Breaking down 18 of the Gold Coast players to watch at the King of Country rugby union competition
Over four days of junior rugby action, only a few will sit in the prestigious throne. READ UP ON THE PROFILES OF SOME OF THE BEST GOLD COAST PLAYERS TO WATCH HERE>>
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Over four days of junior rugby action, only a few will sit in the prestigious throne.
The King of Country showcase will kick off on Saturday, with the action to be livestreamed here at the Gold Coast Bulletin.
With five Gold Coast-based teams taking the field, we take a look at the players to watch across the competition.
GOLD COAST EAGLES UNDER 16S
Hesed and Agapetos Lote-Felo — Flankers
Brothers who have become so obsessed with rugby that coach Grant Steffek had formed their own “mini team” within the Eagles line up.
Hesed and Agapetos Lote-Felo take up the flanker spots for the side, and both compliment each other with aplomb.
Where Agapetos will go into a contest to clear a ruck, Hesed will steal the ball and force a turnaround.
Having coached them for the past four years, Steffek has seen a marked progression in their game, and given how frequently they discuss each session has seen them evolve with each day.
He said while Hased was originally a winger, he did not feel they were getting the best out of him. A move to the forwards transformed his trajectory.
“Because they live together they’re constantly talking, chit chatting. I see them before and after training always chit chatting, helping each other,” Steffek said.
“They’ve become a really interesting little unit, and they’re going to make a real difference to the team.
“We happen to have a set of brothers who eat, sleep and breathe rugby. They don’t fight each other and actually help each other.
“He (Hased) is very quick, and very allusive but he just had this natural aggression and hunger that I like in forwards. His younger brother, he has that hunger and aggression as well.”
Kenny Harris — Lock
He hits like a forward and has the hands of a fly-half. They may be traits typically rare in rugby union, but Kenny Harris has set about making those the traits that dismantles his rivals.
Steffek believes Harris could one day become an out-and-out number 10, however given the way in which his team like to spread the ball it has made the youngster’s skillset invaluable.
Intelligent, methodical, and even assuming the goal kicking responsibilities, Steffek labelled Harris the a genuine all rounder of the 15-man code.
“He’s always come as a forward, he’s just got natural ability I think. I haven’t coached it into him, he just had this natural ability and as crazy as it sounds he loves kicking goals too,” he said.
“He’s really intelligent, he’s a real thinker and understands the rules and he loves tactics and strategies.
“In the scrums he’s got the strength, but has lovely soft hands. Funny enough I think he’ll be a fly half, I could just see him doing that at some point.
“Equally I could see him carrying on as a fast running, goal kicking lock forward, but if he ended up a five eighth I wouldn’t be surprised.”
Ben O’Neill — Fullback/halfback
As fit and fast as Ben O’Neill may be, Steffek declared it was what he could do off the ball which made him such an exciting prospect. And he believes the weekend’s championships will only be the beginning of a breakout season for him.
O’Neill’s sharp passing game has made him an asset at halfback at times, but his ability to cover tackle from fullback has bestowed him the accolades from his coach.
Steffek said he would not be surprised to see the rising star break into the representative area in 2022, such has been the dedication he has put into his game throughout the off-season.
“He’s slightly built, but he is such an outstanding cover tackler – a real body on the line cover tackler and has a lot of pace to cover a lot of ground,” he said.
“From a fullback perspective he’s ideal, he’s got that fitness and pace and he’ll really commit to cover defence. If someone tries to run him over, he’ll take the tackles and drop that runner which is fantastic.
HELENSVALE HOGS UNDER 16S
Amare Milford — Number Eight
Helensvale under-16s coach Glenn Williams has been excited by Amare Milford’s potential since his very first training session.
Kind natured and humble off the field, the young number eight seemed to know exactly when to flick the switch and hit his stride.
A big, aggressive ball runner with a knack for packing a punch in defence, Milford’s first hit up at Hogs training was enough to show Williams he had a special talent in the making.
“I’ve been excited since I first saw him turn up to training, and then he definitely didn’t disappoint when he took the first hit up,” Williams said.
“He carried three of four players with him on the first run, and it took another 40m for someone to stop him.
“He can switch it on when it’s rugby time and he knows how to have a laugh and a joke as well outside the pitch.”
Caleb Mackay — Blindside flanker
The protector of the Hogs’ up and coming brigade.
Caleb Mackay has, according to Williams, never shied away from the tough parts of rugby union and because of his input believes Helensvale will lose very few ruck breakdowns — if any.
While he may put on big hits himself, perhaps Mackay’s greatest asset is the way in which he sticks up for his teammates, and Williams said any rival who dares to resort to late hits or suspect plays would likely feel the sting of a Mackay charge.
“One of our smaller players got a late shot on him and he (Mackay) went over straight away to protect him. He eyed him (the other player) off and said ‘next time, come at me’,” Williams recalled.
“He loves protecting his teammates. I don’t think we’ll lose many of our breakdowns.
“Just with the physicality these boys have, they’re very strong over the ball and very aggressive around the ruck area.”
Tainyn Clarken — Inside centre
When asked what made Tainyn Clarken one to watch, Williams only needed two words:
“He’s electric.”
Clarken will line up in the number 12 jumper and epitomise the brand of rugby the Hogs hope to play.
The “coast to coast” style Williams is seeking to employ will play into Clarken’s hands, with his speed and vision sure to cause headaches for his opponents.
This will be the inside centre’s first chance in the position, having come over from rugby league to try his hand in the 15-man code.
“He’s electric, he’s very fast. He’s very skilful with the ball and can tackle,” Williams said.
“He’s a second fly half pretty much. This is his first time playing this position but he’s trained really well so time will tell.
“He’s just got a natural ability to read the game and make the right decisions at the line.”
HELENSVALE HOGS UNDER 13S
Noah Mariner — Number eight
A quiet achiever of the Hogs under-13s, Noah Mariner could well be the most well rounded athlete in the forthcoming championships.
Having represented the south coast region in rugby union, rugby league and Aussie rules, the Helensvale number eight will be playing up an age group yet again this year given he still qualifies for under-12s.
Coach James Purdie said Mariner would take some stopping throughout the competition, and never needed to tap into a competitive mentality to get a job done.
“He’s not overly competitive kind of person, he’s just talented and very robust I suppose for his age,” Purdie said.
“He always gets us on the front foot when he’s carrying the ball, whether it’s the back of the scrum or general carrying he always gets over the advantage line and breaks the first tackle or two.
“When he gets going he’s hard to stop.”
Matti Gill — Flanker
The way in which Matti Gill leads by example made it a simple choice for Purdie to name him captain.
A determined flanker who was “very rugby smart”, Gill will be the youngster who sets the standard for his forwards at the breakdown and inspires the best out of his teammates.
“He’s a very rugby smart kid, he knows the rules of the game, he’s very competitive and leads by example on and off the field,” Purdie said.
“He’s one of those players who gives 110 per cent all the time, and does the nitty gritty stuff the others may not get in to do.
“He’s always cleaning the rucks, making tackles and runs himself. He leads by example and has a good footy brain on him.”
Brigham Siteine — Hooker
Even at such a young age, Purdie likened Brigham Siteine as a “Dane Coles type of player”.
How the coach intends to use his young hooker he wants to keep as close to his chest as possible, however he did not shy away from the fact that he was not a standard number two.
Blessed with speed which defied his size, Purdie predicated that Siteine would pose a constant threat for his rival packs.
“I don’t want to give away too much, but we play him out wider because he has a bit of speed for his size, he’s probably one of the fastest in the team,” Purdie said.
“He could probably play wing if we needed. He’s a big solid boy, he runs and tackles hard and he’s pretty lethal on that edge.”
Jet Rimaputa — Inside centre
A big, powerful ball runner in his first year of rugby union. Even without experience behind him, Purdie was confident Jet Rimaputa would make an impact throughout the championships.
One of 10 players new to the sport in the Hogs young line up, Rimaputa has come over from rugby league to take part having already been a part of the Keebra Park rugby league Academy.
But aside from his skillset, Purdie said it was the way in which he had quickly picked up the nuances of union which had him tipped for an impressive competition.
“He’s definitely a ball running second five, he’s a big boy. It’s his first year playing rugby and he’s been very impressive to me and the other coaches,” Purdie said.
“He’s smart as well, he’s got a good head on him. He’s one of those kids you show him once he picks it up straight away.
“He’s definitely a key for us getting over the advantage line.”
Rawiri Purdie — Halfback
Despite his father coaching the side, and having mentored junior rugby players for years, Rawiri Purdie was briefly lost to the sport as he took up rugby league.
However his reasoning exemplified the type of form he would bring to the field. He simply wanted to tackle people.
And since getting back into the union set up, Purdie said his son had undergone significant improvement with each passing session.
“He keeps improving every year getting better and better; he’s got a pretty handy pass on him from the scrum and ruck which helps get the forwards on the front foot,” he said.
“He’s pretty handy at the breakdown as well for a number nine, getting stuck in for the dirty work.
“He likes getting in trying to turn the ball over at the breakdown. He’s not the biggest or strongest, but he hits and cleans out when the forwards are slow getting them.”
BOND PIRATES UNDER 14S
Harry Allen — Hooker
The captain of the Pirates will be tasked with inspiring his team to victory ahead of their pre-season trials.
Harry Allen will lead the Bond across the competition, blessed with a style of play his coach Jim McLaughlan described as “strong, all round game”.
With plenty of new faces who are yet to play rugby union entering the Pirates ranks, Allen’s leadership and strength of character for someone so young will be a crucial cog in their hopes of becoming the Kings of the Country.
Jaxson Tood — Winger
He may be a winger, but Jaxson Tood packs a punch to rival that of any forward.
Tood will take his place on the flank and is set to be an imposing x-factor for the Pirates attack, blessed with plenty of “speed to burn” and a gifted finisher.
However it is not just his ability to find the try line which has impressed McLaughlan.
A strong and physical winger, Tood will be out to get in the face of his rival wingmen and show that the position requires far more than pace and finesse to be successful.
Alanzo Orika — Number eight
Alanzo Orika will line up at the back of the scrum, but it will be his ability to run the ball which stands out for Bond.
The Pirates’ number eight will come equipped with plenty of strength, and his desire to hit the defensive line hard with ball in hand could pose plenty of headaches for his opposition.
Should his side build momentum and enable him to gather a head of steam, Orika’s physical attacking play could be the added punch needed to upset their rivals throughout the tournament.
SURFERS PARADISE DOLPHINS UNDER 13S
Shanuka Silva — Centres
The reigning top tryscorer from the Dolphins last King of Country campaign, Shanuka Silva is back to retain his mantle.
Tall, fast with a devastating fend, Silva is set to be the x-factor in the Surfers Paradise line up — a side which will also feature several Palm Beach Currumbin players.
Coach Craig Jeffcoat recalled one game in particular last year where Silva set the competition alight, and backed him to have a similar impact when proceedings began.
“I think against Helensvale Hogs, who topped the competition, he scored two tries I the first couple of minutes,” Jeffcoat said.
“He finds ways to do it himself, they were both long distance tries. He beats people with his fend and speed.
“He’s quite a tall boy so he gets the pace and he’s just a backline weapon really.”
Thorne McDonald — Forwards
Jeffcoat described young Thorne McDonald as the “main go to guy in the forwards”.
After his father, Michael, forged a long career in the Dolphins colours, now it is the younger McDonald’s turn to cement his own Surfers Paradise legacy.
Equipped with a desire to nail “a lot of the grunt work” for his team, McDonald has brought to the squad a work ethic that largely defies his youth.
“Training wise he’s always fronting up nice and early, he’s had some shoulder injuries recently but always turns up to support the team,” Jeffcoat said.
“He’s one that hits the rucks hard, mauls hard and gives us that power in the forward pack.”
Max McMillan — Halfback
Last year’s Dolphins captain is back to steer his side to glory.
Mac McMillan may have tried his hand in the forward pack in 2021, but plenty of work throughout the off-season has him primed to assume the number nine jumper.
Jeffcoat expected him to lead his team as skipper once again, such is his nature and the way in which his teammates look to him.
“He’s got good service, he also helped out in the loose forwards last year but he’s improved a lot at his service in halfback,” Jeffcoat said.
“He’s not shy of a tackle either. He’s just a really good team leader and talker amongst the boys.”
Originally published as Breaking down 18 of the Gold Coast players to watch at the King of Country rugby union competition
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