CDRL player tracker: Seahawks gun shifts to the Storm

The silly season has arrived as Cairns District Rugby League clubs plot and plan for their shot at glory in 2022. Edmonton has bolstered its squad with a premiership winner.

The silly season has arrived as Cairns District Rugby League clubs plot and plan for their shot at glory in 2022.

Bookmark this link for updates about player movements for next season.

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NEW CHALLENGE DRIVES HUNTER-FLANDERS

A DESIRE for a new challenge is behind Keishon Hunter-Flanders’ decision to leave the newly crowned Cairns District Rugby League premiers for a club at which he played some junior footy.

Hunter-Flanders will play for Edmonton Storm in the 2022 season, where he may become a first-choice option in the halves for coach Anthony Satrick.

He has long been considered a talent to watch in rugby league circles, and this year was part of the Northern Pride’s under-21s, which has exposed him to a higher level of competition.

He returned to Yarrabah after his commitments with the Pride ended, and became a key piece as the Seahawks’ flashy offensive play made them the most dangerous outfit in the CDRL.

Keishon Hunter Flanders will leave Yarrabah Seahawks for Edmonton Storm. Picture: Brendan Radke

Used in the halves and at fullback, Hunter-Flanders often became an extra playmaking option as Yarrabah made its charge towards the CDRL finals, and was among the difference makers throughout their successful post-season.

“I didn’t expect us to get up,” Hunter-Flanders said.

“It was a successful year. Playing more games with the Pride has helped my game, and it was a good time at Yarrabah. It was a surprise.

“I don’t know what to expect (at Edmonton). I’m looking forward to getting stuck in at the new club.”

Hunter-Flanders will again be involved in the Pride’s under-21s program, then will return to the Storm.

The 19-year-old is a new face among the plethora of signings recently announced by the Storm, including life member Mark Volpe, Fine Vakautakakala, Kornylius Tuimauga, Liam Heidemann, Tyreece Crathern, Tyrell Anton, Boshay Satrick and Thauki Satrick.

ROOS’ RESIGN ROSTER FOR 2022 TITLE TILT

KANGAROOS have pulled no punches in their bid to feature in the pointy end of the Cairns District Rugby League’s 2022 season, as they look to turn this year’s heartbreak into grand final glory.

The Mooroobool club has locked away the bulk of the roster which finished five points outside of the finals in seventh this season, including captain Bradley Stephen, Northern Pride triallist Ty Millard, Pride development-contracted Daniel Woodhouse, and veteran front-rower Kieran Hayes, who will suit up for his 20th season.

Roos' Bradley Stephen. Picture: Brendan Radke

Jared Allen will return for his second campaign as a head coach in the CDRL, though the former Pride playmaker may finally throw away his boots after the club secured the services of playmaker Theo Majid from Brothers.

Kangaroos have long been interested in the halfback, and Allen finally got his man this off-season in the shape of the Australian touch footy representative.

“He’s been their Player of the Year a few times in the past few years,” Allen said of Majid.

“We’ve had chats to him the past few years about coming across. He’s a general, which is something we’ve needed.

Theo Majid (left) in action for Brothers this year. PICTURE: STEWART MCLEAN

“Because of his touch football background, he’s really strong in attack, which is an area we want to improve.”

Among other signings:

■ Refreshed former Tweed Seagulls flyer Dave Sheridan returns to the footy field after a three-year break. Sheridan was part of the Eels’ and Knights’ junior development systems in his younger years.

■ Tyson Phineasa comes out of the Pride’s under-21s side and will be ready to rip into a full season in A-grade.

■ Dmitri Ahwang, who has come through the state league club’s junior development system, will suit up for Kangaroos when not on duty in the Pride’s under-21s team.

■ Dale Murphy, one of Kangaroos’ most improved and consistent players in 2021, will bolster the pack.

■ Middle forward and 2019 player of the year Bazie Jacko and Gabe Tognolini will suit up at Vico Oval again.

Stephen, who has played across several backline positions in the past few years, will have shoulder surgery in the off-season and could land himself a new role in 2022.

Allen said the goalkicking utility, who previously played for the Pride and Kangaroos as a fullback, centre or winger, could be set for a shift to the forward pack.

“We just need to get the footy into his hands,” Allen said. “He’s a big body, and the Stephen boys do go big, so we’re keen to get him in there.”

Stephen is expected to return for the first few rounds of the 2022 season, when he will be joined by younger brother Tibau, who makes his return to the footy field at Kangaroos.

Tibau is a try-scoring machine who is fit, healthy and ready to rip in when he returns.

Follow @MMcInerney89

Originally published as CDRL player tracker: Seahawks gun shifts to the Storm