The top players from each Sunshine Coast school ahead of the Sunshine Coast secondary schools rugby union grand finals
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School sporting rivalries will once again be put to the test when the Coast's top rugby union players go toe-to-toe for this year's top silverware.
The Sunshine Coast Secondary Schools rugby union grand finals are set to take place on Wednesday at Sunshine Coast Stadium with players hoping to come away with the ultimate bragging rights.
Schools involved include Siena Catholic College, Good Samaritan Catholic College, St John's College, James Nash State High School, Matthew Flinders Anglican College, St Teresa's Catholic College, Mountain Creek State High School and Sunshine Coast Grammar.
The latter of which will field a team in five of the eight grand final matches set to be played.
After seven rounds of competitive rugby union on show, we asked coaches of each senior team in the grand final which players have been standout performers for their team this season.
SUNSHINE COAST GRAMMAR SCHOOL
U18 1ST XV DIVISION 1
Kaan Askew - Openside Flanker
"He's been playing in the Queensland under 18s each weekend which is a massive boost for our team," Dan Robotham said.
"It's his third year in our first 15 which makes him a good leader and strong in all areas on the field."
Luke Aiken - Flyhalf
"The halves combination of our 9 and 10 have been a big talking point for us this year being able to control all aspects of the game," he said.
"Luke is a solid competitor and another really strong defender which compliments his passing and running game in attack."
Finn Prass - Halfback
"He has a really good passing game and is able to control the game really well," he said.
"He's got a big kicking game too which is a nice bonus to his skill set."
U18 2ND XV
John Schulze - Hooker
"He's been moving between our two top senior sides and has a very high work rate," Robotham said.
"He hangs out in the wide channels and is really good ball carrier.
"Playing in the 2nds he should make a really big impact."
Reon Hughes - Inside Centre
"Is a very versatile player for out team and is very strong in defence." he said.
"He'll be able to control the midfield really well and give the rest of our team a heap of confidence."
U16s
Zac Nichol - Inside Centre
"Is a dominate ball carrier and has a big right foot step which is damaging to opposition defences," Robotham said.
"Is very hard to handle and a contributing player as to why they've done well this season."
Blake Miller - Fullback
"Is an electric ball runner and the moment he sees space he makes the most of the opportunity," he said.
"Has been playing well all year and should put forward another good performance in the grand final."
ST TERESA'S CATHOLIC COLLEGE
U18 DIVISION 2
Ethan Pohlner - Flyhalf
"Ethan has been a key member for our team both on and off the field," head coach Jourdan Linthorne said.
"His leadership and knowledge of the game has been a massive boost for us.
"His skill with the ball in hand makes him a dynamic player in attack."
Ethan Deck - Fullback
"Ethan's passion and skill has been a major influence for our team this year helping our backs and forwards gain confidence," Linthorne said.
"His tireless work in defence and attack makes him a threat anywhere on the field."
MOUNTAIN CREEK HIGH SCHOOL
U18 DIVISION 2
Elliot Smethills - Fullback
"Is an absolute try scoring machine this year giving us plenty of options from the back," head coach Stu Adams said.
"He has probably scored about 90 per cent of our tries this year from set plays or even collecting the ball from the back in broken play and finding a way through the opposition defence."
Lachi Porter - Number 8
"He's really consistent in the way that he plays and how he is always talking and communicating to the boys," Adams said.
"He's always there when something needs to be done and he will no doubt be in support of someone if they were to break the line or need a teammate beside them."
Jacob Thomas - Halfback
"He's been very good for us by directing traffic and always being in the right spot at the right time," he said.
"His delivery off the back of the ruck really helps us to get on the front foot each time we have the ball."
MATTHEW FLINDERS ANGLICAN COLLEGE
U18 1ST XV DIVISION 1
Ryan Gebers - Second Row
"Ryan has been a reliable college captain and player for us this year," head coach Dave Mathias said.
"He really works hard to inspire those around him."
Olly Cassells - Flanker
"He has impressed us week in week out really," head coach Dave Mathias said.
"His relentless pace and determination makes him a threat at every breakdown."
Tom Molloy - Number 8
"His knowledge and attitude about the game is a massive positive for our team," he said.
"In attack or defence he is always able to create positive opportunities for his teammates."
Mitch Lehmann - Inside Centre
"Mitch has been our captain of rugby as well as being selected in the Queensland schoolboys," he said.
"His skill on the ball always proves a handful for defenders."
JAMES NASH STATE HIGH SCHOOL
U16s
Liam Garrett - Number 8
"He is the captain of the team and has been a huge driver in how our team has come together this year to be in the grand final," head coach Clint Morrison said.
"He is a fantastic leader for the team and plays every game with determination and heart.
"The opportunity to play in a grand final means a lot to him."
Braidy Eaton - Wing
"Braidy is our unsung hero really," he said.
"He has only played a couple of seasons of school rugby but really loves the game and wants to improve.
"He is deceptively fast and plays the game with passion a true team player."
Originally published as The top players from each Sunshine Coast school ahead of the Sunshine Coast secondary schools rugby union grand finals
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