Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League: your ultimate guide to the 2023 season
The Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League competition is just around the corner. Ahead of the start of the season, we’re previewing all teams lining up in this year’s first grade competition.
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Local footy is just around the corner.
After a long off-season, the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League (NRRRL) competition will kick off on the weekend of April 15-16.
Following two seasons affected by Covid-19 and last year’s floods, players, coaches, fans and administrators will be hoping for a relatively ‘normal’ season free from disruptions.
In positive news, both the Casino Cougars and Lower Clarence Magpies have returned to the first grade competition this year after either sitting out or failing to finish the season in 2022.
Ahead of the kick-off, we’ve taken a look at how all 13 first grade sides are shaping up in 2023.
Bilambil Jets
Coach: Arwin Marcus
Major ins: Jacob Hind, Lane Ticehurst
Outlook: It was a magical finish to the 2022 season for the Jets, who claimed their first premiership under the NRRRL structure with a 30-18 victory over Evans Head in front of a raucous home crowd in the grand final.
With the celebrations and a solid pre-season behind them, Bilambil will be hoping to do it all again in 2023.
“That was pretty hard to top,” said coach Arwin Marcus. “We’d love to go back to back, but we’re not getting that far ahead of ourselves. We’re just gonna work week by week again.”
The Jets will have their work cut out for them though, with the loss of their starting front rowers from last year, including Tom Raftery to a year-long injury sustained in the grand final, and interchange forward Matt O’Rourke stretching the depth in the pack.
They have been replaced however by local junior Jacob Hind, who returns to the club after extensive experience in the NSW Cup and Q Cup, and fellow prop Lane Ticehurst from Mudgeeraba in the Gold Coast competition.
Players to watch: When it comes to Bilambil, you could also go through the squad from one to 17 when it comes to players to watch, with the likes of captain and hooker Tom Rowles, lock Hayden Hansen, backrower Kalani Hensby and brothers Alex and Harry Fitzhugh in the halves all set to play a key role in the team’s fortunes this season.
Meanwhile, all will have their eyes on star fullback Oliver Regan, who was instrumental in the Jets’ success by picking up the club’s player of the year award in 2022.
Young guns: Complementing the Jets’ experienced campaigners is an exciting crop of young talent who’ve joined the club from the Tweed Seagulls. They include Northern Rivers Titans’ rep players Isaac and Zane Harrison, exciting outside back Creedence Kelly Donovan and Riley Buchanan.
“They’re only 17, and at our club you don’t get handed first grade jerseys, you’ve actually got to earn it, but in those trials those kids definitely earned it,” said Marcus.
“They played well above their age. I gave them the opportunity in the first trial game to give them a taste of what first grade is like and they never looked back. They’ve cemented themselves in first grade for round one, so I’m really exciting for them.”
Why they will be competitive: As defending premiers, Bilambil don’t need to flip the script heading into the current season, and will be looking to do much of the same as they seek to go back to back in 2023.
“I think for us the key is being consistent. We’re very consistent at training, we have all our squad there at every Tuesday and Thursday session, and we’ll be looking to be consistent throughout the season, week in, week out,” said Marcus.
With the likes of Rowles, Regan, Hansen and other senior players returning, and the addition of some exciting young talent, the Jets are confident of being able to handle the extra attention that comes with being the defending champions.
“Again, we’ll be looking for that senior playing group to really lift us through the season, especially when the going gets tough. So consistency is the biggest thing for us, especially now that everyone will be head-hunting us as premiers,” said Marcus.
The Jets will kick off their campaign against the rejuvenated Tweed Coast Raiders at Les Burger Field on Saturday.
“They’re all really excited,” said Marcus. “I get text messages all the time, ‘Can’t wait for this weekend.’ And that shows how close we are as a playing group and coaching staff as well.”
Last season: grand final winners (second in regular season)
Murwillumbah Mustangs
Coach: Brendon Hill
Major ins: Aaron Booth (Wynnum Manly), Brock Hamill (Southport Tigers), Jordan Best (Southport Tigers)
Outlook: Rugby league can be a cruel game sometimes, and Murwillumbah experienced just how brutal it can be during 2022. After going through the regular season undefeated, with just one draw interrupting their run of wins, the Mustangs were bundled out of the semi-finals in straight sets after back-to-back losses to eventual grand finalists Bilambil and Evans Head.
“I’m still getting over it, to be honest,” said coach Brendon Hill. “We didn’t execute and left our worst two games for the last two of the season.”
Despite the disappointing finish, the Mustangs were the best team throughout the regular season, and are likely to be there or thereabouts again in 2023.
There have been a few significant changes in terms of the playing group, with captain Joe Besgrove moving to The Entrance in the Newcastle competition and five-eighth Toby McIntosh joining the Burleigh Bears in the Q Cup.
“They’ll be hard to replace,” said Hill.
However offsetting these losses, the Mustangs have pulled off a coup by signing local junior Aaron Booth from Wynnum Manly as well as picking up backrow pair Brock Hamill and Jordan Best from the Southport Tigers in the Gold Coast competition.
Players to watch: Returning to his junior club, Aaron Booth will certainly play a key role if the Mustangs are to emulate their form from last year. A crafty halfback, he’ll bring plenty of experience from his years playing in the Q Cup.
Outside back Adam Walker, fresh from being selected in the NSW Country team, will be another key weapon going into the current season, while forward Wade Ayres is another expected to have a strong season.
Young guns: Having had some of the competition’s best young players in winger Blake Marrison and backrower Daniel Butturini in recent years, the Mustangs are hopeful of continuing to bring their young talent through to the top grade.
One expected to make his mark in 2023 is outside back Matt Bollard. Having starred in the Mustangs’ under 18s team last season, he has been one to seriously impress Hill and the other coaching staff over the course of the pre-season.
“I just bought him into the squad to gain some experience, thinking that he’d get a few games this year, but he’s possibly going to get a starting wing or centre spot at this stage,” said Hill.
Why they will be competitive: As a team that went through the regular season undefeated last year before burning out in the finals, Murwillumbah don’t need to change too much to be competitive again in 2023, with Hill hopeful the new additions and young talent will offset the losses of Besgrove and McIntosh.
“I think we’re just really even across the paddock,” he said. “We haven’t got any weak areas and we don’t lose much from our players off the bench – if we stay healthy. So we’ve got good depth and also a good culture amongst the boys for the past couple of years – they really wanna play for each other.”
Last season: minor premiers (eliminated week two of the finals)
Kyogle Turkeys
Coach: Michael Woods
Major ins: Liam Hori-Clark, Sam Nicholson, Jack Nicholson
Outlook: 2022 was a difficult season for the Turkeys, who on the back of a lack of depth only managed one victory in first grade to claim the wooden spoon. Despite the tough year, coach Michael Woods said he saw some green shoots.
“We finished the season better than we started,” he said. “We’ve struggled again a little bit with numbers in the off-season, it is a difficult situation for a small town, but there has been a good core of people who have come to training.”
In fact, given the impact Covid and floods have had on sport in the Northern Rivers in recent years, the fact that Kyogle entered teams in all five grades last year – and has continued to do so this season – was hugely impressive.
“Being a small country town, it’s been really important in terms of the club that they present a full roster of teams every week, which we’ve been very proud of these last couple of years,” says Woods.
Maintaining all five grades despite the strain on player numbers has meant that many young players have had opportunities to play in higher grades, something the coach thinks will start to reap the benefits of in 2023.
“The core of the team that has been there for the past few years has been very young, and with another year’s experience they’re getting stronger again” Woods said. “There’s been a core that have worked really hard all along.”
To complement the roster, the Turkeys have added centre/five-eighth Liam Hori-Clark from the Ormeau Shearers in the Gold Coast competition, welcomed back former club captain Sam Nicholson and signed fellow local juniors Jack Nicholson and Jakob Smith.
“We’re trying to supplement the local kids with a little bit of experience,” said Woods.
Players to watch: A former club captain and star half, Sam Nicholson will be key this year for the Turkeys as Woods looks for some experience and leadership to help guide the young squad around the park.
Elsewhere, one of Kyogle’s brightest young stars is Layne Hardy, who enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2022 playing in the halves.
“Layne is a year older and more experienced, and he’s been very consistent at training, which gives him the opportunity to progress further, both as a person and as a player,” said Woods. “I’m very proud of Layne’s efforts.”
Young guns: Led by Hardy, Kyogle has a large group of young footballers who have been improving over the course of the last few years. One to catch the eye this pre-season has been Damian Wilson. Traditionally an edge or middle forward, Wilson has transitioned into the dummy half position after Kyogle last year’s hookers to injury and relocation, respectively.
“We’ve had to manufacture a hooker and Damian Wilson has put his hand up, and he’s working very, very hard.”
Why they will be competitive: Coming off the back of a very difficult season, Woods says there’s only one way the Turkeys can turn a corner and start climbing up the ladder.
“In terms of being competitive, it’s crucial that we consistently compete as a team. That’s a really big thing,” he said.
“We have to focus really, really hard on competing every week, every set and I think if we do that then they’ll get the experience and the confidence to play at a higher, more consistent level. I think that’s the big issue. I think it’s a question of how hard are they gonna work for each other as a team?”
While Kyogle might be a smaller town than most of those represented in the NRRRL and might not have the greatest financial power to sign high-profile recruits, Woods notes that the players will be looking to maintain the club’s proud history as a rich Northern Rivers rugby league centre.
“It doesn’t matter who’s on the paddock, we’ve got to get in the habit of representing the club a certain way. We’ve got to compete every week, we’ve got to compete all game.”
Last season: 11th
Mullumbimby Giants
Captain-coach: Cody Nelson
Major ins: Matt Wakefield (Orara), Aidy Gleeson (UK), Brett Kelly (Northern United)
Outlook: After a difficult 2022 in which player numbers were a significant issue, there is a far greater sense of optimism for the Giants ahead of the current season.
“Things are looking a lot better this year, we’ve got heaps of numbers and we’ll field all four grades this year, which is the first we’ve done that since I can remember,” said captain-coach Cody Nelson. “Week in, week out we scratched around to get 17 players last year, and this year we’ve had in the 30s and 40s turn up to training pretty consistently.”
As one of a number of former professionals who have returned to their junior clubs in the NRRRL in recent years, captain-coach Cody Nelson says helping to increase player numbers has been one of his key motivations in the role.
“It’s not just a positive for us, it’s a positive for country rugby league at the moment to get people back on the park.”
Speaking of things on the park, Mullum have bolstered their stocks by signing experienced forward Matt Wakefield from last year’s Group 2 minor premiers Orara Valley, England under 23 representative Aidy Gleeson, halfback Dean Rooney and outside back Brett Kelly from Northern United.
Players to watch: New recruits Matt Wakefield and Aidy Gleeson will certainly improve the depth of the Giants’ pack and give Mullum more steel up front, while the addition of Brett Kelly from Northern United will add plenty of firepower in the backline.
Meanwhile, as someone who has played in the NRL and NSW Cup, captain-coach Nelson will play a key role leading his side into the season.
Young guns: There must be something in the family, with the captain-coach’s nephew Cooper Nelson impressing during the pre-season. An outside back who will likely play at fullback or in the centres, Nelson is expected to bring a spark to the Giants’ attack.
“I don’t think you’ll find too many more talented kids around at the moment than him,” said Nelson. “He’s got a bit of everything.”
Why they will be competitive: With some key new recruits and improved depth, the Giants believe they have a much better balanced squad this season and are confident of climbing up the ladder in the 2023.
“We’ve had a real tough pre-season and the boys have really brought into what myself and Chris Anderson have pushed upon them. We’ve got a real good tough country forward pack now, and then those few young kids in the outside backs will liven things up,” said Nelson.
With the squad in a better place, Nelson has turned his focus to improving the fundamentals to get the best out of his team.
“I think all football gets pretty complicated these days in terms of how you want to play it. But the further you come back, the simpler it needs to be. Chris and I literally wound the clock back this pre-season and went back to doing real basic training: getting fit, getting the ball in the hands – that’s what we’ve done and I’m really confident going into the season.”
Last season: 10th
Northern United
Coach: Chris Binge
Major ins: Hezekiah McKenzie, Jamahl Roberts (Marist Brothers), David Jacky (Evans Head), Damon Coldwell (Ballina), Willie Hammond (Moree)
Outlook: Along with a fellow Lismore club Marist Brothers, Northern United has undoubtedly had a difficult path in recent times due to the floods that devastated the region last year. The effect on the club was so bad that the Dirawongs failed to field an under 18s team last year – and only just scraped the numbers for a reserve grade side.
“It’s been a challenging couple of years, no doubt,” said coach Chris Binge.
“We’ve had players in the club that have pretty much lost everything in the last 12 months. They lost their homes, they’re living in pod villages, and if it’s not a direct impact on a player individually then it’s their friends and families affected.”
Despite the challenges, Binge says the club – which has been rebuilding over the past couple of seasons – is in its best shape in quite a while.
“We’ve had a great build-up to the season so far. We’ve ticked every box in our pre-season, I can’t ask for a more perfect pre-season than what we’ve had,” he said.
“Our attitude towards hard work has been great and the new playing group that we’ve got on board this year has added to what we’ve already had over the past two years. For the past two years we’ve been building and now we’re at a point where we really think we can impact the competition.”
Some of those new recruits will be familiar to Northern United fans. Fullback Hezekiah McKenzie and hooker Jamahl Roberts have rejoined the club from cross-town rivals Marist Brothers, David Jacky is back at the club after spending a couple of seasons at Evans Head, while young halfback Willie Hammond has also returned after playing for Moree in the Group 4 competition.
“He’s coming back with an added level of maturity and is a welcome addition back to the club,” said Binge.
“We’re in pretty good shape, we’re excited about the competition and we obviously believe in ourselves with the work we’ve done.”
Players to watch: There is no doubt that some of the Dirawongs’ new recruits, in particular McKenzie and Roberts will feature heavily for United this season.
“They believe in what we’re trying to do with the rebuild of our club and they obviously bring a wealth of experience with them,” said Binge.
Elsewhere, the likes of experienced outside back Clarence Kelly and backrower Theo Hippi will also be key if the club is to improve this season, while new recruit Anthony Thompson will also bolster the middle.
“I think he’ll bring some added spark to our fronties,” says Binge.
Young guns: With a talented group of under 18s, Northern United have plenty of quality young footballers to call on in 2023. Headlining the list is exciting young outside back Damon Coldwell, who has rejoined the club after spending the last couple of seasons at Ballina, and talented halfback/five-eighth Hakeem Torrens, who recently played with South Grafton.
“His addition to the club is definitely welcomed and we can’t wait to see what he can do with the team of players around him,” said Binge.
Why they will be competitive: With the club having been building across the past couple of seasons, the new recruits have certainly strengthened the Dirawongs across the board as the club eyes off an improvement on its eighth-place finish last year.
“We’ve been in a re-build phase for three years and we’ve come to the view that we have to be good right across the park; we can’t just be good with our middles and then make up the numbers on our edge,” says Binge. “We’ve got good balance across our club this year.”
In particular, the return of the club’s under 18s side and improved numbers in the senior grades has added an extra level of depth that will have a positive impact all across the club.
“We’ve got a lot of pressure from our lower grades and a very, very exciting group of young kids in our under 18s,” says Binge. “There’s probably two or three that could step up and play first grade tomorrow, so that’s good for the depth of the club. Good depth brings pressure, and everyone from one to 17 knows that they have to be on every single week because there are blokes behind them who are equally as good.”
With the first six weeks crucial to the team’s success, Northern United will be looking to hit the ground running as it looks to rebound in 2023.
Last season: eighth
Ballina Seagulls
Coach: Greg Barnes
Major ins: Damian Sironen, Ali Grant, Zac Beacher, Dan Gibson
Outlook: Just like a number of clubs in this year’s NRRRL, Ballina will welcome home a string of local juniors as it looks to improve on its sixth-place finish from last season. In fact, a familiar face has also returned to coach the side, with Greg Barnes – who took the Seagulls to premiership glory in 2013 and 2014 before moving on to coach the under 18s – taking over from Justin Stewart.
Other locals joining Barnes include Damian Sironen, who has had vast experience in the systems of NRL and UK Super League clubs Newcastle, Gold Coast, Melbourne Storm and Bradford; former North Queensland Cowboys under 20 and Tweed Heads Q Cup player Ali Grant; fullback Zac Beecher from Tugun in the Gold Coast competition; and edge forward Dan Gibson from Byron Bay.
“There is a vast number of local juniors who’ve come back, plus there is a good junior base already there with the under 18s being successful, which means there’s a good core group of young blokes coming through,” said Barnes.
But while the squad is chock full of local talent, the coach doesn’t expect any magic straight away.
“We’re going to be a building side,” said Barnes. “We’re not going to set the house on fire for the first three or four rounds, but once we do click into gear, which I’m expecting around round six or round eight, I think we’ll be pretty handy towards the back-end of the season.”
Players to watch: Some of the Seagulls new recruits will bring plenty of experience to the side, with exciting fullback Zac Beecher certainly one to keep an eye on during the season. As for those returning from last year, the lock and hooker combination of Michael Dwane and Billy Dwane will once again be key for the side.
“They’re both livewires, they don’t stop for 80 minutes,” said Barnes. “They play a real up-tempo style of footy.”
They aren’t the only set of gun brothers in the side, with Carl and Tupou Lolohea to provide plenty of muscle in the back row.
“They’re very exciting as well. Very quick, very mobile,” said Barnes.
Young guns: With an excellent junior base that includes last year’s under 18 grand finalists, the Seagulls can call on a vast array of junior talent.
“We’re very fortunate, Ballina has a very big junior base, it always has,” said Barnes. “We have been very successful in the 18s and even have the 15s and 16s coming through, and it’s just good that we’ve been able to keep those players to develop them into first graders.”
Some of these include young half Hamish McClintock, who had an excellent season in 2022, and talented winger Rowan Mansfield.
“He’s very quick, very good with his positional play,” said Barnes.
Meanwhile, although he is already an established first grader, Carl Lolohea is a player with plenty of potential that Barnes think can continue to develop.
“He’s still 20, he’s got a lot of maturing to do, but I can see him being a top-line player at a higher level in a few years’ time.”
Why they will be competitive: With the sheer quality of returning locals, combined with Ballina’s excellent junior base, the Seagulls are tipped by many to give the competition a shake come August and September.
Although pleased with the talent at his disposal, Barnes believes the side will continue to develop, and is placing an emphasis on getting the fundamentals right.
“We’re not the sort of club that’s going to try and re-invent the wheel. We’re going to be very fit and work on making minimal mistakes,” he said, noting that it may take some time for his new-look side to gel.
“It’s just about combinations getting together, finding out how each other plays and the like. But if we’re doing what I think we will do between rounds six and eight, then I think the back-end of the year will be good for us.”
“Patience is going to be the key. As long as we’re patient and don’t expect to win every game, I think we’ll build come June-July. I don’t think we’ll set the world on fire for the first month of the comp, but once we do click I believe we’ll be very hard to beat.”
Last season: sixth (eliminated week one of the finals)
Lower Clarence Magpies
Captain-coach: Luke Douglas
Outlook: In a good sign for the NRRRL, Lower Clarence will return to first grade after dropping out of the competition halfway through last season on account of a lack of numbers.
“A few weeks in a row I was playing reserve grade and first grade,” said captain-coach Luke Douglas. “I thought, ‘I might be able to do it, but I can’t keep asking these young kids to keep doing it week in, week out.’”
For its return, the Magpies will rely on a series of returning local juniors, led by junior Magpie and former NRL star Douglas himself.
“There are enough locals playing elsewhere, so we tried to convince a few to come over, which would hopefully change the perception and create something that people want to be involved in,” he said.
The new recruits include halfback Vincent Williams, who played for the Grafton Ghosts last season, former Tweed Seagulls player Cooper Many, forward Dalton Shaw, who also played for the Ghosts in recent years, and former South Grafton pair Brian Quinlan-Gordon and Grant Brown, who both a part of the Rebels’ grand final-winning team in Group 2 last season.
In fact, when it comes to Brown’s signature, there should be plenty of happy memories for both player and club, with Brown kicking the winning field goal in the Magpies’ last NRRRL premiership victory back in 2009.
“We just tried to get a few guys back who would make an impact,” says Douglas.
But while being competitive is one thing, Douglas says the goal of rebuilding the Magpies and ensuring the club has a presence in first grade goes well beyond on-field performances this year.
“Last year was a bit of a struggle for various different reasons, but we thought we’d give it a go this year to try and give young kids the opportunity that a few of us had to strive to play for the senior team and be senior footy players for the Magpies. When I grew up there was only two Channel 9 games and we didn’t have Fox, so our heroes were local Magpies. We’d go and watch them and all we wanted to do was go and be Magpies when we grew up, so I suppose it’s a way of creating an opportunity for kids to do that.”
And with the current state of the Lower Clarence juniors, Douglas has every right to create that pathway.
“Our 15s won the comp last year, the 16s got beat in extra time by a drop-goal, in union Yamba won the under 16 grand final, so there’s a good crop of kids, we’ve just got to try and make a pathway for them and use our footy knowledge to give them the same opportunities,” he said.
Players to watch: There should be plenty of interest from Magpies fans this season, with a string of local junior returning to the club.
Fresh from helping South Grafton to a Group 2 grand final victory, and a survivor from the Magpies last grand final victory in 2009, Grant Brown will bring plenty of experience to the side, while seasoned campaigners Vincent Williams and Dalton Shaw will add plenty of quality and depth to the side.
Elsewhere, forward Cooper Many looms as a key signing after joining from the Tweed Seagulls’ Colts team. “He’s a great club guy who can do a job for us in the middle or on an edge,” says Douglas.
Meanwhile with 350 professional games under his belt, captain-coach Luke Douglas will still have plenty to offer his side.
“I reckon an old guy who knows what it takes being in the trenches beside you is huge,” he said. “I remember when I was coming through and played a bit of reserve grade for Newtown Jets, we had two or three old guys who just knew how to get it done and loved playing with them, so hopefully I can be that old guy next to some young kid coming up.”
Young guns: Coming from a long line of Magpies, Brian Quinlan-Randall has joined Lower Clarence after helping South Grafton win last year’s Group 2 grand final. Traditionally a winger/centre, Douglas has earmarked a move into the halves for the youngster.
“He’s got a bit to offer,” he said. “Plenty of physical attributes with his pace and agility. Chucking him into the halves will be the next big responsibility but we think we can warm into it.”
Why they will be competitive: With a largely new team in a strong competition, the Magpies are under no illusions as to some of challenges ahead this season.
“We’re pretty realistic, it’s going to be a tough competition again,” said Douglas. “But we’ll just try and build a good environment and hopefully that brings a bit of competitiveness.”
However with a team largely made up of locals determined to lift their side up the table, the players are keen to lift the standards at the club and provide an avenue for the region’s talented youngsters to progress in to.
“We haven’t got it perfect, but the effort is there and we’ll keep building,” Douglas said. “I’d love to sit here and say we’re gonna win the comp, but realistically we want to build here, be competitive and get that pathway for those young kids to give them the opportunity that we had.”
Evans Head Bombers
Captain-coach: Trevor Bolt
Major ins: Lachlan Kennedy, Aiden Kennedy, Kyle Kennedy (Marist Brothers)
Outlook: They might have gone down in the grand final, but the Bombers’ run through the finals series was one of the stories of 2022 in the Northern Rivers. After the floods affected so many people in and around the Evans Head region, including many players and club officials, the club managed to galvanise the support of the local community as a sense of Bombers fever swept through town on the back of some free-flowing attacking footy.
“We had to do it the hard way,” says captain-coach Trevor Bolt. “It was tough, and the last few games were really tough, but it was probably the best feeling I’ve had in a long time. There was a great vibe.”
After maintaining the bulk of last year’s squad and adding some strength in the forward pack through the addition of Lachlan, Aiden and Kyle Kennedy from Marist Brothers, the Bombers expect to be there and thereabouts again in 2023.
“The vibe around the club is really good. We’ve signed a couple of good footy players and they’ve gelled really well with the squad,” said Bolt.
“We tried to keep the core of last year, but wanted to sign the Kennedys, because that’s something that we thought was missing last year: a few big bodies in the pack.”
Players to watch: Taking over the captain-coaching duties this year, Bolt is an experienced halfback who has an excellent attacking kicking game, as well as the ability to turn the opposition around with his game-management skills.
In the forwards, backrower Justin Shillingsworth was one of the Bombers’ best last year, going close to winning the metre- and tackle-count every week, and will be a key player again this season. Meanwhile, centre-backrower Sam Martin has gone to another level after cementing his spot in the first grade team towards the end of last season.
“In the pre-season he’s been training the house down, is heaps fitter than last year and is trying to a make a spot for himself,” said Bolt.
Young guns: Nicknamed ‘Cobbo 2.0’ for his ability to leap up high and take Bolt’s attacking bombs, young winger Zach Roberts had a breakout year in 2022, with his attacking prowess and metres from dummy half making him a key member of the squad.
“In everything he does, he’s pushing himself to the limit. He’s another who’s going really well at training,” says Bolt.
Why they will be competitive: By maintaining the bulk of their squad that made it all the way to the grand final last year, the Bombers faithful are confident that they can go one step further in 2023 and bring home the premiership.
With incredibly dangerous outside backs, the extra muscle up front is set to add an extra dimension to Evans Head’s game this season.
“I reckon we’ve got the best backline in the comp. We’ve got great wingers, good centres, strong halves,” says Bolt. “What I think we lacked last year was a few big bodies in the middle. Now we’ve got the Kennos, which strengthens our middle up a lot.”
He added: “Last year we scored a lot of tries through our backs, but this year we can kind of roll up the middle with the three new guys that we’ve got. They’re big, strong and fit, so that definitely helps me out.”
Last season: fourth (lost grand final)
Cudgen Hornets
Coach: Bryce Poisel
Major ins: Luke Dumas (year off), Rex Johnson (Byron Bay), Ben Roberts
Outlook: After taking out the ladies league tag, under 18s and reserve grade grand finals last year, many in the club viewed the Hornets’ fifth-place finish in first grade as somewhat underwhelming.
“We think we underachieved last season,” says coach Bryce Poisel. “I don’t know what happened, but we sort of lost our way during the season. A few big injuries with Ziebell and others really cost us and I don’t think we had the depth last year.”
To address this, Cudgen have brought through some of the club’s most talented juniors and sought to make some shrewd acquisitions in key positions. In a bid to bolster their stocks in the outside backs, Luke Dumas returns to the club after taking a year off football, while utility Rex Johnson has joined from Byron Bay.
Meanwhile, in an attempt to help mentor some of the club’s young playmakers, former New Zealand international Ben Roberts has joined the Hornets and will add plenty of experience in the halves.
Players to watch: With a strong forward pack, Connor Ziebell and Caleb Ziebell once again loom as key players for the Hornets as they try to dominate the middle. New recruit Rex Johnson, who can fill any number of positions from halfback to hooker and lock, has also been impressive throughout the pre-season and is expected to hit the ground running once the competition starts.
Meanwhile with his wealth of experience in the NRL, UK Super League and at international level, Ben Roberts is expected to be an invaluable asset for the club this season.
Young guns: The club’s famous production line of bringing juniors through to the top grade has continued, with several Hornets from last year’s premiership-winning under 18s team making the leap to first grade in 2023.
They include talented young half Harvey Moase, who experienced his first taste of A-grade football last season, as well as young front-rowers Ty Kilpatrick and Caleb George, to name just a few.
Why they will be competitive: After adding some youth and strategic acquisitions to his squad, Poisel is confident of improving considerably on last year’s performance and giving the premiership a real shake this year. While maintaining a strong middle, the coach believes his squad is better balanced this year, with the potential to hurt teams with the ball in hand.
“Cudgen’s always known for its forward pack. We’ve got a very good forward pack, but this year I feel like we’ve also got a bit more class out wide. So we’ve got a good side all over the park.”
Last season: fifth (eliminated week one of finals)
Casino Cougars
Captain-coach: Ryan Walker
Outlook: The Cougars return to first grade in 2023 after only fielding teams in reserve grade, under 18s and league tag last season. Casino has turned towards locals in its return to the top flight, with local junior Ryan Walker, the brother of South Sydney star Cody Walker, taking over as captain-coach.
With the club not having a presence in the top grade in 2022, Walker says there have been some challenges in convincing players to join the revamped Cougars.
“Casino has players and locals, but over time I think a culture has crept in where training and doing all of those little one per centers wasn’t a priority,” he said.
“It’s been hard to get people to commit and want to be at the club, because the feedback was: ‘No one trains, people turn up when they want.’ It’s normally the same handful of people putting in the work and they’re starting to get sick of it.”
With this in mind, Walker says his main task over the pre-season has been to set the standards at the club, change the perception of the club and ensure the players remain committed.
“I don’t think we have a choice to be any other way. For me, that’s a big part of the club and who we want to be: setting those standards so that in five or 10 years’ time we don’t have to worry about that,” he said.
“We want to build something so that when people come to the Cougars they know what they’re in for, and if they want to be here then they’re here for the right reasons.”
Players to watch: Having spent the past five seasons playing in the strong Newcastle competition before suffering a shoulder injury, Walker is expected to be a key part of Casino’s side, with his experience in the halves set to help marshal the troops around the park.
Meanwhile, with the increased intensity and attitude towards training, fullback Eddie Walker is tipped to have a strong season.
“He’s someone who may have struggled to push himself in the past, and I’ve definitely been pushing him and setting some standards so that he can get better, and I think he’ll be up for a big year,” says Walker.
While there are a number of players either returning to first grade or getting their first opportunity, Walker says there are plenty in the squad with a point to prove.
Young guns: A member of Casino’s reserve grade side last year, young outside back Isaiah Freeburn has impressed the coaching staff throughout the pre-season and looms as a key attacking option for the Cougars in what will be his first year in the top grade.
“He’s quite athletic, got a good build, is young, willing to work hard and has had a great attitude from the start,” says Walker.
Why they will be competitive: While they might not have the superstar names of some of the other clubs, Walker believes that his side will have a genuine passion for the club and a point to prove upon its return to first grade.
“I think all the players that we’ve got actually care about Casino. When I go through the squad, I think we have all local juniors bar two or three, including myself. Everyone cares and everyone who is there has jumped on board, and I think that’s going to be our strength through the year: that we actually care about it, that we want to do well and want to put in the work and work for each other,” he said.
“We haven’t had the greatest numbers, we don’t have a squad full of superstars, but we’re just battling together – and I think that’ll be what holds us through the year.”
Indeed, this sense of togetherness and commitment was on show last year when players stuck together to field a reserve grade team despite difficulties with regard to player numbers.
“The club spoke about reserve grade last year battling away with the numbers, and had they pulled away the club probably would have folded altogether,” said Walker. “There’s a couple of blokes in this squad – Max Lynch, Bryce Freeburn – who were part of that, and I think that everyone wants to be there and that’ll be our biggest strength.”
Last season: did not compete in first grade
Tweed Coast Raiders
Coach: Shane Robinson
Major ins: Cam Cullen (Q Cup)
Outlook: There are nothing but positive vibes in Cabarita with the Raiders confident of bouncing back from their underwhelming 2022. With experienced coach Shane Robinson stepping up from ressies to take over first grade this year, the Tweed Coast has built a squad primarily of locals – including a few experienced, returning local juniors – who they hope can challenge for the title.
“A lot of the guys are locals who have come through the grades, younger kids who we had last year, who have had that season of experience and have worked really hard during the pre-season,” said Robinson.
“The younger guys last year just needed a few more of those experienced heads around them. We’ve got them, and we’re making no excuses. We’re starting the season against last year’s premiers, which will be a tough job, but we’re excited and really looking forward to it.”
Perhaps the most exciting new signing is that of local junior Cam Cullen, who returns to the club after several years with Burleigh Bears and Redcliffe in the Q Cup. Cullen will play in the halves and is expected to provide plenty of experience and guidance to the Raiders’ youngsters.
With the squad at his disposal, Robinson is very ambitious for 2023.
“We’ve got no excuses for not finishing in the top three this year,” he said.
Players to watch: Cullen’s skills and experience will ensure that he’s one to keep an eye on this year, especially working in tandem with the club’s youngsters. Representative hooker Dan Willoughby is another key cog in the Raiders’ wheel with his service and vision from dummy half, while Owen Fredericks is one who has really impressed with his attitude and effort over the pre-season. “He’s another guy who’s taken his training and efforts to the next level,” said Robinson.
Young guns: One of the club’s most promising young players is Oliver Blood. After making his first grade debut last season, the young playmaker has kicked on again over the off-season, and is expected to have a big season under the tutelage of some of the Raiders’ senior players.
Why they will be competitive: While the Raiders have long had a good crop of young talent, Robinson believes the addition of some experienced players in key areas, particularly the halves, combined with the extra year in first grade, will set the club up for a successful year.
“Last year we had a very young side, but this year we’ve got a mix of youth and professional, seasoned footballers around them,” he said. “I think just overall that our team is in a much better place with the experience of some Queensland Cup players.”
The club will kick off its campaign against reigning premiers Bilambil, but Robinson says his chargers are well and truly up for the challenge.
“It’s a tough assignment first up, but we’ve got to play them sooner or later,” he said. “We can’t wait, we’re really excited.”
Last season: ninth
Byron Bay Red Devils
Captain-coach: Sam Saville
Outlook: It’ll be a case of consolidating and building on a strong 2022 for the Red Devils, who will be hoping to take the next step after being knocked out in the second round of the finals last season. Sam Saville has stepped up into the role of player-coach this year, with former NRL Dally M medallist Todd Carney taking step back to purely playing duties.
“It’s been really good. I’ve got good people at the club here to help me out,” says Saville. “It’s a community club, everyone works together and it’s been really refreshing.”
Instead of bolstering their squad with new recruits, Byron Bay is working to improve connections with its juniors and help strengthen the pathways to improve the depth of the club.
“There are a lot of young guys in the 18s who are coming through and 16s who are coming through to the 18s,” said Saville. “So instead of just having A-Grade, reserves and 18s, we now have more of a senior club where everyone trains together on a Tuesday and on Thursdays we split up into our own teams and train against each other.”
And while this will undoubtedly improve the club’s depth, Saville says that the approach has had more far-reaching benefits. “There’s more of a club feel at the moment. We’re all mates and all the boys are really keen and eager to get into it.”
Players to watch: He might be 36, but Todd Carney’s skills and experience will ensure that he’s one of the Devil’s key players once again this season as he pulls the strings in the halves. “Todd’s always sharp and ready to go,” said Saville.
Meanwhile, Saville says the likes of backrower James Whitby and fullback Michael Thomas have taken their games to another level since returning from the off-season. “Michael Thomas has come back firing from the off-season. He’s training really, really well,” he said.
Young guns: In what will be his second year of A-grade football, Kolbi Wood is expected to have a big years for the Red Devils. A crafty hooker/lock who offers plenty in attack, Wood has just about been to every training session over the course of the pre-season and is primed to improve on his excellent 2022.
Why they will be competitive: With the likes of Carney, Thomas and others in the squad, Byron Bay can call on plenty of experience and creativity. However Saville believes it’ll be what they do without the ball that will set his side apart this year.
“Our toughness and grit will make us hard to beat,” he said. “We’re not going to be looking to be flash; we’re just going to be tough. We’re just going to keep coming all day.”
Last season: third (eliminated week two of finals)
Marist Brothers
Coach: Matt Barber
Major ins: David Mead (Brisbane Broncos), Mitchell Shaw (Central QLD Capras)
Outlook: While the last couple of seasons have been difficult for all clubs in the Northern Rivers, perhaps none have been affected as much as Marist Brothers and their Lismore neighbours Northern United. With last year’s floods devastating the town, the club was affected in almost every way possible: from player numbers, to finances, to not even having a ground to train on or hot showers for the players after games. And while the rebuild is still ongoing, there is a sense that things well and truly on the up.
“Things are definitely more positive,” says president Al Petty. “We’re looking forward to having a home ground with actual facilities: hot water, electricity – that sort of stuff.”
On the field, new coach Matt Barber is looking to combine the Rams’ experienced players with some of Lismore’s best up and comers.
“We’ve got a lot of young Lismore boys who’ve been in the system for a while and have matured with age and are ready to step up into the first grade squad,” he said. “But we’ve also got senior heads like Paul O’Neill, Mitchell Krause, Lochie Perren.”
The squad has been bolstered by hooker Mitchell Shaw, who most recently played with the Capras in the Q Cup, while without doubt the most eye-catching of the new recruits is 230-game professional and former PNG captain David Mead, who is returning to his junior club after finishing up with the Brisbane Broncos last year.
“Dave is a very humble person, he’s very quiet. But the aura of what he’s done in his career – he’s captained his country, played at a high level in the NRL, he’s been around a while and knows how to get the job done – is fantastic for us,” said Barber.
“When he talks, people listen, because he doesn’t come in with this ‘I know everything’ attitude. He gets to know the players first, gets to know a little bit about them, what makes them tick, what kind of structures we’re working towards, and will then put his little spin on things.”
Barber also added that Mead’s impact will be felt far beyond the dressing room.
“What comes with Dave is the network around him, the contacts he’s got. I can quite easily reach out to some of the Broncos players for advice on certain things.”
With the events of last year taking a massive toll on not only the football club but also the town, those involved with Marist Brothers are confident of turning things around in 2023.
“You combine the experience we had with a sprinkling of younger guys and then throw Dave Mead into the mix as well, and that helps to lift that professionalism that we’ve been chasing for quite some time,” said Barber.
Players to watch: While all eyes will undoubtedly be on Mead when the Rams kick off their season against Kyogle at Oaks Oval, Barber says some of the club’s more understated players – such as front-rowers Lochie Perren and Henry Lee – will among those to keep an eye on this season.
“I don’t think I’ve seen two fitter, faster, stronger front-rowers in my time,” he said. “We recently had a trial and they played the full 80 minutes in the front row – and they were still as strong and physical in the last 10 minutes as they were in the first. Their conditioning level is phenomenal. They’re both very fit, very strong, powerful ball runners.”
Elsewhere, club stalwart Paul O’Neill is another of the Rams’ unsung heroes.
“He’s just Mr Professional. He does everything right: from the warm-up, to the drills at training, to conditioning, to the rehab work after games – he is up there with Dave Mead in terms of looking after his body,” said Barber.
Meanwhile the coach says that Mitch Krause has had impressive pre-season and is looming as a key player for the club.
“We’ve been working hard with him over the past three or four months, knowing that he doesn’t have to do everything, he just has to understand his role, what he means to the team, and he’s going really well,” said Barber.
Young guns: Playing in the middle is tough enough for any player, which makes it all the more impressive when a young prop like Henry Lee excels in the position. “Young Henry Lee comes from good stock. His father, Danny Lee, played for the Cronulla Sharks. He’s a no nonsense front-rower, and for a young kid he’s extremely fit and smart,” said Barber.
Why they will be competitive: With a mix of youth and experience – along with a dash of stardust in the form of David Mead – Marist Brothers are confident of striking the right balance to improve on their seventh-place finish last season.
And while Lismore has been through it all over the past year, there is a sense around town that things are on the up, with the recent hardships helping to form a steely determination within the playing group.
“Our standards will make us competitive this year,” said Barber. “We’ve really focused on what this means to the club and especially what this means to the town. To have Marist Brothers firing on all cylinders throughout the season is going to give the town something to be proud of and something to support – and we want to give something back to the town as well. So for us, the focus is town and club.”
Last season: seventh
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