Laurie Daley Cup: Monaro Colts players set for higher representative honours in 2024

After starring in the Laurie Daley Cup victory, a string of Monaro Colts players look set for higher representative accolades in 2024.

The Colts celebrating their victory in the Laurie Daley Cup grand final. Picture: Sue Graham

The Monaro Colts’ Laurie Daley Cup side might be the toast of regional rugby league after taking out the under-18 country championships over the weekend, but for many of their players, it could just be the start of higher honours in 2024.

The Colts made history by winning their first ever Daley Cup title after defeating the Northern Tigers 28-18 in an entertaining decider at Cessnock Sportsground.

Star halfback Jonah Anderson was a standout for Monaro, putting on a kicking masterclass in what was a man-of-the-match performance.

He was well supported by front-rowers Alex Hardy and JJ Mau Pohiva, who helped lay the platform for victory by dominating the middle, and back-rowers Joseph Elton and Toby Ferris, who were constant threats on the edges.

Elsewhere, hooker Mitchell Brophy was also among the best with a crucial double, while fullback James Croker was also excellent under the high ball and made crucial metres out of his own end as the Tigers peppered him with bombs during a second half onslaught.

Alex Hardy was a standout for Monaro. Picture: Sue Graham

The victory capped off a brilliant turnaround from the group, who overcame a disappointing 14-0 loss in round one to win six games straight to take out the title.

“We might have been a little bit cocky early,” said coach Brendan Bradley. “In the first round we probably didn’t go in with the right attitude, to be quite honest. I think there were expectations on us and we didn’t deliver.”

He added: “It was a really good kick up the bum for us.”

After claiming the title against the Northern Tigers, Bradley paid tribute to his young chargers for taking responsibility for their poor start and working to improve.

“You’ve got to throw it to them. The first thing is that they’ve got to admit it and agree with it – and then we can talk about how we’re going to fix it. It’s pretty easy to fix if everyone buys in,” he said.

James Croker is one of four Colts who will named to play SG Ball this weekend. Picture: Sue Graham

“I put it to them that we were pretty much in do-or-die games every week and I thought they reacted and responded really well, so credit to them.”

And while the Laurie Daley Cup season might be over, Bradley thinks that some of his players will line up in other junior rep teams throughout the rest of the season.

“I think there would be quite a number of them that will get a game in SG Ball (under-19s),” Bradley said on Sunday.

The coach didn’t have to wait long for his prediction to come true, with Anderson, Brophy, Croker and Hardy all selected in the Raiders’ SG Ball squad for this weekend’s clash with South Sydney.

“That’s why you do it. It’s about the boys playing the best level footy available for them. Hopefully we can get a few in the (under-18) country side, and as a coach, seeing them develop is great.”