‘Best in history’: Local league to be stacked with talent
State-level strike weapons and battle-hardened warriors are set to run around on the Coast this year in what a local mind says will make the comp the ‘best in history’
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RUGBY LEAGUE: State-level strike weapons and battle-hardened warriors are set to run around on the Sunshine Coast this year in what a local coach says will make the competition
the “best in history”.
What stands to be the Sunshine Coast Falcons pain amid the coronavirus pandemic, can be local league’s gain with state-level players to be divvied up between local clubs.
The QRL’s decision to cancel the Intrust Super Cup, under-20s and under-18s competition is a blessing in disguise, says Noosa Pirates coach Brett Winkler.
Winkler said the level of talent running about could be one of the best in history.
It would mean the likes of Dane Hogan, Louis Geraghty and Todd Murphy could lace up for the likes of Kawana, Nambour or Caboolture.
The Falcons affiliation is still being finalised but the long-time Coast man said it would make each grade of competition stronger.
“I’m not saying the comp wasn’t good back in the day, but these guys are fitter, faster, stronger and it is a great opportunity for the league,” Winkler said.
“ISC players heading back to clubs and the calibre they bring will make all levels stronger.
“Having that consistent array of talent across the board means the entire comp, and reserve grade is stronger. All those guys will be itching to play.”
Winkler urged the local league to take advantage of the unique opportunity and come up with a draw that includes the maximum number of games as possible.
He said Noosa as a club was happy to play into December to ensure the competition was justified.
“I’ve heard talk of one-round draws, it’s not long enough. Like the NRL needs television revenue, all the clubs on the Coast need canteen revenue,” he said.
“We want to be playing for months. Play as long and as deep as you can.
“The players need to be on the paddock, for social, football and business reasons too. This is a wonderful opportunity in a crisis.”
The Sunshine Coast Rugby League board is meeting tonight to discuss a range of options and to ensure they have a plan of attack.
Kawana Dolphins coach Andrew Hinson also predicts one of the strongest comps in recent years should it get the green light.
“If it’s a five-team finals comp like last year, it’s going to be extremely hard to break into. A number of teams will be pushing hard,” Hinson said.
“Noosa have good players, a good coach, Stanley River know what they’re doing, Nambour recruited well and Caboolture are always up there.
“The talent is evenly spread and I think anyone has a good chance to win it from here.
“You want a strong comp from top to bottom too.”
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