Wide Bay Bulls coach Shaun Hobson speaks on 2023 season

Going winless in 2023 is no deterrent for Wide Bay Bulls coach Shaun Hobson, who is confident his team is on the verge of a breakthrough. See the star players for the 2023 squad.

Adam Khan was top try scorer for the Wide Bay Bulls under-18s in the 2023 season, which coach Shaun Hobosn said delivered positives despite the team going winless. Picture: supplied

Coach Shaun Hobson is confident the Wide Bay Bulls can break their duck in the Mal Meninga Cup next season despite a winless campaign in 2023.

The Bulls’ under-18 side lost all seven games but ran a number of sides close, including Sunshine Coast Falcons and Ipswich Jets, who finished fourth on the ladder.

The Bulls also began their season with a tight 26-32 loss to the Western Clydesdales and ended the campaign with another defeat by the same scoreline to the Falcons before losing 23-22 to the Jets in their final encounter of the season.

“In the game against the Jets we unfortunately had a player sent from the field and played with 12 men for the last 20 minutes,” Hobson said.

“We were only beaten by a field goal in the last 30 seconds, so to run a top-four side that close, shows just how much improvement we had made over the season.

“We were within a try of the Falcons the week before too.

Daniel Kavanagh stood out for the Wide Bay Bulls. Picture: supplied

“The boys were happy with what they had achieved and we were certainly very proud of their efforts, especially in that last game.”

Coach Hobson said after the improvements made in 2023, he was confident the Bulls would definitely get better next year.

“We don’t hope for improvement, we know 100 per cent we are going to get it,” he said.

“About 70 per cent of this year’s squad is young enough to play next year and our under-16s team was also competitive and we will get some of those players coming through also.

“The group is in place and we have some great initiatives put in place by our Wide Bay committee to support us and help us get better both on and off the field.

“So we are looking ahead for a promising and successful campaign in 2024.”

Coach Hobson said it was hard top pick out individuals but chose five who excelled in the 2023 campaign.

Five star under-18s Bulls in 2023

Mitchell Sly – centre

Mitchell Sly was amazing all year, said coach Shaun Hobson. Picture: supplied

“Mitchell Sly was amazing all year. He jumped out and did what he had to do in each game and really stood out.”

Adam Khan – centre

“Adam stepped up his game in the centres and ended up being our top try scorer and was also one of our goal kickers too.”

Luke Adamson – wing

“Luke was the only player from the Wide Bay Bulls under-18s team to get chosen for the Queensland Emerging Talent Origin team which is a great achievement. He had a great year on the wing and can only get better.”

Fletch Prendergast – hooker

Fletch Prendergast played every minute of every game for the Wide Bay Bulls' Mal Meninga Cup side. Picture: supplied

“Fletch’s effort and attention detail was fantastic.

“He played every minute of every game which is a huge achievement.”

Daniel Cavanagh – lock

“Daniel was another one of our squad who played every minute of every game played in the second row. He just never stopped trying and gave his best effort every week.

Bulls’ Mal Meninga Cup top try scorers for 2023

Adam Khan – 4

Mitchell Sly, Tom Morcom, Luke Adamson, Ryan Bugeja, Joseph Doyle – 2

Daniel Cavanagh, Noah Law – 1