Revealed: Queensland’s best grassroots rugby league outside backs
Queensland’s first grade rugby league competitions are stacked when it comes to the outside backs department. Here are 50 of the best grassroots players carving up in 2023. SEE THE FULL LIST
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MEET Queensland rugby league’s grassroots game-changers, the guys with more than a smattering of x-factor, flare, fleet of foot and speed that leaves a trail of smoke in their wake.
These are the part-time players who have set Queensland’s first grade competitions alight so far in 2023.
From Far North Queensland through Brisbane and Ipswich and down to the Gold Coast, here are 50 cream of the crop A-Graders who have been impressing on suburban footy fields across the sunshine state.
SEE THE FULL LIST BELOW
TOWNSVILLE
Jaydon Scarbossa
Age: 19
Club: Burdekin Roosters
Position: Centre, Wing
Scarbossa has impressed in attack and defence for the Burdekin Roosters, becoming a regular in A grade while still in his teens.
The young gun winger has speed to burn and is deceptively strong.
Anare ‘Rexy’ Malanicagi
Age: 25
Club: Burdekin Roosters
Position: Winger, centre
Townsville’s top tryscorer through the first eight rounds of RLTD, Malanicagi has formed a devastating partnership with his Fijian centre. Malanicagi has a penchant for finding the line at important moments.
Ethan Andrews
Age: 24
Club: Centrals Tigers
Position: Centre
A more traditional centre possessing great footwork, speed and agility. Andrews is a great scooter that always looks for work early in sets to get his team on the front foot and out of the danger zone.
Bohdi Kersh
Age: 24
Club: Centrals Tigers
Position: Centre
More of a bull terrier than teammate Ethan Andrews, Kersh runs hard, has a strong fend and is always working.
He’s not afraid to pull up his sleeves and work to carry the ball out of his own half.
Kersh comes to life in attack when he gets his hands on the ball.
CAIRNS
ATHERTON
Ty Grogan
Club: Atherton
Position: Fullback
The game-breaking, goalkicking fullback remains among the best custodians in the FNQRL.
He has the right mix of speed, agility and footwork to make him a damaging, line-breaking ballrunner who is always a threat when bringing back the Steeden.
Thomas Cuda
Club: Atherton
Position: Wing
A young talent who is more than proving he belongs in the top grade, Cuda is currently in a three-way tie for the Roosters’ top tryscorers.
He’s crossed for six tries so far, with a hat trick and double to his name, and is a developing talent who can slot into any of the back five spots.
BROTHERS CAIRNS
Izac Cygler
Club: Brothers
Position: Wing
Izac Cygler has made the left wing position his own after a stellar rise to the A-grade side.
The player of the reserve grade grand final in Brothers’ 2022 triumph, Cygler has made every post a winner this season, crossing for 11 tries to be among the most dependable finishers at the defending premiers.
He leads fellow winger Bronson Ryan by just two tries.
Falcon Peni
Club: Brothers
Position: Centre
The goalkicking, play-making centre is among the leading point scorers thanks to his ability to sniff out a try and slot them over the black dot.
While the radar has been a little off-kilter in recent weeks, Peni remains a dangerous strike centre who can set up plenty of points.
EDMONTON
Sterling Addo-Nona
Club: Edmonton
Position: Centre
The former Northern Pride colts player has returned to the Storm and made an immediate impact.
Addo-Nona has played in several positions, with the former half lining up at centre and second-row so far, and he’s still managed to rack up 40 points from three tries and his accurate goalkicking.
A quality ace for the Storm to have up the sleeve.
Travis Harrison
Club: Edmonton
Position: Centre/Wing
An experienced member of this Storm outfit, Harrison is one of the club’s Mr Fix-Its – a footballer who can slot in anywhere and do any job.
While he may not fill a highlight reel with flashy footy full of fends and four-pointers, Harrison is a dependable workhorse who never shies from hard work.
Unsung hero.
INNISFAIL
Abraham Waireg-Ingui
Club: Innisfail
Position: Wing
The strike finisher moved to Innisfail and brought his elite try scoring ability with him.
With 11 tries, Waireg-Ingui is among the leading tryscorers in the league.
Tully’s rookie of the year and one of the league’s leading tryscorers in 2022, Waireg-Ingui has taken his game to another level as he adapts to the way the Leprechauns play the game.
Ashton Galea
Club: Innisfail
Position: Fullback
Has been one of the most exciting players to watch since getting the chance to wear the No. 1 jersey at Callendar Park this season.
Galea has scored three tries so far, but it’s his motor when returning the footy, his work in the attacking structure, and his dependability as the last line of defence which has made him such an impressive footballer this season.
Can make that crucial cover tackle.
IVANHOES
Matthew Gibuma
Club: Ivanhoes
Position: Fullback/Wing
A footballing freak who oozes natural ability, Gibuma is a dynamic weapon who can score and set-up game-changing tries from anywhere on the field.
The former Sharks flyer made the move to Ivanhoes a few rounds into this season, and has brought his elite try scoring form with him, crossing for 10 tries already.
Beau Hodges
Club: Innisfail
Position: Wing/fullback
A consistent tryscorer who is developing his game.
The former junior touch footy representative has hit another level on the left flank this year.
He has formed a good partnership with former NRL star and fullback Josh Dugan, the pair working well together in creating and scoring plenty of tries throughout this season.
KANGAROOS
Joseph Pearson
Club: Kangaroos
Position: Fullback/wing
A lethal finisher who has stepped up into A-Grade with ease.
He was formerly a key member of Kangaroos’ under-18s teams, but he’s slotted into the senior ranks and made the most of his opportunities.
His 10 tries put him among just six footballers to have hit double figures this year – his pace and acceleration off the mark proving key to his success.
Bradley Stephen
Club: Kangaroos
Position: Centre
The former Northern Pride contracted centre is the experienced leader at the Kangaroos, and he has lived up to that billing with a consistency which proves his class.
Stephen, who has scored five tries and played a hand in several others, is a trusted goalkicker who delivers key plays at crucial times for his team.
MAREEBA
Hubert Elu
Club: Mareeba
Position: Fullback
The play-making utility has the natural football ability to play what’s in front of him and his game awareness has thrived under the coaching of Chris Sheppard.
He has outstanding footwork, a good turn of pace, and the vision to assess, adapt and execute plays to take full advantage of any opportunity which presents itself, making him a dangerous runner of the football at any time.
Sonny Rea
Club: Mareeba
Position: Centre
The centre brings plenty of size and starch to a young and developing Mareeba outfit which benefits greatly from his experience.
He doesn’t have to be scoring tries to make an impact but it’s worth noting he has three to his name this season.
His work both in defence and in putting his side’s attack on the front foot with quick darts and play-the-balls is essential to the go-forward of his team.
MOSSMAN-PD
Lewis Mene
Club: Mossman-Port Douglas
Position: Wing
Big, strong, powerful – there’s not many in Far North Queensland who can measure up to Lewis Mene.
An elite try-scoring talent who found his way back to FNQ after scoring 30 tries for the Blackhawks’ Colts team in 2022, Mene has shown his class for the Sharks and Cairns’ successful Foley Shield side.
Mene has scored a league-best 14 tries, which includes two hat tricks, and is knocking on the door of a start with the Northern Pride.
Stanley Anau
Club: Mossman-Port Douglas
Position: Wing
Anau is one of the most electrifying men in any community rugby league competition.
A speedster with unbelievable acceleration and a top speed barely others can match, Anau has consistently been among the top tryscorers in the FNQRL for the past four seasons – which included a four-try haul in the 2019 grand final.
He has played a number of positions for the Sharks, including in the halves, hooker, off the bench and fullback, making him as close to a plug-and-play footballer as one can have.
SOUTHERN SUBURBS
Horace Richards
Club: Southern Suburbs
Position: Wing
It’s been a tough campaign for the Southern Suburbs but Richards has had little issue finding the try line since joining the Cockatoos.
The former Seahawk has crossed for five tries at his new club, providing a level of consistency and finishing ability which has eluded Suburbs to date.
Cordeau Jackson-Singleton
Club: Southern Suburbs
Position: Wing
Jackson-Singleton started the season at Yarrabah but made the move to Gordonvale, scoring three tries in his A-grade appearances across both clubs.
A young, promising prospect, Jackson-Singleton has plenty of pace he can unleash, and has shown glimpses of what he’s capable of when he’s had the ball with time and space to move.
TULLY TIGERS
Mark Rosendale
Club: Tully Tigers
Position: Centre
The former Northern Pride flyer is developing into a marquee man at the Tigers this year.
He has scored seven tries for the Tigers this season, and plays a key role through his speed, pace, vision, and genuine desire to keep the play alive.
Is getting better as the season goes on and as such will be one to watch as Tully fights for a finals spot.
Phil Nona
Club: Tully Tigers
Position: Fullback
Nona is like a fine wine at the Tigers because he just keeps getting better.
The experienced Tully veteran has some utility value in that he can play anywhere in the back line.
It’s his hard work and communication at the back which has been valuable to the Tigers this season.
A dependable back-up goalkicker who can get a job done, Nona has formed an important link in Tully’s backline for years.
YARRABAH
Sam Bann
Club: Yarrabah
Position: Centre
Speaking of fine wine.
Sam Bann is another experienced veteran of the FNQRL who is putting his team on his back and helping them to glory.
Bann has scored 10 tries this campaign, including a four-try haul, and always gets through plenty of work carrying the football out of his own end or in key positions, but it is his work in defence which has been most impressive.
Zac Mossman
Club: Yarrabah
Position: Fullback
A young man who can play anywhere in the backline including hooker, Mossman has combined his sheer pace, acceleration and playmaking ability to be a key weapon in Yarrabah’s arsenal.
He has three doubles among his eight tries for the season so far, and earned selection in the Cairns Foley Shield side on the back of sublime club form.
GOLD COAST
Michael Oldfield
Club: Southport Tigers
Position: Centre
Is Oldfield the best in the competition? He’d have to be close.
Simply the best according to his coach, Oldfield’s dominance cannot be disputed.
Nick O’Meley
Club: Burleigh Heads
Position: Winger
O’Meley is a reliable and strong outside back who provides tough carries early in the tackle count. He has an uncanny ability to score tries that many cannot.
Noah Croudance
Club: Currumbin Eagles
Position: Centre
Croudance is a dangerous runner of the ball, one who is always posing a threat to the opposition defence.
After graduating from the underage ranks into senior footy last year, Croudance’s game has continually improved.
He has become an integral part of the Currumbin A Grade team and has become a great clubman.
Kurtis Rowe and Jack Maccan
Club: Runaway Bay
Position: Five-eighth and full back
Both hold themselves to a high standard and expect the same from their teammates. Rowe and Maccan are equally competitive, but never fail to be supportive after a game regardless of the result. The pair have high ambitions for what they wish to achieve in the sport, which is what sets them apart.
Energy on the field, silky techniques, and always being in and around the ball are just the start of their wrap sheets.
Campbell Pirihi and Gul Gabrielle
Club: Helensvale Hornets
Position: Full back/ half back and winger
At full back, Pirihi scored three tries for his side without batting an eyelid.
The talented Hornet can play anywhere and is known to mix it up. As captain for Helensvale, Pirihi has a natural ability to lead which only adds more value to his role at the club. Meanwhile Gabrielle is new to the Hornets, coming over for 2023 from Papua New Guinea – he has attracted eyes from the get-go, including those of Adrian Lamb. His coach has watched improvements week in-week out and describes him as a tough, dominant player. If you told him to run at a wall, he’d do it.
Even on the wings, Gabrielle’s hit-up rates are near the same as his forwards’.
TOOWOOMBA
Alexander Hinch
Club: Valleys Roosters
Position: Wing
A try-scoring machine who rarely goes a game without finding the line. Hinch, who currently leads the TRL A-Grade with 11 tries from 8 games, plays well above his weight and dazzles with the ball in hand.
Dylan Chown
Club: Valleys Roosters
Position: Fullback
A seasoned competitor who loves to have the ball in his hands. Chown is a great two-way able to impact the game in defence and attack.
Luke Self
Club: Gatton Hawks
Position: Fullback
A key man in the Gatton attack, Self can change the game in the blink of an eye with his pace.
Blake Appo
Club: Gatton Hawks
Position: Centre
The Hawks centre is having a solid year with 7 tries in the first 8 rounds of the season.
A try scoring machine he is.
Austin Jennings
Club: Wattles
Position: Centre
You’d be hard pressed to find a quicker player in the TRL. Jennings has speed to burn and knows how to position and time his runs to find the line. Good for a try a game so far this season
Matt Christensen
Club: Wattles
Position: Fullback
Has a knack for breaking the first tackle and reads the game exceptionally well.
Steve Franciscus
Club: Dalby Diehards
Position: Centre
The 2023 season is further proof of just how good Franciscus is. The seasoned veteran has played in the second row and as centre this year.
A level-headed, no nonsense player who works tirelessly in defence.
Chris Woodbridge
Club: Dalby Diehards
Position: Fullback
When Woodbridge has the ball in hand, time seems to stand still. He weaves magic everywhere he goes and is mesmerisingly quick.
Woodbridge is the equal top try scorer and leading points scorer this season.
Brenton Clement
Club: Pittsworth Danes
Position: Fullback
The Danes fullback does not take a backward step when he collects the ball in the backfield. Clement runs the ball hard into the opposing ‘kick chase’, has plenty of pace and loves scoring tries. Has 10 tries in the first 8 rounds of the season
Malcolm McGrady
Club: Goondiwindi Boars
Position: Centre
The Boars would be a very different side without their star centre. A great defender out wide, McGrady has 8 tries and 82 points to his name so far this season.
Jarrod Lee
Club: Highfields Eagles
Position: Fullback
Lee has spent the bulk of the season on the sidelines coaching but when he laces up the boots he never lets his side down. A general in the backfield who reads the game well.
IPSWICH
Joshua McCarroll
Club: Brothers
Position: Fullback
There’s not much this guy can’t do. Kick, score and facilitate – you name it he’s done it in Brothers colours.
Has been scoring tries and nailing conversions since a young age.
Daniel Jennings
Club: Fassifern Bombers
Position: Fullback
A bulky centre that is quick on his feet and agile.
Has been a strong player so far this season for the Bombers.
Ratunaisa Vatuinaruku
Club: Swifts Bluebirds
Position: Wing
How nice it must be to have Fijian winger Ratunaisa Vatuinaruku ready and rarring on the touchline.
A seasoned veteran, Vatuinaruku never fails to empty the tank, come up with timely plays and find himself on the score sheet.
Tough, important and a confidence-booster for his teammates.
Sam Madden and Jacobi Shaw
Club: Norths Tigers
Position: Wing and fullback
Both Ipswich SHS old boys can play. Madden is a speedster who has a knack for scoring and he can play anywhere in the backline as his burst of pace is always hard to contain.
Next to him is Shaw, who played Langer Reserves and Langer Trophy last year at Ipswich.
It took no time for him to play A-Grade footy and there’s little wonder why. He’s not the biggest, but he just knows how to play the game.
Has Langer Trophy, Phil Hall Cup state final and NRL Schoolboys Cup final wins in his trophy cabinet from a Cinderella Season (2022).
Ono So’oialo
Club: Redbank Bears
Position: Fullback
A scintillating strike weapon who just so happens to be the Bears captain.
The attacking ace So’oialo does it all in the No. 1 jersey and he would not look out of place in this year’s Ipswich Jets team playing in the Hostplus Cup.
In fact, he’d probably find a way to score.
SUNSHINE COAST
Nick Jennings
Club: Beerwah Bulldogs
Position: Fullback
Has been a key figure at the back for Beerwah in the opening half of the season.
His outstanding ball carrying and uncanny ability to get his teammates on the front foot every set has seen him stand out against the best in the competition.
Zac Miles
Club: Kawana Dolphins
Position: Fullback
Has been bounced around with injuries this season but brings a new level of attack and flair to the Dolphins when he pulls the jersey on.
Wait till he hits his strap.
Lachie Short
Club: Nambour Crushers
Position: Centre
Has been in solid form for the Crushers this season, taking over some of the attacking flair from outgoing halfback David Oakes.
Short has already proved himself as a handful for opposition edge players in both attack and defence.
Travin Baumann
Club: Caloundra Sharks
Position: Centre/Fullback
Plays his role very well week-in-week-out for the Sharks, serving as a key link up player when attacking opportunities arise.
His ability to find the gap or create space for his teammates has seen him excel in the black and yellow this season.
Patrick McGinn
Club: Noosa Pirates
Position: Fullback/Centre
Is in and out of the Sunshine Coast Falcons set-up but has been one of the best players on the field for the Pirates every week. He’s a natural talent that brings a ‘freakish’ skill level to the attack.
Oscar Crawley
Club: Maroochydore Swans
Position: Fullback
Has slotted into fullback in 2023 after being used as a backline utility player in the Swans 2022 premiership winning season.
Crawley has really excelled at the back this season and thrives off the back of a high tempo and attacking game plan.
Indeed Maroochydore were in safe hands with Crawley lurking in behind.
Sam Elara
Club: Coolum Colts
Position: Fullback/Centre
He’s only small in stature but is incredibly strong and always beats the first defender.
His raw pace and skill with the footy has him as a key danger man in any opposition team talk.
Tyler McGoldrick
Club: Caboolture Snakes
Position: Centre
Every time he gets the footy he makes great metres and is very tough to bring down.
His ability to find the tryline is also a key attribute on the edge.
MACKAY
Jake Thornton
Club: Wests Tigers Mackay
Position: Fullback
Thornton is Wests Junior and a 100 game A grade veteran. His strength, speed and elusiveness seem beyond his dominative frame. He has been a stalwart at the back of the Tigers for their two grand finals, including the famous drought breaker.
Connor McDermott
Club: Wests Tigers Mackay
Position: Winger/Fullback/Centre
The Maltese international is a West Junior from a well pedigreed Tiger family.
Has found his way to become a key part of a backline, finishing off many a shift with a four pointer.
Zack Walker
Club: Wests Tigers Mackay
Position: Centre
A tower of strength and beauty, with an ability to carry multiple defenders to the try line and defence that rattles the bones of opposition players every time it’s called upon.
BRISBANE
Brayden Whittaker
Club: Souths Juniors
Position: Fullback
A dynamic, elusive and unbelievably quick No.1.
He is one of the top try scorers in the competition and the Souths side wouldn’t be the same without him.
Mitch Butler
Club: Carina Tigers
Position: Fullback, centre, wing
Butler has been the top point scorer over the last two years and had deservingly received a Queensland Cup contract with the Brisbane Tigers.
He kicks goals, scores tries, has fancy hair due and the footwork to leave you stuck in the mud.
Jack Stafford
Club: Bulimba Valley Bulldogs
Position: Centre or wing
Committed, tough and underrated according to his coach. It is almost as if every time he touches the ball something happens.
He also has a good jump on him.
Jalen Retewi
Club: Wynnum Manly Juniors
Position: Everywhere in the backline
It does not matter where he plays he will still be dangerous.
The livewire utility wears his heart on his sleeve and his toughness and passion for the game has earned him representative honours in the past.
The glue guy.
Eddie Tautali
Club: West Brisbane Panthers
Position: Outside back
A do it all type of player who is invaluable to his Panthers side.
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