All the talking points from Rugby League Gold Coast round 12 A-grade action

It’s one of the closest Rugby League Gold Coast seasons ever, but there may be a new favourite. Find out why, and discover all the major round 12 talking points.

Tugun coach Will Johnstone in action. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Just three rounds remain in the Rugby League Gold Coast season and competition is heating up, with just two wins separating the top-five and fifth-placed Southport have a game in hand.

But Tugun has taken a significant leap in their premiership quest, while Currumbin as been dealt a cruel double blow and Runaway Bay’s playing stocks as thin as they come.

Discover all the major talking points from round 12 below.

Tugun break hoodoo

In one of Rugby League Gold Coast’s most even seasons ever, Tugun has now ticked off a valuable feat: defeating every team.

The weekend’s 24-18 win over Currumbin was an indication of the Seahwaks premiership credentials. They share top spot with Burleigh on 27 points but have proven they are capable of beating every side.

Second-rower Reico Ratana was Tugun’s best in the win, while Levi Norton continues to impress after stepping up from reserve grade, and is a strong carrier of the ball.

The match also marked Kyle Williams’ first outing since round five after injuring his medial knee ligament. Williams had been much missed and he scored a try and was dangerous when carrying the ball upon his return.

Tugun hookerKobi Annand in taction. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Dynamic duo in doubt

Currumbin suffered its third loss in five outings against Tugun and things may be about to get tougher for the Eagles.

Heart and soul contributors Jarrod Gill and Michael Burgess maye both be set for an extended stint on the sidelines in what would be a brutal blow.

Burgess hurt his ankle while Gill is also injured and both will be awaiting the results from their physio visit on Tuesday night with bated breath. If both are ruled out in the long term it would ne a major setback for a Currumbin side that is still well in the hunt given its just two points off top spot with a game in hand.

Michael Burgess pictured ahead of the 2023 season after he returned to his junior club Currumbin.

Depleted Bay rally

Talk about grit. A Runaway Bay side missing 11 first choice players - yes, 11 - rallied to down the battling Helensvale 32-14.

Key playmaker Kurtis Rowe - rubbed out in round 10 against Burleigh for a headbutt - headlined the absences, with Andrew Henry and Doryaan Hape Apiata also unavailable through suspension, with the trio all serving hefty four-match bans picked up over the past few weeks.

All sorts of calamities from a burst appendix to a broken hand at training ruled out a further eight players. The list could be set to extend too given Erris Kane - returning after a week off recovering from a nasty head clash in the Chair’s Challenge - hyperextended his elbow, although whether it will sideline him isn’t yet known.

The silver lining of the carnage? A quartet of under-20s players have been blooded and proved their worth. Haysley McDonald started at lock and impressed, while the Titans contracted Brock Lennox - who has been with the Seagulls for a month or so - played a full game as did Max Murphy who was exceptional in the front-row. Jesse Kora was the other young gun who has stepped up over the past two games.

Max Murphy of Runaway Bay Sea Eagles is tackles. Photo: Regi Varghese

Burleigh’s rising crop

A young Burleigh side that has surged to the top of the RLGC ladder continues to turn heads, downing Southport 28-18 this week. This week it was Jett Bryce and Aston Bai who were particularly impressive.

Playing back-row in jus his second A-grade game, Bryce - who is in the Broncos system - was simply everywhere. He’s fit, strong, and carries and defends the ball well.

Bai started the year earmarked for the reserves but is now undroppable and even cracked the Gold Coast rep side a few weeks ago. Continues to get better every week.

Don’t be fooled

The Tigers may have slumped to fifth on the ladder with a 5-6 record, but it isn’t all doom and gloom. As is the case with so many A-grade sides this year, injuries and particualrly suspensions haven’t been kind to the Tigers.

The weekend’s 10-point loss to Burleigh was Southport’s third on the trot and sixth for the season, but they haven’t been blown out of the park by anyone and haven’t lost by more than 10 points.