Your club rugby guide: StoreLocal Hospital Cup, Premier Women Players to Watch in season 2024
Here’s your ultimate club rugby guide to the new season, with x-factor players and rookies on the rise revealed from the Premier women’s and men’s rugby teams.
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The club rugby season was now within reach, so catch up on who has been turning heads at your local club here with our season preview.
Following previous StoreLocal Hospital Cup and Colts 1 stories, we lift the lid on the difference makers set to impact clubland in 2024.
Again the www.couriermail.com.au will cover the Colts 1 competition as well as the StoreLocal Premier Women and Hospital Cup starting on Saturday when bumper clashes unfold across South East Queensland.
GPS will host Easts at Yoku road, Wests welcome University to The Kennel, Sunnybank journey down the coast to take on Bond University and Norths and Souths will butt horns at Chipsy Wood Oval.
Jump to: Premier Women, Hospital Cup.
COLTS 1 RD 1 TEAMS, SELECTION HIGHLIGHTS
GAMES OF THE ROUND
StoreLocal Hospital Cup: Wests v University
Where: Sci-Fleet Stadium
When: 3:05pm
StoreLocal Premier Women: Bond Uni v Sunnybank
Where: Bond University
When: 5:00pm
Colts 1: Wests v University
Where: Sci-Fleet Stadium
When: 12:10pm
GPS v Easts
Where: GPS
When: 12:10pm
CLUB RUGBY PREVIEW 2024
STORELOCAL PREMIER WOMEN
EASTS
Player representative: Loretta Lealiifano
Biggest head turner in pre-season
Abby Spooner
Young junior Abby Spooner has been turning heads. A halfback aged 18, Spooner has put a smile on the face of the coaching staff and senior players with her deeds on the training paddock.
A player with a 7s background, Spooner is of good pedigree, her dad Nathan a capped Wallaby and ex-Reds playmaker.
“She’s quite skilful. She has a good rugby brain,” said coach Tony Mills.
X-factor player
Marina Lealiifano
Fresh from New Zealand, Lealiifano will be looking to test herself in this competition. A young mum aged 21, she will be firing shots with her big sister Loretta at No.10.
Rookies on the rise
Chelsea Lemusu
Lemusu is brand new to rugby union. She has played in the rough and tumble of rugby league, and is sure to enhance the Tigers squad as a flanker although she wants to play wing.
“She is a rookie on the rise for sure,’’ said captain Loretta Lealiifano
Who are you most looking forward to playing against?
“Bond were at the top of our list,’’ Loretta Lealiifano said. “They are exciting to play them. They are a different team and I love the way they play that sevens type of style.’’
Points to prove
Piper Flynn
“She has been a part of the QAS and is a part of that wider edge trying to make the 15s which she used to be in. She is excited to get back to the club season.’’
Flynn was a key cog in the side last year and is primed for a bigger and better 2024 campaign.
SISTER COMBOS
It will be a family affair at Tigerland this season with the Lealiifano sisters Loretta and Marina set to run amok in the backs.
Then there is forward terror Lagah Malatai, the sister of Reds frontrower Theresa Soloai who, with Laina Cooper-Finau, provides plenty of punch through the middle of the field.
Michelle Dreu will also play for Easts. She is the sister of the club’s first grade fullback Meli.
CANBERRA TO TIGERLAND
Originally from Canberra, Brooke Gilroy is in the QAS system and was in the Reds Womens wider squad earlier in the season.
A left footer, Gilroy has made the move and is ready to roar for the Tigers, who will have Carola Kreis, Haidee Head and Theresa Soloai among many others offering impact when the Reds season is done.
GPS
Player representative: Sarah Dougherty
Biggest head turner in pre-season
Mana’ia Fotu
New Zealand product Fotu has raised eyebrows at Yoku road as a hooker.
She’s a young veteran who adds great value to a GPS side going through somewhat of a rebuild.
They still have core players like Dougherty, Tahlia Lewis, Dixon, Una Biau, Losalio Sita Payne among others.
X-factor player
Marlugu Dixon
Previous captain Marlugu Dixon is back from having her second child and will be a huge asset to the side as a utility, including as a centre.
The ace 7s player is in the form of her life and will play at her favourite position of inside centre at the weekend.
Rookies on the rise
Erin West
A new player who can swing between fullback the mid field and No.10.
She is coming off a big pre-season effort.
Who are you most looking forward to playing against?
Reds scrumhalf Dougherty said Easts, who were always a great challenge for GPS.
In previous seasons the teams have battled it out in tough finals games and it is always a gripping contest between the sides.
BIG LOSS
GPS will be without star winger Heleina Young who has returned home to Fiji.
She had set the competition alight over the last few years with her pace something to behold.
INJURY WARDEN
GPS will also be without Western Force Super W selection Amelia Byrne who suffered an ACL injury last month.
The quality flanker will miss the entire season.
NEED FOR SPEED
Darlyn Ayala has come over from Columbia and is shaping up to be one of GPS’ top recruits.
A little dynamo, Ayala has the pace to weasel past tired defenders.
ONE MORE CRACK
Former Drua captain Sereima Leweniquila was going to retire this year but has decided she likes what she has seen at training and wants to be a part of it.
‘Ima’ was a rock for GPS last year and her leadership will be key in guiding fresh blood around the park.
She will play No.8 on Saturday.
NORTHS
Player representative: Emma Laird
Biggest head turner in pre-season
Anna Dunstan
Dunstan had been putting in a mountain of work during the off-season and appears more motivated than ever to make an impact.
X-factor player
Caitlyn Lofthouse
When Lofthouse gets back on the field after sustaining a knee injury, just watch the Eagles girls lift.
Rookies on the rise
Jessamy Redmond
New player Jessamy Redmond is new to union but has a big sporting background. She is a wildcard player, possibly at No.10.
Who are you most looking forward to playing against
GPS or Souths.
Points to prove
“When we play Brothers because of that age old rivalry, but GPS is a match I am personally looking forward to,” said Emma Laird.
SOUTHS
Player representative: Taylor Bailey
Biggest head turner in pre-season
Jelena Joli
Joli has made a comeback after receiving surgery on her knee and having a baby. She is ready to rumble for the Magpies.
X-factor player
Ruby Finua
Ruby Finua is coming back from injury and has been dynamic on the training paddock. Early signs point towards a strong campaign.
Rookies on the rise
Pierra Hunter
Hunter is a first season rookie who has impressed her peers with her energy and natural skills. She will play wing.
Who are you most looking forward to playing against?
Sunnybank because a lot of the girls from both teams know each other well.
Points to prove
Souths will be highly motivated as a team to try and topple the Sunnybank Dragons.
WESTS
Player representative: Hana Lane
Biggest head turner in pre-season
Michelle Curry
The damaging outside back has injected her self into training. She is super quick and has outstanding trial form behind her entering the season.
The Samoan international will be key for Wests.
X-factor player
Dillyn Blackburn
Noosa Dolphins junior Blackburn is a great leader and role model who leads from the front. “She is a great inspiration to the other girls,’’ Hana Lane said.
Likely the team’s captain, Blackburn will switch from the backrow to lock this year.
Rookies on the rise
Holly Thompson
Thompson dipped her toe in the water last year but was looking to ramp up her game in 2024. “She has a great opportunity to showcase her skills,’’ Lane said.
Who are you most looking forward to playing against?
Bond University. “We gave them a good game over the pre-season and it will be awesome to try and beat the premiers,” Lane said.
Points to prove
There are countless Bulldogs ready and rarring for battle. Winger Michelle Curry will again be one watch around elite young forwards at the club.
Hana Lane is another quality player, like Curry, meaning one thing. Business.
SPEEDSTER ENJOYING EUROPE HIATUS
Wests’ tryscoring maestro Jess Nugent is playing rugby in Spain until June. Last season the pacy Nugent scored over 20 tries across the season and has shifted to fullback at her new club.
Darcy Milfull, who scored more than 30 tries last year with the club’s premiership winning second grade side, will be bumped up into the first grade team this year. Watch for her to run in plenty of tries.
BIG IN
Following the Reds’ shock call to leave Hong Kong international Hana Lane out of their squad, Wests will have a terrific flanker from round one.
Lane represented Hong Kong as a 17-year-old, and will no longer be categorised as an international player from March onwards next year.
She was one of the finest breakaways in the competition last year and we expect more of the same this season, weather in the back row or even in the centres.
YOUNGSTER
Exciting young flanker Holly Thompson will return for season No.2.
She will play flanker to begin the season then move into the lock position. An Indooroopilly SHS senior, Thompson mixed it with the best last season as a 16-year-old.
SWITCHEROO
Wests have picked up speedster Casey Dobson from University.
Ironically the 21-year-old from St Patrick’s College Gympie broke her collarbone against Wests midway through last season.
Dobson will play as an outside back for the Bulldogs.
SUNNYBANK
Player representative: Sera Koroi
Biggest head turner in pre-season
Baye Jacob
Jacob has come over from New Zealand where she played representative rugby.
She has been leading the pack as a prop.
Jacob will miss round one due to work commitments, along with the destructive Christina Sekona.
X-factor player
Ana Afuie
The ace scrumhalf who was at the centre of Sunnybank’s success last year.
She is coming off a big off season and her lightning touch near the ruck is a brilliant starting point for the minor premiers.
Rookies on the rise
Sky-Yvette Faimalie
The elite Brisbane Tigers rookie has been training with the squad while playing Harvey Norman under-17s and under-19s representative rugby league.
Will hit the ground running.
Who are you most looking forward to playing against?
Souths which is always a traditional local derby for the Dragons.
YOUNG FLARE
Sunnybank will have the services of junior prodigies Shalom Sauaso and Mercedez Taulelei-Siala once the Super W season is complete.
Sauaso will don the No.12 jersey this Saturday and Taulelei-Siala No.23 when the Reds face the Rebels in round four of the season.
Both girls are seniors at Ipswich SHS and Marist Ryze juniors and will add more than pinch of x-factor when they join the line-up.
Kaylani Tavita, Sifa Leapai and Nekeisha Ngaru are other promising youngsters who will play for Sunnybank.
SELENA WORSLEY MEDALLIST AND HER SISTER PRIMED FOR THE ‘BANK
Reigning Selena Worsley medallist Ana Afuie is back at the ‘Bank and her little sister Manaia will be one to watch as well.
Both girls play scrumhalf, but Ana Afuie can play flyhalf to make way for her little sister to get her chance at some stage throughout the season.
NRLW FIREPOWER
21-year-old Sera Koroi has landed at Sunnybank after spending time with the Cowboys in the NRLW.
A lock in league, Koroi will play in the centres for Sunnybank. She is a strike weapon, whose physicality and leadership could go along way, especially while Wallaroo Cecilia Smith is captaining the Reds.
BOND UNIVERSITY
Player representative: Jemma Bemrose
Biggest head turner in pre-season
Paris Moore
Moore, a lock or flanker, has had a big pre-season in the gym, setting high standards for those around her.
X-factor player
Eva Karpani
Someone who can motivate her teammates by her mere presence on the field.
Bond will be looking forward to their Wallaroos prop returning from Super W commitments.
Rookies on the rise
Zoe Hanna
Powerful backrower Hanna was unlucky not to make the Reds squad, and will be a big part of what Bond do this year.
She was top tier in the finals last year.
Who are you most looking forward to playing against?
“It is always a good game against Sunnybank or Easts, just the rivalry there from the past couple of years making the finals against them,” said Bond Jemma Bemrose.
UNIVERSITY
Brooke Savelio
Biggest head turner in pre-season
Greta Gowen
Back after a break following a head injury, Gowen has been dynamic over the off-season and looks set to pick up where she left off.
X-factor player
Ronnie Setu
Setu is a versatile forward who last year played hooker, but this season could end up as a loose forward.
“She has done a lot work in the off season in preparation to playing No.8,’’ Brooke Savelio said.
Rookies on the rise
Memory Manapori
Memory Manapori is new to the club, but her attitude has made senior players sit up and take notice. She has earned the respect of her peers entering the season.
Who are you most looking forward to playing against?
Brooke Savelio said Bond was the game she was most looking forward to.
University play a smiliar style of game and having worked on their fitness, The Students were confident they were better prepared to confront the Bullsharks in 2024.
Points to prove
Greta Gowen
Gowen, who missed out all on last season, is ready to prove a point.
BROTHERS
Biggest head turner in pre-season
Wynonah Conway
The young halfback has got something about her.
With a good pass, solid defence and a great understanding of the game, Conway has impressed coach Tony Wall.
Yolanda Forsyth
Forsyth was just what Brothers were after, a set-piece whiz who can go all day.
She could prove to be one of the team’s best defenders.
X-factor player
Hannah Rowan
Brothers lost firepower in Beccy Davidson and Brittney Brown, but picking up the baton was strong midfielder Rowan.
Watch for her kicking game to give Brothers an extra dimension.
Jazlyn Leota
A year older and a year wiser, Leota can play anywhere in the back line and is going to get better as the season progresses.
She is a slick mover.
Rookies on the rise
‘Liz’ Silivelo
Silivelo will play flyhalf but is a more than capable centre.
Her game management, kicking game, and defence is going to move Brothers up the field.
STORELOCAL HOSPITAL CUP
EASTS
Player representative: Eli Pilz
Biggest head turner in pre-season
Henry Holt
Flyhalf Henry Holt has raised eyebrows down at Tigerland. The young flyhalf coming up from colts came in as somewhat of an unknown and has kept competition fierce within the squad.
“He’s been carving up at training,” said scrumhalf Eli Pilz.
Sam Farrar
Headgeared scrumhalf Sam Farrar was one of the best in his position in Colts 1 over the past two years and has risen into the grades this year.
He won’t look out of place.
X-factor player
Zac Crothers
Returning from a neck injury, Zac, of that rugby mad Crothers clan, has looked in fine touch.
Jordan Pereira
Coming back into the fold was Pereira, an electric outside centre who could be anything for the Tigers this season.
A speedy customer, Pereira has pace and the trust of his teammates to make something happen.
Pio Nakubuwai
The flare-filled outside back or winger has come back from a pre-season stint with the Western Force.
Stronger and bigger than before, Nakubuwai is set for a big campaign.
Rookies on the rise
Henry Wilson
Churchie old boy Henry Wilson has made an impression in first grade.
The club’s Colts 1 captain last year, Wilson is a tough flanker who is good over the ball and a good listener.
“He has looked sharp and had good trials,” said Eli Pilz.
Who are you most looking forward to playing against?
“Benchmark teams, your Wests and Brothers. Brothers will be a good one because they knocked us out,” Pilz said.
Points to prove
Fred Fewtrell and Matt Smit
Second rower Fewtrell and midfielder Smit both had a vengeance about them this season.
Fewtrell was in and out of the team last year but has impressed in the trials, putting himself in the picture for a start in round one.
Smit has come out of a brief retirement stint.
GPS
Ollie Bartlett
Biggest head turner in pre-season
Campbell Moller
The country wrecking ball out of Marist Ashgrove hit the ground running in pre-season after a shoulder injury saw him miss the 2023 season.
The powerful midfielder has put on some size and looks “ready to rip in” according to Ollie Bartlett.
He will get his first start in the Hospital Cup this weekend under coach Sio Kite, previously Moller’s Colts 1 coach.
X-factor player
Mitch Treleaven
A fullback or winger, Trelevan is Mr Versatile. He can play wherever coach Sio Kite needs in he backline, and is looking to hold down a consistent spot in the first grade side.
Light on his feet.
Rookies on the rise
Jayden Green (fullback) and Nokoa Narcroft (centre)
Both boys are coming down from the Sunshine Coast and are originally from New Zealand. The outside backs have looked dangerous at Yoku road over the summer.
Who are you most looking forward to playing against?
“Good to come up against Brothers and Wests. Wests have always got an exciting backline,” said Bartlett.
Points to prove
Matt Gicquel and Nick Baker
Two quality backrowers looking to get GPS back to the finals.
Baker, 21, is coming back from injury and hasn’t seen much game time in the last two seasons.
But the big boy from across the creek is out to show that he is a Super Rugby calibre player.
The Junior Wallaby will be one to watch, as will be veteran backrower Gicquel.
The 27-year-old is in the prime of his career and we predict him to hit his straps this year.
NORTHS
Player representative: Jordan Luke
Biggest head turner in pre-season
Jack Peoples
This will be Peoples third year in first grade. He is growing into that role in the midfield, “taking extra control” according to Jordan Luke.
“He has been a rock for us throughout the pre-season.”
X-factor player
Will McCulloch
How handy it must be to have this ferrari in the garage.
”Everyone can see the talent he has it’s about getting him on the park as much as often,” Luke said.
”He will only get better the more time he gets, and hopefully for his sake push into that Australian Under-20s set up.”
Who are you most looking forward to playing against?
“It’s been a long pre-season, looking to get out there,” said Luke.
“Souths round one. It is the longest build up we have had to any team. Just looking towards that round one match up.”
Points to prove
Luke was excited for the season, saying “I am looking to get back into a good vein of form and lead the boys around”.
“Also Jacob Prideaux. He missed most of last year. He is coming off injury lay off, again a leader for us through the middle of the park. He has a point to prove at flyhalf or centres.”
Unfortunately Prideaux is injured at the moment and will likely miss the majority of the season.
SOUTHS
Player representative: Alofa Alofa
Biggest head turner in pre-season
“We had a lot of boys that just turned up,” said veteran outside back Alofa Alofa.
Phransis Sula-Siaosi set the tone during pre-season, while jack in the box halfback Finnegan Hearn had impressed Alofa.
“He’s a gun, I rate him,” said Alofa of Hearn.
In the backs, bulldozing outside centre Vilikesa Raboiliku and fullback Tye James looked promising.
“What a player,” Alofa said of the hard running Raboiliku.
“I am glad he is on our side.”
X-factor player
Finnegan Hearn and Saiasi Qiokata
Hearn, once he gets going, can really cause damage with his running game.
On the wing, Qiokata has a bit about him.
“He is an x-factor. Give him the ball in space and he will make something happen,” said Alofa.
Rookies on the rise
Matt Canham
From sixth grade in 2021 to first grade, Canham’s rise to the top team has been nothing short of magnificent.
A dedicated player, Canham has shown he is more than qualified to play flyhalf when Harry McLaughlin-Phillips is picked in the Reds matchday 23.
“I really rate him,” said Alofa.
“He will have a good season for us. Matt has stood out without Harry there. Has done a terrific job.”
Who are you most looking forward to playing against?
“I can’t wait to play against Wests. I played against Henry Speight in Super Rugby. I can’t wait to play against him,” said Alofa.
Points to prove
Kohan Herbert
Are we looking at the most slept on flanker in all of Australia?
A Downlands graduate who was arguably Souths’ best player in season 2023, Herbert has returned to Chipsy Wood oval following a pre-season with the Rebels.
For reasons unbeknown to us, Herbert was not signed and will enter the season a man on a mission.
“I think he is one player that should be in Super Rugby. Some team should have him by now,” said Alofa.
“He is a guy that deserves a Super Rugby contract somewhere after this season or hopefully during.
“If that doesn’t happen I will tell him to go overseas because clubs are missing out on him. He is a great player.”
What sets Herbert apart is his workrate, and ability to stand up in the big moments.
“He is a workhorse. He is one of those guys you can rely on. You just know he will be there and he does big plays in big moments,” said Alofa.
“He should have been in Super (Super Rugby Pacific) a long time ago.”
WESTS
Player representative: Henry Speight
Biggest head turner in pre-season
Mosese Dawai
Henry Speight had seen nothing of Fijian flyer Mosese Dawai prior to this season, but likes what he sees off a small sample size.
“He’s one of the worst in fitness then can run a whole day during the game and decide to score a hattrick in 20 minutes,” Speight joked.
Dawai has represented the Highlanders in the Super Rugby previously.
X-factor player
Louis Werchon
The sniping Werchon will play scrumhalf or flyhalf for Wests and does a bit of everything.
He is a better player when he is running it, but equally impressive when distributing ball to his dangerous midfielders, Fletcher Spicer and David Vaihu.
Rookies on the rise
James Martens, Jamie Alexander
If you haven’t heard of these two halfbacks, you will soon.
Both BBC products, Martens looks a prime candidate to play No.9 or fill in for Louis Werchon if he is not available.
Alexander will start in Colts 1 and he could play first grade at some point this season, coming off the bench. Both are Elite with a capital E.
Emerging hooker Charlie Wigan also has plenty of responsibility bestowed on him this season and we predict he will go very well.
Who are you most looking forward to playing against?
Brothers.
“A good match up after what happened in the final last year. But the biggest one for me is my club debut against University in round one,” Speight said ahead of his Bulldogs debut on Saturday.
Points to prove
Moses Sorovi and Ilikena Vudogo
Halfback Sorovi will look to make his mark on the first grade competition following his release from the Rebels set-up, while speedy winger Vudogo will partner Speight on the wing.
Ankle injuries have hindered Sorovi’s last two years of rugby and himself and Vudogo will have a key role in getting Wests back to the grand final for the third year running.
Wests’ back three players of Vudogo, Speight and Dawai just screams five-pointers.
SUNNYBANK
Player Representative: JP Tominiko
Biggest head turner in pre-season:
Francis Pona
Sunnybank’s midfielder had been impressive in the lead up to round one.
A talented schoolboy who captained the 2018 Brisbane State High First XV, Pona has found form following a bumper pre-season at inside centre.
“He’s got the fitness, skills and looked comfortable in first grade,” said JP Tominiko.
X-factor player:
Liam McNamara
The ‘Bank will have a bit of flare at flyhalf with returning player McNamara back in the mix.
Calm under pressure, McNamara knows the game better than anyone and his decision making in the big moments was just what the doctor ordered.
Rookies on the rise:
Nathan Faatagi
The Dragons flanker is in for another season of improvement after a consistent debut season in 2023.
“He has had a year in premier grade last year and he is a hard worker, fit. He is always keen to learn. One of those No.7s,” said Tominiko.
Who are you most looking forward to playing against?
“Easts probably,” Tominiko said.
“ I played all my senior years there. It will be a good crack to verse my old mates.”
Tominiko has returned to his junior club Sunnybank with other members of his family, Laurence (brohther), Richie Asiata (cousin) and Darren Tominiko (brother).
Points to prove
Zac Sheppard
Sunnybank’s captain is returning from a break in season 2023 and a stint with the Tigers.
“He has been good as captain, committing to leading the boys,” said Tominiko.
“Massive having him back.”
BOND UNIVERSITY
Player representative: Tyler Campbell
Biggest head turner in pre-season
Fergus Gillan and Oliver Barrett
School leavers Gillan (TSS) and Barrett (Nudgee) were making strong impressions at the canal.
The pair have got stuck in and have transitioned well to playing with men.
Fred Dorrough and Jordan Lenac
Also raising eyebrows were newcomers Dorrough and Lenac.
“Both obviously coming from stints overseas and have come into the group and have shown good leadership qualities, and have put their foot forward to start in round one,” praised Tyler Campbell.
X-factor player
Rhian Stowers
The reigning Alec Evans medallist was an easy option here. The light on his feet, slippery Stowers was a wonder last season and showed his class each game without fail.
Hamish Roberts
Another x-factor type player at the Bullsharks was Roberts, a player who has beefed up over the off-season while keeping his speed.
“He has been deadly in the pre-season games,” said Campbell.
Rookies on the rise
Rocco Gollings
While the speedy Gollings is set to start in Colts 1, it would surprise no one to see him bumped up into the top team.
He has high rugby IQ, a smattering of pace and plenty of representative experience under his belt.
Who are you most looking forward to playing against?
“I honestly enjoy playing all the different teams but University will be a good one this year for us,” said Campbell.
“We have taken on Mick Heenan and they’ve taken on Damon Virtue and Andrew Fraser who were with us last year. I am close with Damon and Fraser. It will be one the team will be looking forward to.”
Points to prove
Dylan Loader
The club’s outstanding Colts 1 flanker in 2022, Loader played a game of first grade last season but came down with an injury.
“He has sort of come back this year with a chip on the shoulder. He has been impressive at training, putting his best foot forward,” said Campbell.
“Showing the physicality that comes with his size. He is playing with a lot of intent at the moment.”
Bond University also have loosehead prop Harry Bell, tighthead prop Rhys Sheriff and the exciting Syris Schmidt in their ranks.
UNIVERSITY
Player representative: Adam Korczyk
Biggest head turner in pre-season:
Joe Brial
The Queensland Reds lock was a rock through the trial games and was doing everything right on and off the paddock.
X-factor player
Kye Oates
You could have guessed it. The exciting outside back from Toowoomba has returned from injury and has not missed a beat.
He has picked up from where he left off with his trial form indicating a top notch season ahead.
Rookies on the rise
Ethan McFarland
A destructive Colts 1 centre, McFarland was making his presence felt in the first grade set-up.
“He has been very good,” said Korczyk.
“A strong ball carrier in the centres and good on defence.”
Who are you most looking forward to playing against?
“The storyline would be Bond Univrsity with Mick Heenan being there,” said Korczyk.
“Obviously I have played with Heeno for many years, it will be interesting how things go playing against a Heeno led team. Bond University were very good last year so it will be good to see how Heeno has changed them and improved them.”
Points to prove
Korczyk said the team was out for vengeance rather than just one person.
“For us as a whole club, from last year’s result, where we were second last on the table, which was low for our usual expectations,” said Korczyk.
“From this pre-season it’s sort of been a big onus on us to right the wrongs of last year.
“So I think the whole club really to go back to the standards we have set over the years.”
BROTHERS
Biggest head turner in pre-season
Grason Makara
Coming over from Perth where he was in the Force system, outside centre has made his presence felt quickly.
He was a sharp customer in Brothers’ National Championships win over Randwick last month and is going to be handful.
X-factor player
Willem Johnstone
The Souths Magpie has come across to Brothers where he will be stuck behind some good ones initially. The club has x-factor in halfbacks Isaac Tarabay, Mosiah Christian, Will Cartwright and now Reds Academy scrumhalf Johnstone, a Nudgee old boy.
Rookies on the rise
Dre Pakeho
The Reds Academy outside centre played a crucial in the club’s premiership winning Colts 1 side last year and will rise into first grade this year.
Pakeho is a defensive brute who can ball play for teammates or create for himself with his step and running game.
GRAND FINAL REMATCH
Brothers and Wests will be a mouth-watering clash, but we have to wait until round seven.
This will be the first game between the teams following last year’s dramatic Hostpial Cup final where Wests backrower Angelo Smith almost looked to have scored the matchwinner, only for the referee to rule no grounding.
It was a gripping contest and when the two sides meet again it will be no different.
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