Sunshine Coast rugby union report card: Every team graded, analysed
As we approach the end of the Sunshine Coast rugby union regular season we uncover our 2023 report cards. See every grade, predictions and who the coaches have named as their top players.
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After 13 rounds of a cracking Sunshine Coast rugby union, we’re approaching the end of the 2023 senior men’s and women’s regular season.
With just one round remaining before finals, teams are still battling it out for their place in the top four.
In a rollercoaster season of unpredictable results from both divisions, we’ve spoken to every head coach to gauge their side’s strengths, weaknesses, standout players and come up with a grade for their season so far.
Read below to see how each team is tracking and our predictions for the end of the season.
All coaches were contacted and approached for comment before the time of publishing.
MEN’S A-GRADE
1st: University
Wins: 10 Losses: 0 Draws: 1 Pts: 52
Coach: Brad Tronc
Biggest strength: “Our cohesion really. Just our ability to know each others roles, be in the right places. Our most recent game against Caloundra was tough for the club in general in terms of player availability with injuries and things like that. Our ability to retain a very similar squad to what we’ve had in the last three years and being able to replace those that have moved on for other opportunities.”
Needs improvement: “Our patience with and without the ball. To know we can go a few extra phases and that we don’t have to score off every phase. It’s just more about doing the simple things right so if we can keep doing those I think we have enough football in us to score enough points.”
Standout players: “Dani Cakau, our Fijian winger has been really good. Shaquille Rangi is new to the club but he’s been really good at fullback after taking over from Mike Filiga. The other would be Charlie McGovern who was a University junior that has returned has been great for us so far this year. So really just some new faces for us have been solid this season which really helps.”
Finals aims: “At this stage of the year you want to keep building momentum. Our last match showed us a few areas where we need to improve but if we can keep building, being disciplined both on and off the field in our preparation it will help us to keep our momentum going into finals.”
Prediction: It’s hard to see any side stopping University this season as the men in green aim for their third straight premiership. A draw week Caloundra does make things interesting but it’s University's title to lose at this point and Tronc knows what it takes to have his side ready in the coming weeks.
Overall regular season grade: A+
2nd: Caloundra
Wins: 8 Losses: 2 Draws: 1 Pts: 43
Coach: Dan Atkins
Biggest strength: “It’s hard to say as I think it’s been pretty even across the board. The backs have been finishing off some very good work from the forwards working hard and getting over the advantage line. Both sides had some players out when we played University but our scrum was a key point in our performance on that day. I just think both the forwards and backs are complimenting each other really well.”
Needs improvement: “I think the draw we’ve had to endure has been tough. On both the first half and second half of the year we’ve had to finish up the back end of each round with five or six continuous games. That’s been tough to manage the fitness levels and there’s been a few injuries throughout the season. We lost Mac Burgess in round one which was tough too so keeping the team fit and trying to dodge as many injuries as possible has probably been the toughest thing.”
Standout players: “Tom Roper, he’s our young winger and has been electric down our left wing. Nakoa Marcroft has been another standout and Jake Helgesen has also been very solid. Jono Hayes, our fly half for most of the season, has also been really good for us.”
Finals aims: “We’re hoping to build on our consistency and to obviously try and start playing at another level. Once you reach finals teams do tend to lift and we’ve got to make sure we’re ready to match the positions passion and intensity.”
Prediction: Losing their fly half in the opening round was far from ideal for Atkins and his side but Caloundra bounced back and have proven themselves as the top contenders for this year’s final. They suffered a loss to University in round five before going down to Noosa in round 11. A 22 all draw against University in round 12 has them believing again with aims at securing that second place position. If they can go all the way, anything can happen in the big dance but they’ll need to be slightly more clinical and step up their set piece game once again.
Overall regular season grade: A-
3rd: Brothers
Wins: 7 Losses: 4 Draws: 0 Pts: 39
Coach: Darren Tahu
Biggest strength: “Definitely our counter attacking ability which comes off the back of our restless and robust defence. We’ve got a very free flowing way of playing and it seems to work best when our boys are hammering down and getting turnovers in defence.”
Needs improvement: “What we have seen in regards to improvement throughout the year has been our discipline. It was really poor at the start of the season, giving away way too many penalties, but it’s really improved from the back half of the season and we’ve been on the right side of the penalty count which has helped a lot.”
Standout players: “definitely our two brothers, Sam and Jack Buckley, they’ve been big standouts for us this year. Coming from C-grade basically last season to becoming from line a-grade players this year. They’re both only young, very enthusiastic, never miss a training and are real prospects for the future years of Brothers. The other would be Kyran Tanuvasa who is our number eight and an absolute machine.”
Finals aims: “I said to the squad at the start of the year that as a club we want to make the top four, at least in one grade, so we’ve cemented a-grade at least in third spot and our reserves and Friday night side are still in with a shot so that’s been a massive thing for us. I’ve challenged our boys again now as we’ve made that top four but our next goal is to make the grand final.”
Prediction: The new kids on the block haven’t disappointed at all this season, recording seven wins and four losses. After only going down to Caloundra in round one by two points, it was clear to many that Brothers were in with a shot and picking up 11 bonus points throughout the season has played a huge role in where they sit on the ladder. It will be interesting to see how they stack up when the intensity lifts in finals but they’ve won over plenty of doubters this season and have been a great addition to the competition.
Overall regular season grade: A
4th: Noosa
Wins: 4 Losses: 7 Draws: 1 Pts: 27
Coaches: Michael Phelan and Ryan Frisby
Biggest strength: “I’d say our set pieces would be up there, both scrums and lineouts. Our lineouts are probably the best in the comp and our scrums would be in the top two or three. Our execution of a few trick plays from the backs have also been good.”
Needs improvement: “I’d say a lack of game management and fitness at the start of the year cost us some games early on.”
Standout players: “Our captain Levi Shaw has stepped up all season. He’s a good carrier of the ball and a good defender. His second row partner Jonathan Davey is another who hasn’t had a fair shot at A-grade footy throughout his career but this year he’s played every game and really stepped up as an absolute workhorse. In the backs it would be Ben Rogers who just always carries hard and tackles everything that moves.”
Finals aims: “We’ve only got one game left and that’s against University. We’ve been on a bit of a momentum swing probably the last five weeks I’d say, really building well. We need one bonus point at least this weekend but we’re just going to aim beat University at their home and cause an upset which gives us the best chance to make the finals.”
Prediction: A shaky start derailed the Dolphins chances in a season where they needed clarity and direction from the jump. One win, one draw and three losses in their opening rounds meant they were always going to be chasing their tail but since changing their head coach, Noosa have gone three and three and if results go their way, could sneak into the finals. Hanging onto their core players and sticking with Frisby will be key if the Dolphins want to bounce back next season and re-establish themselves as a dominant Sunshine Coast a-grade contender.
Overall regular season grade: B-
5th: Wynnum
Wins: 6 Losses: 5 Draws: 0 Pts: 27
Coach: Will ‘Bill’ Leal
Biggest strength: “Our scramble defence has kept us in a lot of games. A lot of times we’ve been put under pressure with line breaks but our conditioning and scramble defence has helped us hang in games that we probably should’ve been out of. That’s ultimately helped us keep up with the top teams.”
Needs improvement: “Our attack shape and direction is still probably lacking a little bit at times. We get a few phases in and then lads sort of lose their way a little bit.”
Standout players: “Our fullback Alex Sinclair has been unreal for us this season. He’s been solid as a rock, great at the back, brings great chat and great leadership to our side and can attack from anywhere. Our vice-captain Kyle Hamanne, he took a step back this year after being captain last year but has continued to lead from the front and has been a standout forward.”
Finals aims: “We set the expectation early that we wanted to be sort of where we are at the moment. There or thereabouts contesting for finals and it was probably a month ago that it was a lot more realistic for us to make finals. Our goal is to sneak into the four and then anything can happen from there really.”
Prediction: After picking up the wooden spoon last season it has been a big improvement from the Bugs in 2023. Currently tied for points on the ladder with Noosa, Wynnum would need at worst a bonus point loss to sneak into the top four. Playing finals footy is a different game and Wynnum could surprise some teams in the opening rounds. Whether they can push on or not, 2023 has been a respectable season for the Bugs where many pundits pencilled them in to finish towards the bottom of the ladder.
Overall regular season grade: B+
6th: Maroochydore
Wins: 2 Losses: 9 Draws: 0 Pts: 12
Coach: Simon Lewis
Biggest strength: “To be perfectly honest resilience. I was director of rugby when the season kicked off and the boys had a bit of a rocky start and I found myself doing a job I wasn’t planning on doing but for a group of young men they’ve shown a great deal of resilience this year which has shone through in a few of our wins. The victory over Noosa in the John Curry cup was a big day for us and hopefully with the last few games we can put forward some solid performances and take them through into next year.”
Needs improvement: “We’ve just lacked a bit of depth this year I think. We lost a fair whack of players from last year’s grand final squad which makes things tough. We’re rebuilding well but getting some good depth back would be the main thing.”
Standout players: “Our skipper Isaac Talbot has been very good all year despite a few injuries. Lochie Stewart at nine has been a good young player and has had some well deserved representative selections recently. Shane Wright at 10 when he’s been available is always good and Yuto Nakai our number seven who just appeared over the fence one day. He’s from Japan and he emailed us wanting a game of footy and that he was staying nearby so he’s been a bit of a godsend for us to be honest.”
Overall regular season grade: C
7th: Caboolture
Wins: 0 Losses: 10 Draws: 1 Pts: 5
Coach: Wilson Enoka
Biggest strength: “The confidence and the bonds that the boys have created. As it’s coming to the end of the season we haven't got the results we wanted to see but everyone's created a really solid camaraderie and their still showing up and being positive.”
Needs improvement: “The biggest thing that we need to improve on is our match fitness and our game management. We have to look internally as players and as coaches for areas that we can improve on and hopefully take into next season.”
Standout players: “There’s been quite a few but it’s very hard to go past young Jacob Prlja. He’s straight out of school and straight into senior footy but he lived up to it. We knew it was going to be tough and we didn’t know how he was going to handle it but his confidence in himself and his ability really helped him prove himself to the competition.”
Overall regular season grade: D
Senior Women’s
1st: Nambour
Wins: 11 Losses: 0 Draws: 0 Pts: 52
Coach: Luke Zeremes
Prediction: It looks like a similar story for the Toads women's team this season, proving too strong for their opposition to handle and cruising through the regular season undefeated. On average Nambour have beaten teams by 35.8 points this season and they currently hold a positive points differential of 394. They should comfortably crack 400 when they take on Brothers in the final round and Zeremes knows what it takes to get his team right for finals footy. It’s Nambour’s title to lose at this stage where they’ll be aiming for back-to-back premierships.
Overall regular season grade: A+
2nd: Caboolture
Wins: 6 Losses: 4 Draws: 1 Pts: 35
Coach: Tony Walls
Prediction: They’ve locked up a finals spot but there’s no guarantee the Snakes will make it to grand final day with only six points separating third and fourth at this stage. The battle between themselves, Maroochydore, Noosa and Caloundra is a tight one and any side could capitalise on one another before the seasons end. Caboolture’s big and powerful forward pack has been their focus point this season and has proved unstoppable for numerous opposition teams. Their round 14 clash against Maroochydore is a massive game and whichever side comes away with the victory should feel a step closer towards challenging in the grand final.
Overall regular season grade: B
3rd: Maroochydore
Wins: 6 Losses: 5 Draws: 0 Pts: 32
Coach: Andrew Block
Standout players: “We’ve had a couple but Katie Briscoe who is our prop is definitely one. I think I mentioned her earlier in the pre-season as a player to watch and she’s come on again and has been holding up our scrum and performing really well. Another would be Taya Bowmanwho is another I mentioned earlier on as an ex Aussie rules player that has really taken to rugby union. She’s got a great kicking game and is a very strong runner. The final one would be Lucinda Kelly who has been a great utility for us filling in at a heap of different positions. She has been a real assets for us this season.”
Biggest strength: “The work ethic of the girls to continuously turning up to training and be enthusiastic about the games and sessions. I’d also say the way that they’ve listened and worked hard at improving their rugby skills and knowledge this year.”
Needs improvement: “We have improved so much as a side so that’s tough but things we need to work on is developing a better tactical awareness.”
Finals aims: “At the beginning of our season our aim was to make finals so if we can do that it’s a step forward for us and anything above that we consider a bonus.”
Prediction: The Swans look to have their finals place secured after a big win over Wynnum in round 13. After missing out on the finals by one spot last season the women in blue and black have improved immensely and should be looking at contesting the grand final. They play Caboolture in round 14 and a win there should give them enough confidence to get a good start in the finals and take a major step towards contesting the grand final.
Overall regular season grade: B+
4th: Noosa
Wins: 6 Losses: 6 Draws: 0 Pts: 29
Coach: Rhianon Zanelli
Prediction: Like many clubs this season it’s been a tough run of injuries for the Dolphins women’s side with a number of players filling gaps and stepping up when needed. Noosa have the bye in round 14 and would need the winless Wynnum to cause a shock win over Caloundra to make it into the finals. It has been a step in the right direction for the Dolphins who are rebuilding their women’s side with youthful and talented players. They should take plenty away from this season and would no doubt be a force to be reckoned with in 2024.
Overall regular season grade: B-
5th: Caloundra
Wins: 5 Losses: 6 Draws: 0 Pts: 28
Coach: Alex Bannon and Tim Burgess
Prediction: It’s been a strange season for Caloundra who have served as the biggest threat to Nambour when they’ve played each other, despite currently sitting just outside of the top four. In the two matches they’ve played Nambour have come away with the win but only by seven points in round five and two pints in round 12. A win this week against Wynnum will push them into the top four where they could take a few teams by surprise in the knockout finals matches. There’s no doubt they could make it to the grand final which is where ‘anything can happen’ and their sides experience could prove vital.
Overall regular season grade: B
6th: Brothers
Wins: 4 Losses: 6 Draws: 1 Pts: 22
Coach: Kevin McKenzie
Summary: A handful of wins and a few bonus points have lifted the Brothers women‘s team’s spirits in 2023 after a wooden spoon result in 2022. In a close season the girls have produced a few upset victories and further established themselves as a competitive women’s team. They should continue to build and grow as a unit next season.
Overall regular season grade: C+
7th: Wynnum
Wins: 0 Losses: 11 Draws: 0 Pts: 0
Coach: Alex Baines
Summary: It’s been a very tough season for the ‘new girls on the block’ this season, unable to record a single win or bonus point in their eleven matches. A negative points differential of 662 points is tough to look at but hopefully Baines and her side have taken plenty away from their inaugural season.
Overall regular season grade: D
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