Sunshine Coast Falcons reveal top Mal Meninga Cup players for 2022
Sunshine Coast Falcons and Mal Meninga Cup head coach Danny Gray has revealed his teams breakout players ahead of the 2022 season. See the full list:
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With the Sunshine Coast Falcons producing and developing a number of elite NRL talent over the years, Mal Meninga Cup head coach Danny Gray has revealed his team’s standout players ahead of the 2022 season.
More than 100 players from Gympie to Caboolture took part in pre-season trials as coaches selected their top 30 ahead of their first match on March 5.
Gray said he was proud of the squad he and his coaching staff assembled.
“The squad’s really good and we’re really happy with how strong and how much depth we have across the board,” he said.
Gray said he was looking forward this season.
“A goal of ours is to play finals footy but for us it’s more about development and helping shape these kids for what’s coming next,” he said.
“Whether that be under 21s, local a-grade, the Hostplus Cup or even NRL it’s just about getting them ready and getting them as far along as we can so that they’re in a good position moving forward.”
With the likes of NRL stars Jahrome Hughes, Harry Grant, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Tino Fa‘asuamaleaui and Daly Cherry-Evans pulling on the black and gold over the years, we’ve taken a look at who is the Sunshine Coast’s next generation of elite rugby league talent.
Falcons ‘next generation’ stars
Jack Underhill
“Jack is a front rower and a quality kid that has signed a development contract with the Melbourne Storm,” Gray said.
“He’d definitely be one of the fittest forwards in our squad and that shows every time he runs the ball.
“It’s good having him grind out metres when needed and he works really hard in his effort areas.”
Mason Kira
“Mason’s a middle and edge backrower that is a really strong defender and a damaging ball carrier,” Gray said.
“He’s also signed a development contract with the Melbourne Storm and is a really good kid to have in the group.
“He’s highly focused when needed but he’s also got a good sense of humour and gets along with all the boys really well.”
Brooklenn Mundraby-Grogan
“Brooky is a very electric type player and no doubt he’d be one of the quickest players in the competition,” Gray said.
“He plays fullback or wing and is a classy finisher that uses his instincts on the field to the best of his ability.
“He’s another that’s signed a development contract with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.”
Chase Paterson
“Chase is a middle and edge player that is really good in his effort areas,” Gray said.
“He’s got a really high work rate and is an aggressive player that doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff.
“He’s signed a development contract with the Melbourne Storm.”
Jayden Smith
“Jayden is a really skilful backrower who takes real pride in his ball running and rugby league IQ,” Gray said.
“He could easily play in the halves and shows his aggression and effort wherever it’s needed.
“The boys gave him a bit of stick earlier on when he was mistakenly identified as Brandon Smith’s younger brother but he just shares the exact same name as Brandon’s real brother who plays in Brisbane.
“He’s signed a development contract with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.”
Tully McLellan
“Tully will play as our halfback this year and he’s signed a development contract with the Melbourne Storm,” Gray said.
“He’s a really smart player on and off the ball and a very good talker and organiser for the team.
“To top it off he’s got a great kicking game which I can only see getting better this season.”
Dyllan Cousens
“Dyllan is your typical high workrate hooker but he also has some real x-factor about his game,” Gary said.
“He’s instinctive and likes to run in attack but is also very good defensively.
“He puts in a lot of work and does plenty of tidy-up stuff which we really liked as it can sometimes go unnoticed from the general spectator.”
Brock Thomas
“Brock’s a really hard running front rower,” Gray said.
“He’s signed a development contract with the Newcastle Knights and his skills will only grow this season.
“There’s a lot to like about Brocky who just is an all-round solid forward.”
Jett Thorpe-Elich
“Jett is a bit of a utility player who is one of the guys that we think is really going to progress over the next 12 to 18 months,” Gray said.
“He could play five-eight, back row, lock and even in the centres if we needed him to.
“He’s a very smart, hardworking player that has solid communication skills and the boys really enjoy playing alongside him.”
Mitchell Jennings
“Mitch will predominantly play as a centre for us but he can definitely play in the back row as well,” Gray said.
“He’s an exciting talent that is a really powerful and incredibly strong ball carrier.
“He’s aggressive all over the field in both attack and defence.”
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