CQ Capras U18 squad for 2023 Mal Meninga Cup

The Capras under-18s are just a few weeks away from kicking off their 2023 Mal Meninga Cup campaign. Check out the talented line-up here.

The CQ Capras under-18s are gearing up for a big season in the 2023 Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup.

Fitness, speed and agility around the ruck will be among the strengths of the CQ Capras under-18s this year, according to coach RJ Stewart.

The team will host the Townsville Blackhawks in their opening game of the Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup on February 25.

They played out a 12-all draw with the Redcliffe Dolphins in their first pre-season hitout at Gladstone on Saturday in a showing that pleased Stewart.

“We trialled really well against Redcliffe. We held our own and got better with each quarter we played,” he said.

The CQ Capras under-18s had a draw with the Redcliffe Dolphins in their first pre-season trial played at Gladstone's Marley Brown Oval. Photos: Luke Fletcher

The Capras will take on the Mackay Cutters in Mackay in their second trial this Saturday, where Stewart plans to try a few different combinations.

The team won two of its six games to finish 11th in the 15-team competition last year.

“We’re hoping to improve on last year’s performance,” Stewart said.

“Across the board, we have a pretty balanced side, and we have a handy backline that can create opportunities for us.”

Four players who will be key to this year’s campaign are Mutua Brown, Carter Ford, Connor Hinds and Braelan Marsh, who have already caught the attention of NRL clubs.

Read the full list of squad members here:

Logan Barclay (lock): Fast and strong in defence.

Liam Barnes (half): Speedy playmaker who is a state touch representative.

Toby Bateman (wing/centre): Big. strong and quick. Defensively is hard to get around.

Jack Biles (edge forward): Reliable and consistent, won‘t let the team down.

Curtis Brierley (middle forward): Big body that can be hard to handle.

Iziah Broome (wing): Strong and fast, and gives everything to every effort.

Mutua Brown.

Mutua Brown (fullback/centre): North Queensland Cowboys’ signed talent who provides confidence in the team with his ability on and off the ball. A leader.

Diezel Brunker (front row): Strong and aggressive in defence.

Zack Bryce (hooker/dummy half): Sound service and quick out of half.

Seth Carpenter (fullback/wing): Ball-playing fullback who provides versatility in the backline.

Sam Chick (fullback/lock/centre): Reliable player who provides utility value.

Brayden Conway (edge forward/centre): Ball-playing forward with strong defence. Adaptable in the backline as well.

Rachine Doyle.

Rachine Doyle (centre/wing): Has speed to burn. Plays well above his size with great agility and speed. Tough as nails.

Carter Ford.

Carter Ford (middle/edge forward): Tough with huge potential which has been recognised by the Dolphins.

Simmon Green (half): Gifted half who can also play in the middle as a lock.

Tommy Green.

Tommy Green (hooker/half): Reads a game well. Brings plenty of energy to the team with his speed and defensive efforts.

CQ Capras under-18 squad member Mathew Groves.

Mathew Groves (lock): Workaholic with good ball skills and strong defence.

Connor Hinds (edge forward): Dolphins’ signed talent who is strong in defence and possesses great ball-playing ability.

Clancy Hohn (half): Gifted half with speed and ability to execute clutch plays. Last year’s CQ Capras under-16 best back.

Ryder Huth.

Ryder Huth (fullback/half): Strong and fast back with good ball-playing ability. One of our main leaders with good communication skills.

Ryan Keating (wing): Strong and fast.

Harrison Kentwell (lock/hooker): Solid footballer who gives everything every time he steps onto the field.

Travis Larner (middle forward): Strong middle forward with a high workload.

Braelan Marsh.

Braelan Marsh (hooker): Talented footy player who has been signed by the Dolphins.

Ryan Martin (edge forward): Strong ball-running forward with good defence. Another one of our leaders

Baylee Meilland (middle forward): One of our younger forwards who won the CQ Capras under-16 Player of the Year in 2022. Work rate is high and reliable.

Dylan Neden (middle/edge forward): Tough, hard-working forward who performed well for the CQ Capras under-16 last year.

Joshua Nilon (middle forward): Big body who is a middle to watch out for in the coming years.

Sebastian Nona (centre/wing): Talented back who can change a game.

Jake Peirce (middle forward): Tough in defence and attack. Boys love having him lead from the front.

Braith Smith.

Braith Smith (lock/edge forward): Provides energy and strength in the middle.

Rydell Tyrell (centre): A back with a lot of potential. Has just returned from playing with the Queensland Murri under-16 boys side against the NSW Kooris.

Ernest Walker (middle/edge forward): Reliable forward with a good defensive game.

Banjo Walker (centre/wing): Talented athlete and footy player who can find the try line. Utility value is huge, also being able to also handle half and fullback positions.

Isaac Walker (half): An organising half with a good kicking game to boot.

Jordan Wyvill.

Jordan Wyvill (edge forward/lock): Strong, aggressive forward who is a real competitor.