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The Gold Coast rugby league season is upon us, and the Bulletin has you covered for this weekend’s launch. Discover how each club is placed heading into the opening round below.
All eight clubs will take to the field at Tugun on Sunday, with several marquee names gracing the turf in what is sure to be enthralling way to kickstart the 2022 campaign.
SEE ALL CLUB SEASON PREVIEWS AND BLOW BY BLOW OF EACH GAME BELOW
Each game will be live blogged here by the Gold Coast Bulletin, keeping you up-to-date with every try, big hit and inspirational play that takes place.
Welcome to the season Bulletin readers, get ready for a big one.
COMEBACK KID’S COLOSSAL EFFORT
He has endured a torrid run with injuries throughout his young career, but Jayden Sharp showed little signs of that on Sunday.
The Burleigh lock came through the Bears ranks in the Mal Meninga Cup, and appeared destined for a brilliant career before a series of knee reconstructions felled him.
Forced to sit out the 2019 with injury, only to suffer the same fate the following season, was a major setback for him, however coach Matt Foster said with each bit of adversity he faced he rose to the challenge.
Sharp led from the front in forcing several Southport carries loose in the 20-18 victory for Burleigh, while his passing game provided his halves plenty of chances to link up with their outside men.
Foster was full of praise for not just Sharp’s performance, but his resilience in fighting his way back onto the field and dedicating himself to overcoming the roadblocks that were put in front of him.
“He played 71 minutes I think it was. He’s got a big engine, I knew that, and I knew he would go pretty deep,” Foster said.
“When it got quite close there I knew I could rely on Jayden to do a job. We kept him out a little bit longer than we wanted to, but his engine is pretty good and he got through it.
“(His passing game) is something he’s had previously but he’s worked on it a lot in the pre-season. As a middle forward if you’ve got a passing game it adds an extra dimension.”
The defending champions were confronted with an early test against Southport, a side spearheaded by new recruit and ex-NRL star Greg Bird.
Former Penrith Panther and Canterbury Bulldog Sione Katoa also presented danger out of dummy-half, scoring two tries and pinning the Bears deep in their own half with his kicking game from the ruck.
But while the Tigers were able to fight for several attacking chances, Burleigh were able to repel raid after raid.
And when they at last regained possession, Kurtis Rowe would took the lead.
The former Wests Tiger, and the Bears all-time leading Queensland Cup try scorer, was electric from the back. After setting up a first-half try, his darting runs proved an even greater nemesis for Southport in the second 40 minutes, scoring a sensational try in the corner.
While he has lost out on his state-level number one jersey to young gun Taine Tuaupiki, Foster backed Rowe to ensure the battle for the top job between the pair continues throughout the campaign.
But he said for all the attacking flare the custodian provided, the game was determined by the gritty defensive mindset on their own line they had been eager to embed all pre-season.
“I think line defence is an attitude. We totally have a look at our identity as far as how we defend our own line,” Foster said.
“If you’re willing to get up and keep scrambling and keep working hard in that space you set yourself up in god stead to be able to work on the other parts of the game.
“We have to be very physical and we have to be energetic defending our own line. I didn’t think it was a fantastic game of skill but it was certainly a fantastic game of grit and determination.
“That’s what I’m proudest of the boys for, for hanging in there. We gave them a lot of opportunities inside our 20m and in a large part we held our line pretty strong.”
— TUGUN SEAHAWKS VS MUDGEERABA REDBACKS
FULL TIME: Tugun have closed out an absolute thriller with the Redbacks, winning 22-20.
78TH MINUTE — With the Redbacks right on the attack, a knock on just 10m away from the line costs them dearly.
77TH MINUTE — Tugun lose possession in a heavy tackle just within their own half.
72ND MINUTE — TRY! Mudgeeraba fight back to set up a grand stand finish through big man Jesse Malcom. After marching down field following a Tugun knock on, the Redbacks prop charged over under the posts as just reward for a tireless display. Conversion attempt is successful, taking the score to 22-20.
67TH MINUTE — A one on one strip gets the Redbacks in strong position. However Tugun hold out the onslaught.
66TH MINUTE — Burgess converts another penalty goal, extending the lead to 22-14.
66TH MINUTE — Tugun get another chance to attack the Mudgeeraba line, after Burgess is taken out late on a kick. Another penalty followed for a dangerous tackle where a Seahawks forward was tackled beyond the horizonal.
64TH MINUTE — Burgess converts the penalty goal to extend the lead to 20-14.
63RD MINUTE — The Redbacks are penalised with the ball for leading into contact with the forearm, giving Tugun another crack at the line.
60TH MINUTE — A Mudgeeraba knock on gives Tugun a chance close to the line. A desperate final tackle run from Burgess is pulled just short of the line.
57TH MINUTE — TRY! Redbacks bench forward Michael Tiopira barges over from close range to get Mudgeeraba right back into the contest. The conversion from in front of the sticks is converted, taking the score to 18-14. Game on!
56TH MINUTE — A kick in behind the line from Redbacks halfback Regan Johnson forces a knock on from Tugun right on their own line.
53RD MINUTE — TRY! Desmond finishes the job this time for the Redbacks. An offload from the middle of the field by prop Jesse Malcolm created the opportunity, with the sweeping play to follow putting the flyer away for an impresive finishes. Conversion attempt is unsuccessful from the sideline, keeping the score at 18-8.
49TH MINUTE — Redbacks knock on deep in Tugun territory. The Seahawks then get a penalty to help them out of their own end.
44TH MINUTE — SO CLOSE! The Redbacks send the ball out wide to winger Bukowski, however in attempting to dive for the corner with limited room to work with lost possession.
43RD MINUTE — A Tugun knock on in their own half gives the Redbacks a chance to bounce back.
41ST MINUTE — TRY! From the unfortunate knock on after the Mudgeeraba head knock, Latu storms through several defenders to score his second for Tugun. Conversion is successful to take the score out to 18-4.
41ST MINUTE — From the first hit up for the second half, a Redbacks player was left momentarily motionless on the ground following a head collision. He was helped from the field by two trainers.
39TH MINUTE — In the shadows of halftime, Tugun’s Zac Beecher puts down a spiralling kick to give the Redbacks one last crack before the break. Seahawks penalised at the scrum, however they withstand the final raid to hang on for halftime.
36TH MINUTE — TRY! A huge Redbacks break through the middle gets them back into strong field position. From the set which followed, a sweeping movement out to the wing puts flyer Joshua Bukowski over for their opening points. The conversion attempt is missed, keeping the scores at 12-4.
32ND MINUTE — Redbacks earn a six again within Tugun’s 20m line to earn their closest chance of the game. A late hit also earns them a penalty, however a knock on ends their chance.
25TH MINUTE — TRY! A perfectly timed grubber early in the tackle count from Tugun halfback Michael Burgess put edge forward Matthew Koellner over to extend their lead. The conversion attempt was successful to take the lead to 12-0.
23RD MINUTE — After make shift five-eighth Keanu Te Kiri got Tugun into strong field position with a series of deft passes, the Seahawks coughed up the ball to end their raid. But the Redbacks also lost possession within a matter of tackles, opening the door again for the home side.
21ST MINUTE — The Redbacks gain a penalty just within their own half, presenting them with their best attacking chance of the game. However a miraculous jump from Tugun kept the kick in play and got the Seahawks back on the front foot.
14TH MINUTE — Redbacks kick the ball dead, giving Tugun a seven-tackle set.
12TH MINUTE — Despite the weight of possession, Tugun are unable to convert the chances as a knock on gives the Redbacks a reprieve.
9TH MINUTE — Tugun force a drop out following a deft grubber kick behind the line. They force another one from the proceeding set.
8TH MINUTE — Mudgeeraba is penalised for a shoulder charge, getting the Seahawks back into attacking territory.
5TH MINUTE — TRY! The Seahawks open the scoring after a miscommunication at the back from a clearance kick put the ball in the path of Tugun winger Samiu Latu. The flyer produced a brilliant dive in the corner to open proceedings. The sideline conversion attempt is successful from Michael Burgess to lead 6-0.
2ND MINUTE — An early Tugun knock on in their own 30m line gives the Redbacks first chance. However an error themselves prevented any damage for the home side.
— CURRUMBIN EAGLES VS RUNAWAY BAY SEAGULLS
80TH MINUTE — TRY! Seagulls fullback Tyler Han caps off a brilliant individual performance with his second try right on full-time. He is handed the goal kicking duties however fails to convert. Final score 20-4.
76TH MINUTE – A knock on close to the line ends the Eagles chance to draw back into the game.
75TH MINUTE – SO CLOSE! A Currumbin chip close to the line is not cleaned up by the Seagulls, however an air swing from the Eagles misses the chances. A line drop ensues.
72ND MINUTE – A late tackle gives Currumbin a penalty out of their own end.
70TH MINUTE – Currumbin kick out on the full to give Seagulls a chance again. However a knock on close to the line lets the Eagles off the hook.
68TH MINUTE – TRY! Despite being down to 12 men, Runaway Bay charge down field courtesy of a penalty to get an attacking chance. A slick offload out the back of the hand to put winger Matthew Jesse in the corner extends the Seagulls margin. Conversion attempt is unsuccessful, with the scores remaining 16-4.
65TH MINUTE — SIN BIN!After Currumbin prop Jarrod Gill got a late offload away for the Eagles to burst into the clear, Runaway Bay lose Vincent Takata for 10 minutes for holding on for too long.
62ND MINUTE — Currumbin kick out on the full to give the Seagulls possession on halfway. However a monster hit forces an error to get the Eagles back on the attack.
57TH MINUTE — A penalty right in front of the sticks gives Runaway Bay an eight point lead. 12-4.
52ND MINUTE — TRY! After a near miss, Currumbin force an error out of Runaway Bay to regain possession. From there, Eagles winger Bayley Desmond was put into the clear, and a brilliant put down right in the corner gets his side on the board. Conversion is missed to keep the scores at 10-4.
51ST MINUTE — SO CLOSE! Currumbin come within a whisker of opening their account, however a knock on over the line costs them.
50TH MINUTE — Seagulls error on halfway opens the door for Currumbin.
45TH MINUTE — A Currumbin knock on from a towering torpedo kick gives Runaway Bay a shot at the line. However an error out of dummy half ends the raid.
41ST MINUTE — Straight off the kick off Currumbin are penalised for being in front of the kicker. A high tackle on Aaron Booth follows on the Eagles line. However a huge hit forces a loose ball and gets the red army in the clear.
40TH MINUTE — SO CLOSE! Runaway Bay make a long range break into the clear, however the final pass was ruled forward. At halftime, the Seagulls are up 10-0.
39TH MINUTE — A well worked kick from Eagles five-eighth Nash Geyer almost provided a chance for winger Bayley Desmond, however a cruel bounce stunted the chance.
37TH MINUTE — Currumbin come desperately close to scoring, only for fullback Benjamin Willetts to be held up over the line.
35TH MINUTE — A penalty for coming off the line early as Runaway Bay were coming out of trouble gives the Seagulls a reprieve.
34TH MINUTE — A Runaway Bay error deep down their own end gives Currumbin another crack at the line. However another knock on stripped them of the chance.
26TH MINUTE — A Seagulls knock on spoils the chance to extend the margin.
24TH MINUTE — A great kick in behind the line from Seagulls halfback Booth regains possession, after the Currumbin defender was then dragged into touch close to his own line. At the end of the proceeding set, the Runaway Bay five-eighth puts in a class grubber to force a drop out.
21ST MINUTE — A knock on as the Eagles attack costs them the chance.
19TH MINUTE — Currumbin are given another chance after a Runaway Bay forward pass 30m out from their own line.
17TH MINUTE —A Runaway Bay knock on trying a quick dummy half run from the ruck gifts the ball back to Currumbin, and with that the chance to counter attack. The Eagles immediately get a penalty for a high shot. However two tackles later, key Currumbin recruit Ben Hannant knocks on after a lacklustre pass goes through his hands.
14TH MINUTE — TRY! Slick hands through the backline puts Murray down the side. A pass back on the inside picks up halfback and Titans development player Aaron Booth to score and extend the margin. Murray misses the conversion attempt, keeping the scores at 10-0.
10TH MINUTE — TRY! A sensational dummy and step from Seagulls fullback Tyler Han opens the scoring. Conversion attempt is successful Queille Murray, taking to score to 6-0.
8TH MINUTE — Runaway Bay force an error out fo Currumbin 40m out from the Eagles line.
5TH MINUTE — A high tackle while Currumbin attack earns the Eagles a penalty and another chance to strike. A sensationl cut out pass almost puts Currumbin over only for the Seagulls to hold the man up.
1ST MINUTE — Currumbin force a drop out courtesy of a great kick chase from the first set of the game, however were unable to convert the early chance.
— ORMEAU SHEARERS VS HELENSVALE HORNETS
79TH MINUTE — TRY! Ormeau let another chance to score go begging, as a Rogers forward pass close to the line gets the Hornets off the hook. However Helensvale immediately knocked on from the scrum, with Rogers fittingly picking up the scraps to score next to the posts. His perfect kicking game continued when he converted his own try, taking the scoreline out to 42-12.
71ND MINUTE — TRY! Issac Luke continues to showcase just how valuable he could be to Ormeau’s 2022 cause, storming over again for score his second and take the game beyond doubt. Rogers converts again to take the scores to 36-12.
65TH MINUTE — SO CLOSE! As Ormeau attack the line, Hornets centre Benjamin Kelly claims an intercept and tears off down field. However a desperate covering tackle just as he was diving in to score forcing the flyer to put a foot into touch.
64TH MINUTE — A long range break from Shearers winger Sosefo Nasio gets them back into attacking field, before drawing a penalty from the Hornets.
61ST MINUTE — After earning a penalty coming out of the own end, an unforced error once again costs the Hornets.
59TH MINUTE — TRY! Helensvale claw back the score after a beautiful ‘Harbour Bridge’ pass lands in the hands of winger Kyle Ferguson. Bayley Court misses the conversion attempt to keep the scores at 30-10.
58TH MINUTE — Hornets force a drop out to earn another chance to fight back.
53RD MINUTE — TRY! A brilliant cut out ball from Shearers five-eighth Sioeli Filianga puts winger Anthony Setu into space. The flyer evades his opposite number to crash over and blow the scoreline out. Rogers nails the sideline conversion attempt to take the score to 30-6.
49TH MINUTE — Ormeau get another chance to attack the Hornets line, only to be dragged into touch while attempting a short side play. Helensvale then earn a penalty for a dangerous tackle, only to lose possession from another error.
46TH MINUTE — TRY! The Shearers have extended their lead courtesy of a bulldozing run from edge forward Blaid Pakura. After receiving possession close to the line, the second rower had three men hanging off him as he charged forward, landing over the strip. Rogers converts yet again to have the scores at 24-6.
41ST MINUTE — Ormeau knock on from the kick off to give the Hornets an early chance. However Helensvale were unable to convert the chance as another error cost them.
40TH MINUTE — Rogers misses the penalty goal attempt, leaving the scores at 18-6 heading into half time.
38TH MINUTE — Hornets kick out on the full to give the Shearers one final chance in the half. They immediately draw a penalty and opt to go for the two points.
35TH MINUTE — The Hornets spoil an attacking chance late in the half with a knock on early in the tackle count while deep in enemy territory.
32TH MINUTE — TRY! The Shearers massive recruit in Issac Luke is proving his worth and then some. The former Kiwi international and NRL star added to his try assists when he dove across out of dummy-half to extended Ormeau’s margin. Rogers converts the try to take the lead to 18-6.
28TH MINUTE — TRY! Tutiula scores his second for the afternoon with another barging effort. Rogers converts once again to take the lead 12-6.
20TH MINUTE — TRY! Helensvale fight back as centre Benjamin Kelly glides across to score. Campbell Pirhi converts to level the scores at 6-6.
11TH MINUTE — TRY! After raiding the Hornets line, marquee Shearer Issac Luke throws a short ball close to the line James Tutuila to barge across. Five-eighth Jack Rogers coverts for a 6-0 lead.
3RD MINUTE — An early penalty to Ormeau gives them their first chance of the game, however a knock on from the first hit up cruels the chance.
KICK OFF: The Shearers and Hornets clash is underway.
— SOUTHPORT TIGERS VS BURLEIGH BEARS AT 11AM
80TH MINUTE — TRY! Sione Katoa scores his second to make a game of an enthralling contest. The Bears were made to pay for a risky play down the other end, with Billy Mozer put through a hole for a long range line break. However despite Rio converting, the final score stayed at 20-18 to Burleigh.
78TH MINUTE — After holding out one Burleigh attacking opportunity, Southport cough up possession to open the door again. However Rowe attempts a grubber on play one only to end up back with the Tigers.
74TH MINUTE — A Tigers knock on 30m from their own line gives the Bears another chance.
70TH MINUTE – TRY! An attempted Bears grubber behind the line that barely touched the boot was swooped up by fullback Kurtis Rowe, who dove into the corner to extend the lead. McKenzie-O’Brien’s sideline conversion attempt falls just short to keep the lead at 20-12.
66TH MINUTE — After withstanding another Tigers attacking chance, a brilliant 40/20 out of dummy half gives the Bears a sniff of the line. However a knock on out of dummy half ends the raid.
62ND MINUTE – TRY! Sione Katoa gets the Tigers right back in the contest, diving over from dummy-half to bring Southport within striking distance. Fullback Jaman Rio coverts to take the scores to 16-12 in the Bears’ favour.
57TH MINUTE — SIN BIN! Tigers earn a penalty after Bird is slung to the ground in a high shot. Bears halfback George House is placed on report and sent to the sin bin, giving Southport a great chance to fight back. But another big hit from the Bears pack forces an error early in the tackle count.
54TH MINUTE — Burleigh immediately get another chance, as the Tigers kick off goes out on the full. However a knock on close the line gets Southport out of trouble.
52ND MINUTE — TRY! After forcing an error in Southport’s half, Burleigh went on the attack. A brilliant grubber in behind the line was followed by a desperate dive from McKenzie-O’Brien to extend the Bears lead. The five-eighth coverts his own try to take the scores to 16-6.
48TH MINUTE — Southport fullback Jaman Rio chips into the in-goal, forcing a drop out in the process. However the Burleigh defence holds firm again to force an error.
46TH MINUTE — The Tigers get another chance, after Greg Bird was taken out late from a clearance kick. Southport deep into attack once again.
41ST MINUTE — Once again Burleigh’s desperate defence forces an error out of the Tigers while on the attack.
41ST MINUTE — Straight after the kick off to resume before a tackle could be made, Burleigh a penalised for obstruction running around a man. Southport have an immediate chance to strike back.
40TH MINUTE - McKenzie-O’Brien misses a long range penalty goal attempt on halftime. Bears head into the sheds leading the Tigers 10-6.
38TH MINUTE — Burleigh force the ball loose again close to their line. Bears lock Jayden Sharp, who has played the whole half, has been instrumental leading from the front in defence to force the errors.
32ND MINUTE — TRY! Burleigh re-take the lead from the penalty as edge forward Blake Campbell charges over from a short ball. McKenzie-O’Brien misses the conversion to keep the scores at 10-6.
32ND MINUTE — Burleigh earn a peanlty deep into enemy territory. However Bears halfback George House was felled in the tackle He was assessed by a trainer, but cleared to play on.
31ST MINUTE — Southport halfback Zane Harris creates another opporunity with a half-break, putting a man in the clear. However the ball is lost and Burleigh get the scrum on halfway.
27TH MINUTE — TRY! Southport fight back after a brilliant run from halfback Zane Harris. The number seven threw a dummy to burst through the line, stepping by the fullback and desperately reaching out to score while being tackled. He converts his own try to level the scores at 6-6.
25TH MINUTE — Burleigh put themselves under more pressure with a knock on right on halfway.
23RD MINUTE — Southport immediately force the ball loose from the first hit up from the kick off to earn another attacking chance. However Tigers centre John Folau is held up over the line as the Bears repel another raid.
20TH MINUTE — TRY! Burleigh score the opening points of the season with Bears centre Allan Lockwood crosses with his side’s first genuine chance of the game. Slick passing through the backline got the ball in Lockwood’s hands, before some deft footwork to get around the fullback enabled him to cross. The try is coverted by Reece McKenzie-O’Brien for a 6-0 lead.
17TH MINUTE — Burleigh player is placed on report after a heavy hit deep in Southport territory. However from the penalty the Bears force yet another error out of Southport.
13TH MINUTE — Another Southport raid defended, with Bears winger Callum Burgess-Boomer intercepting a Sione Katoa pass. However he is dragged into touch after a 20m run. But from the first hit up, a brutal Burleigh hit forces the ball loose.
12TH MINUTE — Southport earn another penalty on halfway with the Bears not square at marker.
9TH MINUTE — Burleigh put on the back foot after a knock on coming out of their own end. However the Bears again hold firm, as Southport knock the ball on inches from the line. A short pass from Burleigh fullback Kurtis Rowe after the scrum Regan Ogle briefly in the clear to get out of their danger zone.
6TH MINUTE — Southport earn a penalty after Tigers five-eighth Greg Bird was taken out late from a kick. Burleigh repell the attacking raid, with Southport centre Simione Atu pulled up agonisingly short.
3RD MINUTE — The Bears have let their first scoring opportunity go begging, with a forward pass preventing winger Ryan Wescombe from crossing.
2ND MINUTE — An early penalty for Burleigh coming out of their own end with Southport not making the 10m. Immediately followed by another penalty for the Bears.
KICK OFF: We’re underway for the 2022 Gold Coast Rugby League season
HELENSVALE SEASON PREVIEW
Clinton Toopi believes he has unearthed one of the most exciting prospects in Gold Coast rugby league, and he has called upon an old teammate to help harness that potential.
The Helensvale Hornets coach has signed up a fellow former Titans in Sam Tagataese, a man who he shared two seasons with at the Glitter Strip club.
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Tagataese will bring 174 NRL games worth of experience to the Hornets, who are seeking to drastically improve on their bottom placed 2021 finish.
But it was more than what the 35-year-old could do on the field that made Toopi determined to bring the damaging prop to the club. Rather it was for the wisdom he could impart on a group of emerging talents fresh off an under-18s grand final appearance.
And it is talented lock Jay Blazek who Toopi sees as a future pillar of the Helensvale outfit, and a young player who Tagataese could help take to higher honours.
“I’m only going to say this because I love everything about him … he’s young, vibrant, energetic, respectful and all the qualities has the potential to go all the way,” Toopi sai
“He’s one of those kids where you want them to be successful because they’re out and out good humans … (and) I think it’s only a matter of time.
“You only have to think of one of our marquee signings who was Sam Tagataese. Once he (Blazek) plays alongside him, you see at training with all the talk that has been going around about the kid but you play with him it just confirmed the quality of the kid.
“He even put on some size for us which was really exciting, and I know he’ll be able to maintain the physicality of what A-grade brings.”
Bringing Tagatease to the Hornets has already paid huge dividends, according to Toopi.
The pair have stayed in constant contact ever since they retired from rugby league, and Toopi said it was the chance to build a side club from the ground up that enticed his former teammate.
Tagatease will captain Helensvale in 2022, and the Toopi likened his presence to that of an on field coach.
When the young players in the squad needed direction, the Cronulla NRL premiership winner would steer them and they hung off every word.
And Toopi said it was the idea of that challenge, turning a group of talented teenagers into elite footballers, that claimed Tagatease’s signature.
“I think it was the challenge of making us a competitive team. I think when you play at the highest level that competitive nature doesn’t vanish, it doesn’t disappear, it sticks around,” Toopi said.
“He saw that as a challenge with how he could contribute, and because we’re really tight and close I think that sort of helped get him over the line.
“It’s just his presence alone, for those that may not know Sam he may seem like quite a quiet person but he’s actually very intelligent and articulate.
“His game IQ is very, very sound, and I like that he brings that element to the squad and the team. The boys just are all ears and eyes for him, they really hone in on what he has to say.
“He probably could’ve got a lot of money elsewhere, but he came for the greater good of what he could bring to the Hornets as well as the players.”
HELENSVALE ROUND 1 SIDE: 1. Christian Chase; 2. Kyle Ferguson; 3. Stellan Arthurs; 4. Benjamin Kelly; 5. Sosefo Nasio; 6. Not listed; 7. Campbell Pirihi; 8. Sam Tagatease (c); 9. Bailey Court; 10. Johannes Kaese; 11. Liam Clark; 12. Brayden Young; 13. Jay Blazek; 14. Asiah Sadaraka; 15. Not listed; 16. Adrian Lowe; 17. Christopher Green
ORMEAU SEASON PREVIEW
All it took was one conversation, one which had absolutely nothing to do with football, to convince Issac Luke to join the Ormeau revival mission.
After the Shearers were forced to withdraw from the 2021 Gold Coast Rugby League due to a lack of numbers, former Burleigh Bears mentor Stuart Wilkins answered an SOS to pick up the clipboard and spearhead a new era for the club.
However the former premiership winner needed a marquee man to inspire the next generation of Shearers through the ranks.
Enter Luke.
“I had lunch with him one day and we spoke about anything but football. I think he liked that and he showed passion to other things like family that really count,” Wilkins said.
“He jumped on board; whist I wasn’t surprised, I was pleasantly pleased how much he’s jumped into it. I know some players can come from the higher ranks and take the money and run, but he’s been phenomenal.
“He’s very positive, very engaging and teaching the young players. To be perfectly honest we couldn’t have had a better signing.”
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Luke’s rugby league resume speaks for itself: 287 NRL appearances between four clubs, as well as 43 Test caps for New Zealand.
The 34-year-old will be joined in Ormeau’s recruitment drive by former Newcastle Knight and Tonga international Siuatonga Likiliki, as well as two-time Canterbury Bulldog Lorenzo Ma’afu.
Five-eighth Jack Rogers, the son of NRL great Mat Rogers, has also joined the Shearers’ ranks, as has Dylan Pelo — who finished as the 2017 Players’ Player under Wilkins with the Bears.
While Wilkins admits that at times he is scratching his head over how he will field a competitive team, Ormeau’s blossoming junior base has convinced him a dominant decade could soon be approaching.
Up to 36 young men have filled the club’s under-18s — not yet ready for the rigours of senior football, but rapidly approaching that level.
Wilkins said his incoming brigade’s impact on the up and coming group had been palpable thus far, and now his job would be about nurturing that talent through to the top.
“We’ll certainly have 17 ready to go, I’m confident of that. The greatest challenge for Gold Coast coaches is we all have marquee signings,” Wilkins said.
“I was talking to Matt Geyer and Ben Hannant’s playing for Currumbin, Sam Tagaetese is for Helensvale. We’ve all got marquee signings, the challenge is to fill the gaps with players at a level that will build a great side.
“It’s not easy, there’s a great divide between the Greg Bird’s and Issac Luke’s, and you’re most inexperienced player.
“It’s about getting coverage and competency across the field, because you’re only as good as your weaknesses.
“This is what the whole goal for Ormeau, to be competitive and consistent over the next 10 years and we give all those kids a pathway to the Titans.”
Ormeau will kick off their 2022 campaign against Helensvale Hornets on March 27.
ORMEAU ROUND 1 SIDE: 1. Isaac Nathan; 2. Anthony Setu; 3. Jack Jeffress; 4. Dylan Pelo; 5. Not listed; 6. Sioeli Filianga; 7. Jack Rogers; 8. Anthony Tongia; 9. Issac Luke; 10. James Tutuila; 11. Coen Rankmore; 12. Blaid Pakura; 13. Alailima Ma’afu; 14. Lochlann Smith; 15. Not Listed; 16. Sheldon Brown; 17. Tepa Arokapiti
MUDGEERABA REDBACKS PREVIEW
He journeyed from club to club for nearly 15 years in compiling more than 300 first-grade appearance, and now Zeb Taia will embark on his next rugby league challenge.
The 37-year-old has joined the Redbacks ranks for 2022, set to not only provide plenty of starch to the forward pack but help usher in a new era for Mudgeeraba.
While the likes of Jakob Schmike, Lorenzo Mafu and Denzel Nagati will line up for rival clubs this year, Redbacks coach Martin Griese believes the impact Taia will bring has wider reaching applications than on-field performance.
“I believe a part of his deal is to have some involvement within the juniors, so some mentoring and coaching and training and stuff like that,” Griese said.
“Will be awesome for the club and him as well. He’s bought in and I expect to plug him in there and not have to worry about him, he’s one of those sort of players.
“He’s definitely a big part of our year this year (and will be) playing back row for us most of the time.”
Griese will not be eye-balling a complete “identity shift” this year, after finishing fourth and fighting through to the major semi-final where they ultimately lose to Southport.
He said a couple of “key injuries” would ensure taking on Tugun at home for their season opener would make the contest even more daunting, labelling the clash with the Seahawks as a “baptism of fire” — particularly for his youngsters out to make their mark.
“I just hope we play it smart to tell you the truth,” Griese said.
“It’s not going to be an overall identity shift to what I was trying to od last year with them. “Just play smart eyes up footy, instead of drones that are programmed to go here and there and kick dead.”
MUDGEERABA ROUND 1 SIDE: 1. Maverick Sooalo; 2. Te Rangiatea McDonald; 3. Jamie Anderson; 4. Keanu Rimene; 5. Joshua Bukowski; 6. Not Listed; 7. Regan Johnson; 8. Not Listed; 9. Kane Kelleher; 10. Jesse Malcom; 11. Ayden Lee; 12. Nathan Schwass; 13. Parahi Wilson; 14. Lachlan Box; 15. Lane Ticehurst; 16. Thomas Isa’ako; 17. Michael Tiopira
SOUTHPORT TIGERS PREVIEW
A return to the Gold Coast rugby league scene for a Titans legend will be the headline act for the Tigers, who are set to boast a formidable roster in their charge to the title.
NRL and State of Origin star Greg Bird is set to line up at five-eighth for Southport this season, and is expected to be paired with a fellow former Titan in Kane Elgey.
The pairing will be the most accomplished in the competition, with Bird’s resume well known — 316 first-grade appearances between the Titans, Cronulla Sharks and Catalans Dragons, 18 caps for New South Wales and 17 in Kangaroos colours.
Elgey is at an age where halfbacks typically hit their stride, however the now 28-year-old called time on his NRL career in 2019.
At the time, the number seven of 58 NRL games took to Instagram and said:
“It’s been a roller coaster ride and I’m stoked with what I’ve achieved in a short time!
“I just know deep down I don’t love it like I used to and when you lose that it’s very hard to keep doing it at a high level.
“Thanks to everyone that I have met on the ride and who has supported me.”
The highly credentialled scrumbase will be further bolstered by former Bulldog and Panther Sione Katoa, who will wear the number nine jumper in assuming the duties out of dummy half.
Last August the hooker was not offered another contract by Canterbury, with his NRL career now sitting on 75 clashes as well as 11 international matches with Tonga.
Former Parramatta Eel John Folau will also take his place in the centres.
SOUTHPORT TIGERS ROUND 1 SIDE: 1. Jaman Rio; 2. Malachi Morgan; 3. Simione Ata; 4. John Folau; 5. Shaquille Gafa; 6. Greg Bird; 7. Not Listed; 8. Not Listed; 9. Sione Katoa; 10. Andre Iro; 11. Benjamin Thomas; 12. Piki Te Ora Rogers; 13. Eni Folau; 14. Rhian Stowers; 15. Billy Mozer; 17. Brock Hamill; 20. Denzal Ngati
CURRUMBIN, RUNAWAY BAY PREVIEW
Currumbin coach Matt Geyer is rubbing his hands with glee at the prospect of a fit and firing Ben Hannant leading the line for the Eagles this season.
But the second-year senior coach is most excited about a prospective hooking pairing that he says could light up the competition.
Currumbin made a major signing coup in securing former Mudgeeraba utility Jakob Schmike in the off-season. He will start at No.9 against Runaway Bay on Sunday, with 20-year-old Tyler Creecy to come off the bench.
“I’ve known Jakob since he was 10 years old, when he was a tiny fullback knocking the bigger kids over,” Geyer said.
“He’s a very smart footballer, has great balance and courage. I know what I’m getting with him.
“His old club said he’s the toughest young footballer they had.
“Tyler is ready. He’s a concreter, he’s tough as nails and pound for pound I haven’t seen a tougher footballer. He has all the things you want: tough, fit, good speed and great service – and he’s only 20 years old. The footy part is easy for him.”
Hannant’s return to Gold Coast rugby league comes off the back of a year where he has set about working his way towards the standard of fitness which rewarded with with two NRL premierships.
Just last February he stepped into the ring to box Josh Papalii, arguably the NRL’s finest prop, where he surprised many and almost pipped the Canberra Raider across the three rounds.
At the time when he was announced as the drawcard fight of the inaugural Rugby League Rivals All Stars fight card, Hannant told NewsCorp he had been craving the energy and adrenaline that came with elite level sport.
“With eight kids it’s trying to teach them in life things will scare them but they can tackle it and you get the rewards on the back of it,” Hannant said last January.
“That’s what rugby league is all about, I think people are kidding themselves when footy players say they don’t get scared.
“Since being retired for four years now I sort of miss that nervous energy, being a little scared but doing the work and when you overcome it it’s the best feeling in the world.”
Hannant and his teammates will be faced with a Runaway Bay outfit to be steered around the park by a halfback determined to crack the big time.
Aaron Booth will don the number seven jersey on Sunday, backed with six NRL appearances for the Melbourne Storm.
He is currently in the mix with the Gold Coast Titans, having fought his way to a development contract through a string of strong Queensland Cup performances.
Meanwhile former Norths Devil Sione Palavi will be the man tasked with going head to head with Hannant up front, and is set to be the spearhead of the Seagulls pack in 2022.
Vincent Takataka, who just last year lined up for the Tweed Seagulls colts side in the statewide competition, will also assume a spot on the edge.
They will be sheppard by 2019 Gold Coast player of the year Jenan Wedderburn-Parrish at hooker.
CURRUMBIN ROUND 1 SIDE: 1. Benjamin Willets; 2. Joshua Walker; 3. Ken Allison; 4. Noah Croudace; 5. Bayley Desmond; 6. Nash Geyer; 7. Scott Bunt; 8. Ben Hannant; 9. Jacob Schimke; 10. Jarrod Gill; 11. Jakob Smith; 12. Lachlan Cooper; 13. Ji Van Heerwaarden; 14. Tyler Creecy; 15. Nicolaas Ploesma; 16. Campbell Mellick; 17. Pele Peletelese
RUNAWAY BAY ROUND 1 SIDE: 1. Tyler Han; 2. Matthew Jesse; 3. Not Listed; 4. Queille Murray; 5. Brent Barnes; 6. Not Listed; 7. Aaron Booth; 8. Sione Palavi; 9. Jenan Wedderburn-Parrish; 10. Bayley Loughhead; 11. Darcy Sims; 12. Vinncent Takataka; 13. Aisea Taholo; 14. Not Listed; 15. Anthony Worot; 16. Brodie Christopherson; 17. Stephen Tunnicliffe
TUGUN SEASON PREVIEW
Fresh off a stint with an NRL powerhouse, James Torrens is primed for a breakout campaign on the Gold Coast.
In fact, according to Tugun Seahawks coach Clint Barends, he could be the missing piece of the puzzle from last year’s grand final heartache.
Despite enduring a torrid run of luck when border closures stripped the Seahawks of several squad members throughout the season, Barends men were only felled at the last hurdle to a rampant Burleigh Bears outfit.
But Casino product Torrens on deck, having trained all pre-season with the Penrith Panthers, a new dynamic has been added to the Seahawks ranks.
“We’ve only picked him up late, we probably knew about a week ago that we would get him,” Barends said.
“He got an opportunity to trial with Penrith and unfortunately it didn’t work out for him down there, but he’s come back topush for QCup.
“He’s in really good condition at the moment doing a full pre-season down there.”
Barends stocks have risen further courtesy of two more incomers who have come refreshed after extended stints out of the game.
A combination of teaching pursuits and injuries have kept Tim Wollens and Blake Midson off the field in recent years, but each are now primed to added significant strength and size to the Tugun forward pack.
With the likes of Burleigh and Southport set to field imposing packs — the two sides Barends believes will be the benchmarksides of the competition — the extra power up front will prove crucial in the Seahawks title pursuit.
However while other outfits will feature marquee men who have paved successful NRL careers in the past, it is a relatively unknown 2021 gun who Barends is most eager to see in action.
Ballina product Zac Beecher made an immediate impact on his debut Gold Coast campaign, scoring 10 tries to finish third in the competition.
But while many of those four-pointers came playing throughout the outside backs, Barends confirmed Beecher would be given the chance to thrive at fullback.
“He’s impressed since he got here last year … it’s his work ethic at training and probably just he’s a genuinely champion bloke (that makes him stand out),” Barends said.
“He’s just tough as they come, he carts the ball out of trouble when no one else wants to.”
TUGUN ROUND 1 SIDE: 1. Zac Beecher; 2. Brett McGiffen; 3. Kody Parsons; 4. Matthew Koellner; 5. Samiu Latu; 6. Keanu Te Kiri; 7. Michael Burgess; 8. Timothy Wolens; 9. William Johnstone; 10. James Ryan; 11. Daniel Kelly; 12. Ethan Roberts; 13. Samuel Meskell; 14. Xavier Zimmerman; 15. Melvin Dawson; 16. Levi Norton; 17. Not Listed
BURLEIGH BEARS SEASON PREVIEW
He is the hockey star-turned Burleigh surprise packet who is set to be among the fastest players in the Gold Coast Rugby League.
All he needs now, according to coach Matt Foster, is the chance to find his feet at the top level.
Bears flyer Luke De Vleig is just 12 months into his rugby league journey, trading the hockey stick for the Steeden with successin the club’s reserve grade last year.
Now the South African speedster, who has been clocked at close to 35km/hr, has been elevated to the A-grade squad.
“Pace is something you can’t defend when you’re given as little bit of space, so we’re working on that education for him,” Foster said.
“He played reggies last year and played a bit of fullback to score a fair few tries. We had a GPS on him and I think he got just short of 34km/hr in the last game, so I think he’ll be around the 35km/hr mark when he gets to his best.
“He actually represented Burleigh in the Queensland Cup grand final. They did a sprint race, someone represented each cluband he won it.
“He’s still obviously still learning the game, you can’t learn everything in 12 months, but he’s got good balance and an eye for a gap. Once he’s there, he takes it.”
De Vleig is one of several new faces out to inspire back-to-back titles for the Burleigh outfit; among them a barnstorming young forward who came at the suggestion of a former club gun.
Bears’ 2019 premiership winner Jack Buchanan now plies his trade in Orange, where he has risen to become a player-coach ofhis side.
After coming across a rising star in Joe Duffy, the veteran of 41 NRL appearances with Wests Tigers was quick to get on thephone to Foster.
Foster said it was Buchanan’s belief the 22-year-old could make a step up to the Queensland Cup in quick time that incited the change of scenery, and now he was set to become a crucial cog in the Burleigh engine room.
“His attitude is fantastic; he’s always asking questions, he’s always looking to understand the nuances of the game and he’salways looking to think about the shapes and defensive attitudes,” Foster said.
“He’s got a pretty good short and long pass to be honest. He can tip to another middle forward or play that shape out theback.
“The biggest thing we’re working on at the moment is working on where he injects himself into the game and what we expectour middle forwards to do.
“He’s been a pleasure to coach, he’s a great kid.”
BURLEIGH ROUND 1 SIDE: 1. Kurtis Rowe; 2. Callum Burgess-Boomer; 3. Allan Lockwood; 4. Regan Ogle; 5. Conor Carey; 6. Reece McKenzie-O’Brien; 7. George House; 8. Joseph Duffy; 9. Bailey Bartley; 10. Daniel Shannon; 11. Blake Campbell; 12. Lochlyn Sheldon; 13. Jayden Sharp; 14. Josiah Afu; 15. Andrew Scougall; 16. Not Listed; 17. Ryan Wescombe
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