Palm Beach Currumbin Alleygators team of the decade selections
The best players to pull on the colours of the Palm Beach Currumbin Alleygators this decade have been honoured by Gold Coast Bulletin rugby reporter Nic Darveniza.
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Palm Beach Currumbin never quite managed to reach the heights of the 2000s in the decade that followed it.
The Alleygators had proven a fearsome foe but their 2011 and 2012 premierships were the tail end of an era of dominance.
The cyclical nature of sport saw the bulk of the team’s champions move on without the same level of junior talent to replace them.
GOLD COAST RUGBY TEAMS OF THE DECADE:
● COOMERA: Inaugural first grade coach spearheads team of decade
● NERANG: Brothers headline Bulls team of the decade
● COLLEGES: Knights stake claim as decade’s most dominant
The introduction of a new Under-19s competition, the James O’Connor Cup, will go some way to righting that wrong as the club prepares to make its return to first grade.
“Naming this team will show some of our juniors the successes of the past,” clubman Michael Joseph said.
“It’s a bit like we’re standing on the shoulders of the guys from the past to look towards the future.
“We’ll be bringing back some of those old boys back into the club.
“From coaches to players to the committee, we’re soaking up those successes to let our current players know we want to reach those heights again.”
To celebrate their 40th anniversary the club is planning to select an all-time team drawing from all eras.
The 2010s top halves combination of Tom Williams and Ryan Roberts will be tough to hold out while winger-turned-lock Troy Wynter is another contender for further recognition.
Palm Beach Currumbin Alleygators Team of the Decade
1. SCOTT BOWEN
A prop in a back-rower’s body who very effective with the ball in hand. Moved to back-row after a neck injury and was just as strong a player.
2. TAINE-CRAGG LOVE
Only played one season with Alleygators as a 19 year old but showed his class each game. Now a member of the Tasman Makos squad as a back-rower.
3. CODY BUCK
The cornerstone of Alleyagotrs scrum. Not many got over him at the set piece which was one of the reasons the real estate agent found success with Bond Uni in Premier Grade.
4 . TROY WYNTER
Arrived as a winger but soon moved in to the engine room. Won many a premiership and was noted for his non-stop motor in games.
5. DAN BIRCH
A junior-to-senior who played in many grand finals prior to this decade. A slight build meant nothing as he competed with any forward in the game. Lineouts were his strong suit, losing very few thrown to him.
6. ROSS COLVIN
Another junior-to-senior. The flanker delighted in getting under the skin of oppositions. He also was in the middle of most rucks and was a major part of the A Grade side throughout the decade.
7. ALEX BEHNS
An openside who ran hard with the ball and could secure a turnover at the breakdown when required. Scored more than his fair share of tries.
8. MITCH PLANTEN
A No. 8 who came from Tweed. Hard running from the back of the scrum paved the way for the backs. A Queensland Country representative.
9. TOM WILLIAMS
Another junior-to-senior who would be an automatic selection in any Palm Beach Currumbin team representative side. Williams punched well above his weight and his slick passing and great support play saw him set up and score many tries.
10. RYAN ROBERTS (C)
Arguably the finest Alleygator of this era. Roberts could kick with both feet and run a game better than anyone. The flyhalf continues to mentor young player with Southern Cross Rugby Academy today.
11. LYDON MINAAR
Both wingers named were great finishers. Not much between them for speed. Knew where the try line was.
12. BEN MARSHALL
Marshall was as strong defender and could make the most of any half chance when given. Another junior-to-senior player at the club.
13. KARL MANNING
The Irishman ran hard and made the most of opportunities created inside him, generally by scoring tries. His support play was up there among the best at the time.
14. COREY MORRIS
A winger with speed to burn, Morris never looked like he’d hit full speed until he flew past you.
15. JARRAH JOHNSON
Attacking full back who chimed into the backline at pace. Great goal kicker as well and scored many points at this time.
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