‘Best prop in the comp’: 20+ mid-season most valuables of GCDRU first grade revealed
The halfway mark of GCDRU has been reached, with one club undefeated and two hot on their heels. We take a look at the players who could make a difference on the home stretch, nominated ‘mid-season most valuables’ after a killer start to the 2024 season. See them all here:
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Four teams will have the chance to rewrite history in round 9 of GCDRU this weekend, the draw identical to round 8 due to an early-in-the-season washout.
So while the Knights, Bulls, Crushers and Hogs look to go 2-0, can the Dolphins, Eagles, Pirates or Alleygators level the score?
We take a look at the players who could make a difference, nominated ‘mid-season most valuables’ after a killer start to the 2024 season.
MORE: Catch up on round 8 highlights from Dolphins v Knights grand final rematch
GALLERY: See our mega gallery from GCDRU juniors round 6
GRIFFITH UNI COLLEGES KNIGHTS
Name: Connor Kennedy
Position: Fullback
Comment: He’s one of Knights’ natural leaders and has stood up to the challenge all season long so far. Kennedy has scored six tries, kicked goals, played three different positions in the backline and has been terrific all-around.
Name: Jake Allen
Position: Hooker
Comment: Allen returned to the club this season after spending a year away in Dalby. He’s been a rock up front for the side, playing every minute of eight games, and his lineout throwing has been amazing.
Name: Lesi Tawake
Position: Prop
Comment: He’s arguably the best prop in the comp by a country mile and never lets his boys down once he crosses the white line. Tawake boasted his best game of the season in round 8 against the Dolphins, cemented his MVP status with coach Shaun Cole.
SURFERS PARADISE DOLPHINS
Name: Tai Ford
Position: Number 8
Comment: A born leader, Ford is notorious for helping his fellow players reach their full potential. On the field, he is a classy and dynamic player.
Name: Bailey Bocock
Position: Centre, Wing
Comment: Bocock gives everything every time. He is an incredibly solid player boasting runs hard and tackles just as tough.
Name: Cody Blackhurst
Position: Hooker
Comment: The on-field skipper, Blackhurst is a true Dolphins leader by example. He doesn’t expect others to do something he’s not prepared to do himself, and is always getting into the thick of things. The number 2 was labelled most valuable by his coach in their round 8 clash with Knights.
NERANG BULLS
Name: Julian Haddad
Position: Hooker
Comment: In his sophomore season at theBulls, ‘Julz’ has locked down the hooker spot, nailing his roles and improving week by week.
Name: Cody Vickers
Position: Halfback/First Five
Comment: “Vickers” has been killing it this season, playing out of position but still walking away with best on ground status on multiple occasions.
Name: Matiu Irwin
Position: Loose Forward
Comment: The old boy is still out there running a muck and keeping the young boys on their toes. Boasting countless tackles and turnovers, Irwin is definitely putting his hand up and leading by example.
Name: Tyler Selwyn
Position: Fullback
Comment: Selwyn is a versatile back who is yet to lock down one position. Primarily, he’s made the 15 jersey his this season and has been leading by example out on the field every week. He is also the club’s top point scorer at the halfway point.
Name: Tyran Isaac
Position: Lock/Loosies
Comment: A great start to the season for Bulls’ very own “Kaufusi,” the side are always expect big things from this man - and he always delivers. Coach Te Ari Mahuri said he’s really looking forward to the back end of the season to see how Isaac finishes it off.
Name: Jarrod Nyssen
Position: First Five Eight
Comment: The driver, Nyssen holds four best on ground efforts and continues to lead the team around every week. He is a massive part of the group and will be key to Nerang continual success in their run to finals footy.
HELENSVALE HOGS
Name: Dane Mason
Position: Lock
Comment: As skipper, Mason turns up every game and puts in a 100% effort while leading from the front.
Name: Tyler Maxwell
Position: Halfback
Comment: Gives excellent ball distribution to the Hog’s backs and boasts an awesome skill set all-around.
Name: Andrew Mamea
Position: Prop
Comment: Mamea is a full-game player, boasting maximum minutes in almost every game on top of a fantastic rugby IQ.
COOMERA CRUSHERS
Name: Dallas Davis Pio
Position: Flanker
Comment: Hard working, consistent and very reliable, Pio never complains and does his job well.
Name: Kyan White
Position: Utility
Comment: White is a consistent, hard working asset who brings 100% every week. He is an intelligent young player with wisdom beyond his years: Mister Fix it. He can cover flanker, 9 and the backs.
Name: Leon Ellia-Niukore
Position: Flyhalf/ backs
Comment: Ellia-Niukore leads by example. He is reliable in any position he gets given and is one Coomera’s most experienced leaders - a menace to any opposition.
PBC ALLEYGATORS
Name: Nick Richards
Position: Number 8
Comment: Richo is our senior squad skipper and is great reader of the game. The Alleygator’s young squad looks up to the number 8 both on and off the field. He offers a high work rate, puts his body on the line each week and is first on PBC’s team sheet.
Name: George Tarabay
Position: Half back
Comment: Tarabay is a loud and enthusiastic half back, constantly directing the young forwards on field and scored the 1st try of the year to ‘break the jinx.’
Name: Tama Voyce
Position: Tight head Prop
Comment: Voyce started at the Gators in the centres, moved to second row, and this year has put his hand up to learn and play at tight head prop, occasionally throwing in the lineouts.
Note: At the time of publication, all clubs willing to participate in 2024 content were reached for comment.
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