Sunshine Coast rugby union 2023 season preview
Sunshine Coast rugby union men’s and women’s head coaches have revealed their 2023 season aims, competition predictions and key players to watch ahead of round one.
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The Sunshine Coast rugby union season is just days away with a number of fresh faced recruits, battle hardened veterans and new teams ready to make their mark on the senior competition.
The 2023 season begins on April 21 with the Sunshine Coast Cup before the men’s and women’s a-grade and reserve grade competitions kick off on Saturday, April 22.
Both divisions will see Brothers field their inaugural men’s teams following their success in the Sunshine Coast Cup in 2022.
The Nambour Toads will look to defend their 2022 women’s premiership while the USC Barbarians are hoping to make it three grand final victories in a row.
The Daily caught up with each team’s head coach to find out how pre-season had gone, their 2023 aims, competition predictions and which players they believe are ones to keep an eye on.
Men’s A-Grade
NOOSA DOLPHINS
Head Coach: Paul Robson
Captain: Levi Shaw
2022 Result: Fourth
Pre-Season Takeaways: “Basically I’ve got rid of the old and bought in all of the new. The boys have really responded well to it and I can feel a really good vibe from the squad. I think they’re really looking forward to the season, I’d say we’ve probably got the youngest side in the competition with some new boys coming in from overseas but also around Queensland. It’s all been positive so far and I just can’t wait for the season to start.”
Season Aim: “Expectations for me is always to win the grand final. I used to be a coach in the Brisbane league so I know what it’s like and I know what it takes to achieve that. With this bunch of guys I’m expecting grand final.”
Key Players: “I’d say our new Kiwi prop Pala Mailangi he’s come in just knowing the system of what I’ve bought in but on the field his ball carrying stance and his set piece. He loves to run but is also a very good passer of the ball for a prop. I’d say Levi Shaw has stepped up as the captain. He’s brought in a whole new different level of the game for the players to try and achieve. Also our number 10 Michael Van Rooyen, he’s a very good general around the park, he knows how to play the game and knows what I want to achieve in our game plan.”
Which opposition club is the biggest threat?: “I’d say the main two are Caloundra and USC but I think the dark horse this year is going to be Caboolture.”
Which player wins the best and fairest award?: “I would probably go with Matt Kelly this year if he can keep his mouth shut.”
USC BARBARIANS
Head Coach: Brad Tronc
Captain: Luke Kimber
2022 Result: Premiers
Pre-Season Takeaways: “It’s been a slow start for us to be fair. We started in February and we’re mindful that it’s a 12 game season so it’s different to what it has been in the past meaning we want to prepare well but not over prepare. We’ve only lost one player from our starting pack last year, Mikey Filiga is trying his hand at rugby league with the Redbank Plains Bears and Matty Macauley will be down soon enough so our nine, 10 and 12 are the same which gives us really good cohesion.
Season Aim: “We’ve had two pretty good seasons and we just want to aim for that top two spot and see what happens from there. We managed to win two premierships last year and understand the targets on our backs. I think plenty of clubs have improved in the off-season with new coaches and new players so I think it will be a really strong competition.”
Key Players: “Our 10 Nathan Thompson has had a massive pre-season. He‘s really come into his own in that A-grade 10 role and having his full second year in a-grade I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do off the back of our forward pack. I don’t like singling out too many individual players as I think cohesion is massive for us as we all understand we need to be better than where we were last year if we’re going to be true title contenders.
Which opposition club is the biggest threat?: “It’s hard to say, there’s a fair bit of noise coming out of Caloundra after they’ve had a change in coaches with Dan Atkins who’s coached at a fairly high level and Blake Enever has also gone there. They’ve made some big off-field changes and maybe as a club they looked at maybe underachieving in the past few years so there’s plenty of energy coming from them at the moment and they’re a definite shot. I think one of the biggest movers is Caboolture, I like seeing and hearing what they’re doing down there, Wilson Enoka is a top bloke and has a lot of blokes there that want to play for him which is key. They’ll be big, they’ll be physical and if they can go the 80 minutes they’ll put a lot of pain on a few teams.
Which player wins the best and fairest award?: “I don’t really know who’s in and out from a lot of other clubs to be fair but for us maybe Matt Lieder. He’s a new dad and has changed immensely off the field so he’ll be in for another big season.”
MAROOCHYDORE SWANS
Head Coach: Tony Daly
Captain: Isaac Talbot
2022 Result: Second
Pre-Season Takeaways: “They played in the grand final last year where they went down but from the squad of 23 last season we’ve lost 16 players through retirement and players moving on. It’s looking like a rebuilding year for us but we’re looking okay and there’s some good young talent coming through. The Colts won the competition last year so some of them will make the step up and give us that good mix of youth and experience.”
Season Aim: “We’ve recruited quite well with a few coming from South Brisbane and a few from Randwick which is my old club. I think it’s a week to week thing for us as a saying I always enjoy is ‘expect the worst, hope for the best’.”
Key Players: “Our five-eight Shane Wright will be good and our fullback Jordan West. They’ll both be solid for us and there’s also a good winger Charlie Bruce who is going to be good. Our open side Callum Bacciocchi he’s going to be special and really turn that back row. He’s got the perfect George Smith type of build. Then Tom Page who has been around a while should go well again.”
Which opposition club is the biggest threat?: “I think being the defending premiers University just seem to have a greenhouse of good players. They’ll be good again no doubt and then Noosa who for the first time in a long time they didn’t make the semi finals so they’re going to come back hungry.”
Which player wins the best and fairest award?: “For us you’ve got Shane Wright, Jordan West and even Isaac Talbot who is unfortunately out injured but once he comes back he’ll be really good.”
CALOUNDRA LIGHTHOUSE
Head Coach: Dan Atkins
Captain: Jake Helgesen
2022 Result: Third
Pre-Season Takeaways: “We set a 12 week plan for our pre-season by breaking it up into segments of what we wanted to achieve. It’s all gone really well and the feeling at the club is fantastic as we pride ourselves on an inclusive culture. We’ve trained about 80 per cent of the time as men and women as it’s a community club and it’s been very beneficial for both sides.”
Season Aim: “It’s definitely to go better than last year, Geoff Ingram who has been with the team for the past four or five years has kept the team in the semi finals and the finals and I’d like to continue on with that theme. I hope to take the boys and the club to premierships as it’s not just the A-grade but also second grade, third grade and the women’s.”
Key Players: “Josh Goddard I think it will be a big year for him. Two years ago he won the colts player of the year award so I think he’s ready to take that next step. Nakoa Marcroft as well, he’s always a class act in our side but another would be Anthony Sellars. He’sa young New Zealand player that I think will be quite promising as he plays a similar style to Mikey Filiga but he brings some real unassuming strength as well which is great. Jonno Hayes is another good recruit and will play as an outside back.”
Which opposition club is the biggest threat?: “I’ve coached a couple of the University players through Stingrays last year so I know that they're very strong players and they’ll be the benchmark again as they were the clear winners from last year. I know that Brad will be feeling the pressure and that he’s got the target on his back but I also would say Noosa has been building this season. I think Caboolture are the dark horses, they’ve got over 100 kgs on other teams in the scrums. If they can stick in the contest they will upset a few teams I think.”
Which player wins the best and fairest award?: “I’d probably say Nakoa Marcroft or our 10 Mac Burgess. Koa has trimmed right down and is looking really fit, we play a style of footy that will give him opportunities to really shine and he’s got a lot of quality around him which relieves the pressure. From the opposition I’d say Levi Shaw from the Noosa Dolphins. I coached him in Canberra and he’s a good solid player. If he can get things going for his team he’ll be a real standout I think.”
CABOOLTURE SNAKES
Head Coach: Wilson Enoka
Captain: Josh Ulk
2022 Result: Fifth
Pre-Season Takeaways: “Pre-season has been really good for us, we started in January and the boys and girls have been working really hard. It’s been a bit up and down in terms of availability and numbers but other than that it’s a really good vibe. I know we’ve come close in the past and we did have a good season last year in comparison which I think has made the boys really hungry knowing that they can be contenders.”
Season Aim: “We’re hoping to improve on our competitiveness in the competition but that just comes off the hard work we do off the field. We can say all these things but we have to do the hard work first by making sure we’re all on the same page. The players know that and the players know the expectations we have as coaches but they’ve jumped on board and have a lot of respect for it.”
Key Players: “Our captain Josh Ulk is a great example of setting the standard high. He brings a lot of depth, a lot of skill and a lot of knowledge to our team. He’s committed and will definitely be a key player to look out for this year. One of our young and up and coming players would be Jacob Prlja. He’s just fresh out of school but is ready to step up to the plate. Through training and the pre-season games we can already see him going far with his confidence, his ability and skills that he’ll bring.
Which opposition club is the biggest threat?: “I’m going to have to say the defending champions from last year University. They’re coming off two-in-a-row championships, have always been a quality side and are managed by a quality coach. You can see it in their results and in the culture they’re creating up there which is where we want to be at.”
Which player wins the best and fairest award?: “It’s for me to say at the moment and there’s a lot of quality players on the Sunshine Coast which makes it hard to choose from. You’ve got guys like Luke Kimber who won it last year so there’s guys like that you’ve got to compete with but I couldn't give a straight answer I don’t think.”
WYNNUM BUGS
Head Coach: Bill Leal
Captain: Jacob Wright
2022 Result: Wooden Spoon
Pre-Season Takeaways: “A big focus for us was getting the boys in the right conditioning space. We probably weren't where we needed to be last season so there was a big step and a big focus on that this season. We’ve also had a lot of new players come into the club so introducing them, showing them our standards and setting our expectations for the season nice and early.”
Season Aim: “We want to be finals contention, we know that we’ve got a big mountain to climb. We played Brothers in the pre-season and they were nice and tough. We know how hard this competition is now so pushing for finals is where we want to be but we also know that what we’re trying to do at the club may take a bit of time. Moving from our old heads to our younger brigade can take a bit of time.”
Key Players: “Our skipper Jacob Wright is probably one of the big ones. He’s been our best attacking weapon for years and he was very under used last year so we’re putting a lot more responsibility on him this year. Our vice-captain and number six Kyle Hamanne, he’s one of the youngest in the squad but has one of the loudest voices. He’s got a really high rugby IQ and is always leading those debriefs. I’d say our fly half as well, Kyle Van Lunteren, he’s new to the club but has been a massive upgrade for us.
Which opposition club is the biggest threat?: “It’s hard to go past University, they’ve dominated the competition for the past couple of years and we’re lucky enough to play them in round one.”
Which player wins the best and fairest award?: “For us it would probably be Jason Rodgers or ‘Rocky’, he’s one of the most dominant scrummagers and is just everywhere on the field. If it’s going to be anyone from us it’s going to be him.”
BROTHERS
Head Coach: Darren Tahu
Captain: Sam Ah Meim
2022 Result: n/a
Pre-Season Takeaways: “First time for us fielding senior a-grade and reserve grade teams so it’s a double challenge for us really. The nerves are running reasonably high but we’ve had a hell of a lot of players turning up to training and some good quality among them. We’ve had two good trials but are really excited to get the season underway.”
Season Aim: “Our goal is to not just participate as a new team in the competition. We've got aspirations to definitely be a top four contender and obviously put heat on those top teams. We’re not here to make up the numbers, we’re here to compete and top four is the minimum requirement for us I suppose.”
Key Players: “We’ve got a young winger Sisa Rokovaka he’s just absolute lightning and is very damaging in the open field. We’ve also got our young vice-captain Noah Brogden. he’s only a young player but we’re looking at him to be a good leader for us for years to come. He’s already putting his hand up as a real leader, a big hitter and good all around skill set and he’ll play somewhere in the back row.
Which opposition club is the biggest threat?: “It’s got to be University obviously. Two premierships in a row and no doubt they’re chasing their third so they’d be the benchmark but having played against Wynnum recently I think they’ll be a real surprise packet for a few teams.”
Which player wins the best and fairest award?: “I’m going to go for a guy named Michael Fields. He’s a prop, a player that does all the dirty work, is at every training session, won’t score all of the tries or race around the field but is one of the players that will be in every starting line up and someone that brings plenty of confidence to those around him.”
Senior Women’s
MAROOCHYDORE SWANS
Head Coach: Andrew Block
Captain: Bianca Heilbronn
2022 Result: Fifth
Pre-Season Takeaways: “We’re progressing pretty well and really looking to improve and build on last year. We’ve got a lot of players returning from last year which has been a real bonus as we’re not starting from square one again. We’ve also picked up a few new players as well so our numbers have been good and we’re looking forward to the season ahead.”
Season Aim: “Our expectations are that we improve and aim for that top four spot. We’ve just missed out on finals for the past couple of years so that’s the hope this year to play finals footy.”
Key Players: “We’ve got a few, there’s one girl from Aussie rules and her name is Taya Bowman. She’s just a great athlete and has learnt the game really quickly which is great. We’ve got Hannah Coonan who is our halfback and was our best back last year. She’s really coming into her own this year and will be great. The other would be our tighthead prop, Katie Briscoe. She took on the position last year and really excelled at it so I’m looking forward to her leading the way again.”
Which opposition club is the biggest threat?: “I hate to say it but Nambour are looking pretty strong again. I haven't seen many of the results but Luke always manages to recruit well.”
Which player wins the best and fairest award?: “We’re hoping this year that our captain Bianca Heilbronn steps up and she has the potential to take out the award because she has the ability.”
BROTHERS
Head Coach: Kevin McKenzie
Captain: Holly Houston
2022 Result: Wooden Spoon
Pre-Season Takeaways: “We’ve got a great coaching staff this year so the women get a wealth of knowledge and experience of the game from us. The girls are pretty excited, it’s a lot better than last year when they were a bit unsure. We’ve had some good pre-season hit outs against some good teams and it’s a good mix of old heads and youth in our team. I’m excited myself to see how we go against Caloundra in the first round as they are a well established women‘s side. The girls are looking pretty sharp and the fitness levels are increasing which is good.”
Season Aim: “Expectations is one of those things that come once players take accountability and ownership for their actions on the field. If people set good personal goals then collectively as a team when we combine them they’re already at a high level. The goals and the coaching staff agree that we’re looking to play finals footy.”
Key Players: “Our captain Holly Houston she’s been a really strong number 10 and will definitely be a player to watch. One of the others would be Maria Brouwer who is a very strong runner and very tough to take down. Another good outside back is Destiny Wilkins, her younger sister Trinity is playing in the team also so for those two to come together will be exciting. Elise Caldwell is an outside back that brings plenty of speed and in the forwards there’s Neala Milburn who played last year and is showing some good promise in leading the team around the park.”
Which opposition club is the biggest threat?: “It’s hard for me to say to be honest but after we’ve played each team or after the first few rounds I’ll have a better idea. Caboolture and Caloundra I know will be strong as I watched them play last year but it’s hard to pinpoint one team at the moment.”
Which player wins the best and fairest award?: “That’s a tough one because at the moment I can see a few players developing and building their skills further across the season. There could be three or four candidates I’d say from our side.”
CALOUNDRA LIGHTHOUSE
Head Coach: Alex Bannon and Tim Burgess
Captain: Maddie Brady and Tangiora Armstrong
2022 Result: Third
Pre-Season Takeaways: “It’s exciting, we’ve got a full roster which is great and have had a really good pre-season with the men. There’s a couple of new players, a couple of new recruits from New Zealand but a lot of youth and quite a few new girls which is great.”
Season Aim: “We’re kind of breaking it into two sections of one being getting better game knowledge and experience and the two looking at getting into the grand final.”
Key Players: “Both of our captains Maddie Brady and Tangiora Armstrong will be standouts for us and will lead by example every week. Eve Sapattinen our number nine, she’s just fierce. She runs our team and will be very exciting to watch.”
Which opposition club is the biggest threat?: “You can’t really go past Nambour, they won the grand final last year so hard to go past them but the team to watch this year will be Caboolture for sure.”
Which player wins the best and fairest award?: “It would be between our two captains to be honest. It’s hard to split them.”
CABOOLTURE SNAKES
Head Coach: Tony Walls
Captain: Olivia Fido
2022 Result: Fourth
Pre-Season Takeaways: “It feels like it’s been a long pre-season, I think from the later start. The girls are dying to play some football realistically. We’ve had two okay trial games which were good but they’re hanging out for more football and can’t wait for the routine season to begin. Our player retention has been really great, I think we lost maybe two or three players from last season due to personal or injury but we’ve picked up about five or six new or returning players from past seasons which is great.”
Season Aim: “The girls want to go at least one step further but I think we just take it one step at a time and see how it goes. In the next 12 weeks if we’re sitting at the right end of the ledger we’ll keep doing what we’re doing. If the girls are having fun that’s the main aim because it also means they’re relaxed and playing their best footy.”
Key Players: “I’d be keeping an eye on our captain Olivia Fido, she obviously made an impression last year by going all the way and playing for the Queensland Country Orchids team. She’s twice as fit as she was last year which is exciting. We’ve got another front rower who plays a similar style of football to her in Lin’e Enoka. She’s a devastating ball runner and a big hitter so I think she’ll make a big impact. Another girl that’s come back has been playing with the Central Queensland Capras and her name is Naomi Clayton. She’s got a big boot on her so we’ve finally got someone that can kick a ball which is nice. Another young player Dawn Berryman-Nathan who’s come back and will play number 10. She brings some serious ball skills to our backline.”
Which opposition club is the biggest threat?: “Nambour for sure. I’m hearing they lost a few players to Brisbane but they also had plenty of depth and are still going to be the benchmark for sure. That being said you can’t underwrite anyone in this competition because if you don’t turn up they’ll knock you flat.”
Which player wins the best and fairest award?: “That’s a tough one at this stage of the year but I’d put my money on Dawn Berryman-Nathan at the moment as she’ really driven and has great skills so as long as she wraps her head around rugby union she’ll be one to watch I’d say.
NAMBOUR TOADS
Head Coach: Luke Zeremes
Captain: Milly Russell
2022 Result: Premiers
Pre-Season Takeaways: “We’re just excited to get the season underway. We haven't had any trial games so we’re going into round one without any games under our belt but are keen to get out there and play some footy. We’ve been training once a week for the past couple of months and numbers at training have been a bit hit and miss due to the commitments of some of our players but looking forward to getting a full squad there on Saturday and hitting the field. It’s about 75 per cent of last year's squad, there’s five ex Nambour players now playing for UQ in Brisbane which is what we want to see as they’ve gone down there for University studies.”
Season Aim: “We want to make finals and hopefully finish inside the top four is achievable. We’d love to defend our premiership but we also have a lot of work ahead of us if we’re going to do that due to our pre-season preparation.”
Key Players: “Bek Murtagh is definitely a player to watch. It’s her third season of rugby after coming across from hockey and she made the Queensland Country women's team last year. She still has so much improvement in her game as a player so very excited to see what she can do this year. Phoebe Bloomfield is our scrumhalf, she’s come through our juniors program and it’s her fourth year at the club. She was invited into the Queensland Country side earlier this year and has grown in confidence in the women's form of the game after coming through our women's 7s program. Eva Johnston, another one, she’s our hooker and came through our 7s program but is a genuine 15-a-side player. She’s still in high school but it’s her third season of women’s rugby and she’s got some huge representative opportunities ahead of her.
Which opposition club is the biggest threat?: “It’s actually a massive unknown. I know Brothers after their debut season will be more competitive with some new players there, Caloundra are always very competitive, I hear Caboolture are looking strong again this year, Noosa is always there, Maroochydore will be strong and we’ve got Wynnum round one so we’ll see what happens. I think the first four or five rounds will give us a good indication of where everyone is at.”
Which player wins the best and fairest award?: “I’d put money on Bridget Carter for us. She’s our second rower and is the full package. She’s a great player and I think she’s in for a big year ahead.”
NOOSA DOLPHINS
Head Coach: Rhianon Zanelli
Captain: Yet to be announced
2022 Result: Second
Pre-Season Takeaways: “It’s a pretty new crew this year with plenty of new faces but the girls have been really keen to get down to training and learning the skills again. Some of our new players have played before but for some it will be their first time playing a contact sport. There’s some from touch football, some from gridiron, one who’s come from Canada but overall everyone's really excited.”
Season Aim: “To build a strong and healthy team rapport really. It’s just rebuilding for us as we had a group of girls play and filter through so we’re kind of starting back and building the team again. It’s going to be a lot of work in the early stages but I think once they build that cohesion between themselves we’re going to be able to go well.”
Key Players: “Izzy Tchir is our new Canadian girl, she’ll play number eight this season and will be pretty amazing. Olivia Lubrano will be good at prop for us too. Bronte Langbridge is going to play number nine and is ready to take another big step this season and her link up play with Holly Radge our 10 will see her shine as well.”
Which opposition club is the biggest threat?: “I’m viewing Caboolture as the biggest threat. I think they’ll have a really strong and physical side and would say they’re going to be the ones to watch.”
Which player wins the best and fairest award?: “I would probably go with Bronte Langbridge for us.”
WYNNUM BUGS
Head Coach: Alex Baines
Captain: Natasha Caplick and Cyndil Richardson
2022 Result: n/a
Pre-Season Takeaways: “Pre-season has been good, not one player on our team has ever played before so it’s going to be an interesting season. We’ve got a few rugby league players that have come across but mostly girls that have formerly played hockey or netball so it’s going to be pretty raw.”
Season Aim: “This season is going to be about building the squad and learning the game basically. It’s our first ever season playing as the ‘Lady Bugs’ so it’ll be about learning, developing and getting a social background going.”
Key Players: “We’ve got Amanda Griffiths, she’s brand new to the squad but she’s quick, has good hands, is strong and will be a player to watch as she’ll pick the game up pretty quickly I think. Cindel Richardson is another, she’s strong, powerful and good on the ball. One other would be Natasha Caplick who again is tall and strong, has a good rugby head on her and should be a standout.”
Which opposition club is the biggest threat?: “I know nothing about the competition to be honest, I had to do my homework once I found out what competition we were going to be playing in and I believe our first game will be the hardest as we’re playing last season’s premier's.”
Which player wins the best and fairest award?: “That’s very hard with a team that’s barely played together but my money would go behind Latisha Whalan.
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