Gympie, Fraser Coast, Bundaberg rising NRL, NRLW stars identified
The next generation of rising footy stars across the Wide Bay have been revealed, with a bright future ahead of them. Now, they can be named. Full list.
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From Bundaberg to Gympie, clubs and coaches across the Wide Bay have identified their best NRL and NRLW players with a bright future ahead of them.
This region has been known to produce some of the biggest names in rugby league, including most recently, State of Origin player and Gold Coast Titans captain Tino Fa‘asuamaleaui, who hailed from Widgee, and grew up playing for the Gympie Devils.
League seems to run in the family, with Tino’s younger brother Iszac joining the Gold Coast Titans junior squad for the 2022 pre-season.
The following rising stars of rugby league in Gympie, the Fraser Coast and Bundaberg were nominated by their coaches and/or clubs as the players to watch, and are in no particular order:
Tahj Coates – Waves Tigers
Bundaberg Waves Tigers under-14s dummy half Tahj Coates is “arguably the best defensive player” in his team, according to coach Glenn Deighton.
Deighton said Coates had a great tackling technique, which was displayed every time he played.
“He is a small player who plays in the middle and repeatedly brings down much bigger opponents,” Deighton said.
“Add this to his fearless attitude and competitiveness, and it makes him a real treat to coach.
“With the ball his passing and his sense of when to run make him a handful for any opponent.”
Trinity Jackson – Gympie Devils
Trinity Jackson, who is now an essential cog in the Sunshine Coast Falcons under-19s NRLW team as a hooker, is also a Gympie Devils and Noosa Pirates junior player.
Falcons coach Mike Jeff’s told News Corp Jackson was the team’s “main ball distributor”.
“She gets us on the front foot ... she plays it well and her scoots out of dummy half always make good metres. Great vision too,” he said.
Parkka Perotta-Dowling – Waves Tigers
Bundaberg Waves Tigers under-14s five-eighth Parkka Perotta-Dowling is a solid all-rounder, according to his coach.
“He is solid in defence and his other assets include a strong passing and running game on top of excellent kicking skills,” Glenn Deighton said.
Perotta-Dowling also made the Wide Bay U15 Schoolboys team recently.
Ruby Kross – Gympie Devils
Longtime player Ruby Kross has played a number of games in the Gympie Devils Juniors, but her career hit a highlight when she was selected to play for the Wide Bay under-15s.
There, she went to Cairns for the Queensland trials in 2021.
Josh Richards – Waves Tigers
Bundaberg Waves Tigers under-14s (second row) Josh Richards was described as a “hard working back rower”.
Coach Glenn Deighton said Richards’ hard running game was “second to none” with a “great ability to beat his first defender and break the line”.
“Josh is also solid in defence and its always 100 per cent effort,” he said.
Gary Chatfield – Gympie Devils
Gympie Devils under-13 lock and dummy half Gary Chatfield was named by coach Steve Daniel as one of the hardest workers on the team.
“He works hard at training, thinks of his teammates and his effort is outstanding,” Daniel said.
Shae Holliday – Sunshine Coast Falcons/Gympie Devils
Shae Holliday, 17, is the youngest in the Falcons under-19s squad, but also the speediest.
Falcons coach Mike Jeffs told News Corp Holliday, who played centre, could “spot a gap a mile away”.
“But through her juniors at Gympie and Noosa she played lock. So she’s naturally tough,” he said.
Zac Garton – Sunshine Coast Falcons
Zac Garton began his career in rugby league in Gympie, but has now signed with the Redcliffe Dolphins after he played for the Sunshine Coast Falcons under-16s as lock forward and captain.
Falcons coach Jack Dreger said Garton was a “real skilful, powerful player”.
“He played every minute for us last year playing up an age,” he said.
Charlee Benton – Gympie Devils
Newcomer to the Gympie Devils, Charlee Benton was only in her first season of playing for the Devils when she was chosen for two of her school’s teams in 2021 – the district mixed team and the girls district team.
That same year, she was selected for the Wide Bay girls under-11s/under-12s team and went on to represent the region at the Townsville State Championships.
Ethan Bainbridge – Gympie Devils
Gympie Devils Junior Ethan Bainbridge serves as the Sunshine Coast Falcons Mal Meninga Cup squads main kicker as a fullback.
Coach Danny Gray said Bainbridge was a very skilled player.
“He has plenty of skill and speed and is a really good goal kicker,” he said.
Lachlon Beasley – Brother’s Maryborough 12s, fullback
Brother’s Maryborough player Lachlon Beasley was described by the club as “having the heart of a lion”.
On top of his efforts at Brother’s Maryborough, Beasley, who played fullback in the under-12s team in 2021, was selected to play in both the under-11s team and under-12s team for his school.
“Lachlon is a player you see where size doesn’t matter,” a club spokespersons said.
“His commitment and dedication to all training sessions and giving 100 per cent effort will take him a long way.”
Jordan Brown – Gympie Devils
Gympie Devils under-15s five eighth Jordan Brown has a good attitude to training in respect to the amount of effort he puts in.
Coach Ben Dore said Brown liked to “compete in all aspects of the game” and was a strong runner and defender.
“(He is) difficult to outcompete one-on-one. Has a handy boot also,” Dore said.
Tom Morcom – Waves Tigers
Young Bundaberg gun and Waves Tigers under-16s player Tom Morcom hit a career highlight in 2021 when he was hand picked to play for the Brisbane Broncos as centre.
Morcom, 16, played in Rockhampton against the North Queensland Cowboys.
The Broncos won, 30 points to 10, with the then 15-year-old scoring one try to help bring the Broncos to victory.
Hayley Cross – Brother’s Maryborough
Newcomer to Brother’s Maryborough, Hayley Cross only began her first season in rugby league in 2021, standing out in a team dominated by boys.
In 2021, her ever growing confidence contributed to her being named the most improved player in her under-12s team.
“Once Hayley got the understanding of the game, her confidence grew and that’s where we seen her coming in from the centre chasing the ball more,” a club spokesperson said.
“Hayley has started the new season and with the commitment of playing during the off season has returned with her great skill set for the game.”
Luke Ford – Gympie Devils
Gympie Devils under-13 prop front row Luke Ford was admired by coach Steve Daniel for his “good all around attitude” on the field.
Mr Daniel said Ford trained well and worked hard.
“(He) takes the ball forward with intent and effort, second to none,” he said.
Braxton Boon – Hervey Bay Seagulls Juniors
Hervey Bay Seagulls Juniors player Braxton Boon is a master kicker.
According to Bundaberg NewsMail, Boon was known for his kicking abilities and even played in the RISE rugby league development program.
In 2021, he was awarded Best Back at the club’s awards night.
Zaiden Malone – Brothers Maryborough
Despite being a younger player at Brothers Maryborough, the club says Zaiden Malone has demonstrated immense skill from a young age.
“He not only demonstrates a great attack, but his defence has also always stood out,” a club spokesperson said.
Now in his fifth year playing with the club, he has also taken several awards over his playing career.
Cooper Fraser – Gympie Devils
Gympie player Cooper Fraser has been playing for the Devils since he was six years old, and has gone from strength to strength.
In 2021, Fraser represented the Gympie Zone under-11s rugby league team in Hervey Bay, and was later selected for the Wide Bay under 11s to play in Townsville; where he was named Man of the Match for one of his games.
In 2022 and now part of the Gympie Devils under-12s team, he will compete in the Sunshine Coast competition (check which competition).
Lincoln Putman – Brother’s Maryborough
Brother’s Maryborough under-12s captain for 2021 Lincoln Putman was described as a player who had grown immensely over the 2021 season, not just in his skill as a player but as a leader.
“Lincoln’s ability to lead the way in the middle with his strong defence and also taking the hit-ups early in the set to get the team across the advantage line,” a club spokesman said.
In 2021, he represented the Maryborough District for the under-12s School Rep player.
Thomas Cranston – Gympie Devils
Gympie Devils Junior under-14s captain Thomas Cranston is a standout captain, according to his coach.
Phil Webb said Cranston always led by example, and had a great attitude and dedication to the sport.
“It really takes a lot of pressure off me to coach the team, because they all listen to Thomas and follow his lead,” Webb said.
Matt Craven – Easts Magpies
Easts Magpies 2021 captain Matt Craven has a number of achievements under his belt despite being so young.
In 2021, Craven, who was captain of his team, played every game throughout the season and demonstrated his versatility on the field across a number of positions including fullback, second row, five eighth and lock.
He is also a protege and nephew of Brothers’ master coach Andrew Hamilton.
Lachlan Lewis – Gympie Devils
Gympie Devils under-13s player Lachlan Lewis was described by coach Steve Daniel as “an all rounder” on the field.
Mr Daniel said Lewis played quite a few positions, but his leadership skills were second to none.
“His best quality is his leadership ability and puts everything into his game,” he said.
Malakai Lasserre – Brothers Maryborough
Malakai Lasserre only joined the Brothers Maryborough under-12s team halfway through the 2021 season, but demonstrated his abilities in “great strike power in attack” playing as a five eighth.
“Malakai is quick on his feet and has the ability to find gaps, always making the advantage line early for the backline,” a representative from the club said.
“He has great skills right across his game defence, passing and also knowing when to hold the ball and run.”
Elih Bell – Gympie Devils
Gympie Devils rising star Elih Bell began playing with the Gympie Devils in the under-6’s.
He made the Wide Bay school boys team in 2021, and travelled to Cairns to compete in the state championship, where he was awarded a medal for player of the game.
Jack Brischke – Brother’s Maryborough
Described by his club as “a true number 9 player”, Brother’s Maryborough hooker Jack Brischke is a “true team player”.
A club spokesperson said Brischke was “always in the middle, working hard in his defence”.
“He has nice quick hand outs from dummy half having a great ability to pass both left and right,” they said.
“Jack is a true team player who doesn’t hog the ball.”
He is also known to manage more than 15m running with the ball.
Ryan Jenkins – Gympie Devils
Gympie Devils front rower Ryan Jenkins was nominated by coach Ben Dore for his “enthusiastic attitude”, as well as consistently applying himself to improve on the field.
“He always has a positive attitude,” Dore said.
“Workhorse through the middle and makes many hard yards.”
Caleb Berthelsen – Hervey Bay Seagulls
Hervey Bay Seagulls player Caleb Berthelsen was one of the best on the field in 2021.
At 15 years old, he was awarded Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2021.
He played lock at the time.
Ariki Grau-Winikerei – Brothers Maryborough
Brothers Maryborough halfback Ariki Grau-Winikerei was described by the club as a “really consistent player” from his early days with the club.
“Ariki has great attacking skills from the halfback role which he demonstrated last year, and developed him; gaining a position in the under-12’s Wide Bay Rep side,” a club spokesperson said.
They said he had a good off season, coming in fit to the 2022 season.
Blake Dynevor – Gympie Devils
Gympie Devils under-15’s full back and “quiet achiever” Blake Dynevor has consistently worked to improve his communication skills each week, according to coach Ben Dore.
Dore said he had noticed Dynevor enjoyed attacking the line with “committed running”.
“He is exciting in broken play, and a reliable strong defender in the line and in cover,” he said.
Jamal Nelson – Hervey Bay Seagulls
Jamal Nelson, who was 15 years old at the time, was awarded Best Forward in the 2021 under-15s Hervey Bay Seagulls team, but the is still making leaps and bounds in his career.
After a stellar season in 2021, Nelson was promoted to a leading position on the field for the 2022 season.
He was also awarded best forward at the 2021 club awards.
Preston Walsh – Waves Tigers
Waves Tigers five eighth and young gun Preston Walsh, 15, was described by coach Truwyn Walsh as “one of the most exciting young talents” on the team.
“Preston is one of the most exciting young talents with an amazing skill set and speed,” he said.
“He is currently involved in the Greenhorn’s Under 16s Academy Program for the North Queensland Cowboys.”
Lachlan Wilton – Gympie Devils
Gympie Devils Junior player Lachlan Wilton was selected to play in the Sunshine Coast Falcons under-16 Cyrill Connell training squad in 2021.
He was one of 40 players selected from 105 entrants competing for the pre-squad season.
Wilton had also been selected previously to play for the Wide Bay School Boys Rugby League team.
Jimmy Gear – Waves Tigers
Waves Tigers halfback Jimmy Gear, 15, “always gives 100 per cent” on the field, according to his coach.
Truwyn Walsh described the young halfback as “a very talented player”.
“He plays eyes up ... great kicking game, and competes on every level,” he said.
Levi Bourke – Gympie Devils
Gympie Devils under-15s lock Levi Bourke was described by coach Ben Dore as “a polite, likeable lad”.
Dore said Bourke had demonstrated his commitment to his team, and his efforts at defending on the field.
“He has speed through the ruck in attack and a 100 per cent commitment to his defensive effort,” he said.
Ethan Taylor – Gympie Devils
Like his Gympie Devils teammate, Lachlan Wilton, Ethan Taylor was also selected to play for the Sunshine Coast Falcons under-16 Cyrill Connell training squad in September 2021.
Now playing for the Gympie Devils, Taylor had previously played for the Nambour Crushers for three years, where he was awarded Best Back.
He and Wilton spend three days a week training at various facilities in the Sunshine Coast.
Bentley Rizzo – Waves Tigers
Waves Tigers lock Bentley Rizzo, 15, is a gun on the field, according to his coach.
Coach Truwyn Walsh said the young player was one of the hardest workers on the team.
“Bentley is an amazing ball runner with a work ethic like no other,” he said.
“(He) does all the hard yards, great speed and agility for a big guy.”
Jeremy Dore – Gympie Devils
Gympie Devils under-15s half back Jeremy Dore was described by coach Ben Dore as a “cheerful chap” who was ”encouraging of his teammates”.
“(He is) always looking for opportunities and plays them when they present with a pass, kick or run,” Dore said.
“(He) gives effort on effort in hard parts of the game.”
Jack Lynch – Gympie Devils
Gympie Devils Juniors under-16 five eighth Jack Lynch was nominated by his coach Andrew Roy for his immense skill on the field and during games.
Roy said Lynch had the ability to control the game with “precision kicking and passing”.
Matt Kunde – Gympie Devils
Gympie Devils Juniors under-16 second rower Matt Kunde, also nominated by coach Andrew Roy, stands out on the field with his ability to run with the ball.
“(He is a) strong runner of the ball, and a very strong defender,” Roy said.
Jake Rooks – Gympie Devils
Gympie Devils Juniors under-16 hooker Jake Rooks is a gun on the field, according to coach Andrew Roy.
“(He is a) eyes up rugby league player, very quick off the mark and very solid defender,” he said.
Zavier Burness – Gympie Devils
Gympie Devils Juniors under-16s centre Zavier Burness was highlighted as one of his team’s strongest defenders by coach Andrew Roy.
Roy said Burness was a “very strong defence”.
“He is strong runner of the ball and can run into the defences holes,” he said.
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