Nine competitions and 66 players: The state votes for the best grassroots footy player in Qld

Who is Queensland’s best first grade rugby league player? On the eve of the Gold Coast first grade season we take a look at where the Glitter Strip players sit among the state’s best. See the full results from our online poll here.

The NRL may be the pinnacle of rugby league in Australia, but there’s plenty of quality talent running around at a local level that could, should or would have seen success at the top.

News Corp has compiled a list of the best players from Queensland’s major A-Grade competitions and we have crowned the state’s best club footballer from your 556 votes.

See the percentage of votes each player polled below.

PLAYERS WHO POLLED THE MOST:

1. Thomas Sly (Kawana Dolphins, Sunshine Coast): 16 per cent.

2. Lachlan Campbell (Rockhampton Brothers, Rockhampton): 7 per cent.

Tied 3rd. Josh McCarroll (Brothers, Ipswich): 4 per cent.

Tied 3rd. Taine Tuaupiki (Burleigh Bears Gold Coast): 4 per cent.

Tied 4th. Matt Duggan (Wattles Warriors, Toowoomba): 3 per cent.

Tied 4th. Travis Field (Emu Park, Rockhampton): 3 per cent.

Tied 4th. Josh Harvey (Tugun Seahawks, Gold Coast): 3 per cent.

Tied 4th. Kazzie Doyle (Norths Chargers, Rockhampton): 3 per cent.

Tied 4th. Gavin Hiscox (Yeppoon Seagulls, Rockhampton): 3 per cent.

RUGBY LEAGUE GOLD COAST

Taine Tuaupiki - 4 per cent.

Burleigh Bears

Fullback

Has the full package. Fantastic footwork, work ethic and great communication. A leader of men at the young age of 22. If not for Kurtis Rowe, one of the best number ones in Queensland over the past five years, Tuaupiki would likely have regular Intrust Super Cup caps with the Bears. Still, expect him to be in the mix from next year onwards.

Jakob Schimke - 2 per cent.

Mudgeeraba Redbacks

Utility

At 177cm and 70kg, ‘The Schimke’ or ‘Schimmy’ is rated by many as the best pound for pound player on the Gold Coast. Very coachable, loyal and boating a long range fuel tank, his defensive technique is second-to-none. An inspirational on-field leader of men.

Jay Blazek - 1 per cent.

Helensvale Hornets

Lock

Young, tough, athletic and with speed to burn. Fears no one but is also really down to earth. A great teammate and competitor.

James Poland - 2 per cent.

Runaway Bay Seagulls

Halfback / Hooker

The Rugby League Gold Coast Halfback of the Decade needs little introduction in the state’s southeast. In his 15th season at Bay, Poland has won two grand finals of the three the Seagulls have to their name in 40 years of club history.

Jakob Smith - 0 per cent.

Currumbin Eagles

Second-row

Still in his early 20s, Smith has instantly become one of the first names picked every week on coach Matt Geyer’s team sheet. The consummate professional, Smith does everything right on and off the field and is a gamebreaker when in form. His breakout performance this year was a matchwinning hat-trick against the previously unbeaten Burleigh Bears.

Josh Harvey - 3 per cent.

Tugun Seahawks

Front-row

“Mr Consistent” applies in spades to Harvey, who in his time under coach Clint Barends – at both Tweed Seagulls and Tugun – he has won the Players’ Player award in every season bar-one. There is no greater honour than the respect of teammates, and Harvey’s teammates at two clubs have time and again labelled him as their best player.

Jarrod Morfett - 2 per cent.

Southport Tigers

Front-row

An inspirational captain who is as ‘tough as an old boot’ in the words of his coach. Plays 80 minutes week-in, week-out which can be rare for a modern front-rower. Plays at 100 miles an hour and a genuinely great player and clubman.

RUGBY LEAGUE BRISBANE

Lachlan Cooper - 2 per cent.

Normanby Hounds

Five-eighth

‘Super Duper Cooper’ has lead the Hounds’ charge to the top of the RLB ladder. A prototypical playmaker, Cooper starred for Souths Logan in the televised Intrust Super Cup clash against Wynnum and won MOTM, but has spent the majority of the season plying his trade for Normanby. He captained Brisbane to the state championship against Toowoomba and won MOTM there, also.

Aaron Booth - 1 per cent.

Wynnum Seagulls Juniors

Five-eighth

Partnered fellow nominee Lachlan Cooper in the halves of Brisbane’s state championship-winning team this year. Booth is tough as nails. He played through a fractured foot in last year’s preliminary final and in the grand final, played out the final hour with a broken hand. Still in his early 20s, Booth exudes class, experience and toughness. He’s a jack of all trades five-eighth who is one of the first picked each week.

Tom Butterfield - 1 per cent.

West Brisbane Panthers

Hooker

With more than 200 Intrust Super Cup caps, Tom Butterfield is one of the most experienced rugby league minds still lacing them up in Queensland. At 33 he still makes more than 40 tackles per game, can play the full 80 minutes and runs the ball as hard as anyone. Has previously represented PNG at the World Cup and this season filled in for the PNG Hunters in the Intrust Super Cup on a handful of occasions. A true team-first workhorse.

Jye Ballinger - 1 per cent.

Valleys Diehards

Back-row

With more than 100 Intrust Super Cup caps for Sunshine Coast Falcons and Easts over his career, Ballinger’s Rugby League Brisbane debut has been one to remember. The bustling back-rower leads Valleys’ try-scoring this season and has been an immense force both on the field and in leading standards at training.

Josh Cooper - 1 per cent.

Brighton Roosters

Left Centre / Second-row

A converted back-rower to centre, Cooper has double-digit tries in 2021 and just as many try-assists for the Roosters. In his second year with the club, the Kiwi is one of the best line runners in the competition and an absolute workhorse coming out of defence. A true do-it-all outside back.

Clayton Mack - 1 per cent.

Beenleigh Pride

Front-rower

A nightmare to play and coach against, young Mack is a mobile front-rower with great ball skills and a motor that never breaks down. Gives his all on every play, all day.

Connor Miller - 1 per cent.

Bulimba Bulldogs

Fullback

One of the absolute surprise packets of the Rugby League Brisbane competition this season, Miller arrived from NSW in the off-season and started in Reserve Grade for Bullimba, but it quickly became apparent he was much too good to be there. Miller is now one of the first picked each week for his incredible combination of attacking and defensive prowess. He’s the all-round fullback every coach wishes they had.

Zacchues Chong-Nee - 0 per cent.

Pine Rivers Bears

Centre

Another Brisbane Blue representative who won the state championship this year, Chong-Nee is a beast of a ball running centre who loves the tough stuff. His combination of size and speed makes him a mismatch in the middle of the field and he often shifts to the back row when needed to fill a hole. Chong-Nee doesn’t cross the line often but he’s often the one assisting four pointers.

Lachlan Lanskey- 0 per cent.

Carina Tigers

Second-row

A former Broncos NYC prospect, Lanskey’s first two years of senior football were riddled with injury woes. He’s since returned to A-Grade footy with Carina and become one of the competition’s best forwards. Lanskey plays big minutes, is rarely if-ever beaten in a one-on-one and is deceptively quick for a back-rower. One of the club’s leaders despite still being in his early 20s.

RUGBY LEAGUE IPSWICH

Ratu Vatuinaraku - 1 per cent.

Swifts Bluebirds

Winger

The flying Fijian and former Ipswich Jets footballer is a regular point scoring machine diving over for tries and nailing conversions from every part of the field.

Zac Teevan - 1 per cent.

Ipswich Jets

Forward

As one of the team’s most consistent performers, Teevan is fearless in defence and a powerful ball runner able to bust open any opposing side.

Josh McCarroll - 4 per cent.

Brothers Ipswich

Fullback

Apart from scoring spectacular tries and being safe under the high ball in defence, McCarroll contributes valuable points each game with his reliable goal kicking.

Ethan Page - 0 per cent.

Norths Tigers

Forward

The Tigers vice-captain is the team’s go-to player able to smash through a tackle or provide inspiration when the side needs it most.

Charlie Christenson - 1 per cent.

Fassifern Bombers

Forward

The mainstay of the Bombers pack with a high work rate in attack and defence.

RUGBY LEAGUE SUNSHINE COAST

Matthew Kidd - 2 per cent.

Beerwah Bulldogs

Halfback / Five-eighth

A great team leader and voice on field. Is a Beerwah junior and has been with the club for more than 10 years.

Kidd has scored an impressive 104 points for Beerwah so far this season to be fourth overall on the points list.

Seaton Reid - 0 per cent.

Noosa Pirates

Fullback / Five-eighth

Reid is a real competitor and is incredibly fit and strong. He’s great across the park with a huge range of skills.

His work rate is astonishing and it doesn’t matter if it’s attack or defence he just gives that absolute 100 per cent effort on every play. Scored 10 tries for Noosa so far this season.

Will Solway - 1 per cent.

Maroochydore Swans

Front-row

Solway’s workrate, quality of his work, and the metres he gains each week is great. He’s been the rock of the Swans’ forward pack all year and does it every week.

Has crossed for seven tries so far this season.

Jake Tyler - 0 per cent.

Caboolture Snakes

Lock

Tyler is the Snakes captain and leads the side well. He’s renowned for his toughness.

Rowan Winterfield - 0 per cent.

Stanley River Wolves

Front-row / Prop

Winterfield is a hardworking front-rower that plays 80 minutes.

He’s a good leader and just has a massive work ethic and is always consistent.

Ethan Gaffney - 0 per cent.

Caloundra Sharks

Second-row

Gaffney, often referred to as Nathan Hindmarsh by the coach, is a tireless worker and has played every minute of every game this year.

He is well respected among his peers and does all the little things right.

Gaffney is in his first year with Caloundra and is a schoolteacher that has moved up from Forbes. His nickname is Forbes.

Damian Forde-Hurrell - 0 per cent.

Gympie Devils

Hooker

Forde-Hurrell is a great defender and puts in effort after effort. He is a real competitor and former U20s Sunshine Coast Falcons player. Scored 11 tries for Gympie in 2021.

David Oakes - 1 per cent.

Nambour Crushers

Halfback

Oakes is Nambour’s captain and steers the side around the park well. He has got a very good kicking game and runs the ball when he needs to and is quite tough.

Thomas Sly - 16 per cent.

Kawana Dolphins

Fullback

Sly finished second on the Sunshine Coast division one’s try scoring list this year with 16 tries so has been a dominant force points-wise for Kawana. He is electric on his feet and can change direction quite quickly and he is very quick off the mark. Sly is also very good with his talk and puts his teammates defensively where they should be back into structure.

He is really well respected in the team and has a good personality and character about him.

TOOWOOMBA RUGBY LEAGUE

Cory McGrady - 1 per cent.

Highfields Eagles

Halfback

McGrady has built his reputation on standing up in the big games, landing him two premierships and a grand final MVP in the space of two seasons. Boasts one of the best passing games in the TRL and ranks among the best defending halves across the league.

David McGrady - 1 per cent.

Goondiwindi Boars

Five-eighth

The man they call the Panther due to his ability to pounce on the opposition, McGrady has so much time when the ball is in his hands. Links perfectly with his halves partner and outside backs, and is a large reason for Goondiwindi booking their spot in the TRL grand final.

Pat Templeman - 1 per cent.

Highfields Eagles

Five-eighth

One of the most credentialed players in the league, Templeman has brought the form to Toowoomba that saw him named as an Intrust Super Cup player of the year. A dynamo in attack, Templeman also has the ability to win a game with his goalkicking boot.

Matt Duggan - 3 per cent.

Wattles Warriors

Halfback

A veteran of the league that has been there and done it multiple times, Duggan remains one of the TRL’s leading gamebreakers. There’s no better player at taking the line on, and his class is unmatched in getting teammates into clean space.

David Armstrong - 2 per cent.

Goondiwindi Boars

Fullback

The 20-year-old has come of age this year, finishing the season as the leading tryscorer with 35 tries. Lightning quick at the back, Armstrong’s anticipation and ability to read the play has turned him into the most exciting young prospect we’ve seen in the TRL in years.

TOWNSVILLE DISTRICT RUGBY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Daniel Beasley - 1 per cent.

Burdekin Roosters

Front-rower

Came to the Roosters mid-season and managed to galvanise a squad that had all the talent but lacked a clear direction. The Townsville Blackhawks inaugural captain, showed the way for the Roosters with his leadership on field spurring them to a shock top four finish. He wasn’t afraid of the workload either, regularly rolling up the sleeves and doing the tough yards.

David Munro - 1 per cent.

Centrals Tigers

Lock/Back-row

The former Mackay Cutter made a resounding return to rugby league this season after spending the better part of 18-months on the sidelines following a knee reconstruction. He pushed past the demons of the injury at the Tigers, with his spirited performances in the middle of the park helping the side surge to the TDRL grand final despite an inconsistent start to the season. His toughness both in attack and defence cannot be questioned. He is effort on effort.

Marcus Nona - 0 per cent.

Western Lions

Lock

The young forward arrived at Western Lions this season after a few years in the Northern Pride junior ranks and made an immediate impact on the Townsville District Rugby League competition. A versatile forward, Nona rolled up the sleeves and got to work no matter what position coach Matty Bowen put him in. The 22-year-old defied his age and limited experience to really lead the Lions pack this season and was ultra-consistent across the year. He is the younger brother of Blackhawks halfback Shaun Nona.

Ethan Edwards - 1 per cent.

Norths Devils

Halfback

Still eligible to play in the under-19s this season, Norths Devils coach Karl Adams handed teenage playmaker Ethan Edwards an opportunity in his A Grade side and the kid did not miss a beat. In fact, he was one of very few players to play every minute of the 2021 season. Edwards might only be “70kg wringing wet” according to his coach, but he threw every ounce of that weight into his work on the field. He didn’t shirk his responsibility in attack or defence and the Norths junior will only get better after his first year in the top grade.

Mitchell Grimes - 2 per cent.

Herbert River Crushers

Lock

Grimes played every game for the season, and never dipped below the quality or standards of an A Grade footballer. He always plays in a manner within the rules and always respects his opposition. A workhorse lock forward, Grimes was always in the thick of the action showing little fear for the repercussions. While Herbert River were smashed by the injury curse, Grimes attempted to shoulder the load through the finals series.

Ty Carucci - 2 per cent.

Brothers Townsville

Five-eighth

Carucci only missed one game across the season, and took over the captaincy of an undefeated Brothers side following a season-ending injury to skipper Nathan Norford. The former Cowboys under-20s playmaker showed he was a class above in most games, spearheading the side’s attack which averaged over 40 points a game. Scored two tries and set up two more in their 32-0 grand final victory. Always exhibited good behaviour on and off the field.

Dylan Hastie - 2 per cent.

Charters Towers Miners

Hooker

The young hooker is one of the smallest bodies in the competition, but pound for pound he remains one of the toughest. Was the club’s 2018 and 2019 Player of the Year and carried that form into this season, leading the squad from the middle of the park. His service out of dummy-half has been impeccable all season, but it is his work in defence, regularly cutting down blokes twice his size, that has turned plenty of heads. Hastie is an integral part of the Miners club.

CAIRNS DISTRICT RUGBY LEAGUE

Matt Gibuma - 2 per cent.

Mossman-Port Douglas Sharks

Fullback

A scintillating runner of the football with breakneck speed and the ability to step off both feet, it’s no surprise the Sharks fullback is a favourite to top the tryscorers’ list in back-to-back seasons.

Matt Laumea - 1 per cent.

Tully Tigers

Prop

The Tigers hardman cuts one of the most imposing figures in the league and is often seen carting opposition defenders downfield on the back of his brutal carries.

Jared Allen - 0 per cent.

Cairns Kangaroos

Five-eighth

A great tactician and director of play, Allen signed on as Kangaroos head coach for the 2021 season but has been nothing but class since dusting off his boots midway through the season.

Sterling Addo-Nona - 1 per cent.

Edmonton Storm

Halfback / Fullback

One of the youngest players on this list, Addo-Nona possesses passing and kicking games beyond his years and has displayed an ability to come up with a big play when needed.

Rhys Hanlon - 1 per cent.

Southern Suburbs

Five-eighth

A cool head in high pressure situations, Hanlon possesses one of the best boots in the competition – both in general play and when kicking for goal – and uses his pinpoint accuracy to control the tempo of the game.

Hezron Murgha - 1 per cent.

Yarrabah Seahawks

Utility

A natural footballer, Murgha has been a standout right across the park for the Seahawks this season, slotting in at fullback, five-eighth, centre and as a roving lock position at different times.

Nick Harrold - 1 per cent.

Cairns Brothers

Middle Forward

A barnstorming forward who has laid the platform to Brothers’ minor premiership win, Harrold proves such a handful for the defence he’s crossed for 11 tries – including four in one game.

Trezman Banjo - 2 per cent.

Mareeba Gladiators

Fullback

A slick ballrunner with lightning pace, fancy footwork, is safe under the high ball, has great vision given his relative inexperience and can kick goals from across the park. An exciting talent.

Jermaine Pedro - 1 per cent.

Atherton

Halfback

Immensely experienced playmaker who can control the tempo with ease, and makes whichever team he plays for a threat courtesy of his strong kicking game and vision.

Aaron Jolley - 0 per cent.

Innisfail Leprechauns

Utility back

Is equally adept at fullback as he is in the halves due to his pace, vision, and strong kicking game. Can handle big moments and is a threat across the park.

Jacob Wallace - 0 per cent.

Ivanhoe Knights

Hooker

A workman in defence but can spur an attack with the ball in hand with his speed out of dummy half. Is among the most accurate goalkickers in the competition.

RUGBY LEAGUE MACKAY AND DISTRICT

Jake Thornton - 0 per cent.

Wests Tigers

Fullback

The long red hair and a thin headband has become a customary look for the Wests fullback, but Thornton is more well known for his perfect game sense and ability to direct his teammates. A versatile player, Thornton spent the second half of the 2021 season swapping between wing, fullback and halfback.

Maika Tudravu - 0 per cent.

Sarina

Winger

Just as dangerous on the inside of the field, but Tudravu excelled on the edge of the pitch. The winger ended the season as the leading tryscorer for the season, with his side Sarina winning the premiership.

Matthew Skaife - 2 per cent.

Brothers Mackay

Fullback

Skaife’s contribution to the successful Brothers season cannot be understated. Directing traffic with a loud voice the captain and fullback also led his team in tries scored. Quick on his feet and damaging with his running power, Skaife was a problem each week.

Matthew Surha - 2 per cent.

Carltons Red Devils

Centre

The spiritual leader on the Devils side, Surha was a major component in Carltons attacking sets. Slightly undersized as a centre, Surha’s relentless attack with the ball gave him more opportunities than he would otherwise get.

Luke Vaccaneo - 1 per cent.

Magpies

Fullback

Another captain/fullback in the RLMD, Vaccaneo also took conversion duties for the Magpies. One of the most consistent routines translated into arguably the best kick in the competition, Vaccaneo converted all of his attempts in the finals series. Unfortunately for the Magpies, a missed penalty kick after the siren against Wests caused the end of the Magpies season.

George Hillman - 0 per cent.

Souths Sharks

Winger

One of the competition’s quickest players, Hillman was used well on the wings of Souths’ pitch. Explosive lateral movement and acceleration provided the Sharks with a deadly option out wide.

Robert Goulding - 0 per cent.

Moranbah Miners

Halfback

One of the competition’s premier fullbacks, Goulding enjoyed a strong season for Moranbah. Pinpoint passes and loud directive talk gave the Miners plenty of confidence with the ball in hand, and his strong tackling ability paired well with his relentless determination to stick his efforts.

Darcy Wright - 2 per cent.

Whitsunday Brahmans

Second-row

An imposing figure on the football pitch, Wright used his hulking frame to burst through tackles with relative ease, gaining extra metres through multiple defenders. The physicality shown by the Brahmans captain often spurred on his teammates.

ROCKHAMPTON RUGBY LEAGUE

Jai Ross - 1 per cent.

Fitzroy / Gracemere

Halfback / Fullback

Young gun who can carve up the best defences with his fleet footwork and great skills. A good ballplayer and reliable kicker.

Kazzi Doyle - 3 per cent.

Norths Chargers

Five-eighth

A breakout star of the 2021 season, Doyle’s vision and speed make him hard to contain. He reads the game well and seizes on any opportunity.

Lachlan Campbell - 7 per cent.

Rockhampton Brothers

Second-row

An inspirational leader who just rolls his sleeves up and gets the job done. A genuine workhorse, he is tireless in defence and can blow defensive lines open with his powerful ball running.

Gavin Hiscox - 3 per cent.

Yeppoon Seagulls

Front-row

An experienced campaigner who knows the game inside out. He leads from the front with his aggressive defence and tenacious attacking ability. Works hard on and off the ball.

Travis Field - 3 per cent.

Emu Park

Fullback

An instinctive player who finds himself in the right place at the right time. Field’s blistering speed and attacking flair had him among the leading try scorers this season.

Originally published as Nine competitions and 66 players: The state votes for the best grassroots footy player in Qld