King of the Country: Players to watch, breakout stars of Gold Coast rugby union tournament

Eight teams hit the field on the Gold Coast this weekend hoping to be crowned King of the Country. Check out the players to watch and breakout stars. Catch the action LIVE from 9am on Saturday.

Not all teams had replied at the time of publication.

A huge weekend of rugby kicks off on Saturday morning when Helensvale Hogs take on Gold Coast Eagles in the first game of the 2024 King Of The Country tournament.

Eight teams – four under-14s and four under-16s – will compete in age divisions, with all games live streamed on KommunityTV.

We take a look at the key players to watch and breakout talents set to make viewers take notice.

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Bond Pirates Under-16s

PLAYER TO WATCH

Rhys Simpson – Five-eighth

A crafty No.10 blessed with vision and the ability to read a game. Unafraid of hard work and always puts in 100 per cent at training.

MOST IMPROVED

Hugh Cromack – Prop

A tireless crafter. Hugh’s development curve has been so steep that he has gone from playing low minutes to a representative player in the space of one season. Hard work pays off.

BEST TEAM PLAYER

Vinnie Phillips – Utility

A player with a high rugby IQ who adds immeasurable value to our squad. Has the ability to play in numerous positions, as required by the team.

Coffs Harbour Snappers Under-16s

MOST VALUABLE

Head coach Paul Butcher rates the entire team as their best asset through friendship and teamwork on and off the field.

“We have a squad of brilliant players but Kden Carter... fly half or fullback would be one to pick out. Dangerous and elusive runner with the ball,” he said.

“Carter has represented NSW Country and NSW Waratahs generation blue the past few seasons.

“He will be the one leading the kicking in general play and if anyone makes a break, watch out, as he will be hot on their heels.”

Kden Carter is a dual-code threat. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

MOST IMPROVED

Fraser O’Rorke – Hooker/Prop

Has played plenty of positions over the years but has made hooker his own with his throwing and general play. The red head loves a good laugh with his teammates and always gets the job done.

CAPTAIN

Taj Butcher – OS Flanker

The tall open side flanker is busy on the ball and in the lineouts. NSW Country representative player that gets through the entire game without raising a sweat.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Jack Harrison – Outside Centre and Maddox Bird – Inside Centre

They are both elusive strong runners of the ball and good on their feet. Both NSW Country or NSW Waratahs generation blue representative players.

Darcy Cruickshank – Scrumhalf

NSW Country and NSW Waratahs Gen Blue rep player. Long precision pass that allows Coffs to play an expansive game and play from side to side.

Noosa Dolphins Under 16s

BEST AND FAIREST

Gus

Number 8

Physically strong player. Tackles well, is tough, fit and mobile. A real all-rounder who excels at all aspects of the game.

BEST BACK

Charlie

Half back

Great distributor of the ball with a strong pass and provides solid support play. Excellent communicator on the field, directing play efficiently.

BEST FORWARDS

Joe & Ritchie

Front rowers

Joe and Ritchie are integral members of our engine room, tenacious in defence and ready to truck it up in attack. Great at controlling play in set pieces such as the scrum and lineouts.

Gold Coast Eagles Under-16s

STANDOUTS FROM THE COACH

Ned Jones scored 2 tries in the trial game and has been leading the forward pack around the park from the front row.

Caylem Weir is a 9/10 returning from last year so his experience will be highly valued.

Wilbur Wood is a great passing number 10.

Alex Whitley is a great defender in the back line.

Max Prentice and Desmond Burgess are great runners of the ball.

Casuarina Under-14s

Lachlan Piper

Having played 9 years in the team he will be leading the team as Captain. Playing in both fly half and full back he will lead by example with unbeatable defence and an ability to find space in attack.

Piper Bodie

With an impressive 10 years in the team she plays a crucial role at Vice Captain. With an ability to switch between flanker and half back she is the perfect all-rounder providing textbook tackles and multiple runaway tries.

Callum Raymond

With 9 years wearing the Blue and Yellow he has ounces of rugby smarts and is very light on his feet. He will provide a lot of impact playing in the centres with rock solid defence and lighting fast intercepts.

Toowoomba Bears Under-14s

MOST VALUABLE TRIO

Tim Luck – Tight-head Prop

Big, strong, ball runner and keen scrummager.

Benson Humphreys – No.8 and captain

Powerful in attack and defence and leads by example.

Pierce O’Brien – Centre and vice-captain

Tough, no nonsense player. Solid in defence and attack. The Bears’ greatest asset is their teamwork.

Gold Coast Eagles Under-14s

MOST VALUABLE

Zaine Gurney – Fly half/Inside Centre

A classy flyhalf or inside centre who has the ability to create space and opportunities for his outside backs. He’s a strong defender, a solid organiser and has a nice kick, run and pass package.

Zavier Ngauamo – Fullback/Flyhalf

A skilful fullback or flyhalf who has a high rugby IQ. He is the ultimate competitor who possesses real strike potential in attack and defence.

Tavai Siaunuua – Number Eight/Outside Centre

He has a destructive running game with speed to burn. He is a strong defender with an incredible workrate.

Coby Hill is ready to fly for Helensvale once again. Picture: Richard Gosling

Helensvale Hogs Under-14s

MOST VALUABLE

Jayden Stupnikar

Most effective ball carrier, impact player and willingness to cover multiple positions.

MOST IMPROVED

Kyan Elgey

New to the team last season, improved in all facets of his game.

COACHES AWARD

Macguire Broadfoot

Trained hard and played hard. He’s positive influence on his teammates.

BEST FORWARD

Jackson Wescombe

Always led the forwards from the front, brings fantastic energy and is an encouraging influence on his teammates

BEST BACK

Coby Hill

Influenced the outcome of games throughout the season. Shows skill and drive to win.