Sunshine Coast rugby union 2024 season preview
Ahead of round one every Sunshine Coast A-grade and women’s head coach has lifted the lid on their off-season takeaways, team expectations and key players for the 2024 SCRU season. Read the full preview.
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With the round one countdown officially underway, every Sunshine Coast A-grade and senior women’s rugby union head coach has uncovered their off-season takeaways, season aims and players to watch for 2024.
The 2024 senior season will begin on April 20 with the regular season running until July 27 and the grand finals to be played on August 17.
The Nambour Toads will look to defend their 2023 women’s premiership while the USC Barbarians are aiming to make it four grand final victories in a row.
Unfortunately the Noosa women’s team has folded during the off-season.
Ahead of kick off the Daily caught up with each team’s head coach to find out how pre-season had gone, their 2024 aims and which players they believe are ones to keep an eye on.
MEN’S A-GRADE
UNIVERSITY
Head Coach: Brad Tronc
2023 Result: Premiers
Pre-Season Takeaways: “We’ve had a shocking run with field availability due to the weather, we’ve missed probably three to four weeks of pre-season. We’ll be a little bit underdone but that won’t be used as an excuse. Coming in I was a little bit concerned with the lack of time we’ve had together but we had a camp at Twin Waters the other week and coming out of that I feel our culture and cohesion is quite strong. We haven't had to relearn or teach the way we play, our aim is to be better than what we’ve done in the past and I’m quite comfortable at the moment. We’re not preparing for a grand final anyway, we’re preparing for round one and I feel we’re okay for that.”
Key Players: “Winning three in a row obviously ticks a lot of boxes for a lot of people so we’ve had some big outs of guys who’ve been a part of that fabric. Guys like Matt Leider is having a season off, Jona Koroiadi has moved to Sydney looking for an opportunity, Cory Tehuia has moved up to North Queensland, Matty Macaulay has retired finally and has come on board as an assistant coach. So when you think of USC, those names are pretty synonymous with us but at the same time that gives opportunities to other guys.
- Young Levi Wairau has come to us and will look to replace Jona as a promising number nine.
- Tom McKee is one who has had a big off season and one I’m looking forward to. He floated in and out last year, came off the bench for A-grade as a big number eight.
- The other would be Colby Mason who hasn’t arrived yet but played Queensland Country last year and is a solid experienced centre from Mackay.
Why they’ll be competitive: “Our cohesion. While you’ll see some new names on the team sheet, they’re still players that have played for USC for a long time and have been knocking down the A-grade door. It excites me to see how much more they may grow, how they’ll take their opportunity and really dig in for each other.”
CALOUNDRA
Head Coach: Dan Atkins
2023 Result: Runners Up
Pre-Season Takeaways: “I think the biggest thing for us has been seeing some key players leave but having some key guys within the club step up into those key roles. We’ve been able to backfill those players that have left and it really is a reflection of the old saying ‘when one door closes another one opens.”
Key Players: “Of those key guys that were significant last season Nakoa Marcroft has gone down to GPS and he’s been playing first grade which is fantastic for him and Cade Robinson is trying his hand with the Caloundra Sharks rugby league side. Jake Helgesen and Jono Hayes are going around again but some of the other guys would be:
- Kaan Askew is a good number seven that’s come to us. He’s a local boy that came through Sunshine Coast Grammar and has played Colts for Easts in Brisbane the past two years.
- Wiki Wati played the back half of last season. It’s exciting to see him come through a full pre-season.
- Luke Emmerson looks to be a good 10 and 12. He’s also come up from playing in Brisbane Premier Grade and he was also the captain of the Australian Defence Force last year.
Why they’ll be competitive: “I think we set a lot of foundations last year which was quite new to a lot of the squad. We effectively don’t have to go back and revisit that so we can add other elements to our game that’ll hopefully make us a little bit more dangerous.”
BROTHERS
Head Coach: Darren Tahu
2023 Result: Third
Pre-Season Takeaways: “Player retention is the main one, we’ve only lost two players from our A-grade side and we’ve gained probably seven or eight into that top squad. The numbers at training and during our trials have been really good so I can’t complain really.”
Key Players: “We’ve been lucky enough to grab some former New Zealand representative players which is exciting. There’s a few guys that were Brothers juniors and have made their return to the region and to the club. A few to watch would be:
- James Hawkby: He’ll slot in at number 10 and he’s an ex-National Provincial Championship player that will bring good experience and shape to our attack.
- Damien Scott: He’s a good Hawke’s Bay representative player that will again add some good experience and leadership to our side.
- Jack Packer: He’s just turned 18 and is returning from the Brisbane Schools competition. Will be having his first crack at senior rugby at number nine and looks to be one to watch.
Why they’ll be competitive: “Our goal this year for our entire senior group is for every grade to finish in the top four and be playing finals. If we snag a grand final appearance along the way then that’s awesome but for us it’s about building on last year where we had a solid season in A-grade and not so good in reserve or third grade. If we can improve on that as a senior club that’ll be great.”
WYNNUM
Head Coach: Billy Leal
2023 Result: Fourth
Pre-Season Takeaways: “We have had a very strong pre-season in terms of our conditioning. Our new head of performance James Batey has brought a level of professionalism to the squad which has been fantastic. The lads have responded well and their desire to get better as individuals and a team has set a great standard for the club.”
Key Players:
- Captain, Jacob Wright: will be back bigger for this season. He’s had a big off-season and is keen to lead the team into greater success.
- Alex Sinclair: had a great season last year. I thought he was the best fullback in the competition week in week out.
- Nic White: is an exciting prop that has come across from Souths and has proven himself a leader straight away. We’re excited to see what he can deliver.
- Tyrees Wilson: has come across from Easts and has unlocked the backline in a way we didn’t have last year.
Why they’ll be competitive: “We’ve retained a large number of first grade players from last year and this has given us a great foundation to build on. That plus bringing in new players to the squad have given us much more competition for each position.”
NOOSA
Head Coach: Jim McKay
2023 Result: Fifth
Pre-Season Takeaways: “I think as a club we’ve had a bit of a reset as we have a closer look of what we’re about and what we want to stand for. There’s obviously proud history there and we haven't gone so well the past few years but we’ve had a honesty thing as a community club and it’s been pleasing.”
Key Players: “Because of our location we’re very much reliant on our local juniors and we’re adjusting, as are many other clubs, to the no colts competition. There’s great depth in a lot of our positions which is thanks to the guys coming through, some that have been here a while and some that are new to the club.
- Gideon Kautai: Is one guy that’s new to the club from New Zealand. He has looked quite promising in the pre-season.
Why they’ll be competitive: “We want to make the town proud but we want to try and earn some respect first both on and off the field. We want to be a community minded club that never gives up and if we can do that along with playing some exciting footy, the results should take care of themselves.”
MAROOCHYDORE
Head Coach: Simon Lewis
2023 Result: Sixth
Pre-Season Takeaways: “I’d say it’s a combination of team culture and player numbers. After what happened last year it’s been really pleasing to see the consistent squad and training numbers each week. It’s still a very young squad but I’ve been very happy and impressed in how they’ve bounced back during the off-season.”
Key Players: “We’ve still got a solid base of experience A-grade guys mixed in the squad so they’ll be crucial in helping guide the side this season.
- Isaac Talbot: Is a standout forward of the competition so if he can stay fit he’s obviously a massive key for us going forward.
- Lochie Stewart: He played Queensland Country Colts last year and is back again. He’s a crafty young number nine that’s getting better and better.
Why they’ll be competitive: “I spoke last year and said I was really impressed with a number of younger guys’ resilience after the tough season and results they had. They’ve bought that back again this year with an eagerness to do better and I think it’ll take us a long way. The effort has been evident at training so with the way they’ve regrouped it should help us out a lot this season.”
CABOOLTURE
Head Coach: Nathan Simpson
2023 Result: Seventh
Pre-Season Takeaways: “Our fitness has been a key one from my perspective. It’s always a long season so we made the conscious decision to start in January to avoid the looming burnout and give our boys a complete break. In that short time of pre-season we’ve hit it hard and I think it’s better than where we were last season when heading into round one. I coached Wilson (Enoka) at Norths so I came on-board last season to help out and have ended up being head coach but I’m trying to bring a bit more professionalism and standards to our senior set up. The other positive would be we’ve just had a Colts team start up in the Brisbane competition after five years of getting that in motion.”
Key Players: “We’ve lost a fair few players which is unfortunate. We’ve gained some guys but it has put a mini dent in our squad with the guys that have moved away or gone into the Brisbane Premier competition. From what we have I would say:
- Kegan Tuhega: He’s a former rugby league player that played a couple of games for us last season. Has played some Queensland Cup for the Ipswich Jets but is committed to us this season and will slot in the centres.
Why they’ll be competitive: “I think our attitude will be key. I’m trying to bring a bit more self belief to the squad by breaking things down into individual tasks. Looking at it as winning your own little battles and seeing everything add up that way rather than just focusing on the scoreline. Results are funny sometimes but if everyone can do their job it should hold us in good stead.”
SENIOR WOMEN'S
NAMBOUR
Head Coach: Luke Zeremes
2023 Result: Premiers
Pre-Season Takeaways: “We’ve had a bit of an interrupted pre-season so I wouldn’t say we’re primed and ready to go but we definitely pride ourselves on our culture at the club which is still shining through. Given we’re always such a young side the girls head off to University in brisbane or move away each off-season but we’ve retained a fair few players, picked up a handful of new recruits and have others that are making the step up from our youth program footy. We’re underprepared but we’re excited to play some footy.”
Key Players: “I think we’ve lost about five or six from our grand final side last season and some girls in key positions.
- Tia McLellan: She was apart of our Youth system before having some time off and playing rugby league with the Falcons. She’s always been an exciting player and someone I think will do a fantastic job in guiding us around the park.
- Jennifer Ladewig: She made her debut late last season as a 17-year-old. She is a very exciting finisher on the edge and comes in with a lot more confidence this season.
- Paige Wells: She’s come from the Chancellor school rugby program with Nick Collingwood and we’re not quite sure where we’ll play her yet but she’s got great attributes in attack and defence.
- Beth McKenna: Another new player to the club, she hasn’t played any rugby before but has a touch footy background. We’re excited to see what she can do with the ball in hand and as the season progresses.
Why they’ll be competitive: “As much as we’d love to make it three premierships in a row for me in particular this season it’s about growing the culture at the club. I’m really proud of what we’ve been able to achieve and we hope to see it blossom further this season. We definitely will take a while to warm into the season but we’re excited and our former captain Milly Russell will also join me as an assistant coach this year.”
CALOUNDRA
Head Coach: Tim Burgess
2023 Result: Runners Up
Pre-Season Takeaways: “The positive for us is that we’ve managed to attract some of our under-17s from last season. They have joined our women’s squad as they continue their pathway to senior and or representative footy. Obviously it’s bolstered our numbers but it’s great to have them on board.”
Key Players: “I see everyone on the team as a good player but we have a few new recruits coming from Victoria and Adelaide who have played some high level representative footy. They’ll bring some good quality plus the girls we’ve retained and our younger players making the step up.”
Why they’ll be competitive: “Our aim is to build on what we have at the moment and to give our best effort every game. If we can stick to our game plan it makes us exciting because we have plenty talents and great mix in the squad. It’s probably the best team environment that we’ve had a in quite a while.”
CABOOLTURE
Head Coach: Aaron Vinton
2023 Result: Third
Pre-Season Takeaways: “I think it’s the general excitement around the girls as everyone just wants to get out on the field now. I’ve been involved in the men’s space for a while so it’s been quite refreshing seeing everyone so positive and wanting to learn.”
Key Players: “We’ve got a couple of new recruits and rising stars but until we get on the park it’s a bit hard to tell. From our returning players I would say:
- Ane Mailau and Line Enoka: Have both been powerhouse forwards in the competition for a long time and will again be standouts this season.
Why they’ll be competitive: “They're a very close knit group that really looks after each other. I think when things get tough this season they’ll pull together and play for the person next to them.”
MAROOCHYDORE
Head Coach: Andrew Block
2023 Result: Fourth
Pre-Season Takeaways: “The biggest thing for us has been the continuity of players that we have. Most of the players that were apart of last years side have come back again which has been a really important step for us as we’re not starting from square one again.”
Key Players:
- Dana Robertson: Finished as the Swans best and fairest winner last season and has returned in good form.
- Taya Bowman: Was an Aussie rules recruit who came to the club last season but she’s really come on during the pre-season after getting a better understanding of the game.
- Olivia Reginato: A player that’s returning to the club after some time away from the region. She brings a lot of experience to the Swans side.
Why they’ll be competitive: “The girls enthusiasm for training, for the games on the weekend and their joy off the field is great. They are a great bunch and they can’t wait for the season to start.”
BROTHERS
Head Coach: Jeff Flood
2023 Result: Sixth
Pre-Season Takeaways: “I think women’s rugby is really strong on the Sunshine Coast and if you put in the effort where anyone can come and play but also mix them with players that have super skills already, everyone can thrive in the same environment. You attract lots of players as it’s a really positive and welcoming learning experience. That’s something I’ve noticed already and the group this year, both players and staff have taken that to another level.”
Key Players: “We’ve got plenty to watch out for. Some new to the club that have moved to the Sunshine Coast and picked Brothers as the club they want to be apart of. There’s some players from overseas that will be joining us in the coming weeks as well. From out current list, some key ones include:
- Madison Pomerenke: The Gympie Hammers junior has risen through the Stingrays, Queensland and Australian Schoolgirl system and will now take her talents to Brothers in 2024.
- Aleira Chase: Is coming back from a knee injury but will slot in at number 10. Look for her to be a threat in attack.
Why they’ll be competitive: “I think we’ve got all the elements for a successful season. There’s a great bunch of people on and off the field, a great culture at the club and a real focus on learning about the game. If everyone can take a step towards their own goals every week, success will come.”
WYNNUM
Head Coach: Ben Salm
2023 Result: Seventh
Pre-Season Takeaways: “I’d say our team culture is certainly something that has carried over from last year. The girls just wanted to have a crack last season and that same core group of girls are back to go again. We’ve involved them more and more with our senior men’s during the pre-season and that’s already been a big factor noticed by coaches and the other senior players.”
Key Players: “
- Dani Hunter and Pacey Blundell: Two new recruits that have both shown good promise in the pre-season and trial matches. Excited to see what they bring to the team this season.
- Eloise and Jess Gilbert and Kylah Tooman: All look to be rising stars to keep an eye on this season. All three players had their first season of rugby last year but have come back stronger and ready to take that next step.
Why they’ll be competitive: “I think because the girls are really there for one another and they understand where their strengths and weaknesses are. They have a real drive to improve at training, at home and wherever else. They’re doing all of the little things which as a coach you love to hear. They’re just excited to play which I think will allow us to be a bit more competitive than we were last season. Myself and Alex (Baines) have put some things in place but majority of the things the competition will see this season will be from the girls effort and drive.”
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