GCDRU: Round 3 previewed with players to watch, casualty ward, biggest match-ups set for stage

A week of big hits and close clashes is brewing on the Gold Coast, as round 3 of the 2024 GCDRU season looms. Know who to watch and where, plus the players already standing out from the crowd. Full preview inside:

Grace Hamilton

4 min read

April 19, 2024 - 10:15AM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

GCDRU round 2. Helensvale vs. Coomera. 1st Grade. Dane Mason. 13 April 2024 Helensvale Picture by Richard Gosling

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A week of big hits and close clashes is brewing on the Gold Coast, as round 3 of the 2024 GCDRU season looms.

Down south, the PBC Alleygators will face four-time reigning premiers, the Griffith Uni Colleges Knights.

And while that unfolds, Surfers Paradise will host an eager Nerang Bulls side who are out for an upset.

Read on for more, including players to watch and the casualty ward after round 2.

BIGGEST MATCHUPS

Palm Beach Currumbin Alleygators v Griffith Uni Colleges Knights (1st grade)

PBC’s return to first grade was a modest one, going down to the Nerang Bulls 14-3.

The gig will be tougher against the Knights, who are four-time reigning premiers and fresh off the back of a 22-0 win over the Gold Coast Eagles.

Knights head coach Shaun Cole said it’s great to have the Palm Beach side back in the comp

“I know Robbo (Ryan Roberts) has dedicated a lot of time to getting them back,” Cole said.

“And from all reports they gave Nerang a real test last weekend so we won’t be taking them lightly.

“I know they have a good core group of youngsters but with a few new recruits they are a bit of an unknown.”

He admitted his Knights can’t afford to take the new side lightly, and will have to bring their usual A-Grade performance.

“We will need to be on our game.”

PBC Alleygators 2nd grade: July, 2023

Surfers Paradise Dolphins v Nerang Bulls (1st grade)

It’s one of the most anticipated match-ups early this season.

The Bulls placed third last year, going down in their preliminary final while Surfers held on to lose in the grand final (both to eventual premiers, Colleges Knights).

Nerang Bulls vs Surfers Paradise Dolphins Gold Coast District Rugby Union clash.Surfers Player No5 Dylan WoosterNerang Player NoPic Mike Batterham

When they met in 2023: Major semi-final, 27-15 (Surfers win). Round 13, 32-23 (Surfers win). Round 6, 28-24 (Surfers win).

With the wounds still sore, both sides are eager to continue their winning streak from round 2 and asset themselves as a string contender as top two.

Surfers boast the slight advantage of playing on home soil, and while that isn’t cause for concern, the Bulls have already been hit with a double injury blow.

Liam Cordell-Hull (fractured eye socket) and Nate Wright (hamstring) with both miss the clash, expected return to play unknown.

Nonetheless, the side are staying positive about their chances.

“The boys are ready to go toe to toe with the 2023 grand finalist this weekend,” Nerang coach Te Ari Mahuri said.

“We had a tough game in round 2 against Palm Beach and to be fair we were lucky to come away with a win.

“So abit of togetherness and focusing on ourselves was all that was needed to prep for this weekend.... we’re looking forward to the challenge that this weekend brings,” he said.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

No one knows a team better than the head coach, and of the top clashes lined up this weekend, we asked them ‘who stands out and why?’

Here’s what they said:

Kerrod Martorella

Knights

Second Rower.

Why: Kerrod is our longest serving first grade player and he returns from a minor knee injury sustained in pre season so it’s great to have him back healthy and he just strengthens our team enormously. He’s a big body with phenomenal ball handling for a man of his size.

Max Dempsey

Knights

Scrumhalf

Why: Maxy comes into replace Cam Dodd who needs the week off with a badly swollen hand. Max has that dog in him. He’s a terrific competitor and someone all the lads love playing with.

Uni vs. Hogs. Max Dempsey tackled. 12 August 2023 Ashmore Picture by Richard Gosling

Kadison Graham

Knights

Inside Centre

Why: Kadi has returned after a year off due to work commitments. He’s a very well prepared individual who does all the little extras during the week and pre match to make sure he’s ready for game day. After getting a game under his belt last weekend I’m looking forward to a big performance from him in round 3.

Maiz George

Bulls

Position: Halfback

Why: As the youngest in the Bulls’ group, this kid is simply keen to get among the action and learn from his peers.

Tyran Isaac

Bulls

Position: Loose Forward

Why: Considered a player of the season last year, Isaac remains one of our toughest and has been for a couple years now.

Uni vs. Hogs. Tyran Isaac. 12 August 2023 Ashmore Picture by Richard Gosling

Heath Claydon

Bulls

Position: Outside Back

Why: Brings that fire to any backline and shone in the first round against PBC.

Nick Richards- Captain

PBC
No.8.

Why: Formally played with GPS in Brisbane but now lives and works on the Gold Coast. Richards is new to the Gators in 2024. He leads by example on field, loves a good chat and has time for everyone around the rugby club – a valued attitude at PBC.

George Tarabay

PBC
Half back.

Why: Formally played with Brothers in Brisbane, Tarabay is also new to the Gators in 2024. With a true passion for the sport, he cold-called the club during pre-season, asking if we had a team he could join. Sure enough, the phone call paid off. Tarabay boasts a loud and appreciated voice of wisdom on the field for our younger players to follow.

Matt Laybourne

PBC
Loose-head prop.

Why: Also new to the Gators in 2024, Laybourne is English born and moved to Australia with his family. He now also coaches his son in the Mighty Alleygators U6s side. Off field, he loves a pint with the squad, a lamb biryani and to post “Bosh” in the Senior chat (sometimes quirky teammates make the best teammates).