SCRU: A-grade 2025 season preview, players to watch, key gains and losses.

Ahead of round 1 this weekend, every Sunshine Coast A-grade head coach has revealed their key ins and outs, players to watch and aims for 2025. Read the full season preview.

Sunshine Coast rugby union 2025 season preview. Pictures: Patrick Woods, Michael Bell Photography, Facebook.

Ahead of round 1 this weekend, every Sunshine Coast A-grade rugby union head coach has revealed their key gains and losses, players to watch and why they’ll be competitive in 2025.

Noosa will head into the season looking to defend their 2024 premiership title with a number of competing clubs hot on their heels.

The competition will also welcome two new head coaches across the seven team league.

“We’re looking forward to another great season,” Sunshine Coast Rugby Union General Manager Mike Aronsten said.

“Our women’s and Friday night competitions have expanded and last year’s A-grade competition was extremely competitive and positive for the region.

“Any of the teams could’ve made up the top four and it was an absolute cracker of a grand final.”

Sunshine Coast Rugby Union general manager Mike Aronsten. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Aronsten said he was also looking forward to five specific rounds throughout the season.

“One other thing that we’ve initiated for the first time this season is five different rounds throughout the year where two clubs will play all of their fixtures at the one venue," he said.

“We’ve never done it before and it’s a complex thing to work out but the first one will take place on Anzac Day where Noosa will host all opposition Brothers teams from seniors and juniors.

“It should be a great day of footy from sunrise to sunset.”

Before the A-grade competition gets underway, see the full season preview.

NOOSA

Head Coach: Jim McKay

Captain: Levi Shaw

2024 Result: Premiers (9 wins, 3 losses, 11 bonus points)

Former Queensland Reds assistant coach Jim McKay set foot on a new adventure last season, helping the Dolphins hit the reset button and bring a fresh, fun culture to their senior squads.

McKay helped Noosa re-emerge from the wilderness, winning the grand final 30-28 over University.

“Last season was great but now we’re just staying steady,” McKay said.

“We didn’t start our pre-season until February which has worked well and the guys have been focused on the year ahead.

“It’s a bit of a new group so we want to be competitive but we also want to enjoy each other’s company and come together as a team.”

New Noosa Dolphins head coach Jim McKay. Picture: Eddie Franklin

Key ins: Drew Narbey-Nimeti (Otorohanga, NZ), Albert Polu (Hutt Old Boys Eagles, NZ), Harry Wright (Taunton, UK), Ben Walker (Ilkley, UK), Sonny Uaua (Southern RFC, NZ), Tai Ford (Surfers Paradise) and Kegan Tuhega (Caboolture).

Key outs: Jock Hansson (Warringah Rats), Pala Mailangi (Norths), Gideon Kautai (UQ) and John Davey (year off).

Players to watch:

• Ben Walker: A talented outside back or no. 15 that brings great attacking flair and speed to the Dolphins backline.
• Tai Ford: A talented Queensland Country representative that will offer plenty of ‘go forward’ from number eight and will be a threat at the breakdown.

What excites you the most?

“No one has been too caught up in what we achieved last season. We’re focused on each week and what I like the most is we still have a fair few core Noosa juniors in our side. They have worked through the grades and take so much pride in pulling on the jersey each week. They were massive for us last season and their leadership has already started to rub off on the fresh faces to our squad this season which is pleasing to see.”

UNIVERSITY

Head Coach: Brad Tronc

Captain: Luke Kimber

2024 Result: 2nd (8 wins, 4 losses, 12 bonus points)

After three straight titles the curtain came to close by the narrowest of margins in 2024 but anyone writing off the Barbarians would be pretty stupid.

“It’s a different feel to last season, there’s a lot of new faces and a lot of fresh energy at the club,” he said.

“Everyone is willing to work hard, they’ve formed a good mateship and bond pretty quickly so it is a shame our trial was washed out and we’ve got a first round bye but we’ve got all year to do that I suppose.”

USC Barbarians head coach Brad Tronc. Picture: Nicola Anne Photography.

Key ins: Olly Willis (Exeter, UK), Aaron Borland (Cambridge, UK), Landry Bezombes (Proserpine Raiders) and Shaquille Rangi (returning from injury).

Key outs: Michael Cocks (Retired), James Wairau (Nerang Bulls), Daniel Ramsay and Charlie McGovern (Overseas).

Players to watch:

• Josh Mostert: With Michael Cocks hanging up the boots Mostert is primed to take his opportunity in the Barbarians forward pack. The talented flanker has been at the club for a little while now with Tronc labelling him ‘the best seven not to be playing A-grade last season’.
• Landry Bezombes: A talented utility back that represented the Queensland Country Heelers side in 2024. With the tournament being held on the Sunshine Coast, Bezombes fell in love with the region and has now joined the Barbarians.
• Shaquille Rangi: Was a standout in 2023 when the Barbarians clinched their third straight A-grade title before missing last season with injury. Has returned in great order and looks set for a big 2025 season.
• Levi Wairau, Jacob Pinkney, Colby Mason and Luke Kimber: All regulars for USC that bring so much quality to the field every week and will be key players again this season.

What excites you the most?

“It really is a year of opportunity. The chance is there for a lot of players to play A-grade this season which hasn’t been the case in recent years as we’ve been able to retain so well. The pressure is off, we’re not the reigning premiers any more so I suppose the target has been moved back to Noosa. That’s also a fairly good thing for us to be relieved of.”

MAROOCHYDORE

Head Coach: Simon Lewis

Captain: Isaac Talbot

2024 Result: 3rd (8 wins, 4 losses, 9 bonus points)

After a rollercoaster 2023 season, Lewis got a full year under his belt in 2024 and has returned again as his side look to stick around in the top four.

“We’ve had solid numbers in our pre-season, we will face some availability issues in the first few rounds but after we get through that I think we’re going to have a very good forward pack,” he said.

“We’ve got some young players coming through that are either fresh out of school or not too long out of school so there is one eye on the future of the club as well.”

Maroochydore Swans A-grade side coach Simon Lewis. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Key ins: Tye James (Souths)

Key outs: Harry McMahon (Eastern Suburbs)

Players to watch:

• Isaac Talbot: A true leader with plenty of representative experience, Talbot adds so much to the Swans pack and looks a step ahead of most opposition players.
• Mitch Schneider: Was a standout forward in last year's competition, dominating in the lineout and at the breakdown from second row. Will no doubt be important again this season.
• Jarvis Wood: A rising young gun that will be having his first crack at senior footy this year from fly half. Wood, a former Chancellor State College student brings with him a good junior representative background and touch footy IQ.
• Tye James: The Maroochydore Junior returns to his boyhood club after a handful of years playing in the Brisbane Premier Grade competition. James is a talented, tall outside back that brings plenty of flair and speed.

What excites you the most?

“I think in key positions across the field we are looking pretty good. Our availability and depth will be a focus point but we’re not the only club to have that problem I don’t think. If we get going forward we’ve got some pretty entertaining backs so hopefully it’s good to watch.”

BROTHERS

Head Coach: Darren Tahu

Captain: Noah Brogden

2024 Result: 4th (6 wins, 6 losses, 9 bonus points)

In their first two season in the top flight competition, Brothers have stormed as serious threats with successive top four finishes.

The Kawana-based club provided rollercoaster results in 2024 but are poised to go to another level this season.

“It’s been a long pre-season for us but our numbers have been really strong, our culture has taken another step in the right direction and any new players have fit in really well,” he said.

Sunshine Coast Brothers A-Grade head coach Darren Tahu. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Key ins: Matt Gain (New Zealand) and Clarke Towers (New Zealand).

Key outs: Damien Scott (Western Australia) and Hamish Hendry (Brisbane).

Players to watch:

• Matt Gain: A new experienced recruit from New Zealand, Gain is a talented and aggressive flanker that will be a solid addition to Brothers and the wider competition.
• Clarke Towers: Another New Zealand recruit, Towers will slot in at fullback for Brothers bringing with him plenty of energy, standards and flair to their backline.

What excites you the most?

“Our depth is really exciting. It’s our third year in the top competition now so we’ve been able to build on our positional depth each season. It’s also another year under the belt for our younger players who are now in their third season of senior rugby. That’s a real big win for us as they mature and hold their ground against the better players of the competition.”

CALOUNDRA

Head Coach: Steve Peters

Captain: Kaan Askew

2024 Result: 5th (5 wins, 7 losses, 12 bonus points)

After a grand final appearance in 2023, Caloundra slipped out of the top four last season and will bring a new approach to the 2025 season.

Peters, a former head coach of Souths in the Shute Shield, takes over from Dan Atkins as head coach this season after serving as an assistant coach since 2022.

“The efforts that the players have put in and how professional they’ve all been has been really positive,” he said.

“We’ve tried to take a bit more of a professional approach from the coaching staff down and the boys have responded really well.”

Caloundra head coach Steve Peters. Picture: Adrian Bell Photography.

Key ins: Mark Edwards (Ireland), Luke Fitzgerald (Ireland), James Te Pairi (UQ), Lachie Kerr (Wests), Blake Enever (Returning), Jayden Green (GPS), Will Tanzer (Caboolture) and Sam Human (Sunshine Coast Grammar).

Key outs: Jake Helgesen, Manu Vi and Danny Tabuakuru.

Players to watch:

• James Te Pairi: Brings NPC and Premier Rugby experience to the club as a talented centre. Will be a key attacking and defensive threat this season.
• Blake Enever and Jono Hayes: Both older players that lead from the front and add to the Lighthouse culture on and off the field.
• Kaan Askew: Will take on the captaincy this year as the Lighthouse look to refresh their approach to the competition. Askew was a standout in the 2024 season and has continued his impressive demeanour throughout the pre-season.
• Sam Human and Jayden Green: Two younger players that are still finding their feet but will be pivotal for Caloundra and should grow in confidence as the season progresses.

What excites you the most?

“They’ll be a lot fitter this year than they have been and we’ve also put a focus on injury prevention. Blake (Enever) and Phil (Burleigh) have joined me as coaches and they’ve been huge already but we haven’t tried to overcoach the players. We’ve put them in situations and let them learn and respond as a group so hopefully that pays dividends as

we progress through the season.”

WYNNUM

Head Coach: Bill Leal

Captain: Alex Sinclair

2024 Result: 6th (4 wins, 8 losses, 14 bonus points)

Since arriving at the club in 2021, Leal has had a huge impact on the Bugs and will return as head coach again in 2025.

Wynnum picked up the most bonus points of any side in 2024 and despite finishing in sixth place, they had a negative points differential of just two converted tries and missed out on a top four spot by just three points.

Leal said his side had bought a new look mentality throughout the pre-season.

“The thing we asked at the start and what we’ve had throughout has been the player-led standards,” Leal said.

“It’s something that let us down last year but the players have taken great ownership so far and we’ve already seen a big shift.”

Key ins: Connor Rolfe (new to union)

Key outs: Tom Crowley (Toowoomba), Conrad Skelton (ACL) and Tyrees Wilson (Overseas).

Players to watch:

• Max Welsh: Was a fringe player in 2024 but is really banging on the door this season and has made a nice impression through the pre-season.
• Liam Jenkins, Darcy Leo and Patty Sullivan: Three former Colts players that are making the jump to senior footy this season and have already presented with plenty of promise.
• Savili Petelo: Has been around for a number of years but will again be a damaging threat at the ruck and in space.

What excites you the most?

“The player-led sessions, standards and hopefully game day approach is the most exciting aspect for us. The feedback we’re hearing on the field is really positive and the less coaching I have to do the better.”

CABOOLTURE

Head Coach: John Flew

Captain: Jake Harvey

2024 Result: 7th (2 wins, 10 losses, 4 bonus points)

Snake’s stalwart John Flew will return to the role of head coach for the first time since 2022 where he served as a player coach.

After a few tough seasons in recent years Flew said he was eager to see what his side could achieve in 2025.

“The club has gone through a bit of a transitional period and now we’re really just trying to get back to the DNA that makes up the Caboolture Snakes,” Flew said.

“Good young group of guys, there’s about seven or eight guys that have played a lot of footy together over the years so they’re a big focus point and a building block.”

Key ins: Jarrod Leigh (Brighton Roosters, BRL)

Key outs: Kegan Tuhega (Noosa) and Will Tanzer (Caloundra).

Players to watch:

• Sam Hoffman: A crafty number nine that has been in and around the Snakes system for a while after graduating from their Colts side and getting a handful of A-grade matches under his belt already. Understands what it takes to compete at a senior level and is starting to hit his straps each week.
• Jake Harvey: Another younger player that has risen through the grades and will captain the Snakes this season. Has been on the back of some harsh years but has stuck fat and leads from the front in style.
• Matt Morphett: Was in and out of the side last season but has committed full-time for 2025 and will be a key cog each week.

What excites you the most?

“Caboolture is known for being hard and having that mongrel and we’ve got a bunch of guys that aren’t afraid of going into contact or making contact. While we haven’t put a heap of work into our defensive patterns, the boys have been going really hard at training. Everyone’s getting comfortable in the uncomfortable, which is exciting to see.”