Roughly half of the Seagulls squad have ventured from regions such as Toowoomba, Ballina, Taree and Newcastle for their shot at reaching the game’s upper echelon, and Zimmerle has already witnessed the influence they have had on the Gold Coast products in the mix.

KEEP SCROLLING FOR A BREAKDOWN OF EVERY POSITION AND PLAYER IN THE BURELIGH AND TWEED SQUADS

The likes of Max Liles, Ryan Foran and Jayden Wright have all come through the Glitter Strip’s Langer Trophy and club footy pathways, but the addition of players such as Treymaine Harry and Harry Fraser has brought plenty of experience competing against men into the fold.

Zimmerle said those new faces had re-energised the collective group, instilling leadership and confidence into the squad as they charged to five victories throughout the trials.

As the Seagulls prepare to face the defending champions in the Townsville Blackhawks on Sunday, he said that unwavering “passion to the game” was set to produce a style of play that could prove daunting to defend.

“The bit I like about it is the local kids obviously have generally gone through Coombabah, Keebra or PBC. They’ve been exposed to a system of rugby league, where as some of the country kids have come through and already played local first grade against men,” Zimmerle said.

“While they haven’t come through such a full-time program … their bit that stands out is leadership and their voice, and their composure because they’ve been around men and they haven’t just played under-18s footy.

“For me it’s a real pure love of the game, I guess of them it hasn’t become a chore yet and they might’ve gone from two training sessions to three or four and they’re excited by that.

“It’s wonderful to have in your squad, it breeds competitiveness and brings lots of energy to everything you do.”

As Tweed travelling to North Queensland to open their account, cross-town rivals Burleigh will cool their heels with a bye before kickstarting their campaign.

Incoming Bears coach Matt Foster, fresh off more than 100-games coaching the club’s A-grade side, has assembled a squad brimming with recent elite schoolboys experience as he enters a new phase of mentoring in his career.

The Rugby League Gold Coast premiership winning leader said the challenge for him and the squad was successfully transitioning from junior football to the senior ranks; a considerable learning curve throughout a run of mixed form in the trials.

“There’s a learning curve with what to expect from our defensive responsibilities,” Foster said.

“We know it’s still early, we’re just sort of utilising those games to create that understanding of the players we have. And for me, I’m transitioning from A-grade to HDC so I’m getting to know players, their quirks and strengths.”

BURLEIGH BEARS

Outside Backs — Hunter Ploegsma, Izack Smith, Tuvalli Khan-Pereira, Carn Connell, MJ Hetet-Wairau, Cruz Lasike, Zac Munn, Tate Roberts, Jeremiah Tamepo, George Peyroux, Levi Jones, Jesse Sommerville

His older brother has gone on to make his NRL debut, and Foster believes there are similar traits in the younger speedster rising through the ranks.

Tuvalli Khan-Pereira is looking to emulate the feats of Alofiana, who has made it his mission to cement the Gold Coast Titans left wing spot for the long-term.

Foster said Tuvalli would not be restricted to being an out and out winger, however, given his rugby league smarts have him capable of doing a job across the outside backs.

But in terms of raw speed and agility, he said the rookie flyer had some traits to rival that of his NRL level sibling.

“I think he’s similar, he’s quick and he’s got a bit of rugby league smarts there,” Foster said.

“He’s a competitor so he’s not too far away from the mould of Lofi. I’m not sure if he’s quite as quick, but he’s certainly got some little bits there that means he can play centre, fullback and he’s pretty smart.”

Foster said the fullback role would be a toss up among a number of candidates, with the likes of Izack Smith and Hunter Ploegsma contending with Khan-Pereira for the job.

In an outside backs contingent that also features freak try scorer Jeremiah Tamepo — who crossed 22 times for Nerang in the under-18s division one competition last year — a young centre gunning for a Queensland Cup berth perhaps stands out the most.

Cruz Lasike was rewarded with a Bears train and trial opportunity on the back of a brilliant A-grade season with Runaway Bay.

His chance to pursue the top level under the watchful eye of coach Luke Burt came about when Foster was still coaching the Burleigh A-grade side, where he noticed a defensive force in the making.

“He’s still learning his craft as well but he’s been impressive as an athlete,” Foster said.

“What impressed me was when we played them he played opposite Allan Lockwood and physically Allan is very strong and he managed to stay with him, stick his tackles and his work ethic coming out of exit was really good.

“He stood out to me from that. Not just for what he did but the kind of quality it was against and still managed to hold his own. Not many people can handle Allan Lockwood at full tilt.”

Halves — Keith Baker, Kedan Chang-Tung, Tuakana Rangihaeata, Boston Tagg, Nick Zusak, Jay Barnett

Foster’s side will be able to lay claim to a halfback who has already been tested in the Queensland Cup.

Kedan Chang-Tung has arrived at Pizzey Park from the Ipswich Jets, having made three top level appearances for the side last year.

While he has been nursing an injury throughout the pre-season, Foster backed the youngster to bring plenty of excitement to his side’s attack.

“He’s actually been training with the Queensland Cup squad … (but) we’ll get to see a bit of him,” he said.

“He’s a running half too, so he’ll play on instinct and flair a bit. From what I’ve seen his talk is pretty good too, but he’s more an instinctive running player.”

Among Foster’s other contenders include the likes of Tuakana Rangihaeata, who was identified playing for Western Australia in last year’s national championships in Burleigh, and Boston Tagg, who looms as one of the biggest halves coming through the ranks backed with strong defensive resolve.

However with Tagg pinned as an organising half, he could find himself in a head to head battle with Nick Zusak.

Foster lauded the young halfback for his ability to dictate terms on the field, and bring the best out of those around him.

“He would be more of I like to say a controlling half, someone with a good voice who can manipulate and manage people around him,” Foster said.

“His running game is good too, but I think he understands the nuances of the game, takes control and kick on at the right time and bring people to the right areas of the field.”

Middle Forwards — Tyson Davies, TJ Devery, EJ Finau, Immanuel Kalekale, Carsen Patu, James Pere, Joseph Shannon, Kaden Somerville, Xavier Stowers

A head injury suffered in the Future Titans clash with the Newcastle Knights during the pre-season has hindered Immanual Kalakele’s pursuits, but Foster has seen enough in the Kiwi product to know that when he does take the field he will blossom into a powerhouse.

The young prop has been signed to the Gold Coast’s NRL pathways since moving over from New Zealand in 2021, spearheading the Keebra Park Langer Trophy pack in recent years.

Often the biggest body on the field in his junior days, the Queensland Schoolboys representative will need to cast aside a run of concerns to make an impact — which included an ankle injury in last year’s National Championships and his most recent head knock.

But Foster believes Kalekale had learned to adapt to the size of his frame, and would be primed to make an impact once fit and firing.

Meanwhile, the coach was full of praise for dynamic lock EJ Finau, whose balance of aggression and skill has him primed for the number 13 jumper.

“He (Kalekale) is a big boy, certainly a big body. He’s been able to transition into being able to understand the requirements of transitioning out of graded football. He’s got all the tools available,” Foster said.

“With EJ, it’s his work ethic in training and he’s pretty well balanced. He carries strong with really good intent but can also defensively have a good hit but he controls his contact.

“I like the balance of what he gives and he has a lot of aggression while he does it.

“There’s a real good battle for middle spots, there’s some good quality middles there but some young middles as well, but as 19-year-olds they have to understand there is still a lot to learn in that transition from junior grade football into the seniors.”

Edge Forwards — Aston Bai, Adam Christensen, Sam McIntyre, Seth Nikotemo, Arama Hau, Jesse Tu’inukuafe

His father made a name for himself through a stellar Melbourne Storm career, and now it is Aston Bai’s turn to rise to the occasion.

The young edge forward, equally capable of playing through the middle, comes with plenty of pedigree owing to his dad Marcus’ 259-game first-grade career on the wing.

Bai has been coached by Foster since his high school days when the latter was his Marymount teacher, culminating in the coach giving the towering forward an A-grade debut last year.

But ever since graduating high school, Bai has undergone a rapid transformation according to Foster.

“Aston’s attitude is fantastic and defensively solid — he could be a middle,” Foster said.

“I think he’s just happy playing rugby league, whether is’ the middle or backrower whatever for him. I think over the last 12 to 18 months I’ve seen him grow into his body.

“Physically he’s a lot more imposing which is good.”

Bai could find himself in the middle rotation courtesy of the wealth of options Foster has on the edges.

Recently signed Titans gun Seth Nikotemo could well be in the selection frame for a maiden Queensland Cup appearance, while Adam Christensen has already spent time training with Luke Burt’s squad.

However it is in the shape of Arama Hau, the Future Titans prodigy who walked into last year’s Australian schoolboys side, that Foster believes will be moulded into an established sensation.

“His resume is second to none, he made that Queensland team and was in the Australian side so through the grades he’s been somebody whose name has stood out,” Foster said.

“He’s in the same boat as everyone, he has to transition from grade focus to adult. His focus isn’t on his skills, it’s his mindset in the transition from one style of football to another.”

Hookers — Lachlan Adamson, Zac Alley, Taj Harris

A trio of dummy half sensations will vie for the number nine jumper throughout the 2023 season, each bringing something different to the table.

Where Foster says Lachlan Adamson will be more than capable of playing the full 80 minutes, Zac Alley has loomed as a shock selection courtesy of a formidable pre-season.

Meanwhile, Taj Harris has come out of the Keebra Park ranks as a renowned “battler” who Foster expects to take the game on.

“Lachie is capable of 80 minutes, and certainty getting to know Zac I’ve been impressed with his game so we’ll investigate him a little bit more,” Foster said.

“Taj is just a battler, he’ll put his body anywhere. He’s definitely a trooper in that respect.”

TWEED SEAGULLS

Outside Backs — Jack Field, Treymaine Harry, Logan Radzievil, Malakhi Donovan, Jaxon Longa, Jett Forbes, Blake Forder, Charme Turner, Zac Finch, Cooper Camby, Jared Johnson

Sheer speed will epitomise Tweed’s outside backs, a trait which Zimmerle declared a scintillating and exciting brand of football would follow.

“You only have to create half opportunities and they have the ability to do something with it on the outside,” Zimmerle said.

“I think it allows you to play a different style of football too, you have an attacking mindset from say a kick chase; you might be kicking out of trouble but it’s worth doing on tackle three because you may well get the ball back.”

Malakhi Donovan returns to the Seagulls’ centres alongside Newcastle product Logan Radzievil, who has forced his way into the side through his trial and pre-season efforts and has been training with the Queensland Cup squad.

Treymaine Harry and Jaxon Longa have also fended off stern challenges from the likes of Jett Forbes, fresh from a training stint with the Cronulla Sharks.

Meanwhile fullback Jack Field will don the number one jumper in Round 1 as well as take on the co-captaincy duties, in a move Zimmerle believes will give his unit a complete arsenal of attacking options.

Capable of playing in the halves as well, Field will create a “three-pronged attack” that the coach declared would give Tweed a wealth of opportunities either side of the ruck.

“Jack’s got amazing foot speed and he’s also a half, he’s played five-eighth and I think our football will be built around playing the three half system,” Zimmerle said.

“Your halfback plays on the all and a fullback locks in an edge and your five-eighth plays on the other.

“It gives you that three pronged attack in terms of a playmakers along with your nine and 13.”

Halves — Elliot Speed, Lachlan Evans, Jaxon Lepou, Max Liles, Will James

He has served his apprenticeship underneath and alongside the likes of Titans halves Toby Sexton and Tom Weaver, and now it is Max Liles chance to guide this Tweed outfit.

The Future Titans squad member has blossomed since spending the pre-season training in the NRL and Queensland Cup systems, developing a greater understand of the game’s nuances and when to strike on the field.

Liles’ progress has Zimmerle salivating at what could transpire this year, as he moves to make the same inroads in senior football as Weaver and Sexton have in the past 12 months.

“He has matured beautifully in the off-season with the Titans and in our QCup squad. He’s a left footer so that just gives you that complement of having a left and right footer in your team,” Zimmerle said.

“I think he’s not looking to force a play or come up with the miracle ball, he’s happy now to just run through his plays, utilise all the options and when the opportunity is there he strikes. I found in terms of his communication it’s increased ten fold.”

Liles will be partnered with Elliot Speed for the opening round clash against the Blackhawks; a Northern Rivers product who moved to Toowoomba in search of higher honours.

His return has given Zimmerle’s young men a commanding voice in the halves who has the pace to be a force running the football.

“He’s a voice, he’s a competitor, and so far he and Max have shown they will build into a strong combination,” Zimmerle said.

“Both he and max have a good turn of speed as well, so that’s basically the way we’ll look to play: sharp and engaging with the halves.

“I just think our goal really is to be skillful, that’s where the game has gone with the six again rules.

“You look at the ball play and interchange through the middle forwards to know everyone has the right to pass and use the football.

“But then the more players you have in the spine who are brave and willing to do something a little different … it’s an attractive brand of footy.”

Middle Forwards — Jordan Lewis, Will Taylor, Yorel Alapaki, Jake Parker, Jesse Jackson, Khyan Weir, Parker Bryant, Eli Tuli, Joth Russell, Nick Hilton, Taanei Heu, Harrison Croaker, Jayden Wright

Zimmerle confirmed lock forward Jordan Lewis will co-captain the squad, bringing with him a Reuben Cotter-like style that is expected to generate plenty of dummy half speed through the middle of the field.

However the Seagulls mentor lamented the loss of Parker Bryant, who suffered a broken jaw in the trials and will be unavailable for the season’s opening exchanges.

Future Titans product Jayden Wright will also announce his comeback from shoulder surgery last year, with his coach revealing he had further developed in size and would come equipped with plenty of skill with ball in hand.

But it was the returning Jesse Jackson, fresh off a dominant campaign with the colts last year, who could well emerge as the leader of the pack.

“He led us to win over Easts in the semi (last year) and scored in the last 40 seconds. He’s done the pre-season with Cup and has grown and filled out,” Zimmerle said.

“They picked themselves, it’s been toughness.

“We worked really hard in our fitness and in the 1.2km shuttle all the clubs use. We were amazed we had 15 of the players went under five minutes which is the benchmark and a large portion of them were our forwards.

“It shows us they have good engines.”

Edge Forwards — Reico Ratana, Rawiri Eruera Mathews, Tom Campbell, Jack Campbell, Ryan Foran

Future Titans gun Ryan Foran may not remain in the Seagulls’ colts line up for long, with Zimmerle adamant the youngster will garner Queensland Cup selection this year.

Foran will enter the Titans Top 30 squad in 2024, and the club will undoubtedly be eager to see how he handles the rigours of senior football before that happens.

His partner in the second row for the opening round is set to be Reico Ratana, who Zimmerle has likened to a New Zealand international star in his approach to the game.

“Ryan has aspirations to play in Cup so he’s going to come back and be really good for us and I have no doubt he’ll force his way into the QCup side,” Zimmerle said.

“Starting with him will be Reico, and he’s earned his spot through the pre-season. He’s very much a Kenny Bromwich type players he just does everything well — neat with his carries, can take a late ball from the half and runs good lines.”

Hookers — Harry Fraser, Brooklyn Stanley, Tanu Nona, Ethan Lowe, Josh Buttershaw, Caleb Case

Harry Fraser has arrived at Tweed from Newcastle as a halfback, however Zimmerle said the transition to hooker has begun in a bid to accelerate him towards Queensland Cup honours.

The utility will take a place on the bench to interchange with starting dummy half Brooklyn Stanley, however the Seagulls boss said had proven to be a fast learner.

Zimmerle said Fraser’s versatility would make his side an 80 minute attacking threat, capable to being injected late in the contest and harness the prowess of his outside men.

“We’ll start with Brooklyn Stanley because he’s shown throughout the pre-season his potential for growth,” he said.

“He was with us back end of last year but in terms of his decision making and understanding of what to do for the team’s sake he’s improved dramatically.

“Then we have Harry Fraser converting to hooker who will be our 14, and that gives us even more creativity.”

Future Titan Tanu Nona is also expected to come into the side at some stage, however as one of the younger players in the group may be forced to bide his time.

nick.wright@news.com.au