CQ Capras U17, U19 coaches share thoughts on pre-season so far

The Capras four underage training squads head into Christmas after completing a heavy training schedule. The coaches share their thoughts on how they are shaping up.

Capras coaches Todd Hansen, Cedric Auda, Pete Rogers and Nikki Carpenter share their thoughts on the pre-season so far.

The effort and commitment shown by the Capras under-17 boys squad members has impressed new coach Todd Hansen.

The 45 players will enjoy a well-earned break over Christmas after winding up the first block of pre-season training this week.

“It’s looking really good and I’m very happy with how the boys have gone about things already,” Hansen said.

“We’ve got plenty of talent in the squad and hopefully we can be as strong as we were last season.”

Hansen is the only change to the Capras junior coaching roster, with Pete Rogers (under-19 boys), Cedric Auda (under-19 girls) and Nikki Carpenter (under-17 girls) all returning.

But he is not new to the program, having been assistant coach of the under-17 boys for the past three years.

With Duane Carpenter unable to continue in the top job due to work commitments, Hansen was more than happy to put his hand up.

“I’m pretty familiar with the system and the style, and not a lot will change from the way we did it last season,” he said.

Todd Hansen with his troops at a training session.

“I’m looking forward to watching these young men develop through the pre-season and put what we teach them onto the footy field.

“They have been really committed and their effort has been great.”

The Capras four underage teams will open their respective seasons with away games against the Townsville Blackhawks before hosting the Northern Pride in Round 2.

But like his coaching counterparts, Hansen is not looking that far ahead.

He is focused on block two of the pre-season which will lead into the squad’s trial games, which will help the coach determine the 30-strong squad he will carry through the season.

Squad: AJ Gilbert, Archie Lloyd, Austin Armitage, Bailey Silvester, Cooper Stacpoole, Cormack Werner, Doujon Kanak, Geoffrey Rynne, Gideon Prior, Harley Biles, Harry Roebig, Henry Villiers, Isaac Dahler, Jack McLean, Jack Merlow, Jake Armstrong, Jake Gillard, Jake Symes, Jarvis Miller, Jay Marsh, Jimi Kusu, John King, Jonty Coutts, Kaiden Pope-Warcon, Kobe Oberhardt, Lachlan Anderson, Leo Fanuatanu, Liam Mayne, Lockyer Hill, Luke Johns, Malcolm Darkin, Mannix Busch, Marcus Tipman, Mathew Marjoram, Michael Busby, Parker Gallagher, Parker Hunt, Preston Nicol, Reid Weinert, Samuel Adams, Taj Seibold, Terrick Law, Trae Commons, Tyttus Auda, Walt Lanson.

Capras under-17 girls coach Nikki Carpenter. Photo: Pam McKay

Nikki Carpenter, under-17 girls

“Things have started really well and the girls have just clicked.

“We have a good core of players coming back from last year plus some new girls.

“We have so much talent and ability in the group.

“I’m so excited for the girls to have the chance to play a longer season, which will include home and away games.

“They didn’t travel this year and I’m really looking forward to having those moments with them.

“It will be different for us but I think it will add to the team vibe and connection.”

Squad: Addison Carlyon, Addison Williams, Alexis Bukowski, Alice Kallquist, Ashlynn Self, Callie McKay, Charlotte McLean, Ella Hansen, Ella-Rose Kingdon, Evan Sullivan, Hannah Jamieson, Hannah McCrohon, Heidi Silvester, Isabelle Jensen, Jada Ryan, Jaihan Von Senden, Jorgie Mitchell, Josie Wogand, Kayla Vella, Kymarley Fangatua, Krya Kent, Lacey Berry, Macey Evans, Maddie Johnson, Matilda Downie, Maycee Brown, Paikea Tane, Piper Shannon, Rachel Oakley, Rebecca Russell, Rorie-Lee Elliott, Rosie Warapa, Shaylesia Wallis, Tyla Barnes, Vivian Mosby.

Capras under-19 men’s coach Pete Rogers.

Peter Rogers, under-19 boys

“The whole group has come a long way from when we started (pre-season).

“They’re hard-working and there’s a good attitude and mentality within the group.

“Every position will be healthily contested but there will be plenty of competition in the forwards.

“The main focus when we return will be our first trial against Mackay on February 1.

“It’s all about us until we get into the season, we’re not playing for premierships at the moment, it’s all about developing these players.

“They will be doing their own training over the break so they don’t lose the conditioning and fitness they’ve already built.”

Squad: Adrian Smith, Aidin Price, Alekisio Siale, Anasta Tamwoy, Banjo Walker, Callum Denman, Chayce Bayles, Cooper Mackenzie, Cooper McInerney, Cooper Window, Cruz Beazley, Curtis Seierup, Denson Bradshaw-Daniel, Epafelasi Noa, Harrison Hill, Harrison Perry, Isaac Walker, Jackson Emmert, Jackson Szepanowski, Jai Ireland, Jake Coomber, Jake Oberhardt, Johnathon Coyne, Joshua Nilon, Lachlan Middleton, Logan Barclay, Luke Frame, Mason Broadhurst, Maurice Cameron, Maxi Wood, Michael Skerrett, Nate Potter, Phillip Yock, Reuben Gordon, Riley Sullivan, Ryan Hardie, Tamati Matheson, Tawhirirangi Taurima, Tumanako Hatley, Whayllam Waia-Dau, Willem Lloyd, Will McLaughlin, Xavier Nott, Zac Bateman, Zacery Adams, Zakk Jenkyn.

Capras under-19 girls coach Cedric Auda.

Cedric Auda, under-19 girls

“The girls are super-keen and our pre-season journey so far has been really good.

“We’re looking good but of course it’s early days still.

“There’s a lot of players who are transitioning from our 17s program into the 19s.

“A number of them have had a big year playing in the Confraternity Carnival and come in a bit more agile and with a greater understanding of the game.

“Their willingness to train has been great but the thing that has probably impressed me most is the team connection.”

Squad: Alisha Nicholson, Ariah Wakefield, Caydence Fouracre, Chanelle Williams, Chloe Powell, Dale Lewis, Elesha Hill, Ella Lindsay, Gabby Yarrow, Gabi Williams, Georgia Wright, Julie Munro, Keeley Marsden, Keira Smith, Lilla Pratt, Lyndell Malone, Manaia Faiumu-Malone, Mattice McLeod, Ruivana Auda, Salome Mann, Samantha Hancock, Sophie McNamara, Stevie-Lee Dixson, Taila Miller, Tanyia Wheeler, Tasmyn Boody, Tatum Fisher, Teleah Cassar.