Captains chat: SCGRL 2024 A-grade leaders reveal early season award winners
After the opening rounds, SCGRL A-grade team captains have their say on a range of key topics to reveal their side’s leading nut trucker, rising star, gun recruit, biggest pest and more. See the full list.
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After six rounds of the Sunshine Coast rugby league A-grade competition just three wins separate first and last in what’s well regarded as one of the most competitive seasons in recent years.
Noosa sit undefeated at the top while last season’s runners up Kawana are towards the bottom of the table.
With all sides enduring a week off due to the NRL Magic Round, the Daily has caught up with each side’s captain as they give their thoughts on the opening fixtures and uncover a few extremely early individual player awards.
See what each skipper had to say.
NOOSA PIRATES
Captain: Kris Williams
Current position: 1st (5 wins, 0 losses, 0 draws)
New Pirates captain Kris ‘Budda’ Williams said he’s proud of his side’s start to the year following a key pre-season regroup.
“We’ve been good, everyone’s come together really well as a tight group which has been a bit different to seasons prior where we couldn’t get guys to training and things like that,” he said.
“It’s a very close competition but for us having a proper committed squad it’s been the difference and we’ve been able to reap the benefits on the field.”
Williams, a Noosa junior, said to captain the club in their 50th year was a special factor.
“The captaincy was a massive honour, I was actually about to hang the boots up but I couldn’t knock back Mick’s (Duff) offer so it’s really special and a good way to go out,” he said.
Gun Recruit: “Our new number six Matt Craven has been awesome. He’s played some centre and now five-eight where his skill has really shone through.”
Nut trucker: “He’s another new guy but I would go with one of our key forwards Brody Baker. He’s got that mentality of charging the ball up as hard as possible all game.”
X-Factor: “Pat McGinn at fullback. He’s lethal and someone that can sniff out a try from anywhere.”
Rising star: “He’s only little but Dyllan Cousens at hooker just keeps getting better and better. He’s been another standout for us this season and should continue to grow in confidence.”
Try scoring freak: “Patty McGinn let me know he’s leading the points tally since he’s our goalkicker as well but I’d probably say him for try scorers. He seems to snag one every game.”
Biggest pest: “There’s so many but a younger guy Harry Dwyer fits that bill pretty well.”
COOLUM COLTS
Captain: Luke Philp
Current position: 2nd (4 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw)
The Colts stocks have continued to rise after their debut season in 2023, with key early season wins over Beerwah, Kawana, Maroochydore and a 22-all draw against Nambour in round six.
The captaincy honours have been handed to former Pirates captain Dan Moevao following a gruesome leg injury to their star hooker Luke Philp in round three.
“I’ve missed three games now, sitting around doing nothing isn’t fun but as a whole we’re pretty happy with where we are, especially compared to last season,” Philp said.
“We’re 10 times better so it’s hard to complain about the results especially given how tight the competition is.
“If you’re having an off day you’re going to get beaten because the quality has risen heaps this year.”
Gun Recruit: “Very hard to ignore Dan Moevao. He’s a bit older but does so much work for us in the middle, he keeps us tight and is a crucial ball playing lock. He helps out our attack a lot but also loves a tackle and a hit in defence.”
Nut trucker: “Has to be Isaac Jones. He’s a bit of a lunatic that just loves getting stuck in and doesn’t shy away from anything.”
X-Factor: “The one that springs to mind would be Nate Saumalu. He’s just class out wide that has been a handful for so many defenders in one-on-one situations.”
Rising star: “I’d go with Mitch Bebbington who has only recently returned from the Falcons Mal Meninga Cup squad but he’s been great. With the injuries we’ve had at the moment he’s filled plenty of holes and is in for a big season. The other would be Marlon Hawkins who is in his second year of A-grade but is continuing to improve each week. He’s still quite young so he’s got a bright future and it would be great to keep him at the club as long as possible.”
Try scoring freak: “That would be Sam Elara, he scored a hatrick against Maroochydore the other week and has plenty more tries in him. He’s another key strike player for us and would be one of the best in the competition.”
Biggest pest: “If it’s not myself it would have to be Jaeden Usher just because he’s always got something to say and he thinks he’s a halfback in a front rower’s body.”
NAMBOUR CRUSHERS
Vice-Captain: Phil Dennis
Current position: 3rd (2 wins, 1 loss, 2 draw)
Captain coach Marty Cordwell has devised a solid Crushers outfit in 2024 and the addition of co-captain Phil Dennis has added an extra layer of key experience.
Dennis is a name synonymous with Queensland Cup holding the record for most ever matches played with more than 280.
“I think it’s been a bit of a slow start and we’re still working on combinations as we haven't had long to do that within pre-season and through our few trial games,” Dennis said.
“At the moment we’re travelling quite well overall with some tight wins and close games so we can’t complain especially given how tight the competition is.
“I wasn’t completely sure what to expect coming to a new competition but it’s very physical and very fast so it’s been really good and plenty of the boys have stepped up for it.”
Gun Recruit: “Jaiden Zanchetta is a great young kid that talks really well and knows how to play footy. I’ve got a bit of experience in footy but some kids don’t like to listen so he’s been all ears and has taken plenty of things on board.”
Nut trucker: “I’d have to say Marty Cordwell for that one. He’s been doing it for a fair while whether it be in Queensland Cup or now for Nambour he goes all game with key hit ups and solid defence.”
X-Factor: “He was a Nambour junior but then went to Kawana and the Falcons but has returned to the Crushers this season in Finn Lawson. He came in the other week at five-eight and was a real standout. He’s got a great kicking game and is very quick and unpredictable so I’m looking forward to seeing what the rest of the season brings for him.”
Rising star: “He’s slotted in at second row this season and he’s only 19-years-old but Zarley Hodges has been great. Really physical and stepping up to A-grade well. Another would be Reily Jervis who will miss another few weeks with an MCL injury but is coming from the Mal Meninga squad and will be a great up and comer in A-grade.”
Try scoring freak: “I might have to say Finn Lawson again. He’s a livewire and looks our best to break games open.”
Biggest pest: “That would have to be big Myles Gal. The boys love him and he’s good to have around but is an absolute pest.”
CALOUNDRA SHARKS
Captain: Ethan Gaffney
Current position: 4th (2 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw)
After trawling through over 40 A-grade players last season the focus of player preservation has been simple for the Sharks in 2024.
The Sharks started well and remain many pundits team to go all the way this season despite losses to Noosa and Maroochydore.
“We’ve had a much better start this season compared to others where we’re usually quite slow out of the gates,” he said.
“The quick start has been great which has come off the back of the great pre-season we had.
“Injuries really cruelled us the past two seasons so it is still early days but it’s been quite positive and if we can keep our squad fit we should go deep into the finals.”
Gun Recruit: “We’ve had a new front rower come to us from Noosa in the off-season in Rajan Opetaia-Halls. He has been awesome for our pack in particular where we’ve sometimes lacked a bit of size.
Nut trucker: “I’d have to say one of our Falcons recruits Matty Baker. He played out at Beerwah last year so there’s some sour grapes with him coming across to us but he’s been unreal. A proper no-nonsense forward that tucks it under his wing and gets the ball moving forward.”
X-Factor: “Our centre Rueben Olive. He was under a bit of an injury cloud last year with different injuries but he’s back fit and healthy and continues to shine. He can turn the game out of nothing which is great.”
Rising star: “A couple of boys come to mind, young Jackson Herbert made his debut against Noosa a couple of weeks ago after coming all the way through the junior Sharks ranks. He played in the under-19s team that was beaten in the grand final last season and he’s been killing it in reserve grade so got his chance a few weeks ago. Another would be Taj Greenhalgh who has stepped in after some injuries in our halves. He had a handful of games last season but he’s really slotted in well leading the team around and should continue to grow in confidence with the more experience he gets.”
Try scoring freak: “Big Rajan Opetaia-Halls was in some fine form through the early rounds but I think either Kurtis Shayler or Reuben Olive in the centres. They both have a knack for finding the line and I would be surprised if they weren't high on the try scorers table come the end of the season.”
Biggest pest: “I’d actually like to say one of our assistant coaches Jack Cornford. He played with us last year and is on the coaching staff this season but would still hold that title I reckon.”
MAROOCHYDORE SWANS
Captain: Tom Geraghty
Current position: 5th (2 wins, 3 losses, 0 draws)
The next four games should be telling for the Swans who will play Kawana, Noosa, Stanley River and Nambour before their second and final bye of the season.
The arm wrestle for top four is extremely tight but a key point to note is Maroochydore hold the second best points differential (54) behind league leaders Noosa (72).
“It is a pretty tight comp and it’s hard to pick which way games will lean,” he said.
“Noosa are undefeated and credit to them but it’s still tough to land on which side will be the toughest to beat at this stage because the wins and the losses are everywhere.
“Our win against Caloundra was very important because if we lost that we would’ve been down the bottom of the table so it showed when we’re on and playing to our processes we’re a hard force to stop.”
Gun Recruit: “We’ve had a few but one that’s really stepped up in the forwards has been Cody Button. He was in the under-19s last season but played a few games for A-grade. He probably wasn’t expecting to be a full time A-grade player but he’s really shown he can compete amongst the better sides and another would be Hayden Bartlett. He’s new to the club and has proved very valuable as one of our main strike forces in the middle. He’s got really good footy IQ at number nine which is key in this competition.”
Nut trucker: “Some of our reserve grade guys have been great but Saxon Day would be one that fits that bill. He takes plenty of carries and gets through the hard work in the middle.”
X-Factor: “He’s in the Falcons squad but Mason Peut has been really, really solid. He’s super fast, super strong and is damaging on the edge.”
Rising star: “Cody Button is one that I already mentioned but Kea Stevenson is another good middle forward. He’s shown plenty of potential.”
Try scoring freak: “I would definitely say Cruz Lasike. He can play centre or wing and is just a machine that’s very hard to stop. Definitely looks to be a game breaker for us.”
Biggest pest: “That’s a hard one because the Swannies are all good blokes so no one comes to mind.”
BEERWAH BULLDOGS
Captain: Matt Kidd
Current position: 6th (2 wins, 3 losses, 0 draws)
Looking to defend their 2023 premiership, the Bulldogs knew heading into the season it wasn’t going to be another undefeated year.
A series of key and experienced players left the club in the off-season with a handful more missing the first few matches through injury or serving grand final suspension.
“We knew that first block of the season was going to be hard missing a few key senior players and a few experienced guys depart the club in the off-season,” Kidd said.
“I’m still happy with where we are currently and I though our most recent game against Caboolture was one we started to put some plans and structure together.
“The competition is ridiculously tight this year which is only good for everyone I suppose as everyone can beat everyone on their day.”
Kidd was also announced as the Beerwah co-captain this season but with enforcer Jamie Hill earning a call-up into the Falcons squad the full responsibility has landed on the halfbacks shoulders.
“I didn’t expect the captaincy that’s for sure but I’m happy to do and lead the boys around,” he said.
“It’s definitely something new for me and there’s a bit more stress about the team each week but in saying that I’m loving it.”
Gun Recruit: “I’d say Tom Dwan in the second row. He was a Beerwah junior back in the day and has returned to the club from Mackay this season. He’s been our most consistent performer, as he tops the tackle count almost every week, runs a great line and doesn’t shy away from anything.”
Nut trucker: “It would still have to be Daniel ‘DK’ Kidd even though he’s only played two games. He’s our senior middle that knows what needs to be done every week.”
X-Factor: “I’d say our centre Sam Humphreys. I don’t know what it is but the bloke finds the try line somehow and he’s got this weird swerve about him. He’s the most underrated centre in the competition but also the best because everything he does shocks me. He’s having one of the best seasons I’ve seen him play so far.”
Rising star: “One bloke from the Falcons Mal Meninga squad that’s only just returned is Jackson Kite. He captained them this year and you can tell the leadership he had there is something he's brought back to clubland. He’s returned in really strong form and his game against Caboolture was by far the best game I’ve seen him play. He’s still a teenager but is a big body and I’m pretty excited to see how he’ll go for the rest of the year.”
Try scoring freak: “I think Sam Fullerton would be top of the try scorers list again. He finished on top last season and he’s just got that ability as a big winger to jump over bloke or burn them. When you put the ball up in the air he comes down down with it most of the time which is good to see.”
Biggest pest: “This is an easy one for me, Damian Forde-Hurrell. He’s a pest on the field, off the field, wherever and especially after he’s had two rums.”
STANLEY RIVER WOLVES
Co-Captains: Kane Zalewski and Taylor Brown
Current position: 7th (1 win, 3 losses, 1 draw)
The Wolves are the new kids on the block in 2024 and after a big off-season have begun their campaign in respectable circumstances.
“I think to be honest for us we have been in every game, except for the Caboolture one, up to our eyeballs,” Brown said.
“I’ve taken a lot of confidence from these first few rounds that we certainly have the cattle to win a lot more of those games as we look to ice those key moments a bit better.
“I think we’ve used nearly 30 players so far in our A-grade team and it’s only been five rounds so once we find some consistency and get some injured legs back on the park we’re going to shock a lot of teams towards the back end of the year.”
The Woodford-based outfit opened their season with three straight home games but ironically snagged their first ladder points with a win over Kawana away.
“Every single side has been really tough in their own regard. Coolum and Nambour were really good and Noosa somewhat surprised us in round two with how physical they were through the middle of the field,” he said.
“Every side has been tough as there’s certainly no weeks you can just roll in and expect to be okay.”
Gun Recruit: “Our best recruit would far and away be Ben King. There’s no real surprise that he’s stood out given he’s a proven performer at the Queensland Cup level and at the moment he’s by far the best middle forward in the competition.”
Nut trucker: “It would honestly be Ben King again. He does all the hard work in the middle and goes for the full 80 minutes, non-stop.”
X-Factor: “I believe Daemon Cruise will be our x-factor. Once we get a little bit more consistency in our halves and in our football side as a whole, Cruisey should shine.”
Rising star: “I’d say Daniel Brooks who has played a fair bit of reserve grade and is having his first season in A-grade. He has been sensational for us so far this season and I think there’s a few guys in the competition that would attest to how strong he’s been.”
Try scoring freak: “That’s a tough one because we haven't put too many teams together where we’ve had everyone available but I think Sam Leach would be one. Once he’s fully fit and back on the park he’d be a guy to go pretty close to the top of that try scoring leaderboard.”
Biggest pest: “On the field our biggest pest is Adam Otter by far.”
CABOOLTURE SNAKES
Captain: Tim Tupou
Current position: 8th (2 wins, 4 losses, 0 draws)
It’s been an up and down start to the season for the Snakes but former Brisbane Rugby League star and captain Tim Tupou is positive his side is still in with a shot.
“Being around this new team I can see we just haven't gelled yet and that’s because of injuries and the team changing each week,” he said.
“In regards to the competition coming from Brisbane I always heard the Sunshine Coast competition was a bit weaker but I honestly think it’s very close.
“A lot of people at the moment are writing us off because of our record but don’t sleep on us because when we click we’ll be hard to stop.”
Gun Recruit: “It’s hard for me because I’m new to the club but Alex Crust has come from BRL as well so he’s been solid and some others would include Steve Reynolds in the middle and Josh Jansen at the back.”
Nut trucker: “There’s been a few but the two that come to mind would be Alex Crust and Hayden Evans.”
X-Factor: “One of our Falcons recruits Harry McIndoe has been insane since being with us and the other would be Logan Puohotaua. He was playing in the halves at the start, then went to hooker and then to fullback more recently which looks to be his spot. He’s a real gamebreaker.”
Rising star: “We’ve had a lot of under-19s playing for us and one guy that stands out is Casino Williams. He’s back from Falcons and is definitely one to watch for the future along with Tyler McGoldrick as well.”
Try scoring freak: “I think it depends on how many games he plays for us but Harry McIndoe definitely and Logan Puohotaua too. I think if he can keep playing in those key roles and around the footy he can find the line.”
Biggest pest: “I think if you were to ask the boys they would probably say me. No matter how serious Jamie (Floss) is at training I’m always trying to make little jokes and keep the boys upbeat.”
KAWANA DOLPHINS
Captain: Luke McBeth
Current position: 9th (1 win, 4 losses, 1 draw)
After a number of players hanging up the boots or exiting the club after last season’s grand final appearance, it hasn’t been the ideal start for new Dolphins coach Chris Corbett and his side.
Kawana recorded a win in round one and a draw in round two but have since suffered four straight losses with an average points scored of two converted tries.
“It hasn’t been the start we were looking for but the signs are there that we’ve got good performances in us, we just haven't put it all together yet,” McBeth said.
“We were good in round one but then silly errors, penalties and setbacks at crucial times have been our biggest undoing.
“We haven't been able to put the same side on the paddock each week either which obviously hurts so if we can start to string some games together it’ll go a long way.”
Gun Recruit: “That’s a tough one but Jack Heyman at fullback has been pretty good for us. He’s only new to the Sunshine Coast but has shown solid potential.”
Nut trucker: “That would have to be Kaleb Sutton. He just goes all day which has been massive for us and Sam Reid would be very close behind him.”
X-Factor: “Would have to be one of our backs out wide and I’d go with Lodoviko Cokanauto who has missed a few weeks but brings plenty of flair to us.”
Rising star: “Jordan Cox would be one. He missed the first few weeks but this would be his first full season in A-grade and I’ve been impressed with how he’s performed so far.”
Try scoring freak: “We’ve had a pretty even spread so far this season so I don’t think I could pinpoint one player.”
Biggest pest: “That’d be Jackson Russell for sure.”
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