My take on our top juniors

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Teauariki Siaoloa. 2024 saw Teauariki Siaoloa move to The Southport School (TSS) and started on the right wing for the TSS U15A School Boy rugby side in their first 2024 trial against Downlands College. Teauariki Siaoloa then started at No. 8 in the TSS U15A’s second GPS rugby trial against Ipswich Grammar School as well as an early June trial against Anglican Church Grammar School.

Round One of the 2024 GPS School Boy Rugby U16A competition saw Teauariki Siaoloa start at No. 8 for TSS against St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace as well as in Round Two away to St Joseph’s Nudgee College, Round Three against Toowoomba Grammar School and Round Four against Brisbane Grammar School.

In Round Five at home against Brisbane State High School Teauariki Siaoloa continued at No. 8 as well as in Round Six away to Ipswich Grammar School as well as in TSS’s bye week in a match against Downlands College and Round Eight at home to Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) as well as Round Nine against Brisbane Grammar School.

Early August 2024 saw Teauariki Siaoloa named in the 2024 Queensland Reds U15 Training Squad.

2024 also saw Teauariki Siaoloa named in the South Coast U15 QSSRL School Boy Rugby League representative side with Teauariki Siaoloa start from the bench on Day One of the Championships against Met West with Teauariki Siaoloa coming onto the field to operate in the front row in the 12th minute and in the 48th minute from the left of the play the ball Teauariki Siaoloa got within eight metres of the try line after receiving the ball twenty two metres out.

Teauariki Siaoloa then started in the front row on Day Two against Darling Downs and in the 4th minute from two passes to the right of the play the ball and through the centre of the field Teauariki Siaoloa got the ball from forty five metres to within thirty metres of the try line with at least 75% of the metres gained being post contact.

From the left of the dummy half in the 14th minute and forty five metres from the try line Teauariki Siaoloa broke three tackles as he got the ball to thirty two metres out. Then in the 33rd minute from the right of the dummy half Teauariki Siaoloa rumbled to within thirty metres of the try line after receiving the ball forty five metres out. Also in the 39th minute Teauariki Siaoloa’s kick off return saw him get the ball out to the twenty seven metres with three defenders licking their wounds behind him.

Teauariki Siaoloa continued in the front row on Day Three against the Sunshine Coast.

Teauariki Siaoloa then started from the bench on Day Four against Met East and after coming on to play in the front row Teauariki Siaoloa in the 13th minute broke two tackles as he surged from the left of the play the ball from his own thirty metre mark to the halfway. Then in the 21st minute from the right of the play the ball Teauariki Siaoloa made eleven metres from his own twenty metre mark.

In the 37th minute Teauariki Siaoloa made a good one on one tackle on the Met East fullback just a metre from the try line and in front of his own posts to save a try.

2024 saw Teauariki Siaoloa play for the Currumbin Eagles in the GCRL U15 Division One competition with Teauariki Siaoloa primarily operating in the front row in Eagles Red and White. Across the season Teauariki Siaoloa scored eight tries including doubles in Rounds One and Twelve against Coomera and Helensvale respectively with Teauariki Siaoloa also scoring in Rounds Two and Thirteen against Runaway Bay, Round Seven against Southport and Round Eleven against the Burleigh Bears.

The young man from the Sunberry Tigers in the Victorian Junior Rugby League competition joined Keebra Park SHS Elite Rugby League Excellence Program in 2023.

Round One of the 2023 School Boy Renouf Cup competition saw Teauariki Siaoloa start in the front row in Round One for Keebra Park SHS against Wavell SHS. Teauariki Siaoloa also started in the front row in Round Two against Ipswich SHS as well as in Round Three against Marsden SHS and Round Four against Redcliffe SHS.

Teauariki Siaoloa then moved to the second row for Round Five against Mable Park SHS

Teauariki Siaoloa continued at right second row in Round Six against St Mary’s College Toowoomba with Teauariki Siaoloa having an outstanding match including scoring twice in a big Keebra Park SHS victory.

Teauariki Siaoloa scored his first try in the 10th minute with a two metre run out of dummy half to his right with Teauariki Siaoloa carrying four defenders over try line to get the ball down under the posts.

Teauariki Siaoloa completed his double in the 22nd minute with a powerful charge to his left from twelve metres out with Teauariki Siaoloa smashing through five tackles to slam the ball down next to the left goal post.

Teauariki Siaoloa also recorded a line break assist in the 20th minute when after charging onto the ball to the right of the dummy half, Teauariki Siaoloa engaged the defensive line and got a great right arm flick off-load away to his right to William Hamblin who raced down the touchline but the touch judge ruled that William Hamblin had put his foot on the touchline before he planted the ball down in the right corner.

In the 34th minute from a Keebra Park SHS penalty restart Teauariki Siaoloa charged at the defensive line and after making twelve metres to within eight metres of the try line, Teauariki Siaoloa got a right arm flick off-load away to his right with Keebra Park SHS scoring in the right corner three passes later.

Teauariki Siaoloa also started at right second row in the Round Seven Gold Coast School Boy derby against PBC SHS with Teauariki Siaoloa charging onto the ball to the right of the dummy half to carry the ball from thirty five metres out from the try line to fifteen metres out.

In May 2023 Teauariki Siaoloa was named in the Gold Coast Junior Rugby U14 Representative squad.

At the 2023 Queensland Country Rugby Championships Teauariki Siaoloa started at No. 8 for the U14 Queensland Barbarians Boys Representative side in Round Two against Central Queensland Boys. Teauariki Siaoloa also started at No 8 in Round Three against South Queensland.

Teauariki Siaoloa continued at No. 8 scoring a double in Round Four against Central Queensland. Teauariki Siaoloa also started at No. 8 and scored once again in Round Five against North Queensland.

Teauariki Siaoloa played in the 2022 Victorian Junior Rugby League U13 competition for the Sunberry Tigers, operating in the front row. Teauariki Siaoloa scored an impressive four tries against the Waverly Oakleigh Panthers in Round Five against and scored hat tricks in Round One against the Melton Bronco’s and Round Two against the Eastern Raptors.

Teauariki Siaoloa also scored doubles in Round Eight against the Northern Thunder, Round Eleven against the Casey Warriors and Round Twelve against the Altona Roosters. Teauariki Siaoloa also scored in Round Four against the Mernda Wolves Round Fourteen against the Waverley Oakleigh Panthers and Round Fifteen against the Altona Roosters.

Teauariki Siaoloa finished as the 2022 Victorian Rugby League U13 competition’s fourth leading try scorer with twenty two tries.

Teauariki Siaoloa’s normal game day in the Victorian Junior Rugby League competition was to start in the front row for the Sunberry Tigers in the U13 competition and then back up and start in the front row in the U14 competition also for the Tigers.

In the Victorian U14 competition Teauariki Siaoloa scored a hat trick in Round Nine against the Casey Warriors, a double in Round Ten against the Northern Thunder and also scored in Round Eleven against the Frankston Raiders.

In 2021 Teauariki Siaoloa was selected in the Victorian School’s U12 Rugby League Representative side out of Gilson College.

Teauariki Siaoloa shows a wide range of skills with power running in the centre of the ruck, through the ability to break tackles on the fringes to high level off loading skills either before the defensive line or once he has engaged it.

Teauariki Siaoloa is able to make a lot of ground by getting 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 meant that he drove defenders backwards even after they had engaged Teauariki Siaoloa with significant force.

In terms of ball skills, Teauariki Siaoloa is able to regularly get his right hand free to deliver offloads when engaged with the defensive line especially when Teauariki Siaoloa was running one pass up the ruck and deliver some very good offloads to his outside backs. Similarly Teauariki Siaoloa shows a high degree of skill when delivering short pass prior to the defensive engagement. Teauariki Siaoloa waits to the last moment to deliver the pass to enable the gap to widen.

Defensively as you would anticipate from a big strong young player Teauariki Siaoloa also has a big impact. Teauariki Siaoloa engages attacker’s front on and with the strength in his legs and core is able to regularly drive attackers backwards. Also in the games I saw Teauariki Siaoloa regularly tracked the ball across field when the ball was passed to the backline and impressively rarely over ran the ball thus he was able to combat runners cutting back inside.

2025 will see Teauariki Siaoloa continue at TSS with Teauariki Siaoloa in the frame to make his GPS First XV debut at some point in 2025. Teauariki Siaoloa will also continued to play for the Currumbin Eagles in the GCRL U16 Division One competition and no doubt Teauariki Siaoloa will be in the frame to play in CC Cup competition in 2025 either for the Tweed Heads Seagulls or the Burleigh Bears.

Teauariki Siaoloa has spent his entire rugby league career in Victoria and the Gold Coast encompassing club, school boy and representative rugby league in the front row and that will not change in 2025.

From an NRL playing comparison style perspective for Teauariki Siaoloa, think along the lines of Melbourne Storm and New Zealand International front rower Nelson Asofa-Solomona as a big, tall front rower with good footwork in both in attack and defence.

Like Asofa-Solomona, Teauariki Siaoloa is also a leader by actions on the field and one who can set the direction and tempo for his team by leading from the front through his powerful hit-up or a big crunching tackle in the most demanding position on a football field with a calmness and assurance that belies his young age.

When people see Teauariki Siaoloa for the first time up close, they will see a giant of a young man but they will be even be more impressed with just how good Teauariki Siaoloa is when they see him on a rugby league field from a skill and mobility perspective.

 

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Lyric Poto. Round One of the 2024 QSSRL U15 School Boy Rugby League Championships saw Lyric Poto start at right centre for South Coast against Met West with Lyric Poto making a line break in the 48th minute when from twenty metres from his own try line Lyric Poto charged forty eight metres down the left touchline to get within thirty two metres of the try line.

In the 2nd minute of the match from a South Coast penalty restart Lyric Poto did well to carry the ball from eighteen metres from the try line to within four metres and then in the 48th minute from the left of the play the ball Lyric Poto was able to get the ball from twenty metres to thirty two metres away from his try line.

Lyric Poto continued at right centre on Day Two against Darling Downs with Lyric Poto scoring in the 37th minute when after the Darling Downs right winger dropped a South Coast bomb Lyric Poto collected the ball cleanly twelve metres out and darted down the left touchline to score in the left corner.

After running onto the ball to the right of the play the ball in the 6th minute Lyric Poto carried the ball from thirty metres from his try line to within five metres of the halfway mark, then two minutes later in the 8th minute also from the right of the dummy half Lyric Poto’s yardage carry saw him promote the ball from his own sixteen metre mark to twenty eight metres out.

In the 12th minute from the right of the play the ball Lyric Poto was able to make twenty metres from ten metres inside his own territory before getting an off-load away to his right to Lewis McDermid. Also in the 23rd minute from the left of the play the ball and after slowing to take a pass that was just behind him, Lyric Poto was still able to get the ball from the halfway mark to forty metres out.

In the 36th minute after staring his run to the right of the play the ball twenty five metres from his try line Lyric Poto’s run ended to the left of the dummy half thirty five metres out. Also in the 44th minute Lyric Poto ran the ball through the centre of the field from thirty metres from his try line to five metres of the halfway mark.

Lyric Poto then started on the right wing on Day Three against the Sunshine Coast with Lyric Poto scoring in the 9th minute as a result of a thirty metre burst down the right touchline to dive over to score in the right corner.

Also in the 37th minute from the left of the play the ball Lyric Poto ran the ball straight through the centre of the field from twenty eight metres from his own try line to forty one metres out.

Lyric Poto moved to right centre on Day Four against Met East with Lyric Poto making a yardage carry in the 9th minute from the left of the paly the ball from nine metres from his own try line to nineteen metres out.

In the 23rd minute after taking a Met East kick on the full in the in-goal area Lyric Poto raced out to the twenty metre mark and after taking the tap Lyric Poto was able to make ten metres downfeidl. Additionally in the 34th minute from the right of a South Coast centre field scrum win Lyric Poto got the ball from five metres from his try line to twenty five metres out.

2024 saw Lyric Poto move to PBC SHS with Lyric Poto playing in the School Boy Rugby league Watters Cup including starting on the right wing in Round Four against Stretton State College and in the 45th minute to chase through an attacking PBC SHS bomb with Lyric Poto engaging the Stretton State College left winger when he caught the kick on the full three metres in the field of play to force him back into the in-goal area to force a Stretton State Colle goal line drop-out.

Lyric Poto also started on the right wing in Round Five against Marsden SHS with Lyric Poto making a strong run in the 10th minute from the left of the play the ball to carry the ball from thirty to forty two metres from his try line with Lyric Poto able to break a tackle along the way.

Lyric Poto did well in just the 2nd minute when he chased a PBC SHS kick into the in-goal from near halfway with Lyric Poto engaging the Marden SHS fullback when he had gotten four metres back into the field of play but Lyric Poto was initially able to hold him off the ground and then with a second effort force him back into the in-goal area to require a Marsden SHS goal line drop-out.

Lyric Poto also started on the left wing in the Round Seven local derby against Keebra Park SHS and in the 3rd minute Lyric Poto was able to carry the ball from ten to twenty metres away from his try line.

2024 saw Lyric Poto move from Runaway Bay to the Burleigh Bears for the 2024 GCRL U15 Division One competition with Lyric Poto staring in the centres and scoring five tries for the Bears. In addition to a double in Round Fourteen against Runaway Bay, Lyric Poto scored in Round Six against the Currumbin Eagles, Round Eight against the Southport Tigers and Round Ten against the Ormeau Shearers.

Lyric Poto started at right centre for the Burleigh Bears in the 2024 GCRL U15 Division One Grand Final against the Runaway Bay Seagulls with Lyric Poto making a line break in the 3rd minute when after receiving a pass from his left from Murphy Phillips, Lyric Poto pushed away from his opposing centre six metres from his own try line to get on the outside of the Seagulls left sided defence with Lyric Poto running down the right touchline to thirty metres from the try line.

Lyric Poto was heavily involved in the Bears final try of the Grand Final in the 60th minute when after chasing a Murphy Phillips kick, Lyric Poto smashed the Runaway Bay left winger nine metres from the try line to force the ball loose with the Bears right second rower collecting the ball and scoring easily eight metres to the right of the posts.

Lyric Poto had earlier come close to setting up a Bears try in the 21st minute when after receiving the ball wide on the left side of the field off a short pass from his left from Murphy Phillips twenty two metres from the try line, Lyric Poto broke a tackle and after continuing to run to his right Lyric Poto drew the Seagulls left winger and off-loaded to his right to his fullback who looked as if he had scored in the right corner however it was ruled that he had lost the ball forward before grounding.

In the 19th minute from the right of the play the ball Lyric Poto ran the ball through the centre of the field from four metres in his own half to ten metres into Runaway Bay territory. Then in the 35th minute from the left of the dummy half a Lyric Poto yardage carry saw the ball promoted from five metres from his try line to seventeen metres out. Also in the 35th minute from the left of the play the ball Lyric Poto ran the ball through the centre of the field from thirty five metres from the try line to the halfway.

2024 also saw Lyric Poto play rugby including representing South Coast in the U15 Queensland School Boy Rugby Championships at outside centre No. 13 including a Player of the Match performance against Met East in the Semi Final.

In September 2023 Lyric Poto played for a Titans U14 Invitational side that played against another Titans U14 Invitational side in a match in Ipswich which saw the two sides both wear Titans jersey to give the players a great experience.

Lyric Poto started the trial at left centre for Titans White against Titans Blue with Lyric Poto swapping to right centre mid-way through the first half.

Lyric Poto did well in the 12th minute when after picking up a dropped ball by Titans Blue Lyric Poto was able to carry the ball from ten metres inside his own territory to three metres into Titans Blue territory. Then in the 15th minute from the left of the play the ball ran the ball through the centre of the field from thirty one metres from his own try line to forty three metres out.

Lyric Poto played for the Runaway Bay Seagulls in 2023 in the GCRL U14 Division One competition including starting at right centre in the Seagulls 19 – 18 extra time Grand Final victory against the Coomera Cutters and in the 12th minute from a Runaway Bay penalty restart Lyric Poto executed three right foot steps in lightening quick succession to carry the ball from twenty eight metres from the try line to within ten metres with Lyric Poto breaking three tackles on his winding journey towards the try line.

In extra time in the 65th minute after receiving an off-load thirty metres out from the try line, Lyric Poto stepped his way to within seventeen metres of the try lien and executed a lightning quick play the ball.

Lyric Poto also started at left centre in the Week Three Preliminary Final against the Burleigh Bears with Lyric Poto running out of dummy half to his right in the 9th minute to carry the ball from the halfway mark to thirty six metres out from the try line. Then in the 16th minute from the right of a Runaway Bay scrum win Lyric Poto was able to get the ball from five metres inside his own territory to twelve metres into Burleigh territory.

Lyric Poto also started left centre in the Week Two Final against the Southport Tigers with Lyric Poto scoring in the 38th minute when after receiving a looping pass from his right from Ezrah Tangianu, Lyric Poto cut inside off his left foot to wrong foot a number of defenders to score mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

In the 3rd minute of the match Lyric Poto made a line break down the left touchline to get the ball from forty five metres out from the try line to twenty eight metres out. Then in the 8th minute Lyric Poto ran the ball down the left channel after receiving a cut-out pass from his inside with Lyric Poto running the ball from thirty five metres out to thirteen metres from the try line.

Also in the 14th minute Lyric Poto ran out of dummy half to his right on the halfway mark with Lyric Poto able to get the ball to within thirty seven metres of the try line. Then in the 32nd minute from a Runaway Bay penalty restart Lyric Poto promoted the ball from twenty metres out from his own try line to forty two metres out with Lyric Poto breaking three tackles along his journey.

Round One of the 2023 GCRL U14 Division One competition saw Lyric Poto start at fullback for the Runaway Bay Seagulls against the Southport Tigers with Lyric Poto scoring in the 5th minute when after taking possession of the ball to the left of a Runaway Bay scrum win sixteen metres out from the try line, Lyric Poto ran to his left before stepping off his right foot to beat one defender and when five metres out from the try line, Lyric Poto stepped back towards the goal posts off his left foot with Lyric Poto then darting over to score under the posts.

Lyric Poto also made a line break in the 43rd minute when after fielding a Southport kick near his left touchline twenty five metres out from his try line, Lyric Poto ran to his right and after stepping off his left foot on two occasions, Lyric Poto straightened up and was able to carry the ball to the opposite end of the field and thirty five metres out from the try line.

Lyric Poto also scored in Round Five against the Helensvale Hornets when in the 5th minute whilst operating at fullback Lyric Poto recovered a Hornets clearing kick on the bounce five metres inside his own territory in the centre of the field and after turning towards the Helensvale chasers, Lyric Poto ran the ball to his left and after getting on the outside of the Helensvale right winger, Lyric Poto charged down the left touchline with Lyric Poto then brushing past the Hornets fullback to put the ball down three metres in from the left corner post.

Lyric Poto also recorded a try assist against the Helensvale Hornets in Round Nine when after starting the match at left centre Lyric Poto drew the Hornets right winger after got the ball away to his left winger from five metres out to score in the left corner.

Lyric Poto then scored a double in Round Ten against the Burleigh Bears with Lyric Poto playing at left centre.

Both of Lyric Poto’s tries in the 37th and 44th minute in many respects were very similar, in both cases Lyric Poto scored in the left corner after an approximate ten metre run and on both occasions Lyric Poto received the ball from his right in space after Seagulls left second rower Jack Hamilton had drawn the defence to him and off-loaded to his left Lyric Poto.

2023 also saw Lyric Poto selected in the Queensland Samoa U14 representative side for the 2023 Annual QPICC Cultural Carnival with Lyric Poto named on the wing in Round One against PEGA U14 Invitational.

Lyric Poto also started on the wing in Round Two against the Cooks Islands, Round Three against Queensland PNG and Round Four against Queensland Māori.

Lyric Poto also started on the wing in Queensland Samoa’s Semi-Final against Queensland Niue with Lyric Poto scoring as Samoa progressed to the Grand Final.

The 2023 QPICC U16 Grand Final saw Lyric Poto start on the wing for Queensland Samoa against the Cook Island in a tough 10 – 4 Grand Final loss with Lyric Poto being Samoa’s try scorer in the match.

2023 also saw Lyric Poto selected in the Met East School Boy Rugby u15 side for the Queensland School Boy Rugby Championships with Lyric Poto starting on the right wing in all of Met East’s matches including their 3rd against 4th play-off victory over Sunshine Coast. In the Championships Lyric Poto also started on the right wing in other matches against Capricornia, Wide Bay, Peninsula and the South Coast.

In February 2024 Lyric Poto was selected in a Samoa U14 (2023 U14) side to play a Queensland Murri U14 side with Lyric Poto starting the match on the wing.

Lyric Poto is just a smooth mover, he can create for himself or others and if a defensive line does not chase a kick in one straight line the young Kiwi flyer will simply cut them apart. Lyric Poto ’s speed is in the plus plus category and when accompanied with exceptional body control and balance he is a handful for defensives especially when the defensive line is not set.

Just like his explosive speed off the mark, Lyric Poto ’s body and body control are in the plus plus category as is his ability to step off both feet and can, just like Benji Marshall in his heyday, step multiple times in a small time frame and area to change both his direction and momentum as well as defenders.

Lyric Poto also has exceptional hands when defending against kicks especially when low short attacking kicks are put in, Lyric Poto attacks the ball at full speed aiming to get there prior to the arrival of the attacks and look to make ground while the opposition are still in an attacking mode.

Defensively Lyric Poto is more than strong enough to confront any attacker who has broken through the initial defensive line and if he is caught out of position has dynamic closing speed to address this situation. When a break has been made, Lyric Poto ’s primary objective is to more forward to reduce the time available for the attacker to work through is options.

Lyric Poto is also effective at maintaining his composure and taking the player with the ball and not fall for any dummies, he makes an opposing team earn the ground that they make.

2024 will see Lyric Poto continue at the Runaway Bay Seagulls in the Gold Coast Rugby League U15 Division One competitition and U15 School Boy U15 Rugby League and Rugby Met East Representative honours is also definitely on the cards for Lyric Poto in the 2024 out of Marsden SHS.

Postulating Lyric Poto’s best position was an interesting assignment, legitimately a case could be made that Lyric Poto’s best position could either be at fullback or in the centres, but just be a mere fraction I think that ultimately Lyric Poto will settle in the centres. Certainly in the centres in 2024 for the Burleigh Bears and PBC SHS Poto was outstanding.

Simply put Lyric Poto looks like he is gliding across the field, Lyric Poto also has an extra gear to accelerate to and Lyric Poto literally just explodes through gaps in the defensive line. When he is either returning a kick or hunting around the centre of the ruck looking for an off load, Lyric Poto just accelerates to full speed in a split second and leaves multiple defenders grasping at thin air regularly whether it is in relation to rugby league or rugby.

2025 will see Lyric Poto continue at PBC SHS with Lyric Poto pushing for a spot in the PBC SHS Lnager Cup squad. 2025 will no doubt see Lyric Poto push for a CC Cup spot with either the Tweed Heads Seagulls or the Burleigh Bears with Lyric Poto also CC Cup eligible in 2026. Also in 2025 Lyric Poto will line up for the Burleigh Bears in the GCRL U16 Division One competition.

With his powerful frame, speed and low centre of gravity Lyric Poto reminds me of Canberra Raiders tackle breaking centre Matt Timoko. Both Lyric Poto and Timoko are powerful runners of the ball who can beat you on the outside with subtle and guile or run straight over the top of you.

 

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Leo Briggs. In early 2024 Leo Briggs signed a multi-year contract with the Titans.

In late September 2024 Leo Briggs started at right centre for a Future Titans U16 side that defeated a Storm squad 38 – 22.

In early March 2024 Leo Briggs was named in the Met West 2024 School Boy Rugby League Representative squad with Leo Briggs starting at left centre on Day One of the Championships against South Coast with Leo Briggs scoring in the 15th minute after bursting into a gap forth metres from the try line on the left side of the field with Leo Briggs then veering to his left to beat the South Coast fullback and score in the left corner.

Leo Briggs also recorded a line break assist in the 44th minute when after receiving the ball five metres from his own try line and to the left of a Met West scrum win Leo Briggs ran to the sixteen metre mark to draw the South Coast right winger and put his own winger away. Then from the play the ball Leo Briggs ran the ball from the right of the play the ball from the halfway mark to thirty seven metres out.

In the 3rd minute also from the left of a Met West scrum win and six metres from his own try line Leo Briggs ran over the top of one defender to get out to the eighteen metre mark. Then in the 43rd minute from twelve metres from his own try line Leo Briggs was able to make twelve hard metres.

Leo Briggs continued at left centre on Day Two against the Sunshine Coast with Leo Briggs recording a try assist in the 22nd minute when after receiving the ball wide on the left and twelve metres from the try line Leo Briggs ran to his left and after drawing the Sunshine Coast right winger was able to pass to his left winger to score in the corner.

Earlier in the 9th minute when also from wide on the left Leo Briggs ran from twenty seven metres out to twenty metres before stepping off his left foot and get within ten metres of the try line.

Leo Briggs also started at left centre on Day Three against Darling Downs with Leo Briggs making a line break in the 49th minute when after receiving the ball wide out on the left side of the field and twenty three metres from his try line Leo Brigs burst down the left touchline to get within three metres of the halfway mark.

Leo Briggs also recorded a try assist in the 38th minute when after receiving the ball two passes to the left of a Met West scrum win Leo Briggs broke through the Darling Downs defensive line forty metres from the try line and after getting to within twenty one metres of the try line Leo Briggs drew the fullback and passed to his right for Baxter Best to score.

Leo Briggs recorded the first of his two line break assists in the 13th minute when after receiving a cut-out pass from his inside when forty eight metres from the try line Leo Briggs carried the ball to forty metres out before throwing a hard flat pass to his left to put his left winger on the outside of his direct opponent and make a line break down the left touchline.

Leo Briggs recorded his second line break assist in the 47th minute when after running out of dummy half to his left from ten metres from his try line Leo Briggs ran down a short left blindside and after drawing the Darling Down right winger Leo Briggs passed to his left to put his winger away down the sideline.

Leo Briggs in the 12th minute from the left of the play the ball and twenty metres from his own try line carried the ball to thirty six metres out with 70% of Leo Briggs metres being post contact. Then in the 15th minute after a Darling Downs kick off when out on the full Leo Briggs took the penalty restart from the centre of the halfway mark and was able to get the ball to the thirty four metre mark with at least 75% of the metres gained being post contact.

In the 17th minute from the left of a Met West scrum win Leo Briggs continued to run from his left and after running the ball from thirty metres to seventeen metres from the try lien Leo Briggs off-loaded to his left to his winger. Also in the 33rd minute Leo Briggs ran onto the ball to the left of the play the ball and got the ball from thirty two metres to forty two metres from his try line.

Leo Briggs also had an outstanding defensive match with the highlight coming in the 12th minute with a superb try saving cover defending tackle with Leo Briggs racing to his left and take the Darling Downs left second rower No. 12 over the touchline in goal in the left corner to prevent a try.

Leo Briggs started on the left wing on Day Four against Capricornia with Leo Briggs recording two try assists in a strong Met West victory.

Leo Briggs recorded his initial try assist in the 16th minute when a great catch and pass to his left to his left winger thirty metres from the try line with his winger scoring in the left corner as a result.

Leo Briggs recorded his second try assist in the 35th minute when after receiving the ball wide on the left Leo Briggs drew the Capricornia right winger ten metres of the try line to put his left winger over in the corner once again.

The 7th minute saw Leo Briggs run out of dummy half to his left from a metre from his own try line with Leo Briggs using two left arm fends to break two tackles with a left foot step then a right foot step beating additional defenders to get the ball out to the sixteen metre mark. Additionally in the 12th minute from the right of the play the ball Leo Briggs was able to make twelve metres from his own twenty metre mark. Also in the 34th minute from the left of the play the ball Leo Briggs strong run saw him get the ball from forty eight metres to within thirty five metres of the try line with Leo Briggs then executing a quick play the ball.

Defensively in the 15th minute Leo Briggs executed a driving right shoulder tackle on the Capricornia five eight driving him back three metres.

At the conclusion of the 2024 U15 QSSRL School Boy Rugby League Championships Leo Briggs was named in the Queensland Maroon U15 School Boy Rugby League Representative side to contest the 2024 QSSRL U15 School Boy Rugby League Championships.

Day One of the 2024 ASSRL U15 School Boy Rugby League Championships saw Leo Briggs start at right centre for Queensland Maroon against Queensland White with Leo Briggs scoring in the 11th minute with a nine metre run to score untouched in the right corner.

Leo Briggs ran the ball through the centre of the field in the 31st minute after running out of dummy half to his left to carry the ball from thirty metres to forty three metres from the try line. Then in the 40th minute after running out of dummy half to his left Leo Briggs carried the ball from six metres inside his half to ten metres into Queensland White’s half.

Leo Briggs also started at right centre on Day Five against NSW CCC.

Leo Briggs started at right centre for Queensland Maroon in the 2024 ASSRL U15 School Boy Rugby League Championship Final against NSW Combined High School’s and inside the opening minute from two passes to the right of a Queensland Maroon scrum win Leo Briggs was able to promote the ball from thirty two metres from his try line to within two metres of the halfway mark.

Leo Briggs ran out of dummy half to his right in the 8th minute to carry the ball from four metres out from his own try line to twenty two metres out with Leo Briggs breaking two tackles along the way. Then in the 21st minute Leo Briggs ran the ball down the right channel from sixteen metres to within four metres of the try line before getting a desperate right arm flock off-load away back inside to his left.

2024 saw Leo Briggs return to the Souths Acacia Ridge Magpies in the GBJRL U15 Division One competition with Leo Briggs starting at left centre and scoring in Round Three against the Brisbane Tigers.

Leo Briggs also scored in Rounds Five and Ten against Norths, Round Six against Redcliffe and Round Eleven against the Burpengary Jets.

Leo Briggs started the season at left centre before moving to five eight.

Leo Briggs started at left centre for a Future Titans U14 Invitational side that played a touring New Zealand U14 side at Tweed Heads in July 2023 with Leo Briggs scoring in the 50th minute with a strong run from six metres out whilst carry one defender on his back to score six metres in from the left corner.

Leo Briggs also recorded a try assist in the 23rd minute when after receiving a pass from his right and three passes to the left of a Titans scrum win, Leo Briggs continued to run to his left and after drawing in the New Zealand right winger Leo Briggs passed to his left to Derek Ahwang who was able to dive over to score in the left corner after a twenty three metre run.

Leo Briggs made the first of his two line breaks in the 17th minute when after receiving the ball twenty five metres out and wide out on the left Leo Briggs, after getting on the outside of his opposing centre Leo Briggs ran down the left touchline, using a right arm fend to beat another defender before Leo Briggs was brought down by the New Zealand fullback less than a metre from the try line and three metres in from the left corner post.

Leo Briggs made his second line break in the 52nd minute when after receiving the ball thirty metres out from his own try line Leo Briggs was able to get on the outside of the New Zealand right winger and make a line break down the left touchline. When Leo Briggs neared the halfway mark Leo Briggs moved off the touchline and after dummying to pass to his right, Leo Briggs veered back to the left touchline and was able to get all of the way to within twelve metres of the try line before being dragged down from behind.

Earlier in the 20th minute Leo Briggs, from the right of the play the ball was able to carry the ball from thirty one metres out from his own try line to within five metres of the halfway mark. Then in the 28th minute from the left of a Titans scrum win Leo Briggs ran the ball from twelve metres out from his own try line to thirty metre out with Leo Briggs then being awarded a penalty for a steal of the ball with more than one defender in the tackle.

In September 2023 Leo Briggs played for a Titans U14 Invitational side that played against another Titans U14 Invitational side in a match in Ipswich which saw the two sides both wear Titans jersey to give the players a great experience for the match participants.

Leo Briggs started the trial at left centre for Titans Blue against Titans White with Leo Briggs swapping to right centre mid-way through the first half.

Leo Briggs scored in the 4th minute three metres in from the left corner post after a run from four metres out after Leo Briggs had received a pass from his right from Judah Marsden.

Leo Briggs also recorded a try assist in the 45th minute when after working the ball down a short right blindside to within ten metres of the try line Leo Briggs drew the Titans White left winger to put his own winger over to score in the right corner.

Earlier in the trial in the 7th minute Leo Briggs ran out of dummy half to his left to promote the ball from twenty eight metres from his own try line to within ten metres of the halfway mark. Then in the 14th minute from the left of the play the ball Leo Briggs was able to carry the ball from fourteen metres out from his own try line to twenty eight metres out with Leo Briggs then awarded a penalty after he was hit high.

In February 2024 Leo Briggs was part of the Queensland Murri U14 side (2023 U14) that played a New South Wales Koori side at Logan in the Annual interstate Challenge with Leo Briggs starting the match on the bench.

In 2023 Leo Briggs played for Souths in the GBJRL U14 Division One competition with Leo Briggs starting all of the matches that he played in the centre with Leo Briggs finishing as the competition’s leading try scorer with eighteen tries.

Leo Briggs scored an impressive four tries in Round Fourteen against the Waterford Demons and Leo Briggs also scored doubles in Rounds Two, Five, Seven and Eight against Aspley, Easts, Norths and Redcliffe respectively.

Leo Briggs also scored in Round One against Carina, Round Four against Easts and Round Twelve against Norths.

Round One of the Finals against Logan Brothers saw Leo Briggs scored a hat trick and Leo Briggs also started in the centres in the 2023 GBJRL U14 Division One Grand Final also against Logan Brothers.

Leo Briggs also kicked a conversion in Round Thirteen against Logan Brothers.

In early October 2023 Leo Briggs was named in the 2023 U14 Queensland Murri Rugby League Representative side.

In early November 2023 Leo Briggs was named in the 2023 U14 Southside Bangers squad for a match against a Velocity All Stars U14 side with Leo Briggs starting the match on the left wing and making a line break in the 41st minute when after getting a pass from his inside from Cornelius Kelsall Leo Briggs charged down the left touchline from twenty metres from his own try line to the thirty eight metre mark.

Leo Briggs made a second line break in the 65th minute off a good ball from his right from Judah Marsden with Leo Briggs as a consequence able to run the ball down the left touchline from the halfway mark to twenty nine metres from the try line.

Leo Briggs also recorded a line break assist in the 51st minute with a smart draw and pass to his left from twenty three metres out from the try line to send his left winger down the left touchline.

In 2022 Leo Briggs played for Brothers in the Ipswich Rugby League U13 competition starting all of his matches at lock including Brothers Grand Final victory.

Leo Briggs is just a freak of a talent, Leo Briggs literally has it all, size, speed, elusiveness, strength, power and most of all the intelligence to combine all of these attributes into an exceptional rugby league strike centre.

Leo Briggs has very good speed off the mark, which I would consider above average to plus for a centre and can break to the outside quickly, couple that with long arms, which Leo Briggs uses to great effect with a powerful fend makes him difficult to tackle in any one on one situation.

When opposing centres are able to get hold of him, Leo Briggs usually is able to maintain his balance and keeps an arm free, looking to offload to either his inside or outside support.

Leo Briggs has more tools though than just an in and away, he will also use his size and strength to run straight over smaller opposing centres as well as also having the skill to step back inside of the defender if the defender is pushing to the outside too early.

Leo Briggs also has a powerful fend which has served him well in recent seasons with his natural strength is just another impressive attribute in his arsenal.

A real positive for me is that Leo Briggs can also run a good inside shoulder line due to the fact that he maintains his spacing in the back line and will quickly identify where his direct opponent is ling up to determine whether it is appropriate to run an inside or outside shoulder line or a “crash” line for that matter, Leo Briggs certainly has the courage to run that line regularly which not everybody has.

As you would expect, due to his size and strength, Leo Briggs is a very good defender regardless of position. He will not necessarily hit hard but is definitely aggressive and Leo Briggs is very good at mirroring the movement of the opposing centre and wrapping him up ball and all.

Leo Briggs is also quick enough to recover and chase if the opposing centre gets on the outside and his long reach is also a positive attribute in those situations.

From a team defensive methodology stand point, Leo Briggs seems to be very comfortable in a sliding defensive scheme where he can use his speed and body control to their best advantage in though he can be an intimidating presence when Leo Briggs chooses to come out of the line to interrupt the attacking movement immediately prior to its development.

2025 will see Leo Briggs move up to the GBJRL U16 Division One competition with the Souths Acacia Ridge Magpies with U15 QSSRL School Boy Rugby League representative honours also likely for Leo Briggs in 2025. Leo Briggs will also likely play in the 2025 U17 CC Cup in 2025 either with the Ipswich Jets or the Souths Logan Magpies.

Without doubt, Leo Briggs has the speed and power to stay in the centres long term and whilst he may not score a significant number of tries will certainly attract defenders and also be a solid defensive centre as well. No doubt Leo Briggs opportunities at five eight will slaos stand him in good stead.

New Zealand International Joseph Manu from the Sydney Roosters for me has a similar skill set to Leo Briggs as a young player who has all of the skill and physical attributes, specifically speed and strength to succeed in rugby league.

 

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Julius Matiu-Matiseni. The 180cm and 85kg New Zealand born centre Julius Matiu-Matiseni has signed with the Titans until the end of the 2025 season which is the season when Julius Matiu-Matiseni’s U18 eligibility is exhausted and his High School years are completed as well.

In late September 2024 Julius Matiu-Matiseni started from the bench for a Future Titans U16 side that defeated a Storm squad 38 – 22 with Julius Matiu-Matiseni operating on the right wing when he came onto the field and making multiple strong runs out of Titans territory.

In late 2023 Julius Matiu-Matiseni was named in the 2024 Brisbane Tigers U17 Cyril Connell (CC) Cup squad.

Round One of the 2024 U17 Cyril Connell Cup saw Julius Matiu-Matiseni start in the left wing for the Brisbane Tigers against the Redcliffe Dolphins with Julius Matiu-Matiseni coming close to scoring in the 18th minute when he chased through a chip kick to his wing with Julius Matiu-Matiseni appearing to ground the ball just before the dead ball line however the referee adjudged that Julius Matiu-Matiseni had strayed offside before the kick was put in.

In the 3rd minute of the match Julius Matiu-Matiseni came off his wing to take a yardage carry through the centre of the field from the left of the play the ball to run the ball from thirty metres from his own try line to within four metres of the halfway mark. Then in the 21st minute Julius Matiu-Matiseni ran to his right out of dummy half and was able to run the ball from his own sixteen metre mark to twenty four metres out with the speed of Julius Matiu-Matiseni’s run catching the Redcliffe defensive line offside.

Julius Matiu-Matiseni did well in the 21st minute when after receiving a pass when hemmed in on the left wing Julius Matiu-Matiseni was still able to make ten metres down the left touchline to get within ten metres of the try line.

Julius Matiu-Matiseni came off his wing to help his forwards out once again in the 36th minute to make a hit-up to the right of the play the ball can get the ball from his own thirty metre mark out to the forty metre mark. Then in the 40th minute from Tigers twenty metre tap restart Julius Matiu-Matiseni has able to get the ball out to the twenty eight metre mark before being awarded a penalty for a strip of the ball with more than one defender still in the tackle.

Julius Matiu-Matiseni also started on the left wing in Round Two against the Tweed Heads Seagulls with Julius Matiu-Matiseni coming close to scoring in the 32nd minute when after the ball was spun from the Tigers right to left, Julius Matiu-Matiseni received the ball from his inside around nine metres out and appeared to have dived over to score in the left corner but the touch judge ruled that Julius Matiu-Matiseni lost the ball over the try line.

Julius Matiu-Matiseni made a line break in the 21st minute when after receiving the ball on the end of a Tigers backline movement in their left, Julius Matiu-Matiseni burst down the left touchline from thirty three metres out and after beating one defender with pure speed Julius Matiu-Matiseni stepped inside off his left foot to beat three more defenders before being brought to ground five metres out from the try line.

Julius Matiu-Matiseni made a second line break in the 55th minute with a burst down the left touchline from twenty four metres out from his own try line to two metres inside Tweed Heads territory.

In the 43rd minute Julius Matiu-Matiseni did well to trap a bouncing pass to his wing with his left on his own thirty metre mark and then after picking the ball up Julius Matiu-Matiseni ran down the left touchline to be tackled within five metres of the halfway mark.

2024 also saw Julius Matiu-Matiseni line up for Logan Brothers in the GBJRL U17 Division One Nev Blair Shield competition including starting from the bench in Week One of the Finals against the Moreton Bay Raiders. Julius Matiu-Matiseni also played a number of matches for the Logan Brothers U17 Division Two side including starting from the bench in their Grand Final victory.

Late 2023 saw Julius Matiu-Matiseni move over to Australia and in 2024 Julius Matiu-Matiseni will attend Mabel Park SHS and will be in line to immediately start in the School Boy Rugby League Langer Cup competition.

In early June 2023 Julius Matiu-Matiseni was named in the New Zealand Māori U15 Tama Tournament Team after representing Hokianga Storm Whatitiri at the 2023 New Zealand Māori Rugby League Championships.

Also in 2023 Julius Matiu-Matiseni represented New Zealand Māori (Ngai Manawa) at the U15 Pasifika Youth Cup held in New Zealand with Julius Matiu-Matiseni coming off the bench in the second half of the Grand Final against New Zealadn Samoa.

Julius Matiu-Matiseni also came off the bench in the Semi-final against the Cook Islands with Julius Matiu-Matiseni scoring within a minute of coming onto the field when in the 16th minute from the left of the play the ball and eight metres from the try line Julius Matiu-Matiseni charged onto the ball and was able to crash over to score ten metres in from the left corner post.

The 18th minute saw Julius Matiu-Matiseni ran onto the ball to the right of the dummy half to carry the ball from thirty two metre from the try line to twenty one metres out. Julius Matiu-Matiseni backed up with another run to the right of the dummy half in the 22nd minute to carry the ball through the centre of the field from forty one metres out to with twenty three metres of the try line. Then in the 34th minute from the left of the play the ball Julius Matiu-Matiseni made ten metres from his own thirty metre mark.

In August 2023 Julius Matiu-Matiseni was named in the U15 Auckland Boys North Region of Origin Representative Rugby League squad for a series of matches against Auckland Boys South Region of Origin U15’s.

In New Zealand Julius Matiu-Matiseni attended Tamaki College as well as playing for the Ellerslie Eagles Rugby League club.

Julius Matiu-Matiseni just oozes class on the field he is able to break tackles at will but also understands when it is more appropriate to draw his opponent and pass. Similarly defensively Julius Matiu-Matiseni clearly has a strong appreciation of the defensive aspect of the game in that he knows when to come in and when to slide and let the play develop prior to committing.

Granted I have not seen a great deal of Julius Matiu-Matiseni but he seems to be able to line up on both sides of the field and as a result could also play on the wing and even it fullback moving forward. Heck Julius Matiu-Matiseni at fullback would open up some interesting (and endless) attacking possibilities for his team that is for sure.

Julius Matiu-Matiseni has very good and explosive speed off the mark, which I would consider above average to plus for a centre and can break to the outside quickly, couple that with long arms, which Julius Matiu-Matiseni uses to great effect with a powerful fend makes him difficult to tackle in any one on one situation.

When opposing centres are able to get hold of him, Julius Matiu-Matiseni usually is able to maintain his balance and keeps an arm free, looking to offload to either his inside or outside support.

Julius Matiu-Matiseni has more tools though than just an in and away, he will also use his size and strength to run straight over smaller opposing centres as well as also having the skill to step back inside of the defender if the defender is pushing to the outside too early.

Julius Matiu-Matiseni also has a powerful fend which has served him well in recent seasons with his natural strength is just another impressive attribute in his arsenal.

A real positive for me is that Julius Matiu-Matiseni can also run a good inside shoulder line due to the fact that he maintains his spacing in the back line and will quickly identify where his direct opponent is ling up to determine whether it is appropriate to run an inside or outside shoulder line or a “crash” line for that matter, Julius Matiu-Matiseni certainly has the courage to run that line regularly which not everybody has.

As you would expect, due to his size and strength, Julius Matiu-Matiseni is a very good defender regardless of position. He will not necessarily hit hard but is definitely aggressive and Julius Matiu-Matiseni is very good at mirroring the movement of the opposing centre and wrapping him up ball and all.

Julius Matiu-Matiseni is also quick enough to recover and chase if the opposing centre gets on the outside and his long reach is also a positive attribute in those situations.

From a team defensive methodology stand point, Julius Matiu-Matiseni seems to be very comfortable in a sliding defensive scheme where he can use his speed and body control to their best advantage in though he can be an intimidating presence when Julius Matiu-Matiseni chooses to come out of the line to interrupt the attacking movement immediately prior to its development.

Julius Matiu-Matiseni is U17 eligible in 2025 and will line up i the U17 Cyril Connell (CC) Cup competition for the East Tigers. Julius Matiu-Matiseni will also continue at Mabel Park SHS and no doubt start the 2025 season in the School Boy Rugby League Langer Cup competition.

Julius Matiu-Matiseni is a big, strong and powerful young man already at 180cm and 85kg but make no mistake Julius Matiu-Matiseni also has electric speed, balance and body control and shapes as a generational type of rugby league centre when he fully develops both from a skill and physical perspective.

Julius Matiu-Matiseni is a solidly built centre with outstanding timing, anticipation, elusiveness and speed. No doubt Julius Matiu-Matiseni could also comfortably handle playing a number of other positions but with his speed, ability to read and react to defences and power Julius Matiu-Matiseni will no doubt get a long look at centre before any potential move is considered.

For completeness Julius Matiu-Matiseni has played in the second row on occasion in New Zealand but with his speed and power Julius Matiu-Matiseni will no doubt be given every opportunity to stay in the centres for as long as possible, if not for the duration of what seems set to be an impressive rugby league career.

Manly Sea Eagles fullback or centre Toltau Koula with his outstanding speed and elusiveness is for me a great (and accurate) NRL player comparison for Julius Matiu-Matiseni. Both Koula and Julius Matiu-Matiseni are solidly built players but have express pace, timing, balance, body control and anticipation as well as near unlimited NRL and higher potential.

 

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Nixon O’Connor. In late September 2024 Nixon O’Connor was named in the 2025 Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup squad.

Round One of the 2024 QSSRL U15 School Boy Rugby League Championships saw Nixon O’Connor start in the front row for South Coast against Met West with Nixon O’Connor making the opening tackle of the match from the South Coast kick-off.

In the 7th minute after running onto the ball to the right of the play the ball Nixon O’Connor ran the ball through the centre of the field from eight metres from his own try line to twenty two metres out. Nixon O’Connor also ran the ball through the centre of the field in the 26th minute from twenty metres to within eight metres of the try line. Also in the 29th minute from the right of the play the ball Nixon O’Connor ran through the centre of the field once again from twenty metres to thirty two metres out.

In the 30th minute from the left of a South Coast penalty restart Nixon O’Connor contacted the defensive line before getting a right arm off-load away to his left to Deshawn Compton. Also in the 34th minute Nixon O’Connor’s kick-off return saw him get the ball out to the twenty metre mark.

Nixon O’Connor continued in the front row on Day Two against Darling Downs with Nixon O’Connor running onto the ball to the left of the dummy half in the 3rd minute to carry the ball from fifteen metres to twenty five metres out from his own try line before Nixon O’Connor was able to get an off-load away whilst in contact with multiple defenders.

A minute later in the 4th minute from two passes to the right of the play the ball and thirty five metres from the try line Nixon O’Connor charged his way to within nineteen metres. Also in the 14th minute from the right of the play the ball Nixon O’Connor ran the ball from six metres inside his own territory and after easily throwing off one defender Nixon O’Connor got the ball eight metres inside Darling Downs territory.

Nixon O’Connor rounded out a strong match in the 39th minute with a strong run to the right of the play the ball to promote the ball from six metres inside his own territory to nine metres into Darling Downs territory.

Nixon O’Connor then started from the bench on Day Three against the Sunshine Coast and after coming onto the field to operate in the front row in the 15th minute and in the 25th minute Nixon O’Connor ran onto the ball to the left of the dummy half to carry the ball from thirty six metres to twenty two metres from the try line. Nixon O’Connor made the second half kick-off return.

Nixon O’Connor was back starting side in the front row on Day Four against Met East with Nixon O’Connor scoring in the 4th minute with a straight hard charge from a South Coast penalty restart from fourteen metres out to crash over to score eleven metres to the left of the goal posts.

In the 13th minute Nixon O’Connor’s kick-off return saw him promote the ball to the twenty four metre mark.

Also in 2024 Nixon O’Connor was a stand out for PBC SHS in the School Boy Rugby League Hancock Cup competition.

In 2024 the PBC SHS Rugby League Excellence Program student played for the Tweed Heads Seagulls U15 side in the Group 18 U15 competition with Nixon O’Connor dominating after starting in the front row In Round Two (Round One was rained out) in a 56 – 8 Seagulls victory against Cudgen Cold.

Nixon O’Connor scored the first of his two tries in the first half when after running onto the ball to the left of the play the ball from fourteen metres out Nixon O’Connor broke three tackles as he crashed over to score under the posts.

Nixon O’Connor scored his second try in the second half with a superb run from the left of the play the ball but on the right side of the field from thirty three metres out. Nixon O’Connor initially broke three tackles including by way of a clockwise spin with Nixon O’Connor breaking three more before Nixon O’Connor stepped off his left foot to beat the Hornets fullback and one other to score under the posts.

The pace and power in terms of how he runs the ball is the outstanding feature of Nixon O’Connor’s game, he takes the ball to the line with speed, but Nixon O’Connor does not just put his head down and rush forward, Nixon O’Connor 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 Nixon O’Connor will target the smaller defenders on the edge of the ruck and burst through and for a big young bloke he has very good speed over the medium term and has the strength to drag defenders with him.

I would consider that Nixon O’Connor’s speed would be considered about average for a backrower (plus when he is playing in the front row) 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 Nixon O’Connor runs at.

Even though Nixon O’Connor gets back a long way and charges onto the ball to generate speed, he actually has good speed off the mark and utilises that trait when he runs out of dummy half or when he takes an off load with limited momentum.

Regularly Nixon O’Connor gets a quick play the ball as in a lot of his charges he gets partially through the defensive line but it is also due to his functional strength and powerful leg drive. On occasion players who fight for every metre, such as Nixon O’Connor that impacts on the play the ball, but that is not the case with Nixon O’Connor as a result of his core strength as he can move defenders off him by using the power in his legs and twisting appropriately.

Nixon O’Connor is also very effective close to the opposition try line with his ability to burst through tackles. If the defenders do not rush off their line Nixon O’Connor will just drag them across the try line with brute force and power.

With his continued development of which running lines he can utilise, such as running an inside shoulder line when close to the opposition try line Nixon O’Connor will become even more effective and will be an asset to the entire team as defences compress their line to combat his running thus leaving more room our wide for his play makers to exploit.

Simply put Nixon O’Connor is a brute of a ball runner. With his stocky powerful frame, low centre of gravity and bullocking front on running side Nixon O’Connor is an intimidating runner who excels in terms of returning the ball from kick off and drop outs when he is able to build up momentum and the fact that he never slows his speed when he hits the line.

The defensive side of his game is similarly impressive, Nixon O’Connor does not just charge wildly up looking for a huge hit but is calculating in where and when to hit. Quite a few of his tackles resulted in a knock on by the opposition as the ball came loose as a result of the impact of the tackle, he just hits so hard.

Nixon O’Connor drives hard with his legs and always uses his shoulder and core body strength to drive into his opponent. With his strength and technique Nixon O’Connor should likely always be considered a plus defender regardless of the quality of opponent that he is up against.

Impressive Nixon O’Connor is one of a rare breed of bigger forwards that can defend equally as well in the centre of the ruck and on the fringes. With his lateral mobility Nixon O’Connor can mirror the movement of attackers and is able to change direction quickly whilst maintaining balance and body control.

Having a sound repeatable defensive technique also aids Nixon O’Connor in being able to effectively defend against a variety of different types of attackers in multiple game situations. Similarly Nixon O’Connor is a start young man and he is not fooled or distracted by attempted feints by the attacking team and Nixon O’Connor concentrates on his role in the defensive line and is also able to diagnose attacking plays directed at him and is able to quickly work through his options and make the correct defensive read.

2025 will see Nixon O’Connor continue to play for the Tweed Heads Seagulls in the Group U16 competition with Nixon O’Connor also likely to play some matches up in the NRRRL U18 competition for the Seagulls. Nixon O’Connor will also continue at PBC SHS in relation to School Boy Rugby League where Nixon O’Connor will push for immediate playing time in the Langer Cup if not Nixon O’Connor will start in the Walters Cup competition.

I know that people see the front row positions and lock as interchangeable these days but I still think that playing lock enables a player to move around the field in attack more and pick and choose where and when to inject himself into the game, thus to that extent I would prefer to see Nixon O’Connor in the No. 13 jersey.

Titans own boom front row prospect Josiah Pahulu is an apt and more than accurate NRL player comparison for Nixon O’Connor. Both Pahulu and Nixon O’Connor are big, strong and tough front rowers who can absorb a lot of punishment when they are running the ball hard into the defensive line and still maintain their running line (and a good right arm off-load on occasion as well) and both Pahulu and Nixon O’Connor can also dish it out defensively with some ferocious and cold calculated defensive hits and then win the wrestling battle on the ground to slow the play the ball down.

 

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Isaac Harrison.
Aa a result of his strong performances over the course of the 2024 season Isaac Harrison signed a multi-year contract with the Titans.

In early March 2024 Isaac Harrison was named in the Open South Coast 2024 School Boy Rugby League Representative squad with Isaac Harrison starting in the front row on Day One against Met North and in the 51st minute after running onto the ball to the right of the play the ball Isaac Harrison carried the ball from three metres inside his own territory to ten metres into Met North territory.

Isaac Harrison continued in the front row on Day Two against Met East with Isaac Harrison running onto the ball to the left of the play the ball in the 7th minute to get the ball to the halfway mark after taking possession of the ball on the forty metre mark.

Isaac Harrison also started in the front row on Day Three against Northern.

Isaac Harrison continued in the front row on Day Four against Met North and in the 6th minute from the right of the play the ball Isaac Harrison carried the ball from twenty eight metres to seventeen metres from the try line.

Round One of the 2024 School Boy Rugby League Langer Cup competition saw Isaac Harrison start at lock for PBC SHS against Ipswich SHS with Isaac Harrison running the ball to the left of the play the ball through the centre of the field from forty seven metres to thirty five metres of the try line.

In the 41st minute from the left of the play the ball Isaac Harrison was able to get the ball from twenty two metres to thirty two metres from the try line. Then in the 50th minute from the left of the dummy half Isaac Harrison got the ball to twenty metres of the try line after commencing his run thirty two metres out.

Isaac Harrison also started at lock in Round Two against Redcliffe SHS with Isaac Harrison making the second run of the match from the right of the play the ball to get the ball out to the twenty metre mark and in the 33rd minute Isaac Harrison carried the ball through the centre of the field from the left of the play the ball from thirty five metres to forty five metres from the try line.

Isaac Harrison started at lock and captain for PBC SHS in Round Three of the Langer Cup against Mabel Park SHS with Isaac Harrison making a line break in the 11th minute with a great run to the right of the play the ball and after engaging the defensive line twenty three metres from his try line Isaac Harison broke through two attempted tackles as he carried the ball through the centre of the field to the halfway mark.

Isaac Harrison continued at lock and captain in Round Four against Caloundra SHS with Isaac Harrison in the 2nd minute from the left of the play the ball got the ball from thirty two metres to nineteen metres from the try line.

Isaac Harrison also started at lock in Round Five against Marsden SHS with Isaac Harrison making a strong kick-off return in the 36th minute to bring the ball back through the centre of the field out to the twenty one metre mark and then a minute later in the 37th minute from the right of the play the ball Isaac Harrison also carried the ball through the centre of the field from six metres inside his own half to six metres into Marsden SHS territory.

The 18th minute saw Isaac Harrison along with Hai Hiawe King execute a huge hit on one of the Marsden SHS forwards to force a knock on twenty four metres from the try line in the centre of the field.

Isaac Harrison continued at lock in Round Six against Wavell SHS with Isaac Harrison carrying the ball through the centre of the field in the 5th minute from the left of the play the ball from four metres inside his half to eight metres into Wavell SHS’s territory and in the 42nd minute Isaac Harrison’s yardage carry from the right of the play the ball saw him run the ball from his own try line to fourteen metres out.

Isaac Harrison also started at lock in the Round Seven local derby against Keebra Park SHS and in the 23rd minute Isaac Harrison ran the ball through the centre of the field from two passes to the left of the play the ball from forty to twenty eight metres from the try line. Isaac Harrison also ran the ball through the centre of the field in the 53rd minute from the right of the dummy half and eighteen metres from his try line to thirty metres out.

PBC SHS’s Langer Cup Quarter Final saw Isaac Harrison start at lock against Stretton State College with Isaac Harrison scoring in the 43rd minute by way of a powerful charge from twelve metres out and to the right of the play the ball with Isaac Harison surging through multiple attempted tackles to get the ball down eight metres to the left of the posts.

Isaac Harrison had come close to scoring earlier in the match in the 4th minute with a strong run that ended less than a metre from the try line and directly in front of the goal posts after Isaac Harrison had received a good inside pass from his twin brother ten metres out.

After taking the second hit-up of the match from the left of the play the ball through the centre of the field from twenty five to thirty seven metres from the try line. Isaac Harrison also made the fifty hit-up of the match to get the ball three metres inside Stretton State College territory.

In the 3rd minute after running an underneath route to the right of the play the ball Isaac Harrison was able to promote the ball from forty six to thirty four metres from the try line with Isaac Harrison then awarded a penalty after being hit in a high tackle. Then in the 11th minute from the left of the play the ball Isaac Harrison was able to run the ball to thirty eight metres from the try line from the halfway.

Also in the 19th minute from the right of the dummy half and thirty three metres out Isaac Harrison promoted the ball to twenty two metres from the try line. Isaac Harrison added an additional run from the left of the play the ball in the 39th minute from thirty eight to twenty four metres from the try line.

Isaac Harrison started at lock for PBC SHS in their Langer Cup semi-final against Keebra Park SHS and in the 13th minute Isaac Harrison ran onto the ball to the right of the dummy half to get the ball from thirty three to forty seven metres from his try line and was able to break through two attempted tackles along the way.

Isaac Harrison did well defensively in the 7th minute when along with Ray Puru and Kaleb Smith he was able to hold up the Keebra Park SHS hooker Austin Marsters over the try line ten metres to the right of the goal posts.

Isaac Harrison started at lock for PBC SHS in the 2024 School Boy Rugby League Langer Grand Final against Marsden SHS and in the 10th minute from the left of the play the ball Isaac Harrison ran through the centre of the field from thirty to forty metres away from his try line.

In the 13th minute from the left of the play the ball Isaac Harrison carried the ball through the centre of the field from thirty three to twenty two metres from the try line with Isaac Harrison also running the ball through the centre of the field in the 29th minute from eight to twenty metres from his try line and then two tackles later from the right of the dummy half Isaac Harrison was able to make ten metres from thirty metres from his try line. Then in the 33rd minute after cutting another his twin brother to the right of the play the ball Isaac Harrison got to within three metres of the try line next to the right of the uprights from sixteen metres out.

At the completion of the 2024 School Boy Rugby League season Isaac Harrison was named on the bench in the 2024 Courier Mail Langer Cup Team of the Year.

Isaac Harrison started at lock and captain for PBC SHS in the 2024 School Boy Rugby League Phil Hall Cup Final against Kirwan SHS to determine Queensland best 2024 School Boy Rugby League side.

Isaac Harrison scored for PBC SHS in the Final in the 28th minute when after receiving the ball to the right of the play the ball twelve metres from the try line Isaac Harrison continued to run to his right and after bumping off one defender Isaac Harrison straightened up and after easily beating a second Isaac Harrison carried two more defenders over the try line to score under the posts.

In the 2nd minute of the Final from the left of the play the ball and thirty metres from his try line Isaac Harrison carried the ball out to the thirty metre mark and in the 51st minute Isaac Harrison carried the ball through the centre of the field from the right of the play the ball from five metres inside PBC SHS territory to seven metres into Kirwan SHS’s half.

Isaac Harrison ran the ball through the centre of the field from the left of the play the ball in the 54th minute to get the ball from thirty four to forty eight metres from the try line. Also in the 57th minute after receiving an inside pass from his left from his five eight Issac Harrison carried the ball strongly from twenty six to ten metres from the try line breaking two tackles along the way.

Isaac Harrison started at lock for PBC SHS in the 2024 National School By Rugby League Final against Patrician Brothers Blacktown and in the 22nd minute from the left of the play the ball Isaac Harrison promoted the ball from twenty five to thirty eight metres from the try line and in the 54th minute from two passes to the right of the play the ball Isaac Harrison moved the ball forward from thirty eight to twenty four metres from the try line.

In October 2023 Isaac Harrison was named in the 2024 Tweed Heads Seagulls U19 Mal Meninga (MM) Cup side with Isaac Harrison also MM Cup eligible in 2025.

Round One of the 2024 MM Cup competition saw Isaac Harrison start at lock for the Tweed Heads Seagulls against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls and in the 58th minute Isaac Harrison ran an underneath route to the right of the play the ball with Isaac Harrison running the ball through the centre of the field from twenty two metres to within ten metres of the try line.

The 62nd minute then saw Isaac Harrison, from two passes to the right of the play the ball ran the ball through the centre of the field once again to get the ball from forty three metres from the try line to thirty metres out.

Isaac Harrison started at lock in Round Two against the Brisbane Tigers with Isaac Harrison making his initial strong run in the 2nd minute with an effort to the right of the play the ball that saw Isaac Harrison get the ball from thirty five metres from his own try line to within three metres of the halfway mark.

As a result of his performance Isaac Harrison was named on the bench in the Courier Mail 2024 MM Cup Round Two Team of the Week.

Isaac Harrison continued at lock in Round Three against the Norths Devils with Isaac Harrison making the fourth hit-up of the match from the right of the play the ball to get the ball out to the forty two metre mark. Then in the 54th minute from the left of the dummy half Isaac Harrison carried the ball from his own thirty metre mark to forty one metres out.

Isaac Harrison also started at lock in Round Four against the Redcliffe Dolphins with Isaac Harrison running onto the ball two passes to the left of the play the ball to carry the ball from twenty one metres to within ten metres of the try line with Isaac Harrison then executing a quick play the ball.

Isaac Harrison’s performance saw him receive a special mention in the Courier Mail Round Four MM Cup Team of the Week.

Isaac Harrison continued at lock in Round Six against the Souths Logan Magpies with Isaac Harrison running onto the ball to the right of the dummy half in the 13th minute to carry the ball from forty six metres from the try line to thirty three metres out.

Isaac Harrison from the left of the play the ball in the 24th minute and thirty five metres from his own try line Isaac Harrison executed a hit and spin and he got the ball to within three metres of the halfway mark. Then in the 59th minute from left of the play the ball Isaac Harrison was able to run the ball from fifteen metres to twenty five metres from his own try line.

Isaac Harrison also started at lock in the Round Seven local derby against the Burleigh Bears with Isaac Harrison involved in the opening tackle of the match from the Tweed Heads kick-off with Isaac Harrison and two team mates driving the Burleigh front rower No. 10 backwards to within four metres of the his own try line with a knock-on ensuing as well.

Isaac Harrison continued at lock in Round Ten against the Ipswich Jets.

Isaac Harrison also started at lock in Round Eleven against the Brisbane Tigers and in the 7th minute after running onto the ball to the left of the play the ball Isaac Harrison ran the ball from thirty three metres to forty four metres from his try line.

From the left of the play the ball in the 11th minute Isaac Harrison was able to get the ball from thirty seven metres to twenty two metres from the try line. Also in the 22nd minute from the left of the play the ball and thirty metres from the try line Isaac Harrison got the ball to within eighteen metres.

Isaac Harrison ran the ball through the centre of the field from left of the play the ball from forty five metres to thirty metres of the try line and a minute later from the right of the play the ball Isaac was able to make fifteen metres to get the ball seven metres into the Tigers half. Also in the 51st minute from two passes to the right of the play the ball Isaac Harrison carried the ball from thirty five metres from his try line to within five metres of the halfway mark.

Isaac Harrison continued at lock in the Preliminary Final against the Ipswich Jets with Isaac Harrison in the 31st minute making a strong kick-off return to carry the ball to the twenty metre mark, then a tackle later from the left of the play the ball Isaac Harrison got the ball out to the thirty two metre mark.

Isaac Harrison started at lock for the Tweed Heads Seagulls in the 2024 MM Cup Grand Final against the Burleigh Bears.

At the conclusion of the MM Cup competition Isaac Harrison received a “Safe as the Bank of England” Award in the 2024 Courier Mail Mal Meninga Cup Team of the Season discussions.

Isaac Harrison made his School Boy Rugby League Langer Cup Open A debut in Round Five of the 2023 season when Isaac Harrison started on the bench for PBC SHS in their away match against Ipswich SHS.

After coming onto the field in the 23rd minute with Isaac Harrison’s initial run getting him within four metres of the halfway mark. Then in the 27th minute from the right of the play the ball Isaac Harrison carried the ball to twenty two metres out from his own try line as a result of a strong yardage carry.

Isaac Harrison was also named on the bench in the Round Six Gold Coast School Boy derby against Keebra Park SHS with Isaac Harrison coming onto the field in the 13th minute and in the 20th minute Isaac Harrison put a big shot on the Keebra Park SHS replacement front rower No. 16. Isaac Harrison made another big front on tackle in the 43rd minute smashing the Keebra Park SHS replacement dummy half No. 14 forcing him backwards to four metres out from the try line in the centre of the field and dumping him onto his back unceremoniously.

Isaac Harrison continued from the bench in Round Seven against Wavell SHS with Isaac Harrison coming off the bench to operate at lock in the 21st minute.

After PBC SHS finished fourth on the 2023 School Boy Rugby League Langer Cup table after the completion of the regular season, Isaac Harrison started at lock for PBC SHS in their Queensland Quarter Final clash against Keebra Park SHS.

Isaac Harrison was also named at lock in the Langer Cup Queensland Semi-Final against Marsden SHS.

Isaac Harrison also started at lock in the 2023 School Boy Rugby League Langer Cup Grand Final against Ipswich SHS with Isaac Harrison along with Brady Turner and Jaylen Taewa making the opening tackle of the match from the PBC SHS kick-off.

Isaac Harrison made a strong kick-off return in the 50th minute to get the ball over the twenty metre mark, then a tackle later Isaac Harrison made ten more metres to get the ball five metres inside Ipswich SHS territory.

At the conclusion of the Langer Cup Isaac Harrison was named by the Courier Mail as producing the most underrated performance in the 2023 School Boy Rugby League Langer Cup Grand Final.

Isaac Harrison also started at lock 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.

Isaac Harrison continued at lock in the 2023 NRL School Boy Rugby League Grand Final against Westfields Sports High.

2023 saw Isaac Harrison move to the Bilambil Jets in the NRRRL competition from the Tweed Heads Seagulls with Isaac Harrison named to make his NRRRL First Grade debut and Bilambil debut off the bench in Round One against the Tweed Coast Raiders.

Isaac Harrison was also named on the bench in Round Twelve against the Murwillumbah Mustangs with Isaac Harrison coming onto the field in the 73rd minute.

Isaac Harrison made his first NRRRL First Grade start in the front row in Round Sixteen against the Murwillumbah Mustangs with Isaac Harrison making the fourth hit-up of the match from the right of the play the ball to get the ball out to the thirty eight metre mark.

In the 12th minute Isaac Harrison make a strong Mustangs goal line drop-out return to bring the ball back to the thirty two metre mark. Then in the 15th minute from the right of the play the ball Isaac Harrison carried the ball from the halfway mark to forty metres from the try line.

In his second stint on the field in the 63rd minute Isaac Harrison ran onto the ball to the right of the dummy half with Isaac Harrison able to promote the ball from twenty metres out from his own try line to thirty two metres out.

At the 2023 end of season awards Isaac Harrison was named the 2023 Bilambil Jets NRRRL First Grade Rookie of the Year.

Round Five of the NRRRL U18 competition saw Isaac Harrison start at lock for the Bilambil Jets against the Lower Clarence Magpies with Isaac Harrison making a line break in the 9th minute when from the right of the play the ball and twenty eight metres out from his own try line Isaac Harrison burst between two defenders and charged down the centre of the field with Isaac Harrison then running over the top of the Magpies fullback before being dragged down from behind just ten metres from the try line.

Isaac Harrison did well defensively in the 32nd minute when Isaac Harrison was involved in holding up the giant No. 20 over the try line under the posts. Then a minute later Isaac Harrison stopped the same Magpies player just short of the try line and once again under the posts.

Isaac Harrison then started in the front row in in Round Twelve against the Murwillumbah Mustangs.

In early May 2022 Isaac Harrison started at lock for a Northern Rivers Titans U17 squad that took on a Titans U16 JTS side at Cbus Stadium as a curtain-raiser to the Titans NRL Round Fourteen against the Souths Sydney Rabbitohs.

In late September 2022 Isaac Harrison was named in the 2023 Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup train on squad. Isaac Harrison is also U18 eligible in 2024.

Isaac Harrison was involved in the Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup trial side that took on the Tweed Heads Seagulls at Burleigh Juniors in late January 2023.

Round One of the 2023 U18 Laurie Daley Cup competition saw Isaac Harrison named in the front row for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Newcastle Knights with Isaac Harrison taking the 4th hit-up of the match after the Knights had kicked off to get the match underway.

The match also saw Isaac Harrison make a line break in the 29th minute when he charged onto a good ball from his left from Jesse Soric with Isaac Harrison’s inside shoulder route taking him to within ten metres of the try line and in front of the goal posts.

Isaac Harrison also started in the front row in Round Two against the Central Coast Roosters with Isaac Harrison taking the opening hit-up of the match from the kick-off and then backed that run up by also taking the third hit-up of the match.

Isaac Harrison was also named in the front row for Round Three against the South Coast Dragons.

Isaac Harrison also started in the front row in Round Four against the Northern Tigers with Isaac Harrison involved in the 24th minute in holding up the Northern Tigers hooker ten metres to the right of the uprights after the hooker had tried to force his way over the try line from dummy half on the final tackle.

Isaac Harrison also started in the front row in Round Five against the North Coast Bulldogs.

In early 2023 Isaac Harrison was named in the South Coast School Boy Open Representative side however injury prevented him from taking his place at the Championships.

In early December 2021 Isaac Harrison was named in the 2022 Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup Train-on Squad.

Round One of the 2022 U16 Andrew Johns Cup competition saw Isaac Harrison start at lock for the Northern Rivers Titans side against the Macquarie Wests Tigers in Sydney’s west and Isaac Harrison also started at lock in Round Two against the North Coast Bulldogs with Isaac Harrison taking the third hit-up of the match after the North Coast Bulldogs had kicked off to get the match underway.

Isaac Harrison continued at lock for Round Three against the Greater Northern Tigers and as in Round Four against the Central Coast Roosters and in the twice delayed final round being Round Five against the Newcastle Knights in Grafton with Isaac Harrison scoring his first try of the season, and what a critical try it was in the 51st minute.

With the Titans attacking a metre out and directly in front of the goal post the dummy half ran to his left with Isaac Harrison cutting back against the grain and coming underneath to receive the ball just three metres from the line. Isaac Harrison was hit by two defenders still a metre from the line but refused to be denied to force his way over to get the ball down under the posts.

Isaac Harrison then continued at lock for the Northern Rivers Titans Week One Final against St George and was in the match early with a great front on driving tackle on the St George lock in just the 3rd minute.

Isaac Harrison also started at lock for the Northern Rivers Titans in the 2022 U16 Andrew Johns Cup Grand Final against the Wests Tigers with Isaac Harrison recording a 23rd minute line break assist in the Titans great last minute 24 – 22 Grand Final victory when after a good run he was able to off-load to his right to Jackson Bennett who broke away down the right channel to get the ball over the halfway mark.

Isaac Harrison showed what he is all about in the 39th minute with a desperate covering tackle on his opposite number to force the ball loose just twenty metres out from the try line.

At the 2022 Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup Presentation Night Isaac Harrison was awarded the Players Player Award.

The 2022 season saw Isaac Harrison play for the Tweed Heads Seagulls U18 side in the NRRRL U18 competition, even though he was still U16 eligible, starting Round One of the competition at lock against the Byron Bay Devils.

One of Isaac Harrison’s best runs of the match came in the 37th minute with a great charge from the kick-off from Creedence Donovan’s opening try with Isaac Harrison able to get the ball over the twenty metre mark.

Isaac Harrison was also strong defensively as was evidenced in the 39th minute with a big tackle on his opposite number to stop a try from being scored.

Isaac Harrison also started at lock in Round Two against the Cudgen Hornets and in the 7th minute along with Jye Brady smashed Cudgen front rower Ty Kilpatrick forcing him back around four metres. Isaac Harrison backed up that strong tackle three tackles later in the same set of six with a big tackle on the Cudgen hooker.

Isaac Harrison then made a strong run in the 17th minute when he ran the ball from the left of the dummy half with Isaac Harrison making thirteen metres to get the ball ten metres into Cudgen territory.

Isaac Harrison continued his strong running in the 25th minute with a big fourteen metre charge down the left channel from inside his own territory.

Isaac Harrison also started at lock in Round Six against the Ballina Seagulls as well as in Round Eight against Casino RSM with Isaac Harrison taking the third hit-up of the match.

Isaac Harrison also started at lock in Round Nine against the Murwillumbah Mustangs and in the 6th minute Isaac Harrison along with Zac Windle executed a great tackle on one of the Mustangs front rowers who was taking a hit-up from a penalty tap with Isaac Harrison and Zac Windle forcing the front rower three metres backwards before dumping him on his back.

Isaac also started at lock in Round Ten against the Kyogle Turkeys with Isaac Harrison involved in the opening tackle of the match after the Seagulls kicked off.

Isaac Harrison then continued at lock in Round Thirteen against the Bilambil Jets for the second round in a row with Isaac Harrison coming close to scoring in the 13th minute when after taking a penalty tap ten metres out and in front of the posts, Isaac Harrison ran the ball to his right and whilst he forced his way over the try line just to the right of the uprights, Isaac Harrison was held up by multiple Jets defenders.

Isaac Harrison also made a strong run in the 48th minute with a sixteen metre charge to forty metres out from the try line.

Isaac Harrison continued at lock in the rescheduled Round Four match against the Murwillumbah Mustangs.

Isaac Harrison also started at lock in the Week One Qualifying Final against the Murwillumbah Mustangs as well as the Major Preliminary Final against the Cudgen Hornets with Isaac Harrison taking the third hit-up of the match.

The 2022 U18 NRRRL Preliminary Final saw Isaac Harrison start at lock for the Tweed Heads Seagulls against the Ballina Seagulls with Isaac Harrison making a great try saving tackle in the 12th minute when he forced the ball loose from the grasp of Ballina right centre Damon Coldwell whilst he was over the try line and under the posts with Seagulls team mate Creedence Donovan picking the ball up two metres in his own in-goal and making twenty metres downfield.

The northern New South Wales young front rower was a member of the 2021 Titans U15 Elite Academy squad.

In mid-February 2021 Isaac Harrison played in a Titans U15 Invitational Trial at Burleigh, a trial which included only the best of the 2021 Titans U15 squad members.

In May 2021 Isaac Harrison was part of the South Coast U15 QSSRL School Boy representative side, starting the Championship Final against Met West at lock.

In 2021 Isaac Harrison continued at PBC as part of the school’s Elite Rugby League Program and made a strong impression after coming off the bench for the PBC Walters Cup side in their Round One 16 all draw against Ipswich State High School.

Isaac Harrison also started from the bench in Round Two against Forest Lake State High School.

In 2020 Isaac Harrison played in the front row for the Tweed Heads Seagulls U14 side in the Group 18 junior rugby league competition with the Seagulls going through the ten regular season rounds undefeated, scoring 316 points and conceding just sixty four to finish the regular season with +252 points differential from their ten matches to record an average winning margin of just above twenty five points.

As a result of their outstanding season the Tweed Heads Seagulls U14 side qualified for the Grand Final against the Tugun Seahawks. Tweed Heads prevailed in the 2020 decider 30 – 4 with Isaac Harrison starting the Grand Final victory in the front row. Isaac Harrison was in my opinion one of the best players on the field in the Grand Final producing some outstanding hit-ups including one outstanding run after the Seagulls first try of the match when he skittled multiple Tugun defenders in a twenty metre charge directly through the centre of the Seahawks forward pack.

Isaac Harrison also played in Group 18 Grand Finals in 2019 in the U13 age group and in 2018 in the U12 age group.

Isaac Harrison attended PBC as part of their Rugby League Excellence Program and in 2020 was part of the PBC Year Nine Hancock Cup side that progressed through to the Grand Final and post the completion of the school boy competition was awarded a Future Reds Award at the PBC Sports Awards night. Unfortunately PBC went down in the Hancock Cup Grand Final to Marsden State High School.

Isaac Harrison is a solidly built young forward with a low centre of gravity, which makes him quite difficult to tackle. There is little subtlety to his game, Isaac Harrison runs straight and hard, with the only concession to this being a slight step off either foot in occasion prior to the initial contact with the defensive line.

One thing that Isaac Harrison does do will however is continuing to pump his legs once his initial momentum is halted by the defensive line, he makes more metres than he should as a result and also forces defending teams to commit multiple defensive assets to stopping his progress.

Isaac Harrison does not have a real off load to his attacking game, but that is not his role, his role is to take the ball into the heart of the opposition’s defensive line and make as many metres as possible, although Isaac Harrison’s ball playing skills have improved dramatically and no doubt will continue to do is.

Like his attacking game, his defensive attributes and relatively simple, he moves up and hits the ball carrier as hard as he can, as often as he can, full stop. He 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, he moves well in terms of moving up and back in defence.

Isaac Harrison’s lateral movement is quite reasonable for a forward but he will on occasion have some difficulty with smaller faster stepping opposition players.

2025 will see Isaac Harrison part of the Titans NRL squad in a train and trial capacity. Isaac Harrison will more than likely start the 2025 season in the MM Cup with the Tweed Heads Seagulls and post the completion of that competition, as he looks for a Queensland Cup opportunity Isaac Harrison will likely line up in the NRRRL First Grade competition with either the Bilambil Jets or the Tweed Heads Seagulls.

Isaac Harrison has played the majority of the last two seasons with PBC SHS or in the MM Cup and U18 Laurie Daley Cup at lock and whilst that is Isaac Harrison’s best position going forward, spending some time at dummy half would be another feather in his cap as he looks to progress towards the NRL.

The Dolphins Max Plath as a solidly built forward with a low centre of gravity with some positional flexibility is a good comparison for the type of player that Isaac Harrison cane be. Isaac Harrison is the type of player that every team needs, he will work his guts out and do whatever is required for his team’s success.

 

[mdrew]

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu. In late March 2023 Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu signed a three year contract with the Titans out of Brisbane’s Stretton State College.

In late September 2024 Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu started at left centre for a Future Titans U16 side that defeated a Storm squad 38 – 22 with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu scoring the first of his two tries in the first period of the match when he took a Murphy Phillips bomb on the full twelve metres from the try line to score four metres to the left of the posts.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu scored his second try wide on the left in the second period of the match.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu also started at left centre in the Anthony Laffranchi Cup against the Wests Tigers.

In late April 2024 Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu started at left centre for a Titans U16 side against Auckland U16’s in Ipswich.

In early January 2024 Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu started on the left wing for a Titans U17 side in a round robin series of matches against the Penrith Panthers and the Souths Sydney Rabbitohs in Sydney.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu scored in the 4th minute of the first of the two trials against the Penrith Panthers when after receiving a pass from his inside ten metres out from the ty line and on the left touch line, Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu ran over the top of his opposite winger still five metres from the try line. Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu then carried three more Panthers over the try line with him to score in the left corner.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu appeared to have scored a second try in the 25th minute with a five metres charge after running out of dummy half to his right. It looked as if Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu grounded the ball over the ty line but the referee bizarrely ruled that he had grounded the ball short of the line.

In the 26th minute Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu produced a yardage carry from the left of the dummy half to carry the ball from thirty metres out from his own try line to within four metres of the halfway mark, then a tackle later Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu took another hit-up, this time to the left of the play the ball to get the ball over the halfway mark.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu also started on the left wing in the second trial against the Souths Sydney Rabbitohs with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu coming close to scoring in the 14th minute when after backing up a line break by Dallas Ingram, Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu received a pass from his five eight from his right three metres out and after charging at the try line Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu was held up near the left corner by three Knights defenders.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu also made a line break in just the 3rd minute of the trial when after Titans left centre Santino Pekepo-Tavaga received a pass from his inside three metres inside Rabbitohs territory, Santino Pekepo-Tavaga skipped to his left to get on the outside of his direct opponent and after drawing in the Souths Sydney right winger, Santino Pekepo-Tavaga got a pass away to his left to Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu who was able to make a line break down the left touchline to within twenty six metres of the try line.

In early October 2023 Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu was named in the 2024 Brisbane Tigers U17 Cyril Connell Cup squad with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu also CC Cup eligible in 2025 with the age group changes.

Round One of the 2024 U17 Cyril Connell Cup saw Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu start at left centre for the Brisbane Tigers against the Redcliffe Dolphins with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu moving to fullback in the second half.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu made an impact on the match in just the 2nd minute when after receiving a pass from his right twenty two metres from the try line Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu ran the ball to eighteen metres out before stepping inside off his left foot with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu breaking a tackle as he carried the ball within thirteen metres of the try line.

Then in the 4th minute from three passes to the left of the play the ball Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu continued to run to his left to get the ball to within eighteen metres of the try line with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu then awarded a penalty when he was not allowed to his feet in a timely fashion to play the ball.

The 14th minute saw Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu run onto the ball to the left of the play the ball and run through the centre of the field to within ten metres of the try line after taking possession twenty three metres out. Then in the 20th minute Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu pick up the ball after Redcliffe had lost possession whilst attacking the Tigers line and after collecting the ball three metres out from his own try line, Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu ran to his left to get the ball out to the eighteen metre mark.

From a Tigers penalty restart in the 21st minute Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu took the tap and was able to run the ball from the forty metre mark to just inside Dolphins territory. Then two tackles later and still in the 21st minute Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu received the ball two passes to the left of the dummy half and after making ten metres to within eighteen metres of the try line Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu was able to off-load to his left winger who was as a result able to close to within ten metres of the try line.

Then from the left of a Tigers scrum win ten metre out from his own try line in the 27th minute Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu was able to get the ball out to the seventeen metre mark before being awarded a penalty for being held down by the Dolphins defenders for too long. A minute later in the 28th minute after running onto a pass to his right from the dummy half thirty three metres from the try line, Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu continued to run the ball to his left to get to within twenty one metres of the try line.

Whilst operating at fullback in the 36th minute Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu took a Dolphins clearing kick on the bounce twenty metres out from his own try line and ran the ball back through the centre of the field to get the ball thirty two metres out from his own try line. Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu produced a further yardage carry in the 46th minute from the right of the play the ball to carry the ball to thirty metres from the try line after taking possession eighteen metres out.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu also started at left centre in Round Two against the Tweed Heads Seagulls Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu coming close to scoring in the 44th minute when after receiving a pass from his right from a Tigers backline movement from the opposite side of the field, Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu received the ball seven metres out and then took on the Seagulls right winger only to be held up over the try line four metres in from the left corner post.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu made a line break in just the 2nd minute of the match with a line break down the left touchline from thirty two metres out from his own try line to within thirty two metres of the try line on the opposite end of the field.

In the 12th minute from three passes to the left of the play the ball Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu ran the ball from thirty two metres from his own try line to within two metres of the halfway mark. Then in the 24th minute from a Tigers penalty restart on the halfway mark Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu was able to make twenty metres downfield.

The 39th minute then saw Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu, from the left of the play the ball carry the ball from thirty four metres from his own try line to the halfway mark with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu using a right arm fend to break two tackles.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu also started at left centre in Round Three against the Souths Logan Magpies with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu running onto the ball to the left of the play the ball in the 14th minute to run the ball through the centre of the field from forty two metres from the try line to thirty one metres out.

The 29th minute saw Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu carry the ball from two passes to the left of the play the ball from twenty metres from his own try line to thirty nine metres out. Then in the 33rd minute also from the left of the dummy half Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu ran the ball through the centre of the field on a yardage carry from four metres from his own try line to thirteen metres out.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu continued at left centre in Round Four against the Norths Devils with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu scoring in the 44th minute from a straight hard ten metre run to crash between defenders to get the ball down ten metres in from the left corner post.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu also recorded a try assist in the 49th minute when after backing up a line break Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu received the ball sixteen metres out and when six metres from the try line Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu drew the Devils fullback and off-loaded to his left to put his winger over to score in the left corner.

Earlier in the 9th minute from two passes to the left of a Tigers scrum win Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu was able to make ten hard metres from his own seven metre mark. Then in the 12th minute after running out of dummy half to his right Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu ran the ball through the centre of the field from his own twenty four metre mark to the thirty seven metre mark.

Two minutes later in the 14th minute from the right of the play the ball and eighteen metres from his own try line Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu used a left foot step to get the ball to the twenty nine metres mark. Also in the 26th minute from the right of the play the ball Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu was able run the ball out from his own twenty metre mark to the thirty three metre mark.

Two minutes into the second half in the 32nd minute and from two passes to the left of a Tigers scrum win Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu was able to promote the ball from forty four metres from the try line to the thirty metre mark. Then in the 35th minute from the left of the play the ball Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu got the ball from the twenty four metre mark to thirty six metres out.

Just after scoring, Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu, in the 47th minute from the left of a Tigers scrum win ran an underneath route with his five eight and got the ball from eighteen metres from his try line out to the thirty metre mark. Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu then followed up with a yardage run in the 52nd minute from the left of the play the ball to get the ball from his eight metre mark out to the eighteen metre mark.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu then started at left centre in Round Five against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls and inside the opening minute of the match from a Tigers penalty restart Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu carried the ball from thirty six metres from the try line to twenty metres out with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu’s run incorporating a subtle right foot step before Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu was awarded a penalty when he leg was raised by the defence into a dangerous position.

Wide out on the left side of the field in the 18th minute and after receiving the ball from his inside three metres inside his own territory, Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu used a strong right arm fend to help him carry the ball twelve metres inside Wynnum Manly territory. Then in the 42nd minute from the right of the play the ball Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu made a yardage carry from fourteen metres from his own try line to twenty four metres out.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu had earlier done well in the 3rd minute to chase through a Brisbane Tigers grubber kick into the in-goal and tackle the Wynnum Manly fullback there to force a Seagulls goal line drop-out.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu also started at left centre in Round Six against the Burleigh Bears with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu coming close to scoring inside the opening two minutes of the match when after receiving a cut-out pass from his inside thirteen metres Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu set sail for the left corner only to be tackled just short of the try line two metres in from the left corner post. Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu then won a “six again” for the Tigers after the Burleigh defence interfered as Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu was attempting to play the ball.

Shortly thereafter in the 4th minute after running onto the ball wide on the left Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu carried the ball from eight metres inside his own territory to eight metres into Burleigh territory. Then in the 13th minute from a Tigers penalty restart on the halfway mark Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu was able to make eleven metres with a bruising run.

After running backwards to collect a Tigers knock back in the 18th minute ten metres inside his own territory Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu returned the ball to eight metres into Burleigh territory. Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu also made a strong second half kick-off return. Then in the 32nd minute from the left of the play the ball also on the halfway mark Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu was able to run the ball twelve metres into Bears territory.

After running out of dummy half to his right in the 51st minute Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu got the ball from ten metres out from his own try line to twenty one metres out. Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu followed up by making twelve metres in the 56th minute from thirty metres from his own try line. Then in the 58th minute from two passes to the left of a Tigers scrum win Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu carried the ball from twenty eight metres from his own try line to forty metres out.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu made the tackle of the match and one of the tackles of the season in the 40th minute when Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu drove his right shoulder through the Burleigh right second rower twenty two metres from the try line forcing his opponent to leave the field.

In 2024 Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu continued at Stretton State College and started at left centre for the Stretton State College Storm in their School Boy Rugby League Gee Shield Grand Final against the Forest Lake Lions with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu scoring a double as Stretton State College qualified for the Langer Cup Quarter Finals.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu scored his opening try in the 5th minute with a ten metre charge down the left channel to crash over to score four metres in from the left corner post and breaking through three tackles.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu completed his double in the 60th minute when he chased an attacking Stetton State College chip kick into the in-goal with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu getting to the ball first three metres in from the left corner post.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu also recorded a line break assist in the 12th minute when after carrying the ball to within forty metres of the try line Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu drew the Forest Lake College right winger to put his left winger away down the touchline.

From two passes to the left of the play the ball in the 4th minute Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu was able to get the ball from thirty one to twenty metres from the try line. Also in the 18th minute Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu ran the ball down the left channel from five metres inside his territory to ten metres into Forest Lake’s half.

From two passes to the left of a Stretton State College scrum Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu ran the ball from four metres from his try line to twenty metres out and then in the 47th minute wide on the left side of the field and twenty two metres out Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu got the ball to within three metres of the try line.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu also started at left centre for Stretton State College as the Gee Shield winners against Tians Cup winners Marymount College.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu started at left centre for Stretton State College in their Langer Cup Quarter Final against PBC SHS with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu taking Stretton State College’s opening run of the match to the right of the play the ball form seventeen to twenty seven metres from the try line.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu ran the ball down the left channel in the 14th minute from thirty two metres from his try line to the halfway mark and then in the 20th minute from a Stretton State College twenty metre restart Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu made twelve metres against a set PBC SHS defensive line.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu made a further run down the left channel in the 30th minute from two passes to the left of the play the ball from twenty four to thirty seven metres from the try line. Then a minute later in the 31st minute from the right of the play the ball and seventeen metres from his try line Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu carried the ball to the twenty seven metre mark. Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu ran the ball through the centre of the field in the 48th minute from the left of a Stretton State College scrum win from four to sixteen metres from his try line.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu then rounded out a solid match in the 50th minute when he did well to tap back a short Stretton State College kick-off to the right for Stretton State College to retrieve.

2024 also saw Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu return to Stretton State College with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu starting at left centre for Stretton State College in their School Boy Rugby League Langer Cup qualifying match against Morayfield State High School with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu dominating in a 70 – 6 Stretton State College victory.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu lined up in a Titans jersey in mid-April 2023 when Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu started on the left wing for a Titans U16 JTS squad that played a touring Auckland U16 side at Cbus Stadium as a curtain-raiser to the Titans NRL Round Seven match against the Brisbane Bronco’s with the Future Titans U16’s recording a strong victory. While Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu started the match on the left wing, he moved to the right wing mid-way through the first half.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu came close to scoring in the 27th minute when after Devin Bates-Wellington had taken a Jimmy McCombie kick towards the Titans right corner, Devin bates-Wellington flicked a pass to Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu who charged down the right touchline from twenty metres out with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu cutting inside away from the touchline before being tackled a metre or two from the try line.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu also made a line break in the 29th minute when after collecting a long cut-out pass from his inside on the bounce forty metres out from his own try line, Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu burst away down the right touchline to fifteen metres into New Zealand territory with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu then put in a right foot kick inside. Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu’s kick was played at by New Zealand with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu regaining possession twenty metres out from the try line near the right touchline to give the Titans six more tackles.

Earlier in the 14th minute Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu came off his wing and made a strong low driving right shoulder tackle in the New Zealand right centre to prevent a try with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu cutting down his opponent less than a metre from the try line and six metres in from the right touchline.

In 2024 Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu played his club rugby league for the Souths Acacia Ridge Magpies in the GBJRL U16 Division One competition and after the Magpies had a Round One bye Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu started in the second row and scored a double in a big 54 – 8 victory against Logan Brothers.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu also scored in Week Two of the Finals against Logan Brothers as well as the Preliminary Final against Norths. Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu also started in the second row in the Grand Final against Wynnum Manly.

In early October 2024 Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu was named in the 2024 Queensland Māori U16 Representative Squad.

Even though he was still U15 eligible in 2023 Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu started all of the Brisbane Tigers U16 Cyril Connell Cup matches at left centre with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu scoring on three occasions from his six matches to record a 50% try scoring strike rate over the course of the 2023 CC Cup season.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu scored his first 2023 CC Cup try in Round Two against the Tweed Heads Seagulls in the 3rd minute when after receiving the ball from his inside when twenty two metres out from the try line, Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu charged towards the left corner holding one defender off with a strong right arm fend with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu then getting the ball down two metres in from the left corner post.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu scored his second try in Round Four against the Redcliffe Dolphins in the 53rd minute when from two metres from the try line Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu ran to his left out of dummy half to crash over mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu added a third try in the 55th minute of the Round Six match against the Souths Logan Magpies when after receiving the ball around five metres out on the left side of the field Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu initially juggled the ball before taking clean possession and driving over to score two metres in from the left corner post.

At the completion of the 2023 CC Cup competition Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu was named the Brisbane Tigers 2023 CC Cup Most Improved Player. Impressively Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu is also U16 eligible in 2024.

In early 2023 Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu was named in the Met West U15 School Boy Rugby League Representative side for the QSSRL State Championships with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu starting at left centre on Day One against Met East with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu recording a line break in the 40th minute when from two passes to the left of a Met West scrum win fifteen metres out from his own try line, Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu broke through one tackle and after getting the ball to the thirty two metre mark Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu was able to get an off-load away to his right. After his support runner was tackled Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu ran out of dummy half to his right when five metres inside his own territory before being tackled eight metres inside Met East territory.

The 11th minute saw Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu make a strong run from a penalty tap restart from twenty eight metres out from his own try line to get the ball within eight metres of the halfway mark.

In the 19th minute to the right of the play the ball and eighteen metres out from his own try line Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu as able to make fourteen metres then in the 28th minute from a penalty tap restart twenty metres out from his own try line Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu carried the ball to the thirty four metre mark.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu continued his strong match in the 29th minute when from thirty two metres out, Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu produced a strong bumping run down the left channel to get within ten metres of the try line.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu also had a strong match defensively including a 14th minute try saving tackle on his opposite number to stop him cold less than a metre from the try line and eight metres to the left of the uprights.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu also started at left centre on Day two against Peninsula with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu recording a try assist in the 20th minute when after making a line break down the left touchline from forty two metres out down a short blindside Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu ran the ball to within ten metres of the try line with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu then drawing the fullback and got the ball back inside to put his left winger over to score.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu also made a line break in the 19th minute when after taking possession of the ball from a Met West off-load six metres inside Peninsula territory Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu charged down the left touchline before being brought down fifteen metres out with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu doing well to stay in the field of play.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu continued at left centre on Day Three against Northern with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu named Met West’s best in their 20 -12 victory.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu made a line break in the 9th minute when after receiving the ball from his inside when thirty six metres out, Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu accelerated from a standing start to charge down the left touchline to get within seven metres of the left corner post before being tackled.

Earlier in the 5th minute Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu made his first run of the match from the left of the play the ball from fifteen metres out with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu carrying the ball to the thirty one metre mark.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu continued at left centre on Day Four against Peninsula with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu making a line break in the 26th minute when from a Met West scrum win in the centre of the field and sixteen metres out from their try line, Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu ran to his left after taking receipt of the ball and after getting on the outside of the Capricornia right winger Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu charged down the left touchline and beat the Peninsula lock with a right arm fend and did the same against the fullback only to be caught just nine metres from the left corner.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu also recorded a line break assist in the 31st minute when after picking up a pass on the halfway mark, Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu ran ten metres downfield to then draw the Capricornia right winger and put his left winger away down the left touchline.

Earlier in the 4th minute from five metres inside his own territory Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu ran to his right out of dummy half and was able to carry the ball seven metres inside Peninsula territory.

At the completion of the Championships Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu was named in the 2023 Queensland U15 Maroon School Boys Rugby League side to contest the 2023 Australian U15 School Boys Championships.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu started on the left wing in Match One against ACT School Boys with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu running to his right out of dummy half carrying the ball from six metres out from his own try line to seventeen metres out.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu continued on the left wing in Match Two against New South Wales Combined Independent Schools with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu making the first of his two line breaks in the 6th minute when after he picked up a dropped NSW CIS ball ten metres out from his own try line Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu immediately stepped off his right foot to beat one defender and then charged down the left touchline with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu getting to within five metres of the halfway mark before being dragged to ground.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu recorded his second line break in the 36th minute when after receiving an off-load from his right from Majah Peachey ten metres out from his own try line, Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu was able to get on the outside of his opposing winger and charging down the left touchline to within five metres of the halfway mark.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu also made a good thirteen metre run down the left touchline in the 27th minute after receiving a cut-out pass from his inside on the halfway mark.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu made an important intervention in the match inside the opening two minutes when Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu took a bomb to his wing on the full in the in-goal area and after racing to the twenty metre mark to take the tap restart Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu was able to get the ball out to the thirty two metre mark.

Then in the 28th minute Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu came off his left wing to take a NSW CIS clearing kick on the full in the centre of the field eighteen metres out from his own try line and returned the ball out to the thirty two metre mark.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu also started on the left wing in the Semi-final against Queensland White with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu making a line break in the 33rd minute with a burst down the left touchline from ten metres from the halfway mark with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu executing a goose step but was brought down seventeen metres from the try line.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu ran out of dummy half to his right in the 22nd minute to carry the ball from his own thirty metre mark to forty two metres out, with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu then awarded a penalty for ruck interference. Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu also ran out of dummy half in the 28th minute when after running to his right, Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu ran the ball from twenty metres from the try line to eight metres out.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu also made a strong run in the 35th minute to promote the ball from nineteen metres from the try line to four metres out after running onto the ball to the left of the play the ball.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu started on the left wing for Queensland Maroon in the Final of the 2023 U15 ASSRL School Boy Rugby League Championships against New South Wales Combined Independent Schools with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu making the first of his two line breaks in the 3rd minute when after receiving the ball in space thirty metres out from his own try line, Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu raced down the left touchline before being brought to ground ten metres inside NSW CIS territory.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu made his second line break in the 41st minute when Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu burst down the left touchline from thirty five metres out from his own try line to carry the ball to within twenty metres of the try line at the opposite end of the field.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu made a strong kick return in the 19th minute when after taking the kick on the full ten metres out from his own try line near the left touchline, Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu was able to run the ball back to the thirty one metre mark. Then in the 31st minute after taking another kick on the full nineteen metres out from his try line Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu returned the ball to thirty two metres out.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu did well defensively in the 28th minute when whilst defending near his own try line, Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu came out of the Queensland Maroon defensive line and smashed the NSW CIS fullback just as he was trying to off-load the ball with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu forcing a NSW CIS forward pass just ten metres out from the try line.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu also came out of the Queensland Maroon defensive line in the 38th minute and put a big hit on the NSW CIS right second rower No. 11 two metres out from the try line near the left corner.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu started at left centre in Round One of the 2023 Walters Cup School Boy Rugby League competition for Stretton State College against Keebra Park SHS as well as in Round Two against Redcliffe SHS.

Round Four against Mabel Park SHS saw Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu continue at left centre with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu making a line break in the 26th minute with a thirty eight metre line break down the left touchline with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu being brought down thirty metres out from the try line.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu was also involved in the opening tackle of the match from the kick-off that resulted in a Mabel Park SHS knock-on.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu also started at left centre in Round Five against PBC SHS as well as in Round Six and Round Seven.

2023 also saw Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu play for the Souths Magpies in the GBJRL U15 Division One competition with Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu making his first appearance at left centre in Round Five against Wynnum Manly. Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu then moved two left second row in Round Six against Logan Brothers before moving to five eight for Round Nine against Redcliffe. Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu then moved back to left centre in Round Ten against Aspley.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu scored twice in the GBJRL U15 Division One regular season being in Round Nine against Redcliffe and Round Ten against Aspley.

It is hard to put in words just how talented Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu is in terms of running the ball, he has outstanding speed both off the mark which I would consider in the plus category and top end speed which must be considered plus regardless of position. Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu with his speed is able to exploit even small gaps in the defensive line with an exceptional step off either foot and incredible acceleration as well as outstanding balance and body control.

It is that speed trait which opens up his incredible ball playing skills as well. Teams start to focus heavily on Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu when he has the ball with outside defenders looking to come in to assist that they open up holes wider out in the defensive line that Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu can exploit.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu has exquisite timing on his passes and is able to weight them perfectly as well and can do so from either side of his body. Adding in this is that Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu can stop on a dime even travelling at full speed and pop the short pass, thus it looks for all money that he is going to run the ball thus the defence converges and then the ball is delivered to a support runner who is through a hole before the defensive line can readjust.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu also runs with the ball in both hands which is another reason why the defensive line is unable to determine exactly what Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu is going to do. If Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu sees a gap he is through it before the defensive line can react also when a forward takes the ball up through the centre of the ruck, Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu is always in support and if he gets an off load he can accelerate through the resultant gap.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu does not necessarily have a big step but has an outstanding swerve which he uses when confronted with the fullback. Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu will run directly at the fullback to slow his lateral momentum and then swerve around him the second the fullback’s momentum stops or slows.

Defensively Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu is a very strong young man with exceptional 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.

2025 will see Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu continue to play for the Souths Magpies in the GBJRL U17Nev Blair Shield Division One competition as well as continue to play for the Stretton State College School Boy Rugby League Open age Teams in their various South East Queensland School Boy Rugby League competitions.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu will also start the 2025 season once again part of the Brisbane Tigers U17 Cyril Connell Cup squad after playing for the Tigers CC Cup side as a 15 year old in 2023 and as a 16 year old in 2024.

Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu has the size, speed, strength, mobility and defensive capabilities to make a very good rugby league centre long term. Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu really does show flashes of real ability, especially in terms of slicing through defensive lines. Once he develops consistency to go with his undoubted natural ability the sky is the limit for Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu.

With his height and speed Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu has a playing style akin to that of talented Canterbury Bulldogs and former Penrith Panthers, New South Wales State of Origin and Samoan International fullback or centre and former Australian school boy’s rugby league sensation Stephen Crichton. Both Creighton and Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu have height and speed as well as the ability to negotiate their way through congestion when at first glance there did not appear to be any room to move at all. Both Creighton and Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu also have outstanding hands from a ball control, passing and kick retrieval perspective.

The scary part is that both Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu and Creighton have the capacity to add additional muscle mass (a fair bit too in Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu’s case) without at all impacting on their speed, balance and body control. Both Creighton and Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu also have outstanding hand eye co-ordination and spacial awareness to add to all of the other outstanding attributes that they have at their disposal.

With continued rugby league experience under his belt, Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu could be a very very special talent indeed for the Titans.

 

[mdrew]

Devin Bates-Wellington. The young second rower and occasional lock and centre from Auckland in New Zealand moved over to the Gold Coast in early January 2023 to sign a formal contract with the Titans that will span the next couple of seasons at least.

In early January 2024 Devin Bates-Wellington started at right second row for a Titans U17 side that played in a round robin series of matches against the Penrith Panthers and the Souths Sydney Rabbitohs in Sydney.

In the 11th minute of the first of the two trials against the Penrith Panthers Devin Bates-Wellington made a strong run down the right channel to get the ball to twenty two metres from the try line after commencing his run thirty eight metres out.

Devin Bates-Wellington also started at right second row in the second trial of the day against the Souths Sydney Rabbitohs with Devin Bates-Wellington making a line break in the 5th minute when after running onto the ball to the right of the play the ball twenty five metres out from his own try line Devin Bates-Wellington cut to his left off his right foot and then executed a hard straight left arm fend to break through the initial Rabbitohs defensive line. Devin Bates-Wellington then beat the Souths Sydney fullback with a right foot step before being dragged down from behind thirty four metres from the try line.

The 34th minute saw Devin Bates-Wellington charge onto the ball from two passes to the right of a Titans scrum win and as a result Devin Bates-Wellington was able to promote the ball from thirty eight metres from the try line to within twenty three metres.

Devin Bates-Wellington also started at right second row the following weekend against the Newcastle Knights in Coffs Harbour.

Devin Bates-Wellington played his first match in a Titans jersey in mid-April 2023 when Devin Bates-Wellington started at right centre for a Titans U16 JTS squad that played a touring Auckland U16 side at Cbus Stadium as a curtain-raiser to the Titans NRL Round Seven match against the Brisbane Bronco’s with Devin Bates-Wellington scoring in each half in a good Titans victory.

Devin Bates-Wellington scored his opening try in the 18th minute with a strong run down the right channel from eight metres out with Devin Bates-Wellington engaged by two defenders still two metres out however Devin Bates-Wellington was able to force his way over to score five metres to the right of the goal posts.

In the 51st minute Devin Bates-Wellington chased through an attacking Titans grubber kick and after taking possession of the ball on the bounce two metres from the try line, Devin Bates-Wellington put the ball down over the try line five metres in from the right corner post.

Earlier in the match in the in the 4th minute Devin Bates-Wellington ran onto the ball to the right of the play the ball to carry the ball from sixteen metres out from his own try line to twenty nine metres out.

In the 23rd minute from the right of the play the ball and twenty metres out from his own try line, Devin Bates-Wellington continued to run to his right and after getting on the outside of the New Zealand left winger, Devin Bates-Wellington ran down the right touchline before being tackled thirty eight metres out with Devin Bates-Wellington then being awarded a penalty for being held down too long in the tackle.

Then in the 47th minute from the right of the dummy half Devin Bates-Wellington utilised a right foot step as he carried the ball from the halfway mark to within twenty eight metres of the try line.

In late September 2023 Devin Bates-Wellington was part of the Titans U16 side in their Antony Laffranchi Cup victory against the Balmain Tigers in Northern New South Wales.

In October 2023 Devin Bates-Wellington was named in the 2024 Tweed Heads Seagulls U17 Cyril Connell (CC) Cup squad.

Round One of the 2024 U17 Cyril Connell Cup season saw Devin Bates-Wellington start at left second row for the Tweed Heads Seagulls against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls with Devin Bates-Wellington taking the third hit-up of the match from the right of the play the ball thirty eight metres out from his own try line and after stepping off his right foot Devin Bates-Wellington was able to carry the ball five metres inside Wynnum Manly territory.

The 6th minute saw Devin Bates-Wellington run onto the ball to the left of the dummy half from eight metres inside his own territory to nine metres into Wynnum Manly territory. Then I the 18th minute after running onto the ball to the right of the play the ball Devin Bates-Wellington broke a tackle as he ran the ball from thirty metres from the try line to eighteen metres out with around 75% of the metres gained being post contact.

Devin Bates-Wellington, in the 33rd minute ran onto the ball to the right of the dummy half to get within twelve metres of the try line after receiving het ball thirty metres out once again. Devin Bates-Wellington added a further strong run in the 46th minute from the left of the play the ball from two metres inside his own territory to ten metres into Wynnum Manly territory.

The 49th minute saw Devin bates-Wellington carry the ball from the right of the play the ball from on the halfway mark to forty metres out with Devin bates-Wellington then awarded a penalty for a strip of the ball with two defenders in the tackle. A minute later in the 50th minute saw Devin Bates-Wellington run onto the ball to the right of the dummy half and carry the ball from twenty metres to within four metres of the try line with 70% of those metres being post contact metres.

Devin Bates-Wellington rounded out a strong match in the 54th minute when after running onto the ball to the left of the play the ball thirty metres out from his own try line Devin Bates-Wellington got to within five metres of the halfway mark before stepping off his left foot and then after running over the top of one defender Devin Bates-Wellington was able to run the ball to six metres inside Wynnum Manly territory.

Devin Bates-Wellington also started at left second row in Round Two against the Brisbane Tigers and in the 11th minute from the right of the play the ball Devin Bates-Wellington ran the ball from twenty nine metres from his own try line to forty metres out. Two minutes later in the 13th minute from two passes to the left of the play the ball Devin Bates-Wellington ran the ball through the centre from thirty metres from the try line to nineteen metres out.

Then in the 18th minute from the right of the dummy half from ten metres inside his own territory with Devin Bates-Wellington got the ball seven metres inside Tigers won territory with Devin Bates-Wellington then awarded a penalty for a dangerous tackle. Devin Bates-Wellington’s strong match continued in the 38th minute with a run to the right of the play the ball to get the ball from thirty eight metres from the try line to twenty five metres out.

Devin Bates-Wellington continued at left second row in Round Three against the Norths Devils and in the 8th minute from the right of the play the ball Devin Bates-Wellington ran the ball from twenty metres from the try line to the thirty two metre mark.

Devin Bates-Wellington followed up with a hit-up from two passes to the left of the play the ball from the forty metre mark to twenty seven metres out. Then in the 33rd minute to carry the ball from twenty three metres to within ten metres of the try line.

The 43rd minute after taking possession to left of the play the ball thirteen metres from the try line Devin Bates-Wellington cut inside off his left foot to target the area behind the markers with Devin Bates-Wellington just stopped by multiple defenders close to the try line near the right corner post. Then in the 47th minute from two passes to the left of the dummy half Devin Bates-Wellington got the ball from thirty metres out to within eight metres of the halfway mark with approximately 65% of Devin Bates-Wellington’s metres being post contact.

Devin Bates-Wellington continued at left second row in Round Five against the Redcliffe Dolphins with Devin Bates-Wellington making the opening tackle of the match form the Tweed Heads kick-off.

In the 6th minute from two passes to the left of the play the ball and eight metres inside his own territory Devin Bates-Wellington was able to get the ball eight metres into Dolphins territory with 70% of Devin Bates-Wellington’s metres being post contact. Devin Bates-Wellington backed up in the 21st minute with a run to the right of the play the ball that saw Devin Bates-Wellington run the ball from twenty five metres to within thirteen metres of the try line.

From a Tweed Heads penalty restart in the 46th minute Devin Bates-Wellington was able to get the ball to twenty metres from the try line after running onto the ball thirty three metres out. Also in the 54th minute from the left of the play the ball and six metres inside his own territory and carry the ball six metres into Redcliffe territory.

Devin Bates-Wellington also started at left second row in Round Six against the Souths Logan Magpies with Devin Bates-Wellington scoring in the 59th minute after breaking two tackles to score under the posts from four metres out after receiving a pass from his right from Jai Billish who had done well out of dummy half.

Earlier in the 5th minute from two passes to the left of a Tweed Heads scrum win thirty eight metres from the try line, Devin Bates-Wellington pushed away from one defender to get the ball to within twenty metres of the try line. After cutting underneath his five eight to the left of the play the ball in the 8th minute thirty six metres from his try line Devin Bates-Wellington shrugged off one defender as he got the ball a metre into Souths Logan territory. Then in the 24th minute from two passes to the left of a Seagulls scrum win thirty eight metres from the try line Devin Bates-Wellington dummied to his left before taking the defensive line on himself to get the ball to twenty seven metres out.

Devin Bates-Wellington continued at left second row in the Round Seven local derby against the Burleigh Bears.

In just the 2nd minute of the match from the right of the play the ball and forty two metres from his own try Iine Devin Bates-Wellington got the ball six metres into Burleigh territory. Then in the 16th minute from two passes to the left of the play the ball Devin Bates-Wellington carried the ball to twenty two metres from his own try line before off-loading to his right. Then in the 42nd minute from two passes to the left of a Tweed Heads scrum win three metres from his own try line Devin bates-Wellington broke two tackles in a great run out to the thirty five metre mark.

Devin Bates-Wellington made his School Boy Rugby League Langer Cup debut in Round Three of the 2024 competition for PBC SHS against Mabel Park SHS. After starting from the bench and coming onto the field to operate at left second row in the 25th minute Devin Bates-Wellington ran an underneath route to the left of the play the ball to run the ball from twenty metres to thirty three metres from the try line.

In the 38th minute from two passes to the left of the play the ball Devin Bates-Wellington carried the ball from three metres inside his own half to nine metres into Mabel Park SHS territory. Also in the 43rd minute Devin Bates-Wellington ran the ball down a short left blindside and bumped away from one defender as he carried the ball from twenty seven metres to thirty eighty metres from his try line.

Devin Bates-Wellington also started from the bench in Round Four against Caloundra SHS with Devin Bates-Wellington operating at right second row after coming off the bench in the 40th minute.

PBC SHS’s Langer Cup Quarter Final saw Devin Bates-Wellington start from the bench against Stretton State College with Devin Bates-Wellington coming onto the field to operate at right second row in the 20th minute.

Devin Bates-Wellington came close to scoring in the 33rd minute only to be held up over the try line by multiple Stretton State College defenders after a thirteen metre effort from the right of the play the ball that included right foot steps before getting over the try line next to the right goal post.

Devin Bates-Wellington made a strong run from a twenty metre tap restart in the 27th minute to make twelve metres downfield. Also in the 36th minute from two passes to the right of a PBC SHS scrum win ten metres inside their territory Devin Bates-Wellington broke a tackle with 75% of his metres post contact as he got the ball eight metres into Stretton State College Territory. Then in the 39th minute Devin Bates-Wellington cut underneath his halfback to the right of the play the ball to run the ball through the centre of the field from twenty five to within elven metres of the try line breaking two tackles along the way.

Devin Bates-Wellington was named in the second row in the 2024 Courier Mail Langer Reserve School Boy Rugby League Team of the Year.

In late August 2024 Devin Bates-Wellington was named in the 2024 South Queensland Māori U18 Tane representative squad with Devin Bates-Wellington subsequently named in the Queensland Māori U18 Representative Squad.

From a club rugby league perspective in 2024 Devin Bates-Wellington played for the Coomera Cutters in the GCRL U18 Division One competition including starting at right centre in Round Three against the Southport Tigers.

In the 15th minute from two passes to the right of a Coomera centre field scrum win Devin Bates-Wellington’s yardage carry saw him get the ball from five metres to nineteen metres from his own try line. Then in the 29th minute Devin Bates-Wellington ran out of dummy half to his left from seven metres from his own try line before getting an off-load away to his right.

The 36th minute saw Devin Bates-Wellington run onto the ball to the right of the play the ball and get the ball from thirty metres to forty metres from the try line. Also in the 44th minute from the right of a Coomera scrum win Devin Bates-Wellington stepped off his right foot to run the ball from twenty metres to thirty five metres from his try line. Then in the 51st minute from the right of the play the ball and on the halfway mark Devin Bates-Wellington pushed away from one defender and cut back to his left to make twelve metres downfield.

Devin Bates-Wellington made a good defensive play (and read) in the 14th minute to slide to his right and affect a one on one ball and all tackle on the Southport fullback just eight metres from the try line near the right touchline. Devin Bates-Wellington also did well defensively in the 30th minute when he slide to his right once again after a Southport scrum win to tackle the Tigers left winger near the right touchline twenty eight metres from the try line. Devin Bates-Wellington, after lining up at marker also made the next tackle to force a Southport knock on.

On the Gold Coast Devin Bates-Wellington is attending the Titans partnered Palm Beach Currumbin (PBC) State High School as part of the school’s Elite Rugby League Academy Program with Devin Bates-Wellington starting at right second row in Round One of the School Boy Walter Cup competition against Marsden SHS.

Devin Bates-Wellington then started at right centre in Round Four against Redcliffe SHS with Devin Bates-Wellington making a good sixteen metre run down the right channel in the 11th minute to get the ball to within ten metres of the halfway mark before getting a right arm flick away to his right winger.

Then in the 26th minute from the right of the play the ball Devin Bates-Wellington from four metres inside his own territory Devin Bates-Wellington was able to get twelve metres inside Redcliffe SHS territory before he was brought to ground.

Devin Bates-Wellington then started from the bench in the Semi-final against Marsden SHS and after coming onto the field to operate on the right in the 30th minute Devin Bates-Wellington immediately carried the ball to within twenty metres of the try line.

Devin Bates-Wellington made a line break in the 36th minute from fifteen metres inside his own territory and when he had gotten to within five metres of the halfway mark, Devin Bates-Wellington was able to break away from one defender and carry the ball an additional seventeen metres to twelve metres into Marsden SHS territory. Then two tackles later Devin Bates-Wellington was able to make an additional ten metres downfield.

Devin Bates-Wellington continued from the bench in the 2023 School Boy Rugby League Walters Cup Grand Final against Wavell SHS with Devin Bates-Wellington coming onto the field to operate at right second row in the 32nd minute of PBC SHS’s victory.

Devin Bates-Wellington also played for the Tweed Heads Seagulls in the 2023 U16 Cyril Connell Cup competition early in the 2023 season.

Round Three of the 2023 U16 Cyril Connell Cup competition saw Devin Bates-Wellington named on the bench for the Tweed Heads Seagulls in their home match against the Redcliffe Dolphins and after coming off the bench to operate at left second row in the 17th minute Devin Bates-Wellington made the defensive hit of the match in the 57th minute when whilst defending right on his own try line and directly under the posts Devin Bates-Wellington smashed into a giant charging Dolphins front rower (No. 10) with Devin Bates Wellington’s hit re-directing the font rowers momentum to his left and away from the try line.

Almost immediately after coming onto the field in the 17th minute made his first hit-up which made nine metres out of his own twenty metre mark. Then in the 39th minute Devin Bates-Wellington from two passes to the left of the play the ball and forty metres out from his own try line Devin Bates-Wellington stepped off his left foot twice as he got the ball to near the halfway mark.

Devin Bates-Wellington had made an earlier strong tackle on a stepping Redcliffe halfback ten metres from the try line with Devin Bates-Wellington’s strong initial contact forcing the halfback to lose the ball in the tackle.

Devin Bates-Wellington then started from the bench in Round Five against the Souths Logan Magpies with Devin Bates-Wellington coming onto the field to operate at left second row in the 20th minute.

Devin Bates-Wellington immediately produced a strong run from the kick-off from Jahkayis Mabbell’s try with Devin Bates-Wellington able to get the ball to nineteen metres out from the try line.

Devin Bates-Wellington made a further strong run in the 24th minute when from thirty eight metres out from his own try line and to the left of the play the ball Devin Bates-Wellington broke three tackles as he got the ball to within five metres of the halfway mark before getting an off-load away to his right to Benji Quinlan.

Then in the 30th minute from to the from the opening six of six tackles of the second half Devin Bates-Wellington ran the ball from the left of the play the ball and six metres inside his own territory to get the ball eight metres inside Magpies territory.

Devin Bates-Wellington continued his strong match in the 34th minute when from the right of the play the ball and thirty three metres from the try line Devin Bates-Wellington broke two tackles and when he had got to twenty metres from the try line Devin bates-Wellington got a right arm off-load away.

Devin Bates-Wellington came close to scoring in the 48th minute when after running onto the ball to the right of the play the ball from fifteen metres out and in the centre of the field, Devin bates-Wellington cut back behind the play the ball with his momentum finally stopped within centre metres of the try line even though multiple Magpies defenders could not get Devin Bates-Wellington to the ground.

Then in the 52nd minute from the left of the play the ball and five metres inside his own territory Devin Bates-Wellington stepped off his left foot to beat a Souths Logan defender who had rushed out of the defensive line to get eight metres inside Magpies territory before Devin bates-Wellington was able to get an off-load away to his right.

Devin Bates-Wellington produced a smart piece of play in the 23rd minute when whilst defending ten metres out from his own try line Devin Bates-Wellington blocked a Magpies grubber kick with his right foot and then raced forward to take possession and get the ball twenty two metres away from his own try line.

Devin Bates-Wellington’s performance saw him deservedly named on the bench in the Courier Mail 2023 CC Cup Round Five Team of the Week.

Devin Bates-Wellington then made his first start of the season at right second row for Round Six against the Norths Devils with Devin Bates-Wellington recording a try assist inside the opening minute of the match when after the Seagulls had put up a bomb towards the right side of the field, Devin Bates-Wellington was on hand to take possession from his right centre after Norths had lost the kick forward with Devin Bates-Wellington then charging down the right side of the filed before drawing the Devils fullback to put his winger over to score in the right corner.

Devin Bates-Wellington also recorded a line break in the 32nd minute from the left of the play the ball Devin Bates-Wellington, from thirty metres out from his own try line and in the centre of the field, Stepped off his left foot twice to break through the Devils defensive line and get the ball to the halfway mark before Devin Bates-Wellington was able to get an off-load away to his right to a trailing Harrison Doherty.

The 6th minute saw Devin Bates-Wellington run onto the ball to the right of the play the ball from five metres inside his own territory with Devin bates-Wellington getting the ball ten metres inside Devils territory. The in the 39th minute from the right of the paly the ball thirty two metres from the try line Devin Bates-Wellington cut back behind the play the ball and after getting within eighteen metres of the try line, Devin Bates-Wellington was awarded a penalty after being subjected to a dangerous tackle.

Devin Bates-Wellington also made a strong run in the 50th minute from on the halfway mark and to the left of the dummy half with Devin Bates-Wellington able to promote the ball eleven metres.

Devin Bates-Wellington was also outstanding defensively against Norths including a try saving tackle in the 25th minute on the Norths lock right on his own try line with Devin Bates-Wellington’s initial contact stopping the Norths player in his tracks.

Devin Bates-Wellington continued at right second in the Round Seven local derby against the Burleigh Bears with Devin Bates Wellington making a strong run in the 53rd minute when after running onto the ball to the left of the play the ball and twenty metres from the try line, Devin Bates-Wellington stepped back towards his right and got to within five metres of the try line before being tackled, Devin Bates-Wellington was then awarded a penalty and took the hit-up from the resultant restart.

Devin Bates-Wellington’s first match on Australian soil came in late January when he lined up for the Tweed Heads Seagulls Cyril Connell Cup squad in their first 2023 trial against the Souths Logan Magpies at the Logan Sports Complex.

Devin Bates-Wellington then started in the second row in the Seagulls second trial against the Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup side at Burleigh Juniors as part of the Titans Annual Super Saturday series of matches.

Devin Bates-Wellington then started at right second row in Tweed Heads final 2023 CC Cup trial against the Seagulls local rivals the Burleigh Bears.

2023 also saw Devin Bates-Wellington play touch football and in March 2023 Devin Bates-Wellington as named in the 2023 Gold Coast Touch Association U16B representative side.

In August 2023 Devin Bates-Wellington was named in the South Queensland Māori U16 Teina Representative side.

In 2022 Devin Bates-Wellington who played for the Ellerslie Eagles Rugby League club in Auckland was named as the joint Most Valuable Player in the 2022 U15 Auckland Rugby League Region of Origin Representative Competition with Devin Bates-Wellington starting at lock for Auckland North in the series of two matches. Devin Bates-Wellington was also named in the second row in the 2022 U15 Auckland Rugby League Merit Team at the conclusion of the series.

In Game One of the 2022 U15 Auckland Region of Origin match Devin Bates-Wellington who started the match at lock, scored in the opening minutes of the second half when from around ten metres out and on the left side of the field, Devin Bates-Wellington chased through a short grubber kick into the in-goal from the inside, initially it appeared that the Auckland South fullback had taken possession of the ball but Devin Bates-Wellington was able to take the ball out of the grasp of the fullback by way of a one on one strip or steal whilst both players were in the in-goal and Devin Bates-Wellington then got the ball down twelve metres in from the left corner post.

Prior to moving to the Gold Coast Devin Bates-Wellington attended Westlake’s Boys High with Devin Bates-Wellington being part of their U15 Nine’s side that defeated Southern Cross Campus in the 2022 Nine’s School Boy Grand Final with Devin Bates-Wellington wearing the No. 1 jersey in the Westlake Boys High Nine’s Grand Final victory against Southern Cross.

2022 also saw Devin Bates-Wellington play for an Auckland U15 Invitational side against a New Zealand Warriors selection and prior to moving to Australia, Devin Bates-Wellington was part of the Sydney Roosters Development Program including attending a number of Development camps in New Zealand as well as playing a number of Academy matches for the Sydney Roosters Development Squad.

In 2020 Devin Bates-Wellington was named in the New Zealand Māori U13 Merit Team after Devin Bates-Wellington participated in the Tournament, playing with the Tainui Ngati Tara Tokanui U13 representative side in the highly regarded annual Tournament.

Devin Bates-Wellington, in his carries rarely takes a hit up without movement, he uses foot work prior to the line to look to break through as well as cutting either cutting back in behind the play the ball or cutting out towards the smaller defenders on the fringes of the ruck.

Devin Bates-Wellington runs ‘fast’ into the defensive and his foot work prior to the line enables him to get partly through the line quite often, certainly more so than you would expect for a backrower taking the ball through the centre of the ruck. One reason for this is that he is a smart footballer, Devin Bates-Wellington does not try to run over defenders, but Devin Bates-Wellington runs at the gaps between defenders and uses his running speed to break through if defenders only use their arms on the tackle.

Devin Bates-Wellington does not necessarily have a great top end speed, but he is certainly more than fast enough to get through to the full back prior to the arrival of the cover defence.

Playing on the left hand side of the field seemingly more often (although he can certainly play on the right), means that his left foot step and his fending using his right hand are the effective attributes, but based on his physical attributes, his skill set and his understanding of how to play the game means that I have no doubt that these attributes are transferrable to playing on the right hand side of the field.

In defence Devin Bates-Wellington regularly is the first player up to target the ball carriers, even though he is not always 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.

When the opportunity presents Devin Bates-Wellington has the ability to hit very hard defensively by setting a good base and driving through his lower body and core into his opponent. Ultimately though Devin Bates-Wellington is a strong defender with a good front on defensive technique and good to above average lateral movement to track and defend against smaller opponents either on the fringes or centre of the ruck.

Devin Bates-Wellington will play the 2025 season for the Tweed Heads Seagulls MM Cup squad and Devin Bates-Wellington is also Mm Cup eligible in 2026. Devin Bates-Wellington will also continue to attend PBC SHS once again in 2025 as Devin Bates-Wellington and after making his Langer Cup debut in 2024 it is hard to see how Devin Bates-Wellington will not be an ever present in the PBC SHS Langer Cup Open A side in 2025.

Whilst Devin Bates-Wellington played at lock for the Auckland North U15 Region of Origin Representative team in 2022, with his speed, size and ball skills, for me Devin Bates-Wellington is far better suited operating on the fringes of the ruck and thus for me Devin Bates-Wellington is a left second rower with very intriguing potential from both a physical and an overall rugby league skill level perspective.

Cronulla Sharks, New Zealand International and former Keebra Park SHS right second rower Briton Nikora with his height, speed and exceptional line running ability on the fringes of the ruck is for me an accurate playing style comparison for Devin Bates-Wellington. Like Nikora, Devin Bates-Wellington also has a hard edge to the defensive side of his game particularly in relation to their heavy front on initial defensive contact.

Devin Bates-Wellington certainly looks like a real talent and one that I will be following closely in 2025 and beyond as part of the outstanding Titans JTS program.

 

[mdrew]

Kalani Patu. In early 2022 Kalani Patu signed a multi-year year contract with the Titans that runs through until the end of the 2025 season which is also be the end of Kalani Patu’s schooling at Keebra Park SHS as well as Kalani Patu’s U18 eligibility and in August 2024 Kalani Patu extended his contract with the Titans for four more years.

In late September 2024 Kalaniu Patu started at right second row for a Future Titans U16 side that defeated a Storm squad 36 – 22 with Kalani Patu having a barnstorming match.

Kalani Patu made his Langer Cup debut in Round Six of the 2024 season when he came off the bench for Keebra Park SHS against Mabel Park SHS to operate at right second row.

Kalani Patu also started from the bench in the Round Seven local derby against PBC SHS with Kalani Patu lining up at right second row in the second half and in the 44th minute from the right of the play the ball a strong Kalani Patu run saw him promote the ball from thirty three metres from his try line to with two metres of the halfway mark. Also in the 54th minute from the right of the dummy half and twenty four metres from the try line Kalani Patu was able to get the ball to ten metres from the try line.

Kalani Patu came off the bench the bench for Keebra Park SHS in their Langer Cup Quarter Final against Mabel Park SHS and after coming off the bench to operate at right second row in the 23rd minute Kalani Patu ran onto the ball to the right of the play the ball in the 27th minute to carry the ball from twenty to thirty metres from his try line.

Kalani Patu made a strong run to the right of the play the ball from forty two to within eighteen metres of the try line with Kalani Patu breaking three tackles with more than 75% of Kalani Patu’s metres being post contact with the Mabel Park SHS defensive line.

Kalani Patu made his Langer Cup starting debut at right second row for Keebra Park SHS in their Langer Cup semi-final against PBC SHS and in the 4th minute from the right of the play the ball Kalani Patu made a yardage hit-up that saw him get the ball from nineteen to twenty nine metres from his try line.

When after receiving an off-load from his left in the 6th minute Kalani Patu did well from a standing start to make ten metres to get the ball eight metres into PBC SHS’s half. Also from two passes to the right of a Keebra Park SHS scrum win in the 11th minute Kalani Patu got the ball out to forty metres from the try line after receiving the ball thirty metres out. Then in the 13th minute from two passes to the right of the play the ball and thirty one metres from the try line Kalani Patu made it to within twenty metres before being brought to ground.
Kalani Patu did well defensively in the 42nd minute to hold up the PBC SHS five eight over the try line twelve metres in from the right corner post.

Round Three of the 2024 Langer Reserve School Boy Rugby League competition saw Kalani Patu start in the second row for Keebra Park SHS against Redcliffe SHS.

Kalani Patu lined up in a Titans jersey in mid-April 2023 when Kalani Patu started from the bench for a Titans U16 JTS squad that played a touring Auckland U16 side at Cbus Stadium as a curtain-raiser to the Titans NRL Round Seven match against the Brisbane Bronco’s and after coming onto the field in the 18th minute to operate at left second row Kalani Patu scored in the 27th minute when after a Jimmy McCombie grubber kick towards the in-goal area the ball came off a New Zealand leg, Kalani Patu scooped up the ball five metres out and burrowed his way over to get the ball down four metres to the right of the goal posts.

In October 2023 Kalani Patu was named in the 2024 Tweed Heads Seagulls U17 Cyril Connell (CC) Cup squad with Kalani Patu also CC Cup eligible in 2025.

In early March 2023 Kalani Patu was named in the 2023 South Coast School Boy Rugby League U15 Representative side out of Keebra Park SHS with Kalani Patu starting at left second row on Day One of the QSSRL U15 School Boy Rugby League Championships against Sunshine Coast.

Kalani Patu scored for South Coast in the 23rd minute with a hard straight crash line from five metres out and to the left of the play the ball and after Kalani Patu engaged the Sunshine Coast defenders on the try line he spun counter clockwise to get the ball down ten metres in from the left corner post.

Kalani Patu also started at left second row on Day Two against Northern with Kalani Patu making a line break in the 22nd minute when Kalani Patu ran onto the ball to the left of the play the ball with Kalani Patu breaking two tackles with Kalani Patu then running straight over the top of the fullback with Kalani Patu getting to twenty three metres from the try line after rumbling forty three metres downfield.

Kalani Patu continued at left second row on Day Three against Met North with Kalani Patu recording a try assist in the 7th minute to put Simione Tauelingi over to score in the left corner after Kalani Patu had charged to within ten metres of the try line and drawn the fullback after being put into a gap from twenty five metres out by Gazniah To’omaga.

Kalani Patu then started at left second row in the 2023 QSSRL U15 School Boy Grand Final against Met East with Kalani Patu doing well in the 4th minute when with Met East deep on the attack Kalani Patu came out of the defensive line and after putting pressure on the Met East ball carrier Kalani Patu picked up an errant pass and charged downfield to get the ball twenty metres away from his own try line.

In the 11th minute from the right of the play the ball and just ten metres in from his own try line Kalani Patu was able to carry the ball over the twenty metre mark. The in the 18th minute from eight metres inside his own territory Kalani Patu was able to get the ball eight metres into Met East territory.

Kalani Patu made a strong run in the 29th minute when from the left of a South Coast scrum win thirty metres out from the try line Kalani Patu was able to carry the ball to around fourteen metres from the try line with 60% of the metres post contact.

Then in the 46th minute from the left of a South Coast scrum win and thirty six metres out from his own try line Kalani Patu carried the ball two metres into Met East territory.

Kalani Patu made a great run in the 49th minute when from a South Coast penalty tap restart from eight metres out from the try line Kalani Patu charged onto the ball and dragged defenders with him as Kalani Patu got to within twelve metres of the try line.

At the completion of the Championships Kalani Patu was named in the 2023 Queensland U15 Maroon School Boys Rugby League side to contest the 2023 Australian U15 School Boys Championships.

Kalani Patu started at right second row in Match One against ACT School Boys with Kalani Patu running onto the ball two passes to the right of the play the ball from thirty six metres out with Kalani Patu only stopped when he was four metres out from the try line.

Kalani Patu then started from the bench in Match Two against New South Wales Combined Independent Schools and after coming onto the field to operate at right second row in the second half Kalani Patu made a good kick-off return in the 26th minute to carry the ball out to the twenty nine metre mark.

Kalani Patu then started at right second row in the Semi-final against Queensland White with Kalani Patu scoring in the 28th minute when after bursting onto the ball from twelve metres out and to the right of the play the ball, Kalani Patu forced his way past two would be defenders but was tripped up, Kalani Patu then bounced to his feet to slam the ball down in his right hand ten metres to the right of the goal posts.

In the 16th minute Kalani Patu made a good kick-off return to get the ball out to the twenty four metre mark. Kalani Patu also made a strong kick-off return in the 38th minute to carry the ball out to the twenty eight metre mark.

Kalani Patu started at right second row for Queensland Maroon in the Final of the 2023 U15 ASSRL School Boy Rugby League Championships against New South Wales Combined Independent Schools (CIS) with Kalani Patu’s best run of the match coming in the 45th minute with a charge to the left of the play the ball to break a tackle to get the ball from fifteen metres out from his own try line to thirty metres out.

In the 36th minute from a Queensland Maroon penalty restart Kalani Patu carried the ball from five metres inside his own territory to ten metres into NSW CIS territory.

Defensively in the 7th minute Kalani Patu made a crunching tackle over the top on the NSW CIS No. 17 twenty metres out from the try line, then in the 35th minute Kalani Patu made a great one on one tackle on a quick stepping NSW CIS fullback in space ten metres out from the try line.

Round One of the 2023 School Boy Rugby League Walters Cup School Boy competition saw Kalani Patu named at left second row for Keebra Park SHS against Ipswich SHS with Kalani Patu making a strong run in the 2nd minute with a fourteen metre charge down the left channel to get within twenty eight metres of the try line.

Kalani Patu also started at left second row in Round Two against Marsden SHS with Kalani Patu making a strong ten metre run from a Keebra Park SHS penalty tap restart on his own thirty metre mark in the 18th minute.

Then in the 39th minute from the left of the play the ball Kalani Patu carried the ball from fourteen metres out from his own try line to thirty eight metres out.

Kalani Patu continued at left second row in Round Three against Redcliffe SHS with Kalani Patu taking the opening hit-up of the match from the kick-off with Kalani Patu getting the ball out to the twenty two metre mark. Kalani Patu made a further strong kick-off return in the 13th minute with Kalani Patu promoting the ball to the twenty seven metre mark.

Kalani Patu also started at left second row in Round Four against Caloundra SHS with Kalani Patu scoring in the 41st minute with a big charge from forty two metres on the left side of the field off a short ball from his inside by Gazniah To’omaga. After charging downfield, Kalani Patu was grabbed by the Caloundra SHS fullback, Kalani Patu dragged him ten metres before reaching up and slamming he ball down with his right arm midway between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Kalani Patu continued at left second row in Round Five against Wavell SHS with Kalani Patu recording a line break assist in the 35th minute when after engaging the Wavell SHS defensive line on the left of the play the ball, Kalani Patu carried the ball from forty metres out to thirty two metres out before getting a great off-load away to his left to put five eight Gazniah To’omaga away downfield.

The 28th minute saw Kalani Patu mark seventeen metres down the left channel to the thirty seven metre mark, then in the 29th minute Kalani Patu made sixteen metres from the right of the play the ball to twenty metres from the try line after cutting back inside after receiving the ball.

Kalani Patu also started at left second row in the Round Six Gold Coast School Boy derby against PBC SHS and inside the opening minute of the match from a Keebra Park SHS penalty tap restart Kalani Patu got the ball from ten metres inside his own territory to three metres into PBC SHS territory. The 16th minute then saw Kalani Patu, from the left of the play the ball get the ball from six metres inside his own territory to seven metres inside PBC SHS territory.

Kalani Patu made a good defensive read in the 12th minute to come out of the defensive line and crunched the PBC SHS halfback as he was looking to ball play twenty metres out from the try line.

Kalani Patu continued at left second row in Round Seven against Mabel Park SHS with Kalani Patu running an underneath route to the left of the dummy half in the 2nd minute to get the ball from thirty eight metres from the try line to twenty four metres out and then Kalani Patu was able to get an off-load when being engaged by multiple defenders. Kalani Patu ran another underneath route in the 13th minute to get the ball from twenty eight metres from his own try line to forty metres out.

Kalani Patu, in the 41at minute from the left of a Keebra Park SHS scrum win ran the ball from his own six metre mark and get the ball out to the twenty two metre mark. Then in the 53rd minute from the left of the play the ball Kalani Patu ran the ball from his own eleven metre mark to the twenty four metre mark.

Kalani Patu continued at left second row in the Semi-final against Wavell SHS and in the 15th minute from the left of the play the ball Kalani Patu was able to promote the ball from forty one metres from the try line to twenty nine minutes out.

Earlier in the 3rd minute Kalani Patu executed a huge front on tackle on the Wavell SHS No. 13 forcing a knock on in the centre of the field and eighteen metres from the try line.

At the 2023 Keebra Park SHS Sports Specialisation Awards Presentation Kalani Patu was named in the second row in the 2023 Keebra Park SHS School Boy Rugby League Team of the Season.

2023 saw Kalani Patu continue at the Southport Tigers in the GCRL U15 Division One competition including starting at right second row in the Grand Final against the Burleigh Bears with Kalani Patu making a line break in the 40th minute when after running onto the ball to the right of the dummy half Kalani Patu cutting back to his left on the halfway mark with Kalani Patu beating two defenders including one with a powerful left arm fend to get the ball to twenty nine metres out from the try line.

Kalani Putu made the first of his strong runs in the 7th minute from the left of the play the ball with Kalani Patu able to promote the ball from thirteen metres out from his own try line to thirty metres out.

In the 24th minute Kalani Patu made a good kick-off return to get the ball out to the twenty four metre mark then later in the same set of six tackles Kalani Patu ran onto the ball to the left of the play the ball to get the ball from five metres inside his own territory to eight metres inside Burleigh territory.

Then in the 27th minute after receiving the ball from an off-load thirty eight metres out from his own try line Kalani Patu was able to get the ball three metres into Bears territory before Kalani Patu was able to get a right arm off-load away to his left.

Kalani Patu continued his good Grand Final in the 33rd minute when after being on hand to take a pass from a team mate thirty four metres out from his own try line Kalani Patu broke four tackles as he got to within twelve metres of the try line before being able to get an off-load away to his left.

In the Grand Final the Burleigh players just did not protect the ball with Kalani Patu executing a number of one on one steals with the first coming in the 10th minute when after the Bears left second rower No. 11 was returning a kick-off Kalani Patu stripped the ball one on one twelve metres out from the try line. Kalani Patu made another one on one steal in the 21st minute to gain possession for Southport thirty metres out from the try line.

Kalani Patu was part of the Titans JTS Elite Development Program and was part of the Titans 2022 U14 JTS High Performance Academy Gold Coast squad that commenced training in November of 2022.

In early December 2022 Kalani Patu played for the Titans U14 Gold Coast JTS Academy against the Titans U14 JTS Logan Academy in a high quality trial match on the Gold Coast with both teams wearing Titans jerseys in a great Titans initiative.

The talented young man played the 2022 rugby league season with the Southport Tigers with Kalani Patu starting the 2022 GCRL U15 Division One Grand Final at right second row for the Tigers in their tough and pulsating 18 – 14 Grand Final victory over the Burleigh Bears with the match literally going down to the last minute with the result in the balance.

Kalani Patu’s first run of the Grand Final came in just the 2nd minute of the match when Kalani Patu charged onto a ball from his inside from his halfback ZJ Watene with Kalani Patu receiving the ball twenty three metres out from the try line with Kalani Patu then able to promote the ball to within thirteen metres up the try line.

Kalani Patu made another strong run in the 4th minute when after receiving the ball three passes to the right of the play the ball and twenty five metres out from the try line, Kalani Patu was hit hard almost immediately upon receipt of the ball but he bounced off the attempted tackle and continued his progression towards the try line and then in contact with two defenders Kalani Patu executed a great right arm flick off-load to his right to fullback Calais Hallett-Wharewaka who was able to promote the ball further down the field for the Tigers.

Kalani Patu highlighted that he is also a very good defender when in the 5th minute of the Grand Final Kalani Patu raced out of the defensive line and hit the Burleigh lock just as he was receiving the ball with Kalani Patu’s heavy initial contact forcing the ball loose for a knock on inside the Burleigh defensive twenty metre mark and in the centre of the field. Southport scored from the resultant set of six tackles.

Kalani Patu charged onto the ball once again in the 14th minute when he burst onto a short ball from his left from ZJ Watene and after Kalani Patu took the pass thirty metres out he was able to break two tackles as Kalani Patu promoted the ball to within fifteen metres out the try line.

Kalani Patu produced a great piece of play in the 17th minute when Kalani Patu raced out of the defensive line and was able to charge down an attempted clearing kick by the Burleigh halfback with the ball rebounding off Kalani Patu and almost go straight up in the air. Southport lock Gaznaih To’omaga was able to take possession and race away downfield, with Southport being tackle around thirteen metres out from the try line.

From the subsequent play the ball Kalani Patu charged onto the ball to the right of the play the ball down a short blindside. As soon as he took possession, Kalani Pati cut back inside and got the ball to within two metres of the try line.

Then in the 29th minute Kalani Patu charged into a short ball from his left from his five eight and after taking the pass thirty eight metres out from his own try line with the power and speed and Kalani Patu’s run taking over the halfway mark.

Kalani Patu’s strong Grand Final continued in the 30th minute when from forty five metres out from the try line Kalani Patu ran the ball down a short right blindside with Kalani Patu then cutting inside off his left foot with Kalani Patu then spinning 360 degrees counter clockwise to break contact with three defenders before Kalani Patu was then tackled thirty two metres out from the try line.

Then early in second half in the 36th minute Kalani Patu ran onto the ball to the right of a Southport scrum win in the centre of the field and just twenty metres out from the try line. As soon as he received the ball from his left Kalani Patu cut inside off his right foot with Kalani Patu able to get the ball within four metres of the try line and directly in front of the goal posts before he was eventually tackled.

Kalani Patu’s strong running in the Grand Final continued in the 43rd minute when from the right of the play the ball Kalani Patu from thirty metres out from his own try line cut inside his halfback back towards the centre of the field with Kalani Patu able to get the ball to within four metres of the halfway mark.

Kalani Patu made another strong run in the 55th minute from the right of a Tigers scrum win forty two metres away from the try line. Kalani Patu surged onto the ball to run a straight hard crash line to crash into the Burleigh left centre and subsequently burst past them. Kalani Patu then utilised a strong left arm fend to beat another defender with Kalani Patu getting to around twelve metres from the try line. Southport were then able to score on the left side of the field as a result of Kalani Patu’s exceptionally quick play the ball.

Kalani Patu also strong some defensive moments in the Grand Final including a strong crunching tackle on the Burleigh five eight who had looked to slip a gap in the Tigers defensive line just a few metres out from the try line. Kalani Patu moved quickly to his right to make the tackle the Kalani Patu driving the five eight hard into the ground.

2022 also saw Kalani Patu attend Keebra Park SHS with Kalani Patu playing multiple matches off the bench for Keebra Park SHS in the School Boy Hancock Cup Rugby League competition.

Kalani Patu is a powerful runner of the ball and once he has generated momentum he is very difficult to stop and regularly has been able to drag defenders with him after initial contact has been made.

Once he is in space, Kalani Patu 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 right hand fend.

Defensively the most impressive aspect of Kalani Patu’s play is his ability to make effective tackle after effective tackle.

Whilst his stamina is impressive, so is Kalani Patu’s initial contact, he uses his strength and leverage to hit the ball carrier hard forcing critical momentum changes to the ball carriers running line.

Kalani Patu is also adept at wrapping up the ball and preventing offloads as he uses his functional strength to engage ball carriers. Defensively in a covering role he is also very effective as even though he is a big strong forward Kalani Patu has very good catch up speed and a solid low tackling technique from a side aspect.

Kalani Patu will commence the 2025 season as part of the Tweed Heads Seagulls U17 CC Cup squad.

2025 will also see Kalani Patu line up for the Southport Tigers once again in the GCRL U18 Division One competition.

Kalani Patu will also continue at Keebra Park SHS with Kalani Patu starting the 2025 School Boy Rugby League season in the Keebra Park SHS Open A School Boy Rugby League Langer Cup squad.

With his speed and power running on the fringes of the ruck to go along with good footwork, Kalani Patu seems to have all of the right ingredients to develop into a very very good rugby league second row prospect, if Kalani Pati is not one already.

A near perfect NRL player comparison for Kalani Patu is boom Melbourne Storm and former New Zealand Warriors rookie and New Zealand International second rower Eliesa Katoa. Both Kalani Patu and Katoa are big strong and powerful and can break tackles seemingly at will as a result of their size, strength, speed and power.

Similarly both Katoa and Kalani Patu are hard hitters defensively but also have a solid tackling technique including placing their head correctly and driving their shoulder through the attacking player running the ball and then finishing off the tackle on the ground.

 

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Cortez Fitzpatrick. In late September 2024 Cortez Fitzpatrick started from the bench for a Future Titans U16 side that defeated a Future Storm side 36 – 22 with Cortez Fitzpatrick coming on and making a strong impression at fullback.

Cortez Fitzpatrick was also part of the Titans U16 side for the Anthony Laffranchi Cup against the Wests Tigers.

After the Norths Devils had a Round One bye Cortez Fitzpatrick started at fullback in Round Two of the CC Cup against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls with Cortez Fitzpatrick scoring in the 38th minute when after running out of dummy half to his left seven metres from the try line and shaping to pass in the same direction Cortez Fitzpatrick stepped off his left foot and carried two defenders over the try line to get the ball down ten metres in from the left corner post.

Inside the opening minute of the match and after taking a Seagulls kick on the full two metres from his own try line and ten metres in from the right touchline Cortez Fitzpatrick ran to his left towards the centre of the field as he got the ball out to the eighteen metre mark before being hit high and being awarded a penalty. Then in the 18th minute from the right of the play the ball Cortez Fitzpatrick carried the ball through the centre of the field from twenty to thirty one metres from his try line after stepping off both feet.

Cortez Fitzpatrick ran out of dummy half to his left in the 19th minute with his yardage carry getting him from ten to twenty metres from the try line and then in the 60th minute after a lost Wynnum Manly ball Cortez Fitzpatrick received the ball forty metres from his try line and immediately ran to his left and after a counter clockwise spun beat one defender Cortez Fitzpatrick carried the ball five metres inside the Seagulls half.

Cortez Fitzpatrick continued at fullback in Round Three against the Tweed Heads Seagulls with Cortez Fitzpatrick doing exceptionally well in the 33rd minute to race to his left when confronted with a possible Seagulls 40/20 with Cortez Fitzpatrick diving an d knocking the ball back into the field of play with his right hand with the ball over the touchline twelve metres from the try line. Cortez Fitzpatrick was quickly to his feet to retrieve the ball on his try line and carry the ball towards the centre of the field and was still able to break a tackle and get the ball out to the eighteen metre mark.

Cortez Fitzpatrick ran out of dummy half to his left through the centre of the field in the 20th minute to carry the ball from twenty eight to forty metres from his try line. Also in the 41st minute after chiming into the Devils backline wide on the left thirty one metres from the try line Cortez Fitzpatrick when twenty metres from the try line stepped inside off his left foot to break a tackle and carry the ball to within eleven metres of the try line.

Cortez Fitzpatrick did well defensively in the 51st minute when he held up the Tweed Heads lock over the try line four metres to the left of the posts.

Cortez Fitzpatrick showcased his courage in the 54th minute when eh came forward to take cleanly a Seagulls grubber kick a metre from his try line and just to the right of the goal posts under intense pressure with Cortez Fitzpatrick then receiving a penalty after being hit in a high tackle.

Cortez Fitzpatrick also started at fullback in Round Four against the Brisbane Tigers and in the 3rd minute after taking a Tigers kick on the full in the centre of the field and twenty metres from his try line Cortez Fitzpatrick returned the ball to the thirty two metre mark and ten metres in from the right touchline.

From the left of the play the ball in the 20th minute and twenty metres from his try line Cortez Fitzpatrick stepped off his left foot to target the area behind the markers to make thirteen metres. Also in the 37th minute from two passes to the left of the play the ball Cortez Fitzpatrick stepped off his left foot twice to get within four metres of the try line from sixteen metres out.

Cortez Fitzpatrick continued at fullback in Round Five against the Burleigh Bears and in the 45th minute a twenty metre tap by Cortez Fitzpatrick saw him make eleven metres downfield.

Cortez Fitzpatrick did well definitely in the match including in the 25th minute to hold up the Burleigh front rower No. 10 over the try line two metres to the right of the posts. Cortez Fitzpatrick was then able to race to his left in the 54th minute to hold up the Burleigh left second rower over the try line twelve metres in from the right corner post.

Cortez Fitzpatrick also made good defensive effort in the 27th minute to come over the top and hit the Burleigh hooker around the chest less than a metre from the try line to prevent him from reaching out to score ten metres in from the right corner post.

In 2024 Cortez Fitzpatrick named for Wavell SHS in the School Boy Rugby League Walters Cup competition, primarily at fullback and received a Special Mention” by the Courier Mail in relation to the selection of the 2024 Courier Mail Walters Cup Team of the Year.

2024 also saw Cortez Fitzpatrick play for the Norths Devils in the GBJRL U16 Division One competition with Cortez Fitzpatrick making his first appearance off the bench in Round Five against Logan Brothers with Cortez Fitzpatrick one of the Devils try scorers.

Cortez Fitzpatrick also scored a double from fullback in Round Six against the Brisbane Tigers and scored in Round Nine against the Aspley Devils and the Preliminary Final against the Souths Magpies.

Cortez Fitzpatrick is just a smooth mover, he can create for himself or others and if a defensive line does not chase a kick in one straight line the young PBC and Southport flyer will simply cut them apart. Cortez Fitzpatrick’s speed is in the plus plus category and when accompanied with exceptional body control and balance he is a handful for defensives especially when the defensive line is not set.

Just like his explosive speed off the mark, Cortez Fitzpatrick’s body and body control are in the plus plus category as is his ability to step off both feet and can, just like Benji Marshall in his heyday, step multiple times in a small time frame and area to change both his direction and momentum as well as defenders.

Cortez Fitzpatrick also has exceptional hands when defending against kicks especially when low short attacking kicks are put in, Cortez Fitzpatrick attacks the ball at full speed aiming to get there prior to the arrival of the attacks and look to make ground while the opposition are still in an attacking mode. Once or twice Cortez Fitzpatrick made at least 30 metres or so after retrieving the ball in the in goal area and similarly gets back into the field of play from seemingly impossible positions.

Defensively Cortez Fitzpatrick is more than strong enough to confront any attacker who has broken through the initial defensive line and if he is caught out of position has dynamic closing speed to address this situation. When a break has been made, Cortez Fitzpatrick’s primary objective is to more forward to reduce the time available for the attacker to work through is options. Cortez Fitzpatrick is also effective at maintaining his composure and taking the player with the ball and not fall for any dummies, Cortez Fitzpatrick makes an opposing team earn every inch of the ground that they make.

2025 will see Cortez Fitzpatrick start the season as a member of the Norths Devils U17 Cyril Connell Cup squad for the second season in a row. Cortez Fitzpatrick will also return to Wavell SHS where Cortez Fitzpatrick will push for immediate playing time in the School Boy Rugby League Langer Cup competition.

Withpout a doubt Cortez Fitzpatrick could play a variety of positions in the backline but wit the ability to see the entire field of play and inject himself where necessary, fullback seems to be an ideal fit for Cortez Fitzpatrick.

From an NRL player comparison perspective, when seeing Cortez Fitzpatrick in full flight you are seemingly looking at a mirror image of Brisbane Bronco Reece Walsh.

Like Walsh, Cortez Fitzpatrick has plus to plus plus top end speed (and speed off the mark), balance and body control when he has the ball in his hands. Every time that he touches the ball Cortez Fitzpatrick is a threat to break the line himself or manufacture something his team mates.

Simply put Cortez Fitzpatrick looks like he is gliding across the field when he is running with the ball and Cortez Fitzpatrick also has an extra gear he uses to accelerate and literally just explodes through gaps. When he is either returning a kick or hunting around the centre of the ruck looking for am off load, Cortez Fitzpatrick just accelerates to full speed in a split second and leaves multiple defenders grasping at thin air behind him when he has space to operate in.

 

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Ethan Alcorn.
In September 2024 Ethan Alcorn was named in the 2025 Northern Rivers Titans U17 Academy Squad.

In late September 2023 Ethan Alcorn was named in the 2024 Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup squad with Ethan Alcorn part of the Northern Rivers Titans U16 squad that defeated the Greater Northern Tigers in their first 2024 trial.

Round One of the 2024 U16 Andrew Johns Cup competition saw Ethan Alcorn named at halfback and co-captain for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Newcastle Knights with Ethan Alcorn scoring in the 25th minute when after receiving the ball to the right of the play the ball fourteen metres from the try line Ethan Alcorn ran at the defensive line with the ball out in front of his body in two hands and at the last moment after threatening to pass, Ethan Alcorn burst between two defenders to score four metres to the right of the goal posts.

Ethan Alcorn also started at halfback in Round Two against the Central Coast Roosters with Ethan Alcorn recording a try assist in the 37th minute when after feeding the Titans scrum eighteen metres out and in the centre of the field Ethan Alcorn ran to his right and after receiving the ball to the right of the scrum and around twenty three metres from the try line Ethan Alcorn held the ball fractionally before throwing a long high cut-out pass to his right to Ryder Nelson who burst between two defenders to dive over to score ten metres in from the right corner post.

In fact Ethan Alcorn was the reason that Northern Rivers had the scrum feed when in the 36th minute from the right of the play the ball and five metres inside his own territory Ethan Alcorn drove a hard flat right foot kick into Central Coast territory with the Roosters left winger knocking the ball on as he attempted to retrieve the kick eighteen metres out from the try line to give Northern Rivers the scrum feed.

Ethan Alcorn also started at halfback in Round Four against the Northern Tigers with Ethan Alcorn recording two try assists in the Titans big win.

Ethan Alcorn recorded his initial try assist in the 13th minute when after running the ball down a short right blindside to within ten metres of the try line Ethan Alcorn put in a short right foot grubber kick towards the right corner with Ryder Nelson getting through to pick up the ball just in the field of play and score in the right corner.

Ethan Alcorn recorded his second try assist in the 41st minute when after receiving the ball to the right of a Titans scrum win forty metres from his own try line and in the centre of the field Ethan Alcorn ran to his right and after dummying back inside Ethan Alcorn threw a well disguised short ball to his right to a charging Ryder Nelson who ran straight into a gap to score three metres from the right corner post.

Ethan Alcorn was also involved in Tye Hogan Collins’s 25th minute try when from ten metres from the try line and to the right of the play the ball Ethan Alcorn threw a cut-out pass to his right to Ryder Nelson who subsequently put Tye Hogan-Collins over to score in the right corner.

Ethan Alcorn ran the ball himself in the 7th minute when he ran down a short right blindside and after dummying to his right Ethan Alcorn ran the ball from his own thirty metre mark to within five metres of the halfway.

2024 saw Ethan Alcorn continue at PBC SHS with Ethan Alcorn playing in the School Boy Rugby league Walters Cup including starting at five eight in Round Four against Stretton State College.

Ethan Alcorn scored against Stretton State College in the 56th minute when after receiving a pass from his left twelve metres from the try line Ethan Alcorn dummied to his right before slicing between two defenders to score six metres to the right of the goal posts.

Ethan Alcorn also recorded a line break assist in the 53rd minute when after running the ball from the right of the dummy half from forty four metres to thirty four metres from the try line Ethan Alcorn was able to draw a defender before passing to his right to the PCB SHS No. 14 who was able to break through the Stretton State College defensive line.

In the 17th minute from two passes to the right of the play the ball Ethan Alcorn stepped his way from twenty metres from the try line to within six metres.

Ethan Alcorn also started at five eight in Round Six against Wavell SHS with Ethan Alcorn recording a first half try assist when from the left of the play the ball Ethan Alcorn ran the ball deep into the defensive line before throwing a good short ball to his left to put his centre over to score wide on the left from nine metres out.

Ethan Alcorn made his NRRRL U18 debut in Round Eleven of the 2024 season when he started at halfback for the Cudgen Hornets against the Bilambil Jets and inside the opening minute of the match Ethan Alcorn chased through the short Cudgen goal line drop-out to their right and took the ball on the full and got the ball out to the eighteen metre mark.

Ethan Alcorn was exceptional defensively in his debut including in the 4th minute with a great right shoulder driving hit on the Bilambil right second rower of a Jets scrum win with Ethan Alcorn’s heavy initial contact forcing a knock on twenty metres from the try line. Then in the 20th minute Ethan Alcorn dated out of the defensive line and hit his opposing halfback just as he was receiving the ball twelve metres out and in the centre of the field.

Ethan Alcorn showcased his kicking skills in the 44th minute with a right foot kick into his left corner from thirty one metres from his try line and to the right of the play the ball with the Bilambil fullback putting his foot on the touchline when retrieving the ball two metres from the left corner post to give the ball back to the Hornets in good attacking position ten metres from the try line.

Ethan Alcorn also started at halfback in Round Twelve against the Byron Bay Devils with Ethan Alcorn doing well in the 18th minute when whilst defending deep inside his own twenty metre area, Ethen Alcorn was able to intercept a Byron Bau pass to stop a dangerous attacking movement sixteen metres from the try line with Ethan Alcorn then awarded a penalty after being by a high tackle.

Ethan Alcorn also did well defensively in the 40th minute to race out of the defensive line to hit the Byron Bay five eight and force a knock on eighteen metres from the try line.

Ethan Alcorn continued at halfback in the rescheduled Round One match against the Murwillumbah Mustangs with Ethan Alcorn recording the first of his two line break assists in the 25th minute when after running the ball down a right blindside from thirty two to forty metres from the try line Ethan Alcorn threw a cut-out pass to his right to put his right centre away down the right touchline.

Ethan Alcorn recorded his second line break assist in the 35th minute when on the halfway and to the right of the play the ball Ethan Alcorn threw another cut-out pass to his right to once again enable his right centre to make a line break.

The 22nd minute saw Ethan Alcorn run the ball himself from five metres inside his half to six metres inside Murwillumbah territory.

Ethan Alcorn also did well in the 12th minute to chase down a Murwillumbah line break and assist in pushing the Mustangs left winger over the touchline two metres short of the right corner post.

Ethan Alcorn also started at halfback in the NRRRL U18 rescheduled Round Five match against the Mullumbimby Giants with Ethan Alcorn making a line break in the 31st minute when from two passes to the right of the play the ball and forty metres from the try line Ethan Alcorn dummied to his right before slicing between two defenders with Ethan Alcorn stepping inside off his right foot to beat two defenders and carry the ball to within twenty two metres of the try line.

Ethan Alcorn was also heavily involved in the Hornets 57th minute try when from the right of the play the ball Ethan Alcorn threw a cut-out pass to his right to put his right second rower outside his opposing defender and into open space for the Hornets right winger scoring in the corner a pass later.

Ethan Alcorn did exceptionally well in the 40th minute when from the right of the play the ball Ethan Alcorn ran to within forty six metres of the try line before putting in a right foot chip kick and followed through to regain the ball twenty six metres out from his try line and then make ten more metres before throwing a right arm flick off-load to his right.

Ethan Alcorn continued at halfback in Round Fifteen against the Tweed Coast Raiders and in Round Sixteen against the Byron Bay Devils.

2024 also saw Ethan Alcorn continue to play for the Cudgen Hornets in the Group 18 U16 competition with Ethan Alcorn receiving the 2024 Cudgen Junior Hornets Lifetime Player Award.

In early June 2024 Ethan Alcorn was named in the 2024 Far North Coast U16 Rugby Representative side to contest the NSW Country U16 Championships.

Also in late 2023 Ethan Alcorn was named in the New South Wales Waratah’s U15 &’s Merit Squad.

From the Bilambil Jets Junior Rugby League Club in northern New South Wales backrower Ethan Alcorn commenced training with the Titans JTS Program training with the Titans Group 18 U14 Development squad in early November 2022.

2023 saw Ethan Alcorn play representative rugby for the Far North Coast U15 representative side at the New South Wales Championships with Ethan Alcorn lining up at No. 10 and scoring against New England.

Ethan Alcorn also played club rugby in 2023 for the Byron Shire Rebels including starting at flyhalf (No. 10) in the Rebels 10 – 0 Far North Coast Rugby U15 Grand Final victory over Lismore.

In early December 2022 Ethan Alcorn was part of the Titans U14 Group 18 Academy side that played against a Titans U14 Group One Academy side in Ballina in a trial match with both team’s wearing Titans jerseys in a great initiative by the Titans JTS Program staff.

In 2022 Ethan Alcorn lined up once again for the Bilambil Jets in the Group 18 U14 competition with Ethan Alcorn starting the Grand Final at lock against the South Tweed Bears with the Jets proving too good for the Bears in the Premiership decider.

Ethan Alcorn also played rugby in 2022 and was part of the U14 Far North Coast Rugby Representative side that took part in the 2022 U14 South Queensland Championships with Ethan Alcorn starting both of the Far North Coast’s match at fullback with Ethan Alcorn scoring in the first match against the Stingrays.

Ethan Alcorn’s calling card from an attacking perspective is his passing and game management abilities. In terms of his running game, he is not going to be known as someone that is going to beat a defender with speed, but Ethan Alcorn does very good foot work that he uses to good effect in tight spaces.

Ethan Alcorn has a very good step off both feet and can put together combinations of steps over a short distance to break free of situations where he is seemingly surrounded by defenders. Also maybe it’s only me, but Ethan Alcorn seemed to rarely take a big hit when running through the centre of the ruck.

Going back to his speed briefly, as noted Ethan Alcorn is not overly quick, but he does have some reasonable speed off the mark, which is complemented by the fact that he runs at the right moment, for example when he is drifting across field he will dummy and run when defenders anticipate the pass rather than focussing on him running the ball. Ethan Alcorn’s running skills compliment his ability to put runners into holes rather than the other way around.

Ethan Alcorn’s kicking game is very accurate, and even though he is not a big player he can generate very good distance on his kicks whilst at the same time not losing any accuracy, thus Ethan Alcorn finds the ground for a lot of his kicks. Ethan Alcorn can also kick pin point bombs, allowing plenty of time for his chasers to get to the ball as it is coming down close to the try line.

Ethan Alcorn is also a more than decent goal kicker but I have not seen enough of him in a goal kicking sense to have a firm opinion either wat as to whether Ethan Alcorn can be a front line goal kicker for his side moving forward.

Defensively Ethan Alcorn tackles well low and that is seemingly his main tactic against wide running forwards rather than trying to tackle them ball and all and potentially being bumped off. Ethan Alcorn’s quick feet and sense of timing and anticipation enable him to see plays developing in front of him quickly and Ethan Alcorn is able to adjust and look to shut down the attacking play prior to it fully developing. In short, Ethan Alcorn is quite a solid defender in the half or five eight position.

2025 will see Ethan Alcorn continue to play for the Cudgen Hornets in the NRRRL U18 competition as well as school boy rugby league with PBC SHS with Ethan Alcorn pushing for immediate playing time in the School Boy Rugby League Langer Cup competition. Ethan Alcorn will start the 2025 season off as part of the Northern Rivers Tians Academy squad.

With his elite kicking game, ball playing skills and smart, targeted running game, Ethan Alcorn shapes as an outstanding rugby league halfback prospect.

With his ability to size up what is going on around him and subsequently seemingly always taking the right option whether that is to run, pass or kick, Ethan Alcorn has a playing style similar to Melbourne Storm and New Zealand International halfback and former Titan Jahrome Hughes. Both Hughes and Ethan Alcorn seem to be everywhere on the field in an attacking sense and invariably both are at the centre of all of the good attacking moments of their respective teams.

 

[mdrew]

Kingzen Lefono. In mid 2024 Kingzen Lefono signed a multi-year contract with the Titans.

In late September 2024 Kingzen Lefono started from the bench for a Future Titans U16 side that defeated a Storm squad 36 – 22 with Kingzen Lefono playing right second row in his time on the field.

Day One of the 2024 QSSRL U15 School Boy Rugby League Championships saw Kingzen Lefono start at right second row for Met East against Met North with Kingzen Lefono making the second run of the match from the right of the play the ball to get from twenty one metres to thirty three metres from his try line. Then later in the same set of six tackles after receiving an off-load Kingzen Lefono ran the ball from six metres inside his own territory to five metres inside Met North territory.

Kingzen Lefoono also made a goody yardage carry in the 57th minute from from literally on his own try line to make a hard eighteen metres.

Kingzen Lefono also started at right second row on Day Two against Capricornia and in the 12th minute from two passes to the right of the play the ball and seven metres inside his own territory Kingzen Lefono carried the ball through the centre of the field from to four metres into Capricornia territory. Also in the 38th minute Kingzen Lefono’s kick-off return saw him get the ball out to the twenty metre mark.

Kingzen Lefono continued at right second row on Day Three against Met North with Kingzen Lefono breaking a tackle in the 13th minute after running onto the ball to the right of the dummy half as he ran the ball from forty six metres to thirty two metres of the try line. Then from the right of the play the ball once again in the 18th minute and thirty four metres out Kingzen Lefono got the ball to eighteen metres out from the try line.

Kingzen Lefono did well defensively in the 22nd minute to be involved in holding up the Met North No. 10 mid-way between the corner post and goal posts on the right side of the field.

Kingzen Lefono also started at right second row on Day Four against South Coast with Kingzen Lefono making a strong run from a Met East penalty restart to carry the ball from thirty three metres to twenty metres from the try line.

Kingzen Lefono was able to make a half break in the 29th minute after receiving the ball to the right of the play the ball and charge forward from thirty seven metres to twenty metres from the try line with Kingzen Lefono then awarded a penalty after being held down too long.

At the conclusion of the 2024 U15 QSSRL School Boy Rugby League Championships Kingzen Lefono was named in the Queensland White U15 School Boy Rugby League Representative side to contest the 2024 QSSRL U15 School Boy Rugby League Championships.

Day One of the 2024 ASSRL U15 School Boy Rugby League Championships saw Kingzen Lefono come off the bench for Queensland White to operate at left second for the second half against Queensland Maroon and in the 29th minute from the right of the play the ball Kingzen Lefono carried the ball out to the thirty two metre mark.

Kingzen Lefono then started at left second row for Queensland White on Day Two of the ASSRL U15 Championships against NSW CCC and in the 15th minute from two passes to the left of the play the ball Kingzen Lefono was able to get the ball from thirty four metres to forty four metres of the try line.

Kingzen Lefono started from the bench for Queensland White against the ACT on the final day of the ASSRL U15 School Boy Rugby League Championships and after coming onto the field to operate at right second row in the15th minute, Kingzen Lefono ran onto the ball to the left of the dummy half in the 19th minute to run the ball from ten metres inside his own half to four metres into ACT’s territory.

After receiving a pass from his left in the 19th minute Kingzen Lefono ran the ball down the right channel from forty metres to thirty metres from the try line. Then in the 25th minute Kingzen Lefono ran the ball down a short right blindside to get the ball from the halfway mark to thirty eighty metres from the try line.

From two passes to the left of the play the ball in the 30th minute Kingzen Lefono carried the ball from the halfway mark to thirty eight metres from the try line and also a minute later in the 31st minute from the left of the play the ball Kingzen Lefono got the ball from thirty two metres to eighteen metres from the try line.

2024 also saw Kingzen Lefono play for Logan Brothers in the GBJRL U15 Division One competition saw Kingzen Lefono starting matches in the second row and in the centres with Kingzen Lefono scoring in Rounds One and Four against Easts and Norths respectively.

2024 also saw Kingzen Legono play rugby including representing Met East in the U15 Queensland School Boy Rugby Championships at No. 7 including a Player of the Match performance against South Coast in the Semi Final.

Titans partnered Marsden SHS has been one of the best academic and sporting schools in Australia as well as being the largest and the partnership will continue benefit both the Titans and Marsden SHS students greatly and one young player to keep an eye on from Marsden SHS is rugby league and rugby stand-out Kingzen Lefono, the powerful young man will be one to keep an eye on in 2023 and beyond.

Kingzen Lefono played for Logan Brothers in 2023 in the GBJRL U14 Division One competition with Kingzen Lefono playing multiple positions in the Logan Brothers including front row, lock and second row as well as coming off the bench on a number of occasions.

Kingzen Lefono then started at lock in Logan Brothers 26 – 22 Preliminary Final victory against Norths. Kingzen Lefono then moved to the front row in Logan Brothers 2023 GBJRL U14 Division One Grand Final victory against Souths.

In early November 2023 Kingzen Lefono was named in the 2023 Velocity All Stars U14 Southside Bangers squad.

In May 2023 Kingzen Lefono was named in the Brisbane Junior Rugby U14 Representative squad.

In rugby Kingzen Lefono is an open side flanker (No. 7) including starting there for the Logan Saints in the 2022 BJRU U13 Grand Final against the Ipswich Rangers. In 2022 for the Logan Saints, Kingzen Lefono formed a potent right sided combination with fly half Sammy Samson with the two combining on multiple occasions to the immense benefit of their team.

2022 also saw Kingzen Lefono named in the U13 Brisbane Junior Rugby Representative side for the Queensland Junior Rugby State Championships.

Kingzen Lefono is a big powerful young man who whilst using his size to his advantage by running hard and straight, he does have quite decent footwork prior to the defensive line, which Kingzen Lefono uses to cut back behind the play the ball to take advantage of defenders who are slow to get back into the defensive line.

Where Kingzen Lefono’s game has really developed over the last couple of seasons his ability to play wider of the ruck, which is where he is primarily playing for the Logan Brothers and Marsden SHS this season. With his size and strength wider of the ruck Kingzen Lefono attracts defenders and thus is in a position to use his ball skills to set up his outside supports early in a match. When defences start to try to anticipate that Kingzen Lefono is going to pass then he can use his size and power to crash through the defensive line as no defender is going to be able to handle him one on one by themselves.

In defence Kingzen Lefono uses his size and strength to make very solid initial contact and certainly can take on all opposing forwards one on one. Kingzen Lefono is not averse to looking for the big hit but does have a good front on defensive technique, maintaining decent leverage and reasonable agility and lateral movement when looking to tackle smaller opponents on the edge of the ruck, although clearly he is more effective in the centre of the ruck, as most front rowers are.

2025 will see Kingzen Lefono line-up for the Brisbane Tigers in the CC Cup competition with Lingzen Lefono also CC Cup eligible in 2026. Kingzen Lefono will also continue at Brisbane State High School likely in the U16A School Boy Rugby U16A competition but do not be surprised if he forces his way into First XV reckoning sooner rather than later.

Kingzen Lefono is a big strong powerful young man with the speed and power to play either centre or second row on a rugby league field and even though I am of the opinion that Kingzen Lefono will ultimately end up in the second row, I think that the next couple of seasons will see Kingzen Lefono also play a lot in the centres.

With his height, size and speed, Kingzen Lefono has a very close similarity in playing style to North Queensland Cowboys second rower Heilum Luki. Both Luki and Kingzen Lefono are outstanding runners of the ball on the fringes of the ruck and both also can handle themselves in relation to their defensive duties.

 

[mdrew]

Finn Laffranchi. The young man is the son of former Titan and current Titans NRL manager Anthony and the young brother of Titans contracted front rower Oscar Laffranchi, but unlike his father and older brother, Finn Laffranchi is not a solidly built front rower or second rower but a quick stepping and elusive play making five eight or halfback.

In early 2024 Finn Laffranchi signed a multi-year contract with the Titans.

In late 2024 Finn Laffranchi was named in the 2025 Burleigh Bears CC Cup squad with Finn Laffranchi also CC Cup eligible in 2026.

In late September 2024 Finn Laffranchi started at fullback for a Future Titans U16 side that defeated a Future Storm side 36 – 22 with Finn Laffranchi strong in relation to his kick returns.

Finn Laffranchi was also part of the Titans U16 side for the Anthony Laffranchi Cup against the Wests Tigers.

In late April 2024 Finn Laffranchi was part of a Titans U16 side against Auckland U16’s in Ipswich with Finn Laffranchi coming onto the field to operate in the halves (fullback in the second half) in the 24th minute with Finn Laffracnhi making a stepping run from the right of the play the ball in the 29th minute from eighteen metres out from his try lien to thirty one metres out. The 44th minute then saw Finn Laffranchi run out of dummy half to his right to get the ball from forty four metres from the try line to thirty two metres out.

In early March 2024 Finn Laffranchi was named in the South Coast 2024 School Boy Rugby League Representative squad with Finn Laffranchi starting at five eight on Day One of the Championships against Met West with Finn Laffranchi making a stepping run in the 35th minute to run from twenty metres to thirty metres from his try line.

Finn Laffranchi continued at five eight on Day Two against Darling Downs and in the 26th minute from the right of the play the ball Finn Laffranchi stepped his way from forty metres out to the halfway mark.

In the 37th minute from two passes to the right of the play the ball and forty metres from the try line Finn Laffranchi stepped off his left foot and after making twelve metres Finn Laffranchi was able to get his left arm fend and get an off-load away to his right. Also in the 44th minute Finn Laffranchi cut inside off his left foot as he ran the ball from forty five metres to thirty metres from the try line. Also in the 47th minute Finn Laffranchi ran the ball through the centre of the field from the right of the play the ball from twenty metres to thirty two metres from his try line.

Finn Laffranchi then moved to fullback on Day Three against the Sunshine Coast and in the 24th minute from two passes to the left of a South Coast scrum win Finn Laffranchi ran the ball from forty eight metres to thirty five metres from the try line. Also in the 48th minute from the left of the play the ball and thirty metres from his try line Finn Laffranchi was able to make ten hard metres.

Finn Laffranchi continued at fullback on Day Four against Met East with Finn Laffranchi running the ball from a kick-off return through the centre of the field out to the twenty five metres mark.

In the 11th minute from two passes to the left of a South Coast scrum win in the 11th minute Finn Laffranchi was able to carry the ball from ten metres inside his own half to two metres into Met East’s half. Also in the 20th minute from the left of the play the ball Finn Laffranchi stepped off his left foot and he ran the ball from thirty metres to forty metres out from his try line. Then a minute later in the 21st minute from two passes to the right of the dummy half and ten metres inside his territory Finn Laffranchi carried the ball three metres into Met East territory.

In early June 2024 Finn Laffranchi was named in the South Queensland Sharks U16 NYC Touch Squad and in early June 2024 Finn Laffranchi was selected in the Queensland Fury U15 Oztag squad for the 2024 Queensland Oztag Super Series. Finn Laffranchi was subsequently named in the 2024 U15 Queensland Oztag State of Origin squad.

2024 saw Finn Laffranchi continue to play Oztag with Fin Laffranchi named in the Queensland All School’s Year Ten Oztag competition’s Year Ten Merit Team.

In September 2023 Finn Laffranchi played for a Titans U14 side that played against another Titans U14 side in a match in Ipswich which saw the two sides both wear Titans jersey to give the players a great experience.

Finn Laffranchi started the trial at five eight for Titans White against Titans Blue and in the 13th minute after receiving an off-load from his left sixteen metres from the try line Finn Laffranchi stepped inside off his right foot to come close to come close to scoring only to be tackled less than a metre from the try line next to the right goal post.

Then in the 23rd minute Finn Laffranchi took possession of the ball to the right of the play the ball on the halfway mark and after dummying to his right Finn Laffranchi was able to promote the ball a further ten metres.

Finn Laffranchi played Oztag in 2023 with Finn Laffranchi named in the 2023 Super Series Queensland Rebels U14 Representative squad. Finn Laffranchi was also named in the 2023 Queensland Schools Oztag Year Ten Boys All Stars School Merit Team.

In late 2023 Finn Laffranchi was named in the Miami 2024 U15 Boys Oztag team for the 2024 Queensland State Oztag Championships.

In 2022 Finn Laffranchi played for the Burleigh Bears in the GCRL U13 Division One competition including starting for the Bears in the 2022 Grand Final against the Coomera Cutters with Finn Laffranchi scoring in the 35th minute when Finn Laffranchi stepped his way through numerous members of the Coomera forward pack from ten metres out and to the left of the play the ball to get the ball down under the posts with a defender trying to vain to prise the ball free of his grasp as Finn Laffranchi got the ball down much to his and his team mates delight.

In early 2023 Finn Laffranchi was named in the 2023 Palm Beach Stingrays U14 Touch side to compete in the Titans Junior Touch Series Events as well as the 2023 Junior State Cup to be held in Rockhampton. In 2022 Finn Laffranchi was also a South Coast School Boy Touch Representative Player out of Marymount College on the Gold Coast.

Quick stepping and intuitive are two attributes that you can immediately attribute to Finn Laffranchi when he see him play for the first time. Whilst Finn Laffranchi projects as an organising type of halfback, he can certainly exploit holes in an opposition defensive line or defenders that at slow to cover across field himself by way of the ability to step exceptionally well of either foot and I am talking a Shaun Johnson like side step.

I used the term intuitive above and that stands out when Finn Laffranchi is taking the ball at the defensive line. Unfortunately these days it appears that some coaches are almost “over-coaching” their halves and five eights are requiring them to stick to the nominated game plan no matter what.

What I like about Finn Laffranchi however is that as he is running the ball at the defensive line with the ball out in front of his body in both hands, if he sees an opportunity to either run the ball himself as defences “cheat out” to engage his outside support runners, or grubber for himself in behind the defensive line, he will take it. Of course halves or five eights must only execute that type of play judicially and from what I have seen that is exactly what Finn Laffranchi does.

From a kicking perspective Finn Laffranchi is a solid tactical kicker with decent range and accuracy with Finn Laffranchi also able to progress through his kicking procedures quickly to reduce the prospect of his kick being charged down. Finn Laffranchi excels though from an attacking kicking perspective with Finn Laffranchi able to put the ball exactly on target whether he is putting in a short grubber kick into the in-goal or a chip kick designed to come down onto the head of a defender right on the try line.

Defensively Finn Laffranchi holds up well on the fringes of the ruck against larger forwards running directly at him as a result of a solid front on defensive technique and strong functional strength. Finn Laffranchi commits immediately to making the necessary tackle and is adept at bringing the attacker to the ground as quickly and efficiently as possible. Finn Laffranchi is not a defender who is going to make many dominant tackles, but he makes the ones that are needed to be made against opposition attackers eight his own size and larger forwards efficiently and effectively.

Finn Laffranchi will commence the 2025 season as a member of the Burleigh Bears Cyril Connell Cup squad with Finn Laffranchi also CC Cup eligible in 2026.

2025 will also see Finn Laffranchi continue to play for the Burleigh Bears with Finn Laffranchi moving up to the Gold Coast Junior Rugby League U16 Division One competition. Finn Laffranchi will also play for Marymount College in 2025 in their various School Boy Rugby League competitions, including the well represented Titans Cup School Boy Rugby League Competition.

Finn Laffranchi is a talented ball player and is a very good side stepper in traffic and thus Finn Laffranchi is likely to continue to operate at either halfback or five eight for the foreseeable future. Finn Laffranchi also seems such a calm and assured player and therefore being one of team’s primary play makers in pressure situations will not faze him at all.

With his ability to quickly determine whether to run or pass, I can see aspects of how North Queensland Cowboy and Queensland State of Origin half Tom Dearden plays in relation to Finn Laffranchi. Both Dearden and Finn Laffranchi have the ability to move across the field and either draw a player out of the defensive line and pass to a support runner or slice between two defenders and break the defensive line himself.

 

[Titanic]

Just out of ignorance mdrew, citing Finn as an example, do we run into problems with pathways due to the Burleigh Broncos?

 

[mdrew]

Just out of ignorance mdrew, citing Finn as an example, do we run into problems with pathways due to the Burleigh Broncos?

Not really mate, we put the majority of the JTS boys at Tweed now but a few stay at Burleigh especially if they are Bears juniors or we have too many at one position at Tweed, for example Dallas Ingram is in MM at Burleigh with Zane Harrison and Javon Andrews at Tweed in the halves.

 

[Titanic]

Thanks mdrew as always.

 

[mdrew]

Henry Kallquist. The young front rower attended the Titans partnered Rockhampton Grammar School and in early July 2024 signed a Titans contract that extends until the end of the 2026 season. Henry Kallquist is set to play his first match in a Titans jersey in early 2025 in the Titans U19’s annual match in Coffs Harbour against the Newcastle Knights.

In late 2024 Henry Kallquist was named in the 2025 Ipswich Jets MM Cup squad with Henry Kallquist also MM Cup eligible in 2026.

After Rockhampton Grammar School had a 2024 School Boy Rugby League Dolphins Cup bye Henry Kallquist started in the front row and captain in Round Two against the Cathedral College and inside the opening minute Henry Kallquist smashed the Cathedral College dummy half to force a knock on thirty two metres from the try line.

In the 9th minute from the right of the play the ball Henry Kallquist was able to carry the ball from three metres inside his own half to ten metres into Cathedral College territory. Then in the 18th minute from the right of the play the ball and eight metres inside his own half Henry Kallquist carried the ball nine metres into Cathedral College’s half. Also in the 27th minute from two passes to the left of the play the ball Henry Kallquist got the ball to within ten metres of the try line after receiving the ball twenty seven metres out with Henry Kallquist then awarded a penalty for ruck interference.

From the left of the dummy half in the 34th minute Henry Kallquist ran the ball from the halfway mark to forty metres out and then in the 46th minute from the left of the play the ball Henry Kallquist carried the ball from thirty seven metres to within twenty two metres of the try line. Henry Kallquist backed up with an additional run in the 50th minute to the left of the play the ball and after stepping off his right two twice in quick succession Henry Kallquist ran the ball from forty metres to twenty metres of the try line.

Harry Kallquist also started in the front row in Round Three against Shalon College with Harry Kallquist scoring in the 54th minute when after receiving an off-load from his left from Cooper Broadhurst Harry Kallquist burrowed over to get the ball down three metres to the left of the goal posts.

Earlier in the 30th minute from two passes to the right of the play the ball and ten metres inside his own half Harry Kallquist ran the ball through the centre of the field to three metres into Shalom College’s half. Then in the 45th minute from the right of the play the ball Harry Kallquist ran the ball from twenty metres to thirty metres from his try line.

Harry Kallquist continued in the front row and as captain in Round Four against Emmaus College and in the 2nd minute Harry Kallquist carried the ball through the centre of the field from the left of the play the ball from thirty five to within twenty three metres of the try line.

Two minutes later in the 4th minute also from the left of the play the ball Harry Kallquist was able to get the ball from thirty to forty one metres from his try line. Then in the 25th minute when after cutting back underneath Callum Denman to the left of the play the ball a strong carry from Harry Kallquist saw him move the ball from thirty four metres to within eighteen metres of the try line.

In the 34th minute Harry Kallquist also charged through the centre of the field from the right of the play the ball from twenty seven to forty metres from the try line and then in the 43rd minute from the left of the dummy half Harry Kallquist was able to promote the ball from forty to thirty metres from the try line.

Round Five against St Brendan’s College Yeppoon saw Harry Kallquist also start in the front row and captain with Harry Kallquist making a line break in the 25th minute when from a kick-off after taking possession of the ball ten metres from his try line to the left of the posts Harry Kallquist stepped off his right foot at the defensive line to break through and carried the ball to the halfway mark after beating the fullback with Harry Kallquist then throwing a long pass to his left.

In the 14th minute from the left of the play the ball Harry Kallquist ran the ball from thirty four to forty five metres from the try line. Then in the 27th minute from the right of a Rockhampton Grammar School scrum win eighteen metres from the try line Harry Kallquist surged within a metre of the try line three metres to the right of the posts.

The 31st minute saw Harry Kallquist run the ball through the centre of the field from the left of the play the ball from ten metres inside his half to four metres into St Brendan’s territory. Harry Kallquist also ran the ball through the centre of the field from the right of the play the ball from the halfway mark to forty metres out from the try line.

Harry Kallquist continued in the front row and as captain in Rockhampton Grammar School’s Dolphins Cup semi-final against the Cathedral College with Harry Kallquist scoring in the 13th minute by way of a seven metre charge to the right of the play the ball that incorporated a left foot step to beat two defenders to crash over the try line seven metres to the left of the goal posts.

Earlier in the 7th minute from the right of the play the ball and eight metres from his try line Harry Kallquist carried the ball through the centre of the field from eight to twenty metres from his try line. Also in the 22nd minute from the left of the play the ball Harry Kallquist was able to get the ball from the forty metre mark to halfway.

Harry Kallquist ran the ball through the centre of the field once again in the 29th minute from the right of the play the ball from thirty one to forty three metres from his try line. Harry Kallquist continued running the ball through the centre of the field in the 48th minute also from the right of the play the ball from thirty eight metres to the halfway mark.

Harry Kallquist also made a try saving tackle in the 52nd minute with a strong low left shoulder tackle on the Cathedral College replacement forward No. 15 to force him to lose the ball forward over the try line ten metres to the right of the goal posts.

Harry Kallquist started in the front row and as captain for Rockhampton Grammar School in the School Boy Rugby League 2024 Dolphins Cup Grand Final against St Brendan’s College Yeppoon with Harry Kallquist returning the opening kick-off to the seventeen metres mark. Harry Kallquist also made the fourth run of the match to within eight metres of the halfway.

From two passes to the right of the play the ball in the 6th minute Harry Kallquist promoted the ball to the thirty metre mark and then in the 9th minute from the left of the play the ball Harry Kallquist ran the ball through the centre of the field from forty five to thirty metres from the try line with at least 75% of the metres being post contact. Two minutes later in the 11th minute from the left of the play the ball Harry Kallquist got the ball from eleven to twenty four metres from his try line.

The 15th minute saw Harry Kallquist make a good kick-off return to get to the twenty metre mark and also in the 17th minute Harry Kallquist’s goal line drop-out return got the ball back to the twenty two metre mark. Then in the 37th minute from the right of the play the ball and thirty three metres from his try line Harry Kallquist ran the ball to within four metres of the halfway mark.

At the conclusion of the School Boy Rugby League season Harry Kallquist was named in the Morning Bulletins 2024 Dolphins Cup Team of the Year.

2024 also saw Harry Kallquist part of the Rockhampton Grammar School including starting in the front row and scoring in Rockhampton Grammar School’s second match on Day One of the 2024 Confraternity Shield against The Cathedral College.

At the conclusion of the 2024 Confraternity Shield Henry Kallquist received the Rockhampton Grammar School's Stewart Norford Medal which was voted for by the RGS coaches and players.

At the 2024 Rockhampton Grammar School Rugby League/Rugby Awards presentation Henry Kallquist was named the Best Senior Rugby League Player.

Harry Kallquist started the 2024 season as a member of the Central Queensland Capra’s U17 Cyril Connell Cup squad with Harry Kallquist starting in the front row in Round Two (The Capra’s had a Round One bye) against the Townsville Blackhawks with Harry Kallquist involved in the opening tackle of the match from the Capra’s kick-off.

In the 5th minute from the left of the play the ball Harry Kallquist made ten metres from the halfway mark and in the 10th minute Harry Kallquist ran the ball through the centre of the field from six metres inside his territory to seven metres into the Blackhawk’s half. Also in the 18th minute Harry Kallquist returned a Townsville goal drop-out from thirty seven to twenty three metres from the try line and then a tackle later from the left of the play the ball Harry Kallquist got the ball from fifteen to within three metres of the try line with Central Queensland scoring from dummy half as a result of a quick play the ball from Harry Kallquist.

Harry Kallquist continued in the front row in Round Three against the Northern Pride with Harry Kallquist coming close to scoring in the 16th minute only to be held up over the try line four metres to the right of the uprights after a short run to the right of the play the ball on the final tackle.

In the 5th minute Harry Kallquist ran the ball through the centre of the field from the left of the play the ball from twenty to thirty metres from his try line and a tackle later from the right of the play the ball to the halfway from ten metres inside his half. Then a Harry Kallquist Northern Pride goal line drop-out return saw him get the ball from forty to twenty metres from the try line through the centre of the field. Also in the 49th minute from the right of the play the ball a Harry Kallquist hit and spin saw him promote the ball from twenty eight to forty metres from his try line.

Harry Kallquist also started in the front row in Round Four against the Mackay Cutters with Harry Kallquist running the ball back from the opening kick-off to the thirteen metre mark with Harry Kallquist also making the third hit-up of the match from the left of the play the ball to run the ball from twenty to thirty metres from the try line.

From the right of a Central Queensland penalty restart in the 12th minute Harry Kallquist ran the ball from twelve to less than a metre from the try line in front of the posts and then in the 16th minute from the left of the play the ball a Harry Kallquist left foot step contributed in allowing Harry Kallquist to get from nineteen to eight metres from the try line.

A Harry Kallquist kick-off return in the 17th minute saw Harry Kallquist get the ball out to the twenty three metre mark and then in the fourth tackle in the same set of six tackles and from the left of the play the ball Harry Kallquist ran the ball from five metres inside his half to six metres into the cutters half. Another Harry Kallquist kick-off return saw him promote the ball to the twenty one metre mark.

Harry Kallquist also did well in the 5th minute when he chased a Capra’s attacking grubber kick to tackle the Mackay left winger in the in-goal area to force a goal line drop-out.

Harry Kallquist continued in the front row in Round Five against the Northern Pride with Harry Kallquist coming close to scoring in the 57th minute only to be held up under the posts after a charge from close range to the left of the play the ball.

Harry Kallquist made the second hit-up of the match from the left of the play the ball through the centre of the field from fifteen to twenty six metres from the try line. Harry Kallquist then made the fourth hit-up also from the left of the play the ball from thirty to forty three metres from the try line.

From the right of the play the ball in the 12th minute and thirteen metres from the try line Harry Kallquist was able to get within a metre when four metres to the left of the posts and then in the 13th minute from the right of the dummy half Harry Kallquist ran through the centre of the field from twenty eight to seventeen metres from the try line. Also in the 53rd minute from the right of the play the ball Harry Kallquist got the ball from forty one to thirty metres from the try line and also in the 56th minute from the right of the play the ball once again and twenty two metres from the try line Harry Kallquist was able to run the ball to within nine metres of the try line.

Harry Kallquist also started in the front row in Round Six against the Townsville Blackhawks with Harry Kallquist taking the opening hit-up of the match from the kick-off and get the ball out to the twenty metre mark. Harry Kallquist followed up with the third hit-up of the match from the left of the play the ball to run the ball from twenty four to thirty four metres out.

In the 5th minute from the left of the play the ball Harry Kallquist ran the ball from the halfway to forty metres from the try line and in the 15th minute from the left of the play the ball Harry Kallquist carried the ball through the centre of the field from fifteen to twenty five metres from his try line. Then in his second stint on the field in the 53rd minute from the left of the dummy half Harry Kallquist cut back to his right as the got within four metres of the try line from sixteen metres out. Also in the 55th minute a Harry Kallquist saw him run the ball from the left of the play the ball from fourteen to two metres from the try line six metres to the right of the posts.

Harry Kallquist continued in the front row in Round Seven against the Mackay Cutters with Harry Kallquist returning the opening kick-off to the fifteen metre mark.

From the left of the play the ball Harry Kallquist carried the ball through the centre of the field in the 6th minute to run from six metres inside his half to eight metres into the Cutters. Harry Kallquist also ran the ball through the centre of the field in the 10th minute from the right of the play the ball from the halfway to thirteen metres into the Cutters half.

From the right of the play the ball in the 46th minute Harry Kallquist charged through the centre of the field from five metres from his try line to seventeen metres out and then a tackle later from the left of the play the ball Harry Kallquist continued through the centre of the field to get from twenty four to thirty seven metres from the try line with Harry Kallquist winning a penalty after not being allowed to his feet in a timely fashion.

In the 50th minute from the right of the play the ball and eighteen metres from his try line Harry Kallquist was able to make twelve metres. Then in the 55th minute from the left of the dummy half and ten metres inside his half harry Kallquist got the ball to the halfway and then a tackle left after receiving an off-load Harry Kallquist ran the ball from four metres inside his half to within thirty three metres of the try line.

At the conclusion of the 2024 CC Cup season Henry Kallquist was noted as a player that just missed out on selection in the 2024 Courier Mail 2024 Cyril Connell Cup Team of the Season.

Henry Kallquist also played a number of matches off the bench for the Central Queensland Capra’s in the 2024 MM Cup competition.

Henry Kallquist played for Rockhampton Grammar School in the 2023 Confraternity Shield with Henry Kallquist starting all three of Rockhampton Grammar School’s Pool matches in the front row being in Round One against St Augustine’s Collage, Round Two against Marist College Ashgrove and Round Three against St Patrick’s College Mackay. Henry Kallquist also started in the front row in the Trophy Final’s match against St Patrick’s College Shorncliffe.

2023 also saw Henry Kallquist start the season as part of the Central Queensland Capra’s U16 Cyril Connell Cup side, with Henry Kallquist’s first appearance coming in Round Three against the Mackay Cutters from the bench. Henry Kallquist played four more matches in the CC Cup for the Capra’s, coming off the bench in all of them.

Henry Kallquist also played rugby in 2023 with named at blindside flanker (No. 6) in the School Boy Rugby Ballymore Cup Merit Team. Henry Kallquist was also named in the Queensland Country U16 Reds side.

For a big front rower Henry Kallquist does actually have quite decent speed, mobility and footwork, certainly well above average for a player of his size and age. This good footwork enables Henry Kallquist to step prior to the line, usually back towards the centre of the ruck targeting the area behind the play the ball with Henry Kallquist creating little half breaks which enhances the ability to off-load the football.

Henry Kallquist’s core body strength also enables him to make significant ground after contact dragging defenders with him and if an opposition does not get hold of his legs, Henry Kallquist is apt to break free of the initial defenders all together and continue his charge downfield.

With his size and speed combination Henry Kallquist also is adept at getting a quick play the ball once he is brought to ground, Henry Kallquist literally just pushes away the defenders and gets to his feet and gets on with the game through the quick play the ball.

In defence Henry Kallquist is happy to go for the big hit often but not to the detriment to his team. Henry Kallquist is actually quite selective about when to go for the big hit as against making sure the tackle is completed. Henry Kallquist is also very good at locking the ball up in the tackle to prevent the possibility of an off-load occurring.

Henry Kallquist is obviously suited to defending in the centre of the ruck rather that the fringes and will understandably have some trouble with nippy runners out of dummy half although his lateral movement is quite good for a front rower and Henry Kallquist is also disciplined to keep his arms for straying too high in the tackle.

Henry Kallquist’s calling card though is the 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. Henry Kallquist can defensively handle any one on one battle that presents itself over the course of a match.

At times in games Henry Kallquist really does prevent opposing gaining any ground at all through the centre of the ruck. It is now a matter of extending the duration of Henry Kallquist’s ruck dominance.

2025 will see Henry Kallquist commence the 2025 season as a member of the Ipswich Jets MM Cup squad with Henry Kallquist also MM Cup eligible in 2026.

Henry Kallquist has played in the front row in his young junior rugby league career to date and moving forward in rugby league it seems more than likely, in fact near certain that Henry Kallquist will continue in the front row for the duration of his rugby league career no matter how far it takes him.

With his height and running style I believe a player comparison with North Queensland Cowboys and former New South Wales State of Origin and Australian International front rower Jordan McLean is more than appropriate in relation to Henry Kallquist.

Both McLean and Henry Kallquist are big, tall, strong and powerful runners of the ball who run very much front on into the defensive line but do drop their body into the first defender that confronts them enabling them to make significant post contact metres before being brought down, a circumstance that is usually requiring of more than one defender to accomplish appropriately and for their size McLean and Henry Kallquist both are able to generate quick play the balls on a regular basis.

 

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Harrison Hill. In late May 2024 Harrison Hill signed a two and half year contract with the Titans.

In late May Harrison Hill was named in the 2024 Queensland Rugby League U18 Emerging Boys Squad.

Late 2024 saw Harrison Hill named in the 2025 Ipswich Jets U19 Mal Meninga (MM) Cup squad.

Harrison Hill made his Brisbane Rugby League First Grade debut off the bench for Carina in Round Eleven against Souths Juniors and after coming onto the field to operate in the dummy half role in the 32nd minute Harrison Hill ran out of dummy half to his right to run the ball from seven metres inside his own territory to twelve metres into the Magpies half.

Harrison Hill came close to scoring in the 63rd minute when after running out of dummy half to his left from close range Harrison Hill forced his way over the try line ten metres in from the left corner post before being forced back into the field of play by multiple Souths defenders.

Harrison Hill also started from the bench in Round Twelve against the Brighton Roosters and after coming onto the field to operate at dummy half in the 30th minute Harrison Hill ran to his left out of dummy half in the 71st minute and broke a tackle to get the ball from eighteen to thirty metres from his try line.

Harrison Hill continued from the bench in Round Thirteen against the Beenleigh Pride and after coming onto the field to operate at dummy half in the 48th minute Harrison Hill ran out of dummy half in the 56th minute to his right and run the ball from forty to thirty metres from the try line.

Harrison Hill also started from the bench in Round Fourteen against the Valleys Diehards and after coming onto the field to operate at dummy half in the 19th minute Harrison Hill scored in the 63rd minute when from dummy half two metres from the try line and eight metres to the left of the posts, Harrison Hill stepped to his right and after throwing a dummy to his right Harrison Hill went for the try line himself and by away of a hit and counter clockwise spin Harrison Hill got the ball down five metres to the left of the posts.

Harrison Hill had come close to scoring earlier in the match in the 40th minute with a ten metre run out of dummy half to his right to get over the try line under the posts only for the referee to rule that Harrison Hill lost the ball prior to getting the ball to the ground.

Harrison Hill also made a line break in the 69th minute when after receiving an off-load from his left still five metres inside his half Harrison threw a big dummy to his left to allow a Valleys defender to fly past with Harrison Hill then running the ball to thirty metres from the try line.

The 25th minute saw Harrison Hill run out of dummy to his left to run the ball from twenty to five metres from the try line before getting a right arm off-load away to his left whilst being spun around clockwise.

Harrison Hill made his first BRL First Grade start for Carina at hooker in Round Fifteen against Redcliffe and in the opening minute Harrison Hill ran out of dummy half to his right through the centre of the field from twenty four to thirty four metres from the try line. Also in the 63rd minute Harrison Hill ran to his left out of dummy half to run from thirty three to forty six metres from his try line.

Harrison Hill started from the bench in Round Sixteen against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls and after coming onto the field to operate at dummy half in the 27th minute Harrison Hill, in the 40th minute ran out of dummy half to his right using a Wynnum Manly player as a shield to get the ball from thirty two to forty five metres from his try line.

Harrison Hill came close to scoring twice only to be held up over the ty line on two occasions, the first being in the 48th minute when he ran out of dummy half to his right from a metre out to be held up next to the left goal post.

Then in the 59th minute after backing up a line break Harrison Hill received a pass from his left ten metres out and after ducking and weaving his way over the try line Harrison Hill was held up ten metres to the left of the posts.

Harrison Hill also started from the bench in Round Seventeen against Bulimba with Harrison Hill operating in the dummy half role after coming onto the field in the 25th minute.

Harrison Hill continued from the bench in Round Eighteen against the Wests Panthers coming onto the field in the dummy half role in the 25th minute and in the 50th minute Harrison Hill ran out of dummy half to his right to run through the centre of the field from thirty two to twenty metres from the try line.

Harrison Hill kicked the first of his two 40/20’s in the 27th minute when from dummy half twelve metres to the left of the posts thirty eight metres from his try line Harrison Hill stepped to his right and drive a right foot kick to his right with the ball going over the head of the Pantehrs left winger and bounced into touch ten metres out from the try line.

Harrison Hill kicked his second 40/20 in the 55th minute when from dummy half once again Harrison Hill stepped to his right but kicked to his left with the ball going over the touchline on the first bounce fourteen metres from the try line.

Round Nine of the Brisbane Rugby League Reserve Grade competition saw Harrison Hill start at hooker for Carina against the Wests Panthers with Harrison Hill heavily involved in Carina’s 21 – 20 win including scoring in the 47th minute with a dart to his left out of dummy from two metres out and after dummying to his left Harrison Hill darted down a short left blindside to score four metres in from the left corner post.

Harrison Hill also recorded a try assist in the 41st minute with a bullet pass out of dummy half to his left from four metres out to put his left winger over to score in the corner after his pass had led his winger onto the ball on the outside of his direct opponent.

Harrison Hill also executed a key play in the 67th minute when with the scores locked at 20 all with less than three minutes to go and the play the ball five metres from the right touchline on the final tackle, Harrison Hill put in a hard right foot grubber kick to his left with the ball knocked on by the Panthers. Later in the subsequent set of six tackles for Carina Harrison Hill threw a bullet pass to his left from a metre out and in front of the right goal post with his fullback having a significant amount of time as a result of Harrison Hill’s good pass to slot the match winning field goal.

Round One of the XXXX South East Queensland Chair’s Challenge saw Harrison Hill start from the bench for the Brisbane Poinsettias Red Representative side against Brisbane Poinsettias White and after coming onto the field to operate at dummy half in the 22nd minute Harrison Hill made a line break in the 48th minute when after receiving a late off-load ten metres in from the left touchline and thirty eight metres from the try line Harrison Hill accelerated from a standing start to his right and was able to break two tackles as he ran towards the centre of the field to seventeen metres from the try line.

Harrison Hill came close to scoring in the 46th minute with a dart out of dummy half to his right from five metres out only to be brought down desperately short of the try line ten metres in from the right corner post.

Harrison Hill made his initial foray out of dummy half in the 26th minute running to his left from five metres inside his half to seven metres into White territory and then in the 34th minute Harrison Hill also ran out of dummy half to his left through the centre of the field from thirty eight to twenty five metres from the try line.

Harrison Hill also started from the bench in Round Two against the Gold Coast Vikings with Harrison Hill coming onto the field at dummy half in the 25th minute and Harrison Hill ran out of dummy half to his left in the 38th minute to carry the ball from forty metres from his try line to the halfway mark.

Harrison Hill started the 2024 season as part of the Melbourne Storm U19 SG Ball side with Harrison Hill starting at hooker in all nine rounds with Harrison Hill scoring six tries including a double in Round Four against the Balmain Tigers. Harrison Hill also scored in Round One against the North Sydney Bears, Round Two against the Wests Magpies, Round Three against the Illawarra Steelers and Round Eight against the Penrith Panthers.

After the conclusion of the 2024 SG Ball competition Harrison Hill played for the Truganina Rabbitohs in the Victorian Storm First Grade Premiership with Harrison Hill coming off the bench in Round Two against the Werribee Bears. Harrison Hill moved into the starting side at hooker in Round Three against the Altona Roosters with Harrison Hill scoring a double. Harrison Hill also started at hooker in Rounds Three and Four against the Casey Warriors and Sunshine Cowboys respectively.

Harison Hill started the 2023 season as part of the Norths Devils MM Cup squad and whilst starting every match at hooker Harrison Hill scored in Rounds Fourm Five and Six against the Burleigh Bears, Redcliffe Dolphins and Tweed Heads Seagulls respectively.

2023 also saw Harrison Hill start from the bench for Queensland City U17’s against Queensland Country U17’s and whilst playing thirty three minutes Harrison Hill ran for sixty three metres (twenty six post contact), broke a tackle, kicked twice to make eighty five metres and made sixteen tackles at a 100% tackling efficiency.

2023 also saw Harrison Hill play in the School Boy Langer Cup for Wavell SHS as well as play a number of match for the Aspley Devils in the GBJRL U17 Division One Nev Blair Shield competition.

Harrison Hill also played for the Norths Devils in the 2022 CC Cup competition with Harrison Hill starting all four of the Devils matches at hooker and captain.

Harrison Hill is a dummy half with a goal to lead his team around the field and determine when the forwards take the ball up and when the ball is directed out to the backline. Harrison Hill looks to lead his forwards onto the ball and provides a flat pass to enable his forwards to time their run onto the ball. Harrison Hill aims to be the team’s general from dummy half and control the pace of the match and the axis from which his team directs their attack and also from what part of the field.

Running with the ball Harrison Hill has good speed off the mark, probably in the average category for a hooker but normally runs off the back of a big run from one of his forwards so that he runs when the defensive line is still retreating back to their 10 metre mark.

Harrison Hill is also a solid kicker out of dummy half both in terms of short attacking kicks and longer range tactical kicking. In many ways his kicking from a situational perspective at least is like that of Cameron Smith. Like Smith he is unlikely to be his side’s primary kicking option but if the opportunity presents he will be a 40/20 threat.

Just like he is when he is at dummy half Harrison Hill is a leader when he is in the defensive line looking to direct his forwards towards where the ball is likely heading and individually identifying which forward defends which attacker.

Harrison Hill certainly has a tough streak and will look to hit opposing forwards regardless of their size as hard as possible and looks to finish off each tackle with aggression. Harrison Hill is also a solid worker when at marker and will chase and look to harass both ball runners and tactical kickers alike.

Another area where Harrison Hill has a plus attribute is in relation to his leaderships skills. He 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 he is a leader regardless of which team he is lining up for and acts accordingly. The confidence that his team mates have in Harrison Hill is just exceptional.

2025 will see Harrison Hill start the season as a member of the Ipswich Jets MM Cup squad and do not be surprised if Harrison Hill makes his Queensland Cup debut in 2025 he is that advanced and mature.

With his leadership skills, speed out of dummy half, endurance and game management, Harrison Hill seems poised to have a long and distinguished NRL career on front of him in the hooking role.

With his speed out of dummy half coupled with the innate ability to know when to run to maximise the effect Harrison Hill’s playing style is reminiscent to Melbourne Storm and Queensland State of Origin hooker Harry Grant.

The Titans have a real good one on their hands in Harrison Hill.

 

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Jesse Soric. The Byron Bay Devils junior and Keebra Park State High School student is part of the Titans Program after signing a two year contact in November 2024 that covers the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

Jesse Soric started the 2024 season in the U19 SG Ball competition with the New Zealand Warriors making his debut in Round One starting at five eight against the Parramatta Eels. Jesse Soric started at five eight in the opening six rounds before moving to halfback in Rounds Eight and Nine against the Cronulla Sharks and St George Dragons respectively.

Jesse Soric scored his first SG Ball try in the 27th minute of Round Two against the Norths Sydney Bears when from the left of the play the ball Jesse Soric ran from eleven to four metres from the try line before spinning counter clockwise to gain separation from a defender and carry three more defenders over the try line to get the ball down mid-way between the posts and goal posts on the left side of the field.

Jesse Soric then score twice in Round Eight against the Cronulla Sharks with his first try coming in the 13th minute when he backed up on the inside of a Warriors line break down the left touchline with Jesse Soric chasing an inside kick that was put in and dived on the ball just before the dead ball line (and I mean just before) to ground the ball five metres to the left of the posts.

Jesse Soric completed his double in the 19th minute when after receiving the ball ten metres from the try line Jesse Soric stepped off his left foot twice to beat the same number of defenders and then carried two more over the try line to score eight metres to the left of the posts.

Jesse Soric made his U21 Jersey Flegg debut when he started at five eight for the Warriors in Round Thirteen against the Melbourne Storm. Jesse Soric went on to start at five eight in five more match in the Jersey Flegg competition.

Round One of the 2023 Langer Cup School Boy Rugby League Reserve School Boy competition saw Jesse Soric named at five eight for Keebra Park SHS agaisnt Ipswich SHS as well as in in Round Two against Marsden SHS and Round Three against Redcliffe SHS.

Round One of the 2023 NRRRL U18 season saw Jesse Soric start at halfback for the Byron Bay Devils against the Murwillumbah Mustangs with Jesse Soric scoring a try and setting up another.

Jesse Soric scored in the 55th minute when after receiving the ball twelve metres out and near the right touchline, Jesse Soric stepped off his right foot to beat the cover defence with Jesse Soric getting the ball down ten metres in from the right corner post.

Jesse Soric recorded his try assist in the 11th minute when after collecting a pass from the dummy half on the bounce Jesse Soric ran the ball at the defensive line and when twelve metres out Jesse Sorci drew in two defenders and got a short ball away to his right to Tyler Whittington who charged through the resultant gap to score under the posts.

Jesse Soric had come close to scoring earlier in the match in the 19th minute when after taking possession sixteen metres out and to the left of the play the ball, Jesse Soric straightened up the attack and after charging straight at the try line, Jesse Soric was held up over the try line ten metres to the left of the uprights.

Jesse Soric was held up once again in the 54th minute mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field after a ten metre run after the receipt of an off-load.

Jesse Soric made a line break in the 33rd minute when after receiving an off-load forty metres from the try line Jesse Soric took off from a standing start and raced downfield only to be tackled by the Mustangs fullback eight metres out from the try line and directly in front of the goal posts.

Jesse Soric then came off the bench in Round Eight against Northern United coming onto the field to operate at five eight mid-way through the first half.

Jesse Soric was also named on the bench in Round Nine against the Mullumbimby Giants.

In late September 2022 Jesse Soric was named in the 2023 Northern Rivers Titans U18 Laurie Daley Cup train on squad.

Round One of the 2023 U18 Laurie Daley Cup competition saw Jesse Soric named at five eight for the Northern Rivers Titans against the Newcastle Knights with Jesse Soric operating on the left side of the field.

Jesse Soric recorded a try assist in the 38th minute when from thirty two metres out and to the right of the play the ball Jesse Soric initially ran to his right dummying to an underneath runner before Jesse Soric darted through a gap and whilst being tackled Jesse Soric was able to get his right arm free and off-load to his left to Tyler Whittington who scored under the posts.

Jesse Soric also recorded a line break assist in the 29th minute when from the right of the play the ball and twenty seven metres out, Jesse Soric took the ball deep into the Knights defensive line before throwing a short ball to his right to Isaac Harrison to break through the defensive line from his inside shoulder route.

Jesse Soric recorded a line break of his own in the 32nd minute when from twenty five metres out and to the left of the play the ball Jesse Soric stepped off his left foot twice in quick succession to break through the defensive line and then around five metres out from the try line Jesse Soric was able to off-load to his to Bo Peisley who was tackled just in front of the left upright.

Jesse Soric was also named at five eight for Round Two against the Central Coast Roosters with Jesse Soric recording a try assist in the 44th minute when after the Roosters dropped the ball whilst trying to bring the ball out of their own twenty metre area, Jesse Soric collected the errand pass and ran five metres towards the try line before off-loading to his right to Riley Buchanan who had a fifteen metre run to score in a tackle three metres to the right of the uprights.

Jesse Soric executed another smart piece of play in the 18th minute when he chased a Zane Harrison clearing kick downfield and then as the Roosters fullback was bringing the ball back, Jesse Soric engaged him and thirty metres out and in the centre of the field with Jesse Soric executing a one on one strip to put the Northern Rivers Titans immediately onto the attack.

Jesse Soric was also named at five eight for Round Three against the South Coast Dragons.

Jesse Soric then started at five eight in Round Four against the Northern Tigers with Jesse Soric recording a try assist in the 68th minute when from eight metres out Jesse Soric threw a hard flat cut-out pass to his left to put Lachlan Offley over to score mid-way between the goal posts and corner post on the left side of the field.

Round One of the 2023 NRRRL First Grade competition saw Jesse Soric start at halfback for the Byron Bay Devils against the Murwillumbah Mustangs.

Jesse Soric also started at halfback in Round Three against the Tweed Coast Raiders as well as in Round Five against the Evans Head Bombers.

Round Six against Marist Brothers saw Jesse Soric once again start at halfback with Jesse Soric scoring a hat trick in a 38 – 20 Devils victory.

Jesse Soric scored his opening try in the 33rd minute when Jesse Soric backed up a Byron Bay line break down the right touchline and when after his team mate kicked the ball back inside, Jesse Soric who was backing up on the inside, picked up the bouncing ball to score five metres to the right of the uprights.

Jesse Soric scored his second try in the 46th minute with a dummy and go from sixteen metres out and to the left of the play the ball with Jesse Soric darting through a gap before stepping off his left foot to beat the Marist fullback and put the ball down under the posts.

Jesse Soric completed his hat trick in the 60th minute when once again Jesse Soric was on the spot after chasing through a Byron Bay attacking grubber kick to collect the ball on the bounce and score three metres in from the left corner post.

Jesse Soric then continued at halfback in Round Seven against the Lower Clarence Magpies as well as in Round Eight against Northern United.

Jesse Soric also started at halfback in Round Nine against the Murwillumbah Mustangs with Jeese Soric scoring in the 49th minute when from the left of the play the ball and thirty metres out and in the centre of the field Jesse Soric ran to his left at the defensive line Jesse Soric used a left arm fend to get between two defenders and then used his speed to race away to put the ball down ten metres to the left of the uprights.

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

Jesse Soric played a number of matches for Keebra Park SHS in the 2022 Langer Cup Reserve competition including starting at halfback in Round One against Ipswich SHS and Jesse Soric also started at halfback in Round Three against Marsden SHS.

Jesse Soric continued at halfback in Round Five against Redcliffe SHS with Jesse Soric scoring a try, setting up another and kicking a conversion in a big Keebra Park SHS victory.

Jesse Soric scored in the 33rd minute when after backing up a line break by Taylor Whittington, Jesse Soric received an inside pass from Whittington to race thirty metres to score adjacent to the left upright.

Jesse Soric recorded his try assist in the 27th minute when after backing up a Keebra Park SHS line break through the centre of the field, Jesse Soric received the off-load and then drew the Redcliffe SHS fullback and then got the ball away to his left to Jai Vought who ran away to score next to the left upright.

Jesse Soric also made a good stepping run in the 8th minute when after receiving the ball thirty five metres out from his own try line Jesse Soric stepped his way to five metres inside Redcliffe SHS territory.

Jesse Soric continued at halfback in the Round Six local derby against PBC SHS as well as Round Seven against Mabel Park SHS with Jesse Soric recording a try assist in the 21st minute when from right side of the field and to the right of the play the ball, Jesse Soric put in a left foot chip kick from twelve metres out with the Keebra Park SHS able to take Jesse Soric’s chip kick on the full in plenty of space to score wide out.

Jesse Soric recorded a second try assist in the 40th minute when from twelve metres out and to the left of the play the ball, Jesse Soric double pumped a short ball to his left and then popped a short ball to Taylor Whittington was running off Jesse Soric’s hip to score.

Jesse Soric then made a line break in the 29th minute when after receiving the ball to the left of the play the ball Jesse Soric stepped to his inside off his left foot to beat one defender before racing twenty metres downfield before being brought to ground twenty metres out from the try line.

Jesse Soric then put in a good kick in the 34th minute when from on the halfway mark Jesse Soric drove a low hard left foot kick into the left corner with the Mabel Park SHS barely able to stay in the field of play after he was pinned in the left corner.

Jesse Soric then started at halfback for Keebra Park SHS in the 2022 Langer Reserve Semi-final against PBC SHS with Jesse Soric making a try saving tackle on the PBC SHS right second rower just metres out from the try line and ten metres to the left of the uprights.

Jesse Soric started the 2022 season as a member of the Byron Bay Devils U18 NRRRL side, starting Round One against the Tweed Heads Seagulls at halfback.

Jesse Soric also started at halfback in Round Two against the Ballina Seagulls with Jesse Soric scoring a double in wet conditions.

Jesse Soric’s opening try came in just the 4th minute when from around twenty metres out and to the right of the play the ball Jesse Soric received the ball and initially shaped to kick before stepping off his right foot before another right foot step saw Jesse Soric get to within ten metres of the try line. Jesse Soric was initially held short of the line but he kept fighting the tackle and forced his way over to score under the posts.

Jesse Soric’s second try came in the 60th minute when near the line Tyler Whittington forced out an off-load, Jesse Soric picked the ball from the ground and cut to his left to dive over, once again under the posts.

Jesse Soric also started at halfback in Round Six against the Cudgen Hornets in a tough loss for the Devils. Jesse Soric then continued at halfback in Round Seven against the Murwillumbah Mustangs.

Jesse Soric continued at halfback in Round Nine against the Bilambil Jets and recorded a try assist in the 12th minute. Jesse Soric took an off-load (after a couple of juggles in his outstretched right hand) around ten metres out and just to the left of the uprights. After Jesse Soric secured the ball he ran towards the posts before executing a great right arm flick pass with two Jets defenders on him to Taylor Whittington who as able to crash over adjacent to the left upright.

Jesse Soric also started at halfback in Round Eleven against the Kyogle Turkeys.

Jesse Soric also started at halfback in Round Twelve against Casino RSM with Jesse Soric scoring in the 32 minute of a big Devils victory. Initially Jesse Soric made a half break from on the halfway mark, making fifteen metres before being put down ten metres in from the right touchline. Jesse Soric executed a quick play the ball with Taylor Whittington running on the bell to the right of the play the ball before getting the ball back to the left to Jesse Soric who burst away to put the ball down in the left corner.

Jesse Soric also recorded a try assist in the 12th minute when from on the halfway mark Jesse Soric threw a long cut out pass to his left to put his centre on a fifty metre run to score in the left corner with Jesse Soric backing him up on the inside for the entire journey just in case he was needed.

Jesse Soric also started at halfback in Round Thirteen against the Lower Clarence Magpies with Jesse Soric scoring a double in a six point Byron Bay victory.

Jesse Soric scored his opening try in the 42nd minute when after receiving an off-load from Taylor Whittington, Jesse Soric stepped off his right foot and then ran to his left but around a metre from the try line Jesse Soric was hit by a defender but spun 360 degrees and maintained his balance to get the ball down mid-way between the goal post and corner post on the left side of the field.

Jesse Soric scored his second try just four minutes later in the 46th minute when after receiving the ball fifteen metres out in front of the posts and to the left of the play the ball, Jesse Soric propped on his run and ran back to his right before straightening up his run by stepping off his right foot with Jesse Soric then able to get the ball down five metres to the left of the uprights.

Jesse Soric continued at halfback in the rescheduled Round Five match against the Byron Bay Devils with Jesse Soric recording two try assists.

Jesse Soric’s opening try assist arrived in the 11th minute when Jesse Soric received the ball to the left of the play the ball ten metres out with Jesse Soric then putting in a left foot grubber kick with Taylor Whittington the beneficiary to run through to score five metres from the left upright.

Jesse Soric recorded his second try assist in the 26th minute when from eleven metres out, Jesse Soric threw a long cut out pass to his left to put his winger over to score in the left corner.

Jesse Soric then started at halfback and captain in the Trophy Qualifying Final against the Lower Clarence Magpies and once again led the Devils around the field well in a big win with Byron Bay progressing to the Trophy Grand Final against Kyogle as a result.

Jesse Soric then started at halfback in the 2022 NRRRL U18 Trophy Grand Final against the Kyogle Turkeys with Jesse Soric being a key reason for Byron Bay’s Trophy Premiership success.

In 2021 Jesse Soric was a member of the Northern Rivers Titans U16 Andrew Johns Cup squad, starting the opening two rounds at five eight before coming off the bench in the final three rounds with Jesse Soric scoring in Round One against the McArthur Wests Tigers.

Jesse Soric also played for the Byron Bay Devils in 2021 in the NRRRL U18 competition, playing in eight matches, starting five matches at five eight, two from the bench and also one match at halfback.

In his eight matches Jesse Soric scored twice, the first coming in Round Two against Northern United and second in Round Thirteen against Casino RSM.

In attack, Jesse Soric 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 Jesse Soric 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.

Jesse Soric 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 Jesse Soric however his passing to either side of his body is exquisite and simply amazing to watch.

Jesse Soric 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.

Jesse Soric’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 making role whether that is at five eight or half back.

The confidence Jesse Soric’s passing ability has on his team mates surely cannot be understated. Jesse Soric’s team mates can run various lines and run into gaps confidently knowing that the pass that they receive from Jesse Soric 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 Jesse Soric 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, Jesse Soric just seems to always stay calm and this is able to execute his plan. I use the word plan as Jesse Soric also seems to do things with purpose rather than just pass the ball on to a support player. With Jesse Soric there is no jogging across field and obviously calling a runner back underneath.

Everything that Jesse Soric 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 Jesse Soric 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 Jesse Soric 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 Jesse Soric is extremely coachable.

Jesse Soric 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. Jesse Soric 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 Jesse Soric 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, Jesse Soric’s kicking game comes across as so fluid and effective.

Defensively Jesse Soric 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.

Jesse Soric 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 Jesse Soric’s side of the field. In short just like his attacking play Jesse Soric is an outstanding defender.

2025 will see Jesse Soric part of the Titans program in the first year of a two year contact.

From a position perspective, Jesse Soric 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. No doubt Jesse Soric could also spend time at hooker.

With his calm demeanour and outstanding kicking game Jesse Soric very much reminds me of former Titans NRL player Toby Sexton although Jesse Soric is taller and to be fair a lot faster than Sexton.

Both Jesse Soric and Sexton have a calmness about them when they are playing and rarely ever seemed rushed in performing their role for their team whether that be kicking the ball, running the ball or setting up a backline movement.

 

[mdrew]

Tyson MacDonald. Tyson MacDonald signed a multi-year contract with the Gold Coast Titans in early 2024.

In late September 2024 Tyson MacDonald started on the left wing for a Future Titans U16 side that defeated a Storm squad 36 – 22 with Tyson MacDonlad scoring in the opening period of the match when he stood up his opposing winger twelve metres from the try line to beat him down the touchline to score in the left corner.

Tyson MacDonald also scored in the second period when he also scored in the left corner after a Storm turnover.

Tyson MacDonald also started on the left wing in the Anthony Laffranchi Cup against the Wests Tigers.

In early December 2024 Tyson MacDonald was named in the 2025 Souths Logan Magpies U17 Cyril Connell (CC) Cup Summer Squad.

In late April 2024 Tyson MacDonald started at left centre (right centre in the second half) for a Titans U16 side against Auckland U16’s in Ipswich with Tyson MacDonald running onto the ball wide on the left side of the field in the 3rd minute to carry the ball from thirty seven metres from the try line to within nineteen metres.

From a Titans penalty restart in the 6th minute Tyson MacDonald carried the ball from the halfway mark to thirty nine metres from the try line, then in the 16th minute from the left of a Titans scrum win Tyson MacDonald’s yardage carry saw him promote the ball from six metres to eighteen metres from his own try line.

Early in the second half in the 35th minute also from a Titans penalty restart thirty six metres from the try line Tyson MacDonald was able to make eleven metres to within twenty five metres of the try line. Then in the 39th minute from two passes to the right of the play the ball and eleven metres from the try line Tyson MacDonald burst onto the ball and was able to get very very close to getting the ball over the try line.

Round One of the 2024 U17 Cyril Connell (CC) Cup competition saw Tyson MacDonald named on the Souths Logan Magpies extended bench for their home match against the Burleigh Bears.

Tyson MacDonald was then named on the left wing for the Magpies in Round Three against the Brisbane Tigers with Tyson MacDonald running the ball to the right of the play the ball in the 16th minute from ten metres from his own try line before cutting off his right foot to target the area behind the marker and carry the ball to the twenty five metre mark as a result.

Tyson MacDonald did well in the 33rd minute when after running back inside his own ten metres area to collect a Tigers kick seven metres from his own try line near the left touchline Tyson MacDonald ran the ball towards the centre of the field to get the ball out to the twenty two metre mark.

Tyson MacDonald produced a smart piece of play in the 39th minute when a cut out pass was thrown in his wing and with the ball arriving very low Tyson MacDonald instead of taking the risk of trying to catch the low ball kicked the ball in mid-air with his left foot from ten metres from the try line and on the left touchline with the Tigers fullback knocking the ball on a metre from his own try line trying to collect Tyson MacDonald’s left foot kick.

Tyson MacDonald did well defensively in the 12th minute when after initially holding up the Brisbane Tigers right centre over the try line, Tyson MacDonald then forced the centre back into the field of play and subsequently over the left touchline.

Whilst defending in his left wing in the 43rd minute with a great take of a high Tigers kick to his wing with Tyson MacDonald leaping above his opposing winger who also contested the ball to take the ball on the full less than a metre from his own try line and five metres in from the left touchline.

Tyson MacDonald also made a good take of a Tigers kick-off on the full with Tyson MacDonald moving forward to take the kick-off low down on the full under pressure twenty three metres from his try line and ten metres in from the left touchline.

Tyson MacDonald then came off the bench to operate on the left wing in Round Five against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls with Tyson MacDonald scoring in the 47th minute when after the Magpies spun the ball to the left, Tyson MacDonald was confronted by his opposing winger looking to engage him as he received the ball but Tyson MacDonald deftly spun clockwise as he took possession of the ball to beat the opposing winger with Tyson MacDonald then having a two metre run to put the ball down in the left corner.

Tyson MacDonald also made a line break in the 49th minute when after receiving an off-load from his inside on the halfway mark Tyson MacDonald made a line break down the left touchline and got to within twenty eight metres from the try line with Tyson MacDonald doing well to stay in the field of play as he was tackled by the Seagull cover defence.

Tyson MacDonald then started from the bench in Round Five against the Redcliffe Dolphins with Tyson MacDonald coming onto the field in the 39th minute to operate on the left wing.

Tyson MacDonald then moved back into the Magpies starting line-up on the left wing for Round Six against the Tweed Heads Seagulls with Tyson MacDonald making a good kick return in the 20th minute when after taking the ball on the full thirty four metres from his try line Tyson MacDonald was able to return the kick to within four metres of the halfway mark.

Tyson MacDonald also did well in the 32nd minute when after jumping high to take a cut-out pass above his head in both hands sixteen metres out and on the left touchline Tyson MacDonald did well to stay inside the field of play and even get the ball to within five metres of the try line.

2024 saw Tyson MacDonald attend Mabel Park SHS and played in the School Boy Rugby League Langer Reserve competition with Tyson MacDonald named on the bench in the 2024 Courier Mail Langer Reserve School Boy Rugby League Team of the Year.

Tyson MacDonald started on the right wing for Mabel Park SHS in the 2024 School Boy Rugby League Reserve Grand Final against Ipswich SHS with Tyson MacDonald scoring on the stroke of half time in the 30th minute with a twenty two metre charge down the right touchline with Tyson MacDonald crashing straight through the attempted tackle of the Ipswich SHS fullback to slam the ball down in the right corner.

Inside the opening minute of the match and after taking an Ipswich SHS kick on the full seven metres from his try line Tyson MacDonald was able to return the ball to the twenty two metres mark. Then in the 6th minute from the right of the play the ball Tyson MacDonald carried the ball from fourteen to twenty seven metres of the try line.

After taking the Ipswich SHS second half kick-off on the full Tyson MacDonald returned the ball to the twenty metre mark and then in the 42nd minute after picking up a blocked Mabel Park SHS kick on the fly Tyson MacDonald ran the ball from forty two to twenty metres from the try line.

The 46th minute saw Tyson MasDonald well placed to take cleanly an Ipswich SHS grubber kick on his own try line and get the ball ten metres from his try line. Also in the 51st minute from the left of the play the ball a hard straight Tyson MacDonald charge saw the ball propelled from twenty six to forty metres away from his try line.

Tyson MacDonald did well in the 58th minute to chase a short Mabel Park SHS goal line drop-out to his wing and knock it backwards for his team to take possession and then a tackle later from the left of the play the ball Tyson MacDonald was able to break a tackle as he ran the ball from sixteen to thirty metres from his try line.

In 2024 Tyson MacDonald played his club rugby league for the Souths Acacia Ridge Magpies in the GBJRL U16 Division One competition and after the Magpies had a Round One bye Tyson MacDonald started in the second row and scored in a big 54 – 8 victory against Logan Brothers.

Tyson MacDonald also started in the second row and scoring once again in Round Three against the Brisbane Tigers with Tyson MacDonald also scoring in Round Five against the Aspley Devils. The Grand Final saw Tyson MacDonald start in the second row against Wynnum Manly.

Tyson MacDonald’s performance in 2024 in the GBJRL U16 Division One competition saw him receive the Souths Magpies Coaches Award.

In early June Tyson Macdonald (AWA) was named in the ANZMRL 17s Tama Tournament Team 2024.

In 2023 Tyson MacDonald in addition to playing for Ipswich Grammar School in the School Boy Rugby GPS U15A competition Tyson MacDonald was selected in the U15 Emerging Reds South East Queensland Representative side on the right wing (No. 14) with Tyson MacDonald scoring against Brisbane White at the Queensland U15 State Rugby Championships.

Tyson MacDonald was also part of the Met West U15 School Boy Representative Rugby side that won the 2023 Queensland School Boy Rugby U15 Championships with Tyson MacDonald scoring from the right wing (No. 14) for Met West against Met North.

One of the reasons Tyson MacDonald is so successful on a football field is his exceptional speed and elusiveness, he is the fastest player I have ever seen on a field and when you add in his elusiveness, he is a nightmare for opposing defences. In relation to his elusiveness the thing that makes it play even better is his ability to change direction with no loss of speed, this enables him to use the sideline exceptionally well with an in and away, all three of his first half tries against Ipswich in Round Thirteen last weekend are a testament to this skill.

When the opposing defender’s momentum slows just for a split second, Tyson MacDonald is away down the sideline and will not get caught and also regularly also beats the fullback who no matter how fast they are cannot recover the ground.

Tyson MacDonald is also adept at making ground out of dummy half. Once he has picked the ball up he simply explodes out of there and targets a gap between opposing forwards and looks to accelerate through it. If the defenders look to jersey grab or make an arm tackle, Tyson MacDonald simply bursts through it and into the space behind the ruck.

Tyson MacDonald is not a big player at all and the obvious question is whether he is strong enough to handle the defensive side of rugby league at the higher levels, I would argue that the answer is absolutely yes. In defence against the bigger outside backs running around, Tyson MacDonald looks to cut down the time that they have to gain momentum thus eliminating the size differential as a defensive aspect to take into consideration.

At the opposite end of the spectrum when opposing a quick winger, Tyson MacDonald will show them the side line and use his speed advantage to force the opponent towards the touch line, with their only real option to slow and try to come back inside towards Tyson MacDonald and the cover defence.

From a courage stand point Tyson MacDonald also passes any objective measurement that can be considered when evaluating this criterion. He will stand his ground under the high ball and is one of the first players to take a run out of dummy half when the ball needs to be brought out of his side’s own end.

Tyson MacDonald also has the speed to show his opponent the sideline and cut him down and has the recovery speed to turn and chase if a break is made either on his side of the field or for that matter the other side.

2025 will see Tyson MacDonald commence the season with the Souths Logan Magpies U17 CC Cup squad for the second season in a row. Tyson MacDonald will also return to Mabel Park where he will be in line for his School Boy Rugby League Langer Cup debut. Tyson MacDonald will also continue to line up for the Souths Magpies in the Greater Brisbane Junior Rugby League moving up to play in the U17 Nev Blair Shield competition.

Tyson MacDonald has played on the wing (primarily right wing) in rugby and ultimately I believe that Tyson MacDonald will also line up on the wing (likely left wing) as his rugby league career progresses in the coming years. In addition to likely being a try scoring winger with the capacity to score freakish tries in the corner regardless of competition level, Tyson MacDonald also has the size, speed, strength and power to be very effective at taking yardage carries from deep inside his own territory to help out his forward pack when they are under duress as they attempt to come off their own try line.

North Queensland Cowboys and Queensland State of Origin winger Murray Taulagi is for me an accurate playing style comparison for Tyson MacDonald as both Tyson MacDonald and Taulagi run the ball hard from an attacking perspective and hit just as hard defensively.