TRL powerlist: Warwick Cowboys’ best players, hometown heroes and young guns revealed
From the hometown heroes to the up and coming young guns keen to make their mark, the Rose City is filled with promising and talented footy players. Here are the Warwick Cowboys top players.
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Footy mad Warwick is home to passionate fans and even more passionate players whose love of the game could rival any other town.
From young guns keen to make their mark, to hometown heroes that have been playing locally since juniors, the Rose City is home to some talented and exceptional footy players.
Read the breakdown:
Warwick Cowboys A-Grade
Coach Col Speed’s men have played exceptionally this season, starting the season off strong with an impressive five game unbeaten run, including a big win in the Barrett Shield Clash against rivals Wattles.
“The boys had a lot of pride during that game and was a massive way to start off the season, it was always one of our goals to have some silverware in the cupboard and the Barrett Shield is no better way to start that, so it’s a perfect start,” Speed said in March.
“I’m not looking at the people looking at me, if I start listening to them, I’ll be sitting beside them so I’m not too worried about that.”
“It’s a work in progress but we’re on our way.”
Speed has named his 10 men making their mark in his side, this season:
Dan Conn
Position: Front row
Powerhouse forward Dan Conn is having a great season in 2023, after winning the most consistent player last year with the mighty Cowboys.
Damien Beresford
Position: Hooker
Beresford is making his A-Grade debut this season, with coach Col Speed dubbing him a “tackling machine,” who currently averages more than 30 tackles per game.
Jake Speed
Position: Wing
This A-Grade winger made his Toowoomba Clydesdales 47th Battalion Squad debut this year, and is a great talent for the side.
Morgan Byrnes
Position: Centre/lock
Byrnes was a 2022 Toowoomba Clydesdales member and took part in the Redcliffe train and trial pre-season this year.
Nick Pails
Position: Front row
Speed said this player is the most improved player within the club, who has a “great work ethic” and is always seeking advice on how to improve.
Nick Chapman
Position: Fullback
Chapman is making his A-Grade and rugby debut in 2023, and is a former Australian 7’s Rugby Union player.
Thomas Bell
Position: Second row
Speed said Bell is having an “outstanding season and is improving as the season progress”.
Harry Sullivan
Position: Hooker
Sullivan is a A-Grade/Rep Honours player and successful 2023 Toowoomba Clydesdales 47th Battalion member, and is definitely one to watch on the field.
Lorenzo Ma’afu
Position: Second row
Ma’afu is making his Warwick Cowboys A-Grade debut this year, but has had plenty of footy experience, as a former NRL and QCup player.
Nick Carrie
Position: Halfback
This player was included as one of the Rep Honours 2023 Western Clydesdales under-21, playing as a fullback.
He has experience playing with the Ipswich Jets but his true home will always be with the Warwick Cowboys.
Carrie was named last year as one of the 20 best athletes under 20 from the Rose City, and was described by former coach Scott Fisher as an “indomitable” player.
Warwick Cowboys Reserves
Sam Williamson has led the ressie lads throughout a solid season, currently sitting within the top half of the Clive Berghofer Reserve Grade table.
Reserve grade may be known for its colourful characters, but there’s a lot of talent showcased by the keen Cowboys reserves.
Coach Sam Williamson breaks down some of his key men:
Dylan Lippi
Position: Halfback
“The skipper. It’s been tough the last couple weeks without Dylan due to A-Grade commitments but when he’s in the squad he gets the lads going on another level,” Williamson said.
“Dyl has really good game management, exceptional playmaking, vision, kicking game and leadership skills.”
Rielly Byrne
Position: Five-eighth
“Never dies wondering, and plays with his heart on his sleeve week-in, week-out.
“First year playing reserve grade football in the TRL and has been the go to man while Dylan Lippi has been out playing A-Grade. Rielly has a good footy brain and has been tremendous this season.”
Joseph Wagner
Position: Hooker
“The little man in the middle. Although his small he’d be one of the strongest in the team,” Williamson said.
“Some weeks I think he has spiders on him, as he has no struggle getting through the line. He’s a ball of magic and is having a cracking season.”
Jolame Vai
Position: Centre
“Big Bula: he moved to town from Fiji, was very quiet at the start of the season but as the weeks go by, he’s opened right up becoming a real handy footballer. He’s hard to handle and play an important role in our squad.”
Iowane Rakula
Position: Winger
“Iowane has also has made the move from Fiji and joined the Warwick boys.
“He was definitely a surprise package. He adds a lot of speed to the team and is very dangerous on game day.”
Carl Gale
Position: Front row
“Gale is the veteran of the team, and Carl brings a lot of experience to the squad and has been our go forward all year. He leaves nothing in the tank and has been having a great season this year.”
William Howard
Position: Front row
“Will’s had a great off-season in the gym and it’s been paying off for him this season,” Williamson said.
“Stepping up and playing big minutes in the middle. He has a strong carry and takes a few to pull him up. Credit where credit’s due, he’s been one of our enforcers this season.”
Michael Vandesande
Position: Lock forward
“Vandesande is the unsung hero in the squad. Mickey gets through a mountain of work every game, topping the hit ups and tackle count each week.
“He plays simple smart tough football and is also a great leader in the team.”
Matt Henry
Position: Fullback
“Matt’s been having great season, and has been rewarded with a few A-Grade games. He’s as safe as houses with silky hands and a great strike at goal kicking.
“He’s out with injury at the moment, getting him back towards the end of the year will be a massive bonus.”
Jarred Bradfield
Position: Lock forward
“Jarred has been playing first-grade football the past few years and has stepped back to reserve grade to find the love for football again.
“He’s one of the leaders of the forward pack and never takes a backwards step. He’s consistent each week and a workhorse throughout the game.”
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