SCRU: A-grade 2025 round eleven team of the week

A performance of the season from a star second rower headlines the round 11 Sunshine Coast A-grade rugby union team of the week as well as a snappy fly half, damaging prop forward and rising front row star. See who made the cut.

Sunshine Coast rugby union round 11 team of the week. Pictures: Nicola Anne Photography, Carl West, Adrian Bell, Paige Turrisi and Blooming Light Images.

The battle for a spot in the finals is almost decided with just four rounds to play of the regular season.

A win for Caloundra see them stay at the top of the table on 40 points, followed by University on 34 and Noosa on 30.

Brothers and Maroochydore are tied on 23 points in fourth and fifth spot although the Swans have played one less match.

The best part is, both teams will meet each other on Saturday when Brothers get back to their home ground.

Wynnum will play Caboolture as they search for their second win of the season while Noosa host University. See which players stood tall in round 11.

SCRU RD 11 TOTW

1. Joe VanBuskirk (Brothers)

Brothers player Joe VanBuskirk (middle). Picture: Paige Turrisi.

After some solid performances off the bench, VanBuskirk was in line for his first full 80 minute stint of the season on Saturday and the barging prop didn’t disappoint.

Took plenty of big carries and big shots to lead the way for his pack.

2. Lincoln Payne (Maroochydore)

Maroochydore rising stars Lincoln Payne, Patrick Edwards and Jarvis Wood.

After finishing up with the Queensland II Schoolboys side at the Australian Championships on Thursday, Payne slotted straight back into the Swans line-up.

He just keeps getting better and better and showed plenty of class as a mobile hooker with pace in the legs.

3. Lachlan Moffat (Maroochydore)

Maroochydore Swans players Mitch Schneider, Lachlan Moffat, Ian Filipo and Nathan Baughan. Picture: Carl West Photography.

Went down narrowly to Caloundra in a tough and gritty match but Moffat was the Swans leader through the middle of the park.

He started at loose-head before switching to tight-head when Swans captain Isaac Talbot went off injured.

Moffat played out the full 80 minutes, inspiring his forwards in a tight contest.

4. Will Kleinschmidt (University)

Will Kleinschmidt runs out for the University Barbarians. Picture: Nicola Anne Photography.

The big second rower had his best game of the year against Wynnum at home in round 11.

Carried really well, showed his short passing game, supported his forwards and was everywhere at the breakdown.

5. Gabriele Venditti (Caloundra)

Continues to dominate any and all opposition with unlimited carries, tackles and set piece efforts.

Was very strong and enjoyed the tight, scrappy work all game.

6. Kai Grimley (Wynnum)

Wynnum Bugs player Kai Grimley. Picture: Blooming Light Images.

Played open side flanker for the Bugs where despite a lob-sided scoreline Grimley was their best on the park.

He’s been a true shining light this season.

7. Kaan Askew (Caloundra)

Caloundra captain Kaan Askew in action. Picture: Adrian Bell Photography.

The Lighthouse captain took pleasure in a great defensive battle against the Swans in round 11 with countless chop tackles and turnovers.

Was very vocal and controlled the flow of the game as best as possible.

8. Richard Faasisila (Brothers)

Got Brothers going forward with plenty of big runs but the most impressive part of his game was his offloads and connecting with the backs in open play.

Thrived in open space and really stamped his feet on the match.

9. Levi Wairau (University)

Levi Wairau and Josh Mostert celebrate for USC Barbarians. Picture: Nicola Anne Photography.

Back to back selections for the Barbarians halfback who was full of energy once again and was allowed to tuck the ball and go himself against Wynnum.

Scored a hat trick and his overall service was top class.

10. Mac Burgess (Caloundra)

Caloundra rugby union player Mac Burgess. Picture: Facebook.

Was Caloundra’s best against the Swans but had his work cut out for him in a tough, gritty defensive battle.

Burgess, and captain Askew, did their best at controlling the pace of the game but Burgess picked his moments really well with some good attacking and wide play.

11. Charlie Bruce (Maroochydore)

Played outside centre for the Swans but earns a place in the team for his work on both sides of the ball.

Bruce carried strongly and defended like a trojan all game.

12. James Simpson-Te Pairi (Caloundra)

Caloundra player James Simpson-Te Pairi in action. Picture: Adrian Bell Photography.

Just strong and clinical for Caloundra as he has been for the majority of the season.

Linked-up well with his backline and took on the Swans defence with strong, one-man carries.

13. Levi Trivett (Brothers)

Played very direct which is what Brothers needed on Saturday but Trivett’s strong defensive effort and robust work at the breakdown is what stood out.

He was a powerhouse all game through the middle of the field.

14. Sisa Junior (University)

University player Junior Sisa in action. Picture: Nicola Anne Photography.

The Barbarians unit was at his dominant best on Saturday, playing a career best game in the green jersey.

Junior crossed for four tries of his own and was moved into the forwards with 20 minutes to play which he relished.

15. Colby Mason (University)

University Barbarians player Colby Mason kicking for goal. Picture: Nicola Anne Photography.

Played at outside centre but you could honestly put him anywhere on the field and he’d do a job with the form he is in at the moment.

Was as strong as ever against Wynnum and converted at 100 per cent accuracy when adding the extra two.

Honourable Mentions: Tom McKee (University), Maloni Latailakepa (Caboolture), Sinamoni Maama (Caboolture) and Steve Panipasa (Caboolture).