Sprint kings of junior rugby union: Meet the Gold Coast’s quickest U13s

Meet the lightning-fast teenagers who are dominating Gold Coast's under-13 rugby union competition, including five fullbacks blessed with extraordinary pace.

Gold Coast Bulletin Sport VOTE for best action shot of 2024. Hudson Backholm scores a try at Pacifica Rugby Union comp. Submitted by Jesse Backholm.

The under-13 division is typically where the rugby union cream begins to the rise to the top, and players with elite potentials begin to stamp their authority on the competition.

In a four-part series, the Gold Coast Bulletin will shine a spotlight on the stars of tomorrow.

The first instalment will cover the speed demons of the under-13 competition, followed by the division’s hardest hitting juniors.

Part three will unveil the x-factor talents and part four the unheralded crew who shine for their teamwork and sportsmanship - as key to a strong rugby team as any other facet covered.

Did we miss a player who belongs on this list? Email [e-mail] with the player’s name, club, position and why he deserves to be added.

Without further ado, meet the Gold Coast’s under-13 competition’s speediest juniors.

HUDSON WENZEL

Fullback, Helensvale

One half of Helensvale’s Hudson squared combination in the outside backs. Hudson Wenzel is tough to catch in space and is rapid off the mark. Can pin his ears back and go, which is why Wenzel was picked for the Gold Coast Cyclones.

HUDSON BACKHOLM

Winger, Helensvale

Gold Coast Bulletin Sport VOTE for best action shot of 2024. Hudson Backholm scores a try at Pacifica Rugby Union comp. Submitted by Jesse Backholm.

The second half of H^2 at Helensvale, Hudson Backholm is also a versatile back three talent who can cover fullback and the centres at a pinch. When you’re this fast any backline position becomes a breeze. The pair of Cyclones reps are a big reason why Helensvale are on top of the U13 ladder with only a single loss from seven games.

NICO LINDNER

Fullback, Palm Beach Currumbin

Palm Beach’s Queensland Country representative fullback has some competition with backline mate Jimmi Waldron for the fastest in his team. Lindner crossed for five of Palm Beach’s six tries in a 34-12 win over Coomera in the club’s last start on July 26.

JIMMI WALDRON

Winger, Palm Beach Currumbin

Another Gold Coast Cyclones representative, Waldron’s pace contributed to the young Alleygator crossing for eight tries in his last two games for PBC - four each. Waldron is considered in the top three in his age group across the Coast for sheer speed.

JAXON COLLINS

Flanker, Nerang

The only specialist forward on the list, all-rounder Collins is one of the most exciting forward talents on the Gold Coast. His speed is a point of difference in an age group where the biggest forwards traditionally have the most impact. Collins’ rapid pace makes him a threat in every facet of the game.

MICHAEL MOLLER

Fullback, Colleges

The Gold Coast Cyclones representative has the cleanest pair of heels on Heeb Street in the age group. Moller can torch an opposition who fails to respect the danger his pace presents if chasing with an uneven line in kick return.

ASHTON TERRY-THOMPSON

Winger, Coomera

Terry-Thompson plays with the No.5 jersey on his back but he isn’t a lock. Coomera’s jersey sizes this year buck rugby trends with the lower numbers equalling the smallest in size. Terry-Thompson is the smallest player in his team but brings good acceleration and sidestepping to get around defenders who reckon they can line up a big shot on the small speed demon.

ZION DAHLEN

Fullback, Coomera

Blessed with the best straight line speed at his club, Coomera’s U13 fullback has raced in multiple length of the field tries this season. It’s a shame Coomera has had to forfeit some matches because Dahlen is always worth the watch in the early fixtures if the team can be filled in around him.