Central Coast Rugby Union: 24 players set to shine in men’s, women’s grand finals
It’s grand final time in the Central Coast Rugby Union with four games on the biggest stage at Gosford. We take a look at 24 players to watch across all four grand finals on Saturday.
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Grand final day is here for the Central Coast Rugby Union competition.
Four thrilling games will take place at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford for the right to be crowned the best.
Terrigal and Avoca Beach are well represented with three teams apiece, with The Lakes and Lake Macquarie looking for their shot at glory as well.
We take a look at 24 players across all grades who are set to shine this weekend:
PRESIDENT’S CUP
LUKE CLARKSON
The Lakes
Prop
While he might be small in stature, Clarktson is big in heart and he is a front rower that rips in at every opportunity for The Lakes. He’s there week in, week out and brings a great ticker to the side.
JASON KAKATO
The Lakes
Hooker
Gives the side great service both with his workload and his form at the lineout. Kakato has been a dominant player throughout the season all across the park to earn the plaudits of his team.
BRENT MERRITT
Terrigal
Fullback
Merritt has had a lot of success up in the grades over the years as a former first grade weapon. Work commitments see him at this level and he has been rock solid at the back as a strong runner of the ball.
NICK ARMSTRONG
Terrigal
Inside centre
The captain of the side who is regarded as ‘Captain Courageous’. A young player who has a good kicking game on him. Playing at inside centre, he’s able to add a lot as an all-round talent in both attack and defence.
TAINE CLARKSON
The Lakes
Prop
The brother of Luke who helps to complete the front row trio. A bit bigger in stature than his brother and plays with a lot of heart. They try and outdo each other in Taine’s first season back in rugby from a break.
BAILEY PLATT
Terrigal
Prop
A tough as nails front rower who never takes a backwards step when he’s lining up for Terrigal. You can count his missed tackles for the season on one hand and he always leads by example.
WOMENS 12s
SHANAYE RUTONSKI
Lake Macquarie
Tight-head prop
A very mobile player for a prop. She has become a strong leader within the team who can settle her side down and keep them on task. Rutonski has a mean turn of pace which catches the opposition off guard, and she has some of the best clean-outs in the competition.
TERINA HAAMI
Lake Macquarie
Fly-half
Provides the X-factor for Lake Macquarie. One of the quickest players on the field who converted from a winger to a playmaker. Has developed a great short passing game and the pint-sized player is underrated, always at the peril of her opposition.
JAIDA STABEN
Avoca Beach
Five-eighth
A great talker who controls the backline well and picks her moments when to take on the line. Has a great kicking game that gets her team on the front foot. Was part of the Penrith Panthers Tarsha Gale Cup team this season.
PRIYA LAMA
Avoca Beach
Number 8
The captain of the side who has an unmatched workrate at the Number 8 position. The leadership she puts on display is so crucial for Avoca Beach. Has representative experience that comes to the fore.
AMALIA CASEY
Avoca Beach
Second row
One of the younger players in the side, Casey brings Junior NSW and Junior Country experience at the rep level. Plays with aggression and takes on a heavy workload. Has strengths all across the park.
SHARLIZE CAMPBELL
Lake Macquarie
Centre
Known among her teammates as Charlie, Campbell is a dual-code star who was named as the Representative Best Back of the Year. She has everything from her powerful running to strong defence, and is always there to help out her teammates when needed.
PREMIER 2 MEN
JOEY GATT
Terrigal
Lock
An absolute workhorse for Terrigal. Gatt is a young player who is a bit on the quiet side when going about his work. His workrate is impeccable and he’s always willing to go the extra yard. Makes plenty of tackles.
KAYA ARDITA
Avoca Beach
Winger
Brings a past representation of Australia in both touch football and Oztag. Ardita is a lightning fast player who they will be looking to get into open space. Scored five tries in his first grade debut.
JOSH MOORHOUSE
Terrigal
Lock
Has a similar make-up to Gatt and is one of the fittest players in the side. Will often top the tackle count. As a second rower his workrate is huge. A leader among the group who made his first grade debut.
HARRY MELLROSS
Avoca Beach
Number 10
He’s a young fella who has stepped up from the colts team. Starred in that grade and has made the leap up to seniors without a hitch. Controls the team well and is very capable in the open field. Is running the team to great effect.
JACKSON RYAN
Terrigal
Five-eighth
Another young player in the side in his early 20s. Made his first grade debut last year when coming off the bench. Has grown into a real leader in the backline even though he’s among the youngest players. Is always willing to take on the line.
JAMES CAMERON
Avoca Beach
Open side breakaway
A natural footballer who has a background with both Kincumber in league and Avoca. Has a high rugby IQ and can do things that often leave officials and fans wondering how he managed to do that. Plays above his weight and doesn’t take a step back.
PREMIER 1 MEN
TOM LESLIE
Terrigal
Prop
Someone who will be looking to take the game right up to the opposition is Tom Leslie. The front rower provides plenty of go-forward and is a very good scrummager, often getting in and doing the hard work in tough areas.
ETHAN MCINNES
Terrigal
Hooker
Was chosen in the NSW Country squad as a hooker, McInnes is playing in his sixth grand final with Terrigal. He proves great leadership within the group and is an experienced player for the younger guys to look up to.
ADAM DANCKERT
Terrigal
Fly-half
Performs his job of a game manager to perfection. Is so important in terms of leading Terrigal around the park. Has a great kicking game that they will be looking for to get them on the front foot.
FIONN HENDERSON-FOLEY
Avoca Beach
Flanker
The co-captain of Avoca Beach, Henderson-Foley is a proper competitor who does everything at a thousand miles per hour. A super fit flanker who can also kick goals, and that will be of the upmost importance on Saturday.
COOPER ELLIOTT
Avoca Beach
Hooker
It’s no secret that his defence is a strong point within the team. Hits hard and rarely misses a tackle, that will be crucial for Avoca Beach. He can get around the park and pop up anywhere when needed.
ALEX HALLS
Avoca Beach
Inside centre
Lines up at inside centre and his ball carries are a strong suit in his game. Was crowned as the Representative Player of the Year last season and Avoca Beach will be looking for that form in the biggest game of the year.
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