Former All Black reveals Sunshine Coast Grammar‘s top players for 2022

Former All Blacks rugby union star Hosea Gear has revealed which of his Sunshine Coast Grammar School players will be the ones to watch in 2022. See the full list:

Sunshine Coast Grammar will look to continue its strong rugby union dominance with former All Blacks winger and senior head coach Hosea Gear revealing the standout players ahead of the 2022 season.

With the likes of Wallabies’ halfback Tate McDermott, Melbourne Rebels’ fly half Carter Gordon and junior Wallabies Louis Werchon and Mason Gordon all previously representing Grammar, it’s clear to see why the school has lifted the Division 1 Garth Hunt Shield nine times in the past 10 years.

Gear said he was proud of the work and pathways Grammar had provided to its players.

“I think a lot of work has gone in obviously before I arrived in regards to creating opportunities for those players with their skill level and their development,” he said

“One thing I’ve seen on the Sunshine Coast is that rugby union isn't the dominant sport so I guess we’re lucky and fortunate to have a good program in place to try and push those boys to higher representative levels.”

Elite rugby union players Mason Gordon, Carter Gordon, Tate McDermott and Louis Werchon. Pictures: Getty Images’ Bradley Kanaris, Anthony Au-Yeung, Martin Keep and QRU Brendan Hertel.

He said more effort was being used to retain the region's top talent.

“A lot of rugby union programs are based at those bigger private schools down south so for us to be able to create something where we can develop our players and get them noticed without having to go to those bigger schools is great,” Gear said.

“We’re very lucky to see some of that work already pay off and we’re in a good position going forward.”

Sunshine Coast Grammar rugby union head coach and former All Blacks star Hosea Gear. Pictures: Patrick Hamilton/Eddie Franklin

Grammar will kick off its 2022 campaign on Saturday, April 2, as it look to defend the Ballymore Cup title.

Gear said he was looking forward to the season.

“We’ve lost a lot of players from last year, which happens at schoolboy level, so we’re at a bit of a rebuilding stage and focused on bringing through these younger players,” he said.

“We’re still looking to compete but for me it’s about focusing on development and challenging them to ensure their continuing to grow not only as players but as young men.”

In no particular order the Daily has revealed Grammar’s top rugby union talents to keep an eye on in 2022.

Sunshine Coast Grammar’s ‘next generation’ stars

Finlay Harris (fullback)

“Finlay is very quick and very nippy at fullback for us,” Gear said.

“It’s great to have him join the backline off a set piece or even when he gets the ball with some room to move as he can be quite explosive.

“He’s one player that I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes.”

Sam Human (number eight)

“Sam was the captain of the under 15s last year and will look to carry over his already dynamic game to the first 15,” Gear said.

“He has really good leadership qualities, is very hard working and turns up with a good attitude every single training session.”

Dougal McLeod (inside centre)

“Dougal can play number 10 or 12 which is really handy for us,” Gear said.

“He has good ball skills so his ability to slot into either position whenever required is great and will fill the same roll this year.”

Joshua Barlow (hooker/prop - vice-captain)

“Josh missed the whole season last year due to injury but can play anywhere in the front row which is a huge bonus,” Gear said.

“He has some great leadership qualities and will be very good on and off the ball for our forward pack.”

Blake Miller (outside centre)

“Blakey is a real athlete who is very quick,” Gear said.

“He was a standout player for the under 15s last year so very excited to see how he goes at the first 15 level this year.”

Finn Prass (fly half)

“Finn has gone from strength to strength these past few seasons and his skill level controlling the backline is arguably some of the best in Queensland for his age,” Gear said.

“There’s still more to come from Finn and we’re expecting big things this year.”

Prass is coming off a highly successful 2021 after being selected in the U18 Australian A merit side and the U16 Queensland Maroon team.

Kihan Scherman (lock/number eight)

“Kihan is another younger player who is making the step up this year,” Gear said.

“He’s quite versatile in that back row which is a good thing to have but we’re hoping to lock down his preferred position and really see him excel.”

Luke Aiken (halfback)

“Luke was our halfback last year, and will fill that same role again this year and still has another year to go with us which is very exciting,” Gear said.

“He’s very calm and collected at the ruck and works really well with Finn so it will be interesting to see how he develops alongside our other flyhalfs.”

Aiken was also apart of the Queensland Maroon U16 rugby union team in 2021.

Zane Glanville has been identified as a player to watch for his Sunshine Coast Grammar rugby union team in 2022. Picture: Eddie Franklin

Zane Glanville (fly half)

“Zane is currently in the under 15s but is an exciting talent who has been training with the seniors all year,” Gear said.

“He’s a player for the future and one we hope to develop further, while also passing on his skills to the younger players.”

Zac Nichol (inside centre)

“Zac is another who was a standout player in the under 15s but has recently had a run in with injuries,” Gear said.

“He has good skills so I’m really looking forward to seeing how he develops and how he carries himself on the field with the older boys.”

Nate Hepi (prop)

“Nate was someone who was keen to play in the first 15 last year so he has strong areas of his game but also areas we can grow further,” Gear said.

“I’m interested to see how he goes against quality opposition.”