Burleigh Bears and Tweed Seagulls call on Rugby League Gold Coast stars to fight for Queensland Cup selection

Having fought valiantly on the Gold Coast for years, these young men have earned the chance to impress for higher honours. Meet the hopefuls here >>

Matthew Koellner, Brayden Young and Zane Harris are three of the Gold Coast local stars who have earned the chance to impress the region’s Queensland Cup outfits.

Celebrations of his triumphant return to the Gold Coast have subsided, and now Zane Harris is plotting his next move: taking the reins at the Burleigh Bears.

Calm and composed throughout Southport’s victorious Rugby League Gold Coast campaign, the Tigers halfback has been brought into the Queensland Cup fold in a bid to earn selection for 2023.

The 2019 champions will be out to rebuild their spine following a mini exodus to NRL clubs; with five-eighth Josh Rogers (Broncos), halfback Guy Hamilton (Roosters) and fullback Taine Tuaupiki (Warriors) all earning opportunities through the weight of their Bears performances.

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Now Harris, who has cut his teeth in under-20s systems with Manly and Sydney, has the chance to form a new-look partnership with the club’s newest recruit — 158-game NRL veteran Tyrone Roberts.

Zane Harris in action for the Gold Coast Vikings. Picture by Richard Gosling

“With both our halves leaving to NRL clubs it’ll be a great opportunity for Zane,” Burleigh coach Luke Burt said.

“His game management was very good, and he’s a bigger half like Josh Rogers size wise so he can hold his ground defensively.

“But he’s a confident young kid, when I first met with him he was very sure in his ability and a really good talker.”

Harris will be joined by fellow RLGC battlers Matthew Koellner (Tugun), Coen Rankmore (Ormeau) and Cruz Lasike (Runaway Bay) for the chance to crack the QCup side this pre-season.

Former Bear Toby McIntosh also returns to the maroon and white outfit, and will battle it out with Bears legend Kurtis Rowe for the number one jumper.

Following prop and rookie of the year Tristan Powell’s move to the Melbourne Storm and the retirement of Blake Leary, places in the forward pack have opened for Burt’s first title tilt in 2023.

That is where Koellner in particular comes to the fore.

The Seahawks stalwart has previously donned the Tweed Seagulls colours, and last season was a joint recipient of the Gold Coast’s representative player of the year mantle through his Vikings efforts.

And according to Burt, there is a weapon at Koellner’s disposal that could make him a valuable asset.

Burleigh Bears vs. Tugun Seahawks preliminary final at Pizzey Park. Matthew Koellner. 11 September 2022 Miami Picture by Richard Gosling

“We’re not a tall side; a tall strong middle that can use a bit of footwork and find his front for a quick play the ball, with the way the game is these days, you have a fast ruck to play off,” Burt said.

“He pretty much just wanted an opportunity, and we met with him and he’s a wonderful young man and he was really keen and eager to have a crack at that QCup level.

“It’s a great opportunity there with the middles, we’ve lost a couple of our forwards from last year so it might be a new look pack.”

Burleigh’s cross-town rivals in the Tweed Seagulls have also opened the doors to local battlers desperate to impress at a higher level.

New coach Dave Penna has cast a wide net, with Helensvale Hornets duo Campbell Pirihi (fullback) and Brayden Young (prop) as well as former Seagull Kirk Murphy spearheading the contenders.

Penna said given Tweed invited numerous players to train in their systems, the majority would take the knowledge gained back to their local clubs.

However he stressed effort at Piggabeen would prove telling when it came to final selections, presenting a chance for the likes of Pirihi and Young to earn promotions.

Brayden Young is tackled. Picture: Richard Gosling

“Campbell is a terrific young player with a lot of skill. For whatever reason he sort of hasn’t got to where he wants to and we’re happy to try and put some tough pre-season into him and help him with his game,” Penna said.

“(Brayden) is a terrific young bloke that works hard and his coaches see that in him. I talk to the coaches regularly on the coast, they give guys opportunities who they feel deserve it.

“Sometimes they are just quality players that have been through programs for most of their young careers, so it’s more giving them an opportunity to try and chase the dream.

“It then obviously builds relationships with the local footy to say you can be 24, 25, 26, 27 and it doesn’t matter how old, if you’re chasing the dream we’re prepared to give you an opportunity.”