GPS Rugby: Toowoomba Grammar School 2019 preview

The prime beef of the Darling Downs has powered generations of Queensland forward packs, and it’ll be no different in 2019 as Toowoomba Grammar belts into the GPS season.

Prime beef from the Darling Downs has powered Queensland’s best forward packs for generations, from their dinner plates to the front-row.

The 2019 Queensland Reds were no exception with Toowoomba Grammar School alumni occupying three prop spots in the squad.

Ruan Smith played for Toowoomba Grammar in 2007.

Versatile twins Ruan and JP Smith were part of the school’s 2007 First XV squad while young Jondaryan product Harry Hoopert played three seasons from 2013 to 2015.

Former Queensland prop Markus Vanzati, now at the Western Force, is the fourth prop currently playing professional rugby after graduating from TGS in 2012.

● GPS PROFILE: Brisbane State High School

Toowoomba Grammar has proven to be a front-row finishing school without peer in recent years.

Ruan Smith, who played at the Western Force, Brumbies and Reds after finishing at the school, said its ties to the country were one part of Grammar’s scrum success.

“I think the massive thing about Australian rugby is that lots of props come from the country,” he said.

Markus Vanzati at Reds training.

Harry Hoopert scores a try for the Reds earlier this year. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

“TGS is surrounded by country kids and usually they’re a bit bigger and they have that willingness to play prop.

“I do a lot of coaching and I see a lot of big guys that you’d think were suitable props but they choose to play No.8 because they don’t understand the position, or their coaches haven’t tried to teach them.

“The more exposure to prop they get, the more they enjoy it and that’s the key to developing props in Australia.

“Maybe it’s a coincidence … (but) that’s one thing Toowoomba Grammar do really well.”

The production line will churn out more talent this year as prop Tim Fainga’anuku enters his second season in the First XV.

Hamish Stewart wore the No.10 for Toowoomba Grammar. Picture: AAP Image/Josh Woning

His exciting running game has flashes reminiscent of his two elder cousins.

Leicester, 19, and Lotima Fainga’anuku, 22, have played one game each on the wing for the Crusaders in Super Rugby and been star turns for the New Zealand Under-20s.

Tim, who turns 18 this year, will never be a winger but his talent and leadership are unquestioned by his coaches.

“First and foremost he’s a terrific person, just a personable guy and a great leader,” Toowoomba’s First XV coach Dave Enfantie said.

Dougal Gray wins the lineout for Toowoomba. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“His greatest strength are his ball-carries, especially from the pick-and-drive. He’s a real follow-me-into-the-trenches type of prop.”

Openside flanker Dougal Gray was the team’s best and fairest player in 2018 but he’ll be searching for another level to his performance as the 2019 First XV captain.

In the backs, exciting playmaker Baxter Franey is likely to secure the coveted No.10 jersey worn so well by Reds flyhalf Hamish Stewart in 2014-15.

Returning wingers Seaton Siegfried and Allister Cameron will bring experience on the extremes of the park while lightning rod outside back Kai Rahui will be a weapon after a major knee injury.

TGS will enjoy home ground advantage for the all-important O’Callaghan Cup clash against Downlands College in their Round Two bye week.

GPS Premierships: 6

Most recent: 1956 (shared)

TGS Team of the Decade (2010-2019) so far

1. Markus Vanzati (2012)

2. Matt Faessler (2016)

3. Harry Hoopert (2015)

4. Matt Willshire (2016)

5. Phil Potgieter (C) (2012)

6. Anton Minneko (2012)

7. Stuart Bougoure (2012)

8. Ronin Hassall (2018)

9. Adam Deck (2012)

10. Hamish Stewart (2015)

11. Ashton Watson (2017)

12. Kye Oates (2016)

13. Jordan Drew (2012)

14. Jeriah Goodrich (2011)

15. Jonah Placid (2012)