Junior Development

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Impressively in November 2022 Arama Hau commenced training in the Titans NRL 2022/23 off-season on a train and trial basis. The 2022/23 off-season also saw Arama Hau also undertake a number of sessions with the Burleigh Bears Queenland Cup squad.

The powerful second rower or lock initially signed a multi-year contact with the Titans in 2019 and all he has done since is dominate opposing sides every time that he has taken the field whether than be in representative sides, school boy rugby league sides for Keebra Park State High School or for the Nerang Roosters in the Gold Coast Rugby League junior age competitions.

In early December 2022 Arama Hau took part in a joint training session betweed the Titans JTS contracted players and the Titans NRL squad.

In late 2022 Arama Hau was named in the 2023 Burleigh Bears Hastings Deering’s Colts squad after playing a number of matches for the Bears in the Colts competition when still U18 eligible in 2022. Arama Hau is also Colts eligible in 2024.

In late July 2022 Arama Hau was part of the Titans U19 squad that played a North Queensland Cowboys squad as a curtain raiser to the Titans NRL Round Twenty match against Canberra at Cbus Stadium.

In late January 2022 Arama Hau started at lock for the Titans U19 side in a match at Pizzey Park against the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts side with Arama Hau making the first of a number of strong runs in just the 5th minute when he made ten hard metres from a hit-up to the right of the dummy half to get the ball thirty metres away from his own try line.

Arama Hau then played a key part in Ryan Foran’s 11th minute try that commenced well inside the Titans own territory with a hit-up from Arama Hau. After engaging the Burleigh defence Arama Hau produced a right arm off-load to Jaylan De Groot who burst through the Burleigh defence before veering to his left as he approached the Bears fullback and then passed back across his body to his left to find a flying Ryan Foran thirty two metres out. As soon as he received the ball Ryan Foran cut off his right foot to beat one defender and then cross the line.

Arama Hau continued his strong start to his match in the 13th minute with a strong fifteen metre effort which saw Arama Hau cutting off his on two separate occasions after taking the ball to the right of the play the ball to get the ball just over the halfway mark.

In his second stint on the field in the second half, Arama Hau in the 63rd minute showcased his ball playing skills when on the right side of the field, Arama Hau took the ball to the line and threw a good flat ball to put Jayden Wright into a gap.

Arama Hau was able to produce another trademark offload in the 75th minute even with his back to the try line when he was able to get his right arm free to get the ball away to Keano Kini.

Arama Hau continued to work hard until the final siren and literally in the last minute, to the right of the play the ball, he ran an underneath route from Thomas Weaver and after initial contact with the defensive line was able to get an off-load away to Oscar Bryant who then threw a long cut-out pass to Jaylan De Groot who subsequently put Elijah Lui over to score in the left corner as the final siren sounded.

In late July 2022 Arama Hau started at lock for a Titans U19 side that played their annual match against the North Queensland Cowboys that was played as a curtain raiser at Cbus Stadium to the Titans Round Twenty NRL match against the Canberra Raiders.

Arama Hau made a strong run in the 17th minute down the right channel from his own twenty metre mark to get the ball to thirty two metres out and then in the 35th minute Arama Hau made another strong hit-up down a short blindside with Arama Hau tackled nine metres out near the right touchline after making nineteen metres.

Arama Hau made another strong run in the 55th minute when he bumped off two would be tacklers in a fifteen metre run through the centre of the failed to get the ball within two metres out the halfway mark after making fifteen metres.

I do not recall seeing a match that Arama Hau has played where he does not get an off-load away and the match against the Cowboys was no different when in the 66th minute Arama Hau attacked the Cowboys line before getting a right arm off-load away to Thomas Weaver ten metres out from the try line.

Arama Hau made one of the better defensive efforts of the match in the 30th minute with a big hit as North Queensland were trying to bring the ball out of their own twenty metre area and then in the 59th minute after the North Queensland replacement dummy half (No. 14) broke through the Titans line, Arama Hau chased hard to catch him from behind just ten metres out from the try line to prevent a near certain Cowboys try.

In mid-December 2021 Arama Hau had the opportunity to train with the Titans NRL squad in a joint training session between the Titans NRL squad and the Titans JTS Program Squads.

In late October 2021 Arama Hau was named in the Burleigh Bears 2022 U18 MM Cup squad for the second season in a row.

Round One of the 2022 MM Cup competition saw Arama Hau named at lock and captain for the Burleigh Bears against the Easts Tigers however the match was rained out due to extreme weather conditions.

Arama Hau was then named to start lock once again in Round Two against the Souths Logan Magpies and also Round three against the Norths Devils with Arama Hau taking the third hit-up after the Norths kick-off.

Arama Hau recorded two try assists against the Devils, the first of which came in 21st minute when after receiving the ball from the dummy half fifteen metres from the line and to the right of the play the ball, Arama Hau fractionally moved to his right and sent a short ball to a charging VJ Semu who crashed over.

Arama Hau’s second try assist came in the 69th minute when he got a good right arm off-load away for Bears fullback Karauria Stokes-Mahara to score under the posts. Arama Hau originally received the ball just inside North’s territory when he ran onto a Joseph Shannon left arm off-load. After receiving the ball Arama Hau stepped of his left foot to beat one defender before Arama Hau straightened up and charged forward getting all of the way to ten metres out before he off-loaded to Stokes-Mahara to score.

Prior to his second try assist Arama Hau, in the 67th minute made a line break when after he received the ball on the right side of the field Arama Hau stepped off his right foot to gain separation making twenty five metres to get within fifteen metres of the try line.

Arama Hau then continued at lock in Round Four against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls with Arama Hau recording an impressive try assist in the 41st minute. After good work on his inside by Wailer Whaiapu and Josiah Pahulu, Arama Ahu on the left side of the field ran onto a Bailey McConnell pass, charging fifteen metres and then in the tackle of one of the Tigers cover defenders Arama Hau got a great right arm off-load away to Karauria Stokes-Mahara who dived over in the right corner.

Arama Hau produced a great heads up play in the 28th minute when he flew off the try line in defence to rag doll the Wynnum Manly halfback before he could execute any type of kick with Arama Hau forcing the changeover.

Then in the 33rd minute Arama Hau produced a trademark off-load when after charging ten metres into the defensive line to the right of the dummy half and Arama Hau was able to get his right arm free to off-load the ball to Dorian Mapusua-Lotaki.

Mid-way through the second half in the 47th minute Arama Hau executed a big front on hit on the Tigers lock with the ball coming loose as a result of Arama Hau’s heavy initial contact. Arama Hau produced another strong defensive play by way of a great try saving tackle in the 54th minute when along with Joseph Shannon he held up the giant Easts Tigers No. 8 and then forced him back in the field of play.

Such was the quality of Arama Hau’s performance that he was named in the second row in the Courier Mail’s MM Cup Round Four Team of the Week.

Arama Hau was also named at lock for Round Six against the Redcliffe Dolphins however a late tactical change saw Arama Hau start the match at right second row.

Arama Hau’s first strong run of the match came in just the second minute when Arama Hau received the ball to the left of the play the ball eighteen metres out, stepping off his left foot to beat the initial defender that confronted him but Arama Hau just kept pushing forward getting all of the way forward to two metres out near the left corner.

Arama Hau made a further strong charge in the third minute when he broke three tackles in a seventeen metre run down a left blindside. Then in the 7ht minute Arama Hau surged sixteen metres down the left channel to get the ball thirty eight metres away from the try line.

In the 28th minute Arama Hau ran the ball to the right of the play the ball with the run commencing near halfway. Two right foot steps of Arama Hau’s beat Devils defenders with Arama Hau then rumbled eighteen metres downfield however his off-load to his left unfortunately went to ground.

Late in the match Arama Hau almost set up a try for Bailey McConnell when after engaging the Redcliffe right side defensive line Arama Hau got his right arm free to off-load to his left to Bailey McConnell around fifteen metres from the line but the Bears halfback was dragged down just short of the try line.

Arama Hau was also named to start at left second row in the Round Seven local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls however he was a late scratching from the match when he was called up for his Hastings Deering’s Colts debut for Burleigh in Round Two of the Colts competition against the Tweed Heads Seagulls.

Arama Hau was then named to start at left second row in the rescheduled Round One match against the East Tigers.

Arama Hau had a number of positive defensive moments in the match including in the 11th minute when he tracked a Tigers attacking play to his left and manhandled the Tigers five eight just out from the try line after the five eight had very nearly sliced through the Burleigh defensive line.

The 20th minute saw Arama Hau engage the defensive line once again to the left of the play the ball with Arama Hau making twenty two metres after crossing into Tigers territory, breaking three tackles along the way.

A minute later in the 21st minute Arama Hau was able to promote the ball a further twenty five metres, approximately 60% of which were post contact metre to get the ball over the halfway mark.

Then in the 24tht minute Arama Hau once again charged onto the ball to the right of the dummy half and broke through the defensive line making a further twenty two metres breaking three tackles along the way before getting an off-load away to his right to centre Jayviah Nomotu who was able to promote the ball a further twenty odd metres.

Arama Hau was named at lock for the Burleigh Bears second 2022 trial against the Tweed Heads Seagulls with Arama Hau scoring an outstanding solo try in the 25th minute. Whilst operating down a left blindside and after receiving the ball Arama Hau looked to pass to his left but instead Aram Hau was able to make a line break from twenty five metres out. Arama Hau was then able to outpace Michael Roberts down the left touchline to dive over to score in the left corner.

Arama Hau had previously produced a trademark off-load in the when he went into the line down the left channel and was able to off-load to Zinzan Kahu.

Starting in the 35th minute, Arama Hau was heavily involved in a sequence where Burleigh marched the ball downfield. Initially Arama Hau made fifteen metres down a right blindside from a Burleigh scrum win deep inside their own territory with the run catching the Tweed Heads left side defence off-side.

Arama Hau took the hit-up from the subsequent penalty restart making a further ten metres before Arama Hau was once again awarded a penalty on that occasion after being hit high by the Tweed Heads defence. Arama Hau’s initial hit-up from the Burleigh scrum win started from his own twenty but after the restart from the second penalty Burleigh were on the attack just ten metres from the try line.

Arama Hau also started at lock in Burleigh’s final trial against the Western Clydesdales and scored in the 67th minute when he backed up Keahn Skipps to receive the ball ten metres out and produced a right foot step to beat the fullback and cross the try line ten metes from the left upright.

Arama Hua had actually crossed the line in the 8th minute next to the left upright but the referee ruled that Arama Hau had run behind the team mate and as a result impeded the defence.

In the 12th minute Arama Hau made a strong run to the halfway mark down the right side of the field with Arama Hau making fifteen metres. Then in the 20th minute Arama Hau ran onto the ball to the right of the dummy half making twelve metres before Arama Hau produced a trade mark right arm off-load to his hooker who was able to promote the ball further downfield.

Arama Hau made a further strong run in the 67th minute when he made eighteen metres from a Burleigh scrum win deep inside the Western Clydesdales territory.

Arama Hau produced an exceptional piece of play in the 12th minute when defending two metres from his own try line, Arama Hau produced a great one on one strip and then charged downfield making fifty five metres to immediately put Burleigh on the attack.

In late April 2022 Arama Hau was named in the 2022 Queensland Rugby League U18 Emerging Origin Squad.

In late May 2022 Arama Hau also represented South Coast in the U18 QSSRL School Boy Championships starting Match One against Northern at lock with Arama Hau taking the second hit-up of the match.

Arama Hau then did very well in the 9th minute when he got low and stopped the Northern hooker cold right on the try line after the hooker had tried to burrow over from dummy half from close range.

Arama Hau also started at lock in Match Two against Met North and took the third hit-up of the match, getting the ball to twenty five metres out from his own try line.

Arama Hau then came close to scoring in the 7th minute when after receiving the ball on the bounce to the left of the dummy half Arama Hau ran back to his right and came within centremetres of scoring near the right upright.

At the conclusion of the Championships Arama Hau was named in the 2022 Queensland Open School Boy Rugby League Representative side and just prior to the commencement of the Championships, Arama Hau was named by the Courier Mail as the 48th best U18 Rugby League player in Australia, a number which seemed to me at least to be way way too low for Arama Hau.

Arama Hau started at left second row in Queensland’s opening round of the Championships against the Australian Capital Territory with Arama Hau recording a try assist in the 15th minute he after bursting through a gap from forty metres out, Arama Hau drew the ACT fullback and passed to his right ten metres out to put Jye Gray over to score next to the posts.

Arama Hau also recorded a line break assist in the match when in the 7th minute and thirty five metres from his own try line, Arama Hau executed a great catch and pass down a left blindside to put his winger away on a twenty five metres run down the left sideline.

Arama Hau also made a strong run in the 27th minute when he charged fifteen metres down a left blindside before off-loading in a tackle to his left centre to promote the ball further downfield. Arama Hau also made another strong run in the 34th minute down the left channel, making ten metres to get the ball within forty metres of the try line.

Arama Hau also started at left second row in Match Two being the semi-final against NSW CIS with Arama Hau scoring a great double in a big Queensland victory.

Arama Hau’s opening try came in the 13th minute when he forced his way over in the left corner after receiving the ball eight metres out with Aram Hau sliding across the try line in the wet conditions feet first. Also from a trivia perspective Arama Hau ran with the ball in his left arm but put the ball down over the line in his right.

Arama Hau completed his double in the 28th minute when from eight metres out he charged onto a pass from his right to force his way through three tackles to get the ball down eight metres to the right of the uprights. In fact Arama Hau did very very well to take the pass as he took the ball on his right side below the knees and just a fraction behind him.

Arama Hau also recorded a line break assist in the 19th minute when with NSW CIS on the attack they lost the ball forward directly in front of the posts with Arama Hau picking up the ball confidently just five metres out from the line and charged fifteen metres downfield before producing a great ball to his right in heavy traffic to Jye Gray who made a fifty metre line break downfield.

Arama Hau recorded a further line break assist in the 39th minute when after taking the ball down a left blindside Arama Hau executed a right arm off-load to his left winger who raced away down the touchline before being tackled three metres from the left corner post.

It was not just running the ball where Arama Hau excelled against the NSW CIS as in the 5th minute Arama Hau hustled to his left to make a great covering tackle on the NSW CIS right centre who had threatened to burst straight through the Queensland left sided defensive line with Arama Hau’s strong initial contact forcing the ball loose.

Arama Hau also started at left second row in Queensland U18 ASSRL Championships Grand Final victory over NSW CHS with Arama Hau scoring in the 44th minute when Arama Hau charged onto a good ball into a gap from six metres out and after being tackled around the legs, Arama Hau reached out to get the ball down in his right arm eight metres in from the left corner post.

The first of Arama Hau’s strong runs in the match came in the 7th minute when Arama Hau took on the defensive line from forty metres out from his own try line before getting away a trademark right arm off-load to Jye Gray to promote the ball further.

Arama Hau made another strong run in the 13th minute from the left of a Queensland scrum win twenty metres out from the Queensland try line with Arama Hau making eleven metres. Then just two minutes later in the 15th minute Arama Hau made a further fifteen metres to twenty five metres out of the try line after cutting back underneath Jye Gray who had run to his left.

Yet again in the 29th minute Arama Hau made eighteen more metres to ten metres out from the try line after a charge down the left channel. The in the 39th minute Arama Hau made nineteen metres, breaking three tackles along the way to get the ball thirty seven metres away from the Queensland try line.

Arama Hau made some telling tackles in the final none better however than in the 59th minute when he held up the giant NSW CHS No. 18 over the try line next to the right upright.

Arama Hau’s outstanding performances over the course of the 2022 ASSRL U18 Championships saw Arama Hau named in the Australian School Boys Squad for their Fijian tour with Arama Hau presented with the No. 16 jersey prior to heading to Fiji.

Arama Hau started from the bench for the Australian School Boys in their match against Fiji Schools with Arama Hau coming onto the field late in the first quarter to operate at right second row before Arama Hau moved to left second row later in the Australian School Boys big win.

Post the 2022 ASSRL U18 Championships, the Courier Mail released a revised Top 50 Australian U18 Rugby League Players with Arama Hau being the biggest mover on that list by moving all the up to fifth on that list.

Arama Hau was also noted by the Courier Mail by being named on various other lists including the Best Mobile Big Men and Most Explosive Players.

Round One of the 2022 Langer Cup School Boy competition saw Arama Hau named to start at lock and captain for Keebra Park State High School against Ipswich State High School however he was a late scratching from the match.

Arama Hau was then named at lock for Round Two against Coombabah State High School and recorded a great try assist in just the 7th minute when he chased through a Keebra park SHS mid-field bomb that the Coombabah SHS fullback let bounce. With the ball bouncing high near the try line Arama Hau leapt above the pack and in one movement then off-loaded to his left to Xavier Asi who just had to fall over the line to score Keebra Park SHS’s opening try.

Arama Hau recorded a second try assist in the 58th minute when after receiving the ball fifty five metres out down a short left blindside, Arama Hau dummied to his left to break the line and charged forty five metres downfield before drawing the Coombabah SHS fullback to put his left winger over in the corner to bring up fifty points in the match for Keebra Park SHS.

Arama Hau was also heavily involved in Xavier Asi’s 34th minute try when after receiving the ball to the right of the play the ball Arama Hau cut back towards the left side of the field, all of the way holding the ball in his left hand before off-loading to his left to Eli Tuli who then was able to put Xavier Asi away to score in the left corner.

It was clear that Arama Hau was going to have a big match inside the opening minute when he took the fourth hit-up of the match to get the ball to forty metres out from his own line.

Arama Hau then took a further strong hit-up in the 17th minute from a Coombabah SHS kick-off and after breaking six tackles Arama Hau was finally stopped just six metres short of the half-way mark.

Arama Hau continued at lock in Round Three against Marsden State High School with Arama Hau involved in the opening tackle of the match after Keebra Park SHS had kicked-off to get the match underway.

Arama Hau put an exclamation mark on an outstanding performance with a 59th minute try assist when from twenty metres out Arama Hau charged onto the ball to the right of the play the ball and away getting to within eight metres of the line was able to get away a right arm off-load to his left to put his hooker after under the posts.

The 13th minute saw a trademark off-load from Arama Hau when from the right of the play the ball Arama Hau made twelve metres to get Keebra Park SHS deep onto the attack before producing a great right arm off-load to his hooker who got the ball to within three metres of the try line.

Arama Hau got off his feet and from the play the ball Arama Hau received the ball to the left of the play the ball directly in front of the posts and then immediately cut back to his left but even in heavy traffic Arama Hau was able to get an off-load away to left as he was going to ground.

Arama Hau made a line break in the 48th minute when from the right of the play the ball near the halfway mark Arama Hau burst through the Marsden SHS defensive line and made an impressive twenty metres before three defenders finally got Arama Hau to ground.

Arama Hau made a further line break in the 55th minute when he made twenty metres after getting through the Marsden SHS defensive line to get the ball over the halfway mark.

Arama Hau made a good effort defensively in the 44th minute when he was able to hold up his opposite number directly under the posts.

Arama Hau’s performance against Marsden SHS was such that he was named at lock in the Courier Mail Langer Cup Round Three Team of the Week.

Arama Hau continued at lock in Round Four against Wavell State High School in a match that was played as a curtain raiser to the Titans v Bronco’s NRL match with Arama Hau leading Keebra park SHS to an 18 – 12 victory with a Player of the Match performance.

Arama Hau’s strong contribution to the victory started in the 21st minute with a strong charge from twenty five metres out and to the right of the play the ball, with Arama Hau rumbling to within five metres of the try line.

Arama Hau made another strong run in the 24th minute when after receiving an off-load from Tyrell Waka-Rhind, Arama Hau cut towards his inside and broke five tackles in a powerful eighteen metre run.

Arama Hau made a further line break in the 41st minute when after taking possession to the left of the play the ball and forty metres out Arama Hau stepped off his right foot before executing a left arm fend to beat a further defender with Arama Hau getting to within eleven metres of the try line near the left touchline.

Arama Hau’s strong match continued in the 55th minute when after making fifteen metres and being engaged by multiple defenders Arama Hau got away a good left arm off-load with his back facing the try line.

Arama Hau also made a number of very effective tackles against Wavell SHS including in the 17th minute when the Wavell SHS right centre broke the defensive line bursting over the halfway mark but Arama Hau raced across to his left and smashed the centre just as he was getting towards his top speed.

Arama Hau also started at lock in Round Five against Redcliffe State High School with Arama Hau showing his strength in the 51st minute to score. Arama Hau received the ball to the left of the paly the ball near the centre of the field around fourteen metres out and ran to his left. After getting rid of one would be defender with a right arm fend, Aram Hau ducked under the attempted tackle of another defender before forcing his way over to score with two defenders on him to get the ball down mid-way between the corner post and goal post on the left side of the field.

Arama Hau had earlier come close to scoring in the 26th minute when he charged down an attempted Redcliffe SHS clearing kick with Arama Hau coming very close to taking possession just out from the Redcliffe SHS try line but the fullback got back just in the nick of time.

Arama Hau made another strong charge in the 27th minute with Arama Hau making twelve metres before getting away a right arm off-load to his right winger.

Arama Hau then did well in the 55th when as Redcliffe SHS were bring the ball out of their own territory Arama Hau executed a one on one strip to put Keebra Park SHS immediately on the attack.

Arama Hau continued at lock and captain in the Round Six local derby against PBC SHS with Arama Hau showcasing his exceptional ball playing skills in the 9th minute when after running at the PBC SHS defensive to the left of the play the ball, Arama Hau dummied to his inside before immediately throwing a great short pass to the opposite side being his left to a charging Eli Tuli to almost break through the PBC SHS defensive line.

Arama Hau made a strong charge of his own in the 19th minute when from five metres inside his own territory Arama Hau charged onto the ball of the left of the play the ball with Aram Hau breaking three tackles as he charged twenty metres into PBC SHS territory.

Then in the 24th minute after Arama Hau was awarded a penalty thirty metres out from the try line, Arama Hau took a quick tap and charged slightly to his left to get the ball to within eleven metres of the try line and ten metres in from the left touchline.

Arama Hau continued his strong match in the 33rd when from deep in his own territory Arama Hau ran onto the ball to the left of the play the ball with Arama Hau cutting back to his right to make a twenty five metre line break that included a 360 degrees counter clockwise spin.

Then in the 37th minute Arama Hau once again charged onto the ball to the left of the play the ball thirty five metres from the try line with Arama Hau only tackled when he got within ten metres of the try line.

Round Seven of the Langer Cup competition saw Arama Hau start at lock against Mabel Park SHS and was heavily involved in Wailer Whaiapu’s 46th minute try with Arama Hau recording a line break assist that led to Wailer Whaiapu’s try. Forty metres out from the line, Arama Hau received the ball to the right of the play the ball and took the ball to the defensive line before throwing an inside ball to his front rower who then charged away, drew the fullback and got the ball away to Wailer Whaiapu who scored under the posts.

Arama Hau then started at lock in Keebra Park SHS’s Langer Cup Quarter Final against Marymount College with Arama Hau along with EJ Finau making the opening tackle of the match after Keebra Park SHS had kicked off. Arama Hau made a further strong tackle in the 6th minute when from a Marymount College penalty tap restart, Arama Hau charged forward and smashed the Marymount College front rower No. 10 with Arama Hau’s heavy hit forcing the front rower to lose the ball.

In the 13th minute Arama Hau ran the ball to the right of the play the ball from forty metres out from his own try line with Arama Hau making twenty metres before getting away a trade mark off-load.

Arama Hau made another strong charge in the 51st minute from a Keebra Park SHS penalty tap restart with Arama Hau receiving the ball twenty five metres out from the try line and charging to five metres out before he was finally stopped by multiple Marymount College defenders. The in the 58th minute Arama Hau made a smart twenty metre run to get the ball to the halfway mark.

Arama Hau also started at lock and captain in the 2022 Langer Cup Semi-Final against PBC SHS with Arama Hau making a strong line break in the 25th minute when Arama Hau burst onto the ball to the right of the play the ball twenty metres out from his own try line with Arama Hau charging forty metres downfield before being brought down by PBC SHS fullback Keano Kini.

At the completion of the 2022 School Boy Langer Cup competition Arama Hau was named at lock in the 2022 Courier Mail Langer Cup Team of the Season. Arama Hau was also named as the sixth best School Boy Rugby League or Rugby player in the 2022 Courier Mail Top 30 school boys.

At the 2022 Keebra Park SHS Sports Awards Arama Hau was named the 2022 Senior Sports Person of the Year. Arama Hau was also named the 2022 Keebra Park SHS Rugby League Most Valuable Player and was also named in the second row in the 2022 Keebra Park SHS Rugby League Team of the Year.

Arama Hau started at left second row in Round Two of the 2022 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition for the Burleigh Bears in the local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls and what a debut Arama Hau had by scoring a first half double.

Arama Hau’s first Hastings Deering’s Colts try came in the 28th minute when after receiving the ball around twenty two metres from the line Arama Hau charged forward, dummying to his left, before executing a left foot step to beat Jaylan De Groot to score a great debut Colts try six metres in from the left corner post.

Arama Hau completed his double in the 37th minute when he charged onto the ball as it was spun to the right from close to the left touchline with Arama Hau bursting between two defenders ten metres out from the line and after that no one and I mean no one was going to stop Arama Hau from running around to put the ball down under the posts.

In fact Arama Hau almost scored in the 20th minute when after a seven metre run he got over the try line under the posts before being forced back into the field of play.

Arama Hua’s first touch of the ball in the Hastings Deering’s Colts competition came in just the second minute of the match. Arama Hau then continued his strong match in the 43rd minute making a tough twelve metres to get Burleigh inside their attacking twenty metre area.

Arama Hau continued his outstanding Hastings Deering’s Colts debut in the 53rd minute when after receiving the ball down a wide left blindside around eight metres from the try line, Arama Hau cut back to his right spinning 360 degrees twice and getting to around a metre out from the line next to the left upright before his forward momentum was halted.

Arama Hau proved that his game is not all about attack in the 54th minute with a crunching left shoulder tackle on his opposite number.

Arama Hau continued at left second row in Round Three against the Western Clydesdales and was heavily involved on Samuel Shannon’s sixth minute try when he engaged the Clydesdales defensive line on the left side of the field from close range and after drawing in a number of defenders Arama Hau was able to get a right arm off-load away which then went through hands until Samuel Shannon crashed over.

Just prior that in the 3rd minute Arama Hau made a strong seventeen metre line break down the left channel to within forty metres of the try line with Arama Hau then awarded a penalty to put Burleigh deeper into attack.

Arama Hau made a further line break in the 19th minute when from near halfway Arama Hau ran onto the ball to the right of the dummy half and in a great run Arama Hau broke an exceptional seven tackles before once again producing a great right arm off-load to his fullback to promote the ball further.

Arama Hau was once again named at left second row for Burleigh in Round Five against the Souths Logan Magpies however he was a late scratching after being selected in the Queensland U18 Emerging Origin Squad.

2022 also saw Arama Hau line up for the Nerang Roosters once again in the GCRL U18 Division One competition with Arama Hau starting at halfback in Round Thirteen against the Runaway Bay Seagulls.

Arama Hau recorded a try assist in the 11th minute when from ten metres out and to the left of the play the ball Arama Hau threw a long, hard, flat cut-out pass to his left to put Kyen Murphy over to score in the left corner.

Arama Hau was also heavily involved in Jeremaiah Temapo’s 26th minute try when Arama Hau ran the ball to his left from a Nerang scrum win with Arama Hau throwing an overhead pass to fullback Shannon Donaldson who then got the ball away to Jeremaiah Tempo who beat two defenders to score.

Arama Hau made a line break of his own in the 15th minute when he charged twenty five metres down a short left blindside to get the ball within twenty five metres of the try line.

Arama Hau recorded a further line break in the 37th minute when he ran onto a Xavier Collins off-load from his right with Arama Hau charging twenty five metres into Runaway Bay territory before Arama Hau put in a left foot grubber kick back towards the centre of the field with the kick being knocked on by Runaway Bay. Nerang scored from the subsequent scrum win through Jeremaiah Temapo.

Arama Hau then started from the bench in Round Sixteen against the Burleigh Bears with Arama Hau scoring a long range try in the 36th minutes when whilst defending on the left and just two metres out from his own try line, Arama Hau took a hard Burleigh kick on the full and ran ninety eight metres down the field to score mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Arama Hau also made a line break in the 29th minute when after receiving the ball from Josh Lynn from a Burleigh kick-off, Arama Hau produced a powerful right arm fend to beat the initial Bears defender with Arama Hau then bursting forty metres down the left touchline but unfortunately his pass inside back to Josh Lynn went to ground.

In January 2021 Arama Hau started from the bench for the Titans U17 side in their annual match at Coffs Harbour against the Newcastle Knights and was outstanding when he came on with a number of powerful charges as the Titans came away with an impressive 32 – 20 victory with no conversions take and the match played in hot and steamy conditions.

In his time on the field Arama Hau worked on both the left and right sides of the ruck and as noted above produced some outstanding charges, none more impressive one than late in the first half when from the left second row position Arama Hau surged twenty metres downfield with most of the ground that he made being accounted for post contact with the Knights defensive line. Late in the second half, Arama Hau produced another outstanding run, charging fifteen metres downfield after receiving a before the line short off-load from Joseph Shannon.

Early in the second half Arama Hau showcased his own off-loading skills when he produced an outstanding one armed (right arm) off load to Shane Davis-Caldwell with three defenders trying to get him onto the ground. Late in the match, Arama Hau produced another outstanding one armed off-load this left with his left arm when he was able to offload to Shane Davis-Caldwell once again.

Arama Hau put an exclamation mark on his attacking performance with a great twenty metre charge from the Titans set of six after Keano Kini’s try when he knocked Newcastle forwards backwards as he steamed through the centre of the ruck.

Defensively Arama Hau was also very effective, including a try saving tackle mid-way through the second half. The Knights attacker actually got over the Titans line right under the posts, but before he could get the ball down, Arama Hau literally just lifted him off the ground and drove him back and then crunching him into the ground back in the field of play in a display of immense power and strength.

Even late in the match, Arama Hau continued to work hard and with Newcastle looking to bring the ball off their own line, Arama Hau made three impressive tackles in a row to force the Knights to kick from deep inside their own twenty metre area. Arama Hau’s first tackle in the three tackle sequence was a huge front on hit on the Knights second rower No. 11 which stopped him in his tracks. Whipping his head back in the process.

From the subsequent play the ball, Arama Hau monstered the Knights No. 17, rag dolling him backwards and then to complete the sequence Arama Hau took the legs out from under the No. 20 before he had made any ground at all to mean that in the three tackle sequence, Newcastle had not made any ground at all and were definitely on the back foot as a result.

In June 2021 Arama Hau had a distinction of captaining the Titans U17 JTS squad that played at Cbus Stadium against a Titans Northern Rivers U18 selection, with the match being played as a curtain raiser to the Titans Round Fourteen NRL match against the Sydney Roosters.

Arama Hau had an outstanding match including a great off-load after he charged downfield thirty metres before getting his right arm free and offloading to his left to Keano Kini who raced away from forty five metres out to score a spectacular try untouched.

Arama Hau’s first hit-out with the 2021 Burleigh Bears MM Cup side came when he started at lock in the Bears second trial against the Easts Tigers.

Arama Hau had a very impressive trial building into the match in the opening minutes with a great charge in just the 2nd minute of the match, making eight metre post contact. Arama Hau was at it again in the 12th minute of the match when another powerful charge from inside his own territory netted sixteen hard fought metres. As he tried to get to his feet after the strong run Arama Hau was held down thus winning the Titans well deserved penalty.

Arama Hau continued his great running game in the 33rd minute with another strong carry, making a further twelve metres, plenty of which was post contact. Arama Hau impressively in the final minute was still running as hard as he had in the opening minutes, making a further twelve metres in his last hit-out of the match even though the match had been well and truly won by the Titans.

Arama Hau was just as effective defensively in the match including a huge front on tackle on the Easts No. 20 in the 25th minute just saw the ball jolted lose such was the force of Arama Hau’s initial contact on the ball carrier.

Also in the 50th minute, Arama Hau came out of the line when defending on the right of the ruck to smash his opposite number dropping him on the spot as he was trying to bring the ball out of his own territory.

After missing Round One of the 2021 MM Cup competition Arama Hau was named to start at lock for Round Two against the Ipswich Jets and was one of the Bears try scorers in their impressive 44 – 16 victory.

Arama Hau had a strong first half with his try coming in the 10th minute of the match. Arama Hau ran the ball to the right, starting his run from eleven metres out. Arama Hau cut back off his left foot on two occasions getting Arama Hau in the area behind the play the ball and once there Arama Hau straightened out to burst through and score three metres from the left upright.

A minute prior to scoring, Arama Hau was also part of a long Burleigh break down the left side of the field. Arama Hau took the ball off Caleb Gould-Waiariki who was the dummy half and after a bustling ten metre, run off-loaded to Caleb Gould Waiariki who darted thirty metres down field with Arama Hau scoring just two tackles later.

Arama Hau continued his powerful running post his try, including in the 13th minute when he charged to his right, making ten metres before offloading to his right to Tuvalli Khan-Pereira to keep the movement going in the Ipswich Jets twenty metre area.

In the 46th minute, Arama Hau continued to be almost unstoppable with a seventeen metre run from a play the ball restart with at least eleven of those metres post contact as he fought with the Jets defenders who found it difficult to get Arama Hau to the ground.

Arama Hau was at it again in the 63rd minute with a skilful display of his hand/eye co-ordination. With Ipswich on the attack close to the line, the Jets five eight put in a hard grubber kick, Arama Hau got low and scooped the ball up from around ankle height cleanly five metres out and immediately accelerated to get the ball to near the twenty metre mark and take all of the pressure of the Burleigh defence.

Arama Hau just could not be kept out of the match and in the 66th minute, produced a winding run that made ten metres, breaking two tackles along the way to get the ball to the Ipswich twenty metre mark.

Even with the match won, Arama Hau just kept going and in the 69th minute, Arama Hau made twelve more metres to add to his impressive match total, with the effort bringing the ball out to the twenty metre mark.

Arama Hau once again started at lock in the Round Three Gold Coast derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls and for me was the best player on the field on the way to recording a try assist and at least two line break assists.

Arama Hau’s first contribution of the match came in the opening tackle of the match when he monstered Tweed Heads lock Jordan Lewis after Burleigh were penalised for being offside from the kick-off. Arama Hau backed that tackle up by then tackling Jack Cullen who took the next hit-up.

Over the course of the match against the Seagulls Arama Hau provided extremely difficult to get to the ground and that was the case in the 6th minute when Arama Hau was able to get a great one handed off-load for Brody Smitka to promote the ball forward.

Just three minutes later in the 9th minute Arama Hau produced a big run of eighteen metres. Arama Hau was initially hit by the defence after just eight metres but he just kept fighting forward to gain ten post contact metres.

Arama Hau’s huge match continued in the 12th minute with a ten metre charge before a right arm off-load by Arama Hau to Kaden Somerville enabled Burleigh to continue to make ground.

Just five minutes later in the 17th minute saw Arama Hau once again make significant metres, this time twenty metres, breaking three tackles along the journey to get Burleigh just over the halfway mark.

The halftime break did not slow Arama Hau down as in the 41st minute of the match he charged onto the ball to the left of the dummy half for all intents and purposes looking like he was going to take the ball into the defensive line but at the last moment before contact Arama Hau threw a great short ball to his left to C****n Patu in space to record a line break assist.

After Patu was brought down Arama Hau flew onto the ball from Patu’s play the ball engaging the Seagulls defensive line before throwing a great left arm offload to his left to put Travis May into a big gap (another line break assist for Arama Hau) with the Burleigh five eight getting to within ten metres of the try line.

Then in the 53rd minute Arama Hau produced another strong run to the left of the play the ball breaking four tackles on the way to making eighteen metres to get the ball close to the twenty metre mark.

After that exceptional sequence of events most players would have sat back for a couple of minutes but not Arama Hau as in the 57th minute he charged onto the ball on the left side of the field, surging twenty metres including a clockwise spin to break one tackle then Arama Hau threw a great right arm off-load to an unmarked Jeremaiah Temapo to run fifteen metres to score in the left corner.

Arama Hau followed his try assist up in the 63rd minute with yet another strong run on the left before cutting back to the right side of the field and offloading to Tuvalli Khan-Pereira who as able to get the ball to within fifteen metres of the try line. Arama Hau’s run gaining fifteen metres.

Arama Hau was also named to start at lock for Round Four match against the Souths Logan Magpies.

Arama Hau also started at lock in Round Five against the Ipswich Jets. Burleigh were immediately under pressure in the opening moments of the match and but for Arama Hau and team mates, Seth Nikotemo and Tuvalli Khan-Pereira, Ipswich would have opened the scoring in the 4th minute when the Ipswich No. 10 was held up over the line.

Arama then rocked the entire Cbus stadium with a huge hit on the Ipswich lock early in the first half who had run an underneath route running right into the shoulder of Arama Hau who certainly did not miss.

Arama Hau was involved in an even bigger earth trembling collision when in the 58th minute Arama Hau smashed into Ipswich front rower and fellow Titan Josiah Pahulu after a Burleigh kick-off with the contact stopping both players in their tracks, it was great to see and let’s call the outcome a draw!

In the 51st Arama Hau contribution to the Bears comeback victory moved to his running game when he produced a strong run into the defensive before he spun around and got away a right arm offload to Delahia Wigmore who was able to get to within five metres of the try line.

Arama Hau then backed that effort up by taking the hit-up after Wigmore had played the ball, offloading once again, this time to his right, two further passes to the right later, Burleigh scored near the right corner.

Round Six being the final regular season round of the 2021 MM Cup competition saw Arama Hau once again named at lock in the local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls however he was a late scratching from the match.

In the Queensland Rugby League 2021 MM Cup Player of the Year Award Arama Hau was awarded three votes.

Post the 2021 MM Cup competition, Arama Hau once again played for the Nerang Roosters in the Gold Coast Rugby League competition with his first appearance coming in Round Two of the U18 Division One competition when he interestingly started at five eight against the Currumbin Eagles.

I am not sure whether Arama Hau has ever played at five eight before but he had an outstanding match from the position and could not have started the match any better including fielding the kick off in his own in-goal and then he backed that up by taking the second hit-up of the match to get the ball thirty metres away from his own line.

Arama Hau recorded a try assist in the match in the 42nd minute when he drifted across field to his right and put his right centre Taniela Lotaki into a gap sixteen metres out.

One of the key features of Arama Hau’s match was his off-loading, the Eagles just could not handle it. Arama Hau’s first off-load came in the 7th minute when after taking the line on, Arama Hau was able to get the ball away to his hooker. The in the 12th minute, Arama Hau once again charged at the line to get within two metres before he was able to get his right arm free and off-load to Dorian Lotaki.

Another Arama Hau off-load came in the 29th minute when he ran the ball into the Currumbin defensive line and then was able to get his right arm free to offload to his fullback, Arama Hau stayed alive subsequently getting the ball back from the fullback and then Arama Hau burst through two tackles and once again producing a right arm off-load to get the play going.

Arama Hau took another hit-up in the 42nd minute to the left of the dummy half out to the thirty metre line before once again producing a right arm offload to his fullback to back a further ten metres.

In the 25th minute Arama Hau once again took the Currumbin line on with his effort starting just four metres out from his own line with Arama Hau getting the ball out to the twenty metre line before he was tackled. Arama Hau was subsequently awarded a penalty when he was prevented from getting to his feet. Arama Hau took a quick tap, making a further ten metres, before you guessed it, he offloaded once again with his right arm.

Just three minutes later in the 38th minute, Arama Hau one again produced a right arm offload after engaging the defensive line, on that occasions inside the attacking twenty metre area. In the 48th minute a right arm flock pass from Arama Hau after he had engaged the line from a Nerang scrum win enabled his right centre to make ten metres.

Arama Hau put an exclamation mark on his match in the 57th minute when he charged at the defensive line, making twelve metres before offloading to one of his front rowers with the pass coming less than ten metres from the try line.

Arama Hau started at halfback in Round Three against Runaway Bay and scored as the Roosters recorded a 22- 4 win.

Arama Hau scored once again in Round Four after moving to five eight as his Roosters side defeated the Ormeau Shearers 30 – 14.

In Round Five against the Southport Tigers, Arama Hau came off the bench in the Roosters 34 – 12 victory and also come off the bench in Round Six against the Helensvale Hornets, before moving back into the starting side at five eight in Round Seven against Mudgeeraba.

Arama Hau also continued at five eight in Round Nine against the Currumbin Eagles and scored a double in Nerang’s hard fought loss.

Round Ten against the Runaway Bay Seagulls saw Arama Hau start at right centre and score one of the individual tries of the year to date in the 50th minute.

Arama Hau originally received the ball forty five metres from the line to the right of the play the ball and initially shaped to pass to his right before cutting back to his left. Subsequent left and right foot steps saw Arama Hau beat two defenders and then he produced a great right arm flick offload to his trailing fullback. Arama Hau then kept alive to get the ball back from the fullback ten metres out. Aram Hau then proceeded to beat four defenders to crash over adjacent to the left upright to score a try few others would have even come close to scoring.

Arama Hau moved to halfback against the Burleigh Bears and had a very solid game and almost got his name on the try scoring list in the 15th minute when he charged into the ball from fifteen metres out but Arama Hau was eventually held up under the posts.

The Burleigh match also saw Arama Hau record a 36th minute try assist when he ran to his right before throwing a no look short pass to his right second rower to run into a gap to score near the posts.

Arama Hau showed his intelligence in the 20th minute when after finding himself in dummy half on the final tackle close to the line, put in a short right foot grubber kick to force Burleigh to restart from a goal line drop out.

When rugby league recommenced on the Gold Coast in late August 2021 after the Covid 19 lockdown, Arama Hau was named to start at halfback for Nerang in Round Eleven against the Ormeau Shearers.

Round Twelve against the Southport Tigers saw Arama Hau moved to five eight with Arama Hau putting on a dominating display especially in relation to off-loading the ball with Southport simply unable to stop Arama Hau from getting the ball away.

Arama Hau recorded a try assist in the 14th minute of Nerang’s 46 – 6 victory when he took the ball to the line whilst operating on the right side of the field less than ten metres from the line before popping a good short ball to his right to put his lock forward over to score.

Arama Hau was also heavily involved in Immanuel Kalekale’s 44th minute try. The movement started 100 metres downfield with Southport on the attack. After Southport put in a short grubber kick, Arama Hau picked up the ball on the bounce on his own goal line and raced sixty metres downfield before positioning Jeremaiah Temapo in his inside after he had cut in off his right wing.

After receiving Arama Hau’s inside pass, Jeremaiah Temapo passed to his left to Dorian Mapusua-Lotaki as three Southport defenders converged on him. Dorian Mapusua-Lotaki then ran twenty five metres to cross the line on the right side of the field before bringing the ball around to under the posts and then waiting for Immanuel Kalekale to get there.

The first of many off-loads from Arama Hau came in just the 3rd minute of the match when after making twenty metres from a strong charge through the centre of the ruck to the halfway mark which included a strong left arm fend, Arama Hau produced a good right arm off-load with the ball going to the left side of the field.

Arama Hau added another right arm off-load in the 9th minute after a hit-up on the left side of the field accounted for twenty more metres before getting the off-load away. Then just two minutes later in the 11th minute Arama Hau ran to the left side of the field, breaking the line from fifteen metres out before he was able to produce a great right arm flick off-load to traffic to his lock who got to within a metre of the line. The 13th minute saw Arama Hau off-load once again after he made fifteen metres running to his right.

Then in the 24th minute, Arama Hau made a line break down the left touchline with his run commencing just inside his own territory. When he was confronted by the Southport fullback Arama Hau put in a left foot kick back towards centre field which was retrieved by the Nerang left centre.

Arama Hau produced a smart effort in the 38th minute when after a Southport kick went dead in goal, Arama Hau raced out to the twenty metre line for a quick restart making fifteen metres with the Southport defence still back peddling.

Arama Hau added another off-load in the 40th minute when he took the defensive line on from twenty five metres out, getting to within ten metres of the line before Arama Hau was able to off-load to his right to his lock.

Arama Hau continued at five eight and captain in Round Thirteen against the Helensvale Hornets, recording two try assists as well as kicking a conversion for Nerang’s final try of the match with a solid left foot strike from just to the right of the uprights.

Arama Hau’s opening try assist came in the 18th minute when he moved into dummy half eight metres from the line. After moving subtly to his right he passed in the same direction to put one of his second rowers over next to the right upright.

Arama Hau added a second try assist in the 25th minute when he received the ball still eighty five metres out from the try line to the right of a Roosters scrum win. Arama Hau initially stepped off his right foot and then dummied in the same direction before stepping off his right foot once again to beat two defenders as break through the Helensvale line before drawing the Helensvale fullback and pass to his right to put Taniela Lotaki over in the right corner.

Arama Hau also made a line break in the 28th minute when he ran the ball down a short right blindside making forty metres before once again off-loading to send Taniela Lotaki forty metres further upfield.

Arama Hau made yet another line break in the 53rd minute when he made a winding twenty five metre run that included four dummies and four tackle breaks to get the ball to ten metres inside Helensvale territory.

Arama Hau’s strong match kicked off in the 13th minute when he made fifteen metres after running to the left after a Roosters scrum before off-loading to his left near the halfway mark.

Arama Hau off-loaded once again in the 44th minute when he ran down the left side of the field before producing a right arm off-load whilst in contact with two defenders.

Arama Hau was really showcasing all of his skills against Helensvale and showed off another in the 28th minute when he put in a left foot grubber kick from twenty metres out into the in-goal to his left with the Helensvale fullback subsequently being trapped in-goal.

Arama Hau then started the 2021 GCRL U18 Division One Preliminary Final at five eight and captain for the Roosters against the Ormeau Shearers and scored one of the Roosters tries as they qualified for the 2021 GCRL U18 Division One Grand Final on the back of an 18 – 16 victory.

Arama Hau scored in the 43rd minute when after receiving the ball on the right side of the field twenty metres out from the line, Arama Hau ran diagonally at the line with the ball out of in front of his body in two hands, shaping to pass back inside and also to his outside on a number of occasions. As he approached the defensive line, Aram Hau pulled the ball back in and broke three tackles to score wide out on the right side of the field.

The Preliminary Final also recorded a try assist in the 54th minute. Aram Hau ran onto the ball fifty five metres out from the line and to the left of the play the ball. Upon receipt of the ball Aram Hau cut to his left before straightening up and beating two defenders to break through the line. Arama Hau then ran thirty metres before drawing the Ormeau fullback and passing inside to his right to put Hasley McDonald over under the posts for what was ultimately the match winning try.

Early in the match, in the 7th minute to be exact, Arama Hau was also involved in the Roosters opening try when he threw the final pass on the left side of the field, twenty metres out for his right second rower to score wide out.

In the 2021 Gold Coast Rugby League U18 Division One Grand Final Arama Hau started at five eight and captained the Roosters side against the Helensvale Hornets and made an immediate impact on the Helensvale side with a monster hit in the opening minutes of the match on the Helensvale left winger who was trying to bring the ball off his own try line.

Arama Hau also recorded an impressive Grand Final try assist in the 45th minute when after receiving the ball on the halfway mark to the left of the play the ball, Arama Hau stepped off his left foot just after receipt of the ball to beat the initial defender before a left arm palm eliminated a second. Arama Hau then burst between two defenders to break into space and as he approached the Helensvale fullback, Arama Ahu stepped off his left and then stepped off his right to position Delahia Wigmore who ran thirty metres to score.

Arama Hau added a second Grand Final try assist in the 50th minute when he burst onto a pass from Dorian Lotaki just ten metres from his own line after the hooker had retrieved a Hornets attacking kick. Arama Hau beat two defenders to break into space and charged downfield. Near the forty metre line Arama Hau was surrounded by three defenders but had the foresight to put in a left foot grubber kick towards the right side of the field which was perfectly weighted for Kyen Murphy to run onto and score a great try.

Arama Hau then recorded a line break assist in the 58th minute when after receiving the ball on the left side of the field, he ran parallel to the Helensvale defensive line, drawing one defender out of the line before throwing a good short ball to his left to put Delahia Wigmore through a big gap.

Arama Hau was also involved in Kyen Murphy’s 35th minute try. Nerang spun the ball to the right with Arama Hau having to dive forward full length to take the ball, half Josh Lynn looped around behind the prone Arama Hau receiving the ball and then Josh Lynn threw a cut out pass to his right to Kyen Murphy in space with the fullback then able to beat three tackles to dive over in the right corner.

The 42nd minute of the Grand Final saw Arama Hau add a line break assist to his impressive match when after charging onto the ball to the left of the dummy half sixty metres from the try line, Arama Hau engaged one defender who tried to tackle him low but Arama Hau was able to maintain his balance and throw a great right arm off-load around the corner to his left to put Delahia Wigmore away with the second rower eventually off-loading for Jeremaiah Temapo to score near the left corner post.

The Grand Final saw Arama Hau make a lot of ground on his own from five eight, including in the 20th minute when he broke five tackles in a weaving run to get the ball inside Helensvale’s twenty metre area before off-loading to his right.

In the 6th minute, after a strong hit-up and off-load by Jeremaiah Temapo, Arama Hau received the ball on the left side of the field from Dorian Mapausua-Lotaki. After receipt of the ball around twenty metres from the line, Arama Hau drew the Helensvale right winger to send Delahia Wigmore away on an eighty metre run down the left touchline to score an outstanding Roosters team try.

In February 2021 Arama Hau took part in the South Coast Open school boy trials and was named on the bench for the South Coast Open A school boy side as a result of his trial performances, however he did not end up playing for South Coast in the Championships.

2021 also saw Arama Hau line up for Keebra Park PBC State High School in the South East Queensland School Boy Langer Cup competition starting Round One at lock against Marsden State High School.

Arama Hau could barely have gotten involved earlier in the match as in just the 2nd minute of the match, Arama Hau charged onto the ball, making twelve metres before getting his right arm free and getting away on off-load ten metres out directly in front of the posts. Arama Hau then took another hit-up just two tackles later.

With Keebra Park under intense pressure in the 8th minute, Arama Hau produced a try saving tackle on Marsden second rower Jieye Mauai who had charged at the try line from close range.

Arama Hau also started at lock in Round Two against Mabel Park State High School, making a strong twelve metre run from the fourth hit-up of the match and then in the 56th minute, Arama Hau made a big run on the left side of the field making fifteen metres before producing a sublime right arm off-load with three defenders on him.

Arama Hau continued at lock in Round Three against Ipswich State High School and had a big match including an initial contribution in the 10th minute when he made a strong fifteen metres over the halfway mark and then was able to off-load. Arama Hau made a further strong run in the 14th minute when he made twelve metres with at least 60% of those metres post contact.

Arama Hau continued his strong match in the second half, including in the 47th minute when he charged through a gap near halfway before off-loading to his left. Keebra Park scored later in the same play when De’ontae Perese received an off-load six metres from the line and put the ball down under the posts.

From the set of six from the above mentioned try, Arama Hau made a further twenty five metres and once again was able to off-load on that occasion to Blake Mozer.

Arama Hau continued at lock in Round Four against St Mary’s College Toowoomba and also started at lock in the Round Five local derby against PBC.

After the competition was suspended for a number of weeks due to a Covid 19 lock down, Arama Hau was named at lock for Keebra Park State High School in their semi-final against PBC State High School with Arama Hau taking Keebra Park’s opening hit-up of the match.

Arama Hau was outstanding for Keebra Park in the match and came close to scoring in the 21st minute when a strong charge resulted in Arama Hau being held up over the line, directly under the posts.

Arama Hau added a line break to his impressive match with a great thirty metre effort through centre field.

At the 2021 Keebra Park State High School Sports Awards Night Arama Hau was named at lock in the 2021 Keebra Park Team of the Year.

In late August 2021, Arama Hau was named in the Queensland City U17 squad for a two match series against a Queensland U17 Country squad with Arama Hau starting the match from the bench.

Playing twenty five minutes Arama Hau ran for ninety eight metres (thirty two post contact), made a line break, broke four tackles and made eleven tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Arama Hau took the field for the Titans in February 2019 for one of their two U15 sides at Mudgeeraba that played round robin matches against each other and the Western Mustangs.

As a result of his performance in that game and over recent seasons, Arama Hau, in early 2019 deservedly signed a contract with the Titans which will keep him with the club for the next couple of seasons at least.

In January 2020 Arama Hau started in the second row for the Titans U16 side that defeated the Newcastle Knights U16 Harold Matthews side in Coffs Harbour in January 2020 18 -14 in wet and slippery conditions.

In February 2020 Arama Hau was named in the Gold Coast Vikings U16 Training Squad but unfortunately the South East Queensland U16 pre-season Challenge was cancelled just days before the Challenge was set to start in Ipswich.

Arama Hau played the 2020 school boy rugby league season as part of the Keebra Park Year Ten Walters Cup side, including starting at left second row in their 14 – 12 semi-final 14 – 12 loss to Marsden State High School. A match that saw Arama Hau score a double with both tries coming in the second half.

Arama Hau’s first try came when he ran down a short blind side, breaking four tackles whilst maintaining his balance to slam the ball down one handed a metre in from the left corner post. In relation to his second try, Arama Hau had initially came back underneath a Keebra Park play to the left but did not get the ball, Arama Hau reset himself to take the hit up from the subsequent play the ball, taking the ball to the right off the dummy half, before cutting back behind the play the ball to charge over to bring Keebra Park within two points late.

Arama Hau also had an outstanding match earlier in the year in the Walters Cup regular rounds against St Mary’s in Round Five, scoring an outstanding try and well as one of the best hit-ups I have seen by a rugby league forward.

Arama Hau’s try came in the second half of Keebra Park’s big 52 – 0 victory. Arama Hau took the ball three passes off the ruck on the left side of the field, bursting through the St Mary’s line and charging seventy metres down the left touch line, easily beating the St Mary’s fullback with pace and was even able to bring the ball around to put it down under the posts.

As noted, in the match Arama Hau also made one of the best runs that I have seen. In the opening minutes of the match from a tap restart from a Keebra Park penalty, Arama Hau took the ball off the penalty restart charging onto the ball from forty metres out, powering through the initial defensive line and dragging four defenders to within ten metres of the try line. Keebra Park scoring from the ensuing play the ball.

Arama Hau played the 2020 club season with the Nerang Roosters in the Gold Coast Rugby League U16 Division One competition including an outstanding display at lock in Round Nine against Runaway Bay and was the Roosters sole try scorer in the match when he dived to ground the ball with his right hand from a kick from the Nerang dummy half that had rebounded into the in goal area. Arama Hau was in the thick of what was an intense forward battle in the hard fought 10 – 4 loss.

Arama Hau also started at lock as Nerang took on Runaway Bay in the 2020 U16 Division One Major semi-final and scored as well as recording a try assist as Nerang defeated Runaway Bay 36 – 4. Arama Hau’s try assist came early in the first half. Arama Hau took a hit up to the right of the play the ball, cutting back into the area behind the play the ball and offloading a pass out of the back of his left arm to his support runner to score.

Arama Hau’s try also came in the first half when he charged onto a pass from the dummy half to the left and the play the ball, bursting through two defenders at the defensive line to score, fifteen metres in from the left corner post.

In late October 2020, Arama Hau was named in the 2021 Burleigh MM Cup squad.

In late 2019 Arama Hau was part of the Titans U15 side that defeated a touring Balmain Tigers U15 side 38 – 14 with Arama Hau starting the match from the bench, coming on to play in the left second row position.

Over the 2018-19 off season Arama Hau transferred from Helensvale to the Nerang Roosters, starting from the bench in their U15 Division One Round One match against Ormeau but coming into the starting side in Round Two in the second row and maintaining his place in the Roosters starting side for the remainder of the 2019 season.

In total in the 2019 GCRL U15 Division One regular season competition in 2019 Arama Hau played in eleven matches for the Roosters playing the vast majority in the second row scoring three tries, with those tries coming against Helensvale in two separate matches and Ormeau.

In Week Two of the 2019 GCRL U15 Division One Finals series Arama Hau started in the second row against Runaway Bay and also started in the second row in the Preliminary Final as Nerang defeated Helensvale 22 – 18.

In the 2019 GCRL U15 Division One Grand Final Arama Hau was simply outstanding starting at left second row scoring two tries as Runaway Bay prevailed in a hard 36 – 22 win over Runaway Bay. For me Arama Hau was clearly the best player on the field in the Grand Final.

Arama Hau’s first try came in the first half after he received the ball as Nerang threw the ball out to the left, Arama Hau cut back inside as the Runaway Bay defence slid across but they could not stop a great charge from Arama Hau who scored under the posts dragging two defenders over the line with him.

Arama Hau scored his second try in the second half, after he made a long break down the right touchline passing back inside before going into touch. Arama Hau moved into dummy half from the resultant play the ball to dive over down a short blind side from about a metre out to the right of the play the ball.

2019 also saw Arama Hau represent South Coast at the QSSRL U15 Championships in Ipswich with South Coast going through undefeated, with Arama Hau scoring against Met East on Day Three of the Championships when he was able to score under the posts after a typically powerful hit-up which saw Arama Hau drag a number of defenders over the line with him once again.

Arama Hau was also a stand-out performer for Coombabah State High School in their various schoolboy rugby league competitions in 2019 which resulted in his selection in the South Coast school boy U15 representative side for the U15 QSSRL Championships.

In 2018 Arama Hau started in the front row in the Gold Coast Rugby League U14 Division One Grand Final and was on the victorious side as the Hornets defeated Coomera 29 – 12 along with a number of others Titans players.

In the 2018 U14 Division One competition in total, Arama Hau played in eleven matches, scoring his sole try in Round One against Beaudesert and kicked two goals, including one in the match against Beaudesert (converting his own try from memory) to finish the season with eight points.

In 2018 Arama Hau was part of the Helensvale Hornets U14 side that took part in the Tassell Trophy competition in Northern Queensland and scored a try in the final as Helensvale won the competition courtesy of a 40 – 6 win over the Western Lions in the final.

Arama Hau also made a number of representative sides in 2018, including playing for the Gold Coast Vikings U14 side in the South East Queensland Age Championships where he played primarily in the second row and scored against the Ipswich Diggers.

Arama Hau scored one try in the 2018 U14 Championships scoring on Day One as SEQ Green defeated SEQ White 20 – 14, fellow Titans that also scored in that match were Joseph Shannon and Nicholas Hilton.

That was the second occasion Arama Hau had represented the Vikings after being part of the U13 squad in 2017.

Arama Hau was also part of the Helensvale Hornets U14 side that won the Tassell Trophy in 2018 scoring in the Hornets 40 – 6 Tournament final victory over the Western Lions.

Post the South East Queensland U13 Championships in 2017, Arama Hau was selected in the South East Queensland Green side for the Queensland Age Championships and played four matches from the bench including the final against South East Queensland White.

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Finn Laffranchi is a totally different player to father Antony and brother Oscar who were/are both forwards with Finn Laffranchi being a quick stepping five eight for the Burleigh Bears with Finn Laffranchi starting at five eight for the Bears in the GCRL U13 Division One Grand Final against the Coomera Cutters with Finn Laffranchi scoring in the 35th minute when he stepped his way past a number of Cutters forwards to score under the posts.

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Coomera Cutters GCRL U13 Division One halfback Orlando Tait was surrounded by a talented side that beat the Burleigh Bears in the 2022 Grand Final but the fact that he had so many talented team mates cannot take away from how well Orlando Tait played over the course of the 2022 season.

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In early October 2022 Brock Lennox was named in the 2023 Tweed Heads Seagulls U18 Mal Meninga Cup squad after a tough 2022 season for Brock Lennox that was heavily impacted by injury.

The local young outside back from the Helensvale Hornets early in 2020 signed a contract with the Titans for the next couple of seasons at least after his series of outstanding 2019 season performances for the Hornets and in Gold Coast and South East Queensland junior age representative sides.

Brock Lennox was also involved in the Titans U15 Academy matches at Burleigh in early 2020 and post those round robin matches signed his contract with the Titans which will see the young centre part of the Titans JTS program for the next couple of seasons at the very least.

Brock Lennox attended TSS in 2022 and Brock Lennox was named as a stand-by for the TSS First XV’s first trial against Brisbane Grammar School.

Brock Lennox was named on stand-by for the TSS Second XV in their GPS School Boy Round One match against St Joseph’s College Nudgee.

Brock Lennox was then named on the bench for the TSS Second XV in TSS’s GPS Round Two bye week when they travelled to Toowoomba to take on Downlands College.

Brock Lennox was then named as a standby for the TSS Second XV in Round Three against Toowoomba Grammar School.

In mid-December 2021 Brock Lennox had the opportunity to train with the Titans NRL squad in a joint training session between the Titans NRL squad and the Titans JTS Program Squads.

In late October 2020, Brock Lennox was named in the Gold Coast Rugby League U16 Cyril Connell Cup Academy Squad and when the split occurred Brock Lennox was named in the Burleigh Cyril Connell Cup squad.

Brock Lennox started in the centres in the Bears first 2021 U16 Cyril Connell Cup trail in early February against the Tweed Heads Seagulls and also started at halfback in Burleigh’s second trial against the Easts Tigers however Brock Lennox did not play in any of the Bears matches in the CC Cup competition proper.

Brock Lennox was once again at TSS in 2021 with his first official commitment with the TSS U16A side in 2021 being his attendance at a rugby skills day that was held towards the end of May. In TSS’s final trial before the commencement of the 2021 U16A GPS school boy rugby season, Brock Lennox came off the bench against the Gold Coast Cyclones U16 representative side.

Round One of the 2021 GPS school boy rugby U16B competition saw Brock Lennox line up at inside centre (No. 12) for TSS as they took on Brisbane Grammar School at home with Brock Lennox kicking two conversions in TSS’s victory.

Round Two away to Anglican Church Grammar School saw Brock Lennox named at outside centre for the TSS U16A side with Brock Lennox kicking two conversions from as many attempts in his side’s 15 – 14 loss.

With TSS having a GPS bye week, Brock Lennox was named to start at outside side centre for the TSS U16A side in a trial against Downlands College however the match was a causality of a snap Covid 19 lockdown.

After the GPS school boy rugby competition was suspended for a number of weeks, Brock Lennox started at outside centre for the TSS U16A side that played an internal TSS trial in late August in preparation for the restart of the competition also in late August against Toowoomba Grammar School.

When the GPS school boy rugby competition restarted in late August 2021, Brock Lennox was named at inside centre (No. 12) against Toowoomba Grammar School with Brock Lennox kicking a conversion in TSS’s 21 – 17 loss.

Brock Lennox also started at outside centre in Round Eight against Nudgee College at the Shark Tank, converting TSS’s sole try in their tough loss.

At the completion of the 2021 GPS U16A season, Brock Lennox was named at the TSS U16 Kicking Champion.

Brock Lennox moved to the Southport School (TSS) in 2020 and in late July started at inside centre (No. 12) in the TSS U15A side in their first school boy rugby trial against another GPS school, being Nudgee College, with the trial being held in Brisbane with Brock Lennox converting TSS’s sole try of the match.

Brock Lennox moved to outside centre (No. 13) for the TSS U15A’s final trial against Churchie and kicked a conversion in the dying minutes to seal a 12 – 5 TSS victory.

Round One of the GPS school boy rugby U15A competition proper saw Brock Lennox start at outside centre (No. 13) for TSS against Brisbane State High School.

In Round Two Brock Lennox started at fullback and kicked four conversions as TSS outlasted Toowoomba Grammar School in a high scoring affair. Brock Lennox also started at fullback in Round Two against Brisbane Grammar School and Round Three against Brisbane Boys College where he converted TSS’s only try of the match.

Brock Lennox maintained his run of starts at fullback in Round Four against Gregory Terrace converting TSS’s sole try of the match and also started at fullback in Round Five against Ipswich Grammar School.

Post the TSS GPS rugby season Brock Lennox was named as the TSS U15 goal kicking champion for his efforts in the TSS U15A side.

In 2019 Brock Lennox played for the Helensvale Hornets in the GCJRL U14 Division One competition finishing the season as one of the competitions leading goal kickers and points scorers overall as he has for a number of seasons in yellow and green. It was a similar situation in 2018 in the GCRL U13 Division One competition for Brock Lennox.

In 2019 Brock Lennox also represented the Gold Coast Vikings representative U14 side at the Hill Stumer Championships starting at left centre that were held at Ipswich and post those Championships was named in the South East Queensland White side for the 2019 Queensland U14 Age Championships. Brock Lennox was the Gold Coast Vikings leading point’s scorer at those Championships.

For Queensland White at the Queensland Championships, Brock Lennox played in all four of their matches primarily at left centre and kicked five goals including two in the Championships third v fourth 16 – 14 play-off win against Central to round out an impressive 2019 representative season for the Titans contracted centre.

Brock Lennox also kicked two goals in Game One against Northern and one in Game Three against South East Queensland Green when he converted the try of fellow Titans contracted player, second rower Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu.

In 2018 Brock Lennox played for Merrimac High School in the NRL Gold Coast Titans Year 7/8 Challenge and was in fact named player of the competition after a number of outstanding displays for the Gold Coast based school.

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Young left centre Makaio Tongia had a strong season in the GCRL U13 Division competition for the Burleigh including strong Grand Final appearance against the Coomera Cutters.

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Well done to Rico Ford who was named in the 2022 QRSS U12 Rugby League Boys Representative Team after representing South Coast at the Queensland Championships.

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The current trend for modern day rugby league wingers is that they need to be tall and fast and those are certainly two attributes the Daziel Tamara with the Coomera Cutters right winger having a strong 2022 season in the GCRL U13 Division One competition including starting on the right wing in the Cutters 2022 Grand Final victory against the Burleigh Bears.

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Prior to moving over to Australia to attend Marsden SHS Cairo Rangihuna-Ruri had a distinguished representative rugby league career in New Zealand including a dominating performance for the U16 South Island Scorpions in the 2021 U16 New Zealand Rugby League National Youth Championships, with Cairo Rangihuna-Ruri leading the way with a hat trick in the Grand Final against the Wellington Orca’s in a big 42 – 6 Scorpions victory. Cairo Rangihuna-Ruri also scored a hat trick against the Orca’s in Round One of the Championships.

Prior to the National Youth Championships Cairo Rangihuna-Ruri was named the U16 Most Valuable Player at the 2021 Southern Zone Rugby League Tournament with Cairo Rangihuna-Ruri representing Canterbury.

Prior to his move to Marsden SHS Cairo Rangihuna-Ruri attended Shirley Boys High in New Zealand’s South Island and as a 16 year old in 2021 Cairo Rangihuna-Ruri was part of the Shirley Boys High First XV side with Cairo Rangihuna-Ruri interestingly playing at fullback including an exceptional performance at No. 15 against St Bedes.

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Great effort by Noah Te Kiri who was named in the 2022 QRSS U12 Rugby League Boys Representative Team after representing South Coast at the Queensland Championships.

Noah Te Kiri is also a talented rugby player who plays for Logan City and was named in a squad for the 2022 BJRU U12 Carnival.

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2022 saw ZJ Watene play for the Southport Tigers in the Gold Coast Junior Rugby League U14 Division One competition, leading the Tigers to a Grand Final appearance against the Burleigh Bears with ZJ Watene starting the Tigers Grand Final victory at halfback.

ZJ Watene recorded a try assist in the 6th minute of the Grand Final when after receiving a pass from his right when he was around twelve metres out and near the centre of the field, ZJ Watene ran to his left with the ball out in front of his body in two hands. By holding the ball as he did and threatening to pass to his left, Zj Watene was able to draw in the Burleigh right centre and when he was around thre metres out from the try line, ZJ Watene got a good ball away to his left to put Storm Enoka over nine metres in from the left corner post.

ZJ Watene was also heavily involved in Calais Hallett-Wharewaka’s 26th minute try. From near halfway ZJ Watene put in a left foot kick downfield and then chased hard and as the Burleigh fullback tried to beat him near the touchline, ZJ Watene grabbed the Bears player who desperately flung the ball back inside as ZJ Watene was taking him over the left touchline with Calais Hallett-Wharewaka picking up the errant pass and racing twenty five metres to dive over in the left corner.

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2022 saw Xhai Waerea continue to play for the Burleigh Bears in the Gold Coast Junior Rugby League U14 Division One competition, leading the Bears to a Grand Final appearance against the Southport Tigers with Xhai Waerea starting the Grand Final at right second row after a dominating regular season with the Bears.

Xhai Waerea’s best moment of the Grand Final came in the 19th minute when Xhai Waerea charged onto a good ball from his inside from his halfback with Xhai Waerea taking possession thirty eight metres out and bursting through three attempted tackles with Xhai Waerea promoting the ball to the twenty metre mark before he was finally brought to ground.

Xhai Waerea made another strong run in the 37th minute when Xhai Waerea charged onto a short ball on the right side of the field from his halfback when forty two metres out with Xhai Waerea running a hard straight crash line with Xhai Waerea bursting between two defenders. Xhai Waerea then cut to his left before executing a right foot step to beat another defender with Xhai Waerea ultimately making seventeen strong metres downfield.

From a defensive perspective Xhai Waerea had a very strong Grand Final and in the opening portion of the second half with Southport constantly on the attack, Xhai Waerea literally tackled everything that moved as the Bears, largely due to Xhai Waerea’s defensive performance repelled everything that the Tigers threw at them.

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Former Titans hardman Greg Bird has been named as the 2023 Southport Tigers GCRL U20 Coach. Good to see former NRL players putting back into the juniors.

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2022 GCRL U13 Division One centre Malakai Holani had a very strong season including starting at left centre for the Burleigh Bears to their tight 2022 Grand Final loss to the Coomera Cutters.

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2022 saw Calais Hallett-Wharewaka play for the Southport Tigers in the Gold Coast Junior Rugby League U14 Division One competition, leading the Tigers to a Grand Final appearance against the Burleigh Bears with Calais Hallett-Wharewaka starting the Grand Final at fullback with Calais Hallett-Wharewaka putting in a player of the Match performance in Southport’s Grand Final victory.

Calais Hallett-Wharewaka scored a smart try in the 26th minute of the Grand Final when after the Burleigh fullback was being dragged towards the touchline he threw a desperate pass inside with Calais Hallett-Wharewaka picking the ball up after one bounce and low to the ground with Calais Hallett-Wharewaka then pushing off one defender with a right arm fend and then Calais Hallett-Wharewaka raced twenty five metres downfield to dive over to score two metres in from the left corner post.

Calais Hallett-Wharewaka came close to scoring a second try in the 35th minute when he followed through a Gazniah To’omaga kick downfield and when the Southport left winger lost the ball forward when trying to take possession, Calais Hallett-Wharewaka swooped on the ball around forty metres out with Calais Hallett-Wharewaka cutting to his right and ran down the right touchline but was brought down by his opposite number Kingston Seven just sixteen metres out.

Calais Hallett-Wharewaka was heavily involved in the Grand Final from the opening minute of the match when under heavy pressure Calais Hallett-Wharewaka when just thirty eight metres from his own try line, took a high bomb on the full with the Burleigh chasers charging at him. Calais Hallett-Wharewaka maintained his composure and took the ball on the full and then was awarded a penalty when he was hit high in the subsequent tackle.

Calais Hallett-Wharewaka came close to setting up the Tigers opening try of the Grand Final when in the 2nd minute Calais Hallett-Wharewaka chimed into the Southport backline on the left side of the field and after taking the ball to within ten metres of the try line, Calais Hallett-Wharewaka threw a great long cut-out pass to his left to put his left winger into space but unfortunately his left winger into touch just metres out from the left corner.

Calais Hallett-Wharewaka then made a strong tackle in the 16th minute when he took the Burleigh hooker in a strong one on one tackle in open space after the hooker had made a smart run from deep inside his own territory out of dummy half.

Calais Hallett-Wharewaka made another great tackle in the 32nd minute when he raced to his right to tackle the Southport Tigers left winger around thirty metres out after the winger had made a line break from deep inside his own territory.

Calais Hallett-Wharewaka then made the play (and tackle) of the Grand Final. With Southport leading 18 – 14 and the siren sounding Burleigh fullback Kingston Seve ran from his left side of the field to the right and was able to get on the outside of the entire Southport right sided defernsive line and it looked as if he would race seventy metres to score the match winning try but Calais Hallett-Wharewaka flew to his left and executed an incredible low driving tackle on the tall long striding fullback just as he ran beyond the halfway mark with Calais Hallett-Wharewaka’s tackle knocking the Bears fullback to ground to win the Grand Final for the Southport Tigers.

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2022 saw Cavell Tuilaepa continue to play for the Burleigh Bears in the Gold Coast Junior Rugby League U14 Division One competition, leading the Bears to a Grand Final appearance against the Southport Tigers with Cavell Tuilaepa starting the Grand Final in the front row and taking the third hit-up of the match after the Tigers had kicked off to get the Grand Final underway.

Cavell Tuilaepa scored a strong solo try in the 20th minue of the Grand Final when after Burleigh were awarded a penalty ten metres out and mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the right side of the field, Cavell Tuilaepa came forward to take the penalty tap. After picking up the ball after he had tapped it, Cavell Tuilaepa charged forward and when still three metres from the try line was engaged by two Tigers defenders but Cavell Tuilaepa kept pumping his legs and was able to reach forward and get the ball down on the try line in two hands.

Cavell Tuilaepa also recorded a line break assist in the 32nd minute when from his own thirty metre mark, Cavell Tuilaepa ran to the ball on the left side of the field and as he approached the defensive line, Cavell Tuilaepa threw a great cut-out pass to his left to put his left winger away on a fifty metre run down the left touchline only to be brought to ground less than twenty metres from the try line. Impressively Cavell Tuilaepa had followed the play and was in position to charge onto tyeh ball to the right of the play the ball from his winger who he had put away with Cavell Tuilaepa promoting the ball to within six metres of the try line.

Cavell Tuilaepa had made a strong charge in the 12th minute from a Bears twenty metre restart with Cavell Tuilaepa charing onto the ball to the right of the player tapping the ball with Cavell Tuilaepa surging through the centre of the field and making fifteen metres.

Cavell Tuilaepa made a further strong run in the 17th minute when front just inside his own territory Cavell Tuilaepa ran back underneath his play maker to the right of the play the ball with Cavell Tuilaepa able to promote the ball to within forty two metres of the try line.

Cavell Tuilaepa was at it again in the 19th minute when he made a strong run of twelve metres to within five metres of the halfway mark with Cavell Tuilaepa being awarded a penalty for a high tackle. Cavell Tuilaepa was on his feet quickly and after taking a quick tap, Cavell Tuilaepa made a further fifteen metres to get the ball to around forty metres out from the try line.

Cavell Tuilaepa also was strong defensively in the Grand Final including a desperate dive in the 14th minute on one of the Tigers front rowers (No. 8) with Cavell Tuilaepa racing backwards and diving and hitting the hands of the Southport front rower just as he was about to put the ball down next to the Southprt right upright.

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2022 saw Storm Enoka play for the Southport Tigers in the Gold Coast Junior Rugby League U14 Division One competition, leading the Tigers to a Grand Final appearance against the Burleigh Bears with Storm Enoka starting the Grand Final at left second row and once again putting in a dominant display in the Tigers victory.

Storm Enoka scored in the 6th minute of the Grand Final when after good work on his inside by ZJ Watene, Storm Enoka received the ball from his inside and had an easy three metre run to the try line to score nine metres in from the left corner post.

In the set of six from the Southport kick-off from his 6th minute try, Storm Enoka made another strong run of ten metres down the left channel with Storm Enoka getting the ball over thirty metres from his own try line.

Sotrm Enoka then in the 10th minute from the left of a Tigers scrum win and twelve metres short of the halfway mark, charged eighteen metres down the left channel with Storm Enoka breaking four tackles in his effort.

Then just a minute later in the 11th minute Storm Enoka after receiving an off-load thirty eight metres out from his own try line was able to get the ball five metres over the halfway mark breaking two more tackles in that effort.

Storm Enoka made a further strong run in the 43rd minute when to the left of a Southport scrum win and just three metres out from his own try line when he received the pass, Storm Enoka ran the ball down the left channel to get the ball to his own sixteen metre mark.

Storm Enoka also had some strong defensive moments in the Grand Final including a strong one on one tackle on the Burleigh right centre just inside Southport territory.

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The younger brother of Titans NRL standout Jojo Fifita, Viliami Fifita like his older brother did is attending The Southport School (TSS) on the Gold Coast but unlike his older brother Viliami Fifita is a forward and in addition to playing school boy GPS rugby for TSS like Jojo, Viliami Fifita plays club rugby league on the Gold Coast including starting in the front row in the Burleigh Bears GCRL U14 Division One side including starting in the 2022 Grand Final against the Southport Tigers in his usual front row position but unfortunately the Bears went down in a high quality Premiership decider with the Bears more than holding their own for long periods of the Grand Final.

Viliami Fifita had a strong Grand Final and could not have been in the match any earlier with Viliami Fifita taking the opening hit-up of the match after the Southpoert Tigers had kicked off to get the Grand Final underway.

Viliami Fifita’s best moment of the Grand Final came in the 24th minute when from forty metres out from his own line and in the centre of the field, Viliami Fifita charged onto the ball from a Burleigh penalty tap and after Viliami Fifita engaged the Tigers defensive line still three metres short of the halfway mark, Viliami Fifita forced his way through three attempted tackles initially with pure strength and power. Viliami Fifita then surged through two more would be defenders with Viliami Fifita then carrying two more Tigers defenders a further ten metres before he was eventually dragged to ground after a supurb twenty eight metre surge downfield.

Viliami Fifita made another strong charge in the 41st minute when from thirty five metres out from his own try line Viliami Fifita cut back underneath his play maker to the right of the play the ball and was able to make twelve metres, most of which were post contact.

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2022 saw Kingston Seve continue to play for the Burleigh Bears in the Gold Coast Junior Rugby League U14 Division One competition, leading the Bears to a Grand Final appearance against the Southport Tigers with Kingston Seve starting the Grand Final at fullback.

Kingston Seve had an outstanding Grand Final including scoring a fabolous solo try in the 52nd minute to give the Bears a chance in the Grand Final. In the 52nd Kingston Seve moved into dummy half with the play the ball forty two metres out from the Burleigh try line and the ball to the left of the goal posts. After picking up the ball from dummy half Kingston Seve ran to his right and immediately utilised a left arm fend to get rid of the Southport marker with Kingston Seve then continuing to run to his right. Kingston Seve as he arrived at the Tigers defensive line stepped off his right foot and surged through a gap and break two tackles. Kingston Seven then outpaced the Tigers fullback and raced towards the right corner down the touchline. Kingston Seve was in fact caught by two Tigers cover defenders just short of the try line but Kingston Seve was able to maintain his balance and dive over to get the ball down in the right corner for a spectacular try.

As the final siren was sounding Kingston Seve came desperately close to winning the Grand Final for Burleigh. Wide out on the left side of the field, the Burleigh dummy half got the ball away to his right to Kingston Seven who took the pass only twenty six metres out from his own try line and immediately ran to his right and beat three defenders to get on the outside of the Tigers right sided defensive line and then Kingston Seve burst down the right touchline and it looked as if Kingston Seve would streak away to win the match for Burleigh but just as he raced over the halfway, his opposing fullback, Southport’s Calais Hallett-Wharewaka came from the clouds to tackle Kingston Seven to the ground to prevent would would have been a wonderful Burleigh comeback.

Kingston Seve did well from a Burleigh scrum win five metres inside Burleigh territory and after Kingston Seve received the ball to the right of the scrum, Kingston Seve was able to break three tackles as he got the ball eight metres inside Southport territory.

Then from another Burleigh scrum in the 50th minute, with the scrum forty metres out from the Burleigh try line Kingston Seven took possession to the left of the scrum from the Bears lock with Kingston Seve executing a right foot step to beat a defender and get the ball five metres inside Tigers territory.

Kingston Seve recorded an outstanding try saving tackle in just the second minute of the Grand Final. After Southport had created space down their left side and the Tigers left winger set sail for the corner, Kingston Seven flew across the field to his right and hit the winger around three metres out and forcing him into touch to prevent what appeared to be a certain try.

Kingston Seve made another great tackle just a few minutes later in the 6th minute when after the Tigers left centre had cut inside from twenty metres and looked certain to score, Kingston Seve hit him around the chest just two metres out from the try line and next to the right upright with Kingston Seve’s heavy initial contact preventing the centre from scoring.

Kingston Seve made a third try saving tackle in the 35th minute when he brought down his opposite number Calais Hallett-Wharewaka who had picked up a dropped ball from Burleigh and had tried to beat Kingston Seve down the left touchline but Kingston Seve was able to coralle the Southport fullback near the touchline and put him to ground still sixteen metres away from the try line.

Kingston Seve was at it again defensively in the 18th minute when he stopped rampaging Southport right second rower Kalani Patu just two metres out from the try line on the left side of the field. The Tigers second rower had all of the momentum but Kingston Seve held his ground to prevent a Southport potential try.

Kingston Seven made a smart run out of dummy half in the 18th minute when from inside his own territory he ran to his right and able engaging two defenders got away a smart right arm off-load to allow his support runner to promote the ball further.

Kingston Seve added a further run out of dummy half to his Grand Final scrap book in the 38th minute when from forty metres out from the try line Kingston Seven ran to his left down a short blindside and was able to get the ball to within sixteen metres of the try line before he was brought to ground.

Kingston Seve ran out of dummy half once again in the 44th minute, running to his right from only ten metres out from his own try line with Kingston Seve making nineteen sorely needed metrews for Burleigh.

Kingston Seven made a further strong run in the 40th minute when after taking a Southport clearing kick on the full in the centre of the field and just ten metres out from his own try line, Kingston Seve immediately ran the ball to his right with a strong left arm fend beating the first Tigers defender downfield. Kingston Seve then made a line break down the right touchline beating a second defender before holding up as the Southport cover defence converged on him. Kingston Seve darted backwards and in the process tip toe’d along the right touchline before cutting back inside and getting the ball thirty metres away from the try line.

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School Boy Langer Cup squads always have a high turnover rate as young men transition from school boy rugby league but Keebra Park have a very talented player returning in 2023 in the form of talented hooker isaiah ***alilo.

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I have always been ofthe opinion that playing touch/Oztag is great for the development of rugby league skills and playing those other sports at a high level is going to of great benefit for Keelan Needham-Brown in 2023 as he looks to break into the Keebra Park SHS Langer Cup School Boy squad.

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Tyce Anyanwu-Bird started the 2022 season as part of the Tweed Heads Seagulls U16 CC Cup side before playing well on the wing for the Keebra Park SHS Year 9/10 Titans Cup side and in 2023 he will look to move up the ranks at Keebra Park SHS.

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In 2022 Ty Taputoa travelled all of the way from the Ipswich region to attend Keebra Park SHS with the young centre playing well for the Keebra Park SHS Year 9/10 Titans Cup side.

2023 sees Ty Taputoa start the season as part of the Ipswich Jets CC Cup squad before he continues his rugby league journey at Keebra Park SHS.

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2022 saw Gazniah To’omaga continue to play for the Southport Tigers in the Gold Coast Junior Rugby League U14 Division One competition, leading the Tigers to a Grand Final appearance against the Burleigh Bears with Gazniah To’omaga starting the Grand Final at Cbus Stadium at lock with Gazniah To’omaga throwing the final pass for Southport’s 56th minute try when from thirteen metres out Gazniah To’omaga got a pass away to his left for one of his front rowers (No. 8) to score under out on the left.

Gazniah To’omaga got his Grand Final off to a strong start in the 3rd minute when after a Burleigh kick from a penalty did not find touch with Gazniah To’omaga taking the mis-directed kick on the full on the halfway mark with Gazniah To’omaga then running to his left and rumbling nineteen metres downfield, breaking three tackles along the way.

Gazniah To’omaga made a strong line break in the Grand Final in the 11th minute when from the left of the play the ball Gazniah To’omaga received the abll forty eight metres out and cit back inside to his right and after getting rid of one defender with a left arm fend, Gazniah To’omaga burst between two further defenders before being brought to ground twenty eight metres out.

In the 14th minute Gazniah To’omaga from just inside Burleigh territory charged onto the ball to the right of the play the ball and then when he hit the defensive line and spun with Gazniah To’omaga then getting on aff-load away for his front rower to promote the ball further.

Gazniah To’omaga showcased his quick thinking in the 17th minute when after a Burleigh kick was charged down by a team mate near the halfway mark, Gazniah To’omaga collected the ball and charged eighteen metres down the centre of the field before throwing a good long pass to his right to allow his right centre to make more ground.

Gazniah To’omaga also executed a smart piece of play in the 14th minute with a one on one strip as Burleigh were trying to bring the ball out of their own territory just thirty two metres out from their own try line. Initially there were two in the tackle, but Gazniah To’omaga called his team mate out of the tackle and then stripped the ball to give possession back to Southport.

Gazniah To’omaga actually got over the try line in the Grand Final when in the 18th minute Gazniah To’omaga surged onto a short ball from close range to the right of the play the ball but the referee ruled the ball forward just as Gazniah To’omaga was crossing the try line.

Gazniah To’omaga made a further strong run in the 34th minute with a charge onto the ball to the right of the play the ball from just nine metres out from his own try line with Gazniah To’omaga able to get the ball out to his own twenty metre mark to highlight just hwo tough a ball runner that Gazniah To’omaga is.

Gazniah To’omaga continued his strong ball running efforts in the 40th minute with a strong run to the right of the play the ball from five metres in his own territory to eight metres into Burleigh territory.

One of Gazniah To’omaga’s best moments of the Grand Final came in the 48th minute when initially with Southport bringing the ball out their own territory, Gazniah To’omaga lined up to the right of the play the ball around thirty metres out from his own try line. As the ball was being played Gazniah To’omaga ran around to the left of the play the ball and after taking possession Gazniah To’omaga executed a subtle right foot step to move into a gap to make eighteen metres before Gazniah To’omaga was able to get a right arm off-load away to his left to his left centre.

Gazniah To’omaga showcased his kicking skills in the 35th minute when he put in a right foot kick downfield from his own twenty metre mark to the ball finding the ground around thirty metres out from the Burleigh try line with Southport able to retrieve the ball and almost score after the ball was lost by the Bears left winger.

Gazniah To’omaga put in another strong kick in the 38th minute when from his own twenty metre mark Gazniah To’omaga kicked towards the left touchline with the kcik heading towards the touchline around thirty metres out with the kick forces to race across and dive on the ball just prior to the ball going into touch.

Even though it was not part of the Grand Final per say, one important point to note in relation to Gazniah To’omaga’s sportsmanship. With Burleigh trying to stay within reach of the Tigers mid-way through the second half and with Burleigh deep on the attack, one of the Burtleigh forwards charged onto the ball but unfortunately lost the ball cold and fell to the ground clearly frustrated. Gazniah To’omaga ran out of the defensive line and went over and helped his opponent up off the ground and gave him an encouraging pat on the back. That moment had nothing to do with how good Gazniah To’omaga is at rugby league but speaks volumes for the type of person that Gazniah To’omaga is.

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Front rower Loghan Lewis graduated from Keebra Park SHS in 2020 moving to the Canberra Raiders and in 2022 he played six matches in the NSW Cup but it seems like he will be back on the Gold Coast playing for the Tweed Heads Seagulls in 2023.

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Former New Zealand Marley Skeen started the 2022 season off as part of the Tweed Heads Seagulls U16 Cyril Connell Cup squad before playing for the Mudgeeraba Redbacks.

Marley Skeen also played at hooker for the Keebra Park SHS Year 9/10 Titans Cup side and is considered one of the fittest students at Keebra Park.

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Former Victorian U12 Rugby League representative Malachi Vaeau can play in either the front row or second row and that is exactly what he did in 2022 in the Keebra Park SHS School Boy Titans Cup in 2022.

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Keebra Park SHS's right winger Ashton Helies had an outstanding 2022 Renouf Cup School Boy Grand Final scoring one try and setting up another for fullback Kingston Seve and in 2023 he will be looking to be part of the Keebra Park SHS Hancock Cup side.

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Ben Blyton had a heck of a 2022 season including being named the Beaudesert Kingfishers U14 Division One Best Forward as well as playing his 100th game for the Kingfishers.

Ben Blyton also started from the bench for the Keebra Park SHS Renouf Shield side in their 2022 Grand Final.

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2022 Keebra Park SHS Bronco's Old Boys half Tamanui Turia-Thompson is not just a talented rugby league halfback, he is also a representative level touch player.

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What a heck of a first year as part of the Titans partnered Keebra Park SHS Rugby League Academy Xavier Takatainga had in 2022.

The former Werribee Bear (Victoria) had an outstanding season playing in the second row and front row in Keebra Park SHS' Bronco's Old Boys School Boy side.

Xavier Takatainga is an outstanding runner of the ball as well as a devastating defender and he is certainly one that I will be watching closely in the 2023 Renouf Shield School Boy Keebra Park SHS side.

Xavier Takatainga is certainly one heck of a rugby league talent.

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Being a talented halfback in either rugby or rugby league is hard enough but being an outstanding at both is almost unheard of but that is exactly what Rawiri Purdie is.

In 2022 Rawiri Purdie played well for the Keebra Park SHS Bronco's Old Boys School Boy side and in rugby he stood out for the Gold Coast Cyclones U13 Representative side as well as the Helensvale Hogs in the GCRU U13 competition.

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To add to the positive news around Jaylan De Groot extended his contract with the Titans in February 2021, with his new contract that commences in 2022 being a Titans NRL Development contract in recognition of a number of seasons of outstanding performances. Jaylan De Groot’s current deal with the Titans takes him up until the end of the 2024 season.

On November 1, 2022, Jaylan De Groot once again participated in the Titans NRL off-season program on a train and trial basis.

In early December 2022 Jaylan De Groot took part in a joint training session betweed the Titans JTS contracted players and the Titans NRL squad.

Jaylan De Groot undertook the 2021/22 pre-season with the Titans NRL squad as a member of the Titans Rookie Squad looking to impress Justin Holbrook and the other NRL coaches.

Jaylan De Groot started the Titans first 2022 NRL trial against the Brisbane Bronco’s at Cbus Stadium from the bench. Coming on at halftime into the fullback role and what a heck of a second half Jaylan De Groot had, scoring one try and setting up another.

Jaylan De Groot scored in the 58th minute when from ten metres out he charged onto an inside pass from Tremain Spry to force his way over to get the ball down with three defenders hanging off him eight metres in from the right corner post.

Jaylan De Groot’s try assist came in the 43rd minute and in fact it was just his second touch of the ball in the match. Jaylan De Groot took the ball to the right and from inside ten metres out Jaylan De Groot put in a short right foot grubber kick that Tremain Spry picked up to comfortably score.

In total in his forty minutes on the field for the Titans Jaylan De Groot ran for twenty one metres, broke two tackles played the ball at an average speed of 3.16 seconds and made a tackle.

In late July 2022 Jaylan De Groot started on the left wing for a Titans U19 side that played their annual match against the North Queensland Cowboys that was played as a curtain raiser at Cbus Stadium to the Titans Round Twenty NRL match against the Canberra Raiders with Jaylan De Groot scoring a second half double.

Jaylen Dr Groot scored his opening try in the 47th minute when he dived over in the left corner after receiving a good ball from his inside from Ryan Foran.

Jaylen De Groot added a second try in the 53rd minute when he was put over in the left corner by way of a good ball from Keano Kini.

Jaylen De Groot also had a big hand in Keano Kini’s 22nd minute try after he had swapped with Keano Kini to spend time at fullback. As the Titans played the ball forty five metres out and on the left side of the field, Jaylan De Groot who had stationed himself behind the play the ball ran to his left and after receiving the ball from the dummy half, Jaylen De Groot drew in one defender and then got the ball away to his left to Kaleb Ngamanu who subsequently put Keano Kini over in the left corner.

In late January 2022 Jaylan De Groot started at fullback for the Titans U19 side in a match at Pizzey Park against the Burleigh Bears Hastings Deering’s Colts side being moving to the left wing in the second half.

Jaylan De Groot finished the match with two try assists, the first coming in the 11th minute. Jaylan De Groot’s try assist movement commenced well inside his own territory with a hit-up from Arama Hau. After engaging the Burleigh defence Arama Hau produced a right arm off-load to Jaylan De Groot who burst through the Burleigh defence before veering to his left as he approached the Bears fullback and then passed back across his body to his left to find a flying Ryan Foran thirty two metres out. As soon as he received the ball Ryan Foran cut off his right foot to beat one defender and then cross the line.

Jaylan De Groot’s second try assist came literally on the final siren when after some great lead up work by the Titans, Jaylan De Groot threw the Burleigh right winger to put Titans left winger Elijah Lui over in the left corner for his first try in a Titans jersey.

Jaylan De Groot was not too far away from scoring himself in the 52nd minute when he raced down the left touchline after Ryan Foran had picked up a Burleigh dropped ball, but near the halfway mark just as he was getting to full pace with no-one in front of him, Jaylan De Groot was ankle tapped from behind.

Jaylan De Groot has always been a fullback with great positional sense and then was displayed once again in the 27th minute when he positioned himself well right on his own try line and to the left of the goal posts to take a Burleigh attacking grubber kick. After taking possession Jaylan De Groot took off to his right, stepping twice off his right foot to get the ball twelve metres out from the try line directly in front of the goal posts.

Also in late 2021 Jaylan De Groot was part of the Titans NRL squad that undertook a joint training session with ninety members of the Titans JTS Program.

In June 2022 Jaylan De Groot was named in the New South Wales U19 side for their match against Queensland U19’s with Jaylan De Groot named on the NSW extended bench for the match.

In late 2021 it was confirmed that Jaylan De Groot would play the 2022 season as part of the Tweed Heads Seagulls Hastings Deering’s Colts squad and Jaylan De Groot is also Colts eligible in 2023.

Round One of the 2022 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition saw Jaylan De Groot named to start at fullback for the Tweed Heads Seagulls as they got their season underway against the Norths Devils however the match was ultimately postponed due to the extreme weather conditions in northern New South Wales.

Jaylan De Groot was also named to start at fullback in the Round Two local derby against the Burleigh Bears with Jaylan De Groot scoring a double and setting up another try in the Seagulls big 40 – 16 victory.

Jaylan De Groot’s opening try came in the 52nd minute when on the five tackle he positioned himself on the right wing and charged forward taking a Thomas Weaver bomb to the right corner on the full. Jaylan De Groot then did a great job getting the ball down in the in-gaol after taking the cross kick above his head before he was taken into touch in-goal.

Jaylan De Groot completed his double in the 73rd minute when from five metres out Jaylan De Groot ran to his right out of dummy half and got between two Bears defenders to score four metres to the left of the uprights.

In just the 3rd minute of the match Jaylan De Groot recorded a try assist when whilst operating on the left field he threw a hard flat face ball to his left to a charging Klese Haas who charged over from five metres out.

Jaylan De Groots’ first touch of the match came inside the opening two minutes when just two metres out from his own try line Jaylan De Groot picked up a dropped Burleigh ball near the left corner. Upon taking possession of the ball Jaylan De Groot ran to his right towards the middle of the field before straightening up and getting the ball eighteen metres away from his own try line.

As he does so well, Jaylan De Groot was hovering around the play the ball in the 25th minute and got into dummy half, running himself to his right when he spotted the Burleigh defence still going backwards with Jaylan De Groot able to make fifteen metres.

Jaylan De Groot was at his elusive best in the 68th minute when after he received that ball from a Seagulls scrum win on the left side of the field twenty two metres out, Jaylan De Groot cut back to his left on a number of occasions, getting the ball to within eight metres of the try line and directly in front of the goal posts after breaking five tackles in his winding run.

In the 48th minute along with Oskar Bryant and Thomas Weaver, Jaylan De Groot was on hand to hold up Burleigh lock Samuel Shannon over the try line.

Jaylan De Groot showed his high level of positioning sense in the 48th minute when he was perfectly place right on his own try line to retrieve a Burleigh attacking grubber kick in the left corner and Jaylan De Groot was even able to bring the ball five metres away from his own try line.

Jaylan De Groot continued at fullback in Round Three against the Townsville Blackhawks and in the 5th minute positioned himself well on the left side of the field to take a grubber kick on the bounce just a metre out from his own line. Once he had secured possession Jaylan De Groot ran to his right back towards the centre of the field and was able to get the ball out past the ten metre mark.

Jaylen De Groot was Tweed Heads saviour in the 9th minute when he hit the Blackhawks hard over the try line to force the ball loose after the hooker had tried to dive over from dummy half.

Jaylan De Groot’s came to the fore once again in the 49th minute when he raced to his left to tackle the Townsville No. 2 who had burst away and appeared set to score but Jaylan De Groot came from the clouds to tackle him from behind.

Jaylan De Groot also started at fullback in Round Six against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls and in a sign of the high esteem that he is held in, Jaylan De Groot was named the Seagulls captain for the match.

Jaylan De Groot made a great one on one tackle on the Wynnum Manly right winger who had broken away and looked to take Jaylan De Groot on one on one in space but Jaylan De Groot was up to the challenge and put the winger on the ground.

Jaylan De Groot continued at fullback in Round Six against the Northern Pride scoring a double in the Seagulls big 66 – 0.

Jaylan De Groot’s first try came within the opening minutes of the match when he backed up a break down the left touchline from Thomas Weaver that started deep inside Seagulls territory with Thomas Weaver drawing the fullback and sending Jaylan De Groot on a fifty odd metre run untouched to the try line.

Jaylan De Groot completed his double in the 29th minute when he was on hand to collect an inside kick from Brent Barnes and dive over mid-way between the corner post and goal posts on the left side of the field.

The fact that Brent Barnes was able to break away down the left touchline and kick back inside with the outside of his right foot was as a result of a great Jaylan De Groot cut out pass to his left near the halfway mark which put Brent Barnes into space.

Jaylan De Groot also threw the final pass for a Seagulls 42nd minute try for his right winger to score one of his four tries in the match. Jaylan De Groot then threw the final pass after chiming into the backline on the left and pass to his left to Kaleb Ngamanu who raced twelve metres to score wide out on the left in what turned out to be an eight point try.

Jaylen De Groot also started at fullback in the rescheduled Round One match against the Norths Devils scoring in the 41sst minute when he followed through a Charlie Murray break through the centre of the field with Jaylan De Groot receiving the ball from Charlie Murray around thirty metres out and raced away to score under the posts.

Jaylan De Groot also recorded a 33rd minute try assist when he burst through the Norths right sided defence with a show and go from thirty metres out and then drew the Devils fullback and pass to his right to Kaleb Ngamanu who raced away to score.

Jaylan De Groot also started at fullback in Round Eight against the Western Clydesdales and had a day out scoring four tries in a big 65 – 12 Seagulls victory.

Jaylan De Groot’s opening try came in the 23rd minute when he received the ball from Thomas Weaver who had received the ball from a Seagulls scrum win. After receiving the ball Jaylan De Groot shaped to pass to his outside but instead sliced through the defensive line to dive over four metres in from the left corner post.

Jaylan De Groot added a second try in the 26th minute when he followed through an Oskar Bryant line break to receive the pass from his left and run twenty five metres to score untouched under the posts.

Jaylan De Groot completed his hat trick in the 43rd when after Konrad Tu’u made a break off a Max Liles pass down the left touchline who got the ball back inside to Max Liles who looked like he would run the five metres to score but got caught from behind but just as he was about to hit the ground Max Liles flicked the ball over his right shoulder for Jaylan De Groot to pick up on the bounce to score his third try near the left corner.

Jaylan De Groot then scored his fourth try in the 67th minute when after he received on off-load from Klese Haas Jaylan De Groot raced eighteen metres to score under the posts.

Jaylan De Groot in fact could have had a fifty try but in the 60th minute after chasing through a kick he lost the ball over the try line.

The match also saw Jaylan De Groot record a 3rd minute try assist when Jaylan De Groot chimed into the Seagulls backline through a sweeping movement to the left side of the field. After Jaylan De Groot received the ball from Thomas Weaver thirty five metres out Jaylan De Groot was able to get on the outside of the winger before drawing the fullback to send Konrad Tu’u over in the left corner.

Jaylan De Groot then did very well in the 10th minute when under intense pressure he took a high spiralling bomb under heavy pressure ten metres out from his own line and after stepping off his right foot was able to get the ball twenty nine metres away from the try line.

It was not all about Jaylan De Groot’s attacking game as in the 61st minute with his side on the attack ten metres from the line, the Clydesdales took an intercept but Jaylan De Groot turned and chased and easily made up the ground, attacking the centre after just a thirty metre chase.

Jaylan De Groot continued at fullback in Round Nine against the Ipswich Jets, scoring in the 28th minute of a Seagulls victory.

Jaylan De Groot continued at fullback in the rescheduled Round Seven match off against the Souths Logan Magpies.

In a tough loss Jaylan De Groot’s was the Seagulls best including scoring a smart solo try in the 17th minute. After the Seagulls had spun the ball from the left side of the field to the right, Jaylan De Groot received a pass from his right around ten metres out and proceeded to run to his left. After cutting off his left foot to get into the defensive line Jaylan De Groot put in a short kick from himself just as he was about to be tackled with Jaylan De Groot getting the ball back on the bounce after the ball had travelled around four metres to dived over seven metres in from the left corner post.

Jaylan De Groot also forced a Magpies goal line drop out in the 44th minute when after receiving the ball from his inside from Oskar Bryant when he was twenty five metres out and five metres in from the left touchline, Jaylan De Groot cut back towards the centre of the field before putting in a right foot grubber kick. Jaylan De Groot then chased through his own kick with the Magpies fullback forced to knock the ball dead.

Jaylan De Groot also started at fullback in Round Eleven against the Central Queensland Capra’s and scored in the 42nd minute he back up a Jotham Russell line break through the centre of the field and after Jotham Russell off-loaded the ball his five eight who drew the Capra’s fullback and passed to Jaylan De Groot who raced twenty metres to score under the posts.

Jaylan De Groot almost created a Seagulls try out of nothing in the 68th minute. Jaylan De Groot positioned himself directly behind a Tweed Heads play the ball around twenty five metres out and fifteen metres in from the left touchline. At the last possible moment Jaylan De Groot raced to his left and after receiving the ball from Oskar Bryant at dummy half took the ball deep into the defensive line before passing to his left to Kaleb Ngamanu who got within two metres of scoring a smart try.

Jaylan De Groot also started at fullback and captain in Round Twelve against the Redcliffe Dolphins with Jaylan De Groot making a strong one on one tackle on the halfway mark on his opposite who had made a line break from deep inside his own territory. Jaylan De Groot then made a further try saving tackle on the giant Redcliffe No. 18 just moments later.

Jaylan De Groot was also involved in a strong tackle in the 3rd minute when along with Jordan Lewis and Ben Liyou, Jaylan De Groot got hold of one of the Dolphin players bringing the ball away from his own line and drove him back ten metres into the in-goal.

Jaylan De Groot continued at fullback in Round Thirteen against the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

Jaylan De Groot continued at fullback in the Round Fourteen local derby against the Burleigh Bears with Jaylan De Groot scoring a double and also recording a try assist in the solid point win for the Seagulls.

Jaylan De Groot scored his opening try in the 24th minute when after Ryan Foran made a line break down the left touchline, Ryan Foran from thirty metres out put in a right foot kick back to the inside with the outside of his right foot with the ball sitting up perfectly for Jaylan De Groot to collect the ball and run around to score under the posts.

Jaylan De Groot scored his second try in the 67th minute when Jaylan De Groot received the ball to the left of the play the ball down a short left blindside and dummied to his left before running between two defenders with Jaylan De Groot then beating the Burleigh fullback with a right foot step with Jaylan De Groot then bringing the ball around to score under the posts.

Jaylan De Groot’s try assist came in the 37th minute when Jaylen De Groot ran to his left out of dummy half wand when he got to ten metres out from the try line, Jaylan De Groot put in a short right foot grubber kick through the line with Caleb Hodges racing through to collect the ball to score mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Jaylan De Groot also recorded a line break in the 46th minute when from thirty five metres out and to the left of the play the ball Jaylan De Groot broke through the defensive line before being tripped up from behind with Jaylan De Groot quickly back to his feet before finally being held on the halfway mark.

Jaylan De Groot continued at fullback in Round Fifteen against the Northern Pride with Jaylan De Groot recording a hat trick in a big Seagulls victory.

Jaylan De Groot scored his opening try in the 38th minute when from thirty five metres out, Thomas Weaver ran to his left after receiving the ball and threw the ball back to his right to Jaylan De Groot with the fullback racing through a huge gap and easily beat the cover defence to score mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Jaylan De Groot added a second try in the 66th minute when Jaylan De Groot lined up directly behind a scrum forty five metres out from the try line, once the Seagulls won the scrum Jaylan De Groot raced to his left, receiving the ball from Thomas Weaver with Jaylan De Groot then racing thirty five metres to score easily under the posts.

Jaylan De Groot completed his hat trick in the 76th minute when after receiving the ball to the left of the play the ball around six metres out Jaylan De Groot ran to his left to get between two defenders to score mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Jaylan De Groot also recorded a 3rd minute try assist when after joining the Seagulls backline on the left side of the field, Jaylan De Groot took the ball to the line before throwing a cut-out pass to his left to put Jotham Russell over in the left corner.

Jaylan De Groot recorded a second try assist in the 54th minute when Jaylan De Groot chimed into the Seagulls backline on the left side of the field and got the ball away to his left to Kaleb Ngamanu twelve metres out with Kaleb Ngamanu holding one defender off him with the right arm fend to score in the left corner.

Jaylan De Groot added a third try assist in the 78th minute when after backing up a line break down the left touchline by Ryan Foran, Jaylen De Groot received an off-load from his left from Ryan Foran with Jaylan De Groot then beating three tackles in a stepping run before off-loading to his left to put Jotham Russell over for his third try of the match.

Jaylan De Groot also made a good kick return in the 45th minute when after taking the ball from a Northern Pride clearing kick thirty five metres out from his own try line, Jaylan De Groot was able to make twenty metres through the centre of the field.

On the back of his three try and three try assist performance Jaylan De Groot led the Tweed Heads Seagulls with 205 run metres.

Jaylan De Groot also started at fullback in Round Sixteen against the Townsville Blackhawks as well as in Round Seventeen against the Easts Tigers.

Jaylan De Groot finished the 2022 Hastings Deering’s Colts regular season with seventeen tries to finish in the top five in that that category in the competition, in fact Jaylan De Groot finished second on the try scoring list.

The 2022 Hastings Deering’s Colts Week One Elimination Final saw Jaylan De Groot start at five eight for the Tweed Heads Seagulls against the Easts Tigers with Jaylan De Groot scoring in the 44th minute the Seagulls progressed to Week Two.

With Easts on the attack in the 46th minute Jaylan De Groot when facing an overlap while defending on the right side, Jaylan De Groot stepped up to take an intercept and then was able to race fifty eight metres to score ten metres to the right of the uprights.

Jaylan De Groot also made a line break in the opening minute of the match when on the right side of the field Jaylan De Groot sliced through the defensive line near the halfway mark with Jaylan De Groot tackled near the right touchline after a twenty metre charge.

Jaylan De Groot also forced a goal line drop-out in the 51st minute when from ten metres out and down a short right blindside Jaylan De Groot put in a right foot grubber kick which after rebounding between legs when into the in-goal with the Tigers fullback forced to ground the ball in-goal.

Also in late 2021 Jaylan De Groot was part of the Titans NRL squad that undertook a joint training session with ninety members of the Titans JTS Program.

Jaylan De Groot’s first match in a Titans jersey came in January 2021 when he started at fullback for the Titans U19’s in their annual match against the Newcastle Knights in Coffs Harbour with Jaylan De Groot scoring a second half double for the Titans, both from long range, as the Titans defeated Newcastle 40 – 6 in an outstanding display.

Jaylan De Groot first touch of the ball in a Titans jersey came in just the second minute of the match when he moved to his right to field a Knights clearing kick on the bounce before confronting the oncoming defensive line.

Jaylan De Groot’s opening try of the match came two minutes into the second half and it was a typical Jaylan De Groot try. The play that led to the try started five metres inside the Titans own half. With Jaylan De Groot hovering behind the play the ball, the Titans worked a short blindside to get right centre Reef Sommerville into space down the right wing, as he was confronted by the fullback, Reef Sommerville grubber kicked back inside with the ball bouncing up perfectly for Jaylan De Groot who had followed the play as it developed on the inside. Once he took possession of the ball twenty metres out, no one got close to him as he brought the ball around to place it down under the posts.

Jaylan De Groot’s penchant to backing up and being in the right place at the right time, was highlighted once again late in the second half when he scored his second try. Outstanding offloads earlier in the movement by Jack Cullen and Samuel Shannon put Thomas Weaver into space and when the half was confronted by the Knights fullback, it was none other than Jaylan De Groot who loomed up on Thomas Weaver’s right to receive the ball twenty metres out and from there Jaylan De Groot’s speed easily took him across the line to record his double.

Jaylan De Groot also had an outstanding moment in defence early in the first half. Jaylan De Groot raced to his left as the Knights found space down the right touch line. The Knights right winger cut inside late, but instead to over running the ball, Jaylan De Groot was able to shift his momentum and take the winger ball and all. If the Knights winger had beaten Jaylan De Groot’s tackle, there is no doubt the Knights would have scored.

A week after the match against the Newcastle Knights Jaylan De Groot once again lined up for the Titans U19’s at fullback as they took on a Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts squad at Burleigh Juniors with the Titans winning 32 – 20 with no conversions attempted.

Once again Jaylan De Groot had an outstanding match, being his second in a Titans jersey recording yet another try scoring double as well as multiple other smart positioning and intelligent plays that are fast becoming the norm for Jaylan De Groot.

Jaylan De Groot’s opening contribution to the Titans cause in the match was when he was able to draw the Burleigh right centre after chiming into the Titans backline on the left side of the field with a direct run at him before passing to left to find left centre Tony Francis in space who was then able to charge twelve metres to the line and get the ball down under pressure five metres in from the left corner post.

In the 7th minute of the match, Jaylan De Groot was positioned perfectly to take a Burleigh clearing kick on the full near the left touch line turning back towards the try line and he was able to return the kick twenty metres to put the Titans on the front foot.

Two tackles later Jaylan De Groot moved into dummy half fifty five metres out from the line. Jaylen De Groot darted out of dummy half to the right of the play the ball, dummying to his right before slicing through the middle of the Bears defensive line before a Jaylan De Groot right foot step enabled him to beat the Bears fullback who was defending very shallow. Once he was past the fullback, Jaylan De Groot had an easy forty metre run the line under no pressure to put the ball down under the posts.

Jaylan De Groot’s second try came in the second half when he once again backed up a Titans movement of the left side of the field, through the centre of the ruck. After Kaleb Ngamanu broke through the Bears line seventy metres out, Jaylan De Groot loomed up on Kaleb Ngamanu’s right, receiving the ball thirty five metres out after Kaleb Ngamanu had drawn the fullback, for Jaylan De Groot to put the ball down adjacent to the left upright untouched once again.

Jaylan De Groot also produced a smart play which nearly led to a Titans try in what turned out to be the final play of the first half. As usual Jaylan De Groot was backing up through the centre of the ruck and after a Burleigh defender desperately knocked a pass down with the Titans on the attack, Jaylan De Groot tracked back to retrieve the ball and with the half time siren sounding, from thirty metres out put in an intelligent chip kick which very nearly bounced back over the head of the Burleigh fullback in the in-goal with Ediq Ambrosyev hovering nearby.

One of Jaylan De Groot’s impressive attributes in the match against the Knights was his defensive positioning and that continued a week later against Burleigh, including in the first minute of the second half when he was on hand to knock the ball dead after Burleigh had kicked into the in-goal. Jaylan De Groot got to the ball ahead of a number of Burleigh chasers.

Just seven minutes later, Jaylan De Groot’s positioning skills were displayed once against to defuse an urgent situation when he moved to his right to get to another Burleigh kick into the in-goal to save what appeared to be a certain Bears try. Jaylan De Groot made it three exceptional defensive positional plays in the first sixteen minutes of the second half when he had to change direction and once again defuse a Burleigh kick directly behind the goal posts.

Jaylen De Groot was on hand to defuse a try for a fourth time in the second half when in the 79th minute of the match, Jaylan De Groot positioned himself directly behind the play the ball and was perfectly positioned to take a Burleigh grubber back behind the ruck. Jaylan De Groot was unable to bring the ball back into play but if he was not positioned as he had been, Burleigh would have scored in the matches final minute.

In early May 2021 a Titans U19 side travelled to North Queensland to play an U19 Cowboys selection in a curtain raiser to a Cowboys v Broncos NRL match with Jaylan De Groot starting the match at fullback for the Titans.

In November 2020 Jaylan De Groot was named in the powerful Tweed Heads Seagulls 2021 MM Cup squad and shapes as one of a number of key attacking figures in that side. Prior to that announcement, Jaylan De Groot had been named in the 2021 Parramatta Eels U18 SG Ball squad, highlighting just how good Jaylan De Groot’s junior career to date has been, thus it is another huge credit to the Titans for getting the young man to stay close to home to further his rugby league career rather than to head to Sydney.

In the Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup sides second trial against Burleigh, Jaylan De Groot started the second half at fullback, even though he was wearing the No. 11 jersey. As usual Jaylan De Groot was heavily involved in his stint on the field including two try assists.

Jaylan De Groot’s first try assist came when Seagulls hooker Oskar Bryant ran out of dummy half to the right around eleven metres out from the line, drawing the Burleigh B defender before offloading to Jaylan De Groot who then threw a quick short pass to his right to put Josh Lynn over.

Jaylan De Groot’s second try assist of the match, was a piece of subtle magic. Jaylen De Groot received an inside ball after the ball was thrown to the left of the play the ball. Immediately upon receipt of the ball, Jaylen De Groot dropped the ball onto his right foot from around twenty metres out from the line. The Burleigh fullback attempted to shield the ball over the dead ball line but Jaylan De Groot refused to give up and dived full length around the right side of the fullback to knock the ball back into the in-goal for Kruze Rimene to put both hands on it. (Think Kevin Proctor in the NRL at Cbus last season).

Jaylan De Groot also started at fullback in Tweed Heads final 2021 MM Cup trial against the Souths Logan Magpies at Logan. After starting the first two quarters at fullback, Jaylan De Groot moved to the right wing in the final quarter.

Overall in the match Jaylan De Groot made a line break and also recorded a smart try assist in the final quarter whilst playing on the right wing. Jaylan De Groot’s line break came in the second quarter when he was operating just behind the play the ball. Thomas Weaver took the ball to the left before passing back to his right to Jaylan De Groot who burst through the centre of the ruck only to be dragged down just as he was accelerating away.

Late in the fourth quarter Jaylan De Groot burst down the right touchline after good work on his inside. As he was being hemmed in by the Souths Logan fullback and cover defence Jaylan De Groot grubbered kicked with his right foot inside with the kick perfectly weighted for Riley Lack who was tracking the play on the inside to get downward pressure on the ball to be awarded a try, the final one of the eight that Tweed Heads scored in the match.

In Round One of the 2021 MM Cup competition, Jaylen De Groot started at fullback against the Ipswich Jets. Early in the second half Jaylan De Groot moved to left centre before moving back to fullback late in the match.

Jaylan De Groot second a try in each half of the Seagulls 22 – 20 first up victory the first of which came in just the 5th minute of the match. Thomas Weaver took the ball down a shortish left blindside throwing a long cut out pass when he was forty eight metres out to his left to put Keano Kini away down the left touch line. Keano Kini flew down the left touchline, drawing the fullback and passing back to his left looking for Jaylan De Groot who was backing up on the inside.

The Ipswich Jets right winger got his hand in the way to knock the ball towards the Seagulls try line with Jaylan De Groot retrieving the ball to run ten metres to score nine metres in from the left corner post to cross for the Seagulls first try of the match.

Jaylan De Groot’s second try came early in the second half in the 40th minute of the match. Thomas Weaver put up a bomb to the Seagulls left corner and it was perfectly weighted for Jaylan De Groot to come through with the momentum to take the ball on the full in the in goal to get the ball down a metre from the dead ball line.

Jaylan De Groot also started at fullback in Round Two against the Souths Logan Magpies but moved to the left wing in the second half. In Tweed Heads 32 – 24 victory, Jaylan De Groot scored in the second half and also recorded a try assist in the opening minutes of the match.

Jaylan De Groot scored in the 45th minute when after Thomas Weaver backed up a break out of dummy half by Blake Mozer, drawing the Souths Logan fullback before passing to the left to Jaylan De Groot who was able to bring the ball around to put it down under the posts.

Jaylan De Groot’s try assist came in just the second minute of the match when he received the ball off Thomas Weaver on the left side of the field fifteen metres out from the line, taking the ball towards the defensive line before throwing a great cut-out pass to his left to put Keano Kini away down the left touchline and dive over to score in the left corner.

Jaylan De Groot also had a line break early in the match, when he was part of a set play down the left blind side from a Tweed Heads scrum feed forty metres out from the line. Thomas Weaver received the ball from the back of the scrum with Jaylan De Groot sprinting from the opposite side of the scrum to take Thomas Weaver’s held up pass before dummying to his left and sprinting thirty metres downfield only to be brought down ten metres out.

Jaylan De Groot’s safe hands came to the fore in the 48th minute of the match when Souths Logan kicked to his wing, Jaylan De Groot jumped high to take the ball above his head two metres out from his own line and as soon as his feet touched the ground he took off and was able to get the ball back to the twenty metre mark before finally being tackled.

A strong run in the 63rd minute by Jack Cullen almost produced a second try for Jaylan De Groot when he flew onto the ball in the twenty metre area, getting partially through the Souths Logan line before throwing a right arm off-load to Jaylan De Groot who was backing up on his left with Jaylan De Groot getting within metres of the line. Jaylan De Groot in fact was held down and awarded a penalty which Thomas Weaver then kicked to put Tweed Heads eight points in front with six minutes to go.

Jaylan De Groot once again started at fullback in Round Three in the Gold Coast local derby against the Burleigh Bears and once again was one of the Seagulls try scorers in their impressive victory.

As has become the norm, Jaylen De Groot and Keano Kini swapped positions on a number of occasions over the course of the match.

Jaylan De Groot’s try came in the 44th minute when Thomas Weaver ran down a short left blind side ten metres out from the line and passed back to his right to put Jaylen De Groot into a yawning gap who was able to bring the ball around to put it down under the posts.

In the 5th minute of the match Jaylen De Groot was well positioned to prevent a Burleigh try when he covered to his left to be on hand to take a short blindside grubber dead in the right corner under heavy pressure from Burleigh chasers.

Jaylan De Groot showed once again in the match that he is always prepared to do the hard work when he got into dummy half and darted to his right, making eighteen metres to get the ball to the halfway mark, breaking two tackles along the way.

Jaylan De Groot was also named to start at fullback for Round Four match against the Ipswich Jets and whilst he did not score, still had a strong contribution to the Seagulls victory.

As usual Jaylan De Groot hunted just behind the play the ball and in the 17th minute Jaylan De Groot got into dummy half, darting out of that position to his left to make twenty metres through the centre of the ruck to get the ball to within twenty metres of the try line.

Jaylan De Groot also produced a strong defensive play in the 22nd minute when after chasing back to corral an Ipswich Jets line break, Jaylan De Groot picked up the Ipswich right second rower (No. 12) and putting him on his back and taking all of the momentum out of the Jets sails.

Fullbacks need to continuously focus on their positioning and it was that attention to detail that meant Jaylan De Groot was positioned correctly in the 67th minute to field a hard grubber on his own line directly adjacent to the right upright. By being in the right position Jaylan De Groot ensured that he was not trapped in the in-goal.

Jaylan De Groot also started at fullback in Round Five against the Souths Logan Magpies, scoring once again in the Seagulls 38 – 14 victory.

After being rested in Round Six, Jaylan De Groot was named at fullback for the Seagulls Semi-final against Wynnum Manly and had an outstanding match, including scoring in the second half as the Seagulls qualified for the 2021 MM Cup Grand Final.

Jaylan De Groot’s try came in the 45th minute when he backed up on the inside of Ryan Foran after the Seagulls left second rower had taken an inside kick from left winger Elijah Lui and passed to Jaylan De Groot who dived over under the posts.

Jaylan De Groot was heavily involved throughout the match with his initial major contribution coming in the 15th minute when he took the ball from the dummy half down a short left blind side making eighteen metres, breaking three tackles, getting the ball forty two metres out.

Then in the 21st minute, Jaylan De Groot received the ball once again down the left this time off the back of a Tweed Heads scrum win, making a further twelve metres.

In the 23rd minute Jaylan De Groot was on hand to scoop up a Wynnum Manly dropped ball and return it fifteen metres before being tackled but Jaylan De Groot was held down too long and was awarded a penalty.

Jaylan De Groot showcased his positioning when he whilst tracking backwards in the 25th minute he took a towering Wynnum Manly bomb near the posts to gain a twenty metre restart for the Seagulls.

In the 26th minute, Jaylan De Groot once again proved he was safe at fullback when he retrieved a Wynnum Manly grubber kick safely down low and was able to bring the ball back fifteen metres.

Jaylan De Groot produced a key try saving tackle on the final play of the first half when he got low and stopped the Wynnum Manly hooker just short of the line when he tried to sneak over from dummy half.

In the 2021 MM Cup Queensland Grand Final against the Townsville Blackhawks, Jaylan De Groot once again started at fullback and scored in the first half as the Seagulls won back to back MM Cup Championships by defeating Townsville 30 – 24.

Jaylan De Groot’s try came in the 17th minute when Seagulls hooker Oskar Bryant took off out of dummy half to his right on the halfway mark, slicing through the middle of the Blackhawks defence after veering back towards the area behind the play the ball. After he was through the line, Oskar Bryant drew the fullback before passing to his right to Jaylan De Groot who raced away to score under the posts.

Whilst his try was a key moment in the Seagulls Grand Final victory, in the 67th minute Jaylan De Groot produced the play of the Grand Final with the play not just saving the match for the Seagulls but enabling them to claim victory.

With just three minute s to go in the 67th minute with Tweed Heads staring down the barrel of a tough Grand Final loss, being six points down, Jaylan De Groot took a high spiralling bomb just two metres out from his own line and took the Townsville line on by stepping to his right before veering left before spinning counter clockwise breaking two tackles to get the ball to forty metres out from his own line and then Jaylan De Groot whilst finally being tackled was able to get a right arm off-load away to Oskar Bryant.

Tweed Heads were under pressure early and in the 6th minute, Jaylan De Groot along with Thomas Weaver and Oskar Bryant were able to stem the flow by holding of a rampaging Townsville front rower (No. 8) to stop the Blackhawks from scoring twice in the opening minutes.

Jaylan De Groot’s innate positioning sense was highlighted in the 42nd minute when he raced across to his field to get to a Townsville grubber kick well inside his own in-goal. Jaylan De Groot however was able to beat two players and somehow was able to get the ball out of the in-goal and maintain possession for Tweed Heads.

In the Queensland Rugby League 2021 MM Cup Player of the Year Award Jaylan De Groot was awarded two votes.

Jaylan De Groot made his Hastings Deering’s Colts debut in Round Six for the Tweed Heads Seagulls in their 30 – 18 victory over the Easts Tigers with Jaylan De Groot starting the match at fullback.

Jaylan De Groot also started at fullback in Round Seven against the Norths Devils, scoring his first career Hastings Deering’s Colts try in the Seagulls big victory.

Jaylan De Groot continued at fullback in Round Eight against the Mackay Cutters, kicking a conversion in the Seagulls tough loss and also started at fullback in Round Nine against Wynnum Manly.

Jaylan De Groot continued at fullback in the Round Eleven local derby against the Burleigh Bears.

Jaylan De Groot continued at fullback in the previously postponed Round Ten match against Sunshine Coast with Jaylan De Groot scoring in the 57th and 78th minute.

Jaylan De Groot also started at fullback in Round Twelve against the Central Queensland Capra’s.

After a Covid 19 enforced hiatus, Jaylan De Groot was named to start at fullback in Round Sixteen against the Northern Pride with Jaylan De Groot scoring in the 56th minute of the Seagulls big 48 – 16 victory.

Jaylan De Groot then continued at fullback in the rescheduled Round Thirteen match against the Townsville Blackhawks with Jaylan De Groot converting Brock Priestley’s 44th minute try.

Jaylan De Groot continued at fullback in Round Fourteen against the Western Mustangs and also started at fullback in the Seagulls Week One Final against the Souths Logan Magpies.

At the 2021 Queensland Rugby League Awards Night Jaylan De Groot finished with three votes for the Hastings Deering’s Colts Player of the Season Award.

During a Tweed Heads Seagulls Hastings Deering’s Colts bye week, Jaylan De Groot started for the Cudgen Hornets NRRRL First Grade side at fullback against the Byron Bay Devils.

Round Eight against the Kyogle Turkeys, in another Tweed Heads Colts bye week saw Jaylan De Groot move to the right wing against the Kyogle Turkeys with Jaylan De Groot making an immediate impact by scoring inside the opening minute of the match when he received an off-load thirty metres out and darted downfield to score with a big dive in the right corner.

Jaylan De Groot added a second try in the 24th minute when a bomb was put up towards his right wing with Jaylan De Groot jumping high to take the ball in his right hand and get it down in the right corner.

Jaylan De Groot also started on the right wing in Round Eleven against the Lower Clarence Magpies with Jaylan De Groot scoring one try and setting up another.

Jaylan De Groot scored in the 43rd minute when he was on the end of a Cudgen backline movement, receiving the ball around eight metres from the line with Jaylan De Groot diving over acrobatically in the right corner.

As noted above Jaylan De Groot contributed to a Hornets try in the 18th minute. After Lower Clarence kicked downfield from well inside their own territory, the Hornets fullback got the ball to Jaylan De Groot to space and he burst forty five metres down field. Just inside Magpies territory Jaylan De Groot stepped off his left foot to beat one cover defender before drawing the fullback and getting the ball away to his right to send his right centre away to score under the posts.

In a Tweed Heads Seagulls Colts bye week, Jaylan De Groot was named to start on the left wing in Round Eight of the NRRRL U18 competition for the Cudgen Hornets against the Kyogle Turkeys. Whilst he started the match on the left wing, Jaylan De Groot certainly did not park himself there and wait for the ball to come in his direction, with the Titans contracted youngster popping up all over the field.
Jaylan De Groot started the 2020 season as a key member of the Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup squad.

Jaylan De Groot was named to start at fullback for the Northern Rivers Titans in Round One of the 2020 U18 Laurie Daley Cup competition against the Parramatta Eels at Cudgen however the match was cancelled due to the wet conditions on the North Coast that weekend.

Jaylan De Groot started at fullback in Round Two against the Newcastle Knights and had a big day out scoring four tries as the Northern Rivers Titans thrashed their fellow NRL backed rivals.

Jaylon De Groot’s first of four tries came in the first half. Operating on the left side of the field, Jaylan De Groot received the ball “out the back” from Thomas Weaver, dummied to his left and after pulling the ball back into his body beat the Knights five eight on the outside when he was about ten metres out from the line. As he approached the try line, Jaylan De Groot got down low to force his way over, getting the ball down one handed (right hand) under heavy pressure from two Knights defenders.

In many respects there were similarities in Jaylan De Groot’s three other tries in the match. On all three occasions, Jaylan De Groot was loitering behind the play the ball when the Northern Rivers Titans were bringing the ball of their own territory. For his first try of the three being discussed, Jaylan De Groot backed up a break from Bayley Cox to get the off load thirty metres out from the line, running over the top of the Knights fullback to score on the left side of the field.

Jaylan De Groot backed up a break from Titan Oskar Bryant for his third try of the match running forty metres untouched to score under the posts, to make it three tries in the first half. Jaylan De Groot’s four try of the match in the second half was a fifty two metre under the posts effort as once again he loomed up in support of a Northern Rivers Titans half break through the centre of the ruck.

Jaylan De Groot also started at fullback in Round Three against the Central Coast Roosters and started in the custodian role as well in Round Four, scoring a double as the Titans drew with the Greater Northern Tigers.

Jaylan De Groot’s first try against the Greater Northern Tigers was once again as a result of Jaylan De Groot backing up through the centre of the ruck. Daniel Butterini broke through the Tigers defence on the left side of the field and found Jaylan De Groot on the inside to score out wide. Impressively it was Jaylan De Groot who had thrown the pass to Butterini that had initially put the left centre outside of his direct opponent leading to the line break.

Jaylan De Groot was once again on hand after a Thomas Weaver break to beat the Greater Northern Tigers fullback to score his second try of the match.

In the final match before the Covid 19 shut down, being Round Five Jaylan De Groot also started at fullback against the North Coast Bulldogs, with the Northern Rivers Titans drawing the match to finish the abridged 2020 U18 Laurie Daley Cup competition undefeated.

When community rugby league restarted in July 2020 Jaylan De Groot continued playing for the Cudgen Hornets in the NRRRL competition, starting the season in the NRRRL U18 competition before progressing and making his NRRRL First Grade debut going on to play multiple matches on the wing and at fullback for the Hornets.

Jaylan De Groot played multiple matches for the Cudgen Hornets NRRRL First Grade side in 2020 both at fullback and on the right wing becoming an elusive and consistent long range try scorer from both positions.

Noted below are some of Jaylan De Groot’s 2020 NRRRL First Grade tries for the Cudgen Hornets in no specific Round order:

Playing on the right wing against the Bilambil Jets, Jaylan De Groot scored a fifty metre opportunist try. Facing an overlap, Jaylan De Groot came out of the line to put pressure on the Bilambil left centre who subsequently lost the ball as he tried to take the ball quickly and pass to his left to his unmarked winger. Jaylan De Groot scooped the ball up on the first bounce and was easily too fast for the cover defence to run away a dive over under the posts. The try perfectly highlighted Jaylan De Groot’s plus speed off the mark as well as over an extended distance.

Jaylan De Groot scored a further try against Bilambil when he was also playing on the right wing. The ball was spun out to his wing, but by the time that he had received it, Jaylan De Groot had no room to move down the wing. Jaylan De Groot cut back inside beating three Jets defenders with steps off both feet to eventually get the ball down five metres in from the right corner post.

Against Murwillumbah Jaylen De Groot, as he does exceptionally well was loitering directly behind the play the ball, when Cudgen made a break through the centre of the ruck, Jaylan De Groot loomed up in support to take the offload at full speed before rounding the fullback and as has become his custom dived over to score under the posts.

Jaylan De Groot’s aerial skills were on display in a match against the Bilambil Jets when playing at fullback, Jaylen De Groot charged through and took an attacking chip kick on the full on the left side of the field midway between the goal posts and corner post and was able to get the ball down before the Jets defence could react.

Jaylan De Groot also produced one memorable try assist in the 2020 NRRRL First Grade competition. Against Murwillumbah from the fullback position Jaylan De Groot chimed into the backline on the right side of the field and once through the initial defensive line threw what can only be described as outstanding no look pass to his right which found his centre on the chest and from there they were able to sprint away down the right touch line to score in the right centre. Jaylan De Groot’s pass was quite simply exquisite and a pass few could have thrown even in the NRL when going at full speed like Jaylan De Groot was at the time.

In 2020 Jaylen De Groot also played in a number of NRRRL U18 matches for Cudgen including starting on the left wing in the Hornets NRRRL U18 Grand Final victory, with Jaylan De Groot scoring a double in the often spiteful match after starting the match on the left wing.

Jaylan De Groot actually scored the first try of the 2020 NRRRL U18 Grand Final when a long cut out pass from Thomas Weaver found the Cudgen left centre who got the ball onto Jaylan De Groot who crossed out wide and had the foresight to bring the ball around closer the goal posts.

Jaylan De Groot’s second Grand Final try also came in the first half and was the third Cudgen Grand Final try. Jaylan De Groot was on the end of a long cut out pass from Thomas Weaver, receiving the ball about five metres out from the try line in acres of space and was able to bring the ball around an extra five metres from the left corner totally untouched before the Murwillumbah defence looked to cut him off from bringing the ball around any further.

Jaylan De Groot had also scored in the 2020 U18 NRRRL regular season on multiple occasions including scoring against the Bilambil Jets when he scored under the posts after backing up a long break by Cudgen front rower Parker Bryant who had drawn the fullback before offloading to his left to Jaylan De Groot.

In 2020 Jaylan De Groot was also a member of the highly successful PBC Open A Langer Cup school boy squad that won the Grand final against local rivals Keebra Park with Jaylan De Groot starting the Grand Final at fullback.

Jaylan De Groot had scored earlier in the Langer Cup qualifying rounds when he scored against Ipswich State High School. Starting the match at fullback Jaylan De Groot chimed into the PBC backline on the left side of the field receiving the ball from Thomas Weaver, Jaylan De Groot immediately burst through a gap between two Ipswich State High School defenders before beating the fullback with a left foot step and was able to bring the ball around to score under the posts as has become his trademark.

In 2019 Jaylan De Groot was part of the all-conquering U16 Northern Rivers Titans Andrew Johns Cup side that took all before them to go through the 2019 season undefeated, including their Grand Final victory over the Western Rams.

In Round One of the 2019 U16 Andrew Johns Cup competition Jaylan De Groot started at fullback for the Northern Rivers Titan against the Newcastle Knights, finishing the match with a try and a try assist.

Jaylan De Groot’s Round One try was a long range effort, when he received an offload from Bayley Cox to fly fifty five metres to score under the posts. In relation to his try assist, Jaylan De Groot broke the Newcastle line on the right, drawing the fullback and off-loading to his right to put his right centre over.

Round Two saw Jaylan De Groot once again start at fullback against the Parramatta Eels with Jaylan De Groot once against scoring a try and setting up another. Jaylan De Groot also produced a try saving tackle in the match when he held his ground with the giant Eels right centre charging straight at him. Jaylan De Groot was able to get underneath the ball and hold the Parramatta centre up over the line.

Jaylan De Groot scored under the posts in the match after rounding the Parramatta fullback after receiving a pass from Riley Lack who had broken the Parramatta line down the left side of the field. Jaylan De Groot showed quick hands for his try assist when he was able to keep a quick pass away to his right as the Parramatta left winger was coming in to cut off the ball. Jaylan De Groot hands were too quick however and his pass found his right winger who was able to subsequently score in the right corner.

In Round Three against the North Coast Jaylan De Groot, who as usual started the match at fullback was one of the Northern Rivers Titans try scorers once again when he scored under the posts from ten metres out.

Jaylan De Groot was once against at fullback in Round Four against the Greater Northern Tigers and produced an outstanding line break through the centre of the Tigers ruck before drawing the fullback and passing to his right to send Oskar Bryant over to score.

After also starting at fullback in Round Five, Jaylan De Groot also started at fullback in the Northern Rivers Titans semi-final match against the Penrith Panthers, once again scoring one try and also setting up another as the Titans progressed to the 2019 U16 Andrew Johns Cup Grand Final.

Jaylan De Groot scored in the right corner after receiving an off load from Oskar Bryant and his try assist came from a result of an outstanding piece of individual play. Jaylan De Groot, from his own territory, chipped over the Penrith defensive line and as the Panthers fullback was coming forward, Jaylan De Groot towed the ball forward off the ground from around forty metres out and weighted the second kick perfectly with the ball pulling up a metres into the in goal. Team mate Thomas Weaver won the race to the ball to dive on the ball adjacent to the right upright.

In the 2019 U16 Andrew Johns Cup Grand Final Jaylan De Groot started for the Northern Rivers Titans Grand Final winning side against the Western Rams and the young fullback with the Titans in front 12 – 0 produced an outstanding piece of play with ensure the Northern Rivers Titans won the match.

With the Western Rams on the attack, the Rams half back put in a short attacking kick on the right side of the field, Jaylan De Groot was on his try line and got down low to take the kick on the full, immediately sprinting away down the left side of the field. As he was being corralled thirty metres out from his own try line, Jaylan De Groot was able to find Thomas Weaver on his right, who ran seventy metres untouched to secure the match for the Titans.

Post the 2019 U16 Andrew Johns Cup, Jaylan De Groot played for the premiership winning Group 18 U16 Cudgen Hornets side, terrorising his Group 18 U16 opponents on numerous occasions over the course of the 2109 season.

Some of Jaylan De Groot’s 2019 Group 18 U16 highlights and noted below to assist in describing Jaylan De Groot’s playing style:

Against Murwillumbah Jaylan De Groot scored an outstanding long range individual try. Operating on the left Jaylan De Groot, put in a right foot chip kick after taking the ball close to the defensive line. Even though it appeared that the fullback may have had the ball covered, Jaylan De Groot kept the pressure on the fullback through his strong chase. A horror bounce saw the ball bounce away from the Murwillumbah fullback and as a result of his determination, Jaylan De Groot was on hand to retrieve the ball and score an outstanding individual try.

Also against Murwillumbah later in the season, Jaylan De Groot highlighted once again his backing up mentality when he backed up a break directly from a Cudgen penalty tap restart to score.

Against Byron Bay/Lennox Head, Jaylan De Groot proved that he could run good lines when he ran an inside shoulder line on the left side of the field from five metres out to easily slide through the defensive line.

Also against Byron Bay/Lennox Head. Jaylan De Groot showcased his speed when after following through a Cudgen break, he outpaced the cover defence to score after the Hornets player who had made the break put in a kick over the top of the oncoming fullback.

Jaylan De Groot’s ability to be in the right place at the right time were on display against South Tweed when he scored a sixty metre try under the posts after he backed up a Thomas Weaver break to receive the ball from his left when Thomas Weaver drew the Bears fullback.

In wet conditions against South Tweed later in the season in wet and slippery conditions, Jaylen De Groot scored what on first viewing may have seemed to be a reasonably easy try but the amount of water on the field at the time meant that the try was actually quite impressive. Jaylen De Groot got down low and fielded a grubber kick directed to the left corner, once he had taken possession, Jaylen De Groot eluded two defenders with deft and sure footwork to dive over three metres in from the left corner post.

The 2019 Group 18 U16 season also saw Jaylan De Groot heavily involved in tries for others but one try assist in particular stood out. Operating on the left side of the field, Jaylan De Groot backed up a Cudgen break down the left touch line. Jaylen De Groot received the pass inside approximately forty five metres out from the Murwillumbah try line and with cover defence converging from a number of angles, put in an ideally weighted right foot kick for Cudgen to score in the left corner.

In 2019 Jaylan De Groot also attended PBC and played a number of matches on the left wing for PBC in the Langer Cup Open B competition, including in impressive performance, amongst others, in Toowoomba against St Mary’s College, including a clever intercept which he was able to return for a twenty metre gain.

[mdrew]

Impressively Thomas Weaver in November 2021 commenced the NRL pre-season with the Titans main NRL squad and spent the 2022 season training full-time with the Titans NRL squad as part of his NRL Development contract before Thomas Weaver moved up to the Titans NRL Top 30 squad until the end of the 2025 rugby league season.

In early December 2022 Thomas Weaver took part in a joint training session betweed the Titans JTS contracted players and the Titans NRL squad.

Thomas Weaver started the Titans first 2022 NRL trial against the Brisbane Bronco’s at Cbus Stadium from the bench coming into the match towards the end of the second half with Thomas Weaver recording two tackles when operating on the left side of the field to get a taste of the speed of the NRL.

In Round Thirteen of the 2022 Queensland Cup season Thomas Weaver was named as the 18th man for the Tweed Heads Seagulls in their match against the Central Queensland Capra’s.

Thomas Weaver then made his Queensland Cup debut for the Tweed Heads Seagulls, starting at halfback in Round Fourteen against the Redcliffe Dolphins. Playing all eighty minutes of the match, Thomas Weaver ran for fifty two metres (five post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 3.93 seconds and made twenty three tackles at a tackling efficiency of 82.14%.

Thomas Weaver continued at halfback in Round Fifteen against the Sunshine Coast Falcons and whilst playing the entire match Thomas Weaver ran for thirty seven metres (three post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.52 seconds and made nineteen tackles. Thomas Weaver also kicked on three occasions making twenty three metres.

In total in the 2022 Queensland Cup competition Thomas Weaver played in two matches kicking for an average of 45,2 metres per match. Thomas Weaver also made forty two tackles at a tackling efficiency of 80.8% and ran for ninety metres at an average of forty five metres per match.

Round Twelve of the 2022 Queensland Cup competition saw Thomas Weaver named as 18th man for the Tweed Heads Seagulls in their match against the Central Queensland Capra’s.

In late July 2022 Thomas Weaver started at halfback for a Titans U19 side that played their annual match against the North Queensland Cowboys that was played as a curtain raiser at Cbus Stadium to the Titans Round Twenty NRL match against the Canberra Raiders with Thomas Weaver kicking three conversions including two outstanding conversions from both touch lines.

In the 11th minute Thomas Weaver kicked a great conversion from the right touchline to convert Keano Kini’s long range try, then in the 27th minute Thomas Weaver swapped sides to convert another Keano Kini try from the left touchline.

Thomas Weaver’s tactical kicking was also impressive against the Cowboys, including in the 3rd minute when from near the halfway mark Thomas Weave put up a towering bomb which came down just in the field of play with the Cowboys fullback subsequently forced back into his in-goal area with Thomas Weaver forcing the goal line drop-out.

In the 53rd minute Thomas Weaver put up a high towering bomb thirty metres out and in the centre of the field with the Cowboys fullback dropping the ball five metres out from his own try line with Jaylen De Groot scoring in the left corner from the subsequent set of six tackles for the Titans.

Then in the 6th minute along with Ryan Foran and Keano Kini, Thomas Weaver made a strong tackle on the North Queensland right second rower to prevent him from scoring just to the left of the uprights on the last tackle.

In late January 2022 Thomas Weaver started at half back for the Titans U19 side in a match at Pizzey Park against the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts side with Thomas Weaver dictating terms for the Titans as they defeated Burleigh 40 – 12.

Thomas Weaver contributed a try, three try assists, a line break assist and six conversions including a 60th minute conversion from the left touchline.

Thomas Weaver scored in the 56th minute when after good work previously from Tanu Nona (line break) and Josh Lynn, Thomas Weaver loomed up to the right of Nicholas Hilton receiving the ball and racing forty metres to dive over under the posts untouched. Thomas Weaver then converted his own try.

Thomas Weaver’s first try assist arrived in the 38th minute when he took the ball to the line around ten metres out and then double pumped a great ball to his right to put Immanuel Kalekale over ten metres in from the right upright. Tom Weaver then stepped up to convert the try he set up.

Thomas Weaver’s second try assist came in the 53rd minute when from around fifteen metres out, Thomas Weaver put in a grubber aimed at the right upright. After the ball narrowly missed that upright the ball sat up perfectly for Josh Lynn to take possession and get the ball down. Not surprisingly Thomas Weaver comfortably converted the try from next to the goal posts.

The third try assist of the match for Thomas Weaver was another try assist from a kick and came in the 60th minute when on the final tackle from approximately seventeen metres out Thomas Weaver kicked to the right wing with Jeremaiah Temapo diving on the bell in the in-goal less than a metre from the dead ball line. Thomas Weaver then stepped up to slot the conversion from right on the right touchline.

Thomas Weaver also recorded a 7th minute line break assist when on the left side of the field, he threw a long cut-out pass to his left to put winger Elijah Lui away down the left touchline.

Thomas Weaver added a further line break assist in the 43rd minute when after taking the ball to the left side of the field, Thomas Weaver threw a good flat cut out pass to his left to Jaylan De Groot who made ten metres down the left touchline to get the ball into the Titans attacking twenty metre zone before he was brought down.

Also in late 2021 Thomas Weaver was part of the Titans NRL squad that undertook a joint training session with ninety members of the Titans JTS Program.

In June 2022 Thomas Weaver was named in the New South Wales U19 side for their match against Queensland U19’s with Thomas Weaver starting the match at five eight with Thomas Weaver scoring sixteen of New South Wales thirty two points from five conversions from as many attempts including a couple from each touchline, a penalty goal and a 25th minute try when he raced through to ground a grubber kick into the in-goal from his halves partner Jonah Pezet to get the ball down a metre in from the dead ball line and under the posts.

Thomas Weaver was named to start the 2022 season as part of the Tweed Heads Seagulls Hastings Deering’s Colts squad and is also Colts eligible in 2023 although no doubt Thomas Weaver will make his Queensland Cup debut for the Tweed Heads Seagulls sooner rather than later over the course of the 2022 season.

Round One of the 2022 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition saw Thomas Weaver named to start at halfback and captain of the Tweed Heads Seagulls as they got their season underway against the Norths Devils however the match was ultimately postponed due to the extreme weather conditions in northern New South Wales.

Thomas Weaver was also named at halfback and captain in the Round Two local derby against the Burleigh Bears with Thomas Weaver kicking six conversions from seven attempts including a number of both touch lines in the Seagulls big 40 – 16 victory.

A good example of just how well Thomas Weaver kicked for gaol in the match was his 52nd minute conversion on Jaylan De Groot’s 52nd minute try from the right touchline, a try in fact that Thomas Weaver set out from a cross field kick to the right corner.

Thomas Weaver also recorded two try assists in the match with the first coming in the 16th minute when from the left side of the field Thomas Weaver put in a cross field kick to the right wing with Troy Duckett moving through to take possession and score comfortably.

Thomas Weaver recorded his second try assist in the 52nd minute when one again he put in a cross field kick from the left side of the field to the right and on that occasion Jaylan De Groot took the ball over his head and did well to get the ball down before being pushed into touch in-goal.

Thomas Weaver showed a high level of effort in the 7th minute when after the ball was knocked backwards by the Seagulls on the last tackle, Thomas Weaver ran back to the thirty metre line to take possession and then he put up a high bomb which he chased through, tackling the Burleigh fullback Dion Samuela just three metres out from his own line.

In the 48th minute along with Jaylan De Groot and Oskar Bryant, Thomas Weaver was on hand to hold up Burleigh lock Samuel Shannon over the try line.

The match also saw Thomas Weaver kick well from a tactical perspective including in the 59th minute when from thirty five metres out Thomas Weaver from the right of the play the ball kicked back to his left with the ball finding touch on the final tackle five metres from the left corner.

Thomas Weaver put up another big bomb in the 66th minute from forty metres out with the Burleigh fullback wanting no part of taking the ball on the full with the ball bouncing into touch as a consequence just two metres from the left corner.

Thomas Weaver was named to continue at halfback and captain in Round Three against the Townsville Blackhawks however he was a late scratching from the Seagulls side.

Thomas Weaver was back at halfback in Round Six against the Northern Pride kicking ten goals from eleven attempts in a big 66 – 0 Seagulls victory.

Thomas Weaver also recorded multiple try assists in the match with the first coming in the opening minutes when from deep inside his own territory Thomas Weaver ran to the left side of the field and around eighteen metres out from his own line Thomas Weaver dummied to his left, slicing through the defensive line as a result. Thomas Weaver then drew the fullback and passed back to his inside to send Jaylan De Groot away to score mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Thomas Weaver’s second try assist arrived in the 15th minute when from around twenty metres out and on the left side of the field Thomas Weaver put up a high bomb towards the right with his right winger racing through to take the kick on the full and then race around to score under the posts.

Thomas Weaver recorded a third try assist in the 39th minute when he kicked from the left side of the field to right with Caleb Hodges outjumping the Northern Pride fullback in the in-goal to score ten metres in from the right corner.

Thomas Weaver almost added another try assist in the 56th minute when from forty metres out he put up a high bomb towards the left corner. The ball was dropped backwards into the in-goal by the Northern Pride fullback but a charging Brent Barnes could not ground the ball.

Thomas Weaver added a line break assist in the 34th minute when down a left blindside Thomas Weaver threw a great cut-out pass to his left to put Brent Barnes away down the sideline with the Seagulls winger getting to within fifteen metres of the try line.

Thomas Weaver also forced a number of line drop-outs, the first coming in the 35th minute when a bomb towards the right corner was taken dead by the Northern Pride defence. Then in the 38th a deft Thomas Weaver grubber to his left was forced in-goal by the Northern Pride right winger.

To cap off a great match Thomas Weaver saved a try in the 36th minute when with the Seagulls deep on the attack, the ball went to ground with the Northern Pride right centre swooping on the ball and raced away. Thomas Weaver came from the clouds to drag the centre down and save what appeared to be a certain try.

Thomas Weaver also started at halfback in the rescheduled Round One match against the Norths Devils kicking four conversions from five attempts with his only miss bizarrely coming from directly in front when he sliced the ball wide of the right upright.

The first of Thomas Weaver’s multiple try assists against the Devils in the 59th minute when he received the ball above his head to the left of the play the ball and around fifteen metres out. After taking possession Thomas Weaver ran the ball towards the line and put in a short right foot grubber kick that sat up perfectly for Klese Hass who charged through to take possession and put the ball down mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

A further try assist of Thomas Weaver came in the 79th minute when from the right side of the field and around twenty metres out Thomas Weaver put up a bomb towards the left with the ball coming down just into the in-goal with Kaleb Ngamanu coming through to dive on the ball after it was dropped by the Devils fullback to put downward pressure on the ball mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the right side of the field.

Thomas Weaver also recorded a line break assist in the 11th minute when he ran to the line and threw a good short ball to his right to put Ryan Foran through a gap with the right second rower surging twenty metres downfield.

Thomas Weaver’s kicking game was impeccable against Norths including in the 45th minute when from thirty metres out Thomas Weaver put up a high bomb that came down less than a metre from the goal line near the right corner with the Tweed Heads chasers getting to the Devils winger just as he took the ball and forced him back into the in-goal to force a goal line drop-out.

Thomas Weaver forced another goal line drop-out in the 75th minute when after taking the ball down a short left blindside Thomas Weaver put in a grubber kick with the outside of his right foot with the Norths left winger trapped in-goal.

Thomas Weaver made it three forced drop-outs in the match in the 78th minute when whilst operating on the left side of the field Thomas Weaver put in another perfectly weighted grubber kick that had to be taken dead by the Devils fullback.

Round Eight against the Western Clydesdales saw Thomas Weaver start at halfback and kick seven conversions from eight attempts before being rested for the final fifteen minutes of the match. Thomas Weaver also kicked a field goal right on halftime.

Thomas Weaver also recorded a try assist in the 16th minute when he put up a bomb towards the left and after the ball was dropped in the in-goal by the Western Clydesdales right winger the ball bounced up for Ryan Foran to take and subsequently put down mid-way between the corner post and goal posts on the left side of the field.

Thomas Weaver made a line break in the 39th minute when after he received an off-load from Ben Liyou near the halfway mark, Thomas Weaver exploded from a standing start and made twenty four metres before being caught.

Thomas Weaver made a second line break in the 61st minute when he ran down the wide right blindside just inside Clydesdales territory and after being hit high Thomas Weaver was able to break away and off-load to the right but when the play broke down the referee awarded a penalty for the high hit on Thomas Weaver.

Thomas Weaver also recorded a line break assist in the 11th minute when he threw a long cut-out pass just inside Clydesdale’s territory to put left winger Konrad Tu’u away with the winger then getting the ball back inside for Ryan Foran to score the first of his two tries.

Thomas Weaver showcased his huge kicking boot in the 56th minute when he put up a huge bomb fifty six metres out and the Clydesdales fullback wanted on part of and let bounce and as the Seagulls chase bore down on him the fullback had to knock the over the dead ball line for a goal line drop out.

Thomas Weaver also started at halfback in Round Nine against the Ipswich Jets with Thomas Weaver kicking four conversions from six attempts and a penalty goal in the final minute to seal an eight point Seagulls victory.

Thomas Weaver also started at halfback in Round Eleven against the Central Queensland Capra’s, kicking three conversions from five attempts in a heart breaking last minute loss with Thomas Weaver kicking an outstanding conversion from the left touchline late in the match to convert Brent Barnes’s try in the corner to give the Seagulls the lead but the Capra’s scored in the dying seconds to snatch the victory.

Thomas Weaver also recorded a try assist in the 7th minute when after receiving the ball from his right around twenty metres out and in fractionally to the right of the uprights, Thomas Weaver threw an exquisite long cut-out pass to his right that travelled at least twenty metres and hit right winger Malakhi Donovan on the chest in space with the winger able to score in the right corner.

Thomas Weaver recorded a second try assist in the 25th minute when whilst operating to the left of the play the ball, Thomas Weaver took the ball deep into the defensive line and then threw a perfectly weighted short ball to his left to put Kaleb Ngamanu over to score from eight metres out with Kaleb Ngamanu getting the ball down left three metres in from the left corner post.

Thomas Weaver’s short kicking game was also effective in the wet conditions against the Capra’s including in the 6th minute when Thomas Weaver took the ball down a short left blindside and from around twenty five metres out, put in a right foot grubber kick which was knocked on by the Carpa’s fullback with the Seagulls scoring from the subsequent set of six tackles.

To emphasise just how good Thomas Weaver’s short kicking game was, in addition to the kick noted above Thomas Weaver also forced three, yes three line drop outs, with the first coming in the 24th minute when after receiving the ball to the right of the play the ball Thomas Weaver put in a right foot grubber kick from ten metres out with the kick weighted such that the Central Queensland fullback had no option but to take the ball dead in-goal.

The second occasion where Thomas Weaver forced a goal line drop-out encapsulated just how good Thomas Weaver is. On the fifth tackle, Thomas Weaver received a high pass to the right of the play the ball just thirty metres out and in the centre of the field and was immediately confronted by three charging Capra’s players. Thomas Weaver darted to his right, beating all three before exploding through centre field and whist running at full pace put in an exquisite right foot banana kick towards the right corner which had to be taken over the side line in-goal by the Capra’s fullback just in front of multiple Seagulls chasers.

The third occasion that Thomas Weaver forced a goal line drop-out came in the 75th minute he Thomas Weaver ran the ball down a short left blindside around thirty metres out and once again after going deep into the defensive line (notice a trend) put in a chip kick into the in-goal with Brent Barnes taking the Capra’s winger over the dead ball line.

To round out his match, Thomas Weaver made a great one on one tackle in the 19th minute and the Capra’s five eight who looked as if he had manoeuvred himself through the Seagulls defensive line, but Thomas Weaver brought him down fifteen metres from the try line.

Thomas Weaver was back at halfback for Round Fifteen against the Northern Pride with Thomas Weaver scoring twenty points from a try and eight conversions (plus another that hit the posts from the left touchline) in a big Seagulls victory.

Thomas Weaver scored in the 6th minute when after receiving the ball to the right of a Seagulls scrum win twelve metres out, Thomas Weaver dummied to his right to wrong foot one defender before shrugging off a second defender with Thomas Weaver then getting the ball down in a tackle mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the right side of the field.

Thomas Weaver then recorded a try assist in the 38th minute when from thirty five metres out, Thomas Weaver ran to his left after receiving the ball and threw the ball back to his right to Jaylan De Groot with the fullback racing through a huge gap and easily beat the cover defence to score mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Thomas Weaver did exceptionally well in the 12th minute when Thomas Weaver chased down the Northern Pride hooker who had broken through the Seagulls defensive line with Thomas Weaver catching the hooker from behind ten metres out to stop a certain Northern Pride.

Thomas Weaver then did well once again in the 70th minute when twenty five metres out from his own try line, Thomas Weaver was on hand to pick up a dropped ball by the Northern Pride with Thomas Weaver able to progress the ball fifteen metres downfield before being tackled.

Thomas Weaver also started at halfback in Round Sixteen against the Townsville Blackhawks with Thomas Weaver recording two try assists and kicking two conversions.

Thomas Weaver recorded his opening try assist in the 9th minute when from the centre of the field and around nine metres out Thomas Weaver putting a right foot grubber kick into the in-goal with Solomon Torrens charging through to get the ball down in the in-goal just to the right of the uprights.

Thomas Weaver recorded his second try assist in the 32nd minute when he took the ball to the defensive line on the left side of the field and sent a short pass away to his left to Ryan Foran who burst between two defenders to score ten metres in from the left corner post.

Thomas Weaver also started at halfback in Round Seventeen against the Easts Tigers with Thomas Weaver kicking two conversions from as many attempts.

Thomas Weaver finished the 2022 Hastings Deering’s Colts regular season with 99 points.

The 2022 Hastings Deering’s Colts Week One Elimination Final saw Thomas Weaver start at halfback for the Tweed Heads Seagulls against the Easts Tigers with Thomas Weaver kicking three conversions from five attempts as the Seagulls progressed to Week Two of the Finals.

Thomas Weaver also set up the match winning try for Jesse Jackson when Thomas Weaver received the ball twenty metres out near the centre of the field and to the right of the play the ball. Thomas Weaver took the Tigers defensive line on and threw an inside ball to Jesse Jackson to crash over next to the right upright.

Thomas Weaver was in fact the reason that the Seagulls were in an attacking position when in the final minute of the match the Tigers halfback grubbered from less than ten metres out from the try line. After the ball hit the right upright Thomas Weaver picked up the ball on the try line and burst fifty five metres downfield with Thomas Weaver setting up Jesse Jackson later in the same set of six tackles.

Thomas Weaver in the 64th minute along with Ryan Foran made a try saving tackle on the Tigers No. 9 when the dummy half tried to sneak over from dummy half. Ryan Foran and Thomas Weaver initially held up the dummy half over the try line before forcing him back into the field of play ten metres from the left corner.

Then from the subsequent play the ball Thomas Weaver held up the Tigers fullback over the try line after he had also tried to force his way over from dummy half.

Thomas Weaver had made an earlier try saving tackle in the 8th minute when he crunched the Easts right second rower (No. 12) just on the try line with Thomas Weaver’s initial contact forcing the ball loose just as the ball was about to be placed over the try line.

The match also saw Thomas Weaver execute a great kick-off in the 38th minute when Thomas Weaver hit the ball hard and low to his left with the ball going into touch thirty metres out from the try line with Seagulls consequently getting the ball back.

Thomas Weaver also started at halfback and captain in Week Two of the Finals against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls with Thomas Weaver kicking two first half conversions from as many attempts.

Thomas Weaver started at halfback in the Seagulls trial against the Easts Tigers in mid-March 2022.

Thomas Weaver finished the 2022 Hastings Deering’s Colts season as the competition’s 8th leading points scorer with 99 points.

Thomas Weaver was named at five eight for the second half of the Tweed Heads Seagulls opening 2022 Queensland Cup trial against the Souths Logan Magpies.

In early January 2021 Thomas Weaver started at half back for the Titans U19 side in their annual match against the Newcastle Knights in Coffs Harbour and was heavily involved throughout the Titans 40 – 6 victory, crossing for two tries on his way to scoring twenty points when you add in his six conversions. In addition, Thomas Weaver also produced two of the most outstanding try saving tackles that you will ever see as well as a second half try assist and a line break to completely fill up the stats sheet for the Titans.

Thomas Weaver’s first try in the match was a first half effort, when Thomas Weaver ran into a gap down a blind side on the left, receiving a well weighted pass from Samuel Shannon who had run out of dummy half. Thomas Weaver flew through the gap and then rounded the Knights fullback by veering to his left and scoring ten metres in from the left corner post. The key to the try was that as soon as Thomas Weaver got through the gap, he ran directly at the fullback forcing him to bleed away all of the fullback’s momentum and forcing him to become stationary. Once all of the fullback’s momentum was completely halted, Thomas Weaver easily veered around him at full pace to the fullback’s right to score comfortably.

Thomas Weaver’s second try of the match came in the second half when once again he was operating on the left side of the field. Thomas Weaver took the ball and accelerated towards the line before dummying to his left and cutting back towards the right to beat the immediate defender in from of him. Thomas Weaver’s cut back opened up a channel to the line which he exploited, exploding off the mark to race ten metres to score twelve metres from the left upright for a scintillating try.

To add to his exceptional match, Thomas Weaver also recorded a second half try assist when he found himself in space after some impressive short passing on his inside right from Titans forwards, Jack Cullen and Samuel Shannon to open up the defence and give Thomas Weaver the room to operate. Thomas Weaver was then able to accelerate downfield and draw the fullback and pass to his right to Jaylan De Groot who had loomed up on his inside and Jaylan De Groot was too quick for the Knights cover defence to score under the posts.

Thomas Weaver also had a line break in the match, when he the 25th minute of the second half, he received an off-load from Xavier Stowers just ten metres out from his own line. Thomas Weaver was standing still when he received the ball but quickly reached top speed as he burst twenty metres down field to literally turn defence into attack for the Titans.

Thomas Weaver also produced two outstanding defensive efforts in the match which, on each occasion, prevented what appeared to be certain Newcastle tries. Late in the first half Newcastle threw the ball to their right in a sweeping backline movement. The Knights right centre had room to move as well as get up to top speed and charged at the line, Thomas Weaver however took the centre ball and all with the initial contact being only two metres out from the Titans line and bringing him down short of the line in what can only be considered an exceptional tackle.

Thomas Weaver saved a second certain Knights try in the second half of the match, once again on the left side of the field. The Knights five eight got through a gap ten metres out and seemingly just had to easily dive over the line to score, instead Thomas Weaver got to him through sheer determination with his initial contact more than enough to knock the ball from the Knights attackers grasp just as he was about to put the ball down over the line. Once again it was an exceptional effort by Thomas Weaver to get across in cover defence to put pressure on let alone then be able to tackle with sufficient venom to force the ball loose.

At the completion of the Titans U19 match against Newcastle, Thomas Weaver along with Samuel Shannon were named the Titans joint Player of the Match.

A week after the match against the Newcastle Knights Thomas Weaver once again lined up for the Titans U19’s starting at halfback for the second week in a row as the Titans took on a Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts squad with the Titans winning 32 – 20 with no conversions attempted.

Thomas Weaver for the second week in a row was one of the Titans best in the match recording a try assist, a line break and two line break assists as well as being involved in a number of other Titans tries. Like he was against Newcastle, Thomas Weaver was also very heavily involved defensively against Burleigh recording a number of telling tackles on bigger Burleigh forwards.

Thomas Weaver was in the match immediately taking the kick Newcastle kick-off on the full but it was not a regular take, Thomas Weaver jumped high and took the ball above his head, AFL style and in the one movement then sent a perfectly weighted pass to Jack Cullen to take the first hit-up of the match.

Thomas Weaver continued to be a significant contributor to the Titans cause in just the second minute when he got the ball away quickly and efficiently to his left to find Jaylan De Groot in space who then put Tony Francis away for the Titans opening try of the match.

Thomas Weaver’s try assist came in the 20th minute of the match. Thomas Weaver went into dummy half with the Titans on the attack ten metres out from the Burleigh line. From dummy half Thomas Weaver threw a long pass to his left which hit Ryan Foran on the chest outside of the widest Bears defender, Ryan Foran then scored near the left corner untouched.

Thomas Weaver almost had another try assist in the match when after receiving an offload from a charging Isaac Matalavea-Booth, Thomas Weaver had a two man overlap to his left, but his pass was knocked down by a desperate Bears right sided defender.

Prior to his try assist Thomas Weaver split the Burleigh line down the left side of the field. Thomas Weaver received the ball one pass off the back of a Titans scrum win, splitting the Bears defence with a deft left foot step and sprinted twenty metres downfield before being rounded up well into Burleigh territory.

Thomas Weaver’s two line break assists were also recorded in the first half, the first when he led left centre Tony Francis onto the ball and into a gap down the left side of the field in the 25th minute, with Tony Francis almost going the distance after a twenty metre run.

Thomas Weaver recorded his second line break assist late in the first half when he threw an inside pass to interchange forward TJ Devery to split the defence through the middle of the Burleigh ruck.

Thomas Weaver was also heavily involved in one of the Titans second half tries which turned into a long range effort. Thomas Weaver received the ball on his own thirty metre mark, drifting to his left before throwing a superb long cut-out pass hitting Kaleb Ngamanu on the chest as he flew into a gap whilst playing left centre. After a long charge Kaleb Ngamanu drew the Bears fullback to send Jaylan De Groot away untouched to score ins second try of the match.

Obviously Thomas Weaver’s attack gets a lot of the attention but defensively Thomas Weaver was exceptional in early 2021 and this included two further outstanding tackles against Burleigh. Early in the second half Thomas Weaver smashed the much older Bears five eight with an outstanding front on tackle, immediately knocking him off his feet.

Late in the second half, Thomas Weaver’s defence came to the fore yet again when he transitioned to his right to hit the Burleigh right second rower under his ribs. The Burleigh right second rower had received the ball off the back of a Bears scrum win in the Titans twenty and had room to gain momentum but Thomas Weaver put a stop to that with a crunching tackle on his much bigger opponent.

Thomas Weaver’s tactical kicking, which has always been one of his outstanding features, was on display against the Bears when he put up a huge bomb in the first half. The ball came down close to the left touchline with the Bears winger making hash of the attempted catch, with the Titans getting the ball back as a result.

In early May 2021 a Titans U19 side travelled to North Queensland to play an U19 Cowboys selection in a curtain raiser to a Cowboys v Broncos NRL match with Thomas Weaver starting the match at halfback for the Titans.

In November 2020 Thomas Weaver was named in the exceptionally talented Tweed Heads Seagulls 2021 MM Cup squad.

Thomas Weaver started at halfback in Tweed Heads final 2021 MM Cup final against the Souths Logan Magpies at Logan and found himself on the end of a heavy hit early in the match from Sione Fotuaika, who is also Titans contracted when Thomas Weaver looked to take the ball down a short left blind side.

After being on his haunches for a couple of minutes sucking in some deep breaths, Thomas Weaver bounced back quickly to be heavily involved in the Seagulls opening try of the match in their 32 – 4 (no conversions were attempted) victory.

Thomas Weaver received the ball on the left side and put in a high well weighted kick to the left corner. The Souths Logan Magpies right winger could not handle the ball and it fell to Campbell Watchairs who spun away from one defender superbly to dive over in the left corner.

Thomas Weaver also recorded a line break assist in the match in the second quarter when he took the ball to the left before passing back to his right to Jaylan De Groot who burst through the centre of the ruck only to be dragged down just as he was accelerating away.

Thomas Weaver recorded a further line break assist in the 8th minute of the third quarter when he received the ball from Blake Mozer who had packed in at lock and held the ball up as Riley Lack ran a straight decoy line, giving the ball to Keano Kini “out the back” who then made twenty metres downfield utilising his exceptional footwork to beat multiple tackles as a result of being put into the gap by Thomas Weaver.

Thomas Weaver also showcased his outstanding top end speed in the second quarter. Souths Logan Magpies captain and five eight Ezra Mam broke through the Tweed Heads right sided defence and chipped over the fullback with a foot race ensuing. Thomas Weaver started ten metres behind Mam and on the opposite side of the field but within twenty five metres Thomas Weaver had caught and in fact passed Mam in the race to the ball that was pulling up in the in-goal. Ultimately it was Keano Kini who got to the ball first from the left wing but Thomas Weaver’s effortless speed was a sight to behold.

In Round One of the 2021 MM Cup competition, Thomas Weaver started at half back and captained the Tweed Heads Seagulls side against the Ipswich Jets as Tweed Heads scored late to record a 22 – 20 first up victory.

Thomas Weaver was heavily involved in two of the Seagulls tries, the first being in just the 5th minute when he took the ball down a shortish left blindside and throwing a long cut out pass when he was forty eight metres out to his left to put Keano Kini away down the left touch line. Keano Kini got the ball back inside to Jaylan De Groot to score the Seagulls first try of the match.

Thomas Weaver was the catalyst for the Titans first try of the second half which came in the 40th minute of the match. Thomas Weaver, operating on his usual left side of the field, put up a bomb to the Seagulls left corner and it was perfectly weighted for Jaylan De Groot to come through with the momentum to take the ball on the full in the in goal to get the ball down a metre from the dead ball line.

Thomas Weaver was heavily involved in the Titans two point victory from a defensive aspect as well including a key tackle with a minute to go and the Titans under pressure on their own line. Thomas Weaver produced a big front on one on one tackle on the Ipswich left second rower (No. 11) who had caused the Seagulls defence all lots of problems the entire match. If Thomas Weaver’s tackle was not as good as it was, the Seagulls ultimate two point victory may well have not eventuated.

Thomas Weaver also started at halfback and captain in Round Two against the Souths Logan Magpies and was perfect with the boot kicking six from six including a key penalty goal in the 63rd minute of the match to push the Seagulls lead out to eight points. Thomas Weaver’s first conversion was an outstanding kick from the left touchline as he converted Keano Kini’s try in just the second minute of the match.

Thomas Weaver also had a big hand in a couple of Tweed Heads tries in the second half. In the 41st Thomas Weaver put up a huge bomb from around forty metres out that spiralled to the Souths Logan left corner and was dropped by the left winger with Tweed Heads scoring through Campbell Watchairs from the play the ball.

Thomas Weaver then threw the last pass for Jaylan De Groot’s 45th minute try. Thomas Weaver backed up a break out of dummy half by Blake Mozer and then drew the Souths Logan fullback before passing to the left to Jaylan De Groot who was able to bring the ball around to put it down under the posts.

Thomas Weaver also had a line break assist early in the match, when he was part of a set play down the left blind side from a Tweed Heads scrum feed forty metres out from the line. Thomas Weaver received the ball from the back of the scrum with fullback Jaylan De Groot sprinting from the opposite side of the scrum to take Thomas Weaver’s held up pass before dummying to his left and sprinting thirty metres downfield only to be brought down ten metres out.

As it has all this season, Thomas Weaver’s defence was outstanding once gain including a strong front-on tackle in the 6th minute when he took on Souths Logan second rower Vincent Sefo, with the second rower losing the ball in Thomas Weaver’s tackle.

Thomas Weaver also showed his exceptional intelligence in the 30th minute of the match. After Ezra Mam had converted EJ Finau’s try, Thomas Weaver raced to the halfway mark, kicking off as soon as possible, kicking the ball to where Ezra Mam usually stands. Ezra Mam was still trying to get back into position when Thomas Weaver kicked off with the ball going dead in the in-goal to get the ball back for Tweed Heads.

Thomas Weaver once again started at halfback and captain in the Round Three Gold Coast derby against the Burleigh Bears. In addition to kicking five conversions from six attempts, Thomas Weaver also had two try assist in the match, one from a kick and a second from a deft inside pass. In addition Thomas Weaver’s kicking game regularly kept Burleigh on the back foot.

Thomas Weaver’s first try assist of the match came in just the second minute when moving to his right he put in a deft grubber kick from ten metres out and even though it appeared that Burleigh fullback Syris Schmidt had grounded the ball, after Seagulls second rower Jayden Wright dived on the ball the referee awarded the try.

Thomas Weaver’s second try assist came in the 44th minute when he ran down a short left blind side ten metres out from the line and passed back to his right to put Jaylen De Groot into a yawning gap who was able to bring the ball around to put it down under the posts.

As has become the norm when discussing a Thomas Weaver performance his kicking game cannot go unmentioned, including a great chip kick in the 34th minute to the left wing. The kick forced the Burleigh fullback to reach out when he was trying to take the ball on the full with the ball hitting the fullbacks finger tips and going into touch less than a metre out from the try line.

Early in the second half, in the 42nd minute, Thomas Weaver once again put in a great short chip kick directed to the left corner with the kick precisely placed which forced the defenders to knock the ball dead.

Thomas Weaver was also named captain and to start at halfback for Round Four match against the Ipswich Jets, kicking six goals from nine attempts (his three misses were all from the touchline) with a number of his goals coming from right on the touchline including to convert Kruz Remine’s first and fourth tries. Thomas Weaver also recorded two try assist in the Seagulls 48 – 24 victory.

Thomas Weaver’s first ty assist came in the 23rd minute of the first half when he kicked across field to the right corner with Thomas Weaver putting the ball right onto the chest of Campbell Watchairs as he crossed the try line

Thomas Weaver added a second try assist in the second half in the 63rd minute and on that occasion Thomas Weaver produced a perfect kick to the left wing and put it on the chest of Kruz Remine to score his fourth try of the match. The kick was a lot more difficult than it sounded as the ball only got to Thomas Weaver after bouncing twice and then with limited time, very limited, Thomas Weaver kicked the ball off just one step.

The impressive thing about the two kicks was that they were to both wings and both were inch perfect.

In addition to his two try assists, Thomas Weaver was also heavily involved in a number of other Tweed Heads tries including in the 12th minute when Thomas Weaver threw a long pass to his left to find Kaleb Ngamanu who went into the line before passing to his left also to Kruz Remine who dived over in the left corner. It was the exact same combination of players and the exact same play in the 32nd minute that led to another Kruz Remine try.

Thomas Weaver produced a similar pass in the 19th minute, this time to Ryan Foran who ran downfield before passing to his left to Kruz Remine who once again crossed in the left corner.

Thomas Weaver’s kicking game, in addition to his two try assist (noted above) was exceptional all match and was only added to in the 11th minute, when Thomas Weaver’s hard, low kick-off could not be taken by the Jets, going dead with Tweed Heads getting the ball back from an Ipswich goal line drop out.

Thomas Weaver was not just involved in scoring points in the match, he was also involved in saving points when in the 29th minute Thomas Weaver produced a great low one on one tackle on the rampaging Ipswich Jets right second rower (No. 11) just five metres out from his own line.

Thomas Weaver also started at halfback in Round Five against the Souths Logan Magpies, kicking five conversions from seven attempts in the Seagulls 38 – 14 victory.

After being rested in Round Six, Thomas Weaver was named at halfback for the Seagulls Semi-final against Wynnum Manly and recorded a try assist and made a line break in relation to the same play.

Thomas Weaver moved into dummy half in the 56th minute, with the play the ball just ten metres out from his own line. Thomas Weaver darted down a short left blindside into a big gap. As he approached the Wynnum Manly fullback and halfway mark, Thomas Weaver kicked the ball back inside and it sat up perfectly for Elijah Lui to retrieve the ball and dive over.

Thomas Weaver’s kicking game was on song through the match, including in the 31st minute when he put in a right foot stab kick which was so well weighted and placed that the Wynnum Manly fullback had no choice but to knock the ball dead.

Thomas Weaver kicked well once again in the 39th minute, on that occasions the ball got to Thomas Weaver on the bounce with Wynnum defenders closing in. Thomas Weaver, even though he was being tackled was still able to get a right foot kick away towards the left corner which was knocked on by Wynnum Manly just five metres out from their own line.

In the 2021 MM Cup Queensland Grand Final against the Townsville Blackhawks, Thomas Weaver once again captained the Seagulls side and also started at halfback as the Seagulls won back to back MM Cup Championships after beating the Blackhawks 30 – 24 with Thomas Weaver contributing four conversions from five attempts and a late first half penalty gaol from almost in front.

One of Thomas Weaver’s conversions was a critical one coming with less than two minute on the clock in the 68th minute to tie the match put Tweed Heads in front 26 – 24. Thomas Weaver took the conversion thirteen metres in from the right touchline and it never liked missing as it sailed through the centre of the goal posts.

Tweed Heads were under pressure early and in the 6th minute, Thomas Weaver along with Jaylan De Groot and Oskar Bryant were able to stem the flow by holding of a rampaging Townsville front rower (No. 8) to stop the Blackhawks from scoring twice in the opening minutes.

Thomas Weaver’s kicking game was on song in the 8th minute of the Grand Final when he put in a right foot grubber kick to the left with the Townsville fullback being force in-goal by left second rower Ryan Foran.

Defensively Thomas Weaver was also very good in the Grand Final pulling off a try saving tackle in the 40th minute when he got hold of the jersey of the Townsville fullback five metres out and was able to affect the tackle to stop what looked a certain Blackhawks try.

Deservedly Thomas Weaver was named the MM Cup Grand Final’s Players Player and in the Queensland Rugby League 2021 MM Cup Player of the Year Award Thomas Weaver was awarded seven votes.

In mid-February 2021 Thomas Weaver was named at halfback row in the school boy Oceanic Opens side for the South Coast school boy QSSRL U18 trial against Broadwater. Following the final round of trials, Thomas Weaver was named at half in the 2021 South Coast U18 school boy QSSRL squad.

Thomas Weaver captained the South Coast side at the Championships as well as starting at halfback including in their Day One match against Met North with Thomas Weaver kicking three conversions.

As usual Thomas Weaver controlled the match for South Coast and kicked well, including in the 48th minute when he ran to the line before from ten metres out, putting in a grubber kick for himself, which he was able to regather directly in front of the posts and he was then awarded a penalty for being initially held back.

Thomas Weaver was also his elusive self when running the ball in the match including a dummy and go in the 38th minute when he would have been through the line but for a high tackle which was deservedly penalised.

Probably Thomas Weaver’s biggest contribution in the match came from a defensive perspective. In the 4th minute, Thomas Weaver made a key tackle on the Met North left winger, just two metres out from the try line with Thomas Weaver’s initial contact forcing the ball loose.

Thomas Weaver also started at halfback on Day Two as South Coast took on Met East with Thomas Weaver kicking six goals including an impressive conversion from the right touchline in the 30th minute.

Thomas Weaver captained the South Coast team from halfback in the Championship final against Met North kicking two conversions and also recording a try assist in the match.

Thomas Weaver’s try assist came in the 36th minute. Met North were on the attack five metres from the try line and on the last tackle kicked to their right, Thomas Weaver was on hand to take the hard kick straight at him on the full three metres out from the line and immediately took off down field. Around twenty metres out from his own line, Thomas Weaver drew the Met North fullback and passed to his right to Jye Gray who ran eighty metres to score.

Thomas Weaver was also heavily involved in Ryan Foran’s scoring in the 22nd minute try when he picked up a wickedly bouncing ball and threw a cut-out ball to his left in one motion. Subsequently Ryan Foran ran into space to score wide out on the left. Thomas Weaver then converted the try from wide out on the left.

Thomas Weaver also made some strong defensive efforts in the match including in the 16th minute when he along with Ryan Foran forced Met North back five metres to just out from his own line.

On Day Three against Capricornia Thomas Weaver, who once again started at half back, recorded two try assist and kicked four goals as South Coast remained unbeaten.

Thomas Weaver’s first try assist came in just the 3rd minute of the match when he put up a pin point bomb to the left wing for South Coast to cross. Thomas Weaver’s second try assist of the match was as a result of another perfectly weighted bomb to the left corner, with Thomas Weaver converting the try from the touchline.

At the completion of the Championships, Thomas Weaver was named at halfback in the 2021 QSSRL U18 School Boy Merit Team.

In late August 2021 Thomas Weaver was also named at halfback in the 2021 Australian School Boys U18 Merit Team.

2021 also saw Thomas Weaver lined up once again for PBC State High School in the South East Queensland School Boy Langer Cup competition with Thomas Weaver representing PBC at the 2021 Langer Cup launch.

After missing Round One against Ipswich State High School Thomas Weaver as back for Round Two against St Mary’s College Toowoomba, starting at halfback as well as captaining the side.

In PBC SHS’s big 44 – 12 victory Thomas Weaver in addition to kicking six goals from eight attempts, recorded two try assists as he expertly directed PBC around the field.

Thomas Weaver’s first try assist of the match came in the 8th minute when he ran the ball to the left, putting the ball onto the chest of Ryan Foran who had run a good outside shoulder route to score three metres in from the left corner post.

Thomas Weaver added a second try assist in the 51st minute when he ran straight at the line after receiving the ball from the dummy half to the left of the ruck and just prior to contact with the St Mary’s line threw a no look short inside ball to fullback Michael Roberts ten metres from the line, with the fullback easily forcing his way over the line mid-way between the corner post and goal posts on the left side of the field.

Thomas Weaver continued at halfback and captain in Round Three against Coombabah State High School and was the catalyst for PBC’s come from behind victory, scoring one try and setting up another in the final ten minutes to get PBC over the line. Thomas Weaver also kicked three conversions from four attempts in win.

Thomas Weaver got PBC’s come back going with a great try assist in the 51st minute when he took the line on down a wide left blindside, stepping off his left to break the line form twenty five metres out before drawing the Coombabah SHS fullback and passing to his right to put his replacement front rower over under the posts.

Thomas Weaver completed the PBC comeback by scoring a great solo try in the 56th minute when once again he ran the ball down the left side of the field, with the effort starting thirty metres out. Thomas Weaver ran at the line before stepping off his left to break the line and then produced another left foot step to leave the Coombabah SHS fullback in his wake and then was able to comfortably put the ball down under the posts.

Thomas Weaver continued at halfback and captain in the Round Four blockbuster against Marsden State High School kicking four goals from five attempts including two from the left touchline in the first half in PBC’s impressive 28 – 22 victory.

Thomas Weaver was also involved in multiple PBC tries including in first the second minute of the match when whilst operating on the left side of the field, he ran the ball to the line before at the last moment putting in a deft right foot grubber kick which sat up perfectly for Reef Sommerville to retrieve and dive over in the left corner.

Thomas Weaver’s second try assist of the match came in the 26th minute when from two passes to the left of the play the ball, Thomas Weaver put up a perfectly weighted bomb to the left corner with Hunter Plogesma able to leap above the defenders to score in the left corner.

Thomas Weaver almost scored himself in the 46th minute when from a PBC scrum win ten metres out and to the left of where the scrum as packed, Thomas Weaver sliced through the Marsden SHS right sided defence but three defenders were able to hold him up over the line.

Thomas Weaver also put in a great kick in the 50th minute when after receiving the ball mid-field twenty metres out and to the right of the play the ball, he kicked back towards the left corner with the Marsden right winger knocking the ball on under pressure from Reef Sommerville.

Thomas Weaver continued at halfback and captain for the much anticipated Round Five local derby against Keebra Park State High School kicking three goals and recording a 10th minute try assist when he put in a pin point kick to the right side of the field with the ball falling perfectly for Michael Roberts who took the ball on the fly and was able to bring the ball around to score a spectacular try under the posts.

Thomas Weaver was named to continue at halfback in Round Six against Mabel Park State high School however he was a late scratching from the match.

After the competition was suspended for a number of weeks due to a Covid 19 lock down, Thomas Weaver was named at halfback and captain for PBC State High School in their semi-final against Keebra Park State High School.

Thomas Weaver put in an assured performance to lead PBC to the 2021 Langer Cup Grand Final, recording two try assists as well as well as converting Jett Forbes first half intercept try.

Thomas Weaver’s first try assist came in just the 7th minute of the match when whilst operating on the right side of the field, from around twenty metres out Thomas Weaver put in a right foot stab kick towards the left corner with Jett Forbes the beneficiary when he was able to retrieve the ball and score in the right corner.

Thomas Weaver’s second try assist came in the 45th minute when once again Thomas Weaver put in a right foot stab kick, on this occasion from twelve metres out. The Keebra Park fullback was unable to handle the ball with Brock Priestley diving on the loose ball in the in-goal twelve metres in from the right corner.

Thomas Weaver also put in a great right foot kick in the 20th minute that pulled up in the in-goal with the Keebra Park fullback unable to get the ball back into the field of play before he was stopped by Oskar Bryant and Michael Roberts.

Thomas Weaver was on hand to prevent a Keebra Park try in the 12th minute when he along with Ryan Foran and Keano Kini held up one of the Keebra Park front rowers over the try line.

In the 2021 Langer Cup Grand Final against Marsden State High School, Thomas Weaver was named to start at halfback and captain for PBC and controlled things well especially from a tactical kicking perspective including in the 45th minute when he put in a great right foot grubber kick from fifteen metres out into the in-goal forcing Marsden SHS to restart the match by way of the goal line drop out.

Post the completion of the 2021 Langer Cup competition, Thomas Weaver was named at halfback in the Courier Mail’s 2021 Langer Cup Team of the Season.

Thomas Weaver was then named at halfback and captain for PBC SHS in the Queensland Open School Boys Final (Phil Hall Cup) against St Brendan’s College Yeppoon with Thomas Weaver kicking four conversions in PBC’s huge 62 – 0 victory, including an outstanding 17th and 24th minute conversions from the right touch line.

Thomas Weaver’s short kicking game was also on song in the Grand Final including in the 14th minute when from twelve metres out and just to the right of the goal posts Thomas Weaver put in a right foot stab kick to his right into the in-goal with the St Brendan’s fullback trapped in the in-goal.

Thomas Weaver also recorded a try assist in the Grand Final when in the 46th minute Thomas Weaver took the ball to the line and just five metres out from the line threw a good short ball to his left for Ryan Foran to crash over eight metres in from the left corner post.

At the end of the 2021 season, Thomas Weaver was named at No. 3 in the Courier Mail Top 60 school boys from the GPS Rugby, AIC Rugby and Langer Cup competitions.

In early 2020 Thomas Weaver started at half for the Titans U18 side in their annual match against the Newcastle Knights SG Ball (U18) side in Coffs Harbour. Thomas Weaver had a try assist late in the second half when he put up a bomb towards the left corner which the Northern Rivers Titans scored from.

Kedan Chan-Tung chased through Thomas Weaver’s perfectly weighted bomb, which landed two metres out from the Knights line, leaping over the Knights defence to take the ball on the full around three metres from the Knights line. With no way to get to the line Kedan Chan-Tung flicked the ball out of the back of his right hand to the left side of the field to an unmarked Jahreem Bula who was playing on the left wing to dive over in the left corner untouched.

Thomas Weaver was named to start at half back for the Northern Rivers Titans in Round One of the 2020 U18 Laurie Daley Cup against the Parramatta Eels at Cudgen however the match was cancelled due to the wet conditions on that weekend.

Thomas Weaver started Round Two of the U18 Laurie Daley Cup at half against the Newcastle Knights in Ballina kicking an outstanding nine from nine in the match. Thomas Weaver also showcased his outstanding tactical kicking skills in the match with a 40/20 plus a great forty five metre kick to trap the Knight fullback in his own in-goal.

Thomas Weaver also started at half back in Round Three against the Central Coast Roosters recording three try assists in the Northern Rivers Titans twenty six point victory. Thomas Weaver also kicked one conversion from two attempts in the win.

Thomas Weaver’s first try assist of the match was identical to many that he recorded last season. Thomas Weaver took the ball to the left of the field, close to the Central Coast line and threw a great pass to Titans left second rower and favourite target Ryan Foran who ran an outside shoulder route to crash over.

Thomas Weaver recorded a second try assist in the first half when a bomb that he put up to the left corner bounced perfectly for centre Daniel Butterini to put the ball down a metre inside the field of play.

Thomas Weaver’s third and final try assist of the match came in the centre half. He ran the ball to the right of the field shapes to pass but instead stepped off his left foot to break the line and drew the fullback to send Ryan Foran away to score near the left corner.

Thomas Weaver also started at half back in Round Four against the Greater Northern Tigers filling up the stats sheet with a try, a try assist and one goal from as many attempts as well as some strong defence.

In relation to his try, Thomas Weaver ran to the right of the play the ball with the ball in two hands. As he approached the defensive line on a forty five degree angle, Thomas Weaver dummied to his left stepping back inside off his left foot to slice through the Tigers line, when he came to the fullback, Thomas Weaver once again to comprehensively beat the fullback to score mid-way between the side line and goal posts on the left side of the field.

Thomas Weaver recorded a try assist in the first half when he ran to the left and popped a pass back to his right to send fullback Jaylan DeGroot into a big gap to score.

Thomas Weaver also started at half in the Round Five local derby against North Coast having an outstanding match in the twenty six all draw finishing with four try assists and five goals from six attempts including a pressure penalty goal with two minutes remaining in the match in lock the scores up at twenty six all.

The penalty goal in itself was not necessarily in itself a difficult kick with the kick being take from around fifteen metres to the left of the uprights, but with the game in the balance and the Titans unbeaten record on the line, it was certainly a pressure kick that Thomas Weaver easily kicked, showing no sign of nerves. His only miss was from right on the left touch line.

Thomas Weaver’s first try assist was scored by Ryan Foran, running to the left side of the field, Thomas Weaver put in a right footed stab kick which North Coast could not handle and Ryan Foran was on hand to score. His second try assist was also from a first half kick. Thomas Weaver clearly aimed for the left upright from seventeen metres out hitting it perfectly and Reef Somerville was on the spot to score next to the left upright.

An impressive aspect in relation to the two kicks that Thomas Weaver put in was that they were to opposite sides of the field, once again displaying just how good Thomas Weaver’s tactical kicking already is.

Thomas Weaver’s third try assist of the first half came when he drifted to his left and popped a great ball to a hard charging Daniel Butterini to burst into a gap and run twenty metres to score on the left side of the field. Thomas Weaver’s fourth and final try assist was a critical on elate in the match when he threw a long cut out pass to his left over the head of defenders to left winger Keegan Pace who scored in the left corner.

Thomas Weaver started training with the Cudgen Hornets U18 NRRRL side in June 2020 and team mates in the side included fellow Titans Bailey Martin, Jack Cullen and Reef Sommerville amongst others.

Thomas Weaver started Round One of the 2020 NRRRL U18 competition at half back as Cudgen travelled to Byron Bay to take on the Devils with Thomas Weaver scoring one of Cudgen’s three tries in their 14 – 10 victory.

Thomas Weaver was easily the best player on the field as Cudgen booked a place in the NRRRL U18 Green Grand Final scoring a double, kicking three conversions, a critical forty metre penalty goal and forcing two line drop outs in a 24 – 16 Preliminary Final win over the Bilambil Jets.

Thomas Weaver’s first try of the match came when he ran out of dummy half, running at a 45 degree angle at the line with the ball out in front of his body in two hands and shaped to pass before sliding through the defensive line to score.

Thomas Weaver received a long pass out of dummy half to score his second try. Once he received the ball from the dummy half Thomas Weaver immediately straightened up his run to slip through the Bilambil line that was sliding across the field to score adjacent to the left upright.

Thomas Weaver was also outstanding in the 2020 NRRRL U18 Green Grand Final, scoring one try, setting up two others, kicking four from five conversions including one from the left touchline in the second half and also kicking a 40/20 which ultimately led to a Cudgen try in the first half.

Thomas Weaver’s try was an opportunist one, when he was on hand to pick up a bouncing ball after the Hornets had put in a grubber kick. The ball was bouncing off a number of legs, before Thomas Weaver scooped it up close to the line. Initially it appeared that Thomas Weaver had been stopped prior to the line but he was able to keep his arm holding the ball off the ground, being his right and then reach out with that arm to put the ball down ten metres in from the right touch line.

Both of Thomas Weaver’s try assist came in the first half and both were as a result of long cut out passes to his left to his support players. Really the only difference between the two passes was that the cut out pass to Jaylan De Groot was a touch longer.

Thomas Weaver made his NRRRL First Grade debut in Round Three when he started at five eight against the Bilambil Jets, recording a try assist and kicking two conversions in the Hornets victory. Thomas Weaver’s try assist came when he took the ball on the right side of the field and put in a grubber kick, which was pounced on by a Cudgen chaser after it rebounded off multiple legs. Both of Thomas Weaver’s conversions were exceptional kicks from the right touch line and were outstanding efforts.

After initially being named to start at five eight Thomas Weaver started from the bench in Round Four of the NRRRL First Grade competition kicking four goals from five attempts including an outstanding kick from the right touch line for his second conversion of the day against Murwillumbah as Cudgen won 28 – 20.

Round Five saw Thomas Weaver start at half back against the Bilambil Jets and scored his career first NRRRL First Grade try as well as kicking a conversion both in the second half as the Hornets went down 22 - 18.

Thomas Weaver also played in Round Eight of the 2020 NRRRL First Grade competition, starting from the bench against the Tweed Coast Raiders, kicking a conversion as the Hornets went down 18 – 14.

In a sign of the faith that Cudgen have in him, Thomas Weaver started at five eight in the Hornets 2020 NRRRL First Grade Elimination Final loss to the Bilambil Jets with Thomas Weaver kicking one from two conversions.

Also in 2020 Thomas Weaver, in his first year at PBC, was part of the PBC Langer Cup Open A school boy rugby league squad, where he operated primarily in the halves on the left side of the field.

Thomas Weaver started Round One of the Langer Cup at half back as PBC took on Ipswich State High School putting in an outstanding display in a PBC 22 – 10 victory, scoring a try, kicking three from three conversions, recording a try assist and throwing the final pass to his left on both occasions for Damon Sommerville’s two tries.

Thomas Weaver scored his try early in the first half and the try was in fact the first of the match. Thomas Weaver took the ball two passes off the ruck on the left side of the field ten metres out from the line, dummying to his outside before slicing through the defence and diving over under pressure from two Ipswich defenders.

The try assist that Thomas Weaver recorded came late in the match and sealed the PBC victory. Thomas Weaver got into dummy half throwing a dummy to his right before breaking through the centre of the ruck from sixty metres out. Thomas Weaver beautifully drew the fullback before sending front rower Xavier Williamson away to score under the post to seal the win. The try was one of the three that Thomas Weaver converted.

Thomas Weaver also started at half back in Round Two against Wavell State High School and filled up the stats sheet once again, recording two conversions and a late match penalty goal which tied the score at 18 all, recording a try assist, forcing a goal line restart and making a first half try saving tackle when he came from the clouds to crash into the Marsden five eight who was set to score Thomas Weaver literally came from nowhere to make the tackle.

Thomas Weavers try assist came early in the match when, operating to the left of the play the ball, Thomas Weaver put in a deft right foot kick from twenty metres out. The ball bounced perfectly up two metres out from the try line for the PBC left winger not to have to break stride to take the ball on his chest and dive over.

PBC’s Round Three Langer Cup match against St Mary’s Toowoomba also saw Thomas Weaver start at half back and kick two conversions from three attempts as PBC maintained their winning start to the 2020 Langer Cup competition.

In addition to his two conversions, Thomas Weaver forced to goal line restarts with short attacking kicks into the left corner which the St Mary’s defence had no choice but to take over the dead ball line. Also late in the first half, Thomas Weaver split the St Mary’s defence from a subtle dummy half to his left. It appears that he would score when he beat the fullback but Thomas Weaver was brought down just short of the line.

Thomas Weaver was also heavily involved in Reef Somerville’s second half try. Thomas Weaver put up an ideally weighted bomb to the right corner. Troy Duckett rose high to take the ball on the full and as he was being pushed back was able to pop the ball to Reef Somerville who crossed in the right corner.

Thomas Weaver also started at half back in the Round Four local derby against Keebra Park scoring one try, creating two others and kicking three from four conversions. Thomas Weaver’s try came late in the first half and at a critical point in the match. With PBC down 14 – 0 and PBC on the attack, Thomas Weaver took the ball on the right of the play the ball and took the line on himself from ten metres out. Thomas Weaver dummied twice to his left before breaking two tackles spinning counter clock wise to get to the line under heavy pressure and twisted further to get the ball down with two Keebra Park defenders hanging off him.

Both of Thomas Weaver’s try assist came in the second half and both were down the left side of the field. In relation to his first try assist, Thomas Weaver received the ball off the dummy half ten metres out from the Keebra Park line just to the left of the uprights and accelerated towards the defensive line before pulling up quickly and stepping subtly to put Daniel Butterini into a gap with a superbly weighted and timed pass.

Thomas Weaver’s second try assist just minutes later was no less impressive, once again with PBC on the attack also around ten metres out from the line, Thomas Weaver once again received the ball off the dummy half and immediately threw a great fifteen metres cut out pass to his left to winger Troy Duckett to score in the left corner. The key to the pass was not just its length it was also the speed it was thrown as the pass got to Troy Duckett so quickly that the Keebra Park right winger had absolutely no time to readjust and get to Troy Duckett before he scored.

Thomas Weaver continued at half back in Round Five against Marsden State High School, kicking four conversions from five attempts, including an outstanding first half effort from the left touch line, with his only miss in the second half also from the left touch line. To be fair the miss only barely missed.

Thomas Weaver also recorded two try assists which where for all intents and purposes identical, with one coming in each half. On both occasions, Thomas Weaver received the ball on the left side of the field, running at the ball to engage the defenders before throwing a long cut out pass to his left to Diane Mariner on both occasions to score in the left corner. The key to both tries was that Thomas Weaver looked to take the line on and thus hold the defenders in place and not just slide to cover the outside support runners.

Thomas Weaver also started at half back for PBC as they qualified for the 2020 Langer Cup final on the back of an impressive 34 – 6 victory over Ipswich State High School kicking five from six conversions and also throwing the final pass for PBC’s opening three tries of the match.

Thomas Weaver’s first try assist came early in the first half when he took the ball right to the line on the left side of the field before throwing a long cut out pass to left winger Troy Duckett who dived over from close range. Thomas Weaver’s third try assist, which came early in the second half was similar to his first with the recipient on that occasion being Deindre Mariner.

Thomas Weaver’s second try assist came in the first half, once again on the left side of the field, after shaping to throw a long pass, Thomas Weaver held the ball up to put fullback Jaylan De Groot into a gap and he was able to step the Ipswich fullback to bring the ball around to score under the posts.

Thomas Weaver started the 2020 Langer Cup Grand Final at half back for PBC as they defeated Keebra Park 16 – 8 in a high quality match kicking a conversion from the left touch line and a key penalty goal early in the second half, recording two try assists and also forcing Keebra Park to restart play on three occasions from drop outs as a result of outstanding attacking kicks, forcing Keebra Park to make the ball dead.

Both of Thomas Weaver’s try assists came in the first half and both on the left side of the field and like multiple other occasions in the Langer Cup in 2020, Thomas Weaver took the ball right to the line before off-loading to his left.

For his first try assist, Thomas Weaver put a great short pass to a charging Daniel Butterini who was running an outside shoulder route into a gap and his second was a long looping cut out pass to Troy Duckett to dive over in the corner.

Understandably Thomas Weaver was named the Player of the 2020 Langer Cup Final.

In the Tally for the Justin Hodges Medal for the Langer Cup Player of the Year, Thomas Weaver received two votes in Round One against Marsden State High School.

In the Courier Mail 2020 Langer Cup Team of the Year, Thomas Weaver was named in starting side at half back and in the Courier Mail 2020 Top 30 South East Queensland school boy rugby/rugby league list Thomas Weaver was named at No. 3 and in fact was the top rated rugby league player with the top two places being taken by rugby players.

In the Queensland School Boys Final against Kirwan State High School Thomas Weaver started at half back as PBC travelled to take on their North Queensland based opponents scoring a second half try and kicking two conversions in PBC’s 24 – 20 loss.

Thomas Weaver’s try came when he was operating on the left side of the field and he received the ball two posses wide of the ruck. Immediately when he received the ball Thomas Weaver ran at the line with the ball out in front of him in two hands, producing a great show and go to beat the defender directly in front of him before getting the ball down in the tackle of the Kirwan fullback fifteen metres in from the left corner post.

In early 2019 Thomas Weaver started at half for the Titans U16’s and captaining the side in their match at Coffs Harbour against the Newcastle Knights and was involved in the first play of the game being the opening tackle after the kick off on the Knights front rower with team mates, Brody Smitka and Ryan Foran.

Like in previous matches for the Titans Junior Development sides, Thomas Weaver was in the thick of the action against the Knights directing the Titans around the field and scored a good solo try in the second half when he stepped off his left foot about ten metres out from the Newcastle Knights line and beat two or three defenders, plus dragged one over the line to score just to the left of the goal posts for the Titans first try of the match.

Against the Knights Thomas Weaver operated primarily on the left side of the field with five eight Riley Lack operating on the right. When the Titans had a scrum feed, Thomas Weaver played as the first receiver with Riley Lack feeding the scrum.

Just like he has in a number of matches, Thomas Weaver had the ball on a string and included in his outstanding passing game was a great cut out pass to left winger Kaleb Ngamanu who got outside his direct opponent and sprinted down the touch line on a 40 metre run before passing the ball inside to centre Ezra Ubaldino.

I do want to site a specific example or two of Thomas Weaver’s tenacity, late in the first half he put in a great kick from around 30 metres out from the Newcastle line with the ball pulling up a metre short of touch in goal, instead of sitting back resting on his laurels, Thomas Weaver was the first Titan down the field and made the tackle to trap the Knights fullback in the in goal.

It was a similar situation for the Titans captain in the second half, he put in a kick from around forth metres out which held up a metre or so from the touch in goal making the Knights fullback have to play the ball and whilst on that occasions he did get out of his in-goal, once again Thomas Weaver was the first Titan down the field to make the tackle.

Just to round off his outstanding kicking display in the match, one of his kicks for touch in the second half made around fifty metres, it was just an outstanding kick and put the Titans well and truly on the attack.

In June of 2019, Thomas Weaver started at half for the Titans U18 side in their match against North Queensland that was played as the curtain raiser to the Titans/ Warriors NRL match in June, an impressive feat considering that the majority of the players that he was up against were already 18 years old.

In March of 2018 Thomas Weaver captained and started at half back for a Titans U15 Invitational side that defeated a Western Mustangs U15 side six tries to three (no goal kicks were taken) with Thomas Weaver being one of a number of stand outs for the Titans.

In the match against the Western Mustangs he formed a solid combination with five eight Jed Bignell. To be honest, it was clear in that match that Thomas Weaver was the leader of the team, he dictated the Titans tempo and controlled the play well from a game management perspective determining who got the ball, where the play was to and the ultimate aim of the particular set up six tackles and was the Titans primary tactical kicker.

Thomas Weaver also had a try assist in the match when he threw an outstanding flat ball to left centre JT Manufeoata who ran into a whole to score out wide in the first half. Thomas Weaver was also the Titans primary tactical kicker in the match.

Late in the 2018 season Thomas Weaver started at half back for the Titans U15 as they defeated a U15 Balmain Tigers touring side 16 – 10 with Thomas Weaver being prominent throughout including throwing a great cut-out ball to winger Kaleb Ngamanu to score in around the 6th minute when he flashed down the left touch line untouched and was able to bring the ball around under the posts to help back Thomas Weaver’s conversion a whole lot easier.

Thomas Weaver was also involved in Rowan Mansfield second half match sealing try against Balmain throwing the first of a chain of passes through five eight Jye Gray to Kaleb Ngamanu who put Rowan Mansfield into a gap down the sideline. Rowan Mansfield used an outstanding in and away to beat the Balmain fullback to score untouched after a seventy metre run just to the right of the goal posts. Once again making Thomas Weaver’s conversion attempt a whole lot easier.

Thomas Weaver almost scored himself in the match when he was backing up an outstanding fifty metre second half run from Kaleb Ngamanu when he expertly fielded a low kick and split the defence from his own line, but unfortunately just could not find Thomas Weaver with the inside pass.

Clearly Thomas Weaver and Kaleb Ngamanu have developed a good rapport which hopefully continues all the way to the NRL.

In Round One of the 2019 U18 Andrew Johns Cup competition Thomas Weaver started at half back for the Northern Rivers Titans in their match against the Newcastle Knights Development Squad and like in matches described above, captained the side and pulled the strings for the Titans in their big 38 – 8 victory and contributed five goals from seven attempts.

Thomas Weaver can really throw a great long pass and showcased that once again for the Titans in Round One when he set winger Matthew Avery away down the left touch line. The match also saw Thomas Weaver force three drop out with outstanding kicks each coming from around thirty metres out from the Newcastle line each pulling up in the Newcastle in goal.

Thomas Weaver also had a first half try assist when he drifted to his right and threw a great short ball to left second rower and fellow Titans contract player Ryan Foran who charged thirty metres to score late in the first half.

Round Two of the 2019 Andrew Johns Cup competition saw Thomas Weaver once again line up at half in their match against Parramatta and yet again he had an outstanding match scoring twenty four points from two tries and eight conversions from nine attempts.

Both of Thomas Weaver’s tries were from backing up plays. In his first half try, Thomas Weaver threw a great cut out ball to his left to send winger Jack Field away and then backed up to receive a pass back from the winger to score. Thomas Weaver’s try in the second half came when he backed up a break from interchange forward Byron Jones to score.

Thomas Weaver also had a try assist when he drifted to his left and put left second rower Ryan Foran on his way to the try line, a try which was eerily similar to the try that the two put on in Round One against Newcastle.

As in Round One Thomas Weaver also had the ball on a string from a kicking perspective, with both of his first two kicks of the game being outstanding, the first trapping the Parramatta fullback a metre out from his own line where he had to dive to the ground or he would have been either pushed into touch and back into the in-goal in the left corner and the second even better forcing a drop out.

Thomas Weaver’s outstanding game included two try saving tackles in the second half helping to keep the Northern Rivers Titans line intact. On the first occasion he held a Parramatta player up in the left corner after making up an impressive amount of ground and in the second instance, after a long Parramatta break, Thomas Weaver stripped the ball from the Eels centre when he looked set to score.

Thomas Weaver also started at half in the Round Three local derby against the North Coast Bulldogs and added another three try assists to his outstanding 2019 Andrew Johns Cup campaign. Two of his three try assists, one in the first half and the other in the second where eerily similar. Thomas Weaver took the ball down a short blind side close to the North Coast line and on each occasion threw a cut out pass to winger Jack Field (Craig Field’s son) to score.

Thomas Weaver’s other try assist was providing a good pass to left second rower Ryan Foran to crash over. In each of the first three rounds Thomas Weaver and Ryan Foran have combined on the left side of the field for a Ryan Foran try.

In Round Four against the Central Coast Roosters Thomas Weaver started again at half and captain and well once again was special, with five conversion and an incredible six try assists, five from passes and one from a kick.

Thomas Weaver impressively garnered a try assist in each of Titans left centre Keegan Pace’s three first half tries. In Keegan Pace’s first and third tries, Thomas Weaver drifted across field, forcing the Central Coast defence to back pedal and then found a straight running Keegan Pace with a great pass to his left.

The other try assist in the first half for a Keegan Pace try was when Thomas Weaver split the Central Coast defence on his own twenty metres through a hard straight and when confronted with the fullback, Thomas Weaver popped a good ball back across his right shoulder to send Keegan Pace away to score under the posts.

Thomas Weaver was also involved in two tries in the first half for Titans left second rower Ryan Foran. Thomas Weaver and Ryan Foran combined for a try in each of the opening three rounds but combined for two in Round Four.

For Ryan Foran’s first try, Thomas Weaver took the ball quickly to his left about five metres out from the Central Coast line and passed to Ryan Foran who ran an outside shoulder route to score. In the second try, Thomas Weaver ran to his left from a scrum win and again with Ryan Foran running an outside shoulder route found him with a pass for Ryan Foran to run twenty metres to score.

In the second minute of the second half Thomas Weaver got his sixth try assist of the afternoon when be put in a good grubber kick near the posts which the Central Coast defence could not defuse with the Titans pouncing on the mistake to score under the posts.

Thomas Weaver also forced a Central Coast line drop out in the match after a great klick from around forty metres out with Titans left centre Keegan Pace making the tackle in the Central Coast in-goal.

Thomas Weaver also started at half back in Round Five against the Greater Northern Tigers adding five conversions to his points tally and another try assist when he grubbered into the in goal area for Riley Lack to score the first try of the match.

Thomas Weaver could have scored two tries of his own in the second half from scrum moves but on each occasion he was dragged down just short of the line. On each occasion Thomas Weaver Thomas Weaver looped around five eight Riley Lack putting the defensive line under pressure but unfortunately was on each occasion dragged down just shy of the try line.

Thomas Weaver was also dominant in the Northern Rivers Titans semi-final victory over Penrith scoring a double and kicking three conversions from five attempts. In relation to his first try Thomas Weaver was the recipient of an outstanding piece of work from second rower Ryan Foran. Ryan Foran charged down a Penrith kick and passed immediately to Thomas Weaver upon retrieving the ball for Thomas Weaver to sprint forty five metres to score.

Thomas Weaver’s second try came just two minutes after the first. Thomas weaver backed up through the centre of the ruck after an outstanding run from lock Bailey Cox, who offloaded to fullback Jaylan De Groot who was able to find Thomas Weaver to space to race away and score an outstanding team try.

Thomas Weaver could in fact have finished the match with at least a hat trick but was adjudged to have knocked on when attempting to ground the ball from a kick after the siren to conclude the first half.

Thomas Weaver also had a try assist in the match. Operating on the left of the field close to the Penrith line, Thomas Weaver took the ball right to the line before popping a good short ball to his left to Ryan Foran to crash over.

In the 2019 U16 Andrew Johns Cup Grand Final against the Western Rams Thomas Weaver started at half captaining the side to an 18 – 6 victory, contributing ten points from a try and three conversions from three attempts. Thomas Weaver also had a try assist when he threw a good flat ball for lock Bailey Cox to crash over for the first try of the match.

In the second half, Thomas Weaver scored after receiving a pass from fullback Jaylan DeGroot. DeGroot had field a kick on his own try line with the Western Rams on the attack and then offloaded to Thomas Weaver to sprint ninety metres to score under the posts. As a result of his performance, Thomas Weaver was named player of the final.

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

Thomas Weaver flew out for the United Kingdom tour from Sydney in mid-November 2019 and started Game One of the tour at half also captaining the side scoring twenty points from an individual perspective from a try and eight goals in a Player of the match performance as New South Wales Country U16’s won big 62 – 0 win over the U17 UK Community Lions. Thomas Weaver also had a try assist with a pin-point kick to Rowan Mansfield’s left wing for the fellow Titan’s contracted player to score.

Thomas Weaver’s try in the match come in the second half when he was operating on the left of the field two passes off the ruck. Thomas Weaver took the ball and immediately dummied to his left before a subtle left foot step put him into space around ten metres out and Thomas Weaver was able to sprint the remainder of the way to dive over adjacent to the left upright and then converted his own try.

Thomas Weaver also started at half in Game Two of the tour as the Country U16 side defeated the Leeds Rhino’s 32 – 10. Thomas Weaver also had his second try assist from kicks in as many games when he grubbered through for Jock Brazell to score after thirty minutes mid-way between the corner post and goal post on the left side of the field.

Thomas Weaver also had another try assist in the match when he threw a good short ball to his left which sent his ball runner on a twelve metre uninterrupted run to the line touching down ten metres from the left upright.

Thomas Weaver added a third try assist in the match late when he put up a bomb to the right corner which could not be held by Leeds with Reef Sommerville picking up the pieces to crash over in the right corner.

In the final match of New South Wales Country U16’s UK tour Thomas Weaver produced yet another dominant performance after captaining the NSW Country side from half back scoring a double and kicking seven tries from nine attempts to score twenty two points as NSW Country defeated the Community Lions 62 – 6.

Both of Thomas Weaver’s tries came in the second half, the first when he split the defence through an individual effort mid-way through the half and the second when he scored after a great offload from Bayley Cox with four minutes remaining.

Thomas Weaver also had a try assist in the match when he scooped up a louse pass before drawing a defender to send fellow Titan Riley Lack on a ten metre run to score.

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

Even though the NSW Country side went down 16 – 6, Thomas Weaver who captained the side was outstanding including converting Country’s only try of the match, which was scored by fellow Titans contracted player, hooker Oscar Bryant.

It was his defence that stood out in the match with Thomas Weaver making two try saving tackles, the first in the first half was a classic cover defending tackle down the right touchline and the second was when he tracked back to stop one of the giant Harold Matthews forwards, Thomas Weaver rounded him up from behind dragging him down with the assistance of fellow Titan Rowan Mansfield.

After that match, Thomas Weaver was selected in the New South Wales U16 side that defeated a U16 Pasifika team 36 – 6 at Belmore Sports Ground on Sunday 9 June with Thomas Weaver starting the match at five eight.

At the Northern Rivers Awards night held in April, Thomas Weaver received the 2019 Players Player Award for the U16 Andrew Johns Cup side. Thomas Weaver then added the Ron Lanesbury Medal to his collection for the 2019 U16 Andrew Johns Cup Player of the Year.

Just a week after the Andrew Johns Cup final Thomas Weaver made his NRRRL U18 debut in Round Three for Cudgen, starting on the wing against Murwillumbah and scored a try and kicked four goals from seven attempts in an outstanding debut as his Cudgen side defeated the Murwillumbah Colts 36 – 0.

In Round Four of the NRRRL U18 competition, Thomas Weaver moved into five eight and kicked three goals from five attempts as Cudgen defeated Byron Bay 26 – 10.

Round Five of the NRRRL U18 competition saw Thomas Weaver start at five eight and he kicked three from three as the Hornets defeated Ballina 18 – 12.

After missing time with an injury Thomas Weaver came back into the Cudgen NRRRL U18 side for their Round Fifteen match against Kyogle which Cudgen won 64 – 0 and kicked three goals in Round Seventeen against Murwillumbah to prove that he was definitely over his injury.

In total in the 2019 NRRRL U18 regular season competition, Thomas Weaver played in eight matches scoring thirty six points from two tries and fourteen goals, with his tries coming against Murwillumbah and Kyogle.

Thomas Weaver added a goal in his point’s tally as Cudgen defeated Lismore Marist Brothers 24 – 10 in Week One of the NRRRL U18 Finals series and was also involved in Week Two of the Finals as Cudgen went down 26 – 20 against Ballina kicking two conversions in the match.

In the Week Three Final, being the NRRRL U18 Preliminary Final Thomas Weaver scored a try and kicked three conversions from as many attempts as Cudgen booked their place in the 2019 U18 NRRRL Grand Final against Ballina with a 24 – 4 win over Byron Bay.

Thomas Weaver came off the bench in the first half of the NRRRL U18 Grand Final plying five eight when he came on as Cudgen went down 24 – 6 to Ballina in a match which was closer than the score line indicates.

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

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

Thomas Weaver was also part of the St Joseph’s College Benora Point school boy rugby league side in 2019 including a member of the side that won the Grand Final of the New South Wales All Schools U16 competition.

The team travelled to Sydney for the 75th year of the competition. After not winning a game in 2018 the Banora Point U16 side defeated Bega 32 - 6 and then Red Bend Forbes who won it last year 18 - 0 in their opening two matches.

A forfeit from the Manly district, Banora Point Mulwaree 18 - 0 in the semi-final. The Grand Final against Wadalba from the Central Coast was a tough contest and after trailing 4 - nil early Benora Point scored two tries for a 10 - 4 victory.

2018 saw Thomas Weaver represent Group 18 in the New South Wales Country Age Championships scoring a try and kicking eight goals in his three Championship matches. Thomas Weaver scored against Group 21 and also kicked six goals in that match to finish with sixteen points and also kicked two goals in a tough 16 all draw with Group Two.

In April of 2018 Thomas Weaver was selected in the Northern Region New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges (CCC) U15 side for the New South Wales trials. Thomas Weaver was the half back in the side after being selected from St Joseph’s College Benora Point.

After those CCC U15 trials Thomas Weaver was selected in the New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges U15 team for the ASSRL U15 Championships where he was up against the Queensland Maroon and White sides which both contain Titans contracted boys.

Thomas Weaver started at half back for the NSW CCC side in the National U15 Championship Final against Queensland White. Thomas Weaver kicked a conversion in their loss against a Queensland White side for whom fellow Titans contracted player Orlando Swain was one of Queensland’s try scorers.

After the completion of the 2018 season Thomas Weaver and fellow Group 18 U15 team mates headed overseas to play in the Battlefield Challenge to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the end of World War I, a competition that the side won including victories against Emory Moor 12 – 6 and Leigh East 18 – 12.

In a warm up match in England prior to the Tournament they defeated a Hemel Stags U16 side and post the Tournament defeated French side Aude Cathare. A number of other Titans players will also be involved in the tour including Keegan Pace, Jack Cullen and Ryan Foran. On the tour Thomas Weaver won a number of Player of the Match awards such was his dominance across the entire tour.

Thomas Weaver is also an outstanding touch player who has represented his region with distinction in multiple touch competitions and tournaments in both Queensland and New South Wales including last year’s Queensland Championships.

The Titans contracted young half backs 2017 rugby league commitments ended when he was part of a Titans U15 Invitational side that played against a Balmain Tigers side at Cudgen and even though they were defeated the young Titans players put in a great effort on the night against a primarily older Balmain Tigers side.

Thomas Weaver and his U14 Cudgen Hornets side had a great club campaign in the 2017 Group 18 junior rugby league competition going through the U14 competition undefeated with their skill and discipline on show in every match.

The outstanding young Group 18 half back was a constant threat to opposing defences in the New South Wales Country Age Championships early in 2017 where Group 18 were defeated in the U14 Final with Thomas Weaver scoring Group 18’s sole try in the final and then he converted his own try. In two of the preliminary rounds Thomas Weaver kicked two goals apiece including a local derby against Group One to finish with a point’s total of 14 over the course of the NSW Age Championships.

Earlier in 2017 season Thomas Weaver was selected in the Northern Region Combined Catholic Colleges side at half back representing St Joseph’s College Benora Point. In 2015 Thomas Weaver was selected in the New South Wales U12 side for the Australian U12 Championships and that same year after being named Player of the Final for Cudgen in the Group 18 U12 competition was also named as the U12 Group 18 Player of the Season.

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2022 saw Chance De Thierry play for the Southport Tigers in the Gold Coast Junior Rugby League U14 Division One competition, with Chance De Thierry leading the Tigers to a Grand Final appearance against the Burleigh Bears with Chance De Thierry starting the Tigers Grand Final victory in the front row with Chance De Thierry scoring a Grand Final double.

Chance De Thierry scored his opening try in the 44th minute when from eight metres out he charged onto the ball to the right of the play the ball and was able to get the ball down three metres to the right of the uprights. Chance De Thierry scored his second try late in the match when he ran around ten metres to score ten metres in from the left corner post.

Chance De Thierry also had a strong match in Round Fourteen of the 2022 GCR LU14 Division One competition against the Beaudesert Kingfishers with Chance De Thierry scoring in the 8th minute when after charging onto the ball to the left of the play the ball Chance De Thierry rumbled ten metres to the try line to get the ball down eight metres in from the left corner post.

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Lennox Whaiapu played the 2022 season with the Burleigh Bears with Lennox Whaiapu starting the 2022 GCRL U15 Division One Grand Final at lock for the Bears in their tough 18 – 14 loss to the Southport Tigers.

After Lennox Whaiapu took the second hit-up of the Grand Final after Southport had kicked off, it was his defence that stood out in the early going. Southport put the Burleigh line under siege inside their attacking twenty metre area in the opening ten minutes but time and again Lennox Whaiapu just kept showing up to defend his try line with his best moment coming in the 6th minute when after the Tigers left centre had cut back inside and set sail for the try line, Lennox Whaiapu raced to his right in cover defence, getting to the Tigers centre just two metres out and then with the assistance of Burleigh fullback Kingston Seve, Lennox Whaiapu rag dolled him and forced him back around four metres.

Lennox Whaiapu also made a strong run in the 24th minute when from the right of the play the ball thirty three metres out from the try line, Lennox Whaiapu initially shaped to his to his right before engaging the defensive line and making ten metres.

Then in the 32nd minute Lennox Whaiapu when just eight metres out from his own try line, cut back underneath his halfback and after receiving the ball Lennox Whaiapu was able to get the ball out of his twenty metre defensive mark.

Lennox Whaiapu continued his strong Grand Final in the 39th minute when Lennox Whaiapu ran onto the ball to the left of the play the ball, once again cutting underneath the halfback forty two metres out from his own try line with Lennox Whaiapu cutting across field to his right twice before Lennox Whaiapu stepped off his right foot to get the ball three metres inside Southport territory.

Then in the 42nd minute Lennox Whaiapu ran onto the ball from a Burleigh penalty tap forty two metres out from the try line with Lennox Whaiapu able to promote the ball against a set Tigers defensive line with Lennox Whaiapu able to make fifteen metres to get the ball within twenty seven metres of the try line.

To wrap a strong 2022 GCRL U14 Division One Grand Final for Lennox Whaiapu in the 59th minute when from thirteen metrews out from the try line and to the left of the play the ball Lennox Whaiapu charged onto the ball before cutting back to his to get the ball within four metres of the try line. Burleigh then scored from Lennox Whaiapu’s subsequent lightning quick play the ball to give themselves the chance of an amazing comeback.

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Kalani Patu played the 2022 season with the Southport Tigers with Kalani Patu starting the 2022 GCRL U15 Division One Grand Final at right second row for the Tigers in their tough 18 – 14 victory over the Burleigh Bears.

Kalani Patu’s first run of the Grand Final came in just the 2nd minute of the match when Kalani Patu charged onto a ball from his inside from his halfback with Kalani Patu receiving the ball twenty three metres out from the try line with Kalani Patu then able to promote the ball to within thirteen metres up the try line.

Kalani Patu made another strong run in the 4th minute when after receiving the ball three passes to the right of the play the ball and twenty five metres out from the try line, Kalani Patu was hit hard almost immediately upon receipt of the ball but he bounced off the attempted tackle and continued his progression towards the try line and then in contact with two defenders Kalani Patu executed a great right arm flick off-load to his right to fullback Calais Hallett-Wharewaka.

Kalani Patu highlighted that he is also a very good defender when in the 5th minute Kalani Patu raced out of the defensive line and hit the Burleigh lock just as he was receiving the ball with Kalani Patu’s heavy initial contact forcing the ball loose for a knock on inside the Burleigh defensive twenty metre mark and in the centre of the field. Southport scored from the resultant set of six tackles.

Kalani Patu charged onto the ball once again in the 14th minute when he burst onto a short ball from his left from ZJ Watene and after Kalani Patu took the pass thirty metres out he was able to break two tackles as Kalani Patu promoted the ball to within fifteen metres ouf the try line.

Kalani Patu produced a great piece of play in the 17th minute when Kalani Patu raced out of the defensive line and was able to charge down an attempted clearing kick by the Burleigh halfback with the ball rebounding off Kalani Patu and almost go straight up in the air. Southport lock Gaznaih To’omaga was able to take possession and race away downfield, with Southport being tackle around thirteen metres out from the try line.

From the subsequent play the ball Kalani Patu charged onto the ball to the right of the play the ball down a short blindside. As soon as he took possession, Kalani Pati cut back inside and got the ball to within two metres of the try line.

Then in the 29th minute Kalani Patu charged into a short ball from his left from his five eight and after taking the pass thirty eight metres out from his own try line with the power and speed and Kalani Patu’s run taking over the halfway mark.

Kalani Patu’s strong Grand Final continued in the 30th minute when from forty five metres out from the try line Kalani Patu ran the ball down a short right blindside with Kalani Patu then cutting inside off his left foot with Kalani Patu then spinning 360 degrees counter clockwise to break contact with three defenders before Kalani Patu was then tackled thirty two metres out from the try line.

Then early in second half in the 36th minute Kalani Patu ran onto the ball to the right of a Southport scrum win in the centre of the field and just twenty metres out from the try line. As soon as he received the ball ball from his left Kalani Patu cut inside off his right foot with Kalani Patu able to get the ball within four metres of the try line and directly in front of the goal posts before he was eventually tackled.

Kalani Patu’s strong running in the Grand Final continued in the 43rd minute when from the right of the play the ball Kalani Patu from thirty metres out from his own try line cut inside his halfback back towards the centre od the field with Kalani Patu able to get the ball to within four metres of the halfway mark.

Kalani Patu made another strong run in the 55th minute from the right of a Tigers scrum win forty two metres away from the try line. Kalani Patu surged onto the ball to run a straight hard crash line to crash into the Burleigh left centre and subsequently burst past them. Kalani Patu then itilised a strong left arm fend to beat another defender with Kalani Patu getting to around twelve metres from the try line. Southport were then able to score on the left side of the field as a result of Kalani Patu’s exceptionally quick play the ball.

Kalani Patu also strong some defensive moments in the Grand Final including a strong crunching tackle on the Burleigh five eight who had looked to slip a gap in the Tigers defensive line just a few metres out from the try line. Kalani Patu moved quickly to his right to make the tackle the Kalani Patu driving the five eight hard into the ground.

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Alamoni Taione moved up from Sydney to attend Keebra Park SHS and in 2022 he played a number of matches for Keebra Park SHS in the Bronco’s Old Boys School Boy Rugby League competition.

Alamoni Taione also played rugby for the Helensvale Hogs in the GCRU U13 competition primarily at lock.

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Keebra Park SHS student Tainyn Clarken had a very busy 2022 season including starting from the bench for the Keebra Park SHS Walters Cup side in the Queensland U16 School Boy Final victory against Kirwan SHS.

Whilst he played the majority of his Walters Cup matches for Keebra Park SHS off the bench he did start one match at hooker.

Tainyn Clarken also had a huge year in rugby league 2022 including playing for the Queensland Reds U16 Country side and also tearing up the competition at the 2022 Pacific Youth Rugby Festival with Tainyn Clarken scoring seven tries from seven matches for New Zealand from inside centre.

Tainyn Clarken played his club rugby on the Gold Coast with the Helensvale Hogs in the GCRU U15/16 competition splitting time between inside centre and fullback.

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In 2022 Isaiah Veve-Fretton moved up to the Gold Coast to take up a Keebra Park SHS Rugby League Scholarship from Maitland in the Newcastle region.

In 2022 for Keebra Park SHS Isaiah Veve-Fretton played a number of matches off the bench in the Bronco’s Old Boys School Boy competition.

Isaiah Veve-Fretton also made a big impact in rugby upon his arrival on the Gold Coast including playing at lock for the Gold Coast Cyclones U13 Representative side including scoring against the Darling Downs in the Queensland Country Championships. From a club rugby perspective in 2022 Isaiah Veve-Fretton played for the powerful Helensvale Hogs Rugby Club in the GCRU U13 competition also at lock.

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In 2022 Luke Penny continued playing for the Bilambil Jets in the Group 18 U14 competition including starting in the second row in the Grand Final against the Murwillumbah Mustangs.

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In 2022 Ethan Alcorn lined up once again for the Bilambil Jets in the Group 18 U14 competition with Ethan Alcorn starting the Grand Final at lock against the South Tweed Bears with the Jets proving too good for the Bears in the Premiership decider.

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In 2022 Matthew Mellor lined up once again for the Bilambil Jets in the Group 18 U14 competition with Matthew Mellor starting the Grand Final at fullback against the South Tweed Bears with the Jets proving too good for the Bears in the Premiership decider.

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After Casino RM had a Round One bye in the 2022 Group One U14 competition Makiah Torrens started at five eight for Casino RSM in Round Two against the South Grafton Rebels scoring a try and kicking a conversion.

Makiah Torrens then scored two tries and kicked two conversions against the Marist Rams in Round Six, a try and a conversion in Round Seven against the South Grafton Rebels and Round Nine against the Kyogle Turkeys.

Makiah Torrens then scored twice and kicked a conversion in Round Twelve against the South Grafton Rebels before also scoring in Round Thirteen against the Clarence Coast Magpies after starting the match in the centres. Makiah Torrens added a try and a conversion in Round Fourteen against the South Grafton Rebels.

Makiah Torrens then had a great match in the rescheduled Round Two match against South Grafton Rebels with Makiah Torrens scoring a three tries and kicked three conversions to finish Casino RSM’s strong win with an individual points haul of eighteen points.

In Week One of the 2022 Group One U14 Finals series Makiah Torrens started at five eight for the Kyogle Turkeys against Casino RSM with Makiah Torrens scoring two tries and kicking a conversion in a 28 -14 Casino victory.

Makiah Torrens also started at five eight in the 2022 Group One U14 Grand Final with Makiah Torrens kicking three conversions as Casino RSM won the Premiership decider 32 – 20 against the Ballina Seagulls.

Makiah Torrens finished the 2022 Group One U14 season as the competition’s second leading try scorer with thirteen tries and also the competition’s second leading points scorer with ninety eight points.

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In early November 2022 Kai Saunders commenced training with the Titans JTS Program for the second season in a row.

In 2022 Kai Saunders moved to the Bilambil Jets in the Group 18 U14 competition including starting at halfback in the Grand Final against the Murwillumbah Mustangs.

The talented young halfback had an outstanding 2021 season for the Tweed Coast Raiders in the Group 18 U13 competition, culminating in Kai Saunders being named the 2021 Group 18 Junior Rugby League U13 Player of the Year.

2021 also saw Kai Saunders named the Tweed Coast Raiders 2021 U13 Best Back.

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Billy Mulheron, the young man from the Bilambil Jets Junior Rugby League Club in Northern New South Wales was part of the 2022 Titans JTS Program training with the Titans Group 18 U14 Development squad for the second season in a row.

In 2022 Billy Mulheron continued playing for the Bilambil Jets in the Group 18 U14 competition including starting in the front row in the Grand Final against the South Tweed Bears.

In 2021 Billy Mulheron was part of the successful Bilambil Jets U13 side that played in the Group 18 U13 competition. In that competition the Jets won seven matches, drew two and lost four, along the way scoring 238 points and conceding 158 to have a points differential of +80.

In 2019 Billy Mulheron was selected in the North Coast Primary U11 school boy representative side after representing Far North Coast in the trials from Banora Point High School.

[mdrew]

Max Wood from the Bilambil Jets Junior Rugby League Club in northern New South Wales was part of the Titans JTS Program training with the Titans Group 18 U14 Development squad for the second season in a row, including a number of sessions with former Titan Anthony Don.

In 2022 Max Wood lined up once again for the Bilambil Jets in the Group 18 U14 competition with Max Wood starting the Grand Final in the second row against the South Tweed Bears.

In 2021 Max Wood was part of the successful Bilambil Jets U13 side that played in the Group 18 U13 competition. In that competition the Jets won seven matches, drew two and lost four, along the way scoring 238 points and conceding 158 to have a points differential of +80.

In 2019 Max Wood was selected in the U11 Lismore Diocese Northern Country Representative Rugby League Team after the selection trials at Tamworth.

[mdrew]

Bailey Lebrese, the young five eight from the Bilambil Jets Junior Rugby League Club in northern New South Wales commenced training with the Titans JTS Program training with the Titans Group 18 U14 Development squad in early November 2022.

In 2022 Bailey Lebrese lined up once again for the Bilambil Jets in the Group 18 U14 competition with Bailey Lebrese starting the Grand Final at five eight against the South Tweed Bears.

[mdrew]

In late 2022 Joel Parkes commenced training with the 2022 Titans U14 Group 18 JTS Academy squad and in early December 2022.

2022 saw Joel Parkes play for the Bilambil Jets in the Group 18 U13 competition with Joel Parkes starting in the second row in the Jets 2022 Grand Final victory over the Tweed Heads Seagulls.

[mdrew]

In November 2022 Rupeni Baravilala was selected in the 2023 Wide Bay Bulls U16 Cyril Connell Cup squad even though Rupeni Baravilala will still be U15 eligible in 2023.

Rupeni Baravilala played the 2022 rugby league season with the Hervey Bay Seagulls in the Bundaberg U14 Junior Rugby League competition with Rupeni Baravilala’s first appearance coming when he started from the bench in Round Six against Wallaroo with Rupeni Baravilala also scoring when he came off the bench in the match for the Seagulls.

Rupeni Baravilala had a huge Round Eleven match when he scored all five of the Seagulls tries against Wests and a week earlier also against West in Round Ten Rupeni Baravilala scored four tries and once again was the only Hervey Bay try scorer in the match. Rupeni Baravilala also scored in Round Seven against Waves with the match being Rupeni Baravilala’s first start when he started in the front row.

Rupeni Baravilala also played a number of matches “up” in the Bundaberg U15 competition for Hervey Bay with once again Round Six being his first appearance with Rupeni Baravilala coming off the bench against Wallaroo. Rupeni Baravilala came off the bench in all of his U15 matches in 2022 with Rupeni Baravilala scoring a double in Round Seven against Waves.

Rupeni Baravilala also played for the Hervey Bay Seagulls in the 2021 Bundaberg JRL U13 competition with Rupeni Baravilala scoring an impressive five tries in Round Thirteen against the Beasty Bears. Rupeni Baravilala also scored a hat trick in Round Ten against Brothers in doubles in Round Three against the Beasty Bears, Round Four against West and Round Sixteen against Brothers.

Rupeni Baravilala also scored against Waves in Round Two, Wallaroo’s in Round Eleven and Round Fourteen against West.

Rupeni Baravilala also played a number of matches in the 2021 Bundaberg U14 JRL competition for Hervey Bay with Rupeni Baravilala scoring against the Magpies in Round Thirteen and West in Round Fourteen.

The young man originally from the ACT also played representative rugby in 2022, initially with the Central Queensland Bushrangers with Rupeni Baravilala then being named in the 2022 Queensland Country U14 squad for a match against a Brisbane U14 Junior Rugby Representative side. Rupeni Baravilala also represented the Central Queensland Bushrangers in 2021.

[mdrew]

Ryder Nelson from the Mullumbimby Colts is a highly talented outside back who commenced training with the Titans JTS Program and was part of the Titans 2022 U14 JTS High Performance Academy Group 18 squad that commenced training in November 2022.

In early December 2021 Ryder Nelson played in Titans U14 Development Squad matches with the two Titans Development Squads playing each other and in early January 2022 Ryder Nelson attended a Titans JTS Elite U15 Development Camp on the Gold Coast.

In 2022 Ryder Nelson played for the Mullumbimby Giants in the Group 18 U14 competition with Ryder Nelson being named the 2022 Mullumbimby Giants U14 Best Attacking Player.

Ryder Nelson also played rugby league for Mullumbimby High School and in the U14 Buckley Shield School Boy Rugby League Competition, recording an eighty metre intercept try against Newcastle’s Kurri Kurri High School.

Ryder Nelson also represented Mullumbimby High School and with fellow 2022 JTS U14 Group 18 squad member Aiden Gersh was a member of the winning 4 x 100 relay team at the North Coast Athletics Carnival. Ryder Nelson along with Aiden Gersh then went on to run the 4 x 100 metre relay event at the New South Wales Schools Athletic Championships.

Ryder Nelson also played for the Mullumbimby Giants in 2021 in the Group 18 U13 competition with Ryder Nelson receiving the Best and Fairest Award at the 2021 Mullumbimby Colts U13 Awards Presentation.

[mdrew]

Titans contracted Izayah Petrichvich scored four points from two two point field goals for the Gold Coast Rollers in their 109-75 win over the Sunshine Coast Phoenix in Game One of the Qld Basketball U18 State Schmpionships yesterday.

Then later in the day he scored seven points from one three point field goal and two two point field goals in a Rollers 110-51 win over the Mackay Meotors.

[mdrew]

Rex Savage played the 2022 season with the Ballina Seagulls in the Group One U14 competition with Rex Savage named on the bench for the Seagulls in their tough Grand Final loss to Casino RSM 32 - 20.

Rex Savage split time between starting at fullback and coming off the bench for the Seagulls in 2022 with Rex Savage scoring a double in Round Eight against the Kyogle Turkeys.

Rex Savage also played for the Ballina Seagulls in 2021 in the Group One U13 competition with Rex Savage scoring doubles against Lismore Marist Brothers in Rounds Two and Nine and Rex Savage also scored a double in Round Six against the Clarence Coast Magpies. Rex Savage also scored in Rounds Four and Eleven against the South Grafton Rebels and Round Twelve against the Clarence Coast Magpies. Like in 2022, in 2021 Rex Savage spilt his time between starting at fullback and coming off the bench.

[ETSEQ]

Any details on the broncos titans U17 game on 28 Jan

venue?
time?
team lists?

[MaroonTitan]

I'm also keen to go to the U19s game on the same day. I understand both games are at Coffs Harbour Stadium but no idea what time.

[mdrew]

On November 1, 2022, Josiah Pahulu commenced training in the Titans NRL off-season program with Josiah Pahulu resigning not long afterwards to the end of the 2025 season including being promoted to a Titan NRL Development contract for the 2023 season and a titans Top 30 NRL contract for 2024 and 2025.

Multiple Titans NRL players and coaches noted in various interview’s that Josiah Pahulu was one of the stand-outs in the Titans 2022/23 NRL off-season training programs which was no surprise at all for anyone who has seen Josiah Pahulu over the last couple of years.

In early December 2022 Josiah Pahulu took part in a joint training session betweed the Titans JTS contracted players and the Titans NRL squad.

Josiah Pahulu initially signed with the Titans in early 2019 after starring for one of the two Titans U15 Invitational sides that played a round robin series of matches at Mudgeeraba in February 2019. The other team in the round robin was a Western Mustangs representative side. That afternoon was the firsty occasion that I saw Josiah Pahulu play. I was impressed that day and I have been impressed in every match of Josiah Pahulu’s that I have seen since.

In early May 2022 Josiah Pahulu was named in the Queensland U19 Rugby League Representative side for their annual match against New South Wales with Josiah Pahulu starting the match from the interchange bench. Josiah Pahulu came onto the field in the 25th minute and impressively played the remainder of the match.

Impressively Josiah Pahulu was named by the Courier Mail as the 2022 Ipswich Rugby League best junior rugby league talent.

In late July 2022 Josiah Pahulu was part of the Titans U19 squad that played a North Queensland Cowboys squad as a curtain raiser to the Titans NRL Round Twenty match against Canberra at Cbus Stadium with Josiah Pahulu more than holding his own against a giant Cowboys forward pack.

In late January 2022 Josiah Pahulu started in the front row for the Titans U19 side in a match at Pizzey Park against the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts side with Josiah Pahulu being involved in the opening tackle of the match after Tom Weaver kicked off to get the match underway.

Josiah Pahulu also executed a great front on tackle in the 10th minute on TJ Devery when he drove his right shoulder into the Burleigh forward forcing him back a number of metres.

The first of a number of strong hit-ups by Josiah Pahulu in the match came in the 14th minute when he charged to near to the twenty metre mark off the kick-off to Ryan Foran’s opening try. The halftime break did not slow Josiah Pahulu down and the 56th minute he made a strong eleven metre charge to the right of the dummy half to get the ball to the twenty metre mark.

Josiah Pahulu continued his strong match in the 58th minute making twelve metres to get the ball to five metres into Burleigh territory after receiving the ball to the right of the play the ball. As soon as he was brought to ground, Josiah Pahulu immediately fought to get to his feet for a quick play the ball but after being denied that opportunity, Josiah Pahulu was awarded a deserved penalty after being held down. From the subsequent set of six tackles, Josiah Pahulu took the second hit-up, getting the ball to fifteen metres out.

Another strong charge from Josiah Pahulu came in the 62nd minute, on that occasion making ten metres to get the ball twenty out from the try line.

In late July 2022 Josiah Pahulu started in the front row for a Titans U19 side that played their annual match against the North Queensland Cowboys that was played as a curtain raiser at Cbus Stadium to the Titans Round Twenty NRL match against the Canberra Raiders with Josiah Pahulu making strong charge in the 12th minute from the kick-off return from Keano Kini’s opening try.

Josiah Pahulu made a further strong kick-off return in the 25th minute from the kick-off from another Keano Kini try with Josiah Pahulu able to promote the ball to twenty eight metres out from his own try line.

Josiah Pahulu was also strong defensively against the Cowboys including a great hit in the 56th minute on the North Queensland left centre as he attempted to bring the ball out of his own twenty metre mark.

In mid-December 2021 Josiah Pahulu had the opportunity to train with the Titans NRL squad in a joint training session between the Titans NRL squad and the Titans JTS Program Squads where Josiah Pahulu spent a fair portion of the joint session working with David Fifita.

Josiah Pahulu made his Hastings Deering’s Colts debut from the bench in the Round Two local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls coming onto the field at around the 24 minute mark to play in the front row with Josiah Pahulu’s first run coming just after he came on when he made eight metres after taking possession to the right of the play the ball.

Then in the 29th minute Josiah Pahulu made a strong run from a Burleigh penalty restart with Josiah Pahulu making eight metres into the teeth of the Seagulls forward pack but when he was taken to ground, Josiah Pahulu was not held and was back to his feet in a flash and was able to make a further six metres.

Josiah Pahulu produced a further strong run in the 34th minute when after picking up a loose ball from Burleigh he was able to make twelve metres to get the ball back to near the halfway mark.

In the 48th minute Josiah Pahulu almost was able to put Samuel Shannon over after he got an away a good off-load to Samuel Shannon but he was in the end Samuel Shannon was held up over the line.

Josiah Pahulu kept pumping his legs post contact with the defensive line in the 61st minute when he got within two metres of the try line after a strong fifteen metre burst.

As he is quickly becoming known for Josiah Pahulu just keeps going and going on matter what and that was the case in the 69th minute when he willed himself to his left to tackle Thomas Weaver who had beaten one tackle and set sail for the try line five metres out and directly under the posts but Josiah Pahulu got there to make the tackle and prevent the try.

Josiah Pahulu also started from the bench in Round Three against the Western Clydesdales and in the 38th minute Josiah Pahulu scored his first Colts try of his career in the 39th minute after coming onto the field to play in the front row mid-way through the first half.

Josiah Pahulu scored in the 39th minute when he ran off an off-load from Isaac Matalavea-Booth with Josiah Pahulu running to his left after receiving the ball before straightening up to crash over five metres to the left of the uprights.

Josiah Pahulu also recorded a try assist in the 28th minute when after receiving a pass to his right off the dummy half just eight metres from the line, Josiah Pahulu moved to his left before throwing a good short ball to his left to a charging Isaac Matalavea-Booth who was able to crash over from close range.

Josiah Pahulu was once again named on the bench for Burleigh in Round Five against the Souths Logan Magpies however he was a late scratching from the match due to his selection in the Queensland U19 squad.

In late October 2021 Josiah Pahulu was named in the Ipswich Jets 2022 U18 MM Cup squad with Josiah Pahulu looking certain to be the corner stone of the Jets powerful forward pack. However in early 2022 Josiah Pahulu transferred to the Burleigh Bears MM Cup squad for the 2022 MM Cup season.

Round One of the 2022 MM Cup competition saw Josiah Pahulu named on the bench for the Burleigh Bears against the Easts Tigers however the match was rained out due to extreme weather conditions.

Josiah Pahulu was then named to start on the bench for Round Two against the Souths Logan Magpies. After coming on in the 17th minute, there was no doubt that Josiah Pahulu was comfortably the Bears best in their ten point loss, including a great eighteen metre charge from the Souths Logan kick-off to Xavier Asi’s early second half try.

Even in the final minute with Burleigh down by ten Josiah Pahulu was not about to give up and charged onto a pass from the dummy half to the left of the play the ball, rumbling sixteen metres downfield, at least 50% of which were post contact metres to get the ball within thirty metres of the try line. The match saw Josiah Pahulu run for a match leading 173 metres.

Josiah Pahulu also had a big match defensively and in the 69th minute he chased through a long Burleigh clearing kick, smashing the Souths Logan Magpies fullback who was returning the ball with the ball coming loose as a result and Burleigh getting the subsequent scrum feed.

Josiah Pahulu also was named to start from the bench in Round Three against the Norths Devils however Josiah Pahulu in fact started the match in the front row and had a huge game including scoring a barnstorming try in the 28th minute when Josiah Pahulu charged onto the ball from ten metres out and to the right of the play the ball and just to the left of the uprights. After taking possession Josiah Pahulu cut back to his left bumping off one defender and then Josiah Pahulu crashed over between four defenders.

Josiah Pahulu could not have gotten into the match any quicker when he took the first hit-up from the kick-off getting the ball out to the twenty metre mark. Josiah Pahulu made a further strong run in the 3rd minute with Josiah Pahulu making another thirteen hard yards.

The 21st minute saw Josiah Pahulu once again attack the North’s line when he charged onto a Bear penalty tap restart thirty metres from the try line with Josiah Pahulu initially cutting back to his left upon receipt of the ball. After getting rid of two would be tacklers, Josiah Pahulu ran across field to his right before straightening up and being tackled thirteen metres out. Josiah Pahulu then executed an exceptionally quick play the ball with VJ Semu scoring from the resultant play.

Only three minutes later in the 24th Josiah Pahulu made another strong run from a penalty tap restart making twelve metres to get the ball within eight metres of the try line and then once again Josiah Pahulu’s exceptionally quick play the ball led to a try to EJ FInau on the next play.

Josiah Pahulu was then at it again from the kick-off to EJ Finau’s try with yet another great charge from the back fence in the 26th minute. Then from the kick-off after he scored in the 28th minute, Josiah Pahulu took the second hit-up and once again bent the North’s Devils defensive line backwards.

Then in the 63rd minute Josiah Pahulu from a penalty restart charged at the defensive line from inside Devils territory. Just as he was about to engage the defensive line Josiah Pahulu slipped, going to ground. One defender went over the top of him so Josiah Pahulu was back onto his feet in an instant and continued towards the try line, getting to within five metres before the referee finally called held, even if Josiah Pahulu disagreed.

Josiah Pahulu’s dominant performance saw him named in the front row in the Courier Mail U18 Mal Meninga Cup Round Three Team of the Week.

Josiah Pahulu then continued in the front row in Round Four against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls and once again was one of Burleigh’s best in their come from behind 40 – 24 victory.

Josiah Pahulu’s initial key contribution came in the 4th minute from the kick-off after Wynnum Manly’s opening try when Josiah Pahulu along with Joseph Shannon hit the Seagulls forward with the ball coming loose as a result of the contact. Burleigh scored their opening try of the match from the resultant set of six.

Josiah Pahulu made a strong charge in the 29th minute from a Burleigh penalty restart with Josiah Pahulu bending the defensive line back and then Josiah Pahulu was able to get his left arm free and off-load to Dorian Mapusua-Lotaki who was able to promote the ball five metres further Josiah Pahulu immediately got to his feet and took the hit-up from Dorian Mapusua-Lotaki’s play the ball, making a further thirteen metres and breaking one tackle along the way.

The halftime break certainly did not stop Josiah Pahulu which was shown when he took the third hit-up of the second half after the Seagulls had kicked off.

Another right arm off-load from Josiah Pahulu in the 41st minute was part of the Bears best move of the match that ultimately led to a try by Karauria Stokes-Mahara score in the left corner.

Josiah Pahulu ran the ball around twenty five metres out and to the right of the play and it looked for all money that Wailer Whaiapu would take the line on but after committing a number of defenders he threw a great ball to Josiah Pahulu who had worked into space on Wailer Whaiapu’s right. Josiah Pahulu engaged the defensive line and whilst still engaged with one defender Josiah Pahulu got a right arm off-load away to Bailey McConnell who promoted the ball to Arama Hau who then off-loaded for Karauria Stokes-Mahara dive over in the corner.

Josiah Pahulu got another off-load away in the 43rd minute when after charging onto the ball to the right of the dummy half Josiah Pahulu getting the ball out of his own twenty metre area he got his left arm free with three defenders engaged and got the ball away to Wailer Whaiapu.

Josiah Pahulu also scored in the 48th minute when he burst onto an off-load near the line and kept his legs pumping and for a moment it appeared that he had scored by the referee adjudged that he was brought down short of the line, but Josiah Pahulu did not dwell on not scoring and got to his feet immediately with his quick play the ball assisting in Dorian Mapusua-Lotaki being able to dive over from dummy half.

Josiah Pahulu showed that he is not all about powerful hard running in the 51st minute when he received an off-load that he was not excepting and was immediately hit by two defenders but Josiah Pahulu maintained his compose and got an off-load away to Bailey McConnell to extend the movement.

Josiah Pahulu pulled off a strong tackle in the 57th minute when along with Taniela Mapusua-Lotaki he smashed the Easts Tigers front rower who as taking the kick-off return.

Such was the quality of Josiah Pahulu’s performance that he was named in the front row in the Courier Mail’s MM Cup Round Four Team of the Week. That was the second round in a row that Josiah Pahulu was named in the front row in the Courier Mail Team of the Week.

Josiah Pahulu continued in the front row in Round Six against the Redcliffe Dolphins with Josiah Pahulu scoring a deserved try in the 29th minute. With Burleigh playing the ball less than a metres from the try line, Josiah Pahulu lined up to the right of the play the ball, receiving a short pass from the dummy half which came to him just over his left shoulder with the direction of the pass forcing Josiah Pahulu to turn completely around to have his back to the try line. That did not deter Josiah Pahulu however as he backed his way towards the line. As he got to the line, Josiah Pahulu spun to his left to get the ball down right on the try line and just to the left of the uprights.

Josiah Pahulu’s first hit-up was the second of the match with Josiah Pahulu making twelve metres by way of a half break after he had a received a good short ball from his right from Wailer Whaiapu. As is his want Josiah Pahulu was looking for a quick play the ball and after being denied that opportunity was awarded a deserved penalty.

Josiah Pahulu continued his strong start to the match in the 8th minute with a fifteen metre charge from a penalty restart with his run into the Dolphins set defensive line commencing on his own twenty metre mark.

In the 25th minute Josiah Pahulu took on the Devils defensive line one again in the 25th minute when after receiving the ball twenty two metres from the try line, Josiah Pahulu broke three tackles as he got to within three minutes of the try line directly in front of the goal posts.

I have noted a number of outstanding runs from Josiah Pahulu but probably Josiah Pahulu’s best run of the match came in the 50th minute when from a penalty tap re-start Josiah Pahulu broke five tackles in a twenty five metre charge with Josiah Pahulu getting the ball from inside his own territory to just thirty metres from the line.

As a result of his outstanding performance Josiah Pahulu was once again named in the front row in the Mal Meninga Cup Round Six Courier Mail Team of the Week.

Through the opening six rounds of the 2022 U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition Josiah Pahulu had run for the 7th most metres being 536 metres at an average of 179 metres per match and also made a line break.

Josiah Pahulu was also named to start in the front row in the Round Seven local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls but was a late scratching when he was called up to the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts side.

Josiah Pahulu was also named to start in the front row in the rescheduled Round One match against the East Tigers and once again Josiah Pahulu putting in a Player of the Match performance including an outstanding first half try.

In the 16th minute Josiah Pahulu stationed himself two passes to the right of the play the ball and then cut back underneath Bailey McConnell, taking possession twelve metres from the try line, Josiah Pahulu stepped off his right foot to beat one defender before straightening up and making contact with a defender four metres out. From there Josiah Pahulu kept battling and forced his way over the try line after being twisted around and landing on his back but Josiah Pahulu was able to get the ball down on his third attempt ten metres to the left of the uprights.

Josiah Pahulu was still fired up from his try when he ran back the resultant kick-off getting the ball twenty two metres away from his own try line.

Josiah Pahulu got himself into the match early by taking Burleigh’s third hit-up of the match in the 2nd minute. Josiah Pahulu made a further strong run in the 6th minute from the 2nd run after Burleigh’s opening try with Josiah Pahulu taking possession twenty metre out and to the left of the play the ball and getting the ball over the thirty metre mark.

Josiah Pahulu led from the front and through his actions and not words in the 11th minute when after three tackles Burleigh were only six metres out from their own line, Josiah Pahulu took it upon himself to do something about that when he charged onto the ball to the right of the play the ball with Josiah Pahulu getting the ball all of the way to his own twenty metre mark with at least ten of the fourteen metres that Josiah Pahulu post contact.

Josiah Pahulu had a number of positive defensive moments in the match including in the 11th minute when he along with Seth Nikotemo sandwiched the Tigers halfback just metres from the try line after he had stepped past one Bears defender who had raced out of the line.

Josiah Pahulu made a further strong run in the 15th minute once again getting the ball over his own twenty metre mark, Josiah Pahulu was then awarded a penalty after not being allowed to his feet in a timely fashion.

Josiah Pahulu was literally everywhere in the match and in the 39th minute made a ball and all tackle on the Easts left winger with the ball popping up in the air, Josiah Pahulu nabbed the ball at its apex just inside his own territory and even with Tigers players all around him Josiah Pahulu was still able to get the ball five metres into Tigers territory.

Getting the ball back to the twenty metre mark is the goal from a kick-off return and Josiah Pahulu certainly matched that goal in the 57th minute as the Bears looked to stay in front in a see-sawing second half.

Josiah Pahulu was also named in the front row in the 2022 MM Cup Courier Mail Team of the Season.

Josiah Pahulu was also named the 2022 Burleigh Bears MM Cup Best and Fairest.

Josiah Pahulu’s first match in a Bear’s jersey came when he started on the bench coming on to play in the front row in the 23rd minute of Burleigh’s February 2022 trial against the Western Clydesdales with Josiah Pahulu producing a dominate display for his new team.

Josiah Pahulu’s first touch of the ball came almost immediately after coming on when he charged onto the ball from a kick-off after a Burleigh’s third try of the match. Josiah Pahulu made a further strong charge in the 28th minute when from the right of the dummy half, Josiah Pahulu got the ball to within five metres of the halfway after a fifteen metre run and Josiah Pahulu was then awarded a penalty when he was not allowed to his feet in a timely fashion.

Halftime time certainly did not slow Josiah Pahulu as in the 53rd minute Josiah Pahulu charged to five metres inside the Western Clydesdales territory after making fifteen metres from the left of the dummy half.

Josiah Pahulu produced a great bit of skill in the 62nd minute with from the left of the dummy half Josiah Pahulu produced a great catch and pass to his left to put his team mate into a hole in the defensive line.

Defensively Josiah Pahulu also had a strong game, an example being in the 37th minute when he produced a try saving tackle less than five metres from the try line on the right side of the field from behind. Josiah Pahulu was actually at marker and kept tracking the ball to the left and was on hand to save a try when the Clydesdales attacked had stepped his way through the Bears defensive line.

In late May 2022 Josiah Pahulu also represented Met West in the U18 QSSRL School Boy Championships starting both of Met West’s matches in the front row and at the conclusion of the Championships Josiah Pahulu was named in the 2022 Queensland Open School Boy Rugby League Representative side and just prior to the commencement of the Championships, Josiah Pahulu was named by the Courier Mail as the tenth best U18 Rugby League player in Australia.

Josiah Pahulu started in the front row in Queensland’s opening round of the Championships against the Australian Capital Territory with Josiah Pahulu scoring Queensland’s opening try of the Championships in the 8th minute when he received the ball two passes to the left of the play the ball. The ball to Josiah Pahulu was fractionally behind him and whilst twenty one metres out from the try line, Josiah Pahulu spun 360 degrees clockwise before bursting through two tackles and charging over to score six metres in from the left corner post. As Josiah Pahulu was charging towards the try line the ACT fullback was coming across but he wanted no part of trying to stop Josiah Pahulu from scoring.

Then from the subsequent kick-off Josiah Pahulu charged onto the ball and got the ball thirty five metres away from the try line before being awarded a penalty with Josiah Pahulu then taking a hit-up from the subsequent penalty restart.

Josiah Pahulu had a strong start to the match, taking Queensland’s first hit-up to get the ball over the halfway mark and then also ran the ball on the 5th tackle in the same set and after making contact with the defensive line Josiah Pahulu was able to get away a left arm off-load with his back towards the try line.

Josiah Pahulu continues his strong match in the 34th minute with a strong charge to the right of the play the ball that got the ball thirty metres away from his own try line.

Josiah Pahulu also started in the front row in Match Two being the semi-final against NSW CIS with Josiah Pahulu taking the opening hit-up of the match. Then in the 5th minute Josiah Pahulu made a strong charge in the 5th minute when after running onto the ball to the right of the play the ball Josiah Pahulu made a tough twelve metres which saw Josiah Pahulu get the ball ten metres into NSW CIS territory.

Josiah Pahulu continued his strong match in the 34th minute from his own twenty metre mark with Josiah Pahulu making fifteen metres after taking possession to the right of the play the ball.

Josiah Pahulu also started at in the front row in Queensland U18 ASSRL Championships Grand Final victory over NSW CHS with Josiah Pahulu making the third tackle of the match with Josiah Pahulu’s heavy contact forcing the ball loose and putting Queensland immediately onto the attack.

Josiah Pahulu made another strong tackle in the 6th minute with a huge front-on hit on the NSW CHS right second rower with Josiah Pahulu’s heavy contact forcing the NSW second rower back a number of metres.

Josiah Pahulu added a further strong tackle in the 35th minute when he smashed one of the NSW front rower around thirty five metres out from the try line. Then after the front rower tried to get an off-load away which went straight up in the air, Josiah Pahulu smartly got to his feet to take the ball on the full and completely change the momentum of the match early in the second half.

I have mentioned Josiah Pahulu’s defence but Josiah Pahulu was also outstanding running the ball, always making himself available and one of Josiah Pahulu’s strongest runs came in the 48th minute when a strong charge from his own thirty metre mark and after engaging the defensive line, Josiah Pahulu got away a good left arm off-load after running onto the ball to the left of the play the ball.

Josiah Pahulu’s outstanding performances over the course of the 2022 ASSRL U18 Championships saw Josiah Pahulu noted by the Courier Mail by being named on various other lists including one of the “Best Mobile Big Men”.

Josiah Pahulu’s performances over the course of the 2022 ASSRL U18 Championships saw Josiah Pahulu named in the Australian School Boys Squad for their Fijian tour with Josiah Pahulu presented with the No. 8 jersey prior to heading to Fiji.

Josiah Pahulu started in the front row for the Australian School Boys side in their match against Fiji Schools with Australia recording a big win.

Round One of the 2022 Langer Cup School Boy competition saw Josiah Pahulu start in the front row and captain for Ipswich State High School against Keebra Park State High School with Josiah Pahulu putting in an outstanding performance to lead from the front as Ipswich SHS recorded an impressive first up 24 – 16 victory.

Josiah Pahulu also started in the front row and captain in Round two against Mabel Park State High School with Josiah Pahulu once again putting in a powerful performance in another big Ipswich SHS victory.

After the mid-season break, Josiah Pahulu started from the bench in Round Four against PBC State High School coming onto the field in the 23rd minute to operate in the front row and in the seven minutes until the halftime break Josiah Pahulu made an impressive five hit-up, accounting for in excess of fifty metres gained.

Josiah Pahulu’s dominance continued in the second half including in the 39th minute with a strong charge and off-load and then in the 43rd minute Josiah Pahulu made twenty tough metres to forty metres out after taking possession to the right of the play the ball.

Josiah Pahulu continued in the front row in Round Five against Wavell SHS as well as in Round Six against Coombabah SHS and Round Seven against Marsden State High School.

Josiah Pahulu also started in the front row and captain for Ipswich SHS in their Quarter Final against Coombabah SHS with Josiah Pahulu outstanding in his two stints on the field.

The first of multiple exceptional runs from Josiah Pahulu came in the 4th minute with Josiah Pahulu made a great eighteen metre charge to his own forty metre mark with around 75% of the run made up of post contact metres after running onto the ball to the left of the play the ball.

Then in the 9th minute Josiah Pahulu once again charged onto the ball to the left of the play the ball with Josiah Pahulu making twenty two metres to get the ball just into Coombabah SHS territory.

Josiah Pahulu added a further strong run in the 15th minute by making twenty more metres and breaking three tackles as he charged from his own forty metre mark to forty metres out from the try line.

Josiah Pahulu was just as outstanding in his second stint on the field as was evidenced in the 54th minute when from an Ipswich SHS penalty tap restart Josiah Pahulu made a twenty metre charge to get within five metres of the try line with at least 50% of Josiah Pahulu’s metres post contact.

Josiah Pahulu also started in the front row in the 2022 Langer Cup Semi-Final against Marsden SHS.

Josiah Pahulu started in the front row in the 2022 School Boy Langer Cup Grand Final against PBC SHS with Josiah Pahulu putting in a dominating performance including an exceptional solo try mid-way through the first half when from an Ipswich SHS penalty tap restart fifteen metres out and towards the right touchline, Josiah Pahulu charged onto the ball and immediately cut towards the centre of the field and broke through a number of attempted tackles to score under the posts.

It was clear from the opening minutes that Josiah Pahulu was in for a big match when in the 9th minute made a hard charge for the left of the play the ball with Josiah Pahulu getting the ball from two metres inside his own territory to twelve metes inside PBC SHS territory.

Josiah Pahulu made a great play in the 51st minute when with the Grand Final in the balance PBC SHS put up a bomb from inside their attacking twenty metre area towards the Ipswich SHS left corner. Joshua Pahulu willed himself across field and jumped high amongst a myriad of players from both teams to take the ball on the full just a metre out from his own try line.

At the completion of the 2022 Langer Cup season Josiah Pahulu was named in the front row in the Courier Mail Langer Cup Team of the Year.

Josiah Pahulu then started in the front row and captain as Ipswich SHS took on Ignatius Park SHS in the 2022 Queensland School Boys Final with Josiah Pahulu leading from the front once again as Ipswich SHS became the 2022 Queensland School Boy Champions with Josiah Pahulu deservedly raising the trophy as captain and leader of the Ipswich SHS team.

Josiah Pahulu also started in the front row and captain for Ipswich SHS in the Australian School Boy Championship match against Patrician Brothers Fairfield.

At the end of the 2022 season Josiah Pahulu was named in the front row in the Ipswich State High School Team of the Year.

Josiah Pahulu was also named as the fifth best School Boy Rugby League or Rugby School Boy player in the 2022 Courier Mail Top 30 school boys.

In October 2021 Josiah Pahulu was named in the 2021 Queensland Samoa U18 representative side for the 2021 QPICC Cultural Carnival, starting all four of his matches at the Carnival at lock and captain, being Match One against Tonga, Match Two against PNG, Match Three against the Cook Islands and Match Four against Queensland Maori.

Josiah Pahulu scored twice at the Carnival being against the Cook Islands in Match Three and Queensland Maori in Match Four. Josiah Pahulu’s try against the Cook Islands was a typically powerful effort. In the 27th minute with Samoa on the attack Josiah Pahulu stationed himself directly behind the play the ball. After the dummy half picked up the ball, Josiah Pahulu ran to the right of the play the ball, receiving the ball five metres out. Near the line Josiah Pahulu stepped off his right foot to dive over on the right side of the field mid-way between the corner post and goal posts.

In January 2021 Josiah Pahulu started at right second row for the Titans U17 side in their annual match at Coffs Harbour against the Newcastle Knights with Josiah Pahulu producing a dominating performance in the impressive Titans 32 – 20 victory in both attack and defence. In a sign of the high regard that the Titans have in Josiah Pahulu, he was acting captain for periods of the match.

One tackle in particular stood out in the match, Newcastle were bringing the ball off their own try line when Josiah Pahulu moved up and got in and under the ribs of the ball runner with his left shoulder. Josiah Pahulu drove the Knights forward back three metres and put him on his back, taking all momentum out of the Knights set of six.

In early May 2021 a Titans U19 side travelled to North Queensland to play an U19 Cowboys selection in a curtain raiser to a Cowboys v Broncos NRL match with Josiah Pahulu starting the match on the bench for the Titans.

Then in June 2021 Josiah Pahulu started at lock for a Titans U17 JTS squad that played at Cbus Stadium against a Titans Northern Rivers U18 selection, with the match being played as a curtain raiser to the Titans Round Fourteen NRL match against the Sydney Roosters.

Josiah Pahulu commenced his 2021 MM Cup campaign for the Ipswich Jets starting at lock against the Western Mustangs and also started at lock in the Jets second MM Cup trial against the Easts Tigers.

In Round One of the 2021 MM Cup competition, Josiah Pahulu was named to start in the front row against the Tweed Heads Seagulls but ended up starting the match at lock and was in the action almost immediately when he made solid contact on fellow Titans contracted forward Ryan Foran who has making just the third hit-up of the match.

One of the best of Josiah Pahulu’s carriers with the ball came in the 10th minute of the match when he took the ball to the right of the dummy half and dragged defenders around ten metres before being stopped less than ten metres away from the try line.

As he was in the first half it did not take long for Josiah Pahulu to get involved in the second with a strong second hit-up of the second half.

Round Two against the Burleigh Bears saw Josiah Pahulu started at lock and a strong charge which made eleven metres into the Bears ten metre zone was a sign of things to come. Josiah Pahulu produced a further strong run in the 26th minute with a charge into Burleigh’s territory that accounted for fifteen metres.

Early in the second half Josiah Pahulu was everywhere for the Jets looking to get them back into the match, starting with a strong charge from just the second hit-up of the second half. A minute later Josiah Pahulu once again took the ball into the Burleigh defensive line, making ten metres to get the ball of the Ipswich twenty metre zone and then from a penalty restart made a further ten metres, then from the third tackle in that same set of six was yet another run of around ten metres.

Josiah Pahulu continued his strong second half performance in the 53rd minute with a powerful run that netted eighteen metres to get the bell within twelve metres of the Bears try line. Even with the match out of Ipswich’s reach, Josiah Pahulu continued to keep trying as was evidenced by a fifteen metre rumble through centre field in the 68th minute of the match.

Josiah Pahulu was named in the front row in Round Three against the Souths Logan Magpies and was one of the Jets best on the way to making 128 metres, with a fair percentage of those metres being post contact metres.

Josiah Pahulu also started in the front row in Round Four against the Tweed Heads Seagulls and was one of the best players on the field. Josiah Pahulu made an immediate impact in the match with a strong twelve metre run over the halfway mark in Ipswich’s first set of six in the match and continued on from there.

In just the 3rd minute of the match, Josiah Pahulu produced another strong charge of the ball down a short blindside on the left to bring the ball over the halfway mark, making twelve metres and then Josiah Pahulu made a further fifteen metres later in the same set of six tackles that took the Jets into their attacking twenty metre zone.

Even the incredibly hot conditions that the match was played in could not stop Josiah Pahulu as in the 9th minute, Josiah Pahulu once again ran the ball into the Tweed Heads defensive line, making a strong run to the twenty metre mark and was then awarded a penalty after the Tweed Heads defensive line refused to allow him to his feet to get a quick play the ball.

Then in the 15th minute, Josiah Pahulu made an impressive eighteen metre charge from an Ipswich penalty restart to get Ipswich to near their attacking twenty metre zone. Josiah Pahulu once again proved difficult to handle in the 26th minute making thirteen metres over the halfway and once again was awarded a penalty after the Seagulls defence laid all over him to prevent the quick play the ball.

After playing the entire thirty five minutes of the first half Josiah Pahulu was back into the action when he took the second hit-up of the second half to get the bell to the Ipswich thirty metre line.

Josiah Pahulu then produced his best run of the match in the 38th minute when he charged onto the ball near the half way mark, tearing through the centre of the Seagulls ruck and running over the Tweed Heads fullback before being dragged down from behind around ten metres out.

After that long line break Josiah Pahulu did not rest on his laurels and was back in the action in the 59th minute with a fifteen metre run to get the ball to the forty metre mark.

Defensively Josiah Pahulu was also exceptional against Tweed Heads producing a number of crunching tackles including in the 42nd minute on Tweed Heads forward Bailey Martin but it was a tackle in the 40th minute that really stood out for me. Coming out from their own territory, Ipswich turned the ball over with it being picked up by Seagulls winger Kruz Remine who darted away, somehow Josiah Pahulu willed himself to chase back and drag the Seagulls winger down from behind less than ten metres away from the try line even though the winger had a head start on Josiah Pahulu.

The match also showed that Josiah Pahulu does not just put his head down and run at the line. In the 67th minute, Josiah Pahulu received the ball on the left side of the field and charged at the line, but just before he was set to contact the defence, Josiah Pahulu propped and send a well weighted pass to his left to put Xavier Stowers into a big gap making ten more metres.

Josiah Pahulu also started in the front row in Round Five against the Burleigh Bears with for me Josiah Pahulu was one of the Jets best.

Josiah Pahulu got close to scoring a deserved try in the match but in the 9th minute, lost the ball over the line trying to get the ball to the ground and also in the 13th minute, Josiah Pahulu got within centremetres of the line after a twelve metre burst on the left side of the field.

In the 14th minute, Josiah Pahulu proved that he does not just run the ball in attacking situations when he made eleven metres from a hit-up getting the ball outside of his own twenty metre area.

Josiah Pahulu did not take much time at all to get involved in the match making thirteen metres from an Ipswich penalty restart to get within five metres of the try line. Josiah Pahulu made a further fourteen metres in the 5th minute when he took the second hit-up after Burleigh kicked off following Ipswich’s first try of the match.

Just two minutes later in the 7th minute, Josiah Pahulu once again ran at the Burleigh line from ten metres out from a Jets penalty restart and it took five Burleigh defenders to halt his progress perilously close to the try line.

In the 23rd minute, with Ipswich well on top, Josiah Pahulu ensured that the Jets started their set after a try on the front foot when he took the hit-up from the kick-off, making twelve metres to get the ball over his own twenty metre area.

Josiah Pahulu made his presence felt in defence when in the 23rd minute he smashed Burleigh left winger Shannon Donaldson with a big front on tackle knocking the winger who was making his MM Cup debut three metres backwards.

Josiah Pahulu was at it again in the 24th minute when he rocked Burleigh front rower VJ Semu who was returning a kick-off, knocking the ball loose in the process.

Josiah Pahulu was involved in an earth trembling collision when in the 58th minute he smashed into fellow Titan Arama Hau when he was returning a Burleigh kick-off with the contact stopping both players in their tracks, it was great to see and let’s call the outcome a draw!

Josiah Pahulu followed that heavy collision up in the 65th minute with a twelve metre charge that was the second run from a Burleigh kick-off with Josiah Pahulu once again getting the ball over his own thirty metre mark.

Round Six being the final regular season round of the 2021 MM Cup competition saw Josiah Pahulu named to start in the front row against the Souths Logan Magpies however he was a late scratching from the match.

At the 2021 Ipswich Jets MM Cup Presentation Night, Josiah Pahulu was deservedly named the 2021 Ipswich Jets Most Valuable Player.

Post the 2021 MM Cup competition, Josiah Pahulu played for the Springfield Panthers in the Ipswich Rugby League U17 Division One competition with his first appearance for the Panthers coming in Round Four when Josiah Pahulu started in the second row against Goonda Black.

Josiah Pahulu captained the Springfield Panthers side in Round Six against Brothers Ipswich, starting in the front row and scoring two tries in their impressive 36 – 8 victory.

Josiah Pahulu moved to lock in Round Seven against Brother Blue and scored the final try of the match in the Panthers victory.

Round Ten against Norths Blue saw, Josiah Pahulu moved to the second row for the Panthers with Josiah Pahulu scoring the Panthers opening try in their 24 – 14 victory. Josiah Pahulu then continued in the second row in Round Eleven against Goodna Black, scoring twice in the Panthers 26 – 8 victory.

Round Twelve against Redbank Plains Red saw Josiah Pahulu once again start in the second row.

Josiah Pahulu finished the abridged 2021 Ipswich U17 Division One regular season as the competitions second leading try scorer.

In the opening round of the Ipswich Rugby League U17 Division One Finals series, Josiah Pahulu started in the second row for the Springfield Panthers against North’s Blue.

2021 also saw Josiah Pahulu line up once again for Ipswich State High School in the South East Queensland School Boy Langer Cup Open A competition starting Round One at lock against PBC SHS.

Ipswich SHS had a tough first 2021 Langer Cup outing but Josiah Pahulu scored a deserved try in the 19th minute when he charged over from dummy half to his left from close range, rumbling over one PBC defender to get the ball down adjacent to the right upright.

Another one of Josiah Pahulu’s best moments of his match was Josiah Pahulu’s huge charge into the PBC line from the second half kick-off.

Josiah Pahulu also started at lock in Round Two against Marsden State High School and whilst his team were soundly beaten, Josiah Pahulu more than held his own against the giant Marsden SHS forward pack.

Josiah Pahulu continued at lock in Round Three against Keebra Park State High School taking the third hit-up of the match and then in the 11th minute, Josiah Pahulu made a hard eleven metres from an Ipswich SHS penalty restart from inside their own twenty metre area.

Josiah Pahulu then moved to the front row for Round Four against Coombabah State High School and continued in the front row in Round Five against Wavell State High School as well as in Round Six against St Mary’s College Toowoomba, a match that saw Josiah Pahulu once again dominate including a great charge and right arm off-load down the left side of the left that led directly to Ipswich State High School’s opening try of the match in their 36 – 6 victory.

After the competition was suspended for a number of weeks due to a Covid 19 lock down, Josiah Pahulu was named in the front row for Ipswich State High School in their semi-final against Marsden State High School with Josiah Pahulu twice taking a hit-up in Ipswich SHS’s first set of six in the match.

Then in the 41st minute, Josiah Pahulu made a great eighteen metre run, breaking three tackles along the way to get the ball into Marsden State High School territory.

Post the completion of the 2021 Langer Cup competition, Josiah Pahulu was named on the bench in the Courier Mail’s 2021 Langer Cup Team of the Season and in the Queensland Rugby League 2021 MM Cup Player of the Year Award Josiah Pahulu was awarded two votes.

Post the Langer Cup competition Josiah Pahulu was named in the front row in the 2021 Ipswich State High School Team of the Tear.

2021 also saw Josiah Pahulu represent Met West at the QSSRL U18 Championships, playing with distinction in the front row.

At the end of the 2021 season, Josiah Pahulu was named at No. 23 in the Courier Mail Top 60 school boys from the GPS Rugby, AIC Rugby and Langer Cup competitions.

In late August 2021, Josiah Pahulu was named in the Queensland City U17 squad for a two match series against a Queensland U17 Country squad with Josiah Pahulu starting the match from the bench coming on midway through the first half and making an immediate impact from a defensive perspective.

Playing twenty nine minutes Josiah Pahulu ran for fifty eight metres (twenty two post contact) and made fourteen tackles at a 93.33% tackling efficiency.

Josiah Pahulu started Round One of the 2020 Langer Cup school boy rugby league competition at lock against PBC and in Round Two against St Mary’s Toowoomba. Josiah Pahulu also started at lock and was the best player on the field in Round Three as Ipswich SHSH went down 22 – 16 against Keebra Park. Some of Josiah Pahulu’s defence was simply outstanding with his initial contact impressive as was his ball running including a couple of kick-off returns.

Josiah Pahulu started the Langer Cup semi-final against PBC in the front row and even though Ipswich State High School went down 34 – 6, Josiah Pahulu had an outstanding match including a great run from the opening kick-off and some outstanding defence including a superb hit mid-way through the first half.

In the Courier Mail 2020 Langer Cup Team of the Year, Josiah Pahulu was named on the interchange bench and in the Courier Mail 2020 Top 30 South East Queensland school boy rugby/rugby league list he was named at No. 23.

At the Ipswich State High School 2020 Sports Awards Night, Josiah Pahulu was named Player of the Season, Best Forward and Best Senior Rugby League Player. Late in 2020 Josiah Pahulu was also named in the front row in the 2020 Ipswich State High School Rugby League Team of the Year.

In November 2020, Josiah Pahulu was named in the 2021 Ipswich Jets MM Cup squad and Josiah Pahulu is also MM Cup eligible in 2022.

The powerful, ball of muscle Josiah Pahulu was a member of the 2019 Queensland U15 Emerging Origin Squad and was also part of the Titans U16 side starting in the right second row position in their annual match against the Newcastle Knights Harold Matthews Cup (U16) side in Coffs Harbour in January 2020.

The Titans came away from the match with an 18 – 14 victory in wet conditions and some of the charges (and tackles for that matter) that Josiah Pahulu made were just outstanding especially some of his kick-off returns.

In addition, one of his hit-ups when Josiah Pahulu took the ball from the dummy half he was exceptional and accounted for twenty five odd valuable metres the majority of which were post contact, with the Newcastle Knights half amongst others vainly trying to drag Josiah Pahulu down to no avail.

In early 2020 Josiah Pahulu was selected in the Ipswich Diggers U16 representative side for the U16 South East Queensland Challenge which unfortunately was cancelled due to the Covid 19 pandemic. Josiah Pahulu would have played matches against Gold Coast (two) and Brisbane based (three) sides in the Challenge. All of those sides were set to contain multiple Gold Coast Titans contracted players as well.

In early October 2019 Josiah Pahulu was part of the Titans U15 side that played a Balmain Tigers U15 side at Piggabeen in Northern New South Wales with the Titans starting in the second row and producing an outstanding display to win 36 – 14 with Josiah Pahulu starting the match in the right second row position for the Titans and producing some powerful charges into the Balmain Tigers defence including from restarts, both kick offs and drop outs from their in-goal.

Josiah Pahulu was one of the standouts for the Titans U15 sides in their February 2019 matches against another Titans side and the Western Mustangs at the U15 level at Mudgeeraba where he started at lock and produced an outstanding display of rugby league.

In the match, Josiah Pahulu scored a barnstorming try against the other Titans side, taking the ball off the dummy half on the right side of the field and crashing over from around ten metres out from the try line.

Josiah Pahulu made another powerful run of about thirty metres later in the day when he took a short pass inside his own twenty metre line and smashed his way to around the half way line before being brought down in a tackle that required multiple defenders to complete.

Josiah Pahulu also had two try assists in his matches, both coming from off-loads close to the opponents try line, on each occasion the support player was able to score reasonably easily. The first pass was popped out around one a metre from the line with Josiah Pahulu engaged with three defenders and the second was when he got halfway through the line before offloading.

As a result of his performances in the Titans games noted above and over recent seasons for the Springfield Panthers in the Ipswich Junior Rugby League competition and Ipswich State High School, Josiah Pahulu, in early 2019 originally signed a multi-year contract with the Titans then in October 2020 signed a new three year deal with the Titans.

Early in the 2019 season Josiah Pahulu trialled for a spot in the Met West U15 rugby league side and to say he was dominant at the trials would be an understatement including an outstanding try when he received an inside ball easily broke through the defensive line before scoring under the posts from around thirty five metres out.

Josiah Pahulu represented Met West, where for me was the stand out Met West player at the 2019 U15 QSSRL Championships, in particular Josiah Pahulu was outstanding in matches against Peninsula and Met East. Subsequently Josiah Pahulu was selected in the Queensland White side for the 2019 U15 ASSRL Championships.

At the 2019 ASSRL U15 Championships Josiah Pahulu played primarily in the right second row position for the Queensland White side, playing particularly on Day Two against New South Wales Combined High Schools.

Late in 2019 Josiah Pahulu was also named in the Ipswich Diggers U15 Development Squad. Josiah Pahulu was also a standout player for the Ipswich State High School Year Ten side in 2019 playing primarily in the front row for the Ipswich based school leading them to the Quarter Finals of the Brisbane Broncos Cup competition.

In 2018 Josiah Pahulu played for Springfield Panthers Black in the Ipswich U14 competition playing in ten matches and scoring eight tries for an 80% strike rate including a try in the Grand Final that his Springfield side was able to win 24 – 4 against the Redbank Plains Bears.

2018 also saw Josiah Pahulu represent Met West at the U14 level and from there he was selected in the South East Queensland U14 side for the Queensland Age Championships, where he played all four of their matches starting each in the front row.

In 2017 Josiah Pahulu represented the Ipswich Diggers at the U13 level and prior to that Josiah Pahulu represented Toa Samoa in a two day tournament in Auckland. In 2017 Josiah Pahulu was also named the Springfield Panthers International Player of the Year.

[GC Hornet]

Any details on the broncos titans U17 game on 28 Jan

venue?
time?
team lists?

Venue Burliegh Junior Fields
Time 5:00
Team List most likely under 17 Titians

1.Ray Ray Burliegh Bears 🐻
2. Isaiah Burliegh Bears 🐻

3 Sam Burliegh Bears 🐻
4. Sunny Burliegh Bears 🐻
5. Mason Burliegh Bears 🐻
6. Ryder. Southport Tigers 🐯
7. Zane Tweed Heads
8. Lafranky. Burleigh Bears 🐻
9.Nate. Burleigh Bears 🐻
10. Joey. Redcliffe
11. Anton. Burleigh Bears 🐻
12. Jack. Burleigh Bears 🐻
13.Cooper. Burleigh Bears 🐻
14 Zac. Helensvale Hornets 🐝
15. Amarni. Burleigh Bears 🐻
16 Corey. Logan Brothers
17

[mdrew]

Great to see the Titans sign second rower Majah Peachey. In mid-2022 Majah Peachey played for Western Australia in the U15 ASSRL Championships at Redcliffe.

In Western Australia Majah Peachey played for the Rockingham Sharks.

[mdrew]

Another strong addition to the Titans JTS Program by Jamie McCormack is young NZ second rower Devin Bates-Wellington who has officially signed with the Titans.

[mdrew]

Impresively Keano Kini started training with the Titans NRL squad on an NRL Development contract in early November 2022 with Keano Kini’s contracted then extended until the end of the 2025 season which included Keano Kini being part of the Titans Top 30 NRL squad in 2024 and 2025.

In early December 2022 Keano Kini took part in a joint training session betweed the Titans JTS contracted players and the Titans NRL squad.

In late January 2022 Keano Kini started at five eight for the Titans U19 side in a match at Pizzey Park against the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts side with Keano Kini being involved in the opening tackle of the match after Tom Weaver kicked off for the Titans to get the match underway.

After playing the first half at five eight Keano Kini moved to fullback for the second half with Jaylan De Groot moving to the left wing to accommodate the move.

After the forward battle subsided Keano Kini began to come into his own and in the 20th minute he almost manufactured a try for Jeremaiah Temapo when he created space on the right but Keano Kini’s overhead pass to Jeremaiah Temapo who put the ball down in the right corner was ruled forward.

Keano Kini was at it again in the 35th minute when he took the ball down a wide left blindside. Keano Kini ran at the line with the ball in both hands before dummying to his right to get part way through the defensive line. Keano Kini then held off one defender with his left arm propelling him and the attached defender from twenty five metres out to within four metres of the try line in an exceptional display of balance, body control and functional strength.

Keano Kini’s move to fullback in the second half did not dull his attacking threat and in the 47th minute Keano Kini made a great winding run of thirty metres. Keano Kini received the ball to the left of a Titans scrum win just twenty metres from their own line. Initially after running to his left Keano Kini was tackled by the right leg by the Burleigh right winger but was not brought to ground. After pulling his leg free, Keano Kini continued to charge forward, stepping off his right foot twice before straightening up his run with a left foot step and was eventually tackled near the halfway mark. After playing the ball, Keano Kini then received an off-load from Kyhan Weir who had taken the subsequent hit-up.

In the 70th minute Keano Kini produced a strong kick return when after taking possession of the ball from the kick on his own twenty metre line, Keano Kini got all of the way to the forty five metre mark, beating two tackles along the way.

In late July 2022 Keano Kini started at fullback for the U19 Future Titans Squad that played a North Queensland Cowboys U19 squad at Cbus Stadium as a curtain-raiser to the Round Twenty NRL match between the Titans and the Canberra Raiders with Keano Kini, in my opinion, being the best player on the field with a three try, one try assist effort in a Player of the Match performance.

Keano Kini scored his opening try in the 11th minute and what an absolutely superb solo try it was. Keano Kini took a North Queensland clearing kick in the centre of the field twenty metres out and immediately right to his right, running parallel to the defensive line before stepping off his right foot to burst between two defenders to race away downfield. As he approached the fullback near the halfway mark Keano Kini shaped to pass to his inside before stepping off his right foot to beat the fullback with Keano Kini then racing away to score in the right corner.

Keano Kini scored his second try just four minutes later in the 15th minute when he backed up a line break by Jack Cullen to receive the ball after Jack Cullen had drawn the fullback with Keano Kini racing away to score under the posts.

Keano Kini completed his hat trick in the 22nd minute when after good work from near the halfway mark from Jaylen De Groot, Keano Kini dived over in the left corner from close range after Kaleb Nagamanu had drawn the Cowboys fullback and passed to Keano Kini.

Keano Kini’s try assist came in the 53rd minute when Keano Kini received the ball around ten metres out on the left side of the field, Keano Kini cut to his outside, drawing in the Cowboys winger and got the ball away to his right to put Jaylen De Groot over to score in the left corner.

Keano Kini also made a line break in the 29th minute when he received the ball on the halfway mark after cutting back underneath Thomas Weaver with Keano Kini stepping off his right foot to isolate and beat one defender with Keano Kini making twenty metres through the centre of the field as a result.

Keano Kini made a further line break in the 63rd minute when from twenty eight metres out on the left side of the field, Keano Kini dummied to his outside before slicing through only to be tackled four metres out from the try line.

Keano Kini also did well in the 35th minute when after running onto the ball to the right of the play the ball, Keano Kini was able to get halfway through the line before getting away a good right arm off-load.

Keano Kini got a further off-load away in the 57th minute when after running the ball on the left side of the field twenty metres from the try line Keano Kini stepped off his left foot before getting an off-load away to his right to Oskar Bryant.

Keano Kini also had a strong match defensively starting inside the opening minute of the match when after the Cowboys fullback had made a line break through the centre of the field from the Titans first clearing kick of the match, Keano Kini took him in a great low one on one tackle near the halfway mark.

Then in the 6th minute along with Ryan Foran and Thomas Weaver, Keano Kini made a strong tackle on the North Queensland right second rower to prevent him from scoring just to the left of the uprights on the last tackle.

Keano Kini made a great take of a high Cowboys bomb in the 46th minute with Keano Kini leaping high to take the ball on the full just out from his own try line with Keano Kini subsequently being awarded a penalty for being tackled in the air.

In the 21st minute Keano Kini when just six metres out from his own try line took a Cowboys kick on the full over his head with Keano Kini breaking two tackles as he promoted the ball to twenty six metres out from his own line.

Whilst Keano Kini played the majority of the match at fullback, he did spend time on the left wing after swapping with Jaylan De Groot.

In mid-December 2021 Keano Kini was one of the Titans JTS Program players that took part in a joint training session with the Titans NRL squad.

In early November 2021 Keano Kini was named in the powerful 2022 Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup squad.

Round One of the 2022 MM Cup competition saw Keano Kini named at fullback for the Tweed Heads Seagulls against the Souths Logan Magpies.

Keano Kini had an outstanding match including a 19th minute try assist when from around ten metres out Keano Kini received the ball to the right of the play the ball but wide out on the left. Keano Kini initially ran towards the posts when his route was cut off Keano Kini changed direction and ran back to his left, getting on the outside of a number of Magpies defenders before drawing in the Souths Logan right winger and putting Matthew Barrow over in the left corner.

Keano Kini made his first line break of the match in the 6th minute when from inside his own half, Keano Kini forced his way into dummy half running to his left before straightening up and making fifteen metres. Then just two tackles later Keano Kini received the ball to the right of the dummy half and as he made contact with the Magpies A defender, Keano Kini spun 360 degrees clockwise to break contact and then made five more metres before he was brought to ground.

Keano Kini’s first run of the match came in just the third minute when from just inside his own territory Keano Kini took a hit-up to the left of the dummy half. Initially Keano Kini looked as if he would cut back behind the play the ball but at the last moment he ran to his left running parallel to the defensive line before straightening up to try to burst between two defenders.

Keano Kini made another strong run in the 60th minute when after a Souths Logan Magpies goal dropout fell short, Keano Kini raced forward taking the kick on the bounce at full speed around forty two metres out and ran to his left and getting the ball within eighteen metres of the try line with Keano Kini executing a quick play the ball with Taelon Te Whiu-Hopa scoring down the left blindside as a result.

Keano Kini was also named at fullback and captain for Round Two against the Redcliffe Dolphins and as usual was dangerous throughout including in the 33rd minute from a scrum move to the right with Keano Kini able to get around one Redcliffe defender, making twelve metres and stretching the Dolphins defence totally out of position.

Keano Kini produced another line breaking run in the 72nd minute when he cut back underneath Josh Lynn on the right side of the field around thirty five metres out. After receiving the ball Keano Kini straightened up his run, beating three Dolphins. Keano Kini was eventually caught by the Dolphins cover defence about a metre from the line, but Keano Kini was up on his feet to play the ball in the blink of an eye with Tweed Heads scoring on the left through Jared Johnson from the subsequent play.

After the Seagulls had a Round Three bye, Keano Kini was named to start at fullback in Round Four against the Easts Tigers however in a late change Keano Kini moved to start the match at five eight and cut the Tigers apart including scoring a well worked Seagulls try in the 19th minute.

From the Tweed Heads scrum win Keano Kini received the ball from the back of the scrum around twenty metres out and immediately ran to his left. Keano Kini then brought Josh Lynn back underneath with Josh Lynn sucking in multiple defenders before getting the ball back to Keano Kini in space. Keano Kini then palmed off one defender and sliced through the defensive line and crashed over ten metres to the left of the uprights.

The match also saw Keano Kini set up a try for Jett Forbes in the 74th minute. From a Tweed Heads scrum win on halfway, Keano Kini received the ball from the back of the scrum on the right side of the field and initially it appeared as if he would kick on the first tackle but Keano Kini had other ideas and raced through a gap before veering to his right to draw the Easts fullback and pass to his right to send Jett Forbes away on a run to the right corner.

Keano Kini also did well defensively including in the 12th minute when he along with Cooper Camby he produced a try saving tackle on the Easts left second rower who had run a straight crash line from close range.

Keano Kini was named to continue at five eight and captain in Round Five against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls however he was ruled out late in the week. Keano Kini was then named to start at five eight in Round Six against the Norths Devils but once again he was ruled out late in the week.

Through the opening six rounds of the 2022 U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition Keano Kini had run for the 13th most metres being 482 metres at an average of 161 metres per match and also made a three line breaks. Those figures are scary considering Keano Kini missed around 50% of the season through injury.

Keano Kini’s first match in 2022 for the Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup squad came in early February when he lined up against the Easts Tigers at Scott Park in Brisbane.

In March 2022 Keano Kini was selected in the South Coast School Boy Rugby League U18 Representative side after successfully negotiating the trials with Keano Kini starting Match One against Northern at fullback.

Keano Kini recorded a line break assist in just the 4th minute when after receiving the ball from his left near mid-field and twenty metres out from his own line, Keano Kini skipped to his left to get on the outside of one defender before drawing in the Northern right winger and then passed to his left to send Jeremaiah Temapo away down the left touchline.

Keano Kini came close to scoring in the 15th minute when after joining the South Coast backline on the right, Keano Kini stepped off his right foot twelve metres out and looked to have forced his way over near the right corner but the referee ruled that he had grounded the ball short of the try line.

Keano Kini continued at fullback in Match Two against Met North and had a great match including scoring an outstanding try in the 11th minute when on the right side of the field Josh Lynn ran to his right with Keano Kini running straight and hard receiving the ball back on the inside and from ten metres out was just too much for the Met North defence to crash over between two defenders ten metres in from the right corner post.

Keano Kini made his first line break in the abridged match in the 7th minute when after receiving the ball on the bounce twenty two metres out on the left side of the field Keano Kini cut back to his right running parallel to the defensive line before stepping off his right foot to slice through but he was cut down just two metres short of the line.

Keano Kini recorded another line break in the 22nd minute in what was the final play of the abridged match when from inside his own territory Keano Kini received the ball on the right side of the field and executed a great right foot step to break the line and was able to make twenty five metres into Met North territory before his run was halted.

The match also saw Keano Kini record a 20th minute line break assist when after receiving the ball just thirty five metres out from his own line and to the right of the play the ball, Keano Kini cut back to his left and whilst being brought to ground by two defenders was able to get the ball to his left centre who burst downfield.

At the conclusion of the Championships Keano Kini was named in the 2022 Queensland Open School Boy Rugby League Representative side and just prior to the commencement of the Championships, Keano Kini was named by the Courier Mail as the seventh best U18 Rugby League player in Australia.

At the Australian U18 School Boy Championships for Queensland, Keano Kini was the vice-captain.

Keano Kini started at fullback in Match One against the Australian Capital Territory and made the first of multiple strong runs in the 5th minute when he charged onto the ball to the left of the dummy half on his own forty metre mark and just prior to the defensive line stepped off his right foot to beat two defenders to make fourteen metres.

Then in the 8th minute Keano Kini was at it again when after receiving the ball to the right of a Queensland scrum win on the halfway mark, Keano Kini ran after the defensive line with the ball in his outstretched right arm before stepping back inside off his right foot to make fifteen metres.

The 15th minute of the match saw Keano Kini record a line break and line break assist when after receiving the ball to the left of the play the ball on halfway Keano Kini stepped off his right foot and after spinning 360 degrees clockwise after being hit by one defender got a great ball away to a charging Arama Hau after drawing in two defenders with the giant left second rower charging away.

Keano Kini also started at fullback in Match Two being the semi-final against NSW CIS with Keano Kini scoring a great try in the 34th minute when from a set play Keano Kini raced onto an inside pass and after receiving the ball thirty eight metres out Keano Kini burst through the centre of the NSW CIS defence after a slight stumble before an exceptional right foot step took Keano Kini past the fullback with Keano Kini getting the ball down under the posts on the second attempt.

Keano Kini was causing trouble for the NSW CIS defence as early as the 5th minute when he flew onto the ball to the right of the play the ball making twelve metres to get the ball to the halfway mark. Then just a minute later in the 6th minute Keano Kini darted to the right from a Queensland scrum win and after getting to the outside of a number of defenders Keano Kini was able to make fifteen metres before being slung to ground.

Keano Kini made seventeen more metres in the 27th minute when he charged onto the ball to the left of the play the ball to get the ball to the halfway mark and then was awarded a penalty when he was held down too long in the tackle.

As a result of his performance, Keano Kini was deservedly named Player of the Match.

Keano Kini also started at fullback in Queensland U18 ASSRL Championships Grand Final victory over NSW CHS with Keano Kini recording a try assist in the 36th minute when after receiving the ball to the left of the play the ball around twenty metres out, Keano Kini threw a great long cut out pass to his right to put Tory Bath into space down the right wing and over in the corner. Seriously what a pass!

Keano Kini showcased his outstanding skill set in the 9th minute when he took a NSW CHS grubber kick into the in-goal and did exceptionally get the ball out from the in-goal and back into the field of play.

Keano Kini was his dangerous self running the ball in the Championship Final and highlighted that in the 36th minute when after taking possession of the ball thirty five metres out, Keano Kini beat five tackles in a great winding run that initially started to the left of the play the ball before Keano Kini cut back to his left before Keano Kini was still able to get an off-load away.

Keano Kini’s performances over the course of the 2022 ASSRL U18 Championships saw Keano Kini named in the Australian School Boys Squad for their Fijian tour with Keano Kini presented with the No. 1 jersey prior to heading to Fiji.

Keano Kini started the first “test” of the tour at fullback against Fiji Schools with Keano Kini scoring one try and setting up another in a big Australian School Boys victory.

Keano Kini scored in the 57th minute when he burst onto the ball through the centre of the field from fifty five metres out with Keano Kini veering to his right to round the Fiji fullback and race away to put the ball down under the posts.

Keano Kini recorded his try assist in the 48th minute when after making a line break through the centre of the field, Keano Kini drew the Fiji fullback and passed to his right to send his support runner away to score untouched under the posts.

Post the 2022 ASSRL U18 Championships, the Courier Mail released a revised Top 50 Australian U18 Rugby League Players with Keano Kini moving up to third on that list.

Keano Kini was also noted by the Courier Mail by being named on various other lists including the Best Try of the Championships and one of the Most Explosive Players of the Championships.

Round One of the 2022 Langer Cup School Boy competition saw Keano Kini start at fullback for PBC State High School against Marsden State High School and put in a Player of the Match performance including scoring a great double in a big PBC SHS 44 – 0 victory.

Keano Kini’s opening try in the 12th was an absolute blinder. Keano Kini received the ball fifty five metres out from the line to the left of the play the ball. Upon receipt of the ball Keano Kini ran back to the right towards the centre of the field and to get through the line executed wicked right foot step. Once through the line Keano Kini easily outpaced the cover defence before another outstanding right foot step gave the Marsden SHS fullback no chance with Keano Kini racing past to dive over next to the left upright.

Keano Kini completed his double in the 56th minute when after PBC SHS spun the ball to the left Keano Kini flew onto the ball after cutting underneath Josh Lynn. Keano Kini received the ball off Josh Lynn twelve metres out and to the left of the uprights but whilst still two metres from the line crashed into the Marsden SHS hooker with Keano Kini reaching out with the ball in his right arm to slam the ball down under the posts.

The match also saw Keano Kini record a number of try assists with the first of those coming in the 19th minute when after receiving the ball to the left of the play the ball Keano Kini veered slightly to his left to draw in one defender an then throw a great short ball in the same direction to send Brady Turner through a gap and subsequently score from twenty metres out near the left corner post.

Then in the 27th minute Keano Kini threw the final pass for Michael Roberts try. Keano Kini chimed into the PBC SHS backline on the left and after looking to split the line himself Keano Kini was able to keep his right arm off the ground as he was being spun around in a tackle and then execute a right arm off-load to Michael Roberts who came back inside to crash over.

Keano Kini recorded his third try assist in the 37th minute after having the foresight to get his feet back into the in-goal and take a Marsden SHS bomb on the full. Keano Kini then raced out to the twenty metre mark to take a quick tap restart. Keano Kini exploded through the middle of the Marsden SHS defensive line and after making twenty three metres was caught from behind but Keano Kini was able to keep his right arm free and off-load to his left to Jett Forbes who raced fifty seven metres untouched to score.

In fact in the 32nd minute Keano Kini once again positioned himself well to take a bomb on the full I the in-goal and looked to have burst through the Marsden SHS defensive line from the quick twenty metre tap restart but the referee ruled that one of the PBC SHS players was in front of Keano Kini so brought him back to take the tap restart a second time.

Keano Kini’s opening contribution for PBC SHS came in the 4th minute with his first run of the match when he made ten metres whilst bringing the ball off his own try line. Keano Kini made a strong run out of dummy half in the 15th minute when after he ran to his right making fifteen metres to thirty metres out.

Keano Kini’s ability to position himself correctly came to the fore in the 9th minute when with Marsden SHS on the attack Keano Kini raced to his left to take a Marsden SHS grubber kick on the bounce on his own try line and even with the chase coming through Keano Kini was able to promote the ball to ten metres away from the line.

Keano Kini was then named at fullback for Round Two against Redcliffe State High School with Keano Kini scoring in the 49th minute when after receiving a good short ball from his right from Josh Lynn, Keano Kini ran the ball down a short left blindside to score five metres in from the left corner post after slicing through the Redcliffe SHS right sided defensive line.

Keano Kini also recorded a try assist in the 27th minute when after joining the PBC SHS backline to the right of the play the ball Keano Kini took the ball deep into the defensive line before throwing a hard cut-out pass to his right to put Jett Forbes over in the right corner from eight metres out.

Keano Kini made a strong run in the 25th minute when from his own twenty metre mark Keano Kini executed a number of right foot steps to make eighteen metres.

The match also saw Keano Kini make a great try saving tackle in the 29th minute he raced to his left and smashed the Redcliffe SHS right winger just as he was preparing to put the ball down in the right corner with Keano Kini’s heavy contact knocking the ball from the wingers grasp just short of the try line.

Keano Kini also did well defensively in the 47th minute when after the Redcliffe SHS left winger got to a kick before him just fifteen metres out from the try line, Keano Kini did not panic and made sure of the tackle on the winger to eliminate the danger for PBC SHS.

Keano Kini was also named to continue at fullback in Round Three against Coombabah State High School and came desperately close to scoring in the 23rd minute when after chiming into the PBC SHS backline to the right and around twelve metres out Keano Kini stepped his way past a number of defenders before being caught but Keano Kini was close enough to reach out with his right arm but the referee adjudged that Keano Kini lost control of the ball he was able to get the ball over the line.

Keano Kini recorded a try assist in the 12th minute when from twenty five metres out and to the left of the play the ball, Keano Kini burst onto the ball, cutting off his left foot before in the tackle of the Coombabah SHS fullback getting away a right arm off-load to Tanu Nona who was backing up on Keano Kini’s right with Tanu Nona subsequently crashing over under the posts.

Keano Kini recorded a second try assist in the 57th minute when after lining up to the right of a PBC SHS scrum around forty metres out, Keano Kini received the ball from the back of the scrum and ran to his right to draw in two defenders before throwing a cut-out pass to his right winger who raced down the right touchline to score in the corner.

Keano Kini recorded a line break assist in the 7th minute when from a PBC SHS scrum wing, Keano Kini ran the ball to the left, darting across field before drawing in the last Coombabah SHS defender on the left side of the field and got the ball away to his left to put Jett Forbes away down the left touchline on a forty metre run.

The first of multiple Keano Kini line breaks came in the 37th minute when Coombabah SHS put up a high bomb that Keano Kini took on his own twenty metre mark under heavy pressure. Keano Kini was able to step past two on-rushing Coombabah SHS players and burst thirty three centres through the centre of the ruck to get the ball into Coombabah SHS territory.

Keano Kini made a further line break in the 46th minute when he made twenty metres as a result of a good ball from his inside from Josh Lynn.

The 55th minute saw Keano Kini make another line break when he made twenty two metres from the left of the play the ball with fifteen of the metres that Keano Kini made of the post contact variety.

Keano Kini continued his strong match in the 59th minute when after receiving an inside pass, Keano Kini burst through the line, making seventy metres before getting the ball away to Jett Forbes who subsequently found Tanu Nona backing up through the centre of the field to crash over under the posts.

Keano Kini made his first run of the match in the 3rd minute when he took a hit-up to the right of the play the ball with a great left foot step enabling Keano Kini to make twelve metres to promote the ball to near the halfway mark.

Keano Kini did well from a defensive perspective in right on halftime when he along with Will Saunders, he was able to hold up the Coombabah SHS fullback over the line on the left side of the field after the fullback had cut inside from near the left touchline.

Keano Kini’s performance against Coombabah SHS was such that he was named at five eight in the Courier Mail Langer Cup Round Three Team of the Week.

After the mid-season break, Keano Kini continued at fullback in Round Four against Ipswich State High School.

Keano Kini did well in the 14th minute when after receiving the ball in the attacking twenty metre zone to the left of the uprights, Keano Kini cut back towards the goal posts and when he was ten metres out Keano Kini put in a right foot grubber kick into the in-goal and then chased his own kick through to tackle the Ipswich SHS fullback in-goal and force a goal line drop-out.

Keano Kini made good tackle in the 36th minute when he along with Josh Lynn and Tanu Nona held up the giant Ipswich SHS front rower No. 8 over the line and directly under the posts.

Keano Kini continued at fullback in Round Five against Mabel Park SHS with Keano Kini scoring a simply spectacular try in the 13th minute. I will try to describe the try but there is no way that I will be able to do it justice.

Keano Kini, in the 13th minute received the ball after running an underneath route and after receiving the ball from Zane Harrison Keano Kini charged flat out into the defensive line, spinning 360 degrees clockwise after initial contact with the defensive line and then Keano Kini executed multiple left and right foot steps in an instant to beat multiple defenders to score an incredible try under the posts.

In addition to his spectacular try Keano Kini also recorded a try assist in just the 2nd minute of the match when he joined into the backline to the left of the play the ball with Keano Kini running the ball to within three metres of the try line and after drawing in the final defender got away a great off-load to his left to put his centre over of the first of many PBC SHS’s tries.

Keano Kini showed that he is not just a great ball runner in the 16th minute when after reengaging the defensive line Keano Kini was able to get an overhead off-load away to Blake Forder to continue to promote the ball.

Keano Kini also executed an outstanding try saving tackle in the match when in the 35th minute along with Cooper Camby, Keano Kini hit the Mabel Park SHS left centre literally right on the try line, stopping him dead and knocking him to the ground just inches short of the try line.

Keano Kini also started at fullback in the Round Six local derby against Keebra Park SHS with Keano Kini making a strong run in the 36th minute when after receiving the ball to the left of the play the ball, Keano Kini cut back to the right being towards the centre of the field with Keano Kini executing multiple steps off both feet to make twenty five metres.

Keano Kini, from a defensive perspective executed a great tackle along with Isaiah Scanlon to stop a Keebra Park SHS dart out of dummy half from close range to prevent a near certain try.

Keano Kini continued at fullback in Round Seven against Wavell SHS with Keano Kini scoring in the 55th minute when he ran a straight hard line and burst between two defenders from twenty metres out with Keano Kini getting the ball down mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the right side of the field.

Keano Kini also recorded the first of his two try assists in the 28th minute when from twenty metres out from his own line, Keano Kini made a line break down the left touchline and after racing fifty metres downfield Keano Kini drew the Wavell SHS fullback and got the ball away to Blake Forder who raced away to score under the posts.

Keano Kini recorded his second try assist in the 22nd minute with a great catch and pass under heavy pressure on the right side of the field and ten metres out with Keano Kini’s great pass to his right giving Jett Forbes the room to dive over in the right corner.

Keano Kini also saved a try in the 26th minute when he raced across field to his right to smash the Wavell SHS left winger and knock him into touch with the corner post going flying as a result of the Keano Kini.

Keano Kini also made a strong run in the 12th minute when from the right of the play the ball and eighteen metres out from his own try line, Keano Kini was able to make fourteen metres.

Keano Kini continued at fullback in PBC SHS’s Langer Cup Quarter Final against Mabel Park SHS with Keano Kini scoring twice as PBC SHS qualified for the semi-finals.

Keano Kini’s opening try came in just the 4th minute when after receiving an off-load from Jac Finnigan sixty five metres out from the try line, Keano Kini ran to his right and after drawing the Mabel Park SHS left winger Keano Kini got the ball away to Jett Forbes who after running fifteen metres down the right touchline got the ball back inside to Keano Kini. As he ran towards the fullback Keano Kini stepped off his right foot and then immediately off his left to totally wrong foot the Mabel Park SHS fullback with Keano Kini racing to dive over to score in the right corner.

Keano Kini scored his second try in the 44th minute when from around ten metres out Keano Kini forced his way over the try line with three Mabel Park SHS defenders hanging off him to score seven metres in from the right corner post.

Keano Kini also recorded a try assist in the 20th minute when from twenty metres out Keano Kini threw a short to his left to Will Taylor who burst between two defenders before steeping off his left foot to beat the Mabel Park SHS fullback to score under the posts.

Keano Kini made line break in the 7th minute when after making a forty five metre stepping run through the middle of the Mabel Park SHS defensive line, Keano Kini’s pass to his right near the twenty metre mark went to ground.

Keano Kini made a further line break in the 14th minute when after taking a Mabel Park SHS kick Keano Kini made a thirty metre line break from the kick return after running to his right. Then in the 31st minute Keano Kini broke the Mabel Park SHS defensive line once again making twenty metres to get the ball two metres into Mabel Park SHS territory.

In the 24th minute, Keano Kini along with Reico Ratana and Tanu Nona did well to hold up the Mabel Park SHS No. 10 over the try line on the left side of the field. Then in the 48th minute along with Will Taylor, Keano Kini made a great covering tackle on the Mabel Park SHS hooker (No. 9) as he charged at the try line just to the left of the uprights.

Keano Kini was then named at fullback for PBC SHS in the 2022 Langer Cup Semi-final against Keebra Park SHS with Keano Kini scoring twice to propel PBC SHS into the Grand Final against Ipswich SHS.

Keano Kini’s opening try came in the 31st minute when Keano Kini received the ball to the left of a PBC SHS scrum win ten metres from the try line with Keano Kini sliding between two defenders to score ten metres in from the left corner.

Keano Kini scored his second try in the 37th minute and if you blinked you would have missed it. Keano Kini was on his own forty metre line as the Keebra Park SHS five eight ran directly at him after making a long line break with a support run to his right and Keano Kini’s left. At the last possible moment Keano Kini slid off the five eight just as he was passing the ball with Keano Kini taking the intercept cleanly.

After taking possession in the centre of the field, Keano Kini turned defence into attack and ran to his right getting to the right touchline before racing away to dive over in the right corner to score a truly spectacular try.

The intercept for his first try was not the only intercept that Keano Kini took in the match with Keano Kini taking another in the 41st minute when whilst defending on his own line with the Keebra Park SHS play the ball just a metre out from the try line they threw a cut out pass to PBC SHS’s right with Keano Kini flying off his line to take the intercept around four metres out from the try line with Keano Kini then making a winding fifty five metre run downfield.

Keano Kini was involved in PBC SHS’s first try of the match when in the 16th minute Keano Kini received the ball twenty metres out from the try line and on the left side of the field with Keano Kini stepping off his left foot to break the line with Keano Kini attracting multiple Keebra Park SHS defenders before being tackled by those multiple defenders two metres from the try line and mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field. Then even after being tackled by multiple defenders, Keano Kini was able to play the ball quickly with Michael Roberts being able to score from dummy half as a result.

Keano Kini took his opening run of the match in the 3rd minute when after letting a Keebra Park SHS kick go dead in-goal Keano Kini raced back to the twenty metre mark to take the quick tap himself with Keano Kini making seventeen metres.

Keano Kini made a great one on one low tackle on a rampaging Arama Hau in the 25th minute after the giant Keebra Park SHS lock had broken through the PBC SHS defensive line. Then in the 28th minute Keano Kini along with Jaylen Taewa and Tanu Nona stopped the Keebra Park SHS dummy half Dorian Lotaki just short of the try line after a great run out of dummy half just to the right of the uprights.

Keano Kini started at fullback for PBC SHS in the 2022 School Boy Langer Cup Grand Final against Ipswich SHS with Keano Kini’s first strong run of the match coming inside the opening minute when Keano Kini ran to his right out of dummy half making sixteen metres to get to twenty metres out from the try line and in front of the goal posts.

Then in the 33rd minute Keano Kini made eighteen metres down the right channel to get within thirty six metres out from the try line.

Whilst Keano Kini was his usual dangerous self in attack (until he was forced from the field), he was outstanding from a defensive perspective including a great sequence in the 33rd minute when initially Keano Kini made a great one on one tackle on the Ipswich SHS left centre who had made a line break and then on the next play Keano Kini made another great one on one tackle, this time on the Ipswich SHS left centre Tre Fotu just ten metres out from the try line to save what appeared to be a certain Ipswich SHS try.

Just two minute later in the 35th minute Keano Kini once again brought Tre Fotu who had made a line break with Keano Kini bringing down the centre with a strong low right shoulder tackle.

Then in the 38th minute when along with Caleb Te Momo, Keano Kini smashed the Ipswich SHS No. 14 forty metes out with the ball coming loose as a result of the heavy contact.

At the end of year PBC SHS Sports Awards night, Keano Kini was named the the winner of the 2022 Craig Weston Award as the best rugby league player in the PBC SHS Open age group.

At the completion of the 2022 School Boy Langer Cup competition Keano Kini was named at fullback in the 2022 Courier Mail Langer Cup Team of the Season. Keano Kini was also named as the second best School Boy Rugby League or Rugby player in the 2022 Courier Mail Top 30 school Boys.

In January 2021 Keano Kini started at fullback for the Titans U17 side in their annual match at Coffs Harbour against the Newcastle Knights U17’s and impressed in the deserved 32 – 20 Titans victory including scoring a special solo try in the second half which would not have been out of place in a State of Origin match.

As noted above, Keano Kini’s second half try was an absolutely special one. Keano Kini’s try started to the left of the play the ball with Keano Kini receiving the ball from the dummy half. Keano Kini immediately stepped off his left to beat the first (of many) Knights defenders and then cut back to his right across the face of the Newcastle defensive line, brushing past a couple of outstretched arms. As a Knights defender came out of the line, Keano Kini spun 360 degrees clockwise to generate a gap in the defensive line, ten metres out and then exploded through the gap forcing himself and the ball over the try line with three defenders still hanging off him five metres in from the right goal post.

Keano Kini also had an early second half try assist in the match when he put Seth Nikotemo into a gap to score from six metres away. In the second half Keano Kini moved up from fullback to spend time in the halves for the Titans with Blake Forder moving from the wing to fullback.

Keano Kini stamped his mark on the match in just the second minute. After the first five tackles of the match, Newcastle put in a clearing kick which Keano Kini took on the full over his left shoulder. Keano Kini immediately assessed the situation and seeing that the Knights had a shortened defensive line on the right side of their kick chase, Keano Kini exploded to his left, getting on the outside of the final Knights defender on the right of their defensive line, surging forty metres down the left touch line before eventually being corralled. The Titans scored the first try of the match two plays later, with the try being directly attributable to Keano Kini’s line break.

Wonderful stepping by Keano Kini was a key determinant in Keano Kini’s second half try, but the Knights should have known what was coming after getting a taste of his stepping ability when Keano Kini restarted play from a tap restart in the eighth minute of the first half after a Knights long kick went dead in-goal. Keano Kini took the tap from the twenty metre mark running to his left before producing a jump step off his right foot. On that occasion the Knights defence prevented a line break, in the second half they were not so lucky.

In June 2021 Keano Kini started at five eight for a Titans U17 side that played a Titans Northern Rivers U18 squad at Cbus Stadium as a curtain raiser to the Titans Round Fourteen NRL match against the Sydney Roosters.

The match saw Keano Kini dominate for long stretches including late in the second half when he scored in the left corner after a long Matthew Barrow break. In that period, Keano Kini also had a try assist when after he engaged the defensive line he got a great one arm off-load away to put William Semu into space to score untouched from long range.

Keano Kini also recorded a line break assist in the second half with a smart pass to hie left putting Matthew Barrow away for a fifty metre run down the left touchline.

Keano Kini was no less impressive in the first half, scoring one try and setting up another. Keano Kini scored when he backed up a long break from Arama Hau, receiving an off-load from his right to race forty five metres untouched to score.

Keano Kini’s try assist came whilst he was operating on the left side of the field. Keano Kini skipped on the outside of two Northern Rivers defenders on two occasions from twenty five metres out before drawing a third defender and offloading to William Semu who charged twenty metres to score near the left corner.

It was great to see in October 2020 Keano Kini named in the 2021 Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup squad.

Keano Kini started from the bench for the Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup side in their first 2021 trial which was against the Easts Tigers at Langland’s Park and was one of the Seagulls best in their 28 – 12 first up victory.

In Tweed Heads second 2021 MM Cup trial against Burleigh that Tweed Heads comprehensively won, Keano Kini played the first half at fullback and then came back on late in the match to line up at fullback once again and scoring late in the match.

Keano Kini’s late second half try was a typical fullbacks opportunist try when after loitering behind the play the ball Keano Kini loomed up on the left of Ryan Foran. Ryan Foran steamed onto the ball forty eight metres out from the line, utilising a slight step off his left foot to break through the Burleigh defensive line and then Ryan Foran positioned his support in Keano Kini perfectly to draw the fullback and pass to his left for Kini to sprint twenty five metres to put the ball down under the posts.

Keano Kini was in the action early in the match setting up a try down the left side of the field for Tweed Heads left second rower Jayden Wright, Keano Kini took the pass from the dummy half twenty metres out down a wide blind side. Keano Kini ran at the line with the ball in both hands before subtly adjusting his running line to his left and producing a good short ball to the left of his body to put Jayden Wright into a gap and from there the second rower was able to power over and score five metres in from the left corner post.

Keano Kini also produced an outstanding run in the first half, when from a Seagulls scrum win, Keano Kini ran to the left of the field, rounding three defenders and making twenty metres downfield but just as he was about to breakaway, Keano Kini was dragged down from behind. Keano Kini however won a penalty for his team after the run when the Burleigh defence would not allow him to get to his feet and execute a quick play the ball.

Keano Kini also started from the bench in Tweed Heads final 2021 MM Cup final against the Souths Logan Magpies at Logan, scoring early in the second quarter. Keano Kini came onto the left wing in the second quarter before playing fullback in the second half.

Keano Kini’s try came in the 25th minute of the match, he had stayed on the left touchline as the ball was being thrown out in his direction. Keano Kini received the ball from Kaleb Ngamanu who threw a long pass to his left to Keano Kini. Three Souths Logan defenders were coming across in cover defence, but at the last moment Keano Kini who had presented that he was going for the left corner, stepped back inside off his left, resulting in all three defenders sailing past. Keano Kini was then able to dive over to score five metres in from the left corner post.

Keano Kini’s first run of the match came off a Tweed Heads scrum win. Keano Kini had moved in from his left wing to be the first receiver to the left of the scrum, darting past two defenders whilst making fifteen valuable metres from deep in his own half.

Keano Kini produced another superb second quarter run and once again it was as first receiver from a scrum with a Tweed Heads feed ten metres from their own line. Keano Kini received the ball just five metres out from his own line and literally ran around the three Souths Logan right side defenders before beating one when he stepped back inside off his left. Keano Kini burst through four attempted arm tackles on defenders who were trying to keep up with his directional changes before he was hit high from behind with the Souths Logan defender being sin binned and put on report for the high hit. Keano Kini’s exceptional run had brought the ball an additional thirty metres away from the Tweed heads Seagulls line.

Keano Kini continued his dominant performance in the second minute of the third quarter with an outstanding offload and line break assist. After moving to fullback, Keano Kini chimed into the Tweed Heads backline on the left side of the field, going deep into the line before producing an outstanding right arm around the corner pass to put Ryan Foran into space.

Keano Kini continued his exceptional match later in the third quarter with yet another impressive run. Souths Logan received a penalty and kicked for touch but the Tweed Heads left winger was able to bat the ball back into the field of play. Keano Kini retrieved the ball inside his own twenty, immediately racing to his right at a 60 degree angle. As he approached the Souths Logan defensive line, Keano Kini stepped subtly off his left twice but bumping off one defender who tried to take him chest high before cutting back to his left to make an additional ten metres post contact. In total from when he retrieved the ball, Keano Kini make forty metres.

Keano Kini produced a further outstanding run a couple of minutes later from the second hit-up after Billy Mozer’s try. Taking a hit-up to the left of the play the ball, Keano Kini was initially hit behind the advantage line, but after breaking that tackle, he exploded down field to make ten metres.

A third impressive run in the third quarter came in the 8th minute of the quarter when Keano Kini looped around to a short left blind side from a Titans scrum win. Thomas Weaver received the ball from Blake Mozer who had packed in at lock and held the ball up as Riley Lack ran a decoy line, giving the ball to Keano Kini who made twenty metres downfield utilising his exceptional footwork to beat multiple tackles.

Just two minutes later, Keano Kini again broke through the Souths Logan defensive line after being the first receiver of a Titans scrum win. Keano Kini ran to the right after receiving the ball from the back of the scrum, stepping off his left to beat one defender, making fifteen metres downfield before eventually being brought down.

Keano Kini also showcased his outstanding top end speed in the second quarter. Souths Logan Magpies captain and five eight Ezra Mam broke through the Tweed Heads right sided defence and chipped over the fullback with a foot race ensuing. Keano Kini started ten metres behind Mam and on the opposite side of the field but within twenty five metres Keano Kini had caught and passed Mam in the race to the ball that had pulled up in the in-goal, ultimately knocking the ball dead.

Keano Kini started Round One of the 2021 MM Cup competition on the left wing before spending a significant portion of the second half at fullback as Tweed Heads took on the Ipswich Jets at home and set up the Seagulls first try of the match.

Thomas Weaver took the ball down a shortish left blindside and throwing a long cut out pass when he was forty eight metres out to his left to put Keano Kini away down the left touch line. Keano Kini flew down the left touchline, drawing the fullback and passing back to his left looking for Jaylan De Groot who was backing up on the inside. The Ipswich Jets right winger got his hand in the way to knock the ball towards the Seagulls try line with Jaylan De Groot retrieving the ball to run ten metres to score nine metres from the left corner post to cross for the Seagulls first try of the match.

One of the things that has stood out in his time in Australia has been Keano Kini’s willingness to bring the ball out of his own territory and against Ipswich that was highlighted in the 16th minute when he made elven metres from a hit-up bringing the ball out of his own twenty metre area.

In the second half with more room to move, Keano Kini had some good moments including in the 54th minute when he tracked back to retrieve the ball essentially on his own line, utilising his outstanding right foot step, Keano Kini easily beat the first defender down the field.

Keano Kini also started on the left wing in Round Two against the Souths Logan Magpies and like he did in Round One Keano Kini moved to fullback in the second half with Keano Kini scoring in just the second minute of the match in their 32 – 24 victory.

Keano Kini scored when he flew down the left touch line to dive over in the left corner, putting the ball down with his outstretched right arm after getting a gem of a pass from Jaylan De Groot.

Keano Kini also had a line break assist in just the 7th minute of the match. As he has all season, Keano Kini was the Seagulls first receiver from scrums, normally on the left side of the field. After receiving the ball, Keano Kini cut to his outside forcing the defender on his left to commit to the tackle and after driving into the line and drawing two defenders, Keano Kini threw a great ball to his left to put Kaleb Ngamanu into space down the left touchline.

Keano Kini’s speed and willingness to take the ball through the centre of the ruck was showcased once again in the 45th minute when he charged onto the ball just inside Souths Logan’s territory to the right of the play the ball. Keano Kini broke two tackles, making twelve metres before bouncing to his feet to generate a quick play the ball with Jaylan De Groot scoring due to the Souths Logan defence still back peddling from Keano Kini’s effort.

Once again in the 48th minute, Keano Kini took pressure off his forward pack when he took the second hit from the kick-off from Jaylan De Groot’s try, with Keano Kini breaking two tackles to get the ball out past the thirty metre line and then was awarded a penalty when the Souths Logan defence would not allow him to get to his feet for a quick play the ball.

Keano Kini continued his exceptional display in the 49th minute when he produced another line break when they got on the outside of his direct opponent on the left, breaking through the defensive line but unfortunately his pass back on the inside went to ground with a try potentially in the offing.

Keano Kini was literally everywhere and bobbed up once again in the 57th minute with yet another hit-up to the left of the play the ball, once again bring the ball out of his own territory, getting the ball up to the forty metre area.

Even with the game winding down and the Seagulls guaranteed the win, Keano Kini could not be kept out of the match. From a Tweed Heads scrum win on their own twenty, Keano Kini received the ball to the left of the scrum and literally ran around the Souths Logan right side defence to run twenty five metres downfield before cutting inside near the halfway mark to put a stamp on yet another impressive dare I say it, dominate performance.

Keano Kini once again started on the left wing in the Round Three Gold Coast derby against the Burleigh Bears scoring once again in the Seagulls victory.

As has become the norm, Keano Kini and Jaylen De Groot swapped positions on a number of occasions over the course of the match.

Keano Kini’s try came towards the end of the first half when he followed through a great break by Bailey Martin who off-loaded to his right to find Keano Kini in open space to run twenty metres untouched to score to the left of the uprights and bring the ball around from the left corner under no pressure.

Keano Kini had to be on his game in just the 9th minute of the match when Burleigh right second rower Seth Nikotemo put in a surprise chip ten metres out from the line. Keano Kini had to come off his left wing and dive forward to take the ball on the full less than a minute away from the try line. Keano Kini was then able to stay low to prevent being forced back into the in-goal.

The second half saw Keano Kini break through the Burleigh defensive line seemingly at will with the first of those occasions coming in the 46th minute when Keano Kini darted out of dummy half to his left. As soon as he was clear of the ruck, Keano Kini stepped off his right to get through the line and get Tweed Heads into Burleigh’s territory with Keano Kini making eighteen metres from the run.

Keano Kini broke the Burleigh line once again in the 50th minute. After Burleigh kicked to their right, Jaylan De Groot received the ball on the left and threw a long pass to his right that found Keano Kini in acres of space. Keano Kini stepped off his right to easily break through a fractured Burleigh defensive line, making thirty five metres downfield before finally being held.

Then in the 55th minute Keano Kini made his third line break in just ten minutes when he ran out of dummy half to his left, breaking two tackles before being tackled on the Burleigh forty metre mark after a twenty one metre run.

Unfortunately Keano Kini was unable to finish the match due to a lower leg injury with that injury forcing Keano Kini to miss the remainder of the 2021 MM Cup season.

In the Queensland Rugby League 2021 MM Cup Player of the Year Award Keano Kini was awarded two votes.

In mid-February 2021 Keano Kini was named at fullback in the school boy Oceanic Opens side for the South Coast school boy QSSRL U18 trial against Broadwater. Following the final round of trials, Keano Kini was named at fullback in the 2021 South Coast U18 school boy QSSRL squad.

After missing the opening two rounds of the 2021 Langer Cup school boy competition, Keano Kini started Round Three for PBC in a Gold Coast derby against Coombabah State High School, putting in a Player of the Match performance in PBC’s come from behind victory. Keano Kini’s initial involvement in the match came in the 3rd minute with his first run when he took a hit-up off the dummy half to the left making twelve metres.

Keano Kini dominant performance included a 33rd minute try when he took possession as PBC spun the ball to their left with Keano Kini collecting a Thomas Weaver pass on the bounce and exploding to his left through a gap and brought the ball around to put it down under the posts completely untouched.

Keano Kini almost scored a second try in the final minute of the match when from fifteen metres out on the left side of the field, Keano Kini stepped off his left foot to beat two defenders before charging at the line, initially it appeared that he got the ball down, but the referee adjudged that Keano Kini lost the ball just short of the line.

In addition to his try, Keano Kini made multiple line breaks with the first coming in the 8th minute with a line break after taking the kick-off after PBC’s opening try, making twenty metres before being brought to ground.

In the 18th minute Keano Kini made another line break when he took a Coombabah SHS clearing kick on the full and burst thirty metres downfield breaking three tackles. Keano Kini broke the Coombabah SHS line yet again in the 44th minute with the line break coming from what appeared at the start to be a regulation hit-up to the left of the play the ball thirty metres out from his own line. As he approached the defensive line, Keano Kini produced a devastating left foot step to slice through the line and then bamboozled the fullback with two left foot steps. Only after he got around the fullback and beat two more tackles was Keano Kini finally brought to ground.

Keano Kini continued at fullback for the Round Four blockbuster against Marsden State High School and was his usual elusive self including a great effort in the 9th minute when he retrieved a short Marsden SHS grubber kick into the in-goal and even with Marsden chasers everywhere, Keano Kini was able to step around a number of defenders to get the ball out of his own in-goal.

Keano Kini also produced an outstanding piece of play after the final siren. With Marsden SHS down by six as the final siren sounded, from fifteen metres from their own line Marsden kicked towards William Semu who charged onto the ball and flew down the left touchline and just as he looked as if he had beaten Keano Kini was able to produce a great desperate tackle to bring William Semu down just short of the line and save the match for PBC.

Keano Kini continued at fullback for the much anticipated Round Six local derby against Keebra park State High School and recorded a 53rd minute try assist when he ran at the line on the left side of the field, digging deep into the line before off-loading to his left to put his winger over in the left corner.

Keano Kini overall had a strong match including an impressive first kick return in just the second minute of the match when he was able to get the ball back to the halfway mark after taking receipt of the ball deep inside his own twenty metre area.

Keano Kini also started at fullback in Round Six against Mabel Park State High School and once again his ability to run parallel to the defensive line before exploding through the smallest of gaps was highlighted on numerous occasions including in the 55th minute when he exploded through a gap to comfortably break through the Mabel Park SHS defensive line, making thirty five metres for his progress was halted.

Keano Kini also scored for PBC in their 22 – 4 victory when in the 48th minute with the Mabel Park SHS defence back peddling Keano Kini ran the ball down a short left blindside, initially receiving the ball eighteen metres out before cutting off the left foot and then accelerating forward before diving over ten metres in from the left corner post between two defenders.

After the competition was suspended for a number of weeks due to a Covid 19 lock down, Keano Kini was named at fullback for PBC State High School in their semi-final against Keebra Park State High School with Keano Kini scoring the match sealing try in the 49th minute when after receiving the ball on the left side of the field around twenty metres out, Keano Kini dummied to his left before slicing through the Keebra Park defensive line to get the ball down ten metres from the left upright.

Keano Kini’s first of multiple outstanding contributions for PBC came in just the 2nd minute when Keano Kini made twelve metres to get to ten metres out after joining the backline on the left side of the field. Keano Kini then almost set up PBC’s opening try of the match with a great cut put pass to the left but the pass was desperately knocked down by the Keebra Park right winger.

Keano Kini then produced a great kick return in the 5th minute, bringing the ball back and running to his left before straightening up and taking the line on. Keano Kini was hit high in the subsequent tackle and was awarded a deserved penalty.

Keano Kini also recorded a line break assist in the match in the 19th minute when after receiving the ball, Keano Kini cut back to his left before straightening up and getting halfway through the line before throwing a great right arm around the corner pass to put Bailey Martin away down the left channel on a fifteen metre run.

Keano Kini made a line break of his own in the 18th minute with a strong run to his right, making fifteen metres from the second hit-up off the kick off from Jett Forbes first half intercept try.

Keano Kini continued his impressive ball running in the 57th minute with a strong run and right arm flick off-load to Brock Priestley to get the ball well into Keebra Park territory.

Keano Kini was also outstanding defensively in the match including a great one on one tackle on a rampaging Arama Hau in the 26th minute after the Keebra Park lock had broken through the heart of the PBC SHS defensive line.

Also on three occasions Keano Kini was able to hold up Keebra Park attackers over the line. The first of those occasions came in the 12th minute when he along with Ryan Foran and Thomas Weaver held up one of the Keebra Park front rowers over the try line.

In the 14th minute, Keano Kini along with Jayden Wright, Michael Roberts and Oskar Bryant held up Blake Mozer over the line and then in the 25th minute, Keano Kini, Michael Roberts, Brock Priestley and Bailey Martin held up Aram Hau over the line directly under the posts.

In the 2021 Langer Cup Grand Final against Marsden State High School, Keano Kini was named to start at fullback row for PBC and was his usual elusive self in the match including a 20th minute kick return of thirty metres. Keano Kini ran to his right after taking possession of the ball and getting between two defenders making the thirty metres before off-loading to Deine Mariner who was able to make thirty metre more.

Post the 2021 Langer Cup Grand Final, Keano Kini was named the joint Justin Hodges Medal winner for the most outstanding player in the 2021 Langer Cup competition. Keano Kini was also named at fullback in the Courier Mail 2021 Langer Cup Team of the Year.

Keano Kini was then named at fullback for PBC in the Queensland Open School Boys Final (Phil Hall Cup) against St Brendan’s College Yeppoon with Keano Kini scoring a double in PBC’s big 62 – 0 win.

Keano Kini’s opening try of the Grand Final came in just the 3rd minute of the match when Keano Kini received the ball on the left side of the field. When he was ten metres out, Keano Kini dummied to his left and then stepped off his left foot to get through the St Brendon’s initial defensive line before crashing over ten metres in from the left corner post.

Keano Kini scored his second try of the Grand Final in the 40th minute and it was the try of the match. St Brendan’s kicked downfield from inside their own territory with Keano Kini moving forward to take the ball on the move thirty metres from his own line. Keano Kini then split the St Brendan’s line and from there it was shut the gate with Keano Kini easily outpacing the cover defence to score near the right corner.

Keano Kini came oh so close to splitting the St Brendan’s defensive line in the 19th minute when he collected a St Brandan’s attacking kick just ten metres from his own line and burst downfield, getting over the twenty metre line before just being grabbed by his legs from behind. With the St Brendan’s defence still in disarray, the St Brendan’s defender was forced to hold Keano Kini down and concede a penalty.

At the end of the 2021 season, Keano Kini was named at No. 7 in the Courier Mail Top 60 school boys from the GPS Rugby, AIC Rugby and Langer Cup competitions.

In March 2020 Keano Kini was selected to captain the under 16 NZtag Black team that was due to compete in the 2020 Trans-Tasman Series however that competition was postponed as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic. Early 2020 also saw Keano Kini named in the initial New Zealand rugby league U16 representative squad.

Keano Kini was not able to play much rugby league in 2020 but was able to play First XV school boy rugby in New Zealand for Rosmini College, not bad at all for a 16 year old.

Keano Kini started the 2020 school boy rugby year at fullback (N0. 15) for Rosmini College in their pre-season match against Rangitoto Collage, and when he season proper started all six of Rosmini College's First XV matches at fullback, finishing second in the competition with five wins and just one loss.

Keano Kini started against Kaipara High School (Round One 59 - 0 win), Westlake Boys High School (Round Two 24 - 19 loss), TGS (Round Three 31 - 5 win), Massey High School (Round Four 14 - 0), Orewa College (Round Five 48 - 5 win) and Whangarei Boys High (Round Six 43 - 10 win).

Post the school boy First XV competition, Keano Kini was selected for the New Zealand Rugby Blues U18 training squad.

In October 2020 Keano Kini played for Kotahitanga in the 2020 New Zealand Maori tournament and post the competition of the tournament was named at fullback in the U17 All-tournament team.

Keano Kini started the Grand Final of the 2020 New Zealand Maori Tournament at fullback for Kotahitanga as they defeated Taranaki Whanau 36 – 12 with Keano Kini scoring a try and kicking two conversions in the victory. Keano Kini scored when he was operating on the right side of the field and chased through a chip kick, taking the ball on the full and rounding two defenders to score under the posts.

The NZ Maori U17 side featuring Keano Kini at fullback played a New Zealand Residents U16 team on 24 October 2020 at Rotorua International Stadium with New Zealand Maori going down 46 – 6.

In 2019 Keano Kini played for Marist Saints in the Auckland U16 Open Rugby League competition even though he was impressively still U15 eligible. To be fair Keano Kini did not just play in the Auckland U16 competition, he absolutely dominated it, finishing at or near the top of the competition in the try scoring, goal kicking and overall points scoring categories.

Keano Kini moved to the Marist Saints from the Northcote Tigers where he had previously played his entire junior rugby league with before the 2019 season. Keano Kini currently attends Auckland’s Rosmini College where amongst other sporting pursuits Keano Kini played rugby, including sevens in Year Seven.

In the 2019 Auckland U16 Open competition, even though he was still U15 eligible Keano Kini had some outstanding matches including scoring twenty eight points from three tries and kicking eight goals against Mangere East Hawks in Round One and eighteen points from two tries and five goals against the Te Atatu Roosters in Round Two.

Being Marist Saints primary goal kicker meant that Keano Kini was one of the Auckland U16 Open competitions leading point’s scorers over the course of the 2019 season and try scorers for that matter.
Keano Kini started at half for Marist Saints in their 24- 12 semi-final win over the Waitemta Seagulls to progress to the 2019 Auckland U16 Open Grand Final.

In the 2019 Auckland U16 Open Grand Final Keano Kini started at half for Marist Saints against the Pakuranga Kingz with Marist Saints coming away with a 22 – 8 victory, with Keano Kini kicking three conversions from four attempts with his only miss being his first attempt of the Grand Final from wide out to the right of the uprights.

Keano Kini also set up Marist Saints first try of the Grand Final. Early in the first half, Keano Kini, was operating on the right side of the field two off the ruck. After receiving the ball is space, Keano Kini ran at the line with the ball out in front of his body in two hands, accelerating as he went. Impressively Keano Kini ran at the gap between two defenders, drawing both before popping a great short ball to his right for his fullback to surge over.

Also in 2019 Keano Kini started at half and kicked a conversion for the Auckland U16 side in their NRL curtain raiser in May 2019 against an U16 Future Warriors side at Mt Smart Stadium.

Keano Kini was part of the Marist Saints side that toured Australian in July 2019 playing a number of matches including a match on the Gold Coast against a Keebra Park select side in prefect conditions on the Gold Coast at Keebra Park’s school campus. In that match Keano Kini kicked five conversions.

Keano Kini also started at half in another tour match against the Mudgeeraba Redbacks with Keano Kini kicking six goals as Marist Saints defeated the Redbacks 48 – 0, with Keano Kini also recording a try assist, when operating on the right of the field, he held the ball up beautifully to put the Marist Saints right centre away on a twenty metre run to score.

To cap off an outstanding 2019, Keano Kini was selected in the New Zealand U16 side that played a TAO Samoa U16 side in Auckland in October. Keano Kini played the entire match at half for New Zealand and converted their final try with six minutes to go from directly in front as his New Zealand side went down 26 – 20.

Even though he played the 2019 season in the Auckland Rugby League U16 competition and represented New Zealand at the U16 level, Keano Kini was still U15 eligible in 2019 and represented the Akarana Falcons in that age group in the 2019 New Zealand U15 National Youth Tournament, an impressive achievement.

On Day One of the Tournament Keano Kini started at half and scored for the Akarana Falcons as they defeated the Wellington Orca’s 40 – 10. On Day Two Keano Kini once again started at half back as his Akarana Falcons side won 12 – 0 against the South Island Scorpions to be unbeaten after two matches.

On Day Three Keano Kini had a huge match scoring a double and kicking four goals as the Akarana Falcons defeated the Northern Swords 48 – 4. In the Akarana Falcons semi-final clash against Wai Coa-Bay Keano Kini was once again at half and scored a double as the Akarana Falcons progressed to the Tournament final on the back of a 32 – 8 win.

In the New Zealand U15 National Youth Cup Final against the Manakua Stingrays Keano Kini led his Akarana Falcons side from half back to the New Zealand U15 National Youth Title on the back of a 18 -6 win.

At the conclusion of the Championship Final, Keano Kini was named the New Zealand U15 National Youth Tournament Player of the Tournament and was also named at half in the U15 All-Tournament Team to cap an outstanding week for the budding Titans super star.

In 2018 Keano Kini represented the Akarana Falcons at the New Zealand U15 National Youth Tournament including kicking four conversions on Day One against the exceptionally named Wellington Orca’s.

Rugby League recognition is not new to Keano Kini who in 2016 was named MVP of the U13 2016 ARL Jets camp, also making the merit squad from the camp and playing for the Auckland U13 side.

2016 also saw Keano Kini named MVP of the Auckland Rugby League Regional Representative season when Keano Kini played in the U13 competition.

Incredibly Keano Kini attended a Titans meet and great session in 2014 at the home of the Northcote Tigers. Obviously the Titans players that were there made a very positive impression that day on Keano Kini.

In addition to also dabbling in rugby Keano Kini is also an outstanding athlete being named U13 Auckland Athlete of the year in 2016 for his exploits in other sports such as tennis and athletics amongst others.

Keano Kini continues to have an outstanding athletes career with Rosmini College. In 2019 Keano Kini competed in the Auckland North Zone Athletics Championships, running in the 100 metre and 200 metre events.

In the 100 metres, Keano Kini finished third in the final running 11.99 seconds into a head wind after running 11.88 seconds in the preliminaries. Keano Kini also finished second in the 200 metre final running 24.26 seconds improving the time that he ran in the preliminaries which was 24.35 seconds.

Keano Kini also competed for Rosmini College in the 2018 Auckland North Zone Athletics Championships, representing his school in long jump and the 100 metre and 200 metre spring events.

In the long jump Keano Kini finished second with a jump of 5.28 metres. In the 100 metres sprint Keano Kini finished sixth in the final running 11.65 seconds after running 12.50 in the preliminary round. In the 200 metre final Keano Kini finished second running 25.69 seconds after improving from running 25.95 seconds in the preliminary round.

In 2016 Keano Kini had an outstanding year from an athletics perspective including being awarded an Integrated Schools Sporting Award for winning a gold, silver and bronze medal at the Colgate Games and two gold medals at the Trans-Tasman Athletics Championships.

In 2016 Keano Kini was named the Rosmini College Intermediate Athlete of the Year after winning the long jump, 100 metres and 200 metres sprint races at the school athletics championships. Keano Kini jumped 5.87 metres to win the long jump, ran 11.65 seconds to win the 100 metres and 23.7 seconds to win the 200 metre sprint.

To round off an impressive 2016 Keano Kini represented Rosmini College in basketball at the NZCT AIMS Games, ultimately being named in the boys merit side after leading Rosmini College to a second place finish.


Young New Zealand born half or five eight Braxton Wilson-Clune has headed over to Queensland with an extensive rugby league resume behind him in New Zealand.

Just prior to moving to Queensland Braxton Wilson-Clune trialled for a spot in the New Zealand Warriors 2023 U18 squad. Braxton Wilson-Clune had been part of the Warriors Development Program for a number of seasons.

Also in 2022 Braxton Wilson-Clune played for the Dannevirke Tigers and was also part of the Mid-Central Vipers u18 side that took part in the 2022 New Zealand Rugby League National Youth Championships.

Over the last couple of seasons, Braxton Wilson-Clune has been selected in multiple New Zealand Māori Representative Teams including in 2019 (NZ Māori U14), 2020 (U15) and 2022 (U17).

Braxton Wilson-Clune is also an outstanding touch player and has represented New Zealand at both the U16 and U18 levels.

[mdrew]

Great to see an article on the Official site about this weekend’s JTS matches against Newcastle.

https://www.titans.com.au/news/2023/01/18/future-titans-ready-for-newcastle-clash-in-coffs-harbour/

[Hail Sezer]

Great to see an article on the Official site about this weekend’s JTS matches against Newcastle.

That 17's team should be very strong if Zane doesn't get pushed to 19's. Very talented group.

[mdrew]

I am looking forward to see how Casino Cougars junior Jack Hannigan goes this weekend for the Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup side in their trial against the Souths Logan Magpies.

The young halfback had a strong 2022 season in the NRRRL U18 competition for the Cougars and he is looking to continue his development in 2023 in the MM Cup competition.

[mdrew]

In late January 2022 Elijah Lui started on the left wing for the Titans U19 side in a match at Pizzey Park against the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts side with Elijah Lui scoring in the left corner literally as the fulltime siren sounded.

With less than a minute to go, the Titans spun the ball to their right and after some good work from Arama Hau and Thomas Weaver the ball found its way back to the left and into the hands of Jaylan De Groot who drew the Burleigh right winger and passed to Elijah Lui who had an easy five metre run to put the ball down in the left corner.

Elijah Lui made his first line break of the match in the 7th minute when he got away down the left touchline from deep inside his own territory from a long cut-out pass from Oscar Bryant. Unfortunately as Elijah Lui looked to pass the ball back inside near the halfway mark, the ball went to ground.

Elijah Lui also was solid defensively in the match including in the 8th minute when he along with Kaleb Ngamanu they prevented a Burleigh try in the left corner when the two Titans players stopped the Bears right winger centremetres from the line and then forced him into touch.

In mid-December 2021 Elijah Lui had the opportunity to train with the Titans NRL squad in a joint training session between the Titans NRL squad and the Titans JTS Program Squads.

In late 2021 it was confirmed that Elijah Lui would play the 2022 season as part of the Burleigh Bears Hastings Deering’s Colts squad and Elijah Lui is also Colts eligible in 2023.

Round One of the 2022 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition saw Elijah Lui named on the left wing for the Burleigh Bears as they got their season underway against the Redcliffe Dolphins and also was named to start on the left wing in the Round Seven local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls however Elijah Lui was a late scratching from the Burleigh side.

Elijah Lui started on the left wing in Burleigh’s first official 2022 trial against the Tweed Heads Seagulls with Elijah Lui throwing the final pass to put Dion Samuela into space and over from thirty metres out in the left corner. The play prior to the try saw Burleigh make a long break down the right side of the field from their own line. Elijah Lui came all of the way over to the other side of the field to be a link man receiving the ball near mid-field and running to his left drawing the final Seagulls right sided defender and then passing to an unmarked Dion Samuela.

The talented young 2021 Keebra Park student was in early November 2020 named to be part of the 2021 Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup squad.

Elijah Lui started on the wing for the Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup side in their first 2021 trial which was against the Easts Tigers at Langland’s Park as Tweed Heads commenced their season with an impressive 28 – 12 victory.

In the Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup sides second trial against Burleigh, Elijah Lui started the second half on the right wing. Elijah Lui produced some impressive runs off his wing when Tweed Heads were bringing the ball out of their own territory. In relation to those runs, Elijah Lui literally just ran flat out at the line. Elijah Lui also leapt high to take a huge spiralling mid-field bomb on the pull, highlighting both his leap and safe hands.

Elijah Lui had some other good moments in the match, one being when he chased through a long Seagulls kick to the left corner, Elijah Lui charged downfield and along with Reef Sommerville and Reico Ratana got to the Burleigh fullback and dragged him back into the in-goal area, forcing Burleigh to drop the ball out from their own line.

In Round One of the 2021 MM Cup competition, Elijah Lui was named as the Seagulls 18th man against the Ipswich Jets and was named on the Seagulls extended bench for Round two against the Souths Logan Magpies as well as for Round Three against the Burleigh Bears.

Elijah Lui was also named on the Seagulls extended bench for their Round Four match against the Ipswich Jets and for Round Five against the Souths Logan Magpies.

Elijah Lui came into the Seagulls side, starting at fullback for the final regular season round of the 2021 MM Cup competition in the local derby against the Burleigh Bears.

After initially being named on the Tweed Heads extended bench for the 2021 MM Cup semi-final against Wynnum Manly, Elijah Lui in fact started the match on the left wing, making the most of his promotion with an outstanding second half try.

Elijah Lui’s try came in the 56th minute of the match. When he backed up on the inside of a long Thomas Weaver break down the left touchline. As he approached the fullback, Thomas Weaver kicked the ball forward with Elijah Lui outpacing the Wynnum Manly defence. As he approached the ball and the try line, the ball sat up perfectly for Elijah Lui who took the ball and dived over.

Prior to his try, Elijah Lui made a strong run out of dummy half to the right, making fifteen metres after cutting back behind the play the ball making fifteen metres to get the ball outside his own thirty metre area.

Elijah Lui was also heavily involved in Jaylan De Groot’s 45th minute try when after being put away down the left touchline by a great Kaleb Ngamanu pass put in an inside kick which Ryan Foran retrieved and passed to his right to Jaylan De Groot who dived over under the posts.

Not long before his involved in the afore mentioned Jaylan De Groot try, Elijah Lui made another line break when he was put away down his wing by Kaleb Ngamanu only for Elijah Lui to be tackled less than ten metres from the try line.

In the 2021 MM Cup Queensland Grand Final against the Townsville Blackhawks, Elijah Lui once again started on the left wing as the Seagulls won the MM Cup Grand Final for the second (played) season in a row.

In February 2021 Elijah Lui took part in the South Coast Open school boy trials and was named on the wing in the South Coast Open A school boy side as a result of his trial performances.

Elijah Lui started South Coast’s Day One match against Met North on the right wing and in just the 2nd minute of the match made a ten metre run down the left sideline to get to within eight metres of the try line. Elijah Lui displayed calm nerves and courage in the 13th minute when he came forward to take a difficult kick-off on the full under intense pressure.

Round One of the 2021 Langer Cup School Boy Rugby League competition saw Elijah Liu start at fullback for Keebra Park State High School against Keebra Park.

Elijah Liu also started at fullback in Round Two against Mabel Park and almost scored in the 9th minute when he chimed into the backline on the left side of the field however he was held up in the left corner.

Elijah Liu made a line break in the 25th minute when he came forward to take a Mabel Park dropped ball just ten metres from his own line and sliced through the defence, making fifty five metres from before being tackled from behind, Elijah Liu then attempted to get to his feet quickly but was held down and was awarded a penalty as a result.

Round Three against Ipswich State High School saw Elijah Lui named on the bench for Keebra Park but he was back in the starting side on the left wing for Round Four against St Mary’s College Toowoomba.

The Round Five local derby against PBC saw Elijah Lui continue on the left wing and scored Keebra Park’s opening try in the match in the 23rd minute with a try in the left corner after he had taken the cut-out pass above is head.

Elijah Lui came close to a second try in the 37th minute when after a great off-load from Immanuel Kalekale Elijah Lui raced down the left touchline and kicked forward for himself when confronted by PBC fullback Keano Kini. Keano Kini got back to the ball first but Elijah Lui was able to force Keano Kini into the in-goal to force a goal line drop out.

Elijah Lui continued on the left wing in Round Six against Wavell State High School and scored three first half tries as Keebra Park held on to win 18 – 16.

After the competition was suspended for a number of weeks due to a Covid 19 lock down, Elijah Lui was named on the left wing for Keebra Park State High School in their semi-final against PBC State High School with Elijah Lui scoring Keebra Park’s opening try of match in the 32nd minute when he ran onto a great long cut out pass from De’Ontae Perese and then was able to outpace the PBC cover defence to dive over in the left corner.

At the 2021 Keebra Park State High School Sports Awards Night Elijah Lui was named on the wing in the 2021 Keebra Park Team of the Year.

Post the completion of the 2021 Langer Cup competition, Elijah Lui was named on the wing in the Courier Mail’s 2021 Langer Cup Team of the Season.

At the end of the 2021 season, Elijah Lui was named at No. 47 in the Courier Mail Top 60 school boys from the GPS Rugby, AIC Rugby and Langer Cup competitions.

In 2020 Elijah Lui had an outstanding season for the Keebra Park school boy rugby league side in the 2020 Titans Cup Division One school boy rugby league competition, including starting the Grand Final of the competition at fullback against Marsden State High School.

In the Grand Final that Keebra Park won 18 – 0 Elijah Lui scored a great Keebra Park long range try, through a break down the left side of the field, with Elijah Lui backing up on the inside and receiving an inside pass to finish an outstanding Keebra Park long range movement early in the second half to extend Keebra Park’s lead.

Elijah Lui also had an outstanding earlier round match in the Titans Cup Division One competition against Marymount College when once again from fullback, Elijah Lui scored a double as Keebra Park accounted for their Gold Coast school rivals.

Elijah Lui’s first try came in the first half down the left side of the field when he backed up a break by his left second rower and was able to bring the ball around to put it down under the posts.

Elijah Lui’s second try came in the second half, when he looped around to the right, receiving the ball from his five eight two passes off the ruck and sliced through the Marymount defence twenty metres out from the line before beating the fullback with a right foot step to score ten metres from the right goal post.

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Recently Titans contracted Gazniah To’omaga played for Keebra Park in the 2022 Hancock Cup School Boy competition.

Gazniah To’omaga started at lock in Round Five against Forest Lake SHS and what a match the young man had including scoring a try, making two line breaks and kicking a conversion in the 10th minute from four metres in from the left touchline.

Gazniah To’omaga scored a strong solo try in the 11th minute when Gazniah To’omaga charged onto the ball to the right of the play the ball and from fifty five metres out Gazniah To’omaga burst between two defenders before stepping off his right foot at full pace to beat the fullback with Gazniah To’omaga then charging away to score adjacent to the left upright.

Gazniah To’omaga’s initial line break came in the 21st minute when Gazniah To’omaga ran onto the ball to the left of the play the ball right on the halfway mark with Gazniah To’omaga easily breaking through three tackles to get the ball within twenty metres of the try line.

Gazniah To’omaga recorded a further line break in the 41st minute when after taking possession of the ball to the right of the play the ball and to the right of the play the ball, Gazniah To’omaga immediately cut back to the area behind the play the ball with Gazniah To’omaga breaking multiple tackles in a thirty metre charge.

Gazniah To’omaga continued at lock in Round Six against PBC SHS with Gazniah To’omaga recording a try assist in the 20th minute when after making a line break from sixty metres out by way of a left foot step, Gazniah To’omaga drew the PBC SHS fullback before passing to his left to put his fullback over to score under the posts.

Gazniah To’omaga continued at lock row against Marsden SHS.

2022 also saw Gazniah To’omaga continue to play for the Southport Tigers in the Gold Coast Junior Rugby League U14 Division One competition, leading the Tigers to a Grand Final appearance against the Burleigh Bears with Gazniah To’omaga starting the Grand Final at Cbus Stadium at lock.

Gazniah To’omaga also had a strong match in Round Fourteen against the Beaudesert Kingfishers coming off the bench to operate at lock with Gazniah To’omaga making a strong line break in the 33rd minute when after packing into a scrum with a Southport feed ten metres out from the Tigers try line, Gazniah To’omaga after packing at lock, Gazniah To’omaga picked up the ball and ran to his left and used a left arm fend to break through the Beaudesert defensive line and charge seventy metres downfield before being tackled from behind.

Gazniah To’omaga made another line break in the 40th minute when from fifty five metres out and to the right of the play the ball Gazniah To’omaga broke through the defensive line and was able to promote the ball forty metres downfield.

In September 2022 Gazniah To’omaga was named in the South Queensland Māori U14 Tuakana representative squad starting Round One of the QPICC Carnival at lock against Queensland Tonga with Gazniah To’omaga scoring in the 36th minute when after receiving the ball to the right of the play the ball and around twelve metres out, Gazniah To’omaga stepped off his right foot and whilst surging the try line, Gazniah To’omaga broke through four attempted tackles and then carried four more defenders over the try line to get the ball down three metres to the left of the uprights.

Gazniah To’omaga also scored in the semi-final also against Samoa and also started at lock in Maori’s three other matches including their Grand Final victory agaisnt PNG.

In the semi-final against Samoa, Gazniah To’omaga on the stroke of halftime (20th minute) when from eight metres out and to the right of the play the ball, Gazniah To’omaga after receiving the ball stepped off his right foot to easily beat one defender with Gazniah To’omaga carhsing through two more defenders to score next to the right upright.

Gazniah To’omaga also recorded a 12th minute line break assist when from forty metres out and to the right of the play the ball, Gazniah To’omaga ran the ball at the Samoa defensive line before popping a good short ball to his right to put Cavell Tuilaepa into a gap with the front rower coming very close to scoring as a result.

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At the 2022 Marymount College Sports Presentation Awards Sam McAlister was named the Marymount College Rugby League First XIII Best Forward.

Sam McAlister was also part of the 2022 Marymount College Confraternity Carnival side and at the completion of the carnival Sam McAlister was awarded the Marymount College Scott Casselle With Spirit Award.

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Late last year Titans contracted Cooper Bai was named the 2022 Marymount College Year Nine/Ten Rugby League Best and Fairest.

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The younger brother of Titans NRL standout Jojo Fifita, Viliami Fifita like his older brother is attending The Southport School (TSS) on the Gold Coast but unlike his older brother Viliami Fifita is a forward and in addition to playing school boy rugby for TSS like Jojo, Viliami Fifita plays rugby league on the Gold Coast including starting in the front row in the Burleigh Bears GCRL U14 Division One side including starting in the 2023 Grand Final against the Southport Tigers.

In early December 2022 Viliami Fifita attended a joint training session for the Titans JTS Program members with the Titans NRL squad in a great experience for the JTS squad members that is held on an annual basis before signing a three year contract with the Titans.

In 2022 in addition to playing for the Burleigh Bears Junior Rugby League club, Viliami Fifita played for the TSS U14A side in the GPS School Boy Rugby competition.

After starting all of the TSS U14A trials at No. 3 being tight head prop, Viliami Fifita also started Round One of the 2022 GPS U14A school boy rugby competition at tight head prop against St Joseph’s Nudgee College with Viliami Fifita named as TSS U14A’s equal best forward in the match.

With TSS having a Round Two bye Viliami Fifita continued at tight head prop in a trial match against Downland’s College with Viliami Fifita setting up a try for Max Kahler in a big TSS U14A victory.

Viliami Fifita backed up his performance with a player of the match effort in Round Three against Toowoomba Grammar School with Viliami Fifita scoring twice in a Player of the Match performance.

Viliami Fifita continued at tight head prop in Round Four against Anglican Church Grammar School and scoring once again and once again being named the TSS Player of the Match in Round Five against Brisbane Grammar School.

Viliami Fifita started in all of the remaining TSS U14A GPS School Boy matches in 2022 except for Round Seven when Viliami Fifita came off the bench against Gregory Terrace.

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The Titans have signed Helensvale Hornets Junior forward Jyah White to a two year contract with the 15 year old just starting his rugby league journey after an outstanding 2022 season for the Hornets in the GCRL U14 Division One competition.

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Impressively on November 1, 2022, Kaleb Ngamanu commenced training in the Titans NRL off-season program on a train and trial basis.

In early December 2022 Kaleb Ngamanu took part in a joint training session betweed the Titans JTS contracted players and the Titans NRL squad.

Kaleb Ngamanu undertook the 2021/22 pre-season with the Titans NRL squad as a member of the Titans Rookie Squad looking to impress Justin Holbrook and the other NRL coaches in the pre-Christmas portion of the 2021/22 off-season.

It is an absolute coup that the Titans have kept Kaleb Ngamanu in rugby league and away from the clutches of the likes of the Queensland Reds and even better that in late January 2022 Kaleb Ngamanu once again resigned with the Gold Coast Titans for a further two seasons.

In early May 2022 Kaleb Ngamanu was named in the Queensland U19 Rugby League Representative side for their annual match against New South Wales with Kaleb Ngamanu named on the Queensland extended bench for the match.

In late January 2022 Kaleb Ngamanu started at left centre for the Titans U19 side in a match at Pizzey Park against the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts side.

Kaleb Ngamanu was solid defensively in the match including in the 8th minute when he along with Elijah Lui they prevented a Burleigh try in the left corner when the two Titans players stopped the Bears right winger centremetres from the line and then forced him into touch.

Kaleb Ngamanu made another strong defensive effort in the 64th minute when he brought down his opposite number Tuvalli Khan-Pereira with a scything low tackle less than ten metres from the try line to stop Burleigh’s attacking move dead.

Kaleb Ngamanu made a number of strong runs as well including a good effort in the 11th minute when he made a hard ten metres to get the ball to twenty metres away from his own try line. Kaleb Ngamanu continued his strong match in the 27th minute when a ten metre effort out of his own twenty metre area, bumping off one Bears defender who attempted to tackle Kaleb Ngamanu around the chest.

In late July 2022 Kaleb Ngamanu started at left centre for a Titans U19 side that played their annual match against the North Queensland Cowboys that was played as a curtain raiser at Cbus Stadium to the Titans Round Twenty NRL match against the Canberra Raiders with Kaleb Ngamanu recording a try assist in the 22nd minute when after good work on his inside by Jaylen De Groot, Kaleb Ngamanu received the ball ten metres out from the try line and then drew the fullback to put Keano Kini over in the left corner.

Kaleb Ngamanu made a strong run in the 47th minute when a strong run down a short left blindside with Kaleb Ngamanu making sixteen metres being tackled five metres out with Kaleb Ngamanu doing very well to stay in the field of play with multiple defenders trying in vain to get him into touch.

Kaleb Ngamanu made another strong run in the 52nd minute with a sixteen metre run down a left blindside to get the ball ten metres into North Queensland territory.

Kaleb Ngamanu’s initial significant contribution in the match was form a defensive perspective and came in the 5th minute when Kaleb Ngamanu ran to his right to make a great covering tackle on the Cowboys right winger who had broken away down the touchline.

Round One of the 2022 Queensland Cup competition saw Kaleb Ngamanu named on an extended for the Tweed Heads Seagulls as they took on the Easts Tigers and Kaleb Ngamanu was also named on the Seagulls extended bench for Round Two against the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

Round Three of the 2022 Queensland Cup competition saw Kaleb Ngamanu named to start on the left wing for his debut match for the Tweed Heads Seagulls against the Norths Devils with Kaleb Ngamanu having a very very solid Queensland Cup debut.

Playing the entire eighty minutes Kaleb Ngamanu ran for ninety two metres (forty nine post contact), made a line break, played the ball at an average speed of 3.26 seconds and made eight tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Kaleb Ngamanu played his second Queensland Cup match in Round Ten against the PNG Hunters when he started on the left wing. Playing all eighty minutes Kaleb Ngamanu ran for ninety four metres (thirty four post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 3.28 seconds, made a line break and made three tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Kaleb Ngamanu continued on the left wing in Round Eleven against the Ipswich Jets with Kaleb Ngamanu scoring his career first Queensland Cup try in the 25th minute when he was on the end of a sweeping backline movement to his left wing with Kaleb Ngamanu receiving the ball six metres and flying over to score in the left corner.

Playing all eighty minutes Kaleb Ngamanu ran for 123 metres (forty one post contact), made a line break, broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 3.79 seconds and made a tackle.

Kaleb Ngamanu was back on the left wing in Round Seventeen being the local derby against the Burleigh Bears with Kaleb Ngamanu scoring in the 53rd minute when after receiving a right arm around the corner off-load from Ioane Seuili, Kaleb Ngamanu had a six metre run down the touchline to dive over to score in the left corner.

Playing all eighty minutes of the match Kaleb Ngamanu ran for seventy six metres (seventeen post contact), broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 3.68 seconds and made three tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Kaleb Ngamanu also started at left centre in Round Sixteen against the Townsville Blackhawks as well as Round in Round Seventeen against the Easts Tigers.

In total in the 2022 Queensland Cup competition Kaleb Ngamanu played in four matches, scoring twice. Kaleb Ngamanu also broke two tackles, made four line breaks, made fifteen tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency and ran for 387 metres at a per game average of ninety six metres.

Also in late 2021 Kaleb Ngamanu was part of the Titans NRL squad that undertook a joint training session with ninety members of the Titans JTS Program.

In late 2021 it was confirmed that Kaleb Ngamanu would play the 2022 season as part of the Tweed Heads Seagulls Hastings Deering’s Colts squad and Kaleb Ngamanu is also Colts eligible in 2023.

Kaleb Ngamanu was also named at left centre in the Round Two local derby against the Burleigh Bears with Kaleb Ngamanu making twenty five metres down the left touchline in just the 3rd minute of the match before off-loading to Brent Barnes to his left.

Kaleb Ngamanu showed that he is prepared to be the hard work in the 8th minute when he charged onto the ball deep inside his own twenty metre area, making a strong, hard fourteen metres. Kaleb Ngamanu also made some hard metres in the 44th minute directly from the kick-off to Brent Barnes early second half try. Kaleb Ngamanu executed a further strong run in the 75th minute making twelve metres from a Tweed Heads penalty restart to get the Seagulls into the attacking twenty metre zone.

Kaleb Ngamanu continued at left centre in Round Three against the Townsville Blackhawks with Kaleb Ngamanu coming out of the line with Townsville on the attack ten metres from the try line to smash the Blackhawks fullback with a great driving right shoulder tackle.

Kaleb Ngamanu came out of the line once again in the 52nd minute and smashed his opposite number over the top just twenty metres from the try line.

Kaleb Ngamanu also started at left centre in Round Six against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls and recorded a 10th minute line break and try assist when from the near the halfway mark Kaleb Ngamanu got on the outside of the Wynnum Manly left sided defence and racing thirty metres downfield before drawing the Wynnum Manly fullback and sending Brent Barnes away to score near the left corner.

Kaleb Ngamanu made a further line break in the 16th minute when he burst away down the left touchline on a twenty metre run after being put away as a result of a Ryan Foran off-load from his inside.

Kaleb Ngamanu made a great try saving tackle in the 39th minute when facing an overlap whilst defending on his own try line Kaleb Ngamanu came out of the defensive line to execute a great ball and all tackle on the Wynnum Manly lock just a metre out from the try line.

Kaleb Ngamanu continued at left centre in Round Six against the Northern Pride scoring a double in the Seagulls big 66 – 0.

Kaleb Ngamanu’s opening try came in the 52nd minute when after receiving the ball from his inside, Kaleb Ngamanu accelerated between two defenders from twelve metres out and smartly in the wet conditions dived early and slid over the try line from three metres out and three metres in from the left corner. In fact Kaleb Ngamanu’s try ended up being an eight point try after he was hit late after crossing the try line.

Kaleb Ngamanu completed his double in the 64th minute when after receiving the ball around thirty three metres out down a short left blindside, Kaleb Ngamanu dummied to his left to break the defensive line before a second dummy to his left saw him beat the fullback and dive over three metres in from the left corner post.

Kaleb Ngamanu also recorded a 51st minute line break when from forty metres out and down a short left blindside, Kaleb Ngamanu skipped to the outside of his direct opponent, to break clear. As the cover defence converged on him, Kaleb Ngamanu was able to get the ball away to Brent Barnes who kicked into the in-goal with the kick forced dead by the Northern Pride fullback.

Kaleb Ngamanu’s first significant impact on the match came in the 7th minute with a line break down the left side of the field that came from a Seagulls scrum win around twenty metres out from his own line. Kaleb Ngamanu received the ball from the back of the scrum on the left side of the field, Kaleb Ngamanu then got on the outside of his direct opponent and then dispatched him with a right arm fend. After running around forty metres downfield Kaleb Ngamanu got the ball away to his left to Brent Barnes who then got within ten metres of the try line.

Kaleb Ngamanu also started at left centre in the rescheduled Round One match against the Norths Devils and once again scored a double with his first try coming in the 34th minute when he raced away to score after receiving a good off-load from his left from Jaylan De Groot who had broken through the Norths right sided defensive line.

Kaleb Ngamanu completed his double in the 74th minute when he was on hand to ground the ball in-goal when a cross field Thomas Weaver bomb was dropped by the Devils fullback.

Kaleb Ngamanu also recorded a line break assist in the match when in the 40th minute Kaleb Ngamanu ran the ball from deep inside his own territory and after he took on two defenders Kelab Ngamanu was able to executed a right arm off-load to his left to put Brent Barnes away down the left touchline.

Kaleb Ngamanu first significant contribution to the Seagulls victory came in just the 4th minute when he drove his right shoulder into the Devils fullback who was returning a kick with Kaleb Ngamanu driving the fullback back three metres.

Kaleb Ngamanu also made a strong run in the 23rd minute when he ran onto the ball to the left of the play the ball with Kaleb Ngamanu stepping off his left foot which enabled him to make fifteen metres to get the ball over the halfway mark.

Kaleb Ngamanu continued at left centre in the rescheduled Round Seven match against the Souths Logan Magpies.

Kaleb Ngamanu also started at left centre in Round Eleven against the Central Queensland Capra’s and scored in the 25th minute after Thomas Weaver took the ball deep into the defensive line and then threw a perfectly weighted short ball to his left to put Kaleb Ngamanu over to score from eight metres out with Kaleb Ngamanu getting the ball down left three metres in from the left corner post.

Kaleb Ngamanu’s first strong run of the match came in just the 3rd minute when Kaleb Ngamanu made fifteen metres down a short left blindside to get the ball to within twenty five metres of the try line.

Kaleb Ngamanu made another twenty metres of valuable ground in the 65th minute when after receiving the ball on the halfway mark Kaleb Ngamanu was able to work the ball twenty five metres downfield.

To round out a strong match Kaleb Ngamanu threw the final pass for Brent Barnes’s 76th minute try in the left corner which temporarily gave the Seagulls the lead.

The match saw Kaleb Ngamanu run for a team leading 181 metres.

Kaleb Ngamanu continued at left centre in Round Thirteen against the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

Kaleb Ngamanu continued at left centre in Round Fifteen against the Northern Pride with Kaleb Ngamanu scoring in a big Seagulls victory.

Kaleb Ngamanu scored in the 54th minute when Jaylan De Groot chimed into the Seagulls backline on the left side of the field and got the ball away to his left to Kaleb Ngamanu twelve metres out with Kaleb Ngamanu holding one defender off him with the right arm fend to score in the left corner.

Kaleb Ngamanu also recorded a try assist in the 28th minute when from twenty metres out on the left side of the field, Kaleb Ngamanu broke through the Northern Pride left side defensive line before when eight metres out Kaleb Ngamanu got an off-load away to his left to put Ryan Foran over to score ten metres in from the left corner post.

Kaleb Ngamanu recorded a second try assist in the 61st minute when Kaleb Ngamanu ran the ball down a short left blindside and got a pass away when twenty five metres out to his left to put Jotham Russell away to score near the left corner.

Kaleb Ngamanu also made a line break in the 24th minute when Kaleb Ngamanu received the ball to the left of a Tweed Heads scrum win with Kaleb Ngamanu receiving the ball thirty two metres out with Kaleb Ngamanu dummying to his left behind surging forward with Kaleb Ngamanu only tackled when he had gotten to six metres out from the try line.

Kaleb Ngamanu made another strong run in the 25th minute when he broke three tackles in a twenty five metre run on the left side of the field from an off-load from Ben Liyou to get the ball into Northern Pride territory.

Week One of the 2022 Hastings Deering’s Colts Final saw Kaleb Ngamanu start at left centre in the Elimination Final against the Easts Tigers with Kaleb Ngamanu taking the second hit-up of the match.

Kaleb Ngamanu also started at left centre in the Week Two Final against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

In early January 2021 Kaleb Ngamanu started on the right wing for the Titans U19 side in their annual match against the Newcastle Knights in Coffs Harbour, a match which the Titans dominated, especially in the second half to record an impressive 40 – 6 victory in shockingly hot and humid conditions.

Whilst the ball did not get to his wing often in general play, Kaleb Ngamanu was still very effective in the match through multiple kick returns with Kaleb Ngamanu fielding a lot of the kicks in his direction on the full and he was also very effective running out of dummy half when bringing the ball out of his own territory.

Two instances late in the match highlighted the hard work that Kaleb Ngamanu undertook bringing the ball upfield. In the 23rd minute of the second half, Kaleb Ngamanu came off his wing and charged into the Knights set defensive line, taking the first defender on front on, bumping him off in a twenty metre run that had started when Kaleb Ngamanu received the ball less than ten metres out from his own line.

Just two minutes later in the 25th minute, Kaleb Ngamanu was at it again when he looped around to the other side of the field to once again start his hit-up from less than twenty metres out from his own line and through sheer hard running and leg drive got to the forty metre line before his forward momentum was eventually stopped and he was forced to play the ball.

A week after the match against the Newcastle Knights Kaleb Ngamanu once again lined up for the Titans U19’s starting on the right wing as they took on a Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts squad with the Titans winning 32 – 20 with no conversions attempted.

Kaleb Ngamanu had a more than solid match against the Bears including an outstanding thirty metre run that started just ten metres out from his own line early in the first half. From a Titans scrum win deep in their own half, Kaleb Ngamanu took the ball from Ediq Ambrosyev who had packed in at lock, producing an outstanding right foot step to beat the first defender, with Kaleb Ngamanu beating a second defender with a second right foot step. Kaleb Ngamanu then burst downfield before he was dragged down from behind on the forty metre mark just as he was winding up to get to his top speed.

Kaleb Ngamanu was also a key player in one of the Titans first half tries. Dummy half Oskar Bryant kicked out of dummy half, with the weighting being ideal, forcing the Burleigh fullback to go back into his in-goal. As he was trying to bring the ball back into the field of play, he was hit by Kaleb Ngamanu with the contact forcing the ball loose for Reef Sommerville to simply put his hand on the ball to be awarded a try.

After a more than solid first half on the right wing, Kaleb Ngamanu moved to left centre in the second half and produced some real moments of class from there for the Titans including a 19th minute (of the second half) try assist. Kaleb Ngamanu, playing left centre flew into a gap just thirty metres from his own line, receiving a good ball from Thomas Weaver.

After getting through the Bears line Kaleb Ngamanu accelerated away from any potential Bears cover defenders. After a forty metre run, Kaleb Ngamanu expertly drew the Burleigh fullback, then passing to his right to Jaylan De Groot who had loomed up on his inside.

Kaleb Ngamanu then showcased his positioning skills in the final minute of the match. Even though they were on the wrong end of the scoreboard, Burleigh were still desperately trying to score up until the final siren and thus in the final minute the Bears half put in a grubber kick to the Titans left corner. Kaleb Ngamanu turned and chased the kick back, knocking the ball dead literally out of the clutches of the Bears right winger.

Kaleb Ngamanu also started on the right wing in Tweed Heads final 2021 MM Cup final against the Souths Logan Magpies at Logan. Kaleb Ngamanu moved to left centre early in the second quarter after a Campbell Watchairs ankle injury forced him off the field.

It was from that left centre position where Kaleb Ngamanu threw the last pass to Keano Kini for him to score. The pass that Kaleb Ngamanu threw was to his left and covered around twenty metres and found Keano Kini in full stride and right on his chest. As a result Keano Kini was able to step inside the cover defence to score.

Early in the third quarter Kaleb Ngamanu raced thirty metres down the left touchline after good work on his inside from Keano Kini and Ryan Foran, unfortunately Kaleb Ngamanu was taken into touch just metres away from the left corner post.

In early May 2021 a Titans U19 side travelled to North Queensland to play an U19 Cowboys selection in a curtain raiser to a Cowboys v Broncos NRL match with Kaleb Ngamanu starting the match at left centre for the Titans.

In November 2020 Kaleb Ngamanu was named in the powerful Tweed Heads Seagulls 2021 MM Cup squad and in Round One Kaleb Ngamanu started at left centre against the Ipswich Jets.

It was an interesting game for Kaleb Ngamanu, for the first sixty five minutes the ball and play always seemed to be on the opposite side of the field, but with the game on the line in the final five minutes with Tweed Heads holding onto a two point lead, all of a sudden the ball and play was everywhere where Kaleb Ngamanu was.

In the 65th minute with the Seagulls defending their own line, Kaleb Ngamanu produced an outstanding tackle on the Jets tearaway left second rower. The Jets second rower had space to build his momentum and charged at the line but Kaleb Ngamanu put him on the ground with a superb low tackle.

The Jets No. 11 second rower felt the power of Kaleb Ngamanu once again just three minutes later in the 68th minute. The Jets had an overlap but Kaleb Ngamanu came out of the line to hit the second rower around the chest just as he was looking up after taking possession of the ball.

Interspersed between those two outstanding tackles was a strong hard run brining the ball out of his own twenty metre area by Kaleb Ngamanu who received the ball off Oskar Bryant to the left of the play the ball making ten valuable metres. The last five metres of the run were on his hands and knees after Kaleb Ngamanu was tripped up not long into his run but Kaleb Ngamanu just kept forcing his way forward.

Such was Kaleb Ngamanu’s performance that he was named as the Seagulls best in the Round One match.

Kaleb Ngamanu also started at left centre in Round Two against the Souths Logan Magpies and was outstanding once again in both attack and defence.

Kaleb Ngamanu’s impressive match started to just the 7th minute with a line break of twenty five metres down the left touch line after he was put away by great work on his inside by Keano Kini. Kaleb Ngamanu made another strong run down the left touchline in the 31st minute, making twelve metres before Kaleb Ngamanu was eventually stopped just centremetres short of the line in the left corner.

Kaleb Ngamanu also had some strong runs through the centre of the field, as good as any of those runs was in the 19th minute when from his own territory, Kaleb Ngamanu made eleven metres through the centre of the ruck to give the Seagulls some room to move. Kaleb Ngamanu made a further fifteen metres in the 34th minute of the first half when once again brining the ball out of his own territory.

The half time break did not slow Kaleb Ngamanu down as in the 36th minute he took the second hit up of the second half after the kick-off. The play the ball was only ten metres out from the line but Kaleb Ngamanu was able to bring the ball out to the Twenty metre line after taking on the centre of the Souths Logan defensive line.

With the game in the balance, Kaleb Ngamanu continued to press Tweed Heads case with a strong effort from a tap restart from a penalty, making thirteen metres to get the Seagulls into the Magpies twenty metre area and then in the 67th minute, Kaleb Ngamanu darted out of dummy half to his right making twelve hard fought metres to get Tweed Heads within ten metres of the Souths Logan try line.

Defensively Kaleb Ngamanu was also very strong in the match with a number of tackles standing out including a front on tackle in the 37th minute on his opposite number with Kaleb Ngamanu’s strong initial contact forcing the ball out and putting Tweed Heads back on the attack.

Kaleb Ngamanu almost got himself on the scoreboard in the 51st minute when he took a Souths Logan cross kick on the bounce and looked set to streak away on an eighty metre runaway try but the play was called back for interference on the Souths Logan kicker.

Kaleb Ngamanu once again started at left centre in the Round Three Gold Coast derby against the Burleigh Bears and once again was one of the Seagulls best in their strong derby victory.

Kaleb Ngamanu’s impressive afternoon got underway in just the 6th minute with a perfectly timed and executed driving low tackle after coming out of the line on Burleigh second rower Seth Nikotemo which forced the much bigger player back three metres.

Kaleb Ngamanu added a further great low tackle to his highlight reel in the match with a beautifully executed tackle in the 56th minute of the match when he moved up from a Burleigh scrum win to take down the Burleigh centre less than ten metres out from the Burleigh line and then backed up to make the next tackle.

Kaleb Ngamanu was outstanding defensively against Burleigh but also had some strong runs with the ball with the first of many coming in the 9th minute of the match when he took the ball from the dummy half just a metre out from his own line. Kaleb Ngamanu was able to get the ball out to the ten metre mark with the Burleigh defence rushing at him. Then just four minutes later Kaleb Ngamanu produced another ten metre effort to get the ball away from the try line.

Kaleb Ngamanu continued to show up when his team needed him including in the 34th minute when with Tweed Heads under pressure in their own territory Kaleb Ngamanu surged sixteen metres through the centre of the ruck to get the ball just into Burleigh’s territory.

Late in the first half Kaleb Ngamanu was on hand to continue to put pressure on Burleigh when he along with Ryan Foran was on hand to drag the Burleigh right winger into touch just out from his own line after he took a bomb on the field in the left corner.

Kaleb Ngamanu was also named to start at left centre for Round Four match against the Ipswich Jets and was close to if not the Seagulls best in their big 28 – 24 victory.

Kaleb Ngamanu was into the action early in the match in just the second minute with a strong run to the right of the dummy half before cutting back into the area behind the play the ball to make eleven metres to bring the ball out of the Seagulls twenty metre area.

Kaleb Ngamanu continued his strong start to the match in the 3rd minute with a run that made ten metres to get Tweed Heads within twenty metres of the try line. Just two minutes later, in the 5th minute, Kaleb Ngamanu charged onto the ball to the right of the play the ball before cutting off his right foot to gain sixteen metres.

Late in the first half in the 27th minute Kaleb Ngamanu once again was key in getting Tweed Heads out of their own territory, on that occasion Kaleb Ngamanu made eighteen metres to get the ball across the halfway mark.

Even with the game well and truly won, Kaleb Ngamanu’s effort did not drop off as was evidenced in the 67th minute, when he took a hit-up to the right of the dummy half with the run starting one metre out from his own line and Kaleb Ngamanu bringing the ball out to seventeen metres out from his own line.

It was not just off the play the ball that Kaleb Ngamanu was able to make ground as in the 23rd minute, Kaleb Ngamanu made fifteen metres down a wide left blindside off a Tweed Heads scrum win, with Kaleb Ngamanu then making a further ten metres more to get to the Ipswich forty metre mark later in the same set of six.

Kaleb Ngamanu was also heavily involved in a Tweed Heads try in the 12th minute when Thomas Weaver threw a long pass to his left to find Kaleb Ngamanu who went into the line before passing to his left also to Kuuz Remine who dived over in the left corner. It was the exact same combination of players and essentially the exact same movement in the 32nd minute that led to another Kruz Remine try.

Kaleb Ngamanu was also strong defensively in the match including a sithing low tackle on the Ipswich right second rower (No. 11), cutting him down expertly.

Kaleb Ngamanu’s calmness under pressure was also on display in the match in the 7th minute when he left high to take a cross field bomb on the full under heavy pressure.

Late in the match in the 61st minute Kaleb Ngamanu almost produced a try out of nothing. Ipswich were attacking the Tweed Heads line down their right side but the ball went to ground, Kaleb Ngamanu got to the ball first and toe’d it through and then around the halfway mark kicked the ball off the ground for the second time, unfortunately in the subsequent foot race the ball was knocked forward just ten metres out from the try line.

Kaleb Ngamanu also started at left centre in Round Five against the Souths Logan Magpies.

After being rested in Round Six, Kaleb Ngamanu was named at left centre for the Seagulls Semi-final against Wynnum Manly and was in the match early, being involved in the Seagulls first tackle of the match when he chased through a Thomas Weaver kick into the left corner.

The ball did not get out to Kaleb Ngamanu’s side of the field through ball movement but Kaleb Ngamanu was still very effective in the match, especially in terms of running out of dummy half. in the 15th minute, Kaleb Ngamanu ran out of dummy half to his right making twenty metres before once again running out of dummy half to his right once again in the 21st minute, on that occasion making fourteen metres to get into Wynnum Manly territory.

Kaleb Ngamanu ran to his right out of dummy half once again in the 25th minute, making a further twelve metres with approximately 60% of those metres made post contact.

Kaleb Ngamanu made a further run out of dummy half in the 33rd minute making thirteen metres to near halfway after going to his right.

Kaleb Ngamanu also recorded two line break assists in the match with the first coming in the 49th minute when after receiving the ball from the base of a scrum ran to his right, putting on a stutter step to get outside one defender and draw the Wynnum Manly right winger to put Elijah Lui away down the left touchline, with the Seagulls left winger eventually being tackled less than ten metres out.

Kaleb Ngamanu’s second line break assist came in the 45th minute when a great short quick pass to his left put Elijah Lui away down the left touchline who then kicked inside for Ryan Foran to retrieve the ball and pass to his right to Jaylan De Groot who dived over under the posts.

Kaleb Ngamanu then produced another strong run of sixteen metres in the 58th minute, which was the third hit-up from the kick off after Elijah Lui’s long range try.

In the 2021 MM Cup Queensland Grand Final against the Townsville Blackhawks, Kaleb Ngamanu once again started at left centre as the Tweed Heads Seagulls made in back to back MM Cup successes by beating Townsville 30 – 24 with Kaleb Ngamanu scoring in the final minute of the match to ensure victory.

With just seconds to go in the match and ten metres out from their own line, Townsville tried to run back a Thomas Weaver grubber but Kaleb Ngamanu got hold of his opponent and stripped the ball in a one on one tackle and ran ten metres to dive over near the left corner to get the Seagulls celebrations under way.

In addition to his try Kaleb Ngamanu also recorded a line break when in the 13th minute from a hit-up from his own twenty he bumped off two would be defenders to get to near the halfway mark before he was brought down.

In the 30th minute Kaleb Ngamanu pulled off a smart piece of play when he charged down a Blackhawks clearing kick to get the ball back for Tweed Heads and in good field position as well.

In February 2021 Kaleb Ngamanu took part in the U18 South Coast Open school boy trials and was named in the centres for the South Coast Open A school boy side as a result of his trial performances. Kaleb Ngamanu was one of two Titans contracted 2021 TSS School Boy Rugby First XV players in the South Coast Squad with the other being Nicholas Hilton.

Kaleb Ngamanu started at left centre for South Coast’s Day One match against Met North and made his initial contribution in the opening minute when he ran back to take a Met North clearing kick on the full when still running back towards his own goal line. Then Kaleb Ngamanu took the third hit-up in that same set.

The in the 5th minute, Kaleb Ngamanu made a run of ten metres from a South Coast scrum win, getting the ball to within twenty metres of the try line and then was awarded a penalty after the Met North defenders held on for too long in the tackle.

Kaleb Ngamanu continued his strong start to the Championships in the 13th minute when he was able to make fifteen metres after he had picked the ball up at dummy half and run to his right. Also in the 24th minute, a stepping Kaleb Ngamanu accounted for twelve more valuable metres.

Defensively Kaleb Ngamanu also had a strong Day One match including in the 16th minute when facing an overlap he came out of the line and drove the Met North half backwards, hitting him just as he received the ball.

Kaleb Ngamanu came out of the line once again in the 37th minute producing a great low tackle on the Met North 14 who had tried to get on his outside.

Kaleb Ngamanu also started at left centre on Day Two as South Coast took on Met East and almost immediately made thirteen metres out of his own twenty metre area in just the second minute of the match.

On Day Three against Capricornia Kaleb Ngamanu once again start at left centre and made a forty metre line break down the left touchline after being put into space by Ryan Foran, then as he was confronted by the cover defence, Kaleb Ngamanu got the ball back inside to Ryan Foran.

Kaleb Ngamanu started the Championship Final against Met North at left centre and whilst the ball did not get out to his side of the field too often more than held his own defensively including in the 32nd minute when he defused a Met North bomb under immense pressure.

Kaleb Ngamanu was part of the TSS school boy rugby First XV once again in 2021, playing the season as a full colours player in what was Kaleb Ngamanu’s third season in the TSS First XV. Kaleb Ngamanu was also the 2021 TSS First XV captain.

Kaleb Ngamanu was named as a stand by player in TSS’s opening GPS trials, being a set of round robin trials against Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) and Gregory Terrace.

Kaleb Ngamanu made his first appearance for TSS in late May 2021 for the First XV in TSS’s first full trial against Ipswich Grammar School when he started at inside centre (No. 12).

Kaleb Ngamanu also started at inside centre in TSS’s second 2021 First XV trial against Nudgee College on the Gold Coast and also started in the same position in the final full scale GPS First XV trial against Brisbane Boys College (BBC).

In TSS’s final trial before the commencement of the 2021 GPS First XV school boy rugby season, Kaleb Ngamanu started at inside centre against the TSS Second XV.

Round One of the 2021 GPS school boy rugby First XV competition saw Kaleb Ngamanu line up at inside centre (No. 12) for TSS as they took on Brisbane Grammar School at home with Kaleb Ngamanu contributing two try assists.

Kaleb Ngamanu’s first try assist came in the 10th minute when after he made a long fifty five metre break down the left touchline, Kaleb Ngamanu drew the Brisbane Grammar School fullback and passed to his right to Jye Gray who raced away to score under posts.

Kaleb Ngamanu’s second try assist came in the 58th minute when from twenty seven metres out he put in a chip kick to his left which was perfectly weighted for his left winger to take the ball on the full whilst running at full speed to score comfortably.

Kaleb Ngamanu was also outstanding in others aspects general play in TSS’s 71 – 5 victory with his initial contribution coming inside the opening minute of the match, when he combined from a TSS scrum win with Syris Schmidt to put fullback Jye Gray into space down the left side of the field who then was able to put his winger over in the corner.

Then in the 30th minute Kaleb Ngamanu combined in for all intents and purposes exactly the same way for another TSS try with the only difference being that the move was executed on the right side of the field as opposed to the opening minute when the moved was executed on the left.

As a result of his performance in the match Kaleb Ngamanu was named at inside centre in the Courier Mail GPS First XV Team of Round One and also received a TSS coaches honourable mention.

Round Two away to Anglican Church Grammar School saw Kaleb Ngamanu named at inside centre for the TSS First XV side with Kaleb Ngamanu proving to be a difficult proposition for the Churchie defence on the way to recording two try assists.

The first of Kaleb Ngamanu’s try assists came in the 23rd minute when after slicing through the defence on the right side of the field from thirty metres out, Kaleb Ngamanu then drew the Churchie fullback and passed to his left to Jye Gray who ran away to score under the posts.

Kaleb Ngamanu added his second try assist when in the 67th minute he threw a good cut out ball to Nicholas Hilton who ran a good inside shoulder route to score next to the right upright. Just five minutes earlier in the 62nd minute Kalbe Nagamnu had also broken the line on the right once again and was able to off-load to Nicholas Hilton.

As a result of his performance in the match Kaleb Ngamanu was named at inside centre in the Courier Mail GPS First XV Team of Round Two and also was awarded three points from the TSS First XV coaches for their weekly awards.

After the GPS school boy rugby competition was suspended for a number of weeks, Kaleb Ngamanu started at inside centre for the TSS First XV side that played an internal TSS trial in late August in preparation for the restart of the competition also in late August against Toowoomba Grammar School.

When the 2021 GPS First XV rugby season recommenced in late August, Kaleb Ngamanu started at No. 12 (inside centre) in Round Six against Toowoomba Grammar School making a line break in the 38th minute of TSS’s victory. After receiving the ball on the left side of the field, Kaleb Ngamanu made a fifty metre line break into Toowoomba Grammar School territory. Unfortunately Kaleb Ngamanu was hurt in the tackle and was unable to take any further part in the match.

Kaleb Ngamanu also started at No. 12 (inside centre) in Round Eight against Nudgee College with Kaleb Ngamanu also setting up a try for TSS in the 45th minute when he was able to get halfway through the Nudgee College line and was able to get a good ball away to his left however the ball was knocked down by a Nudgee College defender ten metres from the line, directly in front of the goal posts.

Kaleb Ngamanu also produced a great front one tackle in the 8th minute of the match when he drove his left shoulder into his Nudgee College opponent with Kaleb Ngamanu’s initial contact forcing the ball loose.

Kaleb Ngamanu played his last First XV game for TSS in Round Nine against Gregory Terrace with Kaleb Ngamanu leading the TSS First XV side onto the field as captain and starting the match at outside centre.

The match saw Kelab Ngamanu record a try assist in the 59th minute when after Gregory Terrace lost the ball, Kaleb Ngamanu tracked back to swoop on it and after racing twelve metres downfield Kelab Ngamanu put TSS fullback Jye Gray into a gap to race away to score the match sealing try.

After a tough opening thirty minutes, Kaleb Ngamanu came into his own in the 35th minute with a surging twenty metre on the right side of the field to get the ball into Gregory Terrace territory.

Then in the 39th minute Kaleb Ngamanu was at it again with another run that accounted for twenty metres with Kaleb Ngamanu beating three tackles. Kaleb Ngamanu added another strong run in the 41st minute with the run starting from inside his own in-goal area with Kaleb Ngamanu getting the ball fifteen metres into the field of play with the combination of left foot and right footsteps of Kaleb Ngamanu’s beating four would be defenders.

Kaleb Ngamanu has always been known as an outstanding defender and his final match reinforced that when he made a great low tackle in the 49th minute near mid-field on the charging Gregory Terrace No. 8.

Post the final round of the 2021 GPS First XV competition, Kaleb Ngamanu was named on the bench in the Courier Mail Team of the Season.

At the end of the 2021 season, Kaleb Ngamanu was named at No. 29 in the Courier Mail Top 60 school boys from the GPS Rugby, AIC Rugby and Langer Cup competitions.

Kaleb Ngamanu started Round One of the 2020 MM Cup competition for the Tweed Heads Seagulls on the left wing against the Northern Pride scoring in the 14th minute of the first half as the Seagulls recorded a big first up victory. Unfortunately the Seagulls chase for repeat Queensland and National U18 success in 2020 was hamstrung by the Covid 19 pandemic.

In early July 2020 Kaleb Ngamanu was part of the TSS Senior Squad that undertook a three day rugby camp prior to the commencement of the 2020 GPS School Boy Rugby First XV competition and played the 2020 GPS school boy First XV season as a full colours TSS rugby representative.

Kaleb Ngamanu started at No. 12 (inside centre) as well as being named vice captain for the TSS First XV in their internal trial in mid-July 2020 and also started at inside centre against Nudgee College being the first trial TSS had against another GPS school. Kaleb Ngamanu was also the TSS vice-captain for that trial as well.

Against Nudgee Kaleb Ngamanu had some very good moments including putting in the kick that resulted in the try that put TSS in front for good with two minutes to go. Kaleb Ngamanu received the ball to the right of the break down on around the half way mark and put in a right foot kick along the ground into space behind the Nudgee line, after the ball was retrieved by TSS, Jojo Fifita dived over out wide to seal a TSS 24 – 21 victory.

Kaleb Ngamanu also started at No. 12 and was also vice-captain in the TSS First XV’s final trial against Anglican Church Grammar School on the Gold Coast. Kelab Ngamanu made numerous line breaks in the match, including one in the first half off a TSS line out win when he split the Churchie defence running forty metres but he could not quite set up his support runner, being Jojo Fifita.

Also in the first half, Kaleb Ngamanu produced an outstanding series of plays which ended in a TSS try. With Churchie on the attack, Kaleb Ngamanu ripped the ball away from a Churchie attacker, retrieved it and went on a fifty metre run down the left touch line. When he was eventually tackled, Kaleb Ngamanu recycled the ball quickly for Jye Gray to grubber through the disorganised Churchie line to score under the posts.

Round One of the GPS school boy rugby First XV competition proper saw Kaleb Nagmanu start at No. 12 and run on as TSS vice-captain against Brisbane State High School. Round Two against Toowoomba Grammar School saw Kaleb Ngamanu move to outside centre (No. 13), scoring his first try of the season when he backed up on the inside after a one on one steal by Syris Schmidt to run forty metres to score. Kaleb Ngamanu laos made a thirty metre break early in the match which generated momentum for TSS eventually leading to Syris Schmidt slicing through the Toowoomba Grammar School defence to score.

Kaleb Ngamanu started at outside centre and vice-captain once again in Round Three against Brisbane Grammar School recording a critical try assist late in the match when he burst through two defenders down a short blind side charging thirty metres before offloading to his right to his winger to score a key try in a 20 – 15 TSS victory.

In the pivotal 2020 GPS school boy rugby First XV Round Four match against Brisbane Boys College Kaleb Ngamanu moved back to inside centre. In Round Four against Gregory Terrace Kaleb Ngamanu moved back to No. 13 (outside centre) for the home match making a critical break down the right touch line in the dying moments of the match. TSS received a penalty from the next phase which Syris Schmidt kicked after the final siren to secure a 23 – 22 victory. Kaleb Ngamanu received one vote by the TSS coaches in the TSS First XV 2020 Player of the Season voting.

Kaleb Ngamanu continued at outside centre (No. 13) for Round Five against Ipswich Grammar School.

TSS had a Round Six bye but the TSS First XV side played a “trial” against Downlands College with Kaleb Ngamanu starting at No. 13 and was vice-captain once again and was on the winning side as TSS finished their 2020 season with a 50 – 24 victory.

Kaleb Ngamanu also represented TSS in the 2020 GPS schools Athletics Competition as part of the TSS 4 x 100 metre Open Relay team. Kaleb Ngamanu ran the third leg of the relay for TSS who finished 7th in a time of 44.69 seconds.

Kaleb Ngamanu is originally from Western Australia where he played two years of rugby league for the Joondalup Giants who moved over to the Gold Coast at the start of 2016 season, making every post a winner since that time in his junior rugby league career and for that matter in school boy rugby for the Southport School (TSS) including the First XV side and in 2019 signed a new contract with the Titans which will keep him with the club for the next couple of seasons.

One of Kaleb Ngamanu’s most recent matches for the Titans was when he started at fullback for the Titans U16 squad in their early October 2019 match against PNG at Pizzey Park and made a great fist of the fullback role regularly chiming into the Titans back line as they easily accounted for the PNG U16 side 44 – 12.

In January 2019 Kaleb Ngamanu started on the left wing for the Titans U16 side against the Newcastle Knights U16 Harold Matthews squad in Coffs Harbour and was very unlucky not to be awarded a second half try. To be honest I am still unsure why the try was disallowed, Kaleb Ngamanu flashed into the back line from the fullback position on the left hand side of the field and broke through two Knights defenders to seemingly score but the try was disallowed I assume for a lost ball but to be honest, from my vantage point it seemed like a certain try.

Kaleb Ngamanu started the match on the left wing but spent some time at fullback midway through the first half when he swapped positions with Rowan Mansfield for a few minutes. In the second half with Rowan Mansfield injured, Kaleb Ngamanu played the entire half at fullback and showed his outstanding speed when he backed up a long break from Joseph Shannon (who had been put into a hole as a result of a great Bailey Martin pass).

In the first half Kaleb Ngamanu produced three outstanding pieces of play including two try saving tackles, the first when the Knights winger burst through the centre of the ruck and Kaleb Ngamanu tracked back and caught him from behind. His second try saving tackle was made in the left corner when he stopped the Knights winger in his tracks about a metre from the try line when the winger looked certain to score.

With the ball Kaleb Ngamanu made an outstanding break down the left touch line when he got outside his direct opponent as a result of a great ball from half Thomas Weaver whilst playing on the left wing in the first half.

On top of all that Kaleb Ngamanu forced at least three errors that I can recall as a result of sheer hard work and effort.

Kaleb Ngamanu signed a multi-year deal with the Titans in early 2018 after a starring on the left wing for the Titans U15 side in their six tries to three win over the Western Mustangs in March 2018 and late in the 2018 season started on the wing for the Titans U15 as they defeated a U15 Balmain Tigers touring side 16 – 10 with Kaleb Ngamanu scoring an outstanding try in the match.

Kaleb Ngamanu scored in around the 6th minute when he flashed down the left touch line untouched and was able to bring the ball around under the posts. For the try Kaleb Ngamanu kept his width and exploded onto a great cut out ball from Thomas Weaver to score from around 30 metres out showcasing his speed.

In the match Kaleb Ngamanu also had some other highlights including an outstanding fifty metre second half run when he expertly fielded a low kick and split the defence from his own line, but unfortunately just could not find Thomas Weaver with the inside pass.

Kaleb Ngamanu was also involved in the final Titans try scored by Rowan Mansfield. At the time Kaleb Ngamanu was playing right centre, he took a pass from Jye Gray before drawing the Balmain winger and popping a great ball to Rowan Mansfield to send him down the touch line.

Early in 2019, Kaleb Ngamanu was part of the Gold Coast Vikings U16 side that played in the South East Queensland U16 Challenge and post that championship was named in the South East Queensland U16 train on squad.

Kaleb Ngamanu started on the left wing for the Queensland City U16 side in their match against Queensland Country U16’s, playing the entire seventy minutes. Kaleb Ngamanu ran for 45.1 metres in the match and made three tackles at a 75% tackling efficiency. It was just one of those frustrating matches for a winger as the ball just did not go out Kaleb Ngamanu’s way but credit to him, Kaleb Ngamanu certainly went looking to get involved as often as possible.

Kaleb Ngamanu started the 2019 season for the Coomera Cutters in the GCRL U16 Division One competition, starting in the centres in Round One against Burleigh and scoring in the match which was his one and only GCRL match of the season.

Kaleb Ngamanu kicked off his 2019 school boy rugby campaign for The Southport School (TSS) in late April 2019 when he was part of the TSS Second XV side that defeated the touring New Zealand School New Plymouth Boys High 36 – 0, starting the match at inside centre. Kaleb Ngamanu then was on the bench for the TSS First XV side that went down 31 – 29 also against New Plymouth Boys High.

Kaleb Ngamanu made his TSS First XV run on debut in a trial against Brisbane State High School in May 2019 with TSS winning 57 – 12.

Kaleb Ngamanu was once against part of the TSS First XV squad for the next set of GPS rugby trials against Brisbane State High School (BSHS) and Gregory Terrace at the TSS campus on the Gold Coast, in late May 2019 with Kaleb Ngamanu named on the bench. TSS won the trial against Gregory Terrace but went down against BSHS in the second match.

Kaleb Ngamanu started TSS’s next trial against Nudgee College in the right wing (No. 14) for the TSS First XV. Kaleb Ngamanu moved to the left wing (No. 11) for the TSS First XV’s next trial against Ipswich Grammar School at Ipswich.

Kaleb Ngamanu started at outside centre for the TSS First XV in their final GPS rugby trial prior to their Round One fixture against Nudgee College with TSS winning 10 - 5 away to Sunshine Coast Grammar School.

In Round One of the 2019 GPS school boy rugby competition season proper, Kaleb Ngamanu started on the right wing for TSS against Nudgee College and was outstanding defensively, both in terms of his initial contact and cover defence.

In the match the ball did not get out to his right wing a great deal but Kaleb Ngamanu did have an outstanding run late in the second half where he dragged a number of Nudgee defenders five or six metres. Kaleb Ngamanu actually crossed the line in the second half but the final pass was called back for being forward. To be fair it was only two or three metres forward.

Kaleb Ngamanu also showcased his hands in Round One taking producing a great contest catch of a TSS box kick under extreme pressure to maintain TSS’s momentum in a pivotal moment of the first half.

Kaleb Ngamanu was also outstanding in Round Two as TSS thrashed Churchie 64 – 7 with Kaleb Ngamanu starting on the right wing but moving into inside centre around the 10 minute mark after an injury.

From that position Kaleb Ngamanu scored his first First XV try of the career. At a set piece about fifteen metres out from the Churchie line, Kaleb Ngamanu originally lined up in the left of the piece but rotated around to the right receiving the ball in space.

Kaleb Ngamanu ran at the opposition defensive line which started to back pedal holding the ball in both hands and after shaping to pass the ball to his right Kaleb Ngamanu ran through the resultant gap in the line to score mid-way between the touch line and goal post on the right hand side of the field.

After finishing Round Two at inside centre, Kaleb Ngamanu started there in Round Three against Brisbane State High School. In the first half Kaleb Ngamanu focussed primarily on ball playing for his outside backs but in the second half ran the ball more and came close to scoring twice.

Kaleb Ngamanu also started at inside centre in Round Four against Toowoomba Grammar School in Toowoomba scoring his second try of the season as well as recording a try assist and also being heavily involved in a few others.

Kaleb Ngamanu’s try assist came in the second half and was as a result of a great sleight of hand from a set play. From a TSS scrum win on the Toowoomba Grammar School twenty metre line Kaleb Ngamanu received the ball to the right of the scrum and produced an outstanding no look pop up pass to his right as the TSS left winger looped around to charge through the resultant gap to score adjacent to the left upright.

Kaleb Ngamanu’s try (his second of the season) came late in the match, Kaleb Ngamanu picked up the ball on from the back of a ruck and drove to his left to score from close range to round out a 62 – 3 TSS route.

Round Five against Brisbane Grammar School saw Kaleb Ngamanu continue at inside centre scoring for the second week in a row and third for the season. Kaleb Ngamanu’s try can only be considered a superb effort. In the 16th minute of the first half, Kaleb Ngamanu received the ball to the right of the ruck and ran diagonally to his right and used a great fend which literally knocked the Brisbane Grammar School fly half (now at Keebra Park), being Connor Te Kani off his feet.

Once that occurred Kaleb Ngamanu ran through the resultant gap to score mid-way between the goal posts and the right corner flag under pressure from two more BGS defenders for a simply outstanding individual try.

In Round Six Kaleb Ngamanu started once again at inside centre against fellow unbeaten school Brisbane Boys College at Toowong in Brisbane in essentially what was the GPS First XV Premiership decider between the only remaining unbeaten schools.

Unfortunately Kaleb Ngamanu was forced off the field with a cheek bone injury in the early minutes of the second half in TSS’s 23 – 20 victory in front of a massive crowd at Toowong in Brisbane’s west that knocked BBC out of the GPS First XV Premiership race.

The win ensured that TSS were the 2019 GPS School Boy rugby First XV Champions and it is a touch ironic that it came against BBC which was the school that Kaleb Ngamanu’s two older brothers starred for being Cullen and Jayden Ngamanu.

Kaleb Ngamanu in 2019 was also part of the Queensland U18 Reds Academy Rugby side that defeated Victoria 46 – 18 with Kaleb Ngamanu coming off the bench to play on the right wing and mid-way through the second half set up a try when he drew the Rebels fullback and passed back inside to the Reds outside centre to score after a long run down the right touch line.

2018 saw Kaleb Ngamanu’s selection in the South Coast U15 QSSRL side at the completion of the South Coast Trials. Kaleb Ngamanu was subsequently selected in the Queensland Maroon U15 side for the U15 ASSRL Championships.

Other Titans linked boys to make the 2018 U15 South Coast QSSRL squad included front rower Brody Smitka, centre/second rower Ezra Ubaldino and outstanding backrower Bailey Martin.

As a result of his performance at those Championships Kaleb Ngamanu was selected in one of the two Queensland sides for the Australian Championships. Unfortunately Kaleb Ngamanu was injured in the camp just prior to the U15 ASSRL Championships and was unable to take his place in the Queensland Maroon side.

In late 2018 Kaleb Ngamanu was named in the Gold Coast Vikings U16 Training Squad for the 2019 U16 South East Queensland Challenge.

Kaleb Ngamanu is also part of the 2019 U16 Queensland Emerging Origin squad and in their opposed session was on the same side as fellow Titans Bailey Martin and Orlando Swain.

When he moved over to the Gold Coast, Kaleb Ngamanu started attending Keebra Park State High School making a big impression in their U13 side even though he missed portions of the 2016 season with an injury. Kaleb Ngamanu however was identified by The Southport School (TSS) and for 2017 transferred there standing out in their U14A GPS rugby side in 2017 in Term Three.

In 2018 Kaleb Ngamanu played club rugby league for the Coomera Cutters and obviously for TSS in terms of school boy rugby and for Queensland II in the Australian U16 Rugby Championships.

For Coomera in the U15 Division One competition in 2018 Kaleb Ngamanu has played in six matches scoring three tries. Kaleb Ngamanu scored a Round One double against the Mudgeeraba Redbacks and scored against Runaway Bay in Round Four.

Kaleb Ngamanu played for the TSS U15A side in 2018 playing in four GPS matches and one match against Downlands College. Kaleb Ngamanu started Round One at outside centre against Anglican Church Grammar School and then missed a number of matches before returning once again at outside centre in Round Six against Gregory Terrace.

In Round Seven against Brisbane Boys College Kaleb Ngamanu moved to the open side flanker position before returning to outside centre for Round Nine against Nudgee College. Kaleb Ngamanu also started at outside centre against Downlands College in TSS’s Round Eight bye week.

Prior to the GPS school boy rugby season proper, Kaleb Ngamanu played in a number of trial matches for TSS. Kaleb Ngamanu started on the bench for the first two trials which were against Far North Coast and Toowoomba Grammar School before moving into the starting side at outside centre for the last four trials against Nudgee, Ipswich Grammar School Ambrose Treacy College and Sunshine Coast Grammar School. In those four appearances in the starting trial sides Kaleb Ngamanu has been partnered in the centres with rugby league youngster Syris Schmidt.

Kaleb Ngamanu also played club rugby on the Gold Coast in 2018 season at the U15 level for the Griffith University Colleges side and started at outside centre in the Grand Final which they won 47 – 19 against the Helensvale Hogs and Cbus stadium as a curtain raiser to the 2018 Rugby International between Argentina and the Wallabies.

Kaleb Ngamanu played in nine matches for the Griffith University Colleges starting two at outside centre (No. 13) including the Grand Final, one at inside centre (No. 12) and the remainder from the interchange bench. In Round Two against the PBC Alleygators Kaleb Ngamanu kicked three conversions in a big win for Griffith University Colleges.

In October 2018 Kaleb Ngamanu was part of the Queensland II side for the Australian U16 Championships. In Round One Kaleb Ngamanu started on the left wing for Qld II in their big 57 – 5 win over Western Australia.

Round Two against Victoria saw Kaleb Ngamanu once again start on the left wing for Queensland II and scored one of Queensland II’s three tries when he flew down the left touch line as Queensland II went down 19 – 17 in a tight encounter.

For the Round Three clash against New South Wales I Kaleb Ngamanu swapped to the right wing but unfortunately Queensland II went down 29 – 17.

The 2017 season Gold Coast Junior Rugby League season saw Kaleb Ngamanu play up an age group in the U15 Division One competition after transferring from Southport to the Coomera Cutters. In the U15 Division One competition, Kaleb Ngamanu played in eight matches scoring 28 points in total from three tries and eight goals, with the tries coming against Southport, Helensvale and Nerang. In the match that he scored against his former club Southport, Kaleb Ngamanu also kicked six goals for a sixteen point haul on the night.

Kaleb Ngamanu also played one match for Coomera in the 2017 U14 Division Two competition (his regular age group) which was against the Robina Raptors, he then backed up to play for his “regular” U15 Division One side later that Friday night.

2017 also saw Kaleb Ngamanu represent the Gold Coast Vikings at the U14 level and from there going on to make the South East Queensland Green U14 side for the Queensland Age Championships that were held in Toowoomba in July last year. In those Championships, Kaleb Ngamanu scored on each of the first four days, in order against Central, Northern South East Queensland White and Central again.

In 2017 Kaleb Ngamanu played for TSS in the GPS U14A competition, starting all eight of TSS’s matches at outside centre except for Round Nine when he started at fullback against Nudgee College. In those eight matches he scored six tries and was awarded the best back award on three occasions, being against Brisbane State High School in Round One, against Ipswich Grammar School in Round Three and against Gregory Terrace in Round Five.

Kaleb Ngamanu scored a Round Six double against Brisbane Grammar School and also scored against Ipswich Grammar School in Round Three, against Brisbane Boys College in Round Four, against Gregory Terrace in Round Five and against Nudgee College in Round Nine.

Kaleb Ngamanu also scored against Downlands College in a “trial” match when TSS had a GPS Round Seven bye.

Kaleb Ngamanu played the 2016 season for the Southport Tigers at the U14 level splitting time between the U14 Division One and Division Two competitions even though he was still eligible to play in the U13 competition.

Kaleb Ngamanu started off his rugby league journey on the Gold Coast with a bang by making the 2016 U13 Vikings squad after impressing in the trials held in the weekend of 16-17 April 2016 where Kaleb Ngamanu played the majority of the trials in the centres after playing almost exclusively at five eight in the Western Australian junior rugby league competition.

[mdrew]

Great article on tomorrow's JTS matches against the Knights.

https://www.titans.com.au/news/2023/01/19/school-stars-headline-future-titans-to-face-knights/

[Hail Sezer]

Great article on tomorrow's JTS matches against the Knights.

https://www.titans.com.au/news/2023/01/19/school-stars-headline-future-titans-to-face-knights/

Awesome. I'll share this to the JTS thread too

[lonegull]

great article should be a great day of footy, exciting also to see the young ladies coming through the system

[mdrew]

Great work by the Titans to sign Southport Tigers and Keebra Park SHS second rower Kalani Patu.

[mdrew]

Majah-Rose (Majah) Peachey has been one of the stand-out players in the Western Australia Junior Rugby League for the last couple of seasons and after Majah Peachey played for the Western Australian U15 School Boys Representative side at the U15 ASSRL School Boy Championships in Redcliffe whilst he was still U14 eligible, the young second rower signed a multi-year contract with the Titans in early 2023.

Even though Majah Peachey was still U14 eligible in 2022 he played for the Rockingham Sharks in the Western Australian U15 Junior Rugby League Competition including starting in the second row in the Sharks 20 – 10 Grand Final victory over the South Perth Lions.

In late 2022 Majah Peachey played in the U14 Queensland Māori trials and was named the Tuakana South and West Most Valuable Player with Majah Peachey subsequently named in the 2022 Queensland Māori U14 squad for the QPICC Cultural Carnival that was held in Beenleigh in Brisbane’s south.

2022 also saw Majah Peachey play for Rockingham High School in a number of School Boy Rugby League competitions.

Majah Peachey, in 2021 played for the Rockingham Sharks in the Western Australian U14 Junior Rugby League competition (U13 eligible at the time) and Majah Peachey had a strike rate in the vicinity of a staggering 300%. Majah Peachey was also named the 2021 Western Australian Junior Rugby League Player of the U14 Grand Final.

2022 was not the first representative side that Majah Peachey was selected in as in 2019 Majah Peachey was selected in the Western Australian U12 Primary School Team.

[mdrew]

Titans contracted Tanu Nona is more than just a talented rugby league player he was also an outstanding student at PBC SHS with Tanu Nona being awarded a 2022 Gold Academic Optima Award showcasing his hard work and dedication across all parts his life.

[mdrew]

In January 2023 James Frazer was named to start at five eight for the Titans U19 side in their annual match at Coffs Harbour against the Newcastle Knights.

In 2022 James Frazer played Ipswich SHS in the School Boy Rugby League Langer Cup competition with James Frazer being an ever present at five eight for Ipswich SHS including the Queensland Langer Cup Grand Final victory against PBC SHS and their National School Boy Final victory against Patrician Brothers Fairfield with James Frazer kicking four conversions and two penalty goals in the National School Boy Final.

2022 also saw James Frazer play for the Ipswich Jets in the U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition with James Frazer starting his first two matches off the bench, being against the Western Clydesdales in Round Two and against the Sunshine Coast Falcons in Round Three.

James Frazer moved into the Ipswich Jets starting side at hooker in Round Four against the Wide Bay Bulls and James Frazer also started at hooker in Round Five against the Western Clydesdales and Round Six against the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

In his five 2022 MM Cup matches James Frazer kicked nine conversions with four conversions coming in Round Five against the Western Clydesdales. James Frazer also kicked three conversions in Round Four against the Wide Bay Bulls and two conversions in Round Six against the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

[mdrew]

In January 2023 Antioch Faitala-Mariner was named to start at right centre for the Titans U19’s in their annual match against the Newcastle Knights in Coffs Harbour.
The Brisbane based Titans contracted centre or winger signed a multi-year contract at the start of the 2019 year after some impressive displays for the Titans Logan based junior development squads. In positive news for the Titans Antioch Faitala-Mariner resigned with the Titans for an additional couple of seasons in late 2020. Antoich Faitala-Mariner then resigned once again in early 2022 to maintain his continued long term association with the Titans with the Titans soon to reap the devidends of the resigning of Antioch Faitala-Mariner.

In late 2022 Antioch Faitala-Mariner was named in the 2023 Easts Tigers Hastings Deering’s Colts squad and Antioch Faitala-Mariner is also Colts eligible in 2024 after playing a number of matches in the Colts competition for the Tigers in 2022 whislt he was still U18 eligible.

In late January 2022 Antioch Faitala-Mariner started from the bench for the Titans U18 side in a match at Pizzey Park against the Burleigh MM Cup side.

In late July 2022 Antioch Faitala-Mariner started at right centre for the U19 Future Titans Squad that played a North Queensland Cowboys U19 squad at Cbus Stadium as a curtain-raiser to the Round Twenty NRL match between the Titans and the Canberra Raiders.

In mid-December 2021 Antioch Faitala-Mariner was one of the Titans JTS Program players that took part in a joint training session with the Titans NRL squad.

In October 2021 Antioch Faitala-Mariner was named in the 2022 Easts Tigers U18 MM Cup squad for the second season in a row.

Antioch Faitala-Mariner’s first match for the East Tigers MM Cup side in 2022 was in late January 2022 when Antioch Faitala-Mariner was part of the Tigers squad that went down 32 – 16 to a Melbourne Storm Development Squad.

After missing the opening two rounds of the 2022 MM Cup season, Antioch Faitala-Mariner started at left centre for the Tigers in Round Three against the Redcliffe Dolphins and came close to scoring in the first half when he charged onto the ball from ten metres out but Antioch Faitala-Mariner was stopped just centremetres short of the line in the left corner.

Antioch Faitala-Mariner was named to continue at left centre in Round Four against the Tweed Heads Seagulls however a late change saw Antioch Faitala-Mariner drop back to be the Tigers 18th man.

Antioch Faitala-Mariner was also named to start at left centre in Round Five against the Souths Logan Magpies and Antioch Faitala-Mariner’s performance was more than good enough to be named in the centres in the Courier Mail MM Cup Round Five Team of the Week.

Antioch Faitala-Mariner then continued at left centre in Round Six against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls as well as in the rescheduled Round One match against the Burleigh Bears.

Antioch Faitala-Mariner scored what I can only describe as an “odd” try against the Bears in the 34th minute. Antioch Faitala-Mariner was chasing a kick into the left corner when the Burleigh winger tries to trap the ball with his foot but the ball came off his leg way too hard and rebounded back to the Tigers left second rower who then flicked the ball to his left to an unmarked Antioch Faitala-Mariner who was able to cruise around eight metres. Just prior to the try line the Burleigh fullback was able to get to Antioch Faitala-Mariner and hold him around the legs and it seemed like it was in slow motion that Antioch Faitala-Mariner fell over the line to score just metres in from the left corner post.

Antoich Faitala-Mariner made his Hastings Deering’s Colts debut for the Easts Tigers in Round Seventeen of the 2022 season when Antoich Faitala-Mariner started on the right wing against the Tweed Heads Seagulls.

Week One of the 2022 Hastings Deering’s Colts Final saw Antoich Faitala-Mariner also start on the right wing in the Elimination Final against the Tweed Heads Seagulls once again.

In late April 2022 Antoich Faitala-Mariner was named in the 2022 Queensland Rugby League U18 Emerging Origin Squad.

Also in 2022 Antoich Faitala-Mariner played a number of matches for the Carina Tigers in the Brisbane Rugby League Premier U20 competition including starting the Grand Final against the Brighton Roosters at right centre.

In January 2021 Antioch Faitala-Mariner started at right centre for the Titans U17 side in their annual match at Coffs Harbour against the Newcastle Knights with Antioch Faitala-Mariner having the opportunity to showcase his blazing speed on a number of occasions with the Titans deserved 32 – 20 victory.

In 2021 Antioch Faitala-Mariner was part of the Easts Tigers U18 Mal Meninga squad and started on the wing in their 26 – 12 trial victory over the Ipswich Jets.

In Round One of the 2021 MM Cup against the Redcliffe Dolphins, Antioch Faitala-Mariner moved to fullback and also started at fullback in Round Two against the Norths Devils and in Round Three against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

Antioch Faitala-Mariner was also named to start at fullback in Round Four against the Redcliffe Dolphins but in fact started the match in the centres and also started in the centres in Round Five against the Norths Devils scoring his first try of the 2021 MM Cup season in the Tigers 26 all draw.

Round Six being the final regular season round of the 2021 MM Cup competition saw Antioch Faitala-Mariner line up in the centres against Wynnum Manly.

In November 2020 Antioch Faitala-Mariner was named in the Easts Tigers 2021 MM Cup squad and he will also be MM Cup eligible in 2022.

The explosive winger was part of a Titans U15 side that played against another Titans U15 side and a Western Mustangs U15 selection at Mudgeeraba in February 2019 in a round robin set of matches and subsequent to those matches signed a contract linking the winger to the Titans until the end of the 2021 season.
In January 2020 Antioch Faitala-Mariner was part of the Titans U16 side that played and defeated a Newcastle Knights U16 Harold Matthews side in Coffs Harbour 18 – 14 in an outstanding display by the Titans.
In early 2020 Antioch Faitala-Mariner was selected in the Brisbane Stingers U16 trial squad for the U16 South East Queensland pre-season Challenge after some impressive early season performances unfortunately however the competition was cancelled as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic in the week leading up to the commencement of the competition.

Also in 2020 Antioch Faitala-Mariner was part of the Brisbane State High School GPS school boy First XV side starting round One at outside centre (No. 13) against TSS, starting there as well in round Two against Gregory Terrace and for that matter for the remainder of the season.

In 2020 Antioch Faitala-Mariner was also a member of the Brisbane State High School’s Athletics squad that participated the 2020 GPS Athletics Carnival. At the carnival Antioch Faitala-Mariner represented Brisbane State High School in three track events.

Antioch Faitala-Mariner ran 12.07 seconds in the 100 metre U16 sprint, ran the second leg in the U16 4 x 100 metre relay with Brisbane State High School recording a time of 45.31 seconds and ran the final leg of the Brisbane State High School 4 x 400 metres relay team that finished 4th in a time of 3 minutes 59.01 seconds.

In early October 2019 Antioch Faitala-Mariner was part of the Titans U15 side that played a Balmain Tigers U15 side at Piggabeen in Northern New South Wales with the Titans winning 34 – 16 in impressive fashion with Antioch Faitala-Mariner starting on the right wing for the Titans and coring an impressive individual try. From a Titans scrum win around thirty metres out, Antioch Faitala-Mariner received the ball to the left of the scrum win, stepping off his left foot to beat the initial defender before beating the Balmain fullback with a effortlessly quick swerve to his left to score essentially untouched.

The powerful young winger hails from the Easts Tigers club in Brisbane’s East and played one match for the GBJRL U15 Division One Tigers side in 2019 before moving up to play the remainder of the 2019 season with the Tigers in the GBJRL U16 Division One side scoring two tries in his thirteen matches in that competition.

To be selected to move up to the U16 Division One side is a real feather in Antioch Faitala-Mariner’s cap as the U15 Division One side went all the way to the Grand Final but the Easts Tigers hierarchy identified that he could handle the step up in age and they were proved correct with their assessment over the course of the 2019 season.

Antioch Faitala-Mariner also played rugby in 2019, playing for Brisbane State High School in the GPS U15A competition and was also selected in the Queensland Maroon side for the 2019 Queensland Junior U15 Gold Cup competition.

Antioch Faitala-Mariner played for the Easts Tigers in the 2018 GBJRL U14 Premier Division competition in 2018 including starting in the Grand Final that Easts won 26 – 20 against a Norths Devils side that included fellow Titan contracted U15 player, centre Shannon Subritzky-Stewart.

In 2018 Antioch Faitala-Mariner was also part of the South East Queensland Green U14 side that took part of the Queensland U14 Age Championships and started on the wing in the final that ended in a 16 all draw against South East Queensland White. In total for the 2018 South East Queensland U14 Green side, Antioch Faitala-Mariner played in all four of their matches starting all of them on the wing.

In rugby Antioch Faitala-Mariner represented Met East in the Queensland U12 Rugby Championships in 2016 and was named as their player of the match against Sunshine Coast on Day Two of those Championships.

[mdrew]

In late September 2022 Bo Peisley was named in the 2023 Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup train on squad.

Round One of the 2023 U18 Laurie Daley Cup competition sees Bo Peisley named on the bench for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Newcastle Knights.

In early May 2022 Bo Piesley started at halfback for a Northern Rivers Titans U17 squad that took on a Titans U16 JTS side at Cbus Stadium as a curtain-raiser to the Titans NRL Round Fourteen against the Souths Sydney Rabbitohs.

In June 2021, Bo Peisley was a member of the Titans U17 Northern Rivers Academy side that drew 28 all with a Titans JTS U16 side at Cbus Stadium in a curtain raiser to the Titans NRL fixture against Manly.

Bo Peisley was named at halfback for the Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup side for their 2021 Round One match against the Wests Tigers operating on the right side of the field in the match.

Unfortunately the Northern Rivers Titans went down in the match but Bo Peisley had some good moments including putting up a big mid-field bomb early in the second half towards the right touchline. The Wests Tigers left winger knocked the ball on and the Northern Rivers Titans, through jesse Soric scored from the next set of six.

Bo Peisley also started at halfback in Round Two against local rivals the North Coast Bulldogs in Nambucca Heads and in Round Three against the Greater Northern Tigers kicking three conversions in the Titans 30 – 16 victory.

Bo Peisley was also involved in a strong tackle in the 21st minute of the match when along with Kaden Rees and Creedence Donovan he initially held up the Tigers fullback and dragged him into touch five metres out from the line.

Bo Peisley continued at half back in Round Four against the Central Coast Roosters, producing an outstanding short kicking game early including forcing Central Coast to ground the ball in their own in goal twice in the opening twenty four minutes of the match.

Bo Peisley also started at half in Round Five against the Newcastle Knights scoring a double as the Northern Rivers Titans finished their season with an impressive 28 – 4 victory.

Bo Peisley’s first try came in the 24th minute of the first half through a show and go as he ran to the left, once through the line Bo Peisley ran at a 45 degree angle to score under the posts. Just a minute earlier Bo Peisley produced a show and go to the left but was dragged down centremetres short but won a penalty when he was held down by the Newcastle defence.

Bo Peisley scored his second try of the match in the 52nd minute when he moved into dummy half a metre out from the Newcastle line and just to the right of the uprights. Bo Peisley dummied to his right before darting over to score.

Bo Peisley, like he had all competition kicked well in the match, including in the 43rd minute when he produced a stabbing right foot kick from forty metres out that found the touchline less than ten metres out from the Newcastle line in the right corner.

Bo Peisley did it all in the match including defensively with probably his best moment of the match in relation to that attribute coming in the 48th minute with a great ball and all tackle on the Newcastle five eight who had tried to run over him from a Knights scrum win.

[mdrew]

In October 2022 Riley Loughland was named in the 2023 Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup squad with Riley Loughland involved in the Norhtern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup trial side that took on the Tweed Heads Seagulls at Burleigh Juniors in late January 2023 as part of the Titans Annual Super Saturday series of matches with Riley Loughland starting at halfback in the final two quarters of a very hard fought draw against the Seagulls.

Round One of the 2023 U16 Andrew Johns Cup competition saw Riley Loughland named at five eight for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Newcastle Knights.

2022 saw Riley Loughland play his school boy rugby league with the Titans partnered PBC SHS in the School Boy Walters Cup Rugby League competition with Riley loughland lining up at five eight including a strong semi-final performance for PBC SHS against fellow Titans partnered school Marsden SHS.

Riley Loughland was part of the 2021 Titans JTS Program training with the Titans Group 18 Development squad.

[mdrew]

Jake Lateo started at halfback for the Tweed Heads Seagulls in their second 2023 MM Cup trial against the Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup side at Burleigh Juniors as part of the Titans Annual Super Saturday series of matches.

Playing the opening two quarters Jake Lateo was outstanding scoring one try and setting up another in the Seagulls trial victory. Jake Lateo scored in the first quarter against the Northern Rivers Titans when after a long Seagulls break down the left side of the field, the abll was spun to the right and afer taking possession in a lot of space Jake Lateo ran at the backpeddling defensive line and then put in a right foot grubber kick for himself with jake Lateo regaining possession and crossing to score seven metres in from the right corner post.

Jake Lateo also recorded a second quarter try assist when from ten metrs out Jake lateo drew in one defender before throwing a long cut-out pass to put his right winger over to score in the right corner.

[mdrew]

In late September 2022 Bailey McConnell was named in the 2023 Burleigh Bears MM Cup Squad for the second season in a row with Bailey McConnell starting at halfback and captain in the Bears first 2023 MM Cup trial against the Souths Logan Magpies at the Annual Titans Super Saturday series of matches.

Whilst Bailey McConnell played the opening two quarters at halfback he moved to fullback for the final two quarters with Bailey McConnell scoring a double in the Bears tight loss. Bailey McConnell scored his opening try mid-way through the opening quarter when he backed up a break to receive a pass from his left and dart eight metres to score next to the left upright.

Bailey McConnell scored his second try in the third quarter when he ran to his right out of dummy half from fifteen metres out with Bailey McConnell’s speed out of dummy half catching the Magpies defence still on their onw try line with Bailey McConnell accelerating between two defenders to get the ball down mid-way between the corner post and goal posts on the right side of the field.

[mdrew]

In October 2022 Banjora Porch was named in the 2023 Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup squad with Banjora Porch starting in the front row in the Northern Rivers Titans opening 2023 trial against the Northern Coast Bulldogs in Coffs Harbour with Banjora Porch scoring a strong second half try.

Round One of the 2023 U16 Andrew Johns Cup competition sees Banjora Porch named in the front row for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Newcastle Knights.

The big strong young front rower who was the Player of the match after starting and starring in the front row in the Group 18 U15 Grand Final victory for Byron Bay/Lennox Head over the Murwillumbah Colts, played for a Titans U15 NRRRL Invitational selection in a match against a Titans JTS U14 squad in September 2022.

2022 also saw Banjora Porch play rugby with Banjora Porch being named in the Far North Coast Rugby U15 Seven’s Representative side.

[mdrew]

The Burleigh Bears MM Cup side is not going to lack size in the outside backs with Auckland powerhouse outside back Edward Pirika in the squad.

He played solidly in the Bears recent trial against the Souths Logan Magpies and shapes as a real handful in 2023.

Impressively Edward Pirika is also MM Cup eligible in 2024.

[mdrew]

In late January 2023 Jai Billish signed a multi-year year contract with the Titans that runs through until the end of the 2025 season.

The talented hooker played the 2022 rugby league season with the Southport Tigers but unfortunately Jai Billish missed the Tigers GCRL U14 Division One Grand Final tight victory against the Burleigh Bears.

In early 2023 Jai Billish was part of the Queensland Samoa U14 representative side (U14 in 2022) that played a Queensland Murri selection at the 2023 Cultural Celebration day.

[mdrew]

In early 2022 Jyah White signed a two year contract with the Titans that will take him through to the end of the 2024 season.

Jyah White was part of the Titans JTS Elite Development Program and was part of the Titans 2022 U14 JTS High Performance Academy Gold Coast squad that commenced training on a weekly basis in November 2022.

In early December 2022 Jyah White played for the Titans U14 Gold Coast Academy against the Titans U14 Logan Academy in a high quality trial match on the Gold Coast with both teams wearing Titans jerseys in a great Titans initiative.

Jyah White played the 2022 season with the Helensvale Hornets in the highly competitive Gold Coast Rugby League U14 Division One competition.

Jyah White had an outstanding 2022 GCRL U14 Division One season with some of Jyah White’s tries noted below:

• Against Nerang Jyah White charged onto the ball to the right of the play the ball thirty five metres out and broke through the initial Roosters defensive line by way of a right foot step with Jyah White then beating the fullback with another right foot step with Jyah White then racing away to dive over to score ten metres to the left of the uprights.

• Against the Southport Tigers after receiving the ball three metres out and on the left side of the field, Jyah White threw a big dummy to his left before cutting back inside by way of a left foot step with Jyah White then crashing over between and over the top of multiple defenders to get the ball down mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

• Against the Mudgeeraba Redbacks Jyah White charged onto the ball to the right of the play the ball from around forty metres out with Jyah White cutting back inside off his right foot before Jyah White used a left arm fend to beat one defender to break through the initial defensive line. Jyah White then veered to his right to round the fullback and charge downfield to get the ball near just in from the right corner post.

• Against the Southport Tigers Jyah White when he was thirty five metres out received the ball to the right of the play the ball. As he ran towards the oncoming defensive line, Jyah White dummied to both his inside and outside before running the ball himself with Jyah White breaking three tackles and before running over the top of the Tigers fullback to score a great solo try under the posts.

• Against the Burleigh Bears Jyah White received an inside pass from his right whilst five metres out from the try line with Jyah White then carrying two defenders over the try line to get the ball down adjacent to the right upright.

• Also against the Bears Jyah White received the ball ten metres out and to the right of the play the ball. As he took the ball towards the defensive line Jyah White dummied to both his inside and outside before taking on the defensive line himself with Jyah White crashing over to get the ball down next to the left upright.

• Against the Currumbin Eagles Jyah White from twenty five metres out and to the right of the play the ball burst onto the ball and broke through the Eagles defensive line with Jyah White then beating the fullback to score under the posts.

• Also against the Eagles from sixty five metes out Jyah White received a pass from the dummy half from his left and in the centre of the field. Jyah White strong charge saw him burst through three attempted tackles whilst he was still inside his own half with Jyah White then executed a right foot step to beat the fullback. Then as three defenders converged upon him Jyah White propped and cut back towards the centre of the field with that manoeuvre wrong footing all three defenders. Jyah White then set off again downfield outpacing the remaining cover defenders to score a great solo try under the black dot.

• Against the Beaudesert Kingfishers from seventy metres out Jyah White made a line break on the right side of the field and from there it was shut the gate with Jyah White easily outpacing the Kingfishers fullback and the other cover defenders to score in the right corner.

• Then against the Ormeau Shearers Jyah White ran onto a pass to the right of the play the ball and fifteen metres out with Jyah White then slicing through a gap to score ten metres in from the right corner post.

• Against the Runaway Bay Seagulls Jyah White ran onto the ball from twenty metres out and to the right of the play the ball with Jyah White breaking four tackles before reaching out to get the ball down seven metres to the left of the uprights.

[mdrew]

In early 2022 Xhai Waerea signed a multi-year contract with the Titans that runs through until the end of the 2025 season.

Xhai Waerea played for Keebra Park in the 2022 Renouf Cup School Boy Rugby League competition starting multiple matches in the second row including Rounds Three and Four against Redcliffe SHS and Marsden SHS respectively.

Xhai Waerea then moved to the bench in Round Five against Caloundra State High School as well as in Round Six against Marsden SHS with Xhai Waerea coming onto the field late in the first half to operate in the front row.

Xhai Waerea started the 2022 School Boy Renouf Cup Grand Final against Ipswich SHS from the bench with Xhai Waerea coming onto the field in the 12th minute to operate in the front row. Then in the 38th minute Xhai Waerea made a crunching tackle on the Ipswich No. 11 ten metres out from the try line and directly in front of the goal posts.

2022 also saw Xhai Waerea continue to play for the Burleigh Bears in the Gold Coast Junior Rugby League U14 Division One competition, leading the Bears to a Grand Final appearance against the Southport Tigers with Xhai Waerea starting the Grand Final at right second row after a dominating regular season with the Bears.

Xhai Waerea’s best moment of the Grand Final came in the 19th minute when Xhai Waerea charged onto a good ball from his inside from his halfback with Xhai Waerea taking possession thirty eight metres out and bursting through three attempted tackles with Xhai Waerea promoting the ball to the twenty metre mark before he was finally brought to ground.

Xhai Waerea made another strong run in the 37th minute when Xhai Waerea charged onto a short ball on the right side of the field from his halfback when forty two metres out with Xhai Waerea running a hard straight crash line with Xhai Waerea bursting between two defenders. Xhai Waerea then cut to his left before executing a right foot step to beat another defender with Xhai Waerea ultimately making seventeen strong metres downfield.

From a defensive perspective Xhai Waerea had a very strong Grand Final and in the opening portion of the second half with Southport constantly on the attack, Xhai Waerea literally tackled everything that moved as the Bears, largely due to Xhai Waerea’s defensive performance repelled everything that the Tigers threw at them.

In September 2022 Xhai Waerea was named in the South Queensland Maori U14 Tuakana representative squad starting Round One of the QPICC Carnival at left centre against Queensland Tonga.

Xhai Waera also started at left centre in Round Two against Samoa, scoring a powerhouse double and Xhai Waera also scored in QLd Maori’s Grand Final victory against PNG.

Xhai Waera started on the right wing in the semi-final against Samoa with Zhai Waerea recording a line break in the 24th minute when after receiving a cut-out pass from his inside from Calais Hallett-Wharewaka forty metres out, Xhai Waerea charged twenty five metres down the left touchline before Xhai Waerea smartly cut back inside before potentially being forced over the touchline.

The tough, hard uncompromising young rugby league front rower and rugby hooker from northern New South Wales was a standout at hooker for the U13 Far North Coast Representative Rugby side that played in the King of Country Rugby Tournament held on the Gold Cost and at the competition of the Tournament Xhai Waerea named on the bench in the Team of the Tournament alongside older brother Brooklyn who is also an outstanding rugby and rugby league prospect.

In 2021 Xhai Waerea played in the U13 Group 18 competition for the Tweed Coast Raiders, operating primarily in the front row and dominating the competition.

Xhai Waerea also played club rugby in 2021, playing in the Far North Coast U13 Rugby Competition for Coolangatta Tweed. In the matches that he played in for Coolangatta Tweed, Xhai Waerea played at hooker.

Xhai Waerea had a monster season for Coolangatta Tweed in the Far North Coast U13 Rugby Competition, scoring hat tricks in Rounds Two and Four against Casino and Ballina respectively and Xhai Waerea also scored doubles in Round Seven against the wonderfully Named Evan Head Killer Whales and in Round Nine against Casuarina Beach. Xhai Waerea also kicked a conversion against Evans Head in Round Seven.

[mdrew]

In late 2022 Cruz Dangerfield was named in the 2023 Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup squad after a stellar 2022 campaign with Cruz Dangerfield involved in the Northern Rivers Titans opening 2023 trial against the North Coast Bulldogs in Coffs Harbour.

Crus Dangerfield then was part of the Northern Rivers Titans second trial against the Tweed Heads Seagulls U16 CC Cup side at Burleigh Juniors as part of the Titans Annual Super Saturday series of matches.

Round One of the 2023 U16 Andrew Johns Cup competition sees Crus Dangerfield named on the bench for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Newcastle Knights.

2022 saw Cruz Dangerfield play for the Murwillumbah Colts in the Group 18 U15 competition including starting at right second row in the Grand Final against Byron Bay/Lennox Head. At the 2022 Awards Presentation, Cruz Dangerfield was named the 2022 Murwillumbah Colts Group 18 U15 Best and Fairest and Cruz Dangerfield was also awarded the trophy for scoring the most tries in the Group 18 Junior Rugby League Competition for the Murwillumbah Colts Junior Rugby League Club across all age groups.

Cruz Dangerfield also played school boy rugby in 2022 playing at No. 8 for Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School playing in both First XV matches and Sevens carnivals including the Gold Coast Schools Sevens Carnival in late 2022 where Cruz Dangerfield was one of the stand-out players of the carnival.

[mdrew]

Ayden Byrnes is a young nippy, feisty, competitive and combatative half back or hooker who was a member of the 2021 Titans U14 Elite Junior Academy squad that trained on a regular basis at the Titans main training facility at Parkwood.

In late September 2022 Ayden Byrnes was named in the 2023 Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup train on squad with Ayden Byrnes part of the Northern Rivers Titans squad that played the Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup squad in a trial at Burleigh Juniors as part of the Titans Annual Super Saturday series of matches.

Round One of the 2023 U18 Laurie Daley Cup competition sees Ayden Byrnes named at hooker for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Newcastle Knights.

2022 also saw Ayden Byrnes continue to attend PBC SHS, playing in the Walters Cup School Boy competition and at the end of year PBC SHS Sports Awards night, Ayden Byrnes was named the recipient of the Reds Year Ten Award.

Ayden Byrnes played exceptionally well in the Walters Cup for PBC SHS including a strong semi-final performance for PBC SHS against fellow Titans partnered school Marsden SHS with it looking like Riley Loughland had scored late in the match to lock the scores up at 16 all only after a great break out of dummy half by Ayden Byrnes only for the final pass from Ayden Byrnes to Riley Loughland to be ruled to have travelled forward by the touch judge.

Also at the completion of the 2022 School Boy Walters Cup competition for PBC SHS Ayden Byrnes was named on the bench in the 2022 Courier Mail Walters Cup School Boy Rugby League Team of the Season.

In October 2021 Ayden Byrnes was named in the Tweed Heads Seagulls U16 Cyril Connell Cup squad with Ayden Byrnes part of the Tweed Heads Seagull Cyril Connell Cup squad that played their opening 2022 trial against the Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup squad at Burleigh’s Pizzey Park.

After missing the opening rounds of the 2022 Cyril Connell Cup competition Ayden Byrnes was named at hooker for Round Four against the Easts Tigers and had a great CC Cup debut including scoring the Seagulls opening try in the 27th minute. Ayden Byrnes moved into dummy half around six metres from the line and just to the left of the goal posts. Upon picking up the ball Ayden Byrnes skipped out to his right, throwing a big dummy to his right before darting towards the line and diving over to score seven metres to the left of the uprights.

Such was the quality of Ayden Byrne’s performance that he was named on the bench in the Courier Mail’s U16 Cyrill Connell Cup Round Four Team of the Week.

Ayden Byrnes continued at hooker in Round Five against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls and more than held his own defensively including a great low grassing tackle on his opposite number in the 6th minute as the Wynnum Manly hooker was trying to dart over from five metres out.

Ayden Byrne made a second desperate try saving tackle in the 22nd minute when he flew to his left to cut down the Wynnum Manly right second rower who had broken the Seagulls line and looked certain to score but for Ayden Byrne’s outstanding low tackle.

Ayden Byrnes also took the opportunity to run the ball out of dummy half when the opportunity presented itself with his best run coming in the 23rd minute when he ran out of dummy half to his right from ten metres out from his own try line to get the ball to twenty one metres out.

In 2021 Ayden Byrnes was part of the PBC State High School Hancock Cup school boy side including starting the Grand Final against Marsden State High School. Ayden Byrnes made a number of strong runs out of dummy half in the Grand Final, probably the best of which came in the 25th minute when after running out of dummy half to his left made twenty metres through the centre of the ruck to get the ball into Keebra Park territory.

At the PBC Sports awards night Ayden Byrnes was awarded the 2021 PBC Year Nine Rugby League Player of the Season Award.

[mdrew]

In January 2023 James Frazer started at five eight for the Titans U19 side in their annual match at Coffs Harbour against the Newcastle Knights U19’s.

In late January 2023 James Frazer was part of the Queensland Murri U18 side (2022 U18) that played a Queensland Samoa U18 side at the Queensland Cultural Celebration Day.

In 2022 James Frazer played Ipswich SHS in the School Boy Rugby League Langer Cup competition with James Frazer being an ever present at five eight for Ipswich SHS including the Queensland Langer Cup Grand Final victory against PBC SHS and their National School Boy Final victory against Patrician Brothers Fairfield with James Frazer kicking four conversions and two penalty goals in the National School Boy Final.

2022 also saw James Frazer play for the Ipswich Jets in the U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition with James Frazer starting his first two matches off the bench, being against the Western Clydesdales in Round Two and against the Sunshine Coast Falcons in Round Three.

James Frazer moved into the Ipswich Jets MM Cup starting side at hooker in Round Four against the Wide Bay Bulls and James Frazer also started at hooker in Round Five against the Western Clydesdales and Round Six against the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

In his five 2022 MM Cup matches James Frazer kicked nine conversions with four of those conversions coming in Round Five against the Western Clydesdales. James Frazer also kicked three conversions in Round Four against the Wide Bay Bulls and two conversions in Round Six against the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

2022 also saw James Frazer play for the Edmonton Shark in the Far North Coast Rugby League competition. James Frazer played two matches in the U18 Far North Coast competitions with his first match being Round Three against the Tully Tigers with James Frazer starting at halfback and scoring a try and kicking a conversion. James Frazer also started at halfback in Round Four with James Frazer once again scoring a try and kicking a conversion, on that occasion being against Innisfail Brothers.

James Frazer made his Far North Coast Rugby League debut at five eight in Round Eleven against Innisfail Brothers with James Frazer kicking three conversions from as many attempts. James Frazer also started at five eight in Round Twelve against the Mossman Sharks with James Frazer scoring his first First Grade try as well as kicking a conversion. James Frazer’s last 2022 Far North Coast First Grade game was in Round Fifteen against the Yarrabah Seahawks with James Frazer also starting at five eight and kicking five conversions from six attempts.

[mdrew]

Titans Beau Hartmann (left centre) and Jimmie McCombie (half) are set to line up tomorrow morning for the Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup side in Round One against Newcastle.

[mdrew]

Titans Zane Harrison (half) and Riley Buchanan (interchange) are set to line up tomorrow morning for the Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup side in Round One against Newcastle in Newcastle.

[mdrew]

PLEASE NOTE THAT ISAIAH’ S SURNAME IS SPELT WITH AN “A” BUT THIS CREATES AN ISSUE THUS @ WILL BE USED INSTEAD OF THE ‘A” IN THE SURNAME.

In late January 2023 Isaiah F@galilo started from the bench for the Titans U19 side in their annual match at Coffs Harbour against the Newcastle Knights U19’s.

In late 2022 Isaiah F@galilo was named in the powerful Burleigh Bears U18 Mal Meninga Cup squad for the second season in a row with Isaiah F@galilo starting at hooker in the Bears first 2023 MM Cup trial against the Souths Logan Magpies at the Annual Titans Super Saturday series of matches with Isaiah F@galilo providing his usual spark out of dummy half for the Bears in their strong first half performance.

In 2022 Isaiah F@galilo played Keebra Park SHS in the School Boy Rugby League Langer Cup Open A competition with Isaiah F@galilo starting the majority of his matches at hooker but Isaiah F@galilo also started a couple of matches off the bench but as usual went he came onto the field Isaiah F@galilo was his usual electric self out of dummy half.

2022 also saw Isaiah F@galilo play for the Burleigh Bears in the U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition starting all five of the matches at that he played at hooker with Isaiah F@galilo missing only one match over the course of the entire 2022 MM Cup season.

Isaiah F@galilo scored twice in the 2022 MM Cup competition with the first of his tries coming in the 60th minute of Round Four against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls and Isaiah F@galilo also scored in the 61st minute of Round Seven against the Tweed Heads Seagulls.

In relation to his Round Seven try against the Seagulls Isaiah F@galilo picked the ball up at dummy half with the play the ball in the centre of the field and ran to his right from six metres out. As he approached the try line Isaiah F@galilo stepped off his right foot and engaged the defensive line whilst still two metres from the try line with Isaiah F@galilo being spun around 360 degrees counter clockwise. Isaiah F@galilo was able to maintain his balance and reach out with his right arm to plant the ball down under the posts.

In late 2022 Isaiah F@galilo also represented the U18 Queensland Samoa side at the QPICC Carnival with Isaiah F@galilo starting all of Queensland Samoa’s matches at hooker including their Grand Final victory over Queensland Māori. Isaiah F@galilo scored once at the QPICC Cultural Carnival being in Round Two against eventual Grand Final opponents Queensland Māori U18’s.

[Titanic]

Gee we’ve come a long way from when a f@g was a cigarette … far too precious.

[mdrew]

One win and one loss for the Northern Rivers Titans sides in Round One today.

The U18 Laurie Daley Cup side won 24-20 on the back of a dominant performance by Zane Harrison and whilst the U16 side went down there were some good performances including barnstorming second half try by Titan Beau Hartmann.

[mdrew]

Hai Hiawe King starts the 2023 season off as part of the Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup squad.

The young Titans partnered PBC SHS front rower was one of PBC SHS's best in the 2022 Walters Cup competition, including being named on the bench in the Courier Mail’s 2022 School Boy Walters Cup Team of the Year after starting all of his Walters Cup matches in the front row for PBC SHS in 2022. Hai Hiawe King was also named one of the most improved 2022 School Boy Rugby League players regardless of competition in 2022 by the Courier Mail.

[mdrew]

Young Auckland front rower Sitani Loumanu has moved over to the Gold Coast to attend the Titans partnered Keebra Park SHS with Sitani Loamanu also part of the Burleigh Bears 2023 U18 MM Cup squad.

In 2022 Sitani Loamanu played in the U18 Dean Bell Cup as well as for the Manurewa Marlins Rugby League club and in October 2022 Sitani Loamani started in the front row for an Auckland U18 Representative side in a match against a South Island U18 selection.

Also in late 2022 Sitani Loamanu trialled for a spot in the 2023 New Zealand Warriors SG Ball squad for their return to the NSWRL U19 competition.

[mdrew]

Harry Chadburn starts the 2023 season off as part of the Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup squad and Harry Chadburn is also MM Cup eligible in 2024.

In November 2022 Harry Chaadburn was named in the New South Wales Junior Blue’s squad for a two day camp which featured sessions taken by NSW State of Origin coach Brad Fittler.

[mdrew]

Last season Kaleb Hope was a standout for the Lower Clarence Magpies in the NRRRL U18 competition and on the weekend he started from the bench for the Northern Tigers in Round One of the U18 Laurie Daley Cup competition, scoring a try and kicking four conversions from as many attempts in a 30-26 win over the North Coast Bulldogs.

[mdrew]

One of the unsung hero's in the Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup side's Round One 24-20 win against Newcastle yesterday was Bo Peisley who came off the bench to operate in the dummy half role.

HE may not have scored etc but Bo Peisley did a lot of good things in both attack and defence.

[mdrew]

The Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup starting front rowers AJ Hickling and Isaac Harrison got through a mountain of work and really did set the foundation for their 24-20 Round One win against the Newcastle Knights.

[mdrew]

Austin Marsters is a 2022 Auckland U16 Rugby League Representative lock forward who played his club rugby league in New Zealand with the outstanding and exceptionally well regarded Marist Saints Rugby League in Auckland and in 2023 Austin Marsters has moved over to Australia and is part of the 2023 Burleigh Bears U18 MM Cup squad. Austin Marsters will also be MM Cup eligible in 2024.

Austin Marsters first game for the Bears was in their opening 2023 MM Cup trial against the Souths Logan Magpies at Burleigh Juniors as part of the Titans Annual Super Saturday.

2022 also saw Austin Marsters enrol at the Titans Partnered Keebra Park SHS.

Austin Marsters is a former member of the New Zealand Warriors Future Warriors Program and also spent time in early 2023 training with the Cronulla Sharks Development Program.

[mdrew]

Matari Donovan starts the 2023 season off as part of the Burleigh Bears U18 MM Cup squad.

In 2022 Matari Donovan was a member of the Penrith Panthers U17 Harold Matthews Cup squad, starting on the wing in Round Two against the Cronulla Sharks as well as in the previous Round One.

Also in Penrith Matari Donovan represented New South Wales in Oztag in 2022.

After moving back to Penrith for a number of seasons it is great to see Matari Donovan back on the Gold Coast with the centre/winger named on the bench for the Currumbin Eagles in their Gold Coast Rugby League U18 Division One Round Ten match against the Ormeau Shearers however Matari Donovan was a late scratching from the match.

Matari Donovan was then named to start in the centres in Round Eleven against the Nerang Roosters with Matari Donovan starting the match at left centre before spending time at right centre in the second half.

In just the 13th minute Matari Donovan recorded a line break assist when after making a strong ten metre run down the left Matari Donovan was able to get the ball away to his left winger near the halfway mark to put him away down the left touchline.

Matari Donovan made a line break of his own in the 52nd minute when from forty metres out from the Eagles line, Jake Lateo ran the ball down the right channel breaking through the Roosters left sided defensive line before getting an off-load away to his inside to Matari Donovan who charged twenty metres downfield before being hit by a high tackle with a penalty being awarded.

Matari Donovan continued his strong running with the ball in the 49th minute with a three tackle break effort on the right side of the field to get the ball to twenty metres away from the try line.

Then in the 14th minute matari Donovan took his opposing centre down in a strong one on one tackle.

He is a young centre who starred in his first year on the Gold Coast after moving from the Penrith region of Sydney and was an outstanding attacking force for Burleigh in the GCRL U14 Division One competition in 2019.

For Burleigh in the GCRL U14 Division One regular season competition Matari Donovan played in eleven matches scoring twenty two tries (200% strike rate) including scoring six tries in Round Seven against Helensvale and five more in Round Nine against Currumbin.

Matari Donovan also scored four doubles with those coming against Ormeau twice, Mudgeeraba and Beaudesert. Matari Donovan remaining three regular season tries were scored one each in the opening three rounds against Runaway Bay, Currumbin and Helensvale.

Understandably as a result of the scoring figures noted above Matari Donovan finished the U14 Division One season as the competitions leading try scorer four ahead of his nearest rival being fellow Burleigh centre Kalahni Lawrence.

Matari Donovan also kicked two goals over the course of the regular season with both of those goals coming in Round Seven when he converted two of his own tries against Helensvale when he finished that particular match with an individual point’s haul of twenty eight when you add in his six try haul.

In the match against Helensvale in Round Seven when he scored six tries, Matari Donovan was also afforded the opportunity to convert two of those tries.

Matari Donovan started the GCRL U14 Division One Grand Final on the bench, coming on to play left centre where he was a constant menace and had a second half try assist when he threw a great one arm around the corner pass with his left arm to his left for his winger to have a clear passage to the line.

Matari Donovan also played for PBC in various school boy rugby league competitions in 2019 including starting at right centre and scoring a barnstorming try to put PBC in front in the Year Nine Hancock Cup Grand Final. In the final PBC erased a 12 – 6 half time deficit to win the final 24 – 18 against Coombabah State High School.

In the final Matari Donovan took the ball from the dummy half about ten metres out from the Coombabah State High School line on the right of the play the ball and stormed over dragging three Coombabah defenders with him.

[mdrew]

Round One of the 2023 U18 Laurie Daley Cup competition saw Bo Peisley named on the bench for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Newcastle Knights with Bo Peisley coming off the bench to operate at dummy half in the 27th minute.

Bo Peisley provided a real spark out of dummy half for the Northern Rivers Titans including almost scoring in the 32nd minute when after he backed up a line break by Jesse Soric, Bo Peisley was tackled just short of the try line and in front of the left upright.

Bo Peisley produced some great work in the 30th minute with a line break assist when from forty metres out from his own try line Bo Peisley ran to his left down a short blindside and near the halfway mark Bo Peisley was able to draw in the Knights right winger and put Noah Waldock away down the left touchline. Bo Peisley then backed up and got the ball back from Noah Waldock and then after ducking under one attempted tackle Bo Peisley was able to off-load himself to his left to Lachlan Offley who was dragged down just short of the try line.

Bo Peisley made another smart run out of dummy half in the 45th minute when from on the halfway mark Bo Peisley ran to his right and made fifteen metres through the centre of the field.

[mdrew]

Round One of the 2023 U16 Andrew Johns Cup competition saw Jed Mulcahy named at left second row for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Newcastle Knights with Jed Mulcahy making a strong run in the 20th minute when after charging onto the ball to the right of the play the ball thirty metres out from his own try line, Jed Mulcahy stepped off his left foot to get the ball forty two metres away from the try line.

Then in the 33rd minute when to the left of the play the ball and just inside Newcastle territory Jimmy McCombie threw a good ball to his left to a charging Jed Mulcahy who made twenty metres, the majority of which were post contact metres.

Jed Mulcahy showed his toughness in the 31st minute (the first minute of the second half) when after making a tackle inside the Knights territory Jed Mulcahy injured his shoulder and was on the ground in pain for a couple of minutes, but it was no surprise when Jed Mulcahy got to his feet, lined up at mark and then made the next tackle after running out of the marked position to his left.

[mdrew]

One of the more interesting players in the Tweed Heads Seagulls CC Cup squad this season is Gold Coast Representative basketballer Skye Adams who previously has played rugby league in the backs but this season looks to move to the second row.

[mdrew]

A player to keep an eye on in the 202 U16 Cyril Connell Cup competition for Burleigh is Robina Raptors centre Tolga Eden who shapes as as a powerhouse out wide for the Bears.

[mdrew]

This year's Burleigh CC Cup squad has a number of impressive second row options to choose from and one that no doubt will be considered for playing time is the talented Jakyea Te Huia.

[mdrew]

Round One of the 2023 U18 Laurie Daley Cup competition saw Isaac Harrison named in the front row for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Newcastle Knights with Isaac Harrison taking the 4th hit-up of the match after the Knights had kicked off to get the match underway.

The match also saw Isaac Harrison make a line break in the 29th minute when he charged onto a good ball from his left from Jesse Soric with Isaac Harrison’s inside shoulder route taking him to within ten metres of the try line and in front of the goal posts.

[mdrew]

Round One of the 2023 U16 Andrew Johns Cup competition saw Zane Farrell named on the bench for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Newcastle Knights with Zane Farrell coming onto the field to operate in the dummy half role in the 29th minute of the match.

Zane Farrell made a smart line break in the 58th minute when from forty two metres out from the try line Zane Farrell ran to his left out of dummy half and darted through the centre of the Knights defensive line with Zane Farrell getting to within ten metres of the try line before he was finally brought to ground.

Zane Farrell made a desperate tackle on one of the Knights interchange front rowers (No. 16) who had burst through the Northern Rivers Titans defensive line with Zane Farrell preventing the front rower from making more ground by holding onto his right leg until defensive help arrived.

Zane Farrell made another smart defensive play in the 50th minute when along with Riley Buchanan, Zane Farrell did very well to hold up one of the Knights interchange front rowers over the try line mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the right side of the field.

Then in the 55th minute once again Zane Farrell made a strong ball and all tackle, on this occasion on the Knight replacement hooker (No. 14) forty metres out from the Northern Rivers Titans try line.

[mdrew]

Round One of the 2023 U18 Laurie Daley Cup competition saw Jesse Soric named at five eight for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Newcastle Knights with Jesse Soric operating on the left side of the field.

Jesse Soric recorded a try assist in the 38th minute when from thirty two metres out and to the right of the play the ball Jesse Soric initially ran to his right dummying to an underneath runner before Jesse Soric darted through a gap and whilst being tackled Jesse Soric was able to get his right arm free and off-load to his left to Tyler Whittington who scored under the posts.

Jesse Soric also recorded a line break assist in the 29th minute when from the right of the play the ball and twenty seven metres out, Jesse Soric took the ball deep into the Knights defensive line before throwing a short ball to his right to Isaac Harrison to break through the defensive line from his inside shoulder route.

Jesse Soric recorded a line break of his own in the 32nd minute when from twenty five metres out and to the left of the play the ball Jesse Soric stepped off his left foot twice in quick succession to break through the defensive line and then around five metres out from the try line Jesse Soric was able to off-load to his to Bo Peisley who was tackled just in front of the left upright.

[mdrew]

Cameron Bevan comes onto the bench for the Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup side for this weekend's Round Two against the Central Coast Roosters.

[mdrew]

After missing Round One of the U16 Andrew Johns Cup competition due to representing U16 NSW Kurri Antwone Quinlin-Randall starts at lock for the Northern Rivers Titans this weekend against the Central Coast Roosters.

[mdrew]

Round One of the 2023 U18 Laurie Daley Cup competition saw Ayden Byrnes named at hooker for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Newcastle Knights with Ayden Byrnes scoring in the 20th minute when after passing to his right out of dummy half to Zane Harrison when twenty metres out from the try line, Ayden Byrnes stayed in the game and chased through a subsequent Zane Harrison short kick back to the left with Adyen Byrnes diving on the ball in the in-goal to score nine metres to the right of the uprights.

The first of a number of dummy half runs from Ayden Byrnes came in just the 3rd minute from in the centre of the field and thirty eight metres out from the Knights try line, Ayden Byrnes ran to his right and got to twenty two metres out after using two Newcastle defenders as a shield to make yardage.

Ayden Byrnes made another smart run out of dummy half in the 18th minute when after running to his right when he was in the centre of the field, Ayden Byrnes was able to make fifteen critical metres.

In his second stint of the match at dummy half Ayden Byrnes was at it again in the 53rd minute with a run out of dummy half to his left from forty metres out from his own try line with Ayden Byrnes able to get the ball two metres over the try line with Ayden Byrnes then getting a six again call for the Northern Rivers Titans.

The in the 67th minute Ayden Byrnes ran to his right out of dummy half to make ten metres and get the ball within twelve metres of the try line.

[mdrew]

Round One of the 2023 U18 Laurie Daley Cup competition saw Lachlan Offley named at right centre the Northern Rivers Titans against the Newcastle Knights with Lachlan Offley coming close to scoring in the 30th minute after good work prior by Bo Peisley and Noah Waldock with Lachlan Offley receiving a pass from Bo Peisley ten metres out near the left touchline with Lachlan Offley tackled agonisingly short of the try line.

Lachlan Offley made the tackle of the match in the 6th minute when he held up the hard charging Newcastle right centre over the try line ten metres in from the left corner post. The Knights centre charged onto the ball with the Northern Rivers Titans pinned on their own try line, but Lachlan Offley executed an outstanding try saving tackle.

[mdrew]

Round One of the 2023 U16 Andrew Johns Cup competition saw Riley Loughland named at five eight for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Newcastle Knights in Newcastle with Riley Loughland operating on the right side of the field.

Riley Loughland kicked two conversions from as many attempts against the Newcastle Knights with his first conversion coming in just the 2nd minute when Riley Loughland converted Koopah Walters’s try from ten metres to the left of the uprights. Then in the 46th minute Riley Loughland converted Beau Hartmann’s solo try from ten metres to the left of the uprights.

Riley Loughland made one of the outstanding cover defending tackles of the match in the 21st minute when he raced to his right to make a desperate diving tackle on the Newcastle No. 14 who had made a line break down the right side of the Northern Rivers Titans right side of the field.

Riley Loughland put in a good attacking high kick in the 45th minute when from the centre of the field and thirty metres out Riley Loughland put up a right foot bomb to the Northern Rivers Titans right corner with the kick too good for the Knights left winger who knocked the ball on whist attempting to take the kick on the full. The Northern Rivers Titans scored through Beau Hartmann from the subsequent scrum win.

Riley Loughland then did well in the 59th minute when he threw a great cut-out pass to his right to put his support into space twenty metres out from the try line, also setting up a last minute try for the Northern Rivers Titans.

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Round One of the 2023 U18 Laurie Daley Cup competition saw Creedence Donovan named at left centre the Northern Rivers Titans against the Newcastle Knights with Creedence Donovan scoring for the Northern Rivers Titans in the 46th minute when from twenty metres out Creedence Donovan burst onto the ball in space after receiving a great pass from his inside from Zane Harrison with Creedence Donovan’s pace then too much for the cover defence to dive over to score two metres in from the right corner post.

Creedence Donovan almost scored again in the 53rd minute when after receiving the ball to the left of the play the ball forty metres out after a long Zane Harrison line break down the eight touchline ,Creedence Donovan chipped away for himself and came very close to getting the ball back but unfortunately the Knights right second rower got to the ball just before him four metres out from the try line.

Creedence Donovan could not have been in the match much earlier when he took the second hit-up of the match after Newcastle had kicked off to start the match. In the 42nd minute Creedence Donovan made a good run out of dummy half to his right from forty two metres out from his own try line with Creedence Donovan getting the ball five metres into Newcastle territory.

Creedence Donovan also had some good moments defensively against the Knights including in the 6th minute with a strong tackle on the Knights left centre (No. 3) with the Knights on the attack just three metres out from the try line.

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Round One of the 2023 U18 Laurie Daley Cup competition saw Callum Bowles named at right second row for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Newcastle Knights with Callum Bowles doing well from the Newcastle kick-off when he trapped a low bouncing kick-off with his right foot and then after retrieving the ball Callum Bowles as tackled twenty two metres out from his own try line.

Then in the 7th minute from twenty metres out from his own try line Callum Bowles made a strong run down the right channel to make twelve metres. Callum Bowles made a further strong run down the right channel in the 19th minute with his commencing thirty metres out from the try line with Callum Bowles making nine post contact metres as he got the ball to around seventeen metres of the try line.

Callum Bowles added a further strong run down the right channel in the 43rd minute with Callum Bowles making twelve metres from a run that originated from inside his own twenty metre defensive area.

Callum Bowles then executed a smart piece of play in the 31st minute when after taking possession around eleven metres from the try line on the right side of the field Callum Bowles put in a right foot grubber kick into the in-goal to force a Newcastle goal line drop-out.

Callum Bowles’s strongest moment defensively came in the 52nd minute with a strong front on one on one hit on the Knights lock (No. 13) ten metres out from the try lien and in front of the posts with Callum Bowles’s heavy initial contact seeing the ball flying loose of the Knights players grasp.

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Round One of the 2023 U18 Laurie Daley Cup competition saw Noah Waldock named on the left wing the Northern Rivers Titans against the Newcastle Knights with Noah Waldock scoring in the 15th minute when after good work on his inside Noah Waldock received the ball in space around twelve metres out. Noah Waldock still had some work to do however when after he was hit by a Knights cover defender Noah Waldock broke the contact with a 360 degree counter clockwise spin with Noah Waldock then getting the ball down five metres in from the left corner post.

Noah Waldock also made a line break in the 30th minute when after Bo Peisley darted out of dummy half down a short left blindside, Noah Waldock received the ball on the halfway mark and raced twenty metres down the left touchline before drawing the Newcastle fullback and getting the ball inside and back to Bo Peisley.

Noah Waldock made a strong kick return in the 42nd minute when after collecting a Knights clearing kick twenty eight metres out from his own try line on the full Naoh Waldock was able to push off one defender as he got the ball forty two metres away from his try line.

Noah Waldock then did well in the 50th minute to get low and take cleanly and sharp Knights grubber kick with Noah Waldock taking clean possession just a metre out from his own try line with Noah Waldock then getting to the ground quickly to prevent being dragged back into the in-goal.

Noah Waldock then made a key play in the 69th minute with the Northern Rivers Titans leading by just two points at the time. The Knights put up a Hail Mary mid-field bomb with Noah Waldock racing forward to take the bomb on the full under immense pressure thirty metres out from his own try lien and even though he was smashed just as he took possession Noah Waldock held on the ball as he went to ground. The Northern Rivers Titans never relinquished possession after that point to win 24 – 20.

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Round One of the 2023 U16 Andrew Johns Cup competition saw Titan Kaleb Smith named at hooker for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Newcastle Knights. Whilst Kaleb Smith started the match at hooker he moved to lock late in the first half before moving to five eight eight minutes into the second half.

Kaleb Smith recorded a line break assist in the 48th minute when with the play the ball thirty five metres away from the try line Kaleb Smith switched from the left side of the ruck to down a wide right blindside as the ball was being played with Kaleb Smith then throwing a good cut-out pass to his right to put Kyron Nipperess away down the right touchline.

Kaleb Smith made a positive impact on the match inside the opening minute when from thirty metres out from his own try line, Kaleb Smith ran to his left out of dummy half and after beating one defender by way of a right foot step, Kaleb Smith was able to promote the ball a total of fifteen metres.

Kaleb Smith made another smart run out of dummy half two minutes later in the 3rd minute when from thirty five metres out from the try line, Kaleb Smith ran to his left and after stepping off his left foot twice was able to get the ball to within twenty two metres out from the try line.

Kaleb Smith ran out of dummy half to his left once again in the 20th minute from thirty five metres out when he say the defence still back peddling with Kaleb Smith running to his left to get withing twenty five metres of the try line with Kaleb Smith catching the Knights defence in an offside position to be awarded a penalty.

Kaleb Smith darted out of dummy half once again in the 44th minute on that occasion to his right with Kaleb Smith able to make twelve metres from forty metres out from his own try line. Then in the 47th minute Kaleb Smith darted out of dummy half to his left once again from forty metres out from his own try line with Kaleb Smith able to get the ball five metres into Newcastle territory before his forward progress was halted.

Kaleb Smith also had some good moments defensively including in the 43rd minute with a strong one on one tackle with the Knights deep on the attack with Kaleb Smith’s heavy initial contact forcing a loose pass.

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Round One of the 2023 U18 Laurie Daley Cup competition saw Titans contracted Riley Buchanan named on the bench for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Newcastle Knights with Riley Buchanan coming off the bench in the 22nd minute to operate in the front row.

Riley Buchanan made another smart defensive play in the 50th minute when along with Zane Farrell, Riley Buchanan did very well to hold up one of the Knights interchange front rowers over the try line mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the right side of the field.

Earlier in the match in the 24th minute Riley Buchanan had made a great heavy front on tackle on the Knight No. 11 around ten metres out from the try line and in the centre of the field.

In the opening minute of the second half Riley Buchanan showed what a truly impressive defensive player that he is with first up a great front on tackle from the kick off. Then two tackles later Riley Buchanan smashed the Knights lock with another great front on hit with the ball still around thirty five metres out and then Riley Buchanan backed that up by making the next tackle as well.

Riley Buchanan executed a smart piece of play in the 38th minute with a one on one strip as the Knights were bring the ball out of their own territory with Riley Buchanan striping the ball when they were forty two metres out from their own try line with Riley Buchanan then able to return the ball an additional seven metres to put the Northern Rivers Titans immediately onto the attack with the Northern Rivers Titans scoring through Tyler Whittington in the subsequent set of six tackles.

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Round One of the 2023 U16 Andrew Johns Cup competition saw Titans contracted Jimmy McCombie named at halfback for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Newcastle Knights with Jimmy McCombie kicking well at the end of the opening set of six tackles of the match when to the left of the dummy half Jimmy McCombie drove his right foot kick hard and low deep into Newcastle territory with the Knights fullback tackled inside his own ten metre area.

Jimmy McCombie put in another outstanding long tactical kick in the 18th minute when from on the halfway mark Jimmy McCombie once again drove his kick into the left corner with all that the Knights fullback could do was collect the ball near the corner and dive infield and submit to the tackle just out from his own try line.

Jimmy McCombie showcased his passing game in the 33rd minute when to the left of the play the ball and just inside Newcastle territory Jimmy McCombie threw a good ball to his left to a charging Jed Mulcahy who made twenty metres, the majority of which were post contact metres.

Unfortunately Jimmy McCombie had to leave the field through injury early in the second half but thankfully Jimmy McCombie was able to return to the field and play the final ten minutes of the match.

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Round One of the 2023 U16 Andrew Johns Cup competition saw Titans contracted Beau Hartmann named at left centre for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Newcastle Knights with Beau Hartmann scoring a barnstorming try in the 46th minute when after receiving the ball two passes from the back of a Northern Rivers Titans scrum win in the centre of the field and just ten metres from the try line, Beau Hartmann received the ball on the left side of the field and immediately cut back inside and after running over the top of two would be Knights defenders, Beau Hartmann was able to reach out and slam the ball down with his right arm ten metres to the left of the uprights.

Beau Hartmann made a strong contribution in just the 2nd minute when he made the Northern Rivers Titans opening tackle of the match when he chased through a Jimmy McCombie kick with Beau Hartmann making the tackle just ten metres out from the Newcastle try line.

Beau Hartmann did very well from the Newcastle kick-off to get the match underway when the ball fell short and in fact bounced high in the air with Beau Hartmann racing towards the centre of the field and jumping high above the Knights chasers to take possession for the Northern Rivers Titans.

Beau Hartmann made a strong run in the 44th minute when after running an underneath route from one the halfway mark, Beau Hartmann was able to get the ball to withing thirty eight metres of the try line.

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Round One of the 2023 U18 Laurie Daley Cup competition saw Zane Harrison named at halfback for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Newcastle Knights with Zane Harrison putting in a dominant display to easily be the best player on the field. Zane Harrison filled up his stats sheet including kicking three conversions from four attempts an after the final siren penalty goal and three try assists amongst others.

Zane Harrison’s first conversion came in the 20th minute to convert Ayden Byrnes try that Zane Harrison recorded a try assist for from ten metres to the right of the uprights. Zane Harrison added a second conversion in the 38th minute from directly in front of the posts to convert Tyler Whittington’s try. Zane Harrison’s third conversion was the best of the three when from right on the right touch line Zane Harrison converted Creedence Donovan’s 46th minute try, a try that Zane Harrison in fact set up.

Then after the final siren had sounded Zane Harrison kicked a penalty goal from twenty five metres out and directly in front of the goal posts to seal a 24 – 20 for the Northern Rivers Titans.

Zane Harrison’s first try assist came in the 15th minute when after he received the ball two plays to the left of a Titans scrum win ten metres out with the scrum packed in the centre of the field, Zane Harrison ran to his left and after drawing in the Newcastle right winger Zane Harrison put Noah Waldock over three metres in from the left corner post.

Zane Harrison recorded his second try assist in the 20th minute when after receiving the ball to the right of the play the ball from Ayden Byrnes whilst eighteen metres out, Zane Harrison initially moved to his right before stopping on the spot and chipping back inside into the in-goal with Ayden Byrnes winning the race to score ten metres to the right of the posts. Zane Harrison then stepped up to convert the try.

Zane Harrison made it a hat trick of try assists in the 46th minute with a pass that any NRL halfback would be proud of. With the Northern Rivers Titans on the attack twenty metres out and just to the left of the uprights, Zane Harrison took possession of the ball two passes to the right of the play the ball and after running the ball towards the defensive line, Zane Harrison timed his pass perfectly to bypass one support runner and put the ball onto the chest of Creedence Donovan as he burst into a huge gap to score two metres in from the right corner post. No description could do the pass justice, it was that good! Zane Harrison then converted the try from the touch line.

Zane Harrison came close to scoring himself in the 64th minute when after receiving the ball down a short right blindside twenty metres out Zane Harrison shaped to pass to his right before stepping of his right foot to easily beat three defenders with Zane Harrison accelerating towards the try line with a right foot step by Zane Harrison beating a fourth defender before he was held up over the try line adjacent to the right upright.

Zane Harrison also made a line break in the 11th minute when after the Northern Rivers Titans knocked the ball backwards when bringing the ball out of their own territory, Zane Harrison tracked back to collect the ball thirty two metres out from his own try line and then ran the ball towards the right touchline. Zane Harrison beat one Knights defender before cutting back to the inside beating two defenders with his speed before a Zane Harrison right foot step beat a fourth with Zane Harrison then able to off-load to his fullback thirty metres out from the Newcastle try line.

Zane Harrison made a second line break in the 53rd minute when after receiving the ball to the right of the play the ball thirty tow metres out from his own try line Zane Harrison ran the ball down a short blindside dummying to his right before utilising a left arm fend to beat a defender (No. 6) before being tackle forty metres out from the Northern Rivers Titans try line.

Zane Harrison also kicked well against the Knights including in the 15th minute when from eighteen metres out and in the centre of the field Zane Harrison put up a bomb to the right corner which was knocked in by the Newcastle left winger, with Zane Harrison setting up a try in the opposite corner for Noah Waldock from the subsequent scrum.

Zane Harrison put in another smart kick in the 41st minute when from forty two metres out from his own try line and to the right of the play the ball Zane Harrison put in a hard low right foot kick into to the right corner with Zane Harrison chasing his own kick through to be involved I the tackle to trap the Knights player just three metres out from his own try line.

Zane Harrison’s initial impact of the match came inside the opening minute when on the final tackle from the Northern Rivers Titans first set of six tackles, Zane Harrison, from the right of the play the ball and thirty eight metres out from his own try line, put in a long raking right foot kick which the Knights fullback could only retrieve from on his own try line with Zane Harrison the first Northern Rivers Titans defender downfield to execute the tackle still inside the ten metre mark from the Newcastle try line.

Zane Harrison showcased his effort in the 31st minute when he chased through a Callum Bowles grubber into the in-gaol to tackle the Knights fullback there and force a goal line drop-out. Then in the 36th minute Zane Harrison chased back a Knights short kick in behind the Northern Rivers Titans defensive line to retrieve the ball ten metres out from his own try line with Zane Harrison then able to return the ball twelve metres to get the ball out of the twenty metre area.

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2023 sees Edward Pirika starting the season as part of the Burleigh Bears U18 MM Cup squad with Edward Pirika putting in a strong performance in the Bears opening 2023 MM Cup trial against the Souths Logan Magpies at the Titans annual Super Saturday series of matches. Impresively Edward Pirika is also MM Cup eligible in 2024.

In 2022 Edward Pirika played for Tamaki Ki te Tonga (South) in the New Zealand Rugby League U16 Shuan Johnson Shield competition with Edward Pirika starting at right centre in their Grand Final victory the Auckland North side.

In the Grand Final Edward Pirika scored in the second half when from within a metre of the try line with the play the ball mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the right side of the field Edward Pirika moved into dummy half, got down low and burrowed over just to the right of the play the ball.

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In early February 2023 Paul Turner was called up to the New Zealand Māori All Stars side for the match against the Indigenous All Stars.

Paul Turner was named to make his Titans NRL debut at five eight in Round Fourteen against the Souths Sydney Rabbitohs. Playing all eighty minutes Paul Turner ran for forty nine metres (ten post contact), made a line break, broke three tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.63 seconds and made twenty five tackles at a tackling efficiency of 92.59%.

Paul Turner also started at five eight in Round Fifteen against the Cronulla Sharks and recorded a 24th minute try assist when he threw a cut-out pass to his left for Greg Marzhew to score in the left corner.

Playing sixty seven minutes before calf tightness forced him off, Paul Turner ran for forty three metres (five post contact), broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 3.62 seconds and made eighteen tackles.

Paul Turner continued at five eight in Round Sixteen against the Newcastle Knights and whilst playing the entire match ran for fifty three metres (fifteen post contact), broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 3.65 seconds and made twenty two tackles at a tackling efficiency of 91.67%.

Paul Turner then moved to the interchange bench for Round Eighteen against the Brisbane Bronco’s coming on in the second half to operate in the dummy half role. In his fifteen minutes on the field Paul Turner ran for eight metres, broke two tackles and made six tackles of his own with a 100% tackling efficiency.

Paul Turner also started from the bench in Round Twenty Three against the St George Dragons with Paul Turner coming on in the openings minutes to operate at right centre after Phillip Sami failed his HIA.

Playing seventy nine minutes of the match Paul Turner ran for forty six metres (eleven post contact), made a line break, recorded a line break assist, played the ball at an average speed of 3.87 seconds and made fourteen tackles.

Paul Turner also started from the bench in Round Twenty Four against the Newcastle Knights with Paul Turner playing twenty two minutes in the dummy half role making six tackles.

Paul Turner also started from the bench in the final round of the 2022 NRL Premiership season, being Round Twenty Five against the New Zealand Warriors with Paul Turner scoring his first NRL in Titans colours in the 75th minute when he backed up a line break from Beau Fermor to score to the left of the uprights.

Playing forty seven minutes Paul Turner ran for twenty four metres (five post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 3.08 seconds and made twenty five tackles at a tackling efficiency of 92.59%.

In total in the 2022 NRL competition Paul Turner played in seven matches scoring the one try. Paul Turner also recorded two try assists, three line break assists, made 116 tackles at a tackling efficiency of 85.9% and ran for 223 metres at an average of thirty one metres per match.

Round One of the 2022 NRL competition saw Paul Turner named on the Titans extended bench for their match against the Parramatta Eels. Paul Turner was also named on the Titans extended bench for Round Two against the New Zealand Warriors and Round Three against the Canberra Raiders as well as for Round Four against the Wests Tigers and Round Five against the Parramatta Eels.

Rouind Six against the Manly Sea Eagles saw Paul Turner once again named on the Titans NRL extended bench before ultimately being the 18th man for the Titans.

Paul Turner was also named on the Titans NRL extended bench for Round Seven against the North Queensland Cowboys as well as Round Eight against the Penrith Panthers and Round Nine against the Sydney Roosters.

Paul Turner was also named on the Titans extended bench for Round Ten being the NRL Magic Rounds against the St George Dragons as well as Round Eleven against the Cronulla Sharks and Round Twelve against the Brisbane Bronco’s.

Paul Turner played his first match in a Titans jersey came when he started the Titans first 2022 NRL trial against the Brisbane Bronco’s at Cbus Stadium at five eight and made a strong twelve tackles as well as running the ball strongly.

In the Titans second and final 2022 trial in Redcliffe against the New Zealand Warriors Paul Turner was named on the bench however the match ended up being abandoned.

Paul Turner was named to start at fullback for the Tweed Heads Seagulls in Round One of the 2022 Queensland Cup competition against the Easts Tigers with Paul Turner causing numerous problems for the Tigers defence all afternoon.

Playing the whole eighty minutes Paul Turner ran for 121 metres (thirty four post contact), made a line break, broke three tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.84 seconds and made two tackles. Such was Paul Turner’s performance that he was named the Tweed Heads Seagulls Round One Queensland Cup Players Player.

Paul Turner’s initial impact on the match was an outstanding try saving tackle in the 16th minute. With Easts attacking down their left side the Tigers halfback slide through the Seagulls right sided defence and looked as if he would score easily in the corner but Paul Turner came from the clouds hitting the Tigers halfback around the ribcage and knocking him into touch just two metres out from the right corner post.

Paul Turner made another exceptional defensive play in the 35th minute when with the Seagulls attacking the Tigers line, the ball went to ground and was picked up by the Tigers and after one pass the Easts left winger flew done the touchline but once again Paul Turner came from the clouds chewing up the distance between the two the Paul Turner getting to the Tigers winger less than ten metres to spare with the attempted pass inside from the Tigers winger missed its mark.

Paul Turner then reacted quickly to collect the dropped ball around ten metres from his own line and returned the ball to the halfway mark before the defence finally got him to ground.

Them yet again in the 43rd minute Paul Turner was on hand right on his own try line to prevent the giant East Tigers replacement front rower from getting the ball down with the ball subsequently coming loose.

Paul Turner was also named to start at fullback in Round Two against the Sunshine Coast Falcons once again playing the entire match. In that time Paul Turner ran for exactly 100 metres (twenty eight post contact), broke a team leading seven tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 4.56 seconds and made three tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Paul Turner then was named to continue at fullback in Round Three against the Norths Devils however a late change saw Paul Turner move to start the match at five eight with Paul Turner proving difficult to handle for the Norths defence down the left side of the field and Paul Turner also did well defensively including holding up the Norths five eight over the line.

Playing all eighty minutes of the match Paul Turner ran for sixty five metres (twenty five post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.53 seconds and made sixteen tackles.

Paul Turner was then named at fullback in the Round Four local derby against the Burleigh Bears with Paul Turner having a big match including setting up a 56th minute try for Ioane Seuili as well as setting up both of Jojo Fifita’s two tries.

Paul Turner stationed himself in the Tweed Heads backline as they shifted the ball to the wide to the right. After receiving the ball Paul Turner ran towards the line before throwing a long cut out pass to his left to an unmarked Jojo Fifita who cruised over to put the ball down in the left corner.

In relation to Jojo Fifita’s second try in the 33rd minute, for all intents and purposes it was a carbon copy of when Paul Turner and Jojo Fifita combined in the 3rd minute with Paul Turner once again throwing the final cut-out pass to put Jojo Fifita into space.

Paul Turner’s 56th minute try assist was not so simple. Paul Turner received the ball three passes to the right of the dummy half around thirty five metres out from the line with Paul Turner bringing Ioane Seuili on an underneath run. Ioane Seuili broke through the Burleigh defensive lien and just as he was being brought down for behind Ioane Seuili produced a great right arm flick off-load to Paul Turner who had loomed up on the left.

After Paul Turner juggled the pass while running at full speed, he stepped off his right foot but was caught from behind by the back of his jersey. Paul Turner was spun around but was able to keep his feet with Ioane Seuili getting to his feet and ran onto the Paul Turner off-load around ten metres from the line. From there Ioane Seuili was able to force his way over to score under the posts.

Paul Turner made a great run of his own making in the 22nd minute when he chimed into the backline on the right side of the field and sliced through the Burleigh defence but just was unable to break away from one annoying Burleigh defender who kept with Paul Turner from the thirty metre mark all of the way down to the ten metre mark where he was finally able to get Paul Turner to the ground.

Paul Turner then made a good kick return in the 43rd minute when he tracked back to take possession of the ball six metres out from his own line and Paul Turner was able return the ball to just over the twenty metre mark.

Paul Turner was not just good running the ball against Burleigh including in the 11th minute when he tackled a rampaging Tristian Powell one on one after the Burleigh front rower had split the Seagulls defence. Paul Turner was able to take Tristian Powell down ten metres out and directly in front of the goal posts.

Paul Turner showed very good positioning sense at the fullback position in the 75th minute when he raced across to his left to field a grubber kick just in the in-goal and then Paul Turner was then able to get the ball back into the field of play.

In his seventy six minutes on the field Paul Turner ran for ninety three metres (twenty nine post contact), made a line break which resulted in Ioane Seuili’s try, broke four tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.96 seconds and made three tackles.

Paul Turner was also named at fullback for Round Five against the Townsville Blackhawks however in a late change Paul Turner moved to start the match at left centre. Once again playing all eighty minutes Paul Turner ran for sixty six metres (twenty nine post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 4.2 seconds and made thirteen at a 92.86%.

Paul Turner also started at left centre in Round Six against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls and once again played the entire match running for 122 metres (thirty post contact), made a line break, had three line break assists, had two try assists, broke three tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.92 seconds and made six tackles.

Paul Turner moved back to fullback for Round Eight against the Northern Pride, scoring in the 13th minute of a Seagulls shutout victory.

In the 13th minute Paul Turner chimed into the Seagulls backline on the right, receiving the ball around the halfway mark. Upon receipt of the ball Paul Turner cut back towards the centre of the field off his left foot before straightening up and executing a left arm fend to beat the Pride fullback and from there Paul Turner was just too quick for the cover defence to score five metres in from the right corner post.

Playing the entire eighty minutes Paul Turner ran for 196 metres (thirty one post contact), recorded two line break assists and a try assist, broke a team leading nine tackle breaks, played the ball at an average speed of 3.44 seconds and made four tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Paul Turner’s effort was such that he was named on the bench in the Queensland Rugby League Queensland Cup Round Eight Team of the Week.

After a number of weeks with the Titans NRL squad Paul Turner was back at fullback in Round Sixteen against the Ipswich Jets. Playing all eighty minutes Paul Turner ran for 200 metres (thirty one post contact), made a team leading four tackle breaks, had a line break assist and try assist, played the ball at an average speed of 2.74 seconds and made a tackle.

Paul Turner continued at fullback in Round Eighteen against the Northern Pride and whilst playing the entire match Paul Turner ran for 175 metres (twenty seven post contact), broke a team leading seven tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.47 seconds and made a tackle.

Paul Turner was also named at fullback in Round Nineteen against the Townsville Blackhawks.

After a number of weeks in the NRL Paul Turner was back to start on the wing in Week Two of the Queensland Cup Finals against the Sunshine Coast Falcons and whilst playing all eighty three minutes Paul Turner ran for 143 metres (forty nine post contact), broke three tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.57 seconds and made seven tackles at a tackling efficiency of 87.5%.

In total in the 2022 Queensland Cup competition Paul Turner played in ten metres scoring once. Paul Turner also forced two line drop-outs, recorded seven try assists and eight line break assists, made fifty six tackles at a tackling efficiency of 87.5% and ran for 1 287 metres at an average of 128 metres per match.

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Tremain Spry has been named on the bench for the Titans NRL side in their opening 2023 trial against the Brisbane Bronco’s on the Sunshine Coast.

Tremain Spry started the Titans first 2022 NRL trial against the Brisbane Bronco’s at Cbus Stadium on the left wing before moving to right centre in the second half with the match seeing Tremain Spry scoring a try in each half to record an impressive double.

Tremain Spry scored his first try in the 23rd minute when after some good work on his inside by Jojo Fifita, Tremain Spry flew sixty five metres down the left touchline including outpacing Bronco’s right winger Selwyn Cobbo to dive over near the left corner.

Tremain completed his double in the 43rd minute when he comfortably collected a Jaylan De Groot short grubber kick to put the ball down ten metres in from the right corner post.

Tremain Spry also recorded a try assist in the 58th minute when after the ball was spun out to his right side of the field, Tremain Spry immediately upon receipt of the ball from his left Tremain Spry threw the ball back in the direction from where it came to Jaylan De Groot to score from ten metres out wide out on the right side of the field.

In total in the trial against the Bronco’s Tremain Spry ran for 170 metres (twenty eight post contact), broke three tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.33 seconds and made a tackle without missing one.

In the Titans second and final 2022 trial in Redcliffe against the New Zealand Warriors Tremain Spry was named on the bench.

Tremain Spry made his return to the Queensland Cup for the Tweed Heads Seagulls at right centre in Round Seventeen being the local derby against the Burleigh Bears and whilst playing the entire match Tremain Spry ran for fifty nine metres (fifteen post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 2.85 seconds and made twelve tackles at a tackling efficiency of 85.71%.

Tremain Spry continued at right centre in Round Eighteen against the Northern Pride and whilst playing all eighty minutes of the match Tremain Spry ran for 108 metres (twenty eight post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 2.7 seconds and made four tackles.

Tremain Spry was also named at right centre in Round Nineteen against the Townsville Blackhawks with Tremain Spry scoring a double with Tremain Spry’s opening try coming in the 10th minute when after receiving the ball around twelve metres out and on the right side of the field Tremain Spry ran at the defensive line, dummying to his right before slicing through a gap to get the ball down five metres in from the right corner post.

Tremain Spry completed his double in the 73rd minute when he ran a hard straight line to get the ball five metres out and in a gap to score seven metres in from the right corner post.

Playing all eighty minutes, Tremain Spry ran for eighty six metres (twenty five post contact), broke five tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.54 seconds and made four tackles.

Such was Tremain Spry’s performance, he was named in the centre in the Queensland Rugby League Round Nineteen Queensland Cup Team of the Week.

Tremain Spry continued at right centre in Round Twenty against the Easts Tigers with Tremain Spry scoring in the 65th minute with a fourteen metre charge to score twelve metres in from the right corner post after holding off one Tigers defender with a left arm fend.

Playing the entire match Tremain Spry ran for eighty five metres (twenty four post contact), broke three tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 2.53 seconds and made eleven tackles at a tackling efficiency of 91.67%.

Tremain Spry started at right centre for the Tweed Heads Seagulls in their Queensland Cup Week One Final against the Easts Tigers and whilst playing all eighty minutes of the match Tremain Spry ran for seventy three metres (thirty two post contact), recorded a line break assist, made a line break of his own, played the ball at an average speed of 3.69 seconds and made seven tackles at a tackling efficiency of 87.5%.

Tremain Spry also started at right centre in Week Two of the Finals against the Sunshine Coast Flacons and in his seventy nine minutes on the field Tremain Spry ran for 106 metres (twenty nine post contact), broke a team leading five tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.09 seconds and made six tackles.

In total in the 2022 Queensland Cup competition Tremain Spry played in six matches scoring three tries. Tremain Spry also recorded a try assist, broke sixteen tackles, made five line breaks, made forty four tackles at a tackling efficiency of 77.2% and ran for 518 metres at a per game average of eighty six metres.

After missing a significant portion of the 2022 season, Tremain Spry started from the bench of the Helensvale Hornets in the rescheduled Round Seven GCRL First Grade match against the Runaway Bay Seagulls with Tremain Spry coming on to operate at right centre and score in the 66th minute.

Tremain Spry received the ball in space on the right eighty metres out and charged down the right touchline. As the fullback came across in cover defence, Tremain Spry put in a grubber kick and amazingly multiple players from both teams over ran the ball with Tremain Spry regaining possession to crash over to score mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the right side of the field.

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Titans outside back prospect Izayah Petrichvich continues to also play basketball at a high level and over recent months has put in some strong performances on the court.

At the recently completed 2023 U18 Queensland Boys State Championships Izayah Petrichvich played in four matches for the Gold Coast scoring 18 points in the process from 7 two points shots, one three point, shots and a free throw with Izayah Petrichvich averaging 4.5 points per game.

Izayah Petrich also played for the Gold Coast in the 2022 SEQ U18 Basketball competition playing 11 games and scoring a total of fifty six points from twenty six two points field goals, one three point field goal and a free throw to average 5.09 points per game.

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Brady Turner has been named on the Northern Rivers Titans extended bench for Round Two of the U18 Laurie Daley Cup against the Central Coast Roosters this weekend.

In January 2023 Brady Turner started from the bench for the Titans U19 side in their annual match at Coffs Harbour against the Newcastle Knights U19’s.

In June 2021, Brady Turner was a member of the Titans U17 Northern Rivers Academy side that drew 28 all with a Titans JTS U16 side at Cbus Stadium in a curtain raiser to the Titans NRL fixture against the Manly Sea Eagles.

In late 2021 Brady Turner was named in the 2022 Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup squad and was also U18 eligible in 2023.

In late January 2022 Brady Turner started in the front row for the Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup squad that went down 16 – 12 in a trial against the Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup side at Pizzey Park at the Titans annual “Super Saturday” of Titans JTS squad matches.

Round One of the 2022 U18 Laurie Daley Cup competition saw Brady Turner start in the front row for the Northern Rivers Titans side against the Macquarie Wests Tigers in Sydney’s west with Brady Turner putting in a typically whole hearted performance in both attack and defence.

Brady Turner made the first of multiple strong efforts in the 15th minute of the match when he charged onto the ball to the right of the play the ball from deep within his own territory to get the ball over the thirty metre line.

Brady Turner once again charged onto the ball in the 21st minute with a run of twelve metres to the left of the play the ball to get within five metres of the try line. Even though on that occasion he was held by three defenders, Brady Turner was able to off-load to hooker Ashton Harley who was able to get even closer to the line.

Brady Turner was also named in the front row in the Round Two local derby against the North Coast Bulldogs with Brady Turner producing an outstanding try assist in the 43rd minute. After North Coast dropped the ball out from their try line, Brady Turner took possession of the ball forty metres out and charged at the Bulldogs right sided defensive line. After breaking through the line, Brady Turner after beating three defenders along the way he when ten metres out from the line, he threw an overhead pass to his left to William James who scored in the left corner.

Brady Turner also produced a strong charge off the kick-off from Matthew Bollard’s opening try in the 15th minute.

Brady Turner continued in the front row for Round Three against the Greater Northern Tigers as well as in Round Four of the Central Coast Roosters and in the twice delayed final round being Round Five against the Newcastle Knights in Grafton.

In 2022 Brady Turner moved to PBC State High School starting Round One of the 2022 Langer Cup School Boy competition at left second row against Marsden State High School with Brady Turner making the opening tackle of the match along with Isaiah Scanlon after PBC SHS had kicked off.

Brady Turner had a great Langer Cup debut for PBC SHS including scoring in the 19th minute when from twenty metres out he ran onto a great double pumped short ball from Keano Kini. The pass was a touch behind Brady Turner but he held his nerve to take possession after a slight juggle and raced twenty metres to score five metres in from the left corner post.

Brady Turner made another strong charge in the 33rd minute when after running onto the ball to the right of the dummy half Brady Turner promoted the ball from twenty four metres out to get within two metres of the try line.

Then in the 39th minute Brady Turner charged at the defensive line and just after receiving the ball Brady Turner was hit by three Marsden SHS defenders but he just bounced off all three, running to his left to make another ten post contact metres.

Brady Turner was then named at left second row for Round Two against Redcliffe State High School.

Brady Turner started at right second row in the 2022 School Boy Langer Cup Grand Final against Ipswich SHS.

After missing multiple matches through injury Brady Turner returned for PBC SHS in Round Six of the Langer Reserve competition in the local derby against Keebra Park SHS with Brady Turner coming off the bench.

Brady Turner continued from the bench in Round Seven against Wavell SHS coming onto the field in the 15th minute to operate at left second row. Brady Turner made a great tackle in the 20th minute when he charged out of the defensive line and smashed the Wavell SHS halfback front on in a ball and all tackle that rocked the halfback for a number of minutes. The in the 22nd minute Brady Turner smashed one of the Wavell SHS front rowers (No. 8) over the top bending him backwards in the tackle.

Brady Turner played the start of the 2022 season with the Murwillumbah Mustangs in the NRRRL U18 competition putting in a try scoring double Player of the Match performance from the right second row in Round One against the Bilambil Jets.

Brady Turner scored the first of his two tries in the 36th minute through a great solo effort. With Murwillumbah restarting the game from a tap after a penalty Brady Turner ran onto the ball to the left of the tap restart and eighteen metres and literally burst straight through the centre of the Jets forward pack, breaking four tackles and carrying two more defenders over the line to crash over adjacent to the right upright.

Brady Turner scored his second try in the 57th minute but I will go back a play as if not for Brady Turner’s great effort on that play he would not have scored on the subsequent one. Brady Turner made a great line break of twenty five metres down the right channel and after breaking four tackles he got a great right arm off-load away to his inside with his team mate being tackled ten metres out from the try line. Brady Turner got to his feet and got back into position quickly as the ball came back to his side of the field with Brady Turner receiving the ball ten metres and then he cut back off his right foot and surged over mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the right side of the field.

Brady Turner was also named at right second row for Round Two against Northern United however the match ended up being postponed due to poor weather.

Brady Turner was also named at right second row in Round Three against the Lower Clarence Magpies and scored in the 50th minute when on the left side of the field and just four metres out, Brady Turner took a tap after the Mustangs were awarded a penalty and dived over basically untouched.

Brady Turner continued at right second row in Round Six against the Kyogle Turkeys with Brady Turner continuing his 2022 NRRRL U18 try scoring form when he crossed in the 46th minute. Brady Turner was stationed on the right side of the field and after taking possession from a long cut-out pass Brady Turner cut inside towards the centre of the field and from fifteen metres out burst through three tackles to crash over under the posts.

In addition to his strong run to score Brady Turner produced a strong run in the 36th minute when he made fifteen metres from a Mustangs penalty tap restart with Brady Turner producing an ultra-quick play the ball with Chad Jones scoring next to the posts as a result.

Brady Turner produced a further strong charge in the 43rd minute with his run starting near his own twenty metre mark and not finished until Brady Turner had carried the ball into Kyogle territory. Just three minutes later in the 46th minute Brady Turner made fifteen more metres and then produced a great right arm off-load to his left for his halfback to promote the ball further downfield.

Brady Turner was then named in jersey No. 15 in the Premiership Minor Semi-final against the Ballina Seagulls with Brady Turner playing at right second row and scoring in the 37th minute when with the play the ball just eight metres out and a metre in from the left touchline Brady Turner charged onto the ball and crashed over to score five metres in from the left corner post.

Interestingly Brady Turner started at left second row for the Burleigh Bears in Round Sixteen of the Gold Coast Rugby League U18 Division One competition against the Nerang Roosters with Brady Turner recording a try assist in the 8th minute when after he was put through a gap by Bailey McConnell, Brady Turner drew the fullback and got the ball away to his inside back to Bailey McConnell who raced away to score the second of his three first half tries.

Brady Turner also recorded a line break assist in the 25th minute when from thirty metres out from his own try line Brady Turner got the ball away to send his left centre on a forty five metre run down the left touchline.

Brady Turner was named in the front row for the 2021 Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup side for their Round One match against the Wests Tigers.

Even though he gave away a lot of size to the opposing Wests Tigers forward pack, Brady Turner performed very well in both attack and defence in his stints on the field with his work rate being one his impressive attributes that were on display over the course of the match.

Brady Turner also started in the front row in Round Two against local rivals the North Coast Bulldogs in Nambucca Heads and was immediately in the action with a great tackle as North Coast returned the kick-off. For me Brady Turner was the best player on the field for the Northern Rivers Titans in the match.

Brady Turner started once again in the front row in Round Three against the Greater Northern Tigers producing an outstanding display which started from just the second hit-up of the match with a strong run.

Brady Turner also produced a strong charge from the third hit-up from the restart after Jaylen Taewa had scored in the 33rd minute. Once again Brady Turner charged into the Tigers forward pack making significant post contact metres,

Brady Turner was also very good defensively in the match including being on hand to hold up the Greater Northern Tigers front rower over the line with the assistance of Cameron Bevan. Brady Turner produced another try saving tackle in the29th minute when he brought down the Greater Northern Tigers hooker who had tried to sneak over from dummy half.

Early in the second half, Brady Turner produced a great front on one on one tackle that absolutely rattled the opposing forward.

Brady Turner continued in the front row in Round Four against the Central Coast Roosters as usual impressing early, including taking two of the hit-ups in the opening set of six in the match after Central Coast kicked off.

Brady Turner also started in the front row in Round Five against the Newcastle Knights and as usual was involved from the start, including taking the third hit-up of the match.

Brady Turner deservedly scored his first try of the competition in the 15th minute when after a six again call, he charged onto the ball from ten metres out, producing a slight jink off his left foot before reaching out to get the ball down ten metres to the left of the uprights.

Brady Turner then took the hit-up from the resultant kick-off and then the 4th hit-up in the same set.

Brady Turner also had a strong defensive match including a big front on tackle on the Newcastle centre (No. 3) in the opening minutes of the second half. Brady Turner produced a different type of tackle a couple of minute later but it was equally effective when he cut the legs out from under the Newcastle No. 11 and then also made the next tackle when the Newcastle dummy half tried to sneak out of dummy half to Brady Turner’s left when he was at marker.

In the 51st minute of the match, Brady Turner produced the highlight reel moment of the match (and maybe the season) when he rampaging seventy metres down field right through the centre of the Newcastle ruck after charging onto the ball near his own try line. Brady Turner broke at least four tackles in the incredible run that led to a try a minute later and on at least one occasions near the halfway mark it appeared that he would be brought down but Brady Turner kept fighting and was able to break away from the defence and kept making ground.

At the 2021 Northern Rivers Titans Awards Night, Brady Turner was presented with the 2021 U16 Andrew Johns Cup Coaches Award.

In early October 2020 Brady Turner was part of the Titans Group 18 U14/15 side that played a trial match against a Titans Gold Coast U14 squad with the match being played at Cbus Stadium, giving the young players a great experience with an added bonus that the players wore Titans jerseys.

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Xavier Stowers had a tough 2022 season with injury but it looks like the young powerhouse will line up for the Burleigh HDC Colts side in 2023 as he aims for the NRL.

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Stevie O’Connor has been named on the Northern Rivers Titans extended bench for Round Two of the U18 Laurie Daley Cup against the Central Coast Roosters this weekend.

In late 2021 Stevie O’Connor trialled for a position in the 2022 Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup squad making the final squad and impressively Stevie O’Connor was also U18 eligible in 2023.

In late January 2022 Stevie O’Connor started at fullback for the Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup squad that went down 16 – 12 in a trial against the Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup side at Pizzey Park at the Titans annual “Super Saturday” of Titans JTS squad matches.

Round One of the 2022 U18 Laurie Daley Cup competition saw Stevie O’Connor start at fullback for the Northern Rivers Titans side against the Macquarie Wests Tigers in Sydney’s west. Stevie O’Connor made a strong run out of dummy half in the 12th minute when he ran to his left, getting around two Tigers defenders, with Stevie O’Connor making twelve metres before finally being dragged to ground.

Stevie O’Connor in the 41st minute did well, along with Jaylen Taewa and Harvey Moase to hold up over the try line the Wests Tigers lock who had tried to force his way over the try line from close range out of dummy half.

Just two tackles later on the opposite side of the field, being the Northern Rivers Titans left side, Stevie O’Connor executed a good one on one low tackle, driving his left shoulder into the giant Wests Tigers interchange front rower No. 25 with Stevie O’Connor’s initial contact dropping the Tigers giant on the spot to prevent what appeared to be a certain Wests Tigers try.

Stevie O’Connor was also named at fullback in the Round Two local derby against the North Coast Bulldogs with Stevie O’Connor making a great effort in the 37th minute. After letting a North Coast kick go dead, Stevie O’Connor collected the ball and raced back to the twenty metre line, tapping the ball quickly with Stevie O’Connor racing the ball out to the forty metre mark before being hit high and he was subsequently awarded a penalty which got the Northern Rivers Titans deep into North Coast territory.

Stevie O’Connor continued at fullback for Round Three against the Greater Northern Tigers and for me Stevie O’Connor was clearly the best player on the field.

In the 21st minute after producing a line break down a left blindside from forty metres when he sliced through the right sided Greater Northern Tigers right sided defence Stevie O’Connor was able to off-load to his right to Lachlan Offley who was able to get over the line but was in the end held up.

Stevie O’Connor also produced a smart piece of play in the 12th minute when from twenty metres out and down a short left blindside Stevie O’Connor put in a right foot chip kick that came down a metre from the try line and was weighted well for Lachlan Offley to race through and take the Greater Northern Tigers right winger back into the in-goal to force a goal line drop out.

The match also saw Stevie O’Connor make some strong runs out of dummy half in the match including a run to the right of the play the ball in the 23rd minute from his own ten metre line with Stevie O’Connor making fifteen valuable metres away from his own try line.

Stevie O’Connor made another smart run out of dummy half in the 62nd minute when he moved into dummy half on his own twenty metre mark, running to his left and making fifteen metres.

The match also saw Stevie O’Connor produce some smart defensive efforts including in the 44th minute when he produced a try saving tackle when he held up the Greater Northern Tigers lock over the line before forcing him back into the field of play.

Stevie O’Connor produced another great tackle in the 67th minute when he produced a one on one low tackle on a rampaging Tigers No. 18 near his own line to prevent a Greater Northern Tigers try.

The to round out his impressive match Stevie O’Connor positioned himself well to take a Tigers high kick on the full in his in-goal and then Stevie O’Connor raced out to the twenty metre mark to take the quick tap with Stevie O’Connor making fifteen metres to give the Northern Rivers Titans breathing room.

Stevie O’Connor also started at fullback in Round Four against the Central Coast Roosters and worked the ball well out of his own territory in the 19th minute when he ran the ball down a short right blindside, making ten metres before drawing in a Central Coast defender and getting the ball away to his right.

Stevie O’Connor then continued at fullback in the twice delayed final round being Round Five against the Newcastle Knights in Grafton in a tough afternoon for the Northern Rivers Titans.

The 2022 NRRRL U18 competition saw Stevie O’Connor move from the Tweed Coast Raiders to the Cudgen Hornets and after the Hornets had a Round One bye Stevie O’Connor started Round Two at fullback against the Tweed Heads Seagulls and Stevie O’Connor did well in the 46th minute when around twenty metres out and down the left side of the field Stevie O’Connor put in a short grubber kick into the in-goal and due to his great chase the Tweed Heads fullback had to take the ball dead in-goal for a goal line drop-out.

Stevie O’Conner continued at fullback in Round Three against Casino RSM with Stevie O’Connor making a 20th minute line break when after receiving an inside pass from Harvey Moase, Stevie O’Connor burst fifteen metres downfield before getting the ball back to Harvey Moase but unfortunately Stevie O’Connor’s off-load was deemed to have travelled forward.

The 50th minute saw Stevie O’Connor record a try assist when he chimed into the back line on the right and threw a long cut-out pass to his right to send his winger away on a twenty metre run to score in the right corner.

Stevie O’Connor also started at fullback in Round Six against the Byron Bay Devils and scored in the final minute of the match when after he collected the ball on the bounce on the right side of the field around eighteen metres out Stevie O’Connor ran to his right, using a great left arm fend to beat one defender before sliding between two defenders and score five metres in from the right corner post.

In the 31st minute Stevie O’Connor executed a great catch and pass to his left to put Cooper Camby into a gap with the left centre breaking three tackles whilst making twenty metres to get the ball into Byron Bay territory.

Stevie O’Connor then did very well in the 43rd minute when he raced to his left to take possession of a bouncing ball from a Devils clearing kick with Stevie O’Connor sticking out his right arm to take possession after a wicked bounce.

Stevie O’Connor continued at fullback in Round Seven against the Bilambil Jets and recorded a late first half try assist when he ran the ball at the defensive line on the right side of the field and when he was hit in a tackle two metres from the try line threw a great right arm flick pass as he was going to ground to his right to Jett Forbes to score in the right corner.

Stevie O’Connor also made a 31st minute line break when after receiving the ball to the right of the play the ball and forty metres from his own line Stevie O’Connor ran at the Bilambil defensive line with the ball out in front of his body in both hands. Just prior to engaging the Jets defensive line, Stevie O’Connor dummied to his left and accelerated through a gap between two defenders who had both fallen for the dummy. It initially appeared that Stevie O’Connor would race away to score but he in the end was dragged down from behind just three metres out from the try line.

Stevie O’Connor continued at fullback in Round Eight against the Kyogle Turkeys scoring in the 32nd minute from close range and just in from the right corner. The Hornets right winger had tried to force his way over from dummy half but after being caught two metres short of the line was able to get his right arm free to get the ball away to Stevie O’Connor who reacted quickly to dive over before the Kyogle defence even knew what was going on.

Stevie O’Connor also recorded a try assist in the 60th minute when with time running down Stevie O’Connor received the ball from is right around twenty metres out and in the centre of the field, put in a right foot kick to the left corner with his winger taking the kick on the full in the in-goal and got the ball to ground just in front of the dead ball line.

Stevie O’Connor also started at fullback in Round Ten against the Murwillumbah Mustangs and was on hand in the 6th minute when along with Ethan Hickey, he held up the Murwillumbah hooker over the try line after he had tried to sneak over from close range from dummy half.

Stevie O’Connor made a line break in the 38th minute line break when he broke away down the right side of the field when after receiving the ball on the halfway mark Stevie O’Connor broke two tackles whilst making twenty five metres.

The first of a number of smart runs from Stevie O’Connor came in the 9th minute when Stevie O’Connor ran out of dummy half to his left from twelve metres out and near the centre of the field with Stevie O’Connor able to make a half break whilst making seventeen metres, the majority of which were of the post contact variety.

Stevie O’Connor continued at fullback in Round Eleven against the Lower Clarence Magpies with Stevie O’Connor scoring an outstanding solo try in the 44th minute when after receiving the ball to the right of the play the ball only twenty metres out and six metres in from the left touchline Stevie O’Connor halted on his run to let two Magpies defenders go flying by before Stevie O’Connor then exploded off the mark to race down the left touchline. Stevie O’Connor was hit around two metres from the left corner but was able to stay in the field of play and reach out to get the ball down in the corner with the ball in his right hand.

Stevie O’Connor also did well in the 50th minute when after taking a Magpies clearing kick on the bounce twenty metres out from his own try line, Stevie O’Connor broke three tackles with three consecutive left arm fends to make fifteen metres on the kick return.

Stevie O’Connor was involved in holding up a Magpie player in the 21st minute when along with Ethan Hickey and Max Liles, Stevie O’Connor held up and then forced back into the field of play the Lower Clarence No. 14 six metres in from the right corner.

Stevie O’Connor continued at fullback in Round Thirteen against the Ballina Seagulls with Stevie O’Connor scoring half of the Hornets thirty two points from two tries and four conversions.

The first of Stevie O’Connor’s two tries come in the 26th minute when Stevie O’Connor received an off-load wide out on the left from his left second rower with Stevie O’Connor running ten metres to score the line wide out on the left with Stevie O’Connor able to bring the ball around to put it down five metres to the left of the uprights to make his own conversion, that he kicked, that much easier.

Stevie O’Connor scored his second try of the match in the 32nd minute when he backed up an initial break down the right side of the field from Cooper Camby with Stevie O’Connor ultimately receiving an off-load from his right from Jett Forbes to run twenty five metres to score under the posts. Then like his opening try Stevie O’Connor kicked the conversion.

After starting at fullback for a Titans Northern Rivers U18 squad that played a Future Titans U17 side in a Titans against Canberra NRL match at Cbus Stadium on the Saturday, Stevie O’Connor started at fullback in the re-scheduled Round Four match against the Bilambil Jets with Stevie O’Connor scoring in the 58th minute when after receiving the ball thirty metres out and near the right touchline, Stevie O’Connor cut inside and after stepping off his right foot on three separate occasions and breaking three tackles, Stevie O’Connor speared his way over to score five metres to the left of the uprights.

Stevie O’Connor then recorded a line break and line break assist in the same play in the 29th minute when after Max Liles received an off-load sixty five metres out and immediately ran towards the centre of the field and after making fifteen metres off-loaded the ball in a tackle to Stevie O’Connor who after dummying to his right beat one defender before veered to his left to round the fullback before Stevie O’Connor got an off-load away to his left to Max Liles who got all of the way to ten metres out from the try line.

Stevie O’Connor recorded another line break in the 42nd minute from just ten metres out from his own try line. In fact Stevie O’Connor almost dropped the pass from the dummy half but was able to trap the ball against his hip with his right hand before securing possession. Once possession was secured Stevie O’Connor ran to his right before dummying his way between two defenders before getting a great off-load away to his right as he was being flung to ground after making thirty five metres.

The match also saw Stevie O’Connor execute a number of great takes of the ball, the first being in the 44th minute when he leapt high to take a Kai Smallwood bomb on the full under heavy pressure ten metres out from his own line and in front of his posts.

Then in the 47th minute a Bilambil kick-off came very close to hitting the cross bar on the full but Stevie O’Connor was able to keep focussed knocking the ball double handed up in the air before securing possession.

Stevie O’Connor continued at fullback in the rescheduled Round Five match against the Byron Bay Devils with Stevie O’Connor making a line break in the 7th minute when from forty metres out from his own try line Stevie O’Connor ran the ball to the left of the play the ball and got the ball ten metres into Byron Bay territory.

Stevie O’Connor then started at fullback for the Cudgen Hornets in the 2022 NRRRL Major Semi-final against the Tweed Heads Seagulls.

The 2022 NRRRL U18 Grand Final saw Stevie O’Connor named at start at fullback for the Cudgen Hornets against the Ballina Seagulls with Stevie O’Connor along with Ty Kilpatrick holding up the Ballina hooker over the try line after he had tried to sneak over from dummy half.

Stevie O’Connor then made a line break in the 34th minute when Stevie O’Connor made twenty two metres through the centre of the field and over the halfway mark before Stevie O’Connor was able to get a right arm off-load away to a trailing support runner.

At the Cudgen Hornets 2022 Awards Presentation Stevie O’Connor was named the 2022 Cudgen Hornets NRRRL U18 Players Player.

2022 also saw Stevie O’Connor named in the Open North Coast School Boy Rugby League Representative side from Kingscliff High School.

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In October 2022 Jakequan Roberts-Walsh was named in the 2023 Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup squad after a strong 2022 campaign in the Northern New South Wales Group One U15 Junior Rugby League competition with Jakequan Roberts-Walsh part of the Northern Rivers Titans squad that played the Tweed Heads Seagulls CC Cup squad in a trial at Burleigh Juniors as part of the Titans Annual Super Saturday series of matches with Jakequan Roberts-Walsh spending time on the left wing.

Jakequan Roberts-Walsh has been named to start on the left wing in Round Two against the Central Coast Roosters this weekend.

In 2022 Jakequan Roberts-Walsh played for Lismore Marist in the Group One U15 competition with the young half scoring fifteen tries and kicking seven goals in finish with an individual points haul of seventy four points.

Jakequan Roberts-Walsh scored a staggering five tries in Round Eight against the South Grafton Rebels. Jakequan Roberts-Walsh also scored doubles in Round One against the Ballina Seagulls, Round Eleven against the Clarence Coast Magpies, Round Fourteen against the South Grafton Rebels and in Week One of the Finals against the Grafton Ghosts. Jakequan Roberts-Walsh also scored in Round Five against the Kyogle Turkeys and Round Twelve against Clarence Coast.

From a goal kicking perspective Jakequan Roberts-Walsh kicked three conversions in Round One against Ballina and kicked two conversions in Round Fourteen against South Grafton.

Jakequan Roberts-Walsh finished the 2022 Group One U15 season as the competition’s equal 3rd leading try scorer with fifteen tries and also finished as the competition’s equal 5th leading points scorer with seventy four points from those fifteen tries as well as seven conversions.

Jakequan Roberts-Walsh also played for Marist in the 2021 Group One U14 competition with Jakequan Roberts-Walsh once again playing at halfback with Jakequan Roberts-Walsh scoring ten tries and kicked one conversion (Round Thirteen against South Grafton) in the Covid 19 impacted season.

Jakequan Roberts-Walsh scored doubles in Rounds Three, Five and Eight against Casino RSM, Kyogle and Clarence Coast respectively. Jakequan Roberts-Walsh also scored in Round Two against Ballina, Round Ten against Casino RSM, Round Twelve against Kyogle and Round Thirteen against South Grafton.

Jakequan Roberts-Walsh finished the 2021 Group One U14 season as the competition’s equal 8th leading try scorer with ten tries and also finished as the competition’s equal 13th leading points scorer with forty two points.

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In October 2022 Owen Woods was named in the 2023 Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup squad with Own Wood’s first match in 2023 coming in the Northern Rivers Titans Andrew Johns Cup first trial against the North Coast Bulldogs in Coffs Harbour.

Owen Woods was named to start on the Northern Rivers Titans extended bench for Round Two against the Central Coast Roosters this weekend.

2022 saw Owen Woods play for the Mullumbimby Giants in the Group 18 U15 competition with Owen Woods being awarded the 2022 Mullumbimby Giants U15 Players Player Award at the Mullumbimby Giants annual presentation.

In early December 2021 Owen Woods played in a Titans U14 Group 18 Development Squad Trial in Northern New South Wales against a Titans U14 Group One Academy squad with both sides wearing Titan’s jerseys in the trial.

Owen Woods played the 2022 season with the Mullumbimby Giants in the Group 18 U15 competition.

In 2021 Owen Woods played for the Mullumbimby Giants in the Group 18 U14 competition, being named the 2021 Murwillumbah Colts Group 18 U14 Best Back.

In the 2021 Group 18 U14 competition the Mullumbimby Giants won two of their nine matches, scoring 156 points and conceding 276 to finish with a points deferential of -120.

Owen Woods also played for the Mullumbimby Giants in the Group 18 U13 competition being named the 2020 Murwillumbah Colts Group 18 U13 Best Back.

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Great to see Corey Thompson join the Keebra Park SHS Rugby League Academy in 2023 as a specialst coach.

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2022 Group One Junior Rugby League Grafton Ghosts U15 hooker Cooper Armfield-Stevens has been named in the 2023 Northern Rivers Titans U16 New South Wales Country Andrew Johns Cup squad with Cooper Armfield-Stevens part of the Northern Rivers Titans squad that played the Tweed Heads Seagulls CC Cup squad in a trial at Burleigh Juniors as part of the Titans Annual Super Saturday series of matches.

Cooper Armfield-Stevens has been named on the Northern Rivers Titans extended bench for Round Two against the Central Coast Roosters this weekend.

Playing for the Ghosts at hooker in the 2022 Northern New South Wales Group One U15 competition Cooper Armfield Stevens scored four tries including a double in Round Twelve against the Kyogle Turkeys. Cooper Armfield-Stevens also scored in Rounds Eight and Nine against Kyogle once again and the Clarence Coast Magpies respectively.

2022 also saw Cooper Armfield named in the U15 North Coast School Boy Rugby League Representative side out of Grafton High School.

In 2021 Cooper Armfield-Stevens played for the South Grafton Rebels in the Group One U14 competition with Cooper Armfield-Stevens playing at lock with Cooper Armfield-Stevens scoring forty two points from eight tries and five conversions.

Cooper Armfield-Stevens scored two tries in Round Six against the Kyogle Turkeys and Round Seven against Lismore Marist. Cooper Armfield-Stevens also scored in Round Two against the Clarence Coast Magpies, Round Four against the Ballina Seagulls, Round Eight against Casino RSM and Round Thirteen against Lismore Marist once again.

[mdrew]

Jayden Campbell has been named at fullback for the Titans NRL side in their opening 2023 trial against the Brisbane Bronco’s on the Sunshine Coast

Round One of the 2022 NRL competition saw Jayden Campbell start at fullback for the Titans against the Parramatta Eels. Playing the entire eighty minutes Jayden Campbell ran for eighty five metres (thirty one post contact), had a line break assist, broke an equal team leading seven tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.98 seconds and made three tackles.

Jayden Campbell also started at fullback in Round Two against the New Zealand Warriors in the Titans first home game of 2022 with Jayden Campbell recording a 14th minute try assist when on the right side of the field he threw a long cut out pass to his right to put Greg Marzhew over for the first of his two tries.

In his eighty minutes on the field Jayden Campbell ran for 146 metres (thirty six post contact), had a line break assist, broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.23 seconds and made eight tackles.

Jayden Campbell then continued at fullback in Round Three away to the Canberra Raiders. Playing seventy seven metres Jayden Campbell ran for eighty eight metres (sixteen post contact), broke three tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.79 metres and made one tackle.

Unfortunately a rib injury that Jayden Campbell suffered in the final minutes against the Raiders ruled him out until Round Seven when Jayden Campbell was named on the Titans NRL extended bench against the North Queensland Cowboys as well as in Round Eight against the Penrith Panthers and Round Nine against the Sydney Roosters.

Jayden Campbell returned to the Titans NRL side, starting at fullback in Round Ten being the NRL Magic Round against the St George Dragons.

In a Player of the match performance Jayden Campbell played the entire ninety minutes, running for a team leading and match leading 266 metres (forty nine post contact), made a line break from a great kick return, broke an unbelievable team leading thirteen tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 2.84 seconds and made two tackles.

Jayden Campbell also started at fullback in Round Eleven against the Cronulla Sharks and in his eighty minutes on the field Jayden Campbell ran for a team leading 165 metres (sixty post contact), recorded a line break assist and try assist, broke four tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.66 seconds and made ten tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Jayden Campbell continued at fullback in the Round Twelve local derby against the Brisbane Bronco’s scoring in the first half when he sliced through the Bronco’s lien to score wide out on the left.

Playing all eighty minutes Jayden Campbell ran for 135 metres (thirty nine post contact), made a line break, broke two tackles played the ball at an average speed of 2.88 seconds and made eight tackles at a tackling efficiency of 88.88%.

Jayden Campbell also started at fullback in Round Thirteen against the North Queensland Cowboys but unfortunately had to come off after fifty nine minutes with a hamstring injury. In those minutes Jayden Campbell ran for 132 metres (twenty four post contact), broke six tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 4.03 seconds and made four tackles.

After missing multiple rounds Jayden Campbell started from the bench in Round Nineteen against the Canterbury Bulldogs. Playing the final thirty one minutes of the match at fullback, Jayden Campbell ran for eighty three metres (twenty five post contact), broke three tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 4.07 seconds and made four tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Jayden Campbell continued off the bench in Round Twenty against the Canberra Raiders with Jayden Campbell scoring the final two Titans tries.

The first of Jayden Campbell’s tries came in the 56th minute when he backed up a line break by Beau Fermor to score under the posts. Jayden Campbell scored his second try in the 79th minute when once again he backed up a line break by Beau Fermor to once again score under the posts.

Playing forty three minutes, Jayden Campbell ran for eighty six metres (nineteen post contact), broke three tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 2.72 seconds and made seven tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Jayden Campbell moved back into the Titans starting side at fullback in Round Twenty One against the Melbourne Storm.

Playing the entire eighty minutes of the match Jayden Campbell ran for 113 metres (thirty one post contact), broke seven tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.77 seconds and made nine tackles at a tackling efficiency of 81.82%.

Jayden Campbell continued at fullback in Round Twenty Two against the Manly Sea Eagles and in his eighty minutes on the field Jayden Campbell ran for 155 metres (thirty four post contact), broke three tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.67 seconds and made six tackles at a tackling efficiency of 85.71%.

Jayden Campbell also started at fullback in Round Twenty Three against the St George Dragons and whilst playing all eighty minutes of the match Jayden Campbell ran for a team leading 238 metres (sixty four post contact), broke seven tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.14 seconds and made five tackles.

Jayden Campbell also started at fullback in Round Twenty Four against the Newcastle Knights with Hayden Campbell recording try assists for David Fifita in the 11th minute and Greg Marzhew from a grubber kick in the 32nd minute.

Playing sixty seven minutes Jayden Campbell ran for 125 metres (thirty two post contact), had a line break assist, played the ball at an average speed of 2.71 seconds and made nine tackles.

Jayden Campbell also started at fullback in the final round of the 2022 NRL Premiership season, being Round Twenty Five against the New Zealand Warrior with Jayden Campbell scoring a slashing try under the posts in the 73rd minute of the Titans Gold Points 27 -26 victory.

Playing all eighty four minutes Jayden Campbell ran for a team leading 220 metres (sixty seven post contact), broke eight tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.21 seconds and made eight tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

In the 2022 NRL competition Jayden Campbell played in fourteen matches, scoring four tries, recoding four try assists, made four line breaks, broke seventy two tackles, made eighty four tackles at a tackling efficiency of 85.7% and ran for 2 067 metres at an average of 147 metres per match.

Jayden Campbell started the Titans first 2022 NRL trial against the Brisbane Bronco’s at Cbus Stadium at fullback and in his forty metres on the field Jayden Campbell ran for eighty three metres (eight post contact), broke three tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.93 secodns and made four tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Jayden Campbell also was named to start at fullback in the Titans second and final 2022 trial in Redcliffe against the New Zealand Warriors however the match was abandoned due to poor weather conditions.

[mdrew]

Toby Sexton has been named at five eight for the Titans NRL side in their opening 2023 trial against the Brisbane Bronco’s on the Sunshine Coast

Round One of the 2022 NRL competition saw Toby Sexton start at halfback for the Titans against the Parramatta Eels. Playing all eighty minutes, in addition to kicking four conversions from five attempts Toby Sexton ran for thirty seven metres (eight post contact) had a line break assist, played the ball at an average speed of 3.41 seconds made fifteen tackles and kicked on eleven occasions for 280 metres.

Toby Sexton also had a 23rd minute try assist when he threw a long cut-out pass to his left which put Brian Kelly over in the left corner.

Toby Sexton also started at halfback in Round Two against the New Zealand Warriors in the Titans first home game of 2022 kicking two conversions from four attempts in the Titans 20 – 18 victory.

Playing the entire eighty minutes Toby Sexton ran for 111 metres (twelve post contact), broke two tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 3.36 tackles, made twenty six tackles at a tackling efficiency of 89.66% and kicked on fourteen occasions for 407 metres and also forced two line drop-outs.

Toby Sexton also started at halfback in Round Three away to the Canberra Raiders and kicked three conversions from four attempts. Playing the entire match, Toby Sexton ran for fifty seven metres (ten post contact), recorded a try assist for Beau Fermor, a line break assist for David Fifita, broke four tackles in a touch run that saw him held up over the line adjacent to the left upright, played the ball at an average speed of 3.12 seconds, made eighteen tackles and kicked on eleven occasions making 361 metres.

Toby Sexton continued at halfback in Round Four against the Wests Tigers, kicking a first half penalty goal and then with less than a minute to go converted AJ Brimson’s bizarre try to give the Titans an 8 – 6 victory.

Toby Sexton was also awarded a try assist for his 79th minute kick that hit the left goal post on the full and was then lost by the Wests Tigers for AJ Brimson to score the only try of the match.

Playing all eighty minutes of the match Toby Sexton ran for fifty three metres (twelve post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.77 seconds, made seventeen tackles and kicked on seven occasions making 140 metres.

Toby Sexton also started at halfback in Round Five against the Parramatta Eels, kicking two conversions from four attempts with another conversion hitting the posts. One of Toby Sexton’s successful conversions was from the right touchline to convert David Fifita’s unbelievable 66th minute try.

In his eighty minutes on the field Toby Sexton ran for thirty seven metres (ten post contact), broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 3.17 seconds, made fourteen tackles and kicked on eleven occasions, accounting for 398 metres.

Toby Sexton continued at halfback in Round Six against the Manly Sea Eagles and kicked one conversion from four attempts but two of the misses hit the post with both of those conversions being kicked from each touchline.

Playing all eighty minutes, Toby Sexton ran for seventy nine metres (six post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.78 seconds and made seventeen tackles at a tackling efficiency of 89.47%.

Toby Sexton also started at halfback in Round Seven against the North Queensland Cowboys once again playing all eighty minutes of the match. In those minutes Toby Sexton ran for five metres, played the ball at an average speed of 2.86 seconds, made eleven tackles and kicked on ten occasions accounting for 298 metres.

Toby Sexton also started at halfback in Round Eight against the Penrith Panthers. Once again playing all eighty minutes Toby Sexton ran for forty one metres (eleven post contact), broke a tackle played the ball at an average speed of 3.88 seconds, made thirteen tackles and kicked on twelve occasions for 255 metres.

Toby Sexton continued at halfback in Round Nine against the Sydney Roosters with Toby Sexton kicking two goals from four attempts with one of his misses hitting the post.

In his eighty minutes on the field Toby Sexton ran for ninety three metres (eighteen post contact), made a line break, broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.57 seconds, made fourteen tackles and kicked on eight occasions accounting for 187 metres.

Toby Sexton continued at halfback in Round Ten being the NRL Magic Rounds against the St George Dragons. Playing all ninety minutes Toby Sexton ran for thirty four metres (eleven post contact), recorded a line break assist and a try assist, played the ball at an average speed of 3.55 seconds, made twenty three tackles at a tackling efficiency of 88.46% and kicked on nineteen occasions for 544 metres as well as forcing four line drop outs.

Toby Sexton also started at halfback in Round Eleven against the Cronulla Sharks and in his eighty minutes on the field Toby Sexton ran for fifty metres (eleven post contact), recorded a try assist, broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 3.9 seconds, made thirty two tackles at a 88.89% and kicked on fifteen occasions for 365 metres.

Toby Sexton continued at halfback in the Round Twelve local derby against the Brisbane Bronco’s contributing three first half try assist, two with short kicks with the outside of his right foot and a great long cut out pass to his left to put Cory Thompson.

Playing forty nine minutes Toby Sexton ran for thirty six metres (four post contact), broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 4.52 seconds, made fourteen tackles and kicked on nine occasions for 282 metres.

Toby Sexton also started at halfback in Round Thirteen against the North Queensland Cowboys with Toby Sexton scoring in the 15th minute diving over on the left side of the field after receiving an off-load from AJ Brimson.

Playing the entire eighty minutes Toby Sexton ran for forty three metres (nine post contact), broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 4.23 seconds, made twenty three tackles and kicked on eighteen occasions making 418 metres.

Toby Sexton continued at halfback in Round Fourteen against the Souths Sydney Rabbitohs a threw the long cut out pass to Greg Marzhew for his early first half try.

Playing the entire eighty minutes Toby Sexton ran for sixty two metres (twelve post contact), broke four tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.76 seconds and made twenty six tackles.

Toby Sexton also started at halfback in Round Fifteen against the Cronulla Sharks and in his eight minutes, Toby Sexton ran for sixty two metres (one post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 4.28 seconds and made eleven tackles.

Toby Sexton continued at halfback in Round Sixteen against the Newcastle Knights and whilst playing all eighty minutes, made twenty tackles at a tackling efficiency of 95.24% and kicked on eleven occasions to make 347 metres.

Toby Sexton also started at halfback in Round Eighteen against the Brisbane Bronco’s with Toby Sexton recording a try assist in the 28th minute after he put in a grubber kick to the left of the uprights for Tannah Boyd to chase through to dive on the ball in the in-goal ten metres to the left of the uprights.

Playing all eighty minutes of the match, Toby Sexton ran for sixty metres, played the ball at an average speed of 3.32 seconds, made twenty six tackles at a 92.86% tackling efficiency, forced three drop-outs and kicked on nineteen occasions making 599 metres.

Toby Sexton also started at halfback in Round Nineteen against the Canterbury Bulldogs scoring one try, setting out two more and kicking three conversions. Toby Sexton scored in the 9th minute when he followed through an Aaron Booth grubber into the in-goal out of dummy half for Toby Sexton to ground the ball next to the right upright.

Both of Toby Sexton’s try assists were similar. On both occasions, in the 38th minute for David Fifita to score and in the 52nd minute for Phillip Sami, Toby Sexton put in a right foot grubber kick into the in-goal.

Playing all eighty minutes, Toby Sexton ran for sixty six metres, played the ball at an average speed of 3.34 seconds, made twenty four tackles at an 88.89% tackling efficiency and kicked on sixteen occasions accounting for 340 metres.

Toby Sexton continued at halfback in Round Twenty against the Canberra Raiders with Toby Sexton kicking four conversions from as many attempts. Playing all eighty minutes, Toby Sexton ran for twenty two metres (two pot contact), played the ball at an average speed of 3.74 seconds, made eight tackles and kicked on eight occasions for 264 metres.

In total in the 2022 NRL competition Toby Sexton played in nineteen matches scoring two tries and kicking twenty five goals (62.5% conversion rate) to finish with fifty eight points). Toby Sexton also forced twenty three line drop-outs, kicked for an average of 360.4 metres per match, recorded nine try assists and five line break assists, made 355 tackles at a tackling efficiency of 82.8% and ran for 954 metres at an average of fifty metres per match.

Toby Sexton started the Titans first 2022 NRL trial against the Brisbane Bronco’s at Cbus Stadium at five eight playing the opening half in the match.

Toby Sexton scored in just the 1oth minute of the match when he charged onto the ball from around ten metres out to crash over next to the left upright. Toby Sexton then stepped up to convert his own try. Toby Sexton kicked another rconverion in the 21st minute to covert Tremain Spry’s opening try from the left touchline.

In total in his forty minute on the field Toby Sexton ran for twenty two metres, played the ball at am average speed of 3.48 seconds and made ten tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Toby Sexton also was named to start at halfback in the Titans second and final 2022 trial in Redcliffe against the New Zealand Warriors however the match was abandoned due to the poor weather conditions.

Round Nineteen of the 2022 Queensland Cup competition saw Toby Sexton start at halfback for the Tweed Heads Seagulls against the Townsville Blackhawks with Toby Sexton scoring in the 2nd minute when he received the ball two passes to the right of a Tweed Heads scrum win near the centre of the field and after he received the ball Toby Sexton continued to run to his right, dummying to his right before getting over the try line five metres in from the right corner post.

Playing all eighty minutes Toby Sexton ran for sixty five metres (eight post contact), broke a tackle played the ball at an average speed of 4.59 seconds and made fifteen tackles.

Toby Sexton continued at halfback in Round Twenty against the Easts Tigers and whilst playing the entire eighty minutes Toby Sexton ran for forty four metres (seven post contact), broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 3.73 seconds and made nineteen tackles.

Toby Sexton started at halfback for the Tweed Heads Seagulls in their Queensland Cup Week One Final against the Easts Tigers. In his eighty minutes on the field Toby Sexton ran for eighty six metres (seventeen post contact), recorded two try assists and two line break assists, broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 2.53 seconds and made fourteen tackles at a tackling efficiency of 87.5%.

Toby Sexton also started at halfback in Week Two of the Finals against the Sunshine Coast Falcons with Toby Sexton scoring in the 25th minute when he backed up a line break from Tremain Spry to receive the ball fifteen metres out and bring the ball around to score under the posts.

Playing all eighty three minutes Toby Sexton ran for 165 metres (thirteen post contact), broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 3.74 seconds and made sixteen tackles.

Toby Sexton’s performance was strong enough that he was named at halfback in the Queensland Rugby League Week Two Finals Team of the Week.

In total in the 2022 Queensland Cup competition Toby Sexton played in four matches scoring twice. Toby Sexton also forced three line drop-outs, kicked for an average of 204.8 metres per game, recorded two try assist and three line break assists, made sixty four tackles at a tackling efficiency of 84.2% and ran for 362 metres at an average of ninety metres per match.

[Homer.J.]

Looking forward to watching J.R.W tomorrow. The young fella did some freakish things in the trial games and is absolute greased lightning at training.

[mdrew]

Tannah Boyd has been named at halfback for the Titans NRL side in their opening 2023 trial against the Brisbane Bronco’s on the Sunshine Coast

Round One of the 2022 NRL competition saw Tannah Boyd initially named on the Titans extended bench for their match against the Parramatta Eels however late in the week Tannah Boyd moved into the Titans seventeen to start from the bench after AJ Brimson was ruled out.

When he came on Tannah Boyd played twenty four minutes in the dummy half role running for twelve metres (two post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 2.24 seconds and made thirteen tackles.

Round Two against the New Zealand Warriors saw Tannah Boyd move back to the Titans extended bench. After missing a number of weeks as a result of a broken jaw, Tannah Boyd was named on the Titans NRL extended bench for Round Six against the Manly Sea Eagles and also in Round Seven against the North Queensland Cowboys.

Tannah Boyd then made his return to the Titans side in Round Eight when he was named on the bench against the Penrith Panthers coming on in the second half to play twenty two minutes in the dummy half role.

In his twenty two minutes on the field Tannah Boyd ran for five metres (one post contact), played the ball at a speed of 3.64 seconds and made ten tackles at a tackling efficiency of 90.91%.

Tannah Boyd was also named on the bench for Round Nine against the Sydney Roosters coming on in the second half to play in the dummy half role. In his twenty seven minutes on the field Tannah Boyd ran for eighteen metres (three post contact), broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 2.6 seconds and made twelve tackles.

Tannah Boyd continued off the bench in Round Ten being the NRL Magic Rounds against the St George Dragons, playing thirty one minutes in the dummy half role and recording a late try assist for Jarrod Wallace to score to send the match into golden points.

In his time on the field Tannah Boyd ran for fifty eight metres (nineteen post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 3.17 seconds and made seventeen tackles at a tackling efficiency of 94.44%.

Tannah Boyd also started from the bench in Round Eleven against the Cronulla Sharks and in his twenty four minutes in the dummy half role Tannah Boyd ran for nineteen metres (three post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 3.68 seconds and made sixteen tackles at a tackling efficiency of 88.89%.

Tannah Boyd continued off the bench in the Round Twelve local derby against the Brisbane Bronco’s coming on late in the first half to play at halfback before transitioning to the dummy half role in the second half.

Playing forty eight minutes Tannah Boyd made twenty three tackles at a tackling efficiency of 88.46% and kicked on two occasions making sixty six metres.

Tannah Boyd also started from the bench in Round Thirteen against the North Queensland Cowboys playing thirty nine minutes in the dummy half role. In those minutes Tannah Boyd ran for twenty eight metres (four post contact), broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 3.84 seconds and made twenty one tackles at a tackling efficiency of 93.3%.

Tannah Boyd continued off the bench in Round Fourteen against the Souths Sydney Rabbitohs and recorded a try assist in the 48th minute when from close range Tannah Boyd threw a good short ball to his left to put Tino Fa'asuamaleaui over the first of the Titans captains two tries.

Playing thirty six minutes in the dummy half role Tannah Boyd ran for twenty five metres (seven post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 3.48 seconds and made nineteen tackles.

Tannah Boyd also started from the bench in Round Fifteen against the Cronulla Sharks playing forty six minutes in the dummy half role, running for thirteen metres (two post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 3.28 seconds and made twenty six tackles at a tackling efficiency of 92.86%.

Tannah Boyd continued off the bench in Round Sixteen against the Newcastle Knights a recorded a try assist in the 57th minute when he threw a long cut out pass to his left to put Greg Marzhew over in the left corner.

Playing thirty three minutes in the dummy half role Tannah Boyd made seventeen tackles at a tackling efficiency of 94.44%.

Tannah Boyd then moved to start at five eight in Round Eighteen against the Brisbane Bronco’s with Tannah Boyd scoring in the 28th minute after he chased through a Toby Sexton grubbed kick to dive on the ball in the in-goal ten metres to the left of the uprights.

Playing all eighty minutes of the match, Tannah Boyd ran for seventy seven metres (eleven post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 3.78 seconds and made twenty tackles.

Tannah Boyd also started at five eight in Round Nineteen against the Canterbury Bulldogs recording a try assist in the 57th minute when a cross kick from the left side of the field was taken on the full by Patrick Herbert in the in-goal.

Playing all eighty minutes of the match including a stint in the dummy half role in the second half, Tannah Boyd ran for twenty three metres, played the ball at an average speed of 5.14 seconds, made twenty tackles at a tackling efficiency of 90.91% and kicked on two occasions, making twenty three metres.

Tannah Boyd continued at five eight in Round Twenty against the Canberra Raiders with Tannah Boyd scoring a try and setting up another.

Tannah Boyd scored in the 39th minute when from eight metres out Tannah Boyd ran to his left out of dummy half to score adjacent to the right upright.

Tannah Boyd’s try assist came in the 12th minute with a deft right foot grubber whilst running to his right with the ball sitting up for Brian Kelly to score.

Playing all eighty minutes Tannah Boyd ran for fifty metres (six post contact), broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 3.74 seconds and made thirty one tackles at a tackling efficiency of 93.94%.

Tannah Boyd then moved to halfback in Round Twenty One against the Melbourne Storm kicking one conversion from three attempts.

Playing the entire eighty minutes of the match Tannah Boyd ran for sixty eight metres (six post contact), broke four tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.94 seconds, made sixteen tackles and kicked on nine occasions making 256 metres.

Tannah Boyd continued at halfback in Round Twenty Two against the Manly Sea Eagles with Tannah Boyd kicking six conversions from seven attempts as well as recording a try assist in the 21st minute with a long cut-out pass to the right wing to put Jojo Fifita over in the right corner.

Playing all eighty minutes Tannah Boyd ran for fifty three metres, broke a tackle, played the ball at ana average speed of 5.2 seconds, made fifteen tackles at a tackling efficiency of 83.33%, kicked on eleven occasions for 320 metres and forced two line drop-outs.

Tannah Boyd also started at halfback in Round Twenty Three against the St George Dragons with Tannah Boyd kicking four conversions from as many attempts as well as a penalty goal near half time.

Playing all eighty minutes of the match Tanah Boyd ran for fifty one metres (six post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 4.42 seconds and made twenty nine tackles at a tackling efficiency of 93.55%.

Tannah Boyd also started at halfback in Round Twenty Four against the Newcastle Knights with Tannah Boyd scoring a 35th minute try when he ran off a great off-load from Tino Fa’asuamaleaui to score twelve metres to the left of the uprights and kicking four conversions.

Playing all eighty two minutes Tannah Boyd ran for forty nine metres (sixteen post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 4.73 seconds, made nineteen tackles at a 95% tackling efficiency and kicked on seventeen occasions making 528 metres.

Tannah Boyd also started at halfback in the final round of the 2022 NRL Premiership season, being Round Twenty Five against the New Zealand Warriors with Tannah Boyd kicking the match winning field goal in the 4th minute of golden point. Tannah Boyd also kicked four conversion and a penalty goal from as many attempts.

Playing all eighty four minutes Tanna Boyd ran for fifty eight metres (six post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 3.04 seconds and made twenty tackled at a tackling efficiency of 83.33%.

In total in the 2022 NRL competition Tannah Boyd played in eighteen matches, scoring three tries and kicking twenty three conversions (82.1% conversion rate) to finish with fifty eight points. Tannah Boyd also forced five goal line drop-outs, recorded seven try assists and six line break assists, kicked for an average of 104.7 metres per game, made 344 tackles at a tackling efficiency of 87.5% and ran for 616 metres at an average of thirty four metres per match.

Tannah Boyd started the Titans first 2022 NRL trial against the Brisbane Bronco’s at Cbus Stadium at hooker, playing around sixty eight minutes and Tannah Boyd also converted Esan Marsters 50th minute try. In those sixty eight minutes Tannah Boyd ran for twenty six metres (seven post contact) and made twenty six tackles at a tackling efficiency of 92.86%.

In the Titans second and final 2022 trial in Redcliffe against the New Zealand Warriors Tannah Boyd was named on the bench.

Tannah Boyd was named to start at halfback for the Tweed Heads Seagulls and operated on the left in Round One of the 2022 Queensland Cup competition against the Easts Tigers with Tannah Boyd kicking a conversion in the Seagulls 20 – 16 loss. One of Tannah Boyd’s best moments in the match came in the 38th minute when he took the defensive line on down a short left blindside with Tananh Boy making a halfbreak to get the ball to near the halfway mark.

In the match Tannah Boyd played fifty two minutes, running for sixty three metres (twenty three post contact), broke three tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.45 seconds, made nine tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency and kicked on three occasions making sixty nine metres.

Unfortunately Tannah Boyd broke his jaw in the match and was out for an extended period of time.

Tananh Boyd returned from injury from the bench in Round Five against the Townsville Blackhawks, coming on to play forty minutes at hooker.

[mdrew]

Vaka Sikahele has been named on the bench for the Titans NRL side in their opening 2023 trial against the Brisbane Bronco’s on the Sunshine Coast with Vaka Sikahele coming onto the field in the

Impressively Vaka Sikahele was named as the 18th man for the Burleigh Bears in their Queensland Cup Week One Final against the Norths Devils and after being activated to become Burleigh Queensland Cup Player No. 393 Vaka Sikahele played six minutes running for twenty seven metres (twelve post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 3.4 seconds and made three tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

In early December 2022 Saka Sikahele took part in an annual joint training session between the Titans JTS contracted players and the Titans NRL squad.

Unfortunately for Vaka Sikahele he suffered a serious achilles injury whilst training with the Titans NRL squad during their 2021 Pre-Christmas block of off-season training which will keep him out for an extended period of time in the 2022 season.

After an extended injury lay-off Vaka Sikahele was named on the Burleigh Bears Hastings Deering’s Colts extended bench for their Round Eight match against the Easts Tigers before starting the match on the bench and coming on in the 21st minute to operate in the dummy half role.

Vaka Sikahele did well in the 26th minute when after positioning himself as the first receiver to the left of the play the ball and after receiving the pass Vaka Sikahele ran to his left dummying to a runner who came back underneath before taking the ball deep into the defensive line before throwing a hard flat pass to the left that created space for Burleigh to score wide out on the left through Tate Roberts.

Vaka Sikahele continued off the bench in Round Nine against the Sunshine Coast Falcons with Vaka Sikahele coming onto the field in the second half to operate primarily as a running forward.

Round Ten against the Norths Devils saw Vaka Sikahele start at hooker before transitioning to a running forward role towards the end of the first half.

Vaka Sikahele made his initial dummy half run in the 30th minute when he ran to his right and was able to take ten hard fought metres to get the ball thirty five metres out from the try line. The in the 35th minute whilst he was operating as a running backrower Vaka Sikahele made a strong run to the right of the play the ball with Vaka Sikahele’s run accounting for fifteen metres from the halfway mark. Then in the 37th minute Vaka Sikahele was able to make thirteen more metres into Norths territory from the right of the play the ball.

Vaka Sikahele also had a strong match defensively against the Devils including in the 14th minute when he along with Samuel Shannon held up the giant Norths front rower No. 18 midway between the cover post and goal posts on the right side of the field after the front rower had tried to barge his way over from close range.

Then Vaka Sikahele made the second tackle of the second half with Vaka Sikahele’s strong initial contact forcing the ball loose and putting Burleigh immediately onto the attack.

Vaka Sikahele continued off the bench in Round Eleven against the Northern Pride with Vaka Sikahele operating as a running backrower in the second half in a big Burleigh 78 – 12 victory.

Vaka Sikahele performed very well as a running forward including in the 56th minute when he was able to make fourteen metres after running onto the ball to the right of the play the ball with Vaka more than 50% of Vaka Sikahele’s metres being of the post contact variety with Vaka Sikahele getting the ball to within three metres of the halfway mark.

Vaka Sikahele made another strong run in the 60th minute when after running onto the ball to the right of the play the ball, Vaka Sikahele, from own forty metres mark made eighteen metres to get the ball into Northern Pride territory.

Vaka Sikahele continued off the bench in Round Twelve against the Ipswich Jets with Vaka Sikahele scoring a smart try in the 43rd minute after coming on to operate in the dummy half role in the 32nd minute.

In the 43rd minute Vaka Sikahele moved into dummy half with the play the ball three metres out and mid-way between the goal line and corner post on the right side of the field. Vaka Sikahele darted out of dummy half to his right before straightening up and getting down low at attack the line. Vaka Sikahele was hit by two defenders still short of the line and was spun around but with his back towards the try line and going to ground, Vaka Sikahele was able to twist his left arm carrying the ball above his head and get the ball down right on the try line.

Vaka Sikahele then started at lock in Round Thirteen against the Townsville Blackhawks.

Vaka Sikahele then moved back to hooker for the Round Fourteen local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls with Vaka Sikahele scoring a double in a tough six point loss.

Vaka Sikahele scored the first of his two tries in the 16th minute when after receiving an off-load five metres out, Vaka Sikahele darted to his right and after initially being held up, Vaka Sikahele was able to reach out and plant the ball down with his right hand to get the ball down five metres to the left of the uprights,

Vaka Sikahele scored his second try in the 53rd minute when from ten metres out and in front of the posts Vaka Sikahele ran to his right out of dummy half and crashed through three tackles to get the ball down under the posts.

Vaka Sikahele continued at hooker in Round Fifteen against the Mackay Cutters with Vaka Sikahele making the opening tackle of the match.

Vaka Sikahele was then back at lock in Round Sixteen against the Western Clydesdales and also in Round Seventeen against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

In early May 2021 a Titans U19 side travelled to North Queensland to play an U19 Cowboys selection in a curtain raiser to a Cowboys v Broncos NRL match with Vaka Sikahele starting the match at hooker in his first match in a Titans jersey.

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Well done to Keano Kini who recently was nominated for the Gold Coast Junior Sports Star of the Year Award.

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Impresively Keano Kini started training with the Titans NRL squad on an NRL Development contract in early November 2022 with Keano Kini’s contracted then extended until the end of the 2025 NRL season which included Keano Kini being part of the Titans Top 30 NRL squad in 2024 and 2025. Keano Kini, even at just 18 years stood out in the fitness sessions in the Titans 2022/23 NRL off-season program.

Keano Kini has been named on the bench for the Titans NRL side in their opening 2023 trial against the Brisbane Bronco’s on the Sunshine Coast with Keano Kini coming onto the field in the

In early December 2022 Keano Kini took part in a joint training session betweed the Titans JTS contracted players and the Titans NRL squad.

In late January 2022 Keano Kini started at five eight for the Titans U19 side in a match at Pizzey Park against the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts side with Keano Kini being involved in the opening tackle of the match after Tom Weaver kicked off for the Titans to get the match underway.

After playing the first half at five eight Keano Kini moved to fullback for the second half with Jaylan De Groot moving to the left wing to accommodate the move.

After the forward battle subsided Keano Kini began to come into his own and in the 20th minute he almost manufactured a try for Jeremaiah Temapo when he created space on the right but Keano Kini’s overhead pass to Jeremaiah Temapo who put the ball down in the right corner was ruled forward.

Keano Kini was at it again in the 35th minute when he took the ball down a wide left blindside. Keano Kini ran at the line with the ball in both hands before dummying to his right to get part way through the defensive line. Keano Kini then held off one defender with his left arm propelling him and the attached defender from twenty five metres out to within four metres of the try line in an exceptional display of balance, body control and functional strength.

Keano Kini’s move to fullback in the second half did not dull his attacking threat and in the 47th minute Keano Kini made a great winding run of thirty metres. Keano Kini received the ball to the left of a Titans scrum win just twenty metres from their own line. Initially after running to his left Keano Kini was tackled by the right leg by the Burleigh right winger but was not brought to ground. After pulling his leg free, Keano Kini continued to charge forward, stepping off his right foot twice before straightening up his run with a left foot step and was eventually tackled near the halfway mark. After playing the ball, Keano Kini then received an off-load from Kyhan Weir who had taken the subsequent hit-up.

In the 70th minute Keano Kini produced a strong kick return when after taking possession of the ball from the kick on his own twenty metre line, Keano Kini got all of the way to the forty five metre mark, beating two tackles along the way.

In late July 2022 Keano Kini started at fullback for the U19 Future Titans Squad that played a North Queensland Cowboys U19 squad at Cbus Stadium as a curtain-raiser to the Round Twenty NRL match between the Titans and the Canberra Raiders with Keano Kini, in my opinion, being the best player on the field with a three try, one try assist effort in a Player of the Match performance.

Keano Kini scored his opening try in the 11th minute and what an absolutely superb solo try it was. Keano Kini took a North Queensland clearing kick in the centre of the field twenty metres out and immediately right to his right, running parallel to the defensive line before stepping off his right foot to burst between two defenders to race away downfield. As he approached the fullback near the halfway mark Keano Kini shaped to pass to his inside before stepping off his right foot to beat the fullback with Keano Kini then racing away to score in the right corner.

Keano Kini scored his second try just four minutes later in the 15th minute when he backed up a line break by Jack Cullen to receive the ball after Jack Cullen had drawn the fullback with Keano Kini racing away to score under the posts.

Keano Kini completed his hat trick in the 22nd minute when after good work from near the halfway mark from Jaylen De Groot, Keano Kini dived over in the left corner from close range after Kaleb Nagamanu had drawn the Cowboys fullback and passed to Keano Kini.

Keano Kini’s try assist came in the 53rd minute when Keano Kini received the ball around ten metres out on the left side of the field, Keano Kini cut to his outside, drawing in the Cowboys winger and got the ball away to his right to put Jaylen De Groot over to score in the left corner.

Keano Kini also made a line break in the 29th minute when he received the ball on the halfway mark after cutting back underneath Thomas Weaver with Keano Kini stepping off his right foot to isolate and beat one defender with Keano Kini making twenty metres through the centre of the field as a result.

Keano Kini made a further line break in the 63rd minute when from twenty eight metres out on the left side of the field, Keano Kini dummied to his outside before slicing through only to be tackled four metres out from the try line.

Keano Kini also did well in the 35th minute when after running onto the ball to the right of the play the ball, Keano Kini was able to get halfway through the line before getting away a good right arm off-load.

Keano Kini got a further off-load away in the 57th minute when after running the ball on the left side of the field twenty metres from the try line Keano Kini stepped off his left foot before getting an off-load away to his right to Oskar Bryant.

Keano Kini also had a strong match defensively starting inside the opening minute of the match when after the Cowboys fullback had made a line break through the centre of the field from the Titans first clearing kick of the match, Keano Kini took him in a great low one on one tackle near the halfway mark.

Then in the 6th minute along with Ryan Foran and Thomas Weaver, Keano Kini made a strong tackle on the North Queensland right second rower to prevent him from scoring just to the left of the uprights on the last tackle.

Keano Kini made a great take of a high Cowboys bomb in the 46th minute with Keano Kini leaping high to take the ball on the full just out from his own try line with Keano Kini subsequently being awarded a penalty for being tackled in the air.

In the 21st minute Keano Kini when just six metres out from his own try line took a Cowboys kick on the full over his head with Keano Kini breaking two tackles as he promoted the ball to twenty six metres out from his own line.

Whilst Keano Kini played the majority of the match at fullback, he did spend time on the left wing after swapping with Jaylan De Groot.

In mid-December 2021 Keano Kini was one of the Titans JTS Program players that took part in a joint training session with the Titans NRL squad.

In early November 2021 Keano Kini was named in the powerful 2022 Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup squad.

Round One of the 2022 MM Cup competition saw Keano Kini named at fullback for the Tweed Heads Seagulls against the Souths Logan Magpies.

Keano Kini had an outstanding match including a 19th minute try assist when from around ten metres out Keano Kini received the ball to the right of the play the ball but wide out on the left. Keano Kini initially ran towards the posts when his route was cut off Keano Kini changed direction and ran back to his left, getting on the outside of a number of Magpies defenders before drawing in the Souths Logan right winger and putting Matthew Barrow over in the left corner.

Keano Kini made his first line break of the match in the 6th minute when from inside his own half, Keano Kini forced his way into dummy half running to his left before straightening up and making fifteen metres. Then just two tackles later Keano Kini received the ball to the right of the dummy half and as he made contact with the Magpies A defender, Keano Kini spun 360 degrees clockwise to break contact and then made five more metres before he was brought to ground.

Keano Kini’s first run of the match came in just the third minute when from just inside his own territory Keano Kini took a hit-up to the left of the dummy half. Initially Keano Kini looked as if he would cut back behind the play the ball but at the last moment he ran to his left running parallel to the defensive line before straightening up to try to burst between two defenders.

Keano Kini made another strong run in the 60th minute when after a Souths Logan Magpies goal dropout fell short, Keano Kini raced forward taking the kick on the bounce at full speed around forty two metres out and ran to his left and getting the ball within eighteen metres of the try line with Keano Kini executing a quick play the ball with Taelon Te Whiu-Hopa scoring down the left blindside as a result.

Keano Kini was also named at fullback and captain for Round Two against the Redcliffe Dolphins and as usual was dangerous throughout including in the 33rd minute from a scrum move to the right with Keano Kini able to get around one Redcliffe defender, making twelve metres and stretching the Dolphins defence totally out of position.

Keano Kini produced another line breaking run in the 72nd minute when he cut back underneath Josh Lynn on the right side of the field around thirty five metres out. After receiving the ball Keano Kini straightened up his run, beating three Dolphins. Keano Kini was eventually caught by the Dolphins cover defence about a metre from the line, but Keano Kini was up on his feet to play the ball in the blink of an eye with Tweed Heads scoring on the left through Jared Johnson from the subsequent play.

After the Seagulls had a Round Three bye, Keano Kini was named to start at fullback in Round Four against the Easts Tigers however in a late change Keano Kini moved to start the match at five eight and cut the Tigers apart including scoring a well worked Seagulls try in the 19th minute.

From the Tweed Heads scrum win Keano Kini received the ball from the back of the scrum around twenty metres out and immediately ran to his left. Keano Kini then brought Josh Lynn back underneath with Josh Lynn sucking in multiple defenders before getting the ball back to Keano Kini in space. Keano Kini then palmed off one defender and sliced through the defensive line and crashed over ten metres to the left of the uprights.

The match also saw Keano Kini set up a try for Jett Forbes in the 74th minute. From a Tweed Heads scrum win on halfway, Keano Kini received the ball from the back of the scrum on the right side of the field and initially it appeared as if he would kick on the first tackle but Keano Kini had other ideas and raced through a gap before veering to his right to draw the Easts fullback and pass to his right to send Jett Forbes away on a run to the right corner.

Keano Kini also did well defensively including in the 12th minute when he along with Cooper Camby he produced a try saving tackle on the Easts left second rower who had run a straight crash line from close range.

Keano Kini was named to continue at five eight and captain in Round Five against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls however he was ruled out late in the week. Keano Kini was then named to start at five eight in Round Six against the Norths Devils but once again he was ruled out late in the week.

Through the opening six rounds of the 2022 U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition Keano Kini had run for the 13th most metres being 482 metres at an average of 161 metres per match and also made a three line breaks. Those figures are scary considering Keano Kini missed around 50% of the season through injury.

Keano Kini’s first match in 2022 for the Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup squad came in early February when he lined up against the Easts Tigers at Scott Park in Brisbane.

In March 2022 Keano Kini was selected in the South Coast School Boy Rugby League U18 Representative side after successfully negotiating the trials with Keano Kini starting Match One against Northern at fullback.

Keano Kini recorded a line break assist in just the 4th minute when after receiving the ball from his left near mid-field and twenty metres out from his own line, Keano Kini skipped to his left to get on the outside of one defender before drawing in the Northern right winger and then passed to his left to send Jeremaiah Temapo away down the left touchline.

Keano Kini came close to scoring in the 15th minute when after joining the South Coast backline on the right, Keano Kini stepped off his right foot twelve metres out and looked to have forced his way over near the right corner but the referee ruled that he had grounded the ball short of the try line.

Keano Kini continued at fullback in Match Two against Met North and had a great match including scoring an outstanding try in the 11th minute when on the right side of the field Josh Lynn ran to his right with Keano Kini running straight and hard receiving the ball back on the inside and from ten metres out was just too much for the Met North defence to crash over between two defenders ten metres in from the right corner post.

Keano Kini made his first line break in the abridged match in the 7th minute when after receiving the ball on the bounce twenty two metres out on the left side of the field Keano Kini cut back to his right running parallel to the defensive line before stepping off his right foot to slice through but he was cut down just two metres short of the line.

Keano Kini recorded another line break in the 22nd minute in what was the final play of the abridged match when from inside his own territory Keano Kini received the ball on the right side of the field and executed a great right foot step to break the line and was able to make twenty five metres into Met North territory before his run was halted.

The match also saw Keano Kini record a 20th minute line break assist when after receiving the ball just thirty five metres out from his own line and to the right of the play the ball, Keano Kini cut back to his left and whilst being brought to ground by two defenders was able to get the ball to his left centre who burst downfield.

At the conclusion of the Championships Keano Kini was named in the 2022 Queensland Open School Boy Rugby League Representative side and just prior to the commencement of the Championships, Keano Kini was named by the Courier Mail as the seventh best U18 Rugby League player in Australia.

At the Australian U18 School Boy Championships for Queensland, Keano Kini was the vice-captain.

Keano Kini started at fullback in Match One against the Australian Capital Territory and made the first of multiple strong runs in the 5th minute when he charged onto the ball to the left of the dummy half on his own forty metre mark and just prior to the defensive line stepped off his right foot to beat two defenders to make fourteen metres.

Then in the 8th minute Keano Kini was at it again when after receiving the ball to the right of a Queensland scrum win on the halfway mark, Keano Kini ran after the defensive line with the ball in his outstretched right arm before stepping back inside off his right foot to make fifteen metres.

The 15th minute of the match saw Keano Kini record a line break and line break assist when after receiving the ball to the left of the play the ball on halfway Keano Kini stepped off his right foot and after spinning 360 degrees clockwise after being hit by one defender got a great ball away to a charging Arama Hau after drawing in two defenders with the giant left second rower charging away.

Keano Kini also started at fullback in Match Two being the semi-final against NSW CIS with Keano Kini scoring a great try in the 34th minute when from a set play Keano Kini raced onto an inside pass and after receiving the ball thirty eight metres out Keano Kini burst through the centre of the NSW CIS defence after a slight stumble before an exceptional right foot step took Keano Kini past the fullback with Keano Kini getting the ball down under the posts on the second attempt.

Keano Kini was causing trouble for the NSW CIS defence as early as the 5th minute when he flew onto the ball to the right of the play the ball making twelve metres to get the ball to the halfway mark. Then just a minute later in the 6th minute Keano Kini darted to the right from a Queensland scrum win and after getting to the outside of a number of defenders Keano Kini was able to make fifteen metres before being slung to ground.

Keano Kini made seventeen more metres in the 27th minute when he charged onto the ball to the left of the play the ball to get the ball to the halfway mark and then was awarded a penalty when he was held down too long in the tackle.

As a result of his performance, Keano Kini was deservedly named Player of the Match.

Keano Kini also started at fullback in Queensland U18 ASSRL Championships Grand Final victory over NSW CHS with Keano Kini recording a try assist in the 36th minute when after receiving the ball to the left of the play the ball around twenty metres out, Keano Kini threw a great long cut out pass to his right to put Tory Bath into space down the right wing and over in the corner. Seriously what a pass!

Keano Kini showcased his outstanding skill set in the 9th minute when he took a NSW CHS grubber kick into the in-goal and did exceptionally get the ball out from the in-goal and back into the field of play.

Keano Kini was his dangerous self running the ball in the Championship Final and highlighted that in the 36th minute when after taking possession of the ball thirty five metres out, Keano Kini beat five tackles in a great winding run that initially started to the left of the play the ball before Keano Kini cut back to his left before Keano Kini was still able to get an off-load away.

Keano Kini’s performances over the course of the 2022 ASSRL U18 Championships saw Keano Kini named in the Australian School Boys Squad for their Fijian tour with Keano Kini presented with the No. 1 jersey prior to heading to Fiji.

Keano Kini started the first “test” of the tour at fullback against Fiji Schools with Keano Kini scoring one try and setting up another in a big Australian School Boys victory.

Keano Kini scored in the 57th minute when he burst onto the ball through the centre of the field from fifty five metres out with Keano Kini veering to his right to round the Fiji fullback and race away to put the ball down under the posts.

Keano Kini recorded his try assist in the 48th minute when after making a line break through the centre of the field, Keano Kini drew the Fiji fullback and passed to his right to send his support runner away to score untouched under the posts.

Post the 2022 ASSRL U18 Championships, the Courier Mail released a revised Top 50 Australian U18 Rugby League Players with Keano Kini moving up to third on that list.

Keano Kini was also noted by the Courier Mail by being named on various other lists including the Best Try of the Championships and one of the Most Explosive Players of the Championships.

Round One of the 2022 Langer Cup School Boy competition saw Keano Kini start at fullback for PBC State High School against Marsden State High School and put in a Player of the Match performance including scoring a great double in a big PBC SHS 44 – 0 victory.

Keano Kini’s opening try in the 12th was an absolute blinder. Keano Kini received the ball fifty five metres out from the line to the left of the play the ball. Upon receipt of the ball Keano Kini ran back to the right towards the centre of the field and to get through the line executed wicked right foot step. Once through the line Keano Kini easily outpaced the cover defence before another outstanding right foot step gave the Marsden SHS fullback no chance with Keano Kini racing past to dive over next to the left upright.

Keano Kini completed his double in the 56th minute when after PBC SHS spun the ball to the left Keano Kini flew onto the ball after cutting underneath Josh Lynn. Keano Kini received the ball off Josh Lynn twelve metres out and to the left of the uprights but whilst still two metres from the line crashed into the Marsden SHS hooker with Keano Kini reaching out with the ball in his right arm to slam the ball down under the posts.

The match also saw Keano Kini record a number of try assists with the first of those coming in the 19th minute when after receiving the ball to the left of the play the ball Keano Kini veered slightly to his left to draw in one defender an then throw a great short ball in the same direction to send Brady Turner through a gap and subsequently score from twenty metres out near the left corner post.

Then in the 27th minute Keano Kini threw the final pass for Michael Roberts try. Keano Kini chimed into the PBC SHS backline on the left and after looking to split the line himself Keano Kini was able to keep his right arm off the ground as he was being spun around in a tackle and then execute a right arm off-load to Michael Roberts who came back inside to crash over.

Keano Kini recorded his third try assist in the 37th minute after having the foresight to get his feet back into the in-goal and take a Marsden SHS bomb on the full. Keano Kini then raced out to the twenty metre mark to take a quick tap restart. Keano Kini exploded through the middle of the Marsden SHS defensive line and after making twenty three metres was caught from behind but Keano Kini was able to keep his right arm free and off-load to his left to Jett Forbes who raced fifty seven metres untouched to score.

In fact in the 32nd minute Keano Kini once again positioned himself well to take a bomb on the full I the in-goal and looked to have burst through the Marsden SHS defensive line from the quick twenty metre tap restart but the referee ruled that one of the PBC SHS players was in front of Keano Kini so brought him back to take the tap restart a second time.

Keano Kini’s opening contribution for PBC SHS came in the 4th minute with his first run of the match when he made ten metres whilst bringing the ball off his own try line. Keano Kini made a strong run out of dummy half in the 15th minute when after he ran to his right making fifteen metres to thirty metres out.

Keano Kini’s ability to position himself correctly came to the fore in the 9th minute when with Marsden SHS on the attack Keano Kini raced to his left to take a Marsden SHS grubber kick on the bounce on his own try line and even with the chase coming through Keano Kini was able to promote the ball to ten metres away from the line.

Keano Kini was then named at fullback for Round Two against Redcliffe State High School with Keano Kini scoring in the 49th minute when after receiving a good short ball from his right from Josh Lynn, Keano Kini ran the ball down a short left blindside to score five metres in from the left corner post after slicing through the Redcliffe SHS right sided defensive line.

Keano Kini also recorded a try assist in the 27th minute when after joining the PBC SHS backline to the right of the play the ball Keano Kini took the ball deep into the defensive line before throwing a hard cut-out pass to his right to put Jett Forbes over in the right corner from eight metres out.

Keano Kini made a strong run in the 25th minute when from his own twenty metre mark Keano Kini executed a number of right foot steps to make eighteen metres.

The match also saw Keano Kini make a great try saving tackle in the 29th minute he raced to his left and smashed the Redcliffe SHS right winger just as he was preparing to put the ball down in the right corner with Keano Kini’s heavy contact knocking the ball from the wingers grasp just short of the try line.

Keano Kini also did well defensively in the 47th minute when after the Redcliffe SHS left winger got to a kick before him just fifteen metres out from the try line, Keano Kini did not panic and made sure of the tackle on the winger to eliminate the danger for PBC SHS.

Keano Kini was also named to continue at fullback in Round Three against Coombabah State High School and came desperately close to scoring in the 23rd minute when after chiming into the PBC SHS backline to the right and around twelve metres out Keano Kini stepped his way past a number of defenders before being caught but Keano Kini was close enough to reach out with his right arm but the referee adjudged that Keano Kini lost control of the ball he was able to get the ball over the line.

Keano Kini recorded a try assist in the 12th minute when from twenty five metres out and to the left of the play the ball, Keano Kini burst onto the ball, cutting off his left foot before in the tackle of the Coombabah SHS fullback getting away a right arm off-load to Tanu Nona who was backing up on Keano Kini’s right with Tanu Nona subsequently crashing over under the posts.

Keano Kini recorded a second try assist in the 57th minute when after lining up to the right of a PBC SHS scrum around forty metres out, Keano Kini received the ball from the back of the scrum and ran to his right to draw in two defenders before throwing a cut-out pass to his right winger who raced down the right touchline to score in the corner.

Keano Kini recorded a line break assist in the 7th minute when from a PBC SHS scrum wing, Keano Kini ran the ball to the left, darting across field before drawing in the last Coombabah SHS defender on the left side of the field and got the ball away to his left to put Jett Forbes away down the left touchline on a forty metre run.

The first of multiple Keano Kini line breaks came in the 37th minute when Coombabah SHS put up a high bomb that Keano Kini took on his own twenty metre mark under heavy pressure. Keano Kini was able to step past two on-rushing Coombabah SHS players and burst thirty three centres through the centre of the ruck to get the ball into Coombabah SHS territory.

Keano Kini made a further line break in the 46th minute when he made twenty metres as a result of a good ball from his inside from Josh Lynn.

The 55th minute saw Keano Kini make another line break when he made twenty two metres from the left of the play the ball with fifteen of the metres that Keano Kini made of the post contact variety.

Keano Kini continued his strong match in the 59th minute when after receiving an inside pass, Keano Kini burst through the line, making seventy metres before getting the ball away to Jett Forbes who subsequently found Tanu Nona backing up through the centre of the field to crash over under the posts.

Keano Kini made his first run of the match in the 3rd minute when he took a hit-up to the right of the play the ball with a great left foot step enabling Keano Kini to make twelve metres to promote the ball to near the halfway mark.

Keano Kini did well from a defensive perspective in right on halftime when he along with Will Saunders, he was able to hold up the Coombabah SHS fullback over the line on the left side of the field after the fullback had cut inside from near the left touchline.

Keano Kini’s performance against Coombabah SHS was such that he was named at five eight in the Courier Mail Langer Cup Round Three Team of the Week.

After the mid-season break, Keano Kini continued at fullback in Round Four against Ipswich State High School.

Keano Kini did well in the 14th minute when after receiving the ball in the attacking twenty metre zone to the left of the uprights, Keano Kini cut back towards the goal posts and when he was ten metres out Keano Kini put in a right foot grubber kick into the in-goal and then chased his own kick through to tackle the Ipswich SHS fullback in-goal and force a goal line drop-out.

Keano Kini made good tackle in the 36th minute when he along with Josh Lynn and Tanu Nona held up the giant Ipswich SHS front rower No. 8 over the line and directly under the posts.

Keano Kini continued at fullback in Round Five against Mabel Park SHS with Keano Kini scoring a simply spectacular try in the 13th minute. I will try to describe the try but there is no way that I will be able to do it justice.

Keano Kini, in the 13th minute received the ball after running an underneath route and after receiving the ball from Zane Harrison Keano Kini charged flat out into the defensive line, spinning 360 degrees clockwise after initial contact with the defensive line and then Keano Kini executed multiple left and right foot steps in an instant to beat multiple defenders to score an incredible try under the posts.

In addition to his spectacular try Keano Kini also recorded a try assist in just the 2nd minute of the match when he joined into the backline to the left of the play the ball with Keano Kini running the ball to within three metres of the try line and after drawing in the final defender got away a great off-load to his left to put his centre over of the first of many PBC SHS’s tries.

Keano Kini showed that he is not just a great ball runner in the 16th minute when after reengaging the defensive line Keano Kini was able to get an overhead off-load away to Blake Forder to continue to promote the ball.

Keano Kini also executed an outstanding try saving tackle in the match when in the 35th minute along with Cooper Camby, Keano Kini hit the Mabel Park SHS left centre literally right on the try line, stopping him dead and knocking him to the ground just inches short of the try line.

Keano Kini also started at fullback in the Round Six local derby against Keebra Park SHS with Keano Kini making a strong run in the 36th minute when after receiving the ball to the left of the play the ball, Keano Kini cut back to the right being towards the centre of the field with Keano Kini executing multiple steps off both feet to make twenty five metres.

Keano Kini, from a defensive perspective executed a great tackle along with Isaiah Scanlon to stop a Keebra Park SHS dart out of dummy half from close range to prevent a near certain try.

Keano Kini continued at fullback in Round Seven against Wavell SHS with Keano Kini scoring in the 55th minute when he ran a straight hard line and burst between two defenders from twenty metres out with Keano Kini getting the ball down mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the right side of the field.

Keano Kini also recorded the first of his two try assists in the 28th minute when from twenty metres out from his own line, Keano Kini made a line break down the left touchline and after racing fifty metres downfield Keano Kini drew the Wavell SHS fullback and got the ball away to Blake Forder who raced away to score under the posts.

Keano Kini recorded his second try assist in the 22nd minute with a great catch and pass under heavy pressure on the right side of the field and ten metres out with Keano Kini’s great pass to his right giving Jett Forbes the room to dive over in the right corner.

Keano Kini also saved a try in the 26th minute when he raced across field to his right to smash the Wavell SHS left winger and knock him into touch with the corner post going flying as a result of the Keano Kini.

Keano Kini also made a strong run in the 12th minute when from the right of the play the ball and eighteen metres out from his own try line, Keano Kini was able to make fourteen metres.

Keano Kini continued at fullback in PBC SHS’s Langer Cup Quarter Final against Mabel Park SHS with Keano Kini scoring twice as PBC SHS qualified for the semi-finals.

Keano Kini’s opening try came in just the 4th minute when after receiving an off-load from Jac Finnigan sixty five metres out from the try line, Keano Kini ran to his right and after drawing the Mabel Park SHS left winger Keano Kini got the ball away to Jett Forbes who after running fifteen metres down the right touchline got the ball back inside to Keano Kini. As he ran towards the fullback Keano Kini stepped off his right foot and then immediately off his left to totally wrong foot the Mabel Park SHS fullback with Keano Kini racing to dive over to score in the right corner.

Keano Kini scored his second try in the 44th minute when from around ten metres out Keano Kini forced his way over the try line with three Mabel Park SHS defenders hanging off him to score seven metres in from the right corner post.

Keano Kini also recorded a try assist in the 20th minute when from twenty metres out Keano Kini threw a short to his left to Will Taylor who burst between two defenders before steeping off his left foot to beat the Mabel Park SHS fullback to score under the posts.

Keano Kini made line break in the 7th minute when after making a forty five metre stepping run through the middle of the Mabel Park SHS defensive line, Keano Kini’s pass to his right near the twenty metre mark went to ground.

Keano Kini made a further line break in the 14th minute when after taking a Mabel Park SHS kick Keano Kini made a thirty metre line break from the kick return after running to his right. Then in the 31st minute Keano Kini broke the Mabel Park SHS defensive line once again making twenty metres to get the ball two metres into Mabel Park SHS territory.

In the 24th minute, Keano Kini along with Reico Ratana and Tanu Nona did well to hold up the Mabel Park SHS No. 10 over the try line on the left side of the field. Then in the 48th minute along with Will Taylor, Keano Kini made a great covering tackle on the Mabel Park SHS hooker (No. 9) as he charged at the try line just to the left of the uprights.

Keano Kini was then named at fullback for PBC SHS in the 2022 Langer Cup Semi-final against Keebra Park SHS with Keano Kini scoring twice to propel PBC SHS into the Grand Final against Ipswich SHS.

Keano Kini’s opening try came in the 31st minute when Keano Kini received the ball to the left of a PBC SHS scrum win ten metres from the try line with Keano Kini sliding between two defenders to score ten metres in from the left corner.

Keano Kini scored his second try in the 37th minute and if you blinked you would have missed it. Keano Kini was on his own forty metre line as the Keebra Park SHS five eight ran directly at him after making a long line break with a support run to his right and Keano Kini’s left. At the last possible moment Keano Kini slid off the five eight just as he was passing the ball with Keano Kini taking the intercept cleanly.

After taking possession in the centre of the field, Keano Kini turned defence into attack and ran to his right getting to the right touchline before racing away to dive over in the right corner to score a truly spectacular try.

The intercept for his first try was not the only intercept that Keano Kini took in the match with Keano Kini taking another in the 41st minute when whilst defending on his own line with the Keebra Park SHS play the ball just a metre out from the try line they threw a cut out pass to PBC SHS’s right with Keano Kini flying off his line to take the intercept around four metres out from the try line with Keano Kini then making a winding fifty five metre run downfield.

Keano Kini was involved in PBC SHS’s first try of the match when in the 16th minute Keano Kini received the ball twenty metres out from the try line and on the left side of the field with Keano Kini stepping off his left foot to break the line with Keano Kini attracting multiple Keebra Park SHS defenders before being tackled by those multiple defenders two metres from the try line and mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field. Then even after being tackled by multiple defenders, Keano Kini was able to play the ball quickly with Michael Roberts being able to score from dummy half as a result.

Keano Kini took his opening run of the match in the 3rd minute when after letting a Keebra Park SHS kick go dead in-goal Keano Kini raced back to the twenty metre mark to take the quick tap himself with Keano Kini making seventeen metres.

Keano Kini made a great one on one low tackle on a rampaging Arama Hau in the 25th minute after the giant Keebra Park SHS lock had broken through the PBC SHS defensive line. Then in the 28th minute Keano Kini along with Jaylen Taewa and Tanu Nona stopped the Keebra Park SHS dummy half Dorian Lotaki just short of the try line after a great run out of dummy half just to the right of the uprights.

Keano Kini started at fullback for PBC SHS in the 2022 School Boy Langer Cup Grand Final against Ipswich SHS with Keano Kini’s first strong run of the match coming inside the opening minute when Keano Kini ran to his right out of dummy half making sixteen metres to get to twenty metres out from the try line and in front of the goal posts.

Then in the 33rd minute Keano Kini made eighteen metres down the right channel to get within thirty six metres out from the try line.

Whilst Keano Kini was his usual dangerous self in attack (until he was forced from the field), he was outstanding from a defensive perspective including a great sequence in the 33rd minute when initially Keano Kini made a great one on one tackle on the Ipswich SHS left centre who had made a line break and then on the next play Keano Kini made another great one on one tackle, this time on the Ipswich SHS left centre Tre Fotu just ten metres out from the try line to save what appeared to be a certain Ipswich SHS try.

Just two minute later in the 35th minute Keano Kini once again brought Tre Fotu who had made a line break with Keano Kini bringing down the centre with a strong low right shoulder tackle.

Then in the 38th minute when along with Caleb Te Momo, Keano Kini smashed the Ipswich SHS No. 14 forty metes out with the ball coming loose as a result of the heavy contact.

At the end of year PBC SHS Sports Awards night, Keano Kini was named the the winner of the 2022 Craig Weston Award as the best rugby league player in the PBC SHS Open age group.

At the completion of the 2022 School Boy Langer Cup competition Keano Kini was named at fullback in the 2022 Courier Mail Langer Cup Team of the Season. Keano Kini was also named as the second best School Boy Rugby League or Rugby player in the 2022 Courier Mail Top 30 school Boys.

[mdrew]

Josiah Pahulu has been named on the bench for the Titans NRL side in their opening 2023 trial against the Brisbane Bronco’s on the Sunshine Coast with Josiah Pahulu coming onto the field in the

In early February 2023 Josiah Pahulu was named in the 2023 Queensland Rugby League Emerging Origin U19 squad.

In early December 2022 Josiah Pahulu took part in a joint training session betweed the Titans JTS contracted players and the Titans NRL squad.

Josiah Pahulu initially signed with the Titans in early 2019 after starring for one of the two Titans U15 Invitational sides that played a round robin series of matches at Mudgeeraba in February 2019. The other team in the round robin was a Western Mustangs representative side. That afternoon was the firsty occasion that I saw Josiah Pahulu play. I was impressed that day and I have been impressed in every match of Josiah Pahulu’s that I have seen since.

In early May 2022 Josiah Pahulu was named in the Queensland U19 Rugby League Representative side for their annual match against New South Wales with Josiah Pahulu starting the match from the interchange bench. Josiah Pahulu came onto the field in the 25th minute and impressively played the remainder of the match.

Impressively Josiah Pahulu was named by the Courier Mail as the 2022 Ipswich Rugby League best junior rugby league talent.

In late July 2022 Josiah Pahulu was part of the Titans U19 squad that played a North Queensland Cowboys squad as a curtain raiser to the Titans NRL Round Twenty match against Canberra at Cbus Stadium with Josiah Pahulu more than holding his own against a giant Cowboys forward pack.

In late January 2022 Josiah Pahulu started in the front row for the Titans U19 side in a match at Pizzey Park against the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts side with Josiah Pahulu being involved in the opening tackle of the match after Tom Weaver kicked off to get the match underway.

Josiah Pahulu also executed a great front on tackle in the 10th minute on TJ Devery when he drove his right shoulder into the Burleigh forward forcing him back a number of metres.

The first of a number of strong hit-ups by Josiah Pahulu in the match came in the 14th minute when he charged to near to the twenty metre mark off the kick-off to Ryan Foran’s opening try. The halftime break did not slow Josiah Pahulu down and the 56th minute he made a strong eleven metre charge to the right of the dummy half to get the ball to the twenty metre mark.

Josiah Pahulu continued his strong match in the 58th minute making twelve metres to get the ball to five metres into Burleigh territory after receiving the ball to the right of the play the ball. As soon as he was brought to ground, Josiah Pahulu immediately fought to get to his feet for a quick play the ball but after being denied that opportunity, Josiah Pahulu was awarded a deserved penalty after being held down. From the subsequent set of six tackles, Josiah Pahulu took the second hit-up, getting the ball to fifteen metres out.

Another strong charge from Josiah Pahulu came in the 62nd minute, on that occasion making ten metres to get the ball twenty out from the try line.

In late July 2022 Josiah Pahulu started in the front row for a Titans U19 side that played their annual match against the North Queensland Cowboys that was played as a curtain raiser at Cbus Stadium to the Titans Round Twenty NRL match against the Canberra Raiders with Josiah Pahulu making strong charge in the 12th minute from the kick-off return from Keano Kini’s opening try.

Josiah Pahulu made a further strong kick-off return in the 25th minute from the kick-off from another Keano Kini try with Josiah Pahulu able to promote the ball to twenty eight metres out from his own try line.

Josiah Pahulu was also strong defensively against the Cowboys including a great hit in the 56th minute on the North Queensland left centre as he attempted to bring the ball out of his own twenty metre mark.

In mid-December 2021 Josiah Pahulu had the opportunity to train with the Titans NRL squad in a joint training session between the Titans NRL squad and the Titans JTS Program Squads where Josiah Pahulu spent a fair portion of the joint session working with David Fifita.

Josiah Pahulu made his Hastings Deering’s Colts debut from the bench in the Round Two local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls coming onto the field at around the 24 minute mark to play in the front row with Josiah Pahulu’s first run coming just after he came on when he made eight metres after taking possession to the right of the play the ball.

Then in the 29th minute Josiah Pahulu made a strong run from a Burleigh penalty restart with Josiah Pahulu making eight metres into the teeth of the Seagulls forward pack but when he was taken to ground, Josiah Pahulu was not held and was back to his feet in a flash and was able to make a further six metres.

Josiah Pahulu produced a further strong run in the 34th minute when after picking up a loose ball from Burleigh he was able to make twelve metres to get the ball back to near the halfway mark.

In the 48th minute Josiah Pahulu almost was able to put Samuel Shannon over after he got an away a good off-load to Samuel Shannon but he was in the end Samuel Shannon was held up over the line.

Josiah Pahulu kept pumping his legs post contact with the defensive line in the 61st minute when he got within two metres of the try line after a strong fifteen metre burst.

As he is quickly becoming known for Josiah Pahulu just keeps going and going on matter what and that was the case in the 69th minute when he willed himself to his left to tackle Thomas Weaver who had beaten one tackle and set sail for the try line five metres out and directly under the posts but Josiah Pahulu got there to make the tackle and prevent the try.

Josiah Pahulu also started from the bench in Round Three against the Western Clydesdales and in the 38th minute Josiah Pahulu scored his first Colts try of his career in the 39th minute after coming onto the field to play in the front row mid-way through the first half.

Josiah Pahulu scored in the 39th minute when he ran off an off-load from Isaac Matalavea-Booth with Josiah Pahulu running to his left after receiving the ball before straightening up to crash over five metres to the left of the uprights.

Josiah Pahulu also recorded a try assist in the 28th minute when after receiving a pass to his right off the dummy half just eight metres from the line, Josiah Pahulu moved to his left before throwing a good short ball to his left to a charging Isaac Matalavea-Booth who was able to crash over from close range.

Josiah Pahulu was once again named on the bench for Burleigh in Round Five against the Souths Logan Magpies however he was a late scratching from the match due to his selection in the Queensland U19 squad.

In late October 2021 Josiah Pahulu was named in the Ipswich Jets 2022 U18 MM Cup squad with Josiah Pahulu looking certain to be the corner stone of the Jets powerful forward pack. However in early 2022 Josiah Pahulu transferred to the Burleigh Bears MM Cup squad for the 2022 MM Cup season.

Round One of the 2022 MM Cup competition saw Josiah Pahulu named on the bench for the Burleigh Bears against the Easts Tigers however the match was rained out due to extreme weather conditions.

Josiah Pahulu was then named to start on the bench for Round Two against the Souths Logan Magpies. After coming on in the 17th minute, there was no doubt that Josiah Pahulu was comfortably the Bears best in their ten point loss, including a great eighteen metre charge from the Souths Logan kick-off to Xavier Asi’s early second half try.

Even in the final minute with Burleigh down by ten Josiah Pahulu was not about to give up and charged onto a pass from the dummy half to the left of the play the ball, rumbling sixteen metres downfield, at least 50% of which were post contact metres to get the ball within thirty metres of the try line. The match saw Josiah Pahulu run for a match leading 173 metres.

Josiah Pahulu also had a big match defensively and in the 69th minute he chased through a long Burleigh clearing kick, smashing the Souths Logan Magpies fullback who was returning the ball with the ball coming loose as a result and Burleigh getting the subsequent scrum feed.

Josiah Pahulu also was named to start from the bench in Round Three against the Norths Devils however Josiah Pahulu in fact started the match in the front row and had a huge game including scoring a barnstorming try in the 28th minute when Josiah Pahulu charged onto the ball from ten metres out and to the right of the play the ball and just to the left of the uprights. After taking possession Josiah Pahulu cut back to his left bumping off one defender and then Josiah Pahulu crashed over between four defenders.

Josiah Pahulu could not have gotten into the match any quicker when he took the first hit-up from the kick-off getting the ball out to the twenty metre mark. Josiah Pahulu made a further strong run in the 3rd minute with Josiah Pahulu making another thirteen hard yards.

The 21st minute saw Josiah Pahulu once again attack the North’s line when he charged onto a Bear penalty tap restart thirty metres from the try line with Josiah Pahulu initially cutting back to his left upon receipt of the ball. After getting rid of two would be tacklers, Josiah Pahulu ran across field to his right before straightening up and being tackled thirteen metres out. Josiah Pahulu then executed an exceptionally quick play the ball with VJ Semu scoring from the resultant play.

Only three minutes later in the 24th Josiah Pahulu made another strong run from a penalty tap restart making twelve metres to get the ball within eight metres of the try line and then once again Josiah Pahulu’s exceptionally quick play the ball led to a try to EJ FInau on the next play.

Josiah Pahulu was then at it again from the kick-off to EJ Finau’s try with yet another great charge from the back fence in the 26th minute. Then from the kick-off after he scored in the 28th minute, Josiah Pahulu took the second hit-up and once again bent the North’s Devils defensive line backwards.

Then in the 63rd minute Josiah Pahulu from a penalty restart charged at the defensive line from inside Devils territory. Just as he was about to engage the defensive line Josiah Pahulu slipped, going to ground. One defender went over the top of him so Josiah Pahulu was back onto his feet in an instant and continued towards the try line, getting to within five metres before the referee finally called held, even if Josiah Pahulu disagreed.

Josiah Pahulu’s dominant performance saw him named in the front row in the Courier Mail U18 Mal Meninga Cup Round Three Team of the Week.

Josiah Pahulu then continued in the front row in Round Four against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls and once again was one of Burleigh’s best in their come from behind 40 – 24 victory.

Josiah Pahulu’s initial key contribution came in the 4th minute from the kick-off after Wynnum Manly’s opening try when Josiah Pahulu along with Joseph Shannon hit the Seagulls forward with the ball coming loose as a result of the contact. Burleigh scored their opening try of the match from the resultant set of six.

Josiah Pahulu made a strong charge in the 29th minute from a Burleigh penalty restart with Josiah Pahulu bending the defensive line back and then Josiah Pahulu was able to get his left arm free and off-load to Dorian Mapusua-Lotaki who was able to promote the ball five metres further Josiah Pahulu immediately got to his feet and took the hit-up from Dorian Mapusua-Lotaki’s play the ball, making a further thirteen metres and breaking one tackle along the way.

The halftime break certainly did not stop Josiah Pahulu which was shown when he took the third hit-up of the second half after the Seagulls had kicked off.

Another right arm off-load from Josiah Pahulu in the 41st minute was part of the Bears best move of the match that ultimately led to a try by Karauria Stokes-Mahara score in the left corner.

Josiah Pahulu ran the ball around twenty five metres out and to the right of the play and it looked for all money that Wailer Whaiapu would take the line on but after committing a number of defenders he threw a great ball to Josiah Pahulu who had worked into space on Wailer Whaiapu’s right. Josiah Pahulu engaged the defensive line and whilst still engaged with one defender Josiah Pahulu got a right arm off-load away to Bailey McConnell who promoted the ball to Arama Hau who then off-loaded for Karauria Stokes-Mahara dive over in the corner.

Josiah Pahulu got another off-load away in the 43rd minute when after charging onto the ball to the right of the dummy half Josiah Pahulu getting the ball out of his own twenty metre area he got his left arm free with three defenders engaged and got the ball away to Wailer Whaiapu.

Josiah Pahulu also scored in the 48th minute when he burst onto an off-load near the line and kept his legs pumping and for a moment it appeared that he had scored by the referee adjudged that he was brought down short of the line, but Josiah Pahulu did not dwell on not scoring and got to his feet immediately with his quick play the ball assisting in Dorian Mapusua-Lotaki being able to dive over from dummy half.

Josiah Pahulu showed that he is not all about powerful hard running in the 51st minute when he received an off-load that he was not excepting and was immediately hit by two defenders but Josiah Pahulu maintained his compose and got an off-load away to Bailey McConnell to extend the movement.

Josiah Pahulu pulled off a strong tackle in the 57th minute when along with Taniela Mapusua-Lotaki he smashed the Easts Tigers front rower who as taking the kick-off return.

Such was the quality of Josiah Pahulu’s performance that he was named in the front row in the Courier Mail’s MM Cup Round Four Team of the Week. That was the second round in a row that Josiah Pahulu was named in the front row in the Courier Mail Team of the Week.

Josiah Pahulu continued in the front row in Round Six against the Redcliffe Dolphins with Josiah Pahulu scoring a deserved try in the 29th minute. With Burleigh playing the ball less than a metres from the try line, Josiah Pahulu lined up to the right of the play the ball, receiving a short pass from the dummy half which came to him just over his left shoulder with the direction of the pass forcing Josiah Pahulu to turn completely around to have his back to the try line. That did not deter Josiah Pahulu however as he backed his way towards the line. As he got to the line, Josiah Pahulu spun to his left to get the ball down right on the try line and just to the left of the uprights.

Josiah Pahulu’s first hit-up was the second of the match with Josiah Pahulu making twelve metres by way of a half break after he had a received a good short ball from his right from Wailer Whaiapu. As is his want Josiah Pahulu was looking for a quick play the ball and after being denied that opportunity was awarded a deserved penalty.

Josiah Pahulu continued his strong start to the match in the 8th minute with a fifteen metre charge from a penalty restart with his run into the Dolphins set defensive line commencing on his own twenty metre mark.

In the 25th minute Josiah Pahulu took on the Devils defensive line one again in the 25th minute when after receiving the ball twenty two metres from the try line, Josiah Pahulu broke three tackles as he got to within three minutes of the try line directly in front of the goal posts.

I have noted a number of outstanding runs from Josiah Pahulu but probably Josiah Pahulu’s best run of the match came in the 50th minute when from a penalty tap re-start Josiah Pahulu broke five tackles in a twenty five metre charge with Josiah Pahulu getting the ball from inside his own territory to just thirty metres from the line.

As a result of his outstanding performance Josiah Pahulu was once again named in the front row in the Mal Meninga Cup Round Six Courier Mail Team of the Week.

Through the opening six rounds of the 2022 U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition Josiah Pahulu had run for the 7th most metres being 536 metres at an average of 179 metres per match and also made a line break.

Josiah Pahulu was also named to start in the front row in the Round Seven local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls but was a late scratching when he was called up to the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts side.

Josiah Pahulu was also named to start in the front row in the rescheduled Round One match against the East Tigers and once again Josiah Pahulu putting in a Player of the Match performance including an outstanding first half try.

In the 16th minute Josiah Pahulu stationed himself two passes to the right of the play the ball and then cut back underneath Bailey McConnell, taking possession twelve metres from the try line, Josiah Pahulu stepped off his right foot to beat one defender before straightening up and making contact with a defender four metres out. From there Josiah Pahulu kept battling and forced his way over the try line after being twisted around and landing on his back but Josiah Pahulu was able to get the ball down on his third attempt ten metres to the left of the uprights.

Josiah Pahulu was still fired up from his try when he ran back the resultant kick-off getting the ball twenty two metres away from his own try line.

Josiah Pahulu got himself into the match early by taking Burleigh’s third hit-up of the match in the 2nd minute. Josiah Pahulu made a further strong run in the 6th minute from the 2nd run after Burleigh’s opening try with Josiah Pahulu taking possession twenty metre out and to the left of the play the ball and getting the ball over the thirty metre mark.

Josiah Pahulu led from the front and through his actions and not words in the 11th minute when after three tackles Burleigh were only six metres out from their own line, Josiah Pahulu took it upon himself to do something about that when he charged onto the ball to the right of the play the ball with Josiah Pahulu getting the ball all of the way to his own twenty metre mark with at least ten of the fourteen metres that Josiah Pahulu post contact.

Josiah Pahulu had a number of positive defensive moments in the match including in the 11th minute when he along with Seth Nikotemo sandwiched the Tigers halfback just metres from the try line after he had stepped past one Bears defender who had raced out of the line.

Josiah Pahulu made a further strong run in the 15th minute once again getting the ball over his own twenty metre mark, Josiah Pahulu was then awarded a penalty after not being allowed to his feet in a timely fashion.

Josiah Pahulu was literally everywhere in the match and in the 39th minute made a ball and all tackle on the Easts left winger with the ball popping up in the air, Josiah Pahulu nabbed the ball at its apex just inside his own territory and even with Tigers players all around him Josiah Pahulu was still able to get the ball five metres into Tigers territory.

Getting the ball back to the twenty metre mark is the goal from a kick-off return and Josiah Pahulu certainly matched that goal in the 57th minute as the Bears looked to stay in front in a see-sawing second half.

Josiah Pahulu was also named in the front row in the 2022 MM Cup Courier Mail Team of the Season.

Josiah Pahulu was also named the 2022 Burleigh Bears MM Cup Best and Fairest.

Josiah Pahulu’s first match in a Bear’s jersey came when he started on the bench coming on to play in the front row in the 23rd minute of Burleigh’s February 2022 trial against the Western Clydesdales with Josiah Pahulu producing a dominate display for his new team.

Josiah Pahulu’s first touch of the ball came almost immediately after coming on when he charged onto the ball from a kick-off after a Burleigh’s third try of the match. Josiah Pahulu made a further strong charge in the 28th minute when from the right of the dummy half, Josiah Pahulu got the ball to within five metres of the halfway after a fifteen metre run and Josiah Pahulu was then awarded a penalty when he was not allowed to his feet in a timely fashion.

Halftime time certainly did not slow Josiah Pahulu as in the 53rd minute Josiah Pahulu charged to five metres inside the Western Clydesdales territory after making fifteen metres from the left of the dummy half.

Josiah Pahulu produced a great bit of skill in the 62nd minute with from the left of the dummy half Josiah Pahulu produced a great catch and pass to his left to put his team mate into a hole in the defensive line.

Defensively Josiah Pahulu also had a strong game, an example being in the 37th minute when he produced a try saving tackle less than five metres from the try line on the right side of the field from behind. Josiah Pahulu was actually at marker and kept tracking the ball to the left and was on hand to save a try when the Clydesdales attacked had stepped his way through the Bears defensive line.

In late May 2022 Josiah Pahulu also represented Met West in the U18 QSSRL School Boy Championships starting both of Met West’s matches in the front row and at the conclusion of the Championships Josiah Pahulu was named in the 2022 Queensland Open School Boy Rugby League Representative side and just prior to the commencement of the Championships, Josiah Pahulu was named by the Courier Mail as the tenth best U18 Rugby League player in Australia.

Josiah Pahulu started in the front row in Queensland’s opening round of the Championships against the Australian Capital Territory with Josiah Pahulu scoring Queensland’s opening try of the Championships in the 8th minute when he received the ball two passes to the left of the play the ball. The ball to Josiah Pahulu was fractionally behind him and whilst twenty one metres out from the try line, Josiah Pahulu spun 360 degrees clockwise before bursting through two tackles and charging over to score six metres in from the left corner post. As Josiah Pahulu was charging towards the try line the ACT fullback was coming across but he wanted no part of trying to stop Josiah Pahulu from scoring.

Then from the subsequent kick-off Josiah Pahulu charged onto the ball and got the ball thirty five metres away from the try line before being awarded a penalty with Josiah Pahulu then taking a hit-up from the subsequent penalty restart.

Josiah Pahulu had a strong start to the match, taking Queensland’s first hit-up to get the ball over the halfway mark and then also ran the ball on the 5th tackle in the same set and after making contact with the defensive line Josiah Pahulu was able to get away a left arm off-load with his back towards the try line.

Josiah Pahulu continues his strong match in the 34th minute with a strong charge to the right of the play the ball that got the ball thirty metres away from his own try line.

Josiah Pahulu also started in the front row in Match Two being the semi-final against NSW CIS with Josiah Pahulu taking the opening hit-up of the match. Then in the 5th minute Josiah Pahulu made a strong charge in the 5th minute when after running onto the ball to the right of the play the ball Josiah Pahulu made a tough twelve metres which saw Josiah Pahulu get the ball ten metres into NSW CIS territory.

Josiah Pahulu continued his strong match in the 34th minute from his own twenty metre mark with Josiah Pahulu making fifteen metres after taking possession to the right of the play the ball.

Josiah Pahulu also started at in the front row in Queensland U18 ASSRL Championships Grand Final victory over NSW CHS with Josiah Pahulu making the third tackle of the match with Josiah Pahulu’s heavy contact forcing the ball loose and putting Queensland immediately onto the attack.

Josiah Pahulu made another strong tackle in the 6th minute with a huge front-on hit on the NSW CHS right second rower with Josiah Pahulu’s heavy contact forcing the NSW second rower back a number of metres.

Josiah Pahulu added a further strong tackle in the 35th minute when he smashed one of the NSW front rower around thirty five metres out from the try line. Then after the front rower tried to get an off-load away which went straight up in the air, Josiah Pahulu smartly got to his feet to take the ball on the full and completely change the momentum of the match early in the second half.

I have mentioned Josiah Pahulu’s defence but Josiah Pahulu was also outstanding running the ball, always making himself available and one of Josiah Pahulu’s strongest runs came in the 48th minute when a strong charge from his own thirty metre mark and after engaging the defensive line, Josiah Pahulu got away a good left arm off-load after running onto the ball to the left of the play the ball.

Josiah Pahulu’s outstanding performances over the course of the 2022 ASSRL U18 Championships saw Josiah Pahulu noted by the Courier Mail by being named on various other lists including one of the “Best Mobile Big Men”.

Josiah Pahulu’s performances over the course of the 2022 ASSRL U18 Championships saw Josiah Pahulu named in the Australian School Boys Squad for their Fijian tour with Josiah Pahulu presented with the No. 8 jersey prior to heading to Fiji.

Josiah Pahulu started in the front row for the Australian School Boys side in their match against Fiji Schools with Australia recording a big win.

Round One of the 2022 Langer Cup School Boy competition saw Josiah Pahulu start in the front row and captain for Ipswich State High School against Keebra Park State High School with Josiah Pahulu putting in an outstanding performance to lead from the front as Ipswich SHS recorded an impressive first up 24 – 16 victory.

Josiah Pahulu also started in the front row and captain in Round two against Mabel Park State High School with Josiah Pahulu once again putting in a powerful performance in another big Ipswich SHS victory.

After the mid-season break, Josiah Pahulu started from the bench in Round Four against PBC State High School coming onto the field in the 23rd minute to operate in the front row and in the seven minutes until the halftime break Josiah Pahulu made an impressive five hit-up, accounting for in excess of fifty metres gained.

Josiah Pahulu’s dominance continued in the second half including in the 39th minute with a strong charge and off-load and then in the 43rd minute Josiah Pahulu made twenty tough metres to forty metres out after taking possession to the right of the play the ball.

Josiah Pahulu continued in the front row in Round Five against Wavell SHS as well as in Round Six against Coombabah SHS and Round Seven against Marsden State High School.

Josiah Pahulu also started in the front row and captain for Ipswich SHS in their Quarter Final against Coombabah SHS with Josiah Pahulu outstanding in his two stints on the field.

The first of multiple exceptional runs from Josiah Pahulu came in the 4th minute with Josiah Pahulu made a great eighteen metre charge to his own forty metre mark with around 75% of the run made up of post contact metres after running onto the ball to the left of the play the ball.

Then in the 9th minute Josiah Pahulu once again charged onto the ball to the left of the play the ball with Josiah Pahulu making twenty two metres to get the ball just into Coombabah SHS territory.

Josiah Pahulu added a further strong run in the 15th minute by making twenty more metres and breaking three tackles as he charged from his own forty metre mark to forty metres out from the try line.

Josiah Pahulu was just as outstanding in his second stint on the field as was evidenced in the 54th minute when from an Ipswich SHS penalty tap restart Josiah Pahulu made a twenty metre charge to get within five metres of the try line with at least 50% of Josiah Pahulu’s metres post contact.

Josiah Pahulu also started in the front row in the 2022 Langer Cup Semi-Final against Marsden SHS.

Josiah Pahulu started in the front row in the 2022 School Boy Langer Cup Grand Final against PBC SHS with Josiah Pahulu putting in a dominating performance including an exceptional solo try mid-way through the first half when from an Ipswich SHS penalty tap restart fifteen metres out and towards the right touchline, Josiah Pahulu charged onto the ball and immediately cut towards the centre of the field and broke through a number of attempted tackles to score under the posts.

It was clear from the opening minutes that Josiah Pahulu was in for a big match when in the 9th minute made a hard charge for the left of the play the ball with Josiah Pahulu getting the ball from two metres inside his own territory to twelve metes inside PBC SHS territory.

Josiah Pahulu made a great play in the 51st minute when with the Grand Final in the balance PBC SHS put up a bomb from inside their attacking twenty metre area towards the Ipswich SHS left corner. Joshua Pahulu willed himself across field and jumped high amongst a myriad of players from both teams to take the ball on the full just a metre out from his own try line.

At the completion of the 2022 Langer Cup season Josiah Pahulu was named in the front row in the Courier Mail Langer Cup Team of the Year.

Josiah Pahulu then started in the front row and captain as Ipswich SHS took on Ignatius Park SHS in the 2022 Queensland School Boys Final with Josiah Pahulu leading from the front once again as Ipswich SHS became the 2022 Queensland School Boy Champions with Josiah Pahulu deservedly raising the trophy as captain and leader of the Ipswich SHS team.

Josiah Pahulu also started in the front row and captain for Ipswich SHS in the Australian School Boy Championship match against Patrician Brothers Fairfield.

At the end of the 2022 season Josiah Pahulu was named in the front row in the Ipswich State High School Team of the Year.

Josiah Pahulu was also named as the fifth best School Boy Rugby League or Rugby School Boy player in the 2022 Courier Mail Top 30 school boys.

[mdrew]

The Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup side hold on to beat the Central Coast Roosters 22-20 to remain undefeated so far this season.

[mdrew]

Strong performance by the Tweed Heads Seagulls Colts side to beat Souths Logan five tries to two at Logan this afternoon.

[mdrew]

Oskar Bryant was part of the Tweed Heads QCup side that defeated Souths Logan 32-24 in tonight's trial.

[mdrew]

A full strength Burleigh MM Cup side flexed their muscles in their final trial smashing the Tigers 46-6

[mdrew]

A solid performance from Paul Turner in the All-stars match yesterday starting at half for Maori.

Paul Turner ran for 68 metres (18 post contact), recorded a try assist when he put Riki over with a short ball to his left from ten metres out, recorded a line break assist, offloaded tbe ball, played the ball at an average speed of 3.17 seconds and made 21 tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

[mdrew]

He may have been on the losing side but towering front rower Ryan Harris made a huge impression against the Central Coast Roosters when he came off the bench yesterday for the Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup side in their Round Two match.

[mdrew]

Just like in Round One Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup front rowers Isaac Harrison and AJ Hickling did a lot of the heavy lifting in both attack and defense and were once again key reasons for the Titans staying undefeated on the back of a 22-20 win yesterday against the Central Coast Roosters.

[mdrew]

Electric Greater Northern Tigers five eight Kaleb Hope kicked three conversions from as many attempts yesterday in Round Two of the U18 Laurie Daley Cup against Newcastle.

The young man is a serious talent.

[mdrew]

The Titans have a few players attending The Southport School (TSS) and also have a rich recent history there with the likes of Jojo Fifita, Kaleb Ngamanu and Nic Hilton recent graduates.

It has always been a great school and in 2023 the Titans boys currently at the school including Brock Lennox, Dallas Ingram and Viliami Fifita will have a new coach to work with at the First XV level in former Wallaby and Queensland Reds player Tai McIsaac this season.

[mdrew]

Jakequan Roberts-Walsh was named to start on the right wing in Round Two for the Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup squad against the Central Coast Roosters with Jakequan Roberts-Walsh scoring in the 19th minute when after good work on his inside Jakequan Roberts-Walsh darted ten metres to five over to score two metres in from the right corner post.

Jakequan Roberts-Walsh also made a line break in the 40th minute when whilst defending thirty five metres out from his own try line, Jakequan Roberts-Walsh swooped on a Central Coast dropped ball and got to near the halfway mark before he was brought down.

Jakequan Roberts-Walsh also made a strong tackle in the 32nd minute when whilst defending on his own try line one of the Central Coast Roosters halves threw a long cut-out pass towards Jakequan Roberts-Walsh’s wing with the Roosters right winger forced to jump high to take possession, Jakequan Roberts-Walsh hit him whilst he was still in mid-air and drove him hard into the ground near the sideline.

[mdrew]

Titans contracted Beau Hartmann was named to start at left centre in Round Two for the Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup squad against the Central Coast Roosters with Beau Hartmann doing well in the 19th minute when after a Central Coast Roosters penalty kick did not find touch, Beau Hartmann who taken the ball on the full near the forty metre mark charged back at the defensive line and was able to get within three metres of the try line, breaking three tackles along the way.

Beau Hartmann made a further strong run in the 25th minute when from the left of a Northern Rivers Titans scrum win thirty metre out from his own try line Beau Hartmann broke three tackles as he got the ball to forty three metres out from his try line.

[mdrew]

Titan Kaleb Smith was named to start at five eight in Round Two for the Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup squad against the Central Coast Roosters with Kaleb Smith executing a superb heavy front on tackle just over two minutes into the match when just as the giant Central Coast Roosters front rower No. 10 took possession of the match just five metres inside Northern Rivers Titans territory Kaleb Smith smashed him with a great front on tackle with the Roosters player knocking on as a result of Kaleb Smith’s powerful initial contact in the tackle.

Kaleb Smith made another strong tackle in the 24th minute, on that occasion on the Knights second rower No. 11 with Kaleb Smith smashing him just three metres out from the try line with the heavy initial contact by Kaleb Smith forcing the ball loose.

Kaleb Smith then made a try saving tackle in the 34th minute right on the try line mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the right side of the field on the Central Coast fullback with once again Kaleb Smith’s heavy initial contact forcing the fullback to lose possession.

Kaleb Smith made the first of a number of smart runs in the 13th minute when from twelve metres out and to the right of the play the ball, Kaleb Smith stepped his way within two metres of the try line and then after being impeded received a six again call in his favour. Then in the 27th minute Kaleb Smith once again got within two metres of the try line after initially receiving the ball to the left of the play the ball and twelve metres out.

[mdrew]

Aaron Singh-Goesel started at left second row for Round Two of the U18 Laurie Daley Cup for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Central Coast Roosters with Aaron Singh-Goesel making a desperate cover defending tackle in the 4th minute on the Rooster right centre who had made a line break down his right touchline. Aaron Singh Goesel never gave up the chase from the inside and dived full length to get to the centre and completely halt his forward momentum.

Aaron Singh-Goesel made a strong run in the 38th minute when after cutting back underneath Jesse Soric thirty five metres out Aaron Singh-Goesel burst through the Roosters defensive line before eventually being brought to ground eighteen metres out. Then in the 55th minute Aaron Singh-Goesel made fifteen hard metres, the majority of which were post contact down the left channel to get the ball to within twenty two metres of the try line.

[mdrew]

Ayden Byrnes was named at hooker for Round Two of the U18 Laurie Daley Cup for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Central Coast Roosters with Ayden Byrnes making a good run out of dummy half to his right in the 7th minute when from forty metres out Ayden Byrnes used a Roosters forward getting back onside as a shield with Ayden Byrnes then breaking three tackles whilst making twelve metres.

Ayden Byrnes made another good run out of dummy half in the 14th minute when from three metres inside his own territory Ayden Byrnes ran to his right and promoted the ball thirteen metres inside Central Coast territory with the speed and timing of Ayden Byrnes run catching numerous defenders off-side with a penalty to the Northern Rivers Titans subsequently being awarded.

[mdrew]

Callum Bowles started at right second row for Round Two of the U18 Laurie Daley Cup for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Central Coast Roosters with Callum Bowles forced a Central Coast Roosters goal line drop-out in the 19th minute when after receiving the ball to the right of the play the ball and around ten metres out, Callum Bowles put in a right foot grubber kick into the in-goal with the kick causing confusion amongst the Roosters defenders who even up knocking the ball on in-goal.

Callum Bowles made a strong run in the 6th minute down the left channel with Callum Bowles making thirteen metres to get to withing seven metres of the try line with at least 75% of Callum Bowles’s metres being of the post contact variety.

With the game on the line in the 59th minute with the Northern Rivers Titans holding onto a 22 – 20 point lead, Callum Bowles made a desperate last ditch tackle on the Central Coast No. 16 with Callum Bowles grabbing hold of the jersey high up on the back after the Rooster player had threatened to break through.

[mdrew]

Jesse Soric started at five eight for Round Two of the U18 Laurie Daley Cup for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Central Coast Roosters with Jesse Soric recording a try assist in the 44th minute when after the Roosters dropped the ball whilst trying to bring the ball out of their own twenty metre area, Jesse Soric collected the errand pass and ran five metres towards the try line before off-loading to his right to Riley Buchanan who had a fifteen metre run to score in a tackle three metres to the right of the uprights.

Jesse Soric executed another smart piece of play in the 18th minute when he chased a Zane Harrison clearing kick downfield and then as the Roosters fullback was bringing the ball back, Jesse Soric engaged him and thirty metres out and in the centre of the field with Jesse Soric executing a one on one strip to put the Northern Rivers Titans immediately onto the attack.

[mdrew]

Great to see Titans exciting second rower Nelson Makaafi named in the second row for the Burleigh Bears in Round One of the Cyril Connell Cup competition this weekend against Wynnum Manly.

[mdrew]

Recent Titans signing Majah-Rose Peachy named in the second row for Wynnum Manly in Round One of the U16 Cyril Connell Cup this weekend against Burleigh.

[mdrew]

Titans contracted Dahnte Te Whiu-Hopa has been named on the Bench for the Souths Logan Magpies U16 Cyril Connell Cup side for this weekend's ROund One match against the Redcliffe Dolphins.

[mdrew]

Powerhouse Titans contracted outside back William Semu has been named on the wing for the Souths Logan Magpies in Round One of the MM Cup this weekend against the Redcliffe Dolphins.

[mdrew]

Good to see Titan Bailey McConnell named at halfback and captain for the Burleigh MM Cup side in this weekend's Round One against Wynnum Manly.

[mdrew]

Creedence Donovan started at right centre for Round Two of the U18 Laurie Daley Cup for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Central Coast Roosters with Creedence Donovan scoring twice in the first half as the Northern Rivers Titans held on to win 22 – 20.

Creedence Donovan’s opening try came in the 10th minute when he was on hand to pick up a dropped bomb by the Knights left winger and dart seven metres to score seven metres to the right of the uprights.

Creedence Donovan completed his double with an outstanding solo try in the 25th minute when from seven metres inside his own territory Creedence Donovan cut back underneath Zane Harrison with Creedence Donovan bursting through two attempted tackles on the halfway mark with Creedence Donovan veering to his left to round the fullback and run away to score between the posts.

Creedence Donovan also recorded a try assist in the 49th minute when to the right of a Northern Rivers Titans scrum feed on the left side of the field Creedence Donovan beat one defender on the outside and when around twelve metres out from the try line Creedence Donovan held up the ball perfectly before passing to his right to Noah Waldock who scored after cutting inside away from the touchline.

Creedence Donovan’s first contribution in the match came in the 2nd minute when from forty metres out from his own try line and to the left of the play the ball Creedence Donovan was able to get the ball three metres into Central Coast territory.

[mdrew]

Zane Harrison started at halfback for Round Two of the U18 Laurie Daley Cup for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Central Coast Roosters with Zane Harrison kicking three conversions from four attempts as the Northern Rivers Titans held on to win 22 -20.

Zane Harrison kicked the first of his three conversions in the 10th minute to convert Creedence Donovan’s try seven metres to the right of the uprights. Then from directly in front Zane Harrison converted Creedence Donovan’s second try in the 25th minute before Zane Harrison’s third and final conversion came in the 45th minute when he converted Riley Buchanan’s try from just to the right of the uprights.

Zane Harrison was heavily involved in Creedence Donovan’s try in the 10th minute when from thirty metres out and in the centre of the field Zane Harrison put in a high bomb towards the right side of the field which came down two metres from the try line. Northern Rivers Titans right winger Noah Waldock contested the ball and after it was knocked on by the Roosters left winger the ball fell perfectly for Creedence Donovan to score seven metres to the right of the uprights. Zane Harrison then converted the try.

Zane Harrison ran the ball smartly himself in the 33rd minute when after receiving the ball to the right of the play the ball and six metres inside his own territory down a wide right blindside Zane Harrison dummied to his outside before stepping off his right foot to get the ball nine metres inside Central Coast territory.

[mdrew]

Riley Buchanan was named on the Northern Rivers Titans bench for Round Two of the U18 Laurie Daley Cup against the Central Coast Roosters with Riley Buchanan with coming onto the field to operate in the front row in the 25th minute.

Riley Buchanan scored in the 44th minute when after the Roosters dropped the ball whilst trying to bring the ball out of their own twenty metre area, Jesse Soric collected the errand pass before off-loading to his right to Riley Buchanan who had a fifteen metre run (celebrating by raising his right arm along the way) to score in a tackle three metres to the right of the uprights.

Riley Buchanan once again was outstanding defensively against the Roosters with the first of multiple great tackles from Riley Buchanan coming in the 29th minute when right on the halfway mark Riley Buchanan crunched the Central Coast No. 10 with a great front on tackle that drove the opposing front rower back at least three metres.

Then in the 33rd minute Riley Buchanan was at it again on that occasion smashed the Roosters No. 18 ten metres out from the try line with the ball coming loose in the tackle as a result of Riley Buchanan’s heavy initial contact around the ball.

[mdrew]

Noah Waldock started on the right wing for Round Two of the U18 Laurie Daley Cup for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Central Coast Roosters with Noah Waldock scoring in the 48th minute when to the right of a Northern Rivers Titans scrum feed on the left side of the field Creedence Donovan beat one defender on the outside and when around twelve metres out from the try line Creedence Donovan held up the ball perfectly before passing to his right to Noah Waldock who initially ran towards the right corner before cutting off his right foot away from the touchline beating to two defenders in the process to score mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the right side of the field.

Noah Waldock had almost scored earlier in the match in the 31st minute but was held up over the try line in the right corner.

Noah Waldock was also heavily involved in Creedence Donovan’s 10th minute try when he chased through a Zane Harrison bomb and competed for the ball in the air with the Roosters losing the ball forward and into the grasp of Creedence Donovan who darted over to score.

Noah Waldock also did well in the air in the 3rd minute when he chased through a Zane Harrison high bomb to his wing with Noah Waldock taking the ball on the full above his Central Coast opponent twelve metres out and through sheer force of will, Noah Waldock carried defenders to within two metres of the try line.

[mdrew]

Zac Murphy has been named to start at five eight in Round One of the 2023 U16 Cyril Connell Cup competition for the Bears against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

In 2022 Zac Murphy attended Keebra Park SHS and played in the Year Nine/Ten Keebra Park SHS side in the Titans School Boy Cup with Zac Murphy operating primarily at five eight for Keebra Park SHS.

In 2022 Zac Murphy looked very good playing at five eight for Keebra Park SHS, he seemingly has an innate ability to make the right decision when he has the football, in terms of running or passing and when he passed he got the ball out to his outside backs quickly giving them room to move.

[mdrew]

After being named on the Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup Round Two extended bench Owen Woods has been named to start on the wing for Round Three against the South Coast Dragons.

[mdrew]

Christian Rivers has been named to start in the front row in Round One of the 2023 U16 Cyril Connell Cup competition for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls against the Burleigh Bears.

In late 2022 Christian Rivers was named as the Keebra Park SHS 2022 Hancock Cup School Boy Rugby League Player of the Year and Christian Rivers was also named on the bench in the 2022 Keebra Park SHS Rugby League Team of the Year, two absolutely outstanding achievements to say the least for the talented young forward.

In 2022 Christian Rivers started in the front row in all of Keebra Park SHS’s Hancock Cup school boy Rugby League matches, making a strong impression in each and every one of them. The 2022 Keebra Park SHS forward pack was exceptional and Christian Rivers was one of the key reasons that they dominated the majority of the forward packs that took Keebra Park SHS on.

2022 also saw Christian Rivers play for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls in the GBJRL U4 Division One competition including starting in the second row in the Grand Final loss against the Redcliffe Dolphins.

Christian Rivers proved to be a try scorer of note for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls in 2022 including scoring four doubles, the first of which came in Round Ten against Aspley, then Christian Rivers scored a double in Round Twelve against the Easts Tigers.

In the GBJRL U14 Division One competition regular season Christian Rivers also scored in Round Three against Aspley, Round Eight against the Norths Devils, Round Nine against Logan Brothers and Round Thirteen against the Redcliffe Dolphins.

Christian Rivers had a particularly strong 2022 GBJRL U14 Division One competition Finals series, scoring doubles in the Qualifying and Preliminary Finals, on both occasions in victories against Logan Brothers.

[mdrew]

After two strong performances at right second row Callum Bowles moves to right centre for the Northern Rivers Titans for Round Three of the U18 Laurie Daley Cup against the South Coast Dragons.

[Bayside Titan]

Were we any chance of signing or keep Kingston Seve ? Saw he has just signed with the Dolphins and is highly rated ? Where does he go to school ?

[hungryjacks]

Were we any chance of signing or keep Kingston Seve ? Saw he has just signed with the Dolphins and is highly rated ? Where does he go to school ?
this is why the Dolphins were the worst thing to come along for the Titans now they are stealing our juniors right in our backyard just as we get a recognized junior program set up and functioning .

[mdrew]

Unfortunately we cannot sign all of the juniors on the Coast but the Titans have an outstanding JTS Program as can be seen by the NRL trial last weekend, and there are plenty more to come.

[mdrew]

Mateo Faleono has been named to start from the bench in Round One of the 2023 U16 Cyril Connell Cup competition for the Bears against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

In 2022 Mateo Faleono transferred to The Southport School (TSS) and started at inside centre for the TSS U16A side in their opening 2022 trial against the Somerset College First XV in late May.

Mateo Faleono was also named at inside centre for the TSS U16A sides second trial against Brisbane State High School as wel as in the third trial against Gregory Terrace.

Mateo Faleono started at inside centre (No. 12) for the 2022 TSS U16A side in Round One of the GPS School Boy Rugby First XV competition against St Jospeh’s College Nudgee.

Mateo Faleono also started at inside centre in TSS’s U16A GPS Round Two bye week when the travelled to Toowoomba to take on Downlands College with Mateo Faleono scoring for TSS in their 17 – 11 victory.

Mateo Faleono continued at inside centre in Round Three against Toowoomba Grammar School as well as in Round Four against Anglican Church Grammar School at the Shark Tank and Round Five against Brisbane Boys College (BBC) as well as in Round Six against Brisbane Grammar School.

Mateo Faleono continued at inside centre in Round Seven against Brisbane State High School with Mateo Faleono scoring in the TSS U16A’s tough five point loss.

Mateo Faleono continued at inside centre in Round Eight against Gregory Terrace.

[mdrew]

Waaka Hepi has been named to start in the front row in Round One of the 2023 U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition for the Bears against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

Waaka Hepi continued at Keebra Park SHS in 2022 playing mainly in the Langer Reserve competition including a strong performance in Round Five against Redcliffe SHS with Waaka Hepi starting at left second row and scoring one of Keebra Park SHS’s tries in their big win.

Round Seven of the Langer Reserve competition saw Waaka Hepi start on the bench against Mabel Park SHS with Waaka Hepi coming on to operate at left second row in the 13th minute with Waaka Hepi scoring in the 25th minute when he followed through a grubber kick from close range from the Keebra Park SHS replacement dummy half with Waaka Hepi getting through and smartly taking his time to ground the ball three metres to the right of the uprights.

Waaka Hepi then started at left second row for Keebra Park SHS in the 2022 Langer Reserve School Boy Semi-final against PBC SHS.

Waaka Hepi also played some matches in the Keebra Park SHS Year 11/12 Titans Cup Division One side including starting a number of matches late in the season at lock against Marsden SHS.

At the 2022 Keebra Park SHS Sports Awards Waaka Hepi was named the 2022 Chase Haas Senior Warriors Award winner.

In 2022 Waaka Hepi was a member of the Nerang Roosters Gold Coast Rugby League U18 Division One side, starting Round Three against the Southport Tigers at right second row. Waaka Hepi then moved to left second row for Round Four against the Currumbin Eagles. Waaka Hepi then moved to the bench for Round Five against the Helensvale Hornets.

Waaka Hepi highlighted his versatility in Round Nine against the Burleigh Bears when he started on the right wing with Waaka Hepi making two line breaks in the match with the first of them coming in the 39th minute when Wakka Hepi burst through the centre of the field from deep inside his own territory and after making twenty five metres Waaka Hepi was tackled near the halfway mark.

Waaka Hepi’s second line break came in the 55th minute when from five metres inside his own territory Waaka Hepi ran onto the ball to the left of the play the ball and after contact with the defensive line Waaka Hepi just kept pumping his legs and broke five tackles in a strong twenty two metre run.

In the 17th minute Waaka Hepi came off his wing to take a hit-up inside of his own territory with Waaka Hepi receiving the ball from the dummy half from his right and was able to make twelve metres to get the ball to the halfway mark.

Waaka Hepi continued on the right wing in Round Ten against the Southport Tigers with Waaka Hepi scoring in the 47th minute when after receiving a pass from his inside around twenty five metres out Waaka Hepi cut to his right and just kept going and after crossing the try line was able to bring the ball around to within six metres of the uprights.

Waaka Hepi then moved to start at right second row in Round Twelve against the Helensvale Hornets.

Waaka Hepi then moved to start at left second row in Round Thirteen against the Runaway Bay Seagulls with Waaka Hepi scoring in the 3rd minute when after receiving the ball from his right from Arama Hau Waaka Hepi burst through the Seagulls defensive line from twenty metres out to crash over seven metres sin from the left corner post.

Waaka Hepi showed his strong work ethic in the 51st minute when wit the match well and truly in hand, Waaka Hepi chased through a to trap the Seagulls front rower (No. 8) in-goal and force a goal line drop-out.

Waaka Hepi continued at left second row in Round Fourteen against the Ormeau Shearers with the first of a number of strong runs coming in the 3rd minute when after charging into the defensive line on his own forty metre mark, Waaka Hepi was able to get a good right arm off-load away to his hooker.

Waaka Hepi made a further strong run in the 20th minute with a twenty metre charge down the left channel to get the ball eight metres into Ormeau territory with around 60% of Waaka Hepi’s run post contact.

Waaka Hepi’s strong match continued in the 40th minute with an eighteen metre charge down the left channel to get the ball eight metres into Ormeau territory.

Waaka Hepi then moved to right centre for Round Sixteen against the Burleigh Bears with Waaka Hepi making a twenty five metre line break down the left channel with Waaka Hepi only being tackled after he had gotten to within five metres of the try line.

Waaka Hepi then started from the bench in Round Seventeen against the Southport Tigers.

Waaka Hepi then started from the bench in the 2022 Week Two GCRL U18 Division One Major Semi-final against the Currumbin Eagles with Waaka Hepi coming onto the field to operate at right second row in the second half.

The 2022 Gold Coast Rugby League U18 Division One Grand Final saw Waaka Hepi start at left second row for the Nerang Roosters as they went down in heart breaking fashion.

In October 2022 Waaka Hepi was named in the 2022 U18 Cook Islands Representative side
to play in the 2022 QPICC Carnival with Waaka Hepi starting Round One against Queensdland Samoa in the second row.

Waaka Hepi then came off the bench in Round Two against Queensland Niue before starting in the front row in Round Three against Queensland Tonga before moving back to the second row for the semi-final against Queensland Samoa.

[mdrew]

After being named on the Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup Round Two extended bench Cooper Armfield-Stevens has been named to start in the No. 17 jersey for Round Three against the South Coast Dragons.

[mdrew]

Gabriel Salele’a has been named to start at lock in Round One of the 2023 U16 Cyril Connell Cup competition for the Bears against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

Gabriel Salele’a arrives on the Gold Coast from Western Australia and in 2022 Gabriel Salele’a represented Western Australia in the U15 ASSRL School Boy Championships including starting at fullback in the Pool B Championship Final against Victorian School Boys.

Gabriel Salele’a had a strong overall 2022 U15 ASSRL School Boy Championship campaign including being named the Western Australian U15 Players Player of the Championships. Gabriel Salele’a was also named Player of the Match for Western Australia in Round Three against Northern Territory and recorded an impressive try assist in Round One against Victoria as wel as making numerous line breaks in the match.

2022 also saw Gabriel Salele’a play for the South Perth Lions in the Western Australian U15 competition, primarily playing at five eight and had a big match against the Rockingham Sharks with Gabriel Salele’a scoring three times early in the season.

Gabriel Salele’a started the 2022 Western Australian U15 Grand Final at five eight for the South Perth Lions as they took on the Rockingham Sharks.

Gabriel Salele’a also played rugby in Western Australia, including an outstanding 2022 season with Neddie’s in the U15 Western Australian Rugby competition. Gabriel Salele’a scored a double in Round Nine against Cottsleigh and also scored a double and kicked a conversion in Round Eleven against Palmyra. Gabriel Salele’a also scored in Round Fourteen against Lions after starting the match at outside centre (No. 13).

Whilst Gabriel Salele’a started the majority of his matches from the bench, Gabriel Salele’a did start at outside centre in Round Fourteen against Lions as noted above.

[mdrew]

After missing the opening two rounds of the U18 Laurie Daley Cup Brady Turner has been named to start at right second row for the Northern Rivers Titans in Round Three against the South Coast Dragons.

[mdrew]

Ryan McCann has been named on the bench in Round One of the 2023 U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition for the Souths Logan Magpies against the Redcliffe Dolphins.

In late January 2022 Ryan McCann started on the right wing for the Titans U16 side in a match at Pizzey Park against the Sydney Bulldogs.

In early May 2022 Ryan McCann also started on the right wing for the Titans JTS U16 squad that took on a Northern Rivers Titans U17 squad at Cbus Stadium as a curtain-raiser to the Titans NRL Round Fourteen against the Souths Sydney Rabbitohs.

In late September 2022 Ryan McCann then started in the right wing for a Titans U16 side against a Sydney Roosters U16 side at Pizzey Park.

In mid-December 2021 Ryan McCann had the opportunity to train with the Titans NRL squad in a joint training session between the Titans NRL squad and the Titans JTS Program Squads.

In late October 2021 Ryan McCann was named in the 2022 Souths Logan Magpies U16 Cyril Connell Cup side and after the Magpies had a Round One bye, Ryan McCann was named on the right wing for Round Two against the Burleigh Bears and was set to continue on the right wing in Round Three against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls however he was a game day scratching from the match.

Ryan McCann moved to the left wing for Round Four against the Redcliffe Dolphins and Ryan McCann made the most of the position switch with an opportunist try in the 8th minute when he swooped on a dropped ball by the Dolphins thirty three metres out from the line. After taking possession Ryan McCann outpaced the Redcliffe right second rower down the left touchline and then was able to bring the ball around to put it down under the posts.

Ryan McCann was then named to continue on the left wing in Round Five against the Easts Tigers and once again showcased his express pace when he was on the end of the Souths Logan backline movement to his side of the field in the 27th minute when after receiving the ball thirty metres out and with limited space down the touchline, Ray McCann burnt off the Tigers defence to score in the left corner.

Round One of the 2022 Langer Cup School Boy competition saw Ryan McCann start on the right wing for Coombabah State High School against Redcliffe State High School.

Ryan McCann also started on the right wing in Round Two against Keebra Park State High School with Ryan McCann doing well in the 39th minute to take the Keebra park SHS fullback Karauria Stokes in touch just inside Coombabah SHS territory after the fullback had threatened to break through the defensive line.

Ryan McCann continued on the right wing in Round Three against PBC State High School.

Ryan McCann then started on the right wing in Round Four against Mabel Park State High School with Ryan McCann scoring mid-way through the second half when after taking a cross field kick Ryan McCann raced sixty metres down the right touchline to score Coombabah SHS’s opening try of the match.

Ryan McCann also started on the right wing in Round Five against Marsden State High School with Ryan McCann scoring Coombabah SHS’s only try of the match inside the opening two minutes when from sixty metres out Ryan McCann took an intercept after initially knocking the ball up in the air with his right hand. After Ryan McCann had secured possession he raced away down the right touchline to score in the right corner.

Ryan McCann continued on the right wing in Round Six against Ipswich SHS, then after missing Round Seven Ryan McCann was back on the right wing in Coombabah SHS’s Quarter Final against Ipswich SHS with Ryan McCann making a good covering tackle in the 6th minute when he ran down and tackled his opposite winger from behind after Ryan McCann had faced an overlap.

Ryan McCann continued playing for Logan Brothers in 2022 in the GBJRL U16 Division One competition and had an outstanding match from fullback in the Elimination Final against the Moreton Bay Raiders with Ryan McCann scoring a hat trick.

Ryan McCann also started at fullback in the Week Two Semi-Final against Carina.

Earlier in the 2022 GBJRL U16 Division One competition Ryan McCann scored twice in Round Nine against Aspley and Ryan McCann also scored in Rounds Seven and Fourteen against Redcliffe, Round Two against Aspley, the rescheduled Round Five against Norths and Round Thirteen against the Souths Acacia Ridge Magpies.

At the 2022 Logan Brothers Presentation Day, Ryan McCann was named the 2022 Logan Brothers joint International Player of the Year.

[mdrew]

David Bryenton has been named to start on the wing in Round One of the 2023 U16 Cyril Connell Cup competition for the Bears against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

In 2022 David Bryenton represented the Auckland U15 rugby league Representative side on a number of occasions, including in a late season match against a New Zealand Warriors U15 Selection as well as in Region of Origin matches.

From a club rugby league perspective in 2022 David Bryenton play for the well known Ellerslie Eagles in the Auckland U15 Rugby League competition.

David Bryenton also played school boy rugby in 2022 operating primarily at No. 12 (inside centre) for his school and David Bryenton was also a prolific try scorer in those matches.

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Sam McAlister has been named to start in the front row in Round One of the 2023 U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition for the Bears against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

In late January 2022 Sam McAlister started from the bench for the Titans U18 JTS side in a trial match at Pizzey Park against the Burleigh Bears MM Cup side for his first match in Titans colours as he trialled for a Titans JTS contract.

Sam McAlister came into the Titans U18 match in around the 22nd minute and made an immediate impact with a strong tackle from a Titans kick-off with Sam McAlister’s strong front on initial contact knocking the ball loose from the grasp of the Burleigh front rower who as returning the kick-off.
Sam McAlister also made a strong tackle in the 37th minute when he from front on made a driving tackle on the Burleigh No. 17.

Sam McAlister then made his first hit-up in a Titans jersey in the 29th minute with a great run that accounted for an impressive eighteen metres through the centre of the Burleigh forward pack to get the ball eight metres into Burleigh territory after running onto the ball to the left of the dummy half.

In late 2021 Sam McAlister was named in the powerful Burleigh Bears MM Cup squad and Sam McAlister is also MM Cup eligible in 2023.

Sam McAlister was named to make his MM Cup debut from the bench in the rescheduled Round One match against the Easts Tigers at Bishop Park in a match that saw Burleigh finish their season with a 30 – 18 victory.

Sam McAlister was named on the bench for the Burleigh Bears second 2022 trial against the Tweed Heads Seagulls after playing for the Titans against the Burleigh MM Cup side in late January 2022 with Sam McAlister coming off the bench to play in the front row in the 23rd minute and Sam McAlister taking his first hit-up just a minute later in the 24th minute of the match.

Sam McAlister made a further strong run in the 27th minute when he charged onto the ball from the Tweed Heads kick-off to Arama Hau’s outstanding solo try in the left corner with Sam McAlister getting the ball over the twenty metre mark.

Halftime did not slow down Sam McAlister with the young man taking the opening hit-up off the Tweed Heads Seagulls second half kick-off and Sam McAlister was able to get the ball out to the twenty metre mark after a determined run.

Sam McAlister started in the front row for the Burleigh Bears against the Southport Tigers in Round One of the 2022 Gold Coast Rugby League U18 Division One competition with Sam McAlister taking two hit-ups in the opening set of six tackles after Southport had kicked off to get the match underway.

Sam McAlister also started in the front row in Round Two against the Nerang Roosters and was also set to start in the front row in Round Three against Mudgeeraba however the Redbacks ultimately forfeited the match.

Round Four of the GCRL U18 Division One competition saw Sam McAlister continue in the front row against the Helensvale Hornets with Sam McAlister making a strong run in the 14th minute from the kick-off to Bailey McConnell’s try with Sam McAlister running the ball over the twenty metre mark on the kick-off return.

Sam McAlister followed that run up in the 16th minute with a great low tackle moving to his left on the Helensvale five eight who had gotten part way through a gap before Sam McAlister closed it convincingly and quickly on him.

Sam McAlister continued in the front row in Round Five against the Ormeau Shearers and was involved in the opening tackle of the match after Burleigh had gotten the match underway by kicking off.

Sam McAlister also started in the front row in Round Eight against the Southport Tigers with Sam McAlister taking the second hit-up of the match and then backing up to take the fourth hit-up as well.

Round Eleven saw Sam McAlister move back to the bench against the Helensvale Hornets with Sam McAlister coming onto the field into the front row in the 14th minute with Sam McAlister making a strong run in the 32nd minute to the right of the play the ball with Sam McAlister making twelve metres to get the ball to within twenty metres of the try line.

Sam McAlister made another strong run in the 38th minute, making a further sixteen metres after receiving the ball to the right of the play the ball.

Sam McAlister also started in the front row in Round Thirteen against the Currumbin Eagles before Sam McAlister moved to right second row in Round Sixteen against the Nerang Roosters with Sam McAlister making a great try saving tackle in the 41st minute on a rampaging Nerang No. 8 three metres out and five metres to the right of the uprights.

Sam McAlister moved to left second row in Round Fifteen against the Southport Tigers with Sam McAlister making a strong charge from the kick-off to Bailey McConnell’s 24th minute try with Sam McAlister able to get the ball twenty five metres out from his own try line.

The 2022 GCRL U18 Division One Week One Semi-final saw Sam McAlister start at left second row for the Burleigh Bears against the Currumbin Eagles.

Sam McAlister moved to the front row in Week Two of the Finals against the Helensvale Hornets with Sam McAlister taking the opening hit-up of the match.

In 2022 Sam McAlister once again lined up for the Marymount College Open First XIII School Boy Rugby League side including in the Titans Cup Year 11/12 Boys Division One School Boy Rugby League competition for the second year in a row.

Sam McAlister started Round Two of the 2022 Titans Cup Year 11/12 Division One competition at left second row against Marsden SHS with Marymount College in a tough encounter in wet and slippery conditions.

Sam McAlister also started in the front row in Round Five as Marymount College dominated the second half to beat Keebra Park SHS.

After leading Marymount College to the Titans Cup School Boy Year 11/12 title, Sam McAlister lined up at left second row in a play-off match against Brisbane’s Stretton College with the winner making the School Boy Langer Cup Quarter Finals with Sam McAlister scoring as double in a Marymount College 36 – 8 victory.

Sam McAlister’s opening try arrived in the 18th minute when Sam McAlister charged onto the ball from eighteen metres out in front of the posts and to the left of the play the ball. After receiving the pass Sam McAlister cut of his left foot slightly breaking through three attempted tackles to force the ball down four metres to the right of the uprights.

Sam McAlister completed his double in the 36th minute when he barged his way over under the posts after running onto the ball from eight metres out and to the left of the play the ball.

Sam McAlister also threw the final pass for Cooper Bail to score in the 7th minute when Sam McAlister drew the last Stretton College defender on the left and got the ball away in the same direction to Cooper Bai.

The first of Sam McAlister’s strong runs in the match came in just the 2nd minute with a fifteen metre effort through the centre of the field to get the ball into Stretton College territory. Sam McAlister made a further strong charge in the 22nd minute from the kick-off from Cooper Bai’s second row.

Sam McAlister also had a defensively strong match including in the 16th minute with a heavy front on tackle on the Stretton College front rower (No. 8) who was bringing the ball back from a kick-off.

Sam McAlister then started at left second row in Marymount College’s Langer Cup Quarter Final against Keebra Park SHS with Sam McAlister taking the second and fourth hit-ups of the match after Keebra Park SHS had kicked off.

Sam McAlister was also part of the 2022 Marymount College Confraternity Carnival side and at the completion of the carnival Sam McAlister was awarded the Marymount College Scott Casselle With Spirit Award.

At the 2022 Marymount College Sports Presentation Awards Sam McAlister was named the Marymount College Rugby League First XIII Best Forward.

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Kanititeiti Sikahele was named to start from the bench in Round One of the 2023 U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition for the Bears against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

Kanititeiti Sikahele started at hooker and put in an assured and composed performance out of dummy half for the Nerang Roosters in Round One of the 2022 Gold Coast U18 Division One competition as the 2021 defending champions got their campaign underway on the back of a comprehensive 42 – 10 victory over the Mudgeeraba Redbacks.

Kanititeiti Sikahele also started at hooked in Round Two against the Burleigh Bears and once again put in an assured performance including throwing the last pass to his right from very close to the try line to lead Xavier Collins onto the ball to subsequently crash over to score in the 14th minute of the Roosters big win near the left upright.

Kanititeiti Sikahele continued at hooker in Round Three against the Southport Tigers in a match that saw Nerang lose their first match of the season.

Round Four against the Currumbin Eagles saw Kanititeiti Sikahele named to start from the bench however in a late tactical change, Kanititeiti Sikahele in fact started the match at hooker. As usual the match saw Kanititeiti Sikahele distribute the ball effectively out of dummy half but it was his defence that stood out for example in the 20th minute when he effected a great front on hit on one of the Currumbin second rowers with the ball coming loose as a result of Kanititeiti Sikahele’s strong initial contact.

Kanititeiti Sikahele also started at hooker in Round Nine against the Burleigh Bears and was held up over the try line in the 36th minute after he had tried to force his way over from close range after running to his right out of dummy half.

Kanititeiti Sikahele showed his pace in the 12th minute when after Burleigh took an intercept with Nerang deep on the attack Kanititeiti Sikahele raced back in cover defence and was able to make up significant ground and tackle the Bears right winger from behind after a forty metre chase.

Kanititeiti Sikahele then started Round Ten against the Southport Tigers from the bench, coming onto the field in the 24th minute to operate in the dummy half role.

Kanititeiti Sikahele as then back in the starting side at hooker for Round Eleven against the Helensvale Hornets as well as in Round Twelve against the Helensvale Hornets.

Kanititeiti Sikahele then moved to start from the bench in Round Thirteen against the Runaway Bay Seagulls.

Kanititeiti Sikahele was then back starting at hooker in Round Fourteen against the Ormeau Shearers with Kanititeiti Sikahele scoring in the 48th minute when he ran out of dummy half to his right from six metres out with Kanititeiti Sikahele burrowing under three defenders to score mid-way between the corner post and goal post on the left side of the field.

Kanititeiti Sikahele had made a strong run out of dummy half just prior to scoring when in the 47th minute Kanititeiti Sikahele ran to his left out of dummy half making fourteen metres to get within nine metres of the try line.

The 2022 Gold Coast Rugby League U18 Division One Grand Final against the Currumbin Eagles saw Kanititeiti Sikahele start from the bench for the Nerang Roosters with Kanititeiti Sikahele coming onto the field to operate in the dummy half role in the 25th minute with Kanititeiti Sikahele making a heavy front on tackle on the Eagles right second rower (No. 12) just two minutes later.

Kanititeiti Sikahele backed that up with another strong tackle in the 44th minute when Kanititeiti Sikahele came out of the defensive line and once again smashed the Hornets No. 12 in the centre of the field and around thirty five metres from the try line with Kanititeiti Sikahele’s heavy initial contact forcing the ball loose.

In late October 2022 Kanititeiti Sikahele was a member of the U18 Queensland Tonga side for the QPICC Carnival starting at hooker in Round Two and Day Two against Queensland PNG before moving to the bench for Round Three against the Cook Islands later on the same day.

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In late September 2022 Daniel Rakena was named in the 2023 Burleigh Bears U16 Cyril Connell Cup representative squad after an outstanding 2022 season at both club and school boy level with in the main Daniel Rakena playing against opposing players who were a year older than him.

Daniel Rakena started at five eight for the Bears in the final two quarters in their opening trial against the Souths Logan Magpies at Burleigh Juniors as part of the Titans Annual Super Saturday. Daniel Rakena also played in the Bears second trial CC Cup against the Tweed Heads Seagulls with Daniel Rakena operating at five eight on the left side of the field against the Bears local rivals.

Daniel Rakena has been named to start on the bench in Round One of the 2023 U16 Cyril Connell Cup competition for the Bears against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

Round One of the 2022 Walters Cup School Boy Competition saw Daniel Rakena start at five eight for Keebra Park SHS against Ipswich SHS with Daniel Rakena recording a try assist in the 24th minute when after receiving the ball to the left of the play the ball, Daniel Rakena stepped off his right foot to beat two defenders before off-loading to his inside in traffic to fullback Joshua Donovan-Skinner who crashed over under the posts.

Daniel Rakena also recorded a line break assist in the 10th minute when from fifty five metres out and to the left of the play the ball Daniel Rakena threw a cut-out pass to his left down a wide left blindside to put his winger away down the touchline.

Round Three against Marsden SHS saw Daniel Rakena continue at five eight against Marsden SHS with Daniel Rakena recording a try assist in the 38th minute when from the right of the play the ball Daniel Rakena threw an overhead cut-out pass to his right to put halves partner Ryder Williams into space and to subsequently score.

Daniel Rakena also recorded a line break assist in the 13th minute when to the left of the play the ball and thirty five metres out from his own try line Daniel Rakena threw a hard flat cut-out pass to his left to put his left centre Joseph Tupuse outside the defensive line and on a thirty metre run downfield.

In Round Four against Wavell SHS Daniel Rakena continued at five eight and recorded a try assist in the 31st minute with a cut-out pass to his right to put his right centre over wide out to score.

Daniel Rakena recorded a try assist and line break assist in Round Six against PBC SHS. Daniel Rakena recorded his try assist in the 13th minute when after Daniel Rakena made a line break through the centre of the field, Daniel Rakena drew the PBC SHS fullback and passed to his right to halfback Ryder Williams who raced away to score under the posts.

Daniel Rakena recorded his line break assist in the 23rd minute when he threw a long cut-out pass to his left to put Daniel Rakena’s favourite target left centre Joseph Tupuse away down the left touchline.

Daniel Rakena continued at five eight in Round Seven against Mabel Park SHS with Daniel Rakena recording a try assist in the 34th minute when from twenty five metres out and to the right of the play the ball Daniel Rakena put Joshua Donovan-Skinner into a gap to cross wide out before Joshua Donovan-Skinner was able to bring the ball around closer to the posts. Daniel Rakena then stepped up to convert the try that he had set up for Joshua Donovan-Skinner.

Daniel Rakena started at five eight in the 2022 School Boy Walters Cup Grand Final against Marsden SHS with Daniel Rakena recording two try assists as well as being heavily involved in another in a dominating Keebra Park SHS Walters Cup Grand Final victory.

Daniel Rakena recorded the first of his two try assists in the 19th minute when after taking the ball down a left blindside, Daniel Rakena took the ball deep into the defensive lien and when eight metres out threw a great cut out pass to his left to put left centre Joseph Tupuse over to score in the corner.

Daniel Rakena added a second try assist in the 34th minute when after breaking through the Marsden SHS defensive line thirty metres out, Daniel Rakena drew the Marsden SHS fullback and pass to his right to send Ryder Williams away to score under the posts.

Daniel Rakena was also included in Keebra Park SHS’s 31st minute try when from thirty five metres out from the try line Daniel Rakena put in a chip kick into the space behind the defensive line with Ryder Williams taking the kick on the bounce and then getting the ball away for Keebra Park SHS to score.

Daniel Rakena then started at five eight in the inaugural Queensland Year Ten School Boy Championship match against Kirwan SHS with Daniel Rakena putting on a clinic in a 28 – 4 Keebra Park SHS victory with Daniel Rakena scoring a try, recording two try assists as well as a line break assist.

Daniel Rakena scored in the 38th minute when he backed up a break by one of his front rowers to receive the off-load around thirty five metres out with Daniel Rakena racing away to score under the posts.

Daniel Rakena recorded the first of his two try assists in the 7th minute when from twenty metres out and to the left of the play the ball Daniel Rakena threw a pre-planned inside pass to Joshua Donovan-Skinner to score under the posts.

Daniel Rakena recorded his second try assist of the match in the 24th minute when Daniel Rakena took the ball down a short left blindside ten metres out with Daniel Rakena stepping off his left foot to straighten up the attack before throwing a good short ball to his left to second rower Tyrell Laben to crash over to score.

Daniel Rakena was also involved in a Keebra Park SHS try in the 17th minute when from twenty three metres out and to the left of the goal posts Daniel Rakena packed into a Keebra Park SHS scrum and after picking up the ball at the base of the scrum Daniel Rakena passed the ball to his right with Daniel Rakena then doing an old fashioned run around with the fullback with Daniel Rakena then continuing running to his right before getting the ball away to his right to Ryder Williams who has able to cut inside to score.

Daniel Rakena also recorded a line break assist in the opening minute if the Championship Final when he ran the ball down a short left blindside thirty five metres out from his own try line to put his left winger away down the left touchline with Daniel Rakena then staying alive to receive a pass back inside from his winger near the halfway mark.

Daniel Rakena also did well in the 11th minute when he chased through a Ryder Williams grubber kick with Daniel Rakena tackling the Kirwan SHS fullback in-goal to force a goal line drop-out.

Daniel Rakena showcased his tactical kicking skills in the 9th minute with a long raking right foot kick from fifty five metres out with the ball finding touch three metres from the right corner to pin Kirwan SHS back on their own try line.

2022 also saw Daniel Rakena play for the Southport Tigers in the GCRL U16 Division One competition including starting at five eight in the Preliminary Final against Helensvale with Daniel Rakena setting up one of the Tigers tries and being heavily involved in another in a tough 16 – 12 Tigers loss.

Daniel Rakena recorded his try assist in the 3rd minute when a long cut-out pass to his left from ten metres out to put his left winger over in the corner and then in the 21st minute Daniel Rakena threw a long cut out pass to his left centre in space with the centre consequently putting his winger over in the left corner.

2022 also saw Daniel Rakena named in the Queensland Māori U16 Tuakana side for the 2022 QPICC Cultural Carnival.

Daniel Rakena also played Oztag in 2022 and was named in the Southern Storm U17 Oztag Representative side for the 2022 Junior National Oztag Championships held in Coffs Harbour after Daniel Rakena played for the Coomera Chiefs U16 side at the 2022 Queensland Junior State Oztag Cup.

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Titans contracted Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu has been named to start at left second row in Round One of the 2023 U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition for the Bears against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

In mid-December 2021 Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu had the opportunity to train with the Titans NRL squad in a joint training session between the Titans NRL squad and the Titans JTS Program Squads.

In late October 2021 Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was named in the Burleigh Bears 2022 U18 MM Cup squad.

Round One of the 2022 MM Cup competition saw Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu named on an extended bench for the Burleigh Bears against the Easts Tigers and Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was also named on the Bears extended bench for Round Two against the Souths Logan Magpies.

Round Three against the Norths Devils saw Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu named to start from the interchange bench however Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu in fact started the match at left centre and also started at left centre in Round Four against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

After missing Round Five Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was named on the bench for Round Six against the Redcliffe Dolphins however Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was a late scratching from the final Bears squad.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu did however start from the bench in the Round Seven local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls coming into the match to play in the second row around the 27th minute of the first half and in the 33rd Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu from the kick-off after K-CI Newton-Whare’s try.

In late March 2022 Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was named to attend the Queensland Rugby League Positional Skills Day as part of the Ipswich Squad.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was named on the bench for the Burleigh Bears second 2022 trial against the Tweed Heads Seagulls however he was a late scratching from the match.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu played a number of matches for Keebra Park SHS in the 2022 Langer Cup Reserve competition including starting at right second row in Round One against Ipswich SHS with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu also starting at right second row in Round Three against Marsden SHS.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu then started from the bench in Round Four against Wavell Park State High School.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu then started at left second row in Round Five against Redcliffe State High School before moving to the bench for the Round Six local derby against PBC SHS with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu coming into the match in the 13th minute to operate at right second row with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu making a strong charge from the second half kick-off.

Round Seven of the Langer Reserve competition saw Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu start on the bench against Mabel Park SHS with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu coming onto the field in the 14th minute to operate at right second row with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu scoring in the 53rd minute when after receiving the ball on the right side of the field and twelve metres out, Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu ran over the top of one Mabel Park SHS defender to get the ball down ten metres in from the right corner post.

Post the 2022 MM Cup competition Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu transitioned back to club rugby league, starting Round One of the 2022 Gold Coast Rugby League U18 Division One competition from the bench for the Burleigh Bears against the Helensvale Hornets.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu came off the bench in the 17th minute to operate at right second row and almost scored with his first touch of the ball with a twelve metre surge to get the ball within a metre of the try line directly in front of the right goal post with the Burleigh hooker diving over from dummy half as a result of Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu’s quick play the ball.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was named to move into the Burleigh starting side in the second row in Round Five against the Ormeau Shearers however he was a late scratching from the match.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu then started from the bench in Round Eight against the Southport Tigers coming on around the 23rd minute mark to operate at left second row.

Round Nine against the Nerang Roosters saw Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu named to start at left second row with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu celebrating his return to the starting side by scoring in the 19th minute when after receiving the ball around twelve metres from the line by way of a Caleb Te Momo off-load Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu spun 360 degrees clockwise after engaging the defensive line and was able to crash over mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu made another strong charge in the 30th minute when he was able to make fourteen metres down the left channel.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu made a strong defensive play in the 55th minute when after one of the Roosters front rowers also got past him Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu grabbed him with his right hand from behind and rag dolled him to the ground.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu also started at right second row against the Helensvale Hornets in Round Eleven and in the 8th minute made a strong run that started just thirty metres out from his own line and to the right of the play the ball. Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu shrugged off one defender and kept pumping his legs to get the ball to the halfway mark.

You will have to bear with me but for me Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu’s best moment of the match came in the 56th minute when he chased a Hornets kick from a scrum just ten metres from their own line, Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu who was defending to the right of the scrum turned and chased the Hornets left centre who took possession of the ball on the halfway mark. Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu chased exceptionally hard and whilst he dived and missed the legs of the Hornets centre, it was the incredible effort to chase that stood out as a seminal moment in Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu’s match.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu also started at right second row in Round Twelve against the Ormeau Shearers and made a great line break in just the 4th minute when from forty metres out Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu charged onto a good pass from his inside from Quinton Dalton with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu breaking three tackles as he got the ball to within two metres of the try line. Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was able to generate a lightening quick play the ball with the Burleigh hooker diving over from dummy half as a result.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was immediately into the match when he took the third hit-up after the Shearers kicked off to get the match underway. Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu then did well in the 21st minute when he was on hand to collect an Ormeau dropped ball just ten metres out from the try line. After showing sure hands in the wet and heavy conditions, Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was able to promote the ball eighteen metres to get the ball away from the Burleigh try line.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu moved to right centre in Round Thirteen against the Currumbin Eagles with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu coming close to scoring in the 32nd minute when after a twenty metres run which saw him break three tackles, Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu as held up over the try line ten metres in from the right corner post.

Then in the 39th minute Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu ran onto the ball to the right of the play the ball on the halfway mark with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu making twenty metres before being brought to ground.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu then did well in the 46th minute when he jumped high to take a bomb to his side of the field on the full under heavy pressure from a number of Eagles chasers coming through.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu started from the bench for the Burleigh Bears in Week One of the 2022 GCRL U18 Division One Final’s against the Currumbin Eagles with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu coming onto the field to operate at left second row in the second half.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu moved to start at right second row in Week Two of the Finals against the Helensvale Hornets.

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Titans contracted Oscar Laffranchi has been named to start from the bench in Round One of the 2023 U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition for the Bears against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

In late 2021 Oscar Laffranchi played his first match in a Titans jersey when he played for the Titans U15 JTS Squad in a trial in very hot, humid and steamy conditions which challenged the players fitness and stamina but not their enthusiasm.

In late January 2022 Oscar Laffranchi started in the front row for the Titans U16 side in a match at Pizzey Park against a Sydney Bulldogs U16 Development squad.

In early May 2022 Oscar Laffranchi also started in the front row for the Titans JTS U16 squad that took on a Northern Rivers Titans U17 squad at Cbus Stadium as a curtain-raiser to the Titans NRL Round Fourteen clash against the Souths Sydney Rabbitohs with the Titans U16 side coming out victors against a gallant opposition.

In July 2022 Oscar Laffranchi was named in the Southern Stars U16 Oztag Representative side for the National Championships.

In late 2021 Oscar Laffranchi was named in the Burleigh Bears U16 Cyril Connell Cup competition’s squad.

Round One of the 2022 U16 Cyril Connell Cup saw Oscar Laffranchi named in the front row for the Burleigh Bears against the Tweed Heads Seagulls with Oscar Laffranchi taking the third hit-up of the match (and season) after Tweed Heads had kicked off to get the match underway.

Oscar Laffranchi was also named in the front row for Round Two against the Souths Logan Magpies with Oscar Laffranchi making his first hit-up within the opening minute of the match to get the ball inside the Bears attacking twenty metre area after Burleigh retrieved the ball after kicking the ball off to get the match underway.

Oscar Laffranchi continued in the front row in Round Three against the Norths Devils and had a solid match including a strong tackle in the 8th minute on the Norths right centre with Oscar Laffranchi’s initial contact forcing the ball loose, resulting in a knock on.

Oscar Laffranchi then continued in the front row in Round Four against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls with Oscar Laffranchi making a strong run from the kick-off return from Nayte Saaga’s early 2nd minute try.

Oscar Laffranchi was named on the bench for the Bears opening 2022 Cyril Connell Cup trial against local rivals the Tweed Heads Seagulls after playing for the Titans against the Burleigh MM Cup side in late January 2022. The trial saw Oscar Laffranchi operating in the front row in the second half after coming on at halftime and making some strong runs through the centre of the Seagulls defensive line.

Oscar Laffranchi then started in the front row for Burleigh in their final 2022 trial against the Western Clydesdales operating on the left side of the field.

2022 also saw Oscar Laffranchi line-up for Marymount College in the Titans Cup School Boy competition as well as the 2022 School Boy Confraternity Shield Carnival. Oscar Laffranchi was named the 2022 Marymount College Year Nine/Ten 2022 Best and Fairest Player at their year end awards ceremony.

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Titans contracted Jac Finnigan has been named to start from the bench in Round One of the 2023 U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition for the Bears against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

In late January 2022 Jac Finnigan started in the second row for the Titans U16 side in a match at Pizzey Park against the Sydney Bulldogs with Jac Finnigan scoring in the 11th minute when down a wide right blindside Jac Finnigan from ten metres out, Jac Finnigan ran into a gap off a great short ball from Zane Harrison to dive over in the right corner.

Just prior to scoring Jac Finnigan charged onto the ball from a Titans penalty restart to get the Titans into the attacking twenty metre zone with Jac Finnigan scoring later in the same set of six tackles.

In early May 2022 Jac Finnigan also started in the second row for the Titans JTS U16 squad that took on a Northern Rivers Titans U17 squad at Cbus Stadium as a curtain-raiser to the Titans NRL Round Fourteen against the Souths Sydney Rabbitohs.

In late July 2022 Jac Finnigan was part of the U17 Future Titans Squad that defenders a Titans U18 Northern Rivers Squad 36 – 8 at Cbus Stadium as a curtain-raiser to the Round Twenty NRL match between the Titans and the Canberra Raiders with Jac Finnigan starting the match at right second row.

In late September 2022 Jac Finnigan started at right second row for a Titans U16 side against a Sydney Roosters U16 side at Pizzey Park and week leter Jac Finnigan also started at right second row for the Titans U16’s in their annual Anthony Laffranchi Cup match against the Balmain Tigers with the Titans recording a strong 40 – 8 victory after beating the Roosters 32 – 8 the week prior.

Jac Finnigan also attends Palm Beach Currumbin (PBC) State High School on the Gold Coast as part of their Rugby League Excellence Program which has a close formal partnership with the Titans.

Round One of the 2022 Langer Cup School Boy competition saw Jac Finnigan named to from the bench for PBC State High School against Marsden State High School for his Langer Cup debut with Jac Finnigan coming onto the field in the 21st minute to operate at right second row with Jac Finnigan’s first run coming almost as soon as he came on with Jac Finnigan’s hard charge getting the ball forty metres out from his own try line.

Jac Finnigan made a line break in the 24th minute when he charged onto a good ball from his left from Reico Ratana who from just inside his own territory had cut across field to his left before popping a short ball to Jac Finnigan who flew onto the ball and then stepped off his right foot to beat one defender before being brought down after making twenty five metres.

Jac Finnigan made a further strong run in the 44th minute making ten metres down the right channel to get the ball to the halfway mark. Jac Finnigan was at it again in the 55th minute making twelve metres into the attacking twenty metre zone after receiving a hard flat pass from his inside from Zane Harrison. Jac Finnigan was hit high by the Marsden SHS defence and was deservedly awarded a penalty.

Jac Finnigan continued off the bench in Round Two against Redcliffe State High School with Jac Finnigan coming onto the field late in the first half at right second row.

Round Three against Coombabah State High School saw Jac Finnigan making his Langer Cup starting debut at right second row.

After the mid-season break, Jac Finnigan started at left second row in Round Four against Ipswich State High School and in the 18th minute Jac Finnigan executed a great hit on the Ipswich SHS winger (No. 2) from a kick return.

Jac Finnigan then started at right second row in Round Five against Mabel Park SHS with Jac Finnigan scoring in the 4th minute when Jac Finnigan raced through to take a short chip kick from Zane Harrison to retrieve the ball around ten metres out and crash over eight metres in from the right corner post.

Jac Finnigan also started at right second row in the Round Six local derby against Keebra Park SHS with Jac Finnigan making a strong run of sixteen metres in the 45th minute down the right channel to get the ball three metres over the halfway mark.

Jac Finnigan continued at right second row in Round Seven against Wavell SHS.

Jac Finnigan continued at right second row in PBC SHS’s Langer Cup Quarter Final against Mabel Park SHS with Jac Finnigan getting the movement underway that led to PBC SHS’s opening try of their big win. In the 4th minute Jac Finnigan took the ball into the defensive line and whilst being dragged to ground Jac Finnigan got away a great two handed off-load to Keano Kini who ultimately scored in the right corner.

Jac Finnigan then did well in the 24th minute when he held up the Mabel Park SHS replacement dummy half who had tried to burrow his way over from dummy half on the right side of the field.

Jac Finnigan was then named at right second row for PBC SHS in the 2022 Langer Cup Semi-final against Keebra Park SHS.

Unfortunately for Jac Finnigan he was ruled out of the 2022 School Boy Langer Cup Grand Final against Ipswich SHS due to injury.

In mid-December 2021 Jac Finnigan had the opportunity to train with the Titans NRL squad in a joint training session between the Titans NRL squad and the Titans JTS Program Squads.

In October 2021 Jac Finnigan was named in the exceptionally talented Burleigh Bears U16 Cyril Connell Cup squad.

Round One of the 2022 U16 Cyril Connell Cup saw Jac Finnigan named at right second row for the Burleigh Bears against the Tweed Heads Seagulls with Jac Finnigan taking the fourth hit-up of the match after Tweed Heads had kicked off.

Jac Finnigan then made a strong line break in the 27th minute when he charged onto a wide ball down the right channel making thirty metres before he was eventually brought to ground by multiple Seagulls defenders.

Jac Finnigan was also named at right second row for Round Two against the Souths Logan Magpies and in Round Three against the Norths Devils with Jac Finnigan producing an outstanding cover defending tackle in just the 5th minute against the Devils when he came across and dragged the Norths left winger into touch after the winger had broken away down the left touchline, with Jac Finnigan coming across to get the winger into touch still twenty five metres out from the try line.

In the 8th minute Jac Finnigan made a strong seventeen metre run down the right channel to get the ball to twenty five metres out from the try line. Jac Finnigan made another strong run down the right channel in the 21st minute from inside his own territory. Jac Finnigan was able to get part way through the Devils defensive line and off-load to his right to Sunny Kama who was able to promote the ball a further fifteen metres.

Jac Finnigan then continued at right second row in Round Four against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls with Jac Finnigan producing a crunching one on one tackle in the 40th minute on the Wynnum Manly halfback.

Jac Finnigan was named on the bench for the Bears opening 2022 trail against the Tweed Heads Seagulls with Jac Finnigan operating at right second row in the second half after coming on at halftime with Jac Finnigan making a strong run to the right of the dummy half making eleven metres to get the ball into Tweed Heads territory.

In total in the 2022 U16 Cyril Connell Cup competition Jac Finnigan made the third most tackles in the entire competition with eighty eight from five matches at an average of 17.6 tackles per match and a tackling efficiency that exceeded 90%.

Jac Finnigan then started at right second row for Burleigh in their final 2022 trail against the Western Clydesdales.

2022 also saw Jac Finnigan play for the Burleigh Bears White side in the Gold Coast Junior Rugby League U16 Division One competition, leading the Bears to a Grand Final appearance against the Helensvale Hornets with Jac Finnigan starting the Grand Final at right second row with Jac Finnigan making a strong run in the 18th minute when from thirty metres out from his own try line Jac Finnigan ran onto a pass from his left from Nayte Saaga with Jac Finnigan making twelve metres but unfortunately Jac Finnigan’s off-load to his right went to ground.

Jac Finnigan also started at right second row in Week One of the Finals against the Helensvale Hornets with Jac Finnigan making a twenty metre charge through the centre of the field inside the opening minute of the match.

Jac Finnigan also made good ground in the 13th minute when after backing up a line break by fullback Ray Puru Jac Finnigan received the ball from his right and made a line break of twenty metres downfield before he was caught from behind twenty metres out from the try line.

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Titans contracted Luke Jones has been named to start from the bench in Round One of the 2023 U16 Cyril Connell Cup competition for the Bears against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

Luke Jones move to the Gold Coast made immediate dividends with his selection in the 2022 South Coast School Boy U15 Rugby League Representative Side.

As a result of his performance for South Coast, at the conclusion of the U15 QSSRL Championships Luke Jones was named in the 2022 QSSRL U15 White School Boy Representative side and started Match One of the ASSRL U15 Championships from the bench for Queensland White against NSW CIS.

After coming onto the field mid-way through the first half to operate at left second row, Luke Jones scored in the 28th minute when he fought his way over from five metres out down a short left blindside to get the ball down five metres in from the left corner.

Luke Jones also did well defensively on multiple plays between the 32nd and 34th minutes when NSW CIS were constantly attacking Luke Jones side of the field with Luke Jones coming up with multiple tackles on his own goal line.

Luke Jones also started from the bench in Queensland White’s second match of the Championships against NSW CHS, coming on to operate at left second row in the 15th minute and in the 17th minute Luke Jones recorded a great try assist.

After receiving the ball from his inside to the left of the play the ball and fifteen metres out, Luke Jones charged through the NSW CHS defensive line and no doubt would have comfortably scored himself as the fullback was coming across right on the try line but Luke Jones instead passed to his left to put his left centre over to score.

Luke Jones moved into the Queensland White starting side at left second row in their play-off match against Victorian School Boys with Luke Jones recording a try assist in the 18th minute when after receiving the ball around thirty metres out in space on the left side of the field and after running to around five metres from the line, Luke Jones drew the Victorian fullback before passing to his left to put his left centre over to score.

Luke Jones continued at left second row in Queensland White’s final match of the Championships against NSW CCC.

In 2022 Luke Jones played for the PBC SHS Walters Cup School Boy Rugby League side, operating primarily at left second row although Luke Jones started Round Six at lock against Keebra Park SHS.

2022 also saw Luke Jones play for the Currumbin Eagles in the Gold Coast Junior Rugby League U15 Division One competition, leading the Eagles to a Grand Final appearance against the Beaudesert Kingfishers with Luke Jones captaining the Currumbin side from the front row in their tight Grand Final victory.

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Majah Peachey has been one of the stand-out players (if not the stand out player) in the Western Australia Junior Rugby League competition for the last couple of seasons and after Majah Peachey played for the Western Australian U15 School Boys Representative side at the U15 ASSRL School Boy Championships in Redcliffe whilst Majah Peachey was still U14 eligible, the young second rower/centre signed a multi-year contract with the Titans in early 2023.

Majah Peachey has been named to start in the second row in Round One of the 2023 U16 Cyril Connell Cup competition for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls against the Burleigh Bears.

Even though Majah Peachey was still U14 eligible in 2022 he played for the Rockingham Sharks in the Western Australian U15 Junior Rugby League Competition including starting in the second row in the Sharks 20 – 10 Grand Final victory over the South Perth Lions.

In late 2022 Majah Peachey played in the U14 Queensland Māori trials and was named the Tuakana South and West Most Valuable Player with Majah Peachey subsequently named in the 2022 Queensland Māori U14 squad for the QPICC Cultural Carnival that was held in Beenleigh in Brisbane’s south.

2022 also saw Majah Peachey play for Rockingham High School in a number of School Boy Western Australian Rugby League competitions.

Majah Peachey, in 2021 played for the Rockingham Sharks in the Western Australian U14 Junior Rugby League competition (U13 eligible at the time) and Majah Peachey had a strike rate in the vicinity of a staggering 300%. Majah Peachey was also named the 2021 Western Australian Junior Rugby League Player of the U14 Grand Final.

2022 was not the first representative side that Majah Peachey was selected in as in 2019 Majah Peachey was selected in the Western Australian U12 Primary School Team.

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In late September 2022 Titan Oscar Laffranchi was named in the powerful 2023 Burleigh Bears U18 Maal Meninga Cup Squad and Oscar Laffranchi is also MM Cup eligible in 2024.

Oscar Laffranchi started from the bench in the Bears third and final trial against the Brisbane Tigers with Oscar Laffranchi coming onto the field to operate in the front row in the 20th minute.

Oscar Laffranchi recorded a line break assist in the 49th minute when whilst engaged with multiple Tigers defenders twenty five metres from the try line, Oscar Laffranchi got a smart right arm off-load away to Ryder Williams who darted away and was only caught two metres from the try line.

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In late September 2022 Waaka Hepi was named in the powerful 2023 Burleigh Bears U18 MM Cup squad with Waaka Hepi part of the Tweed Heads Seagulls side that played a Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup squad in a trial at Burleigh Juniors as part of the Titans Annual Super Saturday series of matches.

Waaka Hepi started in the front row in the Bears third and final trial against the Brisbane Tigers with Waaka Hepi recording a try assist and line break in the 63rd minute when from twenty metres out from his own try line Waaka Hepi burst through a gap in the Tigers defensive line off a pass from Cooper Bai with Waaka Hepi taking the ball into Tigers territory before drawing the fullback and passing to his left to Zyraom Taurara-Herlihy who raced away to score untouched.

Waaka Hepi did in the 11th minute when after charging onto the ball to the right of the play the ball and around forty metres out Waaka Hepi was able to get an off-load away when in contact with two defenders to Ryder Williams.

Waaka Hepi then made a strong charge over the twenty metre mark in the 14th minute from the Tigers kick-off from Zac Kumbamong’s try with Waaka Hepi subsequently being awarded a penalty for being held down too long in the tackle.

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Titans partnered Marsden SHS will have two stand out youngsters joining their Elite Rugby League Academy this year being NZ twins and twin towers Grayson and Nikorima Wharakura.

Both are U15 eligible in 2023 and both made big waves in 2022 in the NZ U14 ranks with Grayson a fullback or centre and Nikorima a front rower or second rower.

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In late September 2022 Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was named in the 2023 Burleigh Bears MM Cup squad for the second season in a row.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu started at right second row in the Bears third and final trial against the Brisbane Tigers with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu taking the third hit-up of the match.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu scored in the 34th minute of the trial with a hard straight run from twelve metres out from a Bailey McConnell pass from his inside with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu crashing over mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the right side of the field.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu also made a strong run in the 48th minute when he made sixteen metres down the right channel from ten metres out from his own try line after running the ball to the right of the play the ball.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu also did well in the 51st minute when he chased through a Bailey McConnell kick into the right corner with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu retrieving thekick and getting a pass inside to maintain possession for the Bears inside the attacking ten metre zone as the defense was trying to force Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu over the sideline.

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Bailey McConnell also started at halfback in the Burleigh Bears third and final 2023 MM Cup trial against the Brisbane Tigers with Bailey McConnell scoring in the 10th minute when he backed up a line break by halves partner Ryder Williams with Ryder Williams getting away a great right arm flick off-load to Bailey McConnell who ran eight metres to dive over next to the right upright.

Bailey McConnell then threw the final pass when twelve metres out on the right side of the field with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu crashing over mid-way between the goal posts and corner post.

Bailey McConnell made his first strong run of the trial in the 3rd minute when from a Bears scrum win on the halfway mark, Bailey McConnell received the ball to the right of the scrum and beat two defenders as he made twenty metres downfield.

Bailey McConnell also did well in the 11th minute when after backing up a good run from Ryder Williams, Bailey McConnell received the ball from his right and beat three defenders at get the ball to within sixteen metres of the try line.

Bailey McConnell produced a smart piece of play in the 24th minute when with the Tigers on the attack their halfback put in a hard kick towards the in-goal but Bailey McConnell took the ball on the full into his stomach just ten metres from his own try line and to the right of the posts. Bailey McConnell immediately after taking possession ran towards the centre of the field and then was able to off-load to his left to Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy who was able to promote the ball sixteen metres downfield.

Bailey McConnell put in a smart right foot kick from forty metres out into the right corner with the ball sitting up for Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was was able to get to the ball to maintain possession for the Bears.

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In late 2022 Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy was named in the 2023 Burleigh Bears U18 Mal Meninga Cup squad.

Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihly started at fullback in the Bears third and final trial against the Brisbane Tigers with Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihly scoring in the 63rd minute when he backed up a line break by front rower Waaka Hepi to race away to put the ball down ten metres in from the left corner post completely untouched.

Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy converted Bailey McConnell’s try just to the right of the uprights in the 10th minute. Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihly then converted Zac Kumbamong’s try 12th minute try from ten metres in from the right corner post.

Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy then kicked his best conversion of the match in the 23rd minute with an outstanding kick to convert Xavier Tauaifaiga’s try from the left touchline. Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy then converted Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu’s 34th minute try from mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the right side of the field. Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy then converted Nayta Saaga’s solo try in the 57th minute from ten metres in from the right touchline.

Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy then converted Sam Stephenson’s run away tryin the 60th minute from ten metres to the left of the uprights, before finishing the afternoon by converting his own try from ten metres in from the left corner post.

Running the ball Zyroam Taurawa-Herilhy did well in the 24th minute when from eighteen metres out from his own try line and in the centre of the field Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy did well to make sixteen metres after receiving an off-load from his right from Bailey McConnell.

Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy made a strong kick-return in the 50th minute when after tracking back to collect a Tigers long clearing kick in the centre of the field eighteen metres out from his own try line, Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy ran the ball to his right beating one defender with a right arm fend before being tackled ten metres from the halfway mark.

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In late September 2022 Sam Stephenson was named in the 2023 Burleigh Bears U18 MM Cup Squad and Sam Stephenson is also MM Cup eligible in 2024.

Sam Stephenson started at left centre in the Bears third and final trial against the Brisbane Tigers with Sam Stephenson scoring in the 16th minute when after receiving a good ball out in front of him from Ryder Williams, Sam Stephenson had a twelve metre run to score in the left corner.

Sam Stephenson scored his second try of the trial in the 60th minute when with the Tigers attacking jsust twenty metres out from the Bears line, Sam Stephenson picked up an errant Tigers pass and ran eighty metres down the left touchline to put the ball down ten metres in from the right corner post.

Then Sam Stephenson made a line break in the 11th minute when after receiving a cut-out pass from Ryder Williams Sam Stephenson made a twenty metre burst down the left touchline before being brought to ground forty two metres out from the try line.

Sam Stephenson made another line break in the 48th minute when from twenty five metres out from his own try line and to the right of the play the ball Sam Stephenson burst through the centre of the Tigers defensive line and was only caiught from behind five metres short of the halfway mark.

Sam Stephenson made his first strong run of the match in just the 2nd minute with an eighteen metre burst down the left touchline to get the ball twenty metres away from the try line. Then in the 5th minute from the left of the play the ball and just ten metres out from his own try line Sam Stephenson cur to his right and was able to get the ball to twenty five metres out.

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In late September 2022 Ryder Williams was named in the 2023 Burleigh Bears MM Cup Squad and Ryder Williams is also MM Cup eligible in 2024.

Ryder Williams started at five eight in the Bears third and final trial against the Brisbane Tigers. With Ryder Williams recording an outstanding try assist in the 10th minute. With the Bears on the attack the Tigers defence knocked down a Cooper Bai off-load with Ryder Williams swooping on the dropped ball twenty five metres out and in the centre of the field and burst away beating the fullback with a right foot step but when he was eight metres out from the try line but as he was going to ground Ryder Williams got away a superb right arm flick off-load to his right to a trailing Bailey McConnell who dived over to score next to the right upright.

Ryder Williams recorded a second try assist in the 16th minute when Ryder Williams threw a great long flat pass to his right from twelve metres out to put Sam Stephenson into space to score in the left corner.

Ryder Williams then recorded a line break assist in the 11th minute when from thirty two metres out from his own try line and to the left of the play the ball Ryder Williams threw another hard flat pass to his left to put Sam Stephenson on a twenty metre run down the left touchline.

Ryder Williams recorded a line break of his own in the 49th minute when after receiving an off-load from Oscar Laffranchi in the centre of the field and twenty five metres out Ryder Williams raced towards the try line only to be brought down two metres short of scoring.

Ryder Williams threw another outrageous right arm flick off-load in the 27th minute when after receiving the ball to the right of the play the ball around thirty five metres out, Ryder Williams stepped off his left foot twice to beat defenders before throwing the flick off-load to his right to Bailey McConnell.

Ryder Williams also did well in the 11th minute when after receiving an off-load from Waaka Hepi Ryder Williams beat two defenders with left and right foot steps before getting an off-load away to his right to a trailing Bailey McConnell.

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Great to see the Titans extend their formal partnership with Keebra Park SHS for the 2023 season.

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After Tweed Heads had a Round One bye Dylan Watkins was named at right centre in Round Two of the 2023 U16 Cyril Connell Cup against the Brisbane Tigers with Dylan Watkins scoring the Seagulls only try of the match in the 41st minute. Dylan Watkins moved into dummy half with the play the ball twelve metres out and mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the right side of the field and ran to his left out of dummy half. As the Tigers markers moved with him, Dylan Watkins stepped off his left foot to beat him with Dylan Watkins then accelerating to full speed in an instant and burst between two defenders near the try line and then Dylan Watkins was able to bring the ball around to score under the posts.

Dylan Watkins could not have been in the match earlier after making the opening tackle of the match after Tweed Heads had kicked off.

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Owen Woods started on the left wing for the Northern Rivers Titans in Round Four of the Andrew Johns Cup against the Northern Tigers with Owen Woods scoring a double in a big win for the Northern Rivers Titans.

Owen Woods scored his opening try in just the 2nd minute of the match when after receiving a great cut-out pass from his inside from Jimmy McCombie, Owen Woods raced eight metres to dive over to score in the left corner.

Owen Woods completed his double in the 35th minute when he darted six metres down the left touchline to dive over to score in the left corner.

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Lachlan Offley started at left centre in Round Four of the Laurie Daley Cup for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Northern Tigers with Lachlan Offley scoring in the 68th minute when from eight metres out he ran onto a hard flat cut-out pass from his right from Jesse Soric. The pass was a touch behind hm but Lachlan Offley took the pass and after juggling the ball whilst spinning 360 degrees clockwise Lachlan Offley was able to take possession and crash over mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Lachlan Offley also made a strong run in the 20th minute when from twenty metres out from his own try line Lachlan Offley ran the ball to the right of the play the ball with Lachlan Offley able to get the ball four metres inside Northern Tigers territory.

Lachlan Offley also made a number of strong defensive plays including in the 23rd minute when whilst defending his own try line Lachlan Offley raced forward to hit his opposite number as an overlap loomed. Lachlan Offley then in the 29th minute came out of the defensive line once again on this occasion to crunch the Northern Tigers fullback.

Potentially Lachlan Offley’s best defensive moment in the 39th minute when after the Northern Tigers fullback made a line break just twenty metres out, Lachlan Offley turned and chased and was able to ankle tap the fullback. Then just as the fullback was getting to his feet, Lachlan Offley continued to chase and after grabbing the fullback from behind knocked the ball loose, regained possession for the Titans and get the ball ten metres downfield.

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After Tweed Heads had a Round One 20234 MM Cup bye Jake Lateo was named at halfback in Round Two of the 2023 U18 Mal Meninga Cup against the Brisbane Tigers with Jake Lateo forcing a goal line drop-out in the 24th minute when from twelve metres out and to the right of the uprights Jake Lateo put in a smart right foot grubber kick into the in-goal with the Tigers fullback unable to get the ball back into the field of play.

Then in the 46th minute Jake Lateo made a strong try saving tackle on his opposite number right on his own try line mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Jake Lateo was also heavily involved in the Seagulls 68th minute try when from the right of the play the ball Jake Lateo threw a cut-out pass to his right and even though the ball was touched by a Tigers out stretched hand the ball found his right winger on the bounce who then raced twenty five metres to score in the right corner.

Jake Lateo’s performance saw him named at halfback in the 2023 Courier Mail MM Cup Round Three Team of the Week.

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After missing Round Three Creedence Donovan was back at right centre in Round Four of the U18 Laurie Daley Cup for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Northern Tigers with Creedence Donovan scoring in the 34th minute when after receiving the ball on the right side of the field and twenty six metres out, Creedence Donovan got on the outside of his opposing defending through the use of a strong left arm fend with Creedence Donovan then dummying his way past the Tigers left winger and brushing past the fullback to score in the right corner.

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Jed Mulcahy started at left second row for the Northern Rivers Titans in Round Four of the U16 Andrew Johns Cup against the Northern Tigers with Jed Mulcahy scoring a great try in the 45th minute when after bursting onto a good short ball from his right from Jimmy McCombie, Jed Mulcahy charged between two defenders before stepping off his left foot to beat the Northern Tigers fullback with Jed Mulcahy putting the ball down mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

in the 57th minute when whilst twenty metres out from his own try line Jed Mulcahy made a smart tackle on a stepping Tigers five eight on the final tackle to effect a change over.

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After Tweed Heads had a Round One bye Will Saunders was named at hooker in Round One of the 2023 U18 Mal Meninga Cup against the Brisbane Tigers with William Saunders scoring in just the second minute of the match when he dived over from dummy half from close range and to the let of the paly the ball to score ten metres to the left of the uprights.

Will Saunders made the first of a number of line breaks out of dummy half in the 32nd minute when from five metres inside his own territory Will Saunders ran to his right and after running straight through the centre of the field Will Saunders was caught thirty eight metres out but his pass to his right went to ground.

Then in the 36th minute Will Saunders from forty metres out from his own try line and in the centre of the field Will Saunders ran to his right and after holding the ball out of front of his body in two hands Will Saunders broke the Tigers defensive line and made thirty eight metres downfield.

Will Saunders ran out of dummy half again in the 42nd minute on that occasion to his right with Will Saunders making fifteen metres to twenty metres out from the try line in the centre of the field with Will Saunders then awarded a penalty when he was not allowed to his feet to play the ball in a timely fashion.

Will Saunders continued his strong running out of dummy half in the 55th minute when from the centre of the field on the halfway mark Will Saunders ran to his left making fifteen metres.

Will Saunders’s effort in the 40th minute highlighted his hand/eye co-ordination and quick reaction time with a smart take of a hard Tigers grubber kick near his own try line mid-way between the try line and corner post on the left side of the field.

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Ayden Byrnes moved to the bench for Round Four of the Laurie Daley Cup for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Northern Tigers and after coming onto the field in the 43rd minute Ayden Byrnes scored a great solo try in the 43rd minute from thirty five metres out Ayden Byrnes ran the ball down a short left blindside and just prior to the defensive line Ayden Byrnes put in a smart right foot chip kick for himself with Ayden Byrnes darting through to retrieve the ball with Ayden Byrnes then getting rid of the Northern Tigers fullback to score four metres to the left of the uprights.

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After Tweed Heads had a Round One bye Jaylen Taewa was named on the bench in Round Two of the 2023 U18 Mal Meninga Cup against the Brisbane Tigers with Jaylen Taewa coming onto the field to operate in the front row in the 23rd minute.

Jaylan Taewa made a strong line break in the 38th minute when after receiving an off-load from his left when thirty eight metres out from his own try line, Jaylen Taewa rumbled downfield and got to withing twenty eight metres of the try line.

Jaylen Taewa also did well in the 58th minute when he held up the Tigers front rower No. 8 over the try line and then from the subsequent play the ball Jaylen Taewa hit the Tigers No. 3 with a great tackle.

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After Tweed Heads had a Round One bye Titans contracted Matthew Barrow was named on the left wing in Round Two of the 2023 U18 Mal Meninga Cup against the Brisbane Tigers with Matthew Barrow scoring in the eight minute with a ten metre run down the left touchline to score in the left corner.

Matthew Barrow also did well in the 34th minute when he came off his wing to take a hit-up to bring the ball out of his own territory with Matthew Barrow able to make ten metres through the centre of the field from the left of the play the ball to the forty metre mark.

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Titan Kaleb Smith started at five eight for the Northern Rivers Titans in Round Four of the Andrew Johns Cup against the Northern Tigers with Kaleb Smith scoring in the 42nd minute when from twelve metres out and to the right of the play the ball Kaleb Smith initially shaped to pass to his right before stepping off his right foot and surging forward to crash over to score ten metres to the right of the uprights.

Kaleb Smith also recorded a line break assist in the 29th minute when Kaleb Smith put right second rower Cruz Dangerfield through a gap down the right channel just inside Northern Rivers territory with Cruz Dangerfield making sixteen metres.

Kaleb Smith also did well in the 34th minute when after tracking back onto his own twenty metre defensive area, Kaleb Smith collected a Tigers attacking kick and as he ran the ball towards the centre of the field Kaleb Smith broke three tackles as he promoted the ball twelve metres.

Kaleb Smith along with Jakequan Roberts-Walsh made a great try saving tackle on the Tigers left centre just six metres in from the Titans right corner post to hold up the hard charging centre in the 17th minute.

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Great to see Titans contracted Devin Bates-Wellington named on the bench for the Tweed Heads Seagulls CC Cup side for this weekend's Round Three match against the Redcliffe Dolphins.

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Good to see Titans contracted Wailer Whaiapu named on the Burleigh Bears extended bench for this weekend's Round Three MM Cup match against the Easts Tigers.

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He may only be 15 but Keebra Park SHS student Royal Tiato has been named on the wing this weekend for the Ipswich Jets U16 CC Cup side for their Round Three match against the Clydesdales.

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Titans contracted Jimmy McCombie continued as captain and halfback for the Northern Rivers Titans in Round Four of the NSWRL U16 Andrew Johns Cup against the Northern Tigers with Jimmy McCombie recording two try assists in a big Northern Rivers Titans victory.

Jimmy McCombie’s initial try assist came in just the 2nd minute when from eight metres out from the try line and just to the left of the uprights Jimmy McCombie threw a great long cut-out pass to his left to put Owen Woods over to score in the left corner.

Jimmy McCombie added his second try assist in the 48th minute when he ran the ball to the left of the play the ball and when he was thirty five metres out from the try line Jimmy McCombie drew a defender out of the defensive line and threw a great short ball to his left to Jed Mulcahy who burst through a gap, beat the fullback to score mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Jimmy McCombie made a good run in the 34th minute when from twenty two metres out and to the right of the play the ball Jimmy McCombie dummied and stepped his way to six metres out in the centre of the field.

Jimmy McCombie highlighted the efficiency of his kicking game in the opening minute of the match when from five metres inside his own territory Jimmy McCombie put in a searching right foot kick into the right corner with the kick too good for the Tigers fullback who knocked the ball on with the Titans scoring from the subsequent set of six tackles.

Jimmy McCombie made a strong tackle in conjunction with Beau Hartmann in the 33rd minute on the Tigers right centre (No. 4), driving him backwards three metres.

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After Tweed Heads had a Round One 2023 MM Cup bye Isaiah Scanlon was named in the front row and captain of the Seagulls side in Round Two of the 2023 U18 Mal Meninga Cup against the Brisbane Tigers in Brisbane with Isaiah Scanlon scoring in the 47th minute when he ran onto a good short ball from his left from Jett Jackson with Isaiah Scanlon running six metres to dive over to score three metres to the left of the uprights.

Isaiah Scanlon had almost scored earlier in the match in just the second minute of the match when after charging onto the ball to the right of the play the ball from ten metres out Isaiah Scanlon cut back behind the play the ball but Isaiah Scanlon was held up over the try line ten metres in from the right corner post.

Isaiah Scanlon took the second hit-up of the match after the Tigers had kicked off to get the math underway with Isaiah Scanlon able to get the ball over the twenty metre mark. Then in the 10th minute Isaiah Scanlon made a strong run from the kick-off from Matthew Barrow’s try with Isaiah Scanlon getting the ball over the twenty metre mark with Isaiah Scanlon then being awarded when he was not allowed to his feet in a timely fashion. Isiah Scanlon then took the hit-up from the subsequent penalty tap re-start.

In the 45th minute Isaiah Scanlon ran onto the ball to the right of the play the ball from twenty metres out from his own try line with Isaiah Scanlon making ten strong metres. Then just two minutes later in the 47th minute Isaiah Scanlon from the right of the play the ball and thirty metres out from the try line Isaiah Scanlon engaged the defensive line and after making fourteen metres Isaiah Scanlon was able to get an off-load away to his right to Jett Jackson.

Then in the 52nd minute from ten metres out from his own try line and in the centre of the field Isaiah Scanlon was able to make twelve metres with the majority of his metres being of the post contact variety.

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Titans contracted Beau Hartmann was named at left centre in Round Four of the Andrew John Cup for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Greater Northern Tigers with Beau Hartmann scoring an outstanding solo try in the 51st minute when from sixteen metres out from his own try line Beau Hartmann moved into dummy half and ran to his right and after breaking through three attempted tackles as he broke through the initial Tigers defensive line with Beau Hartmann then veering to his left to round the fullback with Beau Hartmann then too fast for the cover defence to score under the posts.

Beau Hartmann also did a lot of the heavy lifting as was evidenced in the 21st minute when from a penalty tap two metres out from the try line Beau Hartmann, after tapping the ball, forged his way to twenty metres out.

Beau Hartmann made a further strong run from deep inside his own territory in the 28th minute when from the centre of the field and just three metres out from his own try line Beau Hartmann ran to his right and got the ball seventeen metres out from the try line.

Then in the 29th minute Beau Hartmann ran the ball from forty metres out and to the left of a Northern Rivers scrum win from an underneath route to get the ball withing twenty two metres away from the try line.

Beau Hartmann also had a very good defensive match against the Northern Tigers including in the 8th minute on the Tigers right centre (No. 3) ten metres out from the try line with the Tigers centre unable to hold onto the ball after Beau Hartmann had hit him.

Beau Hartmann made another strong tackle in conjunction with Jimmy McCombie in the 33rd minute on the Tigers right centre (No. 4), driving him backwards three metres.

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Matari Donovan has started the 2023 season off as part of the Burleigh Bears U18 MM Cup squad.

Matari Donovan was named on the Bears extended bench for Round One of the 2023 U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls however a late change saw Matari Donovan start the match on the left wing.

The move paid dividends in the 19th minute when Matari Donovan chased through a Ryder Williams right outside of the foot grubber kick with Matari Donovan getting to the ball first just prior to the dead ball line mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Matari Donovan had earlier made a line break in the 8th minute when from near the halfway mark Matari Donovan burst twenty five metres down the left touchline with Matari Donovan then putting in a right foot kick towards the centre of the field as the fullback came across in cover defence.

Matari Donovan also started on the left wing for Round Two against the Souths Logan Magpies however mid-way through the first half Matari Donovan swapped to the right wing.

Matari Donovan scored against the Magpies in the 65th minute with a ten metre burst to score in the left corner after Sam Stephenson had drawn the fullback.

Matari Donovan also had a line break in the 41st minute when from on the halfway mark Ryder Williams threw a cut-out pass to his left to put Matari Donovan on a fifteen metre burst down the left touchline.

Matari Donovan’s initial contribution in the match came after just twelve seconds (yes seconds) when from the second play of the match Ryder Williams received the ball to the left of the dummy half inside his own twenty metre area and then threw a cut-out pass to his left to put left centre Sam Stephenson who then was able to draw a Magpies defender and get the ball away to Matari Donovan who flashed down the left wing but unfortunately put a foot on the touchline near the halfway mark after being hit by a Magpies cover defender.

Matari Donovan did well defensively in the 51st when whilst facing an overlap Matari Donovan raced out of the defensive line ten metres from the try line to tackle the Magpies right centre just as he received the pass from his inside.

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Austin Marsters is a 2022 Auckland U16 Rugby League Representative lock forward who played his club rugby league in New Zealand with the outstanding and exceptionally well regarded Marist Saints Rugby League in Auckland and in 2023 Austin Marsters has moved over to Australia and is part of the 2023 Burleigh Bears U18 MM Cup squad. Austin Marsters will also be MM Cup eligible in 2024.

Austin Marsters first game for the Bears was in their opening 2023 MM Cup trial against the Souths Logan Magpies at Burleigh Juniors as part of the Titans Annual Super Saturday series of matches.

Austin Marsters started from the bench in the Bears third and final trial against the Brisbane Tigers with Austin Marsters coming onto the field to operate in the dummy half role in the 20th minute.

Austin Marsters was named to start from the bench in Round One of the 2023 U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition for the Bears against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls with Austin Marsters coming onto the field to operate at dummy half in the 27th minute.

Austin Marsters scored a strong solo try out of dummy half in the 41st minute when from thirteen metres from the try line Austin Marsters ran to his right out of dummy half down a right blindside. After being engaged by one defender Austin Marsters was spun around and when facing his own try line Austin Marsters kept backing up and even with four defenders on him, Austin Marsters was able to spin to his left (left going backwards) and get the ball down three metres in from the right corner post.

In the second half of the match Austin Marsters had some outstanding defensive moments including in the 38th minute when along with Zyroam Tauruwa-Herlihy and Bailey McConnell, Austin Marsters made a strong try saving tackle right on the try line on the Wynnum Manly right second rower (No. 12) to stop him from scoring mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Then in the 66th minute the same three players once again produced a further try saving tackle on the Wynnum Manly halfback also right on the try line and on the right side of the field after the Seagulls halfback had tried to step his way through the Bears defensive line.

Austin Marsters was back to his feet immediately and then from the marker position moved to his right and smashed the Wynnum Manly No. 11 to execute yet another try saving tackle.

Austin Marsters also started from the bench in Round Two against the Souths Logan Magpies with Austin Marsters coming onto the field to operate as a running back rower in the 24th minute.

Austin Marsters scored in the 46th minute when after the Magpies left winger lost a Bailey McConnell kick backwards into the in-goal Austin Marsters raced through to ground the ball ten metres in from the right corner post.

The match also saw Austin Marsters kick a conversion from his only attempt in the 68th minute when he converted Bailey McConnell’s second try of the match from ten metres to the left of the goal posts.

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Daniel Rakena was named to start on the bench in Round One of the 2023 U16 Cyril Connell Cup competition for the Burleigh Bears against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls with Daniel Rakena coming on at halftime at five eight to operate on the right side of the field.

Daniel Rakena added a new dimenson to the Bears attack including a 56th minute try assist when after receiving the ball twenty metres out and to the left of the play the ball Daniel Rakena took the ball to the defensive line before throwing a long cut out pass to his left to put his winger over to score to get Burleigh back into the match.

Daniel Rakena also recorded a line break assist in the 39th minute when to the left of the play the ball and forty five metres out from his own try line Daniel Rakena took the ball deep into the Wynnum Manly defensive line before throwing a hard flat cut-out pass to his left to put centre Isaac Cullen in a gap.

Daniel Rakena almost did it again in the 49th minute with a smart cut-out pass to his left on the halfway mark with Isaac Cullen once again the receipant but just as he was accelerating Issac Cullen was caught from behind by the back of his jersey.

Daniel Rakena showcased his kicking skills in the 50th minue when from just outside his forty metre area Daniel Rakena drove a right foot kick into touch sixteen metres out from the Wynnum Manly try line.

Daniel Rakena’s performance saw him named on the bench in the 2023 CC Cup Round One Team of the Round.

Daniel Rakena moved into the Bears starting side at five eight for the Burleigh Bears for Round Two of the MM Cup against the Souths Logan Magpies with Daniel Rakena recording an important try assist in the 43rd minute when after receiving the ball to his right and on the left side of the field Daniel Rakena ran the ball to his left and after putting doubt into the Magpies defensive line as to whether he would run the ball or pass Daniel Rakena threw a good short ball to his left to a charging Luke Jones who ran through a gap to score untouched eight metres in from the left corner post.

Daniel Rakena showcased his strong kicking game in the 7th minute when from forty metres out from own try line Daniel Rakena put in a hard low right foot kick into the in-goal in the in-goal with the Magpies fullback barely able to get the ball out of his in-goal area.

Daniel Rakena put in a further good kick in the 51st minute when from the right of the play the ball and thirty five metres out from his own try line Daniel Rakena went for a 40/20 kick towards the right touchline with the kick putting the Magpies winger under pressure with the winger taking the ball into touch twenty one metres out from the try line with the Bears scoring from the subsequent set of six tackles.

Daniel Rakena made a good low tackle in the 22nd minute on a charging Magpies No. 15 just twelve metres out from his own try line just in front of the left upright. Daniel Rakena smart defensive play in the 23rd minute when after the Magpies put in a kick towards the left corner Daniel Rakena smartly waited until the ball was batted back to the Magpies right centre Daniel Rakena grabbed him just as he took possession with Daniel Rakena taking him into touch just out from the try line to effect a change over.

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PLEASE NOTE THAT ISAIAH’ S SURNAME IS SPELT WITH AN “A” BUT THIS CREATES AN ISSUE THUS @ WILL BE USED INSTEAD OF THE ‘A” IN ISAIAH’S SURNAME.

In late 2022 Titan Isaiah F@galilo was named in the powerful Burleigh Bears U18 Mal Meninga Cup squad for the second season in a row with Isaiah F@galilo starting at hooker in the Bears first 2023 MM Cup trial against the Souths Logan Magpies at the Annual Titans Super Saturday series of matches with Isaiah F@galilo providing his usual spark out of dummy half for the Bears in their strong first half performance.

Isaiah F@galilo was named to start at hooker in Round One of the 2023 U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition for the Bears against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

Isaiah F@galilo also started at hooker in Round Two against the Souths Logan Magpies with Isaiah F@galilo making a line break in the 26th minute when from the centre of the field and thirty metres out from his own try line Isaiah F@galilo ran to his right out of dummy half and after going straight through the centre of the Magpies defensive line Isaiah F@galilo when he was three metres inside his own territory was able to get an off-load away to his right to Bailey McConnell who was able to get the ball over the halfway mark.

Isaiah F@galilo also recorded a 20th minute line break assist when from forty metres out from his own try line and in the centre of the field Isaiah F@galilo ran to his right out of dummy half and when he ran to the halfway mark Isaiah F@galilo was able to isolate a Magpies defender and get a smart ball away to Cooper Bai who surged downfield and was only caught when he was a metre or two from the try line.

Isaiah F@galilo showed as game awareness and positional sense in the 15th minute when Isiah F@galilo did very well to retrieve a rebounding Souths Logan grubber kick towards the in-goal with Isaiah F@galilo gaining possession for the Bears just three metres out from his own try line and neat the left corner.

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After missing Round One Titans contracted Jack Schmidt was named in the front row for Round Two of the 2023 U18 Mal Meninga Cup for the Burleigh Bears against the Souths Logan Magpies with Jack Schmidt making a strong run in the 41st minute which accounted for eighteen metres with Jack Schmidt’s run from near his own twenty metre mark with the last ten metres of Jack Schmidt’s run coming when he was moving backwards and engaged with three defenders.

Jack Schmidt made another strong run in the 49th minute from the kick-off to Austin Marsters try with Jack Schmidt getting the ball over the twenty metre mark.

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Titans contracted Nayte Saaga was then named on the bench for Round Two of the MM Cup for the Burleigh Bears against the Souths Logan Magpies with Nayte Saaga coming off the bench into the dummy half role in the 28th minute.

Nayte Saaga made a line break in the 58th minute when from forty metres out from his own try line and in the centre of the field Nayte Saaga ran to his right out of dummy half with Nayte Saaga dummying to his right before surging forward to get the ball five metres into magpies territory.

Nayte Saaga did well in the 46th minute when with the Magpies in the attack twenty five metres from the Bears try line Nayte Saaga was able to anticipate a pass to get in between the Magpies players and intercept the pass.

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Titans contracted Luke Jones was named to start from the bench in Round One of the 2023 U16 Cyril Connell Cup competition for the Burleigh Bears against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls with Luke Jones coming onto the field to operate at left second row in the 11th minute.

Luke Jones had a strong match from a defensive perspective in the 15th minute with a diving tackle on the Wynnum Manly right winger who was trying to run across field on a kick return with Luke Jones tracking him across field to make the tackle and force a knock on just two metres out to put Burleigh in great field position.

Then in the 18th minute made heavy initial contact on the Wynnum Manly No. 10 thirty metres out from his own try line with Luke Jones stopping the much larger front rower in his tracks.

Luke Jones moved into the Burleigh Bears starting side at left second row in Round Two of the Cyril Connell Cup against the Souths Logan Magpies with Luke Jones scoring a key try in the 43rd minute when he charged through a gap six metres out from the try line off a Daniel Rakena pass to dive over untouched to score eight metres in from the left corner post.

Luke Jones highlighted his hard work and effort in the 26th minute with a great chance of a Burleigh clearing kick with Luke Jones tackling the Souths Logan fullback five metres out from his own try line and in the centre of the field just after the fullback took the ball on the full.

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In late September 2022 Titans contracted Izayah Petrichvich was named in the 2023 Burleigh Bears MM Cup Squad and Izayah Petrichvich is also MM Cup eligible in 2024.

Izayah Petrichvich was named on the Bears extended bench for Round One of the 2023 U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

Izayah Petrichvich then started at fullback in Round Two against the Souths Logan Magpies with Izayah Petrichvich scoring in the 37th minute when after chiming into the Bears backline on the right side of the field Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy, at near full speed threw a long hard flat cut-out pass to Izayah Petrichvich who carried two Magpies over the line to score a metre in from the right corner post. Izayah Petrichvich initially received the ball ten metres out on the right touchline and cut inside before engaging the two Magpies defenders with Izayah Petrichvich forcing them backwards to get the ball down.

Izayah Petrichvich was also heavily involved in Austin Marsters 46th minute try when after Bailey McConnell had put in a long right foot kick into the right corner Izayah Petrichvich chased the kick through and the pressure that Izayah Petrichvich put on the Magpies left winger forced him to lose the ball backwards into the in-goal with Austin Marsters subsequently grounding the ball ten metres in from the right corner post.

Whilst Izayah Petrichvich started the match at fullback he switched to the left wing mid-way through the first half with Izayah Petrichvich also spending time on the right wing in the match.

Izayah Petrichvich made the first of his strong runs in the 2nd minute with a fifteen metre effort to the left of the play the ball and just sixteen metres away from his own try line. Izayah Petrichvich made another strong run in the 10th minute when after receiving the ball two passes to the left of the play the ball and twenty metres out from his own try line Izayah Patrichvich took the Magpies right sided defensive line on and made fifteen strong metres out to the thirty five metre mark.

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In late September 2022 Bailey McConnell was named in the 2023 Burleigh Bears MM Cup Squad for the second season in a row with Bailey McConnell starting at halfback and captain in the Bears first 2023 MM Cup trial against the Souths Logan Magpies at the Annual Titans Super Saturday series of matches.

Whilst Bailey McConnell played the opening two quarters at halfback he moved to fullback for the final two quarters with Bailey McConnell scoring a double in the Bears tight loss. Bailey McConnell scored his opening try mid-way through the opening quarter when he backed up a break to receive a pass from his left and dart eight metres to score next to the left upright.

Bailey McConnell scored his second try in the third quarter when he ran to his right out of dummy half from fifteen metres out with Bailey McConnell’s speed out of dummy half catching the Magpies defence still on their own try line with Bailey McConnell accelerating between two defenders to get the ball down mid-way between the corner post and goal posts on the right side of the field.

Bailey McConnell also started at halfback in the Bears third and final trial against the Brisbane Tigers with Bailey McConnell scoring in the 10th minute when he backed up a line break by halves partner Ryder Williams with Ryder Williams getting away a great right arm flick off-load to Bailey McConnell who ran eight metres to dive over next to the right upright.

Bailey McConnell then threw the final pass when twelve metres out on the right side of the field with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu crashing over mid-way between the goal posts and corner post.

Bailey McConnell made his first strong run of the trial in the 3rd minute when from a Bears scrum win on the halfway mark, Bailey McConnell received the ball to the right of the scrum and beat two defenders as he made twenty metres downfield.

Bailey McConnell also did well in the 11th minute when after backing up a good run from Ryder Williams, Bailey McConnell received the ball from his right and beat three defenders at get the ball to within sixteen metres of the try line.

Bailey McConnell produced a smart piece of play in the 24th minute when with the Tigers on the attack their halfback put in a hard kick towards the in-goal but Bailey McConnell took the ball on the full into his stomach just ten metres from his own try line and to the right of the posts. Bailey McConnell immediately after taking possession ran towards the centre of the field and then was able to off-load to his left to Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy who was able to promote the ball sixteen metres downfield.

Bailey McConnell put in a smart right foot kick from forty metres out into the right corner with the ball sitting up for Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was able to get to the ball to maintain possession for the Bears.

Bailey McConnell was named to start at halfback and captain in Round One of the 2023 U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition for the Bears against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls with Bailey McConnell making a winding run in the 10th minute when from a Burleigh scrum win in the centre of the field and twenty three metres out, bailey McConnell ran the ball to the right and after breaking away from a tackle where the back of his jersey was being held, bailey McConnell produced a left foot step to gain separation from a defender and was only brought down when he was within five metres of the try line.

In the second half of the match Bailey McConnell had some outstanding defensive moments including in the 38th minute when along with Zyroam Tauruwa-Herlihy and Austin Marsters, Bailey McConnell made a strong try saving tackle right on the try line on the Wynnum Manly right second rower (No. 12) to stop him from scoring mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Then in the 66th minute the same three players once again produced a further try saving tackle on the Wynnum Manly halfback also right on the try line and on the right side of the field after the Seagulls halfback had tried to step his way through the Bears defensive line.

Bailey McConnell also started at halfback in Round Two against the Souths Logan Magpies with Bailey McConnell scoring a double in a big Burleigh victory.

Bailey McConnell scored his opening try in the 59th minute when after receiving the ball from his left from Nayte Saaga nine metres out from the try line Bailey McConnell immediately spun 360 degrees counter clockwise to beat an on-rushing magpies defender before darting over to get the ball down ten metres in from the right corner post.

Bailey McConnell added his second try in the 68th minute when Bailey McConnell received an off-load from his right from Cooper Bai just inside Souths Logan territory then thirty two metres away from the try line Bailey McConnell veered to his left to round the Magpies fullback with Bailey McConnell then racing away to score ten metres to the left of the uprights.

Bailey McConnell as also was heavily involved in Austin Marsters 46th minute try when from the left of the play the ball and on the halfway mark Bailey McConnell put in a right foot kick towards the left corner with Austin Marsters diving on the ball in the in-goal after it was lost back into the in-goal by the Magpies left winger.

In the 25th minute Bailey McConnell made a great try saving tackle when after racing across to his right in cover defence Bailey McConnell made a desperate try saving tackle on the Magpies left centre with Bailey McConnell grabbing the centre less than two metres out from the try line with Bailey McConnell spinning the centre around and forcing a forward pass.

Bailey McConnell’s performance saw him named at halfback in the 2023 Courier Mail MM Cup Round Two Team of the Week.

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In late September 2022 newly signed Titan Zac Kumbamong was named in the powerful 2023 Burleigh Bears U18 Mal Meninga Cup Squad and Zac Kumbamong is also MM Cup eligible in 2024.

Zac Kumbamong started at left second row in the Bears third and final trial against the Brisbane Tigers with Zac Kumbamong scoring in the 12th minute when after receiving the ball from his right, Zac Kumbamong charged twelve metres to cross the try line wide out on the right with Zac Kumbamong then able to bring the ball around a further ten metres.

Zac Kumbamong was named to start at right second row in Round One of the 2023 U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition for the Bears against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls however a late change saw Zac Kumbamong start the match in the front row with Zac Kumbamong making a strong sixteen metre run in the 66th minute with around 75% of the metres made being post contact.

Zac Kumbamong them moved to start at left second row for Round Two against the Souths Logan Magpies with Zac Kumbamong making a strong front on tackle on the Souths Logan right second rower (No. 11) with the hit rocking the Magpies second rower backwards on his own twenty metre mark.

Zac Kumbamong made a strong run in the 30th minute from the right of the play the ball from thirty two metres out from the try line with Zac Kumbamong able to get the ball to the twenty metre mark with Zac Kumbamong then effecting a lightning quick play the ball.

In the 68th minute Zac Kumbamong made a further twelve metre charge down the left channel to get the ball within three metres of the halfway mark.

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Titans contracted Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy was named to start at fullback in Round One of the 2023 U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition for the Burleigh Bears against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls with Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy kicking three conversions from as many attempts. Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy came in the 19th minute when he converted Matari Donovan’s try from ten metres in from the left corner post.

Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy also converted Kanititeiti Sikahele’s try in the 33rd minute from just to the left of the goal posts with Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy then kicking a great conversion from four metres in from the right touchline to convert Austin Marsters great 41st minute solo try out of dummy half.

Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy came close to scoring himself in the 3rd minute when from eight metres out Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy ran a straight crash line off a Ryder Williams pass from his inside only to be held up ten metres in from the left corner post.

In the second half of the match Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy had some outstanding defensive moments including in the 38th minute when along with Austin Marsters and Bailey McConnell, Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy made a strong try saving tackle right on the try line on the Wynnum Manly right second rower (No. 12) to stop him from scoring mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Then in the 66th minute the same three players once again produced a further try saving tackle on the Wynnum Manly halfback also right on the try line and on the right side of the field after the Seagulls halfback had tried to step his way through the Bears defensive line.

Earlier in the second half in the had prevented another Seagulls try with a strong tackle in conjunction with Cooper Bai when the pair smashed the Wynnum Manly right centre taking him over the side line just out from the Bears left corner post to save a try.

Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy’s performance saw him named at fullback in the 2023 MM Cup Round One Team of the Round.

Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy then started on the right wing for Round Two against the Souths Logan Magpies with Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy then moving to fullback mid-way through the first half.

Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy recorded a try assist in the 37th minute when after chiming into the Bears backline on the right side of the field Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy, at near full speed threw a long hard flat cut-out pass to Izayah Petrichvich who carried two Magpies over the line to score a metre in from the right corner post.

Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy as also involved in Matari Donovan’s try in the 65th minute with a great catch and pass off-load to his left when thirty seven metres out from the try line to Sam Stephenson who burst down the left side of the field and when ten metres from the try line Sam Stephenson drew the Magpies fullback and got the ball away to his left to Matari Donovan show scored in the left corner.

Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy almost fashioned another try of the Bears in the 34th minute when he ran down a short right blindside and when twenty metres away from the try line Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy put in a chip kick which was mis-handled and knocked on by the Magpies two metres out from the try line and a metre in from the right touchline.

Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy kicked three conversions the first of which he kicked in the 30th minute from ten metres to the left of the uprights to convert the first of Sam Stephenson’s two tries. Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy then converted Sam Stephenson’s second try from eight metres to the left of the uprights in the 35th minute. Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy then kicked his third and final conversion in the 59th minute to convert Bailey McConnell’ try ten metres in from the right corner post.

Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy put in another smart kick in the 37th minute when after taking possession ten metres out from the try line and five metres in from the left touchline, Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy initially stepped back inside before putting in a right foot grubber kick towards the left corner with the Magpies defence forced to take the ball over the touchline just two metres out from the try line.

Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy also did well in the 36th minute to ensure that both of his feet were in the in-goal to take a high Souths Logan bomb on the full. Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy then raced to the twenty metre mark for the tap restart with Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy running to his left to make twenty three metres.

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Titans contracted Cooper Bai was named to start at lock in Round One of the 2023 U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition for the Burleigh Bears against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls with Cooper Bai making a heavy tackle on his opposite number in just the 2nd minute of the match just inside his own territory with the Seagulls lock knocking the ball on as a result of Cooper Bai’s strong initial contact.

Cooper Bai made another strong tackle in the 35th minute when along with Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy, Cooper Bai smashed the Wynnum Manly right centre taking him over the side line just out from the Bears left corner post to save a try.

Cooper Bai also started at lock in Round Two against the Souths Logan Magpies with Cooper Bai recording a try assist in the 68th minute when after taking possession eight metre inside his own territory Cooper Bai broke through three attempted tackles and when three metres inside Magpies territory Cooper Bai got away a right arm off-load to his left whilst being tackled to bailey McConnell who raced away to score ten metres to the left of the uprights.

Cooper Bai made a line break of his own in the 20th minute line break when from forty metres out from his own try line and in the centre of the field Isaiah F@galilo ran to his right out of dummy half and when he ran to the halfway mark Isaiah F@galilo was able to isolate a Magpies defender and get a smart ball away to Cooper Bai who surged downfield beating the Magpies fullback and Cooper Bai was only caught when he was a metre or two from the try line and in front of the left goal post.

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Titans contracted Nelson Makaafi was named to start at right second row in Round One of the 2023 U16 Cyril Connell Cup competition for the Burleigh Bears against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls with Nelson Makaafi making a number iof strong defensive efforts including in the 31st minute with a driving tackle on the Wynnum Manly No. 16 driving him back five metres near the halfway mark. Then in the 41st minute Nelson Makaafi made another strong driving tackle, on this occasion against the Seagulls No. 17 moving to his right with Nelson Makaffi’s initial contact significantly altering the Seagulls players forward momentum.

Nelson Makaafi’s performance saw him named in the second row in the 2023 CC Cup Round One Team of the Round.

Nelson Makaafi also started at right second row in Round Two of the CC Cup for the Burleigh Bears against the Souths Logan Magpies with Nelson Makaafi twice inside the opening twenty minutes engaging the Souths Logan left sided defensive line and getting an off-load away.

Nelson Makaafi made a line break in the 30th minute when from twenty metres out from his own try line Nelson Makaafi took possession to the right of the play the ball with Nelson Makaafi using his speed to run around the Magpies left sided defensive line with Nelson Makaafi charging twenty four metres for the right touchline before cutting inside to prevent being taken into touch.

Nelson Makaafi also made a strong run in the 24th minute down the right channel with Nelson Makaafi taking possession on his own thirty and breaking two tackles as he promoted the ball to forty five metres out from his own try line.

Nelson Makaafi then took a strong hit-up being the second hit-up of the second half with Nelson Makaafi getting the ball twenty eight metres from his own try line after Nelson Makaafi’s run started inside his own twenty metre mark.

Then in the 39th minute Nelson Makaafi charged eleven metres also down the right channel making eleven metres to get to twenty one metres out from the try line. Then in the 56th minute Nelson Makaafi received the ball to the right of the play the ball twenty one metres out from his own try line with Nelson Makaafi making thirteen metres with at least 60% of those being post contact.

Nelson Makaafi’s performance earned him a sport in the second row in the Courier Mail Cyril Connell Cup Round Two Team of the Week for the second round in a row.

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Titans contracted Sunny Kama was named to start at right centre in Round One of the 2023 U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition for the Burleigh Bears against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls with Sunny Kama making a strong run of sixteen metres down the right channel in the 39th minute to get the ball twenty eight metres out from the Wynnum Manly try line.

Sunny Kama made a great try saving tackle in the 26th minute when he smashed his opposite number to prevent what appeared to be a certain try in the Bears right corner with Sunny Kama’s strong initial contact around the chest stopping the Wynnum Manly attacked in his tracks.

Sunny Kama also started at right centre in Round Two against the Souths Logan Magpies with Sunny Kama making a number of line breaks with the first coming in the 12th minute when from twenty five metres out from his own try line and to the left of the play the ball Sunny Kama ran straight through the centre of the Souths Logan defensive line and got all of the way to the halfway mark before being brought to ground.

Sunny Kama made a further line break in the 16th minute when after receiving pass from his left twenty metres out from his own try line Sunny Kama got on the outside of his corresponding Magpies defender with Sunny Kama then racing thirteen metres down the right touchline before cutting back inside with Sunny Kama then able to made a further four metres downfield.

Sunny Kama made a further strong run in the 54th minute when to the left of a Burleigh scrum win thirty four metres out from his own try line Sunny Kama carried the ball to three metres inside Magpies territory.

Sunny Kama also did well in the 2nd minute when he raced out of the defensive line to pouch on a poor Magpies pass ten metres out from the try line with Sunny Kama then able to make a further six metres away from his try line.

Sunny Kama’s performance saw him named in the centres in the 2023 Courier Mail MM Cup Round Two Team of the Week.

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Round Three of the 2023 U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition sees Tians contracted Keebra park SHS student Wailer Whaiapu named on the Burleigh Bears extended bench for their match against the Brisbane Tigers.

Impressively in 2023 Wailer Whaiapu was named the Keebra Park SHS Male School Captain.

In January 2023 Wailer Whaiapu was named in the New Zealand Maori U18 Tama squad for the Pasifika Youth Cup Rugby League Tournament.

In a sign of how much Wailer Whaiapu’s leadership ability is valued, Wailer Whaiapu was named one of Keebra Park State High School’s 2022 School Vice Captains.

In late January 2022 Wailer Whaiapu started at lock for the Titans U18 side in a match at Pizzey Park against the Burleigh MM Cup side and Wailer Whaiapu was immediately in the match when along with Taelon Te Whiu-Hopa and Tanu Nona he made the opening tackle of the match after the Titans had kicked off to get the game underway. Wailer Whaiapu backed that up by being involved in the second tackle of the match as well.

Running with the ball Wailer Whaiapu made a strong run in the 11th minute when to the left of the dummy half he was able to get the ball twenty eight metres away from his own try line on the second tackle from the kick-off to Williams Semu’s second try of the match.

From the right of the dummy half in the 36th minute, Wailer Whaiapu charged onto the ball once again and got the ball over the halfway mark, making fourteen metres in the process.

In mid-December 2021 Wailer Whaiapu had the opportunity to train with the Titans NRL squad in a joint training session between the Titans NRL squad and the Titans JTS Program Squads.

In late October 2021 Wailer Whaiapu was named in the talented Burleigh Bears 2022 U18 MM Cup squad and Wailer Whaiapu is also MM Cup eligible in 2023.

Round One of the 2022 MM Cup competition saw Wailer Whaiapu named on the bench for the Burleigh Bears against the Easts Tigers however the match was rained out due to extreme weather conditions.

Wailer Whaiapu was then named to start on the bench for Round Two against the Souths Logan Magpies, coming on mid-way through the first half. After missing Round Three Wailer Whaiapu was named on the bench for Round Four against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls with Wailer Whaiapu coming off the bench in the 32nd minute to play in the centre third of the field.

Early in the second half in the 41st minute, Wailer Whaiapu got probably the best Bears team movement underway that resulted in fullback Karauria Stokes-Mahara scoring in the left corner. Wailer Whaiapu ran the ball around twenty five metres out and to the right of the play and it looked for all money that Wailer Whaiapu would take the line on but after committing a number of defenders he threw a great ball to Josiah Pahulu who had worked into space on Wailer Whaiapu’s right. After the ball went through Josiah Pahulu’s, Bailey McConnell’s and Arama Hau’s, Karauria Stokes-Mahara scored in the corner.

Wailer Whaiapu then showcased one of his developing skills, being his first receiver ball playing skills in the 59th minute when he took possession of the ball around sixteen metres out from the try line and to the right of the play the ball. Wailer Whaiapu looked as if he was going to take the line on himself but at the last minute as he drew in the B defender got a good ball away to Joseph Shannon who very nearly scored under the posts.

Wailer Whaiapu showed that he was as good a defender as he is attacker in the 63rd minute when defending just out from his own try line, the Tigers lock ran at the line, but Wailer Whaiapu moved to his right and drove his shoulder through the Easts lock, stopping him in his tracks.

Wailer Whaiapu then started at lock in Round Six against the Redcliffe Dolphins and inside the opening minute of the match showcased his passing game when after receiving the ball to the left of the play the ball around thirty metres from his own line, Wailer Whaiapu drew two defenders in the front line to him and popped a good short ball to his left to a charging Josiah Pahulu who as a result made twelve metres downfield on just the second tackle of the match.

Wailer Whaiapu was also named to start at lock in the Round Seven local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls and showed his defensive technique and strength in the 26th minute when he along with EJ Finau executed a big front on hit on one of the Burleigh front rowers, forcing him back five metres to near the halfway mark.

Wailer Whaiapu was also named to start on the bench in the rescheduled Round One match against the East Tigers with Wailer Whaiapu coming onto the field mid-way through the first half.

Wailer Whaiapu recorded a try assist in the 21st minute (well I am going to call it a try assist) when after engaging the Tigers defensive line, Wailer Whaiapu got a short pass away (it was a pass in my mind) to his right to K-CI Newton-Whare who rounded the fullback to score.

Wailer Whaiapu then made a strong run out of dummy half when he ran to his right making fifteen metres to keep the Tigers defensive off balance and back peddling.

Wailer Whaiapu made a strong defensive play in the 58th minute when after the Tigers halfback had stepped off his right foot and was threatening to break through the Burleigh defensive line, Wailer Whaiapu drove his left shoulder through the ribs of the halfback with the ball flying loose as a result.

Wailer Whaiapu was named on the bench for the Burleigh Bears second 2022 trial against the Tweed Heads Seagulls after playing for the Titans against the Burleigh MM Cup side in late January 2022 with Wailer Whaiapu coming into the match late in the first half.

In late March 2022 Wailer Whaiapu was named to attend the Queensland Rugby League Positional Skills Day as part of the Ipswich Squad.

In late May 2022 Wailer Whaiapu also represented South Coast in the U18 QSSRL School Boy Championships.

Round One of the 2022 Langer Cup School Boy competition saw Wailer Whaiapu initially named to start from the bench for Keebra Park State High School against Ipswich State High School however in a late change, Wailer Whaiapu started the match at lock with Wailer Whaiapu making a strong driving tackle in the opening minute that drove his Ipswich SHS opponent back at least three metres.

Wailer Whaiapu also made the first Keebra Park SHS hit-up of the match in the opening minutes after Ipswich SHS had kicked the ball out on the full.

Wailer Whaiapu was then named on the bench for Round Two against Coombabah State High School with Wailer Whaiapu coming onto the field to operate at lock in the 23rd minute.

Wailer Whaiapu was also named to continue off the bench in Round Three against Marsden State High School with Wailer Whaiapu coming off the bench to operate at lock in the 18th minute with Wailer Whaiapu’s first run coming shortly after when he was able to get the ball within ten metres of the try line.

The 28th minute saw Wailer Whaiapu record a try assist when from thirty metres from his own try line Wailer Whaiapu took possession off the dummy from his left and looked as if he going to engage the defensive line but just prior to contact threw a great inside ball to his left to put Eli Tuli through a huge gap with Eli Tuli rumbling forty five metres downfield.

Wailer Whaiapu also took the opening hit-up after Marsden SHS kicked-off to get the second half underway.

Wailer Whaiapu continued from the bench in Round Four against Wavell State High School in a match that was played as a curtain raiser to the Titans v Bronco’s NRL match with Wailer Whaiapu coming onto the field to operate at lock in the 16th minute.

As usual Wailer Whaiapu had a strong defensive match against Wavell SHS including a strong tackle on the Wavell SHS Australian School Boy five eight just as he looked as if he was going to break through the Keebra Park SHS defensive line.

Then from the opening set of six after Keebra Park SHS had kicked off in the second half Wailer Whaiapu made three of the opening five tackles.

Wailer Whaiapu also started from the bench in Round Five against Redcliffe State High School with Wailer Whaiapu coming onto the field to operate at lock in the 22nd minute.

Wailer Whaiapu continued from the bench in the Round Six local derby against PBC SHS and also Round Seven against Mabel Park SHS in Round Seven with Wailer Whaiapu scoring in the 46th minute when he backed up a Keebra Park SHS line break to receive the ball from his left with Wailer Whaiapu then running fifteen metres to score under the posts.

Wailer Whaiapu then started from the bench in Keebra Park SHS’s Langer Cup Quarter Final against Marymount College with Wailer Whaiapu coming off the bench in the 16th minute to operate at lock.

Wailer Whaiapu also started from the bench in the 2022 Langer Cup Semi-Final against PBC SHS with Wailer Whaiapu coming off the bench to operate at lock in the 19th minute.

In early June 2022 Wailer Whaiapu was named on the bench in the New Zealand Maori Tama U17 All-Tournament Team after playing for E Tu Heita Uri Ariki in the Tournament.

In 2022 Wailer Whaiapu also played for the Burleigh Bears in the Gold Coast Rugby League U18 Division One competition with his first appearance coming in Round Five when he was named to start at lock against the Ormeau Shearers however, he was a late scratching from the match.

Wailer Whaiapu then started at lock in Round Eight against the Southport Tigers and celebrated his first match of the season for the Bears by scoring in the 57th minute when after receiving the ball from his left from the dummy half Wailer Whaiapu charged over five metres to the right of the uprights.

Wailer Whaiapu executed a great defensive play in the 20th minute when after packing in at lock in a scrum with a Tigers feed thirty metres out from their line, the Tigers made a line break initially down their left touchline before cutting back inside. It looked as if Southport would run away to score but Wailer Whaiapu had broken from the scrum and charged back in cover defence and was able to catch the Tigers left winger from behind after racing forty metres to make the tackle.

Wailer Whaiapu also started at lock against the Helensvale Hornets in Round Eleven with Wailer Whaiapu taking the second hit-up of the match. Wailer Whaiapu also did well defensively in the 44th minute when after one of the Hornets split the Bears defensive line through the centre of the field near the halfway mark, Wailer Whaiapu along with Bailey McConnell chased back in cover defence to tackle him from behind just thirteen metres out from the try line.

Wailer Whaiapu also started at lock in Round Twelve against the Ormeau Shearers and took the fourth hit-up of the match to get the ball to within twenty five metres of the try line. Wailer Whaiapu made a further strong run in the 18th minute when after charging onto the ball to the left of the play the ball, Wailer Whaiapu was able to promote the ball seventeen metres before being dragged down within three metres of the halfway mark.

Wailer Whaiapu continued his strong efforts running the ball in the 37th minute when he was able to make fifteen metres to the to get the ball to the halfway mark after receiving the ball to the right of the play the ball. Then in the 40th minute Wailer Whaiapu did exceptionally well in the wet and heavy conditions when he was able to collect an Ormeau grubber kick five metres out from his own try line in front of the posts with Wailer Whaiapu then able to get the ball to twenty metres out from his own line.

Wailer Whaiapu also started at lock in Round Thirteen against the Currumbin Eagles with Wailer Whaiapu doing well in the 9th minute when after receiving the ball on the bounce to the left of the play the ball and twenty seven metres out, Wailer Whaiapu was able to promote the ball to ten metres out, breaking two tackles and executing a 360 clockwise spin along the journey.

Wailer Whaiapu then took the second hit-up of the second half with Wailer Whaiapu making thirty metres to get five metres into Currumbin territory. Wailer Whaiapu then backed up to take the fourth hit-up in the same set of six to get within ten metres of the try line.

Wailer Whaiapu continued his strong match in the 38th minute with a fifteen metre run to get the ball twenty two metres from the try line after receiving an off-load from Bailey McConnell.

Wailer Whaiapu continued at lock in Round Fifteen against the Southport Tigers.

The 2022 GCRL U18 Division One Week One Semi-final saw Wailer Whaiapu start in the front row for the Burleigh Bears against the Currumbin Eagles with Wailer Whaiapu making a line break in the 28th minute when he ran off a good short ball from his left from Bailey McConnell with Wailer Whaiapu making fourteen metres to get within eleven metres of the try line.

In September 2022 Wailer Whaiapu was selected in the Queensland Rugby League U17 Queensland City side that played a Queensland Country U17 side in a curtain-raiser to the 2022 Queensland Cup Grand Final at Redcliffe.

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Titans contracted Majah Peachey was named to start at right second row in Round One of the 2023 U16 Cyril Connell Cup competition for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls against the Burleigh Bears with Majah Peachey making a line break in the 53rd minute when from forty two metres out from the try line Majah Peachey picked up a dropped Burleigh ball and ran to his right with majah Peachey using a left arm fend to comprehensively get rid of one defender before charging down the right touchline before being tackled just sixteen metres out.

In the 19th minute Majah Peachey from two passes to the right of a Wynnum Manly scrum win and forty metres out Majah Peachey after receiving the ball easily beat the initial Bears defender with a left arm fend before carrying three more defenders ten metres downfield.

Majah Peachy made a further strong run in the 33rd minute when from twenty eight metres out from his own try line Majah Peachey charged onto the ball to the right of the play the ball and carried a number of defenders thirteen metres downfield.

From a Wynnum Manly penalty tap in the 41st minute forty metre out from the try line Majah Peachey took the responsibility of taking the hit-up with Majah Peachey making ten metres, seven of which were post contact.

Majah Peachey made another thirteen metres in the 44th minute with a strong run to the left of the play the ball that ended when Majah Peachey was tackled forty one metres out from his own try line.

Majah Peachey along with Christian Rivers made the opening tackle of the match after Wynnym Manly had kicked off to get the season underway. Majah Peachey then back up to run to his right from marker to also make the next tackle.

Then in the 21st minute Majah Peachey made a smart play whilst at marker with Majah Peachey getting around the Bears player who had played the ball to disrupt the Bears dummy half forcing him to knock the ball on thirty two metres away from his own try line.

After missing Round Two Majah-Rose Peachey has been named at right second row in Round Three against the Souths Logan Magpies.

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Titans contracted Ryder Williams was named to start at five eight in Round One of the 2023 U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition for the Burleigh Bears against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls with Ryder Williams recording a try assist in the 19th minute when after receiving the ball twelve metres out from the try line and to the left of the play the ball Ryder Williams ran parallel to the Seagulls defensive line and then at the last minute Ryder Williams put in a grubber kick with the outside of his right foot with Matari Donovan then racing through to get the ball down just before the dead ball line and mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Ryder Williams also recorded an earlier try assist in the 3rd minute when from eight metres out and on the left side of the field Ryder Williams ran to his left and threw a good short ball to Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy who ran a straight crash line only to be held up ten metres in from the left corner post.

Ryder Williams recorded a line break in the 34th minute when after receiving the ball to the left of the play the ball from the dummy half Ryder Williams ran at the oncoming defensive line before stepping off his left to beat the initial defender with Ryder Williams then skipping out of another attempted tackle. After racing thirty five metres down the centre of the field Ryder Williams was able to draw the fullback and get a pass away to his right to Austin Marsters.

Ryder Williams recorded a line break assist in the 8th minute when from thirty five metres out from his own try line Ryder Williams ran the ball down a short left blindside and after running ten metres towards the Wynnum Manly defensive line Ryder Williams threw a great hard flat cut-out pass to put left winger Matari Donovan away down the left touch line.

Ryder Williams also started at five eight in for Round Two against the Souths Logan Magpies with Ryder Williams initial impact in the match coming after just twelve seconds (yes seconds) when from the second play of the match Ryder Williams received the ball to the left of the dummy half inside his own twenty metre area and then threw a cut-out pass to his left to put left centre Sam Stephenson on a twenty metre run down the left side of the field.

Ryder Williams then recorded a try assist in the 30th minute when from nine metres out and to the left of the uprights Ryder Williams threw a hard flat cut-out pass to his left to put Sam Stephenson on the outside of the last Magpies right sided defender with Sam Stephenson crossing the try line wide out on the right before bringing the ball around and putting it down ten metres to the left of the uprights.

Ryder Williams recorded a line break assist in the 41st minute when from on the halfway mark Ryder Williams threw a cut-out pass to his left to put Matari Donovan on a fifteen metre burst down the left touchline.

Ryder Williams ran the ball himself in the 56th minute from thirty five metres out from his own try line down a short left blindside with Ryder Williams stepping his way to within three metres of the try line.

Ryder Williams did well in the 11th minute when he chased through a Bears clearing kick and smashed the Magpies fullback with a heavy front on tackle as the fullback was returning the kick with Ryder Williams initial contact rocking the fullback back onto his heals.

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Kwinn Wolf has been an ever present in the Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup side this year and in Round Five on Saturday he will line up once again in the front row against the North Coast Bulldogs.

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The Titans Cup Year 7 and 8 school boy rugby league competitions are underway with the Marsden SHS Year 8B side having a great 34-6 win over Beaudesert SHS.

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The Titans partnered SHS Year 7 School Boy rugby league side had a great start to their 2023 campaign winning all six of their Tonie Carroll Cup matches to finish as the Champions with a for and against of +150 being 160 points for just ten against.

When you take into account the PBC defeated the likes of Keebra Park and Marsden, it is a great start to their year.

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Other Titans Cup Year 7/8 Boys Division One Round One results:

Coombabah SHS 44 - 4 Keebra Park SHS Maroon

Marymount College 26 - 8 Marsden SHS Maroon

Keebra Park SHS Blue 32 - 0 Mable Park SHS

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Titans contracted Sam Stephenson was named to start at left centre in Round One of the 2023 U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition for the Burleigh Bears against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls with the first of strong runs for Sam Stephenson coming in the 3rd minute when from the left of a Burleigh scrum win in the centre of the field and twenty metres out from the try line Sam Stephenson ran a hard straight line and got to seven metres out from the try line with three Seagulls forced to commit to the tackle to stop Sam Stephenson’s forward progress.

Then in the 6th minute with Bruelgih deep inside their own twenty metre area Sam Stephenson looped around from the left to the right to take the ball off the dummy half with Sam Stephenson able to get the ball twenty two metres out from his own try line.

Four minute later in the 10th minute Sam Stephenson once again ran a hard straight running line from the left of a Burleigh scrum win three metres inside his own territory with Sam Stephenson bulldozing his way twelve metres inside Wynnum Manly territory dragging multiple defenders behind him as he went. Sam Stephenson was then awarded a penalty when the Wynnum Manly defenders would not allowa Sam Stephenson to his feet in a timely fashion.

Sam Stephenson added a line break to his strong match in the 38th minute when with Wynnum Manly on the attack within twenty metres of the Burleigh try line, Sam Stephenson scooped up an errant Seagulls pass and broke two tackles as Sam Stephenson got to within ten metres of the halfway line.

Sam Stephenson also started at left centre in Round Two against the Souths Logan Magpies with Sam Stephenson scoring a double in a big Burleigh victory.

Sam Stephenson scored his opening try in the 30th minute when from nine metres out and to the left of the uprights Ryder Williams threw a hard flat cut-out pass to his left to put Sam Stephenson on the outside of the last Magpies right sided defender with Sam Stephenson crossing the try line wide out on the right before bringing the ball around and putting it down ten metres to the left of the uprights.

Sam Stephenson added his second try in the 35th minute when after receiving the ball two passes to the left of a Bears scrum win twenty metres out, Sam Stephenson stepped off his left foot to seasily beat the offosing defender with Sam Stephenson then beating two more defenders as he raced to score eight metres to the left of the uprights.

Sam Stephenson also recorded a try assist in the 65th minute when after receiving a great catch and pass off-load from his inside from Zyroam Tauwara-Herlihy when thirty seven metres out from the try line Sam Stephenson burst down the left side of the field and when ten metres from the try line Sam Stepehsnon drew the Magpies fullback and got the ball away to his left to Matari Donovan show scored in the left corner.

Sam Stephenson’s first strong run of the match came after just twelve seconds (yes seconds) when from the second play of the match Ryder Williams received the ball to the left of the dummy half inside his own twenty metre area and then threw a cut-out pass to his left to put left centre Sam Stephenson on a twenty metre run down the left side of the field. Sam Stephenson was then able to draw a Magpies defender and get the ball away to Matari Donovan who flashed down the left wing but unfortunately put a foot on the touchline near the halfway mark.

Sam Stephenson made another strong run in just the 2nd minute with a fourteen metre run on the left side of the field from his own thirty metre mark to get the ball over the forty metre mark. Then in the 26th minute Sam Stpehenson ran a straight crash line from his own eighteen metre mark to the left of the play the ball with Sam Stpehenson getting the ball thirty metres away from his own try line.

Then in the 33rd minue from a Bears penalty tap restart from five metres inside his own territory Sam Stephenson took the centre of the Souths Logan defensive line on and got the ball ten metres into Magpies territory.

Sam Stephenson’s performance saw him named in the centres in the 2023 Courier Mail MM Cup Round Two Team of the Week.

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David Bryenton was named to start on the right wing in Round One of the 2023 U16 Cyril Connell Cup competition for the Burleigh Bears against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls with David Bryenton almost scoring with his first touch in just the 2nd minute but his dive towards the right corner was thwarted by the Seagulls cover defence just short.

David Bryenton’s second touch of the ball in the 4th minute was even better, with Burleigh trapped in their left corner less than ten metres out from his own try line, David Bryenton came across from his right wing to receive the ball near the centre of the field around ten metres out and immediately ran to his right and after getting on the outside of the last Wynnum Manly left sided defender David Bryenton beat three Seagulls defenders with his speed down the right touchline with David Bryenton then stepping back to his inside to beat the Wynnum Manly fullback thirty metres out from the try line with David Bryenton then able to off-load to his inside to Nelson Makaafi.

David Bryenton made another line break in the 32nd minute when from five metres inside his own territory David Bryenton took possession to the right of the play the ball and after beating one defender with a left arm fend David Bryenton was able to promote the ball to eithin thirty three metres of the try line.

David Bryenton made an outstanding try saving tackle in the 46th minute when after the Seagulls fullback chimed into the backline thirty metres out and on the left side of the field with with the fullback seemingly destined to score in the left corner only for David Bryention to came off his wing and crunch him two metres short of the try line with David Bryenton’s great initial contact stopping his momentum completely.

David Bryenton’s performance saw him named on the wing in the 2023 Cyril Connell Cup Round One Team of the Round.

Unfortunately David Bryenton missed Round Two against the Souths Logan magpies but he has been named in the centres for Round Three against the Brisbane Tigers.

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2023 sees Titus Marsden attend Titans partnered PBC SHS and Titus Marsden will be pushing for playing time in the PBC SHS Langer Cup Open A School Boy Rugby League side.

In late September 2022 Titus Marsden was named in the 2023 Tweed Heads Seagulls U18 MM Cup squad with Titus Marsden also MM Cup eligible in 2024.

Titus Marsden’s first match in 2023 came in late January when he lined up for the Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup squad in their first 2023 MM Cup trial against the Souths Logan Magpies at the Logan Metro Sports Complex.

Titus Marsden was then part of the Seagulls squad for their second trial against the Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup side at Burleigh Juniors as part of the Titans Annual Super Saturday series of matches as well as the third trial against local rivals the Burleigh Bears.

The Helensvale Hornets local and Gold Coast junior had an outstanding 2021 season that culminated in the young man being named the 2021 Gold Coast Rugby League U15 Player of the Season. An impressive feat considering the exceptional strength of that competition on the Gold Coast in 2021.

In October 2021 Titus Marsden was named in the talented Tweed Heads Seagulls U16 Cyril Connell Cup squad and Titus Marsden was involved in the Seagulls first trial of 2022 when Tweed Heads took on the Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup squad at Pizzey Park.

Round One of the 2022 U16 Cyril Connell Cup competition saw Titus Marsden named on the bench for the Tweed Heads Seagulls against the Burleigh Bears however Titus Marsden was a late game day scratching.

Titus Marsden was also named on the bench for Round Two against the Redcliffe Dolphins and after a Round Three bye Titus Marsden moved to the right wing for Round Four against the Easts Tigers, a match that saw Titus Marsden make a line break down the right wing in the e37th minute when he was able to make around twenty metres before being taken into touch less than ten metres from the try line.

Titus Marsden also was named to start on the right wing in Round Five against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls however in a late positional switch Titus Marsden in fact started the match at fullback and could not have been in the match any earlier when the Wynnum Manly kick-off dropped short, Titus Marsden did a great job diving forward to take the kick-off on the full.

2022 also saw Titus Marsden continue to play for the Helensvale Hornets in the Gold Coast Rugby League U16 Division One competition including wearing the No. 14 jersey as the Hornets defeated Burleigh in the 2022 Grand Final.

Titus Marsden made a strong impact when he came onto the field to operate on the right side of the field in the Hornets Grand Final victory including scoring in the 38th minute when after chasing through a kick into the in-goal Tits Marsden dived on the ball in the in-goal to core five metres in from the right corner post.

In September 2022 Titus Marsden was named in the South Queensland Maori U16 Tuakana representative squad.

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Kaleb Hope started Round One of the 2023 NSWRL U18 Laurie Daley Cup competition on the bench for the Northern Tigers with Kaleb Hope coming on to score a try and kick four conversions from as many attempts including a number of wide out near the touchlines in a good win over the North Coast Bulldogs.

When Kaleb Hope came onto the field the Northern Tigers were down by around 20 – 0 but that changed quickly with Kaleb Hope being one of the key reasons that the Northern Tigers came roaring back (excuse the terrible pun) to record a 30 – 26 come from behind victory.

Kaleb Hope then moved into the starting line-up at five eight in Round Two against the Newcastle Knights with Kaleb Hope kicking three conversions from as many attempts.

Round Three against the Central Coast Roosters saw Kaleb Hope on the move position wise once again with Kaleb Hope starting the match at right centre with Kaleb Hope scoring twenty two of the Tigers thirty four points being 65% of his team’s total points from three tries and five conversions from six attempts.

Kaleb Hope scored his opening try in the 18th minute when Kaleb Hope ran into a gap from ten metres out to score six metres in from the right corner post.

Kaleb Hope scored his second try in the 35th minute when with the Roosters bring the ball out of their own territory in the opening set of six from the second half kick0off, Kaleb Hope took an intercept and ran thirty five metres to score five metres to the right of the uprights.

Kaleb Hope completed his hat trick in the 56th minute when after the Roosters fullback lost the ball when he was returning a kick, Kaleb Hope swooped on the ball twenty two metres out and ran down the right touchline to dive over to score five metres in from the right corner post.

Kaleb Hope was also named at right centre in Round Four against the Northern Rivers Titans with Kaleb Hope scoring eighteen points from a try and seven conversions from as many attempts.

Kaleb Hope scored in the 50th minute when after receiving the ball around twelve metres out, Kaleb Hope was able to get on the outside of his direct opponent and slip the attempted tackle and then bringthe ball around to dive over seven metres to the right o the uprights.

Kaleb Hope has also been named at right centre in Round Five against the Western Rams.

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Round Three of the 2023 U16 Cyril Connell Cup competition sees Keebra park SHS student Christian Mikaele named on the bench for the Ipswich Jets against the Western Clydesdales.

In 2022 Christian Mikaele attended Keebra Park SHS playing in the Titans Cup School Boy competition and operating at lock and five eight for Keebra Park SHS.

Also in 2022 Christian Mikaele played for Goodna in the Ipswich Rugby League U15 competition with Christian Mikaele starting at five eight and captain in all of Goodna’s matches.

Christian Mikaele had a particularly strong 2022 Ipswich Rugby League U15 Grand Final scoring a hat trick in Goonda’s 40 – 16 impressive victory against Ipswich Brothers.

In the 2022 Ipswich Rugby League U15 regular season competition Christian Mikaele scored five tries including a double in Round Twelve against the Fassifern Bombers. Christian Mikaele also scored in Round One against the Lowood Stags and against Norths in Rounds Three and Ten. Christian Mikaele also kicked conversions in Round Eight against Lowood and Round Twelve against the Fassifern Bombers.

Christian Mikaele finished as the 2022 Ipswich Rugby League U15 competitions equal third leading try scorer with eight tries and equal eight in overall points with thirty six from his eight tries and two conversions.

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Keebra Park SHS student Christian Rivers was named to start in the front row in Round One of the 2023 U16 Cyril Connell Cup competition for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls against the Burleigh Bears with Christian Rivers along with Majah Peachey making the opening tackle of the match after Wynnum Manly had kicked off to get the season underway.

Christian Rivers made another strong run in the 47th minute when from ten metres out from the try line and to the left of the play the ball Christian Rivers rumbled forward to get within a metres of the try line mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Christian Rivers’s performance saw him named in the front row in the 2023 CC Cup Round One Team of the Round.

Christian Rivers was also named in the front row in Round Two against the Norths Devils however he was a late scratching from the match.

In late 2022 Christian Rivers was named as the Keebra Park SHS 2022 Hancock Cup School Boy Rugby League Player of the Year and Christian Rivers was also named on the bench in the 2022 Keebra Park SHS Rugby League Team of the Year, two absolutely outstanding achievements to say the least for the talented young forward.

In 2022 Christian Rivers started in the front row in all of Keebra Park SHS’s Hancock Cup school boy Rugby League matches, making a strong impression in each and every one of them. The 2022 Keebra Park SHS forward pack was exceptional and Christian Rivers was one of the key reasons that they dominated the majority of the forward packs that took Keebra Park SHS on.

2022 also saw Christian Rivers play for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls in the GBJRL U4 Division One competition including starting in the second row in the Grand Final loss against the Redcliffe Dolphins.

Christian Rivers proved to be a try scorer of note for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls in 2022 including scoring four doubles, the first of which came in Round Ten against Aspley, then Christian Rivers scored a double in Round Twelve against the Easts Tigers.

In the GBJRL U14 Division One competition regular season Christian Rivers also scored in Round Three against Aspley, Round Eight against the Norths Devils, Round Nine against Logan Brothers and Round Thirteen against the Redcliffe Dolphins.

Christian Rivers had a particularly strong 2022 GBJRL U14 Division One competition Finals series, scoring doubles in the Qualifying and Preliminary Finals, on both occasions in victories against Logan Brothers.

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Sione Tonga has been named on the bench for the Northern Rivers Titans in their Round Five U16 Andrew Johns Cup match against the North Coast Bulldogs this weekend.

The tall, long striding Marist Ram from Lismore has been one of the best ball runners in the 2021 Group One U14 and 2022 U15 competitions regardless of position.

Sione Tonga started in the centres for the Marist Brothers Rams in Round One of the 2022 Group One U15 competition against the Ballina Seagulls and Sione Tonga had a great match including scoring four tries, a couple spectacular individual efforts. Sione Tonga added a further try in Round Eight against the South Grafton Rebels.

In addition to playing a number of matches in the centres Sione Tonga also played matches in the second row including in Round Eleven against the Clarence Coast Magpies with Sione Tonga also scoring in that match.

Then also from the second row position Sione Tonga scored an impressive hat trick in Round Thirteen against the Grafton Ghosts before going one better by scoring four tries in Round Fourteen against the South Grafton Rebels.

Sione Tonga then started from the bench in the rescheduled Round Two match against the Clarence Coast Magpies with Sione Tonga scoring twice for the Rams.

In Week One of the 2022 Group One U15 Finals series Sione Tonga started in the centres for the Marist Rams against the Grafton Ghosts.

Sione Tonga finished the 2022 Group One U15 season as the competition’s leading try scorer with nineteen tries and finished third from an overall points scoring perspective with seventy eight points when you add in Sione Tonga’s conversion.

2022 also saw Sione Tonga named in the U15 First Nations Goanna’s side on the bench for the U15 Australian School Boy Rugby League Championships that were held in Redcliffe.

2022 also saw Sione Tonga named in the U15 North Coast School Boy Rugby League Representative side from Richmond River High School.

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Round Three of the 2023 U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition sees Marsden SHS student Cairo Rangihuna-Ruri named to start at five eight for the Souths Logan Magpies against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

One of the best (if not the best) players in the 2022 Langer Reserve School Boy Rugby League competition was Titans partnered Marsden SHS second rower Cairo Rangihuna-Ruri who put in some outstanding performances including a dominant Langer Reserve School Boy Grand Final performance against fellow Titans partnered PBC State High School.

Cairo Rangihuna-Ruri played the majority of the 2022 School Boy Rugby League season in the Langer Reserve competition including an outstanding performance that included a fifty metre try against Redcliffe SHS but Cairo Rangihuna-Ruri did make a number of appearances off the bench for Marsden SHS in the Langer Cup Open A competition.

Prior to moving over to Australia to attend the Marsden SHS Rugby Leageu Specialisation Program, Cairo Rangihuna-Ruri had a distinguished representative rugby league career in New Zealand including a dominating performance for the U16 South Island Scorpions in the 2021 U16 New Zealand Rugby League National Youth Championships, with Cairo Rangihuna-Ruri leading the way with a hat trick in the Grand Final against the Wellington Orca’s in a big 42 – 6 Scorpions victory. Cairo Rangihuna-Ruri also scored a hat trick against the Orca’s in Round One of the Championships.

Prior to the 2021 National Youth Championships Cairo Rangihuna-Ruri was named the U16 Most Valuable Player at the 2021 Southern Zone Rugby League Tournament with Cairo Rangihuna-Ruri representing Canterbury in the Tournament.

Prior to his move to Marsden SHS Cairo Rangihuna-Ruri attended Shirley Boys High in Canterbury on New Zealand’s South Island and as a 16 year old in 2021 Cairo Rangihuna-Ruri was part of the Shirley Boys High First XV side with Cairo Rangihuna-Ruri interestingly playing at fullback in the First XV including an exceptional performance by Cairo Rangihuna-Ruri after starting the match at No. 15 against St Bedes.

From a club rugby league perspective in New Zealand Cairo Rangihuna-Ruri played multiple seasons with the powerful Linwood Kea’s rugby league club that is based in Canterbury in New Zealand’s South Island.

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Round Three of the 2023 U16 Cyril Connell Cup competition sees Keebra Park SHS student Royal Taito named on the wing for the Ipswich Jets against the Western Clydesdales.

The hard running centre or second rower attended Keebra Park State High School in 2022 as part of the Keebra Park SHS Renouf Cup School Boy Rugby League side.

Royal Taito started Round One against Ipswich SHS at left second row.

Royal Taito also started Round Two against Redcliffe State High School at left second row and scored a great solo try in the 26th minute when after receiving a good ball from his right Royal Taito burst between two defenders who had no hope of stopping them and then Royal Taito raced seventy metres to score under the posts with no defenders in sight.

Royal Taito also made a line break in the 18th minute when he burst through a gap after receiving the ball two passes to the left of the play the ball with Royal Taito making eighteen metres before being tackled twelve metres out from the try line.

Royal Taito started Round Three against Mabel Park State High School at left second row and made the opening two tackles of the match after Keebra Park SHS had kicked off. In affecting the second tackle of the match Royal Taito picked up a dropped ball by Mabel Park SHS thirty metres from the line and immediately turned and charged towards the try line breaking three tackles to get to ten metres out from the try line and directly in front of the goal posts. Royal Taito then executed an exceptionally quick play the ball with Keebra Park SHS scoring through half Harvey Smith scoring as a result.

Royal Taito also did well in the 45th minute when he took possession from a Mabel Park SHS kick-off and was able to progress the ball thirty metres downfield, breaking three tackles in the process.

Royal Taito continued at left second row in Round Five against Caloundra State High School with Royal Taito scored a double in a big Keebra Park SHS victory.

Royal Taito scored his opening try in the 17th minute when from just inside Forest Lake SHS territory, Royal Taito charged into a gap off a short ball from his right from Qubin Anderson with Royal Taito racing forty three metres to score mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Royal Taito completed his double in the 31st minute when from forty metres out from his own try line Royal Taito once again charged into a gap off a Qubin Anderson short ball with Royal Taito stepping off his left foot at full speed to get past the front line defenders before a right foot step beat the fullback with Royal Taito then racing sixty metres to score next to the left upright.

Royal Taito continued at left second row in Round Six against PBC State High School with Royal Taito scoring in the 34th minute when Royal Taito burst onto a pass from his right from Qubin Anderson on the halfway mark, Royal Taito then stepped off his left foot to beat the PBC SHS fullback to race away to put the ball down under the posts.

Royal Taito also made his presence felt defensively including in the 5th minute when he executed a strong front on tackle on the PBC SHS No. 8 who was bringing the ball out of his own twenty metre zone with the ball flying loose.

Royal Taito also executed a great tackle in the 16th minute when he charged out of the marker position to smash his opposite number with once again the ball flying loose, Royal Taito was able to pick up the ball and make ground downfield.

Royal Taito also started at left second row Marsden SHS with Royal Taito making the opening tackle of the match before backing that up by making the third tackle as well.

Royal Taito also did well defensively in the 36th minute when he chased down the Marsden SHS fullback from behind, grabbing the back of his jersey around two metres out from the try line when it looked a certain Marsden SHS try but Royal Taito was able to stop the five eight dead in his tracks to prevent the try being scored.

Royal Tiato also started at left second row in the 2022 Renouf Cup Semi-Final against Marsden SHS with Royal Tiato making a thirty five metre line break down the left touchline in the 13th minute.

Royal Tiato also made a line break in the 35th minute when from just inside his own territory Royal Tiato broke three tackles during an eighteen metre run before Royal Tiato was able to get an off-load away to his right to Kingston Seve.

Royal Tiato made a further strong run in the 18th minute when he ran an underneath route off Harvey Smith with Royal Tiato making sixteen metres to get the ball ten metres into Marsden SHS territory.

Royal Tiato started the 2022 School Boy Renouf Cup Grand Final against Ipswich SHS at left second row.

From a club rugby league perspective Royal Taito played for Redback Plains in the Ipswich Rugby League U14 competition in 2022 and had a couple of big matches including a hat trick in Round One against West End.

Royal Taito also had doubles in Rounds Three and Eight against Brothers and Round Seven against the Springfield Panthers. Royal Taito then added a further double in Round Ten against Laidley/Rosewood.

The 2022 Ipswich Rugby League U14 Division One Week One Semi-final saw Royal Tiato start at left second row for Redbank against Laidley/Rosewood.

The 2022 Ipswich Rugby League U14 Division One Grand Final saw Royal Tiato named at left centre for Redbank Plains against Goodna.

Royal Tiato was named at left centre in the 2022 Ipswich Rugby League U15 Week One Semi-final for Redbank Plains against Ipswich Brothers.

Whilst Royal Taito played at left second row for Keebra Park SHS, he played at left centre for Redbank Plains although Royal Tiato moved to left second row towards the end of the season.

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In late September 2022 Titans contracted Marsden SHS student William Semu was named in the 2023 Tweed Heads Seagulls U18 MM Cup squad however ultimately William Semu is playing the 2023 season with the Souths Logan Magpies MM Cup squad with Willima Semu starting the final two quarters of the Magpies second 2023 trial against the Burleigh Bears with William Semu scoring in the fourth quarter of the Magpies victory in the Titans Super Saturday series of matches at Burleigh Juniors.
William Semu was named on the left wing in Round One of the 2023 U18 Mal Meninga Cup competition for the Souths Logan Magpies against the Redcliffe Dolphins.

William Semu was also named on the left wing in Round Two against the Burleigh Bears with William Semu’s opening strong run coming in the 3rd minute with William Semu making ten metres from the right of the play the ball to withing forty two metres of the try line.

William Semu made a further strong run in the 15th minute when from the left of a Souths Logan scrum win nineteen metres out from his own try line William Semu carried a number of Bearrs defenders out to the thirty one mtre mark.

William Semu has been named on the bench for Round Three against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

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Great to see Tians Seth Kikotemo, Arama Hau and Immanuel Kalekale got back to Keebra Park SHS to represent the Titans at the recent Keebra Park SHS 2024 Year Seven rial day.

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Round Three of the 2023 U16 Cyril Connell Cup competition sees Titans contracted PBC SHS student Devin Bates-Wellington named on the bench for the Tweed Heads Seagulls in their match against the Redcliffe Dolphins.

Devin Bates-Wellington’s first match on Australian soil came in late January when he lined up for the Tweed Heads Seagulls Cyril Connell Cup squad in their first 2023 trial against the Souths Logan Magpies at the Logan Sports Complex.

Devin Bates-Wellington then started in the second row in the Seagulls second trial against the Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup side at Burleigh Juniors as part of the Titans Annual Super Saturday series of matches.

Devin Bates-Wellington then started at right second row in Tweed Heads final 2023 CC Cup trial against the Seagulls local rivals the Burleigh Bears.

In 2022 Devin Bates-Wellington who played for the Ellerslie Eagles Rugby League club in Auckland was named as the joint Most Valuable Player in the 2022 U15 Auckland Rugby League Region of Origin Representative Competition with Devin Bates-Wellington starting at lock for Auckland North in the series of two matches. Devin Bates-Wellington was also named in the second row in the 2022 U15 Auckland Rugby League Merit Team at the conclusion of the series.

In Game One of the 2022 U15 Auckland Region of Origin match Devin Bates-Wellington who started the match at lock, scored in the opening minutes of the second half when from around ten metres out and on the left side of the field, Devin Bates-Wellington chased through a short grubber kick into the in-goal from the inside, initially it appeared that the Auckland South fullback had taken possession of the ball but Devin Bates-Wellington was able to take the ball out of the grasp of the fullback by way of a one on one strip or steal whilst both players were in the in-goal and Devin Bates-Wellington then got the ball down twelve metres in from the left corner post.

Prior to moving to the Gold Coast Devin Bates-Wellington attended Westlake’s Boys High with Devin Bates-Wellington being part of their U15 Nine’s side that defeated Southern Cross Campus in the 2022 Nine’s School Boy Grand Final with Devin Bates-Wellington wearing the No. 1 jersey in the Westlake Boys High Nine’s Grand Final victory against Southern Cross.

2022 also saw Devin Bates-Wellington play for an Auckland U15 Invitational side against a New Zealand Warriors selection and prior to moving to Australia, Devin Bates-Wellington was part of the Sydney Roosters Development Program including attending a number of Development camps in New Zealand as well as playing a number of Academy matches for the Sydney Roosters Development Squad.

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Well done to Latrell Gordan for his selection in the NSW CHS Far North Coast U15 Rugby League representative side.

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Titans contracted Jeriah Vagana-Malaitai will start on the wing this afternoon for the Ioswich Jets against the Western Clydesdles in Round Three of the MM Cup.