CQ Capras best in under-17, under-19 trials against Mackay Cutters

The Capras U17 and U19 boys and girls have had their first pre-season hitouts, taking on the Mackay Cutters last weekend. The four coaches reveal what they liked and the players who stood out.

The CQ Capras under-17 and under-19 teams played pre-season trials against the Mackay Cutters in Rockhampton.

Two hard-working forwards, a couple of classy centres and a scintillating spine shone bright in bleak conditions as the CQ Capras underage teams played their first pre-season trials at the weekend.

The under-17 and under-19 girls and boys took on the Mackay Cutters at a sodden Rugby Park on Saturday.

See who was playing, watching in our photo gallery here

The under-17 girls were the only ones to get the better of their northern rivals, running out 18-nil winners.

The CQ Capras and Mackay Cutters played out a 4-all draw in their pre-season trial on Saturday.

The under-19 girls had a 4-all draw, while the two boys teams were beaten.

The coaches identified positives but also aspects that need to improve before their respective seasons kick-off against the Townsville Blackhawks in Townsville on February 15.

The under-17 boys and girls and under-19 boys will have their final hitouts against the Wide Bay Bulls this Saturday in the lead-up to the Capras’ men’s pre-season showdown with the Dolphins NRL team at Gladstone’s Marley Brown Oval.

Coaches share their thoughts on last Saturday’s performances

Under-17 boys

Coach Todd Hansen said his players competed well and their defensive effort was pretty solid.

However, their ball control needed to improve.

The remaining 23 members of his squad will play against the Bulls this weekend, keen to lock in a place in the final squad and potentially a place in the Round 1 line-up.

Centre Leo Fanuatanu. Photo: Luke Fletcher

“I’ll be looking for the same this weekend. I want them to compete well and stay in the contest, and hopefully we can fix our ball control.”

Hansen said there were some solid performers against the Cutters but made special mention of lock Lachlan Anderson and centres AJ Gilbert and Leo Fanuatanu.

Under-19 boys

Coach Peter Rogers said each of his 31 players got some game time during the trial, which was played over six 15-minute quarters.

“We were probably a little way off where we need to be,” he said.

“We have to control the footy better - hold the ball and complete our sets.

Lock Harrison Hill.

“Defensively, we need to be more aggressive and have more intent.”

He said front rower Jake Oberhardt and lock Harrison Hill were outstanding, really muscling up in defence and providing momentum to get the team on the front foot.

Under-17 girls

While coach Nikki Carpenter could not be there on Saturday, she received a running report from her staff on-ground.

They were pleased with how the spine - fullback Kayla Vella, halves Maddy Johnson and Macey Evans and hooker Josie Wogand - clicked in their first outing.

“An 18-nil scoreline is a great start,” Carpenter said.

Hooker Josie Wogand.

“The feedback from my staff is that the girls connected really well, which is something I put a lot of emphasis on..

“We wanted to set ourselves a goal of keeping teams to a nil scoreline so to do that and put points on was nice.

“There were a few things that weren’t as good as I wanted them to be so we’ve still got things to work on.”

Under-19 girls

Coach Cedric Auda said his players combined well, given the testing conditions.

“They were happy to play some footy after weeks of pre-season - and it showed,” he said.

“The pleasing aspect for me was they connected really well, particularly in defence, and there was a lot of positive communication.”

Coach Cedric Auda.

Auda said the different players who slotted into the halves worked well.

Without a trial this weekend, he will now focus his energy on deciding on his 17 for Round 1.

“That’s going to be a difficult decision but I’m confident the girls will be ready to go,” he said.