36 – 10 win.

Toby Sexton played his second Hastings Deering’s Colts match for Tweed Heads Week One Elimination Final loss to the Mackay Cutters 23 – 10 starting at five eight and scoring his first career try in the match.

Toby Sexton’s try was one of the best of the season. he took the ball to the right of the play the ball fifty nine metres out from the line, he took the ball right to the line before producing an impressive right armed over the shoulder dummy to his right before swerving through a gap back towards the play the ball.

Ediq Ambrosyev roamed up on Toby Sexton’s left as he approached but when the fullback cheated towards his support, Toby Sexton dummied once again and then outpaced the defence to score adjacent to the left upright.

Toby Sexton also recorded a try assist in the match, he took the ball down a short blind side on the right side of the field, taking the ball right into the line before popping a great short ball to his right finding Jaylon To’O in a big gap who ran forty metres to score untouched.

In the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts Player of the Year Award tally Toby Sexton finished with three votes and at the PBC Sports Awards Night was the joint winner of the Craig Weston Medal for the PBC Open Best and Fairest Player.

mdrew

27-12-19, 06:58 AM

The 2019 season that was for Titans NRL Development contracted Juwan Compain:

In May 2019 Juwan Compain was selected in the Queensland U18 side for their annual match against their New South Wales counter parts in a State or Origin curtain raiser where he started at lock in Queensland’s big win.

In the Interstate match, Juwan Compain played the entire seventy minutes of the match, running for 60.9 metres (23.9 post contact) and made ten tackles at a 90.9% tackling efficiency.

In early 2019 Juwan Compain started in the second row for the Titans U18 side against the Newcastle Knights SG Ball squad in Coffs Harbour on an exceptionally hot Sunday afternoon and had a typically strong match.

Juwan Compain also started at right second row for the Titans U18 side in their big win over PNG at Pizzey park with Juwan Compain scoring a first half try when he ran on to a good pass to charge over mid-way between the touch line and the right goal post at the dressing shed end of Pizzey Park.

Juwan Compain started the 2019 season off starting in the second row for the Burleigh MM Cup side’s Round One match against the Western Mustangs and had a huge match including scoring a double in Tweed Heads big 58 – 18 victory.

Both of Juwan Compain’s tries, one in each half were whilst he was playing in the right second row position for Tweed Heads. For his first try Juwan Compain received an inside pass from fullback Reece Walsh and for his second Juwan Compain ran a great outside shoulder route to score out wide.

Juwan Compain also was heavily involved in the first try of the match when he was able to generate a quick play the ball after a storming run in the second minute of the match which allowed hooker Jed Edwards to dive over from dummy half.

In total in the 2019 MM Cup competition, Juwan Compain played in all nine of Tweed Head’s matches starting all at right second row including both the Queensland Final against Wynnum Manly and the National U18 final against the Illawarra Steelers.

In Tweed Heads impressive semi-final win over Souths Logan, Juwan Compain was credited with a try assist, playing right second rower, Juwan Compain threw a great inside ball for fullback Reece Walsh to score near the right upright.

Juwan Compain also had a try assist in the Grand Final victory over Wynnum Manly. Late in the first half he received a great short ball from Solomon Torrens and charged down field drawing the Wynnum Manly fullback to send five eight Kade Hill away to score under the posts.

Juwan Compain extended his try assist record in the National U18 Championship match against Illawarra, after some good work on his inside, Juwan Compain charged down field from his right second row position to draw the Illawarra fullback to send Reece Walsh away to score under the posts in the second half.

Juwan Compain played the entire seventy minutes in the National Final, running for 140 metres (forty post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 2.9 seconds and made thirteen tackles at a tackling efficiency of 86.7%.

At the Tweed Heads Seagulls Awards night Juwan Compain was awarded the 2019 Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup Coaches award and in the 2019 MM Cup Player of the season voting Juwan Compain finished with five votes.

Juwan Compain made his Hastings Deering’s Colts debut in Round Eleven for Tweed Heads against the Northern Pride and wasted no time in getting his hands on the ball. From a penalty from the kick off Juwan Compain, playing right second row, charged straight at the Northern Pride defence to show that he deserved his place at that level.

Juwan Compain made his first line break later in the first half, when he broke through the Northern Pride defence to charge down field on the right for what was ultimately a forty metre run.

Juwan Compain scored his first Hastings Deering’s Colts try in Round Thirteen against the Sunshine Coast Falcons when he scored in the second half. The ball was spun to the right by Tweed Heads, with Juwan Compain receiving the ball about ten metres out and spearing through the Falcons left side defence to score out wide.

Juwan Compain also scored in Round Seventeen of the Colts competition when he scored in the 2nd minute of the second half against Burleigh and added another try in Round Twenty Two against Souths Logan.

Operating on the right against Souths Logan, Juwan Compain, after receiving the ball from the inside engaged his immediate defender before spinning counter clock wise 360 degrees to score wide out in the attempted tackle of the Magpies defender.

Juwan Compain made his Queensland Cup debut starting in the centres for Tweed Heads in Round Fourteen when they travelled to Port Moresby to play the Hunters and playing all 80 minutes. In that time Juwan Compain ran for 52 metres (nineteen post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.27 seconds and made ten tackles at a tackling efficiency of 90.91%.

Juwan Compain was also part of the Tweed Heads Seagulls Queensland Cup side in Round Fifteen, starting from the bench against the Townsville Blackhawks, playing in the second row when came on late in the first half, scoring not long after he came on when he received an inside ball from Luke Jurd to score under the posts after a ten metre burst.

In total in the Round Fifteen match, Juwan Compain gained thirty two minutes of invaluable experience, running for twenty one metres (four post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.52 seconds and also made eleven tackles.

In total in his two 2019 Queensland Cup matches Juwan Compain played 112 minutes, ran for seventy three metres (twenty four post contact) and made twenty tackles at a tackling efficiency of 82.1%.

mdrew

28-12-19, 08:01 AM

The 2019 season that was for local junior and Titans NRL Top 30 player Jai Whitbread:

Jai Whitbread’s second NRL match came in Round Five of 2019 season against Penrith and he played a key role in the Titans 30 – 24 victory. In his 38 minutes on the field Jai Whitbread ran for 93 metres, 34 post contact, played the ball at an average speed of 3.13 seconds and made 23 tackles at a tackling efficiency of 95.8%.

Jai Whitbread was also on the bench for the Titans in Round Six against the Newcastle Knights, playing 39 minutes, running for 130 metres (37 post contact), broke three tackles and made twenty two tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

In Round Seven against the Wests Tigers, starting from the bench again Jai Whitbread played thirty five minutes, ran for 66 metres (29 post contact) and made thirty tackles at a tackling efficiency of 96.77%.

Jai Whitbread was back in the Titans NRL side for their Round Ten match against Canterbury, once again starting on the bench. In his 27 metres on the field, Jai Whitbread ran for 95 metres (41 post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 3.27 seconds and made eighteen tackles at a tackling efficiency of 81.81%.

In his first career NRL start (he started at lock), Jai Whitbread had a very solid outing in Round Eleven against Manly playing 35 minutes. In that time he ran for 106 metres (41 post contact), broke a tackle, played the ball at an exceptional average of 2.96 seconds and made twenty two tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Jai Whitbread made his second career NRL start in Round Twelve at lock in a two point loss to North Queensland, playing just 18 minutes. In those 18 minutes Jai Whitbread ran for 37 metres (eleven post contact) and made seventeen tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Jai Whitbread was back on the bench for Round Thirteen against the Brisbane Broncos but continued his impressive form in his 41 minutes on the field. In those minutes, he ran for 73 metres (13 post contact), broke three tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.12 seconds and made twenty nine tackles at a tackling efficiency of 96.67%.

Jai Whitbread also started from the bench in Round Fourteen against the New Zealand Warriors, playing thirty metres, running for 74 metres (34 post contact), breaking a tackle, playing the ball at an average speed of 3.42 seconds and making twenty five tackles at a tackling efficiency of 92.59%.

In his third NRL start in Round Fifteen against Manly when he started at lock, Jai Whitbread played 39 minutes, running for 83 metres (twenty five post contact), broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 3.23 seconds and made thirty two tackles at a tackling efficiency of 91.93%.

Round Seventeen of the NRL saw Jai Whitbread move back to the bench for the match against Penrith and playing twenty nine minutes after coming on at half time. In that time, Jai Whitbread ran for 97 metres (38 post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.33 seconds and made twenty tackles at an impressive tackles efficiency of 96.26%.

Jai Whitbread resumed his starting lock position in the NRL in Round Eighteen against the Melbourne Storm playing 53 minutes where he ran for 94 metres (23 post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.4 seconds and made twenty eight tackles at a tackling efficiency of 93.33%.

Jai Whitbread moved back to the bench for Round Nineteen against the Brisbane Broncos, playing forty nine minutes, running for 99 metres (34 post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed for 2.94 seconds and made thirty four tackles at a tackling efficiency of 87.18%.

Jai Whitbread started at lock in Round Twenty away to the Sydney Roosters playing 65 minutes, running for 113 metres (45 post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.41 seconds and made forty tackles at an impressive 97.56% tackling efficiency.

Round Twenty One against the St George Dragons saw Jai Whitbread start in the front row, playing 58 minutes, running for 109 metres (48 post contact), playing the ball at an average speed of 3.15 seconds and making an exceptional forty three tackles at a 97.72% tackling efficiency.

Jai Whitbread started from the bench in Round Twenty Two against Parramatta playing 37 minutes, running for 79 metres (31 post contact), broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 3.31 seconds and made twenty three tackles at a tackling efficiency of 95.8%.

In Round Twenty three against the Melbourne Storm Jai Whitbread came off the bench once again playing thirty two minutes, running for 31 metres (fourteen post contact, played the ball at an average of 2.87 seconds and made seventeen tackles at a 94.4% tackling efficiency.

Away to the Newcastle Knights in Round Twenty Four Jai Whitbread came off the bench to play fifty minutes, running for 94 metres (39 post contact), broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 3.11 seconds and made 37 tackles at a perfect 100% tackling efficiency.

Jai Whitbread also started from then bench for the Titans last NRL match of the season being Round Twenty Five against the St George Dragons playing just twenty three minutes.

In that time Jai Whitbread ran for 66 metres (25 post contact), played the ball at an average speed for 2.99 seconds and made seventeen tackles at a 94.4% tackling efficiency.

In total in the NRL in 2019, Jai Whitbread played eighteen matches, playing 792 minutes, running for 1 547 metres, broke seventeen tackles, off loaded the ball twice and made 477 tackles at a tackling efficiency of 93.2%.

Jai Whitbread’s 2019 NRL per game averages included playing 44 minutes, running for 86 metres from 9.1 hit ups and making 26.5 tackles.

Jai Whitbread started the 2019 season proper coming off the bench for the Burleigh Queensland Cup side in their 10 – 0 win over PNG. In his 38 minutes on the field Jai Whitbread took ten carries for 116 metres, 57 post contact (49.14%), broke two tackles and had a play the ball average of a more than decent 3.22 seconds.

Defensively Jai Whitbread had a tackling efficiency of 95.24% making 20 effective tackles, missing only one.

Jai Whitbread also came off the bench in Round Two against the Ipswich Jets and had a big game including scoring a first half try. Jai Whitbread showed some good speed off the mark to take the ball around twelve metres out from the line and showed good speed off the mark to split the Jets defence to score under the posts.

In his forty six minutes on the field, Jai Whitbread ran for 111 metres (29 post contact, had a team leading two line breaks, broke four tackle, played the ball at an average of 3.1 seconds all whilst making eleven tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

In Round Three of the Queensland Cup against Tweed Jai Whitbread started from the bench for the third match in a row but made the most of his 34 minutes on the field, in that time Jai Whitbread made 81 metres (34 post contact) from nine hit-ups, broke a tackle, played the ball in an average time of 2.9 seconds and made an impressive 29 tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

After being in the 21 man Titans NRL squad for a number of weeks, Jai Whitbread made his first Queensland Cup start of the season in Round Five when he started at lock in their 38 - 22 win against Souths Logan and scored his second 2019 try in the process.

Jai Whitbread played a season high 63 minutes, ran for 153 metres (51 post contact), broke the line on two occasions, broke a team leading nine tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.19 seconds and made a team leading twenty six tackles at a tackling efficiency of 96.30%.

In relation to his try, Jai Whitbread received the ball from the dummy half about ten metres out from the Souths Logan line, when he made contact with the defensive line, Jai Whitbread spun clock wise 360 degrees to break through the initial contact before he pushed past the Magpies fullback to score just to the right of the goal posts.

After his performances in the opening two rounds of the 2019 Queensland Cup for Burleigh Jai Whitbread was deservedly rewarded by being named on the Titans extended bench for Round Two in the NRL against the Cronulla Sharks.

In total in the Queensland Cup in 2019, Jai Whitbread played 189 minutes in four matches, scored two tries, broke sixteen tackles, ran for 464 metres and made 86 tackles at a tackling efficiency of 96.2%.

mdrew

29-12-19, 06:59 AM

The 2019 season that was for Titans NRL Top 30 player Sam Stone:

After signing with the Titans in late June Sam Stone began his time back on the Gold Coast starting in the second row for Burleigh in Round Fifteen of the Queensland Cup against Townsville.

In the match, Sam Stone played all 80 minutes, running for 91 metres (36 post contact), broke three tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 4.85 seconds and made twenty seven tackles at an impressive tackling efficiency of 96.49%.

In Round Sixteen of the Queensland Cup Sam Stone started from the bench for Burleigh against Souths Logan scoring his first career Queensland Cup try and his first since signing with the Titans when he was on hand to dive on a loose ball after the Souths Logan defence could not mop up a kick into their in goal.

Sam Stone played thirty minutes in the match, at right second row, running for forty five metres (fourteen post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 3.5 seconds and made nine tackles at a 90% tackling efficiency.

Sam Stone also came off the bench in Round Seventeen against Tweed Heads. In the derby Sam Stone played forty six minutes at right second row, running for ninety one metres, an impressive forty six of which (50.55%) were post contact, played the ball at an average speed of 3.87 seconds, broke a tackle and made twenty tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Sam Stone was promoted to the Titans NRL side, coming off the bench in Round Eighteen against the Melbourne Storm for his first Titans appearance coming on in the 21st minute and playing the remaining 59 minutes at right second row.

In that time Sam Stone ran for 88 metres (25 post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 3.65 seconds and made thirty tackles at an 85.71% tackling efficiency.

Sam Stone made his first NRL start for the Titans when he started at right second row in Round Nineteen against the Brisbane Broncos, playing seventy minutes.

In that time, Sam Stone, ran for twenty eight metres (eight post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 2.79 seconds and made 33 tackles at a tackling efficiency of 89.19%.

Sam Stone moved to left second row in Round Twenty away to the Sydney Roosters playing 63 minutes including to right second row in the second half.

In that time Sam Stone ran for 65 metres (24 post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 4.11 seconds and made forty three tackles at a 94.56% tackling efficiency.

Sam Stone moved back to start at right second row in Round Twenty One against St George, playing 60 minutes. In that time he ran for 101 metres (45 post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 3.63 seconds and made twenty three tackles at a tackling efficiency of 92%.

Sam Stone moved back to left second row in Round Twenty Two against the Parramatta Eels playing 51 minutes on that side of the field. In that time he ran for 47 metres (22 post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 3.5 seconds and made thirty three tackles at a tackling efficiency of 89.19%.

In Round Twenty three away to the Melbourne Storm Sam Stone played all 80 minutes at left second row running for 84 metres (37 post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 3.78 seconds and made thirty five tackles at a 92.1% tackling efficiency.

The Titans were away to Newcastle in Round Twenty Four with Sam Stone starting and playing all 80 minutes at left second row. Sam Stone ran for 38 metres (twelve post contact), broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 3.72 seconds and made 32 tackles at a 86.5% tackling efficiency.

Sam Stone also started at left second row in the Titans last NRL match of the season being Round Twenty Five against the St George Dragons once again playing the entire match.

In his 80 minutes on the field, Sam Stone ran for 105 metres (an impressive 48 of which were post contact), broke three tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.48 seconds and made forty three tackles at a 95.56% tackling efficiency.

In total in his eight NRL games in 2019 Sam Stone played 543 minutes, offloaded the ball four times, ran for 560 metres and made 272 tackles at a tackling efficiency of 88.2%.

Sam Stone’s per game averages included playing 67 minutes, running for seventy metres and making thirty four tackles

mdrew

29-12-19, 10:41 AM

After his outstanding 2019 season it is no surprise to see Titans contracted Rowan Mansfield receive a sports award at the recent Ballina Coast High School Sports Award night.

mdrew

30-12-19, 08:03 AM

The 2019 season that was for Titans NRL Top 30 player Tremain Spry:

Tremain Spry started from the interchange bench in the Titans first 2019 NRL trial this season against the North Queensland Cowboys on the Sunshine Coast. In the NRL trial Tremain Spry had a tough initiation but after that settled down putting in a solid performance in a match not conducive to outside backs due to the weather conditions. Tremain Spry played for the Burleigh Bears Queensland Cup side in their Queensland Cup trial the week prior against the Souths Logan Magpies.

Tremain Spry also started from the bench for the Titans second and final NRL trial when they took on Brisbane on the Gold Coast where his outstanding potential was on display on a number of occasions.

Tremain Spry was also part of the Queensland U20 squad starting the match against New South Wales that was the Third State of Origin curtain raiser on the wing.

In the 2019 season proper Tremain Spry started the season with the Tweed Heads Seagulls Queensland Cup side, starting in the centres in Round One against the PNG Hunters at Tweed Heads.

Playing left centre Tremain Spry played the entire 80 minutes taking nine runs for 92 metres, 36 post contact, had an off-load, broke four tackles and had a play the ball average of 3.91 seconds. Defensively Tremain Spry made nine tackles missing only one.

Tremain Spry had a huge match in Round Two scoring a double, and just missing a third. His first try resulted when he took possession after Townsville fullback Zac Santo spilt a grubber under pressure from Keegan Hipgrave for Tremain Spry to dive over under the posts.

Tremain Spry’s second try resulted when he ran into a gap five metres out in the second half and was presented with a good ball by Tweed Heads five eight Lindon McGrady. Late in the match Tremain Spry could have had his third when he took an intercept whilst defending on his own line but was dragged down five metres out after a ninety three metres run.

Playing right centre Tremain Spry ran for a team leading 177 metres, twenty six post contact, and fifteen from dummy half, had a line break, broke three tackles, played the ball at an average of 4.04 seconds, had an offload and made six tackles.

Due to injury Tremain Spry played only 31 minutes of Tweed Head’s Round Three Queensland Cup match against Burleigh. In his time on the field he ran for 31 metres, broke a tackle, had an offload and played the ball in an average time of 4.25 seconds. Tremain Spry also made three tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency whilst once again playing right centre.

After playing only 21 minutes in Round Three and missing Round Four Tremain Spry was back in the Tweed Heads Seagulls Queensland Cup side for Round Five and scored the Seagulls only try in their 32-6 loss to Wynnum Manly.

Playing on the right Tremain Spry played the entire 80 minutes running for 115 metres (13 post contact), made a line break, broke two tackles, played the ball at a team leading average speed of 3.01 seconds and made a tackle.

Tremain Spry’s try was one of the easier ones that he will score, he ran into a huge gap around seventy metres out to score under the posts untouched.

In Round Six of the Queensland Cup for Tweed Heads against the Mackay Cutters, Tremain Spry scored his fourth try of the season, when Tweed Heads spread the ball to the right, Tremain Spry got outside of his direct opponent and scored untouched from around twenty metres out.

Playing the full game, Tremain Spry ran for 103 metres (twenty post contact), had a line break, line break assist, a try assist when he set up a try for Taylor Walters, broke a team leading six tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.97 seconds and had an 80% tackling efficiency in the match.

In Round Seven against Redcliffe Tremain Spry started at right centre and played the entire 80 minutes. In that time he ran for 45 metres (twenty post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 2.82 seconds and made thirteen tackles at a tackling efficiency of 81.3%.

In Round Eight of the Queensland Cup Tremain Spry played right centre and scored his fourth try of the season for Tweed Heads against the Ipswich Jets and as usual played the entire 80 minutes. In that time he ran for 84 metres (25 post contact), broke two tackles, had a line break assist, played the ball at an average of 3.05 seconds and made three tackles.

In Round Nine of the Queensland Cup, Tremain Spry started at right centre once again playing the entire 80 minutes against Norths. He ran for 121 metres (43 post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.35 seconds and made thirteen tackles.

Round Ten saw Tremain Spry score a double against the Easts Tigers from right centre. In his 80 minutes on the field, Tremain Spry ran for 142 metres (21 post contact), broke four tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 4.18 seconds and made five tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Tremain Spry’s first try of the match was a seventy metre effort in the first half. He received the ball early, slicing through the Tigers left side defence before easily rounding the fullback to score under the posts and for his second try Tremain Spry was on the spot to clean up a dropped kick to score untouched in the right corner in the second half.

In Round Eleven Tremain Spry started at right centre once again playing the entire 80 minutes against the Northern Pride. He ran for 55 metres (15 post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.24 seconds and made ten tackles.

In Round Twelve against Souths Logan from the right centre position Tremain Spry in his 80 minutes on the field ran for 92 metres (37 post contact), had a line break assist, broke three tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.6 seconds and made six tackles a 75% tackling efficiency.

In a tough Round Thirteen loss against the Sunshine Coast Falcons, Tremain Spry playing right centre in his 80 minutes, ran for 78 metres (nineteen post contact), broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 3.66 seconds and made eight tackles.

Tremain Spry moved to five eight for Tweed’s Round Fourteen match against the PNG Hunters in Port Moresby scoring his eighth try of the 2019 season. Tremain Spry played the entire 80 minutes, running for 89 metres (eighteen post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average of 4.37 seconds and made eight tackles at an 80% tackling efficiency.

Tremain’s try was an impressive one, he received the ball on the right side of the field, dummied to the immediate Hunters to get through the initial line before popping a great short ball to Kalani Going who charged thirty metres down field before passing back inside to Tremain Spry to score.

Tremain Spry moved back to right centre for Round Fifteen against Ipswich, once again playing the entire 80 minutes. In that time he ran for 97 metres (twenty post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.35 seconds and made seven tackles.

After missing Round Sixteen as a result of the U20 State of Origin match, Tremain Spry was back starting at right centre in Round Seventeen against Burleigh, once again playing all eighty minutes. In that time, Tremain Spry ran for 39 metres (six post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed for 4.57 seconds and made eight tackles at an 80% tackling efficiency.

Tremain Spry started at right centre again in Round Eighteen against the Central Queensland Capra’s playing the entire eight minutes. Tremain Spry ran for 126 metres (38 post contact), had a line break, broke four tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.68 seconds and made three tackles.

Tremain Spry as usual started at right centre in Round Nineteen against the Mackay Cutters again playing all 80 minutes. In that time he ran for 95 metres (41 post contact), broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed for 3.42 seconds and had a 100% tackling efficiency whilst making his eleven tackles.

Tremain Spry also started at right centre in Round Twenty against the Ipswich Jets once again playing all 80 minutes. In the match, Tremain Spry ran for 59 metres (22 post contact), broke three tackles, played the ball at an average speed for 3.56 seconds and made six tackles at a 75% tackling efficiency.

After missing Round twenty One, Tremain Spry was back at right centre for Round Twenty two against Souths Logan playing the entire match. Tremain Spry ran for 79 metres (fourteen post contact), broke three tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.56 seconds and made fourteen tackles.

Tremain Spry scored his 8th try of the season in Round Twenty Three against the Northern Pride from right centre when he jumped up between two Pride defenders to retrieve the ball and score a relatively easy try.

In addition to his try, Tremain Spry played all 80 minutes, running for 124 metres (36 post contact), broke three tackles, made a line break, played the ball at an average speed of 3.74 seconds and made fourteen tackles.

In total in the Queensland Cup in 2019, Tremain Spry played twenty matches, nineteen of which he played all eighty minutes, Tremain Spry came off injury in the 31st minute of the other match meaning that he was on the field for a total of 1 551 minutes out of a possible 1 600 meaning that Tremain Spry was on the field 97% of the possible time that he could have been on there for.

In those minutes, Tremain Spry scored nine tries, had two try assists, broke fifty two tackles, made six line breaks, made 154 tackles at a tackling efficiency of 73.1% and ran for 1 854 metres.

Tremain Spry’s 2019 Queensland Cup per game averages included playing 77.6 minutes, running for 92.7 metres, making 7.7 tackles and breaking 2.6 tackles.

mdrew

31-12-19, 08:53 AM

The 2019 season that was for local junior and Titans NRL Top 30 player Tannah Boyd:

The outstanding prospect is a Gold Coast junior who is signed to the Titans NRL squad until the end of the 2021 season and moved immediately to the Burleigh Bears Queensland Cup squad.

To cap off an outstanding 2019 season Tannah Boyd, in late December was named in the 2020 Queensland U20 Emerging Origin Squad.

Tannah Boyd made his NRL for the Titans off the bench in Round Twenty Four against the Newcastle Knights coming on to play thirty minutes in the hooking role, kicking for forty four metres and making twenty one tackles at a quite impressive tackling efficiency of 91.3%, including one try saving tackle when he desperately held on to a Newcastle players jersey with his left arm preventing him from scoring from close range.

Tannah Boyd made his first NRL start in Twenty Five against St George which was his “home” debut as well for the Titans and the Titans last match of the season.

In his 80 minutes on the field, Tannah Boyd ran for 58 metres (ten post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.6 seconds, made twenty five tackles at a tackling efficiency of 92.6% and kicked the ball eleven times making 291 metres.

In total in his two NRL matches for the Titans in 2019, Tannah Boyd played 110 of a possible 160 minutes, running for fifty eight metres, making forty six tackles at a very good tackling efficiency of 87.3% and kicked for 337 metres.

Tannah Boyd’s 2019 NRL per game averages included playing fifty five minutes, running for twenty nine metres, making twenty three tackles and kicking for 168.5 metres. Not a bad effort at all in his first two career NRL matches.

Tannah Boyd was also selected in the Queensland U20 squad starting the match against New South Wales that was the Third State of Origin curtain raiser from the inter change bench. When he came on Tannah Boyd added enthusiasm and intensity just when he was needed and spent the majority of his time on the field in the dummy half role.

Tannah Boyd’s first match after signing with the Titans was for Burleigh in the Gold Coast Rugby League First Grade competition when he came off the bench in Round Thirteen against Ormeau.

Tannah Boyd’s first appearance for Burleigh was in Round Fifteen of the Queensland Cup when he played seventeen minutes off the bench against the Ipswich Jets. In that time, Tannah Boyd ran for 41 metres (four post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 4.22 seconds and had a 100% tackling efficiency.

After being named earlier in the week as the Titans 18th man Tannah Boyd started at five eight for Burleigh in Round Eighteen of the Queensland Cup against the Townsville Blackhawks playing all 80 minutes and recording his first Queensland Cup try for the Bears.

In addition Tannah Boyd ran for a team leading 164 metres (22 post contact), broke three tackles, played the ball at an average speed for 3.12 seconds and made fourteen tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

In relation to his try, Tannah Boyd spun the ball out the left, and the Burleigh left centre split the defence before passing back inside to Tannah Boyd who sprinted forty metres to score untouched.

After missing a couple of weeks with injury Tannah Boyd started from the bench for Burleigh in Round Twenty One against the Northern Pride, playing at five eight in his 213 minutes on the field. In that time he ran for 10 metres and made ten tackles at an 83.33% tackling efficiency.

Tannah Boyd retained his place on the bench for Burleigh in Round Twenty Two against the Sunshine Coast Falcons playing twenty minutes after coming on playing in the halves.

In the match Tannah Boyd ran for twenty metres (four post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 4.2 seconds and had a 100% tackling efficiency.

In total in the 2019 Queensland Cup competition when you combine his Souths Logan and Burleigh matches, Tannah Boyd played twelve games, ran for 645 metres, made 134 tackles at a tackling efficiency of 82%, had five try assists, four line break assists, three offloads and kicked for 2 203 metres.

Tannah Boyd’s 2019 Queensland Cup per game averages included playing sixty five minutes per match, running for 53.8 metres on five runs and making 11.5 tackles.

This season Tannah Boyd prior to signing with the Titans played in eight Queensland Cup matches for the Souths Logan Magpies to go along with his two Queensland Cup matches in 2018.

Tannah Boyd started at half for Souths Logan in Round One of the Queensland Cup of the 2019 season against Central Queensland playing the entire 80 minutes. In the match he ran for 64 metre (11 post contact), kicked for 210 metres, kicked a conversion, forced a drop out, had a try assist and made six tackles.

Round Two against the Mackay Cutters saw Tannah Boyd play the entire 80 minutes at half, running for 72 metres (16 pot contact),kicked for 256 metres, kicked three conversions, forced a drop out, had a try assist, broke two tackles and made thirteen tackles.

In Round Three against Norths Tannah Boyd played the entire match at half, running for 45 metres, kicking two conversions, kicking for 315 metres, forcing a drop out and making thirteen tackles.

In Round Six against the Northern Pride Tannah Boyd played the entire match at half, running for twenty seven metres, kicking for 291 metres, forcing two drop outs and making eighteen tackles.

In Round Seven against the Easts Tigers Tannah Boyd played the entire match at half, running for 100 metres (twenty post contact),had a try assist, broke a tackle, kicked for 193 metres, and making thirteen tackles.

Round Eight against Wynnum Manly saw Tannah Boyd once again play the entire match at half, running for forty metres, record two try assists, break a tackle, kick for 209 metres, and make Seventeen tackles.

In Round Nine against the Sunshine Coast Falcons Tannah Boyd played 59 minutes at half, running for twenty four metres and make ten tackles.

In Round Thirteen against Townsville Tannah Boyd played the entire match at half, running for thirty metres, kick for 316 metres and make sixteen tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

In total in his eight Queensland Cup matches for Souths Logan this season, Tannah Boyd played 619 minutes, run for 406 metres, kick for 2 065 metres, kick nine conversions, record five try assists, broke five tackles, offloaded the ball twice and made 106 tackles.

mdrew

02-01-20, 05:04 PM

The 2019 season that was for talented Titan backrower Bailey Martin:

In early 2019, Bailey Martin played his second match in Titans colours starting once again at lock for the Titans U16’s against Newcastle. Bailey Martin was the Titans vice-captain for the match.

In addition to once again confirming that he is an outstanding worker in both attack and defence, Bailey Martin also highlighted his developing ball playing skills. In the second half when the Titans were coming out of their own half, Bailey Martin took the ball for a hit-up but instead of just running into the Newcastle defensive line, he popped a great short ball to his right to Joseph Shannon who charged down the field on a fifty metre run.

In the lead up to the play you could see Bailey Martin pointing to the gap that he wanted Joseph Shannon to run into and then threw the great ball exactly as he had indicated.

Bailey Martin also displayed his toughness during the match. He got hit with a high tackle in the second half, but shook it off to take the first hit-up from the penalty restart.

Speaking of restarts Bailey Martin had an incredible start to the second half, taking two hit-ups in the Titans first set of six and then made two or three tackles in a row the first time Newcastle had the ball.

In short Bailey Martin had an outstanding match and must have been at or near the top in terms of the most tackles and hit-ups for the Titans in the match.

Early in the 2019 season Bailey Martin represented the Gold Coast Vikings Yellow U16’s scoring on Match Day Four against Brisbane Green in a big 44 – 4 victory for the Gold Coast side. Post that competition Bailey Martin was named in the South East Queensland U16 train on squad.

Subsequently Bailey Martin was named in the 2019 South East Queensland Green U16 side for the Queensland Age Championships starting for them at lock. Post those Championships Bailey Martin was selected at lock in the Queensland City U16 side to play Queensland Country U16’s.

Unfortunately Bailey Martin only lasted twenty five minutes before a shoulder injury forced him off the field, but he made the most of his time on the field including a great second effort with the ball which almost led to him scoring under the posts in the opening minutes.

In his twenty five minutes on the field, Bailey Martin ran for thirty two minutes (six post contact), had a line break assist, broke a tackle and made fifteen tackles at a tackling efficiency of 88.24%.

Bailey Martin was named to start Round One of the GCRL U16 Division One competition in the front row for Burleigh in their match against Coomera but due to injuries started in the second row as he did in Round Two.

In total in the 2019 GCRL U16 Division One regular season competition, Bailey Martin played in six regular season matches alternating between the front row and the second row scoring against Helensvale in late May.

In Week One of the 2019 Finals series, Bailey Martin came off the bench around the twenty minute mark (he had come off the bench for PBC in their GIO Cup Queensland quarter final win three days prior) and scored a double as the Bears defeated Helensvale 42 – 20.

Bailey Martin made his GCRL U18 Division One debut in Round Six against Runaway Bay starting from the bench as the Bears won 28 – 6. Bailey Martin came on around the 15 minute mark, playing the remainder of the match at lock for the Bears.

Impressively for Bailey Martin he was selected on the bench for the PBC Open A side for their first Langer Cup match against Wavell State High School, not bad at all for a 16 year old. Bailey Martin came on in the first half in the dummy half role and played exceptionally well in his approximately 45 minutes on the field, including setting up a try when he darted out of dummy half before giving a good short ball to his front rower. He also made a good twenty break when he took advantage of a back peddling Marsden defensive line.

Round Two of the Langer Cup saw Bailey Martin start the afternoon playing lock for the PBC Reserve Grade side but after playing impressively and scoring Bailey Martin was removed from the game in preparation for the Open A match.

In the Open A match Bailey Martin came on at half time in PBC’s 18-12 and was his typical self, tackling everything that moved with his outstanding tackling technique.

Defensively Bailey Martin stood up to every challenge that the big Marsden forwards threw at him, he really did defend well and for he Bailey martin has the best defensive technique in the Titans development system.

Bailey Martin was also involved off the bench for the PBC Opens Round Three and Four Langer Cup matches against Ipswich State High School and Wavell State High School.

Bailey Martin also deservedly started from the bench in the Langer Cup derby against Keebra Park in June scoring PBC’s final try as they prevailed 34 – 26, coming on late in the first half. Bailey Martin also scored PBC’s final try of the match to seal the result for PBC.

Bailey Martin took a hit up from around ten metres out from the line to the left of the play the ball, running with the ball in two hands out in front of his body, this essentially froze the Keebra Park defenders on their try line which Bailey Martin exploited to dive over near the left upright with just six minutes left in the match.

Bailey Martin also started from the bench for PBC in their Queensland GIO Cup quarter final win over St Mary’s High School Toowoomba 50 – 6 coming into the match late in the first half initially playing in the backrow.

Bailey Martin started from the bench for PBC in their GIO Cup Queensland Cup semi-final against Marsden State High School and scored a first half try but unfortunately PBC went down in golden point 23 – 22. In a sign of how highly he is thought up, Bailey Martin was brought back onto the field in the dying minutes and extra time.

Getting back to his try, Bailey Martin showed outstanding speed to score over forty metres, receiving an inside pass from Toby Sexton and producing a great left arm fend on the initial Marsden defender before showing the Marsden fullback a clean pair of heels to score adjacent to the right upright.

mdrew

02-01-20, 08:50 PM

The 2019 season that was for talented Titans contracted centre Caleb Hodges:

Caleb Hodges is currently training with the Titans Rookie Squad as well as training with the Tweed Heads Seagulls Queensland Cup squad for the 2020 season.

The centre who is contracted to the Titans until the end of 2021 is one of a number of Titans players who were outstanding for the highly successful 2019 Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup side.

Caleb Hodges started at left centre for the 2019 Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup side’s Round One victory over the Western Mustangs 58 – 18 with Caleb Hodges scoring a first half try. Caleb Hodges ran fifty metres down the left touchline to score after receiving a great ball from five eight Toby Sexton and then was able to bring the ball around to near the posts.

Caleb Hodges scored the winning try in the last minute in Round Three against Burleigh when he pouched on a great grubber kick by Tweed Heads five eight Kade Hill to score out wide to seal a great Seagulls comeback.

Caleb Hodges also scored a late try in Round Four against the Central Queensland Capra’s when playing at left centre received a cut out lob pass from five eight Kade Hill to score out wide.

Tweed Heads had to win well in their Round Six match against the Mackay Cutters which they did 72 – 0 with Caleb Hodges crossing once again. Playing left centre, Caleb Hodges ran a good line into a gap and was presented with a great pass from left second rower Brendan Paiakura.

In the Tweed Heads Seagulls semi-final win against Souths Logan, Caleb Hodges once again crossed. After good inside work from Solomon Torrens Caleb Hodges took the ball on the left with little room to move, but after getting outside his direct opponent was able to streak down the left touchline to somehow get the ball down right in the left corner under heavy pressure.

Caleb Hodges was also outstanding at left centre in Tweed Heads Grand Final victory over Wynnum Manly, as he was in the National U18 Grand Final against Illawarra when he added another try to his resume. For the try, Caleb Hodges flashed down the left touch line before cutting inside the Illawarra fullback to score out wide on the left of the field.

Caleb Hodges played the entire seventy minutes in the National Final, running for ninety seven metres (twenty eight post contact) broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 3.33 seconds and made fourteen tackles at a tackling efficiency of 61%.

Caleb Hodges in 2019 was once again part of the PBC Open A rugby league side including starting at left centre in the Langer Cup derby against Keebra Park in June.

Caleb Hodges also started at left centre for PBC in their Queensland GIO Cup quarter final win over St Mary’s High School Toowoomba 50 – 6 scoring an outstanding first half try in the match.

From a set of six after a St Mary’s drop out (Caleb Hodges in fact made the tackle in the in goal to force the drop out) Caleb Hodges ran into a gap around forty metres out with his speed and power far too much for the St Mary’s fullback to handle.

Caleb Hodges was a solid performer for PBC at left centre in their tough Gold Point loss in the Queensland GIO Cup semi-final loss to Marsden State High School.

Caleb Hodges made his Hastings Deering’s Colts debut In Round Twenty Three against the Northern Pride starting at left centre and scoring in the 23rd minute of the match as Tweed Heads qualified for the finals on the back of a 36 – 10 win.

Caleb Hodges ran a straight crash line from his left centre and smashed through one tackle before scoring around five metres from the left corner post. The straight crash line is one of the hardest one to run as it is anticipated that you are going to get hit hard, but Caleb Hodges proved his courage and strength to score on debut.

Caleb Hodges played his second Hastings Deering’s Colts match for Tweed Heads Week One Elimination Final loss to the Mackay Cutters 23 – 10 starting at left centre.

In early 2019 Caleb Hodges was part of the Titans U18’s in their match at Coffs Harbour against the Newcastle Knights U18 SG Ball squad which ended five tries all.

2019 also saw Caleb Hodges start at left centre for the Titans U18 side in their match against North Queensland that was played as the curtain raiser to the Titans/ Warriors NRL match in June.

Also in 2019 Caleb Hodges was selected in the South Coast U18 side for the QSSRL U18 Championships after playing in the centres in the trials. Caleb Hodges primarily played left centre for South Coast in the U18 QSSRL Championships.

South Coast went through the Championships undefeated including coming from behind to defeated Northern in the final 22 – 16. Caleb Hodges was subsequently named in the Queensland School boy’s side for the Australian School boy Championships.

At the 2019 ASSRL U18 Championships, Caleb Hodges started all of Queensland matches on the left wing including the semi-final against New South Wales Combined Independent Schools when he scored a first half try.

mdrew

03-01-20, 01:18 PM

The 2019 season that was for 2020 Titans Top 30 NRL player Darius Farmer:

Darius Farmer started from the interchange bench in the Titans first NRL trial of 2019 against the Norther Queensland Cowboys on the Sunshine Coast.

In Round One of the 2019 Queensland Cup competition, Darius Farmer came off the bench for Burleigh against PNG playing 26 minutes, took two hit-ups for 26 metres, 11 post contact, broke two tackles, had a play the ball average of 3.48 seconds and made nine tackles missing only one.

Darius Farmer made his second Queensland Cup appearance of the season in Round Ten for Burleigh as they thrashed the Northern Pride 43 – 0. Starting from the bench Darius Farmer played 23 minutes, ran for 44 metres (an impressive 50% of those post contact) on five hit-ups, broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 4.19 seconds and made ten tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Darius Farmer also started from the bench in Round Eleven of the Queensland Cup for Burleigh as they defeated Central Queensland. Darius Farmer played 29 minutes, running for 35 metres (16 post contact), played the ball at an average of 4.25 seconds and made four tackles.

After Round One Darius Farmer moved back to the Burleigh Colts Hastings Deering’s Colts U20 side for Rounds Two and Three starting in the second row on both occasions.

Darius Farmer came back into the Burleigh Hasting’s Deering Colts side in Week Two of the Finals starting at right second row in Burleigh’s 42 – 12 win against Norths.

In the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts Player of the Year Award tally Darius Farmer finished with three votes from a very limited number of matches, being four in total.

Darius Farmer was promoted to the Burleigh Gold Coast Rugby League First Grade side starting in the second row in Round Three of that competition for the Bears in their 28 – 8 win over Currumbin.

Darius Farmer also started in the second row in Round Four against Bilambil and in fact scored his first career GCRL First Grade try. With Burleigh attacking close to the Bilambil line, Darius Farmer flew onto the ball from around two metres out to crash over the top of three defenders to get the ball down.

After missing an extended period of time during the 2019 season, it was great to see Darius Farmer back in the Burleigh Bears Gold Coast Rugby League First Grade side when he came off the bench in Round Nineteen against Southport, narrowly missing out on scoring in the second half when he chased through a Burleigh short attacking kick but could not quite ground the ball in the in goal. When he came on Darius Farmer operated on the right side of the field.

Darius Farmer also started from the bench in Round Twenty being the final regular season round against Ormeau in a big 64 – 12 Burleigh win.

In total in the Gold Coast Rugby League season in 2019 Darius Farmer played in seven Gold Coast Rugby League regular season First Grade matches for the Bears.

In the Gold Coast Rugby League First Grade Finals series Darius Farmer started at right second row for Burleigh in their Grand Final qualifying final against Currumbin scoring in an outstanding second half display. Darius Farmer ran a crash line from around eight metres from the line and spun 360 degrees counter clock wise to crash over mid-way between the uprights and corner post on the right side of the field.

Darius Farmer also started at right second row as Burleigh won the GCRL First Grade Grand Final by defeating Southport 30 -12 scoring a try in each half in the victory.

Darius Farmer’s try in the first half resulted from him following through a short grubber kick on the right side of the field. Darius Farmer ran a crash line from around eighteen metres from the line on the right side of the field to crash over mid-way between the uprights and corner post on the right side of the field for his second try in the second half.

In 2019 Darius Farmer was also selected in the Gold Coast Vikings First Grade side for the South East Queensland U20 Challenge but in the end was not part of the side that won the competition due to his elevation to the Burleigh Queensland Cup side.

mdrew

03-01-20, 07:23 PM

The 2019 season that was for young Titans contracted forward Ben Liyou:

The former Grafton Ghosts youngster in 2018 signed a two year deal with the Titans which saw him move to the Gold Coast continue his rugby league career at the start of 2019.

In early 2019 Ben Liyou started from the bench for the Titans U18’s in their match at Coffs Harbour against the Newcastle Knights U18 SG Ball squad which ended five tries all.

When he came on mid-way through the first half, Ben Liyou started on the left side of the field but moved over to the right side for the second half.

Ben Liyou was more than solid defensively in the match, covering across field well and even though he was not the biggest forward on the field, he initial contact was more than impressive.

With the ball Ben Liyou ran a couple of very good outside shoulder routes when he was operating on the right side of the field in the second half.

Ben Liyou started in the unfamiliar front row position for the 2019 Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup side in their 58 – 18 Round One victory over the Western Mustangs.

Ben Liyou’s first 2019 MM Cup try came in Round Three against Burleigh. Tweed Heads five eight Kade Hill put in a grubber kick for Ben Liyou to follow through and dive on to score under the posts with the ball very close to the dead ball line.

In total in the 2019 MM Cup competition, Ben Liyou played in all nine of Tweed Heads matches starting all in the front row including their semi-final and Grand Final victory over Wynnum Manly and their U18 National Final victory against Illawarra 48 – 12 (no head gear in the National Final however that meant it took a minute for me to pick him out).

Ben Liyou played thirty nine minutes in the National Final against Illawarra, running for ninety nine metres (forty post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 3.56 seconds and made a team leading nineteen tackles at a tackling efficiency of an impressive 95%.

Ben Liyou made his Hastings Deering’s Colts debut in Round Eleven against the Northern Pride starting the match in the front row, playing significant minutes in Tweed Head’s 35 – 16 victory and also started in the front row in Round Twelve.

Ben Liyou also started in the in the front row in Round Thirteen against the Sunshine Coast Falcons, scoring his first try when he ran hard and straight to crash over just to the left of the uprights after receiving the ball around nine metres out from the line.

In total in the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition, Ben Liyou played in twelve matches (in a row) including their Elimination Final loss to Mackay, starting all in the front row and as noted above scored in Round Thirteen against Sunshine Coast.

Impressively Ben Liyou also spent some time training with the Titans NRL side in 2019 which clearly shows the high regard the Titans hold him in. At the 2019 Titans NRL Awards night Ben Liyou was awarded the inaugural Titans TEDS award

mdrew

04-01-20, 08:26 AM

The 2019 season that was for the versatile Carsil Vaikai:

In January of 2019 Carsil Vaikai started at lock for the Titans U18 side in their Coffs Harbour match against Newcastle and scored an outstanding first half try when he barged over carrying two or three Knights forwards with him from around ten metres out.

Carsil Vaikai also started at lock for the Titans U18 side in their big win over PNG at Pizzey Park in early October.

In May 2019 Carsil Vaikai was selected in the Queensland U18 side for their annual match against their New South Wales counter parts in a State or Origin curtain raiser where he started from the bench coming on late in the first half playing in the backrow.

In the Interstate U18 match Carsil Vaikai played twenty five minutes, running for ten metres and made ten tackles at a 90.9% tackling efficiency.

Carsil Vaikai started at lock in Round One of the 2019 MM Cup competition as Tweed Heads smashed the Western Mustangs 58 – 18 in a one sided affair with Carsil Vaikai being particularly effective defensively.

In total in the 2019 MM Cup competition, Carsil Vaikai captained all eight of Tweed Heads matches starting all in at lock in all including both their semi-final against Souths Logan and Grand Final victory over Wynnum Manly. In the 2019 MM Cup Player of the season voting Carsil Vaikai finished with three votes.

In the Grand Final Carsil Vaikai was simply outstanding leading from the front as he was in the National U18 Grand Final leading Tweed Heads to a big win against the Illawarra Steelers.

Carsil Vaikai played fifty seven minutes in the National Final, running for 145 metres (forty seven post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.64 seconds and made fourteen tackles at a tackling efficiency of 73.7%.

Carsil Vaikai made his Hastings Deering’s Colts debut in Round Eleven for the Tweed Heads Seagulls against the Northern Pride. After originally being named on the bench, Carsil Vaikai in fact started the match at hooker, acquitting himself well in that role for the first twenty minutes before reverting to the backrow for the remainder of the match.

Unfortunately for Carsil Vaikai the match was his only Hastings Deering’s Colts match of the 2019 season.

mdrew

04-01-20, 02:16 PM

The 2019 season that was for star in the making Xavier Atoa:

The outstanding centre or fullback (and on occasion five eight in representative sides) was near unstoppable as you can get earlier this season for the Titans U14 side in their big 32 – 8 victory over the Western Mustangs at Mudgeeraba.

In the match played in extremely hot conditions, Xavier Atoa started at right centre and scored a hat trick including two outstanding long range tries, one in each half. For his first try, Xavier Atoa had moved to the right due to a scrum being packed near the left touch line. Xavier Atoa took a pass from the Titans five eight Hayden Miller after a scrum win and split the defence to score from about forty metres out in a scintillating effort.

Xavier Atoa’s try in the second half long range try was one to behold, Xavier Atoa got the ball in space early, slid through the Western Mustangs left side defence about seventy metres away from the try line and then outpaced the defence to score a great try near the right corner post.

Xavier Atoa’s other try was scored in the first half when he chased through a Titans attacking kick and received a great bounce to crash over from short range, he did have a bit of work to do after retrieving the ball and displayed his strength to score.

Xavier Atoa’s second match in Titans colours came in October 2019 when he started at fullback for the Titans U14 side as they defeated a Titans NRRRL U14/15 Invitational side 32 – 10. Xavier Atoa played the first half at fullback before moving to left centre in the second half and was outstanding in both positions for the Titans.

In mid-December was one of a few U14 players who were invited to train with the Titans NRL Squad in a Monday night session. At the session were all of the Titans contracted players from the juniors all of the way through to the NRL squad with a few invited U14 players (players cannot sign until their U15 year), such is the high regard that he is held in by the Titans that Xavier Atoa was on the invite list.

Xavier Atoa started the 2019 season in outstanding fashion for the Souths Acacia Ridge Magpies and in Round Two was electric starting at fullback, scoring three tries and setting up three more as the Magpies accounted for Redcliffe 38 – 18.

Xavier Atoa’s first try came mid-way through the first half, the ball was provided to him on the left side of the field, once he received it Xavier Atoa took off at the back peddling Redcliffe defensive line, impressively Xavier Atoa held the ball out in front of his body in both hands, thus the Redcliffe defence was uncertain as to his intentions. At the last moment Xavier Atoa charged between the back peddling Redcliffe right centre and winger to crash over out wide.

Xavier Atoa’s second try came early in the second half, from a Souths scrum win 20 metres out, Xavier Atoa received the ball this time on the right in space and outpaced the Redcliffe cover defence to score a great try under heavy pressure in the right corner, right in front of the club house for people who know Brandon Park.

Xavier Atoa’s third try was near a carbon copy of his first in terms of the fact that he received the ball in space on the left, once again holding the ball in two hands in front of his body. The only difference was that as Redcliffe defence back peddled and spread wide, Xavier Atoa was able to slice through to score untouched.

As noted Xavier Atoa also had three try assists in the match. His first in the first half and his third and final try assist in the second half were mirror images of each other except for the fact that they were on opposite sides of the field, the first on the left and the third on the right.

On each occasion, Xavier Atoa took the ball right to the line before throwing a beautiful cut out ball to his winger to score untouched. There are few NRL fullbacks who could have thrown those passes let alone one to each side of his body, the passes were simply absolute quality from a player born to play rugby league, you simply cannot teach that type of skill and timing.

Xavier Atoa’s other try assist came down the right side of the field in the second half, the Souths centre (number 3) made a break before passing inside to Xavier Atoa who whilst in heavy traffic summed up the situation perfectly to get a great short ball away to the Magpies five eight to score under the posts.

The situation seems simple when explained like that, but it happened right in front of where I was and I can tell you that nothing about the work of Xavier Atoa was simple, in a fraction of a second he had to evade the Redcliffe defence that were converging on his and get an great short ball away in his inside to his five eight.

Xavier Atoa was also a stand out in Round Five of the GBJRL U14 Division One competition as Souths Acacia Ridge accounted for North Lakes 44 – 10 at Brandon Park. In the contest, Xavier Atoa who started at fullback scored a try (had a second disallowed for a forward pass right on full time), had three try assists and a great cover defending try saving tackle.

Xavier Atoa’s try was a great individual effort, in the opening three minutes, Souths swung the ball out to their left to Xavier Atoa who ran with the ball in both hands, at the last moment he threw the dummy, splitting the North lakes defence before rounding the fullback to score under the posts.

Two of Xavier Atoa’s try assists were essentially identical, like his try he received the ball on the left of the field, running with the ball out in front in both hands, but unlike his try, Xavier Atoa threw perfectly timed passes to his support runners putting them into gaps resulting in tries.

Xavier Atoa’s other try assist was as a result of a great read. There was less than 10 seconds left in the first half and Souths had a backline set to their left. Instead Xavier Atoa called the ball down a VERY short blind, drew the defenders to send his left winger on a 50 metre run to the try line.

As noted Xavier Atoa produced an outstanding try saving tackle as well, late in the first half, North Lakes made a break down the left touch line, but Xavier Atoa moved across to take the winger into touch with a great one on one low tackle. Xavier Atoa was also on hand early in the second half to prevent a Norths Lakes try when he got his body under one of the giant Norths Lakes front rowers who looked destined to score but ultimately held up.

I have noted a couple of outstanding skill based attributes of Xavier Atoa above, but a piece of play early in the second half for me optimises the type of player that Xavier Atoa is. With his side under immense pressure early in the second half after conceding two early tries, Xavier Atoa jumped into dummy half with Souths trying to bring the ball off their own try line, he exploded out of dummy half to his left and then fought hard and won a penalty for Souths when he was interfered with when trying for a quick play the ball to relieve the pressure from the resultant kick for touch.

Xavier Atoa was heavily involved in Souths Acacia Ridge’s U14 GBJRL Finals series including their Preliminary Final victory over Easts and started at fullback in the Grand Final against Carina scoring one of Souths Acacia Ridge’s tries as they defeated Carina 28 - 4.

In September of 2019 Xavier Atoa was also part of the Stretton State College Year 7/8 side that won the National Touch Championship with a 10 – 4 win over Mercy College in the Championship Final.

Xavier Atoa was also part of the Stretton College Year 8 mixed Oztag side that won the silver medal at the Oztag Schools Challenge Cup going down in the Final 4 – 2 to Miami State High School with Xavier Atoa named in the Queensland All Stars Merit Team and also MVP of the tournament.

Xavier Atoa also represented the Brisbane Blue U14 side at the 2019 Hill Stumer Championships playing at right centre. Xavier Atoa did not get too many opportunities over the course of the competition but certainly made the most of them and when the ball was not coming out his way he certainly went inside looking for it including making good ground out of dummy half on a number of occasions, normally running to his left out of dummy half.

After the completion of the competition, Xavier Atoa was selected in the South East Queensland U14 White squad for the Queensland U14 Age Championships.

At the Championships Xavier Atoa started at five eight and made an immediate impact scoring in the first half of Game One on Day One against Northern and what a try it was. Xavier Atoa received the ball around forty metres out from his left after a SEQ White scrum win.

After dumming to his right, Xavier Atoa accelerated through the resultant gap before producing an outstanding stutter step to easily beat the fullback and score under the posts. I do not believe that he was even touched over the course of the electric fifty metre try scoring effort.

Xavier Atoa was also a standout performer for Stretton College in their run to win the Titans Challenge Grand Final 22 – 18 against Coombabah with Xavier Atoa named Player of the match and also captained the Stretton College side throughout the competition.

Xavier Atoa also starred for Stretton College in their knock out victories to make the main draw of the Bronco’s Year Nine school boy competition, captaining Stretton College in that competition as well.

mdrew

05-01-20, 11:47 AM

The 2019 season that was for aggressive contracted front rower Solomon Torrens:

Solomon Torrens was part of the Titans U18 side in January 2019 that played against the Newcastle Knights.

Currently Solomon Torrens is training with the Titans Rookie Squad as well as training with the Tweed Heads Seagulls Queensland Cup squad.

In March 2019 Solomon Torrens was selected in the South Coast U18 side for the 2019 QSSRL U18 Championships and started in the front row for South Coast in the QSSRL U18 Championships. One Day One of the Championships, Solomon Torrens was his typical hard charging self, scoring when he collected a grubber kick that had bounced around through a number of feet to score near the right upright.

South Coast went through the Championships undefeated including coming from behind to defeated Northern in the final 22 – 16.

Solomon Torrens was subsequently named in the Queensland School boy’s side for the Australian School boy Championships and in fact was named Player of the Tournament.

Solomon Torrens was the captain of the 2019 Queensland U18 ASSRL side playing in all of his Queensland’s matches starting in either the front row or second row although he did some matches with an injury.

Solomon Torrens played in all eight matches for the Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup side in 2019 and was particularly outside in their semi-final win against Souths Logan including being heavily involved in the Seagulls first try.

Operating on the left, Solomon Torrens used impressive late footwork to get outside of the Magpies right second rower and get the ball to the outside, leading directly to a try for fellow Titan, centre Caleb Hodges.

In the MM Cup Grand Final against Wynnum Manly Solomon Torren was one of Tweed Heads best and scored the match sealing try late in the second half when he cut back in after receiving he ball and crashing over for an outstanding try.

Solomon Torrens was also at his rampaging best in the National U18 Grand Final against Illawarra proving to be a real handful for the Steelers defence every time he took the ball up.

Solomon Torrens played thirty six minutes in the National Final, running for an incredible 150 metres (forty six post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.83 seconds and made fourteen tackles at a tackling efficiency of 87.5%.

Solomon Torrens started Round Two of the Langer Cup for PBC on the bench against St Mary’s but when he was injected into the match mid-way through the first half, Solomon Torrens put PBC on the front foot with some big charges through the middle and started at lock against Keebra Park.

2019 also saw Solomon Torrens start in the front row for the Titans U18 side in their match against North Queensland that was played as the curtain raiser to the Titans/ Warriors NRL match in June

mdrew

05-01-20, 08:53 PM

The 2019 season that was for outstanding Titans contracted hooker Ediq Ambrosyev:

In January 2019 Ediq Ambrosyev started at hooker for the Titans U18 side against the Newcastle Knights U18 SG Ball squad in Coffs Harbour and provided great service and outstanding running out of dummy half and also scored when he took advantage of some tired Newcastle defence to his left close to their own line in the first half when he darted out of dummy half to score under the posts.

Ediq Ambrosyev started both halves at hooker, all be it in different coloured head gear and mid-way through each half alternated with Jed Edwards in the dummy half role.

Ediq Ambrosyev started on the bench for the 2019 Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup side in their Round One match with the Western Mustangs with Ediq Ambrosyev contributing a second half try in a big 58 – 18 Seagulls win.

Ediq Ambrosyev’s Round One try was one of the strangest that I have ever seen. After Tweed Heads lost the ball whilst attacking the Western Mustangs line, the Western Mustangs fullback retrieved the ball and kicked it downfield, assuming that the referee would stop play. The referee deemed that the kick downfield constituted the Western Mustangs taking their advantage and ruled play on.

Tweed Heads winger Troy Duckett prevented the ball from going into touch before offloading to centre Caleb Hodges who in a tackle offloaded to Ediq Ambrosyev who beat two defenders in a forty run to the line to score midway between the touchline and uprights on the left side of the field.

After also starting from the bench in their Round Two victory over the Townsville Blackhawks, Ediq Ambrosyev moved into the starting line-up at hooker for the Round Three local derby against the Burleigh Bears.

In total in the 2019 MM Cup competition, Ediq Ambrosyev played in all eight of Tweed Heads matches starting two from the bench and six at hooker including both their semi-final and Grand Final victory over Wynnum Manly. In the 2019 MM Cup Player of the season voting Ediq Ambrosyev finished with two votes.

In the Grand Final Ediq Ambrosyev scored Tweed Heads second try in just the 2nd minute when he pounced on a dropped bomb and was also named player of the final. Post-match Ediq Ambrosyev was named Player of the Match in the Queensland MM Cup Grand Final.

Ediq Ambrosyev was equally effective in the U18 National Championship match against the Illawarra Steelers, constantly snipping in the centre of the field from dummy half.

Ediq Ambrosyev played fifty five nine minutes in the National Final, running for thirty three metres (ten post contact), broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of an exceptional 2.4 seconds and made nineteen tackles at a tackling efficiency of 73.1%.

Early in the 2019 season, Ediq Ambrosyev was selected in the South Coast U18 side for the QSSRL U18 Championships starting primarily from the interchange bench in the U18 QSSRL Championships.

At the Championships Ediq Ambrosyev was outstanding including scoring a first half hat trick on Day Three as South Coast went through the Championships undefeated including coming from behind to defeated Northern in the final 22 – 16. Ediq Ambrosyev was subsequently named in the Queensland School boy’s side for the Australian School boy Championships.

At the ASSRL U18 Championships Ediq Ambrosyev started all of his Queensland matches at dummy half.

Post the MM Cup competitions Ediq Ambrosyev went back to playing for Currumbin, starting Round Six of the GCRL U18 Division One competition at five eight and scoring as Currumbin defeated Ormeau 38 - 12. Ediq Ambrosyev made it two tries from as many matches when he scored coming off the bench in Round Nine against Burleigh.

In total for Currumbin in the GCRL U18 Division One regular season competition, Ediq Ambrosyev played in three matches scoring fourteen points from two tries and he also kicked three goals in Round Thirteen against Tugun.

Ediq Ambrosyev’s tries came in his first two U18 Division One matches of the season against Ormeau and Burleigh.
Ediq Ambrosyev in 2019 was once again part of the PBC Open A rugby league side including starting from the interchange bench in the Langer Cup derby against Keebra Park in June.

Ediq Ambrosyev also started at hooker for PBC in their Queensland GIO Cup quarter final win over St Mary’s High School Toowoomba 50 – 6 scoring in the second half. Edqi Ambrosyev darted out of dummy half to his right and was just too quick for the St Mary’s defence running ten metres to score.

In the second half of the match, Ediq Ambrosyev actually spent some time in the halves for PBC as the coach rang the changes with PBC well on top.

Ediq Ambrosyev was a solid performer for PBC when he started at hooker in their tough Gold Point loss in the Queensland GIO Cup semi-final loss to Marsden State High School.

Ediq Ambrosyev made his Hastings Deering’s Colts debut In Round Twenty Three against the Northern Pride starting on the bench and scoring in the 29th and 38th minutes of the match as Tweed Heads qualified for the finals on the back of a 36 – 10 win. When he came on Ediq Ambrosyev played in the dummy half role.

His try in the first half was a typical Ediq Ambrosyev try, the play before Ediq Ambrosyev brought a forward onto the ball from dummy half and after a quick play the ball Ediq Ambrosyev dived over to his left out of dummy half from close range to score his debut try in his debut game under the posts.

Ediq Ambrosyev played his second Hastings Deering’s Colts match for Tweed Heads in their Week One Elimination Final loss to the Mackay Cutters 23 – 10 starting from the bench and when came off the bench provided his usual spark.

To cap off an outstanding 2019 season Ediq Ambrosyev has recently been named in the 2020 U18 Queensland Emerging Origin Squad with fellow Titans Isreal Higgins and Samuel Shannon.

mdrew

06-01-20, 04:59 PM

The 2019 season that was for second rower Ben Thomas:

Ben Thomas started from the interchange bench in the Titans first NRL trial this season against the North Queensland Cowboys on the Sunshine Coast and had more than a number of positive contributions when he came on.

Ben Thomas started Round One of the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts U20 competition in the front row for Tweed Heads in their Round One match with the Western Mustangs and scored Tweed Heads first try of the match in the 21st minute of the first half as Tweed Heads prevailed 18 – 14.

Ben Thomas added to his 2019 try scoring tally in Round Four against Central Queensland scoring a double both from close range where he was able to use his strength to get across the line on each occasion.

Ben Thomas also scored in Round Nine against Redcliffe when operating on the left he ran a good inside/outside line into a gap and rumbled thirty five to score out wide on the left.

In total in the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition, Ben Thomas played in seventeen matches before injury struck, scoring four tries including a try in the second last minute in Round Twenty against Ipswich which led to Tweed Heads escaping the match with a 24 all draw.

Ben Thomas also had a try assist in the match when he broke through he Ipswich defence whilst playing left second row, running forty metres before drawing the fullback.

At the late September Tweed Heads Seagulls Presentation Night Ben Thomas was awarded the 2019 Tweed Heads Seagulls Hastings Deering’s Colts Players Player Award and also received four points in the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts Player of the Year Award tally.

mdrew

07-01-20, 05:07 PM

The 2019 season that was for Titans contracted left second rower Ryan Foran:

The young Murwillumbah Colts and Titans contracted second rower donned a Titans jersey early in 2019 when he started for the Titans U16 side in their match against the Newcastle Knights Harold Matthews squad in Coffs Harbour in January.

Ryan Foran started the match at left second row and played on the left side of the field for the match and in fact was named as the Titans best in hot conditions.

Ryan Foran was also part of the Titans U15 side that defeated the Western Mustangs six tries to three in March 2018 at Nerang. Just like in this seasons match against the Knights, Ryan Foran started in the second row playing on the left side of the ruck in the first half and then switched to the right side when he came back on in the second highlighting his versatility.

Ryan Foran also started at left second row for the Titans U15’s late last year when they defeated a Balmain Tigers U15 touring side 16 – 10 at Cudgen.

Along with fellow Murwillumbah Colts U15 player and Murwillumbah High School student Riley Lack, Ryan Foran signed a Titans contract in 2018.

In Round One of the 2019 U18 Andrew Johns Cup competition Ryan Foran started in his usual left second row position for the Northern Rivers Titans in their match against the Newcastle Knights Development Squad and scored a great first half try when he ran a great outside shoulder route and received a good short ball from Thomas Weaver to run thirty metres to score basically untouched.

Round Two of the 2019 Andrew Johns Cup competition saw Ryan Foran once again line up in the left second row position in their match against Parramatta and scored a similar try to what he scored in Round One, once again running a good outside shoulder route and receiving a good pass from half Thomas Weaver.

Round Three against the North Coast Bulldogs saw Ryan Foran start at left second row for the third match in a row but in the first minute took a knock and it looked like his match was over early. Thankfully Ryan Foran was able to come back onto the field later in the first half and scored a typical try of his when he combined on the left with half Thomas Weaver to score. In all three rounds so far to two have combined for tries in very similar fashion.

Ryan Foran also scored in the second half when he charged forty metres down the left touch line to score after receiving a great offload from lock Bailey Cox. Ryan Foran could have scored four in the match, after just failing to handle a difficult pass with the line open and late in the second half was denied a try when he was held up over the North Coast line.

As usual in Round Four against the Central Coast Roosters Ryan Foran started at left second row and scored a first half double. Both tries were similar in nature, with Ryan Foran running an outside shoulder route and being provided with a pass from half Thomas Weaver.

For his first try Ryan Foran crashed over from around five metres out and the second was scored from a Titans scrum win around twenty metres out from the Central Coast line when Ryan Foran split the defensive line and won the race to the try line.

For the fifth round in a row Ryan Foran started at left second row in Round Five against the Greater Northern Tigers and scored once again when he ran off a pass from the dummy half Jordan Gallagher to crash over in the left corner from around four metres out.

Ryan Foran almost had a second, when from a Titans fed scrum ten metres out from his own line, Ryan Foran took the ball first off the scrum, bursting through the defence on an eighty seven metre run only to be dragged down two metres out. The Northern Rivers Titans scored two plays later through front rower Noah Johannssen.

Once again Ryan Foran was outstanding at left second row for the Titans in their 26 – 14 semi-final victory over Penrith especially defensive on the left side of the ruck. In attack Ryan Foran scored yet again and the try again was as a result of his great understanding of the field with Thomas Weaver. The Titans half took the ball to the line and pop a good shot ball to Ryan Foran who ran a good outside shoulder route to crash over from short range.

In the 2019 U16 Andrew Johns Cup Grand Final against the Western Rams Ryan Foran started in the left second row position in the Northern Rivers Titans 18 – 6 victory.

Post the victory Ryan Foran was named on the second row for the New South Wales Country U16 side for their November 2019 three match tour of the United Kingdom and was also named in the New South Wales U16 36 man train on squad and was one of only four New South Wales Country players in the squad, two others being fellow Titans Thomas Weaver and Riley Lack.

The New South Wales Country U16 side played a New South Wales U16 Harold Matthews squad as a curtain raiser to the Penrith/Warriors NRL match on a Friday night at Penrith Park in May. Ryan Foran started the match at left second row.

Impressively less than 48 hours later Ryan Foran lined up for Murwillumbah in their 25 – 24 NRRRL U18 Round Seven win over Byron Bay.

After that match, Ryan Foran was selected in the New South Wales U16 side that defeated a U16 Pasifika team 36 – 6 at Belmore Sports Ground on Sunday 9 June with Ryan Foran starting the match from the bench and came very close to scoring in the second half when he ran onto a pass from Thomas Weaver only to be dragged down just short of the line.

The week after being part of the U16 Northern Rivers Titans side that won the Andrew Johns Cup Ryan Foran made his U18 NRRRL debut when he came on for Murwillumbah in their 36 – 0 loss to Cudgen in Round Three of the NRRRL competition.

Ryan Foran scored his first tries in the U18 NRRRL competition in Round Eight against the Tweed Heads Seagulls, scoring a double as Murwillumbah won 28 – 14.

In total in the U18 NRRRL regular season Ryan Foran played in ten matches scoring three tries. In addition to his Round Eight double Ryan Foran also scored in Round Twelve against Lower Clarence.

Ryan Foran’s 2019 NRRRL U18 season ended when his Murwillumbah side were defeated 26 – 10 by Byron Bay in the U18 Elimination Final.

In 2019 Ryan Foran was named joint Player of the Year for the Group 18 U16 Junior Rugby League competition with fellow Titan Thomas Weaver.

mdrew

08-01-20, 06:11 PM

The 2019 year that was for Gold Coast Junior and Titans NRL player Keegan Hipgrave:

In 2019 Keegan Hipgrave played just seven NRL matches for the Titans with his first match being against Souths Sydney in Round Three and his last in Round Thirteen against the Broncos. Keegan Hipgrave played his first four NRL matches in 2019 off the bench and his final three starting in the second row with his first 2019 NRL start coming in Round Eleven against Manly.

In total in the NRL in 2019 Keegan Hipgrave played a total of 275 minutes (out of a possible 560), ran for 459 metres (113.1 post contact), broke twelve tackles, had an offload and made 128 tackles at an 82.4% tackling efficiency.

Keegan Hipgrave’s 2019 per game NRL averages included playing 37.3 minutes, running for 65.6 metres and making 19.3 tackles. Thus per eighty minutes, Keegan Hipgrave, in 2019, ran for 140.7 metres and made 41.39 tackles.

In Round Eight against North Queensland Keegan Hipgrave ran for 101 metres and in Rounds Twelve and Thirteen against North Queensland and Brisbane respectively Keegan Hipgrave made twenty eight tackles.

mdrew

08-01-20, 06:22 PM

The 2019 year that was for Titans NRL player Phillip Sami:

In 2019 Phillip Sami played in fourteen matches (he was on the bench for another but did not get on the field) and was on the field for 839 minutes out of a possible 1 120 being 74.91%. On ten occasions Phillip Sami played all eighty minutes.

In those minutes, Phillip Sami ran for 1 799 metres (559 post contact), broke sixty one tackles including twelve in Round Seventeen against Penrith and ten in Round Six against Newcastle, broke the line on eight occasions, forced two drop outs, had a try assist and made forty seven tackles at a tackling efficiency of 61.6%.

Phillip Sami scored doubles in Rounds Fifteen and Twenty One against Manly and St George respectively and also scored Round Six against Newcastle and Round Twenty Five against St George.

Phillip Sami’s 2019 NRL per game averages included playing 59.23 minutes, running for 112.5 metres and making 3.36 tackles. Thus per eighty minutes, Phillip Sami, in 2019, ran for 151.95 metres and made 4.54 tackles.

On eleven occasions Phillip Sami ran for in excess of 100 metres in a match twice exceeding 200 metres including Round Twenty Five when he ran for 206 metres against St George and Round Six against Newcastle when he ran for 219 metres

mdrew

08-01-20, 06:44 PM

The 2019 year that was for Gold Coast Junior and Titans NRL player AJ Brimson:

In the 2019 NRL competition, AJ Brimson played in twenty one matches for the Titans, starting eleven at fullback, one at half, four at five eight and five from the interchange bench. In those twenty one matches AJ Brimson was on the field for 1 445 minutes out of a possible 1 680 being 86.01%, playing the entire eighty minutes on fourteen occasions scoring four tries along the way which came in Round Eight, Nine, Eleven and Fourteen against North Queensland, Cronulla, Manly and New Zealand respectively.

In addition AJ Brimson ran for 2 274 metres, kicked for 730 metres, forced five drop outs, had seven offloads, assisted in five tries, broke fifty nine tackles including ten in Round Eight against North Queensland and made 200 tackles at a 68.5% tackling efficiency.

AJ Brimson’s 2019 NRL per game averages included playing for 68.81 minutes, running for 108.3 metres and making 9.52 tackles. Thus per eighty minutes, AJ Brimson, in 2019, ran for 125.91 metres and made 11.07 tackles.

On eleven occasions AJ Brimson ran for more than 100 metres and twice that figure exceeded 200 metres including running for 202 metres in Round Twenty One against St George and running for 211 metres in Round Twelve against North Queensland.

In ten NRL matches in 2019 AJ Brimson made twenty tackles or more including twenty six on two occasions with those matches being against Canberra in Round One and St George in Round Twenty Five.

AJ Brimson also made his International debut in 2019 when he started from the bench for the Junior Kangaroo’s as they defeated France 62 – 4. In the International AJ Brimson played forty four minutes, the majority of which was in the dummy half role, ran for eighty one metres, had two line breaks, broke four tackles, had a try assist, kicked for thirteen metres and had a 100% tackling efficiency on the way to making fifteen tackles.

mdrew

08-01-20, 08:56 PM

The 2019 year that was for Titans NRL player Moeaki Fotuaika:

In 2019 Moeaki Fotuaika had what can only be described as an incredible year that was capped up by being named the Titans based at the 2019 Awards night.

In 2019 Moeaki Fotuaika played in twenty one NRL matches, starting eleven in the front row and ten from the bench. In his twenty one matches Moeaki Fotuaika was on the field for 988 minutes out of a possible 1 680, being 51.81%, ran for 2 800 metres (1 061 post contact), broke thirty two tackles, offloaded the ball thirteen times and made 563 tackles at a 91.9% tackling efficiency.

Moeaki Fotuaika’s 2019 NRL per game averages included playing 47.05 minutes, running for 133.4 metres and making 26.81 tackles. Thus per eighty minutes, Moeaki Fotuaika, in 2019, ran for 226.82 metres and made 45.59 tackles.

Moeaki Fotuaika played the entire eight minutes in Round Fourteen against new Zealand and from a post contact metres perspective ran for ninety one metres in Round Eleven against Manly and ninety three metres in Round Twenty Two against Parramatta.

On eighteen occasions Moeaki Fotuaika ran for in excess of 100 metres in a match and on two occasions his running metres exceeded 200 metres, being Round Eleven when he ran for 207 metres against manly and Round Twelve when he ran for 217 metres against North Queensland.

In eighteen NRL matches in 2019 Moeaki Fotuaika made in excess of eighteen tackles in a match and in seven of those matches he recorded more than thirty tackles including thirty nine in Rounds Twelve and Fourteen against North Queensland and New Zealand respectively

mdrew

08-01-20, 09:45 PM

The 2019 season that was for five eight Coby Black:

The young Helensvale Hornets five eight played very well for the Titans U13 side in their 40 – 12 win over the Western Mustangs at Mudgeeraba early in 2019 leading the Titans around the field well.

Starting at five eight Coby Black had a very good game and also recorded a try assist. Coby Black was operating on the left side of the field one off the ruck when he received the ball and subtly stepped off his left to push through the first defensive line and then as he was being tackled provided a great ball to Titans centre Juwann-Claude Wetere who ran around sixty metres to score an outstanding try.

Early in the 2019 season Coby Black was named in the Gold Coast Vikings U13 squad starting their three matches at five eight and for me was one of their best. In the Championships Coby Black put on a goal kicking master class including two superb efforts from the left touch line in Game One on Day One against Brisbane Red . For me regardless of age group Coby Black was easily the best goal kicker on display in the Championships.

After the completion of the competition, Coby Black was selected in the 2019 South East Queensland U13 training squad.

Coby Black started at five eight for Helensvale against Southport in Round One of the 2019 U13 Division One competition and had a huge game scoring a double and kicking five goals as Helensvale defeated Southport 56 – 6.

In Round Two as Helensvale defeated Nerang, Coby Black was in the points once again scoring a try and kicking an astounding fifteen goals as the Hornets prevailed 90 – 0.

Coby Black continued to show why he was asked to start at five eight for the Titans U13 side earlier this season in Round Three scoring two tries and kicking two goals as his Helensvale side defeated Coomera 28 - 10.

Round Four was also no impediment to Coby Black scoring three tries and kicking seven goals for Helensvale as they defeated Runaway Bay 50 – 10.

In Round Five against Runaway Bay, Coby Black scored an incredible thirty eight points from four tries and eleven goals in a big 104 – 8 win for the Hornets.

In Round Six Coby Black continued his outstanding form, scoring a try and kicking seven goals against Ormeau.

After missing two rounds due to representative commitments Coby Black made his return to the Helensvale side at five eight in Round Nine against Southport and picked up where he left off scoring a double and kicking four goals and in Round Ten against Ormeau added a try and a conversion to his individual points tally.

Coby Black had a big day with the boot in Round Eleven kicking eight goals as the Hornets had a big win against Runaway Bay. Amazingly the match was the first of the season where Coby Black did not score but regardless he had a huge impact on the result, proving that there is a lot more to rugby league than just scoring tries.

In Round Twelve against Coomera, Coby Black scored twenty of Helensvale’s forty eight points (41.67%), from two tries and six goals against Coomera.

Coby Black continued to score in bunches in Round Thirteen scoring a try and kicking six goals as Helensvale smashed Currumbin 78 – 0. Coby Black then added two conversions in Round Fourteen against Burleigh.

In total in the 2019 GCRL U13 Division One regular season competition, Coby Black played in twelve matches scoring a staggering 224 points from nineteen tries (third leading try scorer in the competition) and seventy four goals to average 18.67 points per game in what can only be described as an outstanding season for the young play maker. Coby Black was also by far the leading point’s scorer in the U13 Division One competition as well as the leading goal kicker.

In the 2019 GCRL U13 Division One Grand Final Coby Black kicked three conversions from four attempts, with his only miss hitting the goal post from the right touch line.

Unfortunately Coby Black had to leave the field in the Grand Final late in the match with what looked like a shoulder injury but helping to ease the pain was the fact that Helensvale won the Grand Final 26 – 22 over Burleigh.

Whilst I have noted the three conversions that Coby Black kicked in the Grand Final there were two plays that deserve mention that in many ways were far not noteworthy. The first was with Helensvale under pressure after a Burleigh try, Coby Black angled the ball expertly from the kick off to find touch and get Helensvale the ball back immediately.

The second key play was also when Helensvale were under pressure, Burleigh grubber kicked into the in-goal and it looked like they were going to get a repeat set before Coby Black got to the ball first and instead of conceding the tackle produced a great run to get out of his in-goal ensure Helensvale finished the first half in front.

In 2019 Coby Black was also a key member of the Coombabah State High School Year 8 Renouf Cup school boy side starting at half and scoring a second half try as Coombabah overcame a six point half time deficit to defeat Forest Lake State School 36 – 16 in the Renouf Cup Grand Final.

Coby Black was operating on the left side of the field and took the ball one off the ruck, running at the defence with the ball out in front in both hands. Cody Black then dummied to his left and broke through an arm tackle to run fifteen metres to score under the posts.

mdrew

09-01-20, 06:33 PM

The 2019 season that was for Titans contracted centre/winger Keegan Pace:

The Cudgen Hornets and PBC centre linked with the Titans in early 2019 for their match against a Newcastle Knights select U16 side in Coffs Harbour, his first in Titans colours.

In the match Keegan Pace started on the right wing for the Titans and was solid defensively and took a number of runs from dummy half to give his forwards a deserved break in the hot difficult conditions.

Keegan Pace also showed some solid positional sense in the match, dropping back at the correct time and fielding a number of the Newcastle Knight’s clearing kicks on the full and then running the ball back with vigour.

Keegan Pace’s most recent match for the Titans was when he started on the wing for the Titans U16 squad in their early October match against PNG at Pizzey Park which resulted in a big Titans victory on the Friday night.

Late in 2018 Keegan Pace was selected in a talented Northern Rivers Titans U16 side for the 2019 Andrew Johns Cup competition. Fellow Titans linked players in the Northern Rivers Titans U16 side are Bailey Cox, Jack Cullen, Ryan Foran, Reef Sommerville, Byron Jones, Riley Lack, Thomas Weaver and Rowan Mansfield.

In Round One of that competition, Keegan Pace partnered fellow Titans Rowan Mansfield in the centres in their match against the Newcastle Knights Development Squad with Keegan Pace operating on the right. In the match Keegan Pace was one of the Titans try scorers when he took a pass from fullback Jaylan DeGroot to crash over near the right corner.

Round Two of the 2019 Andrew Johns Cup competition saw Keegan Pace once again line up in the right centre position in their match against Parramatta. In the match, Keegan Pace did not see too much of the ball but threw the last pass to one of the Titans tries. In a set play from a scrum, Keegan Pace doubled around to the left, creating an overlap and drew the Parramatta winger to send Jack Field away to score.

After being rested in Round Three, Keegan Pace started at left centre in Round Four against the Central Coast Roosters and had an outstanding first half scoring a hat trick. His first and third tries were almost identical.

With Titans half Thomas Weaver drifting across field causing the Central Coast defensive line to backpedal, Keegan Pace ran a crash line and when Keegan Pace received the ball from Thomas Weaver was just too big and strong for the defence on both occasions.

Keegan Pace’s second try came through backing up. Thomas Weaver made a huge break from around twenty metres out from his own line, Keegan Pace backed up and received an inside pass from Thomas Weaver when he was approaching the fullback to score untouched under the posts.

To cap off an outstanding match, Keegan Pace, converted the Titans final try after the final siren to push the score out to 52 – 0. In the match Keegan Pace also was involved in forcing a Central Coast line drop out when he chased a Thomas Weaver kick in the first half to pin the Central Coast fullback in his own in-goal after a fifty metre chase.

After his Round Four hat trick, Keegan Pace started Round Five against the Greater Northern Tigers from the bench and played right centre when he came onto the field making his presence felt with some telling runs especially when he was bringing the ball out of his own territory.

In the 2019 U16 Andrew Johns Cup semi-final against Penrith Keegan Pace had been named on the bench but started the match at right centre and whilst he did not get too many opportunities with the ball held up well defensively against the big Penrith centres.

In the 2019 U16 Andrew Johns Cup Grand Final against the Western Rams Keegan Pace started from the inter change bench in their outstanding 18 – 6 victory with Keegan Pace playing right centre when he came on.

Post the victory Keegan Pace was named on the interchange bench for the New South Wales Country U16 side for their November 2019 three match tour of the United Kingdom flying out for the tour from Sydney in mid-November.

Keegan Pace started on the interchange bench in Game One of the tour scoring New South Wales Country U16’s second try of the match in their big 62 – 0 win over the U17 Community Lions.

Keegan Pace started Game Two of the tour in the centres scoring in each half as his Country U16 side defeated the Leeds Rhino’s 32 – 10. Keegan Pace scored Country’s first try of the match in the corner after some good ball movement and also scored their last when scooped up an errant Leeds pass to score a simple try.

Keegan Pace started on the bench in Game Three of the New South Wales Country U16’s tour of the UK as they finished undefeated on the back of a 62 – 6 victory over a British Community Lions squad consisting of players from the Lancashire and Cumbria region of England. Keegan Pace converted New South Wales Country’s ten try of the match which was scored by Thomas Weaver with four minutes remaining to round out his scoring on the highly successful overseas tour.

The New South Wales Country U16 side played a New South Wales U16 Harold Matthews squad as a curtain raiser to the Penrith/Warriors NRL match on a Friday night at Penrith Park in May. Keegan Pace started the match on the interchange bench for the Country side.

Keegan Pace made his NRRRL U18 debut in Round Five for Cudgen from the bench as they defeated Ballina 18 – 12 and made his starting debut in the NRRRL U18 competition from the wing in Round Eleven and maintained his starting spot for Round Twelve against Lismore Marist Brothers.

Keegan Pace’s first NRRRL U18 points came when he scored a try and kicked two conversions in Round Fourteen against Byron Bay.

Keegan Pace had a day out in Round Fifteen scoring a hat trick after starting the match against Kyogle on the wing in a big 64 – 0 Cudgen victory.

Keegan Pace maintained his rich vein of form in Round Sixteen when he came off the bench to score a try and kick three goals against Murwillumbah.

Keegan Pace rounded off the NRRRL U18 regular season by scoring a hat trick in Round Eighteen in a 46 – 4 win over the Tweed Coast Raiders.

In total in the 2019 NRRRL U18 regular season competition Keegan Pace played in ten matches scoring thirty eight points from seven tries and five goals with the tries noted above.

Keegan Pace was also part of the Cudgen side that defeated Lismore Marist Brothers 24 – 10 in Week One of the NRRRL U18 Finals series and was also involved in Week Two of the Finals As Cudgen went down 26 – 20 against Ballina.

In the Week Three Final, being the Preliminary Final Keegan Pace scored a try and kicked a conversion as Cudgen booked their place in the U18 NRRRL Grand Final against Ballina with a 24 – 4 win over Byron Bay.

Keegan Pace started the NRRRL U18 Grand Final on the right wing scoring all of Cudgen’s points as they went down 24 – 6 to Ballina. Keegan Pace scored the first points of the Grand Final when he kicked a penalty goal early in the match from around thirty metres out, just to the right of the goal posts, and scored early in the second half when, after a good Cudgen backline move, flashed down the left touch line to score in the left corner.

Keegan Pace was also part of the dominant Cudgen 2019 U16 Group 18 side that won their Grand Final 44 – 6 against Byron Bay/Lennox Head.

mdrew

10-01-20, 08:01 PM

The 2019 season that was for Titans contracted five eight Riley Lack:

In January of 2019 Riley Lack started at five eight for the Titans U16 side this year against the Newcastle Knights in Coffs Harbour.

Against the Knights Riley Lack started the match at five eight and primarily operated on the right side of the field with Thomas Weaver playing on the left. He had a solid match and even though he had the No. 6 on his back fed the ball into the scrum for most of the match but on occasion packed in at lock when the Titans had the scrum feed so that he could distribute the ball from the back of the scrum.

Riley Lack also showed his rugby league intelligence in the match, in the second half a Knights second rower ran at him and was dragging Riley Lack with him, Riley Lack got his hands around the ball and stole it in a one on one tackle around the half way mark to give the Titans good field position. Riley Lack also threw the inside ball to Brody Smitka for his second half try.

On the Thursday Night match at Cudgen in September 2018 against the Balmain Tigers Riley Lack recorded a try assist when late in the first half he threw a great long pass to Titans right winger Timothy Seilaff-Burns who was able to freeze the Balmain defender and then beat him on the outside to score in the right hand corner from close range.

Riley Lack’s most recent match for the Titans was when he started at five eight for the Titans U16 squad in their early October match against PNG at Pizzey Park.

In Round One of the U16 Andrew Johns Cup competition this season, Riley Lack started at five eight for the Northern Rivers Titans in their match against the Newcastle Knights Development Squad and just like for the Titans U16’s operated on right with Thomas Weaver on the left and showcased his footwork on a number of occasions.

Round Two of the 2019 Andrew Johns Cup competition saw Riley Lack once again line up at five eight in their match against Parramatta having an outstanding game including throwing the last pass for two of the Titans tries. In the first half Riley Lack took the ball to his left inside his own half and sliced through the Parramatta defence before getting the ball away to fullback Jaylan DeGroot to score.

Late in the second half, Riley Lack had his second try assist of the match when once again operating on the right, he threw a great cut-out pass to winger Jake Coleman to score untouched.

In the match Riley Lack also showed some good kicking skills forcing a line drop out from a deft right foot kick.

For the third week in a row, Riley Lack started at five eight against the North Coast Bulldogs, setting up two tries and kicking two from three conversions, with his only miss being from right on the left touch line.

Riley Lacks first try assist came in the first half when he took the ball right to the defensive line before popping a good short ball to his left to send second rower Nicholas Troy over. In the second half with the Titans pressing Riley Lack took a pass high above his body with the North Coast defence converging, Riley Lack was able to bring the ball down and pop a good short pass to his left, under extreme pressure to fullback Jaylan DeGroot to score under the posts.

In Round Four against the Central Coast Roosters Riley Lack started in his customary five eight position scoring once again as he split the Central Coast defence from about forty metres out on the left side of the field in the first half.

Riley Lack also started at five eight in Round Five against the Greater Northern Tigers scoring the first try of the match when he pounced on a deft kick from Thomas Weaver. Riley Lack also added a conversion from the left touch line after Ryan Foran had scored out wide.

Riley Lack really did display outstanding game management skills in the match. When Thomas Weaver was sent to the sin-bin, Riley Lack took over the running of the side and controlled play well.

Riley Lack had another try assist in the Northern Rivers Titans 26 – 14 semi-final victory over Penrith which came from a first half attacking kick down the right side of the field with Reef Sommerville able to dive on the ball to ensure that the Titans went into half time with a two point lead.

In the 2019 U16 Andrew Johns Cup Grand Final against the Western Rams Riley Lack started at five eight in the Northern Rivers Titans outstanding 18 – 6 victory.

Riley Lack was a major contributor to the victory including one towering bomb which the Western Rams fullback could not handle in the first half, with Rowan Mansfield scoring from the resultant scrum.

Post the victory Riley Lack was named at five eight for the New South Wales Country U16 side for their November 2019 three match tour of the United Kingdom and was also named in the New South Wales U16 36 man train on squad and was one of only four New South Wales Country players in the squad, two others being fellow Titans Thomas Weaver and Ryan Foran.

Riley Lack started at five eight in Game One of the UK tour scoring New South Wales Country U16’s second try of the match in their big 62 – 0 win over the U17 Community Lions. Riley Lack also started at five eight in Game Two as NSW Country ran out 32 – 10 winners against the Leeds Rhino’s and operated primarily on the right of the field.

Riley Lack also started at five eight and scored a double in Game Three of the New South Wales Country U16’s tour of the UK as they finished undefeated on the back of a 62 – 6 victory over a British Community Lions squad consisting of players from the Lancashire and Cumbria region of England. Riley Lack’s first try came three minutes from half time when he darted over after a probing run from ten metres out to score near the right upright.

Riley lack’s second try came in the second half from a scrum move. Riley Lack fed the ball into the scrum and shaped to put the ball up from the base of the scrum but instead backed away to his right on a wide blind side. The lock picked up the ball drawing the Lions half for Riley Lack to score wide out.

The New South Wales Country U16 side played a New South Wales U16 Harold Matthews squad as a curtain raiser to the Penrith/Warriors NRL match on a Friday night at Penrith Park in May.

Riley Lack started the match at five eight and put in a couple of good kicks two of which resulted in line drop outs.

Riley Lack made his NRRRL U18 debut in Round Ten for Murwillumbah in their 28 – 10 victory over the Tweed Coast Raiders and also played in Round Eighteen, being the last regular season round against Tweed Heads when he kicked three goals from as many attempts to score his first career NRRRL U18 points.

mdrew

11-01-20, 12:55 PM

The 2019 season that was for Titans contracted centre or second rower Reef Sommerville:

The young second rower or centre made his Titans debut in early 2019 when he started from the bench for the Titans U16 side in their match against the Newcastle Knights Harold Matthews U16 squad in Coffs Harbour.

Reef Sommerville came onto the field in the match towards the end of the first half, playing in the second row and also at times during the match spent some time in the centres when Ezra Ubaldino was having a spell.

Reef Sommerville’s most recent match for the Titans was when he started in the second row for the Titans U16 squad in their early October match against PNG at Pizzey Park with the Titans running out 44 – 12 victors on the Friday night.

Late in 2018 Reef Sommerville was selected in the talented Northern Rivers Titans U16 side for the 2019 Andrew Johns Cup competition. Fellow Titans linked players in the Northern Rivers Titans U16 side were Jack Cullen, Ryan Foran, Keegan Pace, Riley Lack, Thomas Weaver, Noah Johnnssen and Rowan Mansfield.

In Round One of that competition in 2019 Reef Sommerville started from the bench for the Northern Rivers Titans in their match against the Newcastle Knights Development Squad. When he came on Reef Sommerville operated on the right side of the field and scored an impressive try when he took a flat pass from the dummy half, Jordan Gallagher and caught the Newcastle defence back peddling and was able to break a number of tackles in a thirty metre run to the try line.

Round Two of the 2019 Andrew Johns Cup competition saw Reef Sommerville once again start from the interchange bench in the Northern Rivers Titans match against Parramatta and once again he was a handful for the opponent’s defensive line on the right side of the ruck.

Reef Sommerville deservedly broke into the Northern Rivers starting line-up in Round Three against the North Coast Bulldogs starting the match at right centre and went very close to score the Titans first try when he was dragged down just short in the opening minutes.

Reef Sommerville made amends however in the second half scoring a powerful try when he smashed through the North Coast defence in a typically powerful try on the right.

In Round Four even though he was not named in seventeen, Reef Sommerville started from the bench and made a big impact when he came on in jumper 23.

In Round Five against the Greater Northern Tigers Reef Sommerville started at right centre for the Northern Rivers Titans and as usual proved to be a handful for the opposition defence.

Reef Sommerville was named to start at right centre in the Northern Rivers Titans semi-final against Penrith but in fact started from the bench in the Titans 26 – 14 victory. When he came on, Reef Sommerville, playing on the right made a difference including pouncing on a grubber kick late in the first half from five eight Riley lack and late in the match when Penrith were pressing Reef Sommerville took an outstanding hit up making around twenty metres most of that was in relation to post contact metres to get the Titans well out of their own territory.

In the 2019 U16 Andrew Johns Cup Grand Final against the Western Rams Reef Sommerville started at right centre in the Northern Rivers Titans outstanding 18 – 6 victory.

In the match Reef Sommerville had some big moments including two big runs down the right one of which was a seventy metre run which almost lead to an outstanding try.

Post the victory Reef Sommerville was named in the centres for the New South Wales Country U16 side for their November two match tour of the United Kingdom flying out in mid-November from Sydney.

Reef Sommerville started at right centre in Game One of the tour scoring New South Wales Country U16’s second try of the match in their big 62 – 0 win over the U17 Community Lions. The ball went through hands to the right for NSW Country before Reef Sommerville ran a straight hard line to break the initial defensive line around ten metres out from the line and power over from there.

Reef Sommerville also started in the centres and scored his second try from as many matches in Game Two as New South Wales Country U16’s defeated the Leeds Rhino’s 32 – 10, Reef Sommerville scored when Leeds failed to take a bomb cleanly early in the second half with Reef Sommerville retrieving the ball and powering his way over with two defenders hanging off him as he surged to the try line to extend the lead to 24 – 6.

Reef Sommerville also started at right centre in Game Three of the New South Wales Country U16’s tour of the UK as they finished undefeated on the back of a 62 – 6 victory over a British Community Lions squad consisting of players from the Lancashire and Cumbria region of England.

The New South Wales Country U16 side played a New South Wales U16 Harold Matthews squad as a curtain raiser to the Penrith/Warriors NRL match on a Friday night at Penrith Park in May. Reef Sommerville started the match at right centre.

After that match, Reef Sommerville was selected in the New South Wales U16 side that played a U16 Pasifika team at Belmore Sports Ground on Sunday 9 June. In the match that the New South Wales U16 side won 36 – 6, Reef Sommerville started on the right wing.

Reef Somerville was also part of the dominant Cudgen 2019 U16 Group 18 side that won their Grand Final 44 – 6 against Byron Bay/Lennox Head.

mdrew

11-01-20, 03:22 PM

The 2019 season that was for Titans contracted front rower Noah Johannsson:

The young front rower from the South Tweed Bears club in Northern New South Wales made his deserved Titans debut when he came off the bench for the Titans in their U16 clash against the Newcastle Knights in January of 2019 in very very hot conditions.

In the match, Noah Johannssen had spells on the field in both halves and took the ball into the Knights defensive line with a hard straight running mentality and also was on hand to back up at every opportunity including taking a good one hand pass from Joseph Shannon in the first half to get the ball into the Knights twenty metre defensive area.

Noah Johannssen’s most recent match for the Titans was when he started in the front row for the Titans U16 squad in their early October 2019 match against PNG at Pizzey Park when he scored a barnstorming try under the posts dragging three PNG defenders with him from ten metres out.

In fact Noah Johannssen was specifically mentioned by Jamie McCormack as one of the Titans best in the match.

In Round One of the 2019 U18 Andrew Johns Cup competition Noah Johannssen started in the front row for the Northern Rivers Titans in their match against the Newcastle Knights Development Squad and to say he had a dominant first half would be a massive understatement.

You can probably already mark down Noah Johannssen down for try of the year at any level. Early in the first half, Newcastle were forced to drop the ball out, Noah Johannssen took the ball from Riley Lack who fielded the drop out near the half way mark and simply powered his way through the Newcastle defence to score near the left upright.

The try was not as a result of Noah Johannssen just breaking the Newcastle line once and scoring, at least twice it appeared that Noah Johannssen would be dragged down but he kept pumping his legs and broke tackle after tackle on his way to the line.

Noah Johannssen also took the hit-up after the Newcastle kick off and once again provided a difficult proposition for the Newcastle defence. Add in a great second half off-load and you have a great game by Noah Johannssen.

Round Two of the 2019 Andrew Johns Cup competition saw Noah Johannssen once again line up in the front row in their match against Parramatta and was once again heavily involved making ground in the centre of the ruck, making significant metres post contact.

Noah Johannssen also made a great heads up play in the second half when after one of the Parramatta front rowers made a strong run, Noah Johannssen stripped the ball in a one on one tackle and then charged fifteen metres in the opposite direction to totally change the momentum of the match.

Noah Johannsson also had a solid match in Round Three against the North Coast Bulldogs once again starting the match in the front row alongside fellow Titan Jack Cullen.

Noah Johannsson also started in the front row in Round Four against the Central Coast Roosters and had a huge match especially in attack when he consistently made significant metres post contact and also had a try assist. In the last minute of the match, Noah Johannssen broke through the Central Coast line, drawing the fullback to send Northern Rivers Titans right centre Blake Marrison away for the Titans to top the fifty point mark.

Noah Johannsson also started in the front row in Round Five against the Greater Northern Tigers and was near unstoppable constantly gaining ground after contact and scored a deserved first half try when he powered over after a long break from Ryan Foran. The break from Ryan Foran was from a scrum thus the effort of Noah Johannsson to break from the scrum and run eighty metres to take the ball and subsequently score was certainly impressive.

Noah Johannsson also had a strong match against a huge Penrith pack in the Titans 26 – 14 semi-final victory with Noah Johannsson forcing the defence to commit multiple defensive resources every time he took the ball into the defensive line.

In the 2019 U16 Andrew Johns Cup Grand Final against the Western Rams Noah Johannsson started in the front row in the 18 – 6 victory and was certainly a key part in the outstanding victory.

Post the victory Noah Johannsson was named on the interchange bench for the New South Wales Country U16 side for their November 2019 three match tour of the United Kingdom.

Noah Johannsson started from the interchange bench and scored in Game One of the tour scoring New South Wales Country U16’s second try of the match in their big 62 – 0 win over the U17 Community Lions. Noah Johannsson’s try came early in the second half when he was too strong for the Lions defence after a charging run from close to the line. Game Two saw the New South Wales Country U16’s defeat the Leeds Rhino’s 32 – 10.

Noah Johannsson also started from the bench and scored in Game Three of the New South Wales Country U16’s tour of the UK as they finished undefeated on the back of a 62 – 6 victory over a British Community Lions squad consisting of players from the Lancashire and Cumbria region of England.

Noah Johannsson scored the first try of the second half when he crashed over from close range. Noah Johannsson also had a try assist in the match. After splitting the Lions defence through the centre of the ruck, Noah Johannsson rumbled down field thirty metres before drawing the fullback and sending his support runner away to score under the posts.

The New South Wales Country U16 side played a New South Wales U16 Harold Matthews squad as a curtain raiser to the Penrith/Warriors NRL match on a Friday night at Penrith Park in May 2019. Noah Johannsson started the match on the interchange bench for the Country side.

Impressively less than 48 hours later Noah Johannsson lined up for Tweed Heads in their 30 – 6 NRRRL U18 Round Seven loss to Cudgen.

Incredibly the day after the 2019 Andrew Johns Cup final, Noah Johannsson was part of the Tweed Heads Seagulls U18 NRRRL side that defeated Kyogle 24 – 16 in Round two of the NRRRL U18 competition, talk about a young man who obviously just loves playing rugby league.

Noah Johannsson played in thirteen matches in the 2019 U18 NRRRL regular season competition with the Tweed Heads Seagulls U18 side scoring his first try in Round Seven against Murwillumbah, adding a double in Round Fourteen against Tweed Coast and also scoring in Round Fifteen against Lismore Marist Brothers.

mdrew

11-01-20, 08:05 PM

The 2019 season that was for Titans contracted aggressive front rower Jack Cullen:

The Northern New South Wales born front rower started in the front row for the Titans U16 side in their match against the Newcastle Knights in January of this year.

In the match, Jack Cullen was his usual busy and effective self, including along with Bailey Martin being one of the forward leaders from both an attacking and defensive perspective.

One aspect of Jack Cullen’s game against the Newcastle Knights that I had not seen a great deal of prior to the match was Jack Cullen ball playing before the line. One a couple of occasions in the match Jack Cullen looked like he was going to take a hit-up, once he received the ball he quickly pivoted on the spot and passed out to his backline, the times that Jack Cullen ball played like this was seemingly all to the left side of the field.

Jack Cullen’s most recent match for the Titans was when he started in the front row for the Titans U16 squad in their early October match against PNG at Pizzey Park with the Titan coming away from the match with a big win.

Jack Cullen also started in the front row Titans U15 side as they defeated a U15 Balmain Tigers touring side 16 – 10 in late 2018 and for me was one of the best for the Titans that night at Cudgen.

After left second rower Ryan Foran fielded the kick off, Jack Cullen took the next hit up and set the scene for his match with a great first run into the teeth of the Balmain Tigers forward pack.

Jack Cullen was at it again after the Titans first try scored by left winger Kaleb Ngamanu, taking the first and third hit-ups. Jack Cullen was outstanding in both of his stints for the Titans U15’s but his first 20 minute stint was exceptional. Jack Cullen also scored in the match after he was brought down just short of the line after a strong run where he stepped back behind the ruck off his right foot.

Post the Balmain Tigers match, Jack Cullen and fellow Group 18 U15 team mates headed overseas to play in the Battlefield Challenge to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the end of World War I, a competition that the side won including victories against Emory Moor 12 – 6 and Leigh East 18 – 12.

In a warm up match in England prior to the Tournament they defeated a Hemel Stags U16 side and post the Tournament defeated French side Aude Cathare. A number of other Titans players will also be involved in the tour including Tom Weaver, Josh Gilbert, Ryan Foran, Byron Jones and Bailey Cox.

In Round One of the 2019 U18 Andrew Johns Cup competition Jack Cullen started in the front row for the Northern Rivers Titans in their match against the Newcastle Knights Development Squad and had a great game including throwing two outstanding short balls prior to the defensive line.

His first pass was to lock Bailey Cox who as a result found himself in a big gap and was able to draw the fullback for fullback Jaylan DeGroot to score the first try of the match under the posts. Jack Cullen’s second impressive pass, also to his right set left centre Rowan Mansfield on a forth metre run down the left tough line.

Round Two of the 2019 Andrew Johns Cup competition saw Jack Cullen once again line up in the front row in their match against Parramatta and once again he had an outstanding match.

The match was the second in a row that Jack Cullen was heavily involved in setting up a try with a great ball prior to contacting the defensive line. In the second half, Jack Cullen took the ball off the dummy half and popped a great ball around the half way mark to interchange forward Byron Jones who charged to within a few metres of the Parramatta line before offloading to Thomas Weaver to score. Just like his two outstanding passes in Round One his great second round pass was to his left.

In Round Three against the North Coast Bulldogs Jack Cullen started in the front row for the third week in a row and once again provided an outstanding pre-contact pass to his left to set up a try, this time to Rowan Mansfield who sprinted sixty metres to score.

I have mentioned his pre-contact offloading a few times but Jack Cullen in all of his Andrew Johns Cup matches so fat this season has also been outstanding in making ground through the centre of the ruck.

After being rested in Round Four Jack Cullen started Round Five of the 2019 Andrew Johns Cup competition in his usual front row position against the Greater Northern Tigers and was rewarded for his outstanding match when he crashed over in the second half.

Jack Cullen was also strong in the Northern River Titans 26 – 14 semi-final victory over Penrith and one run in particular stood out for me. Jack Cullen took the kick up after the Titans first try and charged head long into the Penrith defence, making a twenty run knocking defenders out of the way and then drawing a penalty when he tried to get a quick play the ball.

In the 2019 U16 Andrew Johns Cup Grand Final against the Western Rams Jack Cullen started in the front row in their impressive 18 – 6 victory.

Post the victory Jack Cullen was named in the front row for the New South Wales Country U16 side for their November 2019 three match tour of the United Kingdom flying out for the tour from Sydney in mid-November.

Jack Cullen started in the front row in Game one of the Tour scoring NSW Country’s first and last try in their 62 – 0 with over the Community Lions with his first try coming just three minutes into the match when Jack Cullen twisted 360 degrees clockwise to crash over from close range mid-way between the left corner post and upright.

Game Two saw the New South Wales Country U16’s defeat the Leeds Rhino’s 32 – 10 with Jack Cullen once again starting in the front row and producing a typical hard uncompromising performance.

Jack Cullen also started in the front row in Game Three of the New South Wales Country U16’s tour of the UK as they finished undefeated on the back of a 62 – 6 victory over a British Community Lions squad consisting of players from the Lancashire and Cumbria region of England.

The New South Wales Country U16 side played a New South Wales U16 Harold Matthews squad as a curtain raiser to the Penrith/Warriors NRL match on a Friday night at Penrith Park in May. Jack Cullen started the match in the front row.

Jack Cullen made his NRRRL U18 debut in Round Nine for Cudgen starting from the bench in their 10 – 6 win over Lower Clarence at home with his first try coming in his 4th match being Round Fourteen against Byron Bay.

Jack Cullen made his first NRRRL U18 start in Round Sixteen when he started in the front row against Murwillumbah.

In total in the U18 NRRRL competition Jack Cullen played in nine matches and scored just the one try as mentioned above in Round Fourteen against Byron Bay.

Jack Cullen was also part of the Cudgen side that defeated Lismore Marist Brothers 24 – 10 in Week One of the NRRRL U18 Finals series and was also on the bench as Cudgen defeated Byron Bay 24 – 4 in the Preliminary Final.

Jack Cullen was also part of the dominant Cudgen 2019 U16 Group 18 side that won their Grand Final 44 – 6 against Byron Bay/Lennox Head.

mdrew

12-01-20, 08:05 AM

The 2019 season that was for Titans contracted talented outside back Rowan Mansfield:

Rowan Mansfield’s most recent match for the Titans was when he started at right centre for the Titans U16 squad in their early October 2019 match against PNG at Pizzey Park scoring in the first half in the right corner from a run five metres out.

Rowan Mansfield started at fullback for the Titans U16 side in their match against the Newcastle Knights early in 2019. Unfortunately an injury meant that Rowan Mansfield was not able to see out the match.

In Round One of the 2019 U18 Andrew Johns Cup competition Rowan Mansfield partnered fellow Titan Keegan Pace in the centres for the Northern Rivers Titans in their match against the Newcastle Knights Development Squad, with Rowan Mansfield operating on the left side of the field.

Even though he was playing on the left, Rowan Mansfield’s first break was made on the right when he looped around a Titans scrum win on their own twenty metre line and drove twenty metres down field before being brought down.

Rowan Mansfield also made a great break down the left tough line after a great Jack Cullen offload and was a deserved try scorer for the Titans when he took a pass off the dummy half around twenty metres out from the Newcastle try lien and proceeded to power through the defensive line to score.

In the match, Rowan Mansfield on two occasions was able to pin Newcastle defenders in the in goal highlighting his enthusiasm. Both kicks were from fellow Titan Thomas Weaver.

Round Two of the 2019 Andrew Johns Cup competition saw Rowan Mansfield once again line up in the left centre position in their match against Parramatta. Rowan Mansfield did not see too much of the ball in the match but was still able to score for the Northern Rivers Titans in a try that was similar to his Round One try as he exploded onto a dummy half pass and through seer speed and power dragged a couple of Parramatta players over the try line.

Round Three against the North Coast Bulldogs once again saw Rowan Mansfield start at left centre for the Northern Rivers Titans and once again he was outstanding on the way to scoring a double. Rowan Mansfield’s first try was a long range effort when he took a pass from fellow Titans and front rower Jack Cullen to spring sixty metres down the left touch line. Rowan Mansfield also scored the final try of the match when he pouched on a North Coast mistake in their own in goal.

After starting the opening three rounds of the Andrew Johns Cup at left centre, Round Four against the Central Coast Roosters saw Rowan Mansfield move back to fullback.

After a week at fullback, Rowan Mansfield moved back to the centres for the Round Five match against the Greater Northern Tigers starting at left centre and scored an outstanding long range try when he exploded down the left touch line in a seventy run to the line easily outpacing the Greater Northern Tigers cover defence.

In the semi-final against Penrith Rowan Mansfield had arguably his best match of the Andrew Johns Cup competition from his usual right centre position. He was aggressive in both attack and defence and made some telling runs out of dummy half for the Northern Rivers Titans as well as some aggressive defence on his opposite Penrith centre.

In the 2019 U16 Andrew Johns Cup Grand Final against the Western Rams Rowan Mansfield started at left centre and scored an outstanding try, the second of the match for the Titans in their outstanding 18 – 6 win.

At a scrum in front of the Western Rams posts, the Titans stacked the right side but instead the ball went to Rowan Mansfield on the left, he got outside of his direct opponent with speed before close to the line opposing winger came in to make the tackle. Rowan Mansfield literally ran straight through him to score in the corner.

Post the victory Rowan Mansfield was named on the wing for the New South Wales Country U16 side for their November three match tour of the United Kingdom.

Rowan Mansfield started on the wing scoring a double in Game One of the tour scoring New South Wales Country U16’s second try of the match in their big 62 – 0 win over the U17 Community Lions.

Rowan Mansfield’s first try of the match was a sixty metre effort which he was able to bring around to under the goal posts (after crossing the try line in the left corner) in the first half after eluding the Lions fullback. Rowan Mansfield’s second try was scored when he leapt in the air to claim a Thomas Weaver cross kick on the full to score in the corner.

Rowan Mansfield also started on the left wing in Match Two of the tour and scored his third tour try late in the match from close range in the left corner as the NSW Country U16’s defeated the Leeds Rhino’s 32 – 10. Rowan Mansfield scored literally right in the left corner after a three metre after a chain of short passes to the left of the field by the New South Wales Country U16 side.

Rowan Mansfield finished the tour with five tries when he scored a double after starting the third and final match on the wing as the New South Wales Country U16 side defeated the British Community Lions 62 – 6. Rowan Mansfield’s first try (and the first of the match) was the result of a great back line move to the left in just the two minute and he completed his double in the twenty first minute when another backline movement saw Rowan Mansfield in space.

The New South Wales Country U16 side played a New South Wales U16 Harold Matthews squad as a curtain raiser to the Penrith/Warriors NRL match on a Friday night at Penrith Park in May. Rowan Mansfield started the match on the left wing.

In the match Rowan Mansfield did not get a lot of opportunities but went looking for the ball and did make one good break down the left touchline before kicking inside to keep the ball alive.

Impressively less than 48 hours later Rowan Mansfield lined up for Ballina in their 58 - 0 NRRRL U18 Round Seven win over Tweed Coast and scoring in the big win.

Even though Rowan Mansfield was still U16 eligible this season, he made his NRRRL U18 debut in Round Four for Ballina in their 18 – 12 win over Murwillumbah.

In total in the 2019 NRRRL U18 competition Rowan Mansfield played in twelve regular season matches scoring seven tries including a double in Round Sixteen against Tweed Heads.

In 2019 Rowan Mansfield also scored against Lismore Marist Brothers in Round Six (his first U18 NRRRL try), in Round Seven against Tweed Coast, Round Twelve against Casino RSM, Round Thirteen against Murwillumbah and in Round Seventeen scored against Tweed Coast.

In Week Two of the NRRRL U18 Finals Rowan Mansfield was part of the Ballina side that defeated Cudgen 26 – 20 to progress directly to the Grand Final with Rowan Mansfield one of Ballina’s try scorers in their hard fought win.

From his fullback position Rowan Mansfield was hunting around the ruck and followed a break made by the Ballina hooker to receive a pass to race fifty metres to score untouched adjacent to the right upright.

In the NRRRL U18 Grand Final Rowan Mansfield started at fullback for Ballina as they won the premiership on the back of a 24 – 6 victory with Rowan Mansfield a menace for the Cudgen defence constantly backing up his forwards through the centre of the ruck.

Rowan Mansfield also started for Ballina in Round One of the Group One U16.5 competition in their 26 – 4 loss to South Grafton.

Rowan Mansfield scored seven Group One regular season U16.5 from nine matches tries in 2019 including a Round Seven double against Kyogle, also scoring a double in Round Ten against Casino RSM.

In Week One of the Group One finals series, Rowan Mansfield was unstoppable on his way to scoring a hat trick as Ballina defeated Clarence Coast 20 – 8 to progress to Week Two with Ballina also winning then in the Preliminary Final 21 – 14 over South Grafton for Rowan Mansfield and his team mates to progress to the Grand Final.

In the 2019 Group One U16.5 Grand Final against Lismore Marist Brothers Gold Rowan Mansfield started at fullback as Ballina ran out winners 12 – 4.

At the 2019 Group One Junior Rugby League Awards night Rowan Mansfield was named Group One Junior Rugby League Representative Player of the Year. Rowan Mansfield also received an award at the 2019 Ballina Coast High School Sports Awards night.

mdrew

12-01-20, 02:15 PM

The 2019 season that was for Titans contracted stand out outside back Kaleb Ngamanu:

Kaleb Ngamanu’s most recent match for the Titans was when he started at fullback for the Titans U16 squad in their early October match against PNG at Pizzey Park and made a great fist of the fullback role.

In January 2019 Kaleb Ngamanu started on the left wing for the Titans U16 side against the Newcastle Knights in Coffs Harbour and was very unlucky not to be awarded a second half try. To be honest I am still unsure why the try was disallowed, he flashed into the back line on the left hand side of the field and broke through two Knights defenders to seemingly score but the try was disallowed I assume for a lost ball.

Kaleb Ngamanu started the match on the left wing but spent some time at fullback midway through the first half when he swapped positions with Rowan Mansfield for a few minutes. In the second half with Rowan Mansfield injured, Kaleb Ngamanu played the entire half at fullback and showed his outstanding speed when he backed up a long break from Joseph Shannon (who had been put into a hole as a result of a great Bailey Martin pass).

In the first half Kaleb Ngamanu produced three outstanding pieces of play including two try saving tackles, the first when the Knights winger burst through the centre of the ruck and Kaleb Ngamanu tracked back and caught him from behind. His second try saving tackle was made in the left corner when he stopped the Knights winger in his tracks about a metre from the try line when the winger looked certain to score.

With the ball Kaleb Ngamanu made an outstanding break down the left touch line when he got outside his direct opponent as a result of a great ball from half Thomas Weaver whilst playing on the left wing in the first half.

On top of all that Kaleb Ngamanu forced at least three errors that I can recall as a result of sheer hard work and effort.

Early in 2019 Kaleb Ngamanu was part of the Gold Coast Vikings U16 side that played in the South East Queensland U16 Challenge and post that championship was named in the South East Queensland U16 train on squad.

Kaleb Ngamanu started on the left wing for the Queensland City U16 side in their match against Queensland Country, playing the entire seventy minutes. Kaleb Ngamanu ran for 45.1 metres in the match and made three tackles at a 75% tackling efficiency.

Kaleb Ngamanu started the 2019 season for Coomera in the GCRL U16 Division One competition, starting in the centres in Round One against Burleigh and scoring in the match which was his one and only GCRL match of the season.

Kaleb Ngamanu kicked off his 2019 school boy rugby campaign for TSS in late April when he was part of the TSS Second XV side that defeated touring New Zealand School New Plymouth Boys High 36 – 0, starting the match at inside centre. Kaleb Ngamanu then was on the bench for the TSS First XV side that went down 31 – 29.

Kaleb Ngamanu made his TSS First XV run on debut in a trial against Brisbane State High School in May with TSS winning 57 – 12.

Kaleb Ngamanu was once against part of the TSS First XV squad for the next set of GPS rugby trials against Brisbane State High School and Gregory Terrace at the TSS campus, in late May with Kaleb Ngamanu named on the bench. TSS won the trial against Gregory Terrace but went down against BSHS in the second match.

Kaleb Ngamanu started TSS’s next trial against Nudgee College in the right wing (No. 14) for the TSS First XV. Kaleb Ngamanu moved to the left wing (No. 11) for the TSS First XV’s next trial against Ipswich Grammar School at Ipswich.

Kaleb Ngamanu started at outside centre for the TSS First XV in their final GPS rugby trial prior to their Round One fixture against Nudgee College with TSS winning 10-5 against Sunshine Coast Grammar School.

In Round One of the GPS school boy rugby competition, Kaleb Ngamanu started on the right wing for TSS against Nudgee College and was outstanding defensively for TSS, both in terms of initial contact and cover defence.

The ball did not get out to his right wing a great deal but Kaleb Ngamanu did have an outstanding run late in the second half where he dragged a number of Nudgee defenders five or six metres. Kaleb Ngamanu actually crossed the line in the second half but the final pass was called back for being forward. To be fair it was only two or three metres forward.

Kaleb Ngamanu also showcased his hands in Round One taking producing a great contest catch of a TSS box kick under extreme pressure to maintain TSS’s momentum in a pivotal moment of the first half.

Kaleb Ngamanu was also outstanding in Round Two as TSS thrashed Churchie 64 – 7 with Kaleb Ngamanu starting on the right wing but moving into inside centre around the 10 minute mark after an injury.

From that position Kaleb Ngamanu scored his first First XV try of the career. At a set piece about fifteen metres out from the Churchie line, Kaleb Ngamanu originally lined up in the left of the piece but rotated around to the right receiving the ball in space.

Kaleb Ngamanu ran at the opposition defensive line which started to back pedal holding the ball in both hands and after shaping to pass the ball to his right before running through the resultant gap in the line to score mid-way between the touch line and goal post on the right side of the field.

After finishing Round Two at inside centre, Kaleb Ngamanu started there in Round Three against Brisbane State High School. In the first half Kaleb Ngamanu focussed primarily on ball playing for his outside backs but in the second half ran the ball more and came close to scoring twice.

Kaleb Ngamanu also started at inside centre in Round Four against Toowoomba Grammar School in Toowoomba scoring his second try of the season as well as recording a try assist and also being heavily involved in a few others.

Kaleb Ngamanu’s try assist came in the second half and was as a result of a great sleight of hand from a set play. From a TSS scrum win on the Toowoomba Grammar School twenty metre line Kaleb Ngamanu received the ball to the right of the scrum and produced an outstanding no look pop up pass to his right as the TSS left winger looped around to charge through the resultant gap to score adjacent to the left upright.

Kaleb Ngamanu’s try (his second of the season) came late in the match, Kaleb Ngamanu picked up the ball on from the back of a ruck and drove to his left to score from close range to round out a 62 – 3 TSS route.

Round Five against Brisbane Grammar School saw Kelab Ngamanu continue at inside centre scoring for the second week in a row and third for the season. Kaleb Ngamanu’s try can only be considered a superb effort. In the 16th minute of the first half, Kaleb Ngamanu received the ball to the right of the ruck and ran diagonally to his right and used a great fend which literally knocked the Brisbane Grammar School fly half, being Connor Te Kani off his feet.

Once that occurred Kaleb Ngamanu ran through the resultant gap to score mid-way between the goal posts and the right corner flag under pressure from two more BGS defenders.

In Round Six Kaleb Ngamanu started once again at inside centre against fellow unbeaten school Brisbane Boys College at Toowong in Brisbane in essentially what was the GPS First XV Premiership decider between the only remaining unbeaten schools.

Unfortunately Kaleb Ngamanu was forced off the field with a cheek bone injury in the early minutes of the second half in TSS’s 23 – 20 victory in front of a massive crowd at Toowong in Brisbane’s west.

The win ensured that TSS were the 2019 GPS School Boy rugby First XV Champions and it is a touch ironic that it came against BBC which was the school that Kaleb Ngamanu’s two older brothers starred for being Cullen and Jayden Ngamanu.

Kaleb Ngamanu in 2019 was also part of the Queensland U18 Reds Academy Rugby side that defeated Victoria 46 – 18 with Kaleb Ngamanu coming off the bench to play on the right wing and mid-way through the second half set up a try when he drew the Rebels fullback and passed back inside to the Reds outside centre to score after a long run down the right touch line.

mdrew

12-01-20, 10:48 PM

The 2019 season that was for Titans contracted stand out young half Thomas Weaver:

The talented young half back from Cudgen in Northern New South Wales capped off an outstanding 2019 season Thomas Weaver was recently named in the New South Wales 2020 Future Blues Squad.

In early 2019 Thomas Weaver started at half for the Titans U16’s and captaining the side in their match at Coffs Harbour against the Newcastle Knights and was involved in the first play of the game being the opening tackle after the kick off on the Knights front rower with team mates, Brody Smitka and Ryan Foran.

Like in previous matches for the Titans Junior Development sides, Thomas Weaver was in the thick of the action against the Knights directing the Titans around the field and scored a good solo try in the second half when he stepped off his left foot about ten metres out from the Newcastle Knights line and beat two or three defenders, plus dragged one over the line to score just to the left of the goal posts for the Titans first try of the match.

Against the Knights Thomas Weaver operated primarily on the left side of the field with five eight Riley Lack operating on the right. When the Titans had a scrum feed, Thomas Weaver played as the first receiver with Riley Lack feeding the scrum.

Just like he has in a number of matches, Thomas Weaver had the ball on a string and included in his outstanding passing game was a great cut out pass to left winger Kaleb Ngamanu who got outside his direct opponent and sprinted down the touch line on a 40 metre run before passing the ball inside to centre Ezra Ubaldino.

I do want to site a specific example or two of Thomas Weaver’s tenacity, late in the first half he put in a great kick from around 30 metres out from the Newcastle line with the ball pulling up a metre short of touch in goal, instead of sitting back resting on his laurels, Thomas Weaver was the first Titan down the field and made the tackle to trap the Knights fullback in the in goal.

It was a similar situation for the Titans captain in the second half, he put in a kick from around forth metres out which held up a metre or so from the touch in goal making the Knights fullback have to play the ball and whilst on that occasions he did get out of his in-goal, once again Thomas Weaver was the first Titan down the field to make the tackle.

Just to round off his outstanding kicking display in the match, one of his kicks for touch in the second half made around fifty metres, it was just an outstanding kick and put the Titans well and truly on the attack.

In June of 2019, Thomas Weaver started at half for the Titans U18 side in their match against North Queensland that was played as the curtain raiser to the Titans/ Warriors NRL match in June, an impressive feat considering that the majority of the players that he was up against were already 18 years old.

In Round One of the 2019 U18 Andrew Johns Cup competition, Thomas Weaver started at half back for the Northern Rivers Titans in their match against the Newcastle Knights Development Squad and like in matches described above, captained the side and pulled the strings for the Titans in their big 38 – 8 victory and contributed five goals from seven attempts.

Thomas Weaver can really throw a great long pass and showcased that once again for the Titans in Round One when he set winger Matthew Avery away down the left touch line. The match also saw Thomas Weaver force three drop out with outstanding kicks each coming from around thirty metres out from the Newcastle line each pulling up in the Newcastle in goal.

Thomas Weaver also had a first half try assist when he drifted to his right and threw a great short ball to left second rower and fellow Titans contract player Ryan Foran who charged thirty metres to score late in the first half.

Round Two of the 2019 Andrew Johns Cup competition saw Thomas Weaver once again line up at half in their match against Parramatta and yet again he had an outstanding match scoring twenty four points from two tries and eight conversions from nine attempts.

Both of Thomas Weaver’s tries were from backing up plays. In his first half try, Thomas Weaver threw a great cut out ball to his left to send winger Jack Field away and then backed up to receive a pass back from the winger to score. Thomas Weaver’s try in the second half came when he backed up a break from interchange forward Byron Jones to score.

Thomas Weaver also had a try assist when he drifted to his left and put left second rower Ryan Foran on his way to the try line, a try which was eerily similar to the try that the two put on in Round One against Newcastle.

As in Round One Thomas Weaver also had the ball on a string from a kicking perspective, with both of his first two kicks of the game being outstanding, the first trapping the Parramatta fullback a metre out from his own line where he had to dive to the ground or he would have been either pushed into touch and back into the in-goal in the left corner and the second even better forcing a drop out.

Thomas Weaver’s outstanding game included two try saving tackles in the second half helping to keep the Northern Rivers Titans line intact. On the first occasion he held a Parramatta player up in the left corner after making up an impressive amount of ground and in the second instance, after a long Parramatta break, Thomas Weaver stripped the ball from the Eels centre when he looked set to score.

Thomas Weaver also started at half in the Round Three local derby against the North Coast Bulldogs and added another three try assists to his outstanding 2019 Andrew Johns Cup campaign. Two of his three try assists, one in the first half and the other in the second where eerily similar. Thomas Weaver took the ball down a short blind side close to the North Coast line and on each occasion threw a cut out pass to winger Jack Field (Craig Field’s son) to score.

Thomas Weaver’s other try assist was providing a good pass to left second rower Ryan Foran to crash over. In each of the first three rounds Thomas Weaver and Ryan Foran have combined on the left side of the field for a Ryan Foran try.

In Round Four against the Central Coast Roosters Thomas Weaver started again at half and captain and well once again was special, with five conversion and an incredible six try assists, five from passes and one from a kick.

Thomas Weaver garnered a try assist in each of Titans left centre Keegan Pace’s three first half tries. In Keegan Pace’s first and third tries, Thomas Weaver drifted across field, forcing the Central Coast defence to back pedal and then found a straight running Keegan Pace with a great pass to his left.

The other try assist in the first half for a Keegan Pace try was when Thomas Weaver split the Central Coast defence on his own twenty metres through a hard straight and when confronted with the fullback, Thomas Weaver popped a good ball back across his right shoulder to send Keegan Pace away to score under the posts.

Thomas Weaver was also involved in two tries in the first half for Titans left second rower Ryan Foran. Thomas Weaver and Ryan Foran combined for a try in each of the opening three rounds but combined for two in Round Four.

For Ryan Foran’s first try, Thomas Weaver took the ball quickly to his left about five metres out from the Central Coast line and passed to Ryan Foran who ran an outside shoulder route to score. In the second try, Thomas Weaver ran to his left from a scrum win and again with Ryan Foran running an outside shoulder route found him with a pass for Ryan Foran to run twenty metres to score.

In the second minute of the second half Thomas Weaver got his sixth try assist of the afternoon when be put in a good grubber kick near the posts which the Central Coast defence could not defuse with the Titans pouncing on the mistake to score under the posts.

Thomas Weaver also forced a Central Coast line drop out in the match after a great klick from around forty metres out with Titans left centre Keegan Pace making the tackle in the Central Coast in-goal.

Thomas Weaver also started at half back in Round Five against the Greater Northern Tigers adding five conversions to his points tally and another try assist when he grubbered into the in goal area for Riley Lack to score the first try of the match.

Thomas Weaver could have scored two tries of his own in the second half from scrum moves but on each occasion he was dragged down just short of the line. On each occasion Thomas Weaver Thomas Weaver looped around five eight Riley Lack putting the defensive line under pressure but unfortunately was on each occasion dragged down just shy of the try line.

Thomas Weaver was also dominant in the Northern Rivers Titans semi-final victory over Penrith scoring a double and kicking three conversions from five attempts. In relation to his first try Thomas Weaver was the recipient of an outstanding piece of work from second rower Ryan Foran. Ryan Foran charged down a Penrith kick and passed immediately to Thomas Weaver upon retrieving the ball for Thomas Weaver to sprint forty five metres to score.

Thomas Weaver’s second try came just two minutes after the first. He backed up through the centre of the ruck after an outstanding run from lock Bailey Cox, who offloaded to fullback Jaylan De Groot who was able to find Thomas Weaver to space to race away and score.

Thomas Weaver could in fact have finished the match with a hat trick but was adjudged to have knocked on when attempting to ground the ball from a kick after the siren to conclude the first half.

Thomas Weaver also had a try assist in the match. Operating on the left of the field close to the Penrith line, Thomas Weaver took the ball right to the line before popping a good short ball to his left to Ryan Foran to crash over.

In the 2019 U16 Andrew Johns Cup Grand Final against the Western Rams Thomas Weaver started at half captaining the side to an 18 – 6 victory, contributing ten points from a try and three conversions from three attempts. Thomas Weaver also had a try assist when he threw a good flat ball for Titans lock Bailey Cox to crash over for the first try of the match.

In the second half, Thomas Weaver scored after receiving a pass from fullback Jaylan DeGroot. DeGroot had field a kick on his own try line with the Western Rams on the attack and then offloaded to Thomas Weaver to sprint ninety metres to score under the posts. As a result of his performance, Thomas Weaver was named player of the final.

Post the victory Thomas Weaver was named at halfback for the New South Wales Country U16 side for their November 2019 three match tour of the United Kingdom and was also named in the 2019 New South Wales U16 36 man train on squad and was one of only four New South Wales Country players in the squad, two others being fellow Titans Riley Lack and Ryan Foran.

Thomas Weaver flew out for the United Kingdom tour from Sydney in mid-November and started Game One of the tour at half also captaining the side scoring twenty points from a try and eight goals in a Player of the match performance as New South Wales Country U16’s won big 62 – 0 win over the U17 Community Lions. Thomas Weaver also had a try assist with a pin point kick to Rowan Mansfield’s left wing for the fellow Titan to score.

Thomas Weaver’s try come in the second half when he was operating on the left of the field two passes off the ruck. Thomas Weaver took the ball and immediately dummied to his left before a subtle left foot step put him into space around ten metres out and he was able to sprint the remainder of the way to dive over adjacent to the left upright and then converted his own try.

Thomas Weaver also started at half in Game Two of the tour as the Country U16 side defeated the Leeds Rhino’s 32 – 10. Thomas Weaver also had his second try assist from kicks in as many games when he grubbered through for Jock Brazell to score after thirty minutes mid-way between the corner post and goal post on the left side of the field.

Thomas Weaver also had another try assist in the match when he threw a good short ball to his left which sent his ball runner on a twelve metre uninterrupted run to the line touching down ten metres from the left upright.

Thomas Weaver added a third try assist in the match late when he put up a bomb to the right corner which could not be held by Leeds with Reef Sommerville picking up the pieces to crash over in the right corner.

In the final match of New South Wales Country U16’s UK tour Thomas Weaver produced yet another dominant performance after captaining the Country side from half back scoring a double and kicking seven tries from nine attempts to score twenty two points as NSW Country defeated the Community Lions 62 – 6.

Both of Thomas Weaver’s tries came in the second half, the first when he split the defence through an individual effort mid-way through the half and the second when he scored after a great offload from Bayley Cox with four minutes remaining.

Thomas Weaver also had a try assist in the match when he scooped up a louse pass before drawing a defender to send fellow Titan Riley Lack on a ten metre run to score.

The New South Wales Country U16 side played a New South Wales U16 Harold Matthews squad as a curtain raiser to the Penrith/Warriors NRL match on a Friday night at Penrith Park in May. Thomas Weaver started the match at half back.

Even though the NSW Country side went down 16 – 6, Thomas Weaver who captained the side was outstanding including converting Country’s only try of the match which was scored by fellow Titans contracted player, hooker Oscar Bryant.

It was his defence that stood out in the match with Thomas Weaver making two try saving tackles, the first in the first half was a classic cover defending tackle down the right touchline and the second was when he tracked back to stop one of the giant Harold Matthews forwards, Thomas Weaver rounded him up from behind dragging him down with the assistance of fellow Titan Rowan Mansfield.

After that match, Thomas Weaver was selected in the New South Wales U16 side that defeated a U16 Pasifika team 36 – 6 at Belmore Sports Ground on Sunday 9 June with Thomas Weaver starting the match at five eight.

At the Northern Rivers Awards night held in April, Thomas Weaver received the 2019 Players Player Award for the U16 Andrew Johns Cup side. Thomas Weaver then added the Ron Lanesbury Medal to his collection for the 2019 U16 Andrew Johns Cup Player of the Year.

A week after the Andrew Johns Cup final Thomas Weaver made his NRRRL U18 debut in Round Three for Cudgen, starting on the wing against Murwillumbah and scored a try and kicked four goals from seven attempts in an outstanding debut as his Cudgen side defeated Murwillumbah 36 – 0.

In Round Four of the NRRRL U18 competition, Thomas Weaver moved into five eight and kicked three goals as Cudgen defeated Byron Bay 26 – 10.

Round Five of the NRRRL U18 competition saw Thomas Weaver start at five eight and he kicked three from three as the Hornets defeated Ballina 18 – 12.

After missing time with an injury Thomas Weaver came back into the Cudgen NRRRL U18 side for their Round Fifteen match against Kyogle which Cudgen won 64 – 0 and kicked three goals in Round Seventeen against Murwillumbah to prove that he was definitely over his injury.

In total in the 2019 NRRRL U18 regular season competition, Thomas Weaver played in eight matches scoring thirty six points from two tries and fourteen goals, with his tries coming against Murwillumbah and Kyogle.

Thomas Weaver added a goal in his point’s tally as Cudgen defeated Lismore Marist Brothers 24 – 10 in Week One of the NRRRL U18 Finals series and was also involved in Week Two of the Finals as Cudgen went down 26 – 20 against Ballina kicking two conversions in the match.

In the Week Three Final, being the NRRRL U18 Preliminary Final Thomas Weaver scored a try and kicked three conversions from as many attempts as Cudgen booked their place in the U18 NRRRL Grand Final against Ballina with a 24 – 4 win over Byron Bay.

Thomas Weaver came off the bench in the first half of the NRRRL U18 Grand Final plying five eight when he came on as Cudgen went down 24 – 6 to Ballina.

Thomas Weaver was also part of the dominant Cudgen 2019 U16 Group 18 side that won their Grand Final 44 – 6 against Byron Bay/Lennox Head.

In 2019 Thomas Weaver was named joint Player of the Year for the Group 18 U16 Junior Rugby League competition with fellow Titan Ryan Foran

mdrew

13-01-20, 06:48 PM

The 2019 season that was for big strong front rower Samuel Shannon:

The Titans contracted forward started from the interchange bench for the 2019 Burleigh MM Cup side in their Round One match with the Norths Devils with Samuel Shannon contributing a try in in Burleigh’s great comeback to draw 38 all with the Devils.

In total in the 2019 MM Cup competition, Samuel Shannon played in all six of Burleigh’s matches starting the first four rounds from the interchange bench before moving into the starting side in the front row against Souths Logan in Round Five and also starting in the front row in Round Six against Wynnum Manly in Burleigh’s last MM Cup match of the season.

2019 also saw the Robina State High School student represent South Coast at the U18 QSSRL Championships starting from the interchange bench in South Coast’s matches in Toowoomba.

Samuel Shannon was named on the Burleigh’s Hastings Deering’s U20 extended bench for their Round Fifteen match against Ipswich and made his first appearance in that competition from the bench on Round Nineteen against Redcliffe and also came off the bench (on both occasions brother Daniel also started from the bench) in Round Twenty against the Western Mustangs scoring his first Colts try of the season in that match.

For his try Samuel Shannon ran a crash route from close range to the right of the play the ball and once he received the pass out of dummy half from Zac McCormack he was just too big strong and wanted to score more that the Western Mustangs defence wanted to stop him.

Samuel Shannon also spent time in the 2019 U18 Division One competition for Southport in 2019 including starting from the bench in their 28 – 20 Preliminary Final win over Ormeau and starting in the front row in their 28 – 12 Grand Final loss to Burleigh where he was at the forefront of the forward battle that raged over the course of the entire match.

In total Samuel Shannon played seven matches for Southport in the 2019 Gold Coast Rugby League U18 Division One competition including the two finals noted above.

To cap off an outstanding 2019 season Samuel Shannon has recently been named in the 2020 U18 Queensland Emerging Origin Squad with fellow Titans Ediq Ambrosyev and Isreal Higgins

mdrew

14-01-20, 04:54 PM

The 2019 season that was for the talented Devonte Vaivela:

The powerful centre or second rower from the Souths Acacia Ridge club in Brisbane’s South West started at left second row for the Titans U14 side that defeated a Titans Invitational U14/15 NRRRL side 32 – 10 in early October at Tweed Heads Seagulls Piggabeen home ground.

Devonte Vaivela scored in the first half when he held off the NRRRL right winger to score in the left corner with a one handed put down. After the match Devonte Vaivela was named Titans best a situation that I agreed with, for what that is worth although to be fair there were quite a number of Titans players who were outstanding in the match but none more so than the ultra-impressive Devonte Vaivela.

Devonte Vaivela had an outstanding season for the Souths Acacia Ridge Magpies in 2019 including starting at left centre in their GBJRL U14 Division One 28 – 4 Grand Final win over Carina. Over the course of the 2019 GBJRL U14 Division One season Devonte Vaivela played in fifteen matches, including finals scoring team leading sixteen tries to finish with an impressive strike rate of 107% to pace his Grand Final winning team.

Devonte Vaivela was in fact named as the 2019 U14 Best Back at the South Acacia Ridge Junior Rugby League Awards night in last September and also was named the 2019 GBJRL U14 Representative Player of the Season. Considering the quality of team mates of Devonte Vaivela at Souths Acacia Ridge in the GBJRL U14 competition and in the Brisbane Junior Rugby League U14 competitions in general, Devonte Vaivela’s awards were no small feat.

I was fortunate enough to see about half of the U14 Division One Souths Acacia Ridge’s matches in 2019 (mainly at Brandon Park but a few away matches as well, including a great comeback by Souths at Logan Brothers) and in virtually every match Devonte Vaivela was an absolute stand out and whilst his try scoring strike rate was in excess of 100% he set up many more tries when his hard running down the left side of the field led to breaks and his subsequent quick play the ball meant the oppositions defensive line was shattered and could not get into any semblance of order before Souths Acacia Ridge scored on the next play, quite often with the ball being spun out to the other side of the field where there was space aplenty.

Devonte Vaivela also represented South East Queensland Green U14’s at the 2019 Queensland Age Championships playing in all four of their matches and scoring an outstanding hat trick in their 26 – 4 Grand Final win against Northern with his tries coming in the 9th minute of the first half and the 18th and 24th minutes of the second half. Devonte Vaivela also scored earlier in the Championships against Northern.

In 2019 Devonte Vaivela also represented Samoa U14’s at the QPICC Carnival starting in the centres in all four of Samoa’s matches including their 8 – 6 Final loss to PNG. Devonte Vaivela scored in Round Three against PNG.

mdrew

15-01-20, 05:19 PM

JTS news

https://www.titans.com.au/news/2020/01/15/junior-titans-system-squads-will--be-put-to-the-test-against-knights/

mdrew

15-01-20, 08:02 PM

The 2019 season that was for the immensely talented Titans contacted Seth Niketemo:

Seth Niketemo started in the second row of the Titans U15 side that defeated a Balmain Tigers U15 touring side 34 – 16 in early October 2019 performing strongly in the impressive Titans win and was near, if not the Titans best on the night.

For Runaway Bay in the 2019 GCRL U15 Division One competition Seth Nikotemo played in eleven regular season matches scoring his first try in Round Thirteen against Ormeau and following that up with a try in Round Fourteen being the last regular season round against Helensvale.

Seth Niketemo also kicked two goals from as many attempts in the regular season with both coming against Helensvale in early June in a Seagulls victory with from my recollection both goals coming in the second half.

In Week Two of the GCRL U15 Division One finals Seth Nikotemo started for Runaway Bay against Nerang teaming with fellow Titan Joseph Shannon in the front row as Runaway Bay progressed to the Grand Final on the back of a 20 – 0 Friday night win.

In the 2019 GCRL U15 Division One Grand Final Seth Nikotemo started the match in the front row once again with Joseph Shannon, scoring an outstanding first half try for the Seagulls. In the end though Runaway Bay went down 36 – 22 to Nerang in a tense physical encounter especially in the forwards.

In relation to his try Seth Niketemo charged onto the ball off the dummy half around eighteen metres out from the try line to the right of the play the ball cutting back behind the play the ball a fraction and such was his speed that he broke through the initial defensive line before it could start to move up in a coherent fashion and the fullback was no match for him either as Seth Niketemo crashed over mid-way between the left corner post and goal posts.

Seth Nikotemo made his GCRL U16 Division One debut in Round Fourteen against Helensvale when he came off the bench after playing and scoring in the U15 Division One match earlier in the evening. Seth Niketemo handled the step up in age group with aplomb.

2019 also saw Seth Nikotemo represent the South Coast U15 side that played in the QSSRL U15 Championships held in Ipswich with South Coast going through the Championships undefeated and Seth Nikotemo played a key role in that positive outcome.

mdrew

16-01-20, 05:20 PM

The 2019 season that was for the immensely talented Titans contacted Nicholas Hilton:

His most recent match for the Titans was when he started at lock for the Titans U15 side that defeated a Balmain U15 side 34 – 16 in early October with Nichols Hilton being named Titans Player of the Match.

Nicholas Hilton also started from the bench for the Titans U16 side in their match against the Newcastle Knights early in 2019.

In the match Nicholas Hilton took a knock and had to come off but in his time on the field, Nichols Hilton certainly made an impact in defence with a couple of bone crunching tackles. Two in particular stood out, the first was when he flew out of the marker position and smashed the Newcastle No. 10 with a text book side on hit and on the kick-off return after the Knights first try, Nicholas Hilton and Brock Priestley lined up the Knights runner and both hit him front on at the same time in an outstanding tackle which shook the entire ground.

The powerful young front rower also started from the bench for the Titans U15 side in late 2018 as they defeated a U15 Balmain Tigers touring side 16 – 10 even though he was still U14 eligible in 2018.

Nicholas Hilton came on for the Titans U15’s mid-way through the first half against Balmain making an immediate impact with his size and enthusiasm including defending well right on the try line just after coming into the match.

The Titans gave away a penalty which put the Tigers on the attack but after making a superb front on tackle from the penalty restart, Nicholas Hilton made two tackles in a row and then still got up quickly to get back to the line to plug a gap. One of those tackles included crunching the Balmain half in a heavy tackle.

Nicholas Hilton started the 2019 GCRL U15 Division One season starting in the front row for Nerang in their Round One match against Ormeau.

In total in the GCRL U15 Division One regular season, Nicholas Hilton played in eleven matches scoring three tires including a double against Ormeau and also scoring late in the season against Helensvale.

In Week Two of the U15 Division One Finals series, Nicholas Hilton started at lock for Nerang against Runaway Bay with Nerang going down 20 – 0.

In the U15 Division One Preliminary Final Nicholas Hilton was outstanding on the way to scoring a double to lead Nerang to the Grand Final on the back of a 22 – 18 win over Helensvale.

In the 2019 GCRL U15 Division One Grand Final Nicholas Hilton started at lock and had a strong game as his Nerang side defeated Runaway Bay 36 – 22.

At the late September Gold Coast Rugby League Presentation Night, Nicholas Hilton was named as the 2019 U15 Player of the Year.

2019 also saw Nicholas Hilton represent South Coast at the U15 QSSRL Championships where South Coast went through undefeated to win the Championships and subsequently Nicholas Hilton was named in the Queensland Maroons side for the U15 ASSRL Championships.

Nicholas Hilton started all of Queensland Maroons matches at lock including an impressive performance on Day Two against New South Wales Combined High Schools and in all reality an even better performance especially defensively on Day Three against New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges.

Nicholas Hilton was also a stand-out performer for Coombabah State High School in their various U15 schoolboy rugby league competitions in 2019 although he will move to TSS and play GPS school boy rugby there in 2020.

mdrew

16-01-20, 08:08 PM

The Burleigh Colts side have gotten a talented played in former in former Rotorua Boys High student Te Ahurei Epapara. The young forward is one to watch.

mdrew

17-01-20, 01:02 PM

The Northern Ricers Titans U16 and U18 aides kick off their season a month tomorrow against the Parramatta Eels.

mdrew

17-01-20, 03:36 PM

Locals Julian Knap, Bodhi Bannister, Oshea Hannaway, Coen Rankmore, Ronin Rio, Zane Prophert, Lane Ticehurst and Bryson Vaovasa has been named in the 2020 Burleigh Bears Hastings Deering’s Colts squad

mdrew

17-01-20, 03:48 PM

Great to see 2019 Tweed Heads Seagulls U18 NRRRL’s Harrison Vidler named in the 2020 Burleigh Bears Hastings Deering’s Colts squad.

mdrew

17-01-20, 04:18 PM

Tyler Kent moves up to the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts squad in 2020.

The former Tingha Tigers second rower moved up to the Gold Coast in late 2018 and was named in the Burleigh Bears 2019 MM Cup side and came off the bench in their final match of the season.

Post the MM Cup competition Tyler Kent started Round One of the GCRL U18 Division One competition in the front row for Burleigh in their match against Currumbin.

In total for Burleigh in the GCRL U18 Division One competition, Tyler Kent played in ten matches but did not cross the try line.

In Week Two of the U18 Division One Finals series Tyler Kent started in the front row for Burleigh in their victory 34 – 8 against Southport to progress directly to the Grand Final after a dominating victory.

Tyler Kent came off the bench for Burleigh in the Grand Final that the bears won 28 – 12 against Southport.

Tyler Kent made his one and only GCRL U20 regular season appearance when he came off the bench for Burleigh in Round Nineteen against Helensvale a match that Burleigh won 24 – 22.

Impressively in Week One of the GCRL U20 Finals series Tyler Kent started from the bench for Burleigh as they progressed on the back of a 30 – 24 win over Mudgeeraba. Tyler Kent was also on the bench in the Grand Final against Currumbin as Burleigh wet down 14 -6.

Tyler Kent played the 2018 season in the New South Wales Country Group 19 competition for Tingha spending time in both the U18 and First Grade competitions, for all intents and purposes playing in the U18 match and then backing up to start in the First Grade match every weekend.

Tyler Kent started the 2018 season as part of the Greater Northern Tigers U18 Laurie Daley Cup squad playing all five of their matches including their tough 32 – 26 semi-final loss to Group 9. Tyler Kent started all five matches from the interchange bench.

For Tingha in the U18 Group 19 competition, Tyler Kent played in twelve matches scoring five tries and kicking a goal (against Inverell) to finish the season with 22 points.

Tyler Kent started in the second row in the U18 Group 19 Grand Final and scored as the Tigers went down 28 – 18 to the Moree Boomerangs.

In addition to his U18 Grand Final try Tyler Kent scored in the regular season against the Moree Boars in two separate matches, the Glenn Innes Magpies and the Armidale Rams, with the last two tries coming in consecutive rounds mid-way through the season.

Tyler Kent played in eleven Group 19 First Grade matches scoring on debut against the Moree Boars and also kicked a conversion against the Moree Boomerangs.

Tyler Kent has also represented Group 19 in previous years in the U14, U15 and U16 age groups.

mdrew

17-01-20, 04:38 PM

Titans linked Tom Neale moves up from the U18 level and is part of tis seasons Burleigh Bears Hastings Deering’s Colts squad.

Tom Neale has worn the Titans jersey on a number of occasions already in his career including for the Titans early this season against the Newcastle Knights in Coffs Harbour.

Tom Neale started the 2019 season as part of the Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup squad, coming into the side in Round Four when he started from the bench against Central Queensland, Tom Neale also started from the bench in Rounds Five and Six against Wynnum Manly and the Mackay Cutters respectively.

From a club perspective, Tom Neale played for Burleigh in the GCLR U18 Division One competition including starting the Grand Final at half and scoring as the Bears defeated Southport 28 – 12 in a tough encounter.

In total in the GCRL U18 Division One competition in 2019 Tom Neale played in eleven matches scoring eighteen points from four tries and a late season conversion against Mudgeeraba. In addition to his Grand Final try Tom Neale also scored against Ormeau, Runaway Bay and Helensvale.

In 2018 Tom Neale played in twelve matches for Burleigh in the GCRL U17 Division One competition scoring three tries across the journey with those tries coming against Helensvale, Bilambil and Ormeau.

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mdrew

17-01-20, 05:00 PM

Powerhouse forward Daniel Shannon will line up this season for the Burleigh Bears Hastings Deering’s Colts side and with Southport in the Gold Coast Rugby League competition.

In the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition, Daniel Shannon played in fifteen matches including finals and scored his first Colts try of the season in Round Twenty against the Western Mustangs.

Daniel Shannon came into the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts side in Round Nine against Redcliffe starting from the bench and also started from the bench in his other fourteen matches.

In relation to his try against the Western Mustangs Daniel Shannon received the ball from dummy half Zac McCormack close to the line with heavy defence in front of him, but he used his footwork to cut back towards the play the ball where the defence had not moved off the line and Daniel Shannon used his size and power to crash over.

Daniel Shannon’s 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts season came to an end when he started on the interchange bench for Burleigh as they went down 23 – 16 to Sunshine Coast in the Preliminary Final.

Daniel Shannon played the last rounds of the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition alongside younger brother Samuel in the Burleigh side.

In the Gold Coast Rugby League U20 competition Daniel Shannon played in eight matches including starting in the front row in Round Eleven against Burleigh when he scored a double which were his first tries of the 2019 season.

Daniel Shannon’s first try was a short range effort when he took the ball about three metres out from the line on the right side of the ruck to crash over. His second try came from around ten metres out this time on the left side of the ruck when he ran a good outside shoulder route and was put through a big gap.

Daniel Shannon also had a try assist in the match when he split the Burleigh line thirty metres out from his own line on the left side of the field, charging forty metres before drawing the fullback to send his support over untouched.

One thing that I did notice in the match was that Daniel Shannon ball played a lot before the line, on every occasion on the right side of the ruck.

Daniel Shannon’s other 2019 Gold Coast Rugby League U20 try came later in the season against Mudgeeraba.

In 2019 Daniel Shannon also made his Gold Coast Rugby League First Grade debut when he started in the front row against Bilambil in Round Two.

Daniel Shannon also played in two QTOP Doug Lipp Cup matches in 2019 for Southport with those matches being against Burleigh in June and Mudgeeraba in late August.

In 2019 Daniel Shannon was also selected in the Gold Coast Vikings U20 side for the South East Queensland U20 Challenge.

For Burleigh in the 2018 MM Cup competition, Daniel Shannon played in all six matches starting five in the front row and coming off the bench in Round Three in the local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls.

Daniel Shannon scored just the one try in the MM Cup this season which was against Redcliffe in Round Two in an impressive Burleigh win at Pizzey Park.

Post the MM Cup competition, Daniel Shannon played for Southport and played in nine matches in the U19 competition and three in the Doug Lipp Cup competition.

Daniel Shannon came into the Southport U19 side in Round Three starting in the front row in a 22 all draw against Bilambil and also started in the front row in seven other matches before his Colts promotion. In Round 16 with the Burleigh Colts side having a bye Daniel Shannon lined up in the front row against Currumbin in a tough 26 – 16 loss.

Daniel Shannon scored two U19 GCRL regular season tries, the first came in early July against Currumbin and then Daniel Shannon scored his second try in the following round against Mudgeeraba.

In Week One of the GCRL U19 Finals series, Daniel Shannon started in the front row for Southport as they defeated Bilambil 34 – 8.

In Week two of the GCRL U19 Finals series, Daniel Shannon once again started in the front row for Southport against Currumbin with the Tigers winning 20 - 14.

In the U19 Grand Final Daniel Shannon started once again in the front row for Southport against Currumbin but unfortunately Southport went down 34 – 20, Daniel Shannon however was very good for the Tigers that Sunday afternoon.

Daniel Shannon made his Doug Lipp Cup debut in Round Three this year when he started in the second row for Southport against Bilambil. Daniel Shannon also started in Round Five in fact starting in the centres on that occasion against Helensvale and also played against Mudgeeraba in June.

It has been an impressive effort from Daniel Shannon to start in the front row in the U19 match in Rounds Three and Five and them back up to start in the Doug Lipp Cup matches immediately after.

Daniel Shannon was deservedly promoted to the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts side for their Round 17 match against Norths starting the match from the bench on a tough day for Burleigh.

In total in the 2018 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition to date, Daniel Shannon played in four matches, all from the bench.

Daniel Shannon has also recently been selected in the 2018 Queensland Indigenous U18 side for the QPIIC Championships to be held in October.

In 2017 Daniel Shannon played for the Southport Tigers in the Gold Coast Rugby League competition specifically at the U17 and U19 levels. Daniel Shannon also represented the Queensland Indigenous side in 2017 at the QPICC carnival at Beenleigh in October.

Daniel Shannon has alternated between the U17 Division Two and U19 levels for Southport in 2017, playing six matches in each competition and had a very busy weekend. On Saturday Daniel Shannon lined up for the Southport U19 side coming off the interchange bench in their semi-final loss 21 – 14 to Currumbin and on Sunday started in the front row for Southport in their 21 – 14 Grand Final loss to Burleigh. In the 2017 U17 Division Two competition, Daniel Shannon crossed for two tries on the season, the first coming against Coomera in July and the second in early August against Helensvale.

In 2016 Daniel Shannon was part of the Gold Coast White CC side for this season, starting the last two matches off the bench. He played the 2015 season with the Mudgeeraba Redbacks where he scored three tries across the ten matches that he played at the U15 Division One level and he also played seven matches up at the U16 Division Two level, where he mainly came off the bench.

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mdrew

17-01-20, 06:56 PM

After missing the 2019 season Jayden Sharp is back in 2020 being named in the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts squad.

The big strong young front rower or lock won the Gold Coast Junior Rugby League U17 Division One player of the year in 2017 and maintained his impressive form and enhanced his reputation throughout the 2018 season across multiple levels and competitions.

Jayden Sharp started the season in the Burleigh MM Cup side and had a solid Round One on the Sunshine Coast being part of Burleigh’s 52 – 22 MM Cup victory as well as scoring a first half try for the Bears.

In total for Burleigh in the MM Cup competition Jayden Sharp played in all six of Burleigh’s matches starting his first three matches from the interchange bench before breaking into the starting line-up in Round Four. Jayden Sharp then started the final two Burleigh matches in the front row.

Jayden Sharp broke into the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts side for their Round Thirteen match against Ipswich. Jayden Sharp went on to play an additional seven Hastings Deering’s Colts matches starting the first three from the interchange bench, and coming into the starting side in the front row in Round 17 against Norths and he maintained his starting spot in the front row for the remaining rounds.

Jayden Sharp’s sole U20 Colts try came in Round Sixteen in the local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls.

Post the MM Cup competition Jayden Sharp played a number of Helensvale in the GCRL competition prior to his inevitable promotion to the Burleigh Colts side.

In his first U19 match of the season for Helensvale after the completion of the MM Cup competition Jayden Sharp dominated Beaudesert scoring a hat trick and a fortnight later scored a double against Ormeau. In Round Sixteen with the Burleigh Colts side having a bye, Jayden Sharp was back for the U19 Helensvale side starting in the front row an scoring his six try against Runaway Bay. In total in the U19 competition Jayden Sharp played in five matches and scored the a fore mentioned six tries.

Jayden Sharp made his Doug Lipp Cup debut for Helensvale in early May against Currumbin and scored on debut as well. The following week Jayden Sharp also played in the Doug Lipp Cup this time against Ormeau and also scored. In each of his three Doug Lipp appearances Jayden Sharp was backing up after playing in the U19 match earlier in the day.

Jayden Sharp had an outstanding 2017 season with the Helensvale Hornets in the GCJRL U17 Division One competition culminating in him starting at lock in Helensvale’s 34 – 20 Grand Final victory over the Ormeau Shearers. Titans linked team mates of Jayden Sharp that night included centre Braden Amusden and front rower David Butler.

Jayden Sharp played in fourteen U17 Division One contests and three more in the U17 Division Two contests for Helensvale this season. In the U17 Division Two competition, Jayden Sharp scored all of his three tries in that grade in his last match for the year there when he scored a hat trick against Beaudesert in July.

From his fourteen U17 Division One matches, Jayden Sharp scored eleven tries to finish third on the try scoring list. Jayden Sharp scored a hat trick against Ormeau in June and scored doubles in consecutive matches late in the season including a semi-final against the Bilambil Jets. The match prior to the semi-final Jayden Sharp scored a double against Runaway Bay.

In addition to playing for Helensvale in 2017, Jayden Sharp also represented the U18 PNG Kokomo’s in the QPIIC tournament held late last year and had an outstanding match in that competition against the Cook Islands when in addition to scoring PNG’s first try set up a second half PNG try with a deft chip kick for his winger to cross. Jayden Sharp was almost the hero for PNG against Queensland Maori but unfortunately he had a try disallowed which would have broken an 8 all deadlock.

mdrew

17-01-20, 07:27 PM

Front rower or second rower Terry-Jack Smart has been named in this seasons Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts squad.

The young man from the Northlands region of New Zealand (the area north of Auckland) headed over to Australia to look to fulfil his rugby league dream starting with being selected in the Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup squad in 2019. Terry-Jack Smart however did not play in any of Tweed Heads matches in their successful 2019 campaign.

Terry-Jack Smart arrived in Australia with an outstanding junior resume including selection in Northlands U15 and U17 sides that played in the New Zealand National Championships and selection in multiple merit sides.

Terry-Jack Smart had a successful start to his time in Australia starting in the front row and scoring a hat trick for Southport in the GCRL U18 Division One competition, however his Southport side went down 16 – 14 to Helensvale.

Terry-Jack Smart moved to the second row for Round Two against Currumbin scoring a double in their 18 – 10 win and also scored a double in Round Eleven against Currumbin playing in the second row.

In total in 2019 Terry-Jack Smart played in thirteen U18 Division One matches for Southport and in addition to his tries noted above also scored in Round Four against Burleigh and Round Nine against Mudgeeraba as well as adding a double later in the season against Currumbin.

Terry-Jack Smart also started in the front row and scored a double for Southport as they progressed to the Grand Final on the back of a 28 – 20 Preliminary Final win over Ormeau.

In the Grand Final Terry-Jack Smart started in the front row as Southport went down 28 – 12 against Burleigh in a physical forward contest.

In 2019 Terry-Jack Smart was also part of the Keebra Park Langer Cup squad including starting in the front row in the Gold Coast derby against PBC.

Terry-Jack Smart also started in the front row for Keebra Park in their Queensland GIO Cup quarter final win over Coombabah State High School 42 – 12.

2019 also saw Terry-Jack Smart also play one Kennard’s Hire Debbie Marzella Competition match against Robina in June.

In 2018 in New Zealand, Terry-Jack Smart played in two competitions in the Northlands Region being the U17 Sam McKendry Cup and the Adam Blair Northtec Schoolboy Cup.

In the 2018 Sam McKendry Cup Competition, Terry-Jack Smart played for the Takahiwai Rugby League Club and scored an impressive sixteen tries from just nine matches (178% strike rate) to finish the competition’s leading point scored by a staggering eight tries.

Included in his sixteen tries were five in a match against the Hikurangi Stags and also a hat trick against the Stags late in the season, Terry-Jack Smart also scored a late season double against the Stags and an early season double against Nga Tama Toa.

In the Adam Blair Northtec Schoolboy competition, Terry-Jack Smart led Bream Bay College to an 18 – 16 win in the Competition Final starting at five eight and scoring as Bream Bay College defeated Whangarei Boys High School in just their second year in the competition.

In total in the School Boy competition Terry-Jack Smart played in six matches and scored eight tries to also lead that competitions try scoring list. In the opening two rounds Terry-Jack Smart scored hat tricks with those matches coming against Tauraroa Area School/Otamatea High School and Dargaville High School. In addition to his try in the final Terry-Jack Smart also scored against Whangarei Boys High School in a pool match.

Terry-Jack Smart represented the Northern Swords U17 side this season at the North Islands District U17 Tournament and was in fact named in the Tournament Merit Team for the second time after being named in the U15 Tournament merit side in 2016.

Terry-Jack Smart was named in the Northern Swords U17 side that contested the 2018 U17 New Zealand National Youth Tournament which started on October 1, with the Northern Swords in Group D and played round robin matches against the Akarana Falcons, the South Island Scorpions and the Central Vipers.

In Round One Terry-Jack Smart started at lock for the U17 Northern Swords who went down 46 – 0 to the Akarana Falcons. Round Two saw Terry-Jack Smart start once again at lock as the Northern Swords took on the Southern Zone Scorpions with the Northern Swords going down 56 – 10.

Round Three saw Terry-Jack Smart start at lock for the third match (and day) in a row as the Northern Swords defeat the Central Vipers 28 – 20 to record their first win of the tournament.

The win propelled the Northern Swords U17’s to the 5th to 8th play-offs with their first match being against the Wai-Coa Bay side with Terry-Jack Smart named on the bench in the 28 – 20 loss.

In the Northern Swords 7th against 8th play-off match against the Central Vipers, Terry-Jack Smart started at lock as the Northern Swords U17 side finished the Tournament with a 26 – 14 loss.

mdrew

17-01-20, 08:01 PM

Gold Coast local Jovahn Te Aroiti moves up to the Hastings Deering’s Colts competition this season and will line up for the Burleigh Bears. He is also Colts eligible in 2021.

Jovahn Te Aroiti played three matches off the bench for the Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup side in 2019 being Rounds Two, Four and Five against Townsville, Central Queensland and Wynnum Manly respectively.

Post the MM Cup competition Jovahn Te Aroiti played for Runaway Bay in the Gold Coast Rugby League competition playing matches in four separate competitions being the U18 Division One, U20, Doug Lipp Cup and First Grade competitions.

In the U18 Division One competition Jovahn Te Aroiti has played in eight matches. In the U20 competition Jovahn Te Aroiti has played in one match and in the Doug Lipp Cup competition Jovahn Te Aroiti has played in three matches.

In the First Grade competition Jovahn Te Aroiti made his debut in late June against Southport and went on to play in additional three regular season matches.

The young front rower had an outstanding season in 2018 including starting in the front row for the PBC Open schoolboy side as they beat all comers to win the National GIO Cup competition with a victory over Patrician Brothers College Blacktown in the National Final.

Jovahn Te Aroiti was also a Premiership winner in the 2018 Brisbane U17 Rugby Premiership playing for the Nerang Bulls in that competition, interestingly spending time in the centres there.

In 2017 Jovahn Te Aroiti played for Helensvale in the GCRL U16 Division One competition playing in thirteen matches and he also played in one U17 Division One match against Runaway Bay.

In the 2015 season, Jovahn Te Aroiti alternated between playing for his proper age group being U14’s and playing up an age group in the U15’s. At the U14 Premier level he scored one try and at the U15 level he scored two tries across Division 1 and Division 2.

Jovahn Te Aroiti also started on the bench for the Titans U14 development squad in their recent match against Samoa. When he came on, he played in the second row.

Jovahn Te Aroiti also represented the Vikings, Kookaburra’s and South East Queensland U14’s during the 2015 season, starting in the second row for those representative sides in their various competitions.

mdrew

17-01-20, 09:19 PM

Rampaging forward Larryon Tevita will line up for the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts squad for the second season in a row in 2020.

The New Zealand born youngster moved over to the Gold Coast in January 2018 and played for the Burleigh Bears MM Cup side for the 2018 season before being promoted to the Burleigh Colts side as well as progressing through the ranks of the Gold Coast Rugby League competition all the way to the First Grade competition with Burleigh.

Larryon Tevita started the 2019 season with the Burleigh U20 side in the local Gold Coast Rugby League competition but came back into the Hastings Deering’s Colts side from the bench for their Round Four match against the Central Queensland Capra’s.

In total for Burleigh in the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition Larryon Tevita played in nineteen matches including Burleigh’s three finals and scored his sole try against the Western Mustangs in Round Twenty.

Larryon Tevita started twelve in his 2019 Colts matches from the bench, five in the second row and the remainder in the front row, breaking into the starting side in Round Fifteen in the second row against the Ipswich Jets.

Late in the match against the Western Mustangs with Burleigh on the attack, Bears dummy half Lachlan Turnbull took off out of dummy half to the right of the paly the ball perpendicular to the defensive line and brought Larryon Tevita underneath for the front rower to crash over.

In Week Two of the Finals Larryon Tevita started at left second row in Burleigh’s 42 – 12 win against Norths.

Larryon Tevita’s 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts season came to an end when he started on the interchange bench for Burleigh as they went down 23 – 16 to Sunshine Coast in the Preliminary Final.

Larryon Tevita took the opportunity to play for Burleigh in the GCRL U20 competition during Burleigh’s Hastings Deering’s bye weeks and had a big match in Round Sixteen scoring a double against Runaway Bay.

For Burleigh in the GCRL U20 competition Larryon Tevita played in just three matches but scored five tries, including a hat trick in June against Runaway Bay and then adding a double against Runaway Bay in July. In an interesting aside, all three of Larryon Tevita’s GCRL U20 matches were against Runaway Bay.

Larryon Tevita came into the Bears 2018 MM side in Round Three being the local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls in Burleigh’s tough 36 – 6 loss with the young man starting in the front row.

Larryon Tevita also started on the interchange bench in Round Four against the South’s Logan Magpies a match that Burleigh lost 34 – 20. In total in the 2018 MM Cup for Burleigh this season, Larryon Tevita played in four matches, starting in the front row on two occasions and from the bench in the other two.

Post the MM Cup competition, Larryon Tevita played in seven matches for Burleigh in the regular season in the 2018 Gold Coast Rugby league U19 competition. On debut in Round Three of the U19 Gold Coast Rugby League competition, Larryon Tevita scored a double against Beaudesert and also started from the bench in Round Four in a tough 31 – 18 loss to Southport when Southport’s Titans Rookie Squad centre Callum Boomer was close to unstoppable, in Round Five also scored in Burleigh’s 26 – 22 victory over Currumbin.

In Week One of the GRCL U19 finals series Larryon Tevita started in the second row and scored for Burleigh in their tough 32 – 26 loss against Mudgeeraba.

Larryon Tevita also played in one Gold Coast Rugby League First Grade match, making his debut coming off the interchange bench in July.

Larryon Tevita made his Doug Lipp Cup debut for Burleigh in Round 16 against Bilambil when he came off the bench in their ten point loss and was backing up after starting in the front row in the U19 match that preceded his Doug Lipp Cup debit.

In Round Eleven and Thirteen of the Hastings Deering’s Colts competition, Larryon Tevita was named on the extended bench for the Burleigh Bears side however did not make the final 17 for either match.

Larryon Tevita made his deserved U20 Hastings Deering’s Colts debut in Round Sixteen against Tweed Heads starting from the bench and scoring an impressive double and he broke into the starting line-up in Round Twenty when he started in the second row against Victoria and in Round Twenty-One maintained his starting spot when he started in the front row against Wynnum Manly and in Round 23 against the Townsville Blackhawks.

In total in 2018 Larryon Tevita played in seven Hastings Deering’s Colts matches, starting four (three in the front row and one in the second row) and coming off the bench on the other three occasions.

In late 2018 Larryon Tevita played for Samoa in the U18 QPIIC tournament and in fact was named the Samoan U18 Best and Fairest at the tournament.

The former Kelston Boys High School student was rewarded for a solid season in late 2017 when he was named at lock in the 2017 SAS College team of the year. The majority of players named in the 2017 SAS College team of the year are now in NRL aligned U20 squads so Larryon Tevita’s inclusion certainly highlights his ability on the field against quality opposition and opposition in the main at least a year older than him.

2018 Burleigh Bears U20 Colts recruit Mikey Williams was named in the centres in the SAS College team of the year as well as the competitions leading try scorer with eight tries to his name.

In 2017 Larryon Tevita played for the Auckland based Glenora Rugby League club, playing a number of matches in the Open U17 competition and also one match in the SAS Fox Memorial Premier First Grade Competition, not bad at all for a 17 year old.

Larryon Tevita also represented Kelston Boys High at the 2017 New Zealand National Secondary Schools Premier Tournament starting at lock in all five of their matches which were against Southern Cross Campus twice including the Championship final, Wesley College, Rotorua Boys High School and St Thomas of Canterbury College.

mdrew

17-01-20, 09:46 PM

Outstanding hooker Lachlan Turnbull originally from Ipswich was a great addition to the Burleigh Bears 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts squad and will continue with the Burleigh Colts side in 2020.

Lachlan Turnbull made an immediate impression in his first game for Burleigh in 2019 being Round Five against Souths Logan when he started at hooker and scored in his first match in Burleigh’s maroon and white.

Lachlan Turnbull also started at hooker in Round Six for Burleigh the following week in their big 50 – 20 win against Wynnum Manly with Lachlan Turnbull making it two tries from as many matches when he scored in the 21st minute of the first half and also kicked seven conversions from nine attempts to finish the match with an individual points tally of eighteen points.

Round Eight against the Western Mustangs saw Lachlan Turnbull starring once again for the Bears scoring a double and kicking four goals as Burleigh ran riot to win 52 – 10. Both of Lachlan Turnbull’s two tries were typical Lachlan Turnbull tries .

From a quick play the ball close to the Western Mustangs try line, Lachlan Turnbull exploded out of dummy half to his left and simply was too quick for the Mustangs defence to have any chance of stopping for his first try and in relation to his second he ran out of dummy half to his right.

Round Nine saw Lachlan Turnbull once again in the points, when he kicked six from eight attempts as Burleigh defeated Redcliffe 50 – 6.

In Round Ten against the Northern Pride Lachlan Turnbull kicked three more goals and kicked two goals in Round Eleven against Central Queensland and in Round Twelve against the Sunshine Coast including a penalty goal in the 59th minute that tied the scores at 22 all.

Lachlan Turnbull also scored in Round Seventeen against Tweed Heads when he ran down a short blind side twenty metres out from the Tweed Heads line. As he took off to his right with the ball in both hands, it looked like he was going to pass but instead, Lachlan Turnbull sprinted through the resultant gap to score out wide untouched near the right corner flag leaving a disorganised defensive line behind him.

In Round Twenty against the Western Mustangs, Lachlan Turnbull added a try assist to his body of work in 2019. Late in the match with Burleigh on the attack, Lachlan Turnbull took off out of dummy half to the right of the play the ball perpendicular to the defensive line and brought Burleigh front rower Larryon Tevita underneath him for the front rower to crash over.

Lachlan Turnbull was credited with another try assist in Round Twenty One against the Northern Pride. The try assist was in fact almost identical to his one in Round Twenty, Lachlan Turnbull took off out of dummy half to the right of the play the ball perpendicular to the defensive line and brought lock Lochlyn Sheldon underneath him for him to crash over.

After a number of matches where he was the creator, Lachlan Turnbull scored himself in Round Twenty Two against the Sunshine Coast Falcons as well as kicking a conversion. Close to the Falcons line, Lachlan Turnbull took off out of dummy half to his right and dummied one or twice to Like Maiden who was running a crash line and then as the defence focussed on Maiden, Lachlan Turnbull took the opportunity to dive over.

Lachlan Turnbull was one of Burleigh try scorers in their Week One Hastings Deering’s Colts Major Semi-final loss to Wynnum Manly. Lachlan Turnbull scored when he chased through an attacking kick but five eight Shallin Fuller to scored adjacent to the right upright.

In Week Two of the Finals Lachlan Turnbull started at hooker in Burleigh’s 42 – 12 win against Norths.

Lachlan Turnbull’s 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts season came to an end when he started at hooker for Burleigh as they went down 23 – 16 to Sunshine Coast in the Preliminary Final.

In total in the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition Lachlan Turnbull played in eighteen matches for Burleigh including their three finals starting all at hooker, scoring 110 points from seven tries and forty one goals with the tries noted in the above paragraphs.

When Lachlan Turnbull came into the Burleigh side he immediately became their primary goal kicker but towards the end of the season Lachlan Turnbull shared the goal kicking duties with Jayden Campbell.

In the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts Player of the Year Award tally Lachlan Turnbull finished with four votes.

Lachlan Turnbull came to Burleigh after an outstanding 2018 season for the Ipswich Jets that saw him play in both the MM Cup and Hastings Deering’s Colts competitions for the Jets. In fact Lachlan Turnbull finished third in the 2018 MM Cup Player of the Year voting just behind now Brisbane Broncos NRL player David Fifita.

Lachlan Turnbull started in all six of Ipswich’s 2018 MM Cup matches at hooker, scoring three tries and kicking six goals to finish the competition with twenty four points.

Lachlan Turnbull’s tries came in Round Two against Townsville, Round Four against Wynnum Manly and Round Seven against the Sunshine Coast Falcons. With the boot Lachlan Turnbull kicked four goals in a Round Three match against the Western Mustangs and kicked his other two goals in Round Six against the Mackay Cutters.

Against Townsville in Round Two Lachlan Turnbull scooted out of dummy half to his right, dummied and then stepped back to the left and break the defensive line and score under the posts. Lachlan Turnbull’s try was as a result of a hard straight run. Ipswich had the ball about five metres out from the Wynnum try line, Lachlan Turnbull took the ball off the dummy half on the right side of the field and crashed over adjacent to the right upright.

Lachlan Turnbull’s try against Sunshine Coast in Round Seven highlights his game to a tee, with Ipswich attacking close to the Falcons line, Lachlan Turnbull darted out of dummy half down a short blind side and ran at the line with the ball out in front of his body in both hands which put the defensive on the back foot, he then used his outstanding speed to slide between two defenders to score near the right corner from close range.

In the 2018 MM Cup competition, Lachlan Turnbull had multiple try assists including one memorable one when he ran out of dummy half against the Western Mustangs and after a forty metre run, drew the fullback for his half back to score a long range try.

Upon completion of the 2018 MM Cup competition, Lachlan Turnbull moved directly to the Ipswich Jets Colts side playing his first match in that Division in Round Ten against Tweed Heads scoring a try and kicking three goals on debut. Like in all of his Colts matches for the Jets in 2018 Lachlan Turnbull started the match in the second row.

Lachlan Turnbull’s debut Colts try in 2018 came when he followed through a short chip kick and got to the ball first to score under the posts.

In total in the 2018 Colts competition, Lachlan Turnbull played in twelve matches scoring fifty points from five tries and fifteen goals.

In addition to his try on debut in Round Ten, Lachlan Turnbull scored a double in Round Twenty One against Sunshine Coast and also scored in Rounds Eleven and Twenty Two against Norths and Central Queensland respectively.

Lachlan Turnbull’s Round Eleven try against Norths was like his debut try against Tweed Heads one where he chased through an attacking grubber kick to score close to the right upright. On both occasions Lachlan Turnbull was not the favourite to get to the ball first but he just wanted it more than his opposition.

Also in the 2018 Colts competition, Lachlan Turnbull had an outstanding match against the Western Mustangs recording two try assists. For the first Lachlan Turnbull broke through the defensive line running from dummy half before off-loading under pressure. His second try assist against the Western Mustangs was even more impressive.

The Western Mustangs fullback put up a mid-field bomb, kicking it from his own 40 metre line, Lachlan Turnbull ran back with the flight of the ball and after taking the ball on the full, spun around breaking three or four tackles of the Western Mustangs chasers, before drawing the fullback to put his winger away for a spectacular try.

With the boot Lachlan Turnbull kicked three goals in a match on three occasions being his debut in Round Ten, in Round Thirteen against Burleigh and in Round Seventeen against the Mackay Cutters.

mdrew

17-01-20, 09:57 PM

Young half or five eight Tyrese Walker started for the Titans U18 side against a PNG U18 side at Pizzey Park late in 2018 and in 2020 will line up for the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts squad.

In 2019 Tyrese Walker played for Burleigh in the GCRL U18 Division One competition, playing his first match of the competition on the bench before coming into the starting side at half back in Round Five against Southport.

In total in the 2019 GCRL U18 Division One regular season competition for Burleigh, Tyrese Walker played in ten matches scoring four tries including a try in Rounds Seven and Eleven against Runaway Bay, Round Twelve against Helensvale and a try and two goals in Round Fourteen against Mudgeeraba to finish the U18 Division One regular season with twenty points.

Tyrese Walker started at five eight for Burleigh in their 34 -4 U18 Division One Week Two Finals victory over Southport 34 – 4 to progress directly to the Grand Final.

Tyrese Walker came off the bench in the second half, spending time in the halves and operating primarily on the right as Burleigh defeated Southport 28 – 12 in the U18 Division One Grand Final.

Tyrese Walker made his 2019 GCRL U20 debut in Round Ten from the bench for Burleigh as they defeated Southport 26 – 22 celebrating the occasion by scoring in the Bears win. Tyrese Walker scored his second ty of the season in the U20 competition in Round Eleven against Southport and also scored in Rounds Fourteen against Helensvale and Seventeen against Mudgeeraba.

His Round Eleven try was an impressive solo effort. Tyrese Walker received the ball playing on the right about thirty five metres out from the Southport line, dummying both inside and outside and breaking two tackles before rounding the fullback to score under the posts.

I note above that Tyrese Walker’s Round Eleven try was an outstanding individual effort but his try in Round Fourteen against Helensvale was even better. Tyrese Walker received the ball twenty metres out from his own try line on the right side of the field. After splitting the defence when he charged through a gap between two defenders, Tyrese Walker beat the Helensvale fullback with a deft right foot step before outpacing the cover defence.

Tyrese Walker’s Round Seventeen was also a good individual effort. He received the ball on the left of the ruck around twenty metres out. After engaging the line, Tyrese Walker bumped off the first defender before pushing through a gap to his right and then scoring to the left of the uprights under pressure from the Mudgeeraba fullback.

Tyrese Walker scored again in Round Eighteen of the GCRL U20 competition when he provided another sole effort taking the ball to the line and defeating the immediate defender himself with a strong right arm palm before crossing from around twelve metres out.

Tyrese Walker was also heavily involved in the ty scored by Burleigh right second rower Jock Sullivan. The ball initially went to the left side of the field but some good interplay between Burleigh half Blake Leary and Tyrese Walker meant the ball quickly came back to the right with Tyrese Walker sending a pass to his right to find Jock Sullivan running in a hole in the Southport defensive line.

In total in the GCRL U20 regular season competition for Burleigh, Tyrese Walker played in six matches scoring five tries for a strike rate of 83.33% with details of the tries noted above.

In Week One of the GCRL U20 Finals Series Tyrese Walker started at five eight and was one of Burleigh’s try scorers as they defeated Mudgeeraba 30 – 24 and has been the case on a number of occasions this season the try was a piece of individual brilliance from Tyrese Walker.

Tyrese Walker received the ball on the left of the play the ball dummying back on the inside before accelerating through a gap about twenty five metres out from the Mudgeeraba line. One of eh Mudgeeraba defenders had hold of his jersey with one hand but Tyrese Walker continued to pump his legs to break the grip and then he swerved to his left around the fullback to score adjacent to the left upright.

In the Gold Coast Rugby League U20 Grand Final Tyrese Walker started at five eight against Currumbin as Burleigh went down 14 - 6.

Tyrese Walker moved to the Gold Coast early in the 2018 season and played the 2018 season for the Burleigh Bears in the U19 Gold Coast Rugby League competition and through the regular season rounds finished as the leading try scorer in the competition with fourteen.

Tyrese Walker made his debut on the Gold Coast in Round Five of the 2018 season against the Currumbin Eagles when he started from the interchange bench but moved into the starting line-up at five eight in Round Six against Mudgeeraba.

Tyrese Walker played in eleven U19 regular season matches scoring fourteen tries for a strike rate of 127% whilst splitting his time between starting at five eight and in the centres for the Bears. Tyrese walker scored in his second U19 fixture which was in Round Six against Mudgeeraba and he has not stopped scoring ever since.

Tyrese Walker scored four tries to announce himself to the Gold Coast public in Round Seven against Beaudesert an scored a hat trick in late June against Beaudesert once again. Tyrese Walker scored a double in Round Fourteen against Helensvale and in that match also kicked four goals.

Tyrese Walker’s other tries have come against Helensvale, Southport and Ormeau and from late May to mid-July this year scored in every match that he was involved in including the seven tries in the two matches against Beaudesert.

In Week One of the GCRL U19 Finals series, Tyrese Walker started at five eight for Burleigh as they went down 32 – 26 to Mudgeeraba kicking a conversion in the hard fought loss.

As a 17 year old Tyrese Walker played the 2018 SG Ball season with the North Sydney Bears after playing for the Bears in the 2017 U16 Harold Matthews Cup competition.

For the Bears in the SG Ball competition, earlier this season, Tyrese Walker played in six matches scoring two tries which both came in Round Seven in a 26 – 12 loss to the Cronulla Sharks. Tyrese Walker came into the North Sydney Bears side in Round Two off the interchange bench against the Western Pirates. Tyrese Walker played five matches from the inter change bench but did start at half back in Round Five against Souths Sydney.

In the 2017 U16 Harrold Matthews Cup competition Tyrese Walker played in eight matches for Norths Sydney starting seven from the interchange bench. Tyrese Walker’s start was in Round Four against the Illawarra Steelers when he started at half back.

Tyrese Walker scored two tries in the 2017 U16 Harrold Matthews Cup competition with both tries coming in Round Five against the Canberra Raiders.

In 2017 in addition to playing in the Harold Matthews Cup competition for North Sydney, Tyrese Walker played club rugby league for the Asquith Magpies in the 2017 Sydney Northern U16 Silver competition. In that competition, Tyrese Walker scored an impressive fourteen tries from just sixteen matches. Tyrese Walker started the Grand Final at half back however Asquith lost 28 – 26 to the Mona Vale Raiders.

Tyrese Walker scored a hat trick against the Avalon Bulldogs in the Preliminary Final and earlier in the year scored a double against Five Docks RSL. The remainder of his tries came singularly in different games.

mdrew

17-01-20, 11:27 PM

Local centre/second rower Braden Amundsen started the 2019 season with Helensvale in the GCRL U20 competition but this season will line up for the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts squad from the start of the season over coming into the side mid-way through the 2019 season .

In total in the GCRL U20 competition in 2019 Braden Amundsen played in ten matches scoring four tries including an impressive Round Eleven try.

Playing right second rower, Braden Amundsen took the ball around ten metres out from the Mudgeeraba line, fending off the first attempted tackle before being corralled by three defenders. He then spun around 270 degrees to break free and score under the posts.

Braden Amundsen also scored against Burleigh in Round Ten and also against Southport in March and Runaway Bay in July.

Braden Amundsen made his 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts debut in Round Twelve when he started at left centre for Burleigh against the Sunshine Coast Falcons scoring late in the first half on debut.

Braden Amundsen received the ball about ten metres out from the Falcons line pushing past his opposite defender before taking on the fullback front on and after disposing of him through sheer strength scored near the left corner.

In total for the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts side in 2019, Braden Amundsen played in nine matches including Burleigh’s first finals.

Braden Amundsen split time between starting on the right wing and right centre in 2019, starting five matches on the wing and four in the centres.

Braden Amundsen started the 2018 season as part of the Burleigh MM Cup side progressing through the local U19 competition with Helensvale before getting a late season opportunity with the Burleigh Colts side.

For Burleigh in the 2018 MM Cup competition Braden Amundsen playing five of Burleigh’s six matches, starting the opening four rounds in the centres and coming off the bench in Round Seven against Victoria. Round Seven also saw Braden Amundsen score his sole try of the 2018 MM Cup season.

Braden Amundsen came into the Burleigh Colts squad in Round Twenty Three against Townsville starting on the wing and also started on the wing in Round Twenty Four against Easts.

In the GCRL U19 competition of Helensvale Braden Amundsen finished third on the try scoring list with twelve tries from just fourteen matches. After scoring a double against Currumbin and following that up the following round against Ormeau, Braden Amundsen exploded scoring eight tries in a three round span.

In that span Braden Amundsen scored hat tricks against Bilambil and Mudgeeraba and a double against Burleigh. Braden Amundsen’s final try of the season came against Bilambil late in the season.

Braden Amundsen was a solid performer for the Helensvale Hornets U17 Division side in the 2017 GCJRL competition and as a result has caught the attention of the Titans as well as being selected in the Burleigh Bears MM Cup training squad for the 2018 season.

Braden Amundsen started in the centres for Helensvale in their 34 – 20 Grand Final victory over Ormeau and over the course of the 2017 season scored five tries from his fourteen matches in the Yellow and White of Helensvale. All five of Braden Amundsen’s tries came in individual games including a try against Bilambil in their first 2017 final’s match. Braden Amundsen’s tries other tries came against Southport, Mudgeeraba, Runaway Bay and Bilambil in a match during the regular season

mdrew

18-01-20, 07:37 AM

A stand out performer for the 2019 Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts squad was local Cameron Brown who will once again be a key player for the Bears in 2020.

Cameron Brown played in all twenty two of Burleigh’s Hastings Deering’s Colts matches including their three finals in2019 scoring twelve tries for a 54.45% strike rate. Prior to Round Ten (tries post that noted below) Cameron Brown scored in Round One against Norths, Round Eight against the Western Mustangs and Round Nine against Redcliffe.

One of Cameron Brown’s tries came in Round Ten against the Northern Pride. Cameron Brown had come off the bench to play the dummy half role and was able to dive over from close range to his right in the second half to score.

Cameron Brown also scored in Round Eleven against the Central Capra’s when he followed through his own bomb and retrieved the ball after it was mishandled to score under the posts for Burleigh’s first try.

Cameron Brown had an outstanding match in Round Fifteen against Ipswich constantly sniping at the Jets defensive line and scored a try of his own when he intercepted a pass to run ninety metres to score, with no defender able to keep up with him over the journey.

Cameron Brown also recorded another try assist when he grubbered for Reece Tapine to score and was also heavily involved in tries for Lofi Khan-Periera and Will Evans.

Cameron Brown also scored in Round Seventeen against Tweed Heads as a result of a good individual effort. He received the ball to the right of the play the ball around fourteen metres out from the line and after shaping to pass to his backline to his right, stepped off his right foot to get through the initial defensive line and then used another right foot step to round the fullback to score under the posts.

Cameron Brown added a further try in Round Nineteen against Redcliffe when after sending a great ball to his left to allow Will Evans to get outside his man, he backed up on the inside to get the pass back from Will Evans to score untouched.

Cameron Brown maintained his try scoring pace in Round Twenty against the Wester Mustangs when he backed up a break by fullback Jayden Campbell to score a long range try.

Cameron Brown also had a try assist in the match when he grubbered into the in goal for the Burleigh left winger to dive on the ball. The kick was a lot harder than it looked as when he kicked it with the outside of his right foot Cameron Brown was running directly towards the left touch line.

Cameron Brown scored for the third match in a row when he scored in Round Twenty One against the Northern Pride when he was on hand to dive on a Zac McCormack kick. Zac McCormack took a couple of steps to his left out of dummy half close to the line and put in a deft left foot kick into the in goal for Cameron Brown to dive on it after it bounced off the legs of a few Northern Pride defenders.

Cameron Brown added a double in Round Twenty Three against the Central Queensland Capra’s. Cameron Brown’s first try (and the first of the match) resulted from him following through a short attacking kick from Shallin Fuller to get to the ball first about a metre from the dead goal line.

Cameron Brown’s second try (and last of the match)was an opportunist one, Central Queensland were throwing the ball around with less than a minute to go and as they threw it out to their left, Cameron Brown was on hand to take the intercept and run twenty metres to score.

Cameron Brown also had a try assist in the match and a spectacular one at that. Central Queensland were on the attack and put through a short grubber kick about twenty metres out, Cameron Brown trapped the ball with his left foot, picking it up and running seventy metres before the defence converged, Cameron Brown evaded the defence long enough for Will Evans to loop around behind him and score in the left corner.

In Week Two of the Finals Cameron Brown started at half in Burleigh’s 42 – 12 win against Norths.

Cameron Brown’s 201919 Hastings Deering’s Colts season came to an end when he started at half for Burleigh as they went down 23 – 16 to Sunshine Coast in the Preliminary Final

Cameron Brown played a number of positions for Burleigh in the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition starting eighteen at half, two at hooker, being Rounds Two and Three against Ipswich and Tweed Heads, one at five eight being Round Five against Souths Logan and Round Ten against the Northern Pride from the bench.

In addition to the tries noted above Cameron Brown has also scored against Norths in Round One, the Western Mustangs in Round Eight and Redcliffe in Round Nine.

From a position perspective so far this season, Cameron Brown has played half, five eight (one match being Round Five against Souths Logan), hooker and came off the bench in one match being Round Ten against the Northern Pride.

Cameron Brown started at half in Round One against Norths, before moving to hooker for Rounds Two and Three against Ipswich and Tweed Heads respectively.

In total Cameron Brown has started eleven matches at half, one at five eight, one from the bench and the other two matches at hooker.

In an early season Hastings Deering’s Colts competition bye week, Cameron Brown, instead of having the weekend off started at five eight for Helensvale in their GCRL Round Seven U20 match against Mudgeeraba and scored in the Hornets 38 – 32 victory.

Cameron Brown also started at five eight in Round 12 of the GCRL U20 competition, scoring a double against Currumbin. Both tries highlighted Cameron Brown’s ability to run the ball and he also had a try assist when he put Brent Barnes through a gap on the right side of the field.

During the Hasting Deering’s Colts Round Eighteen bye week, Cameron Brown was back in the Helensvale U20 side at half and added to his try scoring tally with another try as the Hornets defeated Runaway Bay 32 - 26.

The try was a long range intercept. Cameron Brown flew out of the line as Runaway Bay were throwing the ball around taking the intercept and running ninety metres to score under the posts. As soon as he took the intercept it was shut the gate, no one was going to catch him.

Cameron Brown came into the Burleigh Colts side in Round Eleven of 2018 against Easts starting from the interchange bench and went on to play an additional nine Colts matches, splitting time between starting in the halves and from the interchange bench. Cameron Brown started five matches, the first being in Round Twelve against the Mackay Cutters.

Cameron Brown scored four Colts tries in 2018, including a Round Twenty Four double against Easts and tries in Round Twenty and Eighteen against Victoria and Redcliffe respectively. Whether or not it really means anything, all of Cameron Brown’s tries came in matches where he started.

Cameron Brown has played for Helensvale for a number of seasons and this year was no different lining up for the Hornets in the GCRL U19 competition. In the U19 competition, Cameron Brown played in nine matches, scoring seven tries.

Cameron Brown had an outstanding start to the U19 competition this season, scoring in his first five matches including a double against Southport and tries against Beaudesert, Currumbin and Ormeau in two separate matches. Cameron Brown also scored a late season try against Bilambil.

Late in 2017 Cameron Brown was named in the Burleigh 2018 MM Cup squad but he did not play in any MM Cup matches this season.

For Helensvale in the 2017 GCRL U17 Division One competition Cameron Brown played in thirteen matches in total including starting at half back in the Hornets 34 – 20 Grand Final win over Ormeau scoring to cap off a great match. In addition to his try in the Grand Final Cameron Brown scored another ten tries to finish third on the try scoring ladder for the U17 Division One competition including scoring a hat trick against Mudgeeraba in May and a double in June against Grand Final opponents Ormeau. Cameron Brown also scored in Helensvale’s other finals match which was against Bilambil.

mdrew

18-01-20, 07:51 AM

Cole Geyer, the son of former Melbourne Storm outside back Matt Geyer has been of the best players on the Gold Coast in the last couple of season and this season deservedly gets a further opportunity with the Burleigh Bears in the Hastings Deering’s Colts competition.

Cole Geyer started the 2019 season off with the Burleigh MM Cup side for the second year in a row in the MM Cup (Cole Geyer played for the Tweed Heads MM Cup side in 2018), playing in all six matches, starting five at hooker and one, being Round Five against Souths Logan at lock.

In the final round against the previously unbeaten Wynnum Manly Seagulls Cole Geyer scored in a tight 23 – 22 Burleigh win. With Burleigh right on the Wynnum Manly line, they were spread out to the right, instead Cole Geyer threw what could only be described as an extravagant dummy to score from close range from dummy half. Cole Geyer also scored two tries against Norths in Round One.

At the end of season awards, Cole Geyer was named 2019 Burleigh MM Cup Players Player.

Post the 2019 MM Cup competition Cole Geyer moved back to play for Currumbin in the GCRL competition, bypassing the U18 Division One competition all together to start in the U20’s. Cole Geyer came off the bench in Round Six before moving into the starting side in Round Seven at hooker, scoring a hat trick as Currumbin defeated Burleigh 52 – 28.

Two of his tries were simply outstanding individual efforts. In the first half, Cole Geyer took the ball from dummy half running to his left around forty metres out from the Burleigh line, he broke through the initial defensive line as a result of a dummy (Cole Geyer ran with the ball out in front of his body in two hands) and a step.

As he was coming to the fullback Cole Geyer showed outstanding speed by literally running around him and then did the same to the Burleigh left winger who came back to try to tackle him to score in the right corner. The paly started on the left side of the field, highlighting Cole Geyer’s speed.

Cole Geyer’s try in the second half was no less impressive, Cole Geyer packed in at lock in a scrum with a Currumbin feed around sixty metres out from the Burleigh line. Cole Geyer picked up the ball from the back of the scrum running to his right.

Once again Cole Geyer ran with the ball out in front of his body in two hands, putting the defence in doubt as to his intentions. As he was coming to the defensive line Cole Geyer just took off through a gap and then outpaced the cover defence in a sixty metre sprint to the try line to score out wide on the right.

Cole Geyer also scored in Round Eight when he came off the bench for Currumbin in their 26 – 24 loss to Runaway Bay. Cole Geyer’s try was the final one of the match, with Currumbin behind and attacking the Runaway Bay line, Cole Geyer shaped to pass to his left but instead ran to his right with the ball out in front in two hands (I know that I harp on it but so few players do it) but instead of passing cut off his right foot on an approximately 45 degree angle with score under the posts.

Cole Geyer also had two try assists in the match, in relation to the first, with Currumbin a metre out from the Runaway Bay line, Cole Geyer shaped to throw a long pass behind his forward running what looked like just run through but instead Cole Geyer double pumped throwing a soft pass, in a great sleight of hand to his forward to score near the right upright.

Cole Geyer’s second try assist was no less impressive, Cole Geyer shaped to pass to his left, where Currumbin had a backline spread out, but instead ran down a short blind side (maybe four metres) and put in a grubber from around thirty five metres out for his right winger to dive on. Both try assists came in the first half.

Cole Geyer also came off the bench in the GCRL U20 major Semi-final as Currumbin fell 26 – 12 to Burleigh and also started from the bench in the Preliminary Final against Runaway Bay with the Eagles prevailing 20 – 16 to progress to the Grand Final against Burleigh.

In total in the GCRL U20 competition, including finals Cole Geyer played in six matches scoring the four tries noted above.

Across the 2019 season Cole Geyer also played in five GCRL U18 Division One matches for Currumbin, scoring against Mudgeeraba in late May.

Cole Geyer made his Hastings Deering’s Colts debut when he started at lock for Burleigh in Round Twelve against the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

Cole Geyer also started at hooker for the Titans U18 side’s early October match at Pizzey Park against PNG scoring a long range individual try out of dummy half. Cole Geyer ran out of dummy half to the right of the play the ball, running right through the centre of the PNG ruck before outpacing the cover defence to score under the posts in the first half.

The young hooker was outstanding in 2018 in both the MM Cup competition and for Currumbin in the U17 Division One competition and Cole Geyer also got an opportunity in the GCRL U19 competition as a result.

In the 2018 MM cup competition for the Tweed Heads Seagulls Cole Geyer started at hooker for Tweed Heads opening three matches against Norths, Victoria and Burleigh. His sole MM Cup try of the season came in Round Two against Victoria.

Post the MM Cup competition Cole Geyer transitioned back to the U17 Division One competition and was outstanding over the course of the regular season playing in nine matches and scoring nine tries for a 100% strike rate through the regular season.

Cole Geyer scored three doubles which were against Ormeau, Tweed Heads and Burleigh in the final round of the U17 Division One regular season being Round Eleven. Cole Geyer also scored against Mudgeeraba, Bilambil and Runaway Bay.

In Round One of the GCRL U17 Division One Finals series, Cole Geyer started once again at hooker and was dominant throughout scoring a double as Currumbin defeated Ormeau 18 – 8 in the Qualifying Final to continue their progress towards U17 Division One Premiership success.

In the second round of the GCRL U17 Division One Finals series, started at hooker and made it three tries from two finals matches as he led Currumbin to a 32 – 22 win over Burleigh in a match of exceptional quality.

In the 2018 U17 Division One Grand Final against Runaway Bay, Cole Geyer started at hooker for Currumbin as they overcame the Seagulls to win 30 – 10 in an outstanding display by the Eagles.

Cole Geyer made his U19 debut for Currumbin in June against Bilambil and played his other U19 match in July against Helensvale.

The Marymount College Burleigh Heads student has represented his school with distinction this season including leading Marymount to victory in the Titans School Boy Open competition and in fact Cole Geyer was named Player of the Competition.

Marymount College defeated Keebra Park C 52 – 6 in the final with Cole Geyer scoring the first try of the game to give Marymount College the lead which they never relinquished.

Cole Geyer also represented Marymount College at the 2018 Confraternity Shield and was the Spirit Award winner for Marymount College in the competition. Cole Geyer started at hooker in all six of Marymount College’s matches.

In the Qualifying rounds Marymount College defeated Marist College Ashgrove 24 – 10 in Round One and Rockhampton Grammar School 17 – 10 in Round Two before drawing 18 all with St Brendan’s College Yeppoon in Round Three.

They lost their Qualifying final 24 – 16 to Cathedral College before bouncing back to defeated St Augustine’s College Cairns 24 – 6 and in their final match of the competition suffered a 24 – 22 defeated to Rockhampton Grammar School.

The talented young Currumbin Eagles hooker had an outstanding 2017 rugby league season both from a club and school boy perspective. For his Currumbin side Cole Geyer started at hooker in their 34 – 4 grand Final win over Burleigh scoring a try and also proudly represented his school side being Marymount College in a number of school boy competitions including the GIO Cup when they lost in the last minute to Redbank Plains State High School in a great match which easily could have ended in Marymount’s favour.

Over the course of the 2017 U16 Division One season for Currumbin Cole Geyer played in twelve matches scoring eight tries. Cole Geyer had an outstanding start to the season scoring in each of his five games against Southport, Ormeau, Runaway Bay, Helensvale and Ormeau again. In the match against Helensvale, Cole Geyer in fact crossed for a double. Later in the season Cole Geyer also scored against Runaway bay and as noted scored against Burleigh in the U16 Division One Grand Final.

At the 2017 Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Rugby League (QISSRL) Carnival held at Padua College in Brisbane, Marymount College in fact were the Bob Linder trophy winners beating fellow Gold Coast School Aquinas College in the final and also the QRL Referees Fair Play Award Winners. In the QISSRL Carnival, Cole Geyer played in all six of Marymount’s matches scoring in a tough 16 – 8 loss to St Augustines College Cairns.

mdrew

18-01-20, 08:07 AM

One of the new players joining the Burleigh Bears Hastings Deering’s Colts squad this season is centre James Burley. In 2019 James Burley played for the Oaks in the Group 6 competition and also played a number of matches in the U18 Laurie Daley Cup competition for the GSR Tigers as well as spending the last off season training with the Wests Magpies U18 SG Ball Squad.

mdrew

18-01-20, 08:40 AM

Former Australian Universities 2018 representative Alex Fisher joins the Burleigh Bears Hastings Deering’s Colts squad this season after training with the Norths Sydney Bears Jersey Flegg squad in 2019.

In 2018 after representing the New South Wales Tertiary side against Queensland Universities Alex Fisher started from the bench for the Australian Universities side on their South African tour.

In 2018 he played in the U18 Illawarra competition whilst attending the University of Wollongong.

mdrew

18-01-20, 11:11 AM

Good luck to the Titans U16's and U18's who are on their way to Coffs Harbour to play Newcastle this afternoon.

Safe trip to all family and friends heading there in the wet weather.

mdrew

18-01-20, 11:46 AM

Giant young New Zealander Te Ahurei Epapara had an outstanding career in both rugby and rugby league but has headed over to the Gold Coast and will look for a spot in the Burleigh Bears Hastings Deering’s Colts squad this season. Te Ahurei Epapara is also U20 eligible in 2021.

In 2019 Te Ahurei Epapara played school boy rugby for the powerhouse New Zealand school Rotorua Boys High playing primarily at lock (loosely equates to second row in rugby league) in their talented First XV side. Te Ahurei Epapara also played a number of First XV matches at No. 8 including a key match against Tauranga Boys College.

In 2019 Te Ahurei Epapara also played 7’s rugby for Rotorua Boys High including the U19 Bay of Plenty 7’s tournament where Te Ahurei Epapara was named Rotorua Boys High best forward.

Prior to the 2019 season Te Ahurei Epapara played a significant amount of rugby league including representing the Wai-Coa Bay Colts in the New Zealand U17 National Youth Tournament in 2018 starting all five of their matches at lock with those matches being against the Auckland Vulcans, Wellington Orca’s twice, Counties Manukau Stingrays and Northern Swords.

In 2018 Te Ahurei Epapara represented the Bay of Plenty side at the U17 Northern Districts Rugby League Tournament and in 2015 was an Upper Central Zone U15 representative. In the Bay of Plenty area Te Ahurei Epapara played for the Pikiao Warriors club.

mdrew

18-01-20, 12:46 PM

Titans contracted Jayden Campbell, Will Evans, Lofi Khan-Pereira, and Tristian Powell have been named in the 2020 Burleigh Bears Hastings Deering’s Colts squad.

Bart

18-01-20, 03:19 PM

Titans contracted Jayden Campbell, Will Evans, Lofi Khan-Pereira, Luke Maiden, and Tristian Powell have been named in the 2020 Burleigh Bears Hastings Deering’s Colts squad.

I would have though a couple of them would be playing cup mate

mdrew

18-01-20, 03:20 PM

I would have though a couple of them would be playing cup mate

A few surely will mate

mdrew

18-01-20, 03:54 PM

The 2019 season that was for centre/second row prospect Noah Gafa:

In January of 2019 Noah Gafa started at right centre for the Tians U18’s in their match against the Newcastle Knights. Midway through the first half however when Will Evans moved to fullback, Noah Gafa moved to right centre where he remained for the duration of the match.

Noah Gafa also started at left centre for the Titans U18 side in their big win over PNG at Pizzey park in early October and was one of multiple Titans try scorers in the match when he crossed untouched after running an inside shoulder route from close range (ten metres).

After missing Round One Noah Gafa started Round Two of the 2019 MM Cup competition on the wing for Tweed Heads against the Townsville Blackhawks and certainly made an impact including scoring the final try of the match to ensure that Tweed Heads came away from the game on the winning side.

In the Round Three MM Cup local derby against Burleigh Noah Gafa scored for the second match in a row. Playing left centre Noah Gafa split the Burleigh defence from about fifty five metres out and was just too quick for the cover defence to score out wide for the Seagulls first try of the match in their close victory over their local rivals.

Noah Gafa missed the remainder of the MM Cup competition post the Round Three derby.

After missing a number of weeks through injury Noah Gafa made his way back onto the field in Round Eight of the 2019 GCRL U18 Division One competition starting on the bench for Burleigh against Tugun. Noah Gafa made his first start of the season in Round Nine lining up in the centres against Currumbin.

In total for Burleigh in the 2019 GCRL U18 Division One regular season competition Noah Gafa played in five regular season matches scoring his first try and only try in the regular season rounds in Round Thirteen against Bilambil.

Noah Gafa started in the centres for Burleigh in their 34 -4 U18 Division One Week Two Finals victory over Southport 34 – 4 to progress directly to the Grand Final.

Noah Gafa started the 2019 U18 Division One Grand Final against Southport at left centres scoring twice in Burleigh’s 28 – 12 win.

Both of Noah Gafa’s tries came from short range in the second half, on each occasions the Burleigh dummy half’s (Try One – Lachlan Adamson, Try Two – Dakota Whalan) took the ball down a short blind side and passed to Noah Gafa who powered onto the ball on both occasions to score, for the first try Noah Gafa was able to bring the ball all of the way around to score under the posts.

Noah Gafa made his first Hastings Deering’s Colts appearance of the 2019 season in Round Nineteen when he started in the centres against the Mackay Cutters and also started in the centres in Round Twenty against the Ipswich Jets and in Round Twenty Three against the Northern Pride when he started at right centre.

mdrew

18-01-20, 05:41 PM

The 2019 season that was for Titan stand out Brock Priestley:

In January of 2019 Brock Priestley started from the interchange bench for the Titans U16 side in their match against the Newcastle Knights U16 Harold Matthews squad and once on the field showcased his ability with an outstanding display especially defensively.

On at least three occasions that I recall, Brock Priestley flew out of marker and got to the Newcastle ball runner prior to them making any ground at all. I am not sure whether I was just not paying attention or not but on each of the occasions that I have noted above, Brock Priestley exploded out of the marker position to his right.

The first involvement that Brock Priestley had in the game was also a moment to remember, Brock Priestley had come on after the Knights had scored their first try and on the subsequent kick return, Brock Priestley and Nicholas Hilton lined up the Knights forward returning the kick-off and hit him front on in an outstanding tackle.

Running with the ball in the match, Brock Priestley showcased some neat and subtle footwork prior to impacting the Newcastle defensive line and on more than one occasion looked to target the area behind the Knights play the ball either by stepping back towards the ruck or by running an inside shoulder route.

On each of the occasions that he used this tactic Brock Priestley made ground and was also in a position for a quick play the ball because by using his footwork and targeting sparely populated areas of the Knights defence he was not gang tackled and thus was able to generate the quick play the ball.

Brock Priestley’s most recent match for the Titans was when he started at right second row for the Titans U16 squad in their early October match against PNG at Pizzey Park.

Brock Priestley started Round One of the 2019 GCRL U16 Division One competition in the second row for Ormeau against Currumbin.

In total in the GCRL U16 Division One competition for Ormeau Brock Priestley played in nine regular season matches including a big Round Nine match when he started at lock and scored two tries and kicked a conversion against Helensvale.

Brock Priestley also scored against Helensvale in Round Thirteen and in Round Fourteen against Coomera.

In Week two of the U16 Division One Finals series, Brock Priestley started at lock against Currumbin as Ormeau progressed directly to the Grand Final with a solid win.

In the GCRL U16 Division One Grand Final against Coomera, Brock Priestley started at lock had was having a very good game until injury struck late in the match. His Ormeau side went on to win the U16 Division One Grand Final in golden point 22 -20.

This season also saw Brock Priestley play for the Somerset College First XV in the Associated Private Schools competition, being a group of eight schools across the Gold Coast including starting in the Grand Final against All Saints Anglican School. For the first time in the competitions history the Grand Final ended in a 17 all draw with Brock Priestley prominent in attack especially in the second half.

Post the season Brock Priestley was named the Somerset College First XV Best Forward and was also named the 2020 Rugby Captain.

Brock Priestley was named in the 2019 South East Queensland Green U16 side for the Queensland Age Championships starting in the second row for the representative side scoring a first half double on Day Three against South East Queensland White. Post those Championships Brock Priestley was selected in the second row in the Queensland Country U16 side.

Brock Priestley had an outstanding match for Country as they defeated City 44 – 4 with Brock Priestley playing fifty five minutes at right second row. In his fifty five minutes on the field, Brock Priestley ran for 121 metres (thirty four post contact), had a line break early in the second half and made five tackles, one of which was an outstanding tackle early in the first half when he used a perfect technique to smash fellow Titan Brody Smitka just as he received the ball.

mdrew

18-01-20, 08:22 PM

The 2019 season that was for centre prospect Orlando Swain:

Orlando Swain’s most recent match for the Titans was when he started at left centre for the Titans U16 squad in their early October 2019 match against PNG U16’s at Pizzey Park scoring in the second half when he ran onto a straight pass from Syris Schmidt to crash over out wide.

In January of 2019 Orlando Swain started at right centre for the Titans U16 side in their match against the Newcastle Knights in Coffs Harbour. Orlando Swain did not keep too many opportunities with the ball in space but was effective none the less in terms of bringing the ball out of the Titans territory.

Orlando Swain also started in the centres for the Titans U15 side in their match against a Balmain Tigers U15 touring squad. Like in the Newcastle match Orlando Swain was partnered in the centres by the equally talented Ezra Ubaldino.

Orlando Swain is also part of the 2019 Queensland U16 Emerging Origin squad, with the squad completing their first camp of the year recently. At that camp, in the opposed session was on the same side as Kaleb Ngamanu and Bailey Martin.

Early in 2019 Orlando Swain was part of the Ipswich side that contested the South East Queensland U16 Championships scoring on Match Day Four in a tough 14 – 4 loss against Gold Coast Vikings White and subsequently was named in the 2019 South East Queensland White U16 side the for the Queensland Age Championships starting in the centres.

Post those Championships Orlando Swain was selected to start at right centre in the Queensland City U16 side in a match that was the curtain raiser to the 2019 Queensland Cup Grand Final but had only limited chances as City went down 44 – 4 to Country. Orland Swain did however make eight tackles at a tackling efficiency of 88.89% as well as running for seventy five metres.

Orlando Swain started in the centre in Round One of the Ipswich Rugby League U16 competition for Norths Ipswich scoring against Fassifern in a 34 – 22 victory and backed that up by scoring a double in Round Two against West End as Norths prevailed 40 – 12.

After missing Round Three Orlando Swain scored again in Round Four as his Norths side defeated Ipswich Brothers 78 – 4.

Orlando Swain also scored in Round Six against the Springfield Panthers and Rounds Nine, Ten and Twelve against West End, Rosewood and Redbank Plains respectively and kicked his only two goals of the season in Round Six against Springfield.

In total in the 2019 Ipswich Rugby League U16 regular season competition, Orlando Swain played in twelve matches scoring eight tries to finish with a 67% strike rate.

In the Ipswich Rugby League U16 Grand Final Orlando Swain started at right centre against Redbank Plains with Norths winning 34 – 26 and Orlando Swain contributing a try to the Premiership victory.

At the late September 2019 Norths Ipswich Junior Rugby League Awards Night, Orlando Swain was awarded the Rod Kelly Junior Representative Player of the Year Award.

Orlando Swain was also part of the Ipswich Grammar School U16A GPS school boy rugby side this season but made his deserved First XV debut on the right wing in Round Eight against TSS on the Gold Coast.

Orlando Swain had a great debut including a first half try assist when he threw a left arm over the head flick pass to Roosters bound Sam Walker to score in the first half. Even though he was playing on the right wing, Orlando Swain had a licence to roam on the match, regularly chiming into the backline on the left side of the field after set pieces.

Orlando Swain played his second GPS First XV match in Round Nine against Gregory Terrace, once again starting on the right wing and scored his first try when he was on the end of an Ipswich Grammar School movement to score wide out on the right in the first half

mdrew

19-01-20, 07:51 AM

The 2019 season that was for big strong Titans contracted front rower Joseph Shannon:

The giant young forward who signed a contract with the Titans in early 2019 has been one of a number of standouts of his age group on the Gold Coast over the last couple of seasons. Joseph Shannon’s old brothers Samuel and Daniel both have links with the Titans as well making it a family affair around the dinner table in the Shannon house hold.

Joseph Shannon recently spent a session training alongside the Titans NRL squad with his fellow Titans contracted junior players.

In January of 2019 Joseph Shannon started on the interchange bench for the Titans U16 (he is still U15 eligible in 2019) side in their match against the Newcastle Knights. When he came on he had a huge impact especially running with the ball making positive metres on each of his hit-ups.

In the first half Joseph Shannon also showcased his off-loading skills, when he threw a good left hand pass when engaged with the defensive line to Noah Johassnnsen who was able to continue down field into the Knights twenty metre line.

A couple of his first half carries were very impressive especially when he was bringing the ball away from the Titans line. It was also great to see Joseph Shannon support his team mates, after a minor scuffle, Joseph Shannon made sure that the Newcastle Knights forward did not take advantage of the Titans player on the ground.

Joseph Shannon also found himself at dummy half on a few occasions but handled the situation well and got the ball to half Thomas Weaver quickly and efficiently.

In the second half, Joseph Shannon made a fifty metre break from his own half when he ran a great line to the right of the field with Bailey Martin popping him a great ball for Joseph Shannon to charge down the field.

Defensively Joseph Shannon also made his presence felt with a number of telling tackles including one outstanding front on tackle in the second half when he monstered the Knights replacement half who tried to beat him with a left foot step.

Joseph Shannon played the 2019 club rugby league season with Southport in the GCRL U15 Division One competition, playing in a total of nine matches and scoring five tries including opening his tally in Round One against Helensvale, scoring a double in Round Thirteen against Ormeau and also coring in matches against Ormeau once again and Nerang.

In Week two of the GCRL U15 Division One Finals series, Joseph Shannon started against Nerang teaming with fellow Titan Seth Nikotemo in the front row scoring as Runaway Bay progressed directly to the Grand Final on the back of a 20 – 0 win.

In the GCRL U15 Division One Grand Final Joseph Shannon started in the front row for Runaway Bay as they went down 26 – 22 in a fiery forward battle against Nerang.

Joseph Shannon made his GCRL U16 Division One debut in Round Fourteen against Helensvale when he came off the bench after playing in the corresponding U15 Division One match earlier in the evening.

2019 also saw Joseph Shannon represent South Coast at the U15 QSSRL Championships where South Coast went through undefeated to win the Championships and subsequently Joseph Shannon was named in the Queensland Maroons side for the U15 ASSRL Championships.

Joseph Shannon started in the front row for Queensland Maroon in their matches including on Day two when he scored in just the 5th minutes in a win against New South Wales Combined High Schools. Joseph Shannon ran a good straight line three metres out from the line and after receiving the ball dived over near the left upright.

Unfortunately Joseph Shannon took a knock and was not able to play out the Championships but he was certainly destructive when he was on the field.

Joseph Shannon was also a stand-out performer for Coombabah State High School in their various U15 schoolboy rugby league competitions in 2019

mdrew

19-01-20, 12:30 PM

The 2019 season that was for Titans contracted centre or second rower Isreal Higgins:

The Currumbin Eagles junior recently signed a multi-year contract with the Titans, moving over from the Sydney Roosters who he was with for a number of seasons.

Isreal Higgins had a standout 2019 season which saw him play for the U18 National Championship winning Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup side as well as representing Queensland at the ASSRL U18 School Boy Championships from PBC after representing South Coast at the QSSRL U18 School Boy Championships that were held in Toowoomba.

In the MM Cup for Tweed Heads in 2019 Isreal Higgins played in all eight of Tweed Heads matches including starting from the bench in their 28 – 24 Grand Final hard fought victory over the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

Isreal Higgins started Round One against the Western Mustangs in the second row, scoring his sole ty of the season before moving to the bench for Rounds Two and Three against Townsville and Burleigh respectively. Isreal Higgins started Rounds Four and Five in the centres against Central Queensland and Wynnum Manly before moving back to the bench for the remainder of the season including the Queensland semi-final against Souths Logan and the a fore mentioned fiercely contested Queensland Final against Wynnum Manly.

In the National U18 Championship Final against the Illawarra Steelers, Isreal Higgins started from the bench for Tweed Heads in their 48 – 14 victory. In the match, Isreal Higgins played thirty one minutes, ran for eighty three metres (thirty nine post contact, being an impressive 48.99% of his total running metres) on nine hit-ups, broke a tackle and made eleven tackles at a perfect 100% tackling efficiency including a couple of brutal front on hits.

Also in 2019 Isreal Higgins started in the second row for South Coast in the U18 QSSRL School Boy Championships, from there being named in the Queensland U18 School Boys side for the U18 ASSRL Championships playing a number of matches for Queensland at left centre including scoring in the Championship Final as Queensland defeated NSW Combined Catholic Schools 34 – 10.

To cap off an outstanding 2019 season Isreal Higgins has recently been named in the 2020 U18 Queensland Emerging Origin Squad with fellow Titans Ediq Ambrosyev and Samuel Shannon.

Isreal Higgins was also been a key member of the PBC Open rugby league side over the last couple of seasons including starting in the second row in 2019 in the Langer Cup Final victory and in 2018 was part of the PBC National GIO Cup winning side

mdrew

19-01-20, 06:37 PM

Former North Queensland Cowboys NYC and Townsville Blackhawks 21 year old front rower Jack Glossop looks set to line up for the Tweed Heads Seagulls this Queensland Cup season.

mdrew

19-01-20, 07:37 PM

The 2019 season that was for stand out Titans contract New Zealand prospect Keano Kini:

In the 2019 Auckland U16 Open competition, even though he was still U15 eligible Keano Kini has had some outstanding matches in 2019, including scoring twenty eight points from three tries and kicking eight goals against Mangere East Hawks and eighteen points from two tries and five goals against the Te Atatu Roosters.

Being Marist Saints primary goal kicker meant that Keano Kini was one of the Auckland U16 Open competitions leading point’s scorers over the course of the 2019 season.
Keano Kini started at half for Marist Saints in their 24- 12 semi-final win over the Waitemta Seagulls to progress to the Auckland U16 Open Grand Final.

In the 2019 Auckland U16 Open Grand Final Keano Kini started at half for Marist Saints against the Pakuranga Kingz with Marist Saints coming away with a 22 – 8 victory, with Keano Kini kicking three conversions from four attempts with his only miss being his first attempt of the Grand Final.

Keano Kini also set up Marist Saints first try of the Grand Final. Early in the first half, Keano Kini, was operating on the right side of the field two off the ruck. After receiving the ball is space, Keano Kini ran at the line with the ball out in front of his body in two hands, accelerating as he went. Impressively Keano Kini ran at the gap between two defenders, drawing both before popping a great short ball to his right for his fullback to surge over.

Also in 2019 Keano Kini started at half and kicked a conversion for the Auckland U16 side in their NRL curtain raiser in May this year against an U16 Future Warriors side.

Keano Kini was part of the Marist Saints side that toured Australian in July 2019 playing a number of matches including a match on the Gold Coast against a Keebra Park select side in prefect conditions on the Gold Coast.

To cap off an outstanding 2019, Keano Kini was selected in the New Zealand U16 side that played a TAO Samoa U16 side in Auckland in October. Keano Kini played the entire match at half for New Zealand and converted their final try with six minutes to go from directly in front as his New Zealand side went down 26 – 20.

Even though he played the 2019 season in the Auckland Rugby League U16 competition and represented New Zealand at the U16 level, Keano Kini was still U15 eligible in 2019 and represented the Akarana Falcons in that age group in the 2019 New Zealand U15 National Youth Tournament.

On Day One of the Tournament Keano Kini started at half and scored for the Akarana Falcons as they defeated the Wellington Orca’s 40 – 10. On Day Two Keano Kini once again started at half back as his Akarana Falcons side won 12 – 0 against the South Island Scorpions to be unbeaten after two matches.

On Day Three Keano Kini had a huge match scoring a double and kicking four goals as the Akarana Falcons defeated the Northern Swords 48 – 4. In the Akarana Falcons semi-final clash against Wai Coa-Bay Keano Kini was once again at half and scored a double as the Akarana Falcons progressed to the Tournament final on the back of a 32 – 8 win.

In the New Zealand U15 National Youth Cup Final against the Manakua Stingrays Keano Kini led his Akarana Falcons side from half back to the New Zealand U15 National Youth Title on the back of a 18 -6 win.

At the conclusion of the Final, Keano Kini was named the New Zealand U15 National Youth Tournament Player of the Tournament and was also named at half in the U15 All-Tournament Team to cap an outstanding week for the budding Titans star.

mdrew

20-01-20, 04:43 PM

Some short highlights of the Titans U16 victory on Saturday against the Newcastle Knights in Coffs Harbour. Titan Nicholas Hilton is a very well-spoken young man.

https://www.nbnnews.com.au/2020/01/18/titans-under-16s-edge-out-knights-in-pre-season-trial/

mdrew

20-01-20, 05:11 PM

The 2019 season that was for Titan forward Nic Torrens:

The young front rower started for the Titans U14/15 Invitational side that went down 32 – 10 to a Titans Brisbane/Gold Coast based U14 side in early October 2019 and was one his sides best in the high quality match at Tweed Heads.

For Clarence Coast in the 2019 Group One U15 competition Nic Torrens played in thirteen matches including finals scoring forty eight points from eight tries and an identical number of goals with two of those tries coming in Clarence Coast’s 14 – 10 Grand Final win over Ballina. Nic Torrens was in fact named player of the Grand Final such was his dominance throughout the match.

In addition to his Grand Final double Nic Torrens also scored doubles in three separate matches against Casino RSM. With the boot Nic Torrens kicked three goals late in the season against Lismore Marist Brothers.

Nic Torrens also had an outstanding 2019 season with MacLean High School dominating in the DEX Shield competition including one match against Grafton High School in which Nic Torrens was as close to unstoppable as I have seen a player be in a match.

2019 also saw Nic Torrens represent Group One at the NSW Country U15 Age Championships playing three matches in the front row, scoring against Group 19 in Group One’s second match of a busy Day One of the Championships.

In November 2019 Nic Torrens travelled to Sydney to take part in the New South Wales U16 Talented Aboriginal Athlete Program being named in the New South Wales Indigenous U16 side in late December to cap off an outstanding 2019 season for the young man.

mdrew

20-01-20, 05:25 PM

The 2019 season that was for Titans contracted exciting second rower Arama Hau:

The powerful second rower took the field for the Titans in February for one of their U15 sides at Mudgeeraba that played round robin matches against each other and the Western Mustangs.

As a result of his performance in that game and over recent seasons, Arama Hau, in early 2019 deservedly signed a contract with the Titans which will keep him with the club for the next couple of seasons at least.

Over the off season Arama Hau transferred from Helensvale to the Nerang Roosters, starting from the bench in their U15 Division One Round One match against Ormeau but coming into the starting side in Round Two in the second row.

In total in the GCRL U15 Division One regular season competition in 2019 Arama Hau played in eleven matches for the Roosters playing the vast majority in the second row scoring three tries, with those tries coming against Helensvale in two separate matches and Ormeau.

In Week Two of the GCRL U15 Division One Finals series Arama Hau started in the second row against Runaway Bay and also started in the second row in the Preliminary Final as Nerang defeated Helensvale 22 – 18.

In the 2019 GCRL U15 Division One Grand Final Arama Hau was simply outstanding starting at left second row scoring two tries as Runaway Bay prevailed in a hard 36 – 22 win over Runaway Bay. For me Arama Hau was clearly the best player on the field in the Grand Final.

Arama Hau’s first try came in the first half after he received the ball as Nerang threw the ball out to the left, Arama Hau cut back inside as the Runaway Bay defence slid across but they could not stop a great charge from Arama Hau who scored under the posts dragging two defenders with him.

Arama Hau scored his second try in the second half, after he made a long break down the right touchline passing back inside before going into touch. Arama Hau moved into dummy half from the resultant play the ball to dive over down a short blind side from about a metre out.

2019 also saw Arama Hau represent South Coast at the QSSRL U15 Championships in Ipswich with South Coast going through undefeated, with Arama Hau scoring against Met East on Day Three of the Championships when he was able to score under the posts after a typically powerful hit-up which saw Arama Hau drag a number of defenders over the line with him.

Arama Hau was also a stand-out performer for Coombabah State High School in their various schoolboy rugby league competitions in 2019 which resulted in his selection in the South Coast side.

Arama Hau's 2020 season kicked off on the weekend when he was part of the Titans U16 side that defeated Newcastle 18-14 in Coffs Harbour.

mdrew

20-01-20, 08:38 PM

Highlights of the Titans v Knights matches

https://www.titans.com.au/news/2020/01/20/jts-trial---titans-v-knights/

mdrew

30-01-20, 08:07 PM

Great to see outstanding young Ipswich front row U15 prospect Larry Siala sign a three year contract with the Titans.

Bayside Titan

30-01-20, 09:03 PM

Great to see outstanding young Ipswich front row U15 prospect Larry Siala sign a three year contract with the Titans.

You’re back mate. I was getting worried about you.

mdrew

31-01-20, 08:34 AM

Sorry mate, life got a bit hectic for a while

You’re back mate. I was getting worried about you.

Bayside Titan

31-01-20, 10:54 AM

Sorry mate, life got a bit hectic for a while

I can understand that mate. :thumbsup:

mdrew

31-01-20, 03:38 PM

Young New Zealander Levon Pure is a Titans linked player from Auckland who started in the halves (five eight) for the Titans U16 side that defeated the Newcastle Knights U16 Harold Matthews side in Coffs Harbour in January 2020, 18 -14 in wet, steamy and slippery conditions.

In the match Levon Pure operated on the left side of the field with fellow New Zealander and halves partner Keano Kini on the right. Levon Pure was acknowledged for his performance by Titans JTS Co-ordinator Matt Srama in his review of the match in a video on the Titans Official Site after the match especially taking into account that Levon Pure had only two or three field sessions with the rest of the Titans team prior to the match.

In 2019 Levon Pure played for the Northcote and Birkenhead Tigers Junior Rugby League club in the Auckland U16 competition even though he was still U15 eligible. In his eight matches in that competition in 2019 Levon Pure scored two tries to finish the 2019 season with a 25% strike rate.

2019 also saw Levon Pure named in the Auckland Vulcans U15 representative side for the New Zealand National Youth Tournament.

mdrew

31-01-20, 07:29 PM

Larry Siala is an Ipswich based young man signed who yesterday signed a three year contract with the Titans.

The big strong young front rower was one of a number of standouts for the Titans U14 side that defeated the Western Mustangs 32 – 8 in February 2019 at Mudgeeraba and also started in the front row for the Titans U14 side that defeated a Titans NRRRL U14/15 Invitational side 32 – 10 in early October 2019.

On that extremely hot Saturday in February 2019 at Mudgeeraba Larry Siala had a simply outstanding match constantly making ground with the ball through the centre of the ruck and as a result of his late footwork prior to the line made major metres post contact and also got away a few more than impressive off-loads usually one handed right ones at that.

I can also recall a couple of huge hits that he put on a couple of Western Mustangs forwards with a couple of the hits forcing the ball loose as a result of the initial contact by Larry Siala. Larry Siala really did stand out as a young player on the rise in that match.

Larry Siala was selected in the 2019 Ipswich Diggers U14 representative side for the Hill Stumer Championships playing both in the second row and front row in the Diggers three matches.

After the completion of the competition, Larry Siala was selected in the 2019 South East Queensland Green U14 squad for the Queensland Age Championships. At the Championships, Larry Siala was named on the interchange bench. Over the course of his four games at the Championships, Larry Siala highlighted his aggressiveness especially in defence spending time in both the front row and second row.

The St Edmunds College (Ipswich) student played in the Ipswich Rugby League competition, in 2019 playing for Norths in the U14 age group.

In the 2019 U14 pre-season Larry Siala played in three matches scoring five tries, including a hat trick against Goodna Black in Round Three and a Round Two hat trick against Brothers Ipswich White. His five tries were enough to finish the pre-season as the competitions equal second leading try scorer.

Larry Siala started Round One of the Ipswich Rugby League U14 competition in the front row, scoring for Ipswich Norths in their 14 – 10 loss to Goodna Black. Larry Siala backed that up by also scoring in Round Two against Springfield as Norths won 44 – 0.

Larry Siala made it three tries from as many matches when he scored again in Round Three as Norths defeated Brothers Ipswich 24 – 8. Larry Siala also scored in Round Six against Goodna and Round Eight against Ipswich Brothers.

In total in the 2019 Ipswich Rugby League U14 regular season competition, Larry Siala played in twelve matches scoring eight tries for a 67% strike rate.

In Week One of the Ipswich Rugby League 2019 U14 Finals Series Larry Siala started in the front row for Norths against Goodna with Norths going down 20 -10. Larry Siala also started in the front row in Week Two of the Finals against Brothers Ipswich being their Preliminary Final victory.

In the 2019 U14 Ipswich Rugby League Grand Final Larry Siala started in the front row against Goodna Black with Ipswich Norths going down 14 - 12.

Larry Siala made his Ipswich Rugby League U15 debut in Round Nine of 2019 against Swifts Bluebirds celebrating the occasion by scoring in Norths big 58 – 8 win

mdrew

31-01-20, 08:41 PM

Northern New South Wales youngster Blake Forder is a Titans contracted player who was outstanding for the Titans U16 side that defeated the Newcastle Knights U16 Harold Matthews side 18 – 14 in Port Macquarie in January 2020 in wet and slippery conditions.

Blake Forder started the match at fullback and was heavily involved in two of the Titans tries, one in each half and one on each side of the field. As a result of the performance, Blake Forder was named the Titans best back in the match. Blake Forder was also acknowledged for his outstanding performance by Titans JTS Co-ordinator Matt Srama in his review of the match in a video on the Titans Official Site after the match.

Blake Forder’s first try assist came early in the first half when he chimed into the Titans backline on the left side of the field and threw a long cut out pass to his left to his left winger Kobie Mackay-Taylor who was able to dive over in the corner after beating one Knights defender on the way to the line.

In the second half, Blake Forder’s try assist impressively come on the right side of the field. Blake Forder received the ball whilst running on an angle to his right and straightened up the attack just a fraction before stepping off his left foot to enable him to run parallel the Knights defensive line for just a fraction to draw in two defenders before popping a great ball to his right to the Titans right centre to charge over near the right corner post.

In 2019 Blake Forder who attends Benora Point High School was selected at fullback for the Lismore Diocese Northern Country U15 rugby league representative side for the NSW CCC trials that were held in Sydney and subsequently was selected in the NSW CCC for the U15 ASSRL Championships that were played at Redcliffe. Blake Forder played a number of matches for the NSW CCC side on the wing in the National Championships and was part of the NSW CCC Championship winning side.

Blake Forder also represented the Group 18 U15 representative side in 2019, starting at fullback in all of their matches at the 2019 New South Wales Country Age Championships. Blake Forder also represented Group 18 in 2018 at the U14 NSW Country Championships.

From a club rugby league perspective, Blake Forder played for the Murwillumbah Colts in the 2019 Group 18 U15 competition after moving over from the Bilambil Jets for whom he played for in the Group 18 U14 competition in 2018.

mdrew

01-02-20, 07:48 AM

Beau Fermor’s 2019 season:

In 2019 Beau Fermor was outstanding for the Knights Canterbury Cup side and as a result started in the second row for the New South Wales Residents against their Queensland Resident counterparts in a State of Origin curtain raiser.

In the 2019 Canterbury Cup competition, Beau Fermor played in fifteen matches starting the first thirteen in the second row and his final two matches including Round Twenty One, when he suffered a serious knee injury from the bench.

On eleven occasions, including his first eight 2019 Canterbury Cup matches of the 2019 season, Beau Fermor played the entire 80 minutes. In total Beau Fermor was on the field in the 2019 Canterbury Cup for 1 095 out of a possible 1 200 minutes being 91.25%. An impressive statistic considering Beau Fermor was injured early in Round Twenty One.

In his 1 095 minutes on the field Beau Fermor ran for 1 797 metres (587 post contact, being 32.67%), broke thirty three tackles including eight in Round Three against the Mounties, offloaded the ball on ten occasions, broke the line on four occasions, had a line break assist and made 454 tackles at an impressive tackling efficiency of 91.6%.

Beau Fermor finished the 2019 Canterbury Cup season with a try scoring strike rate of 26.67% after scoring in Rounds One, Three, Five and Seven against the Newtown Jets, Mounties, Blacktown Workers and the Western Suburbs Magpies respectively.

Beau Fermor’s 2019 Canterbury Cup per game averages included playing 73 minutes, running for 119.8 metres and making 30.27 tackles. Thus per eighty minutes, Beau Fermor, in 2019, ran for 131.29 metres and made 33.17 tackles.

On eleven occasions in 2019 Beau Fermor ran for in excess of 100 metres, including a 175 metres effort against Blacktown in Round Five and 160 metres in Round Three against the Mounties. On nine occasions Beau Fermor made in excess of thirty tackles in 2019 including making forty tackles in Round Three against the Mounties and Round Fourteen against the Magpies and a season high forty three tackles in Round Thirteen against the Rabbitohs.

For the New South Wales Residents side in 2019 Beau Fermor started in the second row in the interstate match playing 67 minutes. In that time, Beau Fermor ran for 95.5 metres (twenty eight post contact), scored and made thirty two tackles at an 88.9% tackling efficiency.

mdrew

02-02-20, 05:37 PM

Wins for the Northern Rivers Titans U16 and U18 sides yesterday against North Coast in their first trial of the 2020 season.

The Northern Rivers Titans play again next Saturday at Tweed Heads. The U16's play a Titans U15 side and the U18's play the Tweed Heads U18 side.

Plenty of Titans in the U16 and U18 Northern Rivers Titans sides.

mdrew

04-02-20, 10:22 AM

The Titans Rookie Squad play the Tweed Heads QCup side in a trial this Saturday at Tweed Heads and also three Titans U15 sides are playing as well as both Northern Rivers Titans sides. A great day if you can make it.

mdrew

05-02-20, 08:45 AM

An interesting signing for Tweed Heads this season is former Sydney Rooster U20 centre Ethan O’Neill who is the son of Julian O’Neill.

ALX25

05-02-20, 07:59 PM

Hi mdrew, why is Treymain Spry so far down the pecking order? Does he need to find a new club to reach his potential?

mdrew

06-02-20, 12:12 AM

He is still only 21 so still plenty of time mate. He will get a chance in the trials and then it is just about making the most of the oppo.

Hi mdrew, why is Treymain Spry so far down the pecking order? Does he need to find a new club to reach his potential?

mdrew

06-02-20, 05:29 PM

Great to see former Tugun Seahawks junior Charlie Hogg set get an opportunity with the Burleigh Bears Queensland Cup squad this coming season.

mdrew

06-02-20, 05:55 PM

Former Helensvale Hornets junior rugby league front rower Ben Kay will provide some size to the Burleigh Bears Hastings Deering’s Colts forward pack with his 187cm and 114kg frame.

Fabulous to see multiple Gold Coast juniors in the Burleigh squad for the upcoming 2020 season.

mdrew

06-02-20, 06:07 PM

2018 NRRRL First Grade Player of the season, Josh Patston will be a great addition to the Burleigh Bears 2020 Queensland Cup squad in 2020. The 21 year old 188cm, 102kg centre or second rower broke into the Northern Rivers Titans U23 side in 2019 making an immediately impact, with the former Lismore Marist Brothers junior now set to take the next step in his rugby league career with the Bears.

mdrew

06-02-20, 07:03 PM

Former Nyngan fullback Brett Howard will add some attacking flair to the Burleigh Bears Queensland Cup side in 2020.

At 183cm and 91 kg the former NSW Indigenous U16 representative has the size to handle the rigours of the Queensland Cup.

- - - Updated - - -

mdrew

06-02-20, 07:19 PM

Tugun Seahawks Nathan Moloney is another new face in the Burleigh U20 Hastings Deering’s Colts squad for the upcoming 2020 season.

mdrew

06-02-20, 08:28 PM

Great to see former Titans linked 186cm, 100kg front rower Andrew Scougell in the Burleigh Queensland Cup squad for the upcoming 2020 season. The 21 year old front rower has been a very solid performer in the Hastings Deering’s Colts competition over the last couple of seasons for the Bears.

mdrew

07-02-20, 05:22 AM

The Titans JYS matches that were due to be played at Tweed Heads tomorrow will now be played at Runaway Bay now instead.

lonegull

07-02-20, 01:39 PM

The Titans JYS matches that were due to be played at Tweed Heads tomorrow will now be played at Runaway Bay now instead.

Hope the titans release teams on who's playing

mdrew

07-02-20, 03:47 PM

Official Site article on tomorrows matches

https://www.titans.com.au/news/2020/02/07/junior-titans-set-for-super-saturday-at-runaway-bay/

The Titans JYS matches that were due to be played at Tweed Heads tomorrow will now be played at Runaway Bay now instead.

Sunny86

07-02-20, 03:51 PM

Who’s in the titans rookie team

mdrew

07-02-20, 03:55 PM

Basically mate they are the Titans contracted layers that are still Colts eligible and potentially a few U18. Players such as Toby Sexton, Jayden Campbell, Jed Edwards, Caleb Hodges, Tristian Powell, Solomon Torrens etc

Who’s in the titans rookie team

mdrew

07-02-20, 04:07 PM

Prior to his move to up Tweed Heads from Sydney to play for the Seagulls 2020 Queensland Cup side former Marcellin College Randwick student Ethan O’Neill spent five years in the Sydney Roosters junior system, playing the 2019 season in the NSWRL U20 Jersey Flegg competition.

From a trivia perspective, Ethan O’Neill is the son of former Brisbane Bronco’s and Queensland State of Origin fullback, Julian O’Neill.

For the Roosters in 2019, Ethan O’Neill played in twelve Jersey Flegg matches starting the season in the centres before moving to the second row in Round Twenty Two against the New Zealand Warriors and staying there for Round Twenty Four against the Rabbitohs.

Ethan O’Neill started the 2019 season off as the Roosters primary goal kicker, kicking seventeen from twenty (85% conversions rate) through the opening six rounds, before injury, including a six from seven effort in Round Two against the Manly Sea Eagles. Ethan O’Neill returned from injury in Round Fifteen against the Sea Eagles but did not take back the goal kicking duties upon his return.

Ethan O’Neill scored in Round Three against the Parramatta Eels and also scored in Round Twenty Two against the Warriors to account for his two 2019 Jersey Flegg tries.

mdrew

07-02-20, 04:19 PM

The Titans have signed New Zealand youngster Jeremaiah Tamepo who recently moved to the Gold Coast to attend Keebra Park. The young centre turns 16 this year.

mdrew

07-02-20, 04:33 PM

Size in the outside backs or second row will not be an issue for the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts squad this season with Branden Amundsen for the squad for the second season in a row.

The centre/second rower started the 2019 season with Helensvale in the GCRL U20 competition but this season will line up for the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts squad from the start of the season over coming into the side mid-way through the 2019 season .

In total in the GCRL U20 competition in 2019 Braden Amundsen played in ten matches scoring four tries including an impressive Round Eleven try.

Playing right second rower, Braden Amundsen took the ball around ten metres out from the Mudgeeraba line, fending off the first attempted tackle before being corralled by three defenders. He then spun around 270 degrees to break free and score under the posts.

Braden Amundsen also scored against Burleigh in Round Ten and also against Southport in March and Runaway Bay in July.

Braden Amundsen made his 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts debut in Round Twelve when he started at left centre for Burleigh against the Sunshine Coast Falcons scoring late in the first half on debut.

Braden Amundsen received the ball about ten metres out from the Falcons line pushing past his opposite defender before taking on the fullback front on and after disposing of him through sheer strength scored near the left corner.

In total for the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts side in 2019, Braden Amundsen played in nine matches including Burleigh’s first finals.

Braden Amundsen split time between starting on the right wing and right centre in 2019, starting five matches on the wing and four in the centres.

Braden Amundsen started the 2018 season as part of the Burleigh MM Cup side progressing through the local U19 competition with Helensvale before getting a late season opportunity with the Burleigh Colts side.

For Burleigh in the 2018 MM Cup competition Braden Amundsen playing five of Burleigh’s six matches, starting the opening four rounds in the centres and coming off the bench in Round Seven against Victoria. Round Seven also saw Braden Amundsen score his sole try of the 2018 MM Cup season.

Braden Amundsen came into the Burleigh Colts squad in Round Twenty Three against Townsville starting on the wing and also started on the wing in Round Twenty Four against Easts.

In the GCRL U19 competition of Helensvale Braden Amundsen finished third on the try scoring list with twelve tries from just fourteen matches. After scoring a double against Currumbin and following that up the following round against Ormeau, Braden Amundsen exploded scoring eight tries in a three round span.

In that span Braden Amundsen scored hat tricks against Bilambil and Mudgeeraba and a double against Burleigh. Braden Amundsen’s final try of the season came against Bilambil late in the season.

Braden Amundsen was a solid performer for the Helensvale Hornets U17 Division side in the 2017 GCJRL competition and as a result has caught the attention of the Titans as well as being selected in the Burleigh Bears MM Cup training squad for the 2018 season.

Braden Amundsen started in the centres for Helensvale in their 34 – 20 Grand Final victory over Ormeau and over the course of the 2017 season scored five tries from his fourteen matches in the Yellow and White of Helensvale. All five of Braden Amundsen’s tries came in individual games including a try against Bilambil in their first 2017 final’s match. Braden Amundsen’s tries other tries came against Southport, Mudgeeraba, Runaway Bay and Bilambil in a match during the regular season.

mdrew

07-02-20, 06:36 PM

Official video in relation to tomorrow

https://www.titans.com.au/news/2020/02/07/junior-titans-set-for-super-saturday-at-runaway-bay/

mdrew

07-02-20, 07:21 PM

An impressive performer for the Burleigh 2019 Colts side who is in the squad again in 2020 is NZ born forward Larryon Tevita who miss the start of the season through injury.

The New Zealand born youngster moved over to the Gold Coast in January 2018 and played for the Burleigh Bears MM Cup side for the 2018 season before being promoted to the Burleigh Colts side as well as progressing through the ranks of the Gold Coast Rugby League competition all the way to the First Grade competition with Burleigh.

Larryon Tevita started the 2019 season with the Burleigh U20 side in the local Gold Coast Rugby League competition but came back into the Hastings Deering’s Colts side from the bench for their Round Four match against the Central Queensland Capra’s.

In total for Burleigh in the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition Larryon Tevita played in nineteen matches including Burleigh’s three finals and scored his sole try against the Western Mustangs in Round Twenty.

Larryon Tevita started twelve in his 2019 Colts matches from the bench, five in the second row and the remainder in the front row, breaking into the starting side in Round Fifteen in the second row against the Ipswich Jets.

Late in the match against the Western Mustangs with Burleigh on the attack, Bears dummy half Lachlan Turnbull took off out of dummy half to the right of the paly the ball perpendicular to the defensive line and brought Larryon Tevita underneath for the front rower to crash over.

In Week Two of the Finals Larryon Tevita started at left second row in Burleigh’s 42 – 12 win against Norths.

Larryon Tevita’s 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts season came to an end when he started on the interchange bench for Burleigh as they went down 23 – 16 to Sunshine Coast in the Preliminary Final.

Larryon Tevita took the opportunity to play for Burleigh in the GCRL U20 competition during Burleigh’s Hastings Deering’s bye weeks and had a big match in Round Sixteen scoring a double against Runaway Bay.

For Burleigh in the GCRL U20 competition Larryon Tevita played in just three matches but scored five tries, including a hat trick in June against Runaway Bay and then adding a double against Runaway Bay in July. In an interesting aside, all three of Larryon Tevita’s GCRL U20 matches were against Runaway Bay.

Larryon Tevita came into the Bears 2018 MM side in Round Three being the local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls in Burleigh’s tough 36 – 6 loss with the young man starting in the front row.

Larryon Tevita also started on the interchange bench in Round Four against the South’s Logan Magpies a match that Burleigh lost 34 – 20. In total in the 2018 MM Cup for Burleigh this season, Larryon Tevita played in four matches, starting in the front row on two occasions and from the bench in the other two.

Post the MM Cup competition, Larryon Tevita played in seven matches for Burleigh in the regular season in the 2018 Gold Coast Rugby league U19 competition. On debut in Round Three of the U19 Gold Coast Rugby League competition, Larryon Tevita scored a double against Beaudesert and also started from the bench in Round Four in a tough 31 – 18 loss to Southport when Southport’s Titans Rookie Squad centre Callum Boomer was close to unstoppable, in Round Five also scored in Burleigh’s 26 – 22 victory over Currumbin.

In Week One of the GRCL U19 finals series Larryon Tevita started in the second row and scored for Burleigh in their tough 32 – 26 loss against Mudgeeraba.

Larryon Tevita also played in one Gold Coast Rugby League First Grade match, making his debut coming off the interchange bench in July.

Larryon Tevita made his Doug Lipp Cup debut for Burleigh in Round 16 against Bilambil when he came off the bench in their ten point loss and was backing up after starting in the front row in the U19 match that preceded his Doug Lipp Cup debit.

In Round Eleven and Thirteen of the Hastings Deering’s Colts competition, Larryon Tevita was named on the extended bench for the Burleigh Bears side however did not make the final 17 for either match.

Larryon Tevita made his deserved U20 Hastings Deering’s Colts debut in Round Sixteen against Tweed Heads starting from the bench and scoring an impressive double and he broke into the starting line-up in Round Twenty when he started in the second row against Victoria and in Round Twenty-One maintained his starting spot when he started in the front row against Wynnum Manly and in Round 23 against the Townsville Blackhawks.

In total in 2018 Larryon Tevita played in seven Hastings Deering’s Colts matches, starting four (three in the front row and one in the second row) and coming off the bench on the other three occasions.

In late 2018 Larryon Tevita played for Samoa in the U18 QPIIC tournament and in fact was named the Samoan U18 Best and Fairest at the tournament.

The former Kelston Boys High School student was rewarded for a solid season in late 2017 when he was named at lock in the 2017 SAS College team of the year. The majority of players named in the 2017 SAS College team of the year are now in NRL aligned U20 squads so Larryon Tevita’s inclusion certainly highlights his ability on the field against quality opposition and opposition in the main at least a year older than him.

2018 Burleigh Bears U20 Colts recruit Mikey Williams was named in the centres in the SAS College team of the year as well as the competitions leading try scorer with eight tries to his name.

In 2017 Larryon Tevita played for the Auckland based Glenora Rugby League club, playing a number of matches in the Open U17 competition and also one match in the SAS Fox Memorial Premier First Grade Competition, not bad at all for a 17 year old.

Larryon Tevita also represented Kelston Boys High at the 2017 New Zealand National Secondary Schools Premier Tournament starting at lock in all five of their matches which were against Southern Cross Campus twice including the Championship final, Wesley College, Rotorua Boys High School and St Thomas of Canterbury College.

mdrew

07-02-20, 09:21 PM

183cm, 105kg front rower who in 2019 Daniel Shannon continued to develop his game for the Burleigh Bears Hastings Deering’s Colts side and with Southport in the Gold Coast Rugby League competition.

Daniel Shannon will line up for the second season in a row in 2020 for the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts squad.

From a trivia perspective Daniel Shannon’s brothers Samuel and Joseph are contracted to the Titans.

In the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition, Daniel Shannon played in fifteen matches including finals and scored his first Colts try of the season in Round Twenty against the Western Mustangs.

Daniel Shannon came into the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts side in Round Nine against Redcliffe starting from the bench and also started from the bench in his other fourteen matches.

In relation to his try against the Western Mustangs Daniel Shannon received the ball from dummy half Zac McCormack close to the line with heavy defence in front of him, but he used his footwork to cut back towards the play the ball where the defence had not moved off the line and Daniel Shannon used his size and power to crash over.

Daniel Shannon’s 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts season came to an end when he started on the interchange bench for Burleigh as they went down 23 – 16 to Sunshine Coast in the Preliminary Final.

Daniel Shannon played the last rounds of the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition alongside younger brother Samuel in the Burleigh side.

In the Gold Coast Rugby League U20 competition Daniel Shannon played in eight matches including starting in the front row in Round Eleven against Burleigh when he scored a double which were his first tries of the 2019 season.

Daniel Shannon’s first try was a short range effort when he took the ball about three metres out from the line on the right side of the ruck to crash over. His second try came from around ten metres out this time on the left side of the ruck when he ran a good outside shoulder route and was put through a big gap.

Daniel Shannon also had a try assist in the match when he split the Burleigh line thirty metres out from his own line on the left side of the field, charging forty metres before drawing the fullback to send his support over untouched.

One thing that I did notice in the match was that Daniel Shannon ball played a lot before the line, on every occasion on the right side of the ruck.

Daniel Shannon’s other 2019 Gold Coast Rugby League U20 try came later in the season against Mudgeeraba.

In 2019 Daniel Shannon also made his Gold Coast Rugby League First Grade debut when he started in the front row against Bilambil in Round Two.

Daniel Shannon also played in two QTOP Doug Lipp Cup matches in 2019 for Southport with those matches being against Burleigh in June and Mudgeeraba in late August.

In 2019 Daniel Shannon was also selected in the Gold Coast Vikings U20 side for the South East Queensland U20 Challenge.

For Burleigh in the 2018 MM Cup competition, Daniel Shannon played in all six matches starting five in the front row and coming off the bench in Round Three in the local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls.

Daniel Shannon scored just the one try in the MM Cup this season which was against Redcliffe in Round Two in an impressive Burleigh win at Pizzey Park.

Post the MM Cup competition, Daniel Shannon played for Southport and played in nine matches in the U19 competition and three in the Doug Lipp Cup competition.

Daniel Shannon came into the Southport U19 side in Round Three starting in the front row in a 22 all draw against Bilambil and also started in the front row in seven other matches before his Colts promotion. In Round 16 with the Burleigh Colts side having a bye Daniel Shannon lined up in the front row against Currumbin in a tough 26 – 16 loss.

Daniel Shannon scored two U19 GCRL regular season tries, the first came in early July against Currumbin and then Daniel Shannon scored his second try in the following round against Mudgeeraba.

In Week One of the GCRL U19 Finals series, Daniel Shannon started in the front row for Southport as they defeated Bilambil 34 – 8.

In Week two of the GCRL U19 Finals series, Daniel Shannon once again started in the front row for Southport against Currumbin with the Tigers winning 20 - 14.

In the U19 Grand Final Daniel Shannon started once again in the front row for Southport against Currumbin but unfortunately Southport went down 34 – 20, Daniel Shannon however was very good for the Tigers that Sunday afternoon.

Daniel Shannon made his Doug Lipp Cup debut in Round Three this year when he started in the second row for Southport against Bilambil. Daniel Shannon also started in Round Five in fact starting in the centres on that occasion against Helensvale and also played against Mudgeeraba in June.

It has been an impressive effort from Daniel Shannon to start in the front row in the U19 match in Rounds Three and Five and them back up to start in the Doug Lipp Cup matches immediately after.

Daniel Shannon was deservedly promoted to the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts side for their Round 17 match against Norths starting the match from the bench on a tough day for Burleigh.

In total in the 2018 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition to date, Daniel Shannon played in four matches, all from the bench.

Daniel Shannon has also recently been selected in the 2018 Queensland Indigenous U18 side for the QPIIC Championships to be held in October.

In 2017 Daniel Shannon played for the Southport Tigers in the Gold Coast Rugby League competition specifically at the U17 and U19 levels. Daniel Shannon also represented the Queensland Indigenous side in 2017 at the QPICC carnival at Beenleigh in October.

Daniel Shannon has alternated between the U17 Division Two and U19 levels for Southport in 2017, playing six matches in each competition and had a very busy weekend. On Saturday Daniel Shannon lined up for the Southport U19 side coming off the interchange bench in their semi-final loss 21 – 14 to Currumbin and on Sunday started in the front row for Southport in their 21 – 14 Grand Final loss to Burleigh. In the 2017 U17 Division Two competition, Daniel Shannon crossed for two tries on the season, the first coming against Coomera in July and the second in early August against Helensvale.

In 2016 Daniel Shannon was part of the Gold Coast White CC side for this season, starting the last two matches off the bench. He played the 2015 season with the Mudgeeraba Redbacks where he scored three tries across the ten matches that he played at the U15 Division One level and he also played seven matches up at the U16 Division Two level, where he mainly came off the bench.

Daniel Shannon also represented Murri United in the Queensland Murri tournament in late 2015 and was in fact selected in the Queensland U15 Murri side which toured Fiji and won all three of their matches on that tour alongside Jesse Brasslin.

mdrew

07-02-20, 10:11 PM

Gold Coast local Lochlyn Sheldon is part of the Burleigh Bears 2020 Queensland Cup squad.

The talented 178cm, 99kg front rower or lock missed the opening rounds of the 2019 season with injury but came back into the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts side for their Round Eight ANZAC Day match against the Western Mustangs starting at lock for the Bears. Lochlyn Sheldon also started at lock in Rounds Nine and Ten against Redcliffe and the Northern Pride respectively.

In a Gold Coast Rugby League bye week, Lochlyn Sheldon was back in the Burleigh Colts side for Round Sixteen against Souths Logan, starting at lock and scoring his first Colts try of the year. Close to the Souths Logan line, Burleigh hooker Lachlan Turnbull ran to his right and Lochlyn Sheldon ran back towards the play the ball on an underneath route and crashed over after he received the inside pass.

Lochlyn Sheldon also started at lock in Round Seventeen against Tweed Heads scoring Burleigh’s first try of the match when he ran onto a short pass from his left from hooker Lachlan Turnbull to easily crash over from close range.

Lochlyn Sheldon added a further try in Round Nineteen against Redcliffe when he was on hand to receive an inside ball from Tristian Powell to score under the posts from about ten metres out.

Starting at lock in Round Twenty One Lochlyn Sheldon added another try when he cut back underneath Burleigh dummy half Lachlan Turnbull to crash over from close range, it was simply that Lochlyn Sheldon wanted to score more than the defence wanted to stop him.

Lochlyn Sheldon also had a big part in the first half try for Shallin Fuller, running to the right of the play the ball Lochlyn Sheldon took the ball right to the line before popping a great short ball to his right to put Tristian Powell into a gap, who then found Shallin Fuller to score under the posts.

Lochlyn Sheldon scored again in Round Twenty Three against Central Queensland, he received the ball on the right of the play the ball, dummied to the right to break through the initial defensive line before stepping off his right foot to easily beat the fullback to score under the posts.

Lochlyn Sheldon scored again in Burleigh’s Week One Major Semi-final loss to Wynnum Many. Lochlyn Sheldon ran an outside shoulder route to the right of the final the ball and after receiving a pass from Cameron Brown got on the outside of his opponent scoring from fifteen metres out about half way between the corner post and goal post on the left side of the field.

In Week Two of the Finals Lochlyn Sheldon scored in Burleigh’s 42 – 12 win against Norths after starting the match at lock. After a play to the left broke down Cameron Brown brought the ball back towards the centre of the field and found Lochlyn Sheldon running into a gap. Lochlyn Sheldon then produced a fend with each hand to run twelve metres to score under the posts.

Lochlyn Sheldon’s 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts season came to an end when he started at lock for Burleigh as they went down 23 – 16 to Sunshine Coast in the Preliminary Final.

In total in the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition, Lochlyn Sheldon played in fifteen matches including Burleigh’s finals starting all at lock and scoring seven tries.

At the end of season Awards night, Lochlyn Sheldon was named 2019 Burleigh Sportsman of the Year and also was awarded the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts Coaches Award.

Lochlyn Sheldon in 2019 received a quick promotion to the Burleigh GCRL First Grade side making his 2019 GCRL First Grade debut from the bench as the Bears defeated Currumbin 22 – 20 in Round Nine.

Lochlyn Sheldon moved into the Burleigh GCRL First Grade starting line-up in the left second row position for their Round Ten match against Runaway Bay scoring a double which were in fact the first two tries that Burleigh scored.

For his first try Lochlyn Sheldon received the ball down a short left blind side to dive over a couple of metres from the left corner post. Lochlyn Sheldon showed some outstanding pace for his second try a few minutes later. Burleigh made a break on the half way mark and Lochlyn Sheldon showed impressive pace to loom up on the inside to take the ball and run twenty metres to score.

In total in the 2019 GCRL First Grade competition, Lochlyn Sheldon has played in six matches scoring the two tries noted above.

Lochlyn Sheldon was an ever present in the front row for the Burleigh Bears early in the Hastings Deering’s U20 Colts side in 2018, starting in the front row in their first nine of their matches before being promoted to the Gold Coast Rugby League Burleigh First Grade side.

Lochlyn Sheldon is not going to score many tries but did score in Round Three of 2018 in the local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls.

In 2018 Lochlyn Sheldon made his Gold Coast Rugby League First Grade debut for Burleigh starting from the bench in Round Six when the Bears defeated Bilambil 40 – 10. Lochlyn Sheldon played eight matches for Burleigh in the Gold Coast Rugby League First Grade competition in 2018.

Lochlyn Sheldon had a very good 2017 season on the field for Burleigh in the MM Cup competition and for Runaway Bay across multiple grades in the Gold Coast Rugby League competition. In addition, Lochlyn Sheldon played one match for the Burleigh Bears U20 Colts Challenge side which was in Round Fourteen against the Ipswich Jets, that afternoon Lochlyn Sheldon made his debut from the interchange bench and scored a second half try in a positive debut Colts match.

For Burleigh in the 2017 MM competition, Lochlyn Sheldon captained the side and started in five of their six matches in the front row and came off the interchange bench in Round Three. Lochlyn Sheldon crossed for three tries over the six matches, scoring in Round One against Redcliffe, in Round Three against North’s and also in Round Six in the local derby against Tweed Heads Seagulls a match in which Burleigh won and a match that also included a number of Tians linked players on both sides.

For Runaway Bay in the Gold Coast Rugby League Competition, Lochlyn Sheldon played twelve matches in the U19 competition, eleven in the Doug Lipp Cup including starting the Grand Final at lock (Unfortunately Runaway Bay were defeated 13 – 6 by Beaudesert) and one match in the A grade making his A Grade debut in August against Ormeau.

Across his twelve matches in the 2018 U19 competition, Lochlyn Sheldon scored five tries all coming in a stellar four game period mid-season where he scored double against Mudgeeraba and also tries in that period against Beaudesert, Burleigh and Bilambil.

Lochlyn Sheldon made his Doug Lipp Cup debut in June 2018 against Bilambil and went on to make eleven appearances for Runaway Bay in that competition scoring three tries which came against Ormeau, Tugun and Bilambil. In five of his eleven Doug Lipp Cup matches, Lochlyn Sheldon played in the U19 contest and then backed up to play the Doug Lipp Cup fixture immediately after the conclusion of the previous match.

Lochlyn Sheldon was named player of the carnival for the 2016 Confraternity Shield as well as being named in the second row for the Queensland Independent Colleges (QIC) Secondary Schools rugby league side after playing for Gold Coast based Aquinas College in the carnival which was held in September 2016.

Fellow Aquinas College student Lachlan Douglas was also named in the all carnival side in the front row. Lachlan Douglas is currently part of the 2018 Burleigh U20 Hastings Deering’s squad.

Previously Lochlyn Sheldon has made multiple representative sides, including the Queensland U13 side, South Coast U15’s where he was named player of the match on Day Two against Darling Downs, Qld Marron U15’s from which he made the U15 Australian Merit Team with Titans linked Konrad Edwards and also the Queensland U16 side in 2015, which also contained Titans Ben Thomas and Darius Farmer.

mdrew

08-02-20, 03:41 AM

Former Sydney Roosters U18 SG Ball outside back Reece Tapine made every post a winner in his first two seasons so far on the Gold Coast being 2018 and 2019 and in 2020 is part of the Burleigh Queensland Cup squad after playing one match for the Bears in that competition in 2019.

In 2019 Reece Tapine started the season as part of the Burleigh Bears Hastings Deering’s Colts side but quickly progressed to the Burleigh Gold Coast Rugby League First Grade side.

Reece Tapine was back in the Burleigh Colts side for Round Five against Souths Logan scoring a double from the left win in an outstanding display. His first try came when he gathered a cross field kick and the second when he was on hand to score untouched as a result of a Burleigh backline move.

Outside of the tries, two pieces of play stood out for me, the first when Souths Logan had a big overlap and looked certain to score, but Reece Tapine came out of the line to smash the Magpies centre to break up the movement and with Burleigh under pressure on their own line, Reece Tapine took the ball off a scrum and bustled his way thirty metres up field in a strong determined run to relive the pressure on his side.

Reece Tapine scored a double in Round Nine against Redcliffe to continue his outstanding try scoring record, his first try came when he stayed wide on his left wing to dive over from a long cut out pass, and his second was a long range effort, left centre Kea Pere took an intercept ten metres out from his own line, running forty metres before Reece Tapine loomed up in his left to receive the ball and run the remaining fifty metres to score.

Reece Tapine scored again in Round Eleven against the Central Queensland Capra’s when he pounced on a Cameron Brown grubber into the in-goal and also three the last pass for Lofi Khan-Periera to score his first Colts try in just his second match in the competition.

Reece Tapine added another try in Round Sixteen against Souths Logan when he received the ball on the left before dummying outside and diving over from close range.

In Week Two of the Finals Reece Tapine started on the right wing in Burleigh’s 42 – 12 win against Norths.

In total for the Burleigh Colts side Reece Tapine played in twelve matches scoring a total of eight tries to finish with a 66.67% strike rate. From a position perspective Reece Tapine played two of his twelve matches in the centres with the remainder on the wing.

Reece Tapine also played in twelve matches for the Burleigh GCRL First Grade side in 2019, including finals, scoring seventy points including kicking six goals in Round Eleven against Bilambil and four goals in Round Ten against Runaway Bay and scoring a double in Round Seventeen against Bilambil. Reece Tapine added a try and five goals in Round Twenty against Ormeau.

In Burleigh’s GCRL Grand Final qualifying final against Currumbin, Reece Tapine scored a try and kicked three goals from the left wing. In relation to his try, Burleigh spun the ball to the left wing with Reece Tapine receiving the ball in a stationary position, he then cut back inside before stepping off his right foot to split the defence and he then was able to bring the ball around to put it down under the goal posts with a celebratory arm raised to the crowd at the dressing room end of Pizzey Park for good measure.

Reece Tapine also started on the left wing and kicked two conversions as Burleigh won the GCRL First Grade Grand Final by defeating Southport 30 -12.

Reece Tapine made his deserved Queensland Cup debut for Burleigh in the Queensland Cup Outback Round starting on the wing against the Townsville Blackhawks.

Reece Tapine played all 80 minutes in the match, running for 46 metres (fifteen post contact), broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 3.85 seconds and recorded a 100% tackling efficiency.

In 2018 Reece Tapine was rewarded with a starting spot on the left wing for the Burleigh Bears U20 side for their Round One matches against the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

Reece Tapine’s debut was a good one scoring in Burleigh’s big 52 -22 victory over the Sunshine Coast Falcons. Reece Tapine also started on the left wing for Burleigh’s Round Two match against the Redcliffe Dolphins on the Gold Coast and once again scored to have a 100% strike rate after the first two rounds of the 2018 season.

In total in the 2018 Hastings Deering’s U20 Colts competition, Reece Tapine played in seventeen matches scoring eight tries. Reece Tapine scored doubles in Round Six against the Western Mustangs and in Round Eleven against Easts.

Reece Tapine’s other four tries came in Rounds One, Two, Eight and Thirteen against Sunshine Coast, Redcliffe, Central Queensland and Ipswich.

Reece Tapine started his first seven U20 Colts matches this season on the wing before moving to the centres in Round Eight against Central Queensland and remaining there for the remainder of the 2018 season.

Late in the 2018 season Reece Tapine was promoted to the Burleigh Bears Gold Coast Rugby League First Grade side scoring on debut against Bilambil in Round Sixteen and also scored in his second and first GCRL First Grade match of the season against Tugun the following round being Round Seventeen. Reece Tapine started both of those matches in the centres.

The former Springfield Panthers junior rugby league player played in two matches for the Sydney Roosters in the 2017 U18 SG Ball competition. In that competition the former Trinity College Beenleigh student played in matches against the Cronulla Sharks and the Penrith Panthers starting both matches being Rounds One and Two on the left wing.

The Sydney Roosters signed Reece Tapine from the Ipswich region where he played for the Springfield Panthers with his last year there being the 2016 season representing the Panthers in the Ipswich U17 competition scoring eleven tries from just thirteen matches. For the Springfield Panthers, Reece Tapine spent the vast majority of his playing time in the centres.

Reece Tapine also represented Trinity College with distinction across a number of seasons including at the Open level in the 2015 QISSRL Confraternity Shield Division Two competition as a 16 year old starring against St Joseph’s Assumption College when he scored a double starting in the centres.

Reece Tapine’s Round One try against the Sunshine Coast Falcons came as a result of him maintaining his position and spacing. It was not a spectacular try in the context of a dive for the corner and so forth but as the ball went to the left through the hands of Titans five eight Taine Tuaupiki and former Titan in left centre Jaxon Paulo, Reece Tapine stayed on his wing and did not over run the ball to make it easy for Jaxson Paulo (who was outstanding on the day and on the season for that matter) to draw and pass to send Reece Tapine over in the left corner untouched.

Reece Tapine’s try in Round Two against the Redcliffe Dolphins can also be put down to his positioning. After a long break by Burleigh and with the Redcliffe defence all over the place it would have been easy for Reece Tapine to come in from the left wing looking to be the hero, but instead he stayed on his wing.

Burleigh half back Harry Fitzhugh got the ball from the dummy half and seeing Reece Tapine out wide to the left unmarked put in a deft chip which Reece Tapine took easily on the full to cross untouched and was even able to bring the ball around to near the posts to make the conversion a lot easier for Jaxson Paulo.

mdrew

08-02-20, 09:41 AM

After missing the last portion of the 2019 season it is great to see Mikey Williams in the Burleigh Bears Queensland Cup squad for the 2020 season.

The powerful centre or winger started off the 2019 season where he finished the 2018 one when he scored a typically impressive try for the Burleigh U20 Hastings Deering’s Colts side in their 24 all Round One match against Norths at Bishop Park.

Against Norths Mikey Williams started at right centre, he cut back inside splitting the Norths defence and then crashed over in the fullbacks tackle literally right on the right upright to score his first try of the 2019 season.

In total in the 2019 U20 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition Mikey Williams played in six matches for Burleigh and was regularly one of their stand outs. In his six games Mikey Williams scored three tries for a 50% try scoring strike rate.

In addition to his Round One try against Norths Mikey Williams also scored against Ipswich in Round Two and Wynnum Manly in Round Six.

As noted Mikey Williams started Round One in the centres and also started there in Round Two against Ipswich before starting on the wing in Round Three against Tweed Heads and also starting on the wing in Round Four. Mikey Williams moved back to the centres for Rounds Five and Six.

Mikey Williams try against Ipswich was as a result of a dummy half run when he powered through the defenders on the goal line who had no chance to stop him.

Mikey Williams also had an outstanding pre-season in 2019 dominating in trials against both Easts and Tweed Heads. Against Easts Mikey Williams scored a double and also had a try assist when he offloading an outstanding pass under pressure from three defenders.

Against Tweed Heads Mikey Williams also scored and had an outstanding run returning a Seagulls drop out and getting the ball to within a metres of the line.

The young Auckland New Zealand born centre moved over to Australia for the 2018 season and started the season as part of the Burleigh Bears U20 Hastings Deering’s Colts side starting in the centres in their 28 – 24 victory over the Sunshine Coast Falcons in Round One.

After playing in nine matches for Burleigh in the U20 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition in 2018, Mikey Williams was promoted to the Burleigh Bears Gold Coast Rugby League First Grade side and has not looked back, alternating between playing on the wing and in the centres.

After his move from the Colts competition, Mikey Williams played in eleven GCRL First Grade regular season matches, scoring seven tries including a double on debut against the Bilambil Jets in late May and also a double against Ormeau.

As noted above Mikey Williams started the 2018 season as part of the Burleigh Bears Hastings Deering’s U20 Colts side and prior to his promotion started in the centres in all nine of Burleigh’s Colts matches. Mikey Williams last Colts match was in Round Eleven against the Easts Tigers.

In those nine matches, Mikey Williams scored four tries, the first of which came in Round Four against Souths Logan. His other tries came in Round Six against the Western Mustangs, Round Eight against Central Queensland and Round Nine against the Townsville Blackhawks.

2017 saw Mikey Williams play a lot of matches for both his school boy side, being Auckland’s St Pauls College and well as in the SAS Fox Memorial competition which is essentially an Auckland based U20 competition with the standard being quite high as well.

In 2017 Mikey Williams was part of the St Pauls First XIII side that won the SAS College Open Rugby League Championship for the third straight season with a victory over Kelston Boys High for whom new Burleigh Bears MM Cup player Larryon Tevita started at lock. Mikey Williams was also part of the 2016 St Pauls Open side.

To cap off a great 2017 rugby league season, Mikey Williams was named in the 2017 SAS College Rugby League team of the year in the centres with Burleigh MM Cup and Colts player Larryon Tevita named at lock.

Mikey Williams also took home the leading try scorer of the season award with eight tries including a double in a victory over Aorere College in one of the early rounds of the competition in a dominant display.

Mikey Williams played in the SAS Fox Memorial competition for Richmond in 2017, playing in a total of twelve matches scoring four tries including a double in June against the Te Atatu Roosters and tries in consecutive weeks against the Mangere East Hawks and Mt Albert. Mikey Williams also played one match in the 2017 SAS Fox Memorial Premier competition, which is the Auckland equilivant to the Gold Coast Rugby League First grade competition, an impressive feat for an 18 year old school boy.

In 2017 Mikey Williams was also selected in a New Zealand Select U18 side that played against the Australian School Boys with Mikey Williams starting on the interchange bench for the New Zealanders. Starting on the wing for the New Zealand Select U18 side was Tweed Heads Seagulls U20 Colts recruit Aublix Tawha.

Mikey Williams made the New Zealand Select side after starting in the centres for the U18 New Zealand Residents side in their 28 – 10 victory over New Zealand Taurahere with Mikey Williams scoring in the match. Mikey Williams was also selected for the New Zealand U18 side in 2017.

A team mate in the U18 New Zealand Residents side was former Tweed Heads Seagulls U20 Colts recruit Aublix Tawha and opponents in the New Zealand Taurahere side was Titans contracted Darius Farmer, who was a team mate in the Burleigh Bears Colts side and Burleigh First Grade side.

From an additional representative perspective Mikey Williams has represented the Akarana Falcons at the U15 level in 2014 and U17 level in 2015 in the New Zealand National Age Championships, scoring three tries in 2014 and one in 2015.

mdrew

08-02-20, 12:06 PM

Titans JTS and Northern Rivers games cancelled due to the weather. It is totally understandable as player welfare is paramount.

mdrew

08-02-20, 11:59 PM

The 2020 Burleigh Bears U20 Hastings Deering’s Colts side will not lack size with 187cm, 128kg Luke Maiden lining up for his second season in the competition.

The Toowoomba born and raised front rower, in late 2018 signed a Titans Rookie contract. From a trivia perspective Luke Maiden is the nephew of former Manly, New South Wales State of Origin and Australian International Nic Kosef (thanks for the information mate).

Luke Maiden started the 2019 season in outstanding form in the trails including playing one or two trials for the Burleigh reserve grade side.

Luke Maiden however started the 2019 season proper with the Burleigh Colts U20 Hastings Deering’s side starting the opening rounds in the front row and was particularly dominating in Round Three against the Tweed Heads Seagulls.

Luke Maiden continued his dominance throughout the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts season including a huge match in Round Twelve against Sunshine Coast when he scored a first half double. Luke Maiden’s first try was quite simple, he was two off the ruck on the left side with Burleigh attacking, hooker Lachlan Turnbull ran out of dummy half to his left and turned the ball back underneath to Luke Maiden to score in a huge gap.

Luke Maiden’s second try in many respects was just as easy, with Burleigh a metre out from the Falcons line, Luke Maiden simply ran at the inside shoulder of the Sunshine Coast defender off a good pass from Zac McCormack to score easily two metres from the left upright.

Luke Maiden also scored in Round Seventeen against Tweed Heads when he ran onto a short pass from hooker Lachlan Turnbull to crash over under the posts from close range. It initially looked like he was going to be held up but Luke Maiden spun and rotated counter clock wise to get the ball down.

In Week Two of the Finals Luke Maiden started from the bench in Burleigh’s 42 – 12 win against Norths.

In total in the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition, Luke Maiden played in seventeen matches starting all bar Week Two of the Finals in the front row.

In the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts Player of the Year Award tally Luke Maiden finished with eight votes.

Luke Maiden made his GCRL First Grade debut off the bench for Burleigh in Round Twelve against Southport and also came off the bench in Round Thirteen against Ormeau, Round Fifteen against Tugun, Round Sixteen against Runaway Bay and Round Seventeen against Bilambil.

Luke Maiden’s first GCRL First Grade try came against Bilambil in Round Seventeen.

In total in the 2019 GCRL First Grade competition Luke Maiden played in seven matches starting primarily from the interchange bench including starting their in Burleigh’s 26 - 12 Major Semi-Final victory over Currumbin.

Luke Maiden also started for bench as Burleigh won the GCRL First Grade Grand Final by defeating Southport 30 -12.

After an outstanding MM Cup campaign in 2017, Luke Maiden in 2018 once again played in the MM Cup for the Western Mustangs and just 2017, once that competition concluded he moved immediately to the Western Mustangs Hastings Deering’s U20 Colts squad.

In his second season in the MM Cup with the Western Mustangs Luke Maiden played in all six matches and had a 50% try scoring strike rate. Luke Maiden scored in Rounds One, Five and Seven against Victoria, Sunshine Coast and South’s Logan respectively.

His progression to the Western Mustangs Hastings Deering’s Colts side saw Luke Maiden play in eight matches. Luke Maiden came into the side in Round Eight against Tweed Heads when he started on the interchange bench. Luke Maiden has also started on the interchange bench in Rounds Ten Eleven and thirteen against the Mackay Cutters South’s Logan and the Easts Tigers respectively.

Luke Maiden moved in the starting side in Round Sixteen against Norths starting the match at lock. In total in his eight matches, Luke Maiden started two matches in the front row, one at lock and five from the interchange bench.

Luke Maiden’s sole try of the 2018 Colts season came in Round Fourteen against the Ipswich Jets.

In addition to his Western Mustangs duties at the MM Cup and Colts levels, Luke Maiden also found the time to play for Southern Suburbs in the U18 Toowoomba Rugby league competition including starting in the front row in Round One against Toowoomba Valleys where he scored in Southern Suburbs 26 – 8 victory.

In total for Southern Suburbs in the U18 Toowoomba rugby League competition including the finals series, Luke maiden played in seven matches scoring four tries which came against Toowoomba Valleys, Goondiwindi and South Burnett in the regular season.

In the Preliminary Final against Dalby, Luke Maiden started in the front row and scored a try in the 12th minute of the second half as Southern Suburbs defeated Dalby 44 – 4 to progress to the Grand Final.

In the U18 Toowoomba Rugby League Grand Final against Highfields and Districts Luke Maiden started in the front row in the 38 – 10 win.

In 2018 Luke Maiden also played two Toowoomba Rugby League First Grade matches making his debut against Toowoomba Valleys in late June and also playing against Goondiwindi in late July.

At the Western Mustangs Awards Presentation night in November 2017, Luke Maiden was awarded the Western Mustangs Players Player award.

In 2017 after being part of the Western Mustangs MM Cup winning side early in 2017, Luke Maiden graduated to the Western Mustangs U20 Colts side where he started a number of matches in the front row after starting the MM Cup Grand Final at lock and being a key contributor to the 40 – 30 grand final victory over the South’s Logan Magpies and similarly in the U18 National final against Parramatta.

In 2017 the St Mary’s Toowoomba High School student started all eight of the Western Mustangs MM Cup matches at lock, scoring in Round Two against the Mackay Cutters and also in Round Eight against the Central Crows.

In 2017 Luke Maiden broke into the Western Mustangs U20 Colts Challenge side in Round Five when he came off the bench against South’s Logan and also started on the bench in Rounds Six and Eight.

Luke Maiden’s first start at the U20 Colts Challenge level was in Round Nine when he started in the front row against the Burleigh Bears. In total in the U20 Colts competition in 2017 for the Western Mustangs, Luke Maiden played in nine matches, starting four from the interchange bench and five in the front row.

Luke Maiden also played a number of matches in the Toowoomba Rugby League competition over the course of the 2017 season for Southern Suburbs in the U18 and First Grade competitions. In the U18 TRL competition Luke Maiden played in two matches scoring in the first of those against Highfields and Districts and made his Hutchies A grade debut Toowoomba Valleys in July 2017.

mdrew

09-02-20, 09:22 AM

Brisbane based Hayden Miller has signed a contract with the Titans that will see him in Titans colours for the next couple of seasons.

The young Carina five eight was a more than solid performer for the Titans U14 side that defeated the Western Mustangs 32 – 8 at Mudgeeraba in February 2019 providing a positive link between the forward pack and outstanding back line that the Titans fielded that day. Unfortunately Hayden Miller broke his arm in the match missing the start of the 2019 season proper.

Hayden Miller played the 2019 season with Carina in the GBJRL U14 Division One competition although his season was interrupted by injury on a number of occasions.

Hayden Miller was heavily involved in Carina’s U14 GBJRL Finals series including their Major Semi-final victory over Souths Acacia Ridge and started at half back in the Grand Final once again against Souths Acacia Ridge but unfortunately Carina went down 28 – 4.

Hayden Miller also represented the Brisbane Blue U14 side at the 2019 Hill Stumer Championships playing five eight and operating on the left side of the field and was Brisbane Blue’s primary goal kicker and tactical kicker as well.

After the completion of the competition, Hayden Miller was selected in the South East Queensland U14 training squad.

mdrew

09-02-20, 11:45 AM

Big strong young Southport front rower Taelon Te Whiu-Hopa was in devastating form for the Tigers in the GCRL U14 Division One competition in 2019 and early in 2020 signed a contract with the Titans that will see him in Titans colours for the next couple of seasons.

For Southport in the 2019 GCRL U14 Division One regular season competition Taelon Te Whiu-Hopa played in nine matches scoring eleven tries (122% strike rate) including a Round Three hat trick against Currumbin and doubles in Round Ten and Round Twelve against Ormeau and Mudgeeraba respectively.

Taelon Te Whiu-Hopa also scored in matches against Runaway Bay twice, Helensvale and Beaudesert to account for his eleven tries.

In Week One of the Finals series Taelon Te Whiu-Hopa started in the front row in Southport’s 26 - 22 loss to Runaway Bay.

In Week two of the U14 Division One Finals series, Taelon Te Whiu-Hopa started in the front row and scored a hat trick against Mudgeeraba as Southport progressed to the Preliminary Final.

In the Preliminary Final against Runaway Bay Taelon Te Whiu-Hopa once again started in the front row and scored a double as Southport fell 22 – 16 to Runaway Bay to end their season one win short of the Grand Final.

After performing well for the Gold Coast Vikings U14 side at the 2019 Hill Stumer Championships held at Ipswich this season, Taelon Te Whiu-Hopa started in the front row for the South East Queensland White side at the Queensland U14 Age Championships where he was a handful for opposing defences in each of SEQ Whites matches.

Taelon Te Whiu-Hopa started all four of South East Queensland White’s matches in the front row and scored when he crashed over against Central on Day Two of the Championships.

In early October 2019 Taelon Te Whiu-Hopa was named on the bench for the 2019 Nga Hau e Wha Maori Tournament U14 Boys Merit Team at the completion of the tournament.

mdrew

09-02-20, 08:43 PM

Brisbane based William Semu signed a contract with the Titans that will see him in Titans colours for the next couple of seasons.
The outstanding young second rower proved to be almost unstoppable on the left side of the field for the Titans U14 side in February 2019 in their 32 – 8 win over the Western Mustangs at Mudgeeraba in February 2019.

In addition to starting the match in the second row, William Semu scored an outstanding try and was awarded the award as the Titans player in the match. In the match William Semu formed a lethal left side combination with centre Karl Oloapu.
William Semu played for Carina in the 2019 GBJRL U14 Division One competition where a team mate was fellow Titans contracted player Hayden Miller.

William Semu was due to represent the Brisbane Blue U14 side at the 2019 Hill Stumer Championships due was forced to miss the Championships where he was named in the second row due to injury.

William Semu made his return from injury in Round Ten of the GBJRL U14 Division One competition against Souths Acacia Ridge and started the match in the No. 7 jersey. Throughout the match, William Semu operated on the left side both in attack and defence and made some good plays, including one outstanding run down the left touch line which looked like leading to an outstanding long range individual try but unfortunately William Semu just put his foot on the touch line.

With Carina in front late in the game against the previously undefeated South Acacia Ridge side, William Semu also pulled off some outstanding defence on his own try line, constantly turning back the Souths attack.

William Semu was heavily involved in Carina’s U14 GBJRL Finals series including their Major Semi-final victory over Souths Acacia Ridge and started at left second row in the Grand Final once again against Souths Acacia Ridge but unfortunately Carina went down 28 – 4.

Post the GBJRL competition William Semu was named in the 2019 U14 Queensland Samoa side for the 2019 QPICC Championships. William Semu started in the U14 Final for Samoa as they went down 8 – 6 to PNG but scored a double in Round Three (one try in each half) also against PNG.

mdrew

10-02-20, 01:05 PM

Great to see Darius Farmer in the Titans 9’s squad

mdrew

10-02-20, 01:30 PM

Also great to see Tremain Spry get a 9’s opportunity.

mdrew

10-02-20, 05:22 PM

Centre Jeremaiah Tamepo from Auckland New Zealand moved to the Gold Coast to continue his schooling at Keebra Park and not long after arriving on the Gold Coast signed a contract with the Titans.

In 2020 Jeremaiah Tamepo will be part of the Keebra Park Open Rugby League program and will push for a spot in their Langer Cup and GIO Cup school boy sides come the 2020 season.

In 2019 Jeremaiah Tamepo represented the Countries Manukau Stingrays representative side at the New Zealand National Youth U15 tournament starting in the centres in all four of the Stingrays matches which were against the Auckland Vulcans, one being the Tournament Final which Counties Manukau lost 18 – 6 with the other a pool match, the Wai-Coa Bay Stallions and the South Island Scorpions.

In the 2019 Auckland Rugby League U15 club competition Jeremaiah Tamepo played eight matches for the Manurewa Force scoring five tries over the course of the season to finish with a 62.5% strike rate.

Also in 2019 Jeremaiah Tamepo played for Counties Manukau Maori in the New Zealand Maori U15 tournament and at the completion of that tournament was named in the All-Tournament team in the centres.

In 2019 Jeremaiah Tamepo was also a key performer for the Wesley College U15 side in their Auckland school boy rugby league competitions.

Also in 2019 the former New Zealand Warriors Development Squad player was part of the U15 Auckland Vulcans Development Trial representing the U15 Open South side and in 2018 represented the U14 Open South side at the 2018 U14 Auckland Vulcans Development Trial.

As noted above in 2020 Jeremaiah Tamepo will be part of the Keebra Park Open rugby league squad (that is already training a couple of mornings per week) and will line up in the Langer Cup in either the Reserve or A squads as he pushes also for a GIO Cup berth for Keebra Park later in the 2020 season.

From a club rugby league perspective Jeremaiah Tamepo will play for the Burleigh Bears in the Gold Coast Rugby League U16 Division One side.

mdrew

11-02-20, 05:12 PM

Great article on Burleigh Colts player Daniel Shannon.

https://www.burleighbearsrlfc.com.au/2020/02/11/bears-marking-their-paw-print-off-the-field/?fbclid=IwAR09BN9ds9dP0KQsWcl-6HuqWTrrwDXIq2QE0tIUsao1jpDInbD9QnVvnJM

mdrew

11-02-20, 05:23 PM

Talented touch player Izaya Leota-Beckett will be looking to break into the Burleigh Bears Colts side this season. The tall young man has represented both Queensland and Australia in touch.

mdrew

11-02-20, 06:37 PM

Titans fan will get an early look at Tino Fa'asuamaleaui who has been named in the Storm Nine's side.

mdrew

12-02-20, 08:18 PM

JTS update from the Official Site

https://www.titans.com.au/news/2020/02/12/titans-jts-trials/

mdrew

13-02-20, 02:35 AM

Grafton Ghosts youngster Elliott Speed will start at half for the U18 North Coast side in Round One of the Laurie Daley Cup competition against the Central Coast Roosters on Saturday.

mdrew

13-02-20, 02:52 AM

Great to see Daniel Butterini named to start in the centres for the Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup side for their Round One match on Saturday at Cudgen against Parramatta.

mdrew

13-02-20, 03:59 AM

I am really looking forward to seeing second rower Taiti Avaemai line up for the Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup side for their Round One match on Saturday at Cudgen against Parramatta.

mdrew

13-02-20, 04:57 AM

The Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup side for their Round One match on Saturday at Cudgen against Parramatta is certainly talented none more so than hooker Tanu Nona.

mdrew

13-02-20, 05:03 PM

Daniel Butterini has been named to start in the centres for the Northern Rivers Titans in Round One of the 2020 U18 Laurie Daley Cup against the Parramatta Eels at Cudgen on Saturday.

He is a local young centre originally from just south of the border, who has previously been part of the Titans High Performance Program and is also at PBC State High School as part of their Rugby League excellence program.

In 2019 Daniel Butterini was part of the Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup squad however did not feature in any of their matches.

Daniel Butterini was on song in Round Two of the GCRL U18 Division One competition scoring a try and kicking five goals for Currumbin as they defeated Bilambil 30-4. He started the match in the centres for the Eagles.

In total for Currumbin in the GCRL U18 Division One competition Daniel Butterini played in six matches before making a move to Murwillumbah in the NRRRL U18 competition.

Daniel Butterini’s first match for Murwillumbah in the U18 NRRRL competition was in Round Thirteen against Lower Clarence with his first NRRRL U18 try coming in Round Fourteen against Ballina and his second in the regular season finale being Round Eighteen against Tweed Heads. In total Daniel Butterini played in five regular season matches.

His 2019 NRRRL U18 campaign ended when Murwillumbah were defeated 26 – 10 by Byron Bay in the Elimination Final.

Daniel Butterini made his NRRRL First Grade debut in Round Seventeen of the 2019 season for Murwillumbah against Byron Bay and added to that in Week One of the NRRRL First Grade Finals series when he came off the bench in a 40 – 6 win over Casino RSM.

Daniel Butterini in 2019 was once again part of the PBC Open A rugby league side including starting from the bench in the Langer Cup A derby against Keebra Park in June.

Daniel Butterini was also part of the Titans U15 squad that played against a Balmain Tigers selection late in 2017 year, in that match Daniel Butterini spent the majority of the game in the centres.

At the start of the 2018 season, Daniel Butterini was part of the Gold Coast Vikings Yellow side that competed in the U16 South East Queensland Challenge and post that competition was called up to be part of the South East Queensland Green side for the Queensland U16 Age Championships playing all four of their matches including the Championship final which SEQ Green won 30 – 18 SEQ White.

Daniel Butterini played his club rugby league this season with Currumbin playing in twelve U16 Division One matches including the finals series scoring three tries in total, including a double against Mudgeeraba and also scored early in the season against Runaway Bay.

Daniel Butterini started for Currumbin in the U16 Division One Grand Final but was on the losing side with Nerang coming out victorious 24 – 8.

Daniel Butterini also played one match this season in the U17 Division One competition with that match coming against the Bilambil Jets late in the 2018 season.

Daniel Butterini was selected this season in the South Coast U15 QSSRL side in 2017. Earlier in the 2017 season Daniel Butterini was also selected in the Group 18 U15 squad after representing Group 18 at the U14 level in 2016 where he played primarily at fullback in the New South Wales Country Age Championships.

In late 2015 Daniel Butterini was named on the wing for the Titans U13 development squad for their match against a Toowoomba U14 selection, but unfortunately he did not participate in the match due to injury. In 2014 Daniel Butterini was named in the New South Wales North Coast U12 rugby league side from the Burringbar Public School in Murwillumbah.

mdrew

13-02-20, 05:36 PM

Simon Pratt has been named to start at lock for the Northern Rivers Titans in Round One of the 2020 U18 Laurie Daley Cup against the Parramatta Eels at Cudgen on Saturday.

Simon Pratt is moving from Casino RSM where he had an outstanding 2019 season to the Lismore Marist Brothers Rams for the 2020 NRRRL season.

The Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup squad in 2019 was very young one with a number of players from the successful 2018 U16 Andrew Johns Cup squad moving up.

One player was outstanding St Johns College Woodlawn second rower Simon Pratt from the Casino RSM club who started Round One of the competition at lock against the Newcastle Knights Development Squad. In the match, Simon Pratt who captained the side was heavily involved throughout both in attack and defence.

After missing Round Two Simon Pratt was back in his customary lock position for the Round Three match against the Northern Coast Bulldogs and also started there in Round Four against the Central Coast Roosters and Round Five against the Greater Northern Tigers.

In Round Five, Simon Pratt scored the Titans first try when he ran onto a good pass from hooker Zac Hicks to crash over from close to the line.

In April 2019 Simon Pratt was selected in the New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges (CCC) Lismore Diocese U18 side for the NSW CCC selection trials held in Sydney in May.

After the completion of the Laurie Daley Cup competition Simon Pratt started for Casino RSM in the NRRRL U18 competition, playing in eight matches scoring against Tweed Heads and Kyogle.

Simon Pratt made his deserved NRRRL U18 debut at just 17 years old in Round Sixteen against Lismore Marist Brothers and also played in First Grade in Round Seventeen against Evans Head.

Simon Pratt made his first NRRRL First Grade Finals appearance when he started in the second row in Week One of the Finals in a 40 – 6 loss to Murwillumbah. Simon Pratt also came off the bench in Week two of the Finals as Casino RSM progressed to the Preliminary Final on the back of an 18 – 14 win over the Tweed Coast Raiders.

Simon Pratt was also part of the Casino RSM side that bowed out of the competition after losing their Preliminary Final to Murwillumbah in an intense spiteful match that included a sending off and a sin binning for foul play.

In 2018 Simon Pratt played in five matches for Northern Rivers in the Andrew Johns Cup competition, scoring one try.

Post that competition Simon Pratt played in eleven matches for Casino RSM in the Group One U16.5 competition scoring eight tries, including scoring doubles against Ballina in two separate matches. He also scored against Lismore Marist Brothers in two matches, Kyogle and Clarence Coast.

Simon Pratt also played two matches for the New South Wales Country U16 side in 2018 with those matches being against PNG and Lismore and a Titans U16 side in Cudgen.

In 2017 Simon Pratt played eight matches, including the Grand Final for Casino RSM in the U15 Group One Junior Rugby League competition scoring just the once which came against Lismore Marist Brothers mid-season. Simon Pratt started in the second row in all eight of his matches.

2017 also saw Simon Pratt represent Group One at the U15 level in the New South Wales Country Age Championships starting all three of his matches in the second row and from St Johns College Woodlawn was selected in the New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges U15 Northern Region squad once again in the second row. A team mate in the NSW CCC U15 side was Titans contracted outstanding young half back Thomas Weaver.

In 2017 Simon Pratt played eight matches, including the Grand Final for Casino RSM in the U15 Group One Junior Rugby League competition scoring just the once which came against Lismore Marist Brothers mid-season. Simon Pratt started in the second row in all eight of his matches.

2017 also saw Simon Pratt represent Group One at the U15 level in the New South Wales Country Age Championships starting all three of his matches in the second row and from St Johns College Woodlawn was selected in the New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges U15 Northern Region squad once again in the second row. A team mate in the NSW CCC U15 side was Titans contracted outstanding young half back Thomas Weaver.

mdrew

13-02-20, 05:57 PM

Henry Lee has been named to start from the bench for the Northern Rivers Titans in Round One of the 2020 U18 Laurie Daley Cup against the Parramatta Eels at Cudgen on Saturday.

The young Titans linked second rower from the Lismore Marist Brothers club in the Group One Junior Rugby League competition had an outstanding season in the U16.5 competition culminating in him being named the Lismore Marist Brothers U16.5 Player of the Year. Henry Lee is currently part of the Titans Group One Development Squad.

Henry Lee started off the 2019 season as part of the all-conquering U16 Andrew Johns Northern Rivers Titans squad. When he came on (or started) Henry Lee operated at right second row.

Henry Lee started Round One of the Andrew Johns Cup on the bench against the Newcastle Knights Development squad. After missing Rounds Two and three Henry Lee started Round Four against the Central Coast Roosters in the second row before reverting back to the bench for Round Five against the Greater Northern Tigers, the Andrew Johns Cup semi-final win over Penrith and the Grand Final victory 18 – 6 against the Western Rams.

Henry Lee’s sole try of the campaign came in Round Five against the Greater Northern Tigers when he chased through a bomb from Thomas Weaver and after the ball was dropped by the fullback, Henry Lee was on hand to dive on the ball before it went dead in goal.

For Lismore Marist Brothers in the 2019 Group One U16.5 Junior Rugby League competition Henry Lee played in nine regular season matches scoring seven tries for a strike rate of 77.77%. Henry Lee scored doubles against Lismore Marist Brothers Gold and Casino RSM as well as scoring in matches against Kyogle, Ballina and Lismore Marist Brothers Gold.

In Week One of the Group One U16.5 Finals series, Henry Lee scored for Lismore Marist Brothers Gold as they qualified for the Grand Final by defeating South Grafton 32 – 0. Unfortunately for Henry Lee his side lost the Grand Final to Ballina 21 – 14.

Some of Henry Lee’s tries this season were quite outstanding including a ninety one metre effort against Kyogle. Henry Lee took the ball to the right of the play the ball which initially looked like a simple hit-up to get Lismore Marist Brothers out of trouble, but three right foot steps later and a sixty metre run down the left touch line produced an outstanding Henry Lee try.

Henry Lee also scored an outstanding try against Lismore Gold when he took the ball fifty metres out down a short left side blind side, bursting through two initial attempted tackles before stepping inside the fullback to score with the fullback vainly attempting to tackle him.

Playing five eight Henry Lee also scored two impressive tries against Casino RSM. Henry Lee’s first try came down the left of the field when he ran into a gap forty metres out and was able to round the Casino RSM fullback to bring the ball around to put it down near the left goal post.

Henry Lee’s second try against Casino RSM came after a ten metre run when he took the ball off the dummy half near the Casino RSM line. On his way to scoring midway between the corner post and goal post on the left side of the field, Henry Lee broke three tackles and dragged additional defenders across the line.

In 2018 in the Group One U15 competition for Lismore Marist Brothers Henry Lee ended the season with a strike rate of 100% from twelve matches. Henry Lee scored doubles against South Grafton in two separate matches. Henry Lee amongst others also scored against Clarence Coast, Ballina, South Grafton and Kyogle twice.

From a trivia perspective, Henry Lee is the son of former Cronulla Sharks front rower Danny Lee and his older brother is former Titans NYC player Isaac Lee.

mdrew

14-02-20, 11:41 AM

Titans U15 sides will be playing at Burleigh from 1pm prior to the Bears trials against Easts. If you are going if you could get there to watch the U15’s I am sure that they would appreciate the support as they chase their dream.

mdrew

14-02-20, 04:09 PM

One player who I anticipate will be a key contributor for the Burleigh MM Cup side in 2020 is Syris Schmidt.

The young five eight is originally from the Ormeau Shearers club on the Gold Coast and after attending Keebra Park High School for a number of years took up a rugby scholarship with TSS in 2018 year playing in their U15A side and in 2019 year played for the Gold Coast based School in their First XV in the GPS school boy rugby competition with a team mate being Titans contracted centre Kaleb Ngamanu.

Syris Schmidt started at half for the Titans U16 squad in their early October 2019 match against PNG at Pizzey Park. In the match Syris Schmidt was instrumental in a number of tries, including a good flat pass to he left for Orlando Swain to score in the second half.

After starting the majority of TSS’s First XV 2019 GPS trials at fly half (No. 10), Syris Schmidt started there in Round One against Nudgee College and had a solid game in their heart stopping after the final siren one point win.

Syris Schmidt also started at five half in Round Two against Churchie producing an assured performance highlighted by some deft short passing and some raking left foot tactical kicking. For his performance, Syris Schmidt was awarded one point in the 2019 TSS First XV Rounds Two points’ award by the First XV coach.

Syris Schmidt continued his solid form in Round Three once against starting at No. 10 against Brisbane State High and was very effective defensively and also started at No. 10 in Round Four against Toowoomba Grammar School, producing an assured display.

Round Five against Brisbane Grammar School also saw Syris Schmidt in the No. 10 jersey for the TSS First XV scoring his career first GPS First XV try in the match.

In the critical Round Six match against BBC Syris Schmidt had limited ball playing time due to the rushing defence but more than held his own as TSS remained undefeated on the back of a 23 – 20 away win.

Syris Schmidt added a try assist in Round Seven in a big 54 – 24 win against Gregory Terrace when he put up a pin point left foot kick which literally went the entire width of the field and was perfectly weighted.

Syris Schmidt started the critical Round Eight match against Ipswich Grammar School once again at fly half as TSS won the GPS First XV Premiership after drawing 29 all.

Syris Schmidt post the 2019 GPS First XV competition was named at fly half in the fam nominated Courier Mail GPS First XV Team of Year after receiving 34.4% of the votes for the fly half (no. 10) position.

Syris Schmidt started the 2019 season representing the Gold Coast Vikings U16 White side in the South East Queensland U16 Pre-season Challenge. Playing in all of their matches. Syris Schmidt had a big Round One match when he scored and kicked a conversion against Brisbane Green and also kicked conversions against Ipswich and Brisbane Blue.

In 2018, in relation to club rugby league on the Gold Coast, Syris Schmidt played for Ormeau in the U15 Division One competition, playing ten matches and finishing with a strike rate of 90%. To cap off his 2018 season Syris Schmidt was named U15 Division One Player of the Grand Final in the Shearers victory.

Syris Schmidt scored a hat trick in Round Five of 2018 against Coomera and added a Round Four double against Mudgeeraba. Syris Schmidt, in 2018, also scored in Rounds Six, Seven, Nine and Eleven against Runaway Bay, Robina and Runaway Bay twice more.

Syris Schmidt represented South Coast in the 2018 QSSRL U15 Championships and has been named in the U15 Queensland White side for next week’s ASSRL U16 Championships where team mates were Titans contracted Ezra Ubaldino and Brody Smitka.

Syris Schmidt played the GPS 2018 season with the TSS U15A side spending time at inside centre, outside centre and fly half playing in all of TSS’s matches.

In the 2017 GPS rugby season for the TSS U14A side, Syris Schmidt played in seven matches. Syris Schmidt started the season on the bench for the TSS U14A side making his TSS Rugby debut in Round One against Brisbane Stet High School.

Syris Schmidt broke into the TSS U14A starting line-up in Round Eight against St Joseph’s Nudgee College starting the match at No. 10 (fly half) and was named Best Back in his starting debut. Syris Schmidt also started in Round Nine this time at inside centre against Churchie.

In 2017 for the Ormeau Shearers, Syris Schmidt played eight matches in the U14 Division One competition, scoring seven tries and kicking a conversion to finish with 26 points. Syris Schmidt scored four tries in a match against Runaway Bay and a double against Nerang.

Syris Schmidt represented Keebra Park in the Renouf Cup competition in 2016. Syris Schmidt also represented the U13 Vikings side that went through the Hill Stumer Championships undefeated and also represented South East Queensland Green at the U13 level in the Queensland Age Championships which were held in Toowoomba.

In 2015 Syris Schmidt represented Queensland at the U12 level. For the Queensland U12 side, he scored two tries across the competition that Queensland won, including scoring a try against Western Australia in their round 3 victory and another against Victoria in their 52 – 0 semi-final victory.

For Ormeau in the U13 GCJRL competition in 2016, Syris Schmidt finished as the leading try scorer with 22 tries from ten matches, two in front of former Keebra Park team mate Tuvallo-Afoa Khan Pereira. Syris Schmidt scored six tries in a match against Currumbin and also scored two hat tricks which came against Jimboomba and Runaway Bay.

For South East Queensland Green in the Queensland Age Championships in 2016, Syris Schmidt scored four tries, including a hat trick on Day Two in a big 44 – 4 win over the Northern Marlins and he also scored on Day Three in a 40 – 10 victory over SEQ White.

For the U13 Vikings, he played an under stated role leading his team around the field but on Day Two against Ipswich, after mainly setting up his support runners, he started to run more in the second half including a superb play late in the match where he drifted across the field and threw a great dummy before accelerating through the Ipswich defensive line to score under the posts.

In relation to Schoolboy rugby league, Syris Schmidt also had a great year in 2015 for Keebra Park culminating in him being selected at five eight in the Keebra Park team of the year. Playing for the U13 Renouf Cup side, Syris Schmidt scored five tries across the Rounds, including against Ipswich SHS in Round Two, two tries against Marsden in Round Five, a try against local rivals PBC in Round Six and in the Round of 16 had a great game against Ipswich once again when he split the line to score from 40 metres out with his first touch and also late in the match popped a great ball to Tuvallo-Afoa Khan-Pereira to score.

mdrew

14-02-20, 11:10 PM

2021 Titans NRL signing Tino Faasuamaleaui led the Melbourne Storm in metres made in their first match of the Nine's tonight with 58m, ten of which were post contact and also made a tackle.

mdrew

15-02-20, 12:11 AM

Great to see Titans Rookie Squad member Jaylon To'0 named in the Tweed Heads Seagulls Queensland Cup squad for their trial tomorrow against Souths Logan.

mdrew

15-02-20, 12:32 AM

Former Cowboys NYC player and 2019 Townsville Blackhawk front rower Jack Glossop will start from the bench for Tweed Heads tomorrow in their Queensland Cup trial against Souths Logan.

mdrew

15-02-20, 07:10 AM

Former Australian school boy representative and Parramatta U20 star Jesse Cronin will start from the bench for Tweed Heads tomorrow in their Queensland Cup trial against Souths Logan.

mdrew

15-02-20, 07:21 AM

Great to see Titans Rookie Squad member Caleb Hodges named in the Tweed Heads Seagulls Queensland Cup squad for their trial tonight against Souths Logan.

mdrew

15-02-20, 10:01 PM

Great effort by the three Tweed Heads sides today, wins in the MM and QCup sides and a Colts drew against Souths Logan.

mdrew

16-02-20, 08:03 AM

Burleigh against Easts Tigers trial results:

Meninga Cup - Tigers 20 def Bears 4
Hastings Deering Colts - Bears 20 def Tigers 16
ISC - Tigers 28 def Bears 16.

mdrew

16-02-20, 08:26 AM

Grafton Ghosts youngster Elliott Speed started at half and kicked four from seven for North Coast in their victory in Round One of the U18 Laurie Daley Cup against Central Coast yesterday.

mdrew

16-02-20, 11:01 AM

Great to see Reshawn Anderson play so well yesterday for one of the Titans U15 sides that played in a round robin yesterday.

mdrew

17-02-20, 05:43 PM

Video of the Titans U15 matches on the weekend.

https://www.titans.com.au/news/2020/02/17/gold-coast-jts-u15s-trials/

mdrew

18-02-20, 04:36 PM

Tanu Nona was named to start at hooker for the Northern Rivers Titans in Round One of the 2020 U16 Andrew Johns Cup against the Parramatta Eels at Cudgen however the match was cancelled due to the wet conditions but he has been named at hooker again for Round Two this weekend against Newcastle.

In 2019 Tanu Nona was selected on the inter change bench for the Group 18 U14 side for the New South Wales Country Age Championships and played for Byron Bay/Lennox Heads in the Group 18 U15 competition.

Previously Tanu Nona played for the Currumbin Eagles in the Gold Coast Junior Rugby League competition before his move to his current Northern New South Wales club.

Post the 2020 U16 Andrew Johns Cup competition Tanu Nona will line up for Byron Bay/Lennox Heads in the Group 18 U16 competition.

mdrew

18-02-20, 05:11 PM

The older brother of Titans star AJ, Will Brimson is a talented player in his own right. After a solid career in the NYC competition with the Brisbane Bronco’s Will Brimson started to carve out a career in the Queensland Cup with the Wynnum Manly Seagulls in 2017.

After taking a two year break from rugby league Will Brimson looking to make his mark in 2020 with the Tweed Heads Seagulls and at only 24 years old there is plenty more to come for the backline utility.

Will Brimson’s first match of the season came in Tweed Heads first “official” trial against Souths Logan last weekend when he started from the bench as the Seagulls prevailed seven tries to three at Tugun in wet conditions.

Will Brimson joined the Wynnum Manly Seagulls for the start of the 2017 season after graduating from the NYC competition at the end of the 2016 season playing in sixteen matches in his debut Queensland Cup season. In those matches Will Brimson scored tries in Round Two against the Northern Pride and in Round Eighteen against the Central Queensland Capra’s. Will Brimson started eleven matches at five eight, two at half, one in the centres and his remaining matches from the interchange bench.

In total in the Queensland Cup in 2017, Will Brimson played 1 124 minutes, running for 810 metres and made 162 tackles. His 2017 per game averages included playing 70 minutes running for 51 metres and making 10 tackles. In Rounds Fourteen and Seventeen Will Brimson ran for 103 metres with the games being against Tweed Heads and South’s Logan.

Will Brimson spent three years in the Bronco’s NYC side, being from 2014 through to 2016 playing forty matches in total, the majority of those at halfback. In 2016 Will Brimson scored nine tries and

mdrew

18-02-20, 05:24 PM

Tana Heron was named on an extended bench the Northern Rivers Titans in Round One of the 2020 U16 Andrew Johns Cup against the Parramatta Eels at Cudgen however the match was cancelled due to the wet conditions.

However Tana Heron ahs been named to start in the second row for Round Two this Saturday against Newcastle at Ballina.

In 2019 Tana Heron started in the second row for the Group One U15 side at the New South Wales Country Age Championships and also represented Group One at the U14 level in 2018 primarily from the interchange bench on those occasions.

In 2019 Tena Heron played for the Kyogle Turkeys in the Group One U15 competition scoring twenty four points from four tries and four goals in eleven matches.

Post the 2020 U16 Andrew Johns Cup competition Tana Heron will line up for the Kyogle Turkeys in the Group One U16.5 competition and may even sneak a match or two in the NRRRL U18 competition as the season progresses.

mdrew

18-02-20, 05:37 PM

One player that I am looking forward to watching for the Tweed Heads Seagulls in the Mm Cup competition this season is Yorel Alapaki. The young Hooker, lock or second rower moved over from Auckland at the start of 2019 to play with the Southport Tigers in the Gold Coast Rugby League U18 Division One competition.

Yorel Alapaki’s first match of the 2020 season was when he was part of the Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup squad that defeated the Souths Logan Magpies in a trial at Tugun.

In 2019 Yorel Alapaki started Round One of the Gold Coast Rugby League competition at hooker. Yorel Alapaki then moved to lock for Round Two against Currumbin. Yorel Alapaki scored his first try on the Gold Coast in Round Three against Runaway Bay as Southport prevailed 26 – 14 and kicked his first goal in Round Five.

Yorel Alapaki was back in Auckland playing for Marist Saints against Manurewa Allstars in mid-June.

I had thought that Yorel Alapaki was back in New Zealand for good but he was back starting at hooker for Southport in Round twelve against Tugun and also started at hooker in Round Thirteen against Mudgeeraba.

In total for Southport in the GCRL U18 Division One regular season competition Yorel Alapaki played in eight matches alternating between lock and hooker (as well as a match or two off the bench), scoring six points as noted above.

Yorel Alapaki also started at lock for Southport in their 28 – 20 U18 Division One Preliminary Final win over Ormeau to progress to the Grand Final against Burleigh and also started at lock in Southport’s 28 -12 Grand Final loss to Burleigh. When the match got ‘physical’ in the second half Yorel Alapaki was certainly in the thick of the action, charging around and making his presence felt both in attack and defence for Southport.

In 2018 Yorel Alapaki played in the Auckland Junior Rugby League U16 competition for Marist Saints. 2018 also saw Yorel Alapaki, who is also an accomplished softball player, represent Howick College in the 2018 New Zealand National Secondary Schools Development Tournament.

In that competition, Yorel Alapaki played in five matches with those matches being against Sir Edmund Hillary College, Onehunga High School twice, Naenae College and Whangaparaoe College. Yorel Alapaki started all five matches at lock for Howick College and scored in both finals matches being against Onehunga High School and Whangaparaoe College.

Yorel Alapaki’s try against Onehunga High School was a case where he just wanted to score more than the defence wanted to stop him. The Howick College centre on the right, Francis Morrison, cut back inside and ran across field, Yorel Alapaki ran straight at a hole in the defensive line and upon receiving the pass barged his way over adjacent to the right upright dragging a couple of defenders with him.

Yorel Alapaki’s try against Whangaparaoe College could not have been more different to the one discussed above. Yorel Alapaki took a hit-up on the left side of the field about sixty five metres out from the try line and after breaking through the defensive line by running over a defender outpaced the Whangaparaoe College cover defence to score an impressive try.

Late in 2018 Yorel Alapaki was the co-captain of the Auckland Niue U16 side that played an Auckland U16 side, starting that match in the second row. In 2018 Yorel Alapaki was also captain of the Northern side in the New Zealand Development Rugby League Finals held in March.

Yorel Alapaki also represented the Cook Islands in the U18 Rugby League Oceania Sevens tournament scoring against the Solomon Islands in Round Four.

In 2017 Yorel Alapaki represented the Akarana Falcons U15’s at the New Zealand National Age Championships playing in matches against the Auckland Vulcans and the Northern Swords.

mdrew

18-02-20, 06:16 PM

Reshawn Anderson’s first 2020 hit-out came for one of the three Titans U15 sides that played round robin matches against each other in mid- February 2020 at Burleigh’s Pizzey Park. Reshawn Anderson’s team won both of their matches.

The Goal kicking front rower started his 2019 campaign in impressive fashion scoring two tries and kicking a conversion for Ballina as they defeated Casino RSM 54 – 4 in Round Two in the Group One U14 competition, Ballina had a Round One bye.

In Round Three Reshawn Anderson continued his impressive form scoring a try and kicking two conversions as Ballina defeated Clarence Coast 44 – 8. Reshawn Anderson also scored a Round Six double against Lismore Marist Brothers. In Round Twelve against Grafton Reshawn Anderson added a try and a goal to his season’s points tally.

Reshawn Anderson had a huge Round Thirteen match against Lismore Marist Brothers scoring three tries and kicking three goals to finish the match with eighteen points.

In total in the 2019 Group One U14 regular season competition Reshawn Anderson played in eight matches for Ballina scoring sixty two points from nine tries (113% strike rate) and thirteen goals to average just under eight points per game.

In Week One of the Finals series, Reshawn Anderson scored as Ballina progressed on the back of a 34 – 6 win over South Grafton and was also a member of the Grand Final winning side and fact was named the Player of the Match in the Grand Final.

Post the Grand Final Reshawn Anderson’s Group One U14 Ballina side was named Team of the Group One Junior Rugby League competition for their unbeaten season. On an individual level Reshawn Anderson was also named 2019 Group One U14 Representative Player of the Year.

Reshawn Anderson in 2019 also played two matches in the Group One U15 competition, making his debut against Casino RSM and scored his first try in that competition in Round Thirteen against Lismore Marist Brothers.

Reshawn Anderson was named in the front row for the Group One U14 Taipans for the New South Wales Country Age Championships that were held in Port Macquarie in late September. In Group One’s first qualifying match Reshawn Anderson kicked two conversions as Group One drew 14 all with Newcastle and added a try and a conversion in Group One’s Northern Cup semi-final.

In early in October Reshawn Anderson was part of a Titans U14/15 NRRRL side that went down 32 – 10 to the Titans U14 Gold Coast/Brisbane Academy side in a development match at Tweed Heads a match for me at least Reshawn Anderson was one of the NRRRL sides best.

Reshawn Anderson also represented Ballina Coast High School in multiple school boy competitions in 2019 including being part of the Ballina Coast High School side that won the 2019 U15 Titans Cup when they won all four of their matches on the day.

Ballina Coast’s wins were against Alstonville High School 11 – 10 in Round One, St Joseph’s Banora Point 20 – 4 in Round Two, Woodlawn College 12 – 6 in the semi-final and Alstonville 18 – 6 in the Grand Final.

The powerful Ballina Seagulls junior had a great season in the 2018 Group One U13 competition where he scored seven tries and kicked seven goals to finish with 42 points from his eleven matches.

In 2018 Reshawn Anderson scored doubles against South Grafton and Casino RSM and also scored in other matches against South Grafton, Kyogle and Lismore Marist Brothers over the course of the season.

With the boot Reshawn Anderson kicked two conversions in a late season match against Clarence Coast in 2018 with the remainder of his seven goals coming from individual matches over the course of the season as well

mdrew

19-02-20, 03:46 PM

Titan Will Evans will start on the right wing for Burleigh against the Titans on Friday night.

mdrew

20-02-20, 06:41 PM

Great story (and highlights) on Jayden Campbell who will come off the bench for the Titans in their trial tomorrow night against Burleigh.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/titans/preston-campbells-free-spirited-off-the-cuff-son-jayden-set-to-feature-in-titans-trial/news-story/d36513746636a443f50dadc0f6ddd0d0?fbclid=IwAR3pEo9w AQUA-q6JqK-CfdBiEqX6bubBXyWFvmU2z5IhxfFhXuu3Wj-mJZo

mdrew

21-02-20, 06:13 PM

Great story on the Official Site about Toby Sexton

https://www.titans.com.au/news/2020/02/20/sexton-excited-about-opportunity/

mdrew

22-02-20, 11:27 AM

Good win by the Northern Rivers Titans U16's this morning at Ballina against Newcastle in Round Two of the Andrew Johns Cup 28-22.

Multiple Titans linked scorers included Travis May with a double, Jamal Laurie, Michael Roberts, Damon Coldwell and Patrick Gray.

mdrew

22-02-20, 01:03 PM

Northern Rivers Titans U18's defeated Newcastle 54-16 with Thomas Weaver kicking nine from nine.

mdrew

22-02-20, 06:07 PM

Tino Faasuamaleaui was outstanding today for the Storm in their NRL trial victory against the Warriors in NZ.

mdrew

22-02-20, 06:18 PM

Grafton Ghosts half Elliott Speed kicked four from six this morning for North Coast in their Round Two Laurie Daley Cup victory 32-12 against the Parramatta Eels.

mdrew

22-02-20, 11:15 PM

If anyone doubts the quality of the Titans JTS system with they been to look no further than the performances of the Northern Rivers titans U16 and U18 sides today in Ballina against Newcastle. both sides were simply outstanding, worth the three drive down.

mdrew

23-02-20, 12:12 AM

Reading the reviews (and a second look at the match) of the Storm victory over the Storm this afternoon, one thing is clear Tino Faasuamaleaui was absolutely outstanding.

mdrew

23-02-20, 10:24 AM

Titans contracted Josiah Pahulu has been named in the final Ipswich U16 squad for the upcoming South East Queensland U16 Challenge.

mdrew

23-02-20, 10:36 AM

Titans contracted Antioch Faitala-Mariner has been named in the initial South East Queensland U16 squad for their upcoming trials.

mdrew

24-02-20, 12:28 PM

Great to see Titan Lofi Khan-Periera get some time and touches in Friday nights trial against Burleigh.

mdrew

24-02-20, 05:04 PM

It was great to see an old fashioned mouse trap play late in the Andrew Johns Cup U16 Round Two match on Saturday.

Northern Rivers Titans hooker Tanu Nona ran over the top of the ball to the right of the play the ball leaving the ball to right centre and Titans linked Michael Roberts who took off to the left and forced his way over the try line from close range in the left corner of the field

mdrew

24-02-20, 05:19 PM

Not all of the talented youngsters involved in the Titans/Burleigh Trial match on Friday night wore Titans colours. One Burleigh youngster who made an impact was second row/front rower Tyler Szepanoswki who started from the bench for the Bears.

When he came on Tyler Szepanoswki was effective running for eighty two metres (thirty post contact) and made twenty three tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Tyler Szepanowski started the 2019 season in the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts side, playing the opening eight rounds in the front row before being promoted to the Burleigh GCRL First Grade side, starting from the bench in Round Seven in a 16 all draw with Tugun.

In Week Two of the Finals Tyler Szapanowski scored in Burleigh’s 42 – 12 win against Norths after starting the match in the front row. Tyler Szapanowski ran onto a Cameron Brown pass in the second half barging over near the left upright after an impressive run especially post contact and dragged three Norths defenders over the line with him.

In total in the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition for Burleigh Tyler Szapanowski played in eleven matches starting all in the front row and in fact he captained the side for the first half of the season prior to his promotion to the Burleigh GCRL First Grade side.

In addition to his Finals Week Two try, Tyler Szepanowski’s other try of the season came in Round two against the Ipswich Jets.

Tyler Szapanowski made his 2019 GCRL First Grade starting debut in Round Eleven against Bilambil when he started in the front row and also started in the front row in Round Sixteen against Tugun and Round Seventeen against Runaway Bay.

In total in the 2019 GCRL First Grade competition for Burleigh Tyler Szapanowski played in eight matches, including starting in the front row in Burleigh’s Major Semi-final 26 – 12 win over Currumbin.

Tyler Szapanowski also started in the front row as Burleigh won the GCRL First Grade Grand Final by defeating Southport 30 -12.

Tyler Szepanowski started the 2018 season in the Burleigh Bears Hastings Deering’s U20 Colts squad starting his opening ten matches in the front row before being promoted to the Burleigh Gold Coast Rugby League First Grade side where he has stayed since that time.

In the GCRL First Grade competition Tyler Szepanowski made his debut against Southport in June and went on to play in seven matches and scored his first and to date only try against Tugun in late July. For Burleigh in the GCRL First Grade side Tyler Szepanowski on the majority of occasions has come off the bench but he has started one or two matches at lock towards the end of the season.

In 2017 Tyler Szepanowski was part of the Central Queensland Capra’s U18 squad after having a solid season in Schoolboy rugby league in 2016. The young front rower was the St Brendan’s College Co-captain a great achievement for the young man who came to the school from Moranbah and also was part of the St Brendan’s side that made the 2016 Final of the Confraternity Shield where they played Ignatius Park in that final.

Tyler Szepanowski was approached by the Titans after the Capra’s Round Three match against the Burleigh Bears MM side in 2017 at Browne Park and is probably the first player the Titans have signed with a Prussian heritage.

For the Central Queensland Capra’s MM side in 2017 Tyler Szepanowski started in five of their six matches, in each of his starts Tyler Szepanowski played in the front row. Tyler Szepanowski only missed the final round being Round Six.

Tyler Szepanowski scored two tries in the five matches with his tries coming in Rounds One and Two against the Central Crows and Redcliffe Dolphins. Tyler Szepanowski also captained the Capra’s in their Round Five matches against eventual MM champions the Western Mustangs.

At the completion of the MM competition in 2017, Tyler Szepanowski moved to playing first grade in the Rockhampton Rugby League competition with Brothers Rockhampton making his First Grade debut in late April against the North’s Chargers. In total Tyler Szepanowski played in thirteen Rockhampton RL First Grade matches and scored his sole first grade try in June against Woorabinda.

Tyler Szepanowski started all of his first grade matches in the second row. Late in the 2017 season, Tyler Szepanowski also played one match in the Rockhampton Rugby League U20 competition with the match being against Brothers Rockhampton.

At the Rockhampton Senior Rugby League awards in late 2017 Tyler Szepanowski was named at the Rockhampton Rugby League First Grade Rookie of the Year.

Tyler Szepanowski who trailed for the Parramatta Eels Harrold Matthews side in 2015 won the Coaches Award at the 2016 St Brendan’s Sports Awards night and represented the Queensland Capra’s in the CC Cup competition in 2016 and also Capricornia U15 side in 2014 at the QSSRL U15 Championships.

mdrew

24-02-20, 05:35 PM

Greg Leleisiuao has made an immediate impression on the Titans coaching staff since his return being named in the Titans 2020 NRL 9’s 18 man squad.

In the Titans opening match against the Canberra Raiders, Greg Leleisiuao ran for fifty seven metres on five carries, scoring a try, made a line break, broke four tackles and also made a tackle.

In the Titans quarter final victory over Manly Greg Leleisiuao ran for forty seven metres from four hit-ups and made three tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency. In the Titans semi-final loss to North Queensland Greg Leleisiuao ran for a team leading ninety three metres on five runs, made a line break, broke two tackles and made two tackles.

In total in the 2020 NRL Nine’s tournament, Greg Leleisiuao played in three matches, ran for 197 metres from fourteen, scored a try, broke six tackles, made two line breaks and made six tackles.

Greg Leleisiuao also started on the right wing for the Titans first NRL trial of 2020 against Burleigh at Pizzey Park. In his time on the Greg Lelesiuao ran for 112 metres (thirty four post contact), broke three tackles and had a 100% tackling efficiency.

mdrew

24-02-20, 05:52 PM

Titans contracted Jed Edwards started from the bench in the Titans first NRL trial of 2020 against Burleigh at Pizzey Park on Friday night coming on in the second half in the dummy half role and recording a 100% tackling efficiency whilst making nine tackles.

mdrew

24-02-20, 06:11 PM

Tannah Boyd’s first 2020 appearance was for the Titans in the 2020 NRL 9’s 18 man tournament in Perth in February. In the Titans opening match against the Canberra Raiders, Tannah Boyd, in addition to kicking three conversions from as many attempts, ran for twenty four on three carries, had a try assist and made three tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Tannah Boyd made a further eight metres from a run and made two tackles in Game Two against the Wests Tigers. In the Titans semi-final loss to North Queensland Tannah Boyd ran for sixty four metres on four runs and made two tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

In total in the 2020 NRL Nine’s tournament, Tannah Boyd three matches, ran for ninety six metres from eight runs, converted three tries and made seven tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Tannah Boyd started at half for the Titans first NRL trial of 2020 against Burleigh at Pizzey Park kicking two conversions from three attempts in an assured display. In total in the match Tannah Boyd ran for forty three metres (five post contact) and made fifteen tackles at a tackling efficiency of 88.24%. In addition, Tannah Boyd made 260 metres from his eleven tactical kicks.

mdrew

24-02-20, 06:29 PM

Against his Titans team mates Will Evans had a big match for Burleigh in Friday night’s trial. He started on the right wing for the Burleigh Queensland Cup side in their 2020 trial against the Titans at Pizzey Park. Late in the match after switching to left centre Will Evans almost scored when he took an intercept ten metres out from his own line and burst down the left wing, only to be caught in an outstanding tackle a metre out from scoring by Jayden Campbell.

In total in the match Will Evans ran for 117 metres (eighty seven post contact) and made ten tackles at a 90.81% tackling efficiency.

mdrew

24-02-20, 06:43 PM

Tremain Spry’s first 2020 appearance was for the Titans in the 2020 NRL 9’s 18 man tournament in Perth in February. In the Titans opening match against the Canberra Raiders, Tremain Spry ran for thirty metres on three runs and made two tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

In the Titans quarter final victory over Manly Tremain Spry ran for thirty eight metres from three hit-ups and broke a team leading five tackles.

In total in the 2020 NRL Nine’s tournament, Tremain Spry played in two matches, ran for sixty eight metres from six runs, broke five tackles and made two of his own.

Tremain Spry started from the bench in the Titans first NRL trial of 2020 against Burleigh at Pizzey Park. In the match Tremain Spry ran for forty four metres, an impressive twenty one of which were post contact, broke three tackles and made eleven tackles.

mdrew

24-02-20, 07:06 PM

Erin Clark is making a strong case for selection in the Titans NRL Round One squad to play Canberra with his performances in 2020 to date.

Erin Clark made an immediate impression on the Titans coaching staff being named in the Titans 2020 NRL 9’s 18 man squad. In the Titans opening match against the Canberra Raiders, Erin Clark ran for ten metres on two carries and made a team leading ten tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Erin Clark made a further 37 metres from three run, broke a tackle and made five tackles in Game Two against the Wests Tigers. In the Titans semi-final loss to North Queensland Erin Clark ran for forty nine metres on four runs, broke a tackle and made two tackles.

In total in the 2020 NRL Nine’s tournament, Erin Clark played in three matches, ran for ninety six metres from nine runs, broke two tackles and made seventeen tackles.

Erin Clark also started at hooker for the Titans first NRL trial of 2020 against Burleigh at Pizzey Park and was one of the Titans best in their two point loss. In his time on the field Erin Clark ran for forty four metres (fourteen post contact), broke two tackles and made a team leading thirty seven tackles at a 94.87% tackling efficiency. In addition Erin Clark made seventy nine metres from three kicks out of dummy half, including a 40/20 late in the first half that led to the Titans first try.

mdrew

24-02-20, 07:19 PM

Great to see Brenton Daley-Holten in the Tweed Heads Colts side that played the NRRRL U23 side on the weekend.

mdrew

24-02-20, 07:45 PM

Former South Tweed Bear Zach Hicks is another young man looking to make a name for himself this season with the Tweeds Heads Seagulls Colts squad.

mdrew

24-02-20, 08:19 PM

Northern Rivers Titans U1i highlights start at 1 minute 42, most of the side are Titans contracted.

https://www.nswrl.com.au/news/2020/02/24/highlights--laurie-daley-cup-rd-2/

mdrew

24-02-20, 08:35 PM

Northern Rivers Titans U16 highlights start at 1 minute 15 seconds, most of the side are Titans linked.

https://www.nswrl.com.au/news/2020/02/24/highlights--andrew-johns-cup-rd-2/

mdrew

25-02-20, 05:41 AM

Titans NRL Development contract holder Kea Pere started in the second row for the Titans first NRL trial of 2020 against Burleigh at Pizzey Park last Friday night and certainly made an impression running for eighty nine metres (twenty four post contact), broke two tackles, had a line break assist and made thirty one tackles at a tackling efficiency of 93.94%.

mdrew

25-02-20, 04:51 PM

Great to see Jedd Windle named on the bench for the Northern Rivers Titans Round Three match this Saturday against Central Coast.

mdrew

25-02-20, 05:02 PM

Titan Riley Lack will move from five eight to centre for the Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup sides Round Three match against Central Coast this Saturday.

mdrew

25-02-20, 05:18 PM

Great to see Stand out Titans contracted left second rower Ryan Foran named on an extended bench for the Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup sides Round Three match against Central Coast this Saturday.

It will be a return from a long term injury if Ryan Foran makes the final squad.

mdrew

25-02-20, 05:30 PM

Depth in the second row will be in an issue for the Tweed Heads Seagulls U20 Colts squad in 2020 with the likes of Lachlan Hallard in the squad.

The Bilambil Jets and former South Tweed Bear junior was outstanding over the course of the 2018 and 2019 seasons as part of the Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup squad and in 2020 is part of the Tweed Heads Seagulls Hastings Deering’s Colts squad.

One of Lachlan Hallard’s first appearances for the Seagulls Colts squad was in their trial against the U23 NRRRL representative side.

In the 2019 U18 Laurie Daley Cup competition, Lachlan Hallard started Round One in the right centre position for the Northern Rivers Titans in their clash against the Newcastle Knights Development Squad.

Round Two of the 2019 Laurie Daley Cup competition saw Lachlan Hallard start their match against Parramatta from the interchange bench.

Lachlan Hallard was back in the starting line-up for the Northern Rivers Titans side at right centre in their derby match against the North Coast Bulldogs in Round Three.

In Round Four against the Central Coast Roosters Lachlan Hallard started at five eight for the Northern Rivers Titans and was a solid performer in the five eight position.

Lachlan Hallard also started at five eight in Round Five against the Greater Northern Tigers and scored when he darted out of dummy half to his right near to score adjacent to the right goal post, with Thomas Vickery kicking the resultant conversion.

After the completion of the 2019 Laurie Daley Cup competition Lachlan Hallard lined up for Cudgen in Round One of the U18 NRRRL competition, starting in the centres and scoring as his Hornets side went down 28-16 to Lismore Marist Brothers.

In the 2019 NRRRL U18 regular season competition Lachlan Hallard played in fifteen of Cudgen’s matches scoring eight tries along the way. In addition to a double against Tweed Heads, Lachlan Hallard also scored in matches against Lismore Marist Brothers, Lower Clarence, Ballina, Casino RSM, Byron Bay and Kyogle.

In Week One of the 2019 U18 NRRRL Finals series Lachlan Hallard was part of the Cudgen side that progressed after defeating Lismore Marist Brothers 24 – 10. Lachlan Hallard also started in Cudgen’s Preliminary Final victory over Byron Bay and their 24 – 6 Grand Final loss to Ballina.

In Round One after playing in the NRRRL U18 match Lachlan Hallard then backed up coming off the bench in the Reserve Grade match which co-incidentally also finished 28 – 16 will Lismore Marist Brothers also winning that match.

In June 2019 Lachlan Hallard made his NRRRL First Grade debut when he played against Lismore Marist Brothers.

In 2018 Lachlan Hallard played in three matches for the Northern Rivers Titans Laurie Daley Cup squad, starting each of those in the second row and scored in Rounds Four and Five against the Central Coast Roosters and Greater Northern Tigers respectively.

Post the 2018 Laurie Daley Cup competition Lachlan Hallard played in three different competitions for the Bilambil Jets in the Gold Coast Rugby League competition.

In the 2018 U17 Division One competition, Lachlan Hallard played in eight matches and in the U19 competition, he played in seven, making his debut against Helensvale in May and scored his sole try in the GCRL competition against Burleigh in August.

At just 17 years old, Lachlan Hallard made his GCRL First Grade debut in Round Sixteen against the Burleigh Bears, starting the match at fullback. Lachlan Hallard also started at fullback in Round Seventeen against Currumbin with following week

mdrew

25-02-20, 05:43 PM

Jai Whitbread’s first 2020 appearance was for the Titans in the 2020 NRL 9’s 18 man tournament in Perth in February. In the Titans opening match against the Canberra Raiders, Jai Whitbread ran for twenty seven metres on three carries and made six tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency. Jai Whitbread made a further forty three metres from four runs, scored a try, made a line break, broke three tackles and made seven tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency in Game Two against the Wests Tigers.

In the Titans quarter final victory over Manly Jai Whitbread ran for twenty two metres from three hit-ups and made five tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency. In the Titans semi-final loss to North Queensland Jai Whitbread in addition to scoring his second tournament try ran for forty metres on four runs, made a line break, broke two tackles and made four tackles.

In total in the 2020 NRL Nine’s tournament, Jai Whitbread played in all four of the Titans matches scoring two tries, ran for 132 metres from fourteen runs, broke five tackles, made two line breaks and made twenty two tackles at a 95.65% tackling efficiency.

mdrew

25-02-20, 05:55 PM

Sam Stone’s first 2020 appearance was for the Titans in the 2020 NRL 9’s 18 man tournament in Perth in February. In the Titans opening match against the Canberra Raiders, Sam Stone ran for thirty two metres on three carries and made six tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency. Sam Stone made a further twenty seven metres from three runs, broke a tackle and made three tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency in Game Two against the Wests Tigers.

In the Titans quarter final victory over Manly Sam Stone ran for twenty eight metres from three hit-ups and made two tackles. In the Titans semi-final loss to North Queensland Sam Stone ran for thirty two metres on three and made two tackles.

In total in the 2020 NRL Nine’s tournament, Sam Stone played in all four of the Titans matches, ran for 119 metres from twelve runs, broke a tackle and made thirteen tackles.

Sam Stone also started in the second row for the Titans first NRL trial of 2020 against Burleigh at Pizzey Park last Friday night. In the match Sam Stone ran for eighty six metres (twenty seven post contact) and had a 100% tackling efficiency when making his nineteen tackles.

mdrew

26-02-20, 03:06 PM

Multiple Titans in the U16 Vikings training squad. Well done to all.

mdrew

26-02-20, 05:06 PM

I really liked the effort of Titans contracted Tristian Powell on Friday night against Burleigh.

He started from the bench in an impressive senior rugby league debut.

In total in the match Tristian Powell ran for 106 metres (thirty five post contact) and made fifteen tackles.

Tristian Powell was a member of the 2019 Queensland U18 Emerging Origin squad. Subsequently Tristian Powell was selected in the Queensland U18 side for their annual match against their New South Wales counter parts in a State or Origin curtain raiser starting in the front row.

Tristian Powell was immediately in the action in the match taking the second hit-up and winning a penalty for Queensland when he was held down too long as he fought to get a quick play the ball.

In the Interstate match, Tristian Powell played fifty five minutes of the match, running for 102.9 metres (32.3 post contact), had an offload and made a team leading twenty two tackles at a 88% tackling efficiency.

Tristian Powell played in five matches for Burleigh in the 2019 MM Cup competition starting all in the front row. Deservedly Tristian Powell was also named the 2019 Burliegh MM Cup Player of the Year.

In Round Four against Townsville, Tristian Powell was credited with a try assist when he popped a good short ball to his left for left second rower George Etuala-Noa to run into a yawning gap to score from around eight metres out.

Instead of playing Round Six in the 2019 MM Cup, Tristian Powell was promoted to the Burleigh U20 Hastings Deering’s Colts side starting in the second row against Wynnum Manly and celebrated his debut by scoring in the Bears big 50 – 20 victory.

Tristian Powell also had an outstanding game in Round Nine against Redcliffe playing right second row and was heavily involved in two of Burleigh’s tries. His first try involvement was when he off-loaded out the back of his hand to his right for Jayden Campbell to score and in relation to the second once again in a tackle Tristian Powell was able to get his arms free to offload to his right to Jayden Campbell who then drew the fullback for debutant Trey Peni to score his first Colts try.

Tristian Powell was also outstanding in Round Ten against the Northern Pride when he was at least the equal of any forward on the field, both in attack and defence.

Tristian Powell added a try assist in Round Twenty One against the Northern Powell when he produced a great right arm off-load to Shallin Fuller to score under the posts in the first half.

In Week Two of the Finals Tristian Powell scored an outstanding try in Burleigh’s 42 – 12 win against Norths after starting the match in the front row. Tristian Powell burst onto a pass on the right side of the field about twenty five metres out, running a slight inside shoulder route before rounding the fullback to scored adjacent to the right upright.

Tristian Powell’s 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts season came to an end when he started in the front row for Burleigh as they went down 23 – 16 to Sunshine Coast in the Preliminary Final

In total in the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition, Tristian Powell played in seventeen matches scoring two tries.

As noted above Tristian Powell came into the Burleigh Colts side in Round Six in the second row and went on to start in seven matches in the second row, one at lock being Round Eleven against Central Queensland, Round Sixteen from the interchange against Souths Logan and the remaining eight in the front row including Burleigh’s three 2019 finals. Tristian Powell’s first start in the front row came in Round Seventeen in the local derby against Tweed Heads.

In the 2019 Hastings Deering’s Colts Player of the Year Award tally Tristian Powell finished with three votes.

Tristian Powell was also part of the Titans U18 side that played North Queensland in the Titans v Warriors curtain raiser in June.

During the Round Nineteen Hastings Deering’s Colts bye week, Tristian Powell turned out for Burleigh in the GCRL U20 competition, starting from the bench and scoring in a Bears 40 – 14 win over Runaway Bay.

To cap off an outstanding 2019 season Tristian Powell, in late December was named in the 2020 Queensland U20 Emerging Origin Squad.

In the MM Cup competition in 2018 Tristian Powell played in six matches for the Norths Devils including their semi-final victory against the Mackay Cutters and North’s Grand Final loss to Souths Logan.

Tristian Powell started the opening two rounds of the season in the front row and Round Three against Souths Logan from the interchange bench before missing a number of matches, coming back into the side from the bench for Round Seven and the subsequent finals series.

In his six matches Tristian Powell had a try scoring strike rate of 50% with his tries coming in Round Two against Central Queensland, Round Three against Souths Logan and Round Seven against Townsville.

Over the course of the 2018 season Tristian Powell represented Met North at the U18 ASSRL Championships starting all of their matches in the front row and from there represented Queensland at the ASSRL U18 Championships.

Tristian Powell is another product of the GPS school boy rugby system playing the 2017 and 2018 seasons for the Nudgee College First XV side, spending a lot of time at outside centre in the blue and white hoops of Nudgee College.

In 2017, his first at Nudgee after moving down from Toowoomba, Tristian Powell represented Brisbane Grey in the South East Queensland U16 pre-season competition, scoring in Round Three of the competition against Brisbane Blue and also was selected in the Queensland U16 side, starting the annual interstate match against New South Wales in the second row along fellow St Mary’s student hooker Jake Simpkin.

In 2016 Tristian Powell represented Darling Downs at the U15 QSSRL Championships, starting at lock. In those Championships he scored on Day Four against Sunshine Coast and on Day One was named the Darling Downs Player of the Match against South Coast.

In 2016 Tristian Powell captained the St Mary’s College U15A side that won the Devere Cup beating Mountain Creek High School 42 – 10 in the final at Bishop with Tristian Powell scoring a strong second half try for the Toowoomba based school.