My take on our top juniors

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Cooper Camby. In late 2022 Cooper Camby was selected in the 2023 Tweed Heads Seagulls Hastings Deering’s Colts squad after playing a number of Colts matches for the Seagulls when still U18 eligible in 2022.

In 2023 Cooper Camby made his first appearance for the Seagulls Colts side when he started at left centre in Round Six against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls with Cooper Camby making the opening Seagulls run of the match from the left of a Seagulls scrum win with Cooper Camby carrying the ball from his own ten metre mark to over the twenty metre mark.

Cooper Camby made a good run in the 35th minute when from twenty two metres out from the try line Cooper Camby carried the ball to within two metres of the try line and was able to get an off-load away to his left but a desperate Wynnum Manly defender was able to intercept the pass to prevent a Tweed Heads try.

Cooper Camby made a further good run in the 60th minute from the right of the play the ball with Cooper Camby carrying the ball from three metres out from his own try line to twelve metres out against an on rushing defensive line.

Cooper Camby continued at left centre in Round Nine against the Mackay Cutters with Cooper Camby scoring in the 58th minute when after receiving a desperate off-load from his inside, Cooper Camby had a comfortable to three metre run to put the ball down untouched two metres in from the left corner post.

Earlier in the 17th minute Cooper Camby did well to get down low and cleanly take a Cutters grubber kick just out from his own try line with Cooper Camby then doing well to stay in the field of play.

Then in the 63rd minute Cooper Camby came into the centre of the field to assist the Seagulls carry the ball out of their own territory with Cooper Camby running onto the ball to the left of the play the ball and getting the ball from twenty two metres out from his own try line to thirty four metres out.

Cooper Camby played well in the Tweed Heads Seagulls opening 2023 trial against the Souths Logan Magpies. Cooper Camby then started at right centre in the Seagulls late February 2023 trial against the Burleigh Bears.

Round One of the Gold Coast Rugby League Doug Lipp Cup Competition saw Cooper Camby start at left centre of the Tugun Seahawks against the Runaway Bay Seagulls with Cooper Camby scoring twice.

Cooper Camby scored his opening try in the 24th minute when after moving into dummy half with the play the ball a metre from the try line Cooper Camby ran out of dummy half to his left and after being engaged by a defender on the try line, Cooper Camby spun clockwise to ground the ball five metres in from the left corner post.

Cooper Camby scored his second try of the match in the 48th minute when after receiving the ball ten metres out and in space, Cooper Camby stepped off his left foot to beat the Seagulls fullback and then was able to bring the ball around to score under the posts.

Cooper Camby moved to right centre in Round Two against the Currumbin Eagles with Cooper Camby scoring in the 20th minute when after receiving a pass from his left when eight metres out Cooper Camby charged towards the try line and then spun clockwise on the try line and got the ball down five metres in from the right corner post.

Round Four saw Cooper Camby move to fullback against the Helensvale Hornets with Cooper Camby scoring two tries and kicking four conversions.

Cooper Camby’s opening try came in the 23rd minute when after backing up a Seahawks line break down the left touchline and backing up through the centre of the field, Cooper Camby received the ball around sixteen metres out and had an easy run to score under the posts untouched.

Cooper Camby scored his second try in the 48th minute when Cooper Camby chimed into the backline on the left side of the field and from thirty metres out ran straight through a big gap in the defensive line with Cooper Camby stepping inside off his right foot near the try line and wide out on the left with Cooper Camby then bringing the ball around to score under the posts for the second time in the match.

Cooper Camby was promoted to the Tugun GCRL First Grade side at right centre in Round Three against the Southport Tigers with Cooper Camby scoring a double.

Cooper Camby scored his opening try in the 6th minute from five metres out with Cooper Camby diving over to get the ball down in the right corner.

Cooper Camby completed his double in the 45th minute when Cooper Camby backed up a James Torrens line break down the right touchline with Cooper Camby receiving the ball twenty metres out and scoring mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the right side of the field.

Cooper Camby then started on the right wing in Round Seven against the Currumbin Eagles with Cooper Camby scoring a double in a 25 -4 Seahawks victory with Cooper Camby’s opening try coming in the 44th minute when after receiving a cut-out pass from his inside Cooper Camby had an eight metre run to the right corner to dive and get the ball down with his right arm in the corner.

Cooper Camby completed his double in the 77th minute when Cooper Camby picked up a Currumbin dropped ball to have an easy run to the line to comfortably put the ball down twelve metres in from the right corner post.

Cooper Camby moved inside to right centre in Round Nine against the Helensvale Hornets with Cooper Camby making a strong run in the 3rd minute from the left of a Tugun scrum win with Cooper Camby carrying the ball from fourteen metres from the halfway to just inside Hornets territory.

Then in the 15th minute Cooper Camby made a strong kick-off return to get the ball twenty three metres away from the try line with Cooper Camby then awarded a penalty for being held down too long by the Helensvale defenders.

The 59th minute saw Cooper Camby make a try saving tackle on the Hornets replacement dummy half (No. 14) less than a metre from the try lien and three metres in from the right touchline.

Cooper Camby also started at right centre in Round Ten against the Burleigh Bears with Cooper Camby scoring in the 11th minute when Cooper Camby got a pass from his inside three metres out and shrugged off one defender wot get the ball down four metres in from the right corner post.

Cooper Camby then continued at right centre in Round Eleven against the Runaway Bay Seagulls.

Round Twelve against the Currumbin Eagles saw Cooper Camby move to fullback with the positional move a master stroke with Cooper Camby scoring a try and setting up two more for the Seahawks.

Cooper Camby scored in the 33rd minute when after backing up a hit-up from one of his front rowers Cooper Camby received an off-load from his right three metres out to dart over to score five metres to the left of the uprights.

Cooper Camby recorded the first of his try assists in the 19th minute when from the left of the play the ball and six metres out Cooper Camby threw a hard flat cut-out pass to his left to put his winger over to score in the left corner.

Cooper Camby recorded his second try assist in the 68th minute when after receiving the ball two passes to the right of the play the ball Cooper Camby threw a high overhead cut out pass to his right from ten metres out for his winger to dive over to score in the right corner.

Cooper Camby ran the ball well himself in the 25th minute, running the ball down a short left blindside from his own forty metre mark and after being tripped up four metres short of the halfway mark Cooper Camby bounced straight back to his feet as he was not held and was able to get the ball three metres into Currumbin territory.

In the 24th minute Cooper Camby made a good one on one tackle on the Currumbin No. 14 four metres out from the try line and just to the right of the uprights with Cooper Camby able to force an Eagles knock-on in the tackle.

Round Thirteen then saw Cooper Camby move to five eight against the Southport Tigers with Cooper Camby also starting at five eight in Round Fourteen against the Helensvale Hornets.

Cooper Camby was back at left centre for Round Fifteen against the Burleigh Bears with Cooper Camby making twelve metres from a twenty metre tap restart in the 12th minute. Then in the 19th minute from the right of the play the ball Cooper Camby did well to carry the ball from his own try lien to out near the ten metre mark.

Cooper Camby then started at left centre in the Week One Major Semi-final against the Runaway Bay Seagulls.

Cooper Camby continued at left centre in the Week Two Elimination Final against the Burleigh Bears with Cooper Camby scoring in the 40th minute with a straight eight metre run off a pass from the dummy half to his right to score eight metres in from the left corner post.

Earlier in the 29th minute from two passes to the left of the play the ball Cooper Camby was able to carry the ball from nineteen metres out from his own try line to thirty metres out.

Cooper Camby also started at left centre in Tugun’s 16 – 6 Preliminary Final victory over the Currumbin Eagles to progress to the Grand Final.

The 2023 Gold Coast Rugby League First Grade Grand Final saw Cooper Camby come off the bench for the Tugun Seahawks against the Southport Tigers.

In early November 2021 Cooper Camby was named in the 2022 Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup squad.

Round One of the 2022 MM Cup competition saw Cooper Camby named at right centre for the Tweed Heads Seagulls against the Souths Logan Magpies with Cooper Camby on hand in the 59th minute when he chased through a Michael Roberts kick and first holding up the Souths Logan fullback and then being involved in forcing him back into the in-goal in the right corner.

Cooper Camby was also named at right centre for Round Two against the Redcliffe Dolphins and after the Seagulls had a Round Three bye, Cooper Camby started at right centre in Round Four against the Easts Tigers with Cooper Camby scoring one of the fastest tries of the season regardless of the competition in the 2nd minute when he dived over from dummy half from less than a metre out after he dived to his right.

Cooper Camby could have had a second try in the 23rd minute when he dived over in the left corner but the referee after originally looking like he was going to award a try in the end penalised Cooper Camby for a double movement.

Cooper Camby also did well defensively including in the 12th minute when he along with Keano Kini he produced a try saving tackle on the Easts left second rower who had run a straight crash line from close range.

Cooper Camby continued at right centre in Round Five against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls as well as in Round Six against the Norths Devils and the Round Seven local derby against the Burleigh Bears.

Cooper Camby started at right centre in the Seagulls opening trial when they took on the Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup squad and Cooper Camby crashed over in the right corner after the final siren to break a 12 all deadlock and give the Seagulls a first up trial victory.

Cooper Camby also started in the Seagulls next trial against the Burleigh Bears.

Cooper Camby made his Hastings Deering’s Colts debut in Round Ten of the 2022 competition when he started on the left wing against the Mackay Cutters with Cooper Camby doing exceptionally well in the 14th minute when he leapt high to take a bomb to his wing on the full two handed above his head just out from his own line and was then awarded a penalty for being tackled whist still in the air.

Cooper Camby moved to the right wing in Round Twelve against the Redcliffe Dolphins with Cooper Camby scoring the first Hastings Deering’s Colts try of his career in the 50th minute after Jotham Russell took a Oskar Bryant bomb on the full just out from the line on the right side of the field, he got an off-load away to Cooper Camby who received the ball near the right touchline. Cooper Camby then from ten metres out cut inside before straightening up and going past two defenders and then Cooper Camby was able to bring the ball around to score eight metres to the right of the goal posts.

Cooper Camby did well in the 34th minute when he tracked back to cleanly take a hard grubber kick just in the field of play and then was able to break two tackles and get the ball back to near the twenty metre mark.

Cooper Camby showcased his defensive skills in the 45th minute when he came out of the defensive line and executed a strong tackle on the big Redcliffe left centre to stop a near certain try. Cooper Camby then executed a very similar tackle on the same opponent once again with the same result just a minute later.

Round One of the 2022 Langer Cup School Boy competition saw Cooper Camby start at right centre for PBC State High School against Marsden State High School with Cooper Camby recording a line break assist in the 41at minute with a catch and pass to his right to put Jett Forbes away down the right touchline.

Cooper Camby then did well in the 44th minute when he came forward to take a short Marsden SHS kick-off on the full knowing full well that he would be smashed by the oncoming defenders, which he was.

Cooper Camby was then named at right centre for Round Two against Redcliffe State High School with Cooper Camby recording a try assist in the 57th minute when after receiving the ball from his inside Cooper Camby was able to draw in the outside Redcliffe SHS defender and get the ball away to his right to put Jett Forbes over in the corner.

Cooper Camby executed a smart piece of play in the 33rd minute after being hemmed in near the right touchline around five metres out from the line, Cooper Camby put in a short right foot grubber kick into the in-goal that had to be forced in-goal by Redcliffe SHS to force a goal-line drop-out.

Cooper Camby then made a great play from a defensive perspective in the 37th minute when he came out of the PBC SHS defensive line to smash the Redcliffe SHS fullback around seventeen metres from the try line with PCB SHS facing an overlap.

Cooper Camby was also named to continue at right centre in Round Three against Coombabah State High School with Cooper Camby scoring in the 46th minute when Zane Harrison ran the ball to his right and threw a good pass to his right to Cooper Camby who cut off his right foot and crash over to score ten metres in from the right corner.

After the mid-season break, Cooper Camby continued at right centre in Round Four against Ipswich State High School and in the 20th minute threw the final pas to his right for Jett Forbes to score in the corner.

Cooper Camby continued at right centre in Round Five against Mabel Park SHS with Cooper Camby scoring a double in a big PBC SHS victory.

Cooper Camby’s opening try came in the 45th minute when after receiving a pass from Jett Forbes, Cooper Camby raced seventy five metres down the right touchline which included a left arm fend to beat the fullback with Cooper Camby putting the ball down mid-way between the corner post and goal post on the right side of the field.

Copper Camby completed his double in the 60th minute when after Zane Harrison put in a kick to the right corner, Jett Forbes took the kick on the full whilst still on the air and being pushed over the touchline Jett Forbes got the ball back inside to Cooper Camby who dived over to score in the righty corner.

Cooper Camby also executed an outstanding try saving tackle in the match when in the 35th minute along with Keano Kini, Cooper Camby 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.

Cooper Camby could not have been in the match earlier when he ran back the ball from the opening kick-off.

Cooper Camby also started at right centre in the Round Six local derby against Keebra Park SHS as well as in Round Seven against Wavell SHS with Cooper Camby making strong one on one tackle on the Wavell SHS fullback five metres out from the try line to halt a Wavell SHS try scoring opportunity.

Cooper Camby then did well in the 32nd minute to chase a Zane Harrison chip through with Cooper Camby getting above the Wavell SHS defenders to take the ball on the full on the final tackle ten metres out from the try line.

Cooper Camby continued at right centre in PBC SHS’s Langer Cup Quarter Final against Mabel Park SHS with Cooper Camby scoring a try and recording a try assist as PBC SHS qualified for the semi-finals.

Cooper Camby scored in the 39th minute when after running to his right Zane Harrison passed the ball to Cooper Camby who was running an underneath route with Cooper Camby running the requisite ten metres to scored ten metres to the left of the uprights. Initially Cooper Camby was held up by a number of defenders over the line but Cooper Camby was able to get the ball down in his right hand.

Cooper Camby recorded his try assist in the 30th minute when after Cooper Camby took a Josh Lynn bomb on the full ten metres out and five metres in from the right touchline in his two hands above his head, Cooper Camby was able to get the ball away to his inside as the defence converged on him to Zane Harrison who was able to bring the ball around to put it down under the posts.

Cooper Camby was then named at right centre for PBC SHS in the 2022 Langer Cup Semi-final against Keebra Park SHS with Cooper Camby recording a try assist in the 52nd minute when after receiving the ball near the right touchline and around ten metres out, Cooper Camby engaged the Keebra Park SHS left winger and got a great right arm flick off-load away to Jett Forbes who was able to dive over in the right corner to seal the PBC SHS victory and propel then into the 2022 Langer Cup Grand Final.

Then in the 56th minute Cooper Camby picked up a dropped Keebra Park SHS pass just twenty five metres out from the try line with Cooper Camby then running thirty metres downfield before getting an off-load away just over the halfway mark to his left.

Cooper Camby started at right centre for PBC SHS in the 2022 School Boy Langer Cup Grand Final against Ipswich SHS with Cooper Camby making a smart defensive play in the 32nd minute when with Ipswich SHS on the attack around ten metres out from the try line they spun the ball to Cooper Camby’s side of the field and when facing an overlap Cooper Camby darted forward to take an intercept to snuff out a dangerous Ipswich SHS attacking move.

Then in the 47th minute with Ipswich SHS deep on the attack once again Cooper Camby came out of the defensive line and smashed the Ipswich SHS fullback to force the ball loose.

The 2022 NRRRL U18 competition saw Cooper Camby play for the Cudgen Hornets and after the Hornets had a Round One bye Cooper Camby start Round Two at left centre against the Tweed Heads Seagulls being swapping to the right side in the second half.

Cooper Camby’s initial positive impact on the match came inside the opening minute with a strong twenty metre run down the left channel to get the ball within twenty eight metres of the try line. Then in the 17th minute Cooper Camby made a strong right shoulder driving tackle on his opposite number.

Cooper Camby then started at left centre in Round Six against the Byron Bay Devils and in the 4th minute engineered a line break assist when after getting the ball thirty metres away from his own line Cooper Camby was able to make ten metres down the left touchline before off-loading to his left to his winger who was able to promote the ball a further twenty five metres.

Cooper Camby also recorded a 49th minute try assist when after bursting away down the left touchline Cooper Camby drew the fullback and passed inside to put Max Liles over to score.

In the 31st minute Cooper Camby took advantage of a great Stevie O’Connor 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.

Cooper Camby then started at left centre in Round Seven against the Cudgen Hornets and made inroads into the Jets defensive line in as early as the 4th minute when he made a fifteen metre run down a short left blindside to get the ball into Bilambil territory. Cooper Camby was then awarded a penalty for a swinging arm in the tackle by one of the Bilambil defenders.

Cooper Camby also did well in the 12th minute when from a Hornets scrum win with Cooper Camby running the ball to the left from ten metres from his own line and after beating two Jets defenders was able to off-load to left to send his left winger on an eighteen metres run down the left touchline.

Cooper Camby continued at right centre in Round Thirteen against the Ballina Seagulls with Cooper Camby doing well in the 6th minute from a defensive perspective. Cooper Camby was faced with a two man overlap around ten metres out from the try line and after holding his defensive positioning as the play unfolded in front on him, Cooper Camby raced out of the line and was able to knock down a pass when without Cooper Camby’s intervention, Ballina would surely have scored.

From an attacking perspective Cooper Camby was heavily involved in Stevie O’Connor’s 32nd minute try when Cooper Camby made a line break down the right side of the field near the halfway mark with Cooper Camby throwing a great right arm around the corner off-load to Jett Forbes who then sent Stevie O’Connor away to score under the posts.

Cooper Camby made a line break of his own in the 48th minute when after passing to his right winger just twenty metres out from his own try line, Copper Camby got the ball back from his winger and raced forty metres down the right touchline before passing back inside to his winger. It was an impressive interchange of passing.

Cooper Camby also did well in the 28th minute with he took a Ballina short kick-off on the full and after seemingly being held after a five metre run, Cooper Camby has able to break three tackles to progress the ball to within five metres of the halfway mark.

Cooper Camby then moved to left centre for the rescheduled Round Five match against the Byron Bay Devils with Cooper Camby scoring in the 45th minute when from a Cudgen scrum on the opposite side of the field Cooper Camby received the ball thirty metres out and wide out on the left with Cooper Camby using a left arm fend to beat one tackle and then run thirty metres to score in the left corner.

Cooper Camby added a second try in the 47th minute when he chased through a Jett Forbes kick down a short left blindside with Cooper Camby taking the ball on the bounce above his head five metres out with Cooper Camby then able to bring the ball around to within five metres of the left upright.

Cooper Camby also made a smart play in the 14th minute when he chased through a Hornets attacking grubber kick with Cooper Camby grabbing hold of the Byron Bay fullback three metres out from the line with Cooper Camby forcing him back into the in-goal area to force a goal line drop-out.

Cooper Camby then started at left centre for the Cudgen Hornets in the 2022 NRRRL Major Semi-final against the Tweed Heads Seagulls with Cooper Camby recording a try assist in the final minute of the match when after Tweed Heads put in a short goal line drop-out with Cooper Camby taking the ball on the full with Cooper Camby then passing to his left to put his left second rower over in the left corner.

The 2022 NRRRL U18 Grand Final saw Cooper Camby named at start at left centre for the Cudgen Hornets against the Ballina Seagulls with Cooper Camby scoring in the 57th minute when from dummy half and four metres out from the try line and three metres in from the left touchline, Cooper Camby ran to his right to force his way over to score just in from the left corner.

Cooper Camby made the first of his two line breaks in the 13th minute when from just five metres out from his own try line Cooper Camby from the left side of the field received the ball to the right of the play the ball with Cooper Camby executing a right foot step to beat three defenders with Cooper Camby promoting the ball thirty five metres downfield before he was brought to ground.

Cooper Camby recorded a second line break in the 54th minute when Cooper Camby took a Ballina short kick-off on the bounce near the left touchline just after the ball had crossed the ten metre plane with Cooper Camby then racing fifty five metres downfield before he was tackled into touch just five metres out from the try line.

In March 2022 Cooper Camby was selected in the South Coast School Boy Rugby League U18 Representative side after successfully negotiating the trials with Cooper Camby starting Match One against Northern at right centre.

Cooper Camby produced a great try assist in the 27th minute when he produced a great right arm flick off-load while he was going to ground to put Jett Forbes over in the right corner from close range.

Cooper Camby also started at right centre in Match Two against Met North.

In June 2021 the centre from the Cudgen Hornets was part of a Titans U18 Northern Rivers squad that played the Titans U17 JTS squad at Cbus Stadium in a curtain raiser to the Titans Round Fourteen NRL match against the Sydney Roosters.

Cooper Camby played the 2021 season with the Cudgen Hornets in the NRRRL U18 competition starting Round One at left centre against the Tweed Coast Raiders and was one of the Hornets try scorers in their big victory.

Cooper Camby’s try came in just the 4th minute of the Round One match when he ran through a gap down the left channel from five metres out in get the ball down five metres in from the left corner post.

Cooper Camby continued at left centre in Round Three against Casino RSM, scoring a double in Cudgen’s 40 – 18 victory.

Cooper Camby’s opening try came in the 9th minute when he ran into a gap on the left from six metres out, with Copper Camby spinning counter clockwise right on the try line to gain separation from the fullback to get the ball down nine metres in from the left corner.

Cooper Camby scored his second try of the match in the 18th minute when initially he was defending twenty metres from his own line. The Casino RSM halfback put in a grubber kick to the left side of the field with Cooper Camby taking the ball over his right shoulder and then outpaced the defence to run eighty metres down the left wing and then was able to bring the ball around to place the ball under the posts.

Cooper Camby also started at left centre in Round Four against the Bilambil Jets, scoring a double once again in Cudgen’s victory against their closest rivals.

Cooper Camby’s opening try came in the 5th minute when he was on the end of a Hornets passing movement to the left and received the ball in space and was able to comfortably run ten metres to score in the left corner. Cooper Camby added his second try in the 38th minute when he was put into a gap by Harvey Moase and ran twenty metres to score easily.

Cooper Camby continued at left centre in Round Five against the Byron Bay, once again scoring a double. Cooper Camby’s opening try came in the 6th minute of the match when he burst thirty metres down the left touchline and was able to hold off the Byron Bay halfback with left arm, maintaining his balance to get the ball over the line in the left corner.

Cooper Camby scored his second try in the 45th minute when after receiving the ball, Cooper Camby stepped off his left to beat one defender before a second left foot step beat another. As he ran at the fullback, Cooper Camby looked to his left to his support but instead he dummied in that direction with that deception fooling the fullback and then Cooper Camby brought the ball around to score under the posts.

Cooper Camby continued at left centre in Round Seven against the Marist Brothers Rams and in Round Eight against the Kyogle Turkeys where in the 48th minute Cooper Camby made a fifty metre break down the left touchline.

Cooper Camby continued at left centre in Round Ten against the Murwillumbah Mustangs and scored in the 50th minute when he received a great right arm off-load from Darcy Townsend eight metres from the line and Cooper Camby was able to get the ball down in the left corner.

Cooper Camby finished the abridged 2021 NRRRL U18 regular season as the competitions equal leading try scorer with eight tries alongside Damon Coldwell and Michael Roberts.

Cooper Camby also continued to play for PBC in 2021, playing primarily in the Langer Reserve competition and had an exceptional match in Round Four against Marsden State High School when from his left centre position he was one of PBC’s try scorers when he was able to reach out to get the ball down.

Cooper Camby also started at left centre in Round Six against Keebra Park with Cooper Camby scoring PBC’s opening try of the match in just the 2nd minute of the match when after PBC, on the last tackle, spun the ball to their right, the ball came back to Cooper Camby on the left around eight metres out. Cooper Camby was confronted immediately by a defender and subsequently put in a short grubber kick for himself, regathering the ball just short of the line and getting the ball down near the left corner.

Cooper Camby also started at left centre in the final round after the Covid 19 hiatus against Wavell State High School, scoring PBC’s second try of the match.

Cooper Camby scored in the 29th minute when after receiving the ball fifteen metres out, Cooper Camby was able to get the ball down in the left corner. Cooper Camby also had a long sixty metre line break in the match. In the 16th minute Cooper Camby raced sixty metres down the left touchline after receiving an off-load from Bailey McConnell.

The speed and power in terms of how Cooper Camby runs the ball is the outstanding feature of his game, he takes the ball to the line with speed, especially off the mark, but he does not just put his head down and rush forward, he uses quick and subtle footwork prior to the line and seems to targets the gaps between defenders and will actively seek out opposing forwards who are slow to move up.

When the opposition are on the back foot Cooper Camby will target the smaller defenders on the edge of the ruck and burst through and for a young player Cooper Camby has very good speed over the medium term and has the strength to drag defenders with him.

I would consider that Cooper Camby’s speed would be considered above average for a backrower but plays faster as a result of him timing his runs so well that the dummy half can present a flat pass to him and also as a result of the power that he runs at. What is in the above average to plus category in relation to Cooper Camby is his speed off the mark.

Cooper Camby’s offloading ability is also improving as he refines his game. Earlier in his junior career, he was almost too good at offloading compared to his team mates as he would pop some passes that they were not expecting but as he has matured and the quality of the opposition and his own team has increased so has the selective nature of his offloading.

The defensive side of Cooper Camby’s game is similarly impressive, Cooper Camby does not just charge wildly up looking for a huge hit but is calculating in where and when to hit. Cooper Camby drives hard with his legs and always uses his shoulder, placing it correctly and core body strength to drive into his opponent.

Cooper Camby sets a strong lower base by setting his legs and generating force by driving through the tackle with his lower body, gaining leverage and momentum to complete the tackle. Cooper Camby is also comfortable making contact with either shoulder and also maintains good head position regardless of the type of tackles he makes.

Cooper Camby will play the 2024 rugby league season with the Tugun Seahawks once again in the GCRL First grade competition as Cooper Camby looks to push his way towards the Queensland Cup competition.

Whilst Cooper Camby has played almost exclusively in the centres for Cudgen in the NRRRL U18 competition in 2021 and 2002, for PBC SHS in the 2022 Langer Cup and for Tugun in the 2023 GCRL First Grade competition. Cooper Camby however has played a fair bit of second row, previously in the Group 18 competition as well as for PBC in various school boy competitions and even though he has been outstanding in the second row for Cudgen in previous seasons I cannot help but think that going forward Cooper Camby’s best position will be in the centres.

Identifying an NRL player with a similar playing style to Cooper Camby was an interesting such is his diverse skill set and physical characteristics as well as the ability to play both in the centres are second row equally effectively.

Ultimately however I consider that Titans NRL second left rower and occasional centre Beau Fermor is a more that fair comparison in relation to Cooper Camby. Both Fermor and Cooper Camby are talented athletes with above average speed as well as endurance and both can play a number of positions at an above average level.

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Harvey Moase. The 2023 season saw Harvey Moase move up to become a member of the Cudgen Hornets NRRRL First Grade squad after making his NRRRL First Grade debut in 2022 when Harvey Moase was still U18 eligible.

Round One of the 2023 NRRRL First Grade season saw Harvey Moase start at halfback for the Hornets against the Ballina Seagulls with Harvey Moase successful with his only conversion attempt of the match.

Harvey Moase also started at halfback in Round Two against the Bilambil Jets as well as in Round Three against the Murwillumbah with Harvey Moase kicking three conversions from four attempts.

Round Five against the Tweed Coast Raiders saw Harvey Moase kick five conversions from six attempts after starting the match at halfback. Harvey Moase then continued at halfback in Round Seven against the Evans Head Bombers, kicking two more conversions.

Harvey Moase continued at halfback in Round Eight against Marist Brothers.

Harvey Moase also started at halfback at halfback in Round Nine against the Lower Clarence Magpies with Harvey Moase kicking four conversions and also scoring in the 5th minute when from eight metres out and to the left of the play the ball Harvey Moase took the defensive line on himself and after slicing through Harvey Moase was hit by a defender around a metre from the try line but after being spun counter clockwise Harvey Moase got the ball down ten metres to the left of the uprights.

Harvey Moase continued at halfback in Round Eleven against the Mullumbimby Giants with Harvey Moase kicking a conversion in a touch 16 – 14 loss. Harvey Moase also started at halfback and kicked seven conversions from eight attempts in Round Twelve against the Kyogle Turkeys.

Harvey Moase kicked three conversions from as many attempts after starting at halfback in Round Fourteen against the Murwillumbah Mustangs with Harvey Moase kicking his initial conversion from five metres to the right of the goal posts in the 31st minute. Harvey Moase kicked his second conversion from directly in front of the posts in the 58th minute before adding a third conversion from a metre to the left of the goal posts in the 71at minute.

Harvey Moase also forced a goal line drop-out in the 69th minute when from ten metres out and from the right of the play the ball Harvey Moase put in a right foot chip towards the right corner with the Mustangs left winger trapped in-goal.

Harvey Moase continued at halfback in Round Fifteen against the Bilambil Jets with Harvey Moase kicking three conversions from as many attempts with Harveyh Moase kicking his first conversion in the 39th minute from ten metres to the right of the goal posts. Harvey Moase kicked his second conversion from the right touchline in the 61st minute and then kicked another conversion from the right touchline in the 68th minute.

Harvey Moase then started at five eight in Round Sixteen against the Tweed Coast Raiders with Harvey Moase not having the goal kicking responsibilities in the match.

Harvey Moase also started at five eight in the Week One Elimination Final against the Evans Head Bombers with Harvey Moase kicking three conversions.

Harvey Moase continued at five eight in the Week Two Elimination Final against Northern United with Harvey Moase kicking three conversions as the Hornets progressed to the next week of the finals. Harvey Moase kicked his initial conversion in the 25th minute from next to the right goal post with his second conversion coming in the 38th minute from three metres to the left of the goal posts. Harvey Moase then added another conversion from three metres to the left of the goal posts in the 71st minute.

Harvey Moase also started at five eight in the Preliminary Final against the Bilambil Jets with Harvey Moase scoring a try and kicking a conversion in a Hornets 17 – 16 victory to progress to the Grand Final with Harvey Moase kicking his conversion in the 38th minute from eight metres to the right of the goal posts.

Harvey Moase scored 58th minute when after taking possession of the ball down a short left blindside forty metres out, Harvey Moase put in a right foot grubber kick that was accidently kicked forward by the Jets fullback twenty metres from the try line with Harvey Moase putting up the ball low down at full speed with Harvey Moase then running down the left touchline to score in the left corner.

The 2023 NRRRL First Grade Grand Final saw Harvey Moase start at halfback against the Ballina Seagulls with Harvey Moase kicking three conversions from as many attempts in the Hornets 18 – 6 victory. Incredibly all three of Harvey Moase’s conversions came from the same spot on the field being three metres to the left of the goal posts in the 42nd, 65th and 68th minutes.

In late July 2022 Harvey Moase was named at halfback for an U18 Northern Rivers Titans Invitational Side that took on a Future Titans U17 JTS side as a curtain-raiser to the Titans against Canberra Round Twenty NRL match at Cbus Stadium.

In June 2021 Harvey Moase was part of a Titans U18 Northern Rivers squad that played the Titans U17 JTS squad at Cbus Stadium in a curtain raiser to the Titans Round Fourteen NRL match against the Sydney Roosters with Harvey Moase starting the match at halfback and drawing praise for his performance from Northern Rivers Titans Coaching Staff.

In late 2021 Harvey Moase was named in the 2022 Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup squad for the second season in a row.

In late January 2022 Harvey Moase started at halfback 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.

The match saw Harvey Moase score an outstanding solo try when whilst operating on the right side of the field and from around twenty metres out, Harvey Moase put in a short grubber kick for himself and then Harvey Moase raced through getting to the ball just in front of Tweed Heads fullback Jett Forbes and then Harvey Moase dived over five metres out from the right goal post.

Round One of the 2022 U18 Laurie Daley Cup competition saw Harvey Moase captain the Northern Rivers Titans side from halfback against the Macquarie Wests Tigers in Sydney’s west and kicked three conversions from as many attempts.

Harvey Moase’s first conversion was an outstanding effort in blistery conditions from the left touchline in just the 2nd minute of the match to convert a Matthew Bollard try in the left corner. Harvey Moase started the ball wide out to the right of the goal posts and Harvey Moase judged the wind perfectly with the ball coming back with the wind to go over the black dot.

Harvey Moase then produced another outstanding conversion from the left touchline in the 13th minute when once again Matthew Bollard dived over in the left corner. Harvey Moase then converted Josh Buttenshaw’s try from directly in front of the goal posts.

Harvey Moase also produced a great kick-off in the 35th minute that was too difficult for the Wests Tigers to handle with the ball subsequently going dead in goal. Harvey Moase kicked the ball off with the ball going to Harvey Moase’s left and the ball sailing deep into the in-goal on the full and subsequently going dead and forcing the Wests Tigers into a goal line drop out.

Harvey Moase in the 41st minute did well, along with Stevie O’Connor and Jaylen Taewa 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.

Harvey Moase was also named at halfback in the Round Two local derby against the North Coast Bulldogs. Whilst Harvey Moase started the match at halfback, he played in the dummy half role in the second half.

The match saw Harvey Moase once again kick superbly for goal, kicking five conversions from as many attempts. Harvey Moase’s opening conversion was an outstanding effort in the 14th minute when he converted Matthew Bollard’s try from the left touchline. Harvey Moase’s second conversion was also a great kick from left touchline in the 43rd when he converted the first of William James first of two tries.

Harvey Moase kicked his third conversion from wide out on the right to convert Max Lillies 49th minute try before he had an easier fourth conversion in the 52nd minute from directly in front of the posts. Harvey Moase then made it five from five in the 58th minute when he converted William James’s second try, once again from the left touchline.

In the dummy half role in the second half, Harvey Moase produced a sniping run out of dummy half to his right in the 49th minute making ten metres. Harvey Moase bounced to his feet to execute a quick play the ball with Max Liles scoring as a result of Harvey Moase’s quick play the ball.

Harvey Moase continued at halfback and captain for Round Three against the Greater Northern Tigers and like in Round Two, Harvey Moase played in the dummy half role in the second half.

Once again Harvey Moase was on song with his goal kicking including a great conversion from the left touchline in just the 6th minute of the match. Harvey Moase kicked his second conversion of the match in the 40th minute when he converted Harry Baker’s second try of the match from adjacent to the left upright and then once again from adjacent to the left upright Harvey Moase converted Jessie Soric’s 51st minute try.

Harvey Moase then added a fourth conversion from adjacent to the right upright after a long range try from Lachlan Offley that was set up by right centre Kaden Rees.

The 24th minute of the match saw Harvey Moase make a line break when after receiving the ball to the left of the dummy half Harvey Moase dummied multiple times to his left before pulling the ball back into his body and slice through the Greater Northern Tigers defence and making twenty five metres.

Harvey Moase also started at halfback and captain in Round Four against the Central Coast Roosters and once again while he started at halfback, Harvey Moase also spent significant time in the dummy half role.

Harvey Moase scored a great try in the 15th minute when after he fed a scrum just ten metres out and just to the left of the uprights, he ran to the opposite side of the scrum to take the pass from Ashton Harley who had packed into the scrum at dummy half. After receiving the pass, Harvey Moase ran at the line with the ball in both hands and out in front of his body threatening to pass to his right to a wide, deep Northern Rivers Titans backline. As soon as the Central Coast A defender cheated to the outside just a fraction Harvey Moase sliced through the resultant gap to dive over under the posts untouched. Harvey Moase then stepped up to convert his own try.

Harvey Moase then continued at halfback in the twice delayed final round being Round Five against the Newcastle Knights in Grafton.

Harvey Moase was named to make his NRRRL First Grade debut in Round Ten of the 2022 season when he was named on the bench against the Kyogle Turkeys. Harvey Moase then made his career first NRRRL First Grade start in Round Thirteen when Harvey Moase started at five eight against the Ballina Seagulls with Harvey Moase kicking a conversion in a tight Hornets loss.

The 2022 NRRRL U18 competition saw Harvey Moase play for the Cudgen Hornets and after the Hornets had a Round One bye Harvey Moase start Round Two at halfback and captain against the Tweed Heads Seagulls with Harvey Moase kicking two conversions from three attempts.

The 27th minute of the match saw Harvey Moase record a try assist when from twenty metres out and just to the left of the uprights Harvey Moase put in a right foot high chip kick to the right wing with Jett Forbes the beneficiary to score near the right corner.

Harvey Moase also started at halfback and captain in Round Three against Casino RSM and kicked seven conversions from ten attempts.

Harvey Moase also scored in the 32nd minute when after receiving the ball on the right side of the field around twenty metres out Harvey Moase cut back towards centre field around twenty metres out before stepping off his left foot to get through the line and then stepped off his left once again to beat the fullback to score under the posts.

The 15th minute saw Harvey Moase record a try assist he took the ball to the line whilst deep on the attack and threw a good short ball to his right to put right second rower Oliver McCullough over to score wide out.

Harvey Moase recorded another try assist in the 38th minute when Harvey Moase took the ball right to the line to the right of a Hornets scrum win thirty five metres out and threw a good short ball to his right to put Jett Forbes through to subsequently score,

Harvey Moase also had a line break in the 20th minute when he took the ball to the line and threw an inside pass to Stevie O’Connor who made fifteen metres downfield.

Harvey Moase was also on song from a tactical kicking perspective as was evidenced in the 23rd minute when from twenty metres Harvey Moase put in a chip kick to the right which had to be taken dead by the Lower Clarence left winger.

Harvey Moase also started at halfback in Round Six against the Byron Bay Devils and kicked four conversions in a big Hornets victory.

In just the 2nd minute against the Devils Harvey Moase engineered a line break assist when on the left side of the field near the halfway mark Harvey Moase threw a good ball to allow Jett Forbes to get on the outside of his opposite centre and streak away down the touchline before drawing the fullback and sending the Hornets right winger over to score.

Harvey Moase then started at halfback in Round Seven against the Bilambil Jets, kicking five conversions from six attempts in a twelve point Hornets victory.

Harvey Moase made a 31st minute line break when to the left of the play the ball and twenty metres out from his own line Harvey Moase ran straight at the oncoming Bilambil defensive line before stepping off his left foot to slice through and Harvey Moase as able to promote the ball twenty metres before being brought to ground.

Harvey Moase then did well in the 50th minute when after receiving the ball on the halfway mark from his left, Harvey Moase cut back to the left side of the field, stepping off his right foot on three occasions before drawing a defender and passing to his left to Cooper Camby to keep the movement going.

Harvey Moase continued at halfback in Round Eight against the Kyogle Turkeys with Harvey Moase kicking five conversions from seven attempts.

Harvey Moase came desperately short of scoring for the Hornets in the 7th minute but he was held up near the posts after the play started to the left of the play the ball before Harvey Moase cut back to his right to get over the line before being unable to get the ball down.

Harvey Moase almost scored once again in the 38th minute after one heck of a run. Initially Harvey Moase received the ball around ten metres out from the try line to the left of the play the ball. Harvey Moase initially ran to his left but when that avenue was cut off Harvey Moase ran across to the opposite side of the ruck before that avenue was also cut off, Harvey Moase then cut back once again, running back to the right before Harvey Moase stepped off his right foot and darted towards the try line only to be held up directly under the goal posts.

Harvey Moase also recorded two try assists, the first of those coming in the 27th minute when Harvey Moase moved into dummy half as the Hornets were bringing the ball off their own thirty metre mark. Harvey Moase darted to his right after threatening to pass in the same direction and charged between two Turkeys defenders before veering to his right to round the fullback before off-loading to Liam Foe to run away to score under the posts.

Harvey Moase recorded his second try assist of the match in the 38th minute when Harvey Moase took the ball to the right of the play the ball just ten metres out from the try line and double pumped a short ball to his right to put his second rower over to score.

Harvey Moase showcased his strong tactical kicking skills in the 58th minute when from sixty metres out down a right blindside Harvey Moase kicked deep towards the right corner with the ball pulling up in the in-goal with the Kyogle barely able to get the ball back into the field of play.

It was just a match where everything was going right for Harvey Moase and that was clear from his second half kick-off which took a wicked bounce on the try line to go dead in-goal and force Kyogle into a goal line drop-out.

Harvey Moase also started at halfback in Round Ten against the Murwillumbah Mustangs and kicked two conversions from three attempts in a 16- 4 victory. Harvey Moase also threw the final pass for Jett Forbes try in the 43rd minute.

Harvey Moase continued at halfback in Round Eleven against the Lower Clarence Magpies with Harvey Moase kicking three conversions in a tight Hornets victory including a great conversion from the left touchline to convert Stevie O’Connor’s 44th minute long range try.

Harvey Moase also threw the final pass for Hayden Wilson’s 57th minute match winning try when he got the ball away to his left after receiving the ball from the dummy half.

Harvey Moase then put in a superb goal line drop-out in the 53rd minute with the length and direction of the drop-out taking the Magpies off guard with the ball going into touch for the Hornets to get the ball back three metres into Cudgen territory.

After starting at halfback 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, Harvey Moase started at halfback in the rescheduled Round Four match against the Bilambil Jets with Harvey Moase scoring twenty of the Hornets forty four points by way of scoring two tries and kicking six conversions from eight attempts.

Harvey Moase scored the first of his two tries in the 7th minute when he started the movement back near the halfway mark and of course finished it by scoring under the posts. Harvey Moase received the ball to the right of the play the ball and threw a hard flat pass to his right to Jett Forbes who made a line break before getting the ball away to his winger. After Jett Forbes got the ball back from the winger he off-loaded to his inside to Harvey Moase ten metres out after Harvey Moase had backed up the line break on the inside. Harvey Moase then stepped up to convert his own try.

Harvey Moase scored his second try in the 37th minute when he chased through a Max Liles and Harvey Moase was on the spot to take the ball on the bounce after the Jets fullback got a terrible bounce with Harvey Moase collecting the ball and running twenty five metres to dive over under the posts. Harvey Moase then stepped up to convert his own try.

Harvey Moase also recorded a try assist in the 34th minute when from the left of the play the ball and ten metres out, Harvey Moase threw a long cut-out pass to put his left winger over in the corner.

Harvey Moase literally made a significant impact on the match in the opening seconds when his kick-off to start the match was dropped by the Jets in the in-goal necessitating a Bilambil goal line drop-out.

Harvey Moase also did well in the 10th minute when he identified that Bilambil were going to put in a chip from their right side of the field to the left with Harvey Moase getting back to take the chip kick on the full just out from the try line with Harvey Moase then finding the ground to ensure that he was not dragged back into the in-goal.

Harvey Moase then started at halfback in the rescheduled Round Five match against the Byron Bay Devils with Harvey Moase recording two try assists and kicking three conversions.

The first of Harvey Moase’s try assists came in the 21st minute when from forty metres out from the try line, Harvey Moase ran the ball down a short right blindside and after drawing one defender got the ball to his right for his winger to race away to score.

Harvey Moase recorded a second try assist in the 38th minute when after Harvey Moase ran the ball forty metres out and to left of the play the ball, Harvey Moase threw a good inside pass to Tanu Nona who beat a number of tackles to score under the posts.

Harvey Moase also made a 31st minute line break when from forty seven metres out Harvey Moase received the ball near the centre of the field and to the right of the play the ball and after running to his right sliced between two defenders but when he was ten metres out Harvey Moase’s pass to his right went to ground.

Harvey Moase also made a smart try saving tackle in the 18th minute on the stepping Byron Bay five eight six metres out and in front of the right upright.

Harvey Moase then started at halfback for the Cudgen Hornets in the 2022 NRRRL Major Semi-final against the Tweed Heads Seagulls with Harvey Moase scoring a try and kicking four conversions in a strong Hornets victory.

Harvey Moase scored a great solo try in the 42nd minute when after receiving the ball forty metres out and to the right of the play the ball, Harvey Moase stepped off his right foot and then raced through the resultant gap before veering to his left to round the Seagulls fullback with Harvey Moase putting the ball down next to the left upright. Harvey Moase then stepped up to convert his own try.

The 2022 NRRRL U18 Grand Final saw Harvey Moase named at start at halfback for the Cudgen Hornets against the Ballina Seagulls with Harvey Moase scoring sixteen of the Hornets forty Grand Final winning points from a 53rd minute try and kicking six conversions from seven attempts.

In the 53rd minute from around thirty metres out and to the right of the play the ball Harvey Moase put in a right foot chip kick over the oncoming Ballina defensive line for himself with Harvey Moase racing through to retrieve the ball on the bounce and dart away to dive over to score next to the right upright. Harvey Moase then stepped up to convert his own try.

Harvey Moase also recorded a try assist in the 36th minute when after breaking through the Ballina defensive line from five metres inside his own territory Harvey Moase drew the Ballina fullback and passed to his left to send Tanu Nona over to score under the posts.

Harvey Moase was also heavily involved in Max Liles 30th minute try when from forty metres out and to the right of the play the ball Harvey Moase put in a right foot chip kick which was regathered by Jett Forbes who subsequently got the ball away for Max Liles to score a key try right on halftime.

It was clear that it was Harvey Moase’s day when his kick-off to get the second half underway bounced over the dead ball line to force Ballina into a goal line drop-out.

At the 2022 NRRRL Awards night, Harvey Moase was named as the 2022 NRRRL U18 Player of the Year. Then at the Cudgen Hornets 2022 Awards Presentation Harvey Moase was named the 2022 Cudgen Hornes NRRRL U18 Best Back.

2022 also saw Harvey Moase named in the Open North Coast School Boy Rugby League Representative side from Kingscliff High School.

Harvey Moase started at halfback for the 2021 Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup side for their Round One match against the Wests Tigers and had an outstanding match which saw him cross for a second half double.

Harvey Moase’s first try came early in the second half, when after kicking towards the right corner, he was on hand when a heavy tackle from Michael Roberts dislodged the ball from the Wests Tiger’s fullbacks grasp, under Harvey Moase being on the spot to pick the ball up and race away to score under the posts.

Later in the second half Harvey Moase scored his second try when he backed up fullback Ben Moyle who had split the Wests Tigers line through the centre of the ruck. Ben Moyle drew the fullback to send Harvey Moase away in score under the posts in the 57th minute. Harvey Moase then proceeded to convert his own try.

Harvey Moase was also heavily involved in Michael Robert’s first try of the match, early in the first half. Harvey Moase kicked towards the right wing with the ball taking a wicked bounce, right winger Blake Forder flew through and toe’d the ball forward for Michael Roberts to pick up on the bounce and crash over under the posts.

Over the course of the match, Harvey Moase’s tactical kicking into the right corner kept the Wests Tigers on the back foot and midway through the second half, Harvey Moase’s kick travelled into the in-goal and as a result of a strong Michael Roberts tackle, the West Tigers fullback could not get back into the field of play, thus forcing a goal line drop out.

After his outstanding Round One performance, Harvey Moase also started Round Two against local rivals the North Coast Bulldogs at Nambucca Heads at half back and produced another solid display and another try as the Titans went down to the Bulldogs.

Harvey Moase scored early in the first half when he produced a winding run back to the left side of the field, which included a right foot step before straightening up to dive over under the posts under heavy pressure. Harry Moase made his try scoring run after receiving a pass from fullback ben Moyle after initially passing to Moyle on the right side of the field.

Harvey Moase also continued to showcase his tactical kicking in the match, including a pin point kick towards the left corner in the 19th minute of the first half which came down less than a metre from the North Coast line when the Titans defence right there to drag the catcher back into the in-goal for a Northern Rivers Titans restart.

Harvey Moase also produced an outstanding kick in the 21st minute of the first half, this time to the right corner, once again the ball came down close to the North Coast line with the Bulldogs left winger unable to take the ball cleanly.

Harvey Moase also started at halfback in Round Three against the Greater Northern Tigers once again highlighting his tactical kicking including a smart short kick into the in-goal in just the third minute of the match to force the Tigers to restart by way of the goal line drop out.

From the resultant set of six after the drop out, Harvey Moase had a try assist when he put up a pinpoint kick to the right corner which found Harry Sivewright on the chest for him to score untouched.

Harvey Moase also started at halfback in Round Four at Lismore against the Central Coast Roosters, kicking three conversions including converting Blake Forder’s 67th minute try from the right touchline. Harvey Moase in fact set up Blake Forder’s try with a deft right foot grubber into the in-goal in the right corner.

A minute earlier Harvey Moase had forced the Central Coast fullback to take the ball dead when he put in a right foot grubber kick into the in-goal. Harvey Moase set up Blake Forder’s try from the resultant restart.

Harvey Moase continued at halfback in Round Five against the Newcastle Knights and produced a great try saving tackle in the opening minutes of the second half when he scrambled to his right to get to the Newcastle fullback and prevent a try. Harvey Moase made another try saving tackle in the second half of the match in the 63rd minute when he got low and stopped the Newcastle No. 14 when he tried to sneak over from dummy half from close range to the right of the play the ball.

Harvey Moase started at halfback for the Cudgen Hornets in Round One of the NRRRL U18 competition, kicking five conversions and recording two try assists as the Hornets defeated the Tweed Coast Raiders 38 – 6.

Harvey Moase’s opening try assist of the match came in the 33rd minute when he ran the ball down a short left blind side, taking the ball all of the way to the line before throwing a cut out pass to his left to his left winger to dive over in the corner. Harvey Moase then produced to kick the conversion from right on the touchline.

Harvey Moase recorded his second try assist in the 51st minute when he put in a right foot stab kick to the right for Cudgen to score once again.

Harvey Moase was also heavily involved in a Cudgen try in the 15th minute when he put in a chip kick to the right wing which was retrieved by Cudgen with right centre Jett Forbes ultimately racing away to score.

Harvey Moase also started at halfback in Round Two against Casino RSM kicking four conversions, including one from five metres in from the left touchline in the 11th minute and recording two try assists in the Hornets solid victory.

Harvey Moase’s first try assist was recorded in the 21st minute when he ran the ball down a short left blindside ten metres out and throwing a cut out pass to put his support runner over in the left corner.

Harvey Moase added his second try assist of the match in the 28th minute when he took the ball to the line and threw a short ball to his inside to put Darcy Townsend through the line and subsequently score.

Harvey Moase made a strong run of his own in the 58th minute when he received the ball on the right but ran a winding route back to the left, breaking five tackles before off-loading the ball.

Harvey Moase continued at halfback in Round Four in the local derby against the Bilambil Jets and after missing Round Five, Harvey Moase was back at halfback and kicked two conversions in Round Six against Byron Bay.

Harvey Moase continued at halfback in Round Seven against the Marist Brothers Rams, kicking four conversions in Cudgen’s victory including an outstanding kick from the right touchline in the 52nd minute to convert a Tobey Carpenter try.

Harvey Moase also started at halfback in Round Eight against the Kyogle Turkeys and kicked nine conversions from ten attempts (90% strike rate) in the Hornets comprehensive victory.

In addition to his outstanding goal kicking, Harvey Moase was heavily involved in multiple Hornets tries with the first of those involvements coming in just the 3rd minute when he took the ball to the line on the right side of the field near the halfway mark, putting his right second rower, Rohan Beggs, into a gap with the right second rower subsequently drawing the Kyogle fullback to send Jett Forbes on a twenty metres run to put the ball down under the posts.

Harvey Moase also recorded a line break assist in the lead up to Dominic Bowman’s 9th minute try when he put Jett Forbes into a gap with the right centre subsequently drawing the Kyogle fullback to send right winger Dominic Bowman over in the right corner.

Harvey Moase continued at halfback in Round Ten against the Murwillumbah Mustangs.
Harvey Moase was part of 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 coming off the bench in that fixture.
Harvey Moase kicked his 2020 representative season off starting at half back for the Northern Rivers Titans U16 side in their first trial of the season when they defeated the North Coast Bulldogs in an outstanding first up hit out in northern New South Wales.
Harvey Moase was set to start at half back for the Northern Rivers Titans in Round One of the 2020 U16 Andrew Johns Cup against the Eels at Cudgen however the match was cancelled due to the wet conditions prevailing that weekend.

Harvey Moase started Round Two of the U16 Andrew Johns Cup at halfback against the Newcastle Knights in Ballina kicking a conversion in their 28 – 22 victory and added a try assist early in the match when he threw the last pass to right winger Jamal Laurie after a scrum based move down a short right blind side.

Harvey Moase also started at half in Round Three against the Central Coast Roosters and recorded a try assist when he ran across field to his right to put centre Michael Roberts into a hole with a great weighted pass.

Harvey Moase also started at halfback in Round Four against the Greater Northern Tigers and added another try assist to his 2020 playing resume. In just the second minute of the match, Harvey Moase put in a pin point bomb to the right corner for winger Jamal Laurie to leap up and take on the full to score a spectacular try.

Harvey Moase was once again at half in the Round Five local derby against North Coast leading his side around the field well in their 20 – 18 victory.

Harvey Moase played the 2020 community rugby league season with the Cudgen Hornets in the Group 18 U16 competition primarily at half back including an outstanding effort in Round Four against South Tweed and a similarly impressive performance in Round Five against the Murwillumbah Colts.

The 2020 U16 Group 18 Cudgen Hornets finished the regular season winning two games and losing eight, along the way scoring 138 points and conceding 244 to finish with a -106 points differential. Post the season Harvey Moase was named the Cudgen Hornets Group 18 U16 Best Back and was also named as the joint Cudgen Hornets Junior Representative Player of the 2020 season.

Harvey Moase made his NRRRL U18 debut for Cudgen in Round Four of that competition off the bench as the Hornets defeated Murwillumbah 18 – 14. Harvey Moase played for the Cudgen U16 side the previous day.

Harvey Moase continued his run in the NRRRL U18 competition in Round Five, starting the match against the Bilambil Jets at half back as well as Round Six against the Tweed Coast Raiders when he teamed up in the halves with Tanu Nona and also started at half back in Round Seven against the Murwillumbah Mustangs.

In Round Seven against the Bilambil Jets, Harvey Moase once again started at half back as he did in Round Eight against the Tweed Coast Raiders.

In Cudgen’s 2020 NRRRL U18 Major semi-final loss against Murwillumbah Harvey Moase started at half back. Harvey Moase was also on the bench in the 2020 NRRRL Green U18 Grand Final playing right second row as the Hornets defeated Murwillumbah 28 – 16 in a bad tempered Grand Final.

In early October 2020 Harvey Moase was part of the Titans Group 18 U16 Invitational side that played a trial match against a Titans 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.

In late 2020 Harvey Moase was named in the 2021 Tweed Coast Giants U16/17 Boys Oztag squad.

In February 2019 Harvey Moase started at half back for one of the Titans two U15 sides in their round robin matches against each other and the Western Mustangs with the youngster leading his Titans side around well in very hot conditions.

Harvey Moase also started at half back for the Titans U15 side that defeated a Balmain U15 side 34 – 16 in early October producing an outstanding performance in Titans colours leading the Titans side around the field well and also produced an outstanding tactical kicking display, including a first half 40/20 with the Titans scoring off the subsequent scrum feed,

In September 2019 Harvey Moase was named the Group 18 U15 Player of the year after an outstanding season with the Cudgen Hornets U15 side and was also named the Group 18 Representative Player of the Year.

Late in the 2019 season Harvey Moase represented Group 18 at the U15 New South Wales Country Age Championships in Port Macquarie starting at half.

Late in the 2019 season at the Group 18 Presentation night Harvey Moase was deservedly named as the Group 18 U15 Representative Player of the Year.

In 2019 Harvey Moase also represented the Northern region NSW CCC U15 rugby league side at their trials held in May in Sydney after the Kingscliff High School student stood out for the Far North Coast side in the Northern Trials.

The young Cudgen Hornets half represented the Group 18 U14 side in 2018 in the New South Wales Country Age Championships and post those Championships was selected as part of the Titans 2018/19 Group 18 U15 Development Squad.

In the 2018 U14 New South Wales Country Age Championships for Group 18 Harvey Moase started at half in all three of Group 18’s matches which were against Group’s 21, Four and Two kicking conversion against Group Two.

Harvey Moase has above average speed both off the mark which I would consider in the plus category and top end speed which can probably be classified in the above average range.

Harvey Moase with his speed is able to exploit gaps in the defensive line with a very good step off either foot with incredible acceleration as well as outstanding body control.

Harvey Moase has very good timing on his passes and is able to weight them perfectly as well and can do so from either side of his body. Harvey Moase also runs with the ball in both hands which is another reason why the defensive line is unable to determine exactly what Harvey Moase is going to do.

Harvey Moase has a very good kick on him and also has good accuracy to go with the power that he generates. His kicking game suggests he will be a real 40/20 threat as he matures and progresses. Harvey Moase also gets his kicks away quickly thus not allowing the defenders to put an undue amount of pressure on him.

Harvey Moase does have some subtly though in his kicking, he is adept at grubber kicking into the opposition in goal line as well as putting appropriate weight on his chip kicks, in an effort to get a repeat set of tackles. In short Harvey Moase is a very good tactical kicker, who is above average in all aspects and flashes plus ability in a few attributes such as range, weighting of the kicks and of course direction.

It is more that conceivable that Harvey Moase is going to be a 40/20 threat in the coming seasons, the fact that he gets his kicks away quickly with such depth and accuracy also adds to this more than reasonable hypothesis.

Defensively Harvey Moase is a very strong young man for his size with solid functional strength to go along with an innate understanding of the attacking strategies of rugby league thus he is able to anticipate what an attacking side is looking to do with the ball and then be in the best position to negate it. Harvey Moase also has a very good low tackling technique which is simple, repeatable and effective against all size opponents.

Harvey Moase will play in 2024 season with the Cudgen Hornets and play first Grade in the NRRRL First Grade competition once again after making his NRRRL First Grade debut in 2022 for the Hornets and playing the entire 2023 season in that competition with the Hornets.

Harvey Moase may well decide to head north a few kilometres or so and line up in the Gold Coast Rugby League U20 competition where a multitude of clubs would be very happy to have such a talented player in their ranks. No doubt that if he chooses the GCRL U20 option, Harvey Moase would push for immediate playing time in the halves or at hooker for any team in the competition.

With his ability to see the entire field as if he has a bird eye view of it and his ability to guide and direct his side around the field, adhering precisely to the game plan, Harvey Moase is ideally suited to controlling a side from the half back position. I must admit however that Harvey Moase would also do well at hooker with his speed, passing and also the ability to kick out of dummy half.

Adam Reynolds of the Brisbane Bronco’s has for me a playing style that people can use as a comparison for Harvey Moase. Like Reynolds, Harvey Moase is only reasonably slight of build but has a more then decent step and enough speed, especially off the mark to gain separation from the defensive line and also like Reynolds, Harvey Moase is also a very good kicker of the ball in all aspects.

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Kanititeiti Sikahele. The young man is the younger brother of Titans contracted and Burleigh’s Vaka Sikahele and like his older brother Kanititeiti Sikahele attended St Pauls College in Auckland before heading over to the Gold Coast to continue his rugby league career.

In late September 2023 Kanititeiti Sikahele was named in the 2024 Burleigh Bears U19 Mal Meninga Cup squad.

In late September 2022 Kanititeiti Sikahele was named in the exceptionally powerful 2023 Burleigh Bears U18 MM Cup squad with Kanititeiti Sikahele part of the Bears squad for their opening trial against the Souths Logan Magpies side at Burleigh Juniors as part of the Titans Annual Super Saturday.

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 with Kanititeiti Sikahele scoring in the 33rd minute adjacent to the left goal post after he had stepped off his left to foot when six metres out with Kanititeiti Sikahele then getting low and forcing his way over the line to get the ball down under heavy pressure.

Kanititeiti Sikahele then moved to the bench for Round Two against the Souths Logan Magpies with Kanititeiti Sikahele coming onto the field to operate in the front row in the 17th minute.

Kanititeiti Sikahele’s performance saw him named in the front row in the 2023 Courier Mail MM Cup Round Two Team of the Week.

Kanititeiti Sikahele also started from the bench in Round Four against the Norths Devils with Kanititeiti Sikahele coming onto the field in the 15th minute with Kanititeiti Sikahele making a strong run in the 43rd minute from the left of the play the ball and forty metres from his own try line with Kanititeiti Sikahele able to get the ball five metres into Norths territory.

In the 48th minute Kanititeiti Sikahele along with Cooper Bai made a strong try saving tackle when defending on their own try line on the Norths No. 10 directly under the goal posts.

Kanititeiti Sikahele then came off the bench in Round Six against the Redcliffe Dolphins with Kanititeiti Sikahele coming onto the field to operate in the front row.

Kanititeiti Sikahele then at lock in the Round Seven local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls with Kanititeiti Sikahele making the opening tackle of the match along with Zac Kumbamong.

Kanititeiti Sikahele made a strong run with the ball in the 27th minute from the right of the play the ball and sic metres from the halfway mark with Kanititeiti Sikahele and to get the ball nine metres inside Seagulls territory.

In the 2023 MM Cup competition Kanititeiti Sikahele made eighty nine at an average of 17.8 tackles per match.

Round One of the 2023 Langer Reserve School Boy competition saw Kanititeiti Sikahele named in the second row for Keebra Park SHS agaisnt Ipswich SHS with Kanititeiti Sikahele also starting in the second row in Round Two against Marsden SHS, Round Three against Redcliffe SHS, Round Four against Caloundra SHS and Round Five against Wavell SHS.

Kanititeiti Sikahele continued in the second row in the Round Six local derby against PBC SHS.

Round One of the 2023 GCRL U18 Division One competition saw Kanititeiti Sikahele start at right second row for the Burleigh Bears against the Southport Tigers.

Kanititeiti Sikahele then started at lock in Round Six against the Southport Tigers with Kanititeiti Sikahele scoring in the 8th minute through a hard straight charge from the right of the play the ball and six metres out to crash over and get the ball down ten metres in from the left corner post.

Then in the 14th minute from the left of the play the ball and fourteen metres out from his own try line Kanititeiti Sikahele was able to promote the ball to ten metres of the halfway mark. Kanititeiti Sikahele made a further strong charge in the 51st minute from twenty metres out from his own try line with Kanititeiti Sikahele then able to get a right arm flick off-load away to keep the play going for Burleigh.

Kanititeiti Sikahele also started at lock in Round Eight against the Helensvale Hornets with Kanititeiti Sikahele making a strong run in the 20th minute from the left of the play the ball with Kanititeiti Sikahele carrying the ball from his own twenty metre mark to thirty six metres out.

Kanititeiti Sikahele then continued at lock in Round Nine against the Currumbin Eagles with Kanititeiti Sikahele making a strong run in the 7th minute from thirty eight metres from the try line to the left of the play the ball to twenty metres away from the try line. Then in the 9th minute from the right of the play the ball Kanititeiti Sikahele carried the ball to within ten metres of the try line after commencing his run thirty metres away from the try line.

Kanititeiti Sikahele also started at lock in Round Ten against the Coomera Cutters with Kanititeiti Sikahele making a crunching tackle for the kick-off to force a Cutters knock on twenty metres from the try line with Burleigh scoring from the subsequent scrum.

Kanititeiti Sikahele also started at lock in Round Eleven against the Southport Tigers with Kanititeiti Sikahele scoring in the 19th minute when after starting his run to the left of the play the ball, Kanititeiti Sikahele cut back to his right to crash over from five metres out to get the ball down ten metres to the right of the uprights.

The 13th minute saw Kanititeiti Sikahele run onto the ball to the right of the play the ball from twenty three metres out from his own try line to thirty nine metres out. Then in the 51st minute from the left of the play the ball from thirty metres from his own try line, Kanititeiti Sikahele got the ball to within seven metres of the halfway mark.

Kanititeiti Sikahele rounded out a strong match in the 54th minute with a right arm around the corner off-load after carrying the ball from the left of the dummy half from his own thirty metre mark to six metres of the halfway mark.

Kanititeiti Sikahele started at right second row in the Week Two Qualifying Final against the Southport Tigers with Kanititeiti Sikahele scoring in the 4th minute with an eight metre run from the right of the play the ball to get the ball over the try line ten metres in from the right corner post.

In the 27th minute after running onto the ball to the right of the dummy half Kanititeiti Sikahele was able to promote the ball from eighteen metres out from the try line to thirty two metres out. Then in the 31st minute from the right of the play the ball charged from thirty metres out from his own try line to the halfway mark before getting on off-load away to his right. Kanititeiti Sikahele also took the next hit-up from the left of the play the ball, making an additional thirteen metres to twenty seven metres out from the try line.

The 2023 Gold Coast Rugby League Division One Grand Final saw Kanititeiti Sikahele start at right second row against the Currumbin Eagles and in the 7th minute from two passes to the right of the play the ball and thirty two metres from the try line, Kanititeiti Sikahele utilised a left arm fend twice as he got the ball to within nineteen metres of the try line.

Also in the 13th minute from the right of the play the ball Kanititeiti Sikahele was able to carry the ball from ten metres inside his own territory to three metres into Currumbin territory. Then I the 18th minute Kanititeiti Sikahele was able to get the ball out to the twenty metre mark from a Currumbin kick-off.

Kanititeiti Sikahele made an additional run from nineteen metres out from his own try line to thirty two metres out in the 29th minute after running onto the ball to the left of the play the ball. Then to round out a solid Grand Final, in the 36th minute, from the right of the dummy half, Kanititeiti Sikahele made fourteen metres after commencing his run from twenty five metres out from his own try line.

Kanititeiti Sikahele also played Oztag in 2023 with Kanititeiti Sikahele named in the 2023 Queensland Schools Oztag Year Twelve Mixed All Stars School Merit Team.

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.

From an attacking stand point, Kanititeiti Sikahele has solid distribution skills in relation to his passing skills to either side of his body and uses a solid, repeatable passing technique to ensure consistency, thus enabling his forwards and play makers have confidence that his passes will find the mark with the appropriate velocity attached on every occasion.

From a speed perspective I would consider that Kanititeiti Sikahele’s speed when running out of dummy half is a touch above average for a dummy half but plays faster as he has become adept at running at the right time and focusses heavily when the markers are out of position, thus Kanititeiti Sikahele either makes ground himself putting his team on the front foot or draws a penalty, in both scenario’s he generates momentum for his side through the skill and intelligence Kanititeiti Sikahele has.

The impressive thing about when Kanititeiti Sikahele runs out of dummy half is the fact that he does not run to the same side of the ruck all of the time, Kanititeiti Sikahele will make a judgement on where the defence is the weakest and react accordingly. Some hookers always run out of dummy half in the same direction, Kanititeiti Sikahele is definitely not one of those, which shows that Kanititeiti Sikahele has a high level of intelligence and match awareness.

From a defensive perspective Kanititeiti Sikahele is a very solid tackler who makes good initial contact and is able to generate momentum through his core and drive into his opponent with his shoulder with enough force to redirect the momentum of the ball carrier. Kanititeiti Sikahele has both a solid low tackling technique as well as having the functional strength to make ball and all tackles effectively against the biggest of forwards looking to target him in the defensive line.

Kanititeiti Sikahele is also very quick out of the marker position and will get to forwards who are running one out before they can generate any significant momentum. In short Kanititeiti Sikahele defends like a backrower and certainly if he finds himself on the fringes of the ruck, Kanititeiti Sikahele has the speed, lateral movement and anticipation to also defend against smaller quicker halves looking to exploit a perceived speed advantage over him.

Kanititeiti Sikahele will play the 2024 season with the Burleigh Bears in the Gold Coast Rugby League U20 competition after starting the 2024 season as part of the Burleigh Bears U19 Mm Cup competition.

Kanititeiti Sikahele started off his career as a hooker but this season for both Keebra Park SHS and Burleigh Kanititeiti Sikahele played exclusively in the second row and that is surely where Kanititeiti Sikahele’s rugby league future now lies.

Kanititeiti Sikahele is solid in all aspects, he is a hard working runner of the ball and has a solid and repeatable defensive technique with both coming together to highlight a solid rugby league second rower both now an into the future.

The game of New Zealand Warrior and New Zealand International second rower and occasional centre Tohu Harris is probably a reasonable comparison from a playing style perspective for the talented Kanititeiti Sikahele.

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Vaka Sikahele. The dynamic young New Zealand born hooker signed with the Titans JTS program and headed over to Australia to be part of the Burleigh Bears 2021 Hastings Deering’s Colts squad after an outstanding career in New Zealand including representative honours as well as an outstanding school boy career with St Pauls College and prior to that Wesley College.

Vaka Sikahele undertook the 2022/23 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 after signing a new two year contract with the Titans in late October 2021 that will keep Vaka Sikahele in Titans colours until the end of the 2023 season. In fact in the 2023 season Vaka Sikahele will be on a Titans NRL Development contract and will train full time with the Titans NRL Top 30 squad.

In early December 2022 Vaka Sikahele took part in a joint training session betweed the Titans JTS contracted players and the Titans NRL off-season training squad. Impressively Vaka Sikahele’s time with the Titans in the NRL off-season progam was extended through the post Christmas training block.

Vaka Sikahele was 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 opening half to operate at dummy half.

Vaka Sikahele scored in the 48th minute when after identifying that Reece Walsh was still on the ground after making a tackle Vaka Sikahele ran to his left out of dummy half from two metres and was able to get between two defenders and get the ball down ten metres to the left of the uprights.

Playing in two stints on the field Vaka Sikahele ran for fifty metres (nine post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.98 seconds and made eighteen tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

2023 saw Vaka Sikahele return to the Burleigh Bears with Vaka Sikahele starting from the bench in Round One of the 2023 Queensland Cup against the Norths Devils with Vaka Sikahele coming onto the field late in the first half to operate in the dummy half role. Whilst Vaka Sikahele started off at dummy half when he first came on, Vaka Sikahele spent time in the second half as a running backrower.

Vaka Sikahele made a strong run out of dummy half in the 57th minute when from forty three metres out from his own try line Vaka Sikahele ran to his right to get the ball ten metres inside Norths Devils territory.

Playing thirty seven minutes Vaka Sikahele ran for thirty nine metres (sixteen post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 3.82 seconds and made twenty tackles at an aoutstanding 100% tackling efficiency.

Vaka Sikahele also came off the bench in Round Three against the Redcliffe Dolphins, spending time both at dummy half and lock.

Vaka Sikahele made a line break within minutes of coming on in the 53rd minute when after running onto the ball thirty eight metres out from his own try line and to the left of the play the ball, Vaka Sikahele stepped off his left foot to go straight through the centre of the defensive line with Vaka Sikahele tackled by the Redcliffe fullback twenty two metres out from the try line.

Vaka Sikahele also executed an outstanding front-on tackle in the 68th minute when as the Redcliffe No. 17 was bringing the ball back from a Burleigh kick-off, Vaka Sikahele hit him front on with his right shoulder and dislodging the ball just ten metres from the try line with the Bears scoring from the set of six after Burleigh had retrieved the ball.

Playing twenty nine minutes Vaka Sikahele ran for ninety metres (five post contact), made a line break, broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.02 seconds and made fifteen tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Vaka Sikahele also started from the bench in the Round Four local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls with Vaka Sikahele once again spending time both at lock and at dummy half after coming onto the field in the 21st minute.

Vaka Sikahele recorded a line break assist in the 59th minute when after running the ball into the defensive line to the left of the dummy half, Vaka Sikahele whilst engaged with two defenders got a left arm flick off-load away to the left to his five eight who made a long line break downfield.

Vaka Sikahele showed that he is not intimidated by anyone when with his first run of the match in the 25th minute, Vaka Sikahele ran straight at former NRL player Ryan James when running the ball to the left of the play the ball as Vaka Sikahele carried the ball to less than ten metres from the try line.

Vaka Sikahele did well defensively in the 58th minute when after the Seagulls hooker made a line break out of dummy half Vaka Sikahele chased him and caught him from behind just ten metres out from the try line after he had stepped the Bears fullback and appeared to have an impeded run to the try line before Vaka Sikahele’s timely intervention.

Playing fifty one minutes Vaka Sikahele ran for sixty nine metres (thirty post contact), broke tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 3.73 seconds and made twenty five tackles at a tackling efficiency of 92.6%.

Vaka Sikahele continued off the bench in Round Five against the Sunshine Coast Falcons with Vaka Sikahele coming off the bench early in the second half.

Playing the thirty seven minutes Vaka Sikahele ran for eighty one metres (twenty three post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 3.39 seconds and made twenty one tackles at an 84% tackling efficiency.

Vaka Sikahele also came off the bench in Round Six against the PNG Hunters to operate at lock with Vaka Sikahele making a strong run in the 58th minute when from the left of the play the ball and thirty six metres out from his own try line Vaka Sikahele charged onto the ball and was able to promote the ball to the halfway mark.

In his Thirty one minutes on the field Vaka Sikahele ran for fifty four metres (seventeen post contact), broke two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 2.99 seconds and made ten tackles at an 89% tackling efficiency.

Vaka Sikahele also started from the bench in Round Seven against the Easts Tigers with Vaka Sikahele coming close to scoring in the 52nd minute from the right of the play the ball and six metres out Vaka Sikahele got over the try line but was ajudged to have lost possession of the ball before grounding the ball.

Playing forty one minutes Vaka Sikahele ran for forty nine metres (nineteen post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 3.59 seconds and made twenty two tackles at a tackling efficiency of 96.65%.

Vaka Sikahele also started from the bench in Round Eight against the Central Queensland Capra’s with Vaka Sikahele producing a strong run in the 40th minute from the right of the play the ball with Vaka Sikahele making fifteen metres to get the ball to the halfway mark.

In his thirty two minutes on the field Vaka Sikahele ran for thirty metres (fifteen psot contact), played the ball at an average speed of 3.8 seconds and made twenty tackles at a 95.24% tacklng efficiency.

Vaka Sikahele continued from the bench in Round Nine against the Mackay Cutters with Vaka Sikahele making a line break in the 39th minute when after charging onto the ball to the left of the play the ball and two metres inside Cutters territory Tony Francis stepped off his left foot to beat one defender before bursting through two more attempted tackles. Tony Francis then charged to within twenty two metres of the try line.

Playing thirty four minutes Vaka Sikahele ran for 111 metres (forty post contact), broke three tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.11 seconds and made nineteen tackles at a 95% tackling efficiency.

Vaka Sikahele continued from the bench in Round Ten against the Toowoomba Clydesdales with Vaka Sikahele operating at lock when he came onto the field in the 35th minute.

Playing thirty minutes off the bench Vaka Sikahele ran for thirty metres (eleven post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 2.67 seconds and made fifteen tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Vaka Sikahele came off the bench once again in Round Eleven against the Ipswich Jets with Vaka Sikahele scoring in the 73rd minute when after receiving an off-load twenty eight metres out from the try line, Vaka Sikahele initially slowly moved to his left to size up his next step with Vaka Sikahele then exploding downfield and straight through the centre of the Jets defensive line before Vaka Sikahele stepped off his left foot to beat the fullback and score a great solo try under the posts.

Playing thirty five minutes Vaka Sikahele ran for sixty one metres (ten post contact), made a line break, broke three tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 3.96 seconds and made four tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Vaka Sikahele also came off the bench in Round Twelve against the Souths Logan Magpies an whilst playing twenty minutes off the bench, Vaka Sikahele ran for sixty four metres (twenty three post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 3.14 seconds and made fourteen tackles at a 93.33% tackling efficiency.

Round Thirteen saw Vaka Sikahele start from the bench against the Norths Devils wit hVaka Sikahele ranning onto the ball to the left of the play the ball in the 52nd minute to get the ball from six metres inside his own territory to eight metres into Norths territory.

Playing forty minute Vaka Sikahele ran for fofty two metres (fifteen post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 2.66 seconds and made twenty two tackles at a tackling efficiency of 95.65%.

Vaka Sikahele also came off the bench in the Round Fifteen local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls and whilst playing forty five minutes vaka Sikahele ran for thirty eight metres (thirteen post contact), broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 3.46 seconds and made twenty six tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Vaka Sikahele continued from the bench in Round Sixteen against the Sunshine Coast Falcons with Vaka Sikahele doing well in the 76th minute to be on hand to take possession from a Bears tap back from a short drop-out to their left with three Falcons players in close attendance.

Whilst playing forty minutes Vaka Sikahele ran for fifty seven metres (twenty post contact), broek two tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 2.81 seconds and made twenty four tackles at a tackling efficiency of 92.31%.

Vaka Sikahele also started from the bench in Round Seventeen in PNG against the Hunters and in his forty seven minutes, Vaka Sikahele ran for sixty two metres (twenty post contact), Broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 3.32 seconds and made twenty six tackles at a tackling efficiency of 96.29%.

Vaka Sikahele continued from the bench in Round Nineteen against Northern Pride and in his forty one minutes on the field Vaka Sikahele ran for eighty five metres (thirty eight post contact), broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 2.56 seconds and made eighteen tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

After coming onto the field to operate at lock in the second half Vaka Sikahele made a good kick-off return in the 58th minute running over the top of one defender to get the ball out to the twenty seven metre mark in the centre of the field.

The 76th minute saw Vaka Sikahele run out of dummy half to his right to get the ball from the thirty three metre mark to the halfway mark. Then in the 76th minute from the left of the play the ball from thirty eight metres out from his own try line to three metres inside Northern Pride territory.

Vaka Sikahele also started from the bench in Round Twenty against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls and in his thirty two minutes on the field Vaka Sikahele ran for 116 metres (seventeen post contact), broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 2.8 seconds and made eighteen tackles at a 90% tackling efficiency.

Vaka Sikahele continued from the bench started from the bench in Round Twenty one against the Mackay Cutters with Vaka Sikahele coming onto the field to operate in the dummy half role in the 24th minute.

Playing forty seven minutes Vaka Sikahele ran for forty eight metres (nineteen post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 3.19 seconds and made twenty eight tackles at a tackling efficiency of 93.33%.

Vaka Sikahele also started from the bench in Round Twenty two against the Townsville Blackhawks and after coming onto the field to operate at lock in the 26th minute Vaka Sikahele, in the 32nd minute carried the ball from the left of the play the ball from thirty seven metres from the try line to twenty one metres out.

Then in the 40th minute from the right of the play the ball Vaka Sikahele made fourteen metres to get the ball a metre into Townsville territory.

Playing twenty six minutes Vaka Sikahele ran for forty eight metres (twenty post contact), broke a tackle, played the ball at an average speed of 3.73 seconds and made twenty tackles at a tackling efficiency of 95.24%.

Vaka Sikahele continued from the bench in Week One of the Finals against the Central Queensland Capra’s and after coming onto the field to operate at lock I nteh 53rd minute Vaka Sikahele ran onto the ball to the right of the dummy half to get the ball from thirty five metres out to the halfway mark.

Playing twenty eight minutes Vaka Sikahele ran for forty two metres (fifteen post contact), played the ball at an average speed of 2.89 second and made fifteen tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Vaka Sikahele also started from the bench in the Preliminary Final against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls and whilst playing forty eight minutes with Vaka Sikahele coming onto the field to operate as a running forward in the 54th minute and almost immediately Vaka Sikahele ran the ball from a Bears penalty restart to get the ball to within seven metres of the halfway mark.

Vaka Sikahele also made a line break in the 79th minute when after receiving an off-load on the halfway mark, Vaka Sikahele darted through the centre of the field and got all of the way down to the halfway mark.

Earlier in the 76th minute Vaka Sikahele took possession of the ball from an off-load ten metres inside his own territory Vaka Sikahele was able to get the ball seven metres into Wynnum Manly territory.

Whilst playing twenty seven minutes Vaka Sikahele ran for ninety three metres (twenty six post contact), made a line break, broke a tackles, played the ball at an average speed of 2.95 seconds and made eight tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

Vaka Sikahele started from the bench in the 2023 Queensland Cup Grand Final against the Brisbane Tigers.

Playing only ten minutes after suffering a knee cap dislocation Vaka Sikahele ran for twenty four metres, played the ball at an average speed of 3.38 seconds and made eight tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

In total in the 2023 Queensland Cup competition Vaka Sikahele played in twenty two matches, scored a try, made a line break assist, made 427 tackles at a tackling efficiency of 94.3% and ran for 1 405 metres at an average of sixty three metres per match.

Vaka Sikahele started from the bench for the Bears in a late February Queensland Cup trial against the Tweed Heads Seagulls.

Vaka Sikahele came onto the field to operate at dummy half in the 30th minute with Vaka Sikahele running out of dummy half to his right almost immediately from fivemetres inside his own territory with Vaka Sikahele able to get the ball eleven metres inside Seagulls territory before he was brought to ground.

Impressively Vaka Sikahele was named as the 18th man for the Burleigh Bears in their 2022 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.

After being injured in a 2021 pre-season training mishap, Vaka Sikahele was named on the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts extended bench for the Round Two local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls but moved onto the bench late in the week and celebrated by scoring in his Hastings Deering’s Colts debut.

Vaka Sikahele scored one of the stranger tries that you will see from a run out of dummy half in the 54th minute. After Burleigh had kicked off after a Tweed Heads try, the ball hit the right goal post on the full bouncing back into the field. Tristian Powell was able to retrieve the ball on the bounce and get to within eleven metres of the line. Vaka Sikahele got into dummy half and ran to his left with the Tweed Heads defence in disarray to dive over between two defender’s mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Vaka Sikahele came onto the field late in the first half, with his first run out of dummy half coming just a few minutes later in the 34th minute when ran to his left, breaking the Seagulls line and making twenty metres, beating four defenders along the way to get the ball to within forty metres of the try line.

In addition to some impressive runs and distribution out of dummy half Vaka Sikahele was also good defensively including in the 44th when he along with Isaac Matalavea-Booth hit and stopped Seagulls front rower Ben Liyou just centre metres out.

Vaka Sikahele also started from the bench in Round Three against the Western Mustangs coming into the match in the dummy half role towards the end of the first half. Vaka Sikahele was in the action almost immediately running out of dummy half to his right down a blindside and took the ball ten metres to the line before passing to his right to Cole Geyer who then quickly got the ball out to his right for Ronin Rio to dive over in the right corner.

After missing Round Four due to playing for the Titans U19 side, Vaka Sikahele started Round Five against the Northern Pride from the bench.

Vaka Sikahele was on the bench once again in Round Six against the Townsville Blackhawks, coming into the match towards the end of the first half in a running forward role before spending time at dummy half in the second half. Vaka Sikahele made the most of both of the roles that he played in the match and in the 51st minute, whilst playing as a running forward made thirteen metres, the majority post contact, to get the ball to the halfway mark.

Vaka Sikahele was back in the starting side at hooker in Round Seven against the Central Queensland Capra’s before starting from the bench in Round Eight against the Redcliffe Dolphins and in Round Nine against the Mackay Cutters.

Vaka Sikahele also started at hooker in the Round Eleven local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls and scored a double with his tries coming in the 16th and 55th minutes. In the 16th minute Vaka Sikahele moved into dummy half seven metres from the line and then darted to his right before stepping back to his left to beat the Seagulls marker before crashing through two more defenders who had stationed themselves on the try line.

Vaka Sikahele scored his second try in the 59th minute when once again he darted out of dummy half to his right, on this occasion from 32 metres out. After getting around the markers Vaka Sikahele cut back to his left to the area behind the play the ball and then was easily outpace the Seagulls defence to score under the post.

Vaka Sikahele was also named to start at hooker in the previously postponed Round Ten match against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

After a Covid 19 enforced hiatus, Vaka Sikahele was named to start at hooker in Round Sixteen against the Ipswich Jets.

At the conclusion of the 2021 Hastings Deering’s Colts season Vaka Sikahele received the Coaches Award for the 2021 Burleigh Bears Hastings Deering’s Colts side.

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

Vaka Sikahele started off the 2020 season as part of the New Zealand Warriors U18 SG Ball squad, playing four matches all off the bench before the SG Ball season was terminated due to the Covid 19 pandemic.

Vaka Sikahele started from the bench in Round One against the Victorian Thunderbolts, playing thirty two minutes. In that time Vaka Sikahele ran for seventy two metres (twelve post contact), made a line break, broke four tackles and made fourteen tackles at a tackling efficiency of 93.33%.

Vaka Sikahele also started from the bench in Round Two against the Canberra Raiders and was on the field for thirty three minutes, running for thirty metres (thirteen post contact), broke a tackle and made eleven tackles at a tackling efficiency of 84.62%.

After missing a number of rounds, Vaka Sikahele was back on the bench in Round Five against the Parramatta Eels but was on the field for just nine minutes, running for sixteen metres (three post contact) and had a 100% tackling efficiency whilst making four tackles.

In Round Six being the final round prior to the competition shut down, Vaka Sikahele started from the bench against the Illawarra Steelers, playing a total of twenty three minutes. In his twenty three minutes on the field, Vaka Sikahele ran for twelve metres (six post contact), broke a tackle and made sixteen tackles of his own at a 100% tackling efficiency.

In total in the 2020 U18 SG Ball competition for the Warriors, Vaka Sikahele played a total of ninety seven minutes, made a line break, broke six tackles, ran for 130 metres (thirty four post contact) and made forty five tackles at a tackling efficiency of 93.75%.

In late 2020 Vaka Sikahele started at hooker for the Auckland U18 representative side against their Southern Zone counterparts and after that match was named as the 2020 New Zealand Schools U18 captain however Vaka Sikahele ended up starting the match against the New Zealand U18 side from the bench. When he came into the match Vaka Sikahele operated in the dummy half role.

Also late in 2020 Vaka Sikahele played for the New Zealand Warriors U18 side that played a New Zealand Rugby League Development U18 side, with Vaka Sikahele scoring early in the fourth corner under the posts as the Warriors U18 side defeated their New Zealand Rugby League counter parts 42 – 16.

In Auckland Vaka Sikahele played for the powerful Manurewa Rugby League Club.

To round out a busy 2020, Vaka Sikahele played school boy rugby league for the St Paul’s College First XIII in the SAS College school boy competition for the second year in a row. Unfortunately like the majority of competitions that competition was cut short with no finals being played.

St Pauls College however did play a round of rounds of the SAS College First XIII Premier Division school boy rugby league competition with some of their 2020 performances coming in wins against Kelston Boys High 6 – 0, Southern Cross Campus 42 – 4, Papatoetoe High School 26 – 4 and a 30 – 10 win against Manurewa High School.

To cap off an outstanding 2020, Vaka Sikahele was named the 2020 St Pauls College Sportsman of the Year.

In 2019 in the school boy rugby league SAS College competition, Vaka Sikahele was part of the Grand Final winning St Paul’s College side scoring in the Grand Final and was in fact named Player of the Match in St Pauls victory as St Pauls College defeated Southern Cross Campus 28 - 6.

Vaka Sikahele was named at hooker in the 2019 SAS College Premier First XIII Team of the Year.

In 2019 Vaka Sikahele represented the Auckland School Boys representative side against a New Zealand Warriors U18 selection, scoring a bustling thirty metre try bumping off a number of defenders on the way to the line with the Auckland School Boys winning the match 18 – 10.

2019 also saw Vaka Sikahele represented the New Zealand U18 side, starting at hooker and scoring as New Zealand defeated Tao Samoa U18’s 30 – 18.

Late in the 2019 season Vaka Sikahele was named the 2019 New Zealand Warriors Academy Excellence Award winner.

Vaka Sikahele played his club rugby league in 2019 for the Manurewa rugby league club in the U17/18 Open Auckland rugby league competition, playing in eleven matches, scoring sixty eight points from fifteen tries (136% strike rate) and four conversions.

Prior to moving to St Pauls College in 2019, Vaka Sikahele attended Wesley College and represented Wesley College at the 2018 New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby League Tournament, including scoring a hat trick against Whangarei Boys High.

In 2018 for the Manurewa Chiefs in the Auckland Rugby League U16 Open competition, Vaka Sikahele played in twelve matches scoring four tries. In 2017 in the Auckland Rugby League U15 competition Vaka Sikahele finished the season with ten tries from fourteen matches for the Chiefs.

Also in 2018 Vaka Sikahele was part of the Tonga U16 side that won the U16 Pasifika Youth Cup Final against Samoa 28 – 10.

From an attacking stand point, Vaka Sikahele has solid distribution skills in relation to his passing skills to either side of his body and uses a solid, repeatable passing technique to ensure consistency, thus enabling his forwards and play makers have confidence that his passes will find the mark with the appropriate velocity attached on every occasion.

From a speed perspective I would consider that his speed when running out of dummy half is above average for a hooker but plays faster as he has become adept at running at the right time and focusses heavily when the markers are out of position, thus Vaka Sikahele either makes ground putting his team on the front foot or draws a penalty, in both scenario’s he generates momentum for his side through the skill and intelligence he has.

The impressive thing about when Vaka Sikahele runs out of dummy half is the fact that he does not run to the same side all of the time, he will make a judgement on where the defence is the weakest and respond accordingly as was evidence in Round Nine of the Hastings Deering’s Colts competition this season when he scored tries by running on both sides of the ruck.

From a defensive perspective Vaka Sikahele is a very solid tackler who makes good initial contact and is able to generate momentum through his core and drive into his opponent with enough force to redirect the momentum of the ball carrier. Vaka Sikahele has both a solid low tackling technique as well as having the functional strength to make ball and all tackles effectively against the biggest of forwards looking to target him in the defensive line.

Vaka Sikahele is also very quick out of the marker position and will get to forwards how are running one out before they can generate any momentum. In short he defends like a backrower and certainly if he finds himself on the fringes of the ruck, Vaka Sikahele has the lateral movement and anticipation to also defend against smaller quicker halves looking to exploit a perceived speed advantage.

Vaka Sikahele made his way over to the Gold Coast for the 2021 season where he started training with the Titans U20 Rookie Squad. In 2022 Vaka Sikahele played for the Burleigh Bears in the 2022 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition and Vaka Sikahele played the entire 2023 season once again for the Bears Queensland Cup side with Vaka Sikahele looking to line-up for the Bears once again in the Queensland Cup in 2024 with the ultimate aim to break into an NRL squad.

Vaka Sikahele has had an impressive career at hooker in New Zealand from a club, school boy and representative perspective and there is absolutely no reason why a position change is necessary upon his signing with the Titans and his subsequent arrival in Australia. More to the point, the Titans have obviously signed Vaka Sikahele to add to their already impressive JTS dummy half stocks.

During the 2022 Hastings Deering’s Colts season for the Burleigh Bears Vaka Sikahele spent time at lock and I must admit that Vaka Sikahele made a very impressive impact there and the versatility to play both lock and hooker will stand Vaka Sikahele in good stead into the future.

At 178cm and 91kg the former fullback is a bigger type of hooker, but as noted Vaka Sikahele certainly has the skill set to stay in the dummy half role.

Vaka Sikahele has indicated that he has modelled his game on Souths Sydney Rabbitohs and New South Wales State of Origin hooker Damien Cook. Whilst Vaka Sikhele does not have the pure speed of Cook and is a touch taller and more solid, like Cook he is judicious in when he runs and Vaka Sikhele is also a consistant and solid ball distributor out of dummy half with a solid repeatable passing technique to both sides of his body.

Former Manly and Tongan International hooker, Manase Fainu is probably a good player comparison from a size perspective as well as style as well. Like Fainu, Vaka Sikahele is lightning quick out of dummy half with the added knack of being able to pick the right time to run from the dummy half position.

[mdrew]

Jake Lateo. In late September 2022 Jake Lateo was named in the 2023 Burleigh Bears U18 MM Cup squad then in early October 2022 Jake Lateo was also named in the Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup squad as well!

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 metres 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.

After Tweed Heads had a Round One 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 Two Team of the Week.

Jake Lateo also started at halfback in Round Three against the Redcliffe Dolphins with Jake lateo recording a try assist in the 36th minute when from twenty metres out from the try line Jake Lateo ran the ball down a right blindside dummying to his right before stepping off his right foot and after engaging the defensive line just short of the try line Jake Lateo was able to get an off-load away for his right second rowered to score just in from the corner post.

Jake Lateo also threw the final pass for Jiale Litidamu’s 68th minute try.

Jake Lateo continued at halfback and captain in Round Four against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

Jake Lateo also started at halfback and captain in Round Five against the Souths Logan Magpies with Jake Lateo putting up a high floating bomb from the centre of the field and thirty five metres out with Jake Lateo’s bomb dropped cold by the Magpies fullback just three metres from his own try line and just to the left of the goal posts.

Jake Lateo did well in the 60th minute when from thirty metres out Jake Lateo ran the ball down a short right blindside and as he was approaching the defensive line Jake Lateo put in a right foot chip kick and then raced down to affect the tackle on the Magpies left second rower (No. 11) just a metre out from the try line.

Defensively Jake Lateo did well in the 22nd minute when he was able to hold up the Magpies hooker who had tried to force his way over from dummy half but Jake Lateo was able to prevent him from scoring ten metres to the left of the uprights. Jake Lateo made another try saving tackle in the 56th minute once again on the Magpies starting hooker with Jake Lateo forcing the ball loose over the try line and under the posts and gain a twenty metre restart from the Seagulls.

Jake Lateo also made a strong tackle in the 42nd minute when after chasing through a Seagulls kick Jake Lateo made a good low tackle on the Magpies right winger in the centre of the field and twelve metres from the try line. Jake Lateo was also involved in the next tackle from the marker position.

Jake Lateo continued at halfback and captain in Round Six against the Norths Devils with Jake Lateo scoring a smart try in the 17th minute when after running to his right after taking possession from the dummy half Jake Lateo put in a right foot grubber kick when twelve metres out and after the Norths left winger had kicked the ball across the field in the in-goal Jake Lateo won the race to get downward pressure on the ball ten metres to the right of the uprights.

Jake Lateo made a strong tackle in the 4th minute when forty metres out from his own try line he drove his left shoulder through his opposite number forcing the Devils halfback backwards a number of metres before driving him onto his back.

Just two minutes later in the 6th minute Jake Lateo made a try saving tackle two metres from the try line on the giant Norths front rower No.10 to stop him from scoring mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Jake Lateo’s performance saw him named in the 2023 Courier Mail MM Cup Round Six Team of the Week.

Jake Lateo finished the 2023 MM Cup season recording three try assists.

Round One of the 2023 GCRL U18 Division One competition saw Jake Lateo start at halfback for the Currumbin Eagles against the Helensvale Hornets.

Jake Lateo also started at halfback in Round Two against the Coomera Cutters with Jake Lateo scoring in the 57th minute when after receiving the ball to the right of the play the ball and fourteen metres from the try line Jake Lateo stepped off his right foot to wrong foot the defence and was subsequently get the ball over the try line right metres in from the right corner post.

Jake Lateo had almost scored earlier in the match in the 28th minute with a darting run but just as Jake Lateo was able to get the ball down next to the left upright, the ball was knocked from his grasp.

Jake Lateo also recorded a try assist in the 24th minute when after receiving the ball to the right of the play the ball thirty eight metres out from the try line Jake Lateo cut back inside and then after breaking through the defensive line, Jake Lateo drew the Cutters fullback and then passed to his left to put his support over under the posts.

Jake Lateo also started at halfback in Round Four against the Burleigh Bears with Jake Lateo kicking three conversions including a conversion in the 32nd minute from five metres in from the left touchline and a 46th minute conversion from three metres in from the left touchline.

Jake Lateo recorded try assist in the 55th minute when from sixteen metres out and to the right of the play the ball Jake Lateo put in a right foot chip kick towards the right corner with his right centre racing through to take Jake Lateo’s kick on the full and score wide out on the right.

Jake Lateo then started at halfback in Round Nine against the Currumbin Eagles with Jake Lateo kicking his only conversion attempt in the 28th minute from two metres to the right of the uprights.

Jake Lateo made a line break in the 30th minute when after the halftime siren had sounded Burleigh put in an attacking kick from a Bears scrum win but Jake Lateo picked up the ball ten metres from his own try line and then Jake Lateo charged down the right touchline and when he was eight metres inside Burleigh territory Jake Lateo cut inside off the touchline and threw a ling cut-out pass back to his inside and towards the centre of the field.

Jake Lateo made his second line break in the 37th minute in quite unique circumstances. After a Burleigh try, Jake Lateo initially shaped to drive the kick-off deep but instead put in a short kick along the ground with Jake Lateo raced forward to retrieve the ball and after getting to within twenty metres of the try line Jake Lateo got an off-load away to his right to a trailing Will Saunders.

Jake Lateo made another line break in the 51st minute from the right of the play the ball and twenty metres out from his own try line with Jake Lateo going straight through the middle of the Burleigh defensive line with Jake Lateo getting to the halfway mark with Jake Lateo then getting an off-load away to his left to Will Saunders.

The 11th minute saw Jake Lateo get six more tackles for Currumbin when from thirty metres out Jake Lateo received the ball down a short right blindside and put up a high bomb which was dropped by the Burleigh left winger for Currumbin to regain possession ten metres from the try line.

Jake Lateo also got a result from a short goal line drop-out in the 30th minute with a short drop-out to his right with Currumbin getting the ball back just after it had broken the ten metre plane.

Jake Lateo continued at halfback in Round Eleven against the Helensvale Hornets with Jake Lateo recording a try assist in the 23rd minute when from the left of the play the ball Jake Lateo ran the ball at the Helensvale defensive line before throwing a hard flat pass to his left second rower to put them over to score ten metres to the left of the uprights.

In the 35th minute from twelve metres out and to the right of the play the ball Jake Lateo was able to run the ball to his right and get within five metres of the try line.

Jake Lateo had earlier in the 2nd minute put up a high mid-field bomb from forty three metres out which was too good for the Helensvale left winger who dropped the ball twenty metres out to put the Eagles immediately back on the attack.

With Currumbin down by four with just minutes to go after a Helensvale try, Jake Lateo put up a high short kick-off to his left and after the ball came down after just getting to the ten metre mark, Currumbin were able to regather the ball and score from the same set of six to lock the match up at 16 all which ended up being the final score.

Jake Lateo also started at halfback in Round Twelve against the Coomera Cutters with Jake Lateo recording a try assist in the 49th minute when Jake Lateo ran the ball to the right of the play the ball from thirty five metres with Jake Lateo breaking through the defensive line as a result of a dummy to his inside and a left arm fend with Jake Lateo charging through the centre of the field and passing to his left to send his fullback away to score under the posts.

Jake Lateo also made a line break in the 51st minute when after a Coomera kick-off failed to go the required ten metres, Jake Lateo took a quick tap from the centre of the halfway mark and after bumping off one defender after running ten metres Jake Lateo got to within twenty eight metres of the try line.

The 2023 Gold Coast Rugby League Division One Grand Final saw Jake Lateo named on the bench in the Eagles Grand Final victory against the Burleigh Bears however Jake Lateo did not feature in the match.

In early March 2023 Jake Lateo was named in the South Coast School Boy Rugby League Open Representative side with Jake Lateo starting at halfback on Day One of the Championships against Capricornia.

Jake Lateo scored a great solo try in the 48th minute when after taking possession of the ball thirty five metres out and down a wide right blindside Jake Lateo put in a short right foot chip kick and then the ball bounced perfectly for Jake Lateo twelve metres out with Jake Lateo regathering the ball with his right arm above his head and was able to run around to score under the posts.

Jake Lateo also started at halfback on Day Two against Met East.

Jake Lateo continued at halfback on Day Three against Sunshine Coast with Jake Lateo scoring in the 26th minute when with Sunshine Coast on the attack they spun the ball wide to their left with a long high cut-out pass but Jake Lateo anticipated the pass and raced forward to take the intercept above his head and from there Jake Lateo had a long eight metre run to get the ball down ten metres in from the left corner post.

Jake Lateo then started at halfback in the 2023 QSSRL Open School Boy Grand Final against Capricornia with Jake Lateo recording a try assist in the 32nd minute when from the right of the play the ball and twelve metres out, Jake Lateo put in a right foot grubber kick into the in-goal with Zyroam Tauwara-Herlihy winning the race to dive on the ball in the in-goal to score two metres in from the right corner post.

Jake Lateo also put in a good right foot grubber kick into the in-goal in the 40th minute from eighteen metres out with the Capricornia fullback forced to take the ball dead in-goal to concede the goal line drop-out. Then in the 60th minute from left metres out down a short left blindside Jake Lateo put in a right foot grubber kick into the in-goal to force another goal line drop-out.

Jake Lateo’s kicking game was also on song in the 49th minute when from the right of the play the ball and thirty five metres out Jake Lateo put in a right foot chip kick with forced panic between the Capricornia defenders with a knock on ensuing ten metres out from the try line.

Jake Lateo did well in the 5th minute to chase through a Ryder Williams grubber kick into the in-goal with Jake Lateo along with Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy trapping the Capricornia fullback in-goal to force a Capricornia goal line drop-out.

Then in the 37th minute Jake Lateo did well to take a hard flat kick on the full after the Capricornia half from twenty metres out kicked the ball at him with Jake Lateo then taking the ball eight metres out from his own try line to relieve all of the pressure.

Round One of the 2023 School Boy Langer Cup competition saw Jake Lateo named at halfback for PBC SHS against Marsden SHS.

Jake Lateo was also named at halfback for Round Two against Caloundra SHS with Jake Lateo scoring in the 7th minute when to the right of the play the ball Jake Lateo put in a right foot grubber kick for himself from twelve metres out into the in-goal with Jake Lateo winning the race to the ball to get downward pressure on the ball five metres to the right of the uprights.

Jake Lateo also recorded three try assists with the first coming in the 35th minute when from ten metres out and to the right of the play the ball Jake Lateo put in a right foot grubber kick with the ball bouncing into the arms of Jac Finnigan who scored six metres in from the right corner post.

Jake Lateo recorded a second try assist in the 44th minute with a hard flat cut-out pass to his right to put his right centre over to score from ten metres out from the try line.

The 56th minute saw Jake Lateo record his third try assist 56th minute with a right grubber kick from wide out on the right from Jake Lateo sitting up perfectly under the posts for the PBC SHS left second rower to run through and get the ball down.

The 58th minute saw Jake Lateo put in put another perfectly weighted right foot grubber kick, on this occasion from twenty two metres out with the Caloundra SHS fullback taking the ball over the dead ball line to force a goal line drop-out.

Jake Lateo continued at halfback in Round Three against Mabel Park SHS with Jake Lateo recording two try assists with the first coming in the 12th when after running the ball down a right blindside from thirty five metres out from the try line Jake Lateo drew in two defenders including the Mabel Park SHS left winger and threw a great right arm flick off-load to his right to put his winger away and subsequently score in the right corner.

Jake Lateo added a second try assist in the 51st minute when from twenty metres from the try line and down a right blindside Jake Lateo put in a right foot chip kick which was taken on the full by his right winger to score in the corner.

The 6th minute saw Jake Lateo from the left of the play the ball step off his right foot and run towards the try line with Jake Lateo getting within a metre of the try line mid-way between the try line and corner post on the right side of the field.

Jake Lateo then moved to the bench for Round Four against Redcliffe SHS with Jake Lateo coming onto the field to operate on the left wing in the 40th minute.

Jake lateo then started at fullback in Round Five against Ipswich SHS before spending time on the left wing in the second half.

Jake Lateo was also named at fullback in the Round Six Gold Coast derby against Keebra Park SHS with Jake Lateo making a darting run in the 51st minute from the left of the dummy half to get the ball to thirty eight metres from the try line after receiving the ball on the halfway mark.

Earlier in the match in the 37th minute when confronted by a Keebra Park SHS line break down their left touchline Jake Lateo did well to hold his ground and force the Keebra Park SHS left centre to make a decision and pass too soon to his left to his winger with Jake Lateo able to slide off the centre and tackle the Keebra Park SHS winger.

Jake Lateo continued at fullback in Round Seven against Wavell SHS.

After PBC SHS finished fourth on the 2023 School Boy Rugby League Langer Cup table after the completion of the regular season, Jake Lateo started at fullback for PBC SHS in their Quarter Final clash against Keebra Park SHS with Jake Lateo involved in a good PBC SHS move in the 39th minute when Jake Lateo backed up a line break from Will Suanders and after receiving the off-load Jake Lateo was able to draw in a Keebra Park SHS and get the ball away to his right to Jac Finnigan who came close to scoring in the right corner.

Jake Lateo was also named at fullback in the Langer Cup Semi-Final against Marsden SHS with Jake Lateo picking up a Marsden SHS lost ball three metres out from his own try line and returning the ball to the twenty metre mark.

Jake Lateo also ran the ball well in the 21st minute from the left of the play the ball to get the ball from thirty eight metres from the try line to the halfway mark. Then in the 38th minute after receiving an off-load from his right Jake Lateo continued to run to his right to get the ball twenty four metres away from his own try line after taking possession of the ball twelve metres from his own try line.

In the 12th minute along with Jac Finnigan, Jake Lateo did well to hold up the Marsden SHS front rower No. 8 over the try line eight metres in from the left corner post.

Jake Lateo also started at fullback in the 2023 School Boy Rugby League Langer Cup Grand Final against Ipswich SHS.

Jake Lateo also started at fullback for PBC SHS against St Patrick’s College in Mackay in the Phil Hall Cup to determine the best Queensland School Boy Rugby League side of 2023 and in the 14th minute after taking a St Patrick’s long kick on the bounce seven metres out from his own try line and in front of his own posts, Jake Lateo ran to his right as Jake Lateo got the ball out to the twenty eight metre mark.

Jake Lateo continued at fullback in the 2023 NRL Australian School Boy Rugby League Grand Final against Westfields Sports High with Jake Lateo also spending time at lock commencing late in the first half.

Jake Lateo returned to PBC State High School in 2022 coming off the bench in Round One of the Langer Reserve Cup School Boy competition against Marsden SHS with kaje lateo coming onto the field early in the second half to operate at five eight on the right side of the field. Jake Lateo then started at halfback in Round Two against Redcliffe State High School.

After the Langer Cup mid-season break, Jake Lateo started from the bench in Round Four of the Langer Reserve competition against Ipswich State High School coming onto the field at the half time break to once again play in the halves.

Jake Lateo also started from the bench in Round Five against Mabel Park SHS with Jake Lateo coming onto the field in the 15th minute to operate in the halves. Jake Lateo also started from the bench in Round Six against local rivals Keebra Park SHS with Jake Lateo coming into the match in the 17th minute.

Jake Lateo then moved into the PBC SHS starting side at five eight in Round Seven against Wavell SHS with Jake Lateo making a line break in the 19th minute with a twenty metre run down a right blindside to get the ball ten metres into Wavell SHS territory.

Jake Lateo then started from the bench for PBC SHS in the 2022 Langer Reserve Semi-final against Keebra Park SHS with Jake Lateo coming onto the field early in the second half to operate at halfback.

The 2022 School Boy Langer Reserve Grand Final saw Jake Lateo start at halfback for PBC SHS against Marsden SHS with Jake Lateo recording a try assist in the 12th minute when from the left of the play the ball around eighteen metres out and just to the right of the uprights, Jake Lateo put in a right foot bomb to the left with Creedence Donovan racing through to take the kick on the full just out from the try line and was able to get the ball down ten metres to the left of the uprights.

Jake Lateo also forced a goal line drop-out in unique circumstances in the 36th minute when from eighteen metres out and on the left side of the field Jake Lateo put up a bomb back towards the posts. The ball hit the cross bar on the full with the Marsden SHS forced to knock the ball dead in-goal.

Jake Lateo was named to start at five eight for the Currumbin Eagles in Round One of the 2022 Gold Coast Rugby League U18 Division One competition against the Runaway Bay Seagulls however the Seagulls ended up forfeiting the Round One match.

Round Two against the Helensvale Hornets saw Jake Lateo named at halfback with the tall young man scoring one try and setting up another in the second half. Jake Lateo scored when he moved into dummy half with the ball a metre from the try line and a metre in from the right touchline. Upon collecting the play the ball Jake Lateo burrowed over to his right even though there was very little room to work with.

Jake Lateo then set up a try for right wing team mate Zane Anderson when once again he was at dummy half in this occasion around seventy metres from the try line and ten metres in from the right touchline, Instead of moving to his left which he appeared that he was going to do, Jake Lateo ran down the left blindside, drawing the one defender on that side of the field and sending the speedy winger away down the right touchline to complete his hat trick.

After his good work out of dummy half in Round Two Jake Lateo moved to be named to start at hooker for the Eagles in Round Three against the Ormeau Shearers after moving back to halfback for Round Four against the Nerang Roosters.

Jake Lateo was heavily involved in Taylor Ball’s try in the 44th minute with Jake Lateo initiating the try scoring movement deep inside his own half. After receiving the ball to the right of the play the ball just twenty metres from his own line Jake Lateo chipped over the oncoming defensive line but with the heavy conditions the ball did not continue to bounce but at full speed Jake Lateo, on the forty metre mark was able to scoop up the ball off the ground and then dummy to his left to beat the fullback and then off-load to his left with Taylor Ball subsequently scoring for the Eagles.

The 11th minute of the match saw Jake Lateo execute a desperate one on one tackle on one of the Roosters front rowers to prevent a try on the right side of the field with Jake Lateo knocking over the front rower just two metres from the line.

Jake Lateo was also named at halfback in Round Five against the Southport Tigers.

Jake Lateo also started at halfback in Round Eight against the Runaway Bay Seagulls scoring in the 24th minute when he backed up a long break from deep inside Eagles territory with Jake Lateo taking the pass from Will Saunders and racing away to score under the posts untouched.

Jake Lateo executed a smart piece of play in the 29th minute when he identified that a Seagulls kick-off was going close to the touchline where Jake Lateo was stationed. Jake Lateo ensured that his foot was in touch when he took the kick-off on the full to win a penalty back on the halfway mark for the Eagles.

Whilst Jake Lateo started the match at halfback, he played the final fifteen odd minutes of the match at fullback.

Jake Lateo then continued at halfback in Round Ten against the Ormeau Shearers.

Jake Lateo also started at halfback in Round Eleven against the Nerang Roosters and in the 9th minute Jake Lateo put in a great kick right foot from thirty metres out into the in-goal near the right corner post with the Roosters fullback trapped in-goal as a result of the quality of Jake Lateo’s kick.

Jake Lateo put in another great kick right on half time when from the halfway mark he kicked into the right corner with the Nerang fullback forced to knock the ball dead just in front of a bevy of Eagles chasers.

Jake Lateo then recorded a 52nd minute line break assist when from forty metres out from his own 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.

Jake Lateo made a line break of his own in the 56th minute when from thirty five metres out from his own try line down a short right blindside Jake Lateo got away down the right touchline before off-loading on his inside to the play to progress further.

Jake Lateo continued at halfback in Round Twelve against the Southport Tigers and scored a smart solo try in the 37th minute. Jake Lateo received the ball to the right of the dummy half around twenty five metres out and ten metres to the right of the uprights and initially Jake Lateo looked to his right before stepping off his right foot to cut back towards the goal posts before another right foot step enabled Jake Lateo to charge over to score under the posts between two Southport defenders.

Jake Lateo also started at halfback in Round Thirteen against the Burleigh Bears with Jake Lateo scoring in the 24th minute when he dived over to score five metres in from the right corner post and running to his right out of dummy half from eight metres out.

Jake Lateo was also heavily involved in Will Saunders try inside the opening minute of the match when he put up a towering mid-field bomb which Burleigh allowed to bounce with Will Saunders racing through to toe the ball forward to score mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the right side of the field.

Jake Lateo also did well defensively in the 22nd minute when he held up the Burleigh fullback over the try line near the right corner.

Jake Lateo also started at halfback in Round Sixteen against the Helensvale Hornets.

Jake Lateo continued at halfback and captain in Round Fifteen against the Runaway Bay Seagulls and was one of the Eagles try scorers in a big win.

Jake Lateo scored in the 4th minute when he ran to his right out of dummy half from nine metres out with Jake Lateo crashing over to get the ball down five metres in from the right corner post.

Jake Lateo also recorded a try assist in the 58th minute with the paly starting when Jake Lateo tackled his opposite number thirty five metres out from the try line with the Jake Lateo swooping on an attempted pass. Jake Lateo then got the ball away to his right before getting the ball back with Jake Lateo then running to his right and when ten metres out Jake Lateo held off the Seagulls fullback with his left arm and sent a right arm flock off-load away to his winger to score in the right corner.

Jake Lateo was involved in another Currumbin try in the 16th minute when from forty five metres out and to the right of the play the ball, Jake Lateo put in a right foot kick towards the right touchline with the Eagles scoring after the ball was passed back to the inside after the Eagles right winger had taken possession from Jake Lateo’s kick.

Another kick of Jake Lateo’s in the 52nd minute led to another Currumbin try when from twenty two metres out from his own try line, Jake Lateo identified that Runaway Bay had no fullback and kicked long downfield with the Eagles chasers winning the race to the ball to score next to the right upright.

The 2022 GCRL U18 Division One Week One Semi-final saw Jake Lateo start at halfback for the Currumbin Eagles against the Burleigh Bears with Jake Lateo making a line break in the 50th minute when Jake Lateo raced through and took a Currumbin short goal line drop-out to the right side of the field on the bounce just after the ball broke the ten metre plane with Jake Lateo then cutting back towards the centre of the field with Jake Lateo getting to within three metres of the halfway mark before being brought to ground.

Jake Lateo also started at halfback and captain in the 2022 GCRL U18 Division One Major Semi-final against the Nerang Roosters with Jake Lateo forcing a Nerang goal line drop-out in just the second minute when to the right of the play the ball Jake Lateo put in a right foot grubber kick from ten metres out which had to be grounded in-goal by the Roosters fullback.

The 2022 Gold Coast Rugby League U18 Division One Grand Final saw Jake Lateo start at halfback and captain for the Currumbin Eagles against the Nerang Roosters with Jake Lateo setting up the match winning try literally in the dying seconds of the match when after receiving the ball to the right of the play the ball and around twelve metres out Jake Lateo threw a superb hard flat cut-out pass to his right to put Zane Anderson over to score in the right corner.

Jake Lateo’s match winning try assist was just one of three in the Grand Final with Jake Lateo’s first try assist coming in the 11th minute when with the Currumbin play the ball around twenty metres out and near the left touchline Jake Lateo kicked to the right wing for his right centre to come forward with all of the momentum to take the kick on the full and score wide out on the right.

Jake Lateo recorded his second try assist in the 19th minute and once again it was from a kick from the left side of the field to the right corner with the Currumbin right winger taking Jake Lateo’s kick on the full and passing to his inside for his support to score.

Jake Lateo also forced a Nerang goal line drop-out in the 27th minute when from the right of the play the ball Jake Lateo kicked deep in space with the kick perfectly weighted so that the Nerang left winger was tackled in-goal to force the goal line drop-out.

Jake Lateo also made good metres of his own in the 9th minute when from near the halfway mark Jake Lateo ran onto the ball to the right of the play the ball making eighteen metres, twelve of which were of the post contact variety.

2021 saw Jake Lateo play for PBC SHS in the Walters Cup competition, including starting the Grand Final against Keebra Park State High School at lock.

It was not just in the Walters Cup that Jake Lateo had a strong match, he also played well after also starting at lock in Round Three against Coombabah State High School.

Jake Lateo also had a strong match against Wavell State High School, with Jake Lateo being the primary goal kicker in PBC’s 22 – 6 win, with Jake Lateo kicking three conversions from four attempts, including a 40th minute conversion from the left touchline. Jake Lateo also kicked conversions in the 44th and 46th minutes.

In October 2021 Jake Lateo trialled for the 2022 Burleigh Bears MM Cup squad, starting at five eight for the Burleigh Maroon trial side operating on the left side of the field over the course of the trial.

The talented former Titans linked PBC student (formerly of Benora Point State School in northern New South Wales) started at five eight for the 2020 PBC Hancock Cup school boy Grand Final side that went down in heart breaking fashion 26 – 24 to Marsden State High School at Langlands Park with the Brisbane based school kicking the winning penalty goal after the final siren had sounded.

Jake Lateo scored an impressive try late in the second half. Operating on the left, Jake Lateo threw a bueatiful long cut out pass to PBC left winger Bailey Simpson who after running down the left touch line kicked inside. Jake Lateo backed up in the inside retrieving the ball close to the Marsden line under heavy pressure. To create space for himself to separate from the defenders close to him, Jake Lateo spun 360 degrees counter clockwise and was able to force his way over from close range fifteen metres from the left goal post to get PBC within four points in the dying stages of the hard fought Grand Final.

Jake Lateo was also heavily involved in PBC’s try that was scored right on the half time siren by fullback Creedence Donovan when he was able to beat a tackle and start the movement down a short blind side near the right touch line around seventy metres out from the Marsden SHS try line that led to Creedence Donovan ultimately scoring under the posts.

Jake Lateo not only had a very good Hancock Cup Grand Final but also had a number of stand out matches in the regular rounds of the 2020 Hancock Cup including an impressive match against Wavell State High School in Round Five when Jake Lateo recorded three try assists in PBC’s impressive victory.

Jake Lateo’s first try assist came as he split the Wavell SHS defence with a left foot step off a PBC scrum win, running sixty metres before drawing the fullback and passing to his left to fullback Creedence Donovan who had loomed up on his outside. Jake Lateo was also heavily involved in another Creedence Donovan first half try when he put up a big mid-field bomb which was let bounce by Wavell and Creedence Donovan flew through to get to the ball on the bounce.

Jake Lateo’s third and final try assist of the match came in the second half, when Jake Lateo ran to the left of the field, ten metres out from the line and brought his left second rower back underneath to crash over next to the left uprights.

In Round Four against Forest Lake State High Sschool Jake Lateo scored as well as recording a further two try assists. Jake Lateo’s try was a hard working effort when he took the ball from the dummy half around ten metres out to the left of the play the ball, cutting back towards the area behind the play the ball to run between two defenders to score near the posts.

Jake Lateo’s two try assists were very different, the first came from a good stab kick to the left for PBC to pounce and the second from a long cut out pass to his left winger who was in space, five metres out from the line. The pass must have travelled around fifteen metres and Jake Lateo put it directly on the chest of his winger.

In early October 2020 Jake Lateo was part of the Titans Gold Coast based U14 side that played a trial match against a Titans NRRRL U14/U15 squad with the match being played at Cbus Stadium, giving the young players a great experience including wearing Titans jerseys in the match.

In 2019 Jake Lateo played for the Group 18 U14 representative side at the New South Wales Country Age Championships, playing primarily on the wing.

In attack, Jake Lateo generally plays an understated role, focussing more on the distribution and game management aspects of his role as a half. A key attribute to how Jake Lateo plays is his ability to organise and direct his team around the field as well as adjusting his game to the specific situations encountered within a game, including where his team is situated on the field and which team has the momentum.

Jake Lateo is just a superb passer of the ball in all aspects, from accuracy, direction, weighting and also importantly timing of when to pass. Normally half backs and five eight, even at the NRL level have a clear preference in terms of passing to one side of their body, and normally it is easy to recognise. In relation to Jake Lateo however his passing to either side of his body is exquisite and simply amazing to watch.

Jake Lateo literally just flicks his wrists and the ball flies out of his hands like a perfectly aimed bullet. I personally do not recall seeing a young play maker which such outstanding command and control in relation to his passing game.

Jake Lateo’s passing game is just so natural and precise and really is impressive for such a young player and certainly bodes well for his future in a play mking role whether that is at five eight or half back.

The confidence Jake Lateo’s passing ability has on his team mates surely cannot be understated. Jake Lateo’s team mates can run various lines and run into gaps confidently knowing that the pass that they receive from Jake Lateo will be perfectly weighted and directed to give them the best opportunity to either break the line or make ground before or after contact.

Another plus attribute that Jake Lateo has is his calmness on the field. Regardless of the situation of the match or where his team is on the field or the pressure of the score board, Jake Lateo just seems to always stay calm and this is able to execute his plan. I use the word plan as Jake Lateo also seems to do things with purpose rather than just pass the ball on to a support player. With Jake Lateo there is no jogging across field and obviously calling a runner back underneath.

Everything that Jake Lateo does, he does for a reason and he does it with a calmness and assuredness that exerts a positive influence on his team mates regardless of how stressful the situation is on the field from a position on the field perspective or time pressures that his team were under. I can only imagine that Jake Lateo would be a very coachable young man who would have no trouble at all following a game plan regardless of its complexity.

The other issue around game plans in the context of Jake Lateo is that he clearly has the intelligence to modify the game plan as the match unfolds if he identifies nuisances or specific changes which would enhance the effectiveness of the team’s performance. Another reason to suggest that Jake Lateo is extremely coachable.

Jake Lateo will though take the line on when the opportunity arises however, but as noted his best attribute is that of a game manager with the ability to draw defenders out of the line and put his runners into the subsequent hole that is generated. Jake Lateo has decent speed off the mark and quick twitch feet in confined space but does not have explosive acceleration or high top end speed.

From a kicking perspective Jake Lateo has a solid kicking game, with reasonable distance and accuracy on all types of kicks, from kicking for field position or from an attacking perspective as well as tactically for field position. Like his passing game, Jake Lateo’s kicking game comes across as so fluid and effective.

Defensively Jake Lateo is a very strong young man with exceptional functional strength for any position let alone a half/five eight, to go along with an innate understanding of the attacking strategies of rugby league thus he is able to anticipate what an attacking side is looking to do with the ball and then be in the best position to negate it.

Jake Lateo has a very good low tackling technique which is simple and repeatable and effective against all size opponents and thus there is no need for a defensive minder on Jake Lateo’s side of the field. In short just like his attacking play Jake Lateo is an outstanding defender.

Jake Lateo was going to be HDC eligible in 2024 but with the demise of that competition in 2024 Jake Lateo’s path to the NRL will likely start in the Gold Coast Rugby League U20 competition with the Currumbin Eagles before moving onto first grade in the Gold Coast Rugby League competition before potentially Jake Lateo moves up to the Queensland Cup and hopefully the NRL with the Gold Coast Titans.

From a position perspective, Jake Lateo plays the same way whether he is wearing the No. 6 or No. 7 jersey and there is no way known that I could see that a coach would consider moving him away from either the halves positions. Interestingly though Jake Lateo played lock at PBC in 2022 and fullback and lock in 2023 and more than impressed in those positions.

With his calm demeanour and outstanding kicking game Jake Lateo very much reminds me of current Titans NRL player Toby Sexton although Jake Lateo is taller than Sexton. Both Jake Lateo and Sexton have a calmness about them when they are playing and rarely ever seemed rushed in performing their role for their team both are also very good tactical kickers of the ball.

[mdrew]

Kyhan Weir. The tall front rower had an outstanding start to the 2021 U18 Laurie Daley Cup competition with the Northern Rivers Titans and turned that great start into a contract with the Titans.
In late 2022 Kyhan Weir was confirmed in the 2023 Tweed Heads Seagulls Hastings Deering’s Colts squad for the second season in a row.
Round One of the 2023 Hastings Deering’s Colts season saw Kyhan Weir named on the bench for the Tweed Heads Seagulls against the Townsville Blackhawks with Kyhan Weir scoring in the 45th minute when after charging onto the ball from six metres out and to the right of the play the ball, Kyhan Weir spun counter clockwise after engaging the defensive line to get the ball down next to the right upright.
Then in the 48th minute Kyhan Weir once again engaged the Blackhawks defensive line and when forty metres out Kyhan Weir was also to get a left arm off-load away to a support runner on his right.
Kyhan Weir also started from the bench in Round Three against the Toowoomba Clydesdales with Kyhan Weir coming onto the field to operate in the front row in the 31st minute.
The 36th minute saw Kyhan Weir make a line break from fifteen metres from his own try line off a Jaylan De Groot pass with Kyhan Weir charging downfield to five metres inside Toowoomba territory with Kyhan Weir then able to get the ball away to his right to his trailing five eight.
Kyhan Weir recorded a second line break in the 40th minute when Kyhan Weir burst through two defenders from the left of the dummy half and thirty two metres out from his own try line. Once again before he was tackled, Kyhan Weir was able to get an off-load away, on this occasion to his lock who then put Jaylan De Groot over to score under the posts.
Kyhan Weir continued off the bench in Round Four against the Souths Logan Magpies with Kyhan Weir coming onto the field to operate in the front row in the 25th minute.
In the 30th minute Kyhan Weir, from the right of the play the ball and ten metres from the halfway mark was able to get the ball five metres into Souths Logan territory.
Kyhan Weir made his first start of the 2023 Hastings Deering’s Colts season in Round Five against the Ipswich Jets with Kyhan Weir starting the match in the front row and taking the opening hit-up of the match.
Kyhan Weir moved back to the bench for Round Six against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls with Kyhan Weir crashing over to score under the posts for four metres out in the 36th minute.
Kyhan Weir continued from the bench in Round Eight against the Central Queensland Capra’s with Kyhan Weir coming onto the field to operate in the front row in the 24th minute with Kyhan Weir coming close to scoring in the 46th minute only to be held up over the try line and under the posts after charging onto the ball from three metres out to the left of the play the ball.

The 30th minute saw Kyhan Weir make a strong run from a Central Queensland goal line drop-out with Kyhan Wier about to get the ball back to within twenty two metres of the try line. Then in the 31st minute from a kick-off return Kyhan Weir returned the ball to the twenty one metre mark with Kyhan Weir doing it again from a kick-off return in the 37th minute to get the ball to the twenty four metre mark.

Kyhan Weir was back in the starting side in the front row in Round Nine against the Mackay Cutters with Kyhan Weir making the opening hit-up of the match.

The Round Ten local derby against the Burleigh Bears saw Kyhan Weir move back to the bench with Kyhan Weir coming onto the field in the 48th minute to operate in the front row with Kyhan Wier making a strong run in the 56th minute from the right of the play the ball to get the ball from two metres inside his ow nterritory to twelve metres inside Burleigh territory.

Kyhan Weir did well defensively in the 60th mintue when he along with Tanu Nona and Ryan Foran, Kyhan Wier held up the Burleigh front rower No. 8 over the try line and under the posts.

Kyhan Weir continued from the bench in Round Eleven against the Norths Devils with Kyhan Wier coming onto the field to operate in the front row in the 28th minute and immediately making a strong kick-off return. Kyhan Weir made another strong kick-off return in the 36th minute getting the ball to the twenty metre mark.

Then in the 41st minute to the right of the play the ball Kyhan Weir carried the ball from his own twenty metre mark to thirty four metres out from his try line.

Kyhan Weir also started from the bench in Round Twelve against the Brisbane Tigers with Kyhan Weir playing in the front row in the second half.

Kyhan Weir continued from the bench in Round Thirteen against the Redcliffe Dolphins with Kyhan Wier coming onto the field to operate in the front row in the 30th minute and in the 35th minute after receiving a pass to the right of the play the ball Kyhan Weir was able to promote the ball from six metres inside his own territory to ten metres into Redcliffe territory.

Kyhan Weir continued from the bench in Round Fourteen against the Northern Pride with Kyhan Weir scoring in the 42nd minute when Kyhan Weir crashed over from close range and from the left of the play the ball to get the ball down six metres of the right of the goal posts.

Kyhan Weir also recorded a try assist in the 53rd minute when after getting to within four metres of the try line after a fourteen metres run Kyhan Weir was able to get an off-load away to his right which was picked up on the bounce by Elliott Speed to score six metres to the right of the uprights.

Kyhan Weir had come onto the field to operate in the front row in the 26th minute and immediately made a good kick-off return to get the ball out to the twenty two metre mark. Then in the 37th minute from a kick-off return Kyhan Weir promoted the ball to eh twenty five metre mark.

Kyhan Weir made a further good kick-off return in the 41st minute from the second half kick-off to get the ball to the twenty six metre mark and then in the 42nd minute this time from a Northern Pride goal line drop-out Kyhan Weir got the ball from forty metres out to twenty one metres out.

Impressively Kyhan Weir finished the match with 199 running metres and three tackle breaks.

Kyhan Weir also started from the bench in the Round Fifteen local derby against the Burleigh Bears with Kyhan Weir coming onto the field to operate in the front row in the 31st minute.

Kyhan Weir came very close to scoring in the 34th minute when he crashed over from close range next to the right upright but the referee ruled that Kyhan Weir had knocked the ball on in the process of grounding the ball.

In the 37th minute after receiving an off-load twenty metres out and in front of the posts, Kyhan Wier was able to get the ball to within three metres of the try line in front of the left upright.

Kyhan Weir continued off the bench in Round Sixteen against the Sunshine Coast Falcons with Kyan Weir operating in the front row after coming onto the field in the 22nd minute.

Kyhan Weir also started from the bench in Week One of the Finals against the Burleigh Bears with Kyhan Weit operating in the front row after coming onto the field in the 27th minute.

In the 39th minute after running an underneath route to the right of the dummy half from twenty metres out, was able to get the ball to within three metres of the try line directly in front of the posts.

Kyhan Weir continued from the bench in the Preliminary Final against the Townsville Blackhawks with Kyhan Weir coming onto the field to operate in the front row in the 23rd minute.

In late January 2022 Kyhan Weir started from the bench for the Titans U19 side in a match at Pizzey Park against the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts side with Kyhan Weir coming into the match at halftime taking the opening hit-up of the second half after Burleigh kicked off to get the second half underway, with Kyhan Weir getting the ball back to the twenty metre mark with that particular run.

Kyhan Weir then backed up to take the fourth hit-up of the same set of six to get the ball to just short of the halfway mark with Kyhan Weir subsequently being awarded a penalty for a high tackle. Kyhan Weir continued his hectic start to his time on the field in the 49th minute when his hit-up promoted the ball over the halfway mark and was able to off-load to his left to Keano Kini who as able to promote the ball even further.

Kyhan Weir made another strong kick-off return in the 58th minute after Thomas Weaver had scored with Kyhan Weir getting the ball to the twenty eight metre mark.

In late July 2022 Kyhan Weir started on the bench 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 Kyhan Weir coming onto the field mid-way through the first half to operate in the front row.

Kyhan Weir in 2022 played for the Tweed Heads Seagulls Hastings Deering’s Colts squad, including playing in the Seagulls trial against the Easts Tigers in mid-March.

Round One of the 2022 Hastings Deering’s Colts competition saw Kyhan Weir named on the bench for the Tweed Heads Seagulls as they got their season underway against the Norths Devils however the match was postponed due to the extreme weather conditions in northern New South Wales.

Kyhan Weir was also named to come off the bench in the Round Two local derby against the Burleigh Bears, coming onto the field early in the second half and made his first run with the ball in the 49th minute, making ten metres to get the ball thirty metres away from the Seagulls try line.

Kyhan Weir made another strong run in the 65th minute when he took the second hit-up from the kick-off to Klese Haas’s seconds try with Kyhan Weir making a hard ten metres to get the ball over the Seagulls defensive twenty metre mark.

Kyhan Weir made some strong tackles in the match as well with probably his best tackle coming in the 77th minute when he hit Burleigh lock Samuel Shannon front on with the ball coming loose as a result of Kyhan Weir’s initial contact.

Kyhan Weir also started from the bench in Round Three against the Townsville Blackhawks and in the 29th minute made a strong line break. Kyhan Weir received the ball to the right of the play the ball and forty metres from the try line whilst in a stationary position. It appeared that Kyhan Weir was not expecting to receive the ball but regardless as soon as he took possession Kyhan Weir charged through a gap and then was able to draw the fullback and get the ball away to his left to Charlie Murray who was brought down just short of the try line.

Kyhan Weir was also named to start off the bench in Round Four against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls with Kyhan Weir scoring a strong try in the 19th minute when from twenty two metres out Kyhan Weir charged onto the ball from a Tweed Heads penalty tap restart breaking four tackles in a rumbling effort with Kyhan Weir getting the ball down just to the right of the goal posts. Kyhan Weir then made a great charge from the subsequent kick-off.

Kyhan Weir also came off the bench in Round Six against the Northern Pride in a big Seagulls big 66 – 0 with Kyhan Weir coming into the match in the front row around the 28 minute mark.

Kyhan Weir’s best moment of the match came in the 52nd minute when two passes to the right of the play the ball and around twenty metres out Kyhan Weir stepped off his right foot and engaged the defensive line still twelve metres out. Kyhan Weir continued to pump his legs and got within a metre of the line before he was finally stopped.

Kyhan Weir also started from the bench in the rescheduled Round One match against the Norths Devils with Kyhan Weir coming onto the field to operate in the front row in the 22nd minute with Kyhan Weir making a strong sixteen metres charge from a Norths goal line drop-put in the 46th minute of the match.

Round Eight against the Western Clydesdales saw Kyhan Weir continue off the bench with Kyhan Weir scoring an impressive right on fulltime when he charged onto a pass from Oskar Bryant from is left to crash over under the posts from eight metres out.

Kyhan Weir came off the bench in the 21st minute and almost immediately executed a one on one strip to get the ball back for the Seagulls three metres inside Clydesdale’s territory.

Kyhan Weir also recorded a line break assist in the when he off-load the ball in a two man tackle to Jack Field near the halfway mark with the five eight able to promote the ball further downfield as a result of Kyhan Weir’s off-load.

Kyhan Weir also started from the bench in Round Nine against the Ipswich Jets.

Kyhan Weir, in Round Ten, made his first Colts career start when he started in the front row in Round Ten against the Mackay Cutters with Kyhan Weir along with Jack Cullen and Ben Liyou involved in the opening tackle of the match.

Kyhan Weir then made a strong run in the 32nd minute when he charged onto the ball to the right of the play the ball twenty five metres away from the line with Kyhan Weir then drawing in one defender and off-loading to his right to Solomon Torrens who then put Jake Fields into space to score near the right corner.

Kyhan Weir got his strong second half underway by making a strong hit-up from the kick-off before making a 41st minute run of fifteen metres through the centre of the field from the left of the play the ball to get the ball forty metres away from his own try line.

Kyhan Weir then added a further strong run in the 43rd minute, once again to the left of the play the ball and through the centre of the field over the forty metre mark.

The match saw Kyhan Weir make a team leading twenty eight tackles.

Kyhan Weir continued in the front row in the rescheduled Round Seven match against the Souths Logan Magpies.

Kyhan Weir then came off the bench in Round Eleven against the Central Queensland Capra’s in the 23rd minute to operate in the front row with Kyhan Weir coming close to scoring in the 73rd minute when he was held up over the try line by three defenders directly under the posts.

Kyhan Weir’s initial run in the match came in the 27th minute with a strong fifteen run to get the ball to the halfway mark after receiving the ball to the right of the play the ball.

Kyhan Weir also came off the bench in Round Twelve against the Redcliffe Dolphins with Kyhan Weir coming on to operate in the front row in the 27th minute.

Kyhan Weir continued at off the bench in Round Thirteen against the Sunshine Coast Falcons as well as in the Round Fourteen local derby against the Burleigh Bears with Kyhan Weir along with Ryan Foran holding up the Burleigh lock over the try line five metres to the left of the uprights in the 31st minute.

Kyhan Weir continued from the bench in Round Fifteen against the Northern Pride with Kyhan Weir scoring in the 33rd minute when he charged onto the ball from five metres out after the dummy half had run to his left with Kyhan Weir coming back underneath him with Kyhan Weir barging over to score three metres to the right of the uprights.

Kyhan Weir had come onto the field in the 29th minute to operate in the front row and made his first run just a minute later in the 30th minute with a sixteen metre effort that commenced fourteen metres out from his own try line.

Kyhan Weir also did well in the 42nd minute when from ten metres out from his own try line and in front of the posts, Kyhan Weir ran onto the ball to the left of the play the ball and made eighteen metres, the majority of which were post contact with Kyhan Weir then awarded a penalty for being held down for too long once the tackle was completed.

Kyhan Weir also started from the bench in Round Sixteen against the Townsville Blackhawks as well as in Round Seventeen against the Easts Tigers.

Week One of the 2022 Hastings Deering’s Colts Final saw Kyhan Weir start from the bench in the Elimination Final against the Easts Tigers with Kyhan Weir scoring in the 68th minute when after charging on the ball to the right of the play the ball Kyhan Weir crashed over from four metres out getting the ball down mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Kyhan Weir also started from the bench in Week Two of the Finals 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 Kyhan Weir starting the match on the bench in his first match in a Titans jersey.

In June 2021 Kyhan Weir was part of a Titans U18 Northern Rivers squad that played the Titans U17 JTS squad at Cbus Stadium in a curtain raiser to the Titans Round Fourteen NRL match against the Sydney Roosters with Kyhan Weir starting the match in the front row and drawing praise for his whole hearted performance from Titans Development Staff.

Kyhan Weir’s selection in the 2021 Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup squad was in fact surprisingly the first time in his junior rugby league career that Kyhan Weir was selected in any representative side.

Round One of the 2021 U18 Laurie Daley Cup competition saw Kyhan Weir start in the front row against the Wests Tigers and Kyhan Weir also started in the front row in Round Two against the North Coast Bulldogs and once again was one of the Northern Rivers Titans best in the wet conditions against a far larger forward pack.

Kyhan Weir also started in the front row in Round Three against the Greater Northern Tigers and produced another impressive display starting with his first run of the match which came in the 3rd minute when after making ground through the centre of the ruck, Kyhan Weir was able to offload to Tanu Nona. Kyhan Weir then backed up to take another hit-up from the next play the ball.

Kyhan Weir continued his strong match in the 14th minute when he charged into a short pass from Rowan Mansfield surging forty metres downfield, showing some good speed from a front rower before he was brought down.

Kyhan Weir continued his strong match in the second half with yet another strong run in the 59th minute and won a penalty for the Northern Rivers Titans when he was not allowed to get to his feet quickly to play the ball. Tanu Nona scored from the resultant set of six.

Kyhan Weir made another strong charge in the 69th minute and once again was awarded a penalty when he was not allowed to get to his feet quickly to play the ball.

Kyhan Weir also started in the front row in Round Four at Lismore against the Central Coast Roosters and as usual was heavily involved throughout, including taking the hit-up off the Central Coast kick-off and then also taking the fourth hit-up in the same set of six.

Kyhan Weir was also strong defensively in the match including a strong front on tackle on one of the Central Coast Roosters front rowers in the 36th minute of the first half and then he followed that tackle up by bring down the Roosters half back to make back to back tackles.

Kyhan Weir continued in the front row in Round Five being the final regular season round against the Newcastle Knights and made his presence felt from the kick off when in conjunction with Patrick Gray crunched the Newcastle front rower who took the ball from the kick-off.

Kyhan Weir then took the first of his many hit-ups in just the 4th minute of the match and also charged onto the ball in the 17th minute making fifteen metres into the Knights twenty metre zone and then in the 23rd minute produced a good offload to Harvey Moase to keep the ball moving forward.

Defensively Kyhan Weir also displayed his aggressiveness over the course of the match but also his intensity and effort including making three tackles in a row in the 22nd minute as Newcastle were trying to bring the ball out of their own twenty metre area.

Kyhan Weir’s aggressiveness came to the fore in the 53rd minute of the match when a strong tackle forced the ball loose from his Newcastle opponent to put the Northern Rivers Titans back on the attack in the Knights territory.

At the 2021 Northern Rivers Titans Awards Night, Kyhan Weir was presented with the 2021 U18 Laurie Daley Cup Coaches Award.

For the 2021 NRRRL season, Kyhan Weir moved from Byron Bay to Ballina, starting in the front row for the Seagulls against the Kyogle Turkeys in Round One of the NRRRL U18 competition.

Kyhan Weir also started in the front row in Round Two against the Byron Bay Devils and was his usual aggressive self in Ballina’s 24 – 18 loss.

Kyhan Weir had some good moments in the ill-tempered match including a great twenty five metre charge through the centre of the Byron Bay ruck before off-loading to his hooker in the 29th minute and Kyhan Weir was able to off-load once again in the 34th minute with another right arm off-load.

Kyhan Weir also made a crunching tackle in the 54th minute to force the ball loose and regain possession for Ballina just twenty metres out from their try line.

Kyhan Weir continued in the front row in Round Three against the Tweed Coast Raiders scoring his first try of the season all be it only playing the first half. Kyhan Weir was rested for the second half with Ballina leading 22 – 0.

Kyhan Weir scored in the 6th minute of the match when he charged onto the ball from four metres out and to the left of the dummy half. Kyhan Weir was just too big and strong for the defence easily bursting through the line to put the ball down under the posts.

Kyhan Weir’s first contribution in the match came in just the 2nd minute when he charged eighteen metres through the centre of the Tweed Coast forward pack. Then in the 9th minute Kyhan Weir, after a strong run produced a great right armed off-load then just a minute after that produced a left arm flick off-load highlighting his off-loading skill set to both sides of his body.

Kyhan Weir continued in the front row in Round Four against the Marist Brothers Rams and scored his second try of the season in the 23rd minute. Kyhan Weir’s try was more of the type that you would see from a half or five eight as he received the ball sixteen metres out from the line and ran to his left, initially looking as if he was going to pass to his left but instead pulled the ball back in and crashed over three metres from the left upright.

Earlier in the match in the 16th minute, Kyhan Weir made a strong sixteen metre charge through the centre of the field, getting the ball to within the opposition twenty metre area.

Kyhan Weir also started in the front row in Round Five against Casino RSM scoring once again for the Seagulls when in the 40th minute he charged straight through the Casino RSM defence breaking three tackles from fifteen metres out to score a strong try.

It was obvious that Kyhan Weir was “up” for the match with the tall front rower being involved in the first two tackles of the match after Ballina had kicked off. The in the 19th minute Kyhan Weir made a strong twelve metres run before he was able to get his right arm free and off-load the ball. Kyhan Weir added to his efforts in the 59th minute with a fifteen metre charge to halfway as Ballina tried to arrest a two point deficit.

Kyhan Weir also started in the front row in Round Eight against Northern United, in Round Eleven against the Bilambil Jets and also in Round Twelve against the Byron Bay Devils.

Kyhan Weir continued in the front row in Round Thirteen against Murwillumbah and had a big match, especially in the second half, including scoring a key try for the Seagulls in the tight four point victory. Kyhan Weir was in the match almost immediately when after a Murwillumbah error from the kick-off Kyhan Weir took the third hit-up after Ballina’s penalty restart.

Kyhan Weir’s try came in the 34th minute when he crashed over under the posts from close range after running to his right out of dummy half.

Kyhan Weir played the entire sixty minutes of the match in the front row and even in the closing minutes of the match with Ballina clinging to a four point lead, Kyhan Weir led the way for the Seagulls, including in the 56th minute with a big ten metre charge on the third tackle from the kick-off to Kye Cooper’s try that gave Ballina the lead. Kyhan Weir, at the end of his run, tried to get to his feet for a quick play the ball but was held down and deservedly won a penalty which allowed Ballina to get the ball deep into Murwillumbah territory.

Even in the final minute of the match, Kyhan Weir continued his strong match, with two strong hit-ups in that final minute to ensure Ballina’s victory.

Kyhan Weir was also named to continue in the front row in Round Fourteen against the Cudgen Hornets.

In Round Three of the NRRRL First Grade competition, starring in the earlier U18 match, Kyhan Weir made his NRRRL First Grade debut for the Ballina Seagulls against the Tweed Coast Raiders. Kyhan Weir also came off the bench in Round Four against the Marist Brothers Rams.

With the Ballina U18 side having a bye, Kyhan Weir was also on the bench in Round Six against the Mullumbimby Giants, coming on late in the first half. Kyhan Weir also came off the bench in Round Eleven against the Bilambil Jets and was also named to come off the bench in Round Fourteen against the Cudgen Hornets.

2021 also saw Kyhan Weir play a number of matches in the NRRRL Reserve Grade competition, including coming off the bench in Round Eight against Northern United after playing in the U18 match against the same opponent earlier in the day.

Kyhan Weir also came off the bench in Round Ten against the Lower Clarence Magpies and was one of the Seagulls try scorers in their 60 – 0 victory when in the 36th minute Kyhan Weir received the ball on the left side of the field as it was spun in that direction by Ballina. Kyhan Weir received the ball in space twelve metres out, dummying to his left before straightening up and crashing over in a tackle ten metres from the left corner post.

In late March 2021 Kyhan Weir was part of Diocesan of Lismore Opens Squad that attended the Northern Country Catholic Colleges Rugby League Selection Trial that were held at Smithtown with Kyhan Weir starting in the front row in the trials.

In 2020 Kyhan Weir played for the Byron Bay Devils in the NRRRL U18 competition, playing all of his matches in the front row including the Devils tough Preliminary Final loss to Marist Brothers Rams Lismore.

Kyhan Weir is quite a tall front rower with plus speed for a front rower, in fact his speed would be above average for a forward of any position. Kyhan Weir uses this speed to impact the defensive at top speed. He does not necessarily get back deep, but his plus speed off the mark as well as plus top speed enables him to still fit the line hard.

Kyhan Weir runs very front on but will lower his body into the defenders as the commit to the tackle, and through a combination of size, speed and determination regularly bumps the first defender off when they try to tackle Kyhan Weir around the chest area.

Once he impacts the defensive line Kyhan Weir also is adept at redirecting his momentum to address the next defender who is coming in the defend him. Kyhan Weir’s core body strength also enables him to make significant ground after contact dragging defenders with him.

In defence Kyhan Weir regularly is the first player up to target the ball carriers, even though he is one of the bigger forwards in his team and will make solid initial contact as well as having the ability of defending one on one.

Kyhan Weir is not averse to looking for the big hit but does have a good front on defensive technique and decent agility and lateral movement when looking to tackle smaller opponents, his technique is also quite decent for a taller player and Kyhan Weir gets low in defence to look to mitigate the possibility of his tackles slipping up around the hard and neck area of shorter opponents.

Kyhan Weir’s calling card though is the functional strength and power to effectively engage the opposing forward early in their run and use his natural strength to win the forward battle in the centre of the ruck. Kyhan Weir can handle any one on one battle that presents itself from a defensive perspective.

With the demise of the Hastings Deering’s Colts competition in 2024 Kyhan Weir ha sa number of options with more than a few Gold Coast Rugby league and NRRRL First Grade sides needing a forward like Kyhan Wier in their forward pack.

Kyhan Weir is a big strong tall young man who has outstanding (near elite level) athleticism for his size and thus I can see Kyhan Weir making the NRL as a front rower. Kyhan Weir at this stage is probably on the lighter side for a front rower but has the frame to add weight and additional muscle mass without compromising his overall athleticism.

From a style perspective, think along the lines of the Christian Welsh of the Melbourne Storm as a tallish front rower with good footwork both in attack and defence and an all effort type of mentality.

Kyhan Weir has a lot more aggressiveness in his game than Christian Welsh, constantly looking out for his team mates and is the first one there if they are being roughed up in any way at all as was evidenced in the dying seconds of the 2021 Laurie Daley Cup match in Round Two against the North Coast Bulldogs when he stared down multiple Bulldogs and then again in Round Five when he stared down a few Central Coast Roosters players who were getting a touch fired up in the dying moments of that particular hard fought match.

[mdrew]

Blake Forder. The Northern New South Wales youngster signed a multi-year contract with the Gold Coast Titans in 2019 as a 15 year old after being part of the Titans junior development squads in the region previously.

In positive news for the Titans Blake Forder extended his contract with the Titans in August 2021 for a further season to take into account his senior year of school and final year of U18 eligibility and beyond.

In late July 2023 Blake Forder started at fullback for a Titans U19 side that travelled to Townsville to play a Cowboys U19 side in an NRL curtain-raiser with Blake Forder recording the first of his two try assists in the 8th minute when after receiving the ball eight metres out from the try line and to the right of the play the ball, Blake Forder cut inside off his right foot and after drawing one defender passed to his left to Ryder Williams who darted between two defenders to score ten metres in from the right corner post.

Blake Forder recorded his second try assist in the 23rd minute when after joining into the Titans backline as they wept the ball from right to left, Blake Forder received the ball sixteen metres out and after continuing to run to his left drew the North Queensland right winger and got the ball away to his left to put Jeremaiah Temapo over to score in the left corner.

In January 2023 Blake Forder started at fullback for the Titans U19 side in their annual match at Coffs Harbour against the Newcastle Knights with Blake Forder scoring the Titans second try of the match in the 27th minute when after he received a pass from his left from James Frazer when he was ten metres out from the defensive line Blake Forder almost immediately stepped off his right foot before darting between two Knights defenders to get the ball down seven metres to the right of the uprights.

Round One of the 2023 NRRRL First Grade competition saw Blake Forder named on the left wing for the Bilambil Jets against the Tweed Coast Raiders however a late change saw Blake Forder not take his place in the team.

Blake Forder started on the left wing in Round Two against local rivals the Cudgen Hornets with Blake Forder scoring a double.

Blake Forder scored a great solo try in the 18th minute when from deep inside his own territory Blake Forder made a long line break down the left touchline and then Blake Forder chipped over the top of the Hornets fullback and then regathered the ball on the bounce and score in the left corner.

Blake Forder completed his double with a simple five metres run to score in the left corner in the 78th minute.

Blake Forder also started on the left wing in Round Three against the Evans Head Bombers with Blake Forder scoring in the 49th minute when after receiving the ball from his right when he was twenty metres out and and after running down the left touchline Blake Forder stepped of his left foot to beat the fullback with Blake Forder then bringing the ball around to score ten metres to the left of the uprights.

Blake Forder make a line break in the 10th minute when after receiving the ball on the left touchline thirty five metres out from his own try line, Blake Forder was able to break away down the touchline and when he was five metres inside Bombers territory flicked the ball back inside with his right hand as he was being forced into touch.

Blake Forder continued on the left wing in Round Four against Marist Brothers with Blake Forder scoring in the 61st minute when from forty metres from the try line Blake Forder received the ball to the right of a Bilambil scrum win with Blake Forder then continuing to run to his right to get on the outside of the Marist left winger with Blake Forder then racing downfield to put the ball down twelve metres in from the left corner post.

Blake Forder also started on the left wing in Round Five against Lower Clarence with Blake Forder continued his try scoring run with a try in the 65th minute when Blake Forder raced through a take a bomb to his wing on the full in the in-goal with Blake Forder doing very well to then get the ball down just in the in-goal.

After starting Round Seven on the left wing against the Mullumbimby Giants Blake Forder scored perhaps the easiest try that he will ever score in the 73rd minute when Blake Forder received an off-load from his inside in a mile of space with Blake Forder just having to take a step forward to put the ball down in the left corner in a big Bilambil victory.

Blake Forder continued on the left wing in Round Eight against the Kyogle Turkeys.

Blake Forder also started on the left wing in Round Nine against the Casino Cougars with Blake Forder scoring in the 5th minute when from a Bilambil scrum win in the centre of the field twenty metres out, the Jets spun the ball to their left and after receiving the ball on the left touchline and sixteen metres out, Blake Forder stepping inside off his left foot and then back towards the touchline by way of a right foot step, Blake Forder dived over to score just in from the left corner post.

Blake Forder was back on the left wing in Round Fifteen against the Cudgen Hornets with Blake Forder scoring in the 3rd minute when after receiving a cut-out pass from his right Blake Forder raced thirty five metres down the left touchline and as he approached the try line Blake Forder executed an in and away to get around the fullback and get the ball down in the left corner.

Blake Forder also recorded a try assist in the 76th minute when after Bilambil made a line break through the centre of the field from deep inside their own territory, Blake Forder received the ball from his left around forty metres from the try line and after cutting back to his left after running to his right, Blake Forder threw an overhead pass to his left to Kai Smallwood who was able to run twenty two metres from a standing start to score under the posts.

In the 7th minute from the left of the play the ball Blake Forder was able to carry the ball from thirty three metres out from his own try line to within three metres of the halfway mark. Then in the 20th minute Blake Forder was able to return a Cudgen kick-off that he took on the full out to the twenty three metre mark with Blake Forder then being awarded a penalty for being held down too long in the tackle by the Hornets defenders.

Blake Forder also started on the left wing in the Week Two Elimination Final against the Ballina Seagulls with Blake Forder scoring in the 5th minute when after a bomb was put up towards his wing, Blake Forder out jumped his opposing winger on the try line and put the ball down three metres in from the left corner post.

Blake Forder also started on the left wing in the Preliminary Final against the Cudgen hornets with Blake Forder scoring in a tough 17 – 16 Jets loss to end their season.

Blake Forder scored in the 39th minute after backing up a Jets line break down the left side of the field with Blake Forder receiving the ball thirty five metres out from the try line on the left touchline with Blake Forder then able to bring the ball around to put it down under the posts.

2023 saw Blake Forder part of the Tweed Heads Seagulls Hastings Deering’s Colts squad with Blake Forder making his first appearance of the season when he started on the left wing in Round Five against the Ipswich Jets with Blake Forder scoring in the 78th minute when after receiving a cut-out pass from his inside, Blake Forder raced thirty metres down the left touchline. Then when he was around four metres out Blake Forder stepped off his left foot to engage the Toowoomba fullback with Blake Forder able to wrestle the fullback over the try line with him to get the ball down in the left corner.

The Round Ten local derby against the Burleigh Bears saw Blake Forder move at fullback with Blake Forder making a great take of a Bears chip on the full in the 13th minute just two metres from his own try line near the left upright and even against a good Bears kick chase Blake Forder was able to make four metres downfield.

Blake Forder also did well defensively in the 19th minute with a one on one tackle in space on a charging Burleigh right winger with Blake Forder forcing a knock on ten metres out and in the centre of the field.

Blake Forder did well running the ball in the 51st minute with an effort to the left of the Seagulls scrum win from thirty metres from his own try line to within two metres of the halfway mark after being spun around by his jersey twice.

Blake Forder then moved to fullback for Round Eleven against the Norths Devils with Blake Forder scoring in the 2nd minute from two passes to the left of a Tweed Heads scrum win ten metres out and in the centre of the field. After receiving the ball Blake Forder continued to move to his left and after getting on the outside of his opposing defender Blake Forder was able to fore his way over the try line to score three metres in from the left corner post after pushing away from the attempted tackle.

In fact Blake Forder was the reason that Tweed Heads had the scrum feed as just prior from the right of the play the ball Blake Forder put in a right foot grubber kick towards the right corner with the Norths left winger knocking the ball on to give the Seagulls the scrum feed.

Blake Forder also recorded a try assist in the 7th minute when after receiving the ball to the right of the play the ball and five metres from the try line Blake Forder threw a cut-out pass to put his right winger on the outside of his opposing winger to dive over to score in the right corner.

Blake Forder then recorded a second try assist in the 34th minute when after receiving the ball to the right of a Seagulls scrum win ten metres out from the try line ran to his right at the defensive line and at the last possible moment Blake Forder drew in the Devils left winger and got a pass away for his winger to score in the right corner.

Blake Forder recorded the first of his line breaks in the 30th minute when after running out of dummy half to his right eight metres inside Norths territory Blake Forder cut back towards the centre of the field and after straightening up Blake Forder broke through the defensive line to get within thirteen metres of the try line before getting an off-load away to his left to Max Liles.

Blake Forder recorded a second line break in the 33rd minute when after running onto a great short ball from his left from Tanu Nona two metres inside Seagulls territory Blake Forder burst straight through the defensive line with Blake Forder thean rounding the Norths fullback to his left before being brought down from behind in the centre of the field when twelve metres out from the try line.

Blake Forder also started at fullback in Round Twelve against the Brisbane Tigers with Blake Forder receiving the ball to the left of the play the ball in the 2nd minute with Blake Forder able to get the ball two metres inside Tigers territory after commencing his run ten metres inside his own territory.

The 20th minute then saw Blake Forder receive the ball to the left of the play the ball thirty two metres out from his own try line and after breaking three tackles including the utilisation of a counter clockwise spin, Blake Forder got the ball to seven metres of the halfway mark.

In the 40th minute Blake Forder from ten metres out put in a right foot attacking grubber kick that was knocked on by the Cowbys just out from their try line to give the Titans another set of six tackles.

Blake Forder then moved to the right wing for the Round Fifteen local derby against the Burleigh Bears with Blake Forder scoring in the right corner in the 27th minute, diving over from three metres out after getting an off-load from his inside.

The 49th minute saw Blake Forder run to his right out of dummy half from twenty metres out from his own try line to thirty three metres out. Blake Forder also ran out of dummy half to his right in the 55th minute to carry the ball to within four metres of the try line from twenty metres out.

Blake Forder was back on the left wing in Round Sixteen against the Sunshine Coast Falcons with Blake Forder scoring a double in a big 50 – 32 Seagulls victory.

Blake Forder scored his opening try in the 8th minute when after Blake Forder picked up a lost ball by the Falcons in the centre of the field, Blake Forder had an uninterrupted thirty eight metre run to score under the posts.

Blake Forder scored his second try in the 20th minute when after juggling the pass from his inside Blake Forder was able to run six metres down the left touchline to dive over to score in the corner.

Blake Forder also started at fullback for the Seagulls in their late February 2023 trial against the Burleigh Bears at the Burleigh Juniors ground.

Blake Forder made his first run of the trial in the 6th minute when after retrieving a Bears clearing kick on the bounce eight metres out from his own try line and near his left touchline Blake Forder ran to his right and got on the outside of the last Bears defender and got the ball to twenty five metres away from his try line.

In the 17th minute after fielding a Burleigh clearing kick on the full near the centre of the field and inside his own twenty metre area Blake Forder ran to his right and after getting on the outside of the Bears left winger Blake Forder was able to make eighteen metres down his right touchline before cutting back inside to avoid being taken into touch.

In late January 2022 Blake Forder started on the left wing for the Titans U18 side in a match at Pizzey Park against the Burleigh MM Cup side before moving to fullback mid-way through the second half.

Blake Forder showcased his outstanding speed in the 21st minute of the match when with the Titans on the attack a kick went astray with Burleigh collecting the ball and taking off downfield. Blake Forder gave his opponent a fair head start as he was chasing the kick through and had to stop, turn and chase but Blake Forder ate up the ground quickly and mowed the Burleigh centre down quick time.

After moving to fullback mid-way through the second half Blake Forder’s first kick return from the fullback position was a strong one. After taking possession of the ball thirty metres out from his own line, Blake Forder ran to his left getting on the outside of one Burleigh defender to get over the halfway mark. Before pushing off another with his right arm with Blake Forder eventually being brought to ground ten metres into Burleigh territory.

Blake Forder also made some good ground in the 63rd minute when after he received a penalty whilst in possession, Blake Forder took a quick tap was able to make twenty five more metres.

In late July 2022 Blake Forder started from the bench 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 Blake Forder coming onto the field early in the second half to operate on the left wing.

In mid-December Blake Forder 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 early November 2021 Blake Forder was named in the talented 2022 Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup squad who will looking to replicate their 2021 success.

After Round One was washed out Blake Forder started from the bench in Round Two against the Redcliffe Dolphins, coming onto the field in the 44th minute. After the Seagulls had a Round Three bye, Blake Forder was named at left centre for Round Four against the Easts Tigers however in a late change he in fact started the match on the right wing with his first touch of the ball coming from the kick-off after Copper Camby’s second minute try with Blake Forder winning a penalty at the end of his run as a result of being held down in the tackle for too long.

Blake Forder then came off his left wing in the 12th minute to help his forwards out with Blake Forder receiving the ball to the right of the dummy half from inside his own territory making fourteen metres through the centre of the ruck.

Blake Forder popped up in the right side of the field in the 33rd minute in the first receiver role near halfway and upon taking possession of the ball good a good ball away to his right to put MM Cup debutant Jiate Litidamu away on the left.

After starting the first half on the right wing Blake Forder moved to fullback in the second half and in the 62nd minute showcased his speed when after Easts put in a pre-planned kick from a scrum inside their own territory Blake Forder turned and chased and whilst the Tigers left centre got to the ball first Blake Forder brought him down from behind just four metres out.

Blake Forder was then to his feet in a heartbeat and along with Will Saunders Blake Forder initially held up the Easts left winger who had tried to crash over from dummy half held the winger up over the line and then forced him back into the field of play. Tweed Heads were then awarded a penalty for a double movement.

Blake Forder also started on the right wing in Round Five against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls and like in previous matches Blake Forder also spent time in the second half at fullback. It was whilst he was playing on the right wing, Blake Forder scored in the 15th minute when he received a cut-out pass from his left to run twenty metres to score near the right corner.

Blake Forder also did well defensively in the 53rd minute when along with Will Saunders and Taelon Te Whiu-Hopa he was on hand to hold put the Wynnum Manly lock who under tried to burst over under the posts.

Blake Forder also was named to start on the right wing in Round Six against the Norths Devils however he was a late scratching from the match. Blake Forder was then named on the right wing in the Round Seven local derby against the Burleigh Bears however he was a late scratching from the match.

In 2022 Blake Forder moved to PBC State High School and started on the left wing in Round One of the 2022 Langer Cup School Boy competition against Marsden State High School with Blake Forder scoring a long range try in the 41st minute when he raced forty five metres to score untouched after receiving a great long cut-out pass from his inside from Josh Lynn with Blake Forder crossing the try line wide out on the left but Blake Forder was able to bring the ball around to put it down mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Blake Forder did well in the 8th minute when he came off his wing to take a hit-up through the centre of the field with Blake Forder able to get the ball from his own ten metre mark to the twenty metre mark. Blake Forder took another hit-up off his wing from deep inside his own territory just a minute later in the 9th minute.

Blake Forder also made a strong run to the left of the play the ball making twelve metres before being tackled on the halfway mark.

Late in the match in the 50th minute Blake Forder made a strong try saving tackle on his opposite winger. Initially near the halfway mark the Marsden SHS right winger was able to get on the outside of Blake Forder but Blake Forder did not give up and chased him down tackling him two metres short of the try line with Blake Forder’s strong contact forcing the ball loose.

Blake Forder was also named to continue on the left wing in Round Three against Coombabah State High School and had a huge afternoon scoring a hat trick.

Blake Forder’s opening try came in the 4th minute when the Coombabah SHS defence dropped a high Josh Lynn with Blake Forder collecting the ball on the bounce to score five metres in from the left corner.

Blake Forder scored his second try in the 24th minute in the left corner after receiving a long cut-out pass from his inside from Josh Lynn with Blake Forder easily covering the five metres needed to score in the left corner.

Blake Forder completed his hat trick in the 53rd minute when after getting on off-load from Michael Roberts three metres out with Blake Forder on the left touchline, he cut back behind the tackle and crashed over seven metres in from the left corner.

Blake Forder could easily have finished the match with four tries but in the 42nd minute when he dived over acrobatically in the left corner but the cut-out pass from his inside from Josh Lynn was strangely ruled to have gone forward.

Blake Forder also recorded a 20th minute line break when he made eighteen metres down the left touchline before cutting inside and beating three tackles along the way,

Blake Forder added a 22nd minute line break assist when after he collected a Coombabah SHS dropped ball he was able to flick a quick off-load to Michael Roberts who charged his way forty metres down the left touchline.

Blake Forder made the first of multiple strong runs in the 3rd minute when he cut back towards the centre of the field off his left wing, breaking four tackles in a winding run.

Blake Forder also did very well defensively in the 8th minute when after the Coombabah SHS right second rower made a line break, drawing Keano Kini and getting the ball away to his left to a support runner, Blake Forder came from the opposite side and was able to tackle the Coombabah SHS player from behind just five metres from the try line with the ball coming loose as a result of Blake Forder’s contact.

Blake Forder made another good defensive read in the 49th minute when facing a three person overlap Blake Forder raced out of the defensive line to hit the Coombabah SHS right second rower to stop the threat in its tracks.

After the mid-season break, Blake Forder continued on the left wing in Round Four against Ipswich State High School with Blake Forder making a strong kick return in the 19th minute when after taking the Ipswich SHS clearing kick on the bounce, Blake Forder beat three tackles in a stepping run that made fifteen metres.

Blake Forder continued on the left wing in Round Five against Mabel Park SHS with Blake Forder making a good run in the 18th minute when after receiving a cut-out pass from his inside on the halfway mark, Blake Forder cut back inside with Blake Forder making twenty metres and breaking three tackles.

Blake Forder also did a great job in the 34th minute with a try saving tackle on the Mable Park SHS replacement right second rower (No. 17) who had made a line break from twenty metres out with Blake Forder catching the second rower from behind just three metres out to prevent a Mabel Park SHS try.

Blake Forder also started on the left wing in the Round Six local derby against Keebra Park SHS with Blake Forder making an exceptional effort in the 4th minute when after the Keebra Park SHS halfback took an intercept ten metres out from the try line, Blake Forder turned and chased and caught the halfback ten metres out and forced a pass that went forward with Blake Forder’s exceptional effort saving what appeared to be a certain Keebra Park SHS try against the run of play.

Just a minute later in the 5th minute and from the subsequent scrum that Blake Forder’s great chase forced, Blake Forder made a line break to the right of the scrum that was set ten metres out. After Blake Forder received the ball two passes from the back of the scrum, Blake Forder ran to his right before utilising his speed to burst between two defenders with Blake Forder able to promote the ball to the halfway mark before his inside pass went to ground.

Blake Forder made more metres in the 50th minute when Blake Forder came off his left wing to take a hit-up to the right of the play the ball with Blake Forder making sixteen hard metres with at least half of them of the post contact variety with Blake Forder able to promote the ball into Keebra Park SHS territory.

Blake Forder continued on the left wing in Round Seven against Wavell SHS with Blake Forder scoring in the 18th minute when he backed up a long break from Keano Kini with Blake Forder receiving the ball from his right after Keano Kini had drawn the Wavell SHS fullback with Blake Forder racing forty metres to score under the posts.

Blake Forder also made a line break in the 36th minute with an eighteen metre break down the left touchline from inside his own twenty metre area with Blake Forder receiving a penalty at the end of his run when he was dragged over the touchline after he was clearly held.

In addition to scoring a try, Blake Forder also saved a try in the 35th minute when he hit his opposing winger and forced him over the touchline just as the Wavell SHS winger was looking to get the ball down.

Blake Forder continued on the left wing in PBC SHS’s Langer Cup Quarter Final against Mabel Park SHS with Blake Forder doing well in the 46th minute when after taking a Mabel Park SHS kick-off on the full whilst sliding forward, Blake Forder got to his feet five metres out from his own try line and was able to promote the ball through the centre of the field to thirty metres out from his own try line.

Blake Forder did even better in the 52nd minute when he jumped up on the left touchline to knock a Mabel Park SHS kick for touch for a penalty up in the air just in the field of play with Blake Forder then taking possession near the halfway mark and running the ball back twenty metres to put PBC SHS immediately on the attack.

Blake Forder was then named on the left wing for PBC SHS in the 2022 Langer Cup Semi-final against Keebra Park SHS.

Blake Forder started on the left wing in the 2022 School Boy Langer Cup Grand Final against Ipswich SHS with Blake Forder making a line break in the 36th minute from a PBC SHS scrum win deep inside PBC SHS territory with Blake Forder running the ball to the left of the scrum and making twenty two metres.

Post the 2022 MM Cup competition Blake Forder moved from the Murwillumbah Mustangs to the Bilambil Jets 2022 NRRRL U18 competition and started at fullback in Round Three against Northern United with Blake Forder scoring in the 9th minute when after chiming into the Jets backline on the right Blake Forder stepped off his right and before executing a left foot step to score from ten metres out and ten metres in from the right corner post.

Blake Forder scored a second try in the 36th minute when after receiving a great ball from his right from Kai Smallwood, Blake Forder ran twelve metres untouched to score ten metres to the right of the uprights.

The match also saw Blake Forder record a try assist in the 33rd minute when after chiming into the backline on the left Blake Forder threw a long cut-out pass to his winger who was able to score in the left corner.

Blake Forder almost recorded a second try assist in the 39th minute when after breaking through the defensive line Blake Forder drew the Northern United fullback and threw a long cut out pass to his left winger in space but the referee strangely ruled the pass forward.

Blake Forder then started at left centre in Round Seven against the Cudgen Hornets and scored in the 13th minute when he took an intercept and ran thirty metres to put the ball down under the posts untouched.

Blake Forder then did well defensively in the 4th minute when the Cudgen right winger tried to sneak over down their right wing but Blake Forder came across and grabbed the winger by the jersey and threw him into touch three metres from the left corner.

Blake Forder also played a number of matches for the Bilambil Jets in the NRRRL First Grade competition in 2022, including his debut and a two try effort in the Major Semi-final against the Murwillumbah Mustangs.

Blake Forder scored his first try of the Major Semi-final in the 7th minute when he chased through a kick getting to the ball and getting it down just before the dead ball line in the left corner.

Blake Forder completed his double in the 61st minute when after a bomb was put up to his wing and as the ball was coming down just in the field of play Blake Forder jumped with his left arm outstretched with Blake Forder’s left arm knocking the ball up in the air but Blake Forder maintained his concentration and was able to take possession after he had hit the ground to score once again in the left corner.

The 2022 NRRRL First Grade Grand Final saw Blake Forder start on the left wing for the Bilambil’s Jets against the Evans Head Bombers with Blake Forder scoring in the final minute of the Jets Grand Final victory when after receiving the ball five metres out and on the left touchline, Blake Forder crossed the try line wide out on the left but was able to bring the ball all of the way around to dive over to get the ball down under the posts.

In January 2021 Blake Forder started on the left wing for the Titans U17 side in their annual match at Coffs Harbour against the Newcastle Knights with the Titans recording an impressive victory in the contest 32 - 20.

As noted, Blake Forder started the match on the left wing, but in the second half, spent a lot of time at fullback, regularly hunting around just behind the play the ball when the Titans were in possession of the ball.

Blake Forder produced an impressive moment in the second half, when he made a twenty five metre charge when he received the ball on the left two passes of the back of the scrum. Blake Forder ran at the line with the ball in two hands and shaped to pass to his right on a number of occasions before pulling the ball back in prior to contact with the defensive line and made another ten metres post contact.

When he moved to fullback in the second half, Blake Forder continually showed exceptional positioning in the custodian role taking numerous Knights clearing kicks on the full, but it was two instances late in the match, that really showcased his positional ability at the fullback position.

With just on three minutes to go in the match and the Knights down by twelve points Newcastle kicked for touch from a penalty with the Knights kicker looking to make as much ground as possible but Blake Forder was on hand to cut the ball off before it went into touch and then was able to bring the ball back twenty metres to around the halfway mark.

In the last minute of the match, Blake Forder was once again positioned perfectly and was able to get across to a Knights chip kick and bundle the ball into touch less than a metre out from the Titans line. If Blake Forder did not get there when he did, one of three Knights players would have retrieved the ball and scored in their left corner.

In June 2021 Blake Forder was part of 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 with Blake Forder scoring towards the end of the second half in the right corner after good work by multiple players on his inside.

Blake Forder started on the right wing for the 2021 Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup side for their Round One match against the Wests Tigers before moving to fullback late in the second half with Blake Forder contributing an early second half try to the victory.

Blake Forder was consistently in the action in the match, including being getting over the line early in the match with a great winding run off his right wing only to be penalised for a (seemed harshly) for a double movement after a great winding run off his right wing.

Blake Forder was also heavily involved in Michael Robert’s first try of the match, early in the first half. Half Harvey Moase kicked towards the right wing with the ball taking a wicked bounce, Blake Forder flew through and toed the ball forward for Michael Roberts to pick up on the bounce and crash over under the posts.

As noted Blake Forder scored early in the second half when after receiving a pass from Michael Roberts he stepped back inside and after juggling the ball got it down wide out on the right near the corner post.

Blake Forder also showcased some outstanding hands in the match, including a situation when he misjudged a Wests Tigers kick off, coming in too far, Blake Forder had to stop and dive backwards full length, taking the ball over his shoulder as you was diving in the same direction as the ball. If Blake Forder had not been able to pull off such as spectacular take, the ball would have likely gone dead and the Wests Tigers would have gotten it back from the restart.

Defensively Blake Forder also had some good moments in the match, including in the 51st minute of the match, when he along with Michael Roberts grabbed hold of the Wests Tigers left winger and dragged him eight metres into touch to force a Northern Rivers Titans scrum feed.

After his outstanding Round One performance, in no surprise Blake Forder also started Round Two against local rivals the North Coast Bulldogs at Nambucca Heads on the right wing.

After missing Round Three Blake Forder was back on the right wing for Round Four in Lismore against the Central Coast Roosters and scored in the 67th minute of the match when he dived on a deft right foot grubber into the in-goal in the right corner from Harvey Moase.

Blake Forder continued on the right wing in Round Five against the Newcastle Knights and whilst the ball did not find him too often, Blake Forder did have some good moments including a great in and away off a Northern Rivers Titans scrum win in the 48th minute with Blake Forder surging thirty metres down field.

Blake Forder however did almost get his name on the try sheet but was held up near the right corner in the 55th minute, then in the dying minutes of the match Blake Forder once against broke the Knights line off a Northern Rivers Titans scrum win after receiving the ball to the right of the scrum directly off the back of the scrum.

Post the 2021 U18 Laurie Daley Cup competition, Blake Forder played for the Murwillumbah Mustangs in the U18 NRRRL Competition starting Round One of that competition at five eight against the Bilambil Jets.

Operating on the right side of the field Blake Forder proved to be a handful for the Jets defence including twice in the first half developing an overlap when he beat his opposing defender on the outside before dragging in the outside defender, but unfortunately on both occasions Blake Forder’s pass to his right winger went to ground with a try in the offing for the Mustangs.

After Murwillumbah had a number of back to back byes, Blake Forder started on the right wing in Round Six against the Kyogle Turkeys before moving to fullback in the second half of the match.

Whilst playing on the right wing in the first half, Blake Forder recorded a 14th minute try when he was on the end of a Mustang backline movement and raced over in the right corner to score after receiving the ball fourteen metres out from the try line.

In addition to a myriad of other impressive moments Blake Forder also recorded two line breaks in the Turkeys match with the first coming in the 29th minute when from a standing start fifty five metres from the line, Blake Forder raced down the right touchline cutting back inside twice to break tackles before pushing out of a third and cutting back towards the touchline before eventually being take to ground after making thirty five metres.

Blake Forder made his second line break of the match in the 56th minute when whilst operating at fullback he looped around to the left after a Mustangs scrum win slicing through the Kyogle defence from thirty metres out and getting to within two metres of the line before his momentum was halted.

Blake Forder first of many, significant contributions to the Mustangs victory came in just the 5th minute when he ran the ball back strongly from the kick-off after Murwillumbah’s opening try.

Then in the 41st minute Blake Forder made twelve metres from a hit-up to the left of the dummy half. Blake Forder made a further eighteen metres in the 48th minute from a winding run where he stepped off his left foot on two occasions.

Blake Forder rounded out his impressive match in the 53rd minute when he swooped on a dropped ball by Kyogle to make fifteen metres, breaking four tackles along the way.

Blake Forder once again started at fullback In Round Eight against Marist Brothers, scoring an outstanding solo long range try in the Mustangs victory. In the 47th minute a scrum was packed with a Murwillumbah feed ninety metres out from their try line, Blake Forder ran onto the ball after the ball was passed to him to the right from the base of the scrum. Blake Forder blew between two Rams defenders and easily outpaced the cover defence on his ninety metre run to put the ball down under the posts.

Blake Forder continued at fullback in Round Ten against the Cudgen Hornets before starting Round Twelve against Northern United at right centre before moving to fullback in the second half, a match that saw Blake Forder produce one of the best line breaks that I have ever seen that included breaking six tackles.

In the 49th minute Blake Forder retrieved a Northern United clearing kick fifteen metres out from his own line and ran to his right side, as he approached the chasers, Blake Forder stepped off his right to break two tackles before two left foot steps in quick succession back towards centre field saw Blake Forder break to further tackles. Blake Forder then cut back to his right, bumping out of one tackle, before another left foot step broke another tackle, Blake Forder then shrugged off another Northern United defender who tried to tackle him around his shoulders before passing to his right to Matthew Bollard who then off-loaded to Riley Lack who scored in the right corner.

Blake Forder continued in the centres, specifically left centre, in Round Thirteen against the Ballina Seagulls, scoring the opening try of the match in the 7th minute when he took a long cut out pass whilst in space on the left side of the field from Brandan Williams around ten metres to get the ball down in the left corner untouched.

Blake Forder was also strong defensively in the match in the left centre position including a great ball and all try saving tackle in the 43rd minute when he stopped his direct opponent on the spot with strong initial contact.

In late March 2021 Blake Forder was part of Diocesan of Lismore Open School Boy Rugby League Squad that participated in the Northern Country Catholic Colleges Rugby League Selection Trial that were held at Smithtown with Blake Forder playing on the wing in the trials.

Blake Forder was outstanding starting at fullback for the Titans U16 side that defeated the Newcastle Knights U16 Harold Matthews side 18 – 14 in Port Macquarie in January 2020 in wet and slippery conditions. Blake Forder was his sure footed self and handled the Knights tactical kicking comfortably over the course of the match.

Blake Forder started the match for the Titans U16 side at fullback and was heavily involved in two of the Titans tries, one in each half and one on each side of the field highlighting his overall skill level and versatility.

Blake Forder’s first try assist came early in the first half when he chimed into the Titans backline on the left side of the field and threw a long cut out pass to his left to his left winger Kobie Mackay-Taylor who was able to dive over in the corner after beating one Knights defender on the way to the line.

In the second half, Blake Forder’s try assist impressively come on the right side of the field. Blake Forder received the ball whilst running on an angle to his right and straightened up the attack just a fraction before stepping off his left foot to enable him to run parallel the Knights defensive line for just a fraction to draw in two defenders before popping a great ball to his right to the Titans right centre to charge over near the right corner post.

As a result of the performance, Blake Forder was named the Titans best back in the match. Blake Forder was also acknowledged for his outstanding performance by Titans JTS Co-ordinator Matt Srama in his review of the match in a video on the Titans Official Site after the match.

Blake Forder was named to start at fullback for the Northern Rivers Titans in Round One of the 2020 U16 Andrew Johns Cup against the Parramatta Eels at Cudgen however the match was cancelled due to the wet conditions in northern New South Wales that particular weekend.

Blake Forder started at fullback in Round Two of the U16 Andrew Johns Cup at fullback against the Newcastle Knights in Ballina as well as in Round Three against the Central Coast Roosters where he proved to be a significant threat to break through the Roosters defensive line every time that he touched the ball especially when running to the right of the field.

Blake Forder also started at fullback in Round Four against the Greater Northern Tigers as well as in the Round Five local derby against North Coast recording two try assists, one in each half and one on each side of the field.

Blake Forder’s first try assist resulted from his quick hands, he chimed into the backline on the left of the field and as soon as he took the ball was confronted by a North Coast defender rushing in, Blake Forder barley took possession and flicked a great ball to his left to send Damon Coldwell on a forty run to the left corner to score.

Blake Forder’s second try assist came on the right side of the field in the second half. Blake Forder received the ball and immediately cut to his right running parallel to the defensive line and at the last moment threw a great ball to his right, putting Michael Roberts into a gap eighteen metres out from the line.

Blake Forder played the 2020 season for the Murwillumbah Colts in the Group 18 U16 competition and was a standout player in the competition with the Colts going down in the Grand Final 20 – 16 to South Tweed.

In the 2020 Group 18 U16 regular season Murwillumbah won five matches and lost four, along the way scoring 154 points and conceding 112 to finish with a +42 points differential.

In early October 2020 Blake Forder was part of a Titans squad that played a trial against a Titans Group 18 U16 Invitational side 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.

In 2019 Blake Forder who attends Benora Point High School was selected at fullback for the Lismore Diocese Northern Country U15 rugby league representative side for the NSW CCC trials that were held in Sydney and subsequently was selected in the NSW CCC for the U15 ASSRL Championships that were played at Redcliffe.

Blake Forder played a number of matches for the NSW CCC side on the wing in the National Championships and was part of the NSW CCC Championship winning side.

Blake Forder also represented the Group 18 U15 representative side in 2019, starting at fullback in all of their matches at the 2019 New South Wales Country Age Championships. Blake Forder also represented Group 18 in 2018 at the U14 NSW Country Championships.

From a club rugby league perspective, Blake Forder played for the Murwillumbah Colts in the 2019 Group 18 U15 competition after moving over from the Bilambil Jets for whom he played for in the Group 18 U14 competition in 2018.

Blake Forder has also had an outstanding athletics career at Banora Point including being named U14 and U15 Age Champion at the 2018 and 2019 Athletics carnivals respectively.

In 2019 Blake Forder was the winner of the inaugural running of the “Serone Gift” (named after a much loved retiring teacher) being a 100 metre race with the top sprinters from the school regardless of age or gender participating.

Blake Forder is an agile runner of the football who relies on his decent speed and elusiveness to make it difficult for larger opponents to line him up. When lining up at fullback Blake Forder always makes himself available for offloads in the centre of the ruck.

One thing that impresses me is that Blake Forder does not jog after the ball when it is kicked down field, he will flat out sprint to get there either on the full or as quickly as possible, thus eliminating the effectiveness of the oppositions kicking game.

When he retrieves the ball Blake Forder makes a decision quickly about where to look to run around a staggered defensive line or to run straight in an effort to make as much ground as possible. Blake Forder really does pay attention to details and is rarely if ever out of position.

Blake Forder also has the ability to sweep around the back of the ruck and also pop up in supporting in the middle of the ruck, either running himself or looking for offloads from his forwards and use his footwork against big tiring forwards.

Blake Forder’s passing game is outstanding and he drifts across the field looking for runners to run into holes and has the ability to “freeze” the defensive line, making to easier for his support runners as was evidenced in the Titans U16 victory against Newcastle in January 2020.

Also Blake Forder’s hands at fullback are quite safe and dependable when collecting kicks whether taking the ball on the full or retrieving the ball along the ground. In both instances Blake Forder makes an immediate decision on what to do next and never second guesses himself.

Blake Forder is not the biggest or necessarily strongest player but will take the hit when needing to make the tackle in the last line of defence and uses the sideline well to redirect the opposition towards the sideline. Blake Forder just has a knack of being at the right place at the right time in a defensive sense and continually tracks the oppositions play across the field and positions himself accordingly.

Blake Forder is also effective at forcing the attacker to make a decision with the football rather than allowing them the time and opportunity to progressively work through their options. Blake Forder does this by moving forward immediately after a break was made looking to ensure that getting a pass to his supports is as difficult as possible for the opposing player who has made the break in the defensive line.

Blake Forder will likely play the 2024 rugby league season with the Bilambil Jets in the NRRRL First Grade competition, being his junior rugby league club.

Blake Forder can play a variety of back line positions, including fullback, wing and potentially centre, but with his ball playing skills and passing ability to both sides of his body which were evidenced in the Titans JTS squad’s in numerous matches since in the Titans U16’s in January 2020, fullback seems to be Blake Forder’s ideal position, although to fair 2022 proved that Blake Forder could potentially develop into an elite try scoring winger in short order.

With his ability to gain separation from his opponent and sound positional sense, I see aspects of the game of former Bulldog and St George Dragons fullback Luke Patten in the play of Blake Forder.

I would argue however that the “out the back” ball playing skills that Blake Forder currently possesses already have reached and surpassed those that Luke Patten had at his disposal when he retired from the NRL more than a number of seasons ago.

[mdrew]

Nicholas Hilton. In early 2019 the young man who is an outstanding talent and a local junior signed a multi-year contract with the Titans that kept him locked up with the Titans until the end of the 2022 season.

Nicholas Hilton certainly already has the hall marks of a representative level player and captain in years to come. Already Nicholas Hilton’s leadership skills have been identified and utilised by the Titans and Gold Coast junior representative sides on numerous occasions over recent seasons and no doubt that will continue into the future.

In late July 2023 Nicholas Hilton started at lock for a Titans U19 side that travelled to Townsville to play a Cowboys U19 side in an NRL curtain-raiser with Nicholas Hilton along with Tanu Nona making the opening tackle of the match from the Cowboys kick-off return. Both Nicholas Hilton and Tanu Nona then backed up to also make the second tackle of the match.

Nicholas Hilton made another good defensive effort in the 5th minute to make a good cover defending tackle on the North Queensland winger No. 5 twenty metres out from the Titans try line. Nicholas Hilton executed a strong front on hit defensively in the 50th minute when along with Eli Tuli, Nicholas Hilton crunched a Cowboys player seven metres out from the try line and in the centre of the field and forcing a knock on.

The 2nd minute saw Nicholas Hilton carry the ball from two passes from the left of the play the ball from two metres inside his own territory to twelve metres inside North Queensland territory. Then in the 8th minute from the right of the play the ball Nicholas Hilton ran onto the ball to the right of the play the ball from nineteen metres out from his own try line to thirty one metres out after Nicholas Hilton specifically targeted the area directly behind the play the ball.

In the 16th minute Nicholas Hilton was able to get a trade mark off-load away to his left after Nicholas Hilton had made ten metres running the ball himself to get thirty metres out from the Cowboys try line.

In January 2023 Nicholas Hilton started at lock for the Titans U19 side in their annual match at Coffs Harbour against a Newcastle Knights U19’s squad with Nicholas Hilton recording a try assist in the 6th minute when after breaking through a tackle off a great off-load from his right from Joseph Shannon, Nicholas Hilton got to within three metres of the defensive line before off-loading perfectly to his right to Tanu Nona who dived over next to the left upright.
Just a minute earlier in the 5th minute when from around forty metres out from his own try line Nicholas Hilton after receiving the ball to the right of the play the ball, ran to his right drawing in one defender and then threw a great short ball to his right to put a hard charging Immanuel Kalekale through a gap to make twenty five metres and get the ball well into Knights territory.
2023 also saw Nicholas Hilton named at No. 8 in the Courier Mail School Boy Rugby GPS First XV Team of the 2020’s.

Round One of the 2023 Hastings Deering’s Colts season saw Nicholas Hilton named on the bench for the Tweed Heads Seagulls against the Townsville Blackhawks with Nicholas Hilton coming onto the field to operate in the front row in the 50th minute with Nicholas Hilton almost immediately getting an off-load away in a tackle.
Nicholas Hilton also started from the bench in Round Three against the Toowoomba Clydesdales with Nicholas Hilton coming onto the field in the second half to play in the front row with Nicholas Hilton making a strong run in the73rd minute from the right of the play the ball and ten metres out and it was only Nicholas Hilton crashing into the left upright in the tackle that prevented him from scoring.
Nicholas Hilton continued off the bench in Round Four against the Souths Logan Magpies with Nicholas Hilton coming onto the field to operate in the front row in the 45th minute and in the 52nd minute after engaging the defensive line to the left of the play the ball Nicholas Hilton was able to get his right arm free and off-load to his left to Ryan Foran.
Nicholas Hilton got another off-load away in the 58th minute when after engaging the Magpies defensive line Nicholas Hilton got a good off-load away to Jaylan De Groot, with Jett Jackson scoring two passes later.
The 56th minute saw Nicholas Hilton make a strong run from thirty two metres out from his own try line and to the right of the play the ball with Nicholas Hilton rumbling forward all of the way to the halfway mark.
Nicholas Hilton continued from the bench in Round Five against the Ipswich Jets with Nicholas Hilton scoring his first try of the season in the 71st minute when with the play the ball two metres out from the try line, the Tweed Heads dummy half ran to his left with Nicholas Hilton then cutting back underneath him with Nicholas Hilton engaging the defensive line still three metres out Nicholas Hilton was able to twist his body clockwise to get the ball down under the posts while still engaged with three Toowoomba defenders.
Nicholas Hilton also started from the bench in Round Six against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls with Nicholas Hilton coming off the bench to operate in the front row in the 45th minute. The 60th minute saw Nicholas Hilton make a strong run from the left of the play the ball with Nicholas Hilton carrying the ball from his own thirty metre mark to within seven metres of the halfway with Nicholas Hilton then able to get an off-load away to his right when still engaged with two defenders. Nicholas Hilton was able to get another off-load away in the 66th minute, on this occasion with his left arm whilst engaged with multiple defenders.
Nicholas Hilton continued from the bench in Round Eight against the Central Queensland Caprs’s with Nicholas Hilton coming onto the field to operate in the front row in the 56th minute with Nicholas Hilton making his first run almost immediately from the right of the play the ball with Nicholas Hilton making twelve metres before getting an off-load away to his left.

Nicholas Hilton also started from the bench in Round Nine against the Mackay Cutters with Nicholas Hilton coming off the bench to operate in the front row in the 31st minute.

Nicholas Hilton made a strong run in the 35th minute when from the left of the play the ball and thirty eight metres from the try line, Nicholas Hilton was able to get the ball to twenty four metres from the try line before getting a trade mark right arm off-load away to his left.

Then in the 61st minute from the left of the play the ball Nicholas Hilton carried the ball from thirty four metres out from his own try line to within two metres of the halfway mark with 65% of the metres post contact. Then two tackles later once again to the left of the play the ball Nicholas Hilton was able make another twelve metres to get the ball within twenty four metres of the try line.

The Round Ten local derby against the Burleigh Bears saw Nicholas Hilton continue from the bench with Nicholas Hilton making a line break in the 22nd minute when he ran onto a good short ball from his left from Tanu Nona on the halfway mark with Nicholas Hilton making twenty metres downfield.

Then in the 26th minute from the left of the play the ball Nicholas Hilton made a twelve metre run to ten metres of the halfway mark before getting a right arm flick off-load away to his tight. Nicholas Hilton got another good off-load away in the 46th minute when after running onto the ball to the left of the play the ball, Nicholas Hilton ran the ball from the halfway mark to twelve metres inside Burleigh territory before getting his right arm free and off-load to his left to his trailing lock.

Nicholas Hilton also made a good run in the 51st minute from the right of the play the ball from ten metres inside Burleigh territory with Will Taylor carrying the ball to within seventeen metres of the try line.

Nicholas Hilton moved into the Seagulls starting side in the front row in Round Eleven against the Norths Devils with Nicholas Hilton scoring in the 25th minute when from the right of the play the ball from six metres out Nicholas Hilton ran a straight hard crash line to break through three defenders including a counter clockwise spin on the try line to get the ball down two metres to the get of the uprights.

Nicholas Hilton also recorded a try assist in the 19th minute when after receiving the ball to the left of the play the ball six metres out, Nicholas Hilton ran the ball to his left and just prior to engaging the defensive line Nicholas Hilton popped a short ball to his left to a charging Ryan Foran who crashed over to score three metres to the left of the uprights.

Nicholas Hilton relished his first start of the season and in the 6th minute from the left of the play the ball and thirty metres from his own try line Nicholas Hilton carried the ball ten metres downfield before getting a right arm off-load away to a trailing Oskar Bryant. Nicholas Hilton got away another trademark off-load in the 6th minute when after carrying the ball from the right of the play the ball from fourteen metres out to less than a metre from the try line Nicholas Hilton was able to get his right arm free when still engaged with three defenders and get an off-load away.

Nicholas Hilton got another off-load away in the 28th minute when after getting within six metres of the halfway mark, Nicholas Hilton was able to get a right arm off-load away to Oscar Bryant.

In the 21st minute Nicholas Hilton, from the left of the play the ball and twenty five metres out from his own try line was able to get the ball to within five metres of the halfway mark.

Nicholas Hilton then started at lock in Round Twelve against the Brisbane Tigers with Nicholas Hilton’s initial strong run of the match arriving in the 3rd minute when from the left of the play the ball Nicholas Hilton received the ball on the halfway mark and was able to make seventeen metres downfield.

Then in the 5th minute Nicholas Hilton, from the left of the play the ball and twelve metres out from his own try line engaged the defensive line and was able to get a right arm off-load away to his right to Tanu Nona who made an additional ten metres downfield. Then in the 25th minute from the left of the play the ball Nicholas Hilton carried the ball from thirty metres out from his own try line to five metres of the halfway mark.

Nicholas Hilton also did well in the 73rd minute with a solid run from a Seagulls penalty tap restart with Nicholas Hilton starting his run ten metres inside Tigers territory and after surging his way to within twenty metres of the try line, Nicholas Hilton got a right arm off-load away to his left to Tanu Nona with Tweed Heads scoring two passes later. The 75th minute saw Nicholas Hilton get yet another off-load away on this occasion a right arm off-load to his left from thirty metres out from his own try line.

Nicholas Hilton also made a good run in the 77th minute from the left of the play the ball with Nicholas Hilton getting the ball from ten metres inside Tigers territory to within nineteen metres of the try line.

Nicholas Hilton then moved back to the bench in Round Thirteen against the Redcliffe Dolphins and after coming onto the field to operate in the front row in the 29th minute Nicholas Hilton’s opening hit-up within moments of coming onto the field resulted in a Seagulls penalty when Nicholas Hilton caught a number of defenders offside.

The 34th minute then saw Nicholas Hilton from the left of the play the ball run onto the ball ten metres from the halfway mark and carry the ball three metres into Redcliffe territory. Then in the 36th minute from the left of the play the ball Nicholas Hilton ran the ball from forty metres from the try line to twenty eight metres out with Nicholas Hilton then able to get a right arm off-load away to his right to Tanu Nona.

Nicholas Hilton also made a good kick-off return in the 40th minute to get the ball out to the twenty two metre mark. Then in the 53rd minute from the left of the play the ball Nicholas Hilton carried the ball from six metres inside his own territory to six metres into Northern Pride territory with Nicholas Hilton then able to get an off-load away to his right to Tanu Nona.

Nicholas Hilton continued from the bench in Round Fourteen against the Northern Pride with Nicholas Hilton scoring in the 58th minute after coming onto the field to operate at lock in the 32nd minute. In the 58th minute Nicholas Hilton from close range was able to force his way over to score under the posts.

Nicholas Hilton was also heavily involved in Max Liles 35th minute try when after running onto the ball to the left of the play the ball, Nicholas Hilton carried the ball from twenty metres from the try line to nine metres out and then got a short off-load away to his left to Parker Bryant who subsequently off-loaded to Max Liles to score.

Then in the 42nd minute after running onto the ball to the left of the play the ball Nicholas Hilton carried the ball from twenty seven metres from the try line to twelve metres out including spinning counter clockwise twice in quick succession, Nicholas Hilton got a right arm flick off-load away out the back to Tanu Nona who was able to get within a metre of the try line.

The 56th minute saw Nicholas Hilton run onto the ball to the left of the play the ball from three metres inside Northern Pride territory and carry the ball to twenty six metres out, then two minutes later in the 58th minute on this occasion to the right of the dummy half Nicholas Hilton ran the ball from forty five metres from the try line to twenty five metres out with Nicholas Hilton then producing a smart right arm flick off-load away to Tanu Nona with two defenders on him.

Nicholas Hilton rounded out strong match in the 60th minute with a run to the right of the play the ball from twenty four metres out from his own try line to the forty three metre mark with more than 60% of the metres that Nicholas Hilton made being post contact with the Northern Pride defensive line.

Nicholas Hilton moved into the starting side at lock in the Round Fifteen local derby against the Burleigh Bears with Nicholas Hilton taking the third hit-up of the match from the right of the play the ball to get the ball forty four metres out, inclusive of a clockwise spin, on the fifth tackle Nicholas Hilton made another fourteen metres to within twenty six metres of the try line.

Then in the 2nd minute from the left of the play the ball Nicholas Hilton ran onto the ball and was able to get from twenty four metres out to within twelve metres of the try line.

Nicholas Hilton was able to execute a number of trademark off-loads away against the Bears including in the 12th minute when after running onto the ball to the right of the play the ball Nicholas Hilton carried the ball within four metres of the try line with Nicholas Hilton then able to get a left arm off-load away to his left with Nicholas Hilton getting another off-load away a minute later to his right.

Nicholas Hilton continued at lock in Round Sixteen against the Sunshine Coast Falcons with Nicholas Hilton recording a line break assist in the 74th minute when after running onto the ball to the right of the dummy half from five metres inside Sunshine Coast territory Nicholas Hilton ran at the defensive line and at the last possible moment got an off-load away to his right to put Jayden Wright into a gaping hole with the Seagulls scoring through Max Liles later in the same movement.

Nicholas Hilton made a good run of his own in the 77th minute to get the ball from thirty six metres from his own try line to the halfway mark after running onto the ball to the left of the play the ball with around 80% of Nicholas Hilton’s metres gained being post contact metres.

Nicholas Hilton then started from the bench in Week One of the Finals against the Burleigh Bears and after coming onto the field in the 54th minute Nicholas Hilton made a good run in the 58th minute from the left of the play the ball to get the ball from thirty three metres out from his own try line to within four metres of the halfway mark.

Nicholas Hilton continued from the bench in the Preliminary Final against the Townsville Blackhawks with Nicholas Hilton coming onto the field at halftime to operate in the middle of the field.

2023 saw Nicholas Hilton part of the Tweed Heads Seagulls Hastings Deering’s Colts squad with Nicholas Hilton starting in the front row for the Seagulls in their late February trail against the Burleigh Bears.

In late January 2022 Nicholas Hilton started from the bench for the Titans U19 side in a match at Pizzey Park against the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts side with Nicholas Hilton coming onto the field mid-way through the first half.

Nicholas Hilton produced a strong display including a smart piece of play in the 56th minute which resulted in a try assist for Nicholas Hilton. Tanu Nona moved into dummy half twenty metres from his own line, scooping up the ball and running out of dummy half to his left, bursting through the defensive line and near halfway was able to get a great ball away to his left to Josh Lynn who then off-loaded back to the right to Nicholas Hilton who then put Thomas Weaver away to score under the posts with a deft short pass to his left.

Nicholas Hilton’s ball playing skills were on display in the 25th minute with a good short pass to his left to Xavier Stowers who was able to promote the ball further.

In mid-December 2021 Nicholas Hilton 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 early November 2021 Nicholas Hilton was named in the 2022 Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup squad as they look to replicate their 2021 success.

Round One of the 2022 MM Cup competition saw Nicholas Hilton named captain and in the front row for the Tweed Heads Seagulls against the Souths Logan Magpies. With Nicholas Hilton scoring a great solo try.

Nicholas Hilton scored in the 55th minute from a great solo charge. Tweed Heads were awarded a penalty which was taken eight metres out and directly in from the goal posts, with Nicholas Hilton receiving the ball from the tap, running to his left and carrying three Souths Logan defenders over the line, getting the ball down mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

In the 9th minute from fifteen metres out and from a penalty tap restart Nicholas Hilton charged onto the ball forcing his way all of the way to the in-goal but three Souths Logan forwards held him up just to the left of the goal posts.

Nicholas Hilton was also named in the front row for Round Two against the Redcliffe Dolphins and after the Seagulls had a Round Three bye, Nicholas Hilton started in the front row in Round Four against the Easts Tigers and in the 58th minute he made a trademark hit up and then produced a trade mark right arm off-load with two defenders hanging off him to Will Saunders.

Nicholas Hilton also executed a great tackle along with Will Taylor on the Easts Tigers left winger who was returning a kick with the ball being forced loose. Jett Forbes then scored from the subsequent scrum win by Tweed Heads.

Nicholas Hilton was named to continue in the front row in Round Five against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls however he was ruled out late in the week.

Nicholas Hilton was then named to start in the front row in Round Six against the Norths Devils as well as in the Round Seven local derby against the Burleigh Bears when he took the second hit-up of the match after Burleigh had kicked off to get the match underway.

In the 15th minute Nicholas Hilton showcased his ball playing skills when from inside his own territory he took the ball deep into the Burleigh defensive line before popping a good pre-contact short ball to his right to put Reico Ratana into a half gap.

Nicholas Hilton was also outstanding defensively against Burleigh including a great 17th minute low tackle that took the legs out from under Bears front rower VJ Semu.

Nicholas Hilton made his Hastings Deering’s Colts debut in the 2022 rescheduled Round Seven match off the bench against the Souths Logan Magpies. Nicholas Hilton also came off the bench in Round Eleven against the Central Queensland Capra’s.

Post the 2022 MM Cup competition Nicholas Hilton transitioned back to club rugby league and was named to start Round One of the 2022 Gold Coast Rugby League U18 Division One competition from the bench for the Nerang Roosters against the Currumbin Eagles however Nicholas Hilton was a late scratching from the match.

Nicholas Hilton was then named at left second row in Round Five against the Helensvale Hornets but once again was a late scratching.

Interestingly Nicholas Hilton started at halfback in Round Eleven against the Helensvale Hornets operating on the left and to be honest Nicholas Hilton made a very good fist of his new position.

Nicholas Hilton should have had a 22nd minute try assist when whilst operating on the left when he engaged the defensive line and threw a great right arm flick pass which sent his support runner over but bizarrely the touch judge ruled the pass forward.

Nicholas Hilton also threw another great pass in the 36th minute when front the right of a Roosters scrum win around twenty metres from the try line Nicholas Hilton held the ball up perfectly to bring his fullback onto the ball with a great short ball to his right after the fullback had looped around from the opposite side of the field.

Nicholas Hilton showed that he can also defend on the edge of the ruck when in the 35th minute he made a crunching front on tackle on the Eagles interchange hooker (No. 14) driving his right shoulder through the centre of his body mass. Nicholas Hilton backed that up with another crunching front on right shoulder tackle on the Currumbin five eight in the 49th minute.

Nicholas Hilton was on the move once again in Round Fourteen against the Ormeau Shearers starting the match at right centre and in the 10th Nicholas Hilton threw the final pass for Jeremaiah Temapo to race thirty five metres down the right touchline to score.

Nicholas Hilton then moved to left second row in Round Sixteen against the Burleigh Bears with Nicholas Hilton making a line break in the 5th minute when after he received an off-load thirty metres out from his own try line Nicholas Hilton bumped off one would be defender before running back towards the centre of the field with Nicholas Hilton breaking two more tackles on his way to making sixteen metres.

The 2022 Gold Coast Rugby League U18 Division One Grand Final saw Nicholas Hilton start from the bench for the Nerang Roosters with Nicholas Hilton coming onto the field to operate at left second row in the 20th minute with Nicholas Hilton making his first tackle of the Grand Final almost immediately after coming onto the field.

Then after Nerang kicked off to get the second half underway Nicholas Hilton executed two tackles in a row in the opening set of six tackles of the second half.

In March 2022 Nicholas Hilton 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 in the front row with Nicholas Hilton taking the third hit-up of the match.

Nicholas Hilton also started in the front row in Match Two against Met North and once again took the first hit-up of the match after Met North had kicked off. Nicholas Hilton also made South Coast’s first tackle of the match to record a different type of double. Nicholas Hilton also took a strong hit-up from the kick-off to South Coast’s opening try of the match.

Nicholas Hilton was back at TSS in 2022 as a full colours rugby player and was named at No. 8 for the TSS First XV’s first trial against Brisbane Grammar School with TSS recording a 19 – 12 first up victory.

Nicholas Hilton was also named at No. 8 in TSS’s First XV’s second trial against Brisbane State High School as well as the third TSS First XV trial against Gregory Terrace with the TSS First XV recording an impressive 49 – 19 trial victory.

Nicholas Hilton started at No. 8 and vice-captain of the 2022 TSS First XV side in Round One of the GPS School Boy Rugby First XV competition against St Jospeh’s College Nudgee.

Nicholas Hilton then had the honour of captaining the TSS First XV in TSS’s GPS Round Two bye week when they travelled to Toowoomba to take on Downlands College with Nicholas Hilton starting the match at No. 8.

Nicholas Hilton continued at No. 8 and vice-captain in Round Three against Toowoomba Grammar School with Nicholas Hilton making a strong run from the back of a TSS scrum win thirty five metres out with Nicholas Hilton running to his right, making fifteen metres before recycling the ball with TSS scoring from the next phase with TSS going onto win 19 – 17.

Nicholas Hilton also started at No. 8 and Vice-captain in Round Four against Anglican Church Grammar at the Shark Tank as well as Round Five against Brisbane Boys College (BBC) with Nicholas Hilton recoding a try assist in the 35th minute when after TSS won a scrum against the feed ten metres out, Nicholas Hilton ran to the left of the scrum and drew in one defender before getting the ball to his outside centre who crashed over from five metres out and mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Nicholas Hilton came close to scoring himself in the 41st minute when from twenty five metres out Nicholas Hilton burst through the BBC defence on the right side of the field but when he was only around six metres out and only the fullback to beat Nicholas Hilton got tripped up from behind with Nicholas Hilton then throwing a desperate pass to his right to keep the movement going for TSS.

Nicholas Hilton also started at No. 8 in Round Six against Brisbane Grammar School as well as in Round Seven against Brisbane State High School with Nicholas Hilton putting in an outstanding two try assist performance.

The first of Nicholas Hilton’s try assists came in the 35th minute when from five metres out and in front of the right upright Nicholas Hilton got an off-load away to his left to put his outside centre (No. 13) over to score under the posts.

Nicholas Hilton recorded his second try assist in the 40th minute when from eight metres out Nicholas Hilton picked up the ball from the back of a ruck and after running to his left Nicholas Hilton got an off-load away to his left for his halfback to dive over to score adjacent to the right upright.

Nicholas Hilton also started at No. 8 and vice-captain in Round Eight against St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace with Nicholas Hilton making a line break in the 37th minute when from the left of a ruck thirty five metres out Nicholas Hilton produced a left foot step to break through the Ipswich Grammar School defensive line to beat the cover defence with Nicholas Hilton then able to get the ball away to his right to his right winger.

Round Nine against Ipswich Grammar School saw Nicholas Hilton have the honour of captaining the TSS First XV for the first time in what was his final match for TSS and after winning the match TSS were named as joint Premiership winners on the back of an outstanding performance by Nicholas Hilton.

Nicholas Hilton scored in the 27th minute when from the left of a ruck that had formed on the right side of the field Nicholas Hilton charged onto the ball from six metres out and after engaging the defenders Nicholas Hilton spun 360 degrees counter clockwise to break the contact with Nicholas Hilton crashing over ten metres to the right of the uprights.

Nicholas Hilton also recorded a try assist in the 22nd minute when after TSS had a line-out throw just two metres out and on the right side of the field Nicholas Hilton looped around from the right to the left and after receiving the ball down a very short right blindside Nicholas Hilton got a ball away to his right to send his hooker over to score.

Such was Nicholas Hilton’s performance over the course of the 2022 GPS School Boy Rugby First XV competition that Nicholas Hilton was named at No. 8 in the Courier Mail 2022 GPS First XV Team of the Year. Nicholas Hilton was also named as the seventh best School Boy Rugby League or Rugby player in the 2022 Courier Mail Top 30 school boys.

In January 2021 Nicholas Hilton started at lock for the Titans U17 side in their annual match at Coffs Harbour against the Newcastle Knights and was his usual impressive outstanding self, leading from the front as the Titans dominated the Knights to record an impressive 32 – 20 victory. As usual Nicholas Hilton’s work rate in both attack and defence was exceptional as was his leadership in the hot and humid conditions.

Nicholas Hilton’s first action of the match against the Knights came in just the second tackle after the Titans kicked off when he along with EJ Finau smashed the Knights second rower who was taking just the second hit-up of the match. Nicholas Hilton also produced a big tackle early in the second half when he hit one of the Knights outside backs with his left shoulder putting him onto the ground quickly and efficiently with extreme force.

In November 2020 Nicholas Hilton was named in the powerful Tweed Heads Seagulls 2021 MM Cup squad.

Nicholas Hilton 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 as Tweed Heads commenced their season with an impressive 28 – 12 victory against a full strength Tigers side.

In the Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup sides second trial against Burleigh, Nicholas Hilton started the second half at lock and scored early in his stint in a big Seagulls win. Nicholas Hilton’s try was as a result of a hard charge that started around twelve metres to the right of the play the ball. Nicholas Hilton charged onto the ball, running slightly back towards the play the ball, when he hit the defensive line, Nicholas Hilton spun 360 degrees clockwise to break the initial defensive contact and then Nicholas Hilton surged back towards the region behind the play the ball beating three additional defenders on the way to getting the ball down.

Nicholas Hilton also showcased some impressive offloading skills over the course of the match, including an impressive one arm (right arm) offload ten minutes into the second half, when he hit the defensive line and was able to spin clockwise to get his right arm free and subsequently offload to Oskar Bryant.

Nicholas Hilton started Round One of the 2021 MM Cup competition on the bench as Tweed Heads took on the Ipswich Jets at home. Nicholas Hilton came onto the play in the second row in the 25th minute and took the ball into the defensive line as soon as he had come onto the field making twelve metres against a set Ipswich defensive line.

It did not take long for Nicholas Hilton to take his second hit-up with that coming in the 33rd minute when he bumped away from two defenders to get within ten metres of the Ipswich line. Nicholas Hilton his hard work early in the second half (53rd minute) with a strong run and then a good two handed off-load to Blaze Mozer who made another ten valuable metres.

Nicholas Hilton also started from the bench in Round Two against the Souths Logan Magpies, providing a spark off the bench in both attack and defence when he came onto the field mid-way through the first half.

After missing Round Three against the Burleigh Bears, Nicholas Hilton was back in the Seagulls side for Round Four against the Ipswich Jets, a match that saw Nicholas Hilton named on the Seagulls extended bench however he actually started the match at lock.

One of a number of strong Nicholas Hilton charges came in the 14th minute when Nicholas Hilton made ten metres from a hit-up off the dummy half.

Nicholas Hilton’s intensity and effort was highlighted in the 27th minute when he dived full length to retrieve a Jets loose ball from an Ipswich penalty restart just twenty metres out from the Seagulls line.

Nicholas Hilton also started at lock in Round Five against the Souths Logan Magpies.

After being rested for Round Six in the local derby against the Burleigh Bears, Nicholas Hilton started at lock for the Tweed Heads Seagulls in their impressive semi-final victory against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls with Nicholas Hilton taking the 4th hit-up of the match.

In the 2021 MM Cup Queensland Grand Final against the Townsville Blackhawks, Nicholas Hilton was initially named to start the Grand Final from the bench however he came into the starting line-up late in the week, starting the Grand Final in the front row.

Nicholas Hilton was heavily involved in the Grand Final from the start, including a strong tackle coming over the top of one of the Townsville Blackhawks front rowers (No. 8) in the 5th minute, with the ball coming loose as a result of Nicholas Hilton’s contact.

In Round One of the Gold Coast Rugby League U18 Division One competition, Nicholas Hilton was named at five eight for the Nerang Roosters as they faced the Burleigh Bears and was one of the Roosters try scorers in their impressive first up victory.

In Round Five against the Southport Tigers, Nicholas Hilton came off the bench in the Roosters 34 – 12 victory.

When rugby league recommenced on the Gold Coast in late August 2021 after the Covid 19 lockdown, Nicholas Hilton was named to start from the bench for Nerang in Round Eleven against the Ormeau Shearers and he was also named to start from the bench in Round Twelve against the Southport Tigers.

Nicholas Hilton then was named to start in the second row in Week Two of the 2021 GCRL U18 Final’s series for the Roosters against the Helensvale Hornets and was also named to start on the bench for the Roosters in the 2021 GCRL U18 Division One Preliminary Final against the Ormeau Shearers.

Whilst he was named to start from the bench in the Preliminary Final, Nicholas Hilton in fact started the match at lock and was influential as the Roosters qualified for the 2021 GCRL U18 Division One Grand Final on the back of an 18 – 16 victory.

In the 2021 Gold Coast Rugby League U18 Division One Grand Final Nicholas Hilton started at lock for the Roosters side against the Helensvale Hornets and took the 4th hit-up of the match and was able to make fifteen metres, most of which was post contact against a fast moving Helensvale defensive line.

Nicholas Hilton then added another strong run in the 20th minute with that run accounting for another fifteen metres to get the ball into the Helensvale ten metre zone.

In February 2021 Nicholas Hilton took part in the South Coast Open school boy trials and was named at lock for the South Coast Open A school boy side as a result of his trial performances. Nicholas Hilton was one of two Titans contracted 2021 TSS School Boy Rugby First XV players in the South Coast Squad with the other being Kaleb Ngamanu.

Nicholas Hilton started at lock on Day One as South Coast played Met North with Nicholas Hilton making the opening tackle of the match from the kick-off.

Nicholas Hilton also started at lock on Day Two as South Coast took on Met East and recorded a try assist in the 10th minute when he engaged the defensive line on the left and off-loaded to Ryan Foran who ran twenty metres and was able to bring the ball around to put it down near the goal posts.

Nicholas Hilton was one of South Coast’s try scorers with his try coming in the 42nd minute when he charged at the line from close range (two metres) and after engaging the defence, spun counter clockwise to get the ball down with two defenders still engaged.

Nicholas Hilton also produced a smart piece of play in the 31st minute when he took the line on after receiving the ball of the play the ball and was able to get an off-load away to Brock Priestley.

Nicholas Hilton started at lock once again on Day Three against Capricornia making a strong hit-up in the opening set of six in the match. Nicholas Hilton made another strong hit-up in the set of six after South Coast’s opening try.

Nicholas Hilton also started at lock in the Championship Final against Met North.

Nicholas Hilton 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 Nicholas Hilton’s second season in the TSS First XV.

Nicholas Hilton 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.

Nicholas Hilton 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 No. 8.

Nicholas Hilton also started at No. 8 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, Nicholas Hilton continued at No. 8 against the TSS Second XV.

Round One of the 2021 GPS school boy rugby First XV competition saw Nicholas Hilton line up at No. 8 for TSS as they took on Brisbane Grammar School at home with Nicholas Hilton producing a couple of moments of class in TSS’s 71 – 5 victory including a try in the opening minutes when he broke away from a ruck to run fifty metres to score under the posts.

Nicholas Hilton contributed a try assist in the 48th minute when after receiving an off-load from Jye Gray Nicholas Hilton charged downfield before drawing the Brisbane Grammar School fullback and passing to his right to his unmarked right winger to score untouched.

The in the 48th minute Nicholas Hilton broke the Brisbane Grammar School line when running on the left side of the field after receiving the ball ten metres from his own line with Nicholas Hilton eventually being brought down after a thirty five metre run.

Such was Nicholas Hilton’s overall performance that he was awarded two points in the 2021 GPS First XV Coaches Award.

Round Two away to Anglican Church Grammar School saw Nicholas Hilton named at No. 8 for the TSS First XV and scored for the second week in a row when he burst onto a Kaleb Ngamanu pass from ten metres out in the 67th minute to crash over next to the right upright.

As a result of his performance in the match, Nicholas Hilton received an honourable mention from the TSS First XV coaches in their weekly awards.

After the GPS school boy rugby competition was suspended for a number of weeks, Nicholas Hilton started at No. 8 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, Nicholas Hilton started at No. 8 in Round Six against Toowoomba Grammar School with Nicholas Hilton performing solidly in the match including a line break in the 50th minute making twenty five metres after receiving a good ball from Syris Schmidt. Nicholas Hilton also pulled off a great front on tackle in the 43rd minute of the match.

Nicholas Hilton also started at No. 8 in Round Eight against Nudgee College, producing a strong front on tackle in the 61st minute from a short TSS kick-off. As a result of his impressive overall performance against Nudgee College, Nicholas Hilton was awarded three coaches votes in the 2021 TSS First XV Player of the Season Award.

Nicholas Hilton also started the final round of the 2021 GPS First XV School Boy Rugby season, being Round Nine against Gregory Terrace at No. 8, match that say fellow Titans contracted players Kaleb Ngamanu and Syris Schmidt play their last ever First XV game for TSS.

Nicholas Hilton was at his aggressive best during the match, including probably the best play of the match when in the 26th minute Nicholas Hilton charged directly through the middle of a ruck, totally destroying it and forcing a knock on by the Gregory Terrace halfback who was just picking up the ball from the back of the ruck when Nicholas Hilton destroyed it.

Nicholas Hilton did something similar in the 34th minute when once again with Gregory Terrace on the attack Nicholas Hilton smashed through the centre of a ruck forcing a knock on by the Gregory Terrace acting half.

The 37th minute saw Nicholas Hilton a key figure in a TSS try with he led a TSS rolling maul from a line-out with TSS rumbling forward to score.

Nicholas Hilton also recorded a 56th minute line break where he made thirty metres before off-loading through centre field.

To round out his match, Nicholas Hilton made a critical diving tackle from behind in the 62nd minute on the Gregory Terrace open side flanker who had broken through the TSS line from twelve metres and looked set to score bar the great tackle from Nicholas Hilton.

At the completion of the 2021 TSS First XV campaign Nicholas Hilton was named as the TSS First XV’s best defensive player.

From a school boy rugby perspective Nicholas Hilton started at No. 6 (blind side flanker) for the TSS First XV in their internal trial in mid-July 2020 even though he was still eligible for the TSS U16A school boy side.

Nicholas Hilton also started at No. 6 against Nudgee College being the first trial TSS had against another GPS school. Nicholas Hilton was immediately in the match against Nudgee taking the kick off and was exceptional overall in the match including an incredible work rate in muddy and slippery conditions.

Nicholas Hilton also started at No. 6 in the TSS First XV’s final trial against Anglican Church Grammar School on the Gold Coast where his work rate around the ground stood out once again.

Round One of the GPS school boy rugby First XV competition proper saw Nicholas Hilton start at No. 6 for TSS against Brisbane State High School (BSHS) and such was his performance that Nicholas Hilton received a coach’s honourable mention after the match. Two pieces of play in the match highlight all of the good qualities that Nicholas Hilton possesses in abundant quantities. Nicholas Hilton’s work rate and quality of play, both in attack and defence was simply outstanding over the course of the entire sixty minutes of the match.

The first piece of outstanding play came early in the match, Nicholas Hilton through sheer hard running broke through the BSHS line and under heavy pressure off loaded to front rower Carson Latu who ran thirty metres to score.

In the second half, after a TSS try, Nicholas Hilton waited under a high BSHS kick off with what seemed like the entire BSHS forward pack bearing down on him. Nicholas Hilton was immediately smashed as soon as he caught the ball by two BSHS forwards but maintained his composure to quickly recycle the ball before the BSHS forwards could get back onside leading to a seventy metre try to star TSS centre Jojo Fifita down the blind side from the resultant TSS possession.

Nicholas Hilton also started at No. 6 in Round Two against Toowoomba Grammar School and Round Three against Brisbane Grammar School. In the pivotal 2020 GPS school boy rugby First XV Round Four match against Brisbane Boys College Nicholas Hilton once again started at No. 6 and received one vote by the TSS coaches in the Player of the Year awards.

Round Four saw Nicholas Hilton continue in the No. 6 jersey for TSS against Gregory Terrace on the Gold Coast as he did in Round Five against Ipswich Grammar School.

Post the TSS GPS First XV rugby season Nicholas Hilton was named as the 2020 First XV’s best defender.

TSS had a Round Six bye but the TSS First XV side played a “trial” against Downlands College with Nicholas Hilton starting the match at No. 6 (blind side flanker) and was on the winning side as TSS finished their 2020 season with a 50 – 24 victory.

Nicholas Hilton has already played a number of matches in Titans colours including when he started at lock for the Titans U15 side that defeated a Balmain Tigers U15 touring side 34 – 16 in early October 2019 at Cudgen with Nichols Hilton deservedly being named the Titans Player of the Match after an outstanding display.

Nicholas Hilton also scored in the match when he charged from twelve metres out into the Balmain defensive line dragging three defenders with him to get the ball down just to the left of the goal posts for a strong Titans try.

One of Nicholas Hilton’s most recent matches for the Titans was when he started at lock for the Titans U16 side in their annual match against the Newcastle Knights Harold Matthews Cup (U16) side in January 2020 in Coffs Harbour.

In addition to leading his side to a well-deserved victory, Nicholas Hilton was named the Titans best in the match, something that he has deservedly done on a number of occasions already. Nicholas Hilton also captained the Titans side that afternoon.

Nicholas Hilton also started from the bench for the Titans U16 side in their match against the Newcastle Knights early in 2019 even though he was still U15 eligible at the time of the match, not that you would have known from his performance, such was its quality over the course of the match.

In the match Nicholas Hilton took a knock and had to come off but in his time on the field, Nichols Hilton certainly made an impact in defence with a couple of bone crunching tackles. Two in particular stood out, the first was when Nicholas Hilton flew out of the marker position and smashed the Newcastle No. 10 with a text book side on hit.

The second instance was when from the kick-off return after the Knights first try, Nicholas Hilton and Brock Priestley lined up the Knights runner and both hit him front on at the same time in an outstanding tackle which shook the entire ground. Nicolas Hilton hit him from the right and Brock Priestley from the left.

The powerful young front rower or lock also started from the bench for the Titans U15 side in late 2018 as they defeated a U15 Balmain Tigers touring side 16 – 10 even though he was still U14 eligible in 2018, something else that he has done on a number of occasions.

Nicholas Hilton came on for the Titans U15’s mid-way through the first half against Balmain making an immediate impact with his size and enthusiasm including defending well right on the try line just after coming into the match.

The Titans gave away a penalty which put the Tigers on the attack but after making a superb front on tackle from the penalty restart, Nicholas Hilton made two tackles in a row and then still got up quickly to get back to the line to plug a gap. One of those tackles included crunching the Balmain half in a heavy tackle.

In February 2020 Nicholas Hilton was named in the Gold Coast Vikings U16 Training Squad for the 2020 South East Queensland pre-season challenge but unfortunately the competition had to be cancelled due to the pandemic just days prior to its commencement.

Nicholas Hilton commenced the 2019 GCRL U15 Division One season starting in the front row for Nerang in their Round One match against Ormeau.

In total in the 2019 GCRL U15 Division One regular season, Nicholas Hilton played in eleven matches scoring three tires including a double against Ormeau and also scoring late in the season against Helensvale.

In Week Two of the U15 Division One Finals series, Nicholas Hilton started at lock for Nerang against Runaway Bay with Nerang going down 20 – 0.

In the U15 Division One Preliminary Final Nicholas Hilton was outstanding on the way to scoring a double to lead Nerang to the Grand Final on the back of a 22 – 18 win over Helensvale.

In the 2019 GCRL U15 Division One Grand Final Nicholas Hilton started at lock and had a strong game as his Nerang side defeated Runaway Bay 36 – 22.

At the late September Gold Coast Rugby League Presentation Night, Nicholas Hilton was named as the 2019 U15 Player of the Year.

2019 also saw Nicholas Hilton represent South Coast at the U15 QSSRL Championships where South Coast went through undefeated to win the Championships and subsequently Nicholas Hilton was named in the Queensland Maroons side for the U15 ASSRL Championships.

Nicholas Hilton started all of Queensland Maroons matches at lock including an impressive performance on Day Two against New South Wales Combined High Schools and in all reality an even better performance especially defensively on Day Three against New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges.

Nicholas Hilton was also a stand-out performer for Coombabah State High School in their various U15 schoolboy rugby league competitions in 2019 although he will move to TSS and play GPS school boy rugby there in 2020.

In late 2019 Nicholas Hilton moved to TSS on a rugby scholarship playing in Round Eight against Ipswich Grammar School (IGS) in the U15A match scoring from a pick and drive to cap off his start to his career at TSS in the GPS school boy rugby competition as TSS defeated Ipswich Grammar School 45 - 5.

Nicholas Hilton played the 2018 season for the Nerang Roosters in the GCRL U14 Division One competition finishing with a 50% strike rate through twelve matches. Nicholas Hilton also kicked three goals mid-season against Ormeau to finish the season with thirty points.

Nicholas Hilton started in the front row in all three of Nerang’s U14 Division One Finals matches including their 28 – 12 Preliminary Finals loss to Coomera which ended their season.

Earlier this season Nicholas Hilton was part of the Gold Coast Vikings U14 side that swept all before them in the South East Queensland U14 Championships and from there went on to represent South East Queensland Green in the Queensland Age Championships, starting of the Green’s matches in the front row.

Nicholas Hilton Hua 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 Arama Hau.

In 2018 Nicholas Hilton was selected in the Queensland Academy of Sport U15 Emerging Origin Squad.

Nicholas Hilton also represented the Gold Coast Vikings U13’s in 2017 scoring against the Ipswich Diggers in the Vikings opening match of those Championships at Carina in Brisbane.

Nicholas Hilton is a powerfully built young front rower with a tall powerful frame and speed, which makes him quite difficult to tackle as he is also adept at dropping his shoulder into defenders as he impacts the defensive line.

There is no subtlety to his game, Nicholas Hilton runs straight and hard, with the only concession to this being a slight step off his left foot in occasion prior to impacting the defensive line. One thing that Nicholas Hilton does do will however is continuing to pump his legs once his initial momentum is halted by the defensive line.

Nicholas Hilton makes more metres than he should as a result and also forces defending teams to commit multiple defensive assets to stopping his forward progress. Nicholas Hilton is also adept at getting a quick play the ball regardless of the number of defenders that are involved in tackling him through sheer hard work and effort.

Like his attacking game, Nicholas Hilton’s defensive methodology is simply constructed and enacted. Nicholas Hilton moves up and hits the ball carrier as hard as he can, as often as he can, full stop. Nicholas Hilton is best suited to defending in the centre of the ruck and that is where you will almost always find him and for a solidly built young player.

Nicholas Hilton moves well in terms of moving up and back in defence. His lateral movement is also actually quite reasonable for a front rower or lock as well.

Impressively for me, over the course of the 2019 season, both club and representative, Nicholas Hilton’s defence has impressively gone to another level both from a technique and initial contact perspective.

Another area where Nicholas Hilton has a plus attribute is in relation to his leadership skills. Nicholas Hilton is a strong confident personality and that translates to a leader on and off the field, this is a trait that you cannot teach, you either have it or you don’t.

Even if he is not the nominated captain on the field Nicholas Hilton is a leader regardless of which team he is lining up for and acts accordingly. The confidence that his team mates have in Nicholas Hilton is just extraordinary.

Clearly the Titans brains trust agree as Nicholas Hilton has captained Titans junior development sides on a number of occasions already.

Nicholas Hilton has an interesting choice ahead of him in relation to where he plays in 2024, rugby is no doubt a serious option for Nicholas Hilton in 2024 and beyond but if he stay in Rugby League Nicholas Hilton will have a lot of Gold Coast Rugby League clubs looking to get him into their First Grade squad as Nicholas Hilton pushes towards the Queensland Cup.

Whilst his GPS School Boy rugby career for the TSS First XV has come to an end, I have no doubt that attending TSS and playing in the GPS school boy rugby competition has been of huge benefit to Nicholas Hilton going forward.

The GPS school boy rugby competition is an outstanding competition in relation to multiple aspects such as quality and ensuring that the boys are well rounded in all aspects on and off the field. Nicholas Hilton’s participation in it in 2020 and beyond cannot be anything but a positive for both Nicholas Hilton and the Titans moving forward. The TSS First XV side gets an immediate benefit as well of course.

Nicholas Hilton has played the majority of the last couple of seasons in the front row but with his speed, both off the mark and over extended distances definitely in the plus category for a forward I think that Nicholas Hilton has the attributes to be very effective in the second row (likely on the left side) for a number of years if not for the duration of his rugby league career.

Coming up with a current NRL player for comparison purposes has been a touch difficult as few have Nicholas Hilton’s combination of speed and skill for their size. One possible NRL player comparison is North Queensland Cowboys and Queensland State of Origin player Coen Hess, although Nicholas Hilton is not as big as Hess, especially in terms of height. Nicholas Hilton is also a far better ball player before the defensive line and also a better off loader of the ball once engaged with the defensive line.

The more I think however, Nicholas Hilton for me plays very much like former New Zealand All Blacks great and captain and No. 8 Keiron Reed. Both are superb skilful players with size and speed as well as toughness but both are exemplary leaders as well.

[mdrew]

Bailey McConnell. In late September 2023 Bailey McConnell was named in the 2024 Burleigh Bears U19 Mal Meninga Cup squad.

In late January 2023 Bailey McConnell was part of the Queensland Murri U18 side (U18 in 2022) that played a Queensland Samoa U18 side at the Cultural Celebration Day.

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.

Bailey McConnell continued at halfback in Round Three against the Brisbane Tigers with Bailey McConnell scoring in the 68th minute when after receiving the ball from the back of a Bears scrum win in the centre of the field and ten metres out Bailey McConnell ran to his left and literally just kept running to slice between back peddling Tigers defenders to score five metres in from the left touchline.

Bailey McConnell also recorded a try assist in the 26th minute when after exploding onto a Sunny Kama off-load forty five metres from the try line that saw him burst through the remnants of the Tigers defensive line Bailey McConnell drew the Tigers fullback when still twenty metres from the try line and threw a pass to his right to put Izayah Petrichvich over to score eleven metres in from the right corner post.

Bailey McConnell put in a good right foot hard driving kick to the Bears right corner from forty five metres out from the try line in the 24th minute with the Tigers fullback forced to concede the tackle three metres away from the right corner post.

Bailey McConnell showed his determination in the 31st minute when along with Izayah Petrichvich and Zyroam Taurawa-Herlihy, they chased down the Tigers right winger who had made a long line break down his left touchline from deep inside his own territory.

It was an interesting afternoon for Bailey McConnell as he was forced from the field for a HIA after hitting his head whilst taking the opening kick-off in the in-goal area. Thankfully bailey McConnell was able to return to the field and then due to injury Bailey McConnell spent a large portion of the match at fullback and impressively Bailey McConnell was named at fullback in the Courier Mail MM Cup Round Three Team of the Week.

Bailey McConnell then started at halfback in Round Six against the Redcliffe Dolphins with Bailey McConnell forcing a Redcliffe goal line drop-out in the 46th minute when to the right of the play the ball and sixteen metres out Bailey McConnell put in a right foot grubber kick into the in-goal and towards the right corner with the Redcliffe left winger knocking the ball over the dead ball line.

Bailey McConnell also started at halfback in the Round Seven local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls with Bailey McConnell recording a try assist in the 4th minute when from sixteen metres out and to the right of the uprights, Bailey McConnell put in a right foot chip kick towards the right corner with Nayte Saaga racing through to take the kick on the full and score three metres in from the right corner post.

Bailey McConnell also recorded a line break assist in the 47th minute when after receiving the ball from the back of a Burleigh scrum win in the centre of the field and thirty metres out, Bailey McConnell ran to his right and after drawing one defender out of the defensive line Bailey McConnell got a good ball away to his right to send Sunny Kama away down the right touchline.

Earlier in the 2nd minute Bailey McConnell was able to get another set of six for Burleigh when from ten metres inside his own territory Bailey McConnell drove a hard flat and low right foot kick into Seagulls territory with the ball knocked on ten metres inside Tweed Heads territory.

Bailey McConnell put in another smart kick in the 30th minute from the right of the play the ball and twenty five metres out Bailey McConnell put in a right foot chip kick towards the right wing with the Seagulls fullback trapped less than a metre out from his own try line.

Then in the 55th minute along with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu, Bailey McConnell smashed the Tweed Heads player who was returning a drop-out forcing him backwards before driving him into the ground on his back.

Bailey McConnell finished the 2023 MM Cup season recording three try assists.

Round One of the 2023 GCRL U18 Division One competition saw Bailey McConnell start at halfback for the Burleigh Bears against the Southport Tigers with Bailey McConnell recording a try assist in just the 2nd minute of the match when from forty five metres out Bailey McConnell ran the ball down a short left blindside with Bailey McConnell dummying to his left to break through the defensive line with Bailey McConnell then drawing the Southport fullback and passing to his right to put his right second rower over to score.

Bailey McConnell made a line break in the 44th minute when after getting a short off-load away to his left when thirty five meres out from his own line, Bailey McConnell got the ball back by way of an off-load two metres inside his own territory with Bailey McConnell then breaking through the centre of the Southport defensive line before getting an off-load away to his left centre who subsequently put the Bears left winger over to score.

Bailey McConnell made a second line break in the 49th minute when from two passes to the left of a Burleigh scrum win in the centre of the field and thirty metres out from the try line Bailey McConnell stepped off his left foot twice in a short space of time with Bailey McConnell then beating two more defenders as he got the ball to within three metres short of the try line.

Bailey McConnell also recorded a line break assist in the 59th minute when after receiving an off-load on the halfway mark, Bailey McConnell ran the ball to his right before off-loading in the same direction to his right centre away on a thirty metre run down the touchline.

Bailey McConnell also started at halfback in Round Three against the Helensvale Hornets with Bailey McConnell scoring a double in a big Bears victory.

Bailey McConnell’s opening try arrived in the 39th minute when after following through a line break by the Bears right winger Bailey McConnell was on hand to take possession of an inside kick by the winger to score six metres to the right of the uprights.

Bailey McConnell completed his double in the 58th minute when after backing up another Bears line break Bailey McConnell received the ball thirty five metres out and raced away to score under the posts.

Bailey McConnell also recorded a try assist in the 31st minute when after a darting run to the right of the play the ball, Bailey McConnell cut back to his left before putting Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu into a gap to score from seven metres out.

Bailey McConnell also made a try saving tackle in the 44th minute with a great effort just two metres out from the try line on the last tackle to prevent a near certain Hornets try.

Bailey McConnell also started at halfback in Round Four against the Currumbin Eagles with putting in a high bomb to the right wing from centre field and twenty metres out in the 28th minute with Bailey McConnell’s swirling bomb dropped by the Eagles for another attacking set of six for the Bears.

The 53rd minute saw Bailey McConnell make a try saving tackle on the Eagles right second rower with Bailey McConnell spinning him around to get him to ground a metre from the try line and two metres in from the right touchline.

Then in the 57th minute with Burleigh chasing the game Bailey McConnell did very well to race off the halfway to jump high and take a Burleigh short kick-off to the left on the full and then Bailey McConnell was able to flick the ball back inside as the Currumbin defence was trying to force him over the touchline.

Bailey McConnell continued at halfback in Round Six against the Southport Tigers with Bailey McConnell receiving an off-load in the 44th minute from thirty five metres out from his own try line with Bailey McConnell then going on a winding run to get the ball eight metres inside Southport territory with Bailey McConnell then being awarded a penalty for being hit in a high tackle.

Bailey McConnell also started at halfback in Round Eight against the Helensvale Hornets with Bailey McConnell scoring a double in a Bears victory.

Bailey McConnell scored the first of his two tries in the 10th minute when from twelve metres out from the try line and to the left of the play the ball, Bailey McConnell continued to run to his left and after dummying in the same direction Bailey McConnell darted between two defenders before stepping off his left foot to wrong foot the Helensvale fullback and bring the ball around to score under the posts.

Bailey McConnell completed his double in the 28th minute when to the left of the play the ball and twelve metres out from the try line, Bailey McConnell initially shaped to pass to his left before slicing between two defenders. Bailey McConnell was then caught from behind by the back of his jersey around five metres out with Bailey McConnell then carrying the defender towards the try line with Bailey McConnell then reaching out to get the ball over the try line mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Bailey McConnell also did well in the 49th minute when after receiving an off-load ten metres inside his own territory with Bailey McConnell making twenty metres to ten metres inside Helensvale territory before getting a right arm off-load away to his left to Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu.

Bailey McConnell did well in the 24th minute when whilst defending on his own try line to the left of the uprights Bailey McConnell took a hard kick straight at him with the kicker four metres away on the full with Bailey McConnell then able to get the ball to ten metres away from his own try line.

Bailey McConnell then continued at halfback in Round Nine against the Currumbin Eagles with Bailey McConnell scoring in the 39th minute through a long range effort from his own twenty metre mark with Bailey McConnell getting an off-load and racing eighty metres down the left touchline to get the ball down seven metres in from the left corner post.

Bailey McConnell made the first of his two line breaks in the 17th minute when after one of the Burleigh lost the ball backwards just inside their own territory Bailey McConnell scooped the ball up at full speed four metres inside Burleigh territory and burst downfield with Bailey McConnell then veering to his left then stepped off his left foot to beat the Eagles fullback before being tackled ten metres from the try line.

Bailey McConnell made his second line break in the 44th minute when after receiving an off-load nine metres inside his own territory Bailey McConnell darted straight through the centre of the Currumbin defensive line with Bailey McConnell then stepping off his left foot to beat the fullback and as he was being tackled from behind Bailey McConnell was able to get a pass away to his left.

Bailey McConnell also started at halfback in Round Ten against the Coomera Cutters with Bailey McConnell everywhere for the Bears, scoring a try, setting up two tries and making two line breaks.

Bailey McConnell scored in the 11th minute after running down a short left blindside from eight metres out and after subtly shifting his balance to his left Bailey McConnell slipped under one tackle and score three metres in from the left corner post.

Bailey McConnell recorded the first of his two try assists in just the 2nd minute of the match when after receiving the ball down a very short left blindside, Bailey McConnell held the ball up beautifully to put his left centre over to score in the left corner from three metres out.

Bailey McConnell recorded his second try assist in the 32nd minute when after receiving the ball to the right of the dummy half sixteen metres from the try line Bailey McConnell ran to his right parallel to the Coomera defensive line dummying twice to inside runners before passing to his right to put his replacement forward No. 16 into a gap and subsequently over to score.

Bailey McConnell came within a whisker of steeping up a third try in the 37th minute when after receiving the ball twenty one metres out and from the left of a Burleigh scrum win, Bailey McConnell ran to his left at the defensive line and after beating one defender on the outside when ten metres from the try line Bailey McConnell got his right arm above his head to get a pass away to his left but the ball was knocked loose of the hands of his left centre over the try line.

Bailey McConnell recorded his first line break in the 46th minute from the left of a Burleigh scrum win twenty metres out from the try line Bailey McConnell backed up one of his forwards to get an off-load thirty five metres out with Bailey McConnell then outpacing three defenders. Bailey McConnell was caught by the Coomera fullback but after forcing his way out of that tackle Bailey McConnell was eventually caught from behind fourteen metres out and ten metres in from the left touchline.

Bailey McConnell made his second line break in the 56th minute when after receiving an off-load from his right eight metres short of the halfway mark, Bailey McConnell darted to his left to round the fullback and after breaking away from an attempted tackle by the fullback, Bailey McConnell got within twelve metres of the try line before getting an off-load away to his right.

Baley McConnell also forced a goal line drop-out in the 10th minute with a right foot grubber kick into the in-goal from the centre of the field, ten metres out and to the right of the play the ball with the ball weighted to force Coomera to take the ball over the dead ball line to force the goal line drop-out.

Bailey McConnell had earlier put in another good kick when in the 6th minute from ten metres inside his own territory Bailey McConnell drove a right foot kick deep into Coomera territory with the ball coming to a stop a foot from the dead ball line with the Coomera fullback barely getting the ball back into the field of play.

Bailey McConnell also started at halfback in Round Eleven against the Southport Tigers with Bailey McConnell scoring two tries as well as being involved in two more.

Bailey McConnell scored the first of his two tries in the 21st minute with a long range seventy metre try straight through the centre of the field to score under the posts and taking possession from an off-load received thirty metres out from his own try line.

Bailey McConnell scored his second try in the 45th minute when Bailey McConnell swopped on an errant Southport pass five metres inside their own territory with Bailey McConnell racing forty metres to score under the posts after collecting the ball on the bounce.

Bailey McConnell was weirdly involved in a Burleigh try in the 15th minute when from the left of the play the ball three metres inside his own territory Bailey McConnell threw a pass to his left that hit the head of his left centre and was propelled forward. The ball was subsequently picked up by the Burleigh left winger who got the ball inside to his centre who scored wide out on the left.

Bailey McConnell was also involved in a 56th minute Burleigh try when from the left of a Bears scrum win in the centre of the field and thirteen metres out from the try line, Bailey McConnell initially ran the ball to his right before pausing and running the ball back to his left and getting on the outside of one defender Bailey McConnell engaged anther defender before getting a right arm off-load away to his left with Burleigh scoring two passes later.

Bailey McConnell did well in the 2nd minute when he was able to take a hard low kick straight at him from close range on the full right on his own try line and three metres to the left of the uprights.

The 9th minute saw Bailey McConnell put up a bomb towards the left corner from the centre of the field and thirty two metres out with the Southport winger dropping the kick to give Burleigh the scrum feed ten metres out from the try line.

Bailey McConnell produced a strong tackle in the 20th minute that belied his size when Bailey McConnell put in the Southport No. 14 straight onto his back from three metres out from the try line.

Bailey McConnell also started at halfback in Round Thirteen against the Helensvale Hornets with Bailey McConnell setting up three of the Bears tries in their big win.

Bailey McConnell recorded his opening try assist in the 30th minute when from less than a metre from the try line Bailey McConnell ran to his right out of dummy half and passed back inside to on front rower to crash over to score mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Bailey McConnell added a second try assist in the 35th minute when after feeding a scrum ten metres in from the left touchline and ten metres out from the try line, Bailey McConnell ran to the opposite side of the scrum and after receiving the ball from the back of the scrum, Bailey McConnell continued to run to his right and after drawing one defender Bailey McConnell passed to his right to put his right centre over to score next to the right upright.

Bailey McConnell recorded his third try assist in the 59th minute when to the left of the dummy half, Bailey McConnell held the ball up week from ten metres out to put his left second rower over to score ten metres in from the left corner post.

Earlier in the match in the 14th minute from the left of the play the ball and twenty metres out put in a right foot chip towards the left corner with the Hornets left winger taking the ball on the full just in the field of play but could not prevent himself from being taken in-goal to force a Helensvale goal line drop-out.

Bailey McConnell started from the bench in the Week Two Qualifying Final against the Southport Tigers and came onto the field in the 36th minute to play at five eight on the left side of the field.

In the 56th minute after receiving an off-load on the halfway mark Bailey McConnell ran to his left breaking two tackles before cutting back to the right towards the centre of the field and after making eighteen metres Bailey McConnell was able to get an off-load away to his right. From the subsequent play the ball Bailey McConnell took possession of the ball to the left of the dummy half and ran the ball a further sixteen metres to within fourteen metres of the try line.

The 2023 Gold Coast Rugby League Division One Grand Final saw Bailey McConnell start from the bench for the Burleigh Bears against the Currumbin Eagles with Bailey McConnell coming onto the field to operate at five eight on the left side of the field in the 44th minute.

In early 2023 Bailey McConnell was named in the South Coast School Boy Open Representative side with Bailey McConnell coming off the bench on Day One of the Championships against Capricornia with Bailey McConnell operating in the dummy half role after coming on the 21st minute with Bailey McConnell doing well in the 33rd minute with a dart out of dummy half to his right from eight metres inside his own territory to twelve metres inside Capricornia territory.

Bailey McConnell also started from the bench on Day Two against Met East with Bailey McConnell coming on to operate in the dummy half role in the 8th minute.

Bailey McConnell also started from the bench on Day Three against Sunshine Coast with Bailey McConnell operating in the dummy half role when he came onto the field in the 9th minute.

Bailey McConnell recorded a try assist in the 49th minute with the play the ball fifteen metres out and in front of the left upright, Bailey McConnell ran out of dummy half to his right and when he was six metres out from the try line Bailey McConnell drew in one defender and got the ball away to his right to a hard charging Dorian Mapusua-Lotaki who crashed over to score under the posts.

Then in the 57th minute forced a Sunshine Coast goal line dro-out when from the right of the play the ball and thirty metres out Bailey McConnell put in a right foot grubber kick into the in-goal with the Sunshine Coast fullback forced to take the ball dead in-goal.

Bailey McConnell then started on the bench in the 2023 QSSRL Open School Boy Grand Final against Capricornia with Bailey McConnell named South Coast’s best in their 28 – 6 Championship victory after coming onto the field to operate in the dummy half role in the 9th minute.

Bailey McConnell recorded two try assists in the Grand Final with the first coming in the 50th minute when from dummy half Bailey McConnell ran to his right with Dorian Mapusua-Lotaki charged back underneath to spear over to score ten metres to the left of the uprights.

Bailey McConnell recorded his second try assist in the 54th minute when after receiving an off-load ten metres out Bailey McConnell charged at the try line and at the last moment Bailey McConnell threw a good ball to his right for Ryder Williams to crash over six metres to the left of the uprights.

Round One of the 2023 School Boy Langer Cup competition saw Bailey McConnell named at five eight for PBC SHS against Marsden SHS with Bailey McConnell recording a key try assist in the 52nd minute with a good short ball when fourteen metres out from the try line to his right to put Jac Finnigan through a gap and subsequently over to score mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the right side of the field to lock the scores up at 10 all.

Bailey McConnell also forced two goal line dropouts with the first of those coming in the 16th minute when from twenty two metres out Bailey McConnell put up a high right foot bomb to his left with Marsden SHS forced to take the ball dead in-goal.

Then in the 27th minute from five metres from try line Bailey McConnell pout a right foot grubber kick into the in-goal with the Marsden fullback trapped by multiple PBC SHS defenders.

Bailey McConnell did well defensively in the 4th minute when along with Ray Puru and Will Saunders, they held up the Marsden SHS five eight over the try line ten metres from the left upright.

Bailey McConnell made another try saving tackle in the 34th minute with a great ball and all tackle on a far bigger Marsden SHS left centre just two metres from the try line wide out on the right side of the field. Bailey McConnell made another good tackle just a minute later in the 35th minute on the Marsden SHS No. 16 to save yet another try on the final tackle.

Bailey McConnell was also named at five eight for Round Two against Caloundra SHS with Bailey McConnell doing well I the 3rd minute to race back towards his own try line to jump above two Caloundra SHS players and take a bomb on the full that PBC SHS had let bounce.

The 5th minute saw Bailey McConnell involved in a PBC SHS movement that nearly led to a try when from five metres inside PBC SHS territory Ray Puru ran out of dummy half to his right and after getting the ball five metres inside Caloundra SHS territory got a right arm off-load away around the back of a defender to his left to Baley McConnell who after making twelve metres got an off-load away to his left to Will Saunders who was able to get to within thirteen metres of the try line.

Then in the 20th minute Bailey McConnell came close to setting up a PBC SHS try with a deft chip to the left wing but the PBC SHS left winger took the ball on the full in the in-goal but was awarded a penalty for being tackled in the air.

Bailey McConnell also forced a Caloundra SHS goal line drop-out in the 14th minute when from fourteen metres out and two passes to the left of the play the ball Bailey McConnell put in a right foot grubber kick into the in-goal with Bailey McConnell chasing his own kick through and tackling the fullback in-goal.

Bailey McConnell continued at five eight in Round Three against Mabel Park SHS with Bailey McConnell scoring in the 55th minute when to the left of the play the ball down a short left blindside Bailey McConnell was able to slice between two defenders to get the ball down whilst dragging two defenders with him to score six metres in from the left corner post.

Bailey McConnell also recorded two line break assists with the first arriving in the 57th minute when to the left of the play the ball and on the halfway mark, Bailey McConnell ran to his left and put his left centre into a big gap.

Bailey McConnell recorded his second try assist in the 58th minute when after a fifteen metre run Bailey McConnell got an off-load away to his left centre who charged through a gap to make twenty metres.

Bailey McConnell also started at five eight in Round Four against Redcliffe SHS with Bailey McConnell recording the first of his two try assists in the 4th minute when after Bailey McConnell ran the ball down a short left blindside, Bailey McConnell was able to get part way through a gap before off-loading a short ball to his left to Sam Stephenson who crashed over wide out.

Bailey McConnell recorded his second try assist in the 28th minute when after backing up a line break out of dummy half from Will Saunders and getting the off-load from the hooker, Bailey McConnell then drew the fullback and off-loaded to his right to Zane Harrison who raced away to score under the posts.

Bailey McConnell also made a line break in the 49th minute when after receiving an off-load from his right when thirty six metres out from his own try line Bailey McConnell raced downfield before being dragged down from behind after Bailey McConnell had gotten the ball fourteen metres inside Redcliffe SHS territory.

Bailey McConnell also put in a good kick in the 59th minute from twenty five metres out and down a left blindside with Bailey McConnell’s right foot chip being knocked on by the Redcliffe SHS right winger in the corner. Zane Harrison then scored PBC SHS’s final try of the match from the resultant PBC SHS scrum win.

Bailey McConnell continued at five eight in Round Five against Ipswich SHS with Bailey McConnell scoring in the 13th minute when after taking possession of the ball from the dummy half from his right when ten metres out from the try line, Bailey McConnell continued to run to his left and after dummying in the same direction, Bailey McConnell was able to pull out of one tackle before ducking under an attempted tackle by the Ipswich SHS fullback to score eight metres in from the left corner post.

Bailey McConnell also recorded a try assist in the 20th minute when after running the ball out of dummy half to his left from ten metres out down a short left blindside, Bailey McConnell was able to get the Ipswich SHS right side defenders interested with Bailey McConnell then throwing a hard flat cut-out pass to his left to put Creedence Donavan over to score in the corner.

Baley McConnell also recorded a line break assist in the 16th minute when to the left of the play the ball forty metres out from his own try line Bailey McConnell ran the ball down a short blindside and held the ball up perfectly to put his left centre into a gap to charge thirty metres down the left touchline.

Earlier in the match in the 13th minute Bailey McConnell, from twenty metres out, Bailey McConnell ran to the left of the play the ball and was able to get within six metres of the try line before being brought to ground.

The 6th minute saw Bailey McConnell put in a right foot grubber kick from ten metres out and to the left of the play the ball and after the ball was played at by Ipswich SHS, Bailey McConnell retrieved the ball to get six more tackles in an attacking position for PBC SHS.

Bailey McConnell was also named at five eight in the Round Six Gold Coast derby against Keebra Park SHS with Bailey McConnell scoring the first of his two tries in the 7th minute when after backing up a line break through the centre of the field by Will Saunders, Bailey McConnell loomed up on Will Saunders left to take possession of the ball twenty metres out, Bailey McConnell veered to his left to beat the Keebra Park SHS fullback to score ten metres to the left of the uprights.

Bailey McConnell completed his double in the 28th minute when Bailey McConnell chased a Zane Harrison grubber kick through to dive on the ball in the in-goal to score under the posts.

Bailey McConnell also recorded a try assist in the 45th minute when from the left of the play the ball and ten metres out Bailey McConnell put in a right foot grubber kick to his left into the in-goal with Sam Stephenson charging through to ground the ball in the in-goal ten metres in from the left corner post.

Bailey McConnell continued at five eight in Round Seven against Wavell SHS with Bailey McConnell scoring a critical try to give PBC SHS the lead for good in the 53rd minute when Bailey McConnell ran the ball to his left after taking possession eight metres out and to the left of the dummy half, with Bailey McConnell dummying to his left four metres out and almost simultaneously stepping inside off his left foot to beat one defender before spinning counter clockwise on the try line to beat the Wavell SHS fullback and get the ball down twelve metres in from the left corner post.

Bailey McConnell also recorded a try assist in the 57th minute when from the left of the play the ball (and posts) and eighteen metres out, Bailey McConnell put in a right foot chip kick towards the left corner with Creedence Donovan winning the race to the ball to get the ball down just before the dead ball line to ice the PBC SHS victory.

After PBC SHS finished fourth on the 2023 School Boy Rugby League Langer Cup table after the completion of the regular season, Bailey McConnell started at five eight for PBC SHS in their Quarter Final clash against Keebra Park SHS with Bailey McConnell recording a try assist in the 14th minute with a right foot grubber kick from ten metres out and in front of the posts to the right with the ball sitting up perfectly in the in-goal for PBC SHS left winger Creedence Donovan to collect and score ten metres to the left of the uprights.

Earlier in the 12th minute Bailey McConnell put up a high bomb from thirty metres out and after the ball came down two metres from the try line it was lost forward by Keebra Park SHS to give PBC SHS the scrum feed in a good attacking position with Bailey McConnell setting up a try for Creedence Donovan from the subsequent set of six tackles.

Bailey McConnell also recorded a line break assist in the 54th minute when after receiving the ball twenty seven metres out and to the left of the play the ball, Bailey McConnell continued at run to his left before bringing Sam Stephenson back underneath him with the PBC SHS left centre breaking through the defensive line to get to within two metres from the try line and ten metres in from the left corner post.

Bailey McConnell was also named at five eight in the Langer Cup Semi-Final against Marsden SHS with Bailey McConnell recording a line break assist in the 26th minute with a good catch and pass to his left in the 26th minute to put his left second rower into a big gap with Sam Stephenson scoring in the left corner after Baylen Donald had been put away by Bailey McConnell.

Bailey McConnell was also heavily involved in Sam Stephenson’s 45th minute try when from the centre of the field twenty metres out Bailey McConnell put up a high bomb to his left with Creedence Donovan making a great catch on the full and then off-loading to his left as he was going to ground to Sam Stephenson who scored in the left corner.

Earlier in the 35th minute Bailey McConnell put up a bomb from the centre of the field towards the left wing with the swirling ball dropped by the Marsden SHS right winger to give PBC SHS a scrum feed ten metres from the try line.

Bailey McConnell also started at five eight in the 2023 School Boy Rugby League Langer Cup Grand Final against Ipswich SHS with Bailey McConnell recording a try assist (I am calling it a try assist) in the 32nd minute when after running the ball down a short left blindside from twelve metres out Bailey McConnell was able to get partway through the defensive line before throwing a right arm pass to his left and after the ball was knocked into the in-goal by an Ipswich SHS defender PBC SHS left winger Creedence Donovan was there to dive on the ball to score in the corner to get PCB SHS back into the match.

Bailey McConnell forced an Ipswich SHS goal line drop-out in the 41st minute when a towering bomb from Bailey McConnell from thirty eight metres out initially looked too long but the ball bounced high in the in-goal area to force the Ipswich SHs fullback to have to try to run the ball out but was caught in-goal by the PBC SHS kick chase.

Bailey McConnell forced a second Ipswich SHS goal line drop-out in the 53rd minute when from the left of the play the ball and twenty three metres out, Bailey McConnell put a right foot chip over the top of the defensive line into the in-goal with the Ipswich SHS fullback forced to take the ball over the dead ball line.

Bailey McConnell made the tackle of the Grand Final in the 57th minute with a magnificent try saving cover defending tackle on the Ipswich SHS right winger who had made a long line break from inside his own territory. It looked as if the Ipswich SHS centre was going to score but Bailey McConnell came from the clouds to bring him down from behind less than a metre from the try line.

Bailey McConnell finished the 2023 Langer Cup School Boy Rugby League competition as the competitions equal fifth leading try scorer with five tries.

At the conclusion of the Langer Cup Bailey McConnell was named at five eight in the 2023 Courier Mail School Boy Rugby League Langer Cup Team of the Year and in early September 2023 Bailey McConnell was also named at five eight in the Courier Mail’s PBC SHS Rugby League Team of the 2020’s to date.

Bailey McConnell also started at five eight for PBC SHS against St Patrick’s College in Mackay in the Phil Hall Cup to determine the best Queensland School Boy Rugby League side of 2023 with Bailey McConnell scoring PBC SHS’s first and last try in their 28 – 0 victory to progress to the National School Boy Rugby League Grand Final.

Bailey McConnell scored the opening try of the match in the 10th minute when after cutting inside Zane Harrison who was running to the right of the play the ball, Bailey McConnell received the ball ten metres out and dived between two defenders to score under the posts.

Bailey McConnell scored his second try in the 59th minute when after taking the ball twelve metres out and to the left of the play the ball, Bailey McConnell ran the ball to within four metres of the try line and then dummied to his left and stepped off his left foot simultaneously and darted over to score eight metres to the left of the uprights.

Bailey McConnell had earlier done well in the 44th minute when whilst defending on the right side of the field Bailey McConnell did very well to take a hard kick on the full that was kicked directly at him from close range eighteen metres out from his own try line with Bailey McConnell then able to make seven metres downfield.

Bailey McConnell’s exceptional performance saw him named as the Player of the Final.

Bailey McConnell continued at five eight in the 2023 NRL School Boy Rugby League Grand Final against Westfields Sports High with Bailey McConnell making a driving tackle on the Westfield’s Sport High right second rower No. 12 to force him back four metres to thirty six metres out from the try line.

At the conclusion of the 2023 School Boy sporting season Bailey McConnell was named the sixth best School Boy across all sports by the Courier Mail. Bailey McConnell was also named one of the top 2023 School Boy Rugby league talents by the Courier Mail.

In mid-April 2023 Bailey McConnell was named in the Gold Coast Rugby League U20 SEQ Chairman’s squad.

In late January 2022 Bailey McConnell started from the bench for the Titans U17/18 JTS side in a match at Pizzey Park against the Burleigh MM Cup side, coming on in the opening minutes of the second half to operate at halfback on the right side of the field.

Just after coming on in the 37th minute of the match for the Titans Bailey McConnell made the first of a number of outstanding tackles when he executed a great driving front on tackle on the Burleigh No. 17. Bailey McConnell produced another strong tackle on a Burleigh forward in the 43rd minute with Bailey McConnell’s driving tackle forcing the Burleigh player’s attempted off-load to miss its intended target.

Bailey McConnell made another big tackle in the 49th tackle with a driving effort on giant Burleigh second rower K-CI Newton-Whare that forced the Bears player sidewards. Then Bailey McConnell made a great low tackle in the 53rd minute to shut down a promising Burleigh attacking move in the left corner.

In late July 2022 Bailey McConnell 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.

In late 2021 Bailey McConnell was named in the 2022 Burleigh Bears MM Cup squad.

Round One of the 2022 MM Cup competition saw Bailey McConnell named at halfback for the Burleigh Bears against the Easts Tigers however the match was rained out after an extreme weather event.

Bailey McConnell was then named to start at halfback for Round Two against the Souths Logan Magpies with in the 43rd minute Bailey McConnell producing a nice dummy and go to his right, making ten metres to get the ball to twenty eight metres out from the Burleigh try line.

Bailey McConnell was at the right place at the right time in the 77th minute when whilst defending on his own line, Bailey McConnell swooped on a loose pass from Blake Mozer and was able to race downfield, getting thirty five metres out before he was rounded up by the Magpies cover defence.

Bailey McConnell also started at halfback in Round Three against the Norths Devils and along with Dorian Mapasua-Lotaki held up the Norths hooker in the 65th minute when he had darted to his right from dummy half ten metres from the line.

Bailey McConnell then continued at halfback in Round Four against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls and made a good winding run in the 30th minute when whilst operating on the left side of the field and twenty metres out from the line, Bailey McConnell initially ran to his left, beating one defender before he cut back to his right and using his speed and elusiveness to get to within two metres of the line before being tackled directly in front of the posts.

Bailey McConnell was involved in Burleigh best try scoring movement of the match in the 41st minute when after he received and off-load from Josiah Pahulu he promoted the ball onto Arama Hau put after a strong run and right arm off-load put Karauria Stokes-Mahara over in the right corner.

Bailey McConnell was named to continue at halfback in Round Six against the Redcliffe Dolphins but a late change saw Bailey McConnell start the match at five eight and scored in the 4th minute when he received the ball to the left of the dummy half around ten metres down a short blindside. Upon receipt of the ball, Bailey McConnell dummied to his left before sliding through the resultant gap to score seven metres in from the left corner.

Bailey McConnell almost scored a second try in the dying moments of the match when he ran onto a good right arm off-load from Arama Hau and from around fifteen metres out raced for the left corner but was dragged down just short of the line with the referee adjudging that Bailey McConnell had lost possession of the ball in the tackle.

Bailey McConnell took the defensive line on also in the 54th minute when down a wide left blindside, Bailey McConnell stepped off his left foot to beat one defender, making around ten metres before he was taken to ground.

Bailey McConnell had a strong match from a kicking perspective against the Dolphins with his initial good kick coming in the 4th minute when from twelve metres out and to the right of the play the ball Bailey McConnell put in a right foot grubber kick into the in-goal which had to be grounded in the in-goal by Norths after a great chase of the kick by Joseph Shannon with Burleigh getting the ball back from a Devils goal line drop out.

Bailey McConnell executed another outstanding tactical kick in the 9th minute when he put up a high pinpoint bomb that came down five metres from the line with the height of the kick enabling Dorian Mapusua-Lotaki to race through a force the Norths fullback back into the in-goal to force a goal line drop out.

Bailey McConnell was also named at five eight in the Round Seven local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls. The match saw Bailey McConnell record a try assist and line break with the line break coming in the 29th minute when to the left of the play the ball, Bailey McConnell produced a great show and go from only ten metres out but was dragged down desperately short of the line but Burleigh were awarded a penalty when the Seagulls defensive lien was adjudged to be off-side.

Baily McConnell recorded his try assist in the 61st minute after receiving the ball to the right of the play the ball and around twenty two metres out, Bailey McConnell floated across field to his right drawing one Seagulls out the line before throwing a short ball to his right to a charging Joseph Shannon who charged through the resultant gap and then ran over the top of Michael Roberts to score.

Bailey McConnell was also named to start at five eight in the rescheduled Round One match against the East Tigers with Bailey McConnell getting into the action early, in the 2nd minute to be precise when from forty metres out Bailey McConnell put in pin point stab kick into the left corner which the Tigers fullback could not handle. Burleigh scored from the subsequent scrum after the Easts knock on from Bailey McConnell’s kick.

Bailey McConnell then did very well from the subsequent kick-off when he raced forward to take the kick-off that had dropped short on the full sliding forward.

Bailey McConnell did exceptionally well in the 11th minute when defending on the left he got back quickly to field a Tigers attacking grubber kick three metres into the in-goal but he fought his way back into the field of play to prevent a Burleigh goal line drop-out restart.

In the 36th minute a short chip kick of Bailey McConnell’s while he was stationed on the left side of the field almost led to a Burleigh try when it seeming sat up perfectly but the Bears fullback was just unable to retrieve the ball, if he had, it was shut the gate.

Bailey McConnell put in a different type of kick in the 64th minute when from forty metres out from his own line Bailey McConnell whilst on the left side of the field put in a long raking kick that pulled up three metres into the in-goal and the Burleigh chase, that included Bailey McConnell, was able to tackle the Tigers winger just two metres out from his own line.

Bailey McConnell was named at halfback in the Bears second 2022 MM Cup trial against the Tweed Heads Seagulls after playing for the Titans against the Burleigh Bears MM Cup side in late January 2022 at Pizzey Park.

The trial saw Bailey McConnell score a great solo try in the 37th minute when initially Bailey McConnell received the ball to the right of the play the ball, but after receiving the ball ten metres out, Bailey McConnell cut back to his left, as he ran towards the left touchline, Bailey McConnell dummied in that same direction before slicing through the Tweed Heads line to dive over in the left corner.

Bailey McConnell made a great line break in the 17th minute when after receiving the ball on the right of the play the ball, Bailey McConnell dummied to his right and then sliced through the Seagulls defensive line from twenty five metres out. As the Seagulls cover defence converged on him Bailey McConnell got a great ball away to his right to Keahn Skipps who was stopped desperately close to the try line.

Bailey McConnell was also involved in a great Burleigh sequence in the 54th minute that made a lot of ground down the right side of the field, in fact Bailey McConnell got the play going. Around twenty metres from his own try line, Bailey McConnell ran the ball to his right, throwing a good ball to Taneila Lotaki who burst downfield, getting to his fifty metre mark, Taniela Mapusua-Lotaki then was able to off-load the ball to his right to Te Haeta Takamore who promoted the ball over the halfway line before off-loading back inside to Bailey McConnell who looked like he would race away to score but unfortunately was ankle tapped from behind just as he was moving towards full speed.

Bailey McConnell also started at halfback in Burleigh’s final trial against the Western Clydesdales with Bailey McConnell putting up a big bomb in the 4th minute from thirty metres out. As the ball was bouncing towards the dead ball line, it took a wicked bounce to the left with the Western Clydesdales fullback trapped in the in-gaol as a consequence.

In late March 2022 Bailey McConnell was named to attend the Queensland Rugby League Positional Skills Day as part of the Ipswich Squad.

In March 2022 Bailey McConnell was selected in the South Coast Maroon School Boy Rugby League U18 Representative side after successfully negotiating the trials starting Match One against Darling Downs from the bench and coming onto to play in the dummy half role.

Bailey McConnell then started at halfback in Match Two against South West.

Round One of the 2022 Langer Cup School Boy competition saw Bailey McConnell named to from the bench for PBC State High School against Marsden State High School with Bailey McConnell coming onto the field to operate in the dummy half role in the 23rd minute.

Bailey McConnell made his first run out of dummy half in the 31st minute making ten metres to get the ball to the halfway mark after darting out of dummy half to his left.

Bailey McConnell continued off the bench for Round Two against Redcliffe State High School coming onto the field in the 26th minute to operate in the dummy half role.

Bailey McConnell was back in the PBC SHS side for Round Seven against Wavell SHS with Bailey McConnell starting the match from the bench and coming onto the field in the 24th minute to operate in the dummy half role.

Bailey McConnell scored a smart try in the 43rd minute when with the play the ball seven metres out and just to the left of the goal posts, Bailey McConnell ran out of dummy half to his right with Bailey McConnell initially shaping to pass to his right before Bailey McConnell darted at the line himself to get the ball down under the posts.

In the 29th minute Bailey McConnell along with Caleb Te Momo made a great joint try saving tackle on a hard charging Wavell SHS No. 10, dropping the front rower just centre metres out from the try line. Then just a moment later Bailey McConnell made another try saving tackle when he stopped the Wavell SHS replacement hooker (No. 14) from forcing his way over from dummy half and from close range.

Bailey McConnell then started from the bench in PBC SHS’s Langer Cup Quarter Final against Mabel Park SHS with Bailey McConnell coming onto the field to operate in the dummy half role in the 24th minute.

Bailey McConnell was then named on the PBC SHS bench for the 2022 Langer Cup Semi-final against Keebra Park SHS with Bailey McConnell coming onto the field to operate in the dummy half role in the 26th minute.

Bailey McConnell started from the bench in the 2022 School Boy Langer Cup Grand Final against Ipswich SHS with Bailey McConnell operating in the dummy half role in the second half.

After the mid-season break, Bailey McConnell started at hooker in Round Four of the Langer Reserve competition against Ipswich State High School.

Bailey McConnell made the first of a number of darts out of dummy half in the 6th minute when he ran out of dummy half to his left making eight metres to get the ball out of his own twenty metre area.

Bailey McConnell made another strong dart out of dummy half in the 38th minute when he initially ran to his left before cutting back to his right to make fifteen metres to get the ball to close to the halfway mark.

Another smart run out of dummy half in the dying minute of the match saw Bailey McConnell heavily involved in PBC SHS’s final try. Bailey McConnell ran to his left and then stepped off his left foot before getting the ball away and two passes later PBC SHS scored in the corner.

Bailey McConnell also kicked well out of dummy half, including in the 11th minute when he stepped to his right and put in a right foot kick from his own forty metre mark with the ball bouncing around a metre into the Ipswich SHS in-goal.

As per usual Bailey McConnell was also strong defensively and in the 9th minute after his opposite number had made a line break Bailey McConnell chased hard to catch him from behind before the hooker got to the PBC SHS fullback.

Bailey McConnell then moved to five eight for Round Five against Mabel Park SHS with Bailey McConnell recording a try assist in the 18th minute when after receiving the ball from the dummy half to the left of the play the ball and twenty metres out from the try line, Bailey McConnell stepped off his left foot to burst between two defenders before Bailey McConnell threw an exquisite right arm around the corner off-load to put his right centre away and then he was able to bring the ball around to put it down under the posts.

Bailey McConnell recorded another try assist in the 26th minute when from on the halfway mark Bailey McConnell ran to his left, dummying in the same direction before slicing through the line with Bailey McConnell then drawing the fullback and getting the ball away for his left second winger to bring the ball around to score under the posts.

Bailey McConnell put in a great kick in the 13th minute when from twenty metres out and near the centre of the field Bailey McConnell put in a well weighted kick towards the left corner with the Mabel Park SHS fullback forced to take the ball dead to force a goal line drop-out.

Bailey McConnell continued at five eight in Round Six against local rivals Keebra Park SHS with Bailey McConnell recording a try assist in the 12th minute when after receiving the ball to the left of the play the ball around ten metres out Bailey McConnell ran the ball to the line before throwing a good short ball to his left to put his second rower over ten metres in from the left corner.

Bailey McConnell was also heavily involved in Creedence Donovan’s 41st minute when from the left of the play the ball Bailey McConnell threw a twenty metres long cut-out pass to his left to his left winger who then got the ball back inside for Creedence Donovan to score in the left corner.

The match also saw Bailey McConnell force a Keebra Park SHS goal line drop out when in the 11th minute Bailey McConnell put in a right foot grubber kick from ten metres out and to the left of the play the ball with the Keebra Park fullback unable to bring the ball back into the field of play.

With the match on the line Bailey McConnell came desperately close to making a line break in the 49th minute when on the left side and ten metres into Keebra Park SHS territory, Bailey McConnell looked as if he had broken through the defensive line but he was tripped up from behind just as he was accelerating towards full speed.

Post the 2022 MM Cup competition Bailey McConnell transitioned back to club rugby league, starting Round One of the 2022 Gold Coast Rugby League U18 Division One competition at halfback for the Burleigh Bears against the Helensvale Hornets.

Bailey McConnell certainly filled up the stats sheet in the match, scoring a try, recoding both a try assist and a line break assist and for good measure also kicked a 40/20.

Bailey McConnell scored in the 13th minute when he ran the ball down a wide left blindside with Bailey McConnell taking the ball deep into the defensive line before putting his left second rower into a gap. Bailey McConnell then backed up on the inside and after receiving the ball back dummied to his left and dived over to score mid-way between the corner post and goal posts on the left side of the field.

Bailey McConnell recorded his try assist in the 45th minute when from twenty metres out and to the right of the play the ball Bailey McConnell get the ball from the dummy half and after cutting back to his left took the line on and got a great right arm around the corner off-load away to send Kyan Baz over to score.

The 39th minute of the match saw Bailey McConnell record a line break assist when twenty five metres from the line and to the left of the play the ball Bailey McConnell threw a cut-out pass to his left to put his left centre away on a thirty metres run down the left touchline.

In the 17th minute from just inside his own forty metres area and just to the left of the centre of the field Bailey McConnell put in a long raking right foot kick which found touch just five metres from the left corner post.

In addition to the moments noted below, Bailey McConnell also had a strong match defensively with the first tackle I wanted to note coming in the 44th minute with a grassing low tackle on one of the Helensvale front rowers.

Then in the 49th minute Bailey McConnell drove his right shoulder through the Hornets No. 10 and then in the same set of six Bailey McConnell smashed the Hornets right second rower right on the try line with the ball coming loose and negating the attacking threat.

Bailey McConnell continued at halfback in Round Five against the Ormeau Shearers with Bailey McConnell putting on a master class including a 19th minute try and way a great solo try it was.

Bailey McConnell received the ball to the left of the play the ball around sixty metres from the try line and immediately ran to his left before straightening up and bursting between two Shearers defenders before veering to his right to round the fullback and from there Bailey McConnell raced away to score under the posts.

Bailey McConnell also recorded a 29th minute try assist when after once again receiving the ball to the left of the play the ball eighteen metres from the line, Bailey McConnell stepped off his left foot to go through the defensive line but when he was around five metres from the line he was grabbed by the jersey from behind but was able to get the ball away to his left to put his left second rower over to score.

Bailey McConnell recorded a further try assist in the 35th minute when Bailey McConnell lined up to the left of a scrum that was packed on the right side of the field. When Bailey McConnell received the ball two passes from the scrum and eighteen metres out, he split the Shearers right sided defence and then was able to get away a right arm off load to his left to put his left centre over in the corner.

Bailey McConnell made a line break of his own in the 38th minute when after receiving an off-load around thirty five metres out and near the centre of the field, Bailey McConnell executed a winding run of fourteen metres before being dragged down.

Bailey McConnell also started at halfback in Round Eight against the Southport Tigers and almost sliced through to score in the 13th minute after whilst operating on the left side of the field Bailey McConnell executed a dummy and go from fifteen metres out but just as he looked as if he was through the line and would score Bailey McConnell was dragged down from behind.

Bailey McConnell also kicked well against the Tigers including in the 11th minute when from thirty five metres out Bailey McConnell kicked the ball deep into the left corner and was the first Bears player downfield to execute the tackle on the fullback just three metres out from the try line.

Bailey McConnell continued at halfback in Round Nine against the Nerang Roosters and made his presence felt in just the 4th minute with a line break assist when whilst operating on the left Bailey McConnell took the ball deep into the defensive line before through a hard flat cut-out pass to his left to put his left centre away on a fifteen metre run down the left touchline.

Bailey McConnell recorded a line break of his own in the 7th minute when after Quinton Dalton had his clearing kick charged down Bailey McConnell, after tracking back to retrieve the ball ran to his left drawing in one defender before passing to his left to his left centre who then raced ten metres downfield before passing the ball back inside to Bailey McConnell near the halfway mark. Bailey McConnell then veered to his right to get around the fullback and set sail for the try line but he was eventually dragged down from behind just two metres out from the lien and directly in front of the goal posts.

Bailey McConnell also recorded a try assist in the 46th minute when from right on the halfway mark Bailey McConnell put up a high spiralling bomb that was dropped by Nerang with one of the Burleigh players coming through to take possession of the ball and score.

Bailey McConnell also did well in the 39th minute when he chased hard and was able to execute a strong tackle on the Nerang fullback.

Bailey McConnell also started at five eight against the Helensvale Hornets in Round Eleven with Bailey McConnell scoring a smart solo try in the 33rd minute when after Bailey McConnell received the ball from his left twelve metres out and just to the left of the uprights, he initially shaped to put in a short grubber kick to his left but instead Bailey McConnell stepped off his right to beat one defender before straightening up and dart over to score eight metres to the left of the uprights.

Bailey McConnell also recorded a 47th minute line break assist when he ran the ball down a wide left blindside from forty metres out and taking the ball deep into the defensive line before popping a good ball to his left to put Teddy Foster through a gap with the centre then setting up his winger to score.

The 11th minute also saw Bailey McConnell throw the final pass for Teddy Foster to score with Bailey McConnell running the ball down a wide left blindside around twelve metres out before throwing the hard flat pass to his left to Foster.

Bailey McConnell made a line break of his own in the 22nd minute when from thirty metres out and to the left of the play the ball Bailey McConnell stepped back inside off his left foot only to be hit by one of the Hornets front rowers but Bailey McConnell fought to free himself from the tackle and make twelve metres, ten of which were of the post contact variety.

Bailey McConnell made multiple try saving tackles in the match, the first of which came in just the third minute when after the Helensvale right winger broke away down the right touchline Bailey McConnell raced across field to his left grabbing the winger with his right hand and wrestling him down less than a metre from the corner post.

Bailey McConnell made another try saving tackle in the 18th minute when he chased back a long Hornets break through the centre of the field and after one of the Hornets second rowers received the ball around ten metres out and no one in front of him, Bailey McConnell came from the clouds to tackle him from behind less than a metre out from the try line and directly in front of the posts.

Bailey McConnell made a further try saving tackle in the 52nd minute when four metres out from the left corner, Bailey McConnell was able to contact the Hornets right centre and sling him to ground just short of the try line.

Bailey McConnell 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, Bailey McConnell along with Wailer Whaiapu chased back in cover defence to tackle him from behind just thirteen metres out from the try line.

The just a minute later, Bailey McConnell got hold of the giant Hornet No. 10 and rag dolled him to the ground in a very impressive show of strength and leverage.

Bailey McConnell also started at halfback in Round Twelve against the Ormeau Shearers and scored in the 28th minute when from twenty metres Bailey McConnell ran to the left side of the field and after bumping off one attempted tackle, bailey McConnell was able to get low and dart over to score mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

In the wet and heavy conditions Bailey McConnell showed the importance of a strong kicking game with a number of great kicks, the first of which coming in the 7th minute when from thirty eight metres out and to the left of the of the play the ball, bailey McConnell kicked to the left corner with the ball going into touch a metre or two out from the corner post.

Bailey McConnell put in another great kick in the 37th minute from the left of the play the ball and one metre inside his own territory Bailey McConnell kicked towards the left corner once again. The Ormeau fullback got to the ball just out from his own try line and tried to run the ball back towards the centre of the field but Bailey McConnell had chased his own kick through and smashed the much bigger fullback from side on, driving him back to the ten metre mark in front of the goal posts.

As he has been all year regardless of the competition Bailey McConnell was also very strong defensively and in addition to the great tackle noted above Bailey McConnell made an equally impressive tackle in the 49th minute when he raced across to his left to tackle the Shearer’s right centre who had broken away down the touchline with a great low tackle from side on.

Bailey McConnell made a further critical tackle in the 55th minute when he tackled a quick stepping Shearer’s five eight one on one just eight metres out from the try line.

Bailey McConnell continued at halfback in Round Thirteen against the Currumbin Eagles with Bailey McConnell scoring a double.

Bailey McConnell’s opening try was scored in the 9th minute when after Bailey McConnell received the ball to the left of the play the ball, he cut back towards his right to dive over between two defenders to score nine metres to the left of the uprights.

Bailey McConnell added a second try in the 40th minute when after Bailey McConnell ran the ball down a left blindside from ten metres out. Bailey McConnell dummied to his left before slicing between two defenders to score mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

The match also saw Bailey McConnell record two try assists, the first of which came in the 7th minute when after taking the pass from his right over his head, Bailey McConnell threw a good short ball to his left from twelve metres out to put second rower Kohynn Nicholl over score mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Bailey McConnell’s second try assist came in the 58th minute when from near the centre of the field and to the left of the play the ball Bailey McConnell put up a cross field bomb towards the left corner with the Burleigh winger taking the ball on the full and score in the corner.

Bailey McConnell also recorded a 17th minute line break assist when on the left side of the field and twenty five metres out, Bailey McConnell threw a long cut-out pass to his left to put his centre away down the touchline only to be brought down just five metres short of the try line.

Bailey McConnell made a strong run of his own in the 38th minute when from forty metres out Bailey McConnell stepped off his left foot and spun 360 degrees counter clockwise to gain separation from the defenders before getting an off-load away to Wailer Whaiapu.

Bailey McConnell also put in an assured tactical kicking performance against the Eagles, with the initial example coming in the 6th minute when from thirty five metres from his own try line Bailey McConnell’s right foot kick pulled up a metre short of the dead ball line. Bailey McConnell was the first Burleigh chaser downfield tackling the Eagles fullback ten metres out with Bailey McConnell’s strong initial contact forcing the fullback to lose the ball forward in the tackle.

As per usual Bailey McConnell was also very good defensively against the Eagles including in the 33rd minute when Bailey McConnell raced to his left to execute a text book cover defending tackle on the Currumbin five eight who had made a line break down his right touchline.

Bailey McConnell also started at halfback in Round Sixteen against the Nerang Roosters with Bailey McConnell scoring a first half hat trick with Bailey McConnell’s opening try coming in the 6th minute when he backed up a long line break from a Burleigh twenty metre tap restart with Bailey McConnell receiving the pass from his left and running ten metres to cross the try line with Bailey McConnell then bringing the ball around to put it down under the posts.

Bailey McConnell scored his second try in the 8th minute when from thirty metres from his own try line Bailey McConnell put his left second rower through a gap on the left and then backed up to get the ball back from an off-load with Bailey McConnell running twenty five metres to score mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the right side of the field.

Bailey McConnell completed his hat trick in the 18th minute when Bailey McConnell received the ball on the halfway mark two passes from the left of a Burleigh scrum win with Bailey McConnell running to his left and then straightening up to pass between two Nerang defenders and running away to score under the posts.

Bailey McConnell continued at halfback in Round Fifteen against the Southport Tigers with Bailey McConnell scoring twice in a last minute 22 – 20 Bears victory.

Bailey McConnell’s first try came in the 24th minute when after receiving the ball fourteen metres out and just to the left of the uprights, Bailey McConnell stepped off his left foot and then beat one tackle before Bailey McConnell was put by a defender just out from the try line but Bailey McConnell was able to reach out and get the ball over the try line with the ball in his right hand to score three metres to the left of the uprights.

Bailey McConnell scored his second try in the 51st minute when Bailey McConnell ran the ball down a left blindside from twenty metres out with Bailey McConnell getting past one attempted tackle from behind before Bailey McConnell got the ball down in a tackle in the left corner.

The reason that Burleigh were on the attack deep inside Tigers territory was as a result of a Bailey McConnell kick from forty two metres out from his own line with the ball taking a wicked bounce with the Burleigh left winger racing through to regain possession.

Bailey McConnell also recorded a line break assist in the 30th minute when on the left side of the field and around forty metres out, Bailey McConnell held up a pass to his left to let a Southport overrun him with Bailey McConnell then throwing the ball behind the Tigers player to put his left second rower on a twenty metre line break downfield.

Bailey McConnell also executed a smart piece of play in the 18th minute when from forty two metres out Bailey McConnell put in a kick to the left corner with Bailey McConnell the first Burleigh player downfield to make the tackle on the Southport right winger eight metres out from the try line.

The 2022 GCRL U18 Division One Week One Semi-final saw Bailey McConnell start at halfback for the Burleigh Bears against the Currumbin Eagles with Bailey McConnell recording a line break assist in the 28th minute when Bailey McConnell ran the ball to the defensive line on the right side of the field and threw a good short ball to his right to Wailer Whaiapu who made fourteen metres to get within eleven metres of the try line.

Bailey McConnell then forced a Currumbin goal line drop-out in the 50th minute when from the left side of the field and around ten metres out Bailey McConnell put in a tight foot grubber kick into the in-goal that had to be forced on the ground by the Eagles fullback.

Bailey McConnell forced a second Currumbin goal line drop-out in the final minute of regular time in the match when after receiving the ball near the centre of the field and thirty metres out, Bailey McConnell ran the ball to his left and when around fifteen metres out Bailey McConnell put in a right foot grubber which he came very close to getting back but ultimately the ball was forced dead in-goal by the Currumbin defence.

Bailey McConnell also started at halfback in the 2022 GCRL U18 Division One Minor Semi-final against the Helensvale Hornets with Bailey McConnell showing his class inside the opening minute when from forty metres out from his own try line and to the right of the play the ball Bailey McConnell put in a right foot kick which went deep into the in-goal with the Hornets fullback only able to get two metres back into the field of play before he was tackled.

Then in the 32nd minute Bailey McConnell made a desperate effort to chase back and field a Hornets grubber kick into the in-goal just before the Helensvale chasers got to the ball.

Bailey McConnell finished the 2022 GCRL U18 Division One season as the competition’s equal third leading try scorer with eleven tries and equal ninth in point’s scored with forty four points.

In October 2022 Bailey McConnell played in the Queensland Murri U18 Carnival and was named in the U18 Probable’s side against a Possible’s selection.

In late 2022 Bailey McConnell was also named in the 2022 U18 Boys 3P Tag Tournament Team.

The young Titans contracted half made his first appearance in a Titans jersey for the Titans U17 side that played their annual match against the Newcastle Knights in Coffs Harbour in January 2021.

Bailey McConnell started the match at half, with the Titan emerging for the match with an impressive victory with Bailey McConnell directing the Titans around field behind a dominant forward pack in a 32 – 20 (no conversions attempted) victory.

Bailey McConnell was one of the Titans try scorers in the match, with his try coming in the second half. Bailey McConnell received the ball down a short right blindside, putting in a grubber kick from around ten metres out. Bailey McConnell followed his own kick through and was perfectly placed to dive on the ball in the in-goal when the Newcastle left winger could not handle the ball cleanly.

Bailey McConnell was heavily involved from just the second minute of the match when got the ball away to his left for Seth Nikotemo to score the Titans first try.

Bailey McConnell’s first tackle of the match belied his size when he got in and under the ribs of the Knights five eight lifting his feet off the ground and driving him backwards in a great front on tackle.

Bailey McConnell also produced an outstanding cover defending tackle early in the second half. After the Knights right winger broke down the right touch line, Bailey McConnell came across in cover defence, taking the Knights defender around the legs and knocking him into touch before he could pass back inside.

In June 2021 Bailey McConnell started at halfback and operated on the right side of the field 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.

Bailey McConnell was outstanding over the course of the match, operating on the right side of the field and recorded a first half try assist when he put up a bomb towards the left corner, with the ball coming down two metres from the line and Titans left second rower Will Semu leaping above the defence to take the ball on the pull and crash over five metres in from the left corner post.

In late October 2021 Bailey McConnell was named in the powerful Burleigh Bears 2022 U18 MM Cup squad. Bailey McConnell is also MM Cup eligible in 2023.

To round out an outstanding 2020 season, Bailey McConnell was named in the 2021 Gold Coast Rugby League U16 Cyril Connell Cup training squad and when the split occurred Bailey McConnell was named in the Burleigh Cyril Connell Cup squad.

Bailey McConnell started at halfback 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 with Burleigh going down narrowly in the trial, 24 – 16 at Langland’s Park in Brisbane.

In Round One of the 2021 Cyril Connell Cup, Bailey McConnell started at half and captained the Bears side as they took on the Souths Logan Magpies. Whilst Burleigh went down in the match Bailey McConnell was Burleigh’s best constantly in and around the action.

Bailey McConnell also started at halfback in the Round Three local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls. Burleigh may have gone down in the match 33 – 6 but that should not discount an outstanding performance from Bailey McConnell and for me he was clearly the Bears best in the match and without him I believe that Burleigh may well have lost by a much greater margin.

In addition to just an outstanding overall match, Bailey McConnell produced a few pieces of really smart play, the first of which came in the 11th minute with Burleigh defending ten metres out from their own line. Tweed Heads had Burleigh back peddling and Keahn Skipps ran at the line with a lot of space behind the line. When Skipps kicked through Bailey McConnell slide to his right connecting the ball with his right foot and keeping it in front of him. Consequently Bailey McConnell retrieved the ball and made a couple of metres downfield to take all of the pressure off Burleigh’s defence.

Just a couple of tackles later, Bailey McConnell took the ball on the right side of the field, dummying to his outside and then stepping back inside to beat a defender to get the ball out to the halfway after a ten metre run.

In the 14th minute Bailey McConnell recorded his first line break assist of the match when he held the ball up perfectly after going into the defensive line to put second rower Max Murphy into a gap on the right side of the field.

Bailey McConnell created his own space in the 23rd minute with a great show and go, once again on the right, to slice through the line ten metres from the try line but was finally put to ground less than a metre out.

Bailey McConnell almost scored from a smart piece of individual brilliance in the 28th minute. Initially the ball from the dummy half to Bailey McConnell went over his head with Burleigh attacking ten metres out, Bailey McConnell raced back to the twenty taking possession and darting to his left where he dummied in that direction slicing through the line and it was only a desperate diving tackle that stopped Bailey McConnell from scoring.

Bailey McConnell made a line break of his own in the 64th minute when he darted from his right side of the field over to a short left blind side, dummying to his outside to beat one defender who was desperately trying to keep hold of Bailey McConnell’s jersey. After getting away from that defender, Bailey McConnell passed back inside to his left but unfortunately his support runner could not reel the ball in with a lot of open space in front of him.

Halftime did not slow Bailey McConnell down as in the 37th minute he once again produced another outstanding individual effort. Tweed Heads were on the attack less than ten metres from the line and Keahn Skipps grubbered into the in-goal. Bailey McConnell sensed the threat and raced back and to his left getting to the ball a metre away from the dead ball line with Seagulls chasers flying through. Bailey McConnell continued to his left beating the attempted tackles of three Seagulls players in the in goal and impressively was able to get two metres into the field of play before being stopped.

It was a case of history repeating itself in the 57th minute when again Keahn Skipps grubbered into the in-goal from close range and once again Bailey McConnell darted to his left to get to the ball after it had travelled two metres into the in-goal with Seagulls chasers pouring through. As he did earlier in the match through shear effort Bailey McConnell was able to get the ball two metres back into play.

Bailey McConnell’s shear effort and intensity was on display in the 42nd minute when he kicked deep into Seagulls territory from the halfway line, Bailey McConnell chased his own kick hard and brought dangerous Seagulls fullback Lewis Symonds down with a great individual low tackle just twelve metres out from his own line.

Bailey McConnell’s all-out effort was also highlighted in the 62nd minute when he charged downfield after Burleigh kicked off, getting downfield in front of the defensive line and putting a hit on Seagulls opposite number Keahn Skipps, then from marker Bailey McConnell took on and put to the ground Seagulls centre Tevita Tau’a’alo.

The tackle that Bailey McConnell made on his opposite number Keahn Skipps was not the first time the two had come together as in the 57th minute from a Tweed Heads scrum win, Bailey McConnell put his right shoulder into his opposite number putting him on the ground after forcing him back two metres.

Even with the game well and truly over at 33 – 6 down and when I mean over I mean after the final siren, Bailey McConnell just could not be kept out of the game. Tweed Heads were awarded a penalty with the final siren sounding and let one of their front rowers take a penalty kick for goal directly in front of the posts.

The front rower missed the kick with the ball travelling under the posts, Bailey McConnell reached up to take the ball on the full and instead of just submitting to the tackle, darted to his left getting to ten metres out before the defence converged. Even that was not enough for Bailey McConnell as he tried to off-load to a support player, the ball went to ground and Bailey McConnell jumped up off the ground to retrieve it.

Even though the play did not work and Burleigh lost 33 – 6, Bailey McConnell’s effort after the final siren says a lot of good things about Bailey McConnell as a player and also about why the Titans snared him and got his name onto a contract.

Round Five against the Ipswich Jets saw Bailey McConnell once against start at half and captain the Bears in a match that was played at Cbus Stadium as a curtain raiser to the Titans v Newcastle NRL match.

Burleigh were under pressure in the opening minutes but a big 5th minute tackle by Bailey McConnell changed the momentum of the match. The Jets five eight tried to step him but Bailey McConnell hit him front on dumping him backwards. Bailey McConnell continued his strong defensive match in the 25th minute when he produced another strong front on tackle on the Jets five eight directly in front of the posts.

Bailey McConnell was at his play making best in the 10th minute of the match when operating on the left side of the field he threw a good “out the back” pass to put Seagulls fullback Andrew Brennan into space and he subsequently scored on the left.

Bailey McConnell showcased his backing up skills in the 17th minute when he backed up a break by Kenneth Stevens to get an inside offload before being dragged down thirty metres out.

Bailey McConnell made his own break in the 32nd minute when he was operating on the left running across field before producing a show and go to break the line and get to within three metres of the line before being brought down. Due to his quick play the ball, Burleigh scored from the play the ball.

Bailey McConnell showed his toughness in the 34th minute when he took an Ipswich kick off on the full and instead of passing the ball off to one of his forwards, Bailey McConnell took the line on himself, breaking three tackles to get the ball to thirty three metres out from his own line.

In the 39th minute, after running to his left after getting through the line with a dummy, Bailey McConnell, even whilst being tackled was able to get an offload away to front rower Sam McAllister.

Bailey McConnell’s kicking skills were highlighted in the 45th minute when he put in a raking right foot kick from fifty metres out with the ball coming to a stop one metre out from the line and one metre in from touch. Of course Bailey McConnell was the first Burleigh player downfield making the tackle with the Ipswich fullback still inside his own ten metre area.

At the Burleigh Presentation Event post the Cyril Connell Cup, Bailey McConnell received the 2021 Burleigh Bears Cyril Connell Cup Coaches Award and also was awarded the Burleigh Representative Player of the Year.

2021 also saw Bailey McConnell once again represent PBC State High School in school boy rugby league, starting Round One of the Langer Cup Reserve Grade competition against Ipswich State High School at halfback.

Bailey McConnell was also outstanding in a beaten side in Round Six against Keebra Park SHS, recording two line breaks amongst an overall impressive match.

Bailey McConnell’s opening line break came in the 9th minute of the match when, whilst operating on the left around twenty metres from the line, Bailey McConnell ran at the ball before dummying to his left and subsequently sliced through the Keebra Park line. Bailey McConnell was then able to draw the fullback but his support to his left could not handle the pass with the try line beckoning.

Bailey McConnell also broke the Keebra Park defensive line in the 21 minutes when once again he sliced through the Keebra Park right sided defence. Once he was through the line, Bailey McConnell got the ball away to Jett Forbes and then stayed alive to get the ball back from the fullback and make a further fifteen metres down field.

Bailey McConnell also started at halfback in the final round after the Covid 19 hiatus against Wavell State High School, scoring PBC’s opening try of the match and trying the last pass to PBC’s other try which was scored by left centre Cooper Camby.

Bailey McConnell scored in the 17th minute when he was operating on the left. Bailey McConnell received the ball off the dummy half ten metres from the line and immediately ran on an angle at the Wavell SHS line with the ball out in front of his body in both hands. As he approached the defensive line, Bailey McConnell dummied to his left before slicing through the line, getting the ball down in a tackle mid-way between the corner post and goal posts on the left side of the field.

In fact Bailey McConnell was the reason why PBC were down that end of the field in the first place. In the 16th minute with Wavell SHS on the attack their five eight put in a grubber kick from around eighteen metres from the line. Bailey McConnell trapped the kick with his left foot, picked up the ball and ran five metres before getting a right arm off-load away to his left whilst being tackled to Cooper Camby to race sixty metres down the left touchline. Bailey McConnell scored two plays later.

2021 also saw Bailey McConnell play for the Burleigh Bears in the Gold Coast Rugby League U16 Division One competition, including starting the Grand Final against the Southport Tigers at halfback, operating on his usual left side of the field in a decider.

Bailey McConnell recorded a line break assist in the 30th minute of the Grand Final when from inside his own twenty metre area, Bailey McConnell took on the Southport right sided defensive line, getting part way through the line and throwing a great right arm around the corner off-load to put his left second rower on a fifty metre run down the left touchline.

Bailey McConnell made a line break of his own in the 37th minute when from just inside his own territory Bailey McConnell ran off a good off-load from his lock to break two tackles and make twenty metres before he was dragged down from behind.

Bailey McConnell then threw the last pass for Burleigh’s 58th minute Grand Final winning try by the Bears left centre to break an 18 all deadlock when he threw a cut-out pass to his left around ten metres out from the try line to put the ball onto the chest of the Burleigh try scorer.

In 2020 Bailey McConnell played for PBC SHS in the school boy Walters Cup competition, starting the Grand Final against Marsden State High School at half.

Bailey McConnell had a particularly impressive match in PBC SHS’s semi-final victory over Wavell State High School when he set up a second half try to the flying Jett Forbes when he put through a short attacking kick for the PBC fullback to score.

Bailey McConnell went into dummy half five metres out from the line. When he picked the ball up, Bailey McConnell shifted to his left down a short blind side putting in a short right foot grubber kick that rebounded off a Wavell defender for Jett Forbes to collect the ball on the rebound and cut back towards the open side to force his way over.

Bailey McConnell also some strong matches in the regular competition rounds of the 2020 Walters Cup including an impressive Round Five against St Mary’s College Toowoomba when he was heavily involved in one of PBC’s tries when he threw a long cut out pass to his left to put his left centre outside his opposing defender who was able to cross three metres in from the left corner post.

Bailey McConnell is only slight of build but do not take his lack of size in any way as a lack of ability or courage, Bailey McConnell has a lot of both, which is on display each time he runs onto the field. With the ball Bailey McConnell is a very good distributor and will take the ball to the line in an effort to set up his supports. Bailey McConnell is adept at drawing an opposing defender out of the defensive line and then putting his support runner through the resulting gap.

In terms of his speed, I would suggest that an appropriate definition of Bailey McConnell’s speed would be that he is quick off the mark but does not have an extra gear when he breaks into open space.

Regardless of the state of the game Bailey McConnell will back his judgement and take the game on. Assisting his play is the fact that he makes the decision what to do with the ball quickly thus enabling the ball to get out wide quickly. Bailey McConnell’s passing game is solid but seems to be slightly better when he is passing to the left side of the field. Bailey McConnell’s ability to dummy and go also seems slightly more effective when he is running to the right side of the field.

Bailey McConnell has a good short kicking game but he does not have the strongest leg in terms of kicking deep but is accurate and regularly finds the ground instead of the fullback on the full to enable his chasers to get down field to win the field position battle.

In defence, due to his size Bailey McConnell is obviously not going to come up with the big hit but reads the play well and can hold his own when defending much bigger players. Bailey McConnell is also very vocal on the field always talking and encouraging his side both in attack and defence.

Defensively I like the way that Bailey McConnell takes the line on, he is aggressive and attacks the ball carrier rather than waiting for the attackers to come to him. Bailey McConnell clearly looks to limit the time opposition players have to generate momentum before they get to him. Against players similar in size or reasonably close to it, Bailey McConnell is very aggressive and makes sure that he finishes off every tackle in an effort to win everyone on one individual battle against his opponent.

In 2024 Bailey McConnell will part of the Burleigh MM Cup squad for the second season in a row after the age group change. Post the MM Cup competition Bailey McConnell will line up for the Burleigh Bears U20 GCRL competition.

Bailey McConnell has a small physical frame but is courageous and competitive and has a good football brain on his shoulders and thus I believe that half back position suits him perfectly both now and into the future although I must admit that Bailey McConnell’s performances in the dummy half role for PBC SHS in the 2022 Langer Cup competition gave me a reason to pause but ultimately I still think that halfback is Bailey McConnell’s best position going forward on a rugby league field.

With his smaller frame and his undoubted courage to take the ball right to the line before he executes the play, whether that be kicking or passing as well as his intelligence, for me Bailey McConnell has an uncanny playing style that resembles that of Sydney Roosters and New South Wales State of Origin five eight Blake Keary, although if anyone things that Bailey McConnell has a similar playing style to Tannah Boyd is not going to get an argument from me.

Both Keary and Bailey McConnell have the strength of personality and toughness to take on any challenge on a rugby league field no matter how big the challenge (or opponent) is compared to how big they are.

[mdrew]

Brady Turner. In late September 2023 Brady Turner was named in the 2024 Burleigh Bears U19 Mal Meninga Cup squad.

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 with Brady Turner coming onto the field at halftime to operate at left second row for the Titans.

Brady Turner made a great line break in the 56th minute went after charging onto the ball to the right of the play the ball Brady Turner burst straight through the Knights defensive line when he was thirty five metres out from his own try line, Brady Turner charged through the centre of the field and got the ball to within thirty seven metres of the try line making a twenty eight metre gain.

In late September 2022 Brady Turner was named in the 2023 Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup train on squad for the second season in a row with Brady Turner starting at left second row in 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.

Brady Turner was named on the Northern Rivers Titans extended bench for Round Two against the Central Coast Roosters.

Brady Turner was then named at right second row for Round Three against the South Coast Dragons with Brady Turner holding his own against the giant Dragons forward pack.

Brady Turner then continued at right second row in Round Four against the Northern Tigers with Brady Turner making a strong sixteen metre run over the halfway mark with Brady Turner then off-loading to Creedence Donovan. Then in the 45th minute Brady Turner made a strong charge from the kick-off to Ayden Byrnes try in the 45th minute with Brady Turner made to get the ball over the twenty metre mark.

Brady Turner then moved to the front row in Round Five against the North Coast Bulldogs with Brady Turner scoring in the 60th minute when after receiving an off-load from Ayden Byrnes Brady Turner crashed over to score eight metres to the right of the uprights.

Brady Turner also recorded a line break assist in the 53rd minute when after charging onto the ball to the right of the play the ball, Brady Turner was able to make ten metres before getting a smart off-load away to his right to Zane Harrison who made a line break through the centre of the field.

In the 3rd minute Brady Turner charged into the ball to the right of the play the ball and from forty two metres out from the try line was able to make fourteen metres before being tackled twenty eight metres out.

Brady Turner made another strong run in the 21st minute when from five metres inside his own territory and to the right of the play the ball Brady Turner was able to get the ball ten metres inside Bulldogs territory.

Then in the 25th minute from the left of the play the ball and twenty six metres out from the try line Brady Turner surged forward and was not brought to ground before he got to within four metres of the try line, dragging defenders the majority of the way there.

Brady Turner, in the 62nd minute when onto the ball to the right of the play the ball twenty metres out from his own try line and was able to make twenty metres downfield to at least 50% of those metres post contact with Brady Turner also breaking three tackles in the run.

Brady Turner along with Cameron Bevan had made the opening tackle of the match from the Northern Rivers Titans kick-off. Brady Turner then backed that effort up by making a strong driving tackle from the third play of the match.

Brady Turner made another strong tackle in the 5th minute with strong right shoulder effort driving his opponent back a number of metres from thirty five metres out from the try line. Then in the 7th minute along with Aaron Singh-Goesel, Brady Turner did well to hold up the North Coast lock over the try line after he had tried to barge his way over.

Round One of the 2023 NRRRL U18 season saw Brady Turner start at right second row for the Murwilumbah Mustangs against the Byron Bay Devils with Brady Turner scoring a double.

Brady Turner scored the first of his two tries in the 25th minute when with the play the ball four metres from the try line, Ayden Byrnes threw a bullet pass to his left to put Brady Turner over to score under the posts.

Brady Turner completed his double in the 49th minute with a hard straight charge from twelve metres out and to the right of the play the ball with Brady Turner crashing over to score mid-way between the goal post and corner post on the right side of the field.

Brady Turner also recorded a number of line breaks, the first of which came in the 23rd minute when from the right of the play the ball thirty metres out from his own try line, Brady Turner charged onto the ball and was able to burst throught two attempted tackles and charged downfield to within thirty five metres from the try line only for Brady Turner’s off-load to his right going to ground.

Brady Turner made another line break in the 28th minute down the right channel from forty metres out from his own try line with Brady Turner cutting back to his left to beat the Devils fullback after he had made his line break before a left arm fend beat another defender with Brady Turner rumbling to get to the thirty metre mark.

Brady Turner also did well in the 7th minute when after backing up a line break down the right touchline Brady Turner received the ball from his winger and after rumbling fifteen metres downfield Brady Turner got an off-load away to his right and two passes later the Mustangs scored in the right corner.

Brady Turner also was strong defensively with an example coming in the 14th minute when Brady Turner grabbed hold in the the Devils hooker near the halfway mark and rag dolled him back five metres inside his own territory.

Brady Turner also started at right second row in Round Two against the Tweed Coast Raiders with Brady Turner scoring in the 29th minute from a hard straight run from eight metres out and to the right of the play the ball with Brady Turner crashing over four metres to the left of the uprights.

Brady Turner also made a line break in the 27th minute when from the right of the play the ball and twenty five metres out from his own try line, Brady Turner charged through the centre of the Raiders defernsive line, beating the fullback by veering to his left before being tackled just twenty metres out from the try line.

Earlier in the 23rd minute Brady Turner from twenty metres out from his own try line charged onto the ball making twenty metres with 60% of Brady Turner’s being post contact with the Tweed Coast defensive line.

Then in the 50th minute Brady Tunrer ran sixteen metres down the left channel to get the ball six metres into Tweed Coast territory.

In the 25th minute Brady Turner made a strong tackle on the Tweed Coast No. 8 with Brady Turner contact nearly cutting him in half and then in the 26th minute along with Ayden Byrnes, Brady Turner hled up the Raiders No. 14 over the try line after he had tried to barge over from close range and ten metres in from the left corner post.

Brady Turner continued at right second row in Round Three against the Cudgen Hornets with Brady Turner scoring in the 17th minute as a result of a run out of dummy half from three metres out with Brady Turner crashing over through three defenders to get the ball down ten metres in from the left corner post.

My description above does not do Brady Turner does not do justice as Brady Turner made a spectacular run in the play prior to him scoring. From two passes to the right of the play the ball and ten metres from the halfway mark, Brady Turner burst through two would be defenders and then after surging eleven metres inside Hornets territory Brady Turner got an off-load away to his left and then from the play the ball Brady Turner crashed over from dummy half.

Earlier in the 14th minute Brady Turner made a strong run from forty metres out and to the right of the play the ball with Brady Turner getting to within twenty seven metres of the try line. Brady Turner also had a good carry of the ball in the 42nd minute with Brady Turner being tackled on the halfway mark after a fifteen metre run from the right of the play the ball.

The 47th minute saw Brady Turner make a strong run when he ran an underneath route from the right of the play the ball thirty five metres out from his own try line with Brady Turner making the relevant metres to get the ball five metres into Hornets territory.

Brady Turner also started at right second row in Round Four against the Tweed Heads Seagulls with Brady Turner coming close to scoring in the 39th minute only to be held up over the try line after a twelve metre run to the right of the play the ball that saw Brady turner held up ten metres in from the right corner post.

Brady Turner then started at left second row in Round Nine against the Kyogle Turkeys with Brady Turner scoring in the 58th minute with an eight metre charge two passes to the left of a Murwillumbah penalty tap restart with Brady Turner crashing over the top of the Turkeys right winger on the try line to get the ball down mid-way between the corner post and goal posts on the left side of the field.

Brady Turner made the third run of the match from his onw forty metre mark to carry the ball six metres inside Kyogle territory. Then in the 17th minute Brady Turner made seventeen metres down the left channel before being tackled four metres from the halfway mark.

The 23rd minute saw Brady Turner run onto the ball two passes to the left of the play the ball four metres from the halfway mark with Brady Turner carrying the ball nine metres inside Kyogle territory before getting a right arm around the corner off-load away to his left to his five eight.

Brady Turner did well in the 55th minute to take possession of an off-load after a Mustangs lien break with Brady Turner doing well in relation to juggling the pass from his right and maintain possession as he went to ground twenty metres out from the try line.

Brady Turner also started at right second row in Round Ten against the Casino Cougars with Brady Turner making a line break in the 28th minute when after receiving the ball to the right of the play the ball nineteen metres out from his own try line Brady Turner used a right foot step and then left arm fend to beat a defender with Brady Turner then bursting between two defenders with Brady Turner then stepping off his right foot and using a left arm fend once again to beat another defender to get the ball two metres into Casino territory.

Earlier in the 22nd minute from two passes to the right of the play the ball and on the halfway mark, Brady Turner bumped off one defender before cutting to his left towards the centre of the field making fourteen metres.

Brady Turner also played a number of NRRRL First Grade matches in 2023 including starting at left centre in Round Ten against the Casino Cougars.

In early March 2023 Brady Turner was named in the South Coast School Boy Rugby League Open Representative side with Brady turner starting in the front row on Day One of the Championships against Capricornia with Brady Turner recording a line break in the 34th minute when from the right of the play the ball and forty metres out from his own try line Brady turner cut to his left to the area behind the play the ball and after getting the ball twelve metres inside Capricornia territory Brady Turner was able to get his right arm free and get an off-load away to his left to Dorian Mapusua-Lotaki.

Brady Turner then came off the bench on Day Two against Met East with Brady Turner coming onto the field to operate on the front row in the 15th minute with Brady Turner making his first run with the ball almost immediately and making twelve metres to the forty metre mark from the left of the play the ball.

Brady Turner also started from the bench on Day Three against Sunshine Coast with Brady Turner operating in the front row when he came onto the field in the 15th minute.

Brady Turner then started from the bench in the 2023 QSSRL Open School Boy Grand Final against Capricornia with Brady Turner playing in the front row after coming onto the field in the 11th minute.

Brady Turner made a strong run almost immediately after coming on when from the right of the play the ball and twenty metres out from the try line Brady Turner was able to force his way to three metres out from the try line in front of the right upright.

Then in the 49th minute from the right of the play the ball and twelve metres inside his own territory Brady Turner was able to march the ball downfield to get five metres inside Capricornia territory.

The 57th minute saw Brady Turner run an underneath route off Ryder Williams and after receiving the ball on the halfway mark Brady Turner carried the ball to thirty metres out from the try line with 60% of his metres post contact with the defensive line.

Defensively Brady Turner made a strong tackle on the Capricornia No. 11 just short of the try line.

Round One of the 2023 School Boy Langer Cup competition saw Brady Turner named in the front row for PBC SHS against Marsden SHS with Brady Turner making a strong kick-off return in the 11th minute getting the ball two metres over the twenty metre mark.

Defensively Brady Turner made a big front on hit in the 18th minute on his opposite number with Brady Turner’s heavy initial defensive contact thirty metres out from his own try line forcing a knock on to put PBC SHS on the attack from their subsequent scrum feed.

Brady Turner was also named in the front row for Round Two against Caloundra SHS with Brady Turner making the second hit-up of the match to get the ball out to the thirty metre mark. Then from a penalty from the next tackle, Brady Turner took the hit-up from the penalty tap restart to make a further ten metres.

Brady Turner continued in the front row in Round Three against Mabel Park SHS with Brady Turner scoring in the 49th minute from a charge from close range to score under posts off a flat pass from dummy half from Will Saunders.

Brady Turner had actually gotten the ball over the try line in the 6th minute wide out on the left however the referee had adjudged that Brady Turner’s effort to get the ball over the try line constituted a double movement and disallowed the try.

The 49th minute saw Brady Turner make a strong run from the left of the play the ball to carry the ball from fourteen metres of the halfway mark to eight metres inside Mabel Park SHS territory. Then in the 53rd minute Brady Turner made a strong kick-off return to twenry two away from the try line.

Brady Turner also made a good run in the 54th minute from the left of the play from thirty seven metres from the try line with Brady Turner getting the ball all of the way down to within fourteen metres of the try line.

Brady Turner also started in the front row in Round Four against Redcliffe SHS and from the right of the play the ball I nteh 49th minute Brady Turner made fourteen metres through the centre of the field to get the ball to the twenty metre mark.

Brady Turner continued in the front row in Round Five against Ipswich SHS with Brady Turner’s initial hit-up of the match coming inside the opening minute with a run to the left of the play the ball to get the ball from his own forty metre mark to the halfway mark.

The 38th minute saw Brady Turner run onto the ball to the left of the play the ball from eight metres inside his own territory and get the ball to eight metres inside Ipswich SHS territory. Brady Turner followed up with another effort in the 40th minute that saw Brady Turner run onto the ball from the left of the play the ball and four metres inside his own territory and get the ball thirteen metres inside Ipswich SHS territory.

Brady Turner rounded out a strong match with a 49th minute run from the left of the play the ball that saw Brady Turner run the ball from his own thirty metre mark to forty two metres out.

Brady Turner was also named in the front row in the Round Six Gold Coast derby against Keebra Park SHS with Brady Turner running onto the ball to the left of the play the ball and run through the centre of the field to get the ball from twelve metres to twenty six metres of the try line.

Brady Turner made another good run in the 51st minute for the left of the pla ytheball to get from forty nine metres from the try line to thirty metres out. Then in the 53rd minute from the right of the play the ball Brady Turner carried the ball from the halfway mark to thirty eight metres out from the try line.

Brady Turner continued in the front row in Round Seven against Wavell SHS with Brady Turner along with Jaylen Taewa involved in the opening tackle of the match.

Then in the 7th minute Brady Turner made a strong kick-off return to get the ball out to the twenty five metre mark. The 17th minute then saw Brady Turner ran onto the ball to the left of the dummy half and promote the ball from five metres inside Wavell SHS territory to seventeen metres inside.

Brady Turner continued his strong match in the 38th minute with a hit-up to the right of the play the ball forty metres out from his own try line to eight metres inside Wavell SHS territory. Brady Turner made additional metres in the 47th minute carrying the ball from the right of the play the ball from forty two metres from the try line to twenty five metres out.

After PBC SHS finished fourth on the 2023 School Boy Rugby League Langer Cup table after the completion of the regular season, Brady Turner started in the front row for PBC SHS in their Quarter Final clash against Keebra Park SHS with Brady Turner involved in the opening tackle of the match along with front row partner Jaylen Taewa. Brady Turner backed that tackle up with another good tackle inside the first minute on the Keebra Park SHS No. 10 still ten metres inside Keebra Park SHS territory.

Brady Turner then made a strong effort in the 12th minute running the ball from an underneath route to the right of the play the ball from forty metres from the try line to twenty seven metres out. Brady Turner then made a good kick-off return in the 18th minute to get the ball out to the thirty metre mark.

In the 20th minute from the right of the play the ball and twelve metres inside his own territory Brady Turner hustled and bustled his way to five metres inside Keebra Park SHS territory. Then in the 33rd minute from the left of the play the ball Brady Turner carried the ball from thirty four metres to twenty one metres of the try line.

Brady Turner was also named in the front row in the Langer Cup Semi-Final against Marsden SHS with Brady Turner along with Jaylen Taewa making the opening tackle of the match. Brady Turner then backed up to also make the second tackle of the match.

In the 2nd minute from the right of the play the ball Brady Turner ran the ball from thirty nine metres out from his own try line to a metre into Marsden SHS territory then in the 4th minute from the left of the play the ball Brady Turner was able to make twelve metres to thirty metres from the try line.

Brady Turner continued his strong semi-final in the 29th minute with a strong run from the left of the play the ball that got the ball from twelve metres out from his own try line to twenty six metres out. Then in the 34th minute Brady Turner was able to promote the ball from forty seven metres from the try lien to thirty five metres out after taking possession of the ball to the right of the dummy half.

Brady Turner also started in the front row in the 2023 School Boy Rugby League Langer Cup Grand Final against Ipswich SHS with Brady Turner along with Isaac Harrison and Jaylen Taewa making the opening tackle of the match from the PBC SHS kick-off.

In the 42nd minute from the right of the play the ball in the centre of the field Brady Turner rumbled forward to get the ball from four metres from the try line after commencing his run twenty metres out. Then in the 55th minute from the left of the dummy half Brady Turner once again made good ground through the centre of the field to carry the ball from thirty seven metres from the try line to thirteen metres out.

At the conclusion of the Langer Cup Brady Turner was named on the bench in the 2023 Courier Mail School Boy Rugby League Langer Cup Team of the Year and in early September 2023 Brady Turner was also named on the bench in the Courier Mail’s PBC SHS Rugby League Team of the 2020’s to date.

Brady Turner also started in the front row for PBC SHS against St Patrick’s College in Mackay in the Phil Hall Cup to determine the best Queensland School Boy Rugby League side of 2023 and in just the 2nd minute of the match Brady Turner ran onto the ball to the right of the play the ball from his own thirty seven metre mark and was not halted until Brady Turner had gotten the ball eight metres into St Patrick’s territory.

The 12th minute saw Brady Turner make a strong kick-off return out to the twenty seven metre mark and then a tackle later Brady Turner made a further fifteen metres to get the ball ten metres inside St Patrick’s territory. Then in the 17th minute after running onto the ball to the right of the dummy half, Brady Turner was able to break two tackles as he promoted the ball from his own twenty metre mark out to the thirty eight metre mark.

Brady Turner continued his strong match in the 47th minute with a strong run to the left of the play the ball to carry the ball from his own thirty six metre mark to ten metres inside St Patrick’s territory. Prior to leaving the field with a leg injury, Brady Turner charged onto the ball to the left of the dummy half on a yardage carry from his own twenty five metre mark out to the thirty nine metre mark.

Brady Turner continued in the front row in the 2023 NRL School Boy Rugby League Grand Final against Westfields Sports High with Braady Turner making two hit-ups in PBC SHS’s opening set of six tackles in the match.

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.

In the 2020 Group 18 U15 competition Brady Turner played for Murwillumbah Colts who won two matches and lost eight, scoring 122 points and conceding 298 to finish with a points differential of -176. After the completion of the 2020 Group 18 U15 season, Brady Turner was named the Murwillumbah U15 Best and Fairest.

The Murwillumbah youngster was also part of the Titans 2018/19 Group 18 U14 Development Squad after playing the 2018 season in the Group 18 U13 competition and the 2019 season in the Group 18 U14 competition.

In September 2019 Brady Turner was named the Group 18 U14 Player of the year after an outstanding campaign in the Group 18 U14 competition and in early in October was part of a Titans U14/15 NRRRL side that played the Titans U14 Gold Coast/Brisbane Academy side in a development match at Tweed Heads Piggabeen ground starting in the second row as his Invitational team went down 32 – 10 in an entertaining and high quality match.

Brady Turner played the 2019 season with Murwillumbah in the Group 18 U14 competition and was selected in the Group 18 for the U14 age group at the 2019 New South Wales Country Age Championships held in Port Macquarie starting in the second row for the Group 18 U14 side with Brady Turner scoring in Group 18’s second match of Day One of the Championships as Group 18 went down 26 – 20 to Group Four.

Brady Turner is more than just a rugby league player, finishing as the 2019 Boys 14 Years Age Athletics Champion, amongst other things winning the discus event at the Murwillumbah Athletics Carnival. Brady Turner went on to win the U14 Discus event at the Far North Coast Athletics Championships with a throw of 34.49 metres.

Brady Turner was also the Murwillumbah Year 13 Athletics Championships in 2018 also winning the Discus event in that year.

Seeming running more to the left side of the field, Brady Turner runs a very good outside shoulder route and rather than trying to step his opposite number will really look to initiate the contact and then use his strength to hold the defender off his body to either push through the tackle or draw in the next defender to create space for his outside support players.

Brady Turner also has very good late and quick foot work which enables him to change direction quickly allowing him to readjust where he is running to take advantage of either a late developing hole in the defensive line or where the defensive line is repositioning late. His speed could probably be considered above average for a centre but when he plays in the back row.

Defensively Brady Turner has a hard edge to his play and his initial contact is more than sufficient to redirect the momentum of the ball carrier either in the centres or when defending in the forwards. Brady Turner sets a very good base which he uses to explode into the ball carrier looking to use their own momentum against them.

Brady Turner’s good situation awareness also enables him to be well positioned when he is defending against smaller quicker players and he endeavours to minimise the time available for the opposing attacker to generate speed and to utilise their footwork.

Brady Turner is also able to change direction quickly to adjust to the directional changes of the attacker especially when Brady Turner is marking up against multiple attackers running in his direction where he will hold his ground to let the play to develop in front of him before committing to a specific defensive course of action.

In 2024 Brady Turner will start the season as part of the Burleigh Bears U19 MM Cup squad and post that competition, Brady Turner has a number of options, Brady Turner play in the NRRRL competition, no doubt moving into the Murwillumbah Mustangs NRRRL First Grade squad.

Brady Turner may well also line up in the Gold Coast Rugby League U20 competition with the demise of the Hastings Deering’s Colts competition where no doubt a lot of the sides in the competition would benefit greatly for having Brady Turner at their club playing in either the front row or the second row.

With his size and speed combination to is hard to envisage Brady Turner playing anywhere but the second row as his rugby league career progresses towards its ultimate destination. I appreciate that Brady Turner has played some front row at the representative level for the Northern Rivers Titans but for me with his mobility Brady Turner is a far better fit as an elite level rugby league second rower.

In relation to identifying an NRL player that compares favourably from a playing comparison perspective for Brady Turner you need to look no further than Brisbane Bronco’s and New Zealand International Jordan Riki as a player who will look to run into gaps in the defensive line with speed and timing and who can defend either in the centre of the ruck or a little wider out as a foil for his half and five eight, a defensive minder if you will.

[mdrew]

Anthony (AJ) Hickling. In late September 2023 AJ Hickling was named in the 2024 Northern Rivers Titans U19 Laurie Daley Cup squad.

In early May 2022 AJ Hickling started in the front row for a Northern Rivers Titans U17 Invitational squad that took on a Titans U16 JTS side at Cbus Stadium as a curtain-raiser to the Titans NRL Round Fourteen match against the Souths Sydney Rabbitohs with AJ Hickling being a key reason for the Northern Rivers Titans U17’s getting off to a fast start.

In late September 2022 AJ Hickling was named in the 2023 Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup train on squad and AJ Hickling is also U18 Laurie Daley Cup eligible in 2024 with AJ Hickling part of the Northern Rivers Titans squad that played the Tweed Heads Seagulls in a trial at Burleigh Juniors as part of the Titans Annual Super Saturday.

Round One of the 2023 U18 Laurie Daley Cup competition saw AJ Hickling named in the front row for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Newcastle Knights with AJ Hickling working hard especially running the ball out of his own defensive twenty metre mark in both of his stints on the field.

AJ Hickling was also named in the front row for Round Two against the Central Coast Roosters with AJ Hickling taking the fourth hit-up of the match after the Central Coast Roosters had kicked off to get the match underway.

AJ Hickling was also named in the front row for Round Three against the South Coast Dragons before being named on the Northern Rivers Titans extended bench for Round Four against the Northern Tigers.

AJ Hickling then started from the bench and coming onto the field to operate in the front row in the 44th in Round Five against the North Coast Bulldogs with AJ Hickling scoring in the 67th minute when after charging onto an inside pass from Bo Priesley on the left side of the field AJ Hickling charged through a gap and was able to crash over to score two metres in from the left corner post.

Earlier in the 56th minute AJ Hickling made a desperate last ditch try saving tackle on the North Coast fullback around ten metres out with AJ Hickling racing to his right to make the outstanding critical tackle.

Round One of the 2023 NRRRL U18 competition saw AJ Hickling named at left centre for the Lower Clarence Magpies against the Mullumbimby Giants with AJ Hickling scoring a double in a strong Magpies victory.

AJ Hickling recorded his opening try in the 6th minute when after receiving a pass down a short left blindside forty five metres out, AJ Hickling charged downfield and as he approached the fullback, AJ Hickling dummied to his inside to easily beat him with AJ Hickling crossing the try line wide out on the left before bringing the ball around to put it down under the posts.

AJ Hickling completed his double in the 40th minute when after the Lower Clarence halfback made a line break, his pass to AJ Hickling was knocked down but AJ Hickling picked up the ball four metres out and scored comfortably five metres to the left of the uprights untouched.

AJ Hickling continued at left centre in Round Three against Casino with AJ Hickling recording an 18th minute try assist when after bursting away down the left touchline from on the halfway mark, AJ Hickling drew the Casino fullback and got the ball away to his right for his winger to score near the left corner.

AJ Hickling then made a strong run in the 46th minute when from five metres inside his own territory and to the right of the play the ball AJ Hickling carried the ball eleven metres inside Casino territory with 60% of the metres gained after AJ Hickling had engaged the Cougars defensive line.

AJ Hickling returned to the Lower Clarence side at left centre in Round Seven against the Byron Bay Devils with AJ Hickling coming close to scoring in the 16th minute when from twelve metres out AJ Hickling cut back underneath his five eight and after forcing his way over the try line four metres to the left of the uprights, AJ Hickling was held up by multiple Byron Bay defenders.

Earlier in the 2nd minute AJ Hickling ran onto the ball to the left of the play the ball and was able to get the ball from ten metres out from his own try line to twenty eight metres out. Then in the 26th minute from the right of the play the ball AJ Hickling was able to carry the ball from thirty three metres out from his own try line to within three metres of the halfway mark.

AJ Hickling made a further strong run in the 53rd minute when after running onto the ball to the left of the play the ball on the halfway mark, AJ Hickling was able to make twelve metres before getting his right arm free and getting an off-load away to his left.

AJ Hickling dominated the match from a defensive perspective including rag dolling the Devils halfback who had tried to sneak down a short right blindside from a scrum win ten metres from the Magpies try line. Then two tackles later AJ Hickling smashed the Devils hooker with a huge right shoulder hit after the hooker had tried to dart out of dummy half from three metres out from the Magpies try line.

AJ Hickling made a further heavy hit in the 18th minute when AJ Hickling moved to his left five metres from his own try line to smash the Byron Bay left winger who had his designs on scoring crushed instantly by AJ Hickling.

AJ Hickling also started at left centre in Round Eight against the Tweed Coast Raiders with AJ Hickling scoring in the 33rd minute when after receiving the ball in space on the left side of the field ten metres from the try line AJ Hickling executed a subtle step off his left foot to beat the fullback with AJ Hickling then able to bring the ball around to within ten metres of the left upright.

AJ Hickling also recorded a try assist in the 24th minute when after taking possession of the ball down a left blindside five metres inside Tweed Coast territory Kennyon Elisaia-Thomas put in a right foot chip over the defensive line with the Magpies left winger retrieving the ball on the bounce and getting a pass inside to AJ Hickling who whilst being tackled from behind got a pass away to his right to Kennyon Elisaia-Thomas who was able to bring the ball around to put it down next to the left upright.

The 17th minute saw AJ Hickling charge onto the ball to the left of a Magpies scrum win seven metres inside Raiders territory with AJ Hickling carrying a number of defenders to within twenty metres of the try line.

In the 40th minute from the left of the play the ball AJ Hickling charged through the centre of the field from ten metres inside his own territory and broke four tackles as he got the ball ten metres inside Tweed Coast territory. Then in the 55th minute from the right of the play the ball AJ Hickling carried the ball from thirty five metres out from his own try line to within two metres of the halfway mark.

AJ Hickling continued at left centre in Round Nine against the Cudgen Hornets with AJ Hickling coming close to scoring in the 8th minute only to be held up over the try line three metres to the left of the uprights after a ten metre charge from the left of the uprights.

AJ Hickling also made a line break in the 45th minute with a straight hard run from two passes to the right of the play the ball with AJ Hickling bursting between two defenders forty metres out from his own try line with AJ Hickling then veering to his left and using a right arm fend to beat another defender and carry the ball three metres inside Cudgen territory.

AJ Hickling also had a typically strong defensive match including a big hit on the Cudgen lock inside the opening minute that knocked his opponent off his feet.

AJ Hickling also started at left centre in Round Ten against the Tweed Heads Seagulls with AJ Hickling running on the ball to the left of the play the ball from twenty four metres from his own try line and after breaking three tackles AJ Hikcling got to within ten metres of the try line before being awarded a penalty for being held down too long by the defence,

Then in the 17th minute from the left of the play the ball once again AJ Hikcling carried the ball from six metres from his own try line out to the thirty metre mark.

Round Fifteen against the Kyogle Turkeys saw AJ Hickling start at left centre and score in the 20th minute through a strong run from ten metres out to score in the left corner after the Magpies had spun the ball from a scrum win on the opposite side of the field.

AJ Hickling also recorded a line break to almost score in the 18th minute from twenty seven metres out and to the left of the dummy half with AJ Hickling breaking three tackles, including one as a result of a counter clockwise spin with AJ Hickling initially getting over the try line three metres in from the left corner post only to be forced back into the field of play by four Kyogle defenders.

Earlier in the 10th minute from a Lower Clarence penalty restart AJ Hickling was able to carry the ball from eight metres inside his own territory to nine metres into Turkeys territory. Then in the 34th minute from the right of the dummy half AJ Hickling got the ball to within twenty metre of the try line after commencing his run thirty seven metres out.

AJ Hickling also started at left centre in the Week One Elimination Final against the Byron Bay Devils with AJ Hickling scoring in the 60th minute when after taking possession of the ball to the right of the dummy half twenty metres out from the try line AJ Hickling used a right foot step and a left arm fend to beat defenders to get the ball down ten metres to the right of the goal posts. A minute prior to scoring AJ Hickling executed a one on one str[p of the ball twenty five metres from the try line to get the ball back for Lower Clarence.

In the 18th minute of the match AJ Hickling ran onto the ball to the left of the play the ball to get the ball from thirty metres from his own try line to within six metres of the halfway mark and in the 25th minute after running an underneath line to the left of the play the ball AJ Hickling ran the ball from forty four metres out from the try line to thirty metres out before getting an off-load away to his right to Grant Byers-Brown. AJ Hickling ran another underneath line to the left of the dummy half in the 47th minute and broke two tackles as AJ Hickling got the ball to within two metres of the try line next to the left goal post.

AJ Hickling finished the 2023 NRRRL U18 season as the Magpies equal leading try scorer alongside AJ Hickling and Reece Warburton. AJ Hickling was also named the 2023 Lower Clarence Magpies NRRRL U18 Best Back.

2023 also saw AJ Hickling play in the Koori Knockout U17 competition with the Bundjalung Baygal Warriors U17 side.

In early December 2021 AJ Hickling was named in the 2022 U16 Northern Rivers Titans Andrew Johns Cup Train-on Squad.

AJ Hickling’s first 2022 match for the Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup squad came in late January when he was part of the Northern Rivers Titans side that defeated local rivals, the North Coast Bulldogs four tries to one in a trial at Sawtell.

Round One of the 2022 U16 Andrew Johns Cup competition saw AJ Hickling start in the front row for the Northern Rivers Titans side against the Macquarie Wests Tigers in Sydney’s west with AJ Hickling taking the second hit-up of the match after the Wests Tigers had kicked off to get the match underway.

AJ Hickling made a further strong hit-up in the 15th minute when he charged onto the ball to the left of the dummy half, with AJ Hickling make twelve metres to get the ball inside the Northern Rivers Titans attacking twenty metre zone. AJ Hickling was at it again just two tackles later, making a further eight metres to get to within five metres of the try line directly in front of the goal posts.

AJ Hickling also started in the front row in the Round Two local derby against the North Coast Bulldogs and took the second hit-up of the match after North Coast had kicked off to get the match underway.

AJ Hickling continued in the front row for Round Three against the Greater Northern Tigers and AJ Hickling could not have made a better start to the match when from the kick-off AJ Hickling charged onto the ball and went straight through the Greater Northern Tigers defensive line making a twenty five metre line break. AJ Hickling then took the 4th hit-up from the same opening set of six tackles in the match.

Then in the 9th minute AJ Hickling made a further twenty metre run, the majority of which were post contact metres to get the ball to within twenty metres of the try line.

AJ Hickling also started in the front row in Round Four against the Central Coast Roosters with AJ Hickling making a great driving left shoulder tackle on the Central Coast front rower attempting to return the Northern Rivers kick-off.

AJ Hickling then continued in the front row in the twice delayed final round being Round Five against the Newcastle Knights in Grafton with AJ Hickling producing a strong run to the right of the dummy half in the 51st minute when after contact with the defensive line after s slight jink off his right foot AJ Hickling was able to get away a right arm off-load to his left to put Zane Harrison through a gap with the halfback making a sixteen metre line break to put the Titans deep into attack.

AJ Hickling also had a strong run in the 54th minute when he charged sixteen metres from the second hit-up from Isaac Harrison’s 51st minute try with AJ Hickling getting the ball away from the Titans defensive twenty metre zone.

AJ Hickling then continued in the front row for the Northern Rivers Titans Week One Final against St George with AJ Hickling taking his first hit-up of the match in just the 4th minute.

AJ Hickling also started in the front row for the Northern Rivers Titans in the 2022 U16 Andrew Johns Cup Grand Final against the Wests Tigers with AJ Hickling making some strong charges in the Titans great last second 24 – 22 Grand Final victory including in the 42nd minute with a twelve metres run to the right of the play the ball out of his own twenty metre area.

Post the 2022 U16 Andrew Johns Cup competition AJ Hickling played once again for the Clarence Coast Magpies in the 2022 Group One U16 competition and after a Round One washout AJ Hickling was part of the Magpies squad in Round Two against the Marist Rams. AJ Hickling had a particularly strong match in Round Ten against the South Grafton Rebels including scoring two tries.

Whilst AJ Hickling played the majority of the matches that he played in the Group One U16 competition in the front row AJ Hickling did play a number of matches towards the end of the season at right centre including in Round Fourteen against the South Grafton Rebels with AJ Hickling relishing the extra space by scoring a double.

AJ Hickling also started in the centres in the rescheduled Round Two match against the Marist Rams with AJ Hickling once again scoring a double for the Magpies.

In Week One of the 2022 Group One U16 Finals series AJ Hickling started in the centres once again for the Clarence Coast Magpies against the Ballina Seagulls with AJ Hickling scoring a double in a Magpies 20 -16 victory.

AJ Hickling continued in the centres the 2022 Group One U16 Grand Final with AJ Hickling scoring twice as the Magpies went down in a thriller 27 – 26 against the Ballina Seagulls.

AJ Hickling finished the 2022 Group One U16 season as the competitions leading try scorer with twelve tries and also finished fourth in terms of overall points scored with forty eight points from those twelve tries.

Impressively AJ Hickling played in Round Thirteen of the NRRRL U18 competition when he started from the bench for the Lower Clarence Magpies against the Byron Bay Devils with AJ Hickling coming onto the field to play at left second row late in the first half.

The rescheduled Round Four match against the Ballina Seagulls saw AJ Hickling also named in the bench for the Lower Clarence Magpies U18 NRRRL side once again.

AJ Hickling then started from the bench for the Magpies in the Trophy Qualifying Final against the Byron Bay Devils.

The young man from the Clarence Coast Magpies was over the course of the 2019/20 offseason part of the Titans Group One Junior Academy Squad that was training on a weekly basis at Ballina every Tuesday afternoon.

In November 2020 Anthony Hickling started once again training with the Titans development squad from the Group One region under the direction of former Titans NRL player Matt Srama.

AJ Hackling missed the opening round of the 2021 Group One U14 competition but was back starting in the front row in Round Five against the Grafton Ghosts and also started in the front row in Round Six against the Ballina Seagulls.

AJ Hickling continued in the front row in Round Seven against Casino RSM and was the Magpies sole try scorer in their 10 – 6 loss. AJ Hickling also started in the front row in Round Eight against Marist Brothers and continued there in Round Nine against South Grafton.

AJ Hickling also started in the front row in Round Twelve against the Grafton and was also named to start in the front row in Round Thirteen against Casino RSM and AJ Hickling scored both of the Magpies tries in a 12 all draw.

AJ Hickling continued in the front row in Round Thirteen against Casino RSM and was one of the Magpies try scorers in their 16 – 10 victory.

In 2021 the Maclean High school student was selected in the North Coast School Boy Rugby League Representative side.

In late June 2020 AJ Hickling started training with his Clarence Coast Magpies club side in preparation for the late start of the Group One U14 junior rugby league competition. Round One saw AJ Hickling start for the Magpies at left second row and score as Clarence Coast defeated the South Grafton Rebels 24 – 10.

After Clarence Coast’s Round Two match was postponed, AJ Hickling was back in the second row for Round Three against Ballina and made it two tries from as many matches, scoring as Clarence Coast defeated Ballina 24 – 8.

In Round Four against Grafton Anthony Hickling continued his run of scoring in every match in 2020 when he added a double as the Magpies went down 22 – 16 with Anthony Hickling once again starting in the second row. AJ Hickling also started in the second row in Round Five against Ballina as the Magpies recorded a 26 – 0 victory.

In Round Six AJ Hickling scored a hat trick after starting the 28 – 0 win over Casino RSM from the bench for the Magpies. AJ Hickling started Round Nine in the front row and scored twice as Clarence Coast defeated Ballina 52 – 6. AJ Hickling also started in the front row in Round Ten against the Clarence Coast Magpies.

In total in the 2020 Group One U14 regular season AJ Hickling scored nine tries from six matches for a 150% strike rate.

AJ Hickling started the 2020 Group One U14 Grand Final in the front row as the Magpies took on the Grafton Ghosts and was named the Player of the Match in the Magpies 30 – 16 victory after they came from behind at half time to win the premiership decider with AJ Hickling in devastating form recording two tries in the victory.

With the Clarence Coast U14 side recording a forfeit victory in Round Seven against Casino RSM, Anthony Hickling instead moved up to the Clarence Coast U15 side, coming off the bench for his U15 debut in the Magpies Round Seven 22 – 14 loss to the Kyogle Turkeys.

In 2019 AJ Hickling played in the Group One U13 competition with the Magpies, including scoring in their Grand Final Qualifying Final against Lismore Marist Brothers when he split the Rams defence on the right side of the field and utilising his speed was able to bring the ball around to score under the posts with a number of defenders trailing long way in his wake.

AJ Hickling was also part of the Clarence Coast Magpies Group One U13 Grand Final side that went down 24 – 16 to the Grafton Ghosts in the decider. AJ Hickling also scored in the Grand Final getting Clarence Coast back in the match before Grafton pulled away again after scoring their third try of the match.

AJ Hickling on his day is a powerful and determined runner who will crash through tackles with sheer force of will alone. AJ Hickling runs with power and even though he does run straight on he will drop his lead shoulder into the first defender and will bump off the first tackler regularly with limited loss of forward speed and momentum.

In terms of speed, AJ Hickling has what I would consider above average to plus speed for his position and whilst he may not necessarily have an extra gear when he breaks into open space, AJ Hickling has the ability to sustain his speed for the duration of his runs. AJ Hickling is just quick, it is as simple as that.

In terms of beating a defender other than with power, AJ Hickling has a good in and away and can hold defenders off his body with a strong fend with either hand meaning that his running line and balance is not disrupted.

Defensively AJ Hickling has a hard edge to his play and his initial contact is more than sufficient to redirect the momentum of the ball carrier away from their original axis of attack. AJ Hickling sets a very good base which he uses to explode into the ball carrier looking to use their own momentum and lack of leverage against them. Make no mistake however, AJ Hickling also has a very good, simple and repeatable tackling technique.

AJ Hickling’s good situation awareness also enables him to be well positioned when he is defending against smaller quicker opponents and he endeavours to minimise the time available for the opposing attacker to generate speed and to utilise their footwork.

AJ Hickling is also able to change direction quickly to adjust to the directional changes of the attacking play especially when he is marking up against multiple attackers running in his direction where he will hold his ground to let the play to develop in front of him before committing to a specific defensive course of action.

Impressively for a young player AJ Hickling is rarely drawn out of the line thus assisting to maintain his team defensive lines integrity.

AJ Hickling will start the 2024 season as a member of the Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup squad for the second season in a row and post the competition of that competition QJ Hickling will line up once again in the NRRRL U18 competition for Lower Clarence with AJ Hickling likely to get more playing time with the Magpies in the NRRRL First Grade competition.

AJ Hickling is a tallish young man for his age group who has the type of frame that over time can add muscle mass without AJ Hickling losing any of his speed or mobility both of which are key attributes that AJ Hickling uses to great effect on the field. As a result I would anticipate that AJ Hickling has the potential and skill set to be an outstanding performer in the second row in future years before potentially moving up to the front row permanently.

For completeness I note that AJ Hickling played almost exclusively in the front row for the Clarence Coast Magpies in 2021 although AJ Hickling did play a number of matches at right centre late in the season for the Magpies in the Group One U16 competition in 2022 as well as in the front row. In 2023 however AJ Hickling played in the front row for the Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup side but has played exclusively at left centre for the Lower Clarence Magpies in the NRRRL U18 competition.

From a player comparison perspective for AJ Hickling, think of someone along the lines of former St George Dragons and Manly Sea Eagles centre or second rower Joel Thompson as a solid all round type of centre or backrower who whilst not necessarily the biggest player, AJ Hickling runs at the defensive line with speed and a hard edged approach and regularly makes good ground post contact, if he does not break through the defensive line entirely.

AJ Hickling also has an uncanny knack of getting across the try line with a significant portion seemingly coming from long range after splitting the opposition defensive line as a result of speed, power and guile and once AJ Hickling breaks through the line he will not be caught.

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Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu. In late July 2023 Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu started from the bench for a Titans U19 side that travelled to Townsville to play a Cowboys U19 side in an NRL curtain-raiser with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu coming onto the field in the second half to player in the right second row position.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu initial effort running the ball came almost immediately after coming onto to make twelve metres from a Titans penalty tap restart.

The 56th minute saw Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu along with Javon Andrews execute a strong front on tackle on the Titans try line to prevent a North Queensland try eight metres in from the right corner post.

In January 2023 Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu started from the bench for the Titans U19 side in their annual match at Coffs Harbour against the Newcastle Knights with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu coming onto the field at halftime to operate at right second row.

The powerful second rower (and occasional front rower) made a big splash for Burleigh in the GCRL U14 Division One competition in 2019, his first on the Gold Coast after his move to the Gold Coast from Brisbane. In addition to playing for Burleigh Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu attends Keebra Park State High School and is part of their junior age school boy elite rugby league program which now has a formal partnership with the Titans.

As a result of his outstanding performances for the Burleigh Bears, Keebra Park SHS and in junior representative sides in 2019 Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu signed a multi-year contract with the Gold Coast Titans in early 2020.

Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu made his Hastings Deering’s Colts debut for the Burleigh Bears in Round Twelve of the 2023 competition against the Redcliffe Dolphins with Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu running the ball from a Burleigh twenty metre tap restart and making ten metres with Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu then being awarded a penalty when he was not allowed to get to his feet promptly.

Then in the 27th minute Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu took a Dolphins kick-off on the full on his own twenty metre mark near the right touchline and was able to make ten metres. Then in the 39th minute Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu made twelve metres down the right channel to get the ball to twelve metres of the try line.

The 33rd minute saw Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu pick up a ball that had been lost forward by Redcliffe just eleven metres from their try line and after Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu shrugged off one defender he got to within a metre of the try line, three metres to the right of the uprights.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu also started at right centre in Round Thirteen against the Northern Pride with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu’s first run of the match arriving after just forty three seconds to get the ball to within four metres of the halfway mark.

The 24th minute from two passes to the right of a Burleigh scrum win from eight metres out from his own try line saw Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu run the ball down the right touchline to get the ball twenty four metres away from the try line.

Then in the 25th minute from the right of the play the ball Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu ran onto the ball from thirty nine metres from the try line with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu breaking two tackles and off-loading the ball to his right when he had reached twenty two metres from the try line.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu took another run in the 43rd minute from the right of the play the ball once again to carry the ball from twenty six metres from his own try line to the forty metres mark inside Burleigh territory.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu then made twenty metres downfield after picking up a dropped Northern Pride ball on his own forty metre mark and forced his way ten metres into Northern Pride territory.

In the 74th minute after receiving a pass on the end of a Burleigh backline spread to the right and on the halfway mark Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was able to promote the ball to thirty three metres out from the Northern Pride try line. Then in the 79th minute from the left of the play the ball and twenty eight metres from his own try line Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was able to get the ball to within six metres of the halfway mark.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu finished the match with a team leading 180 metres.

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 the kick and getting a pass inside to maintain possession for the Bears inside the attacking ten metre zone as the defence was trying to force Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu over the sideline.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was 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.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu also started at right second row in Round Two against the Souths Logan Magpies as well as Round Three against the Brisbane Tigers with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu coming desperately close to scoring in the 33rd minute when he did well to stay onside and chase through a Ryder Williams grubber kick into the in-goal but just at the last second the ball took a horror bounce that took the ball away from a desperate lunge by Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu made a good run in the 29th minute when he made sixteen metres down the right channel to get the ball withing forty metres of the try line.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu continued at right second row in Round Four against the Norths Devils with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu making a one on one steal in the 39th minute when the ball was thirty eighty metres out from the Bears try line with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamuto then able to make ten metres downfield after the strip of the ball.

As a result of his performance Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was named on the bench in the 2023 Courier Mail CC Cup Round Four Team of the Week.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu then started at right second row in Round Six against the Redcliffe Dolphins with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu making a strong run in the 15th minute when from twelve metres out and down the right channel Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu able to get the ball thirty two metres away from his try line.

Earlier in the match in the 9th minute Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu hit the Redcliffe fullback with a driving tackle inside his own half with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu forcing the fullback back over the opposite side of the halfway mark.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu also started at right second row in the Round Seven local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu recording a line break in the 61st minute

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu did very well in the 11th minute to collect cleanly and low down a Seagulls grubber kick just two metres from his own try line.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu did even better in the 37th minute when along with Sunny Kama he was able to hold up the Seagulls left centre over the try line five metres in from the right corner post. Then in the 55th minute along with Bailey McConnell, Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu smashed the Tweed Heads player who was returning a drop-out forcing him backwards before driving him into the ground on his back.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu made a line break down the right channel in the 61st minute when after receiving the ball from his left forty three metres out Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu broke two tackles and carried a few more defenders downfield as he charged to within ten metres of the try line.

From an attacking perspective Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu made a strong run in the 52nd minute with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu’s run starting thirty eight metres out from his try line and getting the ball five metres inside Seagulls territory.

In the 2023 MM Cup competition Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu made 127 tackles at an average of 21.17 tackles per match.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu’s performances saw him named on the bench in the 2023 Courier Mail MM Cup II Team of the Year.

Round Three of the 2023 GCRL U18 Division One competition saw Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu start at left second row for the Burleigh Bears against the Helensvale Hornets with Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu scoring a powerhouse hat trick in a big Burleigh victory.

Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu scored the first of his three tries in the 29th minute with a twenty eight metre run down the left sideline after receiving the ball from his inside with Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu getting the ball down four metres in from the left corner post.

Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu scored his second try in the 31st minute with a seven metre run to score after receiving a smart off-load from Bailey McConnell.

Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu completed his hat trick in the 36th minute with a six metre run to the left of the dummy half to score five metres in from the left corner post.

Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu also made a line break in the 31st minute when from twenty metres out from his own try line Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu broke two tackles before charging down the left touchline and was brought down by the Hornets fullback when he was only ten metres out from the try line.

Prior to his opening try Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu had made a strong run in the 6th minute when from forty metres out Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu charged to within eight metres of the try line with Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu breaking multiple tackles over the course of his run.

Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu also made a strong run in the 11th minute when down the left channel Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu made sixteen metres to get the ball four metres into Helensvale territory.

Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu also started at left second row in Round Four against the Currumbin Eagles with recording a line break in the 59th minute when after receiving the ball two passes to the left of the play the ball twenty metres from his own try line, Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu cut inside to beat one defender before bursting through the attempted tackle of two more with Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu then surging downfield to within thirty metres of the try line.

Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu started off his match with a strong run in the 20th minute from three from his own try line and to the right of the play the ball with Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu able to get the ball to the twenty metre mark.

Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu also did well in the 58th minute when after receiving the ball from his right from Bailey McConnell twelve metres inside his own territory Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was able to gain enough ground to get the ball twelve metres inside Currumbin territory.

Then from a Burleigh penalty tap restart in the 58th minute and eighteen metres out, Phillip Hakariaa-Ngamotu’s strong run almost saw him get all of the way to the try line but ultimately Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was dragged to ground two metres short.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu continued at left second row in Round Six against the Southport Tigers with Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu making a strong run in the 31st minute from two passes to the left of the play the ball with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu able to promote the ball from twenty two metres from his own try line to within two metres of the halfway mark.

Earlier in the 11th minute Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu did well to stop the Southport hooker from scoring from dummy half with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu initially stopping the hooker on the try line before forcing him back a few metres.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu also started at left second row in Round Eight against the Helensvale Hornets with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu recording a try assist in the 20th minute when from forty two metres from the try line and two passes to the left of the uprights, Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu engaged the defensive line before getting a right arm around the corner off-load away to his left for his left centre to race down the left touch line and score in the corner.

Earlier in the 8th minute Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu made fifteen metres after receiving an off-load five metres inside Hornets territory. Then in the 53rd minute ran the ball down the left channel from eighteen metres out from his own try line to thirty two metres out.

In late August 2023 Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was named in the South Queensland Māori U18 Representative side with Phillip Hakaraia-Ngamotu then named in the Queensland Māori U18 Tane squad for the 2023 QPICC Carnival.

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.

In October 2021 Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was part of the South Coast Māori side that were successful in the Queensland Māori U16 Tournament with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu subsequently was named in the Queensland Māori U16 side for the 2021 QPICC carnival.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu started all four of his matches at the QPICC Carnival in the front row being Match One against the Cook Islands, Match Two against PNG, Match Three against Tonga and Match Four against Samoa.

In June 2021, Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was a member of the Titans JTS U16 side that drew with a Titans U17 Northern Rivers Academy side at Cbus Stadium in a curtain raiser to the Titans NRL fixture against Manly.

In late October 2020, Philip Hakaaraia-Ngamotu was named in the Gold Coast Rugby League U16 Cyril Connell Cup Academy Squad and when the split occurred Philip Hakaaraia-Ngamotu was named in the Burleigh Bears Cyril Connell Cup squad.

Philip Hakaaraia-Ngamotu started in the second row in the Bears first 2021 U16 Cyril Connell Cup trail in early February 2021 against the Tweed Heads Seagulls Cyril Connell Cup squad and came off the bench in their second trial against the Easts Tigers.

In Round One of the 2021 Cyril Connell Cup, Philip Hakaaraia-Ngamotu started in the second row for the Bears side as they took on the Souths Logan Magpies and scored a strong try late in the match dragging two Souths Logan defenders over the line with him to score in the right corner.

Philip Hakaaraia-Ngamotu received the ball down a short blind side approximately six metres out from the line, beating two defenders who had rushed out of the line, once past those two defenders Philip Hakaaraia-Ngamotu surged towards the line, dragging another two defenders along for the ride to get the ball down three metres in from the right corner post at the car park end of Pizzey Park.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu also started at right second row in the Round Three local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls and made an immediate impression with a strong first up tackle on giant Seagulls front rower Taelon Te Whiu-Hopa.

Towards the end of the match in the 57th minute, Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu produced for me what as his best tackle of the match when he hit Tweed Heads second rower Max Murphy front on, stopping the Seagulls player dead in his tracks just two metres from the try line.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu also had a number of strong runs in the match, the first of which came in the 22nd minute with a ten metre effort to get Burleigh into Seagulls territory. Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu then backed that run up two tackles later with the speed of his run too quick for the defence who were penalised for being offside.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu produced another strong effort in the 28th minute with a run from a Burleigh penalty restart, initially taking the ball eighteen metres out from the line and getting to within three before being wrestled down by multiple Seagulls defenders. Then in the 37th minute Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu continued his hard running afternoon with a run of fourteen metres that once again got him to within a couple of metres of the try line.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu showcased his outstanding speed for a big strong second rower in the 47th minute with a huge fifty metre charge down the right side of the field. After receiving the ball thirty metres out from his own line Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu easily bumped off the first attempted tackle to break into space, outpacing the Seagulls cover defence. As he got to about twenty metres out from the try line Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu tried to set up his support on his inside but just as he was about to pass to his left the ball was stripped out of his grasp with Burleigh being awarded a penalty as a result.

Round Five against the Ipswich Jets saw Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu once against named to start at right second row however he was a late scratching from the match.

2021 also saw Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu once again represent Keebra Park State High School in school boy rugby league, starting Round One of the Walters Cup against Marsden State High School at right second row.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu also started Round Two against Redcliffe State High School at right second row and was involved in the opening tackle of the match and then also made the fourth tackle of the match.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu continued his strong start to the match in the 8th minute with a strong fourteen run down the right channel.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu also played some matches in the Langer Reserve competition in 2021 including starting from the bench in Round Six against PBC State High School.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was named to make his Langer Cup Open A debut in Round Six against Wavell State High School at right second row and what a debut it was with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu scoring just seven seconds into the match, yes seven seconds is correct.

Keebra Park SHS kicked off with the ball going high and it was subsequently caught by the wind. The ball came down on the twenty metre mark but was dropped by Wavell SHS with Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu coming through and picking the ball up in one motion whilst at full speed. Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu then veered slightly to his right and then charged over between two defenders to get the ball down mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the right side of the field.

After the competition was suspended for a number of weeks due to a Covid 19 lock down, Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was named on the bench for Keebra Park State High School in their semi-final against PBC State High School.

Post the 2021 season Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was named the 2021 Gold Coast Rugby League U16 Player of the Season.

2021 also saw Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu play for the Burleigh Bears in the Gold Coast Rugby League U16 Division One competition, including starting the Grand Final against the Southport Tigers at right second row.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu made some strong runs in Burleigh’s 24 – 18 Grand Final victory, none better than in the 33rd minute when he made fifteen metres through the centre of the Southport forward pack from a penalty restart.

In 2020 Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was part of the Keebra Park State High School Rugby League Academy representing his school with distinction across a number of Queensland school boy rugby league competitions.

After performing exceptionally well for the 219 Gold Coast Vikings U14 side at the Hill Stumer Championships that were held at the North Ipswich Reserve in Ipswich, Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu started in the second row, specifically right second row for the South East Queensland White side at the Queensland U14 Age Championships that were held on the Sunshine Coast.

At those Championships, Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu started all four of South East Queensland White’s matches in the second row and scored a double in their third against fourth 16 – 14 victory against Central.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu also scored in Game Three against South East Queensland Green to finish with a 75% strike rate, with his try against South East Queensland Green converted by fellow Titans contracted player, centre Brock Lennox.

As a result of his performances for the U14 Vikings and South East Queensland White Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was named the 2019 Gold Coast Rugby League U14 Representative Player of the Year.

For Burleigh in the 2019 GCRL U14 Division One regular season competition Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu started the majority of his twelve matches at right second row and scored eleven tries including a big four try effort in Round Eleven against Ormeau.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu’s remaining seven tries came in separate matches against Currumbin twice, Mudgeeraba twice, Helensvale, Ormeau and Beaudesert.

In Week Two of the 2019 U14 Division One Finals series, Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu started from the bench against Runaway Bay in a 40 – 6 win that that propelled Burleigh directly into the Grand Final.

In the 2019 U14 Division One Grand final Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu started at right second row and formed a lethal combination with Burleigh right centre Kalahni Lawrence and was rewarded with a try when he came back under his five eight to charge through a number of defenders to score adjacent to the right upright with the run accounting for fifteen metres and at least three broken tackles.

At the late September 2019 Gold Coast Rugby League Presentation Night, Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was named as the 2019 U14 GCRL Player of the Year, as well as the a fore mentioned representative Player of the Year.

In early October 2019 Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was named on the bench for the 2019 Nga Hau e Wha Maori Tournament U14 Boys Merit Team after his impressive performances across his matches in the tournament.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu is an exceptionally powerful aggressive ball runner who is adept at using late and quick footwork just prior to contact line which he hits with power and force in absolutely every hit up that he makes dropping his shoulder into the first defender that is looking to make the initial contact.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu’s ability to get low to engage the defenders with his shoulder rather than allowing them to get in and under his ribs and also a substantial leg drive means that he drives defenders backwards even after they had engaged him with significant force rather than allowing them to impact on his momentum.

In terms of ball skills, Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu was able to regularly get his right hand free to deliver offloads when engaged with the defensive line especially when he was running one pass up the ruck and deliver some very good offloads to his support runners.

Once he is in space, Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu actually has very good speed, I would consider it above average when analysing his speed from a rugby league forward’s perspective, to add to the difficulties for the defensive line, he runs with a high knee lift and also has a powerful fend.

Whilst his ball running skills are the first thing that you will likely notice when seeing Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu his defence is equally effective even though it may not be as noticeable at first glance. Defensively Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu has a hard edge to his play and his initial contact is more than sufficient to redirect the momentum of the ball carrier either in the centres or when defending in the forwards.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu sets a very good base with his lower body which he uses to look to use his opponents their own momentum against them.

Defensively Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu hits very hard and is adept at making sure the opposition do not get quick play the balls. Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu also has a touch of aggression in his play and definitely finishes off each tackle that he is involved in.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu will start the 2024 season likely with the Burleigh Bears in the GCRL U20 competition.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu spent some time in the front row in the GBJRL U13 competition in 2018 but since his move to the Gold Coast has spent the majority of his time in the second row. With his size, speed and mobility I would think that Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu, whilst certainly being able to play in the front row, is more suited to the second row where he can use his speed and footwork to terrorise defenders on the fringes of the ruck.

I can certainly see aspects of the play of Titans captain and Queensland State of Origin forward Tino Fa’asuamaleaui when I have watched Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu on the field, both are big strong and powerful hard running, hard tackling forwards with some real skill in their game on the fringes of the ruck which on occasion is somewhat unfairly overlooked.

Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu is an exceptionally talented player with an almost unlimited amount of potential. Unfortunately for Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu some people will just see his size and discount his success as a consequence, that would be exceptionally short sighted and woefully incorrect. Yes Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu is big, strong, powerful and exceptionally quick for his size, but Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu is also exceptionally skilful and also has the dedication and work ethic to go a long way in rugby league.

[mdrew]

Antwone Quinlan-Randall. In mid-December 2022 Antwone Quinlan-Randall was named in the New South Wales U16 Koori Representative Squad that played a Queensland U16 Murri Representative side in January 2023 with Antwone Quinlan-Randall starting the annual representative match from the bench.

In October 2022 Antwone Quinlan-Randall was named in the 2023 Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup squad who will be looking to win back to back competitions after their outstanding 2022 literally last minute Grand Final success.

Antwone Quinlan-Randall was named to start at lock in Round Two against the Central Coast Roosters with Antwone Quinlan-Randall’s opening run coming in the 4th minute from the right of the play the ball from forty two metres out with Antwone Quinlan-Randall getting the ball to within thirty metres of the try line.

Antwone Quinlan-Randall made a further strong run in the 22nd minute when after running onto the ball to the left of the paly the ball, Antwone Quinlan-Randall made sixteen metres to get the ball into the Northern Rivers Titans attacking twenty metre area.

Antowne Quinlan-Randall was also named at lock for Round Three against the South Coast Dragons with Antowne Quinlan-Randall making the fifth hit-up of the match. Then in the 4th minute Antowne Quinlan-Randall made a stepping run of fifteen metres from the left of the play the ball to get the ball withing thirty metres of the try line.

Antowne Quinlan-Randall also made a strong hit-up in the 18th minute when from the left of the play the ball Antowne Quinlan-Randall burst onto the ball on the halfway mark and broke two tackles as he progressed to within twenty five metres out from the try line.

Antowne Quinlan-Randall also started at lock in Round Four against the Northern Tigers with Antowne Quinlan-Randall making the first of a number of strong runs in the 6th minute with a sixteen metre run to the left of the play the ball with Antowne Quinlan-Randall getting the ball to within ten metres of the try line.

Antowne Quinlan-Randall made a strong tackle in the 57th minute on the Tigers five eight forty metres out from the try line.

Antowne Quinlan-Randall also started at lock in Round Five against the North Coast Bulldogs with Antowne Quinlan-Randall making the third hit-up of the match to get the ball to the halfway mark.

Round One of the 2023 NRRRL U18 competition saw Antowne Quinlan-Randall named on the bench for the Lower Clarence Magpies against the Mullumbimby Giants even though Antowne Quinlan-Randall is still U16 eligible in 2023 and after coming onto the field in the 22nd minute Antowne Quinlan-Randall made a number of strong runs through the centre of the field.

Antowne Quinlan-Randall also came off the bench in Round Three against Casino with Antowne Quinlan-Randall coming onto the field to operate at right second row in the 24th minute.

Antowne Quinlan-Randall continued off the bench in Round Four against the Ballina Seagulls with Antowne Quinlan-Randall coming onto the field to operate at left second row in the 13th minute.

Just a few minutes later in the 16th minute from the left of the play the ball Antowne Quinlan-Randall carried the ball from thirty five metres out from the try line to twenty metres out with Antowne Quinlan-Randall getting an off-load away to his right then almost immediately Antowne Quinlan-Randall got the ball back and got the ball to within three metres of the try line and ten metres in from the left touchline.

Antowne Quinlan-Randall also started from the bench in Round Six against the Murwillumbah Mustangs.

Antowne Quinlan-Randall made his career first NRRRL U18 start in Round Nine against the Cudgen Hornets with Antowne Quinlan-Randall starting in the front row with Antowne Quinlan-Randall making his presence felt in the 15th minute with a big right shoulder tackle in the Hornets left centre forcing a knock on six metres out from the try line. Then from the resultant Magpies scrum feed Antowne Quinlan-Randall charged onto the ball fifteen metres out and to the right of the scrum to get the ball to within two metres of the try line.

Antowne Quinlan-Randall made another strong run in the 21st minute from the left of the play the ball to get the ball from ten metres inside his own territory to six metres inside Cudgen territory.

Antowne Quinlan-Randall then started in the front row in Round Sixteen against the Casino Cougars with Antowne Quinlan-Randall running onto the ball in the 3rd minute from the right of the play the ball to carry the ball from thirty eight metres from his own try line to four metres into Casino territory.

In the 18th minute from the right of the dummy half and thirty seven metres out from his own try line Antowne Quinlan-Randall was able to promote the ball to the halfway mark with 60% of Antowne Quinlan-Randall’s metres post contact. Then in the 27th minute Antowne Quinlan-Randall made a good kick-off return after taking the kick-on on the bounce and get the ball out to the twenty five metre mark.

Antowne Quinlan-Randall, 31st minute from two passes to the left of the play the ball was able to get the ball to the thirty seven metre mark after receiving the ball twenty two metres out from his own try line. Then in the 53rd minute from the left of the play the ball Antowne Quinlan-Randall surged onto the ball forty metres from his own try line and got the ball seven metres into Casino territory.

In the 28th minute Antowne Quinlan-Randall put a big front on hit over the top on the Casino left second rower No. 11 thirty eight metres from the try line.

Antowne Quinlan-Randall then started from the bench in the Week One Elimination Final against the Bilambil Jets and after coming onto the field to play in the front row in the 16th minute Antowne Quinlan-Randall immediately charged onto the ball from the left of the dummy half to run the ball through the centre of the field to within twelve metres of the try line.

In the 21st minute from the left of the play the ball and eight metres from his own try line Antowne Quinlan-Randall made a good yardage carry to get the ball to the twenty metre mark. Then a minute later in the 22nd minute from the right of the play the ball Antowne Quinlan-Randall was able to carry the ball from six metres inside his own territory to seven metres into Bilambil territory. The 31st minute then saw Antowne Quinlan-Randall make a strong kick-off return from the half time restart to carry the ball back to the twenty metre mark.

In 2022 Antwone Quinlan-Randall played for the Clarence Coast Magpies in the Group One U15 competition including starting at lock in the Magpies 32 – 18 Grand Final victory against the Kyogle Turkeys after Antwone Quinlan-Randall also started at lock in the Magpies outstanding extra time Preliminary Final victory against the Grafton Ghosts with Antwone Quinlan-Randall playing well in both of those contests.

Over the course of the 2022 Group One U15 season Antwone Quinlan-Randall scored nine tries including scoring a hat trick in Round Seven against Lismore Marist and Antwone Quinlan-Randall also scored a double in Round Twelve also against Marist.

Antwone Quinlan-Randall also scored in Round Six against the Grafton Ghosts, Round Eight against Casino RSM, Round Ten against the South Grafton Rebels and in the Preliminary Final against the Grafton Ghosts.

Antwone Quinlan-Randall finished the 2022 Group One U15 season as the competition’s equal 7th leading try scorer with nine tries and also finished as the competitions 11th leading points scorer with thirty six points.

Antwone Quinlan-Randall also played for the Clarence Coast Magpies in the 2021 Group One U14 competition with Antwone Quinlan-Randall once again playing at lock with Antwone Quinlan-Randall scoring six tries in the Covid 19 impacted season.

Antwone Quinlan-Randall scored a double in Round Eight against Lismore Marist and also scored against Ballina in Round One, South Grafton in Round Two, Kyogle in Round Four and against Casino RSM in Rounds Seven and Thirteen.

In attack Antwone Quinlan-Randall runs very hard and straight and is bit of a tear away type of second rower, in club football in the 2022 Group One Junior Rugby League competition Antwone Quinlan-Randall was almost unstoppable in the U15 competition and constantly crashed through the initial defensive line.

Over the course of the last couple of seasons Antwone Quinlan-Randall has changed from just very straight to either using cutting back behind the play the ball or using some footwork prior to the line. For a front rower or lock Antwone Quinlan-Randall has actually quite decent speed off the mark and has a bit of an extra burst once he gets into the clear.

I have not seen a great deal of offloads from Antwone Quinlan-Randall in the matches that I have seen with the primary reason for that being he is intent on engaging the defensive line and once engaged Antwone Quinlan-Randall’s primary focus is making as much ground as possible and getting a quick play the ball to maintain his team’s momentum.

In defence Antwone Quinlan-Randall is not a consistent big hitter but will not miss the opportunity to put one on if the opportunity presents, but is quite aggressive during the tackle, preferring to make sure that the tackle is made and is very effective both in terms of initial contact and also coming in a wrapping up the football.

Antwone Quinlan-Randall also covers inside well. When at marker Antwone Quinlan-Randall works hard and always gets out of marker quickly to put pressure on the kicker. Antwone Quinlan-Randall is not flashy but does a lot of the tough defensive work in the centre of the field.

In 2024 Antwone Quinlan-Randall will play for the Lower Clarence Magpies in the NRRRL U18 competition.

Antwone Quinlan-Randall is a big strong powerful young man with some good ball skills both prior to the defensive line and whilst engaged with the line thus lock shapes to be Antwone Quinlan-Randall’s best position. Also with his speed Antwone Quinlan-Randall is effective running a touch wider of the centre of the ruck, another reason why lock is likely to be Antwone Quinlan-Randall’s best position when all is said and done.

For me an NRL player with the same style of play of Antwone Quinlan-Randall is former Brisbane Bronco, Queensland State of Origin and Australian International Test forward Sam Thaiday. Like Thaiday, Antwone Quinlan-Randall plays rugby league with almost reckless abandon and certainly is an all effort type of player with deceptive speed for a big middle forward and one that will lead by example.

Also like Thaiday, on occasion Antwone Quinlan-Randall’s extensive skill may be over looked as people assume that Antwone Quinlan-Randall is just a heads down, straight running hard type of player. I can assure people that is definitely not the case when talking about Antwone Quinlan-Randall and his skill set.

[mdrew]

Immanuel Kalakale. The immensely powerful young man originally from Auckland came over to Australia from New Zealand to commence training with the Titans JTS Program and was unleashed by Keebra Park SHS in the 2021 School Boy season to universal praise.

Immanuel Kalekale was initially contracted to the Titans until the end of the 2022 season which was to the completion of Immanuel Kalekale’s senior year at Keebra Park SHS and the final year of his U18 eligibility but in early 2022 Immanuel Kalekale signed an extended contract with the Titans that will take him to the end of the 2024 season at least. Immanuel Kalekale’s new two year contract saw him join the Titans NRL side for the 2022/23 NRL off-season when it kicked off on November 1, 2022, on a train and trial basis.

In early December 2022 Immanuel Kalekale took part in a joint training session between the Titans JTS contracted players and the Titans NRL off-season training squad. The 2022/23 off-season also saw Immanuel Kalekale also undertake a number of sessions with the Burleigh Bears Queensland Cup squad.

In January 2023 Immanuel Kalekale was named to start from the bench for the Titans U19 side in their annual match at Coffs Harbour against the Newcastle Knights with Immanuel Kalekale putting in a powerhouse performance after ultimately starting the match in the front row for the Titans.

Immanuel Kalekale made a strong line break in just the 5th minute when from ten metres inside his own territory burst through the Knights defensive line after he had received a good short ball from his left from Nicholas Hilton with Immanuel Kalekale getting the ball fifteen metres into Newcastle territory.

Immanuel Kalekale then did well in the 42nd minute with a strong run to the right of the play the ball from five metres inside his own territory to Immanuel Kalekale able to get the ball twelve metres inside Knights territory.

Immanuel Kalekale made his first appearance for the Burleigh Bears Hastings Deering’s Colts side when he came off the bench in Round Eight against the Norths Devils with Immanuel Kalekale scoring in the 43rd minute when from a Burleigh penalty tap restart ten metres from the try line, Immanuel Kalekale took the pass and immediately ran to his left and after running over the top of one defender Immanuel Kalekale carried four defenders over the try line to get the ball down four metres to the left of the uprights.

After coming onto the field to operate in the front row in the 24th minute Immanuel Kalekale took his initial hit-up of the match almost immediately with a hit-up from the halfway mark and to the right of the play the ball with Immanuel Kalekale carrying the ball to sixteen metres inside Norths territory. Then a minute later from the right of the play the ball Immanuel Kalekale received the ball twenty eight metres out from the try line and was able to make ten metres.

Then from a kick-off return in the 26th minute Immanuel Kalekale was able to promote the ball to the twenty two metre mark with a 33rd minute kick-off also seeing Immanuel Kalekale carrying the ball over the twenty metre mark.

The 33rd minute saw Immanuel Kalekale take a hit-up from the left of the play the ball from ten metres out from his own try lien to twenty eight metres out with 60% of Immanuel Kalekale’s post contact. Then in the 37th minute from the right of the dummy half and eight metres inside his own territory Immanuel Kalekale got the ball eight metres inside Norths territory.

Immanuel Kalekale added another strong run to his match in the 38th minute from the left of the play the ball with Immanuel Kalekale doing well to take the ball low down and was still able to make eleven metres from the twenty metre mark. Then in the 39th minute from a Burleigh penalty restart Immanuel Kalekale carried the ball from forty metres out to twenty metes out.

The 46th minute saw Immanuel Kalekale, from five metres inside his own territory charge onto the ball from the left of the dummy half with Immanuel Kalekale getting to eleven metres inside Devils territory.

Impressively Immanuel Kalekale ran for 196 metres in the match.

After being injured playing for the Titans U19 side in early 2023 Immanuel Kalekale returned to the field in the GCRL First Grade competition in Round Four for the Helensvale Hornets against the Tugun Seahawks with Immanuel Kalekale coming off the bench for the Hornets.

Immanuel Kalekale then moved into the Hornets starting side in the front row in Round Five against Runaway Bay. Immanuel Kalekale also started in the front row and was at his aggressive best in Round Eight against the Burleigh Bears.

Immanuel Kalekale also started in the front row in Round Nine against the Tugun Seahawks with Immanuel Kalekale making the opening tackle of the match.

Immanuel Kalekale then made good ground from a Helensvale penalty tap restart from ten metres inside Hornets territory with Immanuel Kalekale able to drag defenders with him to get the ball three metres inside Tugun territory. Then in the 23rd minute after receiving an off-load from his right when twenty metres out, Immanuel Kalekale got within centremetres of scoring before being dragged to ground two metres to the left of the uprights.

Immanuel Kalekale made not just his best run of the match in the 44th minute but the best run of the match full stop, when from the left of the dummy half and thirty metres out form his own try line Immanuel Kalekale crashed and smashed his way to ten metres inside Tugun territory breaking five tackles with at least 80% of Immanuel Kalekale’s metres being post his contact with the Seahawks defensive line,

Then in the 72nd minute from the right of the play the ball Immanuel Kalekale carried the ball from forty three metres from the try line wot thirty metres with Immanuel Kalekale then able to get his right arm free and get an off-load away to his right.

Immanuel Kalekale then started from the bench in Round Ten against Runaway Bay with Immanuel Kalekale scoring a double with his first try coming in the 25th minute when with a Helensvale play the ball less than a foot from the try line and ten metres in from the right touchline, Immanuel Kalekale moved into dummy half and burrowed over to his right to get the ball down nine metres in from the right corner post.

Immanuel Kalekale added a second try in the 76th minute when from the right of the play the ball Immanuel Kalekale charged onto the ball from nine metres out and carried three defenders with him as Immanuel Kalekale crashed over to get the ball down under the posts.

Immanuel Kalekale also started from the bench in Round Eleven against the Currumbin Eagles with Immanuel Kalekale coming onto the field to operate in the front row late in the first half with Immanuel Kalekale coming close to scoring in the 44th minute with a ten metre charge at the try line from the right of the play the ball with Immanuel Kalekale breaking two tackles as he got over the try line over to be held up midway between the goal posts and corner post on the right side of the field.

The 43rd minute saw Immanuel Kalekale run onto the ball to the left of the play the ball and carry the ball from his own forty metre mark to a metre inside Eagles territory. Then in the 52nd minute from the right of the play the ball and twenty two metres out Immanuel Kalekale got the ball to in front of the goal posts ten metres out.

The 54th minute saw Immanuel Kalekale run the ball from the left of the dummy half to get the ball from ten metres out from his try line to twenty metres out. Immanuel Kalekale followed up with another run in the 62nd minute from a Hornets penalty tap restart from ten metres out to twenty two metres out from his try line.

After receiving an off-load from his left in the 71st minute Immanuel Kalekale carried the ball from forty two metres out from his own try line to three metres inside Currumbin territory after stepping off his left foot with three defenders required to get Immanuel Kalekale to the ground.

The 78th minute saw Immanuel Kalekale receive an unexpected off-load whilst stationary and defenders all around him but Immanuel Kalekale was still able to make six metres.

Immanuel Kalekale then started at lock in Round Twelve against the Southport Tigers with Immanuel Kalekale scoring in just the 4th minute of the match from the right of the play the ball. After receiving the ball sixteen metres from the try line Immanuel Kalekale engaged a Southport defender eight metres out and after shrugging him off Immanuel Kalekale forced his way past two more defenders before carrying three more over the try line with him to get the ball down mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the right side of the field.

The 7th minute saw Immanuel Kalekale take a hit-up from twenty one metres out to ten metres out from the left of the play the ball in front of the left upright with Immanuel Kalekale making more good metres in the 28th minute from the left of the play the ball once again to get the ball from fifteen metres out from his own try line to thirty three metres out with at least 65% of Immanuel Kalekale’s metres being post contact with the Tigers defensive line.

Immanuel Kalekale then in the 43rd minute ran onto the ball to the right of the dummy half from four metres inside Southport territory to thirty three metres away from the try line.

Immanuel Kalekale then moved to left second row in Round Thirteen against the Burleigh Bears with Immanuel Kalekale holding the ball up well in the 2nd minute before passing to his left from twenty two metres down a short left blindside to Brent Barnes to race away to score in the corner.

Then in the 19th minute on the left side of the field Immanuel Kalekale carried three defenders from eleven metres out to within centremetres of the try line three metres in from the left corner post. The 31st minute then saw Immanuel Kalekale take the ball and from a standing start was still able to get the ball to within ten metres of the try line after taking possession twenty one metres out.

Immanuel Kalekale ran onto the ball once again to the left of the dummy half in the 35th minute from thirteen metres from his own try line to thirty one metres out.

Round Twelve of the GCRL U20 competition saw Immanuel Kalekale start at lock against the Southport Tigers with Immanuel Kalekale with Immanuel Kalekale kicking the first conversion of his senior rugby league career when in the 14th minute Immanuel Kalekale kicked his conversion with a good right foot strike from ten metres to the left of the uprights.

Immanuel Kalekale also scored in the 9th minute when after running onto the ball to the right of the play the ball around eleven metres out, Immanuel Kalekale initially had to pause on his run as the ball was passed just behind him, but after securing possession Immanuel Kalekale surged forward and after barging over the top of three hapless defenders Immanuel Kalekale reached out with the ball in his right arm to score next to the uprights.

Earlier in the match Immanuel Kalekale had made the third hit-up of the match from his own thirty metre mark to forty four metres out. Then in the 7th minute from the left of the play the ball Immanuel Kalekale was able to carry the ball from forty metres from the try line to thirty metres out. Also in the 11th minute from the right of the play the ball six metres inside Tigers territory Immanuel Kalekale initially shaped to pass to his right but ran the ball himself to get to thirty metres out.

Immanuel Kalekale then moved to left second row in Round Thirteen against the Helensvale Hornets and inside the opening minute of the match after running onto the ball to the left of the play the ball Immanuel Kalekale was able to run the ball from thirty five metres from his own try line to the halfway mark.

Then in the 6th minute once again from the left of the play the ball Immanuel Kalekale made eight metres from his own twenty five metre mark before getting an off-load away to his right. Immanuel Kalekale then backed up in the 7th minute from the left of the dummy half to get the ball from thirty three metres from the try line to twenty metres out with once again Immanuel Kalekale able to get a right arm off-load away to his left.

In late 2022 Immanuel Kalekale was selected in the 2023 Burleigh Bears Hastings Deering’s Colts squad and Immanuel Kalekale is also Colts eligible in 2024.

In late January 2022 Immanuel Kalekale started from the bench for the Titans U19 side in a trial match at Pizzey Park against the Burleigh Hastings Deering’s Colts side with Immanuel Kalakale coming off the bench halfway through the first half to operate in the front row.

Immanuel Kalekale was one of the Titans better performers overall and the Titans best forward in the match including scoring in the 38th minute when on the right side of the field Immanuel Kalekale ran into a gap around ten minutes and got a great double pumped pass from is inside from Thomas Weaver. Upon contact with the defensive line and still eight metres out Immanuel Kalekale spun 360 degrees counter clockwise to break contact before Immanuel Kalekale rumbled forward to crash over ten metres out from the right upright.

Immanuel Kalekale made a strong ten metre burst in the 27th minute when he ran off the dummy half to the right of the play the ball to get the ball within thirty minutes of the try line. Then Immanuel Kalekale backed that run up three minutes later in the 30th minute to get the ball within ten metres of the try line.

Immanuel Kalekale continued his strong first half in the 35th minute when he ran back inside coming underneath Tom Weaver, receiving the ball eighteen metres out and pushing his way to within two metres of the line before his forward momentum was finally halted.

After coming back on for his second stint on the field in the second half, in the 74th minute, Immanuel Kalekale got the ball out to the thirty metre mark after charging onto the ball from the Burleigh kick-off after Jack Cullen’s close range try.

In late July 2022 Immanuel Kalekale started from the bench 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 Immanuel Kalekale coming in the match in the in the 30th minute to operate in the front row.

The 189cm, 105kg powerhouse Immanuel Kalekale attended the renowned Auckland High School, Kelston Boys High School, playing both rugby and rugby league prior to his move over to the Gold Coast in time for the 2021 season.

In mid-December 2021 Immanuel Kalekale 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 Immanuel Kalekale was named in the powerful Burleigh Bears 2022 U18 MM Cup squad for the second season in a row.

Round One of the 2022 MM Cup competition saw Immanuel Kalekale named on the bench for the Burleigh Bears against the Easts Tigers however the match was rained out due to extreme weather conditions.

Immanuel Kalekale was then named to start on the bench for Round Two against the Souths Logan Magpies with Immanuel Kalekale coming off the bench to operate in the front row just after mid-way through the first half.

Immanuel Kalekale made a great charge in the 46th minute when after receiving the ball forty metres out from the try line and to the left of the dummy half Immanuel Kalekale broke four tackles in a twenty nine metre charge to get the ball to within eleven metres of the try line. Xavier Asi scored in the left corner two tackles later.

Immanuel Kalekale also was named to start from the bench in Round Three against the Norths Devils however Immanuel Kalekale ended up starting the match in the front row with Immanuel Kalekale taking the second hit-up of the match after Norths had kicked-off.

Immanuel Kalekale was then named on the bench for Round Six against the Redcliffe Dolphins with Immanuel Kalekale coming onto the field to play in the front row late in the first half. Immanuel Kalekale’s first run came in the 31st minute and it was definitely worth the wait as he charged at the line before cutting back towards his left slightly to make twenty strong metres to get within eight metres of the try line with the majority of the run being accounted for with post contact metres.

Immanuel Kalekale was also named to start from the bench in the Round Seven local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls however he was a late scratching from the match.

Immanuel Kalekale was named in the front row for the Burleigh Bears second 2022 trial against the Tweed Heads Seagulls and made the opening tackle from the kick-off in conjunction with front row partner Joseph Shannon.

The 11th minute saw Immanuel Kalekale make a strong run of fifteen when he took the hit-up to the right of the dummy half to take the ball well over the halfway mark and then in the 13th Immanuel Kalekale made another strong run on this occasion making ten metres into a set Seagulls defensive line after Burleigh received a penalty from a Seagulls which went over the dead ball line on the full.

Immanuel Kalekale’s strong match continued in the 20th minute with a twelve metre effort to the right of the dummy half to get the ball to within twenty eight metres of the try line.

Immanuel Kalekale also started from the bench for Burleigh’s final trial against the Western Clydesdales coming into the match to play in the front row late in the first half with Immanuel Kalekale scoring an outstanding solo try.

In the 55th minute Immanuel Kalekale charged onto the ball two passes off a Burleigh penalty restart twenty metres out from the try line. Since twelve metres from the line, Immanuel Kalekale bumped of the initial three defenders to tried to tackle him and then he brushed off three more around ten metres out before Immanuel Kalekale carried four more defenders over the try line to get the ball down twelve metres in from the right corner.

Immanuel Kalekale in the 38th minute produced a great charge of twenty one metres, breaking five tackles with the run commencing on his own ten metre mark. Then a minute later Immanuel Kalekale as at it again with a sixteen metre effort to get the ball to near the halfway mark.

In March 2022 Immanuel Kalekale was selected in the South Coast School Boy Rugby League U18 Representative side after successfully negotiating the trials starting Match One against Northern from the bench, coming on to operate in the front row in the 14th minute.

Probably Immanuel Kalekale’s best run of the match came in the 27th minute when he made eighteen metres to get within eight metres of the try line after he had charged onto the ball to the right of the play the ball.

Immanuel Kalekale also started from the bench in Match Two against Met North coming on in the 10th minute to operate in the front row with Immanuel Kalekale’s first run coming almost immediately when he returned the ball from a Met North goal line drop-out with Immanuel Kalekale getting the ball back to within twenty eight metres of the try line.

Immanuel Kalekale made another strong hit-up in the 15th minute when he made twelve metres after receiving the ball to the right of the dummy half. The just two minutes later in the 17th minute Immanuel Kalekale received the ball to the right of the play the ball just inside his own territory and after bumping off one would be tackler just inside Met North territory Immanuel Kalekale was able to extend his run a further ten metres after the initial defensive contact.

At the conclusion of the Championships Immanuel Kalekale was named in the 2022 Queensland Open School Boy Rugby League Representative side.

Immanuel Kalekale started from the bench in Queensland’s opening round of the Championships against the Australian Capital Territory with Immanuel Kalekale coming off the bench to operate in the front row in the 18th minute.

Immanuel Kalekale also came off the bench in Match Two being the semi-final against NSW CIS with Immanuel Kalekale coming onto the field in the 23rd minute to operate in the front row.

Immanuel Kalekale scored a strong try in the 57th minute when from ten metres from the try lien and to the left of the left the ball Immanuel Kalekale charged onto the ball and burst through three tackles to score next to the left upright.

Not long after coming onto the field being in the 23rd minute, Immanuel Kalekale made strong front on tackle on the ACT No. 10 with Immanuel Kalekale’s heavy initial contact stopping him in his tracks. Then just after that occurrence Immanuel Kalekale made a strong twenty five metre run from the right of the play the ball from right on the halfway mark.

Immanuel Kalekale added another strong run in the 45th minute when from the right of the play the ball and twenty five metres from his own try line Immanuel Kalekale cut back towards the area behind the markers and broke three tackles to get the ball to the halfway mark.

Unfortunately due to an injury suffered in the semi-final Immanuel Kalekale missed Queensland Grand Final victory against NSW CHS.

Round One of the 2022 Langer Cup School Boy competition saw Immanuel Kalekale start from the bench for Keebra Park State High School against Ipswich State High School with Immanuel Kalekale making a huge charge after Ipswich SHS kicked off to get the second half underway.

Immanuel Kalekale then moved into the starting side in the front row in Round Two against Coombabah State High School with Immanuel Kalekale taking the third hit-up of the match.

Immanuel Kalekale almost scored in the 46th minute but he was held up over the try line after charging at the line from sixteen metres out and breaking four tackles before the line.

Immanuel Kalekale made another strong charge in the 9th minute from the second hit-up from the kick-off to Keebra Park SHS’s opening try. Immanuel Kalekale burst between two defenders but he was tripped up and went down on one knee but was back p and running in a heartbeat to make a further six metres to make his run fourteen metres gained in total.

Immanuel Kalekale was at it again in the 15th minute with a charge to the right of the play the ball and forty metres out with Immanuel Kalekale cutting back to behind the play the ball to make fourteen metres.

Immanuel Kalekale continued his strong efforts with the ball in the 45th minute from the kick-off return of Jaxon Yow’s try with Immanuel Kalekale getting the ball twenty eight metres away from his own try line.

Immanuel Kalekale had another strong kick-off return in the 52nd minute on that occasion getting the ball thirty two metres away from his own line after Taniela Mapusua-Lotaki’s try. Immanuel Kalekale also made it to thirty two metres from his own try line in the 58th minute from yet another kick-off return.

As was evidenced in the 55th minute Immanuel Kalekale did not just no damage returning kicks, as in the 55th minute Immanuel Kalekale cut back underneath Arama Hau and burst through two tackles and make sixteen metres to get the ball ten metres into Coombabah SHS territory.

Immanuel Kalekale continued in the front row in Round Three against Marsden State High School with Immanuel Kalekale involved in the opening tackle of the match after Keebra Park SHS had kicked-off to get the match underway. Immanuel Kalekale then backed up to make the third tackle of the match.

Immanuel Kalekale made a good defensive read in the 46th minute when after Marsden SHS appeared to his throwing the ball wide to their right the halfback tried to cut back towards the centre of the field but Immanuel Kalekale had identified the threat and raced across to his left and smashed the halfback with a heavy front on tackle.

Immanuel Kalekale was named on the Keebra Park SHS extended bench for their Langer Cup Quarter Final against Marymount Collage as well as the Semi-final against PBC SHS.

At the completion of the 2022 School Boy Langer Cup competition Immanuel Kalekale was named in the front row in the 2022 Courier Mail Langer Cup Team of the Season. Immanuel Kalekale was also named as the 25th best School Boy Rugby League or Rugby player in the 2022 Courier Mail Top 30 school boys.

2022 saw Immanuel Kalekale line-up once again for the Nerang Roosters in the Gold Coast Rugby League U18 Division One competition with his first 2022 match in Roosters colours coming in Round Five when Immanuel Kalekale was named to come off the bench against the Helensvale Hornets as Nerang chased back to back Premierships but unfortunately Immanuel Kalekale was ruled out of the match late in the week.

Round Nine against the Burleigh Bears saw Immanuel Kalekale start from the bench with Immanuel Kalekale a barnstorming try in the 49th minute. Immanuel Kalekale charged onto the ball to the right of the play the ball thirty three metres out from the line after a short Burleigh kick-off bursting through three defenders one of whom almost got Immanuel Kalekale to ground but he was able to maintain his balance and then the Burleigh hooker tried to effect a one on one strip but Immanuel Kalekale was just too strong and shrugged him off and kept progressing towards the try line before crashing over two metres to the left of the uprights as the Bears fullback tried in vain to prevent Immanuel Kalekale from scoring.

Immanuel Kalekale came onto the field in the 26th minute to operate in the front row with is first run shortly after when he carried the ball fifteen metres into Burleigh territory after taking possession to the right of the play the ball.

After missing a number of rounds, Immanuel Kalekale came off the bench in Round Fourteen against the Ormeau Shearers with Immanuel Kalekale scoring an astonishing try in the 55th minute after coming on to operate in the front row in the 48th minute.

In the 55th minute Immanuel Kalekale received the ball from his left thirty five metres out and as a result of a strong left arm fend Immanuel Kalekale got on the outside of the Shearers defensive line and charged down the right touchline. When still twenty metres out Immanuel Kalekale beat a second defender with a left arm fend and used a left arm fend to beat a third ten metres out before getting the ball down in the left corner. Immanuel Kalekale then stepped up to take the conversion but the ball fell short of the posts to be waved away.

Immanuel Kalekale then started from the bench in Round Sixteen against the Burleigh Bears with Immanuel Kalekale scoring in the 41st minute when after receiving the ball to the left of the play the ball around eight metres out Immanuel Kalekale held off one defender with his right arm and crashed over to score ten metres in from the left corner post.

In the 26th minute from deep inside his own territory Immanuel Kalekale charged onto the ball to the left of the play with the ball with Immanuel Kalekale able to get the ball out of Nerang’s twenty metre area as a result of making twelve metres. Then two tackles later Immanuel Kalekale made a further twelve metres after once again running onto the ball to the left of the play the ball with Immanuel Kalekale getting the ball two metres into Burleigh territory.

After missing a number of rounds through injury Immanuel Kalekale started at right second row in the 2022 GCRL U18 Division One Preliminary Final against the Helensvale Hornets as the Nerang Roosters qualified for the Grand Final on the back of a 26 – 18 victory.

Immanuel Kalekale made his first run of the match in the 7th minute when from just inside his own territory Immanuel Kalekale ran the ball down the right channel and after bumping off one defender Immanuel Kalekale got away a right arm off-load to his inside.

Then in the 32nd minute Immanuel Kalekale charged onto the ball on the right side of the field from twelve metres out and whilst still running to his right Immanuel Kalekale whilst in contact with two defenders Immanuel Kalekale got to the try line but was ultimately forced back a metre near the right corner.

The 2022 Gold Coast Rugby League U18 Division One Grand Final saw Immanuel Kalekale start at right second row for the Nerang Roosters with Immanuel Kalekale scoring a powerhouse try in the 36th minute when after receiving an off-load eight metres out and on the right side of the field, Immanuel Kalekale took off from a standing start and broke through four tackles to crash over to score mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the right side of the field.

Immanuel Kalekale had come close to scoring earlier in the match in the 6th minute when he juggled a difficult pass but as he was about to score in the right corner Immanuel Kalekale could not regain possession.

Immanuel Kalekale was also heavily involved in Dorian Lotaki’s 58th minute try which temporarily gave the Roosters the lead late in the match. After an eighteen metre charge from the right of the play the ball to around twelve metres out from the try line, Immanuel Kalekale with multiple defenders still on him, executed a lightning quick play the ball with Dorian Lotaki taking advantage of the still back peddling defensive line to crash over ten metres to the left of the uprights.

Inside the opening minute of the Grand Final the Eagles know that they had their hands full with Immanuel Kalekale when he charged into the ball to the right of the play the ball and made a twenty five metres line break to get the ball within twelve metres of the try line.

Immanuel Kalekale made another strong charge in the 22nd minute when from thirty eight metres out and to the left of the play the ball, Immanuel Kalekale rumbled sixteen metres downfield.

Immanuel Kalekale showed that he is also a hard hitter from a defensive perspective in the 18th minute when Immanuel Kalekale smashed one of the Eagles replacement front rowers (No. 17) just on the try line to prevent a Currumbin try.

Immanuel Kalekale executed another big tackle in the 34th minute in front of his own posts when Immanuel Kalekale smashed the Currumbin right second rower (No. 11) with the ball flying loose with Nerang hooker Dorian Lotaki picking up the ball just metres out from the Nerang try line and making twenty metres downfield.

Immanuel Kalekale made his first appearance in a Titans jersey for the Titans U17 side that played their annual match against the Newcastle Knights in Coffs Harbour in January 2021 with Immanuel Kalekale starting the match from the bench and coming on in the first half to play in the front row for the Titans.

Immanuel Kalekale made a positive impact when he came on as the Titans were impressive in their 32 – 20 victory including an exceptional charge late in the match where he made at least thirteen metres through the middle of the Knights forward pack. Overall it was an impressive Titans debut for Immanuel Kalekale punctuated by some powerful hit-ups and a high work rate in both attack and defence.

Immanuel Kalekale’s first hit-out with the 2021 Burleigh Bears MM Cup side came when he started on the bench in the Bears second trial against the Easts Tigers at Langland’s Park. Immanuel Kalekale did not come into the match until the final twenty minutes, playing in the front row but what a cameo appearance he had.

Immanuel Kalakale’s initial contribution was a strong twenty metre charge directly into the heart of the Tigers forward pack off a Titans penalty restart just inside Tigers territory. Immanuel Kalekale contributed another strong charge in the 65th minute when he took the hit-up from the Easts Tigers kick-off from Syris Schmidt’s try. In the same set of six Immanuel Kalekale made fifteen more metres from another hit-up and was awarded a penalty when the Easts Tigers defence did not allow him to his feet quickly enough.

In Round One of the 2021 MM Cup competition, Immanuel Kalekale started from the bench against the Souths Logan Magpies and as him did in the trial against Easts, Immanuel Kalekale produced an impressive display starting with a moment in the 28th minute when a ball was kicked into his shins, Immanuel Kalekale retrieved the bouncing ball bursting twenty metres downfield from a standing start, breaking two tackles along the way. The second attempted tackle actually tripped Immanuel Kalekale who went to ground but was not held and whilst siting down Immanuel Kalekale was able to off-load for Burleigh to make more metres.

In the final minute of the first half after Burleigh had absorbed a significant amount of pressure on their own try line, Immanuel Kalekale was the release valve for the pressure with a strong ten metre run which commended from within his own twenty metre area, breaking four tackles to give Burleigh some breathing space and room to operate.

After missing a number of weeks, Immanuel Kalekale was named on the Bears extended bench for Round Five against the Ipswich Jets however he started the match from the bench and scored as Burleigh overcame a 20 – 0 first half deficit to record a come from behind 44 – 26 win.

Immanuel Kalekale’s try in the 32nd minute was one of the more impressive front row tries that I have seen. Immanuel Kalekale received the ball twelve metres out from the try line to the left of the play the ball with a set defensive line in front of him. Immanuel Kalekale engaged the initial defender with a left arm fend ten metres out before engaging two additional defenders Jets five metres out from the line. Initially it looked like the three Jets defenders would be able to get Immanuel Kalekale to the ground but Immanuel Kalekale kept fighting the defenders and was able to get the ball down under the posts still under heavy pressure.

In relation to club rugby league in 2021 Immanuel Kalekale lined up for the Nerang Roosters in the Gold Coast Rugby League U18 Division One competition with his first appearance for the Roosters coming in Round Three when he started from the bench as the Roosters defeated Runaway Bay 22 - 4.

In Round Five against the Southport Tigers, Immanuel Kalekale started at lock in the Roosters 34 – 12 victory before being named on the bench in Round Seven against Mudgeeraba. Round Ten against the Runaway Bay Seagulls saw Immanuel Kalekale named to start from the bench however he was a late scratching from the match.

Immanuel Kalekale moved to lock in Round Ten against the Burleigh Bears and scored a strong try in the 15th minute and also kicked Nerang’s final conversion of the match with the kick being taken just to the left of the uprights.

In the 15th minute Immanuel Kalekale charged onto the ball from six metres out to the left of the dummy half and dragged four Burleigh defenders over the line to get the ball down next to the right upright in an exceptional display of size, power and pure strength.

Immanuel Kalekale produced another powerful run in the 55th minute from deep inside his own territory of thirty five metres with Immanuel Kalekale then producing a great right arm off-load to keep Nerang’s momentum going.

When rugby league recommenced on the Gold Coast in late August 2021 after the Covid 19 lockdown, Immanuel Kalekale was named to start in the second row for Nerang in Round Eleven against the Ormeau Shearers.

Round Twelve against the Southport Tigers saw Immanuel Kalekale named to start from the bench with Immanuel Kalekale scoring an outstanding solo try in the 17th minute. Immanuel Kalekale received the ball to the right of the play the ball eighteen metres from the line and engaged two defenders still around nine metres out. After he gained separation from the two defenders Immanuel Kalekale ran to his left pushing off another two defenders before dragging two more defenders over the line and getting the ball down adjacent to the left upright.

Immanuel Kalekale added a second try in the 44th minute when he was a recipient of a pass from Dorian Lotaki who had crossed the try line and waited for Immanuel Kalekale after a great 100 metre Nerang movement and outstanding work by Arama Hau and Jeremaiah Temapo.

The match even saw Immanuel Kalekale attempt a conversion in the 22nd minute from fifteen metres to the right of the goal posts but his attempt hit the left upright much to the delight of his team mates.

Immanuel Kalekale made an immediate contribution in the match when he came off the bench in the 16th minute when Immanuel Kalekale made his first run less than a minute after coming onto the field with the run accounting for eighteen metres. Immanuel Kalekale was awarded a penalty at the completion of his run when the Southport defence would not allow him to get to his feet in a timely fashion.

Immanuel Kalekale made an additional strong run in the 27th minute down the right side of the field with making twenty seven metres before he was brought to ground and once again the Southport defence held him down and Immanuel Kalekale was awarded another penalty.

Immanuel Kalekale moved back into the Nerang starting line-up in the front row in Round Thirteen against the Helensvale Hornets with Immanuel Kalekale making a number of strong charges including a thirty metre charge in the 20th minute from the kick-off after Nerang scored their second try.

Immanuel Kalekale then continued in the front row in Week Two of the 2021 GCRL U18 Division One Final’s series for the Roosters against the Helensvale Hornets scoring a typically powerhouse try in the 26th minute.

Immanuel Kalekale then started the 2021 GCRL U18 Division One Preliminary Final in the front row for the Roosters against the Ormeau Shearers and scored a powerful try in the 26th minute when after he received the ball twenty metres out, Immanuel Kalekale ran at the line and just prior to contact stepped off his left foot bumping off the initial defender. Immanuel Kalekale then beat three more defenders on the way to getting the ball down next to the left upright.

In the 2021 Gold Coast Rugby League U18 Division One Grand Final Immanuel Kalekale started in the front row for the Roosters side against the Helensvale Hornets and had an immediate impact on the match when he took the second hit-up of the match, breaking three tackles and making twenty metres to get the ball out to thirty five metres from his own line. Then in the 3rd minute, Immanuel Kalekale produced another strong run through the centre of the field, making ten metres to get the ball twenty metres out from his own line.

Immanuel Kalekale emphasised his strong first half in the final minute of the first half when after receiving an off-load from Dorian Mapusua-Lotaki, Immanuel Kalekale broke four tackles whilst making fifteen metres to get the ball into Helensvale territory.

Immanuel Kalekale continued his strong match in the 34th minute with a twenty metre charge that included breaking three tackles with the result being that Immanuel Kalekale was able to get the ball to within ten metres of the try line.

Immanuel Kalekale’s Grand Final performance deserved a try and he should have been awarded one in the 47th minute when he charged onto the ball to the right of the dummy half fifty five metres from the try line. After receipt of the ball Immanuel Kalekale immediately stepped off his left foot targeting the area directly behind the play the ball and going straight through the centre of the ruck untouched. When he approached the Hornets fullback, Immanuel Kalekale looked to beat him by rounding him to his right.

Immanuel Kalekale was eventually dragged down from behind just short of the try line and it looked for all money as if momentum had carried Immanuel Kalekale over the try line five metres in from the touchline but bizarrely the referee ruled a double movement much to the confusion of all of the players on the field, including the Helensvale players that had made the tackle.

In February 2021 Immanuel Kalekale took part in the South Coast Open school boy trials and was subsequently named in the South Coast Open A school boy side for the QSSRL U18 Championships as a result of his outstanding trial performances, however Immanuel Kalekale did not end up lining up for South Coast in the Championships.

2021 also saw Immanuel Kalekale line up for Keebra Park PBC State High School in the South East Queensland School Boy Langer Cup Open A competition starting Round One in the front row against Marsden State High School. It was an intense forward battle between the two Titans Partnered sides and Immanuel Kalekale was regularly in the thick of the action.

Immanuel Kalekale started Round Two against Mabel Park State High School in the front row and one of Keebra Park’s try scorers in their 30 – 14 victory with his try coming in the 15th minute when he charged onto the ball from three metres, skittling a number of defenders to get the ball down four metre to the right of the uprights.

Immanuel Kalekale made another big charge in in the 45th minute when he broke four tackles to get to within two metres of the line and then in the 49th minute Immanuel Kalekale came out of the line to put on a big front on hit in what was probably the best tackle of the match.

Immanuel Kalekale also started in the front row in Round Three against Ipswich State High School and made the opening tackle of the match after Keebra Park had kicked off. Immanuel Kalekale made the first of multiple strong runs in the 4th minute with hard charge and off-load to Blaze Mozer and then he was at it again in the 10th minute with another strong charge.

Immanuel Kalekale was named to continue in the front row in Round Four against St Mary’s College Toowoomba however he was a late omission from the Keebra Park side.

The Round Five local derby against PBC saw Immanuel Kalekale named to start in the front row and put in a dominating performance to lead Keebra Park to an impressive come from behind victory.

Immanuel Kalekale was simply devastating running the ball but it was two off-loads that also brought Immanuel Kalekale to prominence in the match, including an off-load in the 38th minute after he kept fighting in a tackle. Immanuel Kalekale was able to get his right arm free and off-load to his left to Delahia Wigmore who cut back to his right into space to score from ten metres out.

Immanuel Kalekale’s other significant off-load came in the 37th minute and came when he charged onto the ball on the left side of the field and whilst in contact with the line got a great right arm off-load away to left centre Taniela Mapusua-Lotaki who then off-loaded to Elijah Lui who broke away down the left touchline.

Immanuel Kalekale was also named to start in the front row in Round Six against Wavell State High School.

After the Langer Cup competition was suspended for a number of weeks due to a Covid 19 lock down, Immanuel Kalekale was named in the front row for Keebra Park State High School in their semi-final against PBC State High School however Immanuel Kalekale ended up starting the match off the bench.

Immanuel Kalekale producing some outstanding runs in the match, none better than in the 37th minute when Immanuel Kalekale produced a great charge from a PBC SHS goal line drop out.

In 2019 Immanuel Kalakale represented the Auckland Vulcans U15 representative side at the New Zealand Age Championships, starting in the front row in three of the Vulcans matches at those Championships, with those matches coming against the Counties Manukau Stingrays, the Central Vipers and the Wellington Orca’s.

In Auckland prior to moving to Australia Immanuel Kalekale played for the Glenora Bears rugby league club and in 2019 played representative rugby for the Rugby West U16 representative side.

The pace and power in terms of how Immanuel Kalekale runs the ball is the outstanding feature of his game, he takes the ball to the line with speed and quick and subtle footwork prior to the line and seems to target the gaps between defenders and will actively seek out opposing forwards who are slow to move up.

When the opposition are on the back foot Immanuel Kalekale will target the smaller defenders on the edge of the ruck and burst through and for a big young man Immanuel Kalekale has very good speed over the medium term and has the strength to drag defenders with him post contact.

I would consider that Immanuel Kalekale’s speed would be considered above average for his position but plays faster as a result of him timing his runs so well that the dummy half can present a flat pass to him and also as a result of the power that he runs at. Immanuel Kalekale also runs a very good inside shoulder line to add variety to his power running game.

With his low centre of gravity coupled with his speed and power, Immanuel Kalekale is a difficult proposition for defensives and is able to draw in multiple defenders and still get a quick play the ball to gain forward momentum for his side on a regular basis.

The defensive side of his game is similarly impressive, Immanuel Kalekale does not just charge wildly up looking for a huge hit but is calculating in where and when to hit. Immanuel Kalekale drives hard with his legs and always uses his shoulder and core body strength to drive into his opponent with force and can use both shoulders depending upon the running line of the attacker.

Immanuel Kalekale sets a strong lower base by setting his legs and generating force by driving through the tackle with his lower body, gaining leverage and momentum through his shoulders. In short Immanuel Kalekale is an outstanding defensive player both from a technique and initial contact perspective.

Immanuel Kalekale’s initial contact is absolutely outstanding and more than enough to stop or redirect the momentum of the ball carrier regardless of their size and Immanuel Kalekale is also able to utilise his exceptional functional strength to slow the play the ball down on the ground sufficiently to allow his team’s defensive line to re-establish itself for the next play the ball.

Immanuel Kalekale has spent the majority of the 2023 season playing for the Helensvale Hornets in the Gold Coast Rugby League First Grade competition and Immanuel Kalekale has handled the transition to playing against men comfortably.

In 2024 Immanuel Kalekale was still going to be Hastings Deering’s Colts eligible but with the demise of that competition Immanuel Kalekale will continue to dominate in the Gold Coast Rugby League First Grade competition for the Helensvale Hornets but there is no doubt that Immanuel Kalekale also has the ability to dominate at the Queensland Cup and potentially at the NRL level.

At an imposing 192cm and 110kg at just 20 years old and still growing, Immanuel Kalekale is set to be an outstanding front row prospect for many years to come for the Titans.

A slightly larger version of Penrith Panthers and New Zealand International James Fisher-Harris of the Penrith Panthers with his power coupled with his non-stop movement (and motor) when running the ball into the defensive line as well as the intensity in his defence is an apt NRL player comparison for Immanuel Kalekale.

Like Fisher-Harris, Immanuel Kalekale can and will play substantial minutes in a match and projects as one of the few NRL level middle third forwards that could play the entire 80 minutes (or close to it) of a match without being substituted and play those minutes at an extremely high level of quality as well.

[mdrew]

Micah Leaupepe Perkins. Micah Leaupepe Perkins made his NRRRL First Grade debut off the bench for the Evans Head Bombers in Round Nine of the 2023 NRRRL First Grade competition against Lismore Marist Brothers.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins then moved into the Evans Head starting side on the right wing in Round Ten against the Lower Clarence Magpies with Micah Leaupepe Perkins scoring a double in his first NRRRL First Grade start.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins scored his career first NRRRL First Grade try in the 9th minute of the match when after initially slipping when he took a cut-out pass from his inside when three metres out and near the right touchline, Micah Leaupepe Perkins was able to get to his feet and step off his left foot to beat his opposite winger and dive over to score in the right corner.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins completed his double in the 79th minute when after chasing through a kick from the opposite side of the field Micah Leaupepe Perkins was on hand to pick up the ball after it was dropped by the Marist left winger to run eight metres to score next to the right upright.

Early in the match in the 8th minute Micah Leaupepe Perkins and Tasharn Cora were able to grab hold of the Lower Clarence fullback and drag him back into the in-goal to force a Magpies goal line drop-out.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins also started on the right wing in Round Twelve against the Mullumbimby Giants with Micah Leaupepe Perkins kicking a 73rd minute conversion.

Round Fifteen against the Ballina Seagulls saw Micah Leaupepe Perkins move to right centre with Micah Leaupepe Perkins scoring in the 15th minute when after receiving a cut-out pass from his inside Micah Leaupepe Perkins raced ten metres down the right touchline to put the ball down one handed (left) in the corner.

In the 47th minute Micah Leaupepe Perkins was able to return a Ballina kick from his own ten metre mark out to the twenty seven metre mark. Then in the 61st minute from the left of the play the ball Micah Leaupepe Perkins was able to carry the ball from thirty one metres out from his own try line out to the halfway mark.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins then came off the bench in the Week One Elimination Final against the Cudgen Hornets.

Round Seven of the NRRRL Reserve Grade competition saw Micah Leaupepe Perkins start on the right wing against the Lismore Marist Brothers with Micah Leaupepe Perkins scoring in just the 3rd minute of the match Micah Leaupepe Perkins receiving the ball twenty one metres out and on the right touchline with Micah Leaupepe Perkins then racing down the right touchline with Micah Leaupepe Perkins executing an in and away to bypass the Marist fullback and dive over to score in the right corner.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins also started on the right wing in Round Nine against Marist Brothers with Micah Leaupepe Perkins scoring in the 3rd minute with a twenty metre run down the right touchline with Micah Leaupepe Perkins cutting inside near the try line to get the ball down two metres in from the right corner post.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins then moved to the left wing for Round Eleven against Northern United.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins then started at left centre in Round Fourteen against the Byron Bay Devils with Micah Leaupepe Perkins scoring in the 67th minute from seventeen metres out with Micah Leaupepe Perkins using a right arm fend to beat his opposing centre to score in the left corner.

Earlier in the 9th minute after receiving a pass thirty metres out from the try line, Micah Leaupepe Perkins charged down the left touchline and after being tackled four metres out, Micah Leaupepe Perkins got an off-load away out the back to keep the movement going.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins started from the bench in Round Sixteen against Northern United and after coming onto the field to operate at left centre, Micah Leaupepe Perkins scored in the 57th minute when after having to stop his run and collect a pass from his inside down low, Micah Leaupepe Perkins restarted his run from ten metres from the try line and after dummying to his left, Micah Leaupepe Perkins was able to get the ball down three metres in from the left corner post.

Round One of the 2023 NRRRL U18 competition saw Micah Leaupepe Perkins start at fullback for the Tweed Heads Seagulls against the Casino Cougars with Micah Leaupepe Perkins scoring in the 46th minute when afte rrecieivng the ball on the left side of the field thirty two metres out, Micah Leaupepe Perkins ran into space before stepping off his left foot to beat the Jets fullback and race away to score under the posts.

After also starting at fullback in Round Two, Micah Leaupepe Perkins moved to left centre in Round Three against the Bilambil Jets with Micah Leaupepe Perkins scoring in the 19th minute

Micah Leaupepe Perkins also started at left centre in Round Ten against the Lower Clarence Magpies with Micah Leaupepe Perkins scoring in the 19th minute from twenty metres out from his own try line and to the left of the play the ball with Micah Leaupepe Perkins stepping off his left foot to beat one defender before accelerating away with Micah Leaupepe Perkins then veering to his right to round the fullback and score in the right corner.

Round Four against the Murwillumbah Mustangs saw Micah Leaupepe Perkins scoring a hat trick as well as setting up another Seagulls try.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins scored the first of his three tries in the 30th minute when from the left of the play the ball and eighteen metres out, Tashahn Cora put a left foot chip over the top of the defensive line with Micah Leaupepe Perkins racing through to take the ball on the bounce and score mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins scored his second try in the 33rd minute when Micah Leaupepe Perkins backed up a chip and chase from Tashahn Cora from inside Tweed Heads territory with Tashahn Cora retrieving the ball and after drawing the fullback got the ball away to his left to Micah Leaupepe Perkins who raced twenry metres to score in the left corner.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins completed his hat trick in the 53rd minute and once again it was as a result of Micah Leaupepe Perkins chasing through a Tashahn Cora chip. From ten metres inside Seagulls territory Tashahn Cora put in a left foot chip with Micah Leaupepe Perkins chasing the kick to retrieve the ball on the bounce just in front of the Mustangs fullback by way of a clockwise spin with Micah Leaupepe Perkins then racing forty metres to score under the posts.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins could easily have scored four tries but after crossing the try line in the 41st minute after making a line break on the left side of the field on the halfway mark, Micah Leaupepe Perkins drew one defender and got the ball away to his left winger only to get the ball back downfield, the referee ruled that one of the passes was forward, to this day I have no idea which pass it was that was ruled forward.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins also recorded an 11th minute try assist when from two passes to the left of a Seagulls scrum win Micah Leaupepe Perkins was able to draw the Murwillumbah right winger and when twelve metres out passed to his left to put his winger over to score in the left corner.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins continued at left centre in Round Five against the Byron Bay Devils with Micah Leaupepe Perkins scoring another two tries with the first coming in the 4th mintue when Micah Leaupepe Perkins backed up a line break by Tashahn Cora to race thirty metres after receiving the ball.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins completed his double in the 51st minute when after receiving the ball on the left eighteen metres out whilst stationary, Micah Leaupepe Perkins got on the outside of the Devils right winger and raced down the left touchline to dive over to score in the corner.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins also started at left centre in Round Six against the Tweed Coast Raiders with Micah Leaupepe Perkins scoring once again in the 32nd minute when after receiving the ball from his right when three metres out from the try line, Micah Leaupepe Perkins to beat a defender who was racing across in cover defence to place the ball over the try line three metres in from the left corner post.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins also recorded a try assist in the 55th minute when after utilising a right arm fend to break through the defensive line from forty metres out and on the left side of the field Micah Leaupepe Perkins ran to within twenty metrws of the try line and after drawing the fullback passed to his inside to a trailing Tashahn Cora who then scored under the posts.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins continued at left centre in Round Seven against the Cudgen Hornets with Micah Leaupepe Perkins scoring in the 18th minute as a result of a ninety metre intercept to easily score under the posts.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins recorded the first of his two try assists in the 3rd minute with a smart catch and pass to his left from three metres out to put his winger over to score in the left corner.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins recorded his second try assist in the 14th minute when three passes to the left of the play the ball and twelve metres out Micah Leaupepe Perkins got a pass away to his left to his unmarked winger who dived over to score in the corner.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins continued at left centre in Round Ten against the Lower Clarence Magpies with Micah Leaupepe Perkins scoring in the 8th minute when after receiving the ball from his right from Tashahn Cora when ten metres from the try line, Micah Leaupepe Perkins straightened up his angle of attack by stepping off his left foot to get the ball down ten metres in from the left corner post.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins also recorded a try assist in the 2nd minute when from twenty three metres out, Micah Leaupepe Perkins drove to his left at the defensive line and after getting to near the left corner, Micah Leaupepe Perkins passed to his inside to put Tashahn Cora over to score.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins then made a 31st minute line break down the left touchline from twenty two metres from his own try line with Micah Leaupepe Perkins to within five metres of the try line before getting a pass away to his inside to Tashahn Cora.

Then in the 34th minute from a Tweed Heads penalty tap restart from eight metres inside his own territory, Micah Leaupepe Perkins was able to get the ball ten metres inside Lower Clarence territory.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins also started at left centre in Round Eleven against Northern United with Micah Leaupepe Perkins kicking one of the longest goal line dropouts that I have ever seen in the 44th minute with Micah Leaupepe Perkins’s drop-out travelling seventy eight metres downfield before it was picked up by a Northern United player.

The 8th minute saw Micah Leaupepe Perkins run the ball from a Tweed Heads penalty tap restart on the halfway mark and get the ball seventeen metres inside Northern United territory. Then I the 29th minute from the left of the play the ball Micah Leaupepe Perkins was able to carry the ball from seven metres inside his own territory to ten metres inside Northern United territory.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins continued at left centre in Round Twelve against the Mullumbimby Giants with Micah Leaupepe Perkins scoring in the 7th minute with an easy ten metre run to put the ball down three metres in from the left corner post.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins recorded his second try in the 54th minute twenty five metres out from the try line and after receiving the ball from his inside after the Seagulls had spun the ball to their left, Micah Leaupepe Perkins continued to run the ball to his left and after being grabbed by his jersey b the Giants right winger still fourteen metres from the try line, Micah Leaupepe Perkins dragged him along for the ride as he scored in the left corner.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins also recorded a 50th minute try assist as a result of a long cut out pass that Micah Leaupepe Perkins threw to his left for his winger to score easily in the corner.

Earlier in the 38th minute Micah Leaupepe Perkins did well to take a missed Mullumbimby shot at penalty goal over his head right on his own dead ball line with Micah Leaupepe Perkins then able to bring the ball thirty three metres away from his own try line.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins continued at left centre in Round Fourteen against the Byron Bay Devils with Micah Leaupepe Perkins scoring the first of his two tries in the 25th minute when after receiving the ball to the left of the play the ball and fourteen metres out, Micah Leaupepe Perkins proved to be too big, strong and fast for the Byron Bay defence to score five metres in from the left corner post.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins completed his double in the 46th minute when after receiving the ball from his inside from Joshua Donovan-Skinner, Micah Leaupepe Perkins flashed fifty five metres down the left touchline to score in the left corner.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins also recorded a try assist in the 34th minute when after taking possession of the ball wide out on the left sixteen metres out, Micah Leaupepe Perkins continued to run to his left and after drawing the Devils right winger Micah Leaupepe Perkins passed to his left winger who dived over to score in the corner.

Earlier in the 15th minute Micah Leaupepe Perkins ran onto the ball from thirty metres out and to the left of the play the ball and after shrugging off two would be tackles, Micah Leaupepe Perkins got the ball to within five metres of the try line and ten metres in from the left corner post. Then in the 28th minute from a Tweed Heads penalty restart Micah Leaupepe Perkins carried the ball from thirty metres to sixteen metres out from the try line.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins also started at left centre in Round Fifteen against the Ballina Seagulls with Micah Leaupepe Perkins scoring in the 10th minute with a ten metre run three passes to the left of the play the ball with Micah Leaupepe Perkins easily beating his opposing centre with a right arm fend to score in the left corner.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins was in fact the reason that Tweed Heads were in an attacking position when in the 9th minute from nine metres out from his own try line and ten metres in from the left touchline, Micah Leaupepe Perkins picked the ball up from dummy and ran to his left to make a line break down the left touchline, getting to within twenty metres of the try line before the Ballina fullback threatened to tackle him into touch but Micah Leaupepe Perkins was able to flick the ball back inside for Tweed Heads to retain possession.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins also recorded a line break in the 22nd minute when whilst operating at fullback Micah Leaupepe Perkins took a Ballina kick on the full twenty two metres out from his own try line near the centre of the field, Micah Leaupepe Perkins ran to his right and after breaking a staggering seven tackles through speed, strength and power Micah Leaupepe Perkins carried the ball all the way down to within thirty three metres of the try line.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins continued at left centre in Round Sixteen against Northern United with Micah Leaupepe Perkins scoring once again in the 56th minute when after Ricco Waitititi drew one Northern United defender, he passed to his left to Micah Leaupepe Perkins forty metres out from the try line and when still thirty five metres out, Micah Leaupepe Perkins was able to fend off the Northern United fullback with a straight right arm and then run down the left touchline to score in the left corner.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins also made a line break in the 11th minute when after taking possession of the ball two passes to the left of the play the ball, Micah Leaupepe Perkins received the ball just four metres out from his own try line with Micah Leaupepe Perkins then bursting between two defenders to get the ball to twenty nine metres out from the try line.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins had a very eventful first minute of the match when from his kick-off to the right Northern United made a line break down the Seagulls right touchline with Micah Leaupepe Perkins racing across field and after the Northern United five eight put in a chip kick for himself near the halfway mark, Micah Leaupepe Perkins was able to beat him to the ball twenty metres out from the try line.

The conclusion of the 2023 NRRRL U18 regular season saw Micah Leaupepe Perkins finish as the competitions leading try scorer with seventeen tries and the competitions fifth leading points scorer with sixty eight points from the afore mentioned seventeen tries.

The Week Two NRRRL U18 Qualifying Final saw Micah Leaupepe Perkins continue at left centre against the Murwillumbah Mustangs with Micah Leaupepe Perkins kick off to get the match underway bouncing over the dead ball line to force an immediate Murwillumbah goal line drop-out.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins recorded a line break in the 34th minute when after receiving the ball from his right forty five metres out from the try line, Micah Leaupepe Perkins got on the outside of the opposing defender and ran down the left touchline and got within twelve metres of the try line before being brought down.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins also did well in the 7th minute when he was able to get his left arm above his head and get the ball inside as Micah Leaupepe Perkins was being forced over the left touchline by multiple Mustangs defenders twelve metres out from the try line.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins made a strong run from a Tweed Heads penalty restart with Micah Leaupepe Perkins charging onto the ball thirty five metres out from the try line and was able to get the ball to the twenty metre mark.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins also started at left centre in the Preliminary Final against the Murwillumbah Mustangs.

In the 24th minute Micah Leaupepe Perkins ran onto the ball to the right of the play the ball from nine metres out from his own try line and was able to get the ball out to the twenty three metre mark. Then in the 46th minute after running onto the ball from a Tweed Heads penalty restart, Micah Leaupepe Perkins carried the ball from forty metres out from his own try line to within twenty five metre of the try line.

2023 saw Micah Leaupepe Perkins continue at Tweed River High School with Micah Leaupepe Perkins playing multiple sports.

In terms of his attacking play Micah Leaupepe Perkins is a smooth runner of the ball who has above average to plus top end speed and good evasiveness to get on the outside of his opposing defender with a decent fend that enables him to keep all but the strongest outside backs at a distance and away from his body.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins has quite a good step, predominately off the right foot, so he certainly has the skills to adjust his running line as Micah Leaupepe Perkins gains more experience and develops a better rapport with his teams play makers and progresses to a higher level in competition.

When defending in the centres, Micah Leaupepe Perkins really does look to come out of the line and hit his opposing centre as hard as possible to cut off the attacking play before it has time to fully develop.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins does not let the play unfold in front of him, he looks to disrupt as early as possible. With his size and defensive tendencies when defending in the centres, Micah Leaupepe Perkins is more suited to an up and in defensive methodology compared to a sliding system.

In 2024 Micah Leaupepe Perkins has a number of options with his U18 eligibility coming to an end, Micah Leaupepe Perkins could stay in the NRRRL competition, no doubt continuing in the Evans Head Bombers NRRRL First Grade squad after making his debut in 2023.

Micah Leaupepe Perkins may well also head north a few kilometres and line up in the Gold Coast Rugby League U20 competition with the demise of the Hastings Deering’s Colts competition where no doubt a lot of the sides in the competition would benefit greatly for having Micah Leaupepe Perkins at their club.

From a positional perspective, I have been impressed with Micah Leaupepe Perkins both defensively and in attack this season in the centres since his move from fullback and therefore see no reason for him to need to move positionally in the short term at least.

In many respects the way Micah Leaupepe Perkins plays on a football field resembles that of Titans NRL left centre Brian Kelly as a quick hard running back with some intriguing potential moving forward as he progresses from the junior rugby league ranks to the senior ranks over the next couple of seasons.