GCDRU round 6: Best ball runners, what to expect from dethroned reigning champs

Just one team remains undefeated after 5 rounds of GCDRU. With the ladder still neck and neck, we asked the coaches to nominate their best ball runners. The verdict inside:

GCDRU First Grade (Phil Temperton Cup) Grand Final. Dolphins vs. Knights. Milan Cookson. 19 August 2023 Broadbeach Waters Picture by Richard Gosling

It’s official.

Just one team remains undefeated after 5 rounds of GCDRU, with three teams sitting closely behind on 14 points a piece (3-1 win record).

With the ladder neck and neck, round 6 is set to cause a divide.

The Griffith Uni Colleges Knights suffered their first loss of the season last week at the hands of the Nerang Bulls, which meant they dropped to third on the ladder while Nerang shot to the top.

Knights will face Bond Pirates this weekend, who are yet to claim a win and are no doubt hungry for a celebration.

Uni vs. Bulls. Logan Watene. 12 August 2023 Ashmore Picture by Richard Gosling

Nerang meanwhile head to Coomera to face the Crushers, who secured their first victory over PBC in round 5.

After suffering defeat to the Surfers Paradise Dolphins, the Helensvale Hogs are tipped for a tough match against the Gold Coast Eagles.

Despite earning the wooden spoon in 2023, the Eagles boast a 3-1 record so far this season and cannot be taken lightly.

PBC and Surfers round out the schedule, with the Alleygators still hunting a win.

The side celebrated one milestone in round 5: their first try since returning to first grade in 2024.

With round 6 preparations well and truly underway, we spoke to the coaches to get their ‘best ball runners’ of first grade.

Scroll down for the list.

Note: At the time of publication, all clubs had been contacted.

What’s on: ROUND 6

Coomera Crushers vs. Nerang Bulls

Gold Coast Eagles vs. Helensvale Hogs

Bond Pirates vs. Colleges Knights

PBC Alleygators vs. Surfers Paradise

Best Ball Runners

Elijah Hola

Position:
Club: Helensvale Hogs

The son of ex Tongan international player Pierre Hola, he has explosive speed and awesome feet work. Hola is a true Hogs junior who has come through the grades over the years.

Tim Barlow

Position: Prop

Club: Nerang Bulls

Barlow has been a long serving player at the club for many years now. He started off as a lock but has found himself in the front row. Barlow has recently – or ‘finally,’ as head coach Te Ari Mahuri said – realised his ball carrying skills and been enjoying putting his hand up for a couple of tough carries. The prop is yet to score a try after a few dry season, so the squad are egging him on to break the spell.

GCDRU First Grade (Phil Temperton Cup) Grand Final. Dolphins vs. Knights. Milan Cookson. 19 August 2023 Broadbeach Waters Picture by Richard Gosling

Milan Cookson

Position: Winger
Club: Surfers Paradise Dolphins

Cookson has donned the Dolphins colour for three years. He offers a balance of instinct and game IQ that converts to points more often than not.

Patrick Barlow

Position: Centre
Club: Surfers Paradise Dolphins

Also having joined the Dolphins three years ago, Barlow has become ones of the side’s most reliable. he plays off instinct and what’s happening on the field, able to read and adapt with the ball in-hand. In round 5, he scored the team’s second try and went on to convert 6/6.

Tai Ford

Position: Backrower
Club: Surfers Paradise Dolphins

In his first year at the club, Ford has made an early statement. He is quick with the ball and can make a break for it within seconds.

Bailey Bocock

Position: Centre
Club: Surfers Paradise Dolphins

Bocock joined the Dolphins this year and has made his presence known. He is a strong body and has notched up three tries this season.

Cody Blackhurst

Position: Forward
Club: Surfers Paradise Dolphins

Having played for Dolphins as both as a junior and senior, Blackhurst embodies the culture and lead by example with strong ball carries and tenacity.

Jordan Marshall

Position: Backrower
Club: Surfers Paradise Dolphins

Marshall is the epitome of a veteran, boasting 10 years at the club. When he’s got the ball in hand, you can feel rest assured he’ll run at 100% and give absolutely everything to the game.

PBC Alleygators vs. Colleges Knights. Jaye Paton. 20April 2024 Currumbin Picture by Richard Gosling

Jaye Paton

Position: Number 8

Club: Colleges Knights

Paton has been at the club for 10 years, is the current skipper, and never hides away from the ‘tough stuff’ – quote head coach Shaun Cole. He tries to stick to the basics but it doesn’t always stay that way, and his teammates have learned when to prepare for something fancy. He runs direct at full pace, which pays off most times.

Nela Tuivai and Tyrell Forbes  

Club: Coomera Crushers

A dynamic pair who are devastating with the ball in hand, both Tuivai and Forbes have been at the Crushers for around three years. They are deceptively fast big boys who boast the rare combo of speed and size.

Michael Ratu

Position: Second row/flanker

Club: PBC Alleygators

Ratu has been at the club since Juniors and has been a very versatile player within the Senior squads, playing every position in the backs and forwards. As a proud Fijian, his goose step-stop and go agility is a crowd favourite, usually with ball in one hand looking for an offload. He’s able to accelerate through gaps, always with a smile and amazing Fijian flair. Ratu is a respected opponent to all other clubs and has a witty sense of humour to go with his elusiveness on field.