Junior Development

[mdrew]

The 2021 Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup squad has three members of the 2020 Brisbane Grammar School First XV rugby side in its squad in Campbell Watchairs, Kuse Remine and JT Manuofetoa.

To add to the number, another squad member, being Connor Te Kani was part of the Brisbane Grammar School First XV side in 2019 before spending 2020 at Keebra Park.

[mdrew]

After being named the Coombabah State High School Open Rugby League Player of the 2020 season, goal kicking Ormeau Shearers lock Jordan Lewis will start the 2021 season as part of the Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup squad.

[Titans_alan]

Mdrew, Jordan Lewis is an interesting proposition. He reminds me of an old style footballer from the 80s and 90s. I love to watch him play. BUT in what position do you think he plays his best football?

[mdrew]

Very good question mate, prior to this season he played a lot of five eight and this year lock for Coombabah. For me likely lock is his best position as a solidly built, low centre of gravity type. Maybe reps at dummy half as would help from a versatility perspective.

In short term, a very good option off the bench as he can play multiple positions effectively.

Mdrew, Jordan Lewis is an interesting proposition. He reminds me of an old style footballer from the 80s and 90s. I love to watch him play. BUT in what position do you think he plays his best football?

[mdrew]

Translating their natural talent into outstanding results on the field can be very difficult but one player who did that in 2020 was Titans linked Ballina youngster Kye Cooper.

The play maker will take his outstanding 2020 form into the 2021 Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup squad.

[mdrew]

One of the things that I will be interested in when the MM Cup trials come around in 2021 is where the Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup coaching staff will play Titans contracted Reef Sommerville, with the young man being able to play both in the centres and in the second row (primarily on the right).

Last year for the Northern Rivers Titans, Cudgen and PBC Reef Sommerville played exclusively in the centres, but it will be interesting to see where he plays in 2021.

[mdrew]

When the Southport School (TSS) First XV squad restarts their training schedule in 2021, there will be a distinct Titans flavour in the squad with Titans contracted Kaleb Ngamanu, Nicholas Hilton and Syris Schmidt in the mix for a starting spot and also Brock Lennox who in 2021 will still be U16 eligible may also get a First XV opportunity in 2021.

[mdrew]

Good playmakers are hard to find but the 2021 Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup squad have a very good one in their ranks in Titans linked Bo Peisley.

[mdrew]

2020 Ormeau Shearers U20 stand out Izaya Leota has recently been named in the 2021 Queensland Touch U20 State of Origin Squad.

[mdrew]

Even though he is still U18 eligible in 2021, Titans contracted Caleb Gould-Waiariki who is part of the Burleigh Bears 2021 MM Cup Squad has been named in the 2021 Queensland Touch U20 State of Origin Squad.

[mdrew]

The Titans have an exceptional amount of second row talent in their current NRL squad, but one young man who will shoot up the rankings over the next twelve months is Titans NRL Development contract holder Tristian Powell.

In 2020 Tristian Powell excelled against men in the GCRL First Grade competition with Burleigh and I believe that he will turn a lot of heads in the Titans 2021 NRL trials.

[mdrew]

The 2021 Burleigh Bears Hastings Deering's Colts squad will certainly not be found wanting from a size perspective with Titans contracted Isaac Matalavea-Booth in the side.

In 198cm, 112 kg front rower is also quite mobile for his size and happily throws his weight around, both in attack and defence.

[mdrew]

The increased instances of the six more tackles rule in 2021, lightning quick fullbacks, with outstanding speed and anticipation who can hover around the play the ball and inject themselves into the play as opposition forwards wear down will become even more valuable.

That is good news for the Titans who have in their ranks, the most elusive and electric fullback currently not playing in the NRL in Jayden Campbell.

He may not burst onto the NRL scene until 2022 but I can guarantee all Titans fan that it will certainly be worth the wait.

[mdrew]

The Titans have am outstanding talented contracted in Taelon Te Whiu Hopa but younger brother Dahnte Te Whiu Hopa who also plays for the Southport Tigers is also an outstanding talent in his own right to keep an eye on.

[mdrew]

The historic agreement between the Titans and Keebra Park will no doubt play early and significant dividends especially when you take into account the likes of Keebra Park Rugby League Academy student Mateo Faleono.

The young man who plays for the Coomera Cutters has already represented Queensland (at the U12 level in 2019) and Samoa in rugby and is a young player of immense potential.