CQ Capras under-16 boys squad for 2023 Cyril Connell Challenge
The young Capras are primed for their Cyril Connell Challenge campaign. We profile the talented line-up here.
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The halves pairing of Tyler Melrose and Will McLaughlin will bring the X-factor to what is a strong and talented CQ Capras under-16 boys line-up this year.
Coach Duane Carpenter is feeling “really confident” about his team’s prospects in the Cyril Connell Challenge after his 30-strong squad has worked tirelessly during pre-season.
After their first hitout against the Redcliffe Dolphins last weekend, they will tackle the Mackay Cutters in their second trial this Saturday.
Carpenter said players would get another chance to press their claim for Round 1 selection in a third trial against Emmaus College the following weekend.
“We’ve got strength across the park,” he said.
“It’s so competitive this year, I definitely haven’t landed on our top 17.
“I’ll definitely need the next two trials to make those decisions but it’s a good problem to have.”
Carpenter said Melrose and McLaughlin were forging a fantastic combination in the halves, while centre Eli McKay and second rower Harvey Mahoney would also have a big influence on the team’s performances.
The Capras will host the Townsville Blackhawks in their season opener on February 25.
CQ Capras under-16 boys squad for 2023
Archie Lloyd: Young, energetic half who is a great communicator. He is trying really hard to improve his game during the pre-season.
Brock Otto: Solid, tough, dependable front rower from Gladstone. Had a great game in the first pre-season trial against Redcliffe.
Caleb Hare: Solidly built and physically strong winger who played for Emmaus College and Rocky Tigers last season.
Chase Everingham: Tall, rangy and athletic edge player who is being converted to a specialist winger. Scored two good tries in the first pre-season trial against Redcliffe.
Cooper Young: Very tough and physical front rower from Gladstone. Never takes a backward step in heavy contact.
Eli McKay: In only his third year playing rugby league. Still very raw but is an incredible naturally talented athlete from Agnes Water. Playing in the centres this season, his potential has been identified by the Dolphins and is currently under contract with them.
Ethan Little: Played for the Blackwater Crushers last season and has just made the move to The Cathedral College as a boarder. Tall, strong backrower who will get his chance to impress in the second pre-season trial against the Mackay Cutters this weekend.
Harley Logan Biles: Harley only turns 15 this year, but has shown he has some impressive potential as an athlete and footy player. Another player looking to impress this weekend against the Mackay Cutters.
Harrison Hill: What Harry lacks in height he makes up with in strength and determination on the field. He led from the front and was the team’s best against the Redcliffe Dolphins in the pre-season trial.
Harvey Mahoney: St Brendan’s College student in his second year with this squad. A very powerful second rower who will be hard to handle this season.
Henry Kallquist: Hails from Taroom and currently boards at Rockhampton Grammar School. A tall and well-built player, he has been a big improver during pre-season training.
Jaiden Savage: Another player in his second season in this squad. Had a great game in the front row against the Redcliffe Dolphins in last weekend’s pre-season trial.
Jake Coomber: Clever half who comes from Chanel College in Gladstone. He will be eagerly waiting for his opportunity to impress against the Mackay Cutters on Saturday.
Jake Murphy: Very athletic and speedy edge player who played for St Brendan’s College and Cap Coast Brothers last season.
Jake Reily Oberhardt: Nuggetty, very strong and has great leg speed for a middle forward. Also in his second year in this squad, he has just made the move from Emerald to St Brendan’s College this year.
Jay Marsh: Incredibly talented and physically strong for a player who only turned 14 late last year. The young pup in our squad but starred at #9 in the pre-season trial against Redcliffe.
Leo Fanuatanu: Another player who will turn 15 this year. Currently lives in Emerald but does the kilometres every week to make all his training sessions. Freakish outside back who will get his first game against the Mackay Cutters this weekend.
Mason Broadhurst: Very quiet, but very reliable and has been our hardest working player during the pre-season. He has shown the biggest improvement in his game which reflects his efforts.
Michael Busby: Very crafty dummy half who has a great passing and running game. Only turns 15 this year, but already is showing maturity beyond his years.
Nate Kenealy: Tall, rangy and strong backrower from St Brendan’s and Emu Park. Injury will keep him out of the trial games but will return when the competition games start.
Parker Gallagher: Tough and young front rower from Gladstone who thrives on the physical challenge of playing against rivals older than him. Definitely put some of our biggest hits on against Redcliffe last weekend.
Phillip Yock: Hails from Cunnamulla in western Queensland and currently boards at St Brendan’s College. Very talented and dangerous outside back who is exciting to watch.
Reiner Grams: Also from St Brendan’s College, but calls Longreach home in between school terms. Tough edge player who will get a start against the Mackay Cutters in this weekend’s pre-season trial.
Samuel Luka Adams: Fiery red-headed front rower from Rocky Tigers and Emmaus College. Another young member in our squad who never backs away from a physical challenge in any situation.
Tyler Melrose: Very talented player who did a great job steering the team’s attack in halfback and also as captain against Redcliffe. Shaping up to be one of the team’s most dangerous attacking weapons this season.
Tyson Hinds: Ball playing fullback from St Brendan’s College who has a great build on him. Very dangerous down the short sides in attack.
Will Lloyd: Classy centre who has some great skills and athleticism. He will get his chance to impress against the Mackay Cutters this weekend.
Will McLaughlin: Played for Rocky Tigers and Emmaus College last season. A dangerous and unpredictable half who will be very hard to defend against. Has some very impressive skills.
Zac Bateman: Queensland under-15 schoolboys representative last year who is currently contracted to the North Queensland Cowboys. Undergoing rehab from shoulder surgery in the off-season with hopes he will be back at some stage this season.
Zakkaree Jenkyn: Quick and agile fullback who played for the Fitzroy Sharks and Rocky High last season. Will be keen to make an impression against the Mackay Cutters this weekend.
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