Gold Coast Vikings coach Stuart Wilkins believes an adaptable squad, one mixed with youth and experience, will be key in delivering the Chairman’s Challenge trophy to the Glitter Strip.

The former Ormeau Shearers mentor replaced Wayne Forbes at the helm of the region’s representative side after his Rugby League Gold Coast outfit opted to withdraw from the A-grade competition due to a lack of player numbers.

However having also previously worked within the Burleigh ranks, Wilkins comes into the role with a wealth of knowledge regarding the local talent; assembling a squad based on prior insights of the players and a cohort of youngsters who impressed in last weekend’s opening round.

Due to the RLGC season getting pushed back a week as the Shearers and Mudgeeraba Redbacks’ withdrawals caused a draw change, Wilkins said that prior knowledge proved invaluable in piecing together what he believes has the makings of a triumphant unit.

“The good thing about it is I had a good knowledge of the A-grade teams and players so that came in handy because the competition got pushed back,” Wilkins said.

“It took prior knowledge and also I got the input of all the coaches, that was important. I asked them to nominate a couple of players they believed would stand out.

“I was watching the games over the weekend with some intent … and the way I wanted to pick the side was one that had a bit of youth and some experience.

“It’s an honour and privilege to play representative football, you’ve been acknowledged as the best in and around the competition. My expectation is you come 100 per cent commitment to win.”

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The Vikings will train over the next two weeks before taking on competing teams from Brisbane over the weekend of April 29.

MENS VIKINGS

Outside backs – Caleb Hodges, Conor Carey, Heath Gibbs, John Mackin, Kurtis Rowe, Michael Oldfield, Toby McIntosh, Zion Johnson

When the Vikings took on Townsville in last year’s XXXX League Championships, they were met with a North Queensland contingent brimming with elite level experience.

Carlin Anderson, Michael Carroll and Andrew Nielmoeller all came into the clash with a wealth of Queensland Cup experience, while former New Zealand Warrior Sione Lousi came off the bench.

Wilkins has two formidable answers in his backline.

Michael Oldfield and Kurtis Rowe are both tipped to earn centre spots for the Chairman’s Challenge, bringing with them a plethora of top line experience.

Oldfield came to the Southport Tigers backed with 102 first-grade games to his credit across seven clubs, while Rowe’s eight games for Wests Tigers were followed by a historic career with the Burleigh Bears in which he became their all-time leading try scorer.

Wilkins revealed Rowe was set to line up for Ormeau before the club withdrew from the A-grade competition; instead ending at Runaway Bay where he lined up in the centres against Tugun.

He said the 29-year-old’s history of being an “exceptionally good footballer” earned him selection, while Oldfield enter the fold with an aim to mentor the youngsters also in the mix. “Michael Oldfield was the premier centre last year in the competition and was a standout on the weekend. I sit here and procrastinate about whether I should pick him being a bit older, but it’s hard because he’s assisting young players,” Wilkins said.

“I watched him and saw his enthusiasm and his drive, so he was yelling at them to get up in the line in defence. His greatest strength is his taking prowess, but I was impressed with his aggression in defence and getting up off the line.

“He was impressive when we played him last year he as super impressive on the weekend.”

Wilkins however admitted the past NRL guns were not locks for the centre spots, with former Future Titan Caleb Hodges and Burleigh utility back Conor Carey also in the frame.

Rowe may also contend with Seagulls teammate John Mackin and returning Bear Toby McIntosh for the fullback job, however a blossoming Currumbin talent could shock the group.

Zion Johnson needed to force his way into the Eagles side through reserve grade at times last year, and his efforts in Saturday’s 36-6 win over Helensvale caught Wilkins attention.

Wilkins hinted he may not get Johnson’s services as potential higher honours come his way, but based on his performance in the red and white jumper he could garner a surprise call up.

“Zion I watched on Saturday night and went wow who’s’ that. He was very impressive,” he said.

“I’m uncertain if he’s available because I’m told he signed with the Dolphins but I’m not sure on that. I’ve selected him anyway because I don’t want to be left short but he was really good on his feet.”

Halves — Campbell Pirihi, George House, Jack Rogers, Zane Harris

Zane Harris donned the halfback jumper for the Vikings last year, and based on his early season form he is primed to do so again.

The Southport number seven spearheaded the Tigers to the 2022 premiership, earning a pre-season training opportunity with the Burleigh Queensland Cup squad.

The former Sydney Roosters and Manly Sea Eagles under-20s player took the line on in a losing cause to the Bears on Sunday, impressing Wilkins.

Up against premiership-winning half George House, Wilkins did not see the pair as competitors for the spot but rather the makings of a palpable combination should they fend off the challenge from Hornets star Campbell Pirihi.

“I thought Zane was really good on the weekend, he had control of the game and really as a halfback he’s a big body and took the line on a fair bit,” Wilkins said.

“After speaking with (Tigers coach) Steve Dowd he’s put a lot of effort into his fitness and improved out of sight in the last 12 months.

“George for Burleigh was really good too, they were against each other but were really good so as a pairing they would be good.”

Meanwhile, Wilkins’ former Shearers maestro Jack Rogers is tipped to become the squad’s utility, coming off a 2022 RLGC campaign in which he finished the year’s leading point scorer.

Rogers, the son of dual-code legend Mat Rogers, took the field for the Tugun Seahawks for the first time on Saturday — a try and his goal kicking salvaging a 24-24 draw with Runaway Bay.

Set to play fullback until the Seahawks brought Kyle Williams into the fold, Wilkins said Rogers’ ability to fill multiple roles would put the Vikings in strong stead.

“I know him from last year, he was highest point scorer so he can find the try line and fill a number of positions as well. I think he’d be more a utility to be honest,” Wilkins said.

“He can find his way across the line, he’s more a running five eighth than ball playing and whilst he’s not a big body he’s not small either – he took the line on quite a bit.”

Middle Forwards — Bayley Loughhead, Doryaan Hape-Apiata, Eni Folau, Matthew Koellner, Ryan Jones, Solomon Torrens, Brandon Russell, Johannes Kaese

“He was the standout middle over the weekend.”

An opening stint of 50 minutes was enough to convince Wilkins Matthew Koellner was a must pick to return to the Vikings set up.

Last year’s co-recipient of the Gold Coast’s representative player of the year mantle, Koellner moved from Tugun to take up a chance with Burleigh; putting him on the cusp of a Queensland Cup return.

The towering prop is yet to add to his sole appearance at that level — a 2021 debut for Tweed — however he has been in Bears coach Luke Burt’s game day squad throughout the year.

“I love a big body, so that’s Matthew Koellner — a big, big body,” Wilkins said.

“He played the first 50 I think and he was very impressive, like really impressive. He was the standout middle over the weekend.

“He’s a big body, big minutes, plenty of work. Just doing his work, getting into position quickly even it was a decoy run, a hand on or a hit up he was always working.”

Runaway Bay star Doryaan Hape-Apiata looms as a likely partner to Koellner up front, however Helensvale’s Johannes Kaese showed strong signs in a losing cause.

Where Wilkins may have his biggest selection headache is who lines up at lock; a role Solomon Torrens (Tugun), Ryan Jones (Currumbin) and Bayley Loughhead (Runaway Bay) all performed on the weekend.

But while Southport bench forward Brandon Russell was one who stood out to Wilkins, it was Tigers skipper Eni Folau who perhaps stole the show most emphatically.

“He was involved a lot, and again same as Oldfield where he would try to drive the rest of them forward,” Wilkins said.

“The other who played really well for Southport was Brandon Russell; he played in their middle and brought a lot of energy and a lot of involvement — I was pretty impressed.”

Edge Forwards — Jakob Smith, Liam Wiscombe, Thomas Eveleigh, Jack Gleeson

While few out and out edge forwards have been selected, Wilkins confirmed his philosophy involved choosing an engine room capable of playing through the middle and out wide.

Being a carnival weekend, with only 18 players able to take the field, he said flexibility in the face of injuries would prove crucial to their chances.

However of the options at his disposals, Currumbin youngster Jakob Smith stood out for the Eagles; having completed his transition from centre to the pack last year.

Burleigh duo Thomas Eveleigh and Liam Wiscombe both impressed, while Jack Gleeson comes into the side as a surprise given Wilkins had not seen much of him prior to last weekend.

“Being a representative side playing two games back to back you need that ability to be able to fill different positions,” Wilkins said.

“For us they’re pretty mobile, most of the edge forwards are.”

Hookers — Jordan Scott, Tyler Creecy

Wilkins saw traits in Tyler Creecy that reminded him of a young Issac Luke; characteristics which have thrust him back into the Vikings mix.

The Currumbin hooker earned his Gold Coast debut last year off the bench, and his speed out of dummy-half could prove a vital weapon deep into a contest.

Wilkins coach Luke last year with Ormeau, and said Creecy possessed the same knack for attacking any ruck opportunity with vigour as the South Sydney legend long has.

“He was quick out of dummy half and taking the ball forward, he reminded me of a young Issac Luke,” he said.

“He dives into dummy half and is quick out of there. If Tyler gets the start on the field we’ll make sure we remind them in the middle to rush with him because he’s quick in and out.”

Creecy and Burleigh champion Jordan Scott are the only number nines in the squad, the same set up as what the Vikings took into the successful 2022 campaign.

nick.wright@news.com.au