‘Been there and done it’: Knights coach on why semi final loss is NOT the end of GCDRU premiership bid

The Griffith Uni Colleges Knights’ dreams of five-peat premiership glory hang in the balance. Hear what coach Shaun Cole has to say about their must-win prelim final against Gold Coast Eagles this Saturday, August 17:

GCDRU major semi final between Colleges Knights and Nerang Bulls. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The Griffith Uni Colleges Knights’ dreams of five-peat premiership glory hang in the balance.

Having lost their major semi final to the Nerang Bulls 22-8 last week, Knights now approach the preliminary final against Gold Coast Eagles this Saturday, August 17 at Coomera Rugby Union Club.

It’s a do-or-die for both clubs, but Knights coach Shaun Cole has been there – and beyond – many times and knows what it takes.

“I’m always confident in my boys,” he said.

“I was really proud of how they kept fighting last week to the death even though it wasn’t our day.

“We will be ready for a good battle against Eagles and if we execute a bit better and have the same effort in defence I’m sure we will put ourselves in a position to win.

“We have a pretty solid core group of guys who’ve been there and done it before who I will be very much relying on.”

Cole said he would have liked to do things the easy way – win the semi and go straight through – but Nerang were simply too good on the day.

GCDRU major semi final between Colleges Knights and Nerang Bulls. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“That was the plan to go straight through but Nerang are a class side and they deserved it in the end,” he said.

“We had plenty of opportunities but didn’t nail anything and it hurt us.

“We plan now to show up against Eagles this week and really make sure we execute our attack in particular for 80 minutes to earn a grand final spot.”

After watching Eagles’ elimination semi final on Sunday where they defeated Surfers Paradise (Dolphins) 24-20, Cole knows where his side will need to focus.

“I thought their start in particular was awesome.

“They scored a couple of lovely long range tries and defended their ass off in the second half.

“They have a couple new guys we haven’t played before but it was good to see them on Sunday.”

Knights took to the fields for their first session of the week Tuesday night.

“We had a good session … discussing a bit about how we want to play and how to nullify some of their threats.”

GCDRU major semi final between Colleges Knights and Nerang Bulls. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The Carrara-based club boast a number of premiership players who Cole expects will lead the squad under pressure: Jaye Paton, Lesi

Tawake, Jake Allen, Kerrod Martorella, Devontay Toa, Harrison Cumming, Max Dempsey, Cam Dodd, Kadison Graham, Connor Kennedy & Jason Beeton.

“(They) need to be at their best and lead from the from which they know,” Coles said.

“In saying that it’s a 23 man effort … never know what will happen and some of our reserves could be on early if injury occurs, so have to cover all bases and be confident in the entire group.”

Connor Kennedy played his first game back from injury (knee) last week and will once again take the field, while Blake Griffin (hand) nears a return to contact training but will not feature in the preliminary final.

SEASON’S MOST IMPROVED

Nerang nominations unavailable.

Colby La-Chiusa

Colleges Knights

Comment: La-Chiusa joined the club in 2023 but wasn’t quite ready to fully commit, instead sticking to third grade duties. He showed top-class potential, and Knights coach Shaun Cole said he couldn’t wait to hand the star his first grade jersey this year.

“He’s got game changing speed and it’s been awesome to see him excel this season,” Cole said.

Luke White

PBC Alleygators

Comment: White started the season as an under-18s player and ended up as the starting fullback in first grade. He made Cyclones Colts, was also selected in the Queensland under-18s squad and finished the year as PBC’s starting 10. He kicked 8/8 goals in the club’s first win of the year – which was also their first win since returning to the Phil Temperton competition.

Rameka Simon (Ramz)

Coomera Crushers

Position: Prop / Lock

An former loosie/ back, Ramz’s first year in the front row was 2023. He has shown massive improvement in scrummaging and always gives 110% each week. Coomera head coach Mika Tufuga describes him as a team person with a big heart who is always willing to look after and out for his teammates and support the club when asked.

“(He) plays with pride and we can depend on him, even when he is not 100%,” Tufuga said.

Note: Surfers Paradise Dolphins, Bond Pirates, GC Eagles and Helensvale Hogs were contacted for nomination/s.