AIC First XV rugby: Players to Watch this season

Who are the players to watch in the AIC First XV rugby season starting on Saturday? We revealed them ahead of four bumper round 1 games.

St Laurence score last season.. Picture, John Gass

The AIC First XV rugby union season will launch on Saturday, and www.couriermail.com.au will be there covering matches each weekend.

It is a competition which has produced some of the greatest ever Wallabies, among them Drew Mitchell, Brendan Moon, Andrew Slack, Daniel Herbert, Chilla Wilson and John Eales, just to name a few.

So who will be the Players to Watch this season?

RELATED LINKS

ULTIMATE GUIDE: CLUB RUGBY PLAYERS TO WATCH ACROSS 3 COMPS

COLTS 1 RUGBY, ROUND 1 TEAM OF THE WEEK

AIC FIRST XV RUGBY 2021 TEAM OF THE SEASON

IONA COLLEGE

Tom Segger: The energetic halfback will ferret for the ball around his pack and feed the backline. He was an eye-catching performer in 2021 who was an Australian Schools Presidents XV selection

Tane Hetaraka: Hetaraka is an impressive modern lock with damaging ball running skills.

Jeremy Trappett: An evasive fullback match hardened by playing under 18 Meninga Cup rugby league with Wynnum Manly Seagulls. He is a returning First XV player.

St Laurence player Mikael Ibrahim. Picture, John Gass

ST LAURENCE’S COLLEGE

Jake Kurbatoff: He can play in the second row and on the side of the scrum and will captain the side this year. Kurbatoff is always leading from the front, an absolute workhorse on the field who is also great with ball in hand and a tactician in the lineouts.

Joe Woods: Woods plays outside centre and will provide some real pace and soft hands. He and his centre partner Mikael Ibrahim are back from last year and will work well together.

Callum Reidy is both a First XI and First XV player for Lauries. Picture by Richard Gosling

Callum Reidy: A First XI cricket, Reidy will play halfback. He is a great kicker of the ball and his tactical awareness and game understanding are strengths.

MARIST COLLEGE ASHGROVE

Harry Gould: Gould was one of the outstanding tight forwards of last season, the type of prop who will lead by example. He is also a strong scrummager

Pat Tierney: Another noteworthy player from 2021, he can play flyhalf or fullback and is dynamic in attack while possessing a smart kicking game.

Tasman Barry: A famous name in the district, Barry can play either No.12 or outside centre. He is fast, powerful and will be better for last season’s experience.

St Peters Kadin Pritchard. Picture, John Gass

ST PETERS LUTHERAN COLLEGE

Kadin Pritchard: A utility back, Pritchard will be a third season First XV player. He is a fantastic leader, has a strong work ethic and a well rounded skillset. Last season he made an impact in the midfield. Where will be play this season?

Barney Radel: Saints No.8, Radel is an exceptionally hard working who embraces the physicality in contact. He played Firsts last season.

Moe Koroi: Another seasoned First XV player, the front rower is versatile in that he can play loose-head, tight-head or hooker. He is dynamic with ball in hand and attacks the ball hard at the breakdown

ST EDMUND’S COLLEGE

Larry Siala: Siala is a big, strong lad hardened by a successful season with the Jets in the Meninga Cup. He will co-captain the team this year after playing Firsts in 2021. Siala has been identified as a member of the Reds Academy. Look for him to lead the side from the front.

RUGBY LEAGUE: Meninga Cup between Ipswich Jets and Clydesdales. jets, Larry Siala. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Tafito Falaniko Ah-Ki: Ah-Ki is a crafty No.9 who will benefit from playing his second year of First XV. Also a member of the Reds Academy in 2021.

Zane Kaatz: Another returning First XV player, Kaatz will be Ah’Ki’s partner in the halves.

VILLANOVA COLLEGE

Cameron Bukowski: The multi-talented Bukowski will play inside centre or flyhalf. A First XI player, he was on the cusp of making our 2021 Team of the Season.

Cameron Bukowski playing First XI for Villa. Picture by Richard Gosling

Joseph Wilson: Wilson will be the Villa fullback featuring a booming kick which will be aiming to take advantage of the new 50-20 rule. He is also safe under the high ball.

George Binny: Meet the Villa captain, an inspiring No.8 who will lead by example.

Action from last season.. Picture, John Gass

PADUA COLLEGE

Mitchell Ross: Ross is a second season First XV player, a strong, ball carrying No.8 and robust defender.

Andrew De Jager: He made his First XI debut last season and shone at tight-head. Also watch for his strong carries on the edge of the ruck.

Mitch Rogers: The impressive Rogers will be making his debut. A halfback, he is a dangerous darting runner if the opponent presents.

ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE

Tristen Storey. The front rower is a returning First XV player who was strong at set piece last season and provided a good ball running options.

Spencer Drinkall: Drinkall is a hard working flanker who is great around the breakdown and has a good game awareness

Jacob Prlja: A nice scrum half with good vision and a strong passing game. Prlja provides an excellent platform for our backline.

FOOTNOTE: Watch for our coverage each Saturday evening.

ROUND 1

Iona v Villanova

St Peters Lutheran College v Padua

St Patrick’s College v St Edmund’s College

Ashgrove v St Laurence’s