RLMD Finals: Toughest players to watch
Coaches have nominated the toughest players to watch as the Rugby League Mackay and District finals kick on. Find out who you need to see.
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The Rugby League Mackay and District finals are underway.
Sarina downed Brothers 28-24 in a nail-biting qualifying final, while Moranbah crushed Souths by 40 points in the elimination final.
This Sunday, Sarina is set to take on the high-flying Magpies for a place in the decider, while Moranbah has set up a cutthroat clash with Brothers.
We’ve also profiled the competition’s best young players and players with the most x-factor.
Find out who the toughest players are that your team can count on across the finals series below.
Usaia Fonongaloa
Club: Sarina Crocs
Position: Front-rower
Recruited from the Brisbane area this season, he’s a top-two prop in the RLMD according to coach Blake Brodel. Plays very aggressively, is a strong runner of the ball, hits very hard, and loves the heavy contact. Is known to have stayed on the field despite having stitches in his head and nose. He’s apart of the Cutters system, but his opportunity is yet to come at Queensland Cup level.
Ben Buchholz
Club: Sarina Crocs
Position: Second-rower
A very tough player, Buchholz often plays through injury and doesn’t look out of place. Back in round four, he injured his shoulder to the point where it was hanging limp, but he kept going and didn’t complain. One of Sarina’s captains, his first A-grade game came way back in 2007.
Eliki Taufahema
Club: Mackay Brothers
Position: Lock
A very aggressive, physical, and strong player who “loves tough stuff,” in the words of coach Tom Heggie. Is a mainstay of the Brothers A-grade side.
Matt Kennedy
Club: Mackay Brothers
Position: Front-rower
Kennedy is another physical and tough forward for Brothers. “Does most of the grunt work week to week,” said Heggie.
Lama Tasi
Club: Mackay Magpies
Position: Front-rower
It should come as no surprise to find such a high-calibre player on this list. Tasi has represented the Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos at NRL level, while also notching 115 Super League appearances and an international game for Tonga. He’s the Magpies captain, and Thorburn described him as a “very tough man.”
Tyler Gardiner
Club: Mackay Magpies
Position: Second-rower
Gardiner was described as reliable, tough, and huge, but coach Scott Thorburn contended his greatest asset is his consistency. “You just know what you’re going to get with him,” he said.
Logan Sullivan
Club: Moranbah Miners
Position: Front-rower
A hard hitting player through the middle, Sullivan is strong, yet his ability to communicate effectively with teammates is another hallmark of his game. One of Moranbah’s most reliable talents and a workhorse.
Liam McDonald
Club: Moranbah Miners
Position: Front-rower
Moranbah’s captain carries plenty of high-level experience with him, having notched 72 Queensland Cup appearances between 2015 and 2020. He’s a very tough, simple and direct footballer.
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