Top Sunshine Coast players named ahead of 47th Battalion

Sunshine Coast coaches have revealed their expectations and players to watch ahead of the 47th Battalion rugby league carnival. See the full list of names:

Sunshine Coast rugby league men's and women’s representative coaches have named the players they say are the ones to watch ahead of the upcoming 47th Battalion Shield.

The two-day carnival will take place on the long weekend of April 30 to May 1 in Gladstone.

Players made up of the regular Sunshine Coast teams in Stanley River, Caboolture, Beerwah, Gympie, Nambour, Caloundra, Kawana, Noosa and Maroochydore have been selected to represent the region.

Both men’s and women’s Sunshine Coast head coaches have given a rundown of their tournament expectations and named their squads standout players.

Women’s Squad (Troy Harvey)

Head coach Troy Harvey said he hoped his team could go one better than their second place finish in 2021.

“We hope to improve on our efforts last year but it will also be great to see the growth and talent of the women's game on show,” he said.

“These players have earned their spot in the side so hoping it can all come together and we can go one better than last year.”

Posted by Rugby League Sunshine Coast on Monday, April 25, 2022

Harvey said it was hard to name his side’s top talents given the standard of players selected.

“It’s a bit hard because I don’t have a whole lot to do with them at the club level but I know they’re all quality players,” he said.

“So just from what I’ve seen at training and from last year’s team there are a few that come to mind.”

Ella-J Harris - Caloundra

Caloundra Sharks women's player Ella-J Harris has been named as a player to watch.

“Ella is our captain and our halfback even though she plays a few different positions,” he said.

“She’s a great organiser as well and has a great understanding of the game so she will be strong for us.”

Zoey Parfrement - Caloundra

“Zoey is very quick on her feet and will play in the centres for us,” he said.

“She knows how to find the line and can finish well which is what you want.”

Laura Barklimore - Kawana

Kawana Dolphins star Laura Barklimore has been named as a player to watch. Picture: Infamous Photography

“Laura is a very agile and nippy type of player,” he said.

“She has some solid attributes for a fullback so she will be a good point of attack for us when were trying to break teams open.”

Shanae Gray - Beerwah

“Shanae is only in her first year but I’m pretty excited about her,” he said.

“She’s a young backrower who hits the line really well so will be solid for us all weekend I think.”

Men's Squad (Danny Gray)

Head coach Danny Gray said he was excited to see what his team and the carnival was going to produce.

“It really is a good carnival to be involved in given its great history and I know the boys are excited so I’m really proud to help represent the Sunshine Coast,” he said.

“Over the last couple of years we’ve been able to go well as we have been runners-up but also won the event in the time that I have had coaching.

“It’s a bit of an expectation to perform well but the main thing is that we can go away and represent the Coast as best we can.”

Posted by Rugby League Sunshine Coast on Monday, April 25, 2022

He said he hoped the team could perform well again but knew the opposition teams would be tough.

“I think it’s a great spectacle to see how good the other local Queensland competitions are,” he said.

“I’m expecting Toowoomba to be incredibly strong as they always are, I think Rockhampton and Bundaberg will be strong and obviously Gladstone as the hosts of the event I’m guessing they’ll be able to throw out their best side.

“It’s one of those things that I always say to people that if you’re playing A-grade somewhere it’s going to be a tough comp and this is the best of the best in those A-grade competitions.”

Gray said he was extremely happy with his squad as a unit.

“From one to 19 we are going to have a really good squad so really looking forward to seeing how they perform in the carnival atmosphere,” he said.

“There's obviously a number of really good footy players on the Sunshine Coast so it’s hard to single out individuals but I think there’s a few in the mix of our team.”

Alex Copelin and Kurtis Shayler - Noosa

Noosa Pirates players Alex Copelin and Kurtis Shayler have been named as players to watch ahead of the 47th Battalion carnival.

“Both Alex and Kurtis are very quality outside backs up there at Noosa,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to working alongside those guys and seeing what they can produce for the team.”

Rowan Jardine - Gympie

Gympie Devils star forward Rowan Jardine has been named as a player to watch.

“Rowan is one of our forwards that is currently with the Falcons,” he said.

“He’s a hard running prop and produces solid run metres on every carry so there’s no reason he won’t be strong for us.”

Nick Ellems and John Mclaughlin - Maroochydore

Maroochydore Swans players Nick Ellems and John Mclaughlin have been named as players to watch ahead of the 47th Battalion carnival.

“Another pairing of Nick and John are some players that are going really well in the local comp for Maroochydore,” he said.

“Both of them are younger players that are definitely on the rise so looking forward to seeing them perform.”

Reece Vincent - Beerwah

“Reece is another player that I’ve been impressed with so far,” he said.

“He’s a really good footballer who has played at a high level and went away with us last year so he will be another one to watch.”