Toowoomba talent taking game to next level

MORE than 20 players from the region are set to feature in the Intrust Super Cup statewide competition.

Mitch Carpenter. Photo: Cordell Richardson

RUGBY LEAGUE: As the Intrust Super Cup season prepares to launch for another year this weekend, a staggering number of players with ties to the Toowoomba region are set to feature.

A total of 21 players either born in Toowoomba or surrounding areas or who have played in town have been signed to rosters across the statewide competition.

This is in addition to former Valleys Roosters player Reeghyn Beardmore lining up at halfback for the Central Queensland Capras in the inaugural season of the BHP Premiership.

KIllarney’s Steph Hancock will also feature in the statewide women’s competition, running out for the Souths Logan Magpies.

It marks a golden period of talent within the Toowoomba ranks, and TRL media’s Andrew O’Brien believes it is a testament to the strength of the local competition.

“What a compliment it is to the TRL,” O’Brien said.

“There’s certainly a gap between the TRL and Intrust Super Cup, but the programs and systems in place at clubs help these young adults get into the system,

“There’s 12 teams now and other areas that want to join our competition.

“We’re getting exposure and the east coast know about us, and there’s a lot of people talking about the model in Toowoomba.”

Among the leading lights that will feature at the ISC level is Cory Paix.

Contracted to the Broncos, Paix finds himself at Souths Logan as he looks to break into the top grade for his debut.

“Cory was a halfback or five-eighth when he left Toowoomba and now has been earmarked to play in the hooking role,” O’Brien said.

“Self belief is something that I get from Cory, and he always challenges himself to keep going.”

O’Brien said he also expects big seasons from the likes of former Wattles premiership winner Michael Purcell, Pittsworth forwards Mitch Carpenter and Todd White, and Darcy Maroske of Highfields.

“It’s one thing to have speed, but Michael Purcell has a wealth of talent as well,” he said.

“It always puts a smile on your face when you see someone like Michael doing well at this level.

“Mitch is a veteran front rower in the competition now and is well respected by his opposition.

“Let’s hope he can go to the next level this year.

“Todd and Darcy have worked extremely hard to get to where they are. What they do off the paddock has paid off for them.”

SOUTH OF THE BORDER

Former Valleys Roosters talent Emily Young is gearing up for another season in New South Wales.

Young will lead the charge at halfback for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership.

Augustine Stowers, a former student at Assumption College, Warwick, has been named to start for the Rabbitohs in their Jersey Flegg (U20s) fixture this weekend.

Dalby’s Josh Chappell has been a staple in the halfback role for the Parramatta Eels throughout the SG Ball (U18s) season.

Southern Suburbs junior Jake Simpkin will get his first taste of action this weekend when lining up for the Western Suburbs Magpies in the Intrust Super Premiership.

MAKING THE GRADE – OUR PLAYERS IN THE INTRUST SUPER CUP

Michael Purcell (Easts Tigers – Wattles), Jarrod Tuite (Easts Tigers – Brothers), Jacob Teevan (Highfields – Ipswich Jets), Mitch Carpenter (Pittsworth – Ipswich Jets), Todd White (Pittsworth – Ipswich Jets), Lachlan Timm (Redcliffe Dolphins – Toowoomba), Christian Hazard (Souths Logan Magpies – Toowoomba), Darcy Maroske (Souths Logan Magpies – Highfields), Cory Paix (Souths Logan Magpies – Southern Suburbs), Cody McIntosh (Souths Logan Magpies – Warwick), Kurtis Shayler (Sunshine Coast Falcons – Pittsworth), Liam McDonald (Sunshine Coast Falcons – Brothers), Michael Carroll (Townsville Blackhawks – Toowoomba), Lindon McGrady (Tweed Seagulls – Goondiwindi), Jordan Drew (Wynnum-Manly Seagulls – Valleys), Tristan Hope (Wynnum-Manly Seagulls – Newtown), Lachlan Lee (Wynnum-Manly Seagulls – Brothers), Clayton Mack (Wynnum-Manly Seagulls – Toowoomba), Lachlan Perry (Wynnum-Manly Seagulls – Toowoomba), James Robinson (Wynnum-Manly Seagulls – Gatton), Sam Scarlett (Wynnum-Manly Seagulls – Wandoan)

Saturday’s edition of The Chronicle will feature a two-page guide to the Intrust Super Cup season.

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