View Full Version : Junior Development
Hail Sezer
18-05-15, 07:11 AM
Good video of MM cup 2015. some GC teams footage in there, GL at 2:04 for e.g.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/2TpzZ6hZq7o
QSSRL Under 18 schoolboys competition coming up this week, commencing on Thursday. Plenty of Titans contracted boys involved with the South Coast squad who will likely start as the favourites. They do have a tough first up match against Met North. For people interested I will update this thread for games involving Titans contracted players.
RenegadeGC
18-05-15, 08:55 AM
Good video of MM cup 2015. some GC teams footage in there, GL at 2:04
https://www.youtube.com/embed/2TpzZ6hZq7o
GL MM season highlight will be posted on YouTube this week
Interesting to see a number of Titans contracted young players, playing in the U20’s SEQ competition against U20 sides from Ipswich and Brisbane. Apparently Ethan Roberts was the dominant player across the two games (GC won both). Half Josh Ralph and outside back Sam Ross were also prominent, with Josh Ralph scoring a double in each game and Sam Ross kicking seven goals.
Hail Sezer
18-05-15, 01:34 PM
GL MM season highlight will be posted on YouTube this week
Look forward to it
RenegadeGC
18-05-15, 02:10 PM
Look forward to it
Haha just need to find the time to get it done.
also I think Jonah Haas was in that 20s side as well.
Hail Sezer
18-05-15, 02:24 PM
Haha just need to find the time to get it done.
also I think Jonah Haas was in that 20s side as well.
You're making it?
Dont know if this is the right place to post this but does anyone have info on Payne Haas? He got named for NSW U16s today. Ive seen his name pop up for Qld and Aus junior rep teams the last few years, but didnt realise he was from NSW.
His family are originally from Newcastle thus nsw eligibility
Blake leads Jets generation next
Jay Buchan | 19th May 2015 5:00 AM
http://media.apnarm.net.au/img/media/images/2015/05/18/IQT_19-05-2015_SPORT_05_U19IRL7etch_fct902x676x123.0_t620.jp g
BLAKE Lenehan is a big, fast and talented 17-year-old rugby league player.
But it was his ability to take advice, work hard and focus on the job at hand that him the Ipswich under-18 coach's award for the Mal Meninga Cup season.
Lenehan was among the major award winners at the Ipswich under 16 (Cyril Connell) and under 18 rugby league presentations last night.
"Blake is someone who we thought performed well throughout the program," his Ipswich under-18 coach Brendon Lindsay said.
"He was probably our most improved player."
Lindsay appreciated Lenehan's size and strength in the middle of the park.
But it was his willingness to work hard under any circumstances that most endeared him to his coach.
"He was up front for us because we were a small side," Lindsay said.
"He's probably a lock.
"I was probably most impressed with his work ethic.
"He's a big lump of a kid but he played big minutes and worked hard."
The ability to compete to a high standard, irrespective of external factors, is a core value of the Ipswich Jets, from Queensland Cup down to junior representative footy.
"Ben and Shane (Jets senior coaches Ben and Shane Walker) are heavy on competing," Lindsay said.
"It's a tough job to find a kid that is competing hard.
"For a coach, at that age, it is more about being their mentor.
"If they get out and work hard things will happen for them."
It is a description that fits Lenehan to a tee.
"It didn't matter who we were playing," Lindsay said.
"He just worried about his job. He's a kid that obviously thinks about his footy.
"He's got aspirations, which are good to have.
"The main thing is being able to break the game down and don't let outside influences get in the way of what his role was."
Under 18 centre Liam Pakau claimed the Parcell Family Award, the Junior Jets program's highest honour, for his "commitment to the program" over a number of years.
Once the Mal Meninga Cup finished Pakau joined the Jets Colts (under 20s) and has played three games for them this season.
"It's good to see Liam, who still has another year eligible in the 18s, playing versus guys in under 20s," Lindsay said.
"It gives him confidence."
HIGH ACHIEVERS
Ipswich Jets junior award winners
Parcell Family Award: Liam Pakau.
Cyril Connell Cup
Players Player: Darius Farmer.
Best Forward: Anthony 'AJ' Meleisea.
Best Back: Sagalimu 'Junior' Vaitai.
Coach's Award: Rhys van Nek.
Mal Meninga Cup
Players Player: Carter Auld.
Best Forward: Corey Kurnoth.
Best Back: Shar Walden.
Coach's award: Blake Lenehan.
http://www.qt.com.au/news/blake-leads-jets-generation-next/2642084/
As noted earlier Front rower Payne Haas has been named in the NSW U16 squad to play Queensland in next weeks curtain raiser against Qld, where he hopefully be up against three Titans academy team mates. NSW have named a 19 man squad, hopefully Payne gets to play. Last year through qrl.com, the game was streamed live, hopefully it will be again this year.
RenegadeGC
19-05-15, 05:01 PM
As noted earlier Front rower Payne Haas has been named in the NSW U16 squad to play Queensland in next weeks curtain raiser against Qld, where he hopefully be up against three Titans academy team mates. NSW have named a 19 man squad, hopefully Payne gets to play. Last year through qrl.com, the game was streamed live, hopefully it will be again this year.
Congrats to all involved. Payne wouldn't be far off being the best u16 player in the country. Has a great attitude as well
Article on a young Ipswich boy named Tommy Woolf who has played a number of games for our development squads.
Ipswich players line up at Origin game
Jay Buchan | 20th May 2015 5:00 AM
IPSWICH has produced another batch of Queensland junior representative rugby league players.
On Friday, Ipswich under-16 players Darius Farmer and Brandon Russell join the Queensland under-16 team in camp to prepare for their match against NSW.
The game is a curtainraiser to State of Origin I in Sydney on May 27.
Meanwhile, Tommy Wolf was the only Met West player to make either Queensland under-15 school sides following state titles at Roma recently.
The Fernvale resident and Northern Suburbs junior was picked in the Queensland under-15 White team to contest national titles in Sydney next month.
Met West finished fifth, providing Wolf with mixed emotions.
"It was good," Wolf said. "We could have done better if we'd shifted the ball more."
Wolf put a foot into the state side in Met West's opening game against Sunshine Coast, scoring two tries.
The 15-year-old hopes his selection leads to getting picked up by an NRL club, with scouts no doubt set to scrutinise all the action at next month's national titles in Sydney.
If he can play well enough to get selected in the Australian under-15 merit side he will be impossible to ignore.
Wolf puts his form down to his good fitness levels, thanks to pre-season training with the Ipswich Jets under 16s.
He was eventually cut from the Ipswich team before the Cyril Connell Cup competition began.
"I made the top 25 but then they cut me," he said.
Wolf reckons that might have made him stronger.
It certainly made him want to prove some people wrong.
"It made me heaps more determined," he said.
Farmer and Russell are both back rowers who impressed state selectors representing the Ipswich under 16s in the Cyril Connell Cup.
Farmer received the Player's Player award for the Ipswich Under 16s at their presentation evening on Monday, so he is clearly a top class player.
But Russell's selection came despite only playing the first and final games of the Cyril Connell Cup campaign, due to an ankle injury.
"In the trial and our first competitive game he killed it," Riggs said. "Then he worked his way back to play in our last game.
"They were both quality players".
http://www.qt.com.au/news/state-talents-on-the-rise/2642927/
RenegadeGC
20-05-15, 02:11 PM
Ethan Paikea has pulled out of South Coast Schools due to injury. The big fella just cant quite catch a break as hes spent most of this year either injured or overcoming an injury.
TITAN PETE
20-05-15, 04:36 PM
Ethan Paikea has pulled out of South Coast Schools due to injury. The big fella just cant quite catch a break as hes spent most of this year either injured or overcoming an injury.
Big E has had far too much pressure placed on him from Keebra with a heavy training schedule & hasn't had time to recover from his problem knee but we are hopeful he will be back playing Club footy in a months time
Some interesting names in the South West side for the QSSRL side, being Gold Coast based centre pairing Jesse Arthurs and Jordan Birch, unfortunately they went down. South Coast play at 4.20 this afternoon when they play a very solid Met North side. Withdrawals have impacted the side a bit but it is still a strong outfit.
South Coast score early and lead 6-0 in QSSRL U18
South Coast lead 18-4 at half time in QSSRL U18 against Met North
South Coast lead 18-10 half way through second half
- - - Updated - - -
South Coast now lead 22-10
South Coast won 22-10 against Met North
South Coast play Pennisula at 2.50pm tomorrow with teh winner making the semi-finals of the QSSRL U18 competition.
South Coast down 6-4 early to Peninsula in QSSRL U18 semi final
Now down 12-4
Now South Coast down 12-8 nearing half time
South Coast down 22-12 at half time
South Coast down 26-22 not long to go
- - - Updated - - -
Finally South Coast have hit the front 30-26
- - - Updated - - -
South Coast leading 38-26 good comeback after a difficult first half, on to the semi-finals tomorrow
Hail Sezer
22-05-15, 04:17 PM
Solid comeback SC
Big day for Tyronne Roberts-Davis with a hat trick to go along with five goals
Capricornia lead South Coast 22-4 early in second half
South Coast lost their QSSRL U18 semi final 22-14, good effort though
South Coast leading 12-10 against Met East in the QSSRL U18 3rd place play off
South Coast up 22-14 into second half
South Coast finish third after 28-18 win
Congratulatiosn to Tyronne Roberts-Davis for making the Qld Opens schoolboys side
Hail Sezer
24-05-15, 05:30 PM
Congratulatiosn to Tyronne Roberts-Davis for making the Qld Opens schoolboys side
well done TRD
Five players from South Coast have made the QSSRL Qld U18 side for the National Championships, Tyronne Roberts-Davis the only confirmed Titans contract player, one other I am trying to clarify one other. A few Bronco’s contracted Gold Coasters such as Jack Peacock and young Woolf selected as well as Syd Smith, who is currently with the Bronco’s as well. It will take a while and it may not seem like it, but things are certainly improving on the junior development front and I am confident things will continue to improve with our high performance unit and a renewed focus on the Ipswich and Logan regions as well as a continued focus on Toowoomba and Cairns as well.
You can throw in a number of talented players from Northern NSW as well. We have a very good presence in a number of the regions, such as Groups, 1,2,4, 18 and 19. The talent at the U15 level in Group 4 in particular is very impressive. Throw in the years of focus in the Armidale region and we will continue to bring in talented youngsters from these regions. Jamie McCormack and others, including the guys who work in the Logan region have made a huge difference and do not get the recognition that they should.
U16 game being streamed live through qrl.com.au from 5.50pm tomorrow. Good luck to the four titans players
lonegull
26-05-15, 06:20 PM
U16 game being streamed live through qrl.com.au from 5.50pm tomorrow. Good luck to the four titans players
Will be definately watching for sure, thanks Mdrew
Josh Fauid may be making his QCup debut at 5/8 for Norths this weekend, not bad for a young bloke who only a few weeks ago was captian of his MM side.
charged2go
26-05-15, 09:53 PM
Josh Fauid may be making his QCup debut at 5/8 for Norths this weekend, not bad for a young bloke who only a few weeks ago was captian of his MM side.
thats great news for Fauid. again another player to come out of our Mal Maninga cups sides and into state league. other players were Daniel Schwass and Hayden Schwass, 2013 season... Best wishes to Fauid and hope all goes well for the young fella as he steps up to the big stage! thanks for the update mdrew
Hail Sezer
26-05-15, 10:03 PM
Faiud doing a Schwass and leap-frogging u20's. Classic.
A couple of players have made the South East Queensland U16 squad, such as Tom Berkers (centre), Lorenzo Leapai (second row), Caleb Pirini (half) and Taine Tuaupiki (hooker) amongst others. In total about 40% of the total squad are from the Gold Coast region, just confirming the size and strength of our junior nursery. One unsigned stand-out in the squad is Forest Lake fullback Joseph Lole, he is a talented young player, hopefully scouts are watching.
Hail Sezer
27-05-15, 05:50 PM
http://www.qrl.com.au/interactive/live-stream.html
^^ click and watch.
U16's origin
Signed to Titans:
Payne Haas (NSW)
Max Down, Ben Thomas and Darius Farmer (QLD)
Payne Haas looks very good early in the U16 NSW side
6-6 at half time in U16's. Payne Haas very good, Dowd and Farmer have tried hard. Ben Thomas still on bench
Brilliant pass by Max Dowd for QLd's second try
Hail Sezer
27-05-15, 07:11 PM
Payne is a beast. Thomas went well when he came on too, runs good lines. Yeah Dowd very classy with that try assist
lonegull
27-05-15, 07:12 PM
Gee Haas is a giant and played really well, the other titans to impress was Thomas when he came of bench ran hard and tackled anything that moved but gee Haas was really impressive made some huge meters up the middle
TITAN PETE
30-05-15, 08:17 PM
One of our most promising juniors in Ethan Paikea has been ruled out of Rugby League for a minimum of 18-24 months with an ongoing knee injury, sad time for the Mudgeerabba Redbacks & the Titans..
One of our most promising juniors in Ethan Paikea has been ruled out of Rugby League for a minimum of 18-24 months with an ongoing knee injury, sad time for the Mudgeerabba Redbacks & the Titans..
Terrible news for the young bloke
Hail Sezer
30-05-15, 08:32 PM
One of our most promising juniors in Ethan Paikea has been ruled out of Rugby League for a minimum of 18-24 months with an ongoing knee injury, sad time for the Mudgeerabba Redbacks & the Titans..
That's horrible. All the best to him and his recovery.
JunctionBlock
30-05-15, 08:41 PM
Does anyone else think the kids are playing too much footy plus training with everyone trying to get their piece of them? School flog them, club flogs them and then they make a development squad. Worn out before their years.
TITAN PETE
30-05-15, 08:58 PM
Does anyone else think the kids are playing too much footy plus training with everyone trying to get their piece of them? School flog them, club flogs them and then they make a development squad. Worn out before their years.
Your probably right except that the Club they come from usually has a very good understanding of what they have to do when they are chasing the ref & elite dream & are never over trained when they come back to "Park" footy , I do know how hard Keebra make the boys train but if you want to succeed in today's game it's one of the sacrifices they have to make
JunctionBlock
30-05-15, 09:09 PM
I thought that was part of the reason why when the kids made Cyrill or Meninga that they weren't allowed to play for club or school. To ease the over training or possibilities of injuries.
RenegadeGC
30-05-15, 10:11 PM
schools such as keebra dont care much for cc and mm program, their emphasis is on school and school alone. for instance keebra have conditioning sessions on a friday before a cc or mm game. duty of care needs to happen more for these boys in the elite program. and agree majority of their clubs look after the boys.
time managment needs to play a massive role, and micro managed so that they dont burn out out at a young age, i have no doubt big E will bounce back from this :)
Josh Fauid has looked very good defensively for Norths so far in his Qld Cup debut
Norths may have gotten beaten easily but Josh Fauid was quite impresssive with his reading of the play and defense
Recent Gold Coast U13 squad for the South East Queensland championships, plenty of Titans scholarship holders:
1. Ediq Ambrosyev
2. Adrian Aramo
3. Taine Ujdur-Berghan
4. Damon Somerville
5. Jaiden West
6. Declan White
7. Jacob Tekii
8. Lachlan Roby
9. Reece Walsh
10. James Pere
11. Byron Parnell
12. Zac Armsteins
13. Brendan Paikura
14. Ethyn Martin
15. Brodyn Gudgoen
16. Sheldon Rapana
17. Isreal Higgins
18. Zac Russ
19. Rahapa Berryman
- - - Updated - - -
Recent Gold Coast U14 squad for the South East Queensland championships, plenty of Titans scholarship holders:
1. Brent Barnes
2. Hakula Iafeta
3. Tahenga Mareko
4. Kyah Watts
5. Juwan Compain
6. Will Evans
7. Jessie Braslin
8. Tuki Seiuli
9. Jed Edwards
10. Mat Kinchin
11. Kyle Fairbank
12. Jovahn Tearoiti
13. Nelson Grove
14. Matt Canning
15. Oliver Singh
16. Bryson Vaovasa
17. Jack Cullen
18. Ryan Kirk
19. Jack Hamlet
Good to see Wipere Takitimu make the NZ Maori U15 side.
Wipere Takitimu was named in the centres of the U15 NZ Maori side even though he usually is a fullback. I note that he has also made a number of representative rugby sides, including sevens. He is from Hail Sezer's old stomping grounds.
RenegadeGC
02-06-15, 07:19 PM
Congrats to Keanu Dawson and Josh Fauid who have been named in the QLD Origin 18s side for 2015.
Hail Sezer
02-06-15, 07:29 PM
Congrats to Keanu Dawson and Josh Fauid who have been named in the QLD Origin 18s side for 2015.
Josh Faiud there too which is awesome to see
Greater Northern Tigers and East Coast Dolphins U16 and U18 sides play in the NSW Country carnival this week. Fingers crossed that a few Titans contracted players, such as the Quinlan brothers and Nick Morrisey etc have a good carnival and push for selection in the NSW Country U16 and U18 sides. Both the U18 squads in particular are very strong so hopefully they do well.
Well done to Bostyn Hakaraia for making the Auckland Maori U17 squad. He is a talented 5/8 who can also kick goals. Auckalnd won eth national final 22-20
Wipere Takitimu is having a big month, in addition to being named in the NZ Maori U15 side he has also been selected in the extended Mid Central U15 squad for the upcoming NZ National U15 competition and he has been selected as captain of the Manawatu U15 sevens rugby squad. Certainly one to keep an eye on for the future. If people are interested, there is a story on him posted earlier in this thread. He spend some time training with our junior squads over the recent December/January period.
More positive Titans junior development news, with teh Titans signing a deal with Redbank Plains High School. (mods if you could paste the whole articile it would be appreciated.)
http://www.qt.com.au/news/titans-sign-deal-with-ippy-school/2661858/
Contratulations to the following Gold Coast boys who have made the U14 SEQ squads for the upcoming state championships:
Kyah Watts (centre)
Tuki Seiuli (front row)
Jovahn Te-Aroiti (second row)
Nelson Grove (lock)
Matt Canning (front row)
Matthew Kinchin (front row)
Will Evans (fullback)
Tahenga Moreko (centre)
Jesse Braslin (half)
Kyle Fairbank (second row)
Jed Edwards (hooker)
Bryson Vaovasa (centre/second row)
More positive Titans junior development news, with teh Titans signing a deal with Redbank Plains High School. (mods if you could paste the whole articile it would be appreciated.)
http://www.qt.com.au/news/titans-sign-deal-with-ippy-school/2661858/
Sounds good. Has Canberra completely abandoned Logan now because of the Broncos (and now us) push there?
Titans sign deal with Ippy school
Jay Buchan | 5th Jun 2015 5:00 AM
DALY Cherry-Evans may no longer be heading to the Gold Coast. But at Redbank Plains High School there is no lack of volunteers willing to fill the void.
This week the school signed an official arrangement as a feeder school for the rugby league club.
"It's an opportunity for players to go through their pathway to the NRL," school rugby league teacher and coach Nick Faulkner said.
Previously the school had a deal with the Canberra Raiders and their Queensland Cup feeder club Souths Logan. But the new link with the Titans is a lot more practical. Titans scouts will monitor school matches and liaise with the likes of Faulkner to unearth potential NRL recruits.
They have wasted no time, signing Redbank Plains grade seven student Lai-One Manu to a retainer this week.
While the deal with the Titans is great news for any talented footballers at the school, it is also good news for the teachers. They know their league loving students have to be on best behaviour to utilise the pathway.
It's not only about footy. Students who don't perform behaviourally and academically will not be considered.
"This year we're trying to knuckle down on behaviour," Faulkner said.
"The Titans explained they are interested in more of a development role and have stressed the need to get a good education. Football comes second to that. We've seen the results straight away. Guys are coming up saying, 'Can we get into the program?'"
http://media.apnarm.net.au/img/media/images/2015/06/04/9-2825003-ips020615rpshtitans1_t620.jpg
Yeh mate Canberra have backed a way a fair bit from Qld in terms of juniors.
Wins to Greater Northern Tigers and East Coast Dolphins U18's and a gib win for the Greater Northern Tigers 16;s. Unfortunately East Coast Dolphins U16's went down. Plenth of Titans contracted boys across the teams
Story on teh Quinland Brothers who are lining up for Northern tigers U18's, also mentions Elijah Rasiga a backrower who played with our development squads earlier this year. Apologies for the formatting.
http://www.armidaleexpress.com.au/story/3125824/quinlans-fight-for-the-north/
Quinlans fight for the north By BEN LONERGAN June 5, 2015, 6 a.m.
Two Armidale brothers have been earmarked as legitimate contenders for a spot in the NSW Country under 18 rugby league squad heading into the Country Championships this weekend.
The young Armidale Rams duo have continued on what was a fantastic 2014 season with a blockbusting start to 2015.
Both were standouts for Group 19 at the Greater Northern Championships at Scone last month.
It is the second consecutive year Johnboy, the elder of the brothers, will represent Greater Northern at the Country Championships.
Many observers believe the hard-running centre was unlucky not to be handed a country jersey in 2014 alongside then Uralla Tigers teammate Jordan Press.
Phillip has been a revelation for the Rams in his first season in the under 18s.
Picked at lock for Greater Northern, Quinlan played front row for the Country under 16s last season and can also slide out wider and play on a fringe in the second row.
The brothers join six other players from around Group 19 in the Greater Northern side.
Inverell and Glen Innes, both undefeated in the Group 19 under 18s, are the only two other clubs to be represented.
The Hawks have four players, five-eighth Matthew Milson, halfback Mitch Lennon and interchange players Jack Jeffrey and Corey Alexander.
Glen has two players in prop Brayden Gallagher and bench hooker Tom Say.
Armidale will also be represented in the Greater Northern under 16s at Muswellbrook.
Fresh off a four-try performance for the Rams against Warialda last weekend, Elijah Rasiga, will suit up for the Tigers at the Country Championships.
Rasiga will line up at second row for his own on shot at a Country jersey.
TITAN PETE
07-06-15, 07:45 AM
That's a good find Mdrew :thumbsup:
The article above also notes three other young Armidale players who attended Titans development camps late last year, early this year, they include halfback Mitch Lennon and centre/five eight Jack Jeffrey and fullback Corey Alexander.
In relation to Elijah Rasiga, he can play in the backrow or centre and think of an Alex Glenn type of player. I have had a high opinion of both the Quinlan brothers and thin both are a chance for our NYC squad next year, even though Phillip will still be eligible for U18's. Interestingly Johnboy has been playing some 5/8 this year, when in previous years it has been strictly fullback and centre.
lonegull
07-06-15, 08:37 AM
Thanks Mdrew, great to read articles like this and you have stated many times before about John boy looks like you have a sharp eye for talent, once again we appreciate you input on the forum keep it coming on our future Titans
Greater Northern Tigers U16's through to NSW Country Grand Final. Unfortunately Greater Northern Tigers and East Coast Tigers U18's both lost in semi-finals, Just!
RenegadeGC
08-06-15, 09:09 PM
Well done to Sam Elliot who has been selected in the NSW 18s side to battle QLD before the 2nd Origin match in Melbourne.
He joins Keanu Dawson and Josh Fauid (both QLD), to be involved in this game.
Good to see Jerome Veve named on the bench for Burleigh Colts this weekend, finally back after a bad injury earlier in the year, a very talented forward
Hail Sezer
10-06-15, 12:12 PM
http://www.titans.com.au/news/2015/06/10/watch_the_big_school.html
Watch the big schools derby tonight
By Neil Cadigan
Wed 10th June, 11:53AM
http://wa1.www.titans.com.au/content/titans/club/news/2015/06/10/watch_the_big_school/_jcr_content/par/image.img.jpg/1433901634667.jpg
It is a clash that has a long history and intense rivalry: Keebra Park v Palm Beach Currumbin, the south-east Queensland clash for supremacy.
And it’s on again this evening at Pizzey Park (6pm kick-off) with Titans fans encouraged to turn out and watch the match which will feature what are sure to be several NRL players of the future, and hopefully future Titans.
There will be four current Titans men who will be watching with great interest – Titans players Ryan James and Kane Elgey, both former PBC players, and teammate Agnatius Paasi who played in Keebra’s Arrive Alive Cup winning side of 2009 and former Keebra Park staffer and now under-20s coach Ben Woolf.
To make internal interest even greater, Ben Woolf – a teacher at Keebra Park for 13 years and former assistant coach – has his son Brent playing hooker for PBC tonight, after being a Keebra Park student up to 2013.
Elgey yesterday recalled his last clash with Keebra Park in 2011, when he scored a golden-point field goal to sink the local rivals 25-24 in the Queensland final of the national schoolboy cup. Unfortunately they went to Sydney for the national semi-final but were beaten by eventual winners Hills Sports High School.
James had better fortune in winning the 2008 Arrive Alive Cup with a Rod Patison-coached PBC side that included Cody Walker, Jordan Rankin and Ryan’s older brother Tim. They beat Matraville 24-22 in the final at the Sydney Football Stadium and James won the Peter Sterling Medal as player of the series.
“It’s always a big rivalry, no matter what the situation with the game,” said Elgey.
“I’ll never forget my last game against Keebra. We led 24-6 and they scored from the kick-off and it sparked a massive comeback and it went to extra-time at 24-all.
“I kicked a weird sort of field goal in extra-time, from about 10m in from the left and it just got over.”
Paasi, one of many students brought from New Zealand over the years, was in the first Keebra Park side to bring the school the national title, in ‘09. Among his teammates were Ben Murdoch-Masila and Jordan Kahu.
Woolf has seen many future NRL players go through Keebra Park including Benji Marshall, Robert Lui, Corey Norman, Sam Moa, Greg Eastwood and Isaac Liu.
“It’s only a seeding match but it could be the only time the two teams meet each other and they are always big clashes and high quality,” he said.
Both schools have become rich breeding grounds for the NRL and currently in Woolf’s under-20s are former PBC students Karl Lawton, Shaun Hudson, Shane Wright and Jed Cartwright while prop Oshea Tuiasau came through Keebra Park. Tyrone Roberts Davis, a current member of the Titans’ NYC squad, will play centre for Keebra Park this evening.
PBC are coached by Gold Coast Giants foundation halfback in 1988, Geoff Bagnall, a long-time PE teacher at the school while Greg Lenton has been the Keebra Park coach for many years, with many players farmed to Wests Tigers through an association with the school.
PICTURED: Ryan James and Kane Elgey with under-20s coach Ben Woolf (centre) ... they know the rivalry that will be on showe tonight.
RenegadeGC
10-06-15, 01:24 PM
http://www.titans.com.au/news/2015/06/10/watch_the_big_school.html
Watch the big schools derby tonight
By Neil Cadigan
Wed 10th June, 11:53AM
http://wa1.www.titans.com.au/content/titans/club/news/2015/06/10/watch_the_big_school/_jcr_content/par/image.img.jpg/1433901634667.jpg
It is a clash that has a long history and intense rivalry: Keebra Park v Palm Beach Currumbin, the south-east Queensland clash for supremacy.
And it’s on again this evening at Pizzey Park (6pm kick-off) with Titans fans encouraged to turn out and watch the match which will feature what are sure to be several NRL players of the future, and hopefully future Titans.
There will be four current Titans men who will be watching with great interest – Titans players Ryan James and Kane Elgey, both former PBC players, and teammate Agnatius Paasi who played in Keebra’s Arrive Alive Cup winning side of 2009 and former Keebra Park staffer and now under-20s coach Ben Woolf.
To make internal interest even greater, Ben Woolf – a teacher at Keebra Park for 13 years and former assistant coach – has his son Brent playing hooker for PBC tonight, after being a Keebra Park student up to 2013.
Elgey yesterday recalled his last clash with Keebra Park in 2011, when he scored a golden-point field goal to sink the local rivals 25-24 in the Queensland final of the national schoolboy cup. Unfortunately they went to Sydney for the national semi-final but were beaten by eventual winners Hills Sports High School.
James had better fortune in winning the 2008 Arrive Alive Cup with a Rod Patison-coached PBC side that included Cody Walker, Jordan Rankin and Ryan’s older brother Tim. They beat Matraville 24-22 in the final at the Sydney Football Stadium and James won the Peter Sterling Medal as player of the series.
“It’s always a big rivalry, no matter what the situation with the game,” said Elgey.
“I’ll never forget my last game against Keebra. We led 24-6 and they scored from the kick-off and it sparked a massive comeback and it went to extra-time at 24-all.
“I kicked a weird sort of field goal in extra-time, from about 10m in from the left and it just got over.”
Paasi, one of many students brought from New Zealand over the years, was in the first Keebra Park side to bring the school the national title, in ‘09. Among his teammates were Ben Murdoch-Masila and Jordan Kahu.
Woolf has seen many future NRL players go through Keebra Park including Benji Marshall, Robert Lui, Corey Norman, Sam Moa, Greg Eastwood and Isaac Liu.
“It’s only a seeding match but it could be the only time the two teams meet each other and they are always big clashes and high quality,” he said.
Both schools have become rich breeding grounds for the NRL and currently in Woolf’s under-20s are former PBC students Karl Lawton, Shaun Hudson, Shane Wright and Jed Cartwright while prop Oshea Tuiasau came through Keebra Park. Tyrone Roberts Davis, a current member of the Titans’ NYC squad, will play centre for Keebra Park this evening.
PBC are coached by Gold Coast Giants foundation halfback in 1988, Geoff Bagnall, a long-time PE teacher at the school while Greg Lenton has been the Keebra Park coach for many years, with many players farmed to Wests Tigers through an association with the school.
PICTURED: Ryan James and Kane Elgey with under-20s coach Ben Woolf (centre) ... they know the rivalry that will be on showe tonight.
Massive coup for PBC, Steve Dressler has been cleared to play. Must win for PBC as they lost just recently to Ipswich High.
Link to a good Junior development story on the Official Site. Well done Titans.
http://www.titans.com.au/news/2015/06/11/titans_juniors_rep_h.html
titanfan2015
11-06-15, 01:51 PM
Link to a good Junior development story on the Official Site. Well done Titans.
http://www.titans.com.au/news/2015/06/11/titans_juniors_rep_h.html
Lets see if they actually follow through... "The challenge now is to transform their ability and potential as young teenagers into Titans NRL players to ensure our club is built on local talent."
Lets see if they actually follow through... "The challenge now is to transform their ability and potential as young teenagers into Titans NRL players to ensure our club is built on local talent."
While I appreciate the point that you are trying to make, the change (and subsequent results) relating to our junior development set up can not be understated. The future of some of the names of the players mentioned in the article (and many more) is extremely bright. Players like the two Fauid boys, Keanu Dawson, Ethan Roberts etc can not be dismissed lightly. The performances from these boys and again plenty of others have increased incredibly, from my observations at least. I appreciate that probably means nothing but I am extremely encouraged in relation to our future.
titanfan2015
12-06-15, 11:32 AM
While I appreciate the point that you are trying to make, the change (and subsequent results) relating to our junior development set up can not be understated. The future of some of the names of the players mentioned in the article (and many more) is extremely bright. Players like the two Fauid boys, Keanu Dawson, Ethan Roberts etc can not be dismissed lightly. The performances from these boys and again plenty of others have increased incredibly, from my observations at least. I appreciate that probably means nothing but I am extremely encouraged in relation to our future.
Totally agree that there has been a great improvement in junior development but still lacking the follow through once they get to NYC, good players are being lost.....
Good to see Jerome Veve score for Burleigh Colts on the weekend, obviously he needs to build up his fitness after injury, but it will be interesting to see if he along with the likes of Keanu Dawson and Jonah Haas, Ethan Roberts get some time in the NYC this year, especially with the team struggling at the moment.
RenegadeGC
15-06-15, 08:42 AM
Jonah played tweed fogs in the weekend. And from what I heard discipline is still a massive issue.
If he can his discipline sorted out he could be anything, fingers crossed!
Jonah played tweed fogs in the weekend. And from what I heard discipline is still a massive issue.
Hail Sezer
15-06-15, 08:47 AM
I've watched Veve's past few games and I'm a huge fan..he's agile for a front rower and aggressive as well. Something we need in 20's. Dawson runs with intent too. Both very impressive.
Congratulations to Bostyn Hakaraia for making the Akarana Falcons squad for the upcoming NZ U17 age championships. Having seem some footage of him, I am intrigued about his long term position, he has played almost all of his junior football at 5/8, but going forward I can see aspects of a quite decent backrower as he develops, possibly following a similar career path to someone like Wade Graham.
The Akarana Falcons are traditionally one of the stronger teams in NZ junior representative rugby league and the upcoming championships can be considered an NZ version of CC/MM and Harold Matts/SG Ball. The quality of the competition is improving each year.
You can also note down the name of Aj Kepaoa (centre) as making the Akarana Falcons U15 squad for the upcoming NZ age championships. Both Kepaoa and Hakaraia both recently were over on the Gold Coast in camp with the Elite Junior Development squad.
RenegadeGC
17-06-15, 08:33 AM
Good luck to Keanu Dawson and Sam Elliot who will play in tonight's curtain raiser for there respective states. Game is being streamed live on www.qrl.com.au
Josh Fauid is in there as well. Good luck to all
RenegadeGC
17-06-15, 11:46 AM
Josh Fauid is in there as well. Good luck to all
haha yea my apologies, i keep forgetting hes with Titans even though hes a Norths boy
Great to see the likes of Ethan Roberts, Jonah Haas, Rory Lillis get a run in QCup Colts.
In Qld v NSW U18's solid first half by all three Titans players, but Sam Elliot has probably been the best, hopefully joins his brother in NYC soon. Josh Fauid can defend!
Good to see a new NYC and Junior Development squad sponsor coming on board. As noted on the official site they are a company with offices both here and PNG. If it helps with a pathway into PNG and also more support, great result.
http://www.titans.com.au/news/2015/06/17/csg_international_ba.html
Hail Sezer
17-06-15, 07:34 PM
Congratulations to QLD U18 and Josh Fauid for getting MOTM.
Good performances by Keanu and Sam Elliot as well!
Hail Sezer
18-06-15, 07:38 AM
https://scontent-lax1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10406543_10203111244581350_1766512390041191154_n.j pg?oh=d798571f6cf3bb1ddf97bf4053c9fcac&oe=55F9071A
RenegadeGC
19-06-15, 11:56 AM
http://www.qrl.com.au/news/2015/06/19/under_18s_qld_v_nsw_.html
Highlights from the u18s origin match
Well done to Aj Kepaoa for making the Auckland Vulcans U16's, not bad for a young centre stilling eligible of U15's.
Hail Sezer
20-06-15, 10:02 AM
Interview with Fauid after MOTM performance for QLD u18's
http://www.qrl.com.au/news/2015/06/19/u18_s_josh_fauid.html
Hail Sezer
22-06-15, 08:43 PM
David Butler and Geordie Brand have gotten man of match honours for Qld Maroons U15's for their first two games at Australian championships
info courtesy of mdrew!
charged2go
22-06-15, 09:03 PM
David Butler and Geordie Brand have gotten man of match honours for Qld Maroons U15's for their first two games at Australian championships
info courtesy of mdrew!
is mdrew at the championships himself or does he have contacts there?
Bayside Titan
25-06-15, 03:38 PM
Hi guys. How many of the current Burleigh under 20 have we got signed up? Seems like they are killing it.
Also just wondering if there are any Props that are showing promise to crack NRL in the next year or two?
Hail Sezer
25-06-15, 03:51 PM
Hi guys. How many of the current Burleigh under 20 have we got signed up? Seems like they are killing it.
Also just wondering if there are any Props that are showing promise to crack NRL in the next year or two?
Crazy amount. Of the ones that are playing this weekend:
Jerome Veve, Keanu Dawson, Tom sly, Harrison Hughes, Sam Swift, Jenan
But also:
Daniel Schwass, Brett stratton, Rhys Duke, Deacon Fletcher, Rory Humphreys, Jackson Clarke, and Daymeric Pelo have played for burleigh colts this year as well but have been playing 20's
In regard to front rowers, I'd keep an eye on Jerome Veve. Would have said Keanu Dawson but he's off
Bayside Titan
25-06-15, 03:57 PM
Where is Dawson off to?
Hail Sezer
25-06-15, 04:11 PM
Where is Dawson off to?
Rumour is that he's heading back home (nz) for family reasons
Bayside Titan
25-06-15, 04:43 PM
Rumour is that he's heading back home (nz) for family reasons
Thanks mate.
Geordie Brand with two tries in the Championship final for QLD MAROON as they defeated NSWCHS this afternoon. They won 30 - 10
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Blake Lenehan making his debut in the front row for Ipswich Colts this weekend. Not bad considering he is still eligible for U18's next year.
Thr Graf jhgtrdfv nmoigfrdswfg bjhgrsaqdf nip outgo
We have a bit of a try scoring front rower on our hands with recent signing Antonio Nelu, he leads the U15A Ipswich competition with 8 tries so far, in what is a pretty decent standard. Including the pre season he has scored 11 tries in around six matches.
Good to see front rower Phransis Suia-Siaosi make the U15 Qld Samoan side that is touring Samoa for a two match trip leaving today I believe. He also played well for Qld White in the recent U15 ASSRL competition won by Qld maroon
Well done to Geordie Brand and Tanah Boyd for their selection in the ASSRL Under 15 merit side. David Butler and Lizaya Iti must have been close as well. Phransis Suia-Siaosi was named Qld White most valuable player. Write down the name of fullback Dejzha Pene as one to watch in the future, he was also named in the merit side and Qld Maroons most valuable player
An interesting player to keep an eye on is centre/five eight Joshua Skeen who is playing well in the U19 Gold Coast comp for Runaway Bay. He has moved down from Logan Brothers,where he was a an U18 stand out, to the Coast and seems to be making every post a winner, with 10 tries in nine games.
Bayside Titan
29-06-15, 02:24 PM
Thanks for the info on the Props mdrew.
Apologies forgot to post earlier but a great result for front rower Geordie Brand who was named the ASSRL U15 championships most valuable player, a big wrap for a hard working young player
A heap of young titans players have scored in the first round of the Qld Junior rugby league championships which were held yesterday, including centre Damon Somerville, fullback Rixon Andrew, second row/centre Bryson Vaovasa (2), Will Evans (2) front rower Matt Canning, hooker/half Quinten Vaaua and hooker Taine Tuaupiki.
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Round 2 scorers included centre Damon Somerville, second row/centre Bryson Vaovasa Will Evans, centre Kyah Watts, second row Tahenga Mareko
Day three try scorers included Ediq Ambrosyev fullback (2), Damon Sommerville centre (2), he five in three games, WillEvans 5/8, he also has five in three games, Quentin Vuaau hooker/half, Kyle Fairbank second row
front rower Tuki Seiuli also scored
Try scorers from Day4 include half Jacob Tekii (2) fullback Ediq Ambrosyev backrower Lachlan Roby, fullback Rixon Andrew centre Bryson Vaovasa (3), giving him 6 in 4 games hooker Jed Edwards, half Quentin Vaaua,
Centre and Burleigh junior Damon Somerville with his fifth try in as many games in the Qld Juniorchampionships.
second row/centre Bryson Vaovasa and 5/8 Will Evans (2) and front rower tuki Seiuli with tries at tghe U14 level of the Qld Junior championships. Bryson finished top try scorer for the competition with Will Evans finishing one try behind.
Congratulations to NZ junior 5/8 Bostyn Hakaraia for making the U18 NZRL National Performance squad. no mean feat at all
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Story from the official site on Geordie Brand as per below
http://www.titans.com.au/news/2015/07/06/geordie_chosen_as_be.html
http://wa1.www.titans.com.au/content/titans/club/news/2015/07/06/geordie_chosen_as_be/_jcr_content/par/image.img.jpg/1436169075979.jpg
Promising young prop Geordie Brand has been named in the under-15 Australian schoolboys merit side after a standout national carnival for the winning Queensland side at St Marys Leagues Stadium in western Sydney.
A member of the Titans’ high performance unit (a program for young players earmarked as potential under-20s and NRL players) and Logan Brothers junior, Brand was named player of the carnival after scoring two tries in Queensland’s 30-10 win over New South Wales in the championship final.
Despite putting together a string of impressive performances across the carnival, Brand said he was shocked to receive the individual accolade and admitted to being slightly overwhelmed when presented with the award.
“I was really surprised to get player of the carnival, I wasn’t expecting it at all and I was in shock for a while afterwards, I didn’t really know how to take it,” the Beenleigh local said.
“It was just good to play for Queensland and even better to beat New South Wales in the final and win the carnival, that was great.”
Geordie’s father Gary admitted his son, like many teenagers, is a “football tragic”, with his selection in the Australian team holding special sentiment for the Brand family.
“We’re very proud of Geordie, he loves his footy – he lives and breathes it,” Gary said.
“It’s a great achievement for him and something he can be really proud of. At the beginning of the year he really set himself to make the Australian team, his uncle made the under-15 team in 1993 too, so Geordie really wanted to make it as well.
“For him to get player of the carnival was a bit of a surprise, he was shocked for a while, but very pleased I think.”
Geordie admitted his uncle’s inclusion in the 1993 side was added motivation going into the national carnival.
“My uncle made the same team in 1993, so there was some extra motivation there, I really wanted to make it for that reason,” Geordie said.
Having given up sugar and made adjustments to his diet, Brand credited the change for improving his fitness and helping his football.
“It’s helped me improve my fitness and allowed me to play big minutes which really helped me at the carnival I think,” he said.
Geordie’s dedication is a benefit of his involvement with the Titans high performance unit. The young front-rower says training with older players and the exposure to a professional environment has helped his development enormously.
“The Titans high performance unit has been a big help to my football; training with the older guys has really helped my development and the higher intensity of training along with the bigger guys has really helped me I think.”
Gary Brand has also seen the benefit of his son’s involvement in the program, not only with his performances on the football field, but also with his approach away from the field.
“It’s obvious away from football too, how he approaches everything has changed, they’ve been a big help,” he said.
With his 186cm and 96kg frame, Geordie has the physical makeup of a powerful front-rower but Titans elite player development manager Jamie McCormack says it is his hardworking attitude that is the key to his future development.
“Geordie has been rewarded in the Australian merit team for his hard work and perseverance,” McCormack said.
“Training in the high performance unit against older guys has definitely helped Geordie, but there is still a long way to go and he needs to keep working hard like he has been doing.”
There is no doubting young Geordie’s dedication to his craft, with a car/train/bus combination taking him nearly an hour and a half to reach renowned Gold Coast rugby league school Keebra Park each day.
It would be a daunting trip for some, a bit of travel wasn’t going to stop someone as passionate as Geordie from immersing himself in rugby league at school.
“The travel is a bit long, but I don’t mind,” Geordie said. “It’s a big footy school - so I love it.”
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Apologies forgot to post earlier but a great result for front rower Geordie Brand who was named the ASSRL U15 championships most valuable player, a big wrap for a hard working young player.
Tyronne Roberts-Davis played centre for Qld in their win against NSWCHS this afternoon. Qld play NSWCCC in a semi final tomorrow before the Australian Schoolboys side is announced
RenegadeGC
07-07-15, 05:18 PM
Tyronne Roberts-Davis played centre for Qld in their win against NSWCHS this afternoon. Qld play NSWCCC in a semi final tomorrow before the Australian Schoolboys side is announced
That will be a cracker of a game... Good luck TRD
Is David Fauid contracted to the Titans? I thought he was one of Qlds best today.
Is David Fauid contracted to the Titans? I thought he was one of Qlds best today.
He is contracted to the titans
TITAN PETE
07-07-15, 09:39 PM
He is contracted to the titans
Reuben Cotter looks to be a bit of a weapon but I'd guess he's tied up to the Cows
Hail Sezer
08-07-15, 02:07 PM
QLD Schoolboys live stream
TRD #3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz5EW5dSBrg
QLD Schoolboys live stream
TRD #3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz5EW5dSBrg
Fullback David Fauid named Qld man of match but unfortunately Qld lost by 4.
Hail Sezer
08-07-15, 03:50 PM
Fullback David Fauid named Qld man of match but unfortunately Qld lost by 4.
he looked handy
he looked handy
He is still eligible for MM next year as well I believe
Good to see the Titans continue to look at Northern NSW in their bid to get the region’s best young players into the fold, a few to keep an eye on include fullback Julian Torrens, backrower Ulysses Roberts and front rower Elijah Winitana at the U14 level and fullback Ethan Coldwell-Jackey at the U15 level. Four other talented U15 youngsters from Northern NSW include fullback Dylan Porter, 5/8 Jordan Allan, front rower Koen Reiri and backrower Bailey Lennox.
Unfortunately one player who will not be playing NYC for us next year is NSW U18 Country rep Thomas McGrady from Grafton who has signed a deal with South Sydney.
Tyronne Roberts-Davis scored in Qld's third place victory at the ASSRL U18 championships.
Roberts-Davis and Fauid both made the Aus Schoolboys side.
Good to see Blake Lenehan get on teh scoreboard for Ipswich for his first try in Qld Cup Colts, he has been playing front row for them but should settle into the backrow in the years to come. Expect to see a number of his colts team mates in NYC for us next year
Ipswich MM second rower Kelepi Faukafa has signed for the next couple of seasons, since the finalisation of the MM season he has graduated to playing in teh Ipswich A grade competition.
Well done to NZ 5/8 Bostyn Hakaraia who was part of the U18 team that won the U18 high performance trial at the NZ elite development camp. Good work also considering he is still eligible for U18's next year
Outside back Joseph Lote of the Forest Lake magpies is signed and sealed. He has blinding speed and just seems to know where to be. Certainly one for the future
Recent front row signing Antonio Nelu’s great season is continuing. He has now scored 15 tries in 8 games, through in three conversions as well and he is the leading scorer in not just the IJRL U15 competition but the leading scorer regardless of age group. He is developing into an absolute talent and is fast becoming one of our best juniors in out elite development squad. His style reminds me of Albert Vete of the Warriors. We need to keep and develop these talented young men.
Jai Whitbread (centre) and Max Dowd (fullback) complemented their rugby league duties with First XV duties for TSS in the first round of the GPS rugby competition. Well done to Max especially considering he is playing against players 2 or 3 years older than him. Playing high level GPS rugby will enhance their skills for rugby league. Jai Whitbread was outstanding and continually broke tackles whilst Max Dowd’s tactical kicking from fullback was also impressive.
Another young player having a very good season is U14 centre/second row Bryson Vaovasa, in addition to scoring 12 tries in six games and kicking 18 goals at club level, he lead the try scoring at the recent Qld junior age championships. He is in his first year on the coast after moving over from NZ. His older Emani Vaovasa also a backrower is a very good player as well.
Good to see Josh Ralph doing well for Runaway Bay in 1st grade in the Gold Coast local competition. He is a slightly built half but makes up with guts and determination. Interesting to see if he can step up to NYC next year, fingers crossed. He has scored around 6 tries so far.
Plenty of Titans contracted boys in the QCup Colts this week. Good to see Liam Pakau back for Ipswich Jets Colts after a few weeks out of the side, Blake Lenehan also there, watch out also for hooker/half AJ Elder. Pakua and Lenehan are still eligible for MM next year. For Tweed Seagulls Jonah Haas is on the bench, hopefully he keeps his aggression in check on the field. For Burleigh good to see Sam Ross playing in the centres and Jerome Veve on the bench. For what it’s worth I have a big wrap on Burleigh second rower Nathan Prostamo as well.
On a different note, Jai Whitbread has been named as vice captain for the first XV TSS rugby side, that is a big honour and he is obviously displaying dedication, commitment and high level leadership skills.
TITAN PETE
23-07-15, 08:18 PM
Plenty of Titans contracted boys in the QCup Colts this week. Good to see Liam Pakau back for Ipswich Jets Colts after a few weeks out of the side, Blake Lenehan also there, watch out also for hooker/half AJ Elder. Pakua and Lenehan are still eligible for MM next year. For Tweed Seagulls Jonah Haas is on the bench, hopefully he keeps his aggression in check on the field. For Burleigh good to see Sam Ross playing in the centres and Jerome Veve on the bench. For what it’s worth I have a big wrap on Burleigh second rower Nathan Prostamo as well.
On a different note, Jai Whitbread has been named as vice captain for the first XV TSS rugby side, that is a big honour and he is obviously displaying dedication, commitment and high level leadership skills.
Great Post mate , we could almost add Brent Woolf playing for Tweed Colts but he's on the Donkeys books..
Jai Whitnread is destined for a huge future & leader in our game.
Elijah Rasiga – He is a second rower who is from the Armidale area and also represented Greater Northern Tigers at the U16 level in the NSW CRL Country Championships earlier this year. He will be in line to represent Group 4 and the Greater Northern Tigers at the U18 level in 2016. He has attended a number of Titans junior development camps and impresses as a big strong backrower, who can also play some centre, even though I think that second row will be his long term position. He is an aggressive defender and can tackle effectively one on one and has some foot work before the line in attack. The only slight negative is that he is usually one of the best players in any side he plays in and thus sometimes takes on too much responsibility thus trying to do too much himself, something that he will be able to adjust to as he makes further representative sides etc. He is likely stay in Armidale for the next couple of years hopefully developing to the point of coming to the Gold Coast to play NYC (if it still exists). From a player comparison perspective, think of Alex Glenn of the Broncos as a backrower with size, speed and strength who would just as happily run over a defender as around them.
The Armidale region is becoming a good development ground with the two Quinlan boys and fullback Corey Alexander hailing from there as well.
Joseph (Joe) Lole – He is an incredibly fast talented fullback who plays fullback for the Forest Lake Magpies U16 side, who are a junior club in the South West of Brisbane which is in the South’s Logan catchment. He did not play in the CC competition this year but represented South East Queensland U16 championships. He is amazing quick, I mean James Roberts quick! He is the quickest junior player I have ever seen. He however does come up into the line in attack and can also play like a five eight, thus has the skills to be a long term fullback in the modern game who can get the ball sweeping the back of the half/five eight and create over laps. He is incredibly dangerous returning kicks due to his speed and elusiveness and on occasion flat out charges at the defensive line ala a young Karmichael Hunt. He is a solid defender at the back, but his calling card is his speed and elusiveness. Interesting to see whether he can progress to MM next year. I would love to see him in a race with Titan junior Caleb Williams. From a style perspective James Roberts would be a good comparison.
Blake Lenehan - He is a forward from the West End club in Ipswich who played MM for them this season before graduating to QCup Colts over the last month or so where he has certainly held his own against much older players. He won the Coach’s award for MM this year. He played the entire MM competition in the front row and also plays in the front row in QCup colts abut in the long term projects as a backrower as he is around 187cm and weighs around the 100kg mark. He is a no nonsense type of player who will do a lot of the heavy work in the middle, both in attack and defence. It will be interesting to see where he plays next year, as he is still eligible for MM, but should push for an NYC spot, hopefully. From a player comparison perspective think Tohu Harris of the Melbourne Storm.
AJ Kepaoa – Is a big powerful centre who has signed recently from Auckland recently, he plays for the Ellerslie-Pakuranga club in Auckland and also plays in the second XV for his school rugby side at outside centre, not bad at all considering his age. Even though he is still eligible for U15’s he recently represented the Auckland Vulcans U16 side in their match against the touring CRL NSW U16 side, which his side won 16 - 12. He also is in the U15 Akarana Performance squad preparing for the up coming NZ age championships. He is a big young man at around 184cm and 88kg and uses that size to run straight and hard, typically running over rather than around his opposition, he does however have a good in and away when he uses it. He is very aggressive in defense and needs to ensure that it is controlled aggression moving forward. In the long term he has a good chance to stay in the centres due to his speed and probably just needs to work on his timing in defense when he looks to come out of the defensive line. Even though he has come over to the Gold Coast as part of our High Performance Junior Development squad, he is likely to stay in NZ for a few years, continuing to play club rugby league and school rugby. Considering that for most of his recent football has been against older players, both in league and union, he has been very durable and playing against older opposition can only enhance his development curve. From a style perspective think Steve Matai of Manly as a reasonable comparison for style purposes.
Kelepi Faukafa - Is a second rower who has recently signed from the Ipswich area. He played well this year for the Ipswich MM side and is obviously looking to progress to the NYC ranks next year. Since the conclusion of the MM season he has graduated to playing 1st grade in the local Ipswich competition. The Ipswich first grade competition is actually a pretty fair standard and is not for the faint hearted with a lot of big men hitting very hard, thus he is getting a good grounding in playing against men. I have only seen one game of his in 1st grade but he certainly did not look out of place in that contest. I would classify him as a wide running second rower with a solid low tackling technique who seems to have the ability to run into the right holes. He also has some aggression about his game, something that he still displayed against men. From a player comparison perspective think of maybe Mau Mau of Parramatta as a powerful backrower.
lonegull
24-07-15, 11:22 AM
Many thanks once again Mdrew for an insight of some of the juniors coming up in the Titans ranks
Wipere Takitimu - Is a talented young fullback/centre from the Manawatu region of NZ (HS old stomping ground I believe) who spend the Christmas/New Year period on the Gold Coast training with the Elite Development squad. He has made numerous representative squads both in rugby league and rugby union, including recently being selected in the NZ Maori U15 at centre. In league he is also part of the Mid Central Vipers U15 training squad for the up coming NZ age championships after representing the Manawatu Mustangs. He plays for the powerful Kia Ora club in the region. In union he has represented Manawatu at both the 15 and 7 man versions of the game. He was spotted by the Titans at a joint development camp that the Titans run in conjunction with the Manawatu rugby league. He is a tall athletic fullback/centre with an effortless running style. I have only seen film of him playing but he presently as a gifted athlete with speed and also an understanding of where the gap is going to be. I would suggest that he is likely to stay in NZ for the next few years, and like many young NZ boys continue to play both league and union. Not sure whether his long term future will be at fullback or centre but regardless he looks like an exceptional talent with the world at his feet. Identifying is a little problematic due to the fact that I have not seen him play live but maybe someone like RTS from the roosters and soon Warriors. Again I am only referring to a style comparison that is all.
Jai Whitbread outstanding in TSS win against BBC in GPS 1st XV this afternoon. Plays centre in rugby but second row in league, real class on and off the field
In the first two rounds to the GPS rugby Jai Whitbread has already made around ten line breaks very impressive for an inside centre in rugby. projects well for a hard running back rower in league
RenegadeGC
26-07-15, 10:23 AM
In the first two rounds to the GPS rugby Jai Whitbread has already made around ten line breaks very impressive for an inside centre in rugby. projects well for a hard running back rower in league
Still has another year in MM as well. But i think he should be given an opportunity to play 20s next year. Great up and coming player for Titans and possible future captain (is well respected, has great discipline and leads by example.)
Good to see young Sheaziah Compain on the scoreboard for Tweed colts. he is a young outside back who should be in the running to be part of our NYC squad next year. He was solid in MM earlier this year
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Jerome Veve with his first Qcup colts try for burleigh in their win this afternoon. Also Centre Sam Ross with three goals
RenegadeGC
26-07-15, 07:07 PM
Good to see young Sheaziah Compain on the scoreboard for Tweed colts. he is a young outside back who should be in the running to be part of our NYC squad next year. He was solid in MM earlier this year
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Jerome Veve with his first Qcup colts try for burleigh in their win this afternoon. Also Centre Sam Ross with three goals
Sheaziah has also been running around for Runaway Bay this year. Not sure if he will factor too much into Titans NYC next year, struggled with form in MM this year and wasn't played in the latter end.
Would love to see Jerome get a run in NYC before the season end this year.
Bostyn Hakaraia – Is a five eight from NZ where he currently attend Mr Albert Grammer School (MAGS) in Auckland. Over the last couple of seasons he has made numerous representative sides including making the NZ U18 high performance squad camp this year. Previously he has represented NZ and NZ Maori at the U16 level and is also part of the Akarana high Performance squad preparing for the up coming NZ age championships. Earlier this year he was over on the Gold Coast training as part of the Titans elite development unit. He is a strongly built five eight with good passing game on both sides with a prodigious kick on him. I am intrigued where his long term future lies as he is a solid five eight with only reasonable speed off the mark. I think that as he moves through the junior age groups, he is still eligible for U18’s in 2016, he may transition to the backrow, on a similar career trajectory to Wade Graham. He is also a goal kicker. He will/should be over on the coast at the end of the year. From a player comparison perspective, I think that he plays like a young Wade Graham.
The Titans are starting to make decent inroads to NZ and not just in the Manawatu region, so well done to the Titans scouting network.
Kyron Herron – Is a big powerfully built front rower from the Lower Clarence Magpies in the Group One region and is currently playing in their U18 side and is eligible for that same age group again next year. He has previously represented Group One in NSW Country competitions. He runs hard and straight and does not take a backward step even though for most of his junior football he has been playing against older opposition. He can also off load the football both before the line and when he is being tackled, he seems to be one of those players with the innate ability to get his hands free. Whilst this can lead to some mistakes, usually he is very selective about when to pass. In defense, he can certainly hit very hard and for a big boy he has quite decent endurance. Throw into the equation that he can also kick goals and you have a big front rower with diverse skill set. He should be playing U18 football in Group One next year, and may also get an opportunity with the Lower Clarence Magpies first grade side. From a player comparison perspective think Kenny Bromwitch (not Jesse) of the Storm.
Brenton Daley-Holten – Is a young five eight who is playing U15’s with South Tweed and Tweed River High. Earlier this year he represented Group 18 Under 15’s at the NSW Country U15 age championships. He played a number of games for our junior development squads earlier this year. I believe he is Tyronne Roberts-Davis’s cousin. Whilst it was a difficult championship’s for Group 18, he played well in the three games. For an elusive runner of the football, he still has the ability to set up his outside support and has a solid kicking game. Like all players at the U15 level he should get stronger as he gets older which will assist his defense which is already very good including a good low tackling technique. He is also a sold general play kicker both long and short kicking. Hopefully he gets a chance to play CC next year. From a player comparison perspective a right footed version of Aiden Sezer I believe is reasonable and I think that he has the skill set to stay at five eight in the long term.
Brent Barnes – Is a young fullback/wing who has represented both the U14 Vikings and Kookaburras this year, but for club football he is playing at the U15 level for the Helensvale Hornets. He has had a stellar year so far scoring 15 tries and kicking six goals across 14 games, a very impressive strike rate even more so considering he is playing up an age group. He is a very elusive runner of the ball both from fullback or the wing and returns the football with vigor from kicks. He is also quite good under the high ball, ala Anthony Don. Whilst he may not have absolutely blinding speed he does have good spped off the mark and knows his way to the try line and where his feet are in comparison to the sideline. One good think about his play in attack is that he stays on his wing and is regularly outside his opposite number allowing his inside players to be able to find him in attack. In defense he is certainly solid enough. It will be interesting to see if he can stay a year above his age moving forward and maybe have some chance of making CC next year, but that is not easy but he is certainly capable. Whilst he can play either fullback or wing, I think his long term position is wing with his innate understanding of where he is in comparison to the sideline and his ability under the high ball. From a player comparison perspective think Lachlan Maranta of the Broncos, he may not have amazing speed etc but he gets the job done efficiently and effectively with few errors.
Kyle Fairbank – Is a young backrower who has represented both the U14 Vikings and Kookaburras this year, but for club football he has played a number of games at the U15 level as well as scoring three tries at the U14 level. He stands out regardless of how many times that you watch him play is the intensity and effort that he puts in to every moment that he is on the field, both in attack and defence. Speaking of defence he is a rare breed in that he has a very good low tackling technique and is an exceptional cover defender, in part because of the effort he puts in to track the ball across the field when opposition teams spread the ball wide. He is not the biggest young player you will ever see, but like is defence he is all effort in attack and will constantly run the ball into the heart of the opposition forward pack, but is very effective at running at the edges of the ruck. For a young bloke he really throws himself into everything that he does on a football field. A player comparison would possibly be someone like Simon Mannering of the Warriors in terms of someone who will get absolutely everything out of the skills that he has.
Corey Alexander – Is a young fullback from the Armidale region who was part of the Group 19 U18 side which won their regional competition and from there went on to represent Greater Northern Tigers U18 side that the NSW Country U18 championships, where the Greater Northern Tigers were runners up. He is an agile, speedy runner of the football who relies on his speed and elusiveness to make it difficult for larger opponents to line him up. When lining up at fullback he always makes himself available for offloads in the centre of the ruck. He is not the biggest player but will take the hit when needing to make the tackle in the last line of defense. One thing that impresses me is that he does not jog after the ball when it is kicked down field, he will flat out sprint to get there either on the full or as quickly as possible, thus eliminating the effectiveness of the oppositions kicking game. When he retrieves the ball he makes a decision quickly about where to look to run around a staggered defensive line or to run straight in an effort to make as much ground as possible. To date he has not been asked to be a ball player out of the back of the ruck so it will be intereting to see how that skill develops as he plays at the higher levels. He was identified by the Titans after playing in an annual game that the Titans organise each year between public schools in Inverell and Armidale. With Armidale team mates Phillip Quinlan and Elijah Rasiga he played games with our junior representative squads earlier this year. He is likely to stay in the Armidale region for another year and play both club and representative U18 football, but is hopefully also play some 1st grade in the Group 19 region. From a player comparision perspective think along the lines of Matt Moylan if the Penrith Panthers.
Zac Beecher – Is a talented hooker who played very well in the MM competition this year, scoring six tries in that competition and has since progressed to playing 1st grade in the Northern River Regional Rugby League competition for Ballina. The NRRRL competition is not a bad standard and thus for him to be playing hooker in that competition at 17 is no mean feat at all. He also plays for St Johns Collage Woodlawn and made the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges side for the U18 Australian Schoolboys championships that were played earlier this year. He was first signed by the Titans from Northern NSW as a 14 year old, and has since progressed through the CC and MM competitions. He is solid all round hooker who distributes effectively on both sides of the ruck. He does have some speed when running out of dummy half but as he progresses up the ladder through higher standards of competitions he will need to ensure that he is selective about when he runs the ball and when he passes. He is efficient in his passing and there is little wasted movement as he passes in one motion off the ground rather than two distinct movements like many hookers where they first stand then pass. He defends in the middle of the ruck and is an effective low tackler and has very good endurance and projects as a hooker who will be able to play 80 minutes without interchange, which will become a critical skill as the number of interchanges are reduced to 8 next year, and possibly even lower in subsequent years. I think that he has a real shot at being part of the NYC squad next year. From a player comparison perspective think someone along the lines of Andrew McCullough of the Brisbane Broncos as a hard working player with leadership skills and someone that his team mates would appreciate playing with.
Bryson Vaovasa - Is a young centre/second row who is in his first year on the Gold Coast after moving over from NZ. He and his brother Emasi attend Keebra park and have made a huge impression in their short time on the Coast. Bryson leads the try scoring list for the U14 Div 1 Gold Coast competition with 14 tries in eight matches as well as kicking a couple of goals. This is after leading the try scoring for the Qld U14 age championships in June with 8. He has already represented U14 Vikings and Kookaburras this year. He is a big young man who runs hard and straight and has a bit of pace if he finds himself in any space, and defends with a vigour and a bit of aggression, regularly putting in big hits, but it is controlled. The most promising aspect of his attacking play is his ability to understand when to run over an opponent and when to use an in and away move to get on the outside of his direct opponent when playing at centre. When playing in the back row he has some footwork before the line so as the defensive line can not target him. Defensively he seems very selective when coming out of the line rather than rushing up on all occasions. Even though he is young he is a combination of size strength and power how also seems to understand the game thus not relying purely on his athletic strengths, even though on most occasions he is bigger stronger or faster than his opponents. He will play U15’s next year and obviously continue to play for Keebra. Ultimately I think that he ends up in the backrow in the long term but in the short term, the way he is playing in the centres suggests that he will stay there. From a player comparison perspective, I hesitate to say but he does remind me of a player with the skill set of Sonny Bill Williams when he played in the centres for Canterbury early in his career.
Sam Ross – Is a solidly built centre who played MM this year where he scored 42 points on three tries and fifteen goals and since the conclusion of that competition has moved up and played a number of games at centre for Burleigh in Qcup Colts. He is solidly built young player with decent speed once he gets going. Watching him play, he does not necessarily come across as the most aggressive player in defense but certainly makes enough initial contact to be effective and seems to be a decent hole runner in attack. He is also a very competent goal kicker. I would expect that he is a chance to be part of the NYC squad next year, as he is a solid all round player. He is one player that I will be cheering for as he may not be as explosive as other centre prospects but seems a decent hard working player. From a player comparison perspective I can see aspects of a Dale Copley of the Brisbane Broncos type player in him.
charged2go
27-07-15, 03:25 PM
Sam Ross – Is a solidly built centre who played MM this year where he scored 42 points on three tries and fifteen goals and since the conclusion of that competition has moved up and played a number of games at centre for Burleigh in Qcup Colts. He is solidly built young player with decent speed once he gets going. Watching him play, he does not necessarily come across as the most aggressive player in defense but certainly makes enough initial contact to be effective and seems to be a decent hole runner in attack. He is also a very competent goal kicker. I would expect that he is a chance to be part of the NYC squad next year, as he is a solid all round player. He is one player that I will be cheering for as he may not be as explosive as other centre prospects but seems a decent hard working player. From a player comparison perspective I can see aspects of a Dale Copley of the Brisbane Broncos type player in him.
drew very good descriptions of these players! i watched sam ross play yesterday and i wouldn't say he is the most solidly built centre i have ever seen, however he is a good footballer... Runs a good line and holds his own in defence, haven't seen him in full flight but looks like he can run thats for sure!
RenegadeGC
27-07-15, 04:57 PM
@MDrew are these players you have mentioned all Titan contracted players. Or just juniors on the coast/Norther Rivers that you have come across?
CC and MM trials to be held on Saturday 19 September at Firth Park which is Mudgeeraba. Should be plenty of talented players on show
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GIO Cup Queensland Quarter finals are being held at Wynnum this afternoon, with three GC schools on show, being Coombabah, Keebra and PBC. Good luck to all
PBC won their quarter final 34-14 after being down 14-6 at the half. Coombabah down 8-6 to Wavell in their quarter final. Coombabah eventually defeated 28-12 by Wavell not bad considering 10 of the side are U16 eligible, such as Konrad Edwards, Luke Mastronni etc. Keebra down by 6 at the half to Marsden!
Second rower and recent signee Kelepi Faukafa will be coming off the bench for Ipswich Qcup colts this weekend. He should be in the NYC squad next year
Keebra scored 30 unanswered second half points to win their quarter final
The Titans have recently signed a deal with Redbank Plains State High School which is good to see. The school had its best performances to date in their U13 Renouf Cup and U14 Hancock Cup competitions. From what I have been told Lai-One Manu (Titans scholarship holder), performed well for the U13 squad and second rower Cyrus Arona for the U14’s. Good to see the Titans continuing to invest in junior development.
Nelson Grove (updated) – He is a backrower, although he has also played some junior football at 5/8, who is currently playing his club football at Burleigh, represented the U14 Kookaburra’s side earlier this year and attends PBC. The one thing that stands out is regardless of how many times that you watch him play is the intensity and effort that he puts in to every moment that he is on the field, both in attack and defence. Speaking of defence he is a rare breed in that he has a very good low tackling technique and is an exceptional cover defender, in part because of the effort he puts in to track the ball across the field when opposition teams spread the ball wide. He is one of a quality stable of young backrowers in the Titans development squads, but is obviously a few years away from even NYC but a talented young player no doubt. He is not the biggest young player you will ever see, but like his defence he is all effort in attack and will constantly run the ball into the heart of the opposition forward pack, but is very effective at running at the edges of the ruck as well. It is impossible not to be impressed with the amount of work he does on the field at such a young age. A style comparison to Canberra Raider Shaun Hensom would be appropriate because of his statue and high work rate.
Geordie Brand (updated)– He is a young front rower who has had an amazing year, making multiple representative sides including making the Australian U15 Merit side and was named player of the tournament, which was a great result. He is also a member of the Titans Elite Junior Performance Academy, which is run by Jamie McCormack. There is a story on the Titans official site about him and the tournament. He currently attends Keebra Park but plays his club rugby league at Logan Brothers. The Logan Brothers U15 side this year (like most years) has been the dominant team in the GBJRL competition at that age group, with Geordie Brand being a big reason for their success, they are well coached and are brimming with talented players who play well as a team. Lizaya Iti is also a member of that Logan Brothers side.
He runs hard and straight and does not take a backward step, for example I recall a match late last year for our U14 development squad at Burleigh when they played Queensland Samoa, he constantly ran into the heart of the Samoan forward pack who were huge. He will not wow onlookers with offloads or line breaks but will continue to work all day, both in attack and defence. In defence he covers inside well when balls are turned back inside on the fringe of the ruck and in attack he just flat out runs hard and straight, this trait helped him score two tries in the U15 Australian final against one of the NSW sides. The tries were as a result of him charging straight and hard from close range, and literally just wanting to score regardless of who was in front of him.
I have seen him play in previous years, but this year he has made a huge leap forward and it is impossible not to be impressed by his ability. He also seems to be a leader and well liked by his team mates. He should be a mainstay of one of the Gold Coast CC side next year and hopefully a long term member of our Elite Junior Development Squad. From a style perspective, I originally thought of someone like the Titans own Luke Douglas, but after seeing his outstanding performances this year I would adjust that to someone like Aaron Woods (with less facial hair) of the Wests Tigers. Like all junior players, he is a ways off, but if hard work and dedication are a prerequisite for success, then Geordie Brand is well on his way.
Quentin Vaaua (updated) – He is a fullback/half, who represented the U14 Kookaburra’s earlier this year. I noted earlier that he is a half/fullback and this is where he has played for the Titans development squads and in his club football for Redbank Plains, but he has played a little bit of representative football at hooker this year as well which was interesting to see. He is an agile, speedy runner of the football who relies on his speed and elusiveness to make it difficult for larger opponents to line him up. When lining up at fullback he always makes himself available for offloads in the centre of the ruck where he can use his footwork against tiring forwards.
He plays for Redbank Plains White in the U14 competition in the Ipswich junior rugby league competition where he scored 17 tries and also kicked a number of goals in 2014 and this year has scored five tries so far. In defence, he will certainly not shirk contact when larger boys are running at him. Moving forward it will be interesting to see where he finally settles, whether that will be at half or fullback, (I think fullback). Form a style perspective think along the lines of Preston Campbell. Again I stress I am referring to a style of play, as it is unfair to compare talented youngsters to greats in terms of what their careers may look like.
Isaac Lee (updated) – He is a tall rangy centre who represented NSW CCC Northern U18 earlier this year, where a team mate was Sam Elliot. Last year he was named the Titans best back in the U15 development squad’s loss to Wests Tigers late last year. He currently attends St Johns College Woodlawn in Lismore as well as playing for Lismore Marist Brothers U16’s in the Group One junior rugby league competition. I believe that he has also played a couple of games with the Marist Brothers U18 side as well. He is sneeky quick and plays as a straight running centre who has the ability to set up his winger. Defensively he is solid as well.
Moving forward he will likely stay in Lismore for the next couple of years and continue to progress through the U18 ranks of the Group One competition and for St Johns College Woodlawn in the GIO Cup and other regional cup competitions and battle for a place in the East Coast Dolphins representative side. I think that ultimately he will end up as a winger in the long term and one that will be very good under the high ball and some one who will cause all sorts of headaches when he is going for attacking kicks as well. He is the son of former Cronulla front rower Danny Lee and from a style perspective thing of someone like the Titans Anthony Don who also hails from the same region.
DavidBouveng
31-07-15, 10:00 AM
amazing work mcdrew.
i reckon Phil Gould couldnt give as in depth review of the panthers premiership players he coached...let alone kids running around all over the state.
you are incredible and a treasure to this forum.
Was not at the game from what I have been told Jai Whitbread was once again outstanding at inside centre for TSS in their 56-14 victory against Gregory Terrace this afternoon in Brisbane in the GPS First XV rugby competition. TSS remain unbeaten after three games. Also Max Dowd has his best game so far at fullback. The Titans send some of their junior players on full scholarships to TSS thus why the interest.
RenegadeGC
01-08-15, 09:43 PM
Was not at the game from what I have been told Jai Whitbread was once again outstanding at inside centre for TSS in their 56-14 victory against Gregory Terrace this afternoon in Brisbane in the GPS First XV rugby competition. TSS remain unbeaten after three games. Also Max Dowd has his best game so far at fullback. The Titans send some of their junior players on full scholarships to TSS thus why the interest.
Unfortunate that I have also heard Jai is no longer part of the Titans program.
Very disappointing to hear
Unfortunate that I have also heard Jai is no longer part of the Titans program.
Oliver Singh (updated)– He is a nuggetty half/hooker from the Gold Coast, and currently attends PBC as well as playing his club football at the Currumbin Club, where he has played mostly U14’s but has had one game up at the U15 age group. He also represented the U14 Kookaburra’s earlier this and is a member of 2015 Gold Coast junior rugby league academy. He has played a bit of football in the halves in previous seasons but for me his long term future is at hooker (for what my opinion is worth) where he has very good distribution and seemingly an innate ability to know when to run out of dummy half.
Defensively he is not going to pull of big hits, but certainly is strong enough to make good initial contact against big forwards as is necessary for someone who defends in the centre of the ruck as well as tackling all day. He is also a solid general play kicker as well as an extremely effective goal kicker, I have been fortunate enough to see him kick a few from right on the touchline. He will likely play U15’s next year and then hopefully progress through the CC and MM pathway as well as representing the Titans Junior Development squads. From a style perspective, think along the lines of someone like Jake Friend of the Roosters.
Congratulations to Bostyn Hakaraia, Titans signee for making the Auckland Schools team of the year. He played 5/8 for Mt Albert Grammer School.
Story in the Queensland Times about Redbank Plains School rugby league, who we have recently signed a deal with, specifically mentions fullback Lai-One Manu who is a Titans scholarship holder.
http://www.qt.com.au/news/redbank-plains-rules/2729328/
RenegadeGC
05-08-15, 11:23 AM
Big day for a few of the juniors in schoolboy footy -
Coombabah U15s vs Keebra U15s 4PM Owen Park, Southport
and the big one
Southern QLD Semi Final -
Keebra 'A's vs PBC 'A's 5pm kick off at Owen Park, Southport
A host of contracted and academy players on show.
Some old news from the Qld Junior Age championships a month or so, Titans development squad members, Will Evans and Nelson Grove received awards, being Best and Fairest for U14 SEQ White who won the championship game Will Evans and U14 player of the carnival, Nelson Grove. Rixon Andrew won U13 player of the carnival.
David Fauids Wavell lead Ipswich State High 14 to 4 at half time in one GIO cup semi. Wavell won 28 to 16
RenegadeGC
05-08-15, 06:38 PM
PBC win 16-06 over Keebra
charged2go
05-08-15, 09:47 PM
PBC win 16-06 over Keebra
was at this game... keebra had plenty of opportunity to take the game and run in some points, however just did not want to play smart footy when smart footy needed to be played... they came with the mentality to 'bash' PBC which PBC reacted to and out smarted keebra in the end. Well played by PBC, massive fan of PBC's little halfback Dylan Mclaren (i think his name is), controlled the game perfectly with a few pin point kicks late in the game when PBC were in control. Massive game by Peacock, Uppy and also a back rower named rory? anyone know much about him...? Brent Woolf was solid. AJ Brimson didnt do too much to please me, however Payne Haas was outstanding for a 15 year old on that field. couple of big carries and solid in defence... well done to PBC
RenegadeGC
05-08-15, 10:24 PM
was at this game... keebra had plenty of opportunity to take the game and run in some points, however just did not want to play smart footy when smart footy needed to be played... they came with the mentality to 'bash' PBC which PBC reacted to and out smarted keebra in the end. Well played by PBC, massive fan of PBC's little halfback Dylan Mclaren (i think his name is), controlled the game perfectly with a few pin point kicks late in the game when PBC were in control. Massive game by Peacock, Uppy and also a back rower named rory? anyone know much about him...? Brent Woolf was solid. AJ Brimson didnt do too much to please me, however Payne Haas was outstanding for a 15 year old on that field. couple of big carries and solid in defence... well done to PBC
Rory Lillis was in MM Green side this year.
Below is a link to the Bulliten's summation of the PBC/Keebra maatch.
http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport/nrl/gold-coast-schoolboy-steve-dressler-leaves-hospital-to-lead-palm-beach-currumbin-to-win/story-fnj9yd9w-1227471746516
Lai One Manu – Is a tall rangy fullback who plays his school football for Redbank Plains State High School as well as Redbank Plains for his club football in the Ipswich Junior Rugby League at the U13 level. He was the first player the Titans signed when they reached the partnership agreement with Redbank Plains High School. He was named player of the match in the year nine Broncos Old Boys Plate final when his school side won 26-20 against Marsden High, with Manu scoring a try with around a minute to go to break a 20 all tie. He had scored a try with 8 minutes left to tie the game. Interestingly the two tries mentioned were very different in terms of how he scored them. For one he took the ball close to the opposition line and charged through the forwards, carrying a number of the Marsden forwards over the line with him, the other he cut through Marsden’s backline defense after receiving the ball from his 5/8 and using his speed and evasion to outpace the opposition on the way to the try line.
For a tall player he is very quick off the mark and when the ball is being brought out of his teams half he is always around the forwards looking for off loads but as evidenced by one of his tries he also can play the way a lot of the current fullbacks play when they receive the football “out the back” from the five eight. In those circumstances, currently he runs more than he passes, but he is playing at the U13 level and I have no doubt that his passing skills will improve as he maturing and gets more experience.
In terms of his defense, one thing that stood out to me, all be it from only a few times I have seen him play, and I stress I have not seen a great deal of him play, when the opposition makes a break he moves forward looking to cut down the time of the attacking player, which is quite impressive for such a young player. Due to his height, he is good also at defending the high ball. On occasion he seemed to stand very shallow at fullback, but with his speed he is able to compensate, also his fullback positioning is dependent on his teams coaching staff and thus I am absolutely not being critical.
He is a silky smooth player, who looks like he glides across the field picking and choosing his time to get involved and wants to have the ball in his hands when the game is on the line, as evidenced by the match against Marsden. I initially thought he would be a very good centre, and I am sure with his natural ability he would be, but with the skills he has and the way the modern game is played, fullback seems to be his best position. He is obviously a long way away, but I am looking forward to see him play for our development squads over the next month or two as they play some games after their camps. From a style perspective, again I am going off only a very limited amount of observation, I would say a reasonable comparison to Josh Duggan of the St George Dragons would be fair.
If/when a “Take on our top juniors” is re-done, it would be very difficult to keep this young player out of the top 10 in terms of my opinion only.
Josh Ralph – Is a half who has essentially played the entire season with the Runaway Bay first grade side, where he has been quite impressive, including scoring 6 tries in the ten games that he has played so far. He played a couple of games for MM White earlier this year, including a one or two at five eight. He was also part of the U20 Gold Coast Vikings side that won their competition and scored a double in both of his team’s games. He can find the line as evidenced by the stats noted above and can be confirmed by the fact that he scored 15 tries in 11 games in 2014 at the U19 level when he was only 16/17.
He is only slight of build even when up against players in his own age group but looks even smaller against men. Do not take his lack of size in any way as a lack of ability or courage, he has a lot of both, which is on display each time he runs onto the field. With the ball he is a very good distributor and will take the ball to the line in an effort to set up his supports. He is particularly adept at using the blind side when he sees an opportunity. Even against men he will back his judgement and take the game on. Assisting his play is the fact that he makes the decision what to do with the ball quickly thus enabling the ball to get out wide quickly. In previous seasons when I have seen him play he sometimes took the line on himself too much, but the times that I have seen him play this season he has become more selective about when to pass and when to run.
He has a good short kicking game but he does not have the strongest leg in terms of kicking deep but is accurate and regularly finds the ground to enable the chasers to get down field. In defense, due to his size he is obviously not going to come up with the big hit but reads the play well and can hold his own when defending much bigger players. He is also very vocal on the field always talking and encouraging his side.
It will be interesting to see where to from here for Josh Ralph in terms of whether he progresses to NYC next year and I am sure that he will be written off in some quarters due to his size, but I would not count him out just yet, even though he will be competing with the likes of Josh Fauid etc next year. Whilst he has played some football at five eight and even though sometimes in the modern game it is difficult to distinguish between who is playing half or five eight, half seems to be where his future is for me. From a player comparison perspective thing maybe a Gary Freeman type as someone who will give everything on the field and will not back down.
Wipere Takitimu has been selected in the Manawatu Mustangs U15 Team who will compete in the upcoming Mid Central Zone Tri Series to determine the Mid Central Vipers for the NZ National junior age tournament.
Josh Ralph will yet another try for Runaway Bay in 1st grade, that is 7 tries from 11 games, well done by the young half back.
Centre/second row Bryson Vaovasa’s great year is continuing, he is now up to 18 tries in 9 games at the 14 Div One level in the Gold Coast Junior Rugby League.
Titanic
10-08-15, 10:44 AM
Keep 'em coming mate :thumbsup:
Max Bryant – Is a young backrower from south of the Border who played CC this year with Gold Coast Green, and had a solid year, scoring 2 tires as well as kicking 11 goals and a field goal. He has previously represented NSW Combined Catholic Colleges, from St Joseph’s Banora Point and plays his club football for Cudgen. He is not a big giant backrower but has a solid build who operates effectively on the fringes of the ruck due to his good ball skills, which have also developed as a result of him playing a fair amount of junior football at five eight. He has been with the Titans for a number of years.
From the times that I have seen him play, he has developed his passing skills especially from the left side. In the younger age groups he ran the ball more than passing, but as he has developed and started playing against better players and teams, he has adapted his game to take advantage of the players around him. When running the ball he does not put his head down and just run straight, he uses foot work before the line and can also pass just before the line putting fellow forwards into gaps as defences converge.
He can also kick in general play, both long kicks to gain ground and also the shorter grubber kick near the try line. I do not think that he will be a team’s primary general play kicker but has the skill set to be a secondary option when the primary kicker is under pressure. Like his tactical kicking I do not think that he ends up as a primary goal kicker but is effective enough to be a secondary option.
From a defensive stand point he is an effective tackler and will come over the top to prevent offloads and will not shirk contact. He seems to usually defend on the fringes of the ruck and will cover behind the backline and does not stop once the ball goes past and thus is effective in defending the inside pass or when an opposing centre cuts back inside.
Moving forward he should progress to MM next year and play apart in the back row. As he is not a “monster” from a size perspective he will need to continue to be effective on the edges of the ruck. From a style perspective, think of someone like the Titans own Greg Bird, all be it probably a better comparison would be the Cronulla version of Greg Bird with some speed, and ball handling skills on the fringes of the ruck.
Link to a story on the Official Site about the Titans working with juniors nominated by their clubs in the Group 1 region.
http://www.titans.com.au/news/2015/08/11/development_day_a_bi.html
Good to see Jerome Veve on an extended bench for NYC this week, well deserved
Wipere Takitimu played for Manawatu U15 over the weekend. Manawatu defeated Hawkes Bay 60 -6 and Taranaki 41 -34. Each year the Titans run a joint camp in this region which is great to see.
Hail Sezer
12-08-15, 10:11 AM
Wipere Takitimu played for Manawatu U15 over the weekend. Manawatu defeated Hawkes Bay 60 -6 and Taranaki 41 -34. Each year the Titans run a joint camp in this region which is great to see.
Up Manawatu :fight:
Titans contracted five eight Bostyn Hakaraia's school side Mt Albert Grammer School lost to Kelston boys high in the semi final of the Auckland schools competition (NZ version of GIO Cup) 13-12. Bostyn kicked two from two in the game.
Hail Sezer
13-08-15, 07:08 PM
Titans contracted five eight Bostyn Hakaraia's school side Mt Albert Grammer School lost to Kelston boys high in the semi final of the Auckland schools competition (NZ version of GIO Cup) 13-12. Bostyn kicked two from two in the game.
MAGS will be filthy to lose to Kelston
MAGS lead with a couple of minutes to go and seemed home but.....
Wavell and David Fauid on fox sports now, PBC on fox sports next week
Hail Sezer
15-08-15, 08:17 AM
Payne Haas has signed with the Warriors
ouch
You are right, we just can not compete with the likes of the Warriors Broncos etc
Payne Haas has signed with the Warriors
ouch
David Fauid was absolutely sensational for Wavell in the televised GIO Cup game this morning, he showed supurb foot work and balance and great positional skills. Well done to the Titans for getting him and Josh signed. Yes we have lost some great talent from our junior ranks, but that is not for lack of effort, we simply do not have the resources to complete with other clubs to shell out the unbelievable amount of money some of these young men are getting offered. We are still better off from a development stand point then we have been in the past.
lonegull
15-08-15, 08:37 PM
Watched the game fauid was best on park by a country mile the commentators mentioned about 30 minutes in about how many metres he had run in attack and they said its of the charts and it certainly was great display from the back
Bostyn Hakaraia's school side Mt Albert Grammer School (MAGS) has been drawn in Pool C for the NZ schoolboys championships.
Wipere Takitimu (fullback) was in action over the weekend for Manawatu U15’s in their tri-series against Taranaki and Hawkes Bay. After the Tri-series is completed a squad to represent the Mid Central Vipers is selected. On the weekend Manawatu U15’s lost 18-16 to Taranaki and beat Hawkes Bay 36-12. Wipere should be selected in the Vipers squad and hopefully should be up against and AJ Kepaoa (centre) in the Akarana Falcons U15 at the NZ National age championships. Both should be joined by Bostyn Hakaraia (5/8) in the U17 Akarana Falcons side.
Bryson Vaovasa is now up to 20 tries in 11 games at the 14 Div One level in the Gold Coast Junior Rugby League, which is about 5 more than the next player. He has also kicked 32 goals for a total of 144 points for the season, which also leads the league. He is having a very good year that is for sure.
TITAN PETE
18-08-15, 01:35 PM
Bryson Vaovasa is now up to 20 tries in 11 games at the 14 Div One level in the Gold Coast Junior Rugby League, which is about 5 more than the next player. He has also kicked 32 goals for a total of 144 points for the season, which also leads the league. He is having a very good year that is for sure.
Is he with Ormeau ?
No mate he is with Southport
TITAN PETE
18-08-15, 03:48 PM
No mate he is with Southport
I have seen them play a couple of games this season & they are a good side , should be a great semi this Friday
palmbeachpariah
20-08-15, 01:45 PM
Good to see Jerome Veve on an extended bench for NYC this week, well deserved
Indeed good to see as he was rorted at school level last yr...couldnt even crack a spot in pbc a's..quite sad
palmbeachpariah
20-08-15, 02:32 PM
The kid probably should be playing in the 14s prems against much better opposition to get a more accurate guide to his potential.
Talented Titans contracted juniors Josh Fauid (half) and Liam Paikea (centre) have been named for Norths and Ipswich respectively for this weekend’s QCup Colts round. On a disappointing note our two Australian Schoolboy reps, Tyronne Roberts-Davis and David Fauid are unlikely to play any matches in the Green and Gold as NZ has withdrawn for the annual schoolboy series which was scheduled for next month due to financial constraints.
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Reminder for people interested Palm Beach Currumbin will be on Fox Sports One Saturday morning at 8am in their Qld GIO Cup semi final against Kirwin High. I will not give away the score for the people who will be watching. A number of Titans contracted boys will be on show in the match.
There has been some positive performances for Titans contracted juniors in the Gold Coast U19 Coast 2 Coast Earthmoving Cup. They include Ethan Roberts with 9 tries and a goal from 12 games with Tugun (He has also played a number of first grade games), Sam Ross with 6 tries and 18 goals for Burleigh and GL who may have only played one game for Burleigh but he scored 5 tries in that game!
There are a number of talented players in the U19’s and it will be interesting to see if any are able to crack a sport in our NYC squad for next year, they include outside back Josh Skeen (Runaway Bay), half Liam Wyper (Burleigh), backrower Javarn Nofoagaototoa (Runaway Bay), centre Richard Holani (Runaway Bay) and winger Tom Landers (Southport). Tom Landers was the top try scorer for MM White (I think that it was MM white, maybe it was MM Green) and he has now progressed to the local 1st grade comp.
Half AJ Brimson with a try for Tweed Seagulls he is first QCup Colts games in their 34 all draw against Ipswich. He has amazing speed off the mark.
palmbeachpariah
23-08-15, 06:36 PM
good to see that team do ok..some decent players but very poor defence
Huge game from Bryson Vaovasa in his U14 semi final for the Southport Tigers, he was named at five eight and scored 3 tries, kicked 4 goals and a field goal in their 41 to 6 win.
RenegadeGC
24-08-15, 01:57 PM
Huge game from Bryson Vaovasa in his U14 semi final for the Southport Tigers, he was named at five eight and scored 3 tries, kicked 4 goals and a field goal in their 41 to 6 win.
Its a shame hes not in the Prem grade, would be a true indication of how he goes. But still an exciting prospect
Congratulations to Wipere Takitimu for making the 2015 U15 Mid Central Vipers squad
RenegadeGC
29-08-15, 04:10 PM
Results from GCJRL semis last night.
U14- Helensvale beat Runaway Bay
U15 - Runaway Bay beat Burleigh
U 16 - Nerang beat Southport
Unfortunate that Broncos have signed Tanah Boyd who is in the R Bay 15s. That kid is a great talent. I think after last nights performance they will beat Ormeau next week.
Nerang started off slow in the 16s but eventually came out on top. Brock Hamil had an up and down night for Southport did a lot of work and fatigue may have got the best of him as he made a couple of crucial errors in the closing minutes. Titan contracted Kees Nicholson and Jaxson Paulo were solid for Nerang. I really think they may upset R Bay star studded 16s next week. Look for Tanah Boyd to back up and play in both the 15s and then 16s GF next weekend.
Tonights blockbuster between Nerang and Mudgee 17s should be a cracker.
TITAN PETE
29-08-15, 10:36 PM
Results from GCJRL semis last night.
U14- Helensvale beat Runaway Bay
U15 - Runaway Bay beat Burleigh
U 16 - Nerang beat Southport
Unfortunate that Broncos have signed Tanah Boyd who is in the R Bay 15s. That kid is a great talent. I think after last nights performance they will beat Ormeau next week.
Nerang started off slow in the 16s but eventually came out on top. Brock Hamil had an up and down night for Southport did a lot of work and fatigue may have got the best of him as he made a couple of crucial errors in the closing minutes. Titan contracted Kees Nicholson and Jaxson Paulo were solid for Nerang. I really think they may upset R Bay star studded 16s next week. Look for Tanah Boyd to back up and play in both the 15s and then 16s GF next weekend.
Tonights blockbuster between Nerang and Mudgee 17s should be a cracker.
It was a close game but Mudgy couldn't hold the ball for 6 & Nerang ran out winners 22-18 with 3 tries to their no6 who I've never heard of & I have been watching the 2 teams play for the past 11 years...Burleigh have been handed the trophy after being runner up for 3 out of the past 4 years.
palmbeachpariah
30-08-15, 07:03 AM
really heh..Tanner 4 times didnt get to the kick..i stood there with ormeau coach (assistant cyril green coach next yr) who had a smug look..bay 15s forwards although they do get numbers in d are quite soft and i dare say ormeau will roll through them in the middle like they have all season..whilst 9 12 and 13 will bash em up in defence..if there is an x factor for bay it isnt tanner rather mcCormack at 9 who on his day is the best kid in this age group but coming back after a serious leg injury and playing against his old club..
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That burleigh team over the yrs got beat by mudgee who although smaller were invariable quicker and targeted the slower burleigh forwards around the ruck...they also had wolfy playing 7 :0
RenegadeGC
30-08-15, 12:53 PM
Nerang 17s number 6 was Huston Holloway played MM for Greens this year. First year playing Div 1. Has been in Div 2 for last couple years.
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really heh..Tanner 4 times didnt get to the kick..i stood there with ormeau coach (assistant cyril green coach next yr) who had a smug look..bay 15s forwards although they do get numbers in d are quite soft and i dare say ormeau will roll through them in the middle like they have all season..whilst 9 12 and 13 will bash em up in defence..if there is an x factor for bay it isnt tanner rather mcCormack at 9 who on his day is the best kid in this age group but coming back after a serious leg injury and playing against his old club..
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That burleigh team over the yrs got beat by mudgee who although smaller were invariable quicker and targeted the slower burleigh forwards around the ruck...they also had wolfy playing 7 :0
Lol lol Framey with the busted wing ;) ;) will be some good games next weekend.
Did Woolfy play 7? Lol it looked at times like he was at lock. Just running the ball and not passing.
palmbeachpariah
30-08-15, 03:03 PM
no i mean back in the 15s etc when wolfy was still at keebra
RenegadeGC
30-08-15, 03:53 PM
no i mean back in the 15s etc when wolfy was still at keebra
Ahhh got you now.. any early predictions for the finals???
palmbeachpariah
31-08-15, 07:15 AM
i think it will play out predictably.. burleigh 14s ormeau 15s bay 16s and burleigh 17s all favourites but will see
interesting to hear that 2 of the burleigh 17s off to play sg ball with parra next yr..dressler and kocass ( who i dont rate and going down there to play 9)
JunctionBlock
31-08-15, 07:19 AM
Anyone down at Currumbin yesterday?.....Nom nom nom finger licking good!
RenegadeGC
31-08-15, 07:48 AM
i think it will play out predictably.. burleigh 14s ormeau 15s bay 16s and burleigh 17s all favourites but will see
Haha stop being safe ;)
Ill go Burleigh 14s
Bay 15s
Nerang 16s
Burleigh 17s
No matter the results Im just hoping for some great football games by all and fine weather haha
TITAN PETE
31-08-15, 07:48 AM
Anyone down at Currumbin yesterday?.....Nom nom nom finger licking good!
I was there most of Saturday what or who did I miss yesterday
palmbeachpariah
31-08-15, 03:58 PM
Haha stop being safe ;)
Ill go Burleigh 14s
Bay 15s
Nerang 16s
Burleigh 17s
No matter the results Im just hoping for some great football games by all and fine weather haha
Bostyn Hakaraia with a try and three goals for Mt Albert Grammer School in their win this afternoon against Southern Cross Campus 18-12
palmbeachpariah
31-08-15, 03:59 PM
A couple of upsets there lets just hope it doesnt come down to crappy weather or refereeing heh
interesting to see 2 of the burleigh 17s Dressler and Kocass off to parra sg ball next yr.. the latter i dont rate and believe they will use him down there as a 9
http://www.dailyexaminer.com.au/news/titanic-trio-rugby-league/2752521/
TITAN PETE
31-08-15, 04:10 PM
A couple of upsets there lets just hope it doesnt come down to crappy weather or refereeing heh
interesting to see 2 of the burleigh 17s Dressler and Kocass off to parra sg ball next yr.. the latter i dont rate and believe they will use him down there as a 9
Wow I spoke to Steve's dad last week & he told me where he was off to but mate that is a massive shock to hear about Kocass , looks like surnames can still get you places
Another Mathiou mistake or more likely Sabotage the club
Should be some good junior games on 26 September when the titans development squads take on Samoa. I will post a report after. U14, u16 and u18 sides play Samoa and usually our u13's play as well.
JunctionBlock
31-08-15, 05:59 PM
I was there most of Saturday what or who did I miss yesterday
Allegedly a couple of Burleigh coaches or a father and a coach got into a fight which involved someones finger being bitten rather badly. Someone not happy about their child sitting on the bench for the entire final and not getting any game time which is against the rules as well as very poor form.
RenegadeGC
31-08-15, 08:35 PM
Heard there was a few dramas with kids not getting on at all, i know it happened in a couple of games where teams were losing and weren't going to win and yet they still didnt get on.
Wow Stevey off to Parra, good luck to him, as for Nathan, be interesting to see how he goes, and agree he won't be in the halves down there, I also agree with PBP and TP that there are better halves out there than Kocass. Should make for an interesting match up on Saturday night.
palmbeachpariah
31-08-15, 09:02 PM
when i got told about the latter i scratched my head to say the least..i have no clue how he goes at the bears but the school stuff where they played him at 7 and woolfy at 9 was puzzling
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where are they on at?
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irrespective of the rules very poor form agreed
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i dont know the kid but know the dad but he had 4 tries put on him against his kirwin opposite 2 weeks ago.. i find him quite slow with and without the ball
The development squads will be playing at Burleigh, the first game I think is on at 11, but I will double check
RenegadeGC
01-09-15, 09:09 AM
You going down MDrew?
I think the 13s will play a Northern Rivers side? ? Lol i think.
Yes mate I will be there, not sure who the 13's are playing, last year they played a Marsden side. Watch out for a few Group 1 boys coming up to play in teh U14 game, namely Caleb Barker he is lightning
You going down MDrew?
I think the 13s will play a Northern Rivers side? ? Lol i think.
Link to an article from the Queensland Times noting, a couple of young boys linked to the Titans including powerful centre Liam Pakau and forward Blake Lenehan (HS please feel free to post entire article, I am not smart enough). Both are still eligible for MM next year, but hopefully both get an opportunity to train with the NYC squad over summer. Maybe one other from the article will join them! Good to hear of their positive attitude. I have met Liam and he comes across as a decent dedicated young bloke who is impossible not to cheer for. After a tough start to QCup Colts he has settled down and played well over the last couple of weeks for the Ipswich Jets.
http://www.qt.com.au/news/tough-year-prepares-young-jets-for-better-times-ah/2756240/
Articles are a little dated but relate to a young bloke from the Grafton Ghosts named Caleb Barker, who is a talented athlete and will be playing for the Titans U14 development squad against Samoa in a couple of weeks. He is already about 188cm and can run like the wind. He has scored something like 21 tries in 14 games for his club side next year from the centre position as well as representing Group 1 in the U14 NSW junior championships. Looking forward to seeing how he goes against a usually giant Samoan side. He will be joined by a few others from the region for the game. It is great to see young players coming through from our development squads in the region.
http://www.dailyexaminer.com.au/news/rugby-double/2018731/
http://www.dailyexaminer.com.au/news/young-star-has-it-all/1943856/
Also the annual Iverell/Armidale schools challenge will be occurring soon. This is a Titans sponsored set of games, bringing the best schoolboys together from both regions, with players then selected to come to the coast for additional development training. In past years, the likes of backrower Phillip Quinlan, fullback Corey Alexander, half Dan Johnson and backrow/centre Elijah Rasiga have been identified.
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