GCDRU Round 1 2025: teen hero, title revenge denied, and women roar back to field
A teenage hero defied doctors with a match-winning kick, Premiers snatch a last-gasp win in a grand final rematch and women’s rugby returns to Eagles after 20 years. Get your lowdown on all things Gold Coast rugby.
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Colleges’ grand-final revenge turned to ash in its mouth when Jason Beeton’s go-ahead score in the 77th minute was outdone by a penalty goal that stole back victory for Nerang in Saturday’s GCDRU first grade season opener.
The grand-final rematch lived up to its billing as the game of the round and could well go down as the district’s game of the season after a pulsating affair saw the lead exchanged eight times in a 24-22 Pat Brown Cup thriller.
The Bulls had fought through 10 minutes with 13 men on the field to lead 21-15 when Colleges fullback Beeton broke through to score what the home crowd believed would be the game winner.
But the premiers weren’t done yet. Nerang turned down a kickable penalty to pound the Colleges line for minutes before the matchwinning penalty was awarded from right in front at the buzzer.
Winger Kyle Lotz had kicked three goals from three to that point and was automatic with the game on the line, sealing a fifth straight win for his club over the mighty Knights.
“We were very lucky in the end,” Nerang coach Te Ari Mahuri conceded.
“Colleges played really well. They’ve been the benchmark for 10-plus years. We’re the reigning champs but they’ve been the standard we wanted to be at. They were desperate yesterday and wanted it more than us. I think we took them lightly, which wasn’t the plan.
“To be the best you’ve got to beat the best. They’re still the best, we just had a good run last year (to build the streak).”
Mahuri was watching behind the goal line when Beeton scored the go-ahead try and said his team’s composure at the death, led by captain Sheldon Fidow, filled him with confidence his side could march upfield and win.
Colleges president Phil Verheijen said his side had been gutted to lose but applauded a brilliant display.
Hinterland Celtics celebrated the club’s first-grade debut despite a tight defeat to visiting Bond Pirates.
The Celtics were undone 27-15 in Beenleigh but enjoyed a size advantage over the Pirates, particularly off the bench.
It took several classy moments from the Pirates backline and fullback Fletcher Bleakley to break free and secure victory.
Surfers Paradise triumphed over original rivals Gold Coast Eagles 29-24 at James Overell Park to lay one hand on the Barry Moon Cup.
Eagles have not held the perpetual trophy between the Gold Coast’s foundation clubs since 2014 and must overcome a five-point deficit at Albert Park in round 10 to prevent the Dolphins from capping off a golden decade of Barry Moon Cup dominance.
Palm Beach Currumbin celebrated a perfect day across all three senior grades in a feat officials believe the club has not accomplished in nine years.
The Alleygators defeated Coomera 41-17 in a bold declaration that the wooden spoon would not reside at Bienvenue Drive for a second year running.
Palm Beach secured its four-try bonus point before halftime before Coomera found its footing in the match and fought back.
Helensvale had the local bye, while Bond University had the Hospital Cup bye.
LOWER GRADES
Teenage Nerang Bulls halfback Morrison Skinner kicked a matchwinning penalty goal on senior debut just 12 months after doctors told him never to play rugby again.
Skinner was riding his bicycle to Benowa State High School on April 26, 2024 when he was hit by a car, fracturing his jaw in three places.
Reconstructive surgery left a metal plate in his jaw and doctors warned that the risk of full-contact rugby was simply too great.
“When I asked about playing rugby they advised me not to because re-breaking the jaw would be a pretty hefty situation,” Skinner, 17, said.
“They told me not to play but I always had the thought in the back of my head, ‘oh... we’ll see about that’. Which might not be a smart choice but I just couldn’t stay off the field.”
With no under-18 team to play for at Nerang, Skinner’s first game since the accident arrived in senior football with a third grade season opener at Colleges on Saturday.
Nerang had been outscored three tries to two but Skinner’s goalkicking boot had kept the Bulls in the hunt.
The side was down by one point with three minutes to play when a penalty was awarded 20m out and just to the right of the goalposts.
“That was a scary moment, kicking for a game winner on debut,” Skinner reflected.
“We had been getting flogged in the first half but we had come back in the second.
“It wasn’t the toughest kick but to get it through the posts with all the nerves (was tough).
“It wasn’t straight down the middle but I still hit it. I heard all the cheers from the first grade boys and my little brother (Maddix, 9) – I heard him cheering the entire time. I was pretty ecstatic.
“After the game I knew I’d made the right decision to play. Hours after, it hit me like, far out, I love playing rugby.”
Skinner kicked two conversions and a penalty to lead Nerang to 17-15 victory.
PBC defeated Helensvale 10-0.
In second grade, Hinterland Celtics sit on top of the table after defeating Bond Pirates 30-5.
Palm Beach Currumbin defeated Coomera 21-17.
Nerang defeated Colleges 19-3.
Gold Coast Eagles defeated Surfers Paradise 26-10.
REPRESENTATIVE RUGBY
Former Gold Coast Rugby MVP and Griffith Uni Colleges Knights prop Lesi Tawake said the experience of representing the Australian Barbarians against Eddie Jones’ Japan development team was an experience he would cherish for the rest of his life.
The 2021 Bob Sinclair medal-winner joined a line-up of fringe Super Rugby players, Aussie 7s stars and the best players from the Australian Country Championships to take on Japan A at Coffs Harbour on Saturday.
The side was coached by former Wallabies Owen Finnegan, Mark Bell and David Knox.
“It was an unreal experience,” Tawake told the Bulletin from Coffs Harbour.
“I wake up in my hotel room every morning thinking to myself is this real?
“Never in my wildest dreams had I ever thought I would be representing the Australian Baa Baas against Eddie Jones and Japan A.
“I’ve won multiple championships for Knights, SEQ, Queensland Country, but this one is a rugby experience I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Japan A defeated the Barbarians 43-31.
WOMENS RUGBY
Women’s rugby union has returned to the Gold Coast’s oldest rugby club for the first time in more than two decades.
Gold Coast Eagles opened their Challenge Cup campaign against Wests, going down late 12-0 having tied for much of the match.
Eagles fly-half CJ Morgan said the team had been buoyed by incredible home support for a comeback generations in the making.
“We haven’t had a women’s side in 20 years so that was a huge success in itself,” Morgan said. “The club was electric. We had all grades at home and we played in the middle of the day so had a lot of support, the field was jam-packed.”
The Eagles and Bulldogs could not be split at the major break, tied nil-all, but Wests broke the deadlock with seven minutes remaining.
Two tries in the final minutes saw the Bulldogs escape back to Sylvan Road with a win but aware the reborn Eagles pose a major threat.
Bond Pirates went down to Souths Magpies 20-14, while Bond University thrashed Sunnybank 52-22.
JUNIOR RUGBY
- Supplied by Helensvale Hogs
After weeks of wet weather, cancelled trainings, games and sadly a postponed Nerang Cup, Coomera Crushers were marvelous hosts to Helensvale Hogs, Nerang Bulls and Logan Saints for some much needed junior rugby. Blue skies greeted the 22 teams, eager to take to the field and get their weather affected seasons back on track. Hogs would like to thank Shaun Edie and the team at Crushers for hosting a wonderful morning.
Under 6’s Hogs vs Crushers
The U6’s weren’t going to be left out of the fun with the game being confirmed just 24 hours before kick-off. Hogs U6’s had the honour of being the first team to wear the new club jersey for 2025. The game was played in great spirit with both teams sporting smiles from ear to ear. Maggie and TeRehua impressed on debut having many probing runs on attack and chasing like kids possessed on defence. Looking forward to a great year in U6’s.
Under 7’s Hogs Blue vs Bulls
U7’s Blue had a tough end to end game against a spirited Nerang Bulls side. An enormous joint tunnel for the four U7’s teams of Hogs (2), Nerang and Coomera was the perfect way to start the festivities.
Veteran players Dom, Winnie, Charlie C and Charlie G led from the front playing strong games and were well supported by new gun Tamahou and our friends from U6’s. Well done U7’s, see you all at training soon.
Under 7’s Hogs White vs Crushers
In hot, humid and muddy conditions a team of 6 (no reserves) keen hoggies dug deep for the full 30 minutes.
With fantastic tries and even better defensive efforts, the team was able to showcase their skill and speed against a formidable team in the Coomera Crushers.
Thrilling sideline runs by Flynn had the spectators scrambling. The vision of Ari on defence shutdown many Coomera attacking raids. Harvey showed everyone his speed and agility, with Benson and Karel providing the muscle up front, allowing ball for Otto to
score the final try in the corner.
Rugby was the winner on the day, and it was a great way to end the preseason matches.
Thanks to all the friends and family who came in support of our teams, have a great break and see you at the start of next term.
Under 8’s Hogs vs Crushers
The Mighty Hogs U8’s finally got to take to the field after a disrupted preseason. An epic tunnel of supporters kicked of a memorable match against our Coomera friends.
In their first year of tackle both teams played extremely well, guided closely by their coaches and ref. The crowd was treated to champagne rugby with players relishing the extra space provided by a bigger playing field. Just a few of the many highlights included a bag of tries by a grown up Zavier, a tackling masterclass by Byron and a stunning length of the field try by Ezra.
With six new players to the club the team has bonded extremely well under new coaches Shane, Liam, Jack and manager Maria.
Deserved players of the day were Alec and Exodus for great spirit and effort.
Under 9’s Hogs vs Crushers
A large enthusiastic Hogs U9’s squad ran out for their second game of the year against a well drilled Coomera side.
In hot sunny conditions the game was open and flowing and a joy for supporters to watch. The field held up extremely well considering the recent weather and added a nostalgic old school vibe with bright white mouthguard smiles beaming through from mud covered players.
Such was the team performance, coach Grant awarded player of the day to the entire team including birthday boy Elijah.
Under 10’s Hogs vs Coomera
A team short on players but high on the prospect of getting a second game of footy in before the school holidays matched up against a clinical Coomera side.
A strong debut was had by newly converted number 8, Taniela with rampaging runs and uncompromising defence earning a much-deserved player of the day nod. Two other debutants, Jonah and Jackson played well disciplined games at halfback and outside back respectively, earning high praise from their coaches. Jackie, one half of the bash brothers, also received player of the day honours for brave committed ruck play.
The game was played in great spirit with a fantastic team photo rounding off proceedings. Thanks again Coomera for the game.
Under 16’s Hogs vs Coomera
Congratulations to both teams who were short on players but managed to get 15 keen footy players out on the field.
Hogs have welcomed a number of new players to the club in recent weeks, all performing exceptionally well given the limited opportunities together. New to the club Sonny was a warrior in the middle of the forwards in his first game aptly supported up front by Javan, Sake and nuggetty forward-come-back Macguire. Eli ran the cutter well in slippery and blustery conditions. A controversial no-try for Will was soon after remedied on the opposite wing by Halen.
The U16’s have one final preseason hit-out before the season starts in a few weeks.
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