Standout efforts, players to watch from top Ipswich clubs
The latest burst of youth speed and skill is showcased this weekend when the top Ipswich junior rugby league sides battle for premiership honours. We check out the players to watch.
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One of the most exciting times of the year is when Ipswich’s junior Premier League rugby league grand finals take centre stage at the North Ipswich Reserve.
The latest burst of youth speed and skill is showcased on Friday night and Saturday afternoon when the top two sides in each division battle for premiership honours.
Goodna has three teams lining up in the showpiece showdowns, including an all-Eagles duel in Saturday’s under-13 clash at noon. That is between Goodna Blue and Goodna Black.
Norths also have two sides in the grand final - in under 15 and under 17.
Other clubs represented are Brothers, Springfield and Redbank Plains.
Here’s how the Premier League teams match up and the standout performers this season.
FRIDAY (6.30pm): Under 15: Goodna Black v Norths
Goodna is fielding what could be one of the best under-15 club sides in Australia.
Beating Redbank Plains 80-0 in the semi-final highlighted the commanding season the Eagles have delivered.
Head coach Corey Kirk is pleased to see three Goodna teams in the grand final, including his classy under-15 outfit.
“One thing we manage to do at Goodna is keep our squads together,’’ Kirk said. “We don’t seem to lose too many players.
“It’s just a continued investment into the boys.
“I know from my team, I’ve had the majority of them together for eight years now and it’s a very similar case for both the two under-13 teams that will be playing each other in the grand final as well.’’
The impressive under-15 side is captained by second rower David Leota, who made this year’s Queensland side.
“He’s one of the boys I’ve had for many years now,’’ Kirk said of the Ipswich Grammar School student.
“He’s an outstanding young man.
“He’s a perfect leader. He not only sets an example on the training paddock and off the field but he’s a better leader on the field.’’
Kirk said new player Junior Saifiti, from Sydney, was also producing consistent performances able to play fullback or in the centres.
“He’s come out of the Parramatta development program,’’ he said. “He’s a very physical player.’’
Kirk said he’s one of those players he likes to give a free reign to without too much structure.
Other Goodna juniors to have stood tall this year include hooker Noah Maea, lock Anthony Solomon, the coach’s son Reeco and halves partner Lyncoln Cliffe.
“I pretty well play with three halves,’’ Kirk said.
The only issue for Goodna was not being able to test themselves against other south east Queensland sides being so dominant in the Ipswich competition.
“The boys were just above the standard that Ipswich could provide us,’’ Kirk said.
“We’ve had our own sort of challenges keeping the boys motivated and committed but we managed to get through it.’’
Goodna Black under-15 squad: 1. Karnye Thompson , 2. Jamaine Tauakipulu, 3. Junior Saifiti, 4. Cody Gillespie, 5. Mitchell Staal, 15. Lyncoln Cliffe, 7. Reeco Kirk, 8. Agape Ah-Young, 9. Noah Maea, 10. Alizae Apiti-Salanoa, 11. Oliva Smith, 12. David Leota (captain), 13. Anthony Solomon, 14. Tahj Pagett, 18. Malachi Vaigalu, 20. Beau Jones, 16. Isaac Togia. Coach: Corey Kirk. Assistant: Scott Cliffe. Manager: Cordelia Kirk. Trainer: Anthony Solomon. FAO: Lisa Solomon.
Taking on the might of Goodna are the Norths Tigers.
Head coach Paul Court knows his team faces a huge challenge having seen what the Eagles have achieved this season.
“They (Goodna) are an exceptionally good team, well coached, good young kids,’’ Court said.
However, Court is upbeat about his team’s progress after a tough year with injuries.
“The boys have done really well,’’ Court said. “They have banded together.
“It’s given a few guys an opportunity to step into leadership roles in the team that they probably wouldn’t have before.’’
Their end game is what excites the coach most.
“That’s one thing I really like about this young group of boys,’’ he said.
“They want to be the best and they’re happy to try and beat the best to be the best.
“They want to do the hard work and they have all year.
“One of the goals at the start of the year was to beat Goodna on grand final day.’’
Having returned to junior coaching in 2014, the Tigers stalwart has Queensland under-15 representative Kane Self and Met West under-15 selection Maffiou Cheriff among his leading players.
Self has played at lock with Cheriff in the front row.
Five eight/hooker and captain Finn Lamond has also stood tall this season. Lamond has been with Norths since under 6s.
“He always tries to lead by example,’’ Court said. “For him, it’s more about actions than words.’’
Other players to have risen through the ranks from an early age include halfback Ethan Court and winger Cooper Barter.
“It’s pretty much a genuine Norths junior team,’’ the coach said.
Norths ongoing development focus
Despite some testing moments with injuries and heavy player workloads at club and school levels, Court was glad to have a strong line-up available for the grand final.
“We’re in the best shape we’ve been in all year,’’ Court said.
“Our semi-final against Swifts last week was the first time we had a 17-man squad on the park.
“It’s a really well-rounded team.
“There’s a lot of kids in that team that are really close to rep footy.
“Across the park, it’s a very consistent team with a high level of skill. We don’t rely on one player.’’
Court also appreciated having Norths A-Grade halfback Lachlan Williamson put on some Sunday morning sessions to help his players of the future.
Williamson has been one of the club’s biggest improvers moving from junior footy into the senior ranks, delivering some outstanding performances this year.
The Norths under 15 squad: 1. Kaiden Polak, 2. Cooper Barter, 3. Willie Lehey, 4. Isaac McCarthy, 5. Ritchie Johnstone, 6. Finn Lamond, 7. Ethan Court, 8. Maffiou Cheriff, 9. Matt Arisen, 10. Jye Gibson, 11. Jedt Anderson, 12. Michael, 13. Kane Self, 14. Trey Axleson, 15. Eden McGurk, 16. Josh McMurray, 17. Mason Bartlet. Coach: Paul Court.
Semi-final results: Goodna 80 def Brothers 6, Norths 34 def Swifts 8.
FRIDAY (8pm): Under 17: Redbank Plains v Norths
Redbank Plains go into this monster clash having reached the grand final after a golden point thriller last weekend.
After trailing Brothers 14-12 at halftime, Redbank Plains secured victory after the teams went try for try.
With the scores deadlocked at 28-28, Redbank Plains player Kaydus Tulemau kicked the extra-time penalty to complete a stunning turnaround.
The Redbank Plains under-17 team: 1 Kaydus Tulemau, 2 Darvin Lupe, 3 Kalvin Murray, 4 Alec Leota-Mene, 5 Jazz Lemuelu, 6 Lorenzo Gibbons, 7 Khan Towler, 8 Faala’a Kolio, 9 Dustyn Henry, 10 Gabriel Fruean, 11 Raniera De Thierry, 12 Viliami Tongamana, 13 Bailey Turner, 14 Drew Baker, 15 Shoeb Abdul, 16 Lautofa Fa’anoi, 17 Malama Fa’anoi. Coach: Trent Manukuo. Assistant: Jason Towler. Manager: Amanda Towler. Sports trainer: Scott Turner. League Safe: Jayden Elder, Tre Waltisbuhl.
Redbank Plains’ rivals in the grand final are another team rising through Norths impressive junior development program.
Norths coach John Ward has worked with Norths Blue and Norths Gold under-17 sides this season.
He was pleased to see the Blue combination reach the grand final as minor premiers after a strong focus on fitness as a club in the pre-season.
“We’ve got about 80 percent of them are Norths juniors so it’s really good,’’ Ward said, having been part of the Tigers successful development program in recent years.
“We pride ourselves on hard work.’’
Norths Blue beat Springfield 28-12 in the semi-final.
“We had a couple of losses there at the back end of the year because I trained them so hard early in the year and they relaxed off a bit,’’ Ward said.
However, Ward was pleased how his team responded last weekend against a reputable team.
Among standout Norths Blue players have been captain and halfback Lachlan Stuart.
“He’s actually one of the younger ones,’’ Ward said.
“Every coach has said he’s just unbelievable. He just guides us around so much.’’
Flashback to 2018 junior grand finals
Five-eight and vice-captain Caleb Jackson has also impressed being part of Norths and the Ipswich State High Rugby League Academy.
“He really took a senior role in leading the boys around,’’ he said.
Lock Jack Laing has been a massive motivator for Norths in the forwards.
“He does all the extra work and he barely ever comes off. He’s a workhorse,’’ Ward said.
Ward said a player to watch was Cairns-bred fullback Gabriel Satrick, who the Broncos have been keeping a keen eye on.
The Norths under-17 squad: 1 Gabriel Satrick, 2 Keegan Camplin, 3 Jayden Ward, 4 Hayden Kemp, 5 Blade Gourley, 6 Caleb Jackson (vice-captain), 7 Lachlan Stuart (captain), 8 Lachlan Togia, 9 Jack Chandler, 10 Ben Pula-Fatu, 11 Larry Siala, 12 Jacob Srpak, 13 Jack Laing (vice-captain), 14 Jasper Strong, 15 Keegan Jones, 16 Mitchell Savage, 17 Kane Strong, 18 Matua Brown, 19 Thomas Yarrow, 20 Tristan Cunningham, 21 Jack Cairns, 22 Braith Goessler. Coach: John Ward. Assistant: Nick Stephensen. Manager: Melissa Amos.
Semi-final results: Redbank Plains Bears 30 def Brothers 28 in golden point, Norths 28 def Springfield 12.
SATURDAY (noon): Under 13 - Goodna Blue v Goodna Black
The all-Goodna grand final highlights the terrific junior development taking place in the Eagles nest.
Former A-Grade player and loyal club supporter Corey Kirk said it’s all about keeping the talented young footballers together.
“Both teams have had stability with players and coaching staff for a number of years,’’ Kirk said.
Goodna Blue are rated favourites for Saturday’s grand final.
However, Kirk said Goodna Black at full strength can provide a strong challenge for their club counterparts.
The Goodna Black side includes state representatives Cordell Kirk and Macguinness Tiananga.
Cordell plays in the front row and Macguinness is a halfback.
“They are both 12 this year so they played a year up,’’ Kirk said.
Goodna U13 Black: 1 Hayden Berrell, 18 Gordon Nash, 3 Jezhalex Chubb, 4 Luki Toa (captain), 5 Jayden Mooney, 6 Tyler Mathers, 7 Macguinness Tiananga, 8 Lincoln Natapu, 9 Kahu Kitto, 10 Lorenzo Faatuai, 11 Eneliko Seumanutafa, 12 Cordell Kirk, 13 Teone Iaulualo, 14 Peter Iaulualo, 15 Kobe Webster, 16 Jeremiah Siaki, 17 Lyric Va. Coach: Eddie Sami. Trainer/FAO: Scott Berrell. Manager: Vanity Sami.
Goodna U13 Blue squad: Jonathan Kasiano, Jivaan Uluilakepa, Falcon Edwards, John-William Levi, Micah Figota, Ethan Iuli-Pautalo, Houston Cuff, Kinston Aiolupo, Peter Uilavai-Pita, Innocent Baruani, Malachi Figota, Tomasi Vaitai, Joshua Wells, Viliamu Seumali, Brendon Vaega, Braydon Saunders, Wasage Stephen. Coach: James Pautalo. Manager: Sose Levi. FAO: Olataga Iuli. Leaguesafe: Hillary Aiolupo.
Semi-final results: Goodna Black 46 def West End 8, Goodna Blue 80 def Redbank Plains Bears 0.
SATURDAY (1.30pm): Under 14 - Springfield v Brothers
Springfield coach Chris Kitto was delighted how a fresh-looking team combined so well this season to win the minor premiership and advance to the grand final.
“As the years go on and because of Covid last year, we pretty much had quite a new outfit,’’ said Kitto, who has coached for the past five years.
“They are good bunch of kids to coach and quite humble.’’
Among the standout players in the Springfield side have been captain Josiah Grey at lock.
“He pretty much led by example that whole game,’’ Kitto said.
“His work rate is quite high.’’
Josiah’s brother James has been another major contributor playing hooker or fullback.
“He’s pretty quick,’’ the coach said.
“He’s been getting a few tries there getting the tally up.’’
Frontrower Nephi Uilavai-Pita also received praise for his efforts this year.
“He has got a high workrate and he’s been consistent throughout the season,’’ Kitto said.
In a closeknit side, Kitto acknowledged powerhouse forward Xavier Timeteo.
“He is injured and is a big loss to the team,’’ Kitto said.
Marques Arau and Nathanael Bonner has also been important members of the Springfield squad.
The Springfield under-14 squad is: Fullback James Grey, wing Flynn Baker, centre Kymani Kitto, centre Max Pietersen, wing Beau Burley, 5/8 Leroy Charles, halfback Dominic McClelland, prop Tautai Tuluauau, hooker Blayne Smith, prop Nephi Uilavai-Pita, second row Raymond Nagas, second row Macaiah Wharepapa, lock Josiah Grey (c). Reserves: Farantino Sooalo, Bradley Tikinau, Jeremiah Vunipola, Damion Macnellie. Coach: Chris Kitto. Assistant: Harrison Wharepapa. Managers: Kaycee Kitto and Nat McClelland. Trainers: Russell McClelland and Frosty Tikinau. FAO: Daniel and Ross Baker.
Springfield qualified for the grand final by beating Redbank Plains 30-16 in a “pretty solid all-round game’’.
The Springfield coach said Brothers would pose a major challenge after their 34-8 victory over Lowood.
Brothers coach Matt Wade was most pleased how a group of former development league juniors combined with more experienced footballers this season.
“They have really stepped up,’’ Wade said. “That’s been nice to see with a lot of the kids just developing.’’
In his 10th year coaching juniors, Ward said it was the first team where all the players were mates.
“There’s no segregation in the team. There’s no superstars,’’ he said.
“They are all just friends and I think that’s been a lot why we’ve sort of gone well this year.
“I think they are just starting now to learn they have to trust one another and one individual can’t do the whole lot.’’
Among the consistent performers were captain and second rower Cooper Cracknell, frontrower Eddierota Fa‘amausili and hooker Veejay Wade.
The coach said Cracknell and Fa‘amausili got the job done each week up front.
“Veejay is our little general and mastermind,’’ the proud dad said.
“He’d be the smallest in the whole age group.
“He runs the whole set-up out there.’’
After a mid-season lull due to injuries and representative commitments, Brothers finished the season strongly.
It was Brothers only team to qualify for the grand final after beating Lowood 34-8 in the semi-final.
The Brothers under-14 team for Saturday is: 1 Tyson Walker, 2 Phoenix Jackson, 3 Dennis Papua, 4 Cruz Boxsell, 5 Reilly Goodwin, 6 Jazarius Filipaina, 7 Conrad Browne, 8 Cooper Cracknell, 9 Veejay Wade, 10 Berakah Tuifaasisina, 11 Eddierota Fa‘amausili, 12 Kiaas Schaaf, 13 Jake Wade, 14 Kynan Jackson, 15 Troy Webster, 16 Franky Hunt, 17 Christian Stowers, 18 Brydon Maeli, 19 Lasi Avauli. Coach: Matt Wade.
Preparing for Saturday’s 1.30pm grand final, Kitto thanked the parents “for their continued support in building fine young men and supporting them in the game they love.
“The future of rugby league is in safe hands,’’ he said.
Semi-final results: Springfield 30 def Redbank Plains Bears 16, Brothers 34 def Lowood 8.
Premier League grand finals schedule
Friday night
6.30pm: Under 15: Goodna v Norths
8pm: Under 17: Redbank Plains Bears v Norths
Saturday (curtain raisers to Jets home games)
Noon: Under 13: Goodna Blue v Goodna Black
1.30pm: Under 14: Brothers v Springfield
Development Series grand finals played last Friday night.
Under 13: Swifts 12 def Fassifern 8
Under 14: Goodna 38 def Norths 12
Under 15: Brothers 28 def Redbank Plains Bears 18
Under 17: Norths 32 def Lowood 4.
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