Sunshine Coast Falcons new recruits revealed for 2025 season
A host of fresh Sunshine Coast Falcons recruits have answered a series of burning questions and revealed their key ambitions ahead of the 2025 season. Find out what all 16 new players had to say.
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The newest names on the Sunshine Coast Falcons squad list are eager to create their own slice of history with a gruelling 2025 Queensland Cup pre-season under way.
After bowing out in week two of the finals in 2024, the Falcons have added a number of highly touted recruits to help bolster their 2025 ambitions.
Head coach Brad Henderson, who is entering his fourth straight season at the helm, said he had really enjoyed the opening weeks of pre-season.
“It’s been a refresh more than anything as there’s a lot of new faces,” he said.
“We are starting from scratch to a degree as we try to educate the new guys on our vocabulary and ‘falconise’ the way they approach their footy.
“It’s been a slow burn in a sense but we’re getting there and I’ve really likened it to 2022 when I first took over as head coach.
“The vibes are high, everyone is healthily competing for positions and pushing each other to new levels which is great to sit back and watch.”
With an extended squad taking part in pre-season the Falcons have been quick to announce the re-signings of 2024 James Ackerman medallist Sam Burns, club captain Patrice Siolo as well as key players Danny Heenan, Thallon Peters, Scott Galeano, Flynn Camilleri, Cody Hunter and Caius Faatili.
Outgoing players include Kane Jackson (Townsville Blackhawks), Zac Miles (Redcliffe Dolphins), Luke Polselli (United Kingdom) and Louis Geraghty who has decided to step away from his Queensland Cup duties.
“You always lose a few guys which is unfortunate but we’ve been particularly happy with our player retention,” Henderson said.
“We’ve also appointed a new strength and conditioning coach in Michael Barber who is a bit different to what the boys are used to.
“He’s got some great ideas and is really challenging them in the gym and on the field.
“There’s still a lot of time before the season gets started but the energy, intent and attitude has been through the roof.”
See what a handful of the Falcons new recruits had to say on their opening weeks with the squad.
Fletcher Spicer
Age: 24
Position: Fullback
Spicer joins the Falcons after becoming an impressive, late bloomer on the rugby union scene.
The talented outside back rose from third division colts in 2018, to make his Queensland Premier Grade debut in 2020, before assuming the captaincy duties for the 2023 season.
Spicer was a part of Wests title winning team in 2022 followed by two straight grand final defeats in 2023 and 2024.
Why the move to the Falcons: “I moved up to Sunshine Coast to live with my lady and get out of the city life. An opportunity with the Falcons came up and I haven’t looked back since.”
What are you hoping to achieve individually and as a team: “I would love to be a part of Falcons history and win a competition up here. Being a part of three grand final appearances in Brisbane, for Wests Bulldogs is something I can take away from my time down there and believe I can carry that winning mentality to this team. Seeing how the Wests community got around the boys when we won in 2022 is something I could only imagine would be 10 times greater on the Sunny Coast.”
What’s been your biggest takeaway from the squad or culture so far: “Seeing how tight knit the team is already in such a short amount of time is promising and makes me excited for the season ahead. Considering it has all been pretty organic and nothing has been forced is a credit to the boys and staff.”
Neihana Oldham
Age: 24
Position: Front rower
Mammoth middle forward Neihana Oldham has made the move across from the Toowoomba Clydesdales for the 2025 season.
The six foot four powerful prop, with 30 games of Queensland Cup experience, is sure to add plenty of punch to the Falcons pack.
Why I moved to Falcons: “I’ve been seeing the club’s recent progress and growth. The way the team has been performing, combined with the great players they have, has inspired me to not only contribute but also to learn and grow alongside them. I’m keen to be a part of this club’s continued success and to further develop my skills.”
What are you hoping to achieve individually and as a team: “Individually, I hope to continue learning from the players and staff, absorbing their knowledge and applying it to enhance my own development. At the same time I aim to bring my strengths to the team. As a team, my ultimate goal is to lift the trophy, but beyond that, I am passionate about seeing my teammates grow and evolve into good players who will help the club’s success for years to come.”
What’s been your takeaway from the squad or culture so far: “My transition into the team has been smooth and easy. They are very community orientated and I have felt welcomed and supported throughout my time with them so far. I am looking forward to the 2025 season.”
Joseph Vite
Age: 22
Position: Centre
Vite is an exciting cross-code prospect who comes to the Falcons after a standout year in the Toowoomba rugby league (TRL) competition.
Born in New Zealand, the 105kg centre has been a player to watch since switching to rugby league in 2023.
Vite was recently named TRL’s representative player of the year, awarded the MVP for the TRL finals and earned selection into the Queensland Country team.
Henderson said Vite is a powerful and raw player that he could see progress ‘right through to the NRL’ in years to come.
Why the move to the Falcons: “I’d just seen lots of good players come out of the club and heard that they have good coaching staff that can help develop my game.”
What are you hoping to achieve individually and as a team: “I’m hoping to play as many games and to win the competition.”
What’s been your biggest takeaway from the squad or culture so far: “Seeing different cultures in the team, watching the boys respecting each other and making us new boys feel welcoming has been unreal.”
Josh Billing
Age: 22
Position: Second row/Centre
Another Canberra recruit, Billing is the cousin of Brisbane Broncos star Pat Carrigan and was approached by the Falcons at the end of 2023 but decided to see out his injury recovery with the Raiders.
Billing was the Raiders Jersey Flegg player of the year in 2023 as well as being named in the Raiders Cup team of the year in 2024 for his efforts with the Queanbeyan Blues.
He was the top try scorer in the Canberra Region Rugby League competition with 17 tries in 14 games as well as making six NSW Cup appearances for the Canberra Raiders, scoring three tries.
He is currently undergoing a six week pre-season camp with the Melbourne Storm.
Why the move to the Falcons: “I made the move to the Falcons as I saw a good opportunity for myself and also to move back up near home to be closer to my family.”
What are you hoping to achieve individually and as a team: “As a team I am hoping to improve on previous years and go that extra leg to get to that last game in September. As an Individual, I want to achieve playing consistent cup games and keep improving each training and game day.”
What’s been your biggest takeaway from the squad or culture so far: “My biggest takeaway from the squad so far is the boys are very welcoming and don’t leave anyone alone.”
Mitch Henderson
Age: 21
Position: Halfback
Henderson will head north for the 2025 season, after spending the past three years in the NSW Cup.
The crafty playmaker began with the Newcastle Knights before changing to the Canberra Raiders in 2023 and totalling 19 appearances across his two seasons.
Why the move to the Falcons: “For the opportunity to play high quality football.”
What are you hoping to achieve individually and as a team: “To play Queensland Cup and hopefully win the comp.”
What’s been your biggest takeaway from the squad or culture so far: “It’s a very high energy group with a positive vibe who are very welcoming and make you feel comfortable very quickly.”
Jett Thorpe Elich
Age: 19
Position: Second Row
The Sunshine Coast teenager will make a return to Queensland and the Sunshine Coast Falcons in 2025 after spending the past few seasons in the Melbourne Storm academy.
The former Kawana Dolphins and Maroochydore Swans junior was a part of the Falcons Mal Meninga side in 2022 and 2023.
Elich, who was playing alongside Sunshine Coast talents Tully McLellan, Chase Patterson and Brad Higgins at the Storm, suffered an injury during round seven of the SG Ball competition.
Why the move to falcons: “To experience development with men and to set myself new challenges while recovering from a long term injury. To also be able to be back in Queensland, closer to family and push to achieve success outside of rugby league as well.”
What are you hoping to achieve individually and as a team: “Individually I’m hoping to earn myself a debut in the hostplus cup and get that experience of high level rugby league. As a team I am hoping that we can have a successful year and reach our goals. While also having a healthy positive vibe among the group where we can have a good year.”
What’s been the biggest takeaway of the group this year: “The coaching staff have done a really good job at putting a group of boys together that work really well. The opening few weeks of pre-season have been high energy with plenty of hard work. It’s been a place you look forward to going to because the culture is so good.”
Cooper Page-Wilson
Age: 23
Position: Prop
Page-Wilson will join the Falcons after playing for the Sydney Roosters Jersey Flegg side in 2021 and 2022 before representing Wynnum Manly Seagulls for the past two seasons.
The tough middle forward has recorded 35 appearances in the Queensland Cup and is currently undergoing a 10 week pre-season camp with the Melbourne Storm.
Why the move to the Falcons: “I made the move to Falcons this year to have a fresh start and chase a new opportunity. I had heard good things about the club and culture and thought it would be the right fit for me.”
What are you hoping to achieve individually and as a team: “As an individual I’m wanting to continue to improve my game and take it to the next level. Collectively as a team we are hoping to play a good style of footy consistently week in week out and go all the way.”
What’s been your biggest takeaway from the squad or culture so far: “My biggest take away from the squad and culture so far is that it is a very tight group. The boys and staff were extremely welcoming when I arrived. It is a hard working group who all get around each other and are willing to go the extra mile.”
Gideon Afemui
Age: 25
Position: Centre/Backrow
Afemui came to Henderson’s attention thanks to a recommendation from breakout Melbourne Storm rookie Lazarus Vaalepu after the pair played under-20s together at the Canberra Raiders.
Afemui had since been playing for the Woden Valley Rams in Canberra but has already impressed in his approach to the Falcons pre-season setting the benchmark in the gym.
Why the move to the Falcons: “After thinking I wasn’t good enough for this level of footy my close friends reminded me that with hard work many things are possible. I was given the opportunity to try and test myself again to which I jumped at the opportunity and I’m glad that it was here at the Falcons.”
What are you hoping to achieve individually and as a team: “Debut and be able to showcase what the coaches have taught me and hopefully compete as a team all year round”
What’s been your biggest takeaway from the squad or culture so far: “The squad, including the coaching staff have been so welcoming since landing on the Sunshine Coast and they have shown that this is not only a team but a family. The way everyone looks out for each other, even the people with more experience going out of their way to help and better everyone else so that the team is on the same page has been unreal. We’ve been thrown into some deep waters and if we hadn’t gelled the way we have it would’ve been hard to stay on our feet.”
Taj Ridley
Age: 21
Position: Lock middle
Ridley was recruited via some encouraging words from Falcons legend Marty Cordwell and former junior Falcon Blake Woodford who both share a connection with the Nambour Crushers.
Ridley, who spent the 2024 season with the Newcastle Knights Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup side, played alongside Woodford and took his advice in a move to the Sunshine Coast.
Ridley hasn’t had the smoothest of transitions, undergoing surgery on a bulging disk in his back in December but Henderson said he would be a great addition to the squad.
Why the move to the Falcons: “I had a few chats with Brad (Henderson) about the move to the Falcons and I thought it would be too good of an opportunity to miss.”
What are you hoping to achieve individually and as a team: “I’m hoping that I can achieve an opportunity to go into a NRL system as the Falcons produce so many players that end up making that next step. Hopefully I can have a really consistent year and play good footy, as a team obviously we want to win the comp and get to play against the New South Wales cup winning side.”
What’s been your biggest takeaway from the squad or culture so far: “The squad have been really solid and have been working hard for the last couple of weeks. Everyone has been getting put through their paces but that’s what brings everyone together. A few of the boys that have been here for a while are really driving that club culture and standards.”
Samual Elara
Age: 23
Position: Centre/Winger/Fullback
Elara is a local pick-up for the Falcons but brings with him some Queensland Cup experience after previously playing for the Redcliffe Dolphins.
The talented outside back produced back to back standout performances in 2023 and 2024 for the club Coolum Colts, later earning selection in the Queensland Country representative side.
Why the move to the Falcons: “I played in the Sunshine Coast competition with the Coolum Colts this year and they gave me an opportunity to better my craft with the Falcons for the upcoming season.”
What are you hoping to achieve individually and as a team: “Individually I’m just trying to put my best foot forward and play good footy. As a team we obviously want to take in the new year for the out town.”
What’s been your biggest takeaway from the squad or culture so far: “Everyone buys into the club culture whether that be on or off the field. Everyone gets around each other and it’s awesome to see.”
Blake Moore
Age: 21
Position: Halfback/Five eight
Rising playmaker Blake Moore joins the Falcons from the Penrith Panthers Jersey Flegg side where he played 25 games in 2024.
Why the move to the Falcons: “Looking to continue working on my craft in a successful organisation that will help me improve my game.”
What are you hoping to achieve individually and as a team: “This year hopefully we can achieve a successful season as a team and individually I’m trying to just play consistent footy week in week out.”
What’s been your biggest takeaway from the squad or culture so far: “The squad we have are working really hard and are all striving for the same goal, the biggest takeaway so far is how hard everyone’s working and the attention to detail to our training.”
Denver Ford
Age: 23
Position: Fullback
A South Coast product, Ford has been applying his trade for the Gerringong Lions and quickly impressed Henderson with his big-bodied playing style.
Ford can fill a multitude of positions and received some high praise from Melbourne Storm star Tyran Wishart after the pair played together as juniors.
Why the move to Falcons: “The opportunity to join the Falcons popped up and I knew if I didn’t take the opportunity I would regret it. I want to improve my game and have a really good crack at this great opportunity, plus something new and exciting since I have played all my footy for the Gerringong Lions in New South Wales.”
What are you hoping to achieve individually and as a team: “My main goal to achieve is to make the team, but I also want to learn and improve my game along the way. As a team I think we just need to keep building a good foundation through pre-season so when the season rolls around we can achieve success.”
What’s been your biggest takeaway from the squad or culture so far: “I think this is a great group to be involved in, all the coaching staff and teammates are legends plus both put in heaps of effort on and off the field to keep things rolling. I’m really excited to see where things go with this group.”
Takai Mokohar
Age: 26
Position: Lock/Second Row
Mokohar makes the transition to the Falcons with an impressive Queensland Cup and international resume.
Takai has played 44 matches for the Capras and Clydesdales and earned a call up to represent the Cook Islands at the Pacific Championships in 2023.
Why the move to the Falcons: “I made the move to the Falcons to learn and grow as a player, add to the success the club has already had.”
What are you hoping to achieve individually and as a team: “I want to represent the Cook Islands again in the Pacific Championship and I want to play every game for the Falcons this year to hopefully win the competition.”
What’s been your biggest takeaway from the squad or culture so far: “All of the boys are quite close and the club has some really good people helping and supporting us players and coaches. The culture is good with high standards and expectations, it’s actually been really refreshing and something you want to buy into.”
Jeremiah Schuster
Age: 22
Position: Middle/Edge
Schuster joins the Falcons after making his debut for the New Zealand Warriors New South Wales cup side in 2024.
The mobile, crafty player represented the Auckland Blue Under 20s team in 2021, where he started at centre, fullback and in the halves.
Why the move to the Falcons: “I’ve been playing local footy back in Auckland for the last couple of years. I was lucky enough to obtain a pre-season with the Warriors NSW Cup squad but in a way I felt comfortable back at home. I knew if I wanted to progress, I needed to test the waters over the ditch and when the Falcons called with an opportunity I knew I couldn’t miss it.”
What are you hoping to achieve individually and as a team: “Honestly I’ve made it a personal goal to wear the jersey and play. After learning the history about the club and how much it really means to the region, seeing how well the club did prior, I’m hoping I can help contribute to the team moving forward and aiming for a spot in the grand final.”
What’s been your biggest takeaway from the squad or culture so far: “That I get to be apart of this squad with the same mentality that everyone has and surviving this heat.”
Drew Timms
Age: 20
Position: Hooker
Talented number nine Drew Timms is another welcomed addition to the Falcons for 2025, boasting 36 Queensland Cup appearances after his efforts with the Clydesdales.
Timms became the Clydesdales youngest squad member in 2023 when joining the top squad as an 18-year-old.
Why move to Falcons: “I wanted to challenge myself and continue learning my craft at a club that’s been very successful in getting players to the next level as well as always being near the top of the table.”
What are you hoping to achieve as an individual and as a team: “I’m working towards making my Falcons debut and being a consistent Queensland Cup player knowing my role within the team. As a team I’d love to be able to say that I’ve won a title in such a quality competition.”
What’s been your takeaway from the squad or culture so far: “My biggest takeaway so far is how much emphasis is on becoming mates and coming together as a group. We’re all working towards a common goal and also how detailed the sessions are, holding a high standard with everything that we do.”
Zion Johnson
Age: 22
Position: Wing/FB
Electric outside back Zion Johnson joins the Falcons from Brisbane rugby league side Wests Panthers.
Johnson was a part of the Panthers 2024 minor premiership team, only recording their third loss of the season in their grand final loss to Wynnum Juniors.
Why move to Falcons: “I moved to the Falcons for better opportunity and a chance to play for a great club and community.”
What are you hoping to achieve as an individual and as a team: “As an individual I’m really happy to make new connections with staff and players. Hopefully that builds into winning a state title for a great group of blokes and an even better community.”
What’s been your takeaway from the squad or culture so far: “My biggest takeaway from the club so far has been person over player. I love how the club is person centred and doesn’t check you on who you are, where you’re from or what team you’ve played for. It’s about how you show up is how you’re treated and that’s how all clubs should be.”
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