Colts 1 club rugby 2025: Best new faces across the competition named ahead of round 3

Who were the best new faces contesting Colts 1 club rugby? Every team’s elite injections named here ahead of round 3, along with the team lists.

Finn Mackay. Action from the the Queensland Reds and New South Wales Waratahs academy bout. Picture: Stephen Archer.

A fresh face for new Souths Magpies Colts 1 coach Matt Bennetts has been plucked from his side and swiftly promoted into the club’s Hospital Cup starting line-up for round 3 of the season this Saturday.

Finn Mackay, 17, was given 15 minutes off the bench in Souths’ 40-31 premier grade win over GPS last weekend and will enter the fray against a confident Norths team in round 3 at fullback.

Norths are coming off a groundbreaking 71-19 win over University and Mackay, traditionally a flyhalf, will continue his rapid rugby rise with No.15 on his back.

Mackay first caught the eye of Queensland Reds academy selectors in 2023 when his family decided to return home to Brisbane after a three-year stint living in Victoria’s bayside suburb of Sandringham.

“No way (did I envision playing first grade this early),” Mackay said.

“I’m just surprised. It has always been a goal but it has come faster than I expected.

“Coming back (from Victoria) I didn’t really expect anything, Queensland is harder to crack and get into rep teams.”

Finn Mackay. Action from the Queensland Reds and New South Wales Waratahs academy bout. Picture: Stephen Archer.

Mackay was picked in the Rebels’ Under-16s team in 2022 when he was playing rugby for Brighton Grammar before his parents’ work led him back to the school he started at as a Year 5 student, St Laurence’s College.

He was the AIC competition’s premier flyhalf in 2023 when he led his school’s First XV to a premiership under then coach Welmar du Plessis, now the head of rugby at Brisbane Boys’ College.

“The coaching I have got, especially over the last three years, changed my mindset on how footy works and things I can get better at.

“I think I have developed heaps in a two-year span so I have been really thankful for that.”

Finn Mackay runs the ball for St Laurence’s College last season.

Du Plessis, Reds Academy coach Dale Roberson and former Souths Colts 1 coach Cian O’Connor have all played an important part in the development of Mackay’s game.

“Some coaches teach you about different aspects of the game and some teach you life lessons,” he said.

“Building a relationship with your coaches is a big part of it. To be able to communicate with them and get along with them I think goes pretty far.

“I think all my coaches have given me little learnings.”

Mackay will implement those learnings at fullback on Saturday when round 3 of club rugby takes centre stage.

“I get to run the ball a bit more (at fullback). I like that part of my game,” he said.

“I think if I can develop my running game and hold defenders accountable so that they are thinking I am going to run, pass or kick, it is going to put them in three different minds.

“If I can develop that side (running) I will be better off.”

COLTS 1 CLUB RUGBY’S BEST NEW FACES

SAM MCGAHAN (EASTS)

Sam McGahan pictured at the 2023 Emerging Reds Cup at Ballymore.

Easts were delighted to receive the services of first-year flyhalf ace Sam McGahan.

A wonderful game-manager, McGahan and his Tigers cooled their heals in round 1 after a washout but he made up for lost time in a high-quality clash against Wests in round 2, won 18-14 by Easts.

It was a game where McGahan’s steady hand in attack was a big reason why the home side came out on top. His assurity created a ton of opportunities and it seemed he knew when to kill the game and when to raise the tempo on a scorching hot day.

Sam McGahan attacks. Picture credit: Brendan Hertel Photography.

ILAN CLOETE (EASTS)

Ilan Cloete charges forward. Picture credit: Brendan Hertel Photography.

A wrecking ball in the midfield, Cloete carved a gorge through the Wests defensive line more than once last weekend and it led to him being named Queensland Rugby’s Colts player of the week.

A determined type from the Redlands region, Cloete was once a gold-medal winner at the National Judo Championships.

That was three years ago. He is an early season find who came out of the woodworks for pleasantly surprised coach Jack Richards.

Ilan Cloete has made a name for himself quickly at Tigerland as an outside centre.

JOEL DREW (BROTHERS)

Joel Drew. AIC First XV rugby action between St Peters and Ashgrove in round four. Picture credit: Denver Jensen.

The Brethren have had just one hit one so far but the inclusion of Marist College Ashgrove speedster Joel Drew has been evident.

One of the quickest in the competition, Drew was a national medal-winning sprinter from Ashgrove who scored tries for fun across two seasons of First XV rugby.

His high work rate around the field was a constant in Saturday’s match against Sunnybank and he showed toughness coach Josh Neilson was delighted to see from his rangy winger.

TOM HANSSON (GPS)

The Nudgee College old boy has brought plenty of toughness and ticker to a Galloper side edging closer to a win.

GPS lost by five points to University in the first round where Hansson was top notch and he maintained his high standard in another close one against Souths last weekend.

He has found a home, whether it be at lock, flanker or No.8

KINGBENJAMIN SWIRLING (UNIVERSITY)

Kingbenjamin Swirling. Action from the Queensland Reds and New South Wales Waratahs academy bout. Picture: Stephen Archer.

A big bopper who mixes raw power with soft hands to create a cocktail of success for the Red Heavies.

A fine rugby product of John Paul College, Swirling has quickly earned the respect of his peers for his demeanour off the field.

On the field, his actions in the scrum and in general play are speaking for itself.

PAUL AIOLUPOTEA (UNIVERSITY)

Former Melbourne Rebels Academy forward Paul Aiolupotea.

Power personified.

A handful walking for University, Ailoputoea has brained his set-piece work to start the season but has plenty more to offer with his running game.

In space, just watch him wind up.

Paul Aiolupotea in action for the Rebels’ under-18s in 2023.

SPENCER FRAME (UNIVERSITY)

Frame did not enter the season a No.13. Someone who played closer to the ruck in the past, Frame has made the switch to outside centre and is nailing it.

In wins over GPS and Norths, Frame’s work rate off the ball has led to University conceding just 12 points.

His communication has been key.

LUCAS OXLEY (SOUTHS)

As fresh a face as Souths could get, Oxley hails from Yorkshire in England and has come down under to pack down the scrum for the mighty Magpies.

A loosehead prop who has turned heads within the Souths group, Oxley has started strong asserting himself in attack and on defence where he relishes the collision.

A viable scrum operator, Oxley was a quick elevation into Rama Chand’s StoreLocal Hospital Cup bench for a tight round 2 bout against GPS at Yoku road.

LUKE XUEREB (SOUTHS)

A Downlands College product, Xuereb flew under the radar at school but has done everything right through the opening rounds to cement his spot out wide for Souths.

A winger who wins the contact, Xuereb has passed with flying colours so far with his work away from the ball.

HUW GRIFFITHS (SOUTHS)

Huw Griffiths scores for St Laurence’s in 2024.

A revelation at hooker last season for St Laurence’s in AIC rugby, Griffiths has moved back to his favourite position of flanker and picked up where he left off as a junior.

Impressive at openside through two rounds, Griffiths has been asking questions with his support lines and pilfering at the breakdown.

JERIAH VAGANA (SUNNYBANK)

Former Ipswich Jets representative talent Jeriah Vagana. Picture credit: Ipswich Jets Media.

From rugby league heartland in Ipswich, Vagana has attacked his first season of rugby with vigour to score two tries in the first two matches. His latest came in a 20-7 win over Brothers.

An energetic and passionate winger, Vagana channels the league player in him to be involved in plenty for the ‘Bank and has set the tone in training with a “professional approach” according to coach Rex Tapuai.

A young gun Jeriah Vagana (pictured with the ball) playing in the Rugby League Ipswich under-14 grand final for the Goodna Eagles back in 2019.

JESSE MAUGATAI (SUNNYBANK)

Despite being tender in age - he is in Year 12 at Brisbane State High - No.8 Maugatai has been one of Sunnybank’s most effective forwards carrying the ball.

In defence, he has also been leading the charge.

Maugatai, the younger brother of a GPS’ sleeping giant Matthias (coming back from injury), is quiet in nature but there’s a stark contrast in his demeanour once out on the field.

Matthias Maugatai, Jesse’s older brother, leads the GPS huddle during the 2023 Colts 1 season.

DYLAN LOUGHLIN (SUNNYBANK)

An impressive injection into the Dragons front row has been skilful New Zealand newcomer Dylan Loughlin.

Loughlin, whose brother Andre lured him over from Auckland in February after enjoying the 2024 season, has played all three front row positions in the first two games.

Clearly versatile, Loughlin was elite in a tight 34-22 loss against Souths in the opening round and was effective in the scrum and around the park in winning fashion against Brothers.

HENRY ARMSTRONG (NORTHS)

Couldn’t get clean air in round 2 but it is only a matter of time.

A first-class Scottish inclusion, Armstrong’s best will likely be glimpsed in the second round of the season when he and his teammates are acclimated.

His potential is stunning. Watch for him to supply some counterattacking punch and off-the-cuff wizardry for the Eagles.

TOMMY GREEN (NORTHS)

Former St Brendan’s College students Max Bowman-Conlon, who designed the rugby league jersey that St Brendan's College First XIII captain Tommy Green (right)and the team wore during a semi-final clash.

A tough customer from Yeppoon, Green is another impressive teen who is trying the 15-a-side code for the first time and looks set to settle in nicely.

The St Brendan’s First XIII captain in 2023, Green had his hands full at the weekend against a firing University outfit and will be eager to propel Norths into the winner’s circle on Saturday with his defensive leadership and organisation from fullback.

MAX ANGOVE (BOND UNIVERSITY)

Bond University's Charlie Wake and Max Angove. Picture: Bond University

A silent assassin, Angove works hard and it showed in round 1 when he scored two tries in a 36-29 loss against Wests.

The Bond University outside centre had impressed coach Rico Gear with his commitment across an impressive pre-season block and in the early stages of the season.

“His commitment to wanting to get better has been really noticeable,” Gear concluded.

“You have to train at a certain level to perform how he is performing.”

HAYDEN KELDIE-GENNER (BOND UNIVERSITY)

Hayden Keldie-Genner of The Southport School. Picture: Bond University Media.

Coach Rico Gear glimpsed the work horse lock briefly during his time playing First XV for The Southport School (2024) but has been blown away with how he has stepped up to under-20s level so far.

The baby of the team, Keldie-Genner, who was born in 2007, has instilled faith in his teammates who can rest assured the lineout is well handled.

“For him to be performing how he is at that age is pretty exceptional,” praised coach Rico Gear, a 20-Test All Black.

EZALLE MATAUTIA

Ipswich Grammar School old boy Ezalle Matautia. Picture: Kevin Farmer

A backrow brute, Matautia moved mountains for Ipswich Grammar in last year’s GPS rugby competition and has fitted in nicely at the Kennel.

Matautia had been here, there and everywhere before providing utility value across all three backrow positions for coach Phil Mooney.

He moved from New Zealand to Cairns and then to Ipswich and is working hard to ensure he remains in representative selection conversations.

A part of the Reds’ under-18s team which recently won their first academy match against the Waratahs, in New South Wales, Matautia thrives in close-quarter battle where he is no stranger to leaving his mark.

Wanderers Cairns junior player Ezalle Matautia pictured in 2019 playing rugby in far north Queensland in the under-12s. Picture: Anna Rogers.

JACOB JOB (WESTS)

A smart cookie from Brisbane Boys’ College, Job was yet another youngster who swapped Chipsy Wood for Sylvan Road over the off-season and Wests were delighted to have him on board.

A hardworking prop, Job seems to know his role back to front and is just a “great team man” according to coach Mooney.

ROUND 3 TEAMS

Wests versus University

WESTS

1 Jacob Job

2 Hamish Ward

3 Archie Clinton Smith

4 Rory Bliss (C)

5 Will Pascoe

6 Adam Latham

7 Ezalle Matautia

8 Alex Watkins

9 James Alexander

10 Ryan Shaw

11 Chrionie Tiso

12 Max Rohan

13 Matt Cape

14 Carter Liddiard

15 Nicholas Dunstan

UNIVERSITY

1 William Dobbin

2 Vaimoe Koroi

3 Name Witheld

4 Mitchel Waldon

5 Raife mckenzie (C)

6 Xavier Grambower

7 Luke Dreyer

8 Angus Kelly

9 Tom Simpson

10 Isaac McAuliffe (VC)

11 Finlay Harris

12 Lachlan Brownlie

13 Spencer Frame

14 Ruston TAYLOR

15 Thomas Howard

Souths versus Norths

SOUTHS

1 Jake Peirce

2 Malachi Tuakura (FR)

3 Viliami Motuapuaka (FR)

4 Charlie Yeomans

5 Oliver Owuor

6 Huw Griffiths

7 Trent Picot

8 Joel Broderick (C)

9 Samuel Benham

10 Darcy Rowan (VC)

11 Viliame Lacudru

12 Jack Jones

13 Harry Newnham

14 Luke Xuereb

15 Joel Lamb

NORTHS

1 Jake Peirce

2 Manaaki Bateman

3 Ta’ialalolei’aasassaumani Faalogo

4 Jack Corby

5 Andrew Burnicle

6 Sean Noone

7 Brock Powell

8 Luke McGarry

9 Callum Reidy

10 Henry Armstrong

11 Sam Dickie

12Cale Maurice

13 Carlos Ka

14 Dylan Roost

15 Tommy Green

Brothers versus GPS

BROTHERS

1 Tom Duddy

2 Ayrton Holmes

3 Angus Herlihy

4 Harrison Angel

5 Thomas Bailey

6 Ben Caughley

7 Jack Butterfield (VC)

8 Juan Falaniko

9 Name Witheld (C)

10 Charlton Austin

11 Emmanuel Taviri

12 Joshua Takai

13 Tate Connors

14 Joel Drew

15 Campbell Rolfe

GPS

1 Harry Gould

2 Reuben Downes

3 Bailey Caplick

4 Thomas Hansson

5 Avery Thomson

6 Riley Canavan

7 Jack Leo

8 George Griffiths (C)

9 Flynn Horton

10 Spencer Alcock

11 Matthew Ribot-de-Bresac

12 Tobias Graham

13 Thomas Millard

14 Jude Knapp

15 Jonah Allen

Easts versus Bond University

BOND

1 Jake Leck (FR)

2 Lochlan Smith (FR)

3 Rogan Huntley (FR)

4 Keanu Rasch

5 Hayden Keldie-Genner

6 Heinrich Fourie

7 Charlie Wake

8 Harry Ole

9 Sam Howarth (C)

10 Callum Simpson

11 Spencer Cotie

12 Max Angove

13 Mason King

14 Hunter Robinson

15 Ryan Wildman

EASTS

1 Dante Febo (FR)

2 Cooper Hoare (FR)

3 Byron Murphy (FR)

4 Max Campbell

5 Tom Nadenic

6 Caleb Godfrey

7 Joseph Gray

8 Peter-James Su’a

9 Bailey Pell

10 Sam McGahan

11 James Bent

12 Ilan Cloete

13 Larry Clark (C)

14 Caden Griffiths

15 Thomas Lambo

Originally published as Colts 1 club rugby 2025: Best new faces across the competition named ahead of round 3