Your club rugby guide: StoreLocal Hospital Cup, Challenge Cup women Players to Watch in season 2025
Qld Premier Rugby: Here’s your ultimate club rugby guide to the new season.
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The club rugby season is upon us, so catch up on who has been turning heads at your local club here with the 2025 season preview.
Following previous StoreLocal Hospital Cup and Colts 1 stories, we lift the lid on the excitement machines and new faces set to impact club rugby.
Again the www.couriermail.com.au will cover the Colts 1 competition as well as the StoreLocal Hospital Cup and Challenge Cup starting on Saturday when bumper clashes unfold across South East Queensland.
University will host GPS, Easts welcome Norths to Bottomley Park, Bond University journey up the coast to take on Wests and Souths and Sunnybank will butt horns at Souths.
In the inaugural Challenge Cup competition, which features 14 teams, Brothers play away against new opposition in the Bond Pirates.
Brisbane Irish host a third Gold Coast side, the Eagles, and Redlands will play last year’s minor premiers, Sunnybank.
CLUB RUGBY PREVIEW 2025
UNIVERSITY RED HEAVIES
Pre-season MVP
James Proud and Ethan McFarlane
Prop Proud and outside back McFarlane trained the house down in pre-season and are looking in great shape.
McFarlane, a centre or wing, had a ripping season last year but couldn’t hit full stride due to injuries.
Watch for him this season.
Best new face
Palmer Fau
The University outside back has returned from a stint in Italy and the club is feverish to see him in action.
An old head, Fau brings plenty of experience to a young squad. But don’t be mistaken. He is still a sleek mover.
Rookie on the Rise
Tom Robinson
Robinson was a staple in the Reds’ under-20s and was recently named in the Australian under-20s squad.
Still only 19, young gun Robinson oozes potential and has the hard working mindset to match.
X-factor player
Flynn McDermott
Why have Tate when you can have Flynn?
The livewire scrumhalf screams x-factor. He provided an attacking spark for University regularly last season and he has improved significantly around his control of the game.
WESTS BULLDOGS
Pre-season MVP
Denzel Samoa
Wests will unleash a former Souths Magpies Queensland Cup player in Denzel Samoa.
A beast, Samoa can play No.12-15 and has the ability to create something out of nothing.
An excitement machine.
Best new face
Mattias Douglas
A little ferrari from Italy, Douglas left a big impression with his speed and footwork well before his teammates could remember his full name.
A red alert player.
Rookie on the rise
Dom Thygesen
A former Australian Under-20s select, Thygesen looked the goods in pre-season and looks set to make an impact when he returns from injury.
Currently recovering from an ankle niggle, the big No.8 is looking to hit the ground running after missing much of the 2024 club season.
Don’t be fooled by his big frame. Thygesen is like a well-oiled machine who is leading the way in his conditioning.
X-factor player
Luke Masirewa
A former New Zealand 7s select, Masirewa can play anywhere.
Light on his feet, the freakish Kiwi could play on the wing, in the centres or as a backrower for the Bulldogs.
He hits and sticks.
SOUTHS MAGPIES
Pre-season MVP
Rourke Symons
Nicknamed ‘pickles’ because he gets cramps regularly, scrumhalf Symons turned it on in pre-season where he ran back-to-back 4.29s bronco fitness tests.
Symons, an impressive 20-year-old, is knocking on the door of first grade and looks a healthy chance.
Best new face
Keenan Timu
Souths have welcomed back big Keenan Timu, the brother of former Red Caleb Timu, who has returned from his Mission in France.
A former colts player of the club, Timu has come back looking sharp and will play No.8.
Rookie on the rise
Xavier Rubens
A regular in first grade last year, Rubens is one of Souths’ more exciting rookie outside backs who has just recently been named in the Australian Under-20s squad.
A natural, the reserved Rubens lets his rugby do the talking.
Maddox Maclean
A young veteran, Maclean has impressed Souths forward leader Kohan Herbert.
“He is only 19 and he’s already shown a lot of promise at training.”
X-factor player
Garrick
GPS GALLOPERS
Pre-season MVP
Lachlan Howse
Ashgrove local Lachlan Howse could be in for a breakout season after the young backrower put in heaps of effort over the pre-season.
A schoolboy high-achiever at Marist Ashgrove, Howse was a part of the GPS Colts 1 team that won the 2021 premiership and he has benefited massively from GPS’ partnership with Science of Fitness, a gym in West End.
Best new face
Jayden Kemp
A fine utility back from across the ditch, Kemp is a handy pick up from GPS who can play fullback or scrumhalf.
Rookie on the rise
Stuart Tualima
The athletic forward marvel played in spurts off the bench last year but is set to play a key part in GPS’ pursuit of a premiership this season.
The younger brother of Brumbies squad member Tuaina, forward utility Stuart has the speed, strength and skill to be anything in 2025 for the Gallopers.
X-factor player
Joe Doljanin
The emerging outside centre was elite at times in Colts 1 last season and will make the step up to first grade in 2025 after featuring here and there last season.
A quiet achiever from Toowoomba, Doljanin runs telling lines and is tough to ruffle.
He used to be a handy utility in rugby league.
BROTHERS
Pre-season MVP
Leo McCarthy
A player who has been in and around the starting group over the past 24 months, McCarthy moved mountains in the off-season and is looking “fit and ready to go” according to captain Will Wilson.
Best new face
Jude Gibbs
A new flyhalf from Sydney, Gibbs had a handful of positive touches when he came off the bench for Brothers in the Australian Club Championships bout againsts Eastern Suburbs.
A classy type, Gibbs has an effective short and long kicking game.
Rookie on the rise
Charles Brosnan
An impressive utility forward, Brosnan could do no wrong for the Reds under-19s (2024) and under-20s (2025) and will embark on his first Hospital Cup season this Saturday.
Cruelled of his debut season due to a hip injury in 2024, Brosnan can play lock or in the backrow and like the best players, he lets his actions do the talking.
X-factor player
Brad Hemopo
The mountainous No.8 has been a prime mover for the Brethren over the past 24 months and the new dad is ready and raring to make an impact again as Brothers seek three straight premierships.
NORTHS EAGLES
Pre-season MVP
Chris Minimbi
A powerhouse utility, Minimbi would be up there with the fittest locks out there and looms large for the Eagles.
The 25-year-old has represented the Drua on six occasions and Fiji’s international team once.
Best new face
James Antonio
Originally a Norths talent before a stint at Wests, Antonio has returned to the nest and bolsters the clubs’ backrow stocks,
Antonio, a big and mobile ballrunning threat, moves well across the field and looks the goods.
Rookie on the rise
Ryan Heaton
A project player at the club, Heaton was consistently strong for Norths in Colts 1 last season and has hit the ground running as one of the babies of the first grade set up.
The trusty inside centre has put his name in the right conversations following a quality trial hit out against the Magpies last fortnight.
X-factor player
Alex Flanagan Smith
Smith has been on a steep upward trajectory since switching Australian rules football (Wilston Grange) for rugby after leaving school.
The 21-year-old, in a short amount of time, progressed from Colts 2 to Colts 1 and then up to first grade where last season he was a staple.
He will play on the wing or at fullback for Norths.
SUNNYBANK DRAGONS
Pre-season MVP
Pita Halaifonua
A flanker or No.8, Halaifonua has a knack for getting the ‘Bank over the advantage line.
“He is someone we can rely on to get us front foot ball,” Sunnybank forward Taine Riori said.
Best new face
Netani Lesimaikimatuku
Don’t be surprised to see the colts playmaker spring into action for Rob Riori’s first grade side.
An eye-catching talent, Lesimaikimatuku is a Mr Natural with the tenacity to match his skill.
With Liam McNamara out (ACL), Lesimaikimatuku looks likely to fill the void.
Rookie on the rise
Dre-dyn Laban
A Souths Colts 1 premiership winner, Laban has moved across to Sunnybank where he quickly made an impression.
An attacking ace, Laban can create with his running, kicking and passing.
X-factor player
Tumeli Naco
A Fijian flyer from Shalom College in Bundaberg, Naco played for Southern Districts last season in Sydney and has shown glimpses of magic in pre-season for Sunnybank.
A winger, Naco loves an offload and has that toughness rugby league edge players all seem to possess.
EASTS TIGERS
Pre-season MVP
Lachie Kirk
A late inclusion at the back end of last season, Kirk is cooking with gas to begin 2025 and is looking sharp at Tigerland.
A flyhalf, Kirk is a key communicator who seems sure of what he wants at first receiver.
Best new face
Jake Pappin
A new but familiar face around Easts, Pappin has rolled back into the Hospital Cup squad and he can give the backline a right boost with his ballrunning and tackling.
Rookie on the rise
Blake Davis
An ACL injury cruelled his 2024 campaign but the Easts fullback is back, ready to inject himself when called upon by Simon Craig.
He is a safe bet at the back whose kicking game and vision will be treasured at some stage by his peers.
X-factor player
BJ Oates and Meli Dreu
Easts will have plenty of strike in outside backs Oates and Dreu.
Oates, the cousin of former Broncos and Maroons winger Corey, has been explosive in pre-season while Dreu has built himself a reputation as an attacking weapon at Bottomley Park.
BOND UNIVERSITY BULL SHARKS
Pre-season MVP
Kobe Walters
Walters, a Northland young gun from across the Tasman, hit the ground running and has been pressing his case for a round 1 starting jersey.
“He has really impressed me,” Bond skipper Tyler Campbell said of the openside flanker.
Deon Evans Ao-Leifi
A newcomer from the Hunter Wildfires in Sydney, he brings x-factor and a surprise element to Bond’s back three.
Best new face
Liam Daniela
A new face from Counties Manukau in the NPC (National Provincial Championship), Daniela is an experienced campaigner who, alongside Jordan Lenac, will offer crisp service from the scrum base.
Rookie on the rise
Rocco Gollings
An excitement machine, Gollings is still colts eligible but first grade is where you’ll see him.
A pacy fullback, Gollings will start Bond’s attack from the back where he is most dangerous.
X-factor player
Hamish Roberts
Bond will be seeking a big campaign from winger Hamish Roberts in the absence of former Player of the Year Rhian Stowers.
Roberts, a quicksilver customer more than capable of stepping up to the plate, has shown his class with the ball in hand and with his boot.
Now it is a matter of tying everything together and building on his two years in first grade to go to the next level.
STORELOCAL CHALLENGE CUP (INAUGURAL WOMENS COMPETITION)
SUNNYBANK DRAGONS
Pre-season MVP
Mikayla Harrison
Koroi said Sunnybank newcomer Harrison, a Norths player last year, was a “super fit’’ athlete who has the foundations to play her best football starting from the first game of the season.
Best new face
Shannon Symon
Symon is well known in club rugby, but instead of coaching Bond this season, he will be resplendent in a Dragons jumper.
Symon was head coach of the benchmark Bull Sharks last season and is assistant coach of the Dragons this season.
Rookie on the rise
Athlene Nayacalevu
Young Nayacalevu, a part of the club’s premier women system for a few years now, looks ready to make her mark in the top grade.
Nayacalevu is in her element wearing jersey No.15, but will give her all in any position.
X-factor player
Ana Afuie
Scrumhalf sensation Ana Afuie is currently with the Western Force but when Sunnybank’s silent assassin returns, opposition teams will know.
Afuie, the StoreLocal women’s player of the year in 2023 and 2024, is sure to bring direction and leadership to the squad.
UNIVERSITY RED HEAVIES
Pre-season MVP
Cat Westley
Westley has arrived from England where she played for the Loughborough Lightning, a University team located north of Leicester.
She had been outstanding in the pre-season and is eager as could be to leave her mark with new teammates.
Best new face
Molly Kennedy
Kennedy arrives at the Red Heavies from NSW country, Bathurst, where she was a high achiever in both rugby and netball.
In one pre-season trial she scored two tries which underlined her potency.
Rookie on the rise
Evie Warren
An unheralded rookie out of Brisbane State High, Warren is a diamond in the rough utility who University captain Lauren Robinson has liked the look of in pre-season.
X-factor player
Lillian Kolb
Kolb, a selfless inside back, was a key cog in University’s high-achieving 2024 outfit which looked primed for a finals berth after the first round (nine games) of the season.
A noted organiser in the side, Kolb’s communication will be crucial at flyhalf, centre or at fullback.
“She is a great playmaker. I have seen her for the last few years and she keeps going up and up,’’ skipper Robinson said of Kolb’s progression.
REDLANDS MUDDIES
Pre-season MVP
Tracyy Thelander
The tone-setting loosehead prop has been a high attendee at training during the pre-season and looks set to hit the ground running.
She is a 100 per cent effort player who pushes herself and teammates to be better.
Best new face
Aleisha Henry
Henry showed plenty of positive signs coming off the bench in the Mudcrabs’ pre-season games and has been a welcomed addition at the club.
Rookie on the rise
Tahtian Drollet
The Redlands rookie is a raw talent but captain Yolana Simoene is one of countless Mudcrabs squad members eager to see her try her hand in the big league.
BRISBANE IRISH
Pre-season MVP
Chloe Marqiues
A fullback who prides herself on taking the ball on the full, Marqiues made her peers take note over the past eight weeks of training.
Marquies has a knack for covering her side with expertise and “is always there when you need her,’’ according to forward leader Niamh Oliver.
She will spearhead Irish across the early stages of the season.
Best new face
Julia Kwasniewski
A pacy player who can play anywhere in the backline, Kwasniewski is new to the club but has made teammates sit up and take notice of her fitness and enthusiasm.
“She has a great head on her and is keen to get into the contact,’’ Oliver praised.
Rookie on the rise
Nyarla Johnson
Nyarla Johnson, who will play in the backs, is another new face at Brisbane Irish who has impressed with her thirst for knowledge.
“She is eager to learn whenever someone gives her a tip,’’ Oliver said. The Gladstone product then puts her new knowledge into practice.
X-factor player
Poppy Hodge
A renowned marathon runner, Hodge’s boundless energy never ceases to amaze teammates or opponents.
Hodge, a forward utility, has speed and can score a try from a long way out.
SOUTHS MAGPIES
Pre-season MVP
Morgan Smith
Smith, who is originally from Canada, will return from an ACL injury this season after training the house down during the pre-season.
“She smashed the pre-season,’’ Souths captain Bailey said.
Smith’s best position is openside flanker.
Best new face
Marzia De Micheli
The scheming scrumhalf has come from Italy and does freakish things on the footy field.
She has been slotted into the side at as a No.9 or fullback and has astounded Souths teammates with her skills.
Rookie on the rise
Naleeyah Moenoa Baice
The baby of the squad, Baice has been given permission from the QRU to play first grade despite being an under age player.
A fearless forward, she tackles like there is no tomorrow. “She is a lot tougher than me,’’ Bailey smiled.
Baice was a tryscoring ace for the Redbank Plains under-17s league side in 2024.
X-factor player
Ruby Finau
Finau, a Penina Pasifika representative player, had been a level-headed Magpies player for some time.
A midfielder for all seasons, Finau’s experience in the back division will be a godsend for a Souths side looking to improve on last season.
BOND PIRATES
Pre-season MVP
Esther Paieea
Paieea’s dedication in the cause is reflected by her desire to attend every pre-season training session.
“She has put in the effort and in the pre-season games she has showcased what she can do,” Kovarik said.
Best new face
Allegra Liussi
A Somerset College product, Liussi will play 15-a-side for the first time this season.
She has been eager to learn and has been putting her new found skills into practice ahead of the Challenge Cup opener on Saturday.
Rookie on the rise
Kate Cagalingan
A returning player, Cagalingan played on the wing in 2024 but has done a sharp about face and now finds herself enjoying halfback.
Don’t be surprised to see the Pirates No.9 tackle more than your usual scrumhalf. She is a tough customer who has a rugby league background with Burleigh’s premier grade side.
X-factor player
Eden Milton
Outside back Milton, another local with a strong training ethic, has been an exciting pre-season player.
“We can’t wait to see her play,’’ Kovarik said of the Surfers Paradise rugby junior.
EASTS TIGERS
Pre-season MVP
Jorj Smith, Beck Rose
Both Smith and Rose have impressed mightily in a squad which has changed a lot over the last 12 months.
They have been regulars at extra training sessions.
Best new face
Lina Chioato, Renee Van Der Scheer
Both from abroad, the dynamic duo can bring plenty to the Tigers forward pack.
Renée Van der Scheer will man the pumps at lock and Lina Mia Chioato, a fine talent from New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty, will feature in the backrow.
Rookie on the rise
Molly Hutchinson, Maya McKellar, Bianca Coopmans
This terrific trio, all Easts juniors, have the Tigers spirit running through their veins.
All aged 16, they are out to make an impact much like how Abbi Spooner did last season as a bright-eyed teen who was small but superb at fullback.
X-factor player
April Ngatupuna
April Ngatupuna is one of the competition’s best props. It must be said.
A powerhouse payer who makes a big impact with her runs and authority, Ngatupuna sets a wonderful example to the Tiger cubs off the field.
On it, she is a ferocious tight forward who will give her teammates confidence and hit hard enough for you to hear it.
NORTHS EAGLES
Pre-season MVP
Emily Eglen
Scintillating at times last year and stellar across the pre-season, fullback Eglen is sure to reap the benefits of training hard and the experience of the 2024 season.
Watch for her fancy footwork at Hugh Courtney Oval this year.
Best new face
Danielle Mellow
Danielle Mellow, a flanker, impressed with her work ethic at training and in trials.
The New-Zealand born youngster has played both sevens and 15s during the off-season.
Rookie on the rise
Anastacia Tauamiti
Anastacia Tauamiti has arrived at the nest for her first season in rugby after coming across from basketball.
“People have been trying to convince her to play for about 10 years, and she has finally come across,’’ Dunstan said.
A back with potential, Tauamiti has a grand pass and is keen to be a part of an improving Norths squad.
X-factor player
Ilaisaane Sanguna
Ilaisaane Sanguna, a Tongan terror, will play No.10 but has vast experience across a number of positions.
She has previously been involved in the Melbourne Rebels Academy, and knows her way around the field.
A former rugby league talent, Sanguna is street smart when it comes to footy.
BOND UNIVERSITY BULL SHARKS
Pre-season MVP
Grace Baker
Grace Baker has been marked off the attendance role more than any other player during the pre-season.
A loose forward with a big motor, Baker has been key in Bond’s last two premierships with her consistent involvement, physicality in close quarter battle and defensive reads.
Best new face
TJ Murray
TJ Murray was blooded in the recent Australian Club championships when she played outside centre and she fit right in - despite being the youngest (15) on the field.
The slick schoolgirl from Coomera is confident in her own ability and is a supreme 7s athlete who captained the Queensland’s Under-16s side late last year in the NexGen competition.
Rookie on the rise
Evie Sampson
Evie Sampson tasted experience in the top grade last season as a senior at King’s Christian College. The former Australian Schoolgirls 7s select will return wiser for the learnings of 2024.
She is coming off a Reds’ training regimen and looks dynamite entering this season.
X-factor player
Zoe Hanna
Bond will challenge for the premiership again this season with workhorse backrower Zoe Hanna back at the helm.
A Queensland Reds staple, Hanna had too good of a club season in 2024 to be denied by selectors and was swiftly elevated into a starting role throughout the ongoing Super W season.
She has a V8 engine and has plenty of power through the hips.
WESTS BULLDOGS
Pre-season MVP
Charisma De st Laurent
The emerging flanker stood out in the pre-season and has improved significantly after only starting to play the code last year.
She has natural skills for an openside, is fast, fit and ready to go.
Best new face
Beth Davis
Davis, who has arrived from Liverpool in England, was a fine link player with a high rugby IQ.
She is a tremendous positional player who can find territory with raking kicks.
Rookie on the rise
Alyssa Hawkins
From the Redlands region where she played subdistricts rugby, Hawkins made great strides last season at Sylvan Road when she played second grade at the club.
The young outside back or playmaker has returned for another go-around but she will enter this season a far better player. Her trial and training form indicates she is in for another year of improvement.
X-factor player
Holly Thomas
Thomas was one of the squad’s younger players who has come through the junior ranks.
As a flanker, she has speed to the ball and is strong in contact when she stands over rucks or mauls the ball.
She is gifted with athleticism.
BROTHERS
Pre-season MVP
Tania-Rose Raharuhi
A newcomer from Sunnybank, Raharuhi looks set to become a driving force for Brothers from flyhalf.
A tried and tested campaigner with the Bay of Plenty, Raharuhi will make the life of the forward pack easier with her consistency, control and game IQ.
Best new face
Sarah Riordan, Bree-Anna Cheatham, Deni Ross
Watch out for these Brothers girls in 2025.
The last two seasons have seen the Brethren improve significantly. They will benefit big time when Reds forwards Riordan, Cheatham and Ross bolster the squad when the Super W season is finished.
Rookie on the rise
Hannah Rowan
Rowan was a gutsy inside back for Brothers last season after making the switch from Australian rules football.
A big improver following the 7s season late last year, Rowan is firming as a metre-eating centre who could flourish in the Brothers backline.
X-factor player
Faalalotonga Faalalotonga
Nicknamed ‘Smiley’, Faalalotonga can cover the lock, flanker and No.8 positions and is the type of tough leader who can add a different and damaging dimension to the Brothers pack.
Gold Coast Eagles
Pre-season MVP
Hannah Clifton
A Coomera Crushers kid, flyhalf Clifton has the IQ, control and communication to have a breakout campaign for the Eagles.
Best new face
The Eagles have an exciting crop of new faces, including Kyrah Milner (prop, King’s Christian College) and Elquanez Faamausili (prop, Marmount College).
Rookie on the Rise
Genesis Tupa’i and Nadia Amiatu
Top notch players in Burleigh’s representative under-17s league side.
Tupa’i, a damaging outside back, has captained the Bears at centre alongside Amiatu, also a back with finesse.
X-factor player
Jelena Betham
Betham, like Tupa’i and Amiatu, has that toughness rugby league players seem to possess. She is a former under-19s representative for Tweed in the elite Harvey Norman competition.
Betham is primed to make a difference having played in a star-studded Bond University outfit, which featured current Reds weapons Carola Kreis and Mel Wilks, earlier this decade.
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