The 2025 Connell Cup Team of the Season revealed ahead of the grand final
The Connell Cup Team of the Season has been revealed ahead of Saturday’s grand final between the Burleigh Bears and Mackay Cutters. So who made the side? Everything you need to know here.
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Burleigh will play Mackay in Saturday’s Connell Cup grand final after the Bears’ remarkable great escape victory over Wynnum Manly last weekend.
Can that game, dubbed by many as the match of the season, be repeated when the Cutters come to the big smoke to confront the Bears at Langlands Park?
Only time will tell.
What that semi-final bout did highlight was the quality of players who have surged through the Connell Cup this season.
So who were the best of the best?
Ahead of the decider, read on to see the 2025 Team of the Season.
CONNELL CUP TEAM OF THE SEASON
1. Adam McSherry (Cutters)
Mr Utility Adam McSherry had to get a start - it was just a matter of where to put him.
He started the season at lock where he was a runaway success, but injury forced him to shift into five-eighth where he handled himself with distinction.
To squeeze the Brothers Bulldogs junior into the side he is named at fullback - ironically 12 months after he was selected in the 2024 Team of the Season at fullback.
The impressive St Patrick’s College senior is in the Broncos Academy.
2. Barry Taukolo (Wynnum Manly)
The young fullback was another at the peak of his powers.
Whether he was sniping down the middle or injecting himself into the backline, Taukolo had opposition defences sounding the red alert alarm each time he touched the ball.
It was a mighty fine debut season, built on effort and involvement, after the New Zealand-born Nudgee College student who made the move across the Tasman in 2024.
3. Kingston Seve (Bears)
Athletic centre Kingston Seve was dynamic in Sunday’s semi-final win over Wynnum when he scored three tries, including the clincher after a remarkable surging effort in extra time took him beyond the grasp of seven defenders.
His running either from dummy half or one pass off the ruck was largely unstoppable. The Dolphins academy prospect came up trumps when it mattered.
4. Dean Tauaa (Wynnum Manly)
What a difference a year makes.
Twelve months ago the under-aged centre was a very good player for both Wynnum (Connell Cup) and Mabel Park SHS (Langer Trophy).
This season he looked a super star in the making.
Re-watch the two tries he scored in last Sunday’s semi-final against Burleigh. It was elite centre play which followed a string of eye-popping performances.
Tauaa hit the ground running after an off season with the Broncos Academy where he sharpened his skills, footwork and acceleration off the mark. Those skills came into play on countless occasions this season.
5. Tomu Cook (Magpies)
Tomu Cook was magnificent for Souths Logan this season, with his courageous running from the ruck or first receiver surges helping get the Magpies onto the front foot.
Off the back of attacking ball Cook was also a handful, and he will go close to winning the team’s player of the season award.
A centre, Cook is named him on the wing to fit him, Tauaa and Seve into the same side. He was as busy as a bee in attack and in defence mopping up tackles and attacking kicks.
6. Harvey Smith (Bears)
Harvey Smith, a class act with a classier passing game, has been on a steady incline over the last 12 months.
He was arguably the premier playmaker in last year’s Walters Cup Year 10 competition and maintained the rage to keep that title in the Connell Cup.
The reigning Runaway Bay under-16 player of the year gave his side an edge in more ways than one. Here were a few: Goalkicking, flat passing, high kicks, swarming defence and general precision.
7. Grange Womal (Cutters)
With a strong kicking game and a powerful left step into the defence, Womal was the complete package this season.
Womal, a fierce competitor who set a high standard with his efforts on the training paddock, was a big reason why the Mackay outfit qualified for the big dance.
Wanted by the Titans, but now with the Cowboys, Womal is a great competitor who will threaten the Bears on grand final day.
8. Hayden Polson (Devils)
The powerful and persistent Polson was a rock in the middle of the Norths forwards - a pillar of strength who offered just as much in defence as he did in attack.
The Wavell State High senior had a titanic work rate and emerged as the most dependable middle forward in the side.
His teammates, and coach Shane Boyd, could ask no more of him.
9. Ezekiel Jones (Wynnum Manly)
Seagulls skipper Ezekiel Jones bounced into the team after another outstanding season for the bayside team.
His energy on kick-chase tackles, his speed out of the defensive line, runs from the ruck off the back of momentum, and support play made him the complete No.9 for the semi-finalists.
Jones really did take his game to another level this season, after a stellar 2024 season which saw him play strongly for Wynnum Manly, Iona College and the Queensland Schoolboys (15-16 years).
10. Viliami Fifita (Tweed)
Signed by the Gold Coast Titans for another four seasons, Fifita showed why the Gold Coast NRL club are so keen on the young middle forward.
Tough, tall and terrific, this Tweed prime mover went from strength to strength as the competition’s premier middle forward.
The Southport School student was a humble, quiet achiever who let his actions speak for themselves.
11. Majah-Jose Peachey (Wynnum Manly)
Perth product Peachey supplied the goods time and time again for the soaring Seagulls this season.
The dynamic left edge runner entered the season fitter and stronger than ever before - and it showed on the field when he delivered in spades for his side.
Astonishingly, it was Peachey’s third Connell Cup campaign since the Mabel Park SHS senior arrived in town from Perth. He was a tremendous force in all three.
12. Kalani Patu (Tweed)
Patu was an edge-forward colossus, a mighty presence on the fringe of the ruck who took some holding, and some more after that.
If the Seagulls needed an effort run from the defensive end, he could deliver just as effectively as if he was surging onto attacking ball with the momentum of play in his favour. Watch this space. The Titans Academy rookie is a very, very good talent who should provide a nice boost to Keebra Park State High’s Langer Trophy campaign.
13. Tupou Francis (Bears)
The fantastic Francis was Burleigh’s forward battleship. Regardless of the scoreboard or the momentum of the match, Francis ran just as hard with the ball and defended just as aggressively in the line.
He was a real ‘follow me boys’ leader, hard as granite and gutsy to the core.
The Broncos have a good one here in the explosive, skilful No.13 from Marsden State High.
14. Jai Bilish (Tweed)
His older brother Roco is a rip-and-tear middle forward but Jai has a completely different game.
He is a cerebral dummyhalf, fortified by headgear, who has club captain written all over him.
A heavy lifter on defence, Bilish was a glue player for Tweed who had a big say in the team’s successful season which yielded four wins from six games.
He has been on a heater since playing a productive bench role for the National Schoolboy Cup winners, Palm Beach Currumbin SHS.
15. Lincoln Dalton (Devils)
Dalton, a Year 11 student at Brisbane Grammar, plays like he is a seasoned veteran of 300 NRL games.
The young lock had a profound impact on Norths campaign and while it did not culminate in a finals berth, he should hold his head high for his efforts as captain.
He is the perfect rugby league lock because he has the skill to create across both sides of his body and the toughness and size to play like a prop when the time is right.
He was top notch after last Spring playing representative rugby for the Queensland Reds Under-16s.
16. Innocent Baruani (Jets)
Big Baruani was outstanding for the Ipswich Jets. The mobile right edge forward had the subtle hands and vision of a half, while having a power game to match it with anyone in the competition.
Some of the catch and pass skills displayed by the emerging Ipswich SHS Year 11 student would surely have made the club’s highlights reel for the end of season celebrations.
17. Tomasi Vaitai (Jets)
Watching prop Tomasi Vaitai move around the field foreshadowed what shapes up as a successful season for Keebra Park’s Langer Trophy team.
A middle forward with quick feet at the line, Vaitai will enter the school season in fine form after influencing matches on both sides of the ball for the Jets.
18. Alastair MacLachlan (Clydesdales)
A country kid from Dalby, MacLachlan rose above the pack to be arguably the Clydesdales’ Connell Cup MVP.
A Broncos Academy lock, MacLachlan isn’t the tallest or biggest bloke on the field but his slender build works in his favour. He always seems to escape the grasp of his first defender with agile and unrelenting running and he is also creative with the ball.
Recently MacLachlan played through a broken nose to ensure St Mary’s progressed to a Langer Trophy qualifier against Redcliffe SHS. He is a tough cookie.
19. Jett Ryan (Falcons)
Falcons Everywhere Man Jett Ryan thoroughly deserves his place in this company.
The Sunshine Coast captain and No.13 led by example every week for his side, lifting them out of the mud on multiple occasions due to his all-out effort in attack and defence.
Ryan played a big part in the speed of the game with his damaging runs and quick play the balls, while also showing off his key defensive assets.
20. Jay Marsh (Capras)
The real deal, Marsh had another strong season for CQ with his skirting runs and creative ball play adding a dimension to Capras’ forward game. Signed by the Dolphins, the son of a gun - his dad PJ played for hooker Queensland - Marsh is a chip off the old block.
21. Cornelius Kelsall (Bears)
Mackay will have their hands full with Kingston Seve on one side and Simone Tauelangi on the other in the grand final, but right down the middle of the field will be Kelsall, the Dolphins’ signed fullback who can run, rabbit run, like few in the competition. An under age kid, he will be a constant threat.
22. Zane Platt (Tigers)
A revelation from Tigerland.
Platt, used as a second rower, centre and wing at different times, was a consistent threat who had the size, finesse and awareness to finish off backline shifts when chances arose.
He comes from the same school which unearthed future NRL players Coby Black (Broncos), Brendan Piakura (Broncos), Lewis Symonds (Dolphins), Coombabah State High.
PLAYERS WE’D LOVED MOST TO HAVE SELECTED
Jonah Wilde (Tigers)
A crosscode talent from Brisbane Boys College, this bottom age No.13 Wilde played with authority and maturity above his years.
He knew no fear on either side of the ball and was a player who was surely admired by his teammates.
Sonny Hewitt (Dolphins)
Equally valuable to Redcliffe’s campaign was quick stepping fullback Sonny Hewitt.
A Keebra Park SHS student, Hewitt had his hands full at all times at the back. He had moments he’d want to forget and moment’s spectators can’t because he is a serious sleek mover.
Jake Russo (Pride)
A Trinity Bay SHS school student, No.13 Russo was the Pride of the North this season with his strong running, workhorse attitude and consistency. The Kangaroos’ junior would not have been out of place in the Team of the Season.
Bradley Pilchowski (Blackhawks)
Hat’s off to Pilchowski for his stellar season in a difficult wet season. He somehow turned the nightmare of playing in rain and heavy conditions into an art form from various positions. With his big motor kicking into play, Pilchowski got through a mountain of work and rose to the occasion playing off the bench and at lock.
Axel Friend (Bears)
Tough, just tough as nails. Those are the words which best sum up this tenacious little hooker who plays above his weight every weekend for grand finalists, Burleigh. Watch him go in this weekend’s grand final. He’ll be at his best.
Eli Cookson and Will Hamblin (Cutters)
The one-two punch of the boys around the ruck gave Mackay plenty of momentum this season and played a big part in the Cutters rising to make the grand final.
In the semi-final Mackay had the best of both worlds, with Hamblin starting at hooker and Cookson, who transformed into the No.9 role for most of this season, playing as an extra forward. They are both crafty attacking weapons who can add to their team’s tempo.
Riley Carbone (Blackhawks)
Carbone threaded the side together with his astute organisation, while also putting teammates in competitive positions through his kicking game.
He was strong defensively and played above his weight.
Simione Tauelangi (Bears)
Tauelangi was a right edge wonder for Burleigh this season, giving the side fire power on the other side of the field to where Kingston Seve would attack.
An athletic second rower, he was strong in defence and threatening with the ball whether it was from the defensive or attacking end of the field.
Koby McGarrity and Daniel Cash (Wynnum Manly)
They are right out of the 1970s and 1980s play book, a couple of good, old fashioned middle forwards who would have stood the test of time in any era.
Both U16 premiership winning Seagulls in 2024, they worked in tandem with prop McGarrity taking the early run, and Cash came into the game to continue momentum or tap on to a teammate. Cash was also a smothering defender while McGarrity made the U17 City squad.
Max Murphy (Clydesdales)
The Clydesdales players knew before the referee even blew his whistle to start the match what teammate Murphy would bring to the side.
The diminutive hooker was so consistent across the season, and in another year would have made the team of the season.
AJ Bollinger (Cutters)
Prop Bollinger is the leader of the band who will takes his side into battle.
A strong, ball-playing forward with excellent organisational skills, the athletic Bollinger has emerged as a real leader within the squad.
He’s is a talent kid with the ball, having played five-eight for his Mackay Magpies club side, and his presence in the middle adds a dimension to the Cutters’ attack.
Leo Fanuatanu (Capras)
Thoroughly deserving of his Queensland country selection, centre was an exhaustive performer from the back field, always chugging the ball back hard from the dummy half.
He was also a threat with his running game and was considered for the Team of the Season. He was selected in the Queensland Country squad.
BEST NEW FACES
Kobi Hauraki (Tweed Seagulls)
From Whangarei Boys High school, which is in the northern region of New Zealand’s North Island, No.13 Hauraki had been a revelation this season.
Signed by the Gold Coast Titans last year, the new PBC SHS student relocated to Queensland over the summer where he attended pre-season training with Tweed.
A typically hard New Zealand forward, he is tough as teak in defence, and with the ball has a nice mix of aggression running and a nice passing game which added variety to the Seagulls attack.
Taj Kuhl (Falcons)
In his first taste of representative footy, fullback Taj Kuhl was comfortable and consistent for the Falcons.
A talented outside back from the Caloundra Sharks, Kuhl cemented his spot at the back and gelled well with whoever was playing alongside him in the halves each week.
Lawson Mifsud (Cutters)
This interchange enforcer hails from the Central Queensland district of Clermont and quickly assembled an impressive portfolio with the more experience he gathered.
He will be a handful again in 2026, as an edge or middle forward.
Cooper Murray (Tigers)
A quicksilver fullback who is a prominent member of the Brisbane Boys College track and field squad, Murray could turn it on with his blazing pace from fullback.
He’s an exciting prospect and a player who has plenty more to give in the code.
SPECIAL MENTIONS
Hemi Rakuita (Tigers)
Josiah Fa’aoso (Tweed)
Nikorima Wharakura (Tigers)
Timahna Tandy (Devils)
Franck Iraguha (Wynnum Manly)
Norman Campbell Cutters)
Tyrell Schwenke (Bears)
Jake Armstrong (Capras)
Parker Gallagher (Capras)
Lennox Whaiapu (Bears)
Wyatt Tyrell (Pride)
Axel Fairfull (Falcons)
BEST PRESSURE PLAY OF THE SEASON
Lachlan Hooker (Wynnum Manly)
Almost lost in the drama of the extra time Connell Cup semi-final was Hooker’s remarkable penalty goal from the touchline which plunged the match against Burleigh Bears into extra time.
Talk about being able to absorb pressure.
He was right on the sideline, with the season depending on his kick - and he booted the goal. Take a bow, Lachlan Hooker.
EFFORT ON EFFORT PLAYERS
Fynn Laffranchi (Bears)
Fynn Laffranchi just runs and runs and runs all game, whether he is carrying from the ruck, tearing back to support his fullback with kick returns, or scampering attacking ball inside his half.
He was seriously considered for the starting side.
Beau Bawden (Blackhawks)
The Blackhawks second rower was a wonderful effort player, always chasing kicks with gusto and pressuring from the inside in defence which helped those around him.
Harry Bate (Devils)
One of Norths’ best players this season, Bate rose above to deliver the goods on the regular.
Polson’s partner in crime, Bate held down the middle like his life depended on it and was a rib-rattling defender at times.
ROOKIE OF THE SEASON CONTENDER
Israel Faialaga (Redcliffe)
Young for this age group, the Dolphins junior from the Kallangur district shone playing the toughest position on the field - front row.
Hudson Bishop (Tigers)
A tackling machine and smart runner, the Year 12 Villanova student played above his weight and gave great service from the ruck.
As tough as a two dollar steak, Bishop could play hooker, lock or cover in the halves. He brought plenty of energy to the side.
TACKLE OF THE SEASON
Israel Lotaki (Bears)
Although he was penalised for a shoulder charge, Lotaki’s last second cover defending bump on a try-bound Devine Timu was the clutch play of the semi-finals.
Wynnum had strung together an incredible last chance roll of the dice, swinging the ball here and there before Timu set sail for the corner post - only for Lotaki to put his body on the line and save the day.
Burleigh went on to win in extra time.
BEST DEBUT
Cash Bennett (Falcons)
After beginning the season as a wider squad player, Bennett was thrown into the number nine jersey for the Falcons’ round three clash against Wide Bay.
The bottom-age talent was a seamless inclusion, scoring a try in the Falcons 26-4 victory before finishing the season with three tries in five games.
OUT OF THE BOX PERFORMERS
Treleque Boyce-Silimaka (Bears)
Left edge second rower Boyce-Silimaka clearly has a lot of potential after the athletic Bear brought nothing but good things to his squad this season.
With great footwork at the line and power in contact, the dynamic rookie looks well equipped to test himself in the older age group next season.
WATCH THIS SPACE
Ethan Grimshaw (Devils)
He is not the finished product but jeez he has the potential.
A wet behind the ears talent from Nudgee College, Grimshaw provided glimpses of magic at least once a game and was hard to contain at left centre.
At times he only had little wriggle room on his edge but his quick off-the-mark speed created just enough space for him to burn past his defenders.
His development over the last 12 months has been stunning.
Other high potential talents included Billy Spicer (Devils), Cooper Brown (Clydesdales),
Jordan Hotere (Wynnum Manly) and Basil Coates (Tweed)
BIG IMPROVER
Ashyr Kelso (Falcons)
The rising centre played in all seven matches for the Falcons this season and truly went to another level once he found his groove.
Kelso’s tall frame makes him hard to stop in contact while his quick feet and jet acceleration makes the Caboolture Snakes junior a danger close to the line.
UNSUNG HEROES
Gold medal: Cohen Cochran (Dolphins)
Redcliffe SHS is flushing through quality young hookers and Cochran is another.
In the Langer Trophy Hayden Potts (2023) and Amare Wynyard (2024) emerged, and now top rake Cohen Cochrane is another fine product from the school who will push for Langer honours.
Cochran, a revelation at the ruck base, was on point with his passing, tenacity in defence and willingness in attack.
He worked till the wheels fell off, giving way to raw talent Ryan Smallhorne who would spring off the interchange bench.
Silver medal: Benjamin McGregor (Bears)
A Keebra Park SHS power forward, McGregor gave Burleigh plenty of thrust and energy when he has surged off the bench this season.
Watch out for him again this weekend.
Bronze medal: Nathan Thomas (Falcons)
Thomas took plenty away from the representative season with the growth of his skills and knowledge evident each week.
The rising second rower earnt a Queensland Country call-up despite only featuring in three regular season games for the Falcons. He will only continue to get better and better.
Other unsung players include Max Fife (Bears) and AJ Gilbert (Capras).
PLAYERS YOU’D LOVE TO HAVE IN THE TEAM
Will Joyner (Falcons)
Joyner played the first two matches of the season at hooker, then moved to five-eight and halfback before playing the last two games as his side’s No.14.
With plenty of grit and determination on both sides of the ball, he never once looked out of place. Despite the shuffling spines the Falcons had to endure this season, Joyner was a key vocal point and a big reason for their finals display.
Xavier Suluvale-Liumaunu (Pride)
The Pride second rower was just tough with and without the ball.
You got the impressive he’s run through the dressing room door to get onto the field if someone had not flung it open in time. The aggressive forward would have been great to play alongside.
COURAGE UNDER FIRE AWARD
Mikaere Barnes (Tigers)
When the sizeable Tweed forwards came rumbling down the field, they spotted halfback Barnes and put plenty of traffic in his direction.
He played above his weight to courageously put his body on the line time and again.
BEST COMEBACK
Liam Marshall (Clydesdales)
Marshall, a St Mary’s College student from the Valleys club in Toowoomba, fought back from a shoulder injury ruling him out of the U15 state championships last year, and hip and leg injuries to be as strong as an ox in the middle for Clydesdales.
He’s the type of kid you want walking next to you at night if you had to take a short cut through a dark alley.
ROUND OF APPLAUSE TO
Bailen Noy (Wynnum Manly)
A playmaker through and through, Noy had to learn on the run at centre this season and has found himself a new home on the edge.
Churchie’s First XV rugby flyhalf or fullback, Noy needed to adapt a new skill set and did so, quickly, to give his best on both sides of the ball.
PLAYERS WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE MORE OF
Taoso Taoso (Devils)
Jonathan Alo (Dolphins)
Miki Toquero (Pride)
Isaac Fidock (Bears)
Trent Martin (Blackhawks)
Lincoln Baker (Blackhawks)
Reco Naitini (Dolphins)
Vita Filo (Magpies)
Ryan Smallhorne (Dolphins)
Lisiate Fa’aoso (Devils)
Hayden Madders (Devils)
WILDCARD WATCH
+ Bond Bradley (Dolphins) earned selection in the City 17s where his utility value either in the halves or at fullback could come into play.
+ Jerry Milari (Blackhawks) is another exciting wildcard player, a Torres Strait product with explosive leg power.
Another Blackhawks player, prop Tiakana Ruaporo, had plenty to offer when he ran into match fitness.
+ Lennox Ngata-Faofua (Dolphins) was a raw prop of immense potential. He is the sleeping giant of Redcliffe youth footy who has the size and skill to be terrific.
+ Charlie Barnes (Clydesdales) is a player of note, having displayed plenty of improvement this season.
THE IDEAL TEAMMATES
Malakaih Beals (Magpies)
Harrison Vidler (Jets)
Lane Edmonds (Jets)
Jackson Hopley (Clydesdales)
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