Sunshine Coast rugby league finals top players to watch from Beerwah, Kawana, Noosa, Maroochydore and Caboolture

Who are the Coast rugby league’s most influential players and what did the coaches have to say about them. SEE THE LIST

The Sunshine Coast 2021 rugby league season is approaching the pointy end with finals of the men’s division one competition getting underway on Saturday.

The leagues top five teams of Kawana Dolphins, Noosa Pirates, Caboolture Snakes and the Maroochydore Swans will compete in the elimination finals matches this weekend with top of the table Beerwah Bulldogs progressing straight through to the semi finals.

With four teams sitting on 10 wins for the season and only eight points separating the top five, this year’s competition is set to be a nail biter.

The Sunshine Coast Daily caught up with the teams’ head coaches to find out which players have been standouts for their team this season and which players are ones to keep an eye on heading into the finals.

Maroochydore Swans (head coach Dennis Moore)

Maroochydore Swans winger Luke Barton in a rugby league match against Nambour.

Luke Barton – Winger/Fullback

“Luke has definitely been an unsung hero of us this season,” Moore said.

“Like all of our top players he’s another one that’s been very consistent and has been able to perform well across the park.”

Lachlan Price – Hooker

Lachlan Price in a match for Maroochydore against Caloundra.

“He’s another player who has been one of our more consistent players this season,” Moore said.

“His ability to direct the boys around the park has been good and his attack is something that he has really amped up over the past few weeks.

“His goal kicking is always good and it’s another reason for our teams’ strong performances.”

Will Solway – Prop

“Every single carry is strong and he always produces solid metres,” Moore said.

“He’s a strong point of attack for our team and has been very consistent across the entire season.”

Noosa Pirates (head coach Brett Winkler)

Noosa Pirates player Kurtis Shayler looking for support as he makes a break in the defensive teams line. Picture: Patrick Woods

Kurtis Shayler – Centre

“A lot of our outside backs have been really influential for us this season and one of those is Kurtis,” Winkler said.

“He’s been damaging when our boys get close to the line and has created a number of opportunities for those around him as well.”

Alex Copelin at a training session with the Sunshine Coast Falcon.

Alex Copelin – Centre

“Alex is another player who has put in a number of solid performances this year,” Winkler said.

“He’s very strong with the ball in his hands and his ability to take on defenders one-on-one has been great.”

Hayden Trask – Hooker

“Hayden has been our most consistent player this season and is a great leader on the field too,” Winkler said.

“He’s been great at organising our boys no matter where we are on the field which always sets us up quite well.”

Seaton Reid meets the fans after a Pirates the Legends of League game.

Seaton Reid – Five-eight

“Seaton has been really strong for us this season and is another one who is most influential when he has the ball in his hands,” Winkler said.

“His attacking flair has been great and to top it off his goal kicking is always reliable.”

Beerwah Bulldogs (coaching staff member Jamie Maliko)

Beerwah Bulldogs player Jamie Newton has been a key reason for his teams success this season.

Jamie Newton – Second Row

“He’s arguably our hardest worker each and every week,” Maliko said.

“His dedication is a massive reason for our teams success so far.”

Sam Fa’apito in action for the New Zealand Residents rugby league team.

Sam Fa’apito – Wing

“He’s an absolute try scoring machine,” Maliko said.

“Whenever he gets the ball in an attacking position he’s clinical at creating something.”

Melino Fineanganofo – Centre

“He’s quality in both attack and defence,” Maliko said.

“He creates opportunities for those around him and has been a solid player for out team this year.”

Kawana Dolphins (head coach Andrew Hinson)

Tom Sly – Centre

“He’s been our top try scorer this season which has helped us immensely,” Hinson said.

“He’s very much an attacking weapon and has great footwork close to the line.”

Kawana Dolphins player Sam Wright has been a driving force behind his teams success this season. Photo Lachie Millard

Sam Wright – Five-eight

“Sam has been really good in attack for us this season,” Hinson said.

“He’s a dangerous player when he gets his hands on the ball.”

Devlin Long – Hooker

“He’s been really strong defensively for us all year,” Hinson said.

“His work in the middle has been really good and has worked alongside the forwards and the backs really well.”

Caboolture Snakes (head coach Mark Carstens)

Sunshine Coast Falcons Colts player Mateus Chankay in action against the Burleigh Bears,

Mateus Chankay – Hooker

“Mateus has been a real quiet achiever for us this year,” Carstens said.

“He’s been playing some really good footy and plays well above his weight in the middle of the field too.”

Jackson Moule – Five-eight

“Jackson has been a standout performer for us this season,” Carstens said.

“He’s been really good in attack and defence for us and his leadership off the back of that has been great.”

Jake Tyler – Lock

“Jake is our captain and has been really good for us on and off the field this season,” Carstens said.

“He has really set the standard for our team this year and his performances have backed that up each week.”